Mind Body Messenger
Issue #24, May 2005

Keeping Up With Heather…

After last month’s column about the film “What the Bleep Do We Know”, many of you contacted me to let me know that you had seen it, were about to see it, and would definitely write a report for this newsletter. Well, as often happens, those great intentions didn’t materialize into any reader reviews (yet?). So, in lieu of your reviews and reflections, I’ll plug another aspect of the film.

After watching What the Bleep, I was interested to learn more about the work of Dr. Emoto, who has captured water crystals in photographs as mentioned in the film. I got a copy of “The Hidden Messages of Water”, and my Mom and I both devoured it in a day. It is a quick read, as much of the book is taken up by the photos. However Dr. Emoto manages to convey in just a few words and photographs the powerful messages that water are communicating through their very structure.

Most of the book describes Dr. Emotos journey as he researches the changes that a molecule of water undergoes when exposed to physical and non-physical pollutants. He tests water in different cities and it is shocking to discover some major cities have water crystals that are perfectly aligned, while other city’s water forms nothing but a nebulous blob. You see photos of water exposed to a variety of chemicals, with a mostly predictable result. What is amazing is that water exposed to verbal or written statements has a strong reaction. Water exposed to thoughts of peace forms beautiful and intricate crystals, while water exposed to harsh criticism forms what looks like an oil slick.

Dr. Emoto goes a little further in this book than just showing photos of water. He makes some very bold and very interesting statements about how we are living, how we are relating to each other and our Earth, and how we can take some steps to create a more peaceful existence for all beings. In his introduction Dr. Emoto reminds us of the purpose of maintaining a fit and healthy body when he expresses that, “A healthy spirit resides most comfortably in a healthy body.” He also touches on the importance of seeing our world as a reflection of ourselves, and taking an active role in helping to improve the conditions of all people when he states that, “illness is not just an individual problem, but a result of the deformation of society as a whole.”

Whether or not you agree with him, I do highly recommend this book as a way to begin to understand the many levels at which we impact and are impacted upon by our thoughts, deeds, and actions in our everyday world.

Other film recommendations for this month:

Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy is a fantastical, intergalactic journey through your sense of humor some great truths about life, the universe, and everything. If you ask me why I like it…my answer is, 42.

I also think it’s interesting to note for those of you who have been following the talk of “The Shift” these past few years, that Disney is releasing ‘Chicken Little’ this fall. The sky is falling…really…

What is Pilates?

As Pilates becomes one of the fastest growing exercise methods in North America, and as I add the STOTT PILATES method to my list of fitness and wellness services, I thought I’d take a moment to let you in on what this exercise philosophy and technique is all about.

The STOTT PILATES method was developed by former professional dancer Moira Stott-Merrithew, known as the ‘first lady of Pilates’. The STOTT method is a contemporary anatomically-based application of Joseph Pilates’ original method.

Emphasizing breath, core conditioning and body awareness, Pilates exercise helps you to lengthen, strengthen, tone and streamline your body. Combining elements of coordination, agility, balance, and fluidity this method is ideal for improving posture, relieving body tension, and enhancing your body’s natural grace. STOTT PILATES is ideal for all ages and fitness levels, from rehab patients to elite athletes, and is a great cross-training tool. Combined with regular aerobic fitness and stretch training Pilates helps you to build strength, improve joint health, tone abdominal muscles, and create a foundation for lifelong health, wellness, and weight management.

Matwork classes and private sessions are done on a mat with minimal props, and focus on proper alignment, core stability, and body awareness. As a student progresses, new equipment, complex choreography, and a faster-paced workout help to challenge stronger muscles. Pilates classes or private sessions are best done in an environment where you can progress systematically from the Basic Principals, through the Essential program, to the Power Workout.

I am now offering STOTT PILATES matwork classes at Balance Yoga Studio in Tottenham, corporate classes in Vaughan and Mississauga, and private sessions in your home or office. For more information on the STOTT PILATES method, or to book a session, please contact me at heather@yogatrinity.com or 416.722.7154.

*For the Yoga and Pilates class schedule at Balance please visit www.balanceyogastudio.ca.

The Acid/Alkaline Diet

We all know that a balanced lifestyle is essential for optimal health, weight management, longevity, and disease prevention. But, what does “balanced” mean? Well, that’s not a simple question, and doesn’t have a simple answer. However, one element of lifestyle balance can be found in the body’s acid/alkaline balance. In today’s fast-paced, high-energy, over-packaged world this balance can be a challenge to maintain. However, by understanding and implementing some of the strategies of this newly popular system in your diet (and other lifestyle behaviours) you can improve your health and restore your balance and create a foundation for lifelong health and vitality. To begin, what does it mean to your body to be excessively acidic. How does this condition present itself?

Symptoms of excess acidity include

Low energy, chronic fatigue
Excess mucous production
Nasal congestion, sinusitis
Frequent colds, flus, and infections
Persistent feelings of nervousness, stress, irritability, anxiety
Weak nails
Dry hair and skin
Formation of cysts
Headaches
Hypersensitivities, allergies
Joint and muscle pain, inflammation or arthritis
Hives and skin conditions
Leg cramps, restlessness and spasms
Gastritis, acid indigestion

If many of these symptoms are present in your system today, you may need to restore your acid/alkaline balance. Having your acidity tested by a professional (naturopathic doctor or nutritionist) is a great step towards understanding this system.

