Did you know that each year, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) contribute to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability? The Centers for Disease Control estimates that there are approximately 2.87 million annual TBI-related emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in the US, including over 837,000 of these health events affecting children. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is showing positive signs of enhancing the recovery from a TBI and augment brain activity. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of HBOT when facing a traumatic brain injury.
What is TBI?
Traumatic brain injuries are a bump, blow, or jolt to the head caused by incidents such as sports concussions, car accidents, or even war injuries. The severity of a TBI may range from “mild,” which could mean a brief change in mental status or consciousness to “severe,” which could include an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury. People with a mild TBI typically recover within a few weeks but, for as many as 20%, problems can linger for months or years.
For patients who are in the latter category and find themselves dealing with symptoms for months or years, hyperbarics may help. Known as post-concussion syndrome, Many patients find themselves suffering from post-concussion syndrome with symptoms including depression, cognitive problems, headaches, fatigue, anxiety, and mental fogginess. While antidepressants can lift a patient’s mood, painkillers can ease the headaches, and physical therapy may help alleviate dizziness, most researchers agree that these remedies don’t heal the injury within the brain.
That is where hyperbaric oxygen therapy comes in. A growing body of evidence supports the belief of many scientists that HBOT can dramatically help cases of TBI.
What is HBOT and how can it help?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical treatment where a patient breathes 100% oxygen in what’s called a hyperbaric chamber, and the result is a dramatic increase in the amount of oxygen in the blood and a dramatic decrease in swelling and inflammation.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy “can help augment brain activity by reducing hypoxia and neuroinflammation, while increasing circulation in the brain. In addition, HBOT has been reported to synergistically enhance the effects of other therapies including standard intensive rehabilitation for TBI patients to help accelerate recovery.” (Source: International Hyperbarics Association)
Clinical studies have demonstrated the benefits of HBOT for TBI in the following ways: attenuates the effects of hypoxia and inflammation in the brain, promotes neurogenesis, moderates mitochondrial, enhances stem cell mobilization and proliferation, increases the penumbra tissue recovery, stimulates neuroplasticity, induces remyelination, and augments concussion recovery.
Patients may experience improvement in gross and fine motor control, improved speech and cognitive understanding, advanced cognitive functions, and improved balance. Patients have also experienced fewer seizures and an alleviation of spasticity.
A 2014 controlled longitudinal study showed evidence of motor function improvement in children who underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The eight-month study examined 150 children with cerebral palsy. HBOT was included in three of the four groups of children with their standard rehabilitation. A control group did not undergo HBOT and only were offered standard therapy. Each group that was offered HBOT received 40 one-hour sessions, six days a week. Each HBOT group was treated with different levels of ATAs (atmospheres absolute) ranging from 1.3 to 1.75 ATA.
The results were promising. All four groups improved in motor control. However, the three groups that also received HBOT showed, on average, 3 times higher improvement in fine and gross motor control!
Hyperbaric treatment massively increases the amount of oxygen to the brain. The benefits can be life-changing for those afflicted with traumatic brain injuries. Check out the research and studies by clicking the links. For more information on how HBOT could help you, contact Angel Healing Group.
What is the fastest-growing infectious disease in the United States? One might guess HIV/AIDs, Hepatitis, or one of the other pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi, spread directly or indirectly. The answer is the tick-borne illness known as Lyme Disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported by state health departments and the District of Columbia annually. However, this number does not reflect every case of Lyme disease that is diagnosed in the United States every year. Recent estimates using methods other than the standard national surveillance by public health officials suggest that approximately 300,000 people may get Lyme disease each year in the United States.
This number may be shocking to many, especially those who live in Lyme prevalent areas such as the northeast and Great Lakes region of the United States. Add to these statistics the fact that many cases of Lyme Disease go misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed and we have a recipe for years of pain and suffering by those who have inflicted.
What Is Lyme Disease?
The CDC describes Lyme as a disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick, AKA the deer tick. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Lyme disease is usually diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings such as a tell-tale rash, and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks. Unfortunately, many people who have been bitten do not experience symptoms or the rash as it may lie dormant in the human body for years.
The science behind the dormancy or lack of immediate symptoms lies in the characteristics of the bacteria itself. The tick-borne bacterium, or spirochete, is protected by a biofilm it creates to hide from the immune system. Often times, antibiotic intervention falls short of providing much needed symptomatic relief.
The Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a procedure that takes place inside an air sealed, transparent chamber filled with 100% pure oxygen increased atmospheric pressure. This process helps the body to absorb oxygen in a greater amount and transports it to the blood cells, blood plasma, cerebral-spinal fluid, and other body fluids. HBOT has been shown to elevate tissue oxygenation, which can be lethal to bacteria. This oxygen therapy also increases white blood cell activity and enhances antimicrobial responses. According to studies reported in the International Hyperbarics Association, “Oxygen is critical in the killing of bacteria and by exponentially raising oxygen levels throughout the body, the efficiency of bactericidal action of white blood cells can be enhanced dramatically.”
