I am very excited about my new YouTube video which explains Bowen therapy to you.
It also contains a demonstration of some of the Bowen moves.
To look at it, just click the first little picture at the top right of my blog under the video heading.
Hope you enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed making it.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Multiple Sclerosis, Vitamin D and veins
I have previously written about Vitamin D in my June newsletter. This article explores the vital role of vitamin D in more detail and looks specifically at people afflicted with MS and the effect vitamin D has on their veins and their condition.
VITAMIN D AND HEALTH
Vitamin D is made by our bodies when we are exposed to sunlight but with the current trend to cover up, wear sunscreen at all times and spend less time outdoors, many of us are not getting enough sun exposure to make adequate amounts.
Vitamin D cannot be stored by the body, is vital for all cell functions and plays an important part in immunity.
People with MS and rheumatoid arthritis are usually found to be deficient in vitamin D. The same goes for many of the auto-immune diseases and cancers. It seems that when our vitamin D levels are low, we are far more susceptible to all types of disease. Another fact is that as we age, our vitamin D requirements increase. Maybe Granny had the right idea with the tablespoon of cod liver oil each day (Cod liver oil is an excellent natural source of vitamin D).
It makes sense to make sure your vitamin D levels are kept up. It is worthwhile checking your vitamin D levels if you are concerned. Dr Mercola believes the current required levels are way too low and to avoid illness, we should all be supplementing our diet.
A SHORT HISTORY OF MS, EBV AND VITAMIN D
1.In 1922 a lack of sunlight was identified as a risk factor in MS. The further a person lives away from the equator, the greater their risk of getting MS.
2. A US study showed that women who took a multivitamin which contained vitamin D were 40% less likely to develop MS than women who took no form of vitamin D.
This was based on women who only took a low dose of vitamin D but it showed that vitamin D may offer some sort of protective effect.
3. In 2001 a German study found that 100% of MS patients had antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) which causes glandular fever.
4. A UK study showed that 61% of MS cases can be linked to low levels of sunlight (ie: a lack of vitamin D) but this rises to 72% of MS cases when the combined effect of having had glandular fever as well as low levels of sunlight are considered.
5. During pregnancy, a mother's blood vessels expand to allow more blood to flow to the placenta. When this doesn't happen, pre-eclampsia can occur which causes the mother's blood pressure to rise alarmingly and the baby's health can be effected.
It is also known that women with MS often experience a remission in their MS symptoms during their pregnancy.
6. A study in Science daily shows that a lack of vitamin D causes stiffer blood vessels and an inability of blood vessels to relax - even in healthy people.
As pwMS are usually deficient in vitamin D, this could start to explain why they have chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI).
7. Recent studies have confirmed a connection between EBV, chlamydia pneumonia and MS. The pneumonia could be treated with antibiotics but the EBV is best treated by boosting the immune system and more evidence is showing that vitamin D is the key vitamin for immune support.
SOME MORE FACTS ABOUT VITAMIN D
1. Healthy people should register levels of vitamin D between 50-70 ng/ml.
People who have cancer, heart disease or autoimmune diseases should have levels of between 70-100 ng/ml.
2. The best source of vitamin D is the sun and we need to expose at least 40% of our skin to the midday sun for about 10 minutes per day in the summer and up to half an hour in the winter to get the optimal dose of vitamin D.
It is also important not to wash your skin for up to 48 hours after sun exposure to ensure the vitamin D is properly absorbed and of course, sunscreens stop the body absorbing vitamin D.
Animals lick their fur to get vitamin D and sheep lick their wool.
Eskimos eat the skin of beluga whales to get vitamin C. Perhaps they also get some vitamin D from this source as well as from the fats in their mainly fish diet.
3. As it is almost impossible for most of us to get adequate vitamin D during winter and for many of us in summer too, we may need to take supplements and vitamin D3 is recommended - to be taken with fat - preferably Omega 3 fish oil.
