What is the healthiest beverage you can drink? Fruit juice? Milk? Sports drinks? Herbal tea? It may come as a surprise to you, but one of the healthiest beverages is coconut water. Most people respond to this statement with, “what the heck is coconut water?”

You’ve been to the grocery store, picked up a coconut, and shaken it, right? The sloshing sound you hear inside is coconut water. Contrary to popular belief, this liquid is not coconut milk. Coconut milk is made by crushing and squeezing the liquid from coconut meat. What you get is a thick, creamy, white fluid that looks much like dairy milk. Coconut water, on the other hand, looks pretty much like ordinary water, although it may be slightly opaque. The two are completely different in taste, texture, nutrient content, and health benefits. Coconut water is sometimes referred to as coconut juice and is consumed just like any other fruit juice.

Coconut water has a slightly sweet, somewhat nutty taste. Surprisingly, it doesn’t taste like coconut. It has a flavor all its own. Coconut water has long been the most popular beverage consumed in the tropics where it is considered not only a refreshing drink but a health tonic. Coconut water is a superfood filled with minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, and growth factors. It is low in fat and has only a fifth of the sugar found in most fresh fruit juices.

Its unique combination of nutrients gives it incredible health-promoting properties. Coconut water has a normalizing effect and gives the body a boost of energy so that it can overcome a number of health-related conditions. It is effective in relieving dehydration, fatigue, constipation, and other digestive disturbances, kidney and bladder disorders, and vision problems such as glaucoma and cataract. It is reported to turn back time, so to speak, by reversing or slowing down the aging process. Coconut water also has an alkalizing effect on the body, helping to counteract or balance the effects of acidifying foods which are so common in our diets. Research shows that coconut water can improve blood circulation, lower elevated blood pressure, and reduce risk of heart attacks and strokes. Studies have been so impressive that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States has approved coconut water to carry the claim that it “may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.”

One of the most remarkable characteristics of coconut water is its chemical profile and mineral content. The primary minerals or electrolytes in coconut water are essentially the same as those found in human blood. For this reason, doctors have used it as an intravenous fluid for rehydration, pumping it directly into the patient’s bloodstream. Numerous studies dating back over 60 years document the successful use of intravenous coconut water in the treatment of malnutrition and dehydration.

Since coconut water has a pleasant taste, it has also found use as an effective oral rehydration beverage. Doctors have found it to be highly useful in fighting dehydrating diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and influenza, where it has saved the lives of thousands of children in underdeveloped parts of the world.

Coconut water’s similarity to body fluids and its usefulness as an intravenous and oral rehydration fluid has spurred interest in the sports community. With properties which are in many ways superior to commercial sports drinks, coconut water is now becoming popular as a natural rehydration beverage among athletes. In fact, it is popularly known as “Nature”s Gatorade.

Coconut water is available at most good health food stores and, as its popularity continues to grow, is finding its way into many grocery stores. It comes packaged in easy-to-carry cans, bottles, and tetra paks. Tetra paks are the most convenient because you don’t have to worry about them breaking. You can take them with you anywhere, even when you work out, go camping or hiking, or go to the football game. If you freeze them beforehand, they will stay cold for hours, providing you will a cool, refreshing drink later in the day.

You can also get coconut water straight from a fresh coconut. You want to make sure you get a “young” coconut. Young coconuts are those that have not fully matured. The water in the mature brown, hairy coconuts you see in the grocery store is too old and tastes much different. Whole young coconuts are also sold in health food stores. They look different from the mature brown coconuts. When a coconut is harvested from the tree it is covered in a thick fibrous husk. The husk is usually removed before being shipped to market, so you never see the husk, just the brown shell. Young coconuts, however, have only a portion of the husk cut off, leaving about an inch covering the shell. The husk is white and often shaped like a large toy top, with a point on one end and flat on the other. They are perishable, so you will find them in the refrigerated section of the store.

Dr. Bruce Fife is a certified nutritionist and naturopathic physician. He is considered the world’s leading authority on the health aspects of coconut and related products. He is the author of 20 books including Coconut Water for Health and Healing and serves as the director of the Coconut Research Center, www.coconutresearchcenter.org.

With benefits ranging from detoxification to weight loss and beautifying your skin, health enthusiasts are flocking to local spas or installing saunas of their own.

The concept of infrared light is hardly new.

In 1800, William Herschel discovered infrared light after studying the temperatures of different colors of light.[1] Since the 1960’s, astronomers have studied infrared astronomy and in 1983, NASA (yes, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration!), began researching uses of infrared technology for the special needs of space travel.[2]

The first primitive sauna (dry heat), was built in Finland around 2000 years ago as part of a healing regime for mind and body.[3] Moving into modern times, it’s the far infrared sauna that has captured the attention of those of us who believe in natural health.

