The Third Eye Wellness Center: Afternoon of Spiritual Nutrition Starting with Chakra

Life has always been an endless journey of learning.  I've always been curious about myself and everything else around me.  Although I don't fully understand what spirituality is, I've always felt that it is essential to my well-being.  Thus, when I was invited for a talk at Third Eye Wellness Center, I was more than eager to participate.

Third Eye Wellness Center is a mind-body-energy center that provides health and wellness activities and services located at the 6th floor of 20th Drive Corporate Center at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.  Through self-development, health and nutrition, alternative healing and holistic beauty, it focuses on the journey going inward to reflect outward.   According to founder Sanaiyah Keswani-Gurnamal, Third Eye Wellness Center here in Manila is their second outlet.  They opened the first one in Dubai. Third Eye Wellness Center is composed of the Chakra Cafe which offers healthy vegetarian offerings, Transcend Spa & Nails which offers holistic treatments and beauty therapies, The Store which sells books, crystals, gift items and aromatheraphy essentials, Healing Therapies Center which offers sessions for energy healings, personal readings and consultations and lastly,  a Training & Personal Development Center for meditations certified programs in healing modalities, self-empowerment workshops and corporate trainings.  

Sure, I've heard about Chakra before but don't really know what it is.  I got to know that Chakra is the source of energy so you'd be amazed the issue of a person is related to his disease.  The physical is the last manifestation of our emotional problems like how a person with low self-esteem is often inflicted with ulcer. 

The 7 Primary Chakras

• Crown Chakra (white) = I understand - located at the top of the head and represents unity and spirituality.  This is our connection to the divine.  It requires the other chakras to be balanced and cleansing the body through detox, yogas, exposure to good sunlight, moonlight and fresh air.
• Third Eye or Brow Chakra (Purple) = I see - located between the eyebrows and represents intuition, direction and inspiration.   This involves our perception, direction, inspiration, intellectual physique and intuition. 
• Throat Chakra (blue) = I speak - located at the base of the throat.  This represents expression, communication and self-esteem.  
• Heart Chakra (green but can turn red in the center) = I love - located at the center of the chest.  It represents love, acceptance and forgiveness.  
• Solar Plexus Chakra (yellow) = I do - located on the abdomen.  It represents control and power.  
• Sacral Chakra (orange) = I feel -  located between the naval and the pubic bone which is 3 fingers below the belly.  It represents emotions, sex, creativity, abundance and intimacy.
• Root Chakra (red) = I am - located at the base of the spine.  It represents survival, security,stability and grounding.    
  

You Are What You Eat

Depending on the Chakra (except for Crown Chakra) that you want to balance, there are suggested foods for them.  Thus, we should strive for conscious eating and make healthy food choices.

I sure you've come across the current issue on GMO's and how its destroying our environment.  As an advocate of natural and organic produce, I am totally against it.  As stated by Ms. Angela Lichiuco of Rawlicious, there are just so much benefits from:

• Living Foods such as enyzmes, vitamins, minerals, fiber, oxygen and high energy and positive vibrations
• Plant-based diet such as alkaline, non-fat and easier to digest
• Organics such as higher nutrition, free of harmful chemicals and healthy for the planet
• Greens such as enriched with chlorophyll, cell renewal, reduce free radicals, vitamins, minerals, protein, fibers and oxygen

As a foodie, I'll admit that when I review food, I usually critic based on the taste and appearance but often forget that the main purpose of food is to fuel the body.  Through our food intake, we can control our health.  Our relationship should be beyond its taste.  It should be how it nourishes, heals and balances our body, mind and spirit. 

Co-owner Maisha Chulani advises that we should adopt the four practices of conscious eating:

1. Eating food that is real, natural, pure, fresh and organic
2. Consuming more living foods (raw and uncooked items) and whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, greens and legumes and grains
3. Avoiding meat, processed food, preserved food, fast food, artificial seasoning, sodas and sugar.
4. Giving thanks by blessing one's food. 

Remember our thoughts affects our physical bodies.  For those people who can't control their diet or inhibit themselves from addiction, The Third Eye Wellness Center offers healing therapies to help you.

My Personal Account
I've been stressed for the past few years due to my failed relationship.  I just lost my best friend for 10 years and lover of 5 years.  I felt as if all optimism has been drained out from me.  It affected my life plan and my schooling.  To cope with the stress, I ate a pint of ice cream and a pack of pop corn almost everyday.   I got sick often and had back aches too. 

One day, I met with an old friend.  I was amazed at how positive and happy he had been.  He was so cranky at me before! =(  Then, he told me his secret is a healthy diet.  Being as skeptic as I am, I teased him that it was just a psychological effect or something.   But it really made me curious so I kept bugging him with questions to which he replied either with patience or frustration. =p   From then on, he became my personal health coach.  Although I'm still not considered a conscious eater like him, I'm pleased to boast that as a semi-conscious eater for just a few months, I have lost a lot of pounds and have never felt more positive and happy in my life.  I'm not saying that external factors did not help me.  I'm very fortunate to have a supportive family and optimistic friends as well.  But, the biggest change lies within us and that it begins with conscious and healthy eating.

Prior to the talk at the The Third Eye Wellness Center, my friend's advises were actually based on scientific studies and researches.  I'm glad to learn that the spiritual side and science coincides after all.  I guess everything in the universe are really intertwined.  My learning about spiritual nutrition made me want to learn more about my spirituality.  It was mentioned that the Charka of a person can be measured by a pendulum.  The Third Eye Wellness Center offers a Chakra Balancing Session for that.  I'll try that soon because it intrigues me!

The Third Eye Wellness Center600-A, 20th Drive Corporate Center
20th Drive McKinley Business Park
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
(02) 808-2984 / (0917) 636-2800
Facebook Fan Page

Fuelling Your Body for Cycling

Keeping your body in optimal shape is essential to perform at your best as a cyclist. Exercising regularly, weight training and building up endurance is necessary for every cyclist. Improving your nutrition, however, is just as important. There are many foods that will help you stay in shape and keep your body operating at its best.

Green or Black Tea

Scientists have discovered that the extract from black and green tea leaves help alleviate soreness in athletes and helps speed muscular recovery. If you are cycling in intervals, drink unsweetened black or green tea just before a ride to lessen the pain and soreness that many cyclists feel after a ride.

Add Carbs for Energy

While many cyclists load up on carbs for energy before a race, nutritionists suggest against a binge on carbs in the hours leading up to a racing event. They suggest increasing carbohydrates in the days before the event for the maximum impact. Besides the carbohydrate favorites such as pasta, cyclists can enjoy high carbohydrate foods such as fruit, yogurt and chocolate milk.

Salmon and Tuna

Salmon and tuna are not only great for energy, but they are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids which aid in muscle building. Omega 3 fatty acids have been known to increase blood flow, which helps to remove toxins from the body. Canned tuna in water is also a great source of energy that will fuel your cycling workout. Avoid meats with high fat content that will slow you down and make you sluggish during your rides.

Eat Small and Often

Sports physiologists recommend eating small meals often to keep energy levels high and to stave off hunger. Cycling requires a lot of energy from the body. If you go too long between meals, you will be tempted to eat larger portions of unhealthy foods. Eating a small meal just before and after a ride causes your body to use the food instead of your muscles for energy.

Berries and Cherries

These antioxidant foods are essential for rebuilding muscles and repairing small muscle tears after a workout. Berries are naturally low in fat and calories and provide you with energy without compromising your waistline. Berry juices like Acai berry have been known to aid in digestion and flush toxins from the system. Add berries to cereal, smoothies and yogurt for a healthy treat.

Colour Your Plate

Experts advise cyclists to aim for a rainbow when planning their meals. Red and pink foods such as tomatoes, grapefruit and watermelon contain compounds that protect the skin against sun and cellular damage. Green foods like spinach, kale and broccoli are high in folic acid that protects the joints and spine. Orange and yellow foods such as carrots, squash, bananas and sweet potatoes boost the immune system, allowing you to fight off illness that will keep you from cycling. Improving your diet for cycling requires knowledge of how the body functions and what foods keep it at its peak. By adding in healthy foods, you will enjoy optimal nutrition to fuel your rides.

---

Darren is a Professional Cyclist and Manager of one of the best bicycle shops in Melbourne, Australia. Being a professional cyclist, he knows the importance of getting your diet right for cycling.

African Mango Diet

According to Dr Oz,  Irvingia Gabonensis also known as wild mango, bush mango or pure African mango is a super-potent fiber.  The high fiber content from the fruit extract helps to suppress the appetite. It is shown to be one of the best leptin regulator in keeping leptin levels at the right mark thereby reducing hunger pangs and cravings.  It can also lower blood sugar levels because it contains substances like adiponectin, which increase insulin sensitivity of the body cells that allows greater fat tissue breakdown. In addition, it can also lessen the conditions of inflammation and it also contains potential anti-cancer agents.

Thanks to our science and technology, we don't need to go to Africa to gain access to African Mango.  We can now purchase pills online easily at our own convenience.  In pills form, intake is simple and hassle-free.  You can enjoy an African Mango Diet anytime you wish.  The effects are fast too.  Try it out and see for yourself.

The best part of having a natural diet like the  African Mango Diet is that they have no negative side effects.  We all know that fruits are natural sources of vitamins and minerals.  It is a gift of nature wherein our bodies are made to respond too.  So why go through the risk of trying artificial and chemically formulated diet pills when you can go through a safe and natural way through  African Mango Diet?

FREE tickets to Lorax as the Climate Change Commission Launches Video Ad

If you can recall, we did a review on the movie "The Lorax" (see previous entry).  Two weeks ago, the Climate Change Commission gave out FREE premiere tickets to the movie "The Lorax" at SM North Edsa because the movie is relevant TODAY especially in the Philippines.  The Philippine Ecosystems have changed more rapidly due to deforestation, pollution, urban congestion, marine and coastal degradation and loss of biodiversity.

I'm sure we've felt the consequences.  We always been keen to updates on death tolls in the news whenever we hear of landslides and floods.  But, did we ever do our part to prevent them from happening again?  Last year, my classmates and I went to Calatagan, Batangas as part of our social involvement for our Corporate Social Responsibility Class and it saddens me to find out that there is whitening of the coral reefs.  It means that most of the coral reefs are dying and it's too late to save them. =(  I hope we can still do something for the rest.

Secretary Mary Ann Lucille Sering reminds us that "Trees are very important in the country's roadmap in the battle against climate change, they clean the air while at the same time serving as carbon sinks."  I agree with her.  Which is why I wonder why the government has allowed the mining plans that will take place in Palawan.  It is one of the beautiful forests that the Philippines has left and yet it will be destroyed and the contamination will spread throughout the lands of Mindanao and more.

Last November 2011, the NCCAP was approved by President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III.  It has seven thematic priorities which includes the Ecosystem and Environmental stability.  Environmental sustainability means maintaining healthy and stable ecosystems which is a necessity amidst climate change.

Secretary Sering adds "adapting to climate change requires the action of everyone.  We need to have everyone informed of what they can do to save the environment, and in the long run, the future generations.  We have to act now if we want our children to have genuine trees in their time."   If you recall, we have previously shared our tree planting (see previous entry) and coastal cleanup (see previous entry) experience.  It's been very fulfilling for us so I encourage everyone to act now too! =D

In cooperation with the United States Agency for International Development (USAid), the Climate Change Commission aims to share the morale of the story to the young and old as they launch the video ad during "The Lorax" premiere.  We, together with the winners in the Climate Change Commission facebook and twitter account got to preview the new video ad that will be shown in all SM and Ayala cinemas for one whole year.

Watch Ilaw Sa Isla Ad Campaign

According to Secretary Sering, "our video will show that people from all walks of life should be involved in addressing climate change.  Small actions count big, and collectively they can make an impact.  It's not too late.  We still have genuine trees around us.  Climate change is here and we need to adapt.  Let's take care of the environment and we will be more climate-resilient in the future."

Watch RE Troopers Ad Campaign

World Glaucoma Week: Don't Let Glaucoma Darken Your Life

I'll be honest.  I am the type of person who has the enthusiasm to learn what technical terms mean.  I have a medical student for a sister.  But, whenever she explains things to me, I would tell her... "Can you explain those in layman's term?"  

Dr. Veloso patiently explains Glaucoma to us

Dr. Covar explains further

Thus, for many years, I have ignored medical campaigns which are already out there to warn us.  However, the other day, I was moved by the World Glaucoma Week presentation initiated by the Philippine Glaucoma Society along with Allergan. Allergan seeks not only to educate and inform the patients but also to help them to understand their options and decide their own treatment alongside their doctors.  On the other hand, the Philippine Glaucoma Society  aims to increase awareness of the disease in the community, healthcare system, policy-making bodies and among the patients.  It is their goal that "No Filipino Shall Go Blind from Glaucoma".  This is inline with the worldwide goal for glaucoma "Don't Let Glaucoma Darken Your Life."

What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a type of blindness by permanent paralysis.  It is the Philippine's leading causes of bilateral irreversible blindness.  The scary fact about Glaucoma is that it has NO cure and shows no signs in the early stage nor painful symptoms.  It just slowly and gradually impairs your vision. 


Glaucoma Statistics

• Glaucoma is the 2nd leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world
• A study in the United States estimates that 70 million people worldwide have glaucoma 
• In the Philippines, glaucoma is the 3rd leading cause of blindness in both eyes and is the leading cause of irreversible blindness of both eyes.

Why is Glaucoma Serious?
Glaucoma causes irreversible damage to your optic nerves that connect to your brain and causes your vision to shrink.


What can early detection do?
Early detection and treatment is essential in controlling it and preventing it to from damaging the optic nerve further which leads to total blindness.  Once the damage is done, your sight can no longer be restored.  Persons diagnosed with  Glaucoma are required to follow up with their physicians for the rest of our lives.  It involves regular examinations and treatments (i.e. eye drops, laser surgery and conventional surgery).

When am I at risk of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma can afflict any person or age, health, gender or race.  But, according to studies it has often inflicted on those of:

• Age: over 45
• Family history of glaucoma
• Myopia or hyperopia
• Asian descent 
• History of eye trauma or surgery
• High Eye Pressure
• Chronic Steroid use
• Diabetes Mellitus

What are the symptons of Glaucoma?
There is generally no symptoms of Glaucoma especially for Open angle & some closed angle types.  However, a few Acute Angle Closure type patients have shown these symptoms:

•  Blurry vision
•  Eye pain
•  Redness
•  Headache
•  Nausea and vomiting
•  Rainbow colored halos around lights

What do you need to do?

• Regular eye exams (500-1,000 php) with an ophthalmologist/eye doctor who will check your eye pressure and may recommend you to do a Glaucoma Screening (6,000 - 10,000 php) if needed
• If vision is blurry, or if with eye pain, see an ophthalmologist/eye doctor right awa

So, join and support the World Glaucoma Week!  Don't Let Glaucoma Darken Your Life.


For Filipinos, the Philippine Glaucoma Society and Allergan has initiated a FREE glaucoma screening this March 12-16, 2012 so contact your local eye doctors now for more information!