Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas of the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips called "tender points." People with this syndrome may also experience sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and other symptoms. Available data suggest that the number of persons aged 18 and older in the United States with fibromyalgia is approximately 3.7 million. It primarily occurs in women of childbearing age, but children, the elderly, and men may also be affected.
Although the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, researchers have several theories about what triggers the disease. Some scientists believe that the syndrome may result from an injury or trauma. This injury may affect the central nervous system. Fibromyalgia may be associated with changes in muscle metabolism, such as decreased blood flow, causing fatigue and decreased strength. Others believe the syndrome may be triggered by an infectious agent such as a virus in susceptible people, but no such agent has been identified.
Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms mimic those of other diseases. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has developed criteria for fibromyalgia that physicians can use in diagnosing the disease. According to ACR criteria, a person is considered to have fibromyalgia if he or she has widespread pain for at least 3 months in combination with tenderness in at least 11 of 18 specific tender point sites.
Treatment of fibromyalgia requires a comprehensive approach. The physician, physical therapist, and others in the medical support system, as well as the patient, may all play an active role in the management of fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise, such as swimming and walking, improves muscle fitness and reduces muscle pain and tenderness. Heat and massage may also give short-term relief. Antidepressant medications may help elevate mood, improve quality of sleep, and relax muscles. People with fibromyalgia may benefit from a combination of exercise, medication, physical therapy, and relaxation.
Se afișează postările cu eticheta information. Afișați toate postările
Se afișează postările cu eticheta information. Afișați toate postările
sâmbătă, 23 ianuarie 2010
luni, 19 octombrie 2009
About 1 In 9 US Kids Use Alternative Medicine
Just like their parents, kids are taking herbal supplements from fish oil to ginseng, a sign of just how mainstream alternative medicine has become.
More than one in nine children and teens try those remedies and other nontraditional options, the government said in its first national study of young people’s use of these mostly unproven treatments.
Given that children are generally pretty healthy, the finding that so many use alternative medicine is “pretty amazing,” said one of the study’s authors, Richard Nahin of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The sweeping study suggests about 2.8 million young people use supplements.
Their parents’ practices played a big role. Kids were five times more likely to use alternative therapies if a parent or other relative did.
The same study showed that more than a third of adults use alternative treatments, roughly the same as in a 2002 survey.
The researchers used a big umbrella in defining alternative medicine: Acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, traditional healing, yoga, Pilates, deep breathing, massage and even dieting were included.
Vitamin and mineral supplements are not considered alternative medicine, nor are prayer or folk medicine practices.
Herbal remedies were the leading type of alternative therapy for both adults and those under 18. Among kids, such therapies were most often given for head or neck pain, colds and anxiety.
More than one in nine children and teens try those remedies and other nontraditional options, the government said in its first national study of young people’s use of these mostly unproven treatments.
Given that children are generally pretty healthy, the finding that so many use alternative medicine is “pretty amazing,” said one of the study’s authors, Richard Nahin of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The sweeping study suggests about 2.8 million young people use supplements.
Their parents’ practices played a big role. Kids were five times more likely to use alternative therapies if a parent or other relative did.
The same study showed that more than a third of adults use alternative treatments, roughly the same as in a 2002 survey.
The researchers used a big umbrella in defining alternative medicine: Acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, traditional healing, yoga, Pilates, deep breathing, massage and even dieting were included.
Vitamin and mineral supplements are not considered alternative medicine, nor are prayer or folk medicine practices.
Herbal remedies were the leading type of alternative therapy for both adults and those under 18. Among kids, such therapies were most often given for head or neck pain, colds and anxiety.
Various Alternative Therapies For Infertility
With vast advancement in medical sciences, various methods evolved to treat infertility couples, providing a chance to have children in their lives.
But, on the other hand there are few complementary alternative methods which can help you to improve your chances of getting pregnant very well.
Acupuncture
This is an ancient technique used to heal stress and other ailments including infertility through the use of sterilized needles.
Infertility treatment using acupuncture has proved to be beneficial, particularly for those who have various functional disorders in body like irregular ovulation etc. Even it can increase sperm count in men by increasing blood flow and balancing hormones.
Herbal therapy
Herbs are used from centuries to treat various health problems including infertility. Some of the herbs extracted naturally from plants like chasteberry, red clover, liferoot show immense possibilities of fertility. But, seek suggestions from professionals before using herbs.
Reflexology
The main principle of reflexology is that there are certain points in feet that are connected to different organs of our body. When these particular points are stimulated, they in turn stimulate the points linked with problematic points in your body.
Apart from relaxation, reflexology helps in the treatment of infertility and alleviates hormonal imbalances and poly cystic ovarian syndrome in women.
Other than these you can also go for diet changes, regular exercises and stress management techniques to improve chances of fertility.
