Integrative Lipedema Treatments

August 14, 2017September 11, 2024

Lipedema is a chronic inflammatory disease of complex causes, of which we understand little about. Lipedema occurs almost exclusively in females and is characterized by symmetrical flabby swelling of the legs. There is an abnormal accumulation of fatty deposits starting in the hip region and ending at the ankles. The arms and abdomen can also be affected. Lipedema treatment is still fairly misunderstood, and health professionals and physicians may dismiss the patient and tell them to lose weight.

They are “blamed” for being overweight, told they eat too much or are “cheating” on their prescribed diets. There is a lack of sympathy and understanding and this can cause anxiety, frustration and a feeling of helplessness.

This condition is a genetic abnormality and the obesity is not the patient’s fault.

The treatment for the Lipedema patient is complex. Individuals with a diagnosis of lipedema need to have both physical and psychological support, to help them overcome the mental anguish which accompanies the condition. Clinicians should also provide nutritional guidance to decongest and to avoid additional weight gain.

Why do I swell ?

A condition that interferes with the flow of lymph will result in edema.
Excess fatty tissue will impact upon the lymphatics and disturb the flow
Fat cells can contain toxic material such as dioxins, mercury, and other heavy metals which contribute to the inflammation
Inactivity further exacerbates the condition – reduced pumping on calf and increasing swelling.
Lymph fluid is absorbed from the initial lymphatic vessels in the tissue, enters the lymphatic system and is pumped upwards.
Constriction of the lymphatic vessels by an increased fat deposit restricts absorption
The return flow of the lymphatic vessels is blocked

Integrative Treatment for Lipedema

Manual lymph drainage (MLD) A form of massage that uses gentle, rhythmic pumping movements to stimulate the flow of lymph around blocked areas to healthy vessels, where it can drain into the venous system. This helps relieve pain and prevent fibrosis.
Compression– The use of stretch bandages or custom-fitted panty hose, panties, and/or spandex shorts to increase tissue pressure in the edematous legs, to decrease the re-accumulation of fluid and effect a significant reduction in adipose tissue
Exercise- Helps reduce fluid buildup, increase mobility, and maintain or improve function. Rebounding, whole body vibration, walking, yoga and swimming should be included.
Deep Breathing helps to move lymph, by stimulating the vessels in the abdomen
Anti-inflammatory Diet – concentrate on nuts and seeds and foods high in omega 3 fatty acids.

The foods you eat play an important role in how you feel. Junk, processed and fast foods contain too much sugar, salt and white flour which, can aggravate inflammation.

Avoid red meat, as it contains arachidonic acid, which in excess will make your inflammation worse.

Follow a Mediterranean diet as an anti-inflammatory dietary pattern. This diet consists of fruits and vegetables, nuts, olive oil, beans, legumes and fish, is moderate in alcohol and eliminates processed meat, refined carbohydrates and whole-fat dairy products.

Fish oils generally decrease several markers of inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in high levels in fatty fish, such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, wild salmon and halibut. Dietary sources of the omega 3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid include flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, soybeans and some dark green leafy vegetables. Omega 3 fatty acids reduce the risk of obesity

Medium chain fatty acids

Incorporating medium fatty acids (MCT) in the diet can help patients with lipedema. They are easily absorbed and unlike other fats, which are stored in the adipose tissue, MCT’s put little strain on the digestive system, provide a feeling of satiety and give a quick source of energy. Animal and human studies have shown that the fast rate of oxidation of MCFA leads to greater energy expenditure (EE), resulting in less body weight gain and decreased size of fat depots after several months of consumption. Pure virgin cold, pressed coconut oil and Caprylic acid are medium fatty acids

Conclusion

Patients should continue on this multifaceted program to prevent the condition from getting worse, as the disease can progress to lipedema if left completely untreated. It is important to seek out a qualified and caring therapist to support and encourage.

Aromatherapy For Stress Relief

June 27, 2017September 10, 2024

Stress is defined as a negative differential between a series of demands and our ability to cope with them. We all have our own comfort level in which we deal with stress. When stress levels become too much for the body-mind to cope with, the stress becomes “distress”, or stress excess. Chronic stress causes psycho-biological reactions which initially produce warning signs such as heart palpitations, insomnia, fatigue or mild depression.

