Olive Oil As Medicine: Aging Gracefully and the Case for Oil-Based Skincare
By Cheri Neal
I consider Olive Oil to be a medicine in itself, which is why it is the star of my medicinal herb kitchen. It’s what I use almost exclusively to make medicinal herb extractions, both for internal and topical use, which then go on to become salves, creams and balms. Being the main ingredient in my best-selling facial oil--Ritual Beauty Oil, olive oil is the most important ingredient in my Apothecary! The last decade of medicine making, cooking and skincare formulation, has led me on a search to find the holy grail of Olive Oil...
Being a self-proclaimed olive oil nerd, I set out to source the best local olive oil I could for my both my Ritual Beauty Oil and medicinal extracts. Purchasing from a local producer was important to me, and aligned with my overall ethos in herbalism. I searched high and low and found a local producer with the best olive oil I have tasted since living in Greece in 2013. Their oil is made from Mission Olives, grown in a grove which is over 100 years old. Hand-tended, sun-powered and exclusively rain-watered, their olives produce a rich and peppery oil with a polyphenol count of over 600! The unusually high polyphenol count would mean that my Beauty Oil would have even more anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities than before, and a longer shelf life to boot. My Ritual Beauty Oil went from simply cleansing and moisturizing people’s skin, to HEALING it. I started getting so much positive feedback from people who were finding my oil that I knew I had stumbled upon something really special.
I wont bore you with the myriad studies, which suggest that a diet high in this kind of olive oil can protect against imbalances such as heart disease, type-two diabetes, Alzheimer’s, obesity, strokes, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer (is that all?)... Instead, I will bore you with Polyphenols.
So, what are Polyphenols?...
Polyphenols are organic compounds, found primarily in plants, which have been linked not only to the prevention of the disease states listed above, but to longevity in general. The high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in these plant compounds have been found to improve cognitive functioning and reduce the risk of cognitive decline, as well as to help bolster the immune system, protecting against chronic disease when taken internally.
The great news is that a bunch of my favorite foods are high in polyphenols- apples, coffee, cacao, berries, and many herbs and spices do. Oh! and of course, Olive Oil!
Why all oils are not created equal…
While I do love most oils-- fruit oils, nut oils, plant oil, essential oils… all of which are used extensively in skincare, all oils are not created equal. Highly processed seed oils have become ubiquitous in our culture, as they have made their way into our food system as well as into a lot of natural skincare. On their own, used topically, and in small quantities, these oils don’t seem to have an immediate negative effect on the body. Unfortunately, they exist in almost every non-whole food and skincare product on the market, which makes those small, insignificant amounts add up, if you’re not paying attention. Studies on chemically processed seed oils in particular, show that they hold the pre-cursors for the inflammatory response in our bodies, so, while not being acutely inflammatory (some are even touted to be ANTI-inflammatory), they are actually setting the stage for chronic inflammatory diseases, and then feed them. While there is no scientific consensus on the inflammatory properties or negative health effects of seed oils, they are so highly processed, that they cease to have the same “living” quality that the less processed oils like coconut or olive do. The fact that a lot of these oils are processed with toxic Hexane, contain synthetic preservatives, and go rancid very quickly is reason enough for me to avoid them in my daily life as well as my skincare formulations.
The case for an Oil Based Skincare routine...
People have been using natural oils on their skin since, well, forever… They are naturally cleansing, nourishing, protective and moisturizing. People and oils go hand in hand, as we have been in relationship with plants and animals for millennia. Today, we have moved so far from our roots, from our connection to the earth and the beings around us, that now we, as a culture are confused. We are inundated with overly processed, nutrient deficient foods, toxic environments, and harsh chemicals and “cleansers”. We are being sold poison in the form of food-like substances, as well as in our body care products. Would our foremothers even recognize some of the stuff we put in and on our bodies? Our whole collective being seems to be out of balance with the natural order of things. Our skin is simply a reflection of this. Chemical skincare strips the outer barrier of the naturally protective skin microbiome. And with “anti-aging” being the main objective of modern skincare, it’s not exactly clear exactly how one is supposed to age gracefully and in accordance with nature.
My philosophy is that aging is a privilege. And with skincare--the simpler, the better. Oil, plants, water—let’s not over complicate things! My mission at Officinalis Skincare is to bring the nature's simplicity as well as the potency of plants to your life, and skincare routine. No, my products wont magically erase the lines of wisdom around your eyes, or stop the natural progression of aging. And I wouldn’t want them to. They will, however, cleanse, heal, protect and feed your largest organ.
My question to myself is (and I pose the same to you, dear reader), how do I want to feed my body, and treat my skin as the process of aging inevitably unfolds? And what might my grandmother’s grandmother say about my choices?
Ritual Beauty Oil
Ritual Beauty Oil by Officinalis is a rich, organic complexion oil designed with one foundational purpose - to support the healing of your skin. This penetrative, yet light-feeling oil can be used as a moisturizer, oil cleanser, or simply as a midday pick-me-up. It is the perfect oil for facial cupping, and gua sha. Using one of the most polyphenol rich Olive Oils in North America - grown in Northern California - and a blend of thoughtfully selected active botanicals, this oil soothes and reduces inflammation, while delivering a high dose of antioxidants to the skin. Over two decades of hand-crafted, small-batch production, have resulted in a pure, organic oil luxurious enough for the most pampered skin, yet versatile enough for your everyday skincare Ritual.
Mugwort Ritual: Vernal Equinox Ceremony
March 19, 2023.
10-12pm, @ Chico Holistic Wellness Center
Mugwort is one of my dearest plant allies. She grows along the riverbanks and in neglected garden beds with equal voracity. She is a dream maker, a portal to another world. She is a healer, teacher, and guide. Join me for an educational journey and ceremonial spring cleaning using various preparations of Mugwort- Smudge, Flower Essence, and Tincture or Tea in combination with Yoga Nidra.
This Ritual Cleansing will occur on the Spring Equinox and two days before the New Moon in Aries. A perfect way to cleanse away the funk of Winter, and clarify our dreams for the Spring ahead.
Space is Limited to 8 participants. $45
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For a deeper dive into the power and lore of Mugwort, CLICK HERE
Kava Kava Ceremony
With Yoga Nidra and Ho'oponopono
Have you ever tried Kava Kava? It's roots are spicy and numbing to the taste, and the effect in the body is one of deep relaxation. I love working with Kava as a sleep aid, pain reliever and to reduce anxiety, but I also love to use it ceremonially, and especially in combination with Yoga Nidra, which is the "Sleep of the Yogis". The combination produces quite the effect on the body and can help the practitioner to access the deeper layers of relaxation, and give way to the more profound layers of the subconscious realm.
Our ceremony will begin with a traditional preparation of Kava Kava, followed by the Hawaiian forgiveness practice of Ho'oponopono. This powerful practice can help to bring our lives back into balance (pono), when something is out of alignment. We will then move into defining and refining our "Sankalpa (spiritual intention)" as we prepare for Yoga Nidra, a system of deep relaxation and meditation that accesses our innermost awareness, on a subconscious and sometimes unconscious level. This is a place where profound healing can occur.
Energies from the New Moon in Aqaurius on Jan. 21st will be woven into the ceremony and practice. A perfect way to begin a New Year and Lunar Cycle.
Please join me January 22, 2:30-5:00 at the Chico Holistic Wellness Center. No experience necessary. Please CLICK HERE for more info on Kava Kava, it's uses, effects and contraindications.
Only 8 spots available REGISTER NOW!
$45
The Summer Drearies
I don't know about you, but this was a particularly grueling summer. Lots of plans, fallen by the wayside. Lots of questions, to remain unanswered. Lots of transition, expected and unexpected. Whenever I find myself in this kind of murky space, I have to ask myself, what is truly important? What are my priorities? If I can answer this honestly, and really take stock in how things are going, I often find myself back in a place of gratitude for all that is indeed GOING WELL in my life. It's all too easy to get bogged down by what I wish was happening instead of what is actually happening, but when I look at what it really important, and shift my perspective a bit, I am reminded of how truly blessed I am.
I hope this finds you in asimilar place, of feeling blessed. Upheaval, uncertainty, overwhelm can take atoll on our physical, mental and spiritual selves, and sometimes Gratitude isdifficult to access. But one thing I know for sure, is that the practice ofgratitude is one that can bring us clearly and absolutely into the presentmoment. And as we all know, the present moment is all there really isanyway. All the rest of it-- the past, the future-- is all just an illusionthat only exists in our minds. Besides THIS present moment, everything isuncertain.
I have noticed in my own lifethat the future is getting harder and harder to plan for. Long-term commitments are moredifficult to plunge into, as if people’s timelines have shifted to near-futureevents only. A number of people Iknow are reconsidering the way they work and live, having reprioritized timewith family and friends, focusing more on their health and wellness, and doingwork that feeds their soul, not just their bank account.
This is inspiring, in that as we reprioritize our lives, we see what brings us meaning, depth of experience, and vibrance. The concessions we were once willing to make are no longer viable, and we shift into more meaningful ways of being. Our lives become more authentic and aligned with who we are, and how we strive to be.
The tenuous feeling and inability to see into the future actually frees us up to live more in the present moment, reminding us of how temporary and precious our time here on this planet is, how important time with our friends and family is. When we aren’t busy planning for a future that we cannot picture in our minds, our present lives can take on a richer quality—everything is more intense in the here and now. Sometimes that intensity can feel overwhelming, because our escape mechanisms of planning for the future has been somewhat eroded by our current circumstances.
However, I am encouraged by September. It has already brought cooler weather, clearer skies, and even some rain! I, for one, am ready to leave behind my Summer Drearies, and look forward to an exciting fall. I have a lot on my plate, some of which is not quite ready to be fully revealed, but I do have a lot to share with you in the coming weeks and months. Even with all the noise and negativity going on in the world, I am feeling positive about the future. I hope you, too, are encouraged by the changing season and are feeling ready for a fresh start. Take stock of all of the things that are going well, and what nurtures your soul, and let go of all the rest. The future is full of possibilities, and I am officially open to being "WOWED" by the universe... I hope you are too!
