The more things change, the more they stay the same.  When I was in college 40 something years ago (yeah, I am really that old), I had plenty of teachers who were so boring that I thought my brains would melt out of my ears.  Apparently, throughout the history of education, students have tried all sorts of remedies to stay attentive when a boring professor, or lack of proper sleep, sends them drifting off in a college class. Drinking coffee, taking commercially available tablets alleged to stop the dozing, or indulging in high-sugar snacks are just a few of them. Now, according to a University of Michigan study, Acupressure may bring new hope to those struggling to stay awake in the classroom.

The study involved teaching students to self-administer Acupressure to a variety of body points on their legs, feet, hands and heads. Some of these points were known to cause more stimulation, others greater relaxation. A total of 39 students in a 3-day On Job/On Campus program took part in the study. The results were published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

“Our findings suggested that Acupressure can change alertness in people who are in classroom settings for a full day which could be very good news for students who have trouble staying alert at school.” This comment comes from the director of the study, Dr. Richard E. Harris, Ph.D., in the Dept. of Internal Medicine and a researcher with the U-M Health System’s Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center.

The 39 students were taught to self-apply Acupressure regimens on either 5 stimulation points or 5 relaxation points. Techniques consisted of light tapping with the fingers and massaging with thumbs or forefingers. On day one, the first group self-administered Acupressure to the stimulation points followed by the relaxation points on days 2 and 3. The second group used relaxation points the first day and stimulation points on days 2 and 3. The Acupressure was administered mid-day during the student lunch period.

Students rated their level of sleepiness in the morning, afternoon and after class using the Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS) for evaluation. (The SSS is a self-measurement tool for assessing sleepiness on an 8-point rating from wide awake to fast asleep.)

In each case, the stimulation group had significantly less fatigue than the other group and this has interesting implications for future studies, said Dr. Harris, who himself is a trained acupuncturist. “The study showed that a stimulation Acupressure regimen leads to a statistically significant reduction in sleepiness compared to an Acupressure treatment that focuses on relaxation,” he said.

“The idea that Acupressure can have effects on human alertness needs more study, including research that can examine the scope of influence Acupressure can have on alertness and fatigue,” said Dr. Harris. That research can have an impact on performance in the classroom and in other areas of life where a high state of alertness is mandatory or desirable.

While classroom performance (or employee performance) is often affected by nutrition as well as food and environmental allergies and sensitivities, sometimes we all just need a boost in the middle of the day.  At the Wahls of Wellness, we recommend massaging or tapping on the following acupressure points during the day to stimulate alertness: 

KD 27:    Tap these two points which are located on either side of the breastbone just below the collarbone.  If you place your hands as though you were Abe Lincoln holding on to his coat lapels, your extended thumbs will be located around the KD 27 acupoint just below the collarbone.

REN 17 and REN 6:    Massage in a circular motion, at the same time, the acupoints REN 17 (located in the center of the chest between the breasts) and REN 6 (located two finger widths below the navel)

DU 20:    Massage in a circular motion the top of the head

ST 36:     Massage the acupoint located on the front of the leg, one hand width (four fingers) below the kneecap, on the outside, in the depression between the shinbone and the leg muscle.

By performing these simple acupressure massage techniques, a person can enjoy a natural mid-day energy boost without the use of stimulants.

If you would like more information about acupuncture and how it can help you live a more full life, give us a call at 847 392-7901.

Source: University of Michigan, September 2005. http://www.med.umich.edu/opm/newspage/2005/acupressure.htm

       

He will be channeling a message of healing today.  He says…

“I am here for you any time you call upon me.  The wisdom of the ages is saying that the healing you seek is within yourself and that you must trust that you deserve this healing.  Please don’t think you are not worthy.  You are a divine child of the infinite and as such, you deserve all the sacred gifts life has to offer.  You are the gift that the world has been seeking.  Call on your gifts to bequest what you need to do in this world.  You have been brought here to heal, just as I have.  You are all healers of the universal force and you must come to arms today to begin the healing process.  Don’t delay!  The world needs you now!”

Wow!  That is a powerful message from a wonderful Arch Angel.  Please heed this message of healing.  The planet and it’s people need you now.  Whether you are a healer in a traditional setting or not, your gifts are needed now more than ever.  There is a tremendous shift going on and the healers are feeling called in more ways than one.  You are not alone.  Archangel Raphael is here to help you every step along the way.  Call upon him to help you and guide you.  Just ask and you will receive his help.  After you ask, be still and “listen” with your spiritual ears; “see” with your spiritual eyes; and “feel” with your spiritual body.  There are many ways in which the answers come to us.  Know that Raphael’s energy is very gentle.  You will know he is with you when you feel a very calming sense of peace come over you after you have asked him to help you. 

