Body-Based Health Practices & Cultural Challenges

Depending upon which cultures are involved, specific different issues can be discussed. I will comment on Asian body-based methods being assimilated into American culture.

I think many of the challenges have already been occurring for many years. When President Nixon visited China in 1972, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its body-based practices of reflexology (acupressure) and tuina (massage), where not well known in the US at that time. Thanks to the New York Times columnist James Reston reporting of his experience in a Chinese hospital, the American public was able to receive a firsthand account of the benefits of acupuncture and other hands-on methods. TCM methods had been practiced in the US since the immigrants from China arrived long ago, but never was reported much in mainstream media until Reston’s article (Yong, 2015).

Back in the early 1980’s, I had direct exposure to Chinese and Korean culture by way of martial arts, cuisine, language and lifestyle. Many of my relatives and adult peers were veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Wars, having deep political, racial and trust issues towards the Asian cultures. I did not agree with many of their viewpoints, but I did respect them as they had lived, fought and some died while unwillingly experiencing the culture that they were drafted into attending. At that time, my relatives would have never even considered seeking treatment from anyone other than an American medical doctor, even knowing that these were options for healthcare. While I think more Americans are open today to alternative medicine and complimentary practices, I think some of these issues may still exist decades after their initial seeding in the US. I think there can be found, good and bad in everything depending upon how it is chosen to be interpreted.

Other cultures often do not have the same regulations nor requirements as deemed necessary for licensure within the US, making body-based practitioners less likely to seek offering services in the US. I have found that most insurance providers often don’t recognize these methods as legitimate Western allopathic medicine and are seen as quackery or mostly placebo-based treatments.

Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are probably the two oldest systems of healthcare practiced throughout the world. Ayurveda has its origins in the Hindu religion within India from 5000 years ago. Traditional Chinese Medicine also has origins from thousands of years ago (475–221 BC) but in China. Both systems have been practiced widely throughout the world, with seemingly very little interest in the US when compared to Western allopathic or biomedicine practices.

What will it take and when will the medical community more fully embrace the benefits of many of these methods and practices that have proven the test of time for many cultures, sometimes over thousands of years?

Reference:

Li, Yong. (2015). Acupuncture journey to America: A turning point in 1971. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences. 1. 10.1016/j.jtcms.2015.03.001.

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I write often about topics that affect our health and well-being. Additionally, I teach and offer lecture about qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga. I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119

www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

Seasons Change, People Get Sick – Connect the Dots

More people have been staying inside for much of the last 3 years, to avoid Covid19. As a consequence, people may now be suffering more from vitamin D3 deficiency (metabolism & bone issues), seasonal affective disorder (SAD) (depression), drug & alcohol overuse and overdoses, and many other issues relative to sitting far more than previously. These issues were already at record high levels before the pandemic, and now have continued to rise and will continue to contribute to the US’s losing rank of being a healthy nation, trailing many other industrialized nations.

Vitamin D Deficiency at Epidemic Levels

The US, and many of the world, have been facing an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency for many years, especially in areas lacking consistent daily sunlight such as the northern states of US. This trend is also seen in areas with much sunlight where people cover up their whole bodies from sun exposure. Now exacerbated by pandemic lock-downs and less outside physical activity over the last few years. Most people are unaware or care to ignore how vital vitamin D is to the immune system and overall health.

What can you do to prevent vitamin D deficiency – become educated, be more aware of your own health, get outside during the morning or late afternoon when sunlight is less intense, and get your body moving to engage your muscles and bones to tell your nervous system that you are still alive and need your body to maintain homeostasis through good health and lifestyle practices.

Get started with these three simple steps:

Consult with your doctor to manage your vitamin D levels twice a year — at the end of winter and again at the end of summer. Ask for a simple blood test called the 25(OH)D (25-hydroxy vitamin D) test. (Optimal blood levels are between 50 and 75 nanomoles/Liter.)
Commit to being in the sun 15 minutes a day without sunscreen. When planning on being outside longer, add some protective clothing, a hat, and sunglasses.
Consume foods high in vitamin D and/or supplement with 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily. This dose in a convenient, highly-absorbable liquid form together with the potent marine carotenoid, astaxanthin, for added benefits (Micozzi, 2018).

