Words on Death and Nourishment from the Salmon Spirit

Blog, Digestion, Foods For Thought, Herbal Wisdom, Human Spirit, Trauma Healing

It was a few months ago that I met the Salmon Spirit. I was attending an Imbolc and plant medicine class and had an encounter with a plant that brought me on a journey to the sacred laws of reciprocity through the body and life of the Salmon. A dream message that slowly revealed its lesson through lived experiences that awakened a full awareness of my impact on the whole organism of life. (The full story will come forth as I allow myself to fully digest the gift of this insight.)

The Salmon is cross culturally symbolic as a totem of knowledge and reciprocity. The Salmon’s journey and dream is one of service and initiation. [Read more…] about Words on Death and Nourishment from the Salmon Spirit

Infertility and the Impotent Male Mindset

Blog, For the Guys, Herbal Wisdom, Hormone Health, Human Spirit

I will say in advance that this article is charged with some emotion and “judgment” towards our men. As most of you know I write many articles around support of our men and how the landscape of the healing arts world leaves them behind. However, in the fields of fertility they do not play fair. I write this after another interaction with one of my female clients recently that echoed the story I have heard way too often…

“I am still not pregnant, I am now on Letrozole (or insert one of many ovulation stimulating drugs), I feel awful and all of my tests say that I am hormonally healthy. My husband finally got checked out and it appears his sperm is weak. “Is he taking any action to improve his sexual health”. NO, he supports me and Maya massage and herbs and doctors but there is no way he will do any of this….”

Common Letrozole side effects may include:

dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, tired feeling
hot flashes, warmth in your face or chest
bone pain, muscle or joint pain
flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)
headache
increased sweating
swelling, weight gain

It is at this point that I have to swallow my anger. I have to allow judgment to roll off my back as my client sits in front of me feeling defeated. Feeling like she has failed- like her body has failed and that she still has to carry the entire burden of the infertility diagnosis herself. It further astonishes me how many couples in this scenario- or should I say how many women- are willing to undergo expensive and invasive IVF treatments before the male partner tries to improve his fertile health. Again, I always hear- “he is so supportive of all the things I do”. Umm- of course he is- he doesn’t have to do anything inconvenient or invasive to his body. I am fully aware that this is not all men. But I write from first hand experience and my experience is that this is the common story.

Emotions aside, I can come into a place where there is compassion for a man who receives a diagnosis of poor sperm and reproductive health. Those words pierce straight to the heart of ego. And, in a society where men already feel isolated from emotional expression it can be an uphill climb to face the reality that they are not the warrior-creator-provider that the stories of conquer and kings make us all believe they should be.

Times are different, our bodies are different and face different challenges with stress and toxicity on many levels. This is not exclusive to the sensitive female system. Stress typically effects our hormone health first as the brilliance of life will not allow creation to continue if the landscape is barren and void of nourishment. This effects men equally to women. Women just speak of it more often as we have a moon cycle that alerts us to imbalance every month.

(I do want to insert here that many of my beloved friends, clients and colleagues identify as female with male type bodies. When I speak of women and females here I speak of those with female parts regardless of gender identity- and vice versa- as stress and fertility affect us all :)… However, this issue lends itself more to the straight, heterosexual population.)

Details of the infertility epidemic and what resources can be helpful for our men….

A diagnosis of infertility comes after a couple is unable to conceive after one year of trying. According to statistics from the CDC 35-40% of issues come from female imbalance, 35-40% come from male imbalance and the rest is of equal imbalance in both partners. This information alone should hopefully spark awareness to the importance of shared responsibility in this delicate, important and miraculous process.

Common causes of infertility for both men and women are:

Stress and trauma
Hormone imbalance
Poor diet and lifestyle- including being overweight
History of chronic disease
Medication use
Recreational drug use including tobacco and marijuana
Past or recent sexual infections
Abdominal surgeries

Causes of infertility in men:

Low sperm count and motility of sperm
Erectile dysfunction
Ejaculation issues and obstruction
had one or two undescended testicles when you were a baby or child
have a hernia in your groin- very common in men
Hormone replacements and steroid use- testosterone.
All of the above- stress, trauma, diet, lifestyle, smoking, drug use etc.

When my clients (mostly women) come in to see me around their reproductive health we start by looking holistically at all of the above factors. When it comes to baby making we must all remember that just because the fetus grows within the mother and is mostly nourished by her, the health of that initial beautiful organism is affected by the health of both cells from sperm and egg. What that sperm carries (stress, toxins, trauma) can greatly influence if and how that fetus develops. Both parts must be healthy and vital for life to respond optimally. When wanting to create a family- the vitality of the whole family organism should be addressed- mom, dad, baby/ mom, mom, baby/ dad, dad, baby- or whatever lovely structure your family takes.

So, how do we approach the male bodied partners out there who need some guidance around this joint effort plan in parenting? First, we acknowledge how the male dynamic is mostly NOT wired to self nurture. We meet them where they are and give them information in a way that supports and doesn’t diminish them. (And, yes, maybe a few harsh words of reality) There is NO shame in needing a little assistance in our reproductive health. MEN- of course you need assistance. Modern stressors affect us all-like I said. They affect all and affect us first in our endocrine balance which affects our sexual vitality. You are not less of a man because you battle and experience the same stress triggers as most every other man- and woman- walking. We all just need to talk about it more.

Next, we provide resources and solutions that are simple. My recent client knows that there is no way her husband will come to see me so we created a plan where she would teach him the abdominal massage for her and she would also do the massage for him. This creates intimacy that is also nourishing the tissues and organs of the reproductive systems- win win. We also talked about herbs and foods for him that he could easily incorporate.

For the man who is more willing to be an active participant- I strongly suggest that everything the woman does- the man also does. If she is going to alter her diet and lifestyle to more balance and health- so should he. If she is going to take nourishing herbs for her reproductive system- so should he. I will also insert here that regardless of fertility challenges, we want healthy babies and these steps should be taken by ALL couples looking to conceive.

Support for the male body

Herbs– when deciding to take herbs please work with someone experienced in the field of health. Also, diet and lifestyle must be addressed for any plant’s healing properties to have full positive affect on the body.

Saw Palmetto berry ~Saw Palmetto is nourishing to the entire endocrine system, which may help improve overall reproductive function in men
American Ginseng Rt. ~This hearty root is considered to be one of the best male sexual tonics. Clinical observation has shown American ginseng to to support healthy libido, erectile dysfunction and enhance male sexual performance.
Maca~ In a human study of 9 men who were given gelatinized maca for 4 months at 1,500 – 3,000 mg a day experienced an increase in libido, sperm count, motility of sperm, increased DHEA levels, decreased anxiety and stress, lowered blood pressure, balanced iron levels and an increase in adrenal androgens.
Yohimbe Bark ~Yohimbe has been found to increase circulation to the erectile tissues; aiding in physiological and psychogenic (mental) impotence. Impotence; the inability to sustain erection, is the most common sexual disorder among men.

Diet and Lifestyle- all things worth doing take time. Allow your body to be nourished before you try to conceive.

Foods high in Zinc~ Zinc has been widely researched in relation to the reproductive health in men. You can easily supplement with zinc and I recommend zinc rich foods as the body more readily uses foods for our nourishment (as long as gut health is in check). Foods high in zinc are: Oysters, spinach and greens, organic lamb and beef, pumpkin seeds, cashews.
Organic foods~ organic does matter when we talk fertility. Some of the most potent endocrine disruptors come on our foods in the form of pesticides and antibiotics. Fresh, clean and organic foods nourish the body and help keep digestion moving and the liver in optimal filtering health.
Removing toxins~ Environmental toxins are harsh enough but add tobacco and other drugs to our liver, lungs and body and we have a cocktail of major hormone disruption. Habits are not easy to break and I do not take lightly the journey of quitting tobacco, alcohol, recreational drugs etc. I will propose these questions however: Is the health of the fetus important? Are you willing to adjust your lifestyle to make space for a healthy new baby?- There is no judgment here at all. Just necessary questions as life is not a game to play with.
Stress management~ Emotional and physical stressors are- in my opinion- the most damaging to our entire system and reproductive health. Find ways to balance your work and your play. Have a creative outlet. Exercise. Take up some mindfulness practices such as meditation and breath. Massage and self- care are very important. (The Maya abdominal massage is excellent for reproductive health in both women and men). Spend more time in nature- alone and with your partner. Have loving, playful and pleasurable sexual connection :).

