Back Issues: Making Vitamin D While the Sun Shines
With the onset of summer, enjoying the great outdoors is at the top of everyones list. For optimum vitamin D production a person needs to expose arms and legs in the sun for twenty minutes. In todays skin conscious times, very few people actually take in the sun without slathering on sunscreen or covering up.
There are so many different SPF strengths on the market today. The stronger the SPF the longer it helps block the UV rays. One might reason that it might be a good idea to use a lower SPF for a short amount of time to facilitate the making of Vitamin D, then move to a stronger one to protect against the damaging rays. It's been shown that an SPF of 8 will reduce the production of Vitamin D by 95%.
When using a sunscreen or covering up with clothing, supplementation of Vitamin D might be an answer. There are a variety of foods that contain Vitamin D. For instance, eggs, sardines, and mackeral all contain Vitamin D at various levels. It could take several servings of these foods to reach therapeutic levels. Over the counter supplementation may make the most sense. There are several dosage forms to chose whether it's capsules, tablets or a topical cream.
The Linus Pauling Institute recommends 2,000 IU's of Vitamin D per day without testing. However, it is a good idea to have those levels tested the next time you are doing routine bloodwork. The test is 25 hydroxy Vitamin D3, which is the active form. In some cases, 2,000 IU's may be too much, but if blood levels are very low 2,000 IU's may not be enough.
Levels too low of the vitamin is just as bad as too high. Levels too high can introduce a situation where calcium is taken from the bone. Too low of a level can prevent mineralization of the bone. In addition, there are studies finding that low levels may have a role in lung, breast and colon cancer. There is a home kit that can we can order that allows you to collect a sample at home and sent off to a lab for analysis.
Yuck to Yum: Have Pets Lapping Up Medication
In todays world of veterinarian medication, pills are not usually welcomed by the patient. Our little furry people have likes and dislikes and a pilling episoped could send them hiding under the bed. There are several dosage forms that can be easy to dose and in some cases have the patient begging for more.
Depending on the medication it may be able to be compounded into a topical cream or gel that is simply rubbed into the non-furry part of the ear. If you have every had the opportunity to "pill" a cat and lived through it, you would really appreciate the chance to bond with your cat while applying the medication without any scratches.
Flavoring can be another great component to enticing your little ball of fur to welcometheir meds. When starting with the raw powder of a medication, it's a snap make it any flavor that they would enjoy. Tomato sauce, cheese whiz, liver, chicken and fish are just some of the tantalizing flavors compounded in our lab. Flavored beef capsules can turn an encapsulated medication from yuck to yum!
If there's medication challenges with your loved ones, Creative Compounds can work with you and your Veterinarian to solve medication challenges. Of course, just as with humans, all compounding, in the state of Texas, requires a prescription from a valid prescriber.
Toxic Combinations of Summer
The summer months are here to enjoy outdoor picnics, family vacations, and summer sports. There are lots of reasons to get out and enjoy the sun. Summer also means having to deal with dehydration, sunburns and bugs. There are some toxic combinations of chemicals used to fight the not so fun side of summer
First, dehyradtion can easily occur with too much sun causing heat stroke. Being active outside can lead to excessive perspiration that can cause dehydration. In addition to perspiration alcohol and caffiene will both dehydrate a person. Although, these drinks may be nice and cool while enjoying outside recreation they may be setting the stage for dehydration. There's no replacement, like good old water. Depending on the level of activity, a good electrolyte replacement maybe necessary to maintain proper electrolyte balance.
Second, another summer toxic combination is chemical based sunscreens with a chemical bug repellent. The largest organ of the body is the skin. By placing chemicals on the skin those chemicals may be absorbed into the body and have to processed by the liver. According to the AMA, sunscreens and bug repellents should not be in the same package nor applied at the same time.
Research is showing that with the chemical sunscreen can increase the absorption of the bug repellent. In a Canadian study, applying the chemical sunscreen then a bug repellent increase the aborption by 10 percent when compared to using the repellent on its own. Applying the repellent first then the sunscreen increase permeation by 47 percent and mixing the two together showed a 630 percent absorption of the sunscreen.
When using the combination sunscreen/bug repellent together it could create a very toxic siutation for children. Simply because sunscreens need to be applied more frequently and bug repellents only once. Children are more susceptible because their skin is thinner and the chemical is easily absorbed and they have less body mass to deal with the excessive chemicals.
There are some natural alternatives that are very effective without creating a toxic load on the body. Zinc oxide is a mineral that provides a physical sunblock of UVA/UVB rays. The one downside is the white film it leaves. There are some micronized formulations of zinc oxide that reduce the white appearance of the product.
In the realm of bug repellent, one of Creative Compounds favorite products is Cactus Juice. It contains the natural prickly pear and emollients that can really deter assaults of mother nature. Creative Compounds is proud to carry this product.
What's New at Creative Compounds?
