NHCO

Should a Client Take an Herb They Don't Like?

2011-12-03T12:43:00.001-06:00

This is a dialogue with a student from when they turned in their assignment. Great question!

I have a question: I think I read in Dr. Hobbs materials that no matter the quality of a remedy, it does little good if the taste is unpalatable to the patient and cannot get him/her to ingest it. As such, he seemed in favor of sweetening. Of course, I cannot locate this passage in my books to reread the context, but after reading the materia medica for this course, and discovering how one needs to be very careful to watch the contra- indications, I find myself wondering how careful one needs to be with sweetener? Especially with things like stevia? Are there contra- indications of which to be aware? Generally I use honey, are there times when honey is inappropriate? Similarly, I'm interested in working with stevia and would like to know more about when it shouldn't be used.

I absolutely agree! That is why my “toolbox” is so diverse with remedies all the way from aromatherapy (you don't have to drink anything at all) to reflexology (non-edible) to teas, tinctures and homeopathic pills that taste like sugar. Your client will not enjoy and will not continue with a therapy that is unpleasant and it will furthermore stress the body. Part of the healing is the emotional connection they have with the remedy. However, keep in mind that some people DO need the tea or remedy to taste BAD to feel they are healing – so keep that in mind, too. There are a few clients I have had like that. I used to be one of them a long time ago.

The Vocabulary of a Healer

2011-12-03T12:40:00.001-06:00

It is so very important as healers that we use precise vocabulary for so many reasons. Some examples are:

1. We need to remember we are recommending and teaching and NOT prescribing medicine. To use improper terminology here is misleading.

2. When we give clients instructions on how they can enjoy herbs we need to be sure to use words like "steep" instead of "soak". "Soak" can imply that it be done for a very long time and herbs that are soaked for more than 15 minutes can become bitter or too strong.

Here is another example that will help your communication with your client. This is from a student exam today:

9. The reflex therapist is mainly concerned with prompting the body

to behave in a better manner.

In a more balanced way or in a more efficient way. In healing we need to stay away from using words that are non-descriptive like “better” or “nice” or “good” or “bad” unless we can also provide a reference point for these words. I would need to know how the body was behaving before to be able to use the word “better”.

Point of View - Art or Communication?

2011-12-03T12:38:00.001-06:00

This is a comment I made on a student exam today that I wanted to share with everyone. As healers we need to always practice seeing things from the point of view of the person and culture we are in. Every little bit of practice we can get opens our mind wider and helps us become better healers. My comments are in blue.

1. In what areas of the world have evidence of ancient reflexology

been found? Be specific. From the pictograph that may be evidence in the Physicians Tomb in Egypt around 2300 B.C. To the Physicians Tomb in Japan from 690 A.D. In Asia there have been examples found also. In ancient cultures there were not many record, they had oral traditions that passed information not written record. The evidence we do have is in art work.

Very good! Although the “art work” in ancient cultures was considered more of a language and form of communication. It is just us that calls it “art work”

Reflexology Success Story!

2011-12-03T12:35:00.001-06:00

This story is from a student exam on Reflexology where she shares her experience with one of her clients. Her name and location as well as the client's name are not mentioned to keep privacy:

Client has had 3 surgeries for unexplained pain in foot and ankle. In the last surgery a piece of tissue growing in the inside joint was removed. Pain has been going on over 1 year. Unable to walk, apply any pressure or weight on foot before and after surgeries. And Surgery for Endometriosis recently.

Initial Visual observations left foot

Entire foot was swollen. The top of her foot was the worst. Dark black bruising on top where incisions was, and on inner and outer ankle were puffy and swollen.

Right Foot Visual Observations foot had no obvious bruising. Right foot is puffy on ankle and in area of female organs and also on her heel in sciatic area, and stiff all over, not at all relaxed. Toe nails white, smooth, nothing out of normal on both feet. I did not see anything abnormal on nails.

Observations through touch I found the following on the left foot: Extreme tenderness when touched on top, ankle on both feet in areas of female organs were swollen and tender to touch. Muscle on the top of foot starting at second and third toes across the right foot and up the leg very tight. On the Bottom of the foot the toes corresponding to legs are tense, hard and tender. Her Hip, tailbone,sciatic area all tender and very tight to touch. No flexibility at all, very little movement or flexibility in left foot. Outside ankle, near heel and up the leg are tender, swelling and bruising. Pain and tenderness following sciatic nerve from her lower back to her ankle.

Right foot Tender on ankles in area of female organs and the heel in sciatic area was tender as well.

After preparing her foot by soaking in warm water with Essential Oils and drying it I started to feel her foot. Very gently near incision, and swollen areas. Checking for tender areas I started at the toe and worked my way to the heel, then ankles and the top of the foot. I was able to get more information from touching, applying pressure and asking questions while working on her foot. I also watched her face for signs of discomfort and pain while working on her foot. I did that knowing she has been in pain for a long time and is used to hiding pain, and not admitting it when asked. Due to surgeries I wanted to go slow and very gentle. Client is very upset as she was active before she hurt her foot. Started with 15 minute session 3 times a week. I applied reflexology on both hands and feet. Very light on injured foot(left foot) after 2nd surgery incision was bruised for months and swollen. After 6 sessions the bruising faded, swelling went away as well. Only did 9 sessions total before 3rd surgery was done. I began Reflexology again 1 week after surgery. Careful to avoid incision, and applied more to right foot and hands. Working areas that were tense until they would relax. At start of each session her foot would be so tense it had no movement, slowly the movement has returned and she is able to move the foot. Client has relief from pain for hours after a session. Usually pain starts again due to her over doing it when not in pain. Working on moderation with her. Have had her apply ice in between sessions. Currently focusing on outside of foot and leg. Have found a series of trigger points along leg that when pressure is applied hurts clear to her foot. Working on trigger points as well as reflexology. Slight puffiness most times when we start on ankles and top of foot. Swelling is usually gone or less when done. Her pain is less or gone when done as well. Have shown client to use a tennis ball and smooth round rock on trigger points to help them go away. Also using round smooth rock on bottom of foot placing it on floor and rolling foot along it on floor. Have her doing this on days I do not see her. Her right foot has been OK aside from areas relating to female organs.

She has a history of Endometriosis. She just went through surgery for the Endometriosis. The area up the front of the foot no longer is tense and her pain is less than before even at start of session. Most of the pain from trigger points is gone. Foot is flexible again at this point. Pain returns after she is on foot for long, she generally walks with a walking stick. Due to Previous history of Endometriosis and the pain issues currently being experienced I made sure to pay attention to those areas of the feet each session. She just had surgery for the Endrometriosis and some tissue was removed. Continued pain, bloating and bleeding still. Will be working on her foot 2 times a week for 30 minutes a session if tolerated. If not I will go back to 3 times a week. Using Consultation form, Reflexology, questioning, observations, we work together to help ease pain and issues experienced. Using Diet, Herbs, Homeopathic, Reflexology, Trigger Point therapy, and Energy Healing combined she is making progress. I am teaching her children and husband to use reflexology to help ease her pain when I am not available since it is more effective than anything else tried.

I had Client fill out questionnaire while soaking her feet at first session. We talked while she did, and I took notes on our talk and observations. She has seen a Physician, pain specialist, sports injury specialist, Herbalist and massage therapist. After working with her for months her pain is tolerable and controlled much better. Her Issues with trigger points are no longer an issue and I check regularly to make sure they stay gone.

Food as an Herb

2011-12-03T12:28:00.001-06:00

This is an excerpt from a student exam with my comments in green...

After reading ALL the articles and the article provided on this page please share with me what the most surprising remedy was for you and WHY. Tell me what remedy surprised you and why you may want to use it in the future. Your answer should be at least 6 sentences long.

Lettuce for gastritis and ulcers was the most surprising remedy for me. I guess it was most surprising since I haven't really thought much about lettuce being an herb.

This is perhaps one of the best things I learned in my herbal studies as well. That since ancient times many “foods” we use today were actually considered herbs and can be used as such. It is the culture that defines if something is a food, weed or herb. In my book, now, they are all herbs when used by the right person in the right way!

Student Inspirations: Essential Oils on a Budget and More

2011-04-07T12:22:00.003-05:00

Dear Students, As you know I like to post excerpts from student exams/assignments that I feel would be helpful or informative to other students. Here are some from the exams/assignments I looked at this week so far... * One student says "I needed Myrrh and Helicrysum but since they were expensive I purchased them in an eczema blend from Awaken My Senses Organics" I agree! This is exactly what you can do if there is an expesive oil you really want to use. I often do this myself! Great tip! * Another student says "I can't sleep at night because my mind is so busy with things so I make a foot bath with 3 drops of lavender, 3 drops of marjorum, and 3 drops of Roman Chamomile." I felt like this was a wonderful method because often people will put these oils on their pillow or in the air but this can make the problem worse because if your "mind is busy" then more smells can actually make it "busier". So using a foot bath is a great solution! *One student says, "I had decongestion and was putting peppermint oil in my bath but I stopped because I read you should not put it directly in the bath." A reminder from me - you CAN put oils into the bath if you mix them with milk first. This helps disperse the oil evenly and prevents injury from some of the stronger oils. *Ann from Norway reminds us - "Basil also contains anti-bacterial compounds which make it useful for a variety of ailments such as colds, flus and stomach problems. When combined with cloves it has been found to leech the body of heavy metal pollutants." Thank you students and keep up the good work!

Student Excerpts: Nourish the Brain

2010-11-14T05:09:00.004-06:00

This was part of a student's answer on one of her assignments. I wanted to include it here to remind everyone how important it is to consider brain nourishment as part of any problem a client may be suffering. We often assume that emotional or psychological issues are related to emotional or stressful events. However, the human body is designed to deal with these events. If a client is not dealing with the emotions and stress in their life it could be an indication that their brain needs more nourishment.

This is what the student wrote that inspired me to remind everyone about this:

The brain needs constant nourishment. It demands an extremely large amount and continuous flow of blood and oxygen—about 20% of the blood flow from the heart. A loss of blood flow to the brain for more than about 10 seconds can cause loss of consciousness. Lack of oxygen or abnormally low sugar (glucose) levels in the blood can result in less energy for the brain and seriously injure the brain within minutes.

Student Feedback: Good Example of Answer

2010-11-14T04:54:00.002-06:00

The following exam question is a good example of someone who has answered the question citing numerous examples and more than one source. This is considered a very good answer. When completing exams/assignments an answer like this indicates to me that you have a desire to be thorough in your work, which is a good indication that you would do the same for your clients.

1. In what areas of the world have evidence of ancient reflexology been found

Be specific.

Ans: The evidence of ancient reflexology can be found in the artifacts discovered by archaeologists and in ancient medical Literature

Egypt

In Egypt in the physician tomb 2330 BCE, a pictographs of hand and foot reflexology at the Tomb of Ankhmahor at Saqqara also known as physicians tomb.

Tomb of Khentika, dating from the same era, includes similar pictographs

Rome

Historians record that the Roman military leader Mark Antony (83-30BCE) rubbed the feet of the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra VII (69-30 BCE)

China

Some Chinese practitioners date Chinese reflexology practices to the rule of Emperor Huang Ti (2704-2596BCE) and his book The Medical Classic of the Yellow Emperor. The text is said to include the “Examining Foot Method.”

Japan

The earliest indication of healing via the feet in Japan can be seen at the Yakushiji (medicine teachers) temple at Nara, constructed at 680 bce where the footprint is etched on the upraised foot of the seated Buddha feature. Also in the temple ground in the Bussikudo, a building housing a famous stone, the Bu-soko-seki, with Buddha’s footprint etched into its top surface. The exact meanings of these prints are lost in history, but interest in the foot in relation to health continued. (Ref: Barbara & Kevin Kunz)

Very good job at citing more than one example and multiple references. Very professional!

Consulting Tips for Aromatherapy

2010-11-14T04:49:00.002-06:00

Dear Students,

I corrected and commented on a few exams this week. Doing this always brings important points to my attention that I would like to share with you. This week I'd like to share some points about aromatherapy that may or may not be included or emphasized in the material:

1. When suggesting aromas for clients one should always start clients out with one oil at a time so they can document or monitor any possible allergic reaction to the oil.

2. Special care should be taken with any client that has indicated problems with allergies, asthma, stress, skin irritations or sensitivities of other kinds.

3. Children's concentrations of aromatherapy unless testing indicates they can tolerate a more concetrated formula.

Correction to Iridology Unit

2010-08-04T19:45:00.002-05:00

Dear Students,

Thank you to student Michelle who pointed out that the Australian iris chart on page 37 is labeled incorrectly. It is the LEFT iris, and NOT the right one that is shown on the chart. I have made a note about this on the iridology page of the website.

Keep in mind - if you find any broken links or problems with any assignments or chapters please check this BLOG (look at the INDEX on the right hand side) and check the FAQs on the website for quick answers. For example, I am always updating the herbal healing links online as these change from time to time so they are not correct in the e-book.