But, on the other hand there are few complementary alternative methods which can help you to improve your chances of getting pregnant very well.
Acupuncture
This is an ancient technique used to heal stress and other ailments including infertility through the use of sterilized needles.
Infertility treatment using acupuncture has proved to be beneficial, particularly for those who have various functional disorders in body like irregular ovulation etc. Even it can increase sperm count in men by increasing blood flow and balancing hormones.
Herbal therapy
Herbs are used from centuries to treat various health problems including infertility. Some of the herbs extracted naturally from plants like chasteberry, red clover, liferoot show immense possibilities of fertility. But, seek suggestions from professionals before using herbs.
Reflexology
The main principle of reflexology is that there are certain points in feet that are connected to different organs of our body. When these particular points are stimulated, they in turn stimulate the points linked with problematic points in your body.
Apart from relaxation, reflexology helps in the treatment of infertility and alleviates hormonal imbalances and poly cystic ovarian syndrome in women.
Other than these you can also go for diet changes, regular exercises and stress management techniques to improve chances of fertility.
5 Alternative Remedies For Sinus Infection
Are you suffering with painful symptoms of sinus infection? Sore throat, pressure in face, and runny nose are most common symptoms of sinus infection.
If you are vexed using regular medications for painful sinus infection symptoms, here are few alternative remedies.
1.Acupuncture: It is one of the best ways to ease the nasal congestion triggered by sinus infection. Find a better experienced acupuncturist and seek help for sinus infection.
2.Breathing exercises: Even though it takes time to get relief, practicing regular breathing exercises can help you long way to get relief from sinus infection.
3.Hot compresses: Take a clean cloth and soak it in hot boiled water for few minutes and then try to cover your face with the hot wet cloth. This can help you to relieve extreme sinus pressure in face. But, be careful, don’t burn your skin.
4.Drink plenty of fluids: When you drink plenty of fluids, it helps to promote free mucus drainage. You can drink a nice cup of hot tea to clear sinuses. This is one of the best ways to get relief from sinus infection. The hot steam of tea helps you to thin out the mucus and makes your breathing easier.
5.Skip dairy foods: Certain dairy foods like milk and cheese can make sinus congestion much worse. Even some health experts believe that dairy foods like cheese thicken the mucus. So, try to avoid such foods, but be sure to get enough calcium for your body.
If you are vexed using regular medications for painful sinus infection symptoms, here are few alternative remedies.
1.Acupuncture: It is one of the best ways to ease the nasal congestion triggered by sinus infection. Find a better experienced acupuncturist and seek help for sinus infection.
2.Breathing exercises: Even though it takes time to get relief, practicing regular breathing exercises can help you long way to get relief from sinus infection.
3.Hot compresses: Take a clean cloth and soak it in hot boiled water for few minutes and then try to cover your face with the hot wet cloth. This can help you to relieve extreme sinus pressure in face. But, be careful, don’t burn your skin.
4.Drink plenty of fluids: When you drink plenty of fluids, it helps to promote free mucus drainage. You can drink a nice cup of hot tea to clear sinuses. This is one of the best ways to get relief from sinus infection. The hot steam of tea helps you to thin out the mucus and makes your breathing easier.
5.Skip dairy foods: Certain dairy foods like milk and cheese can make sinus congestion much worse. Even some health experts believe that dairy foods like cheese thicken the mucus. So, try to avoid such foods, but be sure to get enough calcium for your body.
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.
Doctors Coming Around To Alternative Therapies
The results of a study carried out by the National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), recorded that both adults and children were using either complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) of some kind.
The research comprised therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractics as well as other forms including meditation or herbal remedies.
CAM was classified in four categories: Energy Medicine, Manipulative and Body-Based Practices, Biologically Based Practices and Mind Body Medicine.
The results confirmed that the more common therapies used in the U.S. were amongst the natural products, physical and breathing exercises, massage, osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation and yoga.
These therapies were used to cure pain in general, including neck and back ache; while in children they were used more particularly for colds, anxiety and hyperactivity disorder.
Doctors and hospital centres are now becoming more responsive to complementary and alternative medicine, where these therapies are used to boost the effect of traditional medicine.
Doctors realise that patients cannot be treated systematically with drug prescriptions, their patient’s global health and eating habits must also be considered as well as any other supplements they may be taking.
There are now many grocery stores that offer dietary supplements and often specialise in health nutrition, for CAM therapies are gaining terrain over traditional remedies and are becoming increasingly popular.
The value of CAM therapies are more generally recognised, and in combination with conventional medicine can boost health and longevity.
The problem lies in the fact that not many insurance companies will accept to reimburse this form of medicine.
Further research in this field must be carried out in order to study the side effects and usefulness of these remedies and integrate them in the health care system.
The research comprised therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractics as well as other forms including meditation or herbal remedies.
