Finding Inner Peace, LLC has provided yoga teacher certification, Reiki Certification and Cymatron Sound Healing training since 1995. Over 700 yoga teachers have successfully graduated from the school and teach locally and nationally. We use a comprehensive and well designed curriculum, which includes learning objectives, weekly lesson plans, weekend intensive modules, reading assignments and quality supporting faculty and textbooks. www.findinginnerpeace.com
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Feathers Wellness Studio - South Weymouth
Feathers Wellness Studio
Fundraising events in memory of John E Naoum
I am so grateful the summer is here (though rainy) but we still have the opportunity to see the blessings and opportunities in each day. As many of you know, my dad was diagnosed with a rare stomach cancer in Feb 2008 and died March 2008. At his one year anniversary, I felt the need to do something big to celebrate his life. I now find myself training to do the Jimmy Fund walk which is the Boston Marathon route.
I hope you will consider some of the events we have planned to help me meet my fundraising goals.
Christine Heffernan, RN, Reiki Master/Teacher, Cymatron Sound Facilitator
cell 781-413-5352
studio 339-499-1057
www.FeathersWellnessStudio.com
Christine@FeathersWellnessStudio.com
July Fundraising Events
7/14 Reiki Circle 7-9pm. $10. Open to the public. Come experience this ancient relaxation technique for yourself. This 20 minute session will leave you feeling calm and relaxed. Practitioners welcome to network and share Reiki.
7/21 Ask Mama Comedy Show Fundraiser to benefit the Jimmy Fund Walk
7p-9pm . $25. Mama provides a 45 minute comedic presentation followed by an improvisational question and answer session. Seating is limited. Please register early.
August Fundraising Events
8/4 Reiki Circle 7-9pm. $10. Open to the public. Come experience this ancient relaxation technique for yourself. This 20 minute session will leave you feeling calm and relaxed. Practitioners welcome to network and share Reiki.
8/10 It's not about the weight with JoAnne Young 7:30-9:30pm $25.
8/11 Silpada Jewelry Fundraiser 7-9pm. 100% Proceeds to Benefit the Jimmy Fund Walk. Shop the brand new collection of Sterling Jewelry for a great cause!
Save 10$
Due to popular demand we are extending our discounted rates of 65$ for Reiki Sound Sessions and Massages Offer Expires: September 1, 2009
Beginner Yoga Workshop
Sunday July 12th @ 2-4pm
Space Is Limited Sign Up Today
Coldbrooke Yoga
105 Front Street
Scituate Harbor
Yoga is meditation in motion. Are you there yet? Yoga shouldn’t be intimidating.
We will go through basic yoga poses, allowing plenty of time for questions. You will learn to fall into the postures comfortably and transition smoothly. The confidence that you gain will allow you to enjoy your classes. Spend more of your class focusing on how you feel and less time worrying about what your feet are doing. We will discuss breathing techniques and how to use these techniques in class. We will also touch on meditation.
Learn to make the most out of each and every yoga class.
Intermediate & Advanced Yogis are Welcome!
This is a great opportunity to go back to the basics. Correct any bad habits that you may have developed over the years. Slow it down, find your breath, and regain a true appreciation for each pose.
Pre Registration Required- $35
Friday, June 19, 2009
Overview of Vitamins and Minerals
http://www.consumerlab.com/
Multivitamins/multiminerals are among those supplements most likely to have quality problems. They contain multiple ingredients and, therefore, more possibility for error. Earlier tests by ConsumerLab.com have found multis that were short on ingredients, failed to dissolve properly, or were contaminated with heavy metals.
Consumer Lab conducted an independent study of various vitamin and mineral supplemtns and found:
Ten, or nearly one-third, of the multivitamins selected for testing were found to contain significantly more or less ingredient than claimed or were contaminated with lead. In addition, several products (including three for children) exceeded tolerable limits established by the Institute of Medicine for nutrients such as vitamin A, folic acid, niacin and zinc.
Overview of Vitamins and Minerals and their action in the body:
Vitamin A
Necessary to maintain good vision and skin. In supplements, "Vitamin A" usually refers to retinol (including retinyl palmitate and retinyl acetate) as well as beta-carotene. Retinol is found in animal-derived sources such as dairy foods and liver. Beta-carotene comes from fruits and vegetables, such as carrots and spinach. It is thought that beta-carotene is converted in the body into vitamin A based on the body's need for vitamin A and, therefore, may be a safer form of vitamin A to avoid potential overdosing.
