Article by Diane Joswick
Acupuncture is growing in popularity as an effective weight loss tool. With this rise in the use of acupuncture for weight loss came the need for a critical assessment of the studies that have been performed.
The International Journal of Obesity just published a review of 31 studies on the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of obesity. The systematic review was comprised of 3013 individual cases where acupuncture was used to reduce body weight.
The aim of this review was to critically assess evidence for reduction of body weight and to evaluate adverse events of acupuncture therapy based on the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluate the effect of various types of acupuncture therapies.
The results of this review showed that compared to control of lifestyle, acupuncture was associated with a significant reduction of average body weight (95% confidence interval, CI) of 1.72 kg (0.50–2.93 kg) and was associated with an improvement in obesity (relative risk=2.57; 95% CI, 1.98–3.34). Acupuncture significantly reduced a body weight of 1.56 kg (0.74–2.38 kg), on average, compared to placebo or sham treatments. Acupuncture also showed more improved outcomes for body weight (mean difference=1.90 kg; 1.66–2.13 kg), as well as for obesity (relative risk=1.13; 1.04–1.22), than conventional medication.
While this review did show that acupuncture is an effective treatment for obesity, the researchers expressed that they would like to see more well-planned, long-term studies to address the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating obesity and weight loss.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
What you eat can help heal you.
Article by Susan Krieger
Traditional Asian, Chinese and Macrobiotic Medicine practitioners often stress that to achieve and maintain good health one needs to tend to one’s physical, emotional and spiritual well being as well as caring for others. Treatments of various forms such as shiatsu/acupressure, acupuncture, energy healing, etc. can help greatly and at times are deemed necessary. Yet, they are meant to be conjunct with daily fundamental practices of healthy eating, regular movement, exercise, and active work. These comprise a personally and socially interactive life.
Dietary guidelines and recommendations are devised on the basis of Traditional Chinese and Macrobiotic intake and diagnosis for general use and/or for one’s specific and personal health needs of body/mind. Food Energetics and Diet therapy involve the removal of foods that perpetuate the imbalances at hand, and supplementation with food types which help heal and correct the imbalance.
Chinese Medicine and Macrobiotics liken the body’s environment to that of nature. The practitioner observes and assesses the possibilities of phenomena manifesting within the body. Phenomena include cold, damp, wind, heat, dryness, and yin and yang harmony, along with the synergistic emotional and spiritual manifestations. When these present themselves in what is termed either “excess” or “deficient” amounts, the mind, body, and spirit can be adversely affected.
Each food type is understood to have warming, cooling, drying, moistening, descending/ascending, and yin and yang qualities. Some foods act with more than one energetic influence. A simple example is that if an individual is seen to have internal heat, the practitioner is likely to choose foods that balance and create more internal cooling in order to help disperse the heat appropriately for that person’s condition. The guidance includes foods for the particular health concerns if any, the season, emotional needs, and energy needed for daily work and life. The practitioner assesses the person’s ability to understand the recommendations and to practically implement them into their lives.
Through the lens of the 5 Elements, looking at the whole person and their environment, we apply the way food is chosen, prepared, and consumed, and how this impacts the type of energy—Qi—that the body produces. The effect of food on the state of well being is paramount.
An understanding of Food Energetics plays a vital role in creating harmony and is a powerful and very useful tool towards restoring balance. Self-empowerment should be encouraged and inspired to be a goal for the person receiving guidance and treatment.
Food Energetics and Diet therapy are not necessarily concerned with weight loss, although it is known to help tremendously. It brings about internal organ balance and strengthens the underlined organic weaknesses so that the foods ingested are transformed with the least amount of strain on organ/energy output, while providing the maximum dietary benefit to build essential body essences as Qi, Fluids, and Blood.
While looking at the 5 Elements (a magnificent and thought provoking study containing easy and complex insights) and their relationship in health, nutrition, and healing we need to be cognizant of the reality that there is no fixed or static method to understand others and ourselves. We need to be flexible with our knowledge and to continually activate and be in touch with our intuition and spiritual higher selves for solving problems and for creating the most value from them.
“Bearing and nurturing,
Creating but not owning,
Giving without demanding,
This is harmony.” Quote from the Tao DeChing
Recommendations for Nourishing the Elements:
A preferred time to nourish an element is considered to be through the nourishing/parent element, which is the preceding element/season.
Wood-Spring-Wind
Spring is when living things begin to grow and express expansive yang qi. The external influence of wind may invade a person making one vulnerable to colds, flu, or a relapse of a past illness.
The sour taste in moderation nourishes the strength of liver Qi as in citrus, lemon, pickles, sauerkraut, yogurt, plum, umeboshi, liver, leeks, barley, wheat, chicken, and leafy greens with especially the sharp taste such as watercress and scallions.
If liver Qi is stagnated the emphasis is on lightly cooked foods with more sharp and pungent tastes and less dense foods as dairy, meat, and baked flour products. Some recommended foods include lemon, pickles, dandelion, spinach, corn, celery, onion, lettuce, mustard greens, yam, barley, wheat, sesame seeds, dates, peanuts, onions, cilantro, bamboo shoot, mushrooms, and quinoa.
Emotions, negative—anger, resentment, frustration, irritability, bitterness, "flying off the handle". There may be a tendency for unresolved frustrations to emerge in inappropriate ways as arguments, negative expressions towards others, and impatience with oneself often related to unfinished projects or perceived failures. From a Buddhist or psycho-spiritual view what we feel are failures are potentially great opportunities to re-establish our self-confidence, to see the benefits of the experience and to create new seeds and goals for our future.
Balanced wood energy is reflected in our ability to manifest patience and compassion, foremost towards ourselves while reaching out to help others from a base of a smooth-unfettered life force to create peaceful, affirming dialogue, relationships and environments.
Also See Water.
Fire- Summer-Heat
In the summer heat is rising and in order to maintain good health it is important to restore and maintain normal levels of yang as well as to balance one’s health with yin, cooling influences and foods.
The bitter taste nourishes the heart Qi as in dandelion root and greens, sesame seeds, celery, quinoa, scallions, asparagus, alfalfa, citrus peel, wine, lamb, and apricots.
If heart Qi is overly yang the emphasis is on lighter grains and cooking styles, cooler foods as salads with dandelion, lots of alfalfa tea, light leafy greens such as nisuma, sprouts, tofu, natto, and less or no spices, baked foods, or alcohol.
The daily diet should contain more cooling preparations, salads, vegetables, and fruit to stimulate the appetite and provide fluids. One should avoid heavy, oily, and very salty or sweet foods. External influences of summer heat and dampness are common in summer causing people to be sweatier, thirstier, and more irritable and tired.
Emotions, negative—lack of enthusiasm and vitality, mental restlessness, depression. There may be a lack of lightheartedness or ability to laugh and enjoy life; or, the opposite-constant laughter and incessant chatter.
Balanced fire energy is reflected in the ability to emanate joy and to experience and show a love of giving and receiving for oneself and others. The more we honor and put love and joy into our own lives, like a magnet the more love is available to come to us-from various people and sources.
Also see Wood.
