In addition to his roles as TV host and author, Dr. Mehmet Oz is a highly respected heart surgeon and a professor of surgery at Columbia University in New York City. Much of the health advice he offers on his show — for example, his frequent reminders to get plenty of sleep and exercise — fall well within the medical mainstream. But other suggestions don’t have nearly as much scientific footing.

•Forskolin, an herbal compound that supposedly helps burn fat. A 2011 report in Obesity Review concluded that there’s meager evidence that it works.

•Coffee and vinegar. Dr. Oz has called coffee and vinegar “prevention powerhouses” that can help people avoid Type 2 diabetes. The claim is shaky at best, says Dr. Peter Lipson, an internist and clinical assistant professor of medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit. On the website Sciencebasedmedicine.com, Lipson calls this another example of “frankly bizarre medical opinions” from the TV doc.

•Reiki. Dr. Oz claims to be a big proponent of this form of hands-on faith healing from Japan. According to the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, there’s no good evidence that reiki provides any health benefits or cures any illness.

•Grape seed extract. Dr. Oz says the extract can help people lose weight. A 2009 study in Diabetic Medicine found that it might help lower the risk of heart disease in people with diabetes, but any weight-loss powers remain unproven.

•Tongue examination. On a 2011 episode, guest Yogi Cameron promoted the ayurvedic theory that disorders throughout the body can be diagnosed by simply looking at the toungue. Suffice to say, this technique has not caught on in modern hospitals and doctors’ offices.

•Speaking to the dead. In a 2011 episode in which author and self-described psychic John Edward claimed to be able to communicate with the dead, Oz suggested that such psychic consultations can be a form of grief therapy. He later told Reader’s Digest that he walked out of the studio thinking, “There’s something there. It’s bizarre.” To this date, neither Edward nor anyone else has ever received a verifiable message from a deceased person.

—Chris Woolston

Article source: http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-raspberry-ketone-side-20120519,0,5864996.story

Examiner.com is the inside source for everything local. We are powered by Examiners, the largest pool of passionate contributors in the world.

Examiners provide unique and original content to enhance life in your local city wherever that may be. Examiners come from all walks of life and contribute original content to entertain, inform, and inspire.

Article source: http://www.examiner.com/article/interview-with-yoga-pilates-instructor-and-reiki-practitioner-heather-dawn

FORT HOOD (May 16, 2012) — More than thirty different services and organizations from on- and off-post came together at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Behavioral Health Fair to put out a unified message that help and support are available to Soldiers and their families.

“One in four American adults suffers from one or more behavioral health issues. We put on the fair to raise awareness that help is readily available for whatever may be causing Soldiers or family members stress. Additionally, we wanted a variety of services at the fair to support the idea that well-being means achieving a balance of mental, physical and spiritual health,” said Public Health Service Lt. Cmdr. Allah Sharrieff, executive officer for Darnall’s Behavioral Health Department. The one-day fair and informational classes are part of Mental Health Month activities CRDAMC sponsored for May.

“Behavioral health treatment today is so much more than just seeing a counselor,” Sharrieff added. “There are traditional treatments, but also holistic methods and exercises that help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.”

The 200 visitors who came to the fair at Abrams Gym, May 10, gathered information from mental health resources such as Family Advocacy Program, Suicide Prevention and Marriage and Family Counseling Services. Visitors also tried some of the holistic treatments for behavioral health and reducing stress such as Acudetox, Reiki and massages. Visitors observed or participated in fitness classes such as Zumba, Spin, Firm Fit and Tai Chi.

“People just don’t realize the many services available for them to get help,” he added. “We’re pleased with the variety of groups and services that came out. We had a diverse mix with something for everyone, Soldiers, family members, civilian employees.”

Darnall’s behavioral health staff showcased some of its newer services, including an intensive outpatient program for concurrent post-traumatic stress and substance abuse that opened last year.

In addition to the typical behavioral health and social work services and groups, other participators included representatives from Women, Infants and Children, known as WIC, program and ACS Financial Readiness Branch who provided information and on-the-spot advice.

“A Special Forces group also participated, helping to convey the message that even the most ‘hooah’ Soldiers need to build their resiliency with a balance of mental and fitness well-being. Chaplains were there to talk about the spiritual aspect as well,” Sharrieff said. “It was heartening that we had so many services from the community participate. We had no way of knowing how many people would come, but they felt their time was well spent, as they, too, are committed to helping Soldiers and their families.”

Afterwards, many asked to be sure to include them in next year’s fair, Sharrieff added.

One off-post provider, Linda Chupik, from Chupik Counseling and Consulting in Temple, Texas, was among those. She said she felt it was essential she participate, despite the time commitment.

“This type of event is absolutely important to let the Soldiers and their families know there is help available for them,” said. “There is a great need for mental health providers in this area and we’ve added another office in Killeen to help meet the demand. All of us providers, whether on or off post, support each other in one common goal, to help the Soldiers and their families.”

The coordinators of the Soldier Art Show were pleased that the fair allowed them to spread the word about their upcoming show. The Art Show features artwork created by Soldiers as a positive means of expressing their inner emotions.

“We’ve opened the show up to spouses of Soldiers this year, and events like this helps us reach out to the family members,” said Mildred Ladouceur, care manager from the Department of Social Work. “We’re really excited as we had 20 people sign up at the fair.”

The fair was an ideal event for one 61st Multifunction Medical Battalion and two of his Soldiers. Garrett said he is slated to take over as company commander and he wants to be sure his Soldiers returning from deployment are taken care of.

“I gathered information and handouts on all the different types of services, plus POCs (contacts) and phone numbers. I need to be able to tell my Soldiers, ‘hey, all these services are available to help you, whatever issues you may have,’” said Capt. Dan Garrett.

Master Sgt. Erano Bumanglag, medical operations noncommissioned officer, will join Garrett as company leadership when the 61st MMB Soldiers return. He agreed that events like the fair are helpful for everyone, especially leaders.

“I am familiar with most of the services, but there were some new things here. I’m glad I came because I have to be up on all this if I’m going to care of my Soldiers,” Bumanglag said. He added that the information he gathered at the fair will supplement his efforts as a certified Master Resiliency Trainer to help his Soldiers build resiliency.

For some, the fair was an unexpected treat.

“I originally came to the gym for volleyball, which was cancelled because of the rain. So I thought I’d see what was going on inside. I’m glad I did. I got a lot of good information. It’s all things I think about checking out, but can’t find the time to call around. Now I got many of my questions answered in one swoop,” said Pfc. Constance Alford-Hughes, from the 263rd Maintenance Company, 4th Sustainment Brigade.

Reaching those Soldiers like Alford-Hughes and family members is a high priority for Sharrieff and other behavioral health professionals.

“We look at every possible way to get the message out. Yes, there are mandatory briefings and information, and I was glad to see many of the first sergeants and company commanders come out here. But does the information get passed down to the lowest level (to) that young Soldier, or his spouse?” Sharrieff said. “Events like this fair are a convenient and fun way for everyone to find out what’s out there. The behavioral health information fair is being planned as an annual event. Our hope is that next year during mental health month, we can reach even more Soldiers, families, and the Fort Hood community.”

Article source: http://www.army.mil/article/79952/Behavioral_health_fair_supports_Fort_Hood_Soldiers__families/

Animals have their journeys to live, just as we do.

LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) May 17, 2012

The secret to self-love is sitting at your feet, chewing on a bone and wagging its tail.

Ming Chee-Brown and Candy Boroditsky understand how animals can help their humans discover a new level of self-appreciation. In their new book, “Reiki Fur Babies” (published by Balboa Press), Boroditsky and Chee-Brown tell how a mutual love of animals brought them together and eventually led them to discover the Reiki healing technique, which they use on animals.

“I met Ming and we instantly connected as friends and people with this mutual appreciation of our animals, who we call our fur babies,” Boroditsky says. “We always planned to take our Reiki training and use it to help the animals who bring us so much joy.”

Together, Boroditsky and Chee-Brown founded Reiki Fur Babies, a business that provides remote healing for owners and their animals. The book features Boroditsky and Chee-Brown’s discovery of Reiki healing as well as the establishment of the business. Through client testimonials and the authors’ personal stories, it’s meant to serve as a starting point for individuals interested in learning more, says Chee-Brown.

“Animals have their journeys to live, just as we do,” Chee-Brown says. “Even so, their journeys can teach us so much about gratitude, love and not being so attached to our personal surroundings. We have the ability to learn this from animals and that is what we hope to do.”

For more information, visit http://www.reikifurbabies.com

Connect with Reiki Fur Babies at facebook.com/reikifurbabies and @reikifurbabies

“Reiki Fur Babies”

By Candy Boroditsky and Ming Chee-Brown

ISBN: 978-1-4525-4682-7 (sc) 978-1-4525-4683-4 (e)

Softcover, retail price: $8.99

About the author

Candy Boroditsky was born in Buffalo, New York, and worked as head of the volunteer organization at Garfield Medical Center. She and her husband live in Venice, California, and between them, they have five children, four grandchildren, a goddaughter and two fur babies, KC and Star.

Ming Chee-Brown has a doctorate in pharmacy from University of Southern California. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, she has always been a lover of animals. She is married and lives in Venice, California with her husband and two fur babies, Sammy Diva and Lucy.

Article source: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/5/prweb9511161.htm

PFC 2000 Precision Frequqncy Orgone Generator

Imagine dialing the cosmic or planetary frequencies into your orgone generator with absolute simplicity

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) May 15, 2012

Many in the metaphysical tools industry are stunned by the release of the new PFC 2000 precision frequency chi generator with digital controls. The PFC 2000 is an all new type of Welz Chi Generator / Life Force Generator that uses a precision controlled digital input to set the frequency. Because this design takes advantages of all of the advances in chi generator technology up to this point it is also a “water quality” unit, meaning that it also functions as a Welz Water Optimizer at no additional cost. Unlike previous designs this unit was designed and built by Karl Welz Jr., son of Karl Hans Welz who invented the first chi generator in 1991. This is the very first orgone generator available to the public with a built in digital control allowing the user to set extremely precise frequencies. Operation of the unit begins by switching on the power switch located on the side of the unit opposite the output pipe. The three rotary knobs on the top of the PFC 2000 are used in tandem to set the frequency. The first knob is for coarse frequency tuning, followed by medium range and the third is for fine-tuning of the frequency. By manipulating the three knobs precise frequencies can be set in a ranch from 1Hz to 500Hz. Visual feedback is provided by the built in LCD display.

“The idea of dialing an exact pulse frequency is very exciting. Imagine dialing the cosmic or planetary frequencies into your orgone generator with absolute simplicity.”, says Mike Davino , product specialist.

The power output of the PFC 2000 Precision Chi Generator / Life Force Generator is equivalent to that of the LPOG 2400DL or the RAD 2000. An additional feature of this unit is the all-new “ite” stick pad for advanced operators to achieve more precise and personalized settings. “A lot of people in the metaphysical community are really shocked. There is a lot of excitement about the ability to generate life force at extremely precise frequencies.”, says reiki master, Guna Segurani.

As of May 15, 2012 the PFC 2000 is now available for immediate delivery. For more information visit the radionicsbox.com website.

Article source: http://www.prweb.com/releases/reiki-orgone-generator/pfc-2000-lpog-2400dl/prweb9510325.htm

Here is the first in the series of Local Bodyworkers articles that I promised in my last column. This one is by Heather Rouse, a Reiki practioner. There is a lot to learn about Reiki but Heather tries her best to condense it.  If you have any questions, feel free to visit her website or give her a call. Reiki has been very powerful for some of my clients and allowed them to relax some chronically tight areas of their bodies. I encourage you to investigate this practice and as always be sure to check the practioner’s credentials and ask for references.

Enjoy the first in the series!
Cheree Brodrick

By Rev. Heather Knouse, LMP, MA Ed.
Owner of Blessed Beings Reiki, in Lynnwood, Washington

Reiki (ray-key) is an ancient, hands-on holistic healing technique that aids the body in releasing stress and tension by creating deep relaxation. Because of this, Reiki promotes healing and health. The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words — Rei, which means “Wisdom of the Universe or Higher Power,” and Ki, which means “Life Force Energy.” So Reiki is “Spiritually Guided Life Force Energy.”

The Reiki system of healing works to transmit this subtle but powerful energy to yourself and others through the practitioner’s hands. Reiki restores energy balance and vitality by relieving the physical and emotional effects of unreleased stress. It helps balance the flow of energy in the body by releasing blockages and assists in cleansing toxins in the system. Reiki can benefit anyone, at any age or level of health or fitness, by bringing the body’s natural healing energies into greater balance and clarity.

Reiki is powerful, yet wonderfully gentle and nurturing. A treatment feels like warm, gentle sunshine flowing through you, surrounding you with comfort and a sense of peace. Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. During a treatment, the client remains fully clothed and relaxes on a massage table. The practitioner, following Usui Reiki Methods, places her or his hands over seven major Chakras (energy centers), and several other minor Chakras of the body. Treatments usually last about one hour and consist of 12 hand placements, scanning and balancing the aura field (at four levels ranging between four inches and 18 inches above the body in the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical planes) “sweeping” of the aura, and grounding. The client leaves feeling cleansed, peaceful and significantly de-stressed.

One does not need to “believe” in Reiki in order for Reiki to work! It is not a religion, and works no matter one’s belief system is. One need only try it to feel Reiki’s calming, peaceful benefits.

Blessed Beings Reiki is located at 16825 48th Ave. W., Suite 447 at the Creative Workspace Building in Lynnwood. Hours are weekday evenings from 5-9 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Contact Heather via phone at 425-346-7219, email heather@blessedbeingsreiki.com, or visit her website for more information or to set up an appointment.

Article source: http://myedmondsnews.com/2012/05/edmonds-health-and-wellness-local-bodyworkers-reiki/

Every Tuesday morning, the North Leaside Women’s Group (NLWG) brings women together from all walks of life to meet new people and learn ways to better themselves.

According to member Paddy Duncan, the group hosts a variety of speakers — ranging from novelists to businesswomen. On one recent occasion, they even brought back an alumnus: Janet Zenwirt, a former NLWG member, who spoke about the health practice Reiki.

“I had a couple of treatments, and I really liked it, but at the time I had a child. Three years later a group of us went to get our training and after a period of time, we offered it to other people,” said Zenwirt.

Reiki is an ancient practice created by the Japanese Buddhist, Mikao Usui. The practice involves placing your hands on different parts of the body, which activates energy, or ki, to help heal the mind and spirit. During the meeting, many of the women were absorbed and intrigued by Zenwirt’s explanation of Reiki and how it can create balance and a relaxed lifestyle.

Zenwirt clarified, however, that she doesn’t believe Reiki goes as far as actually curing illnesses.

According to Zenwirt, the practice of touch can help give people a sense of calmness and acceptance, which can be important in dealing with terminal illnesses such as cancer, when in even a short period of time it can be helpful.

“It’s just the act of somebody spending an hour caring for us,” said Zenwirt. “There is that sense of touch that we crave as humans.”

Article source: http://www.torontoobserver.ca/2012/05/11/reiki-practitioner-touts-touch/