Far infrared light is the safe band of light that creates heat from the sun. Undetectable to your eyes, far infrared light penetrates into your tissues, providing heat and encouraging the transfer of water across cellular membranes.[4] This promotes hydration and enhances blood flow, benefiting many biological functions.

While far infrared saunas are an excellent way to detoxify your body and boost immunity.

A great client of mine sent me an email today, I thought it would be nice to share this inspirational, and slight funny quote with you.

Quote for  the day: ‘Whatever you give a woman, she’s going to multiply. If you give her a  house, she’ll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she’ll give you a  meal. If you give her a smile, she’ll give you her heart. She multiplies and  enlarges what is given to her.’ So – if you give her crap, you will receive more  shit than any one human being can handle.”

Many of you have heard the Evercleanse commercials on your radio and many of you have asked us about the system. So we looked into it for you and can say it is not a trustworthy product to buy.

The Evercleanse site is not professionally designed, they market through radio infomercials to sell their products online and via the phone. We tried to find information on their herbal complexes and what the ingredients are, but we haven’t been able to find it.

Given the high costs and lack of information, we don’t recommend buying this product. Another reason we feel this way is the lack of being able to monit0r their customers while taking the cleansing products.

We endorse the Arise and Shine Cleanse and recommend the 7 and 30 day programs based on their cleansing needs. We are happy to design a custom nutritional detox/cleansing program for all our clients at our Palos Verdes or Santa Monica location. This insures the client’s success. All our clients are closely monitored while cleansing.

Taken from the Body Ecology site (Donna Gates)

Please consider these three questions carefully:

1. Do you often feel you lack the energy you should have?

2. Do you experience gas, bloating and/or feeling tired after eating?

3. Do you have trouble digesting some vegetables, dairy or meats?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may very likely be lacking in the enzymes needed for proper digestion. Enzyme deficiency is very common but also more dangerous than most people realize, because improper digestion can lower your immunity ad harm your health.

The Body Ecology system of health and healing focuses on improving digestion; one of our most important recommendations to do so is to take digestive enzymes.

Why You Need Enzymes

Stress, antibiotics and other drugs, or a diet high in processed foods can diminish the enzymes in your stomach necessary for proper digestion. Even improper food combining – for example, eating starches and proteins in the same meal — can dampen your natural “digestive fire.”

Over time, improper digestion harms your inner ecosystem and your immunity. A healthy inner ecosystem is made up of the friendly microflora (good bacteria) that reside in our intestines and keep us healthy and strong.

When you eat, you could be breaking food down, but not digesting it. Improper digestion can lead to food remaining in the digestive tract longer than it should. When this happens, it starts to ferment in your body, producing sugars that feed yeast and other pathogens. This causes further damage to your digestion and lowers your immunity, along with keeping your body from absorbing all the nutrients in your food.

For thousands of years, a form of hygiene known as Ear Candling, was used as a way of naturally cleansing the inside of the ears and head.

Today, more and more are seeking alternatives to digging in the ears with Q-tips or using a hydrogen peroxide flush to clear blockages in the ear canal.

Ear Candling is a natural, non-intrusive procedure that may help alleviate the painful effects of chronic headaches or sinus conditions, ear infections, allergies or vertigo, as well as minor hearing loss due to excessive earwax build up.

Dry hacking cough
Many coughs are a direct result of a sinus infection. The inner ear and small sinus cavities get blocked with mucus and infection sets in. Ear Candling helps drain and dry out the small, dark places where germs live and multiply.

Sinus headaches
Blockages in the inner ear or sinus cavities can cause pressure to build. Ear Candling can help to open blocked passages.

Tinitus

Ringing in the ears can be a cause of dehydration coupled with wax buildup. Drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces of pure water per day. Then the Ear Candling procedure can help break down the wax.

Itchy ears
This could be caused from an abundance of yeast in the body, creating a situation of Candida (too much sugar in the body). The Candida starting in the intestines and traveling up into the eustashion tube, can get into the sinus and ear canal. Ear Candling helps to dry out these areas.

How does it work?
It is believed as the candle burns, gentle warm smoke is drawn into the ear canal that softens and loosens candida, wax, and other debris through osmosis. This means anything on the other side of the eardrum turns into a gas form to pass through the eardrum membrane. It is then collected into the remaining unburned portion of the candle.

Does Ear Candling Hurt?
Absolutely not! It is a painless, harmless and totally relaxing experience. If it weren’t for the intermittent crackling and hissing sounds – due to burning of the wax and fungus being drawn up the chimney of the candle – you would never know anything is happening.

How Long Does It Take?
The process takes about 45-55 minutes.

Who Should Not Have Ear Candling?
Ear candling should not be done to people who have ear tubes, perforated ear drums or artificial ear drums.

We are proud to offer Dr. Berkowsky’s Skin Brushing System at Transformational Health. Please ask your colon hydrotherapist about this system by itself or as part of a detox program.

