Simple. Healthy. Period.

New Program: Rebirth your inner artist

2011-09-07T08:17:00.001-05:00

I’m so excited to share this brand new program with you! My personal healing journey has been deeply connected to my creative development and it feels like the perfect time to begin sharing the tools and discoveries that have led me along the way.

Read on for more information! The program starts on October 10th.

If you’re feeling…

stuck in your own body
frustrated with irregular or absent menstrual cycles
struck with PMS, painful periods, cramps, etc. that interfere with your life
tired of being on the birth control pill or other medication
bogged down with stress and fatigue
unfulfilled with your current career
longing to make a difference in the world but not sure how
isolated from other women

….ALERT: You are not living out yourtrue creative potential.

And, you might need to give birth.

Let me clarify –

I’m talking about a kind of birththat goes beyond having a physical baby. Rebirthing your self means getting in touchwith your unique voice and creative expression to reinvent your life in a waythat gets you buzzing with joy.

Did you know that your ovaries are thecreative centers of your being? Each month they generate the potential tocreate new life. But what if you’re not ready or not interested in makingbabies? Where does this creative energy go?

Howwould you like the chance to rediscover your creative expression in a way thatis not only fun and fulfilling to you, but also supports your physical health andmakes a difference in the lives of others around you?

magical creative expressive

2011-07-08T07:07:00.007-05:00

I saw my boyfriend perform in a play last night and here’s why I’m inspired:

He was awesome. (It was my first time seeing him perform and he more than impressed me)
It reminded me why art and emotional expression are so essential for us as people, and why I’ve been so drawn to my own artistic and creative outlets lately.

Let me explain that second point a bit more:

Even just watching these 6 characters fully immerse themselves into the wide range of characters each of them played, fully being in their bodies and voices, I also had an emotional experience. It completely transformed my mood from being (pre-menstrually-induced) pissed off and seeing life through the “everything sucks” lens, into the feisty, passionate, excited-about-life woman which is much more fun to be - for me and others around me ;)

It left me sitting here with these questions:

How can we learn, on a regular basis, to channel our emotions in a healing way during all phases of our cycle?
Even if we all don’t necessarily want to be on stage, how can we use our natural human capacities of creativity and expression to effect change within ourselves and for others?

These are questions I’ve been thinking about deeply for a long time now and I’m so excited to start exploring with YOU.

How so?

Read more here about the new program I’m offering this summer.

Let’s create together.

As always, supporting your magically expressive self,
Jess

Unplugged

2011-06-15T12:52:00.005-05:00

In a client session yesterday, this image came to me of a woman with a number of electrical cords plugged into her belly. My client “Maria” was in a state of stress and feeling weighted down from her job, her clients, and all the other responsibilities pulling her in different directions. It was as if each one of these had a different plug in her and they were sucking out the life energy so that she had nothing left for herself. And she didn’t.

In times like that, there is no time for self-care or self-expression. We’re lucky if we can shove something in our mouths before running out the door in the morning. We miss out on appointments or events that really mean something to us, and instead we spend our time doing doing doing for other people. Our bodies scream out for help via mood swings, skin breakouts, cramps, cravings, or anxiety. We get stuck in a self-perpetuating cycle and it can feel hard to get out.

My recommendation to Maria was to start by writing down a list of all the different “plugs” that were tapped into her and then later do a visualization to unplug each one.

Then she could take a look at the different situations or relationships that were weighing her down the most, and assess where boundaries need to be put into place or where communication needs to happen.

But all that is not enough. To truly unplug, you must do something physical. Depending on your situation and your body, different methods might be appropriate, but here are some of my favorite practices for unplugging and releasing:

- Massage or other bodywork. I’ve been a big fan and regular client of Vital-Ki Energ y, a Korean modality of bodywork, and I go to a magic-maker named Master Jey Park down on 14^th St. She is intuitive and powerful and gets things moving!

- Kundalini yoga. I just took an AMAZING class at Hari NYC with the lovely Sarah Bernier and literally felt the negative energy and stuckness being squeezed out of me. If you’ve never experienced Kundalini before, I highly recommend it – completely different than all other forms of yoga, complete with basic yet challenging repetitive movements, singing, and meditating.

- Dancing. Take an African dance class, go to Intensati or 5Rhythms or Journey Dance, or simply blast the music in the comfort of your own home and go crazy.

When you clear out all the stuckness and other people’s “stuff” that’s lurking around in your own energy field, you become a free channel for receiving and expressing what YOU want. Not only does it feel great, but it serves the world in a much more powerful way.

So go do it!

What ways are you getting unplugged this week?

Sunday Brunch in Fort Greene!

2011-04-12T12:34:00.031-05:00

When most New Yorkers, myself included, think of Sunday brunch, we picture waiting forever for a table at a crowded restaurant and when we finally sit down we are starving so we pig out on bread, bagels, pastries, pancakes, eggs, fries all topped with free refills on coffee!

This past Sunday, I was inspired to by the vibrancy and rich colors of the first cherry blossom tree spotted in my neighborhood! I decided to bring Sunday brunch to my apartment for my boyfriend and myself. I went right to the Fort Greene farmer’s market and found myself drawn to all the purple foods! My bag quickly filled up with local pastured eggs, red and yellow onions, sweet and purple potatoes, and bacon—duck and pork.

I put it all together with some other stuff I had in my apartment and this was our Sunday brunch menu:

· Egg scramble with asparagus and red onion and with a dab of local goat cheese
· Roasted potatoes with thyme and duck bacon
· Side of pork bacon (totally for my boyfriend’s benefit!)

It was such a delicious meal and we felt amazing after! We decided our new Sunday brunch tradition will be in our kitchen!! So let me know if you are in the area and want to come by next weekend : )

Spring Cleanse in Progress...

2011-03-29T14:57:00.005-05:00

Well, it’s already Day 3 of my Spring Cleanse and I’m finally making the time to write down a few words…

What I’m learning and reminded of:

- Slowing down is easier said than done. But when you do slow down, the world doesn’t fall apart.

- I really do save money when I take the time cook and prepare my food. (Splitting grocery costs with Stacey cost us each $37 which is lasting us at least into tomorrow… 3 meals/day x 2 people x 4 days = about $3 per meal)

- I love this tea

- Springtime (and other time) chaos will always be there, but I can choose how I filter it and how I respond. (Fun new practice: I’ve been envisioning wearing a bullet-proof vest, and every email, voicemail, item on my to-do list is a bullet. Rather than letting them penetrate and create that familiar sense of overwhelm, I’m letting them bounce off me and fall into buckets that I can pick up and handle when I’m ready.)

- Self-care is contagious. The more I do it, the more other people in my life seem to be stepping up their game too. Which makes it more fun.

Who else is cleansing? Please share your experiences!

jess

p.s. if you're new to cleansing or interested in learning more, read more here or feel free to email me if you have any questions!

The Springtime Sanity List

2011-03-26T11:05:00.015-05:00

The spring transition is feeling a bit chaotic to me. Since the full moon last Saturday and the equinox on Sunday I’ve gotten the energetic kick in the butt to get moving and make things happen. So much is going on at once. So many ideas and bigger visions are brewing (part of the spring energy and wood element), yet so much is still unknown. It’s like the sprout that’s pushing against the last layer of soil, about to make its debut into the sunlight. (cheesy analogy, I know, but you get the point ;)

So for this week I’d like to reiterate for myself and share with you the short list of things that are keeping me sane amidst the chaos – just in case you’re feelin’ a bit crazy too.

Here we go.

Some things that keep me sane:

Dancing. I find this particularly helpful on the nights where I have trouble sleeping and my mind is running like crazy. Getting in my body and releasing all the pent up energy helps. (So does singing and writing, if dancing isn’t quite your thing)
Completion. This is a new practice we’ve been using at the center, and also something I’m implementing into my personal life. Something that I sometimes (usually) overlook, completion requires an extra few minutes at the end of a task or a project or even a social meeting, to let everything soak in, review what happened, shower some gratitude on the situation, and maybe even take notes – mental or pen-to-paper. It’s not rocket-science at all, but until I started practicing it, I didn’t realize how much I was just barreling through my days, rushing from one thing to the next.

Let me interrupt this list briefly to highlight one important point:

If you struggle with this completion/slowing down piece, I highly recommend starting to put it into practice when you get your period. Getting mine this week was what forced me to slow down and come to this realization. That time of the month is always the time to rest and assess everything from the past month. Your brain chemistry and body are in alignment with that kind of energy!

To continue on with the list…

Cooking more and being prepared with food. Nothing makes me crazier than reaching the point of blood sugar low without having my next meal handy. Even on the weeks when I don’t make the time to cook in advance, I’ll order extra brown rice and veggies from the Thai place so that I’ll have something for lunch the next day. I’ll keep apples, nuts, bars in my bag just in case of emergency.

Although it’s technically spring and a time for starting new things, before we can fully launch into the newness, we need to

- tie up loose ends,

- honor the gifts of the long winter,

- get clear on our long term visions and goals,

- and create a rhythm and routine we feel good about.

In other words, we need to stop and slow down before taking action.

So I’m taking my own advice and all of us here at LSW are dedicating this coming week to doing our Spring Cleanse. I’ll be blogging and sharing about the experience the whole way through. So stay tuned for more. And if you’re inspired, jump on it and join us!

Your partner in creating a sane and healthy spring,

jessica

connecting punches and possibility

2011-03-13T17:26:00.006-05:00

Do you ever sit in yoga class and feel the urge to punch something?

Read on if you do...

I went to a "Yoga Fight Club" class last Friday at Om Factory and while I expected it to be some version of integrating peaceful kicks and air punches into my Warrior One, it turned out to be much more literal: First, we did some yoga to warm up and get centered. Then, we strapped on the boxing gloves and learned basic punches and kicks which we continued, interspersed with different kinds of cardio activities, culminating with partnered up full-on punching and kicking sessions.

The instructor Andrea was the perfect combo of zen and don't-mess-with-me energy. She demonstrated roundhouse kicks with the grace of dancer and the fierceness of a fighter, and she described the similarities between yoga and martial arts - how both are all about managing your energy and directing it.

I really connected to the class and got so much satisfaction from connecting my one-two punch to the target! Looking back, I realized how it really was the perfect physical outlet for where I was in my cycle: the beloved luteal phase, or premenstrual phase as it's more commonly referred to. If you're not familiar with it, let me remind you that this is the time when:

you can get pissed off easily (oh no you di'nt),
when patience runs low (would i get arrested if i bulldozed my shopping cart to the front of the line?),
emotional sensitivity runs high (was I really just crying during that dog food commercial?),
and the need to shove things down can arise (ice cream and brownies, please)

....especially if you're not doing what's necessary to get all these pent up feelings out of you.

If you're like me, you feel it also in your belly. Sometimes bloating or cramps, or just a general stuck feeling. It can be hard to decipher what it means, what my body wants. Hearty nourishment in the food department, that's for sure, but there's much more to it. There's something that has to come out. Energy. Emotions. The build up that's been accumulating throughout the past cycle.

On top of that, it's also the time of year - the transition into Spring - where our livers are getting ready to release all the pent up toxins (physical and emotional) that have been stored up over the winter. It can feel tumultuous and intense.

How to get it out?

2 parts:
1. Spring Cleanse your body. Nothing drastic. Try a gentle food-based cleanse like the one we offer at LSW. It will do wonders for your liver, your complexion, and your period, and it will ground in the changes you wish to see happen in your life this year.

2. Release your emotions. Regularly. As much as possible. Try out a class like the one I mentioned. On your own, try yelling or punching or kicking or dancing or maybe writing some angry letters out first to get things to the surface. Whatever you do, feel it deeply from your center. Breathe into it, gather the energy and direct it outwards.

When you get the emotions out of your system, it's amazing what opens up. In my experience this weekend, it was a sense of freedom and clear space where new possibilities and new adventures popped up, seemingly out of nowhere.

What's your favorite outlet for emotional expression and cleansing?
Please share with me in the comment box!

xo
jessica

P.S. if anyone is looking to go deeper in this cleansing process this spring, there are still spots open in the Spring Awakening Program in addition to some awesome detoxing classes at the center

This could be a disaster...

2011-03-04T08:16:00.004-05:00

Or maybe just weird.

I woke up early this morning, hungry and inspired to cook. Peered into my fridge to find a tupperware full of cooked leftover broccoli (bleh) and a few random veggies, 1/2 container of hummus, my usual condiments (hot sauce and roasted hazelnut oil are at the top of my list these days, not in that order and not mixed together), and some of Pamela's gluten-free pancake mix. Aha!

I decided to make a broccoli pie/quiche/thing. For anyone who might be interested, here's what I mixed together:
- 1 and 1/4 cup pancake mix
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup (or more) water
- 1/4 cup applesauce (because I also had that in the fridge)
followed by:
- 1 leek, sauteed (because that was also in the fridge and i heart leeks)
- 1 cup (about) cooked broccoli (or whatever leftover veggies you have)

It's baking in the oven as I sit here writing, listening to the Lady Gaga radio station on Pandora.
It smells pretty good, but I might opt to have a different breakfast in the meantime...

Any suggestions?

Make a choice

2011-03-02T23:46:00.005-05:00

I had a flashback.

After the forced relaxation and cleansing high I experienced last week, this week felt like a bombardment of "stuff:" family matters to attend to, friends in crisis, busy energy at the office, new clients starting, trying to fit social time into the equation. Lots of action. Not a lot of rest.

Thoughts of chai lattes and chocolate treats began to dance in my head...

I was back in that old, familiar energy pattern of overwhelm and "not enough time" and my first reaction was to reach for the sweet stuff. It was both the physical aspect of my body trying to deal with my blood sugar ups and downs induced by all the stress, and also the emotional aspect of just wanting a treat to feel good, to be a little bad.

I was reminded how being in that on-the-go energy zone is conducive to eating too fast and spending too much money on takeout lunches that don't feel satisfying or weird vegan/gluten-free/"healthy" sweet things that aren't satisfying either.

I was also reminded how life can't always be in perfect balance and that's ok.

Read more »

A note from bed

2011-02-22T13:39:00.004-05:00

I sit here writing you from my bed, where I've been for the past 3 days with a pretty severe stomach flu. (Well, to be more specific I've been in and out of bed, spending at least half the time on the toilet. Oof.)

It's about 12:30pm on a Tuesday and I just had an amazing call with a former client who is so excited to start working together again in the Spring Awakening Program. It was a juicy, inspiring call that took me out of this bed-ridden reality for a few moments.

And here's why I'm sharing all this:

It's amazing how when your body is sick, it forces you to prioritize what really matters in your life.

I've been doing the bare bare minimum for 3 days now and have managed to sign up more clients (help more people) than I have in the past month combined.

There were many weeks when I spent more time at the office, more time checking email, more time writing email... and while it gave me the illusion of feeling busy and productive, the truth was that I wasn't really accomplishing much.

What shifted me into this new discovery?

3 things.

New Program: The Spring Awakening Special

2011-02-18T17:58:00.002-05:00

For Graduates and Newbies

**After successfully launching and filling up the first round of this new program

to our graduate community,

I'm excited to open up registration to the public for a second round to start on March 21st!**

Here is what I'm actively working on right now -

let me know if it resonates for you too:

cleansing for focus and clarity of mind and for freedom and openness in body
tapping into intuition
breaking old patterns of self-sabotage
discovering deeper healing in the menstrual cycle
turning pain and suffering into art or self-expression
blossoming into deeper sexual self-expression

If any or all of that is something that you too would like to explore,

then keep reading!

I've created the "Spring Awakening Special" program

as an opportunity to go deeper with you in all these areas.

Because you're all unique and at different stages in your life and healing journey,

this will be a highly individualized experience that we'll get to create together.

(Of course, the structure and guidance system is created by me, but the juice of the program, what we cover, what you get, will be tailored specifically to YOU.)

Here's what's on the menu of possibility:

Refresh your mind and body with new insights and practices for your diet
Live in tune with your menstrual cycle and go deeper with your Cyclical Self-Care practices (or discover what that is in the first place!)
Lose weight or feel better in your body
Boost your immunity, heal any pesky symptoms with your skin, digestion, or period
Start a physically active practice tailored to your needs and schedule
Open creative channels and start using them
Access your intuition
Learn how to be lighter with yourself and have more fun, joy, and pleasure in your life

Jessica was amazing in keeping me with the process, not letting me be in my head, but actually DO things. With my body, with my emotions. She definiltey 'outsmarted' me on this subject and that was exactly what I needed.

- Annemarie J.

Jessica was amazing. She was great at getting me to make mind/body/spirit connections to understand my health more holistically. She was easy to be open with, really funny, and warm. I felt very connected to her, which really helped my own growth

- Jennifer D.

The Springtime Special includes:
- 3 private 60-minute sessions
- 7-day cleanse program in April
- 1 group session
- online community support throughout
- supplemental handouts and worksheets
- option to continue sessions at a discounted rate after program is over

Jessica was exactly what I needed. With her sweet and joyful way of dealing with my issues, she was able to address every worry that I had in a really kind and assertive way.

- Melissa S.

There are 5 spots open for this program, which starts March 21st.

Registration closes March 14th, so sign up to save your spot now!

Want to confirm that it's the right fit for you?

Click Here to view my availabilities and schedule in a free 30-minute call.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Jessica

Self-Love Tools

2011-02-15T16:54:00.001-05:00

What feelings got stirred up for you this Valentine’s Day?

We hear about self-love all the time, but what are the practical ways you can use it and have it transform your health and your life?

We’ve put together a list of our favorites and highly recommend you putting at least one into practice this week and see how it changes your world!

Top 4 Self-Love Tools

- Pack your own lunch. Nourishing oneself with food is the ultimate act of self-love. If you don’t have time to cook and pack lunch, at least have healthy, blood-sugar-balancing snacks in your bag, like Lara Bars, trail mix, an apple, or Mary’s Gone Crackers. Getting caught in a low blood sugar moment without proper sustenance will leave you feeling angry, anxious, and too hungry, which will lead to impulsive food decisions (usually involving sugar, caffeine, or bready things) and cycle you into that beating-yourself-up-mode that is so contrary to self-love.

- Rub, soak, moisturize, decorate your body. From self-massage to salt scrubs to writing positive messages on your belly, there are so many ways to give your body direct, physical messages of love and appreciation. Check out this article if you feel challenged in the body image department.

- Surround yourself with loving scents, sounds, and souls. Important questions to consider: Did you take a moment to spray some essential oils or perfume on yourself? Did you play your favorite tunes in the morning while getting dressed and ready for the day? And who are the people you’re spending most of your time with? Are they supporting and inspiring you with good energy or are they dragging you down? Adjust where necessary.

- Get support! Self-lovin’ can be challenging, but luckily there are so many amazing women out there who have dedicated their lives to supporting women just like you in making it possible, thereby making your dreams possible. Join in on the amazing speakers and workshops happening at the WISH Summit if you’re looking for support, community and inspiration.

What ways do YOU love yourself?

Please share your thoughts with us in the comment box below!

What Women Want

2009-02-06T12:19:00.002-05:00

We are so excited to see more and more research that focuses on women, especially when it hits on female desire and sexuality. A recent article in the New York Times discusses the question that Freud made famous, "What Do Women Want?" and puts some really valuable points out in the open.

While there is so much to be taken from this article, we'll mention one study of particular relevance. Meredith Chivers, scientist and psychology professor, conducted a study where she showed groups of men and women different clips of video: both hetero- and homosexual sex, self pleasuring acts, nude men and women, and even bonobo monkeys having sex. Their state of arousal was measured objectively, through a plethysmograph (a device that measures gential blood flow to determine one's state of arousal), and subjectively through a rating system that allowed the subjects to rate how aroused they felt after each clip.

The results? In both hetero- and homosexual male subjects, the responses on the rating system were in agreement with what the device showed their physical state of arousal to be. With the women, it was a different story. Women of all sexual orientations showed arousal during ALL of the clips, but what they reported on the rating system was much different. In most cases, they reported much less arousal than what their physical signs were showing. As author Daniel Bergner put it, "...with the women, especially the straight women, mind and genitals seemed scarcely to belong to the same person."

What does this mean to us? It highlights the fact that female desire is not predicated on pure physical arousal alone. Rather, it's the connection between the physical, emotional, and psychological parts that come together to really turn a woman on. It's something we at Laughing Sage have been working on with women for years: teaching them how to forge the connection between mind, heart, and body in the sexual arena and in all areas of their lives.

So what is the one thing preventing you from having better love and sex?? Mind-body disconnect. So for all of you ladies out there who want to spice up your sex lives or rediscover a long lost libido, we have some advice. Stop asking "what is wrong with me?" and start tuning into the signals your body gives you, explore what turns you on, and get to the core of your fullest desires.

If you are feeling stuck in this area and want to learn how you can make immediate improvements to your relationships, sex life, and emotional well-being, don't miss our FREE TELECLASS next Tuesday February 10th at 7:30pm. Be prepared to get everything you've ever wanted!

Click here to register!

Kathryn Hefter

2009-01-21T11:09:00.003-05:00

At the start of LSW I was not sure what I was looking for. I knew I had painful periods, a hectic lifestyle, irregular eating and was looking for a bit of clarity and coaching for those areas of my life. I knew if I had some lifestyle coaching I could possible see some dramatic changes in my life. I already owned a successful Pilates studio in Fairfield County, have a wonderful husband of 1 1/2 years and am in great shape...I truly thought I had everything under control. I later found that this control was what was causing all the problems!

Soon after starting my LSW program, I discovered that my lack of self-care was making me a resentful, dehydrated, undernourished woman. Following their simple recommendations, within 6 sessions at LSW I had developed a much better relationship with my body and my husband because I was honoring myself. It was wonderful! When I actually slowed down and looked at where my life was going I realized that I wanted a baby. This was NOT what I had expected to find out about myself through this program, BUT, of course all the time honored for myself and my husband....we were pregnant within a month! So here I am now 3 months pregnant, not at all where my mind told me I would be before starting the program.

What I have taken from this program ( and I'm not done yet!) is to honor my cycle, my own rhythm, and listen to my heart instead of my head. My head would have given me all the reasons not to get pregnant and if I hadn't started listening to my body and my heart, I know that I would not be pregnant now. I did not know how to access the tools reach this choice before Laughing Sage and I am so grateful for this program. This baby is on it's way because I made space for it. There was no room with my hectic, controlling lifestyle 6 months ago. ! I know that I will be a successful mother, wife and business owner because I have been shown how to use the tools that I already had. I feel like I am in the flow of my life now.

In tough times, keep the focus on YOU

2009-01-20T00:19:00.001-05:00

There's so much going on in the world right now - the economic downturn, the presidential transition, the environment - and all of it certainly deserves our attention - but these issues should not STEAL you away from your first priority, which is a commitment to your own well-being. It's so easy to get caught up in the sensationalism of the news and the stress that it brings - but it is up to you to decide how much of it will occupy your thoughts on a day to day basis. Certainly give it some thought - it's healthy, it allows you to adjust to the world around you on a personal level - but don't abandon your self-care during these moments of greater stress. Doing this only leads to more struggle. With time, the economy will correct itself, the new president will take over, more businesses will go green, and where will the state of your health be when the pendulum swings? Will you be entering better times with good health or find yourself with a health crisis to attend to? The behavior and habits you cultivate now will dictate your future reality.

We at Laughing Sage not only are here to help support you in your desire to keep doing good things for your health, but we also appreciate that you harbor a belief that has you pull back on investing financially in yourself when things get crazy out there in the big, big world. SO, in honor of you and your health future, we have not only created 3 amazing new shorter sweeter programs, but we also sweetened the pricing so you can still enjoy taking care of yourself while the world is going through it's more stressful cycle. From Cooking Classes for the kitchen goddess in you, to virtual group programs on how to have a better relationship and better sex life, to bringing back an old favorite - the life changing Metamorphosis group teleclass - there is something for everyone's need and budget.

Listen, stress happens, layoffs happen, budgets tighten, the world rethinks how it's doing things, and we all have to adjust - just remember that this too shall pass and how you treat yourself along the wilder ride is absolutely up to you. We hope we see you in our newer programs!!

Supporting your best future health,
alisa

Long Live Soup

2008-12-21T22:31:00.003-05:00

Over the weekend I saw the movie The Tale of Despereaux, an animated film about a tiny but courageous big-eared mouse who ends up saving a princess and bringing a whole kingdom back to life. Aside from basking in its heartwarming triumph (cue the violins), what I found so fascinating was how passionate this kingdom was about soup. Yes, soup. Every year the royal chef would prepare a new specialty soup and the people in the town would celebrate by parading around wearing vegetables hats and carrying banners that read, “LONG LIVE SOUP.” But after an unfortunate accident one year, the king banned soup from the kingdom forever and nature responded by stealing the sunshine away, leaving permanent gloomy clouds with no rain. The people of the kingdom became sad and lifeless, and the princess stayed locked up in her tower, longing for happier days. And do you know what made things shift? When the chef finally decided he had enough and started making soup anyway. The aroma from his kitchen infused the whole kingdom and brought the life back to its people. The hovering clouds finally broke into raindrops and later parted to let in the sunlight. The “LONG LIVE SOUP” banner was brought out once again and the whole town rejoiced. The reason why I share this here is to point out the fact that such a simple, traditional act of making soup could be so revolutionary, so subversive, and so lifesaving. Call me a romantic, but it makes me want to start chopping veggies now!

