The "Cross Training" Support Program ® was developed by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac as a multi-layered health system for healing. This great resource is for those looking for a sensible and rational easy-to-use guide to the best researched alternative therapies. Developed and referenced from the foremost experts on nutrition, herbs, acupuncture, exercise, homeopathy, healing touch and the metaphysical arts, this program allows one to use an "across the board" methods in health and healing.
The following maladies are all situations that can be helped with Aromatherapy, Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Exercise, Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes, Crystals and/or Homeopathy. These "Complementary Therapies" are the 'cross training program' of Alternative Medicine and is only a jumping point in the healing process. You may access other modalities at the menu bar to the left.
*Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as
diagnosis, treatment, or prescription of any kind. The decision to use, or not to use, any information is the sole responsibility of the reader.
See also andropause, arterial health, erectile dysfunction, heart health.
The prostate gland is below the base of the bladder of a man’s urogenital tract. This gland is about the size of a walnut and has the consistency of a water chestnut. While the prostate is considered a major accessory sex gland, the way it functions is not well-understood. With younger men, the prostate rarely receives medical attention except for treatment of infections or cancer screening as part of a physical exam.
As a man ages, the cells that make up the prostate tend to multiply. The chance of having prostate problems tends to increase equally as a man ages. For instance, a man who is 50 years old has a 50% chance of having prostate issues. 60 years old, 60% chance and so on. Besides age, family history is the only other risk indicator. Throughout a man's life he produces testosterone and smaller amounts of estrogen.
Prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate, is either acute or chronic and is often found in younger men. Symptoms include: frequent urge to urinate, burning pain and difficulty urinating. Also, there maybe painful ejaculations, low back pain or inflamed testes.
As a man ages, testosterone levels decrease as estrogen levels increase. He tends to become more vulnerable to the effects of certain hormones, including (DHT) dihydrotestosterone, which also rise. As DHT stimulates cell growth, the cells multiply and cause the gland to increase in size. This noncancerous growth is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It becomes a medical issue when the prostate grows large enough to obstruct the urethra, the canal that carries urine from the bladder to the tip of the penis.
Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) include a frequent urge to urinate, increased urination during the night, urinary urgency, difficulty starting urination, trouble with ejaculation and dribbling at the end of urination. Although annoying, an enlarged prostate usually is not serious unless it impairs complete emptying of the bladder. During your routine physical, your doctor will do a simple digital rectal exam (DRE) and a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test, which is done to keep a close watch on your prostate.
Prostate Cancer can develop in 1 out of 8 American men and 80% of all cases occur in men over 65. For early detection of prostate cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends that all men after the age of 40, have a digital rectal exam (DRE) and that all men after the age of 50 have a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test.
There has been a direct correlation between obesity, diabetes and high glucose levels, which contribute to BHP.
One of the single most preventatives is a proper diet. Because diet strongly influences sex hormone production, including testosterone, it is important to cut back on excess meat consumption (which triples the risk), full fat, dairy products (which doubles the risk) and a lack of vegetables and fruits in the diet (which quadruple the risk).
Include legumes in your diet such as beans and peas. Eat healthy helpings of antioxidant fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, apples, cherries, black plums, avocados and pears.
Cooked tomatoes and tomato sauce are known to have the phytonutrient, lycopene, which has shown to fight off prostate cancer by 35 to 45 percent in those who eat it ten times or more a week. Proper absorption is key and that includes lycopene with some good fat, which tomato sauce has. Ten tablespoons of spaghetti sauce will do the trick as opposed to 164 raw tomatoes per week.
With your lycopene, take 200 micrograms of Selenium a day to decrease your risk of prostate (and other cancers) by 50%. Selenium is a mineral found in vegetables such as garlic, which absorb selenium from the soil.
Consider Vitamin E, especially mixed tocopherols, which appears to work in synergy with lycopene to help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Take 400 IU daily.
Vitamin C works in synergy with Vitamin E and helps increase its function. Take 600-1000 mg, twice a day.
A diet that includes Flaxseed, flaxseed oil and fish oils contain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids appear to help protect against prostate cancer. Take 3 grams daily.
Folate (800 mg daily), a B complex and Zinc (15 mg daily) have shown to increase fertility and improve sperm motility.
Saw Palmetto has been clinically proven to inhibit the enzyme involved in converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. These powerful berries from the saw palmetto palm tree, improve urine flow and decrease inflammation of the prostate gland. Take 160 mg, twice daily.
L-arginine (2 grams daily), an amino acid found in pumpkin seeds and L-citrulline (500 mg twice daily) may possibly increase nitric oxide production, which in turn increases blood flow and therefore can prevent erectile dysfunction and increase sperm count. Foods high in both these amino acids include pumpkin seeds, almonds, cocoa and real (dark) chocolate, garbanzo beans, peanuts, salmon, soy and walnuts.
Consider the Full Spectrum Diet, which includes: phytochemicals (5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables daily), 30 grams of fiber, flavinoids (found in red and purple grapes, red wine and black tea).
One of the strongest areas in Chinese Medicine is that of trauma remedies. Cuts, bruises, lacerations, sprained joints and pain are just some of the daily problems, which can pop up unexpectedly.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the oldest, continually practiced, and professionally administered health care system in the world. It is a documented medical system spanning over 2,500 years based on comprehensive philosophies, rational theories, clinically tested and empirically verified by over 100 generations of highly educated practitioners. Chinese Medicine is a total system of internal medicine which is comprised of a diagnostic procedure based on signs, symptoms and treatment styles including acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercise, diet and meditation. It's foundation is based on the principles of balance; the interdependent relationship of Yin and Yang. Through this balance, health is achieved and maintained.
Herbs are the "medicinals" in holistic healing. Chinese herbs are specifically used to create a decoction or "tea" and is a very powerful part of healing dis-ease. Herbal decoctions may also be given in "tea pills", tinctures, granules or as an external patch, compress, or bath.
Chinese medicine regards prostate problems as excess dampness and Qi stagnation. Please go to: Chinese Medical Terminology for further explanation.
Visit Your TCM practitioner for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Horsetail can be given to assist in urination. Take this tincture throughout the day as a natural diuretic.
Panax Ginseng is recommended for an enlarged prostate. Use these granules to make a tea, 3 times a day.
Nettle Leaf The active ingredients in this herb supresses prostatic cell growth and decreases inflammation. Take the recommended dosage when a problem flares up, then reduce to 1/3 the dosage to keep matters under control.
Saw Palmetto has been clinically proven to inhibit the enzyme involved in converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. These powerful berries from the saw palmetto palm tree, improve urine flow and decrease inflammation of the prostate gland. Take 160 mg, twice daily.
Watercress is a traditional remedy that is a tonifying herb. Eat the leaves or take the tincture as often as possible in order to alleviate any problems.
Herbal tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts of the medicinal properties of herbs. Tinctures represent one of many different ways to prepare and use herbs. The terms tincture and extract are often used interchangeably.
Shake the tincture bottle well. As a dietary supplement, place 1 to 3 droppers under the tongue, or in juice or water as needed, 2-3 times a day.
Circulation Support: Hawthorn berries, Ginger, Angelica, Bayberry Bark, Hyssop, Prickley Ash bark, Cloves, Cayenne.
Infection: Echinacea, Yarrow, Myrrh, Goldenseal, Black Walnut, Marshmallow, Plantain & Cayenne.
Male Power: Korean Ginseng, Tienchi Ginseng, American Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng, Mura Puama, Nettle, Astragalus, Saw Palmento.
Prostate Support: Saw Palmetto, Buchu, Parsley root, Hydrangea, Cornsilk, Horsetail, American Ginseng.
Aromatherapy Aromatherapy blends can reduce inflammation, as a diuretic and to ease symptoms. Helpful, are essential oils of bergamot, cedarwood, chamomile, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, sandalwood and myrrh oils are all beneficial for prostate problems.
Clary Sage and Geranium: contains several estrogen-like oils that, when blended together, work for this condition. Blend these oils together for a massage oil or add them to bath water.
Bergamot, with Chamomile and Myrrh are anti-inflammatory essential oils and will help to ease symptoms of prostatitis.
Cedarwood, with Frankincense and Sandalwood are diuretic oils and can be used in the bath and in massage oil.
Utilize these blends of essential oils 3 times a day, morning, afternoon and night:
Angel's Mist Prostate Rub Remedy Blend
Angel's Mist Prostate Massage Remedy Blend
Angel's Mist Prostate Bath Remedy Blend
This medical system uses infinitesimal doses of natural substances to stimulate a person's immune system and body's natural defenses. Homeopathic remedies are named for the plant or animal ingredients they are made from. Homeopathy not only offers relief from temporary disorders but, can provide long term healing of a person due to its individual and "wholistic" approach. This often leads to a complete recovery from the dis-ease, as well as, providing an improved understanding of the patient's situation. This type of healing makes it easier and possible to avoid recurrence or relapses in the future and homeopathy stimulates the body's natural defense system by reestablishing normal immune system and cell functioning.
Arg. Nit can be taken for impotence, loss of erection on penetration, low libido and pain on intercourse. Can be taken 4 times daily, for 3-4 weeks.
Sabal can be taken for difficulty with urination, painful urination or intercourse, spasm pain and enlarged prostate.
Pulsatilla can be utilized for yellow discharge from the penis and an urge to urinate.
Thuja is for a burning sensation at the neck of the bladder and a frequent need to urinate.
Baryta carb. can be used for frequent urge to urinate, a slow stream of urine and premature ejaculation.
Iodum is considered when there is are shrinking testicles, a hard prostate gland and impotence.
The mysterious and amazing healing power of water has been utilized for centuries. Water cleanses, refreshes and restores all life. We are always drawn to water. Be it a soothing fountain or majestic waterfall. Water is a carrier. It flows. It moves along the line of least resistance to find its way to the ocean where comes and goes in the ebb and flow of tides and waves. The appeal is inexplicable! We crave water, maybe because our bodies are made up of a large percent of it. Maybe beacuse we instinctively know how it can heal us.
Hydrotherapy is the use of water in any form, in the treatment of dis-ease. Hydrotherapy was used by the ancient Greek physicians. The use of baths for such purposes as well as for religious purification, personal cleanliness, and private or social relaxation dates from at least the time of ancient Greece. A German, Vincenz Priessnitz, popularized the use of spas in Germany and elsewhere in Europe, where they are still popular today.
Hydrotherapy has a number of uses. Warm water will relax spasm; thus, hydrotherapy has been useful in treating such conditions as muscular strains and sprains, muscular fatigue, and backache. Heat is often used in conjunction with massage or other manipulative or stimulative treatments, such as the whirlpool bath. Sitz baths (sitting in hot water) are effective in the treatment of many disorders. Water is also useful in physical therapy because patients who exercise in a buoyant medium can move weak parts of their bodies without contending with the strong force of gravity.
A hot sitz bath may be beneficial for prostate inflammation. Fill the tub with enough hot water to cover the navel, then sit down and soak for 20 to 30 minutes. Follow with a cold bath or shower. Use this treatment once a day for 30 days or until symptoms subside.
Prevention is the key.
Maintain a proper diet. Because diet strongly influences sex hormone production, including testosterone, it is important to cut back on excess meat consumption, full fat, dairy products and a lack of vegetables and fruits in the diet.
Consider eating flaxseed, fish or adding fish oils contain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids appear to help protect against prostate cancer.
Consider taking a Multi-vitamin daily, containing Vitamins, C, E, Selenium, Magnesium, Zinc and Lycopene.
Get Exercise on a regular basis, at least 3 times a week.
Yoga poses can be good alternatives to "traditional" health remedies because they relax the body and mind, improve circulation and respiration, reduce tension and help the body through it's healing process.
Consider the Standing Knee Squeeze (Pavanmuktasana). This can be performed laying down, as well. Interlock your fingers. Bring one knee to the chest and gently squeeze inward with interlocked fingers. Hold for 6 deep breathes in and out.
The Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana). Sit on the floor, legs together, spine tall. Reach to the sky then extend both arms forward and stretch over your outstretched legs. Extend from the lower back outward reaching. Exhale as you bring your hands to either side of the feet. Breath in this position for 6 breathes. Inhale, reaching out and up, returning to beginning position.
From this position, lie on your back and take a deep breath (Savasana). Breathe out until the breath is completely gone, then pull in hard on your buttocks, groin and stomach muscles. Hold for a count of six, then release your muscles. Consider doing this two or three times a day, three times session per day, to help prevent prostate problems. You can also use the exercise as needed when problems flare up.
These poses can increase circulation to the groin and ease prostate troubles. You should not practice this pose if you have high blood pressure, hiatal hernia, ulcers or heart disease.
Andrew Pacholyk has an extensive background in biomedical science and clinical training. Andrew has done massage, yoga and music therapy for over 15 years and brings his experience as an Acupuncturist and Herbalist to such health facilities as diverse as St. Vincent’s Hospital, The Body Center, New York Health Club, The Grand Meridian and his private practice, ProAcuMed Inc. in New York City. Andrew offers a safe and effective method with his diverse knowledge of the healing arts. Andrew is licensed in the State of New York and is accredited and certified by the National Boards in both Acupuncture and Herbology.
The Misson/Vision:
Andrew offers a unique and personal path in developing, understanding and incorporating the power of our belief system and your own inner wisdom in the healing process. Andrew works with:
* Functional and Orthopedic Testing
* Acupuncture and Massage Therapy
* Nutrition, Herbal and Chinese Botanicals
* Cupping, Moxabustion, Electrostimulation
* Mind Medicine, Belief Systems, Emotional Healing
Call Andrew at his office, ProAcuMed at 917 843 3623 or by email Make An Appointment NOW with Andrew
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