Blessings & Health,
Kristie

Extra Information: Homeopathy

2010-08-02T19:46:00.002-05:00

A student turned in her homework last week in homeopathy and said she was so interested in pursuing it more in depth that she ordered Kent's Repertoire. This is a wonderful book to have on hand. However, if you are away from home or the book is not near you or you want to use something online you can also use Kent's for free at:

http://www.homeoint.org/books/kentrep/index.htm

Student Assignments: The 13th Principle of Health: Rest

2010-07-15T11:25:00.002-05:00

I don't usually post entire assignments. However, I wanted to share this assignment from Nancy in Canada. It is a good example of a concise assignment that is not long, but contains all the elements needed for a good assignment. She has a good topic statement and spends the rest of the assignment supporting her statement with quotes and references. Very well done!

I believe the thirteenth principal of health should be rest and relaxation. When someone doesn’t get enough rest and relaxation the other principals won’t really achieve all that they could for a person’s health. For instance, having high blood pressure from being stressed can never really be helped through use of the other twelve principals without learning to relax and getting the correct amount of sleep. In “Prescription for Nutritional Healing” it is stated that “the body does not absorb ingested nutrients well when under stress. The result is that, especially with prolonged or recurrent stress, the body becomes at once deficient in many nutrients and is unable to replace them adequately.”

Studies have shown that not getting the appropriate amount of sleep can make it hard for the brain to function to its full capacity. This having been said, it then follows, any knowledge obtained would not be fully utilized. In the Traditional Healers Handbook it says that sleep “strengthens all natural functions.

On the Medical News Today website in an article entitled Sleep Deprivation Fosters Inactivity, “According to Herbert, sleep is key in regulating the body's processes, including appetite and metabolism. Lack of sleep can throw these processes off balance, and may lead to overeating, and in turn, gradual weight gain over time." This then would lead us to believe that sleep or rest is essential for proper nutrition to be at all possible.

We all know as a fact that negative stress leaves one feeling pessimistic and depressed. Relaxation can alleviate stress, rejuvenate a person’s outlook on life, and restore their vitality as well. A positive outlook can then foster faith and knowledge due to a desire to make strides towards maintaining that feeling.

In conclusion, I feel safe to say that, rest and relaxation helps to increase the positive results from following the twelve principals of health and should be included with them.

Student Excerpts: Vitamins, the Sun and Hormones

2010-07-14T00:33:00.001-05:00

The following is an excerpt from an assignment by Student Vanessa Nixon Klein. She makes a good point that some vitamins are more than just "vitamins". In this case they act as hormones as well. This is true in the case of many vitamins - and in many cases we have only just begun to scratch the surface of what a vitamin is and how it works.

>William B. Grant, PhD is one of the top vitamin D researcher in the world. In a 2004 interview with Dr. Joseph Mercola, he explains the role of Vitamin D in our bodies in the following manner, “ When produced in the skin or ingested, it is a "vitamin" or "prehormone"and essential for life. Just as cholesterol is metabolized into testosterone, precholesterol is turned into cholecalciferol (vitaminD), which is metabolized into what now is looking more and more like a hormone [25(OH)D]. In turn, this is metabolized in the kidneys or other organs into an even more potent hormone [1,25(OH)2D].

Vitamin D is an essential part of the endocrine system as it controls several of the adrenal hormones, growth of cells, production of enzymes and has other direct genomic functions. The key difference in definition is that hormones have DNA receptor sites, and vitamin A is in that family as well as vitamin D, and vitamins are parts of coenzyme systems (not genomic). In a way, vitamins A and D are both vitamins and hormones."

Question about Iridology in Children

2010-07-13T19:31:00.001-05:00

Question: Can iridology be used on children? And are there any adjustments that need to be made? - MJ

Dear MJ,

Most definitely! It can be used in children the same as adults. The only adjustments that I make are:

1. I usually talk to the child or do something to distract them while I am looking at their iris. I instruct them to look right at my nose. With an adult I am usually more quiet.

2. I only look at each iris for about 10 seconds at a time. If I can I take a photo of the iris and then look after I take the photo. They usually won't stay still for the entire session so the photo helps.

That is all!

Blessings & Health,
Kristie

Temperament Typing Tip: More Insight Into the Phlegmatic

2010-06-30T18:54:00.002-05:00

A lot of people get "hung up" by the fact that the "typical" phelgmatic is often described as fleshy, ample or even overweight. To set the record straight and help with typing:

I find that not all phlegmatics are big and fleshy. It depends on their environment as to whether that trait comes out or not. However, I have not often met a stick thin skinny phlegmatic – however, I have known many “normal” weight ones. I think being phlegmatic is also not so much about the weight itself being there all the time as to how and where your body gains weight. Usually in the phlegmatic the body gains weight in the abdominal area or “rear” area first and tends to be fleshy and soft when gaining weight instead of “heavy and muscular” or “heavyset and large” or “big boned”.

Student Excerpts: Panic Attacks

2010-06-30T18:47:00.001-05:00

This is an excerpt from a student exam this week. The point she made about practicing these techniques before-hand is a very important point. It makes the difference between this method being effective and ineffective. It is often these "small details" (like how, when or how much to take of an herb or where to buy it) that can make the difference in natural healing. Be sure not to miss the small details. If you do, you or a client or friend or family member may be led to believe that natural healing does not work!

Excerpt:

3. Name two ways you can stop a panic attack

Do deep breathing. Deep diaphragmatic breathing and can be used during times when you are feeling anxious or panicky. It is a powerful way to control hyperventilation, slow a rapid heartbeat and promote physical comfort. For this reason we will call it the Calming Breath.

Here's how it goes: Take a long, slow breath in through your nose, first filling your lower lungs, then your upper lungs. Hold your breath to the count of "three." Exhale slowly through pursed lips, while you relax the muscles in your face, jaw,shoulders, and stomach. Practice this Calming Breath at least ten times a day for several weeks. Use it during times of transition, between projects or whenever you want to let go of tension and begin to experience a sense of calmness. This will help you become familiar and comfortable with the process. And use it any time you begin to feel anxiety or panic building. When you need a tool to help you calm down during panic, you will be more familiar and comfortable with the process.

Teacher Feedback: Asthma Attacks

2010-06-30T18:44:00.001-05:00

This is some feedback I gave a student on his/her test this week. I wanted to share it with everyone as I felt it was an important point:

His/her answer:

2. Name two ways you can stop an asthma attack
1. You can apply pressure to the ling area with your palm.
2. Thyme and/or oregano oil rubbed on the chest can often stop asthma
attacks immediately

My response:

Very good! Also, we always want to remember the obvious – find the source and remove it. If it is an excercize induced attack, the person needs to rest. If it was induced by a smell then the person needs to be removed from that area.

Student Excerpts: Intuition by Avicenna

2010-06-30T18:40:00.001-05:00

The following passage came from the homework of student, Ann Neadermann in Norway. I thought it was a wonderful description of Avicenna's views and intuition in general:

Ann Neaderman
Unit Four
Medicine of Avicenna

11. How does Avicenna define intuition? Do you think he believes in using it in healing a patient?

It receives the essences of universal things in so far as they are universal. The perfection of this power is to become an intellect in act. The first way is called reasoning, while the second is called intuition. Yet intuition can be very powerful or weak or mediocre.If the speculative intellect reaches this perfection by having present the first and derived intelligible principles, and these are there actually and in full view without being absent, then the derived principles are related to the first as "light upon light"; this is the acquired intellect, because it derives from both kinds of principles. The soul has mastery of intelligible principles and is able to recall them whenever it wants without effort or assistance, that power is called the intellect in act, and this is the "lamp" that it makes use of whenever it wants. You must know the difference between reasoning and intuition.

Consulting Tips - Don't Miss the Obvious

2010-03-19T18:18:00.003-05:00

I learned a good lesson about #5 (see previous post) when I had a recent bout with allergies. I am severely allergic to molds. Although I can tolerate small amounts (due to my healthy diet and herbal therapy years ago) and short term exposure I get very ill when exposed to them in an intense or frequent way. This is usually easy to avoid. I don't sleep in basements, I wear a mask when cleaning the bathroom and am careful to check the house for molds and use vinegar on areas that need "cleaning up". Sometimes I will even employ the help of a friend if I find a large patch. I wear a mask when raking moldy leaves in the Autumn and Spring and don't usually worry about the problem very much at all. After all - how often will you be exposed to mold without realizing it?

That is why I didn't even consider mold as the culprit when I became ill during a trip four weeks ago and during another trip 2 weeks ago. During both trips I assumed that perhaps I was feeling overworked, my nerves were tense from the anticipation of travel and perhaps it had made me more sensitive to things in general. That can happen. During times of great stress a person can actually be allergic to things they were never allergic to before or their old allergies can increase in severity. Sometimes I sneak in a bit of junk food when healthier food is not available on the road and perhaps I reacted to one of the additives? Or perhaps it was the hotel room?

However, the intensity of the "attacks" confused me. My diet was good. I was not exposing myself to many allergens, I wasn't feeling very anxious. I was actually feeling very relaxed and at peace. And, I had not eaten any differently than I usually do at home. So why was I having these sudden allergy attacks?

I made the cats sleep in another room for a few nights, I avoided all things I was even slightly allergic or sensitive too, I took herbal teas and homeopathic remedies. And I was fine. Until I went to an Irish Concert last weekend. It was very confusing. I was completely fine and then somewhere in-between my home and the concert I had been exposed to something. What could it have been? I had been so careful? And how could I go from feeling perfect to so severely disabled in ten minutes? What could cause such devastation?

It was driving me crazy...

(there is a hint in that last line)

Have you figured it out yet?

I didn't.

It was not until my friend said the following words that it all made sense:

"I'm sorry my car is probably not making it any better with that musty smell in it."

Suddenly everything became clear. My attacks had coincided perfectly with the three times I had rode in their "new" used car! We tested the theory for the next week (by avoiding the car and using mine) and I was completely cured.

It had not occurred to me that the ventilation system in the car could be so filled with molds. However, it was. And many cars are. I felt so silly for missing "the obvious". It also taught me a lesson - don't ever assume or leave any stone unturned. Even if you have never had trouble with something before, don't leave that out of your detective radar. The problem could be in your clothing, your car, your pet, your diet, even a new appliance. Make sure you search well and don't miss the solution that is sitting right in front of you.

If not for that chance comment by my friend I might still be baffled about it to this day. However, I am certainly going to start including this question in some of the forms my clients fill out now - especially if they drive a lot or commute to work. I'll add that question after the question that says "What kind of water to you shower in?" (to see if they have a lot of chlorine exposure).

The Importance of Taking the Health History

2010-03-19T17:53:00.002-05:00

I was on the phone the other day with a client. We spoke for almost an hour about her child. In addition to that hour she had sent me a few e-mails with descriptions of him as well as a 28-report by a child psychologist which was very impressive! After all this information, though, I still felt something was missing. It was a bit like looking at a large puzzle and realizing one of the pieces are missing. It is almost done...but not quite. Then I decided to go a little farther back into his health history. I askedm "Did he have any health problems as a baby?"

"Well, yes," she replied, "He did have eczema but not as much any more."

As I pursued this new "lead" it emerged that he had struggled with eczema his entire life and that she had used and was still using hydrocortizone creams as his only "cure". In addition, he had never been tested for allergies.

What amazed me is that this essential piece of evidence had not been shared with her local doctor or naturopath and was not anywhere in the 18-page report. It was essential to her child's healing and provided a major reason for the health issues she was complaining of and yet it had never been considered. Hopefully, with the real culprit behind his health issues unmasked he can now start on the road to healing.

However, it is not by any fault of the mother that this information was not shared before or connected to his present condition. Even the most perceptive healer can sometimes miss the obvious. To make sure you don't miss the obvious do the following:

1. Follow the client intake form provided for you in the Consulting Unit. Add to this form as needed and make it yours.

2. Make sure you ask about the health history of the client and use their answers as a clues to what additional questions you should be asking.

3. Don't accept short answers. Make sure you get details on everything.

4. Don't make assumptions. I almost missed the eczema connection with this client because I assumed she had included everything important in the forms she had already sent me. After all the forms were so complete! I couldn't imagine she would have left something out. As it turns out she simply did not answer one of the questions in very good detail or didn't think this answer applied to the current situation.

5. Explore everything and leave no "stone unturned". See my next post for some details on this.

Sharing Information with Clients

2010-02-20T07:03:00.002-06:00

When I talk to clients about the results of their consult and give them suggestions about lifestyle changes they can make I find it is essential to give them reasons for those changes. Often, people have been told the same things all their life - "eat right", "eat more vegetables", "don't eat so much meat", "don't eat so much bread", "exercise more". What you need to do is describe to them what EXACTLY their habits are doing to THEM to cause THEIR issues (that they have described to you). This description will often be different for different clients. For example, if a client is consuming too many starches and/or too much bread and they are overweight I may talk to them about how starches help you gain weight. If a client complains of irregular menses I may talk to them about how starches can put your menses out of sync. In addition, giving details can make your evaluation more effective too. Clients often appreciate details such as ingredients, scientific studies or more. However, you must also remember that clients need to hear things in laymen's terms and you need to make it as short as possible. They don't always have time to read that entire book that inspired you or even to take a course. This is why I enjoyed the following article so much. The following article is one of the most effective ones I have seen to date that describes the dangers of fast food in an effective, yet concise way. I have files it away to share with future clients. I am sending the link to you so you can do the same.

