Bees provide us with so many tools to heal our lives. These provisions are called Apitherapy. Apitherapy is the medical use of any honey bee product including, honey, pollen, royal jelly and bee venom.
 There are some strange healing techniques being used today, and most would consider bee sting therapy to be one of them. However the venom from a bee can be support a healthy immune system, multiple scelerosis, depression and more!  I was really curious and wanted to experience their healing venom for myself.
              On a beeautiful summer morning, I went to visit Todd Hardy at Honey Gardens to recieve this treatment. I knew Honey Gardens was a special place and this was going to be a special occasion! It was not long before I was standing in the middle of four bee hives.
              One might thing that with bees flying around and landing on me I would be a little nervous. Honestly the only time I was a little nervous was when Todd instructed me to stab myself in the leg with the epinephrine pen if I had a reaction. I knew I was not allergic to bees, but still! I then expressed my concern for the bee I would be sacrificing. I knew the bee was going to die after and I was not sure how I felt about that. The bees are already disapearing and now I was going to use one for my own benefit. Todd eased my guilt with the understanding that the bees natural instinct is to heal, that is their intention! Being the massage therapist that I am, I could really appreciate that.
 With my job being a massage therapist my arms and wrist were in need of attention. Todd and I then sent a request to the bees and expressed our gratitude, followed by a silent prayer of our own for this and all bees! I stood there quiet and content as Todd took the bee with his tweezers and slowly stuck the stinger into my arm. As he did this, I gave thanks again and watched and felt intently as the slight pinch from where the sting had been placed. I saw the stinger seperate from the bee. Todd then left the stinger in my arm for about five minutes as the venom went on and into my arm.
 After he removed  the stinger my arm was red, but there was no pain.  As I drove home I could feel a slight pressure on my arm. The pain in my hands and arm went away. The spot was itching like crazy as it healed, but overall is was an amazing memory.
 What a truly great and natural alternative to heal some of those serious issues that people face. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your life maybe you can find relief from the healing sensation the honey bee!

  Written for The Healthy Hippie Magazine DEC/JAN ‘09 issue

 We are all consumers of products. All of us spend our hard earned money on food and items we need to live. As inspiring Healthy Hippies we also take the health and safety of animals, the planet and ourselves into consideration.
 In the first part of the article we talked about the importance of doing your own research. One of the reasons this is so important is because of the media. The media loves to tell us what we "need" and "can not live without." Usually this information is just a media fad, it is always changing and is generally marketed by the company that makes the product. If you think you want or need something you saw, do research first. Speak with a medical professional. You can also find out about what results others are having. Pay close attention to your own body and its needs. Just because it worked for one person does not mean it will work for everybody.
  Lets Go Shopping!!!Trying to save money is something we are all aiming for. When looking at the price tag you will see the actual price and the unit price. The unit price is usually found in a small block to the left of the actual price.  The unit price will tell you how much you are paying per unit. For example if you are buying something measured in quarts, the unit price will tell you how much you are spending per quart.  This is a great way to compare prices to see if you are getting the best deal.
    A few tips to help you save is make a list of the 20-30 items you buy the most and then compare those prices at the stores in your area.  Cutting coupons is always a good way to get more for your money. And when you buy things in bulk you generally are saving money and waste materials!
  For the most part if something is more expensive there is a reason. All natural and organic ingredients cost more to manufacture, using recycled and organic packing materials cost more to make, which will make the item more expensive. The good news is when you spend your money on these things you are supporting companies and farms that practice "green" lifestyles and you are keeping these businesses in demand! When you eat local and clean food, and use natural and organic products, be assured you are saving money on medical bills, and the alike.
  All of these ideas, labels, ingredients, researching, pricing, and staying on top of the media can feel like a job in itself.  Just practice these steps and it become easier to be a smart consumer of safe and healthy products.

  Written for The Healthy Hippie Magazine Dec/Jan ‘09 issue.

Photos from Google images. 

  To be a smart consumer of safe and healthy food, house hold items and body care products can be a real challenge.  It is important to know what we are putting in and on our bodies. When it comes to such a confusing topic, how do we stay clear and knowledgable?
 One of the most vital things you will want to look at is labels. When it comes to produce and packaged products there are a few labels you are most likely to see. When your product says Certified Organic, that means it is certified by the USDA to be grown or raised without chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, hormones, or genitacaly modified organisms. It also is means that 95% of the ingredients are organic. Look for the USDA certified organic seal! When you see a label that says made with organic ingredients this is also certified by the USDA and must contain atleast 70% organic materials. On of the labels you will want to look out for is the natural label. This basically means nothing. There are no legal standards. The FDA allows products that include highly refined and adulterated ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup to qualify as natural.
 Before you purchase products like eggs and dairy you will want to pay attention to the labels.  The USDA will certify eggs, and dairy products that are hormone free, RGH free, or BST free., which means the animals were not given hormones. The USDA will also certify Antiobiotic free, or process verified, this means that the animals were not given any antiobiotics as a preventitive measure only for a real illness. When looking at meat there is a seperate label system.  The only label certified by the USDA is free range for poultry, and this indicates that the bird had outdoor access atleast once a day.
  When it comes to body-care products not only do you want to look at the labels, but also the ingredients. When looking at the list of ingredients they will be listed in order by the amount in that product, starting with the most and
ending with the least. The rule I like to follow is you should be able to read and say atleast most of the ingredients.
 This column only touches on the basics. So one of the best things you can do to be a smart consumer is to do your own research. A great book to reference is Easy Green Living, by Renee Loux. Please take the time to look up companies, farms and ingredients. Find out what you can before you even get to the store. In the second part of this article we will talk about what you can do to bee a smart consumer when in the store. Until then good luck, you are well on your way to being a healthy and smart consumer.

Written for The Healthy Hippie Magazine  July/August 2009 issue

Photos from Google images

 As human beings we are constantly faced with challenges.  Most of these challeges are tolerable and easy to handle, but life can surprise us with more intense personal battles.  There are a number of different test life can give us, but when they are severe life is most difficult. I am sure you know the ones, where you just want to close the shades and not face the day. In a world so demanding of our time and energy how do we carry on while our hearts are breaking?

With our minds focusing elsewhere, work and family responsibilities can be extremely difficult. We don’t want to announce our our crisis to co-workers, management, and children so we must maintain a smile and act normally when inside we are falling apart.

Not only does this take alot of courage and discipline, but at some point we are going to have to release these emotions. To avoid unexpected breakdowns, have a good solid cry in the shower or take a walk. Even a good cry in your car before and/or after work can be highly effective.  If you do feel the tears surfacing in an inopportune time, find privacy and let those feelings out!

 When the heaviness of your heart is inescapable it is necessary to to nurture yourself. You must do what you is best to heal. A great way to regain strength is to talk with trusted friends and family. Make sure you are honest and don’t hold back anything.  Let them provide support and comfort.  Creative outlets such as music and poetry can also be very therapeutic. Both yoga and massage therapy can assist in grounding, calming, and restoring your being.

This is one of the most challenging times in your life.  Let yourself feel and go through the emotions. Listen and be honest with yourself.  You have been through a trauma and only you know how much time you need to heal.. When you get through these extreme challenges and over-come such great obstacles, you will be a much stronger and wiser person.  You will feel as though you can do anything because you just survived what seemed at one time impossible. I promise you each day will get easier, just bee patient.

This article is dedicated to my dog Grisman. Grisman was truly a special dog.  My best friend. Grisman passed away on January 19th, 2009 at the age of 10. I miss him terrably everyday, the memory of him remains clear and strong. He has touched so many lives and will live on in the hearts of all of us.

This article is also dedicated to anyone going through a hard time. When there seems to be no end to the struggle, keep in mind there is hope.  People are here to help and support you.  You take all the time to need to heal and feel like your self again.

I wrote this article for The Healthy Hippie Magazine  May/June 2009.

       When I first picked up When Darla Hit I really had no idea what to expect. The store I purchased the book in said it was a local Vermont author, I grew up in Vermont so of course I was interested and it looked like a quick read, which is what I needed at the time. Right from the beggining the author explains that most of the story is true but not the whole book. In the first chapter I was already asking myself is that part true? Did this really happen to this Vermont woman.  I read on to read of places familiar to me and situations, and feelings I thought only I had.

