About Rachel - a personal statement

About 5 years ago, I smoked a pack of cigarettes per day, and that’s conservative. Many days were filled with burgers and fries, a greasy attempt to console my stomach and thicken the blood from the previous night’s alcohol. Two or three martini’s easily take the edge off the end of a long day, and who says there’s anything wrong with a little cocktail among friends? I didn’t recognize my own low self-esteem because I was too busy hiding behind a successful real estate job making a six-figure income, and constantly smiling to hide the stress. Meanwhile, the scales were embarrassingly topping out at 235 lbs!

This is the point in the story where I need an enthusiastic, yet simple statement about how my life is perfect now. But instead, I’ll just tell you the truth. I’ve been on a journey discovering healthy practices and lifestyle habits since fall of 2004.

My journey started with a 200 hr. Yoga teacher training, I learned how to observe my self, and others, I learned about food and how it affects the body. I started experimenting with every type of “diet” in the world: gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, soy-free, Raw, Macrobiotic, the Master cleanser, Juice fasts, liquid protein drinks…you name it, I’ve tried it. I finally found myself at Duke Integrative Center for Medicine where I took a workshop on Integrative Weight loss and Mindful eating.

I started to learn about self-care. I began to skip a few cocktails, and splurge on a massage; I began balancing my hormones with regular acupuncture sessions. I received a Reiki certification and began to experiment with healing therapies. I began to explore life, psychology, and the healing arts. My friends would jokingly call and say “get out of the self-help section” or “stop working on yourself!” But, for me, it was all about learning.

I began to plug into my community in new ways. I enrolled in a Year-long Personal Spiritual Deepening Program thru Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. I learned that prayer, religion, or spiritual practices can come in all shapes and sizes. So, I began regular spiritual practices, even a few silent retreats (yes, even extroverted talkers take temporary vows of silence). I started giving back by doing some volunteer work here and there. Eventually, I left the real estate business (other than a few investments). And now, my life is still not perfect, but the last 6 years, I’ve been getting progressively healthier. My weight is down to 175 and falling consistently. I’m learning about moderation and balance. I practice yoga, meditate and exercise regularly, AND I enjoy it! I’m welcoming more and more healthy and fruitful relationships into my life, regularly.

Now, I hope to share this journey with you. I offer all that I have, the last several years of research, of learning, of sitting with teachers, of discovery. I come to you as a guide, for we are all our own teachers. My intention is to be open, to share, and to create a safe place for each person to explore, and observe, and to transform.

Welcome to Integrate Now

The intention is simple: Educate, Inspire, and spread enthusiasm for Integrative Medicine.



As I learn more about health and wellness, I am amazed at the high volumes of contridictory information constantly at our fingertips. As health and wellness become stronger buzz words, a reliable source is crucial. I believe that source of truth is an Integrative approach found within the advancement of Integrative Medicine.



Integrative Medicine, as defined by Duke University, is "Integrative Medicine is a new approach to medical care that brings patient and practitioner together in a dynamic partnership dedicated to optimizing the patient's health and healing. This approach focuses on the whole person, recognizing that the subtle interactions of mind, body, spirit and community have a direct impact on vitality and well-being."



It is a patient-centered approach to health and well being. With Integrative Medicine, we take advantage of the benefits of Western Medicine and all of the advancements we've made, while also empowering the patient to be proactive and use complements of Eastern medicine.



My life is constantly elvolving to a healthier and happier state, thanks to an Integrative approach. I would love to be your resource so that you, too, can find health and vitality.



Join me also on Integrate Now radio show: News for your Health, inspiration for your spirit.
www.blogtalkradio.com/IntegrateNow

Helpful Links:



http://www.bravewell.org/

http://www.dukeintegrativemedicine.org/

http://www.healthandhealingny.org/