Lions Mane
The brain and nerves control everything in your body and is the base of thousand of years of health maintenance and repair in many countries (acupuncture, acupressure, etc.). Keeping the brain and nerves operating correctly and in optimal functionality is (or should be) of paramount importance to all. This can be done with therapy methods mentioned, exercises that are targeting the neural system (Chi Gong, yoga, Martial Arts - some, etc.).
It can also be done with natures food stuffs and plants.
Pictured is one species of Lion’s Mane mushroom, it is not only intriguingly beautiful, it has been revered for centuries for it's ability to enhance cognitive function, has proven neuroprotective benefits.
This unique mushroom is also known as Hericium Erinaceus,Yamabushitake or Satyr’s Beard and is native to China, Japan, North America and Europe. It has always been utilized for it's effect on the neurological system and in repair of brain and neurodegenerative diseases. This is accomplished by it's nootropic (cognitive enhancement) capabilities and are linked to NGF (Nerve Growth Factor), a protein that is crucial for the functionality and survival of nerve cells. When ingested regularly, it increases the amount of NGF in the brain, enhancing our cognitive capabilities via the reduction of inflammation, stimulated neural growth, prevention and treatment of nerve damage and improved brain health. Lions Mane greater potentials are as a neuroprotectant useful in the treatment many varied conditions from cardiovascular health to obesity and even some types of cancer. It also increases and or improves many brain functions such as memory, recall, focus, attention and efficiency for the individual that uses it in a supplemental manner.
The creation of new neurons (neurogenesis), with permanent improvements to brain health and nerve repair (Myelin - a fatty white substance that surrounds the axon of some nerve cells, forming an electrically insulating layer, increasing the speed at which impulses are conducted) are also attributed to this ancient and treasured mushroom. Ingesting the cooked mushroom or taking an extract (http://www.iherb.com/search?sug=lions%20mane&kw=lions%20mane&rank=1&rcode=vvd099#p=1) of Lions Mane enhances nerve regeneration with great impacts in managing current conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Senility, Muscular Dystrophy, Parkinson’s Disease, and several other neurological problems. It even has a positive impact on depression, anxiety and stomach issues, but that's not all... other properties are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory affects, blood sugar regulation and even boosting the immune system.
Geeze talk about a cool food or superfood, especially in the modern societal challenges!
Additional off the wall (for some folks) benefits:
As Kyusho practitioners we constantly target the nerves, in Health as this blog suggests, but also in self protection and Martial Art practices. Well it does not take any stretch of the imagination to understand that if we target the nerves to influence (disrupt) the messaging by pressing, compressing, stretching and striking, then we should also look at the strengthening of these structures.
Now that said with over 30 years of giving and receiving Kyusho manipulations of all kinds on a continual basis with tens of thousands around the world, there has been no adverse effects of Kyusho's use. However there is always a Yin to the Yang and that old saying; "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure", this may be worth looking into.
But besides that Kyusho is not all about destruction, it is equally if not more so about health, wellness, energy and intimacy enhancement. Kyusho translates as the "Vital Point" and the vital point in life or nature, is to become more efficient in growth. Everything evolves as it must, to become "MORE" and the way nature does this is it becomes more efficient.
This ancient mushroom helps our brain, nerves and many physiological functions maintain and increase it's efficiency and life quality.
Good Health - Evan Pantazi