Laura's Story: Eczema, Dysbiosis
Working with Russell Mariani has changed my life in so many ways. My story begins with my son Noah's first birthday which was in February, 2011. I was concerned with how I would make a healthy birthday cake for this sweet, innocent, child of mine. I wanted only the best for his little body. After hours of searching the Internet I had no idea about the new world I was stepping into and how it would shape my future.
Thankfully I was introduced to Russell's book, Healing Digestive Illness, by my mother-in-law who had Ulcerative Colitis. She not only read the book but worked with Russell one-on-one. At the time I wasn't really looking for a book about digestive wellness but she said, "please read this" so I did and I couldn't put it down. Everything he wrote in that book made so much sense to me. There is so much information available in the health and wellness area that it can be so over-whelming and confusing and finally it was all so clear. I remember finishing the book and saying out loud, “This guy really knows what he is talking about and I need to call him!” So I did and to my surprise he answered the phone.
We chatted and I told him I would like to educate people about health and wellness. We then went on to talking more about him teaching me about his intestinal regeneration program. We agreed the best way to begin this process would be to go through the program. I started Russell's program in April, 2011.
When I started working with Russell it was for two things: to learn from him and to help clear up my Eczema. I had been battling Eczema for about 10 years and I was searching everywhere to figure out a way to alleviate my symptoms. I would scratch my hands till they cracked and bled. It was always so painful and being a Massage Therapist I often wondered how long I could continue working like this.
I had been to dermatologists and tried steroids and creams but they were always a temporary fix. After about 4 weeks of working with Russell my hands started to clear up and my body had never felt so healthy. My digestive system was finally working properly. I learned from direct experience that the health of my skin has its origin in my gut. Once I got rid of my condition of intestinal dysbiosis (an overgrowth of bad bacteria, yeast and other pathological organisms) and restored my internal eco-system to a state of symbiosis, marked by the abundance of probiotics or healthy bacteria, my Eczema cleared up. What an important lesson that was!
It was amazing how aware and mindful I became. I knew I was on the right path to finding my own true health and wellness. One of the most important things Russell taught me is to listen to my body. Our bodies are so wise, we hold so much power in our own innate healing abilities, but we must listen to our body and honor what we hear.
Our daily actions, our daily habits determine our health more than any other factor. And to know what actions to take, we must listen!
My health today is a world away from where it was before I worked with Russell. I look at pictures of myself and can't believe how unhealthy I looked and felt. I am forever grateful to Russell for guiding me through his program and teaching me so much about myself and what I am capable of. I hope this story helps guide you down the right path of finding your own Health and Wellness.
Laura Hardy, age 37
LMBT #2998 (Massage Therapist)
Wellness Educator
February, 2015’