Graduation Gowns

Graduation Regalia

Graduation Regalia

Graduation regalia are the clothing worn specifically for graduation ceremonies. The regalia generally consist of the gown, the hood and the cap. Graduation regalia in the United States have their roots in England. However, while European institutions have diversity in wearing their regalia, American institutions follow a code which sets out the scheme to be followed in wearing graduation regalia. This helps to create uniformity in all institutions. However, some institutions do not adhere to this code while others only follow it partially. The basic rule for all graduation regalia however is that there should be no jewelry or corsages on the regalia.

Graduation Information On The Internet

Graduation information is available all over the internet. You’ll find multiple links which can assist you in your research. Gordon International offers a lot of information which can be useful to anyone ordering graduation regalia but if you’re looking for specific history please see the link provided below.
The Following Site Offers Great Information About Graduation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academic_dress wikipedia provides the searcher with a great information source for any type of search. You can go to their search wiki and place an random search in the engine and you’ll come across a few useful sources & articles.

Feuille D’Menthe is a blend of several fragrant grass essential oils, with the main ingredients being sage, vetiver, mint and basilic. The perfect combination of these fragrant herbs exudes a rich and fresh aroma, without gloom and turbidity. The addition of mint further accentuates the refreshing and uplifting fragrance, all enveloped in a richness of grass fragrance.

History of Sage, Vetiver, Mint and Basilic

The healing properties of sage are first discovered by the Romans who brought sage into England. The name “sage” comes from the Latin word “salvere”, which means “to save”. Indeed, sage is a herb that is able to save and heal. The Greeks believe that sage is effective in combating the deterioration of sensory abilities and loss of memory. Ancient Egyptians believed in sage for preventing pestilence infections and also used it to treat infertility.

The name vetiver comes from the Tamil word “vetiverr”, which means “hatchet up”, a reference to its cultivation method. Indians have been using the fragrance of vetiver to cure illnesses for a few thousand years. They also hang vetiver roots in the wardrobe or weave them into cushions and fans to be hung at the doorstep or along the corridor, so as to emit a light fragrance and allow for cooling ventilation. Russians place small aromatic sachets of vetiver essential oil into the pockets of their fur coats. In recent centuries, vetiver roots have also been used to manufacture various fine spices.

The word “mint” was said to originate from a young lady by the name of “Minthe”. According to Greek mythology, when the wife of Pluto discovered Minthe in his arms, she was changed into the mint herb. Romans have been using mint a few thousand years ago to treat problems related to the digestive channel. Ancient Greeks used mint as a perfume and to provide fragrance to their bath water. The use of mint to whiten teeth and flavour toothpastes started from the 14th century and lasted till today. Many eastern cultures use mint as a condiment for cooking. England was the first country to cultivate mint, with Hertfordshire being the largest manufacturer in 1969.

The word “basilic” evolved from the Egyptian word “King”(basileum). As sacred oil used by the King, ancient Egyptians accorded tremendous respect and value to basilic and it even became termed as the King of plants. In the 16th century, people grounded basilic into powder to be inhaled as tobacco for treating illnesses like headaches and flu. The French were the first to distil basilic into essential oils and this breakthrough was even recorded in the Lance Victor articles.

Ecology of Sage, Vetiver, Mint and Basilic

Sage originated from the cold-resistant and evergreen bushes in southern Europe, especially Spain. It has creased round leaves with greyish-green hues and tube-shaped purplish-blue flowers which bloom in June and July. Sage used to be widely cultivated in France but is now mainly supplied by Russia and extracted from Dalmatia and Croatia.

From its Indian and Sri Lankan origins, vetiver has now found its cultivating ground in the Caribbean Sea. Being an upright plant with odourless narrow-shaped leaves, vetiver is quite similar to lemon, citronnelle and other species of fragrant plants. Vetiver essential oil, extracted from the roots, has a dark brown colour and a sweet, earthy and woody fragrance. In 1970, China has also started cultivating vetiver and exporting its essential oils in large quantities. In 1987, the worldwide production quantity of vetiver amounted to 250 tonnes.