Plant Spotlight: Kava, Piper methysticum
'Awa, as it is known in Hawaii, or Kava is part of the pepper family, and you can taste it's resemblance in the earthy, yet slightly spicy roots. The roots contain the active component of this plant, however, ancient Hawaiian kahunas are known to have wrapped the leaves of the 'Awa plant around the heads of patients suffering from headache. Medicinally, the plant is used for pain relief and insomnia, but the traditional drink "Kava Kava" was imbibed ceremonially for just about every known occasion- births, deaths, marriages, rites of passage, to cure illnesses and remove curses, as a blessing at the beginning of big projects, and as a public atonement of misdeeds.
In both Fiji and Hawaii, it is offered as a gesture to notable guests, but more prominently so in Fijian culture. It is used to celebrate, resolve disputes, and to "break the ice" with others.
It has a mild narcotic effect, and it's use produces a tingly sensation in the mouth and lips, and a relaxed feeling in the body. It has analgesic, antispasmodic, strong nervine, mild anti-depressant, euphoric and aphrodesiac qualities. It can be useful to aid in meditation, as well as increase vividness of dreams and visions.
For more info on this and other plant-medicine ceremonies, please click here.
- Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy and nursing. Avoid operating heavy machinery or vehicles, while using Kava. If taking prescription medications including antidepressants, anxiolytic, hypnotic, analgesic, sedative or psychopharmaceutic drugs, please consult your health care practitioner. Kava should be avoided for individuals on a dopamine antagonist medication to treat Parkinson's disease.
Mugwort: Artemesia vulgaris
Mugwort is an old-time remedy, used for everything from insect repellent to protection agains wild beasts, it replaced hops for making beer and was stuffed in shoes to avoid tired feet. It is still used to this day ritual purifications, and to enhance dream states. In fact, stuffed into a pillow it was said to reveal the sleeper's future to him or her in a dream.
While I can't attest to my future being revealed to me in a dream (only time will tell, I suppose), I can tell you that the leaves, even just placed by the bed or under a pillow, can have profound effect on dreams, making them vivid, memorable and sometimes bizarre. Named after the goddess of the moon, Artemis, it is said to gain in strength with the lunar phases, being most powerful at the full moon.
"Mugwort is a sacred plant medicine who brings us into contact with the otherworld. Mugwort presents a portal wherein we are invited to perceive messages from the spirit realm, connection to our ancestors, gallivants with our shadow selves, and windows into the twinkling depths of the unseen." -Rachel Blodgett
Mugwort is mildly euphoric, anti-spasmodic, and helps to calm nervousness and even insomnia. It has emmenagogic properties, and thus should be avoided in pregnancy. It brings on sweating, and can help break a fever during colds and flus. I use mugwort in my Herbal Dream Eye Pillows to help enhance the dream state as well as help with dream recollection.
Ceremonially, we will be burning mugwort smudge in ritual purification, and a flower essence and/or tincture will be offered but not necessarily ingested.
Cacao Ceremony
Upcoming Dates:
September 11, and October 9, 11:30-2:30
$65/session or $120 for both ceremonies
So you've decided to try Ceremonial Cacao. Congratulations! You are about to embark upon a delicious (and maybe a little bitter!) journey into the heart center. Cacao acts like an amplifier for our existing state of being, and elevates the energy we bring to the ceremony. It pairs beautifully with any heart-centered practice-- yoga, meditation, or my personal favorite, Yoga Nidra.
There are a few things you should know before joining me in ceremony. Keep Reading!
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Ceremonial Cacao has manybenefits, physical, mental and spiritual. It’s botanical name is Theobromacacao, which literally means “God Food”, or Food of the Gods. Cacao is said toopen the heart, expand consciousness, and relax the body. This is because Cacaocontains many neurotransmitters and neuro-modulators already present in ourbrain, most notably:
Norepinephrine –The joy molecule
Serotonin –Helps with wellbeing, and creates resistance to stress. Cacao also has MOAinhibitors, that inhibit re-uptake of serotonin.
Dopamine –Gives feelings of motivation and pleasure. Cacao also has MOA inhibitors, thatinhibit re-uptake of dopamine.
Anandamine –The bliss molecule, it moderates pain, and is associated with the “runnershigh” effect. Cacao also has N-linoleoylethanolamine, the re-uptake inhibitorfor anandamine.
Phenylethylamine (PEA) – Helpswith excitement, alertness, attention. Gives the perception of time slowingdown.
These compounds make it possible for us to experience feelings like joy, bliss, relaxation, connection, and general wellbeing. And as if these amazing benefits were not enough, Ceremonial Cacao is also high in antioxidants, is full of healthy fats, and contains several essential vitamins and minerals (it has the highest natural source of magnesium found in any food!).
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CACAO CONTRAINDICATIONS
Pleaseread the contra-indications/ conditions list below to see if Cacao Ceremonywould be appropriate for you!
