GENERAL REMINDERS ON REFLEXOLOGY
DEFINITION OF REFLEXOLOGY:
It is the study of the reflex points of the body in relation to the rest of the body. It is a science of body manipulation wherein a positive response is effective and homeostasis or bringing the body back to normal balance is brought about.
It is part of a gentle healing system when applied properly:
1. It is simple and safe.
2. It has no side effects.
3. It is soothing and enjoyable.
4. It is readily available.
5. It has a lasting effect.
6. It is a prophylaxis, a defense or a deterrent.
7. It benefits the whole body.
8. It brings about homeostasis [balance].
THE 10 MERIDIANS OR CHANNELS:
1. Lungs
2. Large intestine
3. Stomach
4. Spleen
5. Heart
6. Small intestine
7. Gall bladder
8. Kidney
9. Liver
10. Brain/Mental
THE 4 LATERAL ZONES:
1. Cervical [Neck]
2. Thoracic [Chest]
3. Lumbar [Abdominal]
4. Sacral [Pelvic]/ Coccyx [Rectum]
RULES OF REFLEXOLOGY: [Contra-indications in the practice of reflexology].
Don’ts:
1. Do not treat a patient within 30 minutes before/after a meal.
2. Do not treat pregnant patient especially in their first tri-master.
3. Do not treat an intoxicated patient.
4. Do not indulge in small talk during the session.
5. Do not diagnose.
6. Do not make promises.
7. Do not palpate sensitive areas like the thoracic abdominal and pelvic areas.
8. Do not discuss another patient with another.
9. Do not get involved sexually with your patient.
10. Do not borrow things or money from your patient.
11. Do not press against bones [To avoid fractures].
12. Do not press against calluses.
13. Do not press against traumatized areas.
14. Do not apply pressure beyond tolerable limits.
15. Do not rub, pinch, stab, slap or knead.
16. Do not smoke or eat during treatment.
17. Do not prescribe medication.
18. Do not handle acute cases which are safer manage by a practitioner and hospital care where equipment and facilities for maintaining life is a available and crucial to patient’s recovery.
19. Do not treat a patient who has undergone a surgery within one year of operation.
20. Do not treat a patient who has a menstruation.
21. Do not be discriminative.
DO’S:
1. Dress in a respectable manner.
2. Cut nails to a minimum and keep them clean.
3. Bring all you need for the treatment.
4. Partake of food and drink only when offered.
5. Be courteous and professional.
6. Answer question when asked and ask question only when you must.
7. Leave soon after the treatment and when you have set the next appointment.
8. Maintain reflexologist/therapist/patient relationship.
9. Be punctual.
10. Be accurate.
11. Have eye contact
12. Check cuts, corns, calluses and other signs of injury.
13. Apply dessert before session.
TECHNIQUES:
1. Thumb walking
2. Press and release
3. Hook back-up
4. Press and slide
5. Press and rotate
6. Finger waling
MATERIALS NEEDED:
1. Alcohol 70% Isopropyl/40% Ethyl
2. Oil
3. Towel [for reflex]
4. Towel [for perspiration]
5. Pressure wood
6. Linen cloth [for thigh protection]
POINTED PRESSURRE:
1. Light
2. Light to moderate
3. Moderate
4. Moderate to heavy
SOME REMINDERS ON REFLEXO-FOO-THERAPY:
1. All massages are beneficial as long as they are given in a correct manner and aware of the patient’s condition.
2. See to it that the patient’s condition can bear the possible reaction if it occurs. Weak, malnourished or undernourished patients must be given strong massage.
3. Don’t give strong massage to liver, gall bladder, heart and appendix.
4. Patients of terminal cases should be given full care with family’s consent and patients will. We are not licensed doctors.
5. Mild massage only should be given to patients with pregnancy, menstruation and heart failure.
6. Take note of the patient’s reaction. Worse reaction is a sign that the affected organ is reacting and on the process of being cured.
7. Hemorrhage may occur in serious illness involving poor circulation.
8. Don’t give strong massage after eating [give at least 1-2 hours]. Mild massage on the following pressure points of:
a. Stomach
b. Large intestine
c. Small intestine
d. Solar plexus
9. Give 2 days interval of massage in order to observe the patient progress.
10. Illness caused by poor functioning of the organ, poor blood circulation, malfunctioning of the body and others, caused by nervous breakdown may be cured, polio and other bone related problems might depend on the age growth. Long durably problem depends on the pain reaction. Just try.
11. Carelessness in holding patients might cause negative transference. Seat on sideways to prevent negative transference.
12. Patient’s cooperation is needed. For reaction, follow-up and instructions.
13. Herbal medicines may be used to help the internal combat of serious cases. Depends on the mild dosage. No dependency on herbal alone. Reinforce by reflex-massage.
14. X-ray, blood pressure, blood sugar analysis and other medicine check up should be recommended.
15. Always apply the general massage but in case of attack, direct application of emergency points may be used.
16. All massages should be in the direction of the heart to have a safe circulation. Except appendix.
17. Never massage the areas of the organs/joints affected by arthritis.
18. The younger the faster the recovery, the older the slower due to the intensity of circulation
19. The masseur of a certain patient should constant follow-up his patient for responsibility and techniques being used.
20. If all reflex-points are painful, don’t generalize or presume that the patient possesses all those ailments.
21. During services no discrimination in religion, races, politic, rich and poor.
POSSIBLE REACTIONS:
Stimulation produces temporary reaction: don’t give up.
