Castor Oil Packing - A Useful and Soothing Naturopathic Technique

Naturopathic techniques are a helpful support for detoxing the body that Look After You work with and advise use of, alongside changes in Nutrition.  A cleaner, lighter way of eating will often prompt the body to sweep away the cobwebs and when that waste starts moving, it can be challenging for the body’s organs to cope with!  Naturopathic techniques can help keep liver and bowels working at their most efficient so that the body can manage the detoxification taking place.

Castor oil packing is one such technique.  Castor oil is derived from the seeds of the castor bean plant also known as the Palma Christi which translates as the ‘hand of Christ’ due to the shape of its leaves and indicating its healing value over centuries.   Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid.  It is this acid in particular that stimulates the lymphocytes in the body to cleanse. It has been used as a healing oil for centuries.

Edgar Cayce an advocate of the castor oil pack described at least 30 physiological functions which are improved for the use of castor oil packs including: stimulation of the liver and gall bladder, relieving pain, reduction in flatulence, increasing lymphatic circulation and improving intestinal assimilation. These are listed in a book by an American doctor William A McGarey MD who used castor oil extensively in his own practice.  

A wool or cotton flannel pack is used as a medium for the castor oil and the pack is then applied to an area of the body needing support; for example, the liver or the lower back or a knee joint etc.  It is always best to pack the liver as well as the problem area being targeted as it is the liver that we are relying on to clean the blood – 1700 litres of blood a day to be precise!!


Dr Mercola’s website article on Uses of Castor oil cites some studies that have been done with castor oil and the conditions benefiting from it. 

Cabbage Juice - So healing for the gut!!

I make myself a fresh juice most mornings - it is a very energising way to start the day.  Recently I have been using cabbage in my juice to a greater degree.  The local organic farm Brickyard Organic Farm at Badsworth grow the most amazing range of delicious, crunchy cabbage.  Savoy, spring, red and many other varieties.

Cabbage has a reputation for aiding good digestion, in fact as long ago as 1949 a study by an American scientist Garnett Cheney MD of San Francisco hailed cabbage juice as a rapid healer of peptic ulcers...........in fact the average 'crater' healing time of the 13 patients in the study who had duodenal ulcers was just 10.4 days!  This compared to 62 patients treated with standard therapy whose average healing time was 37 days.  Vitamin U in cabbage promotes ulcer healing - it also assists acid reflux, colitis and gastritis.  Vitamin U is not really a vitamin but is the enzyme Methylmethionine, which was discovered by Cheney.  

Vitamin U also has a reputation for being healing for skin ulcers, curing haemmorhoids, helping diabetes and also supporting the body's detoxification processes. Moreover, it enhances immunity and has also been found to possess some anti-histamine like effects which reduces the severity of complaints caused by allergies.

Cabbage is also high in L-glutamine, an amino acid which is the only amino acid containing 2 amine groups. This enables it to give up one of its amines and combine with glucose making one of 2 glucosamines;  n-acetyl-glucosamine which repairs intestinal lining and acetyl=d-glucosamine which heals cartilege, tendons and ligaments.

Cabbage helps our transit time! and the fibre in it is a lovely mop and bucket for soaking up toxicity and carrying it out of the body.  Cabbage is high in chlorophyll - plant blood which carries magnesium.  Mixed with carrot, celery and ginger it makes a really scrumptious juice, give it a try!

More toxic at a Full Moon, detoxify more easily at a New Moon - Physics not Witchcraft!!

Following today's eclipsed Full Moon in Scorpio I thought it might be helpful to explain the physics behind the impact of the Full and New Moons on our bodies:

FULL MOON:

• Moon furthest away from Sun on opposite side of Earth
• Sun’s gravitational pull on Moon has an influence on Earth’s Ionosphere
• Ionosphere – layer of positively charged dust & particles 75 miles above Earth’s surface
• At Full Moon, gravity pushes Ionosphere towards surface of the Earth
• Positive ions from Ionosphere mix with negative ions in Earth’s atmosphere
• Air we breathe in is more positively charged
• Our blood and walls of arteries are normally negatively charged
• A double negative charge allows an easy flow across the membranes
• More positively charged blood means a stickier mix, with poorer oxygenation – we are at our most toxic

NEW MOON:

• At the New Moon, the Moon is closest to the Sun
• The gravitational pull of the Sun pulls the Moon away from Earth
• The Ionosphere expands and more negative ions are available
• Increase in negative ions ensures easy blood flow
• The body is able to detoxify freely

Where there is an Eclipse, either Solar or Lunar, this would make the impact of the Moon on the Ionosphere stronger, because the Sun and Moon are in such close alignment with each other.  ‘Moontime’ by Johanna Paunnger and Thomas Poppe write of the Moon passing through a particular astrological sign every few days and that each sign rules a part of the body.  While the Moon passing through a sign it is beneficial to support the organ it rules

Aries: Head, Brain, Face
Taurus: Neck, Throat, teeth, Thyroid, Tonsils, Ears
Gemini: Lungs, Shoulders, Arms, Hands, Nervous System
Cancer: Chest, Lungs, Liver, Gall bladder, Stomach
Leo: Heart, Spine, Diaphragm, Circulation of Arteries
Virgo: Digestive organs, Nerves, Spleen, Pancreas
Libra: Kidneys, Bladder, Hips
Scorpio: Sex Organs, Ureter
Saggitarius:  Thighs, Veins
Capricorn: Knees, Bones, Teeth, Skin
Aquarius: Lower leg, Veins
Pisces: Feet, Toes, Lymphatic System

Heart Attack Risk from "Healthy Spreads"

The Daily Express published an article today Heart attack risk in healthy spreads.  It refers to the original research by the National Institute of Health, Maryland USA, the conclusion of which is that not all PUFA's are created equal "We conclude that evidence from RCTs and prospective observational cohorts, the top two tiers of evidence-based medicine, does not support current population-wide advice to maintain or increase consumption of the n–6 PUFA LA."  The suggestion is that Omega 6 vegetable oils do not bestow the heart disease benefits that are proclaimed by manufacturers such as Unilever who sell Flora.

One point that I feel is heavily overlooked in the article is how processed margarines are - they are far removed, for example, from the sunflower seeds that sunflower oil is pressed from, so that it is not Omega 6 rich fats that are bad per se  but how they are processed and treated before eating is. Most foods consumed in their natural state are not harmful in moderation, a handful of sunflower seeds daily, for example, would provide a snack with useful protein and vitamin B5 helpful for supporting the adrenal glands along with zinc for skin health - as well as some Omega 6 in a natural unprocessed form.

Oils used in margarines are heated to extremely high temperatures which damages their fat profile - twisting the fats from their original profile making them carcinogenic.  Water and other substances are added to these creating the spreadable consistency.

Additionally, according to a study at California University trans fatty acids found in margarines can make people more aggressive.  Daily Mail report of a study of 945 people by Dr Beatrice Glomb at University of California.  The background to the study is as follows: "Dietary trans fatty acids (dTFA) are primarily synthetic compounds that have been introduced only recently; little is known about their behavioral effects. dTFA inhibit production of omega-3 fatty acids, which experimentally have been shown to reduce aggression. Potential behavioral effects of dTFA merit investigation. We sought to determine whether dTFA are associated with aggression/irritability."  The study did observe a link, which backs up the findings of Dr Johanna Budwig, a proponent of flax oil from the 1950's.  Her research showed even then how damaging margarines were to health but industry advertising and marketing has meant that these products have been used extensively by a population persuaded that they were the healthiest option.  This little film discusses some of her work.

Gardasil Vaccine Link To Cerebral Vasculitis

A research article published in Pharmceutical Regulatory Affairs (PRA) in 2012 indicates that the Gardasil vaccine given to two teenage girls on opposite sides of the world to try and prevent cervical cancer may be linked to their deaths from Cerebral Vasculitis.

The PRA article is analysed in Issue 3, 2012 of The Informed Parent newsletter (UK) and also on the website of Sanevax, Inc. (USA).  I can highly recommend subscribing to the newsletter of the Informed Parent if you wish to remain updated on current research re vaccinations.

Gardasil and Cervarix vaccines contain the HPV-16-L1 protein, an antigen.  Antigens are either a toxin or another foreign substance that induce an immune response in the body.  These antigens are not supposed to cross the blood brain barrier.  

The recent paper describes research by Drs. Chris Shaw and Lucija Tomljenovic in which they tested post-mortem central nervous system samples from the two girls mentioned above for the presence of the specific antigens used in the two vaccines mentioned above; HPV-16-L1 and HPV-18-L1. 

They did discover HPV-16-L1 antigen particles within the blood vessels in the brain, some of the particles had adhered to the blood vessel walls.  In other words, this is the equivalent of a ‘Gardasil fingerprint’ and it should not have been found in brain tissues.

It is possible that the particles were able to pass the blood brain barrier on the aluminium adjuvant which the proteins in the vaccine are adsorbed to.  An adjuvant is supposed to enhance the immune response to a vaccine by the body, in theory so that less of the actual bacteria or virus from the disease is needed.

The researcher’s analysis also showed that the abnormal activation of the immune response in which the immune attack is directed towards the blood vessels of the brain, triggered an autoimmune cerebral vasculitis.

Many of the symptoms reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) following HPV vaccinations are indicative of Cerebral Vasculitis but are not recognised as such, i.e. intense persistent migraines, syncope (loss of consciousness), seizures, tremors and tingling, myalgia, locomotor abnormalities, psychotic symptoms and cognitive deficits.  

See the Sanevax, Inc. website for a VAERS reports after HPV vaccine totalling 28,433 people as at December 2012. See the Smart Vax website for a discussion on whether aluminium may cause vaccine injury.  Aluminium (suggested as a contributing factor to Alzheimer's condition) has been used increasingly as an adjuvant instead of the mercury found in thimerosal since this has been reduced or phased out due to queries over its' contribution to the condition autism.  The question must be raised with either one; since when is has it been a good idea to inject neuro-toxic heavy metals into the body?

Why Skype Is So Amazing For Nutrition Consultations!!

I started using Skype for Nutrition consultations a couple of years ago.  It has been really effective and has enabled me to speak to clients at a great distance giving a much more personal emphasis than telephone or email dialogue. 

The facility also allows the typing through of information needed to be ‘taken away’ from the session or send through links to supplements or other information whilst chatting with my clients. 

Additionally, when discussing the reasons behind why changes are needed I can draw simple examples of how the body works – very simple! and hold these up to the screen to share.  This is something I would do in a face to face session so enables the consultation to be much more like that basis.

Last week I had 3 Skype consultations, one of them was from a client in a local city who would have visited here.  However, the snowy weather disrupting travel meant that Skype was the perfect alternative and the appointment did not need to be moved back as can so often happen in these weather conditions.

Ackworth in the Snow

Distance has become ‘no object’.  I have had successful Skype consultations with clients in the North, South, East and West of the U.K. and also in Europe.  Now that this is a possibility, earlier consultations conducted to as far as New Zealand could easily be switched to the Skype mode.

Finally, being able to see someone in person whilst chatting is just amazing, it is the next best thing to being in the same room, and that makes such a difference to the quality of the consultation.

Signing up to use Skype could not be easier, I find it a great way to keep in touch with family too - especially with all of my family living so far away.  Here is the link for the Skype website

“You know everything about keeping myself healthy – the doctor won’t be able to tell me how to do that!”

I felt highly complimented during a telephone consultation with a client earlier this week, when they made the above comment to me.  I was also delighted to acknowledge the willingness to take self-responsibility for one’s own health that it displayed.  This lovely lady first came to see me about 10 years ago and using both Nutrition and Naturopathy was able to improve the health issues she was suffering, not discussed here for confidentiality purposes, obviously. My client has given full permission for this post.

Fresh Nutrition is a brightly coloured, alkalising and delicious way to help us keep our energy and our immune system at a consistently high level.  Naturopathy as a range of techniques is a tool kit that helps us to detoxify the body of the acidity that has created unmanageable symptoms of illness.  This lady returned to me for a refresher session to remind her to find some time to get back on track with the Naturopathy as a support, as her diet was already ‘clean’ but stressful circumstances had contributed to growing acidity which was causing uncomfortable symptoms and a visit to the GP in December had not proved productive.

It is so important too, to look at the mental/emotional balance and whilst recognising that time was needed for Naturopathy, this lady also admitted that time was needed for inner reflection, acknowledging her feelings and also for Creativity.  There are many ways available to us now to honour this aspect of our being and establish how our emotional life may be draining our physical body.  Certainly, in all the cases I have taken over the years, it seems clear that there is nothing more acidifying to the body than stressful events and circumstances resulting in negative thought patterns, which prevent us from living with joy and health in the now.

The second part of the statement though is a sad one; that doctors are not associated in the truest sense of the meaning in helping us keep ourselves healthy.  They have an arsenal of drugs now - which can suppress a multitude of symptoms that have arisen once we are unhealthy, or remove organs which seem past redemption, but there is very little in these approaches which will help us return to a full picture of vibrant health, or help us take responsibility for doing so ourselves.

It takes both time and commitment to ‘Look After You’ but long term the benefits of doing so as we get older are enormous!  My father was 80 years old in December and he is still working part time as a self-employed accountant.  He is healthy and mentally well and alert and has no chronic health problems – therefore, he does not take any drugs and has not had any surgery.  I believe he has achieved that state of health at that age, mainly through a freshly prepared diet which is largely vegetarian and high in fruit and vegetables, along with a range of supplements and the moderate exercise he takes each day with his beloved dog.  Many people were surprised that he was that age when his birthday was mentioned last year, he certainly does not look it and he moves with ease, though perhaps a tiny bit less speed these days!

My mother is in her early 70's and equally healthy and as vital and lively as many people 50 years younger, the hours she spends gardening would outpace most people, and the approach she took to supporting well-being by always researching alternative remedies rather than seeking medical suppression was a useful example that has been of great benefit to me and my family.

It is my parents’ early role modelling which has motivated me over the years to maintain health through what I eat and how I seek to support it and I am grateful for that inspiration – my only wish is to help and encourage others to do the same if they seek out my services and to endeavour to share everything I know about how to keep healthy!