As we here at Laughing Sage and all of our clients can attest to, without support, reinforcement and encouragement from others, it’s hard to keep making soup in a land of take out menus and restaurants at every corner. Without the inspiration of new ways to combine food, different veggies to try, or new condiments to revive, its easy to get bored and give up. So that’s why I’m so thrilled to be putting together the first official Laughing Sage Cookbook and also teaching cooking classes at our center in 2009. (email me for more details, or to sign up - jessica@laughingsagewellness.com)

In a culture where everything is telling us to look outside of ourselves for answers – from the doctor’s magic pills to Cosmo’s guide to good sex – it really is a bold and courageous act to be in your kitchen with the roots, sprouts and bounties of our earth and to create a pot of self-nourishment with your own two hands. I believe that soup really can change the world. But don’t take my word for it – get in the kitchen and see for yourself.

Check out the articles and recipes in this week's newsletter for some great ways to stay centered and nourished over the holidays!

Turning You On to Yourself

2008-11-17T14:00:00.004-05:00

So there you are, on a date, in a romantic situation, physical even, and your libido is lagging! You're not 'feeling it', you're in your head, you're distracted, and you're frustrated by the whole experience because you want to be enjoying yourself but you're stuck - like a cd skipping. This is not a recipe for romance for sure! How many of us want to be having better sex lives and have access to more of our libido but we feel as if all the things we're doing get in the way? We're working hard, we're taking care of the people we love physically and emotionally, we bear the stress of others, we let everything in and at the end of all this "doing" there's no room for the experience of our own selves left! This is why by the time we get to romance and sexuality, it's not what we want it to be. This is why low libido is such a big issue for women.

So there I was recently, about to have dinner with someone special, but I had just gotten into a tremendously stressful conversation with someone the day before. Try as I had, to move it out of my body, to exercise, to vent to friends - the residue of the stress was still all over me. So, as much as I wanted to get connected to my date, there was too much distance. By trying not to bring this up, I was denying myself my own experience! In order to move into being reconnected to my body, so I could get back into pleasure, I had to embrace this experience without judgment, just like I would embrace any thing else that was positive. So I decided to let myself all in while he was there to witness. I let this experience of sharing about the stressful encounter pass through me, like the weather, with him as a witness and then what do you know, the next experience began to pass through me, and before long, I was out of my head, back in my body, and enjoying a very flirtatious dinner conversation!

This is the power of the practice of experiencing yourself. Experiencing yourself means you let all of you 'come to dinner' consciously, you stop trying to "do" things and you start "being" fully yourself. It's a more open, emotionally intimate, and beautifully vulnerable way to be - it is inherently sensual and pleasurable. This way, by the time you're getting to the part where you could be physical, you will not find yourself disconnected, tense, and closed off - but you will find yourself instead, really able to pay attention to the subtle nuances of sensation, the experience of whichever moment you're in, and that will absolutely turn you on and allow you to nurture and strengthen your libido without judgment and with a desire to explore more of your own experience. It is of course very much in line with LSW's definition of womanhood too;)

Read more about how to support your libido in my featured article in the Huffington Post.

in light,
Alisa

KC Baker

2008-11-08T13:39:00.000-05:00

When I turned 25, my health suddenly started going down the tubes. I was chronically stressed out. I lived all the time in an ever-fluctuating world of emotional turbulence. My skin was very broken out in acne. And my periods were terrible.

Eventually, a dear friend suggested that I contact Alisa to see if she could help. At the time, the six-month program felt like a lot of money to me, but I realized that being successful in my life was dependent upon my health, so I made the investment to work with Alisa privately for those six months.

Something amazing happened during that time. She helped me transform my relationship to my body. I began to really talk to my body.
Food became a source of nourishment and joy, instead of angst. My skin's health improved. And I began to really see where I was letting boundaries get crossed all the time in my life in various relationships. Alisa guided me in developing a very healthy and beautiful relationship with my anger, and I am now excellent at speaking my truth in the moment when a boundary has been crossed.

I now know that unless I get outside and lie down in the grass or walk under the moon during the days before my period, I will have an unpleasant period. So, having quality communion with nature during that time before my period has become a tradition every month in my life, and my relationship to my womanhood and nature has deepened significantly.

Alisa taught me how to more fully nurture myself, and it impacts every area of my life. My life is richer, healthier and more beautiful because of it, and I feel profound gratitude. My hope is that every woman has access to the incredibly valuable wisdom and guidance of Laughing Sage Wellness.

Support Your Vagina!

2008-10-09T11:30:00.002-05:00

There is so much I want to share with you ladies. LSW is undergoing major changes and it's amazing to witness it all. We've moved as most of you know into our fabulous feminine center in midtown Manhattan, and we are preparing to offer women all over the country more bite size portions of our work. More media opportunities are coming my way as well, and it's thrilling to visualize sharing with more women from a larger platform. We will be able to support more women, more quickly, than ever before and I'm so excited to be able to create this!

All this being said, after reading the article below about the medieval torture a woman endured who simply wanted a normal GYN exam, I feel even more strongly that LSW's mission to advocate for and destroy myths about women's health care is needed now more than ever.

We all have these stories although perhaps not as extreme. I can remember a few years back that I was kept waiting for a 2pm doctor's appointment until 5:30pm. I hadn't brought anything in case my blood sugar dipped and it did, of course. By the time I sat down in front of the doctor, who was a woman, I was so furious and so hypoglycemic, that I expressed my anger and frustration through some moderate tears. Her only reaction to this was to ask if I was suffering from depression and if I'd like to be prescribed prozac!!! You can only imagine what an earful I gave her. I doubt she'd ever utter a sentence of that persuasion again this lifetime ;)

You see, women, there is so much that is unacceptable that occurs to women in the medical environment. We need to learn how to become our own best self-health experts and health care advocates. It's my privilege to help our clients develop this for themselves. It starts with the simplest, daily, mundane activities that create an accumulation of self care that changes our future.

One of the simplest ways you can start right now building this new healthy powerful future for yourself is to become a charter member of our new VIP newsletter.
Imagine what having the right information does for you when you do your banking... In the same way, you can't afford not to have the right information when it comes to really taking care of your health when the GYN route fails.

If nothing else, you'll be supporting the work that we do and keeping us moving forward in our mission to change health care for women nationwide. There's a link below that makes it all as simple as a click of a button; I really hope you do so.

We can't do it without you.

With love and gratitude for your support,
Alisa

"Don't abandon yourself on the way to your dreams, keep space in your life to nurture yourself daily."
~The Laughing Sage

Hospital Hysteria

2008-10-09T11:24:00.002-05:00

We found it shocking but not surprising that this New York woman, Keiko DesJardins, was forcefully admitted to the psych ward of a Brooklyn hospital when really all she wanted was a routine GYN exam. Is the medical world still so uncomfortable with feminine expression and emotion that female hysteria is reemerging as a disease?

What’s your take on the incident? Click here to get the full story and then post your thoughts!

Alexandra

2008-10-08T08:42:00.002-05:00

I was diagnosed with PCOS three and a half years ago. The diagnosis was good news for me, since it explained all the frustrating symptoms that I had been experiencing for years! I had horrible cystic acne that kept getting worse no matter what I did. I couldn’t seem to lose the 5-10 lbs of weight after my last pregnancy. My periods were always irregular and I had strong pelvic pain in my left abdomen. I felt trapped because every book I read said that there was no cure for PCOS and that other than taking strong medications certain symptoms would not be relieved. I was never a fan of drugs and decided to research on my own to overcome PCOS. I didn't find an answer until I stumbled upon LSW.

Throughout my 3 month program I surprised myself by not only meeting all the goals that I wanted to achieve, but also accomplishing things I never expected. My skin cleared up, my ovarian pain diminished, I lost the rest of my baby weight, and most importantly I found an amazing sense of peace in my life overall - peace with body image, having another child, my work.

Emotionally, my lines of communication and boundaries in relationships are clearer and healthier. My sexual relationship with husband has blossomed. I feel more productive in my life - even in everyday chores. Life is more fun! I am completely letting go and couldn't feel more free and light about doing so!

LSW's approach is different than anything I have ever tried and so effective at achieving results.

Loving Yourself into a New Season

2008-09-22T12:13:00.001-05:00

Ladies, how have you all been? I trust that the end of your summer was absolutely delightful! I have been traveling for the last month, working on the first LSW book and spending time recharging my batteries at the beach in cape cod with people I care about and with friends on the west coast. I of course couldn't pass up an opportunity to attend a fabulous conference in LA as well - so it has been a whirlwind of a month for sure and I'm SO excited to be back home in NYC in our beautiful new center. It is truly a sanctuary for the feminine as we have always envisioned!

As we continue evolving and integrating the conversation and the concept of the feminine in our selves and our lives - it begs one question of course - which is WHAT IS THE POINT?
Surely, there's a part of you that feels as if you've been doing just fine on your own by overly relying on your masculine energy. Doing, doing, doing (and avoiding) seems to go well on the surface. Things break down in your body, reproductive health issues arise. We at LSW have pointed this out to you for a while now, so I won't be redundant here.
Ladies, friends, sisters - there is only one thing that will make this transition worth your effort. I know this and you know this. It is, of course, LOVE.

Are you in love with your life? Are you actively loving yourself daily? Do you have emotional intimacy with whomever you choose? Do you feel the gentle current of the universe pulling you in the direction of your future with the most delicious serendipitous encounters? Do you do only what matters to you and let people and situations go with grace that do not serve your highest good?
Are you freed up internally from old restrictive programming such that you consciously create an ever expanding future?

Ladies, friends, sisters - this is what developing a relationship with your feminine energy creates. It's big, it's majestic, and it's love-filled! I can only speak from personal experience of course, so I'll share that in the years that I have been consciously living this balance between my masculine and feminine energies - not only has my reproductive health been fantastic, but my life has become more abundant, more serendipitous, more expansive. I have deep connections with those I spend time with and I am unabashedly myself all of the time. I love openly without concern for what I might "get" out of it and more for the extreme pleasure it brings me to feel my feelings. I am gentler with myself , honest about what I want and need, and grateful for my self care practices.

It isn't complicated to get here, but it does require a rewiring of a few things inside of you. I hope to see you at the upcoming Spa Day workshop on the Principles of Feminine Energy, so we can continue this conversation. There are only a few spots left, so be sure to get in touch with us today!

What's Wrong with Being Sad?

2008-09-06T15:15:00.002-05:00

From Wal-Mart’s falling prices logo to smiling celebrities touting the latest new product, there exists a media-generated and societal-influenced fear of unhappiness. Society is built around the notion that everyone, especially women, should be happy. The world shouts at you from every angle, “if you aren’t happy, something must be wrong with you!” followed by a list of “remedies,” which typically involve spending money and popping a pill.

There is a long legacy of eviscerating a woman’s reaction to life through medication. From “mother’s little helper” to the benzos of today, women are being sedated by a drug culture. Certainly these mood-altering drugs do have their place. For those with major mood imbalances, they can be lifesavers. However, today’s average woman is being overprescribed to. To fully understand the medication trend, let’s take a look at a few key drugs on the timeline.

1956- Miltown, the first “psychiatric wonder drug” became an overnight phenomenon, selling out in nearly every drugstore. Psychiatrists and drug companies underestimated Miltown, thinking that people would go for talk therapy instead. This drug was marketed to women struggling with the rigors of motherhood.

1963- Valium, in the Guiness Book of World Records for the most prescribed drug of all time, was touted as “Mother’s little helper,” and even got its own theme song by The Rolling Stones. Still a popular drug today, many people take Valium continuously for years, though Valium only provides anxiety relief for around four months.

1970- Lithium, a drug that had been used to treat a variety of illnesses unsuccessfully since its discovery in 1817, was approved by the FDA for mania. It has since been used to treat a variety of mood and psychiatric disorders, including premenstrual depression. No one knew why or how lithium worked until 1998.

1987 and 1991- Prozac and Zoloft, the first “safe” antidepressants, were introduced and mass marketed to consumers. Zoloft was approved to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder in 2003. Later that year, Pfizer, the company producing the drug, launched its “Zoloft for Everything” campaign, along with a questionnaire on lack of motivation for typical household chores and women hanging their heads. (and just so we’re all aware of how far this brand name has come, my computer officially recognizes “Zoloft” as a properly spelled word…and even capitalizes it automatically)

2008- what new drug is on its way to our mouths?

You work, you think…you are a participant of life! Stress, anger, frustration, and yes, even unhappiness, are natural byproducts of living. Why dissolve a vibrant, natural part of yourself? There is such a negativity that has been built around emotional expression, whether it’s laughter, sadness, fear, or any other ‘feeling’. “Don’t laugh too loud- people are staring.” “Lower your voice! People will hear you.” “Don’t cry- you’ll make yourself sick.” Isn’t it time to be free of your fear and shame of feeling? Of course!

To do so, you must learn to be your authentic self, which means ENJOYING and EXPLORING your unique emotional palette! Don’t let opinions of yourself weigh you down, whether they’re coming from your own self, others, or mega-society. Use your strength as a woman to break through opinions and stereotypes and express yourself freely. Let out your laughter, your screams, and your tears. These responses are gifts, not burdens.

You must also learn HOW you best express yourself. Are you a writer? A pianist? A painter? A chiseled athlete? Feelings don’t have to be confined to expression through spoken words or audible exclamations. Feelings can be expressed through music, a basketball game, dancing, screaming into a pillow, or doing one’s nails. The possibilities are endless!

This week, explore your emotions. When it comes, be with it. Work with it. Play with it. Happy, sad, surprised, agitated…express yourself in a creative way until the feeling wanes. Then let it go, and be willing to accept the next wave of emotions to swim with.

Practicing Feeling

2008-09-06T15:13:00.001-05:00

Do you automatically default to the “fine” response when someone asks “how are you?”
How often do you take the time to check in with how you really are?

Aside from the problem we may have with expressing our feelings, many of us don’t even give ourselves the chance to feel our feelings, instantly squashing them through the use of food, alcohol, or other substances and behaviors before they even get near the surface.

Our emotions create physical sensations in our bodies, powerful messages that gage the situations and people around us like an internal thermostat. When we are engaged with these messages, we have access to a new mode of making decisions and relating to others that is literally life-changing.

Take a minute after reading this to sit back, close your eyes, and breath. Place one hand on your heart and one hand on your belly and see what comes up for you. What kind of sensations do you experience and where do they show up in your body? Not feeling anything? Be patient, listen, observe. If you are out of practice, it will be like learning a new language. Once you are able to feel something, keep breathing and be with it. The feeling may shed light on a certain situation that's been hanging over you, it may inspire you to call a friend and share something, it may just simply make you want to cry, smile, or hug someone. Whatever it is, find a way to let it speak through you and then thank your body for communicating.

Use this technique at any time of day when you get stuck in the whirlwind of your mind’s anxious thoughts or when you feel plagued with indecision, boredom, or confusion. Before you run to the fridge, before you reach for the pills, before “fine” has a chance to roll off your tongue, drop into your body and listen. Then choose how you want to act.

Cranky and Cramped No More!

2008-08-05T18:25:00.001-05:00

You're working hard, juggling a hectic schedule, trying to fit in a night out, and your period is on it's way. Only for you, instead of a normal, free-flowing, celebrated rite of womanhood, your period means life as you know it becomes even more difficult---the physical pain affects everything you do.

Does this sound like you or someone you know? You are not alone and your cramps aren't 'all in your head'---as some people may like you to believe! In fact, the scientific name for "menstrual cramps" is dysmenorrhea (ironic how similar it sounds to a certain bowel disorder). Today, more than 60% of women in the U.S. suffer from severe cramping.

When you get cramps, your uterus is having a spasm. It's upset! It's frustrated! It's throwing a temper-tantrum! Ahh, why is this happening?!

Two possible causes: One, high levels of a hormone---(for you science nerds, PGF2 alpha)---are hanging out in your menstrual blood. When your body sheds its lining and the hormone is released --BAM!-- uterus spasm. Two, you have a secondary disease in your pelvis, such as endometriosis.

Back in the day (think 1800s and prior), women rarely suffered from cramping. Today, cramping is the most common gynecological complaint! Dr. Christine Northrup, in her book Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom, cites that the majority of women in the U.S. suffer from menstrual cramps--- and don't have to!

Cramps are a sign that your body is out of balance. Today's modern, busy woman has somehow gotten out of touch with her body--or asks it to work beyond its limit. So what can you do to get your body back on track? Read the suggestions below!

1. EAT WELL: Eat a high-nutrient diet! (nothing new at Laughing Sage) This includes plenty of good oils (NOT transfats!), such as flaxseed oil and fish oil. See one of our blogs on the subject here.

2. REDUCE STRESS: Cramps are exacerbated through stress. Less stress, less cramps (and other terrible health ailments as well!). Even if you are one of the few who doesn't suffer from cramps, you can reap lifelong benefits from reducing stress in your life. Discover a lighter, happier, more relaxed YOU! Imagine waking up energized and pain-free, moving through your day productive and relaxed, coming home and stretching out on your bed, slipping into a satisfying sleep. Shed years of stress by registering for a stress-reducing breathing or meditation course in your area.

3. TRY ACUPUNCTURE: Many women feel that just a handful of treatments calms their uterus.

4. EXERCISE: Studies have shown that women who exercise regularly can reduce or even PREVENT cramping!

5. TAKE YOUR VITAMINS: Vitamins B3 (niacin), B6, and E may help to reduce cramping when taken daily throughout your cycle.

Click here for more information on dysmenorrhea.

Perfectly Painful Period

2008-08-05T14:10:00.002-05:00

So I had my period last week, and what is normally a lovely experience for me - pain free, gorgeous menstruation - was absolutely not the case! I woke up intermittently early Saturday morning to sit on my toilet and literally give birth to blood clots and breathe deeply through the pretty intense cramping accompanying those few hours. I found the whole thing, of course, absolutely fascinating and took the opportunity to really check in and ask my body what it obviously needed to tell me. Agreed, it would have been better to avoid this altogether, but it's never too late to map a helpful course correction for the body, and sometimes a good lesson comes only after we find ourselves off track.

What, you ask, happened that would have caused this aberration for the founder and CEO of a company dedicated to healing periods and vaginas everywhere? Well, ladies, let me tell you! ;) This has been an intense summer of transformation and growth for me. I ended a long, long-term relationship, moved my company into a brand-new, fabulous center, continued managing my fully booked client schedule, began hiring and training new counselors, and found myself having to stretch in leadership of my growing company - whew! On top of that list, I’m traveling, seeing friends, hosting parties, and getting to the beach.

If you were MY LSW counselor, wouldn't you say something like: "Darling Alisa, you must realize that as you process so much change, you need to be extra nurturing to your adrenal glands!"? Yes, yes you would!

So this month, in response to my July menstrual message, I am sleeping more, working less, toning down social activities, and going on vacation even though my mind continues to tell me I should be working. I, of course, am always following the program I teach at LSW, but sometimes our bodies need more rest and downtime to integrate all the myriad of things that are changing.

Girls, this is exactly what is so amazing about having a woman's body and hormonal flow - it is a built-in system for creating change and integrating it. We only notice "symptoms" when we get in the way of that process! I wasn't making time for integration of change, so, of course, I will dedicate all of August to it.

How do you observe yourself getting in your flow's way??

For those of you who suffer with cramps or heavy bleeding, clotting, or anything else off menstrual-wise, first and foremost know that you are not alone! Secondly, take some time to ask what your "menstrual message" is. Finally, be willing to map a course correction as a powerful act of self-love and healing. For those of you who have graduated from our program, you know what this entails. For those of you who have yet to go through this process, perhaps your body really wants and needs you to put some attention on this area of your health.

What would it be worth for you to know how to eliminate a funky, painful period?

Laughing Sage loves you and your vagina - show yourself some love and set up a consultation today!

Silence the Stigma of STIs...listen to your body

2008-07-29T17:50:00.003-05:00

From what we have witnessed through our practice at LSW, the stigma associated with HPV and other sexually transmitted infections is often hundreds of times more difficult to deal with than the actual physical diagnosis.

As Dr. Christiane Northrup points out in her book Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom:
"To the degree that a woman has guilt or self-loathing about her sexuality, she will worry or obsess about herpes and HPV infections...Thus begins the vicious cycle in the body that continues to depress the immune system and that can potentially result in continual outbreaks."

With any physical symptoms we may experience - be it migraines or genital warts - the responsibility we owe to ourselves - our deepest selves - is to look at symptoms as messages from our bodies.

Take a moment to think about HPV from this perspective. It is a virus coming from the outside, invading our system, and crossing the physical boundary of our body's defenses. What is the possible correlation to the broader picture of your relationships? Are there other physical or emotional boundaries being crossed? Did you have sex with a partner out of choice, pressure, or obligation? Did you feel guilty afterward?

Sexual intercourse is quite a literal boundary being crossed. If we aren't fully engaged in the process or okay with it, it is more likely that we'll be susceptible to contracting a virus.

HPV and other viral outbreaks don't have to be looked at as terribly shameful "diseases." Instead, what if you looked at them as your own personal gauge of the strength of your emotional boundaries and self-care levels? Countless women have had a wart or herpes outbreak only once in their lifetime, never to be had again. How? In addition to taking proper steps and precautions before engaging in sexual activity, they made a decision to love and support their bodies, thereby breaking the vicious cycle of self-loathing and guilt.

Do you carry around your HPV or other STI as a secret burden? Or are you fearful of contracting one? Now is the time to speak up about it, know you're not alone, and break the destructive cycle of battling the messages your body attempts to deliver.

If you or someone you know is dealing with HPV or similar diagnosis, email us to be added to a developing support group for women who have or have had an STI.

HPV and Decision-Making

2008-07-29T17:27:00.001-05:00

We're all for western medicine delivering amazing and effective treatments. We're also all for companies treating women's bodies with integrity and honesty. We just wanted you to know that there are risks involved with the vaccine and that it only protects you against 4 of the 40 HPV strains.

A vaccination might not be the only option. In fact, you will most likely unknowingly harbor at least one strain of the virus at least once in your life. According to the CDC, your body typically fights HPV strains naturally, including those known to cause genital warts and cervical cancer, before you even notice symptoms.

There are always going to be innovations in Western medicine that are new and potentially good. There is also a very long history of pharmaceutical companies rushing to get new drugs on the market to increase profits for stockholders, and drugs being pulled from shelves as a consequence. Therefore, when it comes to women's GYN care, be it Gardasil, HRT for menopause, or Lybrel for period cessation in teenage girls, isn't it time that we women stop giving our decision-making power away to everyone other than ourselves and our intuition? Take charge of your health, listen to your body, and make decisions that feel right.

Read the post below for the history of Merck's reputation with its drugs.

Merck's ongoing drug problem

2008-07-29T17:16:00.002-05:00

When it comes to Gardasil, how did such a seemingly dangerous vaccination make its way to the general public?

Let’s take a look at Merck’s recent drug manufacturing history. Do you remember Vioxx? It was hailed to be a stronger, longer-lasting drug to fight arthritis. It was swiftly introduced to the market in 1999 and became one of the MOST PRESCRIBED DRUGS in HISTORY. Shortly after its release, it was discovered that Vioxx increased risk for heart attacks. Vioxx was swept off the shelves. Merck stocks plummeted, threatening to take the company with them. Fast forward to 2006. Merck introduces Gardasil, the HPV vaccine. Other companies, such as GlaxoSmithKline, had been working similar vaccines, however, Merck’s was the first on the market. Ads aimed at young girls about being “one less” person affected by cervical cancer flooded every major media outlet. The “one less” hype took health clinics by storm, and in May 2008, Merck was found guilty of using “deceptive marketing tactics” to promote Vioxx…a decision made four years AFTER the drug was taken off the market. Merck stock continues to drop as we speak after the announcement that their wonder-drug Vytorin, prescribed to lower cholesterol, does not stop partial heart valve blockage, as doctors were hoping. It was also noted that “Vytorin users also seemed to have a slightly higher death rate from cancer,” but, like Merck’s claim on Gardasil, “there was not enough evidence to deduce that somehow Vytorin was a contributing factor.”

iPhones and HPV

2008-07-29T17:09:00.004-05:00

Friends, Ladies, Vaginas…tune in for a second ;)

I know you’ve been scared lately by all the media hype surrounding HPV and the vaccine, and I wanted to dedicate this article to assuaging your fear a bit. We gals have to put things into perspective for ourselves!

I look at it like this: remember all the madness when the iPhone first came out last year? I saw the stories about people sleeping in front of the Apple store to be the first to shop. While that was happening I thought to myself, now why should I put myself out to test market their new product? I know it’s going to have some issues, I know they’ll come out with a better, faster, less buggy, more cool app’s, slimmer, cheaper model. So why don’t I just wait and see for a minute what might come next?

I think in light of what is happening in the world of drug companies, it’s good food for thought, yes?

Laughing Sage does not advocate women being guinea pigs and we trust you don’t want to be one, either. It is always the healthier option to take responsibility for your own health, to improve your own immune response, to stay safe in terms of sexual practices and to have regular GYN check-ups to monitor the health of your cervix. Our culture’s fascination with quick-fix miracle pills and cure-all diet drugs and the “if I just did , everything would be okay” mentality gets you into trouble all the time.

As always, ladies, educate yourself on how to care for your unique female body, practice optimizing it using food, and begin leveraging the opportunities unique to your hormones. It’s up to you to make you the best you can be! And, of course, let us know how we can support you – we’ve SO got your back!

In light,
alisa

Bodies...the 'sensual' Exhibition

2008-07-21T12:54:00.006-05:00

I finally made it down to see the "Bodies" exhibit last week. For a science geek like myself, I was totally mesmerized by the display of the intricacies of the human body. More importantly, however, you cannot see that exhibit and leave without feeling immense awe and gratitude for your miraculous body and health. I highly recommend you take the opportunity to see it if you are able!

One of the things I found really interesting was that all of the bodies were male except for two - one was a woman in the Human Reproduction Room - and the other was a woman who was obese. All of the male bodies were doing things athletic or quotidian, but this woman in the Human Reproduction Room had her eyelashes added back and was posed in a very inviting way.

At first I thought, "Oh, of course they would portray us sexually only, blah blah blah"---- insert post modern feminist rhetoric here ;) ---but then I got to thinking about it; being a woman is a sensual experience. And all of us, men and women, need to allow ourselves to FEEL. How many women come in to our practice having divorced themselves from feelings, all in the name of success or fitting in? And all of you who have done so are wreaking havoc on your reproductive, sexual and hormonal health! Begin allowing yourself to feel how you're feeling! Practicing this kind of self-knowing, self-acknowledgement, and self-checking-in IS a sensual, of-the-body experience that is the best way to make your life turn out the way you want more quickly.

This week's post is all about the ways in which your body might be telling you that you're overtaxed from stress and hormonal issues via the lymphatic system. How fantastic, then, after reading the post, you'll forever know that when you're feeling chronically bloated, you don't have to beat yourself up, criticize yourself, tell yourself how awful you look, but react with an, "oh, it's my lymph!" and take care of it right away with the suggestions provided below? To me, that's a woman in her power, that's a woman who makes things happen for herself, and THAT is a sensual way to live!

Letting Go and Lymphatic Flow

2008-07-21T12:41:00.002-05:00

We all know at Laughing Sage that our bodies hold amazing powers to heal themselves. When our bodies are out of whack, we often notice tenderness or swelling in our breasts, joints, ovaries, neck, or armpits. These could be signs of a congested lymphatic system.

Lymph is one of our bodies' greatest defense systems. The lymph system carries fluid, nutrients, and waste through our tissues and blood streams. Little grape-like nodules all over our bodies trap bacteria and other gunk (even yucky cancer cells!), which are then destroyed by our avengers-- white blood cells. So what happens when the system gets backed up? Hormonal imbalances, fatigue, soreness, lumpy breasts, allergies, sinus infections, edema, headaches, cellulite, puffy eyes, and dragging ourselves to work!

Lymph nodes are everywhere- even in our vulvas and breasts. Though the number of lymph nodes each person has varies, there are typically more than 20 in our breasts and over 30 attached to our reproductive systems! Lymph nodes may swell in these areas due to a simple infection or possible cancer. This is why it is SO IMPORTANT to feel your boobies once a month and get recommended check-ups at your gynecologist. Read on to discover ways to keep your lymph system in check!

Think of your lymph as a waste disposal system-- a series of one-way alleys (vessels) and filters (lymph nodes) to a thoroughfare (veins). If the alleys are neglected and filters aren't cleaned, garbage piles up and becomes difficult to get rid of. It starts to fester and smell, and soon, everyone has to find a new path to the main street! Lymph fluid, like wastewater, isn't under any pressure to travel. The only way it cycles through our bodies is through movement. So when lymph is backed up, your body can't get rid of its garbage, and nutrients and "good" bacteria have a difficult time navigating to their proper destinations. Lymph nodes swell to fight infection, overflowing with white blood cells! And, of course, when our systems of elimination are not functioning properly, estrogen increases, exacerbating hormonal conditions. Exercise combined with proper nutrients means a clean lymph system with a healthy company of white blood cells that can travel quickly to fight infection.

So what do you do when pesky bacteria creeps up on you and settles in your lymph nodes? First of all, wear loose-fitting clothing! Don't put any more restrictions on your poor system, your lymph deserves to flow free! Next, breathe deeply. Long, slow, deep breaths stimulate lymphatic flow. Swap massages with your best friend--you'll feel better physically AND emotionally! Unleash your inner child by skipping or jumping---these exercises fire up your lymph system. You can also rub 2-3 drops of bay laurel essential oil onto your swollen nodes. Diuretic drinks are another way to help free the junk in your system. Questions on how to clean your lymph? Contact us!

Feminine Energy - What the hell are we talking about?

2008-06-29T21:28:00.001-05:00

One of the things we see constantly with the women who begin with us at Laughing Sage Wellness, is how much their conditions are tied to a way of being as a woman that denies their feminine energy. More simply put, we have found in working with thousands of you with chronic GYN conditions, that you have overly relied on your masculine energy, believing it would lead to a more successful life, and you have pressed the "mute" button on your feminine energy.

What the hell am i talking about? Love that question! We do spend an entire day teaching about these concepts - so stay tuned for that workshop in the October - however for now, just know that every one - male and female - contains aspects of both the masculine and feminine energetics. Understanding that both of these are equally powerful is an important conversation for you to be having. Luckily, there is now a scientific study proving that we're right - LOVE THAT;) Estrogen, as you will read, creates the same psychological basis for leadership and competition in women as testosterone does in men.

This of course, should beg the question in you, as a woman, as to why you are trying so much to embody the behaviors and aspects of the opposite gender when you could easily learn about and embody those which are intrinsic and biologically aligned to you already? Why we do this, ladies, has to do with the legacy of post-modern feminism and its "I can be like a man and make just as much money" ideology. However, the physical toll this has taken on women is what we deal with everyday at our midtown Manhattan center with women here and across 5 continents. Menstrual disorders are rampant, infertility rates are high, and women at shockingly young ages are taking period cessation drugs like Lybrel so they can avoid feeling "held back" by their biology. Ladies, the common denominator in this equation is our thinking as women about how we function as women.

Read on in this issue and start getting your head around how f*cking powerful you are as a woman and how powerful your inherent biochemistry sets you up to be. You don't have to give up your masculine energy - quite the opposite - what we want is for you to be twice as powerful as you are right now. Keep your masculine skills, and "unmute" your feminine energetic - you have no idea what you could create in your life if you had access to both energies! Come learn about your feminine with LSW - the planet needs you to be your full self in this moment!

Golda

2008-06-25T16:12:00.002-05:00

When I came to Laughing Sage Wellness in late 2005 struggling with PCOS, I hadn’t had a full period in at least 6 months, I was miserably working 12 hours a day as an attorney, and I had been unintentionally celibate for the better part of a year.

Late one evening, still at the office, I spoke to Alisa Vitti about my situation. I was highly resistant to working with LSW, but she suggested that I used a technique that I still use today. She asked me to pretend that I had made the decision not to have sessions with LSW, and see how that felt in my body. I checked in with myself and my body felt tight and shut down, in other words, “normal”. Then I pretended that I had signed up for sessions at LSW. At that moment, my body felt shaky, but alive. I started to cry, which is something I hadn’t done for months. I signed up for a 6 month program that night.

I can attest to tangible results. In working with Alisa, my cycle normalized to a great extent and I began getting full periods more often. I spent less time at the office and more time having fun, including dating. I also learned how to better feed my body and feel good in my body.

But working with LSW meant more to me than just tangible results. The women at LSW brought me to my own internal labyrinth. At LSW, I began the journey toward healing my relationship with my femininity and my feminine energy. I started to incorporate and appreciate those parts of me that I had denigrated in the past. And LSW gave me a community of women who supported me in my healing journey.

Now I work only part time as an attorney and I’m spending the rest of my time doing things that I really love, like working with plus-sized women who want to feel great without dieting (Body Love Wellness), writing, performing improv, and spending time with my boyfriend and friends. I can’t imagine this journey without the support of LSW.

Coping with Bikini Season

2008-06-09T12:49:00.001-05:00

Hello to all my gorgeous, beautiful, talented readers and happy summer!

For some of you, this is your favorite time of year - the weather's nice, the clothes are cute, and social activities abound. For others, this is a season of dread - dreading the clothes, the beach, the heat, the chafing, useless makeup, and above all, the seeming increase in eyes on your body. Believe me, having once been 5'6" and 200lbs, I understand the emotional stress summer can bring. However, I'll fill you in on a little secret. No matter what weight you are, it's an inside game - feeling emotionally happy about your body.

So here's my strategy for changing your thoughts - and it’s one I recommend you start experimenting with now - because seriously, life is way too short not to enjoy your body and who you are!!

I'm only going to suggest that you try this for the next 2 weeks ONLY - because this is an experiment, and some of you may want to go back to feeling yucky about your bodies again, so DO NOT proceed with this experiment after 2 weeks. Otherwise, we cannot be held responsible for how much you will fall in love with your thighs or your stomach;)

Consider this your official homework assignment from LSW to you.

First and foremost, STOP reading magazines - you know the ones that push your buttons - so just don't read them - donate your button-pushing subscriptions to your gym or your office's reception area.

Secondly, and again, for the next 2 weeks and 2 weeks only, every time you have a negative thought about your body, I want you to immediately scan your environment for another woman and find something beautiful about her. Go over board with how you would compliment this one thing about her - channel all that negative energy into something constructive. Practicing this multiple times daily, will increase your natural ability to do this for yourself... and PLEASE DO NOT take my word for it - experiment and see what happens!!

Transformation requires action my lovelies - so if you wanna enjoy your hot body this hot summer - get crackin' on your homework and write in to us with your results. We're here for you!

in bikini;)
alisa

"Become a skeptical observer of your thoughts....who said that every thing you think about yourself has to be true? Powerful women discern their thoughts and decide their own reality."
~ The Laughing Sage

Healing Body Image Issues

2008-05-26T20:07:00.005-05:00

It’s no secret that body image issues among women are a rampant problem these days. We read the blogs and the books that discuss how photo-shopped models in Glamour create our body hatred. We see our sisters, our friends, our cultural icons, dropping dress sizes and into depression. We hear the tormenting voices in our own heads telling us our tummies aren’t flat enough as we pump even harder on the treadmill.

So rather than talk any more about all that is feeding this epidemic of “negative body image,” the real question that needs to be asked is what can we do about it?

Looking back to my own situation – a former ballet dancer who always struggled with body image issues – the shift started happening for me when I stopped asking “What’s wrong with me?” and started asking questions like “Where are these thoughts coming from?” and “Why do I feel this way?” I stopped trying to find what was at fault with me for not fitting a particular ideal. Instead, I started to deconstruct what that ideal was and where it came from. I realized that the negative, self-destructive beliefs were just poor mental programming and that I had the ability to reconfigure things.

As we at Laughing Sage like to teach our ladies, the first step towards transformation is to make the distinction between who you are and who the voices are that have been programmed into your consciousness through social and subliminal messages. Figure out your pattern and start to catch it when it comes up. In awareness lies the power to make changes.

If negative body thoughts are something that infiltrate your mind, try out any of these suggestions. Let us know what works for you…

Give your voice a name.
Start separating the voice of negative talk from yourself and actually give her a name: Walda the Whiner, Drag-me-down Deborah, etc. When you hear her start to yap about how you ate too much cake or didn’t exercise hard enough, just say “Thanks for sharing!” and then hang up the phone.

Stop the exposure.
Do what you can to limit the negative culprits in your surrounding environment. Don’t buy the beauty magazines. Stop looking sideways in the mirror. Ditch the diet books. Take a deep breath and look inside.

Send your body love.
Create new ways of speaking to yourself and relating to your body. One technique we love: pull out your favorite colors of eyeliner or lipliner and draw loving words and images on the part of your body that you have the hardest time loving. Say out loud to yourself in the mirror: “You are beautiful.” Our thoughts really do touch every cell in our bodies.

Insert yourself in healthy, supportive communities.
Surrounding yourself with loving, supportive, and body-positive people is a huge factor in healing your own self-image. Next time you and your girlfriends get into the self-deprecating banter – “My butt is SO huge” – “No – MINE is!” “Umm have you SEEN mine?”– throw them off with a raving testimonial of how great you feel in your new dress. Or, compliment your friend without making silent comparisons. If this behavior doesn’t catch on with the others, don’t worry – you’ll attract the people who do get it.

Of course all this is easier said than done. We know what a struggle it can be and we also know that it’s possible to heal.

We only get one body in this lifetime. So why not learn to love what ya got.

Emily

2008-05-24T10:07:00.004-05:00

I grew up an active, successful teenager who seemed to have it all. I was in impeccable shape and to the outside observer, my life looked perfect. I never had periods and I was ok with that. In fact, I liked it. I wanted to have control over my body. I had way too many things to do to slow down and deal with menstruation. I wanted the power, the consistency, the follow through…no messy emotions, no messy bleeding. Men had that. Why couldn’t I? It seemed to be so much easier to get around in the world. So what if I had to take drugs for my acne and my unwanted hair growth. So what if I was continually anxious and exhausted. The drugs worked and I kept up with my busy, important schedule. And on the outside it all looked so pretty and perfect.

At the age of 17, I was diagnosed with PCOS. One would think this would begin the story of my healing, but it only took me further into the abyss of disconnection with my body. My doctors told me that I no choice but to go on the pill. Quotes like “cancer” and “never being able to have children” were repeated. They promised birth control wouldn’t change who I was. They promised this was the healthiest and honestly, the only way to treat my “disorder”. For the next 10 years I searched doctor after doctor to find someone who might have an alternative method. They all fed me the same story, F.E.A.R.

Laughing Sage burst into my life when I was at my wits end. I received the email blasts for over a year without ever even reading them! I just didn’t believe that something so seemingly simple could have an impact. One day, I finally read Alisa’s testimonial and something clicked. I began a 6-month program and for the first time in my life, I felt truly known. It wasn’t easy to change my habits. It was terrifying to go off the pill and have my doctor and family not really understand or support me. I even thought that giving up my “control methods” would somehow hurt me. But, Laughing Sage gave me the knowledge and the support to begin trusting my own instincts again. They gave me permission to listen to something deeper. And I have learned that control and power over the body is something very different from what a majority of the medical community teaches.

Today, I am finishing my 9th healthy, happy menstrual cycle in a row! And the truth is, every single aspect of my life has changed since I began my program with Laughing Sage. This is not an exaggeration. By taking the time to learn to listen and appreciate my menstrual cycle, I am finding the deepest FLOW in my life, my career, my relationships, and most importantly my daily dealings with my SELF. Everything is easier. Everything is lighter. The energy I used to keep it all looking so “perfect” is now flowing into ENJOYING my life. And that to me, is POWER.

Lisa Marie

2008-05-20T14:46:00.003-05:00

I’ve suffered from extremely irregular, heavy and painful periods since I was 17 years old. I always knew something was wrong - despite what my GYN told me - but I could not seem to get her to treat the cause of my irregular periods. I remember asking her “is this going to affect my fertility?” and she replied, “Well, if you don’t ovulate, you can’t get pregnant”. I wanted to treat the problem but when she learned I was not trying to have children at that time, all she wanted to do was push the pill on me again. Feeling like I had no recourse, I relented and went back on the pill again.

Several years later, I got married and it came time for us to think about starting a family. After several months of being off of the pill and not yet ovulating, I went back to the GYN. I then had an ultrasound which confirmed that I had PCOS, although by this time I had done my own research and already realized I had it. The emotional roller coaster was horrendous. I was on medication, I had injections, I was monitored daily via ultrasound, I lost my first pregnancy, and finally after 2 ½ years I was pregnant with my son.

While staying home with him, I noticed the PCOS symptoms were coming back. The weight gain was stubborn and once again, I was depressed. I knew about Laughing Sage from a friend of mine and lurked on the site for several months until I decided I would sign up for a free tele-class that Alisa was giving. I really didn’t know what to expect. I was so tired of exercising to the point of physical exhaustion without seeing results, I knew I wanted to have another child, and so I figured if I started working on this now, maybe I could cut out a lot of the pain I suffered the first time around.

When I talked with Alisa, she was talking to me about abundance, and femininity, my adrenal glands and my liver…(I was thinking to myself, this woman is crazy, I want to talk about my PCOS and she’s talking to me about my childhood and stuff that has nothing to do with my ovaries!) I told her “this all sounded great but I don’t know if I have the will power to follow through with a life change as what you’re describing”

Said to me “you don’t need will power”. I thought she was nuts.

But something clicked because I decided to sign up for a program.

For the first few weeks in the program, I remained skeptical. Alisa told us about the “Trinity Meal” and how this would help stabilize my blood sugar. I felt the difference right away. Early into the program, I recall feeling hungry but not feeling like I was going to pass out from hypo-glycemia

The big change for me happened during the Spring Cleanse. I started experiencing intense levels of anger. It turned out, I had unresolved emotions related a violent act I suffered when I was 17 (also the age when my periods stopped). At this point, I realized PCOS was not just about food and my pancreas, there was a lot of emotional work I needed to do. I needed to allow myself to enjoy life and do things that were good for me. I needed to learn to speak up for myself and finally be the adult woman I wanted to be.

Four months after completing the program, I got a period! It has been regular since then.

Six months after completing the program, my skin was clear, and my blood work was normal and my ovaries were back down to normal size. My current GYN was amazed! She noticed the difference as soon as she came into the examining room.

By the time my son was about a year old, we started thinking of giving him a sibling. We just assumed we would have to go through infertility treatment again. I just didn’t think changing my food habits could increase my ability to conceive. We were told we had to try to 6 months and then seek infertility treatment. Two months after trying to conceive, we conceived our second son.

The pregnancy was extremely easy and uneventful. While having a routine ultrasound, we learned all of my ovarian cysts were gone. I remember the tech saying to me “I am looking at your ovary now”. I recall being confused because I could not see them. You see I used to define my ovaries by the cysts on them. I could not find the cysts and I kept asking, “Where is my ovary?” And my husband exclaimed, “The cysts are gone!”

I didn’t suffer from post-partum depression as I did with my first son, and breast-feeding was possible.

Two years later, I am still eating whole grains and greens. I focus on living abundantly and I am still working on speaking up for myself.

I signed up with Laughing Sage expecting them to tell me how to eat; instead, I learned how to live a fulfilling and healthy life. Thanks for reading!

Research on Resistant Starch

2008-05-20T14:41:00.002-05:00

Science has caught up with what we at Laughing Sage Wellness have been teaching our clients for years. Finally scientists have uncovered just why eating whole grains is so good for women.

Here are just some of the reasons why we think you should be getting in some whole grain foods like brown rice, barley, steel-cut oatmeal, kasha, millet, quinoa, even sprouted grain bread if you are in a pinch:

whole grains balance blood sugar

Because whole grains contain fiber and all aspects of the original seed of the grain they are broken down by the body more slowly. This slower digestion does not spike the system with glucose like the consumption of processed carbohydrates, leaving a more steady supply of energy.

whole grains stabilize mood

By assisting in blood sugar balance and serotonin production, whole grain foods play an important role in having stable, consistent moods and energy

whole grains help process excess estrogen from the body

The fiber contained in abundance in whole grains helps to process hormones out of the body. This is particularly of note for women suffering from hormonal imbalances as this higher fiber content helps to take care of estrogen-dominant conditions.

whole grains are a great source of micronutrients

Whole grains are particularly noted for containing beneficial amounts of B vitamins, zinc, iron, and copper among others.

whole grains can help you slim down

As shown in this latest discovery on carbohydrates containing resistant starch, like brown rice, some can directly help you keep slim.

Click here to read on about resistant starch in this Prevention Magazine article.

If you need help with re-balancing your hormones, stabilizing your mood, or balancing blood sugar give us a call today at 212.581.0001.

We can get you started on the path toward hormonal health.

Your Inner Compass

2008-05-19T15:53:00.001-05:00

Become one with your compass.
No, I'm not talking about getting lost in the woods here;)
I'm talking about the fact that women have become so expert at giving all of their power away to media and gurus and workshops and books and pills and fads, that they have lost a very important connection to something residing within themselves. At Laughing Sage Wellness, we refer to this as your Inner Compass. It's REALLY easy to use - but as I always tell our clients, don't take our word for it, EXPERIMENT with it and see for yourself!
The inner compass only has 2 points to guide you - how user friendly is that? One point on the compass is a little zingy feeling in the pit of your stomach, or a little flutter in your solar plexus/heart area - but however you experience it - it will feel lovely, light, bubbly, and you might even find yourself with a smile sneaking up on you;) The other point on the compass is a sinking, heavy feeling, in those same areas - the gut basically - you feel tired, deflated, yucky just at the thought of it. Got it? Good.
So, right now, think of something that you need to make a decision about - could be anything - big or small - allow your eyes to close and just let your thoughts give your body permission to feel the weight of the two choices you are facing in regards to this decision. First - feel what it feels like to make the first of the two choices. Then - feel what it feels like to make the second of the two choices.
What did you discover?
I challenge women around the world on a daily basis at LSW to get in a tight relationship with themselves so they can access this wisdom. May I share that challenge with you?
LSW is here to help you increase your awareness and facilitate your transformation to glorious health and a successful life.
in light,
alisa

Tuning In

2008-05-19T10:23:00.001-05:00

One of the legacies of the diet industry, dating back to the late 60's in this country, is that it puts us women in a state of perpetual information seeking. We constantly seek the next fix. hile getting information is great, how many of us who've been part of this diet experiment feel any wiser when it comes to food, our bodies and our health? We at LSW really really encourage women to tap into creating experiences for themselves that generate the accumulation
of wisdom on a visceral level.

In that light, we would like to share some techniques we use with women in our practice to break the cycle of thinking that if you could just find the right diet all of your problems would be solved.

1. 20-30 minutes after you eat a meal put your hand over your stomach and check in to see how the foods you just ate are making you feel. Ask your stomach not your brain. Write down anything that comes to you.

2. The next time you want to eat but know you aren't physically huingry, stop... Notice what you are feeling. What emotions are you trying to avoid feeling? Loneliness, anger, heartache, fear even boredom can cause people to seek comfort in food. How else could you express these emotions? Make a list of alternate strategies so that the next time you realize you are looking for something more than food can provide you have another course of action.

Success & Stress

2008-05-14T21:12:00.006-05:00

Ah yes, you are a woman. On any given day you are juggling the demands of your career, your responsibilities to family and friends, some kind of care taking (hopefully starting with yourself first and foremost), your commitments to your dreams and ambition, meeting the demands of your colleagues/bosses/clients, financial planning, a role in the community you belong to, healthful eating, exfoliation, detoxification, the list could go on and on... and it does sometimes cause a great degree of overwhelm and low-level stress. Obviously this has many health impacts from severe menstrual cramps to insomnia to libido issues. When stress becomes chronic, and we are aware that we are no longer functioning at the top of our game, sometimes we just want a quick fix. But there are simple solutions. Why stress internal organs any more with medications when you could do something less invasive?

Enough with this stress management bullshit. You're a powerful woman and you want a lot out of life. We think that's good. What isn't good is when your vision of success includes struggle, anxiety and stress. Consider the following if you find yourself on overdrive:

Remedy #1 - reframe your vision of success. Reenvision it to be something you can achieve with ease and grace. Visualize it, write about it, draw, paint, or sing about it. Let this new definition come to life.

Remedy #2 - Bach Flower Essences Rescue Remedy spray. Use as much as needed, especially during stressful moments, to help work with the nervous system and to counter the effects of adrenaline and cortisol on the body.

Keep it simple. Skip the xanax. Try these two remedies and go live your big life.

Avalon Organics

2008-05-14T21:06:00.007-05:00

We LOVE sharing products with you. More and more women are learning that the products we put on our skin are just as important as those we eat. We think it's great that there is an awareness about switching to healthier products and have highlighted a favorite line of ours, Avalon Organics. We love all of their products, whose ingredients are listed on their website. Try the Lemon Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner to remove some of the build-up from the other products you have been using.

While you're in the process of switching to healthier hair, face and body products read ingredients. Stay away from products with any of the following products:

1. Isopropyl Alcohol
2. Mineral oil

3.PEG (polyethylene glycol)
4. Propylene Glycol
5. Sodium lauryl sulfate & sodium laureth sulfate
6. Chlorine
7. DEA, MEA & TEA
8. FD&C color pigments
9. Fragrance
10. Imidazolidinyl Urea and DMDM Hydantoin.

Your Hair and Your Hormones; What is the Connection?

2008-05-14T18:43:00.003-05:00

Recently I was speaking with my hairdresser and the topic of hair and the impact of life-events on its luster, texture, thickness, and color came up. He confided in me that the impact of hormonal fluctuations is so great that he often knows when/if his clients are pregnant long before they're prepared to share the news and sometimes even before they themselves know. But it's not just the strong hormonal changes that come with pregnancy that have an impact on your hair; have you ever noticed that a prolonged period of stress results in hair loss for you? If you're struggling with other hormonal imbalances you may have also noticed the unpleasant common symptom of dandruff or an itchy scalp. So, what is the connection?

