In the 1960's, Soviet scientists studied a class of herbs called "adaptogens" in an effort to develop a population of supermen and superwomen. Now ordinary people everywhere are becoming their own superheroes by building their immune systems and becoming more resistant to the many stresses of modern living. Using adaptogens, one can become more resistant to the effects of everything from pollution in the environment, to city noise, to toxic co-workers! This week Ben and Marco talk with David Winston, author of the only comprehensive book on this class of amazing herbs.

So what is an adaptogen? An adaptogen is an herb such as Ginseng or Holy Basil that is nontoxic, affects a broad range of systems in the body, and has a normalizing effect on the body. Got a weak immune system? Adaptogens can strengthen it. Got an overactive immune system? Adaptogens can calm it down. These herbs bring your body into a state of dynamic balance known as allostasis, like riding a surfboard, allowing you to achieve more vitality and resilience in everything you do.

Who should take adaptogens? Pretty much everyone, given the state of our environment, and our long and stressful workweeks. But be careful taking just any adaptogen! Some may be overstimulating or otherwise inappropriate for you. Each must be carefully selected to work with your body and health conditions. And ginseng colas? Fogettaboutit!

This is part 1 of a two-part series. In part 1, we discuss what exactly is an adaptogen and what it does. In part 2, our Modern Immortals discuss how to figure out which adaptogens are right for you, examining some specific adaptogens and their effects. Unleash your vitality with adaptogens!

Additional Resources:

- Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief by David Winston

In this episode Marco Lam and guest host Zach Azeez continue the conversation around emotional health with Luis Diaz, founder of CMR (Cellular Memory Release). Zach initiates a conversation about language and how it can either support or harm our mental and emotional health, citing how a language that emphasizes static concepts brings us out of touch with reality, which is a process of constant transformation and development. Marco challenges Luis to explain how his work fits into the cultural health beyond just the individual.

This is Part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 1 if you haven't already.

Additional Resources:

- CellularMemory.org

In this episode Marco Lam and guest host Zach Azeez speak with Luis Diaz, founder of CMR (Cellular Memory Release), a technique and system for accessing and releasing stuck emotions. Together they ask Luis questions about CMR to further understand what emotional health is and why it is important for overall health. In the exploration Luis speaks to the philosophy that informs his training and what the basic techniques are for accessing and releasing stuck emotions.

Additional Resources

- CellularMemory.org

This week Marco and Ben speak with Master Wu, a 30 year practitioner of Qi-gong. Together they explore questions like: Why practice Qi-gong? What is possible at the highest levels of Qi-gong cultivation? How do you find a good teacher?

This episode finishes with a guided meditation led by Master Wu (click here to download the guided meditation).

Continuing the conversation between Marco, Ben, Sue, and Seth, the Mandala team explores a variety of strategies we can use on the road to work with holiday stress. Sue offers us three simple bath salt recipes:

- dead sea salt with lavender flowers or essential oil
- dead sea salt with rose petals and rose oil
- dead sea salt chamomile oil and calendula flowers

From there they talk about what kinds of gifts they like to give during the holidays. Marco's family gives gifts of donations to nonprofits like Kiva or the Heifer Foundation. Not surprisingly, Seth is all about the organic fair trade dark chocolate. Sue likes to give punch cards at the local yoga studio. All gifts that can help our family and friends better deal with stress and make better use the winter's opportunity for giving, self-reflection and deep rest.

Don't forget that if you live in the Boulder/Denver area the Mandala Clinic is happy to help you with your complimentary health-care needs.