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Dr. Edzard Ernst has a plethora of professional and academic accolades. He’s an MD, a PhD, and a professor Emeritus at Exeter University. He’s also an expert and supporter of alternative medicine, according to his website, Edzardernst.com.

A long-time practitioner of lymphatic massage, Ernst can certainly attest to its benefits — and not just on a small scale either. He believes the evidence is clear that massage can be extremely beneficial to those fighting some types of cancers.

On his website, the doctor sights a clinical trial in which the effectiveness of lympatic massage is evaluated in the prevention of lymph-oedema after treatment of breast cancer. The study consisted of 67 women who had undergone breast cancer surgery. The 2nd day of surgery, 33 women were chosen at random to be given the massage technique. Consequently, 34 women didn’t receive the treatment. Measurements of the volumes of both arms were taken before surgery, and on days 2, 7, 14, as well as at 3 and 6 months, post-surgery.

Edzard cites the study’s findings on his site: “Among the women who did not have LD (also called lymph massage), a significant increase in the arm volume on the operated side was observed after 6 month. There was no statistically significant increase in the volume of the upper limb on the operated side in women who underwent LD.”

Edzard went on to say that, “…this study demonstrates that LD administered early after operation for breast cancer should be considered for the prevention of lymph-oedema.”

The doctor is extremely optimistic about lymph drainage, and he encourages the mainstream medical community to see it the same way. He wants to push for the funding of a large study that will push any naysayer claims to rest.

“…what is stopping us from funding a large, well-designed and definitive study?” he said.

Ourselves, as well as countless skilled medical experts like Edzard, have known about the benefits of lymph massage for decades, and they’re for everybody — not just for cancer patients.

Come experience all we can do for you at our Palos Verdes spa and Santa Monica-based lymphatic massage clinic.

Palos Verdes: 310-392-9190
Santa Monica: 310-399-1722



Life can get the best of us from time to time. Between things like work, kids and bills, it’s understandable that you occasionally find yourself on edge. You very well might have your own personal remedies for beating stress, like regular colon hydrotherapy. But we’d like to offer you a few more – all backed up by science, of course. Here, we’re going to provide you with a few ways to promote those “zen states” and wellness a bit more often in your day-to-day.

1. Meditation

Okay, we know what you’re thinking: “what can silently sitting still do to get me to be more tranquil?” Well, quite a lot, actually. In this impatient, I-need-it-now society, many people are quick to give up on meditation, before it can work it’s magic. Let us correct ourselves though – there’s definitely nothing magic about the technique. It’s simply a brain training tool.

According to Dr. Herbert Benson, founder of the Mind-Body Medical Institute (associated with Harvard University), meditation offers an abundance of biomedical changes, which he calls “the relaxation response.” These changes include changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate.

2.  Autogenic Training

Did you ever consider that merely thinking about an object or landscape could calm you down? The University of Maryland Medical Center says that this is a legit thing. In autogenic training, the individual attempts to imagine pleasant physical surroundings, and then associates that with a particular feeling in their body — a warmth in their limbs, for example. Many patients have found this to be highly effective.

3. Colon Hydrotherapy

According to countless experts, colonics promote among other things, better sleeping patterns, easier digestion, and in some, an overall sense of well-being.

According to a survey study conducted by the Department of Surgery, William Harvey Hospital, in Ashford, UK, clients who are often unhappy with orthodox medicine often opt for colonic irrigation, in order to achieve some the above effects. Similarly, according to Gayle Nicholas Scott, PharmD, “In summary, colonics appear to provide psychological benefit to some people.” We’d certainly have to agree with her there.

If you’re interested in finding out different ways for promoting your relaxation and beating stress in Palos Verdes or Santa Monica, don’t hesitate to contact us, today.

Palos Verdes: 310-392-9190
Santa Monica: 310-399-1722



Ugh, stress. While it’s known that some stress can be good for us, it often has negative effects instead.

Lymphatic Massage can help bust stress

And it’s not just the mind that’s hurt by stress, it’s the entire body.

It can lead to chronic diseases like heart disease, depression, high blood pressure and obesity.

Nearly one-quarter of Americans report being under extreme stress, according to a survey by the American Psychological Association.

And more Americans say it’s increasing.

But while almost 100 percent of adults say that physical and mental pressure can contribute to the development of major illness, only about 30 percent say they are doing an excellent job of preventing it.

That’s a shame, because there are plenty of ways to relieve the burdens of stress.

Lymphatic massage

If you’ve ever professional massage, you know why it’s a popular way to get rid of tension.

Massage gets to the nervous system through the skin, which stimulates the release of endorphins, your body’s natural “feel good” chemicals.

