HEALING JOINTS

HEALING JOINTS FROM WITHIN The Promise of Regenerative Medicine

by Marlaina Donato S omeday, medical science will allow us to infuse damaged or aging organs with new cells, or to manufacture made-to-order organs on a 3-D printer. These emerging techniques to revitalize worn-out body parts are on the drawing board in the field of regenerative medicine. However, for the injured college athlete or the grandmother with compromised joint function, healing and pain relief can already be found in the form of prolotherapy and other non-invasive approaches that stimu- late the body to heal itself. Injection therapies using dextrose or the patient’s own platelets or stem cells are being used to naturally stimulate the body to produce collagen and rejuvenated tis- sue, offering hope to those with soft tissue injuries, osteoarthri- tis, degenerative disc disease and even pain syndromes like fibromyalgia. A recent review in the British Medical Bulletin of 10 high-quality studies of dextrose prolotherapy in adults with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee showed patients experienced significantly less pain and improved range of motion in both the short term and long term without adverse effects. Eighty-two percent of pa- tients were satisfied with the treatment. Controlled Inflammation A type of regenerative medicine innovat- ed by osteopathic physician Earl Ged- ney in the 1930s, prolotherapy induces low-grade, temporary inflammation with the intention of triggering

connective tissue cells called fibroblasts in and around the injection site. “If you cut your arm or twist your ankle, various immune cells rush to the area to begin the repair process. This is a very basic comparison of what prolotherapy does with injections directed to specific anatomical points,” says Ross A. Hauser, M.D.,

founder of Caring Medical Regenerative Medicine Clinics, in Fort Myers, Florida, and Chicago.

“Prolotherapy is used to treat osteoarthritis because it helps correct the underlying reason why it has occurred, which is joint instability. The body overgrows bone as a long-term response in an effort to stabilize an unstable joint,”Hauser says. Naturopathic physician Brent Cameron, of Aurora Natural Medicine, in Gilbert, Arizona, suggests individualized treatment plans for best results. “My recommendations are very patient-specific, which is an important piece in prolotherapy.” Cameron says his patients are likely to start seeing relief in the first week. “In many instances, they experience complete relief and mobility after a series of treatments.”

While Cameron attests to the efficacy of dextrose prolotherapy, he is cautious with recommending it for people with systemic inflammatory conditions. “Someone with a history of joint-related autoimmune response tends to mount stronger inflammatory responses. Other forms of regenerative medicine can be helpful for rheumatoid arthritis [RA], but not in the inflammation-mediated way, like prolotherapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.” One option, according to the Institute of Regenerative Medicine, in Boca Raton, Florida, might be very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELS), an emerging form of regenerative stem cell therapy. These have shown promise in dealing with RA and other autoimmune diseases. Meanwhile, the Mayo Clinic Center for Regenerative Medicine is ramping up its research into approaches that stimulate the body to repair itself, with numerous ongoing clinical trials utilizing different injection therapies for the treatment of osteoarthritis. C M Y

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Prolotherapy and Neural Therapy. PRP is sometimes used in conjunction with stem cell therapy, which is typically applied in cases in which something needs to be replaced, to help fill in gaps in ligaments or tendons, Harris says.

PRP injections have proven to be effective in easing chronic low back pain from damaged vertebral discs. An overview of research published in the Journal of Spine Surgery in 2018 found it to be safe, effective and feasible, with promising potential for the treatment of musculoskeletal

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The Power of Platelets PRP injections are similar to prolotherapy, using platelets from the patient’s body instead of dextrose. “As blood flows through an injury site, the inflammatory chemiMY CY CMY K

cals trigger the platelets to release growth factors, which causes the torn fibers of the damaged structures to heal,” says Fort Worth osteopath Gerald Harris, of Texas disorders. Harris says that people that wish to avoid surgery or cortisone injections can benefit from PRP, which can also be applied topically to treat non-healing wounds like bedsores and diabetic ulcers.

Harris subscribes to the power of persistence. “Don’t give up. With proper treatment there is a strong likelihood that you can live a happy, healthy life free from chronic pain.”

Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

36 Columbia Edition ColumbiaNaturalAwakenings.com S cientists recently discovered a way to kill viruses and bacteria. Now thousands of people are using it to stop colds and fl u. Colds start when cold viruses get in your nose. Viruses multiply fast. If you don’t stop them early, they spread and cause misery. In hundreds of studies, EPA and university researchers have confi rmed that viruses and bacteria die almost instantly when touched by copper.

That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyptians used copper to purify water and heal wounds. They didn’t know about microbes, but now we do.

Scientists say the high conductance of copper disrupts the electrical balance in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in seconds.

Tests by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) show germs die fast on copper. So some hospitals tried copper for touch surfaces like faucets and doorknobs. This cut the spread of MRSA and other illnesses by over half, and saved lives.

The strong scientifi c evidence gave inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When he felt a cold about to start he fashioned a smooth copper probe and rubbed it gently in his nose for 60 seconds.

