I’m a Holistic Health Practitioner—Board Certified with the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. As a healer, writer, and motivational speaker, I address topics on Energy Medicine, Inner Alchemy (personal transformation), Spiritual Awareness, and Everyday Life.
Being respectful of the Earth and its natural resources, my goal is to leave the slightest footprint possible on the planet, while at the same time, making a lasting impression on its inhabitants—one that is positive, uplifting, constructive, and healing. I respect all spiritual paths and traditions. I’m both a teacher and a student of purposeful living. A few of my favorite pastimes include cultivating sacred awareness, Satsang, writing, hiking, long bicycle rides, photography, travel, reading, and the peaceful ritual of tea.
I regularly contribute articles on health and wellness, personal transformation, and spiritual awareness to publications such as Sibyl Magazine and Evolving Your Spirit.
Interviews
Sam Juliano of Wonders in the Dark, “Laurie Buchanan: A tireless crusader for premium health and mental well-being” (Blog article May 9, 2011)
Northwest Herald, “Practitioner focuses on healing entire person” (Newspaper article April 19, 2007)
Copyright © 2010-2012 Laurie Buchanan—All rights reserved.
Comments on: "About Laurie Buchanan" (59)
Hi, Laurie! I opened up an account on your advice. Your sight gives me so much inspiration! Barbara
Barbara – You have no idea how thrilled I am to hear you say this! Especially since I know you are in the process of putting an action plan into place that includes carving out sacred time for writing. Once you’ve got your new blog in place, please let me know so that I can be one of the first to subscribe.
Also, if you hit any bumps in the road, please ask. I reached out to Terrill regarding a question about “tags” and she was extremely helpful. If I can do the same for you, I’d be happy to.
Isn’t it remarkable that Terrill was in the right place at the exact right time to view this natural heart, without the perfect lighting it might not have been so visible.
Sandi
Sandi - I was floored by what Terrill captured and then receiving it as a gift. You can view more of her photography HERE. I’m glad you stopped by Sandi – thank you.
I just stumbled across your blog and it is so beautiful,heartfelt and inspiring! I had to write that quote “whatever you are not changing you are choosing” on a paper and I’ve stuck it at my writing desk where I will see it each day. Thanks for speaking from your heart!
Danielle
Danielle – I’m so glad you happened upon “Speaking from the Heart.” I look forward to continued interaction with you. We leave in the morning for Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas where my husband and I will celebrate 30 years of marriage. Every other day I will post an island thought and photo. Please check back.
Just want to say thanks for pointing to my own blog….It gives me an outlet and also encourages me to journal a bit…..
K
Hello Laurie,
I will be following you here once Gaia shuts down.
Best to you,
Jean
Jean – I’ll be glad of your support — thank you. If you decide to do a blog, please let me know so I can follow you there. I want you to know that I’ve got your wonderful website listed in the Blogroll on the home page of Speaking from the Heart.
the peaceful ritual of tea.
I like this.
John – I’m so glad you stopped by. Thank you. By the way, have you ever thought about blogging? There’s a world of people who would benefit from your life experince.
Laurie, you’ve inspired me to start my own blog! It’s taken me quite a bit of today to figure this thing out but how cool!
I’ve really enjoyed your pictures from your beautiful vacation.
Bethsheba – Laugh, learn and liven up your taste buds!
Beth – I’m tickled for you — and heading over there right now to check it out!
Lauri, I just got the message of Gia’s impending demise and I do so want to keep in touch with you. You are an inspiration. Whatever you can’t change you must accept.–Arthur Tugman
Arthur – I’m so glad that you stopped by. Please know that Siona of the original Gaia (the one’s that’s shutting down), has started a new one. It’s called Gaia Community (RE)connecting. You can go there and become a member and reconnect with all of your Gaia friends. Here is a LINK (but I hope you’ll continue to visit here often) …
Laurie, this site is one of my faves in addition to our new Gaia home. Thank you for offering such a space & so much wisdom.
(((BIG HUGS)))
Bobbi Jo
Bobbi Jo - I’m so glad for your visit, thank you! I post every other day. That means tomorrow morning is a new post. (Shhhhhh, if you promise not to tell anyone, tomorrow’s post is titled, “Mary, Mary Quite Contrary.”) I hope you’ll come back and visit.
I love the picture change. I saw it on Gaia too.
Very nice!
K
Kim – Thank you. It’s the self-portrait I took of my sister and I when we met in Chicago in February. Karen Wollscheid, our graphic designer, removed the pillow sticking out of my head, and buffed out the rest of the background. I’ll use this for 2010.
This picture looks very much like the one you posted on Gaia taken when you were in grade school! How can that be? Are you getting younger? I still see the mischief in your eyes and in your smile. I remember you telling us that you and your sister had just cut your hair before school picture day and your mother was just a tad bit, um, surprised.
Barbara – If I don’t have mischief in my eyes, I’m not breathing
Thats such a healthy smile!!
Dan – I’m glad you stopped by this morning, thank you.
Hi Laurie! I just completed my stone post about my playdate with Kathy from Upwoods. I hope you circle back to the Laundry Line to read it! Love, Suzi
Suzi – Thank you for inviting me back to Laundry Line Divine. I think I beat you to the punch earlier. It was a great visit and I left a comment. I’ll return again, soon. And I hope you will make yourself at home here, as well.
Dear Laurie
After 10 years of suffering from high blood pressure and excessive weight gain which no attempt on earth seemed to help I have just been diagnosed with Cushing’s Syndrome. This is actually no suprise to me although I have never heard of the condition before I have had an extremelly stresful time in my life for the last couple of years.
I strongly believe in the power of the mind and only now am I beginning to see the damage I have done to my body.
The doctors are recommending surgery which I would like to avoid.
Any suggestions on how to heal myself?
Regards,
Mary
Mary – I am at home right now (as opposed to my office at HolEssence where my resource books are). I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge receipt of your comment, and let you know that when I have a window of opportunity tomorrow (Wednesday), I will check “Prescription for Nutritional Healing” by Phyllis Balch and see what she has to say. If it’s too long to include here, I’ll type it into a Word document and send it to your regular email address. Please add me (Laurie@HolEssence.com) to your contacts list so I don’t get stuck in your spam folder.
Mary – As you know, Cushing’s Syndrome is a rare disorder caused by an over-active adrenal cortex. Persons with Cushing’s syndrome take on a characteristic appearance: they generally are heavy in the abdomen and buttocks, but have very thin limbs, and they have rounded “moon” faces. Muscular weakness and wasting of muscles are also characteristic of this syndrome. Round, red marks mimicking acne may appear on the face, and the eyelids may appear swollen. An increased growth of body hair is common, and women may grow mustaches and beards. People with Cushing’s generally are more susceptible to illness and have trouble healing properly. Thinning of the skin from Cushing’s Syndrome often leads to stretch marks and bruising.
The functioning ability of the adrenal glands is most often impaired as a result of the extensive use of cortisone therapy for non-endocrine diseases, such as arthritis and asthma. The long-term use of cortisone drugs causes the adrenal gland to shrink in size, and can result inn a “Cushinoid” appearance. Adrenocortical failure can also be caused by pituitary disease and tuberculosis. Poor nutritional habits, smoking, and alcohol and drug abuse can contribute to adrenal failure.
Supplements that help to diminish symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome include:
Vitamin B complex
Vitamin C with bioflavonoids
L-Tyrosine
Coenzyme Q10
(the above listed supplements are in ADDITION TO an excellent multi-vitamin/mineral)
Herbs that can help to diminish symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome include:
Astragalus (do not use this herb in the presence of a fever)
Echinacea can increase white blood cell production and protect tissues from bacterial invasion/
Milk thistle extract aids liver function, which in turn helps adrenal function.
Siberian ginseng is an herb that helps the adrenal glad prepare the body for stressful situations (do not use this herb if you have hypoglycemia, high blood pressure, or a heart disorder).
Action steps you can take to help diminish symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome include:
Limit your fat intake to 30 percent of your total food consumption. It’s also important to monitor your cholesterol, as the increased levels of cortisol can also cause cholesterol counts to rise. It’s recommended to focus on eating low-cholesterol foods (limiting your intake to less than 300 mg of cholesterol a day) while getting at least 25 to 30 g of fiber a day such as whole grains.
