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ISBN 978-618-205-285-3

Vatatzi 55 str., 114 73 Athens ΤEL.: +30210 6431108 E-MAIL: ekdoseis.ocelotos@gmail.com www.ocelotos.gr

AEGEAN THERAPY

The author (a doctor himself) describes how he dealt with his own case of arthritis, without medication, in the thermal baths of Ikaria, in combination with the lifestyle of the Ikarians, who are among the longest living and healthiest inhabitants of the planet. Based on his own experience and international literature, he describes a proposal for the satisfactory treatment of arthritis, with all those elements that compose the longevity and well-being of the inhabitants of the so-called “Blue Zones,” which include Ikaria.

Giorgos D. Kallivrousis

Ikaria, the longevity of the Ikarians, the way of life in Ikaria, “The Spirit of Ikaria,” thermal baths, radon, ionizing radiation, treatment of arthritis, inflammation and pain, body weight, Ikarian diet, movement, and walking, orthodox fasting, recipes both fasting and non-fasting, targeted exercise, therapeutic entertainment, the pandemic in Ikaria, the current situation of the spas in Therma, “the production of nothing”, demographics, and “ I walk and philosophize” (ζάλω και φιλοσοφώ). These are the same values that have so far prevented the pandemic from devastating the island.

AEGEAN THERAPY G

TREATMENT OF ARTHRITIC CONDITIONS WITHOUT THE USE OF DRUGS AND SURGICAL PROCEDURES BASED ON THE THERMAL SPRINGS AND THE WAY OF LIFE

OF IKARIA Translated from the revised 2nd Greek edition

o celotos PUBLISHING

iorgos D. Kallivrousis is a retired doctor. He was born in 1942 and grew up in Andros. After completing his medical studies in Austria and Switzerland, he was active professionally, exclusively in Switzerland. Initially, he worked in clinical research for a well-known pharmaceutical company in Basel, and later as a general practitioner with a private practice and as school doctor. When health problems forced him to leave his medical practice, he expanded his studies with a master’s degree in statistics, specialized in epidemiology, and founded the “Basel Institute of Biometrics and Medical Statistics.” He taught seminars on methodological research and clinical evaluation, for the pharmaceutical industry. After his retirement, he engaged in the comparative study of modern or “evidence-based” medicine along with complementary medicine, and continues to work, occasionally, as a medical advisor. He is also involved as an amateur in viticulture-winemaking and botany. He is a member of the Basel Medical Society, the Swiss Medical Association, the Basel Reading Society, and the European Biometrics Society.

AEGEAN THERAPY

TITLE

AEGEAN THERAPY TREATMENT OF ARTHRITIC CONDITIONS WITHOUT THE USE OF DRUGS AND SURGICAL PROCEDURES BASED ON THE THERMAL SPRINGS AND THE WAY OF LIFE OF IKARIA TRANSLATION FROM THE GREEK EDITION ΤΟ ΘΕΡΑΠΕΥΤΗΡΙΟ ΤΟΥ ΑΙΓΑΙΟΥ AUTHOR

Giorgos D. Kallivrousis

Translation

Athens, April 2022 ISBN 978-618-205-285-3

This publication is in copyright. Subject to statutory exception and to the provisions of relevant collective licensing agreements, no reproduction of any part may take place without the written permission of the author and of Ocelotos Publications.

Vatatzi 55, 114 73 Athens ΤEL.: +30210 6431108 E-MAIL:

ocelotos@ocelotos.gr

www.ocelotos.gr

Giorgos D. Kallivrousis

AEGEAN THERAPY TREATMENT OF ARTHRITIC CONDITIONS WITHOUT THE USE OF DRUGS AND SURGICAL PROCEDURES BASED ON THE THERMAL SPRINGS AND THE WAY OF LIFE OF IKARIA

Translated from the revised 2nd Greek edition

Written medical texts, whether in printed or electronic form can in no way replace the doctor and medical advice and guidance. Everything written in this book is exclusively the author’s opinion, which derives from his experience, knowledge, and study of the literature. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS IT MEDICAL ADVICE! The book’s purpose is, by providing information, to address, as best as possible, the mature and aware reader to help him in his collaboration with his doctor. The author and publisher state unequivocally that they have no responsibility for any consequences arising from uses other than the book’s suggested use.

