Editorial und InhaltParkhotel Igls Guest Magazine autumn/winter 2015/16

Stay healthy this winter! The healing power of heat, maintaininga healthy heart, and the link between fasting and our sense of taste

Editorial und Inhalt

Editorial & contents

Contents

Dear Guest,It's that time of year again: the days are shorter and the

nights are drawing in. Heat is particularly beneficial to

health and wellbeing during this season: the Parkhotel

Igls can offer an abundance of healing heat within our

range of treatments, including liver compresses, hay

flowers and moor heat packs, Schiele circulation baths …

and, of course, our warm cordiality. You’ll particularly

enjoy the benefits that the Finnish sauna, bio-sauna,

steam bath and infrared cabin bring when the outside

temperatures start to drop.

Also in this issue, we’d like to introduce you to Dr Norbert

Schauer, our consultant cardiologist of many years’

standing. Dr Schauer and our Medical Director Dr Peter

Gartner explain how we can contribute to maintaining a

healthy heart, and describe the effect of Modern Mayr

Medicine on the cardiovascular system. Furthermore,

we reveal the vital role played by our sense of taste,

especially in relation to fasting.

You'll find this and much more on the pages that follow.

We hope you enjoy our magazine, and look forward to

welcoming you back to the Parkhotel Igls.

With warmest regards from Igls,

Andrea Gnägi MAG

4 Maintaining a healthy heart Eating with full awareness instead

of self-denial and asceticism

12 Acquiring a taste for fasting Fasting for the senses

16 The heat of the matter Healing heat

18 The diagnostics guide Medical services under one roof

22 Back trouble Slipped discs

24 A giant among birds A visit to an ostrich farm

26 Did you know that ...

27 Offers & treatment modules overview and additional information

3

4

WHAT KEEPS OUR HEART HEALTHY:

MindfUL EATing

Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in

the Western world, particularly in North America

and Europe. Our lifestyle is the main reason

for the tremendous surge in cardiovascular diseases,

which if detected early enough are easy to treat.

Our long-standing consultant cardiologist Dr Norbert

Schauer and Medical Director Dr Peter Gartner

agree, however, that the key is prevention. Here they

discuss heart health with the ParkZeit.

5

Was das Herz gesund erhält

What is meant when we speak of cardiovascular disease?

Schauer: This is when the coronary vessels become

diseased, that is, when circulation is impaired – as can

occur in the arteries, the brain or legs for instance. It can

lead to heart attacks. Heart failure is when the heart is

unable to pump sufficiently to maintain adequate blood

flow. This is really quite common and can be triggered by

inflammation or immunological disorders.

What are the symptoms?

Schauer: Chest pain while walking coupled with sweating

and even a sensation of impending doom. The most

common symptoms of heart failure include shortness of

breath, swollen legs or discomfort when lying down.

Gartner: At the Parkhotel Igls we offer heart examinations

as part of the Super Medical Check. We use ECGs,

ergometric stress testing and echocardiography (cardiac

ultrasound) to measure cardiac performance and

determine whether further specialist examinations are

needed. It is rare for guests to come to us complaining of

symptoms, and we generally detect abnormalities during

the initial examination.

Schauer: Yes, Mayr physicians are highly sensitised.

I tend to detect very precise indications about things

such as heart murmurs. This is because, in addition

to all the technology we have at our disposal, our

guests undergo profound clinical examinations: asking

questions, listening and engaging with the individual are

basic diagnostic tools. The Parkhotel Igls doctors all like

to take plenty of time over this vital component of

patient care.

Gartner: We can offer everything under one roof, and

that’s basically our USP. Should further investigations be

needed, we can quickly organise them – thanks to our

excellent relationship with Innsbruck University Hospital

and various other clinics.

6

Maintaining a healthy heart

What are the chances of recovery?

Schauer: Heart disease can be managed very well

nowadays. More than anything else, we have become very

good at prevention, especially in terms of minimising risk

factors. These include stress, lack of exercise, high

blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and familial hyper-

cholesterolaemia, a genetic condition characterised by

higher than normal levels of LDL cholesterol. It's

impossible to say that there is a single risk factor that

causes heart attacks, but the causes exponentiate. Hence,

if I have three of these factors, my risk of contracting

cardiovascular disease is not three times higher but

ninefold. This is why we aim to bring everything into

balance.

Negative cycles are further factors that we underestimate

at our peril. For instance, when we're stressed we choose

unhealthy foods, eat too much and too late in one go,

smoke excessively, don’t take time for exercise, etc.

Similarly, when we're overweight we feel uncomfortable

in our bodies, stop enjoying our workouts, become

frustrated, and are even more inclined to eat the wrong

foods. As a result we develop hypertension, etc.

So nutrition has a major part to play?

Schauer: It has a huge part to play. I cannot emphasise

enough that there is nothing wrong with eating delicious

food as long as we adhere to certain basic principles in

order to prevent lifestyle diseases.

Gartner: A valuable insight we gain from Mayr comes

into play here. For a long time, conventional medicine

was aware of fat’s effect in the diet, but barely gave

protein a second thought. A century ago, however, Dr FX

Mayr already saw things quite differently, and today we

know that too much protein in the diet can trigger

circulatory disorders. Since the body does not excrete

proteins, it has to decompose them. What we call

'congestion' is likely to be protein diluted in water, which

is stored temporarily somewhere in the connective tissue.