Clinical data and case reports have demonstrated the lasting benefits of HBOT for Lyme disease. Some improvements of note include decreased neuroinflammation, enhanced short term memory, reduced chronic fatigue, improved concentration, decrease in chronic headaches, lowering the risk of depression, and moderation of insomnia.
A trial at Texas A&M University examined the impact of HBOT on 91 patients with Lyme Disease. All of the patients in the trial failed to respond to intravenous antibiotics. During the trial, 67% of the patients remained on antibiotics throughout the trial. During the trial, 75% of the patients completed between 10-133 HBOT treatments. These treatments lasted one hour, twice a day, five times a week. Approximately 85% reported significant improvement with either a decrease in symptoms or a complete elimination of them. Most patients continued to see improvement even well after HBOT treatments. Long-term follow-ups showed that, from 6 weeks to 6 years, the benefits were sustained in 70% of patients.
National Science Educator Nancy Angelini, LMT has been a licensed practitioner for 29 years, founded, owns and operates Angel Healing Group, a complementary health care clinic in Boxford, MA, and is faculty at Dr. Michael and Leslie Tierra’s prestigious East/West School of Planetary Herbology.
I
took ill when I was 28 years old and wasn’t recovering. I went from being an
active triathlete to barely being able to get out of bed. I had pain all over
my body. My joints and muscles ached and I had migraines that were relentless. I
had a constellation of other symptoms that would take too long to recount in
this document. It took 8 months to finally get a diagnosis. Finally, in 1993 I
got the bad news, I had Lyme Disease. I had very little understanding of Lyme
disease and its many ramifications at the time. I was in a state of shock as I
was told to get my affairs in order, that I would very likely die soon. I
didn’t even remember the tick bite and I never saw a bulls-eye rash, but the test
results were conclusive. I was given the standard of care at the time, had a
negative reaction from the protocol and spent the next 10 years and thousands
of dollars trying to recover my original state of wellness.
As
the years marched on and I slowly started to regain some health with the expert
help of some very talented alternative practitioners, I noticed that even
though I was now able to get out and about almost as before, I was avoiding
going into nature. So much so, that I wouldn’t walk in the grass even if it was
near my house for fear of encountering another tick.
The
peace of mind, beauty and connectedness that drew me to nature in my youth had turned
into fear and avoidance. When I finally noticed this shift in my general
outlook I decided it was time to make my way back to nature, but this time I
would stay aware and go prepared.
By
that time, inspired by those who had helped me so much, I had become a clinical
herbalist and lifelong student of homeopathy. I began to deeply study all the
aspects of what we knew so far about the infectious agents related to tick
borne illness. I read Dr. Burgdorfer’s seminal text on Lyme Disease. I read
about its known vectors and the known species and strains of the bacteria
itself, Borrelia burgdorferi as well as the form the disease could take
in the body, the genus spirochete. I interviewed a few authorities who
were knowledgeable on the subject and after gathering an enormous amount of
information, I set in motion some habits of protection that I use successfully
to this day.
Tick
borne illnesses can be extremely serious and, in some cases fatal for humans as
well as dogs. According to Dr. Burgdorfer, there were 7 known strains of Borrelia
that carried varying degrees of disease virulence as well as a spirochete
named Leptospira, found in some spiders, which mimics many of the same symptoms
of Borrelia. Since Dr. Burgdorfer’s death, there have been additional
strains of Borrelia catalogued. In addition to those different strains
of Borrelia, ticks can all carry various types of co-infectious agents in
the contents of their stomachs such as Babesia, Bartonella, Epstein Barr
virus, Encephalitis and the list goes on.
After
all I had been through and seeing others with similar health issues, simply
removing the tick, watching and waiting was never going to be proactive enough
for me. Demanding Doxycycline every time my dogs or I were bitten wasn’t a
solution for me either, since this could contribute to antibiotic resistance
and have significant negative effects on the health of my dogs as well as my
own microbiome. In 2000, it occurred to me that I needed an intermediary
between the repellant and the standard of care in medicine. Historically, we
managed our insect bites not just to reduce itching but to encourage self-care.
Somewhere along the way, people lost the ability and interest in managing bites
and stings, surrendering to poisonous sprays such as DEET or running to a
clinic demanding antibiotics if they were exposed. This just didn’t resonate
with me and my need to be able to help myself. So, I designed a kit in order to
be proactive in managing tick bites that occurred in spite of bug sprays, the
recommended ways of dressing to avoid tick bites.
This
was the prototype of the Tick Bite Rescue kit, and I have used an iteration of
it ever since with great success. It is my desire that this kit may help to
provide a better level of protection for you and your loved ones and to allow
you, your families and your pets to be outdoors without fear.