References:

Lin, S. (2018b, September 22). Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms. Dr Steven Lin. https://www.drstevenlin.com/vitamin-d-deficiency-symptoms/

Lopez, M. A. (2018, August 23). UV RADIATION: The Importance of the Forecast That We Ignore. https://www.2020mag.com/article/uv-radiation-the-importance-of-the-forecast-that-we-ignore

Micozzi. (2018a, June 21). Six reasons why you’re still vitamin D deficient. Dr. Marc Micozzi. https://drmicozzi.com/six-reasons-why-youre-still-vitamin-d-deficient

He, C. S., Aw Yong, X. H., Walsh, N. P., & Gleeson, M. (2016). Is there an optimal vitamin D status for immunity in athletes and military personnel?. Exercise immunology review, 22, 42–64.

Sun Safety Monthly Average UV Index. (2022, February 23). US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/sun-safety-monthly-average-uv-index

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Be more active, eat healthier, sleep better, stress less these are the key components to maintaining a strong immune system.

I am currently offering lectures and classes for group, small group & private instruction in Wekiva, Longwood and Winter Park.Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures and seminars available on my YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119

www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

Herbs vs. Pharmaceuticals – Treatments for Covid-19

I think one of the most relative and current issue facing the American “sickcare” system, is the use of herbs and/or pharmaceuticals, and their relative efficacy of various products used as treatment for Covid-19. From my research, most of the available studies on Covid-19 treatments coming from the US are regarding vaccines and other pharmaceuticals and not so much for herbs or products with natural ingredients. However, I have found several studies from countries other than the US regarding the usage of herbs to prevent or treat Covid-19.

An article posted in June of 2021 from Egyptian Academic Journal of Biological Sciences G. Microbiolog, details research of invertebrates such as earthworms and many marine natural products (MNPs) and subcategories of mollusks and crustaceans all having various medicinal advantages for improving human health. Invertebrate-isolated MNPs have demonstrated therapeutic properties anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, immune modulator, antihypertensive, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and other health benefits. Other ancient herbs such as curcumin, licorice and Andrographis are antiviral agents used for prevention and treatment of viral infections including respiratory viral infections. Covid-19 management is based upon enhancement of the immune system to control viral replication or reduce the harmfulness (virulence) of the virus and reduce relative symptoms. This article reinforces the use of natural extracts as available options to produce new therapeutic drugs against COVID-19 (Abd El-Aziz et al., 2021).

Another article of July 2020 from the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine reviewed 43 papers through a PubMed search, relative to the use of herbs and natural compounds to treat or prevent SARS-COV and related viruses. Roughly more than 450 herbs and natural compounds reviewed demonstrated their activity as antiviral substances against SARS-CoV and related viruses with numerous ones showing the ability to inhibit the coronavirus-host protein pathways and disrupt the different stages of the coronavirus life cycle. Data encourages hope that these herbs and natural compounds may play a bigger role in potential therapeutic treatment options supporting future SARS-CoV treatment protocols (Fuzimoto & Isidoro, 2020)

Results from a 2021 study reported that here are numerous herbs used in the decoction of “Ma Xing Shi Gan” which include Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizome, Ephedrae herba, Armeniacae semen amarum, and Gypsum fibrosum, which demonstrated potential activity in every stage of the Covid-19 cycle (Ang et al., 2021).

Pfizer pharmaceuticals recently reported record profits from this 1^st quarter of 2022 of $25.7 billion, an increase of 61% from past expectations (Pfizer, 2022) One might inquire as to why other less costly or controversial alternatives to Covid-19 prevention or treatment are not being researched? Or if relative data is available, being made accessible for public review? Is the US medical industry even looking into other options? It is fairly common knowledge that the profit from the pharmaceutical companies dwarfs that of herbal companies and are often bought out by big pharma companies. For example, German owned Bayer purchased Germany’s Steigerwald Arzneimittelwerk in 2013, a privately held company specializing in herbal medicines (Ladda, 2013) and Australia’s Creso-pharma having bought out Colorado-based Sierra Sage Herbs in 2022 (Herbs, 2022).

