naturalawakeningsmagazine--2020-09-09--Calm Down: Taming the Flames of Stress-Related Illness

We are beings of neurochemical and hormonal intricacy , and within this mixed bag of biology lies our magic .
Our human experience is visceral ; we cry from sadness and joy , flush from embarrassment , laugh with amusement and exhibit quirky mannerisms when we lie .
Whether we see it as a blessing or a curse , we ’ re hardwired to embody the sacred fire of our emotions .
“ Stress serves a useful purpose by increasing alertness—the sometimes lifesaving ‘ fight-or-flight ’ response—but chronic stress leads to elevated stress hormones like cortisol and catecholamines , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Northwest Hospital , in Randallstown , Maryland .
“ Cortisol can elevate blood glucose and suppress the immune system .
Elevated catecholamines raise blood pressure and stress the heart .
Over time , this can lead to hypertension , heart disease , kidney disease , diabetes or strokes.
” Working with—rather than against—the body ’ s nervous system by employing lifestyle changes , releasing trauma and considering options like a nourishing diet , safe herbal options and gentle energy modalities can help to break a vicious cycle .
Studies involving both mice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are altered by emotional stress .
The same bacteria responsible for bolstering the body ’ s fortress of immunity also generate neurotransmitters like serotonin , dopamine and norepinephrine .
These neurochemicals in the gut ’ s enteric nervous system control major biological functions that include heart rate , sleep cycles , muscle movement and mood .
In a nutshell , negative emotional states can suppress immunity and foster more frequent antibiotic prescriptions and in turn , promote neurological loops of chronic depression and anxiety , and even more compromised immune response .
Functional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s disease are often exacerbated by emotional upset and improved with stress management techniques like biofeedback , cognitive behavioral therapy , psychoanalysis , hypnotherapy , meditation and breath work .
One Body , Many Selves Resolving emotional trauma can offer unexpected hope for conditions that elude improvement or scientific understanding .
A deeper look into how unrecognized or unreleased emotional pain can contribute to disease might help to solve the riddle of digestive problems , eczema , inflammatory bowel conditions and pain syndromes , including the multi-system agonies of fibromyalgia and chronic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ widespread misunderstanding that psychosomatic ( mind-body ) health conditions are imaginary or the product of mental instability .
In actuality , the term psychosomatic simply refers to physical diseases with no organic origin that are presumed to have unconscious emotional taproots .
“ We are made up of different types of energy , ” explains LaStacia Ross , a reiki master and sound healer at Eclectic Soul Studio , in Pittsburg , Kansas .
“ Physical or sensory energy is the energy of the physical body .
Our outer energy field is subtle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thoughts and emotions .
I like to think of the subtle energy field as a library containing the records of everything we ’ ve ever experienced.
” Reiki , a form of non-touch therapy , is now deemed valuable by many respected hospitals , like the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , in Manhattan .
Springboarding from the philosophy that we are trinities of body , mind and spirit , reiki and other forms of energy medicine aim to encourage the flow of vital life force .
Ross , who also uses sound @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has witnessed significant improvement in her clients .
“ Energy work can help release stored energetic patterns of trauma and stress that no longer serve us , ” she says .
“ Relaxation is an immediate benefit of energy work .
People often feel a huge mental weight lifted and report pain relief , sometimes after just one session.
” Despite the many gains of energy work , Ross emphasizes individual timing .
“ On a subconscious level , pain or illness can serve us in some way without us realizing it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work through our issues or let them go , even if we think we are.
” Krisanda underscores the importance of self-care in all walks of life .
“ If you don ’ t take care of yourself , you are useless to care for others .
Adopt a healthy diet and exercise and make it a routine .
We live in a very materialistic society , and I believe this also leads to stress , unhappiness and a sense of being entitled and never being satisfied .
Just let go.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ An emergency room is an incredibly hectic , frightening and sometimes violent place .
I rely on my colleagues , and we support each other .
For me , the most important thing is to realize that I ’ m not in it alone.
” Krisanda also finds balance by taking a few minutes in a quiet place to collect his thoughts and enjoy a peaceful moment .
Basic , whole foods can help to maintain homeostasis .
“ Make sure that food is fueling you , ” says Mansour .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ soothing .
Instead of a juice cleanse or an extreme diet , focus on nourishing , calming foods like soups , lean proteins to stabilize blood sugar levels and healthy fats to support brain function .
Reducing alcohol can help improve liver function.
” Some of her allies are oat tops , lemon balm , skullcap , chamomile and passionflower .
For Benjamin , everyday choices play a huge role in healing .
“ Making small lifestyle shifts in your work or home life can really help you move into a more relaxed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it as a sort of mantra : ‘ Help the herbs help you , ’ ” she says .
In a world that is fixated on external validation , little things matter .
“ If I give myself permission to do the things that really nourish me , I ’ ll be the best version of myself .
Perhaps most importantly , I will like me , and that matters tremendously.
” Passionflower ( Passiflora incarnata ) soothes restless minds from anxiety and insomnia , and eases menstrual cramps or muscle spasms .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ strengthen the brain and revitalize the central nervous system , and helps to calm the mind and relieve nervous stress and headaches .
It is even more beneficial when combined with lavender or chamomile .
Chamomile ( Matricaria chamomilla ) helps to soothe emotional and muscle tension ; relieve stress-related gut symptoms like gas , cramping , irritable bowel syndrome and ulcers ; calm heat-related emotional and physical issues such as eczema , anger and frustration ; and generally promote a sense of calm .
Wonderful in baths , teas and as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rolling the shoulders forward and back a few times can relieve muscle tension .
• None Eating something crunchy like an apple or carrots can lessen feelings of stress .
• None Meditating for even one minute can help reduce excessive cortisol in the body .
Doing small increments daily rather than over long intervals net better and bigger benefits .
• None If your mind is racing 24/7 and breathing techniques don ’ t work , change your environment .
Get up and go to another room in the house .
Go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't go outside , turn your body to look in a different direction .
Stay in the same spot on the couch and just look at something else .
• Don ’ t put your body under more stress with demanding , cortisol-fueling workouts ; opt for yoga , meditation and Pilates .
• None When you get your heart rate up ( in as quickly as five minutes of doing cardio ) , you feel happier .
• None Maintain a healthy sleep schedule and go to bed earlier .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other stress-fighting herbs to consider are Ginkgo , panax and Siberian ginseng , fo-ti , rhodiola , reishi mushroom , goji berries , licorice root , lavender , rose , lemon balm , tulsi ( holy basil ) , ashwagandha and mimosa bark .

