Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Healing at Home - Effective Therapies you can do!

Healing @ Home
Effective Therapies You Can Do!

This is an overview of healing techniques and therapies you can do at home to bless the lives of those you love.  Presented by Dr. Kyle Christensen in April 2016 in Orem, Utah.
Dr. Kyle Christensen - Healing at Home Effective Therapies You Can Do from Color My Media on Vimeo.

Monday, December 12, 2016

Gua Sha - Scrape Away Your Pain!

Gua Sha 
Scrape Away Your Pain!
 
Gua Sha (pronounced Gwa Shaw) is an age-old bodywork technique that can be used for many conditions from improving immunity, your daily aches and pains or headaches to chronic severe ailments. It is used to intentionally lightly bruise the skin by using a scraping technique in order to help detoxify the body and relieve pain.  It releases built up waste and stimulates blood flow and healing.The word "Gua" means to scrape, and "Sha" refers to stagnant blood and qi (energy) that is inhibiting proper flow of energy and blood or in other words, the fluids that contain metabolic waste that is congested in the tissues and muscles.  "Sha" also refers to the petechia (reddish, minute hemorrhages that look like a red colored speckled rash) that can surface to the skin after the Gua Sha treatment.
 
During this treatment a flat piece of wood, bone, or stone (called a gua sha) is used to move the lymph, release lactic acid from the muscles, break up scar tissue, and to release congestion and stagnation along the energy lines of the body.  The edge of this gua sha is rubbed along the skin, always working from feet to heart and hands to heart.  It can cause bruising from the release of toxins from the skin. The bruising/redness will subside as your tissues get stronger.
 
                       
Scrape out and break down connective tissue adhesions that restrict joint and muscle mobility as well as increasing circulation and lymphatic flow. Scrape repetitively back and forth, up and down.
 
            You don't have to go to an expensive body worker to get the benefits of gua sha.  I highly recommend getting or making your own gua sha tool and adding this self-care ritual to your daily or weekly practice.  You can purchase one made from wood made by Dr. Christensen or improvise with a spoon, back end of a butter knife, jar lid or ceramic soupspoon.
 
            Begin by noticing where your muscles feel tense or knotty.  A sign of stagnation is a blanched area after pushing down on tissue that is slow to pink back up.  Use your gua sha tool to scape along the tense area of your body, always moving primarily in the direction of the heart. This will facilitate the lymph moving in the right direction.  Repetitive back & forth or up & down movements are normal when working an area of injury or pain.  Use a lubricating oil such as coconut, olive or arnica. It makes the process more comfortable.  Essential oils may be used as well. Create sufficient friction to raise the toxins that flood to the skin's surface and facilitate the actual removal of disease in the body.  Start slowly, but don't be shy.  It may feel intense at first but you will actually enjoy it after a while.
 
            Use your gua sha in the shower or bath.  While taking a warm detox bath with either epsom salts or apple cider vinegar, run the gua sha up and down your legs in strong, vigorous strokes.  Many tend to get stagnation in the back of the thighs so work those areas really well.  Work the back of your neck and shoulders, moving down toward the heart. Focus on areas of injury or pain, scraping back and forth. You may need to take a day or two off between vigorous gua sha sessions. Gua sha is especially effect for areas of chronic injury or pain.
 
            Enlist the help of a friend to work areas that you can't reach.  Many folks find great relief from having gua sha done on the back, either along the sides of the spine or running the gua sha along the muscles themselves.
Don't be alarmed if you see significant bruising (not black and blue but bright red).  This is a sign that there is a lot of toxins to be removed. It will heal in a couple of days. Stick with it, slowly.  It will move.

Handcrafted  
Gua Sha Tools
Wood in all of its varieties have spiritual properties.  We make our Gua Sha based on the spiritual property of each wood. Go to our Blog and read about the different properties of each wood and decide which one feels right for you.  Prices of our custom made, handcrafted Gua Sha tools (made by myself and my son) range from $25-$30.

Overcoming Fear

Overcoming Fear 
 
Do you really have the faith that you think?
 
We have learned that our thoughts really do drive our physiology. Worry, anxiety and fear trigger the adrenal glands to secrete cortisol. Which in turn suppresses aspects of the immune system resulting in inflammation. This is one of the basic mechanisms that causes in allergies and a myriad of other health concerns.
 
Years ago a friend gave me a book, which boasted of revealing the "secret" to what we want. And of course, the secret to happiness put forth by "the secret" would be found in the ultimate acquisition of wealth, popularity, power and material things. In a nutshell, you simply had to become mentally, emotionally obsessed with your goal and by-and-by you would achieve it, because thoughts drive actions and actions get results.
 
Sadly, many have found that once they arrive at the top of the ladder (the goal), far too often they discover their ladder was leaning against the wrong wall. The wall of myopic selfishness, it turns out is not the wall of happiness - even with all of the cool stuff and fun times you've accumulated along the way.

 
 
Those of us who profess a Christian life, sadly are sucked into this false paradigm as this message of "me, me, me" is carefully cloaked and reinforced with biblical verse and catchy philosophical slogans. The philosophies of men mingled with scripture or catchy phrases is that very anthem that lures us to climb the wrong ladder - that ladder of self-aggrandizement which eventually leads away from God rather than towards Him.
 
So I guess, to continue this discussion, we must establish a few common understandings. Namely, a belief in God. That He loves and cares for us. That He is mindful of us and that He desires us to be happy and healthy. Also we must believe that His revealed word through the scriptures are true and accurate.
 
I believe that if we enjoyed good health, had plenty of money, lots of leisure time and are surrounded by likeminded friends, then there would be no need of a god. I believe that our ill health and dismal circumstances are tools that are used by loving heavenly parents to guide us back to them.
 
Early psychologists have taught us that we are intuitively taught to avoid pain and are drawn to pleasure. When we train a dog, or a child for that matter, we allow them to experience consequences. The consequences of doing right is rewarded. And for doing wrong, we earn pain or punishment. One of the great blessings and distinctions of man over the animals is that we have agency or a free will. We can choose our course of action. But in the choosing, we do not have control of the consequences. If I choose to step off the roof of my house, I cannot change my mind as I see the consequence of gravity propelling me to the earth.
An infant is born with only two fears, the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. All other fears are developed or acquired based on our experiences. As we grow and mature, we develop superficial fears (how am I going to pay all of these bills) and deeper fears (which come from a breach in relationships and broken heart - fear of man, fear of failure, abandonment, rejection, being vulnerable, etc.).
 
Like you, I know people who seem to be addicted to worry and anxiety. If they don't have something to worry about of their own, they will gladly worry for you about your problems. Understand that worry, fear and anxiety are all tools that the adversary uses to distract you away from God and your divine purpose here in life. If the devil can keep you mentally busy with worry then what you can accomplish for God will be lessened. An acronym for BUSY is Burdened Under Satan's Yoke. God does not ask us to serve Him because he needs our help. He asks us to serve Him because it is for our own good. As we walk in obedience to God (namely following the spiritual prompting that come into our heart and mind), He intends our life to be one of quality, happiness and health.
 
If you are not experiencing this (happiness and health), then listen up and consider the possibility that you may need to make some changes. If you truly want to get well, you've got to let go of the things that are causing fear, worry, anxiety and stress in your life. You have got to learn to trust God with absolutely confidence and get into the habit of casting your cares on Him. In Peter 5:7 it says (paraphrased) "Cast ALL of your cares - all of your anxieties, all of your worries, all your concerns, once and for all - on Him; For he really does care about you." God does not promise that you won't have problems in life, but he does promise to faithfully take care of you and deliver you out of every difficult circumstance.
 
So here's the deal. It is not Gods will or design that we worry, are fearful and anxious. If we cast these burdens then He has them and it is our job to listen to and follow the spiritual prompting he gives to us on how to conduct our life as it relates to the challenges we get.
 