Remember, you can ask for healing for someone else, but they are free not to accept the help.  It is important to ask anyway.  The more people we pray for and ask the angels for help with, the better off the whole universe will be. 

So you see, the future is really in your hands.  Until next time, please visit this blog and my Facebook page Healing Spirit Healing Angels to read more about the world of spirituality.  I look forward to meeting you at one of my workshops or retreats!  Love and blessings.

       

This article will be all about Angels, in particular guardian angels!  Have you ever wondered who your angels are or even if you have any?  Every person has at least two guardian angels that have been with us since the inception of our spirit.  They are assigned to us by God and their sole purpose is to help and guide us through our lives and make things easier for us as we travel our journey through life.  So, how do you know if you have angels or who your angels are?  Well, the angels have many ways in which they communicate with us.  Here are some of the ways you can know if your angels are hearing you and trying to communicate.  Have you ever had that hunch, or gut feeling, or heard a little voice telling you to do something or warning you of impending danger?  Perhaps, after you have asked for help from your angels, you have had a very vivid dream, or a saw a feather, or a coin, or a series of repeated numbers.  All of these are signs from your guardian angels.  In my workshops, people ask me all sorts of questions.  Some of them are: Are angels male or female?  Do they have names?  What do my angels look like?  What can they do?  And much, much more.

To answer some of these questions, angels are a form of energy, as we all are, and that energy can be read as being gentler and female, or stronger and male.  Our angels don’t need names as they know who they are, but sometimes they will assign themselves a name to help us connect with them more easily.  As I said before, angels are energy and therefore may appear in human form to help us identify with them.  They may connect with us as a feeling or color or other vibratory sensation.  Angels are in spirit form so they have no time or space limitations and therefore can do whatever we need them to do to help us maintain a comfortable life here. 

There is only one catch when it comes to angels.  Due to the fact that we have free will, the angels cannot interfere in our lives unless they have our permission.  Therefore, it is imperative that we ASK our angels for the help we are seeking. 

At my workshops, I teach my attendees to connect with their angels so they will know for sure that they exist, can help with all aspects of their lives, and should be called upon each day to enjoy life to the fullest on our planet.  I also conduct private one hour readings for people either in person or over the phone to help you connect with your angels.  To sign up for one or more workshops, or to schedule a private reading, please call our office at 847-392-7901 to register.  You can also check out my Facebook page at Healing Spirit Healing Angels!

Please come back here often to read further articles, and please forward this to everyone who you think might benefit from knowing about their angels…and who wouldn’t! 

I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at a workshop or private reading!  Until the next time many blessings!

       

Welcome back to another in a series of articles on our spiritual connectedness to the world around us.  In this issue, we will learn more about the world of fairies! 

God has told me that the fairies have been very busy lately trying to get us to wake up and clean up the planet. 

Our beautiful mother earth has been crying for help for a long time.  The fairy realm is in charge of helping mother nature keep our planet clean.  They are the connection between earth and man.  Have you ever wondered how the flowers get their colors, or how the trees know exactly when it’s time to change and go to sleep for the winter or wake up in the spring?  It’s all the work of fairies who help God keep our planet as breathtaking as it can be. 

The sad fact is that they cannot do it alone.  We have spent too many years abusing our earth and it’s now too much work to expect the fairies to do it alone.  The time has come, before it’s too late, to stand up for our environment.  Many of you who are very committed to the planet have felt this urge to help.  We applaud you for being the ones who have instituted recycling in your communities, at your work places, and in our parks and community centers.  You may have even noticed that “mainstream” chemical companies are offering products that are good for the planet.  But it’s not enough.  We need your help and NOW!

There is a holistic approach to everything in this world, if we look for it.  The time has come to apply this to cleaning up and helping the fairies keep our planet clean.  For example, start seeing trash and when you do see trash, pick it up!  It’s that simple.  Yes, it’s dirty, but think of what the world would look like if no one picked up trash.  The fairies say, “It’s not someone else’s job, it’s everyone’s job”.  We must work together to keep the planet clean. 

