More than a decade of welcoming guests to Sanoviv has deepened our knowledge of the critically important mind body connection.  Sanoviv’s Chief of Psychology, Jonas Chong, brings that body of knowledge, his extensive training, and a welcoming, gentle teaching style to the March 2012 Sanoviv Webinar.  Learn more about Jonas here:  http://www.sanoviv.com/about-sanoviv/professional-bios.html#Chong

During “The Role of Relaxation in Health and Healing”, Jonas will share his wisdom, stories from our guests, and techniques to incorporate relaxation and stress reduction into your life – with a focus on improving and maintaining good health.

Sanoviv Medical Institute offers monthly webinars, at no cost, to anyone who would like to join.  Mark your calendars for the second Wednesday of every month at 12 noon Pacific Time, 3 pm Eastern Time.

For the Live Meeting Webcast     – Go to  https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/8000055450/join?id=3GZ6TF&role=attend

        If it is your first time, please download the software by clicking “Accept, Install & Join” (NOT web console).        Then put in your name and click “Connect”.

These webinars are not available for replay on the web.

I recently received an email from one of my favorite people on the planet, Deanna Waters.  Deanna and Dave (click here to link to their blog) received forwarded information from an unnamed ”cardiac specialist” which listed the ‘correct’ times to drink water.  So we put the question to Sue Ward, Certified Nutritionist, and here’s what she recommends:

• 1 glass of water upon rising (we recommend room temperature water with the juice of 1/2 a fresh lemon with a few shakes of cayenne pepper)
• Plenty of water throughout the day (especially in hot weather or when exercising)
• Limit water with meals (too much water with a meal or too close to a meal may interfere with or dilute digestive enzymes)

The bottom line is, not enough water will always be a problem to all body systems.  Chronic dehydration is a big problem.  It is MUCH more important to be sure you take in enough water than it is to worry about scheduling drinks at a specific time.

We also recommend drinking pure water (filtered tap water is our first choice) and a Reverse Osmosis filter would be a good choice (be sure to add ¼ teaspoon of Unrefined Celtic Salt or Himalayan salt per gallon to put back some essential minerals).

Drinking bottled water?  Read our thoughts on bottled water here:  http://sanovivblog.com/2011/02/19/460/

 And for those of you who read your way to good health, we recommend Your Body’s Many Cries for Water by Dr.  Batmanghelidj.

Tennis balls are for more than fetching!

Pain relief can be as simple and inexpensive as knowing how to use tennis balls to ease tension and trigger points.  Ballerinas have long been known to carry tennis balls with them for those occasions when they need help fast.  The balls can be used to effectively relieve muscle spasms before a rehearsal or a big event.  You, too, can make use of tennis balls with a few simple tips and techniques.

Sometimes referred to as Tennis Ball Therapy, tennis balls can be used to ease everything from relieving the pain of sciatica to breaking down scar tissue and adhesions.  The user controls the amount of pressure applied by slowly shifting weight onto the ball. Find trigger points in this way, using moderate force to compress each painful spot for 15 to 20 seconds before moving on to the next.  You can use the floor or the wall for support as you zero in on areas of tightness.  Remember to breathe deeply and shift your body slightly as you work on the targeted area.

Repetitive motions can cause tight muscles.  Sitting at a desk and driving can cause muscles to shorten and tension to form.  Taking a break with tennis ball therapy can help to loosen those areas, providing pain relief and increased blood flow. Whether it’s your neck, shoulder, back or glutes, just ten minutes to relieve some tension can greatly improve the rest of your day.

Many people who suffer from chronic pain have been helped at Sanoviv through our Medical Program.  Learn more here:  http://sanoviv.com/medical-services/programs/medical.html

Stretching at all ages is invigorating and healthful

“Stretching… You do it when you wake up in the morning. Baseball fans do it in the seventh inning. Animals do it after a nap. There’s nothing like a good stretch. It’s normal, it’s natural, and it feels great. And more and more people are discovering that stretching is also great for them.” ~ The Stretch Deck

Why stretch? The first thought that usually comes to mind is improving flexibility. Whether due to tension, habitual postures, or aging, tight muscles can decrease your range of motion and lead to imbalance. Stretching can improve these conditions and lead to better coordination and relaxation.