B Vitamins:
Thiamin (B-1) assists nervous function. It is found in yeast, peas, beans, enriched flour and whole grains in large enough amounts that supplementation is normally not necessary.
Riboflavin (B-2) maintains vision and the skin. Although found in many vegetables and nuts, as well as enriched flour, some supplementation may be needed in children and the elderly.
Niacin (B-3) helps release energy from carbohydrates. It is available in the diet from enriched white flour, as well as from peanuts, fish and meat.
Pyridoxine (B-6) is important in many aspects of metabolism and in maintaining the immune and nervous systems. B-6 is widely available in the diet, but marginal deficiency is believed to be relatively common in the developed world. Inadequate B-6may raise blood levels of the substance homocysteine, and elevated homocysteine may in turn increase risk of cardiovascular disease. On this basis, B-6 supplements have been suggested as a means of helping to prevent cardiovascular disease, but efficacy has not been proven.
Folic acid (Folate, Folacin or B-9) is known to reduce the risk of certain birth defects in offspring. Furthermore, adequate folate, along with vitamin B-6 and vitamin B12, are necessary to keep homocysteine levels low (see B-6 above). Good natural sources of folic acid include dark green leafy vegetables and oranges. Because folic acid is added to enriched grains and some other foods, most people get sufficient folic acid from their diet. Nonetheless, supplements are generally recommended for women who are pregnant or may soon become pregnant.
B-12 deficiency can cause anemia, and, if the deficiency is severe enough, irreversible nerve damage may occur. B-12 is also required, along with folate and B-6,to maintain low homocysteine levels. However, true deficiency of this vitamin is rare. Vitamin B-12 is found in abundant quantity in meat, dairy products and eggs, and the body can store enough B-12 to last for years. Note, though, that B-12 is not found at useful levels in any purely plant-based substance. For this reason, total vegetarians (vegans) need to take a B-12 supplement. Deficiency might also occur in people with low stomach acidity, such as seniors or those taking drugs that reduce stomach acid (such as Prilosec or Zantac). The reason is that stomach acid is required to separate B-12 from the proteins in which it is naturally found. People with low stomach acid can still absorb the purified B-12 found in supplements.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is required for healthy blood vessel walls, gums, and bones. It is also a strong antioxidant. Vitamin C is found in many vegetables, such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts, as well citrus and other fruits, so that a healthful diet should allow one to meet the RDA.
Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) helps the body absorb calcium to promote strong bones and teeth. It can be obtained in sufficient amounts from fortified milks and foods and from exposure to sunlight. However, people who live in northern climates may easily become vitamin D deficient during the winter, especially if they are dark-skinned. Also, increased concern about skin cancer has caused people to avoid the sun, and this creates a potential risk of reduced vitamin D. There is some evidence that inadequate vitamin D intake can lead to an increased risk of various forms of cancer, including breast cancer.
Vitamin E (tocopherol) is an antioxidant. Most diets provide enough vitamin E to meet RDAs as it is easily obtained from food sources such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, vegetable oils, and the fatty part of meats.
Vitamin K plays a central role in blood clotting as well as bone formation. Foods, such as green leafy vegetables, can provide sufficient amounts, and intestinal bacteria also produce vitamin K. True deficiency is rare; however, there is some evidence that vitamin K supplements at doses higher than nutritional needs may help fight osteoporosis.
Minerals and Other Ingredients
Calcium: While critical for strong bones and teeth, calcium is a very bulky material and most multis therefore do not contain the total recommended daily intake amount in a tablet, as it might make the tablet too large. Consequently, people should consider getting their calcium from a separate calcium supplement or fortified food or beverage.
Chromium plays a role in the body's regulation of blood sugar. Chromium is found in liver and whole-wheat products.
Copper is necessary for proper development of connective tissue, nerve coverings, and skin pigment. Copper is found in foods such as organ meats, oysters, nuts, and seeds and can be obtained in sufficient quantity from a good diet.
Iodine is needed for making thyroid hormones, and iodine deficiency causes hypothyroidism (low thyroid). However, iodine deficiency is uncommon in the developed world, and too much iodine can also cause hypothyroidism! Seafood and seaweeds provide iodine. In addition most table salt is now iodized and represents a good dietary source of iodine.