Mint originated from the Mediterranean Sea and Western Asia. Currently, it is dispersed across all temperate zones in the world, with America being the largest manufacturer of mint essential oil. Mint comes in many species such as water mint, horseshoe mint, perfume mint, etc. The characteristics of mint lie in its squarish stem and wrinkled, bright green leaves with serrated edges, both of which contain oil. When mint blooms in summer, the flowers range from purple to white in colour. The flowers and roots whither in the winter season.

Basilic originated from India and has over 100 different species, with different shapes, sizes and fragrances. The most common species has dark green leaves and carries a rich fragrance. The Mediterranean region produces the largest quantities of basilic. In fact, the reputation of basilic was very much enhanced in Europe.

Sage, Vetiver, Mint and Basilic Health Notes

Sage is able to reduce the deterioration of nerves, relieve fatigue, depression and irritation and is useful for alleviating symptoms such as liver problems, asthma and rheumatism. It can also be used for common external injuries and wounds, such as cuts, burns, heat and ulcers. It can be said to be a panacea. For beauty purposes, it can be added to perfume to enhance its strength. When used to rinse the mouth, it is able to protect the throat and gums. Besides this, sage is also a supplementary gourmet ingredient.

Vetiver is also known as “oil of tranquility”, mainly due to its psychological effects to eliminate anxiety and soothe insomnia and depression. A few drops of vetiver essential oil in your bath water will make you feel relieved of all burdens and totally relaxed. Ayurvedic medicine prescribed the oil for heatstroke, fevers and headaches. Another lesser-known function is its ability to stimulate the immunity system to enhance our resistance to diseases and calm our minds. It also reduces muscle pain, arthritis and sprains.

Mint essential oil is very helpful for the digestive system. Due to its ability to combat convulsions, it can soothe the smooth muscles in the intestine and stomach and can therefore treat various illnesses related to the digestive system. At the same time, mint essential oil can also be used in the nervous system to mediate and pacify. For illnesses related to the respiratory channel, mint can activate its warming and stimulating characteristics to invigorate emotions, warm the body and aid in symptoms such as flu, sneezing, mucus and fever.

Kefir grains…..what are they?

Why do people name them? Talk to them? Love them?

My sister found out about them and wanted to get some. I told her I would find a source and have them sent to her.

I found some on e-bay and had them sent to Donna (my sister). She named them (the ya-ya sisters), fed them and started sending me reports of how they were improving her health. They were growing so fast she begin sharing her extra grains with her friends.

They named their grains and loved and cared for them and the reports keep coming in about the amazing results they are gaining from their friends.

One young girl who was constantly in the emergency room for kidney stones, alergies and other health problems was like a new person when I saw her a couple of months after Kefir joined the family. She had lost weight and looked like a new person.

Her mother says she is healthy now. Kefir is joining families all over this area of western North Carolina and is improving the health of everyone willing to make them a part of their family.

They require some care, but unlike a pet rock they return the favor and will improve the health of anyone who will love and care for them.

My sister has shared her Kefir grains with us and for several months now Crystal has been a member of our family and has been taking good care of us and our friends.

I know I haven’t really told you what Kefir grains are, but I will tell you where you can get this and much more information.

There are several newsletters on Kefir where people tell about their experence with it. They share grains and help newcomers get started.

The most information I have found is Dom’s Kefir web site. He covers it from every angle. It’s really not necessary to talk to your grains but, just like plants, it sure won’t hurt if you do!

Dom’s Kefir site
Jerry has spent over 25 years in the water treatment business and is now retired. He spends his time seeking alternative health solutions to common health problems. He shares his findings at his blog: http://naturalhealthnow.blogspot.com

If you’re in chronic pain, you probably want 7 things. If you can learn to use visualization statements to program your subconscious, you may be able to attain most or even all of them.

The 7 things you probably want are to directly relieve your pain by any safe means possible, to indirectly relieve it using the mind-body connection, to avoid dependence on pain medications, to avoid dependence on doctors, to avoid helplessness, to be able to function despite your pain, and to avoid more ongoing costs related to your pain.

