healthbriefs
Energy Medicine for Endocrine Health
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he endocrine system is the collection of glands, each of which secretes different types of hormones, that regulate metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep and mood, among others. The word endocrine derives from the Greek words “endo,” meaning within, and “crinis,” meaning secrete, according to LiveScience.com. When disrupted, everything from the immune system to the reproductive system can malfunction. Signs of endocrine system disruption include ADHD, thyroid problems and prostate cancer, says Dr. Joseph Mercola. To keep our system balanced, Dr. Oz recommends avoiding hormone-disruptors like pesticides, parabens (found in deodorant, sunscreen and makeup) and Bisphenol A (BPA) among others. Limiting exposure is helpful, but energy practices like Attunement may make a positive difference. Attunement is an energy medicine practice that stimulates the body’s energetic flow to support the endocrine system and facilitate internal healing. The healee sits or lies on a table while the practitioner moves their hands, without touching the recipient, to the different endocrine glands around the body for about 20 minutes. Those experiencing Attunement often report feelings of well-being, reduced stress and faster healing times. Sunrise Ranch offers Attunement on a donation basis. Call 970-679-4200 or visit Sunriseranch.org/Attunement. See ad page 12.
Reduce Recurrences of Urinary Tract Infections S
ince the 1940’s, antibiotics have been the primary treatment for eliminating bacterial infections. However, antibiotics don’t necessarily prevent bacterial infections from returning. A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) can cause frequent urges to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating, back pain, abdominal pain and/or cloudy, dark urine. According to Chinese Medicine and acupuncture theory, two reasons you may experience frequent recurrences: Your diet and lifestyle may promote infection; bacteria may adapt and repopulate. When acupuncturists diagnose recurrent UTI, they offer suggestions regarding diet and lifestyle modifications, but they also treat for an adapted strain of UTI called a Non-Infection UTI. According to the Mayo Clinic, Non-Infection UTI commonly affects: the elderly; those with recurrent UTI infections; and women more often than men. It can become chronic, causing mild discomfort to severe pain as a result of bladder pressure and pelvic pain. Symptomology and severity can vary greatly and, with no detectable bacteria, Western medicine has no cure. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, a Non-Infection UTI is referred to as IC/ PBS (combination of Interstitial Cystitis and Painful Bladder Syndrome) because it covers any and all symptoms of a Non-Infection UTI. Chinese Medicine uses the term IC/PBS as a reference to both the inflammation of the Lower Burner System (kidneys, ureter, bladder, and urethra) and the pattern of unsuccessful and painful excretion of urine from the body. Chinese acupuncture recognizes that most symptoms of IC/PBS are a result of underlying health problems; therefore, a comprehensive diagnosis is compiled and takes into account the individual’s body, mind and spirit with the purpose of building the body’s immune system. By inserting thin, sterile, stainless steel needles, acupuncturists also re-organize pathways of energy (Meridians). As a result, your body’s natural immune response is mobilized and YOU will be capable of living with a much more consistent quality of life! Dr. Shwu-Yar Tsai, Ph.D. and Acupuncturist is with The Wellness Center. 303-357-9355.
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Denver/Boulder Mile High Edition
MileHighNaturalAwakenings.com
Jumping for Change
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id you know that resisting a necessary change can compromise your wellness? Sometimes we feel stuck, hide in our life or fear these changes, but a step-by-step process can take you beyond the fear. Each step is geared toward helping you make a thorough, healthy shift that will improve the quality of your life on all levels. Step 1: Admit to yourself what you already know. Truth-telling: the primary stepping-stone to true freedom. Step 2: Tell the truth to someone safe. Sharing with the right person opens you up to healing. Step 3: Imagine yourself free. Set the stage for freedom by first making it real in your imagination. Step 4: Make one different choice – do one thing differently. The results from one small change may surprise you. Step 5: Set your new boundaries. Don’t worry—you’ll be ready for this when you get here. Step 6: Ask for help. It’s wonderful for both parties when you allow yourself to receive. Step 7: Honor your resistance. It will tell you that you can not, must not, will not jump. Fear not! You will. Step 8: Jump! With preparation, you can land on softer clouds in a healthier place. Step 9: Exit gracefully Step 10: Say Yes … And Then Say It Again … And Again: Living your new, best life after the jump. I used these steps throughout my divorce and they translate to any kind of change: changing jobs or careers, moving to a different part of the world, setting boundaries with others in your life, doing something new that you’ve hesitated to try, increasing your capacity for self-love, or simply moving out of fear into profound courage and love. Nancy Levin, a Boulder-based Life Coach and author of “Jump … And Your Life Will Appear: An Inch-by-inch Guide to Making a Major Change” can be reached at nancy@nancylevin.com.