HOLISTIC GIVING Meditate on the alternatives

PAST LIFE ASTROLOGICAL CHARTS
Here's a unique gift for that New Age person on your list who might not be thrilled with a new pair of slippers. Give them a personal astrological chart that was created just for them. All you need is their birth date, the time of their birth and the place of their birth. Bob Heath of Spiritual Counseling, 1457 W. Liberty St. in Hubbard, can create a 12- to 15-page astrological report based on the Edgar Cayce Readings, which reveals information about who they might have been in former lives, what they experienced, talents and possible career choices, their particular challenges and much more. The cost for one chart is $25. Give the gift of two charts to a couple for $40. Or maybe two people who are thinking of becoming a couple. Heath can do a compatibility chart for them for $40. Contact Heath at (330) 759-9303 or bobessene@yahoo.com.
FOCUS ON FEET
With holiday shopping and nonstop running, tired, sore feet can be agony. Give your loved one a gift of foot pampering and, while you're at it, get one for yourself, too.
Ion-cleanse foot bath: Relax and feel great. This process is believed to extract toxins from the body while you sit and soak. Energize tired feet and stressed-out bodies. Available through Sandy Yambar: (330) 783-1484 or (330) 518-4778. $40 per session (about 45-minutes).
Foot reflexology: Enjoy a relaxing session with a foot reflexologist. This gentle acupressure treatment soothes and stimulates tired feet.
Gift certificates available from:
Mary K. Griffiths at The Healing Touch, (330) 793-5563.
Kim Fitch Tharp, (724) 964-1167.
$30 for 1/2-hour session and $45 for 1 hour
Read all about it: A self-help book by Barbara and Kevin Kunz: $13-$17: "Complete Guide to Foot Reflexology," "Reflexology: Healing at Your Fingertips" and "My Reflexologist Says Feet Don't Lie." Available at book stores.
Other neat stuff for feet: Reflexology massage set with reflexology socks and motorized massager, $9.99; acupressure foot roller, $9.99; shower therapy for feet includes bristled mat with soap dispenser, pumice stone, $9.99; and moisturizing spa booties, $24. From Avon; e-mail laughingcrow@neo.rr.com
Treat Your Feet Set: Foot soak and lotion, foot-shaped soap with pumice, and soy candle, $9.50. From Jill's Touch in Austintown (330) 792-1557.
HERBAL TEAS (PHOTO ABOVE)
This may seem like old hat, but seriously, if you haven't checked out the latest in herbal teas you are in for a surprise. The newer Giant Eagle stores with organic foods have some great new teas, perfect for that holistic-minded person on your list.
A brand called Traditional Medicinals contains some intriguing selections, such as Throat Coat, Eater's Digest and St. John's Good Mood.
At many grocery stores, health food stores and eateries like Flaming Ice Cube, "Yogi Teas" are available. They include Gingko IQ, Kava Stress Relief and Winter Relief. "Celestial Seasoning," an old time favorite for many, has some new varieties, like Mood Mender, Ginseng Energy and Tension Tamer.
Even Avon has come out with a line of herbal teas called Infusions. Herbal teas may be purchased at most grocery stores and health food stores or online: www.yogitea.com, www.botanical.com, www.allteas.com.
BIOFEEDBACK GAME
Who knew you could manipulate stuff on a computer screen with just your mind? That's the premise behind The Journey to Wild Divine (right), where you play a game while training yourself to do biofeedback. The game and other materials about biofeedback are available at Flaming Ice Cube.
WHEN IT'S MORE THAN JUST YOUR FEET
When the holiday rush has you totally stressed, give yourself and those you love the luxury of a full body massage. Helps relieve tension, anxiety, improves circulation, and helps promote total body balance and wellness. Energizes and invigorates.
Gift certificates begin at $45.
Marie Lew, (330) 726-2888, mlew@neo.rr.com .
Mary K. Griffiths, (330) 793-5563, mklmt@mymailstation.com.
Bailey, (330) 533-1870, Baileywoman@yahoo.com.
Jill Lewis, (330) 792-1557, jillstouch@hotmail.com.
Kim Fitch Tharp, (724) 964-1167, Pulaski, Pa.
SPIRITUAL HOUSE CLEANING
Know someone who just moved? Maybe a young couple who just bought their first house? Or maybe you have a friend who has been through a divorce or other personal crisis. Emotional energies can stay in the walls of a building long after the former occupant has left. Give the gift of a fresh, new start, an energetically cleansed living/work space. Laughing Crow combines Reiki with intuitive gifts to help release low-vibrational energies from buildings that may be preventing the flow of prosperity, success and joy.
Gift certificates available from laughingcrow@neo.rr.com or (330) 654-2499.
Cost: $75 for 1-hour session.
FREEDOM FROM ALLERGIES
John Chianese is a practitioner of NAET, Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Techniques, a natural, holistic method to discover possible energy blockages caused by substances resulting in allergic reactions. He offers gift certificates for allergy screening for $50. The screening plus first treatment is $75. He can be reached at (330) 743-0304, The Massage Therapy Center of Northeast Ohio, 630 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown.
DRUMMING
Dan and Pam Susany, local drumming circle leaders have created gift ideas for that drumming enthusiast on your list. drumdanpam@yahoo.com.
$20 Certificate for either: Admission to Life in Balance Solstice Event on Dec. 21 in Canfield or two lessons and two drumming circles in Canfield.
$200 for a hand-crafted Djembe (drum) made in Africa.
$200 for a two-hour drumming circle, including drums for 30 people at your house or event.
ODDS AND ENDS
Gift certificates:
Consultation with naturopathic physician Ted Suzelis to develop plan to meet your health goals for the new year. $150 for 90-120 minute consultation. (330) 533-1870 or (330) 872-1577.
One session of T'ai Chi Step One (30 classes) Marie Lew (330) 726-2888.
One 90-minute hypnotherapy session. Know someone who is trying to stop smoking, lose weight or break stubborn habits? $60. Linda Speerbrecher (330) 533-1870 or Handsworthy@aol.com.
Aromatherapy candles, incense, and oils are all popular, along with meditation aids. These products can be found in health food stores, The Flaming Ice Cube in Boardman (above) and online.
Healthy Treasures in Newton Falls. Check out their natural bath and body products, including Aura Cacia Lavender Essential Oil for $9.60, Foam Bath for $3.09 and Mineral Bath for $2.79.
Homemade gifts by "Floral Dots": includes soy candles for $7.50-$8.50, peppermint or tea tree lip balm for $2 and much more. Jill's Touch. (330) 792-1557. floraldots@cboss.com.
Avon Products Wellness has incense and candles in three colors and fragrances, including passion, peace and renewal and two different healing crystal ornaments. $4.99-$9.99. For more info: laughingcrow@neo.rr.com.