I attended a lecture last week with Michael Lerner, founder of Commonweal, at Antioc College in Seattle. He spoke eloquently about the relationship between environmental toxicity creating havoc in our bodies and the increasing risks we all face for cancer, infertility, autoimmune diseases, and more. The growing body of evidence is compelling and public awareness barely exists except in people already suffering from serious life-threatening illnesses.
Almost everyone I see in my naturopathic clinic shows signs of endocrine-disrupting chemical toxicty. Chronic pain, migraines, irregular menses, PCO, breast lumps, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, infertility, neurological symptoms, depression, and anxiety are some of the most common.
Sources of toxic disrupters? Plastic Nalgene bottles we reuse over and over that slowly leach plastic molecules into our water are only the beginning of the problem. Any molecule that mimics the shape of a hormone, most of them like estrogen, is considered a disrupter. These molecules sit on receptor sites and block normal communication between cells. Read more about endocrine disrupters.
The bad news? Most of the 80 thousand chemicals we are exposed to on a regular basis have untested affects in our bodies. The good news? There is a way to help your body excrete them without harsh methods.
This gorgeous carving of Quan Yin from the Portland Art Museum has every element of beauty and healing I strive for in my work, from medicine to art.
7 is an auspicious number in all spiritual practices, including yogic and martial arts. Did you know 7 is the number of stages of healing as well?
Finding an image that represents your ultimate wellness, whatever form that takes for you, and gazing upon it while reflecting on it's power to transform you, is a wonderful jumpstart to being on your path.