*Fasting (take smaller dose)
*Migraines (take smaller dose - Cacao contains caffeine which can aggravate migranes)
*Pregnancy or breastfeeding (safe in half ceremonial dose, verycommonly used in Guatemala by mothers and midwives during long or difficultlabor)
*Anti-depressants (USE CAUTION/ Not Recommended- ManyAnti-Depressants do not mix well with the Tryptophan and MAO inhibitors inCacao)
*Heart Conditions (USE CAUTION- Cacao can increase heart rateand blood flow by up to 40%, and is a vasodilator)
*Low body weight or Children (Not Recommended, or very smalldose)
*Chemotherapy (Not Recommended)
If you decide to join me in ceremony, please dress in layers so you can stay comfortably warm during ceremony. If you have your own props, blankets or pillows, you are welcome to bring them. I recommend the use of an eye pillow (we have some at the studio or you can bring your own). Please bring a your favorite mug or tea cup as your ceremonial cacao vessel (I have extra if you need one)! A ceremonial dose is 2-4 oz of liquid, and between 27-40g of fair trade, small farm, ceremonial grade cacao.
And last, but most importantly, bring an open heart and get ready to share the love!
SIGN ME UP!
Prenatal Yoga
8 week series- Sept 1-Oct 20, 2022
$165 for the entire series/ $22 drop in
Join Cheri for 8 weeks of exploration of pregnancy appropriate postures, breathwork and mindfulness as we prepare our bodies and minds for birth and motherhood.
This class is open to women who are birthing inside or outside of the medical system.
Cheri Neal is a certified Prenatal Yoga Instructor, specializing in Hatha Yoga, Meditation and Yoga Nidra. She incorporates mindfulness and deep relaxation into her teaching, creating a safe and inclusive experience for all levels of experience. She is thrilled to be offering this new class at Breathe Yoga, 830 Broadway, Chico CA.
Yoga Nidra
In celebration of the Vernal Equinox, Cheri is offering a Yoga Nidra Comprehensive Practice at the Yoga Center of Chico. The changing seasons, moon cycles, are the perfect time to renew our intentions, refresh our bodies, and move forward with calm and clarity.
Coined as the "Sleep of the Yogis", "Psychic Sleep", or "Inner Beauty Sleep", Yoga Nidra is gaining popularity, and for good reason.
Yoga Nidra is a practice, as well as a state of being. It is the place between awake and asleep, where the body is totally relaxed, and thinking mind is at rest. In this state, we have the opportunity to unravel tension, both deep and superficial, and to begin to address behavioral patterns and even trauma that is being stored in our bodies or deep within our subconscious. The use of well timed affirmations and intentions are an effective component of the long term benefits of this practice.
Join us for an immersive Vernal Equinox experience-- an hour of Asana, followed by 50 minutes of Yoga Nidra. You can choose either Hatha Flow or Restorative Yoga as your Asana practice. Or choose both!
Upcoming Comprehensive Practice (at Yoga Center of Chico):
Saturday March 21st, 12-2pm Hatha/Nidra
Sunday March 22nd, 12-2pm Restorative/Nidra
$35 for each or $60 for both sessions
Reserve your spot online with Eventbrite!
Other advance payment options include PayPal and Venmo to secure your spot, Cash or Check accepted at the door.
Meditation Mini-Retreat, November 1-10, 6-7am, at the Yoga Center of Chico
This Meditation Mini-Retreat is designed to give beginning meditation practitioners a solid foundation of Meditation in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment. If you are looking to boost your commitment after an extended hiatus, or are a seasoned practitioner, this mini-retreat is the perfect setting to re-establish your dedication to to your practice in a group setting . Using the psychology of Buddhism as our basis, we begin with the most basic Mindfulness practice, then move deeper into the more subtle qualities of the mind, gradually moving closer to the heart of Compassion. Appropriate for EVERYONE.
This will be the last Meditation Mini-Retreat offered at the Yoga Center of Chico.
Redemption, and the Importance of Self-Care
I had the opportunity recently to give a talk to a room of about 50 women on a the topic of Self-Care. It was a flop. I was a flop.As a yoga instructor, massage therapist, meditation practitioner and teacher, as an herbalist with a line of organic first-aid and beauty products, you’d think that giving a presentation on this topic would be an easy task for me. You’d think that as a person whose vocation, passion, and career revolves around the very practice of self-care, that I might have a lot to say about the subject, but, well... I’m not sure what happened. I walked up to the stage, looked out at my audience, and completely blanked out. I think I summarized my most poignant points in a matter of the first 2 sentences out of my mouth and then I had nowhere go. I fumbled my way through the next 15 minutes, stuttering out some patchwork of misquotes, repeating previous points all while gripping the pencil written notes I had scribbled on a paper torn from a spiral notebook not an hour prior to the speech. I never once looked at the notes, not that they would have done me any good. I was ill prepared, to say the least.I spent the rest of the day lamenting my embarrassing display of incompetence, wishing that I would have said this, or remembered to say that. Hindsight may be 20/20, but it sure is a bitch. So, instead of indulging any further in self-loathing or embarrassment, I thought I would wrap all of those woulda/coulda/shoulda's into some sort of redemption speech, presented to you by way of this blog.As women we are natural care-givers. I find that typically, we give everything we have to our careers, our relationships and our families, but when it comes to ourselves, we tend to be more neglectful. We believe that it is somehow selfish to care for ourselves as we would care for others, or maybe we feel that we just don’t have the time to do so. My métier emphasizes the importance of taking good care of one’s self, and I’d love to inspire more women to change their relationship