Columbus Polarity Center
for
Integrative Health and Wellness

Monthly Newsletter: January 2005
Volume II Issue B


Please pass this newsletter on to associates and friends. This is greatly appreciated.
If you do not want to receive this newsletter via e-mail, please return with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject line. Anyone can subscribe to our CPC newsletter, which will come out monthly and include current info, articles about health and wellness, current events, classes and seminars.

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, nor do they diagnose or treat illnesses or prescribe any type of medications. For medical needs consult your physician.

Healthy Tidbits


Enzymes and You!!

WHAT ARE ENZYMES? Enzymes start chemical reactions to make them run faster.

ENZYMES ARE DIVIDED INTO THREE GROUPS:

Vitamins, minerals nor hormones could do any work without enzymes

As we grow older, the body produces fewer enzymes.

Modern diet, consisting of cooked and processed food is DEVOID of active enzymes.

NEARLY EVERY PERSON CAN BENEFIT FROM SUPPLEMENTATION WITH ENZYMES.

Material from creative Health Institute, www.creativeHealthInstitute.us
References: Howell, Edward. Enzyme Nutrition the food Enzyme Concept. Avery publishing.
Check with your Holistic Health Practitioner for advice on Enzymes best for you.


Lack of Free Time may be the Ultimate Moral Issue!!

by Anjula Razdon
Release your Inner Hedonist

10 signs you are in too deep. 10 SIGNS YOU'RE IN TOO DEEP

If five or more of the following are true of you, you may be in need of hedonistic intervention. Immediately turn off all electronic devices and lie down.

  1. You no longer remember anyone's phone number because they're all programmed into your cell phone.
  2. You instant-message people at work who are seated within 20 feet of you.
  3. You make itineraries for your vacations.
  4. The idea of a full week without Internet access fills you with terror.
  5. You are bored at home if the television isn't on.
  6. You absolutely must watch the news every day to be sure the world isn't ending.
  7. You regularly watch sitcom reruns that you have seen countless times before.
  8. You are unable to sit still and think in silence.
  9. Your conversation regularly revolves around the lives of others instead of your own.
  10. You buy shoes because they match your iPod.
By Michael Flocker
From The Hedonism Handbook

Did you know?

Did you know that chiropractic is the largest drug-free non-invasive, healing profession in the world? In fact, Chiropractic care is more effective than traditional therapies in the treatment of many musculoskeletal problems. A patient who is treated without the use of drugs, doesn't need to worry about dangerous side effects. While drugs and surgery are necessary in some situations, oftentimes chiropractic adjustments for such things as low back and neck pain have better results than anti-inflammatory drugs. In a study done in Great Britain in the 1990's, the patients in the study who received chiropractic care reported less pain and greater range of motion than those participants receiving traditional outpatient treatments (The British Medical Journal 1990; 300: 1437)
Reference: Spinal Column, Aldrich Chiropractic

Essential Herbs


Detox for Health

Detox your system for spring cleaning!

February is a great month for treating our system to a pre-spring cleaning!

For a safe cleansing, start simple. First, substitute the following:

Eat plenty of leafy greens, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and carrots, foods high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Eat small portions of the veggies raw once a day. Sprinkle with freshly grown sprouts for enzyme power.

After one week, try the following drink first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach:

Mix in a blender. Follow with a glass of water adding the juice of a full lemon. This is called a Liver Balance.

Eat throughout the day a light diet of oatmeal, raw green mixed salads, steamed brown rice or millet, fruit, and herbal teas. You may add small portions of steamed vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, sweet potatoes, shiitake mushrooms, and freshly squeezed vegetable juices.

Drink Polarity Tea for Digestive Balance.

The following week, repeat the Liver Balance two or three days in a row. By now you should be feeling clearer, more focused, lighter, more energetic. If you wish, you can continue for two more weeks, repeating the Liver Balance three to five days in a row the third week, and five to seven days of the fourth week.

While on this protocol:

When you feel you are done, break your cleanse gently. Slowly introduce dairy, meats or pasta. Your systems are clear and may need time getting used to these additions!

HAPPY DETOXING!!!
Reference: Charoula Dontopoulos, Herbalist, Polarity Practitioner


ASK CHAROULA

(New Column) If you have any questions, please email Charoula at energy@columbuspolarity.com and your questions will be answered via email.

Question:

Lately my right knee has been creaking going up and down the stairs. It is stiff and sore in the morning hours, and swelling may occur after I'm on my feet a lot. What in your opinion, would help with this situation?

Answer:

Try icing it, ten minutes on, ten minutes off? (Use a bag of frozen peas). Also apply Castor oil packs one hour everyday for seven days in a row. Castor oil has deep restorative powers, helps the tissues heal.
***Heat up about a tablespoon of Castor oil on the stove, dip a flannel towel in it, and then place on the knee, covering with plastic and a towel to keep the warmth in.

