Could It Be Your Ileocecal Valve?

The ileocecal valve is situated between the large and small intestines, on the right side of your body. It rhythmically opens and shuts to process waste material, not only from the foods you eat, but also from the hormones and other chemicals that continually pour into your bloodstream. If the ileocecal valve's rhythm of opening and closing is thrown off, a series of health issues can insue. If toxins aren't eliminated, they can back up into your system, and difficulties may appear almost anywhere in the body, often mimicing more serious illness.

Digestive ailments, lower backaches, toxic backup in the kidneys (the ileocecal valve is governed by the kidney meridian), bronchitis and even eczema have been known to serendipitously clear after the ileocecal valve's functioning is restored. The following technique is adapted from the book "Energy Medicine" by Donna Eden, and is used to both open and reset the ileocecal valve.

• Place your right hand on your right hip bone with your little finger at it's inside edge. Your hand is over the ileocecal valve.

• Place your left hand at the corresponding spot at the inside edge of your left hip bone. This is the Houston's vale, and resetting both valves creates a symmetry between them.

• Exert pressure as you massage and slowly drag the fingers of each hand up six to seven inches with a deep inhalation.

• Shake the energy off your fingers with the outbreath and return to the original position. Repeat about four times.

• End by dragging your fingers downward one time with pressure.

Get Your Glow On!

Your skin has a lifespan of about twenty-eight days and will totally renew itself within that time. What you chose to nourish your body with during that period can mean the difference between a dull complexion and a youthful, radiant glow.

Seaweed is a powerful anti-aging tonic that promotes healthy bones, hair, teeth, skin, and nails. It also encourages good elimination and can help you maintain your ideal weight. Kombu seaweed contains the important trace mineral germanium, which has been used for hundreds of years by women in Asia to keep their skin looking youthful. To encourage beautiful skin from the inside out, try drinking this youth-rendering cocktail daily!

1 cup fresh pressed grapefruit juice
1 tsp combination of powdered seaweed (kombu, kelp, wakame, nori, or dulse)
1 tsp finely ground flaxseeds (or flax meal)

Mix the juice and seaweed. Let stand for a minute to allow the seaweed to absorb the juice. Add the flax, stirring well, and drink promptly (the flax meal will quickly begin to thicken and settle, not yum). For taste variation and to increase the antioxidant value of the beverage, you can add noni or aloe vera juice. Substituting the juice with coconut water is also a tasty option. Drink up and get your glow on!

Sun Protection From the Inside Out

Fresh fruits and vegetables like watermelon, pineapple, raspberries, and brightly hued bell peppers, are rich in antioxidants, protective molecules that help fight free-radical damage triggered by sun exposure. Left unchecked, free radicals can cause inflammation in the body, which can eventually harm DNA and lead to skin and other cancers.

A study in the Journal of Nutrition showed that a mix of carotenoids reduced skin's susceptibility to ultraviolet damage. Carotenoids are a group of antioxidants including lycopene (found in tomatoes and watermelon), lutein (in spinach and other dark green vegetables), and beta-carotene (in orange, red, and yellow produce). Other studies have produced similar results with green tea and ferulic acid (an antioxidant found in pineapple, oranges, apples and coffee). The richer and darker the color of your produce the better. Aim for a mix of yellows, reds, greens and purples for a variety of antioxidants, which is important because they protect cells in different ways. Some antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals before they penetrate the skin and cause inflammation. Others reverse inflammation and could even repair DNA damage that can occur despite our best efforts. A few, like green tea, may do all three.


Watermelon, Arugula and Pine Nut Salad

• 1 tbs fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbs red-wine vinegar
• 2 tbs extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cups cubed (1/2 to 3/4 inch) seeded watermelon, drained
• 6 cups baby arugula 
• 1/4 cup pine nuts 
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta 
• Coarsely ground black pepper to taste
• Fleur de sel to taste

Whisk together lemon juice and vinegar in a large bowl, then add oil in a slow stream, whisking until emulsified. Add watermelon, arugula, and pine nuts and toss to coat, then sprinkle with cheese, pepper, and fleur de sel. Enjoy this refreshing salad and a little time in the sun! 

