After the food is ground by the teeth, lubricated by the saliva and made into a soft pulp in the mouth, it is carried from the throat to the stomach by a muscular tube, the esophagus. This process is called swallowing. Swallowing is triggered by a signal transmitted by the vagus nerve. (The vagus is the tenth cranial nerve that wanders all the way down from the brainstem to the colon. It supplies nerve fiber to many parts of the digestive system and brings sensory information back to the brain.) The timing of the swallowing sequence is dependent on nerves intrinsic to the esophagus.
The approximately 25 cm long esophagus begins as an extention of the pharynx, courses down the neck next to the trachea (windpipe) and penetrates the diaphragm (the principal muscle of the respiratory system that separates the abdominal and thoracic cavities) to connect with the stomach in the abdominal cavity.
The esophagus propels food toward the stomach by powerful waves of muscle contractions passing through its walls. This motion of the muscles is called peristalsis.
The upper third of the esophagus consists of striated muscle, while the lower two-thirds consist of smooth muscle.
The esophagus, being the first conduit of the digestive system after the mouth, is often exposed to rough and abrasive food parts, as well as extreme temperature. Its surface must therefore be resistant of trauma. For its protection the inner wall of the esophagus is lined with stratified squamous epithelium. The epithelium is a primary membranous tissue composed of one or more layers of cells forming the covering of most internal and external surfaces of the body and its organs. Squamous epithelial cells are flat and often overlapping, they compose the outer layer of skin and line certain internal cavities of body organs.
The esophagus is bounded by physiologic sphincters: the upper and lower esophageal sphincters. The upper sphincter, located next to the larynx, contains a muscle which pulls the larynx forward when swallowing, in order to rout the food into the esophagus instead of the larynx. The lower esophageal sphincter, also known as cardiac sphincter, is the muscle that surrounds the esophagus just as it enters the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter relaxes before the esophagus contracts, and allows food to pass through to the stomach. After food passes into the stomach, the sphincter constricts to prevent the contents from regurgitating into the esophagus.
Normally, the upper and lower sphincters are closed except during swallowing, which prevents constant entry of air from the oral cavity or reflux of stomach contents. When the bottom muscles weaken, the cardiac sphincter does not close properly, allowing stomach contents and stomach acid to reflux back into the esophagus, causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat. This is a common disorder called heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Monday, May 30, 2005
The mouth
The process of digestion starts in the mouth, where the food and drink enter the body (ingestion). The mouth is sealed by the lips, that keep anything from leaving (or escaping) the cavity. Even before taking the first bite, the smell of the food causes the salivary glands in the mouth to start secreting saliva. There are 3 major pairs of salivary glands. The parotid gland, located anteriorly beneath the ears, between the skin and the masseter (the muscle that raises the lower jaw), drains its contents into the mouth via the parotid duct. The submandibular gland, located midway along the inner side of the the lower jaw, empties via the submandibular duct onto the floor of the mouth. Likewise, the sublingual gland, located on the side of the tongue, also empties onto the floor of the mouth via several sublingual ducts. Saliva contains enzymes (protein based molecules that speed up chemical reactions) that start breaking down carbohydrates (one of the principal types of nutrients consisting mainly of sugars and starches, used as energy sources to the body) into glucose or monosaccharide (simple sugars). This process is called hydrolysis. The teeth bite off and chew the food (mastication) into a soft pulp that mixes with the saliva so that it is easy to swallow. The sharp canine teeth tear up the food and the wide, flat molars grind it. A tooth is a hard structure set in the upper (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible), held in place by periodontal membranes. The visible part of a tooth is the crown, and the anchor that extends into the jawbone is the root. The crown is covered with enamel, which is the hardest substance in the human body, and the root is covered with a bone-like tissue called cementum. Under the enamel and the cementum is the dentin, the largest part of the tooth. In the middle of the tooth are found the nerves and bloodvessels. During the mastication process the tongue, that consists of groups of muscles, pushes the food to the teeth so the teeth can grind it up. In the pharynx (the upper section of the alimentary canal), behind the tongue is the epiglottis, a flap of cartilage that allows air to pass into the larynx (voice box) and lungs. During swallowing the epiglottis folds backward to cover the entrance to the larynx, in order to prevent food and drink from entering the windpipe. After swallowing the epiglottis returns to its original upright position.