Temporary reactions:
1. Swollen ankles: those with lymph blockages.
2. Varicose veins: those with slow blood circulation.
3. Open wounds in the legs: those with the inability of poison destruction internally.
4. Attack of fever: those with infection latent in the body.
5. Increase pain in the organ, those with acute disorder.
6. Bruises: those with wrong calcium content.
7. Attack by real sickness: those with record of attack before.
8. Successive reaction lasted for hours, days, weeks: those with incurable cases.
9. Trembling of the feet, hand, body: those with cases of paralysis or suffered on attack.
Four Objectives of Reflexo-foot-therapy organization:
1. To heal physical and spiritual sickness.
2. To counsel
3. To educate
4. To evangelize the words of GOD.
5. To organize
BENEFITS OF REFLEXO-FOOT-THERAPY:
“Prevention is better than cure”
1. No drugs and medicine needed during therapy
2. Relieves stress, tensions, fever, fatigues and other sickness/ailments.
3. Restores and promotes blood circulation.
4. Heals all kinds of ailments.
5. You look younger than your age.
6. No overdose and side effects.
Note: Reaction is the term given after the effect of the therapy.
PRECAUTION TO BE OBSERVED DURING REFLEXO-FOOT-THERAPY:
1. With menstruation
2. With major operation
3. With fracture bones/dislocation
4. Get drunk
5. Pregnant
6. Very hungry/very full [in meals]
7. With stabbing incidents
8. Car accidents
9. Dental/tooth extraction
SEVEN POINTS TO REMEMBER DURING EMERGENCY:
1. Solar plexus [S.O.P.]
2. Adrenal gland [S.O.P.]
3. Heart
4. Blood circulation
5. Pituitary gland
6. Brain stem
7. Cranial nerve
HISTORY OF REFLEXO-FOOT THERAPY
Start: Mainland China 5000years B.C.
Some countries experience Reflexo-foot-therapy:
1. England
2. Italy
3. Greece
4. China
5. Philippines – starts in Cebu 1992 – Only 32 members pass out the training.
Founder – Fr. Emilio Pablo – [Spaniard] – Claritian priest, assigned in china for spiritual mission.
WHY IT IS CALLED REFLEXO-FOOT-THERAPY?
1. A combination of massage and acupressure done in our foot.
2. Because it is the foundation and the rest of everything.
3. All nerve ending’s found.
4. Means of healing process.
5. Mobility of the body.
Always start at the left foot during therapy why?
1. Because our heart found at the left side of the body. Always remember our heart’s serve as our machine.
2. To determine the capacity of pressure applied.
3. All blood in our body will pass through our heart.
Massage is going up why?
1. So that some stored air will easily goes out to your mouth or to your anus.
2. Massage towards the heart Chinese doctors said].
SOME EMERGENCIES:
1. Collapsed – [lipong, kuyap]
2. High blood pressure
3. Heart attack
4. Epileptic attack
5. Convulsion
3 things to consider good health:
1. Proper diet
2. Exercise and proper rest
3. Stable emotional status [by means of understanding and acceptance]
HOW TO HANDLE PATIENTS:
1. Consider age, situation of patient
2. Be humble show your care, love and respect.
3. Determine your patient if he/she is:
a. First timer
b. For maintenance – {regular patient]
c. Depressed patient
5 NUTRITIONAL SINS:
1. Eating too much – eating more food that the body requires and causes extra calories.
2. Eating snacks – eating in between meals lessens the appetite for regular meals.
3. Eating too much sugar – prepare to eat candy bar, ice cream, soft drinks, confectionaries instead of well balance regular meals, losses necessary protein, vitamins and minerals.
4. Eating processed foods – minimize eating such kind of food [lots of preservatives]. There is no adequate substitute for fresh foods.
5. Neglecting breakfast – I don’t have time, I’m busy.
4 COMMON TYPES OF WASTE FOUND IN HUMAN BODY:
1. Otot
2. Urine – [ihi]
3. Perspiration – [balhas, singot]
4. Bowel – [tai]
IS MEAT NECESSARY?
Several reasons for asking this:
1. Fat derived from meat and animal products seems to have an unfavorable influence on the body chemistry by favoring the development of ARTERIOSCLEROSIS.
2. Meat consumption is a possible means of transmitting disease to human being. Disease seems to be prevalent in animal and medical literature contains abundant evidence of the transmission of such disease to man, particularly if not been adequately cooked.
IS WATER NECESSAY? Yes
Water accounts for about 70% of the body weight. Even bones need 30% to 40% of water. Water is essential to the body vital process. Evaporation of water from the skin helps regulate body temperature. The digestive juices contain high percentage of water. Blood consist in large part of water. The elimination of body waste through the kidneys requires water.
WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF DRINKING TOO MUCH COLD WATER?
Small sips of ice water are probably not harmful. But a glass or more taken quickly into the stomach can chill the delicate membrane of the stomach, reducing the production of gastric juices and hindering digestions.
MEDICAL TERM TO KNOW:
1. Headache – a signal or an alarm. A mans common symptom in response to:
a. Stress
b. Tensions
c. Thwarting of competitive living
2. Congenital – present at birth. Ex. Blue baby [inborn sickness].
3. Cyst – encapsulated collection of fluids.
4. Cystitis – inflammation of the urinary bladder.
5. Ectopic – abnormal place or position.
6. Ectopic pregnancy – growth of the zygote in the fallopian tube.
7. Edema – [habok. Hupong] – a build up of excess serious fluid between tissue cells.
8. Flatus – gas present in the intestine.
9. Neoplasm – new growth of tumor.
10. Polyp – smooth growth from a mucous surface of the body attached by a stem.
11. Scoliosis – lateral curvature of spinal column.
12. Vomiting – changes in function of the digestive organs.
13. Paralysis – compared to that of a telephone which no longer functioning because the wires connecting it to the telephone exchange have been severed.
