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Welcome to all our new subscribers, and I extend my appreciation to everyone who forwards this newsletter to friends. One friend telling another is how we grow, and I deeply appreciate your support. If you know anyone who might enjoy reading this newletter, please forward it to them.

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IN THIS ISSUE:

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Dear Compassionate Friends,

In the northern hemisphere it is winter and in Denver we are still getting snow, but I am happy to report that the sun still shines in blue skies most days and though the temperatures still dip into the freezing zone, it has also been hitting the high 40's lately. Punxsutawney Phil predicted only 6 more weeks of winter, so there is definitely something to look forward to this year.

On March 31, 2007, I celebrate one year in my massage practice. I am so grateful to all of my clients who have made this past year so enjoyable. You are all invited to a special Open House at Two Compassionate Hands Massage Therapy. There will be some awesome anniversary specials (sneak peek) on that day only! Package offers will be available to all clients on that day as well. If you can't be on hand for the festivities, but want to take advantage of the savings please call or e-mail me for check and credit card orders.

In 2003, I ran the Mayor's Midnight Marathon in Anchorage, AK for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and raised $4700 for that worthy organization. In 2007, I am supporting local runners in their fundraising. Check out how you can help and benefit too!

I hope that you enjoy this issue of the newsletter and will share it with your friends and family.

The Two Compassionate Hands Newsletter, like the website, is dedicated to healing the planet one person at a time. This and future issues will contain articles on physical, environmental, spiritual health - and more. We look forward to bringing you relevant information that will aid you on your path to optimal health and peace. Please let us know what would be most helpful to you and your family.

In your health and the health of our planet,

Jann Griffiths, MS, CMT

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

Racing to Save Lives - Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

January & February 2007 Two Compassionate Hands Massage Newsletter

“Live a Purposeful Life”

An Introductory Workshop

March 8, 2007 -6:30pm to 8:30pm

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Everything you do can be done better from a place of relaxation.                                                                            - Stephen C. Paul

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How To Feel The Pressure And Gain More Energy - Reflexology At Work

 

 By James Calvin

 

Reflexology has been used for many centuries. The method of reflexology, also called “zone therapy”, dates back to ancient Egypt, India and China. Evidence of reflexology has even been found in tombs in Egypt. The method of reflexology works by stimulating and applying pressure to certain parts of the hands, or to the feet. Oil, lotion and creams are not used with reflexology. The pressure causes increased circulation and promotes an overall healthier body. The form of reflexology most commonly used today dates back 125 years old to Europe and Russia.

Because hands, feet and ears are very sensitive, pressure on these areas are believed to benefit whole body health. It is estimated that this method can be effective in treating over 93% of sixty-three disorders. Those undergoing reflexology sessions often report increased physical and emotional improvements and feel better with their self-esteem and confidence.

Many benefits of reflexology have been reported. This method can reduce stress from work or home and provide an overall feeling of relaxation. This form of massage also serves to reduce and sometimes eliminate pain in the neck, shoulders and lower back. Reflexology also improves circulation in the body. Another benefit of reflexology is that those receiving regular sessions report an overall sense of well-being, better health and a feeling of reduced stress levels.

In addition, reflexology therapy has been reported to reduce the pain or discomfort caused by a wide variety of medical symptoms. Sessions can help back pain, minor headaches and migraines, menstrual cramps, injuries from sprained muscles, sleep disorders and arthritis some patients report that this therapy also helps infertility. Reflexology can also safely and effectively be used on almost anyone including infants and children, pregnant women, the ill and the elderly.

This technique is a natural way to help both stimulate and relax the body at the same time. Many who experience reflexology report an immediate relief of stress or pain caused by medical conditions.

Learning the techniques of reflexology can be quite simple and easy. Many people can learn the technique and practice it at home or in the office. On-site classes and classes online are offered in many areas to teach the basics of reflexology. Also, books and videos can offer advice on learning the basics of this technique. Many specialty stores offer socks and gloves that can be purchased with the reflexology maps for the hands and feet.

