The last article I wrote, titled “Depression – Lifting the Cloud with Natural Medicine”, asked for something more. I have decided to interview 8 people of different faiths, cultures and careers. My question to them was: “What makes you happy and what keeps you antidepressant-free?” Let’s get going and explore this wealth of answers!

“Most of us spend our whole lives in veiled search for the only two things we really want. Those are to be loved and happy. We wrap this search into a lifetime of actions, events, things and people. If I could just have a little more free time, I would be happy. If I just had a little more money, I would be happy. If I could get a new car, I would be happy.” These are the first thoughts of Dr. Rodney Dunetz, an Acupuncture Physician and Doctor of Oriental Medicine practicing in Boca Raton, Florida. He continues by explaining how helping others is at the core of true happiness: “I too, did this dance for much of my life. Then I realized, it was not the getting of my “stuff” that made me happy, it was the no longer wanting the “stuff”. I realized at the end of my life, I was going to give all my stuff back. I didn’t even get to keep my body. I give that back too. The stuff only made me a little happy and for a little while. And when I really looked at my life, I realized what truly made me happy was helping others. I embraced the idea of helping others. I made helping others a priority in my life and found my path to happiness. The more happiness I give, the more happiness I get. May you find your happiness, may you find your path. The truth is they’re one in the same.” He beautifully ends his thoughts by quoting Rabindranath Tagore: ”I slept — and dreamed that life was joy. I woke — and saw that life was but service. I served – and understood that service was joy.”

Dr. Martha Lucas holds a PhD in Psychology; she is a practitioner of Chinese Medicine, teacher, and author, and has a practice in Denver, Colorado. She begins by summarizing all that brings her happiness in one single sentence: “My life is so full and, in part, it is gratitude that makes me happy.” She goes on through every major aspect of her life showing us how every day and every moment can be lived at its fullest: “Wonder - I have beautiful, healthy grandsons who fill my heart with joy and whose wonder about the world is so sweet to watch.  There’s a line in one of Neil Young’s song I am a Child that says, “you can’t conceive of the pleasure in my smile”.  That is a perfect description of how I feel when I watch the young ones wonder at the world; their smiles are so sweet and innocent. Service/Career - as a Practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), I see all manner of illness and pain.  This often makes me very grateful for my good health and that of my family.  Having the ability using this wonderful medicine to help someone who has given up on life is very rewarding.  Further, knowing the energetic effects of antidepressants make me want to avoid taking them; for the most part, we can treat emotional distress using acupuncture and herbal prescriptions rather than relying on pharmaceuticals. Nature - I love the outdoors, sunlight, moonlight, the quiet after a deep snowfall … I think that it is important to truly “see” those experiences. Sometimes we take the burst of Spring for granted but it is so rewarding to appreciate all the new growth, sweet smells, warm sun on your skin. Relationships - my children, husband, good friends, and students, all add wealth to my life. Don’t get me wrong; I have stresses and disappointments just like most other people.  The bottom line is though that this moment is in a real sense, the only moment.  Therefore I do my best to enjoy the moment and put worry aside.”

Dr. Cynthia O’Donnell is the CEO of the East West College of Natural Medicine, Sarasota, Florida, and has been in the Natural Medicine field for 25 years; she is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Acupuncture Physician, she has extensive training in Taoist longevity exercises such as Qi Gong and has had full training as a Classical Homeopath. Cynthia answered the following to my question: “I have been lucky in my life in that I had an incredibly happy childhood, and my disposition has always been positive. I have incorporated classical constitutional homeopathic treatment, chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage and herbs and nutrition into my lifestyle as health maintenance therapies and I have exercised regularly my entire life. I also have guided my life with spiritual principles and have been blessed to enter the career of my choice and be successful at it. However, I did once become terribly depressed for a long period of time after having received anesthesia for surgery. For that, I received healing sessions of external qi healing (a hands on healing technique similar to reiki) from a Taoist master and I was cured. After having been depressed for several months, with sluggishness and excessive tiredness, three external qi gong treatments had my friends marveling at the difference.”

Dr. Harsh Luthar, PhD, professor in Providence, Rhode Island, and the founder of HarshaSatsangh based on Ahimsa (the philosophy of nonviolence) and the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi, states that “In terms of what happiness means, I am not sure it is a transient stage where some external thing or force can make us happy or unhappy. In Advaita, we use the term the Sahaj state or the natural state of the Self.” He feels that reading his article called “Easy and Natural is the Way” posted on his personal blog site, will describe more of his underlying orientation.

Claire Bangasser from San Juan, Puerto Rico, holds a Masters in Human Resource Development and a Masters in Pastoral Studies, with a focus on Feminist Theology. She is a passionate writer and she is sharing her first contact with depression and antidepressants: “I have friends who have to take anti-anxiety pills for long whiles to help them cope with their daily life. I may never have suffered from a depression because I understand that it is a real illness. On the other hand, when I was a child, I saw my mother taking sleeping pills and tranquilizers to escape a life that she did not like. I saw her groggy and no long remembering where she was. Once, I had to guide her to the bathroom as she was too lost to find it by herself. Having seen what pills did to her, I have never had any desire to follow her path. Strangely enough, it is also my mother who has taught me to look at the small ways Life blesses each of my days: a bird on the window sill, the blueness of the sky, the balminess of the wind. Thus, possibly, the attention I give to the moment helps me enjoy life more than others and prevents me from falling into a funk.  Finally, I remember reading psalms of praise when feeling really down some years back. I praised God despite my deep fear of what was to come. This had a way of lifting me up and place me just a little above the fear itself.”