This journey through the infertility diagnosis is emotional and taxing. Sharing equally in the responsibility can help ease the levels of stress assumed mostly by the female. Less stress on one partner= more love between both partners= better baby making.

If you are finding that there is an imbalance in the desire for shared responsibility please reach out. Men- do not feel ashamed to talk about how to nourish your sexual health. Women- do not feel alone in the journey. We can find balance and solutions for the health of our children who in turn will bring hopeful, healthful love to this Earth.

Other articles you may find helpful:

Female- Fear- Fertility

P is for Prostates..

“F” is for Female~Fear~Fertility~Failure

Blog, Herbal Wisdom, Hormone Health, Human Spirit

For most of my 30s I would wake in the morning with this underlying anxiety that would hit me with a subtle waive of nausea. The thoughts that accompanied this feeling would all be centered around this theme of “running out of time to prove my feminine worthiness”. In my mind I was racing against time, I was racing against myself and I also felt as though as I was racing against other women- which is a perpetuating factor, I believe, in our current imbalances. Above all, I felt alone. When we don’t connect and learn from one another we also perpetuate a shame around our bodies not working, not being loved, not loving ourselves and so on. This separation just compounds the feelings of unworthiness and embarrassment at being (insert age here) without a man and a baby- a perfect picture of balanced family-career-love.

Dark Moon Dreaming- Your Menses have Magic Powers…

Blog, Herbal Wisdom, Hormone Health, Human Spirit, Hypothalamic Amenorrhea

She falls in trust through the darkest night towards dawn-

Landing cradled in a silver crescent to lay her dreamy head upon-

Shedding the layers of dreams past-lovers-lessons and strife-

She is born once again- swelling with light and new life-

(A new moon is here dancing again with the sun. What a day, what a time to reflect on what the dance within you expresses…)

I have not had regular menses since menarche. From heavy and painful periods, a journey through birth control pills -that wreaked havoc to my system for years- into hypothalamic amenorrhea, my path to connecting with the sacred moon rhythms has unearthed the most ancient beauty within me as well as some very dark nights. I have had to face some truths about my health, my beliefs around my body and relationship to the world around me.

My own personal journey into the magic moon time took me through a month long “womb blood awakening” course with the Fountain of Life Foundation (FOL). Through meditations, devotional womb practices and shamanic menstruation my dream world began to open in vivid color and landscapes full of messages. This altered state began to flow into my waking life and my relationship with myself and the world around me shifted. It wasn’t until I really studied the sacredness of my own flow that I was able to not only balance my cycle and live without pain, but also heal a deeply wounded sense of self love and of not belonging to divine creation herself. I have a richer relationship with my emotions and can navigate my dreams in dark and day and discern what they are trying to say.

Each month women are blessed with a time of shedding, renewal, reflection and emotional cues that can guide our lives. A woman’s moon time is the most distinctive and inescapable physical difference from her male counterpart. We as women are blessed with an internal compass that can guide our fertile life, our creative life and our dream world. The relationship with your moon is, in my opinion a direct reflection of your relationship with self, your personal relationships and loverships. Your moon can tell you stories about your health and sing songs of your journey in love. As a woman you embody the grand Universal cycle of life- death and rebirth each month. Tapping into the ancient part of you that holds ceremonial truth about your magic moon can invoke great insight into your life in the waking and dream states.

