Growth factors such as growth hormones are abundantly present in the skin. Ayurveda teaches us daily-performed do-it-yourself massages that help to release a ‘shower’ of healing chemicals into the blood stream, a powerful effect useful for both prevention and cure of illness. The massage techniques also remove harmful fatty acids and other toxic waste products from the tissues and the skin, improve general circulation, enhance flexibility of the joints and have now shown to be effective in helping with reversal of arteriosclerosis (hardening of arteries). The techniques I refer to here are ‘dry brushing’ and ‘Abyanga’ or daily oil massage. Begin by brushing your whole body with a dry body brush made of natural bristle or a good natural loofah. This will improve circulation, strengthen and rejuvenate the skin, and help with lymphatic drainage. The brushing of the skin also opens the pores and increases effectiveness of the oil massage. Then massage yourself for 5-10 minutes (from head to toes) with sesame oil or with coconut or olive oil (all cold pressed and unrefined, available from health food stores) to draw out toxins and improve circulation, followed by a warm bath or shower.
Marmas are junction points between consciousness and the body. Ayurveda describes 108 points where the Prana energy or vital force is most concentrated, often referred to as acupuncture points. There are three major junction areas on the body, also known as Maha-marmas. They control all other functions in the body. Gently massage them with cold pressed, unrefined sesame oil for Vata and Kapha types or with jojoba, coconut, or almond oil for Pitta types, using clockwise circular motions for a few minutes each (do not apply any pressure). This can establish a healthy mind/body relationship and thus ensure good health. So gently massage a little oil for 2 – 3 minutes into • the place between the eyebrows. This induces a
state of calm, restful alertness and triggers other profound biochemical changes throughout the body. • the central area overlying the heart. This has a balancing influence on emotions such as anger, impatience and sadness. • the area over the stomach. This improves digestion and appetite and eliminates false cravings. Other very important marmas are the soles of the feet. When gently massaged, they balance the entire nervous system and stimulate all other functions in the body. If applied in the morning, the foot marma massage helps to improve motor sensory activities and when done in the evening, it stimulates the sleeping center in the brain, which induces sound and uninterrupted sleep (this is especially good for children and adults who have difficulties with falling asleep). Other major marmas are located at the back of the neck, the top of the head, the palms of the hands, the insides of the elbows, the back of the knees, and the coccyx area. Apply oil on each of the marma points for 2 – 3 minutes or as long as it feels comfortable. Use circular motions without pressure, as marmas are very sensitive areas. Vata and Kapha types benefit most from using sesame oil, Pitta types with skin problems do better using jojoba, coconut or almond oils. These base oils can be made more effective by using specific Aromatherapy oils for each dosha: Vata oils: Basil, rose geranium, orange, lavender, neroli, patchouli and frankincense. Pitta oils: Sandalwood, lavender, peppermint, jasmine and ylang-ylang. Kapha oils: Eucalyptus, mustard oil, clove, camphor, marjoram, juniper and bergamot.
Gently massage the inner nasal cavity with a little bit of sesame oil once or twice a day. You may use cotton wool buds or your little finger. This lubricates the receptors in the nose and increases the awareness and sensitivity of smell and at the same time lowers the susceptibility to colds. When you travel in airplanes this technique can be applied more often, reduces jet lag, and prevents sickness. The use of aroma oils sends specific signals to the hypothalamus to balance Vata, Pitta, and Kapha as follows: Vata is balanced with a mixture of warm, sweet, sour aromas such as basil, orange, rose geranium, clove, and other spices. Pitta is balanced by a mixture of sweet, cool aromas such as sandalwood, rose, peppermint and jasmine. Kapha is balanced by a mixture of warm aromas, but with spicier overtones, such as juniper, eucalyptus, camphor, clove, and marjoram. In short: Floral aromas balance Vata and Pitta Minty aromas balance Pitta Musky aromas balance Kapha Note: You may add a drop or two of these aromas to your massage oil, use them as perfumes by mixing them with a base oil such as jojoba, or diffuse them with an aroma dispenser.
To totally strengthen the eye muscles, hold each eye position for 20-30 seconds.
