ACUPRESSURE

Acupressure is a massage technique that combines fingertip massage with pressure to the acupuncture points lying along the meridians (the channels through which qi, the life force of the body, is thought to flow). Just as acupuncture (see below) is thought to stimulate the flow of qi through the meridians, so acupressure is thought to stimulate energy blockages that lead to disease and pain. However, because acupressure is done with the hands rather than with needles, it is most appropriate for self.help. Acupressure is best carried out using the thumb, exerting deep pressure so that the acupressure point feels rather achy or even slightly numb. Use a circular massage movement in the direction indicated by the illustrations.

CHINESE MEDICINE:.. Chinese medicine is a complex system of treatment that has evolved over thousands of years. It uses diet, herbalism, acupuncture, and exercise to treat a wide variety of ailments. The principle concept of traditional Chinese medicine is that disease is caused by an imbalance of the vital force or energy, also known as qi. The practitioner's aim is to detect imbalances in the flow of qi and redress them before They cause serious illness. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine use diagnostic methods that are very different from those of orthodox doctors. They observe the patient as a whole, taking into consideration mind, body, and spirit, and not forgetting environmental concerns. Treatment may include dietary recommendations, exercise, acupressure, or acupuncture. Like many holistic practices, Chinese medicine is highly individual. Recommendations are made for each persons particular set of symptoms, rather than a collective treatment for each ailment.


AROMATHERAPY

The ultimate in gentle medicine, aromatherapy has its roots in the ancient use of aromatic herbs in Egypt, India, Greece, and the Arab world. Knowledge of how odor can be used to stimulate, relax, and heal has been passed down through the centuries and was refined in the early twentieth century in France and Germany. Since then, aromatherapy has become a widely practiced treatment, and its use in orthodox medicine is increasing. Essential oils, obtained from plants, roots, leaves, flowers, and fruit, have been shown to have powerful psychological effects. Research has shown that certain oils, when inhaled, have the power to relax or stimulate. In treatment, aromatherapy can be used to relieve con.ditions such as depression and fatigue. Many essential oils also have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. You can safely use aromatherapy as a self help treatment if you follow these guidelines: Use the purest oils available from reputable suppliers. Essential oils are highly concentrated. When placed on the skin, they are nearly always diluted with a carrier oil (sunflower, safflower, or almond are suitable) or an emulsified oil.and.water lotion. The dilution you will need is outlined in the treatment for each ailment.


AYURVEDA

The most important thing to know about Ayurveda is that it treats the whole person, not just the person's health problems. It isn't just about clearing up symptoms or even curing disease. It's also about restructuring the content of a person's consciousness so that he can be aware of the essential nature and meaning of life. Ayurveda experts trace the beginning of this unique approach to physical health, mental clarity and spiritual fulfillment to the sages of ancient India, the rushis. They say the rishis discovered the principles of Ayurveda while in deep meditation. The principles were then codified in the Vedas (which means "knowledge"), the essential religious texts of Hinduism, which scholars say are more than 5,000 years old. To understand doshas, the cornerstone of Ayurvedic diagnosis and treatment, think first of the more familiar Western body types: ectomorph (light md slim), endomorph (heavy and soft) and mesomorph (husky and muscular). The definitions of the doshas begin with similar physical descriptions, then add layers of information about emotional tendencies, intellectual styles and spiritual inclinations, creating a detailed portrait of each type of individual. Leaning about your dosha is like getting a medical exam and a psychological test at the same time. When you understand your dosha, say Ayurvedic practioners, you can make diet and lifestyle changes that will help you live a healthier, longer and happier life.and maybe even achieve spiritual illunuination.


FLOWER REMEDY../..ESSENCE THERAPY

Flower remedies were first invented and used by Dr. Edward Bach around the turn of the century. They are now extensively used in the home and are suitable for self help. The remedies are derived ft.om wildflowers and one from pure stream water, which Dr. Bach believed provide subtle energy that is effective in treating emotional disharmony. The remedies are made by picking fresh flowers, placing them on the surface of a bowl of water, and leaving them in the sun for several hours. It is thought that the action of the sun on the flowers releases their life force or energy into the water. Each of the remedies is appropriate to specific personality traits, and is administered in liquid form. The most commonly used remedy is Rescue Remedy, a combination of five flower remedies.


FOOD THERAPY

Diet is probably the area where we can make the greatest impact on general health and vitality, the prevention of disease, and the treatment of common ailments. Most people recognize that "they are what they eat." That is, what they eat affects their health today and their future risk for diseases. We know that eating a high-fat diet increases our chances of developing heart disease and that not including enough calcium in our diets today could increase our risk for developing osteoporosis later on. However, many people ignore the profound effects that food can have on mood, intellect, and energy level. In fact, not eating right will affect your memory, mood, and vitality long before it will affect your heart and bones. It takes decades of eating a calcium-poor diet before your bones become fragile; however, what you eat this morning (or don't eat) could affect how you feel this afternoon. What you ate for dinner could affect how well you sleep tonight. When and what you last ate could determine whether or not you give in to a food craving or lose the weight-control war. Even something as simple as not eating enough iron-rich foods could result in chronic fatigue, poor concentration, and mild depression. It is much like filling your car's tank with dirty gas. You may get to work, but it won't be a smooth ride. On the other hand, using high-quality fuel keeps your car running efficiently and smoothly. The link between food and mood, however, goes further: you also eat what you are. In other words, your mood (often created by the foods you choose) determines what you eat at your next meal. Imbalanced eating habits trigger a vicious cycle where you feel worse and worse and turn repeatedly to the wrong foods for a quick fix. These foods only perpetuate the fatigue and depression. In essence, you create a mood monster by repeatedly making food choices that drag you down. In contrast, when you make the right food choices, you are providing fuel for a healthy body, a good mood, an active mind, and a high energy level.

1. Blueberries

Sweet wild blueberries are bursting with antioxidants, which mop up nasty free radicals. Studies of rats show that a blueberry-rich diet improves memory and motor skills and reverses age-related declines in balance and coordination. Chemicals in blueberries affect the contractile machinery of arteries, and therefore have a good affect on blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure can damage delicate blood vessels in the brain and can lead to strokes.

2. Dark Leafy Greens

Chemicals called homocysteines are a normal part of protein metabolism, but high levels are linked with cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease (as well as heart disease), which accounts for most cases of dementia in the U.S. According to Katherine Tucker, director of the dietary assessment research program at the Human Nutrition Research Center of Aging, “homocysteine has a toxic effect on arterial walls, and oxidation corrodes the arterial walls too, which makes them a bad combination.” In order to break themselves down, homocysteines require folate and B12 or B6, vitamins found in vegetables like collard greens and swiss chard.

3. Salmon, Sardines, and Herring

Fatty fish are full of neuroprotective omega-3 fatty acids. Higher levels of omega-3 in the blood go hand-in-hand with higher levels of serotonin, a mood-enhancing brain chemical. A study from the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging in Chicago found that people who eat at least one fish meal a week are significantly less likely to end up with Alzheimer’s disease than those who regularly eschew fish. Because a fish diet aids communication between nerve cells, studies have shown its positive effect on learning acquisition and memory performance.

4. Spinach

Spinach research has finally caught up with mom’s advice: Spinach turns out to be full of antioxidant power. James Joseph, chief of the Neurosciences Laboratory of the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, finds spinach beneficial in slowing down age-related problems in the central nervous system and cognitive deficits. A salad with spinach has more than three times the amount of folate than one with iceberg lettuce.

5. Red Wine, or, better yet, Grape Juice

Drinking red wine in moderation increases longevity. But since alcohol slows down the brain’s ability to function properly, grape juice may be a smarter beverage choice. New research from James Joseph shows that concord grape juice significantly improves short-term memory and motor skills. It’s not just the heavy dose of antioxidants. Joseph believes that grape juice increases production of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Concord grape juice has the highest total antioxidant level of any fruit, vegetable or juice tested.

6. Whole Grains and Brown Rice

One of the best things you can do to improve intake of nutrients is to switch to brown rice. It’s filled with vitamins and magnesium, which seems to be important to cognitive health. Whole grains contain vitamin B6, which aids in reducing homocysteine levels. Americans often don’t get enough vitamin B6, because they mostly eat processed foods.

7. Hot Cocoa

Warm up with hot cocoa to help your brain as well as your frostbitten fingers. Chang Young Lee, professor of food chemistry at Cornell University, found that the antioxidant content of two tablespoons of pure cocoa powder is “almost two times stronger than red wine, two to three times stronger than green tea and four to five times stronger than that of black tea.” The antioxidants in hot cocoa protect brain cells from oxidative stress that can lead to Alzheimer’s and other disorders.

8. Nuts, Notably Almonds and Walnuts

Adding to their party-mix appeal, nuts are rich in antioxidants and have been found to lower blood cholesterol levels. A Harvard study showed that women who ate more than five ounces of nuts per week had a significantly lower risk of coronary heart disease than those who ate an ounce or less. And, they don’t contribute to weight gain as much as other kinds of fatty foods. Walnuts are rich in omega-3s.

9. Olive Oil

A staple of the highly touted “Mediterranean Diet,” olive oil contains the potent antioxidants called polyphenols, Olive oil has been shown to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The extra-virgin variety is best.

10. Garlic

This pungent herb fends off aging via its antioxidant properties. It also contains strong antibacterial and antiviral compounds that help shake off stress-induced colds and infections. Raw, crushed garlic is best; cooked garlic is less powerful but still benefits the cardiovascular system.

HERBAL THERAPY

The value of plants in treating illness has been documented for some five thousand years. Modem herbalism stems from a variety of sources, and much has been passed down through folklore and tradition. Herbal medicine is used to provide the body with the ideal environment for health and self healing. Herbs are generally given fresh or dried, taken as infusions (herbs prepared like a tea), decoctions (herbs gently simmered in water), ointments (herbs made up into a cream), or compresses (prepared herbs placed in a compress and applied externally). Fresh herbs can also be incorporated into the diet. Instructions on how to prepare and administer each specific herbal remedy are given with each ailment. Follow these rules when you keep and prepare herbal remedies: Use only herbs you can identify and that you know are safe. Store herbs in an airtight glass jar. Do not refrigerate. Use a glass or porcelain pot or saucepan to prepare remedies. Do not exceed the recommended doses. During pregnancy, is it not advisable to self administer herbs without the supervision of a professional herbalist. You can grow herbs in the garden from seed, or you can obtain plants from specialist suppliers. If you gather wild herbs, use caution: they may be contaminated with exhaust fumes or pesticides, or you may identify them incorrectly. The easiest access to herbal remedies is through a health food store or herbalist, some of which provide herbs by mail order.