Iron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia. Deficiency is most common in menstruating woman and is also seen in some children and pregnant women. Adult men are seldom deficient in iron, and many multivitamins for adult men specifically leave out iron, because there are concerns that excess iron intake might increase risk of heart disease. Meat, poultry and fish are rich in iron. Dried fruits, grains and green leafy vegetables are also good sources, although iron from plant sources is absorbed only half as well as that from animal sources.
Magnesium assists metabolism and the nervous system. There is some controversy regarding whether marginal magnesium deficiency is a rare or a common occurrence. Whole grains, nuts and beans are good sources of magnesium.
Manganese is involved in bone formation and metabolism. Nuts, legumes, tea, and whole grains are rich sources of manganese and can provide adequate amounts.
Molybdenum is a constituent of various enzymes in the body and can be obtained from legumes, grain products, and nuts in the diet.
Selenium is used by the body in it its antioxidant system. There is some preliminary evidence that selenium supplements may help prevent certain forms of cancer, but this benefit appears to be limited to those who are deficient in the mineral, and deficiency is thought to be relatively uncommon in the developed world. Foods containing selenium include nuts, wheat germ, whole wheat, and orange juice.
Zinc plays a role in brain function, wound healing, and sperm production. Many breakfast cereals are fortified with zinc and it is naturally abundant in red meats, certain seafood, and whole grains. However, mild zinc deficiency is thought to be fairly common.
Too Much Folic Acid in a Vitamin Water
Glaceau Vitamin Water Multi-V, one of three vitamin waters selected, contained fifteen times of its claimed amount of folic acid. Although the label notes that there are 2.5 servings per bottle, ConsumerLab.com cautioned that drinking one bottle would provide 1,500 mcg of folic acid – an amount over the upper tolerable level for adults. Children should not get more than 300 to 600 mcg of folic acid per day – the amount in less than half a bottle of this product.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Men Are From Mars: Neuroscientists Find That Men And Women Respond Differently To Stress
This is an interesting and very informative article about how men and women respond to stress:
Functional magnetic resonance imaging of men and women under stress showed neuroscientists how their brains differed in response to stressful situations. In men, increased blood flow to the left orbitofrontal cortex suggested activation of the "fight or flight" response. In women, stress activated the limbic system, which is associated with emotional responses.
There are many books and movies that highlight the psychological differences between men and women -- Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus, for example; but now, neurologists say they have brain images that prove male and female brains do work differently -- at least under stress.
Same species, different genders … And now, a new high-tech scientific study reveals the differences between men and women may really start at the top. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania used a high-tech imaging method to scan the brains of 16 men and 16 women. The subjects were placed inside a functional magnetic resonance imaging machine, or fMRI.
"Using this state-of-the art-functional magnetic resonance imaging technique, we try to directly visualize what the human brain does during stress," Jiongjiong Wang, Ph.D., a research assistant professor of radiology and neurology at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, told Ivanhoe.
Researchers then purposely induced moderate performance stress by asking the men and women to count backward by 13, starting at 1,600. Researchers monitored the subject's heart rate. They also measured the blood flow to the brain and checked for cortisol, a stress hormone.
When the scans were completed, neuroscientists consistently found differences between the men's stressed-out brains and the women's. Men responded with increased blood flow to the right prefrontal cortex, responsible for "fight or flight." Women had increased blood flow to the limbic system, which is also associated with a more nurturing and friendly response.
Doctors say this information may someday lead to a screening process for mood disorders. "In the future, when physicians treat patients -- especially depression, PTSD -- they need to take this into account that really, gender matters," Dr. Wang explains.
Other experts caution that hormones, genetics and environmental factors may influence these results, bringing to light yet another difference between men and women. Neuroscientists say the changes in the brain during stress response also lasted longer in women.
WHAT IS MRI? Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field rather than X-rays to take clear and detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues. MRI uses this technology to identify regions of the brain where blood vessels are expanding, chemical changes are taking place, or extra oxygen is being delivered.
These are indications that a particular part of the brain is processing information and giving commands to the body. As a patient performs a particular task, the metabolism will increase in the brain area responsible for that task, changing the signal in the MRI image. So by performing specific tasks that correspond to different functions, scientists can locate the part of the brain that governs that function.