As you might imagine hormones both stimulate hair growth and hair loss. Understanding the interplay between your hormonal balance and your diet can help prevent the most distressing aspects of hair loss. Female hair loss is caused by the combination of the presence of an abundance of the androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and having hair follicles that have more androgen receptors for DHT. While there is a genetic component to this issue, you have the ability to do a lot to support your body's ability to process hormones efficiently. Hair follicles are very responsive to hormonal changes and imbalances in the body. The good news is that most hair loss is temporary and resolves itself after the body has regained its equilibrium.

These are the most common causes of female hair loss:

Hormonal Birth Control - Women who have hair loss issues, especially if there is a genetic predisposition to them, can have hair loss occur at a much younger age by taking birth control pills. Usually hair will regrow after six months of ceasing hormonal birth control.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) - Women with this condition suffer from a variety of possible symptoms, one of which can be hair loss. It is best to address the complexity of this hormone imbalance through holistic means.

Pregnancy/Childbirth - Already mentioned, some women experience major shifts in their hair due to hormone fluctuations. This may mean curlier or straighter hair than normal, thicker hair, and often hair loss. Some women experience these changes during pregnancy while more women experience it after pregnancy. Either way, in most cases it usually resolves itself completely.

Thyroid Disease - Both an overactive thyroid and an underactive thyroid can cause hair loss. Thyroid imbalances can be diagnosed by your physician through laboratory testing. These imbalances are completely treatable through holistic means.

Deficient diet - With so many fad diets and extreme "detox" plans out there, it's very easy for women to inadvertently affect their hair's texture and thickness. Oftentimes an extreme shift in diet, particularly a low protein diet, extreme calorie restriction, or a predominately junk-food vegetarian diet may cause a protein deficiency that results in massive amounts of hair shedding, often two or three months after the shift in diet began. By restoring a proper balance to your diet the hair loss can be reversed.

Medications - Prescription drugs that treat anxiety and depression, as well as blood pressure may cause temporary hair shedding in a small percentage of people. It's important for women to know this as so many women opt for mood-stabilizing drugs when they feel at a loss in facing major life transitions. Most of the mood stabilizer and antidepressant drugs can cause this side effect.

Low Serum Iron - Iron deficiency can cause hair loss. Women with heavy or too frequent menstrual periods may develop iron deficiency. Low iron can be detected by laboratory tests and can be corrected with iron supplementation.

Stress - Stress is an interesting factor in hair loss for some. It can result from a major stress episode, and will cause the shedding three months after the episode and hair regrowth can resume three months after that. However, so many women now deal with chronic low grade stress, and depending on their genetic predisposition, this kind of stress can trigger earlier onset of androgenic hair loss.

What can you do to prevent it?

First and foremost, avoid taking birth control pills or antidepressants if you don't absolutely have to. Even if you think you do, seek another opinion and alternative first. If you are hormonally sensitive, and increasing numbers of women are (due to the amount of xenoestrogens in the environment and in food), then adding in synthetic hormones can further exacerbate a hormonal issue. In addition, it's very critical to maintain a healthy diet - avoid fad diets, extreme detox programs, or experimenting with vegetarianism without guidance. Physical activity is another fantastic preventative; it serves double duty both in promoting circulation of key nutrients to hair follicles and also in mitigating the hair compromising effects of the stress hormones on your body.

What can you do if it's already happening?

If you're finding yourself with hair that's thinning, or dealing with a hormonal issue, then first and foremost schedule a call with LSW. On the call we'll identify which of the many causes might be the culprit in your situation. What's most important is to learn about what's causing your hormonal imbalance and then to proceed through a healing process that addresses these underlying factors - including proper nutrition, support of the organs of elimination, and stress management. You can also go to your general physician or gynecologist and ask for a full hormonal panel. This way you'll know if there's anything you can work on in the short term - like an iron or thyroid issue. If it's not thyroid-related or if it's not a protein or an iron deficiency, then it's really an indication that your elegantly complex endocrine system needs some attention. Start by cutting out sugar and caffeine to help your body respond to stress better, increase insoluble fiber to help the body efficiently process hormones through your bowel movements, and engage in a moderate physical activity that makes you feel happy - it does not have to be for weight loss - it's more important that it puts a smile on your face as serotonin helps you with the impact of stress on your delicate hormonal balance.

Does it happen to EVERYONE?

In fact, it is more common than it is discussed. Although it's normal to lose between 50-100 hairs a day, most people experience excessive hair loss at some point in their life. The good news is that most causes are temporary while only a few are permanent. The best news is that learning about how your body works, understanding how to properly care for your hormonal system, and then making that the basis of your healthy lifestyle is the easiest thing you can do as a woman to improve your health for the long term!

What about dandruff?
While this is a seemingly more superficial problem, it can also signal a major hormonal imbalance. If you're plagued by flakes, it probably means you have a more acidic pH and it's time to rebalance your endocrine system and give your diet an adjustment. The suggestions below will also be helpful for you. You can also try the following suggestion:

Wash and condition your hair as usual. While still in the shower, tilting your head back so as not to get vinegar in eyes, pour 1/2 to 1 cup of organic apple cider vinegar onto your scalp and rub into scalp. Then rinse off and style as usual. This routine can be followed every day.

SOME REMEDIES

Here's a basic protocol to get started improving your hair's health. Try including some of the following:

Foods
Fruits and veggies - all contain flavonoids which protect hair follicles and encourage growth.
Brewer's yeast, green peas, brown rice, bulgur, lentils, oats, soy, sunflower seeds, and walnuts - all high in biotin - an essential nutrient for healthy hair and skin.

Herbs
Ginkgo biloba - improves circulation to scalp
Saw palmetto - helps with testosterone balance in a woman's body

Supplements
Inositol - vital for hair growth
Kelp - supplies needed minerals for proper hair growth - especially good if thyroid is deficient
BioSil - aids in hair growth and makes it stronger
B complex with biotin - important for growth of hair, deficiencies of biotin have been linked to hair loss
MSM (methylsulfonyl-methane) aids in the manufacture of keratin - a protein that is the major component of hair.

Heidi

2008-05-14T14:47:00.006-05:00

My healing journey began in February at my annual OB/GYN exam. A routine sonogram to check a fibroid revealed that I had developed cysts – one on each ovary measuring 2 centimeters. To me that seemed pretty large (and I checked on a ruler)! These weren’t like two little pimples! I had had no pain, no symptoms of a problem. How could this be?! Would I have to have surgery? I’ve never had surgery! I don’t want surgery! When I asked my doctor about proactive steps, her only advice was to monitor them and she would see me in two months for another sonogram. WHAT??!!

Not being one to just sit around for two months and do the whole “wait and see” thing, I immediately reached out to my gal pals. Come to find out, they all have had or have cysts, too! Evidently a common issue. My dear friend, Margaret, didn’t hesitate for a moment and said, “You HAVE to call Alisa”. What do they say? When the student is ready, the teacher will appear? Well…I was SO ready and she appeared! I was willing to try anything. I had nothing to lose and hopefully, something to gain.

My initial sessions with Alisa focused on my lifestyle – diet, activities, relationships, the emotional work I was doing with my life coach, etc… It seemed that she was more interested in seeing how our work together could compliment what I was already doing in my life – which I loved! It was all about the positive and working in conjunction. She put me on supplements to help my body process hormones better. I started drinking more water. That was coupled with food experiments – what healthy foods satisfied and sustained me. I wasn’t eating nearly enough fruits and veggies, so that was increased.

Then – about a month into my program – it came time for the Spring Cleanse. You eat “gentle foods” – veggie soups, whole grains, fruit, veggie juices – to help your liver detox your body. No bread, no cheese, no milk, no caffeine! GULP! How was I going to make it through a whole week…and work?! Well…I did. And it was the best thing! I felt better…lighter…both physically and emotionally. Everything seemed clearer…my thoughts…even my skin! That week taught me to slow down, to nurture, to look inside, and to get rid of the things in my outer world that simply weren’t necessary anymore.

Now it’s mid-April and time to go back for another sonogram. Alisa and I spoke prior to my visit and she told me not to expect any changes…that it was too soon. I was fine with that. I knew I was doing all I could and they were great things for my health nonetheless. So as I lay on the table, with no expectations, the technician tells me, “The cyst on the left ovary is gone” and then “Oh! The one on the right is gone, too!” I’m in shock. I’m elated. And as a tear rolls down my cheek, I’m in awe of the power…the power this body has to heal itself. How amazing is that! If I treat it right (if I treat ME right), then amazing things will happen.

Ladies, change is never easy. As Alisa says, “You take what information you can use now and you can always go back and incorporate the rest later”. It’s not an all or nothing process. By putting certain changes into action, you will see first hand what your awesome, powerful, strong bodies can do. This was and will continue to be a life-changing event in my life. And can you believe all these good things started with two cysts…

Success

2008-05-14T11:58:00.013-05:00

Alisa's Note:

Success. Just the word is a big trigger for so many of us. Let's face it, most of us think and feel that we are not successful enough. I will tell you, of course, that this is simply a misunderstanding that you are facing about what success is. In our practice for women I constantly see that the stress of success comes from not actually creating a definition that works for you and you alone.

So how do you know if you're going in the wrong direction? This newsletter explores some of the ways the body will try to get your attention - if your current version of success is causing health issues, then honey, darling, it's time to get to know yourself better!! What are the health symptoms that you notice that are persistently bothering you? Stress always comes from pushing ourselves too much and usually in the wrong direction. Luckily we have the body to bark at us with a health symptom or four when we've gone too far down the wrong path.

So next time you notice you haven't been feeling well, instead of trying to "quick fix" yourself, stop - listen - what message is your body trying to share with you about your life and your future? We at LSW always recommend that you take stock often about what you want. What are your preferences, desires, things you like, things you really want, things you really need, things you don't need at all - if you don't have a clear picture, how can you navigate successfully?

Don't continue to allow the outside world to dictate what your life "should" look like. Take a look at the two strategies in the "Success & Stress" article to help you begin to clear some space in your life to really look at what successful living could mean for you. Life is too short to waste on other people's versions of a "good" life. Luckily, however, life is long enough for you to really spend time getting to know yourself so you can get exactly what you want! Handling your health and understanding your feminine energy is the foundation for creating what you want! We're here to help you do both of those things if you feel you need our expert support.

In Light,

Alisa

repairing heart tissue with menstrual blood

2008-05-02T14:45:00.002-05:00

"If a woman's body wasn't powerful, it would not be so controversial"
~the Laughing Sage

Alisa's Note:
So ladies, we have come full circle. Let me tell you - it has been one HELL of a circle! It has stretched through milennia - from the historical periods where menstrual blood was involved in many rituals and consumed for its healing properties to the current historical period where women's bodies have been fought over for control of reproduction and sexual freedoms - to young teenage girls being put on period cessation birth control pills like Lybrel to now finally this landmark study you'll read about below on the life saving potential of menstrual blood.
How appropriate then that this study's findings coincided with our launch of the new LSW newsletter format. Then again, that's spring energy for you - a time of rediscovery, rebirth, and renewal. I just LOVE the spring!

So what has me and all of us at LSW so a twitter? Science, ladies, has FINALLY caught up with what we have known for millenia, and yet forgotten since the time BCE - that menstrual blood is powerful and healing and not simply biological waste produced monthly due to missed conception. No no - in fact, they have seen in a little petri dish - that menstrual blood cells applied to heart cells from DEAD rats, caused the heart cells not only to start BEATING again, but also for entirely new sheets of heart tissue to grow! If that doesn't turn you on to the power of your unique biology, then nothing will.

I on the other hand was moved to tears when I read about what western medicine is now excited about in terms of what menstrual blood can do to repair damaged heart tissue, among other applications it envisions. Not because of the "duh" moment here, but because maybe, just maybe in my lifetime, we will see a complete reversal of the cultural stigma associated with this powerful monthly experience.
In our lifetimes, we may see the end of ad campaigns calling our periods "the curse" or referring to it as something that stops you from being a woman or having fun and creating success.
Maybe, just maybe, when we start to value our blood again, little girls will look forward once more to receiving their initiation into womanhood and not jump on Seasonale or Lybrel to skip their periods all year long.
Perhaps menstrual blood will become so valuable to the western medical community that they will finally edit the language given to it in biology texts.
While i'm dreaming big here, perhaps we will even see wings of hospitals dedicated to the care and pampering of menstruating women who go there monthly to donate their precious menstrual blood so that many many more lives can be saved by the various applications of it's stem cell precursors.

One thing I do know, is how marvelous it is to see that wheel of "history repeating" itself turn in our direction. We have seen this pattern everywhere - some piece of "wisdom" gets destroyed first by "Science" who claims if it can't be proven it must not be true. Then "Science" seeks to acquire "knowledge" by researching "information" on a given subject, and then when it collects significant "information", "Science" claims to have found "knowledge" and proves often what it had originally destroyed. Fascinating process, isn't it.
You, however, knew this somewhere deep inside, that your body and biology were incredible, didn't you?
My wish is that this is the beginning, a reclamation, but more importantly a redefinition period, where we all fall in love with ourselves all over again on every level - the blood, the moods, the curves, the creativity, the transformative power - all of it. First of course, you all need to make peace with your bodies - get those hormones balanced, get off the synthetic hormones and the mood altering meds, unshackle yourselves - we're here to help you do that if you need us. From this foundation, the more fun party begins. We're throwing the ultimate party for your health and inner genius, and we want you to be there with us!!

For those of you who have been loyal readers and LSW supporters for the past 6 years, we thank you for helping to spread the word as you know we've been working on evolving this conversation this whole time - for those of you new to our newsletter - welcome - we hope you stick around and enjoy the ride - it's about to get REALLY interesting;)

wishing you all gorgeous healthy periods
in light,
alisa

Is this food poisoning you?

2008-04-29T11:18:00.005-05:00

Check out our latest media appearance in Page Six Magazine of Sunday's New York Post (4/27/08) in an article entitled, "Is This Food Poisoning You?" by Kara Jesella.

Are you one of the many women out there thinking about doing a detox this spring? Beware of all the extreme, harsh-on-the-body detox programs out there which will leave you feeling deprived and lost. Laughing Sage Wellness's whole-foods-based liver cleanse gives you powerful results, but is gentle and supportive. What makes this cleanse so special is your 24-hour access to Laughing Sage Wellness counselors and to our online community, who are all doing the cleanse together.

Helping to give your liver a rest is the best spring break you can give yourself. Find a buddy or group to help support you in your commitment to cleanse. It's not too late to join with us for the annual LSW Spring Cleanse. You will be amazed at the difference a little TLC makes in the way you feel. Before you know it your symptoms like PMS-related bloating, fatigue and lack of concentration will be a thing of the past.

The Pleasure Box

2008-03-16T20:43:00.002-05:00

While most of us may not have seen too many signs of spring’s entrance just yet, the fact remains that this week welcomes in the first day of spring. Soon we’ll seeing more warm days, and signs of the fertility of the season will be all around us – new buds on trees, new plant growth, and pretty spring flowers. In keeping with the fecundity of the approaching season (and who doesn’t feel their juices flowing as spring gets into full swing?), we thought we’d focus this issue of the newsletter on – well – sex.

In particular, we’re talking about sexual pleasure, or more specifically, sensual pleasure – feeling turned-on and juicy and alive. We all know that receiving sexual pleasure makes us feel good – but did you know that it also reduces stress, boosts the immune system, and releases mood-enhancing endorphins?

And we’re not just talking play with a partner here. Sexual – and sensual – pleasure comes in many forms, including just for one.

Your very own pleasure box
How often do you think about what gives you pleasure? If a special someone were to ask, could you tell them what turns you on? If you were planning an evening of pampering and pleasure just for yourself, would you know what to do?

For many women, these are tough questions. And even if answering them is easy for you, how often do you actually give yourself the time and space to indulge?

Well, how lovely would it be to have your very own pleasure box – a box that contained a selection of your own hand-picked pleasure-enhancers, ready for you whenever the mood would strike?

This box could contain anything that strikes your fancy and tickles your senses – think all five senses here:

* a bar of extravagantly rich dark chocolate
* a bottle of wine
* your favorite essential oils or bath salts
* scented massage oil
* a book of erotica
* a pornographic video or magazine
* some sensual music selections
* a peacock feather
* a vibrator

The list of possibilities is endless – limited only by your likes and dislikes. And the box is just for you – use it for a date with yourself, an evening of pampering and pleasuring yourself as only you can. Or, if you choose, share it with a partner – and give them the privilege of learning how best to pamper and pleasure the loveliness that is you.

Either way, start your box this week. Even if it only contains one or two items for now, that’s ok. Allow yourself to be inspired by the arrival of spring, and the pure sensuousness of the season – continue adding to your box as you go along, discovering all the fabulous and unique ways that YOU experience pleasure.

Share your pleasure
Was this a challenging activity for you? Or do you already have your own version of a pleasure box? How does if feel to devote time and space solely to what pleases YOU? Talk to us in the comments section below, where you can also ask questions and receive feedback from an LSW Counselor!

LSW recognizes the importance of indulgence, pleasure, and sensuality for every woman's menstrual and sexual health. We help you find the right medicinal foods for healing your condition, and we support you to understand, accept, and enjoy your woman's body and your feminine energy.

Breaking the Cycle of Breakouts

2008-03-09T21:36:00.002-05:00

Long after puberty, many women experience monthly breakouts. Some changes in the skin over the course of a month are normal—after ovulation the increase of progesterone makes breakouts more likely. For the same reason, taking an oral contraceptive high in progesterone can lead to skin trouble all month long. Also, hormonal imbalances can cause the liver to produce the substances that lead to the wrong kind of sebum—the natural lubricant produced by glands in the skin.

If your diet is high in sugar, fat, processed foods, or foods with chemical additives, your body may have a hard time getting rid of these excesses. Your skin’s ability to lubricate and self-clean can be impaired. Remember, your body keeps you healthy by processing out anything toxic, and your skin is a major vehicle for detoxification—including the skin on your face.

Americans spend around $6 billion on skin care products each year—there’s so much advertising encouraging us to turn to the latest chemical-based product for solutions. The trouble is, those products actually add toxins to our bodies, ultimately contributing to deeper levels of organ imbalance and giving our skin even more to deal with.

Here’s a quick primer for managing monthly breakouts without chemicals and setting yourself up for long-term skin health.

Daily Detox
Flush away toxins and fatty residues and improve liver function:
• increase your water
• increase leafy green vegetables
• increase raw fruit and veggies (be cautious with this in cold weather)

Feed Your Skin
Like any other organ, your skin needs specific nutrients for health:
• vitamins A, C, and E—eat your veggies!
• zinc—whole grains, sunflower seeds, raw nuts
• essential fatty acids—flax oil, fish oil, evening primrose oil

Chemical-Free Skin Care
• hot towel scrub: rub down your dry skin with a hot washcloth daily to open all the pores on your body for detoxification (besides just the ones on your face)
• lavender essential oil and tea tree oil: natural antiseptics and excellent topical treatments for blemishes
• food-based masks and peels: coffee & sugar to exfoliate, avocado to moisturize, and papaya for anti-aging and skin repair

LSW is committed to helping you understand the amazing natural healing options that are available to you, so that you can make knowledgeable, powerful choices about how to care for your body and your menstrual and sexual health.

To Freeze or Not to Freeze?

2008-03-03T01:46:00.003-05:00

Have you heard the latest? There is a company called Extend Fertility that is now offering women in their 20s and 30s the chance to freeze their eggs for future use. Apparently celebrities and the well-to-do have been able to avail themselves of this technology for awhile – but Extend Fertility is the first to offer it to the general public.

While the procedure does involve some hormonal supplementation in order to harvest many eggs at once, the process does also seem to have some benefits. As women, we come into this world at birth with all of the eggs we’ll ever have for our lifetime already inside of us – as many as 450,000 – with one being released each month at ovulation. With more and more of us waiting to start a family until we’re more established in our careers – in our 30s and even in our 40s – more and more of us are also dealing with increased difficulties in conception. As we age, so do our eggs. In other words, even though we’re still releasing eggs on a monthly basis, the older we get, the more likely it is that we’ll sometimes release eggs that are not viable. This procedure makes it possible for women to harvest their eggs at an earlier age, and then freeze them for use at a later date.

One benefit of this option – besides having better quality eggs available when you are ready to start your family – is that it involves some amount of planning ahead, and thinking about your future. For many of us, the time goes so fast – by the time we’re settled in our career and are ready to start thinking about having a child, we may already be at an age where the quality of our eggs is in decline.

The LSW take
Our line on freezing your eggs? We do find it an interesting option – and a much better one than IVF, which has one of the highest failure rates of any industry (second only to the diet industry!). With in vitro fertilization, you’re already at the point where you’re working with less viable eggs; with egg freezing, especially if they’re frozen before the age of 32, you’ve got eggs that are of better quality and therefore more viable – leading to a slightly better success rate.

However, this procedure may not be for everyone, and we do have some cautions. Hormonal manipulation is hormonal manipulation – many of us end up using hormonal birth control for years, before deciding to have children at mid-life, and both egg freezing and IVF utilize further hormonal manipulation to provoke your body into releasing several eggs at once. Regardless of the method of conception – whether by egg freezing, IVF, or even the old-fashioned way – spending much of the preceding years manipulating your hormones can make it that much more difficult to maintain a pregnancy, especially a healthy one.

Our advice? If you’re really serious about having children someday, give yourself a head start by taking good care of your body now. Look to non-hormonal methods of birth control (barrier methods such as condoms and spermicidal jelly, or the Today Sponge, for example), so that whether or not you decide to hedge your bets with egg freezing, you’re still setting yourself up for a healthy happy pregnancy at whatever age YOU decide you’re ready to conceive.

Laughing Sage Wellness is committed to helping women become their own best experts on their bodies and their health. After all, who knows you better than YOU?

The Glory of Grains

2008-02-26T17:37:00.005-05:00

We find ourselves now entering that transition time – it’s still winter in most parts of the U.S., but every now and then we get those teaser days that are just a little warmer and sunnier. You may have even noticed a few early-bird plants poking their heads above ground!

These almost spring-like days can make our bodies start craving different foods. You may have noticed yourself starting to turn away from the heavier soups and stews of winter, looking for lighter fare. Yet, we all know that there’s still more cold weather to come, before it truly gets warm. And our bodies still need some hardy and robust foods as we move through the last month or two of winter.

Nature’s gift
Fortunately for us, Mother Nature has provided us with the perfect foods for this time: whole grains. We’re not talking whole wheat bread or whole wheat pasta here, ladies, though they’re both better options than the overly-processed white flour varieties.

When we talk about whole grains, we’re talking about cooking and eating those grains in a form that is as close as possible to how they were when they left the plant. Most whole grains are available in dried form, and are re-hydrated during soaking and cooking. Having received very little processing before reaching your table, they are still chock-full of nutrients.

Most grains are high in the B vitamins in particular, providing building blocks for serotonin production – allowing whole grains to act as a mood enhancer. Grains also contain both protein and carbohydrates, making them a good energy food, and since they tend to digest and enter the bloodstream more slowly than their processed counterparts, they also work to balance blood sugar levels.

What to look for
Most of us have by now at least heard of brown rice, even if we’re not already cooking with it. Other grains to look for include spelt, millet, quinoa (a South American grain, pronounced “keen-wa”), amaranth, barley, and buckwheat (or kasha). Did you know that in Russia, kasha is the main staple for getting through the winter? For beating symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), kasha is definitely king!

Most grains are pretty simple and easy to cook – there are just a few simple steps to remember to ensure a successful dish:

1 – Be sure to rinse your grains before cooking.

2 – This step is optional, but many people recommend soaking your grains in a bowl of water before cooking (soaking time can be anywhere from 1/2 hour to overnight) – this makes their nutrients more bio-available, and removes their layer of phytic acid, which can interfere with absorption of some minerals. If you do decide to soak, be sure to drain the grains and discard the soaking water before cooking.

3 – You can add a pinch of sea salt when cooking, or even better – throw in a piece of kombu (or your sea veggie of choice) – it helps to make the grains more digestible and flavorful, and adds important minerals.

4 – Never stir or disturb your grains while cooking – they’ll cook more evenly and have a better texture if you just let them be.

Are you ready to give it a try? Just add the recommended amount of water for your grain, and follow the standard cooking times below. Season with your favorite oil and/or vinegar and enjoy as a side dish, or add a veggie and a protein source for a one-dish meal-on-the-go. Once you’ve got the hang of it in smaller amounts, we recommend making a large pot of grain on the weekend, which you can then eat throughout the week!

Grain Cooking Times

1 cup of: Water: Time:

amaranth 2 1/2 cups 20 minutes
brown rice 2 cups 50 minutes
barley 2-3 cups 60-90 minutes
buckwheat (kasha) 2 cups 20 minutes
millet 2-3 cups 30 minutes
quinoa 2 cups 20 minutes
rolled oats 3 cups 30 minutes
wild rice 2 cups 60 minutes

For more ideas on cooking with whole grains, check out Rebecca Wood’s fabulous cookbook, The Splendid Grain. You’ll find loads of inspiration for dressing up your favorite grain varieties!

LSW counselors are experts at supporting women to use food medicinally to nurture, balance, and heal their hormonal systems, instead of masking or eliminating them with drugs or surgery. Our holistic health group pairs clients with insightful and compassionate counselors who are trained experts in holistic nutrition and women's self-care.

