Columbus Polarity Center
for
Integrative Health and Wellness

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Columbus Polarity Center specializes in complementary therapies and holistic healthcare.
There is a wide range of qualified practitioners available for Polarity Therapy, Cranial Sacral, Rolfing, Reiki, Herbal Therapy, Aromatherapy, relaxation massage and Massage Therapy by LMTs. Our practitioners work with an integrative healthcare focus and often will provide the client with various options that will meet their needs. Many of the practitioners work together to provider the best preventive care for the client. Please check our website www.columbuspolarity.com for more details.

Practitioners at Columbus Polarity are not Medical Doctors, Dieticians, or Mental Health practitioners, nor do they diagnose or treat illnesses or prescribe any type of medications. For medical needs consult your physician.

Healthy Tidbits

Women Increase your Vitamin B's!

Women with a high dietary intake of vitamin B6 over several years have a decreased risk of colorectal cancer. Good news from a study published in the American Gastroenterological Association journal June 3, 2005. Plus, if you consume alcohol and take vitamin B6 you have more than a 70% reduced risk of developing CRC.

Inadequate vitamin B6 status may lead to the development of cancerous polyps in the colon said Susanna Larsson, MSC, study author with the Karolinsha Institute.

Vitamin B6 is found in beans, meat, poultry, fish and some fruits and veggies. B6 functions in the body by helping to maintain normal blood glucose levels, fighting off infections and creating hemoglobin to ensure that oxygen gets into important organs.

Source: American Gastroenterological Association. For more info go to www.sciencedaily.com

Keep Taking your Vitamin E

According to Jean Carper of USA Today May 13-15, 2005, recent studies came out saying that vitamin E boosted the risk of heart failure (many doctors are advising not to take it) however many others disagree.

Carper sited testimony from antioxidant authority J. Blumberg of Tufts University who says the alarming studies apply only to elderly people with cardiovascular disease, diabetes or Alzheimer's disease. "He sees no reason to stop taking vitamin E - it is more likely to help prevent heart disease."

Maret Traber, a world authority on vitamin E from Oregon State University suggests an increased risk only from a high dose of 2,000 IU; she finds no compelling evidence that up to 800 IU daily will create a risk.

National Institute of health study also finds vitamin E safe. Vitamin E has extended benefits and has always been used to build a healthy immune system as well as cut the risks of some cancers, fight cataracts and keep your skin healthy.

Seems as though, from many different sources, that 400 to 800 IU daily of vitamin E has no harmful effects. So get back on that vitamin E.

Reference: Eat Smart, Jean Carper, www.jeancarper.com

They're at it again...
Pfizer sued for false Lipitor Claim

Suit targets Pfizer: Patients say company lied about Lipitor. Brett Arends, Boston Herald News.

In summary, Pfizer was accused of lying to many women and seniors when it said taking Lipitor would reduce their risk of having a heart attack.

Communities Catalyst, which organized the suit, provided evidence that the drug not only did not work but it might even be putting those who used it in danger.

"The case used a recent study of 2,000 women as evidence. The study found that women who took Lipitor ran a 10% higher risk of heart attacks than those who took a placebo."

Reference: Boston Herald.com: Suit Targets Pfizer 9/25/05 and www.mercol.com

What to do:

Research non-invasive, non-toxic health options: herbals, exercise, diet change, vitamins and stress management. Acupuncture is getting great reviews for lowering blood pressure and treating chronic problems.

Remember, non-invasive therapies does not mean they are not effective therapies.

Sinus Infections
You Do Not Need to Have Them

Have you gotten your Neti-Pot® yet? One of the best gifts you can give yourself is learning to use a Neti-pot®. Why suffer? Sudafed will relieve sinus symptoms but then they come back with a vengeance. Using the Neti-Pot® solves the real problem - bacteria lodged in the sinus cavities. The frontal sinus cavities are in the front of your nose area. They can be washed out getting rid of the bad bacteria.

