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Breath Clues part 2

· ·


Becoming aware of HOW you breathe is important both as a health clue and an (inexpensive and valuable!) wellness tool. 


Did you take the quick quiz on the graphic?  If not, take a moment to do so!
Statistically, chronic shallow (mouth, neck, and upper chest) breathing is the most common type of breathing in Westernized cultures. This type of breathing  perpetuates stress and anxiety, activates the “fight or flight” (sympathetic response),  and suppresses the immune system. 


Conversely, diaphragmatic (deep belly) breathing balances the nervous system, supports heart health, improves circulation, promotes lymphatic drainage, reduces stress, calms the mind, and brings the body back into a more homeostatic state. 
Do you notice how some people remain calm, cool, and collected while others become a tightly wound spring with every stressor? The ability to pivot from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest” is incredibly important to health outcomes! ( Pharmacist tip: Learning to do this is helpful in keeping you away from the pharmacy!)  


The longest nerve in the body is called the  👉vagus nerve 👈. It runs from the brain thru the lungs and on to the gut, and affects every organ and body system it comes in contact with along the way ….. stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, heart, lungs, and the immune, endocrine, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems. In other words, the vagal nerve pathway is kind of a big deal! 😍


High vagal tone is incredibly important to overall health and wellbeing….. really, it’s a use it or lose it situation. Low vagal tone is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, GI disorders, and depression. Diaphragmatic breathing increases vagal tone! 


If deep belly breathing is not something you do on the regular (ie: it’s become second nature to you), Here are a few tips and tricks:
👉 Start with just 2 minutes several times a day. 
1. Place one hand on your upper chest and the other just below your rib cage, so you can feel your diaphragm move as you breathe.
2. Inhale deeply thru your nose for the count of 6-8 seconds (or 4-5 seconds if that’s too much)…. allowing your belly to expand. Try to fill your lungs with air. NOTE! The hand on your chest should remain as still as possible.
3. Slowly exhale through your nose for the count of 6-8 (or 4-5) drawing your belly button in and down as your abdomen moves inward.
4. As you breathe inward deeply, envision oxygen flowing inward and recharging your body. As you exhale, envision all the stress and tension leaving your body. 
5. Practice this for 2-3 minutes at a time (20-30 breath cycles). Graduate to 5 minutes as you are able! 


Scientifically noted benefits of diaphragmatic breathing can be further enhanced when you pair your breathing practice with Young Living essential oils known for their supportive roles in  health and wellness goals:
🌿Want to improve mood? Pair your practice with Citrus Fresh eo blend! 
🌿 Looking for better concentration? Try Brain Power or Frankincense!
🌿 Looking to better manage pain? (Yes, deep breathing helps with this too!) Add in PanAway or Deep Relief
🌿 Wanting to lower your blood pressure (Yep, deep breathing exercises does this too!)….. support happy vascular system breathing practices with Joy, Aroma Life, Ylang Ylang, or Lavender.
🌿Lowering blood sugar (amazing what regular deep breathing may do! Consider deep inhalations of Coriander, Melissa, or Christmas Spirit! 
🌿 Improve your sleep. Pair pre bedtime deep breathing with a diffuser loaded with Cedarwood, Orange, and Lavender! 
🌿  Use as a tool in your weight loss journey. Have you tried Grapefruit essential oil or Thieves on the bottom of the feet?
🌿 Strengthen the pelvic floor muscle (which will also improve bladder and bowel elimination function!). Consider pairing with Clary Sage, Cypress, or (Digize 👈 for colon support). 
🌿Better lymphatic flow?…. You’ll love Lemon essential oil (both regular and vitality!)! 


Noticing how you are breathing, and then making corrections as needed is a simple, but VIP wellness tool and health clue! Just as diaphragmatic breathing is helpful, chronic shallow breathing will exacerbate many health problems, and over time, may also contribute to lung infections and lung diseases.
Just breathe…… deeply! 
xoxo~ liz


👈 if you’d like to know more about additional breathing practices or the oils mentioned above, let’s chat!


