Natural Herbal Tinctures

10 Principles of Optimum Health

Optimum physical health exists along with ones thoughts, feelings, beliefs and lifestyle decisions, and our personal physical ecosystem is affected both by internal and external factors.  There is not a healthcare system, herbal or otherwise that can 'cure' a physical condition within an out of balance ecosystem.

The key to maintaining the health of our physical ecosystem is through personal choices.  Every moment of every day we are given the choice as to what we eat and drink, who we choose to associate with, what we talk about, when to rest and how much to exercise.  Individually, these choices seem insignificant, but together they have a big impact on our bodies. One meal at a drive-thru restaurant will not have much of an impact on ones health, however, when this choice is the main source of nutrition, two things happen:  we overload our bodies with fat and free radicals and starve our bodies of fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.  Eventually, this eating choice leads to ill health and disease.  It may not happen overnight, but it will happen.  Each choice we make either enhances or depletes our body's ecosystem. 

Balancing our ecosystem is much like balancing a see-saw.  A slight move from center takes a lot of energy one way or another to get back to that center.  The closer we stay to the center, the less energy we need to expend to stay balanced.  Any excess energy can then be used for those things in our lives that bring happiness and contentment and for body repair and maintenance Balancing our ecosystem is much like balancing a see-saw.  A slight move from center takes a lot of energy one way or another to get back to that center. The closer we stay to the center, the less energy we need to of optimal health.

Optimal health is not difficult to get and keep if we are mindful of ten basic principles.  When we neglect the basics, we get sick.  We are taught to rely and be dependent on 'the experts' to take charge of our health.  We need only to examine how we balance the following ten areas.  Where do you 'stand' on the see-saw?

1. CHOICE - Take responsibility for your actions.  We are given choices moment by moment.  Make choices that integrate and balance the following elements to open the door of optimum health.

2.  Exercise - Regular exercise means every day, for at least 30 minutes.  It does not have to be in a gym with the perfect attire.  Walk.  This form of exercise is low impact, excellent for cardiovascular health and costs nothing.

3. REST - This means enough sleep and down time.  Every day, do 15 minutes of nothing!  Just relax and breathe.  Consider napping for no more than 20 minutes during the day.  A good night's sleep should be no less than 8 hours.

4.  Nutrition - Remember the saying "You are what you eat."? Whole, organic foods; grains, vegetables and fruits.  Eat in color; red chard, beet greens, yellow and red peppers, oranges, strawberries and lots of leafy greens.  Even when eating an optimum diet, daily vitamins and minerals are often necessary.  Take your herbs daily.  Drink plenty of pure filtered water - at least 2 liters every day.

5.  Nature - Spending time out of doors is not only healthy, it is a necessary balance.  Make time every day to get out of the office, the house, the car and into a natural clean environment, away from traffic and noise.  Fresh air and Vitamin D from the sun is critical to the optimum health of your ecosystem.

6.  CREATIVITY - A creative outlet is not only a hobby or sport.  It can be work that you enjoy, as long as it keeps you active, physically and mentally and in contact with the world around you.

7. EMOTIONAL BALANCE - Emotions that keep you off balance are those of anger, fear or grief.  These feelings are essential as we must experience them to be able to change our lives for the better.  However, when emotions are allowed to create internal or external harm, it becomes an issue. Identify any of these extremes that may be true to you. You have the choice to live in joy, love and laughter - all of which nourish your ecosystem.

8. GOALS - We all need something that makes us think.  Goals give meaning to our lives and may be found within our work or play, for pay or gratis.  Having goals gives meaning to our lives.

9. MUTUAL SUPPORT - Family and or friends who give love and support are critical to healing and staying healthy.  We are human and are dependant on our relationships.  As a balance, we also must give love and support as much as we need to receive it.

10. FAITH - Feeling connected to a higher power is balancing and fulfilling.  Whatever your personal belief system, make time every day to connect.

When it comes to making significant shifts in both acute and chronic physical conditions, herbs have the ability to support change.  Depending on how balanced you are in these 10 areas, herbs can be successful in supporting your ecosystem.  Looking at the ten principles, which of these could you be missing in your life?  Look at the needs of your personal ecosystem.  ...remember, the choices you make moment by moment, day by day give you the power to shape your life.

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