Heirloom and Organic Seed Sources in the South

Sourcing heirloom and organic garden seed is becoming easier for gardeners than ever before. A couple generations ago, gardeners needed to save seed from one crop to the next, but now gardeners can shop online for a wide variety of heirloom and organic seeds.

Heirloom seeds are non-hybrid, open pollinated varieties while organic seeds are those produced with chemical free, all natural growing methods. Read here for more detailed definitions. All organic seeds are untreated, meaning they are not fumigated with fungicides. Gardeners’ reasons for making heirloom and organic seeds a priority include: Personal health, health of the environment, saving seed from one crop to the next, supporting small businesses, unique plant varieties, and connecting with natural heritage.

In the past few decades, synthetic agricultural inputs have become conveniently available, but that doesn’t mean they are healthful for our bodies or the environment. Organic growing practices are like natural medicine: the focus is on prevention by building and maintaining health rather than intervention after damage is done. A balanced way is to focus on building robust health through natural day-to-day methods, while reserving synthetic chemicals for infrequent times when immediate intervention is critical.

Guidelines for Sourcing Heirloom and Organic Seeds

Internet searches revel that heirloom and organic seeds are available at an overwhelming range of price points, quantities, and locations. These guidelines help:

1. Buy local/regional. Sourcing from local/regional seed producers is the essential parameter that helps decide where to buy. Seed from local/regional producers is more likely to be appropriate for the prevailing climate zone. Supporting local producers circulates dollars closer to home and boosts the local economy. Supporting local also reduces the energy consumed in transport.
2. Allow time to plan ahead. It takes time to research, inventory your seed, read seed catalogs, comparison shop, and figure out what to buy, but it takes a whole lot less time than saving all your seed yourself.
3. Buy early. Many heirloom and organic seeds are in limited supply, making sell outs likely. Buying before planting season begins is ideal.
4. Buy from multiple sources. One-stop-shopping doesn’t work in the seed world. No seed supplier specializes in everything that you want to grow at the price you want to pay. Typically, the the seed suppliers with the best selection and the most information cost more than suppliers with a narrow selection and little information.
5. Buy quantity. The smallest packet is only a good value if you want to try something new or plan to save seed for future crops. The second smallest packet is a much better value.
6. Ask around. Local gardeners may have heirloom seed saved to share or trade and an interesting story to tell about it.

Heirloom and Organic Seed Comparison Shopping with Southern Suppliers

I set out to comparison shop for some fall/winter garden staples between three suppliers with the widest selection: Southern Exposure, Vegetable Seed Warehouse, and Sow True Seed. The seeds I compared were lettuce, kale, spinach, chard, carrots, and onions.

It is challenging to come up with conclusive answers as to the best overall value for several reasons. The seed packet sizes are not standardized. Most seed is measured by weight (occasionally by the number of seeds, like 25), but there is quite a bit of conversion work to do because some companies go with ounces as either fractions or decimals, while others use grams. One company might be the best value for the smallest packet, but then another company was a better value if going up a packet size. I’ll email you with my calculations if you think that will help your decision making process.

If Vegetable Seed Warehouse had the garlic and onion that I want, I would order through them because prices are lower overall. Instead, I’ll order through Southern Exposure because they have everything and I get a 5% discount with my member number.

Vegetable Seed Warehouse, Charleston SC, www.seedsforthesouth.com
http://www.vegetableseedwarehouse.com/paypal.html
Vegetable Seed Warehouse (VSW) specializes in heirloom seeds for southern gardens. Large selection of heirloom tomato seeds. VSW uses the same introductory packet size by weight for all their seed, no matter what the seed size. For example, their smallest size is always .06 oz/1.7g while the next size up is always .5 oz (14g). This standardization results in some seeds being a great value while others are overpriced. VSW has lower prices on many items than the other producers, but they also have a low tech website with very little information and no pictures. The seed packets are recloseable plastic bags without planting info. Free sample seed pack with order. Reasonable shipping charges $3.50.

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, Mineral, Virginia, http://www.southernexposure.com/
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange (SESE) has an extensive selection of heirloom and organic seeds, emphasizing vegetables, flowers, and herbs that grow well in the Mid-Atlantic region. Full line of onion sets, seed garlic, and seed potatoes. They produce their own seed and also contract out to organic farmers. Southern Exposure’s packet sizes tend to run larger than the other two companies compared, which explains in part their higher prices. They also provide a lot of information on their website and in their printed catalog. The website has lots of pictures, guides and how to’s. Paper seed packets with standard planting info (not customized for each type of seed). Seasonal email newsletter with planting guides. Shipping charges starting at $3.50 and up based on purchase price. Additional $2 charge for shipping a heavier item like garlic. SESE offers a 5% discount at online checkout with your member number. Get a member number by ordering a catalog. Someday I’ll attend the Heritage Harvest Festival at Monticello that SESE sponsors each September.

Sow True Seed, Asheville NC, http://sowtrueseed.com/
Sow True Seed (STS) produces their own certified organic seed and sources seed that does well in the southern Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont foothills. Wide selection of herb, vegetable, and flower seed. Some pictures. Has a number of helpful guides, how to pages, and an email newsletter. Of the three companies compared, STS has the highest prices with the smallest seed packets. Shipping charges starting at $3.95 and up based on purchase price. Additional $2 charge for heavy items like garlic.

New Hope Seed Company, Bon Aqua TN, http://www.newhopeseed.com/
New Hope sells open-pollinated & heirloom seed that they produce themselves. The seeds produced include: beans, corn, eggplant, melon, okra, pepper, tomato, squash, sweet potato starts, tobacco starts. Selection is narrow and quantities may be limited, but they score high on quality and close to home. Sweet potato and tobacco plants ship free. Seed shipping starts at $5.45 for up to $30.

Marianna’s Heirloom Seeds, Dickson TN, http://www.mariseeds.com/
Marianna’s specializes in a vast selection of heirloom tomato seeds grown herself. An excellent selection of pepper and eggplant seeds as well. Seeds are untreated and grown organically, though not certified. Seed packets contain between 25-40 seeds. Each packet costs about $2.95. Shipping is $4.95.

South Carolina Crop Improvement Assoc., Foundation Seed Program at Clemson University, http://virtual.clemson.edu/groups/seed/heirloom.htm
South Carolina Foundation Seed Association
Produces a limited selection of heirloom seeds, mostly beans and peas, and some corn and okra. Packet of 25 seeds costs about $2.00. Shipping charges $2.50 for the first packet and $.50 for each additional packet.

Reimer Seeds, Mt Holly NC, http://www.reimerseeds.com/
Reimer sells all non-GMO vegetable, flower and herb seeds. They note in their online catalog which seeds have been treated. Heirloom and organic seed is a portion of their business. They do not have seed categorized by heirloom or organic and no way to search for just those seeds (you have to visit each seed individually to learn its origin). If they make their seed database searchable by organic and heirloom and untreated, then I’ll be interested.

Park Seed Company, Greenwood SC, http://parkseed.com/default.aspx
Park Seed is a large, diversified producer selling all kinds of seeds and garden needs. They have a limited selection of organic seed, which comprises a small part of their business.

I’ll happily add to this list as I learn of other heirloom and organic seed suppliers in the south.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and your seeds.

To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves. --Mahatma Gandhi

Seed Vocabulary for Gardeners: Heirloom, Organic, Hybrid and GMO

Commercially available garden seed ranges from old fashioned heirlooms to patented GMOs. In years past, garden seed beyond what had been saved from last year’s garden was limited to hybrid selections at the hardware store. Now commercial seed selection is vast and varied thanks to the internet. Choosing seeds that meet your needs is a function of information intersecting with values.

From before any of us can remember, circa early 1900s, all garden seed was heirloom and organic. Saving seed and amending soil with compost and manure were standard survival practices. Commercial seed and synthetic chemical inputs were unavailable or cost-prohibitive. A few decades ago, hybrid seeds came to market along with affordable chemical inputs. In recent years, big money went into creating patented genetically engineered seed that now dominates commodity crop production. From the beginning of commercial seed production until now, conventional hybrid seed remains most widely available. However, resurgence of interest in organic and heirloom seeds is making them easier to find online and in stores, as well as preserving biodiversity.

Hybrid or Heirloom Seeds

The big difference in garden seeds is whether they are categorized as hybrid or heirloom. Hybridization is a form of cross breeding that occurs in nature. However, commercial hybrid seed is the result of deliberate cross breeding in controlled environments, like labs.

Commercial hybrid seeds have been developed to enhance one or more desirable traits, including high yield, large size, long shelf life, seed and thorn free, disease resistance, and uniform size and appearance. Plant breeders create hybrid seeds by artificially crossing two or more varieties of a certain plant. The resulting plant is a first generation F1 hybrid. The seed that results from an F1 plant is second generation F2. The problem with F2 seed is that it doesn’t come true. It is either sterile or reverts to the characteristics of the grandparent plants, rather than maintaining the desired parent characteristics. For example, seedless watermelons are a hybrid plant. Planting the few seeds found in a seedless watermelon will not result in the same fruit.

Because seed saving is not a viable option with hybrid plants, farmers and gardeners must purchase new seed for each crop. Or choose to plant non-hybrid, open pollinated varieties from which seeds can be saved.