The Shocking Facts About Fast Food
We all know it is bad but this article has some great DETAILS...
http://health.yahoo.com/experts/eatthis/45380/4-shocking-secrets-about-fast-food/

Client Tips: The Short Checklist

2010-02-17T22:04:00.001-06:00

When I return a client consult form with their results I make sure I check the following items so I am sure I have provided them with the best program possible. This is the short list of items I go over in my head:

I always make sure my clients are "on track" with a number of things - this is my brief check-list:

1. Sleep - quantity, quality and rhythm

2. Diet - quality, proportion of healthy and unhealthy foods, amount of sugar in diet, amount of wheat in diet, amount of vegetables and fruits in diet, drinks consumed, amount of caffeine in diet, rhythm of diet, times and amounts eaten.

3. Lifestyle - stress factors (even exciting things), repetitive movements like working on a computer for hours at a time or sleeping on your arm at night, walking with the same shoes daily, etc...

4. Exercise - gentle -vs- intense, how often and does it include stretching?

5. Spiritual life - find a comfortable place

6. Personal relationships - need to resolve conflicts

7. Finances - bad-vs-good, develop coping mechanisms

8. Herbs and supplements - make sure they are the right ones, being taken at the right times, for the correct length of time and that they are quality supplements. Make sure the client does not have any contraindications in their condition or temperament to that therapy.

Each of these is just as important as the next one. There is not one that is more important than the other (although exercise, positive thought and spirituality have shown evidence that they may be) so each must be considered.

If you have any favorite consulting client tips please share them with other students on the list.

Blessings & Health,
Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND

Client Consulting: Depression

2010-02-08T08:33:00.001-06:00

Question:
I am almost ready to send in my 1st answers. I have a question about one of my client's and her son if you can help - The boy has been put on alot of medicines and labeled anything the parents asked about.so they have him on only 1 med but would love to get him off it and help him His moods are way up or way down and then she gets depressed also. I wondered if you had any specific reflexology tips to use on them I am also going to use reiki on them since I just finished reiki11.

Answer:
I would recommend doing a temperament evaluation on him and seeing which temperament he is first. In terms of mood swings it is really essential to know where the "normal" is for that temperament. For example the Sanguine has mood swings as a normal part of their life - it is called "seasons" and any extreme can be balanced, but cannot be eliminated. The melancholic can often go into depression and then out but the swings are usually not extreme. This is also normal. The choleric does not usually stay in a depressed mood for long at all. They snap out of things quickly so if they stay depressed that is bad. The phlegmatic can seem depressed most of the time. They just function at a slower pace and take things in stride more and don't get too excited about things although they can get very angry when pushed out of their comfort zone (which is much smaller than most people) so they CAN exhibit signs of mood swings if they are in their comfort zone they can seem depressed (but they are not) and when they get pulled out of it they can get really angry and lash out to protect themselves. It is really good to know this baseline first.

Secondly it is good to check his sleep habits and eating habits. Any caffeine at all will up his testosterone levels and hormone fluctuations can wreak havoc on a young kid. Also, in general check his rhythms - any "mood swings" are usually an indication that some rhythm in his life is off kilter - it could be his sleep rhythms, eating rhythms (sugar and junk foods - caffeine, etc...foods that cause big ups and downs can throw this off), lifestyle rhythms, etc...any thing like this can cause mood swings as it is the body's attempt to get itself back into balance.

The meds themselves can cause mood swings so also make sure they chart his mood swings and chart when he takes the meds. He MUST take the meds at the exact same time every day. This is essential for mood meds but a lot of people don't realize this.

In general, they can chart his mood swings and show you the chart after a week or two and that can also help. Also, can they/you be more descriptive about mood swings? How does he exhibit them? What are they like?

Hope this helps!

It really depends on the reason as to which herb he should take or which reflexology points you should use. Does he need an herb for hormone balance? For help sleeping? To balance blood sugar? Etc...

Certificates and Transcripts

2010-01-20T16:41:00.000-06:00

Dear Students,

I sent the following letter to a student today and wanted to share it with everyone else as well. This letter has now been posted to the FAQs section and student BLOG so you can easily find it in the future:

Dear (Student),

Once you complete a course you need to fill out the "Certificate Request Form" on the website at:

http://naturopathichealing.weebly.com/certificates.html

Because of the expense and time involved in sending the certificates they are sent in batches of three at a time. When you complete three courses I send you those three certificates. If you need one before that time you can opt to pay a rush fee of $15.00 for one certificate via Paypal to: herbnhome@yahoo.com

Transcripts are available any time for an additional $15.00 and $7.50 per additional transcript after the first request.

The following additional information can be found at the link above:

Because of the reduced "package" price for full time students, certificates for students of the Naturopathic Healing Course or Medicine of Avicenna course are sent after a student completes three courses. Certificates for students of individual courses are sent upon completion of the course and after the student has submitted the request form below. If you are a full student of the Naturopathic Healing Course or The Medicine of Avicenna you can request a certificate early by paying a "rush fee" below for each certificate requested. Upon receipt of the fee your certificate is sent by 2-day mail within a week.

Blessings & Health,
Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND

Quick Start Guide& New 2010 Tech Support for Students

2010-01-20T15:47:00.000-06:00

You may need some time to adapt to the website or explore the many materials we have on the website. However, I don't want you to have to wait to use the program. Here are some quick start tips you can use to get started right away:

1. Go to your Homeroom and your Study Group. If you can't get to these right away please e-mail me and I will e-mail you your files while we work on some tech support.

2. Download (or receive by e-mail) your main course material E-book.

3. Print out this E-book or send it to Kinkos or Officemax to get printed. If you have it professionally printed it usually costs between $15.00 and $30.00 and includes binding (depending on the course). You can upload online and then have them send it to you or pick it up at the store.

As you start using the materials you will start to have questions and may then want to explore some of the videos, reference files, guides, student extras, FAQs and other resources that are available on the student website. If you have the time, I recommend that you at least skim those materials before you start. However, if you are looking for a quick way to start all you need to do is follow the five steps above.

If you have any trouble please fill out the tech support form at:
http://naturopathichealing.weebly.com/techsupport.html

This e-mail has now been added to the FAQs section of the website and the student BLOG so you can easily find it again in the future.

Blessings & Health,
Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND
www.TheAvicennaInstitute.com

How to Find Replacements for Missing Course Links

2009-12-01T18:02:00.001-06:00

Question: Dear Kristie, I was trying to finish up unit 5 of The Medicine of Avicenna but the sites except for the one about olive oil and henna will not work, all of the domains are for sale. Do you have those sites in your files or should I ignore it. I'm not sure what to do.

Answer:

When you need to find files that are missing or have a question you can check here at the FAQs on the new website or you can still check the BLOG. Here is an example of what you would find at the BLOG:

http://naturopathichealingcourse.blogspot.com/search/label/Missing%20Files

Help categories can be found in the right hand column.

The best place to find replacement links and help, however, IS this new website. For the answer to your question (where can you find some of the broken or missing herbal links?) you can visit the main student website and scroll down the left hand side to the fourth section called "resources". You will find the first webpage is called "Broken Link Replacements".

If these links do not help you please send me the EXACT LINKS that you are missing so I can add more replacement links to this page. Thank you!

Herbs and Medicine in Germany

2009-11-19T17:14:00.001-06:00

I was doing research for an article today and stumbled upon this paragraph. It has nothing to do with the article I am writing, but it was such a good description of "what is wrong" with our way of looking at medicine I wanted to share it here:

(source: http://cms.herbalgram.org/commissione/intro/ceherbsingermany.html)

One of the driving forces that has resulted in mainstream acceptance of phytomedicine in Germany is the inclusion of phytotherapy in the medical and pharmacy school curricula. In the opinion of several medical groups, "modern phytotherapy is not perceived as alternative medicine, but as a part of so-called traditional medicine" [i.e., conventional medicine] (Schilcher, 1997c). Since 1993 all medical school students in Germany must successfully complete a portion of their board examinations in the area of phytotherapy as a precondition for practicing medicine (Schilcher, 1991). Medical education on medicinal plants and phytomedicines includes regular lectures in universities and medical schools, four one-week courses with 26 hours of lectures in phytotherapy in Weiterbildung (continuing education), lectures and courses in Fortbildung (postgraduate education), the publication of scientific literature (papers and books), the Commission E Monographs, and directions on product uses according to section 11 of the Second Medicines Act (AMG 76) (Schilcher, 1991, 1997c).

Cooking and the Humors File/Link?

2009-07-27T17:27:00.002-05:00

This question has been asked before but when I looked for it in the BLOG I could not find it so it is possible I answered it before I started using the member BLOG as a FAQs page. I am answering it again here so it will be on file for students who may ask in the future. Speaking of which, if you have not already made use of this BLOG to answer questions you may have it works very well! All you need to do is scroll down the right hand column, find the topic or topics you want, click on them, and BLOG posts that apply to that topic will be listed on your screen.

The following is a question I received this week from a new student about the Unit "Nutritional Healing":

Question: I am working on finishing up Section 3 of Nutritional Healing 101, but am unable to access the following links within the .pdf. http://community.netidea.com/mdefeo/swan/humours.htm (Page 45) - Mondoux, Channon. "Cooking for the Humors" http://home.earthlink.net/~mkcooks/HumouralTheory.htm (Page 60) - Cookery and the Application of Humoural Theory'

Answer: These books can now be downloaded as a PDF from the Yahoogroups at:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/nutritionalhealingcourse/files/Updates to Course/

If you have trouble accessing that link you can also find this download at your member website (either the Nutritional Healing Only class website, the Naturopathic Healing Website, Medicine of Avicenna Website or the Combined Website). If you cannot download it from the website please tell me so I can send it to you via e-mail.

Blessings & Health,
Kristie
www.TheAvicennaInstitute.com

New Culpepper Link & Question

2009-07-27T16:39:00.001-05:00

The new Culpeper link you sent works fine, however, I do not see where it categorizes herbs according to their properties of Hot, Cold, Moist and Dry which would make it quicker to determine proper balancing. Am I missing something?

You can find this information in the third section of the book called, "A Catalogue of Simples In the New Dispensatory". Look under each heading, "Roots", "Flowers", etc....He also mentions it within the text of some herbs.

Note to other students: New Culpepper Link at: http://www.bibliomania.com/2/1/66/113/frameset.html

Herbal Preparations 201

2009-07-27T16:21:00.002-05:00

Dear Students,

For some reason Herbal Preparations 201 was missing from the website. This must have happened during the server reset a few weeks ago. Students have turned in assignments from that unit since then so I assume they had already downloaded the PDF or accessed it from the Yahoogroups site. In any case I wanted to let you all know that Herbal Preparations 201 is now located in its proper place on the website for Naturopathic Healing Course students, once again. Thank you to student Chris for brining this to my attention!

Consulting Client Tips

2009-07-24T20:39:00.003-05:00

As I was correcting student assignments today I came across another gem that reminded me of something important that we all need to remember as healers - know how to access a situation and your own ability in that situation. This is an excerpt from the student exam and my response:

Exam Question: Name the three parts to natural first aid and why each is important. Give personal examples when you have them.

Student Answer:

#1 Assistance - It is important to know how to help a person in an emergency. You need to access how serious it is. If it is minor and not life threatening, it can be treated at home with herbal remedies and natural health practices. If it is life threatening such as a heart attack or a fractured skull it is important to call an ambulance and get the person to a hospital immediately. On the way to the hospital techniques like proper breathing, reflexology, etc. can be used. When my daughter broke her arm, I placed an ice pack on it to relieve swelling and pain and immediately drove her to the hospital.

This is a very good point to remember. As a healer we need to know how to properly assess any situation - even if it is not an emergency. We need to know what our own abilities are and when it is time to refer someone to another practitioner for assistance.

Student Excerpts: The 13th Principal of Health

2009-07-24T18:54:00.003-05:00

This statement is from a student paper I corrected today on "The 13th Principal of Health" from Unit One: Nutritional Healing. I wanted to share this here as this is something we often forget to look at when we are consulting with ourselves, our families and our clients. Remember - always check the basics before you go beyond that and look for health problems you or another person may have. Often, being deprived of the basics (the right food, water, sleep, etc...) can mimic many health problems and diseases:

Quote from JH, Student in the NHCO: To understand the critical nature of sleep to our children's growth and development, we need to understand more about what sleep does, what healthy sleep is, and what happens when children do not get the right amount of sleep, the best quality sleep, or both. We also need to understand the role sleep plays in being alert or drowsy, stressed or relaxed, and how that in turn may affect temperament, learning, and social behavior.

www.TheAvicennaInstitute.com

Alternate Upgrade Link (Not Paypal)

2009-07-24T18:39:00.002-05:00

Some students wanting to upgrade do not want to use Paypal to make their payment. I have created an alternate link for you at:

http://naturopathichealing.weebly.com/upgrade.html

Student Lounge Updated!