to the word “selfish”, and remember that self-care is not exactly the same thing.Self-care can help to replenish a depleted energetic “bank account”. In Chinese Medicine there are the concepts of Prenatal Chi, and Acquired Chi. Prenatal Chi is the life force energy we are born with, and it is a combination of our parents’ Chi at conception as well as the life force energy of our mothers while in utero—her nutrition, and general wellbeing. It is said that we use up most of our Pre-Natal Chi by the time we are 30. But thankfully, we also have Acquired Chi, which is the life force energy we gain from the moment of our birth until the day of our death. Acquired Chi is developed though our diets, lifestyles, and healthy habits, and is depleted by poor nutrition, all forms of stress, and illness. It is vital to our health to acquire as much chi as possible to maintain a vibrant and healthy life.When we talk about replenishing a depleted bank account, Acquired Chi is what I am referring to. The energy we put into the various aspects of our life, can feel like making withdrawal after withdrawal, and can lead to the dreaded overdraft, coming in the form of exhaustion, break-down, illness, or even resentment. Self-care is like making deposits into our Chi account, making sure we have enough in the bank to freely expend the energy our lives require.The following are few ways we can give back to ourselves on the daily, weekly, monthly and even yearly basis. Keep in mind that the small, consistent acts of self-care can seem insignificant, but can have the greatest return in the long run.Daily:1) Start Meditating."You should sit in meditation for 20 minutes a day, unless you are too busy, then you should sit for an hour." -Old Zen sayingWhen I talk with people about meditation, some say, “That sounds nice, but my mind doesn’t work that way. I’m too analytical, I don’t like sitting still. I can’t just turn my mind off like that.” Or, like in the quote above, “I don’t have time for that”. There are a lot of misconceptions floating around about meditation, such as it is a way to turn off the mind, or transcend our current reality into some blissed out state of being. It most certainly is not that, in my experience. Meditation is a way to change our relationship to our thoughts, our pain, our embarrassment, our feelings of unworthiness, our grief. Meditation trains us to be a witness to these states of being, not a victim of them. It is a way to train the body and the mind to be able to sit with discomfort, and remember that this discomfort is in fact the very thing that connects us to the present moment, as well as to our fellow human beings.Even 5 minutes of sitting still and observing the breath can have a profound effect on the body and mind. Meditation is a cumulative practice, the results seen over long periods of time, it is not a quick fix.To begin a meditation practice, find a quiet place to sit. Nothing fancy, just prop yourself up on a pillow or even sit in a chair. Make your spine long, let go of unnecessary movement, and relax. Set your timer for 2 minutes to begin with. As you start the timer, just become aware of your body sitting on the earth or in the chair and feel how your breath moves through you. If the mind is racing (it probably will be) simply observe that, just as if it’s happening to someone else. Anytime you realize that you are lost in thought, simply come back with an intentional breath. After some practice with this, up your time to 5, 10, 20 minutes.Attend my upcoming Meditation Mini-Retreat in March2) Start a gratitude journal.The practice of gratitude is the simplest, most satisfying way of replenishing a depleted heart. It is a simple and direct way of accessing the present moment. Find a blank journal, and jot down 5 things you are grateful for today. They don’t have to be big-deal things, just some thing that evokes the real and genuine sense of gratitude in your heart. The added beauty of this practice is that after a few months of gratitude journaling, you get to look back on all the things that sparked the feeling of gratitude within you and feel the joy this brings you, even after the moment has passed.3) Add a special product to your daily beauty routine.Taking care of our skin, not only makes us look better but it really does make us feel better as well. Radiant skin comes from within, but it doesn’t hurt to take good care of the outside, too! Adding a high quality, natural and organic product to your daily regimen can be a guiltless way to treat yourself right on a daily basis. Might I suggest Herban Myth Botanicals Beauty Oil? It has an instantly calming effect on the nervous system and a rich herbal scent. The flowers infused in this beauty oil are selected for their soothing essence, anti-inflammatory properties, and skin regenerating and healing qualities. You can feel good about what you are putting on your skin without breaking the bank.4) Make your bed and DRINK MORE WATER.Doing something as small and seemingly insignificant as making the bed everyday can actually have profound affect on your mood and mentality, and even set the tone for the rest of your day. It’s the first small success of the day, and it can and should be celebrated! When you get to the end of a long day and get to crawl into a beautiful and tidy bed, it can actually boost your serotonin levels and help you sleep better. And as drinking more water, it’s a no-brainer. Water helps us to re-hydrate and cleanse our precious tissues. Why not live a little and add some lemon water to your daily morning routine? Lemon water is alkalizing and helps to maintain a healthy Ph balance, it aids and stimulates digestion, is jam packed with Vitamin C and other crucial minerals. People have been drinking lemon water medicinally since the 1400's. Your body will thank you for it.5) Ritualize itRitualizing one’s morning program or bedtime routine can be an easy way to care for one’s self. Whether it is doing things in a certain order or adding incense and candles, make your routines sacred by adding a bit of mindfulness and intention. Use the time it takes to brush your teeth as an opportunity to say a few daily affirmations to yourself, as an example. Self-love is the basis of self-care.Weekly6) Take a walk in the park with a friend.Autumn is a wonderful time to get out to your local park for a walk. Solo walks are wonderful too, but walking outdoors with a friend can help you feel connected and supported again, in a world where we often feel disconnected from each other, and nature. Walking with a friend is great for your body, (move it or lose it!), and it also nourishes the soul to spend time with people who truly love and care for us. Plan a weekly walk with a pal!7) Take a yoga class (or three).Not only is yoga an effective method of strengthening the body, helping with balance and flexibility, but it is an ancient form of preventative healthcare that affects the internal systems of the body- the nervous, endocrine, lymphatic, immune and cardiovascular systems to name a few. Yoga activates the systems that increase our health from the inside out. It supports the ever-important mind-body connection, bringing a sense of integration into our lives. Yoga is one of the best methods for cultivating life force energy (or Prana/Chi).The dedicated practice of Yoga leads the practitioner deep into her being. The yogi begins by first bringing her awareness to the body. She first becomes more sensitive to her muscles, joints and bones. With development, she becomes more aware of the organic body-- the visceral, the cellular, the energetic. As her practice grows she becomes acutely aware of all bodies, as well as the mind, giving her the ability to respond and intervene quickly when any imbalance is revealed. This is real health insurance.I started practicing yoga 20 years ago. It has gotten me through the inevitable times of anxiety, uncertainty, upheaval, transition, and grief. It has taught me strength of body and mind when all I wanted to do was break. It has taught me balance, in both diet and lifestyle, and both personally and professionally. And it has taught me flexibility, and to understand how and when to bend when I am feeling most rigid.There are a variety of different styles of yoga, ranging from gentle and restorative, to the more dynamic physical practices of vinyasa-- everyone should be able to find a class that suits their specific needs.To find a class that's right for you in Chico, CA, click here.8) Try at-home facial and body care.There are a million recipes online for DIY body care (keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming blog post on the topic by yours truly). Most ingredients for scrubs, soaks, and masks can be found in your very own kitchen. Try making a sugar and coconut oil scrub to polish your body, a clay or honey mask for your face, an herbal foot soak for tired feet or an epsom salt bath this week. Treating your body with care not only reinforces a quality of self-respect, but doing it yourself at home is empowering (not to mention totally affordable).Monthly9) Get a massage.Massage Therapy is hands down (pun intended) my favorite form of Self-Care. Not only will a skilled massage therapist help to work out the kinks, but like yoga, will also address the subtle body, bringing energetic blockages back into balance. We all know the importance of loving touch, yet somehow, I find that people are actually starving for connection. Oftentimes this desire for connection is sexualized unnecessarily, making it culturally challenging for us to even hug, or show any kind of loving touch to each other for fear of being misunderstood. Or the problem might be that we go looking for connection in the wrong places, which can lead to draining situations that leave us sapped of precious life force energy. However, we must never underestimate the healing power of compassionate touch. Book a massage today!10) Spend time alone in nature.Think of this as a mini vision-quest. Find some quiet place where you won't come across too many other people and take an hour to just sit and listen. Refrain from using technology as you do this. Be as close to the ground as possible, and simply observe the natural beauty of the world around you. The Earth is our Mother, our origin, from whence we came, and to which we will return. We are not separate from the Earth. Reconnecting to this source can help to give us some perspective on our lives and remind us that we are an intrinsic part of a much larger landscape than the technological world would have us believe.11) Unplug.Set a day aside each month to disconnect from technology altogether. We are starting to discover the penetratingly negative affect that social media and constant reliance on our devices can have on society, our psyche, and on our physical bodies. Take a break from always being reachable, validated or judged. Take the time to instead reconnect to the people closest to you, in a personal way, even if you don’t know them. Dinner with family, a walk with a friend, a nod, smile, or even a conversation with a total stranger can go a long way. To paraphrase Jack Kornfield, "Tend to the parts of your garden you can touch". Meaning, focus your energy on what's right in front of you. Otherwise, we risk being overwhelmed by exposure to too much information. We haven't yet evolved emotionally or physically to be able to process the amount of stimulation we subject ourselves to on a daily, hourly basis. Take a break.Yearly12) Go on retreat.Plan to attend a healing retreat, whether it is a yoga, meditation, or spiritual retreat of your choosing. This kind of intentional setting and complete disconnection from the daily grind can help to reaffirm your connection to Spirit and can charge the batteries for quite some time.13) Do a cleanse.Every Spring I do a cleanse. Cleanses can vary widely from a simple fast, to a juice cleanse, to Master Cleanse, a liver cleanse, colon cleanse, an elimination diet or even a spiritual “dieta” (the elimination of sugar, meat, oil, salt, spices, alcohol, and sex for a period of time), and can range from 1 day to several weeks. A clean-up of the diet can help to reset the body after a cycle of seasons. I find it to be especially beneficial in the springtime, after a winter of questionable eating, hibernation and high stress. Do your research and find the one that is right for you!14) Psychedelic reset.Using our entheogenic allies as an annual re-set can, and probably will be, the most profoundly shifting experience of all the aforementioned, which is why it is in the “yearly” category. These plant medicines can assist us in our ongoing healing and help us to process undigested trauma that may still be depleting our precious life energy. Not to be confused with abusive recreational use of these substances, plant spirit medicine needs to be approached with unwavering reverence, so great is their power to heal. Set and setting are the most important aspects of this type of experience. A couple days at Burning Man can be mind-blowing, but using these entheogens for healing purposes requires the proper support—a knowledgeable guide, a safe and peaceful place, an open schedule, and appropriate assistance for integration on the other side of the experience. There are many very promising studies being done on the healing potential of entheogens (click here for current data)- after a 40-year forced hiatus on research, and criminal prohibition of the use of these substances. Deep personal research and inquiry needs to be done with regards to finding the right medicine, the right guide, and the right set and setting. Support the decriminalization and rescheduling of these substances so that the research can move forward and these powerful plant allies can be made accessible to everyone who needs them.As women, we are the care-takers of the world. I once had a client who was distraught with a feeling of hopelessness at the current state of affairs. She said "Why isn't anyone asking us old ladies what to do? We are the keepers of wisdom!" And although I know this to be true, when she said it, it felt like a thunderbolt hitting me straight in the heart. The essence of the Divine Feminine is needed now more than ever. In a world thrown out of balance and polarized by the excess of Yang qualities (action, dominance, control, heat, hardness, etc.), we are now experiencing the symptoms of this excess-- in the form of cultural tension, mental and physical rigidity, rage, agitation, and manic behavior. I believe we are all (consciously or subconsciously) craving the qualities of Yin (fluid, feminine, soft, cool, etc.) to bring us back into balance. If we, as women, can't even take care of ourselves, is there really any hope of restoring balance to humanity?Return to your natural power, regain your strength, and honor your innate qualities of wisdom and nurturing. By taking good care of ourselves, we will have the fortitude to help each other. It is up to us now to find the equilibrium that we all seek. Let the rise of the truly powerful begin.
Women's Wilderness Retreat
SAVE THE DATE! Space is limited, please register before June 28.
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I can't wait to share this offering with you again!
Contact Me Today To Reserve Your Spot
March Meditation Mini-Retreat
March 1-10, 20186-7amYoga Center of ChicoThis mini-retreat is designed for all meditators, with or without experience, and is appropriate for anyone wishing to deepen their own meditation practice, learn new techniques or practice with a group. There will be a combination of seated and walking meditation, and study of Buddhist philosophy. This course is modeled after the Vipassana 10-day silent meditation retreat and will give beginners a solid foundation upon which to build a sustainable self-practice.
Meditation Mini-Retreat, September 1-10
September mornings are my favorite mornings of the year. Still warm enough to be comfortable, and just starting to get cool. Please join me for 10 days in a row of sitting and walking meditation, Buddhist psychology and meditation technique, Taoist principles and Yogic breathing (pranayama). No experience necessary. Appropriate for total beginners, anyone looking to boost their daily practice, or to experience the powerful energy of group meditation.Pre-register online at http://yogacenterofchico.com/
Spring Cleaning Workshop
As the ground starts to warm up, and the earthworms start to wriggle beneath the soil, we too are feeling the pull to stretch our limbs. We are being coaxed out of our little refuges, and back out into the world. Are you feeling ready?Join me Sunday, March 12 from 12-3 to prepare your body, mind and spirit for the blossoming energy of spring. We will have a short talk about fasting and cleansing, clearing out old energy, and sweeping out the proverbial cobwebs or Winter. How can we best use the energy of the full moon and the Spring equinox to help bring us to a place of clarity and connection?We will mirror the seasonal transition through our Asana practice- moving from the quiet, introverted energy of the Winter to the more expansive, expressive, and detoxifying energy of Spring.
Please pre-register at clients.mindbodyonline.com
Sacred Sunday Cacao Ceremony
Please join Kaycee Green and I for our second Sacred Sunday Cacao Ceremony. No matter if you missed the last one or would like to come again, we have been preparing to create and hold a healing and peaceful space for all of you to experience this deeply heart opening ceremony.Our Sacred Cacao ceremony will begin at noon and will be followed by a very gentle and restorative yoga practice, a guided meditation and group reiki healing.Please come with your favorite mug and maybe a cozy wrap.Please see the post from October for a full list of contraindications as well as the healing benefits of Cacao.There is limited space, only 20 spots available. To secure your spot, please visit yogacenterofchico.com and go to "enrollments". You can also sign up in person at Yoga Center of Chico, before or after any class.Many blessings from us to you!
High Noon Power Flow
Super fun way to end the week! Join me for a quick paced, powerful vinyasa flow class set to my favorite tunes. Each week, I feature a different artist, album or genre. Comment your music requests below!
Thai Yoga Massage
Everyone loves a massage... Treat your loved one to a Thai Yoga Massage- an ancient healing experience they won't soon forget. Gift Certificates Available
Meditation Mini-Retreat
Please join our 10-day Meditation Mini-Retreat in December!We will meet at Yoga Center of Chico from 6-7am the first 10 days of December. The objective of this mini-retreat is to give new meditators a solid foundation of different techniques to practice meditation, as well as infusing the experience with a level of commitment and discipline which will help create more consistency in a home practice.This mini-retreat is also appropriate for anyone wishing to develop or deepen their existing meditation practice and give an opportunity to practice in a group setting. We gain support, inspiration and momentum when we practice as a group, and can often create a deeper sense of connection to each other.We will be learning some Buddhist terminology and psychology concepts, as well as practicing sitting, walking, mindfulness meditation and breath work (Pranayama). We will explore a number of other techniques that one can use to calm and center oneself in the midst of perceived chaos, techniques that are used to ground oneself and access deeper awareness and wisdom.Please pre-register at http://www.yogacenterofchico.com/YCC-Workshops.htmlAnd check out this wonderful article written by a past mini-retreat participant, describing her experience! http://kristinwillard.com/lessons-learned-from-my-mini-meditation-retreat/Hope to see you December 1st!
Sacred Sunday Cacao Ceremony
Please join Kaycee Green and I for a blissful Guatemalan Cacao Ceremony followed by a gentle, heart opening yoga practice, chakra meditation, and Reiki group healing. We feel so blessed to bring this offering to the Chico community.Cacao is chocolate in it's purest form. It has many spiritual and physical benefits- aiding in meditation, and assisting in opening the heart center, helping facilitation a deeper connection to oneself as well as creating a magical group energy. It's no coincidence that chocolate is given as a symbol of love; a warm cup of ceremonial cacao can help to open and heal the most tender heart. Cacao is totally safe for most people, but as with anything so powerful, there are some contra-indications to be aware of. First, let's start with the benefits and how cacao actually works inside the body.(Excerpts taken from http://cacaoceremonies.com)"When you consume cacao prepared for ceremony using high quality raw cacao beans, all the mood enhancing neurochemicals in cacao become particularly active. There is increased blood flow and nutrition to the brain, heart and skin, the whole body is nourished, awareness and focus is heightened and sensations are intensified."Cacao contains the neurotransmitters serotonin, tryptophan and dopamine which assist with feelings of wellbeing, resilience to stress and anxiety and contribute to healthy motivation."It also has the neuromodulator phenylethylamine (PEA) which helps the body create feelings of excitement and euphoria. It also assists us to pay attention and stay alert. With healthy amounts of PEA we stay focused, time slows down and we are not distracted by hunger or excess stimulation from the ‘outside world’. PEA also increases the effectiveness of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter related to joy."Anandamide is a type of lipid (oil). The word ‘ananda’ (from which this chemical was named) translates from the Sanskrit language as ‘bliss’. This naturally produced chemical (which is part of the endorphin group) is most concentrated in the body after moderate exercise – also referred to as the runners high. Anandamide results in feelings of bliss and euphoria, but also plays a vital role in moderating pain perception and the memory of pain, as well as assisting in regulating appetite and mood. Cacao contains both anandamide and anandamide re-uptake inhibitors, which are molecules that slow the break down of the anandamide. This allows the anandamide to remain longer in the brain and with it the associated blissful feelings."One of the most utilised major minerals in the body is magnesium. Magnesium assists in all metabolic processes. It helps relax all the muscles in the body and is thereby essential for the effectiveness and vigor of the pumping of the heart muscle, the management of stress and exercise recovery, the motility of the bowel, regulating the muscles pre-menstruation among many other functions. Magnesium is also utilised in almost all key functions in the brain, including those involved in memory and concentration. Cacao is the highest natural food source of magnesium."Cacao is also one of the highest sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants clear corrupt cells from the body. The specific antioxidants in cacao are Flavonoids, from the Phenolics group. Primarily, this class of antioxidants are important as they both trap free radicals and chelate redox-active metal properties. This results in a reduced risk of cells in the body, such as lipids (fats, and fats often lining the artery walls) undergoing oxidation (corruption)."The flavonoids also support clearing of the blood vessel walls, flexibility of the arteries and a thinning of the blood, all contributing to a reduction in blood pressure and build up of fatty deposits (plaques) along the artery walls, as well as a reduced load on the heart muscle."Please read the contra-indications/ conditions list below to see if Cacao Ceremony would be appropriate for you!*Fasting (take smaller dose)*Migranes (take smaller dose- Cacao contains caffeine which can aggravate migranes)*Pregnancy or breastfeeding (safe in half ceremonial dose, very commonly used in Guatemala by mothers and midwives during long or difficult labor)*Anti-depressants (USE CAUTION/ Not Recommended- Many Anti-Depressants do not mix well with the Tryptophan and MAO inhibitors in Cacao)*Heart Conditions (USE CAUTION- Cacao can increase heart rate and blood flow by up to 40%, and is a vasodilator)*Low body weight or Children (Not Recommended, or very small dose)*Chemotherapy (Not Recommended) Preparation/ What to BringPlease avoid large doses of caffeine before the ceremony and eat a light breakfast beforehand.Wear comfortable yoga clothes and a warm wrap or cozy blanket for meditation.Bring your favorite mug :)Bring water to drink during ceremonyOptional- Bring your favorite power object or meditation object. We feel so humbled to be able to share this heart expanding experience with you. Please reserve your space at http://www.yogacenterofchico.com/YCC-Workshops.html