Heirloom seeds are traditional varieties which have been grown and selected for their desirable traits by generations of seed saving farmers and gardeners. Heirloom seeds usually provide superior flavor over hybrids, which often have developed characteristics like shelf life at the expense of taste. Heirloom seeds are open pollinated, which means that the pollination occurred either by cross-pollination or self-pollination (without human aid or intervention). Heirloom seeds often result in plants that are true to type, meaning you can save the seed and expect the same plant to grow in a future crop. Not all heirloom seeds will produce the same parent plant though, for example, apple seeds produce plants that bear little resemblance to their parents.

Certified Organic and Certified Naturally Grown Seeds

After deciding between hybrid and heirloom, the next question is whether to buy organic or conventional. Both heirloom and hybrid seeds can be organically or conventionally grown.

Organic seed is sourced from plants that were grown according to organic standards. While conventional farming relies on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, organic farming avoids the use of synthetic chemicals which may be toxic and persistent. Organic foods are minimally processed without artificial ingredients, preservatives, or irradiation. Organic producers are required to use organic seeds when commercially available.

Certified Organic farmers uphold USDA standards for organic farming practices and document the process through recordkeeping, inspections, periodic testing, and third party verification. Federal legislation restricts the use of the term "organic" to Certified Organic producers (excepting growers selling under $5,000 a year, who must still comply and submit to a records audit if requested, but do not have to formally apply).

Some farmers grow organically but do not participate in the Certified Organic   program. If annual sales top $5,000, these farmers are not allowed to label their produce as organic. The Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) program offers these farmers an alternative to the Certified Organic program. Certified Naturally Grown farmers grow organically and follow the USDA standards of the National Organic Program, but overall fees as well as the record keeping and inspection process is scaled down.

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) Seeds

Genetically modified seeds are the result of genetic engineering in labs. These patented seeds are created from genes of different plant species that could not cross breed naturally, like wheat genes injected into soybeans. Animal cells can also be introduced to plant cells. GMO seeds are not allowed for use in organic production.

Treated and Untreated Seeds

Conventional seed producers commonly grow with treated seed and treat the seed they produce for sale with synthetic fungicides and/or insecticides. Untreated seeds have not been exposed to these chemicals. Seed suppliers will indicate if their seed is untreated. If a seed supplier does not indicate untreated, then it most likely is treated. Organic farmers do not use treated seed.

Seed Sources and Resources

• The nonprofit organization Seed Savers Exchange (SSE) is out in front of the heirloom seed movement. www.seedsavers.org. SSE is the largest nongovernmental seed bank in the United States.
• The Heirloom Gardener’s Vegetable Assistant http://www.halcyon.com/tmend/heirloom.htm is a descriptive, non-commercial website about heirlooms.
• Two lists of companies selling certified organic seed: http://www.seedalliance.org/index.php?page=Seed_Companies_Selling_Organic_Seed and
  https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/organic_seed/
• The www.naturallygrown.org website is set up for regional searches, but does not offer the capacity to search by product, so it is not possible to search for seed producers on the website.
• One of the best known CNG seed producers is Victory Seeds www.victoryseeds.com out of Oregon.
• One of the best known Certified Organic seed producers is Seeds of Change www.seedsofchange.com, now based in southern California.
• The Fork and Bottle blog is a helpful post on sourcing heirloom, organic seed nationwide: http://www.forkandbottle.com/garden/seeds/seedsource.htm
• The seed search database at Mother Earth News offers a fast way to track down specific varieties: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Find-Seeds-Plants.aspx#ixzz1CMT4WjZm

Happy seed hunting and gathering!

Recipe: Garden Vegetable Soup

A mixed vegetable soup is an easy way to combine a variety of vegetables for delicious, abundant results. The broth is a palate pleasing tomato base. Make a big batch and freeze your leftovers in dinner size portions for quick meals. Serve topped with grated parmesan cheese and chopped green onions and some kind of warm bread on the side: crackers/rolls/biscuits/cornbread/grilled cheese sandwiches. Get everything out that you need in advance - ingredients and equipment, and prep the veggies before you start cooking to avoid forgetting something or overcooking something.

Equipment: Big, deep soup pot; rubber spatula or wooden cooking spoon; cutting board and big, sharp kitchen knife; ladle; Optional: food processor or friend to chop veggies

Ingredients:

• Fresh or frozen vegetables, chopped: Use a variety of colors and textures. Thaw frozen veggies in fridge overnight or on counter for a couple hours. Chop each veggie in same sized pieces for even cooking. Think bite sized - too big and cooking takes too long; too small and the pieces disintegrate.
  • Onions: 2 medium, chopped ½ inch pieces
  • Garlic: 6+ cloves, minced
  • Potatoes: several white or sweet, peeled and chopped 3/4  inch cubes
  • Greens: kale, spinach or chard: 1.5 inch pieces, cut or torn,
  • Choose at least three: carrots (¼ inch coins), broccoli (3/4 inch), bell or banana peppers (1/2 inch), green beans (1 inch), green peas, okra (1/2 inch coins), corn, tomatoes (1 inch)
  • Optional: minced hot peppers - jalapeno (2) or cayenne (1)
• Chopped/diced tomatoes: 2 large cans (28 oz ea) or a couple pounds of fresh chopped tomatoes
• Tomato juice: 1 large can
• Vegetable broth: 4 - 8 cups liquid or reconstituted powder
• Herbs: Variety of fresh (up to 1 cup minced) or dried herbs (1 tablespoon or more), like basil, oregano, thyme
• Salt: 1 teaspoon or more
• Black pepper: ½ teaspoon or more
• Sugar: ½ teaspoon
• Hot pepper: Add spicy pepper sauce or powder if not using fresh spicy peppers (jalapeno, cayenne)
• Olive oil: two tablespoons
• Optional Mix-ins
  • Cooked beans: kidney, white (navy or cannellini), chickpeas, black, black eyed peas
  • Cooked grain: barley, brown rice
  • Cooked meat: hamburger, shredded/chopped chicken
  • Cooked pasta: elbow noodles, farfalle bows. stir in at last minute (do not overcook or it will fall apart in soup)
• Optional toppings: Lemon juice; grated parmesan cheese or other; chopped green onions

Directions:

1. Chop all the veggies.
2. Heat soup pot over medium-high heat with olive oil. Saute onions til soft. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and hot peppers and saute for a minute. Add potatoes, carrots, and salt. Pour in broth to cover veggies. Bring to fast simmer/slow boil.
3. When potatoes and carrots are halfway cooked, add chopped tomatoes and sauce. Return to slow boil. Keep adding veggies, one kind at a time, returning the pot to a slow boil between additions, ending with soft veggies (like peppers, corn and spinach) that cook quickly.
4. Add additional broth or water to keep veggies covered.
5. In the last half hour of cooking, mix in herbs and add optional ingredients like pre-cooked beans, grain, meat.
6. In the last 10 minutes, stir in black pepper, sugar, hot pepper powder (if not using fresh hot peppers), and optional cooked pasta.
7. Taste test and adjust seasonings.
8. Ladle into bowls. Sprinkle with a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Top with grated cheese and chopped green onions. Serve with crackers or warm bread.

Enjoy each breath and every bite!

Yoga Sequence: Legs Up the Wall

Legs up the Wall is a restorative yoga pose that most everyone can practice and benefit from. This pose, named Viparita Karani (vip-par-ee-tah car-AHN-ee) in Sanskrit, is a supported inversion in which the legs rest vertically on the wall and the pelvis and torso are supported on the floor. Another name for this asana is Waterfall pose, which describes the refreshing and rejuvenating experience of relaxing in this posture.

Many yoga teachers and practitioners consider inversions to be the most beneficial of all yoga postures. Inversions are "upside down" yoga poses in which traditionally the feet are higher than the heart (Headstand or Shoulderstand). Working with the power of gravity, inversions offer a variety of physiological benefits including veinous blood return to the heart and passive lymphatic drainage. Inversion practitioners report a number of benefits including: better sleep, improved digestion, better focus, and shifted perspective.

Legs up the Wall is a unique inversion because it is fully supported by the wall and floor, rather than self supported. People choose to practice Viparita Karani for a number of reasons:

• When feeling depleted or stressed or in need of a break, it is an efficient posture to rest and rejuvenate the body and mind.
• It is a gentle inversion that relieves fatigue, tension and swelling in the legs and feet.
• It can be practiced as a gentle back bend that relieves tension and aches in the low back and pelvis.
• It prepares the body for stronger inversions.
• It serves as a starting point for other supported wall postures, including hip openers and shoulder stand.
• It can be practiced as an alternative to Savasana – corpse pose.

People new to inversions may find that they feel comfortable with 5 or 10 minutes of practice before needing to transition. With regular practice, the length of time comfortably inverted will increase to 20 minutes or more.

Props Needed

• Yoga mat
• Clean floor and clear wall space for 6 feet or so
• Eye cover: eye pillow/bag, wash cloth, handkerchief
• Timer: set a timer if you are on a schedule
• Warmth: optional blanket, warm clothing, socks, etc.
• Optional: bolster or folded blankets to elevate pelvis
• Optional: strap to keep legs together if they tend to travel

Legs up the Wall Sequence

The sequence that follows is inspired by Legs up the Wall pose, then flows into a well rounded series of wall postures, including a hip opener, spinal twist, and supported shoulderstand. 

