https://www.ravenseltzer.com https://www.ravenseltzer.com/what-the-heck-are-electrolytes-and-why-are-they-so-important <h3> <div> What the heck are electrolytes? </div> And why are they so important for basic health? </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> Electrolytes are minerals which carry an electric charge of positive or negative. They are naturally occurring our bodily fluids – blood, sweat and urine. The electrical charges activate when the minerals dissolve in water -- and how convenient that our bodies are made up of 60-70% water.  <div> <br/> </div> <div> Almost every fluid and every cell in your body contains electrolytes. The ions from the electrolytes not only maintain fluid balance, they also regulate chemical reactions within the body, allowing us to move our muscles, keep the heart beating and our thought process going -- the neurons in the brain firing; sending and receiving messages. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> These are your electrolytes: </div> <div> <ul> <li> Bicarbonate (-) </li> <li> Calcium (+) </li> <li> Chloride (-) </li> <li> Magnesium (+) </li> <li> Phosphate (-)  </li> <li> Potassium (+) </li> <li> Sodium (+) </li> </ul> </div> <div> Bicarbonate is the only electrolyte that is produced solely within the body. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Acupuncture needles are made of stainless steel and, when placed under the skin, they create an electrical reaction within the body. The needles are somewhat like antennae and it follows that this medicine is very beneficial for directing and re-directing that energy WHICH IS ALREADY FLOWING WITHIN. In this way, acupuncture can also aid with keeping internal balance, nourishing where deficient and clearing excess as needed. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> Some Basic Signs of Electrolyte Imbalance </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <ul> <li> Lethargy/Fatigue </li> <li> Irregular heartbeat </li> <li> Dizziness </li> <li> Mental confusion </li> <li> Nausea </li> <li> Leg cramps (usually at night) </li> <li> Muscle weakness </li> <li> Muscle spasms/twitching </li> </ul> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Electrolytes can be lost through profuse sweating (especially in the summer heat), as well as through vomiting and diarrhea. And yes, you CAN overhydrate! Too much water intake is called "water intoxication." </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Chemotherapy, antibiotics and corticosteroids can significantly alter electrolyte balance. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Cancer, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, eating disorders, as well as substance abuse can all cause and/or contribute to electrolyte imbalance. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <b> 8 Great Sources of Electrolytes </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <ol> <li> Avocadoes </li> <li> Watermelon </li> <li> Coconut water </li> <li> Bananas </li> <li> Celery </li> <li> Dark leafy greens </li> <li> Yogurt </li> <li> Pedialyte/electrolyte packets </li> </ol> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Most electrolytes need to be replenished through our food and beverage intake. This is a short list above, but there are many other great foods and beverages that can help. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Excess electrolytes are filtered out by the kidneys and end up in our urine. They are the first line of defense when it comes to electrolyte imbalance. </div> </div> Sun, 22 Sep 2024 03:03:39 GMT https://www.ravenseltzer.com/what-the-heck-are-electrolytes-and-why-are-they-so-important thumbnail main image https://www.ravenseltzer.com/treating-root-and-branch <h3> Treating Root and Branch </h3> <div> <img src="https://cdn.website-editor.net/s/b7e834d0528c4af89ee35dc34e4fe428/dms3rep/multi/Resize+Tree+and+Root.jpg"/> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <div> <br/> </div> <div> The tree is frequently used as a metaphor in our medicine. You come in to see me with symptoms/ complaints -- these are your "branches." And the most visible part of a tree, but just because your branches are painful and sick, weak or broken, doesn't mean they are where the issue started. This is only where it is showing up.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Your branches did not become compromised "overnight" -- for instance, with extreme pain or systemic inflammation/auto-immune disorder -- just as with a real tree, it takes years for deep sickness to travel from the root to show up on the surface, but the first sign of real trouble is usually discoloration or spots on the leaves or the branches losing their leaves or becoming brittle. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Of course, when it comes to a traumatic accident or injury, or if a woman is pregnant and has symptoms due to her condition, yes, we DO know the root right away, but this approach still comes in handy: sometimes injuries don't heal properly or quickly due to underlying conditions that were present before the incident. And likewise, a woman's pregnancy will definitely be impacted by her overall underlying health before conception. And each pregnancy will also be different.