by Karina Braun

When you spend time in a forest or near the ocean, your stress and tension fades away. Nature has healing benefits. Planting and tending to a garden can connect you with nature's cycles and give you a chance to reflect upon yourself.

Tending to your plants can turn into a meditation. While you garden, you can nurture plants so they grow--and while you put your hands in the dirt, the plants will give back to you as the excessive energy will clear from the palm chakras. Use this opportunity to be outdoors and connect with Mother Nature; she will give to you as you give back to her.

Massage therapists need to clear the energy of the aura, the physical body, and the hand and feet chakras. Being outdoors in nature is a great

way to clear your mind and the energy of the body. Growing a small garden is beneficial for massage therapists, but keep in mind that you want to keep other hand-intensive exercises (other than your work) to a minimum. When working in the garden, be aware of how long you are using your hands and hire someone to do the work that can be hard on your back or your hands.

An example of a healing garden would be to plant many different vegetables and herbs, such as:

• Peppers
• Tomatoes
• Squash
• Green beans
• Lemon verbena
• Mint
• Lavender

Happy gardening!

Karina Braun wrote the innovative book, Creating Peace with Your Hands, which includes insightful strategies for self-care and injury prevention. For more information, visit www.igetintouch.com.