YOUR HEALTH CONNECTION

VENTURA COUNTY CONEJO VALLEY WEST SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

JUNE 2012 www.yhcmagazine.com

STEPS TO A HEALTHY

PREGNANCY

WHAT IS

HYPNO-REIKI?

UNDERSTANDING

PROBIOTICS

+FOOD&NUTRITIONISSUE

THE BENEFITS OF RED YEAST

RICE

DENTALIMPLANTS AND YOUR HEALTH

STEM CELL UPDATE

PESTICIDESIN YOUR FOOD:

IDENTIFY THEDIRTY DOZEN!

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yhcMAGAZINE.COM JUNE 20124 |

Contents

10/ SPECIAL HEALTH BULLETINBalancing Your Bacteria — A Key to Health By Alicia Doyle

18/ HEALTH VIEW 1Red Yeast Rice—A Natural Alternative Statin By Nicole Greenman

22/ HEALTH VIEW 2It All Depends on How You Define ItBy Wayne M. LevineDirector, BetterMen Coaching

24/ MIND&SPIRITHypno-Reiki—Let Go of the Pain! By Patricia Lynn Belkowitz, CHt, EFT-CC and Claire Staffa, CRM, HM

30/ EAST/WESTStress…Health…Fertility—and Massage By Penny Feinstein-Ranan, MA, CCMP, CPMT; and Denise Noyer-Erez, LAc

f e a t u r e s

14/ NATURAL APPROACHWILL STEM CELLS MAKENEW YOU?By Dr. Sharon Norling

28/ SMILESEAT BETTER AND LIVE LONGER—WITH DENTAL IMPLANTSBy Dr Saj Jivraj

06/ PUBLISHER’S LETTER THE TRUTH IN TESTING

09/ FYI HEALTH TIPS & TIDBITS

FOOD & NUTRITION ISSUE // JUNE 2012

10/

22/

| 5JUNE 2012 yhcMAGAZINE.COM

Community Memorial Hospital • Ojai Valley Community HospitalCenters for Family Health

805/652-5011 • Visit www.cmhshealth.org • A not-for-profit organization.

da Vinci da Vinci Trained Surgeons at CMHFrom Left: Seyed Khoddami, M.D.; Lamar Bushnell, M.D.; Veena Mummaneni, M.D.; Marc Beaghler, M.D.; Lois Barnes, M.D.; Srisawai Pattamakom, M.D.; Gösta Iwasiuk, M.D.; Constanze Rayhrer, M.D.; William Klope, M.D.; Jill Hall, M.D.Not pictured: Cedric Emery, M.D.; Anne Rodriguez, M.D.; and Bruce Toporoff, M.D.

Community Memorial Hospital was the first hospital between Los Angeles and San Francisco to acquire the da Vinci Surgical System.

For more information call the CMH Robotic Surgery Center 805/585-3084.

These surgeons have performed more than 500 procedures using the da Vinci Robotic System.

The most experienced da Vinci Surgeons in theregion are at Community Memorial Hospital.

General Surgery | Gynecology | Urology | Thoracic

Benefits of the da Vinci Si include: • Reduced trauma to the body• Reduced blood loss and need for transfusions• Less post-operative pain and discomfort• Less risk of infection• Shorter hospital stay• Faster recovery and return to normal activities• Less scarring

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MUCH TO MY SURPRISE, theresults were not as glowing as I hadexpected. I am only revealing this aspectof my test to you as a warning. My vita-min D level was very low.

I do have a severe allergy to dairy and Idon’t get out in the sun much, but Ihonestly thought I was supplementingenough through vitamins and food—but obviously not enough!

This reality check is a stark reminder ofthe serious problems that occur withthis particular vitamin deficiency. Ifnot treated, it can increase the risk of

heart disease, cancer and osteoporosisfor starters. As we age, this deficiencynot only causes bone deformities andan increased risk of fractures, but also adecrease in our cognitive skills.

Now I have to pay close attention tothis number. I will be on a strict pro-gram of supplements to get it back up.Another bone density scan is also need-ed in a few months.In this issue of YHC Magazine, weintroduce Hypno-Reiki which nurturesthe mental, emotional and spiritualself; the health benefits of dentalimplants; a better understanding ofstem-cell research and treatments; thenutritional benefits of red yeast rice andprobiotics, and the steps towards ahealthy pregnancy.

As the founder and publisher of YHCMagazine, I have a deep responsibilityto you, dear readers to share my tri-umphs and challenges with you. Youneed to know that there is someonebehind these pages that truly caresabout your health and well-being. Onlyby sharing can we learn and supportone another.

With Peace, Love, Blessings andGratitude,

PUBLISHER’SLETTER | ANN K. CASTLE

RECENTLY I HAD MY ANNUAL BLOOD TEST TO SEE HOW THINGSARE GOING. ADMITTEDLY, I HAVE A RATHER COCKY SENSE OFWELL-BEING AND FEEL MOST OF THE TIME I CAN WEATHERANYTHING AND THAT INVINCIBLE IS MY MIDDLE NAME. BY THEWAY, THIS ATTITUDE IS SO TYPICAL OF WOMEN—WE TAKECARE OF EVERYONE ELSE BEFORE OURSELVES.

ANN K. CASTLEFOUNDER & PUBLISHER


THE TRUTH IN TEST ING


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COPY EDITOR JAN TUCKER, MBAACCOUNTING DONNA BRYANT

ADVERTISINGMARIAN GREEN

[email protected]

LAURA [email protected]

805.558.9817

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS PATRICIA LYNN BELKOWITZ, CHT, EFT-CC; ALICIA DOYLE;

PENNY FEINSTEIN-RANAN, MA, CCMP, CPMT; NICOLE GREENMAN, SAJ JIVRAJ, DDS;WAYNE LEVINE, MA; SHARON NORLING, MD; DENISE NOYER-EREZ, LAC;

CLAIRE STAFFA, CRM, HM

COVERAGE AREA INCLUDESMONTHLY TO VENTURA COUNTY, WEST SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, AND THE CONEJO VALLEY;

AGOURA HILLS, CALABASAS, CAMARILLO, ENCINO, MOORPARK, NEWBURY PARK,NORTHRIDGE, OAK PARK, OXNARD, SIMI VALLEY, TARZANA, THOUSAND OAKS, VENTURA,

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, WEST HILLS, WOODLAND HILLS

FOR ALL INQUIRIES, CONTACT ANN K. CASTLE [email protected]