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Why is this root and branch approach so important? My job is to use all of the information your give me about your leaves/branches, in addition to looking at your tongue and taking pulses, as well and anything else I observe about you, and find that "root" cause of your symptoms. The more chronic your situation and the more multi-layered it is, the more detective work it takes on my part to find that root, but honestly, that's what makes my work so fascinating and satisfying: No two patients are ever the same -- they may come in with the exact same western diagnosis and symptoms, but I may only use a few overlapping acupuncture points because their underlying conditions and tongue and pulse are completely different. They each have a different root issue, but the branches/surface may look the same. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> The acupuncture points and combinations are always the same, it's the application of them that changes. Why? Because every human being is entirely unique. And acupuncture and TCM acknowledge and support this -- and as a practitioner, I am trained to go with that flow: to take everything I've learned over the years and apply it to each individual patient as appropriate and necessary. This is in stark contrast to western medicine which takes a "one size fits all" approach to health and focuses on managing symptoms through medications. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> ******** </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> When it comes to understanding treatment strategy, the tree metaphor is also extremely helpful. For instance, pain is a "branch". I do treat this branch first in order to help bring relief, but at the same time, I am also searching for and treating the underlying root. As the pain diminishes over time, it will no longer be taking "center stage" and other branches will then "rise up" and become more prominent and then can be addressed.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Your branches all give me clues as to the root treatment that's needed and whether we are on the right track or we need a detour. And as healing proceeds, other root causes may also be discovered.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Sometimes people get excited with immediate results and I am always quite happy for these patients, but I still say "keep going with your treatment plan, don't stop now." Most of you do, but sometimes patients do stop too soon and they back-slide and are left with the impression that "it didn't work," but they actually don't know for sure. If you don't follow the plan or try to mix in different therapies and supplements, it can muddy the waters and make it very difficult to decipher what is actually working and what isn't. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> On the flip side, some people get impatient and stop after 2 or 3 treatments because they don't feel anything is happening yet -- there have been no "earth-shattering" results. Don't be fooled by this -- you may just be a slow-starter, especially if you are on a laundry list of western medications or have a history of serious illness such as cancer. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> And it is simply not realistic to expect that a 15 or 20-year chronic condition is going to be eradicated in 1 or even 3 months. Actually, if any health care practitioner promises you some "miracle" like this, please run the other way!  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Healing is rarely, if ever, a linear, straightforward process. You need to bring your trust, patience and determination to the table, especially when dealing with serious or long-term, chronic illness. And even when you think "nothing" is happening inside of you, remember what a wise teacher once observed: </div> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <div> <b> “When you dig a well, there's no sign of water until you reach it; only rocks and dirt to move out of the way. When you have removed enough of the debris, the pure water will flow.” </b> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Ultimately, the body has the power to heal itself and acupuncture creates a supportive inner environment to encourage and facilitate this process. Besides being cumulative, it is also curative, meaning that it does not simply manage or suppress symptoms as synthetic drugs do, but it actually heals and cures the body-mind at a deep level. With consistent, regular treatments, we heal your roots and your branches. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> As always, I am honored to help you clear the debris and get to the root of what's blocking you from flowing in your life and health through the wisdom and knowledge of this ancient medicine.