1. Look with your eyes left and up and keep this position for 15 – 20 seconds. You spontaneously make this movement when you try to recall a visual memory, (if you are right-handed). The position strengthens your ability for visual recall. 2. Looking down and left accesses auditory memory and auditory recall. This position will improve your memory of conversations and music. 3. Looking down and right accesses the experience experience or memory of touch and strengthens this ability. 4. Looking up and to the right strengthens your ability to create new visual forms, which is especially useful for artists. 5. Looking horizontally and right will strengthen your ability to create new sound forms and symphonies that a musician would create. 6. Staring towards your nose will strengthen the olfactory memories –the memories of smell and fragrance – thereby enhancing enjoyment of food. 7. Moving your eyes towards your lips and having the idea that your eyes are pointing towards the tongue will enliven and strengthen your memories of taste, thus improving digestive power. 8. Turn your eyes upwards and inwards and look at the space between the eyebrows. This will help to open your “third eye” or sixth sense, which is the power of intuition. Holding the attention on these fixed positions for 20-30 seconds each has proven to increase EEG brain wave coherence dramatically and thereby enhance multi-sensory experience.
More than twenty million Americans suffer from kidney problems. These problems include urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, kidney cancer, polycystic kidney disease (PKD), nephrotic syndrome and genetic disorders. The kidneys make a tremendous effort in their attempts to keep the blood clear of toxic substances such as lead, cadmium, mercury and other heavy metals (although these are difficult to pass). The kidneys also maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and regulate the pressure that the heart creates to force the blood through their filtering system. Kidney stones greatly undermine these vital functions, which may further increase the chance of accumulating heavy metals in the body and raise its general level of toxicity. This may lead to infection, high blood pressure, heart disease, brain disorders, cancer and many other imbalances. The following signs indicate the presence of crystals and stones in the kidneys or bladder: A dark or whitish color under the eyes. Puffy or swollen eyes, particularly in the morning. Deep wrinkles under and around the eyes. Tiny whitish, tan-colored or dark lumps under the eyes, which can be felt or made visible when stretching the skin outward toward the cheekbones. Overlapping of the upper eyelid. Chronic pain in the lower back. Swelling of feet and legs. Constant fear or anxiety.
Surya Namaskara (illustration 15) is one of the most ancient and integrated exercise programs around. It forms an integral part of Yoga, which benefits both the mind and the body. It is unique in the sense that it strengthens and stretches all major muscle groups, massages all the internal organs, supports lymph drainage from every part of the body, and enlivens the energy centers and acupuncture points of the body. This exercise program increases blood flow and circulation, conditions the spine, and improves flexibility of the joints. Grace, suppleness, as well as physical stability are the natural results arising from daily practice. You may not get the handle on this exercise right from the first time, but with regular practice you will be able to go through the different positions easily and naturally. Directions: Surya Namaskara consists of two cycles of twelve postures each. During the first cycle, in positions #4 and #9, the right knee is brought forward to the chest, and during the second cycle the left knee is brought forward. Apart from this exception, all the movements are exactly the same for both cycles. The twelve postures or positions are performed one after another in fluid sequence and coordinated with one’s breathing. It is important not to strain while performing this exercise because benefits can only be felt when it is done easily and effortlessly. When you feel tired, lie down and rest, and breathe freely. Begin with one or two complete cycles and see how you feel afterward. This way, the exercise will gradually increase your capacity for more. As a general guideline, men can eventually do as many as twelve complete (double) rounds, women as many as six. You will find that after a few cycles your breathing will naturally adjust itself to the different movements. After having done this exercise for a few days, the sequence of movements will be automatic, and you will no longer need to look at the instruction pictures.
Ayurveda recommends simple breathing exercises or Pranayama that help to refresh energy and restore vitality to both mind and body within minutes. The word Pranayama is composed of two Sanskrit words. Prana means ‘the life force’ or ‘the breath of life’. It carries vital energy from the surroundings into the body. Yama means exercise that increases the flow of Prana and thereby stimulates all the functions of body and mind. Pranayama can cause an extraordinary balance in consciousness. It has a deep cleansing effect, and it purifies the nadis, which are the pranic currents of energy - the pathways (meridians) for Prana also known as ‘meridians’ in acupuncture). The benefits of Pranayama include a reduction of stress and tension, improved respiration and circulation, as well as a heightened awareness and clarity of mind. Those suffering from respiratory ailments, headaches or migraines, and depression, may especially derive great relief from Pranayama. For maximum results, any of the following three types of Pranayama (according to body type) should be performed twice a day for five minutes each, preferably on an empty stomach in the morning and in the evening, before meditation or when under stress. There is one Pranayama that is most suitable for each of the different body types, although Vata Pranayama can be done by anyone who is suffering from any kind of affliction. Breathing should be normal and effortless. For maximum benefits, one should sit straight but comfortably, and with eyes closed. Breathing should be coordinated with the natural movements of the body. Whenever you extend the spine or elongate the body, inhale, and when you bend or fold the body, exhale. Vata-Pranayama A person of Vata constitution or Vata imbalance benefits most from alternative nostril breathing, which brings balance on all levels of mind and body. For this exercise: Close your right nostril with the thumb of your right hand, and inhale through the left nostril. Then close the left nostril with the middle or ring finger of the same hand, and exhale through your right nostril. Hold your finger there and inhale. Release, and once again close the right nostril with your thumb, and exhale through your left nostril. Remain there and breathe in again through your left nostril...continue with step 2. Repeat this sequence for five minutes. Be sure to breathe in a relaxed and natural way while sitting straight and comfortably. This Pranayama supplies a larger and equal amount of oxygen to both hemispheres of the brain, empties the lower lobes of the lungs from excessive amounts of carbon dioxide, and makes room for more oxygen to be taken to the cells, giving them an ‘oxygen bath’. Vatas who feel tense, restless and stressed can quickly return to balance by practicing this Pranayama. Asthmatics also benefit from it. Pitta-Pranayama A person of Pitta constitution or Pitta imbalance can ‘cool down’ and enhance female energies in the body by performing left nostril breathing. The left nostril corresponds to the cooling system in the body. If it is blocked, the body overheats. For this exercise: Close your right nostril with the thumb of your right hand, and inhale through your left nostril. Then close your left nostril with your middle or ring finger, and exhale through your right nostril. Repeat for five minutes, breathing normally and naturally while sitting upright and comfortably. Kapha-Pranayama A person of Kapha constitution can literally warm up and increase male energies in the body by performing right nostril breathing. The right nostril corresponds to the heating system in our body. If it is blocked, the body becomes too cold. For this exercise: Close your left nostril with the middle or index finger of your right hand, and inhale through your right nostril. Then close the right nostril with your thumb and exhale with your left nostril. Repeat for five minutes, breathing effortlessly and sitting upright and comfortably. Obese-Pranayama A person who suffers from obesity should perform a fast Pranayama. Sit in a comfortable position, take a deep breath and exhale quickly and forcefully through the nose. You will naturally inhale after each exhalation. Repeat for one minute; then rest for one minute.
Do this exercise for a total of five times, resting for one minute after each time. This exercise speeds up the metabolic rate and is the equivalent of running two miles. You will begin to feel hot and start sweating. It is important at this stage not to drink cold or chilled beverages, as they shut down AGNI and increase the buildup of fat in the body. Drink water of room temperature.
Sacred Santémony is a unique healing system that uses sounds from specific words to balance deep emotional/spiritual imbalances. The powerful words produced in Sacred Santémony are made from whole-brain use of the letters of the ancient language – a language that is comprised of the basic sounds that underlie and bring forth all physical manifestation. The letters of the ancient language vibrate at a much higher level than our modern languages, and when combined to form whole words, they generate feelings of peace and harmony (Santémony) to calm the storms of unrest, violence, and turmoil, both internal and external. In April 2002 I spontaneously began to chant sounds that are meant to improve certain health conditions. These sounds resembled chants by Native Americans, Tibetan monks, Vedic pundits (Sanskrit), and languages from other star systems (not known on planet Earth). Within two weeks, I was able to bring forth sounds that would instantly remove emotional blocks and resistance or aversion to certain situations and people, foods, chemicals, thought forms, beliefs, etc. The following are but a few examples of what Sacred Santémony is able to assist you with: Reducing or removing fear that is related to death, disease, the body, foods, harmful chemicals, parents and other people, lack of abundance, impoverishment, phobias, environmental threats, the future and the past, unstable economic trends, political unrest, etc. Clearing or reducing a recent or current hurt, disappointment, or anger resulting from past emotional trauma or negative experiences in life. Cleansing of the Akashic Records (a recording in consciousness of all experiences the soul has gathered throughout all life streams) from persistent fearful elements, including the idea and concept that we are separate from and not one with Spirit, God, or our Higher Self. Setting the preconditions for you to resolve your karmic issues, not through pain and suffering, but through creativity and joy. Improving or clearing up allergies and intolerances to foods, chemical substances, pesticides, herbicides, air pollutants, radiation, medical drugs, pharmaceutical byproducts, etc. Balancing the psycho-emotional root causes of any chronic illness, including cancer, heart disease, MS, diabetes, arthritis, brain disorders, depression, etc. Resolving other difficulties or barriers in life by helping to ‘convert’ them into the useful blessings that they really are.