My dear sister, Mariana Corca, B.Sc, nun at the Valeni Monastery, Romania, for over 10 years, is sharing her view by quoting the devout Paisie of Mount Athos, “Psychiatric clinics would be empty if Christians would confess sincerely, humbly and reverently to an experienced confessor, who may even be a little harsh. No one would then experience anxiety, troubles and great temptation, as you should know they all arise from selfishness, disobedience and bad thoughts…” She continues by showing her gratitude for the simple joys of life, “I praise God for the world he created, for the snowdrops and violets already into bloom these first days of March, and for the snowflakes which seem to have forgotten winter is gone and are joyfully dancing in the air.”

Iuliana Olteanu from Brasov, Romania, B.A. and Certified Translator in 3 languages, is my cousin and best female friend. Iuliana truly lets love shine through her words. “When it comes to happiness, I have come to realize that we pursue it so eagerly in the wrong places, being blissfully unaware that in trying to cope with our daily routine, we have become blind to wonderful things right under our nose. As soon as things do not turn out as we wish, we tend to jump to conclusions, dramatize things and whine about being unhappy, and even envy others who SEEM to have a happier lot. Experience has taught me that situations having a quite black picture often result in the happiest outcome. I am truly blessed and thankful to have learned lately the most wonderful lesson, which is seeing life again through the innocent eyes of a child. Since my own eyes have started to betray me, I will from now on rely more on the apple of my eye, Sara-Marie.”

Finally, Dr. Catalin Buiu, PhD and professor in Bucharest, Romania, has practiced Integral Yoga since 1992. Here is his answer to my question: “there are a lot of reasons for me to be happy, and none to be unhappy. I’d even go so far as to say that the mere fact that I can answer this quite inspired question and share a bit of my innermost feelings makes me happy. As I was thinking about all these reasons, I’ve come to realize that behind them there must be an ultimate reason. It has to do with the fact that I am intuitively aware and many times I happen to directly feel the divine presence inside my being, that eternal spark bestowed upon me by God the Father, the individual Supreme Self. It is to me an inexhaustible source of beauty, harmony, hope and love. How could I ever be unhappy or unsure of my spiritual destiny and myself now that I feel I am Everything?”

The truth is, WE ALL HAVE A CHOICE. This being said, I have nothing more to add and I’d better leave you to meditate upon all these thoughts! Maybe you too would care to share your experience with the quest for happiness?

Click on each person’s name to learn more about them and read part I of this article “Depression – Lifting the Cloud with Natural Medicine”.

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Could this be the reason why the latest research shows such a high number of Americans – 1 in 5 – are feeling depressed? Well, it is one of the reasons, to be sure. Do the antidepressant drugs really work? The latest research is contradictory, some of the studies showing that drug therapy works no better than placebo for light to moderate depression, having some better results in severe depression. Anyway, talking about research on drug therapies or their side effects is not what I had in mind for this article.

Moreover, my first instinct was to give you some statistics – and there are plenty when it comes to depression. But if you are reading this article because you or a loved one is feeling depressed, I bet statistics become just a bunch of meaningless figures to you. This is why my article will focus on the safe and effective solutions that natural medicine has to offer.

Depression has got this bad reputation, as it is generally associated only with negative thoughts. Depression could actually be compared to physical pain – is pain our enemy? No, because it lets us know we need to take care of ourselves. Likewise, a sense of depression is a symptom prompting us to solve or deal with certain emotions, such as sadness, grief, anger, etc. This makes sense, as depression often co-exists with panic attacks, anxiety disorders, and compulsive-obsessive behavior. So, what is to be done? Severe or not, depression can be debilitating and can make life feel like a punishment. It is in our nature to always be happy so let’s find out how to achieve and maintain that happiness.

Yoga – The Ultimate Depression Remedy

There is extensive evidence that yoga not only lifts up the spirit but also quiets the mind, which helps deal with our daily life, from relationships at work or home to living a life full of joy – but most importantly to achieve that higher and deeper purpose that ultimately is what can keep us happy every day.

The April 2009 Issue of Harvard Health Publications published a comprehensive article called “Yoga for Anxiety and Depression”[i] where a few studies show that yoga not only improves well-being but also decreases the threshold response to stress and pain.

Yoga is a discipline that combines breathing exercises, various yoga positions, and meditation. All of these bring awareness to your whole being and if practiced consistently, enormous benefits could be seen in each aspect of your life.

Let yoga become part of your life; try different teachers and styles to find out which one fits you best. Hard to quiet your mind during meditation? There are different ways to meditate, from listening to music to visualizing techniques, from specific focus points to, why not, chanting. Again, let your inner wisdom guide you in finding which meditation technique is more appropriate if you are a beginner.

Massage – Advanced Manual Techniques for Any Emotional Trauma

Both physical and emotional traumas are stored within the soft tissues complex – more exactly the soma. The emotions are retained and many times suppressed for our whole life in the non-conscious level. They really act like a protection mechanism, trying to keep us away from painful memories – but this will only cover the problem and not solve the core issue. The SomatoEmotional Release concept promoted by Dr John E. Upledger suggests that traumas are stored within different parts of the body.

