A “Heated” Discussion About Your Breasts: 
How Breast Thermography’s digital infared imaging can detect early signs of breast cancer

You may think mammography is the ideal way to screen for breast cancer but guess what? That may not be true.  Most mammograms detect breast cancer only after they have reached stage 2, or 1 million+ cancerous cells.

That’s not exactly DETECTION or PREVENTION is it?

That’s more of a confirmation. Plus you’ve now added harmful radiation to an already possibly grim diagnosis.

That’s why Bodhi Body physicians recommends using Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) to complement your breast health plan and cancer prevention strategy.  Digital Thermography is a procedure that uses ultra-sensitive infrared cameras and sophisticated computers to detect, analyze and produce high-resolution diagnostic images of temperature and vascular changes. The procedure is both comfortable and safe using no radiation or compression.

What is Breast Thermography? Breast thermography takes thermal images of the breasts and surrounding areas to aid in the early detection of breast cancer.

The principle: Thermography assesses blood flow patterns, inflammation and function.

How it works: State-of-the-art breast thermography uses ultra-sensitive infrared cameras and sophisticated computers to detect, analyze, and produce high-resolution diagnostic images of these temperature and vascular changes.

Detection: The procedure is both comfortable (no pain!) and safe using no radiation or compression. By carefully examining changes in the temperature and blood vessels of the breasts, signs of possible cancer or pre-cancerous cell growth may be detected years prior to being discovered using any other procedure. This provides for the earliest detection of cancer possible. Because of breast thermography’s extreme sensitivity, these temperature variations and vascular changes may be among the earliest signs of breast cancer and/or a pre-cancerous state of the breast.

Research: Breast thermography has been researched for over 30 years, and over 800 peer-reviewed breast thermography studies exist in the index-medicus. In this database well over 250,000 women have been included as study participants. The numbers of participants in many studies are very large– ranging from 37,000 to 118,000 women. Some of these studies have followed patients up to 12 years. Breast thermography has an average sensitivity and specificity of 90%.

Unique Capability: Just as unique as a fingerprint, each patient has a particular infrared map of their breasts. Breast thermography has the ability to detect a pre-cancerous state of the breast, or signs of cancer at an extremely early stage, and therein lies in its unique capability of monitoring the temperature variations and blood vessel alterations produced by the earliest changes in tissue physiology (function). The procedure is based on the principle that chemical and blood vessel activity in both pre-cancerous tissue and the area surrounding a developing breast cancer is almost always higher than in the normal breast. Since pre-cancerous and cancerous masses are highly metabolic tissues, they need an abundant supply of nutrients (blood flow) to maintain their growth. In order to do this, they increase circulation to their cells by sending out chemicals to keep existing blood vessels open, recruit dormant vessels, and create new ones (neo-angiogenesis). This process results in an increase in regional surface temperatures of the breast.

About Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging

As a non-invasive preventative breast screening, DITI looks for good thermal symmetry in the breasts. Areas of heat in the breast which are not symmetrical and vascular in nature are more likely to develop into breast cancer. Perfect candidates for breast Thermography include women who:

• Are between the ages of 25-40 with concerns and/or a family history
• Women over 40 who have radiation and/or compression concerns
• Have had breast cancer before
• Have implants or mastectomies

DITI can be used in conjunction with other breast diagnostics because it has no side effects (radiation or compression). Note: DITI should not be seen as a replacement for mammography. The two tests complement each other. DITI can be used in addition to mammography as part of a woman’s regular breast health care, for the most comprehensive approach to early breast cancer detection.

Bodhi Body is one of the only integrative medical centers in the Valley to offer DITI. Bodhi Body believes everyone can be empowered to maintain their health and wellness with treatment programs that make use of all appropriate, science-based therapies, both conventional and alternative. Natural, less-invasive approaches to health are given priority.  Bodhi Body creates a customized wellness plan based on each individual’s medical needs.  The staff at Bodhi Body understands that most chronic disease can be prevented simply by taking preventative measures today.

Bodhi Body will be holding a lecture discussing details and benefits of this procedure on Saturday January 16^th at 9 am.   A clinical thermographer, a technician who specializes in the procedure, will be on hand to discuss the benefits of breast thermography; how it works, and how it can detect signs of breast cancer without radiation and years ahead of a traditional mammogram.  This is a free event.  Please call 480-237-2410 or email info@bodhi-body.com for more information.