What’s in the Tick Bite Rescue™ Kit?
There are several functional parts of the Tick Bite Rescue™ Kit. Proper removal of the tick is step one and it’s crucial. If you pull the imbedded tick out with your fingers or flat tweezers you could leave behind the head or tiny parts of the tick’s mouth, which you will come to find in a moment, can leave you exposed to infection and the spread of tick- borne illnesses. Some use dish soap, touting that the tick unlatches its jaws and disengages by itself. Unfortunately, unless you own a microscope, you wouldn’t know or see that the tick “vomits” before releasing its bite when you employ the detergent method. When that happens, whatever is in the contents of the tick’s stomach is now in the bite site. I systematically went about testing 5 different types of tick removal tools, trying to find tweezers that could be depended on to safely remove the complete tick, mouth parts and all. The “Tick Tweezers” (included in this kit), hands down, were the best tool for properly removing all parts of the tick from people and pets.
In
order to be thorough and manage the bite as effectively as possible, there are
four other actions that I feel need to be taken. I, myself, personally care for
the bite in the following manner every time I have found a tick imbedded in my
skin or my dogs’ skin. First, as stated, I remove the tick. After properly
removing the tick, I use the following procedures. Nano-particle silver gel is
a natural antiseptic and is applied to the bite after removing the tick. Organic
Echinacea purpurea is used for local immune support at the bite site, to
help stimulate healthy immune response. Homeopathic Ledum, 30C, is used
for systemic immune support and an activated charcoal patch is used as a
cautionary absorptive, just in case any part of the tick or its saliva remains
at the bite site. It can be very difficult to see these with the naked eye.
Nano-particle silver
gel
Silver has been used for centuries to
prevent illness and to improve recovery from injury. The use of silver has
spanned generations, cultures and continents. The Greeks used vessels made
from silver to keep water and other liquids fresh.
The Roman Empire stored wine in
silver urns to prevent spoilage. Before the invention of
germicides and antibiotics, it was known that disease-causing germs could
not survive in the presence of silver. Thus, silver was used in
dishware, drinking containers and eating utensils.
Settlers
in the Australian outback used silverware in their water tanks to retard
spoilage.
Pioneers in the American West found that if they
placed silver coins in their casks of water, it kept the water safe from
growth of bacteria, algae, etc. Silver leaf was used to combat infection in
battle wounds sustained by soldiers during World War I.
Before the introduction of antibiotics, silver
was commonly used in hospitals and has been known and used as an antibacterial
agent for over 1000 years.
In the
early 1800s, doctors used silver sutures in surgical wounds with
successful results.
SilverSol® was created to improve on current formulas to
make them safer and more effective. Through a new manufacturing
technology, patented under multiple patents, the SilverSol® technology
advanced nano-silver solution has become the new standard by which
all other silver products are measured. Not only is SilverSol®
Technology more advanced than the original colloidal silvers, but through
years of research at leading universities, SilverSol® was then put through
rigorous studies and tests for efficacy and safety. The parent company has
compiled thousands of pages of test work documenting many key advances.
SilverSol® has been proven to be completely safe in human ingestion
studies and didn’t produce any side effects or negative reactions.
Nano-particle silver gel can be used on insect bites, burns, skin abrasions and
other skin eruptions where the integrity of the skin has been compromised.
Echinacea purpurea
In April 2007, Juncadella and colleagues determined that Salp15, an enzyme
found in the saliva of ticks, inhibited T-cell activation by interfering with
the binding of CD4 receptors on T-cells and disrupting their signaling cascade.
They confirmed that the Salp15-CD4 interactions caused premature activation and
a defective immune response thus rendering the host’s skin based immune system less
effective, which allowed the infectious agents safe passage into the host.
The root of Echinacea purpurea is also called Snakeroot and was historically used by Native Americans and later, western herbalists to manage snake, spider and other insect bites. The use of Echinacea was shared by Native American Healers with Eclectic Physicians and herbalists in early America. Echinacea purpurea is an herb that gained greater use to counter winter season imbalances. Multiple studies have researched the herb’s positive effects on humans. Published in the journal of International Immunopharmacology, March 2014 and posted on the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) website, Echinacea purpurea, in an extract of ethanol (grain alcohol) and water, had moderate effect on up-regulating T-cells, the very types of cells that are inhibited by the Tick’s saliva.
Homeopathic Ledum 30C
The underlying premise of homeopathy was used as far back as
3,500 years ago in India. It was called “visa
chikitsa”and is discussed in
the book “Discourses on Mahabharata” and in the chapter entitled “Medical
Practices of the Age” by P.R. Sakar (English edition 1981, Ananda Press,
Calcutta India). Hippocrates also used a system so close to Homeopathy and what
is now known as the Law of Similars that it is difficult to assign the complete
origination of Homeopathy to Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, who is credited for creating
Homeopathy and the first modern text on this medical theory entitled The Organon
of Rational Medicine. Our current vaccines are based on a very similar
premise of using a very small amount of the disease agent, which has been
inactivated, to inform our immune system to recognize and mobilize against the foreign
invader before we develop a debilitating or life threating illness from that
disease.
