Natural Medicine
- Healing Circles: A Caution
- Bisphenol A in Baby Bottles Banned
- Health Canada Says BPA Dangerous
- Spring Cleansing Time Again!
- How to Get Rid of Allergies
- Holistic Veterinarian
- Hannah Poling - Autism
- Earth Hour
- Personal Care Product Safety
- Phthalates & Your Infant's Health
Posted by
Victoria Anisman-Reiner
Victoria Anisman-Reiner
I'm a big fan of healing groups in the abstract - and not so big a fan in practice. Be wary of users, manipulators, and those with bad energy themselves.
When it comes to healing circles, I've seen both the good and the bad. The really fascinating thing about energy work groups is how they seem to magnify energy - not only the intentional, beautiful energies that the group leaders talk about, but also the crazy, the self-destructive, the manipulative, and the energies of those who would use or drain other people if they are given their way. Sometimes, the source of the problem is obvious, but sometimes it is the most erudite, calm-seeming person who is the unstable factor harming others in the circle.
Healing circles offer the potential for us to connect with other human beings and work in synergy to create great energy, and often an experience of the divine that is greater than ourselves.
But they also afford an opportunity to unscrupulous people, or to those who simply don't know themselves well enough to control their own energy and how it affects others.
One of my teachers, Donna Eden, spoke at an Energy Medicine training several years ago about how detrimental healing circles can be to someone who is too weak, open or vulnerable to protect themselves from other people's energy. All the toxic energy of everyone in the circle, she says, can fly to one weakened or sick individual - so be very careful who you share your energy with!
I suppose it all comes down to this: If you leave your coven every week feeling cheerful, uplifted and energized, then you've done well.
If you find, however, that you consistently feel drained, tired, grumpy, sad, doubtful or angry after leaving a meditation group, I would seriously recommend you ignore whatever your head might be telling you about how wonderful these people seem, and find another place to shine.
Read the article: Healing Circles: Good or Bad?
Healing circles offer the potential for us to connect with other human beings and work in synergy to create great energy, and often an experience of the divine that is greater than ourselves.
But they also afford an opportunity to unscrupulous people, or to those who simply don't know themselves well enough to control their own energy and how it affects others.
One of my teachers, Donna Eden, spoke at an Energy Medicine training several years ago about how detrimental healing circles can be to someone who is too weak, open or vulnerable to protect themselves from other people's energy. All the toxic energy of everyone in the circle, she says, can fly to one weakened or sick individual - so be very careful who you share your energy with!
I suppose it all comes down to this: If you leave your coven every week feeling cheerful, uplifted and energized, then you've done well.
If you find, however, that you consistently feel drained, tired, grumpy, sad, doubtful or angry after leaving a meditation group, I would seriously recommend you ignore whatever your head might be telling you about how wonderful these people seem, and find another place to shine.
Read the article: Healing Circles: Good or Bad?
Bisphenol A in Baby Bottles Banned
Posted by
Victoria Anisman-Reiner
Victoria Anisman-Reiner
Despite promising news earlier this week that Canada intended to list Bisphenol A as a hazardous chemical toxin, Minister Clement announces BPA ban in baby bottles only.
A quick news bite to update you on my earlier posting about the possibility of Health Canada citing Bisphenol A ("BPA") as a toxic chemical: The actual news is not quite so good. Health Minister Tony Clement declared yesterday that BPA is to be banned from baby bottles, but will be allowed in water bottles, can liners, and other products.
"We have concluded that early [childhood] development is sensitive to the effects of bisphenol A," Clement said Friday, but that "the migration of bisphenol A into food and beverage products from polycarbonate is not a concern."
Health Canada intends to work with industry to find an alternative liner for baby food cans, but does not acknowledge any health risk of bisphenol A for adults.
News source: Vancouver Sun, April 19, 2008.
