By focusing on disease, we create anxiety and fear, which itself creates disease by causing stress and disarming the immune system. Instead, by focusing on health, women can move from a position of fear to a position of empowerment.

For the benefit of our beloved womenfolk, I now share vital (from the Latin vitalis “of or belonging to life”) information on staying healthy.

Vital foods

Eat organically-grown foods with vital colors – the bright greens of broccoli and avocados, the bright reds of tomatoes and strawberries, the sunny colours of lemons and pomegranates, the purples of grapes and blackberries. These and many other vegetables and fruits are chock-full of antioxidants and proven anti-cancer agents.

The colorful signals of health-giving nutrients

The rich colors of spices are similar signals of health-giving nutrients and digestive stimulants. According to Ayurveda, strengthening the digestion with spices helps eliminate toxins and optimises absorption of food nutrients. Turmeric and ginger are known anti-cancer spices.

Rosemary and broccoli are known to promote healthy oestrogen over cancer-causing oestrogen, while resveratrol (found in red grapes and wine) blocks harmful oestrogen.

Don’t believe the anti-fats hype, and balance your fat intake with fish oils, olive and flaxseed oils, and saturated fats like butter, ghee (clarified butter) and coconut oil.

Good fats are necessary to nourish the nervous system and our cell membranes, and to prevent inflammations and cancers.

Definitely avoid hydrogenated fats (also called trans-fats) found in many commercial foods – these are artificial fats which wreak havoc with the body’s messaging systems and immune system, and promote uncontrolled cell division in the breasts.

Smart skincare

What you apply on your body goes into your body. Would you eat your detergents, lipstick and skin creams? If not, think twice about applying them. Breast tissue has been found to store many cancer-causing substances found in detergents and skincare.

Use products which are as natural as possible – and use the least possible. Allow your skin to breathe – it is a major organ of elimination.

Regularly soak your bare skin in early morning sunshine, just for 15-20 minutes. Research has found that vitamin D can significantly reduce cancer risk – perhaps by over 50%. What is the cheapest and best source of vitamin D? Sunshine! Plus, it reduces stress and improves mood – further strengthening the immune system.

Become more proactive in demanding safer personal care, cosmetics, and household products for our women, children and men.

Relaxation for breast health

Chronic stress is known to disrupt the immune system – the healthy functioning of which is the key to preventing cancer. My dear women, whether you are mothers or career people, you owe it to yourselves and your loved ones to take time out to relax. Relaxation is the body’s most powerful healing mechanism.

Yoga postures & breathing for relaxation

Yoga postures and breathing, done with awareness, are among the most effective methods of relaxation known – they have been tried and tested over thousands of years. Adopt a daily personal practice, and you will reap many benefits.

Moving lymph

Lymph forms part of the body’s immune and waste-disposal system – and the breasts are surrounded by lymph tissue. Tight bras restrict breathing – and deep breathing is the lymphatic system’s main pump.

Regularly allow the breasts “breathing space” by spending time without a bra. Practice movements like yogic Sun Salutations, emphasising deep in and out breaths. Women with larger breasts can perform more gentle movements.

Another way to move lymph and increase circulation is to get regularly massaged, or perform self-massage as part of your daily routine. When having it done for you, ask for the breast area and underarms to be gently massaged.

Breast self-massage is a much more positive, enjoyable and loving act than anxiety-inducing breast “self-examination”. Use a nourishing oil like warming sesame or cooling coconut – depending on your body type (see Body Types article).

Thermography – the safer testing method

Thermography is a gentle, non-invasive method of detecting early abnormalities which may lead to cancer. It does not expose womens’ breasts to X-rays, which are known to cause cancer – rather it detects changes in the temperature of the breasts.

As cancer is now understood to begin with inflammation, it makes more sense to detect early signs of inflammation, which enables women to proactively take charge of their health with a natural anti-inflammatory regime.

Breast thermography is becoming more available, and there are now a number of centres in New Zealand. Ask Gerald for further information.