A homeopathic has to go through a rigorous testing period on
humans called a “proving” in order to be accepted as a remedy. Suffice it to
say, homeopathy is used successfully and extensively throughout Europe, India,
Asia, South America, Australia and Canada.
Because Homeopathy is gentle and strives to “first do no
harm”, using a proper remedy will not upset the body unnecessarily and yet
offer an appropriate approach to a tick, spider or insect bite. Ledum 30C is used
for the bites of spiders and insects and the homeopathic in the Tick Bite
Rescue kit is lactose free and the first certified organic homeopathic in the
market today. Since we often have no idea how long the tick has been attached
and how long our exposure time has been, I wanted my kit to have a gentle but
effective systemic immune support ingredient in addition to the Echinacea,
for local bite immune support, in case the tick has been attached for longer
than a couple of hours.
Activated charcoal
patch
Activated
charcoal is one of the substances in the so-called Bremen List, a list compiled
by the poison control center in northern Germany of five antidotes that emergency
rescue service workers should always have at hand. Activated charcoal was given
in cases of poisoning in childhood and was registered for such in the USA in
2013. In that year, it was recommended for over 50,000 patients across all age
groups. Activated charcoal is used as an “adsorbent” (not to be confused with
an “absorbent”). An “adsorbent” binds atoms, ions, or molecules to its surface.
The application of activated charcoal plays a major role in both primary and
secondary detoxification of the tick bite site. In the event that there is any
part of the tick or its saliva that wasn’t removed or neutralized by the other remedies
in the kit, the application of the activated charcoal patch is meant to be the
final, thorough management of any tick bite.
The
patch is made of bamboo and is completely biodegradable. It is conveniently
equipped with infused activated charcoal that sits on the skin. If you had to
dig out the tick or if you didn’t use the magnifying glass and aren’t sure if
everything has been cleared, then using the patch to support normal
detoxification is a good strategy. In my earlier kit prototypes, I had used
bentonite clay, but this posed a problem since it comes as a powder and needs
to be mixed in water before using. It was too messy and added too many parts to
the kit. Activated charcoal is used in hospitals and in emergency situations to
encourage detoxification and is an extra insurance added to the other parts of
the kit.
Additional techniques
to manage ticks
My
immediate outdoor living area is next to a pond and is basically on a heavily
wooded 3-acre piece of property.
I
invest in completely natural sprays and strategies to repel ticks from my
property without disturbing the pond or nature in its delicate balance. Personally,
I hire the services of “oh Deer” (a company located in my area and I believe
syndicated in other parts of the country) from April until October to spray a
proprietary blend of essential oils that are non-toxic to aquatic and land animals
and that break down easily. They have been truly amazing in reducing the tick
population on my property. I have found this to be completely effective and safe
for my three dogs and me.
I
do not go out into nature without my Tick Bite Rescue Kit and some sort of
repellant spray. My choices for repellants are natural and organic essential
oils. I find these formulas very effective although none, including DEET, are
100% foolproof.
The
two essential oils I use the most are lemon eucalyptus and rose geranium, both
of which can be suspended in witch hazel or purified water for ease of
application in a spray bottle.
There
are many more options as preemptive strategies and I will write more about
those in future blogs.
Social media, commercials, and the beauty industry bombard us daily with an unrealistic and often unhealthy view of what our bodies should look and feel like. We are shown photoshopped and edited versions of real women and men to shape our ideas of what beauty is. It’s time we get back to loving our amazing bodies and how they function. This Valentine’s Day, our staff at Angel Healing Group recommends celebrating your body for what it can do rather than what the media tells us we should believe beauty to be.
The statistics in our society are scary, at best. The National Organization for Women (NOW) reports that “By age thirteen, 53% of American girls are unhappy with their bodies. This number grows to 78% by the time girls reach seventeen.” In order to counteract these negative feelings and sense of body-shaming, experts suggest de-emphasizing numbers such as the ones we see on the scale or on the tags of clothing. In fact, neither weight nor Body Mass Index tells practitioners anything substantial about body composition and overall health. Instead, eating habits, activity patterns, and other self-care choices are much more important in the larger scheme of things.
While there is no magic cure to solving our society’s obsession with beauty, we can counteract some of these messages with our own challenge to you this year – “Love Your Body.” How can you do this? Here are just a few of the ways that you can begin to embrace and celebrate the way that our bodies work to keep us safe, healthy, and happy.
