First things first, let’s establish some basic points most people I get a chance to talk with agree upon. Life can be hectic, crazy and downright out of control. We live in a world surrounded by chatter and noise, whether it is someone talking on a cell phone in front of you at the grocery store or the sirens roaring past you. We have TVs, computers, cell phones, iPads, even phones on our wristwatches. Technology puts us in an incredible position to be more efficient than any generation before us. But I challenge you to define the cost of all of this.
This stimulating lifestyle leaves us prone to a variety of painfully limiting conditions. As a health care professional, I have the privilege of working with an increasing workload of clients who fill out the intake forms and check half of the boxes on the symptoms page. Whether it is Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Adrenal Overload or any other nervous system disorders, there is one common tie to all of them. We are overstimulated and our nervous systems don’t know what to do with themselves.
How do we determine if we are at risk and what steps can we take to avoid the slippery slope of overloading our bodies? What can be done to unwind ourselves and chart a course to a healthier, more vital future?
Let’s start by establishing a few necessary components to a healthy life.
- Relaxation
Take time each day to let your body process life. Perspective comes as we slow the world down and stop to smell the roses. One of the biggest mistakes we make in our fast-paced world is to not give ourselves the chance for uninterrupted sleep. Do you wake up well rested or are you still tired? What counts the most is uninterrupted deep REM sleep. Are we shutting off the cell phone, turning off the TV and just easing into a relaxing sleep? If not, maybe all of the Zombie movies are just a look at our future.
- Reset
How do you kick-start your days? Are you starting with a dehydrating cup of coffee or are you getting the blood pumping with some type of exercise to get your body, mind and soul into the day ahead? Also, what signal are we giving our body at the end of the day? One quick way to end the staring at the ceiling insomniac routine is to make a list for tomorrow and give yourself permission to call it a night. My wife, Debbie, is studying herbalism. Here is her method for sleeping at night. Cedarwood essential oil has a very famous place in the history and even in the Bible! Catching a whiff of this oil will ease-off nervous tension and anxiety in minutes. She often adds lavender essential oil also. It is so relaxing.
- Repair
What tools are you giving your body to recover and repair each day? My favorite analogy is to compare our bodies to a fine-tuned automobile. We change the oil every 3,000 to 7,500 miles, give it a tune-up on a regular basis, check the tires and of course we fill it up when it sputters. After all of this maintenance, a really good car may give us 100,000 to 150,000 miles. Yet, we take for granted that we should live for 80 years or more and walk more than 110,000 miles without any preventative care. Give your body good fuel. Don’t forget food quality matters. It is so important that we feed our bodies, our temples, quality foods and herbs. Low grade gas kills our engines. The same rule applies to the food we eat!
At The Natural Healing Garden, we offer “Healthy Fusion,” which my wife, Debbie, and her culinary team have created for goods from the garden through catering services. We focus on fresh and healthy foods. We would love to be your partner for catering and special events needs.
And of course, since I am a massage therapist, I have to acknowledge that massage is a perfect way to accomplish all of these goals. A massage is the ultimate gift of time to relax and put life’s ups and downs in perspective. It resets your brain as you float away to the soothing sounds of nature. It gives your body a little help in repairing as the body mechanic’s hands (massage therapist) find every little knot and release every trigger point making your body a rubbery piece of Jell-O.
I look forward to meeting all of you, but let’s make it for preventative care as opposed to need-based.
At the Natural Healing Garden, it is our mission to help you reconnect with your body, learn to listen to its needs and help you on your path to overall wellness. Come begin your journey with us to optimal well-being.
The professional and trained staff are here to create a wellness plan for you. Our office is located at: 119 Garden St. Prescott, AZ 86305. We can be reached at 928-237-4116. Please visit us as we invite you to our beautiful herb garden. We welcome you to sit and relax in our serene space. QCBN
By Richard Maranville, LMT
Richard Maranville, LMT, is the Co -owner of The Natural Healing Garden Massage and Wellness Center.