[Nancy]

Hi Janet,

The Ginger Compress is a wonderful home remedy for many problems. First and foremost the Ginger Compress increases circulation. Thus, it is very good for those beginning macrobiotics, particularly on the trunk from pelvis to chest. This compress increases circulation and healing to all the internal organs. It softens the hard fat and tissue that accumulates from overconsumption of animal foods, particularly troublesome in middle age when so many develop a stout stomach. Many turn to macrobiotics as a aid to combat degenerative diseases like Diabetes II, high blood pressure and arterial disease due to saturated fat consumption, etc. At this stage, often the digestive system has ceased to work properly. The intestinal villa atrophy and do not do their intended job of nutrient absorption or help ease of digestion and peristaltic movement. The Ginger Compress reconditions the digestive system towards health and better circulation. It also reconditions all the other internal organs.

To answer your questions:

1. If doing the Ginger Compress by yourself, --yes, the hot towel will cool and need to be replaced. It is recommended that the compress water is as hot as you can stand it, but short of boiling. It is recommended to use rubber gloves to wring out the hot towels, so as not to have them too hot to the touch on your hands. When the skin of the stomach is pink, you will be getting optimal circulation and effectiveness. With individuals in the condition mentioned above, often it takes quite some time for the skin to turn pink (20 minutes). It is recommended to used the compresses for 30 minutes, that is usually enough. The more adept one is at the compress routine, the deeper the relaxation that is achieved. The very best way to do this is have a partner apply the compresses, then return the favor. It also works doing compresses singly, but --do work out a way to avoid jumping up and down or walking from room to room. Some do the compress right in the kitchen, with the ginger water on the stove. It works to set up a chaise or cot. Others, do the compress in bed with a single portable hot burner set up on a bedside table. Always be careful of water and burner and observe safety precautions. A very hot application with towels on top to insulate (or even a blanket) is the way to go. Relax while the compress is applied. Very deep relaxation to the cellular level can be achieved, even while doing the compress singly and arising to change towels.

2. The reason Ginger Compress are not recommended to be applied to cancer is that they increase circulation. Ginger is expansive and yin, --most cancers are expansive and caused by an excess of yin (excess acids/sugars/chemicals). The general rule is that a Ginger Compress not be applied to a TUMOR longer than 5 minutes to start initial circulation of the area, then another compress that aids the tumor in releasing toxins towards the surface should be applied (Chlorophyll Plaster, Albi Plaster (Taro Potato), etc.) If very worried about the possibility of any internal cancerous tumors, a scan is recommended. If intuitively feeling okay about one's body, then the choice of doing a Ginger Compress routine or not, is up to the individual. Usually the most stipulated case, is that the Ginger Compress is not applied directly to breast tumors (other than the first 5 minutes described above), as there is a possiblity of enhancing fast growing, inflammatory breast cancer. (Note: A Ginger Compress longer than 30 minutes, anywhere on the body, is excessive.)

3. Ginger Compresses done on the stomach would not adversely affect breast feeding. Ginger Compresses done in the aftermath of pregnancy (after birth) would be helpful in reconditioning the organs, tightening the womb and stomach muscles, and healing tissue stretched during childbirth.

Several sources cite the use of Ginger Compresses. Most all of Aveline and Michio Kushi's remedy and healing books do, among many others.

It is often an excellent natural treatment for arthritis, whether applied directly with compresses to stiff and arthritic areas of the body, or a Ginger Bath for hands or feet, or a Complete Body Ginger Tub Bath -- very fragrant, healing, soothing, and relaxing.

Nancy