1. Viparita Karani Legs up the wall
2. Figure 4 hip opener
3. Apanasana knees to chest
4. Bent knee spinal twist
5. Upavishta Konasana wide angle legs
6. Malasana Wide squat
7. Baddha Konasana Bound angle
8. Optional: Sarvangasana Supported shoulderstand
9. Optional: Halasana Plow
10. Side lying transition to seated

Let your inner teacher be the guide and modify this sequence to meet your needs and time frame. Hold each pose for a minimum of 5 full breaths.

1. Viparita Karani Legs up the wall

• Sit sideways next to the wall, with one shoulder touching the wall and legs parallel to the wall. Place your hands behind you, lean back and pivot your sitting bones towards the wall as you swing your legs up the wall and lie on your back. Adjust your distance from the wall so that your sitting bones and the backs of your legs touch the wall. Keep your legs completely vertical so that the bones and joints stack, requiring no muscular energy to maintain the position. If your legs want to slide apart or bend, strap them together near the knees.
• If using a bolster, press soles of feet into wall to lift pelvis off floor and use your hands to slide the bolster beneath your sacrum at the back of your pelvis. Adjust the bolster so that it is 2-3 inches from the wall. You want adequate space so that your sitting bones can dip into the groove between the bolster and wall for a gentle backbend.
• If not using a bolster, gently arch through your low back to preserve rather than flatten the natural curve, then angle your sitting bones towards the floor.
• Make yourself comfortable with the blanket and eye cover. Arrange your arms with hands on abdomen, arms extended to the sides, or arms overhead in goalpost shape.
• Relax and breathe. Give your attention to the present moment. Notice the tendency to get hooked by thoughts. Let your mind flow like water and let go.

2. Figure 4 hip opener

• Externally rotate one leg and bend the knee to cross your ankle over the opposite thigh just above the knee (figure 4 position). Bend the knee of the supporting leg to draw the heel down the wall til you feel a stretch in the hip of your supported leg. Breathe and relax.
• As your hip releases, draw your heel down another inch or two to keep working your edge.
• Practice second side.

3. Apanasana knees to chest

• Bend both knees towards your chest and either rest your hands on top of knees or wrap arms around legs.

4. Bent knee spinal twist

• Open arms out wide to sides in T shape. Shift onto one hip and bring both bent knees up towards the outstretched hand. Inhale and lengthen the spine, exhale and open up across the chest with shoulders parallel to the floor. Look opposite your legs for a full spinal twist.
• With each exhalation, deepen the rotation.
• Practice both sides.

5. Upavishta Konasana wide angle legs

• Extend both legs straight up wall while lying on back. Widen legs apart to a 45 degree angle or more. Angle heels up and toes down. Rest and breathe. Legs will widen further apart as gravity helps adductor and hamstring muscles lengthen.

6. Malasana Wide squat

• Draw legs a little closer together (to 45 degrees or so). Bend knees and draw heels towards hips until feet are flat on wall and knees are deeply bent in a wide leg squat. Breathe and relax.

7. Baddha Konasana Bound angle

• Keep knees bent, and draw soles of feet together til outer edges of feet and ankles are supported by wall in a butterfly shape. The soles of feet do not need to touch. Relax and breathe.

8. Optional: Sarvangasana Supported shoulderstand

• Bring legs together and press soles of feet into wall to lift pelvis off bolster. Remove the bolster. Continue to press feet into wall to bend knees and make shins parallel to floor. Shift pelvis over shoulders. Walk shoulders towards the spine and support the lower to mid back with hands. Firmly press elbows into floor to take pressure off the spine. Press back of head into floor and lift chin away from chest to preserve the natural neck/cervical curve.
• Lift one leg straight up while keeping the foot of supporting leg pressed firmly into wall. Bring that foot back to wall and then extend the other leg straight up. If you feel stable, extend both legs straight up. Squeeze legs together and breathe. There should be no pressure on spine whatsoever. All the weight is in the elbows, shoulders and head.

9. Optional: Halasana Plow

• Press both feet into wall, knees bent with lower legs parallel to floor. Release hands from back, interlace them and stretch arms on floor straight towards wall. Release one leg overhead and reach for the floor. It is fine not to touch the floor, just stretch in that direction. Bring that leg back to the wall and then reach the second leg overhead towards the floor. If you feel stable, stretch both legs overhead with feet reaching towards the floor for the full plow pose.

10. Side lying transition to seated

• Bend both knees and roll onto one side. Support your head with your lower arm. Rest in the sidelying position for a couple breaths. Then use your hands to help you come upright to seated. Bring your head up last.
• Enjoy the refreshment of this waterfall sequence. May you cultivate a light heart, a mind like water, and a body in balance.