Earth-Late Summer-Damp
In late summer yang is still prevalent while yin qi begins to predominate as we are cooling from summer. Nature is in its central position of balance as it quiets the fire and moves deeper within, preparing for autumn.
The sweet taste nourishes spleen and stomach Qi as in pumpkins, cooked onions, squashes, sweet potato, peach, dates, apple, cherry, beef, millet, almonds, coconut, and cooking with mirin or maple, barley, or rice syrup. One may increase animal foods as the climate begins to cool.
If spleen Qi is deficient the emphasis is on more root vegetables and longer cooking styles, using easy to digest yet strong dishes such as Oden Stew or Congi with brown rice or millet. Avoid dairy and damp, heavy foods such as cakes and ice cream. The movement of fire-active foods will help replenish. Chewing food and eating smaller meals will strengthen earth energy and therefore our digestion. One should be conscious that eating excess fruits and oils in the summer may give rise to mucus, phlegm and discomfort in the late summer affecting the stomach and lungs.
Emotions, negative—worry, dwelling or focusing too much on a particular topic, excessive mental activity, and work. Sitting for long periods of time can deplete earth Qi. The negative splenic disposition can be one of suspicion, that is, lack of trust in oneself or others. The flip side of this is a tendency to be overly sympathetic and to easily become co-dependent on others.
Balanced earth energy is manifested by reliability, composure, empathy, and an inner sense of self-value, all which help create trust of and from others in our environments.
Also see Fire.
Metal- Autumn-Dry
Things begin to fall and mature in autumn; yin qi continues to predominate and yang qi to wane.
It is advisable to eat more food with pungent, salty, sour, and sweet tastes.
The pungent taste nourishes the lung Qi as in raw or lightly cooked onions, mustard greens, daikon radish, ginger, less oily fish, mustard, soy beans, lotus root, cloves, cayenne, basil, mint, tofu, rice, salads or steamed veggies with lots of greens, wheatgrass juice, pear and an increase of sea veggies such as hiziki, wakame, and kombu which will strengthen the blood, and circulation of qi.
If lung Qi or large colon are sluggish or congested a remedy is a ginger or mustard compress on the back shu point area-between the shoulder blades-of the Lungs or for the colon on the lower back or Hara-lower abdominal-area. (Use compress only if you know it is safe at that time or if recommended by an experienced guide.)
Pungent foods assist the lung Qi to disperse. Sour flavors are cool in energy and tend to move downward benefiting the lungs' descending function. Salty foods are necessary in moderation all year and at this time they can be increased to assist the oncoming winter/water season. A focus is to moisturize internal dryness caused by lack of body fluid from dry heat and/or a dry climate, and thus help restore normal lung function.
Emotions, negative—grief, sadness, detached. There may be a tendency to suffer loss and not feel able to let go when it is time to move on from a challenging situation.
Balanced metal energy is manifested in an openness to life’s experiences, being flexible, able to forgive, and to truly let go of past painful attachments, to create, and to accept new people and experiences, prosperity, and abundance in one’s life.
Also see Earth.
Water- Winter-Cold
This is the time when yang qi becomes latent and yin qi dominates and we need to conserve energy and build strength to be ready for spring. Storing our reserves is vital for the strength of our kidneys. It is advisable to eat more food with salty, sour, and bitter flavors. Eating excess glutinous, uncooked, and cold food damages the kidneys, spleen, and stomach, and should be taken in moderation. Foods with more oils help to retain warmth.
The salty taste nourishes kidney Qi as in sea veggies, sea salt, aduki beans, black soybeans, burdock, pork, fish, walnuts, black sesame seeds, dark leafy greens, figs, kombu tea, shiitake, cucumber, reishi, and daikon. If kidney Qi is deficient nourish with combined sea and land vegetable dishes such as dried daikon in stew or dark leafy greens in fish stew.
Nourishing kidneys, which are highly active in winter, strengthens their storage function helping to preserve their essence, which means preserving core life energy.
Although individual sea vegetables can be targeted for nourishing each element this rich source of minerals is highly important for nourishing and strengthening the kidneys, bones, and blood. Use hiziki, kombu, arame, wakame, dulse, nori, black fungus, kelp and more.
Emotions, negative—fearful, weak willpower, insecure, aloof, and isolated. There may be a tendency to hold in one’s dreams and goals, to withhold sharing with others, and to have little faith or confidence in one’s ability to make things happen in life.
Balanced water is manifested when the desire, will, and courage to manifest movement and changes in life are prevalent. Self-confidence is known to be housed in and reflected by our kidney Qi which becomes strong from foods, exercises such as qi-gong, and spiritual growth, as well as the courage to find, believe in, and move towards our higher goals and dreams. When we positively activate and direct water energy the planning and manifesting stages of wood and fire become active and the spiral of change continues to flow.
Traditional Asian, Chinese and Macrobiotic Medicine practitioners often stress that to achieve and maintain good health one needs to tend to one’s physical, emotional and spiritual well being as well as caring for others. Treatments of various forms such as shiatsu/acupressure, acupuncture, energy healing, etc. can help greatly and at times are deemed necessary. Yet, they are meant to be conjunct with daily fundamental practices of healthy eating, regular movement, exercise, and active work. These comprise a personally and socially interactive life.
Dietary guidelines and recommendations are devised on the basis of Traditional Chinese and Macrobiotic intake and diagnosis for general use and/or for one’s specific and personal health needs of body/mind. Food Energetics and Diet therapy involve the removal of foods that perpetuate the imbalances at hand, and supplementation with food types which help heal and correct the imbalance.
Chinese Medicine and Macrobiotics liken the body’s environment to that of nature. The practitioner observes and assesses the possibilities of phenomena manifesting within the body. Phenomena include cold, damp, wind, heat, dryness, and yin and yang harmony, along with the synergistic emotional and spiritual manifestations. When these present themselves in what is termed either “excess” or “deficient” amounts, the mind, body, and spirit can be adversely affected.
Each food type is understood to have warming, cooling, drying, moistening, descending/ascending, and yin and yang qualities. Some foods act with more than one energetic influence. A simple example is that if an individual is seen to have internal heat, the practitioner is likely to choose foods that balance and create more internal cooling in order to help disperse the heat appropriately for that person’s condition. The guidance includes foods for the particular health concerns if any, the season, emotional needs, and energy needed for daily work and life. The practitioner assesses the person’s ability to understand the recommendations and to practically implement them into their lives.
Through the lens of the 5 Elements, looking at the whole person and their environment, we apply the way food is chosen, prepared, and consumed, and how this impacts the type of energy—Qi—that the body produces. The effect of food on the state of well being is paramount.
An understanding of Food Energetics plays a vital role in creating harmony and is a powerful and very useful tool towards restoring balance. Self-empowerment should be encouraged and inspired to be a goal for the person receiving guidance and treatment.
Food Energetics and Diet therapy are not necessarily concerned with weight loss, although it is known to help tremendously. It brings about internal organ balance and strengthens the underlined organic weaknesses so that the foods ingested are transformed with the least amount of strain on organ/energy output, while providing the maximum dietary benefit to build essential body essences as Qi, Fluids, and Blood.
