From the editor's desk

With each seasonal change our bodies produce different responses. With the colder weather the days shorten and we enter the part of the annual cycle of storage, hibernation and contraction. At this time the body's metabolic functions slow down significantly and it is wise to save your energy, rest more and keep warm, to be in tune with nature.

This edition features the article “How to offset flu and colds this winter” that suggests several possible ways to strengthen your immune system.

The beginning of the year was very demanding; I have traveled to Europe and shortly after to Japan to attend the annual conference and workshop in Tokyo to broaden my knowledge about Toyohari Japanese acupuncture. I received up-to-date information with hands-on practice of needling techniques with close supervisory support from our blind Japanese Masters. Toyohari is a fascinating, effective and gentle art of healing, based on the ancient wisdom.

The new addition to the treatment menu- the Lifting Facial, originating from Holland is taking Europe by storm. It is a very intense, line diminishing and skin tightening treatment that is based on all natural ingredients.

Mother’s Day is for saying thank you mum for her love, kindness, guidance, support and understanding. One day out of the year is certainly not enough to pay tribute to our mothers. If you wish to express your appreciation to your mum but are not sure what to give, maybe Joanna’s Gift Voucher for facial, massage or pamper package will give her a special day out – she deserves to be nurtured.

I sincerely wish all of our mothers a healthy and joyous Mother's Day and every day thereafter.I hope you will enjoy reading this newsletter as much as I did writing it.

Good health from the inside out

Joanna

How to offset flu and colds this winter

The DNA of the virus can only replicate ( it grows like a crystal), if the temperature of the host cell liquid cytoplasm drops below 36.6 degrees C, and its “favourite” temperature is 35.6 degrees Celsius or below.

This lower body temperature condition occurs during sleep and when under stress. The virus can only replicate in humans with a stress-lowered or artificially medicine-lowered body temperature or when exposed to cold winter weather.  This can explain why cold and flu viruses spread more often during the winter and why some people may get four or more colds per year and some other people seem never to catch a cold. It all depends on their body temperature.

A human fever above 38.9 Celsius can completely stop replication of invading virus allowing the macrophages and T-cells of our lymphatic (immune) system, enough time to track down and destroy the intruders.

Fever is a normal and natural immune system response to a viral infection, and is our own first line of defence against any viral infection. When our body temperature rises to 38.3 degrees Celsius it’s our system’s reaction to a viral infection.  That is a normal immune system response - and that will stop viral DNA replication. 

The simple way to prevent and cure viral infection in the human body is to raise the body temperature above normal for example such as having a regular Scandinavian sauna .

You should be very concerned when your daytime body temperature reaches only 36 degrees or less.  If this happens, it means your immune system is under stress.  You are subjected to viral infections and your immune system is unable to respond to the infection. You are at high risk of catching cold or flu.

With the colder weather the energy level of our lungs is subjected to strain. There is a strong connection between the health of our lungs (the uppermost organ) and our skin (the outermost organ). Dry body brush or Salt glow body treatment can effectively improve blood circulation and increase the flow of vital energy thus strengthening the lungs. Chinese herbs and acupuncture treatments can help tune-up this energy and strengthen your immunity.

If you lead a sedentary lifestyle then it is likely that you have a quite stagnant lymphatic system. The condition of your lymphatic system has a huge influence on your immune system. People who receive regular lymphatic drainage massage tend to have less flu and colds.

Lymphatic drainage massage assists the body in moving lymph fluid into the functioning lymphatic system. Unlike the circulatory system, the lymph system does not have a pump to move fluid around the body and relies on muscular contraction.

Lymphatic drainage air pumping pressomassage also called Lymphatic Drainage Computerised Air Pressure Massage combines gentle pressure with soft air pumping movements in the direction of the lymph nodes in the body. The pressure is much lighter than in other forms of massage and it feels like soft and gentle sea waves that come from a uniquely designed body suit. The suit consists of a system of air chambers, each of which is sequentially inflated before the previous one is totally deflated. The body suit has a system for immediate connection to the machine. This enables selective and progressive pressure massage without any interruptions.

Lymphatic drainage massage is often the only safe and non-invasive therapy that can move the lymph through the body.

