From Nature's Pharmacy: Curcuma - More Than Just A Spice

In Ayurvedic medicine, curcuma has been an essential remedy for many years. In Indian cuisine, this spice is used often and in larger quantities. It gives the dish its bright yellow colour and is said to aid digestion, as it helps the liver to metabolise fats.
At the moment, various scientific studies are carried out, to find out what else curcuma can do for us.
Apart from protecting and helping the liver to regenerate, curcuma also helps to detox the body from mercury and fluorides; it can protect the brain from damages caused by alcohol abuse.
Cooking with curcuma more often can also prevent gall stones and help with the symptoms of IBS.
(http://www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/curcuma-anwendung-ia.html#ixzz3jocH0A00)

Lovely Review From a Client

Yesterday, I received an e-mail from a client I saw about 2 years ago. Reading it, I felt honoured and grateful that I chose such a wonderful vocation.
That's what they wrote:

'Hi Monica,
I spoke to you some time ago about a client of mine, as I am a support worker, and told you how much I had appreciated your help on a visit to you in the past (...)
I came to see you because I was feeling low and depressed, and we had one therapy session.  During the session you made me feel very relaxed, and simply suggested to me that I imagine myself in a beautiful meadow.  There must have been something about it that got my own imagination going and I was able to visualise a really inspiring story.  I realised that my depression was connected to my grief at losing my parents.  I had a wonderful inspiration and saw myself climbing out of a deep hold into a bright sunny meadow.  Then, strange as it may seem, the hole simply became a large dark circle on the ground.  I rolled it up like a mat, and put it in my backpack.  I walked on through the meadow, enjoying the bright sunshine and flowers, and the birdsong.  After I while I stopped and took off my backpack and sat down for a rest.  Then, remarkably, I took the mat out of my backpack, shook it out and placed it on the ground.  Magically, it grew and turned into a lovely round swimming pool, full of warm, clear water.   I got in for a swim and relaxed in the sun feeling really contented.  

I realised the meaning of the story.  It meant that I didn't have to be overwhelmed by my grief, but I didn't have to leave my feelings for my parents behind either.  Instead, I could carry them with me, and take out my memories and simply bathe in the love that my parents gave me whenever I wanted to.

It was a wonderful inspiration and came to me so naturally and beautifully.  It's like a joy that was inside me, and your therapy released it in me.  You didn't put ideas in my head or try to tell me what to think - you simply managed to release what was already there in a really gentle way. 

That was a couple of years ago now,  and though life continues to have its ups and downs, like everybody's does, I remember that vision clearly and go back to that meadow when I can to find peace and inspiration. 

Thank you so much for giving me this beautiful experience.  You really do have a special gift.'




 

Cabbage Against Cancer?

For years, scientists have suspected that cabbage can lower the risk of developing bowel cancer, however, there was a lack of conclusive data. A research team at the University of Sydney/Australia have investigated the matter and have come to the conclusion that those who eat white cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli on a regular basis are less likely to develop bowel cancer. Broccoli proved to be the most effective of the cabbage family. Cabbage contains mustard oil glycosides which appear to have cancer-preventing properties. However, high temperatures and cooking in the microwave oven have a destructive effect on the beneficial nutrients, whereas steaming helps to maintain the goodness and health benefits.
Patients who are on certain anticoagulants(e.g. Marcumar), however, should not eat too much of these vegetables as they can influence the effects of the medication. Please ask your GP or health professional.
(Source: ApothekenUmschau)

Guarantee for Success?!

A few days ago, a client sent me an e-mail in which she was inquiring about bunion treatment and the fees. I sent her a return message with all the information she was looking for. As first-time bunion treatment usually requires a course of treatment, I offered her a 10% discount if she booked a course of 5 sessions (requires payment in advance). Back came another e-mail in which she asked about the success rate for the treatment (fair enough ... about 80%) and if I would refund the fee if the treatment was not successful.

