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| Number 16, October 2010 |
Pacific Naturopathic Newsletter2570 W. El Camino Real � Suite 111 � Mountain View, CA 94040 � (650) 917-1121
www.PacificNaturopathic.com
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Bed, Brains
and Beyond
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Greetings!
Gratitude.
Many thanks to all those who dontated prizes and those who celebrated with us at our lively Open House on October 13th. We were blessed by visits from both toddlers and elders, by our gracious maintenance staff, by a gourmet natural chef, a very ripe pregnant mom to be, healers and nayaswamis. Guests enjoyed mini body sessions and a vegetarian selection of gluten free cookies and crackers, raw milk and sheep's milk cheeses, skewered veggies, stuffed endive, mini wraps, falafel balls and more. For the second year in a row, Edwin won the free breast thermography reading, so we took the liberty to gift it on to someone with breasts, though men certainly can and do receive breast thermography on occasion. If you missed it, please stop by and pick up your own complementary Pacific Naturopathic medicine cup. (If you don't know what that is, you'll need to stop by and find out.) We'll extend Open House discounts on visits through the end of the year if you mention this newsletter and book by the end of October. |
Dr. Connie's Musings...
 | Where Dr. Connie Summons Her Muses
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A Libran Speaks
Being a quintessential Libran, I am always weighing alternatives, finding the balance. Nowhere is that more essential than in finding the balance between conventional and "alternative" medicine. Personally, I prefer the term "complementary" as these forms of medicine work together. It is not one or the other, as the term "alternative" implies. In my training in naturopathic medical school, I had an early and unforgettable lesson in the necessity of both. After 10 years of infertility, we conceived our son Gabriel after 6 weeks of Dr. Joe Pizzorno's naturopathic infertility protocol. We anticipated and prepared for a homebirth. Under naturopathic care and the care of a phenomenal midwife, the pregnancy was flawless. The birthing was not so, and I found myself in the midst of my worst fear, that being that I would, for any reason, find myself in a hospital, requiring medical intervention. Yet the resultant C-section saved both my life and the life of our son. That C section experience undoubtedly conditioned my willingness to refer over to conventional medical care as necessary. More than a few of our Pacific Naturopathic patients have a deep distrust of conventional diagnostics and treatments, and I more than infrequently find myself in the position of convincing patients to seek care in that system when needed. Likewise, Dr Shanti refers patients who have been steeped in conventional medicine and have found no answers over to naturopathic care. Life is rarely black or white. If you are far to the left, you may need to move to the right. If you're far to the right, balance will lie in movement to the left. While it may be good for one person to count calories and restrict certain foods, a person suffering from anorexia may need to add in foods others need to restrict. The couch potato may need goal directed activity, and the type A personality may need to kick back. Optimal health is a state of balance. As we enjoy the sign of Libra, astrologic circumstance encourages an exploration of that state.
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| Classes and Event |
Wednesday, October 20, 7:30 PM "Standing Steady in Life" by Dr. Shanti Rubenstone at
East/West Bookstore on Castro Street in Mountain View. FREE but To Reserve Tickets, Please Call 650-988-9800
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Coming Soon: Classes at our new offices... Stay Tuned!
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Schedule an Appointment:
| Pacific Naturopathic
2570 W. El Camino Real
Suite 111
Mountain View, CA 94040
www.PacificNaturopathic.com
650-917-1121.
The clinic is open M-F 9am-5pm. The clinic is closed for lunch daily from 12:00 to 1:30 PM
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The Bio Mat: My First Encounter
Profound, Lasting Relaxation
It was a pleasure meeting some of you at the open house and offering a mini Bio Mat experience. I look forward to seeing you again. I first experienced the Bio Mat while I was attending a trade show in Denver. I was intrigued that the Bio Mat was based on technology developed by NASA ~ utilizing the combination of far infrared light, negative ions, and amethyst crystals. I admit that I was surprised at the feeling of deep relaxation and inner peace I experienced, even though I was on the mat for only 10 minutes. I also noticed that I had a more restful sleep that night, which is unusual when I travel. So how does it work? The far infrared heat penetrates deep into the body, promoting cellular activity and healing, relaxing muscles, relieving joint pain, improving blood circulation and removing toxins. The negative ions have a positive effect on the serotonin levels in the blood stream, and there is a feeling of upliftment. The amethyst crystals soothe the nervous system and support both the circulatory and immune system. With our full schedules and daily responsibilities, the body is often in a Fight or Flight mode, which depletes the adrenals. This can go on only so long before the body begins to break down ~ physically and/or emotionally. I realized that the Bio Mat was a vibrational healing tool that would support the body's innate wisdom to heal.