During a traditional reflexology course, students will usually learn the basics of reflexology techniques as well as hand and ear basics. Students also might learn the anatomy of the lower legs including the bones and muscles. Massage techniques and alignment exercises are often taught as well.

While no one is quite sure how reflexology works, there are some theories. One is the “nerve” theory. This theory maintains that there is a connection between the body maps used in reflexology on the feet, hands and ears to the rest of the body. When a certain pressure point is massaged, it will affect the part of the body connected. This is the most widely believed theory on how reflexology works.

Another theory is that reflexology is based on the “meridian” theory. This states that there are at least fourteen energy lines called meridians going up and down in the body. These energy lines have hundreds of pressure points and some of them are in the hands and feet. When pressure is applies to those areas, it creates a sense of well-being.

Another theory on how this technique works is the “vertical” and “horizontal” zone theories. These state that the body is divided in to either ten wide vertical strips or four horizontal strips. Every part of the body falls into one of the strips. Pressure applied to these areas helps that certain body zone.

Professional reflexology sessions can last between forty minutes to an hour. The session usually takes place in a chair with the feet raised. The reflexologies will use their hands and thumbs to help stimulate trouble areas in the body. Typically, after a session, the patient will feel comfortable and relaxed. Sometimes aromatherapy and breathing techniques are used to deepen the affects of reflexology. Breathing techniques used in conjunction with reflexology stimulates a deeper relaxation and better circulation.

 

About the Author:

Are Allergies and Asthma Taking the FUN OUT OF LIFE? Who Else Wants To Learn One Simple Way To Totally Eliminate Asthma And Allergy Attacks, ALL Without Using Drugs And Inhalers Now...

 

Foot and Hand Reflexology now available at Two Compassionate Hands Massage Therapy. Call to schedule your first session in March. A one hour foot and hand session includes an Aromatherapy Foot Bath or substitute it for an Ionic Foot Bath for only $20 more (free with your 1st session in March).

 

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How can one not speak about war, poverty, and inequality when people who suffer from these afflictions don't have a voice to speak?

Isabel Allende

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Try An Ionic Foot Bath To Detox And Cleanse The Body

By Willie Jones

In today’s times we live in a very toxic environment. The pollution in the air, the chemicals in our food, the water we drink and even the clothes we wear. At any given moment you may be exposed to toxins and heavy metals. These toxins accumulate in the body and can be stored in your fat cells, which tend to want to hang on to them.

A good way to release toxic build up in your body is to sweat such as in a sauna or hot bath. But for most busy people, they do not have the time to spend hours in the sauna for the best results. Plus that may be a bit too uncomfortable and when used for detoxification should be supervised by a licensed practitioner.

There is an easy alternative more and more people are finding great success with to rid your body of these unwanted toxins. That is the use of ionic detox footbaths. This is not your ordinary footbath.

Ionic Detox footbaths work by sending a small current that goes in a circuit through the body and generates positively charged ions. The high concentration of the ion field attaches to the negatively charged toxins neutralizing them and the body is then able to discard them through the approximate 2000 pores that are on the bottom of your feet. You can then experience the correct acid-alkaline ph balance as nature intended. It’s painless and takes about 30 minutes.

People who should not use this footbath are people with pace makers or who have organ transplants or expectant or nursing mothers.

Most Americans are in somewhat of an acid state. Our bodies are not in the natural ph balance that it should be. The result is that you are now left open to various diseases. A body that is in its natural alkaline-acid ph balance will be able to fight off the daily onslaught the body receives. This is a very important activity, especially if you are recovering from illness or post surgery!

The body has its own electrical field and if is too positively charged you are in an acid state. You can find out your own ph balance by going to your local health food store or drug store and purchase test strips. They are easy to use and show you in seconds if you are acid or alkaline.

Detox footbaths can assist in the following areas:

1) Enhancing the immune system
2) Assist in recovery time from injuries and surgery
3) Can relieve pain and joint stiffness due to arthritis
4) Improves sleep pattern
5) Remove heavy metals
6) Removes blood clot material
7) Improve liver and kidney function

During the use of an ionic foot bath the color of the water changes. The various colors can tell you what area the body may be detoxing.

