You may ask, "What has nutrition to do with the mind, or 'bodymind'?" or "What has nutrition to do with 'healing'?" And I may reply, "Could there actually be a separation between what we take in, what we think, and how we feel, physically and otherwise?" I believe not, but lets look at some basic principles of nutrition and health.

         Nutrition is based on the proper functioning of one's capacities to do each of the following eight steps: recognition, acceptance, ingestion, digestion, assimilation, integration, and utilization of needed nutrients, and elimination of any unusable matter from the body/mind system. If anything from the environment is to be used, it must go through this process. I want to say that this -- and the rest of what I have to say in this essay -- applies to whatever level we conceive, including the emotional and intellectual (with stimulus/experience) as well as the physical (with foods, liquids, and gases; light, sound and touch). Nutritional processing is not only therefore continuous, it is multi-dimensionally interdependent. That is, intake on any one or more levels has some degree of effect on the intake and process on all the other levels.
        Furthermore, if the input gets stuck somewhere in the system it becomes a hindrance to body/mind's functioning. Health, here meaning more than just a lack of symptoms, is maintained through taking in only the needed nutrients that can be fully processed on the various levels. Seen in this light then, proper nutrition appears quite a bit more complex than we may be used to seeing it. But any complication(s) are actually dependent upon the individual and the degree to which s/he has strayed and/or been led away from the natural laws of health. These laws are basically very simple, but "civilized" societies have, over time, given priority to other matters, and our intakes have been influenced (read: complicated) by the conditions that have resulted.
        The difficulties with our intake sometimes come when we have to tell the difference between things which we can process easily and those which require unnecessary expenditure of energy. One of the primary sources of these difficulties is our early conditioning and role models. We are not always properly conditioned by parents or others in regard to nutrition on whatever level. Even our taste buds can be misled especially as to the sources of needed nutrients. Those things which do not provide needed nutrients or experience, are addictive, or bring on "expectations," also tend to bring on guilt over the past or anxiety as to the future.

        There are some intakes that require more energy to process. But in many cases, more benefit is derived from them -- at least during some phases of growth or healing. Other times we feel as if we've taken in a problematic substance or experience, when in fact, a less recently ingested item has been causing "stuckness" and is actually being acted upon -- relocated or eliminated -- by the vibrant stimulus of the more recent intake. This is one example of what is called a cleansing or "healing crisis." Let us look at how it may appear on the experience levels: A troublesome memory might be made acceptable or even useful by a new perspective, but the introspection required to accomplish this might be temporarily painful. The discomfort is a result of the new information re-organizing age-old belief patterns established in infancy and childhood. This is one instance where belief patterns can be appropriately restructured to provide a more resilient foundation -- especially if "core" belief patterns are involved.
         Such shifting in our bodymind is similar to causing shifts in a building's foundation, possibly resulting in structural cracks for a time, but our bodymind systems are programmed with the capacity for a certain amount of tangential movement around the blueprint's original design. The basis of that rides on a certain set of parameters or guidelines. This stipulates (if you will) just how much variance from the blueprint can be allowed when and where, and how much has to be "paid back" to the system - before the system is irreparably damaged by how much loss of a given capacity. I refer to any lack of balance in this regard as the "Nutrition Debt." It is paid back, whether by diet, supplements, therapy, prayer/meditation, etc, or by surgery, terminal desease, and/or death.

        In healing "the cause and the core" as well as the effect, clarity and efficiency and transformation is brought about, whether it be in regard to physical matter, an emotional or mental energy, or an attitude that may be held on to for some reason. Some, including myself, would say that the "attachment" on one level is necessarily indicative of holding onto something on all the other levels. In that sense, everything exists to some degree on all levels, however imperceptible to the human senses. Modern physics is revealing and exploring this multi-dimensional ("holographic") existence -- heretofore only spoken of by mystics and yogis -- and is opening up a whole new path regarding what could be called Body-Mind Nutrition.

         Today's path to health seems to be primarily concerned with the "cleansing" of garbage or stuckness or the re-arranging of misplaced data. Hence, "transition diets" and "transpersonal therapies" are devised. (For more on the later, see "Most Recommended Gestalt Psychology Sites (Links)". These allow certain discretions in the earlier stages while implementing essential principles that initiate the aspirant onto the path of quality existence (without suffering). Body-Mind Nutrition does not emphasize life-longevity as its goal, although that may very well be a side-effect along with joy-filled health. Each individual has a different life process or path, and each is a multi-dimensionally integrated and continuously changing being.
       Therefore, our healing processes need be individually devised and revised according to our transition(s), so that we may rediscover what actually is the "natural aging process," and be able to choose to age without internal organ ailments, arthritis, senility and the like. It may take us a few generations for most of society to actually recover this. To do this generally involves a new, "holistic" understanding of the basics -- and the simplicity -- of nutrition and health.