Dr. Berkowsky’s Vital Chi Skin-Brushing System™

Vital Chi Skin-Brushing can sustain or reestablish the skin’s functional integrity and youthful glow. The skin is as major an organ as the heart, lungs and kidneys. Its primary functions include: respiration, excretion, blood and lymph circulation, immunity and the conduction of vital chi. However, unlike other vital organs, the skin can be non-invasively accessed and mediate systemic rejuvenation by a variety of therapeutic techniques, including proper skin-brushing. Vital Chi Skin-Brushing is a particularly powerful therapy which can positively impact the entire body.Variations of skin-brushing have been practiced for thousands of years. For many centuries, the Japanese employed vigorous skin-brushing with loofa sponges as a prelude to their traditional hot bath. Prior to bathing (following a hard training session or physical competition) ancient Greek athletes used strigiles: specialized spoon-like skin scrapers to remove the grime of exertion and encourage circulation. Among the Cherokee Indians, skin-brushing with dried corn cobs to enhance skin beauty and durability was once a traditional practice. The Comanche Indians scrubbed their skin using sand from the Texas river bottoms; the Texas Rangers followed their example.

Adolph Just in his Nature-Cure classic: Back To Nature tells that he learned the importance of skin-rubbing by observing wild animals: “Higher land animals, especially wild boars and deer, in free nature, are in the habit of lying down in small muddy swamps and pools and rubbing to and fro in the mud. After awhile they rub themselves against the earth, trees and other objects. The birds go to brooks or springs, and, by immersing their necks, throw water over their bodies…then they rub or scrub the body using their head, bill and wing elbows.”

Among long-lived individuals whose lifestyles reflect an understanding of The Laws of Nature, skin-brushing is almost invariably a primary aspect of their formula for longevity. F.O. Havens in his 1896 publication, The Possibility of Living 200 Years, describes 3 centenarians’ regimens as follows: “The first, for the last 40 years of his life used skin brushes vigorously applied. The second, Old Gabriel (who died March 16, 1890 at an authenticated age exceeding 120 years), induced perspiration by heated smoke and vapor while scraping his body with sticks. The third, now in his 100th year, has for the past 60 years followed this unvarying habit: Before retiring he has used a towel dipped in water at the temperature of the room, then drying by vigorous rubbing.” Havens, after much longevity-research, suggested: “The following directions are adapted to nearly all conditions of life, and if persisted in, will be found sufficient to keep the skin in perfect condition: Before retiring, rub the body vigorously with skin brush, hair glove or rough towel until the blood is brought to the surface. Follow this immediately by a sponge bath with the water at the temperature of the room.”kin’s Vital Functions

FUNCTIONS Of The SKIN

Excretion:
No other organ is more actively engaged in discharging impurities from the body than the skin; it is a close relative of both the lungs and kidneys. Like the lungs, it absorbs oxygen and expels carbon dioxide and water vapor; and, like the kidneys, it excretes organic and saline matter in solution. The entire surface of the skin is impregnated with millions of sweat glands which constitute a vast drainage system whereby the blood, via perspiration, purifies itself of poisonous waste it has collected from the cells.

Blood Circulation:
There are approximately 17 sq. feet of skin surface; when its capillaries are fully dilated, it presents 6-times the capillary surface area of the lungs. This vast blood vessel network is required for: 1) nutrition and oxygenation of skin tissue; 2) regulation of body heat (the blood is cooled when it moves through the surface capillaries); 3) distillation of waste matter from the blood; 4) the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood and atmosphere. The skin’s blood vessel network is as crucial as the heart for normal circulation. The vast storage capacity of the skin’s blood vessels enable them to act as blood reservoirs which release or store blood as needed.

Lymph Circulation:
The lymph vessels transport excess, waste-charged fluid away from the intercellular spaces and return it to the bloodstream. Lymph acts as a go-between medium for the transfer of vital materials from the blood to the cells, and for cellular debris away from the intercellular environment into the blood. Thus, the blood feeds the lymph, and the lymph feeds the cells, making the drainage of intercellular lymph one of the most crucial of all bodily functions. The superficial lymph vessels terminate just below the outer layer of skin and interjoin freely with the deeper lymphatic vessels. Any blockage at the superficial lymphatic level will result in congestion throughout the whole lymphatic system. Skin-brushing is an excellent way to stimulate the activity of the entire lymphatic system.

Bioenergy Conduction:
“Aliveness” derives from the presence of high-vibratory, vital energy within an organism. This energy, or natural force, which fills the universe is referred to in traditional naturopathy and homeopathy as Vital Force and in Chinese medicine as Chi. Hence, I have coined the term Vital Chi.