Try this exercise: Write down on a piece of paper all the issues, people and problems in your life that you are stressed, fearful or anxious about. Then go to God in prayer and say something like this: "Heavenly Father, I have this and this problem (it's okay to read your list to Him) - I hand these over to you and completely surrender it to You, and ask you to take care of it and sort it out. If there is a part that I have to play, please show me. I do not know how You are going to sort it out but I am making the decision to confidently trust in, lean on and rely on You with all my heart and mind. I am not going to rely on my own insight or understanding (Proverbs 3:5) I give these problems to You once and for all. I thank you that I don't have to be anxious or worry about them anymore - It's in Your hands." Then scrunch that paper up and throw it in the fire, in the lake or what ever would symbolize to you casting your cares to the Lord. That's it. You no longer need to worry, fear or be anxious about those problems. You just need to follow those promptings that he will send to you will fix your situations. Pray and learn to hear his voice & promptly obey.
 
Now seriously, the problems have not gone away. And soon enough the fear, worry or anxiety will confront you, however, you must stick to your resolve and say in your mind - "Yes, I had that problem, but the Lord has it now. Thank you Lord for taking care of it for me." This will take repeated persistence on your part, but treat it seriously and stick with it. Many of us have many years of neurological thought patterns to correct.
 
Now here is where faith comes in. Faith and fear (worry & anxiety) are opposing spiritual forces. Fear (anxiety & worry) really are lack of faith. When you give your problems to the Lord, you must say in your heart, in your mind and even stomp your foot and say aloud "I choose FAITH!" You are in the process of retraining your mind and your brain, to no longer dwell on the negative and to draw upon God and your faith and trust that He truly is mindful of you and your needs. Gods understanding really is greater than yours.
 
God is in charge, not you. This mean solutions and problems resolve in the Lords way and on his timetable. Be patient, understanding. Giving the Lord ultimatums and deadlines just further demonstrates your lack of faith and spiritual immaturity. God is in the process of teaching and training you. Be a humble and meek student of the Lord. Have faith and confidence and trust in the Lord with all your heart. This can be terribly difficult, but gets easier as you persist in your efforts to let go of fear and have faith and trust in God.
 
And here is the heart of the matter. It really is a matter of faith. Develop the faith and the trust and the confidence in God that He is real and that his words and teachings are true. Christ taught that the birds and the flowers are cared for and their needs are met, and we being children of God are much more valuable in His sight. We must strive to develop faith that things will work out. We truly need not worry, fret or fear. But trust that when we turn our lives over to God, that He can make more of our lives than we can on our own. More peace, more comfort, more happiness, more health - truly an abundant life. Abundant in what matters most, not cluttered with the cares and materialism of the world.
 
Settle it in your heart once and for all that God will never leave you or forsake you. He will not leave you helpless and hopeless in your problems. Work you must, but you need to work for God. God's work is in blessing the lives of others in the unique and distinct way that only you can. By putting God first, you become and instrument for good in His hands and by so doing your life will be blessed. If you have tried "everything else" and still struggle, perhaps it is time to give God a chance.
 
Blessings, Dr. Kyle Christensen                                                                                 December 2016


 
Much of this information is from Dr. Michelle Strydom's book: Healing begins with Sanctification of the Heart. She is a medical doctor in Zimbabwe and offers it as a free download, which I highly recommend.

Interested? Click on this image for a free download of this book.
 

Spiritual Properties of Wood


Spiritual Properties of Wood

Our Gua Sha tools are handcrafted by Dr. Kyle Christensen from hardwoods. Different woods resonate with spiritual properties to enhance your healing experience. Most people after handling a few gua sha tools will feel drawn to one more than the others.