CAM was classified in four categories: Energy Medicine, Manipulative and Body-Based Practices, Biologically Based Practices and Mind Body Medicine.
The results confirmed that the more common therapies used in the U.S. were amongst the natural products, physical and breathing exercises, massage, osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation and yoga.
These therapies were used to cure pain in general, including neck and back ache; while in children they were used more particularly for colds, anxiety and hyperactivity disorder.
Doctors and hospital centres are now becoming more responsive to complementary and alternative medicine, where these therapies are used to boost the effect of traditional medicine.
Doctors realise that patients cannot be treated systematically with drug prescriptions, their patient’s global health and eating habits must also be considered as well as any other supplements they may be taking.
There are now many grocery stores that offer dietary supplements and often specialise in health nutrition, for CAM therapies are gaining terrain over traditional remedies and are becoming increasingly popular.
The value of CAM therapies are more generally recognised, and in combination with conventional medicine can boost health and longevity.
The problem lies in the fact that not many insurance companies will accept to reimburse this form of medicine.
Further research in this field must be carried out in order to study the side effects and usefulness of these remedies and integrate them in the health care system.
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
Look Younger With Alternative Anti Aging Remedies!
Hair becoming thinner and grayer, wrinkling on your skin, diminishing elasticity of your skin, etc. are all the natural process of aging.
As you age, there is also a possibility for arthritis, bone loss, loss of memory and weakening of your body immune system.
Do you have any of the symptoms mentioned above? If yes, then below are some tips to slow down the aging process:
Natural supplements:
Adding supplements to your diet gives you multiple benefits. The main reason aging occurs is because of free radicals and they can not be avoided in your daily life, but adding the nutritional compounds to your diet can absorb these free radicals.
Generally these compounds are known as antioxidants. You will find them in green leafy vegetables like spinach.
Acupuncture:
This is the current range of alternative medicine and it rejuvenates the aging skin.
In this method, wide variety of needle techniques are performed at the strategic locations on your face and body in order to stimulate the circulation of Qi or body’s energy force to your face and neck.
Herbal supplemen
Add herbal supplements to your diet to slow down the aging process.
Evening primrose oil: This oil reduces the pains and aches associated with aging problems.
Rhodiola rosea: Also known as golden root or arctic root is an adaptogenic herb. This herb reduces myocardial catecholamine, stress-induced cardiac damage, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (CAMP) levels.
It can reduce the production of adrenal catecholamine and avoids heart arrhythmia as well.
9 Things You Should Know About Alternative Medicine
1. What is Alternative Medicine?
Alternative medicine is a variety of techniques that are outside the field of conventional medicine.
These techniques mostly focus on physical, energy and herbal remedies [Home herbal remedies].
These remedies attempt to be as natural and cost-effective as possible in order to compete with conventional medicines that often have a variety of side effects and enormous costs.
Alternative medicine usually follows one of two principles:
1. The body must be allowed to heal itself naturally.
2. The body needs to have a life force balance periodically restored.
2. Patients come first
As opposed to conventional medicine, in which the doctor decides the treatments, natural medicine is patient-first.
The idea is that patients should have a choice over the treatments that they receive and the doctors should recommend treatments. Luckily, many conventional health care centers are switching over to patient-centered treatments as well.
3. Heal, don’t harm
Many conventional treatments have an array of devastating side effects. Also, conventional treatments can have complications that can lead to problems that are even worse than the disease including death.
Alternative healers do everything they can to ensure that their treatments are almost 100% safe.
4. Patience is required
Unlike conventional treatments, which are expected to provide patients with quick relief, alternative methods focus on the body’s ability to heal itself, which generally takes longer. Also, alternative healing relies on coaching the patient through healthy life choices.
5. Use natural over synthetic
Treatments should mostly utilize ingredients that are found in nature rather than ingredients that are synthesized in a lab.
6. Improve general health instead of curing one disease
Alternative health is interested in overall health and well being. The idea is that the human body has the natural ability to heal most diseases and that treatments should facilitate this natural ability.
7. Alternative medicine is not a replacement for your doctor
There are some diseases that are genetic. Other diseases have progressed to a point where the human body cannot possibly heal the disease. Patients need to consult with their doctors before relying solely on an alternative health care treatment.
8. Alternative medicine must be researched
Alternative medicine should be researched for several reasons. Firstly, there are a large number of alternative health treatments and patients should be aware of which treatments they are best off putting their money towards. Secondly, some alternative medicine treatments can conflict with other treatments.
Using multiple herbs can lead to an excess of one nutrient or another, causing potential health problems. Thirdly, there are many alternative health practitioners who are bad at their practice.
You should research different alternative health practitioners to see which ones has the best reputation.
9. Not all insurance companies cover alternative health care
Check with your insurance company. Fortunately, most alternative healthcare methods are much cheaper than conventional methods.
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.