Another thing that we can do to help the fairies is to switch to products that do not pollute the environment or us for that matter.  Like natural cleaning products (you can find them in your local grocery store, Wal-Mart and Target as well as in Whole Foods!), natural personal care items, natural fertilizers and pest control for our lawns, and natural foods for people and pets.  All of these seemingly small changes add up to BIG ones when it comes to the planet and our health.  When you begin using these products, you create a demand and the big companies will listen because, whether you like it or not, money talks.  So write to companies to tell them what you want.  They are listening!  Be creative!  This is your time to shine as well as helping the planet shine. 

The world of fairies is real and you can gain access to that world if you cooperate with them and help them out.  By the way, plant a garden and invite the fairies to tend it.  You will be amazed at how well the plants grow!  Make sure you put statues of fairies and shiny things in it.  The fairies love that!

So you see, the future is really in your hands.  You can make a difference and with your help the fairies will be able to keep Mother Earth as beautiful as she should be! 

Until next time, please visit my Facebook Page  to read more about the world of spirituality.  I look forward to meeting you at one of my workshops or retreats!  Love and blessings.

       

My name is Beverly Wahl.  This is the first in a series of articles I will be writing for you to enjoy and learn more about the world of angels and spirituality!  I will be covering various topics related to angels, healing, Mediumship, the shift in our energy from fear to love as we approach 2012, crystal children and many other topics connected to the realm of spirituality.

First, I would like to give you a short bio on who I am  and what I am trying to accomplish during my journey on this planet.  I am a non-denominational ordained Minister as well as a Spiritual Intuitive Healer, Angel Therapy Practitioner® and Clairvoyant Medium.  I am certified as an Angel Therapy Practitioner® and Medium by Doreen Virtue.  I also have DNA Level I and II Theta Healing® Practitioner certification.

My field of expertise lies in the use of a combination of healing modalities that incorporate my Clairvoyant and Mediumship gifts.  I use these gifts to channel information from the spirit world of Angels, Ascended Masters, and Spirit Guides (individuals who have passed on) to bring messages of hope, healing and love to my clients.  During my individual readings, workshops and retreats, I work with people to help them attain their spiritual connectedness to themselves and the world around them.  My mission is to bridge the gap between the physical and spiritual worlds by offering love, hope, healing, comfort, and guidance to those in need.

This first article is about The Shift in Consciousness that people have been beginning to experience.  There is a huge change that is coming to our world.  We are moving, albeit slowly, from a fear-based world to a world based on Love.  You may have heard that some people believe the end of the world will occur on December 21, 2012, which marks the end of the Mayan calendar.  There are a lot of misconceptions about this auspicious date.  I would like to convey to you my understanding of the significance of that date, how it may be affecting you, and why I don’t believe it ushers in the end of our planet.

The Shift from fear to Love began quite awhile ago and many of you who are around my age (born 1954) began to feel the shift back in the 60’s and 70’s when we started to speak up about all the prejudice and injustice in the world.  We held peace rallies and love-in’s to try and spread the word that things can and should be different in the world.  Unfortunately, it was too soon and the lightworkers of the time were not able to get their message across to mainstream society.  We put our “mission” on hold for the next 30-40 years as we held jobs in mainstream America and raised our families.

A curious thing has occurred since then.  The next generation, our children, have begun the process of awakening the world to this new era of Love and Peace.  You may have heard about the Indigo or Crystal children.  These children are the “children of the new millennium” who have chosen to come the planet to help during the shift.  The Indigo children have very strong personalities and were misdiagnosed with ADHD.  They were put on medications and told to calm down.  Their fiery spirit is what they needed to clear away the old energy of fear.  The good news is that these “children” are now in their 20’s and 30’s and are off the medications and mad as heck because they have been watching from the sidelines and now want to do something to change their world.  These are our new teachers, natural health doctors, honest lawyers, enlightened government officials, etc.  It is a very exciting time on our planet. 

The next set of children were the Crystal Children.  These are the children who have been misdiagnosed as Autistic or having Asperger’s Syndrome. They are the more sensitive children with large eyes and very intuitive spirits who are here to spread love, clean up the planet and help us get back on track.  And the next generation will be the Rainbow Children.  They are the little incarnations of pure love, and have come to conclude the shift from fear to love.

