Article of the Month

Healthcare in the 21st Century
Quickly Fix It-Quickly Lose It

by Mary Jo Ruggieri, PhD, RPP

Part II:

In our July 2007 Newsletter, we discussed the disadvantages of the 'quick-fix' healthcare system. It seems that the quick-fix syndrome has only a band-aid effect, treating merely the symptoms and never getting to the actual cause of the problem. In Part II we present holistic and natural approaches to healing. Polarity Therapy will be showcased as one of the most comprehensive of the holistic approaches to healthcare.

Let's Explore Our Options

Polarity Therapy is on of the most integrated and holistic approaches to healthcare. It is based upon the energetic concepts of healing. As a holistic process, Polarity Therapy can be a very effective option for us all.

Polarity Therapy Turns The Circuit Breakers Back On!

The human body is like an electrical plant that runs on high voltage energy. The spine, representing the utility pole, sends energy via all the nerves (or wires) to every part of the body so movement can occur. If there is a short in the circuit or an injury to the system, the circuit breakers go out. Knowing how to turn these circuit breakers on is the essence of Polarity Therapy.

Disease prevention can be a matter of identifying problems first at the energetic level, and then bringing that energy back into balance and removing the blocks before the disease occurs. Pain indicates a blockage of energy and eventually leads to disease and structural dysfunction.

Polarity as a Practice

Polarity Therapy is a synthesis of many ancient theories and techniques derived from Indian Ayurvedic medicine and Chinese healing traditions. The term polarity relates to one of the basic universal laws of nature, electromagnetic force or attraction and repulsion. It centers on the attraction and union of opposites through a balanced middle point.

Dr. Randolph Stone, the founder of Polarity Therapy, created a very detailed healing system that involves reflex points and energetic balancing protocols. A Polarity Practitioner will use various types of touch, from working with the hands off the body to a specific contact on the body. This system can be combined with gentle rocking to release tension patterns and/or acupressure points to relieve pain and congestion held deep in the body.

A Polarity session can often get to the heart of the problem, tracing the energy blocks to the physical centers of pain. Once the source of the pain is identified, along with the help of the Polarity Practitioner, the client will be able to remove the blocks.

The Elements and Polarity

Polarity Therapy is based specifically upon the step down theory of energy. Energy moves from source to form and then returns to source. As energy steps down into form it moves through energy centers called chakras (transformers). There are five interrelated energy patterns emerging from each chakra and these are called elements.

Polarity, which is based upon understanding the five elements, ether, air, fire, water, and earth, will use hands on protocols, energetic assessment, energetic foods, and Ayurvedic lifestyle skills to bring these elements into balance.

The five-element theory of polarity gives meaning to the interconnected nature of life.

Expression of the Elements

Understanding each element, and the areas of the body the elements reflex, will provide a wealth of knowledge that will signal when something is out of balance before it becomes a major problem. Much like car computers that signal the driver there is a potential problem - "oil low", "radiator overheating", and "running out of gas!!" Below is a summary of the basic qualities of each of the five elements:

Ether

Basic Qualities:
o Space
o Stillness

Manifests as:
o Physical Body - Throat
o Emotional Body - Self Expression
o Mental Body - Open vs Closed Mindedness

Air

Basic Qualities
o Lightness
o Agility
o Quick Movement

Manifests as:
o Physical Body - Lungs / Chest, Breathing, Quick Response
o Emotional Body - Desire, Clarity, Compassion
o Mental Body - Innovation, Problem Solving, Analyzing

Reflexes:
o Shoulders, Ankles, and Kidneys

Fire

Basic Qualities:
o Heat
o Focus
o Radiating Outwardness

Manifests as:
o Physical Body - Digestion, Moving Warmth
o Emotional Body - Anger / Resentment, Enthusiasm / Forgiveness
o Mental Body - Intention, Action Oriented

Reflexes:
o Head, Solar Plexus, and Thighs

Water

Basic Qualities:
o Flowing
o Nurturing
o Connections

Manifests as:
o Physical Body - Lymphatic System, Generative Organs
o Emotional Body - Attachment, Letting Go
o Mental Body - Inclusion vs Separation, Relationship Issue

Reflexes:
o Breasts, Feet, Generative Organs

Earth

Basic Qualities:
o Density, Solidity
o Organization
o Structure

Manifests as:
o Physical Body - Bones, Elimination, Stability
o Emotional Body - Fear, Courage, Securely, Rigidity
o Mental Body - Details, Practicality

Reflexes:
o Neck, Bowels, Knees

Polarity Practitioners study each element and how these elements are manifesting on the physical, mental, and emotional levels. When the elements are in balance, the body will heal. Healing is basic to life and is a very non-invasive system that keeps us alive and happy.

