Would You Be Interested in a Simple Nutrient that Can...
...reduce your risk of colon cancer, diverticulitis?
…eliminate hemorrhoids and other colon health problems?
...lower your cholesterol naturally, without drugs?
...lower your blood sugar levels and help prevent diabetes?
...decrease your appetite and help you lose weight?
...help keep you regular and prevent diarrhea, too?

Fabulous Fiber Are You Getting Enough? 

Fiber is the indigestible portion of the plant foods we eat. Even though your body can't break it down for fuel or nutrients, it is still essential to your health. Unfortunately, most people don't get enough fiber, which contributes to many of the health problems they experience.

The benefits of getting an adequate amount of fiber are numerous. For starters, fiber helps keep us regular because it absorbs water, lubricates the stool and helps food pass through the digestive tract quickly. This prevents toxic materials from irritating the colon and being absorbed into the body. Research has shown that having a diet high in fiber-rich foods helps protect against appendicitis, colon cancer, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids.

However, fiber's benefits on the gastrointestinal tract are only the beginning. Fiber also reduces the risk of cancer in general (including breast cancer in women) because it binds with toxins (like xenoestrogens) so they aren't absorbed. Fiber also helps reduce cholesterol because it binds the cholesterol-rich bile salts produced by the liver. This also reduces the risk of gallstones and other gallbladder problems.

By slowing the release of sugars into the blood stream, fiber also helps in the management
of hypoglycemia and diabetes. Fiber's effects on blood sugar, coupled with the fact that it creates a feeling of fullness that causes a person to eat less, also makes fiber helpful in weight management. With all these benefits, who wouldn't want to make sure they have enough fiber in their diet?

How Much Fiber Do You Need?

The Institute of Medicine recommends that men under 50 should get about 38 grams of fiber daily and at least 30 grams if they are over 50. The recommendation for women is slightly lower: 25 grams under 50 and 21 grams over 50. Children, of course, need less. Unfortunately, the average American (both adults and children) consume only about half the grams of fiber they need.

This probably wouldn't be the case if we didn't eat refined and processed foods. The fiber rich peelings and seeds are removed from fruits and vegetables. The bran is removed from fiber rich whole grains and sugars are extracted from fiber rich plants. In addition people eat a lot of meat and dairy products (which do not contain fiber) instead of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables.

Traditionally, people used to call fiber "roughage," but most fiber in foods is not "rough" in any sense of the word. Fiber actually absorbs water to form a soft mass, which lubricates and soothes the intestines. In fact, we might call most fiber "smooth-age," because it makes things move more smoothly through the gastrointestinal tract.

In this issue we'll talk about the benefits of getting enough fiber in your diet. We'll explain the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber and give you practical suggestions for increasing your intake of both.

We'll also discuss some quality fiber supplements you can use.

The Many Benefits of Fiber

Fiber is important if you want to enjoy optimal health. Here is an explanation of the many benefits of getting an adequate amount of fiber in your diet.

Preventing Constipation

Constipation is a root cause of numerous other health problems. When food moves too slowly through the digestive system, intestinal membranes are irritated and toxins are absorbed into the blood stream, stressing the liver and increasing inflammation throughout the body.

Soluble fiber helps keep the stool soft and lubricated and promotes intestinal peristalsis. It also soothes the intestinal membranes and absorbs irritating substances so they don't enter the body. Fiber can only do this when it is taken with lots of water. If you increase your fiber intake without drinking adequate amounts of water it can't do its job of keeping the stool soft and keeping you regular.

Preventing Colon Cancer and Other Cancers

Soluble fiber appears to play a role in the prevention of bowel cancer. The Journal of the American Dietetic Association explains that studies examining the correlation between fiber
intake and colon cancer, while not entirely consistent, offer sufficient evidence for health professionals to advise patients to consume adequate fiber as protection against cancer.

Soluble fiber works to prevent cancer by preventing waste material from staying in the colon for long periods of time, thereby preventing toxins from irritating colon tissues. This may have benefits in preventing other types of cancer, as well. Fiber has been shown to reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancer because it absorbs excess estrogens. Also, many fiber rich-foods contain lignans and isoflavones (phytoestrogens) , which block overstimulation of breast, uterine and prostate tissue by stronger estrogens.

