This month, instead of a few specific products being available on sale to my Foot Zone Focus readers, Butterfly Express is offering a coupon code for 10% off ALL non-sale items. All you need to do is enter the code FOOTZONEFOCUS when you check out to receive your discount!

In the introduction to Part One of this two-part Companion Modalities newsletter/blog, I said I hope to find time to learn and bring a new modality or two into Butterfly Express. Unfortunately, there is very little ‘spare’ time in my busy lifestyle! So, this article, like the last one, will be mostly things that we love and use in our home, weighted blankets being the exception, as the one I own is rarely used around here.

See the full list of topics.

In This Issue

Red Light Therapy
Ionic Foot Baths
Himalayan Salt Detox
Castor Oil and Castor Oil Packs
EFT – Emotional Freedom Technique
Weighted Blankets
Magnets

Red Light Therapy is a therapy that is becoming very popular for skin health, healing, pain, and reducing inflammation.

Red Light Therapy devices use Red Light Wavelengths and Near-Infrared Wavelengths to alter cellular function. Red Light is absorbed by the mitochondria, the energy-producing part of the cell. Studies show that Red Light boosts production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate)- the primary molecule cells need for energy and repair. The higher the wavelength, the deeper the red light/near-infrared penetrates the body.

Red Light Wavelengths (600-700nm) reach the outer surfaces of the skin. It boosts cellular energy and encourages the production of collagen and elastin. It also improves circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the skin tissue. Useful for helping combat wrinkles, age spots, fine lines, and acne.

Near-Infrared Wavelengths (700-850) penetrate deeper into the body, stimulating ATP, which helps the body to reduce deep tissue inflammation, relieve joint pain, chronic pain, and facilitate muscle recovery.

Red Light Therapy is generally safe for most people when used as directed and for short periods of time. Red Light Therapy is different from ultraviolet light and does not usually cause damage to the skin; however, high levels of red light can cause redness or blistering of the skin. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding use of Red Light devices.

Proponents of ionic foot bath therapy claim that this process draws toxic materials and candida out of the body, increases overall alkalinity, and can be an indicator (according to the color the water turns) of certain types of health issues.

Opponents of ionic foot bath treatments claim that the change in the color of the water is caused by a natural reaction between the electrodes and the minerals in the water. To some extent, I would have to agree. The water, in my experience, changes color whether or not there are feet present. However, with the same electrodes and the same water source, the color the water turns is quite consistent time after time.

When feet are introduced, the color varies widely from person to person and even from one session to another with the same person, depending on circumstances. There is also an interesting range of particulate matter that often appears in the water. In my opinion, the color of the water tells us several things, but the debris in the water tells us even more.

The alkalizing effects of the treatment seem to last up to 48 hours, and an increase in urine and sweat is often seen. Avoiding acidic foods during these follow-up hours would, logically, aid the detox process.

Other claims made by proponents of ionic foot soaks include lowered blood sugar levels—both immediately, temporarily, and consistently over the period of several treatments. Better numbers on cholesterol tests over time have also been claimed by “scientific” studies. The claims made for and against this treatment are many and varied. The “studies” (I found no really impressive ones on either side) disagree.

Based on my own personal experience, I believe that ionic foot soaks change the alkalinity in the body, gently detox the liver and gallbladder, make significant changes to blood sugar levels, detox the body sufficiently to affect allergies and, sometimes, remove trace minerals that the body needs. When my joints ache, or my allergies flare up, I do a series of soaks—but I always supplement with herbal minerals. (I do that every day anyway, and sometimes I hurt anyway or have a flare-up of allergic reactions). The results have always been positive for me. I believe the ionic soak to be helpful and a large part of my results.

I have seen others experience, and I have experienced personally, a few really amazing outcomes in which I believe ionic soaking played a substantial part. I like my foot soak machine!

You will each have to decide for yourself. You are welcome to use mine for your experiments and experience.

Himalayan Salt can be found in my kitchen cupboard along with other, a bit easier-to-use types of what I consider to be healthy, nutritious, impurity-free types of salt. We also have a Himalayan Salt Lamp which has been gathering dust on top of the hall closet. I am not sure why. It used to travel back and forth between my kitchen countertop and the order desk of Butterfly Express, LLC. I loved it and often wished I had brought home more than one of these lamps that first day.

There is still a basket of pink Himalayan Salt on Butterfly’s counter. It was put there by an employee years ago. After being asked to include this salt in this article—and reminding myself of the benefits of pink Himalayan Salt- my lamp will be returning to regular use, as will the pink rock salt grinder in my kitchen!

Himalayan Salt (for internal consumption)

This salt is harvested near the Himalayan foothills in a specific region of Pakistan. This salt is minimally processed. The pink color comes from the wide range of trace minerals that are found in this salt. These minerals include both magnesium and potassium, as well as the usual Sodium Chloride. Some providers of this salt claim that it contains ‘all of the 84 elements found in the human body.’ They did not, however, provide verifiable test results for this claim. After having used it for some time, I would not be surprised to find that this is true, or nearly so.

Suggested uses, other than consumption, include:

1. Soaking your feet in warm water to which some of the salt crystals have been added
2. As a facial spray or rub by placing a bit of Himalayan salt in a spray bottle of water and adding a bit of your favorite essential oil. For me, that would be Butterfly’s ^LeAboutFace essential oil blend.
3. Create your own electrolyte booster drink. One suggestion I came across combined 2 cups of purified water with 1/2 cup fresh orange or lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan salt (I used a bit more than that), and 1 Tbsp of honey.
4. Use this pink Himalayan salt following dental work when instructed to rinse with salt water. I actually tried this a few weeks ago and liked how it felt and tasted. I also appreciated the additional minerals that I likely absorbed!

Himalayan Salt Lamps

Manufacturers of these lamps make many claims for their benefits to health and happiness. Anecdotal evidence abounds, and I loved my large one before I misplaced the cord and light that came with it. The smaller one is sitting right in front of me at this moment, and I have ordered a new cord and light for my big one. I hope it fits and works as well as the original one!

Popular claims (from all over the internet), including the Cleveland Health Clinic Site, claim:

1. 1. The soft glow provides a calming, low-intensity nightlight (or light at any other time).
   2.  The warm hue does not disrupt melatonin production, as it is believed bright white lights or blue light from screens do. Said to be helpful when trying to ‘wind down’ and go to sleep.
   3. Proponents believe these lamps release negative ions that then boost mood and energy.
   4. Claims are made that the lamps relieve the symptoms of allergies, asthma, and chronic coughs in a manner similar to spending time in salt caves. This kind of therapy even has an official name—halotherapy. The theory is that salt in the air reduces inflammation and fights bacteria. The question is, and I have seen no adequate studies or even answers, whether or not these lamps put salt particles into the air. I can’t say, except that I have really felt better with one by my bed during my allergy years.
   5.  Some suggest that ‘breathing in” salt accomplishes the same thing as salt rinses in fighting bacteria. I must admit that I am skeptical about this. Suggestions have even been made that having salt-saturated air flowing over your skin is a natural way to boost skin hydration, which should leave the skin feeling better. Once again, I am a bit skeptical—but I wanted this article to be as complete as possible

Himalayan Salt Detox Blocks

These are simply blocks of pink Himalayan Salt of a size to put your feet on. It is recommended that you heat these blocks in a warm oven and then simply rest your bare feet on them while sitting and relaxing. When warmed, putting your feet on them is supposed to be a gentle detox method. Other suggested benefits include relaxation, exfoliation, increased circulation, deodorizing, stress relief, and pain relief.  Others claim that cooling them first is best if the feet are weary from too much standing or walking.

The earliest mention of Castor Oil on record was in an Egyptian papyrus believed to be 6,000 years old. Ancient Egyptians apparently used oil made from the seeds of the castor bean plant for treating eye, skin, and hair conditions, and even to treat headaches. Castor oil was also popular in Europe during the Middle Ages, predominantly for skin conditions.

Many, many (too many) years ago, I used a castor oil pack to rid myself of a mastitis infection that developed while I was nursing one of my babies. It worked, and quickly, as well. Castor oil seems to have antibacterial and antimicrobial attributes that may speed wound healing.

Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, vitamin E, and amino acids. Its rich, emollient properties make it perfect for hydrating dry skin, softening scars, reducing fine lines, and bringing life back to dull, tired skin. Castor oil is very heavy. Some people like to use it diluted with a lighter carrier oil.

Certainly, castor oil can have beneficial skin moisturizing effects. I asked a neighbor, only a bit younger than me, why the skin on her face was so vibrant and almost completely wrinkle-free. Her response was that she mixed the Butterfly Express, LLC’s blend ^LeAbout Face into castor oil and rubbed it into her skin every night before bed. She also said that it made her face a bit sticky, so she applied it several minutes before bed. I tried it, too. Suggestion: several minutes was a very positive description. 30 minutes or so is more like it unless you want to stick to and stain your pillow!

Another use that I have seen for castor oil is to take a bit internally to start labor. I have actually witnessed this—and more than once. Personally, I do not recommend this practice! It is my opinion that labor contractions are triggered because of cramping as the bowels are overly stimulated. As a midwife, my studies have taught me that when a baby’s lungs are fully developed, the baby releases a specific protein/surfacctant into the amniotic fluid that creates a response from the uterus. Other hormones released by the baby send signals that the child is ready for life outside the womb.

According to some sources, the ricinoleic acid in castor oil may relieve, at least somewhat, the pain and swelling of inflammatory conditions.

A research study published in the Journal of Naturopathic Medicine claims that the use of castor oil packs may improve immunity by increasing production of certain white blood cells (both T and B cells).

The first basic premise of this simple and very effective self-healing method is that negative emotions create a disruption in the basic and absolutely necessary to health flow of ‘energy’ in the body. What type of emotions, according to EFT theory, create these disruptions?  Any trauma—past or present— and even the memories of such events are, of course, considered.  In fact, any negative thought or attitude, according to this—in my opinion and experience—can create such a disruption.

We came across these ‘weighted blankets” way back in the days when our days were spent taking ButterflyExpress, LLC essential oils to Preparedness Expos all over the country! My daughter bought the first one. Interesting. So, I bought one, too.

“Weighted blankets provide a gentle and even pressure sensation, which can create a soothing sense of safety. This pressure can activate the relaxation response through the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows the heart, reduces cortisol [a.k.a. the stress hormone], and releases a set of hormones that signal to the body and mind that you are safe.” – Marlynn Wei, M.D., board-certified holistic integrative psychotherapist and psychiatrist in New York City.

According to Yasmine Saad, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder and CEO of Madison Park Psychological Services in New York City, these heavier, weighted blankets can improve sleep patterns. She claims that “people often report falling asleep faster, staying asleep with fewer nighttime awakenings, and better sleep quality with deeper, more restorative sleep”.
Saad also claims that these blankets reduce restlessness and seem to slow racing thoughts, which, in turn, relieves muscle tightness.

I particularly love this statement that I found online: “In short, they (weighted blankets) have the potential to help yield the type of rest that dreams are made of.”

The one I have seems a bit heavy, but I do love it, sometimes. When we had a TV (gave that up several years ago), I loved lying beneath it to watch TV in the evenings with my husband. In bed, the thing feels a little heavy on an injured big toe that doesn’t seem to want to heal! So, I stick that foot under a different sort of blanket when using my weighted one!

Would I recommend one? Probably. It would be nice if you could try one out before investing the money.

I am ‘plagiarizing’ myself and taking the following information about magnets directly from one of the 6 levels of the Chrysalis Energy Class (a 6-part series) that I would love to teach again before I get too much older, if the opportunity arises!

Using a magnet on the body will generate an electric current within the body as body fluids move past the magnetic field. Used properly, electricity and magnets can enhance the healing process dramatically. Used improperly, electricity or magnets can inhibit normal functioning and healing.

Magnets, Electricity, the Body and Energy

Magnet Cautions:

Remember to keep magnets away from credit cards, bank cards (anything else with a magnetic strip), audio or video recording tape, computer disks (even the hard drive), heart pacemakers, even magnetic teeth attachments, and your homeopathic and essential oil test kits or supplies.

Placing magnets inside a cast-iron pot, with a lid, is ideal. Any steel container will help. The cast-iron container helps confine the magnetic lines of force. A wooden box does not completely confine the force field created by a pile of magnets, but does make it weaker and of less range.

Magnet Basics:

Most of what is written and taught about magnets is about what magnets do and how to use them in useful ways. We know that the direction of the spin of the electrons determines positive or negative polarity and that opposite polarities are attracted to one another.

For use in energy work, you must be sure that your magnets have definite north/south ( + and – ) seeking poles. This is not true of all magnets!! The typical magnet on your refrigerator door has the poles arranged in alternating strips, with both poles on both sides of the magnet. However, following the ‘muscle test’ when working on myself or others, I have had them test up for use in interesting ways. For example, these ‘fridge magnets’ have often tested up to be placed over a hernia that is being treated with essential oils or whatever else.

You may get good magnets from an industrial supply shop, Radio Shack, and sometimes in hobby and craft shops. (The hobby shop ones are not always definite north/south seeking.)

Magnets are made from a variety of materials, including rubber, metal, and ceramics. Metal magnets generally have their poles on their ends, and this makes them awkward to use for energy work. Rubber and ceramic magnets are both commonly used. Rubber magnets are a bit dirty initially and are sometimes difficult to find. Check with industrial supply houses. If you find them, they can be cut with heavy shears into any length you desire. They are also quite a bit cheaper than ceramic magnets, and they don’t break or chip. Ceramic magnets, however, are quite a bit stronger, which means that if you need to tape it to the body for any length of time, you can use a smaller, lighter magnet to get the same results. The new earth magnets are very strong

Naming the Poles:

In North America, the north pole of a magnet is the side that is attracted to the south pole of the Earth, and vice versa. In some countries, the side of a magnet they call the north pole is the side that is attracted to the north pole of the Earth. Potentially confusing! For clarity, we will always identify the poles of our magnets as north-seeking and south-seeking. The north-seeking side of the magnet is attracted (seeks) to the north pole of the Earth. I place a dot on the north-seeking side. The north-seeking side of the magnet, when placed against the body, should ‘unlock’ the muscle and make it test weak in a muscle test.

You will need to be clear in your mind about how you are thinking of the magnet in order to be able to test correctly how to place it. Keep this way of thinking in mind when you read other material about the effects of magnets. They may be setting their parameters differently than you think. Muscle testing can be used to determine the best way to place and use magnets in most situations.

Magnets and Energy Spin—Important Information

We know that energy travels from place to place; what we haven’t mentioned is that it spins as it travels. Just as a bullet spins as it flies, energy also spins. The north-seeking pole of a magnet gives a clockwise spin to energy flowing near it, while the south-seeking pole of the same magnet gives a counterclockwise spin to the energy flow. Right in the middle of a magnet, between the two poles, there is a point of balance where there is no spin to the energy at all. This is a very narrow region and is known as the Bloch wall. The magnetic field has actually dropped to zero because there is no spin. Energy spin is an integral part of the phenomenon of magnetism.

The energy in healthy living tissue spins counterclockwise. When you expose the body (over a muscle, not over a Chakra) to the north-seeking pole of the magnet, the energy begins to spin backwards (opposite to that of healthy tissue) – meaning clockwise. This is stressful for a balanced system and causes the indicator muscle to unlock (test weak). Place the south-seeking side on the body, and the energy spin tries (and usually succeeds) to return to a counter-clockwise motion. This is in harmony with the normal energy spin, so the indicator muscle locks into the strong position.

To accomplish long term healing effects, we sometimes use magnets on the body; sometimes with the north-seeking pole on the body and sometimes with the south-seeking. The effect of the south-seeking side is relaxing and harmonizing; the effect of the north-seeking side is challenging, stimulating, and energizing. In every specific instance, we must decide which pole is needed when and for how long.

Commercially produced magnetic beds, pillows, etc. have small ceramic magnets embedded in them. They are placed with every other magnet in the opposite pole direction. There is no question that they accomplish good, but I believe, as do most other energy people, that a great deal more good could be accomplished if people understood the differences and knew how to test up what is best for them at that time. I will try to explain to you, in a brief summary, what I teach, demonstrate, and have the students practice in class:

Ways to identify the poles of your magnets

• Magnet to Magnet: Remember the basic attribute of magnets: opposite poles attract. Find a magnet that is already labeled. The north-seeking pole of the unlabeled magnet will seek the south-seeking side of the labeled magnet and vice versa.
• Compass: See how your magnet affects a compass. The compass needle is a magnet, and its marked end is the north-seeking pole. Opposites attract, so the north-seeking pole of the compass will be attracted to the south-seeking pole of your magnet and repelled by the magnet’s north-seeking pole.
• Verbal Test: Once you are very confident of your muscle testing skills and have worked with magnets for a while, you can just verbally test which is which. You will need considerable experience and basic balance yourself to be accurate with this test!

How to use magnets in healing: First, buy a variety of magnets of various sizes and shapes. Try, according to the information provided above, to get magnets that have firm north/south polarities. Commercially produced magnetic beds, pillows, etc. have small ceramic magnets embedded in them.

I work from a ‘Menu’ of the modalities that I have learned. I use the muscle test to determine what things from the ‘menu’ would be helpful at that moment. When magnets ‘come up’, I test to see which of my many sizes and shapes of magnets would be useful. Then I ask, ‘Which side of the magnet should be placed next to my skin?” Then, “For how long?” and “Will I need to turn the magnet over and leave it in place for a time?”

Over the years, magnets have proven useful in healing sprains, strains, eye strain and issues, and even a broken bone here and there over the years, and a host of other things.

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