Healing Chinese Bodywork

Balancing Energy

Tuina (pronounced tway-na) is an important component of traditional Chinese medicine, along with acupuncture and herbal medicine. Like acupuncture, it seeks to enhance and balance the flow of vital energy (qi) along invisible channels called meridians. Instead of using needles, tuina draws upon a variety of hands-on techniques that include massage, acupressure, and joint manipulation. Practitioners often use repetitive movements to generate a rhythmic "wave of force" rather than just pressure. This enables older people or those with serious health problems to receive tuina treatments without discomfort.

Benefits of Tuina

Tuina is typically used as part of a treatment program for musculoskeletal disorders or chronic gastrointestinal, reproductive or respiratory disorders. It also helps reduce muscular and emotional tension. In China, it is often used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes and to prevent complications from the disease such as peripheral neuropathy, sores and wounds. Tuina can also be beneficial for stroke patients by helping the nervous system regroup and relearn more quickly.

Tuina Treatment

A typical tuina session lasts between 30 to 60 minutes. To assess the flow of vital energy, the practitioner may examine your tongue and check various pulses on both wrists (similar to an acupuncture session). The practitioner uses hands and elbows to press, tap, knead, rub, vibrate, grasp, push, pull, or pinch various parts of the body. Herbal poultices, compresses, and liniments to enhance the hands-on healing methods may also be used.

Finding a Practitioner

To find a tuina practitioner in your area, you can ask a local Chinese acupuncturist for a referral or check the website of the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia at aobta.org. If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa offers tuina massage. Call 707-257-0200 to book your appointment.

Acupresssure to Ease Depression

Deep Breathing Meditation

Depression can result from an inadequate supply of oxygen in the blood. Deep breathing and acupressure increase blood circulation and oxygen supply. Practice the following breathing meditation in a quiet spot either indoors or out in nature.

Sit comfortably with your spine straight, touching your thumb and middle fingers together. Close your eyes and begin long, slow, deep breathing. As you focus your attention on your breath, prolong the inhalation with the intention to receive healing energy. With each slow exhalation, imagine you are able to release burdens and past hurts. Focus on how each deep breath strengthens your ability to care for yourself. Continue this breathing meditation for five to ten minutes.

Acupressure Points

This exercise activates acupressure points to better assimilate oxygen into your system. Hold your right thumb firmly with your left hand for two minutes. Then squeeze your right little finger firmly as you continue to breathe slowly and deeply for an additional two minutes. Switch sides to hold your left thumb then your left little finger for two minutes each. Holding these fingers opens the breath and facilitates your ability to let go and receive healing energy.

Benefits of Colon Hydrotherapy

Colon Hydrotherapy (also referred to as colonics, colon cleansing, or high enema) is one of the most effective ways to detoxify our system. It is often recommended during a cleanse to help boost the removal of waste material such as impacted feces, dead cellular tissue and accumulated mucus. A build up of material in the colon can inhibit muscular action, causing sluggish bowel movement, slow transit time, and constipation. When these wastes remain inside the body they can re-enter and circulate in the blood stream, causing fatigue and foggy thinking. It can also impair the colon's ability to assimilate vitamins and minerals. The ideal transit time of food through the body is 18-24 hours. On average in the USA, it currently takes 60 hours for men and 70 hours for women. Once impacted material is removed, muscular contraction is improved and your colon can begin to function as it was meant to.

Benefits of Colon Hydrotherapy

The benefits of colon hydrotherapy can include increased energy, improved circulation, clearer skin and eyes, mental clarity, weight normalizing, better digestion, and relief from bloating. Colon hydrotherapy indirectly works with nine out of eleven major systems of our body, including the respiratory, urinary, digestive, immune, cardiovascular, lymphatic, integumentary, nervous, and endocrine systems. When the colon works properly, overall body systems tend to work properly as well. Many health authorities believe that diseases begin in the colon, and that colon health is essential to our overall health and well-being. 

What to Expect During Colon Hydrotherapy

There are two kinds of colon hydrotherapy systems - the open or closed systems. Both are hygienic, discreet and not uncomfortable. Which system to use is a matter of personal preference, so give each one a try and decide for yourself. During a colonic session, your colon will be filled with triple filtered water and allowed to release several times. During a fill, only the volume of water that feels comfortable for you is introduced. Once you feel full, you tell the therapist and the water is then released. Your colon empties out into the drainage tube, carrying with it fecal and toxic matter that has been dislodged. This filling and emptying continues, along with abdominal massage and often foot reflexology, for the entire session. The machine has a viewing tube which allows you and the therapist to see what is coming out of your body if you are into that kind of thing. During the treatment, you may feel some cramping in the stomach and occasionally some slight nausea can occur when toxic waste detaches from the intestinal walls and leaves the body. Most people report feeling lighter, refreshed, and energized after a colon hydrotherapy session. The most frequent post-colonic experience is to have a slight delay in bowel movements and then a resumption of somewhat larger, easier to move stool. 

To obtain long-lasting results, a series of colonics is generally recommended. In conjunction with an improved diet, exercise, proper rest and nutrtional supplementation, colon hydrotherapy can help transform your digestive abilities. Your colon hydrotherapist will work with you to determine the best route to wellness for your individual needs.

Referrals

Reputable colon hydrotherapists are certified through the Internal Environment of Colon Therapy and use only FDA-approved equipment and disposable speculums. Ask your physician or naturopath for a referral if you don't know of a colon hydrotherapist in your area. If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area I recommend Kristin Jong at Avra Organic Spa. Kristin makes the experience comfortable and natural for you, just like any other day at the spa ... almost.

http://www.avraorganicspa.com 

Benifits of Fish Oil

Health Benefits

Fish and its oils supply two important omega-3 fatty acids: EPA, which seems to have heart-protective effects, and DHA, which  benefits the nervous system. Some of the strongest evidence for fish oils is that doses of 2 to 4 grams daily of EPA and DHA combined may help reduce high triglycerides by 20 to 40 percent. One gram daily appears to modestly reduce high blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk for those with existing heart disease. Studies suggest that at least 3 grams of omega-3's daily may help relieve symptoms of inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. There is also preliminary evidence, based on short term studies, that omega-3's may be beneficial along with conventional medicines to treat depression and schizophrenia and, in high doses, bipolar disorder, but more research is still needed.

 

Dosages

Consider taking 2 to 3 grams (2,000 to 3,000 mg) of fish oil containing both EPA and DHA. You may want to take higher doses depending on your specific health needs, but do so only under a doctor's supervision. Instead of taking lots of capsules, try the liquid form (lemon or orange flavored), which is easier to use and more economical, especially with higher doses. It can be taken by the spoonful, used in salads, or blended in a smoothie. Fish oils stay freshest when refrigerated.

Purity

Chose brands that can back up claims to be contaminant-free. Fish oil supplements that are molecularly distilled are the safest available. Molecular distillation is a purification method that uses a strong vaccum to greatly lower the oil's boiling point, making it possible to separate it from contaminants such as mercury, lead, and PCB's without the use of high temperatures that can diminish the oil's omega-3 content. Molecularly distilled products are well rated by International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS), a program that evaluates product safety.

What to Avoid

You want to avoid using cod liver oil instead of fish oils. Even though it's from a marine source, many brands of cod liver oil are too high in vitamin A, which can be toxic in excess amounts. Since fish oils can decrease blood clotting, they should be used cautiously by people on anticoagulants and those with bleeding disorders or uncontrolled hypertension; also, avoid if you are scheduled to undergo surgery. If you're also taking blood-thinning supplements such as aspirin, garlic, or ginko, talk to your doctor about a potential increase for bleeding.