Getting rid of the notion that we can take a pill for every ill will allow us to focus on our internal healing capabilities more effectively. Healing is about creating an environment that allows us to heal naturally. In essence, within the process of living, we automatically will heal.

May the longtime sun shine upon you.

Mary Jo Ruggieri, PhD, RPP, is the Director of the Ohio Institute of Energetic Studies (Cleveland and Columbus Polarity Schools), which is a state registered school for Polarity Therapy training and Energy Science studies. For information and classes visit www.ohioinstitute.com.

Get 20% of your calories from whole grains. (This is good advice!) You could drop your blood pressure 4-8 points.

Fiber is the answer. Try oatmeal for breakfast or sprouted grain cereals as a snack.

Reference: www.realage.com

Green tea polyphenols help revive aging skin cells. Green tea can clean, moisturize, and protect your skin.

A tip from www.realage.com:

Soak a cotton ball in green tea (cooled) and swab it over your face. Apply an antioxidant moisturizer and then place cucumbers over your eyes. (Be sure to test the green tea on a small area of your skin before applying to your whole face.)

Reference: www.realage.com

Blend together until smooth:

2 cups Rejuvelac - to prevent oxidation and provide B complex vitamins
1 tablespoon dulse or other seaweed - for minerals
1 1/2 apples - set aside another 1/2 apple to grate into soup at the end
1/2 cup sprouts (lentils and green peas) - for enzymes
2 cups wild edible greens such as lambs quarters and purslane (lambs quarters are leafy green, not something from a sheep)
2 handfuls of chlorophyll-rich greens such as celery tops, parsley and beet tops

Add an avocado and blend.
Stir in 1/2 grated apple, then enjoy.
(Do not cook-this a raw soup-very nutritious.)

Reference: Chi Living Foods News

Information indicates cellular phones that emit artificial electromagnetic fields can trigger or intensify existing cancers.

"I believe that 30% of all childhood cancers are associated with EMF exposure," says Dr. David Carpenter, Dean of the School of Public Health at the State University of New York-Albany.

Evidence seems to be mounting that cell phones could be a major risk to our population, especially children.

More research:

• 1990 the EPA recommended that magnetic fields be classified as "Class B" carcinogens. (Dr. Robert Becker, Cross Currents.)
• Three major animal studies show that low-level microwave radiation similar to wireless communication devices has a cumulative effect on cancer. "At the microwave level, radio waves can disrupt growth patterns and the functioning of cells," says Dr. A. S. Michrick, Village Voice, September 9, 1997.
• In 2002, the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry reported that heavy cell-phone use could cause cancers and other diseases by interfering with DNA repair of wayward cells.
• J. Silva (industry watchdog) relates in 200, that Disney "discontinued licensing of some of its cartoon characters for display on mobile phone faceplates because of health questions."

The message may be loud and clear-limit the use of all cell phones.

For more info:

Reference: wddty--e-news

Eat three special vegetables:

1. Cauliflower
2. Cabbage
3. Broccoli

Add these to your diet on a regular basis. They are best eaten raw or lightly steamed. Also try using them in your salads.

More info: "Fruit And Vegetable Consumption And Cognitive Decline In Aging Women." Kang, et al, Annals of Neurology. May2005; 57 (5): 713-720

Reference: www.realage.com

Mind, Body, Spirit

This section of our newsletter "Mind, Body, Spirit" will focus on a meditation or visualization per month. It is intended to give the reader a choice of meditation techniques to help with stress reduction and disease prevention. Please try these meditations daily to see how they work for you. Always start with some controlled breathing. Please remember how healing it is to meditate.

What Will It Do For You

This exercise works on a part of your spine which is never massaged and where you don't like to be hurt. It will give you the will to fight and not give in.

