Tea, an aromatic healthy drink which is considered to be one of the most popular beverages consumed all over the world, basically prepared from the leaves of a shrub named Camellia sinensis.
Tea contains flavonoids, minerals and trace elements that are very essential in promoting overall wellness to human body.
There are four major types of teas offering hundred benefits to all different races all over the world namely oolong, green, black and white tea.All of which can be made from the same bushes yet undergo different processes.
People can gain a lot of health benefits from drinking tea, which have been tested and proven for thousands of years.
Tea serves as an immune system booster, facilitates in antioxidative activities and functions as protective agents of the body against a variety of cancers including lung, prostate and breast cancers as well as helping to reduce high blood cholesterol levels.
Among the four categories of tea, the black tea is far eminent for its stronger flavour, enriched with more caffeine as it is more oxidized compared to its other counterparts. Black tea retains its flavour for several years making it suitable for trade and long shipments.
A recent investigation on the effects of black tea consumption on ovarian cancer risk showed a very remarkable result among patients.
A case-control study which included 414 women with primary epithelial ovarian cancer and 868 women with non-neoplastic conditions revealed that those women with a usual consumption of at least two cups a day experienced a 30% decline in ovarian cancer risk.
Black tea may help prevent stomach, prostate, and breast cancer. The chemical compound called TF-2 found in black tea may slow down cancer growth as it causes cancer cells to “commit suicide” while normal cells remain unaffected.
When normal cells were exposed to the TF-2 compound, there was no reaction noted but when cancer cells were exposed, a sudden process called “apoptosis programmed cell death” took place where these cancer cells were immediately destroyed. The antioxidant compound TF-2 can also help prevent and treat inflammation as well.
Black tea can also help prevent heart attack and stroke by saving arteries. In addition to that, black tea helps prevent tooth decay for the fluorine it contains, acts as a very effective arthritis soother, and may help burn excessive fat in the body.
It is truly great that in regular drinking of tea, one can find great healing and miracle poured into little tea cups.
Se afișează postările cu eticheta herbs. Afișați toate postările
Se afișează postările cu eticheta herbs. Afișați toate postările
joi, 11 februarie 2010
5 Alternatives To Conventional Medications To Keep Your Blood Pressure In Check
Here are a few holistic methods to keep one’s blood pressure in check:
1.Eat healthy, keep weight in check: This one is a no bariner that can be recommended for pretty much any ailment!
2.Beat that Stress: Learn relaxation techniques such as Yoga, meditation, massage, music therapy, which could all be useful.
3.Magnet therapy: Copper and iron bracelets have been seen to keep BP in check and there are no known side effects.
4.Chiropractic treatment or Acupuncture: While the former can help restore body balance, the latter can help to ease the strain that is being put on the heart. They are both helpful in controlling stress as well.
5.Vitamins and herbs: Calcium, potassium and magnesium are available in supplement form, however increasing the proportion of fresh fruit and veggies in the diet can also help a great deal.
1.Eat healthy, keep weight in check: This one is a no bariner that can be recommended for pretty much any ailment!
2.Beat that Stress: Learn relaxation techniques such as Yoga, meditation, massage, music therapy, which could all be useful.
3.Magnet therapy: Copper and iron bracelets have been seen to keep BP in check and there are no known side effects.
4.Chiropractic treatment or Acupuncture: While the former can help restore body balance, the latter can help to ease the strain that is being put on the heart. They are both helpful in controlling stress as well.
5.Vitamins and herbs: Calcium, potassium and magnesium are available in supplement form, however increasing the proportion of fresh fruit and veggies in the diet can also help a great deal.
vineri, 5 februarie 2010
Moxibustion In Chinese Traditional Medicine
Moxibustion is the Traditional Chinese Medicine practice of burning herbs on or near specific points of the body to produce a particular effect.
In the spirit of full disclosure, there is no basis in western medicine for the functionality of moxibustion.
There are, however, about 3000 years of practice spread across the whole of Asia, not just China, to show that process is effective.