Ten Percent Of Americans Try Alternative Medicine
Every year over ten percent of all Americans look to alternative Medicine to ease pain and find cures.
A research team from Harvard discovered that people are prepared to use more of their hard earned cash on chiropractors or naturopaths than ordinary healthcare.
In recent years, consumer demand for the various alternatives to the mainstream health care system has grown steadily.
Dr Carl Hammerschlag believes that this is because these, often ancient, treatments offer people hope and he strongly believes that a totally integrated system is what should be offered to the whole population.
Hammerschlag and many others are convinced that most patients would prefer to know every available alternative when being diagnosed and discussing their options.
A massive eighty three percent of individuals that used natural medicine were being prescribed traditional medicine at the same time, although more than seventy percent kept that knowledge to themselves.
The Office of Alternative Medicine was set up well over a decade ago, specifically to look at all the different alternative therapies. The latter covers many areas from nutrition to massage and brings together traditional methods from around the globe.
Increasing doctors are appreciating the benefit of alternative methods to their patients, some even going as far as taking basic courses to learn techniques, in most cases it is good for their business.
Professionals who have been practicing skills like meditation for many years can’t help but be dumfounded by the about turn in opinion.
Suddenly everyone is jumping on the bandwagon and you cannot blame these experienced practitioners for mulling over the irony.
Get A Career In Natural Medicine
Natural medicine is a great career for those who wish to help improve the general health and well being of the world.
Many sectors of natural medicine are specialized to the extent where education can be shortened, allowing natural medicine specialists to begin practice sooner.
Natural medicine practitioners can bring home impressive salaries after building a reputation for providing health services that work.
Natural medicine practitioners find that rest, nutrients, and the release of stress through meditation, yoga, acupuncture and aromatherapy can relieve medical conditions and promote healing and wellness. These practitioners are also critical of the side effects of many drugs commonly prescribed at health clinics. Though natural medicines sometimes have side effects, these are typically less severe and often only occur when natural remedies are used in excess.
Herbalists specialize in the use of herbs for the curing of illnesses and general well being. Though there is no national system of licensing herbalists in America, many herbalists enroll in training programs that award certification such as the Clayton College for Natural Health.
Herbology programs typically teach students about botany, herbal medicine manufacturing, the philosophy of herbalism, and the effects of herbalism on pregnant women and children.
Herbalists must have a great knowledge of the nutritional values of herbs. These herbalists often sell herbs through natural health stores and online pharmacies. There are also many herbal supplements like ginkgo biloba that are sold at well known pharmacy chains.
Herbalists also play a role in consulting others in the use of herbal medicine. Herbalists can be hired to consult patients privately and publish their research in herbalism to magazines and online publications.
Acupuncturists are able to relieve pain and cure ailments by locating pressure points and inserting a needle into the pressure point. Acupuncturists can create their own business or work in a practice with other natural medicine specialists.
Aspiring acupuncturists must be licensed by a school in the state that they are planning on practicing. Acupuncture courses take 2 years or more to complete. There are many studies that report the health benefits of acupuncture.
Reflexologists relieve pain by massaging pressure points on the body. Individuals can find jobs at a reflexologist clinic after attending school and obtaining a certification.
Massage therapy certification is also recommended since both disciplines overlap. Some reflexologists travel to their clients’ home, while other reflexologists work together with other alternative health practitioners. Reflexology certification increases an individual’s chances of finding work at health clinics and nursing homes.
Working at these institutions can build a reflexologist’s credibility. Credible reflexologists will have an easier time marketing themselves if they ever enter into private practice.
Aromatherapists use fragrant substances to improve the health of their patients. Several natural health schools like “Hands on Healing” provide training in aromatherapy.
Aromatherapists give patients dosages of healing substances that are inhaled or applied to the skin. Aromatherapists can create and sell their aromatherapy products or set up clinics where they apply the aromatherapy treatments to their patients.
Aromatherapy is often combined with massage therapy and reflexology, since a patient can benefit more greatly from receiving each of these treatments in one session.
Many sectors of natural medicine are specialized to the extent where education can be shortened, allowing natural medicine specialists to begin practice sooner.
Natural medicine practitioners can bring home impressive salaries after building a reputation for providing health services that work.
Natural medicine practitioners find that rest, nutrients, and the release of stress through meditation, yoga, acupuncture and aromatherapy can relieve medical conditions and promote healing and wellness. These practitioners are also critical of the side effects of many drugs commonly prescribed at health clinics. Though natural medicines sometimes have side effects, these are typically less severe and often only occur when natural remedies are used in excess.
Herbalists specialize in the use of herbs for the curing of illnesses and general well being. Though there is no national system of licensing herbalists in America, many herbalists enroll in training programs that award certification such as the Clayton College for Natural Health.
Herbology programs typically teach students about botany, herbal medicine manufacturing, the philosophy of herbalism, and the effects of herbalism on pregnant women and children.