Please feel free to contact me if you should have any questions. My email address is [email protected] and I will be in the clinic on Wednesdays.
If you would like to schedule an appointment. please phone the clinic at (650) 917-1121.
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Save
$10
(usual price $45)
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BIOMAT SPECIAL!!!
Experience the relaxation of this profoundly healing experience.
Phone Pacific Naturopathic at (650) 917-1121 for an appointment.
This coupon may be duplicated and is fully transferable.
| | Offer Expires: December 31 |
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Is Your Mattress
Hurting Your Back?
Elijah Free, MH, CMI, CMT
Is your mattress hurting your back? Do you wake up with a backache in the morning when you sleep on your own mattress-and don't wake up aching when you sleep on a different bed? Or do you wake up stiff and sore and as the morning goes on, you feel better and better? If this is true, then you may be in need of a new mattress. The life of a mattress is not something that we may be aware of. A mattress is an appliance-a passive appliance that has a usable life span, like many other appliances that are purchased to make life easier and more manageable. And like those appliances that one day will reach a point when they are no longer able to supply what their purpose dictates, the mattress will cease to perform its capacity to bear the weight of your body in a supportive and healthful manner. When this happens, the mattress begins to sag in the middle, allowing the lower back to sink below a level that is conducive to good reposed posture. The lower back curves in an undesirable direction and the entire spine warps out of shape. Chronic lower back pain may be the direct result as over time, bones begin to slip out of place. If not taken care of, eventually even nerves can become pinched as the appropriate alignment of the spine deteriorates. If any of the above are factual for you, then you may be in need of a new mattress for your bed. Many times over the years, I have found this to be true of patients who come to see me with back problems. Their back is set, they leave the clinic without pain, and then the next time I see them they tell me that the following morning, the back pain has returned in some form. When I ask them about the age of their mattress, I may often hear that it has been around a lot longer than it was intended for. For a number of my patients, when a new mattress has been purchased, the nagging reoccurring back pain ceases, as now, the spinal cord has the necessary support it requires for recumbent rest. So, how does one go about finding a good mattress that will serve them for years without paying a small fortune? Reading good revues is very helpful. You can search online under 'mattress reviews' and read what other consumers have to say. You also do not need to pay the highest amount to purchase an excellent mattress. Consumers.org is another good place to find what is the best mattress for the best price. Shop carefully-look for seasonal and holiday sales. Make sure that you have a money-back guarantee that is signed by a manager before you make your purchase. To preserve the life of your mattress, make sure that you rotate it around every three months. That means to turn it over, and then flip it from head to feet side also. This will prevent the mattress from sagging in the middle. So, give this some thought if you wake constantly with a backache. And one last consideration: as the holiday season is coming up, there will be the best sales of the year coming up also. It may be a good time to purchase a new mattress.
To Learn more about Elijah Free and his healing work please contact him directly at [email protected] or visit his web sites:
Rapid Pain Elimination
Apprentice to Angels
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Visit Elijah Free's Beautiful New Website:
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Staying Mentally Sharp With Culinary Herbs
Preventing Alzheimer's Disease
Marcel Hernandez, N.D.
More than one herbalist has said that every plant on Earth is a medicine. As a naturopathic physician, I also believe that the earth is populated with plants that can address any human health condition. The task of healers throughout recorded history has been to discover which plants are best used for each specific condition. In the ethnic stew that is the United States, we are fortunate to be exposed to the herbal pharmacopeias of many world cultures.
Although medicinal uses have been found for a host of exotic herbs, many common herbs, found in almost any kitchen, have profound, documented positive effects on mental health.
Sage for Sagacity
Legend has it that the ancient Chinese would trade three chests of their best tea for one chest of sage. They knew sage's value and they used the herb in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions.
