The two things I treat most in my practice are what to eat to maintain desired body weight and reach optimum athletic performance, and the need to create maximum flexibility – 100% of range of motion at all the body joints.

With nutrition and diet, the information overwhelm world we live in has lots of conflicting and misleading information that leaves the average consumer scratching their head as who and what to believe.   The need to stretch and stay flexible, however, rarely gets much media attention. Watch a tall tree sway in the wind and marvel at its grace, flexibility, and ability to keep from breaking, and you will get my point.  Our bodies are no different.  The more flexible we are and fluid our joints and muscles are, the less prone we are to injuries, and the more stronger our muscles.

When a golfer has tight shoulder, neck, hip or lower back muscles, they loose the ability to turn the shoulders and shift the weight to the back leg at take away, and then at the start of the down swing, the weight shift to the front leg and the rotation of the waist to the target.  This lack of flexibility results in too much club head speed to hit the ball for any considerable distance, and makes them prone to “stiff arming” the swing and create a “grass raper”.  The way to avoid these issues is with some specific stretches and conditioning/strengthening exercises, and massage/body work.

The area of nutrition is actually very simple, albeit in the fast paced fast-food world we life in, most find it challenging.  A good portion of some of the “stuff” labeled “food”, doesn’t meet nature’s definition – it is manufactured by man, contains preservatives, chemicals, artificial colors and flavors and packaged in cans, bags, and cartons.

The “fuel” our bodies were designed to run on is raw, fresh, vine ripened fruits and veggies… 9-13 servings of each every day.  For those of us who can’t, don’t or won’t do this, there is a cutting edge whole food nutritional supplement called Juice Plus+ that fills in the gaps for us on these days.  It’s 17 fruits and veggies in capsules and has extensive medical/clinical research behind it; antioxidant level increases in the blood stream, improved immune system function, DNA protection, reduced oxidative stress in the body, and cardio vascular wellness.  JP+ is also available in Soft Chewy’s for children.  If you would  like more info go to my website www.HHPJini4WholeFoods.com and check it out.  No matter what challenges you have going on with your body, eating the right foods will improve it.

Food is the most powerful drug on the planet – Chlorophyll, found in dark green leafy veggies, repairs soft tissue and helps relief pain.  Those with Fibromyalgia, like myself, need extra magnesium, which is found in many fruits and veggies, to help their muscle pain.  Additionally, fruits and veggies keep our bodies pH in a more alkaline state – which helps eliminate inflammation and the creation of tendonitis, arthritis, osteoporosis, asthma, heart disease, etc.

Call or email me to talk about your health goals – big or small, I’d love to work with you on achieving  them. 858-274-6758 or   jcarlso2@san.rr.com.

Jini Carlson, HHP

Osteoporosis is a debilitating disease that can not only be prevented but also treated.  It is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break.  If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks.  It is much like high blood pressure in being a “silent killer”.

While any bone can be affected, the hip and spine are of special concern.  A hip fracture almost always requires hospitalization and major surgery.  It can impair a person’s ability to walk unassisted and may cause prolonged or permanent disability, and even death.  Spinal or vertebral fractures also have serious consequences, including loss of height, severe back pain and deformity.

This disease causes more problems than just demineralizing bones.  People with osteoporosis are more likely to suffer from Coronary Artery Disease, Peripheral Vascular Disease, stroke, kidney stone and gallstones.  The reason for this is that the calcium lost from the bones is not all excreted into the urine.  A lot of it is deposited in the arteries and kidneys.  There is also prevalence for ectopic calcification in other tissues, especially in the discs between the vertebrae.  It is also sometimes deposited in soft tissue, which is why people with Fibromyalgia and related diseases suffer so much from soft tissue pain.  This is actually not new information, the first studies were done in 1931 and the first articles written over 75 years ago. (1)

While women are four times more likely than men to develop the disease, men also suffer from osteoporosis.  Women’s bone mass peaks between the ages of 25 and 35, and thereafter, bone mass loss can begin. For many women, once they begin to experience the slightest symptoms of Menopause, their health care professional begins discussions with them about how to prevent and treat osteoporosis, nearly always with calcium supplementation.

