By Anthony B. James DNM(P), ND(T), MD(AM), DPHC(h.c.), PhD, DOM, RAC, SMOKH Academic Dean SomaVeda College of Natural Medicine and Thai Yoga Center (SCNM).
practitioners of SomaVeda® Thai Yoga and clients alike should know that Thai Yoga Therapy reduces psychological stress! It is a consistent and long held belief among Thai Yoga Practitioners and clients alike that receiving sessions and programs reduces and or eliminates stress symptoms. Therapy protocols and healing programs based on this indigenous, traditional, natural medicine originally from Thailand emphasize relaxation techniques including therapeutic prayers (Puja), Focused breathing (Prana Yama), Yoga Asana (therapeutic postures) delivered in a calm and nurturing way. Traction and decompression techniques coupled with broad, deep compression applied with a rhythmic pacing further add to the result. Circulation of all vital body fluids is enhanced as well as lymphatic decongestion. All of this is incredibly helpful for stress.
By Anthony B. James DNM(P), ND(T), MD(AM), DPHC(h.c.), RAAP, SMOKH
New information: Coffee Super Food: May Reduce Risk of Endometrial Cancer!
I published my first article of Coffee Super Food Nov. 11, 2013. There have been some significant new studies and scientific papers supporting Coffee use since then. I am updating this information accordingly.
There’s a lot of hype and mythology today regarding coffee and the consumption of coffee as possibly unhealthy. Many physicians for years have been warning their patients about the supposed risks associated with coffee drinking. They have said that coffee will raise your blood pressure, lead to heart disease, give you ulcers or make you diabetic. One gentleman I recently spoke to at his coffee bistro which he owns and operates, related to me how his personal physician had stated to him, “Drink another cup and you might die!”.
In the moment I was trying to relate to what a successful coffee shop owner might think or feel having been given this little gem of wisdom by his personal physician. As a physician and coffee drinker myself, I have heard over time both pro’s and supposed con’s. My new friends dilemma is the genesis for this article.
I’m sure he is not the only one. Drinking that cup of fresh, organic, properly roasted and brewed, premium coffee with a bit of guilt and or shame if not out right fear! Let’s work together to clear this up.
Please keep in mind that coffee like anything should be used or consumed in moderation and not to excess. However, I hope to show that there is an increasing database of scientific articles and research supporting health promoting properties. Most of the supposed harmful effects of coffee have been attributed to caffeine, however, there are more than 1000 different chemicals and bio-active compounds found additionally in coffee and many of them actually buffer the effects of the single constituent of caffeine! (20), (21)
History of Coffee (Brief!)
The origins of the word “Coffee” are actually Dutch which is based on a transliteration of the truncated Arabic term of “qahhwat al-bun” ‘ Wine of the bean’. Coffee, grown, processed and consumed the way we do today has been in practice as fa back as back goes! It has been part of native culture and indigenous traditions of ancient Ethiopia and the Arabian peninsula from which it spread to the rest of Africa and on to Indonesia and SE Asia and then to the America’s. it’s original use was closely associated with spiritual practices requiring extended night time devotions. It was noted from the 1500’s that drinking coffee “drove away fatigue and lethargy, and brought to the body a certain sprightliness and vigour“. There is a dark side of the coffee history Coffee was one of the products such as sugar which played a role in the development and expansion of the slave trade in the early America’s. (1)
The introduction of coffee into the diet of the ancient Arabs and the subsequent development of the coffee house, coffee salon may have contributed greatly to the development of all of the arts at that time. Story telling, conversation, revolution, culture, mathematics, literature, philosophy, music, dance were all fair game. From a cultural developmental point of view it would be difficult to separate the positive influence of coffee and it’s gathering places from other important societal influences.
Coffee Science!
From the scientific literature here are some results:
May Lower Risk of Death!