The SomatoEmotional Release processes are often triggered by techniques such as CranioSacral Therapy and Myofascial Release. The proper and skilful stretching and activating of the fascia through Myofascial Release can help let go much of the stored emotion and lead to spontaneous healing[ii]. It creates the perfect environment for healing and when the patient is ready, facilitation of moving ahead and letting go of past issues becomes easier to handle. Moreover, the fascia is strongly connected to the CranioSacral rhythm[iii]. So, these two therapies work beautifully together and can lead to deep relaxation, which is ultimately the perfect environment for resetting and bringing awareness within our whole being.

Acupuncture – Emotions Uncovered

Chinese Medicine sees emotions as associated with specific organs of our system. The liver does not only consist of the organ itself as known in Allopathic Medicine, but also of its associated energy. Furthermore, it also has emotions associated with it – liver for example is specifically related to anger and depression. However, each of the organs can be linked to depression. For example, kidneys are strongly related to fear, spleen to rumination and disappointment, heart to fear of being hurt, and lung to grief and sadness.

When the acupuncture meridians are activated, either with needles or with Myofascial Release, the organ systems are regulated, and depression and emotional upset is thereby solved. Keep in mind that long-term excessive emotions, be they anger, depression, or over thinking, will sooner or later disturb physiological processes such as digestion. So, be kind to yourself!

A recent study[iv] has shown that acupuncture is even effective against depression during pregnancy. This makes acupuncture a very valuable tool, as pregnancy is a very sensitive period, where more natural and safe remedies are preferred for the safety of both the fetus and the mother.

Herbs

St. John’s Wort has definitely enjoyed the most attention as regards the treatment of depression. Studies have show that it can be effective in mild to moderate depression. However, practice caution when taking St. John’s Wort as increased photosensitivity occurs when ingested. In addition, it should not be taken concurrently with antidepressants.

Chinese formulas are prescribed according to the pattern found after proper diagnosis. Treating the root of the imbalance leads to long-term and effective results.

Other remedies known to bring relief in depression are Kava Kava, Valerian root, Ginseng, and Gingko biloba. From the Ayurvedic Medicine, some of the mixtures thought to have an effect on the mood are shavateri (asparagus racemosus), jatamansi (nordostachys jatamansi), brahmi (gotu kola), and gudachi (tinospora cordifolia)[v].

Always consult a licensed herbalist for proper diagnosis and safe combination of herbs.

Homeopathy

Classical Homeopathy offers an excellent choice for all types of depression. A session with a Classical Homeopath to assess your constitutional remedy can not only help with your mood but also influence your personality and your genetic predispositions. The right homeopathic remedy can truly go deep to the core of the problem, bringing long-term results. In addition, such remedies are one of the best choices, as they are totally safe and free of side effects, and can be taken together with other treatments without fear of drug interactions.

Nutrition & Supplements

B Vitamins and Omega 3 fatty acids are important factors in dealing with depression. A whole food diet is crucial in keeping balanced and reaching homeostasis – emotionally and physically.

Nature and Healing

Spend time outdoors, take a walk everyday and remember to breathe. 10 minutes spent in nature is more valuable than you can imagine.

As this is such a special topic, it really deserves more attention. While writing this article, it has dawned on me that nothing is more powerful than other people’s testimonials. I am honored to have interviewed 8 people of different faiths, carriers, and cultures.

They are all sharing a glimpse of their happiness with us, so don’t miss the second part of this article.

Coming soon! Depression – Secrets Unveiled

www.elitehealthplex.com

Reference:

[ii] Barnes F.J., (2000).Healing Ancient Wounds, The Renegade’s Wisdom. Paoli, PA: Rehabilitation Services.

[iii] Upledger E. J. (1996). SomatoEmotional Release and Beyond. Palm Beach Gardens, FL: UI Publishing

[iv] Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (2010, February 4). Acupuncture found effective against depression during pregnancy.

[v] Cherniak P, Cherniak N. (2003). Alternative Medicine for Elderly. New York: Springer

Disclaimer

The information on this blog is provided for educational or reference purposes only and it is NOT a substitute for professional health care. No information obtained on this blog should be relied on as the basis for treating or diagnosing conditions, symptoms, or illness and all queries should be directed to your health care provider. No warranty or guarantee of a cure is expressed or implied with any information at this blog, nor does Elite HealthPlex Blog make any representations regarding the use or the results obtained with the information. In no event shall Elite HealthPlex Blog, its employees or associates be liable to any person or individual for any loss or damage whatsoever which may arise from the use of this blog or any of the information available on this blog.

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• Family Feast in Gondapatai Village, Tamil Nadu: By Richard Clarke
• Three Methods for Self Realization: By Sri Ramana Maharshi

1. Take 2 folded blankets, and stagger them, so one is on top of the other, and the top blanket is pulled about 2 inches back. Fold the top blanket under at the other end, to make a pillow.

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2. Lay on your back with the base of the spine touching the bottom blanket. Let your shoulders roll under and open the front of the chest.

3. Let your body sink into the pose, let your chest open a little more, and soften your breathing. Focus for a few moments on feeling the nourishment in your breath.

4. Imagine that you are floating in a cloud of pure love and nourishment. Use your intuition to guide you as you imagine this cloud fully embracing you. Intend that the nourishment from this cloud is being drawn into the body on each inhale.

