Natural Healing With Sandra Sigur

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Today’s post is an interview in the form of correspondence with a Central Floridian,  Sandra Sigur, who has been practicing reflexology, yoga, reiki/energy medicine, aroma therapy, etc. for over a decade.

1. Q: Kindly tell us a bit about your background (training, certification,etc.)and what got you into the practice of natural health/medicine ?

A: As a Holistic Practitioner, I am a Certified Reflexologist (one who practices reflexology of feet, hands, face and ears), Lymphatic Massage Therapist, Yoga Instructor, Paramedical Esthetician, Reiki Practitioner and Aromatherapist for both humans and animals. This has lead me to write ‘Healing Groovy’ – a realistic holistic guide to self-care for health care. It’s actually a book to help the layperson understand holistic (meaning “whole”) care to reduce stress and bring about circulation – key factors to overall health. Born in New Orleans and raised in a big Cajun family, I embrace the beauty of my heritage. My Pawpaw (Mama’s side) was a Traiteur (a Cajun Faith Healer, recognized by the Catholic Church) and his wife, Mer, helped deliver babies (I used to be a Doula) with my Great Grandpa (Daddy’s side), who was the town MD. Guess I’m the apple that didn’t fall far from the tree – yum, apples! When I was in the corporate world for 25 years, I had over 15 diseases (ranging from frequent colds, strep throat, shingles, diverticulitis, endometriosis, adrenal fatigue, cardiomyopathy, etc., etc.) due to stress and poor nutritional choices. Since I have been practicing holistic health care for over 10 years, my husband and I have remained disease-free!

2. Q: How long have you been practicing: reflexology, lymphatic message therapy, yoga, paramedical esthetician , reiki/energy medicine, and aromatherapy? Please embellish/explain the focus and goal of each field.

A: Although my research and learning is on-going, I have been practicing for 10+ years. Let me share how the above listed modalities can help you. Basically, the only time we have pain is when there is lack of blood or lymph flow, i.e. circulation. If you identify and either stimulate or sedate these areas, then the body can have a better chance of healing itself by returning to homeostasis or inner balance.

* REFLEXOLOGY– a 5,000 year old proven science involving reflexes on the feet, hands, face and ears coinciding to all organs, glands, muscles and the brain. Reflexology is not a massage. When a Reflexologist applies specific pressure to reflexes, nerve, blood and lymph circulation can help to bring about inner balance.

* LYMPHATIC MASSAGE– There are 650-750 lymph nodes in the front of the body and only two in back, one behind each knee. When you have a sore throat, the doctor may check under your chin and ear area to see if these nodes are swollen. Actually, if you have a slight fever and they are swollen, this indicates that they are working efficiently to filter out impurities. Unlike the heart that has a pump to move blood through the body, the only way lymph fluid (a nearly colorless fluid that bathes tissues to filter out impurities and then drains them out through the lymph nodes) moves is through deep breathing, exercise and Lymphatic Drainage Massage. By gently encouraging the movement of lymph fluid, toxins are eliminated from the body via sweat, urine, and/or feces. Lymph flow enhances nerve function, brings blood to organs, supplies oxygen to cells, transports nutrients throughout the body, removes waste products, reduces swelling, kills pathogens, etc. For a bit of understanding of lymphatic drainage massage therapy, please take a look these videos below:

Below is explanation of lymphatic system by Dr. Mark James Gordon:

Below is explanation of lymphatic system by Dr. John Douillard:

 

* YOGA – Yoga is not a religion, but you can pray, empty your mind, concentrate on a positive intention, or whatever you choose to do while enjoying it. Yoga is widely practiced around the world for health and relaxation by incorporating deep breathing and meditation, along with specific body postures/poses.

Yoga improves mental clarity, athletic performance, immunity, relaxation, and digestion, reduces stress, builds lean muscles, enhances flexibility, etc.

* REIKI /ENERGY WORK – Energy is all around us (i.e., weather, light, heat, mechanical, gravitational, electrical, sound, chemical, solar, nuclear, atomic energy, etc.). Energy work is the art and science of fostering physical, psychological, and spiritual health and vitality. The body has energy fields that are pathways to healing. Blood flow is energy; a heartbeat is electric and supplies blood flow/energy throughout the body. Cells depend upon the energy of nerve impulses to move about the body, and emotions are either positive or negative energies, to name a few. Circulation keeps our inner energy flowing. When our circulation/energy flow is compromised, we are subject to symptoms, and if left unresolved, they can eventually lead to disease. Incorporating the science of Reiki or Energy Work by simply holding, massaging, or tapping certain Reflexology, Acupuncture, or Neurovascular points, you can help to reset, stimulate, or sedate the energy within your body and bring about homeostasis (inner balance).