From Heart / Coronary Heart Disease, diabetes, stroke, death due to inflammatory disease. There are even some evidence that coffee drinkers perish at lower rates from injuries and accidents! Coffee appears to support longevity and reduce risk of death from many possible illnesses. (19)
The New England Journal of Medicine published a 14-year study of 402,260 American men and women titled “Association of Coffee Drinking with Total and Cause specific Mortality” stated “As compared with men who did not drink coffee, men who drank 6 or more cups of coffee per day had a 10% lower risk of death, whereas women in this category of consumption had a 15% lower risk.” Researchers also found that as coffee consumption increased, the risk of death decreased. It made no difference whether the coffee was “Decaffeinated or not. (2)
Type 2 Diabetes: Several studies support the role of coffee in reducing the harmful effects of Type 2 diabetes. One Japanese study in 2010 showed this protective effect. Additional health benefit demonstrate included that coffee doubles glucose intake, which will reduce blood glucose levels stabilizing blood sugar levels. (3), (4)
CARDIO-VASCULAR DISEASE: Consumption of coffee is associated with reduced risk of death attributed to inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases in the Iowa Women’s Health Study. ( 5), (6)
Endothelial Function: or healthier Endothelium (Lining of the blood and lymphatic vessels). Anything that supports the proper or improved Endothelial function supports longevity and proper functioning of all of the organs, circulatory process, healing of wounds and regeneration of tissues. This includes Rhuematic conditions and inflammatory processes. So what would these conditions relative to Endothelia health be? Here’s a partial list: atherosclerosis, hypertension and thrombosis often seen in coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, as well as in smokers. (7)
New! Endometrial Cancer: In a study published in the Medical Journal Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers & Prevention, cited by PubMed.Org, Coffee was reported to lower levels of estrogen and insulin. Researchers in a 2011 study indicated these two hormones are implicated in increased risk of endometrial cancer. Further the study showed that fewer than 4 cups per day resulted in as much as a 25% lower risk than in those individuals who consumed 1 or less cups per day. However, they also said that additives such as sugar and cream to the coffee could offset benefits.(28) So if we are speaking of Coffee as part of an overall natural treatment approach then black coffee is the way to go. More recently, a study Published in the February issue, 2016 of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, scientists found that drinking roughly 26 to 37 ounces of coffee per day reduced endometrial cancer by up to 18 percent. The study did not differentiate between whole, organic vs. decaf etc. Another trial involving consumption of 26 ounces per day identified a similar reduction, reportsCBS News. (25, 26, 27) The bottom line? Coffee Super food: May Reduce Risk of Endometrial Cancer!
Prostrate Cancer: One large study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute of almost 50,000 men, found that men who drinks six cups of coffee per day had a 60% lower risk of lethal prostate cancer. (8)
BRAIN FUNCTION: May protect from the degenerative conditions of Parkinsonson’s, Alzheimers and dementia disease. The exact reasons and or mechanisms that allow coffee to protect or support anti-aging or healthy brain function are as yet still unknown. The average person would be shocked to learn that there are over 1000 natural chemical compounds in the coffee that might have potential to affect health. This ancient herb infusion of the Arabica genus is one of the most complex foods on the planet. Additionally coffee may reduce some of the potential harmful side effects of dangerous chlorine based pesticides and herbicides such as Rotenone, Paraquat and Roundup. Coffees effects and possible benefits of brain function are being systematically being researched around the world. (9), (10)
ANTI-OXIDENTS: Japanese researcher Kenichi Yanagimoto showed that some of the antioxidants in brewed coffee remained effective for 15 to 30 days! He and other researchers have demonstrated that drinking brewed coffee which contains many antioxidants may inhibit diseases caused by oxidative damage. Which diseases are those? Try and find one chronic disease that does not share an indicator of oxidative damage as part of it’s morphology and pathology. (11)
We could easily go on! Additional conditions and disease which research suggest helpful, beneficial effects from coffee consumption include but are not limited to: Cirrhosis & Liver Cancer (12) (13), Kidney Cancer (14), Colorectal Cancer (15), Stroke (16) (17), Stomach and Gastrointestinal Flora (Gut Bacteria) (18), Hypertension, LDL Cholesterol, Cardia arrhythmia’s, Lactation, Endothelial Cancer (22), Breast Cancer (23)(24)
How much coffee should one consume?
That’s a good question and currently there is no hard and fast rule. While some of the studies and resources I have included here seem to indicate that the more the better, I think it’s actually important to self monitor and regulate based on how you feel. Some studies showed significant health benefits with consuming as many as four to six cups a day! However, when you feel your a your limit, drink more water! Shaking hands, nervous anxiety etc. show you it’s time for more water. Also, no matter how much coffee you drink daily, remember coffee should not be a substitute for water. The average person needs somewhere close to half their body weight in water every day to avoid dehydration and on the downside coffee is also known to be a diuretic.
Lastly avoid all the condiments, sugars, syrups, creams etc. as they do not have the health benefit of just the freshly brewed coffee. It’s also a quality issue. For example a properly brewed, good quality, organic, coffee regardless of origin, will have more and better flavor profile. It will be less acidic or bitter and pleasing for the palate without all the adjuncts and additives. So, properly brewed, fresh, good quality coffee for maximum health benefit. It’s time for a guilt and fear free cup or two of Java.
Coffee Super food: Coffee deserves it’s place at the “Super Food” table!
Sources and References:
(1) History of Coffee (http://www.ncausa.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=68)
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.