This increases hydrostatic pressure in the connective

tissue and blood vessels, and hinders the supply of

oxygen to surrounding organs as well as the elimination

of toxins. Your daily steak may be as lean as lean can be,

but it certainly won't do your health much good.

Medical Director Dr Peter Gartner in conversation with consultant cardiologist Dr Norbert Schauer (right)

7

Maintaining a healthy heart

How has the medical view of risk factors changed in recent years?

Schauer: Today we know that cholesterol levels do not

change in a linear relationship with eating habits. We

inherit cholesterol levels genetically, so when a person

has a high cholesterol level from birth, the body will try to

maintain that level throughout their lifetime. The liver

is the centre of production for cholesterol, which we

need for cell wall synthesis. The less we ingest, the

more the liver synthesises – which is why the guilty con-

science we've been talked into having is unjustified.

Gartner: This is confirmed by a recent

meta-analysis, which showed that diet

can lower cholesterol by no more than

3.5%. Exercise medicine, on the other

hand, has proven to be a highly effective

method.

Schauer: We also know that drugs, i.e.

statins, are effective, and this is measu-

rable. Furthermore, the development of

vascular changes is an inflammatory

process, and statins appear to have an

anti-inflammatory effect. They act on

the vessels' inner skin, thus preventing

plaque ruptures that lead to coronaries.

Gartner: Linseed oil also has an anti-inflammatory effect

and lowers LDL cholesterol levels. The same effect is

attributed to olive oil, which is effective against cardiac

arrhythmias, lowers blood pressure, and stabilises cell

membranes.

Is there a special diet for heart health?

Gartner: We recommend eating everything because one-

sided nutrition is neither natural nor healthy. Our core

message is that the 'how' is as important as the 'what'.

People come to the Parkhotel Igls to relearn how to eat,

and restore the digestive system's functionality by proper

mastication. When you’re putting a meal together, we

advise that you fill the plate with a large serving of

vegetables, a small amount of carbohydrates and a small

piece of meat; but definitely no sauce.

What is the link between bowel function and the cardiovascular system?

Gartner: The diaphragm separates the abdomen from the

chest cavity, but all the organs in the abdominal cavity

are connected to the diaphragm and the lungs. Abdominal

content that is too heavy affects the quality of breathing.

By treating the abdomen we enable the patient to breathe

better.

Schauer: This link also means that a person with mild

coronary vasoconstriction can develop true angina with

chest pain if the stomach contents

push the heart upwards and twist it

– known as the Roemheld syndrome.

Another example is reflux. The

oesophagus runs just past the back

of the heart and passes through the

diaphragm into the stomach. If after

a stressful day you quickly gulp

down a lot of food in the evening,

the reflux in the oesophagus presses

the diaphragm apart and pushes the

left atrium. This can cause cardiac

arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation. In

addition to these direct connections

between the gut and heart problems,

there are also indirect coherences that we have yet to

fully unravel.

Gartner: Another common problem is trapped wind,

which can arise when people have a particularly 'healthy'

evening meal like a big plate of salad. The food only

travels as far as the small intestine where it stops and

begins to ferment. The resulting fermentation ethanol

damages the intestinal mucosa, and fermentation gases

can collect like a balloon on the left side of the upper

abdomen just below the heart. This pressure is caused by

flatulence, but is well known for putting the fear of God

into people who attribute these night-time attacks to

acute heart problems.

8

How do you apply exercise medicine?

Gartner: Exercise medicine is based on the findings of

medical kinesiology, and aims to increase both life

expectancy and quality of life. If the findings of a

cardiological examination indicate a lack of exercise, we

put together a programme of tailormade, moderate

aerobic exercises. These tend to surprise many of our

patients who equate exercise with hard work, but we like

them to work out at a level that ranges between 'tiring'

and 'comfortable'.

Schauer: Exercise is particularly suitable for guests who

have not yet developed target organ damage such as

a thickened heart muscle. For instance, if we identify

hypertension, we don’t recommend medicines, but

specific exercises. This is effective when the cells have

space for the formation of mitochondria and there is no

excessive accumulation of lactate. A good rule is to

exercise at a fast pace but still be able to talk.

Gartner: Yes, the mitochondria play a major role. These

are small cellular organs or organelles that supply cellular

energy. Specific exercises cause them to multiply, which

in turn leads to the ageing process being improved in

line with an individual's genetic make-up. Exercise is

the only thing that deserves to be called 'anti-ageing'.

However, many people's lifestyle makes them age faster

than their genes have provided for.

Was das Herz gesund erhält

9

How do you get people to change their lifestyle?

Gartner: Basically, we’re all lazy by nature. Expecting

someone to change 100% would be unrealistic, and

probably unhealthy too. I consider it a great success

when our guests take a few of our recommendations on

board and integrate them into their daily lives. This is

also where the psychologists at the Parkhotel Igls are

very helpful. They get together with the guests to work

out strategies to combat their 'inner couch potato'.