Stretching is easy and can be done by anyone. It requires no special equipment and can be done virtually anywhere. We all know that athletes stretch, but anyone can suffer from tight muscles. Whether you sit at a desk, or stand on your feet all day, stretching can ease your stiff muscles and prevent or relieve repetitive injuries.

Always begin your stretching  by warming up for several minutes. There are many wonderful books and DVDs that can outline stretching routines for everyone from the novice to the advanced practitioner. Stretch until you feel a gentle pull. If you feel pain, you are doing too much! Overdoing it will actually cause your muscles to tighten and can lead to muscle tearing. The opposite of what you are working toward.

Breathing is also important when stretching. Inhaling into the stretch helps to oxygenate the muscles as they are elongated. Always check with your physician before beginning any exercise program. If at any point you feel pain or discomfort STOP! Stretching can bring you increased mobility, better sleep and overall better range of motion. Make an effort to fit it into your daily routine and you will be pleased with the benefits.

Every guest stretches daily at Sanoviv Medical Institute.  Join us for your heart and your health.  Learn more here:  http://sanoviv.com/become-guest.html

Dr. Lanzagorta helping a future Sanoviv guest understand the marvels of good health

Nine months after her Stage 4 Lung Cancer Diagnosis, Stephanie Deasy and her sons completed a triathlon.

As the world recognizes World Cancer Day today, join all of us at Sanoviv in honoring the work that has been done to date everyone who has been affected by cancer:  people living with it, people whose lives have ended because of it, people whose loved ones have been touched by cancer, everyone in the health care field who cares for people living with cancer with the intention of improving their lives, researchers, people who raise money for research, medical care, and respite – and so many more.  It is not a stretch to say that cancer has touched nearly everyone worldwide in some way.

The theme this year is “Together it is possible”.  At Sanoviv, we interpret this as integrative medicine.  Together, our medical team learns about you and recommends the best approach.  Together, your doctor works with you to identify changes you need to make as well as choices in optimal medical treatments.  Together, you and your loved ones adapt to a new way of living, thinking, and often just breathing.

In honor of World Cancer Day, the video testimonials below tell the story of some of our guests who have encountered cancer.  Every story is different, just as every person is an individual.  May you or someone you care for find information and comfort in these stories.

Bladder Cancer http://www.sanoviv.com/testimonials/BobHoughton.html

Breast Cancer http://www.sanoviv.com/testimonials/MichelleHatch.html

Lung Cancer  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luyVByCt5fQ

Lymphoma  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09EVndiwcIs

Melanoma (metastasized)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uPWZr_TpA0

Prostate Cancer   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlRSKwu7raU

Post Radiation Recovery  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KHjcsOYp70

Curious about Sanoviv’s approach to cancer?  Learn more here and call today for a free consult with one of our treating physicians to learn if Sanoviv Medical Institute is the right place for you.  http://sanoviv.com/medical-services/programs/holistic-oncotherapy.html

Sanoviv's organic garden

We all know that organic foods are healthier for us but very few of us can afford to go 100% organic overnight. We wonder where to begin and if it’s an all or nothing proposition.

Luckily there are some easy guidelines that can help you get started. According to the Environmental Working Group there are two lists that can help you make decisions when buying fresh fruits and vegetables. The first list is commonly referred to as The Dirty Dozen. These are the fruits and vegetables that are the most heavily sprayed and highest in pesticide residue. Every effort should be made to buy the organic version of the following fruits and vegetables:

· Apples

· Celery

· Strawberries

· Peaches

· Spinach

· Nectarines- imported

· Grapes- imported

· Sweet Bell Pepper

· Potatoes

· Blueberries- domestic

· Lettuce

· Kale/Collard Greens

You can significantly lower your exposure to pesticides by avoiding the non-organic produce on this list.  The second list is called The Clean Fifteen.  These are the fruits and vegetables lowest in pesticides:

· Onions

· Sweet Corn

· Pineapples

· Avocado

· Sweet Peas

· Mangoes

· Eggplant

· Cantaloupe- domestic

· Kiwi

· Cabbage

· Watermelon

· Sweet Potatoes

· Grapefruit

· Mushrooms

At Sanoviv, we serve only organic vegetables and meat.  You are welcome to join us for a week of detox no matter how healthy you may be!  Learn more about our MedSpa Detox program here:

http://www.sanoviv.com/protocolos/MedspaDetox.pdf

Keep these lists handy when shopping for produce!