Monday, May 23, 2005
The digestive system (overview)
The food we eat comes in the form of raw and cooked vegetables, fruits, grains, bread, eggs, meat and milk products, or, in the worse cases, starches, sugars, food colorings and artificial flavors. None of these things can be directly absorbed by the body and turned into energy. In order for the body to be able to use the food as nourishment, it needs to be processed and broken down into small molecules, so the blood can carry the nutrients, vitamins and minerals to the cells throughout the body. Digestion is the complex mechanical and chemical modification process that turns a meal into useful energy and nourishment. The digestive system (or gastrointestinal tract) is a long chain of hollow organs, muscles and glands, approximately 9 meters in total length; it starts at the mouth, where the food and drink enter the body, and ends at the anus, where the waste leaves the body. The main stops along the digestive tract are: the mouth, the pharynx, the esophagus, the stomach, the small intestine, the large intestine, and the anus. There are also other organs that are not part of the digestive system but are necessary for digestion: the liver, gallbladder and the pancreas.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
The feet - as reflexology sees them
The practice of reflexology divides the soles of the feet into sections that mirror the different internal body organs. A reflexologist will therefore work on all sides of the foot.
The medial side of the foot is the great toe side or the inside of the foot.
The lateral side of the foot is the little toe side or the outside of the foot.
The dorsal surface or dorsum of the foot is the top of the foot.
The plantar surface of the foot is the bottom or sole of the foot.
There are three transverse zones on each foot, divided by three lines: the shoulder line, the waist line and the pelvic girdle.
Since the feet are the mirror of the entire body, a reflexologist will also look at the shape, size and color of the feet, since all these signs might reflect on the state of different body parts and organs. All these guidelines are very important for a successful treatment.
Hereinafter I'm going to give an overview of the structure and function of the digestive system, and show how reflexology can help digestive disorders.
The medial side of the foot is the great toe side or the inside of the foot.
The lateral side of the foot is the little toe side or the outside of the foot.
The dorsal surface or dorsum of the foot is the top of the foot.
The plantar surface of the foot is the bottom or sole of the foot.
There are three transverse zones on each foot, divided by three lines: the shoulder line, the waist line and the pelvic girdle.
Since the feet are the mirror of the entire body, a reflexologist will also look at the shape, size and color of the feet, since all these signs might reflect on the state of different body parts and organs. All these guidelines are very important for a successful treatment.
Hereinafter I'm going to give an overview of the structure and function of the digestive system, and show how reflexology can help digestive disorders.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
About the feet
Our feet carry us through our lifetime, yet they receive so little attention and care. Not only do they help us get from one place to another (weather we choose to walk, ride a bicycle or drive a car), do various sports or simply stand in one place, but they are involved in most movements we make during our daily routine.
The average person takes 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day, which adds up to about 115,000 miles over a lifetime. That's enough to go around the circumference of the earth four times. An average day of walking brings a force equal to several hundred tons to bear on the feet.
The foot contains 26 bones (1/4 of all the bones in the human body), 33 joints, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles and numerous tendons to hold the bones in place and to move in a variety of ways, and a network of blood vessels, nerves, skin, and soft tissue. In addition, each foot has about 125,000 sweat glands which excrete as much as a half a pint of moisture each day.
The human foot consists of:
- Seven thick, short, tarsal bones which compose the heel and back of the instep.
- Five parallel metatarsal bones that form the front of the instep. They spread toward the front of the foot to form the ball of the foot.
- Fourteen smaller phalanges that make up the toes (the large toe has two, each smaller toe has three).
- Tough bands of tissue (ligaments) that connect the bones and hold them in place.