“Her capacity to mate and bare children is a potential which the individual may or may not fulfil, but lover or virgin, mother or nun, from puberty to menopause she menstruates. And the point to realize is that she menstruates on all her levels- physical, etheric, astral, mental and spiritual. It is the ultimate expression of her (Goddess- like) cyclical nature.”- Janet and Stewart Farrar

These insights and dreams hold stories about your deepest truths and you start to see your life, and in some cases the lives of those you love, more clearly. In fact ancient civilizations all over the world honored this sacred time in women and would seek the guidance from the visions that came to them in their dreams during menstruation. Women were given respite from the daily duties and, in many cases, were physically relocated into what was known as the “red tent” so that they could connect to their process and deepest womb wisdom. In many ancient texts and myths it was written that womb blood was considered an elixir of life full of healing and consciousness altering properties. Womb blood carries all of the elements of life and properties unique only to divine creation.

“…over the last few years… what science now shows is that menstrual fluid contains over 1000 proteins that are biologically active, and 385 are unique proteins found only in menstrual fluid. The proteins and peptides found in menstrual blood and yoni fluids include many growth factors and cell stimulators, as well as a portion that are neurologically active or alter sensory perception” -FOL

Stories of the red tent have trickled down through the generations and we are now seeing a revival in “womb blood magic” and ceremonies that teach women how to connect to their ancient rhythms and change how they view this sacred monthly passage. And it couldn’t come sooner- the voice of divine creation (the Goddess) has fallen deaf on our modern ears and her song that lives in every woman is craving to be heard. I see this craving in the female clients I work with- in my sisters- in the men who are awakening to their own emotional lives and I feel it deep in myself. It is expressed through suppressed grief around self-love in the form of pelvic pain, fibroids, cysts, PMS, miscarriages and disconnected partnerships… I see it in sisters all around who cannot connect to one another and long for deep feminine relationships. I see it in anger, erratic emotions and confusion around operating in a way that has shut down their sacred connection to creative flow.

Shifting the current paradigm of shame around menstruation will take lots of healing circles, time, and a Universal shift in both men and women in how we treat this sacred cycle of life. It is quite daunting to most women to even consider not using tampons during their bleed. So, how do we begin? We start slow. We evoke the beauty of the subconscious to train the conscious mind. We look to the sky and begin to observe the bigger picture. We begin to dream again and simply ask our dreams to show us what we need to know to connect, to heal and to love deeply this sacred flow of life through our wombs.

Dark Moon Dream Time Tools

BE emotional: We as women have been conditioned to suppress our emotions so we can hang with the boys. Emotions are of the water element- they need to flow in order to carve new paths, soften rough edges and nurture all life. Trusting your emotions during menstruation may seem counterintuitive to current practices but your moon time emotions contain your MOST true insights. It takes practice and vulnerability to allow your rawness to reveal truths you may not want to address. You may be afraid of losing control. So, again, start slow. Feel and breath into it. Be curious rather than casting judgement. Just observe them. It is very helpful to journal and name them as naming a thing will disarm the charge around it and bring insight. As you become more aware you will begin to see patterns in your emotions and find your voice to express them clearly. But above all- BE emotional.

Make a dream pillow: This is magic at its most whimsical when we can whisper to our angels again like we did as children. A dream pillow simply holds the intention of opening you up to allow your subconscious dream state to guide you. Plants, herbs, flowers, crystals and stones have been used in dream pillows through many ancient cultures to evoke lucid dream states. My favorite plant to work with is Mugwort. Simply find a little pouch- I prefer leather or black to deflect any unwanted incoming energy- and fill it with Mugwort and a little crystal. You will want to whisper your intentions and prayers during your menses each night and slip it under your pillow or hang it over your bed. I have known some to actually fill a whole pillow- it’s your journey.

Follow the moon: Simply beginning to tune into the actual phases and cycles of the moon will create a deeper connection to your own divine cycles. You can simply honor her every night with a short prayer of gratitude. I personally build a devotional altar at each new and full moon phase while taking extra time to honor the quarter moon times in meditation. But, awareness of her and asking for her guidance is a simple and beautiful step in your path.