Now, English researchers report that sage contains similar active ingredients to compounds used in Western medicine to treat Alzheimer's disease and that common sage may help restore brain function and memory by improving communication among various regions of the brain. Another study published in 2003 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics reported that patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease who were given sage extract scored significantly better on cognitive tests than a comparison group given a placebo.
The herb is also a powerful source of antioxidants, substances that help reduce the type of brain inflammation associated with cognitive decline. Sage is also thought to have anti-anxiety effects.
Rosemary For Remembrance
In ancient Greece, it was believed that rosemary could strengthen the memory, and students wore sprigs of the herb in their hair while they studied. And they were right. When it comes to improving memory, rosemary is in a class by itself.
In one British study, study, researchers found that office workers whose cubicles were infused with the scent of rosemary had better long-term memory than those in unscented cubes.
Like sage, rosemary also contains unique antioxidant compounds that protect brain cells from free-radical destruction.
Turmeric For Tenacity
Turmeric is the ingredient in Indian cuisine that gives curries their distinctive yellow color. The Alzheimer's disease rate in India is one-quarter that of the United States. So it is not surprising that a study performed at UCLA reported that turmeric broke up brain plaques that are characteristic of Alzheimer's Disease.
Saffron for Sharpness
Depressed? Try saffron tea or saffron rice instead of a pharmaceutical drug. A study performed in Iran in 2007 reported that two doses of saffron a day worked as well as Prozac in mild to moderately depressed people.
Cinnamon for Concentration
Recent studies report that cinnamon speeds the rate at which the brain processes visually-received information. Although the mechanism for this effect is unknown, researchers suspect that the blood-sugar moderating effects of cinnamon helps people stay focused and alert. Like other herbs mentioned in this article, cinnamon is also a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties.
Lemon Balm for Calmness
Although Lemon Balm, a member of the mint family, is not customarily found in American kitchens, it is easily obtainable from any health food store. Lemon balm is considered a "calming" herb and was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep and improve appetite. Several studies have found that lemon balm may help improve cognitive function and decrease agitation in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Garlic in General
Garlic has a number of positive effects that have implications for brain health. Studies indicate that, among other benefits, garlic may lower risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, increase internal antioxidants, inhibit inflammation, reduce cholesterol and platelet aggregation, inhibit the formation of arterial plaque, lower blood pressure, prevent brain injury associated with stroke, protect neurons against cell death, promote the growth of neurons, and increase learning and memory capacity.
As always, the information in this column is for educational purposes and any changes in cognitive awareness must be evaluated by a health professional.
Find out more about Dr. Marcel's work with men at:
www.naturallyhealthyprostate.com |
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Salt of the Earth
By Connie Hernandez, N.D.
 Many things are not as they seem. Salt is one of those. Overconsumption of salt is linked with high blood pressure, edema, osteoporosis and other ills. Yet there is salt and there is salt. Refined salt is sodium chloride, and may contain stabilizers, preservatives (which are not required to be listed on the label) and other substances. It does not contain the array of minerals that you might find in a high quality sea salt, for example. These minerals include ionized sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, selenium and iodine, as well as many other trace nutrients. The minerals contribute to adrenal and thyroid functioning, to balancing acidic foods and to maintaining an alkaline body state. Spending much time in Hawaii, Dr. Marcel and I have enjoyed the flavorful Hawaiian sea salts. Another interesting salt, Wright Salt, is named after the pioneering medical doctor and researcher, Dr. Jonathan Wright. Wright salt is a sodium reduced, potassium, magnesium and l-lysine enriched salt which has replaced common table salt on a national level in Finland. This replacement, along with national attention to dietary fats, has reduced coronary heart disease and stroke deaths in Finland by a huge percentage. Having a family history of hypertension and stroke, and also being a lover of salt, I've ordered up a case of Wright salt for the clinic, have switched to the use of Wright salt personally, and am evaluating it's effect on my health. If heart health issues concern you, you may want to consider giving Wright salt a try. A second salt used to regulate body functions is Himalayan Crystal Salt, an alkalinizing salt that modulates metabolic functioning. In solution, this salt forms sole, which is taken medicinally. See www.himalayancrystalsalt.com for more information and for the sole recipe. Of particular interest to me is the unique crystalline structure and vibrational properties of the salt, as compared to other salts, and as described in the book Water and Salt, featured on the Himalayan Crystal Salt website. I am partial to yet another salt, magnesium chloride salt. This salt comes from deep underground deposits in the Zechstein Seabed in Northern Europe. We buy this magnesium salt in "oil" form for topical applications and in huge flakes, which are not for eating, but rather for bathing. The oil form is used to relieve muscle tension and headaches. The flakes added to your bath, with an equal measure of baking soda, warms and alkalinizes your body, relaxes your muscles, and contributes to a great night of sleep. Dr. Marcel and I like to travel with a huge bag of the salts in the trunk of our car for relaxation after a long day's drive. We find the magnesium flakes more relaxing than Epsom salts, which are another magnesium form and which we also enjoy in our baths. We carry the oil and small packets of bath salts at the clinic. Larger supplies and more information can be found at www.ancientminerals.com. |
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Mammography or Thermography?