While you won’t hear this from your Doctor, osteoporosis is a disease rooted in calcium DRAIN-  NOT calcium deficiency. It is firmly rooted in diet – and has much to do with the pH balance in our bodies.   It is well documented that fruits and veggies help reduce urinary calcium loss and help the body to maintain the alkalinity that is needed for optimal health. Everything else that we eat pretty much increases the acidity in our body.  In order to compensate, we release the largest reservoir of alkaline salt in the body which is calcium bicarbonate in the bones.  The calcium part of this salt goes out the urine while the bicarbonate helps to reduce acidity.  Taking more calcium does nothing to relieve the problem and can cause unnecessary build up of calcium from the bones and the ingestion of calcium supplementation may led to the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones amongst many other problems.  All living things have calcium, and plants have very bioavailable calcium.   So the bottom line is, the more plants you eat, the more calcium you will keep. (2)

So here are some substances and foods that create calcium drain in the body.

Caffeine – found in coffee, soft drinks and some “sports” drinks and so called “health drinks”.

Phosphorus- also found in soft drinks and in meats and processed, manufactured foods; i.e. things that come in bags, cans, and boxes.

Table Salt (not Sea Salt), Alcohol, Tobacco, Steroids and some cholesterol and blood pressure medications – .

Stress – Long term high stress levels produce Adrenaline, which depletes bone    mass.  Let me know if you would like info on some good stress management tools.

Aluminum – Don’t cook with aluminum as it can inhibit the parathyroid gland, also leading to osteoporosis.

So what are some things you can do to promote good bone health and calcium absorption?   Engage in regular weight bearing exercise.  More than 100 studies confirm that regular exercise such as brisk walking, aerobics, tennis, and badminton strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fracture in premenopausal and postmenopausal women and men.

Be sure your diet includes 9-13 servings EACH of fruits and veggies each day – AND one from each color of the rainbow.  Dark green leafy veggies are THE best food to eat to insure we are getting enough calcium, as well as all the other thousands of other vitamins, minerals and nutrients that they need to work properly in the body.  Despite what the traditional western medical community and Dairy Association would like you to believe, Milk, is NOT a good source of calcium, or a source of any other good nutrition.

Consume WHOLE Soy products like, Soy Beans, Edamame, Tofu, Tempe, etc.  Foods that are made from the whole soy bean.  Foods that have been Soy “fortified”, contain Soy isolates, and have been linked to cancer, and should be avoided.

Add freshly ground flaxseeds to your daily diet – put them a morning smoothie or sprinkle them on your cold or hot breakfast grains or salad.

It is never too early, especially for women, to start thinking about their bone health.  Young child hood and teenage years spent consuming large amounts of Caffeine via either coffee or soft drinks, and other foods that promote calcium drain, sets one up for not only osteoporosis but also a VERY unpleasant Menopause.

So what about calcium supplementation?  As I mentioned earlier, it is standard operating procedure for traditional doctors to suggest mega dozes of isolated man made calcium supplements to women once it is suspected they are approaching menopause.  However, there is no convincing data, research or reasoning to prove that calcium supplementation can prevent osteoporosis. And, because these calcium supplements don’t work, lots of times down the road people face the choice of taking pharmaceuticals to reduce the risk of bone loss and bone fracture.  Yet, pharmaceuticals have associated with them a whole list of possible side effect, some of which are VERY serious.* (2)  So why not be responsible and proactive with our health and our bodies and bones – consider making lifestyle changes, which can both prevent and even reverse osteoporosis.

As I previously mentioned, we need to get our calcium (and ALL of our nutrition for that matter) supply from WHOLE FOODS and we need 9-13 servings of fruits and veggies each and every day.  This is a very difficult thing to do, and only about 5% of our population actually does it.  So what are we to do?  The answer is Juice Plus+ – which is 26 fruits, veggies, grains, in concentrated form in capsules.  It is an incredible asset in helping maintain strong bones.  It is alkaline to the body, and is highly bioavailable.  It will give you the energy you need to get up and to out and exercise.  Many doctors over the past 16 years since JP+ has been available, have marveled at how patients have reversed the loss of bone density from taking it each day.  Plus it supports efforts to age more gracefully. (2)    Juice Plus+ bridges the gap for us on the days we don’t eat our 9-13 servings, which for most of us is everyday.

