This is the follow-up to the original article on structured water. I’ve managed to enlist myself as a dealer to the best structured water filters I could find. I checked out a bunch of filters that purify, alkalize, and structure the water to make it more hydrating and selected what I think generates the best gallons for the buck. It’s called the Jupiter Melody and it retails for $1250 plus shipping costs. Though I am prohibited from offering a discount online I can throw in a free session if you buy one through me. Click on the link to email me for the details. The free session is for either Structural Integration, massage, acupuncture, or personal training. Now back to the new information.

It’s important to move away from bottled water so as to protect the environment, cut down on transportation pollutions and remove the risks of dioxins and other harmful chemicals that leach from the plastic bottles themselves (even Nalgene bottles are at risk). I guestimate that I spend around $1500 a year on bottled water like Fiji and Icelandic H2O. What a waste. I’ve got my new structured and alkaline water filter up running and it tastes oh so good. I really do feel more hydrated and now that the initial costs are absorbed - its free!

Here is a quick list on bottle plastics:

Avoid:
#3 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) commonly contains di-2-ehtylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), an endocrine disruptor and probable human carcinogen, as a softener.

#6 Polystyrene (PS) may leach styrene, a possible endocrine disruptor and human carcinogen, into water and food.

#7 Polycarbonate contains the hormone disruptor bisphenol-A, which can leach out as bottles age, are heated or exposed to acidic solutions. Unfortunately, #7 is used in most baby bottles and five-gallon water jugs and in many reusable sports bottles.

Better Plastics

#1 polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), the most common and easily recycled plastic for bottled water and soft drinks, has also been considered the most safe. However, one 2003 Italian study found that the amount of DEHP in bottled spring water increased after 9 months of storage in a PET bottle.

#2 High Density Polyethylene

#4 Low Density Polyethylene

#5 Polypropylene

This is from Daily Grist:

“Recent studies have shown that polycarbonate plastics, including the kind used in popular Nalgene water bottles, may leach one of their constituent chemicals into water. The chemical in question, bisphenol-A, has been shown to cause chromosomal disorders and endocrine disruption and to have adverse effects on prostate development and tumors, breast tissue development, and sperm count — in rodents. Nalgene says that no health problems have been demonstrated in human beings. Still, John P. Myers, environmental health expert and coauthor of a book on endocrine disruptors, says, “I personally recommend avoiding polycarbonate plastics — don’t let them come into contact with your food or water. I think the science is strong enough to justify precautionary measures today.”

It’s been quite a few months since the Cambridge meeting of the top fascia researchers the world has ever known - and the scant group did not disappoint us. Connective tissue is the most pervasive organ in the human body yet it remains left out of most research parties. Fascia (including the covering and invaginations of muscles, bones, nerves, organs, tendons and ligaments) supports our structure through tension and integrity yet has only failed to support when it comes time to dole out the grant money. Drug development is paramount but there is a new field coming up to meet the demands of the people. Thanks to Dr. Tom Findley for coordinating this massive achievement at Harvard Medical.

SCIENCE Magazine, “the world’s leading journal of original scientific research, global news, and commentary,” has an excellent write up about the recent First International Fascia Research Congress in its November 23, 2007 issue (vol. 318, pp. 1234-5).

David Grimm’s article is titled “Cell Biology Meets Rolfing — A diverse group of researchers wants to create a new discipline from scratch by bringing together experts in fascia and deep-tissue massage.”

“The meeting, held here [in Boston] last month, would be the first dedicated to the soft part of the body’s connective tissue system — an important but medically neglected organ. It would bring together top scientists from fields as diverse as cell biology and biophysics, but it would also include alternative medicine practitioners…”

This conference was a first venture within the field of the human fasciae to bring together scientists and clinicians. Thomas Findley, MD PhD, the Executive Director of the conference,

“Practitioners want to know the science behind what they’re doing…and scientists want to see clinical applications of their work.”

Partap Khalsa, DC PhD, program officer with the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) stated,

“You need people who can do good basic science and clinicians who can inform them about their experiences…It’s the only way to advance the field.”

Here is the article: Science article

The International Association of Structural Integrators bi-annual conference followed the symposium and brought together the whose who in Structural Integration. Look for the 2009 conference to bring it all home again, this time in Italy. Also in Europe -the next Fascia Congress will be in Amsterdam. Arrivederci and tot ziens!

