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April 2013 Issue 52 Autumn

INDEX:

Random Acts of Kindness - Story #16 2

Beetroot Juice Lowers Blood Pressure 2

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month 2

The Blessing and Healing Effects of Cats 3

Occupational Therapy 5

Workshops 6

Gardening Can Bring Out Your True Colours 8

Oft, in the Stilly Night 9

Warrior of Light 9

A senior citizen drove his brand new BMW Z4 convertible out of the car salesroom. Taking off down the motorway, he floored it

to 160km/h, enjoying the wind blowing through what little hair he had left. "Amazing!" he thought as he flew down the N1,

enjoying pushing the pedal to the metal even more. Looking in his rear view mirror, he saw a police car behind him, blue lights

flashing and siren blaring.

"I can get away from him - no problem!" thought the elderly man as he floored it to 180kmh, then 220, then 240kmh. Suddenly,

he thought, "What on earth am I doing? I'm too old for this nonsense!" So he pulled over to the side of the road and waited for

the police car to catch up with him. Pulling in behind him, the police officer walked up the driver's side of the BMW, looked at his

watch and said, "Sir, my shift ends in 10 minutes. Today is Friday and I'm taking off for the weekend. If you can give me a reason

why you were speeding that I've never heard before, I'll let you go."

The old man, looked very seriously at the policeman, and replied, "Years ago, my wife ran off with a policeman. I thought you

were bringing her back."

"Have a good day, Sir", said the policeman.

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Pic: Nick Brandt; www.nickbrandt.com

Healing at Hand

• If the essence of my being has caused a smile to

have appeared upon your face or a touch of joy

within your heart, then in living I have made my

mark.

• There are many things in life that will catch your

eye, but only a few that will catch your heart.

Pursue them.

• There are two ways of exerting one’s strength;

one is pushing down, the other is pulling up.

• Positive thoughts are not enough. There have to

be positive feelings and positive actions.

• Whatever you are experiencing in your mind now,

is what you put in there earlier on.

• Every life is a story - make yours a best seller.

• You can never cross the ocean unless you have the

courage to lose sight of the shore.

• Life is beautiful. Love your life, and the beauty

thereof will emerge.

We are like butterflies

who flutter for a day

and think it is forever.

- Carl Sagan

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Random Acts of Kindness - Story #16: AA SSmmiillee ccaann bbee vveerryy eennrriicchhiinngg

I stopped at the traffic light and saw her approaching my car. All the motorists in front of me had declined to put anything into

her begging hands. When she stood next to my car, I noticed her thin, frail body and her weather-beaten face from life’s

hardship and the harsh South African summer sun, with lines etched on her darkened face. But in spite of this, I saw her hopeful

eyes as she extended her hands to me.

Locking my eyes onto her, I saw her for what she truly is – although clothed in different circumstances, she was a fellow human

being made from exactly the same substance as I. As my heart brought forth a smile, it formed its shape on my mouth. Her heart

smiled back at me. As I reached for my purse, I asked how she is doing. Surprised at my asking, her smile widened, replying, “I’m

fine, ma’am”.

I placed money into her extended hands and said, “Be well, be happy. God bless you”. She thanked me, and we remained

connected for a moment longer. Now I noticed the light in her eyes, and how the lines on her face smoothed out with her

smiling, and she looked younger and beautiful. And I wondered how many people before me had been blessed to see her joyful

eyes and happy smile. Then my gaze shifted a few paces behind her and I noticed the street vendor who was selling trinkets had

been witnessing our exchange of love and care – he had become frozen in the moment, his jaw hanging open. Not a common

scene at the traffic lights, I assumed.

A simple, beautiful exchange like this can enrich one so much – as two parties become both the giver and the receiver at the

same time. -Rashidah

Kindness, lKindness, lKindness, lKindness, like a boike a boike a boike a boomerang, always returnsomerang, always returnsomerang, always returnsomerang, always returns....

April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month

Tips for a healthy digestive system:

• Eat small, frequent meals – at least three meals and two snacks a day. Delayed eating, eating huge meals

because you’re so ravenous, or eating irregularly and too quickly, puts great pressure on your digestive

system. It also causes blood sugar to drop, which leads to cravings.

• Fibre helps to make you feel fuller sooner and delays stomach emptying, so that nutrients are released

slowly and your blood sugar level remains stable. At least 2-35grams of fibre a day is recommended.

1 cup of Rice Krispies = 1g of fibre

1 slice of white bread = 0,5g of fibre

½ cup brown rice = 1,5g of fibre

100g All Bran Flakes = 18g of fibre

Good sources of fibre include apples (with skins), citrus fruit, broccoli, chickpeas, oat bran, bran, and

nuts and seeds.