One of the many things in the works is our shopping cart. We're working on it night and day. It's quite an endeavor and a little different than setting up a traditional store. If there are features or specific products you would like to have access to please email us and let us know. Then Creative Compounds will be open 24 hours a day and shipped to your front door.
After last months newsletter snafu we have changed the email service. Our newsletter is created in html language so it has the functionality of navigating the newsletter. The html code is in the background and all you should see is the text. However, for some unknown reason, the newsletter went out in the html language. Please accept our apologies on this matter.
This year is just flying by at warp speed. It is hard to believe that Fourth of July is just around the corner. We will be closed Friday, July 3rd in observance of the holiday. Shipping on July 2nd via Priority Mail should have packages arriving on Friday, July 3rd. However, if there's an immediate need, upgrading to UPS ground might be a better solution.
REFLEXOLOGY: HOLISTICE APPROACH TO BETTER HEALTH & VITALITY
(Third in a Series on Reflexology, Ancient Healing Art & 21st Century Science)
Ken Orr, Reflexologist & LMT
As an ancient art which embraces holistic healing techniques, Reflexology treatments can recharge the nervous system and gently spark the body’s natural healing processes. Through methodical, direct pressure techniques, reflex responses (unconscious, involuntary {natural} responses to treatment) stimulate the lymph and circulatory systems; help release toxins (through the body’s elimination systems); and tune up biochemical systems and organs.
The stimulation/sedation of endocrine glands can improve the function of organs and the body’s energy vitality. On a deeper level, treatments unblock neural pathways and Meridians, allowing the more clear/uninterrupted flow of Chi within the entire body. The aim of Reflexology is to treat the whole person (mind, body and spirit) and to spur mental, emotional, physical health and well being within the entire body and human organism.
(Click on Pictures for Larger View of Diagrams of Lymphatic Systems)
SOME THOUGHTS ON SUBTLE ENERGIES, THE HUMAN ORGANISM & BODY SYSTEMS
The subtle energies that circulate through the body (known as Chi), still somewhat elusive to modern science, help keep the body, mind and spirit at a higher vibrational level. Higher vibrations translate into better health and energy vitality. Vibration frequencies have been measured in close proximity to acupuncture/nerve points. (These points light up where major congestive conditions are found.) This nutritive and organizing life force (Chi) is linked by electrical circuits to every part of the body through a vast Meridian network. The feet contain numerous reflex points that correspond to specific organs, glands and body areas (Zone Therapy). Six of the twelve major organ Meridians pass through the feet (kidneys and bladder, liver and gall bladder, spleen/pancreas and stomach); all reflex points in the feet connect to neural pathways and the Meridian network. (Click on pictures for larger view)
The flow of Chi through the Meridians has a biorhythmic pattern. In Chinese medicine, a biological clock indicates the peak and low frequency periods for various organs. (For example, peak periods for the liver {1-3am}; bladder {3-5pm}; kidneys {5-7pm}; lung {3-5am}.) The principles that influence the flow of energy in the Universe are applicable to the human multi-dimensional energy system. As the Universe is ever-changing, so is the human body. A polarity exists in nature, Yin and Yang are polar opposites. The balance of these natural forces helps thebody achieve and maintain health. (More on Chinese energy medicine and physiology in the next article.)
(Click on Picture for larger image in Yin/Yang and Meridian Diagrams)
Western science (through biochemical, neurological, molecular, electromagnetic and other research findings) recognizes the human body (mind/body) as an ever-changing and dynamic energy system. In a short time, it can restore itself.
- Stomach lining replaced every five days
- Skin replaced every five weeks
- Bone replaced every three months
- Body protein replaced every six months
- 98% of total atoms replaced in one year
- One trillion body cells are constantly changing
SOME FACTS ABOUT REFLEXOLOGY & BODY SYSTEMS
The nervous system (neurotransmitters/electrical system) is the most complex system in the human body (110 billion nerve cells). Every part of the body functions by messages carried along neural pathways (neurotransmitters). Without nerve supply, the body will not function. The goal of Reflexology (along with other health options) is to help bring the body, mind and spirit closer to balance. Neural pathways are living tissue and electrical channels.
When these pathways are blocked or impaired, this is a mirror of imbalance, disharmony, disease or illness in the body. Each foot has approximately 3,500 nerve endings and numerous nerve (reflex) points that correspond to specific body areas, organs and glands. Reflexology treatments can address specific imbalances and congested areas. Through stimulating nerve endings and points, the body can open or clear neural pathways and energy channels.
The circulatory system contains a 60,000 mile network of veins and arteries. About 1,000 times daily, blood circulates through this system. The blood carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells and aids the removal of wastes and toxins. Stress and tension tighten the cardiovascular system and restrict blood flow. The deep state of relaxation gained from Reflexology treatments allows all body systems to flush. Reduced stress and tension helps the cardiovascular vessels to improve blood flow naturally. Feet are often the targets of congestions and imbalances. Chemical deposits settle in the reflex points and nerve endings in the feet (calcium, lactic or uric acid). These crystallized deposits are broken down and residue is removed by blood flow.