The usual remedy is coffee, alcohol or tranquilizers. These “remedies” all have the ability to damage the system, and have no beneficial results. Synthetic tranquillizers create a sedative effect, but provide no emotional release. There may be also severe side effects from many of these drugs.

Stress is identified as a primary causative factor, or trigger in a variety of disorders, including cancer, heart disease and many other illnesses. Psycho-neuro-immunology is the study of the link between the mind, the immune system and the nervous system. Studies have shown how the immune system is negatively affected by stress. Once the immune system is weakened, we become susceptible to many infections and diseases.

Stress triggers the release of cortisol by the adrenal glands, which can lead to a depression of the immune system. The symptoms of stress are behavioral, mental and physical. These symptoms include depression, irritability, aggression, depressing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, feeling of being overloaded, headaches, indigestion, repeated minor ailments, odd aches and pains, palpitations and lethargy.

Aromatherapy is a thousand year old therapy, utilizing essential oils from plants, in the pursuit of wellbeing, spiritual, mental and physical. Essential oils can help an individual by intervening on both physical and mental levels and when combined with massage can reduce heart rate, as well as blood pressure.

Psycho-aromatherapy is a branch of aromatherapy that focuses on the psychological potential of essential oils and the psycho-therapeutic effects that these oils can have. The inhalation effects of the oils are absorbed easily and quickly through the sense of smell. Odor molecules enter the nostrils and are transmitted in the form of an electrical impulse to the olfactory bulb and then to the limbic system of the brain and also the hypothalamus.

The hypothalamus is the major control center of the autonomic nervous system. It controls the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions which activate the “fight or flight” adrenaline production. As we inhale the essential oils, there is a direct link to the limbic system of the brain via the olfactory nerve. The limbic system is stimulated and this triggers the release of memories, feelings and emotions.

Odor stimuli in the brain also trigger the release of neuro-chemicals such as enkephalins, endorphins, seratonin and noradrenalin. Noradrenalin acts as a stimulant to help you keep awake. Endorphins reduce pain, stimulate sexual feelings, and produce a sense of well-being.

As we inhale essential oil of ylang ylang, encephalins are released and this produces a euphoric sensation and can help to reduce pain. Seratonin is released as we inhale essential oil of lavender and this helps to induce a state of relaxation and a feeling of well-being.

Studies have shown that the autonomic nervous system is effected by the inhalation of certain aromas, and our fight or flight mechanism aroused. The regulation of the autonomic nervous system brings about changes in the functioning of heartbeat, the depth of breathing, and the digestive processes. In a study on the effect of aroma inhalation on the stress responses of nursing students, it was concluded that the administration of aroma inhalation to nursing students decreased their physical symptoms of stress, lowered anxiety scores, and altered their perceived stress scores. The study concluded that aromatherapy via inhalation could be a very effective stress management method.

A study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, found that the essential oils used in aromatherapy for stress relief may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It has been found that with short-term exposure, the odors have a beneficial effect on heart rate and blood pressure.

Essential oils have an effect on the nervous system and can help to reduce anxiety and depression. There have been many studies showing how massage when combined with essential oils can help to reduce stress, reduce muscle tension, effect hypotension and balance the immune system.

Oils that are excellent for stress management include: neroli, rose and jasmine. Citrus oils such as bergamot, mandarin, and lemon uplift the spirits, and clary sage and geranium are excellent for balancing the hormones.
Try taking a bath with a blend of tangerine, lavender, valerian root and geranium before bed for a wonderful night’s sleep. When inhaled, a variety of oils – including lavender, melissa, peppermint, basil, roman chamomile, lemongrass and marjoram – can relieve headaches of different origins.

Many oils, including angelica, basil, cardamom, ginger, and peppermint, diffused in an aromatic diffuser will help to keep you alert. Feeling stressed ? Enjoy a massage blend of bergamot, lavender, melissa and sweet marjoram in a base of fractionated coconut oil and feel your spirits soar.

A Clinical Aromatherapy treatment with a custom blend of oils specific to the needs of the individual, lymph massage, reflexology and guided imagery is an excellent way to reduce stress.

