This segment of the blog will be dedicated to humorous, serious, incredible, and never before heard tips and anecdotes on natural health. So sit back, get ready to learn some fun stuff, be prepared to get healthy, and most importantly, ENJOY and SHARE!
*Fertility: Men & Women
(Above, Eva Garcia, just one of my many Fertility patients. Beautiful, full of joy, 23 weeks pregnant and IT’S A BOY! It’s patients like these that remind me how blessed I am and how I love what I do…)
Here is a vision… A couple dreaming of bringing their love together to create a God-given miracle of human nature. They dream of having a healthy, sweet-smelling, soft, delicate, precious little baby in their arms that makes delicious sounds that make everyone smile… This is a dream that many couples have. But unfortunately, too many couples today are suffering with Fertility challenges.
A number of factors must be considered and internal balance must be achieved for successful conception/pregnancy. For one, it is frightening to know there are a large number of men and women who utilize chemical pain relievers / pain killers. In men, studies show that these types of medications can contribute to low sperm mobility and low sperm motility. In women, all chemical pain relievers and especially ibuprofen, taken, for example, every month for menstrual cramps, or weekly for aches and pains are showing in studies to have difficulty conceiving or sustaining a healthy pregnancy.
Pain relievers such as ibuprofen can induce luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome, an unfortunate syndrome in which eggs are never released for conception. Ladies, I bring this one of many reasons up as a cause of infertility because I have personally seen this as a problem in most of my own past patients and clients that came to me for help with fertility.
(Below: More of my blessings in Fertility patients…)
Here is another shocker. Are you ready? Men and Women who intake 300 mg. or more a day of coffee are TWICE as likely to suffer from delayed conception! My opinion, if your desire is to start a family, and you and your partner drink this substance and are having trouble getting pregnant, STOP drinking coffee all together.
According to The Fertility Society of Australia:
“There is an increasing body of evidence that lifestyle factors affect fertility. As most lifestyle factors can be modified, providing advice and support in making healthy lifestyle changes can promote fertility. The evidence relating to the effects on fertility of caffeine, alcohol consumption and smoking are discussed here.
Some evidence suggests that the consumption of caffeine, with a possible dose-response effect, may prolong the time to pregnancy and affect the health of a developing foetus…
Caffeine may affect ovulation and corpus luteum functioning through alterations to hormone levels…
Willcox et al [3] conducted a prospective study of 104 women attempting pregnancy. Caffeine consumption was recorded at regular intervals as well as daily information regarding menstrual bleeding and intercourse until pregnancy occurred. Women who consumed less than one cup of coffee were twice as likely to become pregnant, per cycle, as moderate coffee drinkers and the risk of not becoming pregnant increased with higher consumption. Other studies have also suggested an association between caffeine intake and increased time to conception that may be dose-response related [9].”
Women – Use the following supplements to increase fertility, promote ovulation, strengthen uterine walls, and balance hormones:
CHINESE YIN NEGATIVE PACK TCM
FEMALE COMFORT
Men – Use the following supplements to increase sperm fertilization power, sperm mobility, motility and quality, double sperm count in 30-40 days, increase testosterone, and balance hormones:
CHINESE YIN NEGATIVE PACK TCM
MEN’S FORMULA
Use these programs for minimum 3 months or until conception.
If you feed the body what it needs, then it will be in a healthy state to conceive.
~Dr. Julissa
*Skin Health, Stress, & Face Mapping
The skin is the largest organ of the body. The skin is the cover that reflects what is happening inside the body. It is a mirror of the way we nourish our bodies, the way we eliminate toxins, our hormonal and emotional balance. Healthy, young, glowing skin means a healthy, young, glowing interior. Eating poorly, not eliminating toxins properly, and allowing Stress and Anxiety to take over your life are sure ways to have poor, unhealthy skin… The good news is that proper health nourishment and improved nutrition, and relaxation all show up very quickly in the beauty of your skin.
One of the major causes of skin problems is Stress. Stress causes the skin to react negatively. Symptoms of stress on skin can include: acne, blisters, rashes, etc., and any existing skin problems from hormonal or other physical imbalances are worsened from stress.
Skin aging is another severe symptom of stress on skin where fine lines, wrinkles and furrows develop in the most obvious places on skin. Skin aging is due to shrunken skin tissues from lack of fatty acids and muscle tone as a result of poor diet, poor digestion of fats, liver malfunction, and primarily, stress and anxiety.
As ‘Beauty Gypsy’ states in an article, ‘Face mapping… combines Ayurveda and ancient Chinese medicine to explain how certain parts of your face are connected to other areas of your body. Put simply, think of your face as a map and blemishes as X’s on that landscape. Spots in different zones correspond to different problems.’ One can use the image above as a guide to help you address the underlying causes of your individual skin issue and at the same time take preventive measures to treat underlying health problems in time.
