Healing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 2005, Volume 5, No. 12

 

We are part of a vast world.
 

              What is our place in this amazing cosmos?

 

STAR-FORMING REGION RCW38
IN THE MILKY WAY
 

When we walk to the edge of all the light we have and take a step into the darkness of the unknown, we must believe one of two things will happen - there will be something SOLID for us to stand on or we will be taught how to fly.

                                    --Patrick Overton

 

  

Photo Credits: ESO PR Photo 46b/98
  

 

This photo displays a spectacular three-color composite image of RCW38 , obtained through three near-infrared filters. This is a region in the Milky Way at a distance of about 5,000 light years, where stars which have recently formed in clouds of gas and dust are still heavily obscured and cannot be observed in the visible part of the spectrum. However, they are very well seen at infrared wavelengths. The diffuse radiation is a mixture of starlight scattered by the dust and gas in the area, plus atomic and molecular hydrogen line emission.

 

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***STUDIES and PROGRESS NOTES***
 
** SPIRITUAL AWARENESS AND HEALING **

*External* *bioenergy* (EBE, energy emitted from a human body) has been shown to increase intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i, an important factor in signal transduction) and regulate the cellular response to heat stress in cultured human lymphoid Jurkat T cells. In this study, we wanted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. A *bioenergy* specialist emitted *bioenergy* sequentially toward tubes of cultured Jurkat T cells for one 15-minute period in buffers containing different ion compositions or different concentrations of inhibitors. [Ca2+], was measured spectrofluorometrically using the fluorescent probe fura-2. The resting [Ca2+]i in Jurkat T cells was 70 +/- 3 nM (n = 130) in the normal buffer. Removal of *external* calcium decreased the resting [Ca2+]i to 52 +/- 2 nM (n = 23), indicating that Ca2+ entry from the *external* source is important for maintaining the basal level of [Ca2+]i. Treatment of Jurkat T cells with EBE for 15 min increased [Ca2+]i by 30 +/- 5% (P < 0.05, Student t-test).

The distance between the *bioenergy* specialist and Jurkat T cells and repetitive treatments of EBE did not attenuate [Ca2+]i responsiveness to EBE. Removal of *external* Ca2+ or Na+, but not Mg2+, inhibited the EBE-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. Dichlorobenzamil, an inhibitor of Na+/Ca2+ exchangers, also inhibited the EBE-induced increase in [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 of 0.11 +/- 0.02 nM. When *external* [K+] was increased from 4.5 mM to 25 mM, EBE decreased [Ca2+]i. The EBE-induced increase was also blocked by verapamil, an L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel blocker. These results suggest that the EBE-induced [Ca2+]i increase may serve as an objective means for assessing and validating *bioenergy* effects and those specialists claiming *bioenergy* capability. The increase in [Ca2+]i is mediated by activation of Na+/Ca2+ exchangers and opening of L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels.

Source: Kiang JG; Ives JA; Jonas WB. External "bioenergy"-induced increases in intracellular free calcium concentrations are mediated by Na+/Ca2+ exchanger and L-type calcium channel. Mol Cell Biochem 2005 Mar; 271(1-2):51-9*   

IJHC-WHR Observations:
This is an important study. In addition to confirming a biological effect of spiritual healing (identified here as 'bioenergy healing'), this may provide a way to confirm that someone who claims to be a healer actually has healing abilities. Much further research will be needed before this becomes possible. Various healing effects must be confirmed: 1. that spiritual healing regularly produces this effect -- not just with this healer but with other healers; 2. that healing does not occur without this effect. I would predict that (2) will not prove true, based on the wide variability between healers in methods and results, as reviewed in Healing Research, V1, Popular Edition (see 'BOOKS' below).


 ** FUTURE RESEARCH IN SPIRITUAL AWARENESS AND HEALING **

The effects of healing on intracellular calcium is an interesting observation. Further research will be needed to clarify whether this is a repeatable effect; whether this is an effect observed with all healers or specific to the healer who was studied in this experiment; and whether there are healers who produce other measurable healing effects but do not produce this effect. In addition, it will be interesting to see whether this is specific to these particular cells or can be observed in other cells as well.


The IJHC/WHR Newsletter features monthly suggestions for future research in healing.
READERS ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT SUGGESTIONS FOR TOPICS TO STUDY
If your topic is chosen, you ill receive free access to the IJHC for a month, including the current issue and all back issues.

Suggestion for this month:

Confirming the effects of healing on calcium
     Considering the research described above:
    The effects of healing on intracellular calcium is an interesting observation. Further research will be needed to clarify whether this is a repeatable effect; whether this is an effect observed with all healers or specific to the healer who was studied in this experiment; and whether there are healers who produce other measurable healing effects but do not produce this effect. In addition, it will be interesting to see whether this is specific to these particular cells or can be observed in other cells as well.