Hundreds of years ago, most candles were made of beeswax. But over the past few centuries, beeswax candles were gradually replaced by tallow candles (made from animal fat), and in the last century by paraffin candles. Paraffin is made from the sludge that sits at the bottom of barrels of crude oil. The sludge is then bleached with benzene and treated with other chemical solvents. When you burn paraffin candles, they put out soot and smoke, along with toxins and carcinogens, including very harmful chemicals dispersed by the commonly used lead-core wicks (as studied & reported by the University of Michigan). You would probably never burn paraffin candles unless the bad smell they produce (comparable to diesel fumes) were not covered up by synthetic fragrances, many of which are irritants or toxins themselves. And if you had known that the soot, smoke and chemical residue from these candles can stick to the walls, ceiling, and ventilation ducts and get circulated whenever you turn on your healing/cooling system, you would probably never have lit them. Now you know. Pure beeswax candles don’t cause any of those problems. Quite to the contrary, they actually exert amazing healing effects on the respiratory system. Just by lighting a beeswax candle, people suffering from asthma, allergies and sinus problems have reported significant improvements in their symptoms. Their breathing became much easier and their sleep less disturbed after burning pure beeswax candles in their bedrooms for a few hours before bedtime. Some asthmatics claim that their symptoms vanished completely after burning beeswax candles all day long for several days or weeks. Apparently, burning beeswax produces negative ions. Negative ions are nature’s vacuum cleaners. They clean the air of dust, mold, viruses, bacteria and other pollutants responsible for numerous chemical sensitivities. For candles to have this air-purifying effect, though, they must consist of 100 percent beeswax. Many beeswax candles contain only 51 percent beeswax, which is enough to allow producers to label them as beeswax candles. When you burn a beeswax candle it has a refreshing smell and hardly produces any smoke. Although beeswax candles are more expensive than regular paraffin- based candles, they last a lot longer and, of course, improve your health rather than weaken it. Beeswax is recommended by the American Lung Association as a therapeutic product. For a reliable source of 100 percent pure beeswax candles see
Directions: Place a cup of pure sea salt (or Himalayan salt) into a cooking pot (Pyrex glass or stainless steel) and heat it on low heat over the stovetop. While heating the salt, gently and continuously stir, preferably with a wooden utensil (the salt will become hot). Make sure to keep the heat on low. The heat will break the capsule of energy that is inside the salt and release it. This may take about 10 minutes. If you are sensitive to energies, you will notice when the capsule of energy will be opened and released. At this point, turn off the heat, remove the pot from the stovetop and empty the salt into a small glass bowl (must be glass). Now pour some water into the bowl while gently moving the salt around in the bowl. Stir for about 5-10 seconds. Fill your bathtub (or Jacuzzi) with warm water, and then empty the glass bowl with the moistened salt into the bathtub. Move the bathwater with your hands. Make sure that no one except you touches the bathwater. In addition to the above, add a little salt (1/2 teaspoon) to a glass or bowl of water (4-6 ounces) and place it near the tub where you can easily reach it while taking the bath. Then enter the bathtub and stay there for half an hour (30 minutes). When you are inside the tub, relax and visualize how the energy coming from the salt embraces you, enters your cells, atoms, aura, mind, etc, thereby cleansing your thoughts, feelings, and physical body. Keep your feet and neck submerged in the water. Discordant, harmful energies will start coming out of you. Perhaps you will feel some dizziness or pain; that is good. These are things coming out of you; sometimes they can be heavy and uncomfortable. Be prepared for this, in case it happens. If at any time you feel that something heavy or dark is coming out of you, place one of your hands over the glass of salt next to you until this feeling or sensation has passed. The salt in the glass of water will absorb these energies. Once you have finished your bath, pour the saltwater that you have kept in the glass next to you into the toilet. Wash the bowl and empty your tub. Make certain the entire tub is clean and no salt residue remains. You may repeat this healing bath anytime you feel the need for it. You may also use salt for other situations. It is good to keep a plate or small bowl of glass with salt in the place where you work or spend a lot of time. Because salt absorbs negative energies, it is important to change it, ideally, every day. Avoid covering the glass. If you wish, you can communicate with the salt molecules using your mind, and order them to absorb any discordant energies that may be present in your home, office, etc. Salt has an amazing power that most people are not aware of. If placed around the house, salt keeps harmful energies at bay. You can also purify objects (including cloth) by submerging them in saltwater for a little while.