Visualization statements provide a useful tool for attaining many of these goals. These statements represent the specific language that your subconscious wants you to read back to it to help ease your pain. They’re simple and are targeted directly at the main factors that could bring you relief.

You can obtain these statements by learning how to communicate directly with your own subconscious mind. The process is straightforward and can be done at home by working with a facilitator over the telephone. You you need no special skills and no previous experience in working with the subconscious.

Goal 1: Directly Relieve Pain

You’re probably most interested in anyting that may directly and safely relieve your pain. Through visualizations you can attempt direct relief yourself, using the subconscious to try to influence brain chemistry in ways that may reduce the pain signal. You can also use visualizations to try to minimize body system triggers of pain such as the musculoskeletal, immune, and endocrine systems. And you can further use visualizations to try limit lifestyle triggers of pain such as emotions, food, and lack of sleep.

Goal 2: Indirectly Relieve Pain

You might want to be able to use aspects of the mind-body connection to lessen the pain. Visualizations may allow you to use the subconscious to try to access positive feelings, provide distractions, obtain relaxation, and generate acceptance, all of which have been shown to help ease pain.

Goal 3: Avoid Dependence on Pain Meds

You probably want to reduce your dependence on pain medications that make you groggy, make you sick, or don’t work. To this end you can use visualizations to influence the subconscious try to limit the four main chemical amplifiers of pain–glutamate, substance P, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine. You can also use visualizations to attempt to strengthen the four main inhibitors of pain–endorphins,GABA, serotonin, and dopamine.

Goal 4: Avoid Dependence on Doctors

If any of your doctors are providing callous treatment, invasive procedures, or under-medication, you probably want to reduce your dependence on them. Through visualization statements you can try to use the subconscious to address your pain yourself. Specific visualizations can be aimed at back pain and pain in the neck area and other extremities, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and neuropathic pain (nerve pain), and may possibly produce relief.

Goal 5: Avoid Helplessness

If you’re feeling helpless you probably want the ability to take back psychological control of your life despite your pain. You can use the subconscious to try to talk down the pain, naturally alter brain chemistry, increase self-esteem, and build expertise about your pain, all of which helps to build self-confidence.

Goal 6: Be Able to Function

You probably want to be able to function despite your pain. A major factor in allowing you to do this is to consistently get good sleep. You can use visualization statements to try to program the subconscious to improve your sleep by allowing you to find a comfortable sleeping position, stay asleep despite the pain, get back to sleep quickly, and handle the poor sleep of fibromyalgia.

Goal 7: Avoid Ongoing Costs

You no doubt want to avoid taking on yet another series of ongoing costs related to your pain. Unlike drugs or surgery, use of the subconscious is a learned skill obtained via a one-time investment, rather than as a consumed service that must be repeatedly paid for.

Engaging the Subconscious

The subconscious is quite powerful. When programmed through the very visualizations that it suggests, it may be able to turn episodes of uncontrolled pain into events over which you have a degree of control.

Ben Plumb is CEO and President of The Visualization Group, Inc. The company’s service is delivered by people like himself who personally suffered from years of chronic pain, and used the visualization method described in this article to obtain relief when nothing else worked. For more information, please visit http://www.thevisualizationgroup.com.

(c) 2005 The Visualization Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The methodology and program disclosed in this article are Patent Pending.

Last year’s initial shortage of flu shots has many people worrying about this year’s flu bug. Although there is no way to guarantee that you will not catch the flu, there are some things you can do to try and stay flu-free:

• Wash your hands! Every time you return home from an outing, head to the sink and wash hands briskly with soap and warm water, for at least 20 seconds. Have your kids wash their hands as soon as they get home from school as well. This is truly the best way to avoid unnecessary germs.
• Minimize your exposure to others who may have the flu while they are sick.
• Take care of yourself! eat well, get enough shut-eye and try to keep stress levels down. The holiday season is picking up-which means your stress levels may be on the rise-but not taking care of yourself can adversely affect your immune system.

ESSENTIAL OIL RECOMMENDATIONS

RESPIRE BLEND is an excellent choice for colds, flu and particularly congestion. It contains the following single specie oils: Tea Tree - Eucalyptus - Lemon - Lavender - Pine Needle - Thyme - Peppermint - any of these are good by themselves or any combination.

