Why holistic health?

We are all somewhat intimidated by what we don't understand fully, but there is truly no need to be afraid of considering a holistic approach to your health. Holistic should be spelled " wholistic" as it is simply a term referring to care of the whole person; Body. Mind. And spirit. At The Re:Balance Center, we have many services and pharmaceutical grade, natural, herbal products to offer, so after a session with one of our Health Coaches, a wellness program can be designed to best meet your unique wellness goals and needs.

Your program may include continued health coaching, 1:1 or in a group setting; its YOUR program, so YOU choose what's right for you.  Perhaps the Photon Genius Light Energy Sauna is a great place to start. By now, most people are familiar with the benefits of infrared sauna therapy, and the Photon Genius incorporates that with Harmonic Tube Technology and Energy Frequency for healing many facets of our health and well being, and it's safe and effective for everyone!  Yes, everyone.  Your wellness program may include massage therapy, Reiki, the Chi machine, biofeedback training for stress management, colon hydrotherapy, juice detox programs, supplements,  and/ or  other services and products.  The holistic approach to our wellness programs is as unique as the individuals we serve. 

Give us a call or come on in to take a tour of our new center,  and let's get started!

Are you full of sh#t?

We came across this article by Dr. Sonya and had to share it. 

I woke up this morning and realized I am full of sh#t.  And guess what?  You might be too!  I watched the documentary Fat, Sick and Nearly dead the other day and decided to embark on a Fall smoothie healing extravaganza.  I bought 4 bunches of organic kale, celery, cucumber, ginger, lemons and beets to make my own monster green smoothie!  I decided to add some cashew cream in because my bossy (and brilliant) sister reminded me that our family has phase I detoxification mutations which means that fasting or juicing is not a great idea for us.

So I blended up my green monster smoothie, while fantasizing about buying a Vitamix, and was pretty pleased with the results.  I was able to put in 2 whole beets and 2 bunches of organic kale.  I even made beet chips for my kids, which they loved!!!!!!! So far, so good on the Fall healing journey.

This morning, I hit a bit of glitch.  Warning, it is about to get graphic.  For those of you who eat beets regularly, you know that after about 12 hours, you are in for a bit of a shock when you visit the bathroom.  I had warned my kids not to be alarmed if their urine or stool (pee and poop to us Moms) looked pink or red.  I didn’t need a frantic call from school with concerns about internal bleeding.  After this very detailed conversation with my kids, I attended to my own morning routine.  And I have to say, there was something missing.  After over 12 hours, there was no sign of the beets making their impressive exit from my body.  Uh oh!  I know as a Naturopathic Doctor, that bowel health is extremely important.

Bowel transit time refers to long it takes for the food to move from the mouth to the anus.  Optimal transit time is 12-14 hours.  Naturopathic doctors believe that every time we eat, we should poop.  You should be having 2-3 bowel movements daily, shaped like a U or S and as long as your arm from wrist to elbow crease.  Bowel movements should be easy to pass and shouldn’t be potent enough to smell up the whole house.  No undigested food (except corn, see the documentary GENETIC ROULETTE for some scary information on corn) or copious amounts of gas.

A healthy digestive tract is important to support energy production, immune health and to regulate inflammation.  It is also the most essential detoxification organ.  Your bowel is responsible for removing harmful chemicals, metals and toxins.

Recent research through the Human Microbiome Project has identified that the microbes in our intestines are extremely important for human health linking lack of good bacteria to many conditions including eczema, allergies, asthma, cancer, diabetes, obesity, autism and inflammatory bowel disease.

Bowel transit time is dependent of a few different factors; the type of food you eat, hydration, the amount of fiber in the diet and exercise.  Transit time longer than 2 days can increase risk of cancer, diverticulosis and candida (overgrowth of yeast).  If you are having a bowel movement every day, YOU CAN STILL BE SUFFERING FROM CONSTIPATION.  Without doing a bowel transit test, if may take you until Saturday to eliminate that steak you ate on Tuesday night.

Anything less than one bowel movement daily, will decrease your ability to remove harmful toxins.  I cannot stress enough the importance of a healthy bowel function.  That is why I will be adding 2-3 TBSP of ground flax seeds to my green monster smoothies.  I will also beef up my probiotic protocol and start my castor oil packs.

Prevention needs to be part of your daily plan.  A new study out of the UK has identified that unhealthy lifestyle is lowering lifespan, and that our children may not live as long as their parents.  You may feel you don’t have time for prevention, but with breast cancer rates at 1 in 9 Canadian women, with the Cancer Societies prediction that 50% of children born in 2013 will develop cancer and with 1 in 3 kids having eczema, allergies or asthma; PREVENTION needs to start now.

Good luck on your Fall health journey.  I will keep you posted on mine (but with less graphics next time ;).

Dr. Sonya


Find Dr. Sonya's original post here: http://naturalcareclinic.ca/blog/2013/09/09/are-you-full-of-sht/

Our bodies are meant to Heal...See what Electro-Medicine can do for you!

Our body is designed to heal when our immune system is strong and healthy.  The immune system includes all systems and functions of the body including a balanced emotional and thought process.  Noting, our emotions and thoughts, when out of balance can contribute to making us physically ill.  They can become toxic in the body the same as external environmental factors.  They are not separate from a balanced healthy body.  Good nutrition, breathing, hydration, rest, sunshine, and constructive thoughts are all important contributors to good health and well being.

Good Health Is Achieved With Balance & Common Sense

Good health is achieved with balance.  Balance includes all areas of our life – body, mind, and spirit.  A good common sense approach to good health includes attending to all aspects of health which includes physical, emotional, and spiritual qualities of life.

General Good Health Habits Include:

• Nutrition – eating for health to support the body’s functions
• Exercise – deep breathing, oxygen, blood flow, circulation
• Rest – physical and mental
• Constructive thought process – worry and stress break down the body’s healing system – quieting the mind reduces stress and empowers the immune system

Primary Enemies of Cancer & Other Pathogens & Illness:

• Oxygen
• Increased Blood Flow, Circulation
• Heat
• Alkalinity

Ed Skilling’s Electro-medicine Powers Up Immune System; Results Oriented “Power Tool”

Ed Skilling figured out how to communicate with the immune system at the cellular level and “power” it up.  Ed Skilling’s electro-medicine technology promotes balance and harmony at the cellular level of the body.  It provides “power” or energy to the immune system which helps move and balance fluids of the body including the lymph system (an important part of immune system).

The Latest Skilling Technology

• Photon-Genius

These instruments are used by health practitioners and individuals for health maintenance, prevention, and alternative therapy for serious health conditions.  They compliment other health protocols and help them to work better.  They help promote balance and healing from the inside out.

Photon-Genius

The Photon-Genius is the first and only Instrument in the world utilizing the historic Genius of Ed Skilling with the sophisticated, proprietary circuitry to generate the Genius dynamics of Photon-Genetic Energy, Life-force Energy Transmission, Harmonic Frequency Tube Technology, and Harmonic Infrared Energy Transmission to communicate with all the cells of the body to balance and enliven all systems and organs of the body.

The Photon-Genius offers a safe and effective therapy alternative to drugs, surgery, chemo, or radiation without negative side effects.

The Photon-Genius Mega Energy Transmissions:

• Alleviate pain

• Detoxify the body

• Strengthen cardiovascular system

• Devitalize and clear pathogens, fungus, mold, bacteria, germs, etc.

• Regenerate tissue & bone

• Improve symptoms of most diseases

• Reflow nerve pathways

• Empower body’s immune system

• Promote longevity

• Promote weight loss (30 minute session burns over 700 calories)

Noticeable & Comprehensive Health Benefits

Using the Photon-Genius produces potent antioxidants, neurotransmitters and artery wall relaxers. The Photon- Genius helps regulate muscle tone of the arteries and prevents arteriosclerosis and is anti-inflammatory preventing injury to vessel walls and normalizing blood pressure in the process.

Using the Photon-Genius produces powerful brain cell protectors, neurotransmitters, memory and learning enhancers (transmitting harmonic, balanced chemical messages in the brain).

The Photon-Genius transmits, imprints, and reminds the human body at the cellular level of the essential creative process of perpetual enlivening energy that results in more natural and empowered regenerative processes throughout the body.

The Photon-Genius is a wonderfully safe and easy-to-use dynamic means of achieving ever-accelerating levels of health, wellness and more efficient, natural regeneration and rejuvenation. The Photon-Genius technologies provide "noticeable" and "comprehensive" health benefits to make your body the best it can be. (Photon-Genius Health Benefits)

The Photon Genius is coming to The Re:Balance Center for Detoxification and Rejuvenation this Fall!

See www.rebalancesf.com for all the service details.

Thermotherapy is coming to The Re:Balance Center! Introducing The Biomat

Biomat- Thermotherapy- is coming to The RE: Balance Center!

Cellular Rejuvenation by Far Infrared Rays, Negative Ions and Amethyst Crystals

Biomat technology is used as a thermotherapy treatment to regenerate the cells and bring the body into complete homeostasis. Stemming back to the BC era with the Greeks to centuries later with Nobel Prize winners Erwin Neher and Bert Sakman to NASA's development creates the basis to the discovery of the Biomat. The Biomat consists of a mat of pure amethyst crystals amongst a bed of far infrared rays that penetrate deep into the core of the body releasing negative ions when laid on. While western medicine's protocols for treating disease and cancer are surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or drugs, most of the time their plan is insufficient in curing illness. This paper describes the benefits the Biomat has on disease, chronic and acute ailments amongst maintaining proper health. We contest negative ions, the electric magnetic spectrum and amethyst crystals. We further discuss the effects of temperature control and regulation of a cell in comparison to the alkalinity of the body.

Biomat: Cellular Rejuvenation by Far Infrared Rays, Negative Ions and Amethyst Crystals

Western medicine today removes cancer by surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. This leads to leaving cancerous cells behind to grow and multiply. They never remove the cancer completely resulting in cancer occurring in the same area or some other place in the body. Knowing that there are other ways to treat cancer and other diseases, a group of scientists, engineers and medical professionals developed the Biomat. The Greeks in four hundred BC to NASA's discoveries in nineteen fifty nine with the help of the Nobel Prize winning work of Erwin Neher and Bert Sakman lead to the discovery of the mat developed by RichWay scientists (Kaltsas, 2009, p.2). Not only do the effects of the Biomat remove cancer and disease on the cellular level, they stimulate the circulatory, immune and nervous system while reducing stress. Utilization of the far infrared rays that run through amethyst crystals of the Biomat increases the negative ions allowing the body to rejuvenate and heal itself from all forms of disease.

Most disease and cancer is caused by a low immune system not being able to fight off infectious agents. Yoshimizu (2009) states, "The relationship between our immune system and body temperature is very important. If our body temperature is around thirty five degrees Celsius, our body will have a sufficient amount of immune functions" (p. 57). Even one drop in a degree results in the body producing cancerous cells and the immune system declining Cancer patients develop hypothermia by poor blood circulation when body temperatures lower. When enzymes activities declines by a drop in a degree, the cells are not able to carry out absorption, transportation and excretion to other cells as well as healthy cells do. Then the production of ATP is affected causing not enough energy production into the cells. The autonomic system which controls digestion, temperature, metabolism, circulation and breathing will also be disturbed by temperatures dropping below normal range disrupting the homeostasis between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system (Yoshimizu, 2009, p. 61).

In order to balance the cells and rid the body of cancer and diseases, RichWay scientists developed a Biomat which is USFDA cleared that raises the temperature of cells above thirty five degree Celsius to seventy degrees Celsius without harming the cells. This is also known as thermotherapy where amethyst crystals, far infrared rays and negative ions have an effect on the body by raising the heat of the cells. According to Yoshimizu (2009), "Normal cells can handle temperatures of up to forty seven degrees Celsius, cancer cells can only handle temperatures of up to forty two degrees Celsius" (p. 67). Therefore raising cancers cells above what they can handle will kill the cells eliminating the cancer growth.

Pure amethyst crystals run all the way through the Biomat. It was known that the gemstone in early BC had healing capabilities. The Greeks would lie on a bed of this quartz, cover up in a blanket of amethyst, sit in amethyst caves or drink particles of it to calm, ground, soothe the body and cure disease. The Romans, Huns and Europeans centuries later recognized the effects of amethyst also known as Silicon Oxide to be beneficial to their health by balancing and purifying the body. Modem day scientists finally recognized the results of amethyst and designed the Biomat out of it. (Kaitsas, 2009, p. 4). Amethyst is known to be a conductor of light energy. Kaitsas (2009) states "The violet color is attributed to certain iron constituents in connection with a naturally occurring ability to store and radiate light over time" (p. 4). This allows the amethyst of the Biomat to purify the cells through the ultraviolet spectrum. Richardson (1980) explains amethyst as "able to affect the blood vessels and arteries which carry this energy through the medium of the bloodstream" (p. 50). Therefore the energy of amethyst is connected to healing the emotional, spiritual and physical layer of the body and able to move at a higher vibrational level through far infrared rays.

The idea of far infrared rays having an effect on the body through the Biomat was discovered by NASA after they sent animals into space and they came back cold. They designed a suit that penetrated far infrared radiation into the bodies of monkeys and they remained warmer while maintaining better health (Piller, 1999, p.1). Far infrared light from the electromagnetic spectrum consists of long frequency waves since it is the farthest ray from the range in the spectrum. Far infrared rays are harmless to organic molecules and ranges from four point zero to four hundred microns. The Biomat produces a range of between five to fifteen microns (Piller, 1999, p. 1). In the first law of thermodynamics, Piller (1999) states far infrared rays as being "Conduction-Heat traveling from an area of high temperature to an area of low temperature within an object" (p.1). Not only is the far infrared waves linked to the first law of thermodynamics but they pertain to the third law of thermodynamic in relation to the thermo radiation of the Biomat (Piller, 1999, p.1).

While laying on the Biomat, far infrared radiation penetrates the skin and moves deep within the tissues, blood and organs. This wave targets the area needed to be treated while rejuvenating the healthy cells as it moves fourteen to fifteen centimeters within the body (Yoshimizu, 2009, p. 80). The heat from the far infrared waves promotes phagocytosis of the lymphocytes while improving the immune system. Another benefit of these rays is the absorption of calcium from vitamin D which was converted from cholesterol. The use of the Biomat's far infrared rays help with fatty acid metabolism, kidney functions and removes certain stress hormones such as histamine, prostaglandin and bradykinin which could cause disturbances in the balance of the body. Not only do the rays stimulate enzyme activity but they reduce swelling and inflammation in the body caused by an acidic PH balance (Yoshimizu, 2009, p.87).

The far infrared rays rid the body of toxic buildup that has accumulated over time causing illness and disease. Water molecules form around toxins creating the cellular energy to become blocked and impaired. But when the light hits the molecule it vibrates causing the toxins to release. According to Kaltsas (2009), "This vibration reduces the ion bonds of the atoms which are holding together the molecules of water. As the breakdown occurs encapsulated gases and other toxic materials are released" (p. 3). Toxins are formed from an acidic accumulation in the body cause by an unequal balance of negative and positive ions. If there is a lack of negative ions other health problems will occur in the body as well (Yoshimizu, 2009, p.80). Therefore the Biomat allows the body to produce more negative ions by far infrared rays through the amethyst crystals creating an alkaline system.

The function of a single ion channel discovered by Erwin Neher and Bert Sakman lead to the explanation of negative and positive ions effects on the body during the treatment on the Biomat. They discovered that in the cell's membrane the opening and closing of an ion channel leads to alteration in the nervous system by continuously stimulating or inhibiting the cell. Cells rejuvenate from the motion of the ion channels. The negative and positive ions are controlled in the channels (Alberts, 1990, p.156). According to Piller (1999), "One of the most prevalent ion channels in all cells is one that simply exchanges two sodium ions from within the cell with one potassium from without causing a negative one charge" (p.5). This helps the body to alkalize the cells while freeing them of toxic waste. The negative ions produced from the Biomat detoxify while helping the cells to grow and reproduce normally. Kaltsas (2009) states, "Water molecules are split into H+ and OH-. Negative ions will neutralize H+ ions and the remaining OH- will ionize normal unionized alkaline minerals." (p.4). Too much positive ions will increase the acidity and move slower than the negative ions throughout the cell.

The Biomat helps to regulate the ion channels within the cells allowing negative ions to move freely and quickly breaking up particles resonating in the body. Since ATP within a cell is controlled by glucose and helps the ion channels form electric membrane potential, calcium ions are able to pass through the cell. This in turn controls the insulin needed to be secreted. Many drugs are controlled and diseases are formed through the calcium, potassium and sodium ion channels. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease and muscular diseases occur when there is a defect in the calcium channel while epilepsy is controlled by the sodium-potassium channel (Alberts, 1990, p.156). Allowing the Biomat to help the negative ions move from an area of high conductivity to an area of low conductivity through ion channels keeps the nervous system balanced (Kaltsas, 2009, p. 3).

There are many therapeutic effects of the Biomat besides just cellular rejuvenation. The far infrared rays that move and create negative ions in one's body with the healing properties of the amethyst crystals are beyond conventional methods used today for all sorts of disease. Stemming from chronic to acute ailments, the list of illness the Biomat can assist with is of great length. Not only does it control the homeostasis in the body, it regulates the circulatory system providing nutrients through the cells of the veins, capillaries, blood and all the organs. This process helps heal high blood pressure, lung cancer, arrhythmias, metabolic disorders and respiratory infections. The Biomat stimulates sweat to relieve the toxic buildup in the lymphatic system eliminating fatigue, muscle tightness, headaches, aches and pains. Other benefits you receive from laying on a Biomat are relief from insomnia, stress, tension and depression. The Biomat boosts your immune system, energy levels, repairs your tissues by rebuilding your DNA, rejuvenates the skin, controls your weight and balances your emotional, physical, spiritual and mental vitality (Kaltus, 2009, p. 5).

The Biomat comes in a couple different sizes ranging from massage table usage, bed sizes, pillows and a fitted chair size. There is a temperature control panel which allows you to adjust the levels according to your treatment plan. The more you raise the temperature the more you will detox (Paprocki, 2008, p. 1). The lowest setting which is green is for cellular maintenance, the middle gold color is good for acute conditions and the high red setting is for chronic conditions, cancer and heavy detoxification. A minimum of a half hour a day to a maximum of an hour is good for overall health but a recommendation of a couple times a day for a cancer patient is beneficial. After each treatment an ample amount of water needs to be consumed to hydrate the cells and the body (Yoshimizu, 2009, p. 81).

Over all the Biomat is a great thermotherapy treatment benefiting all areas of the body. The process of the amethyst crystals being heated up by far infrared rays brings calmness and peace to one's body while feeling the radiant energy of the Biomat. Adjusting and raising the body's temperature is crucial to bringing the cells out of hypothermia. While it aids in cellular rejuvenation of the cells bringing them back into balance, the Biomat dramatically reduces the stress and toxins that have accumulated over a period of time. Calming the nervous and endocrine system boosts the immune system allowing the body to naturally heal itself on its own. Though the Biomat is very effective alone, exercise along with dietary changes and herbal supplements will bring the body into a state of balance and well being.

References

Alberts, B. (1990). The molecular biology of the cell (2nd ed.). New York: Garland Press. Kaltsas, H. (2009). What is ionization? Retrieved February 14, 2010 from https://www.thebiomatcompany.us/home/information.html.

Paprocki, J. (2008, March). Five minutes with Janie Torrens of life enhancement.

Tribune Business News, p.l. Piller, N. (1999, September). The scientific basis and therapeutic benefits of far infrared ray therapy. Health Food Association, 1-7.

Richardson, W. (1980, June). Spiritual values and gemstones. Marina Del Ray: Devorest Company.

Yoshimizu, N. (2009). The fourth treatment for medical refugees. Honolulu: RichWay International.

Is Recovery possible?

So many more people than I have realized struggle with addictions. Addictions can be to drugs and alcohol, of course, but consider addictions to food, shopping, and pharmaceuticals-not just of narcotic composition, but for all else that ails us. Have you or someone you love ever thought... Will I ever feel better? Will I ever feel normal again? Is recovery possible? 

And I say: Absolutely. 

A year ago, I was on multiple daily medications. All the medicine in the world wasn't making me "feel better", in fact, I was sicker than ever and I was only continuing to deteriorate body, mind, and spirit. All of the "problems" I was having led to my search for and treatment by seven different specialists advising me on what would be best for me. No one looked at the big picture for me, and I was in such a fog, I couldn't see it for myself. One day my teenage son was once again angry with me for not wanting to take him somewhere (as I was sleeping my life away at that point trying to forget the depression, the gaps in my memory, the physical and cognitive changes I was experiencing, and the pain in my heart and in my body), I knew that day something drastic had to happen or I would die like this. I decided to seek an internal medicine doctor to help me sort through my multiple diagnosis and prescribed medications. Dr. Hiltunen was astounded and confused at my lengthy list of drugs. Baffled that I was taking multiple drugs that had the same purpose and many that counteracted  another. That first visit, he advised me to stop 6 of my 24 prescriptions. I was terrified and excited at the same time. As a RN, I have just enough knowledge to find the specialists I needed to diagnose and prescribe what I thought was "wrong", what I thought I wanted.That is knowing enough to be dangerous, but not knowing enough to recognize the snow ball effect I got myself into trying to "feel better". 

Dr. Hiltunen and I made a plan to taper down and off of 24 prescription medications in 6 months as my body would tolerate. My liver was failing. My thyroid had stopped producing hormones, my adrenals had burnt out, my pelvic floor had prolapsed, I was hospitalized multiple times for IV migraine medication therapy, and even for attempting suicide. Yes, I was not the real me at all. I had lost my identity as a wife, a mom, a nurse, a friend, a sister, a daughter, an aunt...I had no idea how to relate to who I had become. All the diagnoses, all the labels, came to define me. The appointments, the tests, the procedures, and trips to the pharmacy became my "normal" routine. Formulating a cohesive thought was like breathing underwater, not possible. I had left nursing and the thought of any gainful employment was the furthest thing from my mind. I had a full-time job: surviving my tapers and healing a weak, defunct body, mind and spirit.  

Six short months after starting my efforts under Dr. Hiltunen's guidance and medication management, I left for a residential recovery program in Sedona, AZ to begin to heal and to re-learn to live a life without pharmaceuticals. Now, a full year after starting my detoxification journey, I am pharmaceutical free AND asymptomatic. My labs have normalized, I have the energy I haven't felt in 20 years, I am on a path to wellness that I intend to share with everyone I meet! On an physical, emotional, and mental level, I no longer feel at risk. I have spent the last six months training, educating, and certifying in many of the treatments and products that have been supportive to my recovery to bring to The Re:Balance Center for Detoxification and Rejuvenation in Sioux Falls, SD. The community I call home. While I’m continuing my own journey to optimal health, I have the energy to comfort, support, and advocate for others going through the hell I just extricated myself from. 

I am walking proof that there is no abyss, no state too compromised to recover from if you are motivated and make the necessary changes to your diet, lifestyle, and medications. 

Since returning home after four months in Sedona, AZ, and months of travels throughout the country for training, people have reacted with shock when they see me. Let me put my med use in perspective: of the 22 years I’ve been married, I have been on prescribed medication all but 5 of them;  the years before we had our son and I was diagnosed with post-partum depression, and this past 8 months in my recovery from being on them. My kids, and some of my closest friends, had never seen me off medication.  My husband knew me before, during and still after pharmaceuticals- Every one of them will testify that recovery is possible. 

I credit removing neurotoxins from my system as playing the largest role in my recovery. I liken my body or that of anyone who has been on a poly-med cocktail of medications- especially psych meds- for a long time to that of a land fill. Years of accumulated toxins were thwarting even the most basic of neurotransmission causing the ‘zaps’ that use to surge through my head, hand tremors, seizure activity, narcolepcy, urinary incontinence, IBS, chronic fatigue, memory lapses, impulsive behaviors, pelvic floor prolapse,, not to mention the violent and scary-life threatening- mood swings. Colon Hydrotherapy, Photon Genius Sauna, Ionic Detox Foot Baths, Nebulized Glutathione, Biofeedback Training, Reiki, Exercise, proper nutrition, and meditation have saved my life. I am beyond excited to be ALIVE and able to share my education and experience with you.

Keep in mind stopping the med intake, while important, is not going to rid my system of the detritus of all those years on medication. Also true of alcohol, street drug, and even food consumption on an addictive level. This is especially true for those of us who have a genetic sensitivity to neurotoxins or may not expunge them from our bodies as readily as others do. 

Just cleaning out this landfill of toxins has done wonders for my body and for the scores of others I have personally witnessed diligently working a detoxification program. That in conjunction with repairing the damaged neurotransmitters via re-mineralization and supplementation, especially amino-acid therapy, has further propelled me along the road of recovery. The Re:Balance Center's Healing Arts Professionals, including myself, will be available and looking forward to supporting each client that comes to us with all of this in their unique wellness journey.

If I were to write a biography, I would title it The Detoxed Life, for I remain constantly vigilant, permanently dedicated to a lifestyle and mindset that limits the reintroduction of toxins. Before I eat anything, do anything, say anything, or think anything, I ask myself: Is this contributing to my physical, emotional, and mental well-being? If you do the same, you will recover- you will Re:Balance,  the very essence of who you are sooner than later. 

Nicole Muilenburg, Wellness Practitioner

RN-BAN, CHT, BCB, Health Coach

Founder of The Re:Balance Center for Detoxification and Rejuvenation services of Sioux Falls

www.rebalancesf.com

June 11, 2014

DETOXIFY OUR BODIES

An article written by Cathy Shea of Spa Shea.

Posted with permission from author.

Internal detoxification is often neglected, overlooked or misunderstood by the general public. Everyday our bodies are exposed to toxins and pollutants in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. Our environment subjects us to a variety of pesticides, chemicals, synthetics and petroleum products that are used in homes, offices and cars. Our modern diets consisting of processed and over cooked foods, genetically engineered foods, fast foods, and junk foods all contribute to the problem. Our stressful lifestyles also create additional burdens on the digestive organs we "take it in the gut." Since there is no way to avoid continuous exposure to toxins, our only hope is to build our immune system to defend ourselves, cleanse and work towards balance in our lifestyle. Our family system also contributes to this balancing act. Sometimes we must reject long held traditions to affect lasting change.

Recent research has proven that prolonged use of medications and drugs actually increases the risk of losing areas of protective mucosal lining in our intestinal tract. Once this leaking occurs, known as "leaky gut", a situation exists where toxins are absorbed into the blood stream. When this happens, the body does not recognize the toxin and therefore, goes into a self-attack mode creating antibodies. It is widely known that this is the actual beginning of many autoimmune disorders. This polluted blood then goes to our liver for filtration before being circulated throughout our body. This constant challenge to the liver results in overwork and at some point the liver becomes so saturated with toxins it cannot process this overload; much like a sponge that has all the water it can absorb.

The liver is our largest internal organ. It has numerous functions but is mainly a filter. As it filters, it stores every condition we've suppressed with drugs and over-the-counter medicines. The bile that it secretes is the liver's effort to purge such toxins. Bile flows to the gall bladder where it is concentrated 10 times from the liver. From there, it moves into our digestive system (small intestine) and helps to digest and alkalize our food. Can you see why a diet that is high in fat creates havoc on this process? There are over 500,000 gall bladders removed in the United States every year. Once that surgery is performed, the liver looses its helper and must take over the gallbladder's functions. More stress on our system results.

This process of digestion takes more energy than running 5 miles! We are all born with organs that are stronger than others. If there is a history of diabetes, the pancreas may be weak. Hormonal irregularities affect our adrenal glands. Build up the organ that is weakest so that as it attempts to adapt, it is being fully supported.

We all have stress in our lives. It's when the stress turns into DI-STRESS that every cell is on alert. Deepak Chopra, MD states: "Wherever a thought goes, a chemical goes with it." And "Belief creates biology." He points out that stress doesn't make people sick, losing the inner adaptability to stress does. This ongoing condition affects every tissue of the body, breaks down the immune system and hinders proper digestion, absorption and elimination. Other factors that contribute to this overload are lack of exercise, overeating, not drinking enough purified water and most importantly, ignoring our emotions. There are more seratonin receptor sites along the digestive tract than in the spinal cord and brain combined. Seratonin is the "feel-good hormone" that helps regulate emotions & mood. Most people have no idea that constipation can lead to depression and that many medications given for this condition exacerbate digestive symptoms.

Toxic acids are normal byproducts of cellular breakdown that occurs constantly in our bodies. We create a new stomach lining every six days, a new liver every six weeks and an entirely new skeleton every year. The old cells are excreted through our normal eliminative channels: lungs, bowel, skin, kidneys and lymph system. When these systems are flowing easily, we are in good health. But when toxins are being produced faster than they can be eliminated, they get picked up by the blood and circulate. This creates a condition know as AUTOINTOXICATION, literally self-poisoning. One of my teachers from Switzerland, Dr. Thomas Rau, states emphatically, "We must open the channels of elimination!"

Common symptoms of excess toxins include: constipation, excess weight, bloating, gas, headaches, chronic sinus problems, infections, poor memory, inability to concentrate, insomnia, menstrual problems, prostate enlargement (prostatitus), depression, skin eruptions, yeast infections, fatigue and a host of other health challenges.

Our bodies are amazing miracles. They will adapt to this condition and actually function for a time under this stress. Research shows that the veins will become 75% blocked before we even feel pain. It can take up to 20 years for certain colon cancers to show up. For every pound of fat, it takes an additional 5 miles of blood in the vein to feed it. This overload to the circulatory and cardiovascular system is one reason why heart disease is the number one killer in our country . The resulting stagnation in the bowel is why colon cancer is now the number two killer after heart disease.

When the body gets too much of one food, it develops a sensitivity. Allergy is a signaling system for us, but we may ignore or we medicate the signal to shut it off. We then develop a tolerance for the medication so we try another one creating a vicious cycle. The news is full of infections that are now resistant to the most powerful antibiotics. This is a direct result of overuse and misuse of these drugs. They are commonly prescribed for viruses for which they are not only ineffective, but weaken the immune system as it tries to fight the virus. Antibiotics are prescribed routinely for simple colds and flu. When the body really needs one for a serious infection, it no longer works. New information is proving that supplementing with probiotics creates the inner balance necessary for health to flourish naturally.

A proper diet of fresh organic foods, plenty of pure water, regular exercise, stress management and several daily bowel movements are vital to balancing these systems of elimination. Colon hydrotherapy helps get a sluggish system moving again so that ideally for every meal we eat, we have a bowel movement. Output must equal input. It is vital to have the guidance of a health care professional when considering any cleanse. As the toxins are released, symptoms may appear and it is important to be coached by someone who is experienced and can guide you through this transition to better health. Cleansing is often an enlightening process. I was able to clearly see my enabling in my alcoholic family after a series of colonics. It was a life changing experience for me to break free of this dysfunctional pattern and I credit my cleansing sessions for this illumination.

A theory from the science of naturopathy states that all disease begins in the colon. The tube from our mouth to our anus is approximately 30 feet long. Our eliminative organs (lungs, lymph, skin, kidneys, colon) must be constantly flowing in order to maintain balance in the body.

When the colon builds up undigested foods, toxins form, pass through the intestinal wall and the DIS-EASE process begins. Gas, belching, constipation, indigestion, food cravings, headaches, fatigue, allergies, yeast and other infections are only a few of the beginning symptoms. These are the signals of an imbalance. We often adapt to these symptoms and/or medicate them for comfort. Unfortunately, the problem is still present: toxins circulating in the blood from waste that must be eliminated. But how do we make changes?

In order to facilitate the eliminative process, many people use laxative products. This only serves to propel the waste through the system resulting in weak colon muscles. These weak muscles then begin to rely on the purgative and dependency develops. Any form of laxative whether herbal or otherwise will completely upset the entire digestive system, often leading to dehydration and the ultimate damage to the colon wall, cancer.

Colon hydrotherapy is an effective, gentle and safe process that uses only pure water to gently bathe the five feet of large intestine. The treatment is performed while the client is comfortably laying on a table draped for privacy. The practitioner performs a gentle rectal exam to lubricate the anal opening and then assist the client with insertion of the speculum. Disposable tubing is attached to the machine and water is slowly and gradually infused into the client through the small tube attached to the speculum. When the client indicates that they have reached their point of tolerance, the water is allowed to flow out through the large tube attached to the speculum. This entire process happens while the client is comfortably relaxing and the waste material is contained entirely within the disposable tubing. It is a closed system so there are no unpleasant odors or exposed bacterial waste. There is a viewing tube where the client can see the waste product and this allows the practitioner to evaluate the feces and make recommendations to the client after the treatment is completed. Used in conjunction with a supervised nutritional program, this process allows for balance in the system to occur in a natural, safe and effective way. Our goal is to provide a safe space for the client's process to emerge while practicing respect and reverence at all times. A series of sessions often yields remarkable results.

​

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Chopra, D. (1993). Ageless Body, Timeless Mind. New York, NY: Harmony

Jensen, B. (1999). Dr. Jensen's Guide to Better Bowel Care: A complete program for tissue cleansing through bowel management. New York, NY: Avery.

Tenney, L. (1997). The Natural Guide to Colon Health. Pleasant Grove, UT: Woodland Publishing, Inc.

Shea, M. (2001). Somatic Psychology: The body in culture, history & spirit. Juno Beach, Fl: Shea Educational Group, Inc. (available at 561.493.8080)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL CATHY SHEA, LMT, CT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL for COLON HYDROTHERAPY, INC. 13878 OLEANDER AVENUE JUNO BEACH, FL

Why Consider a Juice Detox Program?

A juice detox or cleanse can give you a jump start a clean body and transition to a long-term, healthier relationship with food. People that have followed, even my 3 day juice detox program, have shared that within those 3 days, they rediscover their ability to listen to their bodies, appreciate their will power, and find mental clarity and energy like never before! Due to the specific recipes of my juices, cravings for salty, fatty, or sweet foods will start to dissipate AND you won't feel hungry, tired, or suffer headaches or nausea like any kind of cleanse can initiate. Participants have shared a renewed appreciation for the natural flavors of whole, fresh foods, and can identify normal hunger and fullness cues.

Seeing changes on a scale and feeling changes in how your clothes fit can create the motivation and confidence to begin a long lasting journey of health. The commitment to doing a raw, fresh pressed juice detox program makes you more aware of your emotional, social, environmental, and habitual eating triggers, and awareness is the precursor to making necessary changes in unhealthy patterns. A juice detox program can reinforce healthy goals and make tasks like cooking at home more often, eating breakfast each day, and bringing your lunch to work, even exercise -look and feel a whole lot easier.

Happy Juicing!

Nicole Muilenburg
Wellness Practitioner

Gluten-Free Sweet and Sour Thai Cucumber Pasta Salad

The first recipe we want to share has to be this fantastic one from www.peasandcrayons.com

Visit her site for more details!

Gluten Free Sweet and Sour Thai Cucumber Pasta Salad [for two]

ingredients:

3 TBSP fresh lemon juice

3 TBSP extra virgin olive oil

2 TBSP white vinegar

1/4 tsp salt [plus extra, to taste]

1/8 tsp dill [fresh or dried]

1/8 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp fresh minced garlic

2 cups chickpeas [canned or cooked from dry]

1/4-1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro, plus extra to garnish

1.5 large english cucumbers

1 cup chopped green bell pepper

1/4 cup finely minced onion

2-3 extra large carrots

2 TBSP honey

2 TBSP rice vinegar

1/2-1 TBSP sesame seeds

1/2-1 TBSP chia seeds

extras: Tool-wise you'll need a spiralizer, mandolin or veggie peeler. anything that will noodle-ize! Chopped peanuts or cashews would be a stellar addition; somehow my pantry was void of both. Food blogger fail! 

vegansaurus chefs: skip the honey and make a simple syrup using sugar instead.

t-rex chefs: no. I'll not allow it this time. Go veggie or go home! [then eat bacon tomorrow]

instructions:

Combine lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, dill, salt, and minced garlic and whisk to emulsify.  In a medium bowl add chickpeas, minced onion, chopped bell pepper, 1/2 an English cucumber [chopped] and cilantro. Pour in dressing and mix thoroughly.  The longer you allow them to marinate the more intense the flavor will be! Next, using a spiralizer or tool of choice [see above for options] curl one english cucumber and 2-3 large carrots [the biggest, thickest carrots you can find] into raw spiral noodles.

Whisk together 2 tablespoons of honey with 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar and pour over salad. Top with extra chopped cilantro and a hearty sprinkle of sesame and chia seeds. If you're adding chopped nuts, toss those babies on top too and have at it!

notes: the chickpea and veggie mixture can be made ahead of time and refrigerated overnight if desired. Bring to room temperature before serving for the absolute best flavor and results. I would also suggest spiralizing the carrots and cuke fresh [within a few hours of serving] so they don't lose nutrients or become soggy. Use the vinegar, lemon juice, and honey to adjust the level of sweet or tartness that makes your heart pitter-patter, it's easily customized and even more easily devoured!

What you should be eating for Breakfast

Congee is an ancient Chinese Medicinal food that promotes digestion, heals the GI system, it's super easy to make, many options for varying the recipe, and a perfect way to start everyday for low cost and little time commitment! 

I'm sure you've all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day...now you can have the perfect breakfast ready when you wake up. It's ready when you are. Congee is the perfect meal to make it an amazing day and get everyday started with honoring what your body needs!

I like to add pecans or almonds for protein( soaked overnight in water then strained before putting in my Congee) and/ or a Raw protein powder,  a little unsweetened coconut milk,  pure maple syrup( organic of course), and some ground golden flax seed (  my favorite choice for fiber). Or if you like eggs...prepared scrambled,  poached...however you like your eggs, a little turkey or veggie bacon and top your Congee recipe with that!

If you search Congee Slow Cooker recipes you'll see hundreds of ways to have Congee for any meal! " It's not your mother's slow cooker" is a great recipe book for Congee recipes!

Make it an amazing day! 

http://www.bodhimed.com/bodhimed-nutrition/215-perfect-breakfast

Nicole Muilenburg
Wellness Practitioner