• Avoid saturated fats and fried foods, which stress your digestive system.

• Live yoghurt with probiotics and cottage cheese improve intestinal functioning, which helps prevent IBS,

constipation and inflammatory bowel disease. -Fairlady, Feb 2010

Beetroot juice lowers Blood Pressure

Research by Australia’s Bake IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, found that within

hours of drinking the juice, particpants’ blood pressure dropped by five points.

WebMD wrote that on a public level the results equated “to a 10% reduction in

deaths due to heart disease”.

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The Blessing and Healing Effect of Cats

The science of healing from Cats and

the extraordinary Self-healing Ability of Cats

Purring Helps with Healing Purring is often compared to the Islamic Dhikr (the rhythmic chanting of the Sufis) which were used in many early Islamic hospitals

as a healing process. Modern science recently discovered the healing powers of the cats' purr: "… optimal frequency for bone

stimulation is 50 hertz. The dominant and fundamental frequency for three species of cats' purr is exactly 25 to 50 hertz: the best

frequencies for bone growth and fracture healing. The cat's purr falls well within the 20-50 hertz anabolic range, and extends up to

140 hertz."

Dr. Clinton Rubin and his associates made a fantastic discovery. They found that exposure to frequencies between 20-50 Hz (at low

dB) creates the robust striations of increased bone density.

There is also an old veterinary saying, still repeated in veterinary schools, which states, "If you put a cat and a bunch of broken

bones in the same room, the bones will heal."

The effects of frequency of mechanical vibration on experimental fracture healing, Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi, in his work with rabbits,

found that frequencies of 25 and 50 hertz promote bone strength by 20%, and stimulate both the healing of fractures, and the

speed at which the fractures heal.

There is also documentation that low frequencies, at low dB are helpful with regard to pain relief, and the healing of tendons and

muscles. Vibrational stimulation between 50-150 Hz has been found to relieve suffering in 82% of persons suffering from acute and

chronic pain.

Biomechanical stimulation which uses mechanical vibration of standardized frequencies from 18 - 35 Hz is used in Russian sports

medicine. This technique improves the relaxation of strained muscle structures and increases the stretching ability of capsules and

tendons …..

In Summary: Vibrations between 20-140 Hz are therapeutic for bone growth/fracture healing, pain relief/swelling reduction, wound

healing, muscle growth and repair/tendon repair, mobility of joints and the relief of dyspnoea (shortness of breath).

Cats' purrs are exactly 25 Hz, or 50 Hz - the best frequencies for bone growth and fracture healing. 180-35 Hz is used in therapeutic

biomechanical stimulation for joint mobility.

The frequencies for therapeutic pain relief are from 50-150 Hz. All of the individual cats have at least 5 sets of strong harmonics in

this range. Therapeutic frequencies for the generation of muscle strength lie between 2-100 Hz.

Cats have a strong harmonic at exactly 100 Hz, the vibrational frequency found to relieve dyspnoea. Researchers have found that a

cat’s purr, can decrease the symptoms of a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, called dyspnoea, in both cats and humans.

The cat's purr is a healing mechanism and is a natural way to increase strength, and decrease healing time, the vibration of a cat's

purr can speed up the healing process not only for cats, but for other animals as well. Research indicates that even humans can

benefit. If you are recovering from an injury, you should hug a purring cat. Consistent vibrational sound frequencies of 25-150 Hz,

which is the range of a cat’s purr, aid in the healing of bones, tendons, ligaments and muscles, as well as providing pain relief.

Tendons and Muscles

One study found that following sports injuries, low-frequency biomechanical stimulation can prevent decreases in muscle strength

and mass. Another found that the vibration can speed tendon healing in the ankle, increasing upper ankle joint mobility by up to

19% after injury.

Pain Relief Researchers found that exposure to a sound frequency between 50 and 150 Hz provided relief for 82% of those suffering chronic

and acute pain. Thus, it is unsurprising that cats often purr when they are injured or giving birth.

Purr Frequency Research There are many indications that the vibrational frequency of a cat’s purr could provide healing and perhaps even health protection

benefits not only for cats but for humans as well.

Continued on next page …

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Cat Purr Frequency Increases Bone Density & Speeds Injury Recovery The vibration of a cat's purr can speed up the healing process not only for cats but for other animals as well. Research indicates

that even humans can benefit. If you are recovering from an injury, you should hug a purring cat. Consistent vibrational sound

frequencies of 25-150 Hz, which is the range of a cat’s purr, aid in the healing of bones, tendons, ligaments and muscles, as well

as providing pain relief.

