Categorie: Spirituality

What is Ayurveda?

Posted on by Fabienne

The body and mind are interconnected and constantly influence each other. Emotional stress, for example, can cause physical symptoms such as headaches or digestive problems, while physical pain can exacerbate emotional tension. As we are increasingly dominated by fast-paced living and stress in our lives nowadays, many people are turning more and more to a holistic approach to well-being, which addresses both the body and the mind. By treating both aspects of human well-being, we can gain a deeper understanding of the causes of health problems.

One such approach/method that is gaining popularity is Ayurveda. This is an ancient healing system that originated in India over 5000 years ago. Translated from Sanskrit, “Ayur” means life and “Veda” means knowledge. Ayurveda thus means the knowledge of life.

Although Ayurveda is not very well known in the Western world, it is the only non-allopathic medical system fully accepted and recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). In other words, Ayurveda is the only alternative healing system recognized by the WHO. The recognition of Ayurveda by the WHO means that it is considered a valuable source/method of healthcare.

It is important to note, however, that recognition by the WHO does not necessarily mean that all aspects of Ayurveda have been scientifically proven or that it is considered a replacement for conventional medical treatments. Rather, it emphasizes the importance of preserving and integrating traditional medical practices into the broader healthcare system, especially in cultures where these practices are deeply rooted.

Meeting in the Middle
To get the best of both worlds, a collaboration between Eastern and Western medicine would be beneficial, in my opinion. Combining conventional Western medical approaches with complementary and alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Ayurveda, is called Integrative Medicine. By integrating these approaches, patients can benefit from a wider range of treatments that address both physical and mental aspects of health.

Turning the Tide
As a skin therapist, I help people with skin problems achieve healthy, even skin. I’ve been doing this for 4 years. And in those 4 years, my biggest insight has been: skin problems often stem from stress. In such cases, an approach focused only on skincare and treatments is often not sufficient, and results lag behind. Much to the deep frustration of clients.

A holistic approach to (health) issues has caught my attention for years and has led me to decide to pursue basic training in Ayurveda. Perhaps this will enable me to inspire, inform, and provide tips and advice on a broader level!

Stay tuned!

Love, Fabienne

Do crystals have healing properties?

Posted on by paul

“I find gemstones beautiful, and as a result, my home is filled with them. I have crystals in the form of loose stones, bracelets, pendants, and salt lamps in abundance. Additionally, I’ve collected some interesting books about gemstones that explain their healing properties. However, at the same time, I wonder, does all of this hold true? Or are they just ‘woo-woo vibes’… if you catch my drift? My partner (who has a scientific mindset) and I decided to investigate this positive healing and powerful effect. Let’s start by looking at how these crystals are formed because regardless, this is simply factual.”

How are crystals formed?
Most clear crystals were formed millions of years ago deep within the earth. They originated from magma, which sometimes took millions of years to cool down. Eventually, crystals formed from this cooled magma. These crystals resembled ice, a buildup of tiny crystals that eventually formed a larger crystal. The colour of crystals is ultimately determined by impurities mixed in, such as metals, aluminium, and iron. Millions of years ago, due to tectonic shifts, these crystals were eventually pushed to the surface. This made the crystals “easier” for us to find. Often, these are volcanic areas where crystals can be found (All Stones, 2019).

The theory behind the healing effect
According to the holistic approach associated with energetic crystal therapy, the body, mind, and soul of a person together form a whole, a unique individual. The body, mind, and soul must be in balance with each other for someone to feel healthy and comfortable (Semoea, 2016). Okay, so far so good. The therapeutic effect of gemstones is based on the energy vibrations of these stones from nature. By wearing a gemstone, it is believed that the human aura would be positively influenced.

It is also said that a disease or complaint is usually caused by an abnormal frequency in the vibrations of an organ or area in the body. By wearing a particular stone (or combination of stones), the influence on complaints and/or diseases can often be significant and can then be significantly reduced. What is meant is that, for example, if you have a headache, abnormal vibrations have occurred in the body. A gemstone could restore these abnormal vibrations, thereby reducing your headache.

To understand the healing power of gemstones, it is necessary to know which substances are present in the stones. As mentioned earlier, impurities such as metals, aluminium, and iron are mixed in during the formation process of gemstones. When wearing a gemstone on the skin, the energy field (or aura) of the stone can transfer to the energy field of the wearer. In this way, the substances present in the stone can release their healing power (Aroma-atelier, 2005).

The wearing of patches on the skin is increasingly common nowadays to allow medication to penetrate. While this theory is scientifically proven, this method of gemstone therapy could theoretically have “healing” effects. Perhaps this also explains why Hematite might work well against anaemia, considering this stone is pure iron oxide and could potentially be released into the skin. If it were to work, then the dose one would “receive” cannot be determined anaemia is not always caused by iron deficiency (Mens en Gezondheid, 2015).

My conclusion
The healing effect of gemstone therapy has not yet been scientifically proven. It is assumed that the healing effect is more likely related to the placebo effect (Semoea, 2019). A placebo is a fake medicine. It can be an injection, pill, surgery, or another treatment without a direct medical effect (Niemandsverdriet, 2016). This mechanism likely applies to gemstones as well. When I put all the information side by side and analyze it, I am not convinced about the remarkable healing power that these stones supposedly offer us. Will I now throw away all my pounds of stones and stop wearing them as jewellery? Certainly not. I find them to be beautiful natural phenomena and especially cosy in my living room and on my bedside table.