1. Lam Laaaammm.....: located at the root or base of the spine, Lam controls the legs, feet, genitals, anus, base of spine, kidneys; the body’s life force. 2. Vam Vaaammm.....: located between the navel and the groin, Vam controls the pelvis, belly, sex organs, nervous system, low spine; adrenal glands, and sex glands (ovaries or testes). 3. Ram Raaammm......: located at the Solar Plexus, Ram controls the stomach, liver, diaphragm, gallbladder; spleen and pancreas. 4. Yam Yaaammm...…: located in the heart
area, Yam controls the heart and chest, circulation, lungs, arms, hands; thymus gland. 5. Hum Hummm..….: located in the throat area, Hum controls the neck, voice, lungs and chest, mouth; thyroid and parathyroid glands. 6. Om Oooommm.....: located between the eyebrows, above the bridge of the nose, Om controls the ears, nose, left eye, the nervous system, skull base; pituitary gland. 7. So-hum Sooo-hummm…: located at the crown of the head or on top of the skull, So-hum controls the upper skull, cerebral brain, right eye; pineal gland. The Five Hr... Sounds 1. Hrim Hreeemmm: Throat Hrum Hrooommm: Liver, Spleen Hraim Hraheemmm: Kidneys (diuretic) Hraum Hrowmmm: Organs of elimination incl. bladder, colon, skin Hrah Hrah: Heart, chest Directions of use: When chanted, the above sounds resonate with their corresponding areas of the body and thus enliven and maintain their proper functioning. They can be practiced anywhere and at any time but preferably on an empty stomach. Begin by taking a deep breath and while exhaling, chant all the seven sounds related to the seven energy centers in the sequence given above. Repeat as often as you like. This will help align your chakras, endocrine glands and their functions, and improve your breathing patterns as well. The sounds cleanse your etheric body from impure influences and make you feel more comfortable within yourself. Should you require extra healing for any specific areas of the body you can use the 5 Hr... sounds in the same way. Take a deep breath, chant while exhaling. Then repeat five or more times. If circumstances do not allow you to chant these sounds aloud, you can use them mentally instead.
There are nearly two dozen Primordial sounds, which in ancient times were used to develop physical and mental abilities that were out of the ordinary experience. These are known as Siddhis, or supernatural powers. Siddhis develop key areas of the brain that are responsible for extraordinary perception and abilities and previously inaccessible knowledge. The purpose of practicing the Siddhis is to unfold one’s infinite potential and to stabilize unbounded, pure consciousness in daily life. The skill of spontaneously fulfilling one’s desires by mere thought develops as a natural result of regular practice of conscious breathing and these sound formulae. The sounds correspond to and fully develop the 192 bundles of nerve fibers known as Arcuate or association fibers located in the largest part of the brain (cerebrum). The cerebrum includes control of sensory perception and voluntary motor activity. One set of Siddhis is designed to develop divine perception by refining the five senses to a degree that they can fathom the deepest and million times richer areas of colors, shapes, sounds, smells and tastes. They can open us to the fifth and sixth dimensions of reality, where every thought becomes realized instantly. Other Siddhis are directed towards unfolding the qualities of the heart e.g. compassion, love, and happiness. Some Siddhis deal with gaining knowledge and direct perception of the inside of the body and its condition, and of objects hidden from view or being at far distance. There are also Siddhis to develop concrete insights to the universe by seeing its structure and purpose in a flash. Several other Siddhis are linked with unfolding the power of intuition, physical strength, knowledge of the mind and one’s Higher Self, and mastery of the five elements earth, water, fire, air and ether. One very powerful Siddhi bestows the ability to levitate physically. It is not advisable to learn Siddhis from books. To learn them properly and practice them effortlessly, one needs to find a teacher who knows this ancient art, which is based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanajali (the book of Vedic literature relating to the practice of Yoga). The organization that spreads Transcendental Meditation offers Siddhi courses, but they are very expensive. There may be others groups too that teach them. After 25 years of practicing Siddhis, I developed the channeling gift Sacred Santémony. As mentioned, the sounds produced by my vocal cords consist of primordial sounds of ancient languages. These sounds have distinct healing abilities. For more details on Sacred Santémony and how to arrange for a phone session with me, see contact details at the end of the book.
Having a big sale, on-site celebrity, or other event? Be sure to announce it so everybody knows and gets excited about it.
Are your customers raving about you on social media? Share their great stories to help turn potential customers into loyal ones.
Running a holiday sale or weekly special? Definitely promote it here to get customers excited about getting a sweet deal.
Have you opened a new location, redesigned your shop, or added a new product or service? Don't keep it to yourself, let folks know.
Customers have questions, you have answers. Display the most frequently asked questions, so everybody benefits.