Tremendous strides have been made in the field of anti-aging medicine, The Wrinkle Cure, in 2000. It was there that I first introduced my inflammation–aging theory, which firmly places chronic, low-grade invisible inflammation at the center of aging, age-related diseases, and a host of degenerative conditions. This theory was often dismissed with either ridicule or skepticism— however, science has now recognized its validity, and inflammation has been overwhelmingly recognized as a serious threat to health and longevity.

As you will learn in this book, we do not need elaborate, expensive, and possibly dangerous pharmaceuticals to halt the inflammatory response and its resultant negative effects. Dr. Perricone’s 7 Secrets to Beauty, Health, and Longevity will give you all of the tools you need, starting with the single most important—the food we eat.

Every day multiple studies are published linking diet to disease. A recent study reported that diets high in saturated fats increase our risk for Alzheimer’s disease, which is an inflammatory disease. Conversely, the anti-inflammatory diet reduces our risk for this debilitating and growing epidemic. Just as important as choosing the right foods is choosing how they are grown and raised. A new study has clearly linked exposure to pesticides with Parkinson’s disease. As I have always emphasized, buy organic and protect yourself and your loved ones from exposure to proven toxic substances.

But it goes even further than the anti-inflammatory foods. We have also made great technological strides in the development of novel nutritional supplements to complement foods and provide the missing links in health and wellness. For the first time, as outlined in this book, we have proven methodologies to revitalize our tired, worn-out bodies at the cellular level and recharge them with increased energy, improved mood, a greater sense of well-being, and renewed purpose.

These targeted supplements are worlds beyond the original vitamins of past generations. Today we can target the key parts of the cells, such as the mitochondria, to restore energy to the cell. As we age, energy levels decline in the cells—in fact, they eventually lose their ability to repair themselves altogether. With the use of a newly discovered class of mitochondrial rejuvenators, we can recharge the cells in all of our organ systems, including the skin, for total body rejuvenation. Being a dermatologist, I find this particularly exciting. Learning how to restore bone structure and muscle mass to the aging face is one of our greatest strategies in maintaining a youthful face.

However, the good news doesn’t stop there. Science has recently learned that brain cells can also be rejuvenated. It was long and widely believed that we were born with a genetically determined brain of fixed size and potential, for better or worse. This is far from the truth. We now know that the brain is a growing and changing organ. As we will learn in this book, we have many strategies to optimize this growth, including the essential fatty acid phosphatidylserine, which is a powerful prevention for memory loss, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. Other fatty acids, such as the omega-3s and fish oils, dramatically improve brain health, mood, attention span, and more.

We will also learn about forms of exercise that will not only deliver powerful anti-aging benefits to the body but will also increase our powers of focus and concentration while restoring physical and mental equilibrium. As you will learn in Dr. Perricone’s 7 Secrets to Beauty, Health, and Longevity, our bodies, minds, and spirits have the potential for tremendous growth, rebirth, and regeneration, given the proper tools. Thank you for accompanying me on this exciting journey.

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Gentle, relaxing lymphatic massage can help you fight off illness and heal from injuries.  Despite its feather-light touch, it offers powerful benefits for your immune system.

If you knew that there was a gentle, safe, and relaxing technique that could

* help you heal from illness, injury and surgery;
* promote a healthy immune system;
* reduce inflammation;
* support the health of your entire body;
* and promote healthy, radiant skin

–would you do it?

I’m guessing you would!

That procedure is lymphatic massage- (also called lymphatic facilitation or manual lymphatic drainage). It increases lymph flow eight to ten times. This removes harmful substances from your tissues, nourishes tissues, reduces inflammation, and generally increases immune function.

Developed as a manual therapy in Europe, it has been well researched and used in hospitals and clinics for decades.

It can speed recovery from

* sprains, strains, and sore muscles
* acute injuries
* congestion due to allergies
* surgery
* wounds (as long as there is no infection present)
* congested sinuses
* acne
* headaches
* swollen ankles, puffy eyes, etc.
* allergies/allergic reactions
* toxic side effects of drugs administered for surgery or other medical purposes
* scarring.

It also helps people manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia and arthritis.

Skin Health
Lymphatic work to the face is a lovely, gentle, treatment that enhances skin health, thereby improving skin appearance.  Done regularly, it can keep skin looking healthier. Facial lymphatic work can also help improve acne.