For the best combination focusing specifically on internal cleansing of the main eliminatory and vital organs that improves skin, helps one cope with stresses better to relax the nervous system, and helps balance internally to create a state of calm within just a short few weeks time, use the following Ayurvedic and Chinese herbs. This is my favorite natural therapy combination for beautiful skin:
ANXIOUSLESS SKIN DETOX, Ayurvedic
TIAO HE CLEANSE
PAU D’ARCO LOTION
Use the prior combination for minimum 30 days. Then repeat every 3 months to maintain healthy skin always.
For more information on Skin Health, click here to read my full article:
‘8 Signs Your Body Needs A Skin Cleanse & Face Mapping’.
*Did You Know We Need To Detoxify From The Day We’re Born?
Believe it or not, we are born toxic. For this reason, detoxification is one of the most important ways we can prevent disease and help our bodies heal…
The Chemical Load Begins Before Birth ” …up to 232 toxic chemicals in the umbilical cord blood of 10 babies…The findings constitute hard evidence that each child was exposed to a host of dangerous substances while still in its mother’s womb.”
STARTLING TOXIC STATISTICS
More than 7 million accidental poisonings occur each year, with more than 75% involving children under age 6! —The Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
According to the U.S. Poison Control Centers, “A child is accidentally poisoned every 30 seconds at home…”
In 2007, 4.1 billion pounds of approx. 650 chemicals were produced by industry
and federal facilities.
Toxic chemicals released by industries this year 2014 to date:
4,531,550+ tons
Toxic chemical release – Each and every second 310 Kg of toxic chemicals are released into our air, land, and water by industrial facilities around the world.
This amounts to approximately 10 million tons (over 21 billion pounds) of toxic chemicals released into our environment by industries each year.
Of these, over 2 million tons (over 4.5 billion pounds) per year are recognized carcinogens. This amounts to about 65 Kg each second
Toxic Inventory Release Database **We have approximately 75,000 chemicals produced to date. We are plagued by cancers of our eliminative channels with lung cancer in the lead followed by colon cancer.
And this is just the beginning of more statistics on what we are exposed to and what diseases many other chemicals cause in our bodies…
For the full article, “Detoxify And Cleanse To Survive A Toxic World” and solutions for specific detoxification needs, click here.
*Emotions And The Male and Female Reproductive System
Emotions affect our bodies. Most times, the emotion comes first and the physical reaction comes later. example of this is when one thinks of a person who is frightened. The emotion of fear in that person may cause the person to involuntarily urinate on themselves. Understanding this, we must open our minds to realizing there are specific organs that are affected by specific emotions as well.
Holistic Medicine details how emotions affect the physical body in the following manner:
Consciousness affects the Skin and Hypothalamus.
Forgiveness (unresolved) affects the Kidneys and Bladder.
Not Letting Go affects the Colon/Large Intestine.
Pain affects the Hypothalamus.
Anger affects the Liver, Gallbladder, Thyroid and Parathyroid. The first two, Liver and Gallbladder are affected by internal anger, the Thyroid and Parathyroid by verbal anger.
Apathy affects the Lymphatic System. In other words, shrugging off things that have to do with You.
Survival affects the Lungs and rest of the Respiratory System. This Survival emotion is expressed when someone is feeling overwhelmed or as if they are drowning.
Grief affects the Pancreas. This Grief emotion is related to the feeling that something or someone is missing from their life.
And lastly, Unconsciousness affects the Testes and Ovaries, in general, the reproductive system. We will go in a bit more depth in this article about this emotion of Unconsciousness.
With this emotion envision the following image: a person who has had so much alcohol to drown their problems that they pass out on the sofa and the glass of liquor falls and rolls on the floor. Can you picture it? This person has numbed their feelings. The emotion of Unconsciousness is unconsciously building up a wall to protect their feelings. But in reality this hurts them. Unconsciousness is an emotion where a person doesn’t want to feel any feelings anymore. When we build up that wall we create a potential for a wall within the body. Since this emotion is directly related to the reproductive system the body possibly can become prone to creating a wall, in other words, of abnormal cells. Abnormal cells such as cysts, polyps, tumors, etc. In women, it could develop as uterine fibroids, or endometriosis, etc. In men, it could be that the body becomes more prone to a possible cyst on the testicles, prostate tumor, etc.
For healing to occur, one must realize they are holding on to this negative emotion and do their best to let it go. Consciously working towards bringing down that barrier, that wall that prevents anyone from penetrating and getting to the very you, is crucial for healing. Allowing yourself to express care and love for those without being concerned you are showing them you care too much is necessary to let go of the burden of this negative emotion that hurts you emotionally and physically.
Chinese herbs are the best at helping balance emotionally and physically. For those that feel letting go of negative emotions is ‘easier said than done’, Chinese herbs are recommended to help ease the process and bring emotion balance.