Black or brown water is the liver.
Orange; the joints.
Dark green; the gallbladder
Yellowy green; kidneys, urinary tract,
White foam; Lymph nodes draining
Red flecks; blood clot material
Black flecks; heavy metals

The color of the water may be different for each individual due to water you use such as city water, well water, mineral water and the state of your health. When you put the copper array into water by itself you may see color changes in the water such as a brownish color. But it is the oily residue floating on the top that determines if you are getting rid of unwanted toxins in the body. The more you use the machine the less you will have yucky build up in the water.

An important part of using this system is to make sure you are properly hydrated. Drink plenty of good water (not distilled) before and during the session is very important as well as the use of colloidal minerals and electrolytes. This ensures better conductivity.

After only one use you may experience renewed energy and vitality. You owe it to yourself and family to regain better health and try using a detox footbath!

"Nothing in this article makes any claim to offer cures or treatment of any disease or illness. If you are sick please consult with your doctor."

 

About the Author:

Willie Jones is a freelance writer, researcher, and artist. http://www.detox4vitality.com

Ionic Foot Baths at Two Compassionate Hands Massage Therapy.

Your first session is free when you enjoy a Reflexology session in March.

 

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Exercise Your Willpower Support Group Mailing List

If you need more motivation and some group support, feel free to subscribe to the Exercise Your Willpower mailing list. There is a great group of people who help motivate each other. To get more information, visit the website at: http://www.exerciseyourwillpower.com

Online Fitness and Health Tools

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“Our life is shaped by our mind; we become what we think. Suffering follows an evil thought as the wheels of a cart follow the oxen that draws it. Our life is shaped by our mind; we become what we think. Joy follows a pure thought like a shadow that never leaves. ~ Buddha

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"Green Cleaning" From Your Kitchen

By Nancy Roebke

You'll be surprised how easy it is to clean without using strong chemicals or ingredients that are bad for the environment. I have SEVERE allergies so I have a need to find cleaning solutions that don't set those allergies off. I have found the following recipes/techniques effective ways of having a clean home and controlled allergies. Feel free to share your cleaning tips with me!

Did you know that:

* Equal parts of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce make a great copper cleaner? Mix together and apply with a cotton cloth. Rinse with water and dry.

* Equal parts of vinegar and salt clean brass? So does ketchup.

* You can clean out the innards of your dishwasher by running it empty with a bowl of vinegar in it? Same is true for your coffee pot (except not the "bowl" part.).

* Coffee and tea stains can be cleaned by rubbing baking soda into them?

* Cleaning a microwave is a snap when a few spoonfuls of baking soda are put in a cup of water and then heated in the microwave until boiling? Just wipe those splatters away!

* You can put the last scraps of soap from a bar in a jar and add water to make liquid soap?

* You can clean blinds by putting on a rubber glove covered by an old sock? Sure, just dip your gloved, socked hand into rubbing alcohol and start cleaning those blinds!

* Black scuff marks on the floor can be removed by scrubbing with a paste of baking soda and water?

* You can remove soap scum from a faucet in 10 minutes by wrapping the faucet in paper towel soaked in vinegar?

* You can clear soap from a drain by pouring vinegar into the drain?

* A lemony spray deodorizer can be made with 1 t. baking soda, 1 t. lemon juice, and 2 c. hot tap water, Put this in a spray bottle and spray as you would any deodorizer.

* The Amish make an all-purpose cleaning solution by combining 1/4 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup ammonia, 1/4 cup white vinegar and a gallon of water? Shake well and pour the solution into a spray bottle.

* You can make a carpet disinfectant from 1 c. cornmeal, 1 c. borax and 1/2 c. baking soda? Just sprinkle the mixture on the rug and rub it in with a cloth. Leave it alone for a few hours or overnight, then vacuum thoroughly.

* Baking soda and vinegar have been successfully used to clean carpet spots? Sprinkle the baking soda on the spot, then pour on some vinegar. It'll bubble like crazy. Let it dry some and then vacuum up with a shop vac. And make sure you test the color fastness of your carpet FIRST before cleaning the whole thing.

