September 2004, Volume 4, No. 9

 

       We are part of a vast galaxy.

              What is our place in this amazing cosmos?
 

	RUNGS OF THE RED RECTANGLE
	If each of us sweeps    in front of our own steps,    then the whole world    would be clean.                      Goethe		Image Credit: H. Van Winckel (KU Leuven), M. Cohen (UC Berkeley), H. Bond (STScl), T. Gull (GSFC), ESA, NASA
	A distinctive X-shape and ladder-like rungs appear in this Hubble Space Telescope image of the intriguing Red Rectangle Nebula. The dusty cosmic cloud was originally identified as a strong source of infrared radiation and is now believed to contain icy dust grains and hydrocarbon molecules formed in the cool outflow from an aging central star. So why does it look like a big X? A likely explanation is that the central star - actually a close pair of stars - is surrounded by a thick dust torus which pinches the otherwise spherical outflow into tip-touching cone shapes. Because we view the torus edge-on, the boundary edges of the cone shapes seem to form an X. The distinct rungs suggest the outflow occurs in fits and starts. About 2,300 light-years away toward the fanciful constellation Monoceros, the Red Rectangle nebula should be transformed into a glorious planetary nebula as its cool central star becomes a hot white dwarf over the next few thousand years. This sharp Hubble picture spans only about one third of a light-year at the distance of the Red Rectangle.

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***STUDIES and PROGRESS NOTES***
 

** SPIRITUAL AWARENESS AND HEALING **

Measurements of the projection of bioenergies from healers' hands
Abstract: Three adult males with reported extraordinary Qi energy manipulation abilities projected Qi energy towards copper coils that were designed to measure subtle alterations in the immediate electromagnetic environment. The results indicate that power increased or decreased significantly in the test phase at several frequencies when compared to the control phases. The analysis also indicated that the change in power for these specific frequencies was directional. That is, these changes in power were mostly detected in one versus all three coils simultaneously. Theses results suggest that it is possible for human beings to alter the electromagnetic environment around their hands at will. Specifically, the power seen at certain frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum can be lowered or raised with a Qi Master "emits" Qi energy versus simply holding his hand over a detection device during a control phase.
Waechter, Randall L/ Sergio, Lauren. Manipulation of the electromagnetic spectrum via fields projected from human hands: A Qi energy connection?, Subtle Energies 2002, 13(3), 233-250 (19 refs).

 ** FUTURE RESEARCH IN SPIRITUAL AWARENESS AND HEALING **
The IJHC/WHR Newsletter will feature 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:

HEALING INTO DEATH
End of life issues have often been poorly covered in medical and nursing schools and are dealt with awkwardly by the medical and nursing professions.

Spiritual healing eases end of life transitions by:
       Reducing physical and emotional pains
          Reducing anxiety and stress reactions
              Providing windows of awareness into spirit existence
                   Easing the process of grief and bereavement

Research on healing at the end of life could focus on these and related issues.
  

See extensive lists and discussions of healing research design at http://www.wholistichealingresearch.com/Research/RschTop.asp
Daniel Benor, MD, is available for consultation on setting up studies for evaluations and treatments of health challenges.

  

EXCLUSIVE OFFER:
Sign up for a 2-year subscription to Science & Theology News, the monthly newspaper reporting research, funding opportunities and dialogue on  the relationship between science, theology and health, for $18.95, and receive a free copy of the book Spirituality in Patient Care, by editor Harold Koenig, MD, co-director of the Duke Center for Spirituality/Theology & Health. Phone orders only, 1-866-363-2306 (mention code V42239 for book). www.stnews.org
 
 

** WHOLISTIC APPROACHES **

Natural chemical in the stomach wall protects against Helicobacter pylori, which causes ulcers
Over 50% of people carry this bacterium, most without any ill effects. However, it can cause stomach ulcers and cancer in others.
H.pylori - short for Helicobacter pylori - is mostly found in the stomach. It usually resides in the outer layer of mucous that lines and protects the stomach. It is rarely found in the deeper layer of this mucous.
This prompted researchers at the Burnham Institute in California to carry out tests to see if there were specific agents in the deeper layers that protected against H.pylori.
They looked specifically at a chemical called alpha 1,4-N-acetylgluseamine. This is found in the deeper layers of mucous but not in the outer layers.
The scientists found that H.pylori lost its shape, became immobile and eventually died when it came into contact with this chemical.
They said the effect was very similar to antibiotics, which attack and dissolve the bacterium's cell wall.
The researchers also carried out tests on the H.pylori bacterium. They found that a type of fat or type of cholesterol called cholesteryl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside plays a key role in helping it to grow.
The discovery could lead to new treatments to fight the infection.
Masatomo Kawakubo, et al. Natural Antibiotic Function of a Human Gastric Mucin Against Helicobacter pylori Infection, Science 13 August 2004; 305: 1003-1006
Summary from : http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3557892.stm
IJHC/WHR Observations:
While this article focuses exclusively on biological, physical mechanisms for protection against ulcers caused by H. Pylori, these discoveries offer wholistic avenues for approaching ulcers.
Imagery/ visualization is a powerful tool for healing. The body responds to suggestion and autosuggestion. Sometimes, being specific in the imagery can enhance the effects of healing visualizations. Visualizing stomach chemicals protecting against the H Pylori could enhance self-healing of ulcers.
In spiritual healing, imagery of enhanced self-healing can facilitate healing effects. This can take the visualization to a bioenergy and non-local/ collective consciousness level.