—5—

In memory of Uncle Giorgo and his sister, our mother.

—7—

Contents Preface of the English Translation............................................................................................ 13 Preface................................................................................................................................................ 15 Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 19 The Pioneer: Uncle Giorgos........................................................................................................22 My Personal Adventure................................................................................................................24 Free Thoughts on Health.............................................................................................................26 A look at the secrets of the human body and at the interdependence of the organs....................................................................................................................................28 The physician and pharmacy within.......................................................................................30 My Vision...........................................................................................................................................33 Ikaria....................................................................................................................................................34 First Day at Therma Ikaria............................................................................................................36 The spa town in Therma, Ikaria yesterday, today, And the prospects for tomorrow.....39 “At publishing time”: A cry of agony....................................................................................... 42 Kariotic solution..............................................................................................................................44 «Where people forget to die.»...................................................................................................45 The so-called «Blue Zones»........................................................................................................ 47 Stories of Therapy..........................................................................................................................50 The Spirit of Ikaria..........................................................................................................................62 Ikarian recipe for longevity and vitality.................................................................................69 Thermal baths – Hydrotherapy.................................................................................................70 Hydrotherapy factors that affect different parts of the body........................................ 71 Normal, perplexing, and unusual effects of temperature and other stimuli from hydrotherapy factors.....................................................................................................72 Thalassotherapy and aerotherapy....................................................................................... 76 Exercise in the water.................................................................................................................77 The hot radon baths of Therma Ikaria....................................................................................80 The therapeutic effect of radon from hot springs............................................................80 What is radon?........................................................................................................................... 81 Prevalent perception of ionizing radiation and radiophobia....................................... 81 Therapeutic indications of radon.........................................................................................82 Side effects and related contraindications.........................................................................82 Benefits (the phenomenon of hormesis) and risks...........................................................83 Manner of radon’s action.......................................................................................................85 Clinical studies...........................................................................................................................86 «The Aegean Therapy» Proposal of a comprehensive treatment regimen for arthritic diseases beginning from Therma Ikaria..................................................................................................90 —9—

Introductory knowledge.........................................................................................................90 A Summary: Arthritis, inflammation, pain, and treatment........................................... 91 Cartilage physiology................................................................................................................92 Cartilage regeneration............................................................................................................95 Main axes of the proposed treatment regimen..............................................................100 Suppression of pain and inflammation (Pillar 1)...............................................................101 Suggested quantity and frequency of baths...................................................................103 Bathing Process.......................................................................................................................103 Alternative non - pharmacological, pain and inflammation management options ...........................................................................................................106 Anti-inflammatory diet......................................................................................................... 112 Summary conclusions from «Pillar 1»................................................................................ 116 Weight Management (Pillar 2)................................................................................................. 117 The importance of metabolism........................................................................................... 117 Adipose tissue, obesity, and the role of body fat............................................................120 Brown fat...................................................................................................................................122 The gut microbiota.................................................................................................................123 The role of insulin....................................................................................................................125 Normal weight.........................................................................................................................125 Therapeutic diet and orthodox fasting.............................................................................130 Final advice...............................................................................................................................131 Summary conclusions from «Pillar 2.»...............................................................................132 Nutrition (Pillar 3).........................................................................................................................133 Food and foodstuff? (Whole-food and food)?................................................................137 Ikarian Diet...............................................................................................................................137 Gianni’s taverna, Mrs. Ioanna and Kyriaki.......................................................................139 Daily diet in Therma...............................................................................................................140 Fasting........................................................................................................................................143 Quantity and frequency of food.........................................................................................143 «Chondroplastic» diet............................................................................................................144 Summary conclusions from «Pillar 3»................................................................................149 Movement, walking and physical activity (Pillar 4)..........................................................150 The «Streamway» of Therma...............................................................................................152 Organized therapeutic walking..........................................................................................153 Physical activity.......................................................................................................................158 Swiss prescription for movement for older people.........................................................159 Summary conclusions from «Pillar 4»................................................................................160 Physical training and targeted exercise (Pillar 5)..............................................................161 Maintaining and restoring vitality.....................................................................................164 Practicing biological vitality................................................................................................164 Exercising the muscular system...........................................................................................166 Warm-up and basic Stretching exercises .........................................................................167 Stretches....................................................................................................................................167 — 10 —