HOMEOPATHY

Homeopathy is a complete system of complementary medicine based on the principle of "like cures like" In other words, homeopathic remedies that produce a set of symptoms (mental, emotional, and physical) of an ailment in a healthy person can cure those symptoms in a sick person. Remedies are prepared from extracts of plants, minerals, and animal and human tissues or secretions, which are diluted many times and shaken vigorously. While this dilution process greatly reduces the physical presence of the original composition of the remedy, it seems to bring out other qualities that are often more powerful than the original concentrate. Despite the fact that nobody has been able to show exactly how homeopathy works, its efficacy has been seen in clinical trials. It is extensively used in Europe, and to a growing extent in America and Australasia. Homeopathic prescribing is highly individualized. Unlike orthodox drugs, where one remedy is prescribed for virtually all cases of a particular illness, homeopaths treat the person rather than the disease.


HYDROTHERAPY

The relaxing, rejuvenating, and healing power of water has long been acknowledged. Hydrotherapy, or water therapy, has many applications; the treatments have the following effects: Stimulation of blood circulation: Water can provide extremes of temperature, allowing the blood vessels to constrict and dilate, stimulating blood circulation. Increased blood flow provides an injured or diseased area with additional nutrients to aid healing, and helps eliminate toxins. It also increases the flow of oxygen through the body and the brain, maintaining energy and alertness. The buoyancy of water provides support for weak limbs. Swimming in warm water is an effective means of strengthening weak muscles. Further, the skin is the largest organ of the body, able to absorb nutrients and release toxins. Mineral baths provide a spectrun of ionic or charged minerals, able to recharge your internal batteries. Mineral baths can improve your vitality, and help relieve a host of skin conditions.


IMAGERY AND MEDITATION


Meditating is actually easier than you might imagine. You will be taught to become aware of your breathing and to repeat your mantra (a word, chosen by yourself or your teacher, that is used as a mental focus). The object of meditation is to achieve a state of total physical relaxation and to empty the mind of all thought. Most of us have dabbled in meditation by participating in conscious relaxation. We start by paying attention to our breathing. The practical effort to focus completely on our breathing takes our minds away from the "mind clutter" that constantly tries to invade our mind and eliminate feelings that will lead to a time of calm. With repeated effort the goal of clearing your mind – to think of nothing, does occur and the process of meditation takes on its own energy. The result is, and I guarantee this, peace, serenity, calmness, eventually opening yourself to new insights.


Steps of Mindfulness Meditation

Sit comfortably, with your eyes closed, your spine reasonably straight.

Let your attention rest on your breathing.

When thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, or external sounds arise, simply acknowledge and accept them, allowing them to pass through without judging or getting involved with them.

When you notice your attention has gotten engaged in thoughts, emotions, or sensations, bring it back to your breathing and continue.


Steps of Energy Healing Meditation

1. Sit reasonably straight and close your eyes.

2. Breath slowly, as silently as possible.

3. As you inhale, feel yourself breathing the healing Life Force in through your solar plexus. Picture this Life Force as a very refined, light energy.

4. As you exhale, gently direct this light energy to the afflicted area. If there is not a specific ailing area, disperse this light energy throughout your body as you exhale.

5. Continue until you feel the area has received enough Life Force.


Steps of Color Healing Meditation

Sit comfortably with your eyes closed.

Visualize a large ball of radiant Golden light a few inches over your head. Visualize that ball of light slowly descending through your crown, filling your entire being with golden light.

Imagine yourself absorbing that light as it nourishes, cleanses & heals your whole being - your Spirit and all of your bodies - dissolving all blocked and toxic energies.

Repeat this exercise, visualizing a ball of Red light. Continue through the entire spectrum like this, visualizing a ball of Orange light; Yellow light; Green light; Blue light; Indigo light; and Violet light. Go through the spectrum at whatever pace feels appropriate.

Take some time to visualize yourself in a state of perfect, radiant health.



RELAXATION TECHNIQUES:.. Stress is a natural response to fear. It prepares the body for "fight or flight!' by tensing the muscles and constricting the blood vessels. However, most of the stress we encounter today is mental anguish and does not require us to fight or flee. The body is thus left in a state of physical tension, leading to decreased energy, fatigue, and lowered immunity. Prolonged stress has been shown to be a major contributing factor to disease. Both as a preventive measure and as a treatment, relaxation can be an important therapy, as it combats stress and anxiety and strengthens the body's resistance to disease. For some people, however, relaxation is very difficult to achieve. Often, when we think we are relaxing, our muscles remain tense and we cannot "turn off" mentally. To relax effectively, the mind should be in the present (not worrying about the past or ftiture), the body should be limp, and the breathing deep and slow. Carry out the relaxation treatments we recommend in a quiet, dimmed room where you will not be disturbed. Relaxation tapes can also be beneficial.

VISUALIZATION:.. Many alternative and orthodox practitioners have found that visualizing a positive scene or symbol can bring mental and physical relaxation, relieve pain, help fight disease, and assist healing. Th carry out visualiza.tion, you need to be in a quiet room where you will not be disturbed. Relax in a comfortable position and let your attention go to the area of your body that is injured or diseased. Focus on that area and let an image come to your mind. It may be a real.life image of the body part, or an abstract image or symbol. Allow the image to change as it will. Then start to visualize something happening to heal the body part. You may see white blood cells flowing toward it to attack disease; you may see light, energy, or warmth. Many people find that the healing image brings immediate physical or psychological relief For those who have difficulty visualizing, autogenic training with a qualified practitioner can help.

JUICE THERAPY

HIGH-OCTANE NUTRITION:..Fresh juices naturally contains high water content and a multitude of vitamins and minerals. However, fresh juices have more going for them than vitamins and minerals. A growing body of scientific research suggests that when it comes to the health benefits of fresh produce, vitamins and minerals may be just the tip of the iceberg. Fruits and vegetables have therapeutic properties that science is only beginning to understand, We know a lot about vitamins and minerals, but there are many other substances in fruits and vegetables that haven't been as well-studied. Known collectively as the anutrients, these substances include pigments, which give plants their color, and enzymes, substances produced in the plant that help humans digest it. Probably the best-known pigments are the carotenes, which are responsible for the vivid color of vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes and squash. Though scientists have identified more than 400 different carotenes, the one most people have heard about is beta-carotene, a nutritional heavy hitter that the body easily converts to vitamin A. Studies indicate that beta-carotene has potent anti-cancer properties and may actually reverse precancerous conditions such as oral leukoplakia, a pattern of abnormal cell growth that often leads to mouth cancer in people who chew tobacco. Additional studies indicate that other members of the carotene family may have similar cancer-fighting potential. Further, high water content promotes deep cleaning of the blood by removing toxins; this increases oxygen in the blood and the whole process of nutrition is stimulated. Also, if you fill up on juices you are less likely to fill up on fatty foods.

In childhood, we heard it: Drink a glass of milk at every meal. Now TV commercials are touting the weight-loss effects of milk and other dairy products. Can dairy actually keep weight under control? How is that even possible? Michael Zemel, PhD, director of the Nutrition Institute at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, has published numerous papers on this subject. He outlines his latest research in the January 2003 Journal of Nutrition -- mouse studies showing the role of calcium in weight gain and fat storage. Too many people drop dairy from their diets when they try to lose weight, he says. "They're shooting themselves in the foot when they do that. Dairy products contain literally hundreds of compounds that all have a positive effect on human health and enhance the fat-burning machinery," he explains. The Why & How "When we cut dairy products, we send the body a signal -- to make more fat," says Zemel. "When your body is deprived of calcium, it begins conserving calcium. That mechanism prompts your body to produce higher levels of a hormone called calcitriol, and that triggers an increased production of fat cells." High levels of calcitriol "tell" fat cells to store themselves in the body, he says. This increase in calcitriol also "tells" fat cells to expand, he says. "So you're getting bigger, fatter fat cells. And a lot of big, fat cells makes for a big, fat person." Extra calcium in your diet suppresses this hormone, he says. Your body breaks down more fat, and fat cells become leaner, trimmer. A high-dairy diet can boost weight loss by about 70%, Zemel tells WebMD. But wait, there's more. "It turns out that milk, cheese, and yogurt are much more effective than calcium supplements or calcium-fortified foods," Zemel says. Why? Dairy products are a complex collection of compounds. Like phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables, there's more than vitamins and minerals in dairy products. "They are not classically nutrients, but are recognized as having beneficial effects."

Tomato juice, tomato soup, vegetable soup -- water-heavy foods like these seem to trigger receptors in the stomach that tell the brain you're sufficiently fed. In fact, satiety -- that "I'm full" feeling -- is the secret ingredient to weight management,

Tea and a Healthy Lifestyle
Enjoyed for nearly 5,000 years, tea is a truly global drink consumed both hot and iced for its ability to revive, refresh and relax the body and mind. Tea was originally valued for its medicinal qualities first reported by Chinese scholars. A cup of tea warms the soul and freshens your breath, tea polyphenols inhibite the growth of bacteria by 30% and reduced the production of compounds that cause bad breath. Rinsing with black tea keeps plaque from forming and destroys acids that cause tooth decay. Tea boosts the effectiveness of toothpaste and mouthwash in fighting viruses. Toothpaste and mouthwash had very little virus-fighting effect when mixed with bacteria; however, when green tea extract was added, 99% to 100% of the bacteria disappear. tea extracts can destroy the organism that causes disease, and even fights infections. What's responsible for the health benefits of tea? Teas contain polyphenols, which are antioxidants that protect human cells from damage. Flavonids are a group of polyphenols that occur naturally in tea. It is suspected that high levels of these polyphenols in the body can fight viruses as well as cancer, including pancreas, colon, bladder, prostate, and breast cancer. In addition, unsweetened, fresh-brewed tea - both black and green, hot or iced, regular or decaffeinated - is 100 percent natural, has no fat, calories, sodium, or sugar. Regular black and green tea contain about half the caffeine as a comparable cup of coffee.
Antioxidants in Tea: Like fruits and vegetables, hot and iced, regular and decaffeinated brewed tea contains natural compounds called antioxidants. Research suggests that dietary antioxidants can neutralize "free radicals," helping to maintain healthy cells and tissues in the body. Free radicals, that occur in the environment and are naturally produced by the body, can cause oxidative damage to cells that contributes to chronic conditions such as heart disease or cancer. The best-known antioxidants in our diet are vitamins C, E and beta-carotene, but hundreds of other antioxidants occur naturally in food and beverages. The types of antioxidants found in both green and black tea are called flavonoids, and both black and green tea have comparable amounts of antioxidants. (Lipton® Laboratories) USDA researchers using a test tube measure called ORAC found that an 8-ounce serving of black or green tea is more effective in neutralizing free radicals than individual servings of more than 33 commonly consumed fruits and vegetables, including apples, grapes, kiwi, grapefruit, garlic, broccoli, carrots and Brussels sprouts. (Cao, Wang) According to other researchers, tea flavonoids are more powerful antioxidants than vitamins C, E and beta-carotene against a number of free radicals in test tube studies. (Cao, Vinson) Of course, despite these promising findings, tea is not a substitute for fruits and vegetables, which supply a wide range of essential nutrients, and it is important to get five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

Coco Jumbo: Coconut Water
Good because: Coconut water is almost identical in content to blood plasma and can literally be thought of as the king of fruit. It’s rich in most minerals and is excellent in reducing blood pressure. It’s also a diuretic (which means it increases the rate at which you’ll go running to the loo!), helps curb cholesterol, and is a complete food by itself when had with its cream. In addition, it’s rich in potassium and chloride and is even considered to be healthier than milk!

