"An extensive knowledge is needful to thinking people-it takes away the heat and fever; and helps, by widening speculation, to ease the Burden of Mystery."
John Keats~ American Author
Hello Health Friends,
Today I'm on a quest to feel better as quickly as possible. I started out with my customary veggie juice this morning, followed by a green salad at lunch, hydrating with as much water as possible. Because of the injuries to my spine and lower back, they have rendered me.....how shall I say.....lacking in elimination movements the past few days, which only adds to the discomfort. Unfortunately, colonics are out, for now, as both my left and back sides are extremely bruised and tender, and I can not lay on them for too long.
So I called my teacher, mentor, friend, and therapist, Gil Jacobs for advice. Some of you may have heard his name before; he spoke at the yoga studio one afternoon last fall when the colonic table started up. He is teacher, guru to many who believe in this lifestyle and has unselfishly shared his knowledge with anyone who will ask him. Almost all therapists practicing Gravity Method Colonics in the US, especially in the tri-state area can trace their teaching and lineage to him. I know this may sound as though I have raised him to deity status. No, I have immense admiration for him as a person, and the work he has done for so many. He has healed those with cancer, and wheel chair bound Multiple Sclerosis clients, to name a few.
I asked him for advice on how to:
1) Quickly dissipate the swelling in my back.
2) How to jump start my elimination system.
He suggested Epsom Salts - both for bathing and drinking. The salts in the bath should calm the nerves around the spine and reduce the swelling, and the drink should kick my colon in the ass, no pun intended, to get started. I've had a cocktail of Epsom Salts before, its not pleasant. However, paralyzation is less pleasant, so I'm sticking to the plan starting today, and we'll see how things go. Stay tuned.
Stay cool, everyone.
Jenn
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
July 6th, 2010
"Gratitude is one of the least articulate of the emotions, especially when it is deep."
Felix Frankfurter~Associate Justice, US Supreme Court, 1882-1965
Good Morning, Chatham,
Hopefully everyone had a wonderful holiday, enjoyed all the great food, and are getting back to our usual routine. For some of you, that will mean regular juicing; for others, starting a regiment of regular juicing. :)
I was inspired by this quote today because while I live healthily; eat my salads, juice, colonics, and live well overall, I never stopped to express my gratitude for my health. As I may seem fussy in taking care of my body, I know that my body, in return, will take care of me.
I had a bicycle accident this holiday weekend. I swerved to avoid hitting a child that had taken a last minute left turn on his bike. I braked hard, and did a vertical 360 over my handlebars landing my on left side. My body went into shock and I became numbed and paralyzed from the nose down. I heard scary words like spinal injury, concussion, paralyzation being spoken overhead. Then, in quick succession, ambulance, neck brace, emergency trauma center, IV's, catheter, cat scan, and then stillness in a private recovery room. Within a few hours, sensation and mobility returned, weaker a bit, but all 10 fingers and toes moved on its own. The doctors had never seen anything like that; firstly, that I recovered from semi-conscious paralyzation and more importantly, how quickly the recovery came. They kept me overnight, just to make sure it wasn't a fleeting, momentary lapse common in spinal injuries.
I asked the attending nurse about my heart rate as it seemed low to me holding steady between 48-51. She said the norm is about 80, but it shows that I am really healthy; that my heart doesn't need to work as hard to get my blood through. And that my blood must also be very clean and fluid, as opposed to thick and sludgy. And if its less stress on my heart to pump the blood throughout my body, it will result in a healthier heart, equaling a longer life. Along with the relief from my negative cat scans, that was music to my ears.
So I'm definitely NOT saying that juicing and colonics will prevent any kind of physical accident, or that the recovery, especially trauma to any vitals, was due to my lifestyle. But that the trauma was not further burdened by ill health, and that the body's healing functions were able to fully focus on a quick recovery, as opposed to multitasking health issues.
As I sit here, bruised, sore, and tender in the spine, I am grateful that the injuries that I'd sustained were not worse, that I am very healthy, and that I can help share my knowledge in helping those interested in living better.
Thank you, Chatham, for letting me be a small part of your lives.
Jenn
Felix Frankfurter~Associate Justice, US Supreme Court, 1882-1965
Good Morning, Chatham,
Hopefully everyone had a wonderful holiday, enjoyed all the great food, and are getting back to our usual routine. For some of you, that will mean regular juicing; for others, starting a regiment of regular juicing. :)
I was inspired by this quote today because while I live healthily; eat my salads, juice, colonics, and live well overall, I never stopped to express my gratitude for my health. As I may seem fussy in taking care of my body, I know that my body, in return, will take care of me.