5. Take a few moments now to relax further and connect to your sacred heart space, or on a feeling of unconditional love. Continue to connect to the nourishment being drawn into the body as well as the feeling of unconditional love in the heart space, and allow yourself to relax even more.  Feel or intend that the love and nourishment is wrapping your body like an embrace. Allow yourself to continue to relax more and more into the heart space. Let your intuition guide you with this meditation as you continue to rest in the heart space for a few more minutes, or click here to be guided in a few more minutes of meditation with Christine.

Benefits: emotionally uplifting, opens the heart center, increases circulation to the heart & lungs, tones and lengthens the spine, releases tension in the shoulders & upper back.

If you enjoyed this article and would like to find out more about the writings of Christine click here .

Christine Wushke is a certified yoga and meditation teacher with over 15 years of experience. Her aim is to create a sacred space for students to effortlessly find the presence of stillness and an inner silence. Christine’s mission is to raise consciousness on the planet by empowering people to realize their own Divinity and to uncover a deep peace within. Christine is committed to assisting you in your journey, and helping you to realize directly for yourself the truth of what you are, and the stillness of truth within. In addition to her yoga and meditation training, Christine is also a registered massage therapist. In the past two years she has studied extensively in the spiritual tradition of Advaita Vedanta. Her teaching style is largely influenced by Iyengar yoga, and the nondual tradition of Advaita.

www.journeytolight.net
www.innerlightyoga.blogspot.com

© written and modeled by Christine Wushke

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As we age, our whole visual system undergoes changes and usually around the age of 45 many people become aware of some pathological changes. Menopausal women experience a quite bothersome dryness while elderly adults even have difficulty in raising their eyes up.

Glasses are definitely a solution but how about some of the age related diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Moreover, how about the young or middle-aged people working all day long at the computer, thus putting a tremendous strain on the ocular muscles. When the average blinking is about 10.000.000 times a year, it is not a matter of proving that the eye muscles are one of the most active in the body, but rather how to exercise them properly in order to have healthy eyes for our whole life.

Looking at ways of improving the health of the visual system and most importantly working on the prevention side is my goal for the rest of this article. Prevention might sound overrated but I need to warn you – do take it seriously, not only when it comes to eyesight but in any aspect of your health. It might seem like something that you need to think about in the near future but you know that the “future” is already here. The conclusion? Start right now because the decisions you are taking today enable you to live healthier and ultimately happier.

Let’s get going starting with a nutritional overview, followed by the helpful aids that Chinese medicine has for us, such as herbs and acupressure, and finish up with more tips such as homeopathic eye drops, and why not, some fun exercises.

Nutrition

Kale

This food source is one of the best choices when it comes to trying to improve your eyesight. Kale contains a great amount of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients per serving that can greatly help your visual system.

Beta-Carotene

Deficiency of beta-carotene (Vitamin A) may lead to night blindness and an increased chance of inflammation and irritation of the eye. Some of the best sources of beta-carotene are carrots, broccoli, mango, and quite unusual – sweet potatoes have very high amounts of this vitamin. How about supplements you might ask? As a general rule, I do not recommend taking any supplements unless prescribed by a health care provider. Why? Because you need to make sure that you really need that particular vitamin and secondly because there could be side effects that you might not be aware of.

Omega 3

Right amounts of omega-3 fatty acids incorporated in your diet can help prevent eye dryness and many of the age related diseases, especially macular degeneration. Some of the greatest sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fish, eggs, flax seeds and chia seeds. The plant sources might seem like a healthier choice, however they are harder to assimilate as compared to the animal sources.

Lutein and zeaxanthin

As a rule of thumb, remember yellow and green colors. Two of the most important nutrients that are very valuable for eyesight are lutein and zeaxanthin, which are commonly found in yellow and green foods. Bottom line, if you eat your 5 servings of vegetables each day you cannot go wrong!

Ghee

Ayurvedic medicine prizes ghee as one of best foods to be added to one’s daily diet. Wondering what ghee is? Nothing else than clarified butter! You can either prepare this yourself at home or buy it from a health food store. Among its many benefits, ghee nourishes the visual system when taken internally but also externally as a compress.

Chinese Medicine

Acupressure

Acupuncture can be very useful for many eye problems but how about a daily routine that you can do anywhere by yourself. Upon wakening and before going to sleep, press in a rotating manner on the four points from the picture for 20 seconds on each particular point, on both sides – pay attention not to scratch your face or put too much pressure. In addition, you may use this acupressure technique even at work when your eyes feel too tired to do their job for the day. You will often feel tenderness when you press on them, many times as a sign that you really need those addressed. However, when self-therapy is not enough, a licensed acupuncture physician can go to a deeper level by diagnosing and treating with acupuncture the appropriate pattern that is showing on each individual.

Herbs

Goji berries are commonly used therapeutically in herbal formulas but can also be used as a daily snack to strengthen your eyes. Chinese herbal formulas can be very effective when prescribed by a licensed practitioner, again, because doing a proper diagnosis and treating YOU, rather than the eye problems in general, is really the key. Generally, the formulas are reinforced to treat the root of the problem for long-term results.

