Castor Oil (Ricinus communis) has been therapeutically used since ancient times. Castor Oil, also known as Palma de Christi, or “Palm of Christ,” is a triglyceride of fatty acids consisting of almost 90 percent ricinoleic acid. Castor oil’s remarkable healing properties are thought to be the result of the high concentration of this particular unsaturated fatty acid. Ricinoleic acid is effective in preventing the growth of certain viruses, bacteria, yeasts and mold. The lipid structure of Castor Oil is easily transmitted through the skin, into the lymphatic system, making Castor Oil packs a very effective, all-natural healing tool.

In the early 1900’s, sleeping prophet and medical psychic Edgar Cayce brought awareness to Castor Oil packs by recommending them more than 500 times in his writings. He advised the use of Castor Oil packs for lymphatic disorders, and for use on the liver. Placing a Castor Oil pack on the skin increases circulation, decreases inflammation–both internally and externally–and promotes elimination of toxins and healing of tissues and organs. Castor oil packs used on joints, such as knees and wrists, promote decreased swelling and ease of movement.

Conditions responding to Castor Oil packs include constipation, bowel impactions or adhesions, swollen and/or painful joints, chronic fluid retention, liver cirrhosis, enlarged or congested liver, gallbladder disease, swollen lymph nodes, sluggish lymphatic movement and menstrual related congestion. It is reported that consistent use improves liver function and optimizes the body’s detoxification processes. When absorbed through the skin, Castor Oil increases the flow of lymphatic fluid in the body, which speeds up the removal of toxins surrounding cells and reduces the size of swollen lymph nodes.

Applying a small amount of Castor Oil to an affected area twice a day is effective as a topical treatment for warts, ringworm, fungal and bacterial skin conditions.

To make a Castor Oil pack you need a large piece of flannel (enough to fold several times and cover the desired area), Hexane free Castor Oil and a zip lock bag. Fold the flannel into a small square and put into the zip lock bag. Pour a generous amount of Castor Oil into the bag, separating the folds of flannel so that the oil saturates between the layers. Zip the bag shut and rub it between your hands, so that the oil saturates the entire piece of flannel. It should be gooey and well oiled. When using the pack, unfold the flannel enough to cover the desired area; you would want a couple layers of flannel if possible. Place it on the affected area and cover with plastic wrap. You can then apply heat for a minimum of one hour. Or, in the case of using a pack on the liver, wrap the right abdominal area in flannel, wrap plastic (several layers) around the entire abdomen to secure the pack. This will hold the heat from your body in, to activate the absorption of the oil. You can sleep all night wrapped in a Castor Oil pack. Please note that Castor Oil stains cloth, so using old clothing, sheets and towels is recommended.

Using Castor Oil packs in conjunction with bowel cleanses or liver purges greatly enhances the effectiveness of the cleanse. Castor Oil packs also increase the release of toxins from the bowel, when used in conjunction with Colon Hydrotherapy.

References:

1. Reilly D.Ph.T., D.S., Harold and Hagy Brod, Ruth. The Edgar Cayce Handbook for Health Through Drugless Therapy. A.R.E. Press. January, 1988.

2. www.shanti.com

3. www.cayce.com

4. www.livestrong.com

For more info, contact Shelby Molchan at the Island Rainbow Wellness Center at (775) 762-2463, or visit online at www.IslandRainbowWellness.com

Many people agree that bowel cleansing is a good idea, yet they may have many pre-conceived notions about receiving Colon Hydrotherapy. One misconception is that Colon Hydrotherapy is painful, smelly and just plain gross. And although the procedure can be uncomfortable at times during the treatment, when done in a relaxing, professional setting it can actually be relieving and invigorating.

Here is an overview of what a thorough, professional Colon Hydrotherapy session is like:

Following a consultation in which the client’s health issues and wellness goals are discussed and after determining that there are no contraindications to performing the procedure, the client is asked to use the restroom and disrobe from the waist down. The client lies face up on the treatment table covered with a towel. Attention to the client’s personal dignity is given at all times.

A new disposable speculum measuring 3⁄4 inch in diameter is inserted into the rectum. Water and waste hoses are attached to the speculum and also to the closed system machine. This machine includes a pressure gage used to monitor the pressure in the colon during the fills. There also is an illuminated observation tube in the machine that allows the client to observe the matter that is removed from the colon. The Colon Hydrotherapist is trained to identify and discuss the waste matter and suggestions are made according to what is seen in the tube.

Abdominal manipulation is used throughout the treatment to identify and break up any impacted matter in the colon. A low pressure fill is administered under close observation of the pressure valve and by communication with the client about how and what they are feeling. When the bowel is sufficiently hydrated the pressure valve is released, water begins to circulate and waste matter is removed from the bowel. Various forms of body work can be used to stimulate the colon and encourage the bowel to release its contents. Essential oils may be used to relax the client and relieve detoxification symptoms. Coffee may also be implanted with the treatment to aid in liver detoxification, stimulate peristalsis (contractions) of the colon, and for pain relief. Probiotics can also be implanted at the end of the treatment to re-establish beneficial flora in the gut.

During the treatment, consisting of a series of fills and releases, the client’s health issues are addressed in relation to diet, eating and bowel habits and recommendations based on what is seen are made regarding the use of fiber and digestive products, herbs and or supplements as well as tips on improving digestion and eating habits.

A personal program is established according to the client’s desires, which can include products and cleanses in conjunction with Colon Hydrotherapy sessions to address toxicity issues, boost absorption, digestion and elimination, aid in weight loss and improve general health.

Most clients tolerate the procedure very well and spend 20-30 minutes on the table. At the end of that time the client is instructed on how to finish the treatment in the restroom and the speculum is removed. The client enters the restroom for the final release. Upon finishing in the restroom, handouts are given pertaining to issues discussed during the treatment along with products available for purchase. The therapist works with the client at each session, monitoring progress, providing tips and encouragement to assist him or her in reaching their wellness goals.

Because of the importance of hydration in the bowel it is recommended that the treatments be done close together. A small cleanse of three treatments within a weeks time is a perfect way to begin to jump start the digestive tract and boost metabolism.

Colon Hydrotherapy can also improve digestive disturbances, such as acid reflux, discomfort following eating, irritable bowel symptoms, gas, bloating, and constipation as well as improve skin, hair and nails due to it’s complete hydrating effect on the body.