While looking at the 5 Elements (a magnificent and thought provoking study containing easy and complex insights) and their relationship in health, nutrition, and healing we need to be cognizant of the reality that there is no fixed or static method to understand others and ourselves. We need to be flexible with our knowledge and to continually activate and be in touch with our intuition and spiritual higher selves for solving problems and for creating the most value from them.
“Bearing and nurturing,
Creating but not owning,
Giving without demanding,
This is harmony.” Quote from the Tao DeChing
Recommendations for Nourishing the Elements:
A preferred time to nourish an element is considered to be through the nourishing/parent element, which is the preceding element/season.
Wood-Spring-Wind
Spring is when living things begin to grow and express expansive yang qi. The external influence of wind may invade a person making one vulnerable to colds, flu, or a relapse of a past illness.
The sour taste in moderation nourishes the strength of liver Qi as in citrus, lemon, pickles, sauerkraut, yogurt, plum, umeboshi, liver, leeks, barley, wheat, chicken, and leafy greens with especially the sharp taste such as watercress and scallions.
If liver Qi is stagnated the emphasis is on lightly cooked foods with more sharp and pungent tastes and less dense foods as dairy, meat, and baked flour products. Some recommended foods include lemon, pickles, dandelion, spinach, corn, celery, onion, lettuce, mustard greens, yam, barley, wheat, sesame seeds, dates, peanuts, onions, cilantro, bamboo shoot, mushrooms, and quinoa.
Emotions, negative—anger, resentment, frustration, irritability, bitterness, "flying off the handle". There may be a tendency for unresolved frustrations to emerge in inappropriate ways as arguments, negative expressions towards others, and impatience with oneself often related to unfinished projects or perceived failures. From a Buddhist or psycho-spiritual view what we feel are failures are potentially great opportunities to re-establish our self-confidence, to see the benefits of the experience and to create new seeds and goals for our future.
Balanced wood energy is reflected in our ability to manifest patience and compassion, foremost towards ourselves while reaching out to help others from a base of a smooth-unfettered life force to create peaceful, affirming dialogue, relationships and environments.
Also See Water.
Fire- Summer-Heat
In the summer heat is rising and in order to maintain good health it is important to restore and maintain normal levels of yang as well as to balance one’s health with yin, cooling influences and foods.
The bitter taste nourishes the heart Qi as in dandelion root and greens, sesame seeds, celery, quinoa, scallions, asparagus, alfalfa, citrus peel, wine, lamb, and apricots.
If heart Qi is overly yang the emphasis is on lighter grains and cooking styles, cooler foods as salads with dandelion, lots of alfalfa tea, light leafy greens such as nisuma, sprouts, tofu, natto, and less or no spices, baked foods, or alcohol.
The daily diet should contain more cooling preparations, salads, vegetables, and fruit to stimulate the appetite and provide fluids. One should avoid heavy, oily, and very salty or sweet foods. External influences of summer heat and dampness are common in summer causing people to be sweatier, thirstier, and more irritable and tired.
Emotions, negative—lack of enthusiasm and vitality, mental restlessness, depression. There may be a lack of lightheartedness or ability to laugh and enjoy life; or, the opposite-constant laughter and incessant chatter.
Balanced fire energy is reflected in the ability to emanate joy and to experience and show a love of giving and receiving for oneself and others. The more we honor and put love and joy into our own lives, like a magnet the more love is available to come to us-from various people and sources.
Also see Wood.
Earth-Late Summer-Damp
In late summer yang is still prevalent while yin qi begins to predominate as we are cooling from summer. Nature is in its central position of balance as it quiets the fire and moves deeper within, preparing for autumn.
The sweet taste nourishes spleen and stomach Qi as in pumpkins, cooked onions, squashes, sweet potato, peach, dates, apple, cherry, beef, millet, almonds, coconut, and cooking with mirin or maple, barley, or rice syrup. One may increase animal foods as the climate begins to cool.
If spleen Qi is deficient the emphasis is on more root vegetables and longer cooking styles, using easy to digest yet strong dishes such as Oden Stew or Congi with brown rice or millet. Avoid dairy and damp, heavy foods such as cakes and ice cream. The movement of fire-active foods will help replenish. Chewing food and eating smaller meals will strengthen earth energy and therefore our digestion. One should be conscious that eating excess fruits and oils in the summer may give rise to mucus, phlegm and discomfort in the late summer affecting the stomach and lungs.
Emotions, negative—worry, dwelling or focusing too much on a particular topic, excessive mental activity, and work. Sitting for long periods of time can deplete earth Qi. The negative splenic disposition can be one of suspicion, that is, lack of trust in oneself or others. The flip side of this is a tendency to be overly sympathetic and to easily become co-dependent on others.
Balanced earth energy is manifested by reliability, composure, empathy, and an inner sense of self-value, all which help create trust of and from others in our environments.
Also see Fire.
Metal- Autumn-Dry
Things begin to fall and mature in autumn; yin qi continues to predominate and yang qi to wane.
It is advisable to eat more food with pungent, salty, sour, and sweet tastes.
The pungent taste nourishes the lung Qi as in raw or lightly cooked onions, mustard greens, daikon radish, ginger, less oily fish, mustard, soy beans, lotus root, cloves, cayenne, basil, mint, tofu, rice, salads or steamed veggies with lots of greens, wheatgrass juice, pear and an increase of sea veggies such as hiziki, wakame, and kombu which will strengthen the blood, and circulation of qi.
If lung Qi or large colon are sluggish or congested a remedy is a ginger or mustard compress on the back shu point area-between the shoulder blades-of the Lungs or for the colon on the lower back or Hara-lower abdominal-area. (Use compress only if you know it is safe at that time or if recommended by an experienced guide.)
Pungent foods assist the lung Qi to disperse. Sour flavors are cool in energy and tend to move downward benefiting the lungs' descending function. Salty foods are necessary in moderation all year and at this time they can be increased to assist the oncoming winter/water season. A focus is to moisturize internal dryness caused by lack of body fluid from dry heat and/or a dry climate, and thus help restore normal lung function.
Emotions, negative—grief, sadness, detached. There may be a tendency to suffer loss and not feel able to let go when it is time to move on from a challenging situation.
Balanced metal energy is manifested in an openness to life’s experiences, being flexible, able to forgive, and to truly let go of past painful attachments, to create, and to accept new people and experiences, prosperity, and abundance in one’s life.
Also see Earth.
Water- Winter-Cold
This is the time when yang qi becomes latent and yin qi dominates and we need to conserve energy and build strength to be ready for spring. Storing our reserves is vital for the strength of our kidneys. It is advisable to eat more food with salty, sour, and bitter flavors. Eating excess glutinous, uncooked, and cold food damages the kidneys, spleen, and stomach, and should be taken in moderation. Foods with more oils help to retain warmth.
The salty taste nourishes kidney Qi as in sea veggies, sea salt, aduki beans, black soybeans, burdock, pork, fish, walnuts, black sesame seeds, dark leafy greens, figs, kombu tea, shiitake, cucumber, reishi, and daikon. If kidney Qi is deficient nourish with combined sea and land vegetable dishes such as dried daikon in stew or dark leafy greens in fish stew.