CHINESE NEGATIVE YIN PACK
*Loving Your Curves & Being A Healthy You
Today, the ‘Curvy Woman’ is embraced like never before… But many curvy women are dealing with health challenges related to their ‘curviness’. And most feel that they have to suffer these health challenges in order to keep those curves. In other words, sacrificing optimum health to ‘look good’. Very much the opposite of what we were used to seeing in ads and the media where the ‘waif’ look was the ‘in’ thing. But some women have figured out a way to keep their luscious shapes, and overcome the health challenges associated with being slightly overweight, overweight, or obese.
I commend the newest ad in Sports Illustrated for featuring a Plus-Size model that is forging a new frontier. Model, Ashley Graham is flaunting her curves and is a beautiful example of curvy and fit.
So let’s talk weight loss with regards to losing the excess that is above and beyond just ‘being curvy’. When it comes to weight gain, most people fall into 3 very specific types. And losing weight only in the specific area of weight gain isn’t easy to achieve with just diet and exercise. However, some have overcome this problem by focusing on nourishing and stimulating those glands and organs responsible for the weight gain in that targeted area.
There are 3 most common body shape types most overweight people fall in are: 1. Apple Shape
2. Pear Shape
3. Oval Shape
The Apple shape, or ‘Thyroid-type’ body is when a person’s most weight is above the waist (upper body weight gain). This includes from moderate to excessive abdominal fat, heavy fatty arms, if a woman she most likely is dealing with heavy and large breasts, and accumulated fat around the neck and face to the point of having a swollen appearance. A Man with this body type usually demonstrates excessive abdominal fat and/or protruding belly or gut, as some would call it. The lower half of the body consists of usually slim legs, and a smaller derrière/gluts, or tush, in proportion to the rest of the body. In other words, a woman may being dealing with having to purchase two sizes differently with a two-piece outfit: a L (Large) or bigger blouse size, and a M (medium) or smaller skirt or pants size.
The gland that must be stimulated so an Apple shaped person can stimulate metabolism in the upper body is the Thyroid Gland. Overweight Men suffer most with this body type appearance although many Women do as well. (The following is what I have shared with you about the Thyroid Gland in the article, “If You Desire Weight Loss, Support Those Glands!” from my Healthy Living blog.)
And a culprit responsible for weight management (also) is the Thyroid gland. The thyroid is a gland located in the front part of the neck, below the Adam’s apple. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate metabolism and are important in regulating energy, body temperature, basal metabolic rate, the use of other hormones, as well as helping to regulate growth and development. The thyroid gland and the other endocrine organs may play a role in how the body responds to changes in diet and exercise. With increasing age, metabolism naturally slows down. This occurs primarily because of normal muscle mass atrophy and a natural decrease in levels of hormones such as T3 and testosterone. An increase in the production of a hormone called Cortisol, in response to stress, may also impact weight-management efforts. T3, or triiodothyronine, is an iodine-containing hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It is synthesized under the influence of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) by attaching iodine atoms to the amino acid tyrosine. A lack of proper nutrition can have a negative effect on the thyroid and on metabolic rate. Healthy thyroid status is dependent on the presence of multiple elements necessary for the synthesis and metabolism of thyroid hormones. Irish moss, kelp and black walnut are good sources of iodine. Iodine plays a central role in thyroid function, being both a major constituent of thyroid hormones and a regulator of thyroid gland function.
Zinc intake is also important as suboptimal dietary intakes of zinc can adversely affect thyroid hormone function. 7-keto, a metabolite of DHEA, may increase the production of T3, supporting metabolism and weight loss. Cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, plays multiple roles throughout the body. In addition to its best-known role as the “stress hormone,” it is involved in glucose metabolism, regulation of blood pressure and in immune function. Cortisol levels naturally fluctuate and are highest in the morning and lowest at night. Bursts of cortisol are also released in response to physical or psychological stress. While small amounts of cortisol have positive effects, research has shown that prolonged elevated cortisol levels are connected with increased amounts of abdominal fat and also cause increased consumption of calories. Nutritional ingredients commonly suggested to counteract the physiological effects of stress associated with elevated cortisol levels include magnolia bark extract, phellodendron extract, holy basil, l-theanine and DHEA. The combination of magnolia bark extract and phellodendron extract has been shown to help curb stress related eating and mild anxiety.
The Pear shaped body is distinguished when a person’s most weight is below the waist (lower body weight gain). This includes minimal to moderate abdominal fat, and excessive fat stores around hips, and legs which may include an appearance of cellulite and even possibly varicose veins. The upper half of the body consists of usually small to average breast size, moderate to slim arms, and usually a slim neck and face in proportion to the rest of the body. In other words, a woman may be dealing with having to purchase two different sizes with a two-piece outfit in the following manner: a L/M (large /medium) or smaller blouse size, and a XL/L (extra large/large) or smaller skirt or pants size.
