Feel the Knead

By: Kate Serrano

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you are tired, stressed and you feel like you just got ran over by a herd of elephants? A massage! For many many years, massage therapy is practiced not only to relieve stress but also to improve health conditions. There are over 80 massage therapy styles to chose from, all of which includes pressing and rubbing muscles with hands and fingers.

 Most popular among the massage styles are Swedish, Thai, shiatsu, hot stone massage and reflexology. The health benefits of massage extend far beyond simple relaxation. For example, a study in 2003 revealed that massage worked better than acupuncture for lower back pains. It actually reduced the need for painkillers for about 36%. Headaches also respond better to massage therapy than medication.

Lastly, a massage helps relieve depression and anxiety; this was proven in more than 12 different studies. But what if you can’t get to a massage therapist? It’s pretty simple. Use your own hands. There are simple, self-massage techniques that can boost energy, concentration and help you get a good night’s sleep. If you think you have been staring at the computer for so long or have been pounding the keyboard the entire day, take a good 10 minutes off the screen and treat yourself to relaxation. Close your eyes. Place your thumbs under your eyebrows. Press and gently move the thumbs in tiny circles, work slowly towards the outside of the brows and continuing this movement all around your eyes, ending back at the bridge of your nose. For your tired hands rub each finger from the base to the tip, gently pulling and twisting each finger as you go. You can also squeeze and rub the palm with your fingers or your right thumb and you’re all set. Just remember not to cause yourself pain, a massage is meant to relax and release tension and not hurt in any way. Enjoy!

A Closer Look at the Lotus

By: Kate Serrano

Probably the best attraction in a pond would be a lotus flower. Nelumbo nucifera, as it is scientifically known, grows above the water with its leaves floating on the surface. In the olden times, Egyptians use it to symbolize the sun, creation and rebirth. In Buddhism, it symbolizes awakening and faithfulness. To date, the lotus is also a very popular tattoo. But there is more to the flower than meets the eye. How many of us know that this flower – in all of its parts – has varied uses? Here is to name a few.

The lotus is found to have astringent qualities, helping improve skin complexion. This explains skin care products and herbal teas with lotus variants. Many centuries ago, lotus leaves are made to paste and then applied to the body to treat skin conditions.

The lotus sap, those in its leaves, stems and flowers have anti-bacterial components for treating bacterial infections and bleeding disorders. It is also used to treat sexually transmitted diseases. Petals and seeds are mixed with honey to heal cough while the leaves are for treating diarrhea, rectal prolapse and dizziness. Lotus flowers are prescribed to promote conception and in some countries, the seeds are taken orally for seven days to increase fertility.

But wait, there’s more!

Given that the entire flower is edible, the lotus has many culinary uses too. Flowers and petals are used as garnish, while the leaves are for wrapping food. Roots are used in pickles and sometimes as a stir-fry ingredient. Asian dishes especially salads and prawns could have some lotus parts with it, most of the time with roasted or candied seeds.

With its beauty and timeless significance, the lotus is a wonder to behold.

Are You In Tune With Your Universe?

By: Daniela Silva

Music is well known to influence societies as a whole with words and deeper meanings; however does the  influence of music solely lie within the words and the tempo of the music? Music worldwide is tuned to ISO standards ( International Standards organization) of 440 Hz. A recent rediscovery of vibration and oscillatory in nature has lead to the conclusion that the standardized Hz may be unhealthy for the consciousness of all human beings. If this is so, why would this be standardized internationally?

Nazi propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels is said to have made the change from the natural frequency of 432Hz to the now standardized 440Hz to gain control of an individuals personal ambiance; possibly leading to the domination of a people. This frequency is said to possibly promote mental disease, suppressing spirituality and creative intuitive aspects of our personal being, negatively affecting our bodies and immune systems.

In the year of 1940 the United States had introduces 440Hz and following the year of 1953 the ISO had endorsed and dictated that this frequency would be the standard tuning for instruments, audio and music. What can be the speculation that has allowed a detrimental effect to the health of an entire society? Perhaps stimulating the brain to react in disharmonious plangency. A key role in creating an unstable sense of mind, ultimately leading to disease and war.

Music based off of the natural frequencies of 432Hz flow with the natural vibrations of our bodies and the natural mediums around us. The frequency brings a wholesome experience, a organic spiritual boost, regardless of the type, tone and phrasing behind the song. There is a release on blocked emotions, and we regain a consciousness that allows us to be more in tune with our universe in a perceptive sense. This frequency allows us to literally tune into our universe and once again regain control of our own consciousness, we become whole again.

As a part of a developed and established society, I see a majority of people using a electronic devices to listen to and become preoccupied within a subconscious reality. A greater part of society may not know the negative effects of the frequencies they are exposed to daily by the music they do listen to. Vibrations and frequencies are critically important aspect within our universe and ourselves. the science of cymatics proves that this is the essential foundation to the creation of all matter and life on our planet.

Find peace within your subconscious reality, and be perspective of all around you, research and observe cymatics and create a new meaning to your life. Tune into your universe and truly recognize the healing potential the natural frequency of 432Hz can provide for you.

“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.” -Nikola Tesla