Clogged Arteries: “Maybe mummy should have laid off the salt”

Clogged Arteries: “Maybe mummy should have laid off the salt”

“Researchers using CT scanners found signs of heart disease, long thought to be a modern malady, in centuries old mummies…” A Wall Street Journal article notes that a cardiac physician was intrigued to see arteriosclerosis listed as the cause of death for a mummy on exhibit in Egypt. With the help of a CT scan and twenty-two mummies, “They (researchers) were able to identify the hearts, arteries or both in 16 of the mummies, nine of whom had deposits of calcification.” —indicating artherosclerosis. Eating meat was common to upper-class Egyptians which may have contributed to the condition. In addition, since the meat was preserved in salt,“the possibility (is) that some of these Egyptians had high blood pressure.” “On the scans, ‘atherosclerosis looks just like it does in our modern day patients…,’ ” reported one researcher, a cardiologist. The study, reported at the scientific meeting of the American Heart Association, speculates that clogged arteries may, thus, be a “human condition” rather than a modern malady as long thought.

Too bad the former pharaohs whose bodies are current mummies didn’t avail themselves of reflexology—at least on a more consistent basis. After all, it’s entirely possible that some of them had access. A pictograph showing reflexology work is found in the tomb of Ankh-mahor, physician to the pharaoh in approximately 2350 B. C. E. (more)

OK, we’re being tongue-in-cheek here but for those of us today with high blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides, research shows that reflexology can create remarkable improvement in such human conditions. Reflexology work improves cholesterol and triclycerides levels when applied sufficiently—30-40 minutes five or six times a week for 20 sessions. While a less frequent application does not have this effect, research shows that reflexology application in virtually any amount can impact blood pressure levels. From real time measurements to a single session to weekly sessions, ten studies show blood pressure to be lowered significantly. Also effective in lowering blood pressure was the self-help technque of walking on a reflexology mat three times a week for 8 weeks.

Barbara and Kevin Kunz

Twitter us @footreflexology

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How to enjoy Mother Nature’s reflexology paths

Nowhere will you find a better reflexology path than those designed by mother nature herself. The beach, forest, meadow and stream can all provide a fun and unforgettable reflexology path experience. (See Nature's Reflexology Paths.)

Before you motor off to the nearest beach or forest there are a few things to consider. First, dress appropriately for the outdoors. Take suntan lotion and a good hat. Wear warm clothing if needed. The seashore may be sunny but we’ve spent many a chilly, wind blown day at the beach. Check the weather forecast. Rain and snow are no fun especially since rocks can become slippery and the ground muddy.

Next, consider where you’re planning to spend your day.  An ecologically sensitive area or private property other than your own is off limits.

Be aware of your capabilities. Do you have trouble walking or standing? Do you have osteoporosis? Just because it’s pretty and inviting, consider whether or your sense of balance is good enough to stand atop any rock.

Be aware of where you are and what you’re doing. Generally survey the field intended for your footsteps. Judge whether or not the general area is foot friendly. Mother nature produces thorns and thistles and other things you don’t want underfoot. Watch where your step. Not all rocks are foot-friendly rounded surfaces.  Not all forest paths are a walk in the park. Ragged rocks can cut your foot.

This is nature and not Disneyland. Be aware of your surroundings. A miscalulated in-coming tide once found us wading knee deep in water seeking dry land.  If you’re standing in water, make sure you know what’s underfoot. Ocean coral can cut your feet. Slippery under water rocks can cause you to lose balance. Keep track of your location. Don’t get lost wandering off trail.

Look before you step. Consider how staple the rock or leg will be for your balancing body. One of our favorite beaches includes conveniently located tree branches to grip so we can more easily balance. A walking stick may be a help in maintaining balance.

Barbara and Kevin Kunz

The Reflexology Path kit

Total Reflexology Kits- totally out

If you are looking for a Total Reflexology Kit for Xmas you may be out of luck. They are out in most Barnes and Noble stores we surveyed. You can check stores in your area by using their zip code locator at barnesandnoble.com/  but there aren't many around. 

We are releasing the Reflexology Path in September through Barnes and Noble. So there should be a holiday present available. 

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com
http://www.dk.com/reflexology
Twitter me @footreflexology
Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/kevin.kunz

Fast Ways to Loosen Feet- Tip #1

© 1984 Kunz& Kunz 
Let's face it. Because of shoes and hard surfaces our feet are way over torqued. But it is really simple to loosen feet quickly. 

Simply work the edge of the heel particularly the medial or inside of the heel. 

If you are a practitioner simply use thumb- walking to cover the area throughly. First rotate the foot to get a sense of the tension level. Next apply the thumb walking technique. Then test again.

 When you have the foot good and loose get them up and walking to feel the difference between the two feet. If it went well they should be impressed. Repeat the procedure on the second foot. See if they match. 

If you are doing self help on the tailbone area a golf ball can by quite handy. Roll the golf ball along the rim of the heel. Repeat on the opposite foot. 

Some people swear by using a "super-ball" They feel the slight give can be quite effective in working the tailbone area. 

I will have other tips to loosen the foot. But did you have success with this technique?

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com 

http://www.dk.com/reflexology 

http://www.facebook.com/kevin.kunz 

twitter me @footreflexology

Lots and lots of news

It has been the week for news. 

The real good news is that Reflexology: Health at Your Fingertips is back in stock.  It is available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. 

Complete Reflexology for Life is still out of stock (and going for ridiculous prices) but there is a paperback edition coming in on August 17th. The hardback edition isn't coming in until September 17th. 

The Reflexology Path Kit is also coming into Barnes and Noble stores on September as well. Remember it is only being offered by Barnes and Noble. 

Total Reflexology, the very popular kit from Barnes and Noble seems to be in good supply but stocks are dipping and it is hard to say whether it will be available for the holiday season. Total Reflexology ran out three weeks before Christmas and wasn't back into stock until March. 

Both kits may be out before the holiday season is over with.  So you might stock up as soon as you can. 

Another kit is in the works. It should be out sometime in March of 2010. 

And we are just waiting for the paperwork from Apple on the IPhone/ ITouch app (see illustration).

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com 

http://www.dk.com/reflexology 

Follow me on Twitter- @kevinkunz

Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/kevin.kunz