Recently many clients have sought out my services because they are awakening spiritually and having difficulty with the changes they are experiencing.  They are having trouble absorbing and dispersing the negative energy around them.  They don’t know what to do about it and struggle to feel well or happy.  This is also why we are experiencing a dramatic increase in fibromyaligia, migraines, weight gain, etc.  Unfortunately, some people have not been able to stand the pain these struggles cause them and choose not to continue to live.

The good news is, THERE IS HELP!  As mentioned above, I conduct workshops and retreats as well as give private readings for people who are seeking answers and healing for themselves and their families.  I am also running workshops for Crystal children and their parents to help the children understand their gifts as well as to teach the parents how to work with their children during this shift. 

If you found this blog interesting and of value, please leave a comment below.  You can also Like us on Facebook and follow us there too.

       

People who suffer from a condition known as dry eye syndrome often experience quite a number of irritations with their vision. Dryness, a burning sensation and sandy-gritty eye discomfort are just some of the symptoms that seem to increase in sensation as the day progresses.

In one such case, Rebecca had been suffering the condition for 3 years. The dry eye pain was described as excruciating during the day and caused problems with her sleep as well. At times, her eyes were so dry she literally had to peel her eyelids off her eyes, she said. Numerous trips to doctors and one to a dietitian produced no results. She decided as a last resort to try Acupuncture.

Even though the initial treatments showed no marked results, she decided to continue with her program because of confidence in the acupuncturist. After 14 treatments that included Chinese herbs as well, her condition literally improved overnight. All of her symptoms disappeared and have been gone for over a year.

That Acupuncture improves dry eye syndrome was the focus of a recent study conducted at the China Medical University in Taiwan. A group of 43 dry eye syndrome patients were divided into a control group and Acupuncture group.

All of the participants first received an artificial tears treatment. The Acupuncture group then received two 20-minute treatments. Several different measurement tools were used to determine tear production including the Schirmer’s test where strips of paper are inserted into the eye for several minutes to measure the production of tears.

A variety of test results showed that the Acupuncture treatments brought positive results. After just 4 weeks of treatment, the Acupuncture group showed improvements over the control group. Tearing in both eyes had improved during this time.

After 8 weeks of treatment, the acupuncture group continued to show improvement over the control group. Acupuncture produced significant improvement in reducing the symptoms of dry eye syndrome and also reduced the need for artificial tear application.

Rebecca, in the case study first reported in this story was so pleased with the results of her treatment that she embarked upon a study of Acupuncture. How’s that for a true convert!

Sources: Acupuncture.com, http://www.acupuncture.com/testimonials/dryeyes.htm and http://www.acupuncture.com/newsletters/m_apr06/res.htm#2 2006.

       

There’s nothing enjoyable about fighting for one’s life when the diagnosis is cancer. The pain, nausea and sickness that accompany the disease or the treatment just add insult to injury.

But time and time again, studies have shown that Acupuncture helps those with the pain of cancer or the sickness resulting from treatment.

In 1986, two doctors in London studied whether or not patients at a Pain Clinic in a cancer hospital could benefit from Acupuncture treatment. The results were quite promising. This study found that 82 percent of the patients treated with Acupuncture received a benefit that lasted for hours or even days. Patients who were suffering from muscle spasms or unpleasant sensations such as itching, prickling or burning were among those who received the greatest help.

In 2009, a study executed by Jeanette Ezzo, a Maryland researcher, and a research group investigated the relief that might be provided to those who were receiving chemotherapy. It is very typical for those receiving chemotherapy to suffer vomiting and nausea.  Acupuncture and self-administered acupressure were tested together on this study.

The research group found that, “acupuncture has demonstrated benefit for chemotherapy-induced acute vomiting.” It also determined that, “Self-administered acupressure appears to have a protective effect for acute nausea and can readily be taught to patients.” Further studies are needed to provide complete verification of the benefits.

Then treatments such as chemotherapy produce sickness and vomiting as a side effect, the usual medical solution is to give more drugs to combat those side effects. Rather than involve oneself in a never-ending round of drug-taking, it is always wise to see if a minimally invasive and nearly painless method of treatment such as Acupuncture can help before resorting to more drugs.  

Avoiding more drugs leaves the body with a maximum amount of innate healing power with which to deal with the cancer.

Source: http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab002285.html, http://www.acupuncture.com/research/cancerpain.htm, http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/acupuncture/healthprofessional/allpages#Reference6.17

       

Acupuncturre’s Pain Relief Equal to Painkilling Drugs

A team of scientists from two British universities carried out brain scans on patients while they underwent Acupuncture treatment. The scans showed differences in the brain’s response to acupuncture needles compared with tests using dummy needles that did not puncture the skin.

