http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php Copyright 2008, Doris Owanda-Johnson Doris Owanda-Johnson en-US SPHPBLOG 0.4.7.1 http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry081010-173408
We continue our discussion of cardiovascular disease with a special focus on stroke in this issue of Acupuncture and Health. When the integrity of the arterial walls is compromised from arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis or other anomalies, it becomes difficult for blood to flow freely to various parts of the body. About 25% of the blood pumped from the heart goes to the brain and, if the blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted for any reason, the affected brain cells are deprived of oxygen and die, resulting in a stroke. A stroke can also result from a blood clot that has formed in a narrowed artery, or from a blood vessel that has ruptured or hemorrhaged. A stroke can lead to paralysis of one side of the body, loss of speech, eyesight or other physical movement, depending on the area of the brain affected. With the poor diet and sedentary lifestyle of the average American, it is no wonder that stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S., with over two million people in the U.S. currently disabled by stroke.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnoses and treats stroke in a very complex fashion, taking into account many factors in treating the whole person. Also known as Wind-Stroke or CVA (cerebro-vascular accident), TCM attributes strokes to be caused by overwork, emotional stress, poor diet, excessive lifestyle, and/or inadequate rest, depending on the circumstances of the individual. TCM also differentiates between two types of stroke: 1) Mild type, causing one-sided paralysis (hemiplegia) numbness and slurred speech; and 2) Severe type, which include symptoms from the mild type, but with the added loss of consciousness, possible coma and loss of speech. Each type is further differentiated, allowing TCM practitioners to accurately diagnose and determine the proper treatment for each individual.

What is even more interesting is that acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine safely and effectively treats the after-effects of stroke, no matter how mild or severe the accident. People are often unaware of the use of acupuncture as an option. They may also have a fear of the idea of using sterile acupuncture needles to treat that which is ailing them. It is unfortunate because studies show that more stroke victims who receive acupuncture treatments recover more quickly and with more strength than those who receive conventional treatments alone. Acupuncture owes its success in treating stroke so well in two ways: 1) By re-opening the channels that have been blocked by the stroke and activating blood circulation; and 2) by rebalancing the nervous system. As a result, speech may be improved, paralysis can be diminished and minimized, the person can walk again, and regular bodily functions can be controlled and resumed. In addition, with the use of integrative medicine approaches including conventional medications, physical therapy, herbal medicine, and various types of meditation, an individual who survives a stroke can soon resume leading a normal (though maybe not so stressful) life.

There is a condition here: the sooner acupuncture treatment starts after a stroke, the better the chances for recovery. Treatment can be done in hospitals or recovery centers, often with the permission of the treating MD or through the insistence of the stroke victim or family member. Really, this cannot be stressed enough. Best results are obtained within the first several months of the incident, although acupuncture is also beneficial after this initial period of time. Please feel free to call the office at 310-475-8018 for more information.
-Doris-Owanda Johnson, L.Ac.
]]> http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry081010-173408 Doris Owanda-Johnson Sat, 11 Oct 2008 00:34:08 GMT http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=10&entry=entry081010-173408 http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry081010-172424
Dietary fiber is very important to the human diet. It is so key to the prevention of disease it has become just as important for those who have no health issues as it is for people dealing with conditions of imbalance. In fact, in parts of the world where dietary fiber is ingested in adequate quantities – various parts of Africa, for example – there is virtually no heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, or even menopausal symptoms.

Dietary fiber (also known as roughage) works in a very simple way: certain wastes are generally sent into the large intestine either via the digestive tract from the foods we eat, or via the liver/gallbladder systems which process toxins and produce bile, respectively. These wastes must be swept out of the body on a very regular basis, at least once daily, so as not to allow toxins to build up. If toxins build up, they will accumulate and ultimately affect various bodily systems, including the digestive system, the blood and circulatory system, and the endocrine system. Accumulations of toxins will often fester, become infected and possibly cause mutations in the system, ultimately leading to various forms of cancer, not to mention basic digestive malfunctions like constipation or irritable bowel syndrome. An imbalance of the endocrine system easily can contribute to diabetes, obesity and general hormone imbalances. And, of course, deposits of toxins on arterial walls lead to cardiovascular disease.