In fact, the western word for moxibustion is more associated with the Japanese than Chinese language. And the practice is common in the medical systems of Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Tibet, and Mongolia as well as China.
The herb most often used during moxibustion is mugwort. It is generally placed either directly on the patient’s skin, on top of a piece of ginger placed directly on the patient’s skin, or the herb is held above the skin on an acupuncture needle.
The points or meridians where the herbs are burnt are very specific. As with most facets of these traditional systems, this should only be done by an experienced practitioner.
The basic theory is that the moxa (as the mugwort is called) warms these points and promotes circulation of both blood and qi, which is the subtle energy that is a pillar of these types of traditional medicine practices.
Historians believe that moxibustion predates acupuncture, and that the use of needles supplemented moxa in or around the second century B.C.
Moxibustion is considered useful therapy for many diseases and conditions such as migraines, arthritis, tendonitis, and is also useful for turning a breech baby.
joi, 4 februarie 2010
Herbal Meds – Don’t Mix Them With Heart Medications
There is a valuable shift in popular perception towards alternative medication with more and more physicians using them as a principal or supplementary treatment for a number of disorders and treatments.
This brings us closer to natural medication which is free from side effects.
However, the entrenchment of western medicine is not to be underestimated and as such it is important not to mix certain herbal medications with a number of main stream medications. Arshad Jahangir, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Consultant Cardiologist, Mayo Clinic Arizona has opined that poplar herbal meds such as Ginkgo and St John’s Wort and garlic do not make a safe mix with cardiovascular medications.
He expressed concern that since herbal medications are natural people often do not consider their negative repercussion when taking in conjunction with western medications and people often don’t tell their doctors when they are taking herbal supplements. It is advisable that:
Health care workers familiarize themselves with the effect of combinations of herbal and conventional medications and
Patients disclose to their physicians any and all medication they are on.
This brings us closer to natural medication which is free from side effects.
However, the entrenchment of western medicine is not to be underestimated and as such it is important not to mix certain herbal medications with a number of main stream medications. Arshad Jahangir, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Consultant Cardiologist, Mayo Clinic Arizona has opined that poplar herbal meds such as Ginkgo and St John’s Wort and garlic do not make a safe mix with cardiovascular medications.
He expressed concern that since herbal medications are natural people often do not consider their negative repercussion when taking in conjunction with western medications and people often don’t tell their doctors when they are taking herbal supplements. It is advisable that:
Health care workers familiarize themselves with the effect of combinations of herbal and conventional medications and
Patients disclose to their physicians any and all medication they are on.
miercuri, 3 februarie 2010
6 Odd Ways To Kill A Cold
Winter comes with snow, wind and a green, gluey leakage. To prevent this leakage, the immune system must be strong and the will to kill it soon must be present.
There are proper ways for protection: consuming healthy foods and beverages is probably the most efficient way followed by having certain amount of vitamins and minerals each day.
However, there are some extraordinary ways to help people kill the cold, too.
The first way is not to blow the nose. It is said that the more blow causes more mucus to run into the sinuses.[sinus infection]
Recent researches show that this situation happens every time after blowing the nose. The best method to prevent is to stay unstuffed and blow only one nostril each time gently.
To prevent from blowing, a spoon of sea-salt can be added and mixed into a glass of water. Then sniffing some of this mix will let the mucus flow gently through the nostrils without any help of blowing.
One other odd solution is to use a sauna. A research showed that using sauna can relieve cold symptoms. “Baking the cold” method will show its results by also reducing recurrence. This method can be easily used with hot water at home.In a deep and wide pot, pour the hot water. Then close the face up to the pot with a towel on it and breathe the steam deeply. The water can be more aromatic and relaxed with a few lavender or mint. This process opens the sinuses and helps to “bake” the cold.
As a common thought, exercising can cause the cold to be killed. The more exercise means a more strong immune system which results with a low percentage of catching a cold.
Also studies show that flu has the capacity to spread faster and more effectively in dry air. Staying in places where humidity is higher or avoiding the dry-aired places, viruses cannot easily approach to the body.
