Glycerin free toothpaste is hard to find. Fluoride free toothpaste is not as hard to find. Why would you want toothpaste free of glycerin?

Well, I discovered this awesome article today by a lady named Connie Baum. She’s got the scoop on commercial and readily available toothpastes and what they are really doing to our teeth. Ever wonder why you still got cavities when you brushed 3 times a day and flossed regularly, with toothpaste recommended by the American Dental Association?

Well, read on to discover why you may want to see out fluoride free and glycerin free toothpastes, or Tooth Soap, as it were.

When Soap in Your Mouth is Not Punitive

Author : Connie Baum

Most of us think of soap in the mouth as punishment for bad words   That could be programming from our life experience or threats moms and dads have issued because of their life experiences!

In any case, a doctor of dental surgery by the name of Weston Price wrote a book titled, “Nutrition and Physical Degeneration” which changed the way some of us look at dental care and how we care for our bodies-and lists the consequences of improper care.

Dr  Price points out the harm done by processed foods in cultures known to be previously disease free.  He chronicled the generational changes as white flour and sugar created lack of development of air passages, resulting in mouth breathing; crowding teeth from deformed dental arches.   There was also the matter of increasingly rampant dental decay.   The changes became more and more problematic with each successive generation.

The good doctor studied a pair of identical twins.   One ate the foods native to his culture, filled with whole foods.   His brother ate the processed foods.   As time passed, the twin who ate well looked healthy.   He was robust and displayed perfect teeth.   The twin who ate the junky diet had decayed and missing teeth and the teeth he had were crooked.   This is indicative of how critical whole foods are to the human diet, no matter the geography of the culture.

Raise your hand if you desire ugly, cavity rich teeth!  Raise your other hand if you want to lose all your pearly whites!

Conventional wisdom dictates fluoride would be the logical treatment for ugly, cavity ridden teeth and that alone could solve many problems.   This wisdom is flawed because fluoride, highly toxic, is a nerve poison.   It has no place in dental care.   The naturally occurring fluoride that is contained in water is acceptable because it is not a source of toxicity.

Would you be surprised to learn that the average American, with all our resources, has 13 cavities by the tender age of 17 years?  Would you be shocked to learn that the Native Indian American population, who had dental “care” and fluoridation foisted upon them for more than half a century have the worst teeth of all Americans?  Do you find that shameful?

America’s health care system is in disarray and the state of our teeth indicates just how far reaching this deterioration has become.   Fortunately, another wise soul, Dr  Gerard Judd, developed a plan whereby everyone from tiny to the very elderly can have and maintain good dental health.   His plan includes eating organic whole foods and brushing the teeth with soap.

[amazon-carrousel height="200" width="600"]894297f7-599b-4ec9-af53-093364b108c7[/amazon-carrousel]While at the outset that may not sound like an appealing plan, the products available to accomplish this are astonishingly simple, affordable and effective.

Toothpaste products contain glycerin and fluoride.   The fluoride issue has already been discussed here.   Even so called “natural” toothpastes, gels and rinses contain glycerin.    Glycerin coats the teeth and is the reason re-enamalization of the teeth can not take place.   Teeth are designed to regenerate themselves but that cannot happen if the proper elements are not available.

We have also been led to believe that bacteria causes tooth decay.   Dr  Judd assures us this is not true.  It is acidity that causes tooth decay; tooth decay happens as the result of eating processed foods!

Dr.  Judd recommends bar soap for our teeth for the simple reason that bar soap is the only effective cleaner for teeth.   It removes oils and matter from the teeth very quickly and leaves them perfectly clean.   Toothpastes with large amounts of glycerin require over 20 washes to remove the glycerin so our teeth have a coating of glycerin at all times.   With soap only two rinses remove the grime and suds!

Furthermore, toothpaste can contain sugar, acid, chalk, sand, fluoride, dyes, stabilizers, and other contaminants.   With all that trash coating our teeth, is it any wonder there is no opportunity for the teeth to re-enamelize?  Not only that, but some of the ingredients in toothpaste actually promote canker sores!

Cost can be another factor .  When using toothpaste for a mom, dad and a small handful of kids can cost as much as $20 00 per month if people brush three times a day as recommended.   Simply by using a quality, pleasant tasting product and eating organic whole foods you can lower dental costs and misery while re-enamalizing and re-mineralizing the teeth of every family member.

It might be worth your while to look further into soap products for your family’s quality dental care!  The good results may even astound your dental professionals!

Connie Baum retired from a lucrative and satisfying career as a massage therapist; then she fell in love with the internet.  Her passion for people, food, health and healing is revealed on her websites: http://thehealthyandwealthyyou.com/blog and others.   She dearly hopes her visitors will leave comments on the blogs when they visit.

A birth totem is similar to an astrological sun sign, in that your birth totem is assigned based upon the month and day you were born. Birth totems however, are not based upon characteristics such as planetary alignment at time of birth, like traditional astrology. Birth totems, not to be confused with animal totems or animal spirit guides based upon Native American symbolism, are animals assigned to certain months of the year, that correspond with surrounding climate, weather, plants, minerals, etc. Birth totems are selected based upon strengths of particular animals and may reveal strength characteristics and areas of weakness to help guide you through life.

What is My Birth Totem?
Discover your birth totem based upon the month and day of your birth. Your birth totem animal will likely mirror your characteristics and may give you some direction in your life. Using the lessons given to us by our birth totems can help us to evolve into stronger, more aware beings.

Following is a brief list of birth totem characteristics. The study of birth totems is in-depth, and each is related to many aspects. If studying your birth totem is of significant interest you, Animal-Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small is a book that may be of benefit to you. This book is a study of animal totems based on Native American symbolism, however you should find benefit studying your particular birth totem animal in this way.

Note that there are subtle differences in interpretation of birth totems. Some of the dates or animals listed below may vary slightly by custom.

Falcon Birth Totem
March 21 – April 19

Falcon Birth Totem Animal

Falcon Personality: Very active and sometimes forceful
Emotions: Arouses quickly
Positive Traits: Exploratory pioneer; creative and original
Negative Traits: Selfish, pompous, impatient
Sexual Traits: Easily aroused, passionate and fiery
Compatible With: Salmon, Owl
Conscious Direction: Leader, Creator
Subconscious Direction: Receiving knowledge from personal experience
Strengths to Cultivate: Patience, persistence and compassion
Weaknesses to Diminish: Conceit, intolerance

Beaver Birth Totem
April 20 – May 20

Beaver Birth Totem Animal

Beaver Personality: Determined and resourceful
Emotions: Tense and uptight
Positive Traits: Persistent and methodical
Negative Traits: Possessive, rigid and uncompromising
Sexual Traits: Direct and commanding
Compatible With: Woodpecker, Brown Bear, Goose
Conscious Direction: Security by possessive abundance
Subconscious Direction: Freedom from that which you possess
Strengths to Cultivate: Security, confidence, flexibility
Weaknesses to Diminish: Possessiveness and rigidity

Deer Birth Totems
May 21 – June 20

Deer Birth Totem Animal

Deer Personality: Friendly, talkative and quick
Emotions: Tender
Positive Traits: Funny, friendly and smart
Negative Traits: Insecure, restless, fickle
Sexual Traits: Tantalizing
Compatible With: Crow, Otter
Conscious Direction: To gather and unite
Subconscious Direction: Mind mastery
Strengths to Cultivate: Concentration and sympathy
Weaknesses to Diminish: Inconsistency, laziness

Woodpecker Totems
June 21 – July 21

Woodpecker Birth Totem Animal

Woodpecker Personality: Protective, sensitive, vulnerable
Emotions: Devoted, romantic
Positive Traits: Imaginative, emotional, thoughtful
Negative Traits: Possessive, unforgiving
Sexual Traits: Needy
Compatible With: Snake, Wolf, Beaver
Conscious Direction: Emotional stability
Subconscious Direction: Accomplishment and fulfillment
Strengths to Cultivate: Resourcefulness and forgiveness
Weaknesses to Diminish: envy and holding grudges

Salmon Birth Totems
July 22 – August 21

Salmon Birth Totem Animal

Salmon Personality: Enthusiastic and confident
Emotions: Intensity and passion
Positive Traits: Generous and inventive
Negative Traits: Arrogant, and intolerant
Sexual Traits: Ravenous, insatiable
Compatible With: Owl, Falcon
Conscious Direction: Ruling
Subconscious Direction: Balance
Strengths to Cultivate: Tolerance and humility
Weaknesses to Diminish: Arrogance and narrow-mindedness

Brown Bear Birth Totems
August 22 – September 21

Brown Bear Birth Totem Animal

Brown Bear Personality: Practical, productive, purposeful
Emotions: Analytical
Positive Traits: Detailed and trustworthy
Negative Traits: Fussy and judgmental
Sexual Traits: Respectable
Compatible With: Goose, Beaver
Conscious Direction: Reaching and striving
Subconscious Direction: Truth and wisdom
Strengths to Cultivate: Humility and trustworthiness
Weaknesses to Diminish: Judgment and procrastination

Crow Birth Totems
September 22 – October 22

Crow Birth Totem Animal

Crow Personality: Tolerant and friendly
Emotions: Receptive and knowing
Positive Traits: Charming and optimistic
Negative Traits: Gullible and indecisive
Sexual Traits: Power
Compatible With: Otter, Deer
Conscious Direction: Partnership
Subconscious Direction: Harmony
Strengths to Cultivate: Caution, ability to release
Weaknesses to Diminish: Indecision and naivete

Snake Birth Totems
October 23 – November 21

Snake Birth Totem Animal

Snake Personality: Intense, impulsive and mysterious
Emotions: Concealed
Positive Traits: Purposeful and discerning
Negative Traits: Resentful, stubborn and suspicious
Sexual Traits: Consuming
Compatible With: Woodpecker, Wolf
Conscious Direction: Satisfaction and acceptance
Subconscious Direction: Spiritual oneness
Strengths to Cultivate: Creativity, flowing with changes
Weaknesses to Diminish: Egotism, resentfulness, confinement

Owl Birth Totems
November 22 – December 21

Owl Birth Totem Animal

Owl Personality: Jovial, independent, adventurous
Emotions: Caring
Positive Traits: Adaptable, versatile, trustworthy
Negative Traits: Restless, boisterous
Sexual Traits: Adventurous
Compatible With: Falcon, Salmon
Conscious Direction: Understanding
Subconscious Direction: Healing
Strengths to Cultivate: Optimism, happiness
Weaknesses to Diminish: Exaggeration, bravado

Goose Birth Totems
December 22 – January 19

Goose Birth Totem Animal

Goose Personality: Reliable and self-demanding
Emotions: Self-loving
Positive Traits: Ambitious, determined
Negative Traits: Driven, pessimistic, selfish
Sexual Traits: Long-lasting
Compatible With: Beaver, Brown Bear, Crow
Conscious Direction: Success
Subconscious Direction: Integrity
Strengths to Cultivate: Social, ambition
Weaknesses to Diminish: Self-doubt, relentlessness

Otter Birth Totems
January 20 – February 18

Otter Birth Totem Animal

Otter Personality: Unconventional, independent and dynamic
Emotions: Creative, guarded, detached
Positive Traits: Inventive, intuitive
Negative Traits: Unpredictable, rebellious, eccentric
Sexual Traits: Hot and cold
Compatible With: Crow, Falcon, Deer
Conscious Direction: Knowledge
Subconscious Direction: Wisdom
Strengths to Cultivate: Tolerance, courage, originality
Weaknesses to Diminish: Rebellion, inconsistency

Wolf Birth Totems
February 19 – March 20

Wolf Birth Totem Animal

Wolf Personality: Artistic, benevolent, generous
Emotions: Deep
Positive Traits: Sympathetic and adaptable
Negative Traits: Vague, timid and indecisive
Sexual Traits: Tender
Compatible With: Woodpecker, Brown Bear, Snake
Conscious Direction: Freedom
Subconscious Direction: Identity
Strengths to Cultivate: Generosity, adaptability
Weaknesses to Diminish: Impracticality, fearfulness

What is Color Therapy?

Color therapy is based on the principle that certain colors create certain stimuli that affect our moods and physiological functions. So what is color therapy? Color therapy is a holistic practice using colors to strengthen and balance our moods, emotions and overall physical, mental and spiritual health.

Rainbow Color Therapy
Colors of the rainbow have been proven to have significant effects on our bodies, our mental state and our spiritual well-being. Rainbow color therapy uses the properties of each color, and its general association with the body and mind, to improve balance and health. The rainbow color associations are as follows:

• Red is associated with the base chakra. Red is stimulating and promotes strength, willpower and sexuality. Red stimulates the blood, nerves and muscular system. Color therapy with red can revitalize and energize the entire body. Red is a warming color that stimulates energy levels benefiting metabolism, liver health, the circulatory system and awakens our physical life force. Color therapy with the color red should be avoided by people who are easily excitable, hypertensive, emotionally disturbed, or have a fever or inflammatory conditions.

• Orange is associated with the spleen chakra. Orange is energetic and promotes optimism, happiness and joy. Orange stimulates the thyroid and respiratory system. Color therapy with orange can help to treat depression, asthma, muscle spasms and can increase emotional health. Orange is a warming color that represents prosperity and abundance, and can bring about increased ideas and mental concepts. Color therapy with the color orange should be avoided by people who get nervous easily and who have issues around sex.

• Yellow is associated with the solar plexus chakra. Yellow is awakening and promotes intellectual power and mental ability. Yellow stimulates the muscles and motor nerves. Color therapy with yellow can help to treat the digestive system and brain activity. Yellow can stimulate the skin and also purify the bloodstream. Learning disabilities, liver problems and paralysis can be stimulated using yellow. Color therapy with the color yellow should be avoided by people who suffer from anxiety, diarrhea or heart palpitations.

• Green is associated with the heart chakra. Green is the color of nature and can facilitate growth to our sensitivity, compassion and serenity. Green is a cooling color that soothes and relieves sleeplessness, exhaustion and irritability. Color therapy with the color green can help to awaken feelings of hope and peace, as well as bring about fertility, sexual stimulation, heart health and relieve headaches. Green is a harmonizing color which helps to bring balance to your body. Green helps things to grow, so color therapy with the color green should be avoided by people with cancer, tumors or anything malignant in nature.

• Blue is associated with the throat chakra. Blue is a cooling and calming color and promotes willpower and communication. It can be effectively used for creative expression, aspiration, peace, insomnia, and reducing nervousness. Color therapy with the color blue can help soothe inflammation, raise blood pressure, relax the mind and promote meditation and intuition. Blue is beneficial for all throat conditions and has an antiseptic effect. Color therapy with the color blue should be avoided by people with colds, hypertension, paralysis, or heart conditions.

• Indigo is associated with the brow chakra. Indigo is a dynamic color that is cooling, strengthening and purifying. It can be used effectively to purify the bloodstream, stop excessive bleeding, and can help with control of severe pain. Color therapy with the color indigo can strengthen the gland and immune system, as well as assisting with altered states of consciousness, raising vibrational energy, and can awaken intuition. Color therapy with the color indigo should be avoided by people who are easily depressed.