#sharingiscaring 
#Godgaveusthetools 
#goodmedicineisgreatbreathinghabits
#goodmedicine Breath Clues: Part II
Becoming aware of HOW you breathe is important both as a health clue and an (inexpensive and valuable!) wellness tool. 
Did you take the quick quiz on the graphic?  If not, take a moment to do so!
Statistically, chronic shallow (mouth, neck, and upper chest) breathing is the most common type of breathing in Westernized cultures. This type of breathing  perpetuates stress and anxiety, activates the “fight or flight” (sympathetic response),  and suppresses the immune system. 
Conversely, diaphragmatic (deep belly) breathing balances the nervous system, supports heart health, improves circulation, promotes lymphatic drainage, reduces stress, calms the mind, and brings the body back into a more homeostatic state. 
Do you notice how some people remain calm, cool, and collected while others become a tightly wound spring with every stressor? The ability to pivot from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest” is incredibly important to health outcomes! ( Pharmacist tip: Learning to do this is helpful in keeping you away from the pharmacy!)  
The longest nerve in the body is called the  👉vagus nerve 👈. It runs from the brain thru the lungs and on to the gut, and affects every organ and body system it comes in contact with along the way ….. stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, heart, lungs, and the immune, endocrine, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems. In other words, the vagal nerve pathway is kind of a big deal! 😍
High vagal tone is incredibly important to overall health and wellbeing….. really, it’s a use it or lose it situation. Low vagal tone is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, GI disorders, and depression. Diaphragmatic breathing increases vagal tone! 
If deep belly breathing is not something you do on the regular (ie: it’s become second nature to you), Here are a few tips and tricks:
👉 Start with just 2 minutes several times a day. 
1. Place one hand on your upper chest and the other just below your rib cage, so you can feel your diaphragm move as you breathe.
2. Inhale deeply thru your nose for the count of 6-8 seconds (or 4-5 seconds if that’s too much)…. allowing your belly to expand. Try to fill your lungs with air. NOTE! The hand on your chest should remain as still as possible.
3. Slowly exhale through your nose for the count of 6-8 (or 4-5) drawing your belly button in and down as your abdomen moves inward.
4. As you breathe inward deeply, envision oxygen flowing inward and recharging your body. As you exhale, envision all the stress and tension leaving your body. 
5. Practice this for 2-3 minutes at a time (20-30 breath cycles). Graduate to 5 minutes as you are able! 
Scientifically noted benefits of diaphragmatic breathing can be further enhanced when you pair your breathing practice with Young Living essential oils known for their supportive roles in  health and wellness goals:
🌿Want to improve mood? Pair your practice with Citrus Fresh eo blend! 
🌿 Looking for better concentration? Try Brain Power or Frankincense!
🌿 Looking to better manage pain? (Yes, deep breathing helps with this too!) Add in PanAway or Deep Relief
🌿 Wanting to lower your blood pressure (Yep, deep breathing exercises does this too!)….. support happy vascular system breathing practices with Joy, Aroma Life, Ylang Ylang, or Lavender.
🌿Lowering blood sugar (amazing what regular deep breathing may do! Consider deep inhalations of Coriander, Melissa, or Christmas Spirit! 
🌿 Improve your sleep. Pair pre bedtime deep breathing with a diffuser loaded with Cedarwood, Orange, and Lavender! 
🌿  Use as a tool in your weight loss journey. Have you tried Grapefruit essential oil or Thieves on the bottom of the feet?
🌿 Strengthen the pelvic floor muscle (which will also improve bladder and bowel elimination function!). Consider pairing with Clary Sage, Cypress, or (Digize 👈 for colon support). 
🌿Better lymphatic flow?…. You’ll love Lemon essential oil (both regular and vitality!)! 
Noticing how you are breathing, and then making corrections as needed is a simple, but VIP wellness tool and health clue! Just as diaphragmatic breathing is helpful, chronic shallow breathing will exacerbate many health problems, and over time, may also contribute to lung infections and lung diseases.
Just breathe…… deeply! 
xoxo~ liz

#sharingiscaring 
#Godgaveusthetools 
#goodmedicineisgreatbreathinghabits
#goodmedicine 

6 Self-Care Rituals to Help You Relax, Recenter & Reignite Your Energy (With Essential Oils!)

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by Stephanie Gregory

Have you ever felt like you’re running on empty? Like the world is spinning faster than you can keep up? Friend, I’ve been there—and I want you to know something important: you’re not alone.

In my work with women overcoming anxiety and burnout, I’ve learned that prioritizing self-care isn’t just a luxury—it’s a spiritual act of stewardship. God didn’t design us to survive, but to thrive.

