by Dr. Christina Captain, DAOM, MSAOM, MSHN, MA, AP 

We all age, but the key to graceful aging is in paying attention to and managing the process.  By doing, this you enable yourself to increase your health-span—not just your life-span. This is a choice, a philosophy that must permeate and infuse your entire life. Each decision you make in regard to what you eat, do, say and think must all reflect a basic philosophy of health and well-being.   

In order for this healthy aging process to manifest, you are required to make lifestyle changes that can be difficult and uncomfortable. It is also dependent on the amount of personal work you have done. The foundation of self-love must be firmly in place to be successful in healthy aging. Love and respect for yourself is necessary to create a life that will support a youthful health-span.   

Can we continue to age chronologically but maintain a younger biological terrain? The answer is “yes!” Biological terrain is the environment which the body, mind and spirit exist in. This biological terrain can either support the growth of the body, mind and spirit, or it can degrade and destroy them. 

This terrain, if kept clean and properly functioning, can become younger despite its chronological age.  Just allow that sink in. You can become younger in body, mind and spirit. Now, don’t let my casual tone to fool you into thinking this is an easy task. In fact, this task is quite arduous for some—it is time consuming, and it can be costly. But there is a test available called the “telomere test,” and this blood test can determine how old your body is in comparison to your chronological age.  

 Now that your interest is peaked, let’s begin a journey to discover some of the ways that you can increase your health span and allow your biological terrain to become younger. First, you need beauty rest. Adequate sleep is a major health factor—aging accelerates when the body does not receive the rest it needs. Put this concept to the test, and the next time you don’t obtain an adequate amount of rest, look in the mirror then ask yourself, “How old do I feel today?” I guarantee that you will see my point. Strive to obtain eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night, as well as 12 hours of fasting, ideally from dinner to breakfast, the next day—for example, 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.  

Next, you need adequate clean drinking water. There are so many reasons for this I cannot even begin to enumerate on them. The human body is comprised of mostly water, so without consuming adequate amounts of clean water, you cannot keep your tissues, organs and skin moist and nourished as they are intended to be. 

You should also support your body on a regular basis with therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic and massage. These healing modalities can guide the body into a healthy and harmonious balance. You need adequate exercise too. Exercising the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of yourself is crucial for making the biological terrain younger.  In my opinion, the practice of yoga is a perfect blend of body, mind and spirit. It is an incredible experience on so many levels.    

Cardiovascular exercise and resistance training are equally important. Having more muscle than fat increases your caloric burn, as well as bone density. This, of course, is important for maintaining a healthy weight and a younger biological terrain. Make sure to participate in one hour of physical exertion on a daily basis.  

Clean food sources are also imperative. Eating organic, fresh and local whole foods is exactly what you need to strive for. A variety of colored veggies and whole grains is an ideal start. Another place to look is decreasing the amount of animal flesh you consume. If every person in this country just dedicated one day each week to consume no animal protein it would have a major impact on everything in nature, from the environment to water supply. Reducing the amount of inflammation your food sources have is also a primary target. Look for more veggies and fruits and less refined or processed foods—in other words, more plants and less animal products.  

Contemplative time for inner reflection is another crucial element, and meditation, in my opinion, is the most beneficial outlet. Being able to quiet the mind leads you into a state where you can self-heal. Imagine that concept—self healing. I wonder what you could heal if you just allowed yourself the time and space to focus on it?  If you are too busy to focus your energy on healing, how you can expect to maintain a youthful terrain?  

Of course, these are just some of the foundational blocks you need address in order to reverse the age of your biological terrain. Anyone can start with these concepts tomorrow, but there are many people who already live with a dis-ease or diagnosis. Some have become that diagnosis—bought into it whole-heartedly and without doubt. But I am here to tell you to have doubt.  

Doubt the fact that you must live with an autoimmune disease, depression or diabetes. There are people who can help you repair, rebuild and revitalize the body, mind and spirit. The people who are in this category just need more help than an article can provide. They require guidance and caring to ease them into a healthful existence where self-love can permeate their lives and, in turn, shine outward to those around them. Seek out qualified practitioners who have integrity and walk their talk. Interview who you want to work with and ask around for referrals. Remember, it’s in the unity of a healthy mind, body and spirit that you will find truth, bliss and peace. 

For more information on telomere testing or a wellness consultation at the Sarasota Center for Acupuncture and Nutrition, visit SCANsrq.com. Dr. Christina Captain is nationally board-certified by the National Commission for Certification in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). She is the lead practitioner at Sarasota Center for Acupuncture and Nutrition which she founded in 2000. Dr. Captain is also an expert Feng Shui practitioner and teacher who studied under Nancilee Wydra of the Feng Shui Institute of America, before originating her own style, Essential Balance Feng Shui. Since this discipline is a branch of Oriental Medicine, she often blends Feng Shui principles into her treatment plans. Sarasota Center for Acupuncture and Nutrition is located at 2650 Bahia Vista St., Suite 101, Sarasota. For more information, call 941-951-1119.