 
** WHOLISTIC APPROACHES **   
Following a heart attack there is a 15 percent risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
   A vicious cycle may result, as the PTSD following heart attacks may add to the stresses that can compromise a person's future cardiac heath.
This report covers 25 studies, finding that PTSD was identified in zero to 38 percent of patients.
Source: Spindler H, Pedersen SS. Posttraumatic stress disorder in the wake of heart disease: prevalence, risk factors, and future research directions. Psychosomatic Medicine 2005, 67(5).
http://www.psychosomaticmedicine.org/cgi/content/abstract/67/5/715?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&author1=Spindler+H++&author2=Pedersen&searchid=1129330498419_1102&stored_search=&FIRSTINDEX=0&fdate=8/1/2005&journalcode=psychmed 
IJHC-WHR Observations:
    There are many wholistic treatments available for treating stress, including: relaxation, meditation, imagery, breathing, WHEE, yoga and more.


Gene found related to hair loss
"Researchers found it was possible to re-grow fur on bald mice by correcting a gene mutation, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reportedÉ
The so-called hairless gene works by repressing the production of a protein called wise, which can hinder the process of hair growth if it is left to accumulate.
Half of men suffer from baldness by the age of 50 although there are a variety of different causes of which this gene mutation is just one."
Sources:
Easy reading version: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4283302.stm
Technical version: Gerard M. J. et al. Hairless triggers reactivation of hair growth by promoting Wnt signaling,   Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 10.1073/pnas.0507609102
http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/abstract/0507609102v1?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=Catherine+Thompson&searchid=1128220725250_5024&stored_search=&FIRSTINDEX=0&journalcode=pnas
IJHC-WHR Observations:
It would be a blessing to many if this discovery in mice can be transferred to humans, though it is still too early to know if this promising research will bear such fruit.

 ** COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES **
Abstract
A Yogi master was psychophysiologically monitored while he pierced his neck and tongue with skewers to demonstrate control of pain and bleeding. Measurements included respiration rate (RR), heart rate (HR), diaphragmatic and thoracic breathing, electrodermal activity (EDA) and electroencephalography (EEG) from Cz and Fz. The Yogi reported no pain during piercing and no bleeding was observed. In general he had elevated HR and low unresponsive EDA throughout the session. His respiration rate averaged 7 brpm during the slow breathing meditation prior to and following the piercing but elevated to approximately 25 breaths per minute during piercing. His EEG showed predominate alpha of 10 Hz during meditation. Alpha, sensory motor rhythm (SMR), and beta elevated at Cz during piercing with no change in delta or theta. Alpha and beta elevated at Fz during piercing with no change in SMR, delta or theta. While he stayed in alpha during the piercing, there was a broader range of alpha activation ranging from 10 to 14 Hz. This demonstration suggests a finding of conscious self-regulation, as opposed to disassociation, for controlling attention and responsiveness to painful stimuli. It could be hypothesized that clients with chronic pain could be taught how to control pain using the mind/body in a similar manner.
Source: Peper, Erik/ Wilson, Vietta Sue/ Kawakami, Mitsumasa/ Sata, Misa. The physiological correlates of body piercing by a Yoga master: Control of pain and bleeding, Subtle Energies 2003, 14(3), 223.

IJHC-WHR Observations:
    Yoga facilitates spiritual awareness through relaxation, meditation and body exercises. There are yoga adepts who have mastered control over aspects of the body to an unusual degree. These have been instructive to western science and medicine, indicating the extent of control the mind can have over a wide range of body functions.
  An impressive body of research confirms these abilities and more. See Healing Research, V2, below under "Books."


 More CAM reviews at
http://www.naturalhealthvillage.com

http://www.mdlinx.com/FamilyMDLinx

http://www.chiro.org/alt_med_abstracts/#David_M_Eisenberg

http://www.ucalgary.ca/~camig/litsearch.html

AMSA website
http://www.amsa.org/humed/camresources/camnews.cfm
 
** ENVIRONMENT (HEALING OUR PLANET) **
The Pollution in Newborns
A frightening collection of 287 industrial chemicals, wastes from burning coal, gasoline, and garbage and pesticides was found in umbilical cord blood of 10 babies in 2004. Contrary to previous beliefs that the placenta shields the fetus from toxic chemicals, this study revealed the presence of industrial chemicals, pollutants and pesticides that cross the placenta as readily as residues from cigarettes and alcohol.
Source: Environmental Working Group analysis of tests of 10 umbilical cord blood samples conducted by AXYS Analytical Services (Sydney, BC) and Flett Research Ltd. (Winnipeg, MB).
http://www.ewg.org/reports/bodyburden2/execsumm.php


* * TECHNOLOGY * *

Aid for people who are completely paralysed
People who can't even blink can learn to control the blood flow in their brain, which can then be used as a signal for communication. This has been particularly helpful to people with a disease called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gherig's Disease; motor neuron disease).
    A device to do just this was developed by Hitachi. To signal yes, people activate the front part of the brain by focusing on mental arithmetic; for no they simply relax. It takes half a minute for each response.
    Tests showed people could signal yes or no with an accuracy of 80%.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4286936.stm
* *  HUMAN ECOLOGY* *  

Non-local consciousness in the news: Can 'weird science' save the Sox?
Eric Leskowitz
Prayers for sports success featured in Boston Globe!
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2005/09/26/can_weird_science_save_the_sox/

IJHC-WHR Observations:
If popular acceptance of non-local consciousness has reached the sports page, can medical awareness of these ways of influencing the world be far behind?
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