Dr. Masha, ND

Naturopathy

Articles

How to Keep Your Heart Healthy

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Human adult heart pumps 7600 liters of blood per day. Heart, and its components (heart arteries, valves, chambers), blood vessels, veins, capillaries are part of the cardiovascular system. There are many condition that can compromise smooth blood flow through capillaries, such as narrowing of the heart vessels (coronary artery disease), abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias, heart valve diseases (mitral valve prolapse), congenital heart disease, venous insufficiency and others.

What keeps our heart and cardiovascular system healthy?

-Decrease in systemic high stress

-Abundance of nutrients that improve health of the vessels (antioxidants, anthocyanins, essential amino acids, foods high in nitric oxide, beneficial ratio of health fats (omega 9, higher omega 3 in comparison with omega 6).  

-Stable blood glucose

–Exercise and movement

Let’s talk about one of the factors listed above – stress!

Chronic stress, or a constant stress experienced over a prolonged period of time, can contribute to long-term problems for heart and blood vessels. During stressful times heart rate goes up, stress hormones (such as cortisol) are elevated which can persistently affect the blood pressure in the blood vessels. (American Physiological Association).  This long-term ongoing stress can increase the risk for hypertension, heart attack or stroke.[i]

Stress reduction exercises, meditation, yoga, positive visualizations, self-care, frequent massage, acupuncture, naturopathic adaptogenic herbs and homeopathy, and other healing arts practices, can be used to decrease the effect of the stress on the body.

There is one particular way of healing – walks in the nature or how Japanese call it –  Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing). Shinrin-Yoku is an ancient way of healing by being in the nature practiced in transcontinental Japan and China.[ii]  Increasing number of research studies appear in the literature that show how beneficial for health, especially cardiovascular system, are walks in the nature are (beach, mountains, parks, forests, any wilderness).

‘People with access to nearby natural settings have been found to be healthier overall than other individuals. The longer-term, indirect impacts (of ‘nearby nature’) also include increased levels of satisfaction with one’s home, one’s job and with life in general’[iii]

Research conducted by Kaplan, R. and Kaplan, S shows that access to nature in the workplace is related to lower levels of perceived job stress and higher levels of job satisfaction. [iv]

Research suggests that people with a view of trees and flowers reported that their jobs were less stressful and they were more satisfied with their jobs than others who could only see built environments from their window. Employees with views of nature also reported fewer illnesses and headaches. A similar study found that a view of natural elements (trees and other vegetation) lessened the negative impact of a job stress on intention to quit. [v]

These are just some of the many research studies mentioned. Being close to nature and having “nature time” at work and home environments clearly improve well-being and health of people, especially  cardiovascular conditions.

To keep your heart healthy, take time to walk in the nature daily. It will make you healthier, happier and help your heart pump blood more efficiently.

 

[i] American Physiological Association. http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress-body.aspx

[ii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5580555/

Mrgaret M. Hansen, Reo Jones, Yoshifumi Miyazaki et al.  Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review.    Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2017 Aug; 14(8): 851, Published online 2017 Jul 28. doi:  10.3390/ijerph14080851

[iii], iv,v Cecily Maller Mardie Townsend, Anita Pryor, Peter Brown, Lawrence St Leger. Healthy nature healthy people: “contact with nature” as an upstream health promotion intervention for populations. Health Promotion International, Volume 21, Issue 1, March 1, 2006, pages 45-54. Published in 2005.

https://academic.oup.com/heapro/article/21/1/45/646436

 

Allergies: can naturopathic medicine help?

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Allergies are very common. Worldwide, 10-30% of the population are affected by various allergies. Though pollen allergies are quite widespread, 12 million people in USA have allergies unrelated to pollen (NIH). When we think about allergies, runny nose, congestion, skin rashes come to mind. At the same time, allergies are very diverse in their presentation and can be to many different substances (natural and chemical).

What is an allergy? It is a reaction of the body’s immune system to the substances the body should not normally mount an alarming response to.

There are a few types of allergic reactions.