Adequate fiber intake usually results in more complete, regular, fuller bowel movements. However, even if an individual feels (s)he has no problem with bowel movements, adequate fiber intake is paramount in making sure the body regularly rids itself of all waste materials.

So, what are the best sources of fiber in the diet? Dietary fiber is found in plant-based foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, peas, nuts and seeds. There are different categories and forms of fiber, each with special benefits; a well-balanced variety of whole, plant-based foods should provide a person with the proper amounts of each type of fiber. There is no fiber found in animal products (meat, fowl, fish/shellfish, eggs and dairy products). Animal products may be necessary for a balanced, healthy, vibrant system in some individuals, but must be eaten in proper proportion to plant-based foods that contain healthy amounts of fiber.

The average American gets about 10-15 grams of fiber per day. That’s less than half of the recommended 25-40 grams per day. This can be easily attained by eating whole-grain or bran fortified cereal in the morning, ½ - 1 cup of beans or peas daily, and making sure to have 5-8 servings of fruits and veggies daily. One last word: be sure to drink plenty of water when increasing the amount of fiber in the diet so as to facilitate elimination of wastes. Please feel free to call us at 310-475-8018 for more information or stimulating discussion on this ever-important topic.
-Doris-Owanda Johnson, L.Ac.
]]> http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry081010-172424 Doris Owanda-Johnson Sat, 11 Oct 2008 00:24:24 GMT http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=10&entry=entry081010-172424 http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080801-105028
The interesting, exciting and yet sad news is that cardiovascular disease is one of the most preventable of the chronic degenerative diseases. This is done, of course, through proper diet and exercise. Among the conditions included in heart disease are coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, heart attack, stroke, angina pectoris, high blood pressure, peripheral vascular disease, arrhythmia, and, most importantly, hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis).

The key to the prevention and treatment of this disharmony lies first in understanding that all blood vessels must be healthy – clear of unwanted substances and demonstrating proper elasticity. If blood vessels become blocked and constricted, oxygen and other nutrients can’t circulate through the body, causing stagnation and decay of tissues. As such, a discussion of arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis is necessary, as these seem to be the culprits of most cardiovascular disease. They both involve the buildup of deposits on the insides of the artery walls, which causes thickening and hardening of the arteries. In arteriosclerosis, the deposits are composed largely of calcium and other minerals; in atherosclerosis, the deposits consist of fatty substances. Both conditions have similar effects on circulation, causing hypertension and ultimately contributing to heart disease. How do these deposits form in the first place? There are two main reasons: 1) Leading a sedentary lifestyle, which in turn leads to little or no exercise. Blood vessels are little muscles; they need to be worked in order to function properly. 2) A diet rich in sodium, sugar and fat influences the build-up of minerals and fats in the blood vessels. Routine blood pressure readings and cholesterol testing have therefore become primary and preliminary indicators of impending or progressing heart disease in individuals.

Concerning cholesterol, it seems that high levels of this substance in the blood may not be the most predisposing indicator of heart disease. Please understand, however that high levels of cholesterol are not to be dismissed or disregarded. It is vital to seek proper advice so that you can maintain healthy HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This ratio determines the ultimate predisposition or bench mark of heart disease in individuals.

Cholesterol is a steroid made primarily by the body itself, necessary for the maintenance of the body’s cells. It also plays a role in manufacturing hormones and in regulating the immune system. There are two types of cholesterol: High Density Lipoproteins (HDL), known as “happy cholesterol,” as this actually helps keep the arteries cleansed and supple; and Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL), or “loathsome cholesterol.” This LDL is what seems to be responsible for depositing fats on arterial walls, causing atherosclerosis.

Recent research and studies are revealing that some heart disease may be caused by residual pathogens left over from previous infections. The infection becomes low grade, and gradually attacks and inflames the vessels. This allows the vessels to rupture more easily, leading in turn to heart attacks or strokes. In western medicine, antibiotics are increasingly being used to treat heart disease of this type.