Find a holistic practitioner who can help you discover the right foods for your body. This will include a guide to wholesome foods to eat and an adequate water intake. Avoid fad diets and how problematic these can be. At Angel Healing Group we help clients discover their constitutional body type according to Ayurveda so people can choose foods and herbs that are more appropriate for their constitution versus a “one diet for everyone.”
Change your mindset about your body. You are a person, not a number on a scale or a size on a tag. Your body is made up of interdependent parts. When one part is not working correctly, all parts are impacted. Therefore, if there is an imbalance in one area, it may be affecting another area. Take care of your whole body and help it function the way it was meant to.
Explore alternative methods to support your body. For example, our IonCleanse® Foot Soaks can help detox your body and give your organs and systems the support they need to cleanse themselves. Or consider Therapeutic Body Massage to improve: muscle tone, circulation, sleep patterns, mental clarity, mood and range of motion. For those of you struggling with long-term or chronic health challenges, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy or Far Infrared Therapy may be a better fit. Our practitioners can discuss which treatment is right for you and your lifestyle or health situation.
Think about how you feel. For many on a better health journey, they forget to consider how they feel on a daily basis. Are aches and pains subsiding? Is there a better range of motion when doing tasks around the house? Can you enjoy your hobbies or sports? Instead of envisioning what the media has taught us about being healthy and doing activities, like going to the gym, think about how you feel on a daily basis.
Be mindful. When you hear yourself thinking negative things about your body, or comparing yourself to airbrushed models, remind yourself about your body’s abilities. Transform those negative thoughts into reflections of how far you have come or how good you feel after eating right, exercising, or taking part in meditation. Loving your body starts in your mind!
This Valentine’s Day, enjoy being with your loved ones, but don’t forget to love your body too. Nurturing the parts of your body, mind, and spirit as one can make this year a great one. If you are interested in supporting your body in order for it to work the way it was intended, contact our practitioners through the contact page on our website. Happy Valentine’s Day to all. May this year be the one you learn to appreciate and love your body both inside and out.
What do you know about hyperbaric oxygen therapy and its many medical benefits? Many of us think of sci-fi movies when we think about a hyperbaric chamber, but there is so much more to this natural therapy that can greatly speed recovery and promote healing for many different medical conditions. Angel Healing Group has an onsite Hyperbaric Chamber and Oxygen Concentrator that can help with some of these medical issues in a safe and natural way. Read on to find out more about our HBOT therapy and the medical benefits it provides.
What Is HBOT?
To understand Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy it is important to understand the way it works. First, the terms may seem confusing, but they are actually describing exactly what an HBOT chamber does. “Hyper-” means increased and “-baric” means pressure. Therefore, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a special chamber where the normal 21% oxygen breathed under typical atmospheric conditions increases to 100%. This non-invasive chamber supports the entire body as it pressurizes to 100 percent oxygen – the equivalent of diving 33 to 45 feet below sea level.
What are the Benefits of Increasing Oxygen to 100%?
Oxygen is necessary for the production of cellular energy in the mitochondria of every cell in the body. By using 100% pure oxygen, the HBOT chamber has been shown to have extraordinary health benefits. When the human body takes pure oxygen into the bloodstream it dissolves at a greater rate. This means that the blood plasma becomes saturated, carrying 20 to 30 times the normal amount of oxygen to the body’s tissue. More oxygen to the tissues can speed healing and recovery time. Over time and with multiple sessions of HBOT, the increased oxygen can support the body’s natural (oxygen dependent) wound healing mechanisms, reduce inflammation in bones and tissue, and improve new blood cell formation and nerve growth. HBOT improves oxygenation and can help patients with non-healing wounds, chronic wounds, ulcers, diabetic damage to feet/lower extremities, and aid in the healing of injuries and sores due to radiation therapy for certain cancers. Research has also found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy also has medical benefits including the following:
Restoration of functions for patients with traumatic brain injuries
Decompression illness due to diving
Patients with rapidly spreading infections
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Thermal burns
Brain abscesses
Crush injuries
Amputations
Reduction in inflammation for those with radiation injuries
Some positive improvements in the functioning of autistic patients such as receptive language, eye contact, cognitive awareness, and an overall improvement in functioning. in some.
In general, HBOT can: increase oxygenation to the body’s tissues, increase blood flow and circulation, boost white blood cell counts, enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics, and reduce swelling and pain. Our trained technicians can show you exactly what the therapy entails and how you may feel during the procedure. Most of our clients report feeling extra pressure in their ears, similar to going up or down in an airplane, but that regulates after a short time. The time spent in the chamber can be a time to relax, nap or watch some television.
Are you looking to find out more about HBOT beyond what the celebrities and science fiction movies have portrayed? Talk to one of our technicians about how this therapy can benefit you. We have included resources for you to explore, but don’t hesitate to contact us through our contact page on our website.