Nourishing kidneys, which are highly active in winter, strengthens their storage function helping to preserve their essence, which means preserving core life energy.
Although individual sea vegetables can be targeted for nourishing each element this rich source of minerals is highly important for nourishing and strengthening the kidneys, bones, and blood. Use hiziki, kombu, arame, wakame, dulse, nori, black fungus, kelp and more.
Emotions, negative—fearful, weak willpower, insecure, aloof, and isolated. There may be a tendency to hold in one’s dreams and goals, to withhold sharing with others, and to have little faith or confidence in one’s ability to make things happen in life.
Balanced water is manifested when the desire, will, and courage to manifest movement and changes in life are prevalent. Self-confidence is known to be housed in and reflected by our kidney Qi which becomes strong from foods, exercises such as qi-gong, and spiritual growth, as well as the courage to find, believe in, and move towards our higher goals and dreams. When we positively activate and direct water energy the planning and manifesting stages of wood and fire become active and the spiral of change continues to flow.
Treating Moodiness with Acupuncture
(Article by Diane Joswick)
Everyone suffers from irritability and moodiness from time to time, but if you find that a short temper and frustration are becoming a constant issue for you, then acupuncture may be able to help.
Often irritability and moodiness are the consequence of chronic stress in your life. Over time these emotions can progress into more serious emotional conditions such as anxiety and depression as well as other health conditions such as digestive problems, trouble sleeping and the tendency to get sick more frequently.
Liver Qi Stagnation and Emotions
Within Oriental medicine, emotional disorders can be associated with a number of different patterns of disharmony; however, anger, irritability, and frustration are all signs that our qi (life force) is not flowing smoothly. The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi throughout the body and for smoothing our emotions. When the liver’s function of moving qi is disrupted, qi can become stuck. This is referred to as liver qi stagnation.
Liver qi stagnation is one of the most common patterns of disharmony seen in today’s patients. In addition to irritability and moodiness, signs and symptoms may include: distending pain in the area below the ribs, stuffiness of the chest, sighing, abdominal distention, nausea, sour regurgitation, belching, diarrhea or constipation, feeling of a lump in the throat, irregular periods, painful periods and distention of the breasts prior to periods. Liver qi stagnation is commonly associated with PMS.
Acupuncture is excellent at relieving liver qi stagnation. Treatment for irritability and moodiness associated with liver qi stagnation focuses on moving qi and supporting the liver and spleen organ systems with acupuncture, lifestyle and dietary recommendations and perhaps an herbal formula.
If you are concerned that your emotions may be interfering with your health and wellness, please call Whole Body Balance to see how acupuncture can help.
Move Your Qi!
The liver is responsible for the smooth flowing of Qi (life force) throughout the body. When the liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. So, for optimum health, move your Qi!
Stretch - The liver controls the tendons. According to Oriental medicine, the liver stores blood during periods of rest and then releases it to the tendons in times of activity, maintaining tendon health and flexibility. Incorporate a morning stretch into your routine. Try yoga or tai qi.
Eye Exercises - The liver opens into the eyes. Although all the organs have some connection to the health of the eyes, the liver is connected to proper eye function. Remember to take breaks when looking at a computer monitor for extended periods of time and do eye exercises.
Eat Green - Green is the color of the liver. Eating young plants - fresh, leafy greens, sprouts, and immature cereal grasses - can improve the liver’s overall functions and aid in the movement of qi.
Try Something Sour - Foods and drinks with sour tastes are thought to stimulate the liver's qi. Put lemon slices in your drinking water, use vinegar and olive oil for your salad dressing and garnish your sandwich with a slice of dill pickle.
Do More Outdoor Activities - Outside air helps liver qi flow. If you have been feeling irritable, find an outdoor activity to smooth out that liver qi stagnation. Try hiking or take up golf.
Enjoy Milk Thistle Tea - Milk thistle helps protect liver cells from incoming toxins and encourages the liver to cleanse itself of damaging substances, such as alcohol, medications, pesticides, environmental toxins, and even heavy metals such as mercury.
Get Acupuncture Treatments - Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help improve the overall health of your liver as well as treat stress, anger and frustration, which are often associated with liver qi disharmony.
Signs and Symptoms of Liver Qi Stagnation
Periodic acupuncture treatments can serve to tonify the inner organ systems and can correct minor annoyances before they become serious problems.
Here are some of the symptoms commonly associated with liver qi stagnation.
Everyone suffers from irritability and moodiness from time to time, but if you find that a short temper and frustration are becoming a constant issue for you, then acupuncture may be able to help.
Often irritability and moodiness are the consequence of chronic stress in your life. Over time these emotions can progress into more serious emotional conditions such as anxiety and depression as well as other health conditions such as digestive problems, trouble sleeping and the tendency to get sick more frequently.
Liver Qi Stagnation and Emotions
Within Oriental medicine, emotional disorders can be associated with a number of different patterns of disharmony; however, anger, irritability, and frustration are all signs that our qi (life force) is not flowing smoothly. The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi throughout the body and for smoothing our emotions. When the liver’s function of moving qi is disrupted, qi can become stuck. This is referred to as liver qi stagnation.
Liver qi stagnation is one of the most common patterns of disharmony seen in today’s patients. In addition to irritability and moodiness, signs and symptoms may include: distending pain in the area below the ribs, stuffiness of the chest, sighing, abdominal distention, nausea, sour regurgitation, belching, diarrhea or constipation, feeling of a lump in the throat, irregular periods, painful periods and distention of the breasts prior to periods. Liver qi stagnation is commonly associated with PMS.
Acupuncture is excellent at relieving liver qi stagnation. Treatment for irritability and moodiness associated with liver qi stagnation focuses on moving qi and supporting the liver and spleen organ systems with acupuncture, lifestyle and dietary recommendations and perhaps an herbal formula.
If you are concerned that your emotions may be interfering with your health and wellness, please call Whole Body Balance to see how acupuncture can help.
Move Your Qi!
The liver is responsible for the smooth flowing of Qi (life force) throughout the body. When the liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. So, for optimum health, move your Qi!
Stretch - The liver controls the tendons. According to Oriental medicine, the liver stores blood during periods of rest and then releases it to the tendons in times of activity, maintaining tendon health and flexibility. Incorporate a morning stretch into your routine. Try yoga or tai qi.
Eye Exercises - The liver opens into the eyes. Although all the organs have some connection to the health of the eyes, the liver is connected to proper eye function. Remember to take breaks when looking at a computer monitor for extended periods of time and do eye exercises.
Eat Green - Green is the color of the liver. Eating young plants - fresh, leafy greens, sprouts, and immature cereal grasses - can improve the liver’s overall functions and aid in the movement of qi.
Try Something Sour - Foods and drinks with sour tastes are thought to stimulate the liver's qi. Put lemon slices in your drinking water, use vinegar and olive oil for your salad dressing and garnish your sandwich with a slice of dill pickle.
Do More Outdoor Activities - Outside air helps liver qi flow. If you have been feeling irritable, find an outdoor activity to smooth out that liver qi stagnation. Try hiking or take up golf.
