As I move through the winter months, each day was spent listening to the stillness of nature all around me. In this period of stillness I was able to do some inner reflections, which allowed me to connect with my true self mentally, physically and spiritually.

When I saw the first flower of the spring season in all its beauty, I saw the beauty in me. When I thought about the seed that this flower evolved from, I realized I am evolving too. When I saw the bright colors and green leaves reflecting life in all its fullness, I knew that it was now time for me to blossom. The gift of life that the season of spring gives to each of us is a reminder of the power that's in each of us to become the beautiful men and women we were created to be.

It's the season of spring and I choose to celebrate it by giving thanks for the opportunity to be of service, as a healthcare professional, in helping you achieve the optimal health and wellness you desire. . .

This requirement came about with the passage in 1999 of legislation intended to license massage therapist under healthcare, allowing them to practice in medical settings and making their services in some instances eligible for insurance reimbursement. The problem with this law is the definition of massage therapy, "the use of manual techniques on soft tissue of the human body, including….stroking….kneading….tapping, stretching, compression, vibration, and friction" is so broad that it covers virtually every way of touching the human body other than a totally passive hold.

This broad definition, coupled with mandatory certification, was purportedly designed to ensure that the public would be protected from poorly trained massage practitioners and from the "so-called" massage parlors. But what this law has in fact accomplished is to grant massage therapist a monopoly on the use of touch.

The ramifications of this law have came as a surprise to many Reflexologists and their clients who have never considered reflexology the same as massage. At a time when, more than ever, people are recognizing and seeking out the benefits of alternative/complementary healthcare approaches, the state has arbitrarily denied its citizens reflexology services from people skilled and committed to this healing art.

Reflexology practitioners have not sat quietly by. Many have protested to the Board of Chiropractors (which is charged with implementing the law) and state Delegates and Senators. The state legislators have been sympathetic. A number of Prince George's and Montgomery county legislators stated they were unaware of Reflexology and how it would be impacted. They expressed an interest in trying to help.

On October 24th the Maryland Coalition for the Healing Arts was formed. The group's goal was to work with the state General Assembly to find a legislative solution, which will allow somatic body workers, those who work with human energy system, to resume practice. They also hope to raise awareness of the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure access to other alternative/complementary healthcare practices in the future.

In the House, Delegate Barbara Frush of PG/Mont. County and Bob Baldwin of Anne Arundel, who serves on the House Committee with jurisdiction, also wanted to help, but felt that a simple exemption bill would not pass their committee and so could not become law. They drafted and introduced House Bill 1002, which would establish a separate registration system for energy practitioners, with requirements that can be met by traditional training and practice criteria of energy modalities, to be overseen by committee of energy practitioners. On February 27, 2001 a hearing was held on House Bill 1002. No action was taken

On April 3, 2001, an amended House Bill 289, introduced by House Delegate, James Hubbard of Prince George's County, was passed with a 136-0 vote in the House and 47-0 vote in the Senate, exempting Reflexology from the massage law. Reflexologists can now practice reflexology legally in the state of Maryland.

When we do not get the necessary vitamins and minerals that our bodies need we endanger our whole system.

Vitamins are the natural foods that we eat. However oftentimes because of food processing, preparation, ect, the food is depleted of its nutrients. The result, our bodies do not get what they need, causing deficiencies. When we do not get what our bodies need from food, it becomes necessary to take a supplement to correct the imbalance that occurs because of the deficiency. A deficiency in even one vitamin can upset the body.

It is important to know that vitamins and minerals work hand in hand. Vitamins cannot be absorbed without the help of minerals; and vitamins cannot metabolize without ingesting food.

You should never take a vitamin that your body does not need, because too much of a vitamin can also cause an imbalance. If you are unsure about what supplements to take it is best to consult a Naturopathic or holistic healthcare practitioner, because some vitamins can be toxic if doses become too high.

Click here to learn about some important vitamins and minerals our body needs to function at its optimum.