FIGHT OR FLIGHT: Certain events act as "stressors," triggering the nervous system to produce hormones to respond to the perceived danger. Specifically, the adrenal glands produce more adrenaline and cortisol, releasing them into the bloodstream. This speeds up heart and breathing rates, and increases blood pressure and metabolism. These and other physical changes help us to react quickly and effectively under pressure.
This is known as the "stress response," or more commonly, as the "fight or flight response." But if even low levels of stress go on too long, it can be detrimental to one's health. The nervous system remains slightly activated and continues to pump out extra stress hormones over an extended period, leaving the person feeling depleted or overwhelmed, and weakening the body's immune system.
STRESS-REDUCING TIPS: There are several easy, practical things people can do to reduce the amount of stress in their lives. (1) Be realistic and don't try to be perfect, or expect others to be so. (2) Don't over-schedule; cut out an activity or two when you start to feel overwhelmed. (3) Get a good night's sleep. (4) Get regular exercise to manage stress -- just not excessive or compulsive exercise -- and follow a healthy diet. (5) Learn to relax by building time into your schedule for reading or a nice long bath.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Chakra Clearing and Reiki Workshop - June 16, 2009
Chakra Clearing and Reiki Workshop
June 16, 2009 Tuesday night from 7-9 in Hingham.
Its going to be a wonderful workshop - very relaxing... you will learn how to clear your chakra energy and then it will be followed with a short Reiki session for all. The workshop is limited in size to 10 participants. There are still a few openings available if anyone is interested.
This is open to all practitioners and friends...
Fee: energy exchange of $25.
Anyone interested can email reikiblossoms@yahoo.com or call 617-512-9696 to sign up.
Kathleen Fay, Reiki Master/Teacher
Location:
195 Whiting Street (which is rte 53)Hingham (Derby Street Exit)
Friday, June 12, 2009
Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009 (bill HR 875).
I received an email about an impending bill in congress related to organic farming, asking for everyone to contact their senators and express their concerns that it would prevent us from having our own gardens at home, and eliminate organic farming. It was sent through the yoga community and stated the following:
US House and Senate are about (in a week and a half) to
> vote on bill that will OUTLAW ORGANIC FARMING (bill HR 875).
> There is an enormous rush to get this into law within the
> next 2 weeks before people realize what is happening.
>
> Main backer and lobbyist is Monsanto – chemical and
> genetic engineering giant corporation (and Cargill, ADM, and
> about 35 other related agri-giants) . This bill will require
> organic farms to use specific
> fertilizers and poisonous insect sprays dictated by the
> newly formed agency to "make sure there is no danger to
> the public food supply". This will include backyard
> gardens that grow food only for a family and not for sales.
>
> If this passes then NO more heirloom clean seeds but only
> Monsanto genetically altered seeds that are now showing up
> with unexpected diseases in humans.
So I did a bit of research and found the bill and a reference to it in www.snopes.com
What this bill is all about is protecting us from the many outbreaks related to food in the recent years due to inadequate sanitation and food handling procedures used at manufacturing plants of food items. Salmonella and E.coli are two of the most common organisms involved and have contaminated peanuts, spinach, alfalfa sprouts, beef, frozen foods and other items.
This report just came out this week from the CDC about all the foodborne illness in the US:
From the Centers for Disease Control
Foodborne illnesses are a major health burden in the United States (1). Most of these illnesses are preventable, and analysis of outbreaks helps identify control measures. Although most cases are sporadic, investigation of the portion that occur as part of recognized outbreaks can provide insights into the pathogens, food vehicles, and food-handling practices associated with foodborne infections. CDC collects data on foodborne disease outbreaks (FBDOs) from all states and territories through the Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System (FBDSS). This report summarizes epidemiologic data on FBDOs reported during 2006 (the most recent year for which data have been analyzed). A total of 1,270 FBDOs were reported, resulting in 27,634 cases and 11 deaths. Among the 624 FBDOs with a confirmed etiology, norovirus was the most common cause, accounting for 54% of outbreaks and 11,879 cases, followed by Salmonella (18% of outbreaks and 3,252 cases). Among the 11 reported deaths, 10 were attributed to bacterial etiologies (six Escherichia coli O157:H7, two Listeria monocytogenes, one Salmonella serotype Enteritidis, and one Clostridium botulinum), and one was attributed to a chemical (mushroom toxin). Among outbreaks caused by a single food vehicle, the most common food commodities to which outbreak-related cases were attributed were poultry (21%), leafy vegetables (17%), and fruits/nuts (16%). Public health professionals can use this information to 1) target control strategies for specific pathogens in particular foods along the farm-to-table continuum and 2) support good food-handling practices among restaurant workers and the public. Source: MMWR June 12, 2009 / 58(22);609-615
You may learn more about this bill on snopes and go directly to the bill in the links below.
