Detox Q&A with Aimee

Here’s a brief Q & A with Balance founder and owner Aimee Duddles about why she started the program and how it has improved her health and happiness. 

Why did you start the detox program? 

AD: During the summer of 2008, I was working 16 hour days for several months in order to meet our deadline for opening in our current space. I knew the stress, lack of sleep and poor dietary choices were not good for my body and health. I wanted to get ahead of it and try to prevent health problems.

I was intrigued by the increasing popularity of "detoxing" and "cleansing,” but, as with everything, I started off as a skeptic. I wondered: `Why do we need to detox? What is the difference between all the detox and cleansing products on the market?’ It seemed to me like people had been managing just fine for generations without detoxing.(I later learned that some cultures have practiced detox rituals for centuries.)

In researching my options, I found most programs failed to meet my parameters, particularly my need to not feel like I was on a fad diet or dramatically shock my system. I finally found the detox plan that I now share with clients. I like it because its comprehensive, offering a mix of great food, supplements and important physiological and nutritional information about the process.

When did you do your first detox? How many times have you done a detox?

AD: I did my first detox in 2009 with my clients. I have done almost every BHC detox since, which is about twice to three times a year. It is challenging to motivate the group while staying motivated myself but time and time again, clients end up inspiring me with their own drive and commitment. This is one of the beauties of detoxing in a group. You can share your experiences, challenges, questions and help each other succeed.

How has doing a detox changed your eating habits?

AD: I’ve learned to practice greater moderation, integration, and creativity with my food choices and menu planning.  Every time I have detoxed, I have moved in a healthier direction.  Sometimes I took five steps forward and others, only one. However, after every detox, I naturally craved foods that offer nutritional value to my body. There are many processed foods that don't even cross my mind anymore and there are significantly fewer in my cabinets. I will still have a fast food meal in a pinch but it is far less often. I pay much closer attention to ingredients. The meals provided on the detox program proved that delicious can also be healthy. It inspired me to be more creative in preparing my own meals. 

With that said, detoxing is not just about food. There are hundreds of toxins we expose ourselves to everyday that should also be acknowledged. Our body can handle anything in moderation, including toxins. However, when we are not eating well or taking good care of ourselves, our body cannot naturally filter the toxins.

When I began to see the big picture, I re-prioritized. I started to work on how I respond and cope with stress. I chose more natural cold and flu remedies and other alternatives to common over-the-counter medicine.

All of these changes collectively reduce my toxicity and help to improve my energy and mood. This in turn gives me the ability to better handle what life may send my way. 

How has it changed your health? 

AD:  After a detox, I have more energy, my skin looks more vibrant and healthy, I don’t retain as much water, ridding my body of bloating and puffiness. Best of all, I am much more clear minded, which makes me more centered and efficient.  I feel better on the inside and look better on the outside.

What are some of the unexpected benefits of doing a detox? 

AD: Compassion; my favorite and most surprising lesson from detoxing is to not be so hard on myself. I have a better grasp on the nuances of what I call "good, better, best" choices. When I feel like I am about to make a poor choice, I offset it with a healthier choice that still satisfies my craving. Instead of snacking on a bag of Cheetos, I will choose some kettle-cooked chips. On a good day, I'll do one better and grab some almonds instead. On a great day, I'll snack on veggies and hummus. Whether potato chips, almonds or veggies, I always feel better about the decision I made.  As time goes on, the "best" choice becomes the automatic choice.

What advice do you have for first-time detoxers?

AD: I think it’s important to use all the support available through BHC but the biggest support is that you’ll have access to ready-made meals and recipes for delicious, healthy food. Detoxing is a great time to slow down a bit, savor the food, and enjoy caring for your body and mind.

Are you processing?

I found a wonderful article in Massage and Bodywork Magazine, May/June 2011 by Jim Gilkeson called A Pilgrim in Your Body. The article discusses why many practitioners feel drawn to energy therapies and explores the process. 


I often talk about organized dysfunction and the symptoms of re-organizing as it applies to the physical body. The below excerpt from A Pilgrim in Your Body talks about the spiritual process, however is a great explanation that also applies to the physical process. 


Are you processing?

"Signs of the Spiritual Process

Marilyn Ferguson, founder of the Brain/Mind Bulletin, articulated a principle from quantum theory that gets to the heart of emerging spiritual process. She says, "Things fall apart, so they can fall together at a higher level of order." What this says about the constant organization, break down, and reorganization of the stuff of the universe also applies to our work with energy and consciousness and the way our inner and outer lives change and grow. Here are some hallmarks of that process:


Disruption.
In big and small ways, something interrupts the continuity of a person's life. In some people, it can be the breaking in of external events, such as a sudden loss, or input from other dimensions of consciousness, perhaps in the form of a profound insight, dream, or inner awakening. In other people, it's not a case of something breaking in, but rather it is the person who breaks out of the status quo.


Reshuffling. 
This is a fluid phase, marked in many people by uncertainty, disorientation, and vulnerability. A person might feel lost and directionless without their old orientation, but these are also times of new opportunities to shape the world they live in. 


