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A no-nonsense, tough-love guide for savvy girls who want to stop eating crap and start looking fabulous!
I was recently given this sassy little book by a client and good friend asking my thoughts on its contents. In general, I (reluctantly) give it a thumbs up. Like any bias opinion, you have to take a good portion of this book with a grain of salt and decide what’s best for you and your body. With the amount of cursing paired with chapter names such as The Dead, Rotting, Decomposing Flesh Diet and Have No Faith: Governmental Agencies Don’t Give a $#*! About Your Health, it’s needless to say there are some intense bits of information, and much of it not for the light-hearted.
The authors clearly state that the main intention for this book is “to help end animal suffering and the cruelty associated with a meat-eating diet.” Having been vegetarian and borderline vegan (I couldn’t part with the drunken goat cheese) for over two years, I have my own opinions about living a veg lifestyle. The reality for me is that my ancestors were a primarily meat eating culture and my body thrives on meat. I tend to live by my grandmother’s favorite expression: everything in moderation, including moderation.
I do feel that people who choose to eat meat should educate them selves and experience first hand the type of energy that goes into what we put into our bodies. I personally choose to eat organic, humane, and as often as possible, support local farms when I shop for food. This stretches across the broad spectrum of everything we eat. Vegetables that travel 1,800 miles have much less vitality and nutritional value than those grown in our own gardens. Not to mention the damage to our planet with that much shipping.
So, the major drawback with this book, for me, is the intensity in which the opinions are projected with no real suggestion other than “suck it up, stop eating animals.” I feel that when it comes to health and well-being, you sometimes have to meet people where they’re at and offer baby-steps towards a greater goal. I would like to have seen more on supporting local and organic farming.
Having said that, there are a number of things that I really like about this book, and why in the end, I give it a thumbs up. Here are a few:
♦ The great wealth of information on the harmful effects of refined sugar as well as chemical sweeteners such as Sweet & Low, Equal, Nutrasweet and others containing aspartame.
♦ The specific and very in-depth information about the conditions found in today’s meat raising plants, bringing light to the irresponsible and sneaky nature of the FDA and other governmental agencies.
♦ The mention of fasting and list of specific vitamins and minerals for healthy digestion.
♦ The thorough list of good foods to eat and a well-rounded sample menu.
In conclusion, I wouldn’t run and go out of my way to purchase this book, but if the sassy, tough love approach works for you, this could be a good book to get some great information and change the way you think about food.
Enjoy,
Guinevere Amadeo, LMP.
“You and you alone are responsible for the imbalance between what you dream your life is meant to be and the daily habits that drain the life from what you dream.” – DANE
I recently read this on a friend’s personal blog and was inspired to share it. As I am rounding day 10 of my ‘30 day habit-forming salute,’ I’m starting to feel a good flow with my daily writing practice. And having begun the path to a new habit, it really magnifies the other daily activities that rule my world; those things I do on auto pilot that make up the greater whole. I have my little vices like everyone else, but what may be the ones that drain the life from what I dream of? Sometimes the caffeine seems like it adds a little boost to my drive, but the negative long term effects are well documented. And what about staying up late to work on deadlines? Seems again, like fueling the dream, yet disassociating from our body’s best interest to pursue career or education goals is a clearly out of balance, and will certainly catch up sooner or later. It seems that so many goals come at the cost of our health and well-being. It is regarded as great work ethic if you are at the office way past working hours, taking meetings through lunch, and scheduling weekend conference calls to ‘close the deal.’ All of this stress and imbalance has hugely negative effects on our body before we even become aware of any physical discomfort or mental fatigue.
And then there is taking responsibility. I work with many people who seem bewildered when their bodies let them down after years of this treatment. They don’t understand why a skillful practitioner can not simply “fix” them and send them back to the rat race. Unfortunately, our culture doesn’t help matters either. If you are not willing to extend to whatever lengths necessary, they is some younger, more resilient person waiting to step in and show that it can be done. We are given 2 weeks of vacation a year (if we’re lucky), a handful of sick days (maybe), and impossible ideals to live up to. It’s exhausting just to think about! No wonder we are among the most unhealthy in the world!
So yes, our system is messed up, which leaves the ball in your court. It is up to you to take responsibility for yourself, your life and your dreams. Set comfortable boundaries and live the way you would hope your children will. Give yourself ample leisure time, take a vacation, TURN OFF YOUR TELEVISION, in fact, get rid of your television, play a game, go outside, read, get a massage, tell a story, walk your dog (or cat), be silly and ENJOY this precious life that you’ve been given.
Easier said than done sometimes, but if we create the expectation that this is what we need to continue thriving in a happy and healthy life, perhaps it will give others the permission to do the same. What a better place this would be! It is all part of creating the habits that breath life into your dreams!
In good Health,
Guinevere Amadeo, LMP.