Vital Chi is the fundamental energy which sustains life and is present in the vibratory, biological processes of every cell. Vital Chi is not synonymous with the metabolically generated energy derived from the oxidation of glucose. Rather, it is the force that animates the metabolic processes which ultimately yield caloric energy. Vital Chi differentiates life from death; it circulates through channels, or meridians, throughout the body. Being an essential matrix for the Vital Chi channels, the skin is a crucial medium for Vital Chi movement. The places at which the various channels and vessels reach the skin’s surface are the “acupoints” used in acupuncture and acupressure. Aside from the Vital Chi which courses through the channels, a superficial portion of Vital Chi (which the Chinese refer to as Wei Chi or Guardian Chi) flows outside the channels in a non-differentiated layer beneath the skin. The Wei Chi serves as a defensive perimeter protecting against environmental influences such as varying weather conditions, pathogenic microorganisms, pollutants, emotional stresses derived from human interaction and other external challenges.

PRIMARY BENEFITS Of VITAL CHI SKIN-BRUSHING

Assists Exfoliation:
The outermost layer of skin cells which serve to protect the underlying skin layers are not living cells, thus, they are continuously shed and replaced via the multiplication and upward movement of living skin cells. Inactive aging skin does not shed dead cells as easily as does youthful skin, so it is susceptible to cellular build-up which accounts, in part, for the dry, thick, leathery-look of older skin. The most obvious mechanical effect of skin-brushing is the detachment of dead skin cells.

Excites Physiological Functions:
Proper skin-brushing supports lymphatic drainage of the skin by: 1) accelerating filtration from the intercellular spaces into the lymph vessels; 2) the emptying of the smaller vessels into the larger lymph vessels; 3) assisting the flow of lymph through the lymph nodes.

Skin-brushing similarly increases venous blood-flow. The veins carry the blood back to the heart. Return blood-flow through the veins is not propelled as much by direct heart action as by muscular contraction and vein constriction. Skin-brushing excites and tonifies the muscles and nerves of the skin, thus, it improves venous circulation. These same mechanical effects directly enhance capillary circulation as evidenced by the skin-flush and feeling of warmth that skin-brushing imparts.

The skin is impregnated with nerve end-fibers which play an indispensable role in nervous system activity. This explains the remarkable relaxing effect, including decreased muscular tension, elicited by skin-brushing. Decreased muscular tension affords better lung capacity, digestion, bowel movements, blood circulation, lymph drainage as well as clearer thinking.

Strengthens the Bioenergy System:
Unimpeded Vital Chi flow is essential to the prevention and cure of disease. Since the Vital Chi meridians course through the skin, they are readily accessible to the ministrations of skin-brushing. When these channels are massaged, the movement of energy along their length is stimulated and the delivery of Vital Chi to their associated organs greatly improved. Proper skin-brushing can also exert a profound influence upon the Wei Chi: the undifferentiated layer of Vital Chi which hovers near the skin’s surface.

Benefits Mature Skin:
Decreased sweat- and oil gland functions are features of aging. The oil secreted by the sebaceous glands coats the surface of the skin and prevents excessive water-loss through evaporation. Proper skin-brushing stimulates both the sweat- and oil glands, and in this way, contributes to the restoration of moist, supple skin. Also, it strengthens the skin pores through which the skin is moisturized and cleansed, and oxygen and CO2 are exchanged. Aging and devitalization of the skin often results in pore-enlargement and flaccidity due to loss of skin tone and depleted Wei Chi.

Promotes Skin Beauty:
Skin-brushing makes a strong impression upon the dermis (the skin layer that contains an abundance of blood and lymph vessels), nerves, glands and elastin and collagen fibers. The dermis provides nutrients and moisture to all the skin layers and lends contour and flexibility. When the dermis ages, its connective tissue fibers reduce, rigidify, lose resilience and even break into pieces, causing the skin’s support muscles to lose tone and volume and the skin to dehydrate and collapse into sags, wrinkles and lines.

Healthy connective tissue and muscles are products of efficient nutrient support and oxygenation, a waste-free milieu, optimal water balance and moderate exercise, all of which are promoted by regular skin-brushing. The gentle stretching of connective tissues, afforded by proper skin-brushing, helps to increase and regenerate the production of collagen and elastin fibers.

Cellulite is a structural disturbance of fat tissue. The fat content of cellulite-containing tissue is normal, but fibrous nodules surrounding the fat cells give affected skin areas their typical orange-peel appearance. Cellulite formation is related, in part, to local vein and lymph congestion. Proper skin-brushing can help to alleviate this condition.

