Archive for August, 2009
Hair Mineral Testing
On August - 17 - 2009ADD COMMENTS
Hair Mineral Testing with Halina Osinski at Chelsea Natural Health, Fulham Rd, SW10
What is Hair Mineral Analysis (HMA)?
HMA is an analytical test that reveals the mineral composition of the hair. It is becoming increasingly used in the field of preventative health care. Interpreted correctly, the analysis may provide indications of mineral imbalances and toxic metals.
Why use hair?
Hair is ideal for mineral testing as it contains all the minerals present in your body. Unlike blood, it can be sampled easily and it is simple to transport.
When it reaches the skin’s surface, the hair’s outer layers harden and lock in a blueprint of the nutritional metabolic activity during the past 1-2 months. A properly obtained sample indicates your body’s mineral levels and your accumulation of toxic metals. You can detect what the levels are right now and see how the levels have changed during the last month or two. A blood test cannot do this.
What can cause a mineral imbalance?
The principal contributory factors are:
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Data may be affected by the individual’s lifestyle, personal activities, diet, medication, environment and hygiene for example.
You should also be aware of the potential influence of the following:
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Published research relating to Hair Mineral Testing:
Increased Release of Toxins Into The Environment
In 2005 approximately four billion pounds of chemicals were released by industry in the United States. According to the EPA, chemical releases have increased by 117 million pounds over the past year. Lead compounds alone amounted to about 469 million pounds, while mercury was approximately 4.4 million pounds. Sci.News. 171, 2007.
Aluminum Induced Cholestasis Reduced By Vitamin E
Aluminum is known to reduce bile secretions by impairing hepatocellular transporters. Investigations on animals were carried out to determine if the aluminum-induced reduction in bile flow was related to oxidative stress. It was found that aluminum increased lipid peroxidation by fifty percent, reduced liver glutathione by forty-three percent, catalase by eighty-three percent and glutathione peroxidase activity by fifty percent. Vitamin E supplementation reduced these adverse effects significantly, as well as increased bile flow and contributed to an increase in aluminum removal. Gonzalez, MA, et al. Involvement of Oxidative Stress in the Impairment in Biliary Secretory Function Induced by Intraperitoneal Administration of Aluminum to Rats. Biol.Trace Elem.Res. 116, 2007.
Mercury and Heart Disease
Numerous studies over the last decade have shown the potential of the harmful effects of mercury on cardiovascular disease (CVD). A study following a group of men over a period of thirteen years found that for each microgram of mercury found in the hair the risk of acute coronary events increased by an average of eleven percent, and CVD death by ten percent. The mechanism for increased susceptibility is associated with the interaction of mercury and selenium, reducing the free radical scavenging effects of glutathione enzymes. Selenium protects the body from adverse affects of mercury. When mercury enters the body it is bound by selenium forming a mercury selenide complex. However, in those cases of high exposure to mercury, selenium will be required in greater amount in order to bind the mercury. As a result, selenium bioavailability will be reduced, thereby allowing increased free radical activity, which can promote cardiovascular disease, cancer and other related health conditions.
Virtanen, JK, et al. Mercury as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. J..Nutri.Biochem. 18, 2007.
If you are a new client of Halina’s you will be required to download a questionnaire (please click the link below) and return it to her by e-mail or by post (details are on the form).
DOWNLOAD FORMS
For further questions please contact Halina using the form above.
Aromatherapy treats stress
On August - 17 - 20091 COMMENT
Aromatherapy treats stress!
by Jenny James, Aromatherapist at Chelsea Natural Health, Fulham Rd, SW10
Recent times have seen stress levels go through the roof and I am seeing more and more clients with chronic and acute symptoms. Feeling anxious and tense all day long, unable to sleep due to worry, suffering from palpitations, panic attacks out of nowhere, they feel that they are unable to cope and are caught up in a vicious circle. Are you suffering from any of these symptoms? Aromatherapy can help heal the physical manifestations of stress and ease mental anxiety. As you know, if you are more relaxed your performance will be improved and these negative symptoms will be easier to manage and could totally disappear.
Aside from the emotions involved, stress in the long term can lead to high blood pressure – placing a huge strain on the heart and internal organs – and adrenal exhaustion, where the body is no longer able to respond quickly to the nervous system’s alarm bells.
Aromatherapy can help!
As an holistic therapy, aromatherapy takes into account the mind, body and spirit in order to achieve balance within. Taking the time out of your day for a bespoke treatment will leave you feeling relaxed and pampered; muscular aches and pains will evaporate as your mind switches off from the day’s worries and as the massage works out knots and lengthens muscles, you will feel the stress and tension leave your body and mind.
The oils used in your treatment will take into account your case history and current needs. We can work with antidepressant essential oils such as Melissa, Bergamot, Geranium; antispasmodic oils, like Mandarin and Ginger, to help where stress impacts on the digestive system; sedative and calming Ylang Ylang and Valerian help with insomnia and oils to deepen the breath and slow down cardiac rhythms are especially useful – Frankincense, Neroli and Cedarwood.
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Neroli: Citrus aurantium var amara (antidepressant, sedative, hypotensive, tonic) – the Rescue Remedy of essential oils
We can discuss longer term strategies to fight stress in your treatment; essential oils to vaporise at home or to use in the bath, breathing techniques/meditation and lifestyle.
And don’t forget that the relaxing effect of aromatherapy and massage are cumulative! Taking some time out for you regularly will leave you better equipped to manage the stresses and strains of everyday life in between. Book a course of treatments now.
Treatments: 45 min £45, 60 min £60, 90 min £90. For first appointments add 15mins for a free consultation.
Special offer: 6 Treatments for the price of 5. You will all know that one treatment is great for injury prevention and maintaining optimum health and fitness so imagine what a few would do!
GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE on request