Healing after Injury

Cats’ bones heal faster and more easily after fractures than those of dogs. Veterinary medicine researchers note that 90% of

cats that plummet from extraordinary heights survive despite serious injuries. Interestingly, science has known for many years

that vibrations at specific levels or frequencies cause healing changes in the body. They can, for example, induce bone growth

and regeneration. Bone fractures heal faster and weakened bones begin to strengthen and rebuild.

Also, in the higher frequency ranges, the production of the body's own natural anti-inflammatory compounds increases

thereby reducing joint pain and swelling. There is further evidence of muscle, tendon and ligament repair within these

frequency ranges as well. Low frequency vibration induces pain relief and healing of tendons and muscles, and cats purr at

those very same frequencies.

In effect then, by changing the frequency of their purring, cats may be fine-tuning their healing abilities, and it is this unique

healing advantage that has probably given rise to the notion of cats having nine lives. Study discovered that such exposure

creates the robust striations of increased bone density, suggesting applications for osteoporosis, particularly in post-

menopausal women and the elderly.

Cats can improve your mood

But it's the cat's "healing by association" that most people find interesting: that ability of a cat to sympathetically help cure

illnesses in people simply by being around them. Studies have also shown that owners, especially senior citizens, who have

cats, have lower blood pressure and can live longer than humans who don't own pets.

The warmth of their furry bodies and open, purring friendship can drastically influence a person’s state of mind for the better.

Vital signs taken after an individual’s interaction with pet show positive effects on the blood pressure, pulse, and breathing

frequency, and the results of these tests are surprisingly similar to the body’s condition after deep meditation. Some studies

have even indicated that having pets reduces stress and results in a lowered risk of heart disease.

Many individuals swear they can ease or completely eliminate their migraine headaches simply by lying down with a purring

cat next to their head. Can't hit that minimum recommended daily dose of bone-enriching calcium? Maybe grabbing the

nearest cat and holding it close may just prove to be the answer to brittle-bones. Having surgery? Perhaps after coming home,

keeping a cat nearby will reduce your recovery time. So, go get a cat. Keep it happy and purring. You're both likely to be

healthier and you'll have a great friend who truly understands how you're feeling.

Doctors and scientists in a number of different medical fields are researching the healing properties of sound, and the results

are pretty promising. Most body cavities and tissues have their own resonant frequencies, and sound in those ranges can

stimulate the respective organs to heal. For example: the human lungs resonate at around 39 hertz (in a fluid medium) and

researchers found sound at that frequency to be beneficial to people with lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis.

Vibrational stimulation not only relieves suffering in 82% of persons suffering from acute and chronic pain but also generates

new tissue growth, augments wound tissue strength, improves local circulation and oxygenation, reduces swelling and/or

inhibits bacterial growth?

Lowered stress and increased calmness could be the cause, but studies over the last twenty years have also shown that people

who own pets are much healthier than their non-pet owning counterparts; they are often less prone to minor illnesses like

colds and influenza, score better on psychological tests, and claim to feel a greater sense of well-being

Adults are not the only ones who benefit from caring for a cat. Children who have participated in the raising of a pet have

shown higher self esteem levels, better social skills, and a greater sense of responsibility toward others. For young children and

infants, exposure to cats at a young age can also help the child develop resistance to allergens and asthma. A new study

suggests cat owners are less likely to die of a heart attack or stroke than people who, well, don't own cats. Researchers, found

that feline-less people were 30 to 40 percent more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than those with cats.

In Islam, Prophet Muhammad loved animals and would be greatly distressed if he

heard of any abuse to them. He admonished his people to take good care of

animals and treat them well. Once, he came across an ant-hill that had been set

fire to. He immediately rebuked the person responsible for this malicious act.

Another time he found some children had removed a baby bird from its nest and

the mother bird frantically flying around nearby. He, at once, ordered the chick to

be placed back in the nest and stop tormenting the mother bird. He often said,

"Those who are kind and considerate to God’s creatures, God bestows His

kindness and affection on them. Show kindness to the creatures on the earth so

that God may be kind to you." –Source: Hadith - Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi

Collated by Muhammad Sajad Ali

Deenislam.co.uk

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OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY -Wikipedia

Occupational therapy (also abbreviated as OT) is the use of treatments to develop, recover, or maintain the daily living and work

skills of patients with a physical, mental or developmental condition. Occupational therapy interventions focus on adapting the

environment, modifying the task, teaching the skill, and educating the client/family in order to increase participation in and

performance of daily activities. An OT can work with different populations, diagnosis, specialities, and in different settings.