~ Namaste ~ Bowing to the one light within and all around.

Precautions 

Legs up the wall being a supported, mild inversion has few contraindications. Please note that inversions can increase pressure in the head and are avoided or approached with caution by students with conditions such as headache, glaucoma or recent stroke. However, since Legs up the Wall is a mild inversion, even folks suffering from a headache and other conditions can benefit. People with neck injuries need to avoid or modify many inversions, but Legs up the Wall practiced without a bolster is alright since weight is evenly distributed along the spine. There is a traditional precaution that menstruating women need to avoid full inversions, though modern yogini's are choosing for themselves what feels right. However, Legs up the Wall comes highly recommended to practice during menstruation for the symptomatic relief it can bring.

For more information on Viparita Karani, check out these links:

http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/690

http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/1140

http://faern-in-the-works.com/2010/06/04/pose-of-the-month-viparita-karani-legs-up-the-wall-pose/

Aromatherapy Tips for Massage Therapists

Aromatherapy with essential oils adds benefits to massage for both givers and receivers. Essential oils are found in aromatic plants, and they contain the volatile molecules that contribute fragrance and taste. Essential oils can be inhaled, applied topically to skin and some can even be taken internally. The chemical constituents of essential oils may be sedating, stimulating, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, or otherwise effective.

To support the health and well being of clients and therapists, it is important to use the high quality essential oils. Just as high quality carrier oils provide benefits, so do high quality essential oils. Lower quality essential oils may smell nice at best, but lack the natural chemical composition that makes it useful for aromatherapy. At worst, low quality essential oils may be intolerable to some people.

A mid-range brand is Aura Cacia, which is available in natural food stores and online. An upper end brand is Young Living. I would not purchase essential oils from Bath and Body Works or similar store that carries mostly synthetic fragrances.

• Use the highest quality carrier oil you can find (chemical free, additive free, organic, non-petroleum based). I like organic sunflower oil because it is light and is recommended for Ayurvedic massage. Organic extra virgin coconut oil is a little heavier, but wonderful smelling and great for the skin. Find organic sunflower oil at Banyan Botanicals. Find coconut oil at vitacost.com.
• Conduct a thorough intake with the receiver that asks about allergies and sensitivities.
• Know your contraindications and safety concerns. Naturesgift.com has a helpful page.
• Be conservative with essential oils. Some people cannot tolerate any scent.
• Essential oils, just like carrier oils, can oxidize and break down over time. To preserve freshness, keep caps on tightly and do not allow bottles to heat up.
• When testing aromatherapy scents, use the scent of ground coffee beans to cleanse your olfactory "palate"
• The most "essential" essential oils are lavender and peppermint due to their safety, versatility and affordability.
• Be careful not to get essential oil on wood or fabric surface as it will likely burn or discolor.
• Create a blend starting with just a few drops. You can always add more.
• A few essential oils can be applied “neat” or directly to the skin, like lavender, but most need to be diluted.
• Add 5-20 drops essential oil to 1 ounce of massage carrier oil.
• When using essential oil during massage, apply the oil to your hands and then wave your hands near the client’s nose (when their eyes are closed!)  so that they enjoy the scent, then proceed with massage.
• Put a couple drops of essential oil, such as eucalyptus, on a cotton ball and place underneath face cradle for the client's sinus benefit.
• Use only natural candles (beeswax or soy). drop a few drops of essential oil in the liquid wax of a burning candle.
• Use essential oils on the feet to complement to foot reflexology.
• Add peppermint essential oil to a hot, moist towel for hot towel foot wraps.
• Add 20 drops or so of essential oil to hot stone heating water.
• Use a couple drops of tea tree oil on your toothbrush alone or with tooth paste
• Use a drop of peppermint oil on your tongue to freshen your breath
• Seek out therapeutic grade essential oils that have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties to protect yourself against colds, flu, common illness and skin infections that you may be exposed to during the course of a workday.

As professionals we are responsible for educating ourselves about any tool or technique that we wish to share with clients. Aromatherapy resources are abundant online. Check out www.roberttisserand.com as a starting point. Enjoy!

Recipe: Spicy Peanut Butter Dip and Sauce

Fresh vegetables from the garden or farmer’s market taste decadent with a spicy peanut butter dressing or dip. This recipe has a spicy-sweet-tangy-salty-creamy flavor profile that satisfies cravings in a healthful way. The recipe is versatile enough for any cook to make it their own.

Consider using organic peanut butter for your personal and environmental health. Organically grown peanuts avoid the problems of aflatoxin and pesticide residue concentration that come with conventionally grown peanuts.