Exercises

Gazing at the stars is a great eye exercise, both cooling and strengthening. Another wonderful way of strengthening your eyes and quieting your mind is to gaze at the flame of a candle for 20 minutes. In addition, when working for long hours at the computer, look at a distant wall or object once in a while to shift the amount of strain on the eye. A very simplest but extremely effective trick is to move the eyes from left to right, from top to bottom, diagonally from bottom left to top right, diagonally from top left to bottom right, to circle the eyes clockwise and then counter-clockwise. Each of these movements should be repeated for 5 times or more, if necessary. Finally, rub your hands for 5 to 10 seconds and then place them over your eyes for another 5 to 10 seconds; repeat this 3 times.

Homeopathy

Having constantly dry eyes? Adding a few of the foods above or deciding to see a Chinese medicine practitioner is great, but how about a quick relief? The homeopathic eye drops can give you a safe and gentle alternative.

Healthy Crying for Health Eyes

Crying is a great way of clearing your eyes, so let those happy tears come out! Or peel some onion and let the tears flow. Even Sophia Loren believed this, as she once said that “if you haven’t cried your eyes can’t be beautiful”.

In a nutshell, eat whole foods, practice some of the exercises above and when these are not enough consult a health care provider for added help. The French say that the eyes are the mirror of the soul. Then why not keep them healthy so light can shine from your soul for the whole world to see?

Be happy and envision healthier!

www.elitehealthplex.com

Damiana Corca, DOM, AP, Dipl. O.M., Dipl. C.H.

Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture Physician

Board Certified Chinese Herbology

Board  Certified in Oriental Medicine

Diplomate in Oriental Medicine

Western Family and Consultant Herbalist

Candidate, Board Certified Classical Homeopath

Disclaimer

The information on this article is provided for educational or reference purposes only and it is NOT a substitute for professional health care. No information obtained from this article should be relied on as the basis for treating or diagnosing conditions, symptoms, or illness and all queries should be directed to your health care provider. No warranty or guarantee of a cure is expressed or implied with any information at this article, nor does Elite HealthPlex make any representations regarding the use or the results obtained with the information. In no event shall Elite HealthPlex, its employees or associates be liable to any person or individual for any loss or damage whatsoever which may arise from the use of this article.

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The first calcium rich food that comes to mind is milk. But this is a rather complicated matter. Milk is definitely high in calcium and if you do drink milk for calcium enriching purposes choose whole milk rather than skimmed milk. Why so? That is because the fat and protein content helps its absorption. However, the high content of fat found in milk can become a problem in itself for other health concerns such as cardiovascular diseases. What’s more, many people are allergic to milk so this source of calcium can become a closed door. We haven’t even talked about the sources and quality of the milk, which raises other concerns related to chemical contents. All of these issues leave you with some questions and doubts because as you see, the ingestion of this product becomes, well, milky.

Let’s have a look at the functions of calcium. It is common knowledge that calcium helps build strong bones but did you know that it helps build strong teeth as well? In fact, in Chinese medicine, teeth are said to be an extension of the bones. Everyday we chew on different foods and you may wonder how come they do so well for years, sometimes for our whole life – the secret is in the enamel, which is the hardest structure in the body. And calcium reigns here as well, being the highest mineral found in the tooth enamel.

Maintaining a healthy bone structure requires more than a high intake of calcium because it involves different mineral dynamics and hormonal balance. However, practicing a healthy diet is crucial in helping keep that balance. This is where vitamin D, magnesium, and phosphorus step in, three important factors that greatly influence calcium absorption. I am going to touch upon these factors later as I talk about my Triple Strong Calcium plan.

I remember that when I was only a child, my mother would give me a cup of hot milk in the evening to help my sleep. Did it work? Definitely. This is because calcium is very important for the nervous system and it is said to calm the nerves.

Crossing to the herb side, Valerian is commonly used for insomnia, depression, anxiety, and nervousness. Surprise, surprise! Its content of calcium is very high! One study even revealed that Valerian had the highest content of calcium of any of the herbs they tested. German folk medicine even has it that in days of old, women used to take Valerian tea as often as coffee, to prevent irritability – probably associated with PMS.  What is the lesson here? Appropriate calcium intake can really help our nervous system – and you would not be the only one to benefit. I bet everyone around you would be relieved to see a happier you. Should you start drinking Valerian tea? Not quite so! Consult your herbalist first to check for interactions with other medications or supplements you are taking and to make sure that this is the right herb for you.

Some other functions of calcium are related to muscle contraction and relaxation having a close relationship with magnesium, in simple words – calcium helps contraction while magnesium helps relaxation. This is important in general muscle contraction but critical in the heart muscle cycle of contraction-relaxation.

Calcium also plays a role in blood clotting and enzyme activity.

Now that we have covered some of the functions of calcium, it is time to move on to the most common diseases related to poor calcium amounts in the body. Low calcium in children can lead to an increased risk of fractures, either while growing up or later in life. Unfortunately it can also lead to developmental problems such as stunted growth.

The most common fear arises in relation with osteoporosis in older adults, a disease that is generally facilitated by the decline in estrogen levels in women and testosterone in men. What can we do about it? Ideally, a balanced diet throughout our entire life can make up for these losses and avoid any problems. If not, the Triple Strong Calcium plan should benefit your body and decrease the chances of fractures. But are fractures the only issue of concern? Unfortunately there are other health consequences of low calcium levels such as an increased risk of obesity, hypertension, and colon cancer.

Where is that Triple Strong Calcium plan you might ask? I love to leave the goodies at the end! It just makes life brighter and gives more perspective. Besides, there is already so much information to digest so I’ll give you a day or two and follow up with part two of this article.

