Holistic Remedies To Help You Sleep

Hi Everyone,

I hope things are going well for you - wherever you are.  Things are going pretty good here in extra warm Phoenix, AZ.

Recently, a client of mine asked if I had any ideas why her sleep cycle was off and if I had any tips on how she could get to sleep earlier.  I thought of a few things that I had learned, but told her I'd look into it further.  So I did and I thought I'd share some of it with you.

Ideas to help you fall asleep at night.
- Limit intake of foods with refined sugars (especially in the evening).  Instead, snack on foods high in tryptophan like milk products, turkey, eggs, bananas, etc...
- Avoid alcohol before bed.  It's actually unhelpful to drink. Alcohol is high in sugar and your body will have to process that.
- Try drinking a non-caffeinated herbal tea in the evening.  Chamomile and others have a sedating effect.
- No technology before bed (turn it off an hour before bed).  The light from TV screens, computer, smart phone, etc can effect the production of melatonin in the brain and keep you awake.
- Eat honey before bed.  A tea spoon of honey before bed should get you nice and sleepy.  It's one of the oldest sleep remedies around and works great.
- Magnesium deficiency can affect your sleep.  This can cause a whole bunch of different problems for your body - one of them being insomnia.  Dark chocolate, Pumpkin seeds, beans, lentils, avocado, and dates are among the many foods rich in magnesium.
- Lavender can help.  Essential oils and aromatherapy products are excellent; candles, oils, and maybe put some lavender essential oil into bath salts, then take a nice evening bath with the salts in the water.  Very relaxing.
- Get massage regularly.  This is like a reboot for the system, of your body.  It feels great, is good for you and normally - you'll sleep like a baby. Other holistic therapies can be helpful.

There are many natural remedies or "hacks" that can help you get to sleep, or sleep better.  Obviously, there's no answer that works for everyone and if none of these work for you, there are other options.  Of course, I would never discourage anyone from seeing a physician either...sometimes that's what we need.

I hope some of these may be helpful.  I hope you get a good nights sleep.

Peace,

Tom

I'm a massage and holistic therapist in Phoenix.  Check out my website at:
www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com
Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HolisticTherapySolutions

BioCatalin - Enzyme Lotion

Hi All,

Hope you're all having a great week.  My week is going alright.  I'm keeping busy with clients and getting some other things done as well....and taking it a moment at a time. 

So last week, as I was experiencing some pain in one of my thumb joints, I noticed my tube of BioCatalin enzyme lotion on the shelf.   I reached for it and applied it to my thumb, rubbed it in good and went to bet.  When I woke up my thumb felt great.  So I've been using it regularly since and the thumb and other achy finger joints feel pretty good.  I was surprised and delighted.  I'd used it a little a while back and forgot about it. 

So, what is this lotion and what does it do?  It's an enzyme lotion designed to have anti-inflammatory properties that have been shown to stimulate the bodies own natural enzyme process without suppressing the immune system.  It helps provide relief from chronic inflammatory conditions and also has circulation support to assist with the healing process.

In the interest of full disclosure - besides being a massage and holistic therapy provider I'm an Energetix representative.  I've been a rep. for them for quite a while, but I'm not really a sales person.  So I use the products because I do believe in them, and occasionally offer them to others as well.  I like the company and products because they're all natural and they have the highest standards for quality.  They offer nutritional supplements and homeopathic remedies as well as some flower essences.  They really offer excellent, high-end products.

My thumb?  Well, it's a work in progress.  I'm a massage therapist, so it get's plenty of use, but it does feel a lot better than it has in a long time.  This has been an eye opening experience and I'll probably start offering these products to clients who are interested.

If you're interested in Energetix products, take a look at their website: http://www.goenergetix.com/
Let me know if you'd like to try any of the products.  I'd be happy to order for you.
My website and contact info: www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

Have a great week everyone.

Peace,

Tom 

Geddy Lee Artwork...Rockin the Bass

Hi All,

I hope your summer is going well.  It's hot here...whew!  I just got back from Texas and it's hot there too.  But hey - that's how we roll down here in the summer.  Not complaining.

Today I'm highlighting a couple caricatures I recently completed of the vocalist, bass and keyboard player for a band called Rush; Geddy Lee.  This summer Rush is out on tour, celebrating 40 years together as a band.  They've made a lot of music together, with just 3 members in the band...and, they still tour and play shows with only the 3 guys playing, (unlike several of the old bands who bring in many supporting musicians to back up the main band members). 

A few weeks ago they came thru town and I really wanted to see them in concert again, (I'd seen them around 1985).  At the same time they were on the cover of the Rolling Stone and I saw an excellent new documentary on them, (on Netflix).  So I was inspired to have a little fun with Geddy.

I started this one in pencil and finished it out in pen and ink. 

 

 

I know I'm not the only guy my age with this story.  In 8th grade, while hanging out with friends I heard the album, "Fly By Night" (yes - on vinyl), and then "2112".  Needless to say, I was hooked.  They rocked; the dude's voice is completely unlike anyone elses,  they have the best drummer in rock and roll, and they sang about some things I could relate too....deep topics and some a little lighter.  Throughout my teenage years - they were the best in music (in my humble opinion).

I took the pen and ink version into Photoshop and created a color version.

By the time I was well into my 20's, they took a little different turn musically and I did a little bit as well.  However, I still love that trio from Canada.  They can rock the house.  I heard they'd put on an amazing show here in Phoenix...I'm sure they did.

Have a great day everyone.  Enjoy.  Be kind to yourself and to others as well (even the annoying guy or gal at work).  And....rock on!!

Peace,

Tom

On-line Portfolio:  www.behance.net/tk-art