Herbalists must have a great knowledge of the nutritional values of herbs. These herbalists often sell herbs through natural health stores and online pharmacies. There are also many herbal supplements like ginkgo biloba that are sold at well known pharmacy chains.
Herbalists also play a role in consulting others in the use of herbal medicine. Herbalists can be hired to consult patients privately and publish their research in herbalism to magazines and online publications.
Acupuncturists are able to relieve pain and cure ailments by locating pressure points and inserting a needle into the pressure point. Acupuncturists can create their own business or work in a practice with other natural medicine specialists.
Aspiring acupuncturists must be licensed by a school in the state that they are planning on practicing. Acupuncture courses take 2 years or more to complete. There are many studies that report the health benefits of acupuncture.
Reflexologists relieve pain by massaging pressure points on the body. Individuals can find jobs at a reflexologist clinic after attending school and obtaining a certification.
Massage therapy certification is also recommended since both disciplines overlap. Some reflexologists travel to their clients’ home, while other reflexologists work together with other alternative health practitioners. Reflexology certification increases an individual’s chances of finding work at health clinics and nursing homes.
Working at these institutions can build a reflexologist’s credibility. Credible reflexologists will have an easier time marketing themselves if they ever enter into private practice.
Aromatherapists use fragrant substances to improve the health of their patients. Several natural health schools like “Hands on Healing” provide training in aromatherapy.
Aromatherapists give patients dosages of healing substances that are inhaled or applied to the skin. Aromatherapists can create and sell their aromatherapy products or set up clinics where they apply the aromatherapy treatments to their patients.
Aromatherapy is often combined with massage therapy and reflexology, since a patient can benefit more greatly from receiving each of these treatments in one session.
Alternative Health Practitioners Not Keeping Up With Latest Research
The assumption is that any professional running a clinic in their own particular field will be aware of any relevant research carried out.
Furthermore when the information is out there these experts in alternative medicine can understand any implications that are involved for their patients.
In the area of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), two large clinical trials, funded by the United States government have taken place in recent years.
However a survey has recently shown that, alarmingly assumptions should not be made and that often significant findings resulting from detailed studies remain unknown or are not fully comprehended.
This means that over two billion dollars worth of research which has been instigated by the American National Institute of Health has potentially been wasted, with forty percent of a large number of different therapists, including naturopaths and rheumatologists not knowing of their existence.
Of the over fifteen hundred clinicians interviewed for the Archives of Internal Medicine publication many were unable to understand what they had read anyway.
In fact very few of these, amongst others, internists and acupuncturists, felt truly confident enough in their ability to study the data and interpret the final conclusions.
Often the ability to translate research findings into practical matters was based purely on the background of the professional in question.
In other words if they had previous experience of research material etc in a more academic environment, usually specialists like rheumatologists, had a greater understanding of its relevancy.
It is vital that this gap in research data and it’s use in medicine, be it traditional or modern, be sorted out, maybe the NIH need to divert some few dollars towards an awareness campaign for the medical fraternity.
The Many Benefits Of Chlorella
An algae, green in colour and found in water, Chlorella is very nutritional notably because of its chlorophyll content.
The latter is often referred to as the life blood for plants and the difference between what flows in human veins and those of plants is that, one has iron and the other magnesium.
Various scientific research performed around the world have found even more benefits from taking this supplement and it would seem to be the best daily dose you can chose in the market place.
In Japan they discovered that Chlorella was able to reduce the percentage of body fat in both healthy people and those at high risk from stress related diseases.
Furthermore while the supplement was being taken there were positive effects on certain genes.
The use of Chlorella to clear the body of unwanted toxins would help prevent certain thyroid and overall if more citizens had a regular detoxification of their bodies it would lead to a much healthier population in general.
South Korea is where a team produced data showing that Chlorella may successfully used in human cancer.
In essence, this single cell pond plant has the power to ensure that cancer cells can be destroyed on cue. Enhancing the human body’s immune system is another known ability of Chlorella.
Chlorella has a strong influence on different genes, controlling genes is seen as the most likely way to prevent or cure certain diseases. With this powerful agent on their side it gives global scientists a weapon that can really make a difference.
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.
Asian Diet Pyramid
This is another in the growing list of cultural diet pyramids available. Like other traditional diet guides, the Asian Diet Pyramid has physical activity at the base showing the importance of exercise in overall health. Energy foods follow exercise and as can be expected includes rice and rice products, grains and bread. These are included on a daily basis as a part of the traditional Asian meal. The third level of the pyramid includes other foods that should be eaten daily. These are fruits, vegetables and legumes, peas and seeds. The fourth layer has vegetable oils as part of a healthy addition to meals on a daily basis. Fish, shellfish and dairy follow with a note that it is optional whether to consume foods from this group daily. Eggs and poultry should be had weekly, while sweets in moderation can also be included at least once per week. Red meat is at the small tip of the pyramid with the recommendation for its consumption just once per month. Additional recommendations on the Asian Diet Food Pyramid include drinking at least six glasses of water or tea daily, with sake, wine and beer in moderation.