Coming soon – the Triple Strong Calcium plan – for stronger bones and a healthier lifestyle!

More on my website at: www.elitehealthplex.com

References:

Haas E. (1992). Staying Healthy with Nutrition. New York: Dover Publications

Pitchford P. (2002). Healing with Whole Foods. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books

Pederson M. (2002). Nutritional Herbology. Warsaw, IN: Wendell W. Whitman Company

Schlenker. E, Long S. (2007). Williams’ Essentials of Nutrition and Diet Therapy. Canada:Mosby

Whitney E., Rolfes S. (2005). Understanding Nutrition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth

Damiana Corca, DOM, AP, Dipl. O.M., Dipl. C.H.

Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture Physician

Board Certified Chinese Herbology

Board  Certified in Oriental Medicine

Diplomate in Oriental Medicine

Western Family and Consultant Herbalist

Candidate, Board Certified Classical Homeopath

Disclaimer

The information on this blog is provided for educational or reference purposes only and it is NOT a substitute for professional health care. No information obtained on this blog should be relied on as the basis for treating or diagnosing conditions, symptoms, or illness and all queries should be directed to your health care provider. No warranty or guarantee of a cure is expressed or implied with any information at this blog, nor does Elite HealthPlex Blog make any representations regarding the use or the results obtained with the information. In no event shall Elite HealthPlex Blog, its employees or associates be liable to any person or individual for any loss or damage whatsoever which may arise from the use of this blog or any of the information available on this blog.

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Have you heard of Chaimacolate? It is pronounced Chai-Ma-Co-Late

Of course, you have not! I just made this term up to describe the Super Rich Energy drink that I have been taking off and on for the last year.

Before writing this article for the exotic recipe of Chaimacolate, I did a Google search on it. There is no such word that I could find. Until now, that is.

I am the discoverer and founder of the modern Super Chaimacolate! That is why I call it Luthar’s Chaimacolate. I give myself complete and full credit for discovery, creativity, and finally the synthesis of key ingredients to come with this incredible concoction.

According to me, Chaimacolate is a special and smooth drink which might have only been suitable for the gods in ancient Greece,  India, China, or other places in the world wherever they lived.

If we still had Kings and Czars, I am positive that a drink like Chaimacolate would have been reserved for Royalty only. Laws would have been passed by monarchs and rulers that the ingredients for Chaimacolate be hoarded in well guarded warehouses under the full protection of the Royal Knights.

I created Chaimacolate after many trials and errors with a variety of ingredients and have tried it on myself for the last year. Only after having assured myself that Chaimacolate is something truly and totally special, am I sharing this with the world at large.

What are the general ingredients of Luthar’s Chaimacolate and how is it made?

In this article, I will share the basic ingredients needed for this sacred and divine drink. Here they are.

1. Loose leaf tea (not tea bags)

2. Spices needed to turn tea into Chai (such as dry Ginger, Black Pepper, Pepper Root, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves and others in the right proportion). you can usually get a combination of most of the Chai spices from an Indian grocery store.

3. Pure Organic Raw Cacao Powder (very low in fat, carbohydrates, and calories, and in its natural state unmixed with anything else). I use a small portion only.

4. Organic Maca Powder (low in calories but adds to the flavor, richness, and vitality of the drink). I use a small portion only.

5. Stevia (I use one of the better brands). Stevia is derived from plants and is sold in many places including health food stores. In its pure form, it has virtually no calories and carbohydrates. I find it to be an absolutely wonderful and an amazing  natural zero calorie sugar substitute. I have been adding stevia to my drinks and my personal experience is very positive.

6.  Either one of the following types of  organic milks (Soy milk, Almond milk, Goat milk, Hemp milk, Cow milk ) are fine. These are commonly available in the supermarket or health food stores.

My preference is unsweetened Soymilk because it is very low in carbohydrates and  adding it to the recipe makes the drink rich.

Those are the basic ingredients. I usually make Chaimacolate on the weekends in the morning, when I have more time to savor this drink and sip it slowly. It goes down so smoothly and brings little piece of heaven to this earth.

Even if I am very tired and drowsy when I get up in the morning, after drinking Chaimacolate, my body is all warmed up and feels very fluid in its movements. It is a lot easier for me to exercise and stretch after I have had a few cups of strong Chaimacolate.

I also feel uplifted and in a positive state of mind after the drink. I attribute that to the combination of strong Chai and also the raw organic cacao powder.

What I really like about Chaimacolate is that even though it is super smooth and dark rich drink which goes down like nectar, it is very low in carbohydrates and calories.

More on Chaimacolate in future articles with different variations on the recipes.

Please keep in mind that I am a professor and an amateur vegan cook and not a health care practitioner. Check with your doctor to see if this super rich and exceptionally fantastic drink, fit only for the gods and royalty, is right for you.

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Acupuncture has a known history that goes way back at least 2500 years. Today, we, the acupuncture physicians, use disposable stainless steel needles, while back then stone needles were obviously handier. They were later exchanged for needles made of other exciting kinds of materials, such as bone and bamboo. I think we will stick to the stainless steel needles for now, no pun intended.

Needles might be a sensitive issue for some of you. To be honest, I’ve never had a strong fear of needles, but the thought of sticking dozens of needles into my body did not appeal to me at all. This until I’ve come to realize that those needles are hair-thin and most of the times you can barely feel them. But above all, the benefits and the relaxation already felt during the treatment needs no further convincing. How bad can it be if many of my patients even fall asleep during the 20 minutes of staying with the needles in?