Along with eating well and exercising regularly, sleeping is an important factor for helping the body to destroy a cold.
Researchers found out that sleeping less than 6 or 7 hours may tend to catch a cold three times more than sleeping 8 hours and more. So the right way is to hibernate and sleep it off.
The last odd way to kill cold is to put on more jackets and blankets to prevent cold air.
People who wear more are less likely to be cold, thus searching inside the wardrobe and putting out the warmest clothes becomes necessary. Sweating off a cold is sure to kill it. The example of the Indian shamans is ancient but quite effective.
In conclusion, these odd but beneficial ways help people fight the cold. In order to shine like a star throughout the winter, these ways are worth to try.
There are proper ways for protection: consuming healthy foods and beverages is probably the most efficient way followed by having certain amount of vitamins and minerals each day.
However, there are some extraordinary ways to help people kill the cold, too.
The first way is not to blow the nose. It is said that the more blow causes more mucus to run into the sinuses.[sinus infection]
Recent researches show that this situation happens every time after blowing the nose. The best method to prevent is to stay unstuffed and blow only one nostril each time gently.
To prevent from blowing, a spoon of sea-salt can be added and mixed into a glass of water. Then sniffing some of this mix will let the mucus flow gently through the nostrils without any help of blowing.
One other odd solution is to use a sauna. A research showed that using sauna can relieve cold symptoms. “Baking the cold” method will show its results by also reducing recurrence. This method can be easily used with hot water at home.In a deep and wide pot, pour the hot water. Then close the face up to the pot with a towel on it and breathe the steam deeply. The water can be more aromatic and relaxed with a few lavender or mint. This process opens the sinuses and helps to “bake” the cold.
As a common thought, exercising can cause the cold to be killed. The more exercise means a more strong immune system which results with a low percentage of catching a cold.
Also studies show that flu has the capacity to spread faster and more effectively in dry air. Staying in places where humidity is higher or avoiding the dry-aired places, viruses cannot easily approach to the body.
Along with eating well and exercising regularly, sleeping is an important factor for helping the body to destroy a cold.
Researchers found out that sleeping less than 6 or 7 hours may tend to catch a cold three times more than sleeping 8 hours and more. So the right way is to hibernate and sleep it off.
The last odd way to kill cold is to put on more jackets and blankets to prevent cold air.
People who wear more are less likely to be cold, thus searching inside the wardrobe and putting out the warmest clothes becomes necessary. Sweating off a cold is sure to kill it. The example of the Indian shamans is ancient but quite effective.
In conclusion, these odd but beneficial ways help people fight the cold. In order to shine like a star throughout the winter, these ways are worth to try.
luni, 19 octombrie 2009
Beat Debilitating Tooth Ache With Simple Home Remedies
Toothache is very common problem that take place without any warning sign.
Before it turns into major problem or before you consider going to your personal doctor, there are few tips that you can try to get better relief from pain.
Here are few of those effective tips.
Use an icepack or cold compress at the site of pain. Ice has excellent numbing properties that can give you better relief from the pain. More often, ice acts as an excellent suppressing source to relieve tooth ache.
Apply clove oil at the site of pain to get immediate relief. Even, cleaning your teeth with clove oil every day can help you to prevent various health problems like bad breath including frequent tooth ache.
If you are experiencing toothache because of presence of abscess at gums, then oats can help you in relieving pain by drawing out the puss. Hold oats for few minutes at the site of abscess to get better relief.
A shot of strong whisky held to the side of tooth pain in mouth for few minutes by swishing around can help to kill pain causing bacteria and also gives you an anesthetic effect.
Although it tastes bad and can leave a burning sensation after application, Oregano oil has excellent antibiotic properties and gives better relief from toothache.
Before it turns into major problem or before you consider going to your personal doctor, there are few tips that you can try to get better relief from pain.
Here are few of those effective tips.
Use an icepack or cold compress at the site of pain. Ice has excellent numbing properties that can give you better relief from the pain. More often, ice acts as an excellent suppressing source to relieve tooth ache.