Schauer: For this to work you need empathy and

understanding. We all like to take it easy. I enjoy

participating in sports, and can confirm that it's perfectly

all right to be self-centred and to let your body enjoy the

benefits of exercise. It is also a good idea to find out what

people enjoy. Are they interested in meditative activities

or do they prefer the social aspects of team sports? We

can't expect a complete change of lifestyle, but maybe we

can get people to reduce their stress levels from 'full

throttle' to second gear.

Gartner: Modern Mayr Medicine demonstrates to people

that it is important to live healthily but without the need

for asceticism.

What kind of support can you provide?

Gartner: At the Parkhotel Igls, the physicians, psycho-

logists and exercise instructors take time to engage with

each individual. Many guests, for instance, come to us

with the aim of giving up smoking. This is so much easier

to achieve when you can bring in talk therapy, plenty of

exercise, and acupuncture to dampen withdrawal

symptoms.

What do your patients take away from their stay?

Schauer: Our guests really appreciate the great aftercare.

When they come here they find a host of medical check-

ups under one roof. They recognise that we carefully

consider their treatment. After all, any cardiologist worth

their salt aims to be able to detect the moment when

surgery becomes inevitable. Guests often travel from far

away for their annual follow-up because they appreciate

the quality of our medical care.

Gartner: I agree that aftercare is very important, partly

because we develop relationships with the guests. So, if

they like, we can call them a few months after their stay

to enquire about their health. This creates a relationship

of trust.

Maintaining a healthy heart

10

Consultant at the Parkhotel Igls

Dr Norbert Schauer

Dr Schauer studied medicine at

the University of Innsbruck,

completing his training in inter-

nal medicine at Innsbruck

University Hospital and Kufstein

Hospital. After training as

a cardiologist in Wels, Norbert

Schauer worked as a senior

physician with Prof Otmar

Pachinger at Innsbruck University

Hospital until 1999 when he

opened his own cardiology pra-

ctice. Flying is one of his passions.

He is a professional pilot, acts

as an Aeromedical Examiner for

the Austrian air traffic control

company Austro Control GmbH,

and holds the post of Secretary

General of the Austrian Academy

of Aerospace Medicine.

Dr Schauer is married and has

three children.

11

Auf den Geschmack gekommen

12

ACQUiRing A TASTE fOR fASTingFasting is good for our bodies, minds and souls. Humanity has learned this by

experience over many centuries, but it is also a scientifically proven fact.

There is a 'side effect' of fasting, however, to which little attention has been paid:

it is a practise that sharpens and sensitises our taste buds, thereby enhancing

our pleasure in everyday life.

Do you know the story of Gilles Demmonget? A feared

restaurant critic, he picks chefs to pieces like plucked

bouquets garnis and deflates careers like punctured

soufflés. Having lost his sense of taste after an accidental

blow to the head, he books into a fasting clinic on the

North Sea island of Sylt in an effort to regain his most

precious tool. We shall only mention in passing that this

is where he meets his nearest competitor, an obnoxious

investigative reporter, a former lover, some rather

strange fellow patients, and an attractive nutritionist.

The story's happy ending is of principal interest:

Demmonget not only finds the love of his life, but also

his sense of taste, which has become keener than ever.

This may all appear somewhat contrived, but then Gilles

Demmonget is just a fictional character in the German

movie 'Fasten à la carte'...

Nevertheless, there is some truth to this story: fasting

allows us to perceive flavours with greater intensity

and differentiation – even weeks and months after

completing a fast. This has been confirmed by a study

with two groups of subjects conducted by the

physiologist Yuriy Zverev: while one group went hungry,

the other continued eating as usual. Prior to the

experiment, all the participants had been given the

same dish to eat and generally agreed on its flavour

intensity. Afterwards, the ratings diverged significantly.

'After fasting, our sense of taste reacts much more

sensitively to sweetness and saltiness than before', is

how Zverev summarised his findings.

13

This seems obvious once you consider that the sense of

taste, like all our senses, is exposed to constant stimuli

and therefore becomes duller over time in 'self-defense'

and as an adapting mechanism. This development is

accelerated by the excessive consumption of fast

foods, alcohol, nicotine, and the flavour enhancers in

convenience foods. When these stimuli are scaled down

by reducing food intake to zero or to consciously

selected, natural foods – as in Modern Mayr cuisine –

our sense of taste is able to recover from 'overdoing' it.

At the Health Retreat Parkhotel Igls, this process

is further enhanced because our guests have taken

time out specifically to pay more attention to their

bodies, allow themselves plenty of time for meals, and,

for a while, have renounced the sensory overload of

ordinary life.

After this kind of 'culinary holiday', our guests are more

mindful of the foods they eat and more attentive to

flavours. After a fasting programme individuals can

sometimes experience that their favourite dishes have

become almost unpalatable, as they discover previously

rejected – and healthier – food options. This effect is long

lasting and can also lead to the more rapid onset of

satiety to continue for a long time.

It is no wonder then that many celebrity chefs, sommeliers

and restaurant critics indulge in regular downtime. You

can read how they fare during – and especially after –

fasting in the next issue of ParkZeit.