Doctors found that the part of the brain that manages pain and the nervous system showed pain relief levels of as much as 15 per cent.

Dr. George Lewith, from the University of Southampton’s Complementary Medicine Research Unit, said the improvement is “exactly the same size of effect you would get from…real painkillers (pharmaceuticals)  for chronic pain. The evidence we now have is that acupuncture works very well on pain.”

The patients in the study were put through three tests in random order, while ‘brain maps’ were created using sophisticated scans at University College London. In one test, researchers used blunt needles that pricked the skin, but which the brain registered as the sensation of touch. Dummy needles, where the tip was pushed back once it touched the skin, were then used, and in the third test the patients underwent acupuncture treatment with real needles. 

The acupuncture needles had two measurable effects on the patients’ brains: as with the dummy needles, the brain released natural opiates in response to the expected effect of the needles.  

But the scans showed that the real needles had an extra effect and stimulated another part of the brain called the ipsilateral insular. This improved pain relief of 10-15% was similar to the effect of taking conventional analgesic drugs.

SOURCE: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=5&ObjectID=10123440

       

Stop Smoking with Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and Guided Imagery

Americans as well as the British seem to be trying to quit the smoking habit in greater numbers. Unfortunately, millions of them are turning to powerful drugs to ease their cravings. In fact, one such pharmaceutical product is now being accused of causing adverse reactions such as suicidal thinking and strange dreams.

Acupuncture, on the other hand, has been used successfully by many as a means of quitting smoking without drugs and the potential adverse reactions of a pharmaceutical remedy. For instance, here is what one 25-year-old had to say about his results.

“I smoked two packs of cigarettes daily. This had been going on for over two years. I’d tried nicotine gum and associated products, as well as stopping cold turkey many times. I’ve now completely stopped smoking and can’t even stand the smell or to be around it. If it wasn’t for Acupuncture, there’s one fact: I’d still be a smoker.”

An Acupuncture program to quit the habit recognizes smoking as an addiction that takes a good deal of will power and desire for the person to make it. However, the use of Acupuncture, supplemented with herbal remedies, can go a long way to help ease the process.

At the Wahls of Wellness, we focus helping a patient relieve tension, increase their will power, return proper balance to the body, relieve withdrawal cravings and diminish the appetite. We do this by combining Chinese Herbs and acupuncture with guided imagery and a home-care program complete with affirmations and a guided imagery reinforcement CD. 

All of this contributes to improve the overall well-being of the patient and to heighten their resolve to break the addiction. It also provides the necessary support to get them through the tough moments when their cravings are telling them to break down and have a smoke.

One 47-year-old woman talks of her success with Acupuncture: “I smoked for 30-plus years. I no longer smoke and I owe it to the Acupuncture treatment. The treatments helped me a great deal to cope with the withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking. I also had breathing and stomach problems which were also treated successfully with Acupuncture.”

And finally, one heart-lifting testimonial from a 46-year-old woman: “I have smoked since I was 16 and was able to kick the habit through Acupuncture and the use of Chinese herbs. I’d call it a miracle, but rather, it was the skill of my practitioner and the will to succeed. I feel very fortunate to have a man like my acupuncturist on my side.”

Smoking is one of the world’s toughest habits to break, but it can be done. And, it does not have to involve the use of drugs or be done by replacing nicotine with another substance. Acupuncture offers hope for anyone who truly wants to break free of the addiction. It starts with a bit of will power and the first visit to an acupuncturist.

Sources: Acupuncture.com. “Stop Smoking Support Program.” http://209.85.141.104/custom?q=cache:OR9YIdgVGuIJ:acupuncture.com/conditions/stopsmoke.htm+quit+smoking&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us and Stop Smoking Testimonials.http://www.acupuncture.com/testimonials/smoking1.htm and http://www.acupuncture.com/testimonials/smoking2.htm,  http://www.acupuncture.com/testimonials/smoking3.htm.

       

“God grant me the serenity and grace to accept the things I cannot change; the courage and faith to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference. ~~Reinhold Niebuhr

 Beverly Wahl created and leads our life changing Healing Spirit Retreats for Women.

Learn how to become open to your intuitive self.  Learn how to practice, through gentle guided meditations, forgiveness, gratefulness, and grace in your life. Experience one of these transformational weekends for yourself.  Click Here for more information.