We are beings of neurochemical and hormonal intricacy, and within this mixed bag of biology lies our magic. Our human experience is visceral; we cry from sadness and joy, flush from embarrassment, laugh with amusement and exhibit quirky mannerisms when we lie. Whether we see it as a blessing or a curse, we’re hardwired to embody the sacred fire of our emotions.
It also means that stress and our bodies are in perpetual partnership. “Systematically, the mind and body work together. Grabbing your belly when you hear bad news and saying, ‘I feel sick,’ or having ‘butterflies in your stomach’ are a testament to how everyday stress affects us physically,” says Stephanie Mansour, Chicago fitness expert and host of the national PBS show It also means that stress and our bodies are in perpetual partnership. “Systematically, the mind and body work together. Grabbing your belly when you hear bad news and saying, ‘I feel sick,’ or having ‘butterflies in your stomach’ are a testament to how everyday stress affects us physically,” says Stephanie Mansour, Chicago fitness expert and host of the national PBS show Step It Up With Steph
“Stress serves a useful purpose by increasing alertness—the sometimes lifesaving ‘fight-or-flight’ response—but chronic stress leads to elevated stress hormones like cortisol and catecholamines,” says emergency room physician Thomas Krisanda, at Northwest Hospital, in Randallstown, Maryland. “Cortisol can elevate blood glucose and suppress the immune system. Elevated catecholamines raise blood pressure and stress the heart. Over time, this can lead to hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes or strokes.”
According to Journal of the American Heart Association shows that children that experience severe adversity or live with alcoholics or drug addicts are at a 50 percent higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease later in life. Experts agree that this statistic goes beyond poor lifestyle choices, and might point to a biological inability to cope with everyday pressures. According to The American Institute of Stress , 77 percent of people experience the physical backlash of emotional stress in the form of headaches, chronic migraines, fatigue, digestive woes, muscle tension, dizziness and changes in libido. Research published this year in theshows that children that experience severe adversity or live with alcoholics or drug addicts are at a 50 percent higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease later in life. Experts agree that this statistic goes beyond poor lifestyle choices, and might point to a biological inability to cope with everyday pressures.
Working with—rather than against—the body’s nervous system by employing lifestyle changes, releasing trauma and considering options like a nourishing diet, safe herbal options and gentle energy modalities can help to break a vicious cycle.
Gut Instincts
Studies involving both mice and humans show that beneficial gut microorganisms are altered by emotional stress. The same bacteria responsible for bolstering the body’s fortress of immunity also generate neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurochemicals in the gut’s enteric nervous system control major biological functions that include heart rate, sleep cycles, muscle movement and mood.
While commonly prescribed antibiotics eradicate infectious invaders, they also kill off beneficial bacteria and neurotransmitters, opening the door to depressive disorders. Because approximately While commonly prescribed antibiotics eradicate infectious invaders, they also kill off beneficial bacteria and neurotransmitters, opening the door to depressive disorders. Because approximately 95 percent of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut , it’s not surprising that overuse of antibiotics has been associated with mental health conditions. British research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry in 2015 documents case-control studies over an 18-year period involving 202,974 patients with depression. The findings show a high risk for anxiety and depression following repeated antibiotic use.
Connecting the dots further, 2018 Connecting the dots further, 2018 research published in the Journal of Neuroendocrinology correlates compromised intestinal permeability with a weakened blood-brain barrier and alcohol addiction. Research published in 2014 in the journal PLOS One involving patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) reveals abnormalities in catecholamines, elevated plasma cortisol and hyperactivity of the amygdala—the part of the brain that can become stuck on overdrive from trauma and other life stresses.
In a nutshell, negative emotional states can suppress immunity and foster more frequent antibiotic prescriptions and in turn, promote neurological loops of chronic depression and anxiety, and even more compromised immune response.
Functional gastrointestinal disorders like IBS and inflammation-driven Crohn’s disease are often exacerbated by emotional upset and improved with stress management techniques like biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, hypnotherapy, meditation and breath work.
One Body, Many Selves
Resolving emotional trauma can offer unexpected hope for conditions that elude improvement or scientific understanding. A deeper look into how unrecognized or unreleased emotional pain can contribute to disease might help to solve the riddle of digestive problems, eczema, inflammatory bowel conditions and pain syndromes, including the multi-system agonies of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. It’s a widespread misunderstanding that psychosomatic (mind-body) health conditions are imaginary or the product of mental instability. In actuality, the term psychosomatic simply refers to physical diseases with no organic origin that are presumed to have unconscious emotional taproots.
“We are made up of different types of energy,” explains LaStacia Ross, a reiki master and sound healer at Eclectic Soul Studio, in Pittsburg, Kansas. “Physical or sensory energy is the energy of the physical body. Our outer energy field is subtle energy which consists of layers and includes thoughts and emotions. I like to think of the subtle energy field as a library containing the records of everything we’ve ever experienced.”
Reiki, a form of non-touch therapy, is now deemed valuable by many respected hospitals, like the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, in Manhattan. Springboarding from the philosophy that we are trinities of body, mind and spirit, reiki and other forms of energy medicine aim to encourage the flow of vital life force. Ross, who also uses sound resonance via tuning forks in her work, has witnessed significant improvement in her clients. “Energy work can help release stored energetic patterns of trauma and stress that no longer serve us,” she says. “Relaxation is an immediate benefit of energy work. People often feel a huge mental weight lifted and report pain relief, sometimes after just one session.” Despite the many gains of energy work, Ross emphasizes individual timing. “On a subconscious level, pain or illness can serve us in some way without us realizing it. Sometimes we’re not ready to work through our issues or let them go, even if we think we are.”
Investing in Equilibrium
Stress-induced psychosomatic illness does not discriminate, and even affects members of the medical field. A 2009 Stress-induced psychosomatic illness does not discriminate, and even affects members of the medical field. A 2009 study published in the Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that professional burnout in nurses can manifest as back and neck pain, acidity, anger and impaired memory.
Krisanda underscores the importance of self-care in all walks of life. “If you don’t take care of yourself, you are useless to care for others. Adopt a healthy diet and exercise and make it a routine. We live in a very materialistic society, and I believe this also leads to stress, unhappiness and a sense of being entitled and never being satisfied. Just let go.”
He also stresses the importance of support. “An emergency room is an incredibly hectic, frightening and sometimes violent place. I rely on my colleagues, and we support each other. For me, the most important thing is to realize that I’m not in it alone.” Krisanda also finds balance by taking a few minutes in a quiet place to collect his thoughts and enjoy a peaceful moment.
Basic, whole foods can help to maintain homeostasis. “Make sure that food is fueling you,” says Mansour. “Cooked vegetables and broths are very soothing. Instead of a juice cleanse or an extreme diet, focus on nourishing, calming foods like soups, lean proteins to stabilize blood sugar levels and healthy fats to support brain function. Reducing alcohol can help improve liver function.”
Sarah Kate Benjamin, a holistic chef and herbalist in Sebastopol, California, finds her own healing rhythms by eating with the seasons and using medicinal plants in inspired, everyday dishes. Co-author of Sarah Kate Benjamin, a holistic chef and herbalist in Sebastopol, California, finds her own healing rhythms by eating with the seasons and using medicinal plants in inspired, everyday dishes. Co-author of The Kosmic Kitchen Cookbook: Everyday Herbalism and Recipes for Radical Wellness , she sees herbs as life-giving examples of resilience. “Herbs have been here long before us and have experienced their own form of stressors. Working with nervous system-supportive herbs in my food, beverages or even as tinctures really help me find balance when I’m overwhelmed.”
Some of her allies are oat tops, lemon balm, skullcap, chamomile and passionflower. For Benjamin, everyday choices play a huge role in healing. “Making small lifestyle shifts in your work or home life can really help you move into a more relaxed state. I like to think of it as a sort of mantra: ‘Help the herbs help you,’” she says. In a world that is fixated on external validation, little things matter. “If I give myself permission to do the things that really nourish me, I’ll be the best version of myself. Perhaps most importantly, I will like me, and that matters tremendously.”
Marlaina Donato is an author and recording artist.
Plant Power for Combatting Stress
alisonmarros /Unsplash.com
Sarah Kate Benjamin’s Personal Favorites:
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) soothes restless minds from anxiety and insomnia, and eases menstrual cramps or muscle spasms.
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) helps to strengthen the brain and revitalize the central nervous system, and helps to calm the mind and relieve nervous stress and headaches. It is even more beneficial when combined with lavender or chamomile.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) helps to soothe emotional and muscle tension; relieve stress-related gut symptoms like gas, cramping, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcers; calm heat-related emotional and physical issues such as eczema, anger and frustration; and generally promote a sense of calm. Wonderful in baths, teas and as an herbal garnish.
Everyday Practical Tips
Deep breathing and rolling the shoulders forward and back a few times can relieve muscle tension.
Eating something crunchy like an apple or carrots can lessen feelings of stress.
Meditating for even one minute can help reduce excessive cortisol in the body. Doing small increments daily rather than over long intervals net better and bigger benefits.
If your mind is racing 24/7 and breathing techniques don’t work, change your environment. Get up and go to another room in the house. Go outside. If tight on space and can't go outside, turn your body to look in a different direction. Stay in the same spot on the couch and just look at something else.
Don’t put your body under more stress with demanding, cortisol-fueling workouts; opt for yoga, meditation and Pilates.
When you get your heart rate up (in as quickly as five minutes of doing cardio), you feel happier.
Maintain a healthy sleep schedule and go to bed earlier.
Reconnect to the earth in whatever way you can; go for a walk, cook a meal, smell flowers or just sit outside.
From LaStacia Ross:
As an energy exercise, try what I call The Fountain of Light: See and feel white light coming up from the earth and into your feet. Feel it move all the way up through your body, out of your head and back down to your feet to start again, like a fountain. Repeat this many times, feeling the vibrant, white light energy flowing through you.
In addition to Benjamin’s recommendations, other stress-fighting herbs to consider are Ginkgo, panax and Siberian ginseng, fo-ti, rhodiola, reishi mushroom, goji berries, licorice root, lavender, rose, lemon balm, tulsi (holy basil), ashwagandha and mimosa bark.


naturalawakeningsmagazine--2020-09-21--Strong and Supple Joints: How to Keep Hips and Knees Happy

Occasional knee or hip pain affects almost everyone , keeping us from daily tasks , making sitting painful and walking difficult .
Causes can range from over-exercise to injuries , obesity and arthritis as we age .
By the time we reach 65 years or older , 69 percent of women and 56 percent of men have arthritic symptoms , according to Boston University researchers .
Costly joint replacement surgery which carries a high risk of adverse effects is often recommended for advanced cases , but by taking simple , natural preventive and remedial measures proactively , we can strengthen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ related problems if they arise and remain physically strong and active .
Practice tai chi , qigong or hatha yoga .
The gentle , low-impact movements and stretches associated with these approaches get synovial fluid flowing in the larger joints , effecting smoother mobility and increased flexibility ; numerous studies document that they reduce joint pain and stiffness .
“ The key is not just to stretch , but to balance strength and stretching in a safe , mindful way , ” says The gentle , low-impact movements and stretches associated with these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ larger joints , effecting smoother mobility and increased flexibility ; numerous studies document that they reduce joint pain and stiffness .
“ The key is not just to stretch , but to balance strength and stretching in a safe , mindful way , ” says Andrea Trank , a health coach and yoga teacher in Fort Myers , Florida .
Although personal or class instruction is best , how-to videos can be found on YouTube .
Walk every day .
In a four-year In a four-year Northwestern University study , people at risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moderate or brisk pace for at least 10 minutes a day , one hour a week , had one-eighth the disabled mobility of those that walked less .
Posture helps : Walking straight and tall while extending each leg back as far as it ’ ll go will “ really let your glut muscles work , ” advises chiropractor Aaron Rossi , of Marietta , Georgia—an important compensation for the time we sit with knees and hips flexed .
Consider the right supplements .
Obtaining 1,000 milligrams daily of calcium and 600 international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bone health , according to the Obtaining 1,000 milligrams daily of calcium and 600 international units of vitamin D is essential for bone health , according to the National Institutes of Health ; consider taking a supplement if the diet is not adequate .
In addition , study-proven options that reduce joint pain in the knees and hips include glucosamine and chondroitin , S-adenosyl-L-methionine ( SAMe ) and avocado soybean unsaponifiable .
The benefits of bodywork .
A massage can loosen up tight muscles and realign structural issues in the knees and hips @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels of pain-reducing serotonin .
A A massage can loosen up tight muscles and realign structural issues in the knees and hips while also lowering stress-producing cortisol and raising levels of pain-reducing serotonin .
A study at Canada ’ s McMaster University found that massage works on the cellular level to reduce inflammation and promote the growth of new mitochondria in muscles .
Useful styles are Swedish , deep tissue , myofascial release and shiatsu .
Ask for references from friends , medical practitioners , fitness centers and natural health stores or find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 500 hours of training .
Try acupuncture .
A new A new meta-study of 39 studies with 20,827 patients concluded that acupuncture effectively reduces pain for as long as 12 months , and the National Institutes of Health endorses it for knee pain .
“ It is believed to stimulate the nervous system and in turn , the way the brain registers pain signals , ” says acupuncturist Daryl Thuroff , at the Yinova Center , in New York City .
Find an acupuncturist through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
People with osteoarthritic knees that underwent two weeks of chiropractic knee adjustments had substantially less pain , better mobility and fewer grinding and clicking sensations in the knees , reported a People with osteoarthritic knees that underwent two weeks of chiropractic knee adjustments had substantially less pain , better mobility and fewer grinding and clicking sensations in the knees , reported a study in The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association .
In a small study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics , four out of five patients with hip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fewer chiropractic treatments .
Many chiropractors offer not only spinal adjustments , but also a range of treatments from exercises to prolotherapy .
Explore injection therapies .
Known as Known as regenerative medicine , these therapies use injections in the knee or hip to naturally stimulate the body to produce collagen and rejuvenate tissue .
In a British Medical Bulletin meta-study , 82 percent of patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee were satisfied with prolotherapy , which uses dextrose injections .
Platelet-rich plasma injections use centrifuged platelets from the patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used by athletes like Tiger Woods and Rafael Nadal to treat sports injuries .
Glucosamine and chondroitin .
Research suggests this combo relieves pain , improves joint mobility and slows arthritic damage to the joints .
One study found it benefits up to 70 percent of people with knee arthritis , and a large multinational trial found the mixture to be as effective at reducing pain , stiffness and swelling in knee osteoarthritis as the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ( NSAID ) celecoxib .
It appears most suited for treating moderate to severe pain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Research suggests this combo relieves pain , improves joint mobility and slows arthritic damage to the joints .
One study found it benefits up to 70 percent of people with knee arthritis , and a large multinational trial found the mixture to be as effective at reducing pain , stiffness and swelling in knee osteoarthritis as the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ( NSAID ) celecoxib .
It appears most suited for treating moderate to severe pain and takes two months to take effect .
SAMe .
This naturally occurring S-adenosyl-L-methionine molecule builds strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and research shows it may be as effective as aspirin and ibuprofen at improving joint function .
It takes a month to take effect , but doesn ’ t have the side effects of NSAIDs .
It ’ s also been shown to lower depression .
Avocado soybean unsaponifiable ( ASU ) .
Routinely used to treat osteoarthritis in Europe , ASU improves symptoms of hip and knee osteoarthritis ( OA ) and reduces or eliminates the use of NSAIDs , a meta-analysis concluded ; it also appears to reduce OA ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ACA ) has designated October as National Chiropractic Health Month to raise public awareness of the importance of musculoskeletal health and the benefits of chiropractic care and its natural , whole-person , patient-centered and drug-free approach to health and wellness .
This year ’ s theme is Active and Adaptive , focusing on helping people adapt to the new normal of the COVID-19 pandemic .
The ACA states , “ Many people are moving less , and some are experiencing pain as a result.
” This year ’ s focus encourages people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and pain-free with a smaller lifestyle footprint by becoming more mindful of movement and posture , and by highlighting tips and strategies to help them adapt in healthy ways .
In addition to the traditional chiropractic focus on adjusting the spine to ease joint pain , many doctors today are using a wide array of approaches to ameliorate hip and knee pain , whether the cause is an injury , inflammation , arthritis or another chronic condition .
Determining the cause is the first step , says chiropractor Derrell Blackburn , senior manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joint Chiropractic , a nationwide chain of 500 clinics .
If both hips or knees go bad , he says , it ’ s probably due to aging .
If the problem involves a hip or knee on one side , “ the underlying truth is overuse or compensation , ” which can be helped by realigning the sacroiliac joint or pelvic girdle .
Chiropractor Gil Kentof , of the Dr. Gil Center for Back , Neck , and Chronic Pain Relief , in Franklin , Tennessee , first recommends that patients with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , find a good video or search “ hip stretches ” online and exercise according to what they research five times a week .
“ If there is no improvement in three weeks , or if there is more pain while doing the exercises , an examination is in order to determine the origin of the pain and the best treatment option , ” he says .
The exam often includes X-rays and sometimes an MRI .
Treatment options can include specific chiropractic adjustments , deep tissue laser therapy , stem cell injections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases , a referral for surgery , but , “ Surgery is always a last resort , ” he says .
For knees , “ Good success has been obtained with stem cell treatment and platelet-rich plasma injected into the knee , ” he advises .
“ This procedure is performed by our medical team and is minimally invasive with very little downtime.
” He also suggests that knee-pain patients stretch their hamstrings , quadriceps and calves on a regular basis and use a pull-on brace or ice packs for temporary relief .

Occasional knee or hip pain affects almost everyone, keeping us from daily tasks, making sitting painful and walking difficult. Causes can range from over-exercise to injuries, obesity and arthritis as we age. By the time we reach 65 years or older, 69 percent of women and 56 percent of men have arthritic symptoms, according to Boston University researchers . Costly joint replacement surgery which carries a high risk of adverse effects is often recommended for advanced cases, but by taking simple, natural preventive and remedial measures proactively, we can strengthen our knee and hip joints, handle related problems if they arise and remain physically strong and active.
Ways to Strengthen Hips and Knees
Consume foods that nourish bones and connective tissues. For strong bones, eat foods rich in calcium, magnesium and potassium, such as dark leafy greens (bok choy, Chinese cabbage, kale and collard greens), figs, nuts, tofu, avocados and bone broth. Six prunes a day boosted bone density in women over 70 with osteoporosis, For strong bones, eat foods rich in calcium, magnesium and potassium, such as dark leafy greens (bok choy, Chinese cabbage, kale and collard greens), figs, nuts, tofu, avocados and bone broth. Six prunes a day boosted bone density in women over 70 with osteoporosis, research shows . Foods that support flexible tendons and ligaments include fatty fish, lentils, nuts, vegetables like spinach and broccoli, and colorful fruit like strawberries and oranges.
Practice tai chi, qigong or hatha yoga. The gentle, low-impact movements and stretches associated with these approaches get synovial fluid flowing in the larger joints, effecting smoother mobility and increased flexibility; numerous studies document that they reduce joint pain and stiffness. “The key is not just to stretch, but to balance strength and stretching in a safe, mindful way,” says The gentle, low-impact movements and stretches associated with these approaches get synovial fluid flowing in the larger joints, effecting smoother mobility and increased flexibility; numerous studies document that they reduce joint pain and stiffness. “The key is not just to stretch, but to balance strength and stretching in a safe, mindful way,” says Andrea Trank , a health coach and yoga teacher in Fort Myers, Florida. Although personal or class instruction is best, how-to videos can be found on YouTube.
Walk every day. In a four-year In a four-year Northwestern University study , people at risk of knee osteoarthritis that walked at a moderate or brisk pace for at least 10 minutes a day, one hour a week, had one-eighth the disabled mobility of those that walked less. Posture helps: Walking straight and tall while extending each leg back as far as it’ll go will “really let your glut muscles work,” advises chiropractor Aaron Rossi , of Marietta, Georgia—an important compensation for the time we sit with knees and hips flexed.
Ways to Lower Pain Levels
Consider the right supplements. Obtaining 1,000 milligrams daily of calcium and 600 international units of vitamin D is essential for bone health, according to the Obtaining 1,000 milligrams daily of calcium and 600 international units of vitamin D is essential for bone health, according to the National Institutes of Health ; consider taking a supplement if the diet is not adequate. In addition, study-proven options that reduce joint pain in the knees and hips include glucosamine and chondroitin, S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) and avocado soybean unsaponifiable.
jopanuwatd/AdobeStock.com
The benefits of bodywork. A massage can loosen up tight muscles and realign structural issues in the knees and hips while also lowering stress-producing cortisol and raising levels of pain-reducing serotonin. A A massage can loosen up tight muscles and realign structural issues in the knees and hips while also lowering stress-producing cortisol and raising levels of pain-reducing serotonin. A study at Canada’s McMaster University found that massage works on the cellular level to reduce inflammation and promote the growth of new mitochondria in muscles. Useful styles are Swedish, deep tissue, myofascial release and shiatsu. Ask for references from friends, medical practitioners, fitness centers and natural health stores or find online a certified practitioner with at least 500 hours of training.
Try acupuncture. A new A new meta-study of 39 studies with 20,827 patients concluded that acupuncture effectively reduces pain for as long as 12 months, and the National Institutes of Health endorses it for knee pain. “It is believed to stimulate the nervous system and in turn, the way the brain registers pain signals,” says acupuncturist Daryl Thuroff, at the Yinova Center , in New York City. Find an acupuncturist through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine's Practitioner Directory
Consult a chiropractor. People with osteoarthritic knees that underwent two weeks of chiropractic knee adjustments had substantially less pain, better mobility and fewer grinding and clicking sensations in the knees, reported a People with osteoarthritic knees that underwent two weeks of chiropractic knee adjustments had substantially less pain, better mobility and fewer grinding and clicking sensations in the knees, reported a study in The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association . In a small study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics , four out of five patients with hip arthritis noticed improved symptoms after nine or fewer chiropractic treatments. Many chiropractors offer not only spinal adjustments, but also a range of treatments from exercises to prolotherapy.
Explore injection therapies. Known as Known as regenerative medicine , these therapies use injections in the knee or hip to naturally stimulate the body to produce collagen and rejuvenate tissue. In a British Medical Bulletin meta-study , 82 percent of patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee were satisfied with prolotherapy, which uses dextrose injections. Platelet-rich plasma injections use centrifuged platelets from the patient’s body, and have been used by athletes like Tiger Woods and Rafael Nadal to treat sports injuries.
Ronica O’Hara is a Denver-based health writer. Connect at [email protected].
Supplements for Suppleness
lblinova/AdobeStock.com
Glucosamine and chondroitin. Research suggests this combo relieves pain, improves joint mobility and slows arthritic damage to the joints. One study found it benefits up to 70 percent of people with knee arthritis, and a large multinational trial found the mixture to be as effective at reducing pain, stiffness and swelling in knee osteoarthritis as the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) celecoxib. It appears most suited for treating moderate to severe pain and takes two months to take effect.
Research suggests this combo relieves pain, improves joint mobility and slows arthritic damage to the joints. One study found it benefits up to 70 percent of people with knee arthritis, and a large multinational trial found the mixture to be as effective at reducing pain, stiffness and swelling in knee osteoarthritis as the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) celecoxib. It appears most suited for treating moderate to severe pain and takes two months to take effect. SAMe. This naturally occurring S-adenosyl-L-methionine molecule builds strong joints by delivering sulfur to cartilage, and research shows it may be as effective as aspirin and ibuprofen at improving joint function. It takes a month to take effect, but doesn’t have the side effects of NSAIDs. It’s also been shown to lower depression.
Avocado soybean unsaponifiable (ASU). Routinely used to treat osteoarthritis in Europe, ASU improves symptoms of hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) and reduces or eliminates the use of NSAIDs, a meta-analysis concluded; it also appears to reduce OA’s progression.
National Chiropractic Health Month
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The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has designated October as National Chiropractic Health Month to raise public awareness of the importance of musculoskeletal health and the benefits of chiropractic care and its natural, whole-person, patient-centered and drug-free approach to health and wellness. This year’s theme is Active and Adaptive , focusing on helping people adapt to the new normal of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ACA states, “Many people are moving less, and some are experiencing pain as a result.” This year’s focus encourages people to adjust to the challenges of staying fit and pain-free with a smaller lifestyle footprint by becoming more mindful of movement and posture, and by highlighting tips and strategies to help them adapt in healthy ways. Find a searchable directory of chiropractors at HandsDownBetter.org/find-a-doctor
Pain Relief with Chiropractic
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In addition to the traditional chiropractic focus on adjusting the spine to ease joint pain, many doctors today are using a wide array of approaches to ameliorate hip and knee pain, whether the cause is an injury, inflammation, arthritis or another chronic condition.
Determining the cause is the first step, says chiropractor Derrell Blackburn, senior manager of chiropractic relations and training for The Joint Chiropractic , a nationwide chain of 500 clinics. If both hips or knees go bad, he says, it’s probably due to aging. If the problem involves a hip or knee on one side, “the underlying truth is overuse or compensation,” which can be helped by realigning the sacroiliac joint or pelvic girdle.
Chiropractor Gil Kentof, of the Dr. Gil Center for Back, Neck, and Chronic Pain Relief , in Franklin, Tennessee, first recommends that patients with hip pain join a basic yoga class, find a good video or search “hip stretches” online and exercise according to what they research five times a week. “If there is no improvement in three weeks, or if there is more pain while doing the exercises, an examination is in order to determine the origin of the pain and the best treatment option,” he says.
The exam often includes X-rays and sometimes an MRI. Treatment options can include specific chiropractic adjustments, deep tissue laser therapy, stem cell injections into the hip joint and in severe cases, a referral for surgery, but, “Surgery is always a last resort,” he says. For knees, “Good success has been obtained with stem cell treatment and platelet-rich plasma injected into the knee,” he advises. “This procedure is performed by our medical team and is minimally invasive with very little downtime.” He also suggests that knee-pain patients stretch their hamstrings, quadriceps and calves on a regular basis and use a pull-on brace or ice packs for temporary relief.


naturalawakeningsmagazine--2020-09-21--Mark Nepo on Living a Wholehearted Life

Mark Nepo on Living a Wholehearted Life

What do you mean by , “ To be broken is not a reason to see all things as broken ?
” In my cancer journey , after I had a rib removed from my back and a botched chemo treatment , I found myself in a Holiday Inn getting sick every 20 minutes , frightened and in pain , not sure what to do .
As the sun started coming up , I realized that while this was happening to me , it wasn ’ t happening to everyone .
Somewhere nearby , a baby was being born and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first time .
Somewhere an estranged parent and grown adult child were talking for the first time after many years .
That ’ s when it came to me that to be broken is no reason to see all things as broken , because the wholeness of life is what is healing .
When I am broken , I need the company of those who know what it ’ s like to be broken , but I also need everything not broken to heal .
When I ’ m afraid , I need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s like to be afraid , but I need everything safe to heal .
How does acceptance strengthen our resilience ?
Acceptance is not resignation .
Acceptance begins with the hard task or practice of seeing things as they are .
When we can see things as they are—clearly—then we have real choices .
So , if I am afraid and I give over to my fear , then I ’ m afraid of everything .
If I can see things as they are , I can see more clearly exactly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then I have real choices of what my next steps are .
Acceptance lets us move forward .
What practices do you recommend ?
Two of the oldest medicines known to human beings are our ability to hold and our ability to listen .
Even though there are times when I have been told things I didn ’ t want to hear , there has never been a time that I have listened or been listened to that hasn ’ t been healing .
There has never been a time when I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t been healing .
Another practice is being completely present and holding nothing back .
We tend to drift up into our minds , especially when afraid , and one of the reasons that all of the different traditions have breathing or meditation practices is to return us to where we are .
If I start worrying , if I start getting lost in my fear , I try to look at whatever is before me .
I ’ m in my study as I ’ m talking to you .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m seeing the leaves on the trees .
I take a breath and try to give my full attention to whatever is before me , and then I start getting grounded again .
The thing is , we ’ re never going to be free of fear or pain , because that ’ s part of living , but when we can be present and practice being real and authentic , then the fear lives in us and we don ’ t live in the fear .
What is the power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most powerful things we can do when feeling powerless is admit the truth .
When I was a little boy , I was so captivated by a butterfly that I wanted to look at it closely .
I didn ’ t want to hurt it , so I carefully cupped it in my hands .
But then I realized that as long as I had it cupped in my hands , I couldn ’ t see it .
I had to let it go to see its magnificent , colorful wings .
Forty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I realized that this [ experience ] was a teacher about expression .
When we keep things closed inside us , they pound and make a lot of noise , but we don ’ t see them .
Once we express them , we ’ re lighter and we see their true colors .

Super Soul Sunday program. His latest book, published this year, is The Book of Soul: 52 Paths to Living What Matters. Bestselling author, poet, cancer survivor and inspirational spiritual teacher Mark Nepo has published 22 books and made numerous appearances on Oprah Winfrey’sprogram. His latest book, published this year, is
What do you mean by, “To be broken is not a reason to see all things as broken?”
In my cancer journey, after I had a rib removed from my back and a botched chemo treatment, I found myself in a Holiday Inn getting sick every 20 minutes, frightened and in pain, not sure what to do. As the sun started coming up, I realized that while this was happening to me, it wasn’t happening to everyone. Somewhere nearby, a baby was being born and a couple was making love for the first time. Somewhere an estranged parent and grown adult child were talking for the first time after many years. That’s when it came to me that to be broken is no reason to see all things as broken, because the wholeness of life is what is healing. When I am broken, I need the company of those who know what it’s like to be broken, but I also need everything not broken to heal. When I’m afraid, I need the company of those who know what it’s like to be afraid, but I need everything safe to heal.
How does acceptance strengthen our resilience?
Acceptance is not resignation. Acceptance begins with the hard task or practice of seeing things as they are. When we can see things as they are—clearly—then we have real choices. So, if I am afraid and I give over to my fear, then I’m afraid of everything. If I can see things as they are, I can see more clearly exactly what I’m afraid of, and then I have real choices of what my next steps are. Acceptance lets us move forward.
What practices do you recommend?
Two of the oldest medicines known to human beings are our ability to hold and our ability to listen. Even though there are times when I have been told things I didn’t want to hear, there has never been a time that I have listened or been listened to that hasn’t been healing. There has never been a time when I have held or been held that hasn’t been healing.
Another practice is being completely present and holding nothing back. We tend to drift up into our minds, especially when afraid, and one of the reasons that all of the different traditions have breathing or meditation practices is to return us to where we are. If I start worrying, if I start getting lost in my fear, I try to look at whatever is before me. I’m in my study as I’m talking to you. I’m looking out the window. I’m seeing the leaves on the trees. I take a breath and try to give my full attention to whatever is before me, and then I start getting grounded again.
The thing is, we’re never going to be free of fear or pain, because that’s part of living, but when we can be present and practice being real and authentic, then the fear lives in us and we don’t live in the fear.
What is the power of authentic expression?
One of the most powerful things we can do when feeling powerless is admit the truth. When I was a little boy, I was so captivated by a butterfly that I wanted to look at it closely. I didn’t want to hurt it, so I carefully cupped it in my hands. But then I realized that as long as I had it cupped in my hands, I couldn’t see it. I had to let it go to see its magnificent, colorful wings. Forty years later in my cancer journey, I realized that this [experience] was a teacher about expression. When we keep things closed inside us, they pound and make a lot of noise, but we don’t see them. Once we express them, we’re lighter and we see their true colors.
For more information, book readings and conversations, visit MarkNepo.com. For webinars, visit Live.MarkNepo.com.
Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer. Reach her at [email protected].


naturalawakeningsmagazine--2020-09-16--A Better Breakfast: Healthy Tips and Recipes to Start the Day

Breakfast sets the stage for the day ahead , and it can either drain or energize us , depending on the what , when and how much aspects of the meal .
While health experts agree that many traditional breakfast foods can do more harm than good , delicious , healthy alternatives are within easy reach of the breakfast table .
Grain Brain : The Surprising Truth about Wheat , Carbs , and Sugar - Your Brain ’ s Silent Killers .
“ People need to train their bodies to tap into the energy reserves within , harvesting fat for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next meal .
A breakfast high in protein and fat will do that , ” he says .
Morning favorites like pastries , sugary cereals and pancakes , high in refined sugars and carbs , cause insulin production to spike and blood sugar levels to crash , according to David Perlmutter , an acclaimed neurologist based in Naples , Florida , and author of .
“ People need to train their bodies to tap into the energy reserves within , harvesting fat for energy rather than being reliant on the next meal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will do that , ” he says .
While often waiting until noon for his first meal of the day , Perlmutter frequently opts for eggs and salad drenched in an extra-virgin olive oil dressing to break the fast .
Perlmutter suggests waiting 12 hours or longer between dinner and the next day ’ s breakfast .
“ Time-restricted eating ” , or intermittent fasting , can have surprising health benefits , helping crank up production of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor , a powerful initiator for growth of new brain cells , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ method of cleaning out damaged cells , according to the neurologist .
A plant-based chef based in Bruges , Belgium , A plant-based chef based in Bruges , Belgium , Julie Van den Kerchove switched from a raw , vegan diet to a mainly keto diet , low in carbohydrates , to regain energy after “ hitting a wall , experiencing hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies .
Before , I would have green smoothies with lots of fruit and leafy greens , but would be ‘ hangry ’ a few hours later .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fats and proteins , which helps me stay satisfied and energized until lunchtime .
I experience more mental clarity and calmness because my blood sugar is not going up and down , ” says Van den Kerchove , a blogger and author of vegan , raw-food and keto cookbooks .
A typical breakfast for her now is a chia seed pudding with a nut or coconut milk , berries , nuts and seeds with a protein powder and stevia , which is easy to prepare in advance , or a warm porridge with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeds and almond , hemp or coconut milk , which is high in fiber and healthy fats .
“ If I feel like [ having ] something savory , I ’ ll have seed crackers topped with avocado and eggs or a Mediterranean omelet , ” she adds .
Like Perlmutter , Fung stresses the importance of eating during daylight hours when certain enzymes are activated .
“ Our bodies react to daylight even when our eyes are still closed .
Eating should match up with our biological clocks , as we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ energy in the day , ” she says .
Fung notes Americans that tend to make breakfast the smallest meal of the day and dinner the largest need to better balance meal sizes rather than load up on calories late in the day .
These experts agree on the need to tune into the body ’ s signals for hunger and satiety , not just eating breakfast on an autopilot schedule .
“ If I ’ ve eaten a huge holiday dinner the night before , I may skip my morning meal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ being flexible and listening to your body , ” says Van den Kerchove .

Breakfast sets the stage for the day ahead, and it can either drain or energize us, depending on the what, when and how much aspects of the meal. While health experts agree that many traditional breakfast foods can do more harm than good, delicious, healthy alternatives are within easy reach of the breakfast table.
Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth about Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar - Your Brain’s Silent Killers. “People need to train their bodies to tap into the energy reserves within, harvesting fat for energy rather than being reliant on the next meal. A breakfast high in protein and fat will do that,” he says.
Morning favorites like pastries, sugary cereals and pancakes, high in refined sugars and carbs, cause insulin production to spike and blood sugar levels to crash, according to David Perlmutter , an acclaimed neurologist based in Naples, Florida, and author of. “People need to train their bodies to tap into the energy reserves within, harvesting fat for energy rather than being reliant on the next meal. A breakfast high in protein and fat will do that,” he says.
While often waiting until noon for his first meal of the day, Perlmutter frequently opts for eggs and salad drenched in an extra-virgin olive oil dressing to break the fast. Perlmutter suggests waiting 12 hours or longer between dinner and the next day’s breakfast. “Time-restricted eating”, or intermittent fasting, can have surprising health benefits, helping crank up production of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a powerful initiator for growth of new brain cells, and kick-start autophagy, the body’s method of cleaning out damaged cells, according to the neurologist.
A plant-based chef based in Bruges, Belgium,
A plant-based chef based in Bruges, Belgium, Julie Van den Kerchove switched from a raw, vegan diet to a mainly keto diet, low in carbohydrates, to regain energy after “hitting a wall, experiencing hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies. Before, I would have green smoothies with lots of fruit and leafy greens, but would be ‘hangry’ a few hours later. Now my breakfast consists more of healthy fats and proteins, which helps me stay satisfied and energized until lunchtime. I experience more mental clarity and calmness because my blood sugar is not going up and down,” says Van den Kerchove, a blogger and author of vegan, raw-food and keto cookbooks.
A typical breakfast for her now is a chia seed pudding with a nut or coconut milk, berries, nuts and seeds with a protein powder and stevia, which is easy to prepare in advance, or a warm porridge with hemp seeds, nut butter, chia seeds and almond, hemp or coconut milk, which is high in fiber and healthy fats. “If I feel like [having] something savory, I’ll have seed crackers topped with avocado and eggs or a Mediterranean omelet,” she adds.
, a professor of nutrition at Simmons University and adjunct professor at Harvard University, both in Boston, cautions about completely cutting carbs from breakfast, however. “Fruits and vegetables are important healthy sources of carbs, essential to get enough fiber to maintain healthy gut microbiome and feed the good bacteria in your GI tract,” says Fung, who is an associate editor for Teresa Fung , a professor of nutrition at Simmons University and adjunct professor at Harvard University, both in Boston, cautions about completely cutting carbs from breakfast, however. “Fruits and vegetables are important healthy sources of carbs, essential to get enough fiber to maintain healthy gut microbiome and feed the good bacteria in your GI tract,” says Fung, who is an associate editor for The Journal of Nutrition . “Optimal morning fuel will include a good dose of protein, vitamins and minerals, fiber, antioxidants and some heart-healthy fats. It will also include a healthy source of carbs that your body can use as energy, leaving proteins to be used for protein synthesis,” says Fung, suggesting a simple, but hearty breakfast of high-fiber oatmeal or yogurt with nuts and fruit.
Like Perlmutter, Fung stresses the importance of eating during daylight hours when certain enzymes are activated. “Our bodies react to daylight even when our eyes are still closed. Eating should match up with our biological clocks, as we are daytime animals, using most of our energy in the day,” she says.
Fung notes Americans that tend to make breakfast the smallest meal of the day and dinner the largest need to better balance meal sizes rather than load up on calories late in the day.
These experts agree on the need to tune into the body’s signals for hunger and satiety, not just eating breakfast on an autopilot schedule. “If I’ve eaten a huge holiday dinner the night before, I may skip my morning meal. I’m a huge proponent in being flexible and listening to your body,” says Van den Kerchove.


naturalawakeningsmagazine--2020-09-22--Cancer-Free Pets: Five Ways to Help Keep Them Healthy

Don ’ t allow a dog or cat to become overweight .
Studies show that restricting the number of calories an animal eats prevents and/or delays the progression of tumor development across species .
Fewer calories cause the cells of the body to block tumor growth , whereas too many calories can lead to obesity , which is closely linked to increased cancer risk in humans .
There ’ s a connection between too much glucose , increased insulin sensitivity , inflammation and oxidative stress , all factors in obesity and cancer .
It ’ s important to remember that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pet ’ s body harmlessly—it produces inflammation that can promote tumor development .
Feed an anti-inflammatory diet .
Anything that creates or promotes inflammation in the body increases the risk for cancer .
Current research suggests cancer is actually a chronic inflammatory disease fueled by carbohydrates .
The inflammatory process creates an environment in which abnormal cells proliferate .
Cancer cells require the glucose in carbohydrates to grow and multiply , so work to eliminate this cancer energy source .
Carbs to remove from a pet ’ s diet include processed grains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like potatoes .
Keep in mind that all dry pet food ( “ fast food ” ) contains some form of potentially carcinogenic , highly processed starch .
It may be grain-free , but it can ’ t be starch-free because it ’ s not possible to manufacture kibble without using some type of starch .
The correlation between consuming fast foods and cancer has been established in humans , so it ’ s wise to incorporate as much fresh , unprocessed food into an entire family ’ s diet as can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t use dietary fats for energy , so high amounts of good-quality fats are nutritionally beneficial for dogs fighting cancer , along with a reduced amount of protein and no carbs—basically a ketogenic diet .
A healthy diet for a pet is one that ’ s anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer , and consists of real , preferably raw , whole foods .
It should include high-quality protein , including muscle meat , organs and bones .
It should also include high amounts of animal fat , high levels of EPA and DHA ( omega-3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , low-glycemic veggies .
This species-appropriate diet is high in moisture content and contains no grains or starches .
Also make sure the diet is balanced following ancestral diet recommendations , which have much more rigorous standards ( higher amounts of minerals and vitamins ) than the current dietary recommendations for pets .
A few beneficial supplements like probiotics , medicinal mushrooms , digestive enzymes and super green foods can also be very beneficial to enhance immune function .
Reduce or eliminate a pet ’ s exposure to toxins and minimize chronic stress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tick preventives , lawn chemicals linked to cancer ( weed killers , herbicides , etc . )
, tobacco smoke , flame retardants , household cleaners and air-scenting products like candles and plug-ins .
Because we live in a toxic world and avoiding all chemical exposure is nearly impossible , a periodic detoxification protocol can also benefit a pet .
Research points to the benefits of identifying and removing sources of chronic stress in an animal ’ s life .
Focusing on providing environmental enrichment and opportunities for dogs to just be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) on a daily basis is important in keeping them happy and healthy .
For dogs , especially a large or giant breed , hold off neutering or spaying until the age of 18 months to 2 years .
Studies have linked spaying and neutering to increasing cancer rates in dogs .
Even better , investigate alternative ways to sterilize a pet without upsetting their important hormone balance .
Refuse unnecessary vaccinations .
Vaccine protocols should be tailored to minimize risk and maximize protection , taking into account the breed , background , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pet .
Vaccines may cause cancer , and titer testing is a responsible way to ensure a pet has adequate immunity in place of over-vaccinating on an annual basis .
Dogs and cats can develop cancer almost anywhere in the body , which is why the symptoms vary depending on the tissues and organs involved and the severity of the disease .
Make an appointment with a veterinarian if a pet displays any of these warning signs of cancer .
Dogs and cats can develop cancer almost anywhere in the body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depending on the tissues and organs involved and the severity of the disease .
Make an appointment with a veterinarian if a pet displays any of these warning signs of cancer .
1 .
Unusual swellings that don ’ t go away or that grow .
The best way to discover lumps , bumps or swelling on a dog or cat is to pet them .
2 .
Sores that won ’ t heal .
Non-healing sores can be a sign of infection or cancer and should be evaluated by a veterinarian .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the reason a pet is losing weight when it isn ’ t on a diet .
4 .
Loss of appetite .
Reluctance or refusal to eat is a sign of possible illness .
5 .
Bleeding or discharge .
Bleeding can occur for a number of reasons , most of which signal a problem .
Unexplained vomiting and diarrhea are considered abnormal discharges , as well .
6 .
Offensive smell .
An unpleasant odor is a common sign of tumors of the anus , mouth or nose .
7 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a common sign of cancers of the mouth or neck .
8 .
Reluctance to exercise or low energy level .
This is often one of the first signs that a pet is not feeling well .
9 .
Persistent lameness .
There can be many causes of lameness , including nerve , muscle or bone cancer .
10 .
Difficulty breathing , urinating or defecating .
These symptoms should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible .
Many of these symptoms also occur with other disorders and diseases , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these signs needs prompt veterinary attention .

Veterinarians are seeing cancer in more and younger pets these days than ever before. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association , approximately one in four dogs will develop cancer at some point in life, including almost half of dogs over the age of 10. But taking practical steps can help lower a pet’s risk.
Don’t allow a dog or cat to become overweight. Studies show that restricting the number of calories an animal eats prevents and/or delays the progression of tumor development across species. Fewer calories cause the cells of the body to block tumor growth, whereas too many calories can lead to obesity, which is closely linked to increased cancer risk in humans.
There’s a connection between too much glucose, increased insulin sensitivity, inflammation and oxidative stress, all factors in obesity and cancer. It’s important to remember that fat doesn’t just sit in a pet’s body harmlessly—it produces inflammation that can promote tumor development.
Feed an anti-inflammatory diet. Anything that creates or promotes inflammation in the body increases the risk for cancer. Current research suggests cancer is actually a chronic inflammatory disease fueled by carbohydrates. The inflammatory process creates an environment in which abnormal cells proliferate.
Cancer cells require the glucose in carbohydrates to grow and multiply, so work to eliminate this cancer energy source. Carbs to remove from a pet’s diet include processed grains, fruits with fructose and starchy vegetables like potatoes.
Keep in mind that all dry pet food (“fast food”) contains some form of potentially carcinogenic, highly processed starch. It may be grain-free, but it can’t be starch-free because it’s not possible to manufacture kibble without using some type of starch. The correlation between consuming fast foods and cancer has been established in humans, so it’s wise to incorporate as much fresh, unprocessed food into an entire family’s diet as can be afforded.
Cancer cells generally can’t use dietary fats for energy, so high amounts of good-quality fats are nutritionally beneficial for dogs fighting cancer, along with a reduced amount of protein and no carbs—basically a ketogenic diet.
A healthy diet for a pet is one that’s anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer, and consists of real, preferably raw, whole foods. It should include high-quality protein, including muscle meat, organs and bones. It should also include high amounts of animal fat, high levels of EPA and DHA (omega-3 fatty acids) and a few fresh-cut, low-glycemic veggies. This species-appropriate diet is high in moisture content and contains no grains or starches.
Also make sure the diet is balanced following ancestral diet recommendations, which have much more rigorous standards (higher amounts of minerals and vitamins) than the current dietary recommendations for pets. A few beneficial supplements like probiotics, medicinal mushrooms, digestive enzymes and super green foods can also be very beneficial to enhance immune function.
Reduce or eliminate a pet’s exposure to toxins and minimize chronic stress. These include chemical pesticides like flea and tick preventives, lawn chemicals linked to cancer (weed killers, herbicides, etc.), tobacco smoke, flame retardants, household cleaners and air-scenting products like candles and plug-ins. Because we live in a toxic world and avoiding all chemical exposure is nearly impossible, a periodic detoxification protocol can also benefit a pet.
Research points to the benefits of identifying and removing sources of chronic stress in an animal’s life. Focusing on providing environmental enrichment and opportunities for dogs to just be dogs (play, sniff and run) on a daily basis is important in keeping them happy and healthy.
For dogs, especially a large or giant breed, hold off neutering or spaying until the age of 18 months to 2 years. Studies have linked spaying and neutering to increasing cancer rates in dogs. Even better, investigate alternative ways to sterilize a pet without upsetting their important hormone balance.
Refuse unnecessary vaccinations. Vaccine protocols should be tailored to minimize risk and maximize protection, taking into account the breed, background, nutritional status, lifestyle and overall vitality of the pet. Vaccines may cause cancer, and titer testing is a responsible way to ensure a pet has adequate immunity in place of over-vaccinating on an annual basis.
Karen Shaw Becker, DVM, a proactive and integrative veterinarian in the Chicago area, consults internationally and writes Mercola Healthy Pets.


naturalawakeningsmagazine--2020-09-14--Wishful Recycling: What Not to Put in the Bin

For those that have been putting recyclables in a plastic bag and placing it in a curbside bin , it ’ s likely going straight into a landfill .
That bowling ball , those yard clippings and dirty pizza boxes are contaminating the recycling stream and increasing the cost of recycling programs nationwide at a particularly challenging time amidst the COVID-19 pandemic .
The continuing rise in contaminated items is known in the biz as “ wishful recycling ” .
The current crisis is only making it worse .
In some places , recycling itself is becoming wishful .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local tax revenues have dropped sharply , forcing municipalities to slash budgets .
Many small towns and a few big cities have stopped recycling programs altogether .
Others have cut back on what they will accept or substituted drop-off bins for curbside pickup .
States are pulling back from encouraging bottle-deposit returns .
The plastic masks , gloves and wipes mistakenly tossed into recycle bins are endangering waste workers that must remove them .
With the coronavirus shown to cling to plastic for three days , many workers around the country have become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waste is mounting .
Consumers are now having groceries delivered , picking them up or ordering them online , adding hundreds of millions more plastic bags and cardboard boxes to the waste stream .
The Solid Waste Association of North America estimates that U.S. cities saw a 20 percent average increase in municipal solid waste and recycling collection in March and part of April .
And because China stopped accepting 99 percent of the world ’ s recyclables two years ago , recycling operations are struggling for disposal locations .
“ There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waste than they did before , but there is also an opportunity to focus on waste prevention , increase your reuse and recycling efforts , and use food more efficiently , ” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advises .
“ Now is a great time to focus on waste prevention where possible , and when recycling , keep the materials as clean and dry as possible.
” The Washington State nonprofit Sustainable Connections estimates that 25 percent of what goes into recycling containers is not recyclable .
“ Contamination significantly increases the cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for processors to market their products , creating a huge economic challenge , ” according to Sustainable Connections .
“ We rely on the private sector to take away our waste , and they need to be able to turn a profit in order to run a viable business.
” Unfortunately , “ Across the country and within Florida , we are seeing a growing trend on contamination in recycling , ” says Travis Barnes , recycling coordinator of Florida ’ s Hillsborough County , which includes Tampa .
The worst offenders , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t sufficiently clean out mayonnaise or ketchup containers , as well as put plastic bags in the recycling bin that can become entangled in multimillion-dollar equipment , bringing the entire sorting process to a halt .
“ The public demands curbside recycling , ” Barnes says .
“ It is highly ranked as something the public wants , ” but people also need to be more aware to make the system more efficient .
Even with the current challenges , environmentalists see recycling as a key strategy for a planet sinking under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this new reality together , consumers whose circumstances allow for it should begin to reshape how they think about plastic pollution , ” advises the World Economic Forum .
“ It ’ s a real and present crisis we can stop in its tracks right now—if we make choices that lead to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
” Here is a list of broadly accepted common rules for recyclables from Currents : Navigating Society & Sea , a blog of the University of Washington School of Marine and Environmental Affairs , Pizza @ @ @ @ @ @ @ containers are contaminated with greasy food residue .
Single-use coffee cups and lids ?
Many coffee shops use compostable cups that go in the compost bin or garbage .
Recycle the lid .
Plastic grocery bags ?
No , not in residential recycling , but they can be returned to the store in most cases .
Soup cans and other steel cans ?
Definitely , but remove the lid first and rinse the cans .
Milk and juice cartons ?
Yes .
Leave the spouts , but toss the caps .
Rinse the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid confusion during sorting .
Styrofoam ?
No .
Styrofoam is not accepted for residential recycling .

For those that have been putting recyclables in a plastic bag and placing it in a curbside bin, it’s likely going straight into a landfill. That bowling ball, those yard clippings and dirty pizza boxes are contaminating the recycling stream and increasing the cost of recycling programs nationwide at a particularly challenging time amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The continuing rise in contaminated items is known in the biz as “wishful recycling”. The current crisis is only making it worse. In some places, recycling itself is becoming wishful.
As stores and restaurants struggle to survive, local tax revenues have dropped sharply, forcing municipalities to slash budgets. Many small towns and a few big cities have stopped recycling programs altogether. Others have cut back on what they will accept or substituted drop-off bins for curbside pickup. States are pulling back from encouraging bottle-deposit returns. The plastic masks, gloves and wipes mistakenly tossed into recycle bins are endangering waste workers that must remove them. With the coronavirus shown to cling to plastic for three days, many workers around the country have become ill from such exposure.
Meanwhile, waste is mounting. Consumers are now having groceries delivered, picking them up or ordering them online, adding hundreds of millions more plastic bags and cardboard boxes to the waste stream. The Solid Waste Association of North America estimates that U.S. cities saw a 20 percent average increase in municipal solid waste and recycling collection in March and part of April. And because China stopped accepting 99 percent of the world’s recyclables two years ago, recycling operations are struggling for disposal locations.
“There is the potential for households to generate more waste than they did before, but there is also an opportunity to focus on waste prevention, increase your reuse and recycling efforts, and use food more efficiently,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advises . “Now is a great time to focus on waste prevention where possible, and when recycling, keep the materials as clean and dry as possible.”
To be more conscious about recycling habits, “Instead of, ‘When in doubt, throw it in,’ it should be, ‘When in doubt, throw it out,’” says David Keeling, president of the National Recycling Coalition
The Washington State nonprofit Sustainable Connections estimates that 25 percent of what goes into recycling containers is not recyclable. “Contamination significantly increases the cost to process recyclables and makes it harder for processors to market their products, creating a huge economic challenge,” according to Sustainable Connections . “We rely on the private sector to take away our waste, and they need to be able to turn a profit in order to run a viable business.”
Unfortunately, “Across the country and within Florida, we are seeing a growing trend on contamination in recycling,” says Travis Barnes, recycling coordinator of Florida’s Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa. The worst offenders, he says, are people that don’t sufficiently clean out mayonnaise or ketchup containers, as well as put plastic bags in the recycling bin that can become entangled in multimillion-dollar equipment, bringing the entire sorting process to a halt.
Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine: Sorting Out the Recycling System, says there’s a lot of confusion on what to put in the bin. She points to Michigan, which aims for 30 percent recycling by 2025 and created videos featuring “
Beth Porter , climate campaigns director for the nonprofit Green America and author of, says there’s a lot of confusion on what to put in the bin. She points to Michigan, which aims for 30 percent recycling by 2025 and created videos featuring “ Recycling Raccoons ” that offer instructions on proper sorting. In Washington, D.C., says Porter, “Workers peek in recycling bins and can tag the bin with some specific info telling you not to throw in plastic bags and contaminated stuff,” lowering contamination rates by 30 percent.
“The public demands curbside recycling,” Barnes says. “It is highly ranked as something the public wants,” but people also need to be more aware to make the system more efficient.
Even with the current challenges, environmentalists see recycling as a key strategy for a planet sinking under plastic waste. “As we navigate this new reality together, consumers whose circumstances allow for it should begin to reshape how they think about plastic pollution,” advises the World Economic Forum . “It’s a real and present crisis we can stop in its tracks right now—if we make choices that lead to a cleaner and more sustainable future.”
Yvette C. Hammett is an environmental writer based in Valrico, Florida. Connect at [email protected].


naturalawakeningsmagazine--2020-09-22--Coronavirus as a Calling

Coronavirus as a Calling

Not to diminish the fact that we ’ re dealing with a serious and worldwide epidemiological threat , the pandemic can be transmuted into golden opportunities , especially if we follow the sometimes blind spiritual instinct that tells us this crisis—indeed each of our individual lives—has purpose and meaning , and that we need to act on this impulse despite the temptation to back down and run for cover .
Here are four ways to respond to the call of these turbulent times : Use it as a reset .
For months , it has been impossible to conduct busyness-as-usual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unaccustomed time on our hands .
But like the asteroid that ushered out the dinosaurs and gave the mammals underfoot a shot at prominence , once the thunder lizards of everyday busyness and distraction are sidelined , parts of us that are normally overshadowed may be given an entrance cue—not just projects we ’ ve back-burnered in deference to the daily grind , but deeper thoughts and feelings about our priorities , the status quo , work/life ( im ) balance or our inner life .
The better part of valor and wisdom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can I learn here ?
” rather than , “ How can I overcome this ?
” Consider it a powerful meditation .
Meditation teachers tell us that distractions aren ’ t obstacles , they are the meditation , so that we say to ourselves , “ Ah , the dog-bark meditation , ” or “ Ah , the weed-whacker meditation.
” The same with the coronavirus .
Approach it not just as a distraction from our goals and how it can block our intentions , but as a vehicle of meditation itself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants to emerge and what do we truly know ?
Appreciate it as connective tissue in society .
We ’ re seeing firsthand how our individual actions can affect those around us , for better and for worse , and that we depend on one another for survival .
Washing our hands and sheltering in place are acts of both self-care and community care .
In the weeks following 9/11 when the fiction of our invulnerability was so shockingly revealed , many of us began holding doors open for strangers , spending more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and listening more .
Life ’ s fragility , our fragility , woke us up to our need for each other .
Now that social isolation is suddenly forced on us , it reminds us how precious those connections are .
Approach it as a reminder of mortality .
The pandemic is a perfect opportunity to practice the fine and fearsome art of non-attachment , because life will ultimately ask us to surrender everything .
“ We all owe God a death , ” Shakespeare wrote .
We can use this time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to best use our precious nick of time .
When we strip ourselves of any illusions of immortality , we are thus free to live our lives to the fullest .