        We are even now publishing articles on the health successes of "Centenarians" (those over 100 years old) in the mainstream media. Many of these folks have lived what appear, at first, as ordinary lives with "normal" diets. Yet the common denominator among these people has been the nature of their individual bodymind elements, the set of attitudes and ideals carried and the path they have followed, consciously or unconsciously. In a sense it has not been so much WHAT they have done, but how they have done what they have done. A Buddhist might call this factor the "intention" behind the action, meaning a cross between one's underlying motivation and feeling and end result desired.

        At first we may want to scoff at nutritional approaches to health and healing since cancer and other traditional terminal deseases have taken some of our role models of naturopathic based nutrition. What many people do not know is that many of our famed authors in nutrition began living their teachings *not* early in their lives, *not* terribly long after they had been living the worst of dietary lifestyles perhaps ever since birth, and only after their parents had *not* given them the strongest of immune systems to begin with. But in spite of that, they discovered through the practices they later taught, that so much more health and vital force was available to them. That they lived as long as they did inspite of the belief systems that they had been brought up with, some revolutionized, but some maybe not, is a testiment to the nutritional discoveries they made and/or published.

        Ideally (and perhaps somewhat impossibly) we would all start out from birth and/or soon after have all of the following factors attributes or capacities:
  * Optimized Immune System for any given situation
  * Optimal Genetic Coding for Systemic Metabolism/Catabolism (can digest and assimilate and/or eliminate efficiently anything we take into our system)
  * Ideal Food Farming and Processing, such that all the nutrients that our systems depend on and grow best with are plentifully available via a regular, natural, and easily palatable food intake; and such that no substances which would cause any type of hindrance to any of our systems would be a part of anything we might ingest.

        Given that such a perfect set of ideals are practically impossible to find in or create for any individual in this day and age, we then have a number of strategies for coping as best we can from any given point along the scale of health, and actually bringing the level of health and vital energy up to the maximum level for that individual. We also know that both this "maximum level," and the rate of improvement toward it, has been undergoing wonderfully impressive changes.

        One of the principles of health is that, like for physics and the laws of energy, "There is no free lunch," or "if you play, you gotta pay " -- the Nutrition Debt. Another is "All things are best taken in moderation, even moderation."
        I will note below some of the basic approaches for raising ones level of health and vital energy. While there are many other alternative and conventional routes to rebalancing the bodymind system(s), for the sake of topic consistancy, the following are limited to nutrition-based approaches and related attitudinal focus considerations. Any one or more may be employed, as appropriate, beginning with the more common of approaches:

  * Individually devised diets for optimal nutrition maintenance, selected from commonly sold foodstuffs, with or w/o Supplementation
  * Individually devised diets for optimal nutrition maintenance, selected from organically grown foods, with or w/o Supplementation
  * Diet Supplementation with special concentrated mixed-vegetable and/or "green foods" products.
  * Diet Supplementation with Herbs
  * Diet Supplementation with Vitamins and Minerals
  * Diet Supplementation with selected Amino-Acids
  * Diet Supplementation with Essential Oils
  * Diet Supplementation with Glandulars
  * Supplementation with blessing (ie: focused acknowledgment, invocation, visualisation, and/or meditation¹) for the food, water, and/or supplements taken in
  * Supplementation with blessing for the organs and systems involved in processing the intake (ie: Stomach, Liver, Gall Bladder, Pancreas, Kidneys, Intestines, etc.)
  * Supplementation with blessing for specific organs/systems considered/known to be challenged

Footnotes

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A Semi-Technical Treatise on the Storage & Release of Tension: Essay, "Body-Mind Integration in the Personal Growth Process" -- The Basic How's And Why's Of Psycho- Emotional Storage In The Body-Mind (published in Massage Magazine, July-August 1992)

"The Transition Diet" - Steps & principles telling how to transition -gradually & successfully- to a diet that promotes & sustains optimal health for body, mind, AND the planet, even from the standard American diet. Incorporate this approach as slowly or as quickly as you can maintain. (If done too fast, you may find it too uncomfortable, then bounce back to the old ways, so would just be a waste of time). Includes a Food-Combining Chart for optimal digestion and assimilation of nutrients, as well as for proper elimination. Other sections included: "Transition Diet," "Rebuilding Diet," "Three Day Apple Fast And Seven Day Cleanse," "About Cleansing Reactions," and "Efficient Body-Sizing Strategies (for Weight Management)."