2009-07-24T16:33:00.003-05:00

Dear Students,

I have added a new section to the "student lounge" that includes general study tips. Some of you have been out of school for a few years and have asked me questions about writing papers, citations and how to manage time. I have one new article posted there at this time on "How to Write Papers". I will be uploading more tips from the archives that I have been saving. I also welcome any tips from members! I want to start a special page called "Tips from Other Students" so if you have any tips for new students please send them in!

You can visit the student lounge to see these updates or you can look at this new article using the direct link below:

http://naturopathichealing.weebly.com/writepaper.html

Blessings & Health,
Kristie
www.TheAvicennaInstitute.com

Quiz Addition for Unit One - Nutritional Healing

2009-07-23T17:36:00.002-05:00

Dear Students,

In the revised E-book for Unit One, Nutritional Healing, the second quiz is missing some information. It should read: (the parts in RED were missing from the E-book):

Quiz for chapters 1 & 2

Chapter 1 - Overview

1. Imagine you were going to change this article to talk about the “13" principles of health instead of 12. What would you add to this list and why? Your “addition” to this article should be at least 3 paragraphs long and should include references (either books, magazines or online sources).

Chapter 2- Dangers in Modern Medicine

2. There are many foods and chemicals we put into our bodies that are harmful. In Chapter 2 I explore some of these items. Please explain, in your OWN WORDS, and using only three sentences at the most, one or two reasons why the following items could be harmful:

Milk

Soda Pop

Sodium Laurel Sulphate

Excess Bread

Acidic Foods

Colloidal Silver

Chlorine

Aspartame

Aluminum

Alcohol

Coffee

Tobacco

Dietary Supplements and Vitamins

3. Please write two-four paragraphs on one ADDITIONAL item that is NOT included on the list above. Topics you could use include: recreational drugs, artificial colorings, artificial flavorings, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, sugar, excess meat, anything you can think of that fits into this category.

Upgrade Link AGAIN

2009-07-23T16:46:00.002-05:00

Dear Students,

The last link I gave for upgrading was a bit long and "broke" in some of the messages. You can use this shorter link instead if you have trouble with the first link:

http://tinyurl.com/ko8q5z

Blessings & Health,
Kristie

Naturopathic Live Chat Next Week!

2009-07-23T16:39:00.004-05:00

Just a reminder that I am organizing a live chat for students of the Naturopathic Healing Course next week. Since this is our first live chat I will be leaving the topic open for anything - need help getting started? Have a health question? Have a question about the classes? Have a question about a client you are working with? Anything goes!

All you need to do to receive an invite to the chat is answer the following questions and send them to me:

Note that this live chat is for students of www.TheAvicennaInstitute.com ONLY

Questions
1. How are you using your degree from The Avicenna Institute or how do you plan on using your degree? How are you using the information you have learned so far?

2. What days and times work the best for you (for the live chat)? Note that we will start with IM and no voice or video will be included for this first chat.

Thank you! We have one student signed up so far. I will post a day and time once I get at least 6 students.

Blessings & Health,
Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND

Upgrade Link to Include Medicine of Avicenna Course

2009-07-23T16:25:00.003-05:00

Dear Members,

Some members have asked if they could upgrade their membership from "Naturopathic Healing Course" to "NHCO AND The Medicine of Avicenna" classes. At the website you can register for both classes for a discounted price and these students wanted to know if they could pay the difference and upgrade to taking both courses.

Yes.

Usually I have a 30-day limit on upgrades, but since I will be raising prices the first week of August I will allow any student to upgrade until August 1st using the link below. Using the link below you will be allowed to pay 3 payments (over the next three months) of $50.00 each to upgrade to being a student in both courses.

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=7001231

If you have questions about The Medicine of Avicenna Courses please visit www.TheAvicennaInstitute.com for a short description or e-mail me at:
herbnhome@gmail.com

Blessings & Health,
Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND

New Student Questions- Getting Started

2009-07-23T14:30:00.001-05:00

Hi Kristie, I'm working on my first assignment. I've read once you submit your first assignment you can request a student page. The info you set above "Username:******, password: *****" Is this my personal page or info to log into the website. Are student records kept on your site or do we receive all comments and corrections through email? Trying to get familiar with the resources so I have smooth sailing.

Kindly, D

Dear D,

For now this is the site that all students access. As I change things to the new system each student will have their own page where they will access their materials from. Right now, as each student completes their first assignment (or requests it) I do also set up for them an additional personal student page where they can access their corrected assignments and view their progress in the course. This is password protected for each student so only you can access your records. This will be a different password than the one you use to access the course.

I used to send assignments through e-mail but too many e-mails with attachments get lost. I answer questions via e-mail but all corrections and comments are done via the student page now. I upload my comments into your exam or assignment and convert it to PDF and then upload it to the page.

Great job getting to know your way around! This will really help you accomplish things much more quickly and experience a lot less confusion.

Blessings & Health,
Kristie

Temperament MP3? Herbal Databases?

2009-07-22T00:21:00.002-05:00

A student just wrote to ask me about the herbal databases. This is a popular question so I will post the answer again to the BLOG and also remind everyone to check this BLOG for resources. This BLOG is where I answer all student questions. If you have a question - chances are that another student has had the same question and you may be able to find the answer without waiting for me to respond to your e-mail. To find answers to your questions come visit this BLOG, scroll down the right hand side of the page and click on the topic you want to explore or have a question about.

Here is my answer to the question - "Can you send me the temperament lecture? One of the herbal databases is missing, can you send me an alternate link?"

The MP3 for Exploring the Temperaments can be found on your Naturopathic Healing, Nutritional Healing or Typology and Temperament student webpage. This MP3 download is in the right hand column - scroll down and you will see an icon that says "Typology and Temperament Lecture.mp3"

Alternate links for the Herbal Books can be found in the "Resource Page" . You can link to the resource page by clicking on the link "Resource Page" at the top of ANY of the student webpages.

You can also find more Herbal Book links at the student BLOG at:
http://naturopathichealingcourse.blogspot.com/search/label/Course Changes

If that link does not work you can go to:
http://naturopathichealingcourse.blogspot.com

- scroll down the right hand column and click on "course changes"

If you have additional questions please e-mail me any time.

Blessings & Health,
Kristie

More Information on Su-Jok Therapy?

2009-07-19T13:26:00.002-05:00

A student who is working on the reflexology class at this time asked me for additional information on SuJok therapy. This was my response:

Dear J,

I trained with one of Park Jae Woo's students. He is the ultimate expert on anything Su Jok. His website is not very impressive but he is the best. There are some books for sale on the site. It is hard to find information that is not connected with him.

His website is:

http://www.sujok.ru/eng/about/about1.php3

Blessings & Health,
Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND

Updates for Herbal Databases

2009-07-03T20:39:00.002-05:00

Question and Comments by Student about the Herbal Healing Unit: Joyce Herzog's work at egregore.com is not longer on line. I can't find any replacement on another domain either.

The second required reading by Lee Nelson, has moved from www.herb-database.org

to: http://www.twomoonstea.com/herbdata.html Do you have another suggestion for Joyce Herzog's database? M. Grieves, and Michael Moores are still available, though Michael Moore's is no long at about.com. its at http://www.swsbm.com/homepage/ Also, on that first recommended book, by Manfred Junius - has been rewritten and updated.

The original book is only available used and costs $35, but the updated book written in 2007

only costs $8.90 Thought you'd like to know that info. I ordered the 2007 version.

Let me know if you have something to replace Joyce Herzog. - DF

Dear DF,

I have provided substitutes and update them monthly on the student resource page. Log into your student webpage, click on "resources" and scroll down the left hand side - you will see some databases there that are very useful and completely replace the old ones that are listed. Thank you for the detective work and replacement links for some of the old databases.

Blessings & Healt
Kristie

Password Problems?

2009-06-15T15:00:00.000-05:00

Dear Students,

The system I am using to password protect my pages has changed and made itself more secure and added features. I tested it myself to make sure it still works. It still functions the same. However, now, when you enter your username and password it will bring up another screen that asks for it again. Other pages only have a button with "login" now and no username and password blank until you have clicked the login button.

You will use the SAME username and password as you have always been using. You can find this in the following three places:

1. Your welcome letter
2. The FILES section of your group

If you are having any trouble with the new system please tell me.

Blessings & Health,
Kristie

Questions for 203: 3, 4 and 5?

2009-06-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Dear Students,

A student wrote to me last week and asked for the quizzes/assignments for 203:3, 4 and 5.

Keep in mind that not all the chapters in each unit have an assignment. For this particular unit there is only one assignment and these chapters do not have assignments.

Please be sure to check the index of each unit to see if there are assignments listed or additional information. You can also check this BLOG for information on chapters that may have errors or new links or tips.

Blessings & Health,
Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND

Welcome New Students from Italy and America!

2009-06-10T18:26:00.003-05:00

I try to keep up with welcoming new students and congratulating students who have completed courses but I know I have not been regular about this so please contact me if I have forgotten to mention you. I know we have a few new students this month. Please take the time to introduce yourselves. Today we had a new student enroll in America and another student enrolled this week from Italy. This is our first student from Italy! If you are a new student please take the time to introduce yourself and look through the other student profiles at:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/naturopathichealingcourse/database?method=reportRows&tbl=1

If you have already filled out your profile take a moment to welcome the new students.

Blessings & Health,
Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND

Reminder: Student Pages

2009-06-07T11:33:00.000-05:00

I just created two new student pages - one for Kimberly and one for Ann.

If you have finished an assignment you can request a "student page". I started creating these last year for students and many students have found them helpful. Your student page lists all the classes you are enrolled in and also has a column where all your assignments (corrected and commented on) are located in PDF format. When a certificate is sent out this is also recorded on your page. You can see a sample student page at:

http://naturopathichealing.weebly.com/samplestu.html

Student pages are password protected.

Blessings & Health,
Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND

Consulting Client Tips: Aromatherapy Oils as Tea

2009-06-05T11:03:00.000-05:00

A student a few weeks ago turned in their aromatherapy paper and mentioned using one drop of thyme in a glass of water for her client. This is a wonderful recommendation. One thing we need to remember as practitioners, however, is to emphasize that they should use only ONE DROP in warm water for their essential oil tea. Essential oils are very powerful and more than one drop would be like taking 2 or 3 cups of tea at one time. I find if I don't mention this to clients they tend to "sneak in" a bit extra. We all still have that idea in the back of our minds that, "more is better" and "herbs are natural so they are safe". Neither of these is true when it comes to natural healing. Using essential oils in water is also a good solution for people who travel. I often recommend that people traveling overseas bring tea tree. Adding one drop to your water daily can help prevent infections while traveling.

Consulting Client Tips: Licorice for Blood Glucose?

2009-06-02T10:20:00.000-05:00

Note that licorice is often given to clients who have trouble with blood sugar levels. This herb has worked wonders with some of my hyper and hypoglycemic clients. However, this is also an herb to be cautious of for in some clients it can cause an imbalance and a blood sugar spike reaction. If you or your client is using this herb make sure you monitor effects. If a client is having a poor reaction to the herb it could be their body cannot use licorice in this way.

Student Excerpts: Cinnamon Oil Reminder

2009-05-31T20:00:00.000-05:00

A good reminder from a student's assignment:

"I have made a Cinnamon leaf oil to rub into my clients aching joints. I have picked this for its ability to act as a warm wrap, soften cold, and painful joints. Caution: Always make sure it is leaf oil as cinnamon bark will irritate the skin."

Student Dialogues: Using Affordable Remedies

2009-05-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

I corrected a student test a few weeks ago and she made the following comment on her assignment:

Due to a limited budget I had to use what I had on hand! I used Hawthorne berries & Licorice Root.

My response:

That is the best way to do it. One should always explore what is on hand before purchasing expensive or new herbs. In most cases a person will either have something in their backyard, their cupboard or at the corner store available to them at very little cost. Good job!

Student Excerpts: Hawthorne Berry Tea

2009-05-27T16:58:00.003-05:00

I enjoyed this analysis by student Aimee found in her assignment "Herbs for Women". She says,

"I think that Hawthorne should be one of the top herbs for women as it has always been very successful for me. It improves circulation, helps heart palpatations, is tonic for mood swings or panic attacks. It helps in mild forms of angina and blood pressure. I have used it to calm me down in my more anxious moments. I pick hawthorne berries into a jar until it is full, then I add a regular mickey of vodka, let it sit for 2 months drain and bottle. I use 10-15 drops as I need it. Or more commonly I drink a hawthorne tea made from the flowers."