Not to diminish the fact that we’re dealing with a serious and worldwide epidemiological threat, the pandemic can be transmuted into golden opportunities, especially if we follow the sometimes blind spiritual instinct that tells us this crisis—indeed each of our individual lives—has purpose and meaning, and that we need to act on this impulse despite the temptation to back down and run for cover. Here are four ways to respond to the call of these turbulent times:
Use it as a reset. For months, it has been impossible to conduct busyness-as-usual, and we may be left with unaccustomed time on our hands. But like the asteroid that ushered out the dinosaurs and gave the mammals underfoot a shot at prominence, once the thunder lizards of everyday busyness and distraction are sidelined, parts of us that are normally overshadowed may be given an entrance cue—not just projects we’ve back-burnered in deference to the daily grind, but deeper thoughts and feelings about our priorities, the status quo, work/life (im)balance or our inner life. The better part of valor and wisdom may lie in asking, “What can I learn here?” rather than, “How can I overcome this?”
Consider it a powerful meditation. Meditation teachers tell us that distractions aren’t obstacles, they are the meditation, so that we say to ourselves, “Ah, the dog-bark meditation,” or “Ah, the weed-whacker meditation.” The same with the coronavirus. Approach it not just as a distraction from our goals and how it can block our intentions, but as a vehicle of meditation itself: How do we feel, what wants to emerge and what do we truly know?
Appreciate it as connective tissue in society. We’re seeing firsthand how our individual actions can affect those around us, for better and for worse, and that we depend on one another for survival. Washing our hands and sheltering in place are acts of both self-care and community care. In the weeks following 9/11 when the fiction of our invulnerability was so shockingly revealed, many of us began holding doors open for strangers, spending more time with our kids, honking less and listening more. Life’s fragility, our fragility, woke us up to our need for each other. Now that social isolation is suddenly forced on us, it reminds us how precious those connections are.
Approach it as a reminder of mortality. The pandemic is a perfect opportunity to practice the fine and fearsome art of non-attachment, because life will ultimately ask us to surrender everything. “We all owe God a death,” Shakespeare wrote. We can use this time to clarify what’s important and how to best use our precious nick of time. When we strip ourselves of any illusions of immortality, we are thus free to live our lives to the fullest.


naturalawakeningsmagazine--2020-09-17--Tai Chi and Qigong: Life Force in Motion

The flowing movement of tai chi mirrors the serenity of water , but still waters run deep .
This ancient practice of gentle meditative movement is an offshoot of Chinese martial arts that offers a spectrum of surprising benefits , including healthier soft tissues and bones , as well as improved sleeping .
According to Harvard Health Publishing , when practiced consistently , tai chi supports both upper and lower body strength with effects that are akin to resistance training and brisk walking .
Tai chi helps to fine-tune neurons of the inner ear and encourages muscle and ligament flexibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falls .
The practice is highly adaptable and anyone can benefit , even those that are wheelchair-bound or recovering from surgery .
“ It appears effortless , with slow and smooth movements , but there is immense power underneath the tranquility , ” says Paul Lam , family physician and director of the Tai Chi for Health Institute , in Sydney , Australia .
“ Tai chi has been shown by over 500 medical studies to benefit almost all aspects of health , including mobility , immunity and heart and lung function.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including lower blood pressure , less arthritis pain and stress relief .
While tai chi is a modified martial art with a focus on form , its close relative , qigong , is a mind-body wellness system that uses breath , simple movement and stillness .
Both cultivate qi , or life force , that is believed to permeate all natural existence .
The concept of qi , yet to be understood scientifically , is the basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the focus of many studies in China and elsewhere .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and around the body .
If we are healthy , the qi will be moving smoothly and abundantly .
If we are not healthy , the qi may be stagnant , excessive or deficient , ” says qigong instructor and acupuncturist Jeffrey Chand , in British Columbia , Canada .
Lee Holden , a qigong master teacher at the Holden QiGong Center , in Santa Cruz , California , emphasizes the consequence of being in perpetual “ fight-or-flight ” mode from everyday , nonthreatening life stresses .
“ The waves crashing to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mountain , demonstrate nature ’ s boundless energy .
We , as human beings , have cut ourselves off from that source of energy .
Through qigong practice , we plug back into that natural energy reserve and circulate it through our minds and bodies .
Stress , like a kink in the hose , causes a stagnation of qi .
Relaxation , like unwinding the kink , gets the qi to flow.
” Tai chi and qigong lower the stress hormone cortisol , improve brain function and have been shown to decrease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approaches are part of many addiction recovery programs to help nourish mind-body connections for better managing stress .
“ In my view , both qigong and tai chi are wonderful exercises for the nervous system , which during practice , undergoes intense moment-to-moment receiving , processing and sending of neural electrical information .
This electricity stimulates cells to absorb oxygen and nutrients and expel waste products , and it beneficially helps arrange material within cells , ” says Chuckrow .
In essence , it ’ s all about encouraging calm , something we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ superbly .
“ It empowers individuals to help themselves .
The more stress management tools we have to help ourselves , the better our overall health and quality of life is .
”

The flowing movement of tai chi mirrors the serenity of water, but still waters run deep. This ancient practice of gentle meditative movement is an offshoot of Chinese martial arts that offers a spectrum of surprising benefits, including healthier soft tissues and bones, as well as improved sleeping.
According to Harvard Health Publishing , when practiced consistently, tai chi supports both upper and lower body strength with effects that are akin to resistance training and brisk walking. Tai chi helps to fine-tune neurons of the inner ear and encourages muscle and ligament flexibility, resulting in better balance and fewer falls. The practice is highly adaptable and anyone can benefit, even those that are wheelchair-bound or recovering from surgery.
“It appears effortless, with slow and smooth movements, but there is immense power underneath the tranquility,” says Paul Lam , family physician and director of the Tai Chi for Health Institute , in Sydney, Australia. “Tai chi has been shown by over 500 medical studies to benefit almost all aspects of health, including mobility, immunity and heart and lung function.” Lam also highlights other related benefits, including lower blood pressure, less arthritis pain and stress relief.
Research published last year in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine shows that 12 weeks of tai chi practice initiated beneficial changes in the immune system with subsequent improvement of lung function in children ages 6 to 12 with asthma.
A River of Energy
While tai chi is a modified martial art with a focus on form, its close relative, qigong, is a mind-body wellness system that uses breath, simple movement and stillness. Both cultivate qi, or life force, that is believed to permeate all natural existence. The concept of qi, yet to be understood scientifically, is the basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the focus of many studies in China and elsewhere.
“It is believed that qi flows throughout and around the body. If we are healthy, the qi will be moving smoothly and abundantly. If we are not healthy, the qi may be stagnant, excessive or deficient,” says qigong instructor and acupuncturist Jeffrey Chand , in British Columbia, Canada.
Tai Chi Dynamics and The Tai Chi Book, explains, “When muscles are tensed, qi is inhibited. Instead, when muscles are relaxed and the body is open and moves naturally, qi is enhanced. Such cultivation of qi is the main component of qigong. Tai chi actually includes qigong.” Chuckrow currently has two students that are 100 years old and notes that seniors greatly appreciate and benefit from these arts once they experience the connection between mind and body.
Robert Chuckrow , a retired physics professor in Ossining, New York, and the author ofand, explains, “When muscles are tensed, qi is inhibited. Instead, when muscles are relaxed and the body is open and moves naturally, qi is enhanced. Such cultivation of qi is the main component of qigong. Tai chi actually includes qigong.” Chuckrow currently has two students that are 100 years old and notes that seniors greatly appreciate and benefit from these arts once they experience the connection between mind and body.
Lee Holden, a qigong master teacher at the Holden QiGong Center , in Santa Cruz, California, emphasizes the consequence of being in perpetual “fight-or-flight” mode from everyday, nonthreatening life stresses. “The waves crashing to the shore, the river flowing down the mountain, demonstrate nature’s boundless energy. We, as human beings, have cut ourselves off from that source of energy. Through qigong practice, we plug back into that natural energy reserve and circulate it through our minds and bodies. Stress, like a kink in the hose, causes a stagnation of qi. Relaxation, like unwinding the kink, gets the qi to flow.”
Nourishing the Nervous System
Tai chi and qigong lower the stress hormone cortisol, improve brain function and have been shown to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression. Both approaches are part of many addiction recovery programs to help nourish mind-body connections for better managing stress.
“In my view, both qigong and tai chi are wonderful exercises for the nervous system, which during practice, undergoes intense moment-to-moment receiving, processing and sending of neural electrical information. This electricity stimulates cells to absorb oxygen and nutrients and expel waste products, and it beneficially helps arrange material within cells,” says Chuckrow.
In essence, it’s all about encouraging calm, something we all need. Chand summarizes its benefits superbly. “It empowers individuals to help themselves. The more stress management tools we have to help ourselves, the better our overall health and quality of life is.”
Marlaina Donato is a body-mind-spirit author and visionary composer.
Helpful Links
Communi Qi is an online video library of qigong practices offered temporarily on a complimentary basis “to help people thrive through this challenging time,” says Jeffrey Chand.