While the global herbal medicine market looks to possibly become a $550 billion industry by 2030 (insightSLICE, 2021), my concern is that these herbs and other natural compounds will be researched, studied and promoted for use based upon profit forecasts of corporations rather than actual implementation of such herbs to help the world population. I have not heard much through mainstream media or other resources, regarding the use of herbs in the US over the last 2 years as preventative nor post-infection of Covid-19.

References:

Abd El-Aziz, F. E.-Z. A., Mustafa Kasem, S., Ali, M. F., Mohamed, S. M., & El Shehaby, D. M. (2021). Rational of Invertebrates and Herbs Extracts for Protection and Management of Coronavirus (COVID 19). Egyptian Academic Journal of Biological Sciences, G, Microbiology, 13(1), 29–47. https://doi-org.northernvermont.idm.oclc.org/10.21608/EAJBSG.2021.172883

Pfizer. (2022, May). PFIZER REPORTS FIRST-QUARTER 2022 RESULTS. https://s28.q4cdn.com/781576035/files/doc_financials/2022/q1/Q1-2022-PFE-Earnings-Release.pdf

Ladda, N. (2013, May 19). Bayer acquires herbal medicines manufacturer. Pharmaceutical Technology. https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/uncategorised/newsbayer-acquires-herbal-medicines-manufacturer/

Herbs, S. S. (2022, February 7). Sierra Sage Herbs Acquired By Creso Pharma. PR Newwire. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sierra-sage-herbs-acquired-by-creso-pharma-301475970.html

Fuzimoto, A. D., & Isidoro, C. (2020). The antiviral and coronavirus-host protein pathways inhibiting properties of herbs and natural compounds – Additional weapons in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic?. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine, 10(4), 405–419. https://doi-org.northernvermont.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2020.05.003

Ang, L., Lee, H. W., Kim, A., Choi, J.-Y., & Lee, M. S. (2021). Network Analysis of Herbs Recommended for the Treatment of COVID-19. Infection and Drug Resistance, 14, 1833+. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A673853575/AONE?u=vol_l99n&sid=ebsco&xid=0b0d5d20

insightSLICE. (2021, February 16). Herbal Medicine Market Global Sales Are Expected To Reach US$ 550 Billion by 2030, as stated by insightSLICE. GlobeNewswire News Room. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/02/16/2176036/0/en/Herbal-Medicine-Market-Global-Sales-Are-Expected-To-Reach-US-550-Billion-by-2030-as-stated-by-insightSLICE.html

We Have More Than 5 Senses

The more we understand how our mind and body function physiologically, the better we can manage our own health, fitness and well-being.

Most of us grew up learning that we have 5 basic senses of vision, hearing smell, taste and touch. Some may have learned of the 6th sense of intuition or other abilities of sensory perception that exist beyond the basic five. Years ago these “extra” senses were looked upon as fake, coincidence or maybe even a figment of someone’s imagination. However, there is much current research and information regarding humans indeed having more than 5 basic senses (Macpherson, 2011).

Life and the experiences that it offers, is constantly changing and evolving for all that exist. Our senses are continuously receiving and interpreting stimulus to determine what is good or bad for our survival. Consequently, this input often manifests into what we call stress. We deal with stress through our thoughts and emotions. Our emotions directly affect how our brain processes information that affects all of our physiological mechanism and organ functions through the autonomic nervous and endocrine systems. Basically, thoughts and emotions affect our health and well-being whether with positive or negative outcomes.

Some of the senses most people don’t think about:

Equilibrioception or vestibular – a sense of balance. This is what keeps us upright, and helps us make our way around without getting hurt.

Proprioception – knowing which parts of your body are where without looking. It’s how we can type without looking at the keyboard, for instance, or walk around without having to watch our feet.

