Dear Friends and Colleagues,
We have four topics this month:
(1) Sleep: Nature's Elixir for Life without Limits
(2) Energy: The Seven Glands within our Body- Energy Regulating Center
(3) Water for Proper Hydration
(4) A Quick Fix; Beautiful Skin this Summer
First and foremost is sleep. The American Sleep Association has reported that 70-80% of Americans do not get quality sleep. What is your sleep regimen? Are you getting seven - eight hours of sleep each night? Are you sleeping in a dark room in sync with nature? Do you wake up often during the night? Do you have trouble falling asleep? These are common complaints I hear from my patients. Improper sleep is associated with numerous diseases such as cancer, heart attacks, diabetes and obesity, to name just a few.
Our modern sleep challenge is profound. We are dealing with EMF's, artificial light, artificial food, additives etc. Sleep is STRONGLY INFLUENCED by hormones, NEUROTRANSMITTERS, and some minerals such as HGH, melatonin, estrogen and progesterone, even Testosterone and DHEA. The main neurotransmitter responsible for the depth of sleep is GABA. Magnesium which is a calming mineral is profoundly depleted in people today. .
For women did you know that your hormones regulate sleep, especially since estrogen controls serotonin receptor production and serotonin enhances sleep. Progesterone enhances GABA sensitivity which allows us to have stage four (deep) sleep. Melatonin & Vitamin D controls the duration of our sleep. Vitamin D also lowers inflammation and helps release melatonin and HGH to further enhance sleep.
For a good healthy night's sleep here's the regimen I take:
1. Otropin to help supply GABA and supports the release of HGH.
2. Vitamin D liquid (people with darker skin actually need more).
3. Magnesium L- theonate, which calms the central nervous system. (2000 mgs)
4. Melatonin - our pineal glands are very sensitive to light, if there's any light in the room it will disturb your melatonin production. I take Melatonin liposomal sublingual spray.
Second is the Asian Taoist vision of the glandular system called the Seven Glands. The following discussion comes from the book "The Complete System of Self Healing-internal exercises" by Dr. Stephen T. Chang. These are the foundation of energy also known as the Wheel of Life. The belief is that the human body could not exist if there wasn't a continuous supply of energy coming into the tissues and organs. They realized health existed when the energy within the body was balanced and disease occurred when there was a state of energy depletion or weakness. Our body must be finely tuned to run properly and utilize the energy to its maximum levels. The seven glands within the body have been understood to be energy centers responsible for regulating the flow of energy within the various systems in the body. The seven glands are:
1. The sexual glands: the prostate & testes in the male, and ovaries, uterus, vagina, & breasts in the female are responsible for hormone secretion, sexual energy and response & reproduction. They are also called the stove since it's the fire or energy producer for the other six glands. It's called the house of essence.
2. The adrenals support the functions of the kidneys, bones, bone marrow and spine. It's called the house of water.
3. The pancreas gland is called the house of transcendence.
4. The thymus gland is called the house of heart and is the center of the immune system.
5. The thyroid gland which controls the metabolism, regulates temperature and is the cellular breathing unit also called the house of growth.
6. The pituitary gland, located at the base of the skull is called the house of intelligence; it governs memory, wisdom, intelligence and thought.
7. The pineal gland located at the third eye is the house of spirit. It is the psychic and spiritual center of our body. Only human beings have this gland. Intuition and consciousness are associated with this gland.
If you want the Wheel of Life to run smoothly you must honor all the functions of these seven glands.
Thirdly, our body is made up of 60 % water and our brain is 78 % water. Based on climate change the water concentration of our atmosphere has decreased significantly. According to Sharon Kleyne, this month's interviewee, dehydration is rapidly becoming a great challenge. We should be drinking � our body weight of water in ounces. The water should be filtered and slightly a
lkaline with minerals. Avoid fluoride and chlorine as much as possible.
One of my favorite products is Nature's Mist.
And last but not least is keeping our skin vibrant, hydrated and beautiful. As we age our skin which is our largest organ takes a beating. Without the proper hormones our skin looses hydration, develops lines, wrinkles, and crepiness. Estrogen is necessary for hydration within our body.
Even if you have restored your hormones to physiological levels we all want to look our best. Another product that I use and love on my face, is Nerium AD. NeriumAD Age-Defying Treatment (their night cream) is a true breakthrough in anti-aging skincare that harnesses the patented NAE-8 extract from the Nerium oleander plant. This extract, in conjunction with other synergistic, age-defying ingredients, is responsible for the creation of real results. This powerful formula allows Nerium AD to address multiple concerns at once. Now it's no longer necessary to have to use five or more products in your skin care regimen. Nerium has been clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, hyper-pigmentation, enlarged pores and aging and saggy skin 30-67%. No other product available can boast these results. The average skin care product on the market only claims a 2-5% result and this is considered great.
With Nerium's night cream comes their day cream anti-oxidant moisturizer giving you 24 hours of Nerium. My favorite product for summer is Nerium's Firm Body Contouring Cream, an in-home body contouring product developed to help improve the appearance of your skin's texture and tone by reducing the appearance of cellulite and dimpling, while smoothing, tightening and firming the appearance of loose skin.
Try Nerium
HERE and do not forget to take your before picture.
I wish you a summer with great sleep every night, great hydration everyday and a quick skin fix for your vanity.
Have fun, connecting with humanity, empower yourself and others. And do not forget "The perfection is in the imperfectness".
With infinite love and gratitude
Shanhong Lu MD, PHD
Mt. Shasta Integrative Medicine