On Saturday, November 18th from 11am to 4pm Dallas’ newest healthy eatery, Juice Zone Café, celebrated its Grand Opening in the West Village Expansion. Located on Blackburn, between McKinney and Cole Avenues, abundant parking is available behind the building and on Cole Avenue in a lot adjacent to North Dallas High School.

Juice Zone Café offered FREE SAMPLES from its “fresh and healthy” menu all day long, with FREE CHICKEN FAJITA WRAPS, TURKEY CHILI, SMOOTHIES and ACAI specialties from 11am to 4pm. Throughout the day there were drawings for products and services from marketing partners, with prizes ranging from merchant discounts to free manicures and pedicures and a month’s supply of free smoothies.

Juice Zone and the Nail Bar offered a “Spa Package” drawing for a free manicure, pedicure and spa lunch. Infiniti Health Clubs offered free personal training sessions and a free year’s membership to the club located on Lover’s Lane near Inwood Road.

The focus of the day was on WELLNESS, with a free postural analysis provided by Dr. Jason Jones, “THE” chiropractor of Uptown. Dana Parker, the founder of Infiniti Health Clubs was on hand to discuss their unique approach to training, with a high-tech spin. Complimentary chair massages by Spring Valley Massage & Wellness were offered. Dr. Cathryn Kolker conducted state-of-the-art body composition analysis, based on quantum physics. Scott Colby, who has received television acclaim for his women’s boot camps, was on hand to conduct unique and entertaining fitness suggestions. Finally, there was sampling and information on the nutritional qualities of the healthy J’Zone product offerings, including ACAI, WHEATGRASS and the patented ORGANIC COFFEE offerings.

This event was sponsored by Holistic Networker Magazine. Come out, meet some new friends, stay for a while, and enjoy Dallas’ freshest approach to dining and nutrition. See www.jzone-dfw.com for more information.

Nearly 1 million men and women in the United States suffer from eating disorders, according to The National Institute of Mental Health. The two most common types of eating disorders are anorexia and bulimia. Anorexia is characterized by drastic weight loss to the point of extreme underweight. Victims will harvest a great fear of gaining weight, and an extreme inability to accept one’s own appearance. Those suffering from bulimia are characterized by binge-eating behavior, accompanied by recurrent compensatory behavior to prevent weight gain.

Prevalent in most eating disorder cases, depression and anxiety may be treated by acupuncture. In a study performed by Guo Ke Ren, 30 cases of anorexia were treated with acupuncture to specific meridians for 30 minutes; after treatments, 25 cases were resolved and 5 responded with improvement, with an effectiveness rate of 100%.. A Chinese study has also found positive results in integrating TCM into treatments for depression. Subjects have reported “significant improvements in their physical health, mental health, sense of control and social support,” after several acupuncture and body-mind treatments.

Those suffering from eating disorders typically have much lower levels of total energy, vitamins, and essential nutrients required for healthy living. In an American study, “dietary intake of calcium, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and ascorbic acid of anorexics were significantly lower than in normal subjects.” Supplementation of some of these vitamins and minerals may help reduce the symptoms of eating disorders and help promote a healthy lifestyle in victims of anorexia and bulimia.

• Rhodiola has been used in folk medicine for centuries to increase the body’s natural resistance to stressors. It enhances the transport of serotonin (a feel-good chemical that promotes wellbeing in the body) to the brain, reducing depression and anxiety.
• St. John’s Wort is a popular herbal remedy for depression, a well-published side-effect of eating disorders.
• Kava has been used in the South Pacific and Europe as an effective for mild anxiety, muscular tension, and insomnia.
• Eluthero ginseng is used to increase stamina and endurance, protecting the body’s systems from stress-induced illness.

Traditional Chinese Medicine can provide those with anorexia and bulimia alternative therapies to popular Western prescriptions that not only aid in recovery, but help strengthen overall vitality and health in the body and mind.

For more information contact Pacific College at (800) 729-0941 or visit www.PacificCollege.edu.

Ten million Americans over the age of 50 suffer from osteoporosis. In addition, 34 million are at a serious risk for developing this debilitating bone disease. The severe loss of bone mass and breakdown of the architecture of the bone, osteoporosis thins the bones to a point where a mere cough can cause a fracture. Twenty percent of those suffering with osteoporosis will die within a year after sustaining a broken hip. Within 15 years, half of all Americans over age 50 will be at risk for osteoporosis-related fractures, according to the Surgeon General.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to preventing and eradicating the source of bone disease. TCM theory states that “The kidneys are in charge of the bones.” Essentially, the skeleton’s growth, development, and repair are closely related to the kidneys. These organs promote the growth of marrow and flow of vital energy (qi) through the skeleton.

Post-menopausal women experience both bone loss and kidney weakness. Studies performed at the Traditional Medicine Research Institute in China have found that “the increase of bone mass in amount and density and the increase of age have a close relationship with the abundance of, or decline of, kidney qi.” Individuals suffering kidney failure will also experience lower bone density, according to the study.

The second factor that contributes to bone disease is blood flow. Blood flow and qi circulation throughout the body are directly related. Promoting blood circulation may remove such stasis and encourage the production of new bone material. Like Western medicine, TCM promotes vigorous exercise for general well-being, and weight exercises for bone strength and health. An American study concludes that athletic and active women maintain bone mass longer later in life. Further, a study at the Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver suggest that, “Moderate physical activity in people with osteoporosis can reduce the risk of falls and fractures, decrease pain and improve fitness and overall quality of life. It may also stimulate bone gain and decrease bone loss.”

For more information on TCM for bone health please contact Pacific College at (800) 729-0941 or visit www.PacificCollege.edu

By MaDonna J. Kettler, BA, MHt, LBLt

Long, long ago during the time of Atlantis, people used sleep and dream chambers to practice altered states of consciousness. Not so long ago, the Egyptians regularly practiced similar techniques. Mankind has consistently experimented with different ways to induce trance states in order to achieve altered states of consciousness. One of the first was Paracelsus (1493-1541), who used magnets for healing. Also in the Fifteenth Century, William Maxwell used magnets for healing as well as imagination and suggestion. He believed that these techniques enhanced the healing process. Maximillian Hell, (1720-1792), an astronomer and Jesuit Priest, healed the sick with metal plates. You may have heard of Fronz Mesmer (1734-1850), who believed there was a universal fluid within everyone’s body that emanated from the planets and stars. He called this animal magnetism. Mesmer was debunked and died in poverty, yet we still use the term mesmerism to describe an altered state. In the Eighteenth Century the term hypnosis was coined by the person often called the Father of Modern Hypnosis, James Braid (1795-1860). Hypnosis comes from the Greek word “hypnos,” which means sleep – which hypnosis is NOT!

Milton Erickson (deceased 1980), talked about hypnosis being a naturally occurring phenomenon. Ericksonian techniques include waking hypnosis, metaphor construction, direct, and indirect suggestion. These methods are still widely used.

The first hypnotists believed eye fixation (tiring of the eyes) was necessary in order to induce an altered state. Today, hypnotists may or may not use this technique in order to achieve a successful trance.

Edgar Cayce (often called the Sleeping Prophet) would enter into a profound trance state and receive information relating to a subject’s healing. It is argued whether this was a state of hypnosis, but he certainly used an applied altered state of consciousness, which is inclusive of self-hypnosis. With Cayce, the metaphysical or holistically-oriented approach to hypnosis was birthed, including the theory that we bring unconscious memories with us from past lives that can affect our current life.

Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness which lies between awake and asleep. It is generally brought about in an individual by the use of a combination of concentration, relaxation, suggestion, and expectation. Watching TV, playing games, praying, and daydreaming, are all altered states of consciousness. Anyone with normal physiological and psychological functioning, therefore having the ability to concentrate and/or relax, can be hypnotized.

From my perspective, the clinical approach to hypnosis is more mind-centered and typically uses Ericksonian techniques. This approach can promote change related, but not limited to: weight release, stress reduction, pain management, smoking cessation, building self-confidence, fear release, memory retrieval, or depression.

Transpersonal Hypnosis is a practice in which the hypnotist uses a holistically oriented approach. This includes working with the mind, but also the body and spirit of the client. The client’s inner and other-dimensional resources are not only recognized but utilized in order to transcend the physical and explore the deeper aspects related to the weight, fear, memory loss, depression, or addiction issues that are challenging them. Transpersonal hypnotherapy assumes there are guides, angels, and/or deceased relatives that work with us on a regular basis in order to achieve our highest good. It sees the client as a spiritual being in a human experience, with that experience now requiring a deeper understanding or healing on some level, in order for that person to evolve mentally, physically, emotionally, or spiritually. I was drawn to transpersonal hypnosis because the mind approach had not worked for me.

We cannot be hypnotized if we do not desire to be hypnotized. If we do not want to quit smoking, odds are we will not quit smoking, even with self-hypnosis. Amazingly, however, I have worked with clients that were able to quit even though they said they didn’t really WANT to quit! When we intend to affect change in our lives, the hypnosis helps our unconscious, or subconscious will to match our conscious desire in order to achieve a desired outcome. When we listen to positive suggestions often enough, even though we may not consciously believe them at the onset, we train ourselves to change – slowly but surely.

When we see ourselves as spiritual beings FIRST, something happens. We believe we are worthy, we know we have purpose, and we are more able to affect change. These changes occur first within ourselves. I came from a background of seeing my Creator as someone “out there and removed from me.” I have learned much by integrating self-hypnosis, healing, meditation, and other spiritually-oriented practices into my life. I know there are absolutely no accidents. We do not make mistakes (!) … we have different experiences based on the choices we make. Something good comes out of everything. We ALL have purpose. We absolutely are NOT alone. Hypnosis has helped in my evolution and I know it can help in yours, if it feels right for you. I personally have released a lot of excess weight (as well as a TON of emotional baggage!), and now see myself and others as a Divine work in progress.

Some areas that can be enhanced or changed with directive or suggestive hypnosis include addictions, attracting abundance or love, releasing anxiety or depression, relaxed childbirth, dream interpretation, releasing fears and phobias, insomnia, increasing intuitive or psychic abilities, memory retrieval, pain management, stress reduction, self-healing, and smoking cessation. In suggestive hypnosis, a tape is created that the client listens to until the desired outcome has been achieved (usually 28+ days).

When suggestive therapy does not work, or only works to a certain level, a more advanced methodology called non-directive or regression therapy can be utilized. Regression involves taking the client to the source of the issue or block. This can be from their current life or a previous life, so belief systems can come into play. However, I have used regressive therapy with people who do not believe in past lives as they can see the memory as a metaphor instead of an actual past life experience. Does it really matter how the experience is perceived, as long as it heals the issue or releases the block? I don’t think so!

Regression therapy is generally used when there is unexplained pain or illness, relationship issues, or soul purpose definition. With an even more cutting edge methodology called life-between-lives (LBL) spiritual regression, you may experience what the ancient Tibetans called the bardo, or in-between time. Michael Newton’s books, Journey of Souls and Destiny of Souls, tell of his extensive research into this vast, ever evolving realm of the superconscious. In the LBL experience you may meet your soul group, review past lives, discover why you chose your current body and life experiences, receive spiritual and physical healing, meet your guides and/or ancestors, and acquire information not usually accessed through the normal regressive trance state. I believe when in the superconscious realm, you are HOME, and if this information piques your interest, I highly encourage you to find a regressionist that facilitates both past life and life-between-lives spiritual regression. You may be amazed to discover who you REALLY are.

I hope this information has helped. If you have other questions about hypnosis or other spiritual topics, please call or email me. It’s up to you! Are you ready?

My thoughts and gratitude are with each of you. Remember to BE PEACE. Remember who you REALLY are. Know you are not alone. Breathe deeply and fully, as you become more aware of all that is around and within you.

Blessings, Peace, and Love,
MaDonna

MaDonna J. Kettler holds a BA in Holistic Studies, is a Certified NATH Trainer, Master Hypnotherapist, Life-Between-Lives Spiritual Regressionist, Reiki Master, Ordained Minister, Motiviational Speaker, and Author of Becoming Multisensory: A Guide to Discovering and Trusting your Inner Spirit. She teaches all levels of Transpersonal Hypnotherapy in several areas around the country, currently including Texas, New Mexico, and Minnesota. For more information, contact MaDonna at: www.goldenvisionscenter.com, E-mail: donna@goldenvisionscenter.com, Phone 505-534-291 NM, or 612-709-5578 Cell/MN.

Until recently, the very mention of erectile dysfunction or impotence could bring about a blush to even the most manly of men. Embarrassing as it may be, erectile dysfunction affects more than 18 million men in America. It can vary in severity from an inability to achieve, maintain and sustain an erection, to an inability to achieve an orgasm, even though a healthy sexual desire exists. Because of the sensitive nature of this disorder, it often goes unreported.

Achieving a normal erection is a complex process. It involves psychological impulses from the brain, adequate levels of testosterone (male sex hormone), a functioning nervous system, and healthy vascular tissue of the penis. Electrical impulses from the brain, when stimulated, cause the nerves in the penis to release nitric oxide. This, in turn, increases the production of guanylate MonoPhosphate (cGMP) in the muscle cells of the corpora cavernosa (the tissue of the penis, consisting of smooth muscles, fibrous tissues, spaces, veins and arteries). The cGMP triggers the muscles of the corpora cavernosa to relax and fill with blood, which causes the penis to expand.

Because of the intricate nature of the physiological processes involved, a number of different factors can interfere with a man’s ability to achieve a normal and healthy erection. The most common of these is aging. As a man gets older, his ability to produce nitric oxide decreases, thus affecting the proper functioning of the corpora cavernosa.

A number of health issues can also underscore this disorder. The most frequently seen are diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Diabetes, for example, can damage the sensory nerves in the body. In turn, individuals who suffer from hypertension exhibit low nitric oxide production. Other factors that can contribute to erectile dysfunction include cardiovascular disease, nerve or spinal cord damage, cigarette smoking, low testosterone levels, prescription medications, depression, stress and anxiety.

Until recently, it was believed that little could be done to help a man who is suffering from erectile dysfunction, but there are a number of natural alternative health remedies that can be tried before having to rely on the “little blue pill”.

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