In our November/December 2012 issue, we wrote about Jayne Robertson and her commitment to contribute to a worthwhile cause. Her journey began over a year ago when she undertook the Global Seva Challenge, a fundraising effort as part of Off The Mat, Into The World (OTM), a yoga based non-profit in San Francisco. Each year,… Read more »
Natural Options
Acupuncture Proven Effective for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- By Diane Sheppard, Ph.D, L.Ac.
- March/April 2013
Repetitive stress injuries (RSI) are common, costly and painful. These injuries are responsible for the highest number of days lost among all work related injuries. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), one of the most well-known types, accounts for over two million visits to physicians’ offices each year and is the most frequent cause for surgery of… Read more »
How is Reflexology Different from Massage?
- By Lauren Del Sarto
- March/April 2013
Don’t you love reflexology? You leave feeling so revitalized, light and happy. It’s different from massage where you leave feeling relaxed, loose and yes, also happy. But why is that? What are the differences between reflexology and massage? Some people think reflexology is simply a foot massage, but this is far from the truth. Reflexology… Read more »
Achieving Healthy Cholesterol Naturally
- By Jill Coleman, RN
- March/April 2013
Today many are concerned about high cholesterol numbers. However, cholesterol is necessary for brain function, hormone production, mineral assimilation, bone function, metabolism, energy production and a healthy immune system. It is the building block of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Every cell membrane is made up of cholesterol (and saturated fats) which… Read more »
What is Reiki?
- By Lauren Del Sarto
- March/April 2013
Reiki is a complementary health practice that uses universal energy to enhance the body’s own ability to heal itself. The use of universal life energy as a healing force has been practiced throughout the world for centuries and is referred to as Qi in China, Prana in India and Ki in Japan. Reiki practitioners believe… Read more »
The Directors of the Desert Healthcare District approved grant awards of up to $629,471 to FIND (Food in Need of Distribution) Food Bank and up to $211,676 to Hidden Harvest for a collaborative effort to support increasing consumption of fresh produce to target populations, and thereby supporting improved health outcomes. The goals of the Access… Read more »
Something happens…you lose your job, you’re forced to move, someone dear to you is ill. All of the plans you’ve made in the past suddenly seem pointless and you feel as if you’ve lost your direction. Five years ago, feeling stuck and missing a certain passion in my life, I too questioned myself. “Who am… Read more »
New Science Opens Window to Our Minds
- By Diane Richardson
- March/April 2013
A current buzzword for mind is ‘consciousness.’ Did you know you can now go to college and major in Consciousness Studies? You are in good company in the Department of Consciousness Studies where you will find spiritual healers, psychologists, linguists, cognitive scientists and quantum physicists – all working together to better understand your mind as… Read more »
Just Another Ride On Your Harley
- Kim L. Buchanan
- January/February 2013
I have been brushing my teeth for some sixty years, so it’s not a stretch for me to believe in the value of a clean colon. But still, when asked if I would try Desert Colon Hydrotherapy and then write a review, I was a little apprehensive. I’ve been married for over twenty years and… Read more »
Help Those Who Are Grieving This Time of Year
- Doris Steadman MEd, MSW
- January/February 2013
The holidays are over, and this time of year can be very difficult for those who are experiencing loss-the loss of friends, family members, pets and even physical health. They may be experiencing an emotional rollercoaster with feelings of sadness, loneliness, emptiness and anxiety. Grief is a normal, highly personal response to loss. Some may… Read more »
Is Spinal Decompression a Viable Option for Back Pain Relief?
- Lauren Del Sarto
- January/February 2013
In the world of chiropractic health care, spinal decompression is promoted as the latest technology to relieve back pain caused by compressed or degenerative discs. Although some within the medical community, including the Mayo Clinic, are using the treatment for conditions such as herniated and bulging discs, spinal stenosis, and sciatica, most doctors are awaiting… Read more »
Top 10 Resolutions to Reach Your Optimal Health
- Richard & Shonna Perry
- January/February 2013
What is Optimal Health? In his book, Dr. A’s Habits of Health, Dr. Wayne Scott Andersen describes Optimal Health as ‘the highest degree of health that is possible for you to achieve.’ The reality for many people is they’re simply surviving in a slowly declining state of well-being, not really healthy and not quite sick.… Read more »
Relieve Your Pain and Improve Your Game
- Diane Sheppard, Ph.D, L.Ac.
- January/February 2013
Pain, stress or limited motion keeps you from achieving optimal results and benefits from your sport. Pain and muscular tension interfere with your mobility on the tennis court or the swing of your golf club, reducing your performance, endurance and enjoyment. Do you wake up the day after golfing, biking or playing tennis with stiffness,… Read more »
The holidays are behind us and we’ve just turned the corner into the New Year. Now it’s time to get ourselves back on track for more balanced living. But how easy is that in this extremely social valley with galas, fundraisers and a seemingly endless calendar of events? We move from the holiday season into… Read more »
Chiropractic is from Greek words which mean “done by hand.” It is grounded in the principle that the body can heal itself when the skeletal system is correctly aligned and the nervous system is functioning properly. To achieve this, the doctor of chiropractic uses his or her hands as an adjusting tool to perform specific… Read more »
I realize that talking about hemorrhoids is not polite cocktail conversation. With that in mind, I use every other opportunity I have to educate the public on this too-often embarrassing subject. My 30 years as a board certified colon and rectal surgeon qualifies me to speak on the subject. Hopefully I will demystify some of… Read more »
Ginseng is one of the most renowned of all herbs. There are several varieties of ginseng, and most common are the eleven species of Panax ginseng. The word panax means “all heal” in Greek, (think of panacea) and ginseng was so called because of its healing properties. In Chinese, the herb is called ren shen–literally… Read more »
Imagine lying on a soft table with your eyes closed focusing on breathing in and out while someone else does your stretching for you. This is one of the many benefits I discovered with Fascial Stretching Therapy (FST). Fascia is the most prevalent tissue in your body. It is the continuous band of fibers that… Read more »
It is wonderful to see our government actively promoting the importance of eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. In March 2007, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) launched the “Fruits & Veggies—More Matters” campaign promoting the benefits of fruits and vegetables in a way that will sustain consumers’ eating behavior in the long… Read more »
A man’s ability to achieve and sustain an erection depends on the healthy operation of a network of systems that cause vascular tissue in the penis to fill with blood. For an erection to take place, an adequate blood supply must circulate to the penis, the nerves must function properly, and they must receive stimuli… Read more »