Detox and rejuvenate

Breast tissue is fatty, and is a prime target for accumulation of environmental toxins such as pesticides, which can remain for decades. It is advisable that women periodically undergo a detox programme. Research on ayurvedic detox programmes called Panchakarma, have shown that they can significantly clear PCBs and other fat-soluble toxins.

Following detox, Ayurveda considers it essential to support the tissues with diet and herbs that are nourishing, and that offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress and anti-cancer actions. This is Ayurveda’s secret for slowing the ageing process and maintaining optimum health.

Recovering our lost treasure

Last year, I asked the foremost female writer and authority on Ayurveda, Swamini Mayatitananda (formerly Maya Tiwari), what she felt was the essence of breast health. Her message, specially for this ezine article, is this:

“ Over thousands of years we have lost touch with nurturing Mother energy and consciousness. This has resulted in wars, pollution and disrespect for our bodies and for each other.

Breast cancer is a product of that disconnection. Women – as well as men – need to reconnect with the archetypal, primal Mother consciousness.

Awareness is the key, self-awareness gained by pausing our obsessive Doing, and practising the state of Being. ”

The breasts are more than private organs to be stowed away for the most part of the day. The human tragedy is that womens’ breasts have been the subject of shame, guilt and conflicted thinking – both for women and men. Conflicted thinking causes disturbed energy, or Prana; finally causing a disturbance and breakdown in cellular organisation – also known as cancer.

Yet, in truth, breasts are profoundly symbolic organs of femininity and nurturing motherhood. They are the energetic guardians of the heart, of the emotions of bonding and family, of feminine sensuality. To men, they create a deep longing, usually interpreted as sexual attraction. But I believe it is a longing for something more primordial – perhaps the longing for the return of nourishing Mother consciousness on Earth.

My beloved women, may you care for yourselves and stay eternally healthy, and may we share in the return of a nurturing consciousness.

If you feel this article would help someone you know, please share it with them by clicking below!

For a comprehensive breast health programme, have a consultation with Gerald. Call on 0800 23 50 23 or book online.

Copyright Gerald Lopez 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Blue lotus - symbol of the heart chakra

Yoga is a prehistoric science of human physiology and psychology and, perhaps most importantly, of human potential. This practical science was carefully handed down through lineages of teachers; and from time to time, was written down in cryptic verses, called Tantras. In the 20th century, one of the most outstanding and radical yoga teachers, Swami Satyananda Saraswati, rediscovered yoga nidra among these tantras, simplified it, and made it accessible to the modern world. He had become fascinated by the technique of yoga nidra when he discovered that one could learn vast amounts of information while being exposed to it during sleep. In this way he taught a young boy scriptures like the Bible, Upanishads, and Srimad Bhagavatam; and three languages, in the space of two years. Since then, much research has been done, and much has been discovered about the potential benefits of yoga nidra.

The stages of yoga nidra

Yoga nidra is a form of guided imagery relaxation; a technique of achieving deep mental, emotional and physical relaxation. Such a level of relaxation offers many benefits – some of them scientifically verified – which have been experienced by practitioners through the ages. It is a form of relaxation which allows the body to resume its functional balance, or homeostasis. This state of balance enables the body to re-coordinate the many trillions of individual activities it performs every second; especially important after periods of stress, which have been found to adversely affect this balance and coordination. Thus, yoga nidra is a powerful technique to maintain and increase good health; and to assist the healing process during and after illness or surgery.

Releasing the emotional knots

Yoga nidra moderates the emotions in two main ways. Firstly, relaxation and release from stress allow the flushing and reducing of the chemicals that cause emotions (read The Molecules of Emotion by Candace Pert). Scientists are now telling us that excessive amount of emotion chemicals in the body – apart from being addictive – actually deprive our cells of nutrients. So, moderating emotions through relaxation will allow our tissues to be better nourished.