Fasting for the senses

14

Fasting for the senses

A matter of good taste:

Although we all have at least 2,000

taste buds, we are able to recognise

and distinguish only five flavours:

sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami

– a Japanese term that can be trans - lated as 'pleasant savoury taste'.

Scientists are still trying to establish

whether there is a sixth sense of

taste for 'fatty'.

As we grow older, our taste buds

decrease in numbers. Infants have

around 10,000 – explaining why

they can be so averse to certain

foods. By the time we are elderly

the number of taste buds has

general ly reduced to approximately

2,000 – which in turn explains

why many older people don’t enjoy

their food. However, the threshold

at which a taste is detected differs

from person to person.

If you would like to try this yourself,

add 0.5g, 1g, 2g, 3g and 4g of sugar

to five 1 litre bottles of water.

Most of us start to taste the sweet-

ness at 2g of sugar per litre.

Salt begins to be distinguishable

at 1g per litre. The perceptibility

threshold of bitter substances lies

at 4mg per litre, making sense

from an evolutionary point of view

because 'bitter' can often mean

'toxic'.

Our tip: Try this test just before and

just after your next fast – the result

will surprise you!

15

In physics, heat is simply energy in transfer due to a

temperature difference between two thermodynamic systems.

Less scientifically, however, warmth (heat) also conveys

feelings of love and security. There is much more to heat:

it also has healing properties.

The heat of the matter

16

Healing heat

It is a curious fact that while the human body perceives

body temperatures in excess of 38°C as a threat, thus

activating the immune system and increasing the release

of stress hormones, we are also aware – at least since the

discovery of fire – that heat is intrinsically bound up with

health and wellbeing.

Whether a Roman tepidarium, Native American sweat

lodge or Finnish sauna – every culture has developed its

own way of using heat to relieve pain, relax tissue,

strengthen the immune system and cleanse the body.

Over the centuries this knowledge has been endlessly

researched and developed. Nowadays, we take thermal

applications for granted, and the range of available

therapies – including at the Parkhotel Igls – is astounding.

Take, for instance, the classic liver compress: moist heat

stimulates blood flow to the liver thereby naturally

enhancing the detoxification process. Another example is

the metabolic detox bath,

which is wonderfully re-

laxing in the cold season

and rids the body of waste

products as well as other

harmful substances. Equally

effective are Schiele circu-

lation baths. During these soothing footbaths the water

temperature is gradually increased from 35°C to 45°C.

This significantly improves blood flow to the skin as well

as several internal organs, and supports the digestive

system's regeneration.

Heat can be just as effective without water, as

substantiated by our hay flowers and moor heat packs:

the heated moor mud contains anti-inflammatory and

analgesic ingredients that relieve the symptoms of

arthritis and chronic joint diseases, and the hot bag of

hay has a detoxifying effect when placed on the area of

the gallbladder, liver and intestine.

Additional 'heat sources' available to guests at the

Parkhotel Igls include a Finnish sauna, bio-sauna, steam

room and infrared cabins – some rooms have their own

infrared cabins too. As much as they differ with respect

to temperature, humidity and application time, they all

work on similar principles: heating the body activates the

immune system and increases pathogen-deflecting

leukocytes in the blood. In addition, perspiration

strengthens the heart and circulation because

stimulating the metabolism

and thermally inducing

dilation of the capillaries

leads to increased blood

flow. This 'forces' the heart to

work a little harder, which

gives it a gentle workout.

In addition, saunas, steam baths and other heat sources

improve muscle elasticity, provide relief from tension,

and are beneficial when mobility is reduced. Plenty of

good reasons for some healing heat – especially after a

long walk in the cool autumnal air.

Speaking of 'healing', heat also has a significant effect on

our emotional state. Psychologist Chen-Bo Zhong from

the University of Toronto conducted an experiment in

which students were asked to remember a situation

when they had felt isolated and marginalised. These

students experienced the ambient temperature as two

degrees lower than the participants who envisioned a

positive social experience in the same environment.

'Cold-hearted egomaniac' and 'warm-hearted philan-

thrope'? Clearly, these metaphors are more than just

empty phrases.

Or, as the Austrian writer Ernst Ferstl put it, 'Human

warmth is and remains our most effective energy source'.

Food for thought as you relax by our open fire with a nice

hot cup of tea ...

There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won't cure, but I don't know many of them. Sylvia Plath, american writer, 1932–1963

17

THE DIAGNOSTICSGUIDEMedical services under one roof

18

Diagnostics

Medical diagnostic methods carried out at the Parkhotel Igls:

HHydrogen breath test

This test allows us to diagnose

lactose, fructose and sorbitol

malabsorption. The method

is painless but takes time – you

should expect such a test to

take around two hours.

LLaboratory blood testing

A tiny jab that gives us a great deal of

valuable information: a single 4ml

syringe of blood is sufficient for up to

40 different clinical tests. The lab

will test either the blood serum, blood

plasma or the whole blood, depend -

ing on requirements.

MMedical history

Knowledge of a guest’s medical

history is vital before any treatment

can be recommended. During

consultation with a physician we find

out about any current

complaints, specific predispositions

and genetic risk factors you

may have. Your medical history

and analysing your personal

lifestyle and circumstances are

important components of

this process.