References:

1. Colon Hydrotherapy Training Manual
2. International Association for Colon Hydrotherapists

For more info, contact Shelby Molchan at (775) 762-2463.

Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. They can be both beauti­fully and powerfully fragrant. If you have ever enjoyed the gift of a rose, a walk by a field of lavender, or the smell of fresh cut mint, you have experi­enced the aromatic qualities of essential oils. In addition to giving plants their distinctive smells, essential oils provide plants with protection against preda­tors and disease and play a role in plant pollination.

Essential oils are non water-based phytochemicals made up of volatile organic compounds. Although they are fat soluble, they do not include fatty lipids or acids found in vegetable and animal oils. Essential oils are very clean, almost crisp, to the touch and are immediately absorbed by the skin. Pure, unadulterated essential oils are translucent and range in color from crystal clear to deep blue.

Try this at home: Squeeze the peel of a ripe orange. The fragrant residue on your hand is full of essential oils.

In addition to their intrinsic benefits to plants and being beautifully fragrant to people, essential oils have been used throughout history in many cultures for their medicinal and therapeutic benefits. Modern scientific study and trends towards more holistic approaches to wellness are driving a revival and new discovery of essential oil health applications.

References:

1. doTERRA Essential Oils

For more info, contact Carol Christian at the Reno Alternative Health Clinic (775) 827-6888, now serving two locations: Gerber Medical Clinic, 1225 Westfield Ave. (775) 826-6888, and Ageless Zone Medical Spa, 5060 Meadowood Mall Circle (775) 826-8888.

In 2008, Danbury Hospital in Connecticut became the first hospital in the nation to begin using Colon Hydrotherapy as a preparation for Colonoscopy. Colon cancer is one of the most predominate cancers in North America, with more than 143,000 new cases last year according to The National Cancer Institute;  yet is easily detected and in most cases treated by a successful colonoscopy. With that said, you would think folks over 50 would be lined up to be screened. Yet many people avoid Colonoscopy due to the severe results of the liquid prep that they are required to drink. Barton Health Gastroenterologist, Dr. Daniel Norman reports experiencing one to two cancellations a week due to intolerance of the preparation, out of the 30 or so colonoscopies he performs weekly.

Colon Hydrotherapy is a method of bowel cleansing using warm, purified water introduced into the colon via a speculum inserted into the rectum. A series of fills and releases serves to hydrate the body while removing the bowel contents via flowing water.  Barton Hospital reports that Colon Hydrotherapy has shown to be more effective and better tolerated than the standard methods of bowel preparation for colonoscopy.

According to Dr. Joseph Fiorito of Danbury Hospital, “Colon Hydrotherapy is much more convenient [than using the conventional prep].” People don’t have to worry about missing work, having to not eat for extended periods of time, or being kept up all night with diarrhea. He also states that using Colon Hydrotherapy versus traditional prep is beneficial to the elderly and ill patients who are more likely to suffer to electrolyte abnormalities and kidney damage from drinking harsh chemical laxatives.

While Colon Hydrotherapy is currently a popular enhancement to diets, cleanses and an important aid in helping people detoxify their bodies by removing impacted fecal matter from the bowel, it is slowly becoming recognized by the medical community as a valid preparation for Colonoscopy. Protocol is currently being established for other treatment and diagnostic procedures such as Sigmoidoscopy and Barium Enema. Studies show colonics can reduce problems with bowel function associated with general anesthesia following surgery.

This past spring, Barton Hospital in South Lake Tahoe became the second facility in the U.S. to use Colon Hydrotherapy as a preparation for Colonoscopy. Colon Hydrotherapist Susan Frailey, who helped introduce Colon Hydrotherapy as a preparation for Colonoscopy at Barton, is excited at the prospects of what acceptance of this method means to her patients. She believes that people will be more likely to do the screenings in a timely manner once they are given an alternative to drinking the “nasty” prep. She began using Colon Hydrotherapy on patients at the hospital in February and reports that patients and doctors have been very satisfied with the results. She states that there have been fewer instances of failed or cancelled Colonoscopies due to prep intolerances.

Protocol does vary regarding the number of colonics that should be done prior to Colonoscopy. Some recommendations are for three consecutive Colon Hydrotherapy sessions with the third session being the day of the procedure. Other recommendations call for only two sessions, and recommend the addition of laxatives such as Miralax. Clearly as the practice of using colonics as a medial prep develops, more studies will be done and eventually there will be a mainstream protocol. For now, anyone who is interested in using Colon Hydrotherapy instead of chemicals to prepare for bowel or gastric procedures should discuss this option with their physician.

References:

1. www.BartonHealth.org

2. www.DotoloResearch.com

3. www.DanburyHospital.org

4. www.Colonic.net

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Natural Defense Against Infections… The LEMON!

Written by Nancy Muñoz, PA, LMT |

Although acidic to the taste, the modest lemons promote health with a highly alkalinizing effect on the body. Lemons are therefore of great benefit during the cold and flu season, as well as throughout the year for optimal health.

In a state of 80% alkalinity and 20% acidity, or perfect blood chemistry, the body is at its best form for resisting invading viruses and bacteria. This state is determined by the food one eats. One highly acidic meal of potatoes, white bread, meat and pie, with a sweetened drink is enough to open one up to an onslaught of determined microbial attackers.

When a person becomes sick with an infection, they almost invariably reach for a lemon-flavored drink or a bit of lemon squeezed in comforting herbal tea. Honey and lemon are often mixed together for cough relief, both in liquid form and in cough drops. Lemons can work many household-cleaning miracles, but the very best miracle is the neutralizing alkaline action on acidic internal body systems.

It is believed that the ancestors of lemons and limes took root some 8,000 years ago in India or in fertile crescents between Tigris and Euphrates rivers in what is now Iraq. The miracle of their juiciness inside thick skin gave rise to many legends and stories. The Mesopotamians raised lemons for their beauty and aroma. Egyptians loved them for their aid in embalming. Jews brought them to Israel from their captivity in Babylon some 2,500 years ago. Romans used them as mothballs until Persian slaves taught them better. At various places and times, these citrus fruits have been identified as cures for fever and colic and as protection against poisons.