http://www.snopes. com/politics/ business/ organic.asp
http://www.govtrack .us/congress/ billtext. xpd?bill= h111-875
Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009 (bill HR 875)
Purposes- The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to establish an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services to be known as the ‘Food Safety Administration’ to--
(A) regulate food safety and labeling to strengthen the protection of the public health;
(B) ensure that food establishments fulfill their responsibility to process, store, hold, and transport food in a manner that protects the public health of all people in the United States;
(C) lead an integrated, systemwide approach to food safety and to make more effective and efficient use of resources to prevent food-borne illness;
(D) provide a single focal point within the Department of Health and Human Services for food safety leadership, both nationally and internationally; and
(E) provide an integrated food safety research capability, including internally generated, scientifically and statistically valid studies, in cooperation with academic institutions and other scientific entities of the Federal and State governments;
(2) to transfer to the Food Safety Administration the food safety, labeling, inspection, and enforcement functions that, as of the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, are performed by various components of the Food and Drug Administration and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
(3) to modernize and strengthen the Federal food safety law to ensure more effective application and efficient management of the laws for the protection and improvement of public health; and
(4) to establish that food establishments have responsibility to ensure that all stages of production, processing, and distribution of their products or products under their control satisfy the requirements of this law.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
July 18th Yoga Retreat - Brockton - Shaw Center
First annual Yoga Retreat on Saturday,
July 18, 2009
www.thesouthshoreyogaconference.wordpress.com
www.eastonyogacenter.com website
Led by Lees Yunits, RYT and Liza Keogh - Director of the Easton Yoga Center
We are offering an all day event for those who love yoga, and/or who might be in need of some rest and relaxation!
The event will be held at the Shaw's Center - a lovely, carpeted hall attached to the Campanelli baseball stadium in Brockton, MA.
Healthy boxed lunches will be served (hopefully outdoors); there will be a marketplace; and, of course, an entire day of delicious yoga!
Please visit the following link to learn more. And feel free to write us with questions!
July 18 Yoga Retreat Agenda
9:15am registration table opens.
The marketplace will be open. Arrive early, find your spot, have a cup of tea…
10:00-12:30 morning session with Liza Keogh
‘Rooting and Rising: moving from a centered heart’
12:30-2:00pm Lunch. Participants are encouraged to partake in our ‘Topical Tables’ and get to know your fellow yogis, or to choose voluntary silence during their mealtime at tables set aside for quiet. The marketplace will be open during this time.
2:00-4:00pm afternoon session with Lees Yunits
‘The Heart of Summer: a yin yoga journey into quiet’
4:00-4:30pm Open discussion session with Liza and Lees
4:30pm Closing Circle
5:00pm event ends and marketplace closes.
A description of the morning session in Liza’s words:
‘Rooting and rising’ is a process we go through in life and in our practice of yoga, as we seek to find and create solid ground from which to explore the movements of life, from the mundane to the momentous. In this class we’ll explore how to root into our physical bodies, and rise into our subtle (energetic) bodies whether we’re standing or sitting, spiralling or exploring the upside-down. We’ll review the yamas and niyamas and how they help form the intellectual basis for our practice as we explore variations on the traditional ‘sun salutations’, as well as other standing poses.
Cultivate a connection to earth energy, listen deep within, and share the fruits of your practice with heartfelt joy.
A description of the afternoon session in Lees’ words:
Lees Yunits will conduct the afternoon session beginning with meditation and pranayama, or breathing techniques. From there the class will move easily into a few basic yoga poses before settling into holding several Yin Yoga poses. In Yin Yoga the poses are seated, mostly, and held for up to five minutes. The beauty of these longer holds is that our body’s connective tissues stretch, thereby bringing joy to our joints and revitalizing our youthful selves. Finally we’ll conclude the day’s events with a relaxing meditation.