Breathe Easy

A nutrient powerhouse, broccoli contains numerous vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Broccoli is great for your brain, your heart and your no-cancer future. It's also been shown to improve lung health, thanks to broccoli's central ingredient, known as sulforaphane, which is especially strong in broccoli sprouts. In fact, a recent study has shown that those cute little sprouts may very well reduce asthma, so start planting and start benefiting!

You can find broccoli sprouts at your local farmers market, health food store or Whole Foods. It's also fun and super easy to grow your own! Here's how:

• Buy organic broccoli sprouting seeds from the bulk section of your local health food store, Whole Foods, or online.

• Next, put some dirt in pots (little pots work well for a kitchen window sill), sprinkle the seeds and cover with them with a little more dirt.

• Water them for a few days, watch them grow ... then eat! Sprouts are terrific in salads, on sandwiches, in homemade sushi rolls (see recipe from the March 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times below), or just about anything!

• Replant right away (or in waves), so you have a constant supply. Try experimenting with buckwheat, clover, celery and any number of seeds. Have fun trying them all! 

Spicy Broccoli Sprout Sushi

Serves 4
Ingredients:

2 tsp seasoned rice vinegar
1/2 cup sushi rice, rinsed and drained
2 sheets nori (roasted seaweed)
Hot sesame oil, for sprinkling (optional)
4 slices avocado
4 slices red bell pepper
2 slices baked seasoned Asian-style tofu, each cut into 4 strips
2 tbs pickled ginger, drained
1/2 cup broccoli sprouts
Soy sauce and wasabi for dipping

Place sushi rice and 1/2 cup water in small saucepan, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, and cool 20 minutes. Stir in rice vinegar.

Place 1 sheet nori on sushi mat or work surface. Spread half of warm rice over nori with back of spoon, leaving 1 1/2 inch edges on top and bottom to seal sushi, but spreading rice all the way to both sides. Sprinkle rice with hot sesame oil, if using.

Lay 2 avocado slices, 2 bell pepper slices, and 4 tofu strips in lines down center of rice. Top with 1 tbs pickles ginger and 1/4 cup broccoli sprouts. Brush edges of nori with water. Tightly roll nori around rice and filling, pressing bare edge at top to seal. Cut into 8 pieces with sharp knife. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Serve with soy sauce and wasabi.

5 Foods That Fight Inflammation

Research has linked inflammation to an increased risk of just about everything, including heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. Inflammation happens when anything - an infection, being overweight, stressed or sleep deprived - irritates your body. You can help protect yourself against the damage by eating a variety of plant based foods every day. Here are some to try:

• Tart cherries: They are rich in anti-inflammatory substances like quercetin and anthocyanins. The darker the better.

• Onions: Another great source of quercetin, onions also have sulfur compounds that may help reduce cholesterol, blood pressure and cancer risk.

• Cabbage: Cruciferous vegetables (like cabbage) contain sulforaphane, which can fight off bacteria and keep inflammation-related diseases at bay.

• Artichokes: They rank among the top 10 antioxidant foods. Research suggests that they may have anticancer, antiaging, immunity-boosting and cholesterol lowering abilities.

• Pistachios: They have more plant sterols than any other tree nuts, plus they contain a ton of antioxidants (reseratrol, lutein and quercetin) that help fight free-radical damage in your arteries, eyes and throughout your body. 

Inhaling the Calm

This exercise is a great breathing technique to use if you have tried to meditate but can't seem to keep your mind from racing from one thought to the next. It is easy to learn and profoundly relaxing. This breathing technique works by sinking stress and tension down and away from the chest area. You are then taken into a much more peaceful and relaxed state of being.

• Sit upright in a chair with your fingers interlaced and your hands resting together in your lap.

• Focus on your belly. Inhale slowly and push your belly out and then exhale slowly and pull your belly in. Take a few breaths while focusing on your belly.

• On an inhale, visualize a silver ball of energy being inhaled into your chest.

• On the exhale, visualize and feel the ball of energy sink into your belly.

