Positive Health Online

UK Individualized Cancer Blood Tests from World Class Laboratory

Chemosensitivity testing is frequently used throughout Europe to assist doctors in devising personalized cancer care plans. There is growing evidence that monitoring Circulating Tumour Cells and testing their sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs can play a valuable role in the management of an individual cancer.


Cancer patients can now access these tests through the UK office of RGCC (Research Genetic Cancer Centre), a world-class laboratory specializing in medical and cancer genetics, with a global service. The Director and founder is Dr Ioannis Papasotiriou MD; RGCC-UK Ltd, co-directed by Dr Nicola Hembry BSc MB BS MSB, is based in Bristol.

The tests offered by RGCC are unique; they not only test the most commonly used chemotherapy drugs, but also 40 natural substances which can prove beneficial to patients.

What are circulating Tumour Cells?

Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs) are breakaway cells from a primary cancer site which enter the blood stream and can circulate with the potential to spread the disease to distant organs. These cells can be isolated and identified, and there is growing interest in their detection for the following purposes:

• The early detection and diagnosis of new cancers
• Monitoring of existing cancers
• Prognosis - providing information about the risk of recurrence of a current or old cancer
• People who want to actively engage in reducing their risk of developing cancer in the future                
  

What is Chemosemsitivity testing?

Chemosensitivity testing involves testing an individual's cancer cells in the laboratory to see which drugs demonstrate the best response. It therefore provides guidance about which treatments may be best for the individual in clinical practice.

Cancer physicians principally rely on the statistical analysis of large treatment trials to decide which drugs to use for specific cancers. There is a growing interest, however, in personalized cancer therapy, which involves identifying those treatments which may work best for an individual's cancer. Chemosensitivity testing is one method of doing this. The RGCC test is a blood test (or sometimes tissue). Tumour cells are identified and isolated from the sample for the following analysis:

• Viability testing of chemotherapy drugs;
• Genetic profiling for guidance about targeted therapies e.g. monoclonal antibodies;
• Viability testing  (and identification of mechanisms of action) of natural substances which may be used as part of a complementary treatment strategy.

Results are presented in a written report to provide guidance regarding optimal treatment options. RGCC-UK Ltd provides information for patients and doctors, and refers patients to doctors throughout the UK who offer their services to patients privately.

Further Information
For further information please contact RGCC-UK Ltd on 0117 317 1460;  info@rgcc-uk.com    www.rgcc-uk.com

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New! Diploma in Clinical Reflex Zone Therapy for Pregnancy and Childbirth

This 20-day programme is aimed at Reflexologists wishing to specialise in maternity work, using reflex zone therapy techniques to treat specific discomforts in pregnancy, support women in childbirth and help them to adapt to motherhood. The programme is taught by internationally-renowned expert in maternity-CAM, Denise Tiran, author of Reflexology in Pregnancy and Childbirth (2010) and Clinical Reflexology (2nd edition due December 2010). Individual  modules accredited by FHT, Greenwich University, FEDANT.

Two-day Accredited Course on Caring for Pregnant Clients

20th and 21st January 2011, central London (Victoria)

This introductory theoretical course for practitioners of all complementary therapies provides an overview of current antenatal, birth and postnatal care in the NHS, reproductive physiology, role and responsibilities of therapists working with pregnant clients, dealing with emergencies and liaising with midwives and doctors. Accredited by FHT (professional), FEDANT (for insurance) and Greenwich University (academic), this course is taught by Denise Tiran, midwife, therapist and internationally-renowned authority on safety of complementary therapies in pregnancy and childbirth.

Further Information
Diploma in Clinical Reflex Zone Therapy for Pregnancy and Childbirth: Introductory offer £999, commencing January 2011, London.
Two-day Accredited Course on Caring for Pregnant Clients: Special offer £65 if paid in full with application by 15th December 2010.
Please contact Expectancy on Tel: 08452 301323; www.expectancy.co.uk/  
 

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Claudia Louch Phytoclinic - Natural Dermatology and Nutrition Clinic

The Phytoclinic is a world renowned private nutrition clinic in London, and is at the cutting edge of natural weight loss, dietary and nutritional management, natural dermatology and a world-leader in medicinal plant based treatments for many health conditions.