HEALTHY BLEND - Healthy is a blend for the immune system, boosts your immune system health and supports your body as it wards off colds and flu. Healthy is a propriety blend of lemon, grapefruit, rosemary, thyme serpolet, ginger root, elemi, lavender, and peppermint - any of these are good by themselves or any combination.

OTHERS: Frankincense, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Thyme Serpolet, Tea Tree, Pine Needle, Peppermint.

SECONDARY RECOMMENDATIONS: Roman Chamomile, Oregano. Rosemary. Basil, Cinnamon, Ravensara.

SUGGESTED USAGE
There are many identified and unidentified viruses which are given the name “flu”. Viral attacks that involve fever, tiredness, coughs, colds, muscular pain, and exhaustion are all likely to be given this label.

Treatment needs to be quick and is aimed at raising immunity levels as well as combating the virus. ONLY USE THE HIGHEST QUALITY ESSENTIAL OILS FOR THERAPEUTIC PURPOSES.

STUFFY NOSE BLEND

• 15 drops Eucalyptus
• 13 drops Pine Needle
• 2 drops Peppermint

Directions: Blend the oils together in a clean dark-colored glass container, preferably one with an orifice reducer (a built-in dropper insert). Apply 2-3 drops to a cotton ball and inhale occasionally to help clear a stuffy nose.

Colds

• 2 drops lavender
• 2 drops rosemary
• 2 drops eucalyptus

Add 2 drops lavender, 2 drops rosemary and 2 drops eucalyptus to 2 teaspoons milk or cream. Pour into a warm bath and soak. or Mix 2 drops lavender, 2 drops eucalyptus and 2 drops tea tree oil. Place in a diffuser and diffuse into your room. Or You can mix above oils with a lotion or our mixing oil and massage chest and back Or bottom of feet.

To Ease Coughs

• 2 drops Eucalyp

tus

• 2 drops Lavender

Boil a pot of water and remove it from the stove. While it is still steaming, add 2 drops eucalyptus and 2 drops lavender, immediately cover the pot and head with a towel and inhale for 3 minutes. Keep Eyes Closed.

To Combat colds and flu - daytime

• 2 drops Eucalyptus
• 2 drops Lavender
• 2 drops Peppermint
• 2 drops Tea Tree

Add 2 drops eucalyptus, 2 drops lavender, 2 drops peppermint and 2 drops tea tree to a steaming bowl of water - let stand so that the steam diffuses into the room (or add same essential oils to a diffuser). Make the above blend put on a Kleenex and keep it in your pocket.

Information about the above therapeutic essential oils go to: http://antiagingchoices.com/Aromatherapy/home.htm

Other recipes and ideas on how to fight cold / flu / sinus conditions using therapeutic essential oils
http://antiagingchoices.com/Aromatherapy/Conditions/coldflucongestion.htm

Click here for information on what you should look for when purchasing http://antiagingchoices.com/Aromatherapy/about_aromatherapy/quality_eo.htm

What is Aromatherapy?

It is the practice of using volatile plant oils (and essential oils) for physical and psychological well-being.

Before I get started take note that fragrance oils (fragrances) are not essential oils. This is because they contain unnatural chemicals and do not provide therapeutic benefits like essential oils.

Essential oils are the pure “essence” of a plant and when used properly will provide both psychological and physical benefits. There are many essential oils. Absolutes, CO2s and hydrosols are also commonly utilized in aromatherapy. CO2s and absolutes are often defined as part of the term “essential oil”.

Essential oils are very powerful and concentrated and should never be applied to the skin in their undiluted form. When applied to the skin essential oils are believed to be absorbed into the bloodstream. The components of the various oils are believed to aid in a variety of physical conditions including: health, hygiene, mental and beauty. To apply essential oils to the skin carrier oils (pure vegetable oils) are used to dilute the essential oils and carry them to the skin.

Examples of carrier oils include (but are not limited to): apricot kernel oil, sweet almond oil and grapeseed oil.

