Children and Parents Network

Holistic Parents

WHAT IS A HOLISTIC PARENT?

In the 21st century a holistic parent is a concerned parent who strives to incorporate as much of the 'natural' world and the presence of nature into the day to day on goings of life. A holistic parent seeks to empower children with the strength of nature. A holistic parent realizes that we are all part of the web of creation. What we do to to ourselves, ultimately effects the web of creation. A holistic parent realizes we are all part of the whole. From the most basic point of reference: the type of food and water we consume has an overall effect on how we view ourselves and others. Living holistically is a lifestyle.

The Holistic Parent looks for holistic ways for caring for the health of their entire family and nurtures all aspects of health: body, mind (intellect), emotions and spirit.

WHERE TO BEGIN

The first step is a commitment to creating a holistic home environment as a daily way of life.

Maintaining the natural state of health is a lifestyle. Investigate all of the options available to you and your family and establish a healthy lifestyle that suits your preferences and individual needs. Make yourself aware of the abundant resources occurring naturally in your environment. We have the opportunity to incorporate global methodologies and techniques that offer us a variety of choices in designing a lifestyle that best suits ourselves as well as our family.

Strive to balance the body, mind, emotions and spirit; seek to maintain your natural vitality so the body can naturally heal itself. The most important step is the first one you take and that is a commitment to yourself. Parents are the most important role models for their children, make the commitment, make this opportunity count for you and your children.

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WATER - THE FOUNDATION OF HEALTH

Water is the most basic constituent of all living things. Water is the most important element required in establishing and maintaining proper pH of ones body. Maintaing a proper pH is key to a strong immune system and preventing a host of health problems. PH stands for "potential (p) of hydrogen (H). The pH scale measures the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a substance, and the potential of that substance for freeing hydrogen ions.

The pH scale goes from 0-14. Zero is complete acid and 0-6.99 is acidic. Seven is neutral, the perfect balance between acid and alkaline substances, 7.01-14 is alkaline, 14 being total alkalinity. Your body functions best when your pH reading is between 7.365 and 7.39.

At birth, the human body is about 80% water. The brain consists of about 85% water, muscle tissue about 75% water and bone tissue is about 22% water. Everyone requires pure drinking water everyday as a part of a daily diet to maintain optimum health.

Acidification is linked to many ailments, this list is just a few:

Lack of energy, poor circulation, weight gain or weight loss, nervousness, inflammation, acid reflux, diabetes, kidney and bladder stones, allergies, osteoporosis and arthritis.

AROMATHERAPY

Aromatherapy is a holistic form of healing which works with the body to promote health. The medicinal properties of plants, flowers and woods were known to the ancient civilizations of Egypt, China, Greece and Rome. Aromatherapy is a natural treatment which uses the concentrated herbal essential oils from plants in association with massage, inhalation, compresses and baths. An enjoyable experience in itself, aromatherapy also improves and maintains well-being, health and beauty. Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment and can help heal a wide range of physical and emotional conditions. It has been proven successful in the treatment of stress related conditions, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive and skin problems. Aromatherapy can also be used as an adjunct to other treatments, first aid, or to enhance the atmosphere at work or home.

Each fragrance is used for a specific purpose: aromas can influence moods and emotions.

• Lavender is very versatile and is beneficial in relaxation.
• Tea tree oil is valuable in its antiviral, antiseptic, fungicidal and immune-stimulant properties.
• Rosemary has stimulant properties and is a tonic to the whole system.
• Chamomile is a mild relaxant and anti-inflammatory agent, especially as a children’s remedy.
• Peppermint is good for digestive complaints, respiratory problems and treating fever.

Research shows that people who use essential oils as a part of their daily routine have a high level of resistance to illness. Aromatherapy can help promote a positive mental state, stimulate the immune system and exhibit various types of preventive and curative properties, all naturally.

BACH FLOWER ESSENCES

Bach Essences were developed by Dr. Edward Bach a physician and Homeopath more then one hundred years ago. The purpose of Bach Flowers is to achieve a balance between the mind, body, and spirit by gently correcting the emotional upsets that can lead to physical aliments.

Dr. Bach believed if you remove the emotional disharmony one could regain harmony of the body, mind, and soul connection. The essences are gentle in action and can be used by anyone from newborn babies to the aged. Essences are also beneficial for animals and plants.

BREATHING FOR GOOD HEALTH AND VITALITY

It may seem strange at first to be reading and thinking about something you do all the time. Breathing is not an intellectual activity, breathing is something the body naturally and instinctively knows how to do. By unconsciously holding or restricting your breath due to stress (hyperventilation) you will survive but not thrive. Breathing affects your respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal and muscular systems. The quality of your breathing affects your sleep, memory, concentration and energy level. Everything you do, your energy level, the feelings you have, and the choices you make are all influenced by the rhythm of your breath.

There are many simple breathing exercises which will improve the strength of your lungs as well as your overall health and energy level. The practice of Yoga includes breathing exercises. Doing a few minutes a day of breathwork, you will begin to see the benefits in a few of weeks.

