In this issue you will find:
- Important PCOM Dates
- Herbs for Longevity: Herbs, Remedies, and Elixirs
- Great American Smokeout 2007: Let Acupuncture Help You to Quit
- Pomegranate Juice Fights Heart Disease
- Chinese Wisdom: Quote of the Day
November 8-11 (Thursday through Sunday):
PCOM SymposiumNovember 10th (Saturday):
Symposium Open HouseNovember 7th (Wednesday):
Chicago Open HouseNovember 15th (Thursday):
Great American SmokeOutNovember 19th (Monday):
New York Open House
Secrets of Longevity: Herbs, Remedies and Elixirs
As the quest for the elusive fountain of youth continues, it is good to know that there are some herbs and remedies that are quite remarkable in supporting a long and vigorous life. Using herbs can help to sustain a long life as well as aid in keeping one healthy. There are some herbs that are beneficial in our search for longevity.
Gynostemma has a reputation as an anti-aging herb that has a long reign as the leading herb on herb charts across Asia. Often called the ‘miracle herb’, gynostemma is adaptogenic. Adaptogenic plants have an almost miraculous quality of being able to balance situations in the body. If the central nervous system is stressed and over stimulated, gynostemma will have a calming effect. If a person is in a depressed state, it will work as a stimulant. It is an anti-inflammatory and immune system booster. It protects the liver, lowers fat in the blood and helps to maintain a healthy metabolism. Bodybuilders are enjoying the benefits of gynostemma, saying that they are able to workout longer with less fatigue.
In Rosemary Gladstar’s book, Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbs for Longevity and Well-Being, she lists ginkgo biloba as her number one choice for longevity. Geologists tell us that the ginkgo tree has been growing on our planet for about 150 million years. Brought over to Europe in the 1700’s by Chinese monks, there have been over 300 studies showing that ginkgo prevents many health problems from developing. You may have heard of the amazing memory enhancing and brain-aiding properties of the gingko leaf. It also helps to increase the strength of arterial walls and prevents blood clots. A common complaint of aging is dizziness. By increasing blood flow to the brain, ginkgo is a great remedy for vertigo. People have noticed changes in their vitality and brain function, with consistent use.
Our body’s ability to defend itself from countless diseases can be a key to enjoying a long life. Colloidal silver was used as a germ fighter long before antibiotics were developed. Although an antibiotic can kill about 6 different harmful organisms, silver can destroy over 600. It can be used topically as a treatment for warts and is remarkable at helping the skin to heal from burns. Many use it as a tonic or elixir. Colloidal silver stalks a virus and then disables its ability to use oxygen. The pathogen then suffocates and dies, leaving healthy cells untouched.
In areas where longevity is noted, along with high-quality, natural diets, they often have local water supplies that are rich in silver. The famous healing waters of Lourdes, France are also said to have high traces of silver.
Spiritual, mental and physical aspects of life all seem to influence longevity. There is no magic potion that will stop the aging process for everyone. However, to encourage vitality, brain function and overall well-being, you might want to add these longevity boosters to your health regime.
Great American Smokeout 2007: Let Acupuncture Help You to Quit
More than 400,000 deaths in the U.S. per year are smoking related. About one out of three young smokers will eventually die from a tobacco related disease. According to current research, an estimated 45 million Americans smoke. Continual use of tobacco can cause lung cancer, as well as heart disease and lung disease. Smoking is responsible for one in three cancer deaths. Another 8.6 million people are living with serious illnesses caused by smoking.
In an effort to help smokers who want to kick the habit, Pacific College’s San Diego Clinic is offering a $10 acupuncture treatment to new patients and $10 off a treatment for current patients with the mention or presentation of this offer on Thursday, November 15, 2007.
One of the most effective methods of Oriental medicine to help quit smoking is acupuncture. These treatments help to curb cravings and ease the stress of quitting by utilizing auricular (ear) acupuncture, where four to five very small needles are inserted into points corresponding to the lung, kidney and nervous system. It is thought that these needles increase the flow of endorphins, morphine-like hormones that induce a deep state of relaxation. This state is prolonged and leads to a lessening of cravings for nicotine and other drugs.
The Great American Smokeout provides smokers with the opportunity to quit. Smokers who quit smoking gain almost immediate benefits, regardless of age, or how long you have been a smoker. Within 20 minutes, blood pressure and pulse rates drop to normal. Eight hours after quitting, the oxygen level in the blood increases to normal. One day after quitting, the odds of having a heart attack start to drop. Within 48 hours, nerve endings start re-growing and the ability to smell and taste is enhanced. Within two weeks, lung function will have increased by up to 30 percent. Two weeks to 3 months after quitting, circulation improves and walking becomes easier. One year, the body's energy level increases and the risk of coronary heart disease will be half that of a smoker.
Pomegranate Juice Fights Heart Disease
Courtesy of www.acufinder.com
In China, the pomegranate fruit symbolized longevity. Now there is scientific evidence for the fruit's restorative powers. Scientists have tested the juice in mice and found that it combats hardening of the arteries (atherogenesis) and related diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. According to results published in the August 2006 issue of Atherosclerosis, subjects who drank 180 ml (6 oz.) of pomegranate juice per day for three months experienced a reduced risk for atherosclerosis, a condition that leads to arterial wall thickening and hardening.
Scientists have long known about health benefits of pomegranates. The latest studies have shown that the juice limits the genetic tendency of the hardening of the arteries.
"We have established that polyphenols [antioxidant chemicals] and other natural compounds contained in the pomegranate juice may retard atherogenesis," said Claudio Napoli, a professor of medicine and clinical pathology at the University of Naples, Italy. He also stated that, "The protective effects of pomegranate juice were higher than previously assumed,” making pomegranate juice appear to have even more value than was previously realized.
Pomegranate juice is remarkably rich in antioxidants, such as soluble polyphenols, tannins, and anthocyanins, which scavenge free radicals and help prevent DNA damage that can lead to a number of serious health conditions. The antioxidant level in pomegranate juice was found to be higher than that in other natural juices, but high levels of antioxidants are also found in blueberry, cranberry, and orange juices, as well as red wine and black tea.
Studies support that polyphenols from red wine can reduce LDL ("bad" cholesterol). Black tea consumption also reverses endothelial dysfunction (damage to the linings of the arteries) in patients with chronic heart disease.
There have also been some intriguing studies indicating that green tea can be extremely effective in the fight against high cholesterol. Specifically, the beverage reduces “bad” cholesterol and boosts “good” cholesterol, improving an individual’s overall cholesterol profile.
In addition, green tea appears to lower overall cholesterol levels, helping to reduce one’s risk of developing heart disease. Similarly, green tea enhances cardiovascular health by improving the consistency of platelets in the blood. Researchers have also found that green tea appears to protect against oxygen-induced damage to bad cholesterol. Combining the consumption of pomegranate juice, green and black teas, and other natural fruit juices could prove to greatly increase cardiovascular health and wellbeing.
Chinese Wisdom: Quote of the Day
Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men.
~ Confucius
STUDENTS
ONLINE