VITAL CHI SKIN-BRUSHING SYSTEM: Guidelines And Technique
(Excerpted from Dr. Berkowsky’s Vital Chi Skin-Brushing System book)

My Vital Chi Skin-Brushing System which required hundreds of hours of research and experimentation to develop, evolved from my training and experience in anatomy and physiology and various bodywork disciplines as well as the Oriental healing arts. I designed this system to support blood- and lymph circulation, the immune system, the movement of Vital Chi along the acupuncture channels, all the major physiological functions of the skin as well as to enhance skin beauty and encourage the breakdown of cellulite. Yet, my system is quick, concise and user-friendly. The following excerpts from my book will provide some insight regarding associated guidelines and technique.

Selected Guidelines

1) Always treat the major lymph gland drainage site of a given body region before brushing said region, thus allowing for more effective regional lymphatic clearance. For instance: Brush armpit (site of axillary nodes which drain chest) before brushing chest.

2) The body should be brushed in a strategic sequential pattern to allow for maximum drainage. For Instance: As the neck and head drains into the venous system in the upper chest, and to a small extent, into the axillary nodes, the chest and armpit regions should be brushed before neck and head regions.

3) Brush-stroke direction always conforms to the route of lymphatic drainage. Example: The chest region drains into the armpit. Hence, the chest on each side is brushed from breastbone to armpit.

Selected Technique

My Vital Chi Skin-Brushing System addresses the entire skin surface (with the exception of the breasts and genitals). The following excerpt from my book focuses on the chest region.

Brush Chest Region (up to, but not including, armpit) as follows:

1) Above Breast (See Picture): Brush 7 times each side of chest from breastbone to armpit.

Note: The two major lymphatic ducts empty into the venous system in the left and right chest just below the collar bone. Puffiness above or below the collarbone is indicative of congestion in these ducts. Reducing lymphatic tension in the chest enhances tissue drainage of the entire body.

2) Below Breast (See Picture): Using upward curving stroke (under breast), brush 7 times on each side from sternum to armpit.

3) Sides of Upper Torso (See Picture): Brush upward 7 times along each side (in line with the armpit), from waist up to armpit.

FOLLOW-UP HYDROTHERAPY

Having studied and practiced classical naturopathy, or Nature-Cure, for 25-years, I have come to appreciate the great value of many of the traditional hydrotherapies and their particular synergy with my Vital Chi Skin-Brushing System. Hence, I instruct that a skin-brushing session should always be followed by an appropriate hydrotherapy. In addition to the Salt-Glow, described below, some of the other hydrotherapies which may prove of good service in this regard include: alternating hot and cold shower; full cold bath; blitz guss; epsom salt bath; cold ablution.
The Salt-Glow is a wonderful circulation-enhancing treatment. In Lectures to Naturopathic Hydrotherapy, Wade Boyle, N.D. and Andre Saine, N.D. list the following indications for salt-glow therapy: “…chronic conditions with inactive skin, including chronic indigestion, kidney disease, diabetes [if there are no skin lesions], sluggish circulation [especially in those who do not react well to hot or cold weather], low vital force, poor resistance, frequent colds, general weakness, neurasthenia, epilepsy, cancer [but not over a palpable tumor], joint problems [especially if followed by oil rub].”

The Salt-Glow

1) Wet a goodly amount of epsom salt (in unbreakable bowl) with sufficient water to create the consistency of wet snow. (Vigorous individuals may wish to opt for moistening the salt with ice water for extra stimulation.) 2) Add a few inches of warm water – 98o F. to 100o F. – to bathtub, then sit in tub and hand-rub or washcloth-rub body thoroughly using this warm water. 3) Stand up in tub (on non-slip mat) and apply moistened salt as follows: a) Begin with each arm, starting with fingers: rub vigorously until skin turns pink, or to-tolerance, whichever occurs first. b) Then, rub each leg similarly, beginning with toes, working up to hips. c) Rub salt into the rest of the body in the following order: chest, abdomen, back, hips and buttocks. 4) Follow with a cool shower spray of 1- to 2-minutes duration, being sure to hand-rub the skin throughout. 5) Finish with vigorous towel-rub by an open window in private area. 6) Rest for at least 1/2-hour to 1-hour before initiating activity.

INTERFACING AROMATHERAPY With
SKIN-BRUSHING And HYDROTHERAPY

I have found that the application of a few drops of the appropriate essential oils can have a profound effect. Bear in mind that the absorption of only a few molecules of an essential oil may be sufficient to elicit both a physiological and emotional response. Homeopathy sets a precedent in this reference; it utilizes medicinal preparations which are essentially matterless. Through serial dilution, an ultramolecular entity is extracted which is an isolate of the original substance’s vital vibratory essence. This non-physical force field is considered to be the active, curative principle contained within this original substance. Biochemic cell salt therapy, a branch of homeopathy, utilizes mineral salts in minute quantities; cell salt tablets contain only a few molecules of the given mineral. In this way, the dose is provided in amounts approximating actual cellular need. Too, microdosing in this manner avoids the side effects associated with macromolecular doses. Similarly, 3 or 4 molecules of the essential components of an aroma oil, taken up by the blood, may not only be sufficient, but best suited (in conjunction with skin-brushing and hydrotherapy) to elicit a cellular response in a given individual. In fact, for hypersensitive individuals, this may be the most judicious course.