The Quiet Power of Intentional Rituals

Over the last decade, I’ve helped hundreds of women reclaim their peace through faith-based holistic support. Today, I’m sharing six transformative practices that have been game-changers for my clients and myself.

1. Daily Soul Check-Ins: Listening to Your Inner Voice

Before the noise of the day takes over, create a sacred space for reflection. This isn’t just self-care—it’s hearing God’s whispers.

Ask yourself:

  • What do I need to surrender today?
  • Where is God inviting me to rest?
  • What boundaries need gentle reinforcement?

Essential Oils for Grounding:

  • Sacred Frankincense (for spiritual connection)
  • Cedarwood (for clarity and presence)
  • White Angelica (for emotional protection)

2. Meditation: Rewiring Your Brain through Faith and Presence

Meditation isn’t just a wellness trend—it’s a biblical practice of stillness. When we quiet our minds, we create space to hear God’s guidance.

Oils for Spiritual Alignment:

  • Valor
  • Northern Lights Black Spruce
  • Peace & Calming

3. The Healing Power of Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful spiritual discipline. It shifts our focus from what’s wrong to God’s abundant grace.

Try this: Each morning, write three things you’re grateful for. Let this be your prayer, your worship.

4. Emotional Energy Clearing

Your emotional space matters. Just as we cleanse our physical environment, we must tend to our spiritual and emotional landscapes.

Emotional Release Ritual:

  • Use Release or Palo Santo for energetic cleansing
  • Apply White Angelica for spiritual protection
  • Reflect on what you’re surrendering to God

5. Mindful Movement: Honoring Your Body as a Temple

Movement is a form of worship. It’s about connecting your body, mind, and spirit—not punishment or perfection.

Supportive Recovery Oils:

  • PanAway
  • Peppermint
  • Cypress
  • Lemon

6. Smile and Let Joy Interrupt Stress

Did you know that smiling—even when you don’t feel like it—can release mood-boosting chemicals? It’s science meeting grace.

Oils for Joy:

  • Joy blend
  • Lemon
  • Orange
  • Citrus Fresh

Final Reflection: You Were Made to Shine

Remember, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s how we show up fully for our purpose. As I often tell my clients, “From fear to freedom” isn’t just a tagline. It’s a promise.

Your light is meant to be bright, not dimmed by burnout or overwhelm. These practices are your pathway to peace, one intentional moment at a time.

Breathe. Trust. Align.

💛 With love and faith, Stephanie

Tools:
      Grounding (bottom of your feet, back of your neck, or diffuse)….Sacred Frankincense
      Reflecting on your goals…  Envision
      Alignment or clarity…  Cedarwood
      Joy and togetherness…  Joy
     Creativity…  Lime
     Focus…  Peppermint
     Strength & security…  White Angelica
     Calm…  Lavender
     Motivation…  Motivation, Awaken, or Envision
     Passion…   Ylang Ylang
     Grounding…  Frankincense
     Positive mindset…  Lemon, Citrus Fresh
     Positive energy shift…   Abundance

Finding Answers to your own Health Problems

· ·

Last week, I wrote about all the fascinating information you may learn from looking at the clues embedded (literally) in the nether regions of fingernails. You can find that post here if you need to catch up: https://goodmedicine.info/blog/health-clues-you-can-use-1

​A clue means next to nothing if it is singular….. You’ll  need at least a few clues if you are to be sure you are headed down the right path. 


Since we are only in the embryonic stages of becoming your own health detective, here are a few quick self assessment tools every good health detective needs:
*Honesty: If you are to be your own health detective, it’s important to acknowledge lifestyle choices and known consequences. The “it won’t happen to me” mindset will never work….nor will the hypochondriac’s lament. If you are going to do the detective work, be honest with yourself……using your clues to improve your wellness quotient thru diet, lifestyle changes and using supplements (and/or YL essential oils) when you suspect support is needed will go a long way to turning back the physiological clock.


*Labwork: Every adult should have bloodwork  done annually (more often if there is a visible problem). Even the uninsured or “undoctored” can get bloodwork done without seeing a doctor (message me if you’d like help doing this). I’ll cover what I consider “essential” labwork in a future post, so at the very least you’ll know what labs to request your doctor run for you.