4. People who have adequate levels of vitamin D get fewer colds and flu's and recover quicker - might explain why we all tend to get sicker in winter when our levels are lower. Vitamin D also acts like a natural antibiotic in our bodies.
5. Vitamin D is fat-soluble but as it is needed for many vital body functions every day, we need to restock daily if possible.
DR MERCOLA'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PWMS
1. Optimize your vitamin D levels.
2. Optimize your essential fat intake (eg Omega 3) and avoid omega 6 fats such as soy, canola and corn oil.
3. Eliminate sugar - particularly fructose. Keep to below 25grams/day.
- 1 pear = 12grams, 1 banana = 7 grams, 1 cup of dried figs = 23grams.
4. Eliminate pasteurized milk and dairy.
5. Avoid aspartame (a neurotoxin) and commercial fruit juices.
6. Eat plenty of raw food - even meat and eggs.
7. Tailor your diet to your nutritional type.
8. Check your iron levels and donate blood if they are too high.
9. Take low dose Naltrexone and alpha lipoic acid.
10. Mercury detox - get rid of amalgam fillings.
11. Address early childhood emotional traumas.
HOW MUCH VITAMIN D SHOULD YOU TAKE?
The best answer is to get your levels checked first to find out if you are deficient and by how much.
But most people - particularly in the winter could take 4,000 - 10,000 IU's/day and not overdose.
If you suffer from candida infections, you may not be able to absorb the vitamin D adequately which exacerbates the problem.
PWMS should probably take far more vitamin D than normal people as their requirements are higher and their levels are lower.
Check out Dr Mercola's website at "Mercola.com" for more information about vitamin D and many other health issues.
June Bowen Therapy Newsletter
Welcome clients to my June 2011 newsletter.
If you don't want to receive these newsletters, please send me an email and I'll take you off my list.
Feel free to forward this email on to friends and family that you think may find it interesting.
TIP OF THE MONTH - TURN OFF YOUR ELECTRIC BLANKET
The weather has been getting colder and many of us have started using electric blankets to keep warm at night. I don't have a problem with using an electric blanket to warm your bed before you get into it but please, please, please turn it off when you get in.
Apart from the obvious dangers of fire and electrocution, leaving your electric blanket on while you sleep can cause a whole host of health problems - some of them very serious. At the least, the external heat will leave your muscles dehydrated by morning which will translate into increased pain. I have written a more detailed article on this topic which you can read on my blog site at:
http://bowentherapytips.blogspot.com/
Another tip is to keep a bottle of water on your bedside table and take sips when you wake at night to stay well hydrated.
BOOK REVIEW - THE ARTHRITIS BREAKTHROUGH
My book of the month is "The Arthritis Breakthrough!" by Henry Scammell.
It was published in 1995 but is still relevant today - probably more so with the epidemic of rheumatoid arthritis in our world today.
The book is about the wonderful work done by Dr Thomas Brown in the field of rheumatoid arthritis. Henry Scammel helped Dr Brown write his first book "The Road Back" about his discovery that rheumatoid arthritis responds to antibiotic therapy and this book refreshes that information.
Anyone with arthritis symptoms should read about the work Dr Brown did. Unfortunately he has passed away now but his work goes on and many more doctors now support his theory that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is caused by an infection of the connective tissues by micoplasmas which are like a cross between bacteria and viruses.
Dr Brown was also the first to notice that the first symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (even before pain) are fatigue and depression.
Dr Mercola - who's website "Mercola.com" is full of informative health articles, is also a fan of Dr Brown's work as he tries to promote the least invasive treatments possible. Dr Mecola has also noticed that rheumatoid arthritis usually follows a major trauma - either physical or emotional and that most patients are vitamin D deficient - more on that later.
Getting back to "The Arthritis Breakthrough", another interesting fact is that RA pain usually starts in the hands - specifically the wrists and joints nearer to the wrists - like knuckles. Osteoarthritis of the hands usually effects the joints near the fingertips first.