Pre- and –Post-Surgical Support
More and more doctors—especially plastic surgeons–are becoming aware of the value of manual lymphatic drainage before and after surgery to help clients heal. Many plastic surgeons routinely recommend it for their cosmetic surgery patients. (Post-surgical treatment needs a doctor’s permission.)

A Light, Relaxing Touch
People are often surprised about how light lymphatic facilitation is. It doesn’t feel anything like a “normal” massage (which provides deeper pressure into the skin and muscles of the body).

That’s because this form of bodywork works with the lymphatic system, rather than the muscles, and over half of the lymph nodes and vessels are just underneath the skin.  A deep or heavy touch would close off, rather than encourage, lymphatic flow.

The feather-light strokes and soft, pumping action stimulate lymphatic flow, with powerful results both for general wellness and for specific conditions including inflammation, traumatic injuries such as strains and sprains, headaches, sinus issues, healing from surgery, osteoarthritis, skin conditions, and swelling from unresolved injuries such as ankle sprains.

Lymphatic facilitation is also deeply relaxing. This too helps boost immune function.

How It Works: the Lymph System
The lymph system is a critical part of our immune system, playing a crucial role in the body’s ability to heal from injury, ward off disease, and purify itself.  It includes a network of thin vessels, nodes, tissues, ducts, and organs (e.g. spleen, thymus, bone marrow) throughout your entire body.

The lymphatic system has three major functions:

* It removes excess fluids from body tissues.
* It defends the body against harmful micro-organisms.
* It absorbs fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system and transports them to the circulatory system.

The lymphatic system has no pumping mechanism (such as the heart has for arterial blood flow) and depends on muscle contraction through deep, abdominal breathing and exercise to move its fluid.

A sluggish lymphatic system can contribute to many health issues, including an increase in the frequency and severity of illnesses; joint pain; headaches; arthritis; fatigue; acne; slow healing of wounds; and swelling in extremities.

When the lymphatic drainage becomes impaired for some reason, lymphatic massage, with its ultra-light touch and pumping motion performed in the correct sequence and direction, can greatly increase lymphatic flow.  This helps the body remove toxins; brings white blood cells and nutrients to cells; and decreases inflammation.

Contraindications
As with all massage therapies, there are some contraindications. These include having a bacterial infection anywhere in the body, malignant tumors, thrombosis and major heart  or circulatory problems. Your therapist should screen you for these issues before giving you a lymphatic treatment.

Conclusion
Of course, you should always consult your medical doctor if you have or think you have a medical problem. But if you are basically healthy and seeking to enhance your health and healingFree Reprint Articles, lymphatic massage can be a valuable complement to your regular wellness program.

Have you ever heard of Li Qing Yuen? He’s the person who lived up to a ripe old age of 252 years. No kidding. The life (and longevity) of Prof. Li Qing Yuen, who lived between 1678-1930, is one of the best documented. And you know what? He’s reported to have consumed Goji berries daily!

Goji berry is a member of the wolfberry family and is known by the scientific name of Lycium barbarum. It’s credited with increasing the life span and having several health improving properties. It is one of the richest natural nutrients available on earth. It is said that the Chinese have been using Goji berry, as a food and a medicine, for more than five thousand years.

Nutritional value of Goji Berries

Goji berry is a rich source of nutrients and amino acids. It contains 18 amino acids, 21 trace minerals and several vitamins and minerals. It has six times more amino acids than bee pollen, 500 times more Vitamin C by weight than oranges, more iron than spinach, and more Beta carotene than carrots. Goji berry contains minerals like Calcium and Magnesium, and Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and Vitamin E, normally found in grains and seeds and rarely in fruits. In addition, these berries contain many complex compounds and phytonutrients. High levels of protein content (13% of these berries are protein – higher than whole wheat), and antioxidants are other nutrient highlights. In addition, Goji berries contain Beta-sitosterol, Betaine, and essential fatty acids. With all this nutrition packed into it, it is small wonder that these berries have a great medicinal and health value.

Benefits of Goji Berries

Goji berries have been used in traditional systems of medicine to treat various conditions like anemia, cough and inflammation. It has also been used for improving the immune system, protection of the liver, and improving eyesight. Apart from the curative properties, Goji berry is believed to have a positive effect on the health and wellness of those consuming it, and benefits the user with longevity, increased vitality and sexual prowess.