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> </div> </div> Mon, 24 Oct 2022 04:36:45 GMT 183:772353516 (Raven Seltzer) https://www.ravenseltzer.com/treating-root-and-branch thumbnail main image https://www.ravenseltzer.com/the-quest-for-balance <h3> </h3> <div> <img src="https://cdn.website-editor.net/md/dmtmpl/dms3rep/multi/blog_post_image.png"/> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source. </div> Tue, 10 May 2022 02:46:04 GMT 183:772353516 (Raven Seltzer) https://www.ravenseltzer.com/the-quest-for-balance thumbnail main image https://www.ravenseltzer.com/navigating-seasonal-change-without-getting-sick <h3> Simple things you can do to stay healthy during the change of seasons </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> Here’s a short list of easy and practical things you can do and choices you can make for yourself to prevent illness during any seasonal change. We tend to be most susceptible when the weather and elements are fluctuating to the extremes. The body-mind, though very resilient, has a very delicate and fragile balance that needs to be honored and preserved. <div> <br/> <div> As we move from the cold/damp of Spring into the warm/damp or hot/dry of Summer, try some of these tips: </div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> <blockquote> <div> <div> 1) <b> Stick to warm, cooked foods for your main meals. </b> If you eat greens, steam or cook them. If you want to have a salad, go more for room temperature lettuce and vegetables and dressing. Cold and raw are not so easy to digest – the salads are better in Summer and early Fall. </div> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote> <div> <div> 2) <b> Stick to warm or room temperature beverages. </b> Herbal tea and water are best, but if you must have juice, cut it with half water to reduce the sugar (and the inflammation that follows). Cold creates more phlegm/mucus in the system, which can accumulate and cause blockages. </div> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote> <div> <div> 3) <b> Do your best to keep warm </b> – stay out of drafty areas.  </div> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote> <div> <div> 4) Keep your neck and throat wrapped with a warm or a decorative scarf. </div> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote> <div> <div> 5) Keep a sweater and light jacket in your car, just in case you end up in a cold, air conditioned building, or the weather suddenly turns cold and windy. </div> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote> <div> <div> 6) Take your <b> Jade Windscreen herbal formula </b> regularly to boost your immune system and prevent illness (Gan Mao Ling may also be used if you notice more of a difference taking it.) </div> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote> <div> <div> 7 <b> ) Vitamin C and D3 </b> are excellent supplements to add to your daily regimen if you haven’t already. </div> <div> <span> 8) Stress makes everything worse, so practice your breathing and letting go. You just need a few minutes, once or twice a day to sit quietly and meditate by counting the breath. Ask me for more details. </span> </div> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote> <div> <div> 9) Make sure you get to bed at a decent hour and <b> get enough good quality, deep sleep </b> .  </div> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote> <div> <div> 10) If you have a family with small children, do your best to keep yourself and them well – wash hands often, ask me about <b> “Children’s Jade Defense </b> ” which is a liquid, sweet tasting version of Jade Windscreen for kids. </div> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote> <div> <div> 11) Come on in for an acupuncture immune boost or two!  </div> </div> </blockquote> <div> <div> <br/> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 10 May 2022 02:44:40 GMT 183:772353516 (Raven Seltzer) https://www.ravenseltzer.com/navigating-seasonal-change-without-getting-sick thumbnail main image https://www.ravenseltzer.com/the-energetics-of-food-warming <h3> The Energetics of Food: Warming </h3> <div> <img src="https://cdn.website-editor.net/md/and1/dms3rep/multi/115623.jpeg"/> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> Coming soon! </div> Fri, 02 Apr 2021 22:17:06 GMT 183:772353516 (Raven Seltzer) https://www.ravenseltzer.com/the-energetics-of-food-warming thumbnail main image https://www.ravenseltzer.com/the-energetics-of-food Use food as medicine -- from Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine -- eat cooling foods to heal inflammation. <h3> The Energetics of Food: Cooling </h3> <div> <img src="https://cdn.website-editor.net/md/and1/dms3rep/multi/115623.jpeg"/> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> Systemic inflammation is a world-wide problem and the root cause of many diseases and disorders. It's very important to understand the connection between your diet and how it impacts your body-mind-spirit as a whole.  <div> <br/> </div> <div> In both Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, food is seen as your "first line" of healing -- used for prevention as well as treatment of illness and disease. And yes, what you eat can also impact any body pain you feel -- some foods may exacerbate the feeling, while other foods may help to stop and soothe the pain or swelling. It is especially effective in calming heat/fire and inflammation in any part of the body. <div> <br/> </div> <div> All foods are derived from some natural plant or animal source so what we eat is "alive" in a certain sense. What we eat has a huge impact on our thoughts, actions, energy level and mood. Instead of "counting calories" we look at and talk about the "energy" of food -- is it warming? Is it cooling? Does it create dampness in the body? Does it dry up dampness in the body?  <span> Different foods (and beverages) have these different qualities -- and spices and tastes are also an important part of the whole puzzle.  </span> <div> <br/> </div> <div> For anyone with inflammation -- that includes any condition which is hot, fiery, rising up to the head (think migraines, acid reflux, angry/emotional outbursts, TMJ) in addition to pain/swelling from trauma or a chronic condition-- a cooling diet is best, especially in the warm/hot summer months. During the winter, you wouldn't want to only eat cooling foods -- the body does need warmth. And in general, digestive fire is needed to breakdown the food into nutrients and consequently, to nourish the body. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> You can use the basics below to get started on a short-term cooling diet to see what effects it has for you, but more in-depth guidance is recommended from an experienced, licensed and knowledgeable practitioner. Acupuncture and herbal formulas can greatly supplement and support any dietary changes you make. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Cooling tastes are: sweet, bitter and astringent </div> <div> AVOID: sour, pungent and salty foods </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Cooling spices:  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Black pepper (small amounts) </div> <div> Cardamom </div> <div> Cinnamon </div> <div> Coriander </div> <div> Cumin (small amounts) </div> <div> Fennel </div> <div> Turmeric </div> <div> <span> AVOID SALT and MUSTARD </span> <br/> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <span> Here is a short list of cooling foods: </span> <br/> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Vegetables: (AVOID TOMATOES and GARLIC) </div> <div> <span> Asparagus </span> <span>   </span> <br/> </div> <div> Avocadoes </div> <div> Broccoli </div> <div> Brussels Sprouts </div> <div> Cabbage  </div> <div> Cilantro  </div> <div> Cucumber </div> <div> Cauliflower </div> <div> Celery </div> <div> Cress </div> <div> Green Beans </div> <div> Leafy Greens  </div> <div> Lettuce </div> <div> Mushrooms </div> <div> Okra </div> <div> White or yellow onions (AVOID Purple or red) </div> <div> Peas </div> <div> Parsley </div> <div> Potatoes </div> <div> Squashes </div> <div> Water chestnuts </div> <div> Zucchini </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <span> Legumes: </span> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Black lentils </div> <div> Chickpeas </div> <div> Mung beans </div> <div> Organic Tofu </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Fruits: Eat SWEET FRUITS (avoid sour) </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Apples (sweet ones) </div> <div> Apricots </div> <div> Berries (that are sweet) </div> <div> Cherries </div> <div> Coconut </div> <div> Grapes </div> <div> Mangoes </div> <div> Watermelon </div> <div> Melons (cantaloupe, honeydew, etc.) </div> <div> Nectarines </div> <div> Oranges </div> <div> Peaches </div> <div> Pears </div> <div> Persimmons </div> <div> Pineapples </div> <div> Plums </div> <div> Pomegranates </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Nuts &amp; Seeds: </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Coconut (raw, shredded, and milk) </div> <div> Pumpkin </div> <div> Sunflower </div> </div> </div> </div> Fri, 02 Apr 2021 21:41:13 GMT 183:772353516 (Raven Seltzer) https://www.ravenseltzer.com/the-energetics-of-food wellness diet healthy eating Ayurveda Chinese Medicine thumbnail main image https://www.ravenseltzer.com/does-acupuncture-hurt Do acupuncture needles hurt when inserted? <h3> No, it shouldn't hurt!! </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> The needles used in traditional acupuncture treatments are very thin and flexible -- they are solid, not hollow the way a hypodermic needle is. They are solid because we are neither taking anything out or putting anything in to you. <div> <br/> </div> <div> Patients report a range of sensations from feeling "almost nothing", to feeling a small pinch that dissipates quickly.  Feeling a strong sensation is seen as a very good sign in Traditional Chinese Medicine: it means the "right" point for treatment has been found -- and there is some stagnation or blockage in this point and it needs to be dispersed. <div> <br/> </div> <div> <div> Every practitioner has a different style when it comes to needling. Raven style is "Japanese" which is very gentle, and in most cases, barely noticeable.   </div> </div> </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> The degree of sensation may also depend on where the needles are placed -- wrists, ankles, tops of feet for instance, have very little flesh, so those areas may be more sensitive, but generally speaking, acupuncture DOES NOT hurt. </div> </div> Wed, 17 Jun 2020 22:00:19 GMT 183:772353516 (Raven Seltzer) https://www.ravenseltzer.com/does-acupuncture-hurt acupuncture,clean needle technique,pain management thumbnail main image https://www.ravenseltzer.com/the-art-of-letting-go Thoughts and musings on "The Art of Letting Go" as a path to deeper, more holistic healing. <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> ADDENDUM as of April 6, 2020 </p> <p> <span> Wow! What a wild ride it's been these last few weeks on a local, national and global scale! COVID-19 is making and leaving its mark -- it is a HUGE karmic wake-up call for us all! It is not comfortable, but is shifting us in ways that we could never have imagined or planned. Remember, out of the MUD, the beautiful LOTUS FLOWER emerges!  </span> <br/> </p> <p> <span> There is no better time than this to work with "The Art of Letting Go." We are having to let go of a great deal, all at once, whether we like it or not!! </span> <br/> </p> <p> <span> I am posting supportive videos on Facebook and holding weekly online yoga classes (Gentle and Yoga Nidra) until further notice. Please check my Events &amp; Classes page for more info. </span> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Please stay safe and well -- it is time for you to "come home." And to me, that means "going inside" and using all of my yoga, breathing, movement and meditation tools to do so. And sharing this journey with you all... </span> <br/> </p> <p> February 29, 2020 </p> <p> Every day, we have challenges and opportunities that arise. Or rather, situations can appear as challenges or opportunities and we have the choice of how to view them, and how they will impact our lives.  </p> <p> <span> What flips a challenge into an opportunity? The choice to let go... of whatever you are holding on to: fear, grief or anger from the past; expectations; of limiting beliefs and judgments about ourselves and others; the need to control everyone or everything. In that moment when we make the choice to let go, the process of healing begins... healing from the inside out.  </span> <br/> </p> <p> <span> How do we "let go?' The good news is that there are many ways, many tools that one can use to start this process. It begins with a willingness to look at something differently. That willingness can start with a deep breath or a new, expansive thought, or perhaps taking a walk outside and looking at a tree or a vista in a new and different way. A fresh perspective comes when we are willing to shift ourselves first, instead of expecting others and the world to change for us. </span> <br/> </p> <p> <span> This is energetic healing in the true sense of the word -- when we let go of toxic thoughts and behaviors, this creates a shift in the brain/mind which in turn begins to impact the physical body immediately. In yogic language, we talk about the "koshas", or layers/sheaths of energy. Picture yourself and your koshas as a series of Russian nesting dolls, one fitting inside of the next. </span> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Our physical body is the densest kosha - it solid and is most accessible to our awareness, especially if someone is experiencing pain or discomfort in the body. The energy or prana kosha is the first layer coming out from the physical body which is connected to and accessed by the breath. It is responsible for the flow of life energy (prana) through the body. When we begin to breathe more deeply and deliberately, we start to heal this kosha which in turn contributes to the healing of the physical body which it covers.  </span> <br/> </p> <p> <span> The mind or mental sheath is the next layer, encompassing thoughts and emotions. It is accessed and healed through meditation. The wisdom kosha is next, including knowledge, intuition and perception; this kosha is also healed through meditation. </span> <br/> </p> <p> <span> The final kosha, radiating out from center, is the bliss sheath. This is where one can experience complete bliss, joy, unconditional love, peace and happiness. Many of us catch a glimpse of this kosha after a yoga practice when lying down in savasana. Peaceful, light and whole... The activation of the koshas is directly responsible for triggering the Relaxation Response and taking us out of "fight or flight" mode.  </span> <br/> </p> <p> <span> The simple, courageous act of letting go is what starts this positive ripple effect and allows us to integrate as a whole, healed being. This is how we began our journey in this body and it is absolutely possible to re-discover this total healing and bliss inside of you.  </span> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Come and experience "The Art of Letting Go" with Raven at her next weekend workshop: ON HOLD UNTIL WE ARE PAST THE COVID-19 SITUATION.  </span> <br/> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <br/> </div> Sat, 29 Feb 2020 22:27:53 GMT https://www.ravenseltzer.com/the-art-of-letting-go thumbnail main image https://www.ravenseltzer.com/the-care-and-feeding-of-the-soul How does one care for and feed their "soul?" Thoughts, ideas and inspiration for living a more Soul-Full life. <div data-rss-type="text"> The care and feeding of the "soul" has been an ongoing theme in my life and teaching for a number of years now. The more I search inside of myself and the more I allow myself to be guided by my "soul," the more amazing my life becomes. It's an inside job! Years ago, I used to teach a workshop called "Begin from Within" -- it's a powerful directive and some of the best wisdom that I ever received. That was a soul workshop... <div> <br/> </div> <div> So, what exactly is the "soul"? It's not an easy thing to define. The first thing