It’s one of the oldest forms of medical care, and it helps to relieve pain, boost alertness, ease anxiety and bump your white blood cell count.

Lymphatic drainage is a type of massage that stimulates the lymphatic system, the body’s natural defense system.

The circulation of lymphatic flow is increased by using gentle, repetitive and rhythmic touch.

That massage technique rids your body of toxins within the lymph system and increase your resistance to disease.

At the same time, it helps to reduce overall tension within your body.

For the best results, try lymphatic massage at our Palos Verdes location two or three times per week.

Detox spa

Nature is another great way to get rid of tension.

And there’s nothing like treating yourself to a day of nature at a detox spa to beat physical or mental pressure.

Our detox spa in Rancho Palos Verdes offers a serene area to receive lymphatic massage and additional detoxification therapies.

For more information about lymphatic massage or stress relief, contact us today:

Palos Verdes: 310-392-9190



Many tend to rely on antibiotics and modern medicine to heal ailments, but we often forget about the natural and holistic ways to prevent disease and boost our immune systems naturally.

And there are plenty of ways out there to give your immune system a bump, including lymphatic massage.

Here are three:

Nurture your microbiome

About 80 percent of your immune response is based on your microbiome — that massive population of good and bad bacteria living in your gut.

Diets high in refined sugar and processed foods can breed bad bacteria, building up the battle field for bad bacteria to cause disease.

So, get your diet in check.

Up your intake of raw organic foods, unprocessed foods and things like yogurt with good probiotics.

That will increase the number of good bacteria, which will fight off the bad ones and leave your body in tip-top shape.

Get outside 

Consistent aerobic exercise gives your lymphatic system a charge, gets it moving and gets your immune system working at peak performance level.

The lymph system is a network of vessels that pick up toxins and removes them from the body.

But it depends on muscular contraction to work efficiently, and exercise does the trick.

And if you hike, bike or kayak outside, you’ll get your vitamin D as well, which is a big immune system booster.

Keep in mind that it’s best to stay mobile and exercise throughout the day, if you can.

Lymphatic massage

Since the lymph system relies on muscular contraction, massage can help move lymph throughout the body, giving the immune system a kick in the right direction.

Lymphatic drainage massage uses repetitive, gentle and rhythmic touch to move lymph.

The circular pumping and tiny vibrations liquefy congestion in the body.

And that increases resistance to disease, both short-term and long-term.

For more information on holistic ways to boost your immune system, call us today:

Palos Verdes: 310-392-9190
Santa Monica: 310-399-1722



There are new findings that show that AIDS could be controlled by natural remedies, like colon hydrotherapy.

Can colon hydrotherapy help control AIDS?

Zambia is one of worst affected areas with AIDS in the world.

Betty Hewitt, the natural HIV/AIDS consultant of the Military Medical Services in Zambia, has been able to control the replication rate of the virus by using natural remedies like colonic irrigation, water therapy and herbal remedies.

The theory

Hewitt’s findings in Zambia suggest that the AIDS virus grows, multiplies and enters the blood stream through the lower bowel of the intestinal tract.

Typically, the medical community focuses on destroyed HIV in the bloodstream, but Hewitt suggests that the real problem is in the intestinal tract.

Undigested proteins provide a breeding ground to fuel the HIV virus, according to Hewitt.

The theory is that if you can turn off undigested proteins from becoming a food source for the virus, then the infection can be controlled.

The regimen

Hewitt has developed a strict protocol, but it seems to be working and colon hydrotherapy is a main component.

Colonic irrigation physically removes infected fecal matter from the colon, getting rid of toxic, infectious material.

In addition, the protocol calls for colon cleansing using a mixture of distilled water, psyllium powder and fresh lemon to acidify the colon and kill the HIV virus.

Fasting, eating predigested and cultured proteins are also on the list.

Eliminating hard to digest proteins, like casein from dairy products and gluten from wheat, is also a big part of the diet.

What do you think? Can AIDS be controlled with natural remedies and herbal detox?

For information on the benefits of detoxification therapy, or to book a consultation, call us today at one of our detox spas:

Palos Verdes: 310-392-9190
Santa Monica: 310-399-1722

Our goal is to restore your body’s natural ability to heal.



We typically think of showers as a way to cleanse the outside of the body, but it turns out we should also think of them as a way to naturally cleanse, detox and heal the inner body.

Hot-cold-shower hydrotherapy has numerous benefits

Taking a hot-cold shower — alternating between hot and cold temperature during your shower — can provide a tremendous amount of benefits for the body.

Hydrotherapy, which is a particular part of occupational therapy and physiotherapy, has been used for the relief of pain and treatment dating back to ancient Egyptian, Persian, Greek and Roman civilizations.

The approach takes advantage of the physical properties of water, including temperature and pressure, for therapeutic purposes.

Mainly, it can give a major boost to blood circulation within the body, removing toxins and benefiting the organs.

Showers provide an easy way to take advantage of water’s properties.

How it works

Hot water, for most, is very soothing and relaxing.

So when we take a hot shower, we become more relaxed, relieving stress.

Cold water helps relieve inflammation, boost circulation and removes toxins from the lymph and skin.

When cold water hits our body, the flow of blood directs inward, toward our organs.

The opposite occurs as hot water hits our skin.

So when we alternate cold and hot water on our bodies, we make the flow of blood move in and out like an accordion.

And that can unclog various areas, cleanse our system and move nutrients more efficiently.

How to do it

Most experts say that the best way to start out is with a temperature that you’re comfortable with in the shower.

Then slowly increase the temperature until you’d consider the water fairly hot, but only leave it on temporarily.

It’s important to note that you shouldn’t scald yourself — this can work with moderate temperatures.

Once you’re ready, slowly decrease the temperature until you’re taking a cold shower.

This should be fairly cold, especially since cold shower benefits are numerous.

Make sure your entire body gets cold, and then turn it the water back up to hot.

And when you’re hot again, you can go back to cold.

Repeat that process as long as you’d like, but make sure to listen to your body.

Stop if you’re too hot or cold.

Additional hydrotherapy

As much as hot-cold shower therapy can benefit you on a daily basis, other water therapy — like colon hydrotherapy — can also add to your detox program.

Call us today for more information on cold shower benefits, hydrotherapy or to book an appointment:

Palos Verdes: 310-392-9190
Santa Monica: 310-399-1722

Our goal is to restore your body’s natural ability to heal.



It’s well-known that lymphatic massage has many benefits and uses, but can it get rid of jet lag?

Lymphatic massage for jet lag

Gwyneth Paltrow was recently quoted as promoting lymph massage treatment for jet lag.

She apparently visits a holistic healing center in Santa Monica as soon as she arrives in Los Angeles after a long flight.

“The lymphatic massage treatment helps with jet lag, too: they wrap you in a blanket and you sweat out impurities,” she wrote in the publication Travel.

Is it true?

The uses for lymphatic massage are endless, and while it may not completely cure your jet lag — only regulating your sleep cycle can do that — it will absolutely help.

After traveling, and sitting on a long plane ride, your body is filled with toxins.

This type of massage can get your lymphatic system flowing, flushing waste and distributing nutrients to the body.

Why lymph massage?

Your lymphatic system plays a vital role in your health.

The system carries white blood cells and interstitial fluid, bringing cells nutrients and removing waste.

It’s where detoxification occurs.

But the system doesn’t have a central pump — like the heart in the cardio system — so it relies on muscle contraction, pressure changes and movement to get things, well, moving.

Massage promotes the health of your lymph system by stimulating the natural flow of lymph fluid throughout the body.

So it’s extremely useful after you’ve been sitting on a plane for hours, and it can really help your body adjust to a new time zone.

More than the lymphatic system

The lymph system isn’t the only system that lymphatic drainage massage stimulates.

It has been shown to benefit the cardiovascular system and immune system as well.

To receive more lymphatic information in Palos Verdes or Santa Monica, or discuss other alternative health options, call us today:

Palos Verdes: 310-392-9190
Santa Monica: 310-399-1722

Our goal is to restore your body’s natural ability to heal.



There are a number of methods used to prepare the bowel for a colonoscopy, but none are as effective or as stress-free as colon hydrotherapy.

Colonic irrigation or colon hydrotherapy can help with pre-endoscopy preparation.

Unfortunately, colonoscopy is a necessary procedure for the prevention of colorectal cancer.

It’s involves an endoscopic examination of the large bowel and the distal part of the small bowel with a camera, which provides a visual of any ulceration or polyps that have formed.

Lesions can be removed during the procedure, or doctors may do a biopsy.

Arguably, one of the worst parts of a colposcopy is the preparation beforehand.

The bowels need to be cleansed to allow clear visualization of the bowel wall, but methods often involve oral mannitol or oral magnesium sulfate, which can be unpleasant.

Colonic irrigation provides an efficient and more pleasant alternative for preparation.

And that’s not just hearsay.

The proof for colonic irrigation

DoTolo Research Corp., a U.S. manufacturer of colon hydrotherapy equipment, published results of study that looked at colonic irrigation vs. other methods for pre-endoscopy preparation.