By Anthony B. James DNM(P), ND(T), MD(AM), DPHC(h.c.), DOM, RAC, SMOKH Academic Dean SomaVeda College of Natural Medicine and Thai Yoga Center (SCNM).
When we talk about SomaVeda Integrated Traditional Therapies® and SomaVeda® Thai yoga, we are also talking about it as being based on a code of ethical conduct. It’s not just a system or methodology of healing. It is the art of being. So, how do you practice the art of being? We say that there are basically eight things that you want to incorporate in your life in some way, shape or form in order to have a noble or ethical way of life as a healer. Our iteration/ formulation of the Thai Yoga Eight Fold Path is based on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra. The Yogic Eight Fold Path is literally called “Ashtanga” which means the “Eight Limbs”. We additionally incorporate understandings found in the Theraveda Buddhist Noble Eight Fold Path (ariyo aṭṭhaṅgiko maggo) adapted to our particular work and practice as healers, therapist and Doctors of indigenous traditional natural medicine.
SomaVeda College of Natural Medicine now accepting Spring Enrollment. SCNM College Degrees Based on Thai Yoga and Ayurveda are perfect for students and professionals desiring quality education in natural medicine arts and sciences.
SCNM College Degree programs are competency based and offer a combination of both in-class didactic and hands on training and computer based distance learning. The residential course modules are done live at our beautiful five acre botanical sanctuary and the on-line courses can be completed any where their is a reliable internet connection. Anyone can become an expert and or source person in Natural Medicine. The courses are practical and provide all the educational content appropriate for each degree program. Self paced means learn and master the material at your own pace. Highly motivated individuals can complete under-graduate and a post graduate Doctorate in two to three years.
Eligibility to enroll is based on completion of one residential program the “200 Hr. SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Practitioner Certificate Course“. Once satisfactorily completed the prospective SCNM student is eligible to enroll in any of our advanced courses and or SCNM College Degrees Based on Thai Yoga/ Ayurveda/ Indigenous/ Traditional and or Natural Medicine.
As a non-profit, church based seminary SCNM is able to offer the lowest cost tuition and most generous Grants and Scholarships! Additionally, several of our degree paths will offer credit for previous education, professional certification and life experience towards completion.
Bachelor of Applied Sacred Science: Ayurveda (Credit for previous Ayurveda education)
SCNM Graduate Degrees:
Masters of Sacred Science: Herbal Medicine
Doctor of Sacred Natural Medicine (optional specialization in Ayurveda, Thai Yoga Physical Therapy, Traditional Naturopathic Medicine and or Monastic Medicine)
Doctor of Sacred Oriental Medicine: Acupuncture
Start dates available every January, March, June, September and November
We are always proud to see SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Certified Practitioner Graduates who take their healing mission to heart. CTP1 graduate Carrie Szampanski has worked in her Native American religious community to create a dynamic tribal organization which will be integrating SomaVeda® Thai Yoga into the spiritually based holistic services offered in the new ONACS Open Path community. Dr. Anthony B. James and Javier Gonzalez presided over the Blessing Ceremony. Carrie and the indigenous medicine elders in her community such as Javier Gonzalez and Norberto Jurasek in service to Mother Earth will be offering whole life counseling and spiritual healing in the greater Austin area.
By Anthony B. James DNM(P), ND(T), MD(AM), DPHC(h.c.), DOM, RAC, SMOKH Academic Dean SomaVeda College of Natural Medicine and Thai Yoga Center (SCNM).
The Southern method Vinyasa (SomaVeda® Ayurvedic Thai Yoga: Level Two) offers the Thai Yoga practitioner a gold mine of breakouts and emphasis which can be accessed to bring relief and increase well being for an individual client. The Vinyasa (Yoga Therapy Flow) are divided up into five major attitudes such as the Supine Position, Side Lying Position, Prone Positio, Second Supine (Abdominal/ Leg Stretching) Position and Seated position.
Thai Yoga Rocking into Dak Kha (Inward Bent Knee/ Hurdlers Stretch) is a transition from the Sao Nong (Raised Bent Knee) into the Inward Bent Knee posture in the Supine position… The reason I want to bring attention to this transition is the Rocking position is what we call a Master Release position. My definition of a Master Release position is any position or Asana that when done by it’s self long enough will effect a full body release and other benefits.
By Anthony B. James DNM(P), ND(T), MD(AM), DPHC(h.c.), DOM, RAAP, SMOKH Academic Dean SomaVeda College of Natural Medicine and Thai Yoga Center (SCNM).
Hands Free Thai Yoga Saves Hands! SomaVeda Integrated Traditional Therapies® offers several specialties which are intended to broaden the possibilities of practicing. The SomaVeda® Hands Free/ No Hands Thai Yoga is one set of these. SomaVeda Integrated Traditional Therapies® offers several specialties which are intended to broaden the possibilities of practicing.
