By Dr. Hoon C. Kim

Some thoughts on what really is holistic…

If we look at the number of people with obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and so on, our country’s level of health is probably not as good as our military power or economy among the world’s developed countries, although our health is not actually terrible.

But to me, the big difference and uniqueness of holistic medicine is that it considers the human mind, emotion, love and compassion,  as much as the diseased body itself.  That is why the big hospitals and factory medical practices that see so many people daily find it hard to offer this kind approach to each one of their patients . Without individualized holistic medicine, the quality of their service may be poor.

My goal as a holistic medical practitioner is how to help people stay healthy inside and out, and if there is any disease, to cure it so it never comes back. We are not alone helping each other. The patient and physician are one team here, healing each other.

We have been seeing the word “holistic”  lately in every business, not only the medical field, but also in restaurants, food, shampoo, even clothes.  It seems that unless you call your product “holistic,” it is partial or incomplete.  The word is overused.

Holistic eyes see things as a whole or an organic system.  Everything affects everything, so there is nothing that exists by itself. In that sense, Traditional Eastern medicine has been holistic from its birth.  It sees the “human energy system” including the mind and body as interactive with that of the universe (tian in Chinese) or nature.

Why are some people, including many allopathic medical doctors, so passionate about holistic care? Because the separated and mechanical approach of modern Western medicine has shown the defects in treating many diseases and errors improving people’s health.

Holistic means that we really care about people’s health and their joy in life.  A holistic massage chair creates a positive effect on the whole body system, giving people the joy of using it and enhancing the joy of daily life!  The Human Touch 7450 Zero Gravity massage chair gives all this to people.  So holistic!

Nowhere is aromatherapy more relevant than in holistic health. Natural botanical scents extracted via steam distillation or cold pressing make up the bulk of available essential oils on the market, and are easily incorporated into every aspect of integrative care.

These scented wonders provided by Mother Gaia are derived from leaves, flowers, seeds, grasses, barks, roots, rhizomes and resins – virtually every plant part.  They provide a wide palate of activity and natural fragrance to address issues of mind, body and spirit. Treating this triad is the essence of addressing the whole person for a more effective and sustained improvement in overall well-being.

Essential oils can be used effectively against bacterial, fungal or viral conditions, aching joints, digestive issues, pain, sunburn, rashes, headache, and a host of other problems. More interestingly, they also mitigate the mental and emotional issues that often accompany physical ailments such as anxiety, depression, anger or general spiritual malaise.

Many ancient systems of healing base the premise of bodily disorders as having roots in emotional issues; when ignored they may manifest into physical dis-ease to get our attention. Stress reduction is most simply and easily addressed with two modes of therapy: deep breathing and physical relaxation.

The first is best achieved with pleasant scents – the more we enjoy the aroma, the deeper we breathe, which more effectively reduces stress. The second is with the Human Touch massage chair system – you simply lie there and the chair does all the work while you receive a relaxing experience.

Three of the most widely used essential oils with a wide range of activity for balancing the subtle and physical bodies are lavender, frankincense and rose.

Lavender is the most effective first aid oil for every home-treated ailment imaginable – bites, burns, acne, wound healing, headaches, muscle pain, infections, insomnia, colds, flu, adrenal burnout, and more.  It also has substantial research on its efficacy in ameliorating anxiety, anger and depression. It is probably the most widely used essential oil in the aromatherapy material medica. Thus the motto, “When in doubt, use lavender.”

Frankincense is the quintessential meditation oil, having been used for centuries in monasteries, temples and churches to bring one closer to their personal deities. It is employed for a variety of physical and spiritual maladies. Research tells us it is an effective anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and respiratory aid. When one feels disconnected from life’s purpose, this oil can bring us back to balance on all levels. It helps center the spirit, calm the mind and slow the breath – all of which help reduce stress, our biggest obstacle to attaining health.

Rose helps one to master the ups and downs of the physical and emotional heart. It is used in numerous issues pertaining to the vascular and digestive systems. This includes the liver, which according to Chinese medicine, is the seat of anger and jealousy. Rose helps to alleviate the emotional pain of grief and envy while toning the blood system and all ailments related to the feminine psyche and physique. It is the symbol of fidelity for the physical and spiritual realms, and the mediator between the three upper (spiritual) and the three lower (physical) chakras.

These oils may be used together or as single remedies by diluting 10 total drops of the essential oil into one ounce of carrier oil such as almond or grape seed oil. Apply directly to the skin as a massage or after bath oil, or use during meditation, yoga practice or simply enjoying quiet time or the solitude of a warm tub.  Aromatherapy while immersed in a Human Touch massage chair is especially relaxing and effective.