The basic theory of the many acid/alkaline diet systems available now lies in premise the because the body's natural pH level is slightly alkaline, (with a normal range just above 7) it is essential to try to maintain that balance through alkaline producing foods and behaviours. With a slightly alkaline balance, our organs, digestion, immune system, bone density, and many other body systems function better, heal better, and resist disease better. Now, before jumping to conclusion and eliminating all acidic or acid-forming foods from your diet, it is also important to know that acids don’t just come from food. Acidity can arise from the following natural body systems, and behaviours:

Many body systems are naturally acid causing, including:

Digestion
Immune functions like allergic reactions
High-intensity short-duration sports like squash and hockey

Some lifestyle choices and factors are also acid causing:

Inadequate Sleep
Chronic Stress (ie: rushing, hectic schedules, lifestyle changes)
Chronic Emotional Upset (worry, concern, anxiety, irritability)
Imbalanced meals (high animal protein, sugar, caffeine, processed foods with little alkalinising vegetables)
Not chewing properly
Dehydration

So now we have a general idea of what causes excessive acidity in the system, now, how do we re-establish a balance?

Most acid/alkaline diet systems recommend comprising 75-80% of your daily diet with foods that are alkaline or alkaline forming, and allowing just 20-25% of your diet to be made up of acid-forming foods. The following charts will help you determine which foods are which:

Acid Forming Foods

Generally speaking foods that are high in animal fats, highly refined foods, sugar, soft drinks, white flour, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners are the most acid-causing. Some examples include: Canola Oil, Lard, Safflower Oil, Wheat, Corn, Cheese, Milk, Butter, Peanuts, Cashews, Beef, Oysters, Lobster, White Pasta, Vinegar, Potatoes, Legumes, Soda, Table Salt, Coffee, Liquor, Beer, Wine, Tobacco.

Alkaline Foods

Most vegetables and fruits, water, soy products, olive oil, whole unrefined grains, white meat (chicken, fish), Beets, Broccoli, Cucumber, Garlic, Kale, Lettuce, Peppers, Sprouts, Apple, Avocado, Banana, Melons, Oranges, Lemons, Pineapple, Tomato, Eggs, Yogurt, Almonds, Tofu, Most Seeds, Herbal Tea, Stevia, Cayenne, Cinnamon.

Acid Buffering Substances & Lifestyle Changes:

Oxygen – practicing yogic breathing
Water – staying well hydrated
Meditation and stress reduction techniques
Moderating stress levels
Regular sleep
Eat lots of vegetables and fruit
Squeeze lemon or lime into water
Eat 1-2 servings of greens daily (broccoli, kale, spinach)

So, there you are…perfect balance, health, weight loss, and longevity in just a few easy steps. I know. It’s just not that easy. But, you will note that the suggestions here are the same tips that you’ve been hearing for years. This diet system mirrors elements of the Yogic diet, the Blood Type diet, The Yin/Yang diet, and Ayurvedic diets. So all I suggest is that you read and implement these strategies as you feel ready, taking on board what feels right for your body, your schedule, and your needs today.

For more information, see a professional – naturopath, homeopath, nutritionist or lifestyle coach. They can help you look at the big picture and customize a lifestyle system for your goals, needs, and timetable. In the meantime, if you are interested in learning more about Enlightened Eating, please join us for ‘The Yogic Diet’ workshop May 21 at Balance Yoga Studio.

Yoga For Mind and Body

Part of an ongoing series offering yoga postures for men, women, and children to practice at home, school, on the road or in the office. With special thanks to Ross Pottinger of Wink Photo Design in Brisbane, Australia for the photos and the support in this project. And many thanks to Louisa Dick for taking part in the project. Do check with your health care practitioner before beginning a yoga practice. Many postures are not suitable for pregnant women, people with joint replacements, those with hypertension or other medical conditions. If you have a posture that you would like to see in this column, I welcome your suggestions. Namaste, H

The Inclined Plane... printer friendly version

To Begin: Seated with legs extended, place your hands10-16 inches behind your body, shoulder width apart and fingers facing into the body. Inhale and roll your shoulders forward bending through your elbows. Exhale and draw your belly to your spine to curl your pelvis off the ground.

The Pose: Inhale and press your hips up into the air extending your legs straight while you press up through your arms to lift and open the chest, creating a long line through the body from toes to head. At the top of the movement, release your head to lengthen your neck.

To Intensify: Place the feet flat on the floor and focus on lifting hips higher to make a long bow out of the body.

Breathing: Hold for five deep breaths.

To Modify: To decrease intensity use tabletop pose, keeping feet flat on the ground under the knees and create a straight line from knees to shoulders. To decrease pressure in the wrists and strain in the shoulders, turn your hands to face away from the body.

Focus: Feet flat, hips lifting, belly strong and supportive, and triceps (back of arms) strong.

Cautions: Keep a long line in the body, watch for any breaks in the neck, hips or feet.

Benefits: Builds strength, stamina, and helps to open the chest and expand the front of the body.