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HIFU is a non-invasive high intensity focused ultra-sound technology that is currently being used in clinical trials to treat tumors of many sorts.
One novel aspect of HIFU lies in its recent expanded use for treatment of cancers ranging from bone, brain, breast, liver, pancreas, rectum, kidney, testes, and prostate.
HIFU results in drug concentrations ten times more powerful than traditional chemo and with a fraction of the side effects since the drug is not released system-wide rather goes straight to the source.
Since the early 90’s, tens of thousands of patients world-wide have been treated using HIFU devices built by several different companies. “Between 1997 and 2007, approximately 10,000 patients in China were treated with an ultrasound-guided HIFU device in 35 different hospitals. Outside China (England, Italy, Spain, Russia, South Korea, Japan and Malaysia), approximately 1,000 patients underwent HIFU treatment in 12 hospitals.” Wu F, et al. Minimally Invasive Therapy 2006
“From 1997 to 2001, 1038 patients with tumors, including liver, bone, breast, soft tissue, kidney, pancreas, and uterus were treated with an ultrasound-guided HIFU device in 10 hospitals. The results indicated that HIFU is safe, effective, and feasible in the treatment of solid tumors.” Wu F, et al. Ultrasound Sonochem 2004
Though still slow to pave its way into US mainstream medicine as a treatment for cancer, HIFU research in countries such as China, UK, Italy and Malysia is building a strong case that “the surgeon can and should continue to strive toward moving from knife to cannula to needle to nothing”.
According to Slenda Chan, CEO of Asia America Equity Exchange and key strategic promoter of HIFU technology, “makers and proponents of HIFU hold no intention of making the technology a competitor of other modalities but rather a collaborator.”
Written by; Jennifer L. Pinto Freelance Writer, Founder and President, www.TheSynchronicityGroup.com
Do you suffer from chronic pain of any sort? Migraines, arthritis and rheumatism are just a few of the many pain-related conditions where “what you eat can matter”.
The next time you think about reaching for that popular can of cold vegetable juice (containing tomato, paprika, and other “healthy vegies”, you may want to think twice, especially if you’re a sufferer of chronic pain.
Millions, who regularly suffer with debilitating pain unfortunately, lack the basic information available about a particular and very common group of foods referred to as ‘nightshades’, which have long been linked to inflammation and pain.
Nightshade plants are known for producing a range of alkaloid chemicals, which may be toxic-from irritating to lethal. These chemicals can also contribute to allergic reactions. Nightshades are a botanical group known as solanaceae and consist of over 92 varieties and 2,000 species.
As a group, nightshades often get a bad rap in alternative medicine circles. It is not uncommon for natural medicine practitioners to recommend that their patients eliminate this plant group entirely from their diets-especially those seeking relief from chronic pain symptoms or headaches.
The connection between nightshades and pain-related disorders was largely brought to the forefront as far back as 1950 by Dr. Norman Childers, former Professor of Horticulture at Rutgers University. Childers went on to establish The Arthritis Nightshades Research Foundation in 1970.
Specifically, tomatoes, all peppers (except black pepper), white potatoes, eggplant and paprika are nightshade offenders. Avoiding tobacco, another nightshade, goes without saying in health-conscious circles.
The good news for those with pain
According to The Arthritis and Nightshades Research Foundation, it’s currently estimated that more than 500,000 people around the world avoid nightshade crops so as to effectively rid themselves of aches and pains.
Though it can no longer be denied that hundreds have literally reclaimed their lives by eliminating these botanical culprits from their diets, one should not feel surprised when a visit to even the most reputable of western trained pain specialists results in coming up empty handed about this common sense solution to chronic pain.
According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the national average number of contact hours dedicated to nutrition in medical schools is 23.9. On the flip side, according to the
Association for Medical School Pharmacology, some medical schools are spending over 70 hours focused on general principles and core topics related to synthetic drugs.
