What is Magnetic Therapy?

   

       

 I received my first piece of magnetic jewelry and really felt completely ignorant of its uses, affects and possible benefit for my health. I was immediately impressed by the appearance of the bracelet. I was admittedly skeptical. It is a beautiful piece of jewelry. My particular piece is the Magnetic Bracelet Scalar Energy Healing Power Hearts design. So, I started there in terms of beginning to educate myself. What is a magnetic scalar energy bracelet exactly, even more how can magnetic therapy improve my overall health? 

 Magnetic bracelets are thought to have therapeutic value because of their possible influence over blood flow around the wrist arteries. It is thought that the magnetism emitting from the bracelet increases the electrical conductivity of the blood and increases the amount of ions (atoms that carry electric charges). The ionization process is believed to improve the efficiency of blood flow. Supporters of magnetic bracelets and other types of magnetic therapy maintain the healing powers of magnets can speed up metabolism and produce a less acidic atmosphere in the body. Thereby balancing pH levels to a small degree. The American Cancer Society (ACS) says many proponents of magnets believe cancer cells cannot live in environment where acid is low, so magnetic therapy can therefore stop the spread of tumors. Proponents also maintain magnetic fields can adjust nerve impulses, reduce fatty deposits on artery walls, and even modify the thinking process to boost emotional well-being. Sounds like a win-win to me.

 So what is the therapy? Magnetic therapy is the attempt to improve symptoms and possibly treat illnesses naturally by the application of a magnetic field to the human body. This achieved by the use of therapeutic spot magnets or by the fashionable use of magnetic jewelry. Magnetic therapy is a safe, non-invasive method of applying magnetic fields to the body for therapeutic purposes. It has been found to speed the healing processes and improve quality of sleep without any adverse reactions. Magnetic therapy can be used independently or in conjunction with other treatment. Magnetic therapy has also been found to be very effective for the relief of discomfort due to joint and muscle pain, inflammation and stiffness. Magnetic therapy has been documented all through history. Many experts have noted Chinese medical text dating back 2000 years verifying the use of magnet's on the human body for the treatment of various conditions. More recently, clinical studies conducted in the United States, have shown magnetic therapy to be an effective method of relieving pain and discomfort. Some research has indicated that the application of a magnetic field to an injured area helps to restore the normal electro-magnetic balance, relieving pain and inflammation while promoting accelerated healing. 

 

  Although my experience is with the bracelet only, there are many forms of magnetic therapy that can be used as a means of non invasive relief for certain pains or conditions. Magnetic therapy should not be confused with pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMFT), which is used for bone healing and, more recently, for depression. In PEMFT, instead of a relatively weak static magnet, doctors use a special machine to apply pulses of intense electromagnetic therapy to the affected area to initiate healing.  For bone fractures, the pulses induce electrical signals at a subcellular level that stimulate chemicals in the cells to repair damaged tissue.This therapy dates back to the early 1900s and Nikola Tesla, one of the pioneers in the use of electricity.  With numerous supportive studies published, the medical establishment now widely accepts PEMFT for certain types of bone fracture repair.  PEMFT for pain management, wound healing and depression appears promising, according to medical studies, but this use of PEMFT is generally less accepted by medical practitioners. However, this technique also demonstrates the range is uses for magnetic therapy.

   I want to admit that I have felt a difference since wearing the jewelry. I feel just a bit less sluggish   and a touch more focused. Not certain if fully attributable to the bracelet, or if I'm simply wanting it to be more. I will continue to wear the jewelry in hopes of experiencing some tangible benefit. I'm open to it!

CC

   

  

 

  

Winter Blues and Sun Salutations

    Image courtesy of NutrtionResearch101  

    Winter Blues got you? There is more truth to this phrase than I had previously thought. It has been proven that certain geographical areas suffer a condition titled Seasonal Affective Disorder which as been attributed to the fluctuating swings in mood and disposition based on the climate. This is usually associated with low motivation and even some elements of depression. Why? Because the lack of exposure to Vitamin D (which is found in natural sunlight), can affect us in more ways than just skin tone. A trend of low Vitamin D levels or a Vitamin D deficiency is our reality. This is about health and wellness as a collective group.

   The major source of vitamin D occurs naturally from the sun, so limiting our exposure to it has the biggest impact on vitamin D deficiency. We have all heard about the dangers of skin cancer and the need for sunscreen to protect us from possibly developing this condition. Unfortunately, no one discusses the dangers of NOT getting vitamin D from the sun and ways to compensate for it. Using a sunscreen with SPF of 30 decreases vitamin D synthesis in the skin by more than 95%. Even if you do have access to the sun, the total amount of vitamin D you can produce is affected by the season, time of day, ozone amount, latitude, and number of clouds in the sky.   After investigating and further researching the prevalence of this in our population, it was surprising to discover that this is more common than originally speculated. I have years of studio dance and now currently a Yoga/Pilates aficionado with frequent Zumba use and subsequently now find myself curious about my bone health and the severe stress I may have inflicted on my frame. I also, wanted to discover natural and organic measures to in a sense "re-build" and "maintain" a healthy vitamin D intake through simple organic remedies and more effective habits through nutrition.

        

  Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Calcium is one of the main building blocks of bone. A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone diseases such as Osteoporosis and a Rickets. Vitamin D also has a role in your nerve, muscle and immune systems.  You can get vitamin D in three ways: through your skin, from your diet, and from supplements (not recommend)ed regularly). Your body forms vitamin D naturally after exposure to sunlight.   In humans, the most important compounds in this group are vitamin D3 and vitamin D2. The most common deficiency experienced is from the Vitamin D3.Many of the causes of deficiency include but are not limited to many of the following factors. Most obviously, not consuming the recommended levels of the vitamin over time can be considered most common. However, this is more likely if following a strict vegetarian diet, because most of the natural sources are animal-based, including fish and fish oils, egg yolks, cheese, fortified milk, and beef liver. Another simple fix is limited sunlight exposure. Because the body makes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to the natural sunlight, there may be a risk of deficiency if you are homebound, live in northern latitudes, or have an occupation that prevents sun exposure. Also, deficiencies can be the result of the inability of kidneys to convert vitamin D to its active form. For some, as they age their kidneys are less able to convert vitamin D to its active form, thus increasing their risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Certain medical problems, including Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, and celiac disease, can affect your intestine's ability to absorb vitamin D from the food you eat. This may be associated with other malabsorption type conditions. There are other holistic remedies that can be implemented to aide in the control of this condition.

   There are some creative, natural and enjoyable measures that can be taken in an effort to combat low levels. Outdoor activities are fun, since even as little as up to ten minutes in the sun can serve a benefit health wise. However, the most effective method can be devised through proper nutrition and healthcare and may also be maintained through attention to diet and consumption. Foods that can help contribute to low levels of Vitamin D can be used to aide in combating deficiencies. Mostly the nutrient rich fruits and vegetables needed may be found at the local farmers markets. However, be sure to check seasonal offerings as some may be unattainable.Essential oils do not contain vitamins. Why?Vitamins are either fat/lipid soluble or water soluble. Since essential oils do not contain water or fat/lipid, they would not be able to ‘hold’ vitamins within them and so would not serve as necessary dietary vitamins. Would have really enjoyed sharing the benefits of essential oils, but here are some other great sources of the vitamin.

   Cod liver oil has been a popular supplement for many years and naturally contains very high levels of Vitamin A and D. Caviar is a common ingredient in sushi and more affordable and accessible than you may think. Eggs.In addition to vitamin D, eggs are a good source of vitamin B12 protein. Mushrooms are more than just a high vitamin D food, mushrooms also provide Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) and copper. Lightly cooked white button mushrooms provide the most vitamin D. Fish is the most common source. Various types of fish are high in vitamin D. Typically raw fish contains more vitamin D than cooked, and fatty cuts will contain more than lean cuts. Further, fish canned in oil will have more vitamin D than those canned in water. Raw fish is typically eaten in the form of sushi. Raw Atlantic Herring provides the most vitamin D.

Oysters. In addition to vitamin D, Oysters are a great source of vitamin b12, zinc, iron, manganese, selenium, and copper. Oysters are also high in cholesterol and should be eaten in moderation by people at risk of heart disease or stroke. These are just some and not an exhaustive list of natural sources of Vitamin D.

  As in all things, use moderation and discernment when addressing health and wellness. Sun Salutations

CC