Ash
The ash tree and its wood help instill peace of mind and good health. It contains the qualities of reliability, faithfulness and loyalty. Craftsmen love this wood for its strength and versatility. It is often used for structural framing in furniture. The ash tree is associated with water. Removes blockages that interfere with the flow of words and knowledge. Thus aiding with communication and learning. Ash is the wood of the poet and scholar. Protects against unwanted change. Assists with spiritual love and health. Ash carries the qualities of ambition, trustworthiness, faithfulness. Ash is peace of mind and promotes good health.
Wood Hardness – 1320

Bloodwood
Bloodwood is a cool wood, being dark and lovely. Bloodwood represents life, and is said to aid in healing. Some believe that bloodwood can reveal secrets of ancient worlds, as well as help you to accept the understanding of this knowledge. Bloodwood is a very powerful wood. Amplification, focus, divination, strength and healing are all properties of bloodwood.
Wood Hardness – 2900

Maple
The maple tree provides many gifts to us. Its hard and durable wood is so tough that it’s used for bowling alley floors! Maple bestows the spiritual lessons of change, communication, and even rebelliousness. Known as a traveler’s wood, maple will have you adapting, learning and growing in many ways. Maple is somewhat rebellious and tough.  It holds the qualities of creation, communication, binding, revolution, rebirth, healing, beauty, art, and abundance.  It enhances intellectual pursuits and learning. Maple is the tree of offering, giving of one's self so that others may benefit that are useful in the prevention and treatment of disease.
Wood Hardness – 1450

Oak
“Mighty oaks from little acorns grow” goes the quote. This tree inspires us to be strong in body, mind and spirit. It is a sacred and revered tree representing endurance, power, protection and authority. No wonder this hardwood is so popular for furniture. Its energy truly stands the test of time. Sacred to the druids, Oak is a masculine wood, ideal for use in tools. Oak stands for wisdom, authority, endurance, strength and protection. Oak's power is often used to amplify power, intent, and endurance. Oak is one of the most sacred trees. It carries the energy of kingship and wise rule, personal sovereignty, authority, power, protection, sealing or opening doors, endurance, and invocation of wisdom, fertility, and abundance.  Oak teaches us strength of character and how to keep our bodies strong and healthy.
Red Oak/ White Oak Wood Hardness – 1290/1360

Purpleheart
Purpleheart is a spiritual wood.  It enhances energy dealing with creativity and knowledge.  One of the best woods when dealing with spiritual healing and health issues, as well as knowledge and protection. Purpleheart would be especially useful in eradicating the negative energies that create strife in the home. When first cut it is often brown.  It does not achieve its full purple color until exposed to sunlight.  However, too much exposure darkens the wood and it looses its richness. Grows in Central & South America
Wood Hardness – 2710

Rosewood
Rosewood has compassionate and loving heart qualities.  The energy of rosewood is primarily feminine, and focused on spiritual, intuitive health and beauty.  It is spiritual and nourishing.  Rosewood is especially effective in spiritual healing.  Spirituality, love, healing, change and blocking unwanted forces are benefits of rosewood.
Rosewood Wood Hardness – 1900-3200

Walnut
The walnut tree and its wood help us with our mental gifts. Even the walnuts themselves resemble little brains! Intelligence, wisdom and inspiration all come under its realm. It has also been said that Black Walnut contains medicinal properties. Walnut holds the powers of the breath and inspiration. Symbolic of confidence and mental wisdom.  Black Walnut wood has medicinal properties that are useful in the prevention and treatment of disease. Walnut teaches us clarity and focus, using our mental gifts wisely and how to best use our intelligence.
Black Walnut Wood Hardness – 1010

Wenge
Wenge is not only a beautiful wood to look at, but also a wonderful magical tool. It possesses a very relaxed energy, encouraging slow, even thought. It is the perfect tool for meditation, especially for those who have trouble slowing their thoughts. It is also a healing wood, useful for a variety of physical as well and emotional healing applications. It would also calm the temper and encourage learning.
Known for increasing focus, wisdom, protection, healing and blocking unwanted forces.
Wood Hardness – 1630