Sep 03 2022
Off

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.carrot

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.
__________________________________________________

Shiatsu Point for Fatigue and Emotional Stress

When the Gall Bladder Meridian is not functioning properly, we can be prone to become frustrated and angry when things do not go our way. There can also be a tendency become obsessive or pedantic about details and order.

When the meridian is functioning well, we are able to see the order in the world and how everything connects. We can also let go of the need for perfectionism.

Gall Bladder Meridian Point 21 (GB 21)
Gall Bladder Meridian Point 21 (GB 21) midway betwen neck and shoulder on top of shoulder muscle.

It is a very good point for symptomatic relief from fatigue and emotional stress.

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.

shiatsu therapists association of australia logo

Recipe – Cream of Azuki Bean & Pumpkin Soup

  • 11/2 cups dry azuki beans (soaked overnight)
  • 2 cups butternut pumpkin
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 strip kombu (5 cm. cut small)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 5-6 cups water

  • Cut the onion and stir fry in a large saucepan. Add the cut pumpkin, water adzuki beans, and kombu cut small.

    Bring to boil, then let simmer for 45 minutes. Then add the salt, and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.

    Blend the soup to give a creamy texture.

    Serves 4-6.

Yoga Pose for Spring – Warrior Pose

Warrior PoseThis pose builds up strength in the legs, straightens the spine and supports the back.

  • Legs apart, left foot at 90 degrees, right foot at 45 degrees.
  • Bend left leg at the knee keeping the knee in line with the heel. Try and keep the hips facing the bent knee, and weight on the straight leg.
  • Bring the hands into a prayer pose, and on the inhale raise the arms up above the head, with palms facing forward.
  • Remain in the pose for 3 breaths, then exhale and lower the arms.Change legs and repeat on other side.

Bach Flower Remedy – Crab Apple

Crab Apple can be taken when there is an excessive or obsessive attention to purity order and perfection.

This can lead to an inability to see the big picture and get hung up on the details.

Emotionally, the negative Crab Apple state is governed by a feeling of not meeting one’s self-imposed ideal of beauty.

Crab Apple can help bring more perspective into our lives and realise that true beauty and generosity come from within and is more than just skin-deep

General dosage is 4 – 5 drops under the tongue at least 3 times a day, or whenever feeling despondent or obsessive.

Gall Bladder Meridian Meditation

Close your eyes and start to breathe deeply. Make the exhalation longer than the inhalation.
Imagine your arms spread palms open to receive whatever the Universe may have to offer you.

pic of aura surrounding the bodyAs you breathe in, imagine the energy entering your body between your eyebrows.

Feel as though there is a doorway in your third eye. Breathe in the energy through this doorway allowing it fill you up, and then when you breathe out feel the energy flow effortlessly and without strain back into the world.

Continue breathing in and out feeling the energy becoming stronger. Smile to yourself as you realise that that everything is unfolding in perfect order and in perfect timing.

Feel any tension and need for control leaving your body with the outbreath, and bright green light entering with the inhalation.

Let this light travel throughout your body like the first scent of spring. Feel it energising all parts of your body, releasing the coldness and stiffness of winter.

Allow yourself to feel the anticipation of the new season and the new challenges and purpose it brings. Feel things starting to grow around you and understand that you too are growing as part of the celebration of Nature and the cycle of life.

Then slowly return your space and open your eyes.

Aromatherapy Essential Oils – Cinnamon

Cinnamon can provide symptomatic relief from colds, congestion, fever, rheumatism and muscular spasms as well as function as an antiseptic.cinnamon essential oil

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.
Posted inNewsletter