Have a lunar water prayer vessel: Ok, so this is by far one of my most favorite rituals, and one that I learned in the FOL course that I took. For one entire lunar cycle (new moon through new moon) you fill a clear chalice, cup or vessel of your choosing with water. You whisper prayers of gratitude into the water and ask the moon to fill the water with her healing properties. You leave the water outside to collect moonbeams overnight. When you wake in the morning you drink the water. I swear the water will wash over your womb and you will be filled with a deep ancient feeling of connection- I did anyway. This is also a beautiful ritual to do with little ones who may be afraid to sleep. They can feel like they whispered prayers to the moon to protect them in the night- again, magic in its whimsy.

I love you to the moon… thanks for reading.

I am here for guidance and questions.

Learn to Listen to Your Gut

Lemonade for Your Lady Parts

Blog, Foods For Thought, Herbal Wisdom, Hormone Health

I love fresh made lemonade. And, I have been practically dosing myself on this amazing herbal lemonade recipe I created that will love up your lady parts. It is full of nourishing herbs, spicy ginger and lots of fresh lemon. Oh- and it’s PINK!

The base of this nourishing summertime beverage is an herbal infusion. Infusions are similar to simple teas but they steep for at least 4 hours in order to draw out the maximum benefit of the herbs being used.

You will need a large jar or large French press cleaned of all coffee grounds. I use sprouting jars for all of my infusions as they are the perfect size and come equipped with an easy strain mesh top- and they are cheap. I have quite a few so I can do a couple infusions at a time.

Lemonade for Your Lady Parts

I don’t typically measure anything as I like to go on feel. Some days I want more ginger so I add more. Or, I don’t want any sweetener so I skip the bit of stevia leaf. If I am coming close to my menses I may boost the red raspberry a pinch. Play with what you feel but here is a rough guideline…

Raspberry leaf– one small handful (1/2 cup): Raspberry leaf is simply food for your uterus. It also adds a slight raspberry flavor to the lemonade.
Hibiscus Flowers– I use about 8-10 of the dried whole flowers. Hibiscus is full of vitamin C which is necessary for healthy ovulation and, of course immunity. It also has wonderful astringent properties so it is very good consumed before and during your moon. This is what makes everything pink-in the lemonade that is.
Oatstraw- One small handful (1/2 cup): Oats are an incredible nervine and have been used to ease anxiety, depression, irritability and low sexual vitality. In fact oatstraw has been used for addressing low libido in men and women for centuries. It has a very mild taste.
Fresh Ginger– 1/4 cup thinly sliced: Ginger is an incredible anti- inflammatory and digestive aid. Adjust to your taste.
Stevia– one tiny pinch of raw leaf: A little goes a long way. You could use a tiny amount of raw honey.
Lemons– about 3 medium organic lemons.

Bring adequate amount of water to a boil in a pot, enough to fill, or almost fill the jar. Add the ginger and simmer for 10 minutes. Put all of the herbs in the jar and pour the water over. Give thanks to the herbs for their potent healing and you can whisper intentions into your infusion as you work. If your water doesn’t fill the jar all the way- no worries. You can always add more. Let the infusion sit (in the sun if you can) for at least 4 hours, but no more than 8 as you don’t want things to get funky. Refrigerate until cold. Add as much lemon as you want- strain and drink up.

You’re welcome!

When Your Belly Has Been a Battleground- (Post Cleanse and Protocol Soothing)

Blog, Digestion, Herbal Wisdom

Your belly is battleground from mouth to anus as it is constantly attacking invaders and removing toxins. With each bite of food, each breath of “fresh” air and in each interaction with another our entire gut sends out signals as to what may be friend or foe as bacteria, viruses and parasitic critters enter our system. As our food and environments become more toxic and our stress levels rise, it becomes more difficult for this system to stay in balance and fight the foreign invaders giving rise to the ever popular diagnoses of IBS, candida, parasitic infection and now SIBO (among many others).