 As with many other questions, this is a question which has no either or answer. Mammography and thermography offer complementary information. More information is better than less information. Mammograms, breast ultrasounds, breast MRIs and self breast exam are anatomic. They give us structural information. They find lumps and bumps that have already come into form. Breast thermography is physiologic. It shows us changes in temperature and blood vessel formation which indicate something different happening in one breast than the other.
An equivocal thermographic reading may indicate the need for anatomic imaging. On the other hand, thermography may clarify an equivocal anatomic finding.
Because it is non invasive and harmless, more and more women are choosing breast thermography as a means both of spacing anatomic evaluations of their breasts and of screening for physiologic change.
Find out more about thermography at Pacific Naturopathic at:
Thermography at Pacific Naturopathic
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Pacific Naturopathic Hawaii Retreat So Utterly Serene Even the Animals Meditate! | Ginger meditating at our Hawaii Center
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The comment we hear most from our guests is that the Retreat facility and surroundings are even more beautiful than the photos on our web sites. It does seem that the animals are mellower and more in tune with the peace and beauty that so deeply infuse the environment. We love having visitors from our Pacific Naturopathic California family. However, as winter and the holidays approach, if any our newsletter subscribers are thinking of spending any time here in the next few months, now is the time to secure your space. The rush of reservation-makers will begin in the next few days and by the end of November there will be fewer openings to choose from. To get the dates you want, reserve now!
See our websites for details. Phone 808-775-1505 for reservations, or email
[email protected]
www.hawaiipeacegardenvacationhouses.com
www.naturopathicretreatcenter.com
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A New Supply of Raw,
Organic Macadamia Nuts
Now Available at Our Office
And They Are Going Fast
Quite simply, these are the best mac nuts you will probably ever taste. Regular visitors to our office who have discovered them put their names on our waiting list when we run out. Why are they so good? First of all, they are from special old-growth trees which produce nuts rich in heart-healthy mono-saturated oil, like that of olive oil. Next, they are entirely harvested and processed by hand and slowly dehydrated at 115 degrees, preserving the integrity of the oil and maintaining the viability of the enzymes. Most mac nuts are roasted, but not these. They even look different, having a much darker color than conventionally grown nuts.
Macadamia nuts provide a wide range of beneficial compounds. They are a high energy food, full of protein and fiber and loaded with other important nutrients that, in concert, impact favorably on human health.
The nuts are vacuum-sealed for freshness. You may either stop by our new office or have the nuts shipped to you. Once you try them, you will be hooked.
These packages make healthy stocking stuffers!
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An Invitation....
 Because we would like to make this newsletter responsive to
you and your needs, you are invited to send health questions you would like to
see addressed to us at
[email protected]
We would also like to invite you to share with other
readers your experiences of health remedies that have worked surprisingly well
for you. |
At Pacific Naturopathic,
we offer evidence-based, integrated approaches to most acute and
chronic health concerns. Bone health, breast health, men's health and prostate care, hormonal balance for both women and men,
autoimmunity, cancer, cardiovascular health, inflammation, digestion,
pediatrics, and metabolic cleansing are particular areas of interest to
our practitioners. To encourage patient participation, we offer both
guided self-help protocols and comprehensive doctor assisted
protocols. Our patients tell us they particularly appreciate our
doctors, practitioners, and staff for our caring attitudes and
commitment to service. Please phone 650-917-1121 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
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