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              At 43 years old. I had been struggling with a series of symptoms that were becoming physically limiting for me. Bilateral joint pain in my ankles, hips, shoulders and wrists.  I was always short of breath. I was using my inhaler 6-10 times a DAY because I felt like I couldn’t take a deep breath. I was susceptible to any cold or virus of the respiratory tract that came my direction.

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              Being a nurse, I had already drawn my own conclusion, my suspicions were confirmed, and I was DIAGNOSED with LUPUS. I was told I was experiencing a rapid decline, and I could possibly be in a wheelchair and on oxygen by the time I was 50yrs old. This was terrifying! It was also unacceptable to me!

              I had taken an office nurse position for a Functional Medicine doctor when I was 40. I had spent the 3 years BEFORE the diagnosis learning about holistic medicine and how, given the right conditions, that the body can heal itself. I refused to go on medication for my symptoms. My doctor was supportive but also felt that I needed to start treatment immediately given how much pain I was in. 

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              Medication didnt "feel right" to me, I chose to pursue a NATURAL route and work to HEAL my body. Not start medications that would potentially harm my body in other ways and only work to compound my problems. However, I determined I would START the recommended treatment if I got no relief from my symptoms. I decided 3 months was a fair amount of time to allow for a look at alternative options.

             I consulted the physician I worked for and also began working with our in-house dietitian and completely altered my diet. Within 3 weeks my pain was 50% better. In 3 months my pain was 80% better. I maintained myself at 80% improvement for quite some time, but deep in my soul I knew there was MORE....

           I found the MORE in addressing suppressed emotions and traumas through meditation, shadow work, using food as medicine, herbal teas, supplements and ESSENTIAL OILS. These gems facilitate healing and restoration at the spiritual and emotional level. 

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              Needless to say, I never started any medications that had recommended….only a journey.

A journey that has allowed me to begin the healing process. And allowed for something that was unexpected to me…… I began to FIND ME.

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              My journey has been exciting, scary, empowering, happy, sad, frustrating and intriguing along with 1000 other emotions along the way. It has been an adventure in which I have grown and evolved through trial and error.  I have come to understand that I am "highly sensitive" and what all that entails. How that can impact (positively AND negatively) the healing process. I also know that there is no ONE METHOD that heals you completely. We are LAYERED BEINGS and therefore it goes without saying we heal “in layers.” 

            Healing is a PROCESS. Not an END GOAL to reach.

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             I opened Tea Of Life Apothecary with the goal of providing a compilation of the methods, information and modalities I have found helpful along my journey. Many people are overwhelmed when they have a chronic illness and dont know how important it is to be their OWN ADVOCATE, especially when they "feel something" is just not right.

             Through One-on-One Classes, Emotional Education, Energy Movement, Mediation, and Aromatherapy, I hope to offer an insight and inspiration as you embark on your OWN JOURNEY. 

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            I am truly the happiest when I am able to help others. I want everyone to have the same opportunities to improve their health as I have found.  I can't wait to assist you with your wellness journey!

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How can I help you?

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XO- Angel