- The tarsal and metatarsal bones that form the two arches of the foot.
- A thick layer of fatty tissue under the sole, which helps the arches absorb the pressure and shocks of walking, running and jumping.
The components of the feet work together to provide the body with support, balance, and mobility, sharing the tremendous pressures of daily living. When the different parts of the feet are out of alignment, so is the rest of the body.
That is why it is so important to take good care of our feet.
The average person takes 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day, which adds up to about 115,000 miles over a lifetime. That's enough to go around the circumference of the earth four times. An average day of walking brings a force equal to several hundred tons to bear on the feet.
The foot contains 26 bones (1/4 of all the bones in the human body), 33 joints, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles and numerous tendons to hold the bones in place and to move in a variety of ways, and a network of blood vessels, nerves, skin, and soft tissue. In addition, each foot has about 125,000 sweat glands which excrete as much as a half a pint of moisture each day.
The human foot consists of:
- Seven thick, short, tarsal bones which compose the heel and back of the instep.
- Five parallel metatarsal bones that form the front of the instep. They spread toward the front of the foot to form the ball of the foot.
- Fourteen smaller phalanges that make up the toes (the large toe has two, each smaller toe has three).
- Tough bands of tissue (ligaments) that connect the bones and hold them in place.
- The tarsal and metatarsal bones that form the two arches of the foot.
- A thick layer of fatty tissue under the sole, which helps the arches absorb the pressure and shocks of walking, running and jumping.
The components of the feet work together to provide the body with support, balance, and mobility, sharing the tremendous pressures of daily living. When the different parts of the feet are out of alignment, so is the rest of the body.
That is why it is so important to take good care of our feet.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
More about reflexology
Reflexology treatments are usually very pleasant and relaxing. During a treatment there are no gadgets or utensils used, it is done only by hand.
A regular treatment takes approximately 30-40 minutes. The frequency of treatments and the length of a series depends on the condition of the person being treated. After a treatment it is common for the client to feel energized or sleepy, hot or shivery, and experience certain reactions as the body begins its healing process and elimination of toxins: runny nose, frequent visits to the bathroom, perspiration, slight and temporary rash on the skin, deep sleep or difficulty sleeping.
A series of regular professional treatments can balance and normalize body functions, and may be a great help and solution for pains, migraines, back problems, sinusitis, digestive problems, hormonal imbalance, circulatory problems, tension and stress. Reflexology never makes a condition worse, however, in some special cases it is not advisable to treat certain areas (a well trained reflexologist will recognize these situations).
Reflexology can also be successfully combined with other alternative healing techniques, such as Chinese medicine or massage therapy. Even non-professionally, it's a great tool for relaxation for family and friends.
Reflexology, however, is not an ultimate and omnipotent medicine, and in some cases other healing methods, either holistic or conventional, are necessary.
A regular treatment takes approximately 30-40 minutes. The frequency of treatments and the length of a series depends on the condition of the person being treated. After a treatment it is common for the client to feel energized or sleepy, hot or shivery, and experience certain reactions as the body begins its healing process and elimination of toxins: runny nose, frequent visits to the bathroom, perspiration, slight and temporary rash on the skin, deep sleep or difficulty sleeping.
A series of regular professional treatments can balance and normalize body functions, and may be a great help and solution for pains, migraines, back problems, sinusitis, digestive problems, hormonal imbalance, circulatory problems, tension and stress. Reflexology never makes a condition worse, however, in some special cases it is not advisable to treat certain areas (a well trained reflexologist will recognize these situations).
Reflexology can also be successfully combined with other alternative healing techniques, such as Chinese medicine or massage therapy. Even non-professionally, it's a great tool for relaxation for family and friends.
Reflexology, however, is not an ultimate and omnipotent medicine, and in some cases other healing methods, either holistic or conventional, are necessary.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
What is reflexology?
Reflexology is a holistic healing art, based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet (and hands) which correspond to every part of the body. In other words a map of the entire human body can be found on the feet, and by pressing or massaging certain points or areas on the feet, different parts, organs and limbs of the body can be stimulated and healed. This map in the feet is a two-way street, and the feet also reflect the status of one's body parts and spiritual well-being, even one's personality. Reflexology is therefore similarly used as a diagnostic tool. We could say that feet are the footing of a person.
Reflexology as a healing technique dates back to ancient times. Evidence of its use has been found in Egypt (in hieroglyphics found in an ancient tomb), China and India. It was rediscovered and further developed in Europe and the United States in the early 20th century. In 1913 at a Boston hospital Dr. William H. Fitzgerald started using reflexology, instead of administering medication, for pain relief (he called it zone therapy) . Soon he noticed that this method of applying pressure to certain "zones" on the feet, corresponding to various body parts and thus easing pain and pressure, not only relieved the pain, but in many cases treated the actual cause as well. In the early 1930's Eunice D. Ingham, a physical therapist, started to develop her own foot reflex theory, based on Dr. Fitzgerald's zone theory. She discovered that the reflexes on the feet were an exact mirror image of the organs and parts of the body, and she was the first one to actually map the feet. Today this map and the original Ingham method is used by reflexologists all around the world.
Reflexology as a healing technique dates back to ancient times. Evidence of its use has been found in Egypt (in hieroglyphics found in an ancient tomb), China and India. It was rediscovered and further developed in Europe and the United States in the early 20th century. In 1913 at a Boston hospital Dr. William H. Fitzgerald started using reflexology, instead of administering medication, for pain relief (he called it zone therapy) . Soon he noticed that this method of applying pressure to certain "zones" on the feet, corresponding to various body parts and thus easing pain and pressure, not only relieved the pain, but in many cases treated the actual cause as well. In the early 1930's Eunice D. Ingham, a physical therapist, started to develop her own foot reflex theory, based on Dr. Fitzgerald's zone theory. She discovered that the reflexes on the feet were an exact mirror image of the organs and parts of the body, and she was the first one to actually map the feet. Today this map and the original Ingham method is used by reflexologists all around the world.
Monday, May 02, 2005
What is holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine is often referred to as alternative medicine, complementary medicine or natural healing. These names all represent different aspects of the same picture, reflecting different approaches, facets and methods of holistic medicine. Its aim is the common goal of integrating all aspects of wellbeing, including physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, environmental and social health.
Holistic medicine is holistic, because it looks at the whole person and the surrounding world as one entity; it is alternative, because it offers a different, non-conventional, non-invasive way of healing; it is complementary, because it can be used alongside other healing methods or medication; and it is natural, because instead of drugs, pills, injections and surgeries, it uses more gentle, non-pharmaceutical and non-invasive natural tools and techniques. Holistic medicine does not only treat the symptom, but relates to the whole human being. Holistic healers, just like medical doctors, are professionally trained. Holistic healing, therefore, when done properly, is not at all quackery (as some people unfamiliar with it at times mistakenly think), but a very powerful way of healing. It has the ability to cure both acute illnesses (those of abrupt onset and rapidly progressing symptoms) as well as chronic conditions (those of indefinite duration). It is important to realize, that in some cases conventional treatment (such as antibiotics or immediate surgery) is also or even exclusively needed.
Although many holistic healing methods have ancient roots (while other holistic techniques are relatively new), the field as a whole seems to be only recently rediscovered in western society. During the past 30 years more and more hospitals and clinics have begun to practice holistic medicine all around the world. The simple and most obvious reason to this revelation is that in our days the world is smaller and more open than ever, making it possible for many ideas to freely wonder between countries and cultures. On the other hand, in our global and mechanized world people are quite detached from nature, from their roots in the universe, and sometimes even from each other. People know very well how to use all different kinds of machines, but often they forget how to use the most basic and most important elements of existence: the earth, the light, the water, the plants and animals, the surrounding energies. Unduly little attention is being paid to our bodies and souls. Therefore, now more than ever we all need to reconnect to the natural gifts that were given to us, we all need healing, pampering, love, kindness, sometimes even just a human touch. These are some of the things that holistic medicine has to offer.