Free Promotion for NHCO Students

2009-05-22T13:14:00.002-05:00

Dear Students,

I just updated the PUBLIC student page again. Please check to see your information is correct. If your information is not included please fill out the form on the page and include all the information that was provided by the other students.

http://naturopathichealing.weebly.com/students-amp-graduates.html

Blessings & Health,
Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND

Student Question: Forgotten Password?

2009-05-19T16:32:00.001-05:00

Dear Students,

There are still a few students writing to me or submitting forms to the Bravenet service (which I only check once a month) for passwords.

Remember, if you have any trouble accessing the course or any trouble with any of the course materials you can check this BLOG for updates and Q & A from other students. If you ever forget your password -

Passwords for all the classes can always be found in the Yahoogroups FILES for that class. You can visit your Yahoogroups page, click on the group you want access to, go to the files section and your password will be there.

The password for the entire course (you only need one password) is located at:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Consultations701course/files/

Iridology Flash Card Pictures: Front and Back

2009-04-08T08:51:00.006-05:00

Front and Back of the Card

Iridology Flash Cards

2009-04-08T08:46:00.003-05:00

Hi! There was some talk about iridology flash cards a few weeks ago. I made a sample card and wanted to see what you all think. Is this what you are looking for? If not, what modifications would you make? You can see from the picture above it is about 4.5" x 5.5" - regular postcard size. I have photographed it next to a business card so you have an idea how large they are.

My idea was to make a set of 20 cards - the ten basic iris signs and ten more different signs that are more advanced or detailed. The set would be 20 full color post cards for $10.00.

This is just a sample so I am looking for feedback now before I proceed.

Thank you.

Blessings & Health,
Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND

Consulting Client Tip #4: Pace the Client

2009-03-14T14:17:00.002-05:00

These answers were taken from a student assignment. This student is working with a client and helping her with some lifestyle changes that will improve her health. I added the following suggestions after her suggestions. The student suggestions are in regular font. Mine are in bold italics:

8-10 glasses of water a day (promotes flushing out toxins, body 80% water, helps with snacking and can help avoid the junkaholic time).

6-8 should be fine. Tell her to monitor. Drink the 8. If she feels ill drinking more then the 8 was enough. Recent studies are showing that too much water can hurt people’s ability to digest or absorb certain foods. If she is thin she may not need the 10 glasses.

Eat 5-10 servings of vegetables a day

However, be sure to tell her that even 3 or 4 is great. Sometimes if we set the bar too high for a client they will become discouraged very quickly. You might want to start her on a less intense program first and then lead her into something more intense. The advantage of this is that you can also monitor her response to your “first level” of suggestions and modify the final program even more to suit her needs.

Consulting Client Tip #3: Where Do You Start Healing with a Client?

2009-03-14T14:14:00.002-05:00

A student who turned in her assignment for the Nutritional Healing Course today provided a wonderful client history for her client. It had all the details she needed to give the client the good advice they need. I included the following reminder for her that I wanted to share with other students as well - it may be helpful to you in working with your own clients, friends and family members:

Very good client history. You have a lot of details here to work with that can really give you some good clues and direction with her situation. I always especially mark or highlight things that the client says, ‘I sense this is bad for me” or “I feel badly after eating or drinking these”. The reason I highlight these things is that this is a clue as to where a good place to start with this client is. The biggest obstacle to overcome with healing is the clients willingness or readiness to change. If they have already noticed something is harming them then THAT is the area they will most likely be open to changing.

Student Excerpts: The Thirteenth Principal of Health

2009-03-09T12:22:00.003-05:00

Aimee turned in her Nutritional healing assignments this week and was the first one (in all these years, believe it or not!) to choose "Creating a Healing Living Space" as her topic for the "Thirteenth Principal of Health". I thought her opening quote and a key paragraph in her paper were wonderful and wanted to share them with you all:

She writes:

Siegfried Gursche, in the Encyclopedia of Natural Healing, quotes: “According to the Environmental Protection Agency, fifty percent of all our illness can be traced to indoor pollution, which is ten times more toxic than its outdoor counterpart.”

Our dishes, pipes, microwaves, pewter, ceramic glazes, blinds, tap water, and insecticides also contribute to our indoor toxicity. Nickle is in our dishes, cosmetics, hydrogenated food, fats, and dental work. Lead can come from batteries, tap water, smoking, glassware, liver, and even in some wine. Cadmium is found in batteries, smoking tap water, fertilizer, and shellfish. Arsenic in laundry soap, fabric softener, poisons paints and even in some mirrors. Aluminum which is linked with Alzheimer's is in our cooking wrap, deodorants, cosmetics, paints, and baking powder. Mercury was a popular dental filling which is no longer used in Canada. It also turns up in fish, salt, cosmetics, hair dyes, and pesticides. All heavy metals can have a horrible effect on the body. The are know to create rashes, constipation, headaches, bloating, diarrhea, block the production of bile, increase of decrease hormone levels, and affect our digestive systems.

Course Corrections: Temperament Course

2009-03-07T23:02:00.001-06:00

This is not really a course correction as much as an "alert" - this is something to be aware of as you do this unit. Please read the student comment and my reply below - this will help you understand the temperament unit better:

Student Comment:This unit on typology has been overwhelming, yet very enlightening for me. During my college years and experience teaching English and History, I have encountered the concepts discussed in this unit viz., humor, temperament, melancholic, choleric, sanguine, phlegmatic etc.---but I never understood these terms in their complete historical and medical sense until now. I encountered the most trouble when trying to understand exactly what is a humor and how does it function in the body. The assigned readings were confusing and oftentimes contradicting regarding this matter…

My Reply: One of the reasons I provide different perspectives – even if they are contradicting, is to give people more than one angle on the same topic. I do that on purpose. However, the main lesson is consistent and informational and should provide you with a good base. The introduction to the unit provides an overview of the basics. The other lessons are extras to that – so the reading of the literature was to introduce some “spice” into a topic once the student already understands the temperaments. Note to students reading this: keep this in mind when reading this unit!

Student Excerpts: Temperaments Addition

2009-03-07T22:58:00.001-06:00

Correcting student tests today I was impressed with this list included by a student in her test for the Temperament & Typology Unit:

The following are diseases which are not caused by an imbalance of the 4 humors:
A. Improperly shaped organs
B. Narrow or expanded ducts
C. Irregular tissue within or without organs (rough uterine-wall tissue)
D. Excessive organ size (enlarged heart)
E. Displaced organs (transposed liver)
F. Small organs (stomach)
G. Conditions arising from occasional causes (poisonous animals and insects)
H. Accidents, such as fractures, burns, wounds, and the like.

Student Question: Combining Starches and Protein?

2009-02-25T18:28:00.003-06:00

Question: For food combining. It says not to eat protein and starches together. We have always made supper as a meat, veggie and potatoe or rice. So that would be protein and starch. So what I am wondering is, how far apart do they have to be to be eaten? For example, if raw foods are eaten as a first course and then the meal and finish up with fruit as dessert, does that give sufficient time for things to be digested before the fruit is eaten, or should it be spaced out even more? The same goes with protein and starch. Could you eat raw foods, then some veggies and starch and then protein after, or should there be more time inbetween eating them both?

Answer:

The way of eating that you are talking about is part of an alkaline diet. Some doctors have made this diet famous by claiming that all people should eat using this method. This wouldn't hurt anyone, but it is not very realistic either, and does not take into account that all people have different needs and lifestyles.

I would suggest an alkaline diet for anyone who has an "acidic" lifestyle. This would include anyone who does heavy exercise or is training for sports, anyone who has a lot of stress in their life, anyone who drinks coffee or sodas or consumes fast foods or "junk foods" more than three times a week, etc...a full profile of what creates an acidic lifestyle can be found in the readings.

I also suggest that if someone is having a "highly acidic" day (one full of stress or a lot of exercise) that it would also be very helpful to follow a more alkaline diet that day.

If you have a vegetarian lifestyle, this diet is not as applicable because beans are proteins AND starches. This is another thing that confuses some people. A vegetarian's diet is naturally alkaline as long as they are eating whole foods and avoiding highly acidic foods such as coffee.

If you are eating healthy, whole foods and balanced meals that are minimally processed and generally include in-season produce, then that should be sufficient for the average person. It is only when our lives become unbalanced that we need to balance with strict diets - sometimes for long periods of time, sometimes for life, sometimes for short periods. It depends on the person and the situation.

One also needs to consider the amounts of protein being used. If you are using protein as a "flavor" rather than a main dish, this results in a more alkaline dish.

You are also correct in stating that if you take your time eating that the time in between your foods will be sufficient. If you finish a meal, you can have your desert or fruit about a half-hour later.

I hope this helps.

Blessings & Health,
Kristie

Student Question: Trouble Seeing Iris Patterns?

2009-02-25T18:24:00.002-06:00

Question:
I am doing Iridology and am on the first assignment, looking at the iris' of 4 people. I was looking at my youngest girls eyes and found it difficult. I am wondering if it would be because she is only 5, or if it is possible that I am having trouble because of my own eyes. You see, I had a cataract in my left eye and have had surgery. I can see well with it, but I am wondering if that can cause trouble in looking in others eyes. I could see some markings in my daughters eyes, but I found it hard to be able to see if something is raised, etc.

Answer:
It is easier to see the portions of the iris that are raised by shining the penlight from the side of the head - this gives you more of a depth perspective. You can also take a picture of the iris with a digital camera - use different angles of light to do this - use sunlight or a very bright lamp from different angles so you get different views of the iris. Make sure you take visual note of the real colors as they will be distorted if you use a light source other than the sun or a flash. It is possible that your own vision makes it more difficult for you to see some of the iris signs. However, by changing the angle of light and viewing the iris with different lighting you should be able to compensate for this.

As an additional note, you did not say what color your daughter's eyes are. Some very dark brown eyes are difficult to see without first taking a photo or using a very bright light. Some eyes are so dark you cannot do a full iridology reading on them.

Hope this helps!

Blessings & Health,
Kristie

Instructor Notes: Comments on Reflexology Assignment

2009-02-12T09:45:00.002-06:00

Every week I like to share some comments I make on student assignments. My itention is that by seeing other student's work this may inspire you. Additionally I am hoping that their work and my comments will help give you more insight into the course itself. This week I want to share one excerpt from a student's reflexology assignment:

STUDENT

1. In what areas of the world have evidence of ancient reflexology been found? Be specific.

Ancient reflexology can be found in 2300 BC in an Egyptian, Physician’s tomb. In this tomb, a pictograph resembling reflexology was found. In Asia, similar examples were found. Dr. William Fitzgerald mentioned a form of treatment that was known in India and China 5000 years ago. This form of treatment used pressure points. Incas from the ancient Peruvian civilization reaching back to 12, 000 BC were said to have passed zone therapy to the North American Indians. Cellini (1500-1571 AD) was a Florentine sculptor who used pressure on his fingers and toes to relieve pain.

Instructor Comment

This is a very good review of the different locations where reflexology was developed. I like to make sure people understand that healing systems did not come from just “one person”. Our history books like to attribute one person to inventing any one system or thing. In reality each invention and healing system is a work of many people and cultures.

Student Excerpts: Great Chart from Jennifer!

2009-02-12T09:31:00.002-06:00

I wanted to share part of Jennifer's assignment this week. The chart she made for her reflexology assignment was organized and impressive. This is what she did

Student Question: Questions about the Temperaments

2009-01-31T09:27:00.004-06:00

The following questions on the "Temperaments and Typology" unit were submitted by a student last week. They are VERY GOOD questions so I wanted to share them (and the answers) with you all. The questions are in black. My answers are in blue.

1.In your introduction to Unit 3:
You state that different societies had different humors and then you say that for Ayurveda there is just 3 elements. However, in the online link about unani tibb, they have a chart comparing the humors in different traditional healing methods and they list Ayurveda as using five elements just as TCM has 5 elements. I found another good article online which also states that Ayurveda includes 5 elements/humors and not 3. Yet I have read many times in the past about the 3 doshas. I am confused. Does Ayurveda use 5 elements like the online articles say or do they only use 3.