Occupational therapy approaches typically include:

� Teaching new ways of approaching tasks

� How to break down activities into achievable components e.g. sequencing a complex task like cooking a complex meal

� Comprehensive home and job site evaluations with adaptation recommendations.

� Performance skills assessments and treatment.

� Adaptive equipment recommendations and usage training.

� Environmental adaptation including provision of equipment or designing adaptations to remove obstacles or make them

manageable

� Guidance to family members and caregivers.

� The use of creative media as therapeutic activity

Children and youth Occupational therapists work with infants, toddlers, children, and youth and their families in a variety of settings including

schools, clinics, and homes. They assist children and their caregivers to build skills that enable them to participate in meaningful

occupations. Occupational therapists also address the psychosocial needs of children and youth to enable them to participate in

meaningful life events. These occupations may include: normal growth and development, feeding, play, social skills, and

education. Occupational therapy with Children and Youth may take a variety of forms:

• Promoting a wellness program in schools to prevent childhood obesity

• Facilitating hand writing development in school-aged children

• Promoting functional skills for living in children with developmental disabilities

• Providing individualized treatment for sensory processing difficulties

• Addressing psychosocial needs of a child and teaching effective coping strategies

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Learn about what they’re born with and how to work with that.

Why do things that work for other people’s children not work with yours? Do you walk on egg shells around a family member’s intense reactions, or feel you are on high alert to prevent your active child getting into danger? Why won’t your child try different foods, or join in easily to play with other children? Why does one child adapt easily to new situations, while the other has a melt down when things don’t go as planned? We know a lot depends on nurture, but nature also plays a big role. Temperament describes your inbuilt personal style. It is much more effective to work with temperament than to try to change it. In cases where there is a lack of fit between temperament and what is expected of a child, behavior problems tend to develop. In this series of 3 workshops we will look at 9 aspects of temperament. You will profile the temperaments of your children and other family members. We will look at goodness of fit and how to improve this. We will discuss how to respond to aspects of temperament which can be difficult to manage, and how to help children adapt to things which are difficult for them at first.

Series: Your Child and Temperament Workshops

Dates: Mondays 15th, 22nd and 29th April 2013 Time: 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Venue: Michael Oak Waldorf School, 4 Marlow Rd, Kenilworth

Cost: R900 per person (total), R1500 per couple

The workshops are facilitated by Karen Quail (BSocSc Hons, HDE). I also run the Discipline for Peace workshops. I have a background as a school counsellor and teacher and am also a parent. Counselling (not necessarily related to parenting) is also available.

To book courses: email me at karenquail1@gmail.com

Or call: 021 6961946, sms 076 3035324

(See next page for more workshops)

WWoorrkksshhooppss ffoorr TTeeaacchheerrss,, PPaarreennttss,,

CChhiilldd--mmiinnddeerrss,, CCoouunnsseelllloorrss,, eett aall..

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Being left or right handed is not your only inbuilt preference!

4 inbuilt preferences, 4 temperaments, 4 kinds of partner, 4 kinds of parent, 4 kinds of child

Understand your family in a whole new way: Research shows that some aspects of the personality are inbuilt - you are born with them and they do not change much over your lifetime. It is much more effective to work with temperament than to try to change it, so it really helps to know about it. In this series of 3 workshops, we will look at inbuilt preferences and the 4 temperaments. This information is well known and used in business contexts, but also has huge value for families. You will learn how people of different temperaments naturally have different values, stressors, strengths and weaknesses. You will learn about your inbuilt style as a parent and partner too.

Dates: Mondays 6th, 13th and 20th May 2013 Time: 7:00 – 9:30 pm

Where: Michael Oak Waldorf School Cost: R900 per person (total), R1500 per couple

Be empowered and inspired with positive skills.

When it comes to discipline, what skills will be effective and leave us with peace of mind? How do we create healthy boundaries without using fear-based methods? When children are resistant or go out of control, what positive skills can we use to get their co-operation? Discipline for Peace is a series of 4 workshops teaching positive discipline skills relevant to children of all ages.

Dates: Wednesdays 29th May, 5th, 12th and 19th June 2013 Time: 7:00 – 9:30 pm

Where: SACS Junior School Cost: R1200 per person (total), R1900 per couple

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Gardening can bring out your true COLOURS By Kay Montgomery

According to research conducted in the United States, colour has an effect on both mental and physical wellbeing,

performance and concentration. After a 30-mintures exposure to blue light, people within the study were able to lower their

blood pressure while those exposed to the red light showed a significant rise. Colour therapy and its effect on the human

body is not new. It’s roots lie in the ancient Egyptians and Greeks and form part of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of

healing.