Apply clove oil at the site of pain to get immediate relief. Even, cleaning your teeth with clove oil every day can help you to prevent various health problems like bad breath including frequent tooth ache.
If you are experiencing toothache because of presence of abscess at gums, then oats can help you in relieving pain by drawing out the puss. Hold oats for few minutes at the site of abscess to get better relief.
A shot of strong whisky held to the side of tooth pain in mouth for few minutes by swishing around can help to kill pain causing bacteria and also gives you an anesthetic effect.
Although it tastes bad and can leave a burning sensation after application, Oregano oil has excellent antibiotic properties and gives better relief from toothache.
Anthroposophical Medicine To Harmonize Elements Of Your Spiritual And Physical Self!
Anthroposophical medicine is an extension of orthodox medical practice and is mainly based on comprehensive view of the human being offered by anthroposophical spiritual science.
This is based on the concept that spiritual awareness is the basis of individual health. Anthroposophical medicine is based on seven principles, such as:
Spirit manifests both in your organism and outside of it in the substances of the nature kingdoms.
Wisdom that is created by nature is also at work within your body.
This therapy preserves the therapeutic freedom in the public and realm.
Every person has an exquisitely guided destiny that involves self-determination with the potential for illness and error in your body.
Various remedies are derived from the matters of plant, animal and mineral kingdom. They are derived homeopathically, alchemically or as whole substance. Remedies can be applied externally or through injection into your body.
This medicinal system considers art as it is a part of the individual life. Beyond anthroposophical medicine, specialized techniques of rhythmical massage, painting, therapeutic eurythmy, music therapy and clay modeling have been developed.
Each treatment helps to improve your life force as an alliance for better health and intensified self-knowledge.
Benefits of anthroposophical medicine:
This practice can be used to treat majority of the health conditions. Particularly, this method is suggested for infections, preventive care, cancer treatment, chronic degenerative diseases and inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
Also, this therapy is suggested for child care. It is helpful to treat child’s conditions like attention deficit hyperactive disorder and other developmental problems.
The therapist will ask you questions about lifestyle, diet and constitution with a stress on your body’s rhythms such as sleeping, menstrual patterns and eating as well.
This is based on the concept that spiritual awareness is the basis of individual health. Anthroposophical medicine is based on seven principles, such as:
Spirit manifests both in your organism and outside of it in the substances of the nature kingdoms.
Wisdom that is created by nature is also at work within your body.
This therapy preserves the therapeutic freedom in the public and realm.
Every person has an exquisitely guided destiny that involves self-determination with the potential for illness and error in your body.
Various remedies are derived from the matters of plant, animal and mineral kingdom. They are derived homeopathically, alchemically or as whole substance. Remedies can be applied externally or through injection into your body.
This medicinal system considers art as it is a part of the individual life. Beyond anthroposophical medicine, specialized techniques of rhythmical massage, painting, therapeutic eurythmy, music therapy and clay modeling have been developed.
Each treatment helps to improve your life force as an alliance for better health and intensified self-knowledge.
Benefits of anthroposophical medicine:
This practice can be used to treat majority of the health conditions. Particularly, this method is suggested for infections, preventive care, cancer treatment, chronic degenerative diseases and inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
Also, this therapy is suggested for child care. It is helpful to treat child’s conditions like attention deficit hyperactive disorder and other developmental problems.
The therapist will ask you questions about lifestyle, diet and constitution with a stress on your body’s rhythms such as sleeping, menstrual patterns and eating as well.
joi, 15 octombrie 2009
Regular And Alternative Medicine Need To Be More Integrated
In the last ten years alternative treatments have become more universally accepted as an important part of the world of medicine.
More people are becoming open minded to these complementary therapies.Based at the University of Colorado Hospital, Dr. Lisa Corbin is the head of Integrative Medicine. She believes that there is a place for the blending of all available medicine to provide people with the best possible care available.
With a more positive attitude towards less conventional options like acupuncture, there will be a higher level of awareness by the general public.
Corbin has evidence to prove what she is saying, patients that have benefited from a combination of both mainstream and more alternative medicine.
Michelle Smith has been battling breast cancer for over five years, she is one of many now having acupuncture sessions as part of her chemotherapy course. It is the only solution to nausea besides taking yet another drug.
Smith states that without these various other treatments, she would not have been able to tolerate her long course of chemotherapy. Obviously the effect of any treatment including traditional ones is different for everyone.
However, at least therapy like massage and herbal remedies can be tried without the possibility of harmful side effects. Michelle Smith swears by her integrated treatment for her cancer and recommends that others try it for themselves.
Dr Corbin suggests that individuals should talk to their own doctor about the different treatments available to them. Once deemed too experimental or voodoo like, medicines of a more unusual nature are increasingly shown to be an essential part of today’s more evolved approach to health.
More people are becoming open minded to these complementary therapies.Based at the University of Colorado Hospital, Dr. Lisa Corbin is the head of Integrative Medicine. She believes that there is a place for the blending of all available medicine to provide people with the best possible care available.
With a more positive attitude towards less conventional options like acupuncture, there will be a higher level of awareness by the general public.
Corbin has evidence to prove what she is saying, patients that have benefited from a combination of both mainstream and more alternative medicine.
Michelle Smith has been battling breast cancer for over five years, she is one of many now having acupuncture sessions as part of her chemotherapy course. It is the only solution to nausea besides taking yet another drug.
Smith states that without these various other treatments, she would not have been able to tolerate her long course of chemotherapy. Obviously the effect of any treatment including traditional ones is different for everyone.
However, at least therapy like massage and herbal remedies can be tried without the possibility of harmful side effects. Michelle Smith swears by her integrated treatment for her cancer and recommends that others try it for themselves.
Dr Corbin suggests that individuals should talk to their own doctor about the different treatments available to them. Once deemed too experimental or voodoo like, medicines of a more unusual nature are increasingly shown to be an essential part of today’s more evolved approach to health.
miercuri, 14 octombrie 2009
Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Now Have More Freedom
Until recently Marijuana Dispensaries faced raid by the federal government, then the incoming administration of President Obama declared that if Marijuana is used for medicinal purposes each one of the individual states of America could decide for itself.
Owners, like Michael Lee in Colorado Springs, sell marijuana to citizens who have paperwork from their doctor. There are now thirteen states that have the legislation to permit sufferers of certain disease such as crohn’s, cancer and diabetes who can not get relief otherwise.
There are a wide range of products for the different patients, who would include lawyers, doctors, and teachers. Besides the more obvious balms and tinctures, there are a variety of other ways that Marijuana can be consumed, from fruit drinks and chewy sweets to chewing gum and cheesecake.
Lee is proud to announce that smoking is just not the way anymore and he is always thinking up new delights for his customers. He has a multitude of glass jar, carefully labeled with wonderful names such as chocolate chunk, orange crush and white widow.
However recent changes being put forward by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment are threatening emporiums like Michael Lees.
Despite the fact that medicinal Marijuana has been approved for nearly a decade in this state, it might soon be deemed against the law to dispense the drug to over 5 people.
Obviously such a change will put the likes of Lee and others’ businesses in great danger. Many of his customers or patients has he prefers to call them will find it harder to get supplies and may have to start growing it themselves.
Top 3 Recipes With Natural Herbs For Weight Loss
Do you ever wonder if Chinese natural herbs really work? What are Chinese natural herbs anyway? While most of them originate from China, some may not. The name entails that Chinese herbalists discovered their medicinal properties centuries ago.
Can you lose weight with such herbs? Sure, but as with any other diet or weight loss plan, you need to watch what you eat and exercise regularly. Here are three recipes that contain Chinese herbs and were designed specifically for weight loss.
So go ahead, take a walk to your local China Town to get these natural herbs and get started on the new you with a smaller waistline. You may need these weight conversions when ordering herbs in an Asian store: 1 qian equals 5 grams and 1 liang equals 50 grams.