Type I reactions (usually itching, hives, swelling, sneezing, runny noise) involve immunoglobulin E (IgE)–mediated release of histamine and other mediators from mast cells and basophils. That is why for this type of reaction, many people take anti-histamine over the counter medications (such as Benadryl) and other type of allergy medications. There are also types II, III and Type IV reactions. For example, in type IV reactions, the body has a delayed response mediated more by T cells (a type of immune cells), such as nickel allergy, or contact dermatitis.

Chronic allergies, especially involving nasal passages or skin, can be very aggravating and upsetting. A person either feels that they have to be on pharmaceutical medications of the rest of their life to ease the symptoms or just suffer through the inconveniences of the reactions of the body to allergens without any assistance from medical community.

“It is peculiar that allergies can be secondary to many other chronic conditions, meaning that a person may have developed allergies due to another imbalance in the body, and as consequence, started developing allergic symptoms. This list includes but not limited to:

  • Adrenal insufficiency
  • Candida related complex
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Hypochlorhydria (lack of hydrochloric acid in the stomach)
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Malabsorption
  • Migraine headaches
  • Nutrient utilization difficulties including zinc, vitamin C, potassium and others.
  • Cardiac arrhythmias and mental illness have been linked to allergies.”

Every year we learn more about allergies and how they are connected to our genetics, nutrition and lifestyle. Addressing digestive system, adrenals, improving detoxification functions in the body, limiting toxic overload, improving the hormonal balance, and identifying inflammatory foods can help many people combat their chronic allergies.

For naturopathic doctors identifying the cause of the imbalance in the body that predisposes one to allergies is one of the primary roles. Sometimes it requires additional advanced testing even though standard allergy testing (RAST test, for example) has been completed already.

Naturopathic doctors have a variety of different tools for allergies. There are a number of homeopathic and herbal formulations that can decrease nasal congestion and improve breathing through the mouth – this way allowing for more oxygen to the tissues and better sleep. Sometimes nasal congestion can be caused by eating certain inflammatory foods (thus, individual food sensitivity and food intolerance testing, such as Carroll testing).

As there are a number of herbal formulations that can be helpful to address nasal congestion and chronic runny nose, one particular herb comes to mind – Stinging Nettles (Utrica Dioca). As stringing properties of nettles can be removed by cooking, it is best to use freeze dried fresh preparations of the herb. (see the research study)

“Allergies are part of the modern life style but people afflicted with them do not have to suffer in silence. Natural medicine with all its tools can help improve every-day living and decrease the immune response, thus, prevent the allergies in the future.”

See a video about Natural Treatment of Allergies by Dr. Masha. N.D.

 

 

Shiatsu Massage Benefits our Bodies

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Shiatsu Massage Benefits Bodies in Huntington Beach, Orange County

Ah, massage.  Not only does it feel fantastic, but there are also some wonderful benefits you can enjoy.

Here are some great benefits of Shiatsu massage if you live in Huntington Beach or anywhere in Orange County.

Shiatsu literally translates to “finger pressure”. This technique uses pressure, as the name suggests, applied to the pressure points using the thumbs, elbows, hands, and even knees and feet. This massage focuses on stretching and rotating the limbs, joints, and meridians (a word used in Chinese traditional medicine that refers to pressure points).

It comes from Eastern Medicine in Japan

Those who practice Eastern medicine believe that the mind and body need to be in the balance with their surroundings. This balance is in contrast to the Western theory of medicine, which involves fixing disease with some pill (in most cases). These techniques are in line with the philosophy of Eastern medicine. Those who practice this believe that the body is made up of energy that can occasionally become blocked. This blockage of energy causes suffering. When the energy of the mind and body are put back into balance, healing occurs. Shiatsu massage aims to do just that.

Our Body Has 12 Meridians

The body possessed 12 meridians – the lungs, the liver, the gallbladder, triple heater, the heart governor, the large intestine, the small intestine, the kidneys, the bladder, the heart, the spleen, and the stomach. These meridians are focused on during Shiatsu to promote the balance and healing of the mind and body. Both the immune system and the nervous system are stimulated when pressure is applied.