In a previously posted article entitled “Stress and Massage Therapy,” I explained that stress is the body’s non-specific response to any demand made upon it. This definition includes physiological stress, such as our heart beating and organs functioning, “good” stress, the kind of short-term stimulation that comes from a burst of hormones, and “bad” stress, more accurately referred to as distress, long-tern excess stress such as toxic relationships and unhealthy eating habits. In this article, I’d like to offer suggestions in addition to massage therapy, on how to manage stress and adopt a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Let’s begin with preventing stress. Time management is a vital tool in avoiding unnecessary stress. Operating in your nervous system’s fight or flight mode is detrimental to your health, vitality, and peace of mind:
♦Keep a day planner, breaking down large projects and setting short term goals.
♦Prioritize your time by urgency and importance of commitments.
♦Delegate, delegate, delegate.
♦Concentrate and stay focused on the task at hand, avoid procrastination.
Reducing stress is all about taking control- control of your thoughts, your schedule, your environment and the way you deal with challenges:
♦Avoid people that stress you out.
♦Learn to say “no.”
♦Be willing to compromise and learn to forgive.
♦ Don’t try to control the uncontrollable.
There are a number of ways to think about coping with stress. Some general ideas for looking at the big picture include:
♦Keeping perspective- will this stressful situation matter tomorrow, next month, next year??
♦Focus on the positive- stay optimistic and keep your sense of humor.
♦Build a strong support system- connect with other positive people.
♦Adopt a healthy life style- Exercise regularly: preventing and reducing the effects of stress; Eat a healthy diet: nourish your mind and body; Get enough sleep: This is when your body recovers from the stresses of the day; Reduce caffeine, sugar and other toxins: Give your adrenal glands a break! Express your feelings: Seek out a professional to talk with and work through your internal struggles. Avoid keeping difficult situations bottled up.
And finally: do something you love to do every day!!!- work in your garden, spend time in nature, get a massage, watch a comedy, write in a journal, take a yoga class, a walk, a bath, listen to music, meditate, curl up with a good book, play with your pet, cook a great meal, laugh!
Please visit my links for resources on great yoga classes, meditation, and healthcare professionals.
Stress is defined as the body’s non-specific response to any demand made upon it (Selye, 1974). Stress-related disorders make up between 80-90% of the ailments that bring people to family-practice physicians. Though stress is not a disease itself, it can contribute to ill health.
The effects of Massage Therapy on stress are well documented. A study on massage and job-related stress revealed that 15 minutes of on-the-job massage reduced saliva levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. The subjects of the study also reported feeling more alert, and were able to solve computerized problems in half the time with 50% less errors (Turnbull, 1994). As more and more of the benefits of massage therapy are recognized- such as reduced prone to injury, improved flexibility and range of motion, greater body awareness etc.- more of the population is considering massage a healthcare practice, and not just a luxury.
As a Licensed Massage Practitioner, my approach to a stress-reducing session includes a thorough intake and assessment, and a relaxing, therapeutic massage treatment. I begin with a heated massage table, soothing back-round sounds and perhaps the use of specific essential oils to induce further relaxation. Though releasing trigger points and deep muscular adhesions will contribute to the long term healing and tension relief of the body, I tend to avoid creating inflammation in the tissue for specific stress-reducing and relaxation requests. I may also integrate reflexology, some Trager massage techniques, and/or Reiki to the treatment. I generally finish up with suggestions for various self care activities that the client could engage in to enhance the physiological benefits, also encouraging deep diaphragmatic breathing as well as any feedback to inspire body awareness in my clients.
If you have any further questions, feel free to check out my links and contact me!
In health and Happiness,
Guinevere Amadeo, LMP.
gamadeo@heroicsusa.com
The room was bright and open, filled with the smiling faces of various healthcare providers, artists and professionals alike. The vibrant and abstract oil on canvas paintings by Zalman Berkowitz adorned the walls with color, brilliance and depth, offering nuggets of wisdom and perspective in the descriptions of each piece of work. The artist’s reception and pre-holiday wine tasting took place Saturday, November 8th, during the monthly Ballard Artwalk at the Center of the Universe, Network Care treatment space. A fantastic gathering of enthusiasts laughed and mingled the night away with the host; painter, poet and self-proclaimed “casual wine geek.”
Zalman’s art has been compared to the Pattern and Decoration movement of the 1970’s by the Toledo Museum of Art. He describes that some of the basic themes of his work include heroism, wisdom, enlightenment, desire, fulfillment, struggle, hope, love, appreciation and gratitude, joy and pain.
“For me, Art is that place where feeling inspires the transformation of an experiential medium. A successful work of art will resonate with the quality that inspired it. My goal with art is to balance the emotion that inspires a work with the discipline of the medium chosen to carry its expression.” states Zalman.