Chinese Weight Loss And Energy Tea
1L (4 cups) Water
10 g (0.35 oz) Chrysanthemum flowers
15 g (0.53 oz) Hawthorn
15 g (0.53 oz) Puli Tea
To Taste Honey
1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
2. Add the chrysanthemum flowers and hawthorn and let simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Add the puli tea and stir.
4. Turn off the heat.
5. Pour into individual cups and let the tea cool off for a few minutes.
6. Add honey to taste.
Chinese Herbs For Improved Fitness
1L (4 cups) Water
25 g (0.88 oz) Hawthorn
50 g (1.76 oz) Abalone Seeds
25 g (0.88 oz) Germinated Barley
5 g (0.18 oz) Dried Orange Peel
5 g (0.18 oz) Polygonum Multiflorum
5 g (0.18 oz) Raphanus Semen
1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and let simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Pour into individual cups and let the tea cool for a few minutes.
Chinese Natural Herbs For Weight Loss
1.5 L (6 cups) Water
25 g (0.88 oz) Hawthorn
10 g (0.35 oz) Liquorice
25 g (0.88 oz) Black Plum
5 g (0.18 oz) Dried Orange Peel
10 g (0.35 oz) Roselle
To Taste Honey
1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and let simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Pour into individual cups and let the tea cool for a few minutes.
4. Add honey to taste.
Other Chinese Natural Herbs
Feel free to consult with a traditional oriental herbalist during your visit to China Town. He can recommend particular herbal combinations that can help with many diseases or disorders. You should avoid combining herbs without the supervision of a qualified herbalist. Although these herbs are natural, they affect your system and could create an imbalance in your body if used incorrectly.
Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng are probably some of the better-known Chinese herbs in the Western world. Ginkgo seeds are pounded into pieces and taken to relieve asthma symptoms. Ginseng root is ground and taken for the purposes of improving vitality, treating impotence and relaxing the mind while improving focus and energy. Go ahead and explore what the world of Chinese natural herbs has to offer.
Can you lose weight with such herbs? Sure, but as with any other diet or weight loss plan, you need to watch what you eat and exercise regularly. Here are three recipes that contain Chinese herbs and were designed specifically for weight loss.
So go ahead, take a walk to your local China Town to get these natural herbs and get started on the new you with a smaller waistline. You may need these weight conversions when ordering herbs in an Asian store: 1 qian equals 5 grams and 1 liang equals 50 grams.
Chinese Weight Loss And Energy Tea
1L (4 cups) Water
10 g (0.35 oz) Chrysanthemum flowers
15 g (0.53 oz) Hawthorn
15 g (0.53 oz) Puli Tea
To Taste Honey
1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
2. Add the chrysanthemum flowers and hawthorn and let simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Add the puli tea and stir.
4. Turn off the heat.
5. Pour into individual cups and let the tea cool off for a few minutes.
6. Add honey to taste.
Chinese Herbs For Improved Fitness
1L (4 cups) Water
25 g (0.88 oz) Hawthorn
50 g (1.76 oz) Abalone Seeds
25 g (0.88 oz) Germinated Barley
5 g (0.18 oz) Dried Orange Peel
5 g (0.18 oz) Polygonum Multiflorum
5 g (0.18 oz) Raphanus Semen
1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and let simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Pour into individual cups and let the tea cool for a few minutes.
Chinese Natural Herbs For Weight Loss
1.5 L (6 cups) Water
25 g (0.88 oz) Hawthorn
10 g (0.35 oz) Liquorice
25 g (0.88 oz) Black Plum
5 g (0.18 oz) Dried Orange Peel
10 g (0.35 oz) Roselle
To Taste Honey
1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and let simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Pour into individual cups and let the tea cool for a few minutes.
4. Add honey to taste.
Other Chinese Natural Herbs
Feel free to consult with a traditional oriental herbalist during your visit to China Town. He can recommend particular herbal combinations that can help with many diseases or disorders. You should avoid combining herbs without the supervision of a qualified herbalist. Although these herbs are natural, they affect your system and could create an imbalance in your body if used incorrectly.
Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng are probably some of the better-known Chinese herbs in the Western world. Ginkgo seeds are pounded into pieces and taken to relieve asthma symptoms. Ginseng root is ground and taken for the purposes of improving vitality, treating impotence and relaxing the mind while improving focus and energy. Go ahead and explore what the world of Chinese natural herbs has to offer.
Treating Acne With Chinese Medicine
Millions of people all over the world have seen and felt the effects of acne at one time or other. As if the teenage years weren’t awkward enough, this conditions usually shows itself in the early stages of puberty. The condition affects the sebaceous glands which are responsible for oiling hair follicles. As the oil is produced, dead skin cells are transported to the surface of the skin via the pores which are attached to the hair follicles. Whenever clogging occurs in these follicles, it leads to the pimples associated with acne.
Acne is more than a skin condition, it is a disease, and should be treated as such. Social awkwardness aside, acne can cause scarring that lasts long after the pimples themselves have disappeared, often for a lifetime. It should be noted also that acne doesn’t just occur on the face, but can also affect the chest, shoulders, neck and back. The disease poses no health risks, but the misery it causes is certainly understandable. This is even worst when outbreaks are severe, or lasts well beyond the teen years.
Treating acne has become big business, with teens being the main target of advertisers. In most cases, inflammatory acne is treated with either over the counter or prescription medication. Despite the numerous products on the market, it is not clear just how much the manufacturers of acne treatments understand about the disease. Given that skin types are different, what works for one individual may not work for others.
Keep in mind that any medication, whether prescription or over the counter can have side effects. Some acne creams and soaps have been known to cause excessive dryness and skin irritation.
Chinese Medicine
Some people may be wary of Chinese medicine, and consider it a new age fad. However, Chinese medicine has been practiced for over two thousand years. Unlike the Western medical philosophy, Chinese medicine depends on the study of nature and the body as well as cosmic forces. It has spawned a number of theories which form the basis of all treatments, namely Yin-yang, the Channel system, the six confirmations, the Zang Fu organ hypothesis and the Five Phases among others.
While it is often a last resort in Western cultures, it is still the first source of care in many parts of Asia. The main methods of treatment involve acupuncture, food therapy, massage, physical exercise, breathing exercises, meditation and herbal medicine.
Chinese Acne Treatments
Part of the philosophy of Chinese medicine relates to what causes disease. In the case of acne, it is seen as the force of heat acting on the lungs which in turn affects the skin. It is referred to as ‘fei feng fen ci’ which means ‘lesion of the lung wind.’ The idea is that the lungs are directly linked to the skin, and therefore they are both capable of affecting each other negatively. Factors such as stress, a poor diet, other health conditions, or the increase of Yang energy can lay a role in the increase in heat.
Acupuncture
This is a practice of inserting thin needles into the skin for the purpose of relieving pain, or for therapeutic reasons. The aim is to tap into acupuncture points in the body through which energy, the qi, runs. When treating acne with acupuncture, an attempt is made to bring the Yin and Yang back into harmony and to rid the lungs of heat.
As a form of acne treatment, acupuncture has had varying degrees of success. In fact, the best results are achieved when the sufferer also makes lifestyle changes including changing their diet. This is a notable aspect of the Chinese medicinal philosophy. This form of treatment may appeal to patients wary of ingesting medication or applying topical creams that could have side effects.
The Use of Herbs
Many acne patients swear by herbal treatments for the disease. It is important to note that anyone considering this course of treatment should seek the services of a skilled practitioner. Herbs are usually combined to make a formula instead of being given individually. Some of the herbs used in treating acne are seagrass, sileris root, bupleurum, Chinese Wolfberry root bark, pine pollen and honeysuckle flower.
Preparation usually involves boiling the ingredients in an earthenware pot, then straining the contents and drinking the tea while it is still warm. The process usually has to be repeated for a number of days or weeks.
Chinese herbs are said to be free from side effects, however, caution should be exercised when dealing with any unfamiliar treatment. If any digestive complaints or irritations are noticed treatment shouldn’t be continued. Most reports indicate that there are few if any side effects associated with Chinese medicine used in the treatment of acne.
Partners