CREATIVE RHYTHMIC MOVEMENT

Creative movement is the communication of one’s thoughts and feelings expressed through the instrument of one’s body. A child who has limited ability to communicate verbally can explore and use movement for self-expression. Through exploration of movement, a child gains an understanding of his/her body. Children are innately endowed with the ability to move with creativity and rhythm. Awareness of self in relation to space, to others, to things, to the world – are all part of the sensitizing process so important for children. Inhibitions are overcome and a good feeling about self emerges.

FENG SHUI

Feng Shui is the ancient art of creating your environment to be harmonious and peaceful through the use of color, placement of furniture and accessories and incorporating a balance of the elements of Nature within the home. Using Feng Shui suggestions, you can change your environment to enhance the home atmosphere. Get your children involved in the process of creating a new home environment, the entire family will experience the benefits.

HERBS

Since early Neanderthal man, plants have been used for healing purposes. As medicine changed throughout the centuries, plants continued to be the mainstay of country medicine. Methods and ideas on herbal healing were passed down generation to generation, within communities and countries. Plants are an effective holistic medicine.The recent emphasis on the use of herbs for health and well-being may seem new but it’s not. The use of herbs has been a global tradition for healing purposes since the beginning of recorded history. Plants are effective medicine and you may already have many in your home.

• Garlic is a natural cleanser with infection-fighting properties.
• Ginger helps digestion.
• Aloe vera is used topically for insect bites and as a burn remedy.

MASSAGE

Massage is a healing art for the entire family. The physical and psychological benefits of massage have been recognized and valued since ancient times. The core of massage lies in its unique way of communicating without words. From the moment of birth an infant begins to acquire knowledge about their environment about the world. An infant focuses on sounds, aromas and exploring his/her world with the sense of touch. Infants are reassured through the touch of a caring parent. Through massage one can share a loving tactile message of caring to a child. Massage is relaxing and calming to the muscles and nervous system. Massage benefits children by providing parents with a first choice of a drug free option for common aches and pains. Massage is very beneficial to emotional and physical health.
Reflexology – a massage of the feet and hands and can be used by the whole family. Young children can be taught this safe and easy technique.

MUSIC AND SOUND

The use of sound for healing is ancient and has, for the most part, been used in spiritual and esoteric traditions. In the past twenty years the use of sound as a healing modality has become more accepted in the science and medical communities. The International Society for Music in Medicine and the Arts Medicine Association are two organizations which bring together doctors, scientists and technicians from many fields to work with sound as a therapeutic tool. Music and sound have a long history of aiding in and establishing a relaxed and meditative state as well as energizing the body, mind and spirit. Sound has the ability to cause geometric figures to form in sand and cause objects to shatter. Music is a powerful instrument for balancing and healing the whole person.

ORGANIC

What does organic mean? Organic foods do not contain preservatives or additives and are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fungicides. These chemicals are absorbed by the soil and make their way into our food. When we eat the food, the chemicals make their way into our bodies.

Eating wholesome organic food helps to make healthy bodies. Organic farming enriches the soil and improves a farm's biodiversity, resulting in less soil erosion and more drought resistant farmland. Organic farming plays a vital role in helping our planet achieve a healthy environment that is sustainable in the long-term.

SUGAR

Chronic fatigue, headaches, painful joints, sore muscles, high and low swings in energy level, poor concentration and focus, irritability and hyperactivity are just a few of the health problems associated with too much white sugar in your diet.

White sugar coats the cells restricting assimilation of nutrients from healthy food.

Sugar is a stimulant and you may feel a rush of energy for a short time. This surge of energy is very unhealthy and you are setting yourself up for serious problems in the future. When you eat refined white sugar, it is so close to your own internally produced glucose it bypasses the ordinary digestive process and passes right through the intestines into the bloodstream. This causes the sugar rush for a short time.

The good new is, there are alternatives to white sugar. Desserts do not have to be considered the least nutritious, most indulgent and fattening part of mealtime. Using natural, unrefined foods like wholemeal flours, fresh or dried fruits, unprocessed and unrefined oils and sea salt can help to provide you with an excellent source of fiber, vitamins and minerals while enjoying a sweet and delicious dessert. Organic sugar is much easier for the body to process. These healthy alternatives are available in most grocery stores or your local "whole foods" store.

TAI CHI

Tai chi is an ancient form of slow, graceful and rhythmic exercise. "CHI" is our "LIFE FORCE". Tai chi movements gently tone and strengthen the organs and muscles, improve circulation and relax both body and mind. Tai chi has been described as a system of health, medicine, physical co-ordination, relaxation, self-defense and consciousness raising, as well as a means of exercise and self-development.

YOGA

Have you ever watched a cat stretch? Have you ever stopped to wonder why it makes these movements? The cat instinctively knows the value of stretching in maintaining flexibility and improving circulation to the muscles. You too, can become stronger and more flexible with regular stretching exercises. Inflexibility within our bodies can in turn affect mental flexibility, we can become stuck in thought as well as in action. Regular stretching exercises frees our bodies as well as our thoughts and emotions. By stretching muscles, ligaments and tendons, we make them much more efficient and stronger. Joints are better supported and muscles are nourished from increased blood supply.