The picture above is a scanned image from Paul Pitchford’s “Healing With Whole Foods”- the best tome on nutrition. I left some text to read so you get his point.

The organs in the body are building from a low point energetically until they peak for 2 or so hours half way through the day and then discharge back to their low - completing a 24-hour journey. This is important because the timing is staggered allowing each organ to complete it’s peak 2 hours after the next. The Chinese clock represents 12 organs in the pie chart, a very spiritual number having to do with control and ruling. Using this chart you can get a glimpse at a deficiency or problem in the organ if you notice something recurring at a similar time each day. Do you wake up every night at 3:30am? Your body might be telling you something is wrong with your lungs. Being aware of the emotional counterpart to each organ, tells us even more about what’s happening inside of us. If you suffered recent grief or are generally drowning in sorrow, this tells you even more about the health of your lungs. From Squidoo Health,

“The seven emotions are thought to correlate with the five Yin organs: joy with heart, anger with the liver, sadness and grief with the lungs, pensiveness and over thinking with the spleen, and fear or fright with the kidneys.”

I like to include the stomach to worry and the gall bladder to bitterness to complete the thorax as a structural whole; the liver, gallbladder, stomach and spleen are all connected to each other and the diaphragm- the arch support for the pericardium, heart and lungs. This is a more complete chart on the organs and emotions by Dr. Bruce and Joan Dewe.

This is from a western study adhering to stringent scientific methodologies on PubMed by Wang et al, 2006:

“Circadian rhythms are about-daily variations of physiological functions that are found in every living organism on earth ranging from bacteria to mammals. These daily rhythms are generated through the integration of the oscillatory expression of multiple circadian clock genes. In mammals, circadian rhythms are regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. Neurons in the SCN generate self-sustained daily oscillations of gene expression and electrical activity with a period close to 24 hours. The SCN keeps the circadian rhythms of different peripheral organs synchronized to each other as well as to the environmental light-dark cycle. Although every mammalian cell is believed to express circadian clock genes, cells outside the SCN cannot maintain self-sustained circadian oscillation in the absence of the SCN.”

And more simply put:

“Every physiological function in the human body exhibits some form of circadian rhythmicity. Under pathological conditions, however, circadian rhythmicity may be disrupted.”

The body is designed to help us help ourselves by communicating with us when something is amiss. Due to our disassociated lifestyles it’s hard for us to hear these whispers. I hope these Western and Eastern views can integrate and help us understand more about what is going on inside before irrevocable damage is done. For more information, see your local acupuncturist or contact Heather Trujillo, L.Ac at acupuncture@centerforsw.com.

December 31, 2009 marks the beginning of the end of our civil liberties when it comes to choosing vitamins and other natural food products. Codex Alimentarius Commission, which is the appointed agency to watch over the safety of consumables across international borders as part of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations, will force the US Congress to institute strict guidelines in the regulation of natural products.

Your nutritional freedom will be taken away.

The big problem lies in the toxicology reporting process. The dosage of a vitamin to create an effective therapeutic response varies individually. This effective dosage might be beneficial for one person and dangerous for another. Thus the dosage must be made smaller to be safe for all, subsequently making it so small reducing any benefits that anyone can gain - and thus being viewed as having NO benefit. Wow. This is ridiculous. If only they used these guidelines for dangerous pharmaceutical drugs we wouldn’t have so many unneccesary deaths each year- like my childhood friends father and 5 years later, his mother.

This is yet another shortsighted, corporate greed fueled revocation of our freedom to choose a natural herb, vitamin, or nutraceutical product without having to make an appointment to get a prescription from a doctor. In a nutshell, all natural healing facilities, techniques, and modalities will be eliminated, live and organic food will no longer be available, natural food concentrates and supplements will no longer exist. This serves to keep everyone malnurished, further reducing life expectancies and our ability for self-healing. Guess who will profit? The medical doctors and pharmaceutical corporations, the chemical and food processing industry, and of course the dairy and meat industry. We must use our collective voices to put an end to this abomination of health freedom. Please take action at the Stop Codex website today.

