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HestiaHealth (Complementary Care Expert (Verified) )
Communities: Breast Cancer Thank You's: 5
Member Since: Jan. 2012  Questions:  2
Answers:  7
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Professional Statement
As a Certified Exercise Physiologist, Energy Healer and Mind/Body Educator for persons with chronic illness,I understand the importance of creating balance within the body. My aim is to bridge the gap between our current western medical system and evidence based spiritual and metaphysical practices. I host a web-based radio program called On Health & Healing on a2zen.fm . The focus of my show is to have guests on that can inform and educate my listeners on the varying medical models, healing modalities and the importance of self care and personal responsibility in healing. I also develop and teach classes in meditation, mind/body weight loss and mind/body medicine for cancer survivorship. I am currently finishing my first book about healing chronic illness through the mind/body/spirit connection.

I am all about journeying towards health and healing from the inside out. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, said “the natural forces within us are the true healers of disease”. I know this to be true and it is my mission to educate and inspire others to understand the importance of self care and creating an optimal healing environment in the body. To empower people to be active in their health and understand that stress reduction, awareness, holistic fitness, right thinking and nutrition are key in supporting the body's innate healing ability. Through teaching, volunteering and my radio show I am devoted to enhancing the well-being of others.
Professional Info
CAM Specialities: Exercise Physiology, Mind/Body Educator and Energy Healer
Certifications: Certified Exercise Physiologist, Reiki Level III, Student Touch Level 1, Certified Hypnotist, Professional Cooking Diploma, Heart Saver CPR, Professional Fitness & Lifestyle Consultant,
State Licenses: Not Applicable
Languages: English
Gender: Female
Age: 34
Professional memberships: Canadian Society of Exercise Physiologist, IDEA Fit Health & Fitness Association
Areas of expertise: Mind/Body Awareness,Energy Healing, Holistic Fitness, Food and Cooking, Lifestyle Coaching, Fitness, Nutrition Coaching, Stress Management, Weight Management, Prevention
Research interests: Mind/Body Health
Practice phone number: 208.283-1556

City: Boise
State: Idaho
Zip: 83712
Country: United States
HestiaHealth Activities
The first thing I do is to teach people how the mind can affect the body. I like to tell the story about Mary and Mark. Mary is in the hospital hooked up to many machines and going through treatment, however she is listening to a guided visualization in her headphones and is imagining she is sitting on the beach listening to the ocean waves. Then we have Mark who is actually sitting on a beach in Hawaii and he is thinking about the last status meeting he had with his boss and all the things he did wrong and worrying about the numbers for next quarter. In the background are the ocean waves, the sound of the birds and the white sandy beach. I ask my clients who do you think has a relaxed body? The answer is Mary, because even though she is in the hospital she has a calm mind and the mind is directing the body to relax. I use many techniques and cite a lot of studies to help people see the role the mind has in our health.

The next thing is to urge people to become more mindful of their day to day actions and feelings. We can't change things we if aren't aware of what we are doing. For example, how do you experience stress in the body? What are your stressors, what do you do to deal with your stress? Emotions are great indicators too. I ask people to stop and think the next time they experience a really strong emotion. Where are those emotions coming from? Are they a reflection of a deeply held belief? Is that belief congruent with their values of today? People can do a lot for themselves once they start to become more self aware, many of our day to day actions are done without much thought. We can change things once we become conscious of them.

As far as engaging the spirit, that is only done if people are comfortable with that. Dr. Herbert Benson found added benefit in his meditation studies, when people used a word or phrase as the focus of their meditation that had religious or spiritual significance to them. I find that energy work also helps people to understand our connection to one another and builds compassion. Spiritual development is very personal and I just try to show people how they can use their spirituality to benefit their health.
The first thing I do is to teach people how the mind can affect the body. I like to tell the story about Mary and Mark. Mary is in the hospital hooked up to many machines and going through treatment, however she is listening to a guided visualization in her headphones and is imagining she is sitting on the beach listening to the ocean waves. Then we have Mark who is actually sitting on a beach in Hawaii and he is thinking about the last status meeting he had with his boss and all the things he did wrong and worrying about the numbers for next quarter. In the background are the ocean waves, the sound of the birds and the white sandy beach. I ask my clients who do you think has a relaxed body? The answer is Mary, because even though she is in the hospital she has a calm mind and the mind is directing the body to relax. I use many techniques and cite a lot of studies to help people see the role the mind has in our health.

The next thing is to urge people to become more mindful of their day to day actions and feelings. We can't change things we if aren't aware of what we are doing. For example, how do you experience stress in the body? What are your stressors, what do you do to deal with your stress? Emotions are great indicators too. I ask people to stop and think the next time they experience a really strong emotion. Where are those emotions coming from? Are they a reflection of a deeply held belief? Is that belief congruent with their values of today? People can do a lot for themselves once they start to become more self aware, many of our day to day actions are done without much thought. We can change things once we become conscious of them.