For the soreness and stiffness, try some anti-inflammatory herbals. A good blend of herbs would be White Willow bark, Meadowsweet and Licorice. An alcohol tincture is the most effective way of taking these herbs. Also try taking 500 to 750 mg of Boswellia extract daily. Boswellia is an Ayurvedic herb with a long tradition for alleviating pain.

An excellent anti-inflammatory is Flaxseed Oil. Take 1-2 tbsp. Of this oil daily, mixed in your favorite juice.

A joint that creaks and is painful indicates the presence of toxins. A blend of Red Clover, Horsetail, Nettles and Alfalfa would make a pleasant tea by steeping a tablespoonful of the mixture in one cup of boiling water. Drink a cup three times a day.

MSM, (methyl sylfonyl methane) is a supplement, which efficiently works at a cellular level to regenerate worn out cartilage. Taken along with Glucosamine, it can rebuild joints and most likely reduce soreness. For product information go to www.columbuspolarity.com.

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.

New Wellness Classes


Energy Movement

Energy Movement

Energy dance-fun movement to enhance flexibility and strength. "A Healthy spirit resides in a healthy body." Dance with your spirit. Energy movement works with the 5 basic elements of life, Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth.

Benefits of Energy Movement:

Join Irina Tatarintseva, MA, APP who brings this new system of energy dance to us from her studies in the Ukraine. Every Wednesday evening 7:00-8:00 at 1253 N High Street. Parking in rear of building. Cost is $10 per class. All ages welcome and no experience is required. Polarity CEU's available.

Introduction to Polarity Therapy and Energy Balancing: CEU Program

This course offers CEUs for Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and activities professionals, and other fields are pending.

Level I Training for Polarity Certification
Dates: February 19-20, 2005
April 9-10, 2005
May 7-8, 2005
June 11-12, 2005
July 9-10, 2005
Times: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Cost: $375 includes CEU certificate, video of class, and snacks.

Pre-registration is necessary to reserve your space. Call the Columbus Polarity Center or the Ohio Institute of Energetic Studies and Bodywork at 614-299-9438 or e-mail us at energy@columbuspolarity.com.

Educational Seminars


Join Us

  1. Energy Techniques for Back Problems
    Friday, February 25, 2005
    9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    Cost: $185.00
    Given by: Mary Jo Ruggieri
  2. Basics of Ayurvedic Medicine
    Saturday, February 26, 2005
    1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    Cost: $95.00
    Given by: Anjali Brannon
  3. Herbs for Life, How to use Herbs
    Sunday, February 27, 2005
    8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
    Cost: $95.00
    Given by: Charoula Dontoupolous
  4. Energy Techniques for Knee Problems
    Sunday, February 27, 2005
    1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    Cost: $95.00
    Given by: Mary Jo Ruggieri
  5. Polarity Concepts for a Healthy Liver
    Monday, February 28, 2005
    9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    Cost: $185.00
    Given by: Shila Wilson

Registration for classes is now available at www.OhioInstitute.com or call 614-299-9438


Articles


Mold Must Go

Fatigue, headaches, asthma, and irritation of the eyes and nose are common symptoms associated with exposure to mold.

Molds can release toxic substances into the air called mycotoxins.

Children are especially susceptible to mold exposures.

Prevent Mold Exposure

  1. Repair leaks to stop mold growth.
    Water coming from leaks in plumbing, roofs or through cracks in the foundation or basement walls cause mold to grow.
  2. Inspect your home for existing mold growth.
    Mold typically grows where there is a source of moisture. Mold can grow in piles of laundry, wet carpets and damp walls.
  3. Clean existing mold well.
    Wearing gloves and a facemask, scrub mold off of non-porous surfaces with a stiff brush, a non-detergent and hot water.
  4. Maintain indoor humidity between 30-50%.
    Vent clothes dryers to the outside. They put out a lot of moisture, which can quickly build up indoors if not properly vented.
  5. Keep air flowing.
    Chemicals accumulate in airtight rooms. Use exhaust fans or open windows in kitchens and bathrooms when showering.
  6. Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers to reduce moisture in the air.
    Dehumidifiers and air conditioners can quickly reduce moisture in the air.
  7. Keep the doors between rooms and closets open.
    Airtight rooms and closets trap moisture.
  8. Do not store dirty or damp laundry in closed closets.
  9. Do not store firewood indoors.
    Wood often has mold spores on it.
  10. Eliminate piles of leaves and decaying debris in your yard, especially near your house.
    Mold naturally occurs in disintegrating leaves and plant material.
Reference: CHEC's Healthhouse www.checnet.org Resource for Environmental Health Risks affecting Children.

Balancing the Elements of Life™


by Mary Jo Ruggieri

Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth-qualities of energy which govern the functions of the human body. All five elements are found in our body, and everywhere on our planet!

The oldest of all notions of life adhere to the concept of energy and the elements. American Indians built their entire culture, including their healthcare, on the elements. They cherished the earth's elements because they believed that they were also made of these same qualities.