How To Do It

In a standing position, spread the legs as wide apart as possible without losing your balance. Your arms form a 90 degree bend at the elbows, with forearms more or less parallel to the floor and extending away from the chest in a relaxed position.

Rotate the hips in a plane parallel to the ground at a moderate pace in as complete and large a circle as possible. The direction can be either to the left or the right.

Continue for 5-25 minutes. Change direction if needed. Relax in baby pose (forehead and arms on floor) for 10 minutes. Drink 8 oz. of fresh mineral water and relax.

Reference: Survival kit, Meditations and Exercise for Stress and Pressure of the Times by Yogi Bhajan, complied by S.S. Vekram Kaur Khalsa, edited by Mary Jo Ruggieri, (Hari Kaur)

Essential Herbs

THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER/PRACTITIONER! INFORMATION IN ANY PART OF THIS NEWSLETTER IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.

Elemental Foods: The Fire Element

In Doctor Robert Young's book the "PH Miracle" there are only 4 fruits that are recommended to alkaline the body: Grapefruits, Lemons, Limes and Tomatoes. Alkalizing the body promotes the highest form of health and balance. A alkaline body greatly reduces many physical diseases in our bodies.

Summer is a perfect time to experiment with the above fruits in salads, and juices. Here is one recipe for:

The Spicy Summer Tomato

2 organic tomatoes (cut into chunks) - you can also use cherry tomatoes use the equivalent of 2 whole tomatoes
1 cup fresh carrot juice (5-7 carrots or organic frozen carrot juice)
1/2 of a lime juiced or you can use a lemon (I used lime juice)
2 tablespoons cilantro or Italian flat leaf parsley-rinsed and chopped
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 small jalapeno chopped

Place the tomato chunks/cherry tomatoes in a freezer bag and freeze until solid. Pour the carrot juice and lime or lemon juice into the blender and add the frozen tomato chunks, cilantro or parsley, salt, cumin and jalapeno. Blend on high speed until smooth and serve immediately. Garnish with a crisp celery stick - placed directly into the juice drink.

If you have a chance - try to schedule a visit to the new Web of Life - located on Detroit Road between Clague Road and Columbia Road in Westlake, Ohio.

They have a new look, plus they have the most incredible selection of organic, raw and vegan foods. Try their "Live spaghetti" with a sun dried tomato sauce. Located in the grab and go case. UMM!!!!!!

Happy, Healthy Summer Sippin!!!!!!
Antonia Rankin, APP - Energetic Food Awareness

Educational Seminars

Date & Time: Saturday, August 11, 2007
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Location: OIES - Cleveland Polarity School
Fairview Wellness Center
Rocky River, Ohio 44116

Faculty:  Charoula Dontopoulos, BA RPP

Class Outline:

• Detox Systems
• Use concepts of Polarity/Ayurvedic Foods in Client Care
• Case Study
• Application in Clinical Setting

Cost: $115
8 Hours of CEUs Available
To Register, call (614) 226-2912 or email Melanie McCarter.

Date & Time: Saturday, August 25, 2007
10:00 am-5:30 pm

Location: OIES-Columbus Polarity School
1253 High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43201

Faculty:  Charoula Dontopoulos, BA RPP

Class Outline:

• Descriptions of Chakra Centers
• Functions of Chakras
• Ayurveduc Concepts
• Chakras and Polarity Principles
• Pendulum Work

Cost: $115
8 Hours of CEUs Available
To Register, call (614) 299-9438 or email Devin Chatlos

Date & Time: Sunday, August 26, 2007
9:00 am-3:30 pm

Location: OIES-Columbus Polarity School
1253 High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43201

Faculty:  Charoula Dontopoulos, BA RPP

Class Outline:

• Introduction to Herbs - How to Use
• History
• Association with Herbs and the Elements

Cost: $115
8 Hours of CEUs Available
To Register, call (614) 299-9438 or email Devin Chatlos

A Polarity Retreat in Greece
September 10 – 17, 2007

• Dr. Stone's Advanced Principles and Techniques
• Energetic Structural Integration™
• Energetic Assessment/Trauma Resolution
• Energetic Foods and Applications for Herbs
• Building International Relationships