Research is also increasingly proving that improper dental and gum maintenance may greatly contribute to cardiovascular (and other chronic) diseases. Because the teeth, gums and oral cavity are teeming with bacterial and viral substances, improper dental and gum care may easily lead to inflammation, becoming a major factor in developing cardiovascular illness.

Though there are certain risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as smoking, family history and diabetes, many of us know the keys to avoiding heart disease: proper diet, aerobic exercise, and stress management are vital. In addition, herbal medicine and nutritional supplementation can prevent, treat and foster a reversal of symptoms, reducing the amount of hardening of other plaque in the arteries, and bringing the vascular system back into balance.

This subject is so vast, we will continue our study of the vascular system in the next issue of Heart & Soul Institute’s newsletter, due August 2008. The discussion will focus on hypertention and the use of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of this disharmony. If you have any questions or comments regarding this or any other health concern, please feel free to call us at 310-475-8018.

-Doris-Owanda Johnson, L.Ac.
]]> http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080801-105028 Doris Owanda-Johnson Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:50:28 GMT http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=08&entry=entry080801-105028 http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080707-105318
Also known as Allium sativum in Latin, garlic is a member of the lily family, of which the onion also belongs. It is very pungent; hot and spicy in taste. As many of us know, its pungent flavor permeates the tissues very quickly and leaves behind the characteristic garlic odor. Garlic is very warming, and influences the lungs, stomach and intestines.

Garlic may be used in the treatment of lung ailments. Its pungent quality makes it an excellent diaphoretic – it opens the pores to promote sweating in cases of cold and flu. It detoxifies the body, so is used for any kind of infection in the lungs, stomach or intestines, including bronchitis, pneumonia, earaches, sore throats, and so on. Before the advent of refrigeration, garlic was used in abundance to protect food from spoilage. Garlic is used to regulate blood pressure, whether the pressure is high or low. It is effective in helping reduce LDL cholesterol and in strengthening the heart. Garlic treats weak digestion, improves circulation, treats arthritis, rheumatism, low back and joint pains, nervous disorders, cramps and spasms.

In addition, garlic is used as a preventative and treatment for all types of intestinal worms. Garlic paste can be applied topically for ringworm. Large doses of garlic can be used for amoebic dysentery, a type of diarrhea caused by certain amoeba or other micro-organisms, and is also an effective antibiotic for staphylococcus, streptococcus, and other bacteria. Garlic is a great antifungal and is an integral component in the successful treatment of Candida Albicans yeast infections.

Garlic can be used in many different ways, but be sure not to boil it, as it renders the healing components ineffective. It can be eaten whole, juiced, or minced and combined with more palatable substances like honey, or in a raw salad, or with sesame tahini, hummus, and the like. It can also be taken as a tea infusion (steeped in hot water), or gently cooked in food. Garlic can be used internally or externally, as in enemas, in a bolus or suppository or directly on the skin. Caution must be used here, as prolonged use can irritate the skin and other tissues.

Internally, garlic is to be used very cautiously in those with heat conditions: red face/eyes, a sensation of feeling too hot, aversion to heat, canker sores, or a feeling of overwhelming thirst. The dosage can vary according to the individual’s needs and the type of imbalance being treated. The information provided here is intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using this or any other herb for medicinal purposes.

-Doris-Owanda Johnson, L.Ac.
]]> http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry080707-105318 Doris Owanda-Johnson Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:53:18 GMT http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080707-105318 http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry071205-112213
Tangerine peel, also known in Chinese Pinyin as Chen Pi, is very aromatic, pungent, bitter and warming, and treats the respiratory and digestive systems. It regulates the quip, and improves the functioning of the digestive system. It relieves symptoms such as abdominal distension, fullness, bloating, belching, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and mild diarrhea. Tangerine peel also dries dampness and transforms phlegm, making it great for coughs with a lot of phlegm and a stifling sensation in the chest and diaphragm. Here, the peel is from the ripe fruit, and is more effective as the peel ages.