* Shaving cream cleans carpets? Sure thing... Rub some into a stain, and remove with a sponge. And guess what? You can use this on your sofa, too! Yep, upholstery responds well to being cleaned with shaving cream!

* Those pesky miniblinds can be cleaned with water and baking soda? You have to take them down in the closed position and lay them on the ground outside or in a bathtub. Clean them with a sponge (one of those handled sponges works well) dipped in the solution. Then use your garden hose or your shower head to rinse them off.

* Your kids don't have to give up their favorite non-washable stuffed toys? All you have to do is put them in a plastic bag with some baking soda and shake the heck out of them. Open that bag out side and then shake the heck out of the toy to remove loose baking soda. Brush the rest off.

* Your silk flowers can be cleaned by putting them in a plastic bag with some salt and shaking the heck out of THEM.

* Small-necked bottles can be cleaned using a baking soda, vinegar and a secret ingredient - GRAVEL! Fish tank gravel will do. Mix the three together (ratios don't have to be too precise) and shake them around inside the bottle! CLEAN!

* Olive oil can be used as a furniture polish on unvarnished wood? Sure thing!

About the Author:

I don't remember when my desire to re-purpose stuff started. "Re-purposing" is to take an item that had an original purpose and use it for something really different in its reincarnation. Substitute creativity for money - and come up with a better result. Nancy, the Frugal Decorating Diva http://www.frugalbydesign.com nancy@frugalbydesign.com

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Daily Zen

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Changing Your Eating Habits

By Rudy Silva.

