Kia Ora Whanau

Hope you are all having a wonderful holiday relaxing in the sunshine and eating yummy foods. I just recently realised how long it has been between newsletters. You see our whanau unexpectedly lost our dear father a few months ago. The generosity and support of whanau and old friends of the family was truly overwhelming and I am so grateful for that whole experience. Seeing so many familiar faces reminded me of how old we had all become! So let's take extra special care of ourselves in the New Year because believe youme, we're worth it!

This month we will look at how sea water and Omega 3 have such wonderful health benefits. Coconut oil is now being regarded as the "miracle food." Read on to see why. Teawhina Riwaka will be taking on new tauira for the Rongoa wananga this month so read on for more info.

As many of you already know, our bodies are made up of at least 75% water. Sea water has a similar concentration and mineral content to our tissues, cells, blood etc. These minerals play a role in keeping the body's electrolytes in a healthy balance. The late Hohepa Kereopa once gave us a recipe for sea water and red peppers which took after each meal. Studies from an Austrian university found an increase in the quality of sleep, energy and concentration levels, brain activity, weight loss, enhanced consciousness and noticeable nail and hair growth from drinking a solution of Himalayan salt and water. Swimming in the sea makes the body alkaline in which disease cannot survive. I used to wonder why some elderly people would swim every day, rain hail or snow but now I realise they were onto it. Our East coast whanau know the value of eating fresh sea food and how beneficial it is for those in the early stages of cancer.

Eating fish supplies us Omega 3 fatty acids. The National Heart Foundation of NZ recommend fish, (not fried) twice a week to gain cardiovascular health benefits. Maori are amongst the highest sufferers of heart disease in the world. The American Medical journal says that one fish meal per week can reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death by 52%. The University of Sydney claim that children who regularly ate oily fish were less likely to develop asthma. The Harvard medical school, reports Omega 3 to be beneficial for mood swings in depression or bipolar disorder. Spanish researchers say oily fish can reduce inflammatory diseases in the intestine and colon. Our Eskimo brothers very rarely suffer from heart disease because they regularly eat fish that is rich in Omega 3 oils. Kate Sladden, a public health dietician says over 15 % of NZ'ers eat canned fish at least once a week as an alternative to fresh fish with all the same advantages. Canned s almon, sardines, mackerel, herrings, or fresh kahawai and travally are particularly high in Omega 3.

Coconut oil, a miracle food? According to NZ's Healthy Food guide, coconut oil prevents osteoporosis, improves digestion, supports immunity, cures hypothyroidism, promotes weight-loss and lowers the risk of cancer. Those who consume large quantities of coconut oil on the islands are well known for good health and longevity. If you don't like eating coconut oil then use it in the shower or bath. The hot water opens up the pores and the oil soaks in to the skin to feed the bones, organs and muscles and gives your skin and hair a healthy glow. Indian dairies have the best prices. The health shops are the most expensive but have pretty bottles which make a great gift idea.

Teawhina, our Rongoa expert in Porirua, is a delight to be around and studying with her is never a dull moment. She nicknamed me Flossy! Still trying to work that one out? Studying the theory and whakapapa of the plants are only a small part of the Rongoa course. The roopu learn waiata, Maori sign language, karakia tawhito, karakia karaitiana, art work with the leaves, moemoea, blessings at Koro Bill's church on Sundays and even maumahara kapahaka at the RSA. The old time stories Teawahina shares are just magical and tauira are expected to study for one weekend per month. There is an interview process so contact us for her contact details. Neeedless to say, her Rongoa for whai-ora is awesome.

Well whanau be safe on your journeys and enjoy the rest of the summer holidays. Kia Mataara! Your next divine mission may be just around the corner.

May all your dreams will come true for 2009.

Arohanui ki a koutou katoa
Mauri Ora

Charlotte

http://www.aiohealing.com/

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