Qing Pi, or the immature, green tangerine peel, has quite a different function. Its taste is bitter and pungent; it is warm in nature, and influences the gallbladder, liver and stomach. This type of citrus is used primarily to break up stagnant energy and regulate the liver. Symptoms may include distension and pain in the chest, breast, sides of the abdomen, or hernia pain. It also dissipates clumps and reduces food stagnation to clear the digestive tract of any undigested material.

Da Fu Pi, or the peel from the areca fruit, is pungent and warming, and treats the large and small intestines, as well as the spleen and stomach. This herb is great for regulating the digestive system where there is constipation involved. Symptoms include pain in the abdomen, overeating, abdominal distention, regurgitation of food, and belching with acid regurgitation. It is also a mild diuretic, as it promotes urination and reduces swelling, especially in the abdominal area or in the legs.

The tangerine itself as a fruit is cooling in nature, and has a sweet and sour flavor. It is a general tonic for weak digestion and poor appetite; it regenerates body fluids; helps cool and moisten those individuals who are dry and overheated. Tangerines are valuable for inflammatory diseases such as arthritis; they also help lower high fever. Their vitamin C content benefits those with weak gums and teeth.

You can easily age your own tangerine peel. Start with organic tangerines. As you eat the tangerines, put the peels in a warm place to dry (an oven with just the pilot light is good). Once dry (1-3 days later), store in preferably a dark colored glass jar for at least 6 months. The longer the better. When making a tea, simmer for no more than 15 minutes so as not to destroy the volatile oils. Use your imagination and combine with other herbs like fennel, ginger, cinnamon or mint in making pleasant tasting, health benefiting teas. Tangerine peel is to be used sparingly by those with symptoms of dryness, or by those with yellow or green phlegm.

-Doris-Owanda Johnson, L.Ac.
]]> http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry071205-112213 Doris Owanda-Johnson Wed, 05 Dec 2007 19:22:13 GMT http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/comments.php?y=07&m=12&entry=entry071205-112213 http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry071205-111720
In traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys govern water metabolism and control the bladder. In addition, the kidney energy (different from the actual organs) is seen as the root and foundation of the body. It rules the lower abdomen, including the sexual organs and their reproductive functions. This energy also provides energy and warmth. In this context, adrenal gland activity is also related to the kidneys, as the adrenals contribute to the energy, warmth, sexuality, and other attributes of the body. The kidney-adrenal connection is clear since the adrenals are located directly on top of the kidneys and produce secretions that make kidney activities possible.

During the winter, an individual may experience some form of kidney imbalance, whether energetically or through the organ system directly. Some general symptoms may include:

-All bone problems, especially those of the knees, lower
back, and teeth
-Hearing loss, ear infections and other related diseases
-Hair loss, split ends, premature graying
-Any urinary, sexual and reproductive imbalances
-Premature aging
-Poor growth and development of the mind and body
-Excessive fear, insecurity, anxiety

Like the kidneys, fear is deeply rooted, and we are often not consciously aware of even major areas of fear and insecurity. A little healthy fear protects us and keeps us from foolhardiness. When excessive, however, fear fosters a general insecurity about life and also “injures” the kidneys. On the other hand, weak kidneys generate fearful feelings, which in turn block loving experiences. Unbalanced fear is an emotion that completely stifles the capacity for creativity, and fosters a sense of separateness from one’s environment and one’s higher being. Fear is gripping, allowing for non-movement, non-action. A person may feel so completely stuck in fear so as to abandon any kind of hope in having the courage to rebalance or rectify the situation. What’s more, fear may perpetuate or even create the very thing or circumstance feared.

Many people receive psychotherapy in an attempt to identify and dismantle deep insecurities. Though somewhat effective, this often is not enough because the kidney-adrenal complex has not been renewed. By restoring the kidneys to any significant degree, one typically feels a tremendous elation as the dark cloud of fear lifts. Acupuncture, herbal medicine and other modalities of TCM are very effective in combating any illness related to the kidneys. They tone and strengthen the kidneys and urinary bladder, and boost the adrenal and immune systems. Acupuncture also treats the emotional aspect of one’s being. It opens the channels in the body to let the energy flow again. By opening up the channels, the brain is accessed to release certain chemicals, which serve to promote a sense of well being. This allows a person to relax, meditate, have positive reflections, and ultimately gain insight and courage in eradicating fears and balancing the emotions.

May this New Year 2008 bring you everlasting peace, love, abundance, courage and joy!

Doris-Owanda Johnson, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac. & C.H.
]]> http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry071205-111720 Doris Owanda-Johnson Wed, 05 Dec 2007 19:17:20 GMT http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/comments.php?y=07&m=12&entry=entry071205-111720 http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry071205-110413 inches long and 3 inches wide.

* To locate your kidneys, place your hands on your hips, and
slide them up until you feel your ribs. Place your
thumbs against your back – that’s where they reside.

* Your kidneys receive about 120 pints of blood per hour.

* Over 400 gallons of recycled blood is pumped through your
kidneys every day.

* Half of one kidney could do the work that two kidneys
usually do.

* The kidneys filter waste from the blood, and purify blood
for your body.

* Your kidneys maintain homeostasis by balancing fluids and
minerals in the body.


According to Traditional Chinese Medicine:

* Store Jing Qi
* Govern reproduction & development
* Control water metabolism
* Receive & grasp Qi
* Control the bones
* Produce marrow to fill the brain
* Relate to the ears
* Manifest in the hair
* House will power
]]> http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry071205-110413 Doris Owanda-Johnson Wed, 05 Dec 2007 19:04:13 GMT http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/comments.php?y=07&m=12&entry=entry071205-110413 http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry071205-105349

Would you like to be healthier, happier, more energetic? Do you have a loved one or a friend whom you would like to be healthier? Being healthy and feeling good is more than a notion in our society. With all of the responsibilities we have to bear with work, home life, family, and even the pressures of societal structure, it sometimes seems like a miracle that some of us are doing as well as we are.

And, it makes perfect sense that many of us may not be doing very well.

Let’s look at a few statistics regarding the health status of individuals in the United States:

-The United States ranks 48th in life expectancy, despite its status
as one of the wealthiest nations on earth.
-Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in men and women in the United States.
-The U.S. leads all industrialized nations in infant mortality rates.
-Every 2 minutes, a woman in the U.S. is diagnosed with breast cancer.
-The United States leads all nations on the planet in obesity rates.

Looking at these statistics, it becomes apparent that something must be done to improve this situation; it simply is not okay to be in the “land of milk and honey” and at the same time experience these dismal statistics on health in the United States.

When you think about it, there are basically three factors that can contribute to poor health in an individual. They are trauma, stress and toxicity. It is this last factor, toxicity, to which we will turn our attention in this article.

We encounter toxic substances everywhere we turn. Whether you live in the city or in a rural or agricultural area, it truly is difficult not to be exposed to poisons that can and do enter our bodies. The air, water and food are bombarded with pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, food additives, preservatives, colorings and dyes, MSG, artificial sweeteners, etc. Pharmaceutical, over-the-counter, and other drugs, whether obtained and used legally or illegally, have some sort of side effect, and/or leaves behind some type of toxic residue. In addition, radiation is a huge factor when considering the extent of toxicity. Many of us have seen a loved one undergo radiation therapy and/or witnessed directly these effects. But radiation toxicity doesn’t stop there. It’s also found through sun exposure, x-rays, computers, television, microwaves, cell phones, etc. Not to mention nuclear reactor facilities…

So, what happens when toxins of all these sorts and more enter the body? Isn’t the body supposed to process all this and send it on its way? Let’s explore this.

When a toxic substance or poison enters the body, whether it’s through food or drink ingested, poor quality air breathed in, or absorbed through the skin, the liver processes all impurities in order to keep the blood clean and nutrient-balanced. Toxins are neutralized, and then expelled from the body through the bowels, urine or sweat.

If the body/liver is bombarded with too much toxicity, it doesn’t process it all. The body’s other systems do step in, however. To protect the body from harm, fat cells are formed, and surround any toxic substance left over. With the impurity encased in fat, it can’t cause immediate harm to the body. With this constant toxic overload and fat build-up, not only is the body still toxic, but now it becomes overweight, even obese. A vicious cycle ensues, especially if coupled with poor bowel movements and subsequent putrefaction of waste.

So for many people, releasing excess weight becomes almost synonymous with detoxification. As excess fat is released, it is imperative that toxic substances stored in the body be removed as quickly as possible. All this toxicity held within the body can wreak havoc on all aspects of the body’s functioning – various organ systems, endocrine system, nervous system, immune system, and of course, the cardiovascular system. Energy levels may become reduced; sleep patterns may become unhealthy. What signs and symptoms are you presenting? What are you going to do about it?

There are many programs out there that may help achieve this goal. At Heart and Soul Institute, one of the products and programs we are very excited about using is called Isagenix. It is a very effective 9-day detox program that is also nourishing and energy building. Most participants lose an average of 9 pounds in this 9-day cleansing period. They have increased energy, sleep better and feel great! Click onto this link to find out more information about Isagenix: www.dorisjohnson.isagenix.com, or call us at 310-475-8018.

Just like we clean our external surroundings – our home, office, etc., and do regular maintenance on our cars, we need to be more mindful of our bodies by doing regular maintenance and cleansing of toxins. A clean and well-functioning body is one of the major factors that allows for a clearer mind – focused and alert, yet peaceful and serene.

Doris-Owanda Johnson, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.& C.H.
]]> http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry071205-105349 Doris Owanda-Johnson Wed, 05 Dec 2007 18:53:49 GMT http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/comments.php?y=07&m=12&entry=entry071205-105349 http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061101-171043
Long ago, ancient practitioners recognized that there is a natural flow to the seasons, and that each season has an affect upon organ systems in different ways.

Autumn is the season when the lungs become most active. It is also a time when the lungs can become susceptible to weather changes and environmental factors.

If we follow and understand the ancient wisdom of Chinese practitioners, supporting lung health can enhance our overall health and well-being.

The way the body works according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) differs from our Western understanding. The lungs have certain functions and actions that we don’t normally associate with them from a Western perspective.

On one level, our lungs allow us to “take in” fresh ideas for the mind, and “new life” for the spirit, creating room for new growth and awareness. In this respect, the lungs are responsible for “taking in and letting go.”

The lungs also “Control Qi.” When we breathe, our lungs take in “Heavenly Qi” (oxygen), and let go of “Dirty Qi” (carbon dioxide). When Heavenly Qi circulates freely, we receive the essential support for all body processes that keep us functioning well.

In ancient texts of Chinese medicine, the lungs are called the “Delicate Protective Organ.” They are the only organ that comes into direct contact with the external environment via our nose, mouth and throat. This direct contact makes them vulnerable to environmental influences, which can lead to breathing and upper respiratory problems.

Through an intricate process, the lungs extract “Pure Essence” from the air we breathe, and combine it with processed food that we have ingested, thereby producing energy for the body. In this sense, the lungs provide an “immune system-like” barrier that protects the body from harmful pathogenic factors that can cause illness and disease. When we are exposed to bad air, germs, and viruses, our first line of defense is our lungs.

Over time, the lungs can become weakened and unbalanced due to many factors: improper diet, emotional stress, grief, sadness, inherited constitution, smoking, and pollution.

The lungs also disperse fluids to the skin to provide moisture and nourishment. Dry rough skin can result if the lungs are unbalanced, and chest congestion can occur if the lungs cannot disperse fluids effectively throughout our bodies.

Proper lung function is necessary to keep us healthy and to help ward off illness and disease. Healthy lungs enhance our overall well-being and normal functioning of our bodies.
]]> http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061101-171043 Doris Owanda-Johnson Thu, 02 Nov 2006 01:10:43 GMT http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/comments.php?y=06&m=11&entry=entry061101-171043 http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061101-163120
1. They needed to heal themselves;
2. The wanted to heal another person and alleviate pain and suffering;
3. Healing was a family tradition.

I fall into the first category. As soon as I reached puberty, symptoms of candida manifested. Candida is fungus that is characterized as an overgrowth of yeast in the digestive system. The environment in the digestive system includes a very delicately balanced collection of certain bacteria, enzymes, acids and other elements to ensure proper digestion. This environment does include certain types of yeast like candida, but if there is too much yeast, the digestive system can easily become unbalanced. There are many symptoms that can result from an overgrowth of yeast: gas and abdominal bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, vaginal itching and yeast infections, chronic allergies, mental fogginess, fatigue, joint pain – in fact, many ailments are apt to be related to this type of digestive imbalance.

There are two major factors that contribute to candida overgrowth. The first one is diet. Eating a diet high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, yeasted breads and other fermented foods while at the same time low in fiber is an important factor. Second, people who are prone to taking antibiotics for one reason or another will strip their digestive system of all the wonderful friendly bacteria that allows for proper digestion and a strong immune system. This, in turn, will allow the candida fungus to proliferate in the gut, causing digestive imbalance.

Looking back on my experience, I was already manifesting some symptoms before the onset of puberty, like chronic allergies, nasal problems and difficulty digesting foods, but things escalated for me starting at age 14. Not knowing any better, I continued to eat the same types of foods that teenagers eat, albeit healthy: lots of bread (toast, muffins, sandwiches, dinner rolls, etc.), desserts, cookies, pancakes, salads with vinegary dressings, lots of dairy products – whole milk, aged cheddar cheese, pizza, baked casseroles – you get the idea. While some of these wonderful comfort foods bring back fond mouth-watering memories even as I write these words, a huge imbalance of yeast overgrowth was percolating in my system. To make matters worse, at age 19, I lived in the south of France for a year. On a student’s budget, that meant a year of eating bread, cheese, wine (hey, I was in Bordeaux!) and strawberry tarts as my staple foods.

By the time I learned about and was open to taking medications, the yeast was so systemic that medications were largely ineffective. The docs were stumped: they ran all kinds of tests, but were unable to come up with any clear answers.

I was in my mid-20s when I decided that I was an anomaly of medical science. I finally admitted that I had a real problem, and was now on the warpath to find out the cause and the solution.

I knew I was having recurring yeast infections, allergies, phlegm, depression, and so on; my research soon led me to a couple of books that basically told my story. I had an invasion of Candida Albicans! The solution, according to my sources, was simple: stop eating anything that contains yeast or anything that feeds the yeast, meaning sweet or fermented foods.

So, I embarked on cutting these foods from my diet and using the suggested herbs to cleanse my system. I consulted with a professional herbalist and nutritionist for optimal value, and I also started receiving acupuncture treatments at that time. It didn’t happen overnight, but within 3 months I had no more sign of a yeast infection. Compared to the previous 10 or so years, 3 months was easy to handle! Also, as part of the diet change, I lost 10 pounds. This kind of scared my family and friends, because I was already so thin to begin with (even more than now). But I was constantly eating, never hungry, and bursting with energy.

After I saw how successful I was in rebalancing my body, I became quite angry with conventional medicine. Why didn’t they know or share this information about Candida? I spent all that time and money on Monistat and Gyne-Lotrimin (back then only available by prescription), when I could have even saved money by cutting back on certain foods! I couldn’t believe they would be so ignorant to such a simple, yet effective therapy! That’s when I decided: I am going to study various aspects of natural medicine and healing so that I can help others have balanced, harmonized health.

I’ve been doing this work now for almost 10 years with ever-increasing determination to promote radiant health in my patients and clients by educating them as well as treating their complaints through acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, and other natural medicine techniques.

Doris-Owanda Johnson, L.Ac.
]]> http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061101-163120 Doris Owanda-Johnson Thu, 02 Nov 2006 00:31:20 GMT http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/comments.php?y=06&m=11&entry=entry061101-163120