How to protect your eyesight as you get older
I have been wearing glasses since I was a teenager, so I am always interested in how to protect my eyesight. One of the most common cuases of failing eyesight as we get older is age related macular degeneration (AMD).
Scientists tracked the diets and eye health of over 2,000 people who were at least 49 years old at the start of the study. The people’s eye sight and diet were then tracked over the next 15 years. The researchers discovered that those eating between 100 – 142mg of vegatable nitrates were less likely to have the early signs of AMD. Currently once AMD starts medicine has no answers and it can in some cases cause blindness. This means prevention of AMD is very important.
Vegatable nitrates found in leafy green vegatables and beets reduces the risk of developing AMD by 35%. 100g of spinach contains 20mg of nitrate. One serving of spinach is 30g, so you would need ot eat 3 servings.
Reference
Gopinath B, Liew G, Kifley A, Lewis JR, Bondonno C, Joachim N, Hodgson JM, Mitchell P. Association of Dietary Nitrate Intake with the 15-Year Incidence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2018 Dec;118(12):2311-2314
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Reflexology: Scientific Evidence of it’s effects physiological anxiety signs
Recently a scientific study (see details below) was published which evaluated the physiological anxiety signs and sedation needs of patients in intensive care units in a Turkish hospital.
Background It is an accepted medical fact that when it is necessary to mechanically ventilate patients in intensive care units of hospitals, the patients experience stress and anxiety. It is standard medical practice to relieve anxiety, pain, agitation with sedatives to ensure patient comfort. Sedatives however also have side effects causing high blood pressure, slow heart beat, coma, respiratory depression, muscle weakness and atrophy, increased risk of pneumonia, kidney problems and immunosuppression. It may also prolong the need for ventilation which in turn increases the risk of complications. Method 60 patients were split into two groups one of which was the control group. Sedation (Propofol) was reduced 30 min before treatment (or no treatment) which resulted in patients with mixed consciousness to which the outcome measure was administered. This was the American Association of critical care nurses sedation assessment scale (AACNSAS) and the vital signs recorded. Reflexology applied to ears, hands and feet bilaterally was given twice a day for a total of 30 minutes per day, over 5 days. The reflexology focussed on the brain, cortex, hypothalamus, hypophysis and subcortex; areas though to influence anxiety, agitation and stress response. No reflexology was given to the control group but the sedation was reduced and all the same measurements were taken. Results The physiological signs of anxiety and stress i.e. blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate were are reduced in the group that received reflexology on each of the 5 days. In addition there was a reduction in the requirement for sedatives in the group that received reflexology. Conclusions These findings ‘show that reflexology is an effective treatment in reducing the physiological signs of anxiety and stress in patients receiving mechanically ventilated support.’ This study provides scientific evidence to underpin the idea that reflexology has a beneficial effect on anxiety and stress.Title: Reflexology: It’s effects on Physiological Anxiety Signs and Sedation Needs Journal: Holistic Nursing Practioner Authors: E. Korhan, L. Khorshid, M Uyar Reference: 2014; 28 (1);6-23 Study Type: Randomised Controlled Trial - with control group receiving no treatment Reiki – Mechanisms of Healing – Part 2
In part 1 on the discussion of the mechanisms of healing I explored the range of opinions on how Reiki works. I want to continue this discussion by focusing on some interesting research which supports my belief that I act as a channel for universal energy when I am giving Reiki treatments. During the 1980’s, Dr Robert Becker, Dr John Zimmerman, and Max Cade each investigated what happens whilst people perform therapies like Reiki. They found that not only do the brain wave patterns of practitioner and receiver become synchronised in the alpha state, but they pulse in unison with the earth’s magnetic field, known as the Schuman Resonance. During these moments, the biomagnetic field of the practitioner’s hands is at least 10000 times greater than normal, and not as a result of internal body current. The synchronisation between practitioner & receiver in the alpha state allows left-right balance, and stimulates deep relaxation and meditation. Which explains why all my clients state Reiki is very relaxing. Toni Bunnell (1997) suggests that the linking of energy fields between practitioner and earth allows the practitioner to draw on the ‘infinite energy source’ or ‘universal energy field’ via the Schuman Resonance. Professor Paul Davies and Dr John Gribben in The Matter Myth (1991), discuss the quantum physics view of a ‘living universe’ in which everything is connected in a ‘living web of interdependence’. References Zimmerman J., ‘New technologies detect effects of healing hands’, Brain/Mind Bulletin, Vol 10, No 16. Sept 30, 1985. Becker, Robert O. ‘The Body Electric: Electromagnetism and the Foundation of Life’, Pub: William Morrow & Co. Inc. 1985 Bunnell T., ‘A tentative mechanism for healing’, Positive Health, Nov/Dec 1997. Cade M. & Coxhead N., ‘The Awakened Mind;Biofeedback and the Development of Higher States of Awareness’, pub: Element Books, 1996 (reprint).