Popeye’s Cocktail: Carrot, Parsley, Spinach and Lemon
Recipe: Blend two carrots together along with a handful of spinach leaves and a few sprigs of parsley. Add lime juice to the concoction.
Good because: This juice is an excellent anti-aging juice. The lemon is rich in Vitamin C and its alkalinity helps counteract acidity. It also helps to metabolise fat, reduce blood pressure and helps in iron and calcium absorption. Carrot is a rich source of beta-carotene and Vitamin A and is a veritable gold mine of minerals. Spinach is an excellent source of iron and calcium while parsley adds potassium, iron and manganese to the cocktail. So drink up and make Popeye proud!

Herbilicious: Coriander, Mint and Lemon
Recipe: Blend together a fistful of coriander leaves with a few sprigs of mint. Add the juice of one lime to the mix.
Good because: Coriander contains the highest amount of calcium and neutralises the damage caused by smoking and radiation – it’s ideal for chemotherapy patients. In addition, it’s high in iron, Vitamin C and folic acid and is the king of vegetable juices. Mint is an excellent herb for curing digestive disorders and is good for the liver as well. The lemon… well, we’ve gone over that already, haven’t we?

Beet Red Cocktail: Tomato, Beet, Ginger, Pepper, Rock Salt and Mint
Recipe: Juice a big tomato and one beet. To this add the juice of one ginger (with pieces is better) and a pinch of pepper and rock salt for taste. Garnish it with a sprig of mint.
Good because: Tomato is brilliant for fighting cancer especially prostrate cancer in males. This Vitamin C rich juice also helps curb hypertension and is good for the skin as well. Pepper, ginger and mint have digestive properties and beet is an excellent source of iron and anti-oxidants. In short, a swig of this juice and that Diwali indigestion will disappear in a snap!

Fruit Smoothie: Banana, Papaya and Lemon
Recipe: Blend together one banana (peeled, of course!) with a bowl of papaya and add the juice of one lime to the concoction.
Good because: Bananas are rich in Vitamin B, Vitamin C and potassium, and it’s used literally for a plethora of things – it neutralises acid in the stomach and is used to cure gastric and urinary disorders, relieves constipation, fights arthritis and gout, prevents anaemia… phew! The list is endless!  Papaya on the other hand is a rich source of certain enzymes that aid in digestion of protein and is also known for its anti-aging properties. Not to mention it’s considered to be an excellent aphrodisiac… *wink wink nudge nudge*

MASSAGE

Massage is based on the natural instinct to hold or rub an area that hurts, or to provide physical comfort through touch in times of stress. It is a popular and effective gentle treatment that you can easily use on yourself and others. On a physical level, massage relaxes tense, tight, and knotted muscles. It stimulates blood and lymph flow through the body. Increased blood supply provides the tissues and organs with more oxygen, helping them to function better. Energy is increased, muscle and skin tone are improved. Increased circulation also facilitates healing. By increasing lymph flow, massage assists the elimination of waste materials, which can stagnate, contributing to stiffness and disease. By relieving tense muscles and increasing blood flow, massage has a soothing effect on the central nervous system. This treatment is effective in preventing and treating stress and anxiety, and inducing deeprelaxation. It is well known that stress compromises the immune system. Indirectly, therefore, massage can strengthen the body's resistance to disease. Massage treatments can be carried out with a little oil (a vegetable oil, such as almond, sesame, or safflower, is suit.able), lotion, or talc, unless otherwise indicated. You can use the techniques with people of any age; however, the intensity of the strokes should accommodate the physical condition of the receiver, not the giver. Take care not to "over massage" children, the weak, and the elderly. The treatment should be felt, but should not cause pain and tension. Do not use massage when there is acute inflammation.

CHIROPRACTIC:.. Chiropractors specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of joints (particularly joints of the spine). They believe in the principle that misalignments in the vertebrae can interfere with the circulation of blood, lymph, and nerve activity to vital organs, causing discomfort and sometimes disturbing bodily functions, which may result in disease. Chiropractors usually use X-rays when making a diagnosis, and treatment often involves short, direct manipulations of the spine. Some chiropractors use palpatory (feeling with the hands) diagnostic techniques and use massage, heat treatment, gentle manipulation, and exercise to "ease" misalignments back into place.

REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology, also known as zone therapy, is a system of diagnosis and treatment carried out by massaging the feet. Reflexologists believe that the body is divided up into ten energy zones that correspond to different areas of the feet. By massaging the relevant area of the foot, it is possible to bring a response in the corresponding tissues of the body. Although no one knows how reflexology works, it is thought to be helpful in treating a number of different ailments, from back pain to heart disorders. It is particularly useful in cases where the area of injury or disease cannot be touched or treated directly.

SOUND THERAPY

Music to Your Ears, Health to Your Body. Close your eyes for a minute and listen to the world around you. What do you hear? Car horns, jackhammers and blaring stereos; Or gentle raindrops, laughing children and the soothing strings of a symphony orchestra? It may make a difference. Sound therapists say that what you hear can help or hurt your health. Sound, especially music, can be a great healer, sound can relax you and when applied the right way, it can help release energy and help your body heal itself. Therapists are using sound, especially music, to help people with a wide variety of medical problems, from Alzheimer's disease to tooth pain. Researchers have released a number of studies that verify music's ability to ease pain, improve memory and reduce stress. So how can you take advantage of sound therapy? Well, chances are that you're already using it. Three in four people who responded to a health survey said they listen to music to ease tension and stress. And of those, 82 percent reported that it brings significant relief. People can harness the healing power of sound in many ways.

 
Would you like to finally be in control of your body fat level? Yes? Then read this lesson very carefully. The formula is revealed herein.

As one of the most important elements of the human body, water makes up approximately 70 percent of our muscles, and about 75 percent of our brain, playing a vital role in the proper functioning of the body, and making it an essential part of a healthy diet.

Drinking water also forces fat to be used as fuel, making it one of the main keys to success in shedding any extra pounds. And, without adequate water, kidneys are unable to function properly - prompting the liver to pick up the slack. This causes additional problems for dieters because the liver cannot properly metabolize stored fat as energy, resulting in more fat being stored in the body.

Furthermore, water effectively suppresses appetites, aids in proper digestion, and acts as one of the vehicles for circulating nutrients and oxygen through the body, as well as assisting the body in eliminating waste. Water lubricates joints, protects organs, helps maintain a normal body temperature, and is absolutely necessary for exercise, and even day-to-day performance. With this in mind, it's easy to understand why drinking enough water - a minimum of TEN, 8-ounce glasses a day, every day - is perhaps the single most important step in determining diet and fitness success. However, because the average body loses 8 to 12 cups of water a day, this can be a challenge. Start by trying to drink 10 glasses each day, and work up to one full gallon per day.

Sound tough? Don't get discouraged. With the following suggestions, you'll find drinking enough water is not hard, and will be well worth the initial effort by quickly bringing into your life all the positive changes you're looking for including fat loss, healthier skin/hair and nails, increased energy and alertness, and far more.

Start tomorrow by drinking a glass of water when you wake up. For a nice morning pick-me-up you might even add a few tablespoons of lemon juice and a small pinch of cayenne pepper to your first glass. Then prepare a large water bottle to take with you on your drive to work or to school. You can even try putting the bottle in the freezer the night before, and filling it with water right before you leave to start your day. This keeps the water cooler longer, and ensures it will be a good drinking temperature during your morning commute.

Drink a glass of water in between every meal, and a glass in the evening, but not to close to bedtime. Take a filled water bottle with you wherever you go. This makes getting the water you need easy, and ensures you will look better (and feel better). At work, keep your water bottle filled and with you at your desk. Reach for it instead of unnecessary, high-sugar, high-fat snacks. Sip on it all day, adding ice cubes and additional water as needed.

Next, change from caffeinated coffee, tea and soda to decaffeinated alternatives. Caffeine depletes your water supply, and can make it difficult for your body to get all the water it needs. For every caffeinated beverage you drink, drink an additional glass of water. This small step can make a big difference.

Keep in mind that exercise, hot weather, low humidity, altitude, a high-fiber diet, and consumption of caffeine and alcoholic beverages all increase your daily water loss. During these times, take extra steps to ensure you offset the increased water loss with increased water consumption.

Keep up the water intake.

Old diet systems ensure that you stay hungry by forcing you to eat a daily calorie count that's lower than Jessica Simpson's SAT scores. I don't want you hungry — I want you full. When you're full, you won't be as tempted (or likely) to steamroll your way through pizza boxes.

And the way you'll get full is by eating six times a day, choosing from the nutritional heroes you'll meet below. By eating every few hours, you'll keep your metabolism revved and ensure overall stomach satisfaction. The great thing about the Abs Diet powerfoods is that, because they're high in nutrients, protein, healthy fats, and fiber, they make it almost impossible to overeat. Proper nutrition will leave you feeling satiated all day long.

How to do it: Eat three standard meals and three smaller snacks.

For example:

BREAKFAST 11 a.m.

SNACK 1 p.m.

LUNCH 4 p.m.

SNACK 6 p.m.

DINNER 9 p.m.

SNACK

Old Diets
Deprive yourself of specific foods.

Abs Diet
Indulge in specific foods.

Most diets treat you as if you're the kid and they're the parent: No this, no that, no fruit, no bread, no meat, no potatoes, no sugar, no, no, no, no. And you end up hearing "no" more often than the science-club president 3 weeks before the prom. Yes, it's true that there are foods and substances so toxic that you should stiff-arm them like Reggie Bush shaking off a tackle. But there's an enormous world of wonderful foods out there just waiting for you. And it's not all veggies and tofu; the preferred foods are as diverse in taste as in nutritional power.