Secondly, yoga nidra gives us the opportunity to release emotional knots, while maintaining objectivity and equanimity. This gives us the experience of stepping back from the emotions, rather than identifying with them and being swept along by them. Objectivity defuses extreme emotions, so we can eventually become independent of them. This is not to say we become emotionless – rather we can more effectively maintain contentment in spite of the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune!

Relaxing the mind

Possibly the most important effect of yoga nidra is on the mind. Yoga nidra diverts our mind from its everyday frivolous activity – its tendency to free-associate from one idea to another, rather like surfing the Internet! This activity is actually tiring, but again, addictive – we find it so hard to focus on what we need to do, so hard to let go of these streams of thoughts.

Also, when we are under stress, we tend to go over the stressful events again and again in our mind, actually flooding the body with more stress and emotion chemicals. This chemical treadmill often continues until the body breaks down in protest and becomes ill. The process of mental diversion and withdrawal from the senses – called pratayahara in Sanskrit – is the key to achieving complete mental relaxation and emotional health.

Power napping – the high achiever’s secret

We often tell ourselves we are too busy to take time out to relax – this is actually the time when we most need it! Mental relaxation helps us to focus much better, and maintain a broader perspective, enabling us to solve problems more efficiently. Try doing a short yoga nidra when you are stuck trying to solve a problem. It is reported that Napoleon Bonaparte would do this in the middle of battle, by retiring to his tent for a while – then coming out and leading his army to victory.

A 10-minute power nap is also the fastest way to rest and recharge the body if you are feeling tired. Try one of Gerald’s relaxation audio tracks for a quick recovery from mental and physical overload. This is great in the middle of the day, or can also be used just before bed for high-quality sleep.

Learning and changing mental habits

Swami Satyananda rediscovered yoga nidra through its ability to increase learning ability. Mental relaxation allows the mind to comprehend information more easily, absorb it faster, and retain and recall it better. Yoga nidra can be used to learn languages, remember certain points of a topic, or to absorb a whole text or scripture.

Yoga nidra enables the mind to release its intellectual state, and achieve a more receptive state. This is very useful for changing mental patterns and habits. By using a positive mental affirmation, or resolve, daily for several weeks, people have achieved significant changes in their lives.

Achieving human potential

According to yoga, mental relaxation enables us to increase our self-awareness and achieve full human potential. Our daily thoughts are like swirling sand muddying up a pond. By allowing the sand to settle, we can then see clearly to its depths. The same applies to our consciousness – as our mind quietens down, the deeper layers of our self reveal themselves, allowing us greater understanding and acceptance. We then begin to realise our place in the scheme of life; we can then shed our fears and find a deep sense of contentment. The ultimate goal in yoga is the realisation of the essential self:

“Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind. Then the seer becomes established in
his/her own essential nature. Otherwise there continues identification with the mental
fluctuations.” – Patanjali (c. 500 BCE)

General guidelines

Yoga nidra is most effective when done regularly, especially if you want to achieve a desired result. Try it once daily for at least a month – if you are seriously ill, then do it more often. Good times are first thing in the morning, mid-afternoon, or before going to sleep at night.

Make sure you have a comfortable environment. You may need to cover yourself as body temperature does drop. It is better to lie on the floor rather than on a soft bed, unless you are ill.

Try not to do yoga nidra just after eating. Allow a couple of hours after a main meal, or an hour after a light meal.

Do some gentle stretches first – or a few rounds of Sun Salute – to release energy. Then some deep, long breaths with full awareness of the movement of the breath.

Get a yoga nidra soundtrack from Science of Life!

The easiest way to experience the benefits of yoga nidra is to download an MP3 audio track. Gerald Lopez has recorded a variety to choose from, available for purchase at our online store.

Stress creates the opportunity for growth – physically and mentally. The important point is that periods of stress must be followed by periods of recovery for growth to occur – otherwise, instead, there is damage or burnout. This is the principle that is used in world-class athletic training – and can be applied to all aspects of life.