I had a bicycle accident this holiday weekend. I swerved to avoid hitting a child that had taken a last minute left turn on his bike. I braked hard, and did a vertical 360 over my handlebars landing my on left side. My body went into shock and I became numbed and paralyzed from the nose down. I heard scary words like spinal injury, concussion, paralyzation being spoken overhead. Then, in quick succession, ambulance, neck brace, emergency trauma center, IV's, catheter, cat scan, and then stillness in a private recovery room. Within a few hours, sensation and mobility returned, weaker a bit, but all 10 fingers and toes moved on its own. The doctors had never seen anything like that; firstly, that I recovered from semi-conscious paralyzation and more importantly, how quickly the recovery came. They kept me overnight, just to make sure it wasn't a fleeting, momentary lapse common in spinal injuries.
I asked the attending nurse about my heart rate as it seemed low to me holding steady between 48-51. She said the norm is about 80, but it shows that I am really healthy; that my heart doesn't need to work as hard to get my blood through. And that my blood must also be very clean and fluid, as opposed to thick and sludgy. And if its less stress on my heart to pump the blood throughout my body, it will result in a healthier heart, equaling a longer life. Along with the relief from my negative cat scans, that was music to my ears.
So I'm definitely NOT saying that juicing and colonics will prevent any kind of physical accident, or that the recovery, especially trauma to any vitals, was due to my lifestyle. But that the trauma was not further burdened by ill health, and that the body's healing functions were able to fully focus on a quick recovery, as opposed to multitasking health issues.
As I sit here, bruised, sore, and tender in the spine, I am grateful that the injuries that I'd sustained were not worse, that I am very healthy, and that I can help share my knowledge in helping those interested in living better.
Thank you, Chatham, for letting me be a small part of your lives.
Jenn
Thursday, July 1, 2010
July 1.
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." Mahatma Gandhi
Good Morning!
I don't know about you but I am feeling so refreshed and relaxed this morning from a long bike ride fueled by last night's dinner! My salad was the most delicious meal I've had in a long time, and I usually feel that way after I've broken a fast. Luckily for me, I have the Farmer's Market a few blocks away, 4x's a week, so organic vegetables are in regular abundance and within my easy grasp.
My salad last night consisted of the following delectable ingredients:
-Baby spinach
-Mixed baby lettuces
-Multiple fresh herbs: basil, dill, cilantro & Italian parsley
-Shaved multi colored carrots
-Chioggia beets (raw beets that are striped like candy canes. They are only available during the summer and tastes incredible sweet.)
-Organic sauerkraut
Other non Farmer's Market ingredients:
-raw nori seaweed
-Bragg's amino acid
-Extra Virgin Olive Oil
I like putting herbs in my salad to bump up the freshness of the leaves, which gives the meal another layer of flavor. The Bragg's Amino Acid and Olive Oil are my dressing, and when combined, add a nice earthy acidity to the salad.
Let me know what was the meal that broke your fast.
Jenn
Good Morning!
I don't know about you but I am feeling so refreshed and relaxed this morning from a long bike ride fueled by last night's dinner! My salad was the most delicious meal I've had in a long time, and I usually feel that way after I've broken a fast. Luckily for me, I have the Farmer's Market a few blocks away, 4x's a week, so organic vegetables are in regular abundance and within my easy grasp.
My salad last night consisted of the following delectable ingredients:
-Baby spinach
-Mixed baby lettuces
-Multiple fresh herbs: basil, dill, cilantro & Italian parsley
-Shaved multi colored carrots
-Chioggia beets (raw beets that are striped like candy canes. They are only available during the summer and tastes incredible sweet.)
-Organic sauerkraut
Other non Farmer's Market ingredients:
-raw nori seaweed
-Bragg's amino acid
-Extra Virgin Olive Oil
I like putting herbs in my salad to bump up the freshness of the leaves, which gives the meal another layer of flavor. The Bragg's Amino Acid and Olive Oil are my dressing, and when combined, add a nice earthy acidity to the salad.
Let me know what was the meal that broke your fast.
Jenn
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
June 30th, 2010
"Do not consider painful what is good for you."
Euripides~Ancient Greek playwright, 480bc-406bc
Hellllooooo Chatham,
So, today is the end of the first 3 day group fast. Some of you seem to have had an easier time with this, having previously done juice fasts, while others may have been furiously red marking the days off your calendar. Either way, you're done.
How are you feeling? Hopefully you're feeling lighter and somewhat refreshed. Go easy on introducing food again into your system. Read yesterday's blog on suggestions on how to break the fast.
This upcoming holiday weekend will be a mine field of temptation. My advice is to enjoy it, just make wise choices. We still have to enjoy our life, and not live in a bubble. On holidays like this, when I know I'm going to a BBQ where there will be more meat than vegetation, I bring a large, organic salad for everyone to share as well as a platter of chopped up summer vegetables to put on the grill. While I may indulge in foods that I don't normally eat, I always follow the food combining and sequencing rules:
1) Fruit first, always on an empty stomach, and always by itself.