A Almonds (and other nuts)

B Beans (and other legumes)

S Spinach (and other green vegetables)

D Dairy

I Instant oatmeal

E Eggs

T Turkey (and other lean meats)

P Peanut butter

O Olive oil

W Whole grains (breads and cereals)

E Extra-protein powder (whey)

R Raspberries (and other berries)

How to do it: Make sure that every meal includes at least two foods from the powerfoods list, but try to put together meals in which every food is a powerfood. The more you use the foods, the better your results.
If you're famished, eat a little fat before you sit down for a meal. Did we say fat?

Yes, but we're talking about the good kind. Eating some healthy fat 20 minutes before a meal can keep you from stuffing yourself. It fools your brain into thinking you're not as hungry as you thought. And your waist will reap the rewards. How does healthy fat do it?
Get the Message
About 70 calories of healthy fat just before you eat -- that's 6 walnuts, 12 almonds, or 20 peanuts -- can trick you into thinking you're full. Eating good fats stimulates the production of cholecystokinin (CCK), a hormone that tells your brain you've had enough to eat and then keeps you feeling full by slowing the emptying of your stomach. (Bread dipped in this oil will also do it.) So when you sit down for a meal, you'll eat for pleasure, not for hunger, and you'll be likely to eat less. Read how eating too much saturated fat may actually make you hungrier.

Slow It Down
Because the average person is finished eating long before his or her brain gets the fullness signal, you should eat slowly. Quickly downing your food won't give your satiety hormones time to kick in.
 

There is more than one way to be a vegetarian. You might find your niche right away and happily settle in for the long haul, or you might be someone who likes to bounce around and try different things. There is no wrong way to do it. What is important is that you find what works best for you and keeps you healthy and happy.



Lacto-ovo vegetarian - This may be the most common type of vegetarian and this is usually the one that most people think of when they hear the word vegetarian. Lacto-ovo vegetarians, as the name suggests, eat dairy products and eggs along with fruits, vegetables, greens, legumes, grains, soy products, seitan, nuts, and honey.




Lacto vegetarian - This vegetarian eats dairy products, but not eggs. There can be many reasons for this such as a food allergy or ethical concerns. Maybe a local source produces fertilized eggs that would have resulted in chicks. Rest assured though, the majority of supermarket eggs are unfertilized. When shopping for dairy products, it is important to read labels. Yogurt can contain gelatin and many cheeses are made with calf rennet, both of which are animal ingredients.




Ovo vegetarian - This vegetarian eats eggs, but not dairy. For many people, eggs are the last to go on the path to becoming a pure vegetarian or a vegan.




Pure or strict vegetarian - This type is often confused with veganism. While the diet is almost the same, the reasons for the diet are different. A pure vegetarian does not eat dairy products or eggs. They do eat fruits, vegetables, greens, legumes, grains, seitan, nuts, and soy products. Some eat honey as well. There are many different reasons for choosing this lifestyle: health, environmental, spiritual, and ethical, to name but a few.




Vegan - From the vegan perspective, it is all about the animals. Vegans do not eat anything from animals, including honey. They also try to minimize the use of animal products in daily life by using cruelty-free toiletries and makeup and not wearing leather, wool, or fur. It is not possible to be 100% vegan. Animal products are everywhere, from your house, to your car, to your computer. The goal, however, isn't to be perfect. It is to lessen animal exploitation and cruelty as much as possible. Compassion for all of earth's creatures is a beautiful thing.




Low fat vegetarian - I am including this because it is becoming a popular method of treating various lifestyle diseases. The main focus here is a vegetarian or pure vegetarian diet that derives less than 10% of its calories from fat. This is easily achieved by simply eliminating free fats such as butter, margarine and oil, and limiting your intake of fatty foods such as avocado, olives, nuts, etc. Moderate use of fat-free dairy products is allowed depending on whose program you are following. Three well-known advocates of this diet are Dr. Dean Ornish - vegetarian, Dr. Joel Fuhrman - pure vegetarian, and Dr. John McDougall - pure vegetarian.




Raw vegetarian/vegan - As the name suggests, this is a vegetarian or a vegan who doesn't eat cooked food. Dehydrated foods are often used as a substitute for cooked items, and in the colder months, soups and tea that have been warmed gently are a treat. As long as food is not heated above 115 degrees Fahrenheit, it is considered raw. The most common foods in a raw diet are fruits, vegetables, greens, nuts and seeds, and sprouts. Some raw foodists eat soaked and sprouted grains and beans, and some eat raw dairy and eggs.




Fruitarian - A fruitarian is a raw foodist who only eats fruit, greens, and some nuts and seeds.

Dr. Tim Binder Naturopathic Physician, Chiropractor, Acupuncturist Dr. Tim is available as a consultant for staff as well as clients, and teaches workshops for individuals and physicians who want to develop additional methods for self care and health care. Doctor Tm Binder Big Medicine Botanical Medicine - plant medicines augment the body's natural healing ability. Arguably the most ancient form of medicine. Plant medicines have a myriad of general and specific effects on organs, endocrine glands and all systems and parts of the human body. Plant medicines are both empirical and scientifically researched in their uses. There are botanical medicines for virtually all the ailments known to humanity. Breathing assessments and Training - The chemistry of breathing effects everything about the body /mind.  Breathing effects the brain and entire nervous system and helps to determine our behavior.  We offer breathing assessments which monitor your breathing chemistry, discuss the mechanics of breathing and the overall effects of poor breathing on health and performance including heart rate variability.  Interpretation of your breathing profile will be discussed and the significance of the data gathered.  Additionally, we offer breathing training to be able to breathe properly in any situation; this is known as adaptive breathing. You will also learn how to balance the parasympathetic/sympathetic or autonomic nervous system based on your breathing chemistry (CO2). Chelation - Oral and suppository chelation clean the body of heavy metal toxins with a safe, less expensive and noninvasive method than I.V. chelation. Chelation is used to pull toxic heavy metals from the body such as lead, mercury, cadmium and the radioactive elements. Chelation is also used to break down and rid the body of arteriosclerotic build up in the circulatory system. There are two main pathways to eliminate these noxious materials from the human body, the kidneys/urine and the liver/bile pathways. Testing is used to determine which pathway is suitable for you. Chinese Medicine - A classic medical system integrated with modern electro and laser devices to balance the body. An early form of energy medicine, Chinese medicine is based on the theory of balance of an energy flow in the body called chi or ki (by the Chinese and Japanese) also known as prana by the East Indian sages and orgone or vital force in the West. Health conditions are considered an imbalance in the energy flow which is further dependent upon an imbalance in yin and yang the two fundamental forces determining all phenomena. Herbs and acupuncture with needles, electricity, laser light, magnets or digitally applied pressure point therapy may be combined with diet and mental emotional repatterning/reframing to restore heath and vitality. Craniosacral Therapy - Using light touch - generally no more than the weight of a nickel - the practitioner monitors the rhythm of the craniosacral system to detect potential restrictions, imbalances and patterns.  The therapist then uses delicate manual techniques to release those problem areas and relieve undue pressure on the brain and spinal cord in accordance with the readiness of the wisdom of the body to make these shifts. The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.  It extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth, which make up the cranium, down to the sacrum, or tailbone area. Homeopathy - An approximately 300 year old system that stimulates the body's self healing mechanisms. Another early form of energetic medicine. Homeopathy is vibrational medicine. Everything in the Universe has it's own unique vibratory rate/pattern. Homeopathic medicine in a gross, unpotentized, molecular dose produces the same symptoms of a health condition. In a potentized form homeopathic medicine will stimulate the immune system. When given in a small dose this medicine is used to stimulate the immune system to over come a health condition. It is analogous to breaking a glass with a resonant sound frequency instead of with a sledge hammer. Hydrotherapy - The original nature cure therapy, vitalizes life force gently. The use of water Including: hot and cold packs, body cavity irrigation, spa usage, hot baths, cold plunges, are all forms of hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy can help stimulate circulation flushing the blood and lymph in and out of areas that are of low circulation. Hyperbaric oxygen - This therapy is used to boost the immune system and to support all the bodies functioning. If there is a panacea it is oxygen. It is used for all infections including HIV, multiple sclerosis, wounds that won't heal, burns, poisonings, strokes and all neurological disorders. Most people are underoxygenated due to lowered planetary oxygen levels, inefficient breathing due to stress and distorted body alignment and other causes. Deep bathing or pranayama, as it is known in yoga, can help virtually everyone. Hyperbaric oxygen is pranayama multiplied immensely. Hyperbaric oxygen increases oxygen dramatically in the tissues, allowing it to enter into tissues and systems that normally would have precious little oxygen, such as the plasma and also the cerebrospinal fluids that bathe the brain and spinal cord. We also use ozone therapies. Intuitive diagnosis -In our opinion intuition aligned with sound natural medical science creates the best conditions for diagnosing the ills of humanity. Intuitive medical diagnosis has always been a part of the traditional healing methods of humankind. Presently it has been coming back into acceptance by even some of the avant garde members of the regular, allopathic, post modern medical community. We use several methods of intuitive diagnosis to supplement the objective medical science available to diagnose and prescribe for your condition. These can include but are not limited to the following: 1) kinesiology with a surrogate where someone else is used to muscle test for you at a distance. 2) Concentration/decentration meditation upon your condition asking Universal Intelligence for therapeutic guidance. 3) Asking your or a surrogate' body as an objective responder to questions posed by the doctor about your condition to Universal Intelligence. Kinesiology - This technique interfaces with the clients body to identify primary imbalances. Kinesiology can pinpoint organ system imbalances and help discover the cause of pain or disturbances in the body. Kinesiology helps assist the doctor in a holistic diagnosis of your health condition. Nutrition - Foods and supplements are prescribed as based on an individuals unique needs. All of the methods described herein i.e.: kinesiology, intuitive diagnosis, blood tests, etc. are integrated to sum up the dietary and supplement recommendations. Hair analysis and blood tests can also be used to assist in determining diet and supplementation. Understanding how to create a healthy diet is probably the single most important thing a physician can assist a patient with. Understanding and incorporating foods to optimize your well being empowers you to claim your vitality and well being while reducing and mitigating health conditions. Ozone Therapies - From inhalations to filling body cavities to injections of various types ozone therapies kill viruses, bacterias and other low forms of life. Physical Medicine - Naturopathic manipulation for musculoskeletal distortions/imbalances can benefit all health conditions. Physical medicine includes but is not limited to manipulation and specific stretching and or movement patterns to reprogram the body mind patterns to achieve a state of physical/mechanical balance. Psychoneuroimmunology - The mind controls the body and the body controls the mind. Our attitudes, beliefs and emotional state effect our body and vica versa. All of the therapies our doctors utilize can and do effect the psychological state. Within naturopathic medicine there are numerous therapies that are physical, energetic, and psychological that are available for the physician to help reframe attitudes, beliefs and emotional states. ST8 (Scalar Wave Transmater Light Beam Generater) - The ST8 creates free oxygen (ozone) in the body - noninvasively.  The sister unit is refered to as an LBG (Light Beam Generator).  Both units flood the body with Rife frequencies debilitating viruses and bacteria and change the charge on lymph particles so they do not clump together and thus help lymph flow.