It’s that time of year again when people around the globe celebrate the dawn of a new year. Although for some, it is merely the turning of the page on the calendar, for others it symbolizes a clean slate, a fresh beginning. As such, this is the perfect time to set some personal and/or professional goals for ourselves. Common resolutions of many of our clients include making healthier choices, taking better care of their bodies, sleeping more, finally quitting smoking– the list could go on. Making resolutions should not be yet another thing you promise yourself, only to abandon weeks later. We would like to suggest five actions you can take this year that can truly make a difference in your life. Here is our Holistic Resolutions List for 2019.
Be Mindful
When making your list of resolutions this year be mindful of whyyou are making these promises to yourself. For example, do you want to get fit in order to wear a smaller size clothing or do you want to feel better every day? Or are you, perhaps, considering your children and improving your longevity in order to see them grow and have children of their own someday? Think about what your intentions truly are for the long run, not just the weeks following New Year’s Day. Remember, sometimes it is the journey rather than the destination that is most important.
Improve Athletic Performance
Instead of making a specific resolution to run faster or increase the number of reps you can lift, consider a general resolution about how you feel before, during, and after exercising. For example, Angel Healing Group offers a Biocharger service that can help muscles recover faster from workouts, improve mobility and flexibility, and improve your overall athletic performance. Our therapeutic massages can also improve circulation, help muscles recover faster, and strengthen the body’s immune system.
Help Your Body Help Itself
If you are struggling with inflammation, chronic diseases or illnesses, take some holistic steps to help your body help itself. One such way is our (HBOT) Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. This type of therapy refers to breathing in conditions of 100% pure oxygen under high pressure. This process encourages oxygen to be quickly absorbed and dissolved into the bloodstream at an expedited rate. This can stimulate blood flow to damaged tissues, reduce swelling, speed up the healing process, boost the supply of stem cells that are being circulated, and elevate the body’s natural immune defenses. We offer a convenient on-site Hyperbaric Chamber and Oxygen Concentrator at Angel Healing Group with trained practitioners to help you feel better.
Detoxify Your Body of Environmental Toxins
Our bodies are amazingly adept at being able to detoxify naturally. Our skin, liver, kidneys, lungs, and colon all work hard to remove waste from our bodies. Unfortunately, our environment exposes us to many toxins on a daily basis. Our Ionic Foot Baths are a great way to help boost your body’s ability to detoxify itself. These safe, efficient, and gentle baths can become a regular part of your self-care routine that will detoxify your organs. You will be amazed at the difference you will see after only 8 weeks!
Seek Guidance to Attain Your Goals
If you are hoping to improve your athletic performance, help your body work better, be less stressed, be more mindful, or understand nutrition that is right for your body, seeking guidance is a great first step. Our clinical herbalists can educate you about topics such as herbs, homeopathy, general nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle choices.
Visit our website if any of these services and resolutions resonate with you. Our services in HBOT, Ionic Footbaths, Biocharger, Therapeutic Massage, and Herbs and Homeopathy may be just the right thing to help you get started on your New Year’s Resolutions this year. We wish you a safe, happy, and healthy New Year from our family to yours.
The human body is an amazing and complex organism. The labyrinth of components is designed to work together, much like the instruments in an orchestra work together to produce beautiful music. Every part of our body has a role to play. There are organs, cells, and systems whose sole functions are to make sure the body is working properly to rid itself of harmful toxins and work efficiently. When toxins enter our bodies, we may experience a wide spectrum of discomforts and/or chronic diseases. How do these toxins affect the body? Let’s examine how toxins impact us, how the body is designed to work, the common symptoms of toxins, and the methods of entrance into our body.
Our Balanced Bodies
The human body is composed in such a way that it can regulate itself when things get “out of whack.” For instance, when we get overheated, our skin sweats to cool itself off. If we are cold, our muscles shiver to warm up our bodies. When our body is exposed to toxins, our organs work hard to detoxify and eliminate the substance(s). Our liver, kidneys, skin, colon, and lungs are especially adept at ridding the body of unwanted toxins. We process out toxins in our sweat, urine, waste, and breath on a daily basis and minute to minute in order to keep our body balanced and healthy.
Unfortunately, when our systems are bombarded with too many environmental toxins, our organs and regulatory systems cannot adjust quickly enough to maintain homeostasis. In addition to that, our bodies will sequester toxins it cannot manage in our adipose (body fat) tissues to protect our vital organs. This basically means that our organs are working toward the goal of stable equilibrium maintained by physiological processes. Most of the time, our organs and regulatory systems maintain homeostasis without our awareness or even thought on our part. When the main pathways of natural detoxification are unable to keep up with the overload of toxins we are all exposed to on a daily basis, then we begin seeing symptoms of discomfort or even diseases.