It is confusing because, you are right, Ayurveda recognizes five humors, but it does not use them in the same way Greek medicine or Unani Tibb does. It is misleading to put them on a chart in comparison. If you look into depth at Ayruveda they actually have more than 3 - but do not limit diagnosis to 5. Here is a summary of how they view the systems:

Panchamahabhuta or five basic elements:

The basic material constituents which exist in the universe and in man are called the Pancha-mahabhuta or five basic elements of Prithivi (Earth), Jala (Water), Teja (Fire), Vayu (Air), and, Akash (Ether). However these are not used in the same way Greek or Islamic medicine uses them. In Greek or The Medicine of Avicenna these are considered as the main forces for disease and healing. In Ayurveda these are viewed a bit differently and the divisions are different. Ayurveda does not view the body as "five elements" of disease and healing - but rather of seven basic tissues and three basic elements - that can then be further divided into 35 total elements of disease and healing. These are:

Dhatus:

The human body consists of seven basic and vital tissues called Dhatus. Dhatu means “constructing elements”. These seven are responsible for the entire structure of the body. They maintain the functions of the different organs, system and vital parts of the body. They play an important role in the development, nourishment and even protection of the body. Dhatus are the resultant materials of the functions of the three Humors. They are:

1. Rasa dhatu: predominates the “Jala (water) “Mahabhuta. Function: Prinana(Nurishment)
2. Rakta dhatu: predominates the “Tej (Fire)” Mahabhuta. Function: Jevana(Invigoration)
3. Mamsa dhuta: predominates the “Prithivi (Ether)” mahabhuta. Function: Lepana(holds skeleton)
4. Meda dhatu: predominates the “Jala (water) “Mahabhuta. Function: Snehan(Lubrication)
5.Asthi dhatu: predominates the Vayu and Prithivi. Function:Dharan(support)
6.Majjja dhatu: predominates the Akash Mahabhuta. Function: Purana(to fill the bones)
7.Shukra dhatu: predominates the Jala and Tej Mahabhutas. Function:Garva utpadan(reproduction)

Tridosha or Three Humors:

In Ayurdeda the basic elements of human body are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These are called Tridosha or three Humors. Our body is controlled and regulated by the coordinated and balanced functions of Tridosha. It helps the body to be alive. All the physical and mental functions of the body are governed by these three humors.

According to Ayurveda, various health problems are caused by an imbalance in at least one of the three humors. In Unani Tibb or Greek medicine it is thought that imbalance is caused by one of the five humors. It is a bit confusing that the translation of Dosha is humors in the same way they translate the word Panchamahabhuta (elements) of the body and the universe to mean "humors". They are different words in the Indian language and provide a subtle distinction. So the word Panchamahabhuta and the word Dosha are not the same but many articles you read in English translate both words to mean HUMORS. This is incorrect. Below you can see, however, they do further divide these Doshas...

Vata:
The physical characteristics of Vata are different from others. It is light, dry, mobile, cold, abundant, rough, swift etc. Its fundamental Elements are Ether (Akash) and Air (Vayu).

The physical functions are: it is responsible for body movement, speech, Blood circulation, breathing, Excretion, Brain functions, formation of fetus, sexual act, anxiety, grief. etc.
There are five types of Vata according to their characters and locations.
1.Prana Vayu
2.Udana Vayu
3. Vyana Vayu.
4.Saman Vayu.
5.Apan Vayu.

Pitta:
Pitta is hot like the basic element which is derived from Agni or fire. It is also characterized as being sharp, sour, pungent, fluid, soothing and mobile. It is responsible for vision, hunger, thirst, and digestion, the regulation of heat in the body, softness and luster in the complexion, cheerfulness, intellect, and sexual vigor.

There are five types of Pitta which were first indicated by Acharya Susruta.
1.Pachaka Pitta
2.Ranjaka Pitta
3.Sadhaka Pitta
4.Alochaka Pitta
5.Bhrajaka Pitta.

Kapha:
Kapha is also called Slesma, and is derived from the fundamental elements earth (Prithivi) and Water (Jala). It is smooth, cold, heavy, dull, and viscid.

Kapha constitutes the entire solid structure of the body. The functions of Kapha are unctuousness, binding, firmness, heaviness, sexual potency, strength, forbearance, restraint and the absence of grief. Kapha was also categorized into five divisions:

1.Avalambaka Kapha
2.Kledaka Kapha
3.Bodaka Kapha
4.Tarpaka Kapha
5.Shleshaka Kapha.

2. More confusion:
The assigned readings say that the humoral theory existed among Greeks even before the time of Hippocrates. So why is Hippocrates given credit as the originator of humoral theory in healing? Is it because he named 4 specific types and used them in a practical system? The text also says that Galen is the one who came up with the idea of 4 temperaments which correspond with the 4 elements/humors. Does that mean that during time of Hippocrates up until Galen, people were only focusing on the physical aspects of the humors and that Galen then originated and developed the system which used the humors to describe emotional/psychological traits?
This is important because Hippocrates lived about 6 hundred years before Galen.

People have used the humors in all their aspect probably farther back than history has recorded. However, this is a very typical and classical case of "the historical credit problem". This is a problem I try to point out frequently during the course but I do not always suceed in doing so enough. The problem is that all medical and healing traditions are actually discoveries of many different people or peoples. Many of these traditions have been used for hundreds of years before someone "took credit". However history always gives credit to the person who was able to define the tradition and write it down. So credit for iridology is given to the first person who created a chart. Credit for reflexology is given to the first person to create the zone system. Credit in homeopathy is given to the person who created a comprehensive book of all the remedies. In some ways this credit is deserved - the person was usually responsible for A: Defining the tradition in a way everyone could understand so that it had more chance of surviving over time and being taught to more people and B. Expanding and devloping the tradition beyond what it was. In the case of homeopathy it had been used before but nobody (that we know of) had taken the time to test so many rememedies before., Hahnemann was amazing in this respect. However, in reality the system of any healing tradition cannot be attributed to one person.

3. In the reading from the columbia encyclopedia source, it lists winter as the corresponding season for the phlegmatic type which does not seem right because phlegmatic types are considered cold and moist which fits more with autumn and melanchoic fits more with winter because it is marked by cold/dry qualities which fits winter best. what do you think?

Corresponding the humors can be confusing! I can often see how one or more types could fit in each season, in each character, etc...but ultimately you are looking for the basic characteristic of the person or season. Autumn definately has a DRY dominant side because the leaves fall in the Autumn and are dry. The earth is dry. However, phlegmatic is very wet. So they cannot go together. Winter is actually very moist because of the snow and ice that is classic of a traditional winter. However, one interesting thing about modern times that I noticed - since we use heaters in our homes we have actually created a very cold and dry environment for winter. I think this is responsible for a lot of the health problems we have in the winter. We are not allowing our bodies to cycle through the natural seasons and we are making a "wet" season into a "dry" one.

To see more student questions and information be sure to check out the student BLOG index from time to time! I will send the index in the next e-mail for those of you who receive the BLOG via E-mail.

Course Corrections: Updates on Unit Two

2009-01-26T10:01:00.004-06:00

Dear Students,

Thank you to student Dee who brought to my attention that two links in Unit 2 have changed.

They are:
(Unit 202:3)

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Natural_Health/2005_February_March/Herbal-First-Aid is now at: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Natural-Health/2005-02-01/Herbal-First-Aid.aspx

The First Aid articles from 7Song have been changed.

Herbal First Aid for Groups was changed from: http://www.7song.com/1staid4grps.pdf

To: Herbal First Aid for Groups

Wilderness First Aid was changed from: http://www.7song.com/documents/WildernessFirstAid.pdf

TO:
http://7song.com/files/Wilderness%20First%20Aid.pdf

Thank you Dee!

Course Corrections: Unit One

2009-01-19T21:14:00.002-06:00

There will be an additional correction made to Unit One. It seems there is an ongoing problem with the file "Cooking and the Humours". I am now in the editing process of a new file that will not involve any links online. I will upload it to the site as soon as it is done. If you are working on Unit One: Nutritional Healing - DO NOT TRY TO OPEN "Healing and the Humors" use this new file instead. For now, it will be called "Healing and the Humors Replacement File"

It would be confusing if I constantly changed files as I made updates every few weeks or months so once or twice a year I make all the updates at one time to prevent overlap, confusion and double-download problems. Because of this continuing state of updates you should ALWAYS check the updates page to see if the Unit you are reading has any updates. This page is at:

http://naturopathichealingcourse.blogspot.com/search/label/Course%20Changes

News and Tidbits: Vitamin D

2009-01-11T20:59:00.002-06:00

The topic of Vitamin D came up earlier this week on the list and this same week I received the following e-mail in my inbox from another list I am part of. I wanted to share it with everyone who was interested in the "Vitamin D" topic:

Accumulating data have provided evidence that vitamin D is involved inbrain function. Vitamin D can inhibit the synthesis of induciblenitric oxide synthase and increase glutathione levels, suggesting arole for the hormone in brain detoxification.The study shows that vitamin D helps remove mercury from your bodysafely by radically increasing the amount of intracellular glutathione.CONTINUED HERE:http://v.mercola.com/blogs/public_blog/How-Sunshine-and-Vitamin-D-Can-Help-You-Eliminate-Mercury-72449.aspx

Blessings & Health,
Kristie
www.TheAvicennaInstitute.com

Changes to the Course: Friday Office Hours

2008-12-23T12:39:00.003-06:00

As many old students know, there has been a new schedule of test correcting that I have been "trying out" since April. Instead of returning exams once a month, I have been doing them every week, and have created office hours on Fridays.

This has been running at about an 80% success rate and I am quite pleased with it. However, some modifications will be made for the next year to accommodate the few times of year that I have an extra load of lectures or work from other sites. I have not finished modifications to this schedule yet, however, my vision for it is that it would stay intact as a weekly schedule but I would add in some 'school breaks" a few times a year, much like you would have at a regular university (spring break, winter break, a couple weeks for summer break, etc...). This does not mean that I would not be available during these break times for tech support or other questions or that you cannot work during these times. It would only mean that during those "breaks" I would not be correcting exams on a weekly basis and would not have office hours on those weeks.

As I mentioned before, the "weekly" office hours were a new venture this year and everything else about them has been going well. I just forgot to build in some "break or vacation" time - and certainly everyone needs some of that. And without that it may appear that the schedule is "unpredictable" when, in actuality, I can predict with accuracy when those breaks will need to happen. This will help you to plan better as well.

My main goal is to serve you as students and make sure everything goes smoothly, and I believe part of this process is clear guidelines and communication. I have been very happy with the Friday office hours, as this has improved both. However, some misunderstandings have ensued on weeks that I was out of town for lectures or had to take a break for holiday season mailings.

Blessings & Health,
Kristie

Student Question: Help with Clients or Extra Work

2008-12-23T12:30:00.002-06:00

Dear Students,

I just wanted to remind all students that my commitment as your teacher in this course is to maintain the course, take care of tech support problems and give you feedback on quizzes, tests and exams.

If you need help with clients, advice on clients, feedback on papers or articles, or other extra advice, please join the consulting list at : www.HerbnHome.com

This list has been open since June 2008 and has been useful to many students, clients and members. Some e-mails I have received lately have indicated that there are some students who are not aware of this other list, or who didn't receive the original announcements in June and August 2008.

Blessings & Health,
Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND

Student Dialogues - Usage of Herbs

2008-12-13T18:51:00.001-06:00

Excerpt from a student test:

I know its not a cold, but even if it is, I use the same remedy. (she is talking about allergies).

I make a cup of tea with Echinacea, Mint medley (has both peppermint and spearmint) and a teaspoon of Colloid silver, along with a teaspoon of sugar to make my blood sugar go up a bit.

It doesn't take long to feel better. Right now, the tea cup is sitting next to me, cooling off a bit so I don't burn my mouth on it. It is 4:30 a.m. and I just got up feeling the same 'cold' symptoms I had when I went to bed.

By 7 a.m. I felt perfectly normal. Was a perfect combination to control whatever had a hold of me last night and this morning.

This is good to treat something that is “like a cold” with the same remedies. Unlike modern pharmaceuticals, herbs are used because of their properties and because the effects they have on certain systems in the body – they are not used for specific diseases or illnesses. There are some people and companies who have mislabeled herbs “for colds”, “for PMS”, etc…but this is misleading and limits the use of each of these teas, when really, each of these “formulas” could be used for many things. Your usage of the Echinacea and mint is a perfect example of this. Echinacea is good for the immune system in general and when you have allergies it is important to strengthen the immune system. Mints are good for colds, but they also are good for runny noses, itching, stomach problems and a number of other symptoms you may have when your allergies “flare up”.

TECH SUPPORT: Broken Links for Nutritional Healing

2008-11-27T20:18:00.001-06:00

Although we just updated the E-book for Nutritional Healing only two months ago it seems that a couple of the links are already "broken". They are the "Cooking for the Humors" link on page 45 and the link to Culpeper's Herbal on page 45. I am still looking for the replacement for the 'Cooking for the Humors". The new link for Culpeper's Herbal is:

http://www.bibliomania.com/2/1/66/113/frameset.html

I will also be uploading this to the site and the Yahoogroups so you do not have to worry about the link breaking again. You will have the book in E-book format.

Student Dialogues - Herbal First Aid and Allergies

2008-11-07T22:45:00.001-06:00

Student: Self-diagnosis can be very important these days because blood and skin tests do not show up all problems at the doctor's office.

My response: You are absolutely right. Additionally, sometimes combinations of substances (like milk and wheat together) can cause more of a reaction than “just wheat” or “just milk”. A test will not show this.

Student Business: Gem Therapy Jewelry

2008-11-07T22:42:00.002-06:00

Student Dee sells jewelry made with healing gems. This is a chart she has created that shows some information about those gems:

http://www.dreamtime.bz/metaphysical_properties.html

If you have a natural living or natural healing business to share please post it to the list.