So what are some of the significant benefits? One benefit is the restoration of energy by removing weakness and fatigue. Another is to the circulatory system. Circulation is improved, and the blood flow to the body is promoted.

It Reduces Stress and Tension In Our Bodies

No More Stress

Not surprisingly, this wonderful massage also works to reduce stress and tension felt throughout the mind and body. It is also beneficial to those who suffer from anxiety and depression. It simply feels good, and you cannot help but to relax and enjoy the healing that is being brought on.

Shiatsu massage can also contribute to relieving headaches. This form of massage also works to provide relief for sprains and other similar injuries. Of the same vein, it reduces problems from issues such as a stiff neck, backaches, and stiff shoulders.

How Can Shiatsu Massage help Me?

Are you dealing with bowel troubles, morning sickness, and even menstruation issues? Shiatsu reaches into these common problems of the body. You can also feel relief from sinus problems and even colds and cough, which shows it reaches deep into all planes of the body to provide healing and comfort.

In conclusion, Shiatsu massage is faithful to the Eastern philosophy of medicine. It works to bring balance to mind and body for healing and relief from common physical and emotional problems. The next time you need healing, or you simply want to experience the relaxation through Shiatsu massage, schedule an appointment.

Balancing Your Hormones: Naturopathic approach

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Hormonal Imbalance: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

A bit technical but helpful!

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is considered the most common endocrine disorder of premenopausal women (5-10% occurrence » 3 million in US).  According to 2012 study it affects 5 million women in US.[i]

Signs of excess androgen stimulation (high amount of sex hormones, in particular testosterone) can range in severity from mild (such as increased acne production) to severe (male-pattern body hair distribution). Darker pigmented areas over the skin and multiple upper body skin tags.  Weight gain is a frequent (though not universal) part of PCOS. Menstrual irregularities such as long menstrual cycles, absence of menstrual cycles, sometimes heavy uterine bleeding are also common. On ultrasound imaging, multiple (over 10) small ovarian follicles (2-10 mm diameter) and overall enlargement of the ovary can be seen.

Hormonal blood or saliva testing can show elevated estradiol and testosterone hormonal levels. Insulin resistance is common in women with PCOS, and insulin stimulates ovarian androgen hormonal production. The increased hormoneal levels cause the developing ovarian follicles to be arrested leading to the cycles that lack ovulation (release of follicles from the ovaries during ovulation).

 

PCOS is a metabolic syndrome now seen as encompassing two interrelated metabolic phenomena: insulin resistance and high levels of androgens (sex hormones). Complex metabolic, hypothalamic, pituitary, ovarian and adrenal interactions characterize the syndrome.[ii] Fertility challenges (inability to conceive) can be part of the condition.

 

This condition is usually addressed through the use of Metformin (to decrease insulin resistance and high glucose levels), Spironolactone (to decrease testosterone production) and other pharmaceuticals to manage different symptoms of this metabolic condition.

In naturopathic medicine, naturopathic doctors focus on the whole person. Life style factors are addressed along with specific diets that were researched for patients with PCOS. There are a number of nutritional supplements that can be of assistance to help ovaries release follicles and improves ovarian function (myo-inositol, folate, and melatonin combination). Menstrual cycle is also balanced with the helps of herbs and homeopathics. Insulin resistance and high androgen production can be mediated with the help of herbal/nutritional supplements along with the PCOS specific diet.

PCOS patients are usually encouraged to see natural medicine practitioners to help address the condition along with conventional treatments. Patient with PCOS can balance their hormones and conceive naturally.

  1. [i] Rizza R, Johnson. PCOS Criteria Clarified; Name Must Change. Medscape. 2013.
  2. [ii] Rizza R, Johnson. PCOS Criteria Clarified; Name Must Change. Medscape. 2013.

 

 

Adrenal health: How does it affect everyday life?

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Adrenal hormones can affect our every day living.

Adrenals are glands that are located on the top of both kidneys. They produce many types of hormones in the body.

Adrenal hormones (cortisol, in particular) are released when we experience stress, encouraging physiologic responses that allow us to escape danger: more energy going to the muscles and away from digestive processes, the immune system, and higher brain functions.

