Ageing
It happens to us all and many a joke is made about health problems as we age. However growing old is no laughing matter if we are limited in some way and we loose our independence.
What is ageing?
Ageing is the state of our bodies physiologically and chronologically. They are not always the same. Depending on how well we look after our bodies with diet, exercise, and assuming that we have chosen our parents for their strong constitution and ability to grow old, we could be fighting fit for many years. However some people are old before their time.
Others like World Record holder and veteran athlete Ruth Frith who turned 100 years old this year (2009), are spry, active and mentally alert. Ruth exercises two hours daily in the early mornings along with her daughter Gold Medallist Pentathlon champion Helen Searle.
They are both an excellent example of what can be achieved with dedication, focus and commitment. And using the best of alternative health care as I treated them both for over 30 years till they moved to warmer Brisbane.
Average life expectancy has increased dramatically in the last half century, our quality of life due to chronic degenerative diseases has been greatly affected. Most of us can look forward to suffering from heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, dementia, arthritis, macular degeneration, and the list goes on …unless we literally attack the underlying cause of most of these diseases – oxidative stress
We are not concerned with the number of years we are to live but to the quality of life in those years. Most people will agree that their main objective is to live until they die.
So preventative care is the more important objective. I encourage my patients to eat well, exercise consistently to an individual program that suits you and is fun, and to take high quality nutritional supplements.
My unique position is my knowledge of so many modalities in the healing field. These studies help me to assess which therapy is the right one for you. You have choices in healing techniques. If you know of alternate therapies, then you can make an informed choice.
Have regular medical check-ups so nothing is a surprise. Resolve emotional issues by counselling. Don’t hold on to old stressful memories.
WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU?
All the therapies recommended here. The challenges of ageing.
A good constitution is a must. Genetics play a role. Here are some of the conditions likely to affect us as we age and some recommended therapies:
| Conditions: | Treatable with: |
| Anxiety | Hypnosis- Vit B complex - Acupuncture |
| Arthritis | Salads and Vegetables - Take out sugar - Add Glucosamine |
| Asthma, Emphysema, Pneumonia | Moxibustion - Homoeopathy |
| High/Low Blood pressure | Acupuncture - Diet |
| Bronchitis, Influenza, Sinusitis | Osteopathy - Moxibustion |
| High Cholesterol, Hardening of the Arteries | Diet - Chinese herbs |
| Chilblains, Cold feet, Poor circulation | Acupuncture |
| Constipation | Aloe Vera - Linseed Diet - Exercise - Colonics - Acupuncture |
| Depression | Counselling - Diet - Exercise - Hypnosis |
| Digestive problems: eg acidity, flatulence | Enzymes - Diet - Osteopathy |
| Old Fractures | Acupuncture |
| Grief, Sadness | Counselling - Homoeopathy |
| Heart problems | Acupuncture Counselling - Diet |
| Immunity | Osteopathy - Acupuncture - Vitamins & Minerals |
| Insomnia and sleep related issues | Hypnosis - Counselling -Acupuncture - Diet -Herbs |
| Operation scars | Acupuncture |
| Osteoporosis | Diet - Homoeopathy |
| Skin blemishes | Liver detox - Bowel cleansing - Minerals - EFT |
| Sore throats | Osteopathy - Homoeopathy |
| Tension and stress | Acupuncture - Osteopathy |
Physical ailments:
Chiropractic and Osteopathy for soft tissue injuries and sprains.
Massage and Lymphatic drainage.
Raise your immunity by Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy, diet, exercise.
Exercise: Use it or lose it is the adage. Exercise to the peak of enjoyment not to the limits of endurance. Swim. Walk. Dance. All to your own capacity and desire.
Use Delacotta exercises for coordination and Feldenkrais for flexibility.
foot reflexology to ease pain in other parts of your body relating to feet points.
Nutrition:
Remember most Osteo-arthritis was stimulated by hormone changes at menopause;
Sugar is not good for you in its refined state; Take Glucosamine /chondroitin tablets. (if you are not allergic to fish foods). Eat low GI foods.
Use Homoeopathy/acupuncture, both work well for any condition.
Clean up your systems by having:>
clean air (no smoking)
pure water (water purifiers)
wholesome food (no allergenic substances)
efficient elimination
drink adequate fluids
good sleep ( set your internal clock); Self-Hypnosis
a happy attitude (what about a pet for a companion?)
Vitamins
Vit A: mucous membranes (stores in body. Don't overdose in summer time) , If you suffer SAD disease( get depressed in certain times of the year especially after winter) ask for a blood test.
Vit C: fights infection (careful of upping dose and reducing dose: do it carefully to bowel tolerance.)
Vit E: Elasticity of tissues (dosage) Slowly up as raises blood pressure initially.
Good advise from Lady Cilento: Eat little often. Grazing. Protein snacks. Watch for high blood sugar. No fast blood sugar drop in afternoon. Check for diabetes. Check for Allergies to Milk and Wheat.
Zinc (pumpkin seeds and oysters or tablets)
Herbs:
Echinacea for immunity
Ginseng tea. for circulation
Fenugreek tea to break phlegm
Ginger for warmth in winter
How important is laughter in a long and happy life? Very.
What happens when we laugh? We:
* Breathe deeper.
* Our temperature rises.
* Circulation improves
* Our blood pressure eventually reduces
* Stimulate the happy hormones
* Reduce pain
* Relax our muscles
LAUGHTER IS AN INDICATOR OF OUR MENTAL HEALTH.
Remember: You don't stop laughing because you grow old, You grow old because you stop laughing.