I learned so much about RA from this book and it has definitely got me thinking about all sorts of connective tissue disorders - many of which I see in practice every day. Perhaps micoplasmas are a factor in many of them? Perhaps the pain and inflammation I see is part of a complex allergic reaction to these infectious organisms? I don't know the answers but it's reassuring to know others are continuing Dr Brown's good work and that outcomes seem to be improving for sufferers of these terrible diseases.
VITAMIN D AND HEALTH
I have been reading a lot lately about vitamin D and how the lack of this vital vitamin can potentially lead to a disease state.
Vitamin D is made by our bodies when we are exposed to sunlight but with the current trend to cover up, wear sunscreen at all times and spend less time outdoors, many of us are not getting enough sun exposure to make adequate amounts. Vitamin D cannot be stored by the body, is vital for all cell functions and plays an important part in immunity.
People with MS and rheumatoid arthritis are usually found to be deficient in vitamin D. The same goes for many of the auto-immune diseases and cancers. It seems that when our vitamin D levels are low, we are far more susceptible to all types of disease. Another fact is that as we age, our vitamin D requirements increase. Maybe Granny had the right idea with the tablespoon of cod liver oil each day (Cod liver oil is an excellent natural source of vitamin D).
It makes sense to make sure your vitamin D levels are kept up. Ten minutes of morning or afternoon sun on your hands and face are enough in summer to get your quota of vitamin D but this rises to half an hour in the winter months.
If sitting in the sun is not an option for you - due to skin cancer worries or work commitments that force you inside during most of the day - or the weather not allowing enough sun, there are supplements you can take - or cod liver oil! Probably best to ask your doctor before taking any supplements but it is worthwhile checking your vitamin D levels if you are concerned. Dr Mercola believes the current required levels are way too low and to avoid illness, we should all be supplementing our diet.
BOWEN HELPS IMMUNITY
Those of you who enjoy regular Bowen therapy treatments will be familiar with the peaceful, relaxed feeling you get at the end of a treatment. I call it the "Bowen Buzz". I believe this very relaxed state enables the body to start to detox so that natural healing can occur. This process allows the body to "refresh" itself, thus increasing immunity. We all need to keep our immune system in the best condition possible to ward off illness and disease. So treat yourself to a Bowen treatment soon if you haven't had one for a while. Your body will thank you for it.
MORE INFORMATION ON MY WEBSITE AND BLOG SITE
Prior newsletters are available and you can also check out updates and detailed articles on my blog site at http://bowentherapytips.blogspot.com/
If you would like to see more information about Bowen Therapy, you might like to check out my web page on the
Natural Therapy Pages at http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/therapist/25736
You can also follow me on facebook - Carolyn Blackburn Bowen Therapy
And follow me on Twitter - @Bowentweeter
Best wishes to you and your families,
Carolyn
If you don't want to receive these newsletters, please send me an email and I'll take you off my list.
Feel free to forward this email on to friends and family that you think may find it interesting.
TIP OF THE MONTH - TURN OFF YOUR ELECTRIC BLANKET
The weather has been getting colder and many of us have started using electric blankets to keep warm at night. I don't have a problem with using an electric blanket to warm your bed before you get into it but please, please, please turn it off when you get in.
Apart from the obvious dangers of fire and electrocution, leaving your electric blanket on while you sleep can cause a whole host of health problems - some of them very serious. At the least, the external heat will leave your muscles dehydrated by morning which will translate into increased pain. I have written a more detailed article on this topic which you can read on my blog site at:
http://bowentherapytips.blogspot.com/
Another tip is to keep a bottle of water on your bedside table and take sips when you wake at night to stay well hydrated.
BOOK REVIEW - THE ARTHRITIS BREAKTHROUGH
My book of the month is "The Arthritis Breakthrough!" by Henry Scammell.
It was published in 1995 but is still relevant today - probably more so with the epidemic of rheumatoid arthritis in our world today.