So why paint? “I paint to feel worthy of the beauty I perceive. I paint to express my highest aspirations, and the joy and pain of my life. I paint to feel rich. I paint because sometimes there’s an image I have to see. I paint to discover who I am, when I am, free.”
Zalman is an active member of the Seattle Art Museum’s Contemporary Art Council executive committee, and a recent participant of the Artist Trust’s Edge Professional Development program. Having worked in the wine trade as an independent consultant, Sommelier and wine educator in New York City, and Arizona, he hosts a number of receptions and informational wine-tasting events throughout the greater Seattle area. His art has been shown in several solo exhibitions as well as group collaboration projects at alternative art and local community venues. Zalman also performs original spoken word poetry.
Visit his Website at www.zalmania.com
Others in attendence at the opening were: Victoria Bjorklund- photographer (photo credit) -www.VictoriaBjorklund.com; Jasson Zurilgen, C.E.C., N.A.S.M. & Titus Kahoutek, BS, C.E.C., N.A.S.M.- Corrective Exercise Specilists- Founders of Heroics Training Syatems; Steven Stanfield, C.E.C., LMP & Monica Donald, C.E.C., LMP.- Founders of Studio 122; Kiwani Lowansa, LMP. Glow Natural Health Center; Katie Brinker, Nutritional Psychologist; Michael Brinker- artist- Prolifik Inc.; Julia Lowther- metal worker, jewelry artist- Flying Fox Jewelry; Guinevere Amadeo, LMP. Integrative Therapeutics
Although maintaining my daily writing practice is of upmost priority, today I seem far from being able to conjure up any sort of cohesive idea and complete it into a useful or compelling post. So, I’ll share with you where my mind is.
That’s Odis there. He’s just about 10 years old and the best companion you could be so lucky to spend any amount of time with. Yeah, he spent his day in surgery for his right ear. A burst blood vessel, plus minor infection, now a knarly little piece of flesh being held together by sewing buttons that look just like the one’s my mother used to use. He’s not thrilled. Though he’s been exercising his sad whimper voice, and moving from spot to spot in a helpless little saunter, he is a trouper through and through; and plastic cones on his head, stiches in his body and the bright lights and smells of the animal hospital are no new experiences for him. An active and full life he’s had, always pushing his boundaries and testing limitations, always up for a great adventure, or simply laying in front of a warm cozy fire. He has certainly been one of the greatest inspiration in my life! So today, I am giving Odis a little love. Some doggie massage, reiki and general snuggles go a long way for this lovey dog. Perhaps you will keep him in your thoughts today, too.
happy Saturday,
guinevere
The human foot is made up of 26 bones, creating 38 articulations (or joints), held together by 107 ligaments, controlled by 15 muscles, and is capable of 150-170 movements when we are walking barefoot. There is a reason our feet were designed with such immense detail and movement capacity- the structure, function and mobility of our feet is vitally important to the health and well being of our entire body. Our feet contain capillaries which is our body’s smallest blood vessel. Due to gravity and poor circulation, toxins build up in our feet and create plaque (or Substance P) on the nerve endings and prohibit optimal blood flow. This effects our individual organs as well as the circulation of our entire cardiovascular system.
Reflexology is a bodywork modality that is based on the principal that there are microcosms (mini-maps) of the entire body represented on the feet, hands and ears. Pressure applied to corresponding points on the feet (hands & ears) produce incredible benefits for specific bodily systems as well as our entire being. Some of these benefits include enhanced circulation, reduced stress, cleansing the body of toxins and impurities, and increased energy and balancing of individual systems. It works through the nervous system, subtle energy flow and “zones” in the feet, and the manipulation and realignment of the bones.
The earliest representation considered by many to be an example of reflexology was found within a hieroglyph dating back 5,000 years, on the tomb of an Egyptian physician who was second to the king. There is also a great deal of additional evidence of the ancient cultures of India, China and Japan doing foot therapies which may have been similar to modern reflexology.
So where do we go from here? We know that reflexology has wonderful effects on the body and can aid in the healing of many physical, mental, and energetic dis-eases; how can you experience the joy of this fantastic approach to well being? There are a number of ways to experience the benefits:
♦ If you would like to receive a great session by a professional reflexologist, I recommend Seattle Reflexology School. Like any form of bodywork not all practitioners are created equal. I do not recommend visiting a spa for this type of service, as my personal experience is that many employees are not actually trained in the true form and instead perform more of a regular foot massage. While it may feel great, intention is a huge part of this type of work.
♦ There are now 3 public reflexology paths in the Seattle area. The first in North America was constructed at Bastyr University in 2004. Since then, 2 other Seattle recreational areas have installed reflexology pathways- Marymoor Park in Redmond and White Center park in Seattle. This is a fantastic way to stimulate specific points on the feet and get the great benefits of reflexology in a beautiful outdoor setting. The pathways are made up of river rocks in cement and provide a solid surface to create pressure in specific areas of the foot.