that comes to me is that it is that constant, small, soft voice -- that whisper in your ear that reminds you to take a deep breath, or to slip your shoes off and walk around in the grass for a while. It's the moment that you feel like breaking out into a song, no matter whether you are in the shower or in the middle of a crowd walking down 5th Avenue. It's the joy you feel at holding a newborn baby and having it grab your finger and hold tight. It's these individual moments as well as the collective energy of these moments -- it's our connection to everyone and everything around us, or rather, our acknowledgement and recognition that we are completely, energetically wired up with everyone and everything around us. We are all part of something that is much bigger than we are -- and it's okay to trust this "something" whether you call it God or Jesus or Divine Consciousness or Buddha or Allah or Goddess. These are all creative names for the same thing. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Perhaps I can make it even easier to distinguish: if you had even one little "Debbie Downer" thought pop into your head as you read that last paragraph, that's NOT your soul! It's your ego! This is the voice that is usually quite loud and fearful and it's always seeking to defend us, even if there is nothing to defend against. The ego does not like change. It doesn't like anything -- situation or person -- that it cannot have some control over (or at least perceived control over). The ego voice is kind of like a car load of drunken teenagers, speeding down the road, hollering at passersby and throwing things out the window. It's frequently angry or upset, always seeking attention and never subtle in it's communication or approach. Then again, you may also have an ego voice and side that is quieter, but quite manipulative -- it wants its way, at all costs. The average human being is completely controlled by his or her ego voice and therein you can see why we live in a chaotic world. Money and power always come first with the ego. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> How then do we cultivate and feed the soul? I did give a number of suggestions in the 2nd paragraph, but you need to find your own "soul food". What are the things in life that bring you joy? When you start to focus on these, remembering them, writing about them, picking up the phone to connect to someone who brings you joy, you will be feeding your soul.  </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> If you are feeling overwhelmed, overworked, overwrought with grief or sadness, don't worry. One of the best ways to help yourself tune into your soul voice is to begin a meditation practice. Through meditation, we learn how to quiet the mind -- the ego voice. When we are still and quiet and listen, we can begin to hear our true soul voice coming through. So many wise teachers have said the same thing -- even the Bible says it in it's own language: the answers lie within you. Meditation need not be difficult, but it is a "practice" which means you keep showing up, no matter what, and follow your practice and/or your teacher -- that is what is most important. It's not about how long you sit or walk or the manner is which you sit or walk. I'll offer more about meditation practice in another blog entry, but it's a good place to start to open to your Soul Voice. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Today, in this moment, take a few moments to focus on what makes you happy and joyful. See how that makes you feel -- notice what other juicy thoughts, ideas, and unexpected brilliant plans emerge. It will shift your energy, your day, and your life in ways that you can't imagine! Here's a short list of some great "soul" books that will also inspire you: </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> <span> Soul Shifts </span> by Dr. Barbara DeAngelis </div> <div> <span> The Seat of the Soul </span> by Gary Zukav </div> <div> <span> The Care of the Soul </span> by Thomas Moore </div> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <br/> </p> </div> Tue, 03 Sep 2019 21:27:52 GMT https://www.ravenseltzer.com/the-care-and-feeding-of-the-soul thumbnail main image https://www.ravenseltzer.com/how-i-avoided-spinal-fusion-surgery My personal experience with healing Spondylolisthesis through yoga therapy. <div data-rss-type="text"> <b> My first back injury came at 16 years old -- a critical time for a teenager, when the final vertebrae are being calcified into bone. I loved horses and spent a good deal of time around the barn, especially during my summers -- I was doing a great deal of physical lifting and work including shoveling out stalls; and then school began and I loved plants so I joined the Sprouts Club and this included wielding a shovel once again, to dig in the school gardens. That tipped the scale for me and led to a back sprain or whatever they called it. Then in my early to mid 20-s came 3 car accidents within 2 years -- I was rear-ended each time, a major hazard of driving in Los Angeles. </b> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <div> <b> A chiropractor took an x-ray of my whole spine, post-accident number 1, and asked me "what did you do to your low back when you were 16? It herniated your L4-5 disc." I