* AROMATHERAPY – Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of plants, flowers, roots, barks, herbs, etc. The immune system or life force is harvested from each, and then made into aromatic essential oils to promote physical and emotional health. Aromatherapy is used as medicine in some countries (both orally and topically). It would make perfect sense since most medicines start off as plants, flowers, barks, etc. Essential oils are inhaled to activate the Limbic System (part of the brain associated with laughter, emotions and our drive), used with a carrier oil (such as coconut, jojoba, almond, etc.) to massage into skin, or added to bath water to ease pain and encourage circulation and relaxation.

3. Q: Where have you been practicing? If you have your own practice, what is its name?

A: Through my practice, Realistic Holistic, I have been performing the above listed modalities for over 10 years in Celebration, Florida, as well as assisting a surgeon in Orlando with pre and post surgical care to expedite healing. However, I will soon be moving to New Orleans where I intend to do business and corporate speaking nationwide on natural health care, as well as teaching and providing CEU’s to LMT’s and hospital staff based on my book, Healing Groovy.

4. Q: Do you prefer one field over another based on the patient preference or the cause of the illness?

A: Since we are all unique individuals, I just do whatever the client’s body is asking for. A typical session would include discussing a health history, doing Reflexology of the feet to see which areas are in need of circulation and relaxation. Each affected reflex is confirmed on the hand, ears and face. An example would be: If you came in with a headache, but your Reflexology revealed tenderness in the stomach area on the feet, hands, face and ears – then the stomach would be the source of your headache. Address the stomach with natural options such as foods and/or whole food supplements to create inner balance and the headache goes away. From there, Lymphatic Massage, Body Brushing, Chakra Balancing, Aromatherapy, etc. may be incorporated according your body’s specific needs. And Life Work (not homework) is given so that you can work on staying balanced every day.

5. Q: Over the years, do you find that people are becoming more open to natural medicine?

A: Definitely, many Americans are tired of just being handed a pill and are interested in building a foundation for good health. In the past, Americans have grown accustomed to going the doctor for any ache or pain to get a quick fix that often does not address the source. When I work on someone from any other country but America, they know what I do because they practice self-care. However, this will come to Americans by incorporating self-care for health care. Wellness awareness is the key.

6. Q: Do you think there is much difference in terms of the acceptance level of natural medicine in different parts of the country?

A: I am seeing a growing number of Americans looking for natural options all over the country. This is what inspired me to write Healing Groovy. Americans want to learn more, but don’t know where to look or are confused by some of the terminology. Natural or holistic medicine has been around for over 5,000 years. Hippocrates, who is considered the Father of Modern Medicine, emphasized a holistic approach to medicine, warning doctors not to interfere with the body’s ability to heal itself, as well as to treat the body as a whole – mind, body and spirit. The early Hippocratic Oath was revised to exclude the word ‘spirit’ because it was thought to mean religion, when in actuality our spirit is what defines us as unique individuals (i.e., how we respond differently to life’s circumstances).

7. Q: Are insurance companies covering the practice of natural medicine now a days? Do you think this would impact the behavior pattern or acceptance level of natural medicine?  Please feel free to embellish.

A: America spends the most money of any industrialized nation on health care, yet we have the highest mortality rate. Because the American people are now asking for more natural options, my hope is that we are going to see more insurance companies who are interested in ‘true prevention’ stepping up. Natural options would save this country billions, maybe trillions of dollars in health care spending. At one time, the FDA and Big Pharma tried to buy the supplement industry, but the American people spoke up and would not have it. Stress alone is killing this country. There are over 1,000,000 people that call in sick every day for stress related illnesses, which costs US employers over $200,000,000 a year in sick pay alone. And with 85% of all disease caused by stress, why wouldn’t you want to find a healthier and more economical solution? Unfortunately for us, medicine is a big profit making business. As a Citizen Healer of Voice for H.O.P.E. (Healers of Planet Earth) we have health fairs on Capitol Hill and speak to members of Congress about getting natural health care approved under insurance for all Americans so that you can choose your own path to wellness – whether allopathic or holistic. Let your voice be heard. You are paying your representatives’ salaries by paying taxes, so get what you paid for – a representative that will listen to the needs of their constituents (you as a voter).