Lemon juice is a powerful antibacterial and it has been proved by experiments that the bacteria of malaria, cholera, diphtheria and typhoid are destroyed by lemon juice. The bark of a lemon tree is used as a fever reducer, and its seeds are used to expel worms from the intestine. Lemon is the most detoxifying fruit. The detoxifying properties arise from its high content of potassium. A squeeze of a lemon a day in the morning will imminently cleanse the body. The juice is highly diuretic and therefore gives relief in kidney and bladder disorders. The juice also encourages bile secretion and is valuable in treating jaundice. Lemon has been shown to be a blessing for mountaineers, as it is helpful at times of insufficient oxygen or difficulty breathing.

The lemon juice and the essential of lemons can be of great benefit to mind, body and soul. One of the most important properties of lemons is the ability to defend the body against infection. This is a valuable asset for both illness and external wounds, as lemons can stimulate the body’s white blood corpuscles, improving the body’s ability to defend itself from infection. The essential oil of the lemon is well known for the ability to energize and revitalize. Lemon juice is excellent for colds and sore throats. Its astringent and antiseptic qualities help soothe and its high vitamin C levels help boost the immune system, encouraging normal growth and tissue repair. Lemon also helps to strengthen gums and teeth and prevents and cures acute inflammation of gum margins and dental decay. Oily skin can be toned with lemon juice. A few drops of lemon juice and water are added to a whisked egg white and make an excellent face mask for spotty or greasy skin. For hard skin on elbows or feet, half a lemon rubbed on the affected area for about 10 minutes is helpful. This super fruit is also used to treat dandruff, and can add shine to the hair. The lemon essential oil, when added to an oil burner in a study room, can sharpen focus and induce a sharpening of intellect. According to the therapy test, lemon aroma helps to calm and it lightens and disperses confusion.

The American Association for Cancer Research studied that consumption of lemon peel might appear to have reduced the risk of developing skin cell cancer by 34%. The researchers speculate that a compound found in lemon peel called D-Limonene may protect the skin from cancer. Researchers did not find the same effect from consuming grapefruit or oranges, nor was there a relationship found between fruit juice and lower skin cancer rates. Most lemon peel used was consumed as a topping on food and drinks.

Did you know that the skin is your body’s largest organ? The skin is responsible for ¼ of the body’s detoxification, and eliminates up to two pounds of waste acids daily. Dry skin brushing is a powerful technique to help our skin perform these and many more important functions. Even better, it’s inexpensive and enjoyable. In less than 10 minutes daily, you can improve you health and the condition of your skin, right at home!

The basic thought behind skin brushing is to brush dry skin, in order to boost circulation and remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin so that it may more effectively remove toxins from the body. Dry skin brushing is considered to be the most effective natural lymphatic cleanser available.  Lymph fluid delivers nutrients to cells and carries waste away from cells.  Unlike the circulatory system, which has the heart to pump blood and the digestive tract, which uses peristaltic action (contractions) to move waste; the lymphatic system relies on outside forces such as good circulation, bodily movement and effective breathing to properly function. Due to our sedentary lifestyles and poor diets, many people have sluggish lymphatic systems and don’t even know it.

The process of skin brushing is easy and enjoyable. Beginning with the soles of the feet and working in circular and stroking motions, the object is to move lymphatic fluids toward the heart region. The majority of lymphatic matter in the body drains into the thoracic duct, which is located near the heart. After working the lower part of the body toward this region, the process is repeated on the top half of the body by lifting the arms above the head and beginning with the palms of the hands, this time working down toward the heart area. Skin brushing is done with a dry brush and dry skin, prior to daily bathing. The entire body should be brushed in the process and although firm and vigorous motions should be used, the body should feel stimulated, not sanded, afterward.

Following a skin brushing session with a hot bath adding essential oils, powdered ginger or Epsom salts and baking soda is a wonderful way to rejuvenate the body.

The skin brush should be made of all natural materials and should be washed frequently and dried in natural sunlight. A good quality skin brush should last a couple of months or more with regular care and use. It is important when choosing a skin brush to pick one with bristles that are not too stiff, so that the skin will be stimulated but not overworked.

Having a properly functioning lymphatic system not only improves your health at a cellular level, but also improves your appearance. With regular skin brushing, people report that the skin takes on a natural glow and healthy appearance. People also report that their skin feels more hydrated and that they use less lotions that they did before which makes sense since the oil glands will be free from debris and able to lubricate the skin more effectively. It is also noted that skin brushing improves cellulite, which is in part a buildup of toxins in the blood that would be normally removed by a well functioning lymphatic system.

Dry skin brushing is considered to be an essential part of any intestinal cleansing program. By improving the ability of the skin to release toxins and improving lymphatic flow, skin brushing promotes the release of toxins in other areas of the body and enhances the effectiveness of Colon Hydrotherapy. It is even reported to cleanse mucoid deposits from cells directly into the colon.

With all these benefits, and the little amount of time and money needed to invest in this process, dry skin brushing may be one of the most effective detoxification processes available to us, and you can do it at home! Why not start a skin brushing ritual today?

References:

1. Watson, Brenda, C.N.C. The Detox Strategy. Free Press. March, 2008.

2. www.PureInsideOut.com

3. www.NaturalNews.com

For more info, contact Shelby Molchan at the Island Rainbow Wellness Center at (775) 762-2463 or visit online at www.IslandRainbowWellness.com.

A common misconception is that acid reflux is caused by too much acid in the stomach. Actually, it can be because there is too little acid in the stomach. Most commonly, though, it is a result of a sluggish digestive tract. The food becomes over acidified and basically overflows back up the esophagus. Acid reducing drugs prevent this from happening, but as anyone who has acid reflux knows, they work only as long as they are taken regularly; and the problem returns when the drugs are stopped.

Over time, the esophagus can become damaged from the presence of acid, causing a constricted feeling after eating, as if the food won’t move down. The only long term solution to the problem requires more than just taking a medication. Cleansing, along with diet and lifestyle changes, not only make eating enjoyable again, but can also improve other physical aspects of the body.

Most people believe that when you eat, the food you swallow is deposited into a pool of acid in the stomach. Eventually that happens, but first the food is “pre-digested” by enzymes.