How come some people fall asleep during the treatment? It seems like there is a decrease in the delta and theta waves activity, resulting in sedation. No wonder acupuncture is so effective against insomnia, anxiety, and addictions.

Acupuncture points have originated from distress areas. What is it that we instinctively do when we experience pain? Apply pressure! From pressure point to acupuncture points, we now have over 1000 recorded acupuncture points with over 300 commonly used.

I can already see another question coming: how does acupuncture work? Well, for some people the empirical evidence spreading over thousands and thousands of years is more than enough. However, if scientific evidence works better for you, I do have a few explanations.

One of the most common objective effects of acupuncture is the pain-relieving effect, which is achieved by raising the pain threshold and increasing the amount of endorphins released into the blood. Would you believe it if I told you that acupuncture has been used for surgical anesthesia? It is yet true! Headaches, toothaches, backaches, and the like are nothing compared to surgery, wouldn’t you say so?

Furthermore, acupuncture can increase the levels of dopamine and other neurotransmitters, which may affect many diseases such as Parkinson’s.

People are awed when told that sometimes, similar point combinations are used to treat for instance low and high blood pressure, or other antagonistic disorders such as diarrhea and constipation. This happens because of the very important role of acupuncture of homeostasis effect. It regulates the internal environment to reach the desirable state of balance. It does so by acting on the nervous and the endocrine system, having a strong action in normalizing the functions of our body.

By enhancing our immune system we cannot go wrong. Acupuncture excels here as well! We could call acupuncture our long-term safe antibiotic, as it can potentially be used for infections. However, the best approach is prevention and by having acupuncture treatments one will have an increased number of white blood cells to block all the potential infections.

One of the most important effects of acupuncture is that it can tremendously speed up the recovery process in patients with paralysis due to stroke or other causes. How amazing is that? When many therapies tend to fail in these cases, acupuncture sticks to its goal. How does it do that? By stimulating certain cells from the spinal cord and cranial equivalents. Does that mean that the acupuncture needles will be inserted somewhere around the spinal cord? Not exactly so; rather scalp acupuncture is highly effective for these kinds of treatments.

Extensive research is being conducted at the moment and we could take each of the above explanations in turn and fill books over books with more details. Anyway, the bottom line is that acupuncture works. And if it is not for the fact that is has been the main modality for literally billions and billions of Chinese or that there is plenty of scientific research that shows its benefits, how about you trying acupuncture? I bet you won’t be disappointed!

Reference: Jayasuriya, A. (2006). Clinical Acupuncture. India: B. Jain Publishers Ltd.

My website: www.elitehealthplex.com

My blog: www.elitehealthplex.blogspot.com

Damiana Corca, DOM, AP, Dipl. O.M., Dipl. C.H.

Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture Physician

Board Certified in Oriental Medicine

Board Certified in Chinese Herbology

Western Family and Consultant Herbalist

Candidate, Board Certified Classical Homeopath

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But what if for the sake of your health you would be forced to banish coffee from your life or at least cut down your daily ration? I bet you would feel at a loss how to do this! Don’t worry, alternatives do exist. Our dear plants are here to save us once again!

Allow me introduce you to the “coffee of the poor” – Dandelion root. It was suggestively called the coffee of the poor because the less wealthy people never had access to coffee beans. Growing at every corner of the street, Dandelion has become the official substitute in some cultures, just like green tea is the energy booster and coffee replacement for many Chinese.

The concept of a food of the poor reminded me of how in the past poor people would eat brown bread because it was cheaper, while rich people would eat white bread, which was more expensive and some think tastier but, as we all know – much less nutritious. Growing up in a farm, we would eat only the pulp of potatoes and feed the peel to animals. How ironic! I could go on and on with other similar examples but my lesson here is that sometimes we have to use common sense above all. And Dandelion root, once the coffee of the poor, is really a precious gift for everybody. Let’s see why!

If I were to pick one single herb to detoxify and build the health of the liver, Dandelion would be my first choice. There is nothing more amazing than using our daily cup of dandelion coffee to get us going and help get rid of the toxins accumulated in our body at the same time. This brings the concept of having of cup of – let’s call it “dandelionee” – to a different level. Forget coffee! Let’s just have a cup of dandelionee!

Still not convinced? I have a question for you then. Would you like your skin to look healthier and younger? I am taking a second wild guess and bet your answer is yes. Dandelion is your hero again, as it is a blood purifier. To understand what has this to do with your skin we need to look at the Chinese medicine wisdom. Dandelion root has cold properties and as many of the skin problems have been observed to show a hot nature in many of the patterns shown in patients, it can beautifully do its job. And again, by virtue of its detoxifying qualities, dandelion can easily affect the skin. This is a fact that both Western and Chinese Herbology agree upon.

Want to add a few coffee beans to dandelion? Why not! If you just want to lower the dosage of coffee beans and not necessarily cut it out, you could combine the two. Besides, there are on the market herbal coffees already combined with different flavors, such as vanilla, hazelnut, etc. So why not combine all of these, have very little coffee beans added or even none, and have as a result a heavenly coffee.

I know you are now ready for your cup of “dandelionee”. All you need is roasted dandelion roots. Just use the root as you would use the coffee beans, be creative and adjust the dosage per your taste. However, be cautious and consult a health care provider if you have ever had any biliary ailments.