Common Symptoms and Methods of Absorption
A buildup of toxins can cause a large number of symptoms, ranging from small annoyances like a cough, rash, or headaches, to more serious complications such as fever, nausea, vomiting, chronic illnesses, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, aches and pains, extreme exhaustion, and even some forms of cancers.
The damage caused by these toxins may be widespread across organ systems, or the toxins may affect a singular area or organ. It is hard for researchers to tell the reasons why a toxin impacts one person differently from another, but most believe it is a combination of genetics, the amount of exposure, and the potency of exposure. Many of our clients who are looking for safe, gentle, and natural detoxification here at Angel Healing Group have experienced either acute short-term toxicity or chronic long-term symptoms of toxic exposure. Talk to one of our practitioners about what your specific symptoms include so that we can tailor a program unique to you and your needs.
Where are these Toxins Coming From?
The large number of toxins in our environment is likely due to chemicals in processed foods, plastic food packaging, prescription drugs found in trace amounts in our drinking water, synthetic clothes, synthetic carpets, building materials, house paints, mattresses, vinyl shower curtains, air fresheners, household cleaning products, cosmetics and skin-care products, perfumes, consumer products, and even in the plastic in children’s toys.
While many of our clients are unaware of where and when they encountered their specific toxic exposure, there are believed to be three main routes that environmental toxins, such as the ones listed above that are able to enter the bloodstream and negatively affect the organs. Most toxins are inhaled, ingested, or have come in direct contact with a person’s skin. Vapors, dust, particles, and mist can be breathed in and enter the bloodstream via the lungs. Food and drinks can contain toxins that are transported to the rest of the body after they are absorbed in the intestinal tract. And finally, many people come in direct contact with toxins by touching items that have been made with chemicals or contain chemicals in the packaging. Research has shown that humans are exposed to hundreds of toxins on a daily basis when we use shampoo, cosmetics, drink out of plastic bottles, sip out of straws, eat processed food, and drink contaminated water. The list can go on and on.
Have you noticed any of the symptoms we discussed? Would you like to begin a regular detox program to help your organ systems keep up with toxins all around us? Please call our office or visit our website through the contact page and we can talk about the options that may be right for you.
In recent years, the terms “cleansing” and “detox” have gone from fad craze status to increasingly more mainstream. More and more people are experiencing the positive effects of cleansing their body from harmful environmental toxins, whether they have chronic long-term illnesses, or are just looking for a way to feel healthier. In fact, all it takes is a quick keystroke or two on a Google search to find a long list of types of cleanses including: juice cleanses, colon cleanses, fruit detox, and sugar detox, to name a few. Unfortunately, all cleanses are not created equal, and there are caveats that we would like to stress when it comes to completing a cleanse. Here are a few “Dos and Don’ts” when it comes to choosing and carrying out a cleanse.
Why Cleanse?
Let’s start with a question that is often asked: What is the purpose of a cleanse? In our July blog How the Body Naturally Detoxifies, but Still Needs Help, we discussed how our organs, including our kidneys, liver, lungs, and skin, naturally work to detoxify our bodies of the toxins that surround us. We also discussed that our bodies still need help with this process due to our highly processed diets and over saturation of environmental toxins. For example, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted the Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, they found some pretty shocking results. On average, the CDC’s report found 212 chemicals in people’s blood or urine, 75 of which had never before been measured in the U.S. population. More recent studies on health and longevity show that fasting and detoxing can activate the SIRT1 gene. This gene can then turn off the diabetes and cancer gene. (Source: Oral Investigations July 20, 2018, Nutrition Feb. 3, 2018, Food Chemical Toxicology, July 4, 2009.)
Toxins in our food, water, and environment need to be cleared of our bodies in ways that are safe, effective, and gentle. The cleanses we endorse at Angel Healing Group are just that. Our cleanses include:
Colon Cleanse
IonCleanse Footbath
Basic Cleansing Diet
Dos and Don’t of Cleansing
When searching for a cleanse that is right for you, there are some things to keep in mind.
DO
Choose a detox that is right for you. Talk to our practitioners about what method is right for your unique situation. Always discuss your medical history with a practitioner before you begin any cleanse so as not to cause more harm than good.
Listen to your body during a cleanse. When a cleanse is done right, you should feel invigorated, not weak, dizzy, or excessively tired. A cleanse, no matter the type, should be safe, gentle, and effective.
Have a purpose. Go into a detox with the idea that it is a regular part of your healthy lifestyle, and NOT a quick fix.
Continue to hydrate and feed your body. Many detox programs have limited nutrition that can leave your body dehydrated and lacking the right nutrients and minerals to remain healthy.
Be mindful during a cleanse. Fasting, cleansing, or detox should always be done while in a restful state of mind. Try not to overexert yourself or take on stressful activities.
Do NOT
Follow a restrictive detox for an extended period of time. Depriving your body of needed vitamins and minerals can be detrimental to your body and health.