Enjoy Milk Thistle Tea - Milk thistle helps protect liver cells from incoming toxins and encourages the liver to cleanse itself of damaging substances, such as alcohol, medications, pesticides, environmental toxins, and even heavy metals such as mercury.
Get Acupuncture Treatments - Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help improve the overall health of your liver as well as treat stress, anger and frustration, which are often associated with liver qi disharmony.
Signs and Symptoms of Liver Qi Stagnation
Periodic acupuncture treatments can serve to tonify the inner organ systems and can correct minor annoyances before they become serious problems.
Here are some of the symptoms commonly associated with liver qi stagnation.
- Pain or discomfort anywhere along the sides of the body
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Sighing
- Hiccups
- Frustration
- Inappropriate anger
- Sensation of a lump in the throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bitter taste in mouth
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Abdominal distention and discomfort
- Stomachache that improves after massage
- Stomachache that worsens with anger
- PMS with irritability or swollen breasts
- Irregular or painful periods
- Poor appetite
- Churning sensation in stomach
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Can You Eat Your Way Free From Seasonal Allergy Attacts??
Studies show that eating certain foods can help alleviate seasonal allergy symptoms. So what should you eat, all you allergy sufferers??
Ginger--it acts as a natural antihistamine and decongestant.
Apples--they contain Quercetin which cross reacts with tree pollen. Quercetin acts as an antihistamine and decreases inflammation. Besides apples, you can find it in berries, red grapes, red onions, capers, and black tea
Carrots--they contain Carotenoids which decrease inflammation in the airways. Carotenoids are also found in apricots, butternut squash, collard greens, spinach, kale, and pumpkin
Ginger--it acts as a natural antihistamine and decongestant.
Apples--they contain Quercetin which cross reacts with tree pollen. Quercetin acts as an antihistamine and decreases inflammation. Besides apples, you can find it in berries, red grapes, red onions, capers, and black tea
Carrots--they contain Carotenoids which decrease inflammation in the airways. Carotenoids are also found in apricots, butternut squash, collard greens, spinach, kale, and pumpkin
Allergies? Study shows Acupuncture can offer relief.
The American Journal of Epidemiology recently published a study that showed that acupuncture can significantly relieve allergic rhinitis symptoms.
In this German study, 5,237 men and women were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in addition to routine care in patients with allergic rhinitis compared with treatment with routine care alone.
In this trial, patients with allergic rhinitis were randomly allocated to receive acupuncture for a 3 month period or to a control group that received no acupuncture. All patients were allowed to receive usual medical care. The Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) and general health-related quality of life (36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) were evaluated at baseline and after 3 and 6 months.
Improvements were noted at the 3 month and the 6 month evaluation for the patients receiving acupuncture. The authors of this trial concluded that treating patients with allergic rhinitis in routine care with additional acupuncture leads to clinically relevant and persistent benefits.
Source: European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 2008 Nov;101(5):535-43.
Thanks to Acufinder.com for this article.
In this German study, 5,237 men and women were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in addition to routine care in patients with allergic rhinitis compared with treatment with routine care alone.
In this trial, patients with allergic rhinitis were randomly allocated to receive acupuncture for a 3 month period or to a control group that received no acupuncture. All patients were allowed to receive usual medical care. The Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) and general health-related quality of life (36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) were evaluated at baseline and after 3 and 6 months.
Improvements were noted at the 3 month and the 6 month evaluation for the patients receiving acupuncture. The authors of this trial concluded that treating patients with allergic rhinitis in routine care with additional acupuncture leads to clinically relevant and persistent benefits.
Source: European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 2008 Nov;101(5):535-43.
Thanks to Acufinder.com for this article.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Chiropractic, part of overall health care
(thanks to NaturalNews) Chiropractors have, for the past 112 years, treated sickness and infirmity without the use of drugs and with the goal of avoiding surgical removal or repair of any of the body's organs or structures. Chiropractic's message is that the proactive care of one's body and wise lifestyle choices are necessary to achieve health. Chiropractors have held and maintained this view, even before it became fashionable and long before evidence made it clear that the drug and surgery model of "health care" is really nothing more than "disease care", waiting for disease to occur and then treating the effects. Chiropractic takes a preventive approach tto health care: eliminate the cause of disease.
Chiropractors have always maintained that interfering with the transmission of the electro-chemical signals that connect your brain, the master control system for the human organism, to every organ and cell in your body has a detrimental effect on health.
This system is so delicate and of such vital importance that the body has designed the most elaborate set of protection, armor if you will, to protect it. The skull is a protective vault that houses and protects the most sensitive of systems: the eyes, the mouth, the ears and most importantly, the brain. The next critical organ in your body, the spinal cord, is guarded by your spine. This masterpiece of engineering is 24 vertebrae, each one a unique bone, that serves not only as the axis of your musculoskeletal system, giving you the unique ability to walk upright, but also has a unique set of nerves that run through it to every other system of the body through individual holes called foramen.
What travels through the spine and the foramen that protect them is the very essence of your being. From your brain, your spinal cord and the millions of nerves that branch out from it are the core from which your body functions. Before you came into the world, you formed a brain and a spinal cord and developed a body around it. And so it is today that the brain regulates the rest of your body through this delicate system of nerves protected by your spine.
Chiropractors maintain the proper position of these delicate joints and the precious cargo which they protect, your nerve system.
Pressure on the root nerves that leave the spine through the foramen to control and regulate all of the other organ systems of the body can affect millions of nerve fibers. Pressure on the brain stem, where it leaves the skull and enters the spine can also affect millions of nerve fibers. Interfering with these nerve fibers can have disastrous affects on your health.
Chiropractors detect and correct the cause of this interference, allowing your body to self regulate, adapt and heal. The care and maintenance of the spine and nervous system is a necessary component of any natural approach to health and wellness.
Chiropractors have been outspoken opponents of water fluoridation, mass vaccination, over-use of prescription drugs, food additives and have always maintained that it is better to find and correct the cause of disease, rather than merely treat or cover up symptoms.
Today, chiropractors embrace and support the growing body of evidence that health is a result of - a fully functioning nerve system, consuming natural, nutrient rich food, clean pure water, proper exercise, natural sleep and emotional/spiritual well being. A healthy spine allows your body to adapt, regulate and fully realize the benefits of all of these other natural methods of avoiding disease and achieving health. See your chiropractor today to have your spine checked and begin to extricate yourself from the disease care system of treating symptoms.
Chiropractors have always maintained that interfering with the transmission of the electro-chemical signals that connect your brain, the master control system for the human organism, to every organ and cell in your body has a detrimental effect on health.
This system is so delicate and of such vital importance that the body has designed the most elaborate set of protection, armor if you will, to protect it. The skull is a protective vault that houses and protects the most sensitive of systems: the eyes, the mouth, the ears and most importantly, the brain. The next critical organ in your body, the spinal cord, is guarded by your spine. This masterpiece of engineering is 24 vertebrae, each one a unique bone, that serves not only as the axis of your musculoskeletal system, giving you the unique ability to walk upright, but also has a unique set of nerves that run through it to every other system of the body through individual holes called foramen.