Traditional Thai Massage, Thai Yoga Reduces Pain, Increases Walking Ability Better than Physical Therapy
By Anthony B. James DNM(P), ND(T), MD(AM), DPHC(h.c.), DOM, RAC, SMOKH Academic Dean SomaVeda College of Natural Medicine and Thai Yoga Center (SCNM).
From experience we Thai Yoga practitioners know that Thai Yoga reduces pain and that with reduced pain and corresponding inflammation many different improvements in function and structure become evident over time. It’s great to see validation of what both our traditions and our actual clinical experience show us every day.
SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Offers Relief For Headaches and Migraines
By Anthony B. James DNM(P), ND(T), MD(AM), DPHC(h.c.), DOM, RAC, SMOKH Academic Dean SomaVeda College of Natural Medicine and Thai Yoga Center (SCNM).
Lets address the features of Headaches including, Chronic Tension Headaches, Migraine Headaches, Stress and Tension Headaches and headache type syndromes which may be mental, emotional and or energetic in origin and how Indigenous Traditional Therapeutic approaches. Specifically how SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Offers Relief for Headaches and Migraines.
“Foolish is the doctor who despises the knowledge of the ancients”
Hippocrates
Where do we find this knowledge of the ancients?
Much wisdom of the ancients has been passed down through countless generations in the religious, wisdom and medicine teachings of indigenous and traditional native cultures.
Thai Yoga offers relief from Headaches
Many different words are used to describe and define the diagnosis of what we generally refer to as “Headache Disorders“. Wikipedia’s International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD)(1) demonstrates clearly that Headache Disorder is more appropriately considered a syndrome as there are many types of headache classification and no singular set of symptoms and or causes. According to the ICHD there are at least fourteen different classifications which contains explicit diagnostic criteria. In my opinion a Headache Disorder is a non-specific term for medical problems affecting the head, neck and or shoulder region.
In conventional/ western medicine most headaches and headache disorders are treated with prescription and OTC chemical drugs such as Ibuprofen and Elavil (Amitriptyline- an antidepressent!) not only do these drugs burden the headache sufferer with additional unwanted effects, but in clinical trials have been found to not be as effective. In fact Thai Yoga Offers Relief for Headaches and Migraines as a therapy that are significantly more effective with none of the unwanted side effects associated with drug based therapies.(34)
The September 200 Hr. SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Practitioner Certificate Program
SomaVeda® Thai Yoga, Certified Teacher Khruu Alex Ryberg demonstrates in CTP course.
Officially we have successfully completed our first year here at the ONACS Sanctuary hosting programs with the SomaVeda College of Natural Medicine and The Thai Yoga Center. Students from around the country attended intensive course work and in-class practice in the CTP1 curriculum. Course work included but was not limited to: Thai Traditional Medicine, Thai Traditional Massage: SomaVeda Integrated Traditional Therapies: Thai Yoga style, Classical Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy, Sacred Nutrition and food based therapies, GMO issues, SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Table, SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Chair, Classic Southern Method (Buddhai Sawan, Wat Po, Anantasuk styles), Classic Northern Method (Nuad Boran, Lek Chaiya, Tawee styles), Jap Sen, Tok Sen, Hill Tribe variants, Thai Yoga scientific research, Indications and Contra-indications, Psycho-spiritual and emotional therapeutics, Ayurveda Theory and Philosopy and specific ONACS Protocols for bringing relief of suffering to those afflicted with Cancer, Heart Disease, Diabetes, Chronic Pain and inflammatory disorders such as Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Gut Dysbiosis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Students additionally completed studies on Natural and non-invasive alternatives using both traditional and evolving therapeutic approaches to infection and infectious disorders such as Lymes Disease, AIDS, Lupus and many more.
Also included course work on Native American Medicine, ceremony and practices which also included a field trip to the Pan-O-Kee Inter-tribal Powwow. We met with tribal elders and participated up close and personal Native Crafts, Music and traditional Dancing.
Students received instruction on over 62 different established Health and wellness benefits of Thai Yoga and Traditional Thai Massage both traditional and modern scientifically validated.
Additional course work included practice, business and ministry ethics and practice building.
To see complete CTP1 course description CLICK HERE!
Classes were led by SomaVeda® Certified Teachers: Aachan, Anthony B James, Khruu Julie James, Khruu Daniel Kram, Khruu Alex Ryberg and assistent Khruu Suzi Corgiat.
This is the best place and way to Learn Thai Yoga!
To See the Thai Yoga Photo Gallery from this September 200 Hour SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Practitioner Certificate course CLICK HERE!
