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  • What Is Regenerative Medicine?

    What Is Regenerative Medicine?

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    When Adrienne Shapiro’s daughter Marissa was diagnosed with sickle cell disease, the doctors said that she would not live till her first birthday. However, when Marissa managed to live past that benchmark, it did not mean the end of Adrienne’s worries. In fact, it was the beginning of many painful years of blood transfusions and immunological disorders. When an improperly matched blood transfusion caused a severe reaction leading to the removal of Marissa’s gall bladder and temporary kidney failure, she was unable to receive further blood transfusions.

    However, luckily for Marissa a project sponsored by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), headed by Don Kohn, MD at UCLA, was starting a clinical trial. The objective of the project was ‘to remove bone marrow from the patient and fix the genetic defect in the blood-forming stem cells. Then those cells can be reintroduced into the patient to create a new, healthy blood system.’The success of this clinical trial has given hope to Adrienne that with the help regenerative medicine her daughter will be able to lead a healthy and pain-free life.

    The Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison describes ‘Regenerative Medicine’ as ‘a new scientific and medical discipline focused on harnessing the power of stem cells and the body’s own regenerative capabilities to restore function to damaged cells, tissues and organs.’

    Stem cells that are found in the umbilical cord blood of new born children have the ability to renew and regenerate themselves. A stem cell, through the process of mitosis, can divide itself to either become a specialized cell like a brain cell or muscle cell, or remain a stem cell. They are also able to repair internal damage caused by any type of disease, disorder or trauma. Stem cell transplantation, stem cell grafting and regenerative medicine are some of the ways in which these cells are used to cure disorders and illnesses.

    Regenerative medicine includes a wide range of scientific disciplines, such as biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology and immunology. Scientists from these fields have been conducting research and studies in this domain and have identified three methods of using regenerative medicine. They are cellular therapies, tissue engineering and medical devices and artificial organs.

    Cellular Therapies – In this method, cellular materials, in most cases adult stem cells, are extracted and stored and then injected into the site of injury, tissue damage or disease. These cells, thereafter, repair the damaged cells or regenerate new cells to replace the damaged ones.

    Tissue Engineering – This method is related to the field of biomaterials development and utilizes a combination of functioning tissues, cells and scaffolds to engineer a fully functioning organ which is then implanted into the body of the receiver in place of a damaged organ or tissue.

    Medical Devices and Artificial Organs – When a body organ fails, the most common method of treatment is to replace it with a donor organ. Donor organs are not easily available and can pose as a hindrance in such cases. Even if a donor is available, he or she may need to take immunosuppressant drugs before the transplant and these drugs have been known to cause side-effects. In such circumstances, medical devices that imitate the function of the failed organ can be used, instead of transplantation. An example of one such device is the ventricular assist device (VAD) that is used in place of heart transplants.

    Since regenerative medicine deals with the use of stem cells, it occasionally requires embryonic stem cells for research purposes. This use of embryonic stem cells can often give rise to questions regarding ethics and legality. The laws and regulations concerning regenerative medicine are different in different countries. Creation of human embryos for research is only legally permitted in three countries. Majority of the countries only allow extraction of cells from surplus IVF embryos. A recent study, related to human embryonic stem cells (hECS) research policy, was conducted which revealed that UK, Sweden and Belgium were very permissive in authorizing the creation of human embryos for research, whereas, Luxembourg, Austria, Poland and Ireland had no laws regarding hECS. The legislations regarding hESC in most other countries range between being mildly restrictive to very restrictive.

    Regenerative medicine is the future of modern medical treatments. Scientists are conducting clinical trials and studies every day to further enhance and improve in this area of medicine.

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    Source by Richa Verma

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  • How Exactly Does The Salt Water Cure Work?

    How Exactly Does The Salt Water Cure Work?

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    The Salt Water Cure is one of the most effective cures for negative energy in Feng Shui. Many people question how it works. That question is a difficult one to answer satisfactorily for many. You must remember there are certain enhancements, cures or remedies in Feng Shui that require a leap of faith more than an exact scientific explanation.

    The Salt Water Cure has been used for thousands of years by Feng Shui Masters. Salt Water has also been a integral part of religions around the world (or example its inclusion in Holy Water). As well, medically, doctors in the present have been using it for many different purposes including injecting it into patients who have frozen shoulder syndrome, and getting better results than with surgery. We know that is works because it has throughout time. However let me try to be a little scientific (and I mean a little as that is not my background!) Negative Energy fills the air from a number of sources.

    Bad flying stars entering different cycles, previous owners or tenants, violence, arguments, ill health as well as power grids, computer and TVs (which all transmit positively charged ions) Salt Water cures release negative charged ions that neutralize positively charged ions. When you are by the sea or close to moving water in nature the air is filled with negatively charged ions, and we are hoping to duplicate or to create that incredible environment in your home. Some say that living in a environment charged with negative ions is the same as filling your body with nutritional food full of vitamins! You are surrounded by the best air possible.

    Another option to increase the air quality and rid your environment of negative energy is with Himalayan Rock Salt Lamps, which work in the same way.They are made from salt crystal rocks and release negative ions when used. They are excellent when faced with health issues, and can be used in a variety of ways including:

    Shape

    Use a triangular lamp when you need the element of fire or round to help enhance the metal element

    Colour

    You can also combine colour therapy with these rock salt lamps by using; Red is the traditional colour that is good to helps with tiredness and low blood pressure. Yellow is Good for spiritual pursuits and those wishing to grow within themselves. Orange is for creative pursuits and freedom and Green is for adding adding balance to your life

    The Salt Water Cure and Rock Salt Lamps for some defy explanation. But what harm can it do? Why not give it a try!

    © 2008 Fay Chapple

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    Source by Fay Chapple

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  • Climate Change: Its Ill-Effects on Health

    Climate Change: Its Ill-Effects on Health

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    The temperature increase in the atmosphere is more specifically referred to as global warming. But the climate change is the term currently favored by scientists, as it explicitly includes not only Earth’s increasing global average temperature, but also the climate effects caused by this increase.

    Any gas, which has the property of absorbing infrared radiation emitted from Earth’s surface and reradiating it back to Earth’s surface, is called greenhouse gas. Carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor are the most important greenhouse gases. Other greenhouse gases include, but are not limited to, surface-level ozone, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, hydro fluorocarbons, per fluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons.

    Though a naturally occurring phenomenon, the greenhouse effect results in a warming of Earth’s surface and troposphere – the lowest layer of the atmosphere. Of the greenhouse gases, water vapor has the largest effect.

    Some important causes of greenhouse effect include burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas, deforestation, increase in population, farming, and industrial wastes and landfills.

    Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere. With higher than normal concentrations, they lead to unnatural warming. The main cause of the current global warming trend is human expansion of the greenhouse effect, a warming that results when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth toward space.

    Even a small global temperature increase could lead to troubling consequences like rising sea levels, population displacement, disruption to the food supply, flooding, and ill-effects on health. As a matter of fact, human health bears the greatest brunt of the consequences of the climate change.

    Ill-effects of climate change on health –

    Climate change can affect human health mainly in two ways: first, by changing the severity or frequency of health problems that are already affected by climate factors and second, by creating health problems in places where they have not previously occurred.

    Effects of temperature increase –

    Increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases lead to an increase of both average and extreme temperatures. This can compromise the body’s ability to regulate its temperature. Loss of internal temperature regulation can result in a cascade of illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke and hyperthermia in the presence of extreme heat, and hypothermia and frostbite in the presence of extreme cold. Temperature extremes can also worsen chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, cerebro-vascular disease, and diabetes-related conditions.

    People working outdoors, socially isolated, economically disadvantaged and those with chronic illnesses are more vulnerable to the impact of temperature increase.

    Effects of air quality –

    Climate change has modified weather patterns, which in turn have influenced the levels and location of outdoor air pollutants such as ground-level ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter. Increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) levels also promote the growth of plants that release airborne allergens. Higher pollen concentrations and longer pollen seasons can increase allergic sensitization and asthma episodes, thereby limiting productivity at work and school. Poor air quality, whether outdoors or indoors, can negatively affect the human respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

    Effects of extreme events –

    Climate change causes an increase in the occurrence and severity of some extreme events, which can have health impacts such as death or injury during an event, for example, drowning during floods. Health impacts can also occur before and after an extreme event, as individuals involved in activities such as disaster preparation and post-event cleanup put their health at risk. The severity and extent of health effects associated with extreme events depend on the physical impacts of the extreme events themselves.

    Vector borne diseases –

    Vector-borne diseases are transmitted by vectors, which include mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. These vectors can carry infective pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, which can be transferred from one host (carrier) to another. The seasonality, distribution, and prevalence of vector-borne diseases are influenced significantly by climate. Climate change is likely to have both short- and long-term effects on vector-borne disease transmission and infection patterns, affecting both seasonal risk and disease occurrence over decades.

    Water related diseases –

    Climate change is expected to affect fresh and marine water resources in ways that will increase people’s exposure to water-related contaminants which cause illness. Water-related illnesses include waterborne diseases caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Water-related illnesses are also caused by toxins produced by certain harmful algae and by chemicals introduced into water sources by human activities. Exposure occurs through ingestion, direct contact with contaminated drinking or recreational water and through consumption of contaminated fish and sea food.

    Effects on mental health –

    Mental health consequences of climate change range from minimal stress and distress symptoms to clinical disorders such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and suicidal tendencies. The children, elderly, women (especially pregnant and post-partum women), people with preexisting mental illness, economically disadvantaged, and homeless are more exposed to its mental health consequences.

    Effects on food safety and quality –

    Climate change is very likely to affect global, regional, and local food safety by disrupting food availability, decreasing access to food and making utilization more difficult. Higher concentrations of CO2 can lower the levels of protein and essential minerals in a number of widely consumed crops, including wheat, rice, and potatoes, with potentially negative implications for human nutrition. Poor nutritional quality of food is more likely to affect adversely the vulnerable sections of the population.

    The bottom line –

    Over the last 50 years, human activities have released sufficient quantities of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to trap additional heat in the lower atmosphere and affect the global climate. According to WHO (World Health Organization):

    • Climate change affects the social and environmental determinants of health – clean air, safe drinking water, sufficient food and secure shelter.
    • Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250000 additional deaths per year, from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea and heat stress.

    So, in view of the serious repercussions of climate change on human health, we all have to make concerted efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases through better transport, food and energy use choices so as to improve our health particularly through reduced air pollution.

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    Source by Dr. Pran Rangan

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  • Spiritual and Emotional Healing for Common Chronic Illnesses

    Spiritual and Emotional Healing for Common Chronic Illnesses

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    Chronic illness can be used as a tool of enlightenment to discover the lessons of soul journeys.

    Often times, our physical bodies reflect the spiritual, psychological and biological imprints of our experiences.

    When we engage a process of healing, often practitioners address the physical or biological aspects of health challenges, yet the psychological and emotional aspects are often neglected.

    Thus, it is important to look at our emotional and spiritual patterns to discover the lessons in specific health conditions.

    In the Chinese system of medicine, there is a mapping of personality archetypes that correlate with specific internal organ imbalances. These correlations can give insight to emotional and spiritual aspects of health challenges.

    For example, someone with a kidney imbalance or adrenal fatigue or urinary bladder issues might lean toward excessive fears such that energy becomes stagnant to create kidney stones. We would call this personality type a “water” type. They might tend to be very introspective and inward, suppressing feelings as opposed to expressing them. Also, water personalities may be challenged with exhibiting discipline.

    On a spiritual level, water aspects are about spiritual essence, so lessons that have to do with our jing-our spiritual DNA or heritage, cyclic patterns of energy that are associated with our spiritual ancestors and our spiritual blueprint.

    So, when we have issues involving a kidney pattern, either in the form of weak kidneys (sluggish energy), kidney stones, weak bones, or cancer, we need to ask ourselves, “On a spiritual level, what energies am I holding around heritage and ancestors that may be depleting my kidney energy? What fears am I holding?”

    On the other hand, a person with high blood pressure, dizziness, and tendency towards insomnia or anger might have more of a wood personality, manifesting imbalances with the liver. The partner of the liver is the gallbladder, another wood element organ. A personality archetype of a person with imbalances of the gallbladder would be one who has difficulty making decisions and defining themselves and their path in the world. There is often a sense of angst or wavering about what to do or who to be in the world.

    Spiritually wood is about creativity and the most benevolent aspects of spirit. So, when we have health challenges that are more of a wood issue, we can ask, “What issues or energies am I holding around blooming compassion or dealing with suppressed anger?” How am I allowing my spirit and personality to manifest creativity?”

    Metal personalities often are more prone to lung challenges, asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory and auto-immune issues that may express more on the skin or through the large intestine. Metal out of balance can represent a person who tends to be righteous in fighting injustices but perhaps at a level that depletes their energy such that the immunity and the lungs suffer. Irritable bowel syndrome can also be a tendency for people who have a strong metal element, as there may be issues with holding onto experience and feelings that no longer serve the body, creating inflammation in the organ itself that is responsible for elimination of toxins. Perfectionists often fit into this metal category as trying to achieve very lofty goals-part of the righteous aspect of the self that is trying to attain the highest level of achievement.

    Spiritually, metal is associated with our “wei qi”, external immunity that protects spiritually. “Wei qi” can be compared to an energetic shield. So, we might ask ourselves, “What issues or energies am I holding around protection, perfection or the need to right injustices on a spirit level?”

    Earth personalities tend to manifest spleen/stomach and digestive issues. They may also exhibit challenge with boundaries (setting appropriate boundaries so as to regulate activities and relationships such that one does not become overwhelmed). Thus, anxiety may arise. Also, the earth personality may tend to ruminate on thoughts and ideas which can also add to anxiety and the health challenges that may accompany stress, such as acid reflux, ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome.

    Earth personalities can be natural nurturers but may have a tendency to over-nurture and not make time for themselves. Thus, nourishing the self becomes an important healing tool for earth personalities. Challenges with grounding and centering energy may also emerge for earth personality person as often their energies are stretched in so many directions in the attempt to care-take others.

    On a spirit level, earth represents the spiritual intelligence. So, we might introspect earth related health challenges by asking, “What energies or issues am I holding around allowing my intuitive and spiritual intelligence to guide my path versus my cognitive, intellectual self? In what ways am nourishing my ability to let spirit lead?”

    Sometimes our spirit journeys may involve patterns or lessons around these elemental aspects of being such that we may carry the imbalance of earlier spirit journeys in our bodies as patterns that reflect our elemental patterns of those times.

    This is often the case with health conditions that do not respond to traditional western or traditional eastern protocols. These conditions often reflect deeper rooted soul lessons that need to be resolved. Thus, the process for resolution often takes time. Yet sometimes people want a quick fix and only want to invest in their health with a few sessions or herbal formulations. Yet, the condition may have taken several lifetimes form-so the work of healing needs to be consistent, steady and regular to gain optimal resolution.

    Understanding this longer cycle of healing and supporting the journey with self-empowerment tools such as self-acupressure, dietary and exercise guidance and spiritual mentoring is a hallmark of the type of Chinese medicine that I practice. Thus, clients are given a palette of tools from which they can pick and choose what resonates for them. Then, they can decide at which level that wish to implement strategies and tools in their lives. Thus, the client is the driver in the healing experience with the practitioner merely facilitating a deeper road on which to travel.

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    Source by Kay Hutchinson

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  • Four Essential Solutions To Heal From Your Profound Sorrow – Stop Grieving And Start Healing

    Four Essential Solutions To Heal From Your Profound Sorrow – Stop Grieving And Start Healing

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    Grieving And Start Healing

    1- Optimism!

    "The first step towards the solution of any problem is optimism." ~ John Baines

    Begin by thinking and believing you can take one step toward hope and peace no matter how overwhelmingly complex it may appear. Keep your candle of hope lighted even though your circumstance may seem fogged with blackness.
    "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."
    ~ Chinese proverb often quoted by Eleanor Roosevelt

    The darkness of your cave of sorrow clouds and grief shadows can seem overpowering. Yet, unknown, unexplored possibilities can be discovered, explored and applied in your healing. Opportunities and potentialities of hope can be illuminated by your small candle light of anticipation and optimism. Even in the darkest of conditions happiness can be found. You must remember to turn on your light of hope.

    "It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light."
    – Aristotle Onassis

    Optimism can help you focus on undiscovered possibilities. Focusing on opportunities not yet considered with hopefulness and confidence is vital to stop grieving and start healing. Optimism is your first important solution to overcoming your sorrow.

    2- There are Answers

    "Be thankful that life is a mystery. There is so much we can never know. Breathe deeply and relax into the not-knowing. There is much that we do not have to know in order to live joyfully."
    ~ Jonathan Lockwood Huie

    Seeking all the answers to heal from your deep grief experience may not be in your best interest. Every answer to the "Why", "How", "When", and "Where" is not necessary to live joyfully. Concentrating on the things you can be grateful for may be a better solution. Focused on counting your blessings one by one can give you greater hope and resolve.

    "Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties."
    ~ Helen Keller

    Optimism in your thinking, resolve to overcome life's detours, determination to not let a daunting grief challenges stop you on your journey to find more happiness are all essential elements of personal empowerment. Don't let the tears from your crying about the sun being gone from your life block you from seeing the potential stars of happiness and hope.

    "Only when life is difficult, are we challenged to become our greatest selves."
    ~ Jonathan Lockwood Huie

    Let's be honest and frank, grief happenings are difficult and trying. But new possibilities discovered can help you become your greatest self. Follow your heart and don't let anything crush your dreams.

    "When It's Darkest, Men See the Stars."
    ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

    Empowerment to heal from your grief and loss requires you look beyond the darkness you see and feel. Looking for the stars of hope beyond your darkest night may require an attitude shift. Look beyond your shadowy discouragement. You can if you will.

    3- Resolve

    "Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties."
    ~ Helen Keller

    Don't let the tears from your crying about the sun being gone from your life block you from seeing the potential stars of happiness and hope.

    "Only when life is difficult, are we challenged to become our greatest selves."
    ~ Jonathan Lockwood Huie

    Let's be honest and frank, grief happenings are difficult and trying. But as you search for solutions the possibilities discovered can help you become your greatest self. Follow your heart and don't let anything crush your dreams.

    4- Pray

    After you have considered and done all you can never forget the inspiration and strength that can result from communion with God.

    "Our prayers should be for blessings in general, for God knows best what is good for us."
    ~ Socrates

    It is good to remember as you pray that God gives you what you need in His good time – but not always when and what you ask for. I have lived with and overcome grief supported each time from inspiration, strength and personal empowerment from communion with my God. You can also.

    Be Optimistic. There are answers. Seek them. Have determination and resolve. Pray. Seek the inspiration of communion with God.

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    Source by Duane Marchant

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