OR 805.341.2972

WWW.YHCMAGAZINE.COM

MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD

KATIE GREELEY, DCUNTIED FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC

SPECIALIZING IN PEDIATRIC CHIROPRACTIC CARE

STEVEN GREENMAN, DDSSPECIALIZING IN ADVANCED COSMETIC, IMPLANT & SEDATION DENTISTRY,

SNORING & SLEEP APNEA

HILDA MALDONADO, MDSPECIALIZING IN FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE, ANTI-AGING MEDICINE & HORMONE THERAPY

SHARON NORLING, MDBOARD CERTIFIED OB/GYN, HOLISTIC/INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE, MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE,

NUTRITION & FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

DENISE NOYER-EREZ, LAC, FABORMLICENSED ACUPUNCTURIST, SPECIALIZING IN WOMEN’S HEALTH

DANIEL SLATON, DVMWESTLAKE VILLAGE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

ALON STEINBERG, MD, FACCBOARD CERTIFIED CARDIOLOGIST

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual writer and not necessarily those of the publishers or management of YHC Magazine. All rightsreserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Publication of the name or photo of any person or organization inYHC Magazine should not be construed as an indication of that person’s expressed opinion. Advertisers and their agencies assume responsibility andliability for the content of their advertisement in YHC Magazine. Photographers whose work is published in any advertising or editorial content withinYHC Magazine agree to indemnify and save harmless the publishers from all liability, loss and expense due to a photographer’s failure to gain a modelrelease. YHC Magazine is not responsible for loss of or damage to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork, or any other unsolicited material.Unsolicited material will not be returned. YHC Magazine’s liability in the event of an error is limited to a printed correction. YHC Magazine does notassume liability for products or services advertised herein.

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

THE X BY DR. HEVER

STEVEN HEVER, DDSwww.westlakevillagecadentist.com860 Hampshire Road, Suite EWestlake Village, CA 91361805.777.7447

Xylitol occurs naturally in fruits andvegetables and is also produced by thehuman body. Sucrose, or table sugar, isfood for harmful bacteria that destroyteeth. Bacteria eat this sugar, multiply,and cause an acidic oral environment.

Xylitol, on the other hand, cannot bemetabolized by oral bacteria, so harm-ful decay-causing bacteria arereduced. Studies have shown that 5 to10 grams a day of Xylitol can reduceacid-producing bacteria by as much as95 percent after six months.

If you purchase chewing gum contain-ing Xylitol, make sure it is 100 percentXylitol, since some gums have onlytrace amounts. The others are sweet-ened by other sugars.

You would be amazed at how manyproducts now are sweetened by Xylitol;it is even being used in toothpaste. Ifyou are still using sugar or buyingproducts with fructose corn syrup, thetime is now. Make the change!

Questions can be addressed to Dr Hever by emailing [email protected]

FACTOR


fyiFor Your Information

HEALTH TIPS & TIDBITS

WHAT ARE YOUEATING?

If you can’t always buy organic, carry this list with you when you shop to help youremember to purchase the organic variety of the produce on the first list.

It may help you to remember which items are the least contaminated if you noticethey often have thicker skins than those that are most contaminated.

Sources: www.ewg.org and www.foodnews.org .

THERE ARE STILL SO MANYQUESTIONS ABOUT THE BENE-FITS OF BUYING ORGANICFOODS, BUT SOMETIMES THEPRICE TENDS TO BE THEDECIDING FACTOR. HERE ARE AFEW THINGS TO KNOW WHENSHOPPING FOR ORGANIC VER-SUS CONVENTIONALLY-GROWN PRODUCE:

This is the list of the most contaminated produce, aka the Dirty Dozen:

ApplesCeleryCherriesGrapes (imported)

LettuceNectarinesPeachesPears

PotatoesSpinachStrawberriesSweet Bell Peppers

The following 12 are the least contaminated:

AsparagusAvocadosBananasBroccoli

CabbageKiwi FruitMangoes Onions

PapayasPineapplesSweet corn (frozen) Sweet peas (frozen)

GENETICALLY-MODIFIED FOODS are hittingthe supermarket shelves with increasingfrequency and volume. While the scientificdebate about the benefits and health risksof genetically engineered crops is heatedand it is unlikely to see any conclusions inthe near future, you have a right to knowwhat you are eating now.

This past March, the Just Label It campaign(www.justlabelit.org), spearheaded in NewHampshire by Stonyfield Farm cofounderGary Hirshberg and joined by more than525 partners nationwide, presented a peti-tion to the FDA signed by a record-breaking1.1 million citizens to urge mandatory GMOlabels on genetically engineered foods.

The FDA tallied only approximately 400votes on this issue as opposed to 1.1 millionbecause they count multiple signatures ona single petition as only one vote. Theyresponded to Just Label It by the requireddeadline saying, “We haven’t made a deci-sion yet,” whether to require labeling or not.

In May, Just Label It responded by takingtheir campaign to the next level, using theWhite House’s online petition tool, “We thepeople,” to encourage president Obama tospeak out in favor of mandatory labeling.They exceeded their goal of 25,000 signa-tures by May 12 in order to receive an officialresponse from White House policy experts.

Approximately 40 to 50 other countriesrequire labeling to let consumers knowwhether or not they are buying GMO food.

In addition to activity at the federal level,18 state legislatures have introduced billsrequiring GMO labeling in their states. InApril, Californians bypassed our state legis-lature through a grass roots campaignwhich gathered 850,000 signatures toinclude an initiative on the ballot inNovember—the California Right to KnowGenetically Engineered Food Act.Remember to vote on November 2 on thisimportant issue which will permit us tochoose whether or not to purchase GMOfood products.

BALANCING YOUR BACTERIA

SPECIALHEALTHBULLETIN


B A L A N C I N G Y O U R B A C T E R I A —

A KEY TO HEALTH

BY ALICIA DOYLE

ORIGINATING FROM GREEK, THE WORDS “PROBIOTICS” AND “ANTIBIOTICS” LIT-ERALLY MEAN “FOR LIFE” AND “AGAINST LIFE,” CLEARLY DIFFERENTIATINGTHEIR EFFECT.


“...IT IS ESTI-MATED THATAMERICANS’

SPENDING ONPROBIOTICS HASTRIPLED IN THE PAST 15 YEARS. ”

“I usually use the example of the Wizard ofOz,” said Cynthia Fiacco, a family nurse prac-titioner at California HealthFirst Physiciansin Camarillo. “Probiotics are the good forces.Antibiotics fight the bad stuff. Think of themas two separate ruby red slippers. For Dorothyto walk down the yellow brick road, she mustbe in balance. If either force is out of balance,things get wicked.”

