“P” is for Prostates and Pumpkin Seeds

For the Guys, Hormone Health

Before you discard the insides of the pumpkin you are about to carve think again. Those little seeds contain an abundance of compounds that are so beneficial for all, but most of all men. Pumpkin seed oil has been used in the treatment of BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy/Hyperplasia). Or, to put it simply, enlarged prostate which can impede the normal flow of urine.

Research has found that the oils in the seeds contain a compound that has a diuretic effect thus alleviating the pressure on the urethra and the prostate. And the oil also has an enzyme inhibitor reducing overactive production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone). While DHT is a normal function of protein and enzyme conversion, too much can cause BPH. Pumpkin seeds are also full of Zinc. Zinc, again, inhibits the overproduction of DHT. But, more importantly Zinc has been shown to increase sperm count and motility while reducing the amount of estrogen and prolactin in the prostate, both of which can lead to enlargement.

This time of year is ripe for the pumpkin picking and for the men to enjoy just a little extra benefit from one of Fall’s most nourishing food.

How to consume pumpkin seed benefits:

Buy the oil either in capsule form or straight. Straight pumpkin seed oil is spendy but considered a nutritional food supplement- not for cooking. And, I always prefer not to take a bunch of capsules. Omega Nutrition Pumpkin Seed Oil, 12 Ounce
Buy raw bulk seeds- you can eat them raw but I prefer lightly toasting them.
Pumpkin seed butter- again spendy, but very delicious with apples.
DIY- Buy a pumpkin and remove the seeds from the insides by running them under water in a strainer and shaking them off. Then, lay the seeds on clean dish towels to dry (they will stick to paper towels). After they dry for about a day simply roast them lightly in the oven with some sea salt (I sprinkle some cinnamon and cayenne pepper)

If you suffer from BPH it is important to take an overall look at your diet and lifestyle. There are foods (such as pumpkin seeds), herbs and supportive healing techniques that can get you back on track to health. Maya Abdominal massage, that addresses the prostate area, and acupuncture can both alleviate swelling and help tissues receive the nourishment they need.

Do You Need a Fertility Cleanse?

Blog, For the Guys, Hormone Health, Uncategorized

Most all of us have tried some sort of cleanse; decongesting the body and its systems is very important. But, what most of us have never done, or even heard of, is a fertility cleanse for the reproductive organs. Keeping the pathways open for blood, chi, oxygen and lymph flow is vital to a balanced and healthy reproductive system. This is why cleansing and balancing this system should be done at least once per year regardless of what phase of life you are in.

Fertility cleansing is nothing new. For centuries cultures have used various healing techniques, such as abdominal and pelvic massage, herbal remedies and decoctions and foods to address stagnation and dysfunction, increase libido and enhance fertility. These cultures viewed reproductive vitality as the source of power and sign of optimal health and longevity. In fact, fertility cleansing was a life long practice. Even though the body loses its ability to create new life due to age, it never loses the ability, or desire, to “birth” creativity and connection. This is why my dear teacher, Dr. Rosita Arvigo, still does her Maya abdominal care well into her 70’s.

Fast forward and our bodies have not changed in the desire for attention to this vital power source. However, our exposure to toxins, which clog our vital organs, has greatly increased. Medications, cigarette smoke, environmental chemicals, alcohol and poor diet all challenge the liver. For instance, when the liver is stagnant and clogged our hormones cannot move and communicate freely within our bodies causing dysfunction in our reproductive health. With fertility challenges, hormone imbalances, cancers and reproductive system specific surgeries on the rise there is great need for non-invasive healing and nourishment.

Who does a Fertility Cleanse help?

Women Who:

Have painful menses and PMS
Have irregular cycles or amenorrhea (absence of menses)
Have cysts, fibroids, PCOS
Want to prepare for a healthy pregnancy
Are preparing for IVF or IUI reproductive assistance
Want to re-nourish their fertile organs post- partum (post pregnancy)
Have had an IUD removal or stopped any HRT (hormone replacement/birth control therapy)
Are going through menopause
Who want to simply be healthy and abundant in their creative life

Men Who:

Have low libido
Have BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy)- read more here…
Urinary incontinence and/or painful urination
ED (erectile dysfunction)

How Does a Fertility Cleanse Work?

It all begins with what specifically needs to be addressed. Although the therapies used are much the same, the administration of them will vary from person to person. For instance a woman preparing for a healthy pregnancy will most likely use herbs, foods and massage at very specific times in the month- for up to 3- months to balance the system. Whereas a man who is addressing prostate health and libido may require a slightly shorter duration of fertility cleanse sessions, herbs and foods

How Long is the Cleanse?

I recommend a minimum of 2-3 months. This allows for at least 4 sessions of hands on abdominal therapy to retrain the nervous system. If you are planning on conceiving, 3 months is recommended as it is the time it takes for a new egg to mature. By cleansing and nourishing you are setting the stage for a healthy pregnancy. If you are not conceiving, this is a great time to begin new projects and project desires as our reproductive organs house our creative energy.

Therapies and Healing Techniques Used and Recommended (varies)

Maya Abdominal Massage (look for an Arvigo Maya Abdominal Practitioner here)
Self-massage at home
Herbal remedies designed to nourish and cleanse the liver and reproductive organs
Dietary and lifestyle recommendations and support
Castor oil packs
Vaginal steams or sitz bath

As with any cleanse or detoxification program you always want to ensure that you are providing your body with a way to eliminate the toxins that will be stirred up. Proper digestive function is vital. If digestion is an issue than incorporating ways to assist the bowel elimination process is necessary. In addition, sweating and moving your body will keep your lymphatic system draining and your largest organ of elimination (your skin) clear.

Is Fertility Cleansing for Everyone?

Most everyone can benefit and you don’t necessarily have to wait until your body is out of balance to improve yourself. However, there are certain scenarios where the therapies are not recommended…

If you are pregnant (although Maya Abdominal Massage is amazing for uterine strength and positioning throughout the entire pregnancy within practical and safe guidelines)
If you have an IUD (herbal and dietary recommendations can still be used as well as upper abdominal massage only)
When taking hormone replacement therapy (HRTs) hormone balancing herbs should not be taken
If you have prostate cancer or any sign of fever with prostate swelling
Any acute infection or pain in the abdomen or pelvis
Only for (and recommended) 6 weeks post surgery

Have questions?…

Sugar is Your Frenemy

Blog, Foods For Thought, Hormone Health

“A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down”~ “Sugar and spice and everything nice…”

Mood swings, sleep disorders, chronic inflammation, low immunity, digestive issues, hormone imbalance and the list goes on. Most of you reading this can relate to one if not all of these issues. AND most of you already know that if you cut out sugar (among other inflammatory substances) you could see great improvements in your health. The problem is the sweetness calls to you, maybe even whispers sweet words to you and you find yourself elbow deep in a pint of ice cream or running to the cupboards to find the hidden chocolate stash. And all this after your seemingly nourishing meal. But you were doing so well…. But you are following all of the rules… Why does sugar always win?!! [Read more…] about Sugar is Your Frenemy

Hypothalamic Amenorrhea~

Blog, Hormone Health, Hypothalamic Amenorrhea

In late June 2013 I began writing about my state of amenorrhea in a blog titled “My Journey to the Moon”. I was committed to reigniting my body’s natural rhythms and regaining my feminine connection regardless of what I had to face emotionally and physically. Between the damaging effects of birth control pills and a severe battle with bulimia which included extreme exercise for over 20 years, I fluctuated between very erratic periods (dysmenorrhea) to eventually no periods (amenorrhea). All in all I had not had a true period in over 8 years.

I documented my plan weekly. I was using a whole handful of healing tools … if you would have said walking backwards and whistling helped I would have done it. Week after week I would write about my emotional and physical realizations and what was/wasn’t working. And week after week- no period. I was emotionally spazzed out- for lack of a better term. My body was all over the place with weight gain and fluid fluctuations. I bounced between fear, anxiety and depression with some occasional days where I could feel my soul connection again. Those few days where I could hear my “inner voice” and my “gut instinct” coming back to life are what kept me on track. [Read more…] about Hypothalamic Amenorrhea~

Hormone Health