Dropping of essential oils should be six inches from the skin.

For the past 11 years of being a dietitian consultant, I’ve had many clients struggling with weight problems related to stress eating. Stress is everywhere and we can’t expect it to go away. We just have to learn how to manage it. That is why I have been a strong advocate of applying a holistic approach to wellness through lifestyle and weight management focusing on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of an individual. If we do not treat the underlying cause of the weight problem, the weight loss may not be sustainable.

When we are stressed out, we tend to crave for high caloric and processed foods. When we are sleep deprived, ghrelin hormones shoot up thus increasing one’s appetite.

I am a workaholic. So for a decade now, I regularly have a “pamper me” time to ease the tension in my body, relieve muscle aches and pains, relax my mind and detoxify. I am forever in pursuit of new spas or wellness centers that offer science-based treatments.

This week, a new wellness center Forever Strong opened in Annapolis, Greenhills. I got curious about their Raindrop Therapy. It sounded unique so I decided to check it out.

I had a consultation with Ms. Shirley “Lanie” Owen, a Certified Personal Trainer and health coach for 15 years from Chicago, Illinois. She graduated with a masters degree on Health Education from Kaplan University, Chicago.

I have been working long hours lately and my back feels heavy. According to Ms. Owen: “Spine misalignment is also caused by microbes which cause inflammation.”

Magnesium oil

I am a skeptical person. I don’t usually believe in something unless I’ve proven it effective. I was told that I will feel heat during the treatment. While the therapist was applying various oils and pressure on specific areas of my feet, I felt a warm sensation on my upper back. I thought I was imagining things but the feeling did not go away. It felt heavenly when she started to drop small amounts of essential oils and did very light strokes on my back. A warm towel was placed on my back; then I dozed off and the rest is history. When I woke up, I felt so refreshed!

The Center for Aromatherapy Research and Education in Missouri, USA defined Raindrop Technique as a sequence of anointing with oils and laying on of hands that brings structural and electrical alignment to the body in a relaxing and invigorating manner through the power of essential oils. Essential oils are known to boost stamina and energy, help you relax, help manage stress and frustration and promote overall health, vitality, and longevity.

The high quality oils used in Raindrop Therapy are:

Oregano – one of the most powerful antimicrobial essential oils.

Thyme – enhances the immune system.

Basil – a muscle relaxant and helps improve the sense of taste and smell.

Wintergreen or Birch – supports joint and skeletal structure.

Marjoram – soothes the nerves.

Cypress – has antimicrobial properties and supports the circulatory and lymphatic systems.

Peppermint – improves concentration and mental retention. Helps detoxify the liver and supports the digestive, respiratory and nervous systems.

Balancing Blend (VALOR®) – contains oils from spruce, rosewood, blue tansy and frankincense in almond oil to help balance electricity and stimulate spine realignment.

Ms. Shirley “Lanie” Owen

Soothing Massage Blend (ORTHOEASE®) – from moringa, sweet almond and jojoba oil. Soothes muscle aches and minor swelling.

Another interesting treatment I learned about during my visit was the Transdermal Magnesium Therapy.

My mom had magnesium deficiency for years due to diabetes. Magnesium is required for maintaining normal muscle and nerve function, keeping a healthy immune system, maintaining heart rhythm, and building strong bones. Despite eating foods rich in this mineral like dark green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, fish, whole grains, bananas and dairy products with supplementation, my mom’s magnesium level is constantly on the low borderline normal.

Magnesium deficiency is related to certain diseases like heart diseases, diabetes and high blood pressure. While nothing can replace natural food as the best source of magnesium, Transdermal Magnesium Therapy can significantly add 600 mg of elemental magnesium after undergoing Infrared Sauna Therapy to effectively open skin pores to efficiently absorb the magnesium oil gently applied to the skin. It is always recommended to seek your physician’s approval if you have any medical condition before undergoing any treatment.

Begin your journey to preventive health and experience wellness beyond just losing weight.

For comments and suggestions: email [email protected] or visit www.cheshireque.com

Twitter: CheshireQue

belly of fat

Ever wondered why some skinny people have high cholesterol level? Does being skinny mean being healthy? Could overweight people be healthier? These questions sound absurd right? However, these issues shouldn’t be ignored as you could be in for the biggest deception of your life and that is being thin on the outside and fat on the inside.

A lot of people are obsessed about their weight. They weigh everyday and freak out when the scale tips a pound more than the previous day. Try to weigh yourself right after eating and then again the next day after going to the loo. There will be a difference of one to two lbs. for sure. Our weight fluctuates daily based on our hydration level, hormones, food intake and physical activity. Sadly, most fad diet programs promise drastic weight loss that lead people to think that they are healthy even though they look terribly skinny.