8. Q: What are some good resources for people to refer to that would help to support the belief that natural medicine in any/all areas that you practice (listed above in 2.) are very effective?

A: My husband and I are living examples. When we were in the corporate world, we were sick all the time from stress and lack of nutrition. Now we K.I.S.S. – Keep It Simple Sweetheart. We keep our Adrenals strong (85% of all disease is caused by stress– by supplementation and exercise/relaxation), keep our pH balanced (disease cannot live in an alkaline environment – I eat pH balanced food combinations – you also get down to your ideal weight when you are pH balanced – helpful resource book is Great Taste, No Pain), and water (since we are 75% water). All of this information is broken down in my book, Healing Groovy with self-care practices from all over the world. My family, clients and friends will also attest to better health and peace of mind when finding inner balance. My grandson recently had 5 wisdom teeth pulled and with the help of facial reflexology and lymphatic massage, taking Arnica tablets for 5 days before and applying Arnica cream to his face before and after surgery, he came out with minimal, if any pain, swelling or bruising. He was eating the next day!  He also had a broken clavicle that was healed with Chiropractic care, infrared heat, aromatherapy and kinesio tape. He did see an Orthopaedic Surgeon who confirmed the break and approved him continuing his holistic care.

9. Q: Would you comment on what type of treatment is often associated with: a. reflexology    b. lymphatic massage therapy c. yoga, etc.

A: (see answer #2)

10. Q: Do you also incorporate nutrition in your practice?

A: As a Holistic Practitioner and Health Advocate I cannot prescribe. However, since my practice is not based on allopathic care (conventional medicine), I do suggest and energy test the person for whole food supplements that may be beneficial for the body according to what their Reflexology and other modalities indicated. Many times the layperson will look on the internet to find a supplement to relieve symptoms that they are trying to conquer and are often frustrated by the large variety of supplements. This is where a holistic practitioner can guide you in finding which one is unique to your specific needs.

11. Q: Do you think mineral deficiency has triggered a lot of people’s physical problems?

A: Hippocrates said “let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. So, since food is your medicine, I would say there are many deficiencies leading to illness in America. Minerals need to be balanced with certain supplements and you should be tested beforehand to see if your body is asking for it. Over 35 countries will not accept food from the US because of the GMO additives and fats. It is also estimated that by the year 2030, health complications from obesity will be one of the main causes of cancer.

12. Q: What do you foresee in the future, in terms of practice of medicine?

A: I am definitely seeing a shift in conventional medicine being receptive to complimentary care. I heard one MD speak recently who said that the one thing he doesn’t have time for in his private (insurance based) practice is helping the ‘spirit’ of the person heal. Insurance only pays for addressing the disease with meds or surgery. I was recently asked to put together a Reflexology protocol at a hospital to offer to patients receiving chemo. I plan to include the caregiver as well, since their role is very stressful. How wonderful would it be if we could give a person (and their caregiver) hope by offering loving touch that would enhance circulation and relaxation. Not only would it relieve stress, but it would help them to feel empowered that they were doing something to help expedite their healing.

13. Q: Do you think it’ll be better if medical practitioners are being compensated by number of people they are able to “keep well” rather than the number of “patients” they are treating for diseases? Do you think we’re likely to be able to transition into this type of paradigm shift ?

A: In some countries, the physician is paid to keep the patient healthy. If the patient is following orders and becomes ill, the physician is not paid until that person becomes well again. This would be an EXCELLLENT idea, however, in today’s society and amount of back to back prescription commercials encouraging you to seek medical help for every bump and bruise, it will take each one of us to stand up to help ourselves. In most countries that practice universal health care, citizens observe self-care as health care as their first course of action since it may take a while to see a doctor. This will be a learning process for many Americans.

14. Q: If any of our readers/viewers would like to consult you about anything, how will they be able to contact you?

A: [email protected] to ask a question or order a signed copy of my book, Healing Groovy. The book can also be ordered on Amazon.com.

15. Q: Any thing you’d like our readers/viewers to know?

A: As Americans, you do have a voice. Speak to your local or state representative in charge of health care in your area and let them know that you are interested in more natural options being covered by insurance. Or visit:  voiceforhope.org  .

In addition to her email: [email protected], you may also reach Sandra Sigur via her Facebook Page, and read her book Healing Groovy.

For more on health benefits of yoga, please refer to: https://www.jenreviews.com/yoga/

~Let’s Help One Another~

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Photographed, written, and posted by Windermere Sun-Susan Sun Nunamaker
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