Scents Really Can Soothe Stress

Feeling stressed? Then try savoring the scent of lemon, mango, lavender, or other fragrant plants. Scientists in Japan are reporting the first scientific evidence that inhaling certain fragrances alter gene activity and blood chemistry in ways that can reduce stress levels. Their study appears in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a bi-weekly publication.

In the new study, Akio Nakamura and colleagues note that people have inhaled the scent of certain plants since ancient times to help reduce stress, fight inflammation and depression, and induce sleep. Aromatherapy, the use of fragrant plant oils to improve mood and health, has become a popular form of alternative medicine today. And linalool is one of the most widely used substances to soothe away emotional stress. Until now, however, linalool's exact effects on the body have been a deep mystery.

The scientists exposed lab rats to stressful conditions while inhaling and not inhaling linalool. Linalool returned stress-elevated levels of neutrophils and lymphocytes - key parts of the immune system - to near-normal levels. Inhaling linalool also reduced the activity of more than 100 genes that go into overdrive in stressful situations. The findings could form the basis of new blood tests for identifying fragrances that can soothe stress, the researchers say.

Article: "Stress Repression in Restrained Rats by (R)-(-)-Linalool Inhalation and Gene Expression Profiling of Their Whole Blood Cells" http://pubs.acs.org/stoken/presspac/presspac/full/10.1021/jf900420g

Meditation and Guided Imagery Group - Open to All and New Members

Join Ronnie Shaffer at her home in Abington for a Meditation and Guided Imagery Group - she has been coordinating this group for over 10 years and would like to invite new members.

How Meditation & Guided Imagery Works

Through meditation and guided imagery we can learn to access the relaxation response. A heightened state of awareness and coherence is produced by a regular practice of meditation.
Increased emotional stability, adaptability to life’s changes and challenges, increased intelligence (both emotion al and intellectual), increased perceptiveness and creativity, and reduced high blood pressure and pulse rate have been demonstrated in numerous studies on meditators. Meditation reduces anxiety and increases self-actualization of your true potential. Studies have shown significant reduction in chronic pain and an improvement in the quality of life with those that routinely practice meditation and guided imagery. Meditation/relaxation practice, especially in a group setting, can enhance one’s goals and efforts toward personal and spiritual growth.

Location: 500 Groveland Street, Abington, MA 02351
Phone: 781.857.2353
E-mail: vas4@comcast.net

Time: 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm
Cost: $10.00 ($5.00 Seniors (over 65)

Date: Day:

August 3 Monday
August 20 Thursday

September 7 Monday
September 24 Thursday

October 5 Monday
October 22 Thursday

November 2 Monday
November 19 Thursday

December 7 Monday
December 17 Thursday

New Evidence That Vinegar May Be Natural Fat-fighter

Researchers in Japan are reporting new evidence that the ordinary vinegar — a staple in oil-and-vinegar salad dressings, pickles, and other foods — may live up to its age-old reputation in folk medicine as a health promoter. They are reporting new evidence that vinegar can help prevent accumulation of body fat and weight gain.
Tomoo Kondo and colleagues note in the new study that vinegar has also been used as a folk medicine since ancient times. People have used it for a range of ills. Modern scientific research suggests that acetic acid, the main component of vinegar, may help control blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and fat accumulation.

Their new study showed that laboratory mice fed a high-fat diet and given acetic acid developed significantly less body fat (up to 10 percent less) than other mice.

Importantly, the new research adds evidence to the belief that acetic acid fights fat by turning on genes for fatty acid oxidation enzymes. The genes churn out proteins involved in breaking down fats, thus suppressing body fat accumulation in the body.


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Journal reference:

Kondo et al. Acetic Acid Upregulates the Expression of Genes for Fatty Acid Oxidation Enzymes in Liver To Suppress Body Fat Accumulation. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2009; 090609114939008 DOI: 10.1021/jf900470c

Join us for Paddle Yoga in September!

Sponsored by Charlestown Yoga Studio www.charlestownyoga.com

Where: Mass Audubon Society, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA
When: September 13, 2009
12:30-4:30 PM

If you love to be outdoors, you will love this workshop! We will paddle canoes to an island in the middle of the wildlife sanctuary. Yoga will be practiced outdoors on the island overlooking the Ipswich River. The art of canoeing uses upper body muscles leaving little work for the lower body. (Imagine all the sitting!) This yoga class will focus on arm stretches and lower body strength and flexibility. (Your hip flexors will love you!) There is plenty of clear land to practice in the middle of this nature sanctuary! Paddling experience is not a requirement.

Cost: $65
Includes: Paddling lessons, guided tour, snacks and a yoga practice overlooking the Ipswich River. Contact the studio for more information.
Charlestown Yoga | 191 Main Street | Charlestown | MA | 02129

Sue Lynch, E-RYT, Owner sue@charlestownyoga.com