Valentine for Your Vagina

2008-02-15T00:05:00.002-05:00

On this day when we think we should be receiving love from someone outside of ourselves
LSW wanted to remind you of how much you are being loved from the inside every day

Yes - by your vagina: from the clitoris to the cervix to the uterus to your ovaries - she manages the magical, mysterious, internal ride to your power center.
She's constantly taking care of you, sending you messages about what you need to do and who you need to be in order to live into your true potential and life you want to create.
She does so many amazing things and most of us don't even really know how she really works!

So today, on this day dedicated to the expression of love,
we at LSW want to remind you that your vagina loves you.
If you would be so kind as to send a little love back to her,
who knows what kind of magic might start to happen in your life?

Write her a Valentine's day note - a thank you letter, tell her how you'd like to get better acquainted with her and tell her how much you adore and appreciate her
for all the fun you get to have with her, all the healthy periods she manages for you, and even for the ways in which she might be unbalanced at the moment - thank her for the gift of that imbalance as it is only present to point you back in the direction of your highest self.
While you're at it, why not thank your entire hormonal system - for everything that it does for you too!

The power really is in your panties ladies!
Acknowledge that you are loved today.

In light and health,

Alisa & The LSW Team

Vagina Inspirations

"So the vagina is a balloon, a turtleneck sweater, a model for the universe itself, which,
after all is expanding in all directions even as we sit here and weep."

"The vagina is both path and journey, tunnel and traveler."

~ Woman, An Intimate Geography by Natalie Angier

Fun Facts:
According to one source, there are about 1,000 slang words for "vagina."
Having an orgasm relieves menstrual cramps because the vigorous muscle contractions move blood and other fluids away from congested organs.
Good news... once you've had your first orgasm, you can usually reproduce it.
Picture this... the largest mammalian vagina belongs to the female blue whale with a normal length ranging in size from six to eight feet.

Hormonal Manipulation and You

2008-02-11T13:40:00.000-05:00

Ever read those little information pamphlets that come with your hormonal birth control prescriptions? Ever see the long list of potential side effects and wonder just how much of risk there really is?

Interestingly enough, many women today don’t really know or understand the health risks that are associated with the manipulation of their hormones through hormonal birth control methods. Your endocrine (hormonal) system is part of a complex network that also impacts your vascular health and brain function. In the old days, when receiving a prescription for hormonal birth control, women were required to sign a piece paper stating that they were aware of the health risks involved - when was the last time you had to do this? And while the pill in particular has seen many changes since it was first released in 1962, many of the same potential side effects remain.

How many of these common side effects of hormonal birth control are you familiar with?
* Nausea, vomiting, constipation, or bloating
* Irregular menstruation and spotting
* Breast swelling or tenderness
* Decreased libido
* Weight gain or loss of appetite
* Mood swings, anxiety, nervousness or depression
* Changes in vaginal discharge and vaginal infections
* Headaches, dizziness and fatigue
* High blood pressure and cholesterol
* Acne or permanent discoloration of the face
* Fluid retention
* Bone density loss
* Hair loss or changes in hair growth
* Enlarged ovarian follicles

And how about these potential long-term complications?
* Eye problems or vision impairment
* Gallbladder disease and gallstones
* Embolism
* Resistance to Insulin
* Immune system suppression
* Heart attack
* Stroke
* Breast tumors and liver tumors
* Ectopic Pregnancies
* Links with certain cancers such as cervical cancer
* Blood clots in legs, lungs, heart and brain
* Jaundice

Sounds scary, doesn’t it? These potential health risks are not something to be taken lightly - manipulating your hormones is serious business. Remember all of the fuss when HRT was found to be more dangerous than previously thought for women in their menopausal years? Why, then, is it still considered “safe” to manipulate women’s hormones during their fertile years?

It all comes down to choice
We’re not telling you all of this to scare you - many women will continue to use hormonal birth control methods, and will be pleased with their effects. Our goal is simply to empower you with all of the information, so that YOU can make the best choice for YOU. As it stands, the last 70 years or so is the first time in human history that we've manipulated female hormones to this degree. Hormonal imbalances are common in women, and infertility is at an all-time high. Can we say for sure this is all connected? No, but we also can’t say for sure that it isn't. With so many options available for re-connecting with our cycles as a powerful source of our feminine energy, why take the drug?

Want to learn more?
If you’re interested in reading more about hormonal birth control, here are a couple of good articles to start with:

Health Risks of Hormonal Birth Control, from the Women’s Health Information website

Is the Pill Playing Havoc with Your Mental Health?, from the Aphrodite Womens’s Health website

Share your thoughts
Share your thoughts and experiences with hormonal birth control (positive or negative) with the larger LSW community, in the comments section below. An LSW Counselor will respond!

Laughing Sage Wellness is committed to helping women become their own best experts on their bodies and their health. After all, who knows you better than YOU?

Headache Relief

2008-02-06T00:11:00.000-05:00

Many things in our daily lives can contribute to having headaches, including stress. In stressful situations, your body will release hormones to help you respond. However, sustained or long-term stress keeps these hormone levels too high, interfering with metabolism and reproductive hormone levels. For those of us who are already dealing with hormonal issues, these increased levels can lead to a host of symptoms, including headaches.

These headaches can increase in frequency or severity as your period approaches. Estrogen production will build to a peak just before the start of your cycle, leading to an increased accumulation of hormones in the body, and then drop off. Once the peak passes and estrogen levels drop, it's common to feel a sense of relief and relaxation.

In addition, stress and overwork can lead to more reliance on sugar and caffeine - two common headache triggers - to keep us going. Over-reliance on these substances can in turn result in adrenal fatigue and low kidney energy. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the adrenal-kidney organ system plays a big part in regulating our hormonal and reproductive health.

So, how can we support our bodies in these cycles, in the midst of the daily stresses of modern living?

One of the most important things you can do is to get to know your body's individual patterns - start noticing if you tend get headaches more often during certain seasons (such as the spring or fall allergy seasons), or during particular times of the month or even certain times of day.

Then, try these tips during the time leading up to the time you usually notice your headaches, if possible. But don't worry, if you don't manage to stop it before it starts, you can also use these suggestions to reduce the length and severity of your headache naturally.

* Increase water: Water feeds our cells and helps keep the systems in our body running smoothly. Especially helpful during allergy season!

* Reduce sugar and caffeine: Two of the most common headache triggers, these substances can also play havoc with our hormones. Try substituting fresh fruit and herbal teas for your afternoon snack.

* Reduce dairy products: Dairy products contain natural (and sometimes added) hormones, which can add to the body's hormonal load and interfere with its ability to process out any excess hormones - particularly around start of your cycle.

* Get plenty of rest: It's very common to need extra sleep around the start of your menstrual cycle. Listening to your body's messages, and allowing yourself to get to bed a little earlier during this time will go a long way toward reducing headache symptoms.

* Treat yourself to regular massage: Massage helps to relieve stress and reduce tension in the body. If you can't afford professional massage, offer to trade regular shoulder rubs with your best girlfriend - you'll both reap the benefits!

If you're noticing that headaches and other symptoms are controlling your month, call us. You don't need to try to survive through your cycle - you can turn it into a beautiful and joyous part of your life.

LSW is committed to helping you understand the amazing natural healing options that are available to you, so that you can make knowledgeable, powerful choices about how to care for your body and your menstrual and sexual health.

Chocolate for Health!

2008-01-31T00:00:00.000-05:00

The health benefits of dark chocolate have been big news lately. Women in particular respond to chemicals in chocolate that boost our serotonin and endorphin levels. Chocolate contains high levels of magnesium for bone health and that reduce menstrual cramps. Its flavenoids can improve our heart health.

Daily chocolate is a highly pleasurable way to care for your body. But remember--the light, milky, sugary stuff doesn’t count. The darker the chocolate, the more potent the benefits. We recommend 70% or darker organic chocolate.

Try working more chocolate (or cacao) into your diet by cooking with it. Unsweetened chocolate has high health benefits and can add a new, exotic touch to basic dishes. Try it and see!

Chocolate Pinto Beans
* Combine in a bowl 1 cup canned, organic tomatoes, 1 chopped clove of garlic, 1/2 diced green pepper, 1 TB raisins, 1 cup veggie broth, 1 TB tahini sauce, 2 TB unsweetened organic cocoa powder, 1/4 TB chili powder, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, and a dash of salt and pepper.
* Hand blend or put through a blender until smooth.
* Combine sauce and 2 cups of canned organic pinto (or black or kidney) beans.
* Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
* Enjoy as part of your meal.

Chocolate Veggie Pasta
* Prepare 1 box of whole wheat pasta or rice penne pasta.
* Slice 2 small zucchinis into thin sticks and sauté with 2 minced cloves of garlic and 1 TB extra virgin olive oil.
* Stir pasta and vegetables together in a serving bowl.
* Add salt and pepper to taste.
* Sprinkle with 3 tsp crushed cacao nibs - tiny pieces of cacao beans. They are not sweet, but are crunchy and nutty and smell heavenly. You can find them at the health food store.
*Eat and enjoy!

LSW counselors are experts at supporting women to use food medicinally to nurture, balance, and heal their hormonal systems, instead of masking or eliminating them with drugs or surgery. Our holistic health group pairs clients with insightful and compassionate counselors who are trained experts in holistic nutrition and women's self-care.

The Ritual of Bathing

2008-01-21T00:45:00.000-05:00

While it’s cold and blustery outside, inside it’s toasty and warm – and a great time for taking advantage of one of the oldest and most widely used forms of healing. Cultures throughout time and from all ends of the globe have traditionally “taken the waters” as a way to detoxify the body, heal various ailments and illnesses, and improve their overall health.

In today’s modern world, these ancient healing practices can be a luxurious and important tool for creating and maintaining vibrant health and well-being. Many aspects of our daily lives – high fat diets, artificial foods, stress, pesticides, pollution, plastics, and power lines, to name but a few – can combine to overload our organs of elimination (our liver, kidneys and skin), making them unable to properly process out used estrogens and other metabolic wastes.

Indulge, relax, and enjoy!
One of the most pleasurable tools for supporting your body in its natural detoxification process is weekly or daily therapy with salt and water. Soaking in salts or scrubbing down with them feels glorious. Plus it draws toxins out of the body and lets important minerals soak in.

Some of the benefits of bathing with salts include:
* stimulates circulation
* reduces skin inflammation
* relieves muscle tension (great if you sit at a computer all day!)
* polishes skin
* opens pores and draws out toxins
* nourishes the body with calcium, magnesium and potassium
* helps clear out “emotional static” left from dealing with other people

Create your own spa rituals at home
Try adding salts to a hot bath, using salts in the water for your hot towel scrub, or scrubbing down with salts and essential oils in the shower. Allow yourself to make these practices a consistent and conscious part of your self-care routine – you’ll notice the difference, and your body will thank you!

Need help getting started?
Here are some of our favorite bath products:

* Masada Dead Sea Mineral Bath Salts: high-quality, affordable bath salts scented with a variety of essential oils; try eucalyptus for managing winter colds.

* Sunshine Spa Herbal Salt Scrub: great in the shower; salts are suspended in luscious, healthy carrier oils from almonds, sunflower seeds, grape seeds, and avocados; try lavender for rest and relaxation.

* Trillium Organic Body Polish: great in the shower and healthy enough to eat; salts are suspended in safflower oil and vitamin e for moisture balance; try pink grapefruit for cleansing and refreshing.

* Or try making your own! Start with coarsely ground sea salt – either add it to your bath water with a few drops of your favorite essential oil, or combine it in a jar with an equal amount of coconut, olive, or sesame oil and a few drops of an essential oil to use as a shower scrub.

Then treat yourself to a nice long soak with candles, hot tea, and a good book. Be sure your favorite cozy pajamas are waiting nearby!

Tell us your spa stories!
What are your favorite home spa treats? Has our ode to bathing with salts inspired you to create new self-care rituals? Talk to us in the comments section below, where you can also ask questions and receive feedback from an LSW Counselor!

LSW recognizes the importance of indulgence, pleasure, and sensuality for every woman's menstrual and sexual health. We help you find the right medicinal foods for healing your condition, and we support you to understand, accept, and enjoy your woman's body and your feminine energy.

Mood Swings and SAD

2008-01-14T14:12:00.000-05:00

If you are someone who often has challenges with mood swings, you may have noticed that they tend to be worse during this time of year. Unless you live below the equator, chances are that you are experiencing a fair amount of those gray winter days right now.

The lack of sun exposure in late winter can have a profound effect on our moods and feelings of well-being. These “winter blues,” also known as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), can include symptoms of depression, lack of energy, and general malaise. 

First steps:
If these symptoms sound all too familiar, take heart. One of the simplest and easiest ways to address this issue is through diet. Foods rich in the B vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids provide support for the nervous system and act as natural mood enhancers.

For your B vitamins, look to whole grains like brown rice, buckwheat (or kasha), millet, and oats. These nutritional powerhouses also increase your body’s levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that improves mood and promotes feelings of satisfaction and relaxation. If you like, you can also supplement with a good B complex, available at most natural food stores and supermarkets.

To maintain adequate levels of omega 3s, try grinding flax seeds and adding them to your morning smoothies, or sprinkling them on top of veggies or whole grains. Or, look for any of the Omega 3 oils available at any health food store. Don’t cook with these oils – they won’t withstand the high heat. Instead, add them to smoothies or use them as dressings for salads, cooked veggies, or whole grains.

Other ideas to try:
* Eat more vegetables - Mother Nature provides us with plenty of hardy winter vegetables for this time of year. Enjoy winter greens such as kale or collard greens for an energetic lift, and root and ground veggies such as burdock root, winter squashes and sweet potatoes for their strengthening effect and blood sugar-balancing qualities.

* Get enough rest - Notice that many animals are hibernating right now! This is not the time of year to take on lots of extra projects or responsibilities. Prioritize getting a full 8 hours of sleep a night for the next couple of months – you’ll feel the difference.

* Give yourself a breath of fresh air - Most of us spend the winter with our doors and windows shut tight against the cold. While this does keep us warm, it also means we’re breathing in stale, stagnant air. Give yourself a quick boost by opening all the windows wide for about 5 minutes - just enough time to circulate some fresh air, but not enough time to lose the heat. Then breathe deeply!

* Replace ordinary light bulbs with full spectrum bulbs - Full spectrum bulbs are designed to provide lighting that is a close as possible to natural sunlight. Think about how good you feel on a bright, sunny day - surrounding yourself with full spectrum lighting utilizes your body’s natural responses to sunlight, and can go a long way toward boosting your moods during these winter months. Available at most natural health stores, and at many conventional supermarkets and hardware stores.

* Try lighting panels - Full spectrum light panels give higher intensity doses for shorter periods of time. Available online, and in many natural health stores.

* Take advantage of the sunlight - On those rare winter days when there is some sunshine, make the most of it! Leave your office for lunch, or take a walk in the afternoon. You’ll be amazed at what a difference even these small amounts of real sunlight can make.

 The symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder can range from mild to very serious. If you’re noticing that these symptoms are affecting your daily life, call us at 212-581-0001 for a free consultation. We can help. 

Share with us
Winter doldrums got you down? Let us know which tips worked best for you, or if you have tried and trues of your own to add! Talk to us in the comments section below, where you can also ask questions and receive feedback from an LSW Counselor!

LSW is committed to helping you understand the amazing natural healing options that are available to you, so that you can make knowledgeable, powerful choices about how to care for your body and your menstrual and sexual health.

Foods Every Woman MUST Eat During Winter

2007-12-23T23:25:00.000-05:00

As we move into the deepest part of winter, we begin to naturally crave those comforting foods that warm and strengthen us from deep inside.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is the season to strengthen our kidney energy. TCM tells us that our kidneys regulate our reproductive health, so this is also a great opportunity to improve the overall energy of your hara. If you're not familiar with this term: the hara is the area of your body that contains your organs of reproduction and your organs of transformation (such as the intestines), and is also referred to as the body's "core".

Strengthening your core can help provide feelings of groundedness and stability during these cold winter months, and because of its connection with the reproductive system, it is especially important for those of us with hormonal issues - including those with fibroids, endometriosis, pcos, pms or infertility.

Since winter is the season when the kidneys are able to receive the most energy from your diet, be sure to prioritize the following foods on your grocery list for the next 2 months, and try to have one food from this list every day:

* kasha (buckwheat)
* wild rice
* black beans
* kidney beans
* mung beans
* black sesame seeds
* sea veggies
* miso

To get you started, here are some of our favorite simple kidney-supportive, cold-weather recipes. Happy feasting!

Kasha Balls with Shiitake Mushrooms
This dish is oh-so-good and comforting in the cold winter months!

* Prepare basic kasha (2 cups water to 1 cup toasted kasha, bring water to boil, add kasha, reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes).
* Sauté a bit of finely minced onion, garlic and fresh parsley in olive oil, with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper.
* Mix the sautéed seasonings into the cooked kasha.
* Add 1 beaten egg into the kasha mixture, and combine well.
* Form mixture into "meatballs".
* Place the kasha balls back into the sauté pan, and sauté evenly on all sides until the egg cooks and binds them into your desired shape.
* Remove kasha balls from pan and set aside.

* To prepare the sauce, start with 1 cup of sliced shiitake mushrooms in the same sauté pan.
* Season with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper.
* Cook until wilted, then add all of the following at the same time: 1 TB soy sauce, 1 tsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp black pepper and 1/4 cup of water.
* Let this light sauce come together for about 3 minutes, then pour over the kasha balls and serve!

Or for an even easier option:

*Make the basic kasha as above, but add all the veggies (including the mushrooms) at the same time you're adding the uncooked kasha to the boiling water. It'll all cook together!
* Once cooked, drizzle with toasted sesame oil and soy sauce.

Easy Morning Miso Soup
Why start the day with something cold and sweet, when the weather outside dictates that you stay as warm as possible?

* Boil water as if for tea.
* Pour boiling water into a cereal bowl that contains some sliced button mushrooms, baby spinach leaves, and some torn pieces of nori (from the nori sheets used to make sushi rolls - available at most health food stores).
* Let the hot water "cook" the veggies for a minute or so, then add 1 tsp of fresh miso paste (we like the Miso Master brand) - any flavor you prefer is fine.
* Stir until the miso is dissolved.
* Sit and sip, or put it in your travel thermos and take it to go!

Mung Bean Dessert
Here's a healthy sweet treat for those cold winter days!

* Drain excess "juice" from 1 can of Eden brand mung beans, and rinse well.
* Combine beans, 1/2 TB coconut oil, 1/4 cup water and a pinch of sea salt in a small pan, over low heat.
* Mash beans into mixture with the back of a wooden spoon, until you have a smooth paste.
* Add 2 TB maple syrup, 1/4 tsp cardamom and 1/4 tsp cinnamon, and cook for another minute or so.
* Remove from heat and spread like fudge onto a plate.
* Let it cool and cut pieces when you're ready for a snack, or serve hot with vanilla Rice Dream!

LSW counselors are experts at supporting women to use food medicinally to nurture, balance, and heal their hormonal systems, instead of masking or eliminating them with drugs or surgery. Our holistic health group pairs clients with insightful and compassionate counselors who are trained experts in holistic nutrition and women's self-care.

The Gift of Giving to Yourself

2007-12-16T23:00:00.000-05:00

‘Tis the season of giving, they tell us. For most of us, that usually means giving to others, whether it’s picking out the perfect holiday gift or giving of our time or energy to make someone else’s season a little bit more special.

And while there’s great joy to be had in doing for others, many of us probably also experience the downside of over-doing and over-giving: we end up feeling tired and worn out, and sometimes even resentful of the seasonal commitments we’ve made.

If this sounds familiar, we’d wager that there’s one important person who is getting left out of all of your giving – YOU.

Why would I give to myself?
During times of busyness, it’s more important than ever to make time to care for ourselves. The busier we are, the more our bodies are operating in “stress mode” – overproducing adrenaline and cortisol (the stress hormones) to keep us going. These hormones serve a necessary function in the instance that a “fight or flight” reaction is needed. But they also put in motion processes that shut down important functions like digestion and elimination – since in a fight or flight situation you want all energy focused on your current emergency.

Taking a little time out to care for ourselves gives our bodies a break, and keeps ALL of our different systems functioning properly.

Creating a “Commitment Box”
So how do we find time to give to ourselves during this hectic season? One of our favorite ways is by creating a “Commitment Box”. If you’re familiar with Julie Cameron’s amazing book on stimulating the creative process, The Artist’s Way, you’ll likely be reminded of her “Artist’s Date” exercise, where you commit to doing one playful thing – something just for yourself – each week, as a way of getting your creative juices flowing.

It’s easy to get started: just rip a piece of paper into as many pieces as you like, and on each piece of paper write down one thing that you can do for yourself. Then find a box or bag in which to store your papers. If you like, you can even decorate your box, so it stands out as something special. Each week, pull out one piece of paper, and make it a commitment to treat yourself during that week with whatever gift you’ve chosen.

Having trouble getting started?
These gifts to yourself don’t have to be fancy, or cost money. They could be as simple as a luxurious bath, an afternoon nap, buying flowers for yourself, giving yourself 30 minutes of uninterrupted time to read your favorite book or 15 minutes to play outside in the snow, or even sharing a cup of tea with your best friend. The only requirement is that whatever you include in your box brings you pleasure in some way.

Once you get going, you may find that you enjoy giving to YOU so much, that you continue using your Commitment Box on into the new year!

Share your ideas
What ideas did you come up with for your box? Are you enjoying including yourself on your gift list? Discuss your gifts, share ideas for future giving, and ask questions about this exercise in our comments section below, and an LSW counselor will respond!

LSW recognizes the importance of indulgence, pleasure, and sensuality for every woman's menstrual and sexual health. We help you find the right medicinal foods for healing your condition, and we support you to understand, accept, and enjoy your woman's body and your feminine energy.

Migraines and Orgasm

2007-12-10T02:24:00.000-05:00

Ah, the migraine - seems like it grabs each of us at one time or another. For many of us, it's only an occasional occurrence, but for some of us they come with painful and debilitating frequency.

One of our favorite experts on the relationship between the emotional and the physical, Louise Hay, believes that migraines can be deeply rooted in our sexual fears. In her book Heal Your Body, she says that migraines are related to "a dislike of being driven, resisting the flow of life, and sexual fears."

Most of us carry around messages about our bodies and our sexuality that we've received from parents, friends or the world around us - messages that tell us we're not attractive enough, or that it's wrong be overly sexual, or that "nice girls don't do that." If we internalize these messages and begin to believe them, they can have an adverse effect on our ability to freely express (and enjoy) our sexuality - causing us to resist this very natural part of being a woman.

Another way to look at it is through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, migraines have to do with a deficiency of kidney energy - if the kidneys are too contracted (too tight or closed in), we're more likely to experience migraines. Well, if we're repressing our sexual energy or desires, our kidneys are much more likely to tighten up and become contracted.

Rollicking relief
So how does understanding this connection help us in a migraine moment? By pointing the way to this romp of a remedy:

The next time you experience a migraine, get out your vibrator (or hand, or washcloth, or other favorite orgasm-inducer)!

It's true - this cheap and easy at-home remedy helps to release pent-up emotional energy, and encourages us to get more in touch with our body and our sexuality. It helps us join with the flow of life, relieves stress, and releases feel-good endorphins - our body’s own natural pain reliever.

C'mon ladies, this is your chance to make Betty Dodson proud! (And if you're unfamiliar with the fabulous Betty, check out her pivotal work Sex for One: The Joy of Selfloving.)

Share your thoughts
Did any of this article ring a bell for you? Is masturbation already part of your medicine cabinet, or is does this remedy feel challenging for you? Share your thoughts and ask any questions in our comments section below, and an LSW counselor will respond!

LSW is committed to helping you understand the amazing natural healing options that are available to you, so that you can make knowledgeable, powerful choices about how to care for your body and your menstrual and sexual health.

Rebuilding the Holiday Plate

2007-11-28T12:42:00.000-05:00

For women who are dealing with hormonal issues, the holidays can be particularly challenging. Often we are dining at the homes of family or friends, with little control over what foods are served or how they are prepared. However, with a little bit of care and pre-planning, we can enjoy the bounty of all of this lovingly home-made food, while minimizing the impact on our hormonal systems.

First, think about how you usually build your holiday plate. For most of us, when we see so much good food, we'll unconsciously pile it all on our plates. This year, think of your plate as divided into sections:

* Start with the veggies - you'll want to fill half of your plate with salad greens and other vegetables.

* Then, you can divide the remaining half between grains and protein - about one quarter plate each.

* Think of the fruity dishes, like cranberry relish or fruit salad, as condiments. Give yourself a few bites of these sweet treats but don't overdo it, as they'll usually contain added sugar.

Also, consider contributing a couple of your own favorite dishes to the meal - you'll be assured that you'll have some healthier options available, and possibly even inspire someone to try something new. If you're wondering what you can bring that will fit in with the holiday meal, here are some of our own tried and tested holiday crowd-pleasers - including an alternate protein option, a delicious grain dish, and the requisite green beans and mushroom gravy, LSW-style!

Lentil Chestnut Loaf
* Add 2 cups of dried brown lentils (rinsed), 2 bay leaves, and a pinch of sea salt to 4 cups of water.
* Cook for about 20 minutes, until lentils are totally soft. (Even over-cooking them a little is okay!)
* While the lentils are cooking, mince 2 yellow onions, 1/2 head of celery, 6 carrots, 1 head of garlic, and 1/3 cup parsley.
* Sauté the minced onions, celery and carrots with a bit of sea salt, pepper and olive oil. When the veggies are completely soft, add the minced garlic and parsley.
* Once the lentils are cooked, drain off any remaining liquid so the lentils are dry and remove the bay leaves.
* Coarsely chop 2 jars of whole roasted chestnuts. (Make sure you get the kind that is not sweetened or in any type of syrup.)
* Stir the lentils and chestnuts into the pan with the veggies and mix it all together well. (Be sure to save the pan - without washing - for our Ultimate Gravy recipe below!)
* Pour this mixture into 1 or 2 oiled bread loaf pans (depending on the size of your pan) and bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.
* Then place on serving trays and slice like a meatloaf - it even tastes like meatloaf!

Ultimate Vegetarian Gravy with Green Beans
* Start with the same sauté pan you used for the Lentil Chestnut Loaf.
* Deglaze the pan by adding ¼ cup of either veggie stock, cold water or white wine (depending on your eating habits and preferences). This will cause the yummy bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pan to loosen. Scrape them off and let them dissolve into the liquid.
* Drizzle in 2 TB of olive oil and add 2 cups of sliced mushrooms (a combination of crimini and shitake work really well).
* Sauté this mixture with a pinch of salt and any garlic you may have left.
* Add 1 cup more of liquid (vegetable stock is best) and lower the heat.
* Spoon 1/2 cup of the hot cooking liquid into a small bowl or cup, and whisk 2 TB of arrowroot powder (found in the spice section of the grocery store), until completely smooth. This will help prevent lumps in your gravy.
* Pour this mixture back into the pan and stir.
* Let everything simmer for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
* Remove from heat and pour into your serving vessel. Serve this wonderful gravy over your Lentil Chestnut Loaf slices, and on steamed green beans topped with slivered toasted almonds.

Winter Wild Rice
* Rinse and add to a pot 1.5 cups of black wild rice.
* Add 3 cups of water, bring to a boil, cover and simmer on low for 40-45 minutes.
* While rice is cooking, mince a handful of celery, 1 sweet potato, and 1-2 parsnips - be sure to cut them small so they'll cook quickly.
* During the last 20 minutes of cooking, add the minced vegetables to the top of the rice, and re-cover. Don't stir! The vegetables will steam nicely on top of the rice.
*When rice is done, remove to a serving bowl, and add rosemary and olive oil to taste. Mix well and serve.

Blog with us
Share your thoughts and ask your questions on holiday meal planning and rebuilding YOUR holiday plate in the comments section below, and an LSW counselor will respond!

LSW counselors are experts at supporting women to use food medicinally to nurture, balance, and heal their hormonal systems, instead of masking or eliminating them with drugs or surgery. Our holistic health group pairs clients with insightful and compassionate counselors who are trained experts in holistic nutrition and women's self-care.

Special Guest Article: Creating New, Indulgent, Decadent, Healthy (Mostly!) and Silly Holiday Traditions!

2007-11-18T23:25:00.000-05:00

This week, we have a very special guest article for you, written by Marianne Merritt Talbot, Esq. Marianne is the President of Modern Venus Ltd., a coaching company dedicated to empowering women to live bigger and with more glamour, success and generosity. If you're interested in finding out more about Marianne's work, you can visit her website at www.ModernVenus.net, or contact her directly at MTalbot@ModernVenus.net or 212-929-9999. Have fun!

Andy Warhol, the avante-garde pop artist and astute social commentator aptly observed: "They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." The holiday season is a time of tradition, yet sometimes traditions can become stale, we take them for granted and we indulge in unhealthy customs (ugh, full-fat eggnog, anyone?). Sometimes it's fun, and very healthy, to start new traditions, stop un-fun ones entirely, and infuse our older customs with new energy. Following are ten ideas that I give my coaching clients so they can create new, fun, indulgent, compassionate and creative holiday traditions. Enjoy!

1. Be radical: Choose not to send holiday cards this year. Think of all the time you can save for other activities, and your card will not be lost among the throngs that crowd your mailbox. I personally find that it is much more fun to receive cards with personal notes at other times of the year, like Valentine's Day, Groundhog Day, or even an impromptu "Christmas In July!"

2. Be revolutionary: Instead of pigging out during the holidays, do the opposite: detox and/or fast! I spent the last three years fasting over the Thanksgiving holiday... I called it the "un-Thanksgiving," though what I really was doing was celebrating and honoring my health. I loved the low energy of the city, and I felt like I was indulging and taking exquisite care of myself as I sipped vegetable broth and freshly-juiced warm apple juice with cinnamon.

3. Wear sequins EVERYWHERE. Wear them to the office, to the grocery store, to the gym (toss a sequined scarf over your track suit). Notice how being über-sparkly makes you feel.

4. Indulge your chocolate passion: Make handmade chocolate truffles while drinking champagne and watching the ever-incandescent Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp in "Chocolat." A wonderful vegan (cholesterol-free!) truffle recipe is located at: www.veganchef.com/truffles.htm. Package truffles in festive Chinese food containers and give them as gifts!

5. Change the world: Make a decision to fore-go 2 lattes per month (or one martini!) and dedicate that amount of money to a worthy charity. My favorite: The Ten Dollar Club (www.thetendollarclub.org). Every cent of your monthly $10 donation is dedicated to helping people all over the world. Examples: buying solar cookers for elderly refugees in Africa, blankets and medicine for street children in India, surgical instruments for hospitals, building wheelchairs for handicapped children in Jordan. Think of all the good karma you will generate in 2008!

6. Be silly: Give footsie pajamas (remember the kind we had as kids? Check out www.footedpjs.com or www.pajamacity.com) to all your friends and family! Or sponsor a rescued farm animal for each giftee (I always love giving pigs and chickens!). Check out www.animalsanctuary.org or www.farmsanctuary.org for adoption possibilities. It's silly and helps animals, too!

7. Instead of going crazy buying presents for all your friends, lovers, siblings, parents, etc., make an agreement that you will choose ONE name and you can spend twice as much as you normally would have on a present for that person. With the remainder of your funds, buy presents for elderly people in nursing homes!

8. Give something handmade to everyone - bake cookies, go to one of those paint-your-own pottery places, write personal poems, mix up some sugar scrubs with organic sugar, oils and fragrance (via essential oils). Be creative - we don't always have time to be creative, but creativity taps us into our essential joy and is tremendously energizing.

9. Go traditional: Order prints and stationery that contain your black-and-white silhouette. I love how it looks so glamorous and old-school (think Victorian era). Check out www.petiteprints.com for ideas and products.

10. Gild everything! Add edible gold flakes to champagne (available from Williams Sonoma at www.williamssonoma.com), or gild chocolates, strawberries and other fruit with 23-karat gold leaf, which is a European tradition going back centuries (check out www.gildedplanet.com or www.goldleafcompany.com). How extraordinarily indulgent and fabulous!

Happy Indulgent Holidays!

Marianne Merritt Talbot, Esq. is the President of Modern Venus Ltd. (www.ModernVenus.net), a coaching company dedicated to empowering women to live bigger and with more glamour, success and generosity.
MTalbot@ModernVenus.net
212.929.9999

Healthier Holiday Traditions

2007-11-18T23:11:00.000-05:00

With the holiday madness about to be upon us, it's time to take a look at how we can best support ourselves throughout this season. With all of the demands for our time during these months, it's no wonder many of us let ourselves get run down - cramming too many events and commitments into our schedules, consuming too much heavy food and drink at our various events, and not ensuring that we get enough sleep.

As women, most of us have been taught to be the care-takers of those around us, making it very difficult to say no to invitations and commitments - especially around this "time of giving." And while providing assistance and support to those around us is a worthy goal, it's important to remember that our own self-care is paramount - if we're unable to care for ourselves, how helpful can we be to others?

One of the hardest things to do in any form of relationship is to say no. This where learning how to set healthy boundaries comes in - understanding our own needs and limits, so that we can be at our very best for those occasions (and people) that are most important to us.

Relating Creatively
Here at LSW, we encourage something we call Creative Relating. More simply put, when old ways of relating stop working, recognize your ability to create new dynamics and connections. This does not mean severing ties. Rather, it means taking your place in the driver's seat so you can steer things in the direction you prefer. It means creating new ways of relating with those around you - turning down commitments in a way that honors your own needs, for example.

So during this holiday season, take a look at what is really important for you. Do you treasure extra family time, but resent the endless parties that cut into that time? Or are you eagerly anticipating the various parties and events of the season, while wishing you could shave a few days off of this year's obligatory family visit?

Whatever you decide is most important for YOU this holiday season, those are the things to prioritize in your calendar, while also making sure to schedule enough down-time and sleep-time to not get run down.

Then, it's time to practice the art of Creative Relating - for those events and commitments that just don’t fit into your ideal plan for the holidays. Look for ways to practice saying, "I'm so sorry, but that doesn't work for me," or "I'm sorry, but I just can't make it," or "I'm sorry, but my schedule is really full already." Short and sweet and to the point - and then stick to your point. You can even practice saying it in front of a mirror first!

And don't worry, your biggest fear about saying no more often will absolutely not come true. In fact, what you'll find is how much more people will respect your time and have increased opportunities to give to you!

Relate with us
How'd it go for you this week? Were you able to practice setting boundaries? Is this scary for you, or do you find it easy to say no? Share your successes and ask your questions in our comments section below, and an LSW counselor will respond!

LSW recognizes the importance of indulgence, pleasure, and sensuality for every woman's menstrual and sexual health. We help you find the right medicinal foods for healing your condition, and we support you to understand, accept, and enjoy your woman's body and your feminine energy.

Is My PMS Normal?

2007-11-11T22:29:00.000-05:00

We've probably all noticed that different women seem to have different PMS symptoms - ranging from debilitating pain and cramping to those who seem to have very little or no symptoms at all. From a hormonal perspective, all PMS symptoms are warning signs - signals from our body that something is not working as it should, or is out of balance.

In other words, PMS is not a normal part of our cycles.

Yes ladies, contrary to what most of us have been taught: It is not only possible to have pain-free, bloat-free, drug-free menstruation, it is our natural tendency when our bodies are in a state of health and balance.

If you're noticing that your pants are a bit tighter during your cycle, or you find yourself needing a little extra sleep during that time of the month - you're doing great. It's completely normal to feel more inner-directed during this time, and is a wonderful opportunity to give yourself some extra pampering.

However, if you find yourself going up a clothing size or more during your period, or are feeing massively fatigued, or are experiencing mood swings that seem to turn you into a different person - these are signals that your body is not processing your hormones properly.

Symptom Support
One of the best ways to learn about some of these classic "symptoms", why they happen, and what you can do about them is through our transformational Metamorphosis program (a new group is starting soon - click here to learn more!). But for now, here are some simple things that you can try at home to help alleviate symptoms and support your body through your cycle.

Headaches: Increase water. Reduce sugar, caffeine.
Fatigue: Increase water, sea vegetables, healthy protein. Reduce sugar, caffeine.
Irritability: Increase leafy greens. Reduce animal protein.
Bloating: Increase water, fennel, leafy greens. Reduce salt, processed foods.
Breast tenderness: Increase water, fennel, leafy greens. Reduce dairy, caffeine.
Cramping: Increase water, leafy greens, whole grains, chocolate. Reduce protein, dairy, caffeine.

If you are noticing that these symptoms are controlling your month, call us. You don't need to try to survive through your cycle - you can turn it into a beautiful and joyous part of your life.

Questions about PMS?
Join us in the comments section below, where you can ask your questions and share your experiences with the larger LSW community, and an LSW counselor will respond!

LSW is committed to helping you understand the amazing natural healing options that are available to you, so that you can make knowledgeable, powerful choices about how to care for your body and your menstrual and sexual health.

Being Savvy in the Stirrups

2007-11-05T00:56:00.000-05:00

Do you ever leave your GYN's office feeling more confused about your reproductive health than when you went in? Or that you had questions to ask or observations to make but couldn't get a word in edgewise?

Well, join the club. It seems that this is a common experience, and not just with GYNs. Studies have shown that when a patient starts talking, it takes doctors an average of only 11 seconds before they interrupt. 11 seconds! That's barely enough time to say, "Doctor, I have a question..."

While we're not dissing all doctors (there are many good ones out there!), it does seem like many of them could use a course in active listening (or basic bedside manners).

But of all doctors, it seems that GYN visits are the most difficult for making our needs known. After all, we're hardly in a position to feel empowered - on our backs with our legs wide and feet in the stirrups. It's difficult to speak up in this vulnerable pose, even with a doctor who's willing to listen.

Savvy suggestions
So how do we get the information we need from our doctors? It all comes back to us - we are our own best advocates. As women, we have a long legacy of being disempowered and disenfranchised - especially with authority figures. But guess what? Nobody - even a doctor - knows YOUR BODY better than YOU.

* It's important to remember that your GYN appointment is YOURS. For that hour, half-hour, or even 15 minutes, the doctor is on your time. This session is all about YOU, baby!

* Come prepared with a list of questions and concerns. Be sure to write them down! That way you won't forget them, even if you start feeling nervous or unsure. And if you don't know what sorts of questions to ask, call us right away at 212-581-0001, or email us at info@laughingsagewellness.com - we'll help you formulate your questions based on your current health concerns.

* Ask your questions and make your needs known BEFORE you get on the table. Once you're in the stirrups, you're less likely to push a matter if your doctor is inattentive or in disagreement. Also, your doctor will have less attention to spare for conversation, once focused on the ins and outs of your pelvic exam (pun intended).

* Write down your doctor's answers to your questions - by the time you've made it out of their office and moved on with your day, you're less likely to clearly remember what was said. This gives you a starting place should you need to look up any more information on your own.

* If your doctor seems unwilling to discuss your concerns or answer your questions, don't be afraid to stand your ground. State calmly but clearly that you intend to understand what is happening in your own body, and would like his or her cooperation - and the sooner your questions are answered, the sooner he or she can complete your exam and move on to the next patient!

* And if after all of that, you still find your experience unsatisfying, don't be afraid to move on! There are lots and lots of GYNs out there - and your health is far too important to not find the very best doctor for YOU.

In the end, it turns out that women are the best primary care physicians for themselves. Learn to listen to your body, and to trust your intuition. Then you will be able to make the best decisions for yourself, while allowing your doctors and other health care practitioners to act as your partners (rather than your authority figures) on your path to vibrant health and wellness.

Share your stories
Share your tales of pelvic exam empowerment in our comments section below. Here you can share your experiences and ask questions, and an LSW Counselor will respond!

Laughing Sage Wellness is committed to helping women become their own best experts on their bodies and their health. After all, who knows you better than YOU?

Sumptuous Apple-Butternut Soup

2007-10-21T23:42:00.000-05:00

This month we present the quintessential fall recipe with an unusual twist - butternut squash soup with the sweet tangy taste of apples. Apple season is in full swing, and the winter squashes are now becoming plentiful as well.

Winter squashes are an incredible energy booster - chock full of complex carbs and beta carotene. Their natural sweetness is perfect for those with blood sugar issues - it satisfies those sweet cravings while helping to balance the blood sugar. They are also grounding and warming to the body, making them a wonderful cool-weather food.

With this soup, you have a versatile recipe that can be served as a side dish for a larger meal, or taken on the go for lunch or a quick snack. Try making a big batch and eating it throughout the week, or freezing single-serving sized portions for those times when you're short on time for a full meal.

Soup is not just for dinner anymore!
As we implied above, this sweet-tasting soup makes for a great mid-afternoon snack - a little sweet, a little savory - the perfect pick-me-up!

And if you're tired of the same old breakfast routine, try heating up a bowl for breakfast! Not your usual breakfast fare, agreed, but this energy-boosting treat will start your day out right, and keep you going until lunchtime.

Apple-Butternut Soup
* Peel 1 large butternut squash, remove the seeds, and cut into approximately 1-inch pieces. Rushed for time? Substitute 1-2 packages of frozen squash instead!

* Peel and core 1 large or 2 small apples, and cut them also into 1-inch pieces. For a tarter, tangier taste, choose green apples. For a sweeter flavor, choose a sweeter variety.

* Peel and chop 1 large sweet white or yellow onion.

* Add onion to 1 TB extra-virgin olive oil in a large saucepan or stockpot, and heat until onion is soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).

* Add squash, apples, and about 3 cups of water or soup stock to the cooked onions. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the squash and apples are tender (about 30-40 minutes).

* Allow soup to cool slightly, and puree in a blender until smooth. At this point, you can cool it the rest of the way and freeze or refrigerate until you're ready to eat it. Or, if you're eating it immediately, return it to the pot and allow it to reheat before serving.

* Season to taste with sea salt and pepper. And try experimenting with different herbs and spices! Try cinnamon or nutmeg for a sweeter, spicier flavor, cumin for a deeper flavor, or simply garnish with plain yogurt and chives. Yum!

Share your soup stories!
Ask questions about this recipe, or share your thoughts and variations in the comments section below. An LSW counselor will respond!

LSW counselors are experts at supporting women to use food medicinally to nurture, balance, and heal their hormonal systems, instead of masking or eliminating them with drugs or surgery. Our holistic health group pairs clients with insightful and compassionate counselors who are trained experts in holistic nutrition and women's self-care.

Do You Have the Silly Factor?

2007-10-15T11:52:00.000-05:00

I'm sure we've all heard the saying that "Laughter is the best medicine." Well, did you know that it's more than just a saying? That having fun and laughing can be one of the most important aspects of really vibrant health?

Norman Cousins, a prominent author and editor, wrote of healing himself from a debilitating illness with laughter (among other things), in his book Anatomy of an Illness: "I made the joyous discovery that ten minutes of genuine belly laughter had an anesthetic effect and would give me at least two hours of pain-free sleep. When the pain-killing effect of the laughter wore off, we would switch on the motion picture projector again [to watch Marx Brothers movies] and not infrequently, it would lead to another pain-free interval."

Our bodies are simply amazing - they have pretty much been designed to cope with whatever life throws at us, and one of the best of those coping mechanisms is laughter.

There have been many studies done which document these effects. Laughter has been shown to release stress and reduce the presence of stress hormones in the body. It also gives the immune system a boost, and releases endorphins - the body’s own natural pain killers. And it gives your abdominal, respiratory and facial muscles a workout, to boot!

Laughing with the Laughing Sages
Have you ever wondered why we’re called Laughing Sage? We feel that laughter, fun and enjoyment are such an important part of the healing process that we had to include it in our name. Becoming a vibrantly healthy woman is fun and enjoyable, and even playful - much more fun than being unhealthy and out of balance!

So, when was the last time you had a really good laugh? How about the last time you did you something really fun and playful? October is Halloween month - a time when all of our inner kids are expected to come out and play, and we at Laughing Sage want to inspire that kid in you to have some fun!

Need inspiration? Here's some ideas:

* Make yourself a Halloween costume - Not going out? That's ok! Even if you can't get away with a full costume at the office, give a nod to the holiday by adding a silly accessory or two to your usual office attire. What's important here is a willingness to play a little!

* Do something playful you did as a child - Kick your feet up in autumn's fallen leaves, or splash through a mud puddle. Roll around on the ground with a puppy, climb a tree, or run as fast as you can just for the fun of it. Get in touch with your inner little girl, and see what SHE wants to do.

* Do something fun and silly with your girlfriends - Invite them over for a finger-painting night (remember finger-painting?), or draw portraits of each other in crayon and hang them on the fridge, or even just rent a handful of funny movies to watch together.

* Need more ideas? Check out this fantastic book by artist and illustrator Keri Smith, called Living Out Loud. Chock full of playful activities and ideas to get your creative juices flowing, it’s like having your very own play workbook.

Share the fun!
What did you do this week that was fun and playful? Share your adventures with the larger LSW community by leaving a comment in our comments section below, and an LSW counselor will respond!

LSW recognizes the importance of indulgence, pleasure, and sensuality for every woman's menstrual and sexual health. We help you find the right medicinal foods for healing your condition, and we support you to understand, accept, and enjoy your woman's body and your feminine energy.

Viagra for Your Vagina: When Scientists get hold of the Female Orgasm

2007-10-10T15:33:00.000-05:00

According to an article in the BBC news entitled Female orgasm is 'down to genes', scientists have been trying to isolate the gene for female orgasm in an effort to market a drug that can treat women who have problems reaching orgasm.

Here are some parts of the article:

"By studying 4,000 twins, Keele and London researchers found female orgasm is not all psycho-social as some claim.

This variability might even be beneficial and have evolved to help women find the best male to mate with, they told a Royal Society journal.

Knowing which genes are important could potentially pave the way to drugs to help women orgasm.

The findings also suggest that women who orgasm easily may be satisfied with mates who are less skilled in bed."

Orgasm failure
Professor Spector, director of the Twin Research Unit at St Thomas' Hospital in London, said:

"We found that between 34 and 45% of the variation in ability to orgasm can be explained by underlying genetic variation."

"There is a biological underlying influence that can't be attributed purely to upbringing, religion or race."

"The fact that it's heritable suggests that evolution has a role."

"One theory is that the orgasm promotes fertility. Past research shows women are slightly more likely to orgasm during periods of fertility and that sperm uptake is increased during orgasm."

"The other theory is that orgasm is a male-selection tool," said Professor Spector.

'Many factors involved'
Dr Margaret Rees, consultant gynecologist at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford and expert in female sexual dysfunction, said:

"This is interesting but quite simplistic.

"There are many factors involved with female sexual dysfunction - hypoactive desire, low arousal, problems with orgasm and pain.

"Any one of these can cause the others. They are all inter-related."

Therefore, she said it was unlikely that a single drug treatment would work.
owever, she said self-help and psychosexual counselling could be helpful.

Interesting, but Rees seems to be right - the study is very simplistic and is not really stating anything new.

What it does do however, is create yet another new market from which to exploit women within the pharmaceutical realm. It seems similar to how "science" "discovered" "PMDD" (premenstrual disphoric disorder) and marketed Prozac to women for PMS under the new name of Saraphem. They will now create a Viagra-like spin-off for women promising them better sex, when in fact it is such a complex issue and requires the woman's active participation in her healing journey.

How do you feel about all this? Would you be willing to try a drug that guarantees climax?

Breast Health and Bras

2007-10-08T02:31:00.000-05:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we're talking about breasts! Some of what we have to say may surprise you, so read on - and dedicate some time this month (and every month) to being healthy and proactive when it comes to YOUR breast health.

Now, are you ready for this ladies? It seems that the 1960s are here again! While there have been no actual burnings this time around, women of all ages and backgrounds are once again pitching their bras - this time for health reasons.

Believe it or not, there's a growing body of evidence that bra-wearing can have a significant impact on breast health. Consider these results found by medical researcher Sydney Ross Singer and his wife Soma Grismaijer in an early-1990s study of 4500 women in five U.S. cities (documented in their book Dressed to Kill):

* Women who wore a bra 24 hours a day had a 3 out of 4 chance of developing breast cancer.
* Women who wore a bra for more than 12 hours a day, but did not wear one to bed, had a 1 out of 7 chance of developing breast cancer.
* Women who wore a bra less than 12 hours a day had a 1 out of 152 chance of developing breast cancer.
* Women who rarely wore a bra had a 1 out of 168 chance of developing breast cancer.

While these studies are not supported by the medical establishment (apparently because Singer and Grismaijer did not control for other risk factors), this is still an astounding difference! The theory behind this increased risk has to do with your lymphatic system, which is responsible for flushing away bodily wastes and toxins. There are many lymph nodes and pathways in your breast and armpit areas, which can be restricted (and prevented from doing their job) by tight-fitting bras - potentially allowing these toxins to accumulate in the breast tissue.

In addition, many women have reported a decrease in breast pain, as well as a decrease in headaches and neck pain, after reducing or eliminating their bra-wearing time.

The issue of sag
Of course we've all been told to wear our bras religiously in order to prevent sagging as we age, right? Well, according to Dr. Susan Love (from Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book): "A mistaken popular belief maintains that wearing a bra strengthens your breasts and prevents their eventual sagging. But you sag because of the proportion of fat and tissue in your breasts, and no bra changes that."

And Drs. Claire and Gregory Heigh say that they "…have found that going bra-free can actually cause breasts to sag less. Bras can cause breasts to sag because chest muscles are worked less when breasts are supported and confined in a bra. Over time, these muscles and also ligaments can atrophy (shrink in size) because of lack of use."

Makes you think, doesn't it? For more information on breast health and bras, check out www.breastnotes.com.

To wear or not to wear?
While only you can make the choice of whether or not to wear a bra in your daily life (though we do encourage you to experiment, and see what's right for YOU!), one thing does seem to be clear: If you’re still wearing a bra and panties to bed, you could really be hurting yourself. So we say give your body a break - sleep panty-free and braless, and let all the girls breathe!

For those of you who do feel better with a bra for daytime wear, check out the latest from Gaiam.com - the Brassage Bra! Designed by a doctor, this bra comes complete with "imperceptible massaging 'bumps'…in the side panels [which] stimulate circulation in the lymphatic area." Now your breasts can have their bra, and lymph circulation too!

Feel your boobies!
Even if you do continue to wear a bra, we want to encourage you to develop a healthy relationship with your breasts. One way you can do that is to give them regular massage - it'll help to stimulate your lymphatic system and flush out toxins. It may feel weird at first, but we bet you'll soon start to enjoy and appreciate this "time with the girls."

And while we're on the topic, don't forget about your monthly breast exam. Yes, we know it's so easy to put it off or forget, but this is one of the most important methods for early detection - after all, nobody knows your boobies better than you!

One woman whose work in this area we find just amazing is Leigh Hurst of the Feel Your Boobies Foundation (www.feelyourboobies.com). A breast cancer survivor herself, Leigh created the Foundation to support young women everywhere in developing a healthy relationship and proactive health habits with their breasts. To help spread the message, she's designed a fun and funky line of Feel Your Boobies t-shirts and accessories. Each purchase comes complete with a breast self-exam instruction card!

If you’re in the NYC area, you can show your support for the Feel Your Boobies mission by coming out for the Boobies Bar Tour NYC - a lineup of bars raising awareness and money to benefit the Feel Your Boobies Foundation. (For the list of participating bars, visit the FYB website at http://store.feelyourboobies.com/10bobartony.html.) The Boobies Bar Tour takes place over the weekend of October 11th-14th, as a kick-off to National Feel Your Boobies Week!

Share your thoughts
What are your thoughts on the breast health and bras connection? Has this article inspired you to adjust your bra-wearing habits? What other ways do you take care of your breasts? Share your thoughts and ask questions in our comments section below, and an LSW counselor will respond!

LSW is committed to helping you understand the amazing natural healing options that are available to you, so that you can make knowledgeable, powerful choices about how to care for your body and your menstrual and sexual health.

Late-Summer Succotash

2007-09-24T02:20:00.000-05:00

As summer winds into fall, it's time to take advantage of nature’s late summer bounty. For those of us with gardens, we gather our last harvests before the cold weather sets in. And for those without our own gardens, we stock up on the last of the season’s produce at our farmer’s markets and local food vendors.

On the menu? Top of the list are two American favorites - sweet corn and tomatoes. Off-season frozen or canned corn and tomatoes picked before ripening to be shipped from far away just can’t compare to the sweet juicy goodness of the fresh in-season varieties. Also still available are the summer squashes, like zucchini, pattypan and crookneck squash.

One easy and delicious way to make use of all the variety of late-summer veggies is with LSW’s variation on the traditional Succotash dish. We suggest making use of any and all of the season’s abundant vegetables, mixing and matching to create your own colorful, flavorful treats.

Best of all, this dish will last all week in the refrigerator - make a big batch on the weekend, and you’ve got healthy lunches or dinners ready to go for several days. Just reheat, and serve with your favorite whole grain (like brown rice, quinoa, or millet) or whole grain pasta.

LSW's Late-Summer Succotash
Choose fresh, local, in-season veggies over frozen or canned!

* Start with these veggies as your main ingredients, but feel free to substitute or add in your own favorites: corn, zucchini, yellow squash, onion, tomato, fresh garlic, parsley and basil.

* Remove corn from the cob, chop veggies into bite-sized chunks, and mince the garlic, parsley and basil.

* Combine all ingredients in a large pan, and sauté with olive oil until lightly cooked (veggies should be slightly soft).

* Salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy!

Share your Succotash
How'd your Succotash dish turn out? What additions or changes did you make to accommodate your local bounty? Share your thoughts and seasonal twists with us in the comments section below, and an LSW counselor will respond!

LSW counselors are experts at supporting women to use food medicinally to nurture, balance, and heal their hormonal systems, instead of masking or eliminating them with drugs or surgery. Our holistic health group pairs clients with insightful and compassionate counselors who are trained experts in holistic nutrition and women's self-care.

Unbalanced Life=Unbalanced Hormones

2007-09-17T11:21:00.000-05:00

As we move from the lazy days of summer into faster-paced autumn - coming back to our "regular lives" after vacation, the longer days of summer, and for many of us, shorter summer work hours - we find ourselves in a perfect space for coming back to ourselves.

This transition period between the seasons - almost like a pause or a feeling of "waiting" - is the time for evaluation. It's time to take stock of what is, what has been, what's working and what you want to carry forward.

If this sounds daunting, try looking at it from a seasonal perspective. Come winter, our energies will be directed inward, toward comfort and home. This is a time when we'll have the space to open up and be creative, moving forward with projects and manifesting ideas. So it makes sense that fall would be the time to take stock, figure out what our next directions are, what we want to be creating for ourselves during the winter months.

Why take stock?
It's important to remember that our health is impacted by every facet of our life, even those that may seem unrelated. Any areas that are neglected, or are out of integrity with who we are (or are just plain not enough fun!) tend to create stresses, which in turn set off a chain reaction in our endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances and a host of other health issues.

Building your "life pie"
One of our favorite tools for refocusing on our selves and what's important in our lives is the Wheel of Life. You'll be making a "pie" that represents different areas of your life - it only takes about 10 minutes, and can be remarkably illuminating!

For this exercise, you'll need a blank piece of paper (preferably unlined) and pen or pencil. Feel free to make this exercise even more fun by using colored paper, or colored pens or pencils.

* On your piece of paper, draw a large circle and then divide it into 10 "pieces of pie" by making 10 lines from the center to the outside edge. (If you like, make each line in a different color, for each different category.)

* Next, you're going to label each line with a different area of your life: home environment, relationships, social life, joy, health, career, creativity, finances, education and spirituality.

* Now comes the fun part: For each of the 10 different categories, make a dot on the line that represents your level of involvement with each area – the center of the circle is zero, and the outside of the circle represents areas of most involvement or satisfaction.

* Once you've got a dot for each area, connect the dots and see what your "life pie" looks like!

Your Wheel of Life should give you some good ideas as to which areas of your life need more attention at this time. Keep in mind, this is a process that will last all through the fall – taking the time now to take stock and prepare will set you up for a creative, productive fall and winter!

Cleanse with us!
One of the best ways to re-balance yourself and your body as you transition through the seasons is with a gentle cleanse. Cleansing not only helps your body clear out excess wastes and come back to a place of balance, it also helps clear YOU - removing some of life's clutter and leaving you with a clearer vision of your direction, helping you to balance your "life pie".
Many of the cleanses available out there can be very extreme - and therefore hard on the body. We've created our own super-supportive whole foods cleanse, done in the comfort of your own home but with the support and guidance of the LSW counselors, as well as a whole community of women - that you're connected to via our online forums - who are all doing the cleanse at the same time.

We'll be running our Fall Cleanse throughout the month of October. For more information on this transformational event, just fill out this short web form and we’ll be in touch with more details. Or, call us at 212-581-0001 to register now and reserve your spot!

Need more help figuring out your next steps?
One of our popular and powerful group programs may be for you! Metamorphosis, our eight-week telegroup designed especially for women in their 20s and 30s, begins on Monday, October 1st. Also beginning on October 1st is Emerge, our six-week online program designed for the college-age woman. See below for more information, or contact us today at 212-581-0001 to save your space!

Share your "pie"
How'd this exercise go for you? Did any of your areas surprise you? Which areas did you feel were your strongest? Your weakest? Share your results and ask your questions in the comments section below, and an LSW counselor will respond!

LSW recognizes the importance of indulgence, pleasure, and sensuality for every woman's menstrual and sexual health. We help you find the right medicinal foods for healing your condition, and we support you to understand, accept, and enjoy your woman's body and your feminine energy.

The Late Summer Blahs

2007-09-11T23:54:00.000-05:00

Now that Labor Day Weekend has passed, and we're officially making our way into autumn, it's time to think about gearing our bodies up for the cooler weather ahead.

Many of us are probably noticing that our digestion isn't working quite as well as it was just a few scant weeks ago - perhaps we've noticed a little bloating, or maybe a some indigestion. In addition, we may be feeling a bit spaced out or sluggish. If so, not to fear - this is completely normal for this time of year.

One reason is that most of us tend to drink more alcohol in the summer. The days are long and hot, and alcohol is actually tolerated better by our bodies during this expansive time. However, by the time summer is over, we can end up feeling too expansive - and begin displaying the "beer belly" symptoms and spaciness described above.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, each season has a pair of organs that are most dominant during that time. Right now, we're in late summer, and our stomach and spleen are in the forefront. As we move into fall, our lungs and large intestine will take over the limelight. This means this is the best time of year to give these organs a little extra support and attention.

One of the best ways to support your body as it transitions through the seasons is with a gentle cleanse. Dedicating a few days to cutting out extreme foods like alcohol, sugar and processed foods - while simultaneously introducing more simple meals made from whole foods - can go a long way toward eradicating that late-summer bloating and sluggishness.

Cleanse with us!
LSW will be hosting our annual group Fall Cleanse throughout the month of October. Many of the cleanses available out there can be very extreme - and therefore hard on the body. We've created our own super-supportive whole foods cleanse, done in the comfort of your own home but with the support and guidance of the LSW counselors, as well as a whole community of women - that you’re connected to via our online forums - who are all doing the cleanse at the same time.

For more information on this transformational event, just fill out this short web form and we’ll be in touch with more details. Or, call us at 212-581-0001 to register now and reserve your spot!

In the meantime, here’s a few tips to get you started:

* Increase dark leafy greens: Try kale, collards, and mustard greens, to name but a few. Try them lightly steamed with a little of your favorite oil and vinegar to dress - delicious and oh-so-good for your body! Greens help clear mucus and support the lungs, in addition to providing important fiber for digestive health.

* Add in some fennel: This incredible plant (tastes like licorice!) is great for getting some relief from bloating. Use both the bulb and the little leaves - either raw on a salad or lightly steamed.

* Increase water consumption: An old standby, but most of us need to do it. Water not only feeds our cells and keeps us hydrated, it also helps keep things moving, and aids in flushing out wastes.

* And of course, reduce (for a little while at least!) your consumption of alcohol, sugar, and processed foods.

LSW is committed to helping you understand the amazing natural healing options that are available to you, so that you can make knowledgeable, powerful choices about how to care for your body and your menstrual and sexual health.

HPV and the Vaccination Controversy

2007-09-04T05:39:00.000-05:00

It's Labor Day Weekend, and the traditional dividing line between summer and fall. The days become just a little bit shorter, vacationers return to their jobs, and the kids return to school. For those who are parents, your thoughts may be turning to the question of annual vaccinations. And even for those of us who are not parents, the recent introduction of the HPV vaccine has made quite a splash - over the past few months, advertisements have been popping up everywhere, telling us about our risk of getting cervical cancer from this previously little-mentioned STD.

HPV (or Human papillomavirus) is actually a group of viruses that includes more than 100 different strains. About 30 of these strains are sexually transmitted, and can infect the genital area in both men and women. Most strains of the virus are known as "low risk" and will usually clear up on their own, with no visible symptoms (though in some cases, the virus will be accompanied by genital warts - which will also usually clear up on their own, though medications to speed that process are available).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

"All types of HPV can cause mild Pap test abnormalities which do not have serious consequences. Approximately 10 of the 30 identified genital HPV types can lead, in rare cases, to development of cervical cancer. Research has shown that for most women (90 percent), cervical HPV infection becomes undetectable within two years. Although only a small proportion of women have persistent infection, persistent infection with "high-risk" types of HPV is the main risk factor for cervical cancer.” (Emphasis added.)

While the virus itself is increasingly common (at least 50% of sexually active men and women will acquire a genital HPV infection at some point), the instance of developing cervical cancer from the virus is actually fairly rare.

So, then, why all the hype?

Part of the controversy surrounding this vaccine stems from the actions of its parent company, Merck, pushing states to make this vaccine mandatory for all 11-12 year old girls, as the governor of Texas tried to do (he later backed down). The company states that the vaccine is most effective in girls and women who have never had any of the four strains of HPV that are covered by the vaccine, therefore, it's important to inoculate women before they become sexually active.

While preventing any instance of cancer is a good thing, many people don't like the idea of making this vaccine mandatory. Aside from the fact that the vaccine only covers 4 out of the 10 genital HPV strains associated with cervical cancer, it is also brand new - with no studies available on any potential long-term effects. And as we all know, our bodies will see changes and effects from anything we put into them - whether food, herbal tonics, drugs or vaccinations. With many foods and herbs, we have thousands of years of observed effects to tell us what the likely benefits and risks might be - not so with many drugs and even "tried and true" vaccinations; they simply haven't been around long enough for us to know.

Vaccinations in general

There has been a growing awareness in recent years of some of the dangers of vaccines - the most publicized of which has revolved around the use of mercury (a toxic substance) as a preservative in many vaccines. There have been growing reports of side effects and complications resulting from even non-mercury formulations (including 385 reported cases for the HPV vaccine, as of February 2007).

Our take

From an LSW perspective, our position is - as always - one of EMPOWERMENT. YOUR empowerment. The most important thing you can do for yourself and your health is to become an informed consumer. Research the pros and cons of any medical procedure you are considering. Understand the benefits and the potential risks, BEYOND what your doctor or "the authorities" tell you.

Going on a trip to a foreign country? You will likely be told you need a slew of vaccinations. Research for yourself what you are likely to be exposed to in the areas you're visiting, and you may be surprised to find that you need far fewer than you’d been told.

Thinking about the HPV vaccine? (It's currently been approved for women up to age 26.) Either way is okay, but first - educate yourself, and then decide what YOU feel is best for YOU.

Tell us what you think

Share your thoughts and feelings and even questions on this controversial topic in our comments section below, and an LSW counselor will respond!

Laughing Sage Wellness is committed to helping women become their own best experts on their bodies and their health. After all, who knows you better than YOU?

Marvelous Melons

2007-08-27T00:31:00.000-05:00

What's the best way to stay cool as the dog days of summer approach? By indulging in some of the season's best fresh produce! Mother Nature has thoughtfully provided us with the watery, thirst-quenching melon family as a cooling treat throughout the steamy late-summer season.

A relative of both cucumbers and squash, melons are high in immune-boosting, cancer-fighting beta-carotene (especially the orange-fleshed varieties) and potassium, along with other trace minerals - essential not only for maintaining bone health, but also for good thyroid and kidney function, and for maintaining healthy uterine muscle tone. In addition, their high water content makes them the perfect cooling food for hot weather. Like most fruits, melons are a cleansing food, supporting the body's detoxification processes, including processing out excess hormones. And best of all, a small amount with meals or as a snack can help satisfy your natural sweet cravings, making it less likely that you’ll reach for that chocolate bar or frappaccino.

While the most common varieties are watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew, there are many other melon varieties available. Use the recipes and suggestions below as a starting point - then feel free to experiment!

Add them to salads
One easy and delicious way to incorporate melons into your diet is by adding them to a bed of salad greens. Cantaloupe and spinach is a particularly tasty combination, but you could add just about any type of melon to your favorite greens and come away with a flavorful treat.

Sprinkle with pine nuts, and toss lightly with a bit of balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil for a fully dressed salad.

As a sweet side dish
Melons make a wonderful complement to rich meaty dishes. If you’re a meat-eater, try them next to your favorite smoked fish, or with grilled chicken or ham.

Make a fruit soup…
This light and refreshing soup is super-easy to make, and you can play around with different varieties of melon and even add in other fruits!

* Remove seeds from 1 honeydew melon, and cut into chunks.
* Peel and chop 2-3 cucumbers.
* Juice 1 lime.
* Combine ingredients in a blender or food processor, and blend until smooth.
* Add sea salt and black pepper to taste. Serve chilled.

…Or a minty fruit salad!
Another easy and fun combination, you can also substitute other varieties of melon here, or add in other in-season fruits.

* Cut desired amount of watermelon into bite-sized chunks.
* Peel and chop a chayote squash into bite-sized chunks. (This is a pear-shaped squash from Central America which is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. The taste has been described as a cross between an apple and a cucumber!)
* Loosely chop a bunch of fresh mint leaves.
* Combine mint leaves with watermelon and chayote in a large bowl, and if desired, toss with a small amount of balsamic vinegar to taste.

Tell us how you melon!
Did you enjoy trying out these recipes? What are your favorite ways to introduce this seasonal treat into your meals? Ask your melon questions and share your thoughts with us by clicking on "comments" (below), and an LSW counselor will respond!

LSW counselors are experts at supporting women to use food medicinally to nurture, balance, and heal their hormonal systems, instead of masking or eliminating them with drugs or surgery. Our holistic health group pairs clients with insightful and compassionate counselors who are trained experts in holistic nutrition and women's self-care.

Slowing Down

2007-08-20T01:18:00.000-05:00

'Tis the season…of steamy summer weekends - full of mini-getaways, outdoor concerts, days spent with friends at the park or the beach, and yes - crowded schedules. Seems like we plan so many down-time activities that we never have any down-time!

Remember back when we were kids, and the word "summer" meant long lazy days lying in the grass and watching the clouds pass? Our child selves instinctively knew how do deal with the heat - by SLOWING DOWN.

Slowing down allows our bodies to move into a more relaxed state, giving our cells time to make needed repairs, and allowing our breath and heart rates to slow - cooling our bodies naturally and making it less likely that we'll suffer from heat exhaustion or dehydration. And slowing down is just as important for our hormonal health: by allowing ourselves to slow down (or stop) for short periods of time, we give ourselves access to our own inner guidance system or intuition - a key factor in connecting to our feminine energy and healing our hormonal imbalances.

Nothin' Doin'
For this week’s indulgence, block off a chunk of time in your planner and set it aside for

DOING NOTHING.
Start with whatever you can - 1 hour, 2 hours, a whole afternoon, or even an entire day. During that time, allow yourself the luxury of just being - don't do chores, or talk on the phone, or run errands. For this brief amount of time, simply stop moving (or when you do move, let your movements be slow and languid).

Then, let your mind wander.

Daydream.

Maybe even kick back and watch the clouds float by!

Share your stories
How did it go for you this week? Did you find it difficult to allow yourself to slow down? How did you spend your "do nothing" time? Share your successes and challenges, and ask your questions, by leaving a comment below. An LSW counselor will respond!

LSW recognizes the importance of indulgence, pleasure, and sensuality for every woman's menstrual and sexual health. We help you find the right medicinal foods for healing your condition, and we support you to understand, accept, and enjoy your woman's body and your feminine energy.

Summer Skin Strategies

2007-08-13T02:17:00.000-05:00

Last week we provided some preventive medicine with thoughts on the potentially dangerous combination of using sunscreen and insect repellent at the same time. This week, we'll expand on the theme of summer skin strategies with some after-the-fact advice.

Since most of us are taking advantage of the warm weather with more time out-of-doors, it's inevitable that no matter how much we protect ourselves, we'll end up with some summertime skin issues to deal with. With your skin as your largest organ (absorbing topical products into your bloodstream - just as if you've eaten them!), it's worth taking as close a look at what goes ON your body as what goes IN it.

Simple Solutions
Here are some LSW-approved warm-weather remedies, of the more skin-friendly variety:

* Bug bites: To soothe the itch that accompanies most bug bites, mix baking soda and water to make a thick paste, and apply directly to the bite (or bites).

* Sunburn: One of the best all-time remedies for sunburn is the gel contained inside the leaves of the Aloe Vera plant. If you own one of these plants, just snip off a leaf (or part of one if they're large), and split it down the middle the long way. Rub the gel inside directly on the burn. Of course, if you don't have one of these plants yourself, you can buy 100% Aloe Vera gel at most health food stores and drugstores.

* Rashes: For rashes caused by exposure to Poison Oak or similar allergens, try Aloe Vera gel to soothe the irritation and reduce inflammation, and cornstarch powder to keep the area dry.

* Bumps and bruises: One of the most effective ways to help heal surface bumps and bruises is an Arnica gel or cream. Made from the Arnica plant, it's available in most health food stores and in many drugstores. We recommend the Nelsons brand (but if you can't find Nelsons, there are many other fine brands - just ask at your natural health store or pharmacy).

* Dry skin: For generally dry skin - whether from too much sun or swimming in saltwater - try moisturizing with your favorite oil. Some LSW favorites include pure coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, and UN-toasted sesame oil. This tip also works for dry hair - just rub a tiny dab of oil into the ends of your hair (or all over if needed).

What are your favorite home remedies?
Share you favorite summer skin strategies with the LSW community. Ask questions about our tips or share your own in the comments section below - and an LSW counselor will respond!

LSW is committed to helping you understand the amazing natural healing options that are available to you, so that you can make knowledgeable, powerful choices about how to care for your body and your menstrual and sexual health.

A Dangerous Combination?

2007-08-05T22:46:00.000-05:00

Hot town, summer in the city – and we're all protecting ourselves from the nasty effects of the sun and warm weather bugs with sunscreen and bug repellent, right? Despite what we've all been told about our need for protection, if you're wearing both at the same time (or using one of the new two-in-one products), read on.

Over the past few years, some studies have emerged suggesting that these overtly helpful products may mix in our bodies in some not-so-helpful ways. Some researchers have found results which suggest that mixing sunscreen with DEET may actually increase the body's DEET absorption. In addition, sunscreen is supposed to be re-applied frequently as sweat and swimming wears it off. On the other hand, insect repellents containing DEET usually come with usage restrictions, limiting the amount of applications per day.

What to do?
What's most important for consumers like us is to take a step back - and to remember that no matter how compelling the marketing, not all products out there are going to be in our best interest. A company's job is to sell its products. Our job is to sift through the information and decide what's in OUR best interests.

In the end, we all need to take matters into our own hands, and rely on our own instincts. And most of all, before putting anything on your skin - your largest organ, ask yourself "would I eat this?" - because, if you're putting it on your skin, it's just like you are!

A better bug repellent
If you want to avoid the potentially harmful effects of mixing sunscreen and insect spray, try this: Take 500 milligrams of vitamin B1 daily during the spring and summer seasons - it works to change the smell of your skin, making you less desirable as a mosquito meal.

Talk to us
We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts, comments and questions on this article in the comments section below. An LSW Counselor will respond!

Laughing Sage Wellness is committed to helping women become their own best experts on their bodies and their health. After all, who knows you better than YOU?

Steamy Summer Grape-Plum Bake

2007-07-30T00:01:00.001-05:00

Continuing with our fruit theme from last week, and making the most of the abundance of the summer season, this week we offer a simple scrumptious dish that is great by itself or over vanilla rice dream.

If plums are not yet in season in your area, they should be soon! And for most of us, grapes should be plentiful as well. Feel free to use this recipe as a starting point - then be creative! Almost any fruit can be baked, so explore your local farmer's market and see what combinations you come up with. Don't be afraid to experiment - try apples and grapes, or apples and peaches, or peaches and plums...

And most of all, enjoy!

Grape-Plum Bake
* Fill a shallow baking pan with plums sliced in sections, and grapes sliced in half.
* Drizzle honey over the top, and sprinkle sea salt and cinnamon to taste.
* Bake about 1/2 hour at 375 degrees, until the fruit is wilted and roasted.
* Serve alone, or with your favorite variety of creamy vanilla goodness: try it over rice dream, soy ice cream, or even yogurt or sweet rice.

Let us know how it goes!
We've included one of our favorite fruit combinations here, but we want to know what you come up with! Try local, seasonal varieties, or just go with your own favorite fruit combinations. Be sure to let us know how it goes - post your comments, questions, and favorite combos below, and an LSW counselor will respond!

Your sweet treat could be featured in a future newsletter!
Do you have a great healthy sweet treat that you make at home? We’re looking for healthy sweet options to share with the LSW community - send us your favorites at info@laughingsagewellness.com (or post them here!), and you and your recipe may be featured in a future newsletter.

LSW counselors are experts at supporting women to use food medicinally to nurture, balance, and heal their hormonal symptoms, instead of masking or eliminating them with drugs or surgery. Our holistic health group pairs clients with insightful and compassionate counselors who are trained experts in holistic nutrition and women's self-care.

Indulging the Fruit Tooth

2007-07-23T01:56:00.001-05:00

As we sweat our way through the steaming summer days, we can be grateful that Mother Nature has provided us with the perfect cool-down snacks in all of the summer berries and fruits.

What could be more convenient than a handful of fresh berries on your way out the door?

Of course, one of the pitfalls of keeping lots of fresh fruit around is that it often starts to turn before we're able to finish it all. While eating produce fresh is almost always the best option, we've got a few ideas for tasty summer treats made from the less-than-fresh.

Throw berries or grapes in the freezer
When berries or grapes are starting to turn, toss them in a Ziploc bag and freeze 'em. You've now got a delicious frozen treat for those sweltering summer afternoons. Just grab a handful whenever you need a cool-down!

Make flavored waters
Toss berries, sliced oranges or sliced cukes in a pitcher of water and place in the fridge. Let it steep for a couple of hours, and bingo! You've got a refreshing, lightly-flavored, hydrating pick-me-up. As you drink it, keep adding fresh water to the pitcher - it will continue picking up the flavor of the fruit for several days.

For an especially tasty treat, try this easy no-cook recipe
* Place 2 pints sliced strawberries into a shallow baking vessel.
* In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, 3 TB honey or agave, a pinch of salt, and several pinches of black pepper.
* Pour enough of the balsamic mixture over the strawberries to just about cover them, then place in fridge.
* Allow berries to macerate (like marinating, but with fruit) in the fridge for about 1/2 hour.
* Serve with a slotted spoon - you're after the berries here, which will have picked up the flavor of the balsamic mixture. This stuff is killer over vanilla rice dream or soy ice cream!