Methods of holistic healing (not a complete list):
Aromatherapy
Chinese medicine
Chiropractic
Healing
Herbiology
Homeopathy
Kinesiology
Massage therapy
Nutrition
Reflexology
Shiatsu
Holistic medicine is holistic, because it looks at the whole person and the surrounding world as one entity; it is alternative, because it offers a different, non-conventional, non-invasive way of healing; it is complementary, because it can be used alongside other healing methods or medication; and it is natural, because instead of drugs, pills, injections and surgeries, it uses more gentle, non-pharmaceutical and non-invasive natural tools and techniques. Holistic medicine does not only treat the symptom, but relates to the whole human being. Holistic healers, just like medical doctors, are professionally trained. Holistic healing, therefore, when done properly, is not at all quackery (as some people unfamiliar with it at times mistakenly think), but a very powerful way of healing. It has the ability to cure both acute illnesses (those of abrupt onset and rapidly progressing symptoms) as well as chronic conditions (those of indefinite duration). It is important to realize, that in some cases conventional treatment (such as antibiotics or immediate surgery) is also or even exclusively needed.
Although many holistic healing methods have ancient roots (while other holistic techniques are relatively new), the field as a whole seems to be only recently rediscovered in western society. During the past 30 years more and more hospitals and clinics have begun to practice holistic medicine all around the world. The simple and most obvious reason to this revelation is that in our days the world is smaller and more open than ever, making it possible for many ideas to freely wonder between countries and cultures. On the other hand, in our global and mechanized world people are quite detached from nature, from their roots in the universe, and sometimes even from each other. People know very well how to use all different kinds of machines, but often they forget how to use the most basic and most important elements of existence: the earth, the light, the water, the plants and animals, the surrounding energies. Unduly little attention is being paid to our bodies and souls. Therefore, now more than ever we all need to reconnect to the natural gifts that were given to us, we all need healing, pampering, love, kindness, sometimes even just a human touch. These are some of the things that holistic medicine has to offer.
Methods of holistic healing (not a complete list):
Aromatherapy
Chinese medicine
Chiropractic
Healing
Herbiology
Homeopathy
Kinesiology
Massage therapy
Nutrition
Reflexology
Shiatsu
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Anatomy links
Amazing stuff! All from the net!
http://www.innerbody.com/
http://www.bartleby.com/107/
http://www.instantanatomy.net/
http://www.netanatomy.com/
http://www.anatomy-resources.com/
http://www.msjensen.gen.umn.edu/webanatomy/
http://www.rad.washington.edu/anatomy/
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/dreamanatomy/
http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article29.html
http://www.gwc.maricopa.edu/home_pages/crimando/jctuts5.htm
http://www.bcm.edu/oto/studs/anat.html
The following links are great but just a bit too long so I had to break them up.
You'll need to type in the last words. It's really simple. Sorry about this.
http://www.vh.org/adult/provider/anatomy/HumanAnatomy/
CrossSectionAtlas.html
http://splweb.bwh.harvard.edu:8000/pages/papers/AnatomyBrowser/
current
And here is something Torah-related:
http://www.thewatchman.net/body.html
Also, not on the web but an amazing, deep and helpful book:
Rabbi Nachman of Breslov: Anatomy of the soul
Translated by Chaim Kramer
Publisher:Breslov Research Institute
http://www.innerbody.com/
http://www.bartleby.com/107/
http://www.instantanatomy.net/
http://www.netanatomy.com/
http://www.anatomy-resources.com/
http://www.msjensen.gen.umn.edu/webanatomy/
http://www.rad.washington.edu/anatomy/
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/dreamanatomy/
http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article29.html
http://www.gwc.maricopa.edu/home_pages/crimando/jctuts5.htm
http://www.bcm.edu/oto/studs/anat.html
The following links are great but just a bit too long so I had to break them up.
You'll need to type in the last words. It's really simple. Sorry about this.
http://www.vh.org/adult/provider/anatomy/HumanAnatomy/
CrossSectionAtlas.html
http://splweb.bwh.harvard.edu:8000/pages/papers/AnatomyBrowser/
current
And here is something Torah-related:
http://www.thewatchman.net/body.html
Also, not on the web but an amazing, deep and helpful book:
Rabbi Nachman of Breslov: Anatomy of the soul
Translated by Chaim Kramer
Publisher:Breslov Research Institute
Reflexology links
Links, sites, books - written material I use (or could use) for the work. I did not read all of them thoroughly - about the contents please contact the authors or webmasters and not me.
Am I like Yahoo or what?! :-)
http://www.reflexology.org/
http://www.icr-reflexology.org/
http://www.reflexology-research.com/
http://www.healingfeats.com/reflexol.htm
http://www.reflexology-usa.net/
http://www.reflexology-usa.org/
http://www.reflexology.net/home.htm
http://www.foot-reflexologist.com/
http://www.reflexeurope.org/
http://www.britreflex.co.uk/
http://www.aor.org.uk/
http://www.reflexology-uk.co.uk/
http://reflexology.org.au/www/
http://www.reflexologycanada.ca/
http://aboutreflexology.com/
http://innerself.com/Health/discovering_reflexology.htm
http://www.naturalhealers.com/qa/reflexology.shtml
http://dmoz.org/Health/Alternative/Reflexology/
http://homepage.tinet.ie/~footman/ - check this out!!! booklist!!!
Am I like Yahoo or what?! :-)
http://www.reflexology.org/
http://www.icr-reflexology.org/
http://www.reflexology-research.com/
http://www.healingfeats.com/reflexol.htm
http://www.reflexology-usa.net/
http://www.reflexology-usa.org/
http://www.reflexology.net/home.htm
http://www.foot-reflexologist.com/
http://www.reflexeurope.org/
http://www.britreflex.co.uk/
http://www.aor.org.uk/
http://www.reflexology-uk.co.uk/
http://reflexology.org.au/www/
http://www.reflexologycanada.ca/
http://aboutreflexology.com/
http://innerself.com/Health/discovering_reflexology.htm
http://www.naturalhealers.com/qa/reflexology.shtml
http://dmoz.org/Health/Alternative/Reflexology/
http://homepage.tinet.ie/~footman/ - check this out!!! booklist!!!
The story
Once upon a time, not even that long (maybe 4 years) ago, I was sitting in the office of Rabbi Y. Marcus (my teacher at Neve Yerushalayim College, Jerusalem) whining and complaining (I did that a lot at the time) about not knowing what to do next. He told me about a school that teaches alternative healing. I knew people who went there, but still, it took me a good few months just to go check it out.
The truth is that I was always interested in healing. But in high school I was not too serious and I certainly didn't study enough to get into medical school. Besides, I was never really fond of "conventional medicine" and I wouldn't want to give people shots or take their blood.
The truth is that I was always interested in healing. But in high school I was not too serious and I certainly didn't study enough to get into medical school. Besides, I was never really fond of "conventional medicine" and I wouldn't want to give people shots or take their blood.
Therefore reflexology and massage therapy sounded like it was just what I was looking for!
When I finally went to Shelem Institute, Holistic Studies and Complementary Medicine Center, Jerusalem (www.shelem.com) to interview with their ever so amazing administrative principal, Dr. Miri Hoffman and to sign up for the course, I still wasn't quite sure what I was jumping into.
Only later on, as my teachers, Dr. Eldad Nakar (reflexology theory - also founder and professional principal of the school), Miriam Elia (reflexology practice) Flora Shemesh (massage therapy) and Yuval Van-Son (anatomy and physiology) shared more and more of their knowledge with us I started to realize what a great, powerful and special tool I was about to get. Yet the "real thing" started when I finished school and had the opportunity to work with (or rather learn from I should say) the great healer, Dr. Ruth Levy.
Interested in the results of all this? Read this blog or come test me (ladies only, please)!
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