*One clue does not make a dis-ease or a diagnosis. #clustercluesforthewin


*How do you feel? Think this over. Do you feel great most days? If your answer hovers more around the “meh” answer, here’s where you’ll want to start. There are many many posts within this group that addresses supportive measures for most of these topics:
👉Do you get enough sleep?
👉Do you exercise vigorously and regularly?
👉Do you know your recent blood pressure and blood sugar numbers?
👉Do you have a “healthy” bowel movement daily?
👉Do you eat in a healthy manner? 
👉Do you have a close set of friends, participate in life fully, attend church?
👉Do you laugh often and enjoy life?
👉Do you avoid vices? (smoking and regular alcohol consumption especially)


*Consider keeping a health journal. Write down your clues as you find them. This will be very helpful to you as you learn how to be a better CEO of Y.O.U Incorporated in 2021, and will also help you decide which supplements or oils might need to be on your monthly “must haves” for 2021.


 *Know your limits. If you have found several clues pointing to a significant health issue, please contact your preferred health professional. Naturopaths, Integrative medicine doctors, and functional medicine doctors are my personal first choice as they tend to look beyond the symptoms and address the root cause.


Last week I read several comments when discussing less than prominent lunula….. Fewer than 8 prominent lunula may be an indication of low cellular oxygen, poor circulation, a chronically weakened immune system, a possible thyroid disorder, or a Vitamin B12 Deficiency. Lots of possibilities, right? If you didn’t know where to start (since this is a first clue), what daily Young Living supplement may be supportive of most of these conditions? (Hint: It’s red ).
xoxo~liz

#sharingiscaring
#applicationofknowledgeispower
#goodmedicine
#ThanksYL
#NingXiaRedChallenge2021
#becomingyourownhealthdetective

Health Clues in Your Fingernails #1

· ·

Learning to “read” your own body is a skill that everyone learned to some degree in days gone by….. much like tracking an animal🐾, interpreting weather signs , or “reading” 🌱 plants in a forest. Failure to do any of these things well could have cost you your life. Now we tend to rely on professionals (or electronics) to work exclusively on our behalf. There are many problems to simply handing over life skills to someone else to manage, not the least of which is personal vulnerability….. I mean, who has a paper map in their car?… and what would happen if your GPS suddenly shut down?


When we wait for someone else to “find” the problem, a slippery slope may result. Just like having low air in a tire, it’s so much easier to air the tire back up and identify and fix the cause of the low tire pressure,  than it is to drive on it until it’s flat and damaged and has to be completely replaced (expensive!!) by a professional. 


Throughout 2021, I’ll be unpacking “health clues you can use” to help you decide which supplements and essential oils may warrant further investigation or perhaps which lifestyle changes your body may benefit from. #wearealluniquelymade

Today, let’s unpack the lunula… finger by finger! 
The entire body is a storehouse of clues….. Especially hands and nails! Fingernails are a snapshot of the last 6 months of a person’s health….. The lunula is the crescent shaped area at the base of your fingernails… and that’s the only part of the fingernail I’m talking about today. Ideally, you want  8 of your 10 fingernails to have prominent lunula. Fewer than 8 prominent lunulas on the fingernails may be an indication of low cellular oxygen or poor circulation overall.


Lunula size also differs among different ethnic groups, and they are commonly absent on children. Keeping an eye on “normal” within your individual body is what’s important. Changes in size of the lunula are ultimately what should raise a hairy eyebrow. Overall, if the lunulas grow in size to cover more than ⅓ of the nail bed, if may indicate an ongoing endocrine disorder or cardiovascular issue. If the lunulas have almost disappeared , it may indicate low blood pressure, a weakened immune system, thyroid gland disorder or a vitamin (B12) deficiency.


The overall color of the lunulas are important too (taking into consideration…. Did you squish it with a hammer recently?!?😣)


Gray: severe fatigue, digestion disorders, and possible nutrient deficiencies
White: healthy and natural. Should be several shades lighter than skin tone.
Purple: poor circulation and lack of oxygen.
Pink: may indicate lower levels of physical activity and lung function
Black: a common symptom of heavy metal poisoning
Half pink/ Half white accompanied by a thinner darker band of color: possible kidney dis-ease. 