Blessings & Health,
Kristie Karima Burns, Mh, ND

Student Sharing: Websites for Herbs and Gems

2008-11-07T22:39:00.002-06:00

Student Dee, shared some additional website links for 202:1 Herbal First Aid:

She suggests that these websites are useful for researching herbal healing, color therapy and gem therapy:

http://www.greatdreams.com/sound.htm
and
http://www.greatdreams.com/hertz.htm
and
http://www.greatdreams.com/himalayan/meridians.html
and
http://www.greatdreams.com/color-energies.htm
and
http://www.greatdreams.com/chakras.htm

Student Excerpts: Affordability and Variety in Healing

2008-11-01T10:56:00.001-05:00

This excerpt and my comments are taken from Janet's assignment on aromatherapy. Great job Janet!

Aromatherapy

I want to start off by saying I choose a lot of my oils not only for the properties but also for the affordability.

This is brilliant! I always do this too. First, I ask what people already have in their home, then I think of things that they can use from their kitchen or common items, then I start with the most affordable oils and herbs. Another benefit of this is that the most affordable ones are usually also the most abundant ones. Some of the more expensive oils and herbs are expensive because they are harder to find and some have become over-harvested to near-extinction.

I have learned if you can make things affordable, yet effective to people they are more likely to use it and stay with it. A lot of people just do not have the money now days. If I can make them an effective affordable oil treatment it works for both of us. I have to purchase these to have on hand and also sell them to the consumer, so that is why you might see some similar treatments in some areas. I know they work and they are the more attainable and affordable of the oils. Hope that makes sense and you understand what I mean. Then on top of that a lot of the basics cover so much and are so well rounded it would be silly not to use them if they work regardless of the repetitive nature J Also I have a wonderful flu oil that I burn, when someone is getting a cold or during the winter months. It is Eucalyptus/Tea Tree and just a little bit of cinnamon mainly for the scent…….it is a really great aroma and seems to work well and makes the house smell nice.

I completely agree. I once wrote an article on how you can heal everything with just three herbs (or oils). If each person would pick a variety of three and really get to know those three they would be amazed at what they could do with just three oils or herbs.

Consulting Client Tip #2: Are They Ready to Heal?

2008-09-25T13:18:00.002-05:00

One reason I only consult with registered clients is that it shows me they are ready to heal. If I am giving advice to random people online or to relatives or friends who mention a bad habit (and I jump in with advice) the person may not really be ready to heal and my words may either make it worse, make the person more resistant to change or be wasted, at best. On the other hand, when a person makes a decision to take time and money from their life to make a change (see a healer) this is a good indication that they are ready to heal. Most people I know take their money and time seriously. Even if you are just asking for a small payment or a half hour of their time this can also indicate that they are ready. However - beware of people who send quick e-mails or want to ask you advice "in passing".

We are notoriously stubborn as humans and are often not ready to heal. One student turned in an assignment this week where she talks about how a friend had to go to the emergency room for strep and got so very ill. She mentioned that this event scared her friend into changing her life. She also expressed regret that she had not been able to help this friend at the beginning of her illness before it became to bad.

However, illness and fear are not always a bad thing. Even when I am ill I think about this. Illness can be a teacher or a messenger. It can be a sign for us to stop what we are doing and change our life before it is too late. Sometimes I actually thank my body for being ill.

There is also a wisdom in letting people make their own mistakes. In this person's case, it was probably a good thing she became so ill and nobody could help her because now she is going to make life changes and she is ready. If the student had tried to help her before she got to ill, she would have gotten better and not been motivated to change her life. Sometimes illness can be a gift.

So remember when you are healing...make sure the person is ready to be healed. I am not suggesting you leave someone with a broken arm at the side of the road of course! I am simply saying that the results on your client will be much better if they are ready to be healed first.

Note: This message does not apply to children, of course.

Student Question: What do I do on an assginment if I don't have clients?

2008-09-25T13:09:00.002-05:00

This should really come under the heading of student dialogue since I took this from a test and I answered it in my feedback. However, I feel it will be more useful to students if I file it in "student questions". This student has brought up some good points and has come up with her own good solutions. However, some students may be asking themselves these same questions now and not be able to come up with solutions. I hope this can help those students. This is our dialogue"

Student: This is my submission for lesson 201-4. This one was not easy since I don't have 'clients', so I interviewed relatives for the class lesson.

This is what you are supposed to do. Some students use clients because they have them, but the assignment is to use friends or family that you know. So this is correct.

Nobody was sick at the time, so I interviewed them about 'past' illnesses for which they were treated by medical doctors - way late in the illness because they didn't have insurance.

This is also perfect! When I ask students to evaluate I want them to show that they understand the material and not that they have the sickest friends or family or the best clinic. If needed, I can even send you some “pretend clients”. However, I do find that it makes it more “real” and you learn more if you work with people who are close to you in some way.

2008-09-25T12:46:00.003-05:00

This is an excerpt from a student assignment this week. She did a WONDERFUL job with all of her clients. This is just a short sample of what she wrote about one of them. I added some additional information and thought I would share it with the group as well because the book I am recommending is well worth reading and reminders about keeping things simple are always good - even for me. I think as healers we want so badly to provide our clients with some herb or food or diet that will help that we can often forget to tell them about the basics. Before I give any client advice or a program I make sure first that they are sleeping enough, eating right, drinking enough water, not taking harmful substances (too much coffee, cigarettes, etc...) and getting exercise. For without these basic things most people will experience some level of illness and natural healing will not be as effective. Natural healing can help people accomlish these things better (like herbs to help you sleep or herbs to give you more energy to exercise, etc...) and herbs can help...but real healing will not happen without the basics in place.

Student Work:."..But I did tell her that maybe a ginger pack for her kidneys would help and some castor oil packs for that spine… She said that everything I told her fit and she was impressed with how accurate they eyes showed her problems………oh one more note, she is tired a lot………..not normal tired, like really tired, but I told her if those kidneys are stressed, those adrenals are as well and when she sees improvement there, she should get a boost of energy as well."

My Feedback :Yes, anyone with kidney issues is going to be really tired. At the very least she should drink a lot more water. Especially with nursing she is going to be so dehydrated. Dehydration is a problem for so many people and they don’t realize it because it is usually not an emergency situation. You can read all about that in “Your Body’s Many Cries for Water” – an amazing book!

Student Excerpts: Iridology

2008-09-25T12:34:00.003-05:00

One of the questions on the iridology quiz is "Compare iridology to something else and describe it in your own words"

Janet provided a wonderful comparison:

"Iridology could be compared to an inspector inspecting a house for structural damage or potential hazards. "

Student Dialogues - Aromatherapy and Numbness

2008-09-25T10:11:00.001-05:00

Student Work: Aromatherapy for numb fingers: An oil would be good to rub on the hand, fingers and wrist. It cold be carried with him and used as needed. I would use Roman Chamomile (muscle pain), Coriander (circulation), Lemon (CNS stimulant) and Pine (circulation). With the ability to keep it with him at all times, he could use it as needed.

My Feedback: A salve might be better than an oil – if one uses an oil they might be less likely to use it because it would just be “too oily” and take a while to absorb into the skin. My son does not like oils for this reason so we make him salves or add oils to base salves or creams already available on the market. You can make a nice simple salve by melting 1 TBS. of beeswax (grated) into 5 TBS. of oil and then adding some essential oils to it right before it starts to solidify.

Student Dialogues - Aromatherapy and Arthritis

2008-09-25T10:07:00.003-05:00

Student Suggestions: Arthritis: I would use Blue Chamomile (anti-inflammatory, arthritis), Juniper (arthritis), Lavender (analgesic) and Rosemary (arthritis, muscle pain).
This is easy to use. I would make into a massage oil and apply to the area. This could be carried easily with the client at all times. It will be easy to use and apply and keep with a person. My client gets upset when the pain starts and has trouble in thinking of what they need, so to have it already prepared for her and easy to use will cut down on that.

My Feedback: When I lived in the Middle East I met many women who were told (by their mother or some wise woman) that they should drink chamomile tea for arthritis. All of these women healed themselves on just one cup of chamomile a day. You might try, adding a cup of chamomile tea to this program. Additionally, I would recommend using something gentle on a daily basis (like the lavender and chamomile) but make ANOTHER mixture with the juniper and rosemary for days when the pain is worse. Those are strong oils and would be too strong for you to use on a daily basis.

Student Dialogues - Aromatherapy and Grief

2008-09-25T10:02:00.003-05:00

These are some of my feedback notes to a student that turned in the test for the aromatherapy unit. As always, I post these with the idea that all students can learn from each other:

Student answer: (An aromatherapy mixture for grief) Since there is grief and guilt, which is a disappointmentI would make a blend of the following: Rose (disappointment, grief, sadness and shock), Jasmine (disappointment, grief, sadness), and Rosewood (sadness).
I would use these oils because of the ease of administration. As well, they will quickly go to the limbic system, effecting the emotions. I would use this blend as a spray that the client could either spray in the air when needed or wear as a perfume.

My Feedback: This sounds perfect – oils are so good for grief because they surround the body with their healing properties and they work on a strong emotional level too, with scent memory. Rose is perfect for this situation. Jasmine would be a great addition. The rosewood is good too, however, perhaps not necessary. You might want to try it with just the first two before you add more. I tend to stick with one or two and THEN go to three. I don’t like going beyond three ingredients. I like to focus instead on really getting to know each herb to the depth of its being. I think a lot of formulas on the market today use many many herbs because they are only looking at one aspect of the herb’s personality. An herb has a deep personality much like a person – layers and layers of it. Some of them hidden until you know them well. So I recommend using one herb or oil for a while and really getting to know it. Not just what is in the books – but an intuitive knowledge as well.

Student Question: Can you help me with this client iris reading?

2008-09-23T13:51:00.002-05:00

One of them has better lighting than the other, but thought you might could pull from both. In the one you can see the white color in the ring. It might be a nerve ring. Also, is the dark area around the scurf ring ..........a scurf ring or is that circulation related??? it goes in so much deeper in that area than any other place. Anything you find helpful throw in if you don't care.........When I get to drive down and see my iridologist she helps me, but she is 200 miles away. I am a visual learner if that makes sense...........I take pictures of the eyes I look at and them study them. Thank you in advance for your time. Do you have a fee for like if I sent you a pic of an eye and you help me with it........I don't mind paying you for your time. - J (photos attached)

Dear (J),

Ah-ha! Now I see what you are talking about. I do see the white on the nerve ring. The nerve ring itself is white and extending a little bit into the "near-the-pupil" area. This indicates nerve inflammation or nerve stress. So this person could be under stress of some sort - physically or emotionally.

The darkness around the outer rim IS a surf rim - yes.

I hope this helps. I still have the photos if you have more questions about them or if I was not looking at the right place and answered the wrong question or something.

You also asked about fees for helping you read the iris photos. I don't have a fee per reading but I am answering all consulting questions now at the new group described at:

www.HerbnHome.com

A couple other students have joined that group so they can get on-going consulting help with their clients or iris readings. It would be great to have you on the group. Everyone there would LOVE to see your photos and questions!

I am sending everyone one free mini-consultation (like this) with this reminder since this is a new list and not everyone is aware of it yet.

Of course, I am still answering questions about assignments on the list for students.

Blessings & Health,
Kristie

Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND Naturopathic Doctor, Master Herbalist, Waldorf Teacher, ArtistHealing through art, herbs and education since 1989 at www.TheDreamAngels.com

The Natural Living Channel

2008-09-07T19:27:00.003-05:00

I am re-posting this to the BLOG since Yahoogroups messed up the original post. Please excuse the double-post. However. I do hope you can read it more clearly this time :)

I would like to invite you to the grand opening of ...
The Natural Living Channel.

Steve and I have been working on this project for more than a year now so we are very happy to finally be announcing its debut!

For those of you that are familiar with http://www.thewaldorfchannel.com/ - this new channel is done in the same style, however, it covers all areas of natural living and is hosted by Steven Zay Granberg as well as I. Of course we will have videos from other people - just like on The Waldorf Channel - however, we will both be hosting these videos. I hope you enjoy it! We will be updating it every two weeks.

Be sure to join the Herb'n Home mailing list to receive any further announcements about the channel and our free newsletter.

Blessings & Health,
Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND
Steven Zay Granberg, MS Counseling Education

Student Dialogues - How to Type a Person

2008-09-05T20:25:00.003-05:00

Each week or two I like to share some of the dialogue I have with students that I think everyone might benefit from. I also like to share excerpts from student assignments that I think other students would enjoy reading.

Student says (I do not mention names if the student adds something of a personal nature):
My typology would be Choleric - quick but strong and lasting reaction. Hot and dry. Quick tempered. I believe I am Choleric. When I get sick, it usually happens quickly, but is strong and really knocks me down. I have a quick temper, even though I really do try to control it.

Very perceptive…a good way to type someone is to look at both the physical and the psychological as you have done! You are also a highly motivated student (this is what I see from my end) – most students like this fall into either the choleric or sanguine temperament. Melancholics are slower and methodical and sanguine are not as steady. Phlegmatics need more outside motivation, but once they get started they can be very steady as well.