Because all of us have been brought up eating junk food, well most of us, it is not easy to change our eating habits. Your eating habits have developed since childhood based on what your mothers or fathers cooked and what your psychological make-up was during that time. The foods you eat and crave help keep pass trauma and present anxiety in check. Food helps make you feel good when you start to feel bad. Eating is a natural defense mechanism that the brain-body uses to keep you from going crazy. So, you see, it is very difficult to change our eating habits. When we do, we start to feel bad. We start to feel uncomfortable, we feel pain, we have withdrawal symptoms, and we may feel sick. Is it any wonder that any of us ever succeed in changing our eating habits? I consider every thing that has been packaged to be junk food. There are a few exception and you need to read ingredient labels carefully. Very few food manufacturers and even restaurants prepare food with your health in mind. Of course, they want to satisfy you, but they don't use foods that are in your best interest. Most people eat junk food 85% of the time and then eat good food the other 15%. It should be the reverse of this - eat good food 85% and junk food 15% of the time. To have better health, here are some foods to stop eating. Eliminate these foods over the next two to three weeks. · Milk (non-fat or no-fat also) - is a mucus and acid forming food. Milk creates mucus in the body and makes the lymph liquid (we will talk about lymph later) in your body acidic, which attracts parasites and other pathogens. (In the place of milk almond milk or goats milk) Cancer thrives in a body that is acidic. o Bread - white bread is also acid and mucus forming. It is also more difficult to pass through the colon and gives rise to constipation. Sugar the #1 food additive. Sugar is in most of all the products that you buy. · Sodas (regular or diet)- are extremely high in sugar or artificial sugar - 7 teaspoons per can. Most people drink over 35 gallons per year. Sugar is a body poison and leads to many disease - diabetes, obesity, tooth decay and osteoarthritis and so on. o Sugar, also, depletes your B-vitamins and calcium and magnesium from your bones and teeth. o In addition, since sodas are in aluminum cans, aluminum can go into the soda because most sodas contain phosphoric acid. Aluminum has been associated with senility and Alzheimer disease. o Calcium is also leached from your body to neutralize the phosphoric acid. (Its healthier to drink juices of all kinds) There is just no way around it. Sodas suck health right out of your body. · Regular salt (NaCl) - excessive salt intake is related to high blood pressure, edema, and imbalances in the minerals in your lymph liquid. Sodium, Na, in salt attracts water so the more sodium you eat that more water your body will hold. (Use sea salt, it has 25% less sodium, use low salt soy sauce, and herbs to flavor your food) o Most people eat too much salt - over 10,000 milligrams per day. We only need around 200-300 mg per day. o Excess salt is also in involved with kidney problems, cardiovascular disease, stomach cancer, and excess sensitive to stress. o Get your Sodium from eating vegetables that are high in sodium. When you get your salt from vegetables it is organic salt, which does not have the same effect in your body as inorganic salt from a shaker. You need a lot of organic salt or Na in your body. Your stomach is a Na organ. It needs organic salt, Na, to keep its lining from being eaten by the hydrochloric acid in your stomach - an ulcer. o Foods high in organic sodium are apples, apricots, asparagus, greens, red cabbage, carrots, celery, dulse, egg yolks, figs, fish, raisins, prunes, and lentils. For the next two weeks try adding the following foods to your eating habits. · lecithin - is 30-40% choline, which is used throughout your body. This is why you want to include it in your diet. o choline is one of the main chemicals in our cell membrane. o It is used in our brains to create the neurotransmitter acytlcholine, which is required for thinking and memory. Consider lecithin brain food. o It is used by the liver, which helps to prevent a fatty liver. A fatty liver prevents you from losing weight around your belly. o it helps to break up fats into tiny goblets so that they are easily digestible and will reduce your cholesterol. o it helps to keep cholesterol from clinging to your artery walls. · flax seed oil - is an essential oil, omega 3. This means your body does not make it and it is necessary for you to eat it so that you can live without illness or pain. o it helps to detoxify the liver o it stimulates the production of bile. Remember that bile helps to breakdown fat so that the liver can better metabolize it. o stimulates the body to burn fat. o apple juice and apples - are high in vitamin A, in Potassium and have other minerals that strengthen the blood. They contain malic and tartaric acids, which keep the liver healthy and promote good digestion. Apples help you to lose weight by providing fiber and keeping you regular. o fiber - you need 30-35 grams of fiber every day. Most people only get up to 10-15 grams. Fiber is one foods that reduce your transient time in the colon. Fiber helps to keep your colon clean, reduce cholesterol, remove toxins from your body and eliminate constipation. There you have it. If you can accomplish these changes in one year, you will notice a big difference in the way you feel and the health that you have. About the Author: Rudy Silva is a natural nutritionist. He writes a newsletter called "Natural Remedies That work." You can subscribe to his newsletter and read some of the back issues, which give you information of how to have better health. Read his latest newsletter at: http://www.natural-remedies-thatwork.com/archive.html

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"Great is the matter of birth and death,
Time passes quickly.
Wake-up! Wake-up!
Don't waste a minute."

 

-on the wall outside of the Zendo at the Zen Center of Denver

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Any man's life will be filled with constant and unexpected encouragement if he makes up his mind to do his level best each day. Booker T. Washington

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Whether you are having a special get together, planning a wedding, announcing the arrival of your new baby, planning a party, moving to a new home, ordering personal or business stationery, business cards or address labels, Invitations Galore has what you need! You can always count on high-quality products and great customer service at Invitations Galore. You are able to browse, personalize and view an online proof before you place your order. If you need to see and feel the invitation or announcement before deciding, take advantage of theFREE invitation samples--see website for details. Click banner above or click here to visit Invitations Galore. Don't forget to Enter the monthly drawing. Take advantage of the 10% discount at our Holiday website. In addition to holiday greeting cards, you will also find assorted boxed sets of greeting cards, suitable for business or personal use, and much more. This discount is for a limited time—take 10% off anything at this site..

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Articles and Web Sites Worth a Look

Hunger Site (click to help -no cost to you) UNICEF Democracy Now Doctors Without Borders Friends of the Fisher House  Gaiam - a lifestyle company Vita-cost. Save Up to 75%on Vitamins.

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If you would like to submit an article, or place an advertisement in this newsletter, or if you have any questions or comments, send them to the Editor.

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Disclaimer

The information in this newsletter is not intended in any way to be a substitute for medical advice. Always see your doctor before you begin any exercise routine or make drastic changes in your diet.

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