I see these beat up bellies on a daily basis. People come to me with one of the many diagnosis and are usually on some sort of cleanse-herb-diet-antibiotic protocol to kill the foreign invaders- great! Unfortunately, the guidance around what to expect when you “call off the troops” (so to speak) falls short and leaves many people in a vicious cycle of constantly trying to kill- cleanse-kill. This can truly become obsessive- (I mean, who wants critters in their gut)- and can lead to many other imbalances in digestion and immune function. Also, most often these same people have also been put on a diet full of fiber to help ease the constipation associated with the imbalances. (fiber is not always the best option but that is for another day and time- or email me). When they get to me seeking some relief from it all their guts are literally crying out for them to stop the kill and just chill.

The gut truly is our second brain. And, like our brain we are just beginning to understand more about its many functions especially in managing and balancing the bacteria in relationship to overall health. Recently there has been a lot of new research around our own personal bacteria makeup- also known as the microbiome. When we attack and try to rid our body of outside pathogens and unwanted bacteria we are disrupting a whole entire system that will need to be soothed, rebuilt and understood on a case by case basis. This goes for those who have also been on a cleanse that may have included supplements for “cleaning out” the gut.

I am not anti-cleanse and kill. Cleansing and removing the harmful bacteria and unwanted gunk is very healthy for our entire body. But, like I said, most programs miss a big piece in education and support around the origin of the imbalance and how to soothe and rebuild the now, vulnerable and irritated gut lining. Most people, at the very least, get told to take a round of probiotics but they are still left hanging with some of the original symptoms. Here is a guide into questions to ask and safe ways to soothe.

Rebuilding Your Gut- What you need to know

With every protocol we must always remember that the body is self-regulating and self- healing and we should always try to choose the least invasive route into the fight. You also need to look at the many other factors in your life that may be contributing to your imbalances.

Stress: Stress kills- we all know. But, when it comes to the gut it is most susceptible. When we are in sympathetic stress mode- as most of us are all day- our body signals the gut to slow down and stop digesting and producing enzymes in preparation for “the flight or fight”. This continued message can cause your gut motility to slow to down, and in some almost halt. Gut motility is the motor function of the smooth muscle lining of the intestines that moves food- and gunk- through your entire digestive tract at a healthy and relaxed pace. Low motility will cause constipation, pain and contraction and bacteria can end up getting stuck in the wrong places and create overgrowth- as in the case of SIBO. Addressing your motility is necessary for proper gut function. Stress management, abdominal massage techniques and certain foods/herbs can greatly assist motility of your gut.

Antibiotic use: I grew up in the age of antibiotic happy parents as they didn’t know what we know now about their overuse. Antibiotics have saved millions of lives but they are NOT the answer to your every little sniffle and sneeze. They literally wipe out your beneficial bacteria leaving your immune system and gut open and vulnerable. Since most of your immune system is in your gut you are setting yourself up for another vicious cycle of foreign invaders-antibiotics. When you know how to rebuild your gut and address all factors necessary your immune system will naturally defend itself. Also, you NEED bacteria so you can become resistant to infection. Stop killing and start rebuilding.

Diet: Simply put if you are not willing to address your diet then stop reading. I find so many people know what they need to do to feel better but won’t. They are addicted to foods that are literally killing them. I realize the emotional implications of diet which is why support and addressing your whole mind-body-spirit picture is necessary. You will never feel better if you continue to eat processed foods full of chemicals and poison. Your gut will never heal regardless of what cleanse, herbs and protocols you may add in- even the ones I recommend below.

Family history: Does your mom digest well? Does a sibling have crohn’s, celiac or colitis? How was your gut as a child? When did your symptoms start? Answering these questions can be very helpful in addressing the proper way to rebuild and what your deeper causes may be. Predisposition to gut imbalance and childhood traumas (ugh I know) can reveal a lot.

How to rebuild

Probiotics?: If you have been to see someone about your belly you have most likely been told to take probiotics. We need healthy amounts of beneficial bacteria (flora) in our gut. Our digestion, our emotional well-being, our hormones and our immune system all rely on this balance. Here is where it gets tricky- and why I highly recommend getting guidance… Probiotics can sometimes do more harm than good. As mentioned, there is a tremendous amount of research now around the microbiome. Essentially we all have our own unique balance of different types of bacteria throughout our whole body- aka the microbiome. Knowing a little bit about yours is incredibly helpful when rebuilding the gut.

