How Can I Decide?
By Dr. Gene Clerkin
This morning, on the way to the office, I heard a story about a study that was conducted by the National Academy of Science which found that fluoride, which, as most know, has been added to our drinking supply to help strengthen our teeth and bones, might actually be harmful to us instead of being helpful for our teeth and bones as originally thought.
Every time I hear one of these studies I have to laugh to myself as I think, I could have told you that. But how would I know that without having done a study myself?
Very often, clients that consult with me are seeking advice about their diet, exercise program or what types of holistic procedures they should try. Instead of telling them what I think they should do, I prefer to arm them with the ability to reason their own solutions.
Many practitioners will give rote advice about diet and exercise regimens. That would be great if it weren't for the fact that no two people are the same. While a specific diet might be great for one person, it might not work for another. Then how do we know what's best for us?
I recommend a combination of sound reasoning and listening to your body for its own specific needs.
There are two basic methods of reasoning - inductive and deductive. Inductive reasoning is based on gathering bits of information, considering them, and then reaching a conclusion. Deductive reasoning is based on the logical thought progression from a major premise or accepted idea to smaller concepts or conclusions. If your major premise if faulty, you can expect that all other ideas stemming from it will be false too. Likewise, faulty bits of information would render inductive reasoning ineffective.
For example, there was a time when the accepted truth was that the world was flat. Anyone disagreeing would most likely be burned at the stake or at the very least be ridiculed. Now we know otherwise because every day as new knowledge is gained it replaces previous understandings and subsequent advice or procedures based upon those truths or understandings.
I heard once that every year scientists learn more about the human body than in all previous years combined. Given this, it might be worth noting that our current healthcare system leans heavily toward inductive reasoning. The Physicians Desk Reference, which is published by pharmaceutical companies, lists all information known about the medications they distribute including uses and side effects. It's interesting to note that the mode of action for almost all of the medications listed is unknown. In other words, they don't know how they work. Why not, you ask? Simply, because as much information as we have learned about the human body we still don't know much at all. If we did, then our healthcare system might not be in such shambles.
Great; so now what? If we can't rely on compiled information or conflicting research studies, how are we supposed to make healthy decisions for ourselves and our children? To sum it up in one word: Think!
Using a combination of inductive and deductive reasoning, we need to make conscious decisions based on what actually makes sense, not on what somebody else tells us. Information is a good thing, but it must be used with wisdom and common sense.
For instance, let's consider what we put into our bodies. We don't need a study to tell us that synthetics or chemicals ingested or absorbed in the body are going to be harmful. Logically, we would want to eat wholesome (preferably organic) foods and stay away from anything that has preservatives or other chemicals or food that is processed including fast food. Bottom line, you don't need a research study or a course in nutrition to deduce this.
Last, and most importantly, we must listen to what our body wants and needs. Remember, we are all unique and have different and specific requirements. No expert knows your body like you do. Most of my work is based on helping clients to develop an awareness of their body and its needs. When they develop that internal awareness then they automatically make healthier choices that are right for them.
A great spiritual teacher once said “You can give a man a fish and feed him for a day, or you can teach him to fish and feed him for a lifetime.” Personally, I'd rather teach my clients how to fish for themselves.
Spring Clean with Mud and Seaweed?
Seaweed and Mud body wraps are not just for spa-goer's anymore! It's a pure and easy way to relax and get an intense full body detox at the same time. When I had my first training session I was really surprised by how powerful it really was.
The session started with an anointing using essential oils on all my lymphatic drainage zones followed by a soft bristle brushing over my entire body. Next the warm mud was applied from my neck down. My first impression of the mud was warm, messy and it smelled great, like low tide. I was then wrapped in many layers and left to "cook" for about 25-30 minutes. When it was time, I was unwrapped wiped off and sent home to drink plenty of water (which I didn't do).
Unfortunately, the next day I felt like a truck hit me due to the amount of toxins released in my system. I had a headache, flu like symptoms and a cold sore. Needless to say I started drinking lots of water and felt better the next day. Since that experience I've had a number of seaweed and mud wraps and have felt amazing afterward. As long as you drink plenty of water you'll feel amazing too.
Just recently I worked with a massage client who had an orange sized lymph node under her arm. I sent her home with a little mud to use as a compress and a few days later she reported it gone! It is really incredible stuff.
The seaweed I use is micronized for maximum absorption to aid in the body's ability to assimilate and metabolize. It is remineralizing, toning, hydrating and purifying. The seaweed also contains every vitamin, mineral, trace element, amino acid and enzyme required for whole health. In addition it's often used to draw toxins from cellulite and improve skin tone. Seaweed is incredibly detoxifying and has been used as a nerve sedative, draining for edema or water retention, stretch marks, and weight control.