Basic stretches for the whole body.....................................................................................168 Endurance exercises...............................................................................................................170 Dancing.....................................................................................................................................171 Targeted exercises for arthritic problems.........................................................................172 For the benefit of the back....................................................................................................181 Note for the elderly and the untrained..............................................................................187 Summary conclusions from «Pillar 5»................................................................................188 Psychological support and entertainment (Pillar 6)........................................................189 Maintaining and restoring mental balance in patients with painful joint diseases............................................................................................................................189 The joy of life protects our peace of mind.........................................................................191 Meditation................................................................................................................................191 A quick way to deal with stress (about a minute)...........................................................192 Laughter as a healing agent................................................................................................192 Social consciousness and companionship.......................................................................193 Sexual activity..........................................................................................................................195 The role of religion..................................................................................................................196 The «Carpe diem» of Ikaria...................................................................................................197 Summary conclusions from «Pillar 6»................................................................................198 Epilogue...........................................................................................................................................199 Bibliography...................................................................................................................................201 APPENDIX........................................................................................................................................207 Processing of medicinal plants for indoor and outdoor applications..................... 209 Special reference to insulin resistance...............................................................................212 Orthodox fasting ....................................................................................................................213 Fasting or Lenten recipes......................................................................................................216 Fasting or Lenten recipes without oil.................................................................................217 Ikarian diet: Delicious and simple traditional recipes from the Association of Ikaria “Cavo Papa”................................................................................................................. 223 Ikarian pies (Gemostopites)..................................................................................................233 Other simple recipes for healthy eating........................................................................... 236 APPENDIX 2 As per the 2nd Greek edition..........................................................................239 The pandemic in Ikaria..........................................................................................................241 Therma Ikaria: Current situation of the spa town and future plans..........................242 The production of nothing.................................................................................................. 244 Island of the Elderly?.............................................................................................................. 246 «I walk and philosophize» (Ζάλω και φιλοσοφώ)..........................................................249 Acknowledgements....................................................................................................................251 They said about the book.........................................................................................................253

— 11 —

Preface of the English Translation

o, what do arthritic diseases, pain, nutrition, spas, exercise, and a world-renowned Blue Zone Greek Island have in common? The answer lies within this book, whose title was the first thing that intrigued me about “Aegean Therapy.” At first glance, one will quickly realize that this book seems to be about treating various arthritic conditions without resorting to drugs or surgical procedures. As we continue to read, we recognize it goes so much further. Apart from being practical, it is also a wonderful trip to the enchanting island of Ikaria. Through the eyes and first-hand experiences of the author, who is a distinguished doctor and has dealt with the effects of arthritis himself, we are taken on a journey where we discover many things. We learn a lot about our body, our health, and the importance of proper nutrition and weight management. We are introduced to thermal baths, radon, and the unique way of life of the Ikarians, who seem to have unlocked the secret of longevity. There is information on Orthodox fasting, recipes for both fasting and non-fasting dishes, targeted exercises, natural remedies, and holistic treatments. The fantastic description by the author paints vivid images of the island’s history, terrain, and inhabitants. I have not yet visited the well-known gem of the Aegean myself. However, after reading and translating this book, which is indeed a treasure for the library of any person who likes a good and well-written book, I am now very keen on visiting. I want to uncover the secrets, see the stunning grandeur of this island, meet its people, taste its food, delve into its history, explore the incredible landscapes and of course, bathe in the wondrous thermal baths! Margarita Tataki (translator)

— 13 —

Preface

ain, this unpleasant, annoying, even unbearable feeling, which some people consider a punishment from God for various sins and minor missteps, is for some religious fanatics so important that they refuse any form of treatment to relieve it. Nature, however, the mother of creation, is neither vindictive nor provides punishment. On the contrary, in its perpetual tendency to impose absolute harmony, it certainly tries to protect life and the integrity of its creations. In the context of this effort, it has utilized pain as a warning system to protect living beings from dangers lurking both in the environment and internally. So, in fact, pain predates man, and he is not the only one to feel it. In medicine, pain is one of the most important symptoms of many diseases and a valuable guide for doctors for correct diagnosis and effective treatment. In conditions of the joints, it dominates, to the point that it impedes movement and limits the quality of life of those afflicted. Especially for the elderly, it is generally one of the main factors that negatively affect their quality of life. There is a direct correlation between relief from pain, the joy of life, and human social cohesion. To avoid pain or mitigate it, people with arthritis do not move enough, so the relevant muscles atrophy and the cartilage dries out. It degenerates due to poor nutrition because the nutrients, without movement, are not transferred to the cartilage tissue. Furthermore, abnormal movement in an attempt to avoid pain puts a strain on other muscle structures, which in turn can create new pain and inflammation where it should not exist. This unpleasant condition, in the case of arthritis, leads the therapeutic thinking of the doctor to make the treatment of the pain an absolute priority before starting any other treatment. For the ancient Greeks, medicine, myth, and religion were concepts closely intertwined. Opium, known since that time, was considered a gift from the gods, and was used to fight pain in the Asclepieia (healing temples). Hippocrates was the first to equate pain with illness. In Roman times, Galen treated pain with chamomile, ivy, myrrh, celery, mustard, and opium. In medieval Arabic medicine, they treated pain with stimuli — 15 —

that caused pain elsewhere. In the 18th century, the method of magnetism and electrical stimuli against pain made an appearance. In the 19th century, radical steps were taken with morphine, chloroform, and salicylates. The wars of the 20th century created entire armies of wounded who suffered from severe pain. Medicine developed more dynamic treatment methods, and at the same time, patients demanded better analgesic care to rid themselves of pain permanently. Nowadays, the pharmaceutical industry wields the scepter in research and production of synthetic drugs, which either act purely as painkillers or by reducing inflammation also achieve pain reduction (anti-inflammatory). Without a single exception, all these drugs might present (besides the admittedly good analgesic result) side effects, which may range from light to severe and even deadly. Especially in the treatment of arthritis, where there is a need for longterm medication prescription, the risk of side effects is more significant. This is also the case for other situations where pain is incorrectly not treated as a symptom but as a separate illness. Informed patients dissociate themselves from the millions of sufferers perceived by the pharmaceutical industry’s marketing departments as ordinary «consumers.» They are earnestly looking to apply alternative, natural methods, which can help just like medicines, but with little or no side effects. These methods are not as well-known nor as popular as drugs because they do not have an immediate effect. They are usually much cheaper or even free and are not advertised as they do not offer any profit incentives. Water, both fresh and seawater, has been used since prehistoric times for the cleansing of wounds and other therapeutic applications. In the waters of various springs -usually warm- that flowed to the surface, it was discovered early on that they contained many healing properties, including an analgesic effect, especially for the pain of the joints. These springs, which are usually enriched with various elements contained within the soil, are called «hot» or «thermal.» Many of them became world-famous for their healing properties. The remarkable Roman baths and subsequent spas were created around them, and to this day, crowds of patients still flock searching for pain relief. Greece has been innately blessed with many such hot springs, which exceed a hundred in number. Among them, the thermal baths of Ikar— 16 —

ia hold a prominent position, especially for skin conditions, respiratory illnesses, and musculoskeletal problems. Due to their radon content, the three operating hot springs in Therma Ikaria are incredibly effective in combating inflammation and joint pain. This is from the countless stories told by arthritis sufferers who have found relief from pain and visit them every year and from scientific studies on the therapeutic effect radon found within hot springs has on musculoskeletal issues. Suppression of inflammation and pain relief enable the patient to begin moving normally again without fear that it will cause pain. Normal movement restores the normal conditions in the muscular system. It ensures (provided that the patient himself is properly nourished) the proper nourishment of the cartilage since it is with movement that the diffusion of the nutrients in the cartilage tissue occurs. However, it is not only the baths of Ikaria that have a healing effect on arthritis. It is also the way of life of the Ikarians. Their temperament, activeness, nutrition, diet, companionship, and almost non-existent relationship with stress classifies them among the longest living and healthiest inhabitants on Earth. For brevity, I have named all these unique features of the inhabitants of the island «The Spirit of Ikaria,» based on the rule: «Movement and diet are the dependence of life. Fun, entertainment and a good heart are the fulfillment of life». I consider «The Spirit of Ikaria» a key factor not only for longevity and wellness but also a therapeutic agent for almost all diseases. This justifies the title of the book «Aegean Therapy.» Giorgos D. Kallivroussis, Basel, December 2019

— 17 —

Introduction

obel Prize-winning German poet and writer Hermann Hesse, in his forties, an «old man» for his time, fell ill with arthritis (he lived from 1877 to 1962). Following the then established practices, he visited the wellknown Swiss spa town of «Baden» for treatment, and he continued to do so every year. He was so excited with the result of the balneotherapy that he wrote a book entitled Der Kurgast (The Spa Guest), in which he poetically and aptly describes the spa town with the surrounding atmosphere, the psyche, and the expectations of the aging arthritis sufferers making a particular reference to the spa doctor to whom he was obviously grateful. When I had a private medical practice in Basel, Switzerland, the daughter of an elderly patient gave me the book, with a note stating that the doctor Hesse describes was her father. I then read a few pages and put it aside. Today, being an «old man» myself (in reality since I am already over seventy) and with similar arthritis that Hesse had at the time, I re-read the book more carefully and finished it. The well-known Greek writer Lilika Nakou (1904-1989) also authored a novel, The Visionaries of Ikaria, in which she very vividly describes Ikaria, the Ikarians, and the beneficial thermal baths that brought her relief. With the positive experience from this place, the baths, the people, and the knowledge I gained from studying international literature about radon baths and musculoskeletal problems, I wish to offer a sample of gratitude, describing the spa town, the thermal baths, and the therapeutic effect of radon in Therma Ikaria, while submitting material from my experience and visits to the island. Nowadays, polypharmacy has become a forced syndrome. But the side effects of drugs are among the first causes of death worldwide, and insurance companies are groaning under the burden of costs for medicines and surgeries. Despite the rapid development of surgery, orthopedic operations still carry some problems and relative risks. Thus, the voices that demand more natural applications in treating many illnesses, including musculoskeletal diseases, are further increasing. Specifically, for osteoarthritis, the old mentality that it cannot be treat— 19 —

160 × 230 SPINE: 15.4 FLAPS: 70

You will learn about:

ISBN 978-618-205-285-3

Vatatzi 55 str., 114 73 Athens ΤEL.: +30210 6431108 E-MAIL: ekdoseis.ocelotos@gmail.com www.ocelotos.gr

AEGEAN THERAPY

Giorgos D. Kallivrousis

AEGEAN THERAPY G

TREATMENT OF ARTHRITIC CONDITIONS WITHOUT THE USE OF DRUGS AND SURGICAL PROCEDURES BASED ON THE THERMAL SPRINGS AND THE WAY OF LIFE

OF IKARIA Translated from the revised 2nd Greek edition

o celotos PUBLISHING