What are your favorite fruit treats?
Tell us about how you indulge your fruit tooth in the summer months by leaving a comment below. You can also ask your fruit-related questions, and an LSW counselor will respond!

LSW counselors are experts at supporting women to use food medicinally to nurture, balance, and heal their hormonal systems, instead of masking or eliminating them with drugs or surgery. Our holistic health group pairs clients with insightful and compassionate counselors who are trained experts in holistic nutrition and women's self-care.

Essential Vacation Food Tips

2007-07-16T01:46:00.000-05:00

Ah, summer - it's travel time again. You've been doing well with your diet, making healthier food choices, and even beginning to notice an improvement in your health. And then vacation time rolls around - should you make that trip? How will you keep up with all of your changes - you certainly don't want to backslide and have those symptoms come back!

In our always-busy lives, vacations and time away can be every bit as important as the food we eat. Time away from our routines is vital to our wellbeing. However, we all know that travel tends to involve lots of "convenience" food - usually highly processed, with little or no nutritional value. However, with a little care and pre-planning, you don't have to be left at the mercy of junk food.

Don't let your food prevent you from getting away and staying healthy!

Give LSW's road-tested travel snacks a try and see how easy eating right anywhere really is!!

Snacks and mini-meals:
Nuts, dried fruit, apples and baby carrots keep well, are easy to pack, and pack a punch nutritionally as well.

Protein:
Canned salmon, tuna, sardines - just peel back the lid and eat! Nut butter or hummus travels well if you have access to basic air conditioning.

Complex Carbohydrates:
Blue corn chips, rice crackers or soft corn tortillas plus any of the above protein items makes a great mini meal. At a conference and only have access to hot water in your hotel room? Try bringing instant oatmeal or quinoa flakes - just add boiling water or microwave and voila! Break the afternoon cookie attack by bringing a small Tupperware container filled with a cooked grain wherever you go - it's lightweight, keeps well, and can be a lifesaver if you end up getting stuck somewhere.

Free Vacations!
Can’t get away for a full vacation? Plan a weekend trip, or even just a day away. If you live in a city, make plans to get out of it, if only for an afternoon. Bike to the park, or use the public transportation that’s available in most metropolitan areas. Just be sure to pack a lunch!

Tell us how you travel
What foods are essential for you when traveling? What are your favorite vacation, weekend or one-day getaways? Share your questions, thoughts and experiences with the LSW community in our comments section (click below), and an LSW counselor will respond!

LSW recognizes the importance of indulgence, pleasure, and sensuality for every woman's menstrual and sexual health. We help you find the right medicinal foods for healing your condition, and we support you to understand, accept, and enjoy your woman's body and your feminine energy.

The One Option for Fibroids You Should Be Aware Of...

2007-07-09T11:15:00.000-05:00

Did you know that fibroids affect an estimated 20-50% of all women? These benign uterine growths can range in size from that of a pea to that of a melon, and symptoms can vary from none at all to heavy or painful periods, bleeding between periods, pain during intercourse, and lower back pain - to name a few.

According to Western medicine, no one knows for sure what causes fibroids. What we do know is that they seem to be affected by our hormones - in other words, excess estrogen in the body seems to make them grow, and they will often decrease in size after menopause (when overall body estrogen is lower). For women exhibiting symptoms, doctors will most often offer the choice of controlling growth through drugs, or removing the fibroids through surgery.

There is another option
If you've been diagnosed with fibroids, and are looking for an alternative to drugs and surgery, consider this: There are ways to minimize the size and symptoms of fibroids by using food therapeutically.

How do we do this? First of all, we work with you on food choices - finding those foods that will support your body in healing itself. In general, fresh whole foods - which are higher in fiber - help the liver in its job of processing and removing toxins from the body, including excess estrogen.

Stored emotions
Next we look at the flip side of the coin.

Dr. Christiane Northrup (author of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom) calls fibroids an "illness of competition." At LSW, we believe that fibroids represent stored emotion - most typically anger or resentment. As modern women, we often don't have an outlet for the stressors in our lives, leaving them to be stored in our bodies as unprocessed emotions.

Investigating your relationship with these important emotions and finding healthy outlets for their expression can be a key component in your healing journey.

First steps
If you are suffering from fibroids, call us for a free consultation and find out more about how we can help. But in the meantime, start with these basic steps:

* Increase: whole grains, green vegetables
* Increase: rest, play time, down time
* Decrease: sugar, alcohol, caffeine
* For symptomatic relief: apply a hot water bottle - filled with warm to hot water (NOT boiling) - to the abdomen

Questions about fibroids?
Ask questions and leave comments at in our comments section below, and an LSW Counselor will respond. If you’re dealing with fibroids, this is a great opportunity to get your questions answered!

LSW is committed to helping you understand the amazing natural healing options that are available to you, so that you can make knowledgeable, powerful choices about how to care for your body and your menstrual and sexual health.

Get Milk??

2007-07-02T11:04:00.000-05:00

Have you noticed that we haven't been seeing those Dairy Council ads lately, the ones promoting milk as a weight loss tool? Turns out, the FTC has pulled the plug on those ads, because the "…research does not support the claim" (as reported here by The New York Times).

According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), who brought the complaint to the FTC, the Dairy Council's ad campaign was "…based largely on small studies conducted by…a professor of nutrition at the University of Tennessee whose funding came from dairy industry sources." [emphasis added]

The PCRM further states that "Independent research…has found that dairy product consumption either has little or no effect on weight loss or actually increases body weight."

Now, we're not knocking dairy products per say here. And this isn't even just about the dairy industry itself. This is about us as consumers becoming educated about the "facts" we're fed about our health and well-being, by people whose main goal is to sell us their products. This is about empowering ourselves through knowledge - taking a moment to double-check the sources of what we're told: Who paid for this advertisement? And more importantly, who paid for the studies that are being used to sell me this product?

Let's face it ladies - there is no silver bullet. Creating the path to our healthiest, most vibrant selves is fun and rewarding work - but it's not going to happen overnight. And it's not going to happen from that one miracle food or miracle drug or miracle product or miracle diet. When we see claims that seem too good to be true, they often are. One of the very best ways that we can care for ourselves, is by arming ourselves with information - and learning to take most marketing claims with a grain of salt.

Tell us what you think!
How do YOU decide which product claims to believe? Do you think this is an isolated incident - with most advertising on the up and up, or do you tend to take all advertising with a grain of salt? Share your thoughts and ask questions by leaving a comment below, and an LSW Counselor will respond!

Laughing Sage Wellness is committed to helping women become their own best experts on their bodies and their health. After all, who knows you better than YOU?

The Forgotten Vegetable

2007-06-24T23:07:00.000-05:00

We hear a lot these days about those glorious greens, and about the sweet succulence of root and ground veggies, but there is one vegetable that we rarely hear mentioned in healthy food circles - the radiant little radish.

This perky, peppery spring and summer vegetable can be found in abundance throughout most of the U.S. right now. Like many warm-weather veggies, the radish is mostly water - which gives it a cooling effect on the body. And - one of the radish's best-kept secrets - it helps to cleanse the liver (great for detoxing from lots of fatty foods and animal products) and to dissolve fat in the body.

Mostly used in salads, these crunchy roots also make a great substitute for crackers or chips when the snacking urge hits - try them dipped in hummus or guacamole for a light and tasty afternoon snack. For your summer picnics, try one of the scrumptious side-dish recipes below. And when the cool weather hits, try steaming or cooking these versatile veggies just like you would any other root - the bite disappears, as their flavor turns delicate and sweet.

There are many varieties of radish - from the familiar red radish to the long white daikon. You can use the different varieties interchangeably in recipes - though the daikon has a stronger bite when raw (great for shredding or grating over salads), and a stronger sweet, buttery taste when cooked.

Simple Summer Slaw

* Combine in a bowl: 1 bunch thinly sliced radishes, a couple of cucumbers - diced, and a tiny bit of minced red onion.
* Dress to taste with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and sea salt.
* Mix well and serve!

Not-Your-Usual Tabouli

* Combine 1 cup quinoa (a South American grain found at most health food stores), 2 cups water, and a pinch of sea salt in a pot.
* Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
* When cooked, remove from heat and allow quinoa to cool.
* In a large bowl, combine a handful of radishes - chopped, 2-3 celery stalks - chopped, and minced fresh parsley.
* Once quinoa has cooled, add it to the bowl of veggies and mix well.
* Dress to taste with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and tamari (wheat-free soy sauce) or sea salt.

Talk to us!
How do YOU use radishes in meals? Did you try our recipes? How were they? What are your other favorite warm-weather veggies? Ask your questions and leave your comments in the comments section below, and one of our Counselors will respond!

LSW counselors are experts at supporting women to use food medicinally to nurture, balance, and heal their hormonal systems, instead of masking or eliminating them with drugs or surgery. Our holistic health group pairs clients with insightful and compassionate counselors who are trained experts in holistic nutrition and women's self-care.

The Feminine Principle of AND

2007-06-19T20:16:00.000-05:00

As we move from spring into the hot days of summer, many of us may find ourselves in the midst of a big life transition - graduating from school, ending a relationship, moving to a new place, leaving a job. Spring is historically a time of death and rebirth in the world and in our lives, often causing big changes that we may not have been expecting!

During these times of transition, it's important to make sure that we have the right support mechanisms in place to take care of ourselves - and even pamper ourselves - as we move through the process of change. At LSW, we believe that taking really good care of oneself shouldn't be an indulgence - it should be an easy and natural part of our existence. But for many of us who have been taught to take care of the needs of others before our own needs, placing a priority on our own self-care can feel very indulgent indeed.

One of LSW's core principles is the Feminine Principle of AND. This means that instead of looking at life as an either/or, we can look at it from a position of abundance - we can allow ourselves to fully experience our suffering or other aspects of transition, AND we can indulge ourselves by putting all of our juiciest support systems in place, filling us with pleasure and fabulousness.

Does this seem like a contradiction? Think about it - what would most make you feel like a million bucks right now? Whether you’re going through a major life transition, or just feeling the often stress-producing restlessness of spring, what would most help YOU feel hopeful, juicy, alive?

Write down the first few things that come to mind: Is it more time with friends, an art class, a dance class, or planning a trip? Maybe it’s down-time at home, or time in nature, or even a 10-day Vipassana meditation! What are those things that will make you feel good, even if you’re in mourning for a job, a relationship, or the end of school? Take some time just for yourself this week - INDULGE yourself in prioritizing those things in life that make you feel like your most best fabulous YOU.

New from LSW: Especially for those of you that are graduating from school and transitioning to the next phase of life, one support mechanism you can put in place is our exciting new EMERGE program. Designed especially for young women in transition, this online program will provide support during this time of change, and give you the tools you need to EMERGE with a fresh start. For more information or to register, contact Jessica at jessica@laughingsagewellness.com.

And as always, we want to hear from you! Share how this week went for you - was it difficult to figure out ways to INDULGE yourself? Once you’d figured it out, were you able to make the time to implement your ideas? Post your obstacles and successes in our comments section, and an LSW Counselor will respond.

LSW recognizes the importance of indulgence, pleasure, and sensuality for every woman's menstrual and sexual health. We help you find the right medicinal foods for healing your condition, and we support you to understand, accept, and enjoy your woman's body and your feminine energy.

Conquering the Yeast Beast

2007-06-11T18:39:00.000-05:00

"Not another yeast infection!" We hear you, sister. This unpleasant little problem seems to crop up at the worst of times, especially during the hot, sweaty summer months. Sometimes you think you’ve gotten rid of it, only to have it show up again two weeks later. Yeast is pernicious, and here’s why.

Most of the time, yeast leads a quiet and harmless existence in your vagina and intestines. But when something throws your system out of balance - like vaginal irritation, unprotected sex, antibiotics, or too much junk food - the fungus can grow rapidly. The incidence of yeast infections has increased significantly in the last 20 years, most likely because of over-prescribing certain treatments for yeast and other vaginal infections. Antibiotics upset the bacterial balance in your body, setting up conditions for yeast to thrive. Overuse of antibiotics and antifungal creams (e.g., Monistat) foster resistant strains of bacteria and yeast, making it harder and harder to beat the infections with drugs.

But don’t let the yeast beast get you down! Long before antifungal creams were around, women were treating their yeast infections with medicinal foods and good self-care. We’ve listed some these tried-and-true remedies below, and the good news is, these suggestions are both healing and preventative. If your goal is to stop getting yeast infections - instead of treating one every few months - stop here first before hitting your local drugstore.

Starve Out/Dry Out the Yeast - Yeast grows rapidly in a warm, damp environment, and it feeds on sugary foods.
* Reduce sugar, alcohol, and fermented (yeast-containing) foods like cheese, bread, vinegar, soy sauce, and miso.
* Increase diuretic Anti-Yeast Tea (a variation on our UTI tea - see below!)
* Increase other diuretic foods like celery, millet, and mung beans.
* Wear breathable cotton or silk underwear.

Boost Immune Function - The overgrowth of yeast is an infection, so give your body the rest it needs to fight it off. Treat yourself as though you have a bad cold.
* Get more sleep and spend more time horizontal.
* Increase garlic, especially raw.
* Increase echinacea and vitamin C.
* Drink plenty of water.

Promote Healthy Bacteria - Acidophilus is a happy, healthy bacteria that helps keep yeast growth in proper balance, so give it a boost!
* Increase all-natural, plain, organic yogurt with active cultures.
* Take an acidophilus or other probiotic supplement.
* Use only warm water or natural, mild soaps to clean your vagina.

Re-examine Your Birth Control - Depending on what your vagina is sensitive to, your birth control methods may be contributing to chronic yeast infections.
* The birth control pill reduces or eliminates natural progesterone production, which can cause vaginal irritation and vulnerability to infection.
* Some women are irritated by the spermicide used with their barrier method.
* Without condoms, yeast infections may be transmitted between sexual partners.

LSW’s Anti-Yeast Tea - Start this at the first sign of a problem!
* Bring 6 cups of water to a boil.
* Roughly chop and add to the water: 8 cloves of garlic (antibiotic), 2 stalks of celery (diuretic), and 1⁄2 bunch of parsley (diuretic).
* Let simmer for 20 minutes.
* Strain and drink the liquid as tea. Drink frequently throughout the day!

Talk To Us!
What are your favorite yeast-beating remedies? How do you handle the beast? Ask your questions and share your stories with LSW's community of women via the comments section below, and an LSW Counselor will respond. Here's your chance to get all of your yeast-treating questions answered!

LSW is committed to helping you understand the amazing natural healing options that are available to you, so that you can make knowledgeable, powerful choices about how to care for your body and your menstrual and sexual health.

Periods - A Modern Inconvenience?

2007-06-04T02:45:00.000-05:00

In case you missed the news, the FDA last month approved Lybrel, the first birth control pill designed specifically to end a woman’s period. Yep, you heard right - Lybrel, which is intended to be taken every day, will protect not only against pregnancy, but against periods.

Now we understand that for many women, our monthly cycles come complete with all sorts of baggage, ranging from the inconvenient to the downright painful. And getting some relief from serious symptoms while figuring out how to have a healthy menstrual cycle can be a very good thing.

But at LSW, we have to wonder about the hidden consequences that come with manipulating our hormones day in and day out, 365 days a year. What will this do to your relationship with your feminine energy? Does doing away with our monthly cycles really provide women with more empowerment and freedom of choice, or does it actually serve to suppress our innate intuition and connection with our bodies?

Birth control is big business
Did you know that in the pharmaceutical business, hormonal disorders are a 9.8 billion dollar industry? Or that 50% of that revenue comes from birth control? While we are not knocking the benefits that many women have experienced from the development of hormonal birth control options, we do believe it’s important that women, as consumers, understand how and why different medications are marketed to us - whether through increased television advertising, or through the pharmaceutical reps that “train” our doctors in which drugs to push and when.

Take a look, for example, at the recent renewal of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA). Under this bill, drug companies will pay higher fees to the FDA, providing funding for "timely" turnaround of new drug approvals. In other words, a major chunk of the FDA's budget is coming from the very industry it is supposed to regulate - and those fees are based the FDA meeting the attached drug approval timelines.

It's all about choice
We’re not telling you all of this to scare you - many women will use this new pill, and many women will probably be pleased with its effects. Our goal is simply to empower you with all of the information, so that YOU can make the best choice for YOU. As it stands, the last 70 years or so is the first time in human history that we've manipulated female hormones to this degree. Hormonal imbalances are common in women, and infertility is at an all-time high. Can we say for sure this is all connected? No, but we also can’t say for sure that it isn't. With so many options available for re-connecting with our cycles as a powerful source of our feminine energy, why take the drug?

Want to learn more about these issues?
Check out Public Citizen’s take on the PDUFA, and Frontline’s recent look inside the FDA. And be sure to visit our website to hear a recording of our very own Alisa Vitti on the Lisa Birnbach Radio Show last week - discussing these very issues as part of Lisa's Period Panel!

Tell us what you think!
How do you see your period - as an expression of your feminine self, or just a monthly hassle? What's your take on Big Pharma and the current marketing of drugs? Do you think the FDA is doing its job? Talk to us and the larger LSW community in the comments section below - an LSW Counselor will respond to each and every comment!

Curious about your cycle?
At LSW, we’ve designed unique programs to help you understand your menstrual cycle. Your cycle does not have to be a source of hassle and frustration - we’ll show you how to turn it into a source of joy, creativity and intuition. If you'd like to find out more, visit us at our website, give us a call at 212-581-0001, or email us at info@laughingsagewellness.com.

Lip-Smacking Smoothies

2007-05-27T14:22:00.000-05:00

For the urban girl on the go, smoothies can be an important nutrient-packed snack or mini-meal option. Made with fresh fruits or veggies, usually with added supplements, they are a much healthier option than the energy bars so many of us gravitate toward.

Smoothies have become an increasingly popular option at juice bars - which is a wonderful sign that many of us are becoming more and more conscious of how we care for our bodies. But be careful of the hidden dangers in the store-bought smoothies - yes, they're made with fresh fruits and vegetables, but most are likely not organic. Eating one non-organic apple in a day is not such a big deal, but consuming the concentrated juice of 5 or 6 apples in a smoothie delivers quite a pesticide-packed punch! In addition' many supposedly "healthy" smoothies are made with frozen yogurt or ice cream - high in sugar, and high in unnecessary calories.

While the occasional Jamba Juice does make for a tasty treat, we recommend trying your hand at making your smoothies at home. It's a fun and yummy way to begin your day (or take an afternoon break), and you can experiment with your favorite fruits and veggies. To get you started, we've included a basic fruit smoothie recipe below. Note that there are many optional items - if you don't have everything handy, don't worry! You can begin with just your favorite fruits or veggies and a blender, and grow from there.

Fabulous Fruit Smoothie

Start with:
* Your choice of green drink (we recommend Core Greens - the best we've found!)
* Your favorite fruit, or a mix of fruits - berries are especially good in smoothies - try fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, strawberries…
* 1 TB coconut oil
* 1 small banana (or 1/2 large banana)
* 6 oz of your choice of liquid: rice milk, water, 100% juice, etc.

Optional ingredients:
* A protein source, such as Nutiva Hemp Protein Powder, or even your favorite nut butter!
* Flax seeds, for extra fiber and omega 3s
* Any other supplements in powdered or whole food form, that you might normally mix with water or juice to take
* A small bit of agave nectar to sweeten

What to do:
* Gather your chosen ingredients in one spot
* Add to blender (or, if using a hand blender, add all ingredients to a container large enough that they won't splatter!)
* Blend to a smooth consistency
* Taste test - if needed, add a bit more agave or banana to sweeten
* Pour into a wide-mouthed Nalgene (or similar) bottle, and head out the door!
* And oh yes, enjoy the burst of energy from this yummy, satisfying treat!

Have a favorite smoothie recipe of your own?
Share your favorite smoothie ideas with the LSW community in the comments section below! You can also post comments and ask questions, and an LSW Counselor will respond. We look forward to hearing from you!

LSW counselors are experts at supporting women to use food medicinally to nurture, balance, and heal their hormonal systems, instead of masking or eliminating them with drugs or surgery. Our holistic health group pairs clients with insightful and compassionate counselors who are trained experts in holistic nutrition and women's self-care.

Menstruation - A lifestyle choice??

2007-05-23T10:33:00.000-05:00

The FDA has just approved Lybrel – the oral contraceptive that is designed to eliminate monthly periods. Unlike most other birth control pills that are taken for 21 days with a break of 7 days, Lybrel is taken every day.
Read the details here.

It is not a coincidence that a woman’s right to choose an abortion is being threatened, while the ability to stop a natural cycle is being advertised as a lifestyle choice. In both cases, women's bodies are being distanced from the women themselves.

Rather than being educated about the beauty and power inherent in their cyclical natures, women are kept in the dark and taught to see their bodies as burdens that they must suppress and silence if they want to succeed in this world.

What do you think -
Does suppressing your period sound like liberation or a disguised form of control?

Beach-Ready Skin

2007-05-21T11:14:00.000-05:00

Can you believe that summer is almost here? The days of bikinis and strappy tanks are on their way, so this week we’ll be lavishing some love on our soon-to-be-more-exposed skin.

Your skin as a healthy organ
Most of us have never thought of our skin this way, but it is actually the largest organ in our bodies! And just like our other organs, it can become overloaded with the stresses or our modern urban lifestyles - making plenty of rest and healthful eating two of the most important ways to support the health of your skin.

The beauty of body polish
At LSW, one of our favorite weekly indulgences is also one of our best beauty secrets! Body polishes (or salt scrubs) leave the skin with a lovely glow, and help to keep it healthy by opening pores, drawing out accumulated toxins, and stimulating circulation.

Best of all, these scrubs are not just for the spa anymore! Many companies have created luscious use-at-home versions - all you need is a couple of extra minutes in the shower.

And if you’ve already started eating the Laughing Sage way, even better. We’re including a recipe for making your own body polish - using that leftover sugar and coffee you thought you no longer had a use for!

"Love Your Skin" Scrub
* Mix equal parts granulated sugar and ground coffee
* Combine sugar and coffee mixure with any oil you’ve got on hand (we love olive or sesame!)
* Add a drop or 2 of orange essential oil
* Save mixture in a water-tight container, and use weekly - or as often as desired!

Polish products we love
Not yet ready to make your own? Try one of these LSW favorites!

* Trillium Organics' Organic Body Polish in Pink Grapefruit
* Abra Therapeutic's Cellular Detox Body Scrub

Talk to us!
What's your favorite skin-care (or self-care) secret? Have a healthy product you love, or a favorite skin-care recipe you make at home? How'd it go making time for this week's indulgence? Add your questions and suggestions to our comments section below, and an LSW Counselor will respond!

LSW recognizes the importance of indulgence, pleasure, and sensuality for every woman's menstrual and sexual health. We help you find the right medicinal foods for healing your condition, and we support you to understand, accept, and enjoy your woman's body and your feminine energy.

Bumps Down Under

2007-05-14T21:40:00.000-05:00

Ever find small, zit-like bumps or lumps on or around your labia, and throw yourself into a tizzy trying to figure out which STD you’d contracted?

While you would always want to visit your GYN for a confirmed diagnosis, these acne-like bumps are most likely just that - a reaction in the skin that is akin to acne, known as sebaceous cysts. Just like regular acne, sebaceous cysts can occur in many places on the body, but their occurrence in or near the vaginal area is also common, especially for women who exercise a lot, or perform work that causes them to sweat a lot.

These cysts are formed when sebum - a fluid which is produced by the sebaceous glands in your skin - becomes blocked. Most often, they’ll eventually disappear on their own, just like pimples, though it is not uncommon for them to reappear at a later time.

A little prevention
In this case, a little prevention can go a long way. Here are our LSW recommendations for preventing (or dealing with) the appearance of these cysts.

* Get out of those sweaty clothes: One of the best things you can do is change into fresh clothes - and undies! - after a workout or a particularly sweaty day. Let 'em air out, ladies!

* Shower after a workout: Or at the very least, towel off before putting on your street clothes. Make sure your vaginal area is dry!

* Starch your undies: Corn starch, that is. Sprinkle a little corn starch or rice powder in your undies before exercising - it’ll help absorb moisture.

* Splash a little lavender: Lavender essential oil has amazing antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, and is incredibly soothing. Always dilute essential oils before using - place 2-3 drops in a bowl of water, and use as a cleansing vulvar splash.

* Lavender essential oil wipes: For ladies on the go, Herban Essentials Lavender Towelettes contain just lavender oil, water, and an emulsifier. Plus, they’re individually wrapped, so they can be slipped into your purse or gym bag for a quick and easy "splash" when away from home. Just wipe down and be on your merry way!

LSW is committed to helping you understand the amazing natural healing options that are available to you, so that you can make knowledgeable, powerful choices about how to care for your body and your menstrual and sexual health.

Reclaiming Our Bodies

2007-05-10T09:41:00.000-05:00

Check out this blog post by Jennifer Gandin Le that features the revolutionary people and ideas helping women reclaim their bodies and sexuality.

Special thanks to Courtney E. Martin for adding our website to the mix!

Click here to read the blog post