Colour therapists believe that by altering the colours that surround us, it is possible to enhance wellbeing. Early forms of

therapy involved the use of sunlight, coloured light bulbs and gemstones, but the concept of a healing garden is relatively

new in Western countries.

Gardening, according the Eastern philosophy, is about finding a sanctuary for the spirit. Many of the new trends and

principles being used in gardens today stem from this teaching. Philosophers maintain that it’s all about creating harmony

within yourself.

Almost all experts acknowledge the colour therapy on it’s own won’t work. Colour should be viewed as a way of perfecting

the garden you wish to landscape. As such, it should always be used in conjunction with other principles of the healing garden

such as design principles (harmonious lines) and aroma therapeutics (scents in the garden).

The aromatic properties of plants were highly regarded by ancient civilisations. Over the last 20 years, especially in the west,

aromatherapy has developed into a holistic system that aims to balance the person as a whole. The healing power of plants

stretches beyond their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Scientific research has proved that smells can trigger

memories and enhance moods.

The principles of colour therapy can be brought into the garden through your personal lifestyle. A good way to deal with

colour is divide your garden into rooms of colour. A special place in the garden based on what they promote:

• Pink – the colour of love and compassion. Gentle on the emotions and used to soothe anger.

• Purple – suggests power and dignity. Mauve and lilac can be used for a softer effect, especially in areas of

meditation.

• Yellow – promotes contentment, aids in concentration and encourages concise thinking.

• White – suggests cleanliness and purity. Aids in relaxation and comfort.

• Orange – an emotional stimulant that connects us with the senses and promotes independence and social

acceptance. -The Argus, 1 Oct, 2005

�� WORKSHOP ��

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Theracare Health Centre 118 First Avenue

Rondebosch East 7780 (opp. Crawford Station)

Western Cape, S.A

http://goo.gl/maps/Ou7oo

TELEPHONE: 083 29 444 29 (021) 696 5928

(please leave voice message)

WEBSITE:

www.bowentherapy.co.za

EMAIL: info@bowentherapy.co.za

rashidah.hargey@gmail.com

Every body is better with

Medical Information Disclaimer: Information published in this newsletter is intended for

general informational purposes only, and should not be

construed as medical advice, medical opinion, diagnosis or

treatment. It is not a substitute for medical attention.

Please consult your health-care professional for

medical advice and treatment.

• BOWEN THERAPIST

• YOGA INSTRUCTOR

TThhee WWaarrrriioorr ooff LLiigghhtt

The warrior of light behaves like a child.

People are shocked; they have forgotten that a child needs

to have fun and to play, to be slightly irreverent and to ask

awkward, childish questions, to talk nonsense

that not even he believes in.

And they say, horrified:

‘So this is the spiritual path, is it? He’s so immature!’

The warrior feels proud of such comments. And he remains

in touch with God through his innocence and his joy,

without ever losing sight of his mission.

-PAULO COELHO

Contact details:

Rashidah Hargey

Pic: Nick Brandt; www.nickbrandt.com

Oft, in the Stilly Night

Thomas Moore - (1779-1852)

Oft, in the stilly night,

Ere slumber's chain has bound me,

Fond memory brings the light

Of other days around me;

The smiles, the tears,

Of boyhood's years,

The words of love then spoken;

The eyes that shone,

Now dimm'd and gone,

The cheerful hearts now broken!

Thus, in the stilly night,

Ere slumber's chain hath bound me,

Sad memory brings the light

Of other days around me.

When I remember all

The friends, so link'd together,

I've seen around me fall,

Like leaves in wintry weather;

I feel like one

Who treads alone

Some banquet-hall deserted,

Whose lights are fled,

Whose garlands dead,

And all but he departed!

Thus, in the stilly night,

Ere slumber's chain has bound me,

Sad memory brings the light

Of other days around me.

This poem will probably mean very little to the youth. But those

who have become older and have gathered some life experience,

may find it poignant.

It is a sad, but touching poem that canvasses two periods (past

and present), with memories of boyhood, and present - of what

has been and subsequently lost. One faced now with the stark

reality of the present, sets this pessimistic tone. Melancholy

wrapped in simple words for all generations to hear, so eloquently

expresses the grief of those who have loved and lost. It is the

sheer reality of life that we cannot change.

For local Bowen Therapy practitioners:

http://www.bowensa.com/practitioners.html