Inhaling essential oils is believed to offer both physical and psychological benefits. The aroma of a natural essential oil stimulate’s the brain to trigger a reaction. The naturally occurring chemicals in essential oil are drawn into the lungs and can supply a physical benefit, as well. Be careful. It is easy to use essential oils in a dangerous way.

Oils can be blended together to provide a specific therapeutic action, or pleasing aroma. Synergistically blending oils in proper proportions is considered to have a further reaching effect than that of each oil working alone. This is what the art of essential oil blends is all about.

I am a full time webmaster living in the United States. When I am not working then reading or eating is occupying my time. I spend most of my time working on Big Blog Directory and my Online Aromatherapy Store.

Autoimmune disorders, lupus, Sjogrens, MS, IBS, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, leukemia / cancer, and many autoimmune diseases, may have a bacterial or fungal related etiology. Ask the so-called medical specialists. Some seem to have all the answers. But this I do know, - when my 14 year old dog, Missy was diagnosed, by 2 vets, with chronic liver failure, leukemia, and many tumors over her outer body, and she had a specific liver enzyme count of over 2,000,- that what I gave her, helped her get much better. Both vets (now 3) gave her, at the best, 2 days, to 2 weeks to live. The first vet did the exam and blodd tests 16 months ago, Jan, 2003. The 3rd doctor examined Missy in April, 2005, and just could not explain what or how she was staying alive. She has lost 15 lbs, and her stomache (liver, spleen, and pancreas are so swollen), but still very active, eating, and no apparent pain! jw

Now, May, 2005, - she has very little trace of outer tumors visible, she is up running pretty well, and all the neighbors are in shock over her positive energy and health change. What did we do different? As a traditional naturopath, herbalist, and self taught - Whole-Life Extensionist, I simply gave Missy, what I would suggest to any of my other dog friends in a similar situation.

First see a qualified medical doctor. Which we did,- her 2 vets. They could do little to nothing, but volunteer to put her down. So I gave her my special formula, I call “ReFidolize”. Sort of named after her. Ha! Not really funny, but whatever, the vets asked me for the concoctions recipe. I, of course, just gave the basic ingredients: 3 mushroom and beta-glucan mixed supplements; olive leaf extract; pau d’arco; milk thistle plus; oregano; mixed brocolli and carrot powder, flaxseed oil (omegas), ester C; brewers yeast; multi minerals / aminos; lipoic acid; shark cartilage; green tea; and a proprietary blend of 14 other all natural organic herbs and food supplements.- And my special blend of Medicinal Mushrooms.

I am commenting here on the “Nutrition and the Immune System” articles, the ‘mushroom supplements’, because they are one of the important ingredients of this special formula, which I believe, helped her innate immune system to partially heal or balance her self, and or to help control the parasite or possible cause of the dis-eases. All we know is that seeing is believing.

We are also working on our own ‘rnai’ mushroom related process and product, which is in experimental, R/D trials, by applying the mushrooms own immune chemical creating immune defenses,- to be introduced into dogs, to kill specific parasites, just as if the culprit was attacking the mushroom itself.

Hey, who knows, with funding, our new product ‘ReFidolize’ could be ready for market by later this year.

In closing, follow a healthy natural lifestyle, eat live foods, exercise, and don’t sweat the small stuff. Anyone for a vegi - mushroom pizza? And please remember,- “gorillas-dont-cook”.

Peace,

Joe Ward
Traditional naturopath and herbalist, Joe has been studying, researching, and promoting natural health and Whole-Life extensionism for 30+ years.

ReFidolize (immune system and acid / alkyline balancing recipe), is just one of his all natural organic food supplement formulations. Especially developed for his dog Missy.

Contact Info:
Joe Ward
Kenton, Ohio
herbalist32@yahoo.com

Vegetables like fruits and their juices have healing properties because of the fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals they have. For constipation, vegetables are an excellent source of minerals and fiber. In addition there are specific vegetables and their juices that stimulate the colon become more active.

The benefits of Vegetables

Juices are absorbed quickly into your bloodstream. As a result, your cells are provided quickly with nutrients that feed them and that wash away waste. Juices give you the opportunity to get quick relief from various body conditions such as constipation. Juices move into your colon quickly to cleanse it and to activate peristaltic action.

Eating and drinking vegetables and their juices provide you with minerals and nutrients that build your blood, tissue, bones, and cells. It is minerals that build every part of your body. It is minerals that keep your body’s pH at the required level. It is minerals that keep your body alkaline by neutralizing body acids.

It is minerals that build your colon wall tissues and cells so your colon can perform those activities that prevent constipation.

Keep in mind that some natural recipes for clearing constipation require drinking vegetable juices that are bitter or have a strong taste. As you will find, some of the vegetable juices taste good and some don’t. Remember you are dealing with a condition that needs clearing and that what you drink for this is not for pleasure.

As you drink some of these vegetable juices, you may find that you like certain ones and these can become your regular daily or weekly drink.

James A. Duke, PhD, in his book, The Green Pharmacy, gives the following constipation remedy using rhubarb,

“Rhubarb has strong laxative action so it is best to use it with other juices. Here’s how you can use this herb.
Blend together three stalks of rhubarb, without leaves, 1 cup of fresh apple juice, and one quart of peeled lemons and one tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. This tart drink will help you with your constipation.
Drink one glass three times a day.”

A smaller quantity of this rhubarb drink would be,

Blend three stalks of rhubarb, - peeled lemon, a teaspoon of maple syrup, and cup of fresh organic apple juice. You may add more syrup if the taste if to harsh for you. Don’t use rhubarb leaves since they contain toxic chemicals.

Use rhubarb only raw since it is high in oxalic acid. Use it sparingly and do not cook it. Cooking converts the organic oxalic acid into inorganic oxalic acid. The body does not easily absorb inorganic oxalic and it forms crystal deposits in the kidney and throughout the body.

If you have arthritis or gout, do not use rhubarb.

In other articles, I will be discussing the use of other vegetables that provide good constipation relief.

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid e-books. He writes a newsletter called natural-remedies-thatwork.com and his information on other topics can be seen at http://www.stop-constipation.com or at http://www.constipation-remedies.for–you.info

Caring for an Alzheimer’s patient is one of the most difficult things you can do. It involves a lot of energy, time and patience. It can be very frustrating. People with Alzheimer’s may refuse help from caregivers. This is a sign that they are actually trying to communicate with you. Refusal to accept care is a sign that something is missing or not right. It’s up to the caregiver to assess the situation.

If your loved one refuses to take her bath or shower, this might be a clue that something is bothering her. It may be embarrassment. Remember that your loved one used to do all these things alone before she had Alzheimer’s and now she has to depend on another person. It is very frustrating. You may have to limit bath time. Approach the situation one step at a time in a non-threatening manner. While you help your loved one undress, use a smooth calming voice. As you bathe her, you can talk about old memories you used to share. It will make the process more enjoyable and pleasant for both of you.

If this does not work and your loved one still resists your help, then you might need try again later. When people with Alzheimer’s do not like to bathe, it often stems from fear. Make sure the lighting in the bathroom is adequate for your loved one to see. If she cannot see well, her fear will increase. Let the shower or bath run for a while to warm up the room. It will make it more comfortable. No one likes to undress in a cold room. If your loved one is using a shower, you might want to put a chair in it so she can sit down. You can purchase one of those at a medical supply store or drug store. Use a hand held shower head. This will take the water up to her level and will be less threatening.

Music is a good way to help as well. It can be good therapy. Studies have shown that some Alzheimer’s patients react very well to music. They may feel less stress. Music can decrease emotions of agitation or aggressive behavior. You can play soft music; add some fragrance in the bathroom. It will make it more inviting. You can try to use the same rituals your loved one used before when taking a bath or a shower. Routine is extremely important for persons with Alzheimer’s.

If you feel there is still tension and resistance, you can always choose another option. You can hire some professional help just for the bathing time. If you decide to get someone to help you, make sure that person has experience with Alzheimer’s disease and knows how to handle patients with dementia. You can hire someone on your own or go through an agency. They have qualified people and will be able to assist you in this situation. Sometimes, the individual with dementia will respond better to a third party rather than a family member. Put yourself in her shoes, it can be really embarrassing having someone from your family bathe you. A disinterested, but gentle, third party may help greatly.

