Tuesday 2 October 2012

Water Therapy

HYDROTHERAPY “Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.” W. H Auden Hydrotherapy, or water therapy, is an ancient and effective treatment option for a wide range of conditions. In a society in which water is so readily available, it is easy to take for granted the many benefits of this life giving liquid. Even with its accessibility, many of us are living in a state of chronic dehydration, fooling our bodies into thinking there is no water around. Proper hydration is the most important of water’s uses. Dehydration leads to a variety of illnesses and often presents as feelings of anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Advancements in medicine are encouraging however sometimes it pays to go back to the basics. Mother Nature has provided us with the most powerful medicine, one that we can get just by turning on the tap. Being drinkable is only the first of water’s many attributes. Its healing properties have been recognized for centuries, dating back to ancient Greece and public baths. Hippocrates, known as the father of medicine, used water extensively in his practice. Vincent Priessnitz was a farm boy who watched animals use the water of nearby streams to heal their wounds. After years of observation and an accident for which he used water to heal his own broken bones, Priessnitz opened the first hydrotherapy spa. He incorporated many of the beliefs and therapies that are practiced by Naturopathic Doctors today. That was in 1829. The main goal of hydrotherapy is to improve circulation. It therefore, can be used locally to address a specific concern or used systemically to improve overall health. Both internal and external applications of water can be used. By improving circulation, water helps to purify the blood and bring nutrients and oxygen to areas that require healing. Compresses are topical applications that can be either hot or cold. A compress would include applying a hot water bottle to the stomach when experiencing menstrual cramps. The heat helps to relax the muscles, soothing the pain. Ice could be used immediately after a sprain to decrease inflammation. Herbs and castor oil can be used along with the hydrotherapy to intensify the effects. Baths and showers are useful places for hydrotherapy to take place. Alternating the temperature of the water between hot and cold helps to stimulate circulation and can be directed at one specific area or done as a full body treatment. Alternating showers on the chest is a great way to break up congestion. Bathing also has its benefits. A relaxing warm bath can also be detoxifying, especially when Epsom salts or essential oils are added to the water. Constitutional hydrotherapy follows a specific sequence of alternating hot and cold towels to the chest and back. Naturopathic doctors use constitutional hydrotherapy treatments to stimulate the immune system and promote overall health. Although demanding, the treatment is extremely effective for most health concerns. Saunas are another form of hydrotherapy. Infrared saunas use the same energy that is used to warm premature babies and are completely safe. The rays penetrate into the body and stimulate immune cells, metabolism, and perspiration among other things. Perspiration, or sweating, is an important way that our bodies eliminate such toxins as lactic acid and heavy metals. Hydrotherapy can be used to address concerns at all stages of the lifecycle. Doulas and other trained birth professionals use different forms of hydrotherapy to promote easier delivery. Adults and children may benefit from using Neti pots and chest plasters for colds. Warming socks use water to stimulate the immune system and are a remedy for sore throats and other cold symptoms. They involve putting a pair of warm, dry wool socks over a pair of cold, wet cotton socks and going to bed. The water cools the area and causes an increase in blood flow as the body tries to warm it. By adjusting temperatures and time accordingly, hydrotherapy treatments can be used at any age. Think of a time when you have used hydrotherapy to treat an ailment. Soaked in a hot tub to ease muscle tension; put an ice pack on a sore joint; inhaled steam to soothe a cold. What makes water therapy valuable? It’s cheap, it’s easy, it’s painless, it has no side effects, and it can be done at home. Water. It’s perfect medicine. “If there is magic on the planet, it is contained in the water.” –L. Eisley Precaution: Water, like other natural treatments, is extremely safe when used properly. However, some treatments are not recommended for everyone. Please, consult with a knowledgeable licensed health care practitioner before trying any natural treatments, including hydrotherapies.

Love Your Breasts



Love Your Breasts – A Naturopathic Approach

With breast cancer rates on the rise, we have to question what strategies can be implemented to improve breast health and awareness. 

Breast cancer is not only a female concern. Men also have breast tissue and are at risk for developing breast cancer. Although it is a cancer more commonly found in women, men are encouraged to also follow a healthy breast plan.

Research indicates breast cancer rates are as much as three times higher in industrialized nations than in developing nations, suggesting a direct link between breast cancer and dietary, lifestyle, and environmental factors. 

Toxins, which can include anything from plastic residues, pesticides, preservatives, hormones, and medications, are major contributors to all disease, including cancer. The negative impact toxins have on health is related to the cellular mutations they cause. A mutation is what happens when a cell’s DNA (the blueprint for the cell) is damaged. This leads to irregular cell behavior. Normally a cell is regulated by its DNA and its growth and division are tightly controlled. A mutation, however, can influence this control mechanism and lead to abnormal cell division. A cell that has lost control of its division and growth rates can rapidly start dividing and can lead to a tumor (a large group of abnormal cells).

Breasts are particularly sensitive to toxins because of the type of tissue they are made of. The fact is that breast tissue is mostly adipose, consisting of fat cells. Many toxins are fat soluble and therefore tend to accumulate in fatty tissues. Hormones, such as estrogen, are also more active in fat cells. Breast cancer often has a hormonal component, meaning that the cancer cells are stimulated (turned on) by a particular hormone. Excess hormones, other than those that are produced in our bodies, can come from plastics (xenoestrogens) and animal products, among other sources. For these reasons, the risk for mutation in breasts cells is high.

Getting to know your own breasts is the most important strategy in a cancer prevention plan. Self-breast exams are an essential and surprisingly underused tool. Perhaps it’s due to the fact that self-breast exams are not taught in any formal way. It’s difficult to do a breast exam if you’re not sure what you are looking for. Here are some helpful hints on how to complete a thorough exam:

  • The best time to do a self-breast exam for menstruating women is the week after your period. Hormone stimulation is lower during this time and breasts are typically less dense and tender than other times of the month. For men, and for women who are not menstruating, pick a day and be consistent with repeating the exam the same time every month.
  • Breast exams are most easily done in the shower or tub, the water providing some lubrication. A mirror is also essential for general inspection.
  • Keep a breast journal. Photocopy or draw a simple outline of your breasts for each month on which you can indicate anything you’ve found. A breast journal makes it easy to compare changes from month to month.
  • Get to known your breasts, that way you will be more likely to pick up on any changes.

How to complete a self-breast exam:
Step #1 Preparation:
Before beginning, have your breast journal & a pen handy.
Before washing, undress and stand in front of a mirror in which you can see yourself clearly from the waist up.

Step #2 Visual Inspection
Standing with arms at your sides, inspect every inch of each breast, looking for differences between the two, redness, obvious lumps, etc. Little puckers over the skin of the breast are known as “peau d’orange” because they look like the dimples on the skin of an orange. These dimples can be a sign of an abnormality.

Inspect each nipple, noting any discharge, dryness, & color changes. Don’t forget to inspect the underside of each breast, as well as into the armpits. Breast tissue extends further up into the armpit than most people realize.

Standing in front of a mirror, lift your arms above your head. Note if the breasts pull or tucker in any area – which may indicate the breast is attached to the tissue below.

Lean forward by bending at the waist with your arms out straight in front. A healthy breast should fall away from the chest wall. This will be less noticeable in men or women with smaller breasts.

With your hands on your hips squeeze towards your belly button. This helps to distinguish between the chest muscle and breast tissue.

Chart what you notice on your breast map and call your doctor to discuss any changes.

Step #3 Manual Inspection

  Step in the shower/tub and moisten your chest with soap or just water.

Imagine the spokes on a wheel and how they all meet in the center. This is a good image to use when doing a self-breast exam. Using the pads of your fingers (first two or three) start at the outer limits of one breast and move firmly towards the nipple (center of the wheel). Small circles help to cover the area. Continue in this pattern, covering every single inch of breast tissue. Repeat on the other side.



pastedGraphic.pdf pastedGraphic_1.pdf

The most important things to look for are changes in your breasts. It is very common to have cysts and fibrous tissue. These are typically tender to touch and often larger and more tender before a period. Most cysts have smooth, round edges and can be easily distinguished from the rest of the breast tissue. Track any lumps you find in your journal and note any changes month to month. If you are unsure, ask your doctor to perform a breast exam. 

Prevention and early detection are essential to healthy breasts. Do not hesitate to discuss your concerns with your doctor, especially if you notice one or more of the following:
A non tender lump that is new
A change in a pre-existing lump
Swelling or redness
Dimpling, Pulling
Nipple changes, discharge
Pain (outside of premenstrual breast tenderness)

Along with monthly self-breast exams, below are a few suggestions for improving breast health and your awareness of your own breasts. 

  • Dry Skin Brushing
Dry skin brushing involves using a natural bristle brush or loofah. With small circles, cover as much body surface as possible, always moving towards the heart. Start with one leg, at the foot, and work your way up to the waist using the brush in small circles. Repeat on the other leg then do the same for each arm. The same approach is used for as much of your back as you can reach as well as the breasts and abdomen. Remember, the direction of flow is back to the heart, so make sure your strokes are always leading in that way. As the name suggests, perform this exercise when dry – before showering or before bed tend to be convenient times.

This technique improves lymphatic flow – the lymph system acts as the sewer system of the body by picking up toxins and filtering them thru a system of lymph nodes before bringing them back to the heart for general circulation. For people who have had any lymph nodes removed, it dramatically reduces swelling by improving circulation. Use dry skin brushing daily.

  • Infrared Saunas
Along with many other health benefits, infrared saunas increase the elimination of the fat soluble toxins that are more likely to store in breast tissue. The Pear Tree Naturopathic Clinic is equipped with an infrared sauna and they are also available to purchase for home use.

  • Diet
There are several foods that have specific breast health benefits. These include:

FIBER – fiber helps to improve digestive function, which is one of the most important routes of eliminating toxins. Ground flaxseeds are particularly great for breast health as they not only provide a source of fiber but omega 3 and phytoestrogens as well.

Vegetables from the Cruciferous/Brassica Family – these vegetables, which include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and brussel sprouts are nutrient rich. One to note is indole-3-carbinol, a nutrient that improves the body’s ability to breakdown hormones. Due to the sensitive nature of breast tissue to hormones, as well as the fact that many breast cancers are stimulated by hormones, daily servings of these vegetables are recommended. The best way to consume the Brassica vegetables is lightly steamed.

Deep colored fruits and vegetables – rich in antioxidants, these foods protect healthy cells and reduce toxic damage.

  • Healthy Sleep Routine
A healthy sleep routine is generally important for good healthy, but particularly so for breast health. Melatonin, the sleep hormone, is also involved in regulating and balancing hormone levels. Melatonin cycles and levels are commonly abnormal in people with breast cancer. Aim for a regular bedtime, preferably before 10pm when melatonin levels are high. Sleep in total darkness to improve melatonin production.

  • Exercise and Water
As with any naturopathic prevention or treatment plan, body movement and hydration are essential. Make your health a priority by incorporating movement and water into your daily life.

The best cancer prevention plan involves taking responsibility for your health. Implement these suggestions along with monthly self-breast exams to reduce the likelihood of breast disease. For more information on Healthy Breast Programs offered thru The Pear Tree Naturopathic Clinic, please contact Dr. Blake at 1067 Champlain St, Dieppe, 857-1300.