It boggles my mind that the FDA recently authorized e-cigarettes for US consumption, as they see vaping products as a benefit to adult smokers. The US vape market was valued at $6.09 billion in 2020. It is predicted to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 27.3% from 2021 to 2028. I often see the Wall Street Journal (I am a subscriber) report on the health concerns regarding vaping, and then sell full page advertisements to tobacco companies who have scientists give their expert comments on the benefits of vape products over smoking tobacco. “Follow the science” right, but whose science are they paying to promote?
It is a known fact, that there are many carcinogens that are added to tobacco products to make them even more deadly. When some of these ingredients are burned, they form even more deadly chemicals. find it disgusting that government organizations (FDA) even allow these products to be available. Here is a list of some of the harmful added chemicals and their common usage:
Acetone—found in nail polish remover Acetic acid—an ingredient in hair dye Ammonia—a common household cleaner Arsenic—used in rat poison Benzene—found in rubber cement and gasoline Butane—used in lighter fluid Cadmium—active component in battery acid Carbon monoxide—released in car exhaust fumes Formaldehyde—embalming fluid Hexamine—found in barbecue lighter fluid Lead—used in batteries Naphthalene—an ingredient in mothballs Methanol—a main component in rocket fuel Nicotine—used as an insecticide Tar—material for paving roads Toluene—used to manufacture paint
I find it quite difficult to have trust in any part of our government that claims to be concerned about the health and well-being of its people when they let this industry thrive and profit.
Some could debate that smoking is a personal choice that only affects the user, but scientific data has proven for decades that second-hand smoke affects the health of others in the direct vicinity of tobacco smokers. This is not the same as someone who abuses alcohol or chooses to eat poorly and affect only themselves regardless of who they are standing next to.
The tobacco industry is probably the only industry which the FDA willfully allows (but not approves of) to operate in spite of the scientific studies that prove the harmful effects to humans. So, while the FDA is basically in place to protect the American population against substances that endanger the health and wellbeing of humans, they continue to pander to this deadly industry. I think that the tobacco industry has been allowed to operate and profit enormously from their efforts to keep people addicted to their products. NPR even reported that tobacco companies conspired (yes, a real conspiracy theory) to add more nicotine to their products to keep users addicted to their usage.
I feel strongly that the general population should not pay for healthcare costs associated with 1st hand smokers, as this lifestyle choice offers no positive health results but rather leads to a slow and predictable path of disease and illness from its habitual use. a close family member smoked daily up until he was about 65, and only stopped once his health failed so terribly that his doctors at the hospital would not let him leave without 1st performing surgery for a long shopping list of ailments. He acquired from smoking tobacco, spots on his lungs, emphysema, arterial sclerosis, and almost totally blocked carotid arteries. His addiction affected my whole family, almost setting our house on fire numerous times having fallen asleep while smoking. He went on to live 10 more years however, with a continuous downward quality of life due to the effects of his lifelong addiction to tobacco.
Qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga are not the only methods that can be used within this formula but have proven the test of time as methods to cultivate harmony of the mind, body and spirit. These exercise practices offer a wide spectrum of physical wellness benefits, stress relief as well as means of self-awareness. Not all teachers nor students practice these for the same goals. For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com
Humans having gradually been losing their connection with nature. It did not happen overnight, but maybe most apparently over the last century. Many now believe that synthetic is better than organic as a rule, rather than the exception. The most scientifically, industrialized, modernized aware specie on the earth – while being the unhealthiest specie as a whole. And here we are.
My understanding is that if we do not learn to exist in harmony within nature, we will eventually be consumed by nature. As humans, we are part of nature so we cannot separate ourselves from nature and really the universe, without suffering some type of consequence. Cause and effect, yin and yang – it is all the same; everything is interconnected on many levels.