Nature intended us to eat a diet rich in raw foods, which are high in enzymes. It is also intended that food be chewed completely, meaning it should not be “chunky” when swallowed. Chewing food completely mixes the enzymes contained in saliva into the food, which then begins the digestive process. The body manufactures enzymes, but the amount of enzymes we produce decreases as we age. This might explain why the food you could eat without problems a few years ago, now gives you indigestion. When the food does reach the stomach, a protein digesting enzyme called Pepsin is released. After being processed in the stomach this nutrient rich, acidic bolus of chyme is moved along by peristaltic action to the small intestine, where it is alkalized by the pancreas and more digestive enzymes are introduced.

Acid reflux occurs when food sat too long in the stomach, becoming overly acidic; when there are too little enzymes produced to properly process the food, or there is too little hydrochloric acid and pepsin to properly finish breaking down the food. Cooked and processed foods contain very little, if any, enzymes; which inhibits the digestive process.

Another cause of acid reflux can be from improper food combining. Proteins and carbohydrates are processed differently in the body. Enzymes in saliva begin to break down carbohydrates, and the digestive process is begun almost immediately. Proteins require pepsin, which is released by the stomach. Therefore, proteins are not digested until they enter the stomach. When carbs and proteins are combined in the same meal, the body uses its enzymes and energy to process the carbs first, in sort of a “first come, first served” method. The more difficult to digest proteins are put “on hold” until the carbs are processed. By then, it is common that the digestive enzyme supply is depleted, as well as the energy allowance the body had in reserve for digestion. This is often manifested as that feeling after a meal, when you feel as if you have swallowed a brick, and/or have the desire to lie down and take a nap. Proper food combining is a method of combining foods in a meal that will compliment and enhance the digestive process. People often report significant improvement in they way they feel following a meal after they begin practicing food combining, including less acid reflux.

Cleansing the bowel of impacted fecal matter also improves digestion, allowing for better transit time in the digestive tract. Colon Hydrotherapy is an extremely effective manner in which to improve digestion and metabolism. A clean colon efficiently removes toxins from the liver and bloodstream, and allows for better absorption of nutrients. Restoring the digestive tract to an efficient state, with the use of bowel cleansing, proper chewing and food combining, are some of the major steps in reducing unwanted conditions such as acid reflux. Adding the use of digestive enzymes to supplement the enzymes made by the body is also very beneficial. Aloe Vera juice or gel can be ingested in therapeutic amounts to sooth and heal an acid damaged esophagus. These fairly simple, yet extremely effective methods yield fast, long lasting results. Other benefits of cleansing, food combining and enzyme replacement can include weight loss, improved allergies and skin conditions, better sleep patterns and of course, more enjoyable meals.

References:

1. www.EzineArticles.com

2. www.NutritionalWellness.com

For more info, contact Shelby Molchan at the Island Rainbow Wellness Center at (775) 762-2463 or visit online at www.IslandRainbowWellness.com.

Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made! The body was created to heal itself; you know when something is wrong, but sometimes wait too long to respond to that “knowing.” The body gives us signs; edema (swelling), inflammation, accelerated aging, prolonged injury and illness recovery, and cancer. In 2003, my son was diagnosed with testicular cancer, and after the removal of the testis, they found the cancer had progressed to his lymph nodes behind his vital organs. I was clueless as to what a lymph node was and so my journey of discovery began.

The Lymphatic System is the body’s primary immune defense and waste eliminator system. The Lymphatic System is one of the systems that affect everything in the body.    When lymphatic fluid backs up, because of a blockage, pressure builds, which results in the whole system becoming toxic due to a lack of waste disposal. Detoxification is a vital part of any healing process, because it reestablishes free lymphatic circulation throughout the body. Only a detoxified body has power, resistance, and a potential for healing.

Our bodies contain over 600 collection sites, called lymph nodes (filters), and have a network of collecting vessels more extensive than the venous system. In healthy, living tissues, protein structures are in a state of alignment; but when cells die or become damaged, these protein structures break down. Cells can clump together and bond electrically with water to create disease conditions of swelling or abnormal growth. When the Lymphatic System becomes congested with these dead cells, other body systems that rely on it for waste removal will also become compromised, setting the stage for pain and disease.

I found Manual Lymphatic Massage gave temporary relief, and then I learned of the Light Beam Generator (LBG).  The LBG uses extremely low-current and negatively charged light photons that help restore the cells normal energy state. The correct charge is put back into the cells, so they can separate from each other and their accumulated fluid, allowing the body to heal itself more readily. The effectiveness of the LBG is due to stimulation of the lymphatic system, by opening sealed and calcified vessels. The LBG can be used anywhere on the body where there is a problem; and because of its deep penetration, it can help heal organs and structures deep within the body, as well as skin problems. Treatment indications are eczema, acne, tissue congestion from injuries, breast conditions, PMS, Sinus, swelling and bruising with edema, fibromyalgia, and sciatica. They are currently testing on prostate cancer and macular degeneration.

No, this is not a cure all; but it does offer the ease of balancing your electromagnetic field within a few minutes, allowing the body to enter a tranquil state that can be felt from the very first use!

References:

1. Dr. F.P. Millard, DO. Applied Anatomy of The Lymphatic’s. Mokelumne Hill Pr; 1 edition. February, 1964.

2. Hunt, Valerie V., Ed.D. ScienceEd, BioEnergy Fields Foundation. www.valerievhunt.com.

For more info, contact Jill Kennedy at 775.741.8590

Today, one out of three Americans will get cancer, which is the 2nd leading cause of death in the US. You don’t have to be a statistic. Boost your immune system to help prevent illness and disease, including cancer. If you are already having health challenges, having a strong immune system will maximize your body’s healing potential.

In Part I: Don’t Be a Cancer Statistic, the importance of how to detoxify/cleanse toxins from the body, and then how to rebuild with proper diet, nutrition and supplements were discussed. Detoxification and rebuilding are both crucial to health, healing at the cell level and in building a strong immune system. Reducing toxic exposure and stress reduction are also important to assure a strong immune system for vibrant health.

REDUCE YOUR TOXIC EXPOSURE: A recent report by the Columbia University School of Public Health estimated that 95 percent of cancers are caused by diet and environmental toxicity.  Studies show that there are over 287 chemicals present in a newborns’ blood with 180 of these known to cause cancer!

