Reduce Stress: Extend Your Life

By Anita Vogel - FOXNews.com

We've heard for years about the benefits of reducing stress, and how we should make time for activities like meditation, yoga, and plain old relaxation. Now scientific evidence suggests that one of those benefits may actually be a longer life.

Researchers at the University of California at San Francisco have discovered an enzyme that plays a key role in normal cell function, as well as in cell aging and most cancers. It's called telomerase, and it produces tiny units of DNA that seal off the ends of chromosomes, which contain the body's genes.

The DNA units are called telomeres, and among other things they work to protect the quality of the gene, and how often a cell divides which determines the lifespan of the cells. What's exciting about this discovery is the notion that telomeres can be lengthened to prolong cell life - and along the way treat age-related diseases like blindness, cardiovascular problems and neurodegenerative disorders.

So how can telomeres be lengthened? The answer could be easier said than done depending upon who you are and your lifestyle. Stress reduction in this era is almost an oxymoron, but if your life depends on it, you might start to prioritize things differently.

To get the best example, UCSF researches chose to study women caring for gravely ill children with chronic illnesses and disabilities. They found that women who were the most traumatized by their situation had significantly shorter telomeres. They reached that conclusion by comparing that group to women with decidedly more normal levels of stress.

The hope is that these eliminating the stressors in these women's daily lives may lengthen their telomeres and prolong their own overall lives.

Getting de-stressed takes work and determination, however. For some it will involve a change in lifestyle and they way they view stress and hardships - think yoga instead of sitting around worrying. The next time you have an extra ten minutes, consider stealing it for meditation...it could do wonders for your health and longevity.

The USCF Research is considered groundbreaking, and the team who discovered the telomere won the Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology. Hopefully they're on to something.

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Cupping Therapy: As Seen on The Dr. Oz Show

On January 5th, Dr. Oz aired a show on Alternative Medicine Treatments which provided an introduction to "Cupping" an alternative approach that can help heal the body, mind and soul.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), stimulating acupuncture points is commonly used to restore balance to the flow of energy along invisible meridians of Qi, the vital life force. The cupping technique combines this energy fine-tuning with body manipulation.

Cupping therapy is an adapted form of TCM that involves applying glass cups to the skin to help alleviate pain, expel toxins, and restore proper circulation to the body. Each glass cup acts as a vacuum through the use of heat. The cups are positioned on a variety of specific trigger points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy in that area.

Although a cupping session may sound painful, it is nothing of the sort. In fact, usually the only thing a person feels is a slight suction where each cup is placed. After a session, you may have mild, circular red marks on your skin from the cups. These are temporary and the red marks will fade...they are a sign that the cupping therapy has successfully increased the blood flow within your body.

After each session, patients usually report feeling deeply relaxed, and their specific target cupping areas feel light and agile. This is due to the fact that cupping works to improve circulation, helps release toxins form the body, and promotes quicker healing of muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Cupping Therapy has become a popular treatment for fibromyalgia sufferers and Massage & Reflexology of Delaware offers this service. Call 302-633-4035 to make an appointment for cupping therapy today!

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