I’m proud to announce that The Center for Structural Wellness has come into existence in the Union Square area of NYC. This is going to be an important step in understanding how human structure and its various expressions effect the health of the individual. Structural Integration will remain the main focus for work here but the Center will also encompass many other complementary, alternative, and western therapies. From acupuncture to Alexander Technique, massage to chiropractic, Biodynamic Cranial to physical therapy, Pilates to Yoga, and also including western doctors who are educated in CAM techniques, all working together to educate everyone on the importance of structural health. There will be a website release in the next month illustrating how this Center will work along with information on all of the affiliates. I will be picking the best practitioners and therapists so that everyone will be guaranteed the best treatment possible. For now please contact me through this address to set up an appointment.

Before and after photos of a client who has undergone the Basic 10 Series of Structural Integration. Notice how much his body is able to balance along the midline and gain vertical lift. What is harder to see in these two pictures taken 3 months apart is the increase of efficient movement, better poise and posture, and an increase in confidence and self-expression.

This is a great piece from Oprah Magazine and was picked up on the NYTimes Health and Wellness blog. It goes on to talk about the increasing trend in oversized bags that are difficult to manage because of their lack of structure. Your posture has to adapt to the bag and is creating long term structural problems and pain.

…overpacked purses are making us walk lopsided, distorting our posture and leaving us with aching backs, shoulders, necks and hips.

The article recommends that

The American Chiropractic Association advises that women lug around no more than 10 percent of their body weight.

I’m proud to be linking up with Heather Trujillo, L.Ac. To announce her arrival, she is offering an introductory $175 rate per session for her facial rejuvenation series (10-12 sessions total). Standard sessions start at $125. You can call me directly at 917.674.1611 to set up treatments.

Heather Trujillo, L.Ac., graduated from the New York, College of Health Professions where she earned a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine. She studied acupuncture in China and California before returning home to New York to complete her studies. She is certified in Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal ™ , which uses a 3 tiered system to rejuvenate the face as well as the body. Heather treats a wide variety of acute and chronic conditions, specializing in women’s health, pain management, and emotional issues. With over 11 years of experience, Heather is a Reiki practitioner certified in the Usui System of Natural Healing. Through compassion, skill, and patient education, she believes in treating the whole person not just their symptoms. She is devoted to awakening the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

This was sent to me from the fantastic Structural Integrator in Fort Worth, Texas - Rey Allen. I don’t know where he found it but…

“Optimism is a learned skill and there are a variety of ways to acquire it, says psychologist Mary Ann Troiani, co-author of Spontaneous Optimism. Through her research, Troiani has come up with three things that you can do to enhance your sense of optimism. First, straighten out your body before your emotions by keeping a straight body posture, taking big steps and walking quickly with your shoulders back and your head up. “People who are pessimistic walk slowly with small steps and their head down,” she says. Second, change your tone of voice so that it is cheerful and full of energy. Third, use upbeat or happier words, such as “challenge” rather than “problem,” or think of “opportunities” rather than “losses.” “Positive thoughts and behavior have a positive impact on the brain’s biochemistry,” she says. “[They] boost your serotonin levels and signal that you’re happy. Your brain will catch up to you.” Troiani reminds us: it takes about 4 to 6 weeks to really change a habit.”

Further google searching uncovered the Finding Optimism site and there was an article that went on to suggest:

“A study led by Brian Meier, a psychologist at North Dakota State University, concluded that posture does affect mood. The study found that emotions have a highly physical basis, so sad thoughts could lead to a slumped posture with the eyes directed down, and happy thoughts to a more upright posture and the eyes looking up. They found the reverse to be true as well. Simply looking up could give a physical boost, that in turn leads to better posture and a better mood.”

Hmmm. Interesting. Is there anyone who knows how to straighten out body posture permanently? I wonder…

Being inspired by Robert Schleip’s work, I would like to see a more detailed “homunculus” representation of the body but mapped using mechanoreceptors instead of sensory nerves.

There are 4 main types of mechanoreceptors embedded in fascia. The Golgi tendon organs that live in the myotendonus junctions; the Pacini and Paciniform receptors that live in myotendionus junctions, deep capsular layers, and spinal ligaments; the Ruffini receptors that live in ligaments of peripheral joints and the dura matter; and the most abundant are the Interstitial receptors found everywhere but with the highest density in the periosteum of the bones.