Below is an excellent summary of how to use the Neti-Pot® from Blair Lewis, PA-C at www.aliveandhealthy.com.

The Nasal Wash
By Blair Lewis, PA-C

Nasal Wash Overview:

1. Indications
   1. Having a nose and breathing
2. Contra-indications
   1. Severe aggravation
   2. Severe sinus inflammations, but the neti-wash will alleviate and prevent such inflammation.
3. Frequency of practice
   1. Once or twice daily or as needed, use judgment and awareness
4. Benefits
   1. Cleans mucus membranes in nasal passages
      1. removes excess mucus
      2. removes dried mucus, crusts, debris, dust
      3. allows nose to function optimally
   2. Stimulates secretion of nasal mucus
   3. Soothes nasal tissues
   4. Increases blood flow to nasal region, may help eyesight
   5. May help relieve chronic sinusitis and 'hay-fever' symptoms

Nasal Wash Techniques:

1. Side to Side: Fill neti-pot. Insert in active nostril. Head is held tilted sideways, near parallel to the ground with the chin lowered slightly toward the sink. Water passes in upper nostril and out the lower nostril. Move the chin up and down until the water flows freely. Reverse sides and repeat.
2. Nostril to Mouth: Nostril to mouth neti may be done at the same time as side-to-side neti if the head is at the proper angle. Otherwise close the lower nostril and draw the water in as though inhaling. The forehead should be slightly raised and the chin slightly tilted down so the water passes into the mouth rather than down the throat. Experiment. Reverse sides and repeat.

NOTE: When blowing the nose to clear after doing the neti wash, use quick, forceful exhalations, without closing the nostrils. When using handkerchief or tissue, don't over-blow.

After doing the Nasal flush do 2-3 minutes of long deep breaths in and out your nose. To order your Neti-Pot®, go to our online store www.columbuspolarity.com.

Walnuts--Potent Source of Melatonin

University of Texas Health Science Center Press Release:

Walnuts contain melatonin, research shows

San Antonio (Sept. 13, 2005) - The next time you reach for salad greens and dressing, you might consider adding some walnuts. New research out of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio shows that walnuts contain a fair amount of melatonin, a hormone that protects our cells against oxidative damage.

"Relatively few foods have been examined for their melatonin content," said Russell Reiter, Ph.D., professor of cellular and structural biology at the Health Science Center. "Our studies demonstrate that walnuts contain melatonin, that it is absorbed when it is eaten, and that it improves our ability to resist oxidative stress caused by toxic molecules called free radicals."

Research is reported in September, 2005 issue of Journal of Nutrition.

Did you Know:

• Walnuts contain great omega-3 fatty acids
• Melatonin has been shown to inhibit some cancers
• Melatonin eats up the bad free radicals
• Free Radicals damage our health and this increases with age
• Melatonin decreases with age
• It is best to eat organic walnuts-a handful a day or more

Remember your Green Tea

• Several cups per day
• Research shows Green Tea wards off Prostate Cancer
• Green Tea is a proven cancer preventor
• Cuts your appetite
• Best Green Tea is organic; sencha is a wonderful green tea!!

KEEP A POT BREWING ALL DAY!!!

Essential Herbs

Ask Charoula

Dear Charoula,

Infertility is a problem that is becoming increasingly frequent in our country today. What can we do to improve our fertility?

Answer:

Fertility is a function of hormones. Too low or too high a level of certain hormones, such as FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) or LH (Luteinizing Hormone) affects the process of ovulation and egg maturation. Stress, tension, and emotional imbalances affect these hormones.

Another very possible cause of infertility may be the increasing load of chemicals to which we are exposed to routinely. Artificial hormones known as xeno-estrogens are common by-products of industrial and agricultural chemicals from factories to our very own backyards and are being investigated as possible disrupters of our body's hormonal processes. Our environment affects our bodies!

On a physical level, concerning infertility, we may be dealing with the following:

• Infections due to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, endometriosis, surgery, or IUD's.
• High levels of mucous in the reproductive organs resulting from a poor diet.
• The use of birth control pills.
• High alkaline vaginal PH resulting from excess sugar, alcohol or starches.
• Low thyroid function.
• Exposure to electric blankets, power lines, microwaves, computers, or any other source of radiation.
• Structural problems, such as pelvic imbalances blocking blood and nerve impulses.

Energetically, infertility may be the result of weak, watery, and Yin conditions, resulting in a deep exhaustion of the reproductive system.

To improve your fertility try the following:

• Pay attention to your lifestyle, reduce stress, resolve emotional conflicts.
• Get Polarity bodywork which can deal with structural problems, balance the nervous system and energetically balance the reproductive system by restoring some of the Yang expansive fire energy the day needs to carry the process of fertility through full cycles.
• Improve your diet by eating warming foods such as grains and foods that nourish the nervous system (vegetables, lots of greens, seeds, nuts and essential fatty acid foods like salmon and flax seed oil).
• Pay attention to your natural rhythms - sleeping, working, exercising, and playing. Balance is the key!
• Use herbal teas and tinctures as part of a daily routine.

Herbal Tonics and Teas:

Oatstraw herb, Skullcap, Passion flower, and Chamomile make a wonderful nerve soothing tea. Mix equal parts, 1 tablespoon of mixture per cup of water. Pour boiling water over herbs, let stand for 30 minutes. Strain and drink 2-3 cups per day.

Fertility Tonic (from Herbal Healing for Women by Rosemary Gladstar) 4 parts Rehmania, 1 part DongQuai root, 3 parts Wild Yam root, 1 part Vitex berries, 2 parts False Unicorn root, and 1 part Astragalus root.

*Motherwort and Sarsaparilla are good uterine tonics.
*Siberian Ginseng tincture nourishes the nervous system.
*Garlic, Echinacea, and Golden Seal fight infection.

Resources: Herbal Healing for women by R. Gladstar and herbal Remedies for Women by Amanda McQuade Crawford.

If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Hope this is of help.

Charoula, Herbalist

*For more information on our herbal tinctures, got to www.columbuspolarity.com and click on online herbals.

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.

Educational Seminar

3 Day Class On Bio Dynamic Cranial Sacral Therapy

• Learn concepts of Cranial Sacral Therapy
• Learn skills for effective Cranial Sacral balancing
• Cranial Anatomy
• Identify Cranial Sacral pulses
• Integrate Cranial Sacral into your work

*Class space limited register early!!!

Please register by calling 614-299-9438 or email Emily. For online registration visit our website at www.columbuspolarity.com

Energy Movement Classes Energy dance - fun movement to enhance flexibility and strength! Wednesday evenings 7:00-8:00 pm Energy Movement works with: Spinal Flexibility Joint Balance Muscle Strength Releasing Pent Up Stress & Tension Balancing the Chakras Fee per class is $10.00 Contact Columbus Polarity at 614-299-9438 to reserve your spot!!

Health Freedom Comes to Ohio

Protect your rights as a consumer to choose the type of healthcare you want. For more information please visit our website at www.ohiohealthfreedom.org, call 614-841-7700 or email pampopper@msn.com.

* See the new video on Health Freedom.

Articles

Rolfing for Balance

A massage a day keeps the arthritis away! Reflexology, shiatsu, sports massage, polarity, herbal wraps, reiki, craniosacral therapy, rolfing-medicine in the new millennium will focus on striving for balance and using bodywork as a tool for living well. Balancing your energy can create a lifeline to health and vitality.

So, how do we make changes when we find ourselves pulled out of balance by life? When in doubt, get rolfed!

Rolfing is a specific form of bodywork, which strives to bring the body back into balance. It is a unique system of deep tissue work balanced with energetic unwinding that creates structural changes that move the system into balance.

I interviewed a colleague, Michael Loukas, who is a certified rolfer, about the process of rolfing and its focus on striving for balance. He believes that it takes a strong commitment to change personal core habits. But a good work ethic, he says will change the unhealthy patterns in your life that may not e serving your best interests.