Natural Dermatology Clinic

Claudia Louch BSc Hons MCPP MSc MPharm MNutr owner of the Natural Dermatology Clinic, creates not only chemical free skin-care -  without paraben, sodium lauryl sulphate or titanium dioxide -  and takes it one step further by customising and personalising your entire skincare regime, internally and externally.  Claudia Louch is a scientific natural skin care expert, with a background in pharmacology, allergy, plant based medicine, clinical nutrition and advanced dermatology practice.

Claudia also treats clients internally with medicinally active plant-based remedies. This internal and external treatment is unique in that it is fully personalised, complete with your own specific dietary plan and customised skin care products. Each skin-product is customised to meet the needs of each client after a thorough consultation and thorough health check-up. Claudia's Natural Dermatology Clinic is very successful in supporting many skin problems and conditions including: • Acne  • Allergic skin-reactions  • Eczema  • Fungal conditions  • Seborrheic Dermatitis  • Skin  • ageing  • Rosacea  • Psoriasis.

Harley Street Nutrition Clinic

Claudia Louch uses a customised weight loss approach in her clinic, which is based on the Set Point Principle, and cannot be compared with any other diet, as it is does not only calorie count, nor exclude any important food groups. Every diet plan is tailor-made by Claudia Louch for each patient, depending on the patient's life-style, eating habits and health. Before designing a patient's diet, each patient undergoes a comprehensive health-check up. Each patient is completely assessed with cutting edge 'Body Analyser' and Claudia Louch designs the customised diet plan, once all the data has been collected to maximize the effect and outcome of the diet for each patient.

Further Information
Please contact Phytoclinic via  info@phytoclinic.com   www.phytoclinic.com      www.harleystreetnutritionclinic.com   www.claudialouch.com   

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Chakra Balancing Candles and Tea-lights

Following the success of the Organic Aromatherapy Chakra and Organ Balancing Creams which combine the finely tuned synergies of pure essential oils with a carrier cream, the natural progression seemed to be to incorporate the same healing into candle form. My aim was to create a healing environment which is subtle and gentle, not overpowering. I love the thought that when we light a candle we can also invite an angel into our space.


After setting this intent, I found an amazing candle maker, David Spandley at the Candle Cavern, Buriton, deep in the South Downs who loves his work;  if something is created with love its positive vibration is higher.

Together we worked for five months developing eight different blends of essential oils that work perfectly with natural soy wax. All oils and wax come from a sustainable source; the heart-shaped candles and the tea-lights are encased in recyclable shells with simple cotton wicks.

The essential oils release a gentle fragrance which is subtle and powerfully effective having a positive effect on the mind body and spirit.

The range includes the following blends which can be burned alone or in combinations for a powerful effect:
Base: Enhances feelings of security & grounding, creating a safe homely atmosphere;.
Sacral:  Enhances relationships, creativity, sensuality
Solar Plexus: Enhances self-esteem, wellbeing, boosts digestion and confidence
Heart:  Enhances unconditional love, eases grief and guilt, opens the heart gently.
Throat:  Enhances clear communication, conversation and manifestation, soothing to the throat/neck
Third Eye: Enhances intuition and helps release  headaches/ sinus/ ears/ balance
Crown: Enhances spiritual awareness and trust, security, helps release headaches.
Meditation: This blend facilitates spiritual connection, helping connect you to your higher self and the Source. Perfect for meditating, without being overpowering. Please ground yourself after meditating.

Further Information
Please contact Organic Aromatherapy on Tel: 08443 579843; 02392 396430 Mob: 07710 994432;  sarah@organic-aromatherapy.co.uk    www.organic-aromatherapy.co.uk

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Raphael Medical Centre Mistletoe Therapy Clinic

A new outpatient clinic providing integrated cancer care specialising in mistletoe therapy (Viscum album), has opened at the Raphael Medical Centre in Kent.

Experienced doctors and nurses incorporate natural medicines and holistic therapies into the cancer care programme, to strengthen the patient on all levels - physical, emotional and spiritual. Mistletoe therapy will form the backbone of medical care for cancer patients, led by Dr Maurice Orange MSc, whose special interest is in oncology, with over two decades of extensive experience in mistletoe therapy.


Cancer medicines have been prepared from mistletoe since the 1920s; treatment is more widely available on the continent with specialist hospitals in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Mistletoe preparations are the best-selling anti-cancer drugs in Germany and prescribed to about 40% of cancer patients, as an adjunct to conventional therapies.

Mistletoe therapy can benefit patients with common cancer types, as well as blood cancers and lymphomas. One of mistletoe's benefits is in relieving common side-effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy such as fatigue, nausea, digestive complaints and weight loss, sleeplessness, low mood,  infections and in reducing pain. It stimulates and strengthens the immunological defence systems, and so supports the body in fighting the effects of cancer.

The mistletoe extract is usually given as a subcutaneous injection. Once an initial course of treatment is established at the Raphael Medical Centre, patients can learn how to self-administer the therapy in their own home.

The Raphael Medical Centre is known as a leading holistic service provider for those suffering from complex neurological disabilities and is now expanding its established services and opening a new specialist cancer clinic. Situated in 17 acres of parkland, The Raphael Medical Centre offers patients the perfect setting for their recovery. The organic kitchens provide wholesome meals using seasonal, biodynamic farm produce for the nutritional/dietary benefit of patients and staff alike.

Further Information
For background information on mistletoe therapy go to www.mistel-therapie.de or contact the clinic at outpatients@raphaelmedicalcentre.co.uk  .
Please contact Raphael Medical Centre,Hollanden Park, Coldharbour Lane, Hildenborough, Tonbridge, Kent, TN11 9LE  on Tel: 01732 833924  www.raphaelmedicalcentre.co.uk

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Wellbeing and Emotional Development for Staff and Students: Lightworks Workshops in Thurrock and Southend Schools

Lightworks' Creating Calm and CoolFire workshops are having a significant impact on the wellbeing of staff and the emotional development and underlying academic progress of students throughout 14 schools in Thurrock (Essex) - including secondary, primary, special schools and both Pupil Referral Units (PRU) - as part of their TaMHS (Targeted Mental Health in Schools) initiative - a three year government sponsored pathfinder programme.


Staff across Thurrock schools consistently comment on the CoolFire effect within their students - much calmer: greater focus and concentration - and a marked improvement in attitude and application in students with identified challenging behaviour. And Creating Calm's very practical therapeutic techniques have also supported and broadened classroom practice for both teachers and teaching assistants together with underpinning their continuing personal development.

TaMHS and SEAL initiatives in Southend have commissioned  www.the-lightworks.co.uk  to stage Creating Calm and CoolFire - with additional CoolFire staff training - in 37 primary schools and 6 secondary schools - alongside sessions in their Pupil Referral Unit and several Special Schools.

Coolfire is a dynamic approach to relaxation and meditation for students - Years 4-9 - centred on creating an initial enhanced awareness of mind, body and feelings and how abundant energy can be consciously used in a calm and focussed way.

Creating Calm is a flexible 60 or 90 minute workshop that gives each participant the practical tools to develop their broader wellbeing, combat stress - and apply them in terms of practical classroom discipline and management. Creating Calm becomes a sanctuary where each person experiences a profound sense of peace and well-being through episodes of guided visualization, breathing, and cleansing.

Dave Read, part-time fully qualified teacher and fully qualified, professional healer-therapist (MNFSH),  established the-lightworks.co.uk in 2006 with the objective of integrating holistic wellbeing techniques into the continuing development of schools, and the wider public and corporate sectors.

Further Information
Paula McCullough, TaMHS Project manager in Thurrock, may be contacted on Tel: 01375 652227; pmccullough@thurrock.co.uk  
Dave Read may be contacted on Tel: 01255 506084; 07804 785305; read.david2@sky.com  www.the-lightworks.co.uk

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News From Gerson Institute

For over 30 years the Gerson Institute has preserved the pioneering, nutritional therapy developed by Dr Max Gerson and brought 'hope and healing' to people suffering from chronic illness and degenerative disease. Your donations and support made a huge impact in 2010 and we are privileged to announce that Gerson is Growing!


None of it would be possible without you. Your financial support of the Gerson Institute helps us:

• Expand global awareness of the Gerson Therapy and natural healing;
• Train doctors, nurses and caregivers in the Gerson Therapy;
• Provide assistance to those implementing the Gerson Therapy at home;
• Educate and empower people to take responsibility for their own health;
• License and oversee Gerson clinics globally;
• Provide hope and healing and save lives!

Give the gift of 'Hope and Healing' this Holiday Season and Save a Life! Help us reach our goal of raising $50,000 in online donations!
 
Further Information
Online Donations at http://gerson.org/membership/donation.htm  
Prefer to donate in person? Call Mikhaela on Tel: 001 619 685-5353 ext. 107 or 001-888-443-7766, 9:30 am 5 pm PT, and we'll be happy to accept your gift over the phone.

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The Dove Clinic for Integrated Medicine 10th Anniversary Celebration

Dove Clinic has proudly celebrated its 10th Anniversary since its launch in Nov 2000 by Dr Julian Kenyan, his wife Tanya,  with a staff including Nurse Anne Burnett. Since then patient and staff numbers have grown steadily with the clinic now employing some 20 staff between the Twyford and London clinics. Another milestone is approaching as The Dove will also soon welcome its 5000th patient through the door.

 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME)

ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), also known as CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), is a common complaint seen and treated at the Dove Clinic. 

The Oberon Machine

The Oberon device is an unusual biomedical device outside of the current medical paradigm, used for assessing organ function, not structure.  It is based on 20 years of basic research worked out, on normal individuals, patterns of frequency responses corresponding to particular organs.

The device is used for assessing organ function, not structure. Therefore it is not like an MRI, CT or an Ultrasound scan. It is specifically measuring the magnetic vector potential which, those readers skilled in physics will recognize, as the A field which runs in the direction of current.

The device involves sitting in front of a receiver with headphones on the head. The relevant frequency patterns are projected through the headphones. The sensor channels the information from the test subject as a result of having the resonant frequencies passed through the headphones to a computer based device and the readings are shown. Then, relevant medications, which have also had their frequency response determined using the same methods, is titrated against the reading found and as a result, the patient goes away with an optimal set of medications which are most likely to help their current condition.

This is a method of determining ideal medication and is not fundamentally a diagnostic device. It cannot diagnose whether a life threatening condition is present or not.  The readings from the Oberon equipment have more in common with a traditional Chinese medicine view of the way the body works, which is very much based on organ function, as opposed to a standard biomedical model, which is based more on structure. Integrating these conventional and non- conventional approaches, which is what we do in the consultation situation, we have found to be most helpful from a clinical point of view.

Further Information
Please contact the Dove Clinic on Tel: 01962 718000; Fax: 01962 717060;  reception@doveclinic.com   www.doveclinic.com  
 

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Creature Tower

Small gardens ask for optimal use of space. That's why Hans Carlier  in Zutphen, Holland, developed  this interesting tower in which all kinds of animals can  find a good home during all seasons.


The tower build around a pole has a underground hedgehog-home. A place they certainly have to share with all kinds of creeping creatures , toads and frogs.

On top of which we make a pile of  bricks and stones in which insects like bumble-bees can make their lodge. On top of this we built with rings of reed, cane and wood mason-bees apartments.

Covered with the traditional birds fodder-place for  winter feeding. The tower is covered with a birds- or bat attic and last but not least on top of all we put a bird-bath surrounded with all kind of drought resistant Sedum plants.

Shortly, a garden object  in which summer and winter something interesting will happen.

Further Information
You can order a  detailed drawing with a construction description  by sending a note of  5 Euro or 5 pounds by post to: Hans Carlier, Stokebrand 233, NL7206EE Zutphen, The Netherlands  carlier@daxis.nl

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