Promoting Colon Health

Fiber reduces the risk of forming diverticula (bowel pockets), hemorrhoids and anal fistula. It also reduces the risk of inflammatory bowel disorders. Soluble fiber also feeds the friendly bacteria (probiotics) in the colon. These bacteria protect the body from infections by pathological organisms and regulate the immune system to reduce the risk of allergies, asthma and auto-immune disorders. Other supplements that work well with fiber in keeping the colon healthy include enzymes (like Proactazyme or Food Enzymes) and probiotics (like Probiotic Eleven). Taking these supplements with fiber increases your protection against diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Types and Sources of Fiber

There are two basic types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Let's look at the difference.

Soluble Fiber

Soluble fiber can’t be broken down by our digestive system, but the friendly bacteria in our colon can ferment (or digest) this fiber. Soluble fiber is broken down into short chain fatty acids that can be absorbed and burned for fuel. The amount of calories they release is small, but since these calories can't be released until the food reaches the colon, this helps to stabilize blood sugar. Soluble fiber acts as a food for the friendly flora (pro biotic bacteria) found in the digestive tract. These bacteria protect us against infection and have many other benefits for our health.

Soluble fibers include beta-glucans (which lower cholesterol and benefit the immune system), pectins, gums, mucilage and fructooligosaccharides like in ulin (which are known as pre-biotics because of their ability to feed the probiotic bacteria). Foods naturally rich in soluble fiber include:
• Flax seed
• Nuts (especially almonds)
• Legumes such as beans and peas
• Grains like oats, barley and chia
• Fruits and natural fruit juices, such as prune juice, plums, berries, bananas, apples and pears
• Vegetables such as broccoli, carrots and Jerusalem artichokes
• Root vegetables and tubers such as sweet potatoes and onions

Insoluble fiber

Insoluble fiber consists of those parts of plant-based foods that your body doesn't break down at all. It passes through your digestive tract unchanged and serves primarily to bulk the stool, preventing constipation and autointoxication (the absorption of toxic substances from the colon).

Foods rich in insoluble fiber include:

• Whole grains, bran
• Nuts and seeds
• Legumes such as beans and peas
• Fruits like avocado and slightly green bananas
• Vegetables such as green beans, cauliflower, zucchini, celery, and no pal
• The peelings of most fruits and vegetables, including potato skins

Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes

Metabolic syndrome is a combination of altered blood sugar levels, excess weight, high blood pressure and high triglycerides. It is a precursor to diabetes, heart disease and other diseases associated with aging. It is caused by eating a lot of simple carbohydrates (such as refined sugars and white flour products).
Fiber-rich foods slow the absorption of sugars into the bloodstream, which helps to correct one of the underlying causes of metabolic syndrome. This is also helpful in the management of type 2 diabetes. A study published in the 2010 Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology explained that psyllium and other soluble fibers have a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels, fatty acids and satiety, thus supporting the use of soluble fiber as a treatment for metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

Reducing Triglycerides and Cholesterol

In addition to slowing and regulating sugar absorption, soluble fiber binds to fatty acids slowing their absorption into the blood stream. The supplement Fat Grabbers is specifically formulated for this purpose. Fiber also binds the cholesterol rich bile from the liver and gallbladder. This keeps the cholesterol from being reabsorbed, which helps to lower both LDL and total cholesterol levels. It also inhibits the formation of gallstones and reduces the risk of gallbladder diseases.

Cardiovascular Health

If you are not already at risk for cardiovascular disease, eating insoluble fiber on a regular basis may reduce your risk of developing it. Even if you are at high risk for cardiovascular disease eating insoluble fiber may slow the progression of cardiovascular disease in your body, according to the American Heart Association. Some research suggests that insoluble fiber can help your heart by reducing inflammation in your arteries, reducing your blood pressure, and reducing your chances of developing blood clots. Research even suggests that a high fiber.diet reduces your risk of getting varicose veins.

Weight Management

The simple fact that high fiber foods require you to chew longer can actually help you lose weight. Chewing longer gives your body a chance to detect fullness signals, which reduces
your risk of overeating. Eating fibrous foods can also help you feel full longer, and foods with lots of insoluble fiber tend to have fewer calories. This may help you to reduce your weight.

As you can see, the benefits of fiber are numerous. The best way to get adequate fiber is to eat fiber-rich foods, which contain other beneficial nutrients besides fiber. Unfortunately, most people in our society are not going to get adequate fiber from their diets. This makes taking a daily fiber supplement a beneficial health practice for most people.

Fiber Supplements

The best fiber strategy for men and women is to eat a mix of soluble and insoluble fiber in the amount of 25 to 35 grams per day. Taking a fiber supplement each morning before breakfast is a great way to increase the amount of fiber in your diet, but remember you need more water for the fiber supplement.

Start slowly, with about 1/2 a teaspoon and gradually work up to two or three teaspoons. Mix the fiber with water or a non-citrus juice such as apple, grape or apricot. Drink quickly before the fiber has a chance to gel. Follow with a large glass of water. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day when taking fiber. Exercising also improves colon tone and increases the effectiveness of fiber.

If you have very sluggish bowels when you start taking fiber, it may be wise to take an herbal laxative for a few weeks to speed up colon transit time. LBS II or Cascara Sagrada can be helpful. One can also perform a type of daily "cleanse" by taking fiber with a detoxification formula like All Cell Detox or Enviro- Detox. This helps protect the body against environmental toxins.

Here are some fiber blends to consider.

Psyllium Hulls Combination

Psyllium hulls are a popular source of insoluble fiber because they absorb several times their weight in water. Psyllium binds cholesterol and is soothing and mucilaginous to intestinal membranes. Psyllium Hulls Combination contains an extremely high grade of psyllium hulls flavored with hibiscus flowers and licorice root. This is the coarsest of the fiber supplements and is best for people with atonic colons. It should be avoided by people with irritable bowel or inflammatory bowel disorders.

Nature's Three

To supplement your diet with a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber in a convenient form, try Nature's Three. This product contains fiber from three different sources: psyllium, oat bran and apple fiber. Oat bran is rich in beta-glucans and has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels. Apple fiber is very good at relieving constipation. This is a gentler fiber combination and can be made even gentler by mixing it with equal parts freshly ground flax seed or chia seed. This formula is particularly useful for people who are new to taking fiber.

LOCLO

LOCLO gets its name from the fact it was designed to lower cholesterol. It provides both soluble and insoluble fiber from six sources: psyllium, oat bran, apple fiber, acacia gum, guar gum and flax seed. The gums are mucilaginous fibers that have even more soothing effects on the colon. Flax seeds are very lubricating to a dry colon and also contain fatty acids that benefit the immune system and reduce inflammation in the bowel.

LOCLO also contains a blend of powdered fruits, vegetables and herbs, as well as bioflavonoids. These provide antioxidants that soothe intestinal inflammation, making this a more suitable table fiber for people suffering from inflammatory bowel disorders than either Nature's Three or Psyllium Hulls Combination.

Everybody's Fiber

Everybody's Fiber is the most gentle fiber product of the four. It contains no psyllium or oat bran. Its primary source of fiber is slippery elm, a soothing and nourishing herb that is often used for people with Crohn's disease, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis. It may also be beneficial in the treatment of peptic ulcers and diarrhea (especially in children).

Everybody's Fiber also contains apple pectin, flax seed and marshmallow root, all of which contain soothing water soluble fibers. This blend also contains herbs that reduce intestinal Inflammation, relieve gas and bloating and balance gut flora, making it the best fiber supplement for people with any type of inflammatory condition in the gastrointestinal tract. It combines well with Intestinal Soothe and Build for these conditions.

All of these products can be purchased from our web site  www.HCWellnessCenterAndSpa.com under products or by calling our office 704-823-1577

1 large banana(s), chopped to blend easier     

 1 cup(s) frozen unsweetened mixed berries, Frozen    

1 cup(s) water    

1 cup(s)  Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk

1/2 cup   High Fiber Cereal    

  

Blend together until smooth. * Notes: I added ice cubes halfway through. You can adjust the amount of water depending on how thick you like your smoothie.      

    

Nutty Strawberry Smoothie 

6-8 large strawberries 

1/2 cup (.5 cup) of walnuts/chopped 

1/2 cup raisins (.5 cup) 

3/4 cup of oats (.75 cup)or ground Flax 

1/2 cup of water (.5 cup) 

6 large ice cubes 

1-scoopNature's Harvest  

 

“What is a colonic?” 
Excellent question, I found out about colonics in the early 90's when I was suffering from a host of digestive problems.  I was in a book store and on the wall was a business card that sounded like something that would help me.  We didn't have the internet so it was a blind faith judgement that got me to a colon hydrotherapist and that was the beginning of my journey to better health.

I first started getting colonics as needed or as I like to call it allopathic medicine the way you would see a regular physician.  I soon found out that as it helped me I still was not getting the results I wanted or needed to completely heal my inner workings.

That is when I found out that in order to heal I would need to step up my sessions to allow the colon to be free of the years of abuse  I had subjected it to.
Colonics Explained
 A colonic is all about cleansing the bowel, specifically the large intestines. The bowels  are one of the major elimination systems of the body, and when we cleanse out toxins we remove that which could be perpetuating illness.

When one gets a colonic (also referred to as receiving “colon hydrotherapy”), filtered water is slowly released into the large intestine via the rectum. Once inside the body, the water can soften waste matter on the intestinal walls. As the waste matter softens, it can then be released on the outflow of water. Do this process repeatedly, and recent waste as well as built up waste from days, months, even years prior can be dislodged. Remove the toxins (and possible encrustation of waste on your gut walls) and you just might experience greater health!

Once the toxins are out, your body has the potential to go to new heights of healing!

Needless to say I have been able to overcome a lot of the health issues I had 20 some years ago and I still maintain at least one colonic a month as maintenance. 

Check out the FAQ's on our web site for more information at www.HCWellnessCenterAndSpa.com

or call today for an appointment at 704-823-1577

Give us a call at 704-823-1577 or log into our website at www.HCWellnessCenterAndSpa.com and look under Products.

Sign up for our Monthly Newsletter and Recipes at info@HCWellnessCenterAndSpa.com

Clear Up Sinus Problems the Natural Way


Sinus problems are the number one chronic health problem in America. Unfortunately, the antibiotics and antihistamines commonly used to treat this problem offer only symptomatic relief Natural remedies, on the other hand, can permanently resolve chronic sinus problems.

If you suffer from chronic sinus problems, you're not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) about 30 million people or 13% of adults have been diagnosed with sinusitis. The U.S. National Center for Health Statistics reports that sinus and allergy problems combined are the number one chronic health complaint across the country and have been for two decades. When you combine upper respiratory allergies with chronic sinusitis, sixty million people (about a quarter of the population) have sinus problems.

Medical treatment for sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) usually involves antibiotics. Researchers in a recent study from the University of Nebraska found that over 80% of patients with acute sinus infections and nearly 70% of patients with chronic sinus problems were prescribed antibiotics. Unfortunately, the majority of acute sinus problems are viral. Antibiotics only work on bacterial infections. 

Furthermore, one study determined that chronic sinus problems are primarily due to inflammation, not infection. Chronic inflammation of the sinuses simply makes them more prone to infection. Therefore, the long-term solution is to mediate the immune response and reduce the inflammation.

The other common treatment for chronic sinus problems is antihistamines. These provide symptomatic relief, but do nothing to actually cure the condition. So, the bottom line is that modern medicine has no real cure for chronic sinus problems.  This is why people with chronic sinus problems may be told by their doctor to "just live with it."

Natural Remedies to the Rescue
Thankfully, there are options. A number of natural approaches and remedies have enabled many people to actually recover from their sinus problems permanently. 

For starters, there is a big connection between the health of the mucus membranes of the gastrointestinal system and the health of the respiratory system. This is why the real answer to sinus problems is typically found by healing the intestines. Both sinusitis and respiratory allergies are linked to poor diet and poor digestive health.

In this month's Sunshine Sharing, we'll explain the gut-sinus connection and discuss how digestive enzymes, probiotics, colon cleansing, nasal irrigation and decongestants can get rid of chronic sinus problems. We'll even address emotional factors that may be contributing to the problem. These remedies will often offer immediate relief as well as a long-term cure. The bottom line is that you don't have to just live with a stuffed up head. You can clear your sinus congestion safely and permanently.

Natural Ways to Clear Your Head
To understand how you can resolve sinus problems, you first need to understand why the sinuses get stuffed up in the first place.  Here's what happens. 

The mucus membranes lining the sinuses, lungs and gastrointestinal tract are a protective barrier, part of the body's innate immune system. They form what we might think of as an internal "skin" or protective layer. As their name implies, these membranes secrete a thin fluid called mucus, which is composed primarily of water with a protein matrix. Mucus protects these membranes and allows them to flush away particulate matter like dust, smoke and pollen, as well as microbes. 

The membranes of the sinuses (and lungs) are coated with tiny hair-like projections called cilia. The cilia are constantly sweeping this mucus (and the substances it has trapped) to the throat where it can be swallowed and eliminated.

When someone gets a cold or other viral infection, mucus production is increased to flush these irritants out of the body.  This excess mucus production results in a runny nose, sneezing,
post nasal drip and/or coughing. At the same time, white blood cells called macro phages, which live in the membranes, become more active and trigger an inflammatory process that
causes swelling of the tissues. This swelling can make breathing difficult because it narrows the respiratory passages.

In acute sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), the body's immune system is typically able to destroy the offending viruses (or bacteria) and conditions rapidly return to normal. However,
sometimes these symptoms of congestion and inflammation last for weeks, months or even years. When the sinuses are congested for more than four weeks, a person is said to have
chronic sinusitis.

What Causes Chronic Sinusitis?
Most people assume that their sinus problems are caused by an infection or 'allergic reaction to something like pollen.  However, any type of irritation to the sinuses can initiate an inflammatory response, such as exposure to chemicals and air pollution. Furthermore, there is a major connection between the health of the mucous membranes of the respiratory system
and those of the gastrointestinal system.

Perhaps you've noticed that if you eat something that doesn't agree with you, your sinuses may start to run shortly thereafter.  Also, it's not uncommon for people who are experiencing upper
respiratory allergic reactions to have gas and digestive upset at the same time. This is due to the close relationship between the respiratory tract and the colon-and the immune functions they share. Healing the digestive tract is often the answer to healing the sinuses. If more people and their doctors understood this, many of their sinus problems would be resolved.

Food Allergies and Digestive Problems
Allergic reactions in the intestines sensitize respiratory membranes, causing them to hyper-secrete mucus. This can result in chronic sinus problems. The most common foods that contribute to chronic sinus problems are dairy products and gluten-bearing grains (e.g, wheat, rye, barley). Eliminating these allergy-causing foods starts clearing up many people's sinus problems automatically. Try fasting for a few days. If your sinus problem clear up while fasting, food allergies are probably a contributing factor.

It also helps to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and get more fiber in the diet. Eating organically grown fruits, vegetables, legumes, gluten-free grains, modest amounts of fermented dairy products like yoghurt and kefir, free-range organic chicken and grass-fed organic beef provides balanced nutrition and promotes healthy digestion, while minimizing the potential for allergic reactions and inflammation.

One doesn't need to have food allergies to have digestive issues triggering sinus problems. Many people have chronically poor digestion, which means food isn't broken down properly.
This causes stagnation in the digestive tract and creates congestion in the lymphatic system. The result is a similar congestion in the sinuses.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this congestion of fluids is referred to as "damp accumulation." This dampness becomes a breeding ground for mold, yeast and other invading pathogens.
One way to tell if you're suffering from this "dampness" in your system is to look at your tongue. If you have a thick coating (white or yellowish) on the surface of your tongue, your
system is congested.
Improving Digestive Health
Enzymes help to break down food and reduce congestion, so people suffering from sinus problems should consider taking an enzyme supplement like Proactazyme or Food Enzymes.
Proteolytic enzymes (pro teases such as bromelain from pineapples) can also be directly helpful in thinning mucus by breaking down its protein base. This makes the mucus more watery and easier to expel. So, taking Food Enzymes or High Potency Protease between meals with lots of water can be helpful in breaking up thick mucus that is difficult to expel.

A good colon cleanse can also be very helpful in reducing chronic sinus congestion. Many people have found rapid relief from sinus congestion after doing a colon cleanse. Try taking
one or two boxes of CleanStart or the Tiao He Cleanse. Make sure to drink plenty of water while doing a cleanse. After the cleanses, make sure that you continue to keep the colon clean by taking a fiber supplement like Nature's Three or Psyllium Hulls Combination regularly. It is also helpful to re-establish gut flora after a cleanse by taking probiotics like Probiotic Eleven or Bifidophilus Flora Force.

It's also important to take probiotics after taking antibiotics. In fact, if you've taken antibiotics for sinus problems, you should definitely take probiotics for six to twelve months. Several years
ago, the Mayo Clinic cultured the sinus cavity of individuals with sinusitis and chronic sinus infections and found that 96% of them had fungal infections rather than bacterial infections.
So you may also want to do the Candida Clear cleanse.

Lending Your Cilia a Helping Hand
As we've explained, the cilia or "hairs" which line the mucous membrane in your sinuses constantly sweep mucus and debris out of your airways. Unfortunately, they can atrophy or become functionally impaired through chronic infection, dehydration, chemical damage and other factors.

According to Dr. Murray Grossan, a Los Angeles-based internist and author, "The treatment of choice for sinus disease is to help the body return the cilia to their normal function, beating 16 times per second. When the cilia are normal, people do not have sinusitis; they don't even have sinus-related allergies."

To test the functioning of your cilia, place a grain of saccharin in your nose, then time how long it takes the particle to travel from the front of the nose to the back. If you taste the sugar
within five minutes, your cilia are functioning normally. If it takes thirty minutes, your cilia are not functioning properly.

If your cilia have atrophied, you will need to drink lots of water and irrigate your sinuses on a regular basis to help clean them out. Regular exercise is also helpful, as it increases lymph
and fluid flow.  Lymphatic massage can also be beneficial.

Nasal Irrigation
Nasal irrigation is a procedure one can perform at home and involves using a saltwater rinse to
clear 'the nasal passages. It flushes out trapped mucus, particulate matter and microbes. Over
time, it can help to heal the sinuses and restore the normal functioning of cilia. A popular way to do this is to use a bulb syringe or a ceramic neti pot (available from many health food
stores). Fill the pot or syringe with a solution of pure, room temperature water mixed with a natural salt. Use 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt to eight ounces of water.

To perform the nasal irrigation, place your head downward over the sink. Tilt your head to the side and use the neti pot or syringe to place the solution into the top nasal passage. It will
flow out the lower nasal passage. 

To destroy pathogens in the sinuses, one can use 1 1/2 teaspoons of Silver Shield to replace the salt in the irrigation water.  Silver Shield can also be sprayed directly into the sinuses.  It will
destroy viruses, bacteria and yeast.

Another popular way to help clear out the sinuses is to inhale steam. Bring a pot of water to a boil on the stove and use a towel to direct some of the warm steam towards your face. Inhale the steam (making sure to stay far enough away from the pot so that the steam won't burn you). Adding some essential oils to the water, such as eucalyptus or pine, makes this therapy even more effective.

Breaking up Congestion
There are many herbal remedies that are helpful in breaking up congestion in the sinuses and
helping them to drain. Be aware that these remedies are NOT antihistamines, so they won't dry
out nasal secretions. Instead, they break up the congestion, loosen the mucus and help the sinuses to drain properly.

Fenugreek and Thyme is a traditional herbal formula that relieves sinus pressure, including sinus headaches, and aids drainage. Another option is Sinus Support, which tends to be
a more slow-acting formula that works on some of the underlying causes of sinus congestion.

ALJ is a very popular herbal formula that clears congestion from both the sinuses and lungs. It has the added benefit of helping to improve digestion, thus helping to heal the mucus
membranes of both the respiratory passages and the gastrointestinal tract.

If the mucus is discolored (yellowish or greenish in color), then it is likely there is an active infection present. Two good remedies that can help in this case are Goldenseal and Echinacea
and High Potency Garlic.

When nasal polyps are an issue, or the sinus congestion has been an issue for many years, a useful therapy is making an herbal snuff to clear the sinuses, shrink the polyps and reduce swelling.  It also fights infection and aids healing of the sinus tissues.  Mix equal parts bayberry root bark and goldenseal powder by emptying the contents of a couple of capsules. Snuff a pinch of this mixture into the sinuses once or twice a day. Although it can be somewhat irritating at first, this therapy often causes copious drainage, clearing the sinuses. This mixture can also be made into a tea and used as a nasal irrigation.

The Emotional Factor
Many people are surprised to learn that sinusitis and other respiratory problems can be connected to unresolved emotional issues. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the lungs and
the colon are considered part of the metal element, which defends the body. This makes sense, considering that the mucus membrane linings of the respiratory and digestive system are a
primary line of immune defense. 


TCM wisdom says that grief can damage the metal element and many people find there is a link between chronic respiratory problems and unresolved grief. A stuffed up head can be
related to an inability to grieve or cry. Post nasal drip may be thought of as internal tears or suppressed grief.   So, consider the possibility that grief and sadness may be a factor in chronic
sinus problems. The flower essence blend Release It, can be used to aid the grieving process, or, if it is deeply buried, the Open Heart flower essence may be beneficial.

Purifying the Air
One final tip for chronic sinus problems is to purify the air in your living environment. This is particularly helpful if you live in an area prone to dampness and mold. The Boomerang Air
Sanitizer sanitizes the air by neutralizing and killing airborne pathogens. It also helps to knock airborne allergens out of the air, such as dust and pollen. One can also diffuse essential oils
like eucalyptus or pine into the air.

Give us a call if you want to order any products or log into our web site at www.HCWellnessCenterAndSpa.com 

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