Used for centuries as natural components inhealth-promoting foods, probiotics are livemicroorganisms — in most cases, bacteria —similar to the “good bacteria” or “friendly bacteria” found in the human gut. In anotherdefinition, the World Health Organizationand the Food and Agriculture Organizationof the United Nations describe probiotics aslive microorganisms, which when adminis-tered in adequate amounts, confer a healthbenefit on the host.

“They are generally in the form of dietary sup-plements and foods,” said Fiacco, adding thatthey come from two groups, Lactobacillus orBididobacterium. “These are found in yogurt,fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tem-peh and some juices and soy beverages.”

Antibiotics, on the other hand, “are a class ofdrugs that treat bacterial infections by stop-ping the growth of bacteria or killing bacteriadirectly,” Fiacco said.

The discovery of penicillin ushered in the eraof modern antibiotic therapy, prompting thedevelopment and widespread use of a greatnumber of powerful drugs that have undoubt-edly saved many lives from severe infections.

But in addition to destroying pathogenic bac-teria, antibiotics also destroy the friendly

ones. In fact, a single course of antibiotics can wipe out beneficial strains ofbacteria for six months or more.

“When you take antibiotics, you are doing to your body what a farmer doeswhen he sprays his fields with pesticides,” according to medical researcherGeoffrey Cannon, author of the book Superbug: Nature’s Revenge.

Still, “both are important,” Fiacco emphasized. “They serve differentneeds. Balance is the key.”

Indeed, the internal environment of the human body is a delicate ecosys-tem. The intestinal tract, for example, is populated by billions and billionsof “friendly bacteria” that are essential to health and vital to the develop-ment of the immune system.

“They keep the membranes lining our gut healthy, control the populationof unhealthy germs, aid digestion and proper elimination and stimulatehealthy immune function,” according to Dr. Tony Vendryes, whose holis-tic and integrative medicine practice — The Vendryes Wellness Center inthe West Indies — combines both conventional and alternative-basedmodalities. “Antibiotic therapy can indiscriminately destroy the friendlybacteria and disrupt the internal ecosystem with disastrous results.”

This may include nausea, diarrhea, dyspepsia, gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastroenteritis, colitis, irritable bowel disease, leaky gut syndrome, malab-sorption syndrome, mouth ulcers, Candida infections, other fungal andviral infections, vaginal infections, immune system disorders and even vitamin deficiency.

“There are natural products, called probiotics, which do just the opposite,”Vendryes said. “They replace the healthy bacteria in our digestive system ...and promote overall good health. Dietary fiber itself also seems to haveprobiotic properties.”

Many nutrients and herbal substances have natural antibiotic properties,such as echinacea, aloe vera, garlic, ginger, cayenne and vitamin C.Additionally, “therapies using ozone and hydrogen peroxide can oftenlessen or prevent the need for antibiotic therapy,” Vendryes said. Above all,“the regular use of probiotic preparations is strongly recommended. This

>>

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• Education

• Judicious use of medications as required

Dr. Hilda Maldonado is board certified in InternalMedicine and additionally she is a diplomate of theAmerican Academy of Regenerative and Anti-AgingMedicine.

1240 Westlake Blvd., Suite 133Westlake Village, CA 91361

Phone / Fax: 805.496.6698www.drhildamaldonado.com

Regenerative & Anti Aging Medicine


SPECIALHEALTHBULLETIN


is particularly important if you have beentaking antibiotics, have recurrent fungalinfections or have a weak immune system.”

When it comes to antibiotics, Vendryessuggests minimizing their use. “Be willingto discuss with your doctor your need forantibiotics. If your doctor is unwilling todiscuss the matter with you, I humbly sug-gest that you find a doctor who will ... how-ever, once you have committed to a courseof antibiotics, please follow your doctor’sinstruction carefully.”

As interest in complementary and alterna-tive medicine continues to grow, Americansare now becoming more aware of the dan-gers of antibiotic resistance, Fiacco said.“We hear about new strains of bacteria thatour drugs cannot touch. These includeMRSA, VRE and Clostridium difficile.These strains can cause death.”

As a result, it is estimated that Americans’spending on probiotics has tripled in thepast 15 years. Recent research projectssponsored by the National Center forComplementary and Alternative Medicineinclude a clinical trial developed by theTulane University School of Public Healthand Tropical Medicine on the effectivenessof selected probiotic agents to treat diarrheain undernourished children in a developingcountry. At the Mayo Clinic College ofMedicine, researchers have been examiningprobiotics to possibly decrease levels of cer-tain substances in the urine that can causeproblems such as kidney stones. And a teamat Tufts-New England Medical Center isstudying probiotics for treating an antibiot-ic-resistant type of bacteria that causessevere infection in people who are hospital-ized, live in nursing homes or have weak-ened immune systems.

“...researchers havebeen examining probi-otics to possiblydecrease levels of certainsubstances in the urinethat can cause problemssuch as kidney stones.”


In November 2005, a conference co-funded by theNational Center for Complementary andAlternative Medicine and convened by theAmerican Society for Microbiology explored pro-biotics and their potential for preventing andtreating health conditions.

According to the conference report, some uses ofprobiotics with encouraging evidence include thetreatment of diarrhea, especially for diarrhea fromrotavirus; treating infections of the urinary tract orfemale genital tract; reducing the recurrence ofbladder cancer; shortening the length of intestinalinfection called Clostridium difficile; and manag-ing atopic dermatitis — eczema — in children.

The conference panel also noted that in studies ofprobiotics as cures, any beneficial effect was usual-ly low; a strong placebo effect often occurs; andmore research — especially in the form of large,carefully designed clinical trials — is needed todraw firmer conclusions.

The Harvard Medical School Family HealthGuide — edited by members of the HarvardMedical School faculty — also reports that clinicaltrial results are mixed, but emphasizes that severalsmall studies suggest that certain probiotics mayhelp maintain remission of ulcerative colitis andprevent relapse of Crohn’s disease and the recur-rence of pouchitis, a complication of surgery totreat ulcerative colitis.

“Because these disorders are so frustrating to treat,many people are giving probiotics a try before allthe evidence is in for the particular strains they’reusing,” according to a section of the guide on theHealth benefits of taking probiotics. “Moreresearch is needed to find out which strains workbest for what conditions.”


NATURALAPPROACH | STEM CELLS

WILL STEM CELLSMAKE NEW YOU?DO YOU WISH YOU COULD LOOKYOUNGER WITHOUT INJECTINGYOUR FACE WITH A TOXIN LIKEBOTOX? WE ARE NOW SEEING ADSFOR FACIAL REJUVENATION USINGSTEM CELLS. DO YOU HAVE A PAIN-FUL JOINT OR ILLNESS WHICH ISNOT GETTING BETTER? ARE STEMCELLS AN OPTION FOR YOU?

NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES, RADIOAND TV SHOWS SUCH AS 60 MINU-TES, CNN AND THE DOCTORSHAVE RECENTLY REPORTED ONSTEM CELLS.

BY DR. SHARON NORLING


>>

Adult or somatic stem cells existthroughout the body after embryo-nic development and are foundinside different types of tissue.These stem cells have been found intissues such as the brain, bone mar-row, blood, blood vessels, teeth, tes-tis, skeletal muscles, skin and liver.They remain in a quiescent or non-dividing state for years until activa-ted by disease or tissue injury.

Adult stem cells can divide or self-renew indefinitely, enabling them togenerate a range of cell types from the originating organ or even regeneratethe entire original organ.

It is generally believed adult stem cells are limited in their ability to diffe-rentiate based on their tissue of origin, but according to the Mayo Clinic,there is some evidence to suggest they can differentiate to become othercell types. There have been significant advances in work with adult stemcells and more studies are under way.

In the past stems cells were most often harvested from bone marrow,embryos or fat cells. Today stem cells can be obtained by drawing bloodfrom a vein. The blood is sent to a specific lab where stem cell particles areseparated from it. These particles can be reintroduced to the individualintravenously or injected directly in a joint.

If the stem cells are harvested from another individual there is a risk deve-loping an auto-immune reaction (rejection) in the individual receiving thestem cells. However, today the technology has advanced, enabling us todraw stem cells from a person and give them back to the same individual.

Stem cells differ from other kinds of cells in the body. They have theremarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the bodyduring early life and growth. In addition, in many tissues they serve as asort of internal repair system, dividing basically without limit to replenishother cells.

The research on adult stem cells began about50 years ago. In fact, blood-forming stem cellsfrom bone marrow have been used in trans-plants for 40 years. Scientists now have eviden-ce that stem cells exist in the brain and theheart. It was not until the 1990s that scientistsagreed the adult brain does contain stem cellsthat are able to generate the brain’s nerve cells.

Stem cells are a class of undifferentiated cellsthat are able to differentiate into specializedcell types. Commonly, stem cells come fromtwo main sources:

1. Embryonic stem cells2. Adult stem cells.

Embryonic stem cells, as their name suggests,are derived from embryos. Most embryonicstem cells are derived from embryos that deve-lop from eggs fertilized in cell cultures in ferti-lity clinic laboratories and then donated forresearch purposes with informed consent ofthe donors. They are not derived from eggs fer-tilized in a woman’s body.

Diseases that might be treated by transplantingcells generated from human embryonic stemcells include Parkinson’s, diabetes, traumaticspinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy, heartdisease, and vision and hearing loss.

ADULT STEM CELLS

EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS

WHAT ARE STEM CELLS AND WHYARE THEY IMPORTANT?



When a stem cell divides, each new cell hasthe potential either to remain a stem cellor become another type of cell with a morespecialized function such as a muscle cell, ared blood cell or a brain cell.

Stem cells are important for living orga-nisms for many reasons. In some adult tis-sues such as bone marrow, muscle andbrain, discrete populations of adult stemcells generate replacements for cells lostthrough normal wear and tear, injury ordisease. Professional athletes have usedstem cells to repair injuries or damagefrom wear and tear.

Regenerating the cartilage-making processin the body has become a primary goal inorthopedic medicine. A small moleculedubbed kartogenin encourages stem cellsto take on the characteristics of cells thatmake cartilage, a new study shows. Thefindings in Science provide new clues in thelong-running effort to find ways to regene-rate cartilage, a central puzzle in the battleagainst osteoarthritis.

Given their unique regenerative abilities,stem cells offer new potential for treatingdiseases. However, much work remains tobe done in the laboratory and the clinic to

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understand how to use these cells for cell-based therapies to treat disease.

Stem cell research conti-nues to advance know-ledge about how healthycells replace damagedcells in adult organisms.This is one of the mostfascinating areas of con-temporary biology. According to the National Institutes ofHealth (NIH), research on adult stemcells has generated a great deal of excite-ment. The primary roles of adult stem cellsin a living organism are to maintain andrepair the tissue in which they are found.

Scientists have found adult stem cells inmany more tissues than they once thoughtpossible. This finding has led researchersand clinicians to ask whether adult stemcells could be used for transplants. Stemcells may prove to be just the answer toregenerate the body from head to toe.

While the research continues, the clinicaluse is still considered experimental. Stemcell therapy is effective for many conditi-ons but is not an FDA-approved treat-ment for any condition. It is provided as aservice and as a practice of medicine andthe results vary from individual to indivi-dual.

Dr. Norling brings a lifetime of education,training, and passion in both conventionaland natural medicine. Dr. Norling is tripleboarded and practices integrative and func-tional medicine. Using specialized testingshe finds the root cause of symptoms andillnesses. Individualized care help patientslive their best lives. Call Mind Body SpiritCenter 818-707-9355.


HEALTHVIEW 1

RED YEAST RICE

Red yeast rice has been used in China for centuries as an aidfor improving blood flow and alleviating stomachache. Itspresence has been recorded as far back as the Tang Dynastyin 800 A.D.

Red yeast rice is also used to color a number of food productssuch as pickled tofu, red rice vinegar and Peking duck, as wellas being used traditionally in making Japanese sake, severaltypes of Chinese wine and Korean rice wine.

The nutritional value and health benefits of eating this ricehave begun to gain popularity outside of Eastern medicine.Red yeast rice has begun to gain popularity in Western med-icine as well.

The active ingredient in the fungus Monascus purpureus,monacolin K, has the same physiological mechanisms aslovastatin, the substance used in cholesterol-lowering pre-scription drugs. Both lovastatin and monacolin K lower cho-lesterol production by blocking the HMG-CoA reductaseenzymes. In effect, the total cholesterol and LDL, the badcholesterols, are reduced.

THE USES FOR RED YEAST RICE, A DIETARY STAPLE IN CHINA, JAPAN ANDASIAN COMMUNITIES, EXTEND FAR BEYOND THE MAKING OF TRADITIONALASIAN DISHES. THIS RICE IS FERMENTED IN A RED YEAST, MONASCUS PUR-PUREUS, GIVING IT MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING PROPERTIES

RED YEAST RICE

+++Currently, theFood and DrugAdministrationmaintains thatred yeast prod-ucts containingmonacolin Kare equivalentto a drug andare regulated as such.

— A N A T U R A L A L T E R N A T I V E S T A T I N

BY NICOLE GREENMAN

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GRAND OPENING


Different strains of the Monascus purpureus fungus and fermenta-tion processes used in different brands of rice produce differentconcentrations of monacolins. Currently, the Food and DrugAdministration maintains that red yeast products containingmonacolin K are equivalent to a drug and are regulated as such. Thesale of red yeast rice containing more than a trace of monacolins iscurrently illegal in the United States.

As of 2010, an estimated 30 brands of red yeast rice were availableon the market, primarily at Asian markets. The available productsdo not contain the levels of substances that would cause side effectswhen eaten in moderation under the supervision of a doctor ornutritionist. The safety of red yeast rice is primarily attributed tothe preparation process which does not isolate or concentrate anyof the active ingredients.

Research into the benefits of red yeast rice began in the late 1970swhen scientists in the United States and Japan separated lovastatinfrom a number of fungi, including Monascus. Chemical analysisshowed that lovastatin, the substance in prescription cholesterolmedications, and monacolin, the substance in red yeast rice’s fun-gus, were identical.

Lovastatin was patented by the major pharmaceutical companies,while red yeast rice became a controversial dietary supplement inthe U.S. and abroad.

More recently, Chinese and American scientists have begun smallscale studies into the efficacy of red yeast rice in patients with ele-vated cholesterol levels with promising initial results.

Scientists at the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition conducted a12-week double-blind study on a small sample of patients with bor-derline-high to moderately-elevated cholesterol. They found thatwhen red yeast rice was present, Cholestin, a natural product thattargets cholesterol and lipoprotein, had an effect on lowering totalcholesterol, LDL and triglyceride levels. It had no effect on HDL,the good cholesterol. The study was published in the AmericanJournal of Clinical Nutrition (1999; 231-7).

To date, there have been no large, long-term studies of red yeast riceand red yeast rice products; however, UCLA scientists have begunanimal studies comparing red yeast rice to statin drugs for the pre-vention and treatment of atherosclerosis, a build-up of plaque inthe heart that causes heart attack.

>>

FDA REGULATION OF RED YEAST RICE

RED YEAST RICE RESEARCH HAS BEGUN

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RED YEAST RICE


Since no long-term trials have beenconducted in either China or theUnited States, little is known about thelong-term effects and safety of using redyeast rice as the primary treatment forhigh cholesterol.

It has been found that some red yeastrice commercial products contain highlevels of the toxin citrinin, a reason notto begin a red yeast rice regimen with-out consulting your doctor or nutritionspecialist.

Scientists generally believe red yeast riceis safe for long-term use as it has beeneaten as a food product for centuries,but like any drug, it should be used withcaution and under the supervision of aprofessional.

Side effects are typically mild, includingheadache and the rare occurrence ofliver problems. It is recommended thatpeople with kidney disease, liver diseaseor those who are breast-feeding shouldnot use red yeast rice as a means of con-trolling their cholesterol.

Patients who wish to control their cho-lesterol with diet and exercise ratherthan statin drugs can add red yeast riceto their diets if they wish. Maria Amato,

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a registered dietician (RD) and certified special-ist in sports dietetics (CSSD) whose WestlakeVillage practice specializes in general nutritionconsulting for weight loss, sports nutrition, andeating disorders, suggests that her patients eatbetween 1.2 to 2.4 grams a day of the rice, a roughequivalent of a 600-milligram capsule of mona-colin K.

According to Amato, any drop in total choles-terol and LDL cholesterol is good. If a patient isnot taking statin drugs, red yeast rice can serve asan effective, natural alternative.

An ideal candidate to begin a red yeast rice regi-men has high cholesterol, high LDL, high triglyc-erides and a potential history of heart issues. Thisperson has tried diet and exercise in an attemptto control these levels, but they have not beensufficiently successful.

People who are hesitant about statins because ofthe potential side effects, and want somethingnatural, are also excellent candidates since redyeast rice has fewer side effects.

All patients with high choles-terol and heart problems needto continue exercise and prop-er nutrition, even while takinga red yeast rice supplement. A typical supplement regime for a patient seek-ing natural dietary supplements to lower choles-terol and promoting a healthy heart includes redyeast rice, Omega-3s such as those found in fish,and Co-Q10, an enzyme that shares a biosyn-thetic pathway with cholesterol and is inhibitedby statins.

The object of any dietary regimen, including redyeast rice, is to promote heart health, lower cho-lesterol and overall good health. If a patient isalready on a statin drug, it is not suggested thatthey include red yeast rice into their diet.

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HEALTHVIEW 2

BETTER MEN

WHEN MEN COME TO BE COACHED OR TO JOIN ONE OF OURMEN'S GROUPS, THEY USUALLY WANT TO KNOW HOW LONG ITWILL TAKE. I ASK THEM, “WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY IT?” THEN,THERE'S USUALLY SILENCE.

DEFINE IT I T A L L D E P E N D S O N H OW YO U

BY WAYNE M. LEVINEDIRECTOR, BETTERMEN COACHING


The It is a tough thing to define. For most men, it is about gettingunstuck from some suffocating set of circumstances, real or imag-ined. But how does one get unstuck? How long will it take to getunstuck? Well, that’s what the It is all about. The more importantquestion to ask is: When will I begin to clearly define my goals, tocreate the vision of the man I want to be and to start being that manin all areas of my life?

We live and breathe in a media-saturated culture that celebratesinstant gratification, amazingly fast results and extrememakeovers—between the commercial breaks. That’s TV. That’snot life.

Important changes take commitment and hard work. And thesooner we men learn that lesson, the sooner we grow up. The soon-er we grow up, the sooner we can make changes in our own lives,and the sooner we can teach those lessons to our kids. But first wehave to overcome the fear of acknowledging and addressing It.

One of the reasons It can be so terrifying is that we men don’t real-ize, more often than not, we have It in common with most othermen. We don’t realize this fact because men generally won’t discussIt with other men. So we keep it a secret, tell ourselves more liesabout what’s wrong with us—or with them—and become increas-ingly more isolated—stuck.

That’s what we’ve been taught. That’s how men have been social-ized to behave. But that’s not the way life has to be.

The BetterMen approach teaches men to build strong and trustingrelationships with other men. We teach each other. We supporteach other to make changes in our lives. We make commitmentsand we hold each other accountable. That’s how we get unstuck.That’s how we make progress toward achieving our goals. And that’show you can become the best man you can be in all areas of your life.

As for how long this process takes; well, that’s entirely up to you.Most men have been creating the walls, tightening the masks, andbelieving the lies for a very long time. It takes some time to sortthings out and to develop a plan. It takes commitment and hardwork to implement the plan and to begin trusting yourself andtrusting other men. But once you start, changes begin to happen.Once you make the commitment to be that better man, you actually start to become that better man. And that’s the beginningof the extreme makeover that really counts.

That’s all there is to It.

Wayne M. Levine is the director of BetterMen Coaching in AgouraHills, CA. He teaches men to be the best men, fathers, and husbands they can be through individual, couples, and group coaching, both in the office and via phone. Wayne is author of thebest-selling, Hold On to Your N.U.T.s—The Relationship Manual forMen. Find out more and get a copy of Wayne’s book atwww.BetterMenCoaching.com.


MIND SPIRIT

HYPNO-REIKI

HYPNO-REIKI— L E T G O O F T H E P A I N !

A Los Angeles Timesarticle by BenedictCarey on January 5,

2004 reported, “…thebrain can virtuallyshut down pain.”

When a person hasreached this point,their body’s energy

system is aligned withthoughts of health

and wellness.


HYPNO-REIKI

>>

Are you suffering? “Chronic pain is a problem that has reachednear epidemic proportions,” said Edward Covington, MD, directorof the Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Program at the ClevelandClinic. “The ‘can do, can cope’ spirit of Americans can lead tountreated chronic pain, which has a severe impact on people’swork, personal relationships, hobbies, and even sex, and can greatlydiminish their quality of life. In addition to physical disability, itmay also lead to irritability, anxiety or depression.”

Do you endure discomfort to the point that it affects the way youlive your life? Are you sick and tired of conventional methods ofpain management? Are you taking pills that aren’t effective? Is yourmedication creating negative side effects? Are you ready to trysomething new? Perhaps it is time to consider an integrativeapproach to healing—a new way based on ancient methods.

Dr. Covington’s quote assures us that we need not suffer—in fact,our learned habit of enduring pain and suffering is harmful.

Hypno-Reiki is a combination of two powerful methods of healing: hypnosis and Reiki. Each method is effective, but the combined modality has even more potential.

Hypnosis is a deep state of relaxation or altered state of conscious-ness created by focused attention. For thousands of years it hasbeen used as an effective method for relief of physical pain and dis-comfort. In the hypnotic state, we are open to positive suggestionsand imagery which will create change.

While a subject is hypnotized, it is an ideal time to implementother therapeutic modalities such as Reiki, because their whole system is primed to healing. Reiki, a healing practice originated inJapan, is a non-invasive, gentle modality which puts spiritually-guided, life-force energy or universal healing energy to work. Reikihelps the body’s natural ability to heal itself through the flow andfocusing of energy.

The Center for Disease Control reported in2002 that 62 percent of U.S. adults had usedsome form of complementary and alterna-tive medicine (CAM), often in conjunctionwith other alternative and conventionalmedical treatments.

The 2007 National Health Interview Survey,which included a comprehensive survey ofCAM use by Americans, found, “…peopleuse Reiki for relaxation, stress reduction, andsymptom relief, in efforts to improve overallhealth and well-being. Reiki has been used bypeople with anxiety, chronic pain,HIV/AIDS and other health conditions, aswell as by people recovering from surgery orexperiencing side effects from treatments.”

The key to hypnotherapy is that it canchange a person’s expectation that they willperceive pain. In studies about how thehuman brain and nervous system work, Dr.Kenneth Casey, professor of neurology atthe University of Michigan and neurologyconsultant to the VA Health Care Systemin Ann Arbor, explains the power of ourmind: “…the brain has mechanisms todirectly control what we feel; it actively con-trols the flow of sensory information thatresults in our perceptions.”

In fact, key regions of the brain appear toreact as much to the expectation of pain asmuch as they do to actual painful stimula-tion. The mind can alter the feeling of painby substituting another feeling such as heat,tingling or numbness. It can also divert thelocation of pain to another body part, there-by allowing relief.

A Los Angeles Times article by BenedictCarey on January 5, 2004 reported, “…thebrain can virtually shut down pain signalswhen preoccupied.” When a person hasreached this point, their body’s energy systemis aligned with thoughts of health and wellness.

The body-mind connection functions fullywhile in the state of hypnosis. The minddoesn’t know the difference between what isimagined and what is perceived as reality.

ARE YOU AWARE OF HYPNO-REIKI?

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When Reiki is administered to someone in the hypnotic state,the benefits are magnified. The healing power of life-force ener-gy is added and the whole body is at peace.

Though Reiki may be an unfamiliar term and may sound “new-agey,” to some, it is an ancient treatment that has been showneffective and it is used today in many hospitals to promote heal-ing and manage pain.

The International Journal of Behavioral Medicine reviewed 66clinical trials on biofield therapies, those intended to affect sub-tle energy fields that surround and penetrate the human body.Strong evidence concluded that biofield therapies such as Reikihelp reduce the intensity of pain.

Julie Kusiak, MA, a Reiki practitioner in the IntegrativeMedicine Department at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak,Michigan, states, “Recent studies on Reiki therapy reflect abroad spectrum of its benefit for pain relief.” Examples citedwere decreased anxiety and pain, reduced fatigue and depres-sion and a better quality of life.

Hypnosis and Reiki create profoundly relaxing effects, whichmake Hypno-Reiki even more effective for the treatment ofanxiety, stress and pain. Hypno-Reiki complements any otherform of medical treatment; there are no contraindications.

A long history of both scientific and anecdotal evidence sup-ports the use of behavioral and relaxation approaches to treatchronic pain. American Hospital Association President andCEO Rich Umbdenstock stated, “Complementary and alter-native medicine has shown great promise in supporting andstimulating healing. It’s one of the many tools hospitals look toas they continue to create optimal healing environments for thepatients they serve.”

Much research concludes the effectiveness of hypnosis as analternative method of healing. Scientific American Mind’s July,2005 article titled, “The Truth and the Hype of Hypnosis”stated, “…hypnosis has been shown to be a real phenomenonwith a variety of therapeutic uses—especially in controllingpain.” The article further cites a meta-analysis published by theInternational Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosiswhich reported, “…the pain-relieving effect of hypnosis is oftensubstantial, and in a few cases the degree of relief matches orexceeds that provided by morphine.”

In Biofield Therapies: A Best Evidence Synthesis, a systematicreview examined 66 clinical studies and found, “There is equiv-ocal evidence for biofield therapies’ effects on fatigue and quality of life for cancer patients, as well as for comprehensivepain outcomes and affect in pain patients, and for decreasinganxiety in cardiovascular patients.”

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HYPNO-REIKI

A peer review method is in place to ana-lyze the state of scientific studies conduct-ed on Reiki programs in hospitals andclinics. The process is rigorous, impartialand incorporates the best practices for scientific review. Dr. Mehmet Oz is a proponent of Reiki and is often quoted assaying, “Reiki has become a sought-afterhealing art among patients and main-stream medical professionals.”

According to a 2008 American HospitalAssociation survey, 84 percent of hospi-tals indicated patient demand as the reason for offering CAM services becauseof “clinical effectiveness.” Simply stated—it works.

More and more, science tells us that thecondition of our body is directly related toour positive thoughts of wellness or ournegative thoughts of stress, anxiety and pain.

Thoughts are energy. Thoughts create.Your body is a manifestation of thethoughts of your subconscious mind. Youhave the power to change the way you think and feel. There is an unlimitedsupply of spiritually-guided, life-forceenergy available to you to help create yournatural state of being, which is a state ofwell-being.

If you are suffering, you can give yourselfpermission to let go of the pain. You canchange your expectations and movetoward a better, more joyful life. PerhapsHypno-Reiki is the way to do it!

Patricia Belkowitz is a clinical hypnothera-pist focusing on health and wellness. Claire Staffa is a certified Reiki Master spe-cializing in balance and harmony. Theypractice together at Dr. Sharon Norling’sMind Body Spirit Center in Westlake Village. For more information aboutPatricia visit www.TheMindMatters.comand to learn about Claire, visitwww.HarmoniousReiki.com or log on towww.TheMBSC.com.

A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDEIS IMMENSELY BENEFICIAL


SMILES | DENTAL IMPLANTS

EAT BETTER AND LIVE LONGERNO LONGER DO DENTISTS NEED TO CUT DOWN HEALTHYTEETH AND INSTALL BRIDGES TO REPLACE MISSINGTEETH. DENTAL IMPLANTS HAVE REVOLUTIONIZED THEWAY DENTISTS CAN REPLACE MISSING TEETH. CUTTINGTEETH DOWN FOR BRIDGES DAMAGES THE TEETH ANDREDUCES THEIR LONG-TERM SURVIVAL.

BY DR SAJ JIVRAJ

—WITH DENTAL IMPLANTS

Implant therapy offers many advantages to conventi-onal bridges and dentures and in many cases is the treat-ment of choice.

The difference in chewing force in a person with naturalteeth and one who wears dentures is dramatic. In themolar region, the average force of a person with naturalteeth has been measured at 150 to 250 pounds per squa-re inch (psi). Certain patients who grind or clench theirteeth may exert a force of up to 1000 psi.

The maximum force in a denture patient is reduced toless than 50 psi. The longer an individual wears dentu-res, the less force they are able to generate. Individualswearing dentures for more than 15 years may have amaximum chewing force of 5.6 psi.

As a result of this decreased force and the instability ofdentures, chewing efficiency is severely compromised.Many patients with dentures avoid most hard food;some are able to eat only soft or mashed food; and someclaim they eat more efficiently without their dentures.

The lower intake of fruits, vegetables and vitamins inthese individuals leads to digestive and other systemicdisorders. As a result, denture-wearers take more drugsand supplements compared to those having natural teethand better chewing ability. Also, the reduced consumpti-on of high fiber foods can induce digestive problems indenture-wearers with deficient chewing performance.

Credible research and reports provide proof suggestingthat a compromised dental function causes poor che-wing and swallowing ability and digestive disorders,which in turn may result in systemic changes favoringillness, debilitation, and shortened life expectancy.

CHEWING EFFICIENCY AFFECTS HEALTH

SCIENCE INDICATES A SHORTENED LIFE SPAN


not candidates for traditional dental implant techniques are now able tohave complete oral rehabilitation, with beautiful new teeth, in just one day!

What does the All-on-4™ dental implant procedure involve and how is it givingdazzling, healthy smiles back to tens of thousands of patients worldwide?

This technique is a completely unique method because it provides a non-removable (fixed) and comprehensive solution to tooth loss and edentulism(complete loss of all natural teeth) that can be implemented in a single den-tal appointment.

The All-on-4™ dental implant technique derives its name and accomplishesthis from its integral design, which consists of a fully-customized dental pro-sthesis (bridge) affixed to only four titanium dental implants.

These implants act as anchors for the bridge supporting the prosthetic teethand are inserted in such a way to reap maximum support from existing bonevolume. The two posterior implant screws are substantially angulated, notonly to ensure increased strength and stability of the entire dental prosthesis,but to avoid damaging or compromising vital structures such as the sinuscavity in the upper jaw and the nerve canal in the lower jaw.

The ingenious location of the four implant screws mean the lengthy, costlyand painful procedure of bone grafting is almost never needed in prepara-tion for the dental implants. Whereas bone grafting takes between three and12 months to achieve proper healing, the innovative All-on-4™ techniquemakes receiving beautiful new teeth possible in just one day.

More than 100 million people in the United States alone are missing betwe-en 11 and 15 (and more) of their permanent adult teeth. By the age of 60, astaggering 70 percent of these people are edentulous and in desperate need ofcomplete oral rehabilitation.

The comprehensive solution to edentulism and tooth loss—the All-on-4™dental implant technique—almost always makes new teeth possible in oneday for people of all ages.

The goal of modern dentistry is to return patients to the level of oral healthto which they are accustomed. Patients who lose teeth and use fixed or remo-vable dentures may be unable to recover normal function, aesthetics, com-fort or speech with traditional restorations.

However, an implant restoration can return their function to near normal.An implant stimulates the bone and maintains its dimensions in a mannersimilar to healthy, natural teeth. As a result, the facial features are not com-promised by lack of support.

Implant-supported restorations are positioned in relation to aesthetics, func-tion and speech to mimic natural teeth. Because implant teeth are not bulkyand take only as much space in the mouth as natural teeth, the facial musclesand tongue do not undergo changes.