Let's explore with Loukas his concepts of balance:

We often find that if we start to work on one aspect of our health, such as our bodies, the other parts of our health also improve. The mind and spirit often like to follow and partake in the mutual benefits.

As a rolfer, my focus for balance is in forming a plan of action with manageable steps, and for patients to educate themselves about how to achieve this balance in their lives. For example if you are going to change your diet, read several books on the subject and consult a certified nutritionist, then make an informed choice about what will work for you. Another option is to track your nutritional intake, to see what works or doesn't work. One of the biggest obstacles to changing our health is feeling overwhelmed by what's involved. By taking responsibility to change your health, you become empowered and can significantly transform your life for the better.

It is also wise to change at a rate that is manageable for you personally. Expect reasonable and realistic results for yourself. Once you've committed to something like a change in diet, give it a chance with time to feel the results. Ask yourself, do I feel stronger, am I losing weight, are my allergies diminishing, or do I have more energy?

There are many ways to improve your health through balancing your body, mind and spirit. Improving one's diet is an important way to address the physical body, because it can dramatically change how we feel and look. The basic nourishment of our bodies affects our well being down to the cellular regeneration. The bottom line is that we will normally be healthier if we eat good food to fuel our body.

I strongly believe that balance is at the core of good health. The very nature of the human organism, in the purely physical sense, is to stay in a state of balance. In normal conditions the cells of the body are in constant regeneration, to keep a healthy balance within the organism. Out with the dead and aberrant cells, and in with the new and vital cells. We are in the process of this cellular regeneration every moment in time.

Our immune systems are constantly working to keep bacteria and viruses at bay. We have a new external layer of skin on our bodies every month, new organs change every three to four months, new bones change every seven years. Think of the potential possibilities for creating a new image by simply taking care of ourselves with conscious healthy choices.

Obviously this seems easier said than done. Nothing is static in our world or universe. Everything is changing continuously around us. Our lives' momentum ebbs and flows with change according to our life conditioning, our environment, and other forces of our world. As a result, we find our lives in or out of balance with that flow. With so much going on around us, we become caught in this vortex of life, making us susceptible to minor aches and pains and/or disease.

Michael Loukas is an associate at Columbus Polarity. For more information on Rolfing, call 614-299-9438.

As a new bodywork experience, rolfing can bring incredible changes into your life. A note to the wise from E. Erikson: " Experience is anchored in the ground plan of the body."

A Season to Slow Down, (Get Ready)

Rejuvenating ideas for the weary winter warrior

Envision a dark snowy winter evening, a roaring fire in the fireplace and you are covered with a puffy down comforter while reclining in a large cushy chair. While sipping a cup of hot chamomile tea, you are getting a foot massage with warm lavender oil.

Early in the day, just before dawn, you wake up slowly while gently stretching and quietly doing a yoga series called Salute to the Sun. You complete your early sadhana (practice) by sitting still, comfortably deep breathing as your mind clutter disappears.

Your breakfast, eaten after a warm hot tub, consists of organic oatmeal with raisins, a scoop of vanilla protein powder in yogurt and homemade multigrain toast with fresh whole blueberry jam. After reading the alternative Medicine Journal and finishing your last cup of organic hazelnut decaf coffee, you slip into your work clothes for a short day of chopping wood for your wood-burning stove, which heats your house naturally, of course. Getting up just before dawn, retiring before 8 pm, eating more earth foods that are slow burning and doing long meditations is actually what the good health doctor ordered for the winter season. The human body functions exactly like our seasons. In the winter, the natural tendency for our biological clock is to slow down, hibernate, rest, repair and store up nutrients, allowing time to process past seasons and rejuvenate for new and better growth.

Bringing silence and stillness into your winter day is not only beneficial for stress reduction but actually very necessary to be in synch with the purpose of winter. Winter colds, head and chest congestion and endless sinus infections are a result of the way we take on winter-working 60 hours per week, getting tense driving on icy and snowy roads, picking the children up after school at 3:15 pm, running to ballet by 4 pm, and then home for a late, rushed dinner.