Here are some startling statistics:

• There are over 80,000 chemicals produced in North America

• There are over 3,000 chemicals added to our food supply.

• There are over 10,000 chemical solvents, emulsifiers and preservative used in food processing.

• There are over 1,000 new chemicals introduced each year.

Chemicals are toxic, foreign invaders to the body; they activate the immune system. The more toxins we put into the body, the harder the immune system must work. An overworked immune system eventually becomes ineffective in fighting disease and cancer. Eliminating the number of toxins that we ingest, breathe in, put on our skin or come in contact with will take stress off of the immune system. Here are some steps that can be taken to decrease your exposure to toxins.

• Water: Install water filters, both for drinking and bathing. Our water is polluted with agricultural, factory and automobile pollution chemicals, prescription and over-the counter drugs, heavy metals and human waste. All these make their way into our lakes, rivers and ground water, only to be pumped back out of the ground and be treated with more chemicals (chlorine) to purify it for safe drinking water. According to the U.S. Council of Environmental Quality, “Cancer risk among people drinking chlorinated water is 93 percent higher than among those whose water does not contain chlorine.” When you take a shower, you breathe in chlorine fumes and absorb it through your skin.

• Personal Care Products: Buy products made from natural ingredients, herbs and essential oils that are preservative free: Most toothpaste, deodorants, cosmetics, soap and shampoos, feminine hygiene products and hair dyes are filled with hundreds of chemical toxins and will increase your risk of cancer. Check out the ingredients of your toothpaste.  You may be starting your day with a hefty dose of chemicals that go directly into your bloodstream.

• Reduce Exposure to Electromagnetic Frequencies: EMFs create changes in the body on a cellular level and can cause tumors, cancer and memory problems. Use cell phone protectors & dirty electricity blockers in your home.

• Food: Eat organic whenever possible including all meats and dairy. Avoid processed foods genetically modified and irradiated foods. In other words, buy healthy whole foods and prepare meals at home as much as possible.

• Eliminate non-stick cookware: They emit toxins from the synthetic lining and usually have aluminum as their base, which will help your Alzheimer’s along. Use stainless steel.

• Reduce/eliminate use of Microwave Ovens: Microwaves cause molecular & chemical changes in the food which is detrimental to your health. It also destroys food nutrients.

• Packaging: Carcinogenic, toxic substances are transferred from plastic, aluminum foil, aluminum cans, and Styrofoam into our food and body.  Choose glass bottles, paper bags, cardboard containers and canned goods with protective enamel linings.

• Purchase environmental friendly cleaning products: Go green to get clean! Just breathing in those toxic fumes is detrimental to your health!

REDUCE EMOTIONAL & PHYSICAL STRESS: “The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.”

The saying “Stress Kills” is true; it sets in motion your “fight or flight response,” to prepare the body for action. Unfortunately, many of us are continually in this stress response mode, which eventually can have a devastating effect on your physical health.

Research has now shown, beyond any reasonable doubt, that human emotions have a direct influence on the way our cells function in our body and on our DNA! Emotions can affect your health in a positive or in a destructive way, depending on the emotion; they can cause physical imbalance and make you sick or they can make you well! The energy associated with the emotion of anger will have a very different affect on your physical body compared to the emotion of joy or gratitude.

Here are a few suggestions for reducing stress and improving physical and emotional well-being:

• So-Sound Therapy: Relaxing and healing both physically and emotionally! Lie on a So-Sound table and experience a musical massage that not only feels great, but breaks the stress cycle and changes brainwaves to a meditative state and begins to balance cell energies. Certain musical tones have been proven to repair DNA! Backed by research.

• SomatoEmotional Release: Reconnect with yourself by processing emotional or physical trauma from the central nervous system. A gentle hands-on therapy that is meditative and relaxing.

• Quantum Indigo Biofeedback: Reduces stress and re-trains the body energetically while you relax on a sound table. Balances erratic body frequencies, which occurs with emotional stress, illness, injury and can help boost the immune system. Maximizes your healing potential and promotes health and well-being.

• Massage Therapy: Relaxing and both emotionally and physically healing. Try an oncology or lymphatic massage; which reduces anxiety, improves energy stimulates the lymphatic system, improves metabolism, promotes the removal of bodily toxins and waste, and encourages a healthy immune system.

• Exercise: Exercise not only improves your physical health in many ways but also helps to reduce mental tension and stress. Exercise, even just walking, also improves lymph flow which will boost your immune system.

• Yoga: Heals and balances on all levels, physically, mentally and spiritually.

• Meditation/Prayer: Quiets the mind, relaxes and reduces stress.  Settle into your heart and connect to your higher self.

• AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE!

References:

1. Fitzgerald, Patricia, M.D. The Detox Solution. Illumination Press. May, 2001.

2. Bollinger, Ty. Cancer, Step Outside the Box. Infinity 510 Squared Partners. July, 2006.

3. Wolfe, David. The Longevity Now Program. www.longevitynowprogram.org.

4. Braden, Gregg. The Devine Matrix. Hay House. January, 2008.

For more info, contact Sierra Sports and Spine Healing Center at (530) 587-9355 or visit online at www.sierrahealing.com.

Part 1.

Today, one out of three Americans will get cancer, which is the 2nd leading cause of death in the USA. You don’t have to be a statistic. Boost your immune system to help prevent illness and disease, including cancer. If you are already having health challenges, having a strong immune system will maximize your body’s healing potential.

Our immune system is the body’s first line of defense against invaders such as viruses, bacteria and all foreign or toxic substances that enter the body; ones that we have inhaled, eaten or absorbed by the skin. It also destroys cancer cells. Unfortunately, our immune systems are being overworked due to the large amounts of toxins that we are being exposed to in our modern world. Eventually the immune system is overtaxed and starts to break down; it becomes less efficient in neutralizing and destroying unwanted guests, toxins and abnormal cell growths. We get sick.

Participating in a comprehensive program including detoxification/cleansing, proper diet and nutrition; along with reducing toxic exposure and most importantly stress reduction, will really give your immune system a boost so it can do a great job for you! If you don’t know where to start try a health professional who has training and knowledge regarding cleansing and nutrition.