I feel there has been a big disconnect over the last 100 years in that with the advancement of Western allopathic medicine and its many benefits, we have been taught that many of nature’s cures and remedies are quackery or limited in their benefits to our modern society. How far have we been distracted to believe that pills and pharmaceuticals are the only way to treat illness and disease? Many people can, and do manage stress, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, headaches, allergies and maybe an endless list of other ailments that can be improved through proper diet of chemical-free foods and herbs, consistent exercise (natural movement) and management of thoughts and emotions (an understanding of where humans fit into nature). Nature is indeed medicine, as food tends to be either medicine or poison, especially becoming more evident as we age.
Many parents have helped to encourage generations of children who prefer sitting in front of the TV, computer or smartphone screens in place of physical outdoor nature related activities. Children playing and exploring in nature, has become mostly a thing of the past as these same children have grown to be adults with no connection to the nature and wildlife existing in their own backyards.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Look at some of the bigger US cities that have been covered in concrete and metal. Much of the grass and trees have been removed to make way for buildings and development. Some cities like Chicago, New York City, Boston, Miami and others have relatively small parks to help those in need of some “green space” to have an access point to some plant life. Some buildings have gardens or plant life on their roofs, but really these are not grounded to the actual earth below. Other cities like Atlanta and Dallas have made great strides in increasing their public parks and green spaces.
Another example, however more controversial is the overall health of the human race today. Food producers have been able to provide more food to more people although there are still many starving nations. With advancements in chemicals used to make food look better, last longer and seem tastier, we now ingest these same chemicals which have been proven to cause many other health issues. Americans often have access to many food options, but seem to favor cheaper processed foods over the more expensive organic or supposedly chemical-free foods. Then when people develop illnesses from the poor quality food, they turn to more chemicals through pharmaceuticals to fix the ailments caused by the chemicals in the food. More chemicals in the human body makes the individual more dependent upon modern chemistry rather than using nature’s gift of fruits, vegetables and herbs that have been known to improve many ailments.
I feel more connected to nature because I choose to be and can make plans and adjustments to be in nature. However, I know that I can be more in nature and that is where the struggle can exist for me. For me, nature is not just a place in the woods or in the mountains. Nor is it a place in a movie, book or a picture although these modes can put my thoughts of a place in nature in my mind. So where I don’t always have the trees, streams and wildlife right in front of me, I do carry the awareness without them to realize that I do have my connection to nature (and the universe) regardless of if I am in the forest or in a concrete building. This awareness is what gets me out of the building to begin with. We exist within nature as much as nature exists within us. Yin and yang in all things. I try to connect daily with nature if not through actually physically being within the woods, mountains or oceans but through my meditations and awareness of nature.
I think that if someone opens up their mind to understand that we are all interconnected with nature, the universe and each other, nature will present itself in ways and experiences that most people would consider to be far outside of what most to believe as “normal”. I am also a professional photographer, who has had many occasions where I sat and waited for a particular image to develop in my mind and then sometimes minutes later in reality. I have waited for the sky to clear and then present beautiful rainbows. I was at a cemetery once searching for my relatives gravesite, when a sun shower started exactly when I looked down to see the tombstone I was looking for. I was hiking with my wife in Zion, and while we seeked cover on the trail from harsh rain, a boulder came crashing down on the trail where we had been standing moments earlier. I think that if you try to make these types of experiences happen, they probably will not. However, if you can enter into a perspective that all and everything is interconnected on various levels, things will present themselves to us for whatever reason, lesson or thing is to be gained from such events.
Qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga are not the only methods that can be used within this formula but have proven the test of time as methods to cultivate harmony of the mind, body and spirit. These exercise practices offer a wide spectrum of physical wellness benefits, stress relief as well as means of self-awareness. Not all teachers nor students practice these for the same goals. For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com
A root concept of healthcare for literally thousands of years, but apparently dismissed for the last 2 years:
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY HELPS TO PREVENT DISEASE AND ILLNESS
Become a researcher of health and wellness for your own benefit. Click on any of the following medical studies, to understand and then perhaps follow the science as to why physical activity & exercise are even more important today than maybe any other time before.
Diamond, R., & Waite, F. (2021). Physical activity in a pandemic: A new treatment target for psychological therapy. Psychology and psychotherapy, 94(2), 357–364. https://doi.org/10.1111/papt.12294
Sallis R, Young DR, Tartof SY, et al Physical inactivity is associated with a higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes: a study in 48 440 adult patients British Journal of Sports Medicine 2021;55:1099-1105.
Pitanga, Francisco & Beck, Carmem & Pitanga, Cristiano. (2021). The Big Mistake of not Considering Physical Activity an Essential Element of Care During the Covid-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Cardiovascular Sciences. 34. 10.36660/ijcs.20200274.
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Qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga are not the only methods that can be used within this formula but have proven the test of time as methods to cultivate harmony of the mind, body and spirit. These exercise practices offer a wide spectrum of physical wellness benefits, stress relief as well as means of self-awareness. Not all teachers nor students practice these for the same goals. For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com
I started my martial arts training at the age of 16, starting with Korean martial arts and evolving into BaguaZhang, Tai Chi, and Qigong. I have been training, studying and teaching for almost 40 years effectively educating hundreds of students.
As a recognized master instructor, I have trained with a diverse group of masters and high-level martial arts teachers of many different disciplines. My specialty is teaching exercises to improve chronic conditions, working with people of all ages, especially senior adults. Offering guidance and instruction, I have also worked with Parkinson Disease patients through Florida Hospital. I offer regular lectures as requested by AdventHealth (Florida Hospital) regarding the benefits of Eastern practices.
I am the author and graphic artist of numerous journals, graphic charts and study guides relative to the mind and body connection and how it relates to martial arts, fitness and self-improvement.
I continue training and teaching in the Orlando, Florida area conducting classes, seminars and lectures as my schedule allows. I balance my teaching and businesses with my own personal cultivation and time spent with my wife and two college-age kids.
Illness and diseases such as addiction, mental health issues, heart disease, diabetes, and mental health issues have all been linked to stress and tension. Meditation and mindfulness-based methods of relaxation, have shown potential in bringing about the relaxation response, helping reduce anxiety and enhance well-being. The relaxation response is the term used for the body’s physiological response to relieving stress, where respiration and blood pressure is lowered to counter the “fight or flight” response, thereby activating the body’s parasympathetic nervous system (Goldsby, et al 2017).
Tibetan or Himalayan singing bowls and other ancient instruments used for religious and spiritual ceremonies have been in practice for a very long time. Use goes back thousands of years, with origins in China and Mongolia. Tibetan Buddhist monasteries used the bowls in this manner to keep time or to signal the end of a meditation (Pikörn 2021). Cultures including native peoples, throughout the world have been using sound for healing for thousands of years. The didgeridoo is an instrument used by Australian aboriginal tribes for over 40,000 years, as a sound healing instrument. (Goldsby, et al 2017).
Contemporary music therapy has been known to benefit suffers of various health conditions, including mental illness and pain. Meditation has long been known to also offer improved health and well-being with modern studies indicating that meditation is effective in managing many ailments. such as anxiety, depression, and pain issues (Stanhope & Weinstein (2020). How singing bowls produce health benefits is ambiguous. While sound bowls can help some people to relax and feel better, more research needs to be done to show how they may be able to target the same regions of the mind that meditation does (Pikörn 2021).
A singing bowl or standing bell, are mostly crystal or metal alloy bowls where, by rubbing a mallet around the bowl’s outer rim and edges produce sounds. Singing bowls and sometimes gongs, surround the user with tones that offer the goal of relaxation by decreasing stress, anxiety, and depression. These sounds offer an escape from the everyday incessant inner dialogue or chatter of thoughts within one’s mind. Singing bowl techniques can be very mind engaging, similarly to meditation practices and yoga, and are often practiced in tandem (Pikörn 2021).
Alfred A. Tomatis, a 20th-century French otolaryngologist (one who studies diseases of the ear and throat) offered the thought that music can influence brain waves. Don Campbell’s 1997 book, The Mozart Effect, focused on how music could make one smarter and increase concentration (Pikörn 2021).
The Influence of sound on the human mind and consequently the physical body, has been theorized that sound bowls can help calm the mind, by mimicking the brain’s electrical impulses, also referred to as “entraining”. Here, sound vibrations can “re-tune” the wave patterns of one’s mind, in this case Theta brain waves, similar to the vibrations that occur while in states of deep relaxation or concentration. Theta patterns resonate at 4-8 Hertz, occurring also during REM sleep, states of creativity, and during meditation. Studies report the theory that music can indeed change the brain’s bio-electrical oscillations. However, this effect is most evident in the range of alpha (8-13 Hertz) and beta (13 Hertz or greater) frequencies. From listening to singing bowls, one can guide their mind towards theta brain wave activity (Pikörn 2021).
A study published in 2017, explored the benefits of using singing bowls along with meditation, using data from a sample of 62 individuals participating. Ages were from 21-77 years old with a mean age 49.7 years. 9 were males and 53 females. The study was held at 3 locations in southern California at The Seaside Center for Spiritual Living in Encinitas, The Chopra Center for Wellbeing in Carlsbad, and the California Institute for Human Science (CIHS) in Encinitas (Goldsby, et al 2017). From my own personal knowledge, I know this particular area of the US to be a hub for meditation and other alternative medicine practices. So, it really didn’t surprise me that the results would show that these particular methods yielded positive health benefits. People in the 20-39 age group, reported the largest change in a reduction in their tension. However, the study did not specify what type of tension they were experiencing to begin with such as mental, muscular, or otherwise. Those in the 40-59 age group, reported the most noticeable effects from the meditation, with a decrease or even elimination of physical pain before and after the meditation (Goldsby, et al 2017).
It is not hard to find and purchase singing bowls as they are widely available online and elsewhere, costing as little as $20 per bowl and as high as thousands of dollars on the higher end for complete sets of various sizes and compositions. Also available are bowls that will produce different notes and different frequencies. In particular the 432 Hertz range is thought to be more desirable in achieving the desired results of the entraining the theta brain waves. Some avid practitioners of singing bowl meditations, prefer usage of the bowls or recorded sounds that are tuned to 432 Hertz. There is also some speculation that listening to music or sounds that have a frequency of 432 Hertz is thought to encourage a positive shift in consciousness, providing the listener a greater sense of peace. Meditation practitioners seem to favor this music as well. A frequency of 432 Hertz is thought to be the tone of nature, assisting the listener to become more calm, peaceful, and creative. Benefits thought to come from exposure to sounds with the 432 Hertz frequency include release of stress and tension from the body, induction of healing during and after surgeries and the release of endorphins and serotonin (Bawah Reserve 2020).
Of further interest may be that a small group of people having a strong dislike to the sounds made from singing bowls, due to the sounds increasing their self-reported depressions and anxiety. This leads to the possibility that the sound bowls themselves have no special powers of relaxation in and of themselves (Pikörn 2021).
I have studied various methods of using sound with meditations, quite a bit over the years and have observed how particular sounds in our daily life, like traffic, thunder, loud music from various genres, yelling, etc. can cause damage on the nervous system. This can happen at the moment or over time, potentially causing even more damage. Consequently, I think the bowls are but another tool to hack the human nervous system to be in a more relaxed state of homeostasis from the parasympathetic nervous system. Any healthcare method that is relatively inexpensive, exhibits no negative side-effects, can easily be obtain by most people, and can offer the user some level of health benefits, is worth further scrutiny and usage by those in particular needing a reduction in their stress levels.
Goldsby, T. L., Goldsby, M. E., McWalters, M., & Mills, P. J. (2017). Effects of Singing Bowl Sound Meditation on Mood, Tension, and Well-being: An Observational Study. Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine, 22(3), 401–406. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587216668109
Stanhope, J., & Weinstein, P. (2020). The human health effects of singing bowls: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102412
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Qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga are not the only methods that can be used within this formula but have proven the test of time as methods to cultivate harmony of the mind, body and spirit. These exercise practices offer a wide spectrum of physical wellness benefits, stress relief as well as means of self-awareness. Not all teachers nor students practice these for the same goals. For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com
I started my martial arts training at the age of 16, starting with Korean martial arts and evolving into BaguaZhang, Tai Chi, and Qigong. I have been training, studying and teaching for almost 40 years effectively educating hundreds of students.
As a recognized master instructor, I have trained with a diverse group of masters and high-level martial arts teachers of many different disciplines. My specialty is teaching exercises to improve chronic conditions, working with people of all ages, especially senior adults. Offering guidance and instruction, I have also worked with Parkinson Disease patients through Florida Hospital. I offer regular lectures as requested by AdventHealth (Florida Hospital) regarding the benefits of Eastern practices.
I am the author and graphic artist of numerous journals, graphic charts and study guides relative to the mind and body connection and how it relates to martial arts, fitness and self-improvement.
I continue training and teaching in the Orlando, Florida area conducting classes, seminars and lectures as my schedule allows. I balance my teaching and businesses with my own personal cultivation and time spent with my wife and two college-age kids.
Thai massage seems to work heavily with the physical concept of myofascial release, that can be seen in Rolfing and other massage methods that have evolved over the last few centuries. However, Thai massage appears to have originated thousands of years ago. Also, I see Thai massage as a more mutually engaging type of practice where both the patient and practitioner seem to both be engaged in the goal of better health and well-being for both.
L0027324 Siamese Manuscript, Pressure Massage Manual.
Credit: Wellcome Library, London. Wellcome Images
images@wellcome.ac.ukhttp://wellcomeimages.org
A guide to pressure points for use in ‘Thai Yoga Massage’.
Diagram: human figure showing pressure points.
circa 1850 Published: –
Copyrighted work available under Creative Commons Attribution only licence CC BY 4.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Thai massage has deep roots in its origins in Buddhism and yoga. Very similar to TCM concepts of energy flow throughout the body by way of the meridians or sens. The yoga concepts of chakras do align with the Chinese meridian system of TCM. Direct pressure on key points (acupoints) are preferred over kneading of the skin, fascia and muscles. Thai massage is composed of foundation concepts of meditation, postures or stances, rhythmic rocking, and other touch/pressure techniques. Meditation appears to be a very strong component, where the practitioner is actively involved in the present moment. By being engaged with the patient on the 3 levels of mind, body and spirit they are able to help the patient through applying loving kindness or “metta” to their patient.
Thai massage has deep roots in its origins in yoga from Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha developing it over 2500 years ago. This method of healthcare does appear to me to embody the concept of balancing the mind, body and spirit where if one aspect is out of harmony with the others, disease, illness and suffering will manifest. As with any of these time proven practices that have been passed on for thousands of years, there must be something here regardless of Western allopathic Medicine’s resistance of recognizing the benefits of these mind, body and spiritual methods of healthcare and well-being.
It is my understanding from many of the modern Western massage practitioners that I have visited, that they often feel exhausted not just after the individual sessions but accumulatively over the time of their career. I found this more prevalent when the massage therapist themselves did not practice taking care of themselves to replenish the energy that they put out during the massage treatments. Those that I have met that cared to share, told me that it was essential for them to practice something like yoga, tai chi, qigong, meditation as well as good nutrition to stay balanced, as far as energy conservation goes. I have learned that we can not give out freely, that which we do not already have an abundance of with out some level of detriment to all involved.
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My goal is to present an education that brings awareness to these time-proven methods. With an intent to de-mystify and simplify explanations, hopefully more people can come to realize that we are all accountable for our own well-being.
United Martial Arts Association 