        The story explains the life of a woman and her struggles and triumphs with location, family, men, and herself. Through-out the book she really expresses her postitive and negative feelings with these issues. Her will-power and strength to make hard times easier is an inspiration for all!

        Her style of writing is clear, entertaining and heart felt. As you read along, you can hear the voice of the author as if she is right next to you telling her story.   When Darla Hit could be out of any woman’s diary, but her attitude and out look, and they way she explains her experiences made it an original that is only hers, but with lots of room for us all to relate! So if you are a man or woman, from Alaska to Vermont this is a book for you.

For The Healthy Hippie Magazine spring ‘09

   Are you feeling slow and sluggish after the passing winter? Through the long winter months we tend to move less, soak up less sun, and sleep more. Now its Spring and everything starts coming alive, including us! Sping is a great time to release some of the "blockages" that have stored in your body. One great way to feel rejuvinated and alive again is through a massage therapy treatment.

   A massage treatment can be very beneficial for you this winter to spring transition. Massage has some great cleansing benefits. A massage can remove toxins that have been stored in your muscles. Massage is also great for  your digestive system, and the elimination of waste, which could result in wieght loss. If you decide to do a more specific cleanse a massage can be a good way to support your cleanse or it can be fabulous and healthy reward for when your cleanse is finished.

   As you mat already know massage can relieve you of stress and anxiety. When you let go of your stress you relaese toxins and emotional build ups. Can you imagine how wonderful and refreshed you will feel to have such burdens in your life gone?  Now that it is spring time, people start moving their bodies more. There is not a better way get your circulation moving than with a massage. When your body does start moving again, take care of it. Massage Therapy can improve flexability and stamina as well as relieve you from aches and pains that can surface as you begin to be more active.

   Spring really is one of the greatest seasons. To get the most out of your spring get outside and enjoy the sun, flowers, and bees. Start your spring off right ready for anything. Take care of your body and it will take care of you. BEE ALIVE! HAPPY SPRING!

For The Healthy Hippie Magzine spring ‘09

photo from google images

 Like with any of the seasons winter can mean many things to all people. If you live in Vermont you are most likely a skier or a snowboarder. However if you are like me and bees you choose to stay cozy and warm all cuddled up with friends and loved ones in your home or hive.
 Bees will not fly if the temperture drops below  50/degrees. Why would they, there are no flowers, which means no pollen and nectar. The bees will however leave for short flights to eliminate waste, in this rare instance bees will flex their abdominal muscles to keep warm for this specific flight.
 As we all know bees work extremely hard all spring and summer making honey. They will seperate into two catergories the honey they will eat and the honey that will maintain a stable shelf life, in which they will save and eat all winter. Not only does the honey provide food, but while they are feasting they release heat into the hive.
 Bees will stay in their hives all winter. The bees will thermostatically control the hive. They will make sure the hive nursery is always 93/degrees and the rest of the hive does not go below 45/degrees. As I explained one way they do is releasing heat as they eat, the other way they keep warm is they will huddle in a circle around their queen. The bees form a large circle around the queen rotating from the inside to the outside so each bee can stay warm and they all have the responsbility of being on the outside. As it gets colder they will tighten the huddle, the queen is always in the middle of course!
 It sounds like a good way to spend the winter, especially for the queen! However like in the spirit of a queen she will in some cases fly from the hive and look for shelter elsewhere to lay her eggs. This location could be in a deserted home of a mouse, for example. She will burrow out a hole in the well drained sandbank, or maybe move in with you!
 For most insects and animals and even humans, winter can be about survival, making sure to do what it takes to stay healthy and warm through the cold dark months. Maybe we can all take some advice from these intellegent creatures! Stock up on food, huddle with your community, and take care of yourself and eachother.

Dormant Art Photo from Google images.

Written for The Healthy Hippie Magazine winter of ‘08

Here I am with two of my favorite ladies, chillin’ on a cold winter night!

