Health and Wellness with Allison

Meditation and Breath Work for Grounding Growing your Roots Meditation To begin, sit comfortably in a seated position. You can sit on the floor cross legged, on a pillow, or in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Sit comfortably and tall with a straight spine. Allow your hands to relax on your knees or in your lap. The first part of the meditation is the Breath Work (Pranayama) a 4-4-4 breathing exercises. Inhale for a count of 4. Relax the belly and breath slowly and deeply from the pelvic floor, filling the belly and chest. Hold the breath for a count of 4. Notice the "in-between" state of the breath. Then slowly exhale for a count of 4 . As the chest falls, relax the shoulders. At the end of the exhale, draw the navel in towards the spine to push out (gently) the stale air in your body. Once then cycle is done, take a normal breath. Start the 4-4-4 breath count again and continue for 5 minutes. After you have completed the breath work, and feel more rela

Mint's refreshing fragrance and delicious taste makes this plant a popular herb to cook.  It is also revered as one of the best healing herbs.      The two main kinds of Mint used in cooking are Spearmint (photo) and Peppermint. Peppermint contains the chemical menthol which affects the nerve endings in our mouth and gives us that cooling sensation. I have also found that Spearmint, although it does not have that chemical, also has a cooling affect on the body. Mint can provide you with relief from the heat this summer!  Add a couple of leaves to your glass of water or a handful to a pitcher to enjoy the mint flavor. Make a hot tea with the leaves and then combine the hot tea with cold water in a pitcher to make a refreshing iced tea.     Or try combining the mint leaves with a few slices of cucumber together for a deliciously reviving flavored water! Mint heals the body!   Spearmint is a digestive aide, increases metabolism, and is anti-inflammatory.

Spice up your Watermelon this Summer! My good friend Monica has a great recipe that adds a little spice to watermelon and enhances its flavor. This watermelon recipe is so delicious, especially after a hot day! Watermelon is not only a delicious fruit, but also a very healthy food! It is both hydrating and detoxifying. It gives you the electrolytes you need to replenish your body after a long day in the sun, and it helps the kidneys to flush out toxins. The ingredients you will need (serves 2): 1/4 watermelon salt cayenne pepper 1/2 lime Cut watermelon into cubes and put the pieces in a bowl. Juice half a lime and pour the juice onto the watermelon. Add salt and cayenne pepper to taste. Mix the watermelon up with a spoon and  ENJOY!