In Western medicine, the endocrine system is the chemical system of the body. Endocrine glands secrete hormone messengers to regulate body organs and energy vitality. The endocrine system guides most body functions in concert with the nervous system. (Hormones and neurotransmitters, for the most part, are composed of similar biochemical structures.) Hormones travel through the body via the circulatory system and only act on their target organs. Meridian theory embraces the endocrine system as a central component of the body’s subtle energies and multi-dimensional energy system. Each gland is directly linked to the Meridian distribution network through the Chakrasand Meridian channels.
In our culture, major imbalances in the adrenal glands and thyroid are prevalent. Often, long term health issues become systemic in nature. Anaggressive wellness plan – including such options as Reflexology treatments/massages, nutritional and biochemical supplements, stress management and lifestyle changes, proper diet and fitness strategies – can foster major improvements in health and vitality.
The lymphatic system consists of a network of lymph vessels (channels and nodes) situated through the entire body. As a specialized part of the circulatory system, it is vitally important for waste disposal and the body’s immune response. Among other functions, this system drains fluid surrounding cells in the body. Lymph nodes filter lymph to prevent infection from spreading into the blood stream. Infection and allergies can seriously block the lymph system which is largely flushed by lymph fluid and the force of gravity. Congested lymph areas can be cleansed by Reflexology treatments that are focused on points connected to lymph areas (groin, breast, neck, pelvis, armpit, abdomen and behind the knees) and lymph vessels heavily concentrated in the feet and hands. It is most helpful to have treatments in conjunction with herbal protocols.
SOME FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS FOR REFLEXOLOGY TREATMENTS
Every foot tells a story and the seasoned Reflexologist must love all feet to empower himself/herself to provide the best possible treatment process. An attentive and meditative approach will enhance the deep state of relaxation that comes with an effective treatment. Keeping clients in their respective comfort zones as much as possible makes it easier for them to tolerate and absorb the more painful pressure applied to congested areas. These congested areas contain crystallized deposits or inflammatory conditions.
Often alignment or structural issues stored in the feet cause discomfort from inflammation. Deep pressure may initially be painful in inflamed areas. Almost always, subsequent treatments are less painful (except when severe chronic conditions exist or clients don’t receive frequent treatments). Reflex points are about the size of pinheads. When congested, reflex points feel like hardened points or small knots, strings of tiny beads, soft or fleshy. Sometimes, clients comment, “It feels like you’re pressing that area with a needle or piece of glass!” Some general indicators about the client can be discovered by an examination of the feet. For example, cold or reddish feet signals poor circulation; sweaty feet indicates hormonal imbalances; limp feet reveals poor muscle tone; swelling and puffiness might be an internal issue (nerves, injury, weak support); soreness or pain in specific areas may mirror stress or strain from alignment issues (low back, hip/knee, ankle, neck).
Some typical reactions and responses to treatment vary widely, depending on the responsiveness/willingness of the client, their health issues (mild, acute or chronic), pain threshold and other factors. The intensity of the reaction depends on the level of imbalance. Often, clients feel surges or currents racing through the body. These gentle sparks are signs of stimulating the neural pathways and Meridians. A common response to treatment is the activation of the body’s elimination systems (urinary, digestive, lymphatic, etc.).
A short detox process may occur causing nausea, dizziness or other minor symptoms. Energy vitality and a greater sense of well being are manifestations of an effective Reflexology treatment. Sometimes, clients with low energy (fatigue and the like) take naps after treatments. If you become ill or feel bad after a treatment, it is highly likely that you were already sick or the treatment(s) brought it (the major imbalance) to the surface.
As a restorative or preventative health option, Reflexology can be a successful treatment process and a compliment to any wellness strategy:
“The truly successful treatment is not one that saves the person from a condition that is in its advanced stage, but it is one that prevents its development into a serious or chronic condition.” Avi Grinberg, Holistic Reflexology
Dr. Ralph Stone describes the holistic goal as follows:
“Health is the natural expression of mind, body and spirit. Good health is harmony within, peace of mind, happiness, well-being and centered, the free expression of Spirit and Soul through mind and body.”
People with serious chronic conditions have experienced the most significant benefits from regular treatments. Whether you choose the option of Reflexology for general health maintenance or to address specific health issues, it is an ancient healing art and 21st century science.
Ken Orr is a Reflexologist and LMT. He and his wife, Diane, have a local practice in Dallas, which offers a wide variety of massage services and healing arts to individuals and the business community. Business: 972-238-5145 or www.MassagingDallas.com. Copyright 2009 © Kenneth Orr All Rights Reserved.
The material contained in this article is provided for information and educational purposes. It is not intended as medical advice. Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) do not: (1) diagnose illness, disease, or any other physical/mental disorder; (2) prescribe medical treatment or pharmaceuticals; perform spinal manipulations. LMTs and Massage Therapy are not a substitute for medical examinations or diagnosis. Consult with a physician when you may have a disease, illness or injury. All client information is held in strict confidence.