Suggested Aromatherapy Protocol To Enhance The Salt-Glow

I learned about using fresh lemon juice as a skin-application by studying the writings of Dr. John T. Richter, a popular naturopath who practiced in the early- to mid-part of the 20th-century. Richter writes in his book, Nature: The Healer: “The morning cold shower or cold water rub-down may be taken without the use of soap, and lemon juice applied over the body with the hands, either before or after washing. The juice will smooth the skin, is a good dirt chaser, disinfectant, and also will act as a mild astringent. Soaps often contain caustics; even those made of vegetable oils have a tendency to dry the skin, but lemon juice has no harmful effects…After shampooing the hair, lemon juice mixed with the last rinsing water will soften both the water and the hair. After the shower or bath, rub your body down with the juice of half a lemon while the skin is still moist. Massage until perfectly dry – otherwise the skin will have a tendency to be somewhat sticky. This massage will dislodge outworn skin. With the slightly astringent effect, you will feel clean and be clean. Only a few minutes are required.”

Base for rub: lemon juice Add to the juice of 1 lemon, 1 to 2 drops of each oil listed below. Add 1 to 2 drops each of the same oils to bath water. Note: As a general rule to avoid potential skin-irritation, do not exceed a total of 7 drops of essential oils in either lemon juice rub or bath water.

Essential Oils, Relevant Properties & Indications

1) carrot seed – body purifier; reduces fluid retention; eases muscular tension; increases red blood cells; stimulates lymphatic system and immune system; supports cardiovascular system; beneficial for arthritis; rheumatism; abscesses; boils; skin ulcers and necrotic tissues.

2) peppermint – reduces muscular soreness, neuralgia, sciatica and arthritis; detoxifies connective tissue and skin; activates lymphatic drainage; supports kidney and cardiovascular functions; warming; soothes aching feet; increases white blood cells; useful in treating: itching, dermatitis, fungal infections, blackheads, colds, fevers, upper respiratory disorders, numbness of limbs.

3) rosemary – general detoxification; cardiovascular tonic; increases arterial and peripheral circulation; aids degenerative tissue; eases fluid retention; beneficial for: muscle pains, cramps, sprains, contractures, arthritis and myalgia; stimulates repair of damaged skin; reduces cellulite; stimulates circulation and metabolism of skin layers; helpful for obesity and varicose veins; counteracts debility and physical exhaustion.

4) thyme – increases excretion function of all glands; supports metabolism and fluid balance; strengthens circulation; increases joint mobility; useful for arthritis, sciatica and rheumatism; reduces swelling; beneficial for sports injuries; respiratory detoxifier.

5) yarrow – relieves sinus congestion and respiratory congestion; vascular tonic; stimulates blood renewal; reduces varicose veins; beneficial for backache and rheumatism; lymphatic stimulant.

Important Notes: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a prescription. Each person is unique and advised to seek the advice of a qualified health-care practitioner to determine relevance in a given case. Never skin-brush during an active metastatic cancer state. All cancer patients are advised to consult an oncologist if considering a skin-brushing regimen.

Probiotics reduce colon cancer risk

Colon cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in American men and women. Although colon cancer is responsible for approximately 56,000 deaths annually, the death rate from this form of cancer has been dropping steadily for the past 20 years. Some researchers speculate that the lowering death rate is due to prevention and early treatment of the disease.

Lactobacillus acidophilus,a probiotic or “friendly” bacteria that inhabits the intestinal tract, may play a role in preventing colon cancer. In order to further examine L. acidophilus strains that may aid in the reduction of colon cancer risk, researchers assessed the potential anticancer properties of L. acidophilus NCFM® in rats.

Groups of rats with chemically-induced colon cancer were fed an experimental diet containing L. acidophilus NCFM for 10 weeks. Upon conclusion of the study, it was shown that cancerous lesions were reduced by 29% and 39% after rats were given a diet that contained 2% and 4% L. acidophilus NCFM, respectively. In addition, researchers concluded that the activity of beta-glucuronidase, a bacterial enzyme whose excess activity is indicated in the development of colon cancer?was also significantly reduced.

According to Dr. C. Rao and colleagues in the International Journal of Oncology, “These findings are significant because as one of the widely used probiotic organisms, NCFM has these inhibiting effects in rats without affecting the body weight, or other signs of toxicity and inflammation.”

While its full potential should be further evaluated, these results suggest that L. acidophilus NCFM may reduce the risk of colon cancer development.

Int J Oncol 1999;14(5):939-44.