With working a full time job, running a business, the writing projects I have and just life in general its hard to be focused and present all the time.  For the first time in a little over a month, I feel I am starting to get a good grip on being present through each massage, through each movement and technique I was right there, focused and willing to let go of all outside distractions. It was such an amazing feeling I wanted to encourage all of us massage therapist to try this. It makes such a difference in how the time goes, how you feel and most important how the client feels. This was even an hour and half massage, which usually by the end I am thinking about what the rest of my day will bring, and all that I have to do. Some things I do to try to stay present in my massage is look at each person’s body as a mission-or a goal. I have one hour to make a difference in these peoples lives, and how they feel, how am I going to do that? Each knot is a challenge that I must remove or at least loosen up as much as possible. Each technique is a dance, a movement, an exchange of energies, you don’t want your client, thinking "why am I all of a sudden thinking about my responsibilities?" In my personal life I have been getting more into yoga and meditation and being present in all that I do, work, writing, relaxing with friends, eating, and just beeing!!! If anyone else has suggestion for staying present in your massage practice please share, because I have noticed its importance and will continue to practice. Bee healthy. Bee happy. Bee Well, and Bee Present!!

As human beings we are faced with alot of challenges in life. Some of these challenges are tollerable and easy to handle, but sometimes life can surprise us with more personal, intense battles. In a world so demanding of our time and energy, how do we carry on as though everything is fine, when inside we are falling apart? When you work in a field such as massage therapy, where its so intimate and with the exchange of energies, how do we cope and not let our feelings get in the way? Now what if you are the boss as well? How do we do it, how do we face the day when we are dealing with such emotional personal burdens?

I personally just went through what would be the hardest challenge I have had in life so far. It was hard because I was dealing with the emotional trauma as well as trying to maintain a business and my responabilities as a health food store worker, girlfriend, business owner and friend. I feel when we work as  massage therapist its easy to give advice and know what is right for our clients, but when its comes to us we neglect to nurture and comfort ourselves. In a time of suffering I think its ok to be a little selfish and take time for you to heal. Go through the emotions, feel alive from them. If you are are angry, feel angry and let it out, if you are sad, feel sad and let it out!!!!Sometimes its ok to take a day off from the business. I know this is hard for alot of people, but just take a day to sleep in, go for a long walk, take a bath, like I said nurture yourself as if you would a client or a good friend. The sun will rise again and clients will call. We are always taking care of others and we must take care of oursleves!

Massage therapy is also a business, I feel, where people are more understanding, and willing to be flexable when it comes to their therapist’s well being. We take time to build relationships with clients so we can be honest with them. No one has to know details, but explain there has been a death in the family, or a terrable trajedy has struck you, and they will understand, they will most likely feel happy that you told them, rather than act as though nothing happened and go on to give a bad treatment. Massage is such an energy connection practice that you would be doing them a favor by not giving them your negative energy.

For some of us, and maybe all of us at some point can use massage therapy as our art, our creative outlet. When this is the case we may be having the worst day ever, but when the client arrives and is settled into your table waiting for your gentle touch to treat their issues, all of our “baggage” can disapear and we direct our focus on the client. This is the best scenerio of course! We can all understand when this is not the case and your focus is on your challenge. I can not express enough to bee patient and take time for yourself, so you will be ready to take care of others. As massage therapist our main goal is for balance with health and happiness.  As we go through life things are going to surface that we don’t want to deal with, or that stresses us out, or lessons in life that really take alot out of us, we are human just like everybody else, and need what every other human would need. When in a time of sorrow, we must bee patient for our well-beeing as well as those around us!

 Written for massagemag.com on 2/19/09

The other day I was talking with a friend about certain back issues he was having. When I suggested  to him he get a massage he told me ” I can’t  get a massage, they are for rich house wives.” My  heart stopped and my jaw must have hit the ground because he had to ask me if I was ok. Of course I was, just in a little shock and very confused.  How many other people thought this about massage therapy? A massage does not have to be this long, dramatic day to the spa with your friends.  Massage is about healing and body working, which of course can be done in many different ways so find the one that works for you. Of course all massages should be relaxing but it should also be effective. If you want a spa treatment go to a spa, if you don’t, don’t go to a spa! There are plenty of other options out there for you so find the one you want.  Please please please do not get caught up in the idea that massages are only for the wealthy. We are all human, we all get stressed out, work hard, face challenges and get aches and pains. We are all deserving of massage.

 written for massagemag.com on 11/26/08