1.            DETOX & CLEANSE: “If we put fresh new wine into an old wineskin, the new wine will turn sour and be worthless” Cleansing is a must! Our bodies are being overburdened with toxins at a rate that exceeds the body’s natural ability to cleanse and eliminate toxins. The result is chronic illness and disease, pain, accelerated aging, low energy and decreased mental clarity. Reducing toxic load in the tissues and blood will reduce the stress on the immune system, improve tissue oxygenation and transform sick cells to a healthier state!

•            Ionic Footbaths: Detoxify while you relax with your feet in a warm water bath. Ionic footbaths are an effective way to release toxins and heavy metals from the body.

•            Far Infrared Saunas: Feels fabulous, especially during this cold winter! Facilitates a deep, detoxifying sweat at a comfortable air temperature. Eliminates toxins, pesticides, heavy metals and kills viruses! Makes your skin amazingly soft!

•            Herbal Cleansing, colon, liver, kidneys & blood: Colon-rectal cancer is the leading cancer in the U.S.  Eighty percent of the immune system response is located in the intestinal tract. Thus, the entire health of the body depends on how efficient the intestinal tract is at absorbing nutrients and in the elimination of wastes; you need to clean it out so it can do its job! Your liver is like your body’s oil filter, and when clogged and dirty, it can’t filter toxins out of the blood; they start being stored in your tissues, organs and brain! Yeast, Candida and/or parasites cause many health challenges, which can be eliminated with herbal cleaning products. Organic kits are available.

•            Colonics: Safely removes toxic waste material from the large intestine.

•            Zeolites: Zeolite is a natural, volcanic substance that attracts toxins and heavy metals then safely removes them from the body. Take a zeolite product on a daily basis.

2.            REBUILD: “Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food” Proper diet, nutrition and supplements are crucial to health and healing at the cell level, and to building a strong immune system. Balancing your pH, eliminating acidic foods and eating an alkaline diet all promote ongoing detoxification and will do wonders for your health.

•            Add raw plant foods to your diet: vegetables, nuts, seeds, seaweeds, sprouts, grasses and herbs.

•            Start juicing: particularly veggies.

•            Boost your water intake: 8 to10 glasses of alkaline water a day. Water dilutes acids and literally washes toxins out of the body via urine, sweat and bowels.

•            Daily “green drinks”: provides deep cellular nutrition, alkalizes and detoxifies.

•            Eat Superfoods: 100 percent whole food, packed with minerals, vitamins and nutrients. They are actual food, so you will absorb the nutrition, unlike traditional vitamins/supplement that your body mostly eliminates. Try maca, cacao, goji berries, noni, coconut, acai, aloe vera, spirulina, etc.

•            Eat organic: including meat and dairy.

•            Reduce/eliminate refined flours, sugars, meats and dairy.

•            Reduce/eliminate alcohol, coffee, sodas.

This article will be continued in the next issue of Healthy Beginnings. In Part II you will learn what you can do to reduce your toxic exposure and your stress. This will further boost your immune system and get you on the path of vibrant health!

References:

1. Fitzgerald, Patricia, M.D. The Detox Solution. Illumination Press. May, 2001.

2. Bollinger, Ty. Cancer, Step Outside the Box. Infinity 510 Squared Partners. July, 2006.

3. Wolfe, David. The Longevity Now Program. www.longevitynowprogram.org.

4. Braden, Gregg. The Devine Matrix. Hay House. January, 2008.

For more info, contact Sierra Sports and Spine Healing Center at (530) 587-9355 or visit online at www.sierrahealing.com.

Recycling, green bags, park and river clean-up’s are great ways to help the environment and connect with Mother Earth. But, if your internal environment is polluted you may not be feeling the kind of serene spiritual connection you desire. Toxic matter stored in the body bogs down energy and fogs the mind, making it difficult to really “feel” the beauty in a perfect spring day. An overburdened liver impedes emotional chi from flowing freely in the body and can manifest as quick temper, negativity and a sense of hopelessness. If the colon is impacted with decaying fecal matter, toxins are leaching out into the blood stream leading to allergies, irregular bowels, unexplained pain and lethargy, muddled thinking as well as the inability to lose weight. Cleansing is an ideal way to improve your energy at its source and connect to your spiritual center.

We all have heard the saying “Cleanliness is next to Godliness,” and while that saying can be associated with cleaning your kitchen, it also relates to cleaning your personal “house,” the body you live in. Jesus, Buddha, Gandhi, and other spiritual examples of the past, used fasting as a way to cleanse the body. Two thousand years ago, Jesus found it important to fast to cleanse his body and spirit and at that time fertilizers, pesticides and genetically modified foods were not a factor in his world. We are involuntarily exposed to pollutants and toxins daily just by way of living. So, it makes sense that during these times of spiritual re-awakening and reconnecting to natural cycles of life, that fasting and cleansing would be an important part of achieving that spiritual growth. If you’re not receiving the spiritual gratification and positive energy you are striving for, the problem could be internal pollution.

Depending upon your particular symptoms, bowel, Candida and liver cleanses can be of great benefit. Removing toxins from an overburdened body can improve skin conditions, bloat, gas and relieve headaches. Using Colon Hydrotherapy as a method of cleansing is particularly effective as the body becomes extremely hydrated by the process. Since our cells are energy conductors, they require water. Hydration improves the cell’s ability to receive nutrition and expel waste. So maintaining hydration at the cellular level improves the effectiveness of the detoxification process and allows for the free flow of energy. The outward effects of Colon Hydrotherapy are almost immediately noticed as the improvement of the condition of skin, hair and nails. Directly following a Colon Hydrotherapy session, most people notice almost immediately an outward sort of “glow,” and the improvement of mental outlook has been described as a “lift of spirits,” which can be attributed to the removal of accumulated toxins and good hydration.

Since approximately 70 percent of the immune system resides in the gut, cleansing can improve a person’s immunity, and we know that when we are feeling strong and healthy it is much easier to have a positive outlook on life and sail through the day with good, sustained energy.

Other forms of cleansing toxins from the body include ionic foot baths, which promote the release of toxins through the pores in the feet and balance “Chi.” Skin brushing and lymphatic massage keep lymph matter flowing freely throughout the body, and improve the skins ability to release toxins. Using a Neti pot to wash nasal passageways helps to reduce allergies and keep sinuses free of excess mucous. Ear candling removes built up wax and pollutants from the ear.