Juice Plus+ has 27 medical research studies done in eight countries on four continents that show it is bioavailable, that it increases antioxidant levels in the blood stream, that it improves immune system function, protects DNA, reduces oxidative stress, and positively impacts several key indicators of cardiovascular health.  Please visit my website at www.HHPJini4WholeFoods.com to learn more about Juice Plus+ and its medical research.

(1)  Dr. Pam Popper

(2)  Dr. Mitra Ray

What follows is a Case Study Project done by Katie Terrien on Cupping for her Anthropology class.   I was honored and blessed that it was me that she chose to interview for this project.  – Jini

Katie Terrien

Dr. Bade

Anth. 301

December 01, 2009

Case Study Project

When deciding on a topic for my case study, I remembered a friend of mine from work, her name is Kirby. She regularly gets cupping done by a women named Jini Carlson. I’ve had numerous conversations with Kirby at work about cupping; I have always been interested in the therapy method.  I thought the case study assignment would be a great opportunity to not only meet Jini, but to learn and fully understand the therapy method and the healer.  Upon meeting with Jini I realized just how special she was as a healer and how she helps people reach their full potential both physically and mentally.

Before meeting with her I wanted to do some research of my own.  I found a book titled Traditional Chinese medicine: cupping therapy; the book gave me a brief history of cupping and I learned quite a bit.  Cupping is an ancient Chinese method for healing dating back thousand of years.  The author points out that “At first it was applied using cattle horn, and was consequently also called horn therapy” (pg. 03).  Cupping or horn therapy was traditionally used to pull the pus and blood up from a boil; today cupping is used for all kinds of ailments; from boils, coughs, colds, indigestion, muscle aches, and numerous other conditions, there has even been documentation of using cupping to treat tuberculosis. Cupping methods have changed over time and today many healers use plastic cups and air pressure in place of glass cups and flame.  Jini practices cupping along with Chakra Balancing, Ear coning and Massage.

After researching cupping and understanding the history of it I asked Kirby if she would call Jini and ask her if I might meet with her.  Kirby said no problem and within a few days I had Jini’s number.  I called Jini and she said she would be willing to give me some of her time.  Thankful and excited we made a date; I meet with Jini on Wednesday November 18^th, 2009.  I drove to her office located in Kearny Mesa, San Diego; Jini rents a cozy space within the business district of  Kearny Mesa.  The building where she rents the space is called: Alternative Health Center.  I meet with her in the afternoon on a beautiful sunny day; when I entered the building it was a quiet and calming atmosphere the first door I saw said “quiet please brain therapy in session”; I thought to myself what the heck is that? I was in the waiting room for no more than a couple of minutes when a woman walked out to water a plant; I immediately thought “this must be Jini”. My first impression of Jini was that she represented the picture of health and beauty.  Jini was very friendly, petite, with long silver hair, beautiful skin, teeth, and a great smile.  Her eyes were warm and inviting, I felt at ease from the moment I introduced myself.  She smiled said it was nice to meet me and then took me into her room where she performs all of her healing techniques for her patients.

The room was quiet and tranquil, scented candles had been placed around the room and a small waterfall fountain created a beautiful peaceful sound that immediately relaxed me.  Jini had placed her massage table in the center of the room; I noticed a wicker shelf in one corner that had a small Buddha statue, along with crystals and other diagnostic tools.  We had spoken on the phone and she knew I was interested in her cupping method and that I was a friend of Kirby’s.  My first question to Jini was if she considered herself a healer and if so, would it be ok for me to refer to her as such. She immediately replied “absolutely”; later she gave me her business card, it states that she is a Holistic Health Practitioner.  Jini has been practicing for 20 years; she is now 61 years old and doesn’t look a day over 50.  I asked her why and how she became a healer and she shared her personal journey.