The pharmaceutical prescription approach to health and healing is clearly what dominates mainstream medicine today. After all without these synthetic concoctions, not only would conventionally trained practitioners in America see their bottom lines plummet but so would those high-powered, big money drug companies.
This is not to say that there’s no place for pharmaceuticals in the health and healing world. On the contrary, man-made medicines are often a must in acute medical situations and for that reason a blessing to have available when absolutely necessary.
Though thankfully for many, who suffer from chronic pain, the word is spreading about the link between nightshades and pain management, it’s also important to keep in mind that healthy eating never comes in a ‘one-size fits all’ package. For that reason, the nightshade family should not be labeled ‘bad’ as a whole, by any means. Potatoes and tomatoes contain certain healing substances called lycopene, for instance that carry well-known health and healing benefits. For those who suffer from chronic pain, don’t fret, there are dozens of other nutritious vegetables and fruits you can eat while permanently avoiding all nightshades.
Bottom line, when it comes to optimal health it pays to not only know your body but also your foodstuffs. Rather than depending upon your conventional medical doctor to be the ultimate authority and predictor of your quality of life and longevity, take charge, live consciously and in the case of pain management for one, increase your ‘food as medicine” nutrition IQ.
Article written by, Jennifer L. Pinto, MSEd
Freelance Writer and Founder and President www.TheSynchronicityGroup.com
Photography by, Dakoeta Pinto (www.dakoweb.wordpress.com)
The leaf is driven to change in literal physical form as a result of the ever-flowing course of seasons it’s forced to encounter.
What happens to the leaf when it changes? We notice its appearance morph into a beautiful assortment of spectacular color. Eventually, the leaf becomes something very different than that which it once knew.
Only after the most extreme of changes, death falls upon the leaf. Yet without it, the leaf would be unable to make its rich remains available for further perpetuating the cycles of new birth, new seasons, new beginnings.
While each leaf has a specific and unique pattern all its own, the lessons that lie within are vast, yet only available to those who choose to cast their eyes upon such simplicity long enough to absorb those treasures of wisdom.
Just as the leaves inevitably adjust to the seasonal forces placed upon them so as to continue surviving and contributing to the larger cycles of life, we too fair best when we stop resisting.
When we stop resisting the natural flow of our ever-changing circumstances and instead seek until we find the perspective necessary, which will ignite energy ample enough to help us ride the wave, we too will find we’re able to do our part in keeping with the flow of life’s positive cycle.
Written by; Jennifer L. Pinto (Founder and President www.TheSynchronicityGroup.com and Co-founder and President www.YourGoodKarmaConnection.com
Photography by; Dakoeta Pinto (www.dakoweb.wordpress.com)
“No one can have experienced to the fullest the true sense of achievement and satisfaction who has never pursued and successfully caught his tail.” Rosalind Welcher, American Writer
What does it mean to successfully “catch your tail” and how might “catching your tail” lead you toward finding that long over-due search for peace, bliss and a life filled with meaning?
You’ve surely heard of the saying “once you go full circle, you’ve succeeded in life”.
Well, let’s think about it for a moment…what is a dog really doing when he’s chasing his tail? He’s really doing nothing more than “wasting his time” some might say. Or, he’s simply circling around aimlessly in a feeble attempt to catch something that can never really be caught and to do this is nothing short of utter foolishness.
But perhaps, let’s imagine for a moment the possibility that the dog knows better than we?
According to many non-western-oriented schools of thought, “going full circle”, which in this particular case is being illustrated by the idea of a dog chasing its tail, is the single key which opens the door to finding life’s treasures we call peace and meaning.
In other words, we experience, learn and repeat life experiences (like them or not) until we get them right. Then and only then, are our spirits free to move on to face the next of challenges.
The problems arise when we, as beings of higher intellect, think that running in the opposite direction, looking for immediate gratification, or seeking outlets which may serve to dull the pains of life are the better approaches to dealing with life’s daily challenges.
However, suppose we were to instead take the dogs advice, focus on the challenge at hand and stick with it to the end. Chase after it over and over again for as long as it takes to obtain the necessary tools, experience and no how’s to eventually catch it. We might then, and only then, experience the opportunity to hang that challenge, like a trophy on our wall of life, take the lessons we learned from it and apply them as we prepare for the next big chase, which ironically, more often than not, lies directly at your tail.
Written by; Jennifer L. Pinto (Founder and President www.TheSynchronicityGroup.com and Co-founder and President www.YourGoodKarmaConnection.com
Authored by,
Written by; Jennifer L. Pinto (Founder and President www.TheSynchronicityGroup.com and Co-founder and President www.YourGoodKarmaConnection.com
Photo by; Dakoeta Pinto (www.dakoweb.wordpress.com)
When it comes to basic brain-wellness, there are three major neurotransmitters in the brain (Serotonin, Dopamine and Norepinephrine) which must be in the correct balance to allow a positive, stable self-image and optimistic mood. However, when these neurotransmitters are in an unbalanced state with one another, depression mood changes are inevitable. To make matters even more complicated there are thousands of other hormone related activities that can easily disrupt the balance and function of the brain and physical body.
In general, when Serotonin levels drop, depression can quickly settle in, and when Serotonin levels can be made to rise, depression lifts and a happy contented mood generally results.
There are a variety of scientifically-proven natural dietary and supplement approaches to treating depression which provide the necessary precursors to complement the body’s ability to effectively moderate and balance neurotransmitters within the brain, providing an all-natural calming and soothing effect without medication side effects.
Pharmaceutical-grade antidepressant medication drugs work artificially to selectively enhance and mimic Serotonin and other neurotransmission activity within the brain. Unfortunate for some, antidepressant medications can cause a number of negative and potentially harmful side effects. On the other hand, they can be life saving/changing in rare cases where an individual has perhaps exhausted all natural approaches to healing with no or only partial success.
Some of the more common natural remedies for treatment of depression and neurotransmission-related conditions include:
- St. John’s Wort: Has clear antidepressant effects in a number of double blind studies. The MAO inhibiting properties, as well its serotonin re-uptake inhibitors in St. John’s Wort helps the body relax. St. John’s Wort also inhibits interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Cortisol, which cause anxiety and depression.
- DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA): Has superior antidepressant effects. When compared with a number of tricyclic antidepressants in double blind studies, DLPA raised phenylethylamine (PEA) levels in the brain which increases the manufacture of Norepinephrine. DLPA also protects the integrity and longevity of Endorphins, important neuroproteins involved with mood and pain regulation.
- L-Tyrosine: The amine-neurotransmitter that is the direct precursor to Norepinephrine, working interactively with Serotonin.
- L-Threonine: Low threonine levels have been noted in chronically depressed persons at Princeton’s Brain-Bio Institute, and subsequent supplementation was found to lead some patients to control of their depression.
- GABA: One of the major inhibitory neurotransmitters of the central nervous system, helping to relax muscle tissue and better regulate Cortisol release from the Adrenal Cortex via Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone production from the Hypothalamus, a problem which is known to affect 50% of all depressed individuals.
- Skullcap: Helps to calm and relieve an overly sensitized “sensorium.”
- Verbena Officinalis: An ancient herb used to relieve continuing sadness and unhappiness.
- 5-HTP: The natural immediate precursor to Serotonin and Melatonin, providing neurochemical balance during stress.
- Supporting Amino Acids, Specifically Targeted Micro-Nutritionals & More: Provides electromagnetic instructions to further help the body naturally regulate Hypothalamic activity, balance the natural production of Serotonin and Norepinephrine and help restore clear sentient thinking and appropriate reality testing, as well as mood stabilization for potentially explosive and unpredictable mood swings.
The synergistic effects of combining one or more of these natural ingredients are crucial when considering an effective and all-natural approach to health and healing. Unfortunately, there are way too many false or incomplete claims pertaining to various natural ingredients and their ability to serve in healing the mind and body. Inadequate controls such as those carried out by the FDA for synthetic medication combined with sometimes unethical practices by untrained practitioners are huge culprits in the rampant sharing of misleading information pertaining to best practices when utilizing natural remedies for depression and other brain-body wellness related diseases and syndromes.
A few of the many credible and scientifically-backed websites where information pertaining to natural and integrative approaches to health and healing include; www.wholehealthmd.com, www.cmbm.org/ (center for mind body spirit medicine) and www.osher.hms.harvard.edu/default.aspw.cmbm.org (Harvard University’s Division of Research in Complementary and Integrative Medicine) to name a few.
It takes more than physical exercise to maintain good health. Balance is the key to leading a healthy lifestyle. Wellness is the dynamic process of becoming aware of, taking responsibility for, and making choices that directly contribute to one’s well being and that of the common good. It is the integration of body, mind and spirit and the ongoing development of one’s own meaning in life.
Because the goal of achieving optimal health is achieved by way of “striking a balance” in relation to these 8 dimensions, the Wellness Center offers classes such as meditation, stress management, smoking cessation, and nutrition education. Many of the programs are free and open to the general public.
click on the individual wellness components to view an explanation and its relevance to the achievement of optimal health.
Cultural Wellness is being aware and respectful of your own faith traditions and cultural background as well as learning about, accepting, and contributing to the diversity and richness present in other faiths and cultural backgrounds. It is acting towards oneself and all others with sensitivity, consideration, understanding, appreciation, tolerance, and civility.
Emotional Wellness is striving to meet emotional needs constructively. It is the ability to respond resiliently to emotional states and the flow of life events. It is realistically dealing with a variety of situations and learning how your behaviors, thoughts, and feelings affect one another and your decisions. It is taking responsibility for your own behavior and responding to challenges as opportunities. An emotionally well person is self-aware and self-accepting while continuing to develop as a person. Emotional wellness is the ability to form interdependent relationships based on mutual commitment, trust, honesty, and respect.
Environmental Wellness is an awareness of the precarious state of the earth and the effects of your daily habits on the physical environment. It is respect for God’s creation and the beauty and balance of nature. Environmental wellness involves maintaining a way of life that maximizes harmony with the earth and minimizes harm to the environment. It includes being involved in socially responsible activities to protect the environment.
Intellectual Wellness is having a curiosity and strong desire to learn. It is a lifelong process of creating and reflecting upon experience, staying stimulated with new ideas, and sharing. It is discovering challenges, overcoming barriers, and integrating opportunities to grow, make plans, develop strategies, and solve problems in an academic community dedicated to leadership in service to others. It is the ability to engage in clear thinking and recall, and to think independently, creatively, and critically.
Physical Wellness means respecting and taking care of your body. It is applying your knowledge, motivation, and skills toward enhancing personal fitness and health. It is making healthy and positive choices regarding a variety of issues including nutrition, physical activity, sexuality, sleep, the use of alcohol and other drugs, self-care, and the appropriate use of health care systems.
Social Wellness means contributing to one’s human and physical environment for the common welfare of, and social justice within, one’s community. It includes promoting a healthy living environment, encouraging effective communication and mutual respect among community members, and seeking positive interdependent relationships with others. It is being a person for others and allowing others to care for you. It is also recognizing the need for leisure and recreation and budgeting time for those activities.
Spiritual Wellness is the quest for meaning, value, and purpose resulting in hope, joy, courage and gratitude. It encourages one to develop a personal faith and to seek God in all things. It is the discovery and incorporation of a personal set of values and beliefs that defines the person, places the individual in relation to the larger community, and engages a faith that promotes justice.
Vocational Wellness is a fit between who you are called to be and what you are called to do. It is finding the place where your deep desires and gifts meet a need in the community. A “vocationally well” person expresses his or her values through paid and volunteer activities that are personally rewarding and that make a contribution to the well being of the community. Vocational wellness involves continually learning new skills and seeking challenges that lead to personal growth and a better world. Listening for and following your vocational calling is a lifelong process.
Written by; Jennifer L. Pinto