Dr. Heather Wdowin

Humans are one of only a few animals on earth that do not manufacture or store vitamin C, which is an indication of how important this nutrient is. Studies have shown that animals that do have the ability to produce vitamin C on their own dramatically increase its production during times of injury or stress.

Vitamin C is required for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body. It is necessary to form collagen, an important protein used to make skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C is essential for the healing of wounds, and for the repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.

Vitamin C is also an anti-oxidant, and protects the body from free radicals, the build up of which, over time, is largely responsible for the aging process and can contribute to the development of various health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and a host of inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

Some experts say we can only absorb a relatively small amount of vitamin C supplementation orally, so at Bodhi-Body we give this anti-aging, body restoring, immune system supporting, metabolism speeding, anti-oxidant intravenously so higher doses are available to your body to bodhi-fy your life.

Interested in learning even more ways Bodhi can help improve the way you LOOK, FEEL and PERFORM? Contact us at 480.237.2410 for a free 15-minute consultation to get started.

Learn More. Live Better. Love Your Bodhi Body.

We at Bodhi Body have noticed that there is a lot of recent curiosity and interest surrounding the hCG diet.  The hCG protocol is indeed available at Bodhi Body and supervised by a Bodhi physician.  Below are the answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the specialized hCG Diet Program we offer to our patients.

What is the Bodhi Body hCG diet?

A physician-supervised 12 week program that consists of a strict diet (only six weeks), supplementation, Far Infra Red Sauna, and small injections of hCG hormone (only six weeks).

Why a 12 week program?

The hCG injections (shots) are given in this biphasic manner over a 12 week period because we have found that people who perform the typical 21 day hCG weight loss protocol have a fairly high tendency to regain the weight back once they stop. By performing 3 weeks on, 6 off, and then 3 weeks on, the body will have an increased ability to keep the weight off because we are furthering the “reprogramming” of the pituitary gland.

What is hCG?

hCG is an acronym that stands for human chorionic gonadotrophin. This is a hormone found in both men and women.

Why hCG?

A deficient diencephalon or pituitary gland is the thought behind the hCG diet. The pituitary gland is known as the master gland in the body and is responsible for many functions including growth, blood pressure, sex organ function, metabolism regulation, and more.

What does the hCG do?

Through the small daily doses of hCG the pituitary gland function is optimized. This regulates the metabolism of the patient and directs the mobilization of fat around the body. Once the fat is being mobilized it can be taken in by the cells and burned for energy. Typically people can comfortably go about their usual occupations on a diet of only 500 calories and lose an average of about one pound per day. The daily administration of hCG appeared to have no side-effects other than beneficial ones.

Why such a limited diet?

The diet is limited because it is designed to remove common food allergens along with keeping people from eating more than 500 calories a day. It is understood that food allergies increase inflammation in a person’s body and can make it difficult to lose weight.

Why the sauna?

The far infrared sauna is a great way to increase the body’s core temperature, assist the body’s metabolism, and support the mitochondrial function to burn fat.

Will I be really tired or hungry during the program?

Many people who partake in the program do not feel hungry and often have more energy during the diet because with the limited intake of calories your body will spend less energy digesting food.

Who should consider it?

Those who have struggled with diets before, are looking to lose over 20 lbs, or are interested in dropping weight quickly yet safely.

Who shouldn’t?

Although a Bodhi physician will determine your ability to begin this program based on your initial consultation there are some who should most definitely not consider this program. Cancer patients, pregnant women, those who want to lose less then 8 pounds, and diabetics are a few of those who fit this category.

What is different about the Bodhi hCG Program?

Our program is all-inclusive, combining the therapies and supplements, which means a comprehensive program to ensure the most superior outcome for our patients. There is no up selling in our program, just results.

Ready to get started?

Before we proceed with this or any protocol an initial consultation with the physician is required. Please contact us today at 480.237.2410 or via email at info@bodhi-body.com for more information on our hCG protocol and to schedule your initial consultation today.

The original form of prolotherapy was developed in the 1930s. A specially formulated solution is injected into a joint, or along injured ligament and tendons. The solution stimulates the body to heal damage, and can tighten ligaments, repair tendons and deposit collagen.

In many cases prolotherapy is a viable alternative to surgery, and it helps to heal injuries and decrease pain. Hines Ward and Polumalu had a treatment called PRP prolotherapy performed to help heal up injuries prior to playing in the Super Bowl last year. In this technique, blood is drawn out of the patient, spun down in a special centrifuge to separate the platelets and growth factors needed for healing, and reinjected into the joint. In essence, it simulates inflammation without causing it, and stimulates the joint to heal.

