Valor® - A Staple in my Aromatherapy Collection

Valor®, is a proprietary blend of therapeutic grade essential oils from Young Living. Young Living offers over 100 different essential oils and essential oil blends. This specific blend reached out and caught my attention in a BIG BIG way . . . That experience, which I'll share today, not only grabbed my attention, it hooked me on the oils that I love so much. Young Living also incorporates these therapeutic grade oils into a host of personal care products, dietary supplements, and household products that are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and wonderful to use.

Now for my personal story of Valor® -- A bit long, but I truly wished to share the whole traumatic experience for you to know how truly blessed I felt upon the discovery of this great essential oil.

Three years ago this past December -- it was the day after Christmas -- the Mid-South section of the county was recovering from a major ice storm & a devastating tsunami was hitting Thailand. That was the day!

Our son and daughter-in-law were returning home to Nashville from celebrating Christmas with her family in Chicago. The ice storm had struck as they were leaving Nashville and they became stranded in their car overnight on the interstate in Kentucky. It was a quite traumatic experience. They would be arriving home in time for our son to return to work the next day. Our daughter-in-law had a bit more time. The plan was to meet them at a pre-determined location and bring her back to Memphis for the week. Our son would join us for New Year's!

It was 65 and sunny in Memphis when I left driving my daughter's all-wheel drive Honda Accord. My very old and very squirrely car didn't seem to be appropriate since we weren't sure what conditions I would encounter. The trip was fairly smooth, but the entire time I drove an overwhelming heavy feeling pushed at my back. . . It was a dark, dark feeling. For me personally it felt almost sinister. Knowing my daughter would have worship CD's in the car, I fumbled around looking for them as I drove. NOTHING! Feeling compelled to continuously move forward, I never stopped to really look for them, even though I knew that playing that music would be of great benefit for keeping any invisible, but marauding characters from being very effective.

At last reaching my destination, I opened the door, stepped out, looked around, and there they were right behind the driver's seat. Of course! Where were they while I needed them.

So, now I'm waiting quite some time for son and daughter-in-law to arrive. Their projected ETA was an hour or so off. . . AND family Christmas party was that evening. We planned to be back in Memphis in time to attend.

Back on the road, this feeling swept over me once again. I never mentioned it. We just talked and shared and kept moving. I spoke with my husband as we came closer to Memphis. We discussed my intended route to the party and that we were still coming even though we would be a little late now. He suggested a different route, but never mentioned that it was because the warm temperatures and sunshine had not been effective in removing all the ice from the streets.

We exited the interstate and were headed up the highway toward the tree lined country road that would take us to the party. Hesitation would certainly be a great word here as I neared that intersection. I could see that it didn't look very friendly. Seconds before my daughter called and was saying they were ready to exchange the gifts, and what did I wish her to do about this one or that. So, I was preoccupied as well. That feeling came bearing down on my harder than ever, along with a couple of other vehicles. A hasty decision to turn instead of just going straight home was an incredible mistake!

I knew it immediately after turning. There was no where to turn around. We navigated through the first half mile or so when the car began spinning. There were lots of trees and a small lake at the bottom of a hill in the direction we were headed. I couldn't see them in the dark, but I knew they were there.

Now, I really choose to give God much glory here! The enemy may have won the battle here as we crashed broadside into some of those trees and bounced out completely turned around across a slick as glass driveway. But he didn't win, really! I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt the way the car was moving that angels were all around us positioning that car in such a way that neither of us would be seriously injured. Anyone who saw the car would have never believed that, or even that our daughter-in-law was alive!

No serious ihttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifnjuries, but definitely some stained and twisted muscles plagued us. After a few days we each had some cranial sacral and trager massage. This in and of itself was an enormous blessing. Even after being detangled I was feeling the strain of those previously kinked places in my neck and shoulders for days to come.

My limited collection (at the time) of aromatherapy oils included Valor®. I had absolutely no idea what to do with it, but I remembered that Valor® had been introduced to me as "a chiropractor in a bottle."