Burning the candle at one end…

In the 21st century, we find ourselves burning the candle at both ends. We have increasingly-plentiful causes of stress, for example:

• more changes in life – in jobs, homes, locations, friends and colleagues
• more brain stimulation – ads, tv, news, email, computers
• more electromagnetic stimulation – radio waves, microwaves, house appliance electromagnetic forces
• more body challenges – chemicals, poor food choices, stimulants, drugs (even medicines!)
• social challenges – raising families in isolation, immigration, urban living
• economic challenges – “recessions”, corporate restructuring, higher costs of living

Then at the other…

Yet we have less opportunities for recovery, such as “time out” after work, silence, family time and support, etc.

The problem is, when we are stressed we start “coping” – we accept higher and higher levels of stress. Then – too late – we reach a tipping point when we definitely “feel stressed out”, or worse, “burned out.” Even worse still, our bodies can break down with diseases like inflammation (heart attacks, arthritis), autoimmune disorders, or cancer.

This happened to me two years ago: all the signs of stress were there, and I ignored them. Then my left eye became completely inflamed and I lost my sight. Six months later the retina detached, needing emergency surgery. After two years, my eyesight has not yet recovered. How many people are paying the price for ignoring the symptoms and signs of stress?

I see this every day: a little prevention is better than a huge amount of cure.

The signs of stress

Here are some signs of stress:

• feelings of anxiety and reduce ability to cope – often feeling overwhelmed
• pain or tightness in the shoulders, neck or other places; headaches
• digestive problems, increased cravings and need for stimulants
• raised blood pressure, palpitations
• increased frequency and duration of colds and flus
• impaired sexual function
• fatigue, lethargy, poor sleep
• irritability, impatience, not having “enough time” – especially for relaxation

Unmanaged stress is a serious condition. As a health practitioner seeing so many victims of unmanaged stress – including myself – my sincere advice to all of you is: Have a stress management plan – it could save your life, and possibly the lives of others as well.

I often see overhwelmed mothers who feel they can’t take time out because of their children. They become tired, sick, and miserable; and then they snap at the kids. What model of healthy, sensible, organised lifestyle are they teaching their children? I have offered free massages and treatments to these women – and still they didn’t come!

Read this carefully:

A sure sign of stress is when you feel you don’t have the time to do something to manage it!

If you didn’t get it the first time, please read it again.

Stress nutrition

For a start do what the ancients have always done: stop what you are doing, and sit down properly for meals. A meal is an important event – and not an opportunity to fill a hole on the run. Consciously wind down before eating, and you will experience improved digestion, better resistance to stress, and improved mood.

Eat meals made from fresh, wholesome ingredients. Avoid processed foods and high-sugar foods. Increase colourful vegetables and fruits. Cut down on coffee, cola drinks, and alcohol.

Good eating habits, and nutritious foods, not only promote relaxation rituals to counterbalance stress during the day. They also provide the essential ingredients for your body to deal with stress efficiently.

Relaxation is the opposite of…

You got it! Nature’s remedy for stress is proper relaxation! This does not mean beers at the pub, or Martinis in front of the tv; nor gossiping with the girlfriends, or surfing the ‘Net (except for reading a page like this one!).

Proper relaxation involves turning your attention inwards – to yourself. How often do you do this?

There are thousands of relaxation techniques for stress relief. It doesn’t really matter which techniques you use; what matters is increasing self-awareness and consciously relaxing the body, emotions and mind. One of the profoundest, most systematic and most comprehensive methods for doing this is the science of Yoga.

Here is a powerful relaxation tip:

1. Sit comfortably with the spine upright, chest open, eyes and mouth shut.
2. Become aware of the natural flow of breath through the nostrils.
3. Deepen the breath and follow it in and out for several minutes.

Deep relaxation

After many years of “coping” with stress, it may take many people quite a while before they can recover a true sense of relaxation. Deep relaxation is a feeling of complete letting go, and of stillness of mind and body. It is at this point that a natural sense of serenity and joy resurfaces. It is at this point that the body can rebalance itself – and repair and regenerate itself.

