Newsletter Spring – September 2018
Spring Foods
Spring is the season in which we can feel most inspired and purposeful. On the other hand, we can often fall into old patterns that bring up feelings of anger, frustration, and lack of direction in life.
Foods that are important for Spring are barley, tempeh, white radish, cabbage, leafy greens, lentils, lemon, pickles, umeboshi plums, and light salty miso soup.
These foods nourish and cleanse the liver and gall bladder, reduce cholesterol, dissolve fat and mucus, and can help relieve hay fever and premenstrual symptoms.
Spring Cooking
With the seasonal change from winter to spring, we tend towards lighter cooking methods. These include boiling, steaming, and stir frying.
Less oil and seasoning are used as this brings us into harmony with the rising energy of Spring. Vegetables are cut into smaller pieces for quicker cooking and in pressed salads.
Gomasio and miso condiments can be used in small amounts while barley and wheat are the grains most appropriate at this time.
If you’re living in the Northern Hemisphere, you can view our Autumn Newsletter here.
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Shiatsu Point for Heart Palpitations
Heart Meridian Point 1 (HT 1) is located in the middle of the armpit
It is a very good point for symptomatic relief from heart palpitations.
Shiatsu Point Therapy
Using the thumb or finger apply pressure until you feel the soreness in the point.
Taking deep breaths and maintaining the pressure breathe slowly in and out of the point until you feel the tension and pain disappear.
Please note:
The above technique is for symptomatic relief only If symptoms persist please consult a qualified shiatsu therapist for a full treatment.
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Recipe – Sweet Potato Muffins
- 1 cup wholemeal flour
- 2 cups cooked sweet potato
- 1/4 cup rice flour
- 3/4 cup barley flour
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup dry roasted walnuts
- 1 cup water
Steam the sweet potatoes or boil them until soft, then mash. Add the different flours together in a large bowl, add salt and mix well.
Dry roast the walnuts then add them to the mixture, adding vanilla, sesame oil, and the water. Mix well keeping the mixture moist.
Oil a baking oven sheet, and spoon the muffins , using 2 spoons . Bake for 30 minutes at 200C ( 350 F).
Makes 8 muffins.
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Yoga Pose for Spring – Dog Pose
This pose relieves fatigue, pain and stiffness in the heels, strengthens the ankles and shapes the legs.
The abdominal muscles are drawn towards the spine and strengthened, and the heart rate slows down.
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- Kneel on your hands and knees
- Exhale and raise the trunk from the floor.
- Straighten the arms, move the head inwards towards the feet, keep the elbows straight and extend the back.
- Keep the legs stiff and do not bend the knees, but try to press the heels down.
- Remain in the pose for about 1 minute.
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Bach Flower Remedy – Impatiens
Impatiens can be taken when we are feeling frustrated, nervous, or lacking in compassion. Often such states are indicated on the physical level by skin rashes and minor accidents, and on the emotional level by agitation and anger.
Spiritually, Impatiens can help when we have lost faith in the Universe or a higher power, and believe that only by taking control we make things right again. Often, we lack trust in others.
General dosage is 4 – 5 drops under the tongue at least 3 times a day, or whenever feeling frustrated, nervous, or angry.
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Aromatherapy Essential Oils – Myrrh
Myrrh can provide symptomatic relief from inflammation, digestive problems, acne, mouth ulcers, athlete’s foot, bronchitis and coughs.
Essential Oils Application
Bath: Use 10-15 drops in a tub of water and soak in it for 15 minutes.
Massage: Blend between 1% and 3% of essential oil with a carrier oil of your choice such as jojoba, almond, peach, apricot, soyabean, sesame, or vegetable oils.
please note:
do not apply pure essential oils directly to skin (except for Lavender)
and never take any essential oils internally.
Inhalation: Place a few drops of essential oil in an oil burner or small bowl of boiling water to freshen the air and create a special atmosphere.
Compress: Add 5 drops of essential oil to 200 mls of warm water. Place cloth in the water then wring out and lay over affected area for a few minutes.