What travels through the spine and the foramen that protect them is the very essence of your being. From your brain, your spinal cord and the millions of nerves that branch out from it are the core from which your body functions. Before you came into the world, you formed a brain and a spinal cord and developed a body around it. And so it is today that the brain regulates the rest of your body through this delicate system of nerves protected by your spine.
Chiropractors maintain the proper position of these delicate joints and the precious cargo which they protect, your nerve system.
Pressure on the root nerves that leave the spine through the foramen to control and regulate all of the other organ systems of the body can affect millions of nerve fibers. Pressure on the brain stem, where it leaves the skull and enters the spine can also affect millions of nerve fibers. Interfering with these nerve fibers can have disastrous affects on your health.
Chiropractors detect and correct the cause of this interference, allowing your body to self regulate, adapt and heal. The care and maintenance of the spine and nervous system is a necessary component of any natural approach to health and wellness.
Chiropractors have been outspoken opponents of water fluoridation, mass vaccination, over-use of prescription drugs, food additives and have always maintained that it is better to find and correct the cause of disease, rather than merely treat or cover up symptoms.
Today, chiropractors embrace and support the growing body of evidence that health is a result of - a fully functioning nerve system, consuming natural, nutrient rich food, clean pure water, proper exercise, natural sleep and emotional/spiritual well being. A healthy spine allows your body to adapt, regulate and fully realize the benefits of all of these other natural methods of avoiding disease and achieving health. See your chiropractor today to have your spine checked and begin to extricate yourself from the disease care system of treating symptoms.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The Evils of the Flip-Flop
I'm as saddened by this article, summer-loving-fool that I am--as you are.
Flip-Flops Can Cause Long-Term Health Problems
Walking in flip-flops is a possible cause of aches and pains all over the body, according to a new study from the American College os Sports Medicine.
In fact, podiatrists say that summer's favorite footwear is responsible for more health problems than any other type of shoe, even high heels.
"We became interested in flip-flops when we noticed an increase in lower leg pain when our students came back from summer and were transitioning back into wearing tennis shoes and street shoes, "said [sic] Prof. Wendi Weimer of Auburn University, who se up an experiment with her graduate students to look at how the foot hits the ground. Participants were asked to wear either sneakers or thong flip-flops.
With the average American taking between 10,000 and 20,000 steps each day, the small changes in one's gait can add up to serious injury.
"The major shock absorption occurs back on the heel and if the surface between the heel and the ground is not supported it does not allow the heel to absorb shock as well as it should. Which means the foot works harder than it should and people tend to develop overuse injuries such as tendonitis, or in this case, lower leg, knee, hip, and back problems, explained [sic] Dr Rock Positano from the Hosptial for Special Surgery in New York.
Fortunately for flip-flop fanatics, Positano says you don't have to throw away those thongs sandals yet:
"Look, this is not an attack on a flip-flop or a flip-flop like shoe. Once again it has to do with when you wear the flip-flop. If it's for haging out around the swimming pool or hanging out around the beach or hanging out with your friends, they're fine."
Flip-Flops Can Cause Long-Term Health Problems
Walking in flip-flops is a possible cause of aches and pains all over the body, according to a new study from the American College os Sports Medicine.
In fact, podiatrists say that summer's favorite footwear is responsible for more health problems than any other type of shoe, even high heels.
"We became interested in flip-flops when we noticed an increase in lower leg pain when our students came back from summer and were transitioning back into wearing tennis shoes and street shoes, "said [sic] Prof. Wendi Weimer of Auburn University, who se up an experiment with her graduate students to look at how the foot hits the ground. Participants were asked to wear either sneakers or thong flip-flops.
With the average American taking between 10,000 and 20,000 steps each day, the small changes in one's gait can add up to serious injury.
"The major shock absorption occurs back on the heel and if the surface between the heel and the ground is not supported it does not allow the heel to absorb shock as well as it should. Which means the foot works harder than it should and people tend to develop overuse injuries such as tendonitis, or in this case, lower leg, knee, hip, and back problems, explained [sic] Dr Rock Positano from the Hosptial for Special Surgery in New York.
Fortunately for flip-flop fanatics, Positano says you don't have to throw away those thongs sandals yet:
"Look, this is not an attack on a flip-flop or a flip-flop like shoe. Once again it has to do with when you wear the flip-flop. If it's for haging out around the swimming pool or hanging out around the beach or hanging out with your friends, they're fine."
Ankle Sprains: New Remedies
Athletic as Boulder is, I thought this would be an interesting article for you all. As an avid trail runner, I can't even count how many times I've rolled my ankle. Actually, now that I think about it, the worst sprain I've gotten was unclipping on the trail while mountain biking--watch where you step!!! Regardless, Dr. Pete has always set me straight--literally :) and the cold laser has quickened the healing process immensely.
So for all of us ankle-injured masses, here is a great article about some new remedies written by Deborah Franklin from The Consumer (July 18, 2006).
Emergency room statics suggest that every day in this country, an estimated 23,000 people--athletes, stylists in stilettos, middle-aged accountants in sensible shoes--severely turn an ankle, stretching and tearing the ligaments, tendons, and neuromuscular connections that keep the jumble of bones in place.
Torn-up knees and dislocated shoulders get more press and sympathy. But doctors know that a bad ankle sprain is not only more common, but can be at least as far reaching in its effects. A broken bone usually takes weeks to heal, but the worst ankle sprains may require three months of rehabilitation.
Any wrenching turn that swells the ankle like a water balloon and leaves it too painful to walk on for a day or longer weakens the joint and primes it for more bad sprains and osteoarthritis years later, according to Bruce Beynnon, a biomechanical engineer at the University of Vermont who has spent decades studying knee and ankle injuries.
Dr. Beynnon said [sic] that many athletic coaches used to routinely tell players after a sprain to "just walk it off." But, he said [sic], "People who know the reseach on sprains don't recommend that anymore."
In the hope of finding better ways to prevent such injuries and help them heal faster, Dr. Beynnon and colleagues have been looking for risk factors that may make some people more vulnerable to sprained ankles than others.
Their most recent findings, presented this month in hershey, Pa., at a meeting of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, suggest tha men and women tend to have a different set of risk factors that should perhaps change the ways the two groups train if they want to avoid sprains.
"Basically, what they found was that for women, the risk for injury had to do with balance and strength in opposing muscle groups, whereas for men it's more often about range of motion in the joint," said [sic] Dr. Timothy E Hewett, director of the Sports Medicine Biodynamics Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. "That's important and exactly what I would have expected them to find, based on what we're learning about sex differences in knee injuries."
Statistics gathered in the 1990s by the National Collegiate Athletic Association showed that depending on the sport, female athletes were two to four more liekly than men to suffer a tear or other injury to the knee's anterior cruciate ligament, or A.C.L.
Dr Beynnon and his team recruited 901 members of men's and women's varsity soccer, basketball, lacrosse, and field hockey teams from several high schools and two universities in New England. Each student was put through a variety of tests to measure, among other things, laxity or "wobbliness" of the ankle, flexibility, and the relative strength of the muscles that help keep the hinge from rolling inward or outward in an off-kilter landing.