Mobility & strength check

An assessment of your musculo-

skeletal system as a whole

is important to correct errors

in your learned movement patterns

and avoid one-sided overloading.

We strongly recommend that active

sportspersons, as well as anyone

starting out or returning to sport and

exercise, has the mobility &

strength check.

Muscle function test

Like the mobility & strength check,

the muscle function test forms

part of our physiotherapeutic

diagnostic procedures. Its aim is

to identify muscle imbalances

at an early stage in order to

counteract them by preventive

measures.

OOral glucose tolerance test

This test determines how well

the body processes glucose.

A baseline blood sample is drawn,

and the individual is given a dextrose

solution to drink. Further blood is

then drawn for measurement at

intervals to screen for diabetes and

diabetes precursors.

SSpirometry

The aim of spirometry is to detect

lung and respiratory diseases

as early as possible and to check

the effectiveness of therapies already

being applied. The individual breathes

in and out of the spirometer's

mouthpiece and follows a set of

instructions.

UUrea breath test

To test for Helicobacter pylori

bacteria, the individual is

given a test solution mixed with a

small quantity of urea to drink.

If there is an infection, the urease

enzyme splits the urea and

easily detectable, non-radioactive

carbon isotope 13C, which is

also contained in the test solution,

is exhaled.

Urinalysis

A urinalysis can provide indication of

possible urinary tract infections,

chronic kidney inflammations,

tumour diseases, and diabetes.

19

Diagnostics

Medical diagnostic methods carried out by external consultants at the Parkhotel Igls:

CCardiac investigations

Our standard heart-related diagnostic

procedures include ECGs, exercise

ECGs and echocardiography (cardiac

ultrasound test). ECGs represent

the heart's activity as curves.

Changes in these curves can provide

the examining physician with

evidence of problems such as heart

attacks, myocardial inflammation,

atrial fibrillation, and diseases of

the coronary vessels. During exercise

ECG tests, these values are measured

while the individual undergoes

additional physical exertion on a

treadmill or exercise bike.

Echocardiograms are sonograms

of the heart and also show the thick-

ness of ventricle and atrium walls,

heart valve structure and the heart's

pumping capacity.

DDermatological testing

A dermoscopy is a thorough visual

examination to check moles,

birthmarks and other skin lesions,

and is helpful in distinguishing

between benign and malign lesions.

EENT examination

Key ENT diagnostic methods include

nasal and laryngeal function tests,

allergy tests, hearing and balance

tests, and imaging investigations such

as ultrasound tests and X-rays.

Eye examination

Ocular tonometry is a procedure

performed to measure intraocular

pressure and is chiefly used

in evaluating patients who are at

risk of developing glaucoma.

This is when the balance between

the production and drainage

of aqueous humour is disturbed.

The aqueous humour builds up,

causing an increase in intraocular

pressure and thus can lead

to optic nerve damage and even

blindness.

UUltrasonography

Of all diagnostic procedures,

ultrasound testing is by far the

gentlest method, as it involves

no X-rays. Furthermore, recent

developments in 3D tissue

imaging and the excellent image

resolution that is achievable nowa-

days enable us to detect even

the slightest suspect tissue change

in areas such as the prostate,

bladder or breast. We also use

ultrasound examinations for the

abdominal organs, joints and

blood vessels that supply the brain.

Urological examination and

andrology consultation

Because men's health is a major

priority at the Parkhotel Igls we

have developed a special diagnostic

module, which includes male

hormone screening and an andro-

logy consultation, as well as a

muscle function test, ultrasound test,

ECG and cardiogram.

VVascular investigations

In addition to checking the pulse

manually and listening to blood

vessels with a stethoscope, blood

vessels can also be tested with

injected contrast agents, peripheral

venous pressure measurements,

Doppler sonography, duplex ultra-

sound and a treadmill ergometer test.

Your doctor can advise which is the

most sensible diagnostic tool for you.

20

Diagnostics

External diagnostic procedures:

– X-rays

– CT scans

– MRI scans

– Examination by respiratory

consultant

– Sleep diagnostics

– Gastroscopy

– Colonoscopy

Where necessary, complementary therapies and less common conven-tional medical interventions can also be made available:

BBioimpedance measurement

Bioimpedance measurement allows

us to determine the proportion

of water, fat and muscle mass in the

body. A small, harmless, electric

current is passed through the body

and the opposition to the flow in

different tissue types is measured.

The results can then be used to

calculate the body fat to weight ratio.

FFood allergy blood testing for

type III hypersensitivity

Type III sensitivity refers to delayed

allergic reactions – usually 6–12

hours after contact with allergens –

that often express themselves in

inflammations that are atypical for

allergies. Our test is particularly

effective in detecting these kinds

of allergies.

KKinesiology testing

Hippocrates was able to diagnose

neurological injuries with kinesiology

muscle testing! This method is

based on the assumption that any

type of physical or mental stress also

affects the muscles and can be

measured via direct muscle resistance.

LLive blood analysis

Live blood analysis is the use of

dark field microscopy to observe live

blood cells and requires a drop

of blood to be analysed immediately

after it has been taken from the

individual. The aim of this

investigation is to detect and treat

degenerative tendencies in the

blood that may be early warning

signs that all is not well. This

technique is particularly effective

for revealing overacidification,

excessive amounts of protein, dehy-

dration and variations in blood flow.