To TOP  of PAGE Author / Artist / Editor Information Body-Mind Integration and Fascia Memory Research Christopher Pringer Reiki Master, Ordained Minister Chalice Bridging Ministries Body-Mind-Soul Integration for a Healthy Planet Bridging Theology, Consciousness, and Practical Emotional Intelligence Organization Chart        Body Mind Integrative Awareness (Brochure) Individualized Approach and Training for High Performance, Awareness, and Integral Being Body-Mind Integration and Chalice Productions (Home Pages) Writing, Artwork, Resources Fascia Memory Research Project Mind-Body Memory and the Future of Preventative Medicine 4C-Publishing Chalice Creations and Concept Charting (Desktop Publishing) for Vibrant Greeting Cards, Logos, Mandala & Prayer Cards, Display Ads, Promotional Presentations, Charts & Web Books "Synthesis" Mandala Shirts By Appointment Only 206-286-0899 / chaliser@iinet.com Guest Book & Web Site Support System Page for Chalice/Grail Artwork and 4C-Publishing   COPYRIGHT REGULATIONS/POLICY & DISCLAIMER:           REPRODUCTION: I welcome my writing/artwork being reproduced, provided that it is in it's original and complete form (or an editing or excerpt by agreement with the author), and contact info are intact and readable ("Chris Pringer, Chris.pringer@chalicebridge.com, www.chalicebridge.com"), and so long as the following conditions are applied:      a) Hardcopy reproduction is ok so long as it is for personal or non-profit organizational use only; b) Distribution and posting on web pages, blogs, and forums with my permission (mostly because I want to know where it's been put, and I'd be most honored to be asked). c) Any distribution of my writings or artwork must be w/o charge unless with prior agreement in writing with the author. d) The only exception to that regards the World Healing Prayers, which I encourage people to make all the copies they think will be used effectively without obligation to get my permission or even contact me. By the way, I have yet to ever sell -or give permission for anyone else to sell- any of my artwork on E-Bay or anywhere else. [noted 12/27/07]           DISCLAIMER: None of my writing, chalice art, or PolyPsyArt is intended to be, to replace, or discourage the appropriate use of, medical attention and/or treatment, but as educationally informative for the purpose of overall health enhancement and preventative maintenance.     So far as I know, I have not quoted any other person without saying so. I have emulated a number of writers and teachers, so I wouldn't be surprised if many of my statements have very similar words and meanings as they. In any case, I have always tried to say what I believed. If you find that I have plagiarized anyone to any degree, please let me know -- by noting the complete published reference, and including the full quote and a few sentences of text before and after). This given, I will duly correct the writing.           AUTHORSHIP: Unless otherwise noted under the titles, all essays, artwork, prayers, pages at this site and sub-directories (as at my previous site at AOL), and with exception of some of the solid color and cloudy-sky color backgrounds and logo/headers for others' sites as noted) has been composed, rendered, and/or web-authored (c) by myself, Christopher Pringer, a member of Veteran's for Peace, ch.92 and of the "Seattle 12," practitioner in Body-Mind-Energy Integration Therapies since 1984, since 1984, and ordained minister (Chalice-Bridging Ministries) since 1987. Most of the personal health-oriented essays at this site were written in the early 90's, as compared to the social/political health oriented pages since 1997.             ABOUT THE ART: The symbols for the "Chalice" - or Holy Grail - that I often use are drawn essentially from ancient archetypes. Here, the Chalice is essentially a "cauldron" for the balancing and integrating of Humanity with the Divine - individually and communally. And just to forestall any hasty categorization, I should say that these archetypes pre-date the Jewish faith by many centuries. They have their own rich meanings as related to the spiritual dilemma or paradox, balancing or synthesis of qualities (such as Yin & Yang), and healing transformation. The "Chalice-Star" over the three traveling magi is used in my Solstice or Christmas Card design to represent our quest - in this earthly dimension of body, mind, and spirit - for the inner-most Source of one's spirit and faith -- whether that would be the Inner Christ, Inner Buddha, Inner Mohammed, or the Divine Mother's Spirit connecting All Life, etc.               That disclaimer said, you may find out the actual origens of my relationship with these archetypes at Home Page for Body-Mind-Chalice Integration (and related artwork). (see description in above section.) If you feel well served by what you found here, I would certainly appreciate your support. Although there is virtually 3 large books (and probably over a thousand hours) worth of written material and artwork here, nothing has ever been sold at this site (although I do promote my therapy practice and desktop publishing skills). In any case, IF YOU FEEL SO INCLINED TO SUPPORT THIS WORK (there are also ways besides donating money), please check out the Chalice Bridging Ministries / PolyPsyArts Support System.             