Baby Boomer Health Network
Articles

1. Help your memory and your body at the same time!
2 How To Experience Longevity And Vitality in
2. Would You Like X-Ray Perception?
3. The Breath of Life
4. Stay Healthy and Help The Aging Process
5. Happy Birthday Baby

How To Experience Longevity And Vitality in
Five Basic Steps
by
William Hardman, Dr.TCM - R.Ac.

A person once said that we can survive on charm in front of an audience for about 15 minutes, and then we better know something. In this article I want to share some valuable knowledge with you.

If I can show you five basic steps that will assist you to experience longevity and vitality, would you be interested?

Be careful with your response - a lifetime commitment is required!

The model of the five basic steps is based on the Five Elements as developed within Traditional Chinese Medicine. First, I'll give you a quick overview of how this system is interpreted.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient system of health care, which views the human metabolism as a hologram in balance and harmony with its environment - an integration of the whole, rather than a segregation of body-mind-spirit. A symptom is considered a signal of disharmony, and a clue to what the root cause of the dis-ease might be.

Western Medicine has a tendency to separate and isolate, and the focus of treatment is often that the symptom is the ailment, rather than part of a pattern or syndrome. Primary treatment is accomplished through medications and surgery, with the potential for side effects and complications. Until recently, there has been little mainstream emphasis on lifestyle considerations, and it is based on reaction rather than prevention.

In ancient China, a first class physician was one who could not only cure disease but also prevent disease. Only a second-class physician had to wait until his patients became ill so that he could then treat them when there were well-developed symptoms and signs. - Yellow Emperors Classic on Internal Medicine, CA 475 BC

In my Acupuncture & TCM practice I have always focused on Integrated Medicine based on the fact that both Eastern (TCM) and Western have their strengths and weaknesses. By belief is validated that Dr. Andrew Weil, author of "Spontaneous Healing" and "8 Weeks to Optimum Health" teaches an integrated Medicine course to MD's at the University of Arizona. It's not about who is right and who is wrong - it's about what method empowers people to obtain their optimum health, coincidental with their chosen purpose in life.

Acupuncture is the primary TCM method of activating our bodies innate healing or Vital Life Force, which is called Qi (Chee). A blockage, deficiency or excess in the flow of Qi within our body will create a disharmony that often manifests in the physical as an ailment. For example, a blockage (stagnation) of Liver Qi can result in menstrual cramps, migraines, blurred vision or muscle cramps; and rebellious Qi (flowing backwards) may cause insomnia, nausea, prolapse, dizziness, asthma or diarrhea depending on which organ energy is involved.

Our environment consists of elements and if we are living in harmony with it, our metabolism is affected by the interaction and seasonal changes of the elements. For example, the Cold-Dampness of winter can activate a symphony of syndromes, and the Dry-Heat of summer has its own myriad of symptoms. An Acupuncture treatment on a seasonal basis empowers our bodies to adapt to the changes. I recommend a seasonal "balancing tune-up" to all my patients who are seriously dedicated to maintaining good health through prevention.

TCM recognizes the five primary elements as Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. If balanced, the interaction of the elements brings harmony and everything is in order. In TCM physiology, each of the elements is associated with a set of Zhang Fu (organs), an emotion, a color, a season, a time of day, phase of life and various other more subtle aspects such as taste and direction. Each element has a creative (sheng) and control (ko) function. Similar to the Qi action mentioned above, disharmony of function or interaction causes a ripple effect amongst the elements like a pebble dropped into a calm pool. Have you ever experienced a ride on those infamous square tires in sub-zero temperatures, Billy?

In the course of TCM diagnosis and treatment, interaction of these five elements on the creative cycle is one consideration. We view a deficiency in an element from a parent-child aspect. If the parent is deficient, it is unable to nourish the child. For example, Water nourishes Wood, and if Water is deficient the Wood can become brittle, losing flexibility. Since our tendons and sinews are nourished by the Liver/Gallbladder (Wood), we can become physically rigid. As the emotion of Wood is anger, go figure what happens to our outlook on life. Arthritis and cancer line up waiting for this disharmony.

Wood controls and supports Earth. When this lack of support acts upon Earth's organs of nourishment (stomach/spleen-pancreas), a pattern of over-eating or dysfunction can occur that develops into Adult Onset Diabetes or other dis-ease. This continues like Ben Franklin's little rhyme "For the want of a nail---"!

In Chinese medicine a state of good health is often described as a harmonious landscape.