OOxidative stress measurement

The tiny particles in blood that

are responsible for the ageing process

by attacking and damaging the

body's cells are known as free radicals.

The formation of free radicals is

encouraged by UV radiation

and ozone, but also by poor nutrition

as well as alcohol and nicotine

consumption. We offer oxidative stress

measurement to determine the

level of free radicals in an individual's

blood and, where appropriate,

reduce it with the help of vitamins,

minerals and other antioxidants.

21

Back trouble

The golf ball had landed exactly where she wanted it to

be – a storybook shot. However, her joy was soon eclipsed

by the terrible pain in her back, and the doctor confirmed

that she had suffered a slipped (or herniated) disc. The

lower spine and the neck are the areas most susceptible

to painful disc problems, and the vertebrae's 'shock

absorbers' in the thoracic area can also herniate,

although this is less common.

Two out of three are affectedBack pain is no stranger to the Austrian population. Two

out of three suffer from back pain at least once in their

lives. This pattern is repeated in many other countries,

which is why back pain is often referred to as a 'pandemic'.

Contrary to popular belief, however, the intervertebral

discs are not always the culprits when it comes to

acute back pain. Yet when they are, a simple movement

that puts stress on the spine – as in the golfing example

above – can trigger the pain.

As the back's central retaining and mobilising tool, the

human spine needs to be highly resilient and able to

withstand a great deal of pressure to enable it to support

a significant amount of the body's weight.

The spine also allows the trunk to twist and move. There

are 23 intervertebral discs in the human spine. Similar to

liquid-filled cushions, they provide mobility to the

vertebrae and act as shock absorbers. As we age, these

shock absorbers wear down, and the fibrous ring that

surrounds each disc can become brittle. If this ring tears,

it releases its gel-like centre, the nucleus pulposus, into the

surrounding tissue. This is what is meant by a slipped disc.

Intervertebral discs

are like liquid-filled

cushions that allow

flexibility and act like

shock absorbers.

The annulus fibrosus.

If this ring tears, it releases

its gel-like centre, the

nucleus pulposus, into the

surrounding tissue.

This is what is meant

by a slipped disc.

Nucleus pulposus

Racked with pain and bent double, she dragged herself to her car.

Three minutes earlier, all had been well: blue sky, lovely surroundings,

and great company on the driving range. Then the slipped disc

happened – just like that. When this happens, getting pain relief is

the first priority, and this is where neural therapy is known

to be highly effective.

22

Back trouble'This is not an unusual event. In fact, it's a typical sign of

wear, which is detectable in almost everyone over thirty.

That isn’t what causes the pain. When the leaked nucleus

pulposus puts pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve –

that’s when pain ensues and it can be excruciating’, says

Dr Martin Winkler. The erstwhile and long-time Medical

Director of the Parkhotel Igls is a sought-after specialist

in the field of neural therapy, and in four decades of

medical practice he has seen a great deal of pain.

Dr Winkler has also freed more than 4,000 patients from

pain with the help of neural therapy. Back pain sufferers

still make the pilgrimage to Igls to see him because, as

the physician confirms, neural therapy is successful in 90

percent of cases. Obviously, the primary attraction of the

Parkhotel Igls is the fasting and digestive cleansing, but

Dr Winkler adds, ‘When we take their medical history,

many guests tell us that they suffer twinges in the spinal

area. This happens with around 65 percent of our guests,

so that is why we offer many diagnostic and therapeutic

options for back pain.'

Finding the seat of the painAfter a thorough clinical examination, a neural therapist

dealing with acute lower back pain is primarily concerned

with three things: localising the pain, relieving the pain,

and restoring the patient's mobility. In cases of acute

herniated discs patients are often unable even to lie

down without pain. 'Anyone who has ever experienced

severe back pain is able to tell you a thing or two about it.

It doesn't matter whether the cause is lumbago, a chronic

rheumatic disease, or a slipped or bulging disc', says

Dr Winkler. 'At the Parkhotel Igls every diagnostic option

is pursued to get to the bottom of the pain and, if

necessary, we will even resort to an MRI scan.'

What to do in an emergencyShould you see a physiotherapist, sit it out, go to an

orthopaedic specialist, a radiologist, or have infiltration

treatment? There are so many options, and back pain

sufferers tend to be bombarded with advice from friends

and relatives. If there is evidence of severe nerve

compression, or if symptoms are very severe, surgery

might have to be considered. The specialist advises that,

'Pain, however severe, is always a warning sign. This is

why it is so vital to find the cause, and a specialist should

be consulted as quickly as possible’. Fast pain relief and

anti-inflammatory treatments are the absolute priority in

acute cases, and this is where Dr Winkler has found

neural therapy extremely effective.

Neural therapy at the Parkhotel Igls Neural therapy is a combination of trigger point

treatment, mesotherapy and intracutaneous

injections. Trigger points are palpable nodules in

taut bands of muscle fibres. They are sensitive

to pressure and can cause local or radiating pain.

To manage persistent muscle tension, pressure

is applied to these points until the pain subsides.

Mesotherapy is a gentle naturopathic therapy

during which natural active ingredients

are incorporated into the skin layer by means

of superficial microinjections using very fine

needles. Intracutaneous injections are analgesic

injections directly under the skin above the

affected part of the spine.

Dr Martin Winkler, specialist in neural therapy at the Parkhotel Igls

Slipped discs

23

A giAnT AMOng BiRdS

A visit to an ostrich farm

'The ostriches seemed to be curious,

and came up to the fence to

nudge us with their beaks', recalls

a member of the Parkhotel Igls

kitchen brigade following a visit to

the Vötsch ostrich farm in Styria.

The ostriches were clearly trying to

'get a feel' of their visitors. Chef

Markus Sorg and team visited the

farm to confirm that these

grand animals are kept in species-

appropriate conditions – vital

for producing prime quality meat.

Ostrich meat is super-healthy,

and of course has pride of place on

the Parkhotel Igls menu. We also

feel that minimising food miles is

extremely important, so only

Austrian reared ostrich meat is used

at Parkhotel Igls. European

demand for ostrich meat rocketed

following the outbreak of the

dreaded 'mad cow disease' and since

then many of us have learned to

appreciate its qualities.

More than 100 ostriches are

kept at the Styrian family farm in

Mooskirchen that supplies the

Parkhotel Igls. The birds have adapted

to our climate and are clearly

very happy. Their primary diet of

plants and seeds is appropriate

for the species, and they also have

a generous outdoor area to run

in. In addition the Styrian ostrich

meat contains no antibiotics.

Its aromatic flavour is most like beef,

although nutritionally the meat

is similar to other poultry. In Europe,

ostrich meat was not 'discovered'

until the 1980s, although apparently

Hildegard von Bingen appreciated

its healthy properties way back in the

12th century. It is low in fat, chole-

sterol, sodium, and saturated

fatty acids, but high in iron, protein

and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

The ostrich has always been prized

for its meat, feathers, eggs and

leather, as is evidenced by ancient

Egyptian images of ostrich husbandry.

During the 18th century, ostrich

feathers were used to decorate the

hats of fashionable European ladies.

Ruthlessly hunted by man, the bird

was becoming fairly rare when

ostrich farming began, and without

domestication and farming the

ostrich would now be extinct.

Originally from the Steppes of Central

Asia, the majestic birds spread to the

countries of the Mediterranean

and then to Africa. They are able to

survive long periods of drought

and can travel across deserts because

all their fluid requirements are

met by their food, and they do not

need additional water.

The ostrich – a relative of the smaller

Australian emu – is the largest

bird on earth, weighing up to 150kg,

and can live for up to 70 years.

It is unable to fly, but thanks to its

powerful legs it can reach speeds

24

Chef Markus Sorgin conversation at the Vötsch ostrich farm

of up to 70km per hour, and is able

to maintain a constant speed

of 50km per hour for around half an

hour. The animals are easily startled

and will run from any perceived

threat. They prefer open landscapes

where they can keep watch for

predators, and are able to discern

movements at distances of up to

3.5 kilometres. The animals mostly

live in loose groups or form a

harem during the breeding season.

There are clear hierarchies

within groups, and disputes about

rank rarely lead to fights since

warning sounds and behaviour usually

suffice. Males, distinguishable

by their black plumage, can sound

a bit like roaring lions and are

particularly belligerent during the

breeding season. Males and

their 'major hens' cooperate in raising

chicks. When threatened they

can cause serious injury and death

with kicks from their powerful

legs. Their sharp claws are powerful

weapons, and the force of their

massive bodies is enough to floor a

man. It is advisable, therefore,

to treat these extraordinary animals

with great care and respect.

Styrian ostrich meat salad with mushroomsServes 2 as a starter

Ingredients:

160g ostrich steak

80g fennel

80g root parsley including leaves

80g radishes

80g wild mushrooms in season (e.g. chanterelles,

button, oyster and porcini mushrooms)

Zest & juice of 1 lime

Pumpkin seed oil

Maple syrup

1–2 tbsp grated horseradish

Rapeseed oil for frying

Salt & pepper

To prepare: Cut vegetables and meat into

elongated, bite-size pieces and heat the pan

without adding any oil to it. Place the

meat in the hot pan until it begins to detach

from the pan. Add a dash of oil and briefly

fry the meat on all sides, then remove from the

pan. Heat the root parsley, fennel and

radishes in the frying juices. Add a splash

of oil and toss over medium heat. Reduce

the heat further, add the mushrooms, and fry

gently for 2–3 minutes. Season with salt

& pepper. As soon as the mushrooms release

their essential oils and juices, switch off

the hob and stir in the meat as well as approx-

imately 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and

the freshly grated lime zest. Mix in the lime

juice and 2 tablespoons of pumpkin seed

oil and garnish with fresh parsley.

ImprintResponsible for content:Gesundheitszentrum Igls GmbH,Igler Str. 51, 6080 Innsbruck-IglsTel +43 512 377 305Fax +43 512 379 225info@parkhotel-igls.atwww.parkhotel-igls.at

Concept and design Studio Roth&Maerchy, Zürich

Editorial Andrea Gnägi MAG, Dr Peter Gartner,Claudia Reichenberger, Michael Weiss, JörgBertram, Helene Forcher MAG, Dr NorbertSchauer, Ingrid Striednig, Markus Sorg

Photography/IllustrationsJack Coble, Ingrid Striednig, Markus Sorg,Monica Maerchy, Klaus Defner, Fred Einkemmer

Copy editing Erika Krammer-Riedl, Mattsee

Circulation 2,500© September 2015Printed on Cyclus Print100% recycled fibres in compliance withBlue Angel ecolabel – RAL UZ-14

... people today spend up to 90% of their day indoors? This is a cause of chronic light deficiency and disrupts the body clock. Depending on the weather and the phases of the moon, outdoor illuminance fluctuates between 10,000 and 100,000 lux. However, the codes and regulations for office lighting require only 500 lux at computer work-stations, which is equivalent to the light levels at sunrise or sunset.

... the skin becomes hypersensitive

during the detoxification process?

Skin is one of the channels through

which purification,

deacidification and the evacuation

of toxic substances occurs.

... inflammations of the gastro-

intestinal tract can lead to inflamed

connective tissue in the vascular

system and muscles? The health and

functionality of the musculo-

skeletal system is closely linked to

a healthy digestive tract. fX Mayr

understood this.

... stress and anxiety can manifest

as muscle tension, energy blockages

and chronic pain? Specialised

treatments such as craniosacral

therapy provide valuable assistance

in releasing blockages and restoring

mobility, while also supporting

a general process of regeneration.

... two thirds of our 'civil-isation syndromes' are down to lifestyle? So why not make the change from an unhealthy routine to a healthy way of life?

Did you know that…

... rest days as well as intensity are

required for efficient endurance

training? This is how the beneficial,

health-promoting effects of exercising

come into play.

Did you know that...

Offers & treatment modules overview

Therapeutic modules

THE BASiC PROgRAMME € 896

Forms the basis of our treatment service and is

an integral part of every treatment module

MAYR CLASSiC € 1,149

Get to know Modern Mayr Medicine

MAYR inTEnSiVE € 1,528

For a thorough detox and optimal health results

MAYR dE-STRESS € 1,729

Slow down and restore your energy flow

MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM € 1,520

Treatment of back disorders, restores mobility

HEART & CiRCULATiOn € 1,632

Positive effect on risk factors such as stress,

excess weight and high blood pressure

METABOLiSM & dETOX € 1,730

For food intolerances, allergies, burnout and

sleep disorders

Special offer

dETOX On THE RUn € 1,434

Special offer

KYBUn®@MAYR € 1,327

Special offer

MOdERn MAYR MEdiCAL CHECK € 3,567

diagnostic module

SUPER MEdiCAL CHECK € 2,067

diagnostic module

MEn'S MEdiCAL CHECK € 2,431

diagnostic module

PREVEnTATiVE ULTRASOUnd € 998

Prices are per person per week and exclude room rates.Prices for additional weeks on request.Prices and services valid from 27 Dec 2015 to 18 Dec 2016

Accommodation rates

Single rooms € 151 – 340

Double rooms* € 146 – 246

Suites* € 269 – 386

Parkhotel Suite (for up to 5 people) € 1,170

Prices are per night per person; treatments are not included.*For single occupancy on request.Discounts: 5% for stays of 2 weeks

10% for stays of 3 weeks or more

Closed for refurbishments

The Parkhotel Igls will be closed for remodelling and renovation

between 13 and 26 December 2015. However, you will be able

to contact us by telephone. We will reopen on 27 December, and

look forward to welcoming you.

27

Parkhotel Igls | Health is Central | Igler Strasse 51 | 6080 Innsbruck-Igls | AustriaTel +43 512 377 305 | Fax +43 512 379 225 | info@parkhotel-igls.at | www.parkhotel-igls.at

Treatment moduleMayr De-Stress

The Basic Programme*

2 craniosacral therapy (50 mins each)

2 talk therapy/coaching sessions (50 mins each)

4 combination heat packs (hay flowers and moor)

4 partial body massages – primarily acupressure &

connective tissue massages (25 mins each)

€1,729 for 1 week, each additional week €1,626,

Price applicable from 27 Dec 2015,

excludes accommodation

*The Basic Programme

Medical services

– Initial examination – integrated health check (30 mins)

– 1 medical examination – manual abdominal treatment

(20 mins)

– Concluding examination (30 mins)

Basic services

– Daily Kneipp treatments

(leg, arm or seated contrast baths)

– Personal Modern Mayr cuisine diet plan

– Mineral water, herbal tea and base broth

– Group exercise sessions, active and passive

anti-stress exercises (relaxation),

lifestyle management and mental coaching

– Lectures

– Use of swimming pool, sauna and panoramic gym

Slow down, decelerate & de-stress'More haste, less speed' is an ancient proverb, but only

now are we realising that slowing down and finding

effective strategies to counterbalance the overload in

our working and personal lives is vital for wellbeing.

At the Parkhotel Igls we developed the Mayr De-Stress

treatment module to address precisely this issue.

With the help of coaching sessions, relaxation exercises

and soothing treatments you’ll learn how to deal

with everyday life with less stress and use your skills

more efficiently and effectively.