The researchers also measured the general alignment of the knee, ankle, and lower leg and the range of motion of each joint.
None of the students had suffered an ankle injury before the start of the four-year study or took any special precautions to avoid sprains. By the end of the final season, 43 students had suffered an ankle sprain severe enough to require medical attention and force them to miss at least one game or practice.
According to the results, women might be best able to help protect their ankles by doing exercises a few times a week that isolate and symmetrically strengthen the muscles that roll the foot inward and outward, Dr Beynnon said [sic]. In contrast, balance taining and traditional stretching excercises for calves and the Achilles tendon that increase the ankle's up and down range of motion may be more useful for men.
Unfortunately, improved training will not be able to remedy all the differences that turned up between those who got hurt and those who did not. The women identified in the preseason screening as having extra looseness in an ankle, for example, were significantly more likely to go on to sprain it, as were the men who had undergone previous non-joint-related surgeries to lower a leg.
But Dr. Beynnon and others have found in previous research that wearing a lace-up ankle brace--a semi-rigid stocking without toes that is worn over the sock--can lend needed support to the lax joint and reduce injury in athletes who have that risk factor. Knee braces have not been shown to be effective in preventing a first injury, he added [sic], "but we now now that bracing can help ankles."
Interestingly, taping the ankle--a timeworn effort to guard the joints in many sports--may make an athlete feel more secure but offers little benefit, Dr Beynno and other researchers studying the problem say.
Dr Mitchell Cordova, chairman of the department of kinesiology at the university of North Carolina at Charlotte, cites studies showing that the adhesive tape loosens during excercise, losing about 50 % of its ability to stabilize the joint in the first 10 or 20 minutes of play. A brace, he said [sic], stays tightly supportive much longer.
Dr Cordova recommends the braces primarily as a part of rehabilitation for previously injured joints. Dr Beynnon, however, is convinced that ankle braces may be useful in prevention as well, at least for those who have been told by coaches or doctors that they have "loose joints." At his suggestion, Dr Beynnon's two tennage daughters wear braces when playing basketball.
The ultimate goal is not to recommend braces or special exercises for everyone, Dr Beynnon said [sic], but to figure out who is at risk and why and then tailor a training program to produce an athlete who safely maximizes his or her physical potential. Dr Hewett is already at work on simple screening tests that can be used in middle schools and high schools with accompanying exercises on balance boards, for example, that could easily be added to the school weight room.
"We're talking about sort of a paradign shift in training,, " Dr Beynnon said [sic]. coaches in most sports have never thought about this. They never get an athlete to work on isolating the muscles on the ouside of the leg. The focus has been on running and drills that get you down the court or field faster to make more points."
Whether the finding directly apply to older or less dedicated athletes, summer hikers and ill-stepping accountants remain to be seen. But Dr Hewett is convinced that the exercises emphasizing balance, stability, flexibility, and core body strength get more important as people age.
"These techniques will not only make you safer," Dr Hewett said [sic], "but a better athlete too."
So for all of us ankle-injured masses, here is a great article about some new remedies written by Deborah Franklin from The Consumer (July 18, 2006).
Emergency room statics suggest that every day in this country, an estimated 23,000 people--athletes, stylists in stilettos, middle-aged accountants in sensible shoes--severely turn an ankle, stretching and tearing the ligaments, tendons, and neuromuscular connections that keep the jumble of bones in place.
Torn-up knees and dislocated shoulders get more press and sympathy. But doctors know that a bad ankle sprain is not only more common, but can be at least as far reaching in its effects. A broken bone usually takes weeks to heal, but the worst ankle sprains may require three months of rehabilitation.
Any wrenching turn that swells the ankle like a water balloon and leaves it too painful to walk on for a day or longer weakens the joint and primes it for more bad sprains and osteoarthritis years later, according to Bruce Beynnon, a biomechanical engineer at the University of Vermont who has spent decades studying knee and ankle injuries.
Dr. Beynnon said [sic] that many athletic coaches used to routinely tell players after a sprain to "just walk it off." But, he said [sic], "People who know the reseach on sprains don't recommend that anymore."
In the hope of finding better ways to prevent such injuries and help them heal faster, Dr. Beynnon and colleagues have been looking for risk factors that may make some people more vulnerable to sprained ankles than others.
Their most recent findings, presented this month in hershey, Pa., at a meeting of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, suggest tha men and women tend to have a different set of risk factors that should perhaps change the ways the two groups train if they want to avoid sprains.
"Basically, what they found was that for women, the risk for injury had to do with balance and strength in opposing muscle groups, whereas for men it's more often about range of motion in the joint," said [sic] Dr. Timothy E Hewett, director of the Sports Medicine Biodynamics Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. "That's important and exactly what I would have expected them to find, based on what we're learning about sex differences in knee injuries."
Statistics gathered in the 1990s by the National Collegiate Athletic Association showed that depending on the sport, female athletes were two to four more liekly than men to suffer a tear or other injury to the knee's anterior cruciate ligament, or A.C.L.
Dr Beynnon and his team recruited 901 members of men's and women's varsity soccer, basketball, lacrosse, and field hockey teams from several high schools and two universities in New England. Each student was put through a variety of tests to measure, among other things, laxity or "wobbliness" of the ankle, flexibility, and the relative strength of the muscles that help keep the hinge from rolling inward or outward in an off-kilter landing.
The researchers also measured the general alignment of the knee, ankle, and lower leg and the range of motion of each joint.
None of the students had suffered an ankle injury before the start of the four-year study or took any special precautions to avoid sprains. By the end of the final season, 43 students had suffered an ankle sprain severe enough to require medical attention and force them to miss at least one game or practice.
According to the results, women might be best able to help protect their ankles by doing exercises a few times a week that isolate and symmetrically strengthen the muscles that roll the foot inward and outward, Dr Beynnon said [sic]. In contrast, balance taining and traditional stretching excercises for calves and the Achilles tendon that increase the ankle's up and down range of motion may be more useful for men.
Unfortunately, improved training will not be able to remedy all the differences that turned up between those who got hurt and those who did not. The women identified in the preseason screening as having extra looseness in an ankle, for example, were significantly more likely to go on to sprain it, as were the men who had undergone previous non-joint-related surgeries to lower a leg.
But Dr. Beynnon and others have found in previous research that wearing a lace-up ankle brace--a semi-rigid stocking without toes that is worn over the sock--can lend needed support to the lax joint and reduce injury in athletes who have that risk factor. Knee braces have not been shown to be effective in preventing a first injury, he added [sic], "but we now now that bracing can help ankles."
Interestingly, taping the ankle--a timeworn effort to guard the joints in many sports--may make an athlete feel more secure but offers little benefit, Dr Beynno and other researchers studying the problem say.
Dr Mitchell Cordova, chairman of the department of kinesiology at the university of North Carolina at Charlotte, cites studies showing that the adhesive tape loosens during excercise, losing about 50 % of its ability to stabilize the joint in the first 10 or 20 minutes of play. A brace, he said [sic], stays tightly supportive much longer.