Reorganization.
Sooner or later, new patterns crystallize out of the chaos. Remember Ferguson's statement that things fall apart, so they can fall together at a higher level of order. That new, higher level of order will, in its turn, fall apart and give rise to what comes next. That's the way things progress in nature and in us. Our spiritual process is no different."

Schedule for Green Metropolis Fair - 4/16

Irish American Heritage Center

Saturday, April 16th, 10am-4pm
Irish American Heritage Center
4626 N. Knox, Chicago IL

 

 

10:00am

Fair Opens!

Access Table Sponsors & Marketplace Vendors all day: Shop, Educate, Enrich!

10:30am

Presentation by Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Location: 3rd floor, Theater Commissioners Frank Avila, Patricia Horton, and Mariyana Spyropoulos will speak on water conservation, the proper disposal of pharmaceutical drugs, and toxic personal care products and cosmetics

11:15am

I-GO Car-Sharing Demo Location: Outside South Entrance Learn how car-sharing works and see their plug-in Prius. Good for your budget! Good for the environment!

11:30am

Dirt! The Movie Location: 1st Floor, Auditorium

12:00pm

Urban Chicken Panel Location: Outside South Entrance Jennifer Murtoff, Home to Roost Urban Chicken Consulting

12:00pm

Performance by I Ching Quartet Location: 1st Floor, Fifth Province

12:50pm

Composting Panel Location: 1st Floor, Auditorium Cathy Scratch, Feed Earth Now Amber Gribben, Urban Worm Girl

1:00pm

"How to Be a Superhero for Planet Earth" Location: 1st Floor, Fifth Province Alix Gnoske, Author & Illustrator of Loui Saves the Earth

1:30pm

Green Homes 101 by U.S. Green Building Council Illinois Chapter Location: 3rd Floor, Theater Green Homes 101 provides a basic understanding of what constitutes a green home, and helps current and potential homeowners begin to identify green elements and practices

2:00pm

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Panel Location: 2nd Floor, Library Cleetus Friedman, City Provisions Meat CSA Alissa Wolbers, Irv & Shelly’s Fresh Picks Robin Schirmer, Tomato Mountain Farm

2:00pm

Vanishing of the Bees Movie Location: 1st Floor, Auditorium

3:00pm

Urban Gardening Panel Location: 2nd Floor, Library Ramon Gonzales, a.k.a. "Mr. Brown Thumb" Cynthia Raskin, Recycle the Raindrops Emily Lake, Urban Habitat Chicago

3:30pm

Beekeeping Panel Location: 1st Floor, Auditorium Cleetus Friedman, City Provisions Helen Cameron, Uncommon Ground John Hansen, Sweet Beginnings Richard McGinnis, Mindful Metropolis

4:00pm

Fair Ends

 

 

Bodywork Can Ease Adolescent Angst

While teens may be less likely than their parents to go to a massage therapist, there are plenty of reasons why this age group should be encouraged to give it a try. The benefits of massage are well documented, among them relief of muscle tension, lowered stress hormones, increased sense of relaxation, improved immune function, and even a heightened ability to concentrate, according to studies conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine. But for teenagers, there's an additional payback. The teenage body is in the midst of transformation -- exponential growth and development in a rapid period of time. On the physical side, teens and pre-teens may be at increased risk for aches, pains, and injury. Many teens strain their bodies with competitive sports, get erratic sleep, and consume a less-than-optimal diet. Massage can help muscles recover from overuse, and help balance the body and maintain that stability.

Perhaps even more crucial, teen massage can help improve body image and sleep patterns, and contribute to decreased depression, anxiety, and stress. This keeps a teen connected to her body, even as it morphs in confounding ways. Many teens are self-conscious, and not happy with their bodies. Massage can help teens stay grounded and learn healthy ways to cope with stress. Also, Bodywork and Nutritional Consultations have been reported to help mediate eating disorders, a growing concern among teens.

Another potential plus: A beneficial, therapeutic relationship can develop between bodyworkers and teenagers during the years when adolescents need
adult confidantes, but keep parents at a distance. The practitioner can become a supportive, trusted adult in a teen's life. And the session itself, can be a way to deal with all the physical and emotional turmoil of this tender age.

Many teens feel comfortable receiving a full hour treatment but may want to start with a half hour at the first session. Balance offers a good student discount: $1 off for every "A" and/or "B".

Another great way to introduce your teen to bodywork is with a Birthday or Night Out Spa Party. A Balance Party is a unique night out for the teens themselves or a great bonding experience for you, your teen, thier friends and parents. We offer entertaining workshops that apply to teen-living such as Skin Care 101, Understanding Your "Self" and Others, Making Decisions You Can Live With, and more. If they're not careful, they might learn something!

A Love Story - Pass It On!

Yesterday I received the most amazing "Thank You" from a client, let's call her Sue.

For 10+ years, Sue was professionally and financially successful at the same company. However, she was emotionally drained from an extremely childish and negative work environment.  For a long time, I heard her horrible stories of the disrespectful actions of co-workers and supervisors. A few months ago, she started with a membership program to regularly "reboot" and cope with what seemed like an unavoidable aspect of her life.

When Sue came in for January's treatment, I was working with one of the Balance practitioners on office "stuff". Sue told me that she was in awe of the positive relationship and interaction between myself and the practitioner as we troubleshooted whatever it was we were working on. I honestly don't remember any of this.  :-)

In my previous life at a 9-5 job, I was lucky enough to have 2 positive and supportive mentors. From day one, my first mentor patiently trained and coached me through the day to day tasks.  Her patience and coaching continued for years even after she moved up into other positions in the company. My second mentor came later as my direct supervisor.  She regularly challenged me and provided me with tools I still use today to maintain positive work relationships. Anyone can be hired as a manager but few managers have great managerial skills. To these mentors, I am grateful.

Back to Sue....After the January treatment, she was optimistic that she could also a good work environment and that it was time for a change.  Last night, Sue was telling me about her new job with supportive co-workers, a tranquil environment and even more clients than before.

Quitting your job might not be an option but as I learned last night, your actions influence others around you - sometimes more than you think or intend!  Treat others - especially co-workers - with patience, love and respect. Hopefully it will be passed on.


Stay warm!
Aimee

Congratulations Detoxers!

A message for the 13 detox participants:


Congrats to all!  You've survived the 10 Day Detox.  It wasn't so bad, now was it?

You should all be very proud of your accomplishment and all your efforts to do something wonderful for your health!  I hope you have enjoyed the process and the challenges.  Your health and nutritional needs are much more complicated than a high protein, low carb diet, low fat or whatever health fad is going to be marketed next.  Our modern lifestyle, stress management, and dietary options have made healthy living quiet complicated. You have taken a huge step towards simplifying your health!


Never feel bad or beat yourself up over a dietary or lifestyle choice. As we have seen, everything in moderation and now you have a better idea of what "moderation" means for your unique health needs. If you go to the extreme and fall "off the wagon", now you know some great ways to get back on track.  Most importantly, if you should ever need assistance to get there, call me.  It is what I am here for, have been there myself (and will probably be there again), and I love doing it!

Many of you have posted wonderful feedback about the process.  Any final thoughts or questions?


Take care and maybe I'll see you in May or September for the next detoxes!

Well done everyone!

Aimee

Meet the Practitioner: Laura Fields, Esthetician

How did you become interested in Esthetics?

Perfect skin is not in my genetics. Several of my family members and I suffer from skin conditions, including acne. It has always been a burden to maintain healthy skin.  Several years ago, I started doing more intensive research on the subject trying to improve my own skin.   I was bombarded by information!  As a consumer, there are so many different opinions and “magical potions” out there that it was impossible to really understand it all.  I devoured books on the subject of skincare, in quest of “perfect skin”.  I decided then and there that my passion was skincare.  I wanted to help others to achieve beautiful skin, so I decided to attend an Esthetics school.  I chose an excellent school and I loved it!  My education has helped me immensely with my own skin, and now I am passionately helping others!

What types of services do you perform?

I provide a customized facial designed to meet your specific needs.  My facials are very relaxing and include a facial massage that will improve your skin and psyche.  Along with facials, I perform body waxing, head to toe.  I also offer an exfoliating body treatment that will renew and rejuvenate the skin on your body. 

Why do I need a facial and how frequently should I get one?

Our skin is exposed to many different elements every day, and it is constantly being broken down.  Sun exposure, poor diet, pollution, smoking, and many more factors are working daily to break down the skin.  That’s where a facial comes in; a facial will cleanse and bring back that “healthy glow”.  Even if you consider your skin pretty “normal”, you can benefit from a facial.  Take notice of people’s skin around you. What does it tell you about them...their age, their diet, their stress level, and more? From competing in the corporate world to ­­­­feeling good about yourself every day, a healthy appearance is not about vanity and should not be underestimated. It is ideal to receive a facial once a month.  If it’s not an option for you, I can help you find the right at home and professional facial routine to maintain a healthy and youthful appearance. 

  

 Besides facials what else can I do to improve my skin?

A great at-home skincare routine is a must for healthy skin.  If our skin is constantly abused with harsh products and products not designed for our skin, it will definitely show.  Knowing the ingredients that will truly work to get results is the key. The three basic steps for a skincare routine are:  cleanse, tone, and moisturize. Specific serums, problem solvers, and night time treatments will also help in a routine.  Sounds a little confusing?  That’s where I come in.  I am familiar with high end products along with products that you can get at a local drugstore. I can recommend products that will be the best for your skin type and skin conditions. 

What is the worst thing that I can do for my skin?

Pick at it!  Picking at pimples, not only causes damage to the tissue creating a bigger problem, it also spreads the infection!  So that one pimple you had can turn into many pimples.  Also, “popping” pimples can also push the infection deeper in and break the dermal walls making even more problems.  Keep your hands off!  Also, wear SPF!  Sun damage is the number one cause of aging.