Biofield Therapies: Helpful Or Full Of Hype? Review Looks At Reiki, Therapeutic Touch And Healing Touch

Biofield Therapies: Helpful Or Full Of Hype? Review Looks At Reiki, Therapeutic Touch And Healing Touch

Amazing that now these research reviews are being done. Problem is there is little research on energy work because of the hold traditional medicine has had on research funds! If they get interested in studying biofield energies and allocate funds for good randomized clinical trials, we can at least have data to support what we experience and know about the benefits of energy work. This is hopeful though!!!!

Effects Of Healing Touch Therapy Being Studied

Effects Of Healing Touch Therapy Being Studied

Nice to see a research study being done on Healing Touch. So many patients now request it as part of their care that hospitals are offering it and now interested in research.

Healing Moon Center - Norwood - Room Rental Available

The Healing Moon Wellness Center, in Norwood MA, has a treatment room available for a practitioner in the wellness field. The room would be perfect for a massage therapist, craniosacral therapist, acupuncturist, reflexologist, reiki practitioner, hypnotherapist, psychotherapist, etc. The room is beautifully furnished and ready to rent. The room includes use of our waiting room. The Healing Moon "family" consists of over 15 practitioners and teachers who work out of the center. There is flexibility to rent the room full time or just a couple days a week. Please contact Trisha Matthies 781-769-1121 or thehealingmoon@aol.com For more information about the center visit www.thehealingmoon.com

One Walpole Street, Norwood 02062
781-769-1121

Reiki III - 7 new Reiki Masters

Today was a wonderful day with 7 new Reiki Masters! Anthe Kelley is a yoga teacher at Roslindale Yoga, Granit Artsi a computer analyst moving to Tel Aviv next week (her home country, Eric is my Steris Co hand hygiene sales rep, Lori Shea trained with me years ago and was back for an attunement recap, Devin Cormier will be doing Reiki on horses, Megan Maliozio is an Occupational Therapist at NEBH, Sarah Smigiliani is a nursing student. We had such a great day and got our at 4:30pm!

Reiki Level III - October 25, 2009

Reiki Level III - Master

Date: October 25, 2009

Location: Chapel Conference Room
New England Baptist Hospital
125 Parker Hill Avenue, Boston, MA

Teacher: Maureen Spencer, RN, M.Ed.

Cost: $195.00 (includes teaching materials and 7.5 contact hours for nurses)


In this level of training you will learn the last symbol for spiritual healing, how to pass attunements and how to attune water.  

To register, contact Maureen Spencer at 781 864-2130 or email yogareikisound@yahoo.com

Phytochemicals In Plant-based Foods Could Help Battle Obesity, Disease

Eating more plant-based foods, which are rich in substances called phytochemicals, seems to prevent oxidative stress in the body, a process associated with obesity and the onset of disease, according to findings published online in advance of the print edition of the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.

Using what is known as a phytochemical index, which compares the number of calories consumed from plant-based foods compared with the overall number of daily calories, could also help people make sure they remember to get enough phytochemicals during their regular meals and snacks,
The researchers studied a group of 54 young adults, analyzing their dietary patterns over a three-day period, repeating the same measurement eight weeks later. The participants were broken into two groups: normal weight and overweight-obese.

Although the adults in the two groups consumed about the same amount of calories, overweight-obese adults consumed fewer plant-based foods and subsequently fewer protective trace minerals and phytochemicals and more saturated fats. They also had higher levels of oxidative stress and inflammation than their normal-weight peers, Vincent said. These processes are related to the onset of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and joint disease, she added.
Oxidative stress occurs when the body produces too many damaging free radicals and lacks enough antioxidants or phytochemicals to counteract them. Because of excess fat tissue and certain enzymes that are more active in overweight people, being obese can actually trigger the production of more free radicals, too.
Because many phytochemicals have antioxidant properties, they can help combat free radicals. Phytochemicals include substances such as allin from garlic, lycopene from tomatoes, isoflavones from soy, beta carotene from orange squashes and anythocyanins from red wine, among others.
People who are obese need more fruits, vegetables, legumes and wholesome unrefined grains,. In comparison to a normal-weight person, an obese person is always going to be behind the eight ball because there are so many adverse metabolic processes going on.

