4 minute read
Take the Plunge
By: Michele Robert Poche plunge! Take the BUT SHOULD IT BE HOT OR COLD?
LOOKING FOR A WAY TO RELAX? INCREASE CIRCULATION? BOOST IMMUNITIES? WOULD YOU BELIEVE ME IF I SAID YOU COULD ACCOMPLISH ALL OF THAT WITH SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS WATER? YOU JUST NEED TO KNOW HOW TO USE IT.
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Across the planet, water has been associated with healing and physical/ mental well-being for, as long as human beings have kept records. Hydrotherapy has been credited with curing everything from indigestion to cancer. Sound too good to be true? Maybe it’s time for you to give it a try.
Let’s start with the basics.
Soaking in a natural hot spring, mineral bath, or even your tub at home is a great way to unwind after a strenuous activity or a long day. The warm water soothes aching muscles allowing a feeling of total relaxation to (literally) wash over you.
Benefits of a HOT soak: Reduces the effects of stress on the body Nourishes the skin and body by flushing toxins out through the pores Dilates blood vessels thus lowering blood pressure Decreases insomnia (when timed within 2 hours of bedtime)
Water can also offer mobility to those limited by arthritis and other physical ailments. While the warmth relaxes the muscles, the buoyancy supports the body reducing stress on joints and allowing for freer movement. Further, minerals found in hot springs contain natural curatives like calcium, magnesium and lithium which aid in bone, muscle and brain function … to name only a few of their benefits.
Now let’s take it up a notch.
While hot water therapies have always been embraced in this country, Americans are just starting to dive in to the idea of cold water plunges. Other cultures around the world have been using them for centuries to heal, rejuvenate and promote health and vitality.
Benefits of a COLD plunge: Awakens the system better than a cup of coffee Flushes the organs by contracting muscles to eliminate toxins Increases circulation Stimulates the release of norepinephrine (a stress hormone) and epinephrine (adrenaline) to energize the body
The good news here is that less is more. It’s not an endurance test, so you need only expose yourself to the low temperatures for 30-60 seconds to reap the health benefits. What other physical exercise delivers so quickly? Seriously, where’s the nearest creek? Cannonball!
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By Sidney Stevens Spice up your life The SPICE of ( ) LIFE long
SPICES DO MORE THAN ENHANCE THE FLAVOR OF YOUR FAVORITE DISHES. THEY CAN ALSO ENHANCE YOUR HEALTH AND HELP YOU LIVE LONGER. ONE OF THE BRIGHTEST LONGEVITY STARS ON YOUR KITCHEN SPICE RACK IS TURMERIC.
Turmeric’s key healing component is curcumin. Research shows many curcumin benefits. For example, it’s been shown to block the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques, sticky substances that cause Alzheimer’s.
This vivid yellow spice—a relative of ginger that’s found in curry powder—is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from the harmful effects of free radicals (cancer causing agents). It’s also a potent anti-inflammatory, working to calm chronic inflammation in the body often caused by stress, poor diet and lack of exercise. Both free-radical damage and ongoing inflammation are believed to underlie many diseases of aging, including cancer, Alzheimer’s, and arthritis.
Curcumin also shows promise as a cancer fighter, helping to prevent and shrink several types of tumors in animals, including breast, prostate, and colon cancers. Human studies are just ramping up, but early results suggest similar benefits in people.
Another recent study found that curcumin supplements relieve the pain, swelling and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis better than NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)—and with fewer side effects.
In addition, curcumin is being studied for use against osteoporosis, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and several other conditions.
Of course, turmeric alone won’t keep you young. You also need plenty of exercise, healthy foods and time to nurture your emotional and spiritual growth. Adding more of this pungent spice to your diet can contribute to a longer, healthier, disease-free life.
Eat plenty of curried Indian and Asian dishes. Sprinkle ground turmeric or fresh turmeric root (available at specialty food stores) into any soup, stew and other favorite recipe for a flavorful zing. Try turmeric tea. Buy packaged tea bags or make your own by boiling water and adding a teaspoon of ground turmeric. Simmer, strain, and add milk, honey or lemon. If you’re not crazy about turmeric’s peppery ginger taste, take a turmeric or curcumin supplement (check your local health food store).
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Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.”
-- Martin Luther King, Jr.
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