14. Man sterility –inability of a man to produce pregnancy in a normal woman.
15. Man impotency – inability of a man to perform the sexual act.
16. Woman frigidity – inability of a woman to perform sexual act.
17. Dehydration – lack of water in the body due to serious illness, fever, cough and cold.
18. Aneurysm [ugat nga nipis] – a fluid filled sac in the wall of an artery that weaken the wall.
Causes:
a. Injuries
b. Infections
c. Due to high blood pressure
19. Cholesterol – is important to the body as a constituent of cell membranes, and is involved in the formation of bile acid and some hormones. A normal constituent of the blood, it has a proper function to perform in the body’s chemical process.
2 kinds of cholesterol:
1. Bad cholesterol – [LDL-Low Density Lipoprotein]
2. Good cholesterol – [HDL-High Density Lipoprotein]
2 kinds of tumor:
1. Benign tumor – a kind of tumor that is harmless and curable.
2. Malignant tumor – a kind of tumor that composed of cells so far out of control that they grow extensively and invade surround tissues. A mass of tissues composed of unusual cells that have multiplied more than they should. They are not part of the body’s normal design. They serve no useful purpose.
20. Dysmenorrhea – another term of painful menstruation.
Causes:
a. Woman with unsolved problems.
b. 20% of cases pain due to organic disease.
Experience:
a. Normal in menstruation but have amount of discomfort.
b. Feels tired and fatigue
c. Abdominal pain, hips and stomach
21. Amenorrhea – abnormality of cycle. Absence of menstruation.
Causes:
a. Failure to begin menstruating beyond late age may be cause by some congenital defect of the reproductive organs.
b. Problems in the endocrine systems.
22. Phobia – strong fear or dislike. A senseless, abnormal specific fear.
23. Water therapy – a drugless method of treating disease, the use of heat and cold water ranks high in temperature.
24. Immune system – is a mechanism in the body that helps to resist disease of various kinds.
25. Lymph nodes – [lusay, pangadlay] – a protective function by helping to prevent of germs, toxins throughout the body.
26. Blood – a carrier of oxygen, nutrients, vitamins, minerals, catabolic and anabolic.
27. Arthritis – inflammation of bones.
Why do people becomes fat?:
a. Obesity – too much eating
b. Heredity – 90% hereditary
c. Easy keepers – endocrine problems
INFECTIONS AND LOCATION OF NODES:
1. Scalp infection – enlargement of nodes found at the back of the neck.
2. Eyes, ears, gums, pharynx – nodes found beneath the jaw and in the side, front of the neck.
3. Arms, hands, breast – nodes found in the armpit.
4. Legs, toes, thigh – nodes found in the groin.
28. Dehydration – lack of water in the body.
Causes:
a. Excessive loss of water from the body. Due to high fever, continued vomiting and diarrhea.
b. Severe hemorrhage [internal bleeding].
c. Serious illness – measles [due to high temperature].
d. Failure to absorb water – bowel obstruction problems [constipation].
29. Nose bleeding –
Causes:
a. External injury to the nose
b. Excessive nose bleed due to high blood
c. Breathing very dry air
d. Removal of cryst in the nose
e. Cause by measles
30. U.T.I. – urinary tract infection
Causes:
a. Contaminated water
b. Sexual intercourse – according to: Dr. Thomas Houton of the university of Washington.
Symptoms:
a. Pain, burning and frequent urination
b. Severe abdominal pain
c. Very much discomfort in the lower back pain and sometimes fever.
d. Sometime vomiting.
Prevention:
a. Drink much water
31. Goiter –
Signs and symptoms:
a. Palpitation
b. Choked [dunlan]
c. Insomnia
d. Nervousness
e. Stress and fatigues
Prevention:
a. Limit/eliminate fatty foods
b. No can goods/preservatives especially MSG [mono sodium glutamate].
c. Minimize in drinking soft drinks
d. Avoid overload –[sobrang pangalsa ug bug-at]
32. Epilepsy
Causes:
a. Inborn
b. Overdose of medicine
c. Head injuries
d. Chemical reactions
e. Viral infections
33. Nervousness –
Causes:
a. Physical and psychological problems
b. Lack of belonging sense [pangandoy]
c. Lack of goal in life [walay pangandoy]
d. Mental depression [negative thinker]
e. Over active thyroid gland [cause by goiter]
f. Head injuries
g. Emotional conflicts
34. Migraine – affects only on one side of your head.
Causes:
a. Physical and mental stress
b. Insomnia
c. Organic disease [internal disturbances]
d. Eye defect
e. Sinusitis
f. Head injuries
Don’t of migraine:
a. Eating foods containing too much MSG.
b. Avoid bright lights
c. Too much exposure under the heat of the sun.
d. Delay on meals
e. Restless/lack of sleeps
35. Black spot [lagom-lagom]
Different types of black spot:
a. Contusion – [bun-og]
b. Chemical reaction
c. Signs of menstruation [before and after menstruation]
d. Kidney disease
e. Liver disease
f. Leukemia – [cancer of the blood]
g. Diabetic
36. Diabetes
Signs and symptoms of diabetic:
a. Excessive thirst.
b. Urine hounded by ants.
c. Urinate 4 to 6 times during bed time.
d. Fatigue, weakness and poor concentration.
e. Skin and urinary infection.
f. Wound takes time to cure.
37. Menopausal
Signs and symptoms :
a. Irritable
b. Chilliness – [takig]
c. Headache
d. Hot flashes
e. Depression – [self pity]
f. Palpitation
38. Paralysis
5 different types:
1. Paralysis from cerebral and vascular
Cause by accident stroke – local blood clot.
2. Paralysis of cerebral palsy [congenital paralysis]
Suffer:
a. Weak muscles
b. Involuntary jerking movements
Cause by:
a. Birth injury
b. Premature
c. Congenital development
3. Paralysis in neuritis
Problems on the motor nerve fibers, including: 5 senses
1. Smelling
2. Touching
3. Seeing
4. Tasting
5. Hearing
4. Facial paralysis [bells palsy] – involves the nerve that supplies the muscles of facial expressions. It occurs in just one side permitting the mouth drawn to the good side and making it difficult to close the eyes in the affected side. Improvements with in two weeks.
5. Paralysis in hysteria – paralyze on the different parts of the body.
Signs and symptoms:
a. Negative thinker
b. Mysterious
39. Asthma
Causes:
a. There is an interference with the passage of air through the membrane tubes which serve the lungs.
b. These tubes [bronchi] become swollen and congested.
c. Cause by the patient sensitivity to pollen an dust or to certain food or drugs.
d. Remaining half cases, the asthma seems to result from infections of organ and psychological stress.
40. Hypertension
Most hypertensive patients have a family background of:
a. Strokes
b. Heart disease
c. Kidney ailments
Young people from such families often begin to develop high blood pressure during the earlier 20 years old probably due to heredity.
120/80 – normal blood pressure
120 – systolic
80 – diastolic
140/90 – still normal but some felt dizziness [rare]
180/120 – pressure that give doctors the greatest concern.
Normal blood pressure range by age:
Ages: 15-19
Minimum – 105/73
Maximum – 120/81
Ages: 20-24
Minimum – 108/75
Maximum – 132/83
Ages: 25-29
Minimum – 109/76
Maximum – 133/84
Ages: 30-34
Minimum – 110/77
Maximum – 134/85
Ages: 35-39
Minimum – 111/78
Maximum – 135/86
Ages: 40-44
Minimum – 112/79
Maximum – 137/87
Ages: 45-49
Minimum – 115/80
Maximum – 139/88
Ages: 50-54
Minimum – 116/81
Maximum – 142/89
Ages: 55-59
Minimum – 118/82
Maximum – 144/90
Ages: 60-64
Minimum – 121/83
Maximum – 147/91
BLOOD PRESSURE CHART:
High normal blood pressure – 130/85
Normal blood pressure – 120/80
Low normal blood pressure – 110/75
Borderline low blood pressure – 90/60
Too low blood pressure – 60/40
Dangerously low blood pressure – 50/33
Pre-hypertension – 120-129/80-89
Stage 1 or primary hypertension – 140-159/90-99
Stage 2 or secondary hypertension – 160-179/100-109
Stage 3 hypertension – 180-209/110-119
Stage 4 hypertension – greater than 210/greater than 120
Often complain:
1. Headache
2. Pain being located mainly in the back part of the head and neck.
3. Tiredness, fatigue often without any obvious cause
4. Dizziness especially when at the moment of sitting up or lying down.
5. Palpitation
Organs affected:
1. Brain stem
2. Heart
3. Kidney
Prevention:
1. Avoid excessive use of tea and coffee
2. Totally stop smoking because tobacco constricts the smaller [veins] vessels and raises blood pressure.
Some food containing uric acid
1. Squid
2. Nut and legumes
3. Shrimps
4. Can goods
5. Soft drinks
6. Red meat
7. Internal organs
HUMAN ANATOMY:
The human body is composed of ten body systems, groups of tissues and organs that work together to perform well-defined functions. Each body system coordinates its activities with those of other systems to maintain the healthy functioning of the entire body. Its highly organized anatomy enables the human body to perform a wide variety of life-sustaining activities, including fighting off infections, digesting nutrients, growing, and reproducing.
Ten body system:
1. Circulatory system
The circulatory system uses blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to body tissues and remove waste products from tissue cells. This illustration shows the heart and the different types of blood vessels in the body’s circulatory system. Red vessels indicate oxygenated blood, usually carried by the arteries. Blue vessels show oxygen- poor blood carried by veins. Tiny vessels called capillaries connect veins and arteries and permit the exchange of substances between the blood and body tissues.
2. Urinary system
The urinary system eliminates waste products from the body and helps regulate the body’s water and chemical balance. The organs of the urinary system include two oval-shaped kidneys, each with a long, slender tube, called the ureter, that connect to the bladder. Another tubular vessel, the urethra, extends from the bladder to an opening out of the body.
Urine is produced in the kidneys and travels through the ureters to the bladder, a muscular sac that stores the urine. When the bladder is full, nerves signal the bladder to contract and expel urine from the body through the urethra.
The kidneys are the major excretory organs of the body. As the body’s blood flows through the kidneys, microscopic tubules called nephrons remove urea, salts, and other poisonous waste products formed during metabolism. The kidneys produce urine to carry away these waste products.
Nephrons also selectively absorb proteins, salts, sugar, calcium, and other nutrients. The kidneys return these life-sustaining substances to the bloodstream to maintain a healthy blood composition. The kidneys also secrete hormones that regulate body functions such as blood pressure and the production of red blood cells.
3. Endocrine system
The endocrine system is made of many glands—groups of cells that release chemical substances called hormones into the bloodstream. Hormones influence and regulate diverse activities such as metabolism, growth, mental development, and emotional behavior.
The pituitary gland is a pea-sized gland located in the center of the skull. The pituitary gland acts as a master controlling gland, releasing a number of hormones that activate other glands.
The parathyroid glands are four small glands located in the neck behind the thyroid gland. These glands secrete a hormone that regulates the body’s use of calcium and phosphorus to maintain healthy bones. Parathyroid hormone also affects muscle contraction and the conduction of nerve impulses.
The thyroid gland, located in the neck, secretes the hormone thyroxine. Thyroxine increases body metabolism, in which food is broken down and converted into heat and energy. Too little thyroxine in the blood produces lethargy and fatigue, while too much thyroxine results in overactivity, nervousness, and weight loss.
The thyroid gland, located in the neck, secretes the hormone thyroxine. Thyroxine increases body metabolism, in which food is broken down and converted into heat and energy. Too little thyroxine in the blood produces lethargy and fatigue, while too much thyroxine results in overactivity, nervousness, and weight loss.
The adrenals are two small glands, each located on the top of one kidney. These two glands consist of an inner core, called the adrenal medulla, and an outer area, known as the adrenal cortex. The adrenal medulla releases the hormone epinephrine, which speeds up heart rate and increases blood pressure to help the body cope with emergencies. The adrenal cortex releases hormones that control the level of salts and water in the blood and help regulate the use of sugar. It also secretes small amounts of male sex hormones, or androgens, in both males and females. Of the two parts of the adrenal glands, only the adrenal cortex is under the control of the pituitary gland.
The pancreas is a long, narrow gland located in the abdomen behind the stomach and beneath the liver. The pancreas secretes insulin, a hormone that regulates the body’s use of sugar. When too little insulin is produce, the body tissues cannot use or store sugar, and a disease known as diabetes mellitus develops.
Females have sex glands called ovaries that release hormones called estrogens. These hormones contribute to the development of female sexual characteristics, including skin, hair, and breast development. Estrogens work with certain pituitary hormones to control the menstrual cycle.
Males have sex glands called testes that secrete androgens, male sex hormones. In addition to contributing to male sexual characteristics, androgens contribute to the production of sperm and the development of the prostate gland.
4. Skeletal system
The human skeleton is a strong, flexible framework of 206 bones that supports the body and protects internal organs. In addition, the bones of the skeleton store calcium, a mineral essential for the activity of nerve and muscle cells. The soft core of bone, the bone marrow, is where red blood cells, certain white blood cells, and blood platelets form.
Bones come in different shapes and sizes, each adapted to perform specific functions. The breastbone, for example, is a flat plate of bone that helps to protect the heart and lungs in the chest. The fused bones of the skull safely encase the brain. The short, delicate bones in the wrist and hand enhance dexterity, providing flexibility for small, precise motions. The long, heavy femur bone in the leg acts as a strong lever for powerful or speedy movement. Cartilage is flexible connective tissue that provides support to skeletal bones and allows joints to move without rubbing against each other.
5. Nervous system
The human nervous system oversees the activity of all other body systems. The central nervous system is composed of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system is made up of a network of nerves connecting the brain and spinal cord with the rest of the body. Together, the central and peripheral nervous systems control both voluntary and involuntary functions in the body.
The center of the nervous system is the brain, which is composed of the brainstem, the cerebellum, and the cerebrum. The brainstem controls basic functions such as breathing rate and heartbeat and it contains nerve centers involved in hearing and vision.
The cerebellum controls balance, equilibrium, and locomotion. The cerebrum regulates such mental functions as understanding, remembering, speaking, learning, reasoning, and feeling emotions.
The spinal cord extends from the brain into the spine through a canal encased in bone. The spinal cord is a collection of nerve fibers and cells that carry sensory impulses from the outer parts of the body up to the brain. The brain responds by sending impulses down through other nerve fibers in the spinal cord to stimulate muscles that are under voluntary control.
6. Respiratory system
The respiratory system consists of the lungs, a pair of elastic organs housed in the chest cavity, and the air passages leading to them. The air inhaled into the lungs provides oxygen to cells throughout the body. Air forced out of the lungs removes carbon dioxide from the body.
Air enters the respiratory system through the nose or mouth. It then travels through the larynx (voice box) and into the trachea (windpipe). At about the middle of the chest, the trachea divides into two tubes, the right and left bronchi. The right bronchus carries air to the three lobes of the right lung. The left bronchus supplies air to the two lobes of the left lung.
Inside the lungs the bronchi divide into smaller branches called bronchioles, which eventually empty into thousands of minute sacs called alveoli. The alveoli are surrounded by thin- walled capillaries. The air in the alveoli passes through to the blood cells within the capillaries. At the same time, carbon dioxide from these blood cells passes into the alveoli. From the alveoli, air containing carbon dioxide travels out of the lungs and is exhaled through the nose or mouth.
7. Digestive system
The organs of the digestive system break down food into simpler substances for absorption into the bloodstream. These organs also remove indigestible matter and waste products from the body through excretion. Digestion begins at the mouth, where food is taken in and broken down into smaller particles by chewing. Salivary glands make saliva in the mouth. Saliva contains mucus and water, which moisten the food, and an enzyme called ptyalin that helps digest starch. Food is swallowed and travels down the pharynx (throat) and into a muscular tube, called the esophagus, to enter the stomach.
The stomach is an expandable pouch in the abdomen that releases gastric juice containing pepsin, an enzyme that acts on proteins; hydrochloric acid, which kills microorganisms that may have been ingested with food; and mucin, a component of mucus that coats the stomach to protect it from the acidic effects of gastric juice. Some foods, including simple sugars and alcohol, can be absorbed directly through the stomach wall, but most foods pass undigested from the stomach into the small intestine.
All blood leaving the small intestine travels to the liver, a large, dome-shaped gland located in the upper right side of the abdomen. The liver removes absorbed nutrients from the blood and either stores them or converts them into products needed by the body. For instance, the liver may convert sugar to glycogen, a form of starch that can be stored and released later as sugar when the body needs fuel for energy. The liver also removes harmful foreign substances from the blood.
Food not absorbed into the bloodstream in the small intestine travels into the large intestine. The walls of the large intestine absorb water from the undigested food, leaving semisolid waste matter called feces. These waste products are excreted from the body through the rectum and anus.
After food leaves the stomach, it enters the small intestine. Food is broken down with the aid of enzymes from the pancreas and bile made in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. The wall of the small intestine has many small, fingerlike projections called villi. Capillaries in the villi absorb nutrients from digested food into the bloodstream.
8. Reproductive system
The primary function of the male reproductive system is to form sperm, the male reproductive cells, and deliver them to the female. Unlike the reproductive structures of females, the male reproductive structures are located outside of the pelvis. This external location keeps the temperature of sperm slightly below body temperature, which is necessary for their healthy development and survival.
When a man becomes sexually aroused, spongy tissue in the penis fills with blood and the organ becomes erect. Sperm leave the scrotum and travel along a long vessel known as the vas deferens. Fluid produced by the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland mixes with sperm to produce semen. During ejaculation, semen containing 200 million to 300 million sperm propels from the body through the urethra in the penis.
Beginning at puberty, sperm is produced in the testes (testicles), a pair of glands located in a pouch called the scrotum. From each testis, sperm migrate to a long, coiled tube known as the epididymis, where they are stored for one to three weeks until they mature.
The female reproductive system is more complex than that of the male reproductive system. In addition to producing female sex cells, known as ova (eggs), the female body also protects and nurtures a developing baby for about nine months while it grows within the woman’s uterus (womb). A woman’s breasts can provide nourishment for newborns.
During pregnancy, breast size increases as milk-producing glands known as lobules develop in preparation for breast-feeding. Breast milk can provide all the nourishment a newborn needs. As a newborn breast-feeds, the sucking action stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes milk flow.
The primary reproductive organs of a female are the ovaries, a pair of almond- shaped glands. At puberty, ovaries produce about 400,000 eggs. Each month an egg is released from the ovary and travels down one of the fallopian tubes. If the egg is released around the time of sexual intercourse and it meets and fuses with a male’s sperm, it becomes fertilized. If an egg is not fertilized, it moves from the fallopian tube to the uterus and then passes out of the body in the next menstrual cycle.
The uterus is a hollow, muscular organ located on top of the bladder. During pregnancy, a fertilized egg travels to the uterus, embeds within the uterine wall, and forms a fetus. Around 40 weeks after fertilization, the fetus is born. During birth, the baby leaves the uterus and travels through the mother’s vagina, a tube that extends from the uterus to the outside of the body.
9. Immune system
The immune system defends the body from invading organisms that may cause disease. One part of the immune system uses barriers to protect the body from foreign substances. These barriers include the skin and the mucous membranes, which line all body cavities; and protective chemicals, such as enzymes in saliva and tears that destroy bacteria.
Another part of the immune system uses lymphocytes, specialized white blood cells that respond to specific types of foreign invader. B lymphocytes produce proteins called antibodies, which circulate in the blood and attack specific disease-causing organisms. T lymphocytes attack invading organisms directly.
Tonsils are masses of lymphoid tissue forming a ring around the walls of the pharynx, or throat. The lymphoid cells in the tonsils help protect the pharynx from invasion by disease-producing bacteria.
Some lymphocytes form in the bone marrow and then travel to the thymus gland, where they mature into T lymphocytes.
Lymph nodes are masses of tissue that attract lymphocytes and deploy them to areas of the body under attack by infectious agents.
The spleen is one of the lymphoid organs. Mature lymphocytes constantly travel through the blood to the lymphoid organs and then back to the blood again. This recirculation ensures that the body is continuously monitored for invading substances. Among its many functions, the spleen produces antibodies against various disease organisms and removes worn-out red blood cells from the bloodstream.
The bone marrow is the soft substance found in the center of some bones. All lymphocytes originate in the bone marrow. Those that mature in the bone marrow develop into B lymphocytes.
Lymphocytes travel throughout the body in the blood, but they often migrate into lymphatic vessels, which are found in all parts of the body except the brain. Lymphocytes travel within these vessels in a pale, fat-laden liquid known as lymph.
10. Muscular system [front and back]
This illustration shows the body’s complex network of skeletal muscles. Skeletal muscles attach to bones of the skeleton and control all voluntary movements. A skeletal muscle crosses a joint between two bones and is attached to each bone either directly or by means of a tendon or a fibrous sheet or band called a fascia. Bones move when muscles contract, or shorten, across the joint.
The size of a muscle depends on the function it performs. Where dexterity is required, as in the fingers, the muscles are typically very small. Where strength is needed, as in the thigh, the muscles are large.
This illustration shows the body’s complex network of skeletal muscles. Skeletal muscles attach to bones of the skeleton and control all voluntary movements. A skeletal muscle crosses a joint between two bones and is attached to each bone either directly or by means of a tendon or a fibrous sheet or band called a fascia. Bones move when muscles contract, or shorten, across the joint.
THE AVERAGE HUMAN BODY CONTAINS 47 ELEMENTS INCLUDING GOLD.
In addition to oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, calcium, and 42 other elements, the human body has a hint of gold [0.00034 ounces].
THERE ARE 50-100 TRILLION CELLS IN THE HUMAN BODY.
The cell is the basic unit of life. The human body has more than 200 different kinds of cells. Human cells vary in size from small red blood cells that measure 0.00003 inch to liver cells that are 10 times larger. About 10,000 human cells can fit on the head of a pin.
WE TAKE 600 MILLION BREATHS IN AN AVERAGE LIFETIME.
We breathe in 13 pints of air every minute. This air contains nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. The air we breathe out contains almost 100 times more carbon dioxide than we take in.
HICCUPS CAN USUALLY BE SOPPED BY HOLDING THE BREATH.
Hiccups, or hiccoughs are caused by a sudden, involuntary contraction of the diaphragm [the muscular partition separating the chest and abdominal cavities]. This causes air to be suddenly inhaled. As the air rushes to the lungs, a valve at the opening [glottis] into the windpipe snaps shut to keep too much air from getting into lungs. The vocal cords rapidly close, producing the sharp “hic” sound. Hiccups may be stopped by holding one’s breath or breathing in and out of a paper bag.
THE HUMAN HEART BEATS ALMOST 35 MILLION TIMES A YEAR.
The heart has two chambers – the atrium and ventricle. These contract and relax every 0.8 seconds, sending out almost three fluid ounces of blood with every beat. Heart beats sixty to eighty times per minute.
80x60x24= 115,200 per day.
The blood weights 18,444 kilograms or 20 tons. If all your blood vessels placed end to end they would reach 160,000 kilometer or 100,000 miles.
Four blood components:
1. Plasma – is a vehicle for the transport of the body’s important fuels such as glucose and basic fats. Pale yellow fluid. Is made of water, proteins and many other substances.
2. Platelets – the tiniest cells in the body, the basic function: disk shape bodies that helped from clots to stop bleeding.
3. Red blood cells – act as transporter, taking oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Carry the waste product carbon dioxide from the various parts of the body back to the lungs.
4. White blood cells – body’s defense against disease, fight infection and provide the body with immunity to disease. Normal white blood cells 5,000 to 10,000 WBC/cubic millimeter of blood.
THE HUMAN SKELETON IS MADE UP OF 206 BONES.
The longest and strongest bone is the femur [thighbone], which in some people can be 20 inches long and one inch wide. The smallest bone, the stapes, or stirrup bone, is one of the tiny bones buried within the middle ear. It is less than the size of a grain. More than 300 bones are present in an infant, several of which fuse as the infant matures. While bone seems to be just a hard substance, it is really made of both living and non-living material. It contains bone cells, blood vessels, and fat cells. Part of bone is made up of water and minerals.
JOGGING AND CLIMBING STAIRS USE ABOUT THE SAME AMOUNT OF ENERGY.
Swimming uses about 12 times as much energy as staying in bed. Standing use twice as much energy as staying in bed.
TEETH ARE HARDER THAN BONE.
The enamel that protects the surface of the tooth is the hardest substance in the body.
THE HUMAN BODY HAS MORE THAN 600 DIFFERENT VOLUNTARY MUSCLES.
Voluntary muscles are also called skeletal muscles because they move bones. Voluntary muscles are controlled by the brain. They do not act on their own the way the heart does.
HAIR AND FINGERNAILS ARE composed of keratin, which is also found in the hooves and claws of animals.
HAIR COLOR IS DUE TO A SPECIAL PIGMENT.
The color of hair is caused by melanin. Melanin is also the chemical that causes the variations in the color of human skin. When melanin is no longer produced as the result of aging, white or gray hair appears.
CUTTING HAIR DOESN’T HURT BEACAUSE HAIR IS DEAD.
While hair is dead, it will hurt if you try to pull it out by its roots, because the roots are alive.
WE GET GOOSE BUMPS TO KEEP US WARM.
Certain muscle called hair erectors make hair stand up straight and cause goose bumps when it cold. This is to trap warmth. We also get goose bumps at times of fright or excitement.
DOCTORS CAN “READ” FINGERNAILS TO DIAGNOSE ILLNESSES.
Doctors are able to identify certain health problems just by looking at fingernails. The shape, color and pattern of fingernails can reveal possible poisoning and heart disease for instance.
THE BRAIN HAS 15 BILLION NERVE CELLS AND USES ONE-FOURTH OF THE BODY’S BLOOD SUPPLY.
Each nerve cell is connected to 25,000 other cells. Nerve signals move along at more than 250 miles per hour. Thinking is a biochemical process, this chemical called neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are the messengers carrying messages from neurons to neurons. Neurotransmitters are made from amino acids found in protein foods such as meat, fish, and cheese.
THE THREE KEY NEUROTRASMITTERS ARE:
1. Acetylcholine [Ach] – excites other neurons and maybe responsible for memory. Involve with voluntary movement of muscles, behavioral inhibition, drinking and memory. People with Alzheimer or memory loss have less Ach or Ach is blocked.
Food to take:
1. Egg yolks
2. Peanuts
3. Wheat germ
4. Liver
5. Meat
6. Fish
7. Milk
8. Cheese
9. Vegetables [broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower]
2. Dopamine – involved in movement, attention and learning but is also inhibitory. Involved with voluntary movement, emotional arousal. Person with Parkinson disease have less or damage dopamine.
Food to take:
a. All proteins [meat, milk product, fish, beans, nuts, soy products]. 3-4 ounces of protein help to feel energized, more alert and more assertive.
3. Serotonin [5-HT] – is involved in arousal and sleep, mood, appetite and sensitivity. Brain’s reward system producing feelings of pleasure. People suffer from clinical depression have little serotonin.
Food to take:
1. Carbohydrate base
2. Pasta
3. Starchy vegetable
4. Potatoes
5. Cereals
6. Breads
Man has 10-100 billion brain cells or neurons.
4 brains of man:
1. Cerebrum
2. Cerebellum
3. Medulla oblongata
4. Solar plexus or abdominal brain
Most important part is cerebrum comprises 85% of the total brain.
Cerebrum is divided into two parts or cerebral hemispheres:
1. Left hemisphere – controls the right side of the body.
2. Right hemisphere – controls the left side of the body.
Left hemisphere is usually dominant that is why most of us are right handed.
YOUR EYES BLINK ABOUT 15 TIMES A MINUTE.
Most of the time, blinking is done to wash away particles and keep the eyes moist with tears. Most tears are just drained away into the nose. However, crying produces tears too fast to be drained away, and that’s why we will see them as teardrops rolling down the cheeks.
WE CAN HEAR ALMOST 1,500 DIFFERENT TONES.
The human ear senses tiny vibrations. These tiny vibrations are what we call sound. The rustle of leaves [15 decibels] is one-eight the sound of thunder [120 decibels]. The human ear hears both.
THE TONGUE HOLDS MORE THAN 10,000 TASTE BUDS.
Taste buds tell the difference between sour, salty, sweet, and bitter flavors. Each spot on the tongue has a specialized taste bud center. We detect sweet things at the tip of the tongue. We taste bitterness at the back. Taste bids along the edges at the back of the tongue taste sourness. Saltiness is tasted by taste buds along the side of the front. All these taste buds last for only a week before the body renews them.
PEOPLE CAN DETECT ABOUT 3,200 DIFFERENT ODORS.
By detecting even the slightest hint of certain chemicals in the air, our sense of smell helps us identify different aroma, we’re born with a very acute sense of smell, which fades with age. Fact: When you have a cold you lose your sense of taste. That’s because your nose is stuffed. Both the nose and tongue have taste and smell cells.
THE SKIN IS THE BODY’S LARGEST ORGAN.
The skin takes up an average area of 20 square feet on a man, and 17 square feet on a woman. Skin renews itself all the time. It takes about a month for new tissues to replace old skin. The body sheds more than 40 pounds of skin over a lifetime.
THE ACID IN YOUR STOMACH IS 1,000 TIMES STRONGER THAN VINEGAR.
Hydrochloric acid is a very powerful chemical. In industry, it is used to clean metals. The stomach uses it to break down food for digestion and also to kill germ in food.
PANTING AND PERSPIRING ARE CONTROLLED BY THE BRAIN.
Because humans are warm-blooded, we can control our inner body temperature. No matter how cold or hot it goes, our body temperature remains the same. That’s the meaning of the term “warm-blooded”. The normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The body has several ways of maintaining its temperature. Shivering gives off heat and warms the body. Panting and perspiring regulate body temperature, too, through involuntary control by the brain.
THE COLOR OF THE EYE’S IRIS IS INHERITED AND DOES NOT AFFECT VISSION.
The pigmented iris is behind the cornea in front of the lens. It has a circular opening in its center. The size of this opening, the pupil, is controlled by a muscle around its edge. The back of the iris has pigment that protects it from light. That pigment determines your eye color.
NINE OUT OF TEN PEOPLE ARE RIGHT HANDED.
Approximately 90% of the human population is predominantly right-handed. A few others are strongly left-handed, and some people are left-handed for some activities and right-handed for others. These people are called ambidextrous.
YOU CAN GET SUNBURNED ON A CLOUDY DAY.
The sun still shines on a cloudy day, even though you might not see it. Direct effects of sunshine on the skin include sunburn and suntan. Ultraviolet radiation burns can cause redness and tenderness, or they can produce blisters.
YAWNING MAY BE THE RESULT OF THE BODY’S NEED TO INCREASE ALERTNESS.
Yawning increases your oxygen level and decreases your carbon dioxide level. It also increases the heart rate. This may increase alertness and fight boredom or monotony. Fact: the average yawn lasts about six seconds.
THE FUNNY BONE IS NOT A BONE.
The funny bone is a bump, or projection, at the back of the elbow. Its technical term is “olecranon”. Hitting it will cause a sharp pain, tingling, or numbness to shoot from the elbow to the fingers. A nerve passes through the funny bone close to the surface. Because it doesn’t have much protection, hitting it can be painful.