Linda-Anne Kahn is an Internationally trained Beauty Therapist, certified Clinical Aromatherapist, Holistic Health Practitioner, and Lymphedema Therapist. She is the founder and owner of the Beauty Kliniek Aromatherapy Day Spa and Wellness Center in San Diego.

Adrenal Stress and Boosting Immunity

May 27, 2017September 10, 2024

Adrenal Stress and Boosting immunity – Linda Anne Kahn HHP CLT-LANA CIDESCO NCBMTB

The long-term activation of the stress-response system – and the subsequent overexposure to cortisol and other stress hormones – can disrupt almost all your body’s processes. This puts you at increased risk of numerous health problems, including: heart disease, diabetes, depression, digestive issues and more…

Stressful events are a fact of life. And you may not be able to change your current situation. But you can take steps to manage the impact these events have on you. You can learn to identify what stresses you out, how to take control of some stress-inducing circumstances, and how to take care of
yourself physically and emotionally in the face of stressful situations. Stress lowers your resistance and makes you more vulnerable to illness and disease. Prolonged stress lower immunity and affects your health.

Steps you can take to improve immune system function. The first goal is to take a look at your lifestyle to see if there is anything that may be interfering with your body’s ability to fend off illness:

* Chronic or severe stress
* Excessive consumption of alcohol
* Exposure to environmental toxins
* Cigarette smoke
* Lack of exercise
* Poor sleep quality
* Repressed dissatisfaction, anger or rage

Stress suppresses immunity by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system. This is a part of the autonomic nervous system that is responsible for the fight-or-flight response. It is essential to try to reduce the amount of stress in your life, for a properly functioning immune system.

The basic strategy for stress reduction is to find positive, relaxing ways of releasing excess tension and help your autonomic nervous system function under parasympathetic control. Have a lymphatic massage every week, take a walk in nature, exercise daily, listen to tranquil music, laugh more and be totally present to your life.

Eat a diet that is rich in a variety of vegetables including green leafy ones, fresh fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds as these are contain nutrients that can boost immunity .

Include in your diet: Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, collard greens, kale, cauliflower, daikon, mustard greens) as well as sulfur (SH) rich vegetables such as onions and garlic, as these increase levels of glutathione. Glutathione is an important antioxidant, and helps the immune system fight infections and prevent cancer. It is also a powerful detoxifier that eliminates carcinogens. Poor diet, pollution, toxins , medications, stress, trauma, aging, infections and radiation all deplete glutathione levels in the body. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant vital to many functions in the body including liver and brain function Other glutathione-rich foods are asparagus, spinach, avocado, squash, melons, grapefruit and peaches.

Broccoli contains sulphoraphane, a powerful phytonutrient that stimulates certain enzymes to deactivate cancer cells, allowing them to be digested and eliminated from the body. Sulphoraphane helps turn on helper T-cells to recognize them as invaders and tell killer cells to respond and destroy them.

* Eliminate sugar from your diet. Sugar makes your white blood cells
sluggish and can impair your immune function.

* Decrease the intake of saturated fats and cholesterol. A diet high
in saturated fat suppresses immunity.

Eckart Tolle wrote: “All you really need to do is accept this moment fully. You are then at ease in the here and now and at ease with yourself.”

In health Linda Anne As Owner, Founder and Medical Wellness Director of Beauty Kliniek Aromatherapy Day Spa & Wellness Center, Linda-Anne Kahn helps people achieve balance of the body, mind and spirit. She is a certified Manual Lymph Drainage Therapist and Nationally certified Lymphedema Specialist and Clinical Aromatherapist. A sought-after speaker, she will lecture at the NLN 11th Annual Lymphedema Conference in Washington, D.C. this fall.

Integrative Health Coaching

May 27, 2017September 10, 2024

–A new you is waiting….. Achieve health and wellness …..learn the secrets to healthy living ….find your healthy balance

I am an Integrative Health and Wellness Coach with over 30 years of experience in aromatherapy, lymphatic massage, nutrition and wellness coaching for individual and corporate clients.

Clinical Aromatherapy

May 27, 2017September 10, 2024

Aromatherapy is an integrative therapy using essential oils from plants to create balance and harmony of the body, mind and spirit.

I create customized essential oil blends utilizing the innate intelligence of essential oils to give support to your body, so that you can achieve optimal health and restore vibrancy to your life.

Lymphatic Services

May 27, 2017September 10, 2024

Linda Anne is an Internationally certified Lymphedema Therapist.

She combines her extensive knowledge of the lymphatic system, skin care and aromatherapy to help her patients with an integrative approach to lymphedema management, autoimmune disorders and inflammatory issues.

Detoxification and Cleansing

May 27, 2017September 10, 2024

Why should you do a cleanse? Do you wish to feel revitalized, renewed restored?

It is vitally important to renew the body from time to time. Just as your body needs to rest, so does the digestive system. A “cleanse” suggests a time when we give a break to the digestive system, giving the liver, kidneys and lymphatic system the ability to function better.

Lipedema

May 23, 2017March 29, 2018

What is lipedema?

Lipedema is a genetically mediated disorder of fat deposition that occurs almost exclusively in females. There is a symmetrical accumulation of fat in the legs, buttocks and hips that extends down to the ankles. In 70% of cases the swelling occurs in the arms and there is no foot involvement. A “cuff” can be found around the ankles and wrists. Patients often report a family history of “heavy legs”

Lipedema is often called “painful fat syndrome”. The swelling that occurs is due to an excess deposition of fatty tissue and fluid accumulation in the subcutaneous tissue, leaky vessels and fragility of the blood vessels. It is painful to the touch

Lipedema is often misdiagnosed and can be mistaken for regular obesity or lymphedema. The condition can progress to become Lymphedema. Patients are accused of being simply “fat,” which is not the case and is so invalidating and frustrating to the patients.

Symptoms of lipedema

As the fat increases, the lymphatic vessels are unable to move the fluids out of the body and the swelling increases. The symptoms include pain, bruising, swelling in the limbs and hypermobility of the joints, with reduced elasticity in the skin and knee. Patients often have flat feet and knee mal-alignment or instability,

Lipedema can occur in puberty or often in the 30′ s and there is a slow progression of symptoms and weight gain, leading to immobility. Lipedema may develop or worsen during pregnancy or surgery

Lymphedema

May 23, 2017March 29, 2018

Lymphedema is a swelling of a body part, most often an extremity, resulting from an accumulation of fluids, in such proportion to be palpable and visible. Lymphedema occurs when the lymph vascular system is not able to fill its function of reabsorpbtion and transport of the protein and lymph load. Lymphedema occurs whenever lymphatic vessels are absent, underdeveloped or obstructed.

The condition most often causes embarrassment and causes decreased mobility, discomfort and often repeated episodes of infection, cellulitis and lymphangitis. This can lead to general depression and a general worsening of the patient’s life and health. Fungal infections can be very frequent and these place a greater load on the lymphatics. Severe cases are associated with thickening of the skin, hardening of the limb (fibrosis), leakage of lymph and massive swelling (elephantiasis).

How Does Lymphedema Occur?

A stagnation of protein develops in the tissue. This raises the colloid osmotic pressure and a protein rich edema arises. There are more protein rich fluids in the tissue than can be transported and the proteins attract water by osmosis. The affected area becomes swollen, enlarged and uncomfortable. This swelling decreases oxygenation of the tissues, interferes with their normal functioning and makes them heal more slowly than normal. The excess protein also serves as a stimulus from chronic infection and can result in formation of excess fibrous tissue. Lymphedema is a chronic and if left untreated, progressive condition. It can however, be brought under control by appropriate treatment and care.

Lymphedema may be due to a primary (congenital or genetic) cause or of a secondary cause (caused by a known condition), including removal of the lymph nodes or trauma.

Types of Lymphedema

Primary Lymphedema

Primary Lymphedema is that which has no known cause.

Milroy’s disease is a familial (genetically caused) lymphedema which is present at birth.
Meige’s disease is similar, but appears no later than puberty.
Lymphedema Praecox is the most common form of primary lymphedema. This begins in adolescence. It is predominantly females who suffer from this condition. Seventy five percent of primary lymphedema is praecox.
Lymphedema Tarda is identical to Lymphedema praecox but occurs after the patient is 35 years old. Both praecox and tarda almost always involve just the legs.

The pathological mechanisms which cause primary lymphedema are an absence of lymphatics (aplasia), inadequate lymphatic drainage, too few lymphatics or too few nodes, or lymphatics which are hugely dilated.

Secondary Lymphedema

Secondary lymphedema is an acquired condition resulting from loss or obstruction or previously normal lymphatic channels. The most common cause of secondary lymphedema is due to removal of the lymph nodes, as part of surgery for malignancies. The lymph pathways can be interrupted by radiation, surgery, injury or blockage with parasites.

– Symptoms of Lymphedema

Patients experience swelling in the affected limb and may experience one or all of the following symptoms: tingling, tightness, numbness, slight pain, feeling of fullness, heaviness, cramps and a burning sensation in limb. There may be range of motion limitations and temperature differences between the limbs. We help to effectively reduce the symptoms of lymphedema and help you to participate in your daily activities once again.

– Stages of Lymphedema

Stage 0, also known as latent stage or subclinical stage of lymphedema

At this stage the patient is at risk of developing lymphedema, however there is no swelling present, even though the lymph system has been disturbed by sugery or radiation. In stage 0 patients may experience early symptoms, such as the feeling of numbness, tingling or fullness in a limb, which is often accompanied by low-grade discomfort

If we treat at this stage the symptoms can be easily controlled using off the shelf compression garments.

If we can consult with you soon after surgery, we can educate you and reduce the risk of lymphedema

Stage I, also known as pitting or reversible stage

The affected arms or legs become visibly swollen, as a protein-rich fluid starts to accumulate in the tissues.

Upon elevation, the swelling reduces.

There is a pitting edema and the limb may appear normal the next morning.

Stage II, also known as spontaneously-irreversible stage

There is an increase in the swelling and a change in the tissues

The skin becomes harder (fibrotic) and there are skin changes.

Upon elevation, the limb does not reduce.

Pressure against the limb produces only a slight indentation or in indentation at all.

Stage two lymphedema can be reversed with intense therapy.

Stage III, also known as lymphostatic elephantiasis

In this stage, there is a buildup of fluid in the tissues and the swelling increases.

Pressure on the skin does not produce any pitting and there are skin changes, as skin begins to breakdown.

Normal elasticity is lost and the skin hangs in folds.

The person is very likely to become infected as the swelling becomes a perfect culture for bacteria to breed. There is a risk of infection and subsequent recurrent infections (cellulitis)

Untreated lymphedema can lead into a decrease or loss of functioning of the affected extremity, skin breakdown and sometimes irreversible complications.

Treatment option lymphedema

Complex decongestive therapy – link to treatment options

Nutritional counseling

Aromatherapy

Fat Disorders – Rare Adipose Disorders – Lipedema and Dercums

Dercums

May 20, 2017March 29, 2018

Dercums disease -DD (adiposis dolorosa)

What is Dercums?

DD is a disorder of subcutaneous adipose (fatty) tissue, also known as painful fat syndrome. It involves the excess deposit and expansion of fat cells. Lipomas are common and angiolipomas (very vascular lipomas) are found in 30% of people with Dercum’s Disease. DD is often misdiagnosed as ordinary obesity. • DD occurs in more women than men, at a 5:1 ratio, and in 40% of cases it is thought it is thought to be inherited (genetic). Age of onset is usually between 30 and 50 years of age. Currently, there are no imaging or diagnostic tests available to determine the presence of DD.

Types of Dercums

TYPE 1: Painful nodular fat around the joints.

TYPE 2: Painful nodular fat anywhere from head to toe (whole body). Often accompanied

by generalized obesity.

TYPE 3: Larger lipomas that may have a capsule and attached connective tissue; often

in the absence of obesity. Most men have Type 3

What are the symptoms of Dercums

Severe fatigue that impairs a person’s daily activities of living and can be worsened by activities and exercise
Memory difficulties finding words, forming thoughts; “Brain Fog”.
Weight gain may occur at onset; difficult to lose with lifestyle changes
Increased vasculature near lipomas; telangiectasias(small dilated blood vessel near the surface of the skin); cherry angiomas (round broken capillary on the skin); easy bruising; heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding;
Lymphatic involvement: Swellings in fat; may change in size and are nonpitting, (do not indent when pressed)
Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
Gastrointestinal: Gastroesophageal reflux disease