mibu-medispa

WHAT DOES BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS TELL YOU ABOUT YOUR OVERALL HEALTH

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 05:19:06 GMT

What is this thing called body composition?

When it comes to body composition analysis, it is important knowing that all about your body composition can help you determine the overall state of your health. Even if you look healthy on the outside and weigh in at a normal weight on the scale, it is still important to understand your body composition. Body composition is the amount of fat and non-fat mass in your body.

A healthy body composition is one that includes a reduced percentage of body fat and a higher percentage of non-fat mass, which includes muscle, bones, and organs.

Knowing your body composition can help you evaluate your health and fitness level. Often, you will measure your body composition at the start of a weight-loss or fitness program and then check it occasionally to monitor your progress.

Body composition analysis is a method of describing what the body encompasses, distinguishing between fat, protein, minerals, and body water to give you a picture of your health. Therefore, two people of same-sex and body weight may look totally different from each other because they have a different body composition.

Body composition and growth are key factors of health in all individuals. The current epidemic of obesity in children and adults has painted the value of understanding body fat levels for short-term and long-term health. Additionally, the measurement of body compositions is becoming increasingly valuable in medical practice.

If your ratio of body fat is much higher than your fat-free mass, then you stand the risk of severe health problems such as obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, fatigue, cancer, and more. Although body fat is generally linked with poor health, some fat is actually essential for overall good health, as it can help protect internal organs, regulate hormones, and provide us with energy.

The human body fat should typically make up at about 5% of total body weight in men and about 12% of total body weight in women.

Under we have listed some of the most important factors that can lead to altered body composition:

Lack of exercise and physical activity
Eating large portion sizes and overeating in general
A high-fat, high-sugar diet
Lack of balanced foods in the diet such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes
Excessive alcohol intake

Benefits of having a healthy body composition

By reducing your overall amount of body fat, you can enhance your body composition and overall quality of life, as well as extend your lifespan.

Here are just some of the advantages of having a healthy body composition:

Normal blood pressure level
Improved quality of sleep
Improved mood and self-confidence
Increased energy and endurance throughout the day
Reduced pain in joints, hips, and lower back
Improved blood circulation — leading to lower risk for heart disease
Higher fertility rates and lower risk for pregnancy-related complications
Improved breathing, respiration, and lung function
Improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity

WHAT IS CRYOTHERAPY AND WHAT IS USED TO TREAT

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 05:19:05 GMT

This is everything you need to know about cryotherapy!

Cryotherapy is commonly used as an in-practice procedure for the treatment of weight loss. Cryotherapy follows the treatment system freezing or near-freezing temperatures force your body to work hard to stay warm and in turn, burn calories. During this process, your body is immersed in a chamber exposing only your head. Your technician will apply liquid nitrogen into the disclosed area leaving your body to combat the cold in the only way it knows how – protect your vital organs and shed unwanted fat. Small-scale cryotherapy can include ice bath immersion or cryotherapy facials.

More recently, cryotherapy is dubbed as the second most common in-office procedure after skin excision. The mechanism of destruction involved in cryotherapy is called necrosis, which results from the freezing and thawing of cells. While literally freezing your unwanted fat off sounds enticing, it is also great to know that the only adverse effect of cryotherapy is being cold (which is a short-lived sacrifice for shedding a few extra kilos!)

Dermatologists have engaged in cryotherapy since time immemorial. After the invention of the vacuum flask to store subzero liquid elements, such as nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen, the use of cryotherapy intensely increased. The general advantages of cryotherapy are its ease of use, its low cost, and its amazing cosmetic results.

Though unpleasant to begin with, cryotherapy tends to get better with each treatment, as the body begins to adjust to the low temperature.

You can get amazing benefits from one session of cryotherapy, but it is most effective when used regularly. It should be known that some athletes use cryotherapy twice a day to help the repair of muscles. Some treatment programs function from people attending daily for 10 days and later once a month following.

Benefits of cryotherapy

Cryotherapy can help tackle migraines by cooling and numbing nerves in the neck area. It’s thought that this works by cooling the blood passing through the intracranial vessels. The carotid arteries are close to the skin’s surface and are accessible.

Many athletes have been using cryotherapy to treat injuries for years, and one of the reasons is because it can reduce the pain. The cold can actually reduce an irritated nerve. This can help treat pinched nerves or neuromas, chronic pain, or even acute injuries.

The ultra-cool temperatures in full-body cryotherapy can cause physiological hormonal responses. This includes the release of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and endorphins. This can have a positive effect on those experiencing mood disorders like anxiety and depression.

Localised cryotherapy treatment isn’t the only thing that’s effective at treating serious conditions; It also allowed for more aggressive physiotherapy and occupational therapy as a result. This ultimately has made rehabilitation programs more effective.

Furthermore, targeted or localised cryotherapy can be used as a cancer treatment. In this context, it’s called “cryosurgery.” It works by freezing cancer cells and surrounding them with ice crystals. It’s currently being used to treat some low-risk tumors for certain types of cancer, including prostate cancer.

Risks and side effects

Other than being cold, the most common side effects of any type of cryotherapy are numbness, tingling or redness of the skin. These side effects are always temporary. For whole body cryotherapy, expect to spend at least 4 minutes exposed to the cold with your head at normalised temperature.

HOW INJECTABLES HAVE CHANGED THE CONVERSATION AROUND PLASTIC SURGERY

steve@mibu.com.au (Steve kola) — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 05:19:02 GMT

The differences between botox and dermal fillers.

The narrative of plastic surgery has come so far from what it used to be back in the days. There’s no arguing that 10 years ago, getting plastic surgery was highly stigmatized by the media. The stigma that surrounded any surgery for that matter was tough.

Additional to this, as a painful, expensive and tedious alteration process, most of us avoided the hassle that came with plastic surgery.

While our genes make us unique and people love deeper than face value – it’s natural to wish for personal change without judgement.

Thankfully in more recent years the stigma surrounding cosmetic surgery has lifted and even advanced to societies embracing it with open arms. What’s even better than societal advancement is the new and improved injectable technology that prohibits pain, downtime and significantly reduces expenses!

Why injectables and dermal fillers are certainly the way of the future

Despite following a great skincare regime, it’s a known fact aging is inevitable. While some people are okay with a few extra wrinkles here and there – it’s also totally okay to want to maintain a youthful glow.

Visible signs of aging can be improved with injectable treatments and the ones we most commonly hear about is botox and dermal fillers. Simply put, Botox treats fine lines and wrinkles whereas dermal fillers account for loss of volume or plumpness.

What does botox do?

Botox essentially blocks the messaging between your nerves and muscles and causes temporary weakness. As a result, your wrinkles and lines before smoother or totally removed. While many creams are being marketed for these same properties, the performance of the majority do not live up to their promise.

Botox can be used as a prevention or a solution to aging and is often an efficient and painless process.

What are dermal fillers?

When fill something, you are physically adding volume or mass to an area. The same goes for dermal fillers which add volume to areas of the face in which are perceivably lacking size.

As we age, gravity seems to take a toll. We technically loose the buildup of natural collagen and elastin in our skin, our fat compartments that once filled out lips, eyes and cheeks become thinner and our skin starts to sag. These change in features cannot be answered with botox and essentially need dermal filler injections to inflate the area as it was.

Injectables aren’t just changing our faces, they have also been known to help with various medical conditions such as muscle spasms, excessive sweating, lazy eye and overactive bladders. Their accessibility, shorter recovery time, and near-instantaneous results have encouraged people who wouldn’t normally consider having to do surgery to contemplate heading to practitioners in their quest for a solution.

Why wouldn’t you, if it makes you feel the way you want to feel or look the way you want to look? The availability and popularity of these kinds of treatments have helped create a base for people to access injectables rather than opting plastic surgery.

THE BENEFITS OF HYDRO MICRO DERMABRASION AFTER A BEACH HOLIDAY

steve@mibu.com.au (Steve kola) — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 05:19:01 GMT

How to show your skin some TLC after summer!