2) No mixing of protein and starches together. This makes things very tough to digest.
I hope this helps you maneuver the BBQs and cookouts this weekend. If it all goes to pot, take a few digestive enzymes, and restart with a juice first thing in the morning on Monday, the 5th.
I'll continue to blog and as always, I welcome comments, questions & suggestions on topics that you would like me to discuss.
Have a wonderful "break-fast" day!!!
Jenn
Euripides~Ancient Greek playwright, 480bc-406bc
Hellllooooo Chatham,
So, today is the end of the first 3 day group fast. Some of you seem to have had an easier time with this, having previously done juice fasts, while others may have been furiously red marking the days off your calendar. Either way, you're done.
How are you feeling? Hopefully you're feeling lighter and somewhat refreshed. Go easy on introducing food again into your system. Read yesterday's blog on suggestions on how to break the fast.
This upcoming holiday weekend will be a mine field of temptation. My advice is to enjoy it, just make wise choices. We still have to enjoy our life, and not live in a bubble. On holidays like this, when I know I'm going to a BBQ where there will be more meat than vegetation, I bring a large, organic salad for everyone to share as well as a platter of chopped up summer vegetables to put on the grill. While I may indulge in foods that I don't normally eat, I always follow the food combining and sequencing rules:
1) Fruit first, always on an empty stomach, and always by itself.
2) No mixing of protein and starches together. This makes things very tough to digest.
I hope this helps you maneuver the BBQs and cookouts this weekend. If it all goes to pot, take a few digestive enzymes, and restart with a juice first thing in the morning on Monday, the 5th.
I'll continue to blog and as always, I welcome comments, questions & suggestions on topics that you would like me to discuss.
Have a wonderful "break-fast" day!!!
Jenn
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
June 29th 2010
" A wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings, and learn how by his own thought to derive benefit from his illnesses."
Hippocrates - Ancient Greek Physician, (460BC-370BC)
Hello Chatham!
How is everyone doing today? So for many of you, this is the final day of your three day fast. There's a sense that its been challenging, but doable, and overall, everyone is feeling great. The gnawing hunger factor was the most significant "issue". Remember, a light salad at the end of the day is always an option, if you'd like to do a more transitional cleanse.
Most of you will be breaking your fast tomorrow morning. If you have any juices left, I'd still start the day with a juice, wait an hour, and have some sweet fruit. The best fruit to have, for their most effective laxative effect, are cherries and grapes. (Lucky for us they're in season.) That should bring you up to lunch time, where you can enjoy a combination of raw and cooked starchless vegetables. Leafy greens would be a safe choice, steamed spinach, sauerkraut... all those would be acceptable in a salad to break the fast. Eat only small amounts until your body acclimates to the food. Don't overeat, as it will tax the system, and you could feel discomfort in the belly. Start an easy exercise routine again, taking a walk, light yoga, stretching exercises. If you feel fatigued after beginning the exercises, then rest. Its very important that you listen to your body when breaking the fast.
Let's address the issue of bowel movements during the fast. Did you have any? How many? Its okay if your bowels didn't move during the fast. Sometime the colon needs to be retrained to support the body during these cleansing. If you're feeling a bit bloated, and that things haven't been moving, its time for a colonic. The colonic just helps cleans away the built up toxins that have been sloughed off during the cleanse. Once you give your digestion a break, it allows the elimination system to catch up on its cleaning.
Another good tip is to do a dry brushing of your body tonight, and then shower. The skin is the largest organ in our body, and we can simply clean it by gently brushing it with a bath brush. It removes the dead skin cells, which helps in the rejuvenation process, while improving the blood circulation.
Method: Take a soft bristle bath brush, and begin brushing your body from the feet up. Do not moisten or wet the brush, it should be dry. Then brush your body with long, continuous strokes towards the heart. Make sure you get your arms and hands as well. Its very soothing, therapeutic, and a great way to end the evening.
Ok, Chatham. Let's check in later and see how everyone is doing.
Jenn
Hippocrates - Ancient Greek Physician, (460BC-370BC)
Hello Chatham!
How is everyone doing today? So for many of you, this is the final day of your three day fast. There's a sense that its been challenging, but doable, and overall, everyone is feeling great. The gnawing hunger factor was the most significant "issue". Remember, a light salad at the end of the day is always an option, if you'd like to do a more transitional cleanse.
Most of you will be breaking your fast tomorrow morning. If you have any juices left, I'd still start the day with a juice, wait an hour, and have some sweet fruit. The best fruit to have, for their most effective laxative effect, are cherries and grapes. (Lucky for us they're in season.) That should bring you up to lunch time, where you can enjoy a combination of raw and cooked starchless vegetables. Leafy greens would be a safe choice, steamed spinach, sauerkraut... all those would be acceptable in a salad to break the fast. Eat only small amounts until your body acclimates to the food. Don't overeat, as it will tax the system, and you could feel discomfort in the belly. Start an easy exercise routine again, taking a walk, light yoga, stretching exercises. If you feel fatigued after beginning the exercises, then rest. Its very important that you listen to your body when breaking the fast.
Let's address the issue of bowel movements during the fast. Did you have any? How many? Its okay if your bowels didn't move during the fast. Sometime the colon needs to be retrained to support the body during these cleansing. If you're feeling a bit bloated, and that things haven't been moving, its time for a colonic. The colonic just helps cleans away the built up toxins that have been sloughed off during the cleanse. Once you give your digestion a break, it allows the elimination system to catch up on its cleaning.
Another good tip is to do a dry brushing of your body tonight, and then shower. The skin is the largest organ in our body, and we can simply clean it by gently brushing it with a bath brush. It removes the dead skin cells, which helps in the rejuvenation process, while improving the blood circulation.
Method: Take a soft bristle bath brush, and begin brushing your body from the feet up. Do not moisten or wet the brush, it should be dry. Then brush your body with long, continuous strokes towards the heart. Make sure you get your arms and hands as well. Its very soothing, therapeutic, and a great way to end the evening.
Ok, Chatham. Let's check in later and see how everyone is doing.
Jenn
Monday, June 28, 2010
June 28th, 2010
" Health is the condition of wisdom, and the sign cheerfulness- an open & noble temper."
Ralph Waldo Emerson- American Poet, Lecturer, Essayist, 1803-1882
Good Morning, Chatham!
Ralph Waldo Emerson- American Poet, Lecturer, Essayist, 1803-1882
Good Morning, Chatham!
Many of you started yesterday. How did it go? Was it difficult to only juice? Even those who've only had 1 meal, did that meal satisfy? Today should be easier as your body slowly transitions into self cleaning mode. How do you like the flavor of the juices? Also, how has the elimination been? If you haven't already, fret not! It sometimes takes a day or two for the body to get the message. Just keep drinking that water.
Some of you may start o feel a bit bloated, that's normal. Again the body is cleansing and kicking up the toxins in your body. When I feel that way, I make my own version of an anti-bloat concoction, which usually works wonders:
Take two bags of Alvita Dandelion Root tea ( available at Whole Foods) and let that brew for a bit. When you're read to drink, grate some fresh ginger into it and sip slowly. Drink the water as hot as you can tolerate. Dandelion Root helps with water retention and ginger helps with gas. So its a double whammy! Lots of peeing involved! :)
For those of you interested in continuing onto the 5 day, it would be advisable to put in your juice orders by today, so we can get them delivered for a Wednesday morning pick up. Kindly email either Cara or me: caravic@mac.com or jennifer.maverick@gmail.com with your juice orders.
Good luck with your juicing today. I'll check back with you later this evening.
Jenn
Sunday, June 27, 2010
June 27th, 2010
“The healthy man does not torture others - generally it is the tortured who turn into torturers”
Carl Gustav Jung, Swiss psychiatrist, Psychologist and Founder of the Analytic Psychology, 1875-1961
Carl Gustav Jung, Swiss psychiatrist, Psychologist and Founder of the Analytic Psychology, 1875-1961
Hello all,
Many of you are starting your juice fast today, which is great! Hopefully, you've enjoyed at least 2 juices by now.
As per usual, I started my day with a colonic, and then followed it with a 16oz. mixed vegetable juice. I bought it, since I live 1 block away from a juice place, but for the rest of the week, I'll be making my own juices using my mentor, Gil Jacob's, recipe of Italian Kale and green apple. Its quite potent and wouldn't recommend it to those who are new into juicing.
So the good and bad of the juice fast. It loosens and unearths a lot of toxins, old and new alike, and gets it ready to be moved out. The body begins to be in a state of detox. Now if the body doesn't move it out as quickly as it should- its starts to rear its ugliness in other ways: pimples, skin rashes, headaches, and mood swings to name a few. That's when a colonic is necessary. Its the only way to really move out all those toxins that are ready to be shipped off and never return-until the next batch arrives. Its endless!!! Poop, that is. Poop and the body's ability to produce it. Sigh.....
So as the first day continues, I'm drawn to an excerpt that answers my question as to why I am doing this fast. Its a passage from Marc David and his book, "Nourishing Wisdom".
"Bodies are not simply biological facts, static anatomical entities that obey scientific laws alone. Bodies are imagined. ..... The way we imagine the body is a foundation for how it responds physiologically. Likewise, the way we imagine the body will determine our relationship to food, the types of food we eat, and the kind of body we will help create."
I highly recommend this book to everyone to read. It is the best book that I've read that helps answers all the buzzing questions in our mind about how we eat, and our physiologically relationship to food.
Ok, everyone. Happy Juicing and we'll chat later this evening.
Jenn
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