• Remember, as your belly pushes out, you inhale an energy ball into your chest. As your belly pulls in, the energy ball sinks into your belly.

• Try to keep your mind focused on the energy ball coming into your chest and sinking into your belly.

• Repeat this breathing pattern and notice how your body and mind relax into the movements of your belly.

• Continue this exercise for three to ten minutes.

Juicy Quick Fixes!

Adding a fresh vegetable juice into your daily routine is a terrific way to gently begin to detoxify your system. Fresh juice contains an abundance of nutrients that will energize your body, build your health and help you fight disease. Scientists are now showing that the phytonutrients found in plants may be even more important for our health than vitamins and minerals. Without these life-giving substances, found primarily in vegetable and fruit, our immune systems weaken and we become subject to imbalance. So, what are you waiting for ... get juicy with these quick fix recipes!

 
Eye C U: Support your eye health with this tasty juice!

4 carrots
1 orange
1/2 inch piece ginger (or more to taste ... I use a lot!)
4 stalks celery
1 handful parsley
2 handfuls or so of spinach
1 apple
1 tbsp bee pollen

Immunity Plus: Promote a healthy immune system with this potent drink!

4 carrots
1 apple
2 cloves garlic
1/2 inch piece ginger
1 tbsp spirulina
1 piece burdock root

Power Up: Get ready to go with this powerful concoction!

4 carrots
1 apple
2 handfuls or so spinach
1/2 inch ginger
1 handful parsley

Detox: Get your body moving with this blend!

4 handfuls of kale (fold each piece into a bundle to easily fit into your juicers feeding tube)
6 stalks broccoli
1/4 small cabbage
1 beet
1 apple
4 carrot
1 shot wheatgrass (you can buy frozen wheatgrass at your local healthfood store if your juicer has a hard time with it or you can blend in some powdered wheatgrass if it's easier for you)

For all recipes run each ingredient through your juicer one at a time, mix and enjoy!

Get Your Beauty Sleep!

Can't Sleep?

Insomnia is a common problem, affecting one-third of all adults. People with sleep onset insomnia have difficulty falling asleep, while those with maintenance insomnia wake frequently throughout the night or very early in the morning.

Insomnia can be caused by a variety of physical, mental, and behavioral conditions. Among the most common causes are pain, anxiety, tension, illness, indigestion, caffeine, and drugs. A major cause of insomnia, especially if it's chronic, is reactive hypoglycemia. This is frequently exacerbated by eating late at night, especially foods with a high glucose level, which causes blood-sugar levels to go up and then plummet, a fluctuation that can contribute to insomnia. Another important cause of insomnia is the intake of stimulants. Most of us are aware of the caffeine in coffee, tea, and chocolate. Alcohol, although generally considered a depressant can have stimulant effects in some cases. Stress and overstimulating the mind by thinking about unresolved conflicts can also be a problem when the goal is to sleep

Conventional Treatment

Many people with insomnia often use over the counter or prescription drugs to help them sleep. Benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants are among the medications that may be prescribed by a doctor. Potential side effects include daytime sleepiness, loss of muscle coordination, and addiction.

Herbal Remedies

A variety of herbs can be a real help to those challenged by insomnia. Unlike sleeping pills, herbs won't leave you in a fog in the morning, or feeling like you haven't really slept. Most of the following herbs address the underlying cause of insomnia, a depleted nervous system that cannot settle itself down.

Reishi Mushroom: This herb provides daytime calm, decreases anxiety, and adjusts sugar metabolism. It helps to resolve what the Chinese call disturbed shen qi (a disturbed mental spirit). It has also been found to boost the immune system and reduce cholesterol and hypertension. Take three 1 gram tablets three times daily.

Valerian: Valerian has been used as a sedative for more than 2,000 years and is the most commonly used over the counter drug for sleep disorders in Europe. Valerian should only be taken for short periods or intermittently, when insomnia is at it's worst. This is because the herb can become habit forming, and increased doses may be required if it is used for long periods. Too much valerian can also make you nauseous. About an hour before going to bed, take a dose of 300 to 400 mg of valerian product standardized to 0.5 percent oil.