This system is designed for short-term stress (such as running from a predator). Problems arise when we are subjected to the unrelenting stressors of modern life, where escape is not guaranteed, like prolonged insomnia, long hours at work, difficult living situations, long hours of studying, taking tests, personal relationships issues.

Continual release of stress hormones has detrimental effects on immunity (including wound healing), digestive function, the functioning of the rest of the endocrine system, mood, and mental acuity. Adrenal imbalance can also be a part (cause or effect) of other endocrine syndromes, such as Type 2 diabetes or hypothyroidism.

One of the most pronounced symptoms of adrenal imbalance is chronic fatigue. Hence, the other name used for the adrenal imbalance is adrenal fatigue. It can be thought of as if adrenals overused, overexerted its supply of stress hormones and now they are not regulated properly. This imbalance can also lower sex hormones, affect thyroid function, and decrease immunity.

How it usually happens – sluggishness in the morning with difficulty waking up, feeling awake immediately after lunch but another energy drop from 2-4 pm, best energy around 6-7 pm, and then feeling tired but with difficulty going to sleep at night, with a burst of energy at midnight.

The other symptoms can be hyperglycemia (high glucose), insulin resistance, weight gain, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, loss of libido, increased susceptibility to illness, slow wound healing.

Naturopathic doctors (N.D.) address adrenal imbalance and fatigue by recommending basic life style changes (the same time to bed, the same time for meals daily, more time for rest, appropriate exercise routine). Diet can be very helpful in addressing adrenal fatigue. Each meal is perceived as medicine. Whole food balanced nutrition with 90% vegetable intake, high quality protein, complex carbohydrates, fruits and healthy fats. Many herbs (called adaptogens) can be used to heal adrenal glands and allow them to produce the correct amount of cortisol at the correct time (more in the morning, less in the evening, and stable throughout the day). Testing for adrenal hormones can be completed if needed.

If you have any issues with the above listed symptoms, it can be a good time to see a naturopathic doctor to address the cause of the fatigue.

 

 

Naturopathic Approach to Being Anxious

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Anxiety is one of the most common complaints in doctors’ offices.

Modern life demands a lot of energy, attention, mobility and flexibility. There is less time for sleep and rest. We are almost always thinking, planning, solving problems every minute of the day. Life puts pressure on us to achieve more: successful careers, having a family, buying a house, taking care of aging parents, etc.  We eat on the go, sleep less, and are always on electronic devices (it is hard not to  as we are surrounded by them).

Thus, being anxious becomes part of life. It may start interfering with daily activities. There are certain genetic predispositions that can lead to high anxiety states:

  • MTHFR mutations
  •  depression disorders,
  • attention deficit disorder,
  • digestive conditions (irritable bowel syndrome, irritable bowel diseases),
  • PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder),
  • metabolic syndrome,
  • endocrine imbalances (thyroid dysregulation, cortisol imbalance), and many others.

In addition, anxiety can be a side effect of pharmaceutical medications:

  • Albuterol, salmeterol and theophylline
  • Methyldopa
  • Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
  • Benzedrine, Dexedrine, and Ritalin
  • Steroids, cortisol, dexamethasone, prednisone
  • Thyroid medications
  • Cough medications
  • Decongestants, such as phenylephrine (Sudafed PE).

To name a few.

It is not surprising that most the of population is anxious and may even develop anxiety disorders which can comprise around 3 million of cases in the USA.

How can naturopathic medicine help?

As naturopathic doctors will look at the whole person, take in-depth history and have a number of natural therapies to offer patients.

Anxiety is not always easily treated but if a patient follows the treatment plan and is open to trying different natural modalities, the results can be very promising – anxiety can be significantly diminished.

One of the principles of naturopathic medicine is to identify and remove the cause. Thus, before implementing therapies or even recommending medications, naturopathic doctors strive to pinpoint why anxiety is there in the first place. It can be challenging in some cases but through different types of testing (blood testing including) and history, naturopathic doctors with the help of patients can find the cause of chronic anxious states and reduce them.

Combination of homeopathic medicine, herbs, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, life style changes can help patient feel less anxious on day- to- day basis.