Dr. Saj Jivraj completed his dental degree at the University of Manchester inEngland and his advanced prosthodontic training at USC. He is former chairman,Section of Fixed Prosthodontics and Operative Dentistry at the USC School ofDentistry. He is co-author of the textbook, Treatment Planning in ImplantDentistry, published by the British Dental Association. He maintains a privatepractice limited to prosthodontics and implant dentistry at Anacapa Dental ArtInstitute, 300 Esplanade Drive #1600 in Oxnard. Reach him [email protected], 805.988.8985 or visit www.anacapadental.com.

Several reports correlate individuals’ health and lifespans to their dental health. These reports point to asignificant relationship between dental disease andcardiovascular disease, the latter being a major causeof death today.

It is therefore easy to believe that restoring the dentalfunction of these individuals to a more normal rangemay indeed enhance the quality and length of their lives.

Several studies concluded that the use of partial den-tures deteriorates the health of the gums and rema-ining natural teeth. People wearing partial denturesoften exhibit loosening of the retaining natural teeth,heavier plaque retention, increased gingivitis (inflam-mation of the gums) and gum bleeding, more toothdecay and accelerated bone loss.

Dentists and patients should study all the issues oftooth and bone loss more carefully and look at alter-native options for a long-term solution rather than aquick fix.

Dental implants should be seriously considered as thefirst option at the time of tooth extraction. Dentistsshould discuss the benefits of implants with theirpatients and inform them about the consequences ofnot using them.

Although facial muscle tone decreases as we age, thisprocess is accelerated in patients with tooth and boneloss. This loss of tonicity causes lengthening of thelips. Since facial muscles are attached to facial bone,the bone loss severely affects these muscles and theirfunction. The facial skin begins to sag.

The combination of a prognathic chin (where thejaws extend beyond the upper face), sagging musclesand skin, long lips, and a large-looking nose makesthe individual appear prematurely aged.

Since these changes occur gradually, patients are una-ware they are a result of losing the teeth. It is the den-tist’s responsibility to explain these consequences andprovide all available options to patients before extrac-ting teeth.

The best time to plan and perform implant place-ment is at the time of extraction—not later. Theamount of bone loss in the early months after extrac-tion make implant placement much more complica-ted. It is strongly recommended to plan tooth extrac-tions very carefully and seriously consider the resulting bone loss and dire aesthetic, functional, andpsychological consequences.

A tooth replacement technique is available that cangive patients suffering from tooth loss beautiful newteeth in a day. The technique is called the All-on-4™.Patients without sufficient bone who previously were

WHY DENTAL IMPLANTS?

ACHIEVING NORMAL ORAL HEALTH

DENTAL IMPLANTS WITHOUT BONE GRAFTING


(LITERALLY)!

EAST/WEST

FERTILITY

S T R E S S … H E A L T H … F E R T I L I T Y —

EVERYONE EXPERIENCES STRESS AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER. SOMEPEOPLE WOULD EVEN SAY TODAY’S ENVIRONMENT IS MORE STRESS-FUL THAN IT HAS EVER BEEN. WITH THE ADVENT OF TECHNOLOGY ANDTHE COMPLEXITY OF OUR WORLD, STRESS SEEMS HARD TO ESCAPE.

BY PENNY FEINSTEIN-RANAN, MA, CCMP, CPMT;AND DENISE NOYER-EREZ, LAc

AND MASSAGE

Stress has been linked with many symptoms, including headaches, mus-cle pain and anxiety disorders. It aggravates almost every condition andcan rob your body of much-needed nutrients and energy.

Researchers at the University of Texas have shown that when the brain isunder stress, it produces an excess of the hormone ACTH, which inhibitsthe manufacture of white blood cells necessary in fighting disease.

Additionally, many studies have shown a link between infertility inboth men and women and a stressful lifestyle. Stress has played a hugerole in infertility among many women. It affects the hormones in thebody that regulate the maturation and release of the egg, spasms in thefallopian tubes and uterus, and the implantation of the egg. In men,stress can cause erectile dysfunction and also affect sperm count andmotility (movement toward the egg).

Fertility requires a delicate balance of hormones to orchestrate the pro-duction, release, fertilization and implantation of an egg. This balancecan be affected by many conditions within the body, including stress.

The key to avoiding the negative effects of stress is the way you handlestressful events. Short-term stress can be handled easily by most people.In fact, a certain amount of stress is actually good for your body. Itkeeps you energized and alert, and can fuel the creative process.However, when events that cause long-term stress occur, or the stress isnot alleviated, your body may have a hard time coping and begin tobreak down.

Massage plays an extremely important role in assisting the body to bet-ter handle issues of stress. The body functions best when in a state ofdeep relaxation. Massage helps you find that calming, resting space thatyour body needs to promote healing.

By reducing the amount of stress through massage, you can improve yourchances of getting pregnant and staying pregnant. Whether you’re tryingto conceive naturally or in conjunction with medical treatment, massagehelps your body achieve an optimum health state. When you are health-ier, your body has more physical energy to allow healthy conception.

BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY FOR FERTILITY


Massage therapy for fertility is designednot only to increase the flow of blood tothe uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes,but also to increase a sense of well-being,strengthen the immune system, stimu-late the balanced production of hor-mones and improve the health of thelymphatic system.

Massage aids in the release of toxinsthrough stimulation of the lymphaticsystem. This system drains fluids fromyour body and detoxifies your tissues byfiltering out toxins and foreign sub-stances while strengthening the immunesystem. The result is an increased chanceof achieving conception.

Massage is beneficial to both womenand men while trying to conceive,whether naturally or when undergoingin-vitro fertilization or artificial insemi-nation. Massage therapy for fertility pre-pares the body to create a state of well-ness in which assisted reproductive pro-cedures can be more effective. Massagealso helps release toxins accumulated inyour body as a result of medication.

Massage therapy for fertility is a cus-tomized massage using a combination ofrelaxation techniques, acupressure,abdominal massage techniques and reflex-ology points. It stimulates your body’snatural hormones, increasing blood flowto the reproductive organs and creating anoverall sense of well-being.

It is crucial to slow down and respondpositively to events in your life. Youcan’t prevent stress, but there is muchyou can do to deflect its effects. A goodstart is a good massage.

Denise Noyer-Erez, LAc & Associates, 1220La Venta Dr. #205-A, Westlake Village, and15503 Ventura Blvd. #200, Encino. MassageTherapy is offered at the office of DeniseNoyer-Erez & Associates, licensed acupunc-turists and massage therapists, specializingin the wellness of men and women in their journey to parenthood. Call805.497.2625 for more information andto schedule your appointment for massageand/or acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

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