Want to learn how to incorporate probiotics and other nutritional supplements into your lifestyle? You can schedule a nutritional counseling session with Jessica Zaccaro in our Santa Monica location by calling our office seven days a week, 310-399-1722.

What is FA?

We are an international fellowship of men and women who have experienced difficulties in life as a result of the way we eat. We joined FA either because we could not control our eating or because we were obsessed with food. We find that we need the fellowship of others who share this problem and this program of recovery to stop abusing food and live a fulfilling life. Through shared experience and mutual support, we help each other to recover from the disease of food addiction.

Our program of recovery is based on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. We make use of AA principles to gain freedom from addictive eating. There are no dues, fees, or weigh-ins at FA meetings. Membership is open to anyone who wants help with food.

Who Joins FA?

FA members are men and women of all ages. We can be found all over the world- in North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. Some of us have been obese, while others have been too thin or have joined because of struggles with bulimia. There are also members who have managed to stay at a normal weight but remain constantly obsessed with food and with maintaining their weight. What we have in common is that our obsession with food has kept us from living a fulfilling life. Among us are people who have weighed less than 100 pounds, more than 400 pounds, or who have maintained a normal weight.

Does the Program Really Work?

Typically, before joining FA, we tried many different solutions to our problems with food, including diets, exercise, and medication. In FA we have finally found an approach to recovery that is long-lasting. Some of us have maintained a normal weight and have been free of obsession with food for more than twenty-five years. As more and more newcomers enter the program, the number of individuals with 5 or 10 years of recovery continues to grow. Members with 1 or 2 years of recovery are common.

Meetings In Los Angeles & Orange County

Monday
Torrance 7pm, kaiser Permanente Torrance Conference, 20790 Madrona Ave, Gail 562-426-1080

Tuesday
Burbank 7:30pm, Temple Beth Emet, Rm. 1, 600 No. Buena Vista St, Jane 818-887-3131

Wednesday
Santa Monica 7:00am, Unitarian Universalist Community Church, Forbes Hall, 1721 Arizona Ave. @18th St, Sara 310-398-2986

Thursday
Los Angeles 4pm, Westwood United Methodist Church, 10497 Wilshire Blvd., Linda 310-277-9307

Santa Monica 7pm, First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica (Mariners Room), 1220 Second St, Lori 310-393-0920

Saturday
Huntington Beach 8am, St. Wilfrid Episcopal (Room 10),18631 Chapel Lane, Susan 714-955-8885

Santa Monica 9am, First United Methodist Church (Room 101), 1008 11th. St, Yoli 310-822-8208

Sherman Oaks 8am, Sherman Oaks United Methodist Church, 14401 Dickens St, Lori 310-880-8203

Sunday
Irvine 9:30am, Irvine Family Clinic, 14150 Culver Drive, Marie 949-857-1327

The Reversal Process

Nature cures, but she must have an opportunity. We must stop hindering her. There can be no tissue recovery without “side effects” – good side effects. Drugs suppress discharge; nature brings it out. The REVERSAL process is natures way. Catarrh, phlegm, and mucus are found at the beginning of mostdiseases. Suppression is the usual answer. Nature wants to aid it to exit. Herring’s Law; “All disease is corrected from within out, from the head down and in reverse order as we have built it up in the body.” It works exactly as described. “You don’t have to seek a miracle; you are one.”
(Dr Bernard Jensen)

A HEALING CRISIS takes from 2 to 5 days, usually; often 3 days. The difference between a HEALING CRISIS and a DISEASE CRISIS: a disease crisis comes when we are run down or under unusual stress. A HEALING CRISIS comes right at a time when we have never felt better. It comes after a person has begun a right-living program. It should be greatly welcomed. It is the “good” side effect of tissue recovery. Disease can progress to the point of “no recovery”, and then the only way to cope may be with drugs. But we shouldn’t wait till that point to act. Disease preys on a weak and malnourished body. When the doctor suppresses the symptoms, he creates new diseases now known as “Iatrogenic” diseases, or “doctor-produced” diseases. The “cure” creates new diseases to be “cured” with more drugs that create more diseases to be cured by more drugs, etc. This method has a “built-in” guaranteed income for the doctors and the undertaker.

There are many ways of practicing the healing art, but only one way that heaven approves of.

I believe that way is to:

Cleanse the body internally
and to Nourish the body

Because we are so conditioned to think that the (medical) Doctor has the only way, one must accept that his way is not “working”. Then Faith must be established in nature’s way. The body is servant to the mind. Mechanical manipulations may be helpful. Massage, muscle stimulation, physical therapy and reflexology can help to stimulate circulation and aid in carrying off toxic wastes; but without cleansing the body, these manipulations never last as the tissues, ligaments and very structure of the body are so compromised by the high levels of toxicity that these therapies have little lasting
impact.

Nothing can substitute for 1) Cleansing the body and 2) Good Nutrition.

