Chock full of Western and Eastern herbal specimens, Martha’s garden conveys the care of an experienced Eastern-based medical physician. Her sensibility keeps her always focused on what is necessary for restoring balance and enhancing vitality.

Walking through her garden, one is struck by the virility of every plant. Each seems to literally emanate a palatable vibration that speaks of sustenance with glowing health as the end result. One feels stronger just being in the presence of these magnificent creatures.
“I’m concerned with a different type of homeland security,” says Martha who will be speaking to the community at the Way of Life Lecture Series Wednesday evening, February 8th on how to maintain Lung Health – “the kind that keeps your quality of life vital.”
Martha Benedict’s approach is simple: since plants are an essential part of our life, gardening is one way to bring this relationship full circle.

“The way I understand the ancient Chinese system for health, it all begins with the Earth, and translates to our relationship with food; food sources, preparation, and consumption,” she explains.

Given the right conditions, every plant fulfills its essential potential. This approach flows from plants to human beings to herbal medicine. By embracing this wise way of living, Martha recognizes that people and plants have much in common.

Gardening deepens our understanding the use of herbs as both food and medicine. When an herb such as peppermint, for example, is thriving not just surviving, it provides a vital medicine. A cooling herb commonly used for ridding the body of excessive heat, peppermint likes to grow in—you guessed it—a cool moist climate. The quality of the soil directly affects the health and vitality of each plant and will as Martha emphasizes, be reflected in its ability to heal.

Peppermint, as just one example, flourishes when in optimal conditions and in turn provides abundant life force. Thus offering a more powerful home remedy.

Many foods and herbs provide balancing or strengthening energy for keeping lungs, skin, and kidneys vital throughout the winter flu and cold season. Martha blends her years of knowledge and practice as an Oriental Medical Physician, master gardener, and herbal formulator to create herbal products specifically to nourish health at home.

Blending herbs and plants is truly an art in synergy. Whether making soup or an herbal tea blend, proportion is just one of the aspects that make a dynamic relationship between plants, which enhances potency not available in one single plant. Complementary properties are another essential aspect of a synergistic relationship.

If Benedict were an herb, she might well be one of the venerable adaptogens; herbs best known for their rejuvenating capacity and their mysterious ability to respond according to whatever is going on and enhance balance while encouraging harmony in complex situations. She is a local treasure and an extraordinary person to meet and thoroughly enjoy.

NOTE: As with any medical condition, consult a doctor or trained professional for treatment of specific illnesses. This column contains opinion and is not meant as medical advice

The Year of the Water Dragon begins Jan. 23, 2012.  It is an 11 vibration day; mastering our creating!   In a Dragon year it is good to start a business, marry, have children, and take incredible risks.  At a global level we can expect extreme earth changes.  The yang energy of the Dragon symbolizes royalty, prosperity, and wisdom.  He holds magical attributes because Dragon can shape shift and transform.

Mars began its retrograde pattern in Virgo energy on Jan. 23rd until April 14, 2012.  This is a time to evaluate what motivates you and determine if you on your correct path.  We will be reviewing how we assimilate our lives and if it brings nourishment to us.

Rat in Dragon year:  Expect achievement, success, and good fortune in all endeavors, especially relationships and career.  Dragon is Rat’s best friend, so powerful Dragon energy will assist Rat.  This may be on of Rat’s best years of the 12 branch cycle and is an excellent time for marriage.

Ox in Dragon year:  Fireworks may go off around you, but avoid the festivities.  Ox must work hard and be very focused, dedicated, patient, and reliable.  Rewards come at the end of the year.

Tiger in Dragon year:  Dragon’s dynamic energy will stimulate Tiger and bring excitement and diverse activities.  Tiger does best to compromise should difficult situations arise.

Rabbit in Dragon year: Expect much activity and movement, which can be to Rabbit’s benefit if she is motivated and maintains an optimistic attitude.  New friends and acquaintances can prove beneficial.  If too overextended, retreat and rest at home.

Dragon in Dragon year:  Expect great accomplishments on a grand scale, for Dragon benefits greatly from the energy of his own year.  Recognition is foreseen, much progress occurs in business, and exciting social activities create much happiness for lucky Dragon.

Serpent in Dragon year:  Expect excitement and much activity.  It is best if Serpent retreats occasionally from all the action to quietly ponder and meditate.  In this way, Serpent retains power in the eye of the storm and ends the year with a full harvest.

Horse in Dragon year:  Expect extremes of highs and lows under Dragon’s stormy influence.  Horse may feel unsettled and start to worry, which is not a common Horse response.  Horse benefits by enjoying the company of family and friends and by not cultivating a fearful or pessimistic attitude.

Sheep in Dragon year:  Expect a time of stimulation and excitement.  Under Dragon’s glorious influence, Sheep can find happiness, success, and romance.  But care must be taken with finances, and too much activity can lead to illness.

Monkey in Dragon year:  Fun, excitement, and merriment accompany one of the best years of the 12 branch cycle.  But entertainment can be costly, and Monkey should practice some financial restraint.

Rooster in Dragon year:  Expect one of the best years of the 12 branch cycle.  The spotlight shins on Rooster, success is guaranteed, rewards are bestowed, and good luck is foreseen.  An excellent year for marriage

Dog in Dragon year:  Expect difficulties because Dragon is opposite Dog in the 12 branch cycle.  Draconic dramatics and intense emphasis on financial success is uninteresting to Dog.  It is best to keep quiet and act cautiously.

Pig in Dragon year: Expect a fine year with lively social times, much feasting and celebration.  Success is foreseen at work and Pig enjoys recognition and respect from others.

From Taoist Astrology by Susan Levitt

1 tsp cumin seeds
3 T sesame seeds
1/4 C freshly grated coconut OR chopped almonds
Slowly dry-roast the above in small skillet till fragrant
2 C trimmed cilantro, medium-packed
1 jalapeno chili, seeded and chopped
1/2 inch piece peeled ginger root, minced
2 or more Tsp. water – enough to allow blender to work
3T sour cream, yoghurt or coconut milk (opt)
3/4 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. honey
Juice of 1/2 lime or lemon

Combine all in a blender; puree, scraping down sides and adding more water if needed. Should be the consistency of applesauce–not runny.
Will keep a week in refrigerator.

Miso Soup

1 rounded tsp. miso paste (dark is better)
1 2″ cube tofu
1 tsp Marigold Swiss low salt vegetable
bouillon
2 or 3 inches finely sliced green onion
2 radishes, sliced wafer thin
½ sheet nori seaweed, torn into small pieces
Shiitake or maitake mushroom, chopped (fresh or dried)
½” ginger root, peeled, finely sliced or chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed

In 1 cup water, dissolve bouillon; add garlic & ginger. Simmer a minute; add onions, mushrooms, radishes. Remove from heat; blend miso with a little water. Mix all.

(From Patrick Quillan, Ph.D., RD, CNS)

No-Cook Chocolate Pie

2 packages “lite” silken tofu
¾ cup raw honey
3 tsp. vanilla
½ cup pure cocoa powder

Whip tofu smooth. Warm honey gently
Add cocoa to honey; blend, Combine with tofu; stir well; pour into prepared pie shell
Garnish with bananas
and enjoy!

Now is the time to prepare for winter wellness. Every season, so says the ancient texts, is the mother of the next season. For winter wellness one must start preparing right now. The easiest way to know just what to do is to take cues from Mother Nature. We, like all creatures, have a biological if not a social need to prepare for winter.

Although California winters are not as extreme as those in the North and East, this year looks like it may be colder and wetter than usual. With colds and pandemic flu lurking around the corner why wait? Begin now by noticing how the days are shortening. This is the first important cue to observe. As the days shorten it is time to shorten your busy schedule.

Winter’s natural rhythm of hibernation is perceived in traditional Chinese philosophy as the best way to build blood and life energy. Winter is the kidney/bladder season: it is the time to replenish and store our adrenal health. Like the squirrels that are busy collecting nuts, replenishing and nourishing our adrenal health is a great fall activity that helps us survive the winter. By restoring our reserves we feel calm and capable of not overreacting to holiday stress.

Eat for the season – To restore your adrenals, eliminate coffee, processed foods, sugars and chemicals, which all stimulate the sympathetic flee/fight survival response. Eat basic whole nutritionally dense foods during the winter season. such as root vegetables, dark leafy greens prepared in rich broth soups and stews to help build healthy blood. Winter is not the time for cold raw foods, which are great for spring cleansing and eliminating. This is the time to deepen the well of nourishment with warm seasonal pumpkins, squash, apples, pears, and mushrooms. Add a touch of cayenne to spice up, warm, and increase circulation.

Exercise for the season – Rather than continue the same program throughout the year, fine tune or shift to quieter movement. Qi Gong, tai chi, restorative yoga, and continuum movement, all provide an internal exploration fit for winter. Winter is also a good time for regular acupuncture, massage, acupressure or other healing modalities that restore and rejuvenate. Bathing is restorative during winter. Taking the time to light candles and immerse yourself in a steaming bath fosters relaxation and contemplation. In the book Well-Being: Rejuvenating Recipes for Body and Soul author Barbara Close offers a great selection of herbal and food recipes for every season of the year. A calming Chamomile bath is toted as having sedative properties used for centuries to treat insomnia and anxiety and lull you off to dreamland.

Eastern and Western herbs can assist in helping you rebuild adrenal and immune health. Many winter tonifying herbs can be included in your soup broths or enjoyed as tea. Rosemary’s Gladstar’s Family Herbal: a Guide to Living with Energy, Health and Vitality, and Herbs for the Soul: Emotional Healing with Chinese and Western Herbs and Bach Flower Remedies by Tamara Kircher are two books that inspire new and refreshing ways to value phyto plant healing powers.

Stay warm during the winter – Nature goes dormant, takes shelter, and finds protection during the winter months including our kidney energy. From the traditional Chinese perspective adrenal health and our immune system needs protecting. The aged and weak particularly feel the cold. Throughout winter we need to choose how to spend our energy and calories to ward off the cold. Keep your feet, head, neck, and low back covered and warm throughout this season. If you are particularly vulnerable to cold and wet winter winds, wear socks and even a stocking cap when enjoying a long winter’s nap.

Rest is essential for winter wellness – Take extra naps, go to bed early with a cup of herbal tea or warm milk, and be asleep by 10 p.m. When possible get up with the natural light of day. Long Winter nights provide fertile ground for our creativity. Both our dreams and Mother Nature quieting tone point the way to health.

Winter is the season for reflection – Prepare for quiet winter gatherings by slowing down rather than reeving up for the holiday season. Let this holiday time reflect the values and traditions dear to your heart. Enjoy a contemplative walk deep within the local forests or along our ocean edge. It is Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring, who reminds us of our deep biological connection to the earth; those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature – the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter

1 large Chinese or Napa Cabbage cover in water add coarse salt until water tastes salty

1 small head of garlic, peeled and finely minced

one piece of fresh ginger, peeled and minced

1/4 cup fish sauce

1 -3 tablespoon chili pepper

1 bunch green onions, cut into 1-inch (3cm) lengths (use the dark green part, too, except for the tough ends)

1 medium daikon radish, peeled and grated

1 teaspoon sugar or honey

1. Slice the cabbage lengthwise in half, then slice each half lengthwise into 3 sections. Cut away the tough stem chunks.
2. Dissolve the salt in the water in a very large container, then submerge the cabbage under the water. Put a plate on top to make sure they stay under water, then let stand for 2 hours.
3. Mix the other ingredients in a very large metal or glass bowl.
4. Drain the cabbage, rinse it, and squeeze it dry.
5. Pack down with wooden spoon into a large mouth ball jar or crock, place a weight on top to compress cabbage
Some recipes advise wearing rubber gloves since the chili paste can stain your hands.
6. Pack the kimchi in a clean glass jar large enough to hold it all and cover it tightly. Let stand for one to two days in a cool place, around room temperature.
7. Check the kimchi after 1-2 days. refrigerated. taste it if – if you want more fermentation let it stand another day, when it should be ready.
8. Once it’s done fermenting, serve or store in the refrigerator.
Storage: eat the kimchi within 3 weeks.

Liz Koch is the Way of Life health education coordinator.

Feeling moody, anxious or depressed are normal emotions that come and go with living life — until they become chronic. Insomnia and cravings may be signals of unmet emotional needs until they just won’t go away. Our body sends zillions of messages in an attempt to maintain balance. Given the necessary raw materials, the human brain automatically manufactures the types and quantity of chemicals needed to handle the ups and downs of life, growth, and even exceptional stress. But when symptoms become chronic, they may be a strong indicator that body chemistry needs improving. Seeing a qualified health care professional can be a vital step in finding a solution but there are also everyday steps one can take to maintain a natural balance.

Our brain uses large quantities of chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters keep us alert and action-ready. But due to modern-day stress, lifestyle and dietchoices, our brain can run out of the necessary chemicals needed to maintain healthy functioning. Stress and poor diet can be pinpointed as some of the main culprits.

Stress is a normal part of the animal world. When a rabbit runs from a fox, his body signals the threat. In an attempt to be efficient, neurotransmitters, in a blink of an eye, put life-protecting reflexes in motion. Flee, fight or freeze are essential survival responses.

But when an animal flees, it doesn’t stop to smell the lush green grass or taste the juicy berries. All of its sensory perceptions are geared up and focusing on safety. Once safe, recovery begins. Shaking, bathing and a deep state of rest are the body’s means of getting rid of excess and unnecessary chemicals. It is Mother Nature’s way of shifting from the sympathetic (survival mode) back to every day parasympathetic (relaxation mode).

Lifestyle choices and poor diet disrupt neurotransmitters functions. Where the hunter-gathers stress was primarily physical, our modern-day stress is of a different nature. Traffic, TV, video games and other forms of perceptual stimulants can bombard the body with subtle cues. Exposure to mercury, lead and other heavy metals has been found to have a profound effect on neurotransmitters.
Recently, researchers at the University Of Calgary Medical School Of Medicine demonstrated via microscopic video how growing brain neurons begin to dramatically wither within 20 minutes after exposure to even minor levels of mercury. Chemical foods such as aspartame, NutraSweet and the multitude of preservatives and additives found in soda, gums, mints and many packaged foods release chemicals that disrupt neurotransmitter functions, according to studies.
According to Dr. Russell L. Blaylock, professor of neurosurgery at the University of Mississippi’s medical center and author of “Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills,” aspartate and glutamate (found in the chemically related substance MSG) are neurotransmitters normally found in the brain and spinal cord, but when aspartate reaches certain levels it causes the death of brain neurons.

Otto Loewi, an Austrian scientist, discovered the first neurotransmitter back in 1921. Built primarily from amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, neurotransmitters are constantly being created. With a limited ability to store proteins, we need a constant source of high quality whole-food proteins to constantly rebuild, repair and function well.

Adrenaline-pumping substances such as coffee, sugar and chocolate, along with a lack of nutritionally supportive foods, can drive neurotransmitters to dysfunction. Processed fast food consumed on the run may put many people on the fast track to being overwhelmed.

Feeding our neurotransmitters includes exercising the art of relaxation. A natural soothing environment helps calm high levels of stress. Taking warm baths, an evening walk, enjoying a cup of herbal tea and making time to be with loved ones or simply by our self helps us to regain chemical perspective.

Slowing down and sitting down is another way to reap the benefits of what you eat. By feeling calm, we are better able to actually assimilate and utilize the food we eat. Most important is eating whole foods rich in protein. If a child goes off to school having consumed a quick bowl of sugar cereal with 2 percent milk, they have ingested a substance not only too high in carbohydrates but too low in proteins. The body will not receive the amino acids essential to fuel let alone rebuild neurotransmitters.

When eating a salad for lunch, including a hard-boiled egg, whey shake or adding two or three ounces of chicken, turkey, fish, cheese can mean the world of difference to our brain chemistry. For most of us, protein should show up in all three meals.

Way of Life nutritional consultant and Bauman College of Nutrition instructor Ramona Richard explains, “If we lack adequate protein, our body simply cannot build the neurotransmitters it needs. Rather than needing to rely on chemical drugs such as Prozac, we may be experiencing a deficiency of one or more neurotransmitters. Over time chronic imbalances can even contribute to more serious conditions such as panic attacks, eating disorders and attention deficits.”
Keeping neurotransmitters in good supply is required if we are to feel content, peaceful, happy and joyful — our birthright as human beings.

Liz Koch is the Way of Life health education coordinator.

The saying you are what you eat is true. The foods you ingest become the cells that make up and fuel your body. Your diet dictates your level of energy, mood, and how easily/quickly you heal from illness. So, why do people who eat a well balanced diet continue not to feel good?

The reason is that ingestion is only the first step in getting nutrients into your system. After ingestion, your body must digest, assimilate, and distribute those nutrients to all of your cells. When your gastrointestinal health is poor, all the fruits and veggies in the world won’t do you much good because your body can’t access the nutrients.

Dysbiosis is the term used to describe an imbalance in gut flora. This can mean there is a deficiency of “good” bacteria, such as the stuff in yogurt and fermented foods or an overabundance of “bad” bacteria like candida and H.Pylori.

There are many causes of dysbiosis – antibiotics, analgesics (like Tylenol), and acid blocking medications are some common causes. Other causes include chronic stress and worry, high sugar/carbohydrate intake, toxins from the environment (such as pesticides in food and chlorine in water), consuming inflammatory type foods, and low acid production in the stomach.

After years of chronic dysbiosis, the lining of the gastrointestinal tract becomes weak and what is called “leaky gut” ensues. When leaky gut sets in, the body’s immune system begins to recognize foods as foreign invaders instead of nutrients. This sets a chain reaction that results in inflammation and dis-ease.

Aside from GI discomfort such as gas, bloating, and unhealthy bowel movements, there are many other illnesses associated with dysbiosis: autoimmune disease, arthritis, allergies, mood disorders (anxiety, depression), chronic sinusitis, autistic spectrum disorders, and fibromyalgia to name a few.

Rebalancing gut flora begins with probiotics. I recommend taking a high dose of quality probiotic daily. If candida or H.Pylori have invaded, these pathogens need to be treated with dietary changes and anti-microbial herbs, such as black walnut and pau d’arco. A stool test can reveal which type of candida is present and which herbs can best be used to eradicate it. Glutamine, slippery elm, and zinc picolinate are proven to help heal a leaky gut lining. Digestive enzymes are also helpful in supporting the body in digestion and nutrient assimilation.

While there are some good general habits to get into to prevent dysbiosis, treating gastrointestinal imbalance is not a one-size fits all approach. For example, many kids on the autistic spectrum lack an enzyme called DPPIV (dipeptidyl-peptidase IV). This enzyme is necessary to break down wheat (gluten) and dairy (casein). These children will need to also avoid wheat and dairy for their GI imbalance to improve.

Because we are all unique beings, the best treatment can be found by pinpointing the exact cause of the imbalance for each individual. Only then can we remove the cause of illness and develop a treatment plan to support each individual’s innate ability to heal – mind, body, and spirit.

Dark Ceilings – Good or Bad?

Color can dramatically effect the Qi and mood of a room. It’s one of the most economical ways to shift an environment’s energy and can create a positive change for occupants.

I recently visited a business that is well designed and appointed. The only change I would make is the ceiling color. The walls are of standard height and painted a light color, but the ceiling is  black. Oh my! I felt like I was in a cave. This dark ceiling pushes the Qi down  creating a sense of oppression and made the space feel closed in. Even though I enjoyed being with the people there, by the time I left I could not wait to get out into the fresh air. People working in this type of environment will become moody and may be prone to headaches because of the way the ceiling is “pressing down”.

Darker ceilings can be effective if you have really high light colored walls and want to make a room feel more cozy. Then, by all means choose a shade a bit darker than the wall color.

Feng Shui Tip – Selecting Color

The template to the left illustrates the productive and overcoming order of the five elements. The five elements are a representation of different energies in nature. Note that each element is associated with a color. This is a useful chart to apply when selecting color for your painting project. For example, if you wish to lift the energy in a room, a soft green would be a good choice. It represents Springs’ rising Qi of renewed growth and new beginnings, yet, it has a soothing effect.

The black arrows indicate the production order of the elements. In progression, each element supports the next. Wood element, for instance, feeds fire element (movement), which  just may be what you want to get things moving in you life!

The pink arrows show what element to use to overcome another. The soft green I mentioned would be a good way to energetically move stagnant earth Qi.

If, for example, you feel unmotivated, you probably have too much earth Qi. One way to loosen it would be to introduce wood element in your surroundings.

Selecting Color is a challenge for many people. I helped clients select the color for this living room. The gentle lavender cools down the heat of the sun beating through the large windows creating a comfortable and soothing place to relax and entertain. 

So, if you are thinking of starting a painting project, please let me know and we can sit down and pick the colors that will support you the most!

Madhu M. Brodkey, M.F.S., founded Feng Shui Reflections in 1997. She is a Black Tantric Buddhist (BTB) Master Feng Shui Consultant & Teacher who combines this expertise with over 30 years of practice in healing arts and design to harmonize and balance the Qi (vital energy) of an environment and its’ occupants. Madhu is certified through the BTB Feng Shui Masters Program & attended UCSC Interior Design Professional Program – See website: www.fengshuireflections.com

Want to try something different? Then consider using the Feng Shui Ba Gua as a planning tool to enhance the energy of your garden.  Use the Ba Gua to boost your relationship, increase abundance, bring more laughter into your life and improve your Qi! It has many layers of information including what section of the garden relates to the areas you wish to augment. The Ba Gua “map” shows colors, shapes and elements to put into action.

For example, possibly you want to incorporate a Children’s Garden into your yard. The Dui section of the Ba Gua would be a good place for this.
To see what I’m referring to click HERE   and you will view a basic Ba Gua to use as your garden map. This Feng Shui map will allow the Qi (vital energy) to flow freely creating balance, health and abundance for you and your family.

Most of all, have fun with planning your garden and if you choose to use the Ba Gua and need some help with it, please let me know.

Did you know that you can place the Ba Gua on an entire  site, just one section or have several Ba Gua’s in one yard?

FENG SHUI TIP - A common question that clients and students ask in planning a Feng Shui garden is, “How do I place the Ba Gua?” Good question!

Let’s say you want to use Feng Shui for your back yard. First determine the main entrance to area of your property. Do you enter from the back of your home, or, is a gate the main entrance? Once you determine this, place the Ba Gua the same way you would place it on your house. To see what I’m referring to click HERE   and you will view a basic Ba Gua to use as your garden map.

Now, let’s say you want to enhance your wealth area. That is called Hsun and is located in the back left corner of the Ba Gua. If the orientation of the Ba Gua for the whole property is different from the orientation of the Ba Gua for the back yard, then you have two wealth areas in your back yard. Colors to use in the Hsun/Wealth area are green and purple. A water feature is also good.

HAPPY GARDENING!

Madhu M. Brodkey, M.F.S., founded Feng Shui Reflections in 1997. She is a Black Tantric Buddhist (BTB) Master Feng Shui Consultant & Teacher who combines this expertise with over 30 years of practice in healing arts and design to harmonize and balance the Qi (vital energy) of an environment and its’ occupants. Madhu is certified through the BTB Feng Shui Masters Program & attended UCSC Interior Design Professional Program – See website: www.fengshuireflections.com

1 large Chinese or Napa Cabbage cover in water add coarse salt until water tastes salty
1 small head of garlic, peeled and finely minced
one piece of fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1/4 cup fish sauce
1 -3 tablespoon chili pepper
1 bunch green onions, cut into 1-inch (3cm) lengths (use the dark green part, too, except for the tough ends)
1 medium daikon radish, peeled and grated
1 teaspoon sugar or honey

1. Slice the cabbage lengthwise in half, then slice each half lengthwise into 3 sections. Cut away the tough stem chunks.

2. Dissolve the salt in the water in a very large container, then submerge the cabbage under the water. Put a plate on top to make sure they stay under water, then let stand for 2 hours.

3. Mix the other ingredients in a very large metal or glass bowl.

4. Drain the cabbage, rinse it, and squeeze it dry.

5. Pack down with wooden spoon into a large mouth ball jar or crock, place a weight on top to compress cabbage. Some recipes advise wearing rubber gloves since the chili paste can stain your hands.

6. Pack the kimchi in a clean glass jar large enough to hold it all and cover it tightly. Let stand for one to two days in a cool place, around room temperature.

7. Check the kimchi after 1-2 days. refrigerated. taste it if – if you want more fermentation let it stand another day, when it should be ready.

8. Once it’s done fermenting, serve or store in the refrigerator.
Storage: eat the kimchi within 3 weeks.

Liz Koch is the Way of Life health education coordinator.