Most people nowadays need to be guided towards deep relaxation. They need to be led to a space where they are reminded of what it feels like to be deeply, truly relaxed.

For people with serious illnesses like cancer, hypertension and depression, deep relaxation can offer them the best chance for healing, in whatever way is appropriate for them.

We can guide you

At Science of Life, we have created an amazingly effective programme to manage stress and allow you to lead a more productive, healthy, joyful, fulfilling life – for the whole of your life. We know how frustratingly difficult it can be to manage stress by yourself – and manage it you must.

After an in-depth consultation, we offer a programme of time-tested, synergistic tools to help you achieve deep relaxation, recover from chronic stress, and henceforth skilfully manage your stress as part of a healthy lifestyle.

The programme may include:

• diet and lifestyle recommendations
• traditional herbs for stress-adaptation, mental relaxation, improved sleep, and rejuvenating the tissues
• massage and body therapies to induce deep relaxation and improve health
• training in Yoga exercises, breathing techniques, meditation and guided relaxation
• Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES), an effective and safe microcurrent technology
• counseling and mental tools to reshape your beliefs around “stressful” factors

Stress management is the key to growth

As I said earlier, stress is the key to growth on all levels. It provides the opportunity to stretch your limits, to strengthen your muscles, to discover yourself. In the ancient Sanskrit writings it was described as Tapas, the fire that tempered the steel of your mind, to amazing sharpness and strength.

By managing stress in an organised way, you will come to see obstacles as challenges rather than as “problems” – in fact you will welcome them for the gift they bring. This is an incredibly empowering shift of consciousness. In a flash you will no longer see life as a series of fatalistic stressful events; but as a glorious journey of growth and creativity.

At Science of Life, we consider it a privilege to assist people achieve this shift in consciousness. In the future, I plan to offer more material to guide and inspire you in this process of transforming stress.

In the meantime, to find out more about the Science of Life Stress Management Programme, email us or call on 0800 23 50 23.

Copyright Gerald Lopez 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Ueshiba founder of Aikido

When I was practising Aikido in the 80s and 90s, I often had direct experience of the power of ki. We learned how to cultivate our own ki; and how to sense and direct an attacker’s ki in order to throw the attacker in a variety of spectacular ways. I met elderly people who had practised extending their ki for several years – they were immensely powerful, yet infinitely gentle. Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, practised and taught well into his nineties; in fact until the day he died.

Prana – or Qi or Ki – offer something very exciting for society. The current paradigm is that people get old, weak, diseased, decrepit – and die. We see senior citizens sitting around, exchanging notes about their disabilities and failing health. As they sit around, their health does get worse, because immobility causes stagnation and complications. But this need not be.

The reason for the sad state of our elderly, is our supposedly scientific idea that only that which is measurable exists. Hence only the physical body is real – and concepts of subtle energy are illusory. For those who have plumbed the depths of aikido, tai qi and yoga, this is nonsense. These practitioners have experienced subtle energy, they know it does exist.

So, if we live depending solely on our physical body, we have nothing else to rely on when we age. We become weak and incapacitated. If we practise an art that cultivates subtle energy, such as yoga, we tap into another source of energy – an energy which does not diminish with age, but which can increase, affording us even greater faculties in our mature years.

Open your mind to the concept of prana. When you breathe, visualise yourself drawing in fresh universal prana that envigorates the body. When you move, become aware of the lines and movements of energy in the body. Freely offer your energy to people who need help or need healing.

By doing this regularly, you will start sensing the flow of prana; your awareness will become more subtle; your practice of yoga – or whatever art – will become softer, more stable, and more powerful.

This is the paradox as taught by my aikido teacher, Sensei Kenneth Williams: the more relaxed you become, the softer you get, the more your inherent, natural power is released – the paradox of performing great feats by letting go of your ego.