Arthritis: Copper Bracelets, Magnetic Wrist Straps Useless? Trial Raises Doubts Over Alternative Pain Therapy

Arthritis: Copper Bracelets, Magnetic Wrist Straps Useless? Trial Raises Doubts Over Alternative Pain Therapy

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H1N1 Prevention Tips

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a w ay, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected o ne. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6. Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking w arm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.


Natural Products you can use:
When you get the flu – there is not much you can do except rest, drink plenty of fluids, take over the counter pain relievers and stay home to prevent transmission to others. There are two major methods of preventing influenza – vaccine and antiviral drugs. It is highly recommended you get your flu shot this year to prevent infection. In addition to prescription antivirals there are also non-prescription antiviral medications and other medicinal substances that have been shown to be effective in clinical trials against human influenza.


Sambucol
Sambucol is a non-prescription proprietary medication made from an extract of black elderberries and has been shown in laboratory studies that it inhibited viral replication. Two randomized double blind control trials of the efficacy of Sambucol against human influenza showed that the Sambucol treated group had a duration of illness about 4 days shorter than the placebo group. These results show that Sambucol actually decreases illness duration more than the prescription antivirals on the market. It has been shown to have a direct antiviral action as well as an immune boosting action. Sambucol is available in health food stores and on the internet and comes in both sugar and sugar-free formulas, in liquid and lozenge


Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a natural compound found in the skins of grapes, wines, peanuts, and a few other plant sources. There is research showing that resveratrol has antiviral effects against human influenza. In a recent study at the University of Milan, researchers found that resveratrol could stop the replication of the influenza virus in cell cultures and has significant anti-inflammatory properties.


Echinacea purpurea
Herbalists consider Echinacea one of the best blood purifiers and an effective antibiotic. It activates the body's immune system and has been used to help prevent the common cold and to relieve the symptoms of hay fever. It has been shown in animal and human studies to improve the migration of white blood cells to attack foreign microorganisms and toxins in the bloodstream. The most commonly used, Echinacea purpurea, is believed to be the most potent. Unfortunately, some studies to date have not proven that echinacea shortens the course of colds or flu. For example, two NIH funded studies did not find a benefit from echinacea, either as Echinacea purpurea fresh-pressed juice for treating colds in children, or as a mixture of Echinacea angustifolia root and Echinacea purpurea root and herb in adults. But there are other studies that show that echinacea may be beneficial in treating upper respiratory infections versus the flu.


Andrographis paniculata
Andrographis has become popular for use during winter season for immune support and is also a popular herb in Chinese medicine. Several double-blind clinical trials have found that andrographis can help reduce symptom severity in people with common colds. Standardized andrographis extract combined with Siberian ginseng has also been shown in a double-blind clinical trial to reduce symptoms of the common cold.


Elderberry
The American elder also known as Elderberry, is a small tree that grows to 12 feet and is native to North America.The tree has been called "the medicine chest” of the common people. The berries from the elder contain a considerable amount of vitamins A, B and C, as well as flavonoids, sugar, tannins, carotenoids and amino acids. Warm elderberry wine is a remedy for sore throat, influenza and induces perspiration to reverse the effects of a chill. The juice from the berries is an old fashioned cure for colds, and is also said to relieve asthma and bronchitis.


Umcka ColdCare – Pelargonium sidoides
Clinical studies show that Umcka shortens duration, reduces the severity and breaks the cold cycle. Umcka ColdCare success is attributed to impressive clinical results and high consumer satisfaction.. It is a traditional remedy made from the roots of Pelargonium sidoides — a species of geranium unique to South Africa. For hundreds of years the Zulu, Basuto, Xhosa and Mfengi cultures have used Pelargonium sidoides as a curative for coughs, upper respiratory tract irritations and gastrointestinal concerns. For best results, take at the first sign of symptoms and continue to use for an additional 48 hours after symptoms subside.


Maintaining Optimal Body Health – Acid/Alkaline Balance


1. Good Diet - eat a wide variety of fresh, wholesome foods packed with powerful vitamins and minerals to ensure a strong immune system. Vitamins A, B6, C and E and zinc, iron, copper and selenium are critical for maintaining strength and immunity. Make sure that your diet consists of fruits and vegetables to ensure that you are getting all of the necessary nutrients.  Keep your body is a healthy acid/alkaline balance to prevent certain organisms and viruses from taking a hold in your body. Eat lettuce, carrots, and celery – they are very beneficial to the body because they are very alkalizing and help to maintain the correct acid/alkaline balance. Lists of foods that are acid and alkaline can also easily be found on the internet, along with discussions of how to balance the diet in regard to pH.   Basically, most, but not all, fruits and vegetables are alkalizing, while most meats, poultry, fish, dairy, alcohol, grains, and sugars are acidifying. The trick is to try to eat more fruits and vegetables and less grain products, meats, dairy, sugars, alcohol and refined carbohydrates. It is known that too much stress will cause the body to become unbalanced with regard to pH. This helps to explain why some people are more susceptible to colds and flu when under chronic stress.   You can also alkalinize easily with liquid or pill form Chlorofresh (eg chlorophyll) - take 2 tbsp a day of liquid.


2. Supplementing your diet with a daily multivitamin is an essential part of your health regime. During cold and flu season, increase your dosage of vitamin C for added virus fighting benefits. Studies have shown that the powerful antioxidants in vitamin C can reduce both the symptoms and duration of the flu.


3. Eat Extra Garlic - Certain foods can give you an extra boost and should be factored into your regular eating habits. Garlic is known for its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties and can prevent infections from taking hold and spreading.


4. Drink Tea - While the healthy properties in black tea have been known for centuries, a recent Harvard University study confirmed its healing effects. The study found that people who drank five cups of black tea a day for two weeks had 10 times higher levels of the cold- and virus-fighting chemical interferon than those who did not drink tea. Researchers suspect that green tea has the same effect.


5. Exercise - Exercising for 30 to 60 minutes daily can enhance your immune system.. A study conducted at Appalachian State University found that people who walked regularly for 12 weeks had half the number of colds and sore throats as people who were less active. Exercise is also a great way to reduce stress and its harmful effects on the immune system.


6. Sleep on it - Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for the immune system to recharge itself. An overly fatigued body doesn’t have the necessary strength to fight off infections.


7. Most Importantly – Use Good Hand and Skin Hygiene - A strong immune system should be able to combat the virus, but washing your hands frequently can decrease the chance of cross contamination. Use warm water and soap and avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes to prevent the virus from entering your system.


References:
Taylor JA, Weber W, Standish L, et al. Efficacy and safety of echinacea in treating upper respiratory tract infections in children: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2003;290(21):2824–2830.


Barrett BP, Brown RL, Locken K, et al. Treatment of the common cold with unrefined echinacea: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2002;137(12):939–946.


Fugh-Berman A. Echinacea for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory infections. Seminars in Integrative Medicine. 2003;1(2):106–111.

Yoga Workshops - $30.00 per 3 hr module - Sheraton Hotel Braintree

October 31, 2009   10:00am-5:00pm
Saturday - Module 1 & 2
Jill Jardine, MA, RYT
Patanjali's Sutras, Eight Fold Path, Dieties, Ancient Texts, Kirtan

 
 
 
 
 

Michelle Fleming, E-RYT

10::00am – 1:00pm
Introduction to Yoga Flows and Core Strength

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Terry Gupta, MSW, E-RYT and Jay Gupta, R.Ph. MScIM, RYT

2:00pm-5:00pm
Introduction to Cleansing Practices and Philosophy

 
 
If interested in attending - contact Maureen Spencer, RN at yogareikisound@yahoo.com  or call 781 864-2130

No Scientific Link Between Childhood Vaccines And Autism, Review Shows

No Scientific Link Between Childhood Vaccines And Autism, Review Shows

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A review of published research shows that there is not convincing scientific evidence supporting a relationship between vaccines and autism.

A British paper published about 10 years ago seemingly made the claim that receipt of the MMR vaccine was associated with autism. This initial report of a possible relationship between the MMR vaccine and the onset of autism received significant attention, and in England, MMR immunization rates dropped and the number of measles cases rose dramatically over the next decade.

In response to this concern in the U.S., the CDC and NIH examined vaccine safety issues and after performing an in-depth review of the relevant literature, rejected a causal relationship between the MMR vaccine and autism. Eventually most of the authors of the original British paper also asked to retract the interpretation of their findings.