was floored! He could see the scar tissue from my first injury, and it had healed badly. Lucky for me, I had begun doing a yoga practice at 17, about 6-8 months after that first episode. I did not realize it until much later, but my ongoing yoga practice actually helped my disc and spine to heal and to most likely prevent further problems over the years. I was practicing "yoga therapy" before it had a name. Still, I had to be careful because a weakness was created in that area of my lumbar spine. </b> </div> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <div> <b> Flash forward to 2001 when I lifted something heavy in a bad way and it sent my back into rebellion once again, but worse than I had ever experienced in my life. I must have pulled and strained muscles and the end result was extreme spasming up and down my entire spine. This is actually a defense mechanism/reaction by the muscles, designed to protect and hold the vertebrae in place in order to avoid further movement of the bones and damage to the discs. It still can be incredibly painful and scary when it happens to you.  </b> </div> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <div> <b> At that time, I could do nothing but stay on the floor. I could barely move without experiencing excruciating pain. Laying on my back on the floor with knees bent was the only initial relief. Moving too much or too little sent currents of pain up and down my whole body. I pulled myself along on the hardwood floors to get from room to room, and used chairs to pull myself up to do basic, necessary things like prepare food and eat and use the facilities. I was only 37 years old, but I was completely incapacitated and scared.  </b> </div> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <div> <b> After 3 days of this, I eventually was able to get down my stairs and into my car for an appointment -- there was an orthopedic surgeon's office about a 5 minute drive from me. They took an x-ray of my spine and the doctor told me that I had a condition called "spondylolisthesis" where my L4 vertebrae was slipping out in front of L3 and L5, which is a dangerous thing because it begins to pull and push the spinal cord and to stretch and pull and possibly herniate the discs as well. This most likely connected to my injury at 16. And I was told that the only way I would be able to live "pain free" again was to have a spinal fusion surgery. A spinal fusion back then would have consisted of 2 titanium bars screwed to my lumbar vertebrae to hold the bones in place. I was horrified as this was all explained to me. I walked out in shock and did not schedule another appointment. I was determined not to have anyone take a knife or scalpel to my lower back. </b> </div> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <div> <b> My next call was to my yoga center at the time, and 2 of my mentors, Hasita Agathe Nadai and Brahmani Liebman. I felt confident that gentle yoga and restorative classes could help me with my issue and relieve the pain. I began attending classes on a regular basis and quickly became hooked on this style and tradition of yoga which is heart-opening and breath-centered. I was able to put together a number of movements and poses that became my routine for healing the spondy condition. It took a year and a half, but when I went back for another x-ray, it showed no signs of the spondylolisthesis.  </b> </div> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <div> <b> How did this healing happen? It's not mysterious or magical, but it did take time, creativity, commitment and intention. And trust in my body/mind/spirit's ability to heal. I used gentle breathing and yoga movements/poses to bring my muscles back to a relaxed state, and to release compression on my nerves. Yoga always calms the nervous system overall so my stress level went down. And then began gentle core strengthening over a period of 10 plus months. The pain relief came within 1-2 months, but it was a longer journey to maintain the long-lasting effects. Much like learning to ride a bike -- you start on 4 wheels and get up and moving, then go to a tricycle, then a bicycle with training wheels. And then you take the training wheels off and it becomes all about using your strength and your skills to balance on 2 wheels.  </b> </div> <div> <b> <br/> </b> </div> <div> <b> As a result of my extreme experience, I created a healthy routine for myself which evolved over time -- I got really smart about my own body -- using yoga as therapy -- tuning into the breath and coordinating it with the movement; noticing my edges and learning when I needed to stop and when I needed to keep going a touch more. I became more grounded and aware of how I was moving my body in each moment. And, most importantly, I was able to avoid a spinal fusion surgery and create lasting pain relief and a hug increase in quality of life for myself. This led me to train to become a yoga teacher and therapist, in order to offer my own learning and healing to others as an example. A little further down the road, I became a Licensed Acupuncturist which gave me another amazing set of tools to heal mind/body/spirit. </b> </div> </div> Sat, 09 Jan 2016 22:27:52 GMT https://www.ravenseltzer.com/how-i-avoided-spinal-fusion-surgery thumbnail main image