There are many ways to repopulate your gut flora in addition to your “typical” probiotic blend including soil based organisms, colostrum and fermented foods. Also, take into consideration what your imbalance was- if you are recovering from SIBO or IBS you may not benefit from large doses of probiotics right away and could end up making your symptoms worse.

Bone Broth: This is one of my favorite ways to rebuild the gut and nourish your whole entire body. It contains high amounts of collagen and amino acids that are essential for cell and tissue repair. I am all for using foods to heal. Read here for more info on bone broth.

Glutamine: L- glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and is responsible for cellular turn over and tissue repair which is why it is in a lot of post workout protein powders. (don’t worry it does not bulk you up). Even if you are doing your bone broth or collagen supplementation I highly recommend dosing some glutamine for a short while. You can get glutamine anywhere but I highly recommend a powder.

Marshmallow and Slippery Elm: Whenever I take this I envision the lining of my intestines becoming like a slip and slide. Both of these amazing foods/herbs are incredible for soothing the whole entire digestive tract. I like to take them together in a powder. You can add them to smoothies but drink fast as they do act like thickeners.

Aloe Vera Juice and Gel: Think of how cooling and soothing aloe is for your skin. It does that for your insides. Some people drink it every day and some just need it in high doses for a month or so to help repair and soothe. It does have a very mild effect on your bowel movements so tune into how it works for you. It is also very good for your immune system.

Get Abdominal Massage: I have to say this because it is my passion and it works. Having your abdomen massaged can help alleviate any adhesions, contractions and inflammation trapped in the tissue. It is incredible for the nervous system and can greatly affect motility in a positive manner. Plus, it is a journey into understanding your body in a whole new way. If you are lucky enough to live in the Seattle area (currently 65 and sunny as I write) you can come see me- or email me if you need help finding other abdominal massage practitioners.

So whether you are finishing up a spring cleanse or a belly blasting protocol of any sort, make sure you soothe the soil you just turned up- repopulate appropriately and most important- Learn to Listen to Your Gut

Pelvic Health Will Open Your Heart

Blog, Herbal Wisdom, Hormone Health, Human Spirit

“I laid down to maintain connection with my uterus/sacral chakra, as you suggested -being that I haven’t connected with the self-care massage. I spiraled through a cycle of breaths with one hand on my sacral chakra, one on my heart. A few moments into this, I had an image of a magenta chrysanthemum blooming internally, where my uterus holds space. Instantaneously, tears started flowing. A few hours later, I started my bleed. I have no cramping. Something…”. ~words from a client.

When I began working directly with abdominal and pelvic health I knew that I was stepping into a powerful realm. I understood the benefits of abdominal care from a physiological view as that can be quite objective and measured. But it is in the unmeasurable and magical shifts that the body goes through when the unseen parts of us are accessed that the elusive path to opening one’s heart begins to appear. And most of those unseen parts live deep within the most sacred and misunderstood parts of our body. In my experience the root of your journey truly begins in the pelvic bowl as it houses your ideas about love, creation, sex, fear, shame, pleasure (doesn’t always mean sex) and communion. (And, to clarify, pelvic bowl/health is in reference to your reproductive organs physically and your first and second chakras energetically)

Most of us do not even think about our pelvic health as we were never taught about how we should feel about our pelvis. In fact, most of us were taught to not feel, to not talk and to not think too long about what happens in your pelvis as you may be considered “loose” or immoral. When we create stories and withhold education those feelings of fear, shame, guilt and more are born directly into the very part of us that the story is based. These dangerous messages are what I believe to be the basis for the amount of abuse (verbal and sexual) and the derogatory and harmful portrayal of sexuality in our society. I realize that this is very sensitive material but it is necessary to name what lurks in our dark places in order for our lives, our love and our hearts to blossom.

