On April 14, 2010 I had bunion surgery for my right foot. This was something I had never planned to do. I had bunions on both feet for many, many years and figured I would just live with them til the day I died. In the summer of 2009, I noticed that they were getting worse, it was harder to find stylish shoes and my feet were always hurting. I love to dance and enjoy being physically active and they were starting to interfere with the quality of my life.

My holistic podiatrist was no longer doing surgery and had recently met a podiatric surgeon that she was impressed with and encouraged me to go see him. When I went for my consultation, he did recommend surgery due to the severity of the bunions. I decided to go for it, for the long term health of my feet. I did not want to end up being one of those older women who have severely deformed feet that cause them constant pain.

The surgery required some extra hardware and a cast. I had to use a cane and be in a surgical boot. There were many things that came up for me emotionally as well as physically. Being holsitcally oriented, taking pain killers was a new experience and I tried to avoid it by using homeopathic remedies to no avail. So, pain killers it was for 4 days.

I did use all my knowledge to expedite healing naturally. Lots of green drinks, low inflammatory diet, combinations of vitamins to bring inflammation down and homeopathy. When the cast came off, I made soaks with calendula, comphrey, lavender and helichrysum. Then, I made a cream with aloe butter, calendula tincture, lavender and helichrysum. The scar is healing really well and my foot has had a minimal amount of swelling.



For the last 4 days, I have been able to wear a sandal. I am also going for physical therapy, acupuncture, cold laser therapy, taking epsom salt baths and flower essences. It is my magical synergy of healing. In the Spring of 2011 I will do my left foot!

There are many wonderful shifts that have taken place within me since the bunion surgery. Having the courage to do it has opened up some new doors and I feel more open to new possibilities than before the surgery. I cannot wait to go dancing again and put on a pair of high heels!

Here’s to health!

Vali

“Tossing and Turning, Turning and Tossing”
(I tossed and I turned all night)

Remember that song? It was written in 1965 and here we are in 2009 with sleep difficulties reaching an epidemic proportion. Women, men and even children are affected by this stressful condition. A good night’s rest is the foundation of health and well being. More and more evidence points to lack of sleep as a contributor to declining physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Along with good eating habits, happy and healthy relationships, work we enjoy and exercise goes a good night’s rest as an imperative ingredient in our health regime.

When I started my practice as an aromatherapist, I did not know how prevalent an issue sleep difficulties were until one of my private clients asked that I create a sleep blend to help her sleep. As my private practice grew and I launched my line, Essence of Vali the demand for the sleep blend also grew. That was 9 years ago and this blend continues to be the most popular. People are still tossing and turning all night.

Some people fall asleep easily and then wake up at 3 in the morning while others take many hours to fall asleep. These are the two common patterns. Anything less than 7 hours of sleep is considered not enough. Even those of us who are good sleepers may not be getting enough rest.

I believe that most of these difficulties are due to stress and also due to some of the foods we eat. So, what can we do to cut down on stress levels and what are foods we should avoid to safeguard our sleep health? Please continue reading for some tips and a way to get started.

Substances to Avoid
Coffee, Soda and Alcohol: These are substances that affect our energy in some way – be it stimulating or sedative. Try drinking water and herbal teas which contribute to your well being and create balance in your body, mind and spirit, rather than a roller coaster effect.

Sugar: The impact of sugar is a spike in energy and then “fall down” and a vicious cycle of “up” and “down”. There are many healthy treats that you can find in the health food store that can satisfy your sweet tooth without causing damage.

Nicotine: This one I think goes without saying.

Stress: I put this under “substance” because it has become a metaphorical substance in all of our lives. It is a common refrain – “I am so stressed out” that we all speak and hear and that in and of itself is stressful.

How do we eliminate the toxin of stress? We can empower ourselves to significantly decrease its impact on our lives by doing things that ease stress levels. See below for some of my ‘stress busters”

1. Restorative yoga (gentle yoga)
2. Exercise
3. Dancing
4. Listening to music
5. Talking to someone really positive
6. Writing in a journal
7. Taking a bath
8. Positive affirmations
9. Drinking herbal tea, such as chamomile
10. Rescue Remedy or other bach flower essences
11. Aromatherapy
12. Getting a massage or self massage
13. Helping a friend or stranger
14. Acupuncture

And the list goes on and on.

Just start seeing how wondrous you are and how deserving you are of putting the best substances into your being so that you can maintain optimum health, which includes a great night’s sleep. Once your body is in a healthier state, your sleep patterns will improve naturally.

Other ideas for improving sleep.

1. Keep a regular schedule in terms of when you go to sleep and when you wake up.
2. Do not eat a heavy meal before bedtime.
3. Keep sound and light out of your bedroom as much as possible.
4. Take a relaxing bath prior to getting into bed.
5. Use natural products instead of prescription medication or over the counter products.
6. Do some breathing exercises and listen to relaxation tapes.
7. Do not listen to the news before bed.

In closing, you deserve not only to get a great night’s sleep each night, but to maintain optimum health so that you can. The two, I believe go hand and hand. Start today on your (Sleep) Health Regime because you are the most precious being on the planet.

Valerie Bennis
Founder & President, Essence of Vali
www.essenceofvali.com
Tel: 212-242-0576

Yesterday, I attended the HBA Expo and the Spa & Resort Expo in New York City at the Javits Center. I always feel excited about going to see the exhibits and hearing the speakers at these shows as well as re-connecting with colleagues and meeting new people.

My morning started by listening to Horst Rechelbacher (founder of Aveda), who has a new company called Intelligent Nutrients. He is a pioneer in the area of natural health and beauty. The subject is very sobering when you realize that much of what we put on our hair, skin and body is toxic and can cause illness and imbalance.

So, what can you do to steer your clients towards products that are GOOD for them, not that just make them LOOK good? You can use them yourself, believe in them with all your heart and of course carry them in the retail area of your spa. Look at your own self care practices and the products that you use. The foods you eat and the liquids you drink are so crucial to health and well being.

I challenge us all to be shining examples of health and well being so that we can inspire those around us. You know, the predicted trend for spas is to make a difference in people’s lives by helping them achieve vibrant health.

Here’s to everyone’s right to be vibrantly healthy, happy and beautiful and our privilege to make a difference!

To your health, the natural way!!

Vali