See also: The Quest for Clean Water and my earlier blog post on BPA
"We have concluded that early [childhood] development is sensitive to the effects of bisphenol A," Clement said Friday, but that "the migration of bisphenol A into food and beverage products from polycarbonate is not a concern."
Health Canada intends to work with industry to find an alternative liner for baby food cans, but does not acknowledge any health risk of bisphenol A for adults.
News source: Vancouver Sun, April 19, 2008.
See also: The Quest for Clean Water and my earlier blog post on BPA
Health Canada Says BPA Dangerous
Posted by
Victoria Anisman-Reiner
Victoria Anisman-Reiner
Canada may be the first country to list Bisphenol A ("BPA"), a common estrogen mimicker that leaches from plastic and metal cans, as hazardous to health later this week.
I posted an article earlier this week entitled The Quest for Clean Water in which I mentioned bisphenol A ("BPA"), one of the chemicals that leaches into water (and other foods) from plastic bottles (and other plastic dishes, glasses, storage containers...). According to the latest news, bispenol A may soon be listed by Health Canada as a dangerous substance - making environmental and health history.
As today's Globe & Mail has it, this decision "will amount to one of the most important regulatory decisions regarding a single chemical in decades," and will put pressure on other countries to acknowledge the risks associated with BPA.
Bisphenol A is a "hormonally active chemical" found in almost all plastics and in metal can liners, where it can leach into foods and beverages. Industry maintains that BPA is safe at small concentrations, but concerns about its impact on human health continue to grow. Some experts say it mimics naturally occuring estrogen and according to the 2006 National Geographic Green Guide, animal studies indicate that BPA may cause infertility, cancers, and hyperactivity.
Health Canada's decision on bisphenol A is slated to be released tomorrow.
As today's Globe & Mail has it, this decision "will amount to one of the most important regulatory decisions regarding a single chemical in decades," and will put pressure on other countries to acknowledge the risks associated with BPA.
Bisphenol A is a "hormonally active chemical" found in almost all plastics and in metal can liners, where it can leach into foods and beverages. Industry maintains that BPA is safe at small concentrations, but concerns about its impact on human health continue to grow. Some experts say it mimics naturally occuring estrogen and according to the 2006 National Geographic Green Guide, animal studies indicate that BPA may cause infertility, cancers, and hyperactivity.
Health Canada's decision on bisphenol A is slated to be released tomorrow.
Posted by
Victoria Anisman-Reiner
Victoria Anisman-Reiner
As the Earth renews itself in spring, our bodies are naturally attuned to cleansing to shed winter weight gain and any toxins we may have accumulated in the last year.
Our bodies are naturally attuned to shed toxins all the time, cleansing poisons and metabolic wastes (such as urea and carbon dioxide) out of our systems. But sometimes, particularly when we eat foods that have synthetic ingredients or that don't contain complete nutrition, this process can use a little help.
The best time of the year to do a cleanse is traditionally the springtime, as the Earth renews itself and our bodies turn toward fresh produce, outdoors air and sunshine to refresh us after the long winter indoors. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of ways to cleanse. Which approach to cleansing you take depends on your goals, commitment level, and your individual body and health. Read on for a look at a few of the options:
The best time of the year to do a cleanse is traditionally the springtime, as the Earth renews itself and our bodies turn toward fresh produce, outdoors air and sunshine to refresh us after the long winter indoors. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of ways to cleanse. Which approach to cleansing you take depends on your goals, commitment level, and your individual body and health. Read on for a look at a few of the options:
- What is Cleansing?
- Dietary Cleanses
- Cleansing with Supplements
- Who Needs to Cleanse?
- Cleansing for Weight Loss
- Aids to Easier Cleansing
- The "Master Cleanse"
- Cleansing Crisis
Posted by
Victoria Anisman-Reiner
Victoria Anisman-Reiner
What do I do for allergies? Cleansing, probiotics, essential oils and energy work can all reduce allergies. Here's how I eliminated mine with dowsing and energy work.