For instance, the Ruffini mechanoreceptors respond to lateral stretching of fascia and tangential, deep, slow work that when Rolfed appropriately will smooth and elongate dense edges in tissue. Specifically at the knee, Ruffini receptors are in abundance both anterior and posterior and trigger a relaxing response to the sympathetic response (parasympathetic increase) and an overall relaxing effect systemically. On the medial and lateral lines of the knee there are more Pacini and Paciniform receptors, which like a more high velocity or vibratory manipulation to relax. The Interstitial receptors, which are everywhere, like sustained pressure but can also respond to rapid fluxuations. To illicit change in the Golgi Tendon Organs it’s important to understand that movement cues must be used as GTO’s are stimulated by muscular tonus increase if they are to respond to deep manipulation. Passive stretching of the joint only stretches the relaxed muscle tissue and does not activate GTO’s so will not change these myofascial tissues.

It is going to be important to the field of Structural Integration to map the body and choose appropriate techniques mated to anatomical places to illicit permanent change efficiently. Or we could keep just doing everything! I for one am too busy for inefficiency.

All of this info is available in Robert Schleip’s 2003 paper, “Fascial Mechanoreceptors and their potential role in deep tissue manipulation” - Mechanoreceptors

Sam Johnson of Dallas, Texas has written a phenomenal detail of Dr. Ida Rolf’s early years. Click here for the full article. He beautifully sums up the limitations of Cartesian Duality and the benefits of treating the body through a Wholistic perspective.

“Stand up straight, don’t slouch.” If you had a nickel for every time you’ve heard that, you’d be able to buy a platinum, diamond-encrusted spine to hold yourself up. Whether you’ve got the posture of Quasimodo or are recovering from an injury, Michael Bulger’s Structural Evolution can help. This joint venture works to lengthen and align the different segments of your body while keeping your joints healthy and creating balance through Structural Integration sessions.

You know you’ve seen yourself hunched over in a reflection walking on the street in New York city many times. So you’ve adjusted your posture to try to stand up straight as an arrow only to end up slouched over in the next reflection down the block. It’s not your fault you can’t present yourself the way you would like to be seen - it is your fascia holding you back. Fascia, or connective tissue, exists everywhere in your body and forms a 4-dimensional spider web - yes it changes over time so lets not forget this dimension. It determines your structure, your posture. It may not be technically “alive”, but it does have many living cells within its matrix. It is primarily composed of collagen fibers, extracellular matrix, fibroblasts, and mechanoreceptors (cells that measure the pressure and stretch in tissue and tell the brain whats going on). Your brain creates a sense of proprioception from this communication (of where you are in space). What you think and experience as balanced and aligned probably is not so. Bad habits, joint misalignments, and muscle weakness can overpower your brains desire for proper balance and you end up with your bad posture. This is where Structural Integration comes into play. Shortened tissue needs to be physically lengthened, the joints need to be unwound and unbounded, and your brain needs to learn what straight is.

Diet is the number one controllable factor of preventative medicine. Through eating a truly balanced diet, and limiting the number of processed and conventionally grown foods, we can feel great on a daily basis. Our bodies can resist common colds and viruses and repair itself from dis-ease. Health is about balance. The human body will always migrate towards balance, unless it is restricted one way or another. A few principles you should always consider with diet include:

1. Drink more water than you think (and less when you are eating - it dilutes your digestive enzymes). Try taking a digestive enzyme supplement before eating if you usually feel bloated and tired after a meal. Try ‘Garden of Life’ products, they’re awesome.
2. Try to consume primarily organic foods. Not many people can say their heart disease (1 in 6 affected in this country) was caused from eating too many fruits and vegetables. It’s worth the extra money - you not only support sustainable agriculture and prevent environmental destruction, your food has more available nutrients which makes your body much healthier.
3. If you do choose to eat animal products - buy organic grass-fed meat and stick to cold water, wild caught fish. Note: Avoid farm-raised salmon (which is what you are getting at restaurants if it doesn’t specifically say “wild caught”). Avoid shellfish and bottom dwellers - toxins are concentrated in their flesh which then find their way into your flesh.

Read the rest of this entry »