Scented remedies derived from plants are beneficial for body and soul, and add immeasurable benefits for holistic health.  Essential oils can contribute to a sense of calm, allowing us to listen to our inner voice of wisdom; when that occurs, balance in all aspects of life is more easily achieved.  In utilizing the combination of the Human Touch massage chair and pleasant scents, stress melts easily away, helping to align the mind/body connection.

When one is recovering from an accident at 152 mph (yes, in a race car…where engineering is also critical for “health,” known better as staying alive through safety equipment), making it through each day can be extremely painful. From a biomechanics standpoint, I was using perhaps one of the most expensive and popular chairs while attempting to work. I found myself with my head on the desk writhing in pain as the standard bodily position in the typical “traditional-style” executive’s chair applies force downwards on the spine, making all the issues associated with injury of the spine worsened simply due to the constant downward forces on the spine.

One day I was at a friend’s, who had a “Perfect Chair.” What happened changed my life. I went back into that “special position” that the Perfect Chair affords, which essentially makes Newton proud: Forces are now spread evenly about the spine, and suddenly all the pressure on my already inflamed discs etc. (it is more complex than that) simply go away. I fell asleep in the chair for four hours! Literally.

From then on, my level of productivity went up significantly as I no longer had issue with pain while sitting. To perfect the “Perfect Chair,” and as a well-trained ergonomist from NASA, I knew I needed a keyboard for my computer which allowed my arms to drop and relax also (another problem while seated in a traditional executive’s chair). It is difficult to get the arms to drop while seated in traditional chairs, as most of us have to lift our shoulders to get our hands lifted up to adapt to a keyboard placed too high. Using an integrated keyboard/mouse was the next problem I solved. Logitech makes a keyboard called the “DiNovo Edge.” It works more like a keyboard on a notebook computer with a touchpad built into the keyboard. By using the Perfect Chair along with this “all-in-one” keyboard, I was able to put my computer screen high. (I went all out and mounted a 52-inch screen against the wall as high as possible.) So I could sit in the chair leaning back in the “space launch” position (or close) reducing pressure on my spine, see the monitor perfectly and place the keyboard in my lap or on the special keyboard table that works flawlessly with the Perfect Chair. The keyboard table is also ergonomically flawless. It tilts just right, places the keyboard in the perfect position due to how well designed it is with regard to adjustable position, and moves out of the way completely when I’m done using it.

I relied upon the Perfect Chair to make it through the three years it took to recover enough to function again. Oh, and to add to it? ICE is the injured spine’s best friend. The Perfect Chair comes to the rescue when it comes to the optimal use of ice for reducing inflammation. (I’m sitting with ice on my Perfect Chair’s back as I write this.)

Due to again, our good friend Newton, by placing ice down on the chair, sitting in it and then tilting it back, the pressure placed against the ice is optimal. You can modulate the effect of ice by wrapping paper towels around to get the perfect amount of “cold” to match your needs. When using a standard chair, the ice slips down off the chair, or you end up leaning backwards in a position which does nothing but make your injuries worse.

So even from the engineer’s standpoint, the Perfect Chair provides optimal holistic health. Even its engineering features have been created in a holistic fashion!

If you have diabetes, however, the holiday season doesn’t have to be a complete letdown. You can still enjoy all the fun, and, as long as you keep a few things in mind, managing diabetes shouldn’t set back your holiday festivities at all.

Dinner Parties and Other Food-Heavy Fun

If you have plans to hit up a holiday party, avoid the heavy caloric intake by eating a healthy snack prior to arrival in order to avoid overeating once you get there. Don’t be afraid to inquire about what will be served, and offer to bring something that fits your health needs to share with everyone. Diabetics are particularly concerned about carbohydrates, so it’s easy to overcompensate with extra protein, but too much red meat can have different unhealthy, adverse effects. Opt instead for chicken, turkey or fish.

Buffets are the life of many parties, so keep things under control with small portions, low-calorie drinks and healthy options. Avoid anything that is soaked in sauces, glazes or dressings, and keep salt-heavy items away from your plate. Casseroles and anything breaded may be especially high in calories. Though it may be tempting to taste a little bit of everything, pick just a few things that you really want to eat.

Work It Out

We can all probably do with adding a few extra workouts into our schedules over the holidays, and this is also true for diabetics. People with type 2 diabetes are often on medications that can’t be adjusted to food intake, but they need to manage the impact of food on blood sugar levels and overall weight. To avoid gaining weight during the holiday season, people with type 2 diabetes may want to work in a little extra exercise.

Keep a Routine

If you’ll be traveling, check your sugar levels often because a change in routine can throw your body off. Carry any medications (and bring extra supplies) you need with you when you travel, and make sure everything is properly labeled and in original packaging, especially if you’ll be flying. Because healthy food might not be handy when you need it, always keep plenty of snacks in pre-measured serving sizes by your side if you need something to eat in a pinch. If you’ll be changing time zones, keep this time change in mind to keep your routine consistent.

Focus on the Important Stuff

Don’t mourn the fact that you can’t eat plates packed with sugar and salt. The holidays are about spending time with loved ones, and though a lot of that bonding time happens over food, it’s not about the food. Take the initiative to organize your own holiday get together that focuses on something else such as reading favorite holiday books around the fireplace or going ice skating at the local park. Memories are built on special moments, not packed cookie jars.

RESOURCES

“Managing Diabetes During the Holidays.” CDC.gov. (December 1, 2010) Retrieved November 8, 2011 from http://www.cdc.gov/Features/DiabetesManagement/.

“Managing Diabetes During the Holidays.” DiabeticCareServices.com. Retrieved November 8, 2011 from http://www.diabeticcareservices.com/diabetes-education/diabetes-and-the-holiday.

“UI Offers Tips on Managing Diabetes During the Holidays.” UIHealthcare.com. (December 12, 2005) Retrieved November 8, 2011 from http://www.uihealthcare.com/news/news/2005/12/12overeat.html.

The Yoga practice we engage in is very stimulating and essential to our circulation and maintenance of our vibrant, optimal energy. Whether your routine is easy, beginner or advanced power flow, consistency is also key in practicing yoga. I say this because I always notice a big shift in my health and ability to flow with the day when I pull away from my practice. Even if for a week or two, I do notice the difference in my digestion and mentality when I miss out on that great opportunity to check in, center, circulate and dissolve the static energy that just builds up over time. Now with the holidays illuminating and overwhelming the spirit, it’s even more important to find that sacred time to move breathe and find the ease and restoration we need to keep our inner engine going smooth ad strong.

I also feel that yoga is an outstanding way to have a positive relationship with yourself. As we know, relationships take effort, sometimes it can feel like work to make the dynamics of any relationship positive and healthy. The best way to keep relationships fresh and fluid is to communicate. Yes, speak to you partner, spouse or child about the small things that build up into larger, heavier issues when not massaged through with simple and clear language, self expression. For instance, last night before we sleep, my husband and I lay in bed and passed our thoughts back and forth about all the things that we are bothered by one another. It was quite funny, as we approached the topic with intention to fix, heal or adjust our natural behaviors and we ended up laughing at the small pet peeves that rock the boat at bay. We mentioned silly things like not putting the clothes in the dryer after they are washed or cooking too much oatmeal in the morning, wasting food, etc. We also touched on some deeper issues as well which allowed us to take the time and brainstorm possible resolutions for our situations. So I mention this as I felt a similar parallel to the relationship we share with self. When I miss out on my yoga practice, I miss out on the chance to communicate with me. If I skip a week, then I have some catching up to do. Taking that body inventory is sometimes more time consuming when I finally get around to it than just keeping consistent and moving my body’s energy on a regular basis.

Yoga can offer you overall health benefits and improve your circulation with just an hour out of your busy week. Ideally, get into a routine each day, even if it is walking to the coffee shop, work or school every morning and focusing on the conscious breath while getting there. Movement is key and the more consistent you can be with communicating with your body through movement and breath, the more optimal energy you will create for yourself.

With so much going on through the holidays, see what you can do to be consistent with your circulation, take full responsibility for your energy. Keep this task simple and light hearted. Improving your overall health is a journey and bear in mind that the journey is the best part! Practicing yoga can be as simple as making the bed, which we try to do every morning (well at least I do). Today I ask you to find an easy and enjoyable rhythm with your approach to yoga. Less is really more- remember to recharge your batteries! Let your gift of giving this season be the gift of positive energy to the people and loved ones around you. The positive flow begins with you!

Happy Holidays and Happy 2012! Namaste ~Jada Fire

Heal & Inspire!
~Jada Fire~
www.jadafire.com
www.expressiveyogadance.com
www.barefootsanctuary.com
Direct: 702.543.1018
jada@jadafire.com

“Awakening to the God/Goddess within not only electrifies the soul – yet it gives us purpose to shine as we have been designed to”~ Jada

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By Olympian Jeff Galloway www.JeffGalloway.com

It’s possible to keep on your fitness track, during holiday distractions. Even very short workouts on maintenance days can maintain your conditioning, relieve stress, inject more energy and allow you to feel better during holiday festivities.

Plan Ahead

Write your workouts on a calendar, for the entire holiday period. Just having a plan tends to result in more runs each week. By looking ahead, each day, you will become more focused and are more likely to make time if you have them scheduled.

Pick quiet times

Family members tend to sleep later during the holidays. By getting up and out the door early, you can finish your workout before others arise. Each day, look at the time periods that would be open for exercise.

Focus on the long ones

Endurance is the most beneficial component in exercise.  Runners and walkers find that the long one is the key to finishing the goal race or resuming a regular program after the holiday period.  My MENTAL TRAINING book (www.JeffGalloway.com) explains the process of having a cognitive strategy. Depending upon the schedule, you will only have do a longer workout every 14-21 days. With the conservative pace suggested and and early start, most  can do all of the activities needed during this busy time.

Minimal training will maintain your adaptations and release stress

Practically everyone experiences stress during the holidays. By moving your legs–even for a few minutes–you will improve your attitude, increase vitality, and feel better about yourself. Even a short session of 5-10 minutes can help you focus on priorities on a busy day, and maintain your adaptations. Once out there, you are likely to go for 20-30 minutes and maintain conditioning.

Don’t be obsessive about food

If you don’t have the perfect diet during the holidays, you won’t lose any fitness. While eating a lot of sugar /fat is not the best diet, you can burn it off as you exercise. If you tell yourself that you will never eat another holiday cookie, you’ll probably be good until that day when there’s no one around—and it’s you and the cookies. If you sample and just taste foods that you like, many runners avoid deprivation binges later. Writing down what you eat has been shown to reduce consumption of junk foods. See A WOMAN’S GUIDE TO FAT-BURNING for more proven tips in this area.

When the weather is not ideal

Treadmills are a suitable substitute if the weather is austere. Some runners will warm up with indoor exercise, then run or walk outside for 5-10 minutes and continue to alternate out and in.

Stage social runs with friends/family

When you have folks gathering from other areas, schedule a walk or run together. This promotes sharing of lives, stories, while bestowing an attitude boost.

NOTE: Olympian Jeff Galloway has coached over a million exercisers through his fitness retreats (Florida, Tahoe, Carmel, Highlands NC) Galloway Training Programs (90 cities), clinics such as those at the RunDisney events and Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer , and books.  www.JeffGalloway.com

New financing program allows chiropractors to offer patients the therapeutic benefits of Human Touch® massage chairs and Perfect Chairs in their practice

Oahu, HI – December 8, 2011 – Human Touch®, the U.S. market leader of innovative massage chairs, Perfect Chair® Recliners, and other wellness solutions, is pleased to introduce a new financing program to chiropractors, now available through its Healthcare Professional Program. This flexible lease-to-buy financing program, offered in conjunction with NCMIC, the leader in malpractice and financing solutions for chiropractic practices, will be announced this week during the first Joint International Chiropractic Association (ICA)/American Chiropractic Association (ACA) Conference on Chiropractic and Pediatrics, Dec. 9-11, at the Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu, HI.

“Our new financing program through NCMIC makes it easier and more affordable than ever for chiropractors to participate in our Healthcare Professional Program, with flexible lease-to-own financing options that require no upfront deposit,” said David Wood, CEO of Human Touch, LLC. “We believe this program will greatly eliminate the financial constraints that many chiropractors face who want to purchase our state-of-the-art massage chairs, Perfect Chairs, and wellness products for their practice.”

The Healthcare Professional Program is a unique sales and marketing program created specifically for chiropractic offices to enhance their patients’ overall wellness, while enjoying an additional, value-added revenue stream for their practice. Through the program, chiropractors can sell Human Touch® chairs directly to their patients, creating an easy way to add new revenue to their practice. Patients can enjoy the many therapeutic benefits of Human Touch® massage chairs and Perfect Chairs in their chiropractors’ office, which they can then purchase directly from their chiropractor to use in the comfort of their home. Human Touch® handles shipping the product directly to the customer and any service after the sale. The company also provides Professional Program partners with special pricing, all marketing and sales materials, point-of-purchase displays, and support to make the program successful and easy to manage.

According to Dr. Jon L. Stucky, Doctor of Chiropractic and an esteemed member of the Human Touch® Wellness Council, “Using Human Touch® products at my practice has made my care better. Their products serve as a reliable, productive and cost-effective way to reduce my patients’ stress and create a physical and mental release in their day.”

About Human Touch®World Federation of Chiropractic. For more information and to connect with Human Touch®, visit us at www.humantouch.com, and on Facebook and Twitter @HTFeelBetter.

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Media Contact:
Rachel Neppes
BERKMAN for Human Touch®
619.231.9977 x306 (office)
619.405.3917 (cell)
racheln@berkmanpr.com

This annual golf tournament is taking place today at the Trump National Golf Club in Los Angeles to help raise money for America’s severely injured veterans. The golf tournament is held each year by the Tee It Up Radio Network, America’s largest independent golf & lifestyle radio network, founded by the Gottfried Family. Participants in The 6th Annual Tee It Up “Celebrity” Golf Classic include 30 celebrities from music, television, film, and sports, and 120 golfers, all playing in the tournament to help raise awareness and funds for the WWP.

“We are honored to be a part of this important fundraising event for the second consecutive year, to help our nation’s brave and dedicated service men and women who were severely injured in war,” said Andrew Corkill Director of Marketing for Human Touch, LLC. “Our donation and support of today’s golf tournament is just a small token of Human Touch’s gratitude for all of the selfless men and women who risk their lives to protect our country.”

In support of the WWP, Human Touch® has donated an AcuTouch® 7450 Zero-Gravity Massage Chair, being included as a live auction item at today’s event, and is also showcasing its massage chairs on the golf course for enjoyment by today’s participating celebrities, golfers and attendees. Celebrity golfers who have been seen today relaxing in a Human Touch® massage chair include Former Olympian Bruce Jenner, Actor John McGinley, and Actor Tyler Mane, who is also a proud owner of his own Human Touch® massage chair.

About Human Touch®

Human Touch® is focused on infusing health and wellness into everyday lives through high-quality, design-oriented and award-winning massage chairs. Human Touch® has been making people feel better® for more than 30 years by developing state-of-the-art massage and wellness products, as well as by providing valuable consumer education about the substantial health and wellness benefits of regular massage therapy, relaxation and proper posture. Human Touch® products are available at back care specialty stores, fine furniture stores across the country, through international retailers and distributors in more than 40 countries, as well as online at www.humantouch.com.

# # #

Media Contact:

Rachel Neppes
BERKMAN for Human Touch®
619.231.9977 x306 (office)
619.405.3917 (cell)
racheln@berkmanpr.com

“It is the tendency which our thought is taking…the dominant attitude of our mind-if every day is a little better, a little happier, a little more harmonious, a little more health giving and joyous and each day we are expressing more life-we are going in the right direction.”
- Ernest Holmes The Science of Mind

Wellness and a lifestyle marked by inspired well-being is wonderfully contagious! A golden thread that ties together and supports the experience of positive living is built moment by moment, thought by thought and action by action. Always be mindful of the fact that you are always called to greatness-breathe in that truth and step in to every day with the confidence of I AM.

Tending towards great well-being is a practice to be played with daily-enjoy discovering and experiencing your highest level of vitality, creativity-peace and joy now and every day..here are some traveling tips for your journey:

I AM a breakfast eater because I know that eating a well-balanced breakfast will lower my risk for heart disease and diabetes and elevate my mood and productivity; all while supporting my healthy weight.

I AM a green tea drinker, this is because drinking green tea daily is associated with lowering my risk for many types of cancer, fights cognitive decline while improving my ability to manage stress and fight depression.

I AM a daily exerciser for I know that moving daily is an opportunity to improve my thinking, increase my ability to avoid heart disease, diabetes, cancer-while building my body to live longer and stronger.

I AM a lover of colorful fruits and vegetable as they are shown to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, reduce the risk of most cancers and maintain a healthy weight.

I AM a practitioner of daily meditation as I enjoy knowing that with this practice I enjoy wonderfully healthy blood pressure, lower levels of stress hormone cortisol, and a greater capacity to use my mind and thoughts to create peace, joy and success.

I AM an inverse paranoid, believing fully that the Universe is always conspiring for my greatness.

I AM the one mind, sourced in Spirit and with that I am here to live, to express, to create greatness in me and as me today and always.

Be inspired by knowing the thoughts and actions of your day are your life in miniature. Courageously choosing to embody the I AM presence and practices will support you in expressing your greatness-a power-filled way to be fully alive and on fire with purpose.