Park Igls Guest Magazine ParkZeit

Park Igls Guest Magazine

Draw strength

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OSTEOARTHRITIS – THE DREADED DIAGNOSIS

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HEALING PLANTS – MORE THAN TASTY

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WATER – COMPLEX AND FASCINATING

Spring/Summer 2020

Park Zeit

4 8

Osteoarthritis When joints are a pain

Train through the pain?

Gently does it

10 12

Relax

Restore flexibility

Therapeutic climbing

For flexibility, strength and coordination

14 18

Ultrasound

Diagnostic clarity

Healing plants

Getting in touch with nature

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M ore than just a pretty herb

Powerful remedies from the herb garden

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Why we experience thirst

Health and hearing

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Water: complex and fascinating

Listening to our bodies

Offers and therapeutic modules News, facts and figures

Dear Guest, Advice on strengthening the immune system, however wellintentioned, is something we all just have to put up with – and not only in these coronavirus-hit times. The recommendations – from both professionals and the not-so-professional – range from alternating baths and nasal irrigation to disproportionate vitamin consumption. However, many ‘experts’ tend to overlook the absolute heart of the immune system, the place where over 70% of our immunocompetent cells are located, and the root of every immune reaction: the gut.

The small intestine alone is home to several types of specialised immune cells. They produce specific substances to combat pathogens and pick up intruders, transporting them towards the defence cells where they are killed. Finally, the colon houses countless agglomerated lymphocytes: special white blood cells for immune defence. These recognise hostile aliens such as viruses or bacteria, mark them with antibodies and, if necessary, summon additional immune cells.

Imagine how strong and effective this special defence unit would be if you could give it regular breaks... Well, that's exactly what you can do! Therapy based on the teachings of Dr Franz Xaver Mayr with Modern Mayr Medicine’s principles of digestive regeneration offers the gut all the time out it needs, giving the immune system a brilliant boost in its fight against viruses, bacteria and parasites!

We would be delighted to help you strengthen your immune system at Park Igls.

Kind regards,

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Joints – the hinges of life

A staggering 850,000 Austrians are faced with an osteoarthritis diagnosis – 12% of the entire population. Osteoarthritis affects almost double the number of women – 15% in contrast to 8% of men – and increases significantly with age. One in three people over the age of 60 struggles with osteoarthritic symptoms: restricted mobility and pain.

It is therefore worth examining osteoarthritis a little more closely: Which joints are most commonly affected? What causes osteoarthritis? Are there any effective countermeasures if detected early?

Can osteoarthritis be cured completely? We put our medical questions to GP and psychologist Dr Richard Kogelnig, who is also Assistant Medical Director at Park Igls. He is joined by physiotherapist

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JOINTS – THE HINGES OF LIFE

Paul Bajer, an expert in the exercise and therapeutic aspects of osteoarthritis.

WHEN THE JOINTS CAUSE PROBLEMS According to Dr Kogelnig, the hips and knees are the joints most commonly affected by osteoarthritis, and there is too little treatment by conservative methods and techniques. The most common treatment for the hip, a large ball and socket type joint, is surgical replacement, which does improve mobility. However, this is more difficult for the knee, a hinge joint, and the ankle joints. Ligaments, tendons, and above all the associated muscle chains do not tend to coordinate efficiently after surgery because they are usually shortened, weakened and overstrained.

The decision in favour of surgery should thus not be made in haste. If an operation is unavoidable, the patient should first work to build muscle and stretch their tendon and ligament structures. Preference should always be given to a preventative approach, Dr Kogelnig emphasises. This is because surgery always carries an element of risk and should be considered a last resort.

Physiotherapist Paul Bajer believes one reason so many patients rush into surgery is their lack of body awareness and inability to recognise the connection between load and recovery in their everyday movement sequences.

CAUSES: LIFESTYLE OR GENES? According to Dr Kogelnig, the main causes are overloading the joints and wear and tear. Playing sports such as tennis or squash can accelerate the development of osteoarthritis. With regard to the shoulders, uneven strain can play a significant part.

This is particularly common among professions such as tradespeople or decorators, who tend to perform work overhead.

From the feet to the ankles, knees and hips – a person’s gait, excess weight or misalignments are in many cases responsible for osteoarthritis. Taking a 77-year-old patient as an example, Kogelnig explains how the use of air-cushioned kybun® shoes and physiological gait training enabled the surgery-averse man to manage his osteoarthritis.

On the question of genetics, Dr Kogelnig confirms that some families are prone to osteoarthritis.

Although these people are at an increased risk, the cause mostly lies in lifestyle choices: poor eating habits, a lack of exercise, excess weight or deferring holistic treatment for too long. Genetic disposition accounts for 25% at most.

HOW DO I KNOW WHETHER I HAVE OSTEOARTHRITIS? Over a long period of time, wear and tear, overloading or putting uneven strain on the joints due to misalignments lead to cartilage damage and an increasing shortage of synovial fluid.

Physiotherapist Paul Bajer compares fully functional cartilage to a sponge, absorbing and releasing synovial fluid. If it’s not functioning as it should, pain occurs, mobility is restricted, and the radius of the affected joint becomes narrower and narrower. This means the patient becomes progressively less active. The clinical signs according to Dr Kogelnig include severe pain, pain

Osteoarthritis and nutrition MODERATION Many of us eat too many acid-forming foods, too much meat, too much fat and too much sugar. This accelerates the speed at which the joints degenerate or, more specifically, age. With increased abdominal fat, inflammation and pain, we finally begin to appreciate the direct link between the gut and osteoarthritis.

Modern Mayr Medicine can really help as it specifically targets the gut as the body’s ‘central organ’.

Fasting achieves rapid and noticeable results by reducing inflammation and regenerating the intestinal mucous membrane. We should always observe mealtimes. Ingesting food in the mornings and at lunchtime is no problem, but at night it’s best to eat very little or even nothing at all. Otherwise, the body spends half the night digesting food when it should be focused on detoxification.

GOOD OILS AND POLYPENOLS Omega-3 fatty acids such as hemp and safflower oil have an anti-inflammatory effect. Berries such as blueberries, sour cherries, blackberries and strawberries all contain polyphenols. These are found in the outer layers of fruits and vegetables and serve as antioxidants, blocking free radicals.

Any smoked foods, however, are bad: the aromatic hydrocarbons they contain lead to oxidation, causing bloating and an unpleasant feeling of fullness.

JOINTS – THE HINGES OF LIFE

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after periods of inactivity, pain at night, slight swelling of the joints, redness or joint effusions and oedemas.

If osteoarthritis is suspected, medical investigation using imaging techniques such as X-rays and MRI scans is required. In order to differentiate osteoarthritis from other diseases of the joints such as rheumatism and gout, a blood test is required.

REDUCE YOUR PAIN If no targeted action is taken, the pain will eventually become chronic, i.e. they can last for several weeks, months or even years. However, it shouldn’t have to come to that. Cryotherapy, neural therapy and acupuncture are gentle treatment methods, and Dr Kogelnig emphasises the significance of ‘trigger points’ on the affected joint. Identifying these requires many years of experience, along with a sure instinct. Neural therapy in combination with soft laser acupuncture – a punctual laser treatment – on the trigger points achieves very good results.

For acute pain that occurs intermittently, he advises short-term treatment with medication. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory medicine can be used; sometimes combined with PPIs for those with vulnerable digestions. Treatment by cooling with ice or gel pads – or even curd cheese, as is traditional in Tyrol – is helpful for acute pain or pain following traumatic injury.

Patients may be given a maximum of five hyaluronic acid injections – administered several weeks apart – to lubricate the joint, but injections with cortisone should trigger alarm bells. Dr Kogelnig and Paul Bajer agree that cortisone doses are usually far too high. At Park Igls the steroid is diluted 20-fold – if used at all – to stimulate the healing process; the

NORMAL

Joint capsule Cartilage Synovial fluid

Bone

OSTEOARTHRITIS

Thickened capsule Cysts and sclerosis in the adjacent bone Thinned cartilage Bone spurs Swollen synovial membrane Modified bone structure

DR KOGELNIG

‘Every year in Europe alone, 20,000 people die as a result of taking the wrong medications.’

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JOINTS – THE HINGES OF LIFE

rest is carried out by the body itself. Too much cortisone has negative effects on the ligaments and tendons, causing them to weaken and worsening the degeneration. Moreover, injections always carry the risk of infection.

Long-term treatment with cortisone could, in fact, be dangerous due to the severity of possible side effects. Frequent consequences include kidney damage, heart muscle damage and internal bleeding.

There are few studies on the effects of over-thecounter remedies, but they can have a slight antiinflammatory effect. It is far more important to improve gait patterns, build up muscle and perform stretching exercises under the guidance of physiotherapists.

IS OSTEOARTHRITIS CURABLE? No, but the process can be stopped or slowed down. Osteoarthritis causes irreparable damage.

Having said this, a holistic approach that includes building stabilising muscles, and working with physiotherapists on furthering a patient’s range of movement in combination with the right nutrition can often keep them free of pain for many years. It is therefore quite possible to reduce or even eradicate the symptoms.

PAUL BAJER

‘Osteoarthritis cannot be reversed but can be slowed down by exercising and cultivating greater body awareness.’

NECK TENSION, HEADACHES AND LUMBAGO We spend hours sitting in front of our computers, tablets or mobile phones; eyes glued to the screen, without ever engaging the accommodation reflex to focus on near and distant objects. Often, this is accompanied by mental stress, time constraints and pressure at work. We forget to take exercise breaks and our workstations aren't equipped for ergonomic working. The consequences are poor posture of the cervical spine, tense muscles and an inflamed or sluggish gut.

STEP 1: ESTABLISH THE CAUSE The underlying problem is not always in the same area as the pain, so it’s important to establish the cause. According to physiotherapist Mina Siehs, shoulder complaints can originate in the neck, with stress being one of the most common causes of neck and thoracic spine problems. Both have a negative impact on the shoulders and may lead to restricted mobility in that area.

STEP 2: CHANGE POSITION As a general rule, ‘the next position is the best position’. From taking short breaks for simple relaxation exercises to working with a standing desk and treadmill, incorporating exercise into your daily routine is the only way to prevent muscle tightness and pain in the long term.

Massages and equipment such as fascia rollers may relieve symptoms, but the effects are only short-term. Exercise is essential for improving the body’s strength, mobility and flexibility. The best approach is to avoid exercise machines, and instead work on body awareness, balance, strength and mobility using the patient's own body weight in combination with a resistance band, dumbbells or an exercise ball. Experts recommend 10,000 steps (7km) per day as a guideline – this can be measured on a phone or tablet.

JOINTS – THE HINGES OF LIFE

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Exercise

is the best

medicine

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JOINTS – EXERCISE IS THE BEST MEDICINE

Every treatment programme starts with a consultation during which the patient’s medical history is examined and we get to know them. After all, every individual responds differently to pain. Their physical condition and objectives are also important: what kind of movement or exercise would they like to be able to do after therapy?

TRAIN THROUGH THE PAIN? Pain is the body’s early warning sign of possible damage, but it is our brain that decides whether the pain stimulus poses a risk that means the tissue requires additional protection because muscle tension increases.

This protective tension inhibits movement and alters behaviour. This makes sense in cases of acute injury, but can strain the joints over time. Asymmetry and postural dysfunction don’t automatically have to lead to pain. As long as the joints are adequately stabilised, the body is able to compensate.

MINA SIEHS

‘The required ratio of exercise to massage is around 70:30. Exercise is definitely more important for osteoarthritis patients!’

GENTLE EXERCISE Pain impedes mobility, but gentle exercise helps combat muscle tension and stiffness, and massage reduces muscular tension to a normal level. Even with acute inflammation, movement isn’t automatically contraindicated. Light exercise, such as in water or using an ergometer without resistance, can help cure the inflammation faster, but it should never make the pain worse.

pressure off the joints. The water’s resistance trains strength and endurance at the same time.

KYBUN® AND BELLICON® kybun® is one of the many treatment options at Park Igls designed to gradually build up stability. To start, the patient needs to have firm footing on the floor. This tests their balance, strength and coordination. At the same time, it helps eliminate some of the patient’s fears and strengthens trust in their own body. Only at the second stage does the patient move to an unstable base.

Regardless of the exercise or equipment, the sequence is always as follows: from static to dynamic, and finally unstable.

The use of kybun® shoes, mats and a treadmill activates the foot muscles, and the gentle motion minimises the impact on the cartilage.

Practising barefoot, without the additional stability provided by a shoe, is particularly effective. Gait analysis by OptoGait indicates how the patient moves and the exercises can be adapted accordingly. The patient is filmed at the start and end to reveal the therapy’s effectiveness.

Tension and compression are the ideal combination for osteoarthritic patients, so another excellent tool is the bellicon® trampoline, which is used to work the patients’ lower limbs and deep muscles. This makes exercise fun as it releases lots of endorphins.

So, physical activity is clearly essential! But the best kind of exercise differs from patient to patient and should always be decided in consultation with a doctor and physiotherapist.

Exercise therapy combines mobility with stabilisation. It aims to maintain or improve the patient’s range of movement and stabilise it at the same time. Aqua jogging mobilises the joints and is appropriate for people with osteoarthritis as it takes the

JOINTS – EXERCISE IS THE BEST MEDICINE

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Relax, let go – and restore flexibility

How easy do you find it to relax? Do you notice yourself tensing up over the course of the day?

Do your muscles stiffen, and you have a hard time relaxing? Learn how to unwind during the day with simple exercises.

Do you have difficulty reaching things on high shelves? Even simple activities can be agony when mobility is restricted. The cartilage around a joint that isn’t moved sufficiently degrades more quickly, causing the joint to wear. The muscles that runs over the joints travel a shorter distance, and therefore meet less resistance. This eventually leads to muscular wasting. However, we need to use muscles for every movement we make and to provide the musculoskeletal system with strength and stability. If muscle degenerates, there is also less of it to cushion the joints.

STRETCHING ENHANCES PERFORMANCE Many people don’t understand that improving mobility results in a reduction of effort. Taking running as an example, it’s been shown that stretching the hamstring, hip flexor and quadricep muscles can extend a runner’s step length by several, centimetres per step.

Before or after exercise: Don’t stretch cold muscles before a heavy-duty workout as this could lead to injury, and don’t stretch afterwards as this risks muscle soreness.

This soreness is caused by micro-tears in the muscle fibres that are expanded by stretching.

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JOINTS – RELAX, LET GO AND RESTORE FLEXIBILITY

Dynamic or static stretching: You’re always on the safe side with passive stretching positions (unless they’re too extreme).

Gentle, controlled dynamic stretching is a perfectly sensible option which also stretches the fascia.

Sharp, jerking motions should, however, be avoided.

Stretch the whole body: Just as with ordinary exercise, you should stretch the whole body rather than focus only on problem areas. This is the best way to avoid any imbalances.

Duration of stretch: Stretches should be held for around 30 to 40 seconds and repeated three times for each muscle.

The break between repetitions can be used to stretch an opposing muscle, e.g. alternate between stretching muscles in the upper and lower limbs.

Intensity of stretch: You should feel tension during a stretch. If this feeling diminishes, then gently increase the stretch.

You should never feel pain during a stretch.

Dr Richard Kogelnig GP, psychologist, Mayr physician and Deputy Medical Director

Mina Siehs, Paul Bajer, Lisa French Physiotherapists

Jessica Holzmann Sports scientist

JOINTS – RELAX, LET GO AND RESTORE FLEXIBILITY

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Therapeutic climbing Therapeutic climbing is a method of therapy used to improve mobility, strength and coordination. Therapeutic climbing involves holding specified positions and performing precise sequences of movement on the climbing wall.

This form of therapy can easily be applied for any level of proficiency or strength to specifically strengthen postural and stabilising muscles. The motion of climbing is an excellent way to improve coordination between different muscle groups or limbs (motor coordination).

It allows existing strength deficiencies to be analysed and remedied (joint stabilisation).

AREAS OF APPLICATION

ACHIEVE SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC GOALS

Orthopaedics and trauma

• Strengthen postural and stabilising muscles

• Poor posture • Back pain (lumbago)

• Stabilise the core • Improve coordination • Stabilise joints

• Scoliosis

• Relieve pain

• Instabilities and muscular imbalances (spinal, shoulder, knee, ankle)

• Improve mobility

• Rehabilitation (slipped discs, cervical spine syndrome, cruciate ligament ruptures, shoulder dislocation, arm fractures...)

• Boost confidence

• Awareness training • Create motivation for new goals

Neurology • Movement disorders (MS, Parkinson’s, ataxia, mental disability)

NEW

• Paralysis caused by stroke • Coordination disorders and balance issues

Park Igls unveiled a new indoor climbing wall at the beginning of this year. It’s 2-3m high and can be climbed without ropes or a harness. The biggest difference between it and normal climbing are the large grips that are easy to screw in and can be repositioned for each individual climber. It can be used for simple exercises with your feet on the ground to begin with. And the best part?

You don’t need any prior experience.

• Body perception disorders Weight loss

Please contact our medical reception team to make an appointment: Personal therapeutic climbing training session (25 mins) 5 personal therapeutic climbing training sessions (25 mins each) 10 personal therapeutic climbing training sessions (25 mins each)

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THERAPEUTIC CLIMBING

€58 €247 €435

THERAPEUTIC CLIMBING 

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Ultrasound diagnostics for ultra clarity 14  

ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTICS

Treating medical conditions requires clear diagnosis and, in many cases, only ultrasound diagnostics can provide the foundations of successful therapeutic intervention. In this interview, the Medical Director at Park Igls, Dr Peter Gartner, and radiologist Dr Stefan Hiehs explain when ultrasound is used, and why this method is becoming an increasingly important part of therapy.

Gartner: Vascular dilations can develop into lifethreatening aneurysms, i.e. pathological, localised arterial dilations. Mayr physicians are particularly aware of these issues; in our classic abdominal treatment – an integral part of Mayr Medicine – we sometimes go right down to the spine. If the abdominal artery in front of the spine is noticeably pulsating, an abdominal ultrasound allows me to rule out the possibility of an aneurysm.

Ultrasound diagnostics is a painless, low-risk and noninvasive imaging technique that doesn’t expose patients to radiation. When is it used to examine patients?

Stefan Hiehs: It’s a good way to examine organs such as the liver, pancreas, kidneys and spleen.

Ultrasound also allows us to see the condition of the blood vessels – the veins and arteries – which is crucial in preventing strokes, for example. It can also be used to diagnose thyroid problems.

However, it doesn’t produce good images of the lungs, brain or central nervous system.

Hernias Gartner: Inguinal and umbilical hernias often have no symptoms in the early stages. As part of our examinations, palpation identifies any changes that need to be clarified by an ultrasound.

Peter Gartner: You could say that air and bone are the ‘natural enemies’ of ultrasound diagnostics.

Ultrasounds of the abdomen and internal organs, the carotid artery and other blood vessels are standard components of the screening programme at Park Igls. We apply ultrasound diagnostics to investigate complaints that indicate vascular occlusion. These can include cold feet or unexplained dizziness. We also recommend vascular examinations for guests who have risk factors such as diabetes or are heavy smokers, or if our lab work identifies extremely high cholesterol levels.

Hiehs: Radiology is hugely important when diagnosing complaints. Since ultrasounds, radio waves and X-rays produce images of the human body’s interior; they provide medical specialists with a vital basis for diagnosis and treatment.

Gartner: We Mayr physicians see many illnesses before any clear symptoms have developed.

Ultrasounds help to ensure correct diagnoses.

Vascular changes and their consequences Hiehs: When I examine the large vessels in the abdomen, I can see how dynamically the blood flows through the vessels, allowing me to detect both calcification and dilation. Constrictions in the renal arteries may cause high blood pressure or deposits (plaque) on the abdominal artery.

Park Igls Medical Director Dr Peter Gartner in conversation with radiologist Dr Stefan Hiehs

Hiehs: In both inguinal hernias, which mainly occur in men, and umbilical hernias – which are indicated by an extreme bulge near the belly button – it’s possible for a piece of the intestine to get stuck in the hernial orifice. This is painful, but ultrasounds allow the problem to be diagnosed before it gets to this stage. Ultrasounds can also detect abdominal wall hernias. These may occur during keyhole surgery, in which surgeons operate through a tiny opening rather than making an incision in the abdominal wall.

ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTICS

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Is ultrasound technology suitable for everyone, regardless of age, physical state and pre-existing conditions?

Hiehs: Yes, in principle. It doesn’t matter if a patient has a pacemaker or implants. It may be difficult to examine extremely overweight patients due to fat or air in the abdomen, but if a patient is positioned correctly, I always get some useful images.

Ultrasound has a major advantage over other examination methods – ‘fine tuning’. The ultrasonic probe allows me to get to wherever the complaint is located.

Breast ultrasounds Hiehs: One in eight Austrian women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime; men are affected much more rarely. Mammography, i.e. breast examination using X-rays, is an integral part of

What’s your view of automated ultrasounds, whereby a patient lies down while the device examines her breasts automatically?

Hiehs: We don’t use it in my clinical field. I find that my radiology experience comes in useful when performing examinations. I can feel critical areas with my little finger as I guide the ultrasonic probe along the surface of the skin. And I can respond personally to a patient. They can point me to the symptomatic area, and I can use the device to examine that spot more closely.

3D mammography Hiehs: 3D mammography uses low-dose X-rays to provide sectional images of the breast from different perspectives. This method has been around for more than ten years. Currently it complements conventional mammography, rather than replacing it.

When is MRT recommended?

Hiehs: Magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) is used as an additional diagnostic method for highrisk patients. It’s also used to rule out relapses in women with a history of breast cancer and to examine women who have very dense breast tissue; are experiencing prolonged mastopathy and whose results are not unambiguously benign.

Breast MRT is also often performed on women with breast implants.

Diagnosing joint problems Gartner: Patients often complain of pain in their feet or shoulders. Ultrasounds can also help to diagnose nonspecific joint pain.

preventive examination. Around 60-70% of female patients also have an ultrasound. This is mainly indicated for patients with dense breast tissue – which has nothing to do with the size of their breasts. Women of childbearing age often experience benign changes to their breasts such as swellings, nodules or cysts. This is known as mastopathy, and can be imaged well using mammography and ultrasounds.

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ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTICS

Hiehs: The shoulders are particularly complex joints with tendons and muscles and I can use the ultrasound device to examine them in detail. I can also detect (incipient) arthritis, joint effusions that cause swelling in the joints, bursitis and other changes (such as heel spurs) in the hands, knees and feet. Tendons can also calcify or suffer painful lacerations. Ultrasound is the primary diagnostic tool. An X-ray may be able to add additional pieces of the puzzle to aid diagnosis and subsequent therapy.

Radiology as therapy Hiehs: Radiology is also playing an increasingly important therapeutic role. Injecting medication directly into the joints is becoming increasingly frequent, and an ultrasound can identify exactly where the puncture is required. Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to tackle smaller tumours as well as benign changes.

This technique ‘cooks’ tumours – mainly on the liver, brain or prostate – by the heat generated by a high-frequency wave. Imaging techniques such as ultrasounds are just as necessary for this kind of operation as for sealing aneurysms.

What are the new developments in ultrasound devices?

Hiehs: Images are improving in resolution and providing more information. Elastography can be used to measure the elasticity and stiffness of tissue, impacting on the treatment method.

Ultrasound images can also be merged with MRT images to further improve precision.

The future of diagnostics Gartner: AI will certainly be used more in the future to support expert assessments. Automated diagnostics based on algorithms is becoming ever more reliable.

Hiehs: Regardless of technology, for me dialogue remains the most important thing – ‘the physician as medication’, so to speak. As a radiologist, I am more than just a technical specialist: I need to listen attentively and observe my patients. However good the technology may be, medical experience is crucial for precise results.

Gartner: I agree. Explaining individual results is a major part of our work. My task is to identify what my patients expect. It helps to remember that people don’t choose the thing they want; they choose the thing they fear the least. That’s why it’s important to alleviate patients’ fears.

Dr Stefan Hiehs After studying medicine in Innsbruck and Freiburg im Breisgau, Dr Stefan Hiehs completed his residency at the Innsbruck University Clinic for Radiology. He currently works as a consultant at St Vinzenz Hospital in Zams/Tyrol, specialising in neuroradiology and breast diagnostics. Dr Hiehs is a member of the OERG (Austrian Radiology Society), ESR (European Society of Radiology), EUSOBI (European Society of Breast Imaging) and ESNR (European Society of Neuroradiology). As a consultant at Park Igls, he performs all examinations relating to ultrasound diagnostics.

ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTICS

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Getting in touch with nature PHYTOTHERAPY

The term ‘phytotherapy’ was introduced to medical science by French doctor Henri Leclerc (1870–1955) as an extension of herbal medicine.

Phytotherapy uses medicinal plants to heal, alleviate symptoms, and prevent illnesses and disorders, including those of an emotional nature.

Phytotherapeutic remedies are known as phytopharmaceuticals. Modern phytotherapy is not a form of alternative medicine; it is part of conventional, science-based medical practice.

Phytotherapy is quite unlike homoeopathy which is not based on scientific principles.

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GETTING IN TOUCH WITH NATURE

Herbal medicine can be highly effective and has an impressive range of applications. If you don't think it works for you, perhaps it’s time to go exploring – and learn how amazing nature can be.

Many people seem to be in two minds nowadays: in love with demystification, they place their faith in science, and yet also long to return to ancient roots and get close to nature. Although these two positions seem irreconcilable at first glance. The ancient art of herbal medicine has been handed down over millennia. Today, its principles have been adopted by phytotherapy which is firmly rooted in the principles of science. The science of healing with herbal substances thus makes the most effective use of herbal medicine.

Until a few decades ago, traditional folk medicine was still common practice: from herbal preparations to poultices, compresses and much more. Today, however, many people prefer to rely entirely on standard pharmaceutics and its chemically produced, synthetic active ingredients.

As we have increasingly lost touch with nature we have ultimately stopped trusting in the efficacy of plants. This trust is easily regained: we just have to make space for encounters with nature and create awareness of the possibilities of herbal medicine.

AMAZING NATURE ‘Out on herb forays, we are able to observe our guests become increasingly fascinated by what they learn,’ say Alexandra Federa and Susanne Parson. Alexandra is a qualified nurse, and a herbalist with an additional diploma in complementary care; Susanne is a biologist. In addition to their regular work at the Park Igls Mayr clinic, they teach guests about nature, herbs and their uses.

Herb forays and workshops are a regular part of the Park Igls programme and extremely popular – these two experts don’t have to persuade anyone.

Nature does that all by itself in an entirely unspectacular – yet highly effective – way: by causing us to marvel at its powers.

‘During our events, we do tend to notice that most people know very little,’ says Alexandra. ‘For instance, hardly anyone knows that daisies are edible and can be added to teas for the nose and throat. Or that ground elder, the gardener’s nemesis, is highly nutritious. It’s never too late to embark on an eye-opening journey of discovery in our natural world.

PHYTOTHERAPY AS PART OF A HOLISTIC THERAPY Phytotherapy, the scientific form of herbal medicine used at Park Igls, is not very well known – as Dr Sonja Schottkowsky, a GP and phytotherapy practitioner, has learnt from her day-to-day practice. ‘When patients present with certain symptoms, I ask if they would like to try a herbal option. I take a holistic approach, and therefore recommend herbal treatments as well as conventional.’ Many patients turn down the offer, stating that ‘homoeopathy doesn’t work for me’.

‘There’s a serious misconception here,’ she says, ‘and this is why herbal medicine is so often neglected as a therapeutic tool. In phytotherapy, we work with plant extracts that contain ingredients scientifically proven to have an effect.’

Another reason for this scepticism is the incorrect use of active ingredients, causing them to not work. ‘Valerian is a good example. Many people take 20 drops of valerian tincture to help them sleep, which is far too little – that’s equivalent to 0.05 milligrams of valerian root,’ explains Dr Schottkowsky. ‘You need 2–3 grams of valerian root to feel any effect, and that isn’t possible with a tincture.’

She therefore prescribes valerian in tablet form.

Tablets are familiar and easy to use, and patients are more likely to accept the treatment.

GETTING IN TOUCH WITH NATURE

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Phytotherapy covers a wide spectrum: the discipline also makes use of teas, aromatherapy oils, wraps and tinctures.

INTERACTIONS IN PHYTOTHERAPY Although there are misconceptions about the supposed inefficacy of herbal medicine, the opposite is also true.

‘A lot of people think that even if something doesn’t work, it won’t be bad for you either – particularly when it comes to herbs,’ states Alexandra Federa.

This applies to both folk medicine and phytotherapy.

The only difference between the two happens to be scientific verification. Innumerable plants are used widely in folk medicine but not in phytotherapy because there is (as yet) no evidence that they work.

On the whole, phytotherapeutics have far fewer side effects than most chemical pharmaceuticals, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have any side effects at all. They may also interact with other medications. For example, St John's wort – which helps with depressive moods – should not be taken (or only with extreme caution) in combination with the contraceptive pill, antidepressants or drugs used to treat disorders of the immune system. Also, fair-skinned people can be more sensitive to light when taking high doses of St John's wort and should therefore be careful when exposing themselves to the sun.

There are many misconceptions regarding medicinal herbs in everyday life too, for example when it comes to herbal teas. ‘Lots of people think that all teas can be prepared the same way, but the dosage and infusion time can seriously affect the efficacy of medicinal teas. In addition, we really shouldn’t drink gallons of the same herbal tea for weeks on end. Three cups a day for three weeks is the rule of thumb.’ Nettle tea, which many people use as a diuretic and detoxing aid, is often consumed to excess. Ultimately this won't boost its effects, as many people think; it is more likely to damage your health.

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GETTING IN TOUCH WITH NATURE

PLANTS AND THEIR MANY USES To improve awareness and knowledge of medicinal herbs and their potential applications, Park Igls operates a very plant-friendly policy. Alexandra and Susanne have great plans for Park Igls’ own herb garden: the usual culinary herbs will soon be joined by new, and often unspectacular, additions.

Most are either unfamiliar or generally dismissed as weeds.

Plants such as ribwort plantain, yarrow, ground elder, comfrey, calendula and arnica grow in the wild and have an impressive range of uses which provide the focus of the workshops. As well as teaching about the plants, their habitats and specific uses, Alexandra Federa and Susanne Parson’s explain how they can be made into macerated oils, tinctures, vinegar and honey.

Guests leave Park Igls filled with inspiration and curiosity: an almost inevitable effect of paying closer attention to all the wonderful things that surround us – including ourselves and our own needs.

Bath salts • Dead Sea bath salts • 1–2 tbsp olive, almond or jojoba oil • Essential oils of your choice: Cajeput for colds, rose geranium and lavender for relaxation, rosemary to stimulate and elevate the blood pressure Use around 100g of salts in a bath with 5–10 drops of essential oils You can also add a few dried lavender flowers, lemon zest, rosemary or rose petals.

Dr Sonja Schottkowsky GP and phytotherapist, Mayr physician

Susanne Parson Biologist, surgery assistant

Macerated oils Macerated (or infused) oils are made with either fresh or dried plant material. Fresh plants should be left in a shaded place for a few hours so that the plant loses some of its water content and to avoid the oil going mouldy. Crush the plants, fill a screw-top jar 1/3 full and add the oil.

You can use any type of oil – olive, jojoba, sunflower, etc. Place a lid on the jar and leave to stand for 2–3 weeks. Give the jar a gentle shake several times a day so that all the plant material comes into contact with the oil and all the active ingredients are extracted. Using a fine-meshed sieve or coffee filter to strain the oil, pour it into a brown glass bottle and label with the name and date. The macerate can be used as the basis for ointments and creams, or in its pure form as a scar or face oil.

Alexandra Federa Qualified nurse

Ribwort plantain syrup Pick young ribwort plantain leaves and cut them into 1cm wide strips (cut across the leaves). Place the leaves in a jar and press them a little, add some organic honey, close the jar and leave in a sunny place.

Gently shake the jar on a regular basis, drain after 4 weeks and pour into jars. The leaves can be left in the syrup and eaten. Effective to treat coughs and colds, take a teaspoon as it is, dilute it with lemon juice, or add to herbal tea.

GETTING IN TOUCH WITH NATURE

21

Herbal goodness

Markus Sorg, Head Chef at Park Igls

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HERBAL GOODNESS

‘It would be a waste if we didn’t exploit the full potential of any product that offers more than just flavour,’ says Markus Sorg, Head Chef at Park Igls. He goes all out on herbs, and rarely serves a dish that doesn’t harness the power of plants – not just because of the great taste and attractive appearance, but because they are so beneficial to health.

The main ingredients may make a meal for some, but for others – like Markus Sorg – there’s more to it than that. Not necessarily more ingredients; this isn’t about quantity but quality: This applies to ingredients including the produce from the herb garden, which contribute to the quality of the food.

‘It’s very rare that our recipes don’t include herbs – not just for the taste and aesthetics, but also for the health benefits,’ says Markus, who likes to explore every available option. ‘We have our own dedicated herb garden, so naturally we plant more new herbs every year. In my quest for flavour and fragrance variations, I often come across interesting old varieties and new hybrids. When you think how many different types of basil, thyme and rosemary there are, for example, these classic culinary herbs take on a whole new meaning.’ Along with more and more potential uses.

PLANT POWER FROM THE GARDEN Markus’s favourites include savory, verbena, nettles, kohlrabi leaves and coriander. Each one has a unique flavour as well as health-enhancing properties and this is ultimately what it’s all about.

Food is the basis of life. It can and should taste wonderful, but it also can and should be of benefit.

Sometimes we can achieve this with the simplest of ingredients, and they needn’t be expensive. ‘I’m a real herb advocate. But “superfood” marketing is something else. As soon as something is dubbed a superfood, people start to think that it has superpowers. To me this is exaggeration, pure and simple, and retailers are charging excessive amounts of money.’

HERBS AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS There are a few points to consider when cooking with herbs: cooking time, storage and application.

Many herbs don’t like heat so shouldn’t be cooked with the other ingredients; others need a little time to release their flavour. ‘Soft herbs’ like parsley and chives develop their taste very quickly when cooked, so shouldn’t be added until the end. ‘Hard herbs’ like rosemary and thyme need up to 10 minutes to fully develop their flavour. On the whole, very fine herbs like dill and chervil shouldn’t be cooked at all.

Taste is the main factor when deciding how to use them. ‘Less is more’ is a good philosophy. Some herbs – like tarragon – have a very intense flavour, particularly when dried. ‘It’s essential to use the right amount of each particular herb,’ Markus emphasises. But there’s nothing to stop you delving into this wonderful world of flavours: ‘I think our eating habits have dulled our tastes a bit, and it would take us a while to get used to the taste of most herbs in their fresh, natural form. Have you ever bitten into a thick sage leaf?’ You definitely should. Only by knowing the taste of an ingredient can we use it properly. After all, this is about enhancing or accentuating a meal. As Markus Sorg puts it so well, if a herb tastes good and has a positive effect, then we reap double the benefits.

However, good food is close by, beneficial by nature and, in most cases, don’t need to be processed or enriched with extra ingredients. The power comes from the plant itself. All we have to do is use it correctly.

HERBAL GOODNESS

23

SAVORY Savory has a strong, bitter taste with a slightly pungent note and should therefore be used sparingly.

Winter savory has a more intense flavour than summer savory. Don’t add it in too late when cooking. The plant helps to prevent bloating. Tea made from fresh or dried savory has an antispasmodic effect and is a remedy for diarrhoea.

Wild salmon cooked on a bed of lemon and herbs Serves 4 • 700g wild salmon, filleted and deboned by the fishmonger • 2 large organic lemons • 1 stalk lemon grass, crushed • Herbs: savory, thyme, basil, shiso leaves, verbena, dill etc.

• Fleur de Sel • Black pepper • Olive oil • 125ml white wine, base broth or water

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HERBAL GOODNESS

Slice the salmon into pieces around 2cm thick and marinate with the lemon zest. Thinly slice the lemons and arrange on a porcelain plate. Add the lemon grass and whichever herbs you have chosen and arrange them along with the fish. Season with salt, pepper and olive oil.

Cover the whole plate in clingfilm, making sure it’s airtight, and poach in white wine or base broth for around 10–12 minutes in an oven preheated to 90°C.

MARKUS SORG

‘The herbs add lightness to this dish, transporting you to another continent.’

Monkfish in a coconut and herb soup Serves 4 • • • • • • • • • • • •

700g monkfish tail Fleur de Sel Sesame oil for frying Juice of 2 limes 20ml Noilly Prat 500ml base broth 250ml unsweetened coconut milk ½ chilli pepper 1 stalk lemon grass Verbena Ground coriander 1 red pepper

Lightly salt the monkfish and brown it in sesame oil in a large saucepan. Once it has taken on a nice colour, marinate it in lime juice and take it out of the pan.

Deglaze with Noilly Prat, pour in the base broth and coconut milk and add the deseeded half chilli as well as the lightly crushed lemon grass stalk.

Add herbs to taste and leave to rest at a low heat for around 10 minutes.

Wash and deseed the pepper and cut it into diamond-shaped pieces of about 2cm. Cut the fish into slices around 4cm thick.

Once the 10 minutes are up, leave the fish and pepper to draw in the stock for another 4–5 minutes.

Serve the fish in a deep bowl with the soup.

VERBENA Verbena isn’t a kitchen staple, but is used in cooking for good reason: the bitter-tasting compounds in this herb, which has a pleasant, lemony fragrance, stimulate the production of saliva and gastric juices. It is purported to be a diuretic, to stimulate bile flow and have an antirheumatic effect.

Verbena helps the liver to cleanse itself.

Verbena tea strengthens, helps to reduce fever and has a healing effect.

HERBAL GOODNESS

25

Braised chicory with savory and sage SAGE Sage has a bitter note and pleasant piquancy. But be careful: dried sage is stronger than fresh sage and can be bitter and soapy. Sage tea encourages the body to digest fatty and oily foods.

Note: As with most herbs, sage flowers are also edible and can add wonderful flavour to a dish.

Serves 4 • • • • • • • • •

•

950g chicory Oil for frying 5g butter Freshly ground rock salt 1 tbsp maple syrup 20ml lemon or raspberry vinegar 1 sprig of savory 2 large sage leaves, sliced Crushed or roughly ground pepper, coriander seeds and mustard seeds Juice of ½ lime

Slice the chicory in half and cut out the stalk. In an ovenproof, non-stick pan, fry the chicory in a little oil until golden brown on all sides.

Add flakes of butter, salt and maple syrup, and allow to caramelise slightly. When the chicory turns glossy, deglaze with the vinegar.

Place in a fan oven preheated to 150°C and cook for another 10 minutes or so.

Sprinkle with the herbs and ground spices before serving. Toss the chicory, sprinkle with lime juice and serve while still hot.

26

HERBAL GOODNESS

The flow

of life

Most of us are guilty of paying too little attention to the fundamental aspects of life, probably because we take them for granted. One such fundamental is our body’s water balance: essential, complex, fascinating.

And barely ever acknowledged.

THE FLOW OF LIFE 

27

Everything is in a constant state of flux. This perpetual motion, which involves giving and taking in equal measure, holds the balance – the balance that keeps us alive: water is our foundation. But it is not constant and must therefore be kept in balance.

WATER AND ITS APPLICATIONS Water is not only good for us when we drink it, it can also be beneficial for the body and mind when used externally in its various forms and at different temperatures. Spas offer us a plethora of options. Incidentally, the word ‘spa’ is originally derived from the Belgian bathing town of Spa, and was later ascribed the meaning of ‘Sanus Per Aquam’, which means ‘health through water’.

Water therapies offer some of the best ways to train the blood vessels. They revitalise the veins in the leg as well as the body’s whole circulation. They also form the basis of Kneipp treatments, which can also be performed easily at home by alternating between cold and hot water.

Did you know that...

At 70-75%, the water content in our non-fat body mass remains fairly constant, in contrast to fat, which is between 10 and 40%. Women have a higher proportion of body fat, and therefore around 10% lower water content than men. The body of an overweight individual contains 40-45% water, whereas this figure can reach up to 70% in those with a muscular physique.

According to Dr Peter B Barth, Mayr Physician at Park Igls, ‘Water is the matrix of life.’ ‘In its many forms – solid, liquid and gas – it enables processes throughout nature. It is the starting point and end product of countless biochemical reactions. It is a solvent, transport vehicle, heat buffer, coolant and much more. It is essential to the human body – not only is it contained within the cells; it also surrounds them as extracellular fluid. However, in order for water to be able to perform all of its many functions in our body, we need a complex regulatory mechanism to balance the water supply, keep it stable, compensate for deficits and regulate the volume of supply.’

What happens to water in our body and how these processes occur is linked to a variety of different organs. These include the kidneys as excretory organs as well as the whole gastrointestinal tract, the lungs, and even the skin – which is also an organ, one of the largest in fact.

Everything needs water, and this begins at cellular level. Two-thirds of the body’s water is contained within the cells as intracellular water, one-third becomes extracellular water. However, other elements are needed to allow the water to move into and out of the cells and for vital exchange to take place. ‘A wide variety of molecules, or electrolytes, allow water to enter the cells and be released into the extracellular space via the membrane of the cell wall. These include sodium, potassium and calcium, the last of which is mainly present in heart muscle cells,’ explains Dr Barth.

‘So, the body’s regulation of water supply is vital, but so are these electrolytes.’

THIRST IS AN UNMISTAKABLE SIGN The most fascinating part of these hidden processes is their unbelievable efficiency. The body does what it needs to do and signals quite clearly when something is not as it should be. It tells us what it needs to keep us alive.

In terms of water balance, there is one unmistakable sign that the body is in imminent need: thirst. The

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THE FLOW OF LIFE

word means ‘dryness in the throat’ and describes what being thirsty actually feels like. If the body’s water content falls by 0.5%, the brain passes this information on. If we fail to respond to the craving and our fluid levels drop by 10%, not only does the tongue start sticking to the palate, speech is impeded, and we can feel unsteady on our feet.

Lethargy sets in, our blood pressure sinks, and the kidneys limit the amount of urine the body eliminates. As a result of this, substances such as urea, uric acid and creatinine end up in the bloodstream, where they accumulate and can cause organ damage. If someone were to stop drinking water altogether, they would suffer kidney failure, and an excess of potassium would lead to cardiac arrest. Thirst is therefore a vital signal.

WE ALL EXPERIENCE THIRST DIFFERENTLY The feeling of thirst varies between individuals, much like the level of hydration each person needs.

‘As a rule, the average recommended daily intake in normal temperatures is 1.5 litres, or 30-40 millilitres per kilogram of body weight,’ says Dr Barth. If the outdoor temperature rises or you are physically active, your requirement will also change. ‘If both factors occur at once – high temperatures and very heavy physical exertion – a human being can easily lose two litres of fluid per hour. It is imperative that this is replaced.’

DR PETER BARTH

‘When high temperatures are combined with heavy physical exertion, a human being can lose two litres of fluid per hour.

It is imperative that this is replaced.’

crucial to make sure the fluid contains electrolytes.

‘But you can also overdo isotonic drinks,’ Barth emphasises. ‘Sports drinks are only worthwhile if they contain sufficient salt.’

It is essential to listen to the signals of the body. In an average healthy adult, these are relatively clear and unequivocal, ultimately determined by a person’s condition. The body will signal how much water should be drunk.

The cells of a healthy adult are 55-65% water – this value declines steadily throughout their life. Their feeling of thirst diminishes consistently from age 50 too. For this reason, the risk of dehydration is higher among older people. ‘The result is a drastic fall in cognitive performance. If these patients are hydrated intravenously, their situation rapidly improves.’

MODERATION Too much is as bad as too little, and it is also possible to drink to excess – this is referred to as hyperhydration. Additionally, when there is a surplus of extracellular fluid, there is a risk of water poisoning. In the 2015 Ironman competition in Frankfurt, an athlete lost their life due to an electrolyte disorder. If a person is sweating very heavily and drinking too much low-sodium water, this causes the sodium level in the blood to drop.

This results in headaches and nausea and, at worst, can be fatal. Regular and adequate fluid intake is of existential importance, especially in hot weather and during physical activity. In such cases, it is also

Dr Peter Barth GP and Mayr physician

THE FLOW OF LIFE

29

30 

HEALTH AND HEARING

Health and hearing What we hear influences our experience, and in fact our very being, more than we might think. That can be a good thing as well as a bad thing, but primarily it depends on how consciously we listen – not just to what’s around us, but also to what’s on the inside.

One of the first things we are able to do is hear.

Hearing is one of the first senses an unborn baby uses to learn about its environment, some might say it is the most sophisticated sense of all.

More accurate and efficient than sight, hearing enables us to orientate ourselves, and not just geographically. Although the physical process of hearing is the same for everybody, what and how we hear is a very personal matter – and an emotional one. Hearing evokes feeling: a song from our childhood, a sound that reminds us of a holiday, a voice that we recognise and love (or one we don’t). Our brains use hearing to connect and file away memories, emotions and experiences.

We are rarely fully aware of how much we hear and the effect it has on us – it is even possible to hear too much without realising.

THE IMPACT OF NOISE ‘People who live on a very busy road and are exposed to continuous noise often say that they stop hearing the noise because they become so used to it. The fact is, research shows, that these people have constantly heightened stress levels, even if they aren’t aware of it,’ explains Dr Melanie Robertson, clinical, health and neuropsychologist specialising in stress prevention.

Heightened stress levels ‘can result in significant damage to health. For example, there is a considerably higher risk of a heart attack.’

Noise makes us sick, but we often can’t escape it.

Open-plan offices are a good example. ‘There are clear scientific findings that show how counterproductive they are and that working in them causes high levels of stress.’

Shopping centres and bars are the same. They expose us to constant noise – not just from voices and sounds, but also from music which, according to Robertson, is used for one purpose: ‘Bars play loud music to make people drink more, and more quickly, too.’

Sounds are also used to improve customer perception of products. Sound designers rev car engines, ensure that crisp packets open as loudly as possible (to suggest freshness) and make crunchy noises when eaten, and tune electric razors to give them the most powerful-sounding pitch.

Our hearing is conditioned so that certain things sound right or wrong to us. But essentially it all

HEALTH AND HEARING

31

boils down to one thing: there has to be sound, because something that many people find difficult to cope with is silence.

THE FEELING OF SILENCE There are many sounds we can’t escape, and others that we don’t want to turn off. ‘Many of our guests talk about being exposed to constant overstimulation. They are actively pursuing silence,’ explains Thomas Blasbichler, certified clinical and health psychologist specialising in the prevention and stabilisation of mental health disorders.

He offers a technique called Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation at Park Igls: ‘It’s all about relaxation, and therefore silence, and a lot of people find that very difficult. Because external stimuli are constantly present, you actually have to learn how to be still. And that’s when the thoughts come – which is what so many people are afraid of – so we look for more distraction.’

ABSOLUTE PITCH Current research suggests that absolute pitch can be both innate from birth and acquired later. ‘People who, for example, have music lessons very early on in life experience functional restructuring of the auditory centre in the brain, increasing the probability of developing absolute pitch,’ explains Melanie Robertson. There is a higher number of people with absolute pitch among native speakers of tonal languages such as Mandarin or Swahili.

How many hours a day do we experience silence?

How much peace and quiet do we get? And is it proper silence, or just the absence of disturbing sound? ‘You can be silent without feeling silent,’ says Blasbichler.

Take earplugs, for example. ‘They make everything silent,’ explains Melanie Robertson, ‘but it is a silence many people can’t deal with, because blocking out background noise creates room for other sounds.’ We hear the sounds our own bodies make: the blood rushing, the stomach rumbling, the heart beating – processes that occur every second of our lives, but we never hear them, so

32

HEALTH AND HEARING

they sound strange to us. And we fear what is strange. That is not the kind of silence we are looking for. As Thomas Blasbichler puts it, we want to ‘feel silent.’

DISTRACTING OURSELVES FROM OURSELVES Awareness is key. If you consciously look for silence, you will find it. But when we are met with unexpected silence, it can make us nervous, earplugs aside. It’s not just the body that can be loud. ‘We process on average 60,000 thoughts a day, plus 95% of the previous day’s thoughts, totalling over 120,000 things that go through our heads every day. Of course, many of these are negative and stressful thoughts, so we deliberately try to take our minds off them.’

We don’t want to hear ourselves think, so we use distraction.

‘That only works so well,’ Melanie Robertson adds.

‘At some point, the body’s own system retaliates, either with physical signals or mental breakdown.’

Tinnitus, sleep disorders, digestive problems, headaches, depression – the list goes on.’

‘Our bodies usually tell us when something is wrong,’ Thomas Blasbichler says. ‘The reason could well be that it is saying, “Stop. Too much.”’ He had one patient who suffered from recurring middle ear infections. One day, a doctor said to him: maybe you just don’t want to hear any more.

The ear shuts down to protect the mind.

WITH ALL OF YOUR SENSES Our senses are a natural part of our daily lives.

Robertson and Blasbichler urge us to be more mindful, taking time to consciously hear, see, smell, taste and feel. We are unaware of most of what is absorbed by our senses every day. We stare at screens, listen absent-mindedly to music or voices, get into the car and turn on the radio, or maybe it even comes on the minute we start up the engine.

‘I often make a conscious effort to turn it off and concentrate on one thing: driving. You can practise things like this.’ And you should practise, because as Melanie Robertson says, multitasking is not recommended. ‘I advocate simplicity – just doing one thing at a time. Multitasking is an unrealistic ambition, even for women. We would do better to concentrate on just one sense at a time. If you are out for a walk, for example, just focus on the sounds of nature.’

Edmund Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique involves deliberately and consciously tensing and then relaxing specific muscle groups to produce a state of deep relaxation. ‘I initially used relaxation music and sound in the background because I thought it would help my patients to relax,’ Thomas Blasbichler explains ‘but I soon realised that this was too distracting.’ Relaxation and mindfulness exercises always require being in the here and now. If I hear the sound of a waterfall, I imagine I am there instead of in my body.’

LISTENING TO OUR BODIES Sounds can sometimes have the opposite of the intended effect. We can even put the body on silent mode, as Melanie Robertson describes: ‘You see it for example with runners who use music to set their pace, making them run faster than they usually would and sending them into overdrive.

This is a major problem. On the one hand, people look for standards, rules and regulations to live up to; on the other, they feel like they are not in control of their own lives.’

If we listened more carefully to ourselves and the demands of our bodies and minds, we probably wouldn’t need a pacesetter for our lives.

Dr Melanie Robertson ‘There is a brilliant exercise you can do,’ says Thomas Blasbichler. ‘Sit on a chair for 20 minutes every day. Just sit there, doing nothing, and let your thoughts enter your mind. We are experts at warding off, suppressing and pushing away thoughts. This exercise helps us create a time and place for silence and a ritual that helps us to be present in the here and now, to be in the moment, and to find peace.’

Clinical, health and neuropsychologist

Thomas Blasbichler (MA) Clinical and health psychologist, coach

It is important to use exercises to practise doing things consciously until they eventually become second nature.

Does that mean we can only hear what we want to hear? ‘For children and the elderly, yes!’ jokes Robertson, mum to one little girl. ‘You can definitely learn to filter things out. Therapy for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder involves consciously adding environmental stimuli, so the patient learns to fade out these peripheral sounds. You can train the hearing just like any other sense.’ This allows us to tap into inner potential. The power of the senses is immense – the extent to which we develop it, and with it our experience, depends on how focused we are.

HEALTH AND HEARING

33

Did you know that...

Park Igls added three new therapy rooms last winter? They are bright and inviting with modern furnishings. This means there is more space for physiotherapy and Shiatsu, and a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere for talk therapy sessions.

Our physiotherapists can now work with Redcord®, a training system that uses freely movable red ropes and slings suspended from the ceiling? It can be used for exercises using just your own body weight, as well as in passive mobilisation to relieve pain and ease the joints.

IMPRINT Responsible for content: Gesundheitszentrum Igls GmbH, Igler Strasse 51, 6080 Innsbruck-Igls Tel +43 512 377 305 Fax +43 512 379 225 info@park-igls.at www.park-igls.at

EDITORIAL Andrea Gnägi (MA), Dr Peter Gartner, Ingrid Striednig, Helene Forcher (MA), Dr Richard Kogelnig, Dr Stefan Hiehs, Dr Peter B Barth, Dr Sonja Schottkowsky, Susanne Parson (MA), Thomas Blasbichler (MA), Dr Melanie Robertson, Alexandra Federa, Markus Sorg, Jessica Holzmann, Paul Bajer, Lisa French, Mina Siehs

CONCEPT AND DESIGN Studio Roth&Maerchy, Zurich

marketing deluxe: Claudia Reichenberger, Sonja Niederbrunner, Dr Heidemaria Abfalterer, Karen Waloschek, Amy Rose Subject to changes, errors excepted.

34

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Park Igls has a new drinking fountain? The crystal-clear spring water comes directly from the Tyrolean Alps and provides pure, high-quality drinking water that flows out of the taps. Soon, we will be able to dispense with plastic bottles entirely.

COPY EDITING marketing-deluxe.at PHOTOGRAPHY Fred Einkemmer, Martina Meier, Hansi Heckmair, Ingrid Striednig Circulation: 2,500 © April 2020 Printed on 100% Circle Volume White recycled paper, Blue Angel German Ecolabel, EU Eco-Label, FSC®-certified

Accommodation rates Single rooms Double rooms* Suites* Park Igls Suite (for up to 5 people)

€157 – €353 €152 – €256 €280 – €401 €1,190

Prices are per person per night; treatments are not included. * For single occupancy on request. Discounts: 5% for stays of 14 nights or more, 10% for stays of 21 nights or more.

Mayr programmes Mayr Detox MAYR BASIC €1,042 Mayr Basic is a fixed component of your stay, and forms part of every Mayr programme.

It can also be booked individually and supplemented with individual services.

MAYR CLASSIC Time out for your health – the ideal introduction to Modern Mayr Medicine.

€1,487

MAYR INTENSIVE Ideal for anyone aiming for optimal health benefits on as broad a basis as possible.

€1,956

MAYR SHORT STAY PROGRAMME Designed for people who simply require a short break for mental and physical relaxation.

€921

Mayr Focus

Double room deluxe

MAYR DE-STRESS Slow down and restore your energy flow.

€2,000

MAYR PHYSIO This module focuses on the relief of back and joint complaints.

€1,881

MAYR METABOLIC €1,953 This module is recommended for guests suffering from food intolerances, allergies, burnout and sleep disorders.

MAYR NEURO Treatment of early-stage degenerative nervous system diseases.

€2,137

Diagnostics ULTRASOUND SCREENING PROGRAMME SUPER MEDICAL CHECK

€948 €2,203

Specials FELDENKRAIS® AND MENTAL COACHING@MAYR €1,898 The pond at Park Igls

YOGA@MAYR

€1,576

Prices are per person per week and exclude room rates.

Prices for additional weeks on request.

Prices and services valid to 19 Dec 2020

OFFERS & TREATMENT MODULES OVERVIEW

35

Feldenkrais® and Mental Coaching@ Mayr 14 – 21 June 2020

Yoga@Mayr 23 – 30 August 2020

A journey to new lightness. Combining Modern Mayr Medicine with Feldenkrais® and mental coaching allows you to rediscover yourself and develop your potential. In this learning process, small adjustments to movement patterns lead to major changes in the nervous system, relieve pain, improve flexibility and bring greater ease to movements. With the addition of mental coaching, patterns of thought and behaviour are examined and ways of overcoming internal resistance identified.

This specialist programme is suitable for all age groups, with no prior experience required.

Settle, feel your breath, enjoy gentle movements, stretches and a deep awareness of your inward-looking, mindful spirit...

Yoga offers all of this and more as you find connection and unity with your true self. Our holistic approach combines Yoga, Modern Mayr Medicine and a proven exercise programme for anatomically correct posture.

Discover and explore your energy source against the backdrop of an extraordinary landscape, surrounded by the breathtaking Tyrolean mountains, fragrant forests and lush meadows. Restore inner energy levels for enhanced health. Define your own Yoga style and create space for you, your development and enjoyment.

∞ Mayr Basic (see www.park-igls.at) ∞ 5 Feldenkrais® group classes (60 mins each)

∞ Mayr Basic (see www.park-igls.at)

∞ 1 one-to-one Feldenkrais lesson (60 mins)

∞ 4 Yoga group classes (80 mins each)

∞ 2 one-to-one mental coaching sessions (50 mins each)

∞ 1 one-to-one Yoga lesson (50 mins)

®

∞ 5 partial body massages (25 mins each)

∞ 5 partial body massages (25 mins each) ∞ 1 liver compress with beeswax

∞ 1 liver compress with beeswax

€1,898 for 1 week excluding accommodation Available as an individual service for €653: 5 Feldenkrais® group classes (60 mins each) 1 one-to-one Feldenkrais® lesson (60 mins) 2 one-to-one mental coaching sessions (50 mins each)

€1,576 for 1 week excluding accommodation Available as an individual service for €334: 4 Yoga group classes (80 mins each) 1 one-to-one Yoga lesson (50 mins)

Park Igls | Gesundheitszentrum Igls GmbH | Igler Strasse 51 | 6080 Innsbruck-Igls | Austria Tel +43 512 377 305 | Fax +43 512 379 225 | info@park-igls.at

www.park-igls.at