 

Robyn Klein, A.H.G., M.S. – Herbal Medicine and Medical Botany robyn@rrreading.com (406) 585-9134   Robyn is a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild (AHG) and has been educating student herbalists and the general public since 1991 in both the American and Canadian community; and since 2000, in the Montana University system. As a herbalist and medical botanist, Robyn applies plant science to the study of medicinal plants and their bioactivity. COURSES OFFERED Courses are offered through the Burns Telecom Center (BTC) and the Masters of Science in Science Education (MSSE) at Montana State University. These courses can be added to the Program of Study as electives. All courses are fully accredited and included on the MSU Transcript (Registrar’s Office). The prerequisite for these courses is a background in science or permission of the instructor. COURSES TAUGHT PS 231  Woody Ornamentals (Fall 2005 only) PS 280  Herbal Medicine (Fall semester: BTC) PS 280  Herbal Medicine Laboratory (Spring Semester: BTC) PS 280  Medicinal Plants of Montana: Prairie & Plains (Summer semester: BTC) PS 280  Medicinal Plants of Montana: Mountains (Summer semester: BTC) PS 280  Medical Botany (Spring semester: BTC) PS 580  Flowering Plants of the Northern Rocky Mountains (MSSE) PS 580  Plants, People & Health (MSSE) 811 Wild Edible & Medicinal Plants of Yellowstone (YI)   MSU Extended Studies (Burns Telecom Center)  For more information, contact the Burns Center for Continuing Education at: http://btc.montana.edu 204 Culbertson Hall, PO Box 172200, MSU, Bozeman, MT 59717-2200. 406/994-6683.   PS 280:  Herbal Medicine   3 cr. LEC Course provides a basis for understanding the approach and strategy of herbal medicine as a commonly practiced model of healing throughout the United States, Europe and Australia.  Lectures include the history of herbal medicine in the United States, the political and regulatory situation of herbal products, the herbal monograph system, herbal therapeutic models, plant constituents, posology, therapeutics, materia medica, toxicology and herb-drug interactions. For an overview of the course:http://www.rrreading.com/PS28001.html   PS 280:  Herbal Medicine Laboratory   1 cr. LAB  2 sections  Demonstration and hands-on experience making products such as: infusions, syrups, salve, and alcohol extracts from a variety of dried herbs (leaves, roots, barks, flowers, resin). Including mathematical ratio calculations, solvent qualities, measurements and tools needed to accomplish the formulas.  For an overview of the course: http://www.rrreading.com/PS280 LAB.html    PS 280:  Medicinal Plants of Montana   1 cr. LEC Four separate field trips to trailheads in the vicinity of Bozeman to introduce students to the local flora: botany, history and medicinal, edible and poisonous properties.     PS 280:   Medical Botany (Fall 2004)   3 cr. LEC  Suggested prerequisite: PS 250 (Identification of Seed Plants) or PS 251 (Botany).  This course introduces the diversity of plants that affect human culture and health. Topics include plants that cause human ailments, plants that are used to treat human ailments, and plants used for magico-religious purposes. Concepts introduced will include evolution of chemical communication, biosynthetic pathways of plant compounds, plant anatomy, plant defense, and benefits of plants to human health. Emphasis will be placed on botany (family and species), classes of secondary plant compounds, and the bioactivity of plants related to disease. For an overview of the course: http://www.rrreading.com/PS280MedicalBotany.html   MSSE Program (Masters of Science in Science Education) The following courses are intended for science teachers enrolled in the Masters of Science and Science Education degree program and other teachers with a minimum of 2-years teaching experience. How to apply:http://www.montana.edu/msse/applying.html   PS 580:  Flowering Plants of the Northern Rocky Mountains   2 cr. LEC/Field Trip A field oriented study of the flowering plants of Montana with an emphasis on plant keying skills. Objectives are 1) to identify the parts of flowering plants and become familiar with botanical terms, 2) to learn morphological characteristics of common plant families, 3) to learn how to use a plant key to successfully identify flowering plants, 4) to apply plant identification skills to the classroom. Discussion will emphasize application of these skills and botanical texts to the classroom.  Discussion will emphasize application of these skills and botanical texts to the classroom. http://www.montana.edu/msse/su03/PS%20580.htm  PS 580:  Plants, People, and Health    2 cr. LEC/LAB This interdisciplinary course investigates how plants and people intersect, with a focus on the current popular and scientific interest in using plants and their compounds for health and medicine. The subject will be applied to ethnobotany, botany, and phytochemistry. Enhancing the links between the natural world and the classroom can bring meaning to all the sciences and instill an interest in the investigation of plants and their uses. http://www.montana.edu/msse/coursesdescriptions.htm#ps580plants     Yellowstone Association Institute, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks http://yellowstoneassociation.org/institute/fieldSeminars/courseCalendar.aspx   August 20-22, 2005: WILD EDIBLE PLANTS & MEDICINAL HERBS 1 credit is available from Colorado State University The blue camas meadows, ponds, aspen groves, and coniferous forests in the Bechler area between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks were an important food and medicine gathering area for early Americans. This is an exceptional area to study the edible and medicinal properties of many native plants of the West. Field identification of wild plants, major poisonous plants of the area, and gentle-harvesting techniques will be emphasized. Participants will learn to develop their own wild food meals and herbal preparations. Our headquarters will be a Forest Service cabin at Squirrel Meadows, on the road between Ashton, Idaho, and Flagg Ranch, near the South Entrance to the park. Be prepared for short, leisurely walks of 1 to 3 miles with an elevation gain/loss of 300 feet.  Participants should come prepared to camp out at the cabin, or stay in a motel in Ashton, which is less than an hour away.     EDUCATION B.S.                                Psychology/Sociology   Central Michigan University  1975 Non-degree (residential)    Clinical Herbalist   Southwest School of Botanical Medicine  1995 M.S.                               Plant Sciences   Montana State University   2004   MEMBERSHIPS IN PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION American Herbalists Guild, professional member (peer-reviewed; yearly CEUs required) American Botanical Council Montana Native Plant Society Society for Economic Botany   RECENT PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES  Visiting Lecturer, School of Integrated Health, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom. February-April 2005.   AWARDS Montana Native Plant Society, June 1999; Award for bringing to attention of the Montana State Legislature the problems of wildcrafting plants in Montana and in assisting the passage of Senate Bill 178, a moratorium on harvesting wild Echinacea and six other herbs.   GRADUATE COMMITTEES Fall 1997-Fall 1998         Monique Kolster, M.S. thesis committee, University of Montana Fall 2004-Spring 2005     LeAnne Yenny, Masters of Science in Science Education (MSSE), MSU                                     Leslie McDaniel, Masters of Science in Science Education (MSSE), MSU   PUBLICATIONS Klein, Robyn. 1992. Astragalus americanus, weed or cure? Journal of Canadian Herbal Practitioners.   Klein, Robyn. 1996. Toxicology and herbs: an introduction. The Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism 8(4):100-111.   Klein, Robyn. 1998. Medicines from the lily family. The Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism 10(2):47-50.    Klein, Robyn. 1998. Herbal immune support for children. Nutrition Science News November   Klein, Robyn. 1999. Good medicine in Montana: herbal medicine in both Indian and non-Indian communities of the Northern Rockies. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Medicinal Plants: Folk Traditions, History, Pharmacology, 14-18 September. San José  (Costa Rica)    Klein, Robyn. 2000. Wise old plants. In, Planting the Future: Saving Our Medicinal Herbs. Healing Arts Press (Inner Traditions), pp. 24-38.   Klein, Robyn A. and Dunkel, Florence V. 2003. Linking plant medicine to traditional knowledge. American Entomologist Vol 49(1):7-17.   Klein, Robyn. 2004. Phytoecdysteroids. Journal of the American Herbalists Guild 5(2):18-28.   SYMPOSIUM and CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS Toxicology and Herbs: An Introduction. 1996 American Herbalists Guild Symposium in Boulder, Colorado.   Panel: “Potential Drug Interactions with Herbs,” 1997 American Herbalists Guild Symposium in Cincinnati, Ohio.  (Panel participants: Kerry Bone, Chanchal Cabrera, and Paul Bergner.)    Plant Identification for Herbalists (full-day intensive). And, panel: “What the Media and Publicists Expect from Herbalists.” American Herbalists Guild Symposium, Seattle, Washington, October 1-4, 1998.    Update on SB 178: Moratorium on the Harvesting of Echinacea and Other Medicinal Wild Plants. March 25-26, 1999.  Montana Plant Conservation Conference, Pablo Community College, Pablo. MT   Assorted panels and workshops on indigenous issues of wildcrafting and herbal medicine.  May 17-20, 1999.  Keepers of the Treasures Conference, Willitson, ND.    Three workshops: Old Medicines of Montana; Identifying Our Medicines, Lessons From Echinacea; herb walk.  July 23-25, 1999.  United Plant Savers Conference, Flying R Ranch, Bitterroot Valley, MT.   Plant Identification (full day intensive), and workshops: Toxicology for Herbalists, and Wise Old Medicines. American Herbalists Guild Symposium, Ponoco Manor, Pennsylvania, August 5-8, 1999. Proceedings papers published.    Three workshops:  Herbs and Cancer, Toxicology, Plant Identification, Wise Old Medicines.  12th Annual New England Women’s Herbal Conference, Peterborough, New Hampshire. August 20-22, 1999.   Ethnobotany of American Species of Ephedra [Ephedraceae]. International Symposium on Ephedra, hosted by the American Herbal Products Association. December 9-10, 1999. Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City, Arlington, VA.  Proceedings paper published.    Fitting Herbal Remedies into Cancer Treatment; Debunking Echinacea and St. John’s Wort Warnings; Herb Walk, and Panel: Using Herbs with Other Modalities. Third Annual Montana Herb Gathering, Flathead Lake, June16-18, 2000.    Healing with Plant Helpers. September 16, 2000. The 8th Annual Celebrating Women Retreat. Boulder Hot Springs, MT.    Popular Cancer Treatments; Herbs Used in the Management of Cancer; and How the Body Deals with Environmental Toxins and Poisons. October 28-29, 2000. Craigville Conference Center, Cape Cod, Craigville, Massachusetts.    Herbs and Breast Cancer.  November 4, 2000.  Western Montana Breast Cancer Conference, Boone & Crockett Club, Missoula, MT.    When Wild Harvest Runs Wild: A Montana Story.  March 24, 2001. Wild Harvest: Emerging Issues in Commercial Harvest of Native Plants. Hosted by the Minnesota Native Plant Society.  Minneapolis, MN.   Making Herbal Tinctures, Salves and Syrups. Annual Meeting of the Great Northern Botanical Association (GNBA), Fairmont Hot Springs, April 6-8, 2001.   Parsley Family Herbs; Dosages of Herbs; and Panel: Ask the Herbalist; and, Panel: Debunking Herbal Myths; Montana Herb Gathering, Flathead Lake, MT, June 15-17, 2001.    Oh Those Lovely Terpenes! 6th Annual Montana Herb Gathering, Lubrecht Experimental Forest Station. July 18-20, 2003.   Adaptogenic Herbs. 6th Annual Montana Herb Gathering, Lubrecht Experimental Forest Station. July 18-20, 2003.   Big Sky Botany: Medicinal Plants and Their Uses. Big Sky Institute’s Outdoor Science Adventures for the Gordon Research Conference. 3 hours. Huntley Lodge, Big Sky, MT. September 11, 2003.   Herbs, the Gentle Medicines: Careers Working with Plants, Earth Medicine: Herbalism Around the World, Sustaining Your Family with Natural Medicines Today. Bioneers. Emerson Cultural Center, Bozeman, MT. October, 2003.   Plant Biochemistry for Beginners; and, Adaptogens. Breitenbush Herbal Conference, Detroit, OR; September 8-11, 2005.