The main thing is to handle bath time in a loving manner. Your loved one will appreciate it and it will lower her stress level, as well as yours.

About The Author

William G. Hammond, JD is a nationally known elder law attorney and founder of The Alzheimer’s Resource Center. He is a frequent guest on radio and television and has developed innovative solutions to guide families who have a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s. For more information you can visit his website at www.BeatAlzheimers.com.

The human body is recognized as a series of colors, detectable only in the last fifty years with the technology of Kirlian Photography. The colors relate to the body’s subtle energy fields, known as auras and chakras. Although these fields have only been visible in recent years, healing techniques that enhance these energetic colors have been used since Egyptian times. By manipulating these energetic fields with various treatments of what is now known as “color therapy,” the body can begin to regulate its energy accordingly. One of the newest color therapy methods is called Aura Soma. Steamboat is lucky enough to have an Aura Soma practitioner, Lena Steed, who uses this color therapy in her business, Advanced Massage.

Aura Soma was developed by British pharmacist and herbalist, Vicki Wall in the early 1980’s. The practice involves 100 bottles of mixed herbs, crystal essences, and essential oils. These bottles contain two colors split in half with an oil and water diversion, are used for emotional and physical healing, and can be used in conjunction with many other techniques.

Steed, originally from Malmo, Sweden, moved to Steamboat in 1986 in search of something deeper and healthier than she could find in Sweden at the time. Originally headed for California, Steed stopped in Steamboat and stayed. Although she eventually made it to southern California a few years later, she has always felt the well-known pull of the Yampa Valley, and has called Steamboat “home” ever since.

Upon arriving the to the States, Steed first studied massage and meditation, and practiced both in Steamboat for many years before finding her path with Aura Soma five years ago. Since then, however, her life and work have been powerfully enhanced by Aura Soma. Before, Steed had been troubled with fatigue, low energy and a lack of excitement about life, all of which Aura Soma helped eliminate. Steed states that Aura Soma works on a subtle and gentle level, and has brought her strength and clarity when both had been missing for some time. Massage is a wonderful physical tool, but for those suffering on an emotional level, the addition of color therapy can bring positive energy of all kinds.

The Aura Soma bottles line the shelves of her small massage studio, bringing significant color and energy to the room. Steed has you pick four bottles to work with, and reads into the soul of her clients by the bottles they choose. As stated, the bottles are split into two colors, and slosh around in their bottles miraculously without mixing. The colors one chooses truly represent the clients’ inner desires, paths, and hopes as well as lessons they can learn from. Clients are drawn to the colors that will support themselves, choosing both colors that their bodies lack, as well as colors that will enhance their strengths.

Once the bottles are read and explained, Steed then chooses one or two bottles as massage oil during her session. Steed then unleashes the bottles’ powers upon her clients in another way. Aura Soma is a combination of color therapy, aromatherapy, and crystal therapy all in one. It’s no wonder this technique is an effective healing modality. When opened, the bottles exhume a fragrance that fills the room. Their scent immediately affects the subtle emotional and physical levels of her clients before she begins massaging their muscles. The effect is a strikingly unique one, and keeps many of her loyal clients coming back.

Steed practices Swedish, energy, and intuitive massage techniques. The Aura Soma bottles add to these techniques in a compounded way that no other therapy seems to. Many therapists combine techniques to intensify the healing results, and are including emotionally supportive techniques to enhance the physical techniques. The fusion creates a more balanced healing result for the client’s total well-being! See for yourself!

Steed’s office is on the bottom floor of the KFMU building at the corner of Village Dr. and Walton Creek Rd. 970-879-2444. Lenames@hotmail.com

Andy Jehn has been a contributor for The Local since its inception and is a freelance writer and published author. She is also founder of her own Alternative Healing practice, Innerself Lightworks, practicing many of metaphysics’ fine arts. This article appears courtesy of The Local (http://www.thesteamboatlocal.com) and may not be reprinted without consent of both parties. For the archive of past Holistic Methods, please see http://www.thesteamboatlocal.com/hol.php