Achieving a healthy weight range based on the World Health Organization’s standards is more important than being “skin and bones.” Aim for a healthy weight loss of one to three lbs. per week through proper food intake, increased and regular physical activity and behavior modification. Since our weight fluctuates everyday, it is best to record your weight once a week at the same time wearing the same lightweight clothing.

Losing weight is just the tip of the iceberg. We have to consider the amount of body fat as well as its distribution inside our body to be considered healthy inside out.

According to the Harvard Medical School, “Where a woman’s fat ends up is influenced by several factors. Heredity is one. Scientists have identified a number of genes that help determine how many fat cells an individual develops and where these cells are stored.”

I have a number of clients who complain about having normal weight and yet struggle with high triglyceride and cholesterol levels. The culprit? Visceral fat or commonly known as “belly fat.” This type of fat is not as evident as the fat bulges we see among overweight or obese people. This fat is hidden and envelopes vital organs like the liver, pancreas and the heart. When that happens, the risk of developing diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases are high.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “People who have normal weight but have fat concentrated in their bellies have a higher death risk than those who are obese.”

So now what? It would be best to start moving now! A research study from Japan presented during one of our conferences shows that 10 minutes of physical activity per day like brisk walking can help lower the visceral fat. Of course, eventually we should increase the duration and frequency as our mind, body and schedule adjusts to having regular physical activity.

Learn to manage stress. Cortisol, a stress hormone, promotes the accumulation of abdominal fat. Take a few minutes off your busy schedule to just breathe, relax and take a power nap.

From the bottom of my healthy heart, I encourage you to be healthy inside out!

For comments, email [email protected] or visit www.cheshireque.com. You may also follow her on twitter CheshireQue.

Orange Juice

My late grandfather had colon cancer and his passing away was a wake-up call to me and my brother. I eat my fruits and veggies everyday. If these are unavailable, I take my supplements to make sure that I meet my daily vitamins, minerals and fiber requirements. My only brother, on the other hand, prefers to drink his veggies. Years ago, I used to watch him as he drank his canned vegetable juice over dinner. It looked disgusting so I asked him: “How does it taste like?” He replied: “Tastes like spaghetti sauce. It’s good!” I thought, yuck!

Is juicing healthy and beneficial? Yes and No

According to Jennifer K. Nelson, R.D., L.D., a Mayo Clinic nutritionist, there’s no sound scientific evidence that extracted juices are healthier than the juice you get by eating the fruit or vegetable itself.

Juicing can easily make your body absorb nutrients but it lacks fiber. Some juices contain more calories from added sugar and flavoring which could add to weight gain. Fruit juice has a higher glycemic index compared to a whole fruit. It rapidly increases your blood sugar level which could be a problem for people with Diabetes.

Juice Fast

Recently, juice fasting has been gaining much popularity. People try it for many reasons: detox, weight loss, antioxidants and so on. Last week, fitness coach Teem Partosa of SkyFitness Makati asked me: “My client wants to go on a juice fast. Can we still have the same workout program?” A juice fast can take from one to seven days. It is low caloric and does not contain much protein which is also needed to be replenished right after a workout. The amount of energy intake and output as well as medical condition should be carefully considered under the supervision of a health professional before undergoing juice fast and exercising to prevent any health problems. Weight loss after a juice fast will not be sustainable unless succeeded by a lifestyle change which includes proper food intake, increased physical activity and behavior modification. Prolonged juice fasting can also cause nutrient deficiencies.

Juice Right

Juicing can’t be all that bad. There are some practical reasons and health benefits we can get from it. If you don’t like eating fruits and vegetables, juicing can be a part of a healthy diet. Mixing a fresh apple and carrot with a teaspoon of honey over some ice cubes can do the trick and make you appreciate fresh produce more.

Retain the pulp – Use a blender instead of a juicer to get the health benefits of pulp or fiber from your fruits and vegetables.

Choose 100% – If you prefer to buy commercial juice products, choose 100% fruit and vegetable juices. It has no added sugars. Best options would be the ones with pulp and fortified with vitamins and minerals. Remember to read nutrition label, sodium content and practice portion control to avoid excessive intake.

Be Safe – To prevent bacterial growth and food poisoning, properly wash hands and use clean utensils in preparing your juices. Only prepare the amount of serving you can consume at one time to ensure freshness. Store at low temperature and consume right after or within a few hours.

Happy juicing!

For comments and suggestions: email [email protected] or visit www.cheshireque.com

Twitter: CheshireQue