Lymphatic massage gets healthy waves flowing inside your body.

Imagine a treatment that could improve your immune system, make your skin look fresh, reduce swelling in your ankles, lessen feelings of anxiety and depression and stimulate your immune system. Sounds like a dream come true, doesn’t it? Fear not, such a treatment actually exists.  It’s called lymphatic massage.

Lymphatic massage uses a light touch to improve the functioning of the lymphatic system. It is also called Manual Lymphatic Massage or Lymphatic Drainage Massage and has been used since the 1930′s to treat a number of health conditions. A healthy lymphatic system is crucial to the functioning of a healthy body. Blockages can occur in the lymph system. This can be due to surgery, poor diet, lack of exercise, fatigue or certain medications.

The lymphatic system is a complex network of tissues, organs and vessels. It is responsible for transporting a watery fluid called lymph that protects the body from viruses and other infections. It also flushes out toxins and unwanted waste. If the lymphatic system is not working properly it can lead to swelling, headaches, fatigue, joint pain, cramps, frequent infections and fluid retention.

Lymphatic massage can be especially helpful during breast cancer treatment. It can help reduce pain and swelling and improve the function of healthy breast tissue.  Fibromyalgia patients have also seen improvement from this form of treatment.

So what should you expect from the massage itself?  Often our Sanoviv guests wonder if they are receiving any benefit at all because the touch is so light. Do not be fooled! It is this light, circular, rhythmic movement that helps to stimulate the lymphatic system and increases the flow of lymph in order to release blockages. The overall experience should be one of gentle relaxation, leaving you with a sense of well-being. Sometimes only one treatment is needed. For example, someone coming down with a cold might choose to get a lymphatic massage to assist their body in hastening the healing process. A series of massages might be indicated for someone who is having surgery. Before surgery it helps to ensure a healthy lymph system. After surgery it can help reduce swelling and scarring.

With so many applications and benefits, Lymphatic Massage can be considered a go-to treatment whenever you want to give your immune system a little boost. After all, a healthy lymph system is one of the foundations of overall good health.

Wednesday, January 11 10 am Pacific Time, 1 pm Eastern.

Join Sanoviv’s Dr. Danielle Aguiniga for an intriguing look at neural therapy, an integrative way of treating chronic pain and other inflammatory issues.  Dra. Aguiniga has recently finished extensive training in neural therapy.  Learn about the many beneficial effects of this treatment, as well as why Sanoviv uses neural therapy in both our medical and dental approaches to optimal health.

Learn more about Dr. Danielle here:  http://www.sanoviv.com/about-sanoviv/professional-bios.html#Aguiniga

For the Live Meeting Webcast, go to: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/8000055450/join?id=5KN8K4&role=attend&pw=F%5C%21%3D6%24c

This link will work only on the day of the event.

If it is your first time, please download the software by clicking “Accept, Install & Join” (NOT web console). Then put in your name and click “Connect”.

At this time we do not have the ability to replay the webinar.  We hope you will find the time to join us in person.

Join Sanoviv’s own Dr. Isaac Meza for an informative overview of how to take care of your heart by taking care of your entire body.  “Keep the Beat Going” will be presented Wednesday, December 14, at 10 am PT, 1 pm ET.  This webcast is free and open to everyone.

Dr. Meza is extremely knowledgeable about heart health and will present findings from the latest research on different healing modalities to support your heart – and the rest of your life! 

For the Live Meeting Webcast
- Go to https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/8000055450/join?id=K6BMT8&role=attend&pw=G%27_qW3W
( The link works only on the day of event)

If it is your first time, please download the software by clicking “Accept, Install & Join” (NOT web console). Then put in your name and click “Connect”.

At this time we do not have the ability to replay the webinar.  We hope you will find the time to join us in person.