The Pear shaped body requires that a person stimulate and nourish a sluggish Liver and correct the hormonal imbalance of estrogen dominance. The liver is the filter of blood, the filter of fat and the filter of hormones. If the liver is overloaded, toxic, and exhausted, it cannot burn fat stores the same as when it is functioning properly. In the US, the staple diet high in calories, alcohol, sugar and fat, has the large majority of people suffering with liver malfunction. And even if your liver is healthy, it is crucial to maintain it fortified so it can handle exposure to drugs, toxic chemicals, GMO’s, solvents, food chemicals, pesticides and food additives. A combination of herbs that stimulates the Liver to metabolize lower body fat and help with bringing the body back to proportion is Cellu-Smooth.
The Oval shaped body is one that has weight gain fat stores generally evenly distributed all over the body. In this case, the focus must be on the organs and glands specified for both apple and pear shapes. Use the above recommended supplements combined to metabolize fat stores and achieve weight loss all over the body.
So there you have it. Using the recommendations above until you have achieved your desired shape helps you take your health, and shape, into your own hands, achieving and maintaining a luscious, sexy, healthy You in every way.~
*Orgasm, The G-Spot, & Women’s Sexual Health
Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Though I have always thought and expressed that Love and Intimacy should be celebrated everyday. When mentioning Love and Intimacy combined, one can’t help but think of the perfect temple we own called, our Human Body…
The human body, female and male, is, in my opinion, a perfect, exquisite, beautiful thing, that knows how to heal itself when fed the right herbs, roots, and foods to do so, and is a temple that should be adored in every sensual way that brings loving, divine pleasure… The questions are rolling in about Healthy Sex, so let us continue the discussion, shall we?
Women and Orgasm. Many women have trouble experiencing orgasm. Most are embarrassed to talk about it, even with their gynecologists. The inability to orgasm, unfortunately as expressed to me personally over the years by patients, may be a reason so many women feel underlying frustrations, melancholy, depression, and an inability to cope with stress. There are numerous reasons why a woman would have problems with sensitivity and suffer an inability to orgasm during intimacy.
Let’s talk about Circulatory Health. When it comes to circulation, for a woman to be more sensitive to external stimuli, improved blood supply throughout the body, and especially, to the reproductive organs, groin area, vaginal walls, and the clitoris is necessary. Apart from all this, there is an area of the female body that should not be ignored. An internal ‘erogenous’ area, apart from the clitoris, found by a German gynecologist by the name of Ernst Grafenberg which has been found to heighten sexual sensitivity in a woman and stimulate her to ‘strong sexual arousal, powerful orgasms, and potential female ejaculation, is the famous, and very much discussed ‘G-Spot’.
If there is healthy circulation to the groin area, a woman can be sure to also be more sensitive on the famous G-Spot. The Grafenberg spot (G-spot) is an area of heightened pleasure for any woman when it is stimulated properly. According to The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Volume 9, Issue 5, pages 1355-1359, May 2012, the G-spot has a distinguishable anatomic structure. Yes, Ladies (and Gentlemen), it does. The studies published in the Journal state the following:
-“Main Outcome Measures. Primary outcome is the identification of the G-spot and the secondary outcome is its measurements and anatomic description of the G-spot.
Results. The G-spot has a distinguishable anatomic structure that is located on the dorsal perineal membrane, 16.5 mm from the upper part of the urethral meatus, and creates a 35° angle with the lateral border of the urethra. The lower pole (tail) and the upper pole (head) were located 3 and 15 mm next to the lateral border of the urethra, respectively. (The) G-spot appeared as a well-delineated sac with walls that resembled fibroconnective tissues and resembled erectile tissues. The superior surface of the sac had bluish irregularities visible through the coat. Upon opening the sac’s upper coat, blue grape-like anatomic compositions of the G-spot emerged with dimensions of length (L) of 8.1 mm × width (W) of 3.6–1.5 mm × height (H) of 0.4 mm. The G-spot structure had three distinct areas: the proximal part (the head) L 3.4 mm × W 3.6 mm, the middle part L 3.1 mm × W 3.3 mm, and the distal part (tail) L 3.3 mm × W 3.0 mm. From the distal tail, a rope-like structure emerged, which was seen for approximately 1.6 mm and then disappeared into the surrounding tissue.
Conclusion. The anatomic existence of the G-spot was documented with potential impact on the practice and clinical research in the field of female sexual function.”-
In easy-to-understand terms, the G-Spot appears as a well-delineated sac with walls that resemble fibro-connective tissues and resemble erectile tissues. Erectile tissues! Think of it. If the G-spot can actually become ‘erect’ then it makes perfect sense as to why blood flow is crucial to achieving an orgasm, and/or, multiple orgasms. (See image above for the exact location in detail.)