I began to apply Valor® to my neck and shoulders and was amazed at the relaxation this brought to this part of my body and how the pain subsided. Of course, I thought, I'm just getting better. After a couple of weeks my supply was exhausted. The few days it took me to obtain some more were all it took for me to realize that this little bottle contained some very precious healing abilities for me.

Distilled from spruce, blue tansy, rosewood & frankincense -- Valor® is truly a gift of God's creation. I've not been without it again!

Young Living's catalog describes it in part like this:

"Valor® is an empowering combination of terapeutic-grade essential oils that works with both the pysical and spiritual aspects of the body to increase feelings of strength, courage, and self-esteem in the face of adversity. . . "

Since then, I've learned of Valor's® use on the feet for a very relaxing experience. I often use it in my reflexology practice and on my own feet, neck, and shoulders to bring about a balanced and relaxed state of being.

Aromatherapy for Sleep

Aromatherapy oils have shown in many cases to be highly effective when used on the feet to promote health & wellness for the entire body. This was a significant factor in my personal decision to pursue reflexology training. It was my desire to intentionally introduce more people to the therapeutic effects of the oils by using them in a reflexology setting.

The following aromatherapy tip comes directly from a Young Living distributor through the Young Living weekly newsletter. I'm passing it on to you. This is an awesome testimony to the power of Young Living essential oils.

“My husband has a hard time sleeping at night, especially when he travels away from home. He uses lavender and Valor® essential oil blend together on his feet and sleeps all night long!


(The author of this post, the Young Living distributor from which the tip comes, and the Young Living Company assume no liability for any damage caused by use of this tip.)

Thieves® -- Thankful Today for this Green Cleaner

The thought of sending my king size bedspread to the dry cleaner was distasteful for a couple of reasons. Only one (kinda large) corner needed cleaning. The dry cleaning solvents would be quite noxious to my way of thinking. Never the less, the whole bedspread would certainly not fit in my washing machine.

What happened? Our precious little 2 year old granddaughter was sleeping on our bed when an upset tummy presented itself in quite a yucky way. You probably get my drift here.

Carefully wiping it off and then allowing it to dry out gave me a bit of time to think this one through. Thieves™ in its many forms has come to my rescue before. One corner of the bedspread would easily fit in my oversize kitchen sink. So, with a bar of Thieves™ Soap and some cold water the spots were gently coaxed from the bedspread. Wrapped in towels to absorb the water, the bedspread is now clean and spread out to dry.

The greater benefit is the antibacterial properties of Thieves®, and essential oil blend from Young Living, and the fact that Thieves® products also are made without the toxic ingredients found in most household cleaners. This stuff will even remove mold (and it doesn't come back.) That's pretty powerful stuff. Check out my Young Living website where you will find Thieves® bar soap, Thieves® Household Cleaner, Thieves® essential oil blend, Thieves® tootpastes, Thieves® mouthwash, Thieves® hand sanitizers, and Thieves® personal sprays.

Theieves® products have proved to be great immunity builders and infection fighters for our family!

Earth Day -- Great Music Video

One of the comments made in response to this YOUTube video was to the effect that if each of us did one earth friendly thing each day, the earth would smile.

The music and the message are terrific! Be warned: There are many sad scenes between the many beautiful ones here. We could jump to the extreme conclusion that we would be wise to all go back to living like cave men. More realistically, however, I believe it is a call to all of us to be more selective about our perceived "needs," more responsible with the disposal of our discards, and more contemplative before we act about just how our actions will affect this earth for our children and our grancdhildren and theirs for the generations to come.

G'amma's Brag Moment

Emerson Grace is 2 weeks old today!

In the midst of a blog entitled ALIVE! I believe I'll take a moment for G'amma to brag (and show off a little too) about this NEW LIFE that is definitely ALIVE! This is the newest blessing for our family, and quite a sweet one, too! Big sister, Mikah, adores her. We all agree, she's a keeper!

Earth Day -- This Week

Earth Day is celebrated this week. Over the years I've had various reactions to the attitudes and types of people that might celebrate this day. . . . some more honorable than others I'll have to admit. As I've contemplated the position I choose to take about the earth and how we live upon on it as its caretakers my only honest conclusions come from the words of the ONE BOOK I truly believe to be the very basis of truths that man is wise to live and follow. Everyone may not agree. It doesn't make it any less GOD'S TRUTH, and I choose for myself to follow Him to Eternity.

So, what words are found on this subject in The Bible? I'm so glad you asked. Well, even if you didn't -- I'll be sharing any way. Here they are.

Genesis 1:27-29 (The Message)*
26-28 God spoke: "Let us make human beings in our image, make them
reflecting our nature
So they can be responsible for the fish in the sea,
the birds in the air, the cattle,
And, yes, Earth itself,
and every animal that moves on the face of Earth."
God created human beings;
he created them godlike,
Reflecting God's nature.
He created them male and female.
God blessed them:
"Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge!
Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air,
for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth."

29-30 Then God said, "I've given you
every sort of seed-bearing plant on Earth
And every kind of fruit-bearing tree,
given them to you for food.
To all animals and all birds,
everything that moves and breathes,
I give whatever grows out of the ground for food."
And there it was.

These words speak of human being's responsibility to care for the planet where we eat, breathe, and live. To care for the planet and all of its forms of life seems to mean cultivating the gifts we've been given here on the planet to sustain life that is created in the Image of God, and reflecting His nature.

Personally, I've come to believe that means doing what is in my power to use up less of our natural resources, share resources when possible, and use the least amount of toxic products that add to the pollution of the environment we call home (your home, your community, your country, your world, your universe). To the best of my ability, and a little more each day, I look for the least invasive means to health & wellness; the foods that are grown with loving care and the resources of nature rather than man-made chemicals that are harmful to our health and environment; opportunities to recycle; purchase locally produced foods and goods; and more.

I believe these are the type of choices our Creator is pleased for us to make. I believe He is honored when we choose to use His provisions with wisdom and care!







The Message, Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson [The Message at Navpress] [NavPress]

Clipart Graphic from KABOOSE

Dr. Approved Essential Oils for Sinuses

It's that time of the year...at least in Memphis it is...

It's beautiful!!! The azaleas and dogwoods are producing their short but spectacular spring extravaganza showtime! All of this also produces lots of allergy and sinus issues for many people.

My discovery of high quality (therapeutic or medical grade) essential oils has contributed greatly to my ability to enjoy this season with much less of the itchy, watery eyes, irritated nasal passages, sinus drainage and all the rest of what this season often brings. Accordingly, I've shared what I've learned and experienced with others. Occasionally I'm believed. More often my audience is considerably more skeptical.

Recently I came across this article featuring a doctor's suggestions of essential oils for sinus problems. To find the medical community encouraging the use of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) is always exciting.

Please take the time to check out Dr. Mao's thoughts on the subject of essential oils for sinuses. You'll find it here. You'll also find a whole site loaded with information he has discovered in his journey bringing the best of eastern and western medicine together to treat the whole person.

Drinking Water -- Recycling Those Bottles, or Do We Use Them at All?

By visiting Yahoo! Green's link above (the headline will get you there) you may find yourself amazed and gap jawed at some of what you read about the GIANT bottled water industry. This YOUTube video also makes a quick, but impressive point about all the empty bottles.

At our home we have begun to recycle our plastic and glass containers. Our community does not make this convenient, but we have made the decision to take the extra effort to preserve a little drop of the environment for everyone. At the end of the YOUTube video you will find websites specifically focused on the recycling issues.

There are many very safe reusable alternatives for taking your water "to go" without the expense and pollution hazard of bottled water. Many of us have filtered water coming right out of the door of our refrigerators. After reading the material at Yahoo! Green you many come to recognize this as a more reliable source of safe drinking water anyway.

As a reflexologist I am very aware of the importance for my clients to be drinking considerable water following a reflexology session. This means unless they have their own with them, I offer a bottle of water to go. Every time I do this I wonder about the real quality of the water in that bottle, and also where the bottle ends up. I'll be giving some serious consideration to an effective alternative.

What choices will you be making for the health of your planet and yourselves!?!?!? The decision affects all of us.

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Reflexology - More from the Medical Community

Footsteps In Eden is my business. I am a reflexologist. I'm often asked to explain what reflexology is and what exactly I do. . . What are the benefits to the client? The answer is amazing, but not always easy to convey. How exciting to share what follows!

This morning I found this wonderful explanation of reflexology and its benefits on the website of Hadassah Medical Organization, Israel's leading university hospital. I'm excerpting a bit below and encouraging you to read and learn from the complete article by clicking here or on the link above.

Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the hands, feet and ears that correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and promotes the natural function of the related areas of the body.

...Reflexology corrects the three negative factors involved in the disease process: congestion, inflammation and tension.

Congested conditions are responsible for bringing about growths; inflammatory conditions are those such as colitis, bronchitis, or sinusitis; and tension is responsible for lowering the efficiency of the immune system.

Reflexology aims to improve and strengthen the weak areas of the body that are causing the condition or symptoms. This is achieved by targeting the problem areas through the reflex points found on or around the feet or hands.

Reflexology is offered in the Memphis, TN area by Footsteps In Eden. Contact information is available on our website.

Destress With These Suggestions

”Tranquility is life to the body, and contention is rottenness to the bones.” These incredibly wise words of King Solomon (at least in part) are seen at the top of this blog every time you visit. They also ring so true.

Last week was not a tranquil one in the life of our family, and my body has felt it . . . particularily in exhaustion and what appeared to me as diminished mental capabilities at times. Anyone else been there?!? The events our family faced last week – some blissful and some quite sorrowful – were all ones we are unable to avoid.

While we welcomed a beautiful new granddaughter into our lives, bringing us much joy, demands on our time and energy were truly stretched. Last week we also lost a beloved uncle, and readmitted my mother-in-law to the hospital once again as we watch her life diminishing.

Stress is all around us. Sometimes, as in the situations above, it takes all that we have to make it through. Then our bodies let us know they are exhausted and in need of rest and recovery before we plow back into the daily routines.

When stresses arise from our daily routines and become a constant and repetitive pattern in our lives, however, how often do we begin to see our own bodies become a bit rotten? There are headaches, backaches, high blood pressure, addictions, heart disease, nightmares, digestive problems, and the list goes on . . . you know all about it. As a professional Reflexologist and an Aromatherapist I’d like to take a few lines here to offer some suggestions for bringing some added tranquility to your life.

1. Reflexology helps bring balance to all the systems of the body inducing what, for many, is an incredible state of relaxation.

2. Diffusing Young Living Essential Oils such as Lavender, Peace & Calming, Orange, and others may bring a wonderful sense of relaxation, sleepfulness, and well being.

3. Use of essential oils on the feet by warm compress, vitaflex techniques, and reflexology may also be very helpful in bringing about relaxation.

4. One of my favorite quick refreshes and lift to my spirit is a spritz on my face of miessence® Rose Monsoon Hydrating mist. It’s soft, soothing, and refreshing cool, . . . all of that coupled with with the sweet scent & health benefits from the rose petals.

5. For specific information on any of the ideas mentioned above, you may contact me through my Reflexology website, Footsteps In Eden; through my Young Living Essential Oil site, Heaven Scent Essentials; or through my ONEGroup™ organic cosmetic and skincare site, Lynn’s Organic Choices.

6. And one more, not from any professional stand point – just an observation. My daughter-in-law had been struggling with nightmares, some of which were convincingly real. Since discontinuing watching the news and movies that may be oppressive to her spirit, the nightmares have stopped.

Reflexology from Medical Point of View

The medical community is promoting the benefits of reflexology. I'm excited to share the list below of medical centers and what they are saying about the benefits of this amazing touch therapy. Thank you to Mark Cook, reflexologist in Idaho for gathering and sharing the information below.