– GOOD BLOOD, the result of good nutrition after cleansing

– GOOD CIRCULATION, the result of “passive” or “active” exercise.

A sluggish, toxic body cannot keep up with its demands. When the tissues are cleansed and we are well nourished, we can expect a “healing crisis” to take place. You will not be raising your children as doctor bills. The husband won’t be taking pills at the end of the day and the wife won’t be depending on suppressant drugs for catarrhal discharge. No doctor should be depending on suppressant drugs for catarrhal discharge. No doctor should object to this sort of program, (cleansing and rebuilding) and all of society should be interested in it. FOOD IS YOUR BEST MEDICINE.

THE REVERSAL-RETRACING PROCESS

There is much more to health than eating, even though some appear to think that is all, judging by the waistline. Good health principles apply to us all alike, but we are not all alike; and the application of these principles may differ greatly from person to person.

We can’t have hate part of the time and love part of the time, or the mind will become mixed up. By the same token, we can’t eat good food part of the time and junk food the other part, or the body will be mixed up. The way we live today will determine your future. What you eat today will walk and
talk tomorrow.

When people decide to change their way of life for the better and seek a cleansing program for getting a new start, they are often confused at what happens to them. A few days after beginning a detoxifying program they experience symptoms of a disease or condition which they had earlier, but
which they had thought were over. Symptoms had disappeared and they considered themselves well of it. Now the symptoms that had been repressed return and they are confused.

The reversal process means that we go back over illnesses we have had in the past. Most people, when they are sick, take drugs, which do not remove the cause, but they suppress the symptoms. The person thinks he is well, but the toxicity which the body had tried to eliminate at the time of the
illness, was driven back into the body where it lies dormant in the cells. The drugs leave the body weaker than before. During detoxification these wastes are drawn out of the cells and thrown into the bloodstream for carrying off through the organs of elimination. As this blood circulates through the body, toxic-laden as it is, one may have a headache, feel depressed, angry, discouraged, be nauseated, or have various aches and pains; or he may show a skin rash. Some may have stiff joints or back aches or stiff necks. But many will begin to feel euphoric, which shows the good physical condition of the body. Suppression by drugs leads to chronic disease.

If we can remember that all “disease is an effort of the body to rid itself of waste which has built up due to the transgression of the laws of health, we can better understand what is happening when we develop some of the same problems we have had previously. If we have hindered the body from doing
its eliminative work by drug suppression, and then we begin cooperating with the body to cleanse itself, we may have the same symptoms again. Praise God if we do! It shows the body is regaining its lost integrity and ability to cleanse itself. The Body will usually start with the most recent illnesses
and move backward until it has removed the earliest problems we had, sometimes all the way back to childhood. This is the reversal process and nature’s way. It is TRUE healing and restoration. God has placed within the body the ability to build new tissue in place of the old diseased tissue, and to restore the function of organs which have been functioning poorly.

There may be no other factor that so contributes to a buildup of toxicity in the body as an underactive bowel. Some of us feel that the bowels should move every time solid food is eaten. Babies do this until they are taught the “nicety” of not allowing it to happen. We “potty train” them as early
as possible and feel good about our achievement. They, too, soon feel good about it, because now they don’t have to stop their play until they choose to. By that time, the urge to defecate has passed and constipation is on its way. They continue to practice this wonderful “control” through grade
school, high school and college and right into the adult work world. by this time they are chronically constipated and on their way to degenerative diseases And the doctor is on his way to a full-time lucrative practice of treating the results!

I have have found that the first and most important task in restoring normal healthy body functions to cleanse the bowels and begin to establish good bowel action. With this the other various organs and systems of elimination can finally begin to do their job. This is simply due to “getting out of
their way”.

The Royal Society of Medicine in Great Britain, once compiled a report indicating that over 36 toxins may be found in the bowel, some of which are able to get into the bloodstream in cases of constipation, “leaky gut syndrome” and bowel under-activity. Examples include indol, skatol, phenol,
inican and methylmercaptan. Food offenders include wheat products and milk, as well as sugar and over consumption of all animal products. Allergies develop frequently to these foods due to the heavy use of them. The body then forms “gobs” of mucous throughout the entire alimentary canal (the
tongue down to the anus) and food both digested and undigested as well as fecal matter begin sticking to this substance. This is know as the dreaded MUCOID FECAL PLAQUE!

Colon Hydrotherapy (colonic irrigation) in conjunction with an herbal detoxification program is the single most important beginning to any HEALTH BUILDING regime. And working with a qualified therapist who can assist you individually will make the cleansing process a most amazing experience.

Remember HERRINGS LAW: “All disease is corrected from within out, from the head down, and in reverse order as we have built it up in the body.” This is called the “reversal process” and it works exactly as described. You don’t have to seek a miracle; you ARE one,” says Dr. Bernard Jensen.