A sluggish circulatory system not only can cause a woman to feel less sensitive and experience poor orgasm, but also is known to cause many symptoms including cold hands, cold feet, hair loss, numbness of extremities, tingles resembling an uncomfortable sensation of pins and needles, varicose veins, low body temperature, and more. What to do? I’ve recommended the following combination of therapies over the years to help increase circulation, heighten female sexual desire, and create hormonal balance:
CHINESE NEGATIVE YIN PACK
X-ACTION FOR WOMEN
THAI-GO
Love, heal, feel more, and enjoy, Queridos~
*Healthy Sex, Toxins, Sexual Lubricants, And Sex Toys
It’s natural to want to have a diverse and uninhibited sexual experience with your partner. And if that includes sex toys, so be it. But what most people don’t know is how to be safe from health risks with these intimacy enhancements. According to the article, ‘When Sex Goes Toxic’, and we quote: ‘most sexual intimate toys and sexual lubricants are chock full of toxic ingredients like parabens, sodium benzoate, glycerin, petrochemicals and even propylene glycol — a common ingredient in brake fluid! Recent studies have also shown that many such products — especially (commercial) personal lubes — can seriously damage the cell lining, potentially enhancing our susceptibility to sexually-transmitted bags o’ fun like Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Genital Herpes, Hepatitis B and, of course, HIV.’ ‘According to market research firm Iri, Americans plunk down roughly $200 million annually on lube alone, a substance that sort of faces Food and Drug Administration scrutiny but not necessarily in the ways you might expect. That’s because the FDA classifies lube as something “to lubricate a body orifice to facilitate entry of a diagnostic or therapeutic device.” (And if that doesn’t get you all hot and bothered nothing will.)’ ‘The problem with classifying lubricants this way, as a de facto medical device, is twofold. First, thanks to the glorious idiosyncrasies of language, such products only face FDA scrutiny if they explicitly portend to be “vaginal lubricants.” Such a stipulation imposes a stipulation that the manufacturer must submit a host of applications (called “510k clearances”) to the FDA. But it doesn’t necessarily mean it has to prove the product is safe for repeat contact.’ ‘Second, companies that don’t explicitly state their products are intended for vaginal lubrication — even if everybody knows they are — face barely any regulation at all. So, unless people’s junk starts spontaneously bursting into flames after rubbing on some Liquid Sexy Heat, most manufacturers just keep on peddling.’ And more from the article and what studies have shown: ‘From a toxicity perspective, we know that many intimate-use products currently on the market (most of which come from China, by way of Unregulatedville) contain a host of parabens. Parabens are known endocrine disruptors, and endocrine disruptors have, for some time, been linked to birth defects, reduced sperm count, tumors, immune deficiencies and a seemingly endless list of nasty business, like the “feminization of boys.”’ ‘Furthermore, while the U.S. lags behind regulating the toxins we come in contact with, the entire European Union is seeking to ban parabens in any product meant for children under 6 years old. Officials at the World Health Organization (WHO), meanwhile, have stated outright that endocrine disruptors can potentially lead to “obesity, infertility or reduced fertility, learning and memory difficulties, Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as a variety of other diseases.”’ ‘“We don’t have categorical proof that the toxic substances found in (these products) will kill you,” admits Dr. Peter Anton, who recently co-authored an in-depth study on lubricant use. “But if you could easily avoid them why wouldn’t you?”‘
With that said, what healthy lubricant substances can one use to help lubricate sex toys without the risk of toxicity? And could there possibly be something that can work as preventative and treatment of STDs? Some people have found just that. SILVER SHIELD GEL is a gel derived from Aqua Sol Technology for recurrent daily use and has been shown to be an effective cleaning agent, promoting natural hydration and moisturizing the skin. It is non-toxic, poses no risk of contamination, is made with food-grade ingredients, and contains no alcohol. It is patented (patent no. 7,135,195) and to acquire such patent the studies proved its antimicrobial and antiviral properties. This gel is recommended by Naturopaths and Holistic practitioners in treatments of and prevention of STDs, and to treat and prevent other health challenges of the reproductive systems. And it is a Vegan product! For articles where this gel is recommended to help with challenges from Herpes to Yeast infections in Men and Women, click here. To obtain and learn more about SILVER SHIELD GEL click here. For more information on the US patent no. 7, 135, 195 click here. The best lubricant should be something that has no negative effects on the body, should act as a healthy treatment of the reproductive system each time it is used, and should help prevent disease. Finally, a lubricant has been developed that does just that. Yes, it is possible to have non-toxic sex with your partner utilizing intimacy enhancements that can be fun, help you both express yourself, and can create more of a bond and emotional connection. Love, Be Safe, Healthy, and Enjoy! For the video and article, ‘Detoxify And Cleanse To Survive A Toxic World’ click here.
*MENOAPUSE & HOT FLASHES: LET’S CONTROL THE HEAT!
Yes it’s true. There is no such word in the Japanese vocabulary for ‘hot flashes’. Believe it! And the main reason millions of women in the US are suffering is because of their diet. Yes. Diet. Diet plays a key role in menopause. However, menopause is seen as more of a ‘Western concept’ since in asian cultures menopause symptoms are simply referred to as ‘symptoms following the end of the menstrual cycle’. Hot flashes and night sweats, some of the most uncomfortable symptoms a woman experiences during menopause, occur when the body’s temperature-regulating mechanism becomes unstable during the shifting hormone balance of menopause. (What many do not know is that the body temperature-regulating mechanism organ, according to what Chinese Medicine teaches us, is the Pancreas. But we will discuss in a bit how to balance this organ to manage and overcome hot flashes.) In short, not enough natural estrogen. And when estrogen levels drop, other types of hormones increase to try to establish balance within the body. When a woman experiences hot flashes, they can generally last from 2 to 4, and in some rare cases, up to 5 years after menstruation ends. So what are Japanese women doing right? They are maintaining hormonal balance with natural herbal medicine to maintain glandular balance throughout life and eating healthy foods, such as a more vegetable protein and less animal protein diet compared to a Western diet. The traditional Japanese diet is also low in fat and high in soy beans. Soybeans contain the compounds genistein and daidzein, which are estrogenic and reduce the risk of breast cancer as well as reduce hot flashes and other types of menopausal discomfort. Hot flash ‘triggers’ include: alcohol, caffeine, excess sugar, dairy products, meat products and spicy foods. All these rank among the top aggravators of severe hot flashes as well as mood swings. Not being able to cope with extremely high levels of stress is also considered a trigger. This explains why over 55% of women in the US in menopause have hot flashes, doesn’t it? When a woman is feeling these uncomfortable symptoms including: a decline in energy, mouth dryness, skin dryness, vaginal dryness, irritability along with mood swings, low sex drive, and more, her body is telling her it is out of balance. The good news is women can learn to rebalance their bodies, increase their energy, moisturize the body from within, and increase sex drive. As I mentioned earlier, the Pancreas is a vital organ in need of balancing especially if there is a need to control hot flashes. As TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) teaches us, the pancreas, an organ that shares the same meridian as the spleen, controls sugar levels, regulates body heat, controls skin humidity, coordinates the harmonious labor of all organs, and also purifies the blood. Chinese formulas that are yang positive formulas help eliminate excess heat, control body temperature, and help the body eliminate toxins. Clear the heat and balance hormones with the following combination of natural therapies, and feel like a joyous, sensual woman again:
CHINESE POSITIVE YANG PACK
FLASH EASE
PHYTO-SOY
THAI GO
*Increasing Body Heat With Foods
It’s January. It’s Winter. And I am in New York City experiencing 10 degrees Fahrenheit, but it feels like 10 below zero… So, besides bundling up, what should you do to better deal with this frigid weather? According to Chinese Medicine, eat Yang Warming Foods! Chinese Medicine focuses on using herbs, roots, and foods to balance the body’s energy and help it heal from disease. Ancient Chinese doctors found that foods, along with herbs and roots, have cooling, warming and neutral properties. Cooling foods cool the body, while warming foods increase body temperature and warm the body. I focus on Chinese Medicine very often in my healing therapies and in winter recommend a list of foods one should increase in their diet to prevent ‘winter illnesses’, increase immunity, and to increase energy and strength. Warming foods raise Yang energy and increase warming, dispel cold, and improve circulation. Yang deficient people deal with the following symptoms: cold feet, cold hands, cold body, diarrhea, stomach pains or discomfort after eating or drinking cold things, bloating after eating, lack of energy, sore joints, inflammation along with edema, and fluid retention. Increase the following foods in your Winter Diet, and you’ll deal with the cold and snow with ‘No Problemo’ lol: Warming Fruits: cherries, chinese red dates, peaches Warming Nuts: chestnuts, walnuts Warming Vegetables: greens, pumpkin, squash Warming Meats: chicken, deer (venison), lamb, prawns (shrimp), eel, ham, mussels Warming Condiments: basil, brown sugar, chilli, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, fennel seed, ginger, ginseng, nutmeg, pepper, rosemary, spearmint We are part of nature and our human bodies and health are associated with the environment. Eat more of these foods to combat the changing weather, and enjoy the winter season!~
*Why I Avoid, (And Maybe You Should Too) Eating Garlic and Onions
Do you, or someone you know, deal with very often times being and feeling angry, aggressive, and anxious? Have a slow reaction time? Feel aggravated most of the time? Your diet could be part of the reason. There are specifically two ingredients in many dishes that studies show contribute to these negative feelings and reactions, and other health negatives. Garlic and Onions. All your life you’ve most likely heard how extremely beneficial these two are. You’ve most likely learned from western medicine that there is no better antibiotic than garlic. But what most don’t know is that garlic is wonderful at killing bacteria and kills the good stuff with the bad… Do you have anemia? As studies state, garlic and onions can cause anemia within a week if eaten enough, and destroy the red blood cells that carry oxygen in the body. Yes. Believe it. So Ladies, if you deal with heavy periods, and suffer with anemia, then listen up, and start making some changes to your diet. Gentlemen, the next