I had a conversation about allergies last week with several people who knew next to nothing on the subject (but thought they did - groan!!). The trend of the discussion was, "Oh, those poor people with allergies. It's too bad there's nothing you can do about it."
Sometimes it seems like I'm living in a different world from the one most people inhabit: in my world, much as I respect the danger of anaphalactic allergies, there are things that can be done for even the most severe of reactions.
I grew up with dozens of allergies to food, animals, and all kinds of chemicals. By avoiding the foods I reacted to, I was eventually able to reintroduce them to my diet... after ten years! I now know there are quicker and more effective ways to remove allergies:
I've used dowsing to treat serious allergies to fish and pollen, and EDxTM energy psychology for an allergy to MSG, and seen allergies lessen and vanish.
There are options. Allergies don't have to be a "life sentence"!
Sometimes it seems like I'm living in a different world from the one most people inhabit: in my world, much as I respect the danger of anaphalactic allergies, there are things that can be done for even the most severe of reactions.
I grew up with dozens of allergies to food, animals, and all kinds of chemicals. By avoiding the foods I reacted to, I was eventually able to reintroduce them to my diet... after ten years! I now know there are quicker and more effective ways to remove allergies:
- For many people, cleansing reduces or eliminates allergic reactions by removing toxins that confuse the body and mislead the immune system. When your body is "clean" or free of most toxins, allergies tend to lessen.
- Probiotics that improve digestive function can help for the same reason.
- Essential oils like peppermint, fennel, anise, and others ease the digestive system and can combat allergic reactions when they happen.
- Energy work such as dowsing, guided meditation, or energy psychology can be done with the intent to reduce/remove allergies.
I've used dowsing to treat serious allergies to fish and pollen, and EDxTM energy psychology for an allergy to MSG, and seen allergies lessen and vanish.
There are options. Allergies don't have to be a "life sentence"!
Posted by
Victoria Anisman-Reiner
Victoria Anisman-Reiner
I used to take my former dog to the vet around the corner, who hassled me about the natural remedies I used on him. Today, I'm trying a holistic vet for my new pup.
I just brought home a new puppy! And this time around, I thought I'd try the one holistic vet in Toronto that I keep hearing about - East York Animal Clinic. The East York Clinic is halfway across the city from me, but I expect it's worth the effort.
I took my last dog to the veterinarian nearest to home. At first, I was impressed by their manner and the way they seemed to thoughtfully consider the holistic pet remedies - essential oils, a natural parasite cleanse, homeopathics for his separation anxiety, garlic for fleas - that I used to treat him. Eventually, though, I got tired of having to justify and explain every time I didn't want antibiotics or a parasite drug and wanted to use a homeopathic remedy or something else natural instead.
The entire process began to remind me of going to the doctor (back when I was a kid and our family doctor, completely oblivious to holistic medicine, used to give us a hard time for... well, as I recall, just about everything). Yuck! So I figured I'd try the holistic vet at East York Clinic this once. We had our first appointment yesterday evening and it went well - the doctor recommended probiotics and has qualms about vaccines, just as I do. I'm still thinking over the advice he gave me about canine diets. Good signs, in my books!
For more information on my approach to natural pet care, see Alternative Medicine for Pets
I took my last dog to the veterinarian nearest to home. At first, I was impressed by their manner and the way they seemed to thoughtfully consider the holistic pet remedies - essential oils, a natural parasite cleanse, homeopathics for his separation anxiety, garlic for fleas - that I used to treat him. Eventually, though, I got tired of having to justify and explain every time I didn't want antibiotics or a parasite drug and wanted to use a homeopathic remedy or something else natural instead.
The entire process began to remind me of going to the doctor (back when I was a kid and our family doctor, completely oblivious to holistic medicine, used to give us a hard time for... well, as I recall, just about everything). Yuck! So I figured I'd try the holistic vet at East York Clinic this once. We had our first appointment yesterday evening and it went well - the doctor recommended probiotics and has qualms about vaccines, just as I do. I'm still thinking over the advice he gave me about canine diets. Good signs, in my books!
For more information on my approach to natural pet care, see Alternative Medicine for Pets
Posted by
Victoria Anisman-Reiner
Victoria Anisman-Reiner
Autistic symptoms? Pre-existing genetic mitochondrial disorder? So many words to say so little - vaccines and thimerosal have finally been ruled a causal factor in autism
After years of debate and discussion between holistic health warnings and the medical nay-sayers, a ruling has finally agreed that thimerosal in vaccines helped to cause autism in a Georgia girl.
The trouble is, the media is spinning Hannah Poling's case as if it isn't so. A pre-existing mitochondrial disorder is being named as the actual cause of her "autistic symptoms," which the thimerosal may have only exacerbated. It's entertaining at best, and chilling at worst.
Yes, there are intervening factors - there are always intervening factors - but it seems clear that, if it's been ruled that vaccines are responsible for Hannah' Poling's "autistic symptoms", then they are responsible for her autism. How not?
There is a great post on the subject on Ginger Taylor's "Adventures in Autism" blog: Spinning the Hannah Poling Case.
For details on the ruling, see: Autism and Vaccines: Hannah Poling
The trouble is, the media is spinning Hannah Poling's case as if it isn't so. A pre-existing mitochondrial disorder is being named as the actual cause of her "autistic symptoms," which the thimerosal may have only exacerbated. It's entertaining at best, and chilling at worst.
Yes, there are intervening factors - there are always intervening factors - but it seems clear that, if it's been ruled that vaccines are responsible for Hannah' Poling's "autistic symptoms", then they are responsible for her autism. How not?
There is a great post on the subject on Ginger Taylor's "Adventures in Autism" blog: Spinning the Hannah Poling Case.
For details on the ruling, see: Autism and Vaccines: Hannah Poling
Posted by
Victoria Anisman-Reiner
Victoria Anisman-Reiner
Earth Hour was a Sydney, Australia phenomenon in 2007. In March 2008, join millions in shutting off lights for to show support for the environment & fight climate change.
In 2007, the World Wildlife Fund of Australia and the Sydney Morning Herald created Earth Hour. 2.2 million people shut off their lights for an hour on the evening of March 31, 2007 in recognition of the drain our energy consumption places on the Earth and the role each of us can take to slow climate change.
In 2008, Earth Hour goes global, with people all over the world signing up to participate - in events, or from home - in the hour-long energy shutdown on March 29, 2008.
Earth Hour has been criticised for misrepresenting the amount of energy saved on March 31, 2007 as well as for implying that one night of decreased energy usage makes a real difference in fighting global pollution and resource consumption.
Regardless, the project seems worthwhile simply for the amount of attention it has drawn and for bringing these issues back into the spotlight. Earth Hour promotes energy-saving initiatives that can be used year-round, as well as during the event itself.
Learn more: Lights Off for Earth Hour
In 2008, Earth Hour goes global, with people all over the world signing up to participate - in events, or from home - in the hour-long energy shutdown on March 29, 2008.
Earth Hour has been criticised for misrepresenting the amount of energy saved on March 31, 2007 as well as for implying that one night of decreased energy usage makes a real difference in fighting global pollution and resource consumption.
Regardless, the project seems worthwhile simply for the amount of attention it has drawn and for bringing these issues back into the spotlight. Earth Hour promotes energy-saving initiatives that can be used year-round, as well as during the event itself.
Learn more: Lights Off for Earth Hour
Posted by
Victoria Anisman-Reiner
Victoria Anisman-Reiner
From SLS to DEA and from synthetic frangances to Aluminum, several of the most common ingredients in deodorants, baby products and more have potential health risks.
Chemicals in personal care products are old news: we all know that most shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, perfume, cologne, cosmetics, baby powder and more contain all kinds of synthetic ingredients. But the jury is still out on how severe the impact of these ingredients on our health will prove to be.
If you, like me, believe that chemicals like SLS, DEA, talc, toluene, aluminum oxide, and synthetic colors and fragrance are a serious risk to our health and the health of our children, you may be interested in the current series of articles about the facts, hazards and alternatives to toxic skin care and personal care products:
If you, like me, believe that chemicals like SLS, DEA, talc, toluene, aluminum oxide, and synthetic colors and fragrance are a serious risk to our health and the health of our children, you may be interested in the current series of articles about the facts, hazards and alternatives to toxic skin care and personal care products:
- Toxic Skin Care Ingredients
- Aluminum in Deodorant
- Facts and Figures on the Environment: Chemicals in Personal Care Products
- Make your own Natural Deodorant with Essential Oils
- Skin Care Myths and Rumors
Phthalates & Your Infant's Health
Posted by
Victoria Anisman-Reiner
Victoria Anisman-Reiner
University of Washington study highlights infants' exposure to phthalates, chemicals found in baby powders and shampoo that may harm children's genital development.
Even as stores are pulling PVC products from their shelves and California drafts a new law that will ban certain toys and baby care products, a study by Sheela Sathyanarayana, M.D. at the University of Washington indicates that babies and infants may carry a serious amount of chemical phthalates.
The study observed 163 infants and compared phthalates in their urine against use of chemical-laden baby shampoos, baby powder, PVC toys, fragrances, and other products. Every baby examined had phthalates present in urine; over 80% had more than one type.
These results are worrisome becuase phthalates are found in almost every commercial infant care product - and their effects may be damaging to the reproductive system in early development. In pregnant rats exposed to phthalates, genital birth defects were common in male babies.
There is some concern about the effect of phthalates on humans, not only in utero, but during early childhood development. Infants have an important hormonal "checkpoint" at three months of age, which can be affected when phthalates or other hormone disruptors are present.
Other studies indicate that exposure to phthalates may increase sinus trouble, allergies, and eczema.
The American Chemistry Council has criticised the study, and the Fragrance Materials Association of the United States has responded by claiming that not all phthalates are the same. Johnson & Johnson says the only phthalate found in their products, DEP, is safe.
Yet it seems that there is cause for concern.
Plastics with a "3" recycling code are usually PVC plastic, containing phthalates which may leach into food or upon contact - especially if they have been boiled or, possibly, microwaved.
Personal care products are not required to identify phthalate contents on the label, so it's a good idea to avoid anything but natural products and read labels very carefully.
Read more on toxic skin care ingredients...
The study observed 163 infants and compared phthalates in their urine against use of chemical-laden baby shampoos, baby powder, PVC toys, fragrances, and other products. Every baby examined had phthalates present in urine; over 80% had more than one type.
These results are worrisome becuase phthalates are found in almost every commercial infant care product - and their effects may be damaging to the reproductive system in early development. In pregnant rats exposed to phthalates, genital birth defects were common in male babies.
There is some concern about the effect of phthalates on humans, not only in utero, but during early childhood development. Infants have an important hormonal "checkpoint" at three months of age, which can be affected when phthalates or other hormone disruptors are present.
Other studies indicate that exposure to phthalates may increase sinus trouble, allergies, and eczema.
The American Chemistry Council has criticised the study, and the Fragrance Materials Association of the United States has responded by claiming that not all phthalates are the same. Johnson & Johnson says the only phthalate found in their products, DEP, is safe.
Yet it seems that there is cause for concern.
Plastics with a "3" recycling code are usually PVC plastic, containing phthalates which may leach into food or upon contact - especially if they have been boiled or, possibly, microwaved.
Personal care products are not required to identify phthalate contents on the label, so it's a good idea to avoid anything but natural products and read labels very carefully.
Read more on toxic skin care ingredients...
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