The Canadian Natural Health and Healing Centre

Ask Janet

February 1998

Janet,
I am a middle aged female and I am very concerned with osteoporosis. I have been advised to take estrogen hormone therapy, but I am concerned with reported side effects including cancer. What else can I do? Beverley C.

Dear Beverley,
For women during the years just prior and after menopause, natural progesterone cream can literally be a life saver. Among its most important functions are building new bone tissue and countering the tendency of estrogen to induce excess growth in the endometrial lining of the uterus, this growth can turn cancerous.

One of the great fears women have is osteoporosis, the disease in which bones become thinner, weaker and prone to fracture. One of the prevailing myths in medicine today is that osteoporosis can be treated by replacing estrogen. But the most important hormone for bone health is progesterone. Topical progesterone cream was studied by Dr. John Lee. He has treated 100 post-menopausal women (average age, 65 years) with natural progesterone cream. Dr. Lee reports, "It is not uncommon to observe increases of 10% to 15% in bone density within six months and 20% to 25% increases in three years.

Many, many females are estrogen dominant. If you use birth control pills, you are adding to the estrogen load. If your diet contains excessive fats and sugars you are adding to the estrogen load. Commercially raised foods contain chemical hormones which add to the estrogen load (should eat organically). If you have had a hysterectomy, it is absolutely necessary to use progesterone cream to balance estrogen.

Here are some symptoms of unbalanced estrogen:
*migraines
*cramps, PMS, bloating, hot flashes
*breast tenderness
*lack of energy
*depression and mood swings
*constipation
*excessive weight
This is by no means a complete list!!

Only use natural progesterone creams, never synthetic progesterone, as it does not have the same effects and protection factor. The best way to use progesterone is topically (rub on the skin), do not take orally as up to 90% of the progesterone would be eliminated through bile excretion. At the Centre, we use PRO-MAX a natural source progesterone wild yam cream with the same proportions of progesterone recommended by Dr. Lee.

March 1999

Dear Janet,

I would love a career in holistic health. I am keenly interested in bodywork or some form of massage, but found out the course to become a registered massage therapist is 2 years long and costs $14,000. I cannot afford the time or money. Any suggestions?
Susan L.

Dear Susan,

I sympathize with your dilemma. To become a registered massage therapist (in Ontario) takes both an extended time frame (2 years) and money ($14,000 plus cost of books plus you must support yourself while in school.)

The Deep Tissue Body Sculpturing Course our Centre offers is 50 hours, one week!

I have been disappointed with the lack of results relaxation massage produces. Deep Tissue Body Sculpturing was developed here at the Centre to address the short comings of "normal" relaxation massage. In my 20 years of practice the most dramatic results clients have experienced have come from the use of this therapy!

It works by breaking down scar tissue and crystallization, restoring proper muscular balance. It increases the blood circulation to injured areas. This is important as blood brings in the nutrition and removes the waste products. Healing can now occur rapidly.

In order to pass on the technique we offer a course in the clinic. Check our schedule and costs by calling the Centre at 416-537-9653, or clicking on the "Course Calendar" link.  The course consists of 50 hours of classroom time. There are no more than eight students per class, to ensure you get the necessary one-on-one instruction. 95% of the class time is hands-on. I am a big believer in going over the technique in a practical NOT theoretical manner. I assume all the students are beginners and you do not have to have previous bodywork experience to take the course. Knowing every muscle and nerve in the body is all fine and dandy, but clients are NOT impressed with book knowledge but in actual hands on results! Nothing gets results like Deep Tissue Body Sculpturing. It is extremely effective in treating muscle, tendon, ligament and crippling diseases. It is remarkably effective for spasms that lie deep within the body that cannot be reached with regular massage. The technique is the deepest form of massage available. SUPERFICIAL MASSAGE GETS SUPERFICIAL RESULTS!!


October 1997

Dear Janet,

What exactly is Colonic irrigation and what are its benefits?
Cindy B

Dear Cindy,

One of the unfortunate consequences of our modern lifestyle is the increase in people suffering from congested bowels, colon cancer and irritable bowel syndrome. The modern diet is so far removed from what our prehistoric ancestors ingested, and our bodies are paying the price. Items such as refined flour and sugar, plus meat and dairy products, all of which contain no fibre whatsoever, have weakened our digestive and eliminative system. An invaluable tool for treating bowel problems is colonic irrigation. This involves the circulation of water through the length of the colon in such a way that old fecal matter is removed from the walls of the colon. This helps restore the tone and vigor of colon tissue, thus alleviating constipation and other bowel problems.

About 20 years ago, I was managing a health food store when I met a man 75 years of age who looked to be 40 years old. He had a full head of hair, clear eyes, clear skin, erect posture, clear, strong, vibrant voice-the picture of health. I later discovered that what I had witnessed was the result of regular exercise, proper nutrition and bowel cleansing. Hence I started my own health quest.

For centuries people have recognized the need for periodic cleansing in order to prevent illness. With the first sign of sickness our great grandmothers would reach for the enema bag and some herbs. But today, colonic health is scarcely talked about. You don't go to a dinner party and discuss being constipated. Unfortunately, the average mother and father is completely ignorant to colonic cleansing and its relationship to health.

Each individual has a unique notion of what constitutes normal bowel activity. A woman once told me she had normal, regular bowel movements-every Tuesday and Friday morning. Most people have not been properly educated in their childhood to realize the importance of adequate daily elimination.

Fifty seven of the world's leading physicians met at a health conference. One of their conclusions was that "every organ of the body is affected by reabsorbed poisons from the colon...constantly bathing the delicate cells." Auto-intoxication is the process whereby the body poisons itself by maintaining a cesspool of decaying matter in its colon. The toxins released by the decay process get into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. Every cell in the body is affected and many forms of sickness can result. Because it weakens the entire system, auto-intoxication can be a causal factor for nearly any disease.

The cause of auto-intoxication is putrefaction within the intestinal tract. Dr. Kellogg (of cereal fame) performed many autopsies during his career and found eight to 25 pounds of old fecal matter in the average person's colon.

Have you ever had the problem that even when following a relatively good diet and exercise programme, you still have a little pot belly below the navel? This is because the transverse colon, which is normally in line with the navel, has prolapsed or dropped a few inches below the belly button (middle of the colon is falling down and out). Accumulated fecal matter has forced the colon down and out.

The first stage of colonic irrigation involves massaging the lower abdominal area. This increases peristaltic action (bowel contraction) and helps to dislodge fecal impaction. The massage will also indicate the current status of the colon.

Then a sterilized speculum is gently inserted into the rectum the anal sphincter easily adjusts without discomfort. Clients are completely covered during the procedure. Purified water is then piped into the colon via a small inlet tube, which then circulates and leaves the colon through an evacuation tube. It is an enclosed system so there are never any odours. As the water leaves it carries out impacted fecal matter, gas and mucus. The entire procedure is completely sanitary, without the mess accompanying a standard enema. Imagine what a good bowel movement feels like and magnify that feeling-that is what a colonic feels like.

Immediately following the procedure, clients feel lighter and enjoy a sense of well being. Most people then continue their day as usual.

To maintain a healthy colon, clients are urged to consume as much fresh, natural, unprocessed whole food as possible. This ensures adequate fibre intake to keep the colon healthy and clean. One excellent source of fibre is a product called HERBAL FIBREBLEND.

A plentiful supply of beneficial bacteria (acidophilus, bifidus) is also necessary for good bowel health. Your therapist can advise you on the best brands. As well, the "good" bacteria in the colon love sulfur-type vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts). So, consume plenty of these. Juiced vegetables are also particularly beneficial.

Commonly asked questions:
How can I tell if I have toxic materials in my colon?

This condition is prevalent in all civilized societies but particularly in North America. Common signs include: aches, constipation, fatigues, bad breath, body odour, irritability, confusion, skin blemishes, gas, bloating, diarrhea, sciatic pain and so forth. As you can see, intestinal toxicity is part and parcel of our everyday experience.

Okay, it appears to be important to cleanse the colon but why not use enemas or laxatives instead?

If we equate an enema to washing your face, a colonic is like taking a shower. Colonic irrigation cleans the entire five feet of the colon, whereas an enema's cleansing ability is limited to the last eight to 12 inches of the colon.(p) Approximately 45 million North Americans currently use laxatives and eight million use them at least once a week. These laxatives irritate the walls of the colon. The cell structure will actually change with continued use of laxatives, leading to colon cancer. When laxatives are used on a habitual basis, larger amounts are required and effectiveness is eventually diminished. this results in poor muscle tone and a further dependence on laxatives. In fact, many people reach the point where they are incapable of having a bowel movement without resorting to the use of laxatives. In a word, laxatives are dangerous.

Good health requires two or three odourless and effortless bowel movements a day, without cramps or bloating. The normal bowel transit time should be eight to 14 hours. This means our prevailing notion of a single bowel movement in the morning is inconsistent with the motility requirements of the bowel. All disease is caused by one of two factors, toxicity or deficiency. In other words, there is something in your body that shouldn't be, or you are lacking something nutritionally. Therefore, clean the body out to the cellular level and build it up with proper nutrition.


November 1997

Janet

I had my saliva's pH tested and it was too acidic. What is the best way to make it more alkaline? Joan P.

Dear Joan,

Most of us have never heard of the concept of proper pH balance, but the pH of your body is one of the most important factors in the proper functioning of your body.

Our bodies are alkaline by design. Except for stomach fluid and urine, all body fluids of the healthy are mildly alkaline at pH 7.4. Maintaining alkalinity is essential for health and vitality. Alkalinity is anabolic (builds up) and acidity is catabolic (tears down). When your body has a pH that is acidic, it begins acidic self digestion and degenerative disease begin to manifest.

If someone were to throw acid on your skin it would burn the same thing happens inside your body. The body will do all it can to NOT allow this to happen. The most effective way the body buffers these cellular acid wastes is by combining the acid with alkaline minerals, calcium being the chief buffering mineral.

If you were to go to the bank and kept taking money out and never making a deposit - very soon your bank account would be empty. This is what is happening in our food processed society. WE ARE EMPTY OF ALKALINE MINERALS.

Your blood pH must remain at a pH of 7.4. If it changes you die immediately. The body will buffer the acid with the alkaline minerals our diet supplies. If the diet is not supplying adequate alkaline minerals the body will take the minerals from the bones (end up with osteoporosis) or from the liver, muscles, ligaments or organs. If this continues over a long period of time you have a loss of function and degenerative disease sets in.

ALL DEGENERATIVE DISEASE IS ACIDIC!!!

Since the body's mineral content is 35% calcium, the quickest and best way to change an acidic person back to alkaline is by using IONIC CORAL CALCIUM.

Colloidal minerals are often sold as being the ideal solution for possible mineral deficiencies. But it is clear that ionic minerals are the form minerals must be in for our bodies to use them. Ionic minerals are pure minerals with a positive charge that make them almost 100% absorbable. Coral calcium also contains a great number of other important minerals, so that the entire make-up is similar of that of the human skeleton.

You get a month's supply - 30 individual tea bags of CORAL CALCIUM. You place the bag in 2 liters of water. It changes the pH from 7.0 to 8.6 - very alkaline!

All in all ionic calcium has over 150 functions in the body. It is the most important supplement you can take as it will supply your body's minerals in a usable form - ionic, plus it makes you alkaline.

Most degenerative diseases such as cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease, allergies, bowel and gastro-intestinal problems, chronic fatigue etc. have all been scientifically linked to mineral deficiencies, especially ionic calcium, that results in your body fluids becoming more acidic.