The pelvis, as mentioned, holds our reproductive organs- our sexual and creative function. If there has been trauma, surgery, dis-ease and other lifestyle/life-story factors that have affected our pelvis we will very likely have physical imbalances that manifest in sexual dysfunction, painful menstrual cycles, fertility issues, pelvic pain and more. These are all signs that your pelvic health is in need of attention and not necessarily the kind that takes a pill or an invasive surgery. We may also have a sense of imbalance in our relationship to “self”. This may show up in ways that you wouldn’t relate directly to your pelvic bowl. Do you ever feel like you cannot express what you know deep down in your heart? Do you have a “sense” that you know the reason you are having pain and imbalances but you do not know how to access the wisdom and strength to guide you?

By accessing the physical and energetic components in the very place that holds your ability to create, reproduce, connect sensually and feel pleasure, your heart center will naturally begin to open. You will begin to feel safe, grounded and more expressive in your body as new energy, blood, oxygen and nutrients can flow more freely. How do I know? I see it daily in my clients. I have taken the path and have witnessed an opening in myself that only comes from knowing your pelvis and her/his messages intimately.

What is Pelvic Health?

Physical:

Your periods are regular and easy
You know when you ovulate and feel juicy
You can easily maintain an erection
You have a healthy appetite for sex and can achieve orgasm
Your hips move without restriction and pain

Energetic:

Feeling grounded in your “sense of self” and with others
Being in touch with your sexuality and the ability to express your feelings
The ability to listen to your body’s cues without fear
Having access to your creativity
You trust the messages in your heart –then allow the mind to initiate the movement

How do I achieve pelvic health?

Beginning the journey into understanding your pelvic health may seem a bit daunting as it will stir emotions and possibly move you to shifting a paradigm of thought you have lived with as “true” for your entire life. If you are not ready to address the emotional piece, simply allow the physical benefits to do their work and the rest will follow for you. You will want guidance, you will need tools and you will have to be ready to commit to this path.

Maya Abdominal Massage. This non-invasive abdominal therapy is specific mostly to pelvic health and vitality. By addressing the reproductive organ positioning and stagnation you can begin to balance and nourish the pelvic bowl. (men also benefit)

Vaginal Steams: Vaginal steams are exactly what they sound like. You create a lustral steam of specific herbs, flowers, plants, sit over the steam and allow it to work its way up into your pelvic bowl softening the belly and the vaginal tissue. It is remarkable for painful menses and post partum care. In my practice I guide woman in how to do this simply at home. “it felt like a much needed ritual”- client

Sitz Baths: For those of you who do not have vaginas or are very sensitive, the sitz bath is quite therapeutic. Again, I like to use herbs and flowers in any bathing type practice I do. You can add salts and vinegar for additional cleansing. Simmer the herbs for a bit and then strain into your bath. Simply immerse your lower half in the bath of your concoction and warm water, sit for about 10 minutes, drain and finish with a quick cool bath.

Kundalini Yoga. This powerful practice works with specific breath techniques and movements to awaken life force energy at the base of the spine- or your kundalini. As this life force rises it moves stuck energy up and out of the body.

Herbs and flowers: My favorite all time herbs for the “pelvic bowl love” are hibiscus, rose and damiana. You can take them in tea form, bathe with them, buy the essences or essential oil and massage into your pelvic bowl. All three are for opening and nourishing love, libido and flow.

Female and Male Tonic: These tonics are from herbs harvested in the Belizean Rainforest with prayer and love. Each tonic is specific to clearing stagnation in the pelvic bowl. The Female Tonic has an added herb specifically for feminine insight. You can buy these at the Tummy Temple! (if you order online remember your 10% discount code: “Jamie” at checkout)

Embrace this month of LOVE to begin the journey of how healing your pelvic bowl will create the path to opening your big beautiful heart.

As always I would love to hear from you regarding your pelvic and abdominal health- or just to say hello.

With Love…

“Learn to Listen to Your Gut”

Because I LOVE You- February Specials

Give someone you love the gift of pelvic, belly and emotional health ($120) and you will receive $20 off a session for yourself.

Purchase a series (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) of 4 for only $320 (this waives initial session fee saving $40!)

Simply Contact Me for Details and Gift Certificates

Jamie@wellbellyhealing.com