Elderly patients, who were given Goji berries thrice a week, reported several benefits, including improved sleep, better appetite and recovery of sexual function in some cases.

Antioxidants combat free radicals, which are responsible for damaging cells and DNA, increasing the risk of cancer and aiding the ageing process. The high level of antioxidants in Goji berries ensures that the ageing process is slowed down. It is believed that Goji berries have contributed to the freedom from diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease in the people of Asia who have been consuming this fruit.

About the plant

Goji berry grows in protected valleys with vines reaching up to heights of 4 m. The plant grows in sandy or clay soil conditions under semi shade or no shade. The fruits are never plucked by hand since they are very sensitive and can be spoilt if they are touched by hand at this stage. Instead the fruits are shaken on to a mat and then dried in the shade.

Dosage and consumption details

Goji berries taste somewhat like raisins. They can be taken alone or mixed with other ingredients. Daily dosage could be about 10-30 grams.

The best way to take dried Goji berries is to wash them in water and soak them for a short while, before consuming. You can get it at reasonable prices at most Chinese stores.

Your body was designed to keep you well— that is why you have a system that works exclusively to keep you well. Seeking to enhance this particular system to avoid colds and flu is very natural since you are working with your body’s desire to keep you well and protected. The following descriptions are eight natural tips to help your immune system keep you healthy and well.

Exercise- When you exercise you’re helping to circulate the lymph fluid in your body. Lymph is the liquid component of the immune system that nourishes your cells and carries away fungi and bacteria. Unlike blood, lymph is not circulated except by exercise. Move to give your immune system a boost.

Clean Air- Many viruses and harmful bacteria are in the air. Eliminate them before they get to you. Here is a simple and inexpensive air purifier. Place raw, unpeeled onions in every room of your house to absorb these germs. Although no scientific studies back this theory, those who have tried it report staying well through the cold and flu season. Do not eat the onions! They— not you— are infected.

Eat Right- When thinking how to boost your immune functioning, you know that what you eat is very important. Add a variety of fruits and vegetables to your diet. Eat them raw whenever possible to get the most immune-boosting nutrients. Eat quality protein. Protein is very important in building the cells of your body, including your immune system. Use “whole grain” products as another source of important nutrients.

Eliminate Sugar- It will do you no good to get tons of fresh, colorful, raw vegetables if you still indulge in the dangerous health hazard of sugar. Sugar makes your immune functioning go from full speed, destroying bad fungus and bacteria, to very sluggish. Sugar in your body is almost as bad as sugar in the gas tank of your car. Think about that before you eat your next cupcake.

Vitamins- All vitamins work together, but in different ways, to enhance your body’s immune functions. Choose raw or living vitamins; your body can use these types of vitamins to keep you healthy.

Reward Yourself- Taking care of yourself is an important component in knowing how to boost your immune system. When you’re continually stressed, your immune system is weakened. Do an enjoyable stress-release activity at once a week. Doing something enjoyable for yourself will help strengthen your immunity against disease.

Sleep- Ever wonder why you need sleep? Blame your immune system— it needs rest too! When you deprive yourself of sleep, your immune system goes into overdrive, stressing itself. Sleep deprivation weakens your immunity functions. As often as you can, get your eight-plus hours of sleep each day to help stay well.

Naturopath Doctor- If you still need more help to strengthen your immune system naturally, seek the advice of a ‘natural doctor.’ They can give you natural supplements that will further enhance your immune system. If you feel you really need a flu shot, ask your wellness practitioner about the “natural flu shot.”

Consistently practicing these tips will have you feeling better, looking great and doing more. You may soon have to find another use for your sick days!

Chinese medicine is based on the concept of balance and harmony between “yin” and “yang.” Chinese medicine has a different approach to digestive health.

In Chinese medicine, the liver stores the blood, that is, it regulates the amount of blood in circulation. Hence, the health of the liver is dependent on the sufficiency of blood for nourishment.

Additionally, the spleen, in contrast to Western medicine, also plays a pivotal part in the circulation of “qi” and blood. “Qi” is the internal life energy that courses through the body through the meridians to different organs and parts of the body, thereby instrumental in bringing oxygen and nutrients for nourishment and maintenance of digestive health. Blood is responsible for the circulation of body fluids within the body. Read the rest of this entry »