The Mud, also know by the company that distributes it as Marine Fango, is a powerful yet soothing composition of seawater and marine sediments. It is a pure sea clay mud with strong anti-bacterial properties. Extremely detoxifying, soothing, and refining. It is ideal for use with high levels of toxicity, demineralization, and infection.
Now through May 15th you can try it at the Center for Holistic Health. It isn't something that I usually offer but I thought many of you would love to experience this powerful detoxification. The session will last about 90 minutes. You won't want to shave just before or wear your best clothes. Gym clothes are best. One important note; if you are allergic to shellfish, seafood or iodine this service is not for you. Lastly, and I'm sure you won't forget, drink plenty of water!
Do Something, It's an Epidemic !
By Dr. Gene Clerkin
The other day, a man stopped in to the office to inquire about holistic care. When I asked him what his goals were, he said “I don't know. I'm basically healthy.” By healthy he meant that he'd only been on four different medications for the past twenty years. As we spoke, I noticed he constantly looked away and up in the air. He also had trouble maintaining his train of thought. After significant investigation, I was able to pry more information out of him – it turned out that his back, feet and ankles hurt every day.
I proceeded to perform an examination which, among other things, consisted of noting where and how much tension he was holding in his body and also to measure the level of his body awareness. I was not surprised to find all the parameters I use to measure tension were at their highest levels. As I went through this exam with the client, I pointed out the different areas of tension to help him establish body (somatic) awareness. The client couldn't feel anything.
When you think of it, it's amazing that anyone could have had that much tension and be absolutely unaware of it. This degree of disconnection is called Alexithymia. The chief manifestations are difficulty in describing or recognizing one's own emotions, a limited fantasy life, and general constriction in the affective life. Alexithymia is a disturbance in affective and cognitive functioning that is common in psychosomatic disorders , addictive disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder .
People like this are generally rigid and unable to change or adapt. They are also less likely to be in tune with their environment and their relationships. Since they lack awareness and disregard their body's signals, they are unable to adapt or change even if their behavior or their life in general is not working.
While this particular client was one of the more extreme cases I've seen, this relative disconnection is quite common. In fact, almost every one I see has some degree of disconnection or lack of awareness in his or her body. The effect this has on our culture and society cannot be underestimated.
When we are in a perpetual stress mode, all of our attention is on the conversation in our head and we miss out on the subtle cues and wisdom of our body. This “disconnect” - which inhibits our ability to grow and adapt to an ever changing environment - is a detriment to us as individuals and to society as a whole. The very frightening fact is that this disconnection from our internal cues, our inherent rhythms and ultimately our humanity is at epidemic proportions. It is wrecking havoc with our physiology, our environment and our species. Someone should alert the authorities! Hey wait, that's us!
I Didn't Know Parsley Could Do All That!
By Taria Camerino
Everywhere I look, the spring garden is a bloom. There are flowers on the vine leading promise to sweet peas. The melon plants snaking their way through the garden, looking for the right place to nest and keep warm. And while I wait impatiently for my Ratatouille to mature, the garden offers to me a delicacy to indulge in. A treat to keep me satisfied until the makings of potato salad are ready. Parsley!! While we watch our tiny plants grow, parsley is demanding attention. It has filled up that little garden corner by now. It is the world's most popular herb, and with good reason.
The Greeks wore parsley crowns to promote good humor. Peter Rabbit went looking for parsley when he had over eaten Mr. McGregor's vegetables; parsley is a digestive aid. Just a sprig of it also freshens the breath.
And for health benefits it can hold its own. Parsley has three times as much vitamin C as oranges, and twice as much iron as spinach; it is also a good source of copper and manganese. It is anti-carcinogenic, and can treat kidney and gallstones. This amazing herb is a warming food and acts as blood purifier. Parsley is not just for garnish anymore.
When cooking with parsley, I prefer to use the flat leaf, however curly will work as well. Here's great little recipe to get you started!
Parsley-Mint sauce:
1 cup firmly packed parsley leaves
1/3cup mint leaves
1-cup organic low fat plain yogurt
½ teaspoon ground fenugreek
1-tablespoon olive oil
1-teaspoon honey
Toast fenugreek lightly in pan, cool. Combine all ingredients in blender, process until smooth. Serve with grilled vegetables and dried fig couscous pilaf.
This article was submitted by:
Taria Camerino
Natural Foods Chef/Pastry Chef of 13 years