“It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold never got going.” It worked again every time. He hasn’t had a single cold for 7 years since.

He asked relatives and friends to try it. They said it worked for them, too, so he patented CopperZap™ and put it on the market.

Soon hundreds of people had tried it and given feedback. Nearly 100% said the copper stops colds if used within 3 hours after the fi rst sign. Even up to 2 days, if they still get the cold it is milder than usual and they feel better.

Users wrote things like, “It stopped my cold right away,” and “Is it supposed to work that fast?”

“What a wonderful thing,” wrote Physician’s Assistant Julie. “No more colds for me!”

Pat McAllister, 70, received one for Christmas and called it “one of the best presents ever. This little jewel really works.”

Now thousands of users have simply stopped getting colds.

People often use CopperZap preventively. Frequent fl ier Karen Gauci used to get colds after crowded fl ights. Though skeptical, she tried it several times a day on travel days for 2 months. “Sixteen fl ights and not a sniffl e!” she exclaimed.

Businesswoman Rosaleen says when people are sick around her she uses CopperZap morning and night. “It saved me last holidays,” she said. “The kids had colds going round and round, but not me.”

Some users say it also helps with sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had a 2-day sinus headache. When her CopperZap arrived, she tried it. “I am shocked!” she said. “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.” Some users say copper stops nighttime stuffi ness if used just before bed. One man said, “Best sleep I’ve had in years.”

Copper can also stop fl u if used early and for several days. Lab technicians placed 25 million live fl u viruses on a CopperZap. No viruses were found alive soon after.

Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams confi rming the discovery. He placed millions of disease germs on copper. “They started to die literally as soon as they touched the surface,” he said. People have even used copper on cold sores and say it can completely prevent outbreaks. The handle is curved and fi nely textured to improve contact. It kills germs picked up on fi ngers and hands to protect you and your family. Copper even kills deadly germs that have become resistant to antibiotics. If you are near sick people, a moment of handling it may keep serious infection away. It may even save a life.

The EPA says copper still works even when tarnished. It kills hundreds of diff erent disease germs so it can prevent serious or even fatal illness.

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NOTE: All calendar events must be received by February 10 (for March issue) and adhere to our guidelines. To submit listings, email ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. Costs $20 for 35 words each month. ALWAYS CALL AHEAD BEFORE ATTENDING EVENTS TO AVOID LATE CANCELLATIONS AND CHANGES

FEBRUARY 1, 2 & 8 Butterbean’s Cafe Fairy Smart Hearts–Feb 1, 9-11am; Feb 2, 3-5pm; and Feb 8, 9-11am and noon-3pm. In this class, children will learn all about the heart and how it works. They will create and enjoy a special heart-shaped healthy snack. Cost: $45. Healthy Hands Cooking Studio, 1720 Dutch Fork Rd, Ste B, Irmo. Info: Contact Sharon at 803- 238-5876 or ConnectAtTheTablellc@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 Paint and Sip–6-8:30pm. Columbia Urban League Young Professionals #WCW Paint and Sip with Canvases with Candace. Cost: $30. Converspace, 136-4 Forum Dr, Columbia. Info/tickets: Call Elana Frazier at 347-703-0083.

FRIDAYS FEBRUARY 7 & 21 Discount Days at Rosewood–8am-8pm. 20% off purchase price; mention this listing. Deli sale items not included. Rosewood Market, 2803 Rosewood Dr, Columbia. Info: 803-765-1083, RosewoodMarket.com.

FRI-SUN, FEBRUARY 7-9 Healthy Eating for Busy Lifestyles–Fri and Sat, 6-8pm; and Sun, 3-5pm. Learn simple ways to make healthy eating easier, meal prep tips, and ways to create a simple plant-based meal and healthy snacks. Cost: $45. Healthy Hands Cooking Studio, 1720 Dutch Fork Rd, Ste B, Irmo. Info: Contact Sharon at 803-238-5876 or ConnectAtTheTablellc@ gmail.com.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 The Blended Mama’s Market–1-4pm. Shop at our monthly market featuring live painting demonstrations, handmade jewelry, boutique clothing, beauty care, home decor, and more! All ages. Door prizes! Cost: Free. CoCreate, 714 S Lake Dr, Lexington. Info: PersonallyPolishedByTeresa@gmail.com. Sutra Sangha Sunday–2:30-3:30pm. Pam Meriwether leads us through our exploration and discussion of the ancient texts of the Yoga Sutras to inspire us to live more fully in the present and to shape our world by shifting our minds. Cost: Free. Sign up on Mindbody. The Rooted Community, 141 S Shandon St, Columbia. Info: Call Anne Miller at 803-730-3976.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 Healthy Heart–2-5pm. A part of your Roly Poly dinner purchase proceeds will be given to the American Heart Association in honor of their “Heart Hero”: Eliza, a 4-year-old survivor of open heart surgery. Roly Poly, 5076 Sunset Blvd, Lexington. Info: Call Rebekah Hillbish at 803-996-0397.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Mota Enterprises Date Night–6:30-8:30pm. Paint and sip with Canvases with Candace. Dinner, drinks and paint provided. Cost: $80 couple. 633 12th St, W Columbia. Info/tickets: Call Vanessa Mota at 803-220-6372.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Fun Fridays–7-9pm. For Lake Murray Elementary, Chapin Elementary, Chapin Intermediate and Chapin Middle students. PE-style games, including basketball, kickball, 9 square, and more! Preregistration is required. Ages 4th-6th grades. Cost: $5. Crooked Creek Park, 1098 Old Lexington Hwy, Chapin. Info: 803-345-6181, icrc.net.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Touch for Health Introduction–10am-2:30pm. Certified Instructor Joy Lee Connor. Learn accurate muscle testing from Touch for Health Kinesiology. Cost: $150, includes instruction booklet. 540 St Andrews Rd, Columbia. Info/preregistration: Call Connor at 803-447-6499.

SAT & SUN, FEBRUARY 15 & 16 Settle into Stillness–Sat, Yoga Nidra, 6-7:30pm, $25; Sun, Restorative Yoga, 11am-1pm, $35—$50 for both classes. Nurture yourself in a unique and immersive soundscape with hand-pans, didgeridoos, gongs, and crystal singing bowls. Sign up on Mindbody. The Rooted Community, 141 S Shandon St, Columbia. Info: Call Anne Miller at 803-730-3976.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Harmonious Hormone Seminar–6:15pm. Presented by Rachel E Hall, MD. Learn how hormone imbalance, in women or men, can affect your sleep, sex drive and performance, fat burning, energy levels, muscle tone, and aches and pains. Cost: Free. Please RSVP; seating is limited. Bring a guest. Expect Wellness, 130 Suber Rd, Ste D, Columbia. Info: 803-796-1702.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Pickleball Tournament–9am-2pm. Men's doubles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles. Age brackets determined after registration deadline. Register by Feb 10. Cost: $15. Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Ln, Columbia. Info: 803-772-3336, icrc.net.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Saluda Showdown Trout Tournament–7:30-11am. Anglers of all skill levels compete in this unique family-friendly tournament. All ages. Cost: $10 adult; $5 youth, 16 and under. Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-772- 1228, icrc.net. You Can Be, Do and Have All That–10:30am–1:30pm. Gina Gibson teaches how to live the life you want, and why you should. Cost: Free, but donations are accepted. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-569-6385, RevCandace@ JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com. The Science of Pranayama–1-3pm and 3:15- 5:15pm. With Dr. Sundar Balasubramanian. This workshop/immersion is for anyone looking to

understand and experience the art and science of breathwork. Sign up on Mindbody. The Rooted Community, 141 S Shandon St, Columbia. Info/ cost: Call Anne Miller at 803-730-3976.

SAT & SUN, FEBRUARY 22 & 23 Touch for Health 1–10am-3:30pm. Certified Instructor Joy Lee Connor. Learn to test and balance 14 major muscles. With this introduction class, earn 15 hours of credit with the International Kinesiology College. Cost: $250, includes Touch for Health book. 540 St Andrews Rd, Columbia. Info/preregistration: Call Connor at 803-447-6499.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Mardi Gras Mysterious Reveal–6-9pm. Grab your favorite mask and join The Blended Bakery and Canvases with Candace for a night of catered dinner, wine tasting and painting. Cost: $45 (childcare, $5 per child). 633 12th St, W Columbia. Info/tickets: 803-957-5129, TheBlendedBakery.SimpleTix.com.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Senior Matinee Movie Series–2-4pm. In February Good Night, And Good Luck. Every 4th Thursday. Cost: Free. Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Ln, Columbia. Info: 803-772-3336, icrc.net.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28 & 29 Healthy Eating for Busy Lifestyles– Fri, 6-8pm; and Sat, noon-2pm and 3-5pm. Learn simple ways to make healthy eating easier, meal prep tips, and ways to create a simple plant-based meal and healthy snacks. Cost: $45. Healthy Hands Cooking Studio, 1720 Dutch Fork Rd, Ste B, Irmo. Info: Contact Sharon at 803-238-5876 or ConnectAtTheTablellc@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29 Mama and Baby Yoga–11:30-12:30pm. With Kyla Saphir, peacefully connecting baby and mama through body and spirit. Babies four weeks to pre-crawling. Cost: $15. Amsa Yoga, 140 Pelham Dr, Columbia. Info: KylaJSaphir@gmail.com, YogaMamaColumbia.com.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 1 Inspired Growth–6-7:30pm. Austin Shook uses an array of instruments from ancient cultures across the world to create a space to slip into a peaceful state of mind and being. Cost: $25. The Rooted Community, 141 S Shandon St, Columbia. Info: Call Anne Miller at 803-730-39