Serving suggestions:

• As a dip with sliced raw veggies: cucumbers, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots
• As a sauce over steamed veggies, baked tofu, pasta. Top your dish with chopped peanuts and chopped fresh cilantro.

Equipment needed: Food processor

Ingredients:

• Peanut butter: 1 cup, smooth or crunchy, salted or unsalted
• Silken tofu: 1 aseptic container (12.3 ounces). Note: Tofu adds body and protein, but it can be omitted.
• Coconut milk: 1/2 cup. Note: coconut milk adds richness and flavor, but it can be omitted. Freeze your extra coconut milk for later use.
• Garlic: two cloves
• Hot pepper: 1 cayenne or two jalapenos, or red pepper flakes, or powdered cayenne, or hot sauce
• Ginger: 1 teaspoon fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dry
• Cilantro: 1/2 cup fresh
• Lime juice: 1/4 cup, or substitute rice wine vinegar
• Tamari or soy sauce: 1/4 cup
• Sweetener: 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or liquid sweetener: agave, maple, honey
• Salt: 1 teaspoon or more to taste

1. Add garlic, hot pepper, ginger, and cilantro to food processor bowl and process til very fine.
2. Add tofu and process til smooth.
3. Add coconut milk, lime juice, tamari, sweetener and salt.
4. Taste and adjust seasonings.
5. Refrigerate til served. This dressing thickens up in the fridge, but becomes pourable when warmed.

Enjoy!

Yoga Swing Teacher Training

As more and more people discover the yoga swing, there is increasing demand for yoga swing classes, workshops and private lessons. Given the aerial dimension of the yoga swing, skilled instruction is even more important than with mat based yoga. Based on information gathered from colleagues and internet research, I’ve compiled a list of yoga swing teacher training programs for 2011. Some of this information is not available elsewhere on the web.

In the future, www.bodyworker.org yoga swing teacher training will be added to the list. Curriculum is under development that fully integrates yoga and massage for swing based bodywork for self care and for students and clients. The training will be Yoga Alliance certified. Currently, private yoga swing coaching lessons are available in person and remotely.

Gravotonics.com

Gravotonics, based in Bali, Indonesia, is a long time producer of the yoga swing and now offers a full spectrum of international trainings. The courses will enable you to use and in some cases teach the yoga swing. Their literature states that they’ve been training people for 8 years. One limiting factor of Gravotonics trainings is that they are not Yoga Alliance certified. Kerrie Neal is the operator/owner and I can personally attest to her conscientious professionalism. Reach her at gravotonics@hotmail.com.

“We don't teach tricks or flying or acrobatics or aero this or acro that, we teach CORRECT and SAFE techniques utilizing the swing to enhance your exercise regime.” Kerrie Neal, Gravotonics

Gravotonics Yoga Swing Workshops and Swing Fitness Workshops

The focus of the Yoga Swing workshops is personal use of the yoga swing. Objectives include: support postural alignment in yoga asanas, practice appropriate breathing, build stamina and strength by practicing postures longer and deeper without strain.

The Swing Fitness Workshops offer instruction in strength, cardio, stretching and general fitness exercises for personal use. For example one day is shoulder, leg and chest exercises, the second day is back, arms & abdominals. Also incorporated are additional exercises, poses and inversions that can be carried out in the swing for total mind and body wellness.

Prices: 16 hrs/2 days @ $395 USD, 24 hrs/3 days @ $595 USD

Gravotonics Yoga Swing Teacher Training and Swing Fitness Teacher Training

These courses run for 5 days/40 hours over 6 days. The Yoga Swing Teacher Training course is a comprehensive overview of how to use and instruct the Yoga Swing.

The Swing Fitness Teacher Training course is an overview of how to use and instruct the Swing in strength, cardio, stretching and general fitness exercises.

Teacher training curriculum includes:

• Inversions and arm balances
• Somatic exercises and warm ups
• Full classes and routines – sequencing
• Isolation for alignment in standing poses
• Inversions and arm balances
• Core integration series
• Seated, inverted and standing poses
• Safety and modifications
• Partner work
• Language and facilitation
• Relaxation
• Installation
• Setting up a class room for group classes

Price: 40 hrs @ $995 USD

Gravotonics Yoga Swing Retreats and Combo Swing Retreats

Retreats are held in various locations around the world for 7 nights/8 days. The Yoga Swing Retreat is a 40 hour Yoga Swing Teacher Training course which, upon successful completion, will enable you to teach the Yoga Swing.

The Combo Swing Retreat incorporates 3 days Yoga Swing Training (24 hrs) and 2 days (16 hrs) Swing Fitness Training. Participants learn how to use and instruct the Swing for Yoga, Strength, Fitness, Cardio, Therapy & Stretching. un activities and leisure time.