Different Asian cultures have modifications to this pyramid with one of the most well known being the Japanese Food Pyramid.
Acupuncture for Back Pain
Pain management is a crucial element of successfully overcoming illness and chronic discomfort. Acupuncture is a popular choice for many painful conditions, including back pain. This approach offers many benefits, and effectiveness is among the most appealing.
The holistic technique is natural, and there are no medications or harsh side effects. The process uses the body’s natural energy as a means of repair. This helps the patient heal naturally, but it may also have a powerful influence on the patient’s psyche as well.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Pain relief is a glaring benefit of acupuncture, and others are equally as impressive.
• Reduced need for pain medication
• No side effects
• Improved circulation
• Decreased anxiety
• Mental clarity
• Faster recovery
Many people use the approach to treat mental conditions as well. Acupuncture has proved to be effective in helping people overcome addictions, relieve depression, and ease phobias. The connection between the mental and the physical realms is readily apparent in using acupuncture to treat back pain.
Reuters Acupuncture Study
ABC News explores a recent Reuters study that has determined that people with chronic low back pain showed improvement with real and with “fake” acupuncture treatments. The study separated participants into four groups:
• General acupuncture
• Individualized acupuncture treatment
• Pressure points without needles
• Medication and physical therapy without acupuncture
The results are interesting in that the people who received standard medical therapy for chronic back pain did not have as much relief as the other three groups, including the one that used pressure points without penetrating the skin.
The study, as noted by Web MD, makes a strong correlation between acupuncture and lower back pain relief. However, some seem to consider this to reflect negatively on the approach. While the promise for pain relief is real, some are a little disheartened by the fact that a “sham needle procedure” can be as effective as acupuncture.
Acupuncture and Lower Back Pain
The points of the body that acupuncture uses seem to have a strong impact on the individual, even when they are not penetrated with needles. This is exciting news for people who suffer from chronic lower back pain. The discomfort associated with this particular area of the body has a pronounced effect on other bodily systems. For those individuals, any relief is greatly appreciated.
It is important to note that the “sham” approach touched upon the same points of energy used in traditional acupuncture. This can be interpreted as the effectiveness of using the points, even on a shallow level. The body responds to the treatment, and even though no one knows why, there is little reason to forgo the effective approach to pain management.
Anyone who has suffered from significant lower back pain knows how important it is to find effective relief from the intense discomfort. Acupuncture is natural and successful for many patients. Simply taking time to try the approach is the best way to determine whether acupuncture is right for you.
Acupuncture for Weight Loss
Acupuncture for weight loss is an effective approach that can yield excellent results for many people. The weight reduction program should be catered to the individual. An acupuncturist develops the specific system of body points to include as well as the pattern used in the treatment.
Various points on the body correlate to internal body systems. The ear is among the most important points for weight reduction and patients can expect this area to be an integral part of their treatment plan. Other points correlate to the problems that cause weight gain.
Sources of Weight Gain
In order to treat the weight condition properly, it is necessary to determine the source of the problem. Consider some of the possible contributing factors that may lead to extra pounds:
· Pinpoint the stomach system when the individual eats excessively, even after he is full.
· Focus on the mouth for a person who eats compulsively to address the oral fixation.
· Ovary is for women with hormonal imbalances leading to weight problems, and adrenal for men.
· Thyroid addresses slow metabolic rates.
Less obvious body systems can also interfere with a person’s ability to maintain a health weight. Acupuncture for weight loss may include:
· The endocrine system helps relieve water retention as well.
· The spleen helps create hormonal balance and it balances sugar levels in the body.
· The lungs are important for helping people overcome food addiction, including sweets and chocolate.
Anxiety and Weight Loss
Anxiety can be a major barrier for individuals who are tying to lose weight. Diets fail to address the psychological factors that may contribute to obesity. Acupuncture for weight loss often uses the Shemen, a system that alleviates anger, insecurity, frustration, and stress.
An acupuncturist also includes points that alleviate hunger for people who feel the sensation of hunger when their bodies do not actually need nutrition. Appetite suppression is a common intervention in acupuncture. Combined with anti-anxiety methods, the approach is very effective for emotional eaters.
Individualized Treatment
The acupuncturist selects the most important points for the individual. There may be two or more points used in the treatment. Factors that the practitioner may consider include:
· The person’s age
· Eating habits
· Emotional state
· Psychological factors
· Stress levels
· Personality
· Lifestyle
· Types of foods
· Other habits
The practitioner may notice that an individual tends to talk excessively, smokes, and bites her nails. The person seems to have an oral fixation, making the mouth an ideal point to include in the treatment.
A menopausal woman who is under considerable stress can benefit from treatment that focuses on the ovaries, kidneys, spleen, and endocrine system. Shemen would also be of great benefit for this candidate.
Acupuncture for weight loss is best when the acupuncturist creates an individualized plan that addresses the patient’s specific eating problems. With consistency, the approach should alleviate the problem, creating an environment that is conducive to weight loss.
Hyperbaric Medicine
Hyperbaric medicine has its roots in treating divers who suffered from decompression sickness, otherwise known as the bends. Decompression sickness occurs when an individual’s body is under pressure, as the divers deep in the water. If the divers surface too quickly, their bodies are unable to adjust to the changes in pressure that can cause bubbles to form in the bloodstream.
When people are in normal conditions, they experience normobaric pressure that naturally occurs in normal elevations. Some environments create a hyperbaric atmosphere with a great concentration in pressure. In the case of the divers, they experience excess pressure from the air above as well as the water on either side. The pressure increases the deeper the divers go.
Hyperbaric Chambers
A hyperbaric chamber recreates the conditions that the divers experience when they are deep in the water. The pressure is gradually reduced so they can adjust to the new conditions in the environment. The device focuses on alleviating nitrogen in the bloodstream, replacing it with oxygen.
While treating decompression sickness is an important function of the hyperbaric chamber, it can be used to treat some other conditions that occur in normobaric conditions as well. The pressurized air can include pure oxygen or other helpful gases in order to treat some medical conditions.
Conditions
People who suffer from any of the following conditions can benefit from using hyperbaric chambers:
• Diabetes
• Anemia
• Gangrene
• Mitochondrial dysfunction
• Pervasive developmental disorders
The hyperbaric chamber offers help for people with anemia or diabetes. These medical problems interfere with the body’s ability to absorb oxygen effectively. When cells are deprived of oxygen, they fail to thrive. The chamber delivers oxygen that the blood cells require for proper functioning.
Gangrene is a serious skin problem that derives from a bacterial infection, and in some cases, oxygen can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Mitochondria are energy-producing elements that exist within all cells in the body. They function to convert nutrients into energy. This process requires oxygen and individuals who suffer from mitochondrial dysfunction experience problems with the cells’ ability to create energy, leading to a breakdown in the system. Flooding the cells with rich oxygen can help them function properly.
Some suggest that the approach can be effective in the treatment of autism and related pervasive developmental disorders. There is no scientific data to back the claims, but cases of autism related to mitochondrial dysfunction may benefit from the approach. ABC News explores the subject of oxygen therapy and oxygen.
Hyperbaric Treatments
When people are in normal conditions, they experience normobaric pressure that naturally occurs in normal elevations. Some environments create a hyperbaric atmosphere with a great concentration in pressure. In the case of the divers, they experience excess pressure from the air above as well as the water on either side. The pressure increases the deeper the divers go.
Hyperbaric Chambers
A hyperbaric chamber recreates the conditions that the divers experience when they are deep in the water. The pressure is gradually reduced so they can adjust to the new conditions in the environment. The device focuses on alleviating nitrogen in the bloodstream, replacing it with oxygen.
While treating decompression sickness is an important function of the hyperbaric chamber, it can be used to treat some other conditions that occur in normobaric conditions as well. The pressurized air can include pure oxygen or other helpful gases in order to treat some medical conditions.
Conditions
People who suffer from any of the following conditions can benefit from using hyperbaric chambers:
• Diabetes
• Anemia
• Gangrene
• Mitochondrial dysfunction
• Pervasive developmental disorders
The hyperbaric chamber offers help for people with anemia or diabetes. These medical problems interfere with the body’s ability to absorb oxygen effectively. When cells are deprived of oxygen, they fail to thrive. The chamber delivers oxygen that the blood cells require for proper functioning.
Gangrene is a serious skin problem that derives from a bacterial infection, and in some cases, oxygen can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Mitochondria are energy-producing elements that exist within all cells in the body. They function to convert nutrients into energy. This process requires oxygen and individuals who suffer from mitochondrial dysfunction experience problems with the cells’ ability to create energy, leading to a breakdown in the system. Flooding the cells with rich oxygen can help them function properly.
Some suggest that the approach can be effective in the treatment of autism and related pervasive developmental disorders. There is no scientific data to back the claims, but cases of autism related to mitochondrial dysfunction may benefit from the approach. ABC News explores the subject of oxygen therapy and oxygen.
Hyperbaric Treatments
The intense oxygen therapy is available in a couple different forms. Patients can visit a clinic for a session in the hyperbaric chamber or they can receive treatment in their homes. Portable hyperbaric chambers may be rented or purchased but they carry a hefty price tag.