Her father had suffered a stroke about 20 years ago and her mother, eager to help her husband recover researched strokes and ways to help with recovery.  Jini’s mother found that massage therapy helps the circulation in the body and healing.  Her mother decided to take massage classes and see if she could help her husband recover. After some time Jini’s mother was successfully helping her husband recover and soon word spread that she was a great masseuse and friends and family wanted in on the action. Her mother became successful as a masseuse; friends, family, and friends of friends soon were her cliental.  Jini, inspired by her mother’s success also became interested in becoming a masseuse. However, Jini already held a full time job; but that didn’t stop her and she started going to school part-time along with working.  Jini said that after 20 years of working her full time job that was stressful both mentally and physically her body gave out on her; it happened to be around the same time she was finishing up massage school.  After going to a doctor, she was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and her doctor gave her options for treatments.  Unsatisfied with her options and aware that other choices were out there Jini spoke with her massage teacher and found other alternatives than what AMA offers.  Jini decided not to go the AMA route and try alternative healing methods; she also was introduced to a product called Juice Plus+.

Jini shared with me some information about Juice Plus+; it is a nutritional product that is all natural. It is whole food based and is made by juicing fresh fruits and vegetables.  The fruits and veggies are concentrated into powder and put into capsule form.  The product has had clinical research and been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.  Jini is such a fan of Juice Plus+ that she sells the product and takes it daily as part of her daily nutrients.  Jini said she was exposed to Juice Plus+ through a friend she was doing massage trades with during her recovery and treatment of Fibromyalgia.  She said that along with taking Juice Plus+ on a regular basis and undergoing alternative health care she .was back to part-time work within six weeks! That is amazing considering that some patients who are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia have much longer and painful experiences.  Jini said through her experiences she was convinced that she was going to lead a much healthier lifestyle, and share it with others.  She was back at working part-time at her job (which she was no longer happy doing) and as fate would have it (my words not hers) her company was bought out; she was offered a nice severance package to leave.  Jini stated “I laughed all the way to the bank”; with the money she received from her severance package, her massage license, and her new way of life, Jini started renting a space to become a full time healer. She wanted to help herself and others create a new healthier and happier way of living.

Jini treats 8-9 clients a week so she can give her full potential to each one.  I asked her if she has any rituals that she goes through before treating each client; she said absolutely.  Jini explained her ritual is to meditate every morning when she gets up along with stretching, to get her mind and body ready for the day.  When I asked about her healer/patient relationships she stated that most her clients have been with her long term, she doesn’t do “walk-ins” she has formed and maintained personal relationships with all her clients. I asked Kirby about their relationship and she said she has been going to Jini for a few years and continues to go to her because of their close relationship.  I asked Jini if there are any cautions when undergoing cupping that the patients should be aware of.  Jini said no, that cupping is safe and great alternative for people who are sensitive to touch.  Jini shared with me that Kirby for example is ticklish and traditional hand massages are too much for Kirby, “she can’t sit still”.

Jini did say that although she’s never done cupping on an elderly person one should be cautious due to the fact that the elderly have much more delicate skin, so the pressure on the skin could cause it to break, or the bruising that occurs during cupping could take much longer to go away; however, she doesn’t know for sure it’s just her opinion.  I did some research on cautions of cupping, and Jini was correct; I found that there are a few cautions when do cupping.  In the book titled Essence of traditional Chinese Medicine the author states “Cupping therapy is not recommended for highly nervous persons, people with sensitive or loose skin, and people who are very skinny” (pg. 132).   However, those cautions are for the glass/heat cupping method; I asked Jini if she used the glass cupping method or preferred the newer plastic cupping method.  She already had her diagnostic tools out ready to show me, Jini uses the plastic cupping method because it is safer for both the healer and the patient; and easier to perform.  By saying safer I don’t mean to imply that anything about the act cupping is unsafe; I simply mean because no fire/heat is involved there is no chance of an accidental fire. Another benefit of heatless cupping is that the healer has more control over the pressure as well as the patient.

The actual act of cupping goes as follows: there are different size cups for different areas of the body, and a hand held compression/suction system attaches to individual cups.  The compression system looks, and is used much like the machine a doctor uses to take your blood pressure.  Once the patient has told Jini where they hurt, (most commonly the cups are placed on different areas of the back).  Jini applies the cup on that specific area and attaches the hand held compression system and simply squeezes the bulb at the end which creates negative pressure that in turn creates suction.  Each cup is left on the specific area for up to 15 minutes, to break to suction the healer simply presses down on the surrounding skin to break the seal.

When researching traditional Chinese cupping where the healer uses heat from a flame oppose to the hand held air pump Jini uses; the author describes the process in the book titled Pharmacodynamic Basis of Herbal Medicine: Second Edition “Lighting a match into the glass cup and removing it quickly and applying the cup to the skin” (pg.68). The author also states “The flame creates a vacuum, and the cup sticks tightly to the skin” (pg. 68).  Cupping can also be practiced on one’s self; Jini said she does cupping to herself, but only within comfortable reach.  Again in my research I learned that cupping is a common household practice in many Chinese homes.

After researching cupping and getting speak to Jini personally I was curious to get the patients perspective, so again, I asked Kirby for some help. I was curious as to how often Kirby got cupping done, how it felt, how much it cost, how long her visits are, and how she met Jini.  Kirby helpful as always gave me these answers; Kirby as I already stated above has known Jini for a few years and found Jini on the internet.  Kirby was exposed to cupping through a friend of hers who also gets it done.  However, her friend does not live locally and that is why Kirby searched the internet and found Jini.  Kirby said she tries to get cupping done every few months but wishes she could do it more often.  She pays about $75.00 per treatment and each treatment lasts for one hour. Kirby is a dancer, works in the restaurants business, and a cancer survivor; she says that cupping helps her alleviate muscle soreness and pain.  Kirby said the therapy is relaxing and feels good, the bruising that occurs is not painful just the result of cupping done properly.  Cupping is one of the best ways to get a deep tissue massage, cupping can affect tissue in the body for up to four inches releasing toxins and stimulating circulation, and decreasing blockage in the veins and arteries.

Before doing this case study I was simply interested in what cupping was out of pure curiosity; now I feel knowledgeable about the subject and eager to try it out myself.  Jini has opened a new door for me, we have actually created a friendship and she has invited me to continue to share in wellness conferences and experiences.  We now email back and forth and she is helping become more knowledgeable in my decisions regarding my personal health.  This had been a great experience for my self as well for those involved in the process. In conclusion, I’ve truly enjoyed this experience, meeting Jini, opening up new avenues in life, and maintaining lasting friendships.

Works Cited

Chirali, II. Z. (1999). Traditional chinese medicine: cuppnig therapy. Edinburgh, New York: Churhill Livingstone.

Ebadi, M. (2006). Pharmacodynamic basis of herbal medicine:second edition. unknown: Taylor and Francis group.

Fu, C. (2003). Essence of traditional chinese medicine. Singapore: Asiapac Books.

I am committed and dedicated to providing my clients with extraordinary service.  I use the finest quality, natural, herbal, and aromatherapy products.  I want you to leave me feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, revived, pain free, and wanting to return.  I have many clients that have been coming to me for massage and healing work for 20 years. 

Having suffered from Migraines since my early teens and being a Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia survivor, I hold a deep understanding of dealing with debilitating pain on a daily basis, which brings a unique perspective to my work.  My expertise is in pain management and restoration of proper anatomical structure and physiological balance.   

After a thorough anatomical and pain evaluation, you will receive an individualized recovery plan tailored to fit your specific needs and abilities.  These plans consist of client participative strengthening and flexibility exercises and stretches, and nutritional needs.  I have developed plans tailored to the special body work and nutritional needs of athletes, those challenged with serious health issues such as Cancer, Chronic Fatigue, and  Fibromyalgia, as well as those just seeking relaxation and stress reduction.