Dandelion can definitely teach us a lesson or two. Amazing therapeutical effects, gives us a big hand in the morning, and let’s not forget that blowing on dandelion’s parachute-like tuft of hair is the favorite game of many children.

Enjoy it and let health come back into your life!

More on my blog: www.elitehealthplex.blogspot.com

Damiana Corca, DOM, AP, Dipl. O.M., Dipl. C.H.

Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture Physician

Board Certified in Oriental Medicine

Board Certified in Chinese Herbology

Western Family and Consultant Herbalist

Candidate, Board Certified Classical Homeopath

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The irony is that while inhaled pollen can trigger allergic reactions in some people, if ingested it can actually treat allergies. How can that be? Well, strange as it might seem, the explanation is simple. The body reacts differently when the pollen intake is achieved through the digestive system instead of the respiratory system.

Let’s now talk about the interesting way bees gather the pollen. I bet you did not imagine that bees mix the pollen with their saliva and stick it to the back of their legs to carry it back to the hive and feed it to the male honey bees. No wonder bees are known to be some of the best workers. Those tiny legs, almost imperceptible to the human eye, must carry so many loads to make one single grain. We should always keep this in mind and prize every little grain of bee pollen, as it is the fruit of such a tremendous and tireless effort! It’s not for nothing that we use the phrase busy as a bee to describe a tireless person.

Bee pollen is commonly used to boost energy and this shouldn’t come as a surprise as it is sometimes called the perfect food containing almost all the essential nutrients our body needs. Proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins – pollen has it all, to honor the beauty of plants and the industriousness of bees. Pollen can give a real boost to your energy when time seems to be shrinking and lower energy levels kick in.

Another common usage of bee pollen is to promote longevity. Pollen has been found to contain this protective coat with such a tremendous power that has kept intact some 200 million years bee pollen grains attached to a rock. That definitely rocks! Thank goodness bee and human saliva provides the appropriate enzymes for the pollen to be digested, otherwise we would be long gone while the bee pollen we ingested would still be there even after millions of years.

Finally, let’s talk about the beautiful quality of bee pollen as a remedy for allergies. Don’t you hate when allergies keep you arrested away from nature because of the continuous sneezing, runny nose and even headaches? Instead of our common Allegra, why not try something different this year. Just start taking a few granules of bee pollen and work your way up to two teaspoonfuls a day and when the allergy season comes in you might be quite surprised to see that nature is not your enemy anymore. Bee pollen seems to be working by strengthening the immune system and desensitizing the body of common allergens. However, some people can be allergic to bee pollen itself so if you have ever had anaphylactic shock you should exercise caution and consult a health care provider before introducing it to your diet.

I think these are enough reasons pleading the case of bee pollen. If you really wish to buzz around with new forces, think about introducing bee pollen into your daily diet!

More on my blog: www.elitehealthplex.blogspot.com

Damiana Corca, DOM, AP, Dipl. O.M., Dipl. C.H.

Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture Physician

Board Certified in Oriental Medicine

Board Certified in Chinese Herbology

Western Family and Consultant Herbalist

Candidate, Board Certified Classical Homeopath

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The story goes like this: Born in a wealthy family some 2000 years ago, Zhang Ji knew nothing of the common worries up to the point where many of his 200 family members died during an epidemic. At that time towards the end of the Han Dynasty, China was greatly affected by disease, civil war, and poverty. Who would have thought that such a burden on thousands of people was to be the seed of a great doctor who left behind a tremendous legacy? The pain and loss that Zhang Ji has witnessed all around him lead him to fully dedicate his life to medicine.

His books are still required as textbooks in Chinese Medicine schools and many of his herbal formulas are being commonly prescribed nowadays. How could anybody ever top that? We live in a society where scientific studies are the way of demonstrating that something really works and there is a whole science behind all these studies, and debates, as nothing can really be tested in a few years of trials. This is were I need to emphasize that 2000 years of continuous trials of herbal formulas leave no place for error provided that such formulas are properly prescribed. Time is the only judge and you must agree that nothing can survive for 2000 years if there is nothing to it.

Zhang Ji left us the inspiration and the wonder about how one single person can truly and deeply change the world. People have been remembering him as the “Sage of Medicine” for the indelible mark he has left on Chinese Medicine.

To be honest, Zhang Ji has also made me gasp with surprise. While studying herbal medicine in college it seemed like his name was everywhere. So, one evening I just took a book of over 1000 pages on herbal medicine and searched for formulas made by him that are still in use today. To my surprise, I have found 28 herbal formulas, of which over 10 are very commonly used today.

The formulas made by him could be used for many diseases but this is not the point – many of the names that we call a “disease” today did not even exist 2000 years ago. What stays the same are our discomforts and pains as human beings. And this is why herbal formulas successfully used two millennia ago are as good as they have ever been.

I am sure you would even better understand the beautiful power of plants if I were to take an herbal formula and explain to you how it works, but I don’t want to bore you with a lengthy article. Enjoy this starter and I promise there is more to come!

More on my blog: www.elitehealthplex.blogspot.com

Damiana Corca, DOM, AP, Dipl. O.M., Dipl. C.H.

Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture Physician

Board Certified in Oriental Medicine

Board Certified in Chinese Herbology

Western Family and Consultant Herbalist

Candidate, Board Certified Classical Homeopath

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