Humans are Naturally Vegetarian!

“Ah, hang on, but what about our eyes? They are those of a predator?”

Eyes on the front of your head do not make you a predator.
We used to live in trees; the forward-facing eyes are indeed for depth perception, so that we were able to leap from branch to branch energetically and unhesitatingly:





There are many Animals who consume completely plant-based diets while possessing forward-facing eyes. The closest thing that we ever naturally came to eating meat was the eating of small insects that lived on the tree branches, feel free to go out and try those, they won't provide much in terms of nutrition though.

We were above most predators and simply didn't need eyes on the sides of our heads.

In contrast, carnivorous predators such as the Mulgara have eyes on the sides of their heads! The World's largest ever non-reptile carnivore, Postosuchus had side-facing eyes.


All of our body aspects are entirely different from those of omnivores (omnivores share the predator elements with carnivores in order to consume the meat). Small Herbivorous canines are vastly unsuitable for meat, made obvious when you try to enact the predator role without unnatural tools.
Even Cows have canines! The canines of omnivores are several times longer than ours, and their incisors are tucked high up out of the way to allow the huge canines to shear backwards through the fur and flesh when their elongated jaws bite into Animal bodies:









Try hunting an Animal without a single piece of weaponry in any form, just bare hands and teeth. If you can wound and weaken a Deer with just fingernails (never mind catch up with one), then try leaning over them and sinking your teeth into their back just as omnivores do. You will not be able to bend your jaw wide enough, your teeth will be protruding at the wrong angle, and you will be unable to perform a shearing motion with your jaws to tear the flesh from them.


When omnivores bring down prey, they leap up, bite into the running Animal and using the grip of their jaws alone, pull them over. If we were to try this, we would have no remaining teeth.


Being able to pierce the skin of another human does not make you a predator; all Herbivores bite and injure each other in fights. If we had any omnivorous aspects we would also stand a chance at fighting predators such as Wolves.


People trying to perpetrate the falsification that we are omnivorous say that our canines can handle meat (while refusing to try it without tools), and our molars are for crushing vegetables.
In actuality, omnivorous Animals have many teeth devoted to meat tearing. Our puny canines are also not at all sharp; compare them to those of a Cat and Dog you know; their teeth are much sharper, and if these Animals wished to, they could sever one of your limbs.





Omnivores also do not have as much binocular vision as we credit them with, and hunting Animals have the Tapetum Lucidum behind their eyes (we do not, red eyes showing up in photographs are the results of the blood vessels behind the retina). Although hunting Animals can indeed see in colour, it is useless to them because the information is not translated by the brain, unlike with humans. Humans and other Primates need the vivid colour vision that we posses to seek out good Fruits.

We do not posses the sense of smell required to be a natural hunter: the carnivorous Cat has 19 million nose membrane nerve endings, the omnivorous Dog has 147 million (can vary between breeds) while humans have only 5 million. If we were natural hunters, we would never have domesticated Dogs and made them hunt for us.

We also have totally different bite strengths, capabilities of registering sound vibrations and taste receptors to those of omnivores or carnivores. Dogs hear sounds from four times further away than humans can.


Carnivore Teeth:



Herbivore/ Human Teeth:


Animals were only killed by us after the creation of the spear, this is an artificial, unnatural tool, enabling us to wound and slice Animals for the first time.
So although humans have used this method to kill Animals for a long time, it is not natural.
We also clearly have not evolved to handle meat because we are still infested with parasites and suffer the leading causes of death because of it. Meat-eating Animals also never get Atherosclerosis, whereas it's the first thing that happens to us.


Real omnivores seek and desire flesh indiscriminately, whereas your mouth does not flood with saliva when you see a rotten, run-over Squirrel or when you come home to discover that your Dog has died.


And there were indeed tribes who continued to live only on fruits and vegetables after the creation of weaponry, some of their descendants live in Vegans-only cities in Israel.


“Members of the community, where English is the spoken language and the children wear colorful African-style robes and white headcovers, believe a completely Vegan diet of locally grown fruits and vegetables, along with regular exercise and holistic health treatments, are keys to longevity and health.

A medical study conducted in Dimona by U.S. university researchers in 1998 found the community was largely free of illnesses typical to African-Americans such as hypertension, obesity and high cholesterol.

"We expect to have something of a resort area where visitors will come, experience the lifestyle of the community, and as a point of rest and relaxation -- an island of tranquillity -- here in Israel," Ben-Yehuda said”.


Also despite what the Animal industries like to perpetrate, indigenous communities have survived and do survive without using Animals for flesh, milk and clothing:


Okinawa has the highest proportion of centenarians in the World; Okinawans live on a diet of Soya, Vegetables, Tofu and many foods of naturally varying colours.
There are almost zero incidences of disease.


The damage to our insides caused by meat can be seen clearly in our Monkey relatives; a Primate at the MonkeyLand sanctuary featured on Five Life has been horribly and irreversibly damaged, become lethargic and has gained huge amounts of stomach fat just by being fed a few burgers by the person who previously kept him!











The reason that we do not have the stomach for grass is because we are descended from tree-dwelling Primates who did not eat it. That does not make us any less Herbivores (to be more precise, Frugivores). Rabbits for example are poisoned by many leafed plants including Lettuce of all things, and survive on root vegetables, but to say that they are not Herbivores because of this would be ridiculous.


Saying that we could not survive Winter without meat is also laughable; non-hibernating Herbivorous Animals do not cease to exist nor can they survive on grass: the quality of the grass is vastly reduced by snow, and also of incredibly poor nutritional value for these Animals even under normal circumstances. In order to live they need to be consuming a wide variety of plants, fruits and vegetables all year round, and clearly they are and always have been doing this.







Above: the Babakoto/ Indri, whose name means “ancestor of man” and “grandfather”, lives entirely on fruit, leaves, seeds, buds, flowers and bark; the Babakoto have the same nutritional needs as humans, all of which are fulfilled in that diet

The Aboriginal people learned to survive on the harsh lands of Australia by burning the inedible spinifex to produce plants in it's place.




It is such a bizarre notion that a diet entirely of plant energy is not sufficient. Some wild carnivores, though possessing the intestinal tract, organs and jaws designed for meat, have been observed consuming a completely Vegan diet, including the Panda, some Grizzly bears, wild Dog and Fox populations, and even some big Cats, and they are getting by more than well enough.


Our intelligence also did not get to this level because of meat, if that was the case, why are meat-eating Animals not running businesses and why are the Herbivorous Animals who we now force-feed meat to not building office blocks? We had the cognitive ability to create things long before meat, because we had to invent the spear first.


It was not “hunting” that forced us to think, leaping through branches haphazardly forced us to think. Why is it that the World's carnivores haven't been “forced to think”.




Meat-eaters like to make comments such as “Vegans are de-evolving into a less intelligent species”.
Well, back when I was at college, in my second year, while everyone else was training in two courses, I was doing seven.
That requires intelligence.
I have also always had a mental and reading age of 6 years older than my actual age (since they started testing me for that in Infant School), my Intelligence Quotient score is always over 138, and Veganism runs in my family, so if that's “de-evolved” (although you should have said devolved, Mr.
Apparently-Smart Meat-eater) then I must look up the therefore miraculous feats of my great grandparents(!)

Omnivores to an extent need both meat and plants to live, whereas we can, do and did survive without meat.


Veganism is not an extreme diet, in fact it is the natural diet.
It is pretty much identical to the Macrobiotic Diet, whereas diets that actually could be perceived as “extreme” by critics are those that only allow foods derived in ways that do not cut the plant of origin and those like Fruitarian which only involves the consumption of fresh/ dried fruit, nuts seeds and a few vegetables (I consume an almost-raw diet of food grown on my land, but I do consume Rice and Hemp milk/ ice cream and therefore do not qualify as a Raw Vegan/ Fruitarian).
Other diets only involve eating entirely raw fruit and vegetables and no dehydration, freezing or processing of them in any way is allowed, and there are also Sproutarians and Juicearians.




Everything shows that we are Herbivorous, whether the big money-earners like it or otherwise.


The Comparative Anatomy of Eating

“What about livelihoods? What do you expect Animal industry workers to do now?”

We constantly pride ourselves on being the species which can adapt through anything, yet it's amazing how short-sighted we are about the future.


We do not want to shut farmers down. In fact, we are the ones buying their fruits and vegetables by the basket-loads.
Animal industry workers can always do something else that will still earn them just as much if not more money.

The Animal industry's qualms are purely financial.
They fear losing money and power.
Right now they literally rule the World.
The way they earn money currently relies on each Animal industry helping the others; selling and encouraging the consumption of dangerous “foods” and “drinks”, a capitalist government National Curriculum brainwashing children that this is the way things should be, dangerous and lead-filled cosmetics and commercial products, and a purely altruistic(!) “Medicine” industry there to catch you when your body finally starts deteriorating!!

The Vegan life makes these industries panic. Then there comes the scaremongering, fake “studies”, restrictive laws that push the boundaries of Human Rights, and even imprisonment just for running a health website.


