Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Meet Elizabeth Edleman, Administrative Assistant, the Newest Member of Our ACHS Team

Meet Elizabeth Edleman, the newest member of our team at the American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS). Elizabeth has been hired as Administrative Assistant. Welcome to the College, Elizabeth!

“I’m honored for the opportunity to work in a school like the American College of Healthcare Sciences," Elizabeth says. "Having been a distance-learning student myself, I look forward to assisting others in the same position. Since I started working at ACHS, I have been learning something new every day, and am eager to take on the new and exciting challenges this position will bring!”

Elizabeth graduated from Emporia State University in 2011 with a Master of Library Science. In 2007 she earned a B.A. Psychology from Western Washington University and has several years’ experience in reception and administration. Elizabeth volunteered with the Seattle Public Library in two different capacities, both greeting library visitors as a Welcome Desk Volunteer and repairing damaged library materials as a Mending Volunteer. She has also served as a digital reference volunteer with Oregon Library Network’s L-net, answering patrons’ questions in an online environment.

She will work directly with ACHS administration to uphold ACHS's commitment to providing leadership in holistic health education through comprehensive professional online and on-campus education and high-quality natural products with a commitment to sustainable practices and principles. Elizabeth can be reached at (503) 244-0726 ext 33 or elizabethedleman@achs.edu.

About ACHS
American College of Healthcare Sciences was one of the first accredited colleges offering degrees, diplomas, and career-training certificates in complementary alternative medicine fully online. Founded in 1978, ACHS is committed to exceptional online education and is recognized as an industry leader in holistic health education worldwide. For more information about ACHS programs and community wellness events, visit www.achs.edu, call (503) 244-0726, or stop by the College campus located at 5940 SW Hood Ave., Portland OR 97239.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

ACHS CIO Erika Yigzaw Awarded 2012 DETC Distinguished Recognition Award

Congratulations Erika Yigzaw, American College CIO, on being awarded the 2012 Distinguished Recognition Award at the 86th Annual Conference of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). We're very proud of your achievement and continual, dedicated contributions to the advancement of distance education.

The 2012 Distinguished Recognition Award recognizes outstanding work on special projects that have contributed to the advancement of distance education and DETC and has been awarded to 23 individuals since 1988.

“It's a great pleasure to award this Distinguished Recognition Award to Erika—her outstanding support for distance education and her tireless work on DETC special projects has more than earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues,” says Marie Sirney, Chair of the DETC Awards and Recognition Committee and Executive Vice President of American Graduate University.

>> Click here to read the full-length press release, including a message from Erika about what this honor means to her.






Monday, May 14, 2012

Extend the Benefits of Massage: Part 2

By Mindy Green for American College of Healthcare Sciences

 
Extend the benefits of your massage by facilitating detoxification with herbs and essential oils.

Bath

Herb teas and essential oils can be used in the bath for their healing and detoxifying properties. Start with five to eight drops in a full tub and do not exceed 15 drops of even the safest oils, such as lavender or geranium. If using peppermint, lemon or other citrus scented oil such as lemongrass, do not exceed three drops, as they can irritate skin.

Combining essential oils with vegetable oil before adding to the bath will reduce any irritation on sensitive skin. Epsom salts contain magnesium chloride, which helps to relax the muscles. Soak for 20 minutes. Using the same oils provided during your massage can trigger the same relaxation effect.

If you absolutely must be active after your massage, utilizing stimulating essential oils can help restore your vigor.

Post Massage Herbal Detox Tea
Combine one ounce of each-

  • dandelion
  • cleavers
  • parsley
  • linden
  • peppermint
  • ginger

 Use one teaspoon per cup of boiling water, cover and steep for 5-15 minutes. Strain and drink.

Post Massage Muscle Relaxing Bath
Combine three ounces each -

  • yarrow
  • burdock
  • calendula
  • cramp bark
  • black haw

For an herbal bath, use one cup of dried herbs per three quarts of water. Bring the water to a boil, remove from heat, add the herbs, cover and steep for at least 30 minutes. Strain the tea into the full tub of water.

Post Massage Essential Oil Bath Blends

Relaxation
4 drops lavender
2 drops chamomile
2 drops orange

Muscle Relief
5 drops marjoram
2 drops eucalyptus
1 drops lemongrass

Stimulating
5 drops rosemary
2 drops fir
1 drops peppermint

Add each 8-drop blend to one full tub of water. Stir, and soak for at least 20 minutes.

Herbal Suggestions for the Tub or Teacup

Lymphatic herbs
Cleavers: best lymphatic tonic, with alterative and diuretic properties; assists the detox process of swollen glands.
Calendula: anti-inflammatory herb helpful for a variety of skin complaints, including bruises and sprains; also supports detoxifying the lymph system.

Nervine herbs (calming effect)
Wild oat: The best nourishing nervine, it is specific for debility and exhaustion.
Chamomile: best known for calming insomnia, anxiety and as an anti-inflammatory.
Vervain- strengthens nervous system while relaxing stress and tension, antispasmodic.
Linden: soothing herb that has the unique ability to reduce cholesterol deposits and prevent build-up.

Passionflower: Sedative and pain relieving; the best choice for insomnia and neuralgia; antispasmodic

Detoxifying herbs
Burdock: Mild bitter stimulation encourages the liver and eliminative processes including digestive and kidney function.
Dandelion: effective diuretic with excess potassium providing an overall gain of this important nutrient.
Parsley: This overlooked culinary garnish is an effective diuretic and digestive aid; rich source of vitamin C.
Yarrow: Urinary antiseptic and diuretic that stimulates digestion and tones the vascular system.
Celery seed: Anti-rheumatic, diuretic and digestive herb reduces uric acid levels in the body and is helpful for arthritic conditions.

Muscle relieving herbs
Crampbark: Relaxes muscle tension and spasms; sedative and astringent.
Black haw: Antispasmodic and sedative useful in reducing blood pressure through relaxation of the peripheral blood vessels.
Ginger: Anti-inflammatory, warming and stimulating for peripheral circulation, sprains and fibrous muscle conditions; promotes elimination through perspiration.
Cayenne: Hot spice that blocks pain receptors; used to relieve everything from overworked muscles to arthritic complaints.


About the Author:

Mindy Green is a nationally recognized authority on botanicals and co-author of Aromatherapy, A Complete Guide to the Healing Art, 2009. Friend her on Facebook or see more at www.greenscentsations.com


>>To learn more about the benefits of using herbs and holistic nutrition as part of your health and wellness routine, click here for a schedule of accredited online holistic health classes and wellness programs from ACHS.

*Note: This information has not been reviewed by the FDA. This information has been provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. Before making any significant changes to your health routine, always consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor.

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