Spring Fatigue

I found this article to be very interesting... thought you might too. Let me know if you have experienced this yourself.
http://www.iyogaclub.com/en/health/984-the-spring-fatigue-syndrome.html
The Spring Fatigue Syndrome
It has been noticed by many of us that during spring we tend to feel muscular pains and get cramps while we also get tired easier, we seem to find it difficult to focus, we feel a lot more tense than usual and we often tend to suffer from digestive problems, anorexia and headaches. That is why during spring we feel that practicing Yoga often becomes boring and tiring. Women tend to suffer from these symptoms more often than men. Most of the times we attribute these symptoms to our age, our work load or to social reasons but the truth is that these symptoms are a direct result of the reaction mechanisms of our immune system against the changes in the weather. Therefore, the healthier we are, the more intense the symptoms of spring fatigue will be.

Spring Fatigue SyndromeIn the beginning of spring, scientists noticed that our body activates the lymph cells of our immune system which in turn increase the secretion of hormones, adrenaline and interleukin. It has been concluded that the adrenaline causes an increase in the pulse rate and breathing and interleukin is responsible for the increase in the number of lymph cells while the number of red corpuscles, which are the body’s oxygen carriers, tend to decrease. At the same time, during this period, the body’s magnesium levels, magnesium which is vital for muscular toning and contraction, tend to drastically drop. It is more than just natural that all these changes in our body make us feel fatigue and exhaustion but there is no reason for concern. If in any case it does, a simple blood test can easily diagnose the spring fatigue syndrome by checking the increase in the eosinophil rates which consist the 2%-5% of the total white corpuscles in our blood.In order to revitalise our body, we can add natural, biological and raw food to our daily diet such as green vegetables, fruit, cereals and unprocessed dry nuts. Raw foods have a higher content of trace elements, minerals and vitamins which are required in order to deal with the spring fatigue symptoms. Foods with a high content in magnesium are sunflower seeds and green vegetables as magnesium is the main element of chlorophyll. It is very beneficial to continue Yoga practice during the spring season as even at a less intense rate as by adding a few more pranayama (breathing exercises) we can increase the oxygen intake in our bodies. Even before going to sleep, by doing a few relaxation exercises we can achieve a deeper, sounder and a more revitalising sleep.

What is THERMOGRAPHY?

Michelle R. Hodge, DC, CTT, Doctor of Chiropractic, Certified Thermographic Technician, Member: International Academy of Clinical Thermology, graciously presented to our local Goddess Group current information on Thermography this week. Dr. Christine Horner is supportive of thermography and reviews it in her book, Waking the Warrior Goddess.

Thermography is a screening tool used in conjunction with the current mammography and ultrasound (there is now 3D ultrasound which is a step better). The main premise of this methodology is for detection of early vascular changes in various tissues (in this case breast tissue), which in turn increases the “heat” in that part of the body. Studies show us that this process of angiogenesis can precede tumor formation by 5-10 years.

The upside of this technology is that early detection can be used as a messenger bringing you very important, life saving, information. There is supportive scientific data showing the effects of certain lifestyle changes can actually reverse these early changes. Additionally it invites more advanced surveillance techniques raising the likelihood of early detection of more aggressive tumors.

Like with anything in life there is also a potential down side. Screening tools all have a percentage of false positive results, which can lead to an array of premature and often unnecessary tests and invasive procedures. When there are changes noted, it is important to remember this is not conclusive of breast or any other type of cancer. It is a messenger –a screening tool. Thermography can provide a warning that allows a woman time to make positive changes that can affect her breast health.

If questionable or abnormal findings are present on the thermogram, additional testing with mammography and ultrasound may be recommended to locate the exact location of a possible problem. It is important to remember that none of these tests can provide a definitive diagnosis, but all provide useful information. The only way to definitively diagnose cancer is via a tissue sample or a biopsy.

The cost for a Thermogram is under $200 and often is not covered by insurance. It does not use radiation or compression, and is safe for women of all ages. Mammograms can be more difficult to read for younger women (with more dense tissue), larger breasted women, women who have had breast augmentation, and for those taking hormone supplementation. Thermogram is FDA approved and current studies conclude that it is valuable adjunct to mammography for screening.

If you have questions or would like to inquire more about this technology please contact Dr. Hodge at 530.243.3118 or visit her website http://www.reddingthermography.com/

iRest - Integretive Restoration

I just returned from a 42 hour advanced training in iRest. Spending a week with Richard Miller and an amazing group of interesting and interested people was one of the most opening experiences of my life. I feel awake, at peace, and very excited to share this gentle, simple and equisite way of finding our way "home".

Stay tuned for more unfoldings as I personally process this wealth of information and experiences. On May 15th from 7-9pm at The House Of Yoga you are invited to come and experience this beautiful and timeless practice yourself. For more information on how to register please visit the website www.nshouseofyoga.com

GODDESS GROUP

At the House of Yoga we began a Goddess Group in February 09. We have been meeting weekly to share ideas for living healthy, happy, peaceful, & prosperous lives. Up til now we have been using an outline based on Christine Horner, MD's book, Waking The Warrior Goddess. She suggests a list of 30 "habits" that will help the body heal itself (much of the discussion in the book is on Breast Cancer, but the habits translate into over all improvement of health).

We have shared recipies to make such things as flax seeds (be sure to grind them before consuming), soy, & turmeric more available in our diets. We have become a research maniacs... as we all feel it's our responsibility to make well informed and well thought out choices.

As I learn more about blogging I realize this is a much better format for this ongoing discussion and support system. From this point on I will be posting the weekly "habit" or concept for discussion and then it's up to the rest of you to help me keep this going.

So, if you are interested in having access to a lot of women who are on the same journey as you, who will support you, love you, care for you, teach you and be willing to learn from you... you are in the right place and WELCOME TO THE GODDESS GROUP BLOG!

Namaste, Nancy

The Cost Of Health Care

I am curious how many of you will NOT seek health care for yourself or your family if your insurance won't cover it?

Do we really believe an insurance company has our best interest in mind when they make their list of "covered services"?

I share my concern because I see the effects of allowing an institution to make such personal choices for us. We need to reconsider the actual cost of HEALTH CARE in terms of the following criteria:
1. Financial burden of the insurance itself (Do we really use all that we are paying for? Is there a less expensive policy that allows me to keep some funds to purchase care of my own choosing?)
2. The cost to us in our productivity (are the treatments and medications helping us have a higher quality life?)
3. Are we doing EVERYTHING we can DAILY to PROTECT and IMPROVE our HEALTH? (What is the quality of the food we have eaten so far today? Are we moving our body in a way that promotes fluidity and freedom VS pain and suffering? Are we taking our medications or supplements in a way that best serves us? Are we getting enough good quality sleep? Are we keeping our stress from becoming DI-STRESS? Are we taking "TIME" to feed ourselves spiritually, emotionally, socially?

I'd love to hear from you on this topic.... even in the form of questions or simple comments!
Happy Easter to you and your families...
With much respect and love,
Namaste,
Nancy

Getting started

Like many of you, I am interested in the continued health and well-being of my family, my community, my country, and my planet. This blog is a place where we can come up with ways to help each other WAKE UP to our own responsibility and how to institute change. There is much talk of a national health care crisis. I don’t believe that fixing the insurance companies, controlling the doctors, nationalizing health care or subsidizing hospitals is the answer. I believe that each one of us is responsible for this problem and therefore the solution. Look around. Watch what people put in their shopping carts at the grocery store. Check out the line at In & Out Burger! WE ARE CREATING OUR OWN WORST NIGHTMARES by eating, drinking and sitting ourselves to dis-ease!