All over money. It's ridiculous when you realise that these people will still make money in a Vegan World.


We already have enough food for everybody, but we currently source it from starving populations, meaning that billions of people still go hungry, while the Western World throws mountains of food away. A Vegan World corrects this by having countries independently growing their own food, and giving Third World nations what is rightfully theirs.


This does not mean that the farming industry will collapse.
Nobody will grow absolutely everything in their garden or on their balcony; they will still be purchasing many foods from farmers.
Many people live such a hectic life and never stay in one place, meaning that they will buy everything from farmers!!
Supermarkets will still profit because people will still buy conventional snack foods and drinks, also still profiting farmers, who need to grow the original plant foods used to make these snacks!
There will still be just as many places to eat out and just as many food brands; if you think about the comparatively small number of “foods” that can actually be taken from Animals, and then notice the thousands of different brands and restaurants that are able to sell similar things nonetheless: there is nothing to prevent this from continuing through Veganism.

There will still be a cosmetics industry, people will not lose interest in make-up because it does not contain lead and Animal fat and wasn't previously inserted into Animal vaginal tissue!
And there will be a healthcare industry. Unfortunately, illnesses are a part of life, and while their occurrences will be drastically less often in a Vegan World, people will still need treatment.
Even without the façade of medication, many people will not have the time, knowledge or feel comfortable about treating themselves and will always go to a Doctor. And don't forget about run-of-the-mill accidents. You will still have a job.


In fact a Vegan World will create more jobs! There will be more things to do and new ways of doing them.


The Animal industries currently behave in the exact same way as slave owners did.

The Animal industries fight Veganism because it benefits them financially to do so. It's a shame they cannot think outside the box.



Above: A town with NO pollution, NO unemployment, NO hunger, 100% recycling and totally off the grid.... built in Africa by a Vegan organisation!

“What about pesticides and the plants, you're killers too!”

Actually Vegans boycott the use of pesticides because of their involvement in Vivisection!!
The majority of Vegans also grow their own food as part of the self-sustainability aspect, with the rest buying from organic local farmers. We never purchase produce grown at the expense of Third-World countries.


And as for the plants themselves, they have no central nervous system.

They do not scream while being cut, oxygen stored up inside the stems finally escapes. It is a scientific impossibility for plants to feel pain, they have no pain receptors, carriers or brain matter to acknowledge pain.
Animals are able to feel pain so that they can run away from what is causing it, however plants are rooted to the spot, so why evolve pain receptors?! Many plants have even evolved so that their seeds will be fertilised when passed out through our faeces, meaning that they have to go through the process of being eaten!

Other plants need to be at least partially eaten by insects in order to cover them in the pollen necessary to fertilise the next plant. Some to go many lengths to attract creatures who will eat them, such as emitting scents, becoming certain colours, even having parts shaped like particular creatures.

Foods that can HEAL

Apples
Protects your heart
Prevents constipation
Blocks diarrhea
Improves lung capacity
Cushions joints

Apricots
Combats cancer
Controls blood pressure
Saves your eyesight
Shields against Alzheimer's
Slows aging process

Artichokes
Aids digestion
Lowers cholesterol
Protects your heart
Stabilizes blood sugar
Guards against liver disease

Avocados
Battles diabetes
Lowers cholesterol
Helps stops strokes
Controls blood pressure
Smoothes skin

Bananas
Protects your heart
Quiets a cough
Strengthens bones
Controls blood pressure
Blocks diarrhea

Beans
Prevents constipation
Helps hemorrhoids
Lowers cholesterol
Combats cancer
Stabilizes blood sugar

Beets
Controls blood pressure
Combats cancer
Strengthens bones
Protects your heart
Aids weight loss

Blueberries
Combats cancer
Protects your heart
Stabilizes blood sugar
Boosts memory
Prevents constipation

Broccoli
Strengthens bones
Saves eyesight
Combats cancer
Protects your heart
Controls blood pressure

Cabbage
Combats cancer
Prevents constipation
Promotes weight loss
Protects your heart
Helps hemorrhoids

Cantaloupe
Saves eyesight
Controls blood pressure
Lowers cholesterol
Combats cancer
Supports immune system

Carrots
Saves eyesight
Protects your heart
Prevents constipation
Combats cancer
Promotes weight loss

Cauliflower
Protects against Prostate Cancer
Combats Breast Cancer
Strengthens bones
Banishes bruises
Guards against heart disease

Cherries
Protects your heart
Combats Cancer
Ends insomnia
Slows aging process
Shields against Alzheimer's

Chestnuts
Promotes weight loss
Protects your heart
Lowers cholesterol
Combats Cancer
Controls blood pressure

Chili peppers
Aids digestion
Soothes sore throat
Clears sinuses
Combats Cancer
Boosts immune system

Figs
Promotes weight loss
Helps stops strokes
Lowers cholesterol
Combats Cancer
Controls blood pressure



Flax
Aids digestion
Battles diabetes
Protects your heart
Improves mental health
Boosts immune system

Garlic
Lowers cholesterol
Controls blood pressure
Combats cancer
Kills bacteria
Fights fungus

Grapefruit
Protects against heart attacks
Promotes Weight loss
Helps stops strokes
Combats Prostate Cancer
Lowers cholesterol

Grapes
Saves eyesight
Conquers kidney stones
Combats cancer
Enhances blood flow
Protects your heart

Green Tea
Combats cancer
Protects your heart
Helps stops strokes
Promotes Weight loss
Kills bacteria



Lemons
Combats cancer
Protects your heart
Controls blood pressure
Smoothes skin
Stops scurvy

Limes
Combats cancer
Protects your heart
Controls blood pressure
Smoothes skin
Stops scurvy

Mangoes
Combats cancer
Boosts memory
Regulates thyroid
Aids digestion
Shields against Alzheimer's

Mushrooms
Controls blood pressure
Lowers cholesterol
Kills bacteria
Combats cancer
Strengthens bones

Oats
Lowers cholesterol
Combats cancer
Battles diabetes
Prevents constipation
Smoothes skin

Olive oil
Protects your heart
Promotes Weight loss
Combats cancer
Battles diabetes
Smoothes skin

Onions
Reduce risk of heart attack
Combats cancer
Kills bacteria
Lowers cholesterol
Fights fungus

Oranges
Supports immune systems
Combats cancer
Protects your heart
Straightens respiration

Peaches
Prevents constipation
Combats cancer
Helps stops strokes
Aids digestion
Helps hemorrhoids

Peanuts
Protects against heart disease
Promotes Weight loss
Combats Prostate Cancer
Lowers cholesterol
Aggravates diverticulitis

Pineapple
Strengthens bones
Relieves colds
Aids digestion
Dissolves warts
Blocks diarrhea

Prunes
Slows aging process
Prevents constipation
Boosts memory
Lowers cholesterol
Protects against heart disease

Rice
Protects your heart
Battles diabetes
Conquers kidney stones
Combats cancer
Helps stops strokes

Strawberries
Combats cancer
Protects your heart
Boosts memory
Calms stress

Sweet Potatoes
Saves your eyesight
Lifts mood
Combats cancer
Strengthens bones

Tomatoes
Protects prostate
Combats cancer
Lowers cholesterol
Protects your heart

Walnuts
Lowers cholesterol
Combats cancer
Boosts memory
Lifts mood
Protects against heart disease

Water
Promotes Weight loss
Combats cancer
Conquers kidney stones
Smoothes skin

Watermelon
Protects prostate
Promotes Weight loss
Lowers cholesterol
Helps stops strokes
Controls blood pressure
..

..
Fruit Smoothie Maker




Added Note: Use soy or rice milk in smoothies.

Cow's milk is too unhealthy and dangerous.


? Thanks for sharing ? : My Serenity


10 Exotic and Healthy Juice Recipes



10 extremely tasty, simple and easy to make Juice recipes with common fruits available.




The Cholesterol Buster

A juice made from Apple cucumber and celery is known to fight cancer and reduce cholesterol. It also improves any sort of stomach upset and headache. This juice is a must have once you have crossed your 30's. If you have this juice every other day, then you will not have to worry about your cholesterol level any more.




Super Breath

This juice is specifically for people who want to improve their skin complexion. The ingredients are Apple, Carrot and Tomato. For better effect use Green apples. This juice also had an added advantage of eliminating bad breath. This is due to the Apple, Tomato combination.




Super Cooler

A combination of Bitter gourd milk and Apple is used when one generates lots of internal body heat. This juice will instantly cool down your internal body heat and make you more comfortable. It also fights bad breath just like our previous recipe.




Super Skin

It is a very well know fact that orange and cucumber are the most vital things to have if one is concerned about the skin. A combination of these two combined with ginger will act as a supper supplement for your skin. Its combined effect will improve the skin texture and moisture content in the skin. It is also a body heat reducing drink.




The Wild Thing

Now, this one is one of my favorites. Apple, Pineapple and Watermelon blends together to form a wonderful mouth watering juice which is excellent for you kidney and bladder. It also helps dispelling excess salts from your body. Some people use a tint of salt with this juice but I like to drink it as it is without the salt flavor.




The Vitamin Juice

This is an extremely healthy drink with loads and loads of vitamin content. It is made from Honeydew, black grapes, watermelon and milk (even try using a milk alternative like soy or rice milk). If you have kids at home, they will love this. Other than Vitamin C, it also has Vitamin B2. It also increases the cell activity and strengthens body immunity.




The Sugar Fighter

This is a simple but very useful and easy to digest juice. It regulates the sugar content in our body. The juice is made of Pear and banana. Pear is good for an ulcer, constipation, and urination and also works for congestion, fever alleviation, and cough. Banana is good for people who have high blood pressure because it is low in salt. Banana contains tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that is known to make you feel happy and improve your mood.




Anti Oxidant

A juice made by mixing mango, pear, carrot and apple will act as an anti oxidant. It clears the body heat, counteracts toxicity and decrease blood pressure. Apple is a well known anti oxidant. The addition of mango makes this juice a very tasty drink.




Purple Pine

Purple pine is made from pineapple and grapes. A black grape is usually used. The drink is high in iron and pineapple acts as a Potential Anti-Inflammatory and Digestive agent. It is a good drink to have after your lunch or dinner. Grape juice is known to be good for heart.

 

 

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... And YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the res earch shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents c ervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.

Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries
Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

~*~

Detoxification is a natural healing process needed more than ever in today..s toxic world. With the onslaught of chemicals in our food, air and water, we can all do with undergoing a specific program of periodic cleansing. An approach that is designed to lower the toxic burden accumulated in our tissues, while supporting the organs of elimination in a supportive and nurturing environment, is the type of program that will offer the most effective results in our pursuit of outstanding health.


What is detoxification?