point may be something you as guys can resonate with… Regarding reaction time, did you know eating garlic and onions can cause you to be between three (3) and four (4) times slower than if you hadn’t eaten them? According to a study done in the 1980’s by Dr. Robert Beck, garlic has a seriously negative effect on the brain. In his research he proved that garlic has a poisonous effect on brain cells because its sulphone hydroxyl ions penetrate the blood-brain barrier. In a study privately done in Stanford University, it proved that garlic in fact, desynchronizes brain waves causing reduced reaction times and for this reason pilots are warned against eating them. An engineer stated that pilots were told not to eat garlic 72 hours before flying during test flights. Another fact found is that garlic contributes to ADD (so parents, please consider this if you have a child suffering with ADD), chronic headaches, negative mental effects, and distraction from the spiritual. These two, garlic and onions, are part of the alliaceous family (alliums) of botanicals as also are leeks, shallots, and chives. A quote from an article in Kurma states the following: ‘The Taoists realized thousands of years ago that plants of the alliaceous family were detrimental to humans in their healthy state. In his writings, one sage Tsang-Tsze described the Alliums as the “five fragrant or spicy scented vegetables” – that each have a detrimental effect on one of the following five organs – liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, and heart. Specifically, onions are harmful to the lungs, garlic to the heart, leeks to the spleen, chives to the liver and spring onions to the kidneys.’ As a Catholic and a Taoist, I am avoiding these in my diet. Ayurveda, the medical science of India, states that these foods, Garlic and Onions, increase passion (in a negative sense) and ignorance. They are also known to disrupt peacefulness of mind, cause irritability of temper, and apart from being known as brain toxin and brain poison, it is also known as poison to the breath. A quote from Pheeks states Buddhist books and Buddhist practitioners stand behind the fact that most publicized health benefits of garlic and other pungent roots may be industry-inspired and/or commercial puffery. In a healthy state, garlic and onions, as countless studies show, are bad for you if eaten for any longer than a week. And even then, you should be very careful. Prove it to yourself and go a few days without it in your diet. Note your physical energy, mental focus, and mental clarity is sharper. After a few days eat something with garlic and notice your body feel fatigued, slightly off balance, and mentally foggy. Let your body prove it to you. As another article states regarding ancient yogis, garlic interferes with meditation and ‘focused prayer’, which is a form of meditation, and interferes with a higher awareness. Too much negative outweighs the good when considering avoiding the two botanicals, garlic and onions, in the diet. Now, I know that our ‘cultural norms’ may have taught most of us that no meal is complete if not seasoned with garlic and/or onions. But consider your state of health. Look around at your family and friends. Consider what your elders suffered with before they passed on. A simple shift in diet can make a dramatic change that is noticeable very quickly and may not be the only answer to your problems, but may be a huge step forward towards achieving a healthy balance and towards helping the body heal. Lastly, if we look at history’s stories of vampires, could there be a hidden message behind the fact that such a creature finds garlic repulsive? Hmmmm…
*Main Causes & Reducing Your Risk Of Uterine Fibroids
The Liver, the body’s chemical plant, is the filter of fat, the filter of blood, and the filter of hormones. When this organ is overloaded, estrogen dominance occurs, and this is known as one of the main causes for uterine fibroid risk. What is the liver trying to process that causes it to overload? Eating an excess of foods inundated with injected hormones, pesticides, GMOs (genetically modified organisms), additives, preservatives, etc., is a sure way of causing liver overload. And what you eat determines whether you put yourself at risk for fibroids. This was proven in a study by an Italian scientist who in his research showed that women who eat plenty of vegetables cut their uterine fibroid risk in half, while women who eat red meat double their risk! Ah yes… Yet another reason for those with a genetic tendency towards uterine fibroids to eat healthier! Eat more veggies , Ladies! Specifically cruciferous vegetables like Broccoli which contains “indole-3-carbinol” which is beneficial in helping the body filter negative estrogen. If you are not a broccoli lover, use it in the following vegetable capsule form to help the body heal and help the body to shrink fibroid tumors: Indole-3-Carbinol
*Men. Let’s Talk Impotence And ED (Erectile Dysfunction)
Let me blunt. Men wish to perform sexually with optimum health each and every time the moment calls for it. But most don’t know that in men, vascular health and sexual function are very closely related. Erectile dysfunction not only adversely affects intimate relationships, but it can also indicate potential cardiovascular health problems. In many cases, erectile difficulties may be a sign of an underlying cardiovascular disorder. Because vascular health reflects erectile function, it’s not surprising that nutritional supplement ingredients that support healthy erectile performance also contribute to cardiovascular health. Supplements that are intended to combat ED usually contain ingredients that will support optimal nitric oxide (NO) levels in the body. Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels to facilitate improved blood flow. The amino acid arginine is well-known for its cardiovascular benefits primarily because of its conversion to NO in the endothelial cells that line the internal surfaces of arteries. Increased vascular smooth muscle relaxation and the resulting improved blood flow to erectile tissue are due to enhanced NO production. It has been shown that oral arginine supplementation significantly supports erectile function when compared with placebo (1). Horny (Epimedium sagittatum) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries because of its aphrodisiac effects and support of erectile health. Scientists have isolated and characterized icariin and have shown this flavonoid derivative to be the major Viagra-like active component (2). Recent research has demonstrated that icariin selectively inhibits phosphodiesterase type 5 (PPE-5), an enzyme that causes a rapid termination of male sexual activity. By blocking this enzyme, sexual activity in men is sustained. Additionally, icariin enhances the production of NO from arginine. As we now know, increased production of NO by cells in the arterial wall results in dilatation of the penile blood vessels, which increases blood flow and maintains erectile function. This mechanism of action for natural icariin is amazingly similar to that of synthetic Viagra (3). The enhanced NO production from arginine also underlines potential cardiovascular benefits. Other natural ingredients have a long history of safe and effective use in ED and complement the actions of arginine and horny goatweed. These include Maca root or Peruvian Ginseng (Lepidium meyenii), Yohimbe root bark (Pausinystalia yohimbe) and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). All three of these ingredients act as aphrodisiacs and are noted for their erectile and sexual health benefits in men. Click the links located above for more detailed information. In addition to the above, men who are conscious of their health are looking for support of their sexual And prostate health. Men’s Formula with Lycopene provides nutritional support for the prostate gland. (A formula I researched, recommend, and have trusted for many years with my patients and clients with sustained excellent results.) It is specially formulated for men over 40 with saw palmetto, pumpkin seeds, pygeum bark, gotu kola, stinging nettle, as well as the antioxidant lycopene, which has been shown to have a supportive affect on prostate gland function. Saw Palmetto has been used for ages to support glandular tissue, particularly the prostate gland. It supports hormone balance and contains a compound used by the body to produce cortisone, an adrenal hormone that helps regulate the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, sodium, potassium and proteins. Maintenance of men’s health is an important priority and should not be ignored. Several nutritional approaches offer meaningful benefits. My belief is that men should optimize the proper functioning of all body systems so as to preserve the highest achievable health status. (Supported by Dr. William Keller)
*MENOAPUSE & HOT FLASHES: LET’S CONTROL THE HEAT!
Yes it’s true. There is no such word in the Japanese vocabulary for ‘hot flashes’. Believe it! And the main reason millions of women in the US are suffering is because of their diet. Yes. Diet. Diet plays a key role in menopause. However, menopause is seen as more of a ‘Western concept’ since in asian cultures menopause symptoms are simply referred to as ‘symptoms following the end of the menstrual cycle’. Hot flashes and night sweats, some of the most uncomfortable symptoms a woman experiences during menopause, occur when the body’s temperature-regulating mechanism becomes unstable during the shifting hormone balance of menopause. (What many do not know is that the body temperature-regulating mechanism organ, according to what Chinese Medicine teaches us, is the Pancreas. But we will discuss in a bit how to balance this organ to manage and overcome hot flashes.) In short, not enough natural estrogen. And when estrogen levels drop, other types of hormones increase to try to establish balance within the body. When a woman experiences hot flashes, they can generally last from 2 to 4, and in some rare cases, up to 5 years after menstruation ends. So what are Japanese women doing right? They are maintaining hormonal balance with natural herbal medicine to maintain glandular balance throughout life and eating healthy foods, such as a more vegetable protein and less animal protein diet compared to a Western diet. The traditional Japanese diet is also low in fat and high in soy beans. Soybeans contain the compounds genistein and daidzein, which are estrogenic and reduce the risk of breast cancer as well as reduce hot flashes and other types of menopausal discomfort. Hot flash ‘triggers’ include: alcohol, caffeine, excess sugar, dairy products, meat products and spicy foods. All these rank among the top aggravators of severe hot flashes as well as mood swings. Not being able to cope with extremely high levels of stress is also considered a trigger. This explains why over 55% of women in the US in menopause have hot flashes, doesn’t it? When a woman is feeling these uncomfortable symptoms including: a decline in energy, mouth dryness, skin dryness, vaginal dryness, irritability along with mood swings, low sex drive, and more, her body is telling her it is out of balance. The good news is women can learn to rebalance their bodies, increase their energy, moisturize the body from within, and increase sex drive. As I mentioned earlier, the Pancreas is a vital organ in need of balancing especially if there is a need to control hot flashes. As TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) teaches us, the pancreas, an organ that shares the same meridian as the spleen, controls sugar levels, regulates body heat, controls skin humidity, coordinates the harmonious labor of all organs, and also purifies the blood. Chinese formulas that are yang positive formulas help eliminate excess heat, control body temperature, and help the body eliminate toxins. Clear the heat and balance hormones with the following combination of natural therapies, and feel like a joyous, sensual woman again:
CHINESE POSITIVE YANG PACK
FLASH EASE
PHYTO-SOY
THAI GO
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