Choice of Classes Advanced Case Studies and Protocols

Dates: September 10—Orientation
September 11-15—Classes and Workshops
September 16-17—Personal Sessions Available

Cost: $650 (housing and meals not included*)
$200 ($100 Non-refundable) deposit due at registration
Balance due by June 15, 2007

*Housing and meals can be arranged

Faculty: Mary Jo Ruggieri
Charoula Dontopoulos
Ulrike Harder

Coordinator: Charoula Dontopoulos

Limited Space Available. Please Register Early.
Click Here To Download the Registration and Daily Schedule Packets
Or visit our website at www.ohioinstitute.com

For more information contact:
Mary Jo Ruggieri @ (614) 778-0121 or satnam170@aol.com
Charoula Dontopoulos @ (740) 986-6945 or wisewomnc@earthlink.net

New News on Health Freedom

Please support Health Freedom in Ohio. It is about the right to choose the healthcare you want to use and also the practitioner you choose to see. PROTECT YOUR HEALTH FREEDOM

Visit the Ohio Health Freedom Coalition Web Page for information on what you can do to protect your health freedom.

Reference: www.ohiohealthfreedom.org

MORE ARTICLES

Ethical consumption, a healthy diet, convenience and price are all issues which affect our food choices today. The food industry spends billions each year to influence our choices and create cravings. As more and more people also view their food choices as a form of political action, terms such as "Animal Care Certified," "Certified Humane," "organic," and "Fair Trade" have become commonplace at the supermarket and health food stores.

While these labels seem to convey a certain level of integrity, what do they really mean?

According to Peter Singer and Jim Mason in their book The Way We Eat: Why Our Food Choices Matter "The official U.S. definition of natural meat is so loose as to be almost meaningless - the animals can be confined indoors on bare concrete all their lives and fed chicken litter, antibiotics, and hormones, but the U.S. government says you can call their meat natural as long as you don't add anything artificial to the meat itself."

My conversations with local grocery store managers indicate that while the Department of Agriculture's standards may have clarified the legal meaning of the term organic in the U.S., it has not gotten us any closer to what the term should mean. As far as terms such as "natural" each producer or supermarket can set its own standards regarding feed, antibiotics, pasture access etc. In some cases that might mean the animal lives penned in a barn and receives no antibiotics for 90 days before slaughter and in other cases the standard might be pasture access and grain feeding with no antibiotics 180 days before slaughter. If consumers want to know the truth behind a label, it's up to them to ask questions.

Consumers need accurate and unbiased information about what they are buying and how it was produced. To that end, here are some resources to start with.

Resources

• The Way We Eat: Why Our Food Choices Matter by Peter Singer and Jim Mason (includes a wonderful bibliography of additional information)
• The Omnivor's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
• The Meat You Eat: How Corporate Farming Has Endangered America's Food Supply by Ken Midkiff
• Diet for a New America by John Robbins - this one is a classic
• SuperSize Me by Morgan Spurlock [video]
• Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver - the author recounts a year spent eating home grown and locally sourced produce.
• Who Owns Organic? - http://www.rafiusa.org/pubs/OrganicReport.pdf [website] chart on p. 26 shows changing ownership of leading US organic brands to huge conglomerates. Brief chart at http://www.organicconsumers.org/organic/orgjune05.pdf
• USDA National Organic Program - http://www.ams.usda.gov/NOP/indexIE.htm

Where to Find Alternatives

• Vegan Outreach - www.veganoutreach.org
• Local Harvest - www.localharvest.org
• Organic Consumers Association - www.organicconsumers.org
• Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association - www.oeffa.org
• Global Resource Action Center for the Environment (GRACE) - www.eatwellguide.org
• Eatwild - www.eatwild.com
• American Grassfed Association - www.americangrassfed.org
• American Pastured Poultry Producers' Association - www.appa.org
• Heritage Foods - www.heritagefoodsusa.com also features a turkey webcam 24 hours a day so that you can see how your turkey lived
• Rodale Institute - www.rodaleinstitute.org

Heidi Beke-Harrigan is an APP and an academic librarian specializing in nursing, counseling and consumer health research. She teaches workshops, conducts research and provides individualized coaching. She can be reached at hbharrigan@malone.edu or irharp1140@yahoo.com