Mary Atwood in Spirit Herbs explains that American Indians believed all living things had life both visible and invisible. Plants were part of the same kingdom as people. She explains that great religions emphasize the concept that all substances from the earth originated and developed from a universal life force: energy.

Let's go back to understanding what past scholars have said about the science of energy medicine. For many years Americans have had a desire to learn about yoga, meditation, Zen Buddhism, herbs and, of course, chakras, crystals and outer space. We call it New Age-I believe the proper term should be Old Age!

Dr. Randolph Stone, the founder of Polarity Therapy, made this assessment about the past meeting the future: "We assume that those in the past could not possibly have had an idea of the cleverness of the present age, but we cannot understand them when they tell us in their writings about energy fields which we are just beginning to notice. The importance of our life is all external; theirs were deeper in perception of the energy fields within that make up this phenomenon of solid matter. The ancients had time to concentrate their energies. We, in our haste to go fast, travel in circles and find no rest or solace for the problems that beset us."

Connecting with the elements will give you vital information for preventive healthcare. Becoming aware is the key. Observe the signs and work towards balance before a problem occurs.

Elements govern certain energetic qualities giving us vital information regarding the status of our health. Every element has a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual component.

ELEMENTS - AN OVERVIEW

Ether
Governs qualities of the mind relating to space, stillness, peace and presence.
Signs of ether imbalances:

  • Feeling of grief/disharmony
  • Joints ache
  • Feeling closed in/stuck

    • Polarity Energetic Bodywork:

  • Cranial holds
  • Joint balance
  • Soft contacts while deep breathing

    • Air
    Governs qualities of lightness, quickness and agility.
    Signs of air imbalances:

  • Dry itchy skin or rashes
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Scattered, jumpy

    • Polarity Energetic Bodywork:

  • Shoulder/diaphragm balances
  • Rib/clavicle contacts
  • Work on deep breathing
  • Cradle ankles

    • Fire
    Governs qualities of heat, clarity, focus, vitality and directed movement.
    Signs of fire imbalances:

  • Voice quality loud
  • Tissue inflammation, boils, varicose veins
  • Cloudy verses bright eyes

    • Polarity Energetic Bodywork:

  • Rocking motions, navel and/or thigh areas
  • Holds over forehead and below rib cage
  • Foot digestive reflexes

    • Water
    Governs qualities of flowing, making connections and fertility.
    Signs of water imbalances:

  • Consistent water retention
  • Luster of skin, pasty/dull
  • Out of touch with feelings

    • Polarity Energetic Bodywork:

  • Body rocking movements, lymphatic balance
  • All foot reflexes
  • Diagonal holds on back, for stress reduction

    • Earth
    Governs qualities of completion, organization, physical and emotional structure.
    Signs of earth imbalances:

  • Colon and neck difficulties
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Not feeling safe
  • Impatient with yourself and others

    • Polarity Energetic Bodywork:

  • Release tension in abdomen
  • Balance neck points
  • Release tension in knees

    • Remember Healing is a process and it begins with awareness.

    Glossary


    LIVING ARTS

    Activities and practices that promote sound physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health and a natural flow of energy.

    MAGNETIC HEALING

    Magnets stimulate the body's innate capacity to heal itself. Some of the maladies where the application of magnets are effective are: healing of bones; reduction or elimination of pain; improving sensation in numb tissue; stimulating internal regions of the brain; stopping cramps and diarrhea; enhancing wound healing; dispersing of bruises.

    MASSAGE THERAPY

    This long-respected healing art has a history, which stretches back thousands of years and spans the globe. The first written records of massage date from 3,000 years ago in China, although it is certain that the use of touch to heal and soothe extends back to the earliest human experience. To rub a sore muscle or stroke another in comfort is a natural human instinct; and the "laying of hands" has been valued among spiritual and healing traditions throughout history.

    MEDITATION

    Although meditation is most often associated with Eastern practices such as Buddhism, every spiritual practice, including Christianity, has similar techniques for the purpose of gaining insight, assessing and managing life processes (physiological, mental, emotional, spiritual), enhancing performance or to just plain relax. These techniques include specific postures and/or activities such as sitting or walking, conscious breathing, observing thoughts and emotions, in order to attain calm, contentment, resolution or realization.

    MIDWIFERY

    The art of assisting at childbirth. Due to rising medical costs and an interest in home delivery and "natural childbirth," there has been a resurgence of interest in midwifery. Certified midwives undergo prescribed courses and training in hospitals and medical schools and are now licensed by the state; lay-midwives do not undergo formal training but are regulated by local statues, which limit what services they may perform.

    MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE

    Is a means of manually assessing imbalances and distortions in the skeletal system and correcting them, via the soft tissue, using a tiny amount of the patient's own energy (force) applied in a specific direction. Extremely gentle, MET provides dramatic and lasting improvements in flexibility, muscle tension and comfort. MET is not related to work with the Human Energy Field. * More to come each month!

    * More to come each month!