They found that colonics was not only useful in cleansing the colon, but it thwarted the discomfort of diarrhea episodes and the need to drink a large volume of water, which can upset the electrolyte balance in the body.

And while it is recommended that the normal intake of food and drinks is reduced, there’s also no need to undergo a period of fasting.

More than just pre-endoscopy

Colon hydrotherapy can be used for more than colonoscopy preparation.

It’s also a simple and effective way to prepare for other colon procedures, and it can be very beneficial for those who are unable to undergo fasting, according to DoTolo Research Corp.

Of course, it’s also a great way to promote health within the body on a regular basis.

Colonics promotes peristalsis, enhancing the muscle of the colon and supporting the elimination of waste.

To learn more about our services, to schedule an appointment, or for tips about alternative health, call us today:

Palos Verdes: 310-392-9190
Santa Monica: 310-399-1722



Shoes just may be the cause for many inflammatory issues, and consequently several diseases.

That’s right — shoes.

Grounding or earthing might be the natural cure for chronic inflammation

Most of us in this modern day of age wear shoes with rubber or plastic soles for the better part of the day.

But that, of course, isn’t natural.

And it may be preventing our wellness.

What’s natural is having the soles of our feet in contact with the dirt, rocks and water of the earth on a daily basis.

In the simplest terms possible, earthing, also known as grounding, is just that — it’s walking barefoot, grounding your body to the earth.

That helps to lower inflammation and cure the body of ills.

But as simple as it sounds, it’s backed by science.

Scientific evidence for grounding

Earthing was originally developed by Clint Ober, and the technique is spreading like wildfire.

Many on the Tour de France are rumored to have used an earthing recovery bag to speed recovery and increase sleep quality while on the race — Lance Armstrong is supposedly a member of that group.

Even Dr. Mercola and Dr. Oz are on board, supporting the healing powers of the technique.

The theory is that back when we had no shoes, the soles of our feet were in constant contact with Earth’s surface energy.

When you walk barefoot, your skin acts as a conductor, and there’s a transfer of free electrons from the Earth into your body.

And free electrons are possibly the most potent antioxidants on the planet.

Those antioxidants — free electrons — discharge the free radicals that run around rampant in our bodies.

Free radicals are, of course, part of the inflammatory response, and back when we were in constant contact with the Earth, they were discharged after they did their job of protecting the body from infection.

But now, those free radicals have nowhere to go, and they are wreaking havoc on our bodies.

Earthing is a natural solution for the chronic inflammation that causes so many diseases.

How to Earth

The best, and cheapest, way to start grounding, is to simply walk barefoot for at least 30 minutes a day on dirt, rocks or in water.

However, there are now plenty of products available that can discharge those free radicals, including an earthing mat and sheets.

We urge you to come to our Palos Verdes location and walk on our grounds after a colon hydrotherapy or lymphatic massage session.

Call us today for more information on alternative health and healing:

Palos Verdes: 310-392-9190
Santa Monica: 310-399-1722



Who would have thought that a sinus infection could be treated simply through lymph massage?

According to Alex A. Kecskes of the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, lymphatic massage aids the body’s own healing system to take effect.

“Lymphatic drainage procedures can remove much of this congestive material from around the facial area,” Kecskes says. “For those suffering from sinus infections, lymphatic drainage procedures can remove much of this congestive material from around the facial area.”

What is lymph massage?

Lymphatic massage, as its name suggests, helps promote the health of the lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system is an extended network of vessels that transfers white blood cells to the organs and tissues in your body.

Think of it as the military strategist of your body.

If a nation doesn’t have adequate military strategy, it doesn’t matter how many troops or weapons they have – they won’t be as successful in combat.

That’s why the body’s lymphatic system needs to be in top shape for the body to detox, and remain healthy.

“Lymphatic massage is basically a type of holistic therapy that gives your lymphatic system a ‘tune up.’ By manually stimulating the increased flow of lymphatic fluid, it can reinvigorate your immune system and sweep out harmful toxins,” Keckes says.

How does it work?

During the face massage cleansing, muscles are pre-warmed, and the lymph nodes are stimulated to open and enhance circulatory and lymphatic flow.

According to Kecskes, lymphatic massage is a detoxification procedure that’s helpful in fighting a variety of conditions other than a sinus infection.

It can help in overcoming fatigue, menstrual cramps, cellulite, water retention, and hayfever allergies.

If you live around Santa Monica and Palos Verdes, we encourage you to give lymphatic massage a try today.

Palos Verdes: 310-392-9190
Santa Monica: 310-399-1722