  

 ** COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES **

Chaparral, an ancient Native American treatment for cancer has been shown to have a beneficial effect despite scepticism from the medical establishment. [Alt. popular names for Chaparral: Greasewood, Creosote Bush; Alt. scientific/medical name(s): Larrea divericata coville, Larrea tridentata (DC) coville]
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina have shown an extract may shrink some tumours.
Chaparral tea was widely used in the US as an alternative anti-cancer agent from the late 1950s to the 1970s. However, the American Cancer Society said there was no proof that it was an effective treatment for cancer - or any other disease, and the US Food and Drug Administration warned against its use after research showed it could damage the liver and the kidneys.
However, initial results from the latest study show that a refined extract taken from chaparral called M4N appears not only to be safe, but to have a positive effect. They injected it into the tumours of eight patients with advanced head and neck cancer that had not responded to other forms of treatment. Patients seemed to tolerate it well, and there was no evidence of the serious liver damage previously associated with chaparral use. The study also produced some evidence that the extract had begun to shrink the tumours. Results of the study were presented at an International Conference on Head and Neck Cancer in Washington.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3555566.stm

How to Help Your Thyroid With Virgin Coconut Oil
Thyroid disease can affect almost every aspect of health, including your ability to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Don't miss this comprehensive article about thyroid health by an esteemed thyroid nutritionist and author, Cherie Calbom, M.S.
http://www.mercola.com/2003/nov/8/thyroid_health.htm


The MANTISTM Database brings you the world of chiropractic alternative medicine.
Manual 
Alternative and 
Natural 
Therapy 
Index 
System
MANTISª (formerly known as Chirolars) is the largest index of chiropractic literature in existence (access by membership fee)
http://www.fcer.org/html/Member/MANTISbenefit.htm

More CAM reviews at
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) **

Hungry world 'must eat less meat'
World water supplies will not be enough for our descendants to enjoy the sort of diet the West eats now, experts say.
The World Water Week in Stockholm focuses on the growth in demand for meat and dairy products -- which is unsustainable.
Animals need much more water than grain to produce the same amount of food, and ending malnutrition and feeding even more mouths will take still more water.
Scientists say the world will have to change its consumption patterns to have any realistic hope of feeding itself.
The World Water Week conference is held annually in the Swedish capital, and is organised by the Stockholm International Water Institute, Siwi. This year's runs from 15 to 21 August.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3559542.stm

 

 **TECHNOLOGY **

Hydrogen from advanced solar cells
The UK Hydrogen Solar company says it has managed to convert more than 8% of sunlight directly into hydrogen with fuel cell technology it has specially developed.
For an energy source to be commercially viable, it must reach an efficiency of 10%, which is an industry standard.
Depending on how it is produced, hydrogen fuel is a clean, green source of power that can be easily stored.
The Tandem Cell technology developed by Hydrogen Solar uses two photocatalytic cells in series which are coated with a nano-crystalline - extremely thin - metal oxide film.
Having a nanoscale coating makes the surface area far greater and means that hydrogen can be produced efficiently without the need for polluting fossil fuels.
This electrical current is then used to separate the hydrogen from water which is stored for use.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3536156.stm
IJHC/WHR Observations
One can only applaud efforts to produce a non-polluting fuel alternative to petrochemicals.
 

Bionic therapy for leg bones
An award-winning surgeon has helped pioneer the world's first bionic leg bone for children
The device allows doctors to lengthen the leg remotely as the child grows taller, removing the need for surgery.
Up until about 18 months ago, this required several operations as the child grew, to turn a screw in the prosthesis, which in turn extended the implant. This meant further stays in hospital, risk of infection, pain and stiffness, increased cost and disruption to family life and schooling.
The "revolutionary" bionic prosthesis enables the extension to take place at an out-patient appointment.
In addition,it is painless.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3917573.stm
 

** HUMAN ECOLOGY**

Jenny Thompson (HSI Alerts) cautions: "Trying to assess heart attack risk by looking at LDL cholesterol alone (without also taking into account triglycerides, homocysteine, c-reactive protein and a few other important heart health markers) is like representing the Grand Canyon with the photo of the river boulder. There's no way you can get the big picture. And yet, the medical mainstream while acknowledging other heart risk markers continues to insist that lowering cholesterol should be the paramount goal."
Thompson quotes Christie Ballantyne, M.D., a cardiologist with Baylor College of Medicine, who observes that most of her heart disease patients have a total cholesterol level of less than 240. And she added: "The majority of people who end up having heart attacks or stroke don't have high cholesterol."
"Implications of Recent Clinical Trials for the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III Guidelines" Circulation, Vol. 110, No. 2, 7/13/04, www.circ.ahajournals.org
Full HIS article and further references at
Health Sciences Institute e-Alert
http://www.hsibaltimore.com/ea2003/ea_030610.shtml

Joseph Mercola discusses in detail The Dangers of Statin Drugs: What You Haven't Been Told About Cholesterol-Lowering Medication
http://www.mercola.com/2004/jul/21/statin_drugs.htm

IJHC/WHR Observations
George Bernard Shaw, in The Doctor's Dilemma, parodied the medical profession's pursuit of fads. Shaw's doctors removed the "nuciform sac" to improve health. For a long time, people reported they got better with this treatment -- with no one questioning where or what the nuciform sac was.
No wonder, with misinforming hype like we have around the use of cholesterol-lowering drugs and other medications, that medicine is one of the leading causes of death.
Medicine is too often a profit-making business first, and a health care modality second.
Complementary-Alternative Therapies are safe and offer help that is compatible with conventional care. They can alleviate symptoms and sometimes offer cures for chronic diseases that conventional medicine treats poorly.
 

 

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