As far as engaging the spirit, that is only done if people are comfortable with that. Dr. Herbert Benson found added benefit in his meditation studies, when people used a word or phrase as the focus of their meditation that had religious or spiritual significance to them. I find that energy work also helps people to understand our connection to one another and builds compassion. Spiritual development is very personal and I just try to show people how they can use their spirituality to benefit their health.
New answer by HestiaHealth (Complementary Care Expert (Verified))

First of all, I can't emphasize enough the importance of stress reduction in our health. It is so important in the proper functioning of the body and particularly the immune system. There are three basic suggestions that I give to people. Everyday get out and move your body, this can be as simple as a walk. Second, spend some time in solitude, unplugged and focused on the breath, examples of this can be a candle lit bath or meditation. Thirdly, spend some time each day in mindful interactions with people you love. Social interaction and mindfulness are important factors in stress reduction. So much of our stress stems from lamenting on past events or worrying about things that never may come to pass. The more time we can spend in the moment, the better it is for our health. Also throughout the day monitor your stress levels and if you feel tense do this little mini breathing exercise. On the inhalation say to yourself "I am" and on the exhalation "at peace". Doing this for 5 breaths at time throughout the day will help.

To figure out which methods of stress reduction you should use ask yourself, where do I need balance and what do I enjoy doing? In order to answer this question, it requires self awareness. How do you spend most of your day? If the answer is sitting in a chair and looking at a computer, like many of us do, then adding a daily walk will do wonders for your stress levels. The second thing to consider is we need many outlets for stress. Our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual selves all need an outlet in order to combat stress. If your job demands a lot of linear, logical thinking, then singing, painting, playing an instrument would be a good counter balance. A good example is the hard working determined business woman choosing the high intensity yoga class. Though yoga is great, she is choosing a style of yoga that perpetuates her drive and intensity, instead of choosing a restorative, calming class that brings her into balance.

Now doing these things might not change your financial issues, but it will help you think clearer, problem solve better, see things in a more positive light and create more supportive relationships. We are holistic beings and we can affect one aspect of our life by bringing balance to another. Stress can manifest itself mentally, emotionally and physically, so it is no wonder that if we shift one aspect of who we are it can change other aspects. Dealing with our stress can make us more productive in our work, more joyful in our disposition and calm the nervous system and physiology of the body. One of my favorite quotes by Dr. Dyer is "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." Thank-you for your question.



First of all, I can't emphasize enough the importance of stress reduction in our health. It is so important in the proper functioning of the body and particularly the immune system. There are three basic suggestions that I give to people. Everyday get out and move your body, this can be as simple as a walk. Second, spend some time in solitude, unplugged and focused on the breath, examples of this can be a candle lit bath or meditation. Thirdly, spend some time each day in mindful interactions with people you love. Social interaction and mindfulness are important factors in stress reduction. So much of our stress stems from lamenting on past events or worrying about things that never may come to pass. The more time we can spend in the moment, the better it is for our health. Also throughout the day monitor your stress levels and if you feel tense do this little mini breathing exercise. On the inhalation say to yourself "I am" and on the exhalation "at peace". Doing this for 5 breaths at time throughout the day will help.

To figure out which methods of stress reduction you should use ask yourself, where do I need balance and what do I enjoy doing? In order to answer this question, it requires self awareness. How do you spend most of your day? If the answer is sitting in a chair and looking at a computer, like many of us do, then adding a daily walk will do wonders for your stress levels. The second thing to consider is we need many outlets for stress. Our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual selves all need an outlet in order to combat stress. If your job demands a lot of linear, logical thinking, then singing, painting, playing an instrument would be a good counter balance. A good example is the hard working determined business woman choosing the high intensity yoga class. Though yoga is great, she is choosing a style of yoga that perpetuates her drive and intensity, instead of choosing a restorative, calming class that brings her into balance.

Now doing these things might not change your financial issues, but it will help you think clearer, problem solve better, see things in a more positive light and create more supportive relationships. We are holistic beings and we can affect one aspect of our life by bringing balance to another. Stress can manifest itself mentally, emotionally and physically, so it is no wonder that if we shift one aspect of who we are it can change other aspects. Dealing with our stress can make us more productive in our work, more joyful in our disposition and calm the nervous system and physiology of the body. One of my favorite quotes by Dr. Dyer is "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." Thank-you for your question.


