Radiant Skin and Gut Health

 

© 2024 Victoria Bowmann PhD

The skin microbiome, much like the gut microbiome, is a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mites, residing on the skin's surface. This complex ecosystem plays a critical role in maintaining skin health and overall immune function. The skin microbiome acts as a protective barrier against pathogenic invaders, supports the skin's immune responses, and helps maintain the skin's pH balance. The diversity and composition of the skin microbiome are influenced by factors such as genetics, age, environment, diet, and personal hygiene practices. A balanced skin microbiome is essential for protecting against infections, reducing inflammation, and promoting wound healing.

 

  One of the key functions of the skin microbiome is to prevent colonization by harmful pathogens through a process known as microbial antagonism. Beneficial microorganisms produce antimicrobial peptides and other substances that inhibit the growth of potential pathogens, thereby reducing the risk of infections and skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Additionally, the skin microbiome interacts with the immune system to modulate inflammatory responses and enhance the skin's barrier function. Disruptions to this delicate balance, whether due to overuse of antibacterial products, environmental pollutants, or underlying health conditions, can lead to dysbiosis, a state of microbial imbalance that can contribute to various dermatological issues.

 

  Emerging research has highlighted the potential of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics in supporting and restoring a healthy skin microbiome. Topical and oral probiotics may help replenish beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics provide nutrients that support the growth of these microbes. Postbiotics, which are the metabolic byproducts of probiotics, can also play a role in enhancing skin health by reducing inflammation and strengthening the skin barrier. Additionally, lifestyle choices such as a balanced diet, proper hydration, and avoiding harsh skin care products can help maintain a healthy skin microbiome. As our understanding of the skin microbiome continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly clear that nurturing this microbial ecosystem is vital for achieving and sustaining healthy, resilient skin.

 

  While oral probiotics are popular, their effectiveness of survival through the hydrochloric acid ad pepsin of the stomach is low, there is another method that has a high degree of effectiveness and efficiency for establishing and supporting the microbiome of the large intestine. This is called reflorastation, which I pioneered the research and development of in the early 1990s. To learn more about this, please visit MyRealHealth.com or contact me at 800-710-2786.

 

Be well, Dr Victoria

Gut Health for Optimal Health!

© 2024 Victoria Bowmann PhD

Science and medicine are in an evolving process that is continually revealing knowledge about health and well being. It has come a long way in the last 2,400 years; with emerging science that has proven Hippocrates was right all those years ago—“all disease begins in the gut.”

Our gut microbiome includes the  beneficial probiotics (bacteria) and the integrity of our colonic epithelial cells (inner lining) that powerfully affects our overall health. It affects our digestive health, our mental health, our hormonal health. Yes, our overall health.

This microbiome is a complex and dynamic community of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes. We actually have more bacteria in our body than we have cells of our body, and they play a crucial role in maintaining overall health by aiding digestion, producing essential nutrients, and protecting against harmful pathogens.

Each individual’s microbiome is unique and influenced by various factors such as diet, genetics, environment, and lifestyle. The balance of this microbial ecosystem is essential for optimal health. An imbalance can contribute to various health issues, including digestive disorders, weight variations, blood sugar challenges, and even cognitive function.

A primary functions is to assist in the digestion of complex carbohydrates, sugars, fibers, and other nutrients that the human body cannot digest on its own by means of fermentation. They produce short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate, acetate, and propionate, which serve as energy sources for the cells lining the gut. Additionally, the gut microbiome synthesizes essential vitamins, such as vitamin K and certain B vitamins, particularly B12, which plays a crucial role in the immune system. Seventy percent of our immune system is in the gut, the Peyer Patches of the small intestine and the microbiome of the large intestine.

By maintaining a healthy balance of beneficial microbes, it helps to prevent the colonization of harmful bacteria and supports a robust immune response. Stomach acids affect the survival of oral probiotics, therefore a unique method of application can offer surprising results.

Testimony from M.B. “Just wanted to shoot you a quick email and say thank you for your product. I am proud and happy to say that my husband and I are two proud new recipients of your colon reflorastation product. I also wanted to say thank you for your response time. I am almost finished with your book and what a treat that was to read. I am sure you are a busy woman, so I just wanted to extend my thanks and say I will be back... and will refer some of my mental health clients, if you wouldn't mind.”

Diet and lifestyle choices can then promote a diverse and balanced gut microbiome. One consumes a large variety of fiber-rich foods, including fermented products that are essential for maintaining and nurturing our gastrointestinal system. This is fundamental to health, vitality and well being.

For more information, please visit MyRealHealth.com

Balancing Acts: Unveiling the Magic of Bowen Therapy

© 2024 Victoria Bowmann PhD

Bowen Therapy, also known as the Bowen Technique, is a holistic and non-invasive form of bodywork that aims to promote healing and balance within the body. Developed by the Australian Tom Bowen in the 1950s, this gentle therapy is based on the idea that the body has the inherent ability to heal itself when given the right stimulus. The technique involves a series of precise and gentle rolling movements, often called a "pluck", over specific areas: muscles, tendons, and connective tissues, and in specific patterns.

 

The key principle behind this treatment is the concept of the body's fascia network, a complex web of connective tissue that surrounds and interpenetrates every muscle, bone, nerve, and organ. The gentle moves target the fascia, sending signals through the nerves deep within the muscles (known as proprioceptors) to the brain to initiate a healing response. This process is believed to reset the autonomic nervous system, which controls the body's involuntary functions, helping to restore balance and promote overall well-being.

One distinctive aspect of Bowen Therapy is the strategic use of pauses between sets of movements. These short breaks allow the body to respond and integrate the information provided by the therapist, encouraging a deep sense of relaxation. I consider this to be the brain/body establishing an agenda for healing. 

 

This treatment is typically administered with the client fully dressed in comfortable, lightweight attire, ensuring it is suitable and cozy for people of all ages. I've provided this treatment to a diverse age range, from infants to those in their 90s, and to everyone in between, demonstrating that Bowen therapy offers benefits for all ages.

 

Many clients report improvements in various conditions, including musculoskeletal issues, stress, and chronic pain. While scientific research on Bowen Therapy is still evolving, many practitioners and clients appreciate its gentle yet powerful approach, emphasizing the body's innate capacity to heal and find balance. 

 

When a session is completed, the best is yet to come, as Bowen therapy continues this integration and relaxation for 4 – 5 days. Many find that the following morning, the benefits are more pronounced. Let’s hear from a recent client.

 

M.M. is a 71 year young female who sent this testimonial:

“Quite some time ago I had injured my back, and my right leg was swelling to 1-2 times its normal size with sciatic nerve pain. The pain and discomfort was so intense I couldn’t walk, sit or sleep without experiencing excruciating pain. I tried numerous treatments, but alas, nothing helped and I endured a painful journey for a year or more. Someone mentioned Victoria helping her carpal tunnel pain. I called and made my appointment. 

 

“The most amazing result I noted automatically was after just one session. The sciatic pain was alleviated to a degree and each session brought about more positive results. After the final session, the swelling in my leg was gone and so was the pain!!

 

“Vicki turned my nightmare into a realistic fairy tale!”

 

As a Bowen practitioner, I know that it isn’t magic, but rather that it stands on a principle of frequency and vibration with the ability to gently unravel stress and injury. It is definitely worth trying, especially when other modalities haven’t helped.  Be well.