♦ And finally, walk around barefoot!! Natural reflexology happens in our feet when we are not limited to the structure and support of shoes. Our feet make tiny adjustments to distribute our weight properly and keep the blood flowing optimally. Treat yourself to a reflexology session today!
For more information, please feel free to contact me and visit the links section of this page as well.
Cheers,
Guinevere Amadeo, LMP.
gamadeo@heroicsusa.com
I once heard a friend tell a story about making decisions based on love, not fear. It has always stuck with me and I’ve found myself reciting this little nugget of wisdom in a multitude of difficult situations. There are so many ways to perceive the circumstances of life and it is a choice to focus on the positive or negative in any given moment.
Whether it’s beginning a new healthcare regiment, changing your career path, ending a toxic relationship or releasing an unhealthy behavior, making love the platform from which you move forward can have tremendous positive effects on the task at hand.
I find this especially powerful working in sensitive or painful areas of the body. As a massage therapist, I work on deep physical and energetic levels to promote healing and balance in my clients. There can be huge amounts of fear surrounding the healing process, yet if the focus is love- for yourself, your body, family and future goals- the fear doesn’t have to be quite so impacting. Knowledge and understanding are the keys to overcoming fear. If you make it a goal to learn about that which evokes fear for you, it can be an immensely powerful tool in facing the situation head on.
For me, writing and especially performing (open mic Poetry slam style) are the grounds for some deep-rooted fear-based thoughts. My feet literally feel cold and my belly is more active than the butterfly gardens at the Pacific Science Center.
Is there an area in your body that you experience fear, perhaps a sensitive place that you avoid exploring? A decision you know needs to be made, but the outcome may be frightening? I encourage you to externalize it, stare it in the face and exude love and gratitude for it. Like attracts like, so let the love flow!
Peace and happiness,
guinevere
At this, the dawn of a bright new day for our country, our culture and our communities, I continue to pursue my goal of attracting and reflecting the change I wish to see for our world. I feel that the most effective way a leader can make significant progress on the mass scale, is to empower and inspire others to take responsibility, hold one another accountable and use the positive energy around us to work for good. Being generally sensitive to the energies around me, the magnitude of the new president elect and the wave of feelings shared around the world, was enough to spark a great sense of pride and hope in me. This is an important time in history and it speaks volumes to the possibilities and the great opportunities we have in this life.
A fascinating essay by Scott Young explains that out of 11,000 signals from our senses, our brain only consciously processes 40. This speaks to the gravity of the habits we engage in-good or bad- as a majority of our being is automated by these forces. It is also said that it takes at least 30 consecutive days to solidify a specific behavior as a new habit.
So, in the spirit of great change, also NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), and to get my writing juices flowing, I am beginning my own 30 day salute to cultivating creative expression in my life. I will commit to writing every day for the next 30 days and see where it can take me. I will explore writing different styles of pieces, use a trigger to motivate the ritual of writing, and focus on the conditioning checkpoints along the way; consistency and simplicity.
This may be a good time to think about the change you would like to see for our world, and a habit that you wish to cultivate or release from your life. Comment here; write it down, make a public statement (well sort of), and take a positive step towards a change in your life, and the lives of those you touch.
In Health & Happiness,
Guinevere Amadeo, LMP.
I start this project on a pivotal day in the history of our existence. Yes folks, election day 2008 is upon us! As a not-so-highly political person, I have felt the gravity of this day more strongly than I expected. Elections have come and gone during my lifetime, but this particular vote speaks so much more to the future of our country and culture than I have personally experienced in the past.
I for one am ready for a change, and so I am working from the inside out to create this reality. I will be the change I wish to see in the world and hopefully inspire others to make the same comittment. I will work to be the constant example of a more peaceful, articulate, educated, flexible, grounded, light-hearted, open and honest human being.
This webpage has been the apple of my eye for quite some time, and like all births, there have been some labor pains. All virgo sensitivity, procrastination and perfectionism aside, here goes…
I AM GOING TO WRITE!! I have enjoyed writing ever since I can remember, and have even ventured into calling myself a (gasp) writer in the recent past.
My intention for this project is to post useful, specific and consistent content about bodywork, alternative healthcare, art, the hodgepodge of interests I have floating around in my head, local community information, resources for sustainable and healthy living, and whatever else calls to me. I feel that by demonstrating personal expression and clear communication, others may be inspired to use their voice and cultivate whatever change they wish to see in their world.
I have also been feeling a calling to gather the information and recommendations I share with my clients in one organized place where they can reference back and keep informed about the topics we may not have time to address while on the table.
So there it is! I hope that you will find this webpage useful, interesting or at least mildly entertaing. Happy Election day folks!! May the force be with us…
Best,
Guinevere