I have connected the Five Basic Steps to the Five Elements by focusing on the primary action that will help keep each in the most harmonious condition, therefore having an integrated affect on the metabolism. The program, optimally used in conjunction with regular acupuncture treatments, is a lifelong dedication to your good health. It will accelerate the three great physicians known as Nature, Time and Patience. The "instant fix to our ails" we have been conditioned to expect is a myth.

I recommend that you ask your primary Health Care Professional to support you in your endeavor, regardless of their modality. If they give you a look like your chimney doesn't reach the roof, find a new one!

Five Basic Steps/Five Elements Relationship

Wood. (Liver/Gallbladder)

We nourish wood with exercise. Walking is great because all we require is a good pair of shoes and protection from the natural elements. Tai Qi is excellent. Exercise stimulates our cardiovascular system, which in turn, allows our blood to keep our muscles from wasting away. We also reduce our stress level.

Fire. (Heart/Small Intestine)

The emotion associated is Joy. If you haven't read, "Laughter is the Best Medicine" lately, do it! Think only positive thoughts. Our mind can only focus on one thought at a time, so if we think positive, we crowd out negative. This supports the small intestine's function of sorting the pure (nutrients) from the impure (waste) and assists it in its role of heart support.

Earth. (Spleen-Pancreas/Stomach).

One of the few things we have control of in our life is what goes in our mouth, the gateway to our metabolism. "We are what we eat", or just as important - what we avoid. As Ben Franklin quipped "More people have died from eating than ever starved to death!" I recommend keeping a diet journal for a few weeks. It makes us more conscious of how, what and when we eat and it can be very helpful in isolating allergens or sensitivities. A brand new car may be perfect in all its parts but is useless without fuel. Eat low on the food chain, focusing on a rainbow diet of fresh fruit and vegetables. Fill any gaps with wise supplementation.

Metal. (Lung/Large Intestine)

Breathing is good! If our oxygen supply is cut off, our minutes are numbered. The average person only uses 20% of their lung capacity on a regular basis. If our respiration is shallow, the Heavenly Qi we inhale is inadequate and our body becomes malnourished and toxic. The latter invites the onset of degenerative dis-ease. Research has shown that if our blood is properly oxygenated, peristalsis in the colon is increased, which improves elimination. This allows us to know that people are off track if they tell us we are full of "--it" Be cautious with this one. Increase your breathing capacity on a gradual basis or have a Health Professional coach you on basic Qi Gong breathing, Pranic breathing or Earth breathing.

Water. (Kidney/Urinary Bladder)

Drink pure water. Its osmotic effect in our body draws impurities off the intestinal walls, and gives our Intracellular Fluid purity. To calculate your metabolic requirement, divide your body weight (pounds) in half and this gives you the volume in ounces that you require on a daily basis Gradually increase intake and even then, until your body adapts to the new volume, you will have a whole new sense of geography! Ensure that you are flushing toxic impurities and unwanted bacteria out of you system. Reduce or avoid diuretics such as alcohol and caffeine. We learn early that water is an excellent conductor. Our Qi is electro-magnetic in nature, so by hydrating ourselves properly, our healing energy is able to circulate more efficiently. A lack of water leads to dehydration. Would you rather be a grape or a raison?

Acupuncture is the catalyst that will activate the Five Steps and visualization reinforces the effectiveness.

Positive change is good but do it gradually - remember the Law of Cause and Effect. Our thoughts are energy and energy follows intent.

If you adopt these steps into your lifestyle, you will feel a difference in vitality, and longevity will follow.

Visit Bill Hardman's site at: http://www.hardmanacupuncture-tcm.com

Would You Like X-Ray Perception?

What would you say if you could be taught to "see inside" of someone's mind and completely understand them, much the same way an airport x-ray scanner sees inside your luggage.

Somewhere between what a person is saying, and not saying... is what they are really saying!

Intested? Click here: http://www.x-rayperception.com/xray_survey.html and fill out the survey for a product that is in development.

The results will be made available so check back!

The Breath of Life

We have three essential requirements to sustain life: Food, Water and Air. Even though the latter is the key element we tend to take it for granted – to the point that the average person is usually only using about twenty percent of their lung capacity.

Most of us pack around at least two or more weeks of nourishment on our physical frame. If you have ever fasted for any length of time you know that after the first few days our energy actually increases as our digestive system gets a well deserved rest and our body starts to release toxins that have been impairing our physiology while residing on board.

Pure water is very important to optimum health although our body will settle for lesser degrees of purity trusting that our internal organs will filter out harmful particulates. In extreme cases we can reabsorb urine to compensate for dehydration. There are several recorded instances where trapped minors have collected their urine and consumed it to ward of death by dehydration. Remember that urine is a sterile fluid until exposed to and contaminated by airborne bacteria.