New answer by HestiaHealth (Complementary Care Expert (Verified))
Hippocrates in his quote was alluding to the many things; the importance of how the patient views their disease and their expectation to recover, as well our ability for self correction, if we can create the conditions in the body that support healing. This is why I promote self care in chronic illness so passionately. I believe that our health care should be a partnership; the doctors have a very important role as do you. I want to say that the aim of complementary medicine is to support the person in their healing journey, not to treat the illness. I like to talk in terms of creating the optimal healing environment in the body. I believe there are 5 key components in supporting the body's natural healing abilities: movement, whole foods nutrition(regarding food as medicine), right thinking, stress reduction & relaxation and spiritual/energetic development (this is debated, by IMHO is very important).

Physical activity or movement is very important in immune function, physical stamina and mental and emotional stability. This can be as simple as a daily walk and depending on your situation, may include yoga and/or light strength training. Nutrition is also so important. I would consult a holistic Nutritionist. Someone who can see the big picture and understand that good nutrition for cancer is about more than just weight gain and calorie consumption i.e. eating whole foods, avoiding processed foods, sugar and alcohol.

Right thinking is also key. Hippocrates also said "It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has.” This is because our minds play a very important role in our healing. This isn't just about positive thinking, though hope and optimism are important, it is about a positive mental attitude. This includes the expression of all emotion, not just the positive ones. This may mean being involved in a support group and having people to talk to about what it going on and how you feel. It is also about being hopeful and optimistic and expecting to do well. People who have hope and expect to do better have better health outcomes. Also everyday be mindful of your stress level and practice relaxation techniques. This could be yoga, a bath, and a walk in nature, meditation or a guided visualization. Finally, growing your relationship with God or the Universe or exploring yourself as an energetic being is important. This is widely debated, but I think having faith in something bigger than yourself has value. Developing spiritually is an important part of becoming whole. Now all of these suggestions need to be suited to your specific needs and circumstances, but these are the components of creating the optimal healing environment in the body.
Hippocrates in his quote was alluding to the many things; the importance of how the patient views their disease and their expectation to recover, as well our ability for self correction, if we can create the conditions in the body that support healing. This is why I promote self care in chronic illness so passionately. I believe that our health care should be a partnership; the doctors have a very important role as do you. I want to say that the aim of complementary medicine is to support the person in their healing journey, not to treat the illness. I like to talk in terms of creating the optimal healing environment in the body. I believe there are 5 key components in supporting the body's natural healing abilities: movement, whole foods nutrition(regarding food as medicine), right thinking, stress reduction & relaxation and spiritual/energetic development (this is debated, by IMHO is very important).

Physical activity or movement is very important in immune function, physical stamina and mental and emotional stability. This can be as simple as a daily walk and depending on your situation, may include yoga and/or light strength training. Nutrition is also so important. I would consult a holistic Nutritionist. Someone who can see the big picture and understand that good nutrition for cancer is about more than just weight gain and calorie consumption i.e. eating whole foods, avoiding processed foods, sugar and alcohol.