Think prolotherapy might be right for you? Call us at 480.237.2410 and schedule your consultation to learn more about it with our Sports Medicine specialist, Dr. Heather Wdowin, today.

With the current meteoric rise in yoga’s popularity, the range of class and style options can be confusing. Looking at class schedules can be like trying to learn a whole new language.

Yoga is all about you, so when seeking a class, ask yourself: What do I want from my experience? Are you looking for a workout or a way to relieve stress and find peace of mind? Are you concerned about aging and the loss of flexibility or range of motion? Are you seeking to support a healing process in your body? Do you want to lose weight and gain muscle tone?

Begin your journey by first identifying your immediate needs and goals (these may change over time) and setting your intention clearly in your mind. It might also be helpful to look at your patterns. Like attracts like. Are you allowing the habitual nature of the mind to create your preferences?

For example, if you are living a fast-paced, stressful life, you may instinctively look for a fast-paced, physically demanding style of yoga. But pushing yourself on your yoga mat may be the last thing you need. Ask yourself what will bring balance to your body and into your life.

Getting to know the different styles of yoga is a good starting point in choosing the yoga that’s right for you.

Looking for a vigorous class to burn toxins and impurities? Go for Vinyasa, Power, Core, Bikram, Hot, Ashtanga or Jivamukti.  Something therapeutic to heal? Seek out Viniyoga, Hatha, Iyengar, Integrative, Yin and specifically targeted yoga therapy classes. Want to meditate and relax? Try Sivananda, Integral, Gentle, Kundalini or Kripalu.

Being familiar with these styles is definitely helpful, but keep in mind: Every teacher will instruct the defined style differently, as an expression of their personality and life experience. Yoga is flexible!

Check out our class descriptions here!

Please feel free to contact our Yoga Advisor and Program Director, Kristen Butler, at 480.237.2410 or via email at kristen@bodhi-body.com.

by Bodhi Yoga Program Director Kristen Butler

I recently read that living yoga master, B.K.S. Iyengar, begins his day with a bath, a drink of milky coffee with sugar and an hour’s practice of pranayama, the yogic art of breath control to release energy throughout the body.

The combination must be working for him! Iyengar is 91 years old and has followed the yogic path for over 70 years.

He says, “The yogi’s life is not measured by the number of his days but by the number of his breaths.”

I’ll take his word for it. After all, humans can survive for three days without water and nearly six weeks without food, but only moments without a breath of oxygen.

So how does one begin to comprehend pranayama – a topic and science that is literally as vast as the air we breathe?

First, let’s understand the term and its goal.

Prana is usually translated as breath (although it is also often referred to as the energizing force within the breath), and ayama means regulation of the breath.

Pranayama includes a process of controlled, extended inhalations and exhalations, as well as retention of the breath. Inhalations and retentions distribute prana or energy throughout the body. Exhalations release toxins from the system.

The practice of pranayama seeks to quiet the mind by bringing it under control through smooth, deep and rhythmic breaths. Through pranayamic breathing, the brain becomes calm, and the body’s blood stream is saturated with oxygen. This allows the nervous system and every organ to function more effectively.

Sounds simple? It isn’t. The art of pranayama can take a lifetime to master as it reaches beyond the physiological level to spiritual dimensions, where, according to yogic texts, our consciousness opens into its natural and pure state.

However, there is hope! A regular yoga asana practice can help remove obstacles that impede the flow of prana.

You can make a beginning by approaching your pranayama practice during class with these simple steps:

1. Give up the struggle. In pranayama, the breath is drawn in and released gently and gradually. There are no sudden movements.
2. Don’t stress. Keep your body and facial muscles relaxed. Eventually, you will become aware of the smooth and stable flow of the breath to the most remote parts of the lungs.
3. Count. Try breathing in to a count of five and out to a count of five with a slight pause between inhalations and exhalations.
4. Go with the flow. Remember that during asana practice, you will typically perform an upward motion (expansion) while inhaling and a downward motion (contraction) while exhaling. Follow your body’s cues.
5. Snore. A little snoring sound and sensation can help regulate the breath. Don’t be shy! Try partially closing the glottis in the back of the throat to create this effect.

Here’s to you and a long life filled with many happy breaths!