COMMENTARY/Feedback is MOST APPRECIATED via the Guest Book or directly via Chaliser@iinet.com. I Hope you have found this page useful. Please let me know if it (or any parts of it, or other pages here) do not make sense to you, or don't seem consistent, etc. Extra points given for being specific. <grin> It's nice to hear from visitors in any case. I will probably reply. Here is to your continuing to recieve the benefits of your drive to discover you. --Chris     Click here to see the Organization Chart and "How and Why this Site Is Different" A study in Cross-Discipline Knowledge Sharing, Utilization, and a much needed integration of diverse talent. And how that relates to *Chalice-Bridging* and to healing. (And the full-size graphic!)   Professional Bio & Quotes Chris, 1984 Chris, 2008               I began my studies in multi-level self-healing when in the service, in Thailand in the Winter of '73. The focus then was on self-help psychology, consciousness, and eastern and western mystical perspectives. This continued through my university studies in Norman, OK '74-'79. 1980 took me into naturopathic studies, primarily nutrition and herbology when I lived in Oklahoma City. Not seeing the naturopathic doctor route as affordable at the time, I found direction via a five-evening massage course, Fall '83. That led to a six month professional practice, followed up with the training in Sante Fe, NM, '84-'85 (described in the next paragraph).         Since then I have practiced massage and/or healing facilitation for others, initially in Santa Fe, NM (during/after my training), then San Louis Obispo, CA, and Seattle, WA. This includes exploring personal challenges and self-healing methodology. A session may include various energy work modalities, Body/Energy-Awareness based Preventative Health Maintenance Instruction, or only Reiki or relaxation work in total silence. A client chooses based on whatever stress, pain, or concerns are present at that session. A client may request a "Body Pattern Reading," as well as various massage/bodywork therapies, all of which techniques are listed & described in my brochure. Individual, program, and 3-6 week interval-based rates are available.         My interests have primarily centered in three areas:         1) Body-Centered Psycho-Spiritual Process (as in "Hakomi" style of) counseling and bodywork, including as assessing an individual for the most efficient means of addressing connective tissue injury, short and long term, and the most efficient application of the results of that assessment (on physical and/or emotional levels);         2) in The Basic How's And Why's Of Psycho-Emotional Storage In The Body-Mind, and in the related fascia memory storage dynamics - referring to the technical aspects of neuro-physical interface between connective tissue, emotion, and the brain);         3) "Chalice-Bridging" style chakra balancing - based in the perspective that the chalice, far more than just a cup in this interpretation, is about the human embodiment of Spirit into the three "lower bodies" (mental, emotional, and physical) which compose the "Body-Mind". Which is also a "cauldron" for the balancing and integrating of Humanity with the Divine - individually and communally.         My training includes over 1370 hours of classes and practicum, including with the New Mexico Academy of Massage and Advanced Healing Arts in Santa Fe, NM (1984-85), and with various accredited bodywork and therapy workshops (`86-present), as well as 100 hours training with the Alchemical Hypnotherapy Institute (1989), over 100+ hrs apprenticeship with healing practitioner Robert "Mitra" (`85-`86), and 150 hours apprenticeship with Silena Heron in Herbal Studies (`83-`84). For the detailed version my training, you may go to the latter half of my Reiki Therapy Practice Brochure. Which also includes (and relates context for) links to essays elaborating on aspects of imbalance and injury, assessment, and healing. Personal Quotes on Body-Mind Awareness [ cp, 12'07 ] BODY-MIND AWARENESS, at the core of preventive health awareness, is one of the most simple, efficacious, & cost-effective forms of HEALTH INSURANCE there can be. Hence, massage is far from just "a luxury item," and bodywork therapies can be indispensable for the healing of certain conditions. MUSCLES RELATE TO ATTACHMENTS - to what we use to take our stance, to hold our place, to perceive and respond to our environment, and to extend who we are and/or want to be. Or used to be (in too many cases, perhaps). That speaks not only to the body's condition and function, but to how it communicates awareness of where one is along one's path (of becoming who one truly is). THE BODY IS . . . among other amazing things, a unique communications system -- intimately linked with one's TOTALITY. Establishing rapport with one's body can be a PATH to self realization. ONE OF MY DREAMS is a society where/in all children are taught how to feel/see/read their own body-mind communications such that preventive health maintenance eventually becomes second nature. And actually, for the most part, they would be encouraged to re-awaken and build upon what I believe to be a NATURAL INCLINATION - conscious self-healing and continuous expansion of awareness. And the above goes FOR ALL OTHER ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES, to the degree that one utilizes them to improve such awareness and causative/pro-active connection with one's body-mind, and to employ the most effective tools for maintaining/improving one's health under any given condition or circumstance. WHY DOES BODY AWARENESS = OPTIMUM HEALTH INSURANCE ? To TOP  of PAGE Since being at it's own domain (Chalicebridge.com, June'06) this site has come to average Over 60 *Visits*, Over 112 *Pages*,   and over 1000 *Hits* Per DAY. (Here, the 'Hits' stat includes all graphics on a page.) Interesting that at AOL (Sep'97 to May'06), "LE FastCounter" listed an average of 75 *hits* per day during 2005.   -- cp, 12'07 (c) 1997 to Present, Chris Pringer