Right thinking is also key. Hippocrates also said "It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has.” This is because our minds play a very important role in our healing. This isn't just about positive thinking, though hope and optimism are important, it is about a positive mental attitude. This includes the expression of all emotion, not just the positive ones. This may mean being involved in a support group and having people to talk to about what it going on and how you feel. It is also about being hopeful and optimistic and expecting to do well. People who have hope and expect to do better have better health outcomes. Also everyday be mindful of your stress level and practice relaxation techniques. This could be yoga, a bath, and a walk in nature, meditation or a guided visualization. Finally, growing your relationship with God or the Universe or exploring yourself as an energetic being is important. This is widely debated, but I think having faith in something bigger than yourself has value. Developing spiritually is an important part of becoming whole. Now all of these suggestions need to be suited to your specific needs and circumstances, but these are the components of creating the optimal healing environment in the body.
New answer by HestiaHealth (Complementary Care Expert (Verified))
The biggest challenge is convincing people that doing the work is worth the effort. We have gotten comfortable with the idea that fixes should come in pill form. While medication can be an important part of treatment, there are many things that we can do lifestyle wise to affect our health. The problem with lifestyle changes is that we are dealing with deeply engrained behaviors, that not only require a shift in behavior but a shift in our thinking, in order to make the changes enduring. This requires self awareness. Many people want the quick fix and don't see value in eating better or getting exercise. I try to emphasize the improvement in quality of life, a greater sense of purpose and the personal empowerment that comes from taking responsibility for their part in the healthcare partnership. The biggest challenge is convincing people that doing the work is worth the effort. We have gotten comfortable with the idea that fixes should come in pill form. While medication can be an important part of treatment, there are many things that we can do lifestyle wise to affect our health. The problem with lifestyle changes is that we are dealing with deeply engrained behaviors, that not only require a shift in behavior but a shift in our thinking, in order to make the changes enduring. This requires self awareness. Many people want the quick fix and don't see value in eating better or getting exercise. I try to emphasize the improvement in quality of life, a greater sense of purpose and the personal empowerment that comes from taking responsibility for their part in the healthcare partnership.
New answer by HestiaHealth (Complementary Care Expert (Verified))
An exercise physiologist is able to prescribe exercise as a form of therapy for people with chronic illness. We also counsel people on how to make appropriate lifestyle changes. Some exercise physiologists also work with athletes involved in high performance sport, helping them to maximize their performance through various training techniques and biomechanical considerations. Depending on where you live an Exercise Physiologist will have different educational requirements. I am certified in Canada by the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiologists (CSEP). In Canada, being certified by CSEP is the highest certification you can get in health & fitness. It requires at minimum, an undergraduate degree in the field of exercise science and an intensive certification process. The certification requires education and experience in anatomy, biology, pathophysiology, human development, psycho-social aspects of human behavior, fitness assessment and prescription and nutrition among many others. There is a theory exam as well as a practical evaluation of skills and knowledge in front of a board in order to be certified. A CSEP professional must also engage in continuing education in order to maintain certification. Because of my interest in mind/body health I usually take all my continuing education in mind/body therapies. Thank-you for the question. An exercise physiologist is able to prescribe exercise as a form of therapy for people with chronic illness. We also counsel people on how to make appropriate lifestyle changes. Some exercise physiologists also work with athletes involved in high performance sport, helping them to maximize their performance through various training techniques and biomechanical considerations. Depending on where you live an Exercise Physiologist will have different educational requirements. I am certified in Canada by the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiologists (CSEP). In Canada, being certified by CSEP is the highest certification you can get in health & fitness. It requires at minimum, an undergraduate degree in the field of exercise science and an intensive certification process. The certification requires education and experience in anatomy, biology, pathophysiology, human development, psycho-social aspects of human behavior, fitness assessment and prescription and nutrition among many others. There is a theory exam as well as a practical evaluation of skills and knowledge in front of a board in order to be certified. A CSEP professional must also engage in continuing education in order to maintain certification. Because of my interest in mind/body health I usually take all my continuing education in mind/body therapies. Thank-you for the question.
New answer by HestiaHealth (Complementary Care Expert (Verified))
Self hypnosis is a self induced form of hypnosis where a person in a calm, relaxed state makes self suggestions with the goal of making improvements in a specific area of their life. Self talk is the constant inner monologue or running commentary that goes on in our heads.

Awareness of these thoughts are very important in our healing. First in order to be aware of the incessant self talk a level of mindfulness must be achieved. Being present is an important part of mitigating mind made stressors, or stressors that arise from living in the past or in the future. Secondly, our bodies react to this self talk. If we have a chaotic mind, it creates a chaotic body. So we need to become aware of the thoughts and if they are inherently negative, they need to be changed. A good way to change our ideas about ourselves is through the practice of self hypnosis. Self hypnosis is a self induced form of hypnosis where a person in a calm, relaxed state makes self suggestions with the goal of making improvements in a specific area of their life. Self talk is the constant inner monologue or running commentary that goes on in our heads.

Awareness of these thoughts are very important in our healing. First in order to be aware of the incessant self talk a level of mindfulness must be achieved. Being present is an important part of mitigating mind made stressors, or stressors that arise from living in the past or in the future. Secondly, our bodies react to this self talk. If we have a chaotic mind, it creates a chaotic body. So we need to become aware of the thoughts and if they are inherently negative, they need to be changed. A good way to change our ideas about ourselves is through the practice of self hypnosis.
New answer by HestiaHealth (Complementary Care Expert (Verified)) in topic(s) Mental Health's Impact On General Health, Self-Hypnosis, Hypnosis, Mental Health
Many of the suggestions for lowering risk for breast cancer are the same recommendations I would give to lower the risk for most chronic illness. I like to speak in terms of creating the optimal healing environment in the body.
- Engage daily in moderate physical activity
- Avoid alcohol, transfats and processed foods
- Use stress reductions techniques often
- Have a positive mental outlook
- Detoxify your living environment, use less synthetic chemicals in your day to day life. Use products that are healthier for your body and the environment. Many of the suggestions for lowering risk for breast cancer are the same recommendations I would give to lower the risk for most chronic illness. I like to speak in terms of creating the optimal healing environment in the body.
- Engage daily in moderate physical activity
- Avoid alcohol, transfats and processed foods
- Use stress reductions techniques often
- Have a positive mental outlook
- Detoxify your living environment, use less synthetic chemicals in your day to day life. Use products that are healthier for your body and the environment.
New answer by HestiaHealth (Complementary Care Expert (Verified)) in topic(s) Reduce Breast Cancer Risk, Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Risk, Reduce Cancer Risk, Cancer
HestiaHealth     I am very excited to join this community. I am part of a group setting up a Cancer support community in Boise, and this has been such a wealth of information already. Thank-you!!
HestiaHealth
4 months ago  |  1 Reply
murray     Welcome! I love your profile:)
murray
4 months ago
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