Lees Yunits
69 Fairview Avenue
Brockton, MA 02301
(508) 586-0440
cell: (774) 274-0257
lyunits@yahoo.com
July 18, 2009
www.thesouthshoreyogaconference.wordpress.com
www.eastonyogacenter.com website
Led by Lees Yunits, RYT and Liza Keogh - Director of the Easton Yoga Center
We are offering an all day event for those who love yoga, and/or who might be in need of some rest and relaxation!
The event will be held at the Shaw's Center - a lovely, carpeted hall attached to the Campanelli baseball stadium in Brockton, MA.
Healthy boxed lunches will be served (hopefully outdoors); there will be a marketplace; and, of course, an entire day of delicious yoga!
Please visit the following link to learn more. And feel free to write us with questions!
July 18 Yoga Retreat Agenda
9:15am registration table opens.
The marketplace will be open. Arrive early, find your spot, have a cup of tea…
10:00-12:30 morning session with Liza Keogh
‘Rooting and Rising: moving from a centered heart’
12:30-2:00pm Lunch. Participants are encouraged to partake in our ‘Topical Tables’ and get to know your fellow yogis, or to choose voluntary silence during their mealtime at tables set aside for quiet. The marketplace will be open during this time.
2:00-4:00pm afternoon session with Lees Yunits
‘The Heart of Summer: a yin yoga journey into quiet’
4:00-4:30pm Open discussion session with Liza and Lees
4:30pm Closing Circle
5:00pm event ends and marketplace closes.
A description of the morning session in Liza’s words:
‘Rooting and rising’ is a process we go through in life and in our practice of yoga, as we seek to find and create solid ground from which to explore the movements of life, from the mundane to the momentous. In this class we’ll explore how to root into our physical bodies, and rise into our subtle (energetic) bodies whether we’re standing or sitting, spiralling or exploring the upside-down. We’ll review the yamas and niyamas and how they help form the intellectual basis for our practice as we explore variations on the traditional ‘sun salutations’, as well as other standing poses.
Cultivate a connection to earth energy, listen deep within, and share the fruits of your practice with heartfelt joy.
A description of the afternoon session in Lees’ words:
Lees Yunits will conduct the afternoon session beginning with meditation and pranayama, or breathing techniques. From there the class will move easily into a few basic yoga poses before settling into holding several Yin Yoga poses. In Yin Yoga the poses are seated, mostly, and held for up to five minutes. The beauty of these longer holds is that our body’s connective tissues stretch, thereby bringing joy to our joints and revitalizing our youthful selves. Finally we’ll conclude the day’s events with a relaxing meditation.
Lees Yunits
69 Fairview Avenue
Brockton, MA 02301
(508) 586-0440
cell: (774) 274-0257
lyunits@yahoo.com
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Comfrey May Improve Back Pain
An ointment made from comfrey root extract may significantly reduce acute upper and lower back pain, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. The herb has traditionally been applied to the skin for inflammation, pain and wound healing, and has been taken by mouth for digestive, breathing and gynecological conditions.
In the study, 120 adults with back pain were randomly assigned to receive either 4 grams of the comfrey-containing ointment Kytta-Salbe® or placebo three times daily for five days. The participants' pain was measured using a visual analogue scale.
By the end of the study, pain intensity improved by about 95 percent in the comfrey group compared to just 37 percent in the placebo group. The authors also noted that pain was relieved quickly, usually in less than one hour after the ointment was applied to the skin.
The authors concluded that "comfrey root extract showed a remarkably potent and clinically relevant effect in reducing acute back pain." These findings support several earlier human studies that suggest comfrey-containing creams may reduce inflammation and pain associated with sprains and muscle injuries.
Although comfrey has been traditionally used both orally and topically, recent evidence suggests that the herb may contain cancer-causing compounds and may lead to liver damage. As a result, various countries, including the United States, have asked companies to remove oral comfrey products from the market, and topical products are required to advise consumers not to use on broken skin. Other countries, such as Germany, allow topical comfrey products with a label including the maximal daily allowable levels of pyrrolidizine alkaloids of 100 micrograms and maximal use over six weeks per year.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Goopy Ear Wax And Unpleasant Body Odors Signal Breast Cancer Risk
I found this research finding interesting since many practitoners of yoga are naturalists and don't use deodorant with chemicals, and many might have ear coning done to clear the ear canal to better "listen to God". We attempt to keep our temple light and clean of toxicities from food, beverage and thought.
In ancient yogic kriya practices, the use of "ear coning" was common to clear the ear of wax so we could better "hear God". The practice of cleansing the nasal passages with a neti bottle and warm saline was done to inhale "holy spirit" or our whole breath. Another practice included the swallowing of gauze rope to churn in the stomach and remove irritants and mucus. And self colonics were done to clear the lower colon of not only fecal contaminants, but also emotions that get trapped in the colon. Another practice is to brush the skin lightly in an upward movement toward lymph nodes (groin, abdomen, armpits) in the morning to stimulate the lymphatic drainage system. And finally the use of a tongue scraper to remove dead bacteria and other substances on the tongue in the morning that accumulate during the cleansing process that takes place while we are asleep. Might sound strange and a bit gross - but actually makes total sense.
The concept is to keep all mucous membranes and openings into the body, or temple, clean and clear for "God's spirit" to enter into a healthy state. Now I find this interesting that Japanese researchers have found that a protein created by a gene associated with breast cancer risk is also associated with smelly armpits and sticky earwax (probably indicating an internal toxic state).
Goopy Ear Wax And Unpleasant Body Odors Signal Breast Cancer Risk
If having malodorous armpits (called osmidrosis) and goopy earwax isn't bad enough, a discovery by Japanese scientists may add a more serious problem for women facing these cosmetic calamities. That's because they've found that a gene responsible for breast cancer causes these physical symptoms. The report describing this finding is featured on the cover of The FASEB Journal's June 2009 print issue, and should arm physicians with another clue for detecting breast cancer risk.
To draw their conclusions, Ishikawa and colleagues monitored the activities of a protein created by a gene associated with breast cancer, called "ABCC11." By studying this gene and its complex cellular and molecular interactions in the body, the researchers discovered a distinct link between the gene and excessively smelly armpits and wet, sticky earwax. Specifically, the researchers expressed the ABCC11 gene and variant proteins in cultured human embryonic kidney cells and showed exactly how the ABCC11 gene produces the wet-type earwax and excessive armpit odor. This discovery could lead to practical tools for clinicians—especially those in developing nations—to rapidly identify who may have a higher risk for breast cancer.
"Wet, sticky earwax might not be easily noticed, but most people can't miss unpleasant body odors," said Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal, "As it turns out, the type of ear wax one has is linked to a gene that leads to bad odors from one's armpit. These may become lifesaving clues to the early detection and treatment of breast cancer."
Yu Toyoda, Aki Sakurai, Yasumasa Mitani, Masahiro Nakashima, Koh-ichiro Yoshiura, Hiroshi Nakagawa, Yasuo Sakai, Ikuko Ota, Alexander Lezhava, Yoshihide Hayashizaki, Norio Niikawa, and Toshihisa Ishikawa. Earwax, osmidrosis, and breast cancer: why does one SNP (538G>A) in the human ABC transporter ABCC11 gene determine earwax type? FASEB Journal, 2009 23: 2001-2013
http://www.fasebj.org/cgi/content/abstract/23/6/2001
Monday, June 1, 2009
Coldbrooke Yoga & Pilates
Coldbrooke Yoga & Pilates
105 Front Street
Scituate Harbor
Purchase a class and bring a friend for free (2 for 1) through June 30th!
Hatha Yoga- All levels- theses classes are designed to challenge experienced yogis, however, lots of modifications are made for beginners. All levels should feel comfortable in these classes. Classes Sunday mornings 8:30am and Monday evenings 7:00pm
Power Yoga- This is not a class for beginners. You will sweat in this class......a lot! If you are up for the challenge bring plenty of energy and lots of water :) Intermediate to Advanced levels are welcome. This class will be held on Sunday mornings 10:00am- 11:00am.
Class Schedule
www.coldbrooke.com
105 Front Street
Scituate Harbor
Purchase a class and bring a friend for free (2 for 1) through June 30th!
Hatha Yoga- All levels- theses classes are designed to challenge experienced yogis, however, lots of modifications are made for beginners. All levels should feel comfortable in these classes. Classes Sunday mornings 8:30am and Monday evenings 7:00pm
Power Yoga- This is not a class for beginners. You will sweat in this class......a lot! If you are up for the challenge bring plenty of energy and lots of water :) Intermediate to Advanced levels are welcome. This class will be held on Sunday mornings 10:00am- 11:00am.
Class Schedule
www.coldbrooke.com
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