Bunions are painful and are likely to become worse the longer the sufferer leaves them untreated. One option is surgery which is likely to leave scarring and it takes quite a while to recover in most cases.

Alternative treatment involves acupuncture and massage/manual manipulation of the affected joint and takes about an hour for each session. Depending on the severity of the deformation, several sessions (typically 1 session per week) are necessary before an improvement becomes noticeable. Although an improvement of the pain in the affected joint will present itself relatively quickly, the deformation needs longer to correct. In some cases, a complete reversion is impossible, whereas a certain degree of improvement is to be expected. Also, follow-up treatment after 6-12 months might be necessary to maintain joint health.

I do everything possible to successfully heal the affected joint, as well as providing the client with the necessary guidance to improve their general health and well-being, but 'success' is both subjective and impossible to guarantee, as with all procedures; therefore a refund is not an option, I'm afraid ...

Culprit Candidosis

A young man in his mid 30s came to see me a few months ago. He had been suffering from pain that “wandered about” in his body and he was feeling tired and run down.  The pain peaked once or twice a month, which impacted on his family life and his job. He was ultimately diagnosed with Fibromyalgia by his GP and given little hope for improvement.

A kinesiology test revealed that he was suffering from a Candidosis (an overgrowth of Candida fungus in his intestines) and wheat intolerance. He also had acupuncture treatment as part of his treatment.

After the first session he changed his diet by cutting out sugar, wheat and starches as well as yeast as much as possible. He also agreed to take a kelp supplement as his thyroid was a bit sluggish as well as Vitamin C to help his immune system a bit.

After 4 weeks (with 1 session per week) he was still pain-free and felt completely “normal” again.

He booked another session for 2 weeks later, and when he came for his treatment he reported that he had had a milder bout a few days before. When I asked him if he’d eaten or drunk something out of the ordinary he confessed that a colleague had brought in some cake to work and he had “lots of it”. Two days after indulging in cake he was feeling the pains again and was feeling very tired and exhausted. The sugar, flour and yeast in the cake made the Candidosis flare up and brought back the symptoms. He had some more acupuncture treatment to help his body recover and I recommended taking acidophilus to feed the good bacteria in his intestinal tract.

Here is an interesting website with more info on Candidosis:

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-8376/10-signs-you-have-candida-overgrowth-what-to-do-about-it.html

Happy News

In September 2012, a lady booked an appointment with me as one of her friends had recommended me to her. Aged 44, she had a history of multiple miscarriages which always happened 6-8 weeks into the pregnancies. Her friend who mentioned me to her was already having fertility treatment in my clinic at that time.

She started treatment right away, with one session per week. In January 2013 she told me she was pregnant. We continued with weekly treatment sessions until we passed the critical first trimester. She decided to carry on with the treatment and I saw her every two weeks. When she was almost 7 months pregnant, she decided to stop treatments and in October 2013 she gave birth to a healthy, beautiful baby girl.

Her friend who had started treatment with me a few weeks earlier also gave birth to a gorgeous little girl, one month before her.

These are just two of the success stories from my practice – and very happy ones, indeed.

Although I offer a wide variety of treatments - I must say that helping women to get pregnant is lovely and so rewarding.

The "Forgotten" Vitamin

Not many of us may know the importance of vitamin K for our bodies. It not only regulates blood clotting, but it also activates osteogenesis (bone formation) and can prevent osteoporosis and even certain types of cancer. Vitamin K stops the calcium in the blood to accumulate in the arteries and build up fatal plaque, thus keeping our blood vessels clean. 

Green leafy vegetables - especially kale - and salads are a good source of Vit K and help to prevent a lack of this vitamin. However, if you suffer from osteoporosis already it is worth trying a Vitamin K supplement, in combination with a diet that is low in acidity.
Patients who are taking blood-thinning medication, however, should not take this vitamin without consulting their GP!