Many cultures use the winter season to connect with their families, eating long relaxing meals at home and finishing projects. Slowing down is winter's message, but Americans have a hard time with being quiet, still or silent. The rush is always on, especially after Thanksgiving. Everyone collapses after the holidays and spends most of January fighting fatigue, burnout, depression and winter colds.

There is hope. Bring winter into your life. Be aware of the purpose of winter. Here are some ideas for the weary winter warrior:

• Relieve winter stress with silence. Silence provides relief from constant stimulation and disoriented mental chatter.
• Go to bed earlier than usual and get up slowly in the morning.
• Work a flexible schedule, go in later or ask for vacation days then work a four-day week for eight weeks.
• Plan one day a week with truly nothing to do.
• Get consistent bodywork. In the winter, getting regular lymphatic massages prevents the winter blahs.
• Take extra vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and beta carotene in the winter, besides an herbal immune builder.
• Eating less in the winter is actually more, and eating before 6 p.m. is best for winter digestion.
• Breathe, breathe, breathe. Remember to breathe deep and expand the lower ribs (to the sides) for a more relaxed breath.
• Do your breathing practice for at least 20 minutes each day, especially in winter. (Censor the reaction: "I don't have that kind of time!")
• Juice organic vegetables daily, carrot juice especially. Add a little celery or other greens. Drink within 30 minutes because the live enzymes which are so healing for the body are best when fresh. This is a remarkable habit to get into for winter.
• Rest often in winter. Your immune system requires more rest because your body slows down and is in a state of repair.
• Sweat as often as you can. It helps eliminate toxins from your system and relaxes your muscles. Take a hot bath with one cup of Epsom salt. Soak for 30 minutes, then wrap up in a bathrobe, lie down, cover up and sweat. Take a cool shower after. Steam baths, saunas or hot tubs work well.
• Do nasal flushes weekly. Use a neti pot or a dropper, with a saline solution or diluted liquid chlorophyll (gargling with chlorophyll also helps).
• Last but not least, drink water. More than 70 percent of the body is water, and the balance of minerals in the body depends upon drinking six to eight glasses every day. No, coffee doesn't count!

So get ready, winter can be a blessing in disguise. It offers an opportunity to reflect, to slow down and to be still and heal. The body knows what it needs, but the mind often gets in the way.

Yoga teacher Sandra Anderson says in the perfect state of stillness, we transcend our identification with the body. Then we glimpse the true self. May the longtime sun shine upon you.

FYI...

Annerose's All Natural Recipe...
For getting rid of those pesky fleas

In a blender, mix equal amounts of:

• Nutritional yeast
• Garlic flakes
• Chrysanthemum flowers (dried)

Spread the mixture over your carpet or other affected areas.

Let mixture sit as long as you can stand it, preferably overnight.

Vacuum or wash everything thoroughly (clothes, sheets, pillows, children, dogs, etc).

Continue the procedure until fleas disappear.

Reference: Bexley Co-op August Newsletter - Support Your Local Co-op.

Practical Points to a Balanced Life

• Do 7 minutes of conscious breathing daily.
• Do one thing that is healthy for your body every day
  • Skin brush
  • Brush your tongue
  • Drink a vitamin C drink
  • Give yourself a facial
  • Get a pedicure or foot reflexology session
• Schedule regular bodywork sessions once or twice a month.
• Sort your vitamins on Sunday nights in a muffin tin and put them in little plastic bags for the rest of the week.
• Get a stress management coach for one month to help you sort out your health priorities.
• Take one yoga class a month.
• Leave your cellular phone at home one day per week or vow not to have it in your car.
• Talk to yourself once per week. Ask your liver, your stomach, your heart how they are feeling.

The journey of a thousand miles Begins with the first step.

Source: Bexley Co-op August Newsletter. (Support Your Local Co-Op!!!)