With love, Fabienne

Mindset: doen wat goed voelt

Posted on by Fabienne

Een tijdje terug was ik een podcast aan het luisteren van Michael Pilarczyk. Hij bespreekt interessante onderwerpen om je eigen mind ”te leren masteren”. Aan het einde van een podcat waarin het ging over je eigen hart volgen. Super interessnt. Aan het einde van de Podcast gaf hij nog een mooi inzicht in de vok van dit onderstaande verhaal.

Op een dag gingen vader en zoon met een ezel op pad. Vader wilde lopen en zette zijn zoon op de rug van de ezel. Zo gingen zij op weg tot zij mensen tegenkwamen die zeiden: ‘Zie daar de wereld op zijn kop. Die gezonde jongen zit rustig op de ezel, terwijl zijn arme, vermoeide vader nauwelijks vooruit komt.’ De jongen hoorde dit, schaamde zich en stapte af. Hij wilde dat zijn vader verder op de ezel zou rijden.
Zo liepen ze voort. Even later hoorden ze: ‘Moet je dat zien. Wat een ontaarde vader, die zelf lekker op de ezel zit en zijn kind laat lopen.’Na dit verwijt zei de zoon: ‘Kom, laten we samen op de ezel rijden.’
Zo vervolgden ze  hun weg tot zij mensen tegenkwamen die zeiden: ‘Kijk, dat arme beest. Zijn rug zakt door onder het gewicht van hen beiden, wat een dierenbeulen.’ Daarop zei de jongen: ‘Laten we allebei te voet gaan, dan kan niemand ons nog verwijten maken.’
Zo liepen ze verder achter hun ezel. Tot voorbijgangers commentaar leverden: ‘Zie deze dwazen. Ze lopen in de brandende zon en geen van beiden denkt eraan op de ezel te gaan zitten.’

Vader richtte zicht tot zijn zoon en zei: ‘Tja, mijn zoon, hoe je je ook gedraagt, op- en aanmerkingen zullen er altijd in overvloed zijn. Volg daarom altijd wat je eigen hart je ingeeft.’

Mooi om over na te denken toch?

Liefs, Fabienne

bron: Raamstijn, 2018. Volg je eigen pad: het verhaal van de vader, zoon en de ezel. Geraadpleegd op 30-09-2019 via http://www.raamstijn.nl/eenblogjeom/index.php/cut-the-crap/7770-volg-je-eigen-pad-het-verhaal-van-de-vader-zoon-en-de-ezel

The balance between body mind and soul.

Posted on by Fabienne

What has been occupying my mind lately is how our brain influences our body. Psychology has always caught my attention, understanding how our brain functions and its impact on our body and the people around us. That’s why I watched the documentary “Heal” on Netflix, and I found it super inspiring. In this documentary, spiritual leaders, doctors, and people with chronic illnesses discuss the strong connection between the human psyche and physical health. According to these individuals, we have more control over our health and our lives than we think. The documentary showcases the beauty and uniqueness of the human body and its ability to heal itself.

The placebo effect was also briefly discussed. Take two groups of 100 people, both with, for example, headaches. Give one group a pain-relieving medication and give the other group a saline solution (a placebo). The test was conducted blindly. The results showed that both groups ultimately experienced significant relief from their pain. While for one group, this may have been due to the pain-relieving medication, what about the other group? This immediately got me thinking about how this applies to skincare. It’s quite interesting to delve deeper into, don’t you think?

After some Googling, I found an article indicating that through an approach like the one described above, patients with the skin disease psoriasis were ultimately able to use half the amount of steroid cream.

It has been shown that stress has a huge impact on our bodies. I think we can all say that we have dealt with this at some point. For everyone, this manifests differently, of course; some get stomach cramps, others get pimples, and still others experience hair loss. These are all ailments that we may be able to control if we train ourselves to do so. I’ve previously written a column in the NTVH about becoming more aware of your “beauty rituals” or maybe just being more mindful of the things we do. Although it’s difficult in a society where everything moves at a rapid pace, I try to be more conscious of it myself.

As I mentioned earlier, the human brain has always fascinated me. When the book “The Secret” came out, my mother quickly got it and enthusiastically told my brother and me about certain theories and how much more possibilities life can offer you when you apply the “law of attraction” in your life. Many of these theories have stuck with me. It’s a topic that has been occupying me more and more over the past few months, so I think you’ll read more of these thoughts on my blog in the future and how you can apply them. I’m convinced that when you feel good about yourself, you’ll also radiate that. So, the last thing I want to leave you within this blog is to watch the documentary and let it sink in. I’m curious to hear what you think about it!

With love, Fabienne

Bron: Radar, 2016. Het placebo-effect: positief resultaat na ‘nep-behandeling’. Geraadpleegd op: https://radar.avrotros.nl/hulp-tips/hulpartikelen/item/het-placebo-effect-positief-resultaat-na-nep-behandeling/

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