Cut calories too far. Your body will feel weak and go into conservation mode which can cause your systems to consume your body’s tissues.
Take laxatives, stimulants, and diuretics. These can be risky, unsafe, and cause an electrolyte unbalance.
Buy into trendy detox products that are not based on research or medical studies.
“SIRT1 Activating compounds reduce oxidative stress-mediated neuronal loss in viral induced CNS demyelinating disease.” Khan et al. Acta Neuropathologica Communications 2014, 2:3 http://www.actaneurocomms.org/content/2/1/3
“Epigenetic-based combinatorial resveratrol and pterostilbene alters DNA damage response by affecting SIRT1 and DNMT enzyme expression, including SIRT1-dependent γ-H2AX and telomerase regulation in triple-negative breast cancer.” Kala et al. BMC Cancer (2015) 15:672 DOI 10.1186/s12885-015-1693-
“The Protective Role of Sirt1 in Vascular Tissue: its Relationship to Vascular Aging and Atherosclerosis.” www.aging‐us.com. AGING 2016, Vol. 8, No. 10.
“SirT1 Brings Stemness Closer to Cancer and Aging.” www.impactaging.com. AGING, February 2011, Vol. 3. No 2
Fibromyalgia Syndrome is a widely misunderstood and mistreated condition that causes chronic pain, fatigue, and mental distress. Part of what we do here at Angel Healing Group is give our clients options to help alleviate the pain associated with this condition through therapeutic massage, often in coordination with other therapies. Let’s take a closer look at Fibromyalgia including the symptoms, causes and how the benefits of therapeutic massage can be a welcome relief for those living with this painful and often overlooked syndrome.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a central nervous system disorder resulting in abnormal pain processing. Most people suffering from this syndrome describe widespread muscle pain, tender point pain, extreme fatigue, morning muscle stiffness, headaches, sleep difficulties, anxiety and/or depression. In general, the symptoms resemble those of arthritis, but fibromyalgia affects the soft tissue, not the joints. The pain of this syndrome can range from mild to profound and is commonly described as having the flu all the time. To make matters worse, those living with Fibromyalgia often have dual diagnoses with other chronic conditions such as: chronic fatigue syndrome, endometriosis, inflammatory bowel disease, interstitial cystitis, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and vulvodynia.
Prevalence
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), around 5 million adults aged 18 years or over in the U.S. experience the debilitating and chronic pain of Fibromyalgia. While men and children have been known to have the syndrome, more than 80 to 90 percent of fibromyalgia patients are women in middle age. Given these statistics, it is obvious that those who live with Fibromyalgia are not alone, although they often feel as though they are because they suffer for weeks and even years with symptoms that are not outwardly obvious.
Cause and Treatment Options
Although the cause of this syndrome is unknown, specialists in Fibromyalgia report in Medical News Today that risk factors include traumatic injury, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, and genetic factors. Recently, the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) issued a recommendation against using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat fibromyalgia in their updated 2016 guidelines. Other drugs have been tested to ease mental distress and the widespread pain associated with the syndrome. Antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs may help reduce pain. Unfortunately, further review has recommended that patients often stop using these drugs because they are not effective in relieving pain or because of their adverse effects. NIAMS puts forward a three-pronged treatment option for Fibromyalgia. It includes: traditional prescriptions to help with pain, lifestyle modifications, and complementary therapies such as therapeutic massage.
The Benefits of Therapeutic Massage
For many people living with the pain of Fibromyalgia, traditional medicines have not been able to provide any relief. Complementary therapies such as therapeutic massage may hold the key for help with the pain, fatigue, headaches, mood, and muscle stiffness. Recent studies completed at the University of Miami School of Medicine, Touch Research Institute examined the benefits of Therapeutic Massage for those with Fibromyalgia. The report concluded that massage therapy provided the following benefits: increased serotonin levels, decreased circulating stress hormones, decreased levels of substance P (basically a pain messenger), decreased tender point pain, improved sleep patterns, and an improved overall sense of well-being. The principal investigators stated that massage therapy is a clinically significant complementary treatment for Fibromyalgia. In addition to this study, the National Institutes of Health also recommends supporting treatments such as therapeutic massage.
The benefits of therapeutic massage include:
Improved sleep patterns that allow for the body to begin to restore itself during a restful night’s sleep.
Improved circulation can alleviate headaches with better blood flow and nutrients to the brain.
Improved range of motion in joints and increased production of the body’s natural painkillers.
Improved muscle tone for those muscle groups that have become lethargic due to pain.
Improved mental clarity while relaxing muscle groups.
Improved mood due to the release of natural endorphins during the massage.
If you have questions about our therapeutic massage services, contact Angel Healing Group today. If you are homebound, we can also come to you if you’re in the Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk counties. Learn more about how this process can help you, by visiting our website andcontacting us.
