http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php Copyright 2010, Doris Owanda-Johnson Doris Owanda-Johnson en-US SPHPBLOG 0.4.7.1 http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry100701-035921
The woman, as many other patients in the tent, was topless due to the oppressive heat and humidity in the tent. She was screaming, begging for God to take her life, as the pain was unbearable for her.

Her ex-husband was there caring for her (once family, always family) as best he could, gently consoling her and dabbing her forehead with a damp cloth. The woman wouldn't have it. She was irritable, combative, screaming at him in her pain.

I took notice as I worked on other people in the tent. As leader of our team, I wondered how we would handle her with our acupuncture protocol. Just at that moment, Dr. Susan, one of the acupuncturists on our team, approached the woman's bed, asked for permission to do a treatment, and inserted 5 needles into the woman's left ear. The protocol prefers for both ears to be needled, but Dr. Susan was only able to do one ear because the woman couldn't be still.

We were a little worried at first, because the woman seemed even more agitated with the needles in. We agreed to leave the needles in for 5 minutes, check on her and then decide how to proceed.

We continued working in the tent. I noticed a change in the tent after a little while – it was quiet! I looked over at the woman; she was sound asleep with the acupuncture needles still in place, and her ex-husband was joyfully requesting an acupuncture treatment for himself...

This was one of the high points of our work in Haiti. We volunteered with a grass-roots organization called Acupuncturists Without Borders. AWB organizes licensed acupuncturist volunteers to do acupuncture disaster relief work. Founded in 2005 by Diana Fried in response to the need in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, AWB sends volunteers after basic needs of medical, water, food and shelter are met – usually starting 2 months after the disastrous incident.

The acupuncture treatment focuses on stress reduction, particularly Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and its associated symptoms:

Depression/Anxiety Insomnia
Lassitude/Lethargy Pain
Anger/Sadness/Grief/Worry Fear/Phobias

AWB has adopted the auricular (ear) protocol instituted in the 1970's by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA). The protocol was originally used in the treatment of addictions to drugs, alcohol and other substances. It has more recently been expanded and adopted to include the treatment of stress, inflammation, PTSD, insomnia, depression and anxiety.
Five acupuncture needles are inserted into each ear. The first two, sympathetic and shenmen, address the releasing of endorphins and other chemicals from the brain to allow the body and mind to relax. This allows in turn for an opening to occur, clearer thinking and a meditative state to take over.

The other three ear points are detoxifying and balancing to the kidneys, liver and lungs, respectively. These are the main organ systems which take in and process/filter toxins in the body.

The NADA protocol has proven quite effective in treating large groups of people – quickly and efficiently – without the necessity of fancy equipment or treatment tables. It is easily done in a community setting, is cost-effective, and very beneficial to all.

In Haiti, we used this very protocol at the HUEH hospital and several other venues, including a rural tent encampment on the outskirts of Port-Au-Prince, a Catholic missionary encampment in PAP, and at a university. All of our work was done either in tents or outside, as about 70% of the buildings in PAP were demolished or severely damaged in the earthquake.

Another high point of being of service in Haiti was working with the children. In the tent encampments, there were lots of children requesting treatment. Here in the U.S., a child under the age of 18 must have written permission from a parent or guardian in order to have treatment. In Haiti, there are many children and adolescents who have been forced to grow up very quickly since the earthquake.

At first, our team was not sure how to proceed with the children. We did not ask the children regarding the whereabouts of their parents, but we did discover that many of the children were either orphaned, or their parents were off looking for work, and had entrusted their children to friends in the encampment. So we decided to offer the acupuncture protocol to those 14 and older. For the younger children, we used small ear magnets on the points. Some of the children insisted on the needles, and they took to them well.

It was truly a pleasure to work with the children and adolescents. The children were lively, playful, caring of each other, and a great example for some of the adults who were a little skeptical and/or fearful, especially after having had the experiences of loss, sadness, grief and displacement. The adolescents were focused, serious, responsible and curious. They were determined to not let this type of disaster happen to their people again. They loved the acupuncture treatments.

Overall, I cannot rate my service in Haiti as 'fun' or 'horrible.' It was service that I was called to do. It opened my eyes as to the nature of sacred service – joyfully volunteering of time, skill and energy to help others in need – to their benefit, upliftment and fulfillment. It has given even more purpose to and fulfillment in my life.
Doris-Owanda Johnson, L.Ac.
]]> http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry100701-035921 Doris Owanda-Johnson Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:59:21 GMT http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/comments.php?y=10&m=07&entry=entry100701-035921 http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry100701-035738
I asked our host about one tree outside of our apartment window. This tree bore a green, spiny-looking fruit – a bit unsightly by my standards.

“You call that soursop,” he answered in English with a French accent. “They're not quite ready to eat yet; you'll just miss them.”

“OH!! That's soursop? Graviola?” I was shouting with excitement. I'd never really seen in person this wonderful plant that has so many healing properties. I use it in support of patients who are fighting cancer, or have various types of infections.

What followed was a long conversation about this fruit, its medicinal uses, and how Haitians much prefer natural, herbal remedies to conventional medicine. Read on to learn more about the properties of this incredible food-herb-medicine of the Caribbean and South America.

Also known as Graviola, Guanabana, Brazilian Paw Paw or Carossolier, Soursop is a small, upright evergreen tree growing 15-20 feet in height with large dark green and glossy leaves. It is indigenous to most of the warmest tropical areas in South and North America. It produces a large heart-shaped edible fruit that is yellow-green in color, with white flesh. It is antibacterial, antiparasitic, antitumorous, antispasmodic, astringent, cytotoxic, anticancerous, sedative and hypotensive, to name but a few of its properties. All parts of the Graviola tree are used in natural medicine including the bark, leaves, roots, fruit and seeds. Different properties and uses are attributed to the different parts of the tree. Generally the fruit and fruit juice is taken for worms and parasites, to cool fevers, to increase mother's milk after childbirth, and as an astringent for diarrhea and dysentery. The crushed seeds are used internally and externally to expel worms and parasites. The bark, leaves and roots are considered sedative, antispasmodic, hypotensive and antitumorous.

Graviola has a long rich history of use in herbal medicine as well as a long recorded indigenous use. Many bioactive compounds and phytochemicals have been found in Graviola as scientists have been studying its properties since the 1940's. Its many uses in natural medicine have been validated by scientific research.

Several studies by different researchers demonstrated that the bark as well as the leaves had hypotensive, antispasmodic, vasodilator, smooth muscle relaxant and cardiodepressant activities. In a 1976 plant screening program by the National Cancer Institute, the leaves and stem of Graviola showed active cytotoxicity against cancer cells; researchers have been following up on this research ever since.

Soursop/Graviola is amazing medicine. Most recent research shows that it kills certain types of cancer cells as well as or better than certain chemotherapy drugs. But I must say this: if you are not an herbalist or a natural medicine physician, please do not prescribe this or any other herbal remedy to yourself or others. This article is for informational purposes only. It does not give you license to use this as medicine for curative purposes. If you have questions about the use of this as a medicinal herb, contact me at 310-475-8018 or contact your local natural practitioner.

Please enjoy the fruit; you can purchase it in many Caribbean markets. This was just one of the many wonderful foods growing in abundance in Haiti. Huge avocados; the best, sweetest mangoes ever. And delicious soursop. Yummy.

Doris-Owanda Johnson, L.Ac.
]]> http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry100701-035738 Doris Owanda-Johnson Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:57:38 GMT http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/comments.php?y=10&m=07&entry=entry100701-035738 http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry100513-164300

I've been back from Haiti a couple of weeks now. It took a little while to get back in the swing of things - I just seemed to need a lot of sleep! Please stay tuned for more detailed accounts of my journey and work there (wonderful work, I might add). For now, I want you all to know that I am back, healthy and safe, and in full swing.

Peace, blessings, and continued prayer for our brothers and sisters in Haiti.

In Health and In Service,
Doris-Owanda]]> http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry100513-164300 Doris Owanda-Johnson Thu, 13 May 2010 20:43:00 GMT http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/comments.php?y=10&m=05&entry=entry100513-164300 http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry100420-160456

We had a very full day yesterday at HUEH and at home, all of which culminated in a great group meeting over delicious watermelon.

Emmanuel picked us up in an ambulance, and we wound up doing 62 treatments over 3 tents. We talked about adjustments we had to make, especially in terms of communicating the rules to patients - and nurses. We lost a few needles over several very different instances. One man writhed in pain and was washed by a nurse who was unaware of the needles. We recovered only 6 of his needles. Another man, apparently immobile, hopped in his wheelchair and went for a spin outside the tent. He lost one needle.

In the very first tent, there was one man who was very dehydrated and prostrate. His loved one wanted us to give him a treatment. I chose to wait a few minutes until he was a little better hydrated. He expired and his body removed before we finished working that tent. The man's loved one received the treatment in the interim, and I removed her needles as she realized the death of the man, tears gently streaming down her face.

There is definitely a system that has developed at HUEH. Despite the conditions, the nurses are doing their very best under the circumstances of heat, being outdoors, and relatively unsanitary conditions with close proximity of the patients with each other. It truly reminds me of a triage scene from MASH.

Back at the ranch, we are getting along very well. We had a wonderful dinner with Erick.

For today, Erick will take us to Matthew 25 House. Emmanuel and Ronald are unable to accompany us. There is a gas shortage, and they are simply out of gas.

Things are working out, with a few changes here and there. Time to go get ready for today.

Blessings,

Doris-Owanda]]> http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry100420-160456 Doris Owanda-Johnson Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:04:56 GMT http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/comments.php?y=10&m=04&entry=entry100420-160456 http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry100407-143008
Wow, we've had an incredible response so far in raising funds to help me do service work in Haiti!!! I am so grateful to each of you for your generous contribution!

So far, we've raised $1,232 - over 1/3 rd of the $3000 goal has been met!

We are still accepting contributions. You may either send me a check made out to Doris Johnson or Heart & Soul Institute, or if you prefer to make a tax-deductible donation, make your check out to Acupuncturists Without Borders and indicate in the memo line that your contribution is earmarked for my trip to Haiti. Send your contribution to me at Heart & Soul Institute, 1736 Westwood Blvd. #202, LA, 90024. I will make sure it gets sent to AWB, who will in turn send you a tax-deductible receipt.

You may also contribute by participating in the Community Acupuncture Clinics. All proceeds from these clinics will go towards expenses for travel to Haiti.

By popular demand, we are adding another CAC date - Saturday, April 3rd & Saturday, April 10th. Please see the calendar for details on remaining clinics before I leave for Haiti (which, by the way, is Friday, April 16th). The protocol used in the community clinics is the exact same one that we will be using in Haiti. Come and experience this effective yet inexpensive protocol while at the same time contributing to this much needed cause.

Again, I am grateful to each of you for your support.

In Health and In Service,

Doris-Owanda
]]> http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry100407-143008 Doris Owanda-Johnson Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:30:08 GMT http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/comments.php?y=10&m=04&entry=entry100407-143008 http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry091204-143248
In allopathic (conventional medicine) terms, both colds and flu are caused by a virus. Yes, it is true – viruses are everywhere: on surfaces, on skin; we’re exposed through the coughing and sneezing of children (and adults), and so on. By now, we’ve all been educated about hand-washing, keeping our hands and surfaces around us clean, and keeping our noses and faces free of debris. This is all good; it makes perfect sense, for it prevents the virus from entering the body through these orifices, thereby eliminating any chance to proliferate in the body.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and natural medicine view colds and flu with a different kind of twist. Our bodies know that viruses and bacteria are all over the place. As such, the body, through its own intelligence, has an incredible immune system which fights off any and every invasion of virus or bacteria. A strong immune system doesn’t care whether H1N1 has entered the body; it does what it needs to do to neutralize and kill the virus. So the question really becomes: In addition to keeping my hands, etc. clean, how do I keep my immune system strong?

There are several things that everyone - even people with compromised immune systems can do to get strong enough in fending off the flu. By the way, a word about children: They spend the first several years of their life developing their lungs and immune systems, so they have a natural tendency to be more susceptible to childhood diseases, including colds and flu, as they love to play, explore and very actively enjoy their environment. The following information can be very helpful for them to build strong immune systems as well.

1. Get treated with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Acupuncture not only balances the body and relieves pain, but also naturally stimulates the immune system. By using acupuncture in strategic areas along certain meridians, we call on the white blood cells to fight off any viruses, bacteria or other invasions.

2. Eat properly, and especially don’t overeat! It’s time we learn to give our body what it needs, as opposed to what we want it to have. If you eat food that energetically does not agree with your body, it will throw your body out of balance and ultimately compromise your immune system. Too many sweet foods, meats and fats compromise digestion, and this in turn lowers immunity. Prepare foods at home more. Be creative, and eat your vegetables.

3. Drink water! Remember that the human body is comprised of some 70% water. Drinking water will help your body to flush out impurities, viruses and bacteria that don’t belong in your body. This may include fresh water and unsweetened herbal and green teas.

4. Get enough rest. Listen to your body for this. This is the time of year when we naturally crave more rest. It is during rest and sleep cycles that the immune system and organ systems balance themselves – this is when self-healing takes place.

5. Keep stress in check. Studies show that high stress levels can lower immunity. Meditate, do light exercise, release that over which you have no power, love more, forgive more.

6. Stay warm, and protect yourself from wind. In TCM, we believe that the neck area is particularly vulnerable to attacks from wind and cold, resulting in colds and flu. Wearing a scarf can be very helpful in preventing these attacks. Even a thin, fashionable scarf will do!

If you do come down with a cold or any type of flu, acupuncture and herbs, fluids and rest are most important. The more you are able to turn your attention here, the faster you will recover.

Let us know what your thoughts are! Write a note on the blog.

-Doris-Owanda Johnson, L.Ac.
]]> http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry091204-143248 Doris Owanda-Johnson Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:32:48 GMT http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/comments.php?y=09&m=12&entry=entry091204-143248 http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry091204-143022
A few years ago, Mom decided she wanted to go to Laughlin to celebrate her birthday. As her very willing traveling buddy, we loaded up the car on a dry, warm October morning, and hit the highway.

As we headed over the Cajon Pass, we saw flames and smoke emerging from the mountains that lead up to Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear. It was that time of year – wildfire season, and we were happy to be getting away. No soot in our lungs – no way! None of that sense of inhaling fire into our nostrils, as often happens during wildfire season.

It was beautiful and clear in Laughlin, and rather warm – almost hot! Knowing that I needed something food-wise to balance the heat and the general autumn desert climate, I searched the breakfast buffet for the perfect food. Alas, I found it! The pears were sitting in their place along the buffet, swimming in heavy syrup. I filled a cereal bowl with the pears (and a little of the syrup), and gleefully ate them, knowing that this would put everything back in balance.

I had a strong desire to stand in my chair at the buffet and make an announcement to everyone in the restaurant that they should eat pears to avoid respiratory problems, but fought against that urge. I didn’t want my mom to cringe in embarrassment – not on her birthday!

Pears are a sweet, nourishing food – and great medicine for the Lungs! As we find ourselves in the midst of cold & flu “season”, and running on the heels of annual wildfires in Southern California, pears are indeed one of those perfect foods. And they arrive right on time, in abundance to bring balance to lots of ailing lungs this time of year. It is no mistake that it is now pear season!

Whether you choose Bartlett, Bosc, d’Anjou or Asian pears, you are in for a taste treat and great benefits health-wise.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pears are cold in nature, so they will counter symptoms of heat, like fever or yellow phlegm. They help to break up mucus and phlegm in the lungs, and they help to stop cough. While removing toxic mucus, pears also nourish the lungs by adding moisture to the linings of the stomach and lungs. They also benefit digestion by strengthening the stomach and providing fiber for good elimination. The sweet taste of pears makes them very enjoyable, while the slightly sour taste allows for more nourishing and strengthening, and assists in preventing further lung problems.

These qualities make pears a great food-as-medicine for adults and children alike. In fact, try this delicious recipe, used specifically in cooler weather to benefit the lungs:

-8 fresh pears of your choice, peeled (optional), cored and quartered.
-Juice of ½ lemon or lime
-Pinch of salt
-1/2 cup water
-1 cinnamon stick
-1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
-2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
-2 tablespoons honey

Simmer all ingredients on a low flame for about 20 - 30 minutes, or in a medium-sized crock-pot on low for 4-5 hours. Serve with breakfast, as a side dish, or as a dessert.

Enjoy to your health!

-Doris-Owanda Johnson, L.Ac.
]]> http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry091204-143022 Doris Owanda-Johnson Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:30:22 GMT http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/comments.php?y=09&m=12&entry=entry091204-143022 http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry090715-144619
Now, as an herbalist, many people often ask me for an herbal recommendation to address their health problem. Or, they research the internet for an herb in an effort to relieve their symptoms. There are many companies that produce and sell single herbs in many formats to meet the demands of those in the market who are searching to alleviate their symptoms through self-medication: ginkgo for memory, garlic for hypertension, ginseng for energy, ginger for digestion – the list goes on. The truth is, there’s a lot more to herbal medicine than meets the eye, and it is often the use of herbs by non-herbalists that makes herbal medicine subject to scrutiny – or even banning – by the federal government agencies.

Herbal medicine is an important modality used in holistic natural medicine. Over the past 5,000 years, Chinese Herbology in particular has been unique in that it has evolved into an art form all its own. This ancient system has proven time and again to be a powerful therapeutic method. Rather than using single herbs to treat symptoms, in Chinese herbal medicine we use combinations of herbs in order to enhance their actions and effects upon the body. When combined, a unique, synergistic formula is created. This combination increases the benefits of a particular formula, and minimizes any harmful side effects.

Practitioners of Chinese herbal medicine are familiar with most of the 1,800 herbs in the Chinese pharmacopoeia. All of these herbs are classified according to their energetic qualities, functions, and the different organs, meridians, and disharmonies for which they address.
The contents of an herbal formula, to be most effective, will include groups of herbs in different dosages and are used for different purposes. There is a certain hierarchy of herbs that follows:

1) Chief herb – the main herb of the formula that best addresses the patient’s complaint(s).

2) Deputy herb – supports the chief herb, often also addressing secondary signs and symptoms.

3) Assistant herb – supports and reinforces the effects of the other herbs. Moderates or counteracts any harsh properties of other herbs in the formula.

4) Envoy herb – harmonizes, guides and focuses the entire formula on certain meridians or areas of the body.

So, you can see, Chinese herbal medicine entails much more than assigning an herb to alleviate a symptom. This is science and alchemy combined, producing individualized formulae that are worth their weight in gold. We often use Chinese herbal medicine along with acupuncture as complimentary therapeutic modalities, but they may also be used separately with great results. Please contact us 310-475-8018 to set up an appointment for your free Chinese herbal medicine Consultation. Allow this superior system of Herbology to work for you – it is a safe, effective and drug-free way to become well and stay healthy, naturally!

Doris-Owanda Johnson, L.Ac.
]]> http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry090715-144619 Doris Owanda-Johnson Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:46:19 GMT http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/comments.php?y=09&m=07&entry=entry090715-144619 http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry090715-143928
Asthma is really a symptom of a greater, underlying imbalance, caused by one or more of many possible factors, including allergies, various types of digestive problems, kidney-adrenal weakness, and liver/gallbladder disharmony. One of the main roles of natural, holistic medicine is not only to treat the symptoms, but also to discover and treat the underlying cause, the root of the asthma symptoms. Treating the symptoms of asthma is critical, as loss of breath can easily lead to loss of life. In fact, despite the continuing advances in conventional medicine, the mortality rate in the USA from asthma has actually increased in the past two decades. All the more reason to address the root of the problem and prevent re-occurrence of asthma attacks.

There are two basic types of asthma: 1) early-onset allergic type, which is also called extrinsic or atopic asthma, and 2) late-onset type, also known as intrinsic asthma. Early-onset type asthma affects children more and has the following characteristics: it starts in early childhood; it appears to run in families; it is often associated with eczema from birth; individuals have skin reactions to common allergens. Late-onset asthma, happening in adulthood, is often associated with or is a by-product of other diseases such as bronchitis or sinusitis, both of which can also be caused by allergies. Here, adult-onset asthma can often be confused with emphysema, chronic bronchitis or congestive heart failure, all of which have the symptoms of shortness of breath and/or wheezing.

Other factors that can instigate an attack include adrenal disorders, anxiety, temperature changes, exercise, extremes of dryness or humidity, fear, laughing, low blood sugar, and stress.

Good holistic treatment of asthma has several components to it: stopping the attacks and other symptoms, removing stagnation and strengthening affected organ systems, and identifying allergens. Acupuncture truly does a phenomenal job at stopping asthma attacks and relieving symptoms on a long-term basis for both adults and children. Acupuncture, TCM and herbal medicine are also used for gently detoxifying the body and strengthening organ systems. At Heart & Soul Institute, we also provide guidance for diet and proper exercise, both essential components for healthy living, managing the asthma and preventing further attacks. Through acupuncture treatments, nutritional work and herbal medicine, we help patients to uncover allergens and food sensitivities, providing a framework of knowledge for consistently smooth breathing.

Contact us at Heart & Soul Institute:
www.heartandsoulinstitute.com,
or call us at 310-475-8018 with your questions.
We will be happy to help you find the answers.

-Doris-Owanda Johnson, L.Ac.
]]> http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry090715-143928 Doris Owanda-Johnson Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:39:28 GMT http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/comments.php?y=09&m=07&entry=entry090715-143928 http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry090324-121546
Also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or type II diabetes, adult-onset diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and occurs in adults and, increasingly, children and adolescents, who eat a lot of junk foods, fast foods, or rich foods – essentially what has become the Standard American Diet (SAD). As a result these individuals are often overweight.

Type II diabetes differs from type I, or juvenile-onset diabetes. Type I is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells. People with this type of diabetes must take insulin in order to survive.

With type II diabetes, however, the pancreas either is not producing enough insulin, or doesn’t respond to it properly. In this latter case, there is enough insulin, but the effects of a diet rich in fats block its utilization by the body. Eating refined white sugar, other simple sugars and refined foods in general also contribute to diabetes because in excess, these convert to fat in the body. With the utilization of insulin being blocked, the body is unable to metabolize sugar. Too much sugar then enters the blood stream, and is excreted through the kidneys into the urine. This could go on for years before actual physical symptoms begin to occur. These symptoms could include:

- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive sweating
- Excessive hunger
- Infections & inflammations
- Fatigue
- Weight gain

The metabolism of sugar by the body may seem relatively unimportant compared to, say, the beating of the heart or the expansion of the lungs, for example. We have to remember, though, that the proper functioning of the major organs depends completely on precise operation of those systems that seem minor. The heart doesn’t just relentlessly beat because it’s a really big muscle. A healthy heart has healthy arteries, with a network of smaller muscular pumps feeding into the heart. Healthy arteries have healthy blood, and the list goes on.

If left untreated, or if only partially treated (i.e., taking the drugs or supplements but not exercising or modifying the diet), complications involving the circulation will eventually occur. These complications include hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart disease, and neuropathy (numbness, tingling, pain, lack of sensation) in the extremities. Neuropathy precludes easy injury and difficulty healing of extremities, which can result in amputation for diabetics. Neuropathy can also take place in the eyes, causing blurred vision and eventual blindness. Ongoing damage to the kidneys due to diabetes may eventually lead to kidney failure and subsequent dialysis.

Natural, holistic medicine has been used very successfully in the treatment of type II adult-onset diabetes. How? By very simply bringing the body back into balance. The whole person is treated, taking into account the physical, mental, spiritual and environmental aspects of the diabetic’s life.
-Acupuncture opens the channels and allows the blood to start circulating properly again. The immune system is activated through acupuncture, which initiates healing of damaged tissues.
-Herbal medicine and nutritional supplementation will differ for each individual in repairing the circulatory system and rebalancing pancreatic and other digestive functions.
-Lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise) will also differ for each person, but is essential in the treatment of type II diabetes. In fact, when diabetics use holistic medicine for treatment, approximately 80% can eventually stop taking insulin, glucophage, glyburide, metformin and other diabetic medications altogether, and the remaining 20% can reduce their intake, of course with the added support and guidance of the prescribing physician.

Used as a preventive tool, the cycle of diabetes running in the family can stop with this generation. It is a matter of taking control of one’s health and one’s life, and showing that similar responsibility in our communities.


-Doris-Owanda Johnson, L.Ac.
]]> http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry090324-121546 Doris Owanda-Johnson Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:15:46 GMT http://heartandsoulinstitute.com/pblog/comments.php?y=09&m=03&entry=entry090324-121546