Busting Diabetes Diet Myths
There are a number of common misconceptions about diabetes diets. Some people say that consuming too much sugar contributes to diabetes. Others believe that their life is over and they will never be able to enjoy food again due to perceived strict diabetes dieting. Some people feel that there are too many food rules when it comes to setting a diabetes diet. While you do have to watch what you eat, the statements above fall within diabetes diet myth guidelines. Let’s debunk these diabetes diet myths right now.
1. Eating too much sugar contributes to diabetes. This statement is false. While this disease still has some mystery surrounding it, there are some common truths. For example, eating too much sugar does not cause diabetes. Rather, your body cannot properly turn the food you consume into energy in the right way. Your pancreas produces a hormone called insulin which helps the body convert the food you eat into glucose. Glucose is what fuels the body cells. When your pancreas does not make insulin or not enough of it, you can develop diabetes.
2. There are too many guidelines to follow in a diabetes eating plan. This statement is not entirely accurate. While you will have to plan your diet menus, you do have plenty of leeway in regards to what you eat. Each person is different so your food options will depend on the severity of your diabetes, physical fitness level, and the medications you are on. A nutritionist or dietician that specializes in diabetes can help. You will be amazed at the number of foods “allowed” on a diabetes diet.
3. Eating your favorite foods is a thing of the past. Again, you do not have to deprive yourself of your favorite foods for the sake of diabetes. Just change the way you make them. For instance, swap heavy cream and butter for margarine and low fat milk when making fettuccine Alfredo. Fry chicken in the oven using a light olive or canola oil instead of deep fat frying methods. You could even eat your favorite foods only in smaller portions or as a reward for sticking to a healthier diet plan.
4. Carbohydrates should be avoided because they adversely affect blood sugar levels. This statement is true up to a certain point. There are good and bad carbohydrates. The bad carbohydrates do not provide much nutritional value and include refined, processed foods with plenty of fat and sugar content. The good carbohydrates found in healthy diets with plenty of fibrous fruits, whole grains and vegetables are necessary for a stable diabetes diet. These good carbohydrates have the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients for the best nutrition possible.
5. If you take diabetes medication, you can eat whatever you want because it will take care of your health. The truth is medications are just one of many tools that must be used in conjunction with others to simply maintain your health. You cannot eat junk food while taking your diabetes medication and expect your health to be fine. You must choose a healthy diet along with exercise and your medication in order to maintain or even improve your quality of life. What you eat makes a big difference in your dosage of medications for diabetes.
Having diabetes does not have to be a death knell on how you live your life. With a few lifestyle changes, you can still enjoy life, even cheating every once in a while on your diet. Diabetes myths don’t rule your life – you do.
1. Eating too much sugar contributes to diabetes. This statement is false. While this disease still has some mystery surrounding it, there are some common truths. For example, eating too much sugar does not cause diabetes. Rather, your body cannot properly turn the food you consume into energy in the right way. Your pancreas produces a hormone called insulin which helps the body convert the food you eat into glucose. Glucose is what fuels the body cells. When your pancreas does not make insulin or not enough of it, you can develop diabetes.
2. There are too many guidelines to follow in a diabetes eating plan. This statement is not entirely accurate. While you will have to plan your diet menus, you do have plenty of leeway in regards to what you eat. Each person is different so your food options will depend on the severity of your diabetes, physical fitness level, and the medications you are on. A nutritionist or dietician that specializes in diabetes can help. You will be amazed at the number of foods “allowed” on a diabetes diet.
3. Eating your favorite foods is a thing of the past. Again, you do not have to deprive yourself of your favorite foods for the sake of diabetes. Just change the way you make them. For instance, swap heavy cream and butter for margarine and low fat milk when making fettuccine Alfredo. Fry chicken in the oven using a light olive or canola oil instead of deep fat frying methods. You could even eat your favorite foods only in smaller portions or as a reward for sticking to a healthier diet plan.
4. Carbohydrates should be avoided because they adversely affect blood sugar levels. This statement is true up to a certain point. There are good and bad carbohydrates. The bad carbohydrates do not provide much nutritional value and include refined, processed foods with plenty of fat and sugar content. The good carbohydrates found in healthy diets with plenty of fibrous fruits, whole grains and vegetables are necessary for a stable diabetes diet. These good carbohydrates have the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients for the best nutrition possible.
5. If you take diabetes medication, you can eat whatever you want because it will take care of your health. The truth is medications are just one of many tools that must be used in conjunction with others to simply maintain your health. You cannot eat junk food while taking your diabetes medication and expect your health to be fine. You must choose a healthy diet along with exercise and your medication in order to maintain or even improve your quality of life. What you eat makes a big difference in your dosage of medications for diabetes.
Having diabetes does not have to be a death knell on how you live your life. With a few lifestyle changes, you can still enjoy life, even cheating every once in a while on your diet. Diabetes myths don’t rule your life – you do.
Partners