• Violet is associated with the crown chakra. Violet affects the entire skeletal and nervous systems. It is antiseptic and purifying on physical and spiritual levels. Color therapy with indigo can nourish and purify the blood, maintain potassium and sodium levels of the body, stimulate bone growth and provide balance to our physical and spiritual bodies. Violet can also stimulate dream activity, calm violent tendencies, control irritability, control hunger and heal. Color therapy with the color violet should be avoided by people who have problems with suppression of emotions such as anger.

Color Therapy Techniques
There are many ways to incorporate color therapy into your life. Begin by choosing colors that feel good to you, but be aware that often those colors we are attracted to signify areas within out body and mind that need balance. Adding certain colors of food to your diet is extremely beneficial. The 7-Day Color Diet: The New Way to Health & Beauty is a book that may benefit you in this area. Light therapy can be performed by color therapy practitioners, and color therapy bathtubs or bath products can induce a sense of well-being to the body and soul. Certain colors can be meditated upon to produce advantageous results, and color therapy is commonly used for chakra balancing.

Chakra Balancing Meditation

It is important to obtain chakra balancing by learning how to balance your chakras. There are many ways to accomplish chakra balancing. Some require professional energy workers, some require tools and aides, while other methods of chakra balancing can be accomplished simply by meditation or with the power of positive affirmations.

Determining the Necessity for Chakra Balancing
Chakras are constantly vibrating and rotating with the physical life energy that comes into our existence. When chakras are out of balance they become blocked, and the results manifest in our lives in a negative way. The imbalance of chakras can produce physical ailments, negative thoughts or behavior, weight gain and physical illness or disease. It is possible to check for imbalanced chakras using your hands or with the use of pendulum dowsing. If these methods produce no results, you should consult with a professional who can use one of these methods to intuit which of your chakras need balancing.

Healing the Chakras with Chakra Balancing Meditation
A chakra balancing meditation can be performed by anyone, at any time using simple, yet powerful affirmations. To accomplish this, it is necessary to be aware of each chakra and it’s purpose. Speak powerful healing affirmations while visualizing the associated chakra color, or holding the associated chakra gemstone.

A video on guided chakra balancing meditation can be seen here:

How To Balance Your Chakras With Aromatherapy
The use of aromatherapy can be very beneficial to chakra balancing. The use of certain essential oils corresponding with each of the chakras will enhance the health and vitality of your spiritual and physical body. Aromatherapy can be accomplished using diffusers, mists, therapeutic massage, baths, soaps, perfumes, or candles.

Chakra Balancing with Color Therapy
Each of our chakras has an associated color and color therapy can be a very beneficial way to use the colors of the rainbow to achieve chakra balancing. Use gemstones while performing chakra balancing meditation, visualizing corresponding colors, or even decorating rooms with certain color enhancements can bring about chakra balancing.

How To Balance Your Chakras With Reiki
A Reiki practitioner is trained to use ancient Reiki symbols and the Universal Life Force energy to channel healing energy to the areas of our bodies which need balancing. Reiki is an effective method for obtaining chakra balancing since it promotes the opening of all the energy channels to restore the condition of health and well-being. A Reiki practitioner may use other therapies including aromatherapy, crystals, meditation, or Bach Flower remedies to enhance the treatment. Self-Reiki can also be learned and performed effectively. Self-Healing with Reiki: How to Create Wholeness, Harmony & Balance for Body, Mind & Spirit is a book that may benefit you in this area.

Chakra Balancing with Visualizations
Once you are familiar with chakra placement, function and associated color, you can perform visualizations for chakra balancing. Begin with the first, or root chakra, and visualize an object of the associated color. If your chakra is wide open, it may need to be closed. Visualize a flower of the appropriate color slowing folding closed. The opposite would be necessary for a tightly closed chakra. Chakra balancing can also be obtained by visualizing the associated color spinning at the site of the chakra itself. Whatever method makes the most sense to you will be the most beneficial for chakra balancing.