Concerns have also been raised about thimerosal, a preservative in multidose vaccines that was removed from routine vaccines in 2001 in the US and in 1992 in Denmark and Sweden. Despite the removal in Denmark and Sweden, autism rates have continued to increase there. Other studies have failed to find a link as well. Finally, in February 2009, the U.S. Court of Federal claims found that the MMR vaccine and thimerosal containing vaccines were

American Roulette — Contaminated Dietary Supplements

American Roulette — Contaminated Dietary Supplements

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Yoga Retreat - Winter in Vermont - January 29-31, 2009

Yoga Retreat - Winter in Vermont

January 29-31, 2009
Join us for a full weekend of yoga in Perkinsville, VT. This retreat will be held at “The Inn at Weatherfield”. Weatherfield is an ideal spot for a relaxing getaway. The beautiful grounds make up a picture perfect setting for a yoga class. This retreat is designed for yoga students of all levels. Beginners are welcome! Eight classes will be offered. Feel free to take all eight or spend some time skiing, sledding or exploring local antique shops and art galleries. This weekend is for you. Relax and enjoy!

$375pp (Double Occupancy
$535pp (Single Occupancy)
$275pp No Yoga Classes (Double Occupancy)

Includes:
*Two Nights accommodations in a beautiful room w/fireplace & private bath
*Feather beds, fine linens, robes & slippers in every room
*Welcome Tea
*Full hot country breakfast each morning
*Lunch on Saturday
*Wine & Cheese Social
*Retreat Guest Gifts
*8 Yoga Classes in a private yoga studio
*Unlimited Peace and Relaxation

Take a look. You will not be disappointed.
http://www.weathersfieldinn.com/index.htm
For additional information please contact:
Tricia Glynn
namasteyoga77@yahoo.com
617-947-2983
Our Fall Retreat Sold out in 5 weeks.
To guarantee your spot sign up today.

Laughter Matters In Promoting Health

Nurse researchers and clinicians at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (JHUSON) and the Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHH) are exploring how to prevent the damage excessive stress can do to a young child's development and how the mind can help speed or slow healing and help control pain. And they're helping nurses recognize and recover from their own stress-induced behavioral problems.

In "Anatomy of an Illness," Saturday Evening Review editor Norman Cousins described an unusual treatment in his battle against a fatal illness: laughter. To control his pain, he dosed himself with video after video of the Marx Brothers in lieu of medications. Anne Belcher, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF, a JHUSON associate professor and director of the school's Office for Teaching Excellence, is sure that Cousins was onto something. As a cancer nurse, she has seen the positive health effects of coping mechanisms such as laughter first hand.

Recognizing the growing research on the role of mood on healing, Belcher emphasizes the importance of nursing at the intersection of body and mind. In her nursing lectures, she prescribes the use of humor in liberal doses with patients, knowing it stimulates the release of endorphins that can help control pain and promote better sleep. Research suggests it also may give the immune system a boost.

Laughter is only one useful coping mechanism; there are others, such as faith, belief, and simple optimism. "I am convinced," she notes, "that how we view life and our control over it affect our ability to navigate what life hands us, including illness and even impending death." To Belcher, individuals who find purpose and meaning in what is happening to them and express it with optimism seem better able to get through treatment and to recover from or to live longer with an illness. "It's all about living with hope. It doesn't matter if it's called faith, a sense of optimism, a positive outlook, or a good laugh. Mind does matter when it comes to health. " To her mind, no one is better positioned than nurses to support a patient's body, mind and spirit. "Our job," Belcher recalls, "is to relieve suffering. So, if laughter or spirituality seems to be helping a patient, I counsel my nursing colleagues to just go for it."


Mind Matters In Promoting Health

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Meditation Group with Ronnie Shaffer

MEDITATION & RELAXATION GROUP


MONDAY, OCTOBER 5TH @ 7 P.M.


TIME TO FALL BACK INTO YOUR PRACTICE !!!
Discover techniques to relax and reduce stress and tension in your life.
A meditation practice in a group setting can enhance one's spiritual and personal growth.


Please join us as we gather in a circle of love, light and peace.
Any questions please e-mail vas4@comcast.net or call 781-857-2353.
Ronnie Shaffer - 500 Groveland Street - Abington, MA.



Remaining Dates in 2009
October 22 Thursday

November 2 Monday
November 19 Thursday
December 7 Monday
December 17 Thursday