Student Dialogues - Exercise

2008-09-05T20:19:00.004-05:00

Each week or two I like to share some of the dialogue I have with students that I think everyone might benefit from. I also like to share excerpts from student assignments that I think other students would enjoy reading.

Student (name not given to protect privacy) shares that she needs to start exercising again. This is what I shared when I commented on her assignment:

I am glad you brought this up! The older you get the more important it is to work out on a daily basis to keep your body flexible and healthy and prevent injury. The program you choose does not even need to be intense. Flexibility and movement are the key – so even a beginner yoga class would be great. Worry more about flexibility and movement than your weight. The weight will come off naturally over time as you make diet and exercise changes. However, the renewed feeling you get from even doing something small will revitalize you within 2 days. I don’t really like gyms but the weather in Iowa here is miserable so I finally joined one. They have a silver shoes program for people over 65 which is based all on light weights and flexibility and movement. They have their class at the same time I am at the gym. This would be perfect – something like that. So many clients I have had have been healed by starting an exercise program again – even a light one. And the amazing thing about it is that you see results within one day or two days so you don’t have to wait to see the results.

If I still live here when I am 65 I am going to join that class! Our bodies get less forgiving as we get older. Did you hear about the 40-year-old Olympic athlete who has to get muscle rubs after each event because her muscles don’t recover as they should after an intense workout anymore? She is a role model for all of us getting older – I am 40 and already feeling my body is less forgiving.

I always share with people that in all the years I have done iridology readings the one constant in the healthy irises I saw was that the people exercised. They may have even had a bad diet or stressful life but as long as they had exercise their iris showed up as healthy. However, people who came in with perfect diets still had many health problems if they did not exercise.

Congratulations to Jennifer in Canada

2008-09-05T14:21:00.004-05:00

Jennifer in Canada earned her Certificate in Nutritional Healing this week. Congratulations to Jennifer!

Blessings & Health,
Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND

Congratulations to Student Katie!

2008-09-05T13:59:00.005-05:00

Congratulations to Dr. Katie Craft in New Hampshire for receiving her certificates in aromatherapy and reflexology last week. Keep up the good work!

Note: If I have not mentioned you in a congratulation note please tell me. I just started doing this recently so I do not have a regular system for it yet.

Blessings & Health,
Kristie Karima Burns, Mh, ND

Naturopathic Healing Conference

2008-09-05T13:55:00.002-05:00

The New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians is hosting a wonderful conference in October. Student Jody sent me an annoucement about it. You can find out more by linking to their website at:

http://nyanp.org/

I hope some of you can attend and tell the group about it.

Blessings & Health.
Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND

Student Excerpts: Herbs & Signatures

2008-09-05T13:45:00.005-05:00

Kimberly did some outside research and had some lovely additions to her assignment last week. Here are some of my favorite excerpts from her assignment. Remember - the more you share with the group the more we can learn from each other:

Signatures can include an herb that resembles a specific organ, for instance, Scrophularia roots look like swollen glands, so it is traditionally used for swollen glands and hemorrhoids. (Matthew Wood, The Book of Herbal Wisdom: Using Plants as Medicines).

Signatures can be suggested through the environment. For instance, Angelica grows in a damp, shady soil, and can help remove cold and damp from the patient.

Signatures can be suggested by the animals that the plant resembles. Wood suggests that Native Americans used this “spirit signature”; an example is Angelica which has a brown, furry resinous root and is called Bear Medicine.

Signatures can be suggested by plants that correspond to the symptoms. For instance, for respiratory and digestive remedies, plants that have hairy leaves that resemble the villa of the mucosa can be used. These include, Comfrey and Mullein.

Signatures can be suggested by their rhythms. For instance, Blood Root, which has flowers that unfold from morning to noon and then close again is used for migraines worse from morning to noon.

***************************

The relationships of the constellations and planets has been seen to influence seeding experiments, as well as, the formation of certain plant organs. In Planetary Influences Upon Plants, by Ernst Michael Kranich, it says that “as early as the 1940’s J. Schultz discovered a correlation between the seed and fruit formation of trees and Jupiter’s twelve-year cycle. For red beech, the years of high seed yields coincided with specific constellations of Jupiter against the zodiac.

******************************

Additionally, signatures can suggest which element has the most influence over a specific plant. In Healing Plants: Insights Through Spiritual Science, by Wilhelm Pelikan, he suggests that the influence of the Air Element in the Umbellifers is suggested by the airy quality of their leaves. Pelikan says, “…the way the carrot family relates to the air. These plants not only reach out into the atmosphere in leaf and flower development but also begin to incorporate air into themselves. They enclose air in their blown-up, bellying leaf sheaths, in hollow stems, stalks, fruits, and air chambers in the rhizomes. In doing so, they go beyond plant and towards animal nature.” Pelikan goes on to suggest that this reaching towards the animal nature makes them good candidates for treating patients with an ‘astral body’ condition.

Thank you Kimberly for a job well done and for making your assignment so enjoyable to read!

Blessings & Health,
Kristie

The Consulting Corner #1: Depression

2008-07-06T19:07:00.003-05:00

As more and more student work comes in I realize how very important it is for us all to share our experience with clients - tips, methods and whatever else comes to mind. The things that I share in this column will be directly related to student work and client work they have done and are posted as a response to that work. If you would like to comment on my posts or to add some information of your own please feel free to press "reply". We have a wonderful group of students here - many are already practitioners of some type - we have the potential to help each other out in so many ways.

Tip #1: Clients and Depression

While depression is a very real and often scary or harmful condition, many clients are overly fearful of their depressions and can be calmed (or even healed in some cases) by seeing that depression can be normal, effective and healthy. Remind clients that feeling bad or being depressed is normal. We are like the seasons around us. We have a winter, spring, summer and fall. Melancholics experience the winter/fall more than spring and summer and that is OK. That is normal and fine for her. She does not have to feel guilty or depressed about being depressed now and then. Of course, it is good to make sure depression is not running your life and shutting you down, but it is also healthy to let her know that sometimes it is OK to just lie in bed all day or feel bad. Sometimes ALLOWING yourself to fully experience the emotion and the pain and the fear will get rid of it faster. By suppressing it or feeling wrong about having it…sometimes it lingers because it cannot be fully resolved.

Kristie's Consulting & Seminar Trip Dates

2008-07-04T02:52:00.001-05:00

Consulting & Seminar Trip July 2008: Kristie Karima Burns, Mh, ND

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Student Excerpts: Healing Gargle

2008-07-04T00:16:00.003-05:00

Assignment: Try out one of the remedies below and track the results over days or over hours. If the situation is emergency (like a burn or small asthma attack) then track the results and show improvement (or not) over the span of 6 hours. If the situation is acute only (like a bruise) then track the results over a week.

Student Answer: The remedy I tried was gargling with salt water for a sore throat. It seemed to soothe my throat right away and the results lasted a couple of hours. I then repeated the gargling every couple of hours when my throat started hurting again, and the next morning, my throat was not sore at all! It seemed to work better if the water was as warm as I could tolerate it.

Teacher Response: You have discovered the secret! I dislike gargling but this remedy is so effective I can’t not do it. I have tried so many remedies for sore throat and this is the only one that REALLY works!

Student Question: Books on the History of Naturopathy?

2008-07-04T00:05:00.002-05:00

Just wondering. I have only done so far, 3 or the herb classes and am trying to work through the Iridology and am going to go back to the Nutrition. Just wondering. In any of the classes, do you cover Naturopathic history, philosophy and principles? If not, do you have any information on this? Thanks, J

Dear J,

I do have a wonderful old book written on the topic that I downloaded offline. I will send it to you...skim it and tell me how close it is to what you need. Then I can send you more links depending on what you say. There are so many books on the topic it is hard to tell what you might enjoy reading. There are also many many historical fiction books on the topic that I have greatly enjoyed. Have you read "The Physician" by Noah Gordman? The history of medicine in it is very accurate and the book is amazing.

I will send you the other book in the next e-mail so if you don't receive it please tell me.

Blessings & Health,
Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND

www.TheAvicennaInstitute.com

How Many Credit Hours for the Courses?

2008-07-04T00:01:00.005-05:00

I hope everything is going good with your new computer.
Just wondering. Do you know how many hours you Naturopathic program is?
I will have enough education in total (I believe, someone is about to look over all my work) to register as a Doctor of Natural Medicine. I am including that I am working on your program, so they want to know how many hours all my programs are, so I thought I would include that as well.

Thanks, J

Dear J,

You can see details about the course credit hours here:

http://naturopathichealing.weebly.com/credit-hours.html

Blessings & Health,

Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND

Student Letter: How do I do consulting?

2008-04-12T16:19:00.003-05:00

I still have to finish the Nutrition course (stopped because was having trouble in understanding, but now that you have added the video, I am excited to be able to try again.
What I am wondering is, as you know I have completed a MH program and a Nutrition & Diet Therapy Specialist program, and I am doing my clinical for my Homeopathic Practitioner program as well as the Rosemary Gladstar Herbalist program. The problem is that, I don't feel that my MH program gave me a good enough consultation info. My Homeopathic program teaches that, but again, I am still not feeling as good as I hoped, mostly I believe because I have only worked with my family so far, but still. My Nutrition program defintely didn't teach consults, I also feel it didn't teach anything about taking what a persons current diet is and then determining a healthy diet for them. So, I am wondering if your Nutrition course teaches how to take a persons diet and determine what the appropriate health diet for them is. As well, is there a course on how to do a consult and intake? Although I have learned this, I want to learn more about it because I am very uneasy about this part. I am ok with working with family, but am not confident for me starting my practice to work with non-family.
Thanks, J

Dear J,

I have an entire unit on consulting which I have been considering making part of every unit of the course. Right now it is part of the ENTIRE naturopathic healing course. It is Unit 12. I also feel that this is a very important aspect of learning - you can learn as much as you want, but learning HOW to apply that is very important.

I am not sure if you have access to unit 12 right now. However, I would be happy to give you access (as some time in the next year I will be adapting it to go with every course anyway) and I would appreciate having some feedback from someone with your experience. I have designed the consultation part of the course to give people confidence with consulting and to give them a lot of resources and ideas about how to consult. However, I would appreciate hearing if it actually does accomplish that and if not, how I could improve it.

So, if you have access to unit 12, we can work on that together. If you don't, please tell me, and I will send it to you.

Additionally, when I was first starting out I was in a similar situation. I found I had completed a lot of courses but was not sure how to go about consulting. What you have learned in the homeopathic program might not be enough, but it will help you. It helped me get a base to build on.

Other things that helped me were learning iridology (this is entirely a diagnostic method) and studying typololgy and temperaments as an entire unit of study. Both of these methods helped me immensely in evaluating and seeing clients and their needs.

Blessings & Health,

Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND

STUDENT QUESTION: The Energetic Properties of Herbs?

2008-03-05T12:36:00.002-06:00

Dear Kristie,
For some reason, I cannot quite understand what you want here. Can you rephrase it or give me an example?

Assignment 201:2

1. Using the first article please list 2 ways you can decide what herb to use by knowing it’s energetic properties. List 2 more ways you can decide NOT to use an herb by knowing it’s energetic properties.

Blessings, R

Dear R,

A simple example would be if you know an herb has an energetic property of cooling you might choose it to use for a fever. If you know an herb has an energetic property of heating you would know NOT to use to for a fever or for anyone who was anxious, or for someone with a choleric (fire) personality or condition.

Hope this helps!

Blessings & Health,
Kristie

Student Question: Where is my password?

2008-03-05T12:16:00.003-06:00

Hello I know you are busy and I do n ot expect a response very quick! But wanted to ask, I did the enrollment and I have not gotten a password! I was in the student lounge trying to fingure all this out and came across this I will paste it so I do not mess it up! Off the course link. - V

Dear Vickie,

This is an easy question so I can answer quickly. It is those long or multiple questions that I need to file and save for "student office hours" on Fridays but usually short questions get an answer within an hour or two.

When you enroll in the payment plan for the course you are enrolled in each unit as your payments clear. So you are enrolled in the Iridology portion now (as per your request). When the next payment for the course is made then you will be enrolled in the next unit (you choose) and so on....

To access the links you must first be a member. You should be a member of the iridology group so you should be able to press on those links and they will take you to the Yahoogroups associated with those files. E-books, guides, charts, tests, assignments and all audio and visual are there too.

Once you link to the page Yahoogroups will ask you for your Yahoogroups password. If you do not remember it then you can contact Yahoogroups help for a "lost password" and they will assist you.

Tests are either at the end of the readings or in another file at the same location. Some units have one test and some have up to 5 assignments/tests.

I hope this helps! If not, you can write me back with more questions.

Blessings & Health,
Kristie

The Herb Channel UPDATES!

2008-02-24T22:18:00.003-06:00

Dear Students,

I have just updated The Herb Channel and hope to upload some more FREE shows soon along with more member shows. Please take a look and send your feedback!

http://www.theherbchannel.com/

Blessings & Health,

Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND