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As we sit in our study on this cool, rainy December afternoon, we look out the window and see the gusting wind sending leaves swirling in horizontal flight patterns. We observe the transitions within ourselves brought on by the end of the year seasonal changes in the outer world. It is an indoor time. It is a time for contemplation. A time for re-affirming that change is the only constant in the universe. A time for attuning with the truth that our purpose for being in these bodies is to move ever more closely toward the truth of who we know ourselves to be in our heart of hearts.
The theme of this issue of the Pacific Naturopathic Newsletter is Transformation, and all of our writers have grasped the concept that we cannot separate physical, mental and emotional and spiritual health from successful, ongoing adaptation to change.
Dr. Connie begins by writing of her career-long focus on transformational medicine and of the change in consciousness that is necessary for health to exist on all levels of being. Later in the newsletter, she observes how treating the cause of disharmony, not just the symptoms, is the path to wellness.
Elijah Free writes a heartfelt account of the transition of his beloved cat, Gato, and of the myriad transformations between he and Gato while Gato was still in his body.
Dr. Marcel offers his thoughts on transformation as a spiritual practice; Dr. Brad writes about transformation through cleansing; Elaine Kahn writes on how she assists her clients transform through their inner journeys; and Jane Hernandez writes about how belief systems create the reality of who we are.
This month, we welcome the talented Lauren Hoover-West (Dr. Brad's partner) to our team of writers. She offers her story of personal transformation through conscious nutrition.
We also say goodbye to Dr. Corrine this month. In her article, she speaks of her personal journey to transformation. We will miss her and wish her peace, happiness and fulfillment in her new endeavor.
Finally, are you looking for inspiration, depth of experience and a connection to joy this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? Why not join Connie, Marcel and friends for the Ananda services described in the next section, below. If transformation is on your agenda for the new year, Christmas eve at Ananda is the perfect place to begin.
Be Well.
Dr. Connie, Dr. Marcel, Dr. Brad and your health care team at Pacific Naturopathic and the
Hernandez Center for Adjunctive Cancer Care
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Treat Yourself and Your Loved Ones
to a Magical Christmas Eve and
Christmas Day at Ananda
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Christmas Eve
Meditation & Service
Thursday, December 24
Meditation 5-7 pm
Worship Service 7:30 pm
Join us for one of the most beautiful and devotional evenings of the year. The coming of the baby Jesus is thrilling in itself, but also a profound symbol of the awakening Christ Consciousness within each of us. This magical evening includes sacred music, a talk by Asha guiding us deeply into the spirit of Christ, and a beautiful live creation of Jesus' birth with costumes kings and shepherds (creche). Everyone participates at the close in a beautiful devotional candlelight ceremony at the feet of the baby Jesus.
Christmas Day Family Worship Service & Banquet
Friday, December 25
Family Worship Service, noon-1 pm, free.
Banquet, 1:30 pm, $15 at the door, $5 children (under 6 free)
Children, like all of us, are hungry for a deeper level of meaning. The Christmas story is a perfect way to reach them. Even the subtle inner meanings of the coming of Jesus can be understood by children if they are presented, as we do at this service, with clarity, imagination, beauty, and joy. A cast of children and adults illustrates the story as Asha narrates, bringing Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem magically to life. Many adults say this is one of their favorite events of the year. Each child should bring a small gift for the Christ child.
Ananda Sangha, 2171 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306,
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Dr. Connie's Musings...
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Dr. Connie muses with Dr. Shanti
on Transformational Medicine |
Transformational Medicine
A number of years ago, when Dr. Shanti Rubenstone and I started practicing together, we searched a phrase to describe how it is that she was practicing and how it was that I aspired to practice. I came up with the term
"
transformational medicine.
"
Later, when we moved to our current Pacific Naturopathic location, acknowledging that this medicine involves emotional, mental, social and spiritual transformation, as well as physical transformation, I named one of our rooms "Metamorphosis Unlimited." I expected that posting this on the door would elicit conversation re the nature of transformational medicine, but was more than a little surprised that we received fewer than a handful of comments.
People who are well and happy generally are not seeking a change in state through transformational medicine. Those who come to us come with disease, discomfort, dissatisfaction, despair. Uncomfortable states are the impetus for transformation. By and large, people come seeking a change in physical manifestation. The cause of the discomfort, however, is rarely physical. I say rarely, not never. A workstation that is not ergonomic can create physical pain. A virulent microorganism can overcome a healthy immune system. The glare of the sun can cause a migraine headache.
More often though, a change in consciousness is required for bodily transformation to occur, and certainly for transformation in a larger sense to occur.
A person can undergo transformative change while living or dying with even a serious disease state such as cancer. Our cancer patients often tell us that the cancer is the best thing that ever happened to them. They feel that the disease was given to them as a springboard for evolving into a deeper spiritual connection, for opting into a healthier lifestyle, for bringing more joy into their lives. The spiritual principle is that all that is given is given to encourage our evolution into wiser, more powerful, more loving beings. As this transformation occurs, the disease emerges as a teacher.
Seeing the disease as a teacher may involve approaching it with a somewhat detached curiosity, rather than identifying with the disease and claiming it as one's own. Excessive identification with a disease tends to intensify symptoms and limit life experience, preventing a movement away from the disease state. A story is often created around the ideas that nothing ever has helped and nothing ever will help, and that this problem will never go away. Just as when people look for the worst to happen in any area of their life and refuse to acknowledge the good that disproves that, so a person who is committed to the belief that their disease is incurable tends to prove that belief. Feeling victimized by the disease perpetuates a victim mentality.
Following a reorientation in perspective, an intention to change direction is required. There must be a commitment to the new direction, the will power to carry through with the commitment, and the application of energy in that direction. The person must actually do something to manifest the change they hope to realize. Next comes patience. Transformation is rarely instantaneous, but is directional and intentional.
Governed by a complete alignment with the healing force of nature, the caterpillar naturally becomes a butterfly. Were we ourselves completely aligned with spirit, our own transformation could be natural and instantaneous.
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Gato --
A Transformational Story
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About nine years ago, my wife and I moved to a cottage that was one of four on a property the size of a small park.
We moved with our two cats. Living on the property was a semi-feral and homeless large black and white tuxedo cat. He was not fixed and was covered with fighting scars and wounds that never healed. He had a broken fang and was near skeletal from starvation. It made me a bit concerned for our cats.
However, he never seemed to bother our cats and was interested in me. A day later, while walking through the yard, our eyes met and locked. It was like he was showing me his very spirit. I saw just who he was and said, "This is an exceptional cat. We are going to take him in.:
Our neighbor who was there at the time said he needed a name right then, a
nd Gato became part of our family.
After our initial connection, I brought him out some food. I was going to feed him anyhow, no matter what. When I called 'Gato' for the first time. He came running immediately. It was evident this was an exceptionally intelligent cat.
When fall came, we had progressed to where he might come in for a few minutes, but he needed an exit nearby.
By late September we knew the rains would be coming soon. We were on the back porch and I said to Gato, "We need to work with your coming indoors. The rains will start soon. And besides, I've fallen in love with you."
Gato gave me one of his knowing looks and turned over and showed me his belly. This was his way of saying, "Yeah, me too." Then he ran off.
Over the years Gato became a beloved family member to both my wife and myself. It was very clear this was one of the smartest cats we had ever seen. Gato made up games he would play with definite rules.
One day months after he moved in I said to Gato, "Hey House Cat. How's your day going?"
Gato had transformed from a homeless, starved and lonely cat into an adored housecat.
However, what we had to deal with was that Gato had contracted FIV, which is like feline HIV from his homeless days. Our vet told us that this could affect his health dramatically.
For over nine years Gato looked to be the very vision of health with shiny fur and bright eyes.
The beginning of this past October Gato got very ill. He was diagnosed with advanced leukemia as the result of a compromised immune system. The vet also told us that he had far outlived his life expectancy by several times with his underlying condition.
Gato began to wind down his life. A short time ago, I took a week off from the clinic to hospice my beloved family member.
This became one of the most transformational experiences I have had in many years. I spent all of my time with Gato caring for his every need. He ate up till the end and I kept him hydrated and as comfortable as possible.
When the time came, I held him for a long time and we said our goodbyes for this life. Gato had one of the most beautiful passings a that I have ever experienced. I have been around a lot of death earlier in my life in the military and as a paramedic.
From this experience with Gato, I have found myself with a much more open heart from the love we shared and the profound care during our last week together.
I had transformed Gato into a loved housecat. And Gato transformed me into a more open and caring being. We were complete.
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Elijah Free is a healer, specializing in pain elimination of all types, both mechanical and metabolic.
He is a master medical herbalist with numerous specialties, a researcher and product designer for his own label;
Earth Friend Herb Company
Elijah is the author of Apprentice to Angels, and a U.S. patent holder for a formula to eradicate fibromyaligia.
He is the creator of a formula to end PTSD for war veterans and civilians alike. A documentary video may be seen about the healing of PTSD in war veterans.
Elijah has been an associate at Pacific Naturopathic
for over fifteen years.
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To schedule an
appointment with Elijah,
please phone 650-917-1121.
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Transformation:
The Crux of Spiritual Practice
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Is there any time better than the end of the year to look within and consider how we are expressing our highest vision in our daily moments?
With the waning of the light in December comes the opportunity to let our own inner light shine even more strongly and evaluate our openness to change -- our willingness to ride the currents of transformation that surround us in our everyday experiences.
Transformation has always been a spiritual practice for me - a practice that
embraces the personal renewals that come with a continual, unending spiritual awakening. Transformation is a mystical epiphany that reveals the deepening that takes place when we get in touch with our Higher Self or Spirit - when we come to realize the true nature of who we really are.
In this light, there are several constants that accompany transformation:
1) Transformation is a metamorphosis on one or more fundamental levels. In various ways, we all search for transformation, we just express it differently.
2) The path to transformation is a consciously made choice. Change is difficult for many of us. When we find a comfort zone to abide in for a while, our impulse is to hunker down and take a deep breath, forgetting that our journey is not yet over. T
he refusal to allow change into our lives is a major obstacle to transformation.
2) Transformation starts in our thoughts. Awareness that we have unlimited potential can be an impetus to take action, put down the remote and move off the couch of stasis.
3) Transformation entails the death of old patterns of thought and behavior, making space for new energy and revitalization to enter consciousness.
4) Transformation is a process that sometimes appears excruciatingly slow. But even slow progress on the path is still progress. As long as you are moving you are not standing still. At the end of every day it is important to ask ourselves questions like, "Have I moved from my highest place of consciousness in every encounter during the day? Have I been kind?"
5) Every crisis along the path contains within it the opportunity for transformation and growth. This is especially true as regards the immediacy of physical and emotional health.
6) Transformation is not changing who we are, but discarding who we are not.
It means shedding old ways of thought and action, especially those that no longer serve our goals. It also means that no matter who we are, no matter what has already happened to us, no matter what we have done, it is still possible to attune to the truth of who we really are.
7) With transformation comes healing and wholeness. It's as if they had been waiting in the wings all along, until you made room for them on stage.
If we recognize that we have trouble adapting to change, begin by making simple changes. Do something different, like taking different routes to work. Or break a habit, any habit. This sends a signal within that we are willing to accept change in our lives and to be an agent of change in the world.
Heraclitus, an ancient Greek philosopher, said that we never step twice into the same river. Understanding that change occurs with or without our participation is the beginning of personal transformation.
For more on Dr. Marcel's work click
HERE.
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Tolle Causam: Treat the Cause
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Naturopathic Medicine is based on six principles. These principles revolve around the healing power of nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae), the identification and treatment of the cause of an illness (Tolle Causam), the commitment to doing no harm (Primum Non Nocere), the doctor as teacher (Docere), and treatment of the whole person. These naturopathic principles are fundamental to transformational medicine.
I mentioned the transformational power of spirit and the healing power of nature in my musings above. And it goes without saying that,
for transformation to occur, we must treat the whole person.
The principle I'd like to discuss here is Tolle Causal.
A fundamental flaw in conventional medicine as it is practiced today is the tendency to treat the symptom without regard to the cause. Within naturopathy, we are committed to looking for and treating the underlying cause of the disease. If a symptom is successfully addressed, but the underlying cause of the disease is not addressed, transformation does not occur.
Here are some examples.
-- If the underlying cause of a uterine fibroid is an issue with estrogen metabolism, the disease state is not transformed by surgically removing the fibroids. The estrogen excess or error in estrogen metabolism will simply cause new fibroids to grow or will wreak havoc on other estrogen sensitive tissues. The cause of the estrogen excess may be inadvertent intake of exogenous hormones, an inborn error of metabolism, an interaction between other hormones and the ovarian hormones.
-- Treating a bacterial illness with an indicated antibiotic will possibly eradicate the bacteria, but will not address the susceptibility to the offending microorganism. The receptivity to the microorganism may involve environmental factors, underlying food sensitivities or environmental allergies, iron or B12 anemia, subclinical thyroid function, low vitamin D, or a host of other issues, all of which must be addressed to transform the body into a less hospitable state.
-- The conventional medical response to knee pain is often a prescription for a painkiller. However, the knee pain may be a result of simple misalignment (possibly caused by postural issues), or of overuse, or of a reactivity to vegetables of the nightshade family, or of an overly acidic body condition, or of a lack of essential fatty acids in the diet. Addressing these causative factors truly changes the situation.
-- Giving iron without determining the cause of the iron deficient anemia is a band-aid approach. Iron deficiency may be a result of lack of intake, intake with lack of absorption, or loss of iron through an as yet unidentified source of blood loss or disease process.
-- Simply giving a statin prescription for high cholesterol ignores dietary and other lifestyle contributions to a disordered lipid profile. It also fails to address thyroid function and liver function, two major contributors to high lipids. (Never mind the side effects that are created when other bodily functions are disrupted by the medication given to change a lab value.)
There are innumerable other examples of medicines given to suppress a symptom without addressing cause. Any of these might provide welcome symptomatic relief. It is not to say that symptomatic relief is not appropriate or indicated, but it is to say that it is not transformational. And transformational medicine is what we're about.
Find out more about Dr. Connie's work
HERE.
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Transition to the New Year
With a Cleanse?
Brad West, ND
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An ideal way to transition into a new season or year can
be by taking a break. Taking a break from busy time, unhealthy foods and situations can be achieved quite quickly with a cleanse.
Done correctly, a cleanse can reboot our minds, bodies and spirit, enhancing digestion, improving all body systems, mood, memory and waistline! A cleanse can mean practically anything and you will here terms such as "a detox" or "elimination diet" or "juice fast". During the warmer months, I prefer juice fasting, but
the best time to begin a cleanse is whenever you are most motivated.
Fasting is often ideal when hunger disappears or at the first sign of illness, fever or sluggish feelings, such as after the holidays. A short fast can be implemented at any time. Choose a weekend or period of time when you can prepare yourself with time, supplies and a good plan. Decreasing your stress and activities while making sure to maintain or even increase your exercise is essential to burn fat and retain muscle mass. The more you can rest during the fast, while balancing this with some daily, lower-intensity exercise, the better your results will often be. Walking up and down hills in a peaceful place, doing yoga, moderate weight lifting and aerobic activity are ideal. Energy often increases, surprisingly, during this time and can now be directed towards detoxification, weight-loss and healing, instead of other bodily functions such as immune, digestive and stress responses.
A positive mental outlook towards fasting is essential. It helps to know that the benefits often also include clearer skin, increased elimination, tissue repair, decreased pain, inflammation and allergies, increased concentration, and rejuvenation. Perhaps the greatest benefit is the satisfaction that you can play a major role in optimizing your health.
"Any fool can fast, but it takes
a
wise-man to break it", is an old saying, bringing attention to the extreme importance of doing it right. Foods need to be simple and whole that are easy to digest. Eat food slowly and thoroughly, limit the quantity, and enjoy! Overeating can undo the benefits derived from a fast, so be VERY careful and review the types of foods to start with first and avoid sodium and animal products for the first week or two, at least. Food allergies and intolerances are much easier to identify now, so have a plan to do this.
Periodic cleansing, via fasting is one of the quickest ways to increase the elimination of wastes and enhance the reparative process of the body. Although fasts are generally safe, consulting a doctor or expert for a physical exam and evaluation before undertaking a fast is wise. If you are on any medications or have any chronic illnesses, slight alterations may be necessary. Joining a group is ideal for support and success, as well.
It is important to realize that fasting is a great way to cleanse and transition into a new year or season, but is only one part of
a
total health optimizing program. Fresh air, rest, exercise, sunshine, pure water, emotional poise and wholesome food are equally important to build and maintain good health.
Dr. Brad is part of the intravenous therapy team at Pacific Naturopathic.
He may be contacted at 650-917-1121.
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Transformation is Posible
for Everyone
Elaine Kahn
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Transformation is not always as predictable as changing from a caterpillar into a butterfly. Have you ever gone through a transformation process and in the end you ask yourself, "How did I end up here? This is not exactly what I wanted."
When people feel stuck in life situations that do not work for them anymore, often they want to go directly to finding a solution. While the drive to change is good, doing so too quickly may mean that some critical steps could be missed - the important steps that lie between identifying the problem and implementing a solution. When we realize that transformation is needed, it is important to take the time to listen to our inner voices, inner longings, dreams, and values as we shed our old ways and grow into our 'new self.'
I have a client who recently lost her business and feels she has also lost her identity. She would dread waking up in the mornings, because it meant looking at an empty calendar. During our first session, she wanted to figure out different ways to feel productive and get busy. Instead, I encouraged her to go inward and do some inner work: to identify what brings her joy, what drains her, what new possibilities excite her, etc.
Through energy healing, we released the anger, regrets, and past traumas that were affecting her negatively, so that she can clearly see her own strengths and be open to the new opportunities ahead of her. As she started to see new possibilities, we worked on strengthening her capacity to redirect her life course with this new vision, courage, and intention for change.
In order to access these new possibilities, what skills would she need? What kind of support might she need to get there? What can she try to test the waters and validate her assumptions and ideas? I help clients filter their way through the many ideas and options in front of them, some of which they may not have even considered. I guide them to make the right choices from an empowered state rather than from a place of fear. When we lose the familiar, often times we feel that nothing is working right. We start to see fault in many things which could make us feel helpless. This is where I come in, so that instead of dwelling on what you have lost and not knowing what to do next, you could see a new dream ahead.
In my coaching and healing work, I spend time with clients in this critical space, and truly give them my unconditional support as they move towards their new identity. Going on an inner journey is a very important step in transformation, and making time for this work is crucial to ensure that when we commit to our new dream, not only is it truly what we want for our life, but equally we also have the capacity to make it come true.
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About Elaine...
Elaine Kahn, a Certified Holistic Practitioner and Professional Coach,
combines her experience and background in Mind-Body Therapy, Health & Wellness Coaching, Professional Coaching, and Business Leadership to create a holistic approach for addressing health and life challenges. Through the years, she has successfully partnered with clients in the areas of Major Life and Career Transitions, Clarity of Life Purpose, Stress and Anxiety, and Chronic Illness.
Transformation is possible for everyone.
From the initial intake through to achieving the desired results, Elaine will customize her approach to your specific needs. She will help you bridge the gap between where you are now and where you would like to be.
Journey into ever deepening Wellness and Success.
to make an appointment with Elaine!
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A Story of Personal Transformation Through Conscious Nutrition
Lauren Hoover-West
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Growing up I had a stomachache and congestion almost everyday, but it was not outwardly noticeable to other people. Back then, parents were not talking about food allergies and special diets.
After being so tired of being sick and tired, I was ready to try something different. I decided to cut out wheat on the advice of a practitioner who confirmed my intuition...the nagging little whisper I was ignoring. After six weeks I felt much better, but still had discomfort and the congestion had not changed.
Then my internist suggested we test me for a dairy allergy, and advised me to eliminate dairy 100% for six weeks! I lived in Switzerland and ate cheese three times a day, and thought life was not worth living without good cheese and yogurt and ice cream! Six weeks to the exact day I awoke to inhale clearly for the first time in my life, in my thirties! I later learned that it takes six weeks for most people's antibodies from food sensitivities to down-regulate or settle down enough to notice a difference.
Next, I cut out refined cane sugar only to find when I reintroduced it I broke out in red patches on my face. So my journey to find healthier sweeteners began.
I noticed that the few gluten-free products available used refined flours high in starch and sugar. So, I became a professional chef turned mad scientist! First I started developing recipes with healthy, tasty ingredients that include: gluten-free oat flour, nut milks and healthy oils without all the weird or hard-to-find ingredients like xanthan gum. Being a gourmet and professional chef first, I require things to taste great with have excellent texture as well as be health promoting.
Eventually I wrote and self published my cookbook,
No Wheat No Dairy No Problem
after seven years of research and development. And as the raw food movement developed I found some fabulous dairy-free alternatives like nut and seed milk, cheese, sauces, cheesecake; and much more that all use healthy, Organic, whole food.
Now, I am always trying to learn more about health, diet and healing with food. I cook in creative ways to meet our personal needs & desires as well as for private clients.
In combination with the physical piece of health, there are emotional and spiritual components. Throughout the transition of my diet I also started meditating and practicing yoga and praying more. I have been learning a lot about the body, mind and spirit connection to health.
Carolyn Myss teaches about how the emotions can get stuck in the body. When an injured shoulder would not heal, despite doing every kind of the best therapies, I started asking what the pain was really about. If I get a sore throat, I find I am not speaking my truth. Problems with feet and legs can be that one does not want to move forward. Back problems can be associated with not feeling supported. So, you may ask yourself what is the emotional or spiritual piece of this pain, illness or disease?
My passion and mission is to learn and help others along their journey to healing and thriving rather than just surviving. I do this by customizing prepared meals, writing cookbooks, teaching cooking classes, pantry make-overs and grocery store shopping tours to find healthier, tasty alternatives and point out hidden sources of what you may be trying to avoid. I feel so blessed to get to do what I love while helping people feel better so they can live their best life!
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Lauren has appeared and cooked on ABC Live in Chicago and Sacramento. She has cooked for 4 United States Presidents and a United States Senator.
Lauren Hoover-West was classically trained at The California Culinary Academy, now the Cordon Bleu. She is a Chef/Educator/Consultant specializing in food allergies and health issues since 2002, including Gluten sensitivity, Celiac's Disease, Diabetes, Autism, Autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions.
Lauren has created a revolutionary way to cook delicious food that is gluten-free, dairy-free, low glycemic index, or sugar-free, and very healthy while tasting just as good as traditional food so, everyone can enjoy it.
 Lauren does not believe in using weird ingredients, so you will learn to use readily available food, and she will introduce you to items you may not have noticed before. She will help you replace all your pantry items with gluten-free, dairy-free, low glycemic alternatives!
She is the author of "No Wheat No Dairy No Problem"
cookbook and blog site. She has over 20 years of cooking and teaching experience at La Folie(Michelin star), Fairmont, Hyatt Resorts, Bally's, Marriott, New Leaf Market, Sur la Table etc... Lauren is the owner of Lauren's Kitchen, a customized meal service. She also earned a Bachelors of Science in Psychology at St. Mary's College. To contact Lauren or for more information go to her blog site.
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You Are What You Believe
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"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right."
- Henry Ford
That's what beliefs are... stories about ourselves that we create.
Some of these stories are untrue and limit us. Like low self-esteem, fear of rejection, I'm not smart enough, I'm not good enough, I'm too fat, I'm afraid to try...and on and on. Many of these beliefs have been with us for years, maybe since childhood, and they are founded in emotion, not logic.
Very often these beliefs are linked to events that have happened to us in childhood or during a trauma.
They bury themselves deep in the subconscious and lead us to behave in self-detrimental ways.
Brain scans have shown that when a person hears information that disproves a belief of theirs, instead of their logic centers lighting up (as you might expect), the brain's emotional centers become active instead. It's disappointing, but often our first reaction to new information that disproves one of our beliefs is to rally our defenses against that new information. So, in effect, you can be your own worst enemy.
Everyone as their own personal brand of limiting beliefs.
If your belief has a strong emotional pull, you can reason that this belief is wrong, but if it has emotional power you will behave as if it is true. In most cases, this is what happens when people have phobias. It's obvious that a frog is harmless, but the phobic person can't stop the feeling of terror when they see one.
There can be a high emotional charge in the beliefs about who you are, or what you can or can't do.
This sort of belief is often acquired in youth when an adult says something like "You'll never amount to anything!" or "Can't you do anything right?" So, even if you do well in school, or demonstrate expertise, or work hard to acquire all kinds of skills, there is still a struggle to believe that you have amounted to something or that you usually do things right. It isn't fair, is it?
Our fundamental belief system helps us operate. It determines how we think, feel, and behave.
If you feel that certain beliefs are making you unhappy or limiting your life in some way, then it is time to do something about it.
What if you could change these limiting beliefs? And why not try?
Hypnotherapy allows a person to recognize how certain beliefs cause problems for them.
At the bottom of this approach, is the idea that we can focus less on whether the belief is "true" and more on how it is affecting our lives. Once someone starts to think in this way they can more easily recognize and reject beliefs that are unhelpful.
In this state of hypnotic detachment you can create new, more positive beliefs to lead toward a future that you really want.
The obstacles of the past just melt away and there is a new freedom to actually make your dreams come true.
REMEMBER: You Are What You Believe.
For more information about Jane and her work
click here.
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My Personal Journey
to Transformation
Corrine Wang, ND
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Life is all about change and transitions and the transformations we go through as life unfolds.
I think of life like a flowing river, where we are constantly carried downstream, but can adjust our sails to move in different directions as we travel downstream.
Through the process of life, we flow with what life has to offer, and I have always strived towards growth and transformation in ways that would bring me more learning, understanding, and awareness in life. My journey as a naturopathic doctor has been no less than this, where I have navigated through the different options and choices naturopathic medicine has to offer to find and understand my passions and home in naturopathic medicine.
In medical school, I was passionate about and pursued more energetic and counseling modalities including homeopathy, craniosacral therapy, and biofeedback. I loved mind-body medicine and the psychological aspect of health, always looking for and thinking about the connection between our psyche and our physical health.
As I moved into practicing, I began to also explore more of the functional, biological, and physical aspects of health. I have treated digestive disorders, adrenal dysfunction, thyroid disorders, weight issues, cardiovascular conditions, and women's health issues including irregular menses and hormonal transitions such as menopause.
I have also worked closely with cancer patients in utilizing intravenous (IV) therapies, blessed to accompany patients through a big part of their journey in combating cancer and working their way back to health.
My previous career was in engineering, and the transition from the engineering world into naturopathic medicine was a huge leap for me. My analytical mind worked well with engineering problem solving, but I missed the human connection and working directly to help others.
The heart connection with patients has been the greatest fulfillment I have found in naturopathic medicine so far. I have loved getting to know my patients and being a part of their journey, supporting their health naturally and holistically. Naturopathic medicine has allowed me to satisfy my constant desire for intellectual knowledge and growth while also filling my heart in working with and supporting my patients.
In moving forward with this New Year and navigating the changes in life,
I will be transitioning into a clinic in Los Gatos that focuses mostly on women's health. With the varying experiences I have had the last few years, I realize that my interest lies in the areas of endocrine health, which includes women's health issues and other endocrine conditions such as hypothyroidism, weight issues, and adrenal fatigue.
I will continue to be present in this area, but I am sad to say that I will be leaving Pacific Naturopathic as a practitioner in January.
I wish you all peace and blessings for the New Year and best of luck in the transitions you may be experiencing at this time as well. May the New Year bring you growth, transformation, peace, and happiness, and thank you all for being a part of my journey.
For more information or if you would like to contact me, please visit my website at embodyheatlhwellness.com or email me at [email protected].
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Breast Thermography at
Pacific Naturopathic
- transformation of belief systems is challenging -
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Medical belief systems change very slowly. Notwithstanding the fact that they do not prevent breast cancer, mammograms have been the standard of care in "preventive medicine" for years. Mammograms can identify a change in breast tissue only after the change has made its way into physical form. This is in no way preventive. In addition, as we've often stated, mammograms do not diagnose breast cancer. Breast cancer is diagnosed by breast biopsy.
Thermograms also do not diagnose breast cancer. They do, however, play a role in prevention. Thermograms can identify the physiologic change that necessarily precedes a change in physical form. There would be no particular point in identifying the change if it were not possible to do something about it. With thermograms, we can track the efficacy of therapeutic intervention. And we have the opportunity to reverse the physiologic change that could lead to breast cancer.
Why then are thermograms not embraced by conventional medicine? Transformation of belief systems takes time. Remember back when x-rays were not considered harmful and were used to fit children's shoes? There is a dawning awareness in medicine now that annually compressing and radiating breasts may just not be a very bright idea. That's a beginning.
Read more about
breast
thermography
at
Pacific Naturopathic
here.
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Pacific Naturopathic Hawaii:
Moving to the rhythm of the elements...
Check Future Openings
(then click on "Calendar")
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We've often thought of writing a book on the transformation of an abandoned property overgrown with elephant grass into the gorgeous property that Pacific Naturopathic Retreat Center now is. It started with a vision and with the intention to manifest that vision. Years of labor followed, and struggles with setbacks and lack of understanding by very close friends as to why we might persevere, given the obstacles encountered. Yet, even strangers now stop by to catch the stunning views and tell us how very "lucky" we are to live on and care for such a magical property.
Check out our booking calendar here to see if you might have the luck to find a vacancy at a time that you are able to travel. We assure you that you will find yourself transformed by the colors and fragrances and tropical delights of a period of rest and relaxation on the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.
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Isn't it time you treated yourself to a magical experience?
Come, enjoy, rejuvenate and reinvent yourself.
Openings available from May.
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The Hernandez Center for Adjunctive Cancer Care
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News and Commentary on Cancer Topics
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What We Offer
at the
Hernandez Center
for Adjunctive Cancer Care
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Our cancer patients often ask us to give them an estimate of the effectiveness of therapy at the Hernandez Center for Adjunctive Cancer Care. We respond that
our entire focus is on helping our patients stay healthy, upbeat and positive.
The truth is that the botanical and nutritional therapies we offer
(including
intravenous vitamin C), although 'adjunctive' in nature, have powerful documented actions in decreasing inflammation, reducing tumor load and attacking cancer stem cells.
Our mind/body approaches are focused on transformation of experience. And our bodywork approaches helpreduce muscular pain, resolve lymph drainage problems and relieve stress.
The hope we offer is not that of a miraculous cure, although we are definitely open to miracles, but the hope of a life lived to the fullest in dignity and understanding, for however long that may be.
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Starving Cancer Cells
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| Hematologist Reem Karmali, MD |
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A hematologist at Rush University Medical Center is studying whether a medication that helps control sugar levels in diabetics also can deprive an aggressive form of blood cancer of the sugar it needs to thrive. The results could have implications for the use of the treatment for other cancers as well.
"Think of a garden, with the cancer as a weed and all the interacting cells and systems that surround it as the soil." suggests Reem Karmali, MD, a hematologist/oncologist at Rush University Medical Center. Just pulling or spraying the weeds -- or surgically removing a tumor or treating it with chemotherapy -- may not always be enough.
"But also depleting the surrounding soil of the nutrients and energy the weeds need," can be more effective, she adds.
Karmali's study is pairing metformin with the most widely used treatment currently for Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Known as R-CHOP. It's a mixture of rituximab (which helps immune system keep cancer cells from growing) and several chemotherapy drugs (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) that kill the cancer cells themselves.
Comment by Dr Marcel: At the Hernandez Center, we are elated that conventional medicine is finally latching on to the fact that limiting sugar in the body can starve and weaken cancer cells, making them vulnerable to cancer therapies. However, like most conventional approaches, the focus is on drugs with no mention of lifestyle modifications. At the Hernandez Center, eliminating obvious sources of sugar and implementing therapies like high dose IV vitamin C works magnificently without having to deal with the severe side effects of conventional chemotherapy mediations.
Interested in finding out more about the adjunctive cancer treatment at the Hernandez Center?
Please phone us for an appointment at:
650-917-1121
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High Dose Intravenous Vitamin C-- Why So Few Know About It
Directly From CNN News
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As the United States media becomes concentrated into ownership of the very few, we lose access to complete information about what is really happening in every field of human endeavor.
Specifically, in the case of medicine, the problem of media blackouts on natural medicine is further compounded by the immense power of the pharmaceutical industry. That industry's massive advertising budgets have had obvious influence over the editorial slant of many publications and other media.
As a result,
there are extraordinarily effective natural treatments for cancer that never make the airwaves, and that cancer patients may only hear about from their oncologists, and then in the form of dire warnings to the patient not to distract himself or herself from chemotherapy.
Comment by Dr. Marcel: Many of our cancer patients tell us of the enormous pressure brought upon them by friends, family and oncologists who know zilch about the effective, non-toxic natural approaches to cancer offered in our adjunctive cancer therapy program. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to reject pharmaceutical industry-supported institutional cancer therapy and we respect and admire the informed choices that our cancer patients have made.
Please phone us at 650-917-1121 for more information about adjunctive cancer therapies
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Other I.V. Therapies Offered at Pacific Naturopathic and the Hernandez Center
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Many people have already heard about intravenous vitamin C as a complementary cancer therapy to help stimulate the immune system as well as being directly cytotoxic to cancer cells. We are often using this therapy at the Hernandez Center for our cancer patients. What people may not know is that we also have many other IV therapies that are also very helpful in supporting our cancer patients depending on their symptoms and what they need.
We often give a nutrient IV in between IV vitamin C sessions, which helps to provide more energy and rebuild our patients that may be feeling fatigued or have low blood counts.
We also have other anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer therapies like IV curcumin (turmeric) or IV silibinin (from milk thistle).
Another IV treatment that can help cancer patients from losing more weight or to help them gain weight is an infusion that includes a variety of amino acids.
These are just a few of the protocols we have for our cancer patients. For more information or to set up an appointment, please contact us at the Hernandez Center at (650) 917-1121.
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Pacific Naturopathic
and
The Hernandez Center
for Adjunctive Cancer Care
2570 W. El Camino Real, Suite 111
Mountain View, CA 94040
650-917-1121 (v) * 650-917-1127 (f)
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