The key benefits of Lymphatic drainage:

• Decongests the vascular and lymphatic circulation resulting in oxygenation of the tissues.
• Decreases the frequency of catching colds and flu.
• Effectively detoxifies the tissues and helps liver function.
• Clears cellulite and reduces the body size.
• Improves energy levels (relieving fatigue or tiredness).
• Reduces edema and swelling of many internal organs.
• Assists in clearing up respiratory congestion.
• Decreases symptoms of acne, eczema, sinusitis, and allergies.
• Assists in regeneration of tissue from scars and burns.
• Helps relief of chronic pain and stress, from conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Highly recommended if you lead a sedentary lifestyle, or feel that your system is sluggish.

Additionally, the prescription of Chinese medicinal herbs and Acupuncture can help to balance and strengthen the energy flow in relating meridians and could be a good option for improving your immune system to offset flu and colds this year.

If you think you would like to discuss any particular aspect of your individual needs please feel free to call Joanna for an appointment on 38575722

Health and beauty tips

Acupuncture can be used to treat diseased imbalances in the body as well as to maintain good health. In fact acupuncture is the world’s oldest rejuvenating anti- ageing treatment.

Through regular acupuncture treatments you can:

• Have more restful sleep
• Dramatically reduce stress
• Have more happiness and ‘flow’ in your life
• Heal emotional blockages

During the winter months your skin is subjected to dehydration and depletion of its protective acid mantle layer which in turn can increase the fine lines and signs of ageing. To respond to winter’s challenges try adding extra effort to your skincare routine.

Choosing a moisturizer with the right ingredients can be difficult with so many confusing advertisements. Avoid creams that contain cheap and dangerous petrochemicals such as mineral oil. Look for organic aloe vera and jojoba, avocado and wheatgerm oils that all contain exceptional moisturizing and healing properties. Jojoba oil has similar consistency to human sebum (your skin’s natural oil), that means your skin will absorb it very easily and effectively. Jojoba oil was widely used by Native American Indians to treat sunburn and windburn. Wheatgerm oil possesses the highest natural source of vitamins E, A and D, the superior skin nutrients and antioxidants.

Bio Pacific Skin Care products such as Placenta Superior Moisturizer and Placental Plus contain all the above beneficial ingredients in addition to proven skin nutrients the ‘mps’ proteins delivered from the placenta of organically fed sheep.

You also need to make some changes in your lifestyle, including:

• Eat according to your blood (metabolic) type. Typing is available in the clinic.
  

• Avoid sugar and grain especially corn and soy products (corn and soy were found to be the most frequently GM crops)
  

• Strictly avoid margarine, shortening, partially hydrogenated oils and all products containing them as ingredients.
  

• For omega- 3 fatty acids regularly eat salmon (preferably wild Alaskan, Tasmanian or canned sockeye), omega-3 fortified eggs, hempseed, flaxseed, walnuts and almonds. If you’re not getting sufficient from your diet, fish oil and evening primrose oil capsules are a great ally for your skin. Look for combination supplements, and take at least 3 capsules daily to ensure you are getting a good intake of omega- 6 and omega-3 ratio.
  

• Increase friendly bacteria in your gut by introducing fermented foods such as sauerkraut, miso and kefir.
  

• Increase vitamin and mineral intake. The best way to obtain all your daily vitamins, minerals and micronutrients is by eating a diet high in fresh unprocessed food with an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables. Antioxidant vitamins, especially vitamin C and the bioflavonoids, contain tissue- strengthening properties and protect the skin’s natural collagen from breaking down, so reducing the signs of ageing. Take 200mg of vitamin C each day.
  

• Install a decent water purifier. Every skin cell is made up of 70-80 per cent water, so your first skin care routine should be to drink at least 8 glasses of pure, unpolluted water.
  

• Eat organic meat, veggies and fruit. In today’s polluted ecosystem they are the best choices.
  

• If you do not eat organic veggies and fruit, wash it with veggies wash or make your own by mixing water, vinegar and a dash of hydrogen peroxide. Immerse your fruit and veggies for 10 minutes to neutralize the residues of pesticides and herbicides.

Herbs of the season