The book is about the wonderful work done by Dr Thomas Brown in the field of rheumatoid arthritis. Henry Scammel helped Dr Brown write his first book "The Road Back" about his discovery that rheumatoid arthritis responds to antibiotic therapy and this book refreshes that information.
Anyone with arthritis symptoms should read about the work Dr Brown did. Unfortunately he has passed away now but his work goes on and many more doctors now support his theory that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is caused by an infection of the connective tissues by micoplasmas which are like a cross between bacteria and viruses.
Dr Brown was also the first to notice that the first symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (even before pain) are fatigue and depression.
Dr Mercola - who's website "Mercola.com" is full of informative health articles, is also a fan of Dr Brown's work as he tries to promote the least invasive treatments possible. Dr Mecola has also noticed that rheumatoid arthritis usually follows a major trauma - either physical or emotional and that most patients are vitamin D deficient - more on that later.
Getting back to "The Arthritis Breakthrough", another interesting fact is that RA pain usually starts in the hands - specifically the wrists and joints nearer to the wrists - like knuckles. Osteoarthritis of the hands usually effects the joints near the fingertips first.
I learned so much about RA from this book and it has definitely got me thinking about all sorts of connective tissue disorders - many of which I see in practice every day. Perhaps micoplasmas are a factor in many of them? Perhaps the pain and inflammation I see is part of a complex allergic reaction to these infectious organisms? I don't know the answers but it's reassuring to know others are continuing Dr Brown's good work and that outcomes seem to be improving for sufferers of these terrible diseases.
VITAMIN D AND HEALTH
I have been reading a lot lately about vitamin D and how the lack of this vital vitamin can potentially lead to a disease state.
Vitamin D is made by our bodies when we are exposed to sunlight but with the current trend to cover up, wear sunscreen at all times and spend less time outdoors, many of us are not getting enough sun exposure to make adequate amounts. Vitamin D cannot be stored by the body, is vital for all cell functions and plays an important part in immunity.
People with MS and rheumatoid arthritis are usually found to be deficient in vitamin D. The same goes for many of the auto-immune diseases and cancers. It seems that when our vitamin D levels are low, we are far more susceptible to all types of disease. Another fact is that as we age, our vitamin D requirements increase. Maybe Granny had the right idea with the tablespoon of cod liver oil each day (Cod liver oil is an excellent natural source of vitamin D).
It makes sense to make sure your vitamin D levels are kept up. Ten minutes of morning or afternoon sun on your hands and face are enough in summer to get your quota of vitamin D but this rises to half an hour in the winter months.
If sitting in the sun is not an option for you - due to skin cancer worries or work commitments that force you inside during most of the day - or the weather not allowing enough sun, there are supplements you can take - or cod liver oil! Probably best to ask your doctor before taking any supplements but it is worthwhile checking your vitamin D levels if you are concerned. Dr Mercola believes the current required levels are way too low and to avoid illness, we should all be supplementing our diet.
BOWEN HELPS IMMUNITY
Those of you who enjoy regular Bowen therapy treatments will be familiar with the peaceful, relaxed feeling you get at the end of a treatment. I call it the "Bowen Buzz". I believe this very relaxed state enables the body to start to detox so that natural healing can occur. This process allows the body to "refresh" itself, thus increasing immunity. We all need to keep our immune system in the best condition possible to ward off illness and disease. So treat yourself to a Bowen treatment soon if you haven't had one for a while. Your body will thank you for it.
MORE INFORMATION ON MY WEBSITE AND BLOG SITE
Prior newsletters are available and you can also check out updates and detailed articles on my blog site at http://bowentherapytips.blogspot.com/
If you would like to see more information about Bowen Therapy, you might like to check out my web page on the
Natural Therapy Pages at http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/therapist/25736
You can also follow me on facebook - Carolyn Blackburn Bowen Therapy
And follow me on Twitter - @Bowentweeter
Best wishes to you and your families,
Carolyn
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