Traditional Chinese Medicine regards all disharmony as ‘blockage’.

The average length of time that most couples take to conceive is around 6 months. However, figures suggest that around one in four couples (Karma 1987) suffer from some degree of infertility. In other words, it may take far longer to conceive – 18 months is not unusual. Some couples never manage to conceive at all and have to turn to IVF.

But failure to conceive, even after months or years of trying, does not automatically mean complete infertility, If and when a woman conceives depends on a whole range of factors, both physical and psychological. The nutritional status of both partners is almost certainly a key factor.

Where couples are experiencing difficulty in conceiving, women are responsible in approximately two-thirds of cases (Hall 1988), and men in one-third.

However, a survey by friends of the Earth in The Times (1988) suggests that as many as 80% of birth defects are caused by defective sperm from the male. So it is important for the male partner as for the female to improve nutritional status prior to conception.

MALE INFERTILITY: Nutrients that have been shown to improve male fertility include Vitamin C – Vitamin E – Zinc – Manganese – Potassium. Supplements are advisable where it is difficult to guarantee adequate quantities of the right kinds of food.

FEMALE INFERTILITY: Common nutritional deficiencies are Copper – Zinc – Magnesium (and/or manganese) – Selenium. Mothers who supplement folic acid and vitamin B12 before conception have a lower incidence of neural tube defects, it is also recommended for the first trimester.

GOOD FOOD sources include: green leafy vegetables, brewer’s yeast, whole grains, wheat germ, milk, salmon, root vegetables and nuts. FOLIC ACID in food is destroyed by sunlight, heat and an acid environment, and the use of antibiotics also leads to deficiency. Supplementation of 400ug a day us recommended from before conception up until the end of the first trimester (DOH 1992, Smithells et al 1980). This can be obtained on prescription, but maybe cheaper to purchase form the pharmacy if not eligible for free scripts. Natural sunlight is beneficial to detoxifying the body.

WHAT CAN GO WRONG: Allergies or infections in either partner can affect fertility, even though a lack of symptoms may mean that they are unrecognised. For example, blocked fallopian tubes may be the result of an undiagnosed allergy or of low zinc / high copper levels altering the secretions and making them vulnerable to adhesion infections. Altering the diet and improving nutritional health may spontaneously solve the problem. It is also possible that in some cases the woman’s mucus may be hostile to her partner’s sperm, probably because of the presence of an undiagnosed infection, or a high level of a toxic metal, or both. In either case, it may well be that a woman’s body will attempt to destroy sperm that are not in good condition.

TOXINS:  Chemicals, metals and minerals, undoubtedly play an important part in the modern diet. Detoxifying through nutrition for both partners is by far the safest way; the purchase of chemical free fresh foods is an obvious benefit. Tests are recommended prior to taking supplements which can play a role with specialist supervision. Protection against toxic influences includes various vitamins, seaweed and foods containing soluble fibre.

MINIMISING Pollution: wash hands before preparing food / eating, wash all fruit and vegetables removing outer leaves, buy organic where possible. Filter water, never drink hot tap water.

Avoid aluminium & copper pans, foil etc., canned food especially unlined tins; avoid all processed foods and preservatives as far as possible – avoid antacids that contain aluminium salts.

Avoid heavy traffic conditions, deodorants and antiperspirants unless ingredients are specified, limit the use of cleaning agents and garden pesticides, do not stand in front of microwave ovens while they are in use. Refuse dental fillings containing mercury.

ALCOHOL badly affects the body’s absorption of B6, iron and Zinc. It also damages sperm, affecting fertility and increasing the risk of birth defects and miscarriage.

COPFFEE: There is also some evidence that spontaneous abortion, premature birth and stillbirth are more common if the father has a high coffee consumption (more than 2 cups a day). (Witchet et al 1985).

STRESS: The simple fact that many babies are conceived while their parents are on holiday suggests that stress plays an important role in fertility. Assistance for stress includes hypnosis see www.hypnotherapy-in-norfolk.com ~ we are not always aware of the stress levels in our lives and hypnotherapy is a gentle way of assisting without re-living the past, unlike some other methods which can disturb the psyche.

End

Mrs Stella Rodgers CMIR DCHAc HPD MNCH

Stella holds the Diploma in Acupuncture and Chinese Health Care Medicine, and is on the Chinese Medical Institute Register.

She also holds the Diploma of Hypnotherapy from the East Anglia Institute and is registered with the National Council of Hypnotherapists and is a Licensed NLP Practitioner. (See www.hypnotherapy-in-norfolk.com)

Part of Stella’s training over the years includes the Teaching Certificate with the City and Guilds Institute, and the Minefields College of Human Givens, plus Interex Pain Management which is also for Sports Injury.

Stella started the healing part of her career in the 1980’s as a non vocational trainer in Cosmetic Therapy working in the area of Remedial Camouflage, which is the training given to patients, both male and female, with scars burns and birthmarks, it is also used in pre/post operative conditions in the hospital context.

She considers herself to be a truly holistic healer, working with both the body and the mind. The ‘movement of energy’ therapy through spiritual healing has been part of her voluntary work in the church environment for many years.

A Londoner by birth, after living in the north of England for 30 years Stella moved to the area of Norwich in Norfolk to be closer to her family, when she ’semi-retired’.  She is now in her 60’s, mother to three grown up children, a grandson, and a great grand daughter.

She says: “With me you will be getting many complementary therapists for the price of one! Very few people study more than one of the ‘big’ alternative treatments such as Hypnotherapy, Neuro Linguistic Programming, Acupuncture, Chinese Traditional Herbal Medicine, in fact I don’t know of any others who have studied more than two or three.

Some of the non-invasive methods such as Cupping, Tui-Na, Gua Sha, Auricular Therapy, and the latest innovative InterX®can be very swift and effective.

How does that help you? It’s more efficient, both in time and value. It means I can see your health from a variety of angles and choose the treatment or combination of treatments that will probably work best for you and produce the most powerful results in the shortest time

You are already on your way to changing your life just by seeking out a website, so the sooner you get to the next stage of contact, the closer you will be to having your current problem solved. After a chat with me you will be in a good position to make informed decisions. I always do whatever I can to help you enjoy the experience.

By the end of this page I hope you will have decided to email me or speak to me on the phone, you will be dealing with a real person with good training and life experience, and you’ll receive my full and warmest attention.

I do need to know a little more about you so I can better understand you and your situation, so I often send out some literature with a quiz to help this process. If you do then decide to come and see me, not only will it mean we can get down to work sooner, but you will feel reassured and can really relax and enjoy the process. Why shouldn’t it be fun?

I would much rather deal with your course of therapy in the lesser time where it’s possible, so that you’re very happy about the experience and feel that you have got excellent value.

The cost of treatment is dependant on the monetary resources of the client, and I have helped many people through the holistic healing approach, from the busy man working all day in his office, who has a hidden fear of public speaking, to the retired farmer who’s back pain has troubled him all his working life.”

LOCATION: Reepham in Norfolk, East Anglia, is about 20 minutes from the outskirts of Norwich. Appointments are made by telephone: 01603 879126

The HYPNOTHERAPIST REGISTER is the largest register of Hypnotherapy Practitioners in the UK and Ireland

www.hypnotherapistregister.com

You might like to see Stella’s other Websites…

www.hypnotherapy-in-norfolk.com

www.spiritualize.net    [note the spelling]

Please note all Emails are answered directly to the recipient ~ thanks.

Question:

Why does this pest of all and sundry seem to strike at any time of the year? Why do some people say that you can’t catch a cold without germs?

Answer:

This disease is distinguished according to its symptoms as Wind Cold or Wind Hot, either one of which may progress into the other.

Traditional Chinese Medicine [TCM] considers this illness to be caused by Wind attacking the body from without, preventing the Lung Qi [energy] from being properly distributed. It is because the Qi of the Lungs passes through the nose, that the Wind Excess usually attacks the Lungs first.

Wind Cold [Yin] symptoms include headache, fever, absence of sweating, chills, soreness in the limbs, congested and drippy nose, thin white far on the tongue, and a floating, tight pulse.Wind Cold type colds are treated according to the principle of dispersing the Exterior condition and scattering the Wind.

Whereas Wind Hot [Yang]  symptoms include a feeling of distension in the head, sore throat, coughing yellow and thick phlegm, high fever with only slight chills (if any), dryness of the mouth, thin and yellow far on the tongue, and a floating, rapid pulse.Wind Hot colds are treated by dispersing the Exterior condition and cooling the Heat.

There is also the factor of germs, or as the ancients called them ‘evils’, I quite like that term! Pathogens attack on many levels and in different parts of the whole body, and the lungs example would be colds ‘flu etc … whereas the evils of the contaminated food will obviously attack the stomach.

So this is why there are many different kinds of colds and they can change again into many more kinds of symptoms, everyone is different, and the same ‘evils invasion’ will bring different outcomes according to how that person is situated, for example the Yang oriented [warm] person will have the additional heat to contend with and visa-versa the Yin [cold] person. Which are you?

The other factor is the ‘migration’ of symptoms this is when a nose cold travels down to the throat for instance, this occurs with perhaps the neglect of the first manifestation, and/or a weakness in that area, maybe from repeated attacks over a long period of time.

The holistic human being is the sum total of its parts, and also the condition of these parts, so look after yourself and take good care to observe both the condition of your body and it’s strengths or weaknesses.

CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE AND TONICS

In Chinese medicine care method is important. Generally, patients who need to be taking extra care have the syndromes of deficiency and stagnation of Qi [energy].

Therefore the herbal medicine should consolidate and restore of primordial [original] Qi, invigorate and enrich the blood, regulate Qi and balance Yin and Yang. The medicine should help to build up body’s immune system and improve the constitution.

TWO CATEGORIES OF HERBAL MEDICINE ARE MAINLY USED IN THE INTERNAL TREATMENT:

1. Herbal medicine with tonifying and invigorating effects, including Yin-nourishing Yang- strengthening, Qi -invigorating and blood-enriching herbal medicine

2. Herbal medicine with stagnation-removing effects, including Qi-flow regulating, blood-circulation promoting and phlegm removing herbal medicine

Herbal tonics are available in drink ampules to aid recovery from illness, such as Qi tonic, well-being tonic and Lingchih in Royal Jelly. Other tonics are available in capsule format formulated for women, men and children. There are also tonics in wines, [which may not be suitable for patients with chronic illness].

Location: Reepham in Norfolk, East Anglia, is about 20 minutes from the outskirts of Norwich. Appointments are made by telephone: 01603 879126

The cost of treatment is dependant on the monetary resources of the client. I have helped many people through the holistic healing approach, from the busy man working all day in his office, who has a hidden fear of public speaking, to the retired farmer who’s back pain has troubled him all his working life.

If unable to answer the phone I will ask you to leave a message speaking slowly and clearly, and give your contact number so I can return your call as soon as is possible.

The History.

Acupuncture is a non-pharmaceutical treatment with simple application, has a wide range of use, good curative effect, and low cost.
The cultural exchange between China and other countries has promoted a global interest in this subject; one could even say the interest in this oldest holistic medical method has come full circle after so many thousand years, ancient to modern.
Acupuncture is an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is recorded as at least four thousand years old. Over the past 2500 years medical scholars in each age have contributed to the development and refinement of this wonderful art in China, and it is respected throughout the world as an ancient art that has evolved through time into a unique system.

1000 yrs BC is the oldest record of acupuncture on bone etchings. The period of establishment in ancient China is – 21st-3rd century BC; Xia, Sheng, Zhou dynasties in the autumn & spring periods. In the ancient literature there are records regarding the use of stone needles (long before iron casting.) The discovery of stone needles and medical tools as funerary objects in Stone Age burial mounds brings right up to date the legends regarding acupuncture from the ‘clan commune period’ of primitive society – the period before the written word – which lasted up until about 4,000 years BC.
The Han prince’s tomb, Liu Sheng, (113 BC) contained gold acupuncture needles. One such legend, that of a doctor ‘Bian Que’, tells of the physician portrayed mythically as half-man, half-bird, who came upon a supposedly dead prince. Bian Que noted flaring of his ala nasi [a diagnostic indicator] and treated the prince by administering herbs and needling the well established point for ‘wind invasion’ which is Governor Meridian no: 20. Wind Invasion is a term used to describe amongst other diseases, bronchial & respiratory tract infections.
According to the legend the prince made a miraculous recovery. Although I have not seen this particularly mentioned miracle myself … but I have frequently witnessed the common cold stopped ‘dead’ in its tracks (excuse the pun) using this point of GV 20 with others myself, before it could turn into a more problematic condition, as you can imagine I am very popular at such times in my family!
The Dutch philosopher Benedict Spinoza (1632-1677) gives a description of pain thus; “A localised form of sorrow.” The accidentally pulled ligament or broken bone causes more modern expletives these days, but fortunately can still receive this treatment from a gentler time!
Modern medicine is beginning to understand what the ancients knew without having the jargon to describe it – that endorphins released by the stimulation of acupuncture needles can reduce pain, and in extremes this knowledge is also used in modern hospitals to anesthetize areas for surgical use.
Many years ago I had a young friend who told me of her leg being amputated after an accident using this method, together with hypnosis, because of her inability to tolerate the chemicals otherwise needed.

I was not incredulous at that time because I had already read at that time an article by a vet from the then Manchester Zoo who went to China in the 1960′s and witnessed operations on animals in this way.
Acupuncture went into a decline during a political period of Chinese isolation, but the revival of TCM in 1949 brought about by Mao Tse-tung after the War of Liberation, meant that the much valued knowledge, once passed abroad, was returned to its homeland by its faithful adherents.
The University of Beijing, which is now very much in the forefront of international training, proudly exhibits its name on TCM Diplomas.

Location: Reepham in Norfolk, East Anglia, is about 20 minutes from the outskirts of Norwich. Appointments are made by telephone: 01603 879126

The cost of treatment is dependant on the monetary resources of the client. I have helped many people through the holistic healing approach, from the busy man working all day in his office, who has a hidden fear of public speaking, to the retired farmer who’s back pain has troubled him all his working life.

If unable to answer the phone I will ask you to leave a message speaking slowly and clearly, and give your contact number so I can return your call as soon as is possible.

Does the idea of making a health drink for next to nothing seem like a good idea to you?

Read on …

I would like to tell you about a health drink you can either buy from the health food store, or make in your own home, for just the price of a pot of sweet tea! And here’s the good part ~ the foundation ‘culture’ and the method of making has been passed down from generation to generation ~ in other words its free!

I have been making it for years for my family and cannot speak more highly of this great drink for anyone who has problems or is just under the weather!

• Are you on some heavy medication?
• Or just need to detox your system?
• Could you have better health?
• Need a stronger immune system?
• Want rid of sickness in your body?
• Want to ensure you stay healthy?
• Could do with more energy and vitality?
• Want better skin?
• Have you ‘tummy’ problems?
• Directions for making this are below….

According to webiste information: Some of the conditions that people have found relief from are:
· Various symptoms of Cancer
· Low ‘T’ cell count
· Arthritis
· Candida
· Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
· ME
· Blood Pressure Problems
· Obesity
· Psoriasis
· Eczema
· PMS
· Poor digestion
· Erratic bowel movements
· Migraine relief
· Poor skin tone

As you can see the list is wide and varied.

How does this actually work?

Kombucha works with your body to boost its natural, inbuilt ability to fight sickness and disease as well as bring a healthy balance back to your metabolism and organs.

Called the ‘miracle cure-all’, Kombucha has been made at home for health and vitality by many generations. Kombucha tea is a powerful health drink, which is reported to be the answer to many health problems. Pronounced [Com-boo-cha], It is made and drunk right around the world. It has been a ‘secret formula’ for those ‘in the know’ and a lifesaver for many a poor person in the less blessed nations.

Because it has been around for so long, many researchers, chemists and others from the medical profession have spent time investigating the sometimes quite astonishing results from this natural remedy. Even the FDA (food and drug administration) have researched Kombucha, such has been the interest in it.

You have probably heard people say that “anything that is good for you tastes bad.” Well, Kombucha doesn’t fit into that category. It is a very pleasant tasting drink, so much so, that many people use it as a drink for guests and special occasions. Sparkling and a pleasant taste, you can even change the flavour to suit yourself.

Kombucha is made at home or ask at your nearest health food shop [aprox £6 per litre bottle] and really is pretty simple to make. It also doesn’t take up much of your time. I have yet to find anyone who cannot make it.

No matter how bad your situation is, you should consider if this inexpensive, easy to make health drink is for you. You will be able to find in shops, Kombucha made by commercial producers – be careful! Many manufactures of the shop bought Kombucha have to preserve the drink to keep its shelf life – often this involves pasteurisation, which kills a lot of the health giving elements you want to keep, but try it to see if you like the taste.

Like pre-packed frozen dinner, shop-bought Kombucha isn’t as good for you as the one you make yourself. Kombucha is a pleasant tasting, powerfully effective health drink / food supplement which you can make at home for next to nothing. The taste can vary depending on how you make it but the basic recipe, which most people use, will produce a slightly sparkling drink that tastes like an apple cider or dry white wine.

Though there is alcohol in it, it is normally so low that commercial producers can sell Kombucha as “non-alcoholic”. You can expect less than 1% by volume alcohol content.

Sugar is used as part of the recipe but it is not used as a sweetener. The sugar is broken down and converted into different components of the finished drink, so dieters can ‘give it a go’ to assist in the detox process. It has been drunk for many generations. In fact, it has been around so long that we are unable to tell where it was originally discovered or when.

Kombucha is a fermented drink made from sweet tea and a Kombucha mushroom or Kombucha culture as it should more properly be called. The culture is live and is a co-dependant blend of healthy bacteria, yeasts and other micro-organisms. Directions below.

Kombucha is very cheap to make.

You would think that because it is so beneficial, Kombucha would be expensive, but no.

Once you have the equipment and utensils you need, it costs very little.

If fact you can probably make three months supply for the price of a bottle of cough mixture!

Kombucha takes very little time to make. Pressed for time? Don’t worry, it takes about 15 minutes per week to have a personal supply of Kombucha!

Kombucha is so easy to make, it is hard to believe…

Advice from Stella: If you would like to try this and are not sure, I would suggest buying a bottle at first from your local health food shop, its very pleasant to drink, in fact its a bit too nice, you might have to ration the family! Then when you find you could get used to this [!] go about getting a culture from a friendly person who will send you one through the post!

Also: Children might be put off by the appearance so just be careful about that part.

Nobody charges anything other than postage, its a tradition, so you can ‘get brewing’ soonest! You can make your very own Kombucha tea at home with very little money, time or effort. It is simple to make and very rewarding.

Without modern equipment or facilities people have been able to make this enriching brew for generations, so you should have no problem. You can do it by following this simple method, easy, easy, easy…

You will need:

• A suitable brewing container, about 5 litre / 1 gallon capacity (wide neck containers, bowls or jars – for the air supply)
• A piece of muslin, kitchen towel or some other piece of clean porous material. A size that will cover the top of the brewing container with some overlap.
• A large elastic band to hold the material on the container.
• A thermometer (optional)
• 4 litres (plus a glass) of water (boiled and cooled or filtered)
• Tea (6 teaspoons loose or 6 tea bags), black, green or a mixture of both.
• 320g refinedwhite sugar (ordinary household sugar).
• A healthy Kombucha culture ( call me )
• 400ml of ready brewed Kombucha or 60ml (4 tablespoons) distilled vinegar (white, apple, cider or white wine vinegar). If you are using vinegar, it must be distilled – not live, brewed or fermented.
• Suitable bottles (4 litres worth)
• A kitchen measuring jug

Note: Cleanliness is very important – hands, equipment etc. And the first thing you should do is to clean everything that you are going to use.

Make your nutrient (sweet tea) solution:

This is the liquid that feeds the culture and is turned into the finished Kombucha tea.

To make the nutrient, take approx. 1 litre of water. The water should either be filtered or should already have been boiled for at least 5 minutes.

Bring the water to the boil in a kettle, stainless steel or heat-resistant glass household cooking pot.

After boiling, add the sugar and tea, stir it till the sugar dissolves, then leave off the boil to infuse for about 15 minutes.

Put the other 3 litres, and the extra glass of cool water into your brewing container/s.

When the 15 minutes are up, strain out the loose tea (if used) or remove the tea bags; then add the sweet tea to the rest of the water in the brewing container.

The 4 litres of nutrient needs to be between 20°C – 30°C, this is where the thermometer comes in useful. You might be able to judge this yourself, it’s about room temperature – tepid. Just make sure that it’s not too hot, otherwise you could kill your new culture very quickly.

Adding the culture: Once at the right temperature, pop the culture in the liquid. It may float or sink, it doesn’t matter which, it will work just the same. Then add the 400ml of finished Kombucha or 60ml of distilled vinegar if you don’t have any Kombucha tea.

Time to brew: That’s it. Just cover the top of the container with your muslin or kitchen towel and use the elastic band to hold it in place. The brew needs air but definitely not insects, plant or mould spores

Move the container to a suitable location. Somewhere that it can be left undisturbed for about a week. It should be at a constant(ish) temperature 20°C – 30°C, away from tobacco smoke, strong smells and not in the kitchen if there is a lot of grease in the air from frying food.
You could possibly use your living room (providing no-one smokes) or an airing cupboard. If you do put your brew into a cupboard please bear in mind it needs a pretty constant temperature, so if your airing cupboard goes cold at night this will inhibit the growth. I use a heat mat from a beer brewing company ordered on line.

1. It needs to be left undisturbed the whole time so, don’t put it on top of your stack of towels or bed linen.

2.The culture needs air, so leave the door ajar.

5 days later…

After 5 days, it is time to taste!

By now, you should have a new lighter coloured culture forming on top of your old one and the tea might be nearly be ready. Exciting!

Press down lightly on the newly formed culture with the back of a spoon so that you can get a sample of the tea. Or slide a plastic straw carefully down the side of he new culture and sample a little (be careful about back flow).

Taste it…

What you are looking for is a slightly sharp (acidic), not sweet taste. If it is not quite there yet then put the cover back on and leave it for another day before tasting again. The length of brewing time can vary quite a lot but, it is normally between 5 days to 2 weeks though, it can take longer under certain circumstances, cooler climate conditions.

I know it is difficult to tell what the right taste is when you first begin but you will get the hang of it quickly. Once you have the right taste, it is time to bottle your lovely, healthy Kombucha tea.

Bottling:

Get yourself some suitable clean bottles.

With clean hands, or two big spoons, take the two cultures out (the new ‘baby’ and the original ‘mother’) and place them on a clean plate.

Pour some of your Kombucha tea using a funnel, pour it into the waiting bottles – right to the brim, no air gaps, using a funnel enables you to keep the residue at the bottom undisturbed, its a bit muddy looking. Using a jug I find disturbs this unwanted part – it clouds the results.

Put the top on and stick a label on the bottle with the date, or if like our family don’t bother as it will be drunk very quickly!

Remember to save some tea for your next batch – about 10%. I use the ‘muddy’ residue for this.

There you go! Your prepared, brewed and bottled home made Kombucha tea.

You want to keep these bottles at room temperature for at least 5 days. [I find that the culture starts to grow inside if I do this - like a jellyfish! So I put it in the fridge, and it becomes clearer and fizzy anyway. ]

The reason for this is twofold:

1. It allows a build up of CO2 (gas) that makes the drink fizzy.
2. It allows the tea to mature and develop a more mellow taste.

After 5 days you can move your bottles to the fridge or somewhere else cool / cold, then drink your cold, fizzy Kombucha

Continuing to brew…
The best way to look after your culture and maintain a constant supply of Kombucha Tea is to make your new batch immediately you have bottled the previous one.

Before pouring I make the tea and leave it to brew, so that as soon as the previous batch is bottled, I can get cracking with the next batch.

That’s it! Now you now know how to brew your own Kombucha tea.

Here is a picture of three ‘culture’ when lifted out of the brew onto a plate.

Phone me for a culture – Stella on 01603 879 126 – or surf the net for a person near you to maybe help with advice also.

Website to visit – copy and paste -

http://www.seedsofhealth.co.uk/fermenting/kombucha.shtml

Teccy stuf here >>>

Though, it may appear complicated at first, Kombucha is actually very easy to make. We should clear up the confusion and difference between Kombucha Tea and the Kombucha Culture before going much further.

Kombucha tea

Kombucha, or Kombucha tea is the actual health drink, which we make from sweet tea and a Kombucha culture. It is known by a number of different names around the world including – Cainii Kvass, Kombuchakvass, Tea wine and Teekvass.

Kombucha culture

The Kombucha culture is the live substance which is put into the sweet tea to ferment and convert it into Kombucha tea. The culture is probably best known as a Kombucha mushroom, though this is an incorrect definition.

The Kombucha culture has been known as a mushroom, a lichen and many other things but the best and most accurate definition we have today is a “symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast”.

This is just a scientific term for a co-dependant live mix of bacteria and yeast. That definition sounds a little complicated, though it is where we get the more friendly term “SCOBY” from.

The culture has been given many names, Günther W. Frank, in his book – “Kombucha, Health beverage and natural remedy from the Far East” lists 70 different names for the culture including – Combucha, Brinum-Ssene (Latin for miracle fungus), Champignon miracle and tea fungus.

Actions

Kombucha drinkers around the world have reported a massive list of ailments and sicknesses which have responded positively to drinking Kombucha on a regular basis. This is how the name “Miracle Fungus” or “Cure-all” has been birthed.

The secret of Kombucha is not that it ‘cures’ a multitude of illnesses but, that it boosts your body’s own system to fight those sicknesses.

It does have various components, which on their own fight problems, but its probioitic properties are what make Kombucha tea so extraordinary.

Kombucha tea is probiotic, detoxifying and energising. It helps build up immune systems, fights yeast infections and helps joint problems.
Why do people drink Kombucha tea?
Many people who regularly drink Kombucha tea have found tremendous relief from a very wide range of diseases and ailments.

Some of the reported benefits really are quite staggering. This is because of Kombucha’s ability to work ‘with’ your body and boost your own natural defence system.

It is extraordinary how people talk about this amazing yet very pleasant drink.

I suppose that when you find relief from these sorts of problems you are going to be very happy, but when you find out how cheap and easy it is too, well…

Wouldn’t you like to claim your health back too and do all those things you enjoyed but couldn’t do anymore?

Keep well and increase your energy levels.

Of course, many people who drink Kombucha are not sick at all but they want to stay that way.

If you are generally healthy and drink Kombucha then you will probably notice an increase in energy levels and more concentration. I am not talking about the sort of energy that you can get from some of the modern fizzy red ‘buzz’ drink.

Kombucha can actually help your body to extract more energy from the food you eat.

Better mood

One of the other great effects that Kombucha drinkers have found is that they very often are in a better ‘mood’. This increase in the feeling of well being is much welcomed by everyone.

Probiotic effects

We have all heard how taking too many antibiotics is bad for your immune system – it actually lowers your resistance to disease.

Kombucha is probiotic, this means that it actually strengthens your immune system and your ability to fight sickness before it can take hold.

Probiotics can also help your immune system fight sickness that is already present in your body. And there is no damage to your system

Detoxification

With modern living comes poor diet and an increase in harmful substances in our bodies.

You might have heard about people going on a “de-tox” diet.

This is when they eat food which will drive out impurities from their bodies.

A great idea but, how many people do it regularly?

Kombucha is a powerful detoxifier so, regular drinking of it keeps your body continually detoxifying.

Of course this doesn’t mean that you can just eat what you want and not worry about what goes in your body. But it does mean that you rid more impurities out of your system, giving your body a ‘fighting chance’.

Many times you just feel ‘sluggish’ or ‘just not right’ it is because of the toxins in your body – get rid of them and improve your health.

It reaches the parts other supplements cannot reach!! Due to the nature of Kombucha, many people find that they can get relief from a very wide and varied range of sicknesses that they couldn’t achieve with anything else.

Kombucha brings a balance to many aspects of your body, and therefore creates a beneficial environment for the natural healing process.

Research has been carried out for many years into what exactly is in this drink. Based on research old and new, I can tell you of some of the known active components in Kombucha Tea.

Lactic Acid: Found in Kombucha in its most potent form L-lactic(+). Lactic acid is essential for the digestive system. Interestingly, it is not found in the tissues of people with cancer, and its lack has been established as indicating susceptibility to cancer.

Acetic Acid: Its main function is to inhibit harmful bacteria. Acetic acid is used as a preservative because of this action. It is also what gives Kombucha that ‘kick’ to its smell and taste.

Malic Acid: Is also used in the body’s detoxification process.

Oxalic Acid: Encourages the cellular production of energy and is a natural preservative.

Gluconic Acid: Is effective against many yeast infections such as candidiasis and thrush.

Butyric Acid: Is produced by the yeasts and when working with gluconic acid, helps combat yeast infections such as candida.

Nucleic Acids: Work with the body aiding healthy cell regeneration.

Amino Acids: A group of acids which are the building blocks of protein. Your muscular system is made of proteins. As a group they have many benefits including building cells and repairing tissue, they also form antibodies to combat invading bacteria & viruses.

Enzymes: Are proteins that act as catalysts, speeding the rate at which biochemical reactions proceed. Therefore they boost the actions of other health giving components within the Kombucha and your body.

Kombucha also contains vitamin groups B and C, beneficial yeasts and bacteria.

But then, as one Kombucha drinker so beautifully put it:

“Its overall effect – an extended feeling of well-being – cannot be fully explained by the individual ingredients alone. Kombucha is certainly more than the sum of its parts”.

Another feature of Kombucha is that, biochemically speaking, it is an adaptogen, that is a substance which has no harmful effects, but which works on a wide variety of conditions by normalising the metabolism of the body, and bringing it back into balance.

So, for example, if you have high blood pressure, an adaptogen substance will lower it, and if you have low blood pressure, it will raise it. Kombucha’s adaptogen effect is seen mostly through its effect on the liver, the blood and the digestive system, where it normalises the acidity or pH.

“One of the main reasons why Kombucha seems to be efficacious against such a wide spectrum of diseases is that it does not have any specific action on particular illnesses, but rather its systemic detoxification of the whole body through glucuronic acid has an overall beneficial effect that invigorates the entire person…….. The following effects may be observed in those who drink the beverage on a daily basis: regulation of intestinal flora, cellular strengthening, detoxification of the entire organism, dross elimination, metabolic harmonization, a general antibiotic effect, a balancing of the blood pH.”
The History and Spread of Kombucha
By James Roche

Location: Reepham in Norfolk, East Anglia, is about 20 minutes from the outskirts of Norwich. Appointments are made by telephone: 01603 879126

The cost of the Kombucha Culture is usually just the postage, let me know if you want one.

If unable to answer the phone I will ask you to leave a message speaking slowly and clearly, and give your contact number so I can return your call as soon as is possible.

]]> http://www.acupuncture-in-norfolk.com/wordpress/miracle-drink/263/feed 0 http://www.acupuncture-in-norfolk.com/wordpress/auricular-therapy/181 http://www.acupuncture-in-norfolk.com/wordpress/auricular-therapy/181#comments Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:42:57 +0000 admin http://www.acupuncture-in-norfolk.com/wordpress/?p=181 AURICULAR THERAPY – EAR TREATMENTS FOR THE WHOLE BODY!

We have all heard of Reflexology for the holistic treatment of the body’s functions by manipulation of the feet, so I would explain Auricular Therapy as performing the same function but having the advantage of the patient himself continuing the treatment just by tapping as and when needed, especially in the case of pain relief.

Ear acupuncture therapy treats and prevents diseases by stimulating certain points on the auricle / ear with tiny metal or natural caraway seeds, these are attached to flesh coloured sticking plaster so small we can hardly see them, which I prefer rather than the tiny sterile disposable acupuncture needles.

Here is a picture of the seeds on the dispenser …

The range of indications in ear acupuncture is broad, the method is relatively simple and economical, and there are few side effects, so it has become increasingly popular, you may remember seeing photo’s of Princess Diana with these in her ears?

Like acupuncture for the body this treatment also originates from China, and medical workers there charted more than 200 sites on the auricle, but it has been a French acupuncturist and neurosurgeon called Dr Nogier who has brought the subject into the 2oth century.

Additional information:

Auriculotherapy – also known as auricular therapy - ear acupuncture – is a form of alternative medicine based on the principle that the ear is a microsystem, meaning that the entire body is represented on the auricle (or auricula, or pinna – the outer portion of the ear) in a similar fashion to reflexology (zone therapy), and that the entire body can be treated by stimulation of the surface of the ear exclusively.

Dr. Paul Nogier, who explored the ear not only according to Chinese medical principles but also scientifically, paid serious attention to the correspondences between specific sites on the auricle and other parts of the body, he noticed that there was a distinct change in the amplitude and dimension of the pulse when certain points on the auricle were stimulated.

This occurs consistently and is both repeatable and measurable by modern equipment. Dr Nogier called it the Vascular Autonomic Signal (VAS) but appropriately it is a response rather than a signal.

Being able to detect the VAS on the radial pulse of (generally) the patients‘ left hand enables the practitioner to precisely determine the location of a point, whether there is a pathology in the region of the body that relates to specific points, and whether certain substances (foods, medicines, herbs, etc.) are indicated. Accurate employment of the VAS in diagnosis and treatment is essential to Auriculotherapy and Auriculomedicine.”

In my clinic I use the ‘Medicina’ (R) which has a audio register to indicate the location of a distressed site. The extension of this technology is the InterX. [See Pain Management section.]

The sensation is just like ‘pins and needles’ when the pulse goes into the skin, and the therapist feels the tingle too!

It is most effective for backache. I have been using this method of massaging my own ear points many times over the years, as you can imagine it is difficult for a therapist to get to her own back points! So Auricular therapy is a winner for me too!

Location: Reepham in Norfolk, East Anglia, is about 20 minutes from the outskirts of Norwich. Appointments are made by telephone: 01603 879126

The cost of treatment is dependant on the monetary resources of the client. I have helped many people through the holistic healing approach, from the busy man working all day in his office, who has a hidden fear of public speaking, to the retired farmer who’s back pain has troubled him all his working life.

If unable to answer the phone I will ask you to leave a message speaking slowly and clearly, and give your contact number so I can return your call as soon as is possible.

The holistic approach of Traditional Chinese Medicine is this: If we ignore the needs of one part of ourselves another will protest, be it body, mind, or spirit. In other words, abuse of any kind, be it to ourselves or by ourselves, when ignored it results in a breakdown of one of the parts.

In Chinese medicine the body as a house for the mind and spirit is explained using the family metaphor of relationships to illustrate the organs and positions on the Chinese circle of life and medicine charts; I’ve added the partner organs to the list below to illustrate this. Think of it like this; if the  partner / husband / wife is upset, the other will be also!

Liver – ‘Partner’ Gall Bladder = Anger – “What a gall that person has!”

Heart – ‘Partner’ Small Intestines = Hysteria, Dad worked himself up into a heart attack – a heart attack can be mistaken for indigestion.

Spleen – ‘Partner’ Stomach = Worry – Ulcers commonly caused by over work.

Lungs – ‘Partner’ Large Intestines = Sorrow – Pining away for a loved one is very common in China as many men have to go long distances to find work. Inability of the intestines to absorb nutrients / fading away – shortness of breath / sighing a lot.

Kidneys – ‘Partner’ Bladder = Fear – Children’s nightmares – bed wetting.

Do you recognise any of these things?

So …. What might we do?

Look to our whole situation when we become physically unwell.

Look to our emotions when we feel lacking in energy. Are you draining the batteries?

Look to our mental attitude when we have allowed the whole world to revolve around our own needs first.

Look to our spiritual growth when we feel stuck in a rut.

God bless our ‘built in’ programme of rehabilitation!

Although the needles used in acupuncture are so fine – almost as thin as a hair – and rarely hurt, some people are nevertheless put off by their use, so there are various alternative techniques based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the meridian system of acupuncture. These chiefly include the following:

ALTERNATIVES TO NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE
1. ‘Tui-Na’ and Acupressure – Acupuncture point energy stimulation – a form of massage.
2. Cupping – used in cold conditions and stagnation. Also used in conjunction with Magnetic Therapy, the addition of positive and negative magnets to cupping
3. Moxibustion – the use of ignited herbs with a strong fragrance
4. Auricular Therapy – for the patient to continue treatment at home using the ear points
5. Conscious Thought therapy – taught to the patient in the form of Visualisation
6. Chinese Herbal Therapy – now come in capsule form, or herbs to brew as an infusion [severe and mild conditions]
7. Laser Therapy – a hospital only treatment

1. TUI-NA ENERGY POINT STIMULATION OF THE MERIDIAN POINTS
We are all familiar with everyday massage in the home as it is natural to rub a hurt place better, and through this the movement of the underlying tissues will benefit by moving the energy, blood or fluids.

In Tui-Na or Acupressure the therapist manipulates the acupoints in much the same way as the professional physiotherapy massage, and depending on the age and tissue condition of the patient the amount of stimulation will vary a lot: Children, babies and old people need special considerations so find this gentler treatment more suitable.
Techniques can be taught for self-help in the home. ETF or ‘tapping’ as it has become known, is another straight forward treatment for self help, empowering the patient to assist in his/her own healing, which I teach and apply very frequently in the clinic and for use at home. I find that daily ;’tapping’ is most beneficial, both for myself, family, and all my patients.

2. CUPPING / MAGNETIC THERAPY.
Cupping was more common in this county in the days before anti-biotics, the drawing out of impurities from perhaps a boil or carbuncle was a tried and true method. A jar, bottle or cup was used in those days with a heat source.
But cupping in this context is a little different, it is used to move fluids and energy within the whole system. The modern way is to use a vacuum suction cup made of lightweight plastic, this is far more hygienic. Magnetic additions to assist the Human Energy Field are added for some treatments to add another dimension to meridian therapy.
Not all cupping is going to leave marks which have been shown in the popular press and below – it just depends on how they are used, for instance I use the sweeping movement far more than the static for the obvious reasons of unsightliness.

3. MOXIBUSTION
Heat treatment is a natural recourse in the form of a hot water bottle, but the moxa herb applied with or without the acupuncture needle is far more accurate in its curative effect. There is evidence that from 50,000 yrs BC the application of fire in the form of wood branches, was used for inhibiting cold and promoting warmth on the human body, in controlled circumstances for medical purposes.
The incense stick is a familiar purchase at any local store, and the gentle aroma is similar to the burning of the Moxa herb, which is used to heat parts of the body and can be applied in many ways.

4. AURICULAR THERAPY
Acupuncture without the needles sounds like an oxymoron but the use of seeds or metallic balls has the stimulating effect very close to that of needles, so both of these objects / tools may be used on the ear surface. Illustrate below each ‘seed’ or metalic ball is attached with a very small sticky-plaster.

The ear has a very thin layer of underlying tissue beneath the skin, and because of this a hard object like a seed or metallic ball held close to the surface with the smallest possible surgical plaster when tapped lightly with the finger actually works very well. Also this method of treatment is left on the ear for the patient to take home, and so will also be present throughout the week between treatments to enable the patient to continue the stimulation and so, as it were, treat himself!
A little care in cleanliness is all it takes – whereas the insertion of ear needles left in place carries a far greater risk of infection, which I prefer not to risk.

5. ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE
The stimulation of the needles is most often done by hand, however the electro pulse machine stimulates in a far more effective way. The ‘tingling’ sensation is quite pleasant, I have experienced all these treatments for myself over the years from fellow practitioners, and would not say this if it weren’t true.

6. CONSCIOUS ENERGY THERAPY
Energy Medicine, the use of visualisation to release problems on all the levels of ill health, is often used together with acupuncture to enhance the effectiveness, visualisation and meditation can take many forms, this conscious therapy is a ‘sister’ treatment of the hypnotherapy and NLP discipline. An example of this is Emotional Freedom Treatment – EFT – which can be used alone or in conjunction with the other options., the ‘tapping’ previously mentioned.
There are quite a few methods of ‘energy medicine’ and the effective ones all focus the attention of the patient onto the diseased area and thus bring the conscious awareness into the part for the patient themselves to take a more active role in their own healing. Directing the energies and releasing pain through the use of visualisation and meditation has long been used either for a stimulating or sedative effect.
This interesting therapy is very empowering, it shows us how we have the resources and – yes – the power within ourselves to heal., and can be practiced at home with visualisations most often using the colours of the chakras, illustrated in the picture below.

CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE

Is now in the capsule form which cuts out the boiling and drinking of the liquid, this modern form of herbal therapy is less bother – I always prescribe herbs in this form because so many people have told me that they cannot abide the strong smells that is emitted in the preparation. The traditional formulas are grouped into over a hundred capsules, and can be very stimulating or calming as the case may be.  Below you see two capsules with some of the very fine needles displayed.

CAN ALL THESE HELP STRESS?
We are coming to understand in the western world how stress and tension cause a ‘knock-on’ effect on the physical body, whereas in Chinese medicine is was long ago recognised that the emotions, when overly stimulated, can cause distress to internal organs, e.g. nightmares causing bed-wetting in children, stress causing stomach ulcers in adults. Many patients have commented that the empowering methods of self-help that I teach, bring back a most welcome element of control into the everyday life.

Location: Reepham in Norfolk, East Anglia, is about 20 minutes from the outskirts of Norwich. Appointments are made by telephone: 01603 879126

The cost of treatment is dependant on the monetary resources of the client. I have helped many people through the holistic healing approach, from the busy man working all day in his office, who has a hidden fear of public speaking, to the retired farmer who’s back pain has troubled him all his working life.

If unable to answer the phone I will ask you to leave a message speaking slowly and clearly, and give your contact number so I can return your call as soon as is possible.

WHAT IS CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE?

Chinese Herbal Medicine has evolved over thousands of years as a powerful and accurate tool regulating the internal organs and immune system. It assists greatly not only in helping many skin and digestive conditions, but also allergies and other imbalances too.

All the ingredients used are natural, and unlike most Western drugs, have no adverse side effects. A trained TCM doctor will prescribe a mixture of different herbs to treat an individual’s illness, self diagnosis is not an option. Over 1000 herbs are used in Chinese medicine and the ingredients all come from the natural flora and fauna of China and other countries.

HOW DOES ONE TAKE CHINESE MEDICINE?

Traditionally, Chinese herbs are boiled in a soup or as tea to extract the essence of the herbs, which is then drunk by the patient. These days all the herbs are available in capsule form, I only prescribe this form of help when it is needed.

No two prescriptions will be the exactly same, as the herbal prescription is tailored to treat the specific ailment of the individual, unlike Western prescriptions which are standardised by the pharmaceutical companies.

IS IT TRUE THAT ANIMAL PRODUCTS ARE USED?

Many years ago such things as bones or horns were used in the ingredients, the philosophy being that energies / characteristics of the animals are passed through this outmoded device, for example the bravery of a tiger. All modern therapists consider the use of these ingredients unethical and even if they were legal, I would not consider exploitation of any endangered species.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE WITH ACUPUNCTURE?

Chinese herbs are used to regulate the internal organs and boost the immune system. With or without acupuncture, Chinese herbs can be a powerful therapy.  Each herb of the four part prescription is selected to bring its own special factor and must harmonise with all the others, so you can see this is a complicated subject.

IS MY DIET IMPORTANT?

Food therapy on many levels is known to us all – and chocolate comes to mind here!

Yes, a healthy lifestyle in general is important. Diet, exercise, fresh air, deep breathing, enough sleep, and relaxation all contribute to good physical and mental health. The enzymes forming naturally in the gut can have encouragement to do their job well, as we see advertised on the TV frequently.

There are many methods of utilising the ‘Universal Energy Fields’ around us, for example Tai-Chi and Chi-Gong, you have perhaps seen in films from China where many people of any age all exercise gently together forming the shapes of birds and animals with hands and feet to stimulate the bodies own energies, the public parks are commonly used for these beautiful and stimulating exercises in warmer climates.

THE STUDY OF TCM

The formation and development of theory of Chinese materia medica has undergone significant changes through several centuries. Based on the ancient Chinese philosophy: the human being relies on natural Qi of the universe for life.

The natural Qi supply not only our human body, but also every living thing. Illness is caused by imbalance of the Qi’s activity.

Although ancient Chinese people knew that herbs possess the power of natural Qi that can be used for treatment, the process of formation of the theory of Chinese herbal medicine was slow. To begin with, they only used single herbs for treating very limited range of disease. Gradually, they realised that the extent of treatment can be obviously widened by composing formulae that combine several herbs. But how does one compose an effective formula? They knew the most important thing was mastering the herb’s property, flavour and medicinal mechanism.

From the 14th to 19^th centuries, the theories and achievements of the past were built upon and farther refined, “Compendium of Materia Medica (1590 AD)” was a great medical work compiled by Dr. Li Shizhen, 1,892 medical substances, more than 1,000 illustrations and over 10,000 prescriptions are listed with detailed description of the appearance, properties, method of collection, preparation and use of each substance. Dr. Li Shizhen made an outstanding contribution to medicine and botany of the world.

The student of Chinese herbal medicine studies each herb’s property, flavour, meridian tropism and therapeutic effect individually; then learns the basic principle and strategy of composing the formula. Finally, they make formulae based on particular cases. The training courses are to form a basic knowledge of Chinese herbal medicine through this process.

Location: Reepham in Norfolk, East Anglia, is about 20 minutes from the outskirts of Norwich. Appointments are made by telephone: 01603 879126

The cost of treatment is dependant on the monetary resources of the client. I have helped many people through the holistic healing approach, from the busy man working all day in his office, who has a hidden fear of public speaking, to the retired farmer who’s back pain has troubled him all his working life.

If unable to answer the phone I will ask you to leave a message speaking slowly and clearly, and give your contact number so I can return your call as soon as is possible.