We have all heard about the role of detoxification in creating great health; and many of us have experienced the detox process, some by attending a health retreat designed for this purpose, and some by virtue of a supervised fast or cleansing program initiated by a naturopathic practitioner.


But what exactly is detoxification, and what is happening in the body when we engage in this type of specialized program?

Essentially, detoxification is the body..s ongoing process of neutralizing and eliminating toxins from the tissues and organs of the body.
It is the job of the liver to take harmful chemicals, toxins and byproducts of metabolism from the bloodstream, and alter them into safer substances to be excreted via the organs of elimination.


This process is always happening automatically, just like we breathe and our hearts beat, and it..s not something we need to think about on a day to day basis. It is a natural state of the body to be continually cleansing, and most of the time we don..t even notice it is happening..

With the amount of potentially harmful chemicals in our environment, our food, our personal care and cleaning products, in air and water pollution, and in the recreational drugs and medications that many people take; our body burden of toxic substances can rise. It is estimated that there are 50,000+ chemicals in production, with 10,000 of these used in food processing.


When the liver is unable to deal with an excess amount of circulating toxins, they can continue to move through the body, causing disruption and damage, before eventually being stored mainly in the fat cells of our organs and tissues, often being stored for years or decades..

Depending on the type of toxins held in the body, we can experience all sorts of chronic and degenerative conditions that have their underlying cause in an overwhelming burden of chemical overload. For example, one molecule of mercury can inhibit the function of up to 1000 zinc molecules.

By engaging in a "detoxification program" we are actively assisting and supporting the body in its own natural cleansing actions, to help in ridding the body of substances that may be detrimental to our health..

Why a specialized detox?

Before essential nutrients can become available to the cells for renewal and repair, we need to remove:

Metabolic waste
Excess proteins (fibrosis)
Mucous
Fat
Calcium
Heavy metals
Chemical residues
Drugs
Pollution
Radiation

Is there only one disease?

Many schools of thought promote the concept of there only being "one disease", that of toxaemia..

This theory proposes that if the body can be kept free and clear of toxic debris and waste, and if good nutrition is provided, the body..s natural healing processes will enable it to heal from any disease..

All effective natural healing methods combine some type of detoxification process..

What is involved in a detoxification program?

In the natural medicine world, a detox is a specific program of dietary changes and often herbal support to:

1)lower the amount of chemicals being ingested,
2)to provide nutrients that enhance the body..s natural processes,
3)to support the organs of elimination in clearing toxins out of the body quickly and safely

There are many styles of detox programs, but the best ones are those undertaken in an environment where all of these factors can be addressed, and there is an opportunity to rest and relax and focus on healing..

1)Lowering ingested chemicals

The first part of detoxification involves lowering the ingestion of not only chemicals in the diet, but often also lowering the amount of food consumed, to give the digestive system a rest and to allow energy to be diverted to cleansing rather than digesting..

Fasting is a universal natural response to disease, and there are several ways to fast; water only, juices, and mono foods being the most common..

To this end, most detox diets will involve a period of fasting, such as drinking only freshly made vegetable juices for several days. Only organic produce should be used for the juicing, to ensure no pesticides or other chemicals or contaminants are consumed..

After a juice fast, it is sensible to spend a period of time eating plain organic fruits and vegetables to allow the body time to adjust to whole foods again, while keeping the burden of ingested toxins to a very low level..

Water fasting can be too extreme for most people in today..s world, as we are carrying such a load of toxins that we need more than just our stores of nutrients to help the body to detoxify them properly. Many people are already malnourished and depleted, so water fasting is not appropriate in these cases..

Fresh organic juice provides a plentiful supply of enzymes to assist in the breakdown of toxic matter, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to protect from free radical damage..

24 hours after starting a juice program, pancreatic enzymes are no longer needed for the digestion of food and can start digesting waste matter in the body.
Not only do they start breaking down debris in the colon, but they can travel through the body and start digesting damaged cells, microbes, metabolic waste, acids, fibrosis, atherosclerotic plaques and deposits in the joints

2)Providing nutrients

As toxins are being released for excretion during the fasting phase, these substances can be highly reactive and create free radical damage. Not only as they circulate, but when they are processed through the first phase of liver detoxification, dangerous metabolites can be produced. A high level of antioxidants can offset this danger and protect the liver and the cells of the body..

This is why juice fasting can be so advantageous, as it supplies an enormous amount of concentrated vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are easily absorbed. Organic juice means no toxins are being ingested and by being in a clean environment this lowers the daily burden..

Some detox programs also support the body with green nutrition such as wheat or barley grass, chlorella or spirulina.
These green foods supply a high dose of nutrients, protein for the binding of toxins, and chlorophyll which is a powerful blood cleanser..

Healing nutrients:

By juice fasting and supplementing with concentrated green nutrition and herbs with fiber, we offer our body all it needs to cleanse and heal:

Enzymes
Vitamins
Minerals
Antioxidants
Carbohydrates
Chlorophyll
Protein
Fiber

Enzymes: enzymes are specialized proteins that accelerate or instigate chemical reactions within our cells. Malfunction of just one type of enzyme can be fatal..

All animals eat foods which also contain enzymes for their own digestion

Enzyme reserves can be depleted by cooked food; the demands on digestion from cooked foods means that enzyme activity is used for digestion rather than cleansing and healing purposes elsewhere in the body..

Enzymes are at the heart of physiologic healing, they have been called the "spark of life", a deficiency of which has been linked to chronic and degenerative illnesses

Metabolic enzymes build, cleanse and heal the body:

"After two decades of microscopic analysis of the cellular systems of thousands of people who have been guests at Hippocrates, we discovered and confirmed that digestive enzymes and enzymes found within plant foods clearly enhance the electrical frequency in and around cells of the body.
"
Dr.
Brian Clements
Author of "Hippocrates LifeForce, Superior health and longevity"
Director Hippocrates Health Institute, Florida, for over 25 years

Vitamins: essential for life, they are co-factors in enzymatic reactions and required for producing energy needed for detoxification..

Minerals: essential for life, they are co-factors in enzymatic reactions, are required for
energy production, and are utilized in the liver for the binding of toxins..

Antioxidants: required for neutralizing free radical damage caused by circulating toxins, and by Phase 1 liver detox processes..

Carbohydrates: provide fuel for energy..

Chlorophyll: cleansing, blood building, antibacterial, antiseptic, alkalizing and oxygenating..

Protein: is found in concentrated green nutrition and is needed for binding toxins via the liver..

Fiber: acts like an intestinal broom to drag toxins, mucoid plaque and heavy metals out of the bowel, and provide fuel for the good bacteria colonies..

3)Supporting the organs of elimination

There are many organs and systems involved in the detoxification process, but some are more important than others and supporting their function results in a more thorough and pleasant detox..

Liver: the liver is the organ which does the most work during a detox.
It takes pollutants out of the bloodstream, identifies them and makes them safe for excretion..

The first stage of this is called Phase 1 Liver Detox and that involves making fat soluble toxins more water soluble, so that they can be eliminated through the bowels or the kidneys. The outcome of Phase 1 is highly reactive toxic metabolites waiting for Phase 2 treatment. A high level of antioxidants are needed to balance and neutralize these substances..

Phase 2 Liver Detox uses various protein molecules to bind these intermediate products and make them safe to be eliminated..

Bowel: a lot of toxins are excreted through the bowel, so a well-functioning, moving bowel is an essential part of the detox. Many detox programs include bowel herbs, bulking fiber such as psyllium husks, products like bentonite clay which bind toxins, or cleanses such as enemas or colonic irrigation..

By cleansing and supporting the bowel in this way, we ensure the maximum removal of toxic substances..

Kidneys: the kidneys are another organ that filters and processes a large number of toxins. During a cleanse, drinking plenty of fluid supports kidney function, and using juices such as watermelon, celery, cucumber or black cherry can all enhance their detoxification ability..

Kidneys are also the repository for our "chi" energy or lifeforce, so plenty of rest, meditation, keeping warm and gentle movement, will all help to revitalize and nourish our kidney energy..

Skin: the skin can release many toxins, especially when it is helped by dry skin body brushing, and by spending time in a sauna. Both of these practices enhance the effectiveness of our detoxification, not only by allowing the release of toxins through the skin, but by moving our lymphatic system which drains and transports many waste products..

Breath: yes, you often will have "detox breath" during a cleanse! Our lungs are powerful
movers of toxic matter, and deep breathing during yoga or meditation is another tool we use
to support our body..

How long do we fast for?

Short fasts, or fasting one day a week are not a good practice..

During the first day of the fast, glucose levels drop and glycogen reserves can be depleted. The body will then start to draw on protein from the tissues to create glucose..

Following day one, the body adapts and starts to use fat as a source of energy and preserves protein. One day fasts will deplete body protein and serve no purpose for deeper detoxification of stored toxins in fat tissues..

Three days is a minimum, but the general rule is to fast until you feel hungry again. Not from habit, but from a true hunger..

Intermittent fasting can extent lifespan by 20-30%

"Studies have shown that fasted cells have the capacity for assimilation and growth characterized by the cells of young animals, demonstrating beyond doubt that fasting rejuvenates cellular function.
"
Sergius Morgulis, "Fasting and Undernutrition". University of Nebraska, E.P. Dutton, New York 1923..

What is a healing crisis?

A healing crisis is also known as the "Herxheimer Reaction" where the body tries to eliminate toxins at a faster rate than they can be disposed of, resulting in a possible increase in symptoms, or at times nausea, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness or mood swings..

Many people are reluctant to participate in a detoxification program because they are worried about feeling ill or experiencing some type of healing crisis during the detox..

The first day there are often the common symptoms such as the "caffeine withdrawal" headache, but days two and onwards are when the deeper toxins are being removed.


These symptoms, however, are much more likely to occur when the organs of elimination are not properly supported. During a professional cleansing program, these reactions are minimized, as every element is designed to move toxins quickly out of the body, for a pleasant and comfortable experience..

How will I feel afterwards?

A comprehensive supervised detox program of at least a week..s duration once or twice a year works well.
After spending that period of time cleansing, building your nutritive status, resting and healing, you will feel like a different person!

Skin often becomes clearer, eyes become brighter, energy and vitality expands, sleep is improved, aches and pains are gone, the bowel works better, mental clarity and concentration is improved, and many people shed a few extra kilos over the week..

By lowering your body burden of toxins, you may very well be helping to prevent the chronic health consequences that can come from long term exposure to the thousands of chemical pollutants saturating our environment today..

What a wonderful gift to give yourself!
 

The Three Crucial Steps of the Detox Program

Saturday, March 21, 2009 by: Leisa Wheeler N.D.
, citizen journalist
See all articles by this author