Moving on to each finger……
Pinky Finger: the lunula should be nearly invisible. Its appearance may be an indication of the function of small intestines, kidneys, and heart.
Ring Finger: the lunula should be prominent, and may be related to the health of the reproductive and lymphatic systems, and to a lesser extent, the digestive system.
Middle Finger: should also be prominent, and may be related to the health of your brain and vascular system. If your lunula is absent on this finger, it may indicate a potential issue with blood vessels or higher blood pressure.
Index Finger: should also be prominent. If it is tiny or nearly gone, it may indicate issues with your intestine or pancreas (get your glucose checked! Home meters are very inexpensive and do not require a prescription). A tiny or absent lunula on this finger may also indicate a chronic (not acute) upper respiratory dis-ease.
Thumb: should also be prominent, but not more than 25% of your nail bed. It may be an indication of the workings of the lung and spleen.


Matthew 24:28 contains an interesting proverb. “For wherever the carcass is, there will be vultures gathered.” There is a wise lesson here. Seeing one clue does not mean much….. until you put them together with many clues (the difference between one vulture flying over head vs several circling). Clue gathering is a talent, but it’s one we can ALL cultivate…. After all, our ancestors did it with little to no formal education!
Let’s have some fun………knowing what your lunulas just “told” you, how did what they say align with what you already know about your body? AND, which  YL essential oils or supplements is your body asking for based upon these clues?
xoxo~ liz

If you’d like more information in an individualized coaching format, 2021 is the year to do it!


#caringissharing
#applicationofknowledgeispower
#goodmedicine
#goodmedicineisknowingthyselfwell
#ThanksYL
PS: Do not interpret this post as medical advice…. My intention is not to diagnose, treat, or cure anyone…. only to raise awareness that you are the lone CEO of your body, and you can easily gather the tools to build a healthier life! Consider making 2021 your year to learn to read the roadmap that is your body!

Power To Heal – part 5

· ·

If you are just diving in now… here are the links to catch up:
* POWER TO HEAL PART I  (why modern medicine alone isn’t the answer)
  https://goodmedicine.info/power-to-heal-part-1/
* POWER TO HEAL PART II  ( a history lesson – how did we forget how to heal?)
  https://goodmedicine.info/power-to-heal-part-2/
* POWER TO HEAL PART III (The power of the mind in healing ourselves)
  https://goodmedicine.info/power-to-heal-part-3/
* POWER TO HEAL PART IV (We have the tools!) 
  https://goodmedicine.info/power-to-heal-part-4/

The Power to Heal Ourselves – 
I’ve been praying for you! Our bodies are so incredibly amazing, aren’t they???…… especially when they have the right ingredients to create a recipe for healthy success!
I hear some of you tho…. it may seem so overwhelming to #doallthethings. It was for me too 🙋‍♀️when I first began realizing I had the personal power to heal on my own 20 years ago.
#beentheredonethatandstillaworkinprogress
#Romewasntbuiltinaday
Remember a few key things:
1. Is your garbage pail full? Stop putting garbage in!!! (evidence of that is nearly all chronic diseases, skin disorders, emotional disorders, etc)….. you’ve GOT to quit adding toxins to your “household” (ie: body) if you truly want to kickstart the healing process.
2. Start taking the garbage out. This means you are working towards gently detoxing your body. There are many ways to do this, and each way does not serve an person in the same manner. ( 👉 See Step #8!)
3. Sleep. Absolutely crucial that you get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. If you have problems achieving that #…. message me.
4. Exercise. You CAN do this…. there is an exercise program for every single situation. No excuses.
5. Hydration…. by this I mean water. Clean, pure  water and lots of it.
6. Mind work…. If you find “taking out the toxins” hard to think about, perhaps focus on the reason why. You are a person of value and worth.💗 Toxins create personal limitations and it is life limiting to allow them to dictate your life and limit your potential! #thisis100percenttrue Loving ourselves enough to treat ourselves with kindness and respect (not in a spirit of enablement) is a HUGE part of self healing both physically and emotionally.
7. Thorough labwork. This is an important piece that often gets overlooked. 
8. Find a guide… a scout…. someone who has walked the walk and knows the path well. So much can be done inside the walls of our own homes and thru ZOOM if meeting in person is logistically hard. 💗
If the power of healing yourself is something you are ready to embrace, give yourself a high five and a virtual hug!
I am here and I am devoted to helping people learn how to do this successfully and would be honored to help you blaze your new trail! 😘 Let’s chat! 
xoxo~ liz
www.goodmedicine.info 
#sharingiscaring
#thepowertohealourselves
#wecandothis
#strengthincommunity
#wehavethetoolswejustneedtolearnhowtousethem
#ThanksYL

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