I will continually add tips to this post when I come across information that may be useful. Check back often to see what’s new.  A reminder – please take responsibility for your  health.  If you have a serious health issue – consult your health practitioner!

Make your own Yin-Yang Water – Mix equal amounts of boiled water (Yang) and room temperature water (Yin) and add a bit of honey to energize.  Honey is very sweet so just a little will do. This is a qigong balancing technique.

Suggestions for acid reflux (GERD) – Try one or more of the following suggestions:

Take 3 mg of melatonin 2 hours before bedtime for up to 4 weeks.  This helps protect the lining of the stomach and strengthen the esophageal sphincter.  (Dr. Oz)

Chew 1-2 DLG (deglycyrrhizinated) licorice tablets 20 minutes before a big meal.  It is thought to decrease gastric acid secretion and increase the production of protective mucous in the digestive tract.  Licorice root has been used for thousands of years to soothe the stomach.  (Dr. Oz)

Dissolve 1 tbsp. of baking soda in 1/2 cup of water and drink it.  Not pleasant tasting, but offers quick relief as it temporarily neutralizes stomach acid.  (Dr. Oz)

Self test for possible Vitamin D deficiency – Take your thumb and press it into your sternum (breastbone). If it hurts or is uncomfortable, you may have a deficiency in vitamin D.  (Dr. Oz)

Self test for possible Vitamin B12 deficiency – Stand with your feet together, close your eyes, and put your right foot out (as if you were stepping forward).  If you cannot hold your balance for 3 seconds, you may have a vitamin B12 deficiency.  (Dr. Oz)

Vitamin B6 Deficiency – If your skin is cracked in the corner of your mouth or you have mouth sores, such as cankers, you may have a deficiency in vitamin B6.  Other possible signs include patches of dry, rough, cracked skin; brittle hair, and peeling or splitting nails.   (Dr. Oz)

Bee Stings – I was stung by a bee earlier this summer as I was gardening.  As the skin was quickly becoming red and the sting growing more painful, I applied a thin coat of toothpaste over the area. It worked like a charm!  In minutes, there was no more pain or redness… and I did not need to re-apply…  There was not even a mark on me the next day. KEEP IN MIND I have no known bee allergies…

Calming Creamy Turmeric Tea – Try a cup of turmeric tea at night to help calm your nerves.  It has many other benefits too. A recent study suggests that curcumin is a brain-boosting chemical in turmeric and could help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s by helping hippocampal brain cells grow. It’s good for your brain! It has anti-inflammatory properties, may benefit depression, arthritis, and potentially lower your risk for cancer and heart attacks.

Ingredients: 1 cup almond milk, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp ginger

Too much sitting?  Chunyi Lin, from Spring Forest Qigong, recommends tailbone tapping for one minute between each hour of sitting. The tailbone is a gate for the kidney energy – the life-force energy – to flow. To get your energy flowing, try this: