The "Cross Training" Support Program ® was developed by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac as a multi-layered health system for healing. This great resource is for those looking for a sensible and rational easy-to-use guide to the best researched alternative therapies. Developed and referenced from the foremost experts on nutrition, herbs, acupuncture, exercise, homeopathy, healing touch and the metaphysical arts, this program allows one to use an "across the board" methods in health and healing.
The following maladies are all situations that can be helped with Aromatherapy, Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Exercise, Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes, Crystals and/or Homeopathy. These "Complementary Therapies" are the 'cross training program' of Alternative Medicine and is only a jumping point in the healing process. You may access other modalities at the menu bar to the left.
*Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as
diagnosis, treatment, or prescription of any kind. The decision to use, or not to use, any information is the sole responsibility of the reader.
See also diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, weight control.
The heart provides the power we need to live. Arguably the most important muscle we have. In an average lifetime, the heart beats more than two and a half billion times, without ever pausing to rest. The heart supplies the force to circulate blood throughout the body. The blood transports oxygen and nutrient to the cells of the body and carries waste and other substances from the cells. It pumps an average of 6000 quarts of blood daily.
The heart is made up of four chambers. There are two chambers on each side of the heart. One chamber is on the top and one chamber is on the bottom. The two chambers on top are called the atria. The atria fill with the blood returning to the heart from the body and lungs. The heart has a left atrium and a right atrium.
The two bottom chambers are called the ventricles. The heart has a left ventricle and a right ventricle. They pump out blood to the body and lungs. Running down the middle of the heart is a thick wall of muscle called the septum. The septum separates the left and right side of the heart.
The atria fill with blood, then pump it into the ventricles. The ventricles then pump blood out of the heart. While the ventricles are pushing, the atria refill for the next contraction. Four valves control the flow of blood through the chambers.
Two of the heart valves are the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve. They let blood flow from the atria to the ventricles. The other two are called the aortic valve and pulmonary valve. They control the flow as the blood leaves the heart. These valves all work to keep the blood flowing forward. They open up to let the blood move ahead, then they close quickly to keep the blood from flowing backward.
The heart is monitored by two vital statistics; checking the blood pressure and the pulse. Your doctor could also do an Echocardiograph and Electrocardiograph, which are two techniques that provide detailed information about the heart without causing any discomfort to the patient. If these procedures do not provide enough information, exploratory procedures may need to be performed. Cardiac catheterization and angioplasty are two common methods for exploring the heart.
Heart disease is still the number one killer of both men and women. Awareness is the first step. Know your cholesterol, blood pressure and ideal weight. Lower risk factors and prevent early disability, illness or even death from heart disease or stroke.
1. Maintain a Healthy Weight with Exercise Move it! The body was designed to move, so do not be stationary. Incorporate the right amount of cardiovascular aerobic exercise to get your heart pumping and a regular regimen of weight baring exercise and gentle stretching!
2. Eat Heart Health Foods These foods include non meat sources of protein (grains, tofu, nuts), fish, poultry, lean meat (35-60 grams per day), skim or low-fat milk, cottage cheese, margarine , non hydrogenated, that is high in vegetable oils (such as corn, cottonseed, safflower, sunflower, sesame, or soybean). Also onions, garlic, chickpeas, fresh vegetables and fruit.
3. Check Your Cholesterol Cholesterol is a type of fat that is an essential nutrient for your body. High levels of saturated fats can cause an excess of cholesterol to build up in the arteries. Cholesterol is considered abnormal when the Total cholesterol is 200 or higher. HDL or "good" cholesterol level is less than 40. LDL or "bad" cholesterol is more than 160.
4. Maintain A Normal Blood Pressure Range Those with high blood pressure are three times more likely to have a heart attack! The upper (systolic) number represents the pressure while the heart contracts to pump blood to the body. The lower (diastolic) number represents the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats. Blood pressure below 120 over 80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) is considered optimal for adults.
5. Stop Smoking Period! No ifs, ands or butts! Smoking increases the risk of heart disease by raising blood pressure, abnormal blood clotting and hardening of the arteries or Arteriolosclerosis, not to mention lung disease.
6. Control Blood Sugar Levels A normal fasting blood sugar is 100 or less. A fasting blood sugar of 126 or greater indicates diabetes. Overweight and too little exercise is what increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and even blindness.
7. Maintain Lean Body Mass According to The Cleveland Clinic, A BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or more indicates morbid obesity, which increases a person's risk of death from any cause by 50% to 150%.
8. Balance Stress and Emotional Tension The fight or flight reaction to a stressful situation is normal and important. The constant bombardment with stressful, over stimulating situations over time, causes adrenaline levels to rise, becoming chronic and abnormal. This continues pattern promotes hardening of the arteries and the formation of blood clots. Drug use, especially the use of cocaine has been shown to cause heart attacks. Say NO to drugs.
9. Work on Anger Management The "Type A Personality" has been recognized as a definable risk factor. This personality type usually has higher blood pressure, higher blood cholesterol levels and both higher and lower levels of certain hormones.
10. Know Your Family History Although you can't help heredity, you can certainly "be aware" of any risk factors that may have been passed down through your family tree. Especially your immediate family. Below, you will find a list of family medical history questions about heart disease.
Arrhythmias
When a doctor exams the heart, the normal heart sounds, lub and dub, can be heard. Any unusual sounds may also be detected. Heart arrhythmia's and murmurs are two possibilities. An arrhythmia is an irregular pattern of the heart's beat. A murmur indicates that blood is seeping through the closed valve separating the atrium and ventricle. Abnormal heart rhythms originating in the ventricles (ventricular arrhythmias) may greatly interfere with the heart's pumping ability or may cause the heart to stop pumping effectively (cardiac arrest).
Arteriosclerosis
Hardening of the arteries can happen to any artery, but is most serious in those vessels that channel blood to the heart and brain. When vessels to the heart narrow, not only is blood flow to the entire body decreased, but the heart has to work harder as it tries to pump blood through the narrowing passages. The main cause of this is cholesterol or calcium build up in arteries. Symptoms include leg cramps while walking, changes in skin temperature and color, an altered pulse, headaches, dizziness and memory defects. The problem is that symptoms often do not arise until the problem has progressed to a dangerous phase. In fact, more deaths occur in the United States from arterial and degenerative heart disease than from heart attacks.
Congenital Heart Disease
Some times, heart defects can be detected when we are born. This is what's considered a congenital defect.
Congenital Septal Defect
This disorder is being born with a hole in the heart. The fetus has no need for the blood to go to the lung for oxygen therefore, there is a passage between the chambers of the heart. When a child is born, this passage should close up with tissue, if it does not close this condition is called a septal defect.
Congestive Heart Failure
As your heart's pumping action lessens, blood may back up in your lungs, liver, or legs. This can cause shortness of breath, leg swelling (edema), easy fatigue, fluid buildup in abdomen or distention of the veins in the neck. Organs in your body may not get the oxygen and nutrients they need, reducing their ability to function properly, weakening the heart.
Coronary Artery Disease
Normally, the coronary arteries carry oxygen-enriched blood to the heart. In coronary artery disease, fatty deposits or plaque accumulate along the walls of the coronary arteries, obstructing the flow of blood. This inadequate blood supply deprives the heart muscle
of oxygen and damages the heart tissue. On average, men develop it about 10 years earlier than women, because until menopause, women are protected from the disease by high levels of estrogen. However, after menopause, the disease becomes more common among women. Among people
aged 75 and older, a higher proportion of women have the disease, because women live longer. Atherosclerosis is the main cause of CAD.
Heart disease can present with:
#1 sign of Dyspnea
#2 is Angina (angina pectoris) aka: chest pain
as well as: pain, arrhythmias, orthopnea, weakness, fatigue.
Risk factors include: High cholesterol, smoking, genetic pre-disposition, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, hypertension, alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism.
Certain disorders increase the risk of coronary artery disease. They include high levels of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood (hyperhomocysteinemia), diabetes, and low levels of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism). Diabetes greatly increases the risk. Many people with diabetes have high blood pressure, have high cholesterol levels, are obese, and tend to be physically inactive. The cause of death in more than 80% of people with diabetes is a heart or blood vessel
disorder.
Whether infection with certain organisms contributes to the development of coronary artery disease is uncertain. The organisms suspected include Chlamydia pneumoniae (which can cause pneumonia), Helicobacter pylori (which can contribute to stomach ulcers), and a virus (as yet unidentified). Nonetheless, inflammation, whether caused by infection or not, appears to contribute to the development of coronary artery disease. If an atheroma becomes inflamed, it softens and is more likely to rupture, and blood clots are more likely to form.
Endocarditis
either bacterial or viral attack of the inner lining of the heart. Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of the heart's inner lining (endocardium) or the heart valves. This can damage or even destroy your heart valves. Bacterial endocarditis occurs when bacteria in the bloodstream (bacteremia) lodge on abnormal heart valves or other damaged heart tissue. Certain bacteria normally live on parts of your body, such as the mouth and upper respiratory system, the intestinal and urinary tracts, and the skin. Some surgical and dental procedures cause bacteremia. Bacteremia is common after many invasive procedures, but only certain bacteria commonly cause endocarditis. When having a dental or surgical procedure, antibiotics are prescribed to prevent the bacteria from surviving in the bloodstream. The American Heart Association has an endocarditis wallet card to carry. It's also important to maintain good oral health through regular visits to the dentist and regular brushing and flossing.
Enlarged Heart
Enlarging of the heart can be from improper exercise, diet, rheumatic fever or prolonged heart and circulatory disease. Hypertrophy involves an increase in the thickness of the heart muscle. Dilation involves an increase in the size of the inside cavity of a chamber of the heart. Hypertrophy usually occurs in only one chamber while dilation may occur in one, two, three, or all of the chambers, based on the cause. In most cases, cardiac enlargement is abnormal and accompanied by additional cardiovascular problems. An exception to this is regular aerobic exercise, which produces a beneficial enlargement involving both hypertrophy and dilation of the heart.
Mitral Valve Prolapse
This disorder occurs when a valve in the heart does not close properly letting blood to .
Rheumatic Fever- A very involved inflammation stemming from the strep germ which involves the heart and joints. Children and young adults are particularly vulnerable.
Heart attack: Myocardial Infarction (MI)
A blood clot is the most common cause of a blocked coronary artery. Usually, the artery is already partially narrowed by atheromas. An atheroma may rupture or tear, narrowing the artery further and making blockage by a clot more likely. The ruptured atheroma not only
reduces the flow of blood through an artery but also releases substances that make platelets stickier, further encouraging clots to form.
Uncommonly, a heart attack results when a clot forms in the heart itself, breaks away, and lodges in a coronary artery. Another uncommon cause is a spasm of a coronary artery that stops blood flow. Spasms may be caused by drugs. Sometimes the cause is unknown.
Signs and Symptoms present as pain that is crushing, tightness, squeezing, band-like, radiating, cyanosis, sweating, cold, "clenching fist over heart",
pain in the ear, umbilicus, jaw, teeth, back, arm, hand pain (often on the ulnar side), autonomic response of vomiting, nausea or a feeling of impending doom.
About one third of people who have a heart attack do not have chest pain. Such people are more likely to be women, people who are not white, those who are older than 75, those who have heart failure or
diabetes, or those who have had a stroke.
Other symptoms include a feeling of faintness, sudden heavy sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, and a heavy pounding of the heart.
Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) occur in more than 90% of people who have had a heart attack. Immediately and up to a few days after a heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms are a common reason that the
heart cannot pump adequately. Abnormal heart rhythms originating in the ventricles (ventricular arrhythmias) may greatly interfere with the heart's pumping ability or may cause the heart to stop pumping effectively (cardiac arrest). A loss of consciousness or death can result. Sometimes loss of consciousness is the first symptom of a
heart attack.
If you suspect a heart attack, seek emergency medical treatment immediately. Should a heart attack occur, you should go to the emergency room and seek help immediately. Time is of essence. Only examination by a doctor, who will administer an electrocardiogram (EKG) and/or a blood test, can confirm if you are having a heart attack.
The most important thing to do if you think you are having heart attack symptoms:
Dial 911 to call an ambulance or get to a hospital emergency room as quickly as possible so the doctor can examine and treat you.
Crush or chew a full-strength aspirin (swallow with a glass of water) to prevent further blood clotting.
Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Family History
Although you can't help heredity, you can certainly "be aware" of any risk factors that may have been passed down through your family tree. Especially your immediate family. Below, you will find a list of family medical history questions about heart disease.
1. If any members of your immediate family (mother, father, sisters, brothers) developed coronary heart disease (angina or heart attack) at a young age (female under 65 and males under 55) you could have an increased risk.
2. Having coronary heart disease in your family could be linked to an inherited tendency for high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol levels. Alternatively there may be unknown genes causing coronary heart disease which is not related to obvious inherited risk factors.
3. The key known risk factors for coronary heart disease are smoking, a diet high in saturated fat, being overweight, physical inactivity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. They often relate to lifestyle habits that are passed from one generation to the next. But these factors only explain part of the problem.
4. Familial hyperlipidaemia is when high blood cholesterol levels run in your family. It means that you have inherited a faulty gene that affects the way that excess cholesterol is produced by your body. This increases your blood cholesterol level, which increases your risk of atherosclerosis (the narrowing or furring of the coronary arteries). If one parent has the gene then his or her children have a 50:50 chance of inheriting it. If you have been told that you have familial hyperlipidaemia, it is important that you tell other members of your family so that their doctors can measure their blood cholesterol levels and if necessary prescribe drug treatment as well as dietary advice.
Even if it runs in your family, reducing and controlling your risk factors will significantly reduce your risk of developing coronary heart disease. It is very important to tell your doctor or practice nurse if you have a family history of coronary heart disease.
Body Mass Index BMI
According to The Cleveland Clinic, A BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or more indicates morbid obesity, which increases a person's risk of death from any cause by 50% to 150%. BMI is an indirect measure of your body fat, which is a quick way to see if you are overweight. BMI uses a person's weight and height to gauge total body fat.
A BMI of 18.5-24.9 is ideal.
A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is overweight.
A BMI of 30 or more indicates obesity.
A BMI of 40 or more indicates morbid obesity, which increases a person's risk of death.
Calculate your BMI here
Exercise is very important on so many levels. Related to heart health, exercise must be done to:
Increases HDL (the good cholesterol)
Improves function of the immune system
Burns fat
Mobilizes fat
Assist in digestion of foods
Increases energy level
Decreases fatigue
Builds and maintains lean body mass
Helps control appetite
Improves oxygen delivery to the cells
Increases blood supply
Improves exercise endurance and recovery
Improves sleep
Improves ability to cope with stress
Helps relieve depression, tension, and anxiety
Increases muscle strength
Increases muscle and joint flexibility
Increases strength of bones and connective tissues
Exercise should include cardiovascular aerobic activity 3- 4 times weekly. Weight baring exercise for 30 minutes to strengthen and maintain bone and muscle mass.
Exercise that promotes endurance (aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, bicycling, and jogging) or muscle strength (resistance training with free weights or weight machines) helps prevent coronary artery disease. People who are out of shape or who have not exercised in a long time should consult their doctor before they start an exercise program.
Your doctor can provide a safe and effective exercise plan based on your degree of heart disease and how well you do on tests that check the strength and function of your heart. DO NOT exercise on days that your weight has gone up from fluid retention (edema) or you are not feeling well.
Herbal medicine is a wonderful preventative solution. Complications can arise when taking herbal medicine and allopathic drugs your doctor has prescribed. Great caution should be used especially if you are on blood thinners, diuretics or any other heart related medication. Consult your doctor with any questions you may have, before taking additional herbs or supplements.
Blessed Thistle: Strengthens the heart.
Capsicum: Blood pressure and health of blood vessels, Capsicum stimulants circulation, enhances blood flow and is considered to be food for the circulatory system. Capsicum assists in lowering blood pressure and breaking down cholesterol buildup.
Cayenne Pepper is renowned, not only for healing the entire digestive system, and for arthritic pain relief, but also for the heart and circulatory system. It acts as a catalyst and increases the effectiveness of other herbs when used with them. Cayenne has been known to stop heart attacks within 30 seconds. Cayenne has a high source of Vitamins A & C, has the complete B complexes, and is very rich in organic calcium and potassium, which is one of the reasons it is good for the heart. Consider the synergy of taking both cayenne and Hawthorne berry together.
Cornsilk: Natural diuretic.
Garlic: A rich source of potassium, zinc, selenium, vitamin A and Vitamin C, is commonly used to fight infection, increase circulation and help prevent cardiovascular disease. Consider eating raw Garlic every day; since it is a very effective antifungal agent, or use it in tincture form. Research has shown that garlic is an anti-cholesterol remedy and is recommended for heart and circulatory problems. This is a wonderful natural antibiotic and detoxifier which protects the body against infection by enhancing immune function, as well.
Goldenseal: Berberine, an active ingredient of goldenseal, can dilate blood vessels. Therefore, it may prove useful in the treatment of certain causes of both irregular heartbeat and heart failure.
Gotu Kola: Strengthens the heart and helps lower blood pressure.
Hawthorn Berry: a member of the rose family, was recognized by physicians in the early 1800s for its ability to treat disorders related to circulation and respiration (breathing). Considered a "cardiotonic" herb, the flowers and berries of the hawthorn plant have been used in traditional medicine to treat irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, chest pain, atherosclerosis, and congestive heart failure. Hawthorn berries contain large amounts of bioflavonoids, which help dilate and strengthen the walls of blood vessels, relax arteries, and improve circulation of blood to heart muscles. studies suggest that Hawthorn berry extract improves heart function and exercise capacity in those with CHF. Participants in research trials also report significantly improved symptoms (like reduced shortness of breath and fatigue). Hawthorn extract may even prove to be as effective as low doses of ACE inhibitors (a leading class of heart medication) in improving symptoms of congestive heart failure. Hawthorne must be taken daily to be affective.
Kelp: Helps to clean and maintain the arteries.
Mistletoe: Used as a cardiac tonic to stimulate circulation, reduce blood pressure and arteriosclerosis and strengthen capillary walls. Constricts blood vessels and stimulates heart beat.
Motherwort: Improves blood flow circulation and reduces heart blood pressure and palpitations.
Myrrh: Quickens the hearts action.
Olive Leaf Extract: Naturally support the circulatory and immune systems.
Rosemary: Is considered a heart tonic.
Herbal tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts of the medicinal properties of herbs. Tinctures represent one of many different ways to prepare and use herbs. The terms tincture and extract are often used interchangeably.
Shake the tincture bottle well. As a dietary supplement, place 1 to 3 droppers under the tongue, or in juice or water as needed, 2-3 times a day.
Blood Purifier: Pau D' Arco, Red Clover, Yellow Dock, Burdock, Sarsaparilla, Dandelion, Cascara Sagada & Buckthorn.
Circulation Support: Hawthorn berries, Ginger, Angelica, Bayberry Bark, Hyssop, Prickley Ash bark, Cloves, Cayenne.
Heart Support: Hawthorne Berry, Motherwort, Comphrey root, Ginger, Tienchi Ginseng, Horsetail.
Echinacea & Goldenseal: Echinacea & Goldenseal.
In a stainless steel pot, boil desired amount of water. The moment it boils turn the heat off. Add the following herbs in an infuser, muslin bag or tea ball for a single cup or add one-three teaspoons of herbs per cup for larger amounts. Allow the herbs to infuse for up to 5 minutes. Drink 3-4 cups a day. For flavor-add lemon and sweeten with Stevia or organic honey. These herbs are helpful for gently cleanses, purifying, detoxing, anti-inflammatory. This powerful formula will help remove accumulated toxins in the body. Strong antioxidant, cleanses the colon and stimulates circulation.
Heart Tea - For those who like to keep their heart strong. Dilates the coronary blood vessels, helps lower cholesterol, and restores the heart muscle. Also good for bacterial infections, bladder, kidney, and prostate disorders. Nettle, Red Clover, Alfalfa, Hawthorn Berry, Siberian Ginseng, Fo-Ti, Gingko, Clove, Dang Gui.
Stop Smoking Tea - Reduces cravings for nicotine. Helps with balance and food cravings. Clears congestion, has a mild antiseptic and reduces swelling by helping to reduce blood flow. Spearmint, Lobelia, Kudzu, St. John's Wort, Peppermint, Marshmallow Root, Mullen, Licorice Root, Stevia, Clove, Eucalyptus, Orange Peel.
Aromatherapy can help sooth the heart, calm the nerves and slow a rapid pulse. As always prevention is the key. Maintaining the condition of our heart is important, no matter if you are working with a healthy
heart or have had a stroke, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure...aromatherapy can help! Helpful, are essential oils of Clary Sage, Bergamot, Geranium, Ginger, Lemongrass, Neroli, Rose and Rosemary and are all beneficial for the heart.
You can find essential oil remedy recipes by clicking here.
Bergamot: helps soothe frustration and anger. This citrus oil helps those regain self confidence, who have lost it and uplifts and refreshes the Spirit. Bergamot has a reputation that evokes joy and warms the heart.
Clary Sage: The heart-shaped leaves of Clary Sage is considered an antispasmodic oil, can decrease heart rate and is considered mildly hypotensive.
Geranium: The fuzzy heart-shaped leaves of Geranium may also be an indicator that this fragrant oil is used to improve the circulatory system. Geranium is also known to soothe and agitated heart.
Ginger: This rich, spicy oil so often used for nausea also helps normalize blood pressure either by raises blood pressure by restricting external blood flow, or lowers it by dilating surface blood vessels.
Lemongrass:
This oil contains five different compounds that inhibit blood clotting.
Neroli: Studies show that just inhaling Neroli can lower high blood pressure. Stress-related heart problems respond well to this fruity oil.
Rose: A gentle Heart tonifier, Rose's psychological properties play mostly upon it effects on the mind. The mind, which is the center of our emotional being, extends it's energy to the heart. Rose oil calms, nourishes and supports the heart and helps restore a sense of well being. Rose oil can be very beneficial in helping with anxiety, palpitations and insomnia. The compassion of the Rose is seen through it's ability to heal emotional wounds. When loss, rejection or sorrow has injured our capacity for nurturing and self love, Rose oil brings a sweet and gentle comfort, binding the "heart strings" from the Heart to the Mind.
Rosemary: Studies show that this oil improves general circulation.
Utilize these blends of essential oils 3 times a day, morning, afternoon and night:
Angel's Mist Heart/Circulation Rub Remedy Blend
Angel's Mist Heart Massage Remedy Blend
Angel's Mist Heart Inhalant Remedy Blend
The mysterious and amazing healing power of water has been utilized for centuries. Water cleanses, refreshes and restores all life. We are always drawn to water. Be it a soothing fountain or majestic waterfall. Water is a carrier. It flows. It moves along the line of least resistance to find its way to the ocean where comes and goes in the ebb and flow of tides and waves. The appeal is inexplicable! We crave water, maybe because our bodies are made up of a large percent of it. Maybe beacuse we instinctively know how it can heal us.
Hydrotherapy is the use of water in any form, in the treatment of dis-ease. Hydrotherapy was used by the ancient Greek physicians. The use of baths for such purposes as well as for religious purification, personal cleanliness, and private or social relaxation dates from at least the time of ancient Greece. A German, Vincenz Priessnitz, popularized the use of spas in Germany and elsewhere in Europe, where they are still popular today.
Hydrotherapy has a number of uses. Warm water will relax spasm; thus, hydrotherapy has been useful in treating such conditions as muscular strains and sprains, muscular fatigue, and backache. Heat is often used in conjunction with massage or other manipulative or stimulative treatments, such as the whirlpool bath.
Water is also useful in physical therapy because patients who exercise in a buoyant medium can move weak parts of their bodies without contending with the strong force of gravity.
One randomized controlled study suggests repeated sauna treatment may reduce the risk of arrhythmias. Another randomized trial suggests this therapy may improve heart failure-related symptoms and heart rate response to exercise. However, some studies report no benefits. Further well-designed research is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
This medical system uses infinitesimal doses of natural substances to stimulate a person's immune system and body's natural defenses. Homeopathic remedies are named for the plant or animal ingredients they are made from. Homeopathy not only offers relief from temporary disorders but, can provide long term healing of a person due to its individual and "wholistic" approach. This often leads to a complete recovery from the dis-ease, as well as, providing an improved understanding of the patient's situation. This type of healing makes it easier and possible to avoid recurrence or relapses in the future and homeopathy stimulates the body's natural defense system by reestablishing normal immune system and cell functioning.
As an Adjunct Therapy:
Aconitum napellus: Useful when you are anxious and impatient. You imagine the worst happening. You feel that a strong pain envelops the heart and left arm. The problem is worse at night and when you are warm, and feel better with rest and fresh air.
Argentum nitticum: Useful when you are impulsive and fearful. Chest pain is stronger at night, after eating and with stress.
Baryta carbonica: Useful when you are suffering from hypertension, palpitations and confusion, made worse with exposure to dampness or cold.
Cactus grandiflorus: When you are sad and in great pain. The pain seems to be "squeezing" the chest, making it difficult to breathe. You feel worse around noon and with exertion, but better with fresh air.
Crataegus: Is a general remedy that helps regulate the heart.
Water should be a very important part of any nutritional program. Distilled water is best. 6-8 8 ounces per day. Water allows for the cleansing and free flow in the system.
Aspirin Therapy can help prevent a heart attack or clot-related stroke by lowering the clotting action of the blood's platelets.
Long term use of aspirin may also cause unwanted side effects, such as stomach bleeding, bleeding in the brain, kidney failure, and other kinds of strokes.
There may be a benefit to daily aspirin use if you have some kind of heart or blood vessel disease, or if you have evidence of poor blood flow to the brain. Consult your doctor before you begin any aspirin therapy regimen.
Decrease coffee and other beverages that contain caffeine. Try one (great) cup of coffee a day, instead of four.
Dietary control over high fat, high cholesterol and high saturated fat intake.
Consider the Full Spectrum Diet, which includes: phytochemicals (5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables daily), 30grams of fiber, flavinoids (found in red and purple grapes, red wine and black tea).
Vitamins C, E, B12 and Folic acid.
A diet high in fish oils (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) decreases risk. Omega-3 fatty acids help lower cholesterol, may help reduce the risk of irregular heart rhythms and may also improve certain factors, like high blood pressure.
Carnitine or L-carnitine supplements may reduce your chances of developing heart failure after a heart attack and improve exercise capacity if you already have heart disease. Carnitine is a nutrient that helps the body convert fatty acids into energy. This energy, in turn, is used primarily for muscular activities throughout the body.
CoQ10 seems to encourage energy production helping enzymes release energy in every cell, stimulates immune system function, improves heart function, enhances the production of cellular energy, and is a powerful antioxidant. CoQ10 moves energy throughout the body, increasing the efficiency of cellular metabolism, regulates the heart beat and keeps oxygen in cells longer. Levels of CoQ10 are low in people with heart disease. Several research studies suggest that CoQ10 supplements can help reduce swelling in the legs, enhance breathing by reducing fluid in the lungs, and increase exercise capacity.
Creatine is a naturally occurring amino acid (protein building block) found mainly in muscles. Fifty percent of creatine in our bodies is ingested through the foods we eat while the other 50% is made in the liver, kidney, and pancreas. In a few studies of people with congestive heart failure, those who took creatine (in addition to standard medical care) had significant improvement in symptoms and exercise capacity compared to those who received placebo.
Limiting the amount of fat to no more than 25 to 35% of daily calories is recommended to promote good health. However, some experts believe that fat must be limited to 10% of daily calories to reduce
the risk of coronary artery disease.
A low-fat diet also helps lower high total and LDL (the bad) cholesterol levels, another risk factor
for coronary artery disease.
The type of fat consumed is important. There are three types: saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated.
Saturated fats are
found in meats, non-skim dairy products, and artificially
hydrogenated vegetable oils. The more solid the product, the higher the proportion of saturated fats.
Monounsaturated fats are found in
olive oil and canola oil.
Polyunsaturated fats include omega-3 fats,
contained in deep-sea fatty fish (such as mackerel, salmon, and tuna), and omega-6 fats, contained in vegetable oils. The ideal combination of types of fats is unknown. However, a diet high in saturated fats is known to promote coronary artery disease, and a diet high in monounsaturated or omega-3 fats is less likely to do so.
Therefore, eating fish regularly is recommended.
A high-fiber diet is also recommended. There are two kinds of fiber.
Soluble fiber (which dissolves in liquid) is found in oat bran, oatmeal, beans, peas, rice bran, barley, citrus fruits, strawberries, and apple pulp. It helps lower high cholesterol levels. It may
decrease or stabilize high blood sugar levels and increase low insulin levels. Therefore, soluble fiber may help people with diabetes reduce their risk of coronary artery disease.
Insoluble fiber (which does not dissolve in liquid) is found in most grains and grain products and in fruits and vegetables such as apple skin, cabbage,
beets, carrots, brussels sprouts, turnips, and cauliflower. It helps with digestive function. However, eating too much fiber can interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals.
Eating soy products, such as tofu and tempeh, also seems to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.
Pure Energy Smoothie with Green Powder contains Soy Protein Powder, Bee Pollen Powder, Psyllium Husks, Lecithin Powder, Chlorella, Spirulina, Klamath Blue Green Algae, Barley Grass, Wheat Grass, Alfalfa, Kelp, Acidophilus, and American Ginseng. Just add 1 tablespoon powder to your favorite juice for a delicious and nutritious high energy start to your day.
Commonly reported benefits of using our Smoothies include:
• All day energy
• Greater focus under stress
• Sense of well-being
• Strengthened immune system
• Fewer food cravings
• Optimum synergistic balance of essential nutrients for total health.
Increase soluble fiber One teaspoon to one tablespoon of soluble fiber containing guar gum, psyllium husks, flaxseeds or pectin and can be mixed in an 8 oz glass of water two times per day on an empty stomach.
Stevia is a natural sweetener, with no side effects that should be used instead of sugar, which adds a perfect breeding ground for yeast growth.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
is the oldest, continually practiced, and professionally administered health care system in the world. It is a documented medical system spanning over 2,500 years based on comprehensive philosophies, rational theories, clinically tested and empirically verified by over 100 generations of highly educated practitioners. Chinese Medicine is a total system of internal medicine which is comprised of a diagnostic procedure based on signs, symptoms and treatment styles including acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercise, diet and meditation. It’s foundation is based on the principles of balance; the interdependent relationship of Yin and Yang. Through this balance, health is achieved and maintained.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the heart is the Emperor of the human body. The heart corresponds to the emotion of joy. Regular expressions of joy and creativity are important for a healthy and functioning heart.
The Heart is looked at as the dominant organ for mental activity. It is believed that all information is preserved and processed through the heart.
Loving or unloving emotions are centered in the heart. When a person has a heart attack the pain often extends along the arms. This indicates that both on a physical and emotional level the heart, arms and hands are linked. The contact point for the heart is the palms of the hands. The Heart Channel runs along the inside of the arms.
When the emotions become imbalanced, the Spirit can become agitated; once the Spirit becomes agitated, the whole heart system goes out of balance.
As poetic as this is, true physical signs of agitation, insomnia, anxiety and the inability to feel joy, can occur. Chest pain, heart palpitations, an irregular heart beat, excessive dreaming, poor long-term memory, as well as, psychological disorders are complications a heart imbalance.
The heart is said to house the Spirit, otherwise considered The Shen, in TCM. The Shen refers to the function of processing all incoming sensory and intuitive information and supervising the body/mind reaction to it; associated with the heart.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine are effective therapies for heart health. Acupuncture treatments work with herbs to stimulate the immune response, clear excess heat and rebalance the body’s energy. The above dietary suggestions are suggested, as well as, balancing unsettled emotions, which TCM sees as a source of illness.
Herbal formulations are given internally to treat palpitations, an irregular heart beat, excessive dreaming and poor long-term memory.
Visit Your TCM practitioner for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
There is an emotional aspect to every illness. Often times, it is the emotional thoughts or "excess emotions" that will lead to illness.
The romantic view of the human heart invokes love transending all obstacles and unconditional love that truly expands the boundaries of the human heart. When romantic philosophy speaks of the heart, it speaks of things that lie at the very center of what it means to be human.
The following therapies are utilized for calming the mind, help with stress relief and focuses on our mental powers over any situation. The ability to balance your emotional, mental, physical and spiritual self is up to you. Here are some suggestions:
|
Open Your Heart!
-
Harvest Unconditional Love...
love that does not judge, but embraces.
-
Positive Emotions and Attitudes
reduce stress and promote a healthy heart.
-
Be Humble:
Be Loving and Compassionate to all Mankind.
-
Do things in a casual way:
Speak softly. Avoid anger. Indulge in whole-hearted laughter.
|
What is your experience with this disorder? Sharing your own experiences often helps others. We'd love to know in the
Peacefulmind Community
Stress reduction is very important in heart disease. This is a situation that must be addressed. Stress related issues are responsive to counseling and to a wide variety of psychotherapies. During the past several decades, there has been an increasing enthusiasm for focused, time-limited therapies that address ways of coping with stress and it's symptoms directly, rather than exploring unconscious conflict or other personal vulnerabilities.
Yoga poses can be good alternatives to "traditional" health remedies because they relax the body and mind, improve circulation and respiration, reduce tension and help the body through it's healing process.
Breath Work:
The Yogic breath exercise can be done without instruction, without danger, and with a good chance that your discomfort and stressful feelings will be reduced. Relaxation Breath is the most powerful tool for stress management.
Sit up, with your back straight in any position.
Place your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth and keep it there throughout the exercise.
Exhale completely through your mouth.
Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
Hold your breath for a count of seven.
Exhale completely through your mouth, to a count of eight. Repeat this cycle three more times for a total of four breaths. Try to do this breathing exercise at least twice a day. You can repeat the whole sequence as often as you wish, but don't do it more than four breaths at one time for the first month of practice. This exercise is fairly intense and has a profound effect on the nervous system.
Deep Diaphram Breath
Sit with your legs crossed in a comfortable position. Breathe slowly and evenly from your diaphragm, through your nose. Fill your lower abdomen, lungs, then chest with air. Hold for a four count then slowly exhale the air out from your chest, lungs, then lower abdomen. Repeat 3 or 4 times. That's it! Just allow your shoulders to drop and your face relax as you breath, deep.
Yogic asanas such as vakrasana, bhujangasana, shalabhasana, halasana, paschimottanasana, sarvangasana and shavasana and pranayamas like kapalbhati, anuloma-viloma and bhastrika are highly beneficial in the treatment of depression.
Also consider Cat, Cobra, Laying Down Twist, Simple Invertion...
Meditation is a time-honored technique that can take you into infinite dimensions of consciousness. One major principle to meditation is in the ability to completely quiet your mind. Quieting the mind comes as a result of meditating over a long period of time, but any time you are looking within, you are meditating.
There are many meditation methods. Some are passive and others are active -- not in the physical sense, but in the sense that you actually do something during meditation. Meditators learn to focus their awareness and direct it onto an object: the breath, a phrase or word: a mantra, repeated silently, a memorized inspirational phrase, an image in the mind's eye. Researchers have documented immediate benefits in terms of lowered blood pressure, decreased heart and respiratory rate, increased blood flow, and other measurable signs of the relaxation response.
Meditation will calm an agitated mind, creating optimal physical and mental health, undo our sense of separateness, which is the common root of fear and misery, unify consciousness, putting us in touch with our higher self and connect us to higher consciousness. Meditation restructures the mind, allowing us to achieve our full potential as human beings.
Fold your hands gently in your lap and close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths. Then just sit. If you have never meditated before, you will probably feel as if your mind is full of thoughts. Don't try to stop the thoughts, just watch them. Imagine that you are on the bank of a river and that your thoughts are the river going by. Don't try to stop the river, just watch it. Within a week, you will see the river begin to slow down. You may become impatient, or even bored. That's okay. If you find yourself complaining, just watch the thoughts pass by. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes. You may find that you fall asleep because you are so relaxed. That's good because, in many ways, you have begun to let go. Continue at this pace and each day allow just alittle more time for yourself to meditate. Doing this allows you to relax and forget about time.
Consider the amazing power of the Deluxe Meditation Kit . Whether for meditation, quiet reflection or for creating a peaceful environment to be yours, the opportunity awaits those ready to explore the world of meditation!
When you are balanced, you can more effectively fight dis-ease, rid your system of toxins, as well as, negative patterns. You can achieve balance through the vibrational remedy and application of color. Color inteacts with the human energy system in a unique way to stablize physical, emotional, mental and spiritual conditions.
Light Therapy
Light therapy is now used for medical conditions, such as seasonal affective disorder. The most common method, called bright-light therapy, requires that patients sit near a special light box fitted with high-intensity, full-spectrum or white light bulbs. UV irradiation is also used to repigment skin affected by the autoimmune disorder vitiligo.
A research review commissioned by the American Psychiatric Association in Washington, D.C., concludes that in trials, daily exposure to bright light is about as effective as antidepressant drugs in quelling seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or winter depression, and other forms of depression.
Violet - This energy has the most intense electrochemical power. With this energy we have the gift and the possibilities that reach far beyond the physical plane. Violet is beneficial in the treatment of nervous and emotional disturbances, arthritis, acute cases of consumption and insomnia.
Green - is governed by the Heart Chakra. Green is the harmonizing, balancing energy. It has strong influences on the heart and blood supply. Green has much to do with the way you feel about yourself. It is associated with abundance and giving. It's strong tie to nature is very important in order to be balanced, peaceful, harmonious.
Red - works in just the opposite way. Red stimulates the heart, raises blood pressure and improves circulation.
Determine what color you need. Learn more about your personal Color Therapy Analysis.
Vibrational medicine, which validates that everything in the universe is in a state of vibration and the frequency at which an object or person most naturally vibrates is called resonance. The chakras, bones, and organs in the body all possess a different resonant frequency. When an organ or part of the body is vibrating out of tune or nonharmoniously, it is called "dis ease" or disease. A body is in a healthy state of being when each cell, each organ creates a resonance that is in harmony with the whole being.
Music is a powerful tool that can be used in so many ways. It has been proven that the type of music that makes a person relax or become receptive is not any one kind. It all depends on the individual and their affinity with it.
Healing Music is recommended for lifting the spirits and calming the centeral nervous system.
The power of your mind and your belief system has everything to do with the condition, the speed and the way that you heal.
* Our Belief System is one of the major factors that can get us through situations or can cause our life to crumble around us! I do believe that there is a lot of innate goodness and balancing our minds do subconsciously to get us through hard times. The other portion of this is how we "program" ourselves to deal with any given situation.
* Our self-confidence and self-love are often the key to opening and strengthening this portion of our thoughts which in turn emanates from ourselves!
* Energy follows thought. Program thought to be positive and your energy will reflect it!
* Really appreciating what we DO have as opposed to what we would like to have, sometimes makes a signifcant difference. This is always an important element in healing that is often neglected.
Crystals have both piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties. This means that the polarities of the crystal will change when subjected to pressure or heat (even body heat from the hands). This will radiate energy from the crystal due to this reversal of polarities. It provides the transfer, storage and transformation of energy.
Offering a balanced energy field, energy modification, amplifies both energy and thought, clarity in thinking, and harmony and alignment with the chakra energy areas.
The Heart Chakra, 4th chakra, is a vast network of energy centered in the chest. The Complete Chakra Kit stimulates the seven main energy sources which govern all the major organs and psychologically alters and clears the body's energy in order to allow healing to take place.
Heart Health
Rose Quartz, Rhodonite, Rhodochrosite, Iolite, Aventurine, Peridot
Andrew Pacholyk has an extensive background in biomedical science and clinical training. Andrew has done massage, yoga and music therapy for over 15 years and brings his experience as an Acupuncturist and Herbalist to such health facilities as diverse as St. Vincent’s Hospital, The Body Center, New York Health Club, The Grand Meridian and his private practice, ProAcuMed Inc. in New York City. Andrew offers a safe and effective method with his diverse knowledge of the healing arts. Andrew is licensed in the State of New York and is accredited and certified by the National Boards in both Acupuncture and Herbology.
The Misson/Vision:
Andrew offers a unique and personal path in developing, understanding and incorporating the power of our belief system and your own inner wisdom in the healing process. Andrew works with:
* Functional and Orthopedic Testing
* Acupuncture and Massage Therapy
* Nutrition, Herbal and Chinese Botanicals
* Cupping, Moxabustion, Electrostimulation
* Mind Medicine, Belief Systems, Emotional Healing
Call Andrew at his office, ProAcuMed at 917 843 3623 or by email Make An Appointment NOW with Andrew
1. Medical Information Department January, 2005, The British Heart Foundation: http://www.bhf.org.uk
2. The American Heart Association: http://www.americanheart.org
3. Natural Standard: An organization that produces scientifically based reviews of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) topics
4. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): A division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services dedicated to research
5. Matthew McKay, Ph.D., Martha Davis, Ph.D. and Patrick Fanning, Thoughts and Feelings: Taking Control of Your Moods and Your Life, 2nd Edition
5. Raj BA, Sheehan DV (2001). Social anxiety disorder. Medical Clinics of North America, 85(3): 711–733.
8. Holistic Health Online at http://www.holistic-online.com
1. A Modern Herbal www.botanical.com
2. Balch, James F. M.D., Balch, Phyllis A., C.N.C., Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 1990
3.Barolet, Randall Bensky, Dan, Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies; ed.; Eastland Press, Seattle, c1990.
4.Birren F. (1967) Color Psychology and Color Therapy. New Hyde park, N.Y., University Books
5.Boericke, William M.D., Materia Medica with Repertory, 1927, Boericke & Runyon
6. Chevallier, Andrew, The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants, 1996, Dorlilng Kindersley Limited
7.Balch M.D., J. and Balch C.N.C, P. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 2nd Ed. New York, U.S.A: Avery Publishing Group, 1997.
8. Dewey, W.A. Practical Homeopathic Therapeutics. New Delhi, India: Jain Publising Co
9. Gibson DM. First Aid Homeopathy. The British Homeopathic Association. London, England
10. Duke, J.A. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985
11. Duke, James A. Dr., The Green Pharmacy
12. Habif TP, et al. (2001). Acne. In Skin Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment, pp. 72–83. St. Louis: Mosby
13. Hahnemann, Samuel. Organon of the Medical Art. 6th ed. Edited and annotated by Wenda B. O’Reilly. Redmond, Washington, 1996.
14. Health Library, The: http://healthlibrary.com/reading/ncure
15. Kaptchuk, Ted; The Web That Has No Weaver; Congdon and Weed, Inc., New York, c1983.
16. Lawless, Julia. "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils". Rockport, MA: Element Books, Inc., 1995.
17. Merck Manual, Home Edition, 2000
18. Mills, Simon Y., The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism
19. Mindell, Earl, Earl Mindell's Herb Bible
20. Mother Nature's Herbal Encyclopedia www.mothernature.com
21. Murray and Pizzano, Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine
22. Myss, Caroline Ph.D. “Anatomy of the Spirit”, Three Rivers Press (August 26, 1997)
23. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): A division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services dedicated to research.
24. Shealy, Norman C., The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Natural Remedies
25. TCM: tcm.health-info.org/
26. The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed., New York: McGraw-Hill, 1996
27. Tierra, Michael, Planetary Herbology
28. Tierra, Michael, Lust, John, The Natural Remedy Bible
29. World Health Organization (WHO), http://www.who.int/en
What is your experience with alternative and complementary medicine? Sharing your own experiences often helps others. We'd love to know in the
Peacefulmind Community.
View Shopping Cart/Checkout
Questions? Comments! Order Help? Please Contact Andrew
ProAcuMed Inc.
"Purveyors of Healthy Qi"
buy online or order
over the phone
917 843 3623 tel