Dr Cordova recommends the braces primarily as a part of rehabilitation for previously injured joints. Dr Beynnon, however, is convinced that ankle braces may be useful in prevention as well, at least for those who have been told by coaches or doctors that they have "loose joints." At his suggestion, Dr Beynnon's two tennage daughters wear braces when playing basketball.
The ultimate goal is not to recommend braces or special exercises for everyone, Dr Beynnon said [sic], but to figure out who is at risk and why and then tailor a training program to produce an athlete who safely maximizes his or her physical potential. Dr Hewett is already at work on simple screening tests that can be used in middle schools and high schools with accompanying exercises on balance boards, for example, that could easily be added to the school weight room.
"We're talking about sort of a paradign shift in training,, " Dr Beynnon said [sic]. coaches in most sports have never thought about this. They never get an athlete to work on isolating the muscles on the ouside of the leg. The focus has been on running and drills that get you down the court or field faster to make more points."
Whether the finding directly apply to older or less dedicated athletes, summer hikers and ill-stepping accountants remain to be seen. But Dr Hewett is convinced that the exercises emphasizing balance, stability, flexibility, and core body strength get more important as people age.
"These techniques will not only make you safer," Dr Hewett said [sic], "but a better athlete too."
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Acupuncture's Effect on Fibromyalgia
Effectiveness in Fibromyalgia Treatment
Acupuncture and acupressure have actually shown to relieve pain symptoms caused by fibromyalgia. In a recent study performed by the Mayo Clinic, fibromyalgia acupuncture treatment was shown to reduce pain and depression. Acupuncture for fibromyalgia was also shown to increase energy and reduce fatigue. Other studies have illustrated that acupuncture remains effective for up to one month after treatment.
Another recent acupunture trial has also shown that stimulation in certain areas of the body is particularly helpful for relieving fibromyalgia pain. In the study, a needle was inserted into the trapezius muscles (near the back and shoulder) of both fibromyalgia patients and healthy controls. The needles helped to increase blood flow in fibromyalgia patients to a much greater degree than in the healthy controls. this increased blood circulation helped to reduce the number of tender points and increase muscle health.
New Research
A recent study done by the Mayo Clinic investigating specifically the affects of acupuncture on fibromyalgia found that fibromyalgia symptoms were reduced when patients received acupuncture. For the study, 50 patients were divided into two groups: one received acupuncture while the control group was given simulated acupuncture. Both groups had six sessions over a two to three week period.
In their findings, researchers noted that the most significant improvements were found in fatigue and anxiety levels. Most of the patients said they enjoyed receiving the acupuncture and side effects were minimal but included bruising and soreness in those that had true acupuncture. Overall, though, researchers found that the reported relief acupuncture provided patients was on par with medications, such as anti-depressants and acetaminophen.
This study is one of just three randomized and controlled studies looking at the effects of acupuncture on fibromyalgia. While one of the other studies found that acupuncture was not effective for pain relief, the other reported similar results to those noted by the Mayo Clinic. While more research clearly needs to be done, the findings so far do seem promising.
The Session
At your first acupuncture or acupressure session, your therapist will go over your medical history with you. This is in order to get information about your general health and the symptoms that you would like to see treated. Your therapist may ask specific questions about your symptoms and any fibromyalgia treatments that you are currently using.
Treatment usually begins with your therapist checking your pulse and assessing the color and texture of your tongue. This is in order to discern which acupoints should be targeted during the session. Up to fifteen points may be pinpointed by your therapist in one session. Your therapist will begin applying pressure or inserting needles into these acupoints. You should not experience any pain, but you may feel aching or tingling at the site.
Thanks to Fibromyalgia-symptoms.com
Thursday, June 11, 2009
COLD LASER THERAPY, the essentials
People are continually asking me, "What is Cold Laser Therapy?"
Here is the best summation I could find to answer their question--thanks to coldlasertherapies.com for the input:
Cold Lasers can strengthen and heal damaged cells. Using photchemical processes, laser light inserts bio-photons into damaged cells. The cells begin to produce energy that improves their function, assists their division, strengthens the body's immune system, and causes the secretion of various hormones. The tissues are healed and pain disappears. If damaged cells have died, the bio-photons help the division of neighboring cells, generating new tissues, and thus bring about healing.
Jon and Dr. Pete have had great succes with cold laser therapy in their treatment of all kinds of sports injuries.
Here is the best summation I could find to answer their question--thanks to coldlasertherapies.com for the input:
Cold Lasers can strengthen and heal damaged cells. Using photchemical processes, laser light inserts bio-photons into damaged cells. The cells begin to produce energy that improves their function, assists their division, strengthens the body's immune system, and causes the secretion of various hormones. The tissues are healed and pain disappears. If damaged cells have died, the bio-photons help the division of neighboring cells, generating new tissues, and thus bring about healing.
Jon and Dr. Pete have had great succes with cold laser therapy in their treatment of all kinds of sports injuries.
What happens to the Body During Pregnancy???
Though each pregnancy is different, here are some of the things to expect:
Endocrine System will have:
Gastrointestinal and urinary System
Respiratory System
Skin
Circulatory System
Endocrine System will have:
- massive hormonal changes will effect all the endocrine glands and all the body systems
- the hormone relaxin softens tendons, ligaments, and fascia throughout the body, giving added space in the pelvis in preparation for birth
- estrogen increases the size of the the breasts, uterus, and cervix; it changes the metabolism; and increases skin pigmentation
- progesterone promotes fat storage in thighs, buttock, hips, and around the internal organs in preparation for breast feeding; affects mood; increases breathing frequency; and dilates peripheral blood vessels and relaxes smooth muscles
- HCG increases the basal metabolic rate and body temperature by about 1 degree
Gastrointestinal and urinary System
- stomach motility decreases, which contributes to nausea and vomiting common during the 1st trimester
- peristaltic activity and colon muscle tone decrease while pressure from the uterus on sigmoid colon increases, which contribute to constipation
- around the 20th week, the stomach is pushed upward into the diaphragm, creating indigestion and heartburn
- increased urination, fueled by the pressure of the growing uterus
- strain on the pelvic floor muscles creates stress incontinence and often hemorrhoids
Respiratory System
- the ribcage may begin to flare in the 2nd trimester as teh baby grows and the diaphragm elevates at the rib attachments--breathing becomes more costal than abdominal
- in the 3rd trimester, breathing becomes more challenging
Skin
- Stretch marks may appear on breasts, abdomen, hips, and legs
- nipples darken and veins becomes more visible; a brownish line from the xyphoid to the pubic line appears
- increased pigmentation of the skin may create the "mask of pregnancy" in some women
Circulatory System
- metabolic rate increases due to the demands of new tissue growth
- 30-50% increase in total blood volume. Plasma increases 40% by 24-34 weeks, but as red blood cells increase more slowly, anemia may occur
- varicose and spider veins occur as a result of increases pressure in the veins
- clotting activity increases
- as a result of increased levels of relaxin, muscle tension increases as muscles attempt to hold the relaxed joints in gravity; some women may become hypermobile
- the additional anterior weight of the baby and breasts causes an increased anterior pelvic tilt, increased lateral hip rotation, anteriorly rotated shoulders, and forward head