Kia Ora Whanau

HAPPY MATARIKI. Even though the weather has been rain, hail and snow here in Poneke, there is still plenty to smile about. Hope your Matariki celebrations are buzzing. It is an awesome time to sow new seeds, set new dreams and recognize your accomplishments over this last year. Te Papa opened the Matariki celebrations here with 7 wahine performing artists and a 14 year old hine from Waikanae stood out as the brightest star there. I was in awe of her singing her version of the survival of the Maori culture. I must be getting old because I started to cry tears of joy. Don't you just love the potential of our Rangatahi; the up and coming kaitiaki of our culture? They are us, we are them.

This month we will feature two Maori women; Lois Reid - Reiki Master Teacher and the infamous Ruth Makuini Tai with her new e-book. Let's see how obesity has effects on our life span and we will show how one tane managed to lose 76 kgs eating Maori kai. How many of us wahine wear Cinderella shoes that are uncomfortable but look wonderful on our feet. Read on whanau.

Lois Reid is of Samoan and Ngati Porou descent. She specializes in Beauty Therapy, Massage, Image and Color Consultations, Fashion, Reiki and Massage for infants. Lois is a Reiki Master with workshops and reviews for Reiki 1, 2, 3 and Reiki Master teachers. Not only is Lois is a charismatic teacher of the healing arts but she is also a wonderful friend who takes much pleasure in serving her students so that they may attain the gift of all gifts - the ultimate in enlightenment. Contact us for more information.

Ruth Makuini Tai is an international teacher, facilitator, author, wisdom carrier and an inspiraional speaker. I had to opportunity of witnessing her in action at the Maori Womens Corporate Leadership workshops in Te Mahia. We called her NZ's best kept secret. Once seen, never forgotten. Ruth has worked with Hirini Reedy using the vibrations of the haka to bring about transformational healing http://themaorihaka.com/ Congradulations Ruth on your new website http://www.arohainsights.net and your free e-book: AROHA: The Heart of Conscious Creation.

Obesity is associated with a long list of health conditions; heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, type 2 diabetes and cancer of which there is no cure, as well as psychological and social problems. I recently read an article that claimed chronic obesity can have the same effect on your life span as having smoked for a lifetime. If you would like to check how obese you might be or not be, check your body mass index click on this site: http://www.healthtoolsonline.com/bodymasscalculator1.html
To calculate your height into centrimetres click on this: http://www.teaching-english-in-japan.net/conversion/feet_inches

Originally Maori were food gatherers or hunters eating birds, fish with herbs and root crops. Geoff Jowett, a health and fitness expert said a traditional Maori diet of lean proteins and lots of veges together with gentle exercise brought about a dramatic loss of 75kg for 40 year old IT consultant from Auckland. All he did was walk 30 mins a day and eat the right foods at the right time. No after dinner munches whanau so the food doesn't sit in your stomach all night and turn into fat.

People who have pain in their feet carry their bodies differently so ill fitting shoes or weight gain can throw your joints out of alignment and lead to problems in the ankles, hips, knees and back, let alone cause pain in the feet. I love uncomfortable shoes and boots as they make me feel sooo tall. I whakapapa to Cinderella you know? I bought some corrective shoes from the Athlete Foot shop to wear on the weekends and massage my legs with coconut oil regularly while showering in the mornings. Become aware of when your body gets out of alignment and go for a massage or get those bones realigned and most importantly drink water. In the joints are cushions of water and if you are dehydrated, bone will rub against bone and wear out your bones. All about maintaining the body whanau so it doesn't become irreversible. For those with more serious concerns about orthotics foot health in NZ then check out this site: http://www.stepforward.co.nz/?q=node/2

Well, keep warm till next time whanau. Keep pushing P for Play exercising gently and regularly. Eat lots of veges, less meat, less coffee and just in case you had forgotten - Drink plenty of hot water - like my Nanny did.

Arohanui ki a tatou
Charlotte

http://www.aiohealing.com/

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