Buddha said “To keep the body in good health is a duty…otherwise we shall not be able to keep the mind sound and clear.” With a clear mind, we are better able to connect with ourselves and to the beauty of Mother Earth that surrounds us. Cleansing helps with all of that.

References:

1. Watson, Brenda, C.N.C. The Detox Strategy. Free Press; 1 edition. March, 2008

2. Rose, Natalie. The Raw Food Detox Diet. Harper Paperbacks. December, 2006

3. www.brainyquote.com

For more info, contact Shelby Molchan at the Island Rainbow Wellness Center at (775) 762-2463 or visit online at www.IslandRainbowWellness.com.

A major issue, both in the United States and virtually all over the world, is obesity. Aside from genetics and more than just overeating, overweight is usually due to consuming large amounts of unhealthy, inorganic foods that the body is not designed to handle. A direct result of consuming these “junk” foods over a period of time, is a colon that is coated with an accumulation of waste and toxic matter. This condition is not only responsible for overweight, but can eventually lead to other digestive diseases unknown to our ancestors who subsisted on a diet of natural foods.

A myriad of diets and diet pills found on the market today do not, because they cannot address the problem of overweight from where it needs to be addressed. What they do achieve, however, is frustration and needless expense for the millions of people who put their trust in these unnatural and unhealthy methods of weight loss.

Colon hydrotherapy, on the other hand, combined with a complete bowel cleansing routine, is a safe, simple, and completely natural way towards maintaining an efficient digestive system. This should be the goal … not a quick fix weight-loss pill, shake, or fad diet.

An efficient digestive system is the only natural and healthy way to lose weight and rid the body of harmful toxins at the same time!

Unlike the quick fixes on the market today, colon cleansing is not a one-time only approach to weight loss. It must be done on a regular basis to maintain a healthy and efficient digestive system. The rewards not only include looking slimmer, but becoming more energized as well as skin that is noticeably smoother. In addition, nutrients taken into the system are better absorbed by the body when the digestive system is functioning as nature intended it to.

An overworked or unclean bowel can easily lead to liver, kidney, lungs and skin problems.

These organs are forced to work harder to rid your body of toxins and you can feel the effects in a number of ways other than bowel disorders. A toxic overload can cause bad breath, skin eruptions, headaches, cough, fatigue, body odor and can even affect memory.

You could be walking around with  5 to 25 pounds of old fecal matter in your colon.

What about fasting?  When combined with colonics, the process is expedited. A colonic gently cleanses the last five feet of the digestive tract that can help to strengthen a weakened bowel and it is completely non-addictive.

Your colon hydrotherapist can easily identify the foods, vitamins and minerals that are not being properly absorbed, along with identifying yeast, parasites and mucus. The entire digestive system benefits from having a clean bowel.

References:

1) International Association of Colon Hydrotherapist (I-ACT)

2)American Association on Natural Medicine

For more info, contact Carol Christian at the Reno Alternative Health Clinic at (775) 827-6888.

Picture spring: rebirth, greenery, abundance and blossoms. It is a time for renewal. In Chinese Medicine, spring is yang and is associated with the liver and gallbladder. Cleansing your liver in the spring can help you cast off the heavy feelings of winter that may be lingering, and can help energize you to embrace the new world that is emerging around you.

Spring is also associated with the wood element in Chinese Medicine, symbolizing the need for our bodies to be flexible and strong. Anger is a yang emotion, associated with spring and the liver. Fear is a yin emotion and is associated with winter (a yin season), and has constricting qualities. Spurred by fear that is emotionally accumulated through winter, anger may bubble to the surface in the spring more easily than at other times, just as sap rises in trees. Since winter is also a time of overindulgence in heavy and fatty foods it is easy to see how a bogged down liver can stifle the exuberance of spring, manifesting as resentment, rudeness, frustration, and edginess. It is very difficult to feel strong and flexible with an overworked liver, so as winter yields to spring, it is an excellent time to focus on the health of the liver.

On top of cleansing yourself of a heavy winter, a liver cleanse enhances weight loss, and helps improve feelings of indecisiveness or of being “stuck.” Cleansing the liver and gallbladder can also help improve stress, PMS, allergies and constipation. People who do liver cleanses report reduced digestive disturbances, improved weight loss, improved mental clarity and virility and love of life.

Often disregarded in relation to digestive issues, the gallbladder is responsible for storing and secreting bile, which is made by the liver. The gallbladder should release the right amount of bile, in the right concentrations, at the right time, in order to maintain proper digestion.  Irregular bile flow can result in a build up of bile salts in the blood. This affects cholesterol, metabolism and disrupts the normal elimination of metabolic wastes.

An actual liver/gallbladder purge (or flush) is the best way to rid the liver of residual toxins that can range from medications, chemicals you’ve been exposed to, and the buildup of fatty and processed foods, and free the gallbladder accumulated stones. A certified Colon Hydrotherapist, who is experienced in guiding people through this process, can offer tips on how to perform the purge safely and effectively. It is recommended to receive a minimum of one colonic following the purge to wash out any toxins and stones that may still be lingering in the bowel; and preferably one or more before the purge to help rid the colon of accumulated fecal matter and prepare the body for the purge.

The purge involves mixing a concoction of Magnesium Sulfate, organic unfiltered apple juice and black walnut hull tincture and drinking it at designated intervals, and also drinking a one time mixture of organic pink grapefruit juice and olive oil. Consult the internet, or the books listed as references for this article; they will provide more information on this subject.  There are a number of variations on the recipe out there, so consulting with someone who is familiar with liver purges is helpful in deciding which purge would be right for you.

Prior to and following the liver/gallbladder purge, you may want to fortify the liver by using wheatgrass juice to help cleanse and build the blood.  There are also many wonderful herbs and teas that support liver and gallbladder function such as Milk Thistle, Dandelion Root, Fennel Seed and Garlic Bulb.

Coffee colonics and coffee enemas stimulate the liver and gallbladder and can aid in the detoxification process. Certain yoga poses also squeeze the liver and other internal organs, which can have a stimulating effect.

As the world turns from the darkness of winter to the brightness of spring, a focus of positive energy can be brought about by cleansing the liver and gallbladder, and may awaken new and wonderful potential that is abundantly blossoming all around.

