Red, White, and Blue Friday

Hello Everyone,

I hope you're all having a good day.  The sun is shining here in Phoenix today - it's a pretty nice day here.  While at my desk working I thought I'd share about upcoming event that I'm fortunate to be a part of...Red, White, and Blue Friday.  Red, White, & Blue Friday is the day after Thanksgiving - the 27th of November this year.

Logo that I designed for the Red, White, and Blue Friday event

RWB Friday is going to be an event where Veterans can learn about and experience alternatives to mainstream medicine.  They'll be able to learn about holistic nutrition and alternative therapies, that can aid recovery from injuries on all levels.  We're hoping that this becomes an annual public service event.

Too many Veterans have been suffering from PTSD and various physical traumas, and their only option seems to be the local VA hospital or clinic, and many times a hand full of prescription medications.  Now, I'm not saying "western medicine" is bad.  What I'm offering is choice, and that some powerful healing solutions may lie outside of traditional medicine.

Plan now - the day after Thanksgiving is now Red, White, and Blue Friday

We'll be offering educational workshops about various therapies like CranioSacral, Hypnosis, Polarity, Reflexology, Reiki, Massage, Holistic Nutrition, and Herbal Remedies -- and more.  In these workshops Veterans can learn about these approaches and how these therapies may aid them on the road to recovery.

There will also be hands on therapy provided.  Holistic Therapy providers will be offering complementary short sessions to Vets - to allow them experience some of these therapies.  There will be a room of vendors as well; where contact can be made with holistic providers and vendors who will be offering products and services that may be of interest.

We're in the planning stages right now.  One of the local hypnotherapy professional groups is spearheading this effort and they're bringing others in to help as well, (like me).  I'm honored to be invited to assist with planning and carrying out this event.  There will also be refreshments, door prizes, and other giveaways.   It'll be a fun and informative day.  Vets - mark your calendars.

Folks - have a great day.  Spread a little kindness around today - not just to friends - but maybe to someone you don't know who needs it.

Peace and Love,

Tom

If you're in the Pheonix area and are interested in alternative therapies - call, text or email me.

Web: www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/HolisticTherapySolutions

Acupressure Point - GB 20

Hi All,

Hope you're all doing well.  I know many folks out there have had a pretty severe winter.  Hopefully Spring is going well for you.  It's pretty nice here in Phoenix, AZ....getting warm quickly.

I came across a little graphic and write up on facebook about an acupressure point - GB-20.  The write up talked about how applying pressure to GB-20 can be very helpful to your health.  When I saw this it brought a smile to my face.  I used to study Okinawan Kempo years ago and learned a very different use for GB-20.

Graphic showing the location GB-20, just below the Occiput (or base of the skull).

According to traditional Chinese medicine, you have several energy meridians.  These meridians have points along them, that are numbered.  These points are landmarks to be worked on with needles, like in acupuncture.  They can also be worked on with fingers, as you would in acupressure.  GB-20 is the 20th point along the Gallbladder Meridian (see illustrations).  It's at the base of the skull, approximately 4 finger widths apart.  There's a GB-20 on each side of the spine.  The meridians run down both the left and right side of the body - so there's two of each point.

GB-20 is also referred to as the "gates of consciousness."  Working these points can have some very profound health benefits.  You may find relief from headaches, tension, sinuses, neck pain, irritability and depression.  Working GB-20 is said to help harmonize the immune system and regulate circulation to the brain, and more.  I would think it's such a vital point because of it's location.

Graphic showing the Gallbladder Meridian.

How do you "work" GB-20?  Reach up and hold the top of your head, interlacing your fingers.  Your thumbs will point down.  Put your thumbs into GB-20, apply pressure and hold for 3-5 minutes while breathing deeply and slowly.  Do this 2-3 times daily. 

This is an excellent, easy way to practice self-care and hopefully find some very profound results.  Of course there are many points that you can work that help with many, many issues in the body.  There are books, classes, and info on-line as well, detailing acupressure and how to work with GB-20 and other points.  Check it out.

I hope you found this to be helpful.  Have a great day and enjoy.  Let's be kind to one another and help make this world just a little bit better.

Peace,

Tom

Web: www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/HolisticTherapySolutions

Medical Illustrations - from the archives

Hi All,

I hope all of you are doing well.  Things have been going well here in Arizona.  It's warming up - pretty soon it'll be summer.  Also - I want to say Hello to my new friends in Russia, who have been reading the blog.  The blog has been getting several views there and I hope you're enjoying it.

I'm very grateful to have two careers going right now.  I'm an holistic therapy practitioner and an artist/illustrator.  I've been focusing on the holistic therapy biz the last couple of years, but recently it's been nice to find illustration work coming my way again.  I'm really enjoying it.  I've just finished eight illustrations for a book and am in the process of producing three medical illustrations for an e-book.  More to come on those as they progress in the publication process.

Today I'd like to share some of my medical illustration work from the past.   For 10 years of my Air Force career, I worked in teaching hospitals as a medical illustrator.  Part of that involved having the ability to render anatomical illustrations to support teaching programs.

Computer painted illustration - part of a jaw transplant series (remove part of the illiac crest/hip bone to use in the jaw).

A lot of the work I did was to illustrate slides and later, electronic presentations that were used to teach.  Originally I used traditional media - colored pencil, pen and ink, pencil, and I learned to use an airbrush to produce artwork.  These pieces of art were then photographed with 35mm slide film for use in teaching presentations.

18x24 inch mixed media artwork - for display in Neurology Clinic and used as a reference.

Not long after starting work as medical illustrator, I started integrating a computer system into the workflow process.  I had a Macintosh computer with the proper software, digitizing tablet, and 35mm film recorder.

Computer painted illustration for electronic presentation - supporting the Dental Residency program

I produced a number of different types of products for the two hospitals I worked at.  I painted some murals, designed fliers for use in clinics, and made posters to display public information....I did whatever they needed, as the mission dictated - and it was a lot of fun.

Computer painted illustration - cross section of the forehead

Today, as I'm working on these illustrations depicting procedures to stimulate healing in a fractured talus (bone in the foot/ankle), I did some reminiscing about the old job, the work, and some of the amazing people I worked with.  It was really an enjoyable job and an incredible learning experience.

Have a great day - spread a little kindness around (even to people who you don't know).

Peace,

Tom

On Line Portfolio:  www.Behance.net/tk-art
On Facebook:  www.facebook.com/pages/Tom-Kreienbrink-Art-and-Design

Acupressure Point - Shen Men

Hi All,

Hope you're well today.  Things are going well here in Phoenix, AZ.  We're having 90 degree days regularly now.  Spring training for Major League Baseball is just about over and soon the water will be warm enough for swimming (at least for us desert dwellers).

Part of my reflexology training included auriculotherapy, or reflexology thru the ear.  Like foot or hand reflexology; in auriculotherapy you can address health concerns in the body by working various points in the ear.

As I was looking around on the internet the other day, I came across a video about Shen Men - a point on the ear.  The video showed how you can gently massage Shen Men for a couple minutes a day, and how that can contribute to stimulating good health.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTRpU4w2VCs#t=41

I'm including a link to the You Tube video.  It's a good little how to video that shows very simply how you can work Shen Men.

The point marked in the upper portion of the ear is the Shen Men point.

Shen Men is a point that comes from Chinese medicine and translated means "Heavenly Gate."  In most auriculotherapy protocols, Shen Men is used.  It's known to be related to the heart.  It's good as a relaxation point and can assist in pain relief, reducing inflammation and addiction.  As the video shows, it's good for overall health.

Simply holding the ear in front and back and gently massaging Shen Men with your thumb can assist with energy and good health.  Try it for a couple minutes once or twice a day and see if you notice a difference.  You may want to try it for a week or more.  Do it while watching tv or sitting or whenever your hands are free - or while quietly relaxing.

Hope this is helpful for you.  It should be good - give it a try.  Acupressure and Auriculotherapy can be very powerful and helpful means of stimulating healing in the body.  If you'd like more info about how I can assist you with Auriculotherapy, contact me.  I'm happy to give you more info and treatment also.

Take care and have a great week. 

Peace,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink
Massage and Holistic Therapist

www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

follow on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/HolisticTherapySolutions

Stress Kills - How Are You Dealing With Stress?

Hi All,

How are you all doing today? I've been thinking lately about how stress or managing stress fits into an holistic lifestyle.

It occurred to me that among a lot of health conscious people, there's a lot of emphasis placed on eating right, (sometimes all organic or a vegan diet).  Exercise is also a big focal point as well.  Both are important, of course.  However, I wondered how many times do people put a lot of effort into all of that and yet neglect their own mental, emotional, and spiritual health? 

Dealing with stress is key for good health and a healthy lifestyle.   I've talked to many people who are very health conscious about meditation.  So many times, the response it, "I've tried, but I can't do it."  We live in a fast paced society and most everyone works hard, has a lot going on all the time, and can have a hard time relaxing the body and mind.  Many people worry about the future or spend a lot of time reflecting on regrets or events of the past.  All of these can lead to stress...and a lot of it.  We all get caught up in these occasionally; so what are some practical things we can do?

First - take time to relax and/or meditate every day.  My grandmother knew the power of meditation, but she didn't call it that.  When I'd help her on the farm as a kid, we would "take a rest" after lunch for 30 minutes, every day.  We would also do a devotional reading.  Both are good for de-stressing the body and feeding the spirit.  A period of meditation every day is good for you on every level.

Reducing Stress...It's all a balancing act.

 There's many ways to meditate.  Find one and practice.  It's as easy as reclining in a comfortable position and relaxing the body.  Start with a few deep breaths and then relax into a nice easy rhythmic breathing...monitor your breath and relax.  Bring your conscious mind back to the present and continue to relax and watch your breath.  I know, sounds easy, right?  It takes practice, but will pay major dividends, so don't give up.  With practice, you will get better at it and it will get easier.

Add a little mindfulness into your day.  Be present.  Don't worry or think too much about the future or the past.  Keep coming back to present moment...enjoy whatever you're doing.  Whether you're at work or washing the dishes.  It doesn't matter - come back to now....and be grateful for wherever you're at or whatever you're doing.  Remember the saying, "it's all an inside job."  

How about feeding your soul?  Do you have a church or spiritual community?  Do you have not only a weekly practice, but how about a daily spiritual practice?  Like Grandma - the daily spiritual practice is a great way to keep you feeling good and will feed your spirit as well; great for keeping things in perspective and keeping the stress level down.

Of course eating well and exercise are both great for stress busting as well.  Here's a twist though.  Sometimes we may fall short of our goals.  We may not eat as well as we'd like or meet our exercise goals.  Don't beat yourself up.  Do your best and if you fall short, be happy with what you're doing and move on.  You'll do a little better tomorrow.

My Holistic Nutrition teacher in school would talk about nutrition and noticed how everyone would get excited and wanted to really make big changes.  He'd tell us if you can't eat organic locally grown produce, don't beat yourself up, just eat good non organic local.  It that wasn't available, eat non-local.  If not that, eat what you have...and be grateful and bless the food.  Be happy you have something to eat.  Same with exercise - set goals and work hard, but boost yourself up - if you don't meet your goals always, don't beat yourself up.  Do what you can and be happy about it.

It sounds a little simple and easy right?  There's a lot to be said for eating right, regular exercise, and proper rest.  It's good to have fun, get out into nature, spend time with pets and friends, and so many more things that help also.  But remember - an holistic lifestyle is taking care of the whole person.  Taking care of our internal self is just as important as taking care of the physical body.  It all works together.

Have a great day.  Be kind to the people around you today.  That's good for all of us.  Enjoy.

Peace,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink, LMT
web: www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HolisticTherapySolutions

Epsom Salt Baths - Great Health Benefits

Hi All,

It's been a pretty decent week here in Phoenix, the massage and holistic biz is going well and keeping me busy.  As an holistic therapist, I often recommend clients take Epsom salt baths after they get a massage or energy work or other holistic therapies, along with drinking plenty of water and other things.  I think most people believe that it's a healthy thing and helps draw out toxins from the body, but how many of us are really familiar with the benefits of an Epsom Salt bath?  So what are the benefits of an Epsom Salt bath?

You can get Epsom Salts at drug stores and most supermarkets.  They're very inexpensive.

First of all, Epsom Salts are high in Magnesium and Sulfates.  If you have a magnesium deficiency, soaking in a bath containing Epsom salts can give you a boost in that area.  The body absorbs these thru the skin, where it goes into the bloodstream.  At the same time, the Epsom Salts help to pull salt and harmful toxins out of the body.

Magnesium is very important to the body.  It helps to regulate 325 enzymes in the body.  It helps to improve muscle and nerve function.  It also helps improve blood flow and oxygenation of the blood.

The Sulphates are important too.  They help to keep your joints healthy.  They also are good for healthy skin and nerve tissue.

Epsom Salts can also assist with relief from various chronic health issues like; improved heart and circulatory problems, gout, improve the bodies ability to use insulin, pain and stress relief, can also ease regularity of migraine headaches.  It also helps the body absorb nutrients and helps relieve stress.

Of course there are always contraindications.  Women who are pregnant shouldn't take Epsom Salt baths.  If you're dehydrated or have burns or open wounds you shouldn't use Epsom Salts in your bath either.

So remember; the next time your massage or holistic therapist recommends using epsom salts, there's very good reasons for it.  Enjoy the bath.

Have a great day.

Peace,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink, LMT
web: www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HolisticTherapySolutions

New Home for Holistic Therapy Solutions

Hi All,

I hope things are going well for you - wherever you're reading this.  It's been an interesting month.  I've been busy with artwork and had a busy month with the holistic therapy biz.  I've been enjoying the nice weather and family and friends as well.  The month hasn't been without it's hiccups though.

In the middle of the month, I found myself looking for a new place to run Holistic Therapy Solutions out of.  I was renting a room and I was assured I would have 24/7 access to the room.  However - at the prodding of another tenant, a policy was put in place that severely restricted my access to serving clients in the evenings and on Saturdays.  Of course, I needed to move the business again.

Front door - Inner Power Hypnotherapy - my new business home.

 

The first person that came to mind was a friend of mine - Ray Kopakowski.  He's a clinical hypnotherapist. One of his specialties is working with professional and amateur athletes, to help them with performance enhancement.  He also is owner of Inner Power Hypnotherapy located on 19th Ave, just north of Camelback, in Phoenix.  Sure enough - he had a room available and I moved in the end of February.

Reception/Waiting area.

 It's a nice place and a good location.  It's convenient to downtown and major freeways.  The light rail runs right up 19th Ave and down Camelback.  Of course, it's in Northwest Phoenix, but quickly accessible to the East side of town...even Scottsdale.

My therapy room - ready to work.

 If you need a good massage, craniosacral therapy, reflexology, reiki, or hypnotherapy - give me a call, text, or email and we'll get you an appointment set up, right away.  I'm here to serve - and once again - have a business home where I can do that.  Of course, I still do out calls if you'd rather I bring the table to you.

So, sometimes life is an interesting ride.  Lots of fun, mixed in good work, and even some surprises - not all welcome surprises.  But, I know it always works out for my best and highest good.  Of course there's always a lesson in all of it.  Sometimes its just an opportunity to have faith...faith in God, faith in the process, and know it'll work out.  Today I'm very grateful - I'm blessed in so many many ways...and grateful for the opportunity to find, what I'm expecting will be the home of Holistic Therapy Solutions, for a good long while.

Have a great week everyone.

Peace,

Tom

Web:  www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com
Follow on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/HolisticTherapySolutions