Cushing’s syndrome patients also are susceptible to high blood pressure . Take several steps to minimize your risk for dangerous blood pressure levels, one of the most effective is to change your diet to reduce sodium levels. Significantly lowering your salt intake is a good place to start.
Cushing’s syndrome frequently causes a sudden and dangerous weight gain, especially in the upper body and head. Frequent exercise can help keep your weight under control. In addition, it will also help strengthen your muscles and bones. Because people suffering from Cushing’s syndrome are frequently overweight or have other health problems, it’s important to focus on aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, cycling or swimming to control weight.
It’s important to take extra care of any wounds while receiving treatment for Cushing’s syndrome. An increased amount of cortisol will inhibit the healing of wounds, sometimes leading to infections and other issues. Make sure to clean all wounds, use an antibiotic soap and ointment and proper dressing to avoid having your wounds get infected.
Six Tips to Lowering Your Cortisol Production:
1 – ELIMINATING CAFFEINE FROM YOUR DIET is the quickest way to reduce cortisol production and elevate the production of DHEA, the leading anabolic youth hormone. 200 mg of caffeine (one 12 oz mug of coffee) increases blood cortisol levels by 30% in one hour! Cortisol can remain elevated for up to 18 hours in the blood. This is the easiest step to decrease your catabolic metabolism and increase your anabolic metabolism.
2 – SLEEP DEEPER AND LONGER. The average 50 year old has nighttime cortisol levels more than 30 times higher than the average 30 year old. Try taking melatonin, a natural hormone produced at night that helps regulate sleep/wake cycles, before going to sleep to boost your own melatonin production that also decreases with age. I take it on trips to recover from jet lag. You may not need it every night, but if you are waking up in the middle of the night or too early in the morning, melatonin can help you sleep deeper and lengthen your sleep cycle. If you get sleepy during the day even though you had plenty of rest, back off the melatonin for a while. It’s a sign you are getting too much.
3 – EXERCISE REGULARLY to build muscle mass and increase brain output of serotonin and dopamine, brain chemicals that reduce anxiety and depression. Check with your physician to see if s/he recommends DHEA to shorten the adaptation period when out-of-shape muscles and cardiovascular system discourage people from continuing to exercise before they get in shape. DHEA also accelerates the building of muscle mass and increases the feeling of being strong and energetic.
4 – KEEP YOUR BLOOD SUGAR STABLE. Avoid sugar in the diet and refined carbohydrates to keep from spiking your insulin production. Eat frequent small meals balanced in protein, complex carbohydrates and good fats like olive oil and flax seed oil. Diets rich in complex carbohydrates keep cortisol levels lower than low carbohydrate diets. Keep well hydrated – dehydration puts the body in stress and raises cortisol levels. Keep pure water by your bed and drink it when you first wake up and before you go to sleep.
5 – TAKE ANTI-STRESS SUPPLEMENTS like B vitamins, minerals like calcium, magnesium, chromium and zinc, and antioxidants like vitamin C, alpha lipoic acid, grape seed extract, and Co Q 10. Adaptogen herbs like ginseng, astragalus, eleuthero, schizandra, rhodiola and ashwagandha help the body cope with the side effects of stress and rebalance the metabolism. These supplement and herbs will not only lower cortisol levels but they will also help you decrease the effects of stress on the body by boosting the immune system.
6 – MEDITATE, LISTEN TO RELATION TAPES, OR GUIDED IMAGERY to promote the production of alpha (focused alertness) and theta (relaxed) brain waves. Avoid jolting alarm clocks that take you from delta waves (deep sleep) to beta waves (agitated and anxious) and stimulants like caffeine that promote beta waves while suppressing alpha and theta waves.
For a deeper exploration of the role of cortisol and the consequences of long-term elevation of stress hormones in the body, read The Cortisol Connection by Shawn Talbott and The Metabolic Plan by Stephen Cherniske.
Mary, I hope you find this information helpful. I got most of it from Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis Balch
Dear Laurie
I cannot thank you enough for all your time and effort. I would love to get hold of those books.
Thanks again. I really do appreciate it.
regards,
mary
You’re very welcome, Mary. Check with your local library, they may have those books there.
I love your new look on your blog!
Got any suggestions for Artherosclerosis?
Kim – I’m glad you like the new look (I felt like a little girl getting into my mother’s makeup and getting all painted up!). As for Artherosclerosis — I’m at home and my “Prescription for Nutritional Healing” (excellent resource book) is at HolEssence. I won’t be there tomorrow either. That’s precisely what I would refer to for information. I wonder if it’s available on your Kindle? Mine is a huge book that I refer to on a regular basis.
[...] pull a face and lighten us up. Actual this is a face of mine I keep on file. It is also the one that Laurie Buchanan requested I post a couple of weeks ago. I keep it for just such occasions. I keep it because taking [...]
Readers – You remember my “mouse face” a few weeks back? Well….you’ve simply got to go over to Terrill’s post — Surprise! — over at Creative Potager
It may not be original, but it made me giggle – the description line I’ve put in for your blog on the link from my site. (It’s in the Some Other Goodies section.)
Paul – “When Wabi met Sabi” — you crack me up!
Thank you for added me — I will get you listed in my blogroll by day’s end. It’s been a pleasure reading your posts. So much so that I subscribed the other day.
Hello could I quote some of the insight found in this blog if I provide a link back to your site?
Thank you for requesting permission. As long as you provide a link back to Speaking from the Heart and attribute quotes to Laurie Buchanan, you may use insight found on my blog and/or my website http://www.HolEssence.com.
[...] From The Heart- aka holessence – that’s her bloggie identity. She’s also known as Laurie Buchanan and she’s a holistic health practitioner - healer, writer, and motivational speaker – [...]
Paul – THANK YOU SO MUCH for featuring my short story over on your blog blackwatertown.
Readers – My birthday gift has been ordered. CHECK IT OUT! and a humorous short story I wrote was featured today at BLACKWATERTOWN.
Ahhhhhh, life is good
My pleasure. Thank YOU so much for letting me.
It was a great way to start.
Funny and adventurous.
[...] of descriptions our dear Laurie Buchanan received her birthday present copy from Len of PRECIOUS SECONDS – Mayne Island in paintings and [...]
Hello Laura -
I am wondering if I can use your photo of the Fox River Trail sign in a chapter of a book I am writing about the founding of the Fox Path Association?
Thanks.
Pat – Yes, you have my permission, thank you for asking. All I ask is that you credit the photograph to me – “Photograph used with permission by Laurie Buchanan.”
Thanks Laurie.
I’ve Tagged you in “Tag You’re It!’ Go to my most recent post for the rules, (well they’re more guidelines) and have fun!
I know I will enjoy your thoughts
I have enjoyed the wandering through them so far…
I will be back gain…
Sincere Energy flows through your pages
I like that
Take Care….
You Matter…..
)0(
maryrose
Maryrose – Thank you for the lovely sentiments.
I’ve nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award, visit my recent post for the guidelines
Yes, Laurie, I would say that you are very inspiring! congratulations. I love what you are writing about.
Amy – I’m glad you’re enjoying Speaking from the Heart. Thank you for letting me know.
Hi Laurie
Thanks for the follow. I must admit I haven’t posted much yet but look forward to reading your blogs.
Best wishes
Brian
Brian – I’m glad you’re here. This particular post was an accident. I normally only post on Tuesdays (sort of like “Tuesdays with Laurie”) but last night when I was getting this post ready I accidentally hit the “publish” button instead of the “save as draft” button. I hope to see you here on Tuesdays
Congrats!!! I would love to nominate you for the versatile blogger award at http://asifazunaidha.wordpress.com/2012/04/27/passing-the-cup-thank-u-for-the-versatile-blogger-award/
Asifa – THANK YOU so much for the lovely nomination, I appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Hello!! Tag – you’re it!!! Please check my post for “rules” (I really enjoy your blog!!)
I love your quote at the top of your site. It is so very true.
Oster’s Mom – Welcome to Speaking from the Heart. I’m glad you like my quote — it’s something that I realized a few years ago when I went away on a hermitage.