Eco-Friendly and Healthy Mattresses “Organic mattress? What’s that made out of, tofu?”
O
rganic mattresses are made from materials that are comfortable and healthy for your body and great for the environment… and no, not tofu. Most organic mattresses are made from organic cotton, organic wool, and organic latex foam (made from the sap of a rubber tree). Why an organic mattress? Based on national law requirements, all mattresses are required to be flame-retardant. Mattresses sold in the US must go through a rigorous testing procedure to be legal to sell. Most companies use chemical flame retardants in their mattresses to pass these tests and these chemicals do not need to be disclosed on the label. Your current mattress could have been doused with a chemical, flame-retardant soup that is hazardous to your health. Organic mattresses meet these requirements without chemical retardants by using wool directly under the cotton ticking. Wool is a fantastic, all-natural flame retardant. Conventional mattresses are often made with polyurethane foams that release toxic gases. Similar to new carpet, or a new car, a new mattress will often have an odor. Breathing tiny particles of petrochemicals and/or solvents can be dangerous for your health… even when the smell is no longer detectable. Using sustainable materials that are grown without pesticides and fertilizers is a way to help sustain our earth. For example, the production of conventional cotton uses more chemicals than almost any other agricultural product. Organic cotton is grown cleanly without any of these damaging chemicals. For wool to be certified organic, the pastures on which sheep graze must be free from pesticides and fertilizers. Natural latex foam is also sustainable, in that an oxygen producing rubber tree can provide latex “sap” for many years. And of course, no chemicals are used on the trees. For your health, and the health of our earth, an organic mattress is a conscious healthy choice. Corinna Cincotta is with The Natural Sleep Store, 928 W 8th Ave, Denver. Call 866-663-0859 or see ad page 5.
Natural Way to Ease Eyestrain T
ension, if left unchecked, can cause eyestrain, blurry vision, mental fatigue, lack of circulation and elevated stress levels. One of the simplest natural and holistic ways to quickly relax the eyes and decrease eyestrain is the gentle practice of palming. A 2013 study by the Department of Health Rehabilitation Sciences through the College of Applied Medical Sciences at King Saud University, in Saudi Arabia, found that palming for six weeks contributed to a significant improvement in visual acuity for patients with myopia (nearsightedness). To palm, sit comfortably with elbows resting on a table or desk. Rub both hands together briskly to create some heat through friction. Then, cup the palms and gently rest them over closed eyes, with fingers overlapping on the forehead. The center of each palm should be directly over the center of each eye. The hands are cupped so that there is no pressure on the eyes. Take a few deep breaths, relax the shoulders and imagine the darkest shade of black possible. The darkness soothes the optic nerves and the warmth relaxes the muscles of the eyes to encourage increased blood circulation and lymph flow. Begin to focus the mind on a pleasant, happy memory, like a beautiful place or joyful experience. Involve all five senses in this imagining to enhance and deepen the visualization. This process of mental relaxation replaces mental strain and enables the eyes to also relax. Take frequent palming breaks throughout the day to prevent the accumulation of visual strain and to maintain relaxed eyes and a focused mind. You can’t palm for too long. Nathan Oxenfeld, certified Bates Method teacher, can be reached at 910-859-1232 or see ad page 20.
ZĂŝƐĞ zŽƵƌ sŝďƌĂƟŽŶ Experience the Light-Life® Tools during a private ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ <ĂƚŚĂƌŝŶĂ ^ƉƵƌůŝŶŐͲ<Ăŋ͘ Sessions Have Been Reported To: - Help improve overall well-being - Help with physical issues Ͳ ƌĂǁ ŝŶ ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ůŝĨĞ ĨŽƌĐĞ ĞŶĞƌŐLJ
- Realign and clear chakras - Help mental clarity Ͳ &ĂĐŝůŝƚĂƚĞ ĞŵŽƟŽŶĂů ƌĞůĞĂƐĞ
&Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ͗ www.LightLifeTechnology.com or call 303.833.9033 12
Denver/Boulder Mile High Edition
MileHighNaturalAwakenings.com
<ĂƚŚĂƌŝŶĂ ^ƉƵƌůŝŶŐͲ<Ăŋ