Scullcap: This is a powerful nerve tonic and sedative herb. I can be taken as a tincture, 15 to 40 drops two to three times a day; in combination with reishi, hops and valerian; or as a tea, using 1 to 3 teaspoons of the root for every cup of water.

Passionflower: This is an important relaxant herb. You can find tinctures and extracts in healthfood stores. You can make a tea by pouring 1 cup boiling water over 1/2 teaspoon dried passionflower. Warning: if you are being treated for depression, this herb can reduce the effects of monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Lemon Balm: Lemon balm is used to relax the body and help with sleep. It can be taken as a tea, by steeping 1 to 2 tablespoons in a cup of hot water.

Kava Kava: This is a powerful anxiolytic (anti-anxiety agent) and sedative. It's active compounds, called kavalactones, apparently work directly on the limbic system, which regulates emotional feelings and behavior. A clinical study in Germany found that patients receiving 100 mg of kava three times daily experienced a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms after only one week of treatment. You should not take this herb if you are depressed, pregnant or nursing.

Chamomile: Chamomile not only relaxes and calms the body, but also strengthens the nervous system. Chamomile tea is commonly used as a before bedtime sedative. You can also take it as a tincture, 10 to 40 drops three times a day; or in capsule form, six 300 to 400 mg capsules daily.

Heart Sutra

The following meditation is adapted  from Deepak Chopra's book "The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire". Close your eyes and practice the primordial sound manta "so-hum" for five minutes, placing your awareness on your breath. After the five minutes, put your mental awareness in the area of your heart, in the middle of your chest. With your attention on your heart, you may begin to feel your heart beating more strongly, and this is normal.

As you begin to experience the beating of your heart, begin to also experience gratitude. Think of all the things, events, and relationships in your life for which you have reason to be grateful. Allow these images to surface in your consciousness while you keep your attention on your heart. Take a moment to think of all the people whom you love and all the people who share their love with you.

Now say to yourself: "Every decision I make is a choice between a grievance and a miracle. I let go of grievances and choose miracles". Certain resentments and grievances, and the people associated with those resentments and grievances, may surface in your awareness. If they do, just say, "I let go of grievances. I choose the miracles." After having said "I let go of grievances and choose miracles" a few times, start to repeat mentally the phrase "Thy will be done". 

Become aware of your heart again, and consciously start to breathe into your heart. As you do, say to yourself, "Love ... knowingness ... bliss ... love", and then breathe out for the same count of four. Between each inhalation and exhalation pause for several seconds. Do this for three or four minutes.

After about a minute, let go of all thoughts and bring your awareness fully to your heart. Experience your heartbeat, either as a sound or as a sensation. Feel it throbbing. Once you can sense your heart, transfer your awareness into your hands, and feel the throbbing of your heart in your hands. Introduce the intention to increase the blood flow to your hands. Just have the intention. As the blood flow to your hands increases, either the throbbing will increase or you'll feel warmth, tingling, or some other sensation. Introduce the intention of increasing warmth so that your hands become warmer and warmer. Feel the warmth in your hands as your intention alone increases the blood flow.

When your hands have become warm, move your awareness into your face, the upper part of your face around the eyeballs, and have the same intention. Increase the blood flow to your face so your face starts to flush and get warm. Just have the intention. You may feel a pulsing sensation around your eyes as the blood flow increases and your face becomes warm.

Finally, bring your awareness back into your heart. Imagine that there is a pinpoint of light pulsating in your heart, matching your heartbeat. This pinpoint of light pulsating in your heart is the light of your soul and it pulsates with the three qualities of the soul: love, knowingness, and bliss. As it pulsates, experience the pinpoint of love, knowingness, bliss. It is sending radiant light to the rest of your body. Slowly let that pinpoint of light fade away from your awareness, and tune in to your whole body. Feel the sensations. Then open your eyes. The meditation is over.