Kinaesthesia – awareness of the position and movement of the parts of the body by means of sensory organs.

Thermoception – we know whether our environment is too cold or too hot. Being able to sense the temperature around us helps keep us alive and well.

Nociception – the ability to feel pain.

Chronoception – how we sense the passing of time.

Interoception – the ability to have sense of awareness relative to the status or function of our internal organs. We sense when we are thirsty, hunger, the need to urinate, an upset stomach, a rapid heartbeat, arousal and others.

We do have the ability to consciously control and manage our own life and relative stress. whether through lifestyle choices, diet & nutrition, physical activity and attitude. An awareness of our senses and how they work, can help us to better manage what stimuli we allow ourselves to be exposed to. If seeing bright lights gives us headaches, we can maybe adjust beforehand. When our stomach is gurgling, we know it it time to eat. If we are lacking good stability and balance, we can learn exercises to improve this sense.

A key component of managing stress is managing the parasympathetic (rest & digest) and sympathetic (fight or flight) nervous system through consistent regulation of our breathing frequency and relative volume of each breath. This is a topic addressed in many of my other posts. Yoga, tai chi, qigong, meditation, martial arts and other methods have been proven to help to proactively manage stress and relative cortisol levels.

Manage your breath, manage your stress, manage your health and well-being.

Be well!

References:

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/01/humans-have-more-than-5-senses/

Fiona Macpherson. (2011). The Senses : Classic and Contemporary Philosophical Perspectives. Oxford University Press.

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I write often about topics that affect our health and well-being. Additionally, I teach and offer lecture about qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga.

For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com

www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

Healthcare – Who Receives vs. Who Deserves

When discussing public healthcare, the same issue seems to come about how much money is needed versus how much money is wasted? I have a difficult time believing that more money is needed for whatever cause, when there are so many reports of resources being spent on trivial endeavors or corrupt activities. The US government seems to be able to print and distribute millions-billions of $$$$ when they feels it fits the agenda.

I mentioned in other posts about the frivolous expenditures like those reported by Forbes such as taxpayers funding Hookers for Jesus ($530,190), space alien detection ($7 million), a social media war on tanning beds ($3.3 million), webcast-live streamed eclipses ($3.7 million), and subsidizing the airport on Martha’s Vineyard ($12 million). The Forbes article goes on to report that US governmental agencies receiving the highest amount of funding for 2017-2019 was the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) having received $1.5 trillion in grants. Again, I think the government should be held more accountable for these enormous amounts of money that is possibly being spent on inconsequential projects that do not help US citizens as a whole. Our government leaders waste so many resources on these types of projects that the truly important ones get no attention.

So who stands on the moral ground to decide who should receive free healthcare or even paid healthcare? Do drug addicts deserve free help and/or counseling? Does an alcoholic qualify for a liver replacement? Do we not treat the person who gets hit by a car because they weren’t looking or tripped into traffic? Do un-vaccinated, but insurance-paying people still receive coverage? Do football players injured during a game, get refused medical care because they knowingly accept that they may be injured?

As for anyone thinking that “someone ought to know better” is such an ignorant statement as many healthcare issues come about due to socioeconomic as well as psychological issues that often result in them making poor decisions. Our duty as informed citizens would be to support legislation that helps provide for those who cannot, not those who choose not to or will not provide for themselves. Many public health issues are global where eventually all people, animal and plant life and environments of the whole world are affected. Therefore, I feel it is somewhat shortsighted to think that what is happening in other parts of the world won’t eventually come knocking on our door. This is exactly what happened in the early days of COVID-19 being discovered in China, where we might have thought that it was their problem and not ours, until it was.

References:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamandrzejewski/2020/09/30/wheres-the-pork-us-taxpayers-funded-a-lot-of-wasteful-spending-2017-2019/?sh=79aae41d3dc0

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Be more active, eat healthier, sleep better, stress less these are the key components to maintaining a strong immune system.

I am currently offering lectures and classes for group, small group & private instruction in Wekiva, Longwood and Winter Park.Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures and seminars available on my YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119

www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan