parkhotel igls, innsbruck, austria
DESCRIPTION
ParkZeit winter 2015/16TRANSCRIPT
Editorial und InhaltParkhotel Igls Guest Magazine autumn/winter 2015/16
Stay healthy this winter! The healing power of heat, maintaininga healthy heart, and the link between fasting and our sense of taste
Editorial und Inhalt
Editorial & contents
Contents
Dear Guest,It's that time of year again: the days are shorter and the
nights are drawing in. Heat is particularly beneficial to
health and wellbeing during this season: the Parkhotel
Igls can offer an abundance of healing heat within our
range of treatments, including liver compresses, hay
flowers and moor heat packs, Schiele circulation baths …
and, of course, our warm cordiality. You’ll particularly
enjoy the benefits that the Finnish sauna, bio-sauna,
steam bath and infrared cabin bring when the outside
temperatures start to drop.
Also in this issue, we’d like to introduce you to Dr Norbert
Schauer, our consultant cardiologist of many years’
standing. Dr Schauer and our Medical Director Dr Peter
Gartner explain how we can contribute to maintaining a
healthy heart, and describe the effect of Modern Mayr
Medicine on the cardiovascular system. Furthermore,
we reveal the vital role played by our sense of taste,
especially in relation to fasting.
You'll find this and much more on the pages that follow.
We hope you enjoy our magazine, and look forward to
welcoming you back to the Parkhotel Igls.
With warmest regards from Igls,
Andrea Gnägi MAG
4 Maintaining a healthy heart Eating with full awareness instead
of self-denial and asceticism
12 Acquiring a taste for fasting Fasting for the senses
16 The heat of the matter Healing heat
18 The diagnostics guide Medical services under one roof
22 Back trouble Slipped discs
24 A giant among birds A visit to an ostrich farm
26 Did you know that ...
27 Offers & treatment modules overview and additional information
3
4
WHAT KEEPS OUR HEART HEALTHY:
MindfUL EATing
Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in
the Western world, particularly in North America
and Europe. Our lifestyle is the main reason
for the tremendous surge in cardiovascular diseases,
which if detected early enough are easy to treat.
Our long-standing consultant cardiologist Dr Norbert
Schauer and Medical Director Dr Peter Gartner
agree, however, that the key is prevention. Here they
discuss heart health with the ParkZeit.
5
Was das Herz gesund erhält
What is meant when we speak of cardiovascular disease?
Schauer: This is when the coronary vessels become
diseased, that is, when circulation is impaired – as can
occur in the arteries, the brain or legs for instance. It can
lead to heart attacks. Heart failure is when the heart is
unable to pump sufficiently to maintain adequate blood
flow. This is really quite common and can be triggered by
inflammation or immunological disorders.
What are the symptoms?
Schauer: Chest pain while walking coupled with sweating
and even a sensation of impending doom. The most
common symptoms of heart failure include shortness of
breath, swollen legs or discomfort when lying down.
Gartner: At the Parkhotel Igls we offer heart examinations
as part of the Super Medical Check. We use ECGs,
ergometric stress testing and echocardiography (cardiac
ultrasound) to measure cardiac performance and
determine whether further specialist examinations are
needed. It is rare for guests to come to us complaining of
symptoms, and we generally detect abnormalities during
the initial examination.
Schauer: Yes, Mayr physicians are highly sensitised.
I tend to detect very precise indications about things
such as heart murmurs. This is because, in addition
to all the technology we have at our disposal, our
guests undergo profound clinical examinations: asking
questions, listening and engaging with the individual are
basic diagnostic tools. The Parkhotel Igls doctors all like
to take plenty of time over this vital component of
patient care.
Gartner: We can offer everything under one roof, and
that’s basically our USP. Should further investigations be
needed, we can quickly organise them – thanks to our
excellent relationship with Innsbruck University Hospital
and various other clinics.
6
Maintaining a healthy heart
What are the chances of recovery?
Schauer: Heart disease can be managed very well
nowadays. More than anything else, we have become very
good at prevention, especially in terms of minimising risk
factors. These include stress, lack of exercise, high
blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and familial hyper-
cholesterolaemia, a genetic condition characterised by
higher than normal levels of LDL cholesterol. It's
impossible to say that there is a single risk factor that
causes heart attacks, but the causes exponentiate. Hence,
if I have three of these factors, my risk of contracting
cardiovascular disease is not three times higher but
ninefold. This is why we aim to bring everything into
balance.
Negative cycles are further factors that we underestimate
at our peril. For instance, when we're stressed we choose
unhealthy foods, eat too much and too late in one go,
smoke excessively, don’t take time for exercise, etc.
Similarly, when we're overweight we feel uncomfortable
in our bodies, stop enjoying our workouts, become
frustrated, and are even more inclined to eat the wrong
foods. As a result we develop hypertension, etc.
So nutrition has a major part to play?
Schauer: It has a huge part to play. I cannot emphasise
enough that there is nothing wrong with eating delicious
food as long as we adhere to certain basic principles in
order to prevent lifestyle diseases.
Gartner: A valuable insight we gain from Mayr comes
into play here. For a long time, conventional medicine
was aware of fat’s effect in the diet, but barely gave
protein a second thought. A century ago, however, Dr FX
Mayr already saw things quite differently, and today we
know that too much protein in the diet can trigger
circulatory disorders. Since the body does not excrete
proteins, it has to decompose them. What we call
'congestion' is likely to be protein diluted in water, which
is stored temporarily somewhere in the connective tissue.
This increases hydrostatic pressure in the connective
tissue and blood vessels, and hinders the supply of
oxygen to surrounding organs as well as the elimination
of toxins. Your daily steak may be as lean as lean can be,
but it certainly won't do your health much good.
Medical Director Dr Peter Gartner in conversation with consultant cardiologist Dr Norbert Schauer (right)
7
Maintaining a healthy heart
How has the medical view of risk factors changed in recent years?
Schauer: Today we know that cholesterol levels do not
change in a linear relationship with eating habits. We
inherit cholesterol levels genetically, so when a person
has a high cholesterol level from birth, the body will try to
maintain that level throughout their lifetime. The liver
is the centre of production for cholesterol, which we
need for cell wall synthesis. The less we ingest, the
more the liver synthesises – which is why the guilty con-
science we've been talked into having is unjustified.
Gartner: This is confirmed by a recent
meta-analysis, which showed that diet
can lower cholesterol by no more than
3.5%. Exercise medicine, on the other
hand, has proven to be a highly effective
method.
Schauer: We also know that drugs, i.e.
statins, are effective, and this is measu-
rable. Furthermore, the development of
vascular changes is an inflammatory
process, and statins appear to have an
anti-inflammatory effect. They act on
the vessels' inner skin, thus preventing
plaque ruptures that lead to coronaries.
Gartner: Linseed oil also has an anti-inflammatory effect
and lowers LDL cholesterol levels. The same effect is
attributed to olive oil, which is effective against cardiac
arrhythmias, lowers blood pressure, and stabilises cell
membranes.
Is there a special diet for heart health?
Gartner: We recommend eating everything because one-
sided nutrition is neither natural nor healthy. Our core
message is that the 'how' is as important as the 'what'.
People come to the Parkhotel Igls to relearn how to eat,
and restore the digestive system's functionality by proper
mastication. When you’re putting a meal together, we
advise that you fill the plate with a large serving of
vegetables, a small amount of carbohydrates and a small
piece of meat; but definitely no sauce.
What is the link between bowel function and the cardiovascular system?
Gartner: The diaphragm separates the abdomen from the
chest cavity, but all the organs in the abdominal cavity
are connected to the diaphragm and the lungs. Abdominal
content that is too heavy affects the quality of breathing.
By treating the abdomen we enable the patient to breathe
better.
Schauer: This link also means that a person with mild
coronary vasoconstriction can develop true angina with
chest pain if the stomach contents
push the heart upwards and twist it
– known as the Roemheld syndrome.
Another example is reflux. The
oesophagus runs just past the back
of the heart and passes through the
diaphragm into the stomach. If after
a stressful day you quickly gulp
down a lot of food in the evening,
the reflux in the oesophagus presses
the diaphragm apart and pushes the
left atrium. This can cause cardiac
arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation. In
addition to these direct connections
between the gut and heart problems,
there are also indirect coherences that we have yet to
fully unravel.
Gartner: Another common problem is trapped wind,
which can arise when people have a particularly 'healthy'
evening meal like a big plate of salad. The food only
travels as far as the small intestine where it stops and
begins to ferment. The resulting fermentation ethanol
damages the intestinal mucosa, and fermentation gases
can collect like a balloon on the left side of the upper
abdomen just below the heart. This pressure is caused by
flatulence, but is well known for putting the fear of God
into people who attribute these night-time attacks to
acute heart problems.
8
How do you apply exercise medicine?
Gartner: Exercise medicine is based on the findings of
medical kinesiology, and aims to increase both life
expectancy and quality of life. If the findings of a
cardiological examination indicate a lack of exercise, we
put together a programme of tailormade, moderate
aerobic exercises. These tend to surprise many of our
patients who equate exercise with hard work, but we like
them to work out at a level that ranges between 'tiring'
and 'comfortable'.
Schauer: Exercise is particularly suitable for guests who
have not yet developed target organ damage such as
a thickened heart muscle. For instance, if we identify
hypertension, we don’t recommend medicines, but
specific exercises. This is effective when the cells have
space for the formation of mitochondria and there is no
excessive accumulation of lactate. A good rule is to
exercise at a fast pace but still be able to talk.
Gartner: Yes, the mitochondria play a major role. These
are small cellular organs or organelles that supply cellular
energy. Specific exercises cause them to multiply, which
in turn leads to the ageing process being improved in
line with an individual's genetic make-up. Exercise is
the only thing that deserves to be called 'anti-ageing'.
However, many people's lifestyle makes them age faster
than their genes have provided for.
Was das Herz gesund erhält
9
How do you get people to change their lifestyle?
Gartner: Basically, we’re all lazy by nature. Expecting
someone to change 100% would be unrealistic, and
probably unhealthy too. I consider it a great success
when our guests take a few of our recommendations on
board and integrate them into their daily lives. This is
also where the psychologists at the Parkhotel Igls are
very helpful. They get together with the guests to work
out strategies to combat their 'inner couch potato'.
Schauer: For this to work you need empathy and
understanding. We all like to take it easy. I enjoy
participating in sports, and can confirm that it's perfectly
all right to be self-centred and to let your body enjoy the
benefits of exercise. It is also a good idea to find out what
people enjoy. Are they interested in meditative activities
or do they prefer the social aspects of team sports? We
can't expect a complete change of lifestyle, but maybe we
can get people to reduce their stress levels from 'full
throttle' to second gear.
Gartner: Modern Mayr Medicine demonstrates to people
that it is important to live healthily but without the need
for asceticism.
What kind of support can you provide?
Gartner: At the Parkhotel Igls, the physicians, psycho-
logists and exercise instructors take time to engage with
each individual. Many guests, for instance, come to us
with the aim of giving up smoking. This is so much easier
to achieve when you can bring in talk therapy, plenty of
exercise, and acupuncture to dampen withdrawal
symptoms.
What do your patients take away from their stay?
Schauer: Our guests really appreciate the great aftercare.
When they come here they find a host of medical check-
ups under one roof. They recognise that we carefully
consider their treatment. After all, any cardiologist worth
their salt aims to be able to detect the moment when
surgery becomes inevitable. Guests often travel from far
away for their annual follow-up because they appreciate
the quality of our medical care.
Gartner: I agree that aftercare is very important, partly
because we develop relationships with the guests. So, if
they like, we can call them a few months after their stay
to enquire about their health. This creates a relationship
of trust.
Maintaining a healthy heart
10
Consultant at the Parkhotel Igls
Dr Norbert Schauer
Dr Schauer studied medicine at
the University of Innsbruck,
completing his training in inter-
nal medicine at Innsbruck
University Hospital and Kufstein
Hospital. After training as
a cardiologist in Wels, Norbert
Schauer worked as a senior
physician with Prof Otmar
Pachinger at Innsbruck University
Hospital until 1999 when he
opened his own cardiology pra-
ctice. Flying is one of his passions.
He is a professional pilot, acts
as an Aeromedical Examiner for
the Austrian air traffic control
company Austro Control GmbH,
and holds the post of Secretary
General of the Austrian Academy
of Aerospace Medicine.
Dr Schauer is married and has
three children.
11
Auf den Geschmack gekommen
12
ACQUiRing A TASTE fOR fASTingFasting is good for our bodies, minds and souls. Humanity has learned this by
experience over many centuries, but it is also a scientifically proven fact.
There is a 'side effect' of fasting, however, to which little attention has been paid:
it is a practise that sharpens and sensitises our taste buds, thereby enhancing
our pleasure in everyday life.
Do you know the story of Gilles Demmonget? A feared
restaurant critic, he picks chefs to pieces like plucked
bouquets garnis and deflates careers like punctured
soufflés. Having lost his sense of taste after an accidental
blow to the head, he books into a fasting clinic on the
North Sea island of Sylt in an effort to regain his most
precious tool. We shall only mention in passing that this
is where he meets his nearest competitor, an obnoxious
investigative reporter, a former lover, some rather
strange fellow patients, and an attractive nutritionist.
The story's happy ending is of principal interest:
Demmonget not only finds the love of his life, but also
his sense of taste, which has become keener than ever.
This may all appear somewhat contrived, but then Gilles
Demmonget is just a fictional character in the German
movie 'Fasten à la carte'...
Nevertheless, there is some truth to this story: fasting
allows us to perceive flavours with greater intensity
and differentiation – even weeks and months after
completing a fast. This has been confirmed by a study
with two groups of subjects conducted by the
physiologist Yuriy Zverev: while one group went hungry,
the other continued eating as usual. Prior to the
experiment, all the participants had been given the
same dish to eat and generally agreed on its flavour
intensity. Afterwards, the ratings diverged significantly.
'After fasting, our sense of taste reacts much more
sensitively to sweetness and saltiness than before', is
how Zverev summarised his findings.
13
This seems obvious once you consider that the sense of
taste, like all our senses, is exposed to constant stimuli
and therefore becomes duller over time in 'self-defense'
and as an adapting mechanism. This development is
accelerated by the excessive consumption of fast
foods, alcohol, nicotine, and the flavour enhancers in
convenience foods. When these stimuli are scaled down
by reducing food intake to zero or to consciously
selected, natural foods – as in Modern Mayr cuisine –
our sense of taste is able to recover from 'overdoing' it.
At the Health Retreat Parkhotel Igls, this process
is further enhanced because our guests have taken
time out specifically to pay more attention to their
bodies, allow themselves plenty of time for meals, and,
for a while, have renounced the sensory overload of
ordinary life.
After this kind of 'culinary holiday', our guests are more
mindful of the foods they eat and more attentive to
flavours. After a fasting programme individuals can
sometimes experience that their favourite dishes have
become almost unpalatable, as they discover previously
rejected – and healthier – food options. This effect is long
lasting and can also lead to the more rapid onset of
satiety to continue for a long time.
It is no wonder then that many celebrity chefs, sommeliers
and restaurant critics indulge in regular downtime. You
can read how they fare during – and especially after –
fasting in the next issue of ParkZeit.
Fasting for the senses
14
Fasting for the senses
A matter of good taste:
Although we all have at least 2,000
taste buds, we are able to recognise
and distinguish only five flavours:
sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami
– a Japanese term that can be trans - lated as 'pleasant savoury taste'.
Scientists are still trying to establish
whether there is a sixth sense of
taste for 'fatty'.
As we grow older, our taste buds
decrease in numbers. Infants have
around 10,000 – explaining why
they can be so averse to certain
foods. By the time we are elderly
the number of taste buds has
general ly reduced to approximately
2,000 – which in turn explains
why many older people don’t enjoy
their food. However, the threshold
at which a taste is detected differs
from person to person.
If you would like to try this yourself,
add 0.5g, 1g, 2g, 3g and 4g of sugar
to five 1 litre bottles of water.
Most of us start to taste the sweet-
ness at 2g of sugar per litre.
Salt begins to be distinguishable
at 1g per litre. The perceptibility
threshold of bitter substances lies
at 4mg per litre, making sense
from an evolutionary point of view
because 'bitter' can often mean
'toxic'.
Our tip: Try this test just before and
just after your next fast – the result
will surprise you!
15
In physics, heat is simply energy in transfer due to a
temperature difference between two thermodynamic systems.
Less scientifically, however, warmth (heat) also conveys
feelings of love and security. There is much more to heat:
it also has healing properties.
The heat of the matter
16
Healing heat
It is a curious fact that while the human body perceives
body temperatures in excess of 38°C as a threat, thus
activating the immune system and increasing the release
of stress hormones, we are also aware – at least since the
discovery of fire – that heat is intrinsically bound up with
health and wellbeing.
Whether a Roman tepidarium, Native American sweat
lodge or Finnish sauna – every culture has developed its
own way of using heat to relieve pain, relax tissue,
strengthen the immune system and cleanse the body.
Over the centuries this knowledge has been endlessly
researched and developed. Nowadays, we take thermal
applications for granted, and the range of available
therapies – including at the Parkhotel Igls – is astounding.
Take, for instance, the classic liver compress: moist heat
stimulates blood flow to the liver thereby naturally
enhancing the detoxification process. Another example is
the metabolic detox bath,
which is wonderfully re-
laxing in the cold season
and rids the body of waste
products as well as other
harmful substances. Equally
effective are Schiele circu-
lation baths. During these soothing footbaths the water
temperature is gradually increased from 35°C to 45°C.
This significantly improves blood flow to the skin as well
as several internal organs, and supports the digestive
system's regeneration.
Heat can be just as effective without water, as
substantiated by our hay flowers and moor heat packs:
the heated moor mud contains anti-inflammatory and
analgesic ingredients that relieve the symptoms of
arthritis and chronic joint diseases, and the hot bag of
hay has a detoxifying effect when placed on the area of
the gallbladder, liver and intestine.
Additional 'heat sources' available to guests at the
Parkhotel Igls include a Finnish sauna, bio-sauna, steam
room and infrared cabins – some rooms have their own
infrared cabins too. As much as they differ with respect
to temperature, humidity and application time, they all
work on similar principles: heating the body activates the
immune system and increases pathogen-deflecting
leukocytes in the blood. In addition, perspiration
strengthens the heart and circulation because
stimulating the metabolism
and thermally inducing
dilation of the capillaries
leads to increased blood
flow. This 'forces' the heart to
work a little harder, which
gives it a gentle workout.
In addition, saunas, steam baths and other heat sources
improve muscle elasticity, provide relief from tension,
and are beneficial when mobility is reduced. Plenty of
good reasons for some healing heat – especially after a
long walk in the cool autumnal air.
Speaking of 'healing', heat also has a significant effect on
our emotional state. Psychologist Chen-Bo Zhong from
the University of Toronto conducted an experiment in
which students were asked to remember a situation
when they had felt isolated and marginalised. These
students experienced the ambient temperature as two
degrees lower than the participants who envisioned a
positive social experience in the same environment.
'Cold-hearted egomaniac' and 'warm-hearted philan-
thrope'? Clearly, these metaphors are more than just
empty phrases.
Or, as the Austrian writer Ernst Ferstl put it, 'Human
warmth is and remains our most effective energy source'.
Food for thought as you relax by our open fire with a nice
hot cup of tea ...
There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won't cure, but I don't know many of them. Sylvia Plath, american writer, 1932–1963
17
THE DIAGNOSTICSGUIDEMedical services under one roof
18
Diagnostics
Medical diagnostic methods carried out at the Parkhotel Igls:
HHydrogen breath test
This test allows us to diagnose
lactose, fructose and sorbitol
malabsorption. The method
is painless but takes time – you
should expect such a test to
take around two hours.
LLaboratory blood testing
A tiny jab that gives us a great deal of
valuable information: a single 4ml
syringe of blood is sufficient for up to
40 different clinical tests. The lab
will test either the blood serum, blood
plasma or the whole blood, depend -
ing on requirements.
MMedical history
Knowledge of a guest’s medical
history is vital before any treatment
can be recommended. During
consultation with a physician we find
out about any current
complaints, specific predispositions
and genetic risk factors you
may have. Your medical history
and analysing your personal
lifestyle and circumstances are
important components of
this process.
Mobility & strength check
An assessment of your musculo-
skeletal system as a whole
is important to correct errors
in your learned movement patterns
and avoid one-sided overloading.
We strongly recommend that active
sportspersons, as well as anyone
starting out or returning to sport and
exercise, has the mobility &
strength check.
Muscle function test
Like the mobility & strength check,
the muscle function test forms
part of our physiotherapeutic
diagnostic procedures. Its aim is
to identify muscle imbalances
at an early stage in order to
counteract them by preventive
measures.
OOral glucose tolerance test
This test determines how well
the body processes glucose.
A baseline blood sample is drawn,
and the individual is given a dextrose
solution to drink. Further blood is
then drawn for measurement at
intervals to screen for diabetes and
diabetes precursors.
SSpirometry
The aim of spirometry is to detect
lung and respiratory diseases
as early as possible and to check
the effectiveness of therapies already
being applied. The individual breathes
in and out of the spirometer's
mouthpiece and follows a set of
instructions.
UUrea breath test
To test for Helicobacter pylori
bacteria, the individual is
given a test solution mixed with a
small quantity of urea to drink.
If there is an infection, the urease
enzyme splits the urea and
easily detectable, non-radioactive
carbon isotope 13C, which is
also contained in the test solution,
is exhaled.
Urinalysis
A urinalysis can provide indication of
possible urinary tract infections,
chronic kidney inflammations,
tumour diseases, and diabetes.
19
Diagnostics
Medical diagnostic methods carried out by external consultants at the Parkhotel Igls:
CCardiac investigations
Our standard heart-related diagnostic
procedures include ECGs, exercise
ECGs and echocardiography (cardiac
ultrasound test). ECGs represent
the heart's activity as curves.
Changes in these curves can provide
the examining physician with
evidence of problems such as heart
attacks, myocardial inflammation,
atrial fibrillation, and diseases of
the coronary vessels. During exercise
ECG tests, these values are measured
while the individual undergoes
additional physical exertion on a
treadmill or exercise bike.
Echocardiograms are sonograms
of the heart and also show the thick-
ness of ventricle and atrium walls,
heart valve structure and the heart's
pumping capacity.
DDermatological testing
A dermoscopy is a thorough visual
examination to check moles,
birthmarks and other skin lesions,
and is helpful in distinguishing
between benign and malign lesions.
EENT examination
Key ENT diagnostic methods include
nasal and laryngeal function tests,
allergy tests, hearing and balance
tests, and imaging investigations such
as ultrasound tests and X-rays.
Eye examination
Ocular tonometry is a procedure
performed to measure intraocular
pressure and is chiefly used
in evaluating patients who are at
risk of developing glaucoma.
This is when the balance between
the production and drainage
of aqueous humour is disturbed.
The aqueous humour builds up,
causing an increase in intraocular
pressure and thus can lead
to optic nerve damage and even
blindness.
UUltrasonography
Of all diagnostic procedures,
ultrasound testing is by far the
gentlest method, as it involves
no X-rays. Furthermore, recent
developments in 3D tissue
imaging and the excellent image
resolution that is achievable nowa-
days enable us to detect even
the slightest suspect tissue change
in areas such as the prostate,
bladder or breast. We also use
ultrasound examinations for the
abdominal organs, joints and
blood vessels that supply the brain.
Urological examination and
andrology consultation
Because men's health is a major
priority at the Parkhotel Igls we
have developed a special diagnostic
module, which includes male
hormone screening and an andro-
logy consultation, as well as a
muscle function test, ultrasound test,
ECG and cardiogram.
VVascular investigations
In addition to checking the pulse
manually and listening to blood
vessels with a stethoscope, blood
vessels can also be tested with
injected contrast agents, peripheral
venous pressure measurements,
Doppler sonography, duplex ultra-
sound and a treadmill ergometer test.
Your doctor can advise which is the
most sensible diagnostic tool for you.
20
Diagnostics
External diagnostic procedures:
– X-rays
– CT scans
– MRI scans
– Examination by respiratory
consultant
– Sleep diagnostics
– Gastroscopy
– Colonoscopy
Where necessary, complementary therapies and less common conven-tional medical interventions can also be made available:
BBioimpedance measurement
Bioimpedance measurement allows
us to determine the proportion
of water, fat and muscle mass in the
body. A small, harmless, electric
current is passed through the body
and the opposition to the flow in
different tissue types is measured.
The results can then be used to
calculate the body fat to weight ratio.
FFood allergy blood testing for
type III hypersensitivity
Type III sensitivity refers to delayed
allergic reactions – usually 6–12
hours after contact with allergens –
that often express themselves in
inflammations that are atypical for
allergies. Our test is particularly
effective in detecting these kinds
of allergies.
KKinesiology testing
Hippocrates was able to diagnose
neurological injuries with kinesiology
muscle testing! This method is
based on the assumption that any
type of physical or mental stress also
affects the muscles and can be
measured via direct muscle resistance.
LLive blood analysis
Live blood analysis is the use of
dark field microscopy to observe live
blood cells and requires a drop
of blood to be analysed immediately
after it has been taken from the
individual. The aim of this
investigation is to detect and treat
degenerative tendencies in the
blood that may be early warning
signs that all is not well. This
technique is particularly effective
for revealing overacidification,
excessive amounts of protein, dehy-
dration and variations in blood flow.
OOxidative stress measurement
The tiny particles in blood that
are responsible for the ageing process
by attacking and damaging the
body's cells are known as free radicals.
The formation of free radicals is
encouraged by UV radiation
and ozone, but also by poor nutrition
as well as alcohol and nicotine
consumption. We offer oxidative stress
measurement to determine the
level of free radicals in an individual's
blood and, where appropriate,
reduce it with the help of vitamins,
minerals and other antioxidants.
21
Back trouble
The golf ball had landed exactly where she wanted it to
be – a storybook shot. However, her joy was soon eclipsed
by the terrible pain in her back, and the doctor confirmed
that she had suffered a slipped (or herniated) disc. The
lower spine and the neck are the areas most susceptible
to painful disc problems, and the vertebrae's 'shock
absorbers' in the thoracic area can also herniate,
although this is less common.
Two out of three are affectedBack pain is no stranger to the Austrian population. Two
out of three suffer from back pain at least once in their
lives. This pattern is repeated in many other countries,
which is why back pain is often referred to as a 'pandemic'.
Contrary to popular belief, however, the intervertebral
discs are not always the culprits when it comes to
acute back pain. Yet when they are, a simple movement
that puts stress on the spine – as in the golfing example
above – can trigger the pain.
As the back's central retaining and mobilising tool, the
human spine needs to be highly resilient and able to
withstand a great deal of pressure to enable it to support
a significant amount of the body's weight.
The spine also allows the trunk to twist and move. There
are 23 intervertebral discs in the human spine. Similar to
liquid-filled cushions, they provide mobility to the
vertebrae and act as shock absorbers. As we age, these
shock absorbers wear down, and the fibrous ring that
surrounds each disc can become brittle. If this ring tears,
it releases its gel-like centre, the nucleus pulposus, into the
surrounding tissue. This is what is meant by a slipped disc.
Intervertebral discs
are like liquid-filled
cushions that allow
flexibility and act like
shock absorbers.
The annulus fibrosus.
If this ring tears, it releases
its gel-like centre, the
nucleus pulposus, into the
surrounding tissue.
This is what is meant
by a slipped disc.
Nucleus pulposus
Racked with pain and bent double, she dragged herself to her car.
Three minutes earlier, all had been well: blue sky, lovely surroundings,
and great company on the driving range. Then the slipped disc
happened – just like that. When this happens, getting pain relief is
the first priority, and this is where neural therapy is known
to be highly effective.
22
Back trouble'This is not an unusual event. In fact, it's a typical sign of
wear, which is detectable in almost everyone over thirty.
That isn’t what causes the pain. When the leaked nucleus
pulposus puts pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve –
that’s when pain ensues and it can be excruciating’, says
Dr Martin Winkler. The erstwhile and long-time Medical
Director of the Parkhotel Igls is a sought-after specialist
in the field of neural therapy, and in four decades of
medical practice he has seen a great deal of pain.
Dr Winkler has also freed more than 4,000 patients from
pain with the help of neural therapy. Back pain sufferers
still make the pilgrimage to Igls to see him because, as
the physician confirms, neural therapy is successful in 90
percent of cases. Obviously, the primary attraction of the
Parkhotel Igls is the fasting and digestive cleansing, but
Dr Winkler adds, ‘When we take their medical history,
many guests tell us that they suffer twinges in the spinal
area. This happens with around 65 percent of our guests,
so that is why we offer many diagnostic and therapeutic
options for back pain.'
Finding the seat of the painAfter a thorough clinical examination, a neural therapist
dealing with acute lower back pain is primarily concerned
with three things: localising the pain, relieving the pain,
and restoring the patient's mobility. In cases of acute
herniated discs patients are often unable even to lie
down without pain. 'Anyone who has ever experienced
severe back pain is able to tell you a thing or two about it.
It doesn't matter whether the cause is lumbago, a chronic
rheumatic disease, or a slipped or bulging disc', says
Dr Winkler. 'At the Parkhotel Igls every diagnostic option
is pursued to get to the bottom of the pain and, if
necessary, we will even resort to an MRI scan.'
What to do in an emergencyShould you see a physiotherapist, sit it out, go to an
orthopaedic specialist, a radiologist, or have infiltration
treatment? There are so many options, and back pain
sufferers tend to be bombarded with advice from friends
and relatives. If there is evidence of severe nerve
compression, or if symptoms are very severe, surgery
might have to be considered. The specialist advises that,
'Pain, however severe, is always a warning sign. This is
why it is so vital to find the cause, and a specialist should
be consulted as quickly as possible’. Fast pain relief and
anti-inflammatory treatments are the absolute priority in
acute cases, and this is where Dr Winkler has found
neural therapy extremely effective.
Neural therapy at the Parkhotel Igls Neural therapy is a combination of trigger point
treatment, mesotherapy and intracutaneous
injections. Trigger points are palpable nodules in
taut bands of muscle fibres. They are sensitive
to pressure and can cause local or radiating pain.
To manage persistent muscle tension, pressure
is applied to these points until the pain subsides.
Mesotherapy is a gentle naturopathic therapy
during which natural active ingredients
are incorporated into the skin layer by means
of superficial microinjections using very fine
needles. Intracutaneous injections are analgesic
injections directly under the skin above the
affected part of the spine.
Dr Martin Winkler, specialist in neural therapy at the Parkhotel Igls
Slipped discs
23
A giAnT AMOng BiRdS
A visit to an ostrich farm
'The ostriches seemed to be curious,
and came up to the fence to
nudge us with their beaks', recalls
a member of the Parkhotel Igls
kitchen brigade following a visit to
the Vötsch ostrich farm in Styria.
The ostriches were clearly trying to
'get a feel' of their visitors. Chef
Markus Sorg and team visited the
farm to confirm that these
grand animals are kept in species-
appropriate conditions – vital
for producing prime quality meat.
Ostrich meat is super-healthy,
and of course has pride of place on
the Parkhotel Igls menu. We also
feel that minimising food miles is
extremely important, so only
Austrian reared ostrich meat is used
at Parkhotel Igls. European
demand for ostrich meat rocketed
following the outbreak of the
dreaded 'mad cow disease' and since
then many of us have learned to
appreciate its qualities.
More than 100 ostriches are
kept at the Styrian family farm in
Mooskirchen that supplies the
Parkhotel Igls. The birds have adapted
to our climate and are clearly
very happy. Their primary diet of
plants and seeds is appropriate
for the species, and they also have
a generous outdoor area to run
in. In addition the Styrian ostrich
meat contains no antibiotics.
Its aromatic flavour is most like beef,
although nutritionally the meat
is similar to other poultry. In Europe,
ostrich meat was not 'discovered'
until the 1980s, although apparently
Hildegard von Bingen appreciated
its healthy properties way back in the
12th century. It is low in fat, chole-
sterol, sodium, and saturated
fatty acids, but high in iron, protein
and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
The ostrich has always been prized
for its meat, feathers, eggs and
leather, as is evidenced by ancient
Egyptian images of ostrich husbandry.
During the 18th century, ostrich
feathers were used to decorate the
hats of fashionable European ladies.
Ruthlessly hunted by man, the bird
was becoming fairly rare when
ostrich farming began, and without
domestication and farming the
ostrich would now be extinct.
Originally from the Steppes of Central
Asia, the majestic birds spread to the
countries of the Mediterranean
and then to Africa. They are able to
survive long periods of drought
and can travel across deserts because
all their fluid requirements are
met by their food, and they do not
need additional water.
The ostrich – a relative of the smaller
Australian emu – is the largest
bird on earth, weighing up to 150kg,
and can live for up to 70 years.
It is unable to fly, but thanks to its
powerful legs it can reach speeds
24
Chef Markus Sorgin conversation at the Vötsch ostrich farm
of up to 70km per hour, and is able
to maintain a constant speed
of 50km per hour for around half an
hour. The animals are easily startled
and will run from any perceived
threat. They prefer open landscapes
where they can keep watch for
predators, and are able to discern
movements at distances of up to
3.5 kilometres. The animals mostly
live in loose groups or form a
harem during the breeding season.
There are clear hierarchies
within groups, and disputes about
rank rarely lead to fights since
warning sounds and behaviour usually
suffice. Males, distinguishable
by their black plumage, can sound
a bit like roaring lions and are
particularly belligerent during the
breeding season. Males and
their 'major hens' cooperate in raising
chicks. When threatened they
can cause serious injury and death
with kicks from their powerful
legs. Their sharp claws are powerful
weapons, and the force of their
massive bodies is enough to floor a
man. It is advisable, therefore,
to treat these extraordinary animals
with great care and respect.
Styrian ostrich meat salad with mushroomsServes 2 as a starter
Ingredients:
160g ostrich steak
80g fennel
80g root parsley including leaves
80g radishes
80g wild mushrooms in season (e.g. chanterelles,
button, oyster and porcini mushrooms)
Zest & juice of 1 lime
Pumpkin seed oil
Maple syrup
1–2 tbsp grated horseradish
Rapeseed oil for frying
Salt & pepper
To prepare: Cut vegetables and meat into
elongated, bite-size pieces and heat the pan
without adding any oil to it. Place the
meat in the hot pan until it begins to detach
from the pan. Add a dash of oil and briefly
fry the meat on all sides, then remove from the
pan. Heat the root parsley, fennel and
radishes in the frying juices. Add a splash
of oil and toss over medium heat. Reduce
the heat further, add the mushrooms, and fry
gently for 2–3 minutes. Season with salt
& pepper. As soon as the mushrooms release
their essential oils and juices, switch off
the hob and stir in the meat as well as approx-
imately 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and
the freshly grated lime zest. Mix in the lime
juice and 2 tablespoons of pumpkin seed
oil and garnish with fresh parsley.
ImprintResponsible for content:Gesundheitszentrum Igls GmbH,Igler Str. 51, 6080 Innsbruck-IglsTel +43 512 377 305Fax +43 512 379 [email protected]
Concept and design Studio Roth&Maerchy, Zürich
Editorial Andrea Gnägi MAG, Dr Peter Gartner,Claudia Reichenberger, Michael Weiss, JörgBertram, Helene Forcher MAG, Dr NorbertSchauer, Ingrid Striednig, Markus Sorg
Photography/IllustrationsJack Coble, Ingrid Striednig, Markus Sorg,Monica Maerchy, Klaus Defner, Fred Einkemmer
Copy editing Erika Krammer-Riedl, Mattsee
Circulation 2,500© September 2015Printed on Cyclus Print100% recycled fibres in compliance withBlue Angel ecolabel – RAL UZ-14
... people today spend up to 90% of their day indoors? This is a cause of chronic light deficiency and disrupts the body clock. Depending on the weather and the phases of the moon, outdoor illuminance fluctuates between 10,000 and 100,000 lux. However, the codes and regulations for office lighting require only 500 lux at computer work-stations, which is equivalent to the light levels at sunrise or sunset.
... the skin becomes hypersensitive
during the detoxification process?
Skin is one of the channels through
which purification,
deacidification and the evacuation
of toxic substances occurs.
... inflammations of the gastro-
intestinal tract can lead to inflamed
connective tissue in the vascular
system and muscles? The health and
functionality of the musculo-
skeletal system is closely linked to
a healthy digestive tract. fX Mayr
understood this.
... stress and anxiety can manifest
as muscle tension, energy blockages
and chronic pain? Specialised
treatments such as craniosacral
therapy provide valuable assistance
in releasing blockages and restoring
mobility, while also supporting
a general process of regeneration.
... two thirds of our 'civil-isation syndromes' are down to lifestyle? So why not make the change from an unhealthy routine to a healthy way of life?
Did you know that…
... rest days as well as intensity are
required for efficient endurance
training? This is how the beneficial,
health-promoting effects of exercising
come into play.
Did you know that...
Offers & treatment modules overview
Therapeutic modules
THE BASiC PROgRAMME € 896
Forms the basis of our treatment service and is
an integral part of every treatment module
MAYR CLASSiC € 1,149
Get to know Modern Mayr Medicine
MAYR inTEnSiVE € 1,528
For a thorough detox and optimal health results
MAYR dE-STRESS € 1,729
Slow down and restore your energy flow
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM € 1,520
Treatment of back disorders, restores mobility
HEART & CiRCULATiOn € 1,632
Positive effect on risk factors such as stress,
excess weight and high blood pressure
METABOLiSM & dETOX € 1,730
For food intolerances, allergies, burnout and
sleep disorders
Special offer
dETOX On THE RUn € 1,434
Special offer
KYBUn®@MAYR € 1,327
Special offer
MOdERn MAYR MEdiCAL CHECK € 3,567
diagnostic module
SUPER MEdiCAL CHECK € 2,067
diagnostic module
MEn'S MEdiCAL CHECK € 2,431
diagnostic module
PREVEnTATiVE ULTRASOUnd € 998
Prices are per person per week and exclude room rates.Prices for additional weeks on request.Prices and services valid from 27 Dec 2015 to 18 Dec 2016
Accommodation rates
Single rooms € 151 – 340
Double rooms* € 146 – 246
Suites* € 269 – 386
Parkhotel Suite (for up to 5 people) € 1,170
Prices are per night per person; treatments are not included.*For single occupancy on request.Discounts: 5% for stays of 2 weeks
10% for stays of 3 weeks or more
Closed for refurbishments
The Parkhotel Igls will be closed for remodelling and renovation
between 13 and 26 December 2015. However, you will be able
to contact us by telephone. We will reopen on 27 December, and
look forward to welcoming you.
27
Parkhotel Igls | Health is Central | Igler Strasse 51 | 6080 Innsbruck-Igls | AustriaTel +43 512 377 305 | Fax +43 512 379 225 | [email protected] | www.parkhotel-igls.at
Treatment moduleMayr De-Stress
The Basic Programme*
2 craniosacral therapy (50 mins each)
2 talk therapy/coaching sessions (50 mins each)
4 combination heat packs (hay flowers and moor)
4 partial body massages – primarily acupressure &
connective tissue massages (25 mins each)
€1,729 for 1 week, each additional week €1,626,
Price applicable from 27 Dec 2015,
excludes accommodation
*The Basic Programme
Medical services
– Initial examination – integrated health check (30 mins)
– 1 medical examination – manual abdominal treatment
(20 mins)
– Concluding examination (30 mins)
Basic services
– Daily Kneipp treatments
(leg, arm or seated contrast baths)
– Personal Modern Mayr cuisine diet plan
– Mineral water, herbal tea and base broth
– Group exercise sessions, active and passive
anti-stress exercises (relaxation),
lifestyle management and mental coaching
– Lectures
– Use of swimming pool, sauna and panoramic gym
Slow down, decelerate & de-stress'More haste, less speed' is an ancient proverb, but only
now are we realising that slowing down and finding
effective strategies to counterbalance the overload in
our working and personal lives is vital for wellbeing.
At the Parkhotel Igls we developed the Mayr De-Stress
treatment module to address precisely this issue.
With the help of coaching sessions, relaxation exercises
and soothing treatments you’ll learn how to deal
with everyday life with less stress and use your skills
more efficiently and effectively.