There is nothing better than a beachy getaway - basking under warm sunlight, listening to rolling waves while being soothed by the cool ocean breeze. While these dreamy vibes are the best part of a beach holiday, it is extremely important to think about our skin. We all know sunburn is our skins worst enemy so you might be wondering how to restore your skin after too much sun. Here is why you might want to consider Hydro-dermabrasion to recover from a beach filled summer.

What is Hydro-Micro Dermabrasion?

Hydro-dermabrasion is a skin procedure which combines intense hydration and exfoliation to clear the skin of dead skin cells, remove access oil and replenish plumpness of the skin. By encouraging new skin cells to reproduce faster with crystal-free technology, Hydro- Micro Dermabrasion can result in a more firm, youthful and clear complexion.

What are the benefits of Hydro-dermabrasion ?

All skin requires regular treatment to maximise and maintain its health and boost radiance. As the latest innovation of skincare technology Hydro-dermabrasion uses water jets to the skin to exfoliate the outermost layer of skin. This brings about a smoother and even texture without damaging or irritating the skin.

It is brilliant for you if you’re looking to get the benefits of exfoliation but have sensitive skin. The process is extremely non-invasive and relaxing and you will never feel uneasy during the treatment. After the treatment, your skin may appear slightly pink, but overall it will feel fresh and hydrated and has little to no down time.

Why does Hydro-dermabrasion help after too much sun?

When you have been exposed to too much sun, you skin becomes dry, fine lines appear more prominent and your pores become enlarged.

Hydro-dermabrasion more than ideal to help with a access sun exposure as it can be conducted on all skin types to help:

Ageing skin
Skin that is congested
Blemished skin
Dull or discoloured skin
Oily skin • Minor acne scars
Fine lines or wrinkles
Enlarged pores
Regulate natural cell turn over with your skins own collagen and elastin

By increasing the circulation oxygen and lymph flow under the skins surface, your skin will feel results immediately after the procedure. Your skin will immediately feel soft hydrated and you’ll be left wondering why you haven’t been doing this for years!

Why should I get Hydro-micro dermabrasion?

Hydro-micro dermabrasion has been considered an effective treatment for various skin types and all skin tones. As a natural alternative to chemical facial peels, microdermabrasion can be conducted on almost anyone with sensitive skin and is safe for pregnancy as it avoids all harsh ingredients. Hydro dermabrasion can significantly help manage acne, blackhead and whiteheads and can benefit almost anyone. Before receiving treatment, it is always beneficial to discuss your skin with your skin therapist and notify them of any allergies, sensitivities or medication you are taking to make sure this does not impact your treatment.

If you’ve just gotten back from treating yourself to some relaxing days in the sun and a feeling dry, why not treat your skin to some more with a Hydro-micro dermabrasion treatment? You will not only achieve ultimate hydration, but most definitely improve your skins overall health.

WHAT IS BODY CONTOURING?

steve@mibu.com.au (Steve kola) — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 05:18:41 GMT

What is Body Contouring?

Today, we seem to have our pick of the crop when it comes to treating our bodies and looking after your physical health. The media constantly signals us to so many options of body treatment that it's often difficult for you to know what is best for your body. A consistent treatment we assume you’re hearing about is body contouring.

To clear some of the confusion, let’s define types of body contouring treatment so you can continue to decide what is best for your body!

Body contouring is best explained in two divisions: Invasive and Non-invasive .

Invasive body contouring is referred to as a surgical procedure that involves the modifying of the shape of the body through incision. These procedures are considered traditional plastic surgery such as liposuction or tissue removal to improve the appearance of a targeted area.

While invasive procedures offer long lasting results, going under the knife isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. These procedures often leave scaring as well as post-surgical side effects such as swelling, pain and bruising needing to be relieved by medication.

Non-invasive body contouring is a simpler solution to body shaping that does not include any incisions to the skin. As a non-surgical fat reduction method, non-invasive body contouring means you can tighten your skin, reduce cellulite and wrinkles without any scarring, pain or medication. Recently, non-invasive body contouring has seen a surge in popularity for its simple process and effective results with zero side-effects. There are many different methods to conduct non-surgical body contouring depending on your area of target and end goal however there is certainly one method more effective than others.

Venus Legacy Technology

Unlike other technologies that can cause damage to the skin by killing vital cells along with fat, Venus Legacy technology uses lipolysis. This means that targeted heat is used to melt fat by clearing the lymphatic drainage system, boost collagen and tighten the skin all without bodily harm.

The Venus Legacy works by ensuring heat is distributed under the surface of the skin through multi polar radio frequency and pulsed electromagnetic fields. Due to the change in temperature, your bodies reaction is to increase collagen and elastin which results in tighter, firmer and toned skin.

Does body contouring hurt?

Not at all. Body contouring with the Venus Legacy feels like a warm massage. Heat distributed in combination with the motion of treatment over your targeted area feels nothing more than a relaxing massage.

How long does it take to see results?

While results are often noticeable after the first session, body contouring with Venus Legacy is best seen after 6-8 treatments. Treatment length will mostly likely vary depending on the area you are wanting to treat and goal you want to reach. Completed weekly, you will most definitely enjoy the relaxation that comes with treatment time.

If you’ve been looking for results minus the pain and downtime that comes along with surgery, non-invasive body contouring with the Venus Legacy is something you'll definitely want to consider.

HOW DOES PEMF THERAPY REDUCE PAIN?

Thu, 30 May 2019 03:04:45 GMT

The why and how!

WHAT IS PAIN AT A BIOLOGICAL LEVEL?

Pain is both normal and necessary in acute situations. The pain you feel when you sprain an ankle, touch a hot stove, or are fighting off an infection is a message from your body to your brain, which signals your brain to send help.

Acute inflammation is a physiological response to cell damage. It initiates from the exact location of the problem, and, in addition to being felt through pain sensations, this inflammation is often visible through redness, swelling and heat.

Acute inflammation makes your blood vessels dilate and increases blood flow, sending white blood cells to the injury site to aid in healing. Certain chemicals are released to call immune cells, hormones and nutrients to action. All of this promotes the healing process, and as the body heals, inflammation is reduced.

Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, means that there is a steady, low-level of inflammation in the body even when there’s no obvious injury or infection. While there’s still a lot unknown about chronic inflammation and what causes it, research has shown that it can lead to a wide range of health issues, including chronic pain. When the immune system is activated with nothing to heal, those white blood cells can begin attacking healthy organs, tissues and cells.

Chronic pain is a major health issue that can take a toll on daily life. One in four adults experiences some form of pain at any given moment, and 17% of people in the US aged fifteen or older deal with chronic pain that disrupts their daily life. Chronic pain can be responsible for missed work, inability to perform routine daily tasks or participate in recreational activities, and it can be a source of serious emotional distress.

THE PROBLEM WITH CONVENTIONAL PAIN MANAGEMENT

The default treatments for management of chronic pain are often medications, surgical procedures, or physical therapy. Unfortunately, these treatments are often ineffective, and sometimes dangerous.

Medications are simply covering the pain, not addressing the actual problem. And there are some serious side effects that can occur, including permanent damage to your kidneys or liver, stomach bleeding, and addiction.

The risks of complications with surgery are great, and I’ve seen far too many patients come to me after surgical procedures have failed. Physical therapy can be expensive and time-consuming; while it can be a good short-term solution for an acute problem, it’s not practical for treating chronic conditions.

Other alternative treatments, like chiropractic care and acupuncture, can provide some relief, but the problem is still there. When the treatment wears off, the pain returns, sending you back for treatment again and again.

PEMFS TREAT PAIN WHERE IT BEGINS

Damaged nerve networks stuck in a constant state of inflammation send pain messages to your brain, which sends help that can actually perpetuate the pain. PEMF therapy calms those nerves, finally allowing them to recover.

The majority of pain sources treated with PEMF therapy are musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis, sprains or strains, factures, osteoporosis, neuralgias, neuropathies, and many more. While inflammation is crucial to the healing process, when the body overcompensates tissue swelling (edema) can cause pain and delayed healing.

With soft tissue and musculoskeletal issues, as well as post-traumatic wounds (such as after surgery), edema reduction has to occur to speed healing and achieve pain reduction. PEMFs change the local tissue where the pain begins, thus resulting in a reduction of pain. Studies have shown these tissue changes in numerous conditions, including acute ankle sprains, whiplash injuries, and chronic wound repair (Jerabek).

Pain is communicated through nerve signals from the point of origin to the brain. Often, with more severe or chronic pain, this pain “centralizes” in the brain, so PEMF treatment to the brain is the best option. Pain can also be transferred to other parts of the body, so determining the actual source can be tricky. It’s important to work with a knowledgeable practitioner to establish the cause and the source of the pain to set-up the most effective treatment protocol.

PEMFS STIMULATE CHANGE AT THE CELLULAR LEVEL

PEMFs heal tissues deep within the body when the correct intensity is used at the source of the pain. In PEMF therapy, low frequency pulses of electromagnetic stimulation is used to relieve pain and heal damaged tissues. These pulses activate energy at the cellular level to stimulate natural repair processes.

Adenosine is a molecule that has been called a “guardian angel” in human disease (Borea). Working through the adenosine receptor (AR), adenosine plays a key role in controlling inflammation.

PEMFs stimulate A2A receptors which increases production of adenoisine. A2A receptors have a complex relationship with immune and inflammatory processes. Under normal conditions, acute inflammation-producing molecules naturally stimulate the A2A receptor to prevent or decrease inflammation. Low adenosine production means these receptors don’t work as they should, and chronic inflammation can result.

PEMFs increase the ARs, allowing for more efficient functioning of adenosine, which produces a larger anti-inflammatory action than medications, without side effects, desensitization, or receptor resistance.

Neutrophils, which make up 40 to 70 percent of white blood cells in most mammals, have an abundance of A2A receptors in their membranes. These neutrophils are called to the site of inflammation very quickly after trauma. In a lab study, PEMFs of the right intensity applied at the surface of neutrophils have significantly increased the binding of adenosine to the A2A receptor. (Massari) This research clearly showed that having the proper intensity can be critical to effectively reducing inflammation anywhere in the body.

PEMF THERAPY REDUCES PAIN FOR BOTH SHORT AND LONG TERM RELIEF

By reducing inflammation, PEMFs are an effective alternative treatment for both acute and chronic pain.

In acute situations, treatment with PEMFs can speed tissue healing and reduce pain quickly, without the potential side effects of the medications often used to treat acute pain.

With chronic conditions, PEMF therapy is even more valuable. Animal studies show that PEMFs reduce the pain receptors in the brain. Some studies found that the relief was equivalent to 10 mg of morphine (Thomas). This relief, in addition to the natural healing responses that PEMF therapy creates in the body, makes PEMF therapy an ideal option for the management of chronic pain and its causes.

There’s no need to live with chronic pain – we can help!

References:
Borea PA, Gessi S, Merighi S, Varani K. Adenosine as a multi-signalling guardian angel in human diseases: when, where and how does it exert its protective effects? Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2016 Jun;37(6):02 46221 221.

Jerabek, J and Pawluk, W. Magnetic therapy in Eastern Europe: a review of 30 years of research. Publ. Advanced Magnetic Research of the Delaware Valley, Chicago, 1996.

Massari L, Benazzo F, De Mattei M, et al. CRES Study Group. Effects of electrical physical stimuli on articular cartilage. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2007 Oct;89 Suppl 3:02 46221 221.

Thomas AW, Prato FS. Magnetic field based pain therapeutics and diagnostics. Bioelectromagnetics Society, 24th Annual Meeting, Quebec City, PQ, Canada, June, 2002

PEMF AND SPORTS

Sat, 06 Apr 2019 01:49:37 GMT

SPORTS INJURY RECOVERY AND HOW PEMFS CAN HELP

UNDERSTANDING WHAT PEMFS DO TO YOUR BODY

One of the most important lessons I can impart to you regarding the use of electromagnetic therapies, is to clearly understand the actions they have in the body. These actions happen in all bodies every time PEMFs are used. This is regardless of the underlying causes or conditions a person has. Most diseases or health conditions have very common components to them.

The body has a somewhat limited repertoire of reacting to damage, injury or illness. The most commonly described actions of PEMF’s include: pain reduction, reduction of swelling, decreasing the irritability of nerves, relaxing muscles, improving circulation, various metabolic effects, detoxification, cell membrane charge balancing and stimulation of repair by stimulating RNA and DNA. PEMFs also have reflexology and acupuncture like actions in the body.

I always ask myself for any given condition what components of these actions of magnetic fields exist in that condition or body. Of course we don’t always know completely what may be going on. But, you can bet that there are many of these components present. You can’t tune the specific actions using the kinds of magnetic fields I usually recommend. There are research devices available that will create changes in some of these individual actions while providing less change to other actions. In the medical model, you would have a specific device for each specific action. This clearly becomes impractical and way too expensive. For this reason I prefer devices that have general responses in the body and let the body decide what he needs and how it will respond.

HOW CAN ATHLETES BENEFIT FROM PEMFS?

At the very least athletes need to have their muscles working in an optimal fashion. This is important to maintain structural integrity and maximize performance of the body for their particular sport. Maximizing performance decreases the risk of injury, never mind winning a competition. The biggest health risk to the athlete is injury. So, PEMFs would be used by athletes to maximize function of the body and at the same time reduce the risk of sports injury and to help the body recover faster from any injuries. With these ideas, athletes should be using whole body magnetic stimulation before and after workouts, tryouts, and any level of competition. Using PEMFs before competition causes the body to be optimized in its function. This will produce better performance.

THE EFFECTS OF MAGNETIC STIMULATION ON THE MUSCLES

It’s been found that muscles work harder, longer and recover faster with magnetic stimulation. Also once used, muscles become sore and often tense or have spasm. A classic action of magnetic fields is to reduce muscle contraction. Athletes often have to compete and work out despite their injuries, large and small. This is why regular use of magnetic fields is so important to any high level, or even weekend, athletes.

I know of one athlete who is still functioning into his 40’s at a world-class level because of his continuing use of PEMF’s. I was also told a story by a physician friend who was a team doctor for a US Olympic team. He said it would typically take our athletes 2 to 3 days to recover from competitions. He noticed that the then East Germans and Russians would be back the next day like robots without showing any of the effects of wearing out. When he went past their camp he noticed that they were all using some sort of stimulation devices, most likely barrel type coils. These were not illegal and were not considered to be doping. Essentially they were therapeutic systems that help to wash the stress out of the body and reduce swelling and muscles and remove lactic acid.

I have personally experienced similar sorts of results whenever I’ve had to work hard in my yard. Usually the next day my muscles are sore and stiff. I have started using magnetic therapy right after I finish my yard work. Virtually every time, the next morning my muscles are not stiff or sore.

Research shows that PEMFs stimulate a process called myosin phosphorylation. This is the process of energy production in muscle. Phosphorylation produces ATP. ATP is essential for cell energy. Depleted ATP creates weak muscles. Workouts and a lot of strenuous muscle activity, deplete ATP. Rest restores ATP, assuming the body has the building blocks necessary to replenish it. PEMFs restore ATP by stimulating myosin phosphorylation.

Another aspect of muscle injury and tissue damage from exercise or athletics, is a protein called variably, heat stress or heat shock protein. Muscles that are very active are stressed and therefore need higher levels of heat stress protein. Heat stress protein is not just for heat. It was discovered that when you damage a cell by heating it, heat shock protein is produced. It was also discovered that if you induce heat shock proteins in advance of potential damage, using stimulation techniques that are very gentle, you will reduce tissue damage. There is now research going on to use magnetic devices to stimulate heat shock proteins in heart muscles prior to open-heart surgery. Open-heart surgery obviously causes heart muscle damage. Preliminary research indicates that stimulating heat shock proteins decreases muscle damage from open-heart surgery, improving results and postoperative recovery.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields can also increase the uptake of oxygen into muscle. Research I’ve done with the MagnoPro shows at least a 1% increase in local tissue oxygen uptake. A 1% increase in oxygen uptake can significantly enhance muscle performance and endurance. In competitive sports a 1% edge may be all that is needed to win.

With any injury, the body will take its usual time to repair. We know from the use of FDA approved devices, that fractures will heal in approximately half the time – so will open wounds, including surgical wounds. Even in massive trauma, animals exposed to PEMF’s will often survive, versus those that don’t get PEMF treatment. I have personally seen many times, that large bruises disappear rapidly with the use of pulsed magnetic fields. All injuries produce swelling in the tissues, as does exercise on its own. Swelling delays the ability of the tissues to be nourished with oxygen and nutrients. This is why you see athletes frequently being treated with ice packs. Ice packs reduce superficial swelling. Swelling or bruising deep in a quadriceps muscle will not respond as well to ice. To effectively ice tissues deep in muscle you would cause freezing of the muscle on the outside thus causing harm to those tissues. The risk versus benefit isn’t acceptable. PEMFs on the other hand penetrate tissues deeply without risk to the superficial tissues to create their benefits. The PEMF’s reduce swelling and speed removal of the blood in a bruise, leading to faster recovery and return to activity, competition or training. Obviously, if treatment is applied early in the injury, recovery will be much faster. Once a lot of the effects of damage are settled into the tissue it takes more energy and longer to heal the tissues.

So, to conclude, I believe all athletes, professional, amateur or “weekend warriors” should be using daily whole body PEMF stimulation. In addition, the treatment of any injuries with PEMFs accelerates even subtle healing healing, allowing the athlete to be healthier, stronger and perform better.

PEMF & CARPAL TUNNEL

Sat, 06 Apr 2019 01:15:51 GMT

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME (CTS) AND MAGNETIC FIELD THERAPY

I have a personal relationship with CTS. And, I’m not alone. It affects one out of ten people during their lifetime and is the most common form of nerve compression.

My first personal encounter with CTS was helping my father deal with it. He developed it severely in both wrists at age 82 building a deck, using power tools and hammering for about a week. After returning home to Canada, he had a nerve conduction study to prove it and was placed on a waiting list for elective surgery in three months. Since that was a long time to wait, I recommended that he use special, high intensity static magnets on each wrist. After about one month of doing this, most of the pain, numbness and tingling were gone and didn’t return. Surgery was canceled.

My next encounter was even more personal; it happened to me. In late March 2018, possibly related to physical work I had to do using my wrists, I began having the same problem as my father, but mostly in my right hand. Working at my computer caused sharp burning, stinging sensations in my right hand. When I rested my wrist, it would go away. It happened every day, most of the day. During the night I would have almost complete numbness of my thumb and index finger. When the sensation started to return, I felt a burning tingling. I had continuous numbness at the end of my thumb. It was hard to button a shirt.

With this set of symptoms, a typical person would go to a doctor and get medication and possibly be sent to an orthopedic doctor for a steroid injection. The next steps would be a nerve conduction study and possibly surgery. Because I knew magnetic fields could help with CTS, given my father’s experience, I began using a battery-operated, portable pulsed magnetic field (PEMF) device at 10 Hz and 200 Gauss, on my wrist throughout the day and night. In about a week the discomfort had decreased by about 80%, without drugs, injections or surgery. However, it was not all gone and would easily come back if I didn’t continue treatment and use a nighttime splint.

Near the peak of the problem, about 3 weeks later in April, I had an ultrasound of my wrist that clearly showed swelling of the median nerve. That evidence should have qualified me for a surgical procedure. But, often, surgeons want to try steroid injections first. Any benefit from these is usually short-lived and have their risks. If you fail this step, then surgery is next. But, you have to prove that you qualify for surgery. This is done by getting a nerve conduction study.

A nerve conduction study (poking a needle into a nerve) is very uncomfortable and is not always reliable. Nerve conduction studies measure how well nerves are functioning. In carpal tunnel syndrome when a nerve is significantly affected the studies are very abnormal. But, they can also be frequently falsely negative, especially in less severe situations. Insurance companies typically expect this test to be positive before approving treatment, even though they are not 100% reliable.

So, I basically continued doing daily treatments with the PEMFs and my night splint. I believe the night splint is a fundamental necessity to keep your hand straight. If you don’t, you can wake up with a very numb hand during the night. After repositioning your hand, It can take what feels like eternity to get back to normal. So, a night splint is critical.

I knew that combining static magnets at night in the splint along with PEMFs would provide the most benefit. I fashioned myself a small square from a sheet of aluminum duct, with six neodymium magnets taped on it. I slip this into my night splint every night over the carpal tunnel.

After six weeks of doing daytime PEMF therapy and the nighttime splint with my static magnets, I am 99% free of discomfort. Occasionally when I’m working at the computer I will still get some burning sensation in my palm at the base of my thumb. The tip of my thumb is no longer numb. I still haven’t done the nerve conduction study, because at this point it’s not likely to show any abnormality, since I don’t have symptoms. I now also don’t need surgery or steroid injections.

In September 2018 I had a repeat ultrasound done by the same doctor. Here is what the report said:

“The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the right median nerve, proximal to the aponeurosis (a fiber band that’s part of the carpal tunnel) measures 0.09 sq cm. Previous measurement (April 2018) was 0.14 sq cm. Measurements were obtained at approximately the same level. Maximum AP diameter on the sagittal images measures 2.8 mm versus previous measurement of 3.1 mm.

Normal CSA is about 0.06 sq cm. In mild CTS it is about 0.11 sq cm. and severe CTS is 0.12 sq cm or more.

This repaeat ultrasound report shows about 37% improvement of the nerve inflammation and swelling. Most improvement in my symptoms happened within a month of the previous study. Often, objective evidence of improvement lags behind clinical improvement. Now, I will only occasionally get very temporary tingling in my hand when working at the computer.

My journey with carpal tunnel syndrome is not typical. The typical journey for most people who rely on conventional medicine includes steroid injections and/or surgery, because doctors don’t know about magnetic field therapies. I know many people, including patients, who have had the surgeries. Most have gotten relief. But, some haven’t. A few end-up with the same or new chronic problems.

Some people who want to avoid surgery or steroid injections will use acupuncture, massage, physical therapy, laser therapy or electrical stimulation/TENS. Results from these therapies can be helpful but require getting care from other professionals. They are often not long-lasting either. Carpal tunnel problems tend to recur, as I know only too well, so, having a home-based PEMF device is a good idea and would also help the many other problems that PEMFs are good for.

I took the magnetic therapy route because I wanted to experience firsthand the potential value of self treatment with safe, noninvasive, at home, convenient (relatively speaking) magnetic field therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition due to compression of the median nerve as it travels through the wrist at the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is where the nerves controlling sensation and movement in the hand and fingers pass under and through ligaments on the palm side of the wrist. The median nerve controls the sensation of the thumb, index finger, middle finger and the thumb side of the ring finger. When the median nerve is pressed going through this tunnel it becomes irritated, inflamed and swells, causing the nerve to not function properly.

The main symptoms are pain, numbness, and tingling in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and the thumb side of the ring finger. Symptoms typically start gradually and occur often during the night. Pain may extend up the arm. A weak grip may happen and, if it persists for a long time, the muscles at the base of the thumb (thenar muscles) may waste away. In more than half of people affected with CTS, both wrists are affected.

CTS causes not only compression of the median nerve, but also obstruction of venous blood flow, edema formation, and ultimately, lack of oxygen to the median nerve, nerve microcirculation injury, connective tissue compression, and thickening of the surrounding synovial tissue. The goal of therapy is to reduce the swelling of the nerve, improve circulation to the nerve and reverse the inflammation that’s part of this process. If the nerve is damaged, repair of the nerve is also important. More severe nerve damage may not be able to be reversed. So, starting treatment early is critical. Sadly, most people are not aware of this progression of these challenges or the risks and, as a result, start appropriate and easy to use treatments too late.

This is one of the purposes of this blog. That is, it is to educate people that a simple home-based technology can make a big difference to their lifetime risk of harm from carpal tunnel syndrome.

Treatment options and results

The treatment options normally considered for CTS are invasive and noninvasive, surgical and nonsurgical.

Nonsurgical approaches

These can include among others: oral anti-inflammatories, oral steroids, steroid injections, ultrasound, magnetic and electromagnetic field therapy, laser, ultrasound, acupuncture, electrical stimulation, nocturnal splinting, massage and physical therapy and the use of ergonomic keyboards and computer mice, and traditional cupping versus heat pads.

Wrist splints and static magnets have been found in research to produce similar benefits. (Colbert)

Surgery

The basic approaches include carpal tunnel release (CTR), either open (OCTR) or endoscopic (ECTR). Complications associated with CTR surgery include painful or thickened scars, bruising, infection, stiffness, swelling or discomfort of the wrist and, disastrous, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RDS), also called complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

Risks from surgery

There is a small risk from surgery for major injuries to nerves, vessels, or tendons. Recurrent and persistent CTS problems following OCTR can still be 10-12%. 75% of patients have excellent results from surgery, usually when followed short-term. That means that 25% of patients may get less than adequate results or have complications. Looked at in another way, one in seven surgeons report a median nerve injury among their cases. Some wound related symptoms may persist for 2 years after surgery. While risks are relatively low, if you are the one with the problem, it’s 100%. Surgeons tend to minimize the risks.

Failures and complications occur with all treatment methods, including surgery. Outcomes depend on the skill of the surgeon, underlying health and age of the person, severity of the compression, duration of symptoms, degree of irreversible nerve damage, and success at removing causal factors.

How effective are current treatments for CTS?

Research evidence for benefit and effectiveness is moderately strong for oral steroids, steroid injections, ultrasound, electromagnetic field therapy, nocturnal splinting, and the use of ergonomic keyboards. Also, research shows moderate effectiveness for ultrasound over weeks to a couple of months. No long-term results have been reported.

A major issue with most studies on non-surgical or noninvasive techniques is the ability to do treatment for as long as the patient needs until recovery. This means that most research studies follow people for a limited time and not until recovery. The same thing happens clinically. People will do treatment for awhile, whether on their own or with a practitioner, before they give up or stop. That means that many people end up getting surgery when they might not need it.

A major limitation in getting treatment with a practitioner until recovery is the cost and inconvenience. Most people stop too soon or they get benefit and the problem returns, requiring another course of treatment. This results in a seesaw of treatments and temporary relief over extended periods, allowing the damage to progress to being irreversible. This cycle often continues if the factors causing the CTS are not removed.

So, home-based magnetic field therapy, whether with static magnets or with pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs), makes the most sense, considering cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit.

What is the evidence that magnetic field therapies work for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Magnetic therapy research has been conducted on both static, permanent magnets and pulsed electromagnetic (PEMF) devices. Most of this research found benefit. Static magnets have been used in research ( Colbert ) because of their ease-of-use, low cost and the fact that the carpal tunnel tissues involved are close to the treatment applicators. But, like other research into CTS treatments, there are often significant limitations in the studies.

The take away from research using static magnets is that there is likely to be some benefit and that this benefit is likely to be greater with higher intensity magnets, when worn for longer periods during the day, used beyond 1 to 2 months and are best when used in a splint. It’s clear that more severe forms of CTS are less likely to benefit. As with my father and me, longer-term use is most likely necessary, especially if the extremity or extremities with CTS continue to be used, even for daily activities.

What about pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs)?

The research on PEMFs

The table below provides a summary of several studies done with various PEMFs. In general, PEMFs have provided significant benefits to people with mild to moderate CTS. PEMF treatments improved not only symptoms but also objective nerve conduction and muscle strength testing. Using antioxidants along with PEMFs probably would produce better results than either one alone. One important study compared PEMF therapy to surgery, demonstrating that PEMFs were at least equal to if not better than surgery.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) PEMF studies

CTS severity	PEMF signal	treatment time	results	comments	reference
Severe	20 Hz, 0.5 G	4 hr/day, 60 days, 15 for 2-10 months extra	Deep pain 35% less vs 12% more in shams. With 10 mos rx better with NCT 40-53%; pain 50% and overall 70%	PEMF vs sham PEMF. Short term rx with a weak PEMF helps but long term best.	Weintraub
Mild-moderate	100 Hz, 1-5 G	30 mins, 15 daily treatments, repeated 3 months later	93% major reduction symptoms;73% NCT better	No sham. Own controls. PEMF better pain/tingling NCT 73% better	Battisti
Mild-moderate	50 Hz vs 5 Hz, 20 G	30 mins, 5/wk X 8 wks (=40) treatments	Symptoms – 50 vs 5 Hz 35% lower vs 22% vs 7% sham higher. NCTs better 13-17% (50Hz) vs 9-10% (5Hz) vs none in sham.	PEMFs better than sham.	Ahmed
Mild-moderate	50 Hz, 80 G	30 mins, 3x/wk X 4 wks	PEMF better in NCT, strength, pain. Pain decrease – PEMF vs control, 4.9 vs 1.3.	CTS rx post pregnancy; ultrasound and exzercises both grps; control grp no PEMF	Kamel
Mild-moderate	Variable 1-80 Hz, 1 G	47 mins, 3X/wk X 12.	T1=end of treatment;T2= 3 mos after T1. T1 both had pain 40%; function 44% better; at T2 PEMF+ grp function better	PEMF vs PEMF+anti-oxidants (AOs). Adding AOs improves function outcomes.	Paolucci
Mild-medium	50 Hz, 40 G	1 hr, 4X/wk X4	PEMF and surgery better vs sham in NCT and symptoms. PEMF sl. better vs surgery: NCT 14-16% vs 12-14%; symptoms 34% vs 12-14%	PEMF vs surgery vs sham. PEMFs as good or better vs surgery.	Ewidea

Key: G= Gauss; Hz= frequency; NCT= nerve conduction test; T1 and T2=test timing;
grp=study group; rx=treatment

Most of the studies used relatively low intensity PEMFs, for short treatment times and over relatively short courses of treatment. When the courses of treatment were extended, results improved.

This research corroborates my experience using a 200 Gauss 02 46221 221 Hz PEMF for moderate to severe CTS. Because I was doing my own treatments, I could apply them for more extended periods of time per day and over a longer course of treatments.

The study comparing PEMFs to surgery deserves a more complete description. (Ewidea) People with mild and moderate CTS were evaluated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study. Forty-five females were divided randomly into three groups of 15 each: sham exposure, PEMF at frequency of 50 Hz, and surgical intervention. The PEMF was given to the area of the median nerve at the wrist and forearm 4 days/week for 1 month, 50 Hz, 40 gauss for 1 hour. The outcome measurements were NCTs and Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire (BCTQ). Measurements were carried out at baseline and three months later. There were non-significant increases in test measures in the sham group. There were significant decreases of all measurements of both the PEMF and surgical groups versus sham and significant decreases of all measurements of magnetic group versus the surgical group. Specifically, the PEMF group had a 14 – 16% improvement in NCT scores versus 12 – 14% in the surgical group. For BCTQ scores, the PEMF group had a 34% improvement versus 30% for the surgical patients. When comparing the BCTQ scores statistically between the surgical group and the PEMF group, the PEMF group had a significantly better improvement than surgery. The results show that PEMF could be as or more effective than surgery in mild to moderate CTS in improving median nerve function and hand function.

This study is even more impressive given that treatment was only for one hour at a time with a relatively low intensity PEMF and only about 16 days of treatment.

Considering the risks of surgery and the potential for harm versus benefit, it seems from this study that PEMFs should be the first line of treatment. Surgery should only be considered for the most severe cases and when PEMF therapy has failed. The convenience and effectiveness of PEMF therapy and the lack of risk weigh heavily in favor of this particular approach.

Summary

All of the above research suggests that magnetic field therapy, whether with static magnets or PEMFs, even applied over relatively short periods can produce significant benefits, even cure. None of the studies available and reviewed followed individuals to resolution of their symptoms. How long it would take to achieve resolution would depend very much on the particular magnetic field systems used, the severity of the condition, how long it has been there, how active the person was in applying the treatments, whether appropriate steps were taken to limit aggravation of the condition, age of the individual, and health factors, nutritional status, among others.

Static magnets appear to be somewhat effective but the intensity of the magnetic system and the length of time they need to be worn will determine effectiveness. Higher intensity static magnets need to be used for the best results. Static magnets are less expensive. They can be easily placed in splints.

Based on the principles of physics and physiology, PEMFs are expected to be more effective than static magnets. PEMFs have the additional advantage of being able to be used for many other purposes and allow the ability to reach deeper into the body to help many other health problems.

While there are very few comparisons of PEMFs and other therapeutic approaches, at the very least PEMFs appear to be equal to or better than ultrasound and surgery and the benefits are are even better when combined with antioxidant nutraceuticals.

Magnetic field therapy avoids the risks of injections, drugs and surgical procedures. Since surgery has a non-insignificant rate of complications and failure, magnetic field therapy should be the first line of treatment before these other approaches are used. Many other approaches such as laser, acupuncture, physical therapy, chiropractic, and others often provide only short-term benefit and are inconvenient. Magnetic field therapy, whether with static magnets or PEMFs can be conveniently applied for as long as is needed to produce results. Intense application is useful early and then is able to be applied as needed afterwards if there are recurrences.

References

Aboonq M. Pathophysiology of carpal tunnel syndrome. Neurosciences (Riyadh). 2015 Jan; 20(1): 4–9.
Ahmed A. Pulsed magnetic field therapy in carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized, placebo controlled double-blind study. Bull. Fac. Ph. Th. Cairo Univ., 2010 Jan;15(1):02 46221 221.
Battisti E, Fortunato M, Ginannneschi F, Rigato M. Efficacy of the magnetotherapy in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. European Bioelectromagnetics Assoc. (EBEA), 4th International Congress, 19-21 November, Zagreb, Croatia, 1998.
Colbert AP, Markov MS, Carlson N, Gregory WL, Carlson H, Elmer PJ. Static magnetic field therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome: a feasibility study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2010 Jul;91(7):02 46221 221.
Ewidea M and Hamed H. Pulsed magnetic field versus surgery in carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized, placebo controlled double blind study 2010 Jan;15(1):02 46221 221. The Advanced Science Journal Feb 02 46221 221: 10-18.
Kamel DM, Hamed NS, Abdel Raoof NA, Tantawy SA. Pulsed magnetic field versus ultrasound in the treatment of postnatal carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial in the women of an Egyptian population. J Adv Res. 2017 Jan;8(1):45-53.
Weintraub MI and Cole SP. A randomized controlled trial of the effects of a combination of static and dynamic magneticfields on carpal tunnel syndrome. Pain Med. 2008 Jul-Aug;9(5):02 46221 221.

PEMF AND OBESITY

Sat, 06 Apr 2019 00:57:34 GMT

OVERWEIGHT, OBESITY AND PEMFS

Obesity and diabetes have become a worldwide health problem in both males and females and across most age groups. People who are obese, compared to those with a normal or healthy weight, are at increased risk for many serious diseases and health conditions, including:

All causes of death (mortality)
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
High lipid levels
Type 2 diabetes
Coronary heart disease
Stroke
Gallbladder disease

Osteoarthritis
Sleep apnea
Some cancers
Low quality of life
Mental illnesses such as clinical depression, anxiety
Body pain and difficulty with physical functioning

Obesity is defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 30.0 kg/m2 or higher; overweight is 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2 BMI. Body mass index is a measure of a person’s weight in kilograms (kg) divided by the square of the person’s height in meters (m2). Gaining weight to the point of obesity is a gradual and progressive process. The negative effects, especially related to inflammation, are present even in people who are overweight and not obese by the BMI definition. In other words, inflammation increases with increasing weight. For example, in children 8 to 16 years of age, being overweight is associated with higher inflammation markers found through common blood tests, such as C-reactive protein (CRP). This indicates a state of low-grade systemic inflammation even in overweight children. In adults, there is also evidence of increasing inflammation with increasing weight (You). The following discussion relates to overweight and obesity alike even though most of the information relates to obesity.

Even though the best goal is to prevent obesity in the first place, this is a very challenging problem, particularly in Western civilization where the factors contributing to obesity are much more widely prevalent. When someone is already overweight or obese, pulsed electro magnetic field (PEMF) therapy could be an important strategy to reduce or reverse a number of the problems caused by being overweight or obese. Using pulsed electro magnetic fields (PEMFs) is a safer, less toxic, and more health-producing approach than most other available approaches.

Many of the problems associated with obesity are from the factors that cause obesity, most notably:

High-calorie diets
Lack of activity and exercise
Inadequate sleep
Stress

And, obesity causes its own problems, including:

Wear and tear on joints
Sleep apnea issues
Increased risk of cancer
Challenges with being able to exercise and be active
Overproduction of sex hormones
Psychological effects

However, what is relatively unknown about the effects of obesity—also called adiposity—is that adipose (fatty) tissue is actually metabolically, physiologically, and immunologically very active by itself.

FATTY TISSUE IS AN ENDOCRINE “ORGAN”

Normal amounts of fatty tissue function as an energy-storage organ. We now know that fatty tissue is also an endocrine “organ” producing numerous molecules called adipokines or adipocytokines that can act as hormones. (Endocrine refers to the system of glands in the body that produce hormones, those chemical messengers that help regulate growth, sexual function, and other processes.)

The adipokines include leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, resistin, apelin, etc. Adipokines affect and control metabolic processes throughout the body. (Metabolic processes involve the chemical reactions in the body that produce energy and make cells work.) Since obesity is associated with a higher than normal amount of fatty tissue, these hormones are produced in higher amounts and have a significant undesirable impact on metabolism. Further, these adipokines interact with insulin, contributing to insulin resistance and subsequently adult type 2 diabetes (Singla).

The distribution of fat in various parts of the body influences metabolism differently than the effects of total body fat stores or the fat under the skin —called subcutaneous adipose tissue , or SAT. The accumulation of fat inside the belly—the visceral fat compartment—seems to play a larger role in increasing the risk of inflammatory conditions, insulin resistance, diabetes, and cholesterol problems (Gasteyger).

Fatty tissue is composed of fat cells called adipocytes . The adipokines or adipocytokines produced by afat cells play an important role in weight regulation. Adipokines or adipocytokines are in a class of molecules called cytokines . Cytokines are small proteins released by cells that have a specific effect on interactions between cells, on communications between cells, or on the behavior of cells. Cytokines can be proinflammatory; that is, they promote and increase inflammation. Or they can be anti-inflammatory; that is, they suppress and reduce inflammation.

Adipocytes are the main source of leptin . Leptin has several roles, including growth control, metabolic control, immune regulation, insulin sensitivity regulation, and reproduction. Its most important role is in body weight regulation. Although secreted from fat stores, it has a direct action on the brain. Leptin has a more important role than insulin has in the brain’s control of energy balance. Both insulin and leptin act on the brain. Leptin is the chief regulator of the brain-gut axis . It causes the brain to signal a sense of satiety (fullness) that decreases our desire for food. Leptin deficiency increases appetite dramatically, leading to significant obesity over time. Leptin resistance may act similarly.

Leptin is also important by promoting inflammation. The inflammation in fatty tissue further increases leptin levels, in turn increasing other cytokines, leading to even further fat cell development—a vicious circle. The leptin and cytokines in fatty tissue increase inflammation locally, and they are also secreted into the circulation to cause inflammation throughout the body Leptin also has a number of other negative actions on immune function, besides stimulating the release of inflammatory cytokines. (Singla).

Resistin is another important contributor to insulin resistance, hence its name. Blood levels of resistin are higher than normal in people with obesity. It is also proinflammatory, releasing cytokines.

Adiponectin is an anti-inflammatory cytokine produced by adipocytes, working to balance the effects of the pro-inflammatory cytokines. It enhances insulin actions and helps control glucose levels. The amount of adiponectin in the body decreases with increasing obesity. Adiponectin also seems to have protection benefits for the vascular system, which carries blood to the body through the blood vessels. As adiponectin levels decrease, serum triglyceride and glucose levels increase, leading to increased cardiovascular risk. Lower adiponectin levels also seem to increase risk for osteopenia/osteoporosis and fatty liver.

INFLAMMATORY MOLECULES PRODUCED BY FATTY TISSUE

Adipocytes in the obese fat cells under the skin (SAT) secrete several proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and chemokines. All secreted cytokines, chemokines, and adipokines not only add to but also maintain inflammation locally and throughout the body. Proinflammatory chemokines in the SAT attract immune cells from the rest of the body to the SAT, compounding inflammation, and themselves secreting additional proinflammatory molecules. These immune cells attracted to the SAT are even more inflammatory in the SAT than they were at their sources. As a result, there are more inflammatory cytokines in SAT than in the blood. From here, they recirculate to lymphatic tissue outside the SAT to reduce systemic immune responses even further.

Cytokines in obese fatty tissue increase breakdown of the fat cells (called lipolysis). Excess fat breakdown in the SAT itself leads to problems that promote DNA damage and SAT inflammation. This breakdown also generates free fatty acids (FFAs) and lipids, which enter the circulation and elevate FFAs in the blood. As a result, circulating FFAs and lipids induce further inflammation in the body—another vicious circle. FFAs also directly inhibit immune B lymphocyte function in the blood. Immune system lymphatic B cells play a crucial role in the defence of pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi); when they detect such an intruder, they produce antibodies that help to combat the enemy.

OTHER IMMUNE DYSFUNCTIONS IN OBESE FATTY TISSUE

Natural killer (NK) cells – another form of immune white blood cell – are significantly increased in the SAT compared to the blood in people with obesity. These SAT NK cells release Interferon gamma, which is a cytokine that plays an important role in inducing and regulating an array of immune responses, adding to local inflammation and insulin resistance. NK cells also kill local macrophages . Macrophages are a type of white blood cell of the immune system, normally inside cells, that engulf and digest cellular debris, foreign substances, microbes, cancer cells, and other abnormal substances. In other words, macrophages help with local immunity. This is yet another way that obese SAT reduces immune function. These changes together weaken the ability of obese tissue to repair itself following infection or damage.

The immune cells that infiltrate the obese SAT generate certain autoimmune antibodies that increase inflammation. These autoantibodies may be damaging, leading not only to enhanced local inflammation but also to physical changes in the fatty tissue, including scar tissue formation and thickening of the skin. The antibodies can also impair normal, and necessary, adipocyte function and nutrient metabolism and aggravate obesity-associated conditions. These autoimmune antibodies are also released into the circulation causing additional damage throughout the body (Frasca).

SPREADING INFLAMMATION

The bottom line with this preceding information is that overweight and obesity is associated with a significant amount of inflammation, not only in the fatty tissue itself but also throughout the tissues of the body. This source of inflammation from excess fatty tissue is one of the major contributing factors to arthritis, vascular inflammation, glaucoma, cataracts, vascular dementia, and aging effects on skin, bone, and muscle. All of these are seen more frequently in obese individuals and increasingly accumulate with age, that is, the longer that obesity is present.

HOW PEMFS HELP IN OBESITY

PEMFs may help in several ways:

By reducing inflammation by reducing the levels of proinflammatory cytokines
By increasing adiponectin and decreasing leptin levels
By reducing the production of fat
By breaking down fat cells
By affecting appetite

REDUCING INFLAMMATION BY REDUCING THE LEVELS OF PROINFLAMMATORY CYTOKINES

PEMFs reduce inflammation by lowering many proinflammatory tissue cytokines. These include reduction of the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, (Vincenzi, 2017) and NF-kappaB (Vianale). But very low intensity PEMFs between, 3 and 5 microTesla, do not affect some of these tissue cytokines (de Kleijn). I mention these cytokines only for information, not for emphasis, because you may read elsewhere about how PEMFs affect these cytokines in health situations other than in the setting of obesity. In other words, PEMFs have broad actions on reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines.

INCREASING ADIPONECTIN AND DECREASING LEPTIN LEVELS

Stem cells obtained from the fatty tissue are often used in stem cell therapies. Fat-derived stem cells (called ADSCs) are used by the body to make more fat cells. As these stem cells grow, they release cytokines. A study was done in rats to determine the impact of PEMFs on the production of adiponectin and lectin cytokines by their ADSCs. Fatty tissue was obtained from rats. The stem cells from the fat were isolated and cultured. PEMF stimulation was started 24 hours after incubation of the stem cell culture. The PEMF (7 Hz at 30 mT/300 Gauss) inside the cell culture was applied 4 hours a day at 24-hours intervals for 3 consecutive days. The researchers found that PEMF application to ADSCs originating from obese adult male rats improved the adiponectin level; ADSCs from females showed lower leptin levels (Baranowska). Both results were in the desirable direction of increasing adiponectin levels and lowering leptin levels.

REDUCING THE PRODUCTION OF FAT

Certain PEMFs may prevent stem cells in soft tissues (in cartilage, bone, bone marrow, or fat) from becoming fat cells. In another study, 7.5 Hz PEMFs at 4000 Gauss were used for 2 hours a day for 15 days in mice [Du]. Extremely low frequency PEMFs helped prevent stem cells from turning into fat cells, called fat cell differentiation. Differentiation is when another type of cell acquires features of another type of cell. But, the PEMFs had no effect on the growth and function of the stem cells in making other types of cells. This suggests that stimulation of even undifferentiated soft tissue stem cells—not only in the abdomen but also in other parts of the body—may decrease the production of fat cells.

BREAKING DOWN FAT CELLS

In another study, a 2-Gauss PEMF was combined with micropressure in 28 women and men over 6 weeks (Beilin). There was a reduction in waistline of more than 6 centimeters (about 2 and half inches) after 12 sessions. Researchers assumed this was due to a reduction in the size of fat cells.

AFFECTING APPETITE

A study was done on obese and nonobese females to see if PEMF stimulation to the brain could impact obesity by reducing appetite. A medium intensity of 45 mT PEMF with alpha range frequencies was applied across the head near the temples for 10 to 15 daily sessions. Six months after treatment, the study group showed an average reduction in body mass index by 5.9 kg/m2 and the nonobese group by 2.5 kg/m2. Lipids returned to normal in 70% of the participants. In another study by the same group, 84 adolescent girls saw an average reduction of body weight by 9 kilograms (almost 20 pounds) after 3 months (Bolotova).

CONCLUSION

Obesity is a challenge not only in terms of the causes but also in the consequences. Beyond the well-known consequences of obesity—hypertension, heart disease, gallbladder disease, arthritis, sleep apnea—less known is the major importance of inflammation associated with obesity not only in the obese tissues themselves but also throughout the body. This inflammation is associated with increased production of inflammatory cells—cytokines/adipokines, chemokines, and autoimmune complexes—in the fatty tissue itself and throughout the body.

PEMFs have been shown to reduce inflammation in many conditions through numerous mechanisms, including the inflammation associated with obesity. Since the visceral/abdominal fat compartment is the greatest source of inflammation with obesity, application of PEMFs to the abdomen covering a wide enough area with a sufficient intensity applied daily to anybody of any level of obesity is expected to significantly help with existing inflammation and with preventing the damaging consequences of the secondary inflammation throughout the body. A better option would be to apply sufficient intensity whole-body PEMFs to help not only visceral, abdominal, fat and the fat under the skin but also the systemic effects of the inflammation caused by any excess fat.

REFERENCES

Baranowska A, Skowron B, Gil K, Kaszuba-Zwoińska J. Obesity related adipokines release in rat adipose derived stem cell cultures influenced by pulsed electromagnetic field. Folia Med Cracov. 2018;58(2):131–145.
Bolotova NV, Lazebnikova SV, Chicheva, GV, et al. The effectiveness of transcranial treatment using the AMO-ATMOS -E apparatus for the correction of the reproductive system disorders in adolescent girls. Vopr Kurotol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult. 2010 Nov-Dec:(6):30–33.
de Kleijn S, Bouwens M, Verburg-van Kemenade BM, et al. Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field exposure does not modulate toll-like receptor signaling in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Cytokine. 2011 Apr;54(1):43–50.
Du L, Fan H, Miao H, Zhao G, Hou Y. Extremely low frequency magnetic fields inhibit adipogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells. Bioelectromagnetics. 2014 Oct;35(7):519–30.
Frasca D, Diaz A, Romero M, Thaller S, Blomberg BB 02 46221 221 Secretion of autoimmune antibodies in the human subcutaneous adipose tissue. PLoS ONE 13(5): e02 46221 221.
Gasteyger C, Tremblay A. Metabolic impact of body fat distribution. J Endocrinol Invest. 2002 Nov;02 46221 221:876–83.
Singla P, Bardoloi A, Parkash AA. Metabolic effects of obesity: A review. World J Diabetes. 2010 Jul 15; 1(3): 76–88.
Vianale G, Reale M, Amerio P, et al. Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field enhances human keratinocyte cell growth and decreases proinflammatory chemokine production. Br J Dermatol. 2008 Jun;02 46221 221:02 46221 221.
Vincenzi F, Ravani A, Pasquini S, et al. Pulsed electromagnetic field exposure reduces hypoxia and inflammation damage in neuron-like and microglial cells. J Cell Physiol 02 46221 221:1200–8.
Visser M, Bouter LM, McQuillan GM, et al. Low-grade systemic inflammation in overweight children. Pediatrics. 2001 Jan;02 46221 221:E13.
You T, Nicklas BJ, Ding J, et al. The metabolic syndrome is associated with circulating adipokines in older adults across a wide range of adiposity. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2008;63:414–19.

This Is The Most Effective Cellulite Treatment I’ve Ever Tried

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 07:48:37 GMT

Sporteluxe

With so many creams, pills and gadgets claiming to eradicate one of women’s peskiest beauty problems, it’s easy to fall down a cellulite-treatment rabbit hole. But truth be told, as cosmetic surgeon Dr Anna Marie Olsen explained to The UK Telegraph, “Oils and creams can improve the appearance of your skin and, to a certain extent, work on superficial layers of the skin in terms of water retention, but they will never cure your cellulite.”

With more and more advances in technology, it’s important to know what’s what, and I found one that deserves the crowning glory when it comes to achieving smoother, more taught skin.

The treatment

Without a doubt, the Venus Legacy is hands down the most effective cellulite treatment I’ve ever come across. Harnessing the power of temperature controlled heat, two technologies — Multi-Polar Radio Frequency and Pulsed Electro Magnetic Fields — are combined to synergistically and uniformly produce heat under the skin’s surface. This causes a thermal reaction in the tissue, increasing collagen and elastin and resulting in smoother, tighter and firmer skin.

How it works

I received my treatments at Mibu Medispa , where the focus is on enhancing natural beauty, and ensuring each and every client receives a tailor-made, personalized program to best suit their goals. The super highly trained therapists are able to identify which route is best to go, and a series of six Venus Legacy treatments, each one hour, was recommended for me. This was not just simply prescribed by my therapist, Kim, chatting with me about what I wanted to achieve (which we did do, in a plush, private white marbled room over a cup of personalized tea), but through an incredibly in-depth and innovative body analysis.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc4HT7dABeX/?taken-by=mibumedispa

First stepping onto a high-tech looking scale, I was instructed to hold a set of hand pieces in each hand while the machine did its thing. In about a minute, an entire body composition reading detailing everything from how many kilograms of fat were in each arm, leg and my abdominals to how much protein and water were in my system to my balance was measured and printed for us to review. These details make the program and treatments more exact; in my case, my right leg measured a centimetre bigger and had a slightly higher percentage of fat than my left leg, so Kim worked a little harder on my right side.

The experience

The treatment itself is nothing short of a dream, too: it feels like a warm massage, and has a therapeutic, relaxing and soothing effect. But don’t let the pleasant experience let you think it’s not working: a slight suction gently pulls skin upwards, allowing the radio frequency energy to travel deeper into the skin, which triggers cellulite reduction and a slimming and contouring effect all while stimulating healthy circulation. The therapist keeps the device head is in constant motion, melting fat and tightening skin at once.

During treatment, I chatted with Kim about the benefits of Venus Legacy over other options. Since Venus Legacy uses lipolysis (read: heat to melt fat and boost collagen and elastin, tightening skin), there is zero harm, and the fat is flushed out via the lymphatic drainage system. Other forms of non-invasive fat reduction kill both fat and cells, which can be damaging. This targeted, safe and super effective treatment also has zero down time, and regular activity can be resumed immediately after with no restrictions. Venus Legacy treatments can also be permanent if you commit to a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise.

The after-effect

To give the treatments a boost in efficacy, a session in an on-site infrared sauna immediately follows, but not before a delicious snack of fresh fruit, yogurt and an ultra-hydrating, electrolyte- probiotic- and lauric acid- packed coconut drink is served. The sauna, which has several clinically proven programs to address different goals, each require different temperatures and lengths of time. Post Venus Legacy treatment, 30 minutes is spent in a warm and comfortable session, where you can relax or even watch Netflix on the iPad in the sauna.

The Venus Legacy treatments are so effective, my legs looked smoother and firmer after just one session. I love everything about this treatment: by stimulating the body’s natural healing process, it’s a safe, healthy and genuinely enjoyable and effective way to diminish cellulite. Mibu Medispa enhanced the experience with their incredibly knowledgable and professional staff, their warm and friendly welcome, and of course, their gorgeous space.

Time For Some Self Care With Mibu Medispa

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 06:35:27 GMT

Krystal Brooke

I’ve recently shared on my Instagram about how I have come to a place of feeling happy and confident in my skin. So I thought on the topic of health and wellness, what better thing to share than something a little different to the norm.

I’ve always been interested in trying alternative treatments that have more of a wellness/wholeness approach rather than a quick fix or trick. However, living about 40 minutes out of the CBD, I found travelling to these sorts of places when you have kiddies to organise and babysitting to organise such a big thing...

Enter MIBU MEDISPA . I first heard about them opening & was instantly intrigued and so I just HAD to try out some of thier services. They’ve been featured in Vogue and are at the forefront of combining the latest medical technology & beauty procedures, together with spa treatments! They offer things like: Cryotherapy , LED light Therapy , infrared sauna, body contouring and so much more!

I absolutely LOVE everything about this place. From the incredible customer service, so personalised and warm, to the professional yet friendly treatments they provide- I feel like I could just pop in here every day! Haha if only time permitted.

I think sometimes us girls are so busy looking after our partners, kiddies, homes... we neglect to make time for some self care- so let this be your friendly reminder that it’s time & you deserve it! And perhaps give the hubby a nudge for a voucher for Christmas for MIBU, or grab a voucher for both of you!

Right now if you book a facial with Mibu & mention KRYSTAL BROOKE they will give you a free infrared sauna session-which I promise you will love! You can find Mibu’s details below to book!

I roped hubby into giving Cryotherapy a try & we both had a turn at the Infrared Sauna (bliss!) have a watch of the video below as I chat with the owner, Vi and to see how we spent our time at Mibu!

Mibu Medispa Opening

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

WOW, within 3 months of our clinic opening we get asked to be in vogue magazine

Mibu Medispa is asked to be in vogue 3 months after its official opening.