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Victor Vega

5/16/2012

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The Guy:

I have just returned from visiting my farm (formerly home to La Casa Resort Spa) in the rain forest of Puerto Rico. I took time out to meet a man I have been wanting to meet for quite a while. He is a physician, and an oncologist who did his internship and residency in radiation oncology at Johns Hopkins, and taught as an instructor in radiation oncology at my alma mater, Washington University (School of Medicine) as well as at the University of Miami School of Medicine. You can see from his credentials that for many years Victor treated cancer patients with standard medical protocols including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Fifteen years ago, however, he threw in the towel of orthodox medicine and became a medical renegade, practicing only holistic medicine.

Although Victor is well-versed in successfully treating many difficult cases of cancer (his Testimonial page on his website indicates such), his most recent interest has been in treating severe neurological disturbances: autism, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, ALS, epilepsy and more. He uses a technique that has been used successfully in Europe and Russia for the management of degenerative neurological diseases but is little known in the U.S.

Victor explains that many degenerative neurological diseases are caused and/or worsened by the presence of heavy metals in the body such as lead, mercury and aluminum. The use of pesticides, petroleum bi-products, plastics containing phthalates and other pollutants in the air, food and water, are also important factors that may cause or worsen these neurological diseases.

Although holistic treatments can safely remove most of these contaminants using techniques such as chelation therapy with intravenous disodium edetate, DMPS and/or vitamin C, along with a diet of organic food, there is still more that can be done (and needs to be done) to intensify the detox of these pollutants. Victor’s treatment protocol consists of intravenous phospholipids as an essential component of the therapy.

Phospholipids are vitally important in health because the cell membrane is composed mainly of four phospholipids: choline, ethanolamine, serine and inositol. These phospholipids are fatty components that keep the cell wall relatively waterproof and, thus, maintain the integrity of the cell membrane. This helps control the flow of nutrients and waste materials in and out of the cell.

Fatty acids (which are a specific kind of fat) and phosphates are needed in combination to form phospholipids. The most common of these fatty acids are Omega 3 and Omega 6 (linoleic acid and linolenic acid, respectively). These fatty acids are essential because our bodies do not synthesize them. Much documentation shows that the optimum ratio in the diet of Omega 6 to Omega 3 is 4:1. If the membrane does not have these basic components, protection of the cell is compromised. This in turn decreases optimal cell functioning, leading to suboptimal function and, finally, disease.

Victor’s treatment consists of a series of injections containing phospholipids, glutathione (an intracellular antioxidant), folic acid and vitamin B12. All ingredients he uses are natural and preservative free.

 Victor’s emphasis on both IV and oral substances makes sense for treating neurological disturbances when we look at the actual physiology and biology of the body’s nervous system. When we think about the nervous system, we generally think about the brain, and its extensions (neurons, spinal cord and such). But the fact is: there is a second nervous system that is part of the gastrointestinal tract. In a very real sense, you have two brains: one inside your skull and the other inside your gut. Both systems are created at the same time in the developing fetus; one eventually turns into the central nervous system and the other into the enteric nervous system, and they are connected via the vagus nerve, the 10th cranial nerve that runs from your brain stem down to your abdomen. It is now well established that the vagus nerve is indeed the primary route your gut bacteria use to transmit information to your brain. The relationship between the two brains seems to be bi-directional.

According to Dr. Campbell-McBride, establishment of normal gut flora in the first 20 days or so of life plays a crucial role in the appropriate maturation of babies’ immune systems. As she explains:

“The baby acquires its gut flora at the time of birth, when the baby goes through the birth canal of the mother. So whatever lives in mom’s birth canal, in mom’s vagina, becomes the baby’s gut flora.  So what lives in mom’s vagina? It’s a very richly populated area of a woman’s body. The vaginal flora comes from the bowel. So if the mother has abnormal gut flora, she will have abnormal flora in her birth canal.”

Dr. Campbell-McBride describes the foundational conditions that contribute to such disorders as ADHD, learning disabilities and autism.

Victor’s results, based on these understandings, have been nothing short of incredible. Here are descriptions of just a few of his cases:
After six injections in a patient with Alzheimer’s who had manifested severe memory loss, a substantial recovery of long and short- term memory was observed.

In two patients with autism and low conversational levels, both began to speak more fluidly in the third week of treatment. They ceased to have erratic and violent behavior. Both then exhibited higher levels of social interaction with their families and other children.

In two patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and not able to lay down to sleep because of inability to swallow due to partial or total pharyngeal paralysis, the patients started being able to lie down for one hour at a time, and then throughout the whole night as the nerves and muscles regained function. Both patients also had considerable improvement in their swallowing.

In three patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, after three weeks of treatment, patients had more focus, exhibited more joy and less apathy. Their medications were decreased or stopped altogether.

In a patient with partial occlusion of cerebral arteries and decreased ability to find words and initiate conversation, after two weeks of treatment, there was a marked improvement in the ability to form and express thoughts.

In a patient who had suffered for several months from severe pain and insomnia due to shingles on the face, pain decreased more than 80% after a month of treatment.

In a patient with breast cancer who suffered from neuropathy and pain as a consequence of chemotherapy, after two injections of phospholipids, the pain intensity dropped by over 90%.

In a patient with neuropathy and severe pain in the lower extremities due to diabetes, there was marked improvement in the ability to walk, and the patient no longer needed a cane.

In a patient with presence of heavy metals in the blood, resulting in moderate loss of vision, eye pain and deafness, a month of treatment resulted in a significant decrease in pain, an increase in energy and improved vision.

In a patient with severe migraine and continuous headaches, there was a 90% decrease in the intensity of episodes.

We all know that these case studies would not be compelling as medical research findings, as they are not a controlled study, nor are they double-blinded. But for those who suffer from diseases of neurological degeneration (Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, neuropathy, attention deficit disorder, autism, epilepsy, and any other conditions where there is a need to regenerate the brain and/or nerves), the results are impressive enough to consider Victor’s protocol as a viable option. There is no down-side: the technique is effective and safe; there are no known contraindications or side effects. In many patients, and improvement is observed in as little as 48 hours.

Victor says that patients of any age who have done this protocol as a preventive measure have reported increased energy, better sleep and improved mental clarity.

Victor is also still treating cancer, but he has a caveat for accepting new cancer patients: they must agree to not eat sugar and to cooperate with eating according to his health plan.

Victor treats patients in both Puerto Rico and Miami. He says that out-of-towners must plan on staying at least a week, and then can continue their protocol at home.

If anyone desires to go to Puerto Rico to see Victor, you are welcome to stay at my beautiful farm. It is only a half hour from Victor’s office, and is itself a healing experience in its own right, as it is situated at the edge of the rain forest, replete with healing plants and fresh replenishing breezes that waft down from the top of El Yiunque.

Next Musings

Look for my next Musings, in which I am going to talk about the true meaning of cancer statistics, cancer screening techniques, and whether screening tests really aid in more success with the treatment of cancer. Test question (answered in the newsletter): would you be interested in having a treatment for a disease that has a 98% failure rate?

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Using Water to Create a Flat Belly (and lots of other health benefits)

5/7/2012

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Ishnaan is a yogic concept that involves the use of water to utterly transform the body. In yogic tradition, you never say you're going to take a bath or a shower -- you say you're going to perform Ishnaan. There's a reverence, a grace to the concept of immersing your body in water and allowing the water to work a magical transformation and healing on you.

It is, in a way, unfortunate that modern plumbing brings water to us so easily. It has gotten us to be lackadaisical about the magic and possibility of transformation through the therapeutic use of water. In ancient times, hydrotherapy required 500 men to fill the huge tub. The tub had to be placed 40 feet above the ground in order to create enough water pressure to get the desired effect.

The science of hydrotherapy is extremely precise and it is in the ancient yogic tradition that its laws were first discovered. Water therapy forces the capillaries to open and when they close again, the blood returns back to the organs. Each organ has its own blood supply so in doing this you have just given each organ a nice flushing out of old blood and replenishing of revitalized blood. When the organs get a flushing, the glands have to change their secretions. When the glands change, according to yogic tradition, youth returns. If the glandular system is revitalized, it secretes chemicals that are young chemicals, thus returning the body to youthfulness and health.

As well as the blood circulation-boosting action of water, its effect is further enhanced by the thermal reactions of the body to hot and cold temperatures of the water. Rather miraculously, water has a unique ability to store and transmit information (see Emoto's work on water and information), including both heat and cold.

Today, hydrotherapy is practiced using both heat and cold and in the form of steam baths and sauna to shower jets, partial immersion baths, wraps, packs and compresses, as well as colon irrigation and enemas.

Cold water specifically helps to oxidize the cells of tissues, increasing the absorption of oxygen and aiding in the elimination of carbonic acid. In making parts of the body cold, you are actually asking your own circulation system to warm you from the cold. This exercising of the circulatory system builds up a resistance in the body making you healthier and less prone to illnesses of all kinds.

Ice packs and cold compresses for instance, initially stimulate the heart and respiration rates as well as increasing blood pressure and muscle tone. A more prolonged exposure to cold water has a calming effect. It decreases normal cell activity, constricts blood vessels, numbs nerves and slows down breathing. Conversely, heat-based hydrotherapies, such as steam baths, sauna, hot compresses and whirlpools, have a stimulating effect. I will attest to this effect, as I am a virtual "addict" to hot steamy yoga; I've been practicing it for almost 10 years most days of the week, and on the days I don't get to have my hot wet "fix" I feel sluggish.

In ancient days, the yogis understood how to use cold water therapy to achieve absolutely precise effects in the body:

For a clear mind:
In the shower, let cold water fall just below your lower lip for 15 minutes.

For energy:
In the shower, let cold water fall between your eyebrows and upper lip for 15 minutes.

To induce sleepiness:
In the shower, let the water fall on your forehead for 15 minutes.

Cold water for colds:
When you have a head cold, the fastest way of getting rid of it is to do a cold sponge bath. Make sure the bathroom is warm, and then sponge your whole body with cold water. Wrap up quickly in a sheet or big towel, without drying yourself. The principle here is that you're getting your body to respond more vigorously to warm you, so you don't want to interfere with your body's doing all the work. Then hurry to bed and lie there covered as warmly as possible for an hour. Do this every hour four times. Then get up and dress warmly. You'll notice that each sponging gets you to feel warmer. By the third sponge, you should actually begin to sweat when you are in bed. Congestion in your nose will clear up; in fact your nose may begin to run profusely for a while. And your head will feel lighter. It's a guaranteed one day cure for a chest or head cold. The next day you'll feel 1000% better.

Cold water for infections and inflammations:
You can get good results with local infections and inflammations by using a cold water spray on the affected area. The process is the same. Wet the area with a shower spray, then cover yourself without drying and relax. Repeat this several times. Once you get the hang of this therapy, you can get really creative and follow the basic rules while, at the same time, following your own intuition about what would help your body to respond.

Cold water for overweight:
Cold water therapy keeps the glands in good working order. There is almost always some kind of glandular disturbance in an overweight condition. Also, keeping the bowels and kidneys functioning, which cold water therapy affects, helps to discard toxins which often settle in as extra weight. For losing weight, it's best to do a hip spray in the morning and a back spray in the evening. These techniques help to both cleanse and keep the cells of organs well saturated with water. As well, the muscles will stay well-toned, and you will avoid that sagging that comes with weight loss. Of course, cold water therapy should be augmented with drinking lots of water and healthy eating habits. To do the hip spray, aim the shower spray directly at your hip. Do this several times, then wrap up and jump into bed for a half hour. Remove the wrapping and stay in bed for another half hour. To do the back spray, you need someone to aim the water at your back. Go up and down the back several times, wrap and go to bed.

For a compete body rejuvenation:
This is the most powerful yogic water application. Yogis believe that daily performance of this cold water shower will insure health and long life. First, coat your skin with almond oil. Then, immerse your whole body in water -- starting with warm water, graduating to cold -- as cold as you can stand it. Spend no more than a few minutes initially to avoid shocking your system and to build tolerance. It may take a few attempts to get used to it but what's remarkable about the technique is that after the first shock of the cold, you actually will feel warm, not cold. Your blood rushes out to meet the challenge of the cold and begins to generate its own heat. This is better than a sauna or a steam bath where your body is passively heated; here it is an active process, activating your entire circulatory system and changing your entire bloodstream. The technique is to stand under the cold shower, massaging each part of your body that the cold water is hitting. Use each foot to massage the calf and foot of your other leg. The almond oil will help to keep the heat sealed in. Repeat the cold dousing and self-massage several times until you've been in the shower for 15 minutes. By the time you get out, you should feel toasty warm or even hot. Then towel dry yourself; put on warm clothes and wrap yourself in a blanket. This technique totally rebuilds your body and you will feel simultaneously invigorated and calm.

 A word of caution: Do not do his therapy if you have a heart condition.

 Now, jump ahead a few centuries from ancient yogic practice to the birth of modern naturopathy. Northern Europe, especially Germany, in the 19th century was populated with highly respected thinkers and philosophers. A few prominent figures, Father Sebastian Kneipp and Louis Kuhne being among the most respected, were known as Nature Cure practitioners. They revived the concept of hydrotherapy, prescribing different types of water baths as a chief healing tool.

The momentous publication by Father Kneipp of "My Water Cure" in 1882 pushed nature cure to the forefront, creating keen awareness of the concept of using water for healing a diseased body. The book was translated into 14 languages. The Kneippe Sanitarium in Woerschofen, Germany treated over 4000 patients a week using cold water therapy. One of the keys that Kneippe discovered was that if you have good circulation all the way down to the legs, it gives you good circulation all the way up to the head, and everywhere in between. The Kneippe Sanitarium became known for its Kneippe water walk, which consisted of a 30 foot walk through icy cold water which reached up to the knees.

Kneippe's therapy was practiced still as recently as 20 years ago, when I used to go to Bernard Jensen's ranch in Escondido. The legendary Jensen treated my mother's "terminal" cancer, and "cured" her. At his ranch, he had the Kneippe water walk trough that his patients would walk through.

But, you can create the same effect as the Kneippe water walk by using everyday tool: a hose and a bathtub.

Kneippe outdoor water walk:
Use a simple garden hose without the sprinkler attachment. Run the water against your leg, starting at the point that is farthest away from your heart, the ankle of your right leg. Move the stream of water up your leg until you reach your groin, then around and down the back of the other leg. Then do the same to the front. Let the water evaporate naturally; otherwise you don't get the benefit of your circulatory system getting activated. To augment the effect, end the treatment with a barefoot walk through either sand or grass.

In the winter, you can do the same thing in your bathtub.

Kneippe indoor water walk:
Fill the tub with water just a few inches as cold as you can tolerate, and walk back and forth. It may be painful at first, particularly if your circulation is poor. But you will feel your feet begin to get a little numb, and then warm. This is the time to step out. Build up tolerance for being able to walk for five minutes.

If you're really adventuresome, you can try the same thing outside in new, clean snow. In both circumstances, warm your feet by continuing to walk for a while with shoes and socks.

Louis Kuhne created a a similar holistic health establishment in Leipzig, Germany in 1883, and for over three decades he offered a unique water therapy with which he successfully treated a wide spectrum of diseases, and with cases where every other treatment had failed. He called this therapy the friction sitz bath and it was his main form of treatment.

Kuhne's friction sitz bath is a safe and effective way to gently but regularly eliminate toxins and is especially effective in shedding excess abdominal fat and surplus weight.

The technique consists of cooling down the groin area with cold water while maintaining the rest of the body warm. One applies an ice cold cloth to the groin, vigorously rubbing the area to create friction. Of course, the friction of the rub aids in assisting the body to create its own internally generated heat. The powerful therapeutic benefits of this technique derive from the fact that:

It targets the groin area -- one of the highest nerve-concentration areas in the body. Hence its positive effect on mood, sleep and energy.
- The groin houses main arteries, and the technique greatly boosts blood circulation, elimination and digestion.
- It directly stimulates the root chakra, which governs sexual energy and reproductive organs. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle, and was used by Louis Kuhne to treat impotence. It is also beneficial for low libido and menopausal symptoms.
- The application of cold water boosts the metabolism and activates the brown fat that enables the body to shed the white fat, which otherwise deposits in various areas on the body, creating bulges.

More recent research confirms this concept and demonstrates the benefits of using cold water or ice to trigger fat and toxin elimination. Joseph Mercola writes: "Research suggests that calorie combustion in brown fat may be of significance for your metabolism, and brown fat is effectively activated by cold temperatures. In one recent study, men burned more calories and lost more white fat, the kind that causes obesity, when exposed to ice cold temperatures."

For this same reason, ice cold showers are recommended for slimming. As previously explained, when exposed to cold temperatures, the body will burn fat and energy to reheat itself. But additionally, cold water activates the brown fat, which boosts the metabolism and burns white fat. As toxins are known to deposit in white fat cells, this action greatly boosts toxin elimination.

 Overall Benefits of Cold Water Therapies:

    Circulation boosting
    Fat elimination
    Detoxification
    Strengthening the immune system
    Metabolism and energy boosting
    Digestion enhancing
    Relaxing and sleep quality enhancing
    Rejuvenating
    Maintaining skin and hair health

(Described in detailed case studies in his book: Neo-Naturopathy: The New Science of Healing or The Doctrine of Unity of Diseases)
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    Jane G. Goldberg, Ph.D.

    Dr. Jane Goldberg has published numerous articles, both scholarly and lay. She has appeared on most TV talk shows and has been invited to lecture at conferences throughout the country. She has been aired on several radio shows, including NPR. Her list of published articles and newspaper contributions is lengthy and impressive.

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