References:

1. Clark, Hulda Regehr. The Cure For All Diseases. New Century Press. January, 1995.

2. Moritz, Andreas. The Amazing Liver/Gallbladder Flush. Ener-chi.com. May, 2007.

3. www.Acupuncture.com

4. http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rudy_Silva

5. www.intmedsolutions.com/…/spring-liver-cleansing-the-basics/

For more info, contact Shelby Molchan at the Island Rainbow Wellness Center at (775) 762-2463 or visit online at www.IslandRainbowWellness.com

2011 is just one month old, yet most New Years resolutions are as distant a memory as midnight fireworks. Give up sweets. Give up alcohol. Give up wheat. Focused on the negative, most of these resolutions fail. Many people consume even more than usual as they try to deny themselves such pleasures. Put intentions for a healthy New Year back on track by building new enjoyable habits to replace the old.

Instead of focusing on the negative, enjoy something positive. Instead of giving up morning pastries, savor delicious fruit smoothies. The new choice is immediately enjoyable, and has long term health benefits. The short term pleasure of drinking a delicious smoothie prompts another smoothie the next day and the next. Suddenly smoothie drinking becomes a habit.

Many sludge through winter weighed down by the remnants of holiday overindulgence. Sweet treats during the holidays make resolutions to stop the sugar hard to keep. The pleasures associated with sugary sweets impact the body beyond the taste buds. Affecting the same neural receptors as heroin and opium, eating lots of sugar can quickly become a strong habit. Weeks of eating this way can result in sluggish digestion and a feeling of lethargy. Many walk through life this way oblivious that anything is wrong because it has become their version of normal.

Successfully navigating the first few days of building new habits may be the toughest part of the process. Focus on enjoyable parts of the new routine to reinforce the new behavior. People begin to feel fantastic after a couple weeks of eating more healthfully, and this is when the new habit really takes hold. As a person purges the toxic results of their old ways, they gain new energy from their improved digestion.

Colon hydrotherapy can accelerate this process, and provide a feeling of wellness quickly. Imagine removing the stagnant putrefied remains of last month’s hamburger. Suddenly the body has less sludge weighing it down and more space to quickly digest a tasty smoothie. The sooner someone experiences the benefits of changing their habits, the stronger their new habits will become. Colon hydrotherapy clears the way for a fabulous feeling body.

A person can crave goodness, and this is the goal. As a healthier lifestyle takes hold, people begin to desire nourishing food. Cauliflower soup and salad will sound like a great dinner, and the happier healthier body will feel satisfied by it. Some of the old habits may recur on occasion, but only as an occasional pleasure, woven into a tapestry of delicious wellness. Good health spawns desire for better health in this wonderfully positive feedback cycle.

References:

1. Drewnowski, Krahn, Deitrack, Nairn, and Gosnell. Taste responses and preferences for sweet high-fat foods: Evidence for opioid involvement. Physiology & Behavior, 1992.

2. Jager, Wander. Breaking ‘bad habits’: a dynamic perspective on habit formation and change. Groningen, 2003.

For more info, contact Carol Christian at the Reno Alternative Health Clinic at (775) 827-6888, now serving two locations:  Gerber Medical Clinic, 1225 Westfield Ave. (775) 826-6888.

According to the Environmental Working Group based in Washington, D.C. “Pollution is not only an environment issue, it’s a public health issue.” Everyone carries hundreds of toxic, lethal chemicals in their tissues. Chemical toxins and heavy metals build up in your body from what you eat and drink, what you breathe and what is absorbed though your skin. Studies show that there are over 287 chemicals present in a newborns’ blood with 180 of these known to cause cancer! The result of toxic build-up is chronic illness and disease, compromised immune systems, allergies, pain, accelerated aging, low energy and decreased mental clarity.

Ongoing detoxification of the body is important to eliminate toxic build-up. But it is also important to reduce your daily exposure to toxins. You can change your toxic burden with the daily choices you make. Here are some tips to improve your nutrition and health while decreasing toxic load.

Buy organic as much as possible, not just fruits & veggies but dairy, meats, nuts, coffee, grains, etc.! Are you thinking it’s too expensive?! How much do you value your health? The EPA has identified more than 55 pesticides that can leave carcinogenic residues in food. Artificial growth hormones given to cows increase the risk of breast cancer up to 7 times.

Eat unrefined sugar, fats and grains. The refining process has robbed food of nutrients and also makes it toxic to our bodies. Choose raw honey, agave, date sugar, dehydrated cane sugar juice or maple syrup rather than refined white, raw or brown sugar, corn syrup and fructose. Use stevia or xylitol, which are healthy sweeteners low in calories, rather than artificial sweeteners such as NutraSweet and Aspartame. Aspartame is the deadliest and has been linked to brain tumors.

Unrefined, healthy fats include flaxseed, sunflower and walnut oil but do not heat them as they become toxic. Olive oil, coconut oil and grapeseed oil are the only healthy fats that do not become toxic when heated. Eat organic butter, not margarine. Margarine is a non-food, synthetic and only one molecule away from being plastic.

Eat products made of unrefined, 100% whole-grain flour such as from wheat, rice, oat or barley. White flour is a non-food, toxic, causes free radical damage and is void of any nutrition. Not even a boll weevil will eat white flour. Eliminate baked goods, crackers and pastas made with white flour from your diet.

Choose sea salt rather than ordinary table salt. It is rich in minerals and does not cause or contribute to disease. Table salt is an isolated element removed from its natural array of minerals which creates imbalance and raises havoc in the body.

Avoid packaged, processed pre-prepared foods. These contain preservatives, most of which are harmful and toxic causing allergies, asthma and cancers. Nitrates are particularly nasty.

Beware of foods that are genetically modified or have received irradiation. Check the code numbers on food: 9 are organically grown, 4 are conventionally grown with pesticides and herbicides, 8 are genetically modified. The irradiation symbol is a wholesome looking symbol of a flower!

References:

1. The Detox Solution, by Dr. Patricia Fitzgerald, 2002 Health, Nutrition and Fitness, by Dr. Aundrea Adams, ND PhD RN, 2006.

For more information, contact A Sierra Healing Center in Truckee at (530) 587-9355 or visit online at www.sierrahealing.com.