Therapeutic Massage in one of the oldest of the healing arts.  It focuses on problem areas and helps relieve tension and pain.  Some of it’s benefits are:

• Relieve stress and anxiety by calming the Central Nervous System
• Promotes relaxation through the release of endorphins
• Improve circulation – a major factor in reducing the risk for heart disease
• Increase nourishing blood supply to your tissues to facilitate healing
• Improves muscle tone and digestion
• Helps eliminate toxic wastes
• Reduces body pain associated with Fibromyalgia and Arthritis 
• Reduces recovery time after strenous mental or physical exertion 
• Improve energy and alertness
• Aid in recovery from pulled muscles and sprained ligaments
• Relieve repetitive motion injuries related to on- the- job activities
• Relieve pain associated with TMJ or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Strengthen the Immune System
• Improve posture
• Increases joint flexibility and range of motion
• Balance blood pressure
• Reduce headaches and Migraines
• Improve sleep
• Improve mental clarity
• PLUS IT JUST FEELS GREAT!!

Call or email me to set up an appointment.  Everyone deserves a life without pain!!   I look forward to working with you to facilitate your healing and reaching your health and nutrition goals.

I have been doing Ear Coning in San Diego since 1994.  Ear Coning, also know as  Ear Candling, dates back to ancient times in India, China, Tibet, Sumeria, Egypt, Atlantis, Lemuria, as well as the Aztec and Mayan cultures and the American Indian cultures.  The fact that coning is an ancient art is undisputed.  Records, however, are sparse.  We do know that German medical schools teach ear coning to their students as a remedy for earaches,  and that there are ancient clay cones in museums.  We also know that Mexican and American Indians still practice coning for optimum health, which has a variety of techniques. Material variations such as rolled up newspapers are used for ear infections in South America, while waxed, rolled-up newspaper with a plug of incense two thirds of the way down is used by Mexican Indians.  Pencil thin cloth and wax cones are used in Europe.  The Amish utilize the Cherokee style, as we do.  The Choctaw simply blow smoke of herbs in the ear canal as medicine.

It is believed that the original cones were made from glazed clay or stone and had a double helix carved inside to create a spiral energy flow carrying herbs or incense into the ear canal, which is a spiral itself.  This created a counter clockwise spiral energy flow by the vacuum action of the cone.  Today, cones are made of strips of  combinations of cotton, linen, silk, bees wax, herbs, essential oils, and paraffin. Cones are rolled spirally and left to harden.  They range in size from 6 to 14 inches long and are shaped like a funnel or straw.

Ear Coning has been reported to facilitate healing on many levels.  The ear contains nerve endings and acupuncture points connected to every other area of the body.  Nerve endings are connected by streams of subtle energy flow which carries our life force energy.  Ear coning acts as a catalyst to clear out debris accumulated on nerve endings, which then allows for a clear vibrational flow to the corresponding area of the mind, body and spirit. It may improve hearing by removing excess wax, candida and debris accumulated on nerve endings, as well as relieve Tinnitis, Vertigo and headache.  It may also sharpen smell, taste, color perceptions, and the mind.  Ear Coning may also detoxify the sinus and lymph systems.

A Coning session lasts 40-50 minutes and begins by the large end of the cone being set on fire and the small end being inserted very gently into the ear canal.  The smoke containing the healing herbs and oils travel into the ear canal, creating the subtlest of motions on the tiny hairs and nerve endings.  This starts a tremulous effect on the entire system.

As the smoke leaves the ear canal, substances are removed from the ear the same way traditional doctors use water for flushing out the ears.  An ear coning will continue to work on the entire system for three to five days after the initial coning.  Three conings are recommended in the beginning, because after the cleansing process starts, more toxins are drawn to the surface.  These conings should be scheduled three to seven days apart and then once a quarter with the changing of the seasons.  Ear cleansing of this type is non-evasive and most people report a feeling of well being, clarity and balance after a coning session.  If you or your young children suffer from any of these conditions, you might consider an ear coning instead of an invasive ear water flushing or antibiotics.    Call or email me so we can set up an appointment.

Welcome to Jini Carlson’s Blog.  Come back soon as Jini begins sharing her wealth of information with you.