Prices: Vary by location and accommodation, from $1,450 to $2,995 USD.

Gravotonics 2011/2012 workshops, trainings and retreats schedule (current as of July 2011).

July 2011	9th & 10th	Auckland, New Zealand	Yoga Swing Workshop	16 hrs
July	28, 29, 30 & 31	Oslo, Norway	Yoga Swing Training	32 hrs/4 days
August	6th & 7th	Helsinki, Finland	Yoga Swing Workshop	16 hrs
August	13th & 14th	Ghent, Belgium	Yoga Swing Workshop	16 hrs
August	20th & 21st	New York, USA	Swing Fitness Workshop	16 hrs
September	3rd & 4th	Swansea, Sth Wales UK	Yoga Swing Workshop	16 hrs
September	10th & 11th	Raleigh, NC, USA	Yoga Swing Workshop	16 hrs
September	17th to 23rd	Mexico City, Mexico	Yoga Swing Training	40 hrs
October	1st & 2nd	New York, USA	Yoga Swing Workshop	16 hrs
October	4th to 9th	Caracas, Venezuela	Yoga Swing Training	40 hrs
October	15th to 22nd	Bali, Indonesia	Combo Swing Retreat	7 nts/8 days
October	29th & 30th	Bali, Indonesia	Swing Fitness Workshop	16 hrs
November	5th & 6th	Bali, Indonesia	Yoga Swing Workshop	16 hrs
November	19th & 20th	Brisbane, Australia	Swing Fitness Workshop	16 hrs
November	26th & 27th	Brisbane, Australia	Yoga Swing Workshop	16 hrs
December	10th to 17th	Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, spaholis.com	Yoga Swing Retreat	7 nts/8 days
January 2012	14th to 21st	Taghazout, Morocco	Surf & Yoga Swing Retreat	7 nts/8 days
January	28th, 29th & 30th	Santa Fe, NM, USA	Yoga Swing Workshop	24 hrs/3 days
February	4th & 5th	Bali, Indonesia	Swing Fitness Workshop	16 hrs
February	11th to 18th	Bali, Indonesia	Combo Swing Retreat	7 nts/8 days

Antigravity Aerial Yoga Teacher Training

Christopher Harrison’s Antigravity yoga teacher training has been offered in New York since 2007. This approach uses a soft fabric hammock. Getting certified in this process requires a strong background in teaching and experience/certifications from other modalities, such as yoga, dance, personal training, gymnastics, or aerial arts. Trainees learn basic to intermediate suspension fitness training moves derived from the practices of yoga, fitness, pilates, calisthenics, gymnastics, dance and aerial arts. Using asanas and vinyasas, flips and tricks, agility training as well as strength conditioning and muscular flexibility exercises, trainees are guided to teach an aerial yoga fitness technique that is a full-body workout.

Module One  “Fundamentals”: is a basic course in Aerial Yoga that acts as a foundation for all other AGY programs. Module One costs $750 and is offered on a regular basis in New York.

Module Two  “Flying Fitness I”: is a two day intensive course offering more fitness based exercises as well as more advanced inversions, flips and poses. Completion of Module One is a prerequisite. At the time of writing, Module Two was not scheduled and I could not discern the cost, but it could be assumed to cost $750 as well.

A testing process and apprenticeship of 50 classes is required before one is finally certified as Level One.

Unnata Aerial Yoga Teacher Training

Unnata combines traditional yoga with the physical training of an aerial acrobat. Unnata uses soft fabric hammock slings, rather than the parachute nylon yoga swing design with handles. Unnata offers aerial yoga teacher training to certified yoga teachers. Only 6 teacher trainees are accepted into the week long program, guaranteeing personal attention. The trainings are usually held in Brooklyn, New York. The cost is $1,200. Unnata offers a referral service to certified Aerial Yoga instructors. Visit Unnata for more information.

Oceanview Yoga

Oceanview Yoga in New Smyrna Beach, Florida offers a yoga teacher training course with an aerial component. The instructor, Lisa Wulf, is Anusara-Inspired. The most recent course was July 1-8, 2011, for 100 hours, and cost $655. The course focuses on yoga teaching in general, and spends time on aerial yoga. This would be an excellent option for an aspiring yoga student not already certified in yoga teaching. Visit Oceanview for more information.

OmGym

OmGym’s website reports to have yoga swing teacher training workshops under development, but nothing is currently offered. I did not receive a response to my email inquiry.

Other Resources

Search terms to help with finding information on internet include:

• Yoga swing teacher training
• Aerial yoga teacher training
• Aerial dance

There are a number of yoga and dance studios around the US now offering yoga swing/aerial yoga classes. There are also private sessions available with certified instructors, like yours truly.

Namaste