What is reflexology effective for?
In my practice, I've seen miracles time and time again in every kind of ailment. People withlong standing conditions and no hope have regained hope as their quality of life improved.

Since I am not a doctor, I am not qualified to diagnose and condition. Nor do I try since I seek to balance the whole body. Medical centers ARE qualified and promote reflexology as beneficial for the following conditions.



The California Pacific Medical Center says: Reflexology reduces stress, balances energy flow in the body and mind and supports the immune system. Though given on the hands and feet, this extraordinary technique affects the entire body.

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center poses and answers the question: What are the indications for reflexology?
Reflexology is a form of preventive medicine that aims to maintain a person's balance and well being. Though empirical studies are lacking, many patients have benefited from reflexology. Conditions treated may include: migraine headache, hypertension, menstrual cramps or irregularities, myofascial pain, fibromyalgia, insomnia and anxiety disorders.

Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine says: The benefits (of reflexology) include reduction in tension and stress, increased vascular, neural and lymphatic circulation, and the releasing of toxins. Research has shown that blood pressure can actually decrease during a session! Clients use reflexology to alleviate or manage asthma, sinus problems, digestive disorders, inflammations, menstrual irregularities, pain, fatigue, inflammatory skin conditions and other imbalances. It is especially beneficial for circulatory problems.

The Memorial Sloan-Kettering's Cancer Center says: Reflexology is an ancient practice of applying pressure to specific parts of the feet and hands. A reflexology treatment is deeply relaxing and helps to reduce stress, relieve pain, increase circulation, and enhance well-being.

Columbia University Medical Center says: reflexology releases tension, encourages relaxation, and enhances health.

The Hartford Hospital calls Reflexology "A way of stimulating the internal organs and increasing blood circulation to all areas of the body through the compression of reflex points on hands or most commonly, the feet".

At Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, CT, they say: "The hands and feet are regarded as mirrors of the body. By applying a controlled amount of pressure to specific points on the feet or hands (reflex areas), the therapist can identify and treat problems in all parts of the body.

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital says: A reflexology treatment is deeply relaxing and helps to reduce stress, relieve pain, increase circulation and enhance well-being.

The Heart Center at St. Rita's offers open-heart patients reflexology as a complimentary therapy to help speed recovery and reduce discomfort. Reflexology therapy strengthens and supports the body's own healing process. The therapy, a safe non-invasive health practice, applies the principle that reflex areas in the feet and hands correspond to all parts of the body, including glands, organs and total body systems. Stimulating these reflexes can help many health problems in a natural way. The act of applying pressure to reflex areas results in the reduction of stress, which promotes positive changes in the body. It can be used to restore and maintain the body's natural equilibrium and encourage healing.

St. Rita's Medical Center conducted a three-month pilot study on open-heart patients who received reflexology, and the study confirmed a patient's level of pain and anxiety decreased significantly. It also helped patients increase the distance they were able to walk, decreased the number of days they were hospitalized and the amount of medication administered during their recovery process.

The DeKalb Medical Center says: During the session, specific reflex areas on the feet, hands and ears to encompass a complete method of promoting stress reduction, circulation, balance, vitality and normal body functioning, as well as enhancing relaxation and an overall sense of health and well-being.

Beebe Medical Center says: May help relieve stress, improve circulation, relieve stiffness and reduce pain. Also for PMS, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and Raynaud's phenomenon

Since I am not a doctor, I don't know what many of those conditions listed above are, but if you suffer from one of those conditions listed or some condition that can be improved by reducing stress, improving circulation, relieving stiffness, promotion of balance, vitality, normal body functioning and reducing pain, then according to these medical centers, perhaps you might ask yourself if some sessions at Symbiotic Systems Reflexology may help you with your situation.

To refer back to this list quickly at a later date, I will post this to my reflexology website in the near future. Bookmark Footsteps In Eden now.