The bottom line is it can take us a long time to starve to death, especially if we have fluids but if we are deprived of oxygen we will be dead in minutes. There is a very good reason that oxygen masks deploy automatically in a commercial aircraft if the cabin loses air pressure. Above flight level 300 (30 thousand feet above sea level) our t.u.c. (time of useful consciousness) is measured in seconds.

In Traditional Chinese medicine the breath of life describes the Qi or the life force that is within us and all around us. Qigong is one of the oldest forms of therapy dating back to the regime of the Yellow Emperor and the Taoists. Qigong may be translated as either “breathing exercise” or “energy skill” It can be used from a self-help exercise for improving health and vitality to a very powerful therapeutic technique.

There is a very basic introduction to therapeutic breathing on my website if you click on: http://hardmanacupuncture-tcm.com/article-therapeutic-breathing.htm . It is important that you approach therapeutic breathing with caution and respect. Obey the principle of proceeding naturally and gradually. It can take years of practice and dedication to master the art of Qigong breathing. Perseverance is the key to success.

Most Traditional Chinese hospitals have departments where experienced Qigong Masters teach these techniques to patients to help combat chronic diseases like cancer. Oxygen is the active catalyst that carries nutrients to every cell in our body and if we are not breathing properly or our blood oxygen saturation level is interfered with by pollutants such as cigarette smoke which allow anaerobic (low oxygen) diseases like cancer to thrive. Since the carbon monoxide (CO) molecule is heavier than oxygen (O2) it loads up our blood cell and blocks the normal saturation of oxygen in our hemoglobin. Normal levels or Oxygen Saturation (O2 Sat) at sea level breathing room air are 95% - 100%.

In addition to the above example abnormal values can be caused by body system dysfunction of our internal organs. The Lungs, Heart and circulation function, Kidney function, disharmony of our Metabolism and some Medications are usually involved. Some of the common respiratory pathologies are asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis.

I watched my dad suffer with congestive heart failure for several years and it was quite obvious that many of his progressive and insidious problems were associated with low blood supply to his brain as his heart efficiency slowly deteriorated. Low blood volume means low oxygen levels and the tissue becomes nutrient deprived.

It is part of our wonderful design that out heart is located next to our lungs. This allows our heart to get oxygen laden blood as soon as it leaves our lungs via the pulmonary vein. The common cardio complaint of angina (chest pain) is an indication that the heart tissue is not getting enough oxygen.

The most common method of compensating for low oxygen levels in the blood is oxygen therapy or Supplemental Oxygen. The use of therapeutic oxygen improves survival in people with chronic lung disease and it can also be used to reduce the pain associated with angina. Studies have shown that therapeutic breathing exercises are better at improving respiratory health and other low levels of oxygen than supplemental oxygen.

Short of investing in a high pressure hyperbaric chamber, what can we do?

Breathing exercises are free – we have all of the essential equipment, and air is all around us. Remember that our nose works as an air filter and warmer. Close your mouth and inhale through your nose. We want to concentrate on directing the air to our lower abdomen, and hold it there (full retention). We can use any of the counting sequences outlined on my website or we can divide the process into “inhale - stop - exhale”. We can also use phrases such as “I’m healing myself” or “I’m relaxing” or “I’m breathing in life”. It is strongly recommended to keep your phrase short (less than nine words) and always start off gradually.

Enhance the effectiveness by resting the tip of your tonque against the palate (roof) of your mouth while inhaling and lowering your tonque while exhaling. Visualize drawing pure energy into your body as you inhale and releasing all stress and tension as you exhale (empty retention).

Practice – practice – practice! All of the above steps will become very smooth and coordinated and you really be healing yourself – more than you may ever know. Molds are an increasingly common pathogenic factor and they only thrive in low oxygen, poorly ventilated environment. Don’t allow your body to become their new home.

William Hardman, Dr.TCM- R.Ac.
http://hardmanacupuncture-tcm.com/

How Baby Boomers Can Stay Healthy and Help the Aging Process

It has been reported that Baby Boomers say the most important things to do to stay healthy are to exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water. That sounds fairly easy don't you think.

In fact, when it comes to what Boomers actually do on a regular basis most only drink lots of water, watch their diet off and on, and exercise is limited. Let's break this down.

1. Exercise Can Make You Feel and Look Younger

Stretching exercises help to keep your body limber enabling you to twist and turn without backache or other pain.

A good aerobic workout stresses and strengthens the heart. Properly performed, strength-training also maintains and builds muscle mass. Since muscle burns more calories than fat, your metabolism will increase. Aerobic exercise improves your lung capacity.

2. A Balanced Diet Is an Anti-Aging Diet

Generally, a balanced anti-aging diet should be comprised of a ratio of 50 % carbohydrate, 25 %protein, 25% fat. Carbohydrate should be in the form of fruits and vegetables. Protein should be from plant sources such as beans and tofu, with maximum one-third from animal sources like meat. Fat (mostly poly and mono-unsaturated) should come from olive oil and nuts rather than from animal products.

Another tip is 5-6 small meals throughout the day are better than 1-3 big meals per day.

3. Don't Forget Those Very Important Supplements!!

As we grow older, some hormones begin a steep decline that strongly parallels the beginning of many visible aging signs and symptoms. These hormones include human growth hormone, melatonin, DHEA, testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.

Supplements are incredibly important as an effective anti-aging program. There is no single "magic bullet" supplement that can reverse aging. Combining supplements such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, nutritional factors, enzymes, and antioxidants are important for health and anti-aging.

** Do talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.

4. Stress Does Increase The Aging Process

We all feel stress, one way or another, no matter what age. Baby Boomers often feel less control of their environment. Long-term stress can have negative effects on your physical health. It can lead to sleep problems, tense muscles, and other health problems. It can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease, just to name a couple stress related diseases.

Yes, aging sucks, but today we know that we can dramatically slow down the aging process in many different ways.

Stay tuned for more!

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Happy Birthday, Baby!

Today – this day – thousands and thousands of the seventy-six million baby boomers in America are marking their 50th birthday: a milestone to celebrate as significant as or more so than the traditional 40th. Truly,50 is the new 40, the beginning of mid-life, and with every new discovery in a multitude of fields ranging from biogenetic engineering to pharmaceuticals and robotics, that age marker will be pushed ever upward. In the not too distant future it may become possible for many in the developed world to reach, in a healthy, active state, the “natural” age cap of 120 years. That’s a lot of partying to come.

But steady on! Before we all boogie on down, it might be a good idea to take note of some other facts and figures. In 2006, the first-born of the baby boom generation will be celebrating their 60th birthday, and five years away, their 65th. It is estimated that by 2030, when most boomers will have long crossed over the traditional retirement threshold of 65 years of age (and the remaining few fast bearing down on it), they will make up 20% or more of the entire US population (as opposed to their current hold of 13%). Baring bird flu’ and other mutant pandemics, there will, by 2030, be approximately 70 million people over 65 years, and the 85+ age group will have become the fastest growing section. And they won’t all be wearing rose-tinted granny-glasses.

There is a multitude of studies and commentaries available on the internet into how well baby boomers are prepared for living out their twilight years. The conclusions and predictions are often contradictory and, despite the good news about increased health and longevity, the overall trend tends to favour the hysterical sentiment of “It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to”:

A majority of boomers are optimistic about being able to live in the same style when retired as they do now.
Boomers typically earn more than their parents ever did, and than their own children do or will do.
It is often estimated that a boomer will need to have set aside at least $1 million for a decent retirement.
A majority of boomers expect to work after “official” retirement in a variety of ways (part-time, phased, new career), either because they wish to remain socially active, or because it will be necessary for financial reasons.
Half of all boomers between 50-59 years of age currently have $10,000 or less in personal retirement savings.
Boomers face unprecedented levels of financial obligations to their children (who are earning less than their boomer parents did at a similar age) and their parents (who themselves are living longer).
Boomers hold greater levels of personal financial debt than previous generations, and in general prefer to spend than save.
The vast inequalities in wealth that characterizes American society is just as evident in the baby boomer generation, and as they age it will be women and minorities who will be especially at risk of sinking into poverty.

One indisputable fact is that the enormous baby boomer bulge has always placed great pressures on society as it passes through the body politic. It has wrought radical changes on education, family life, gender roles and relationships, leisure, work, health care and much, much more, and it will certainly do the same for the concept of retirement. In fact, the existing notion of retirement as a time to putter round on the golf course or in the potting shed is in any case a fairly recent one. Up until the Second World War most people worked until they died.

The brief “golden age” of retirement, kick-started in the sixties by the Affluent Society of the mid-twentieth century, is undoubtedly coming to an end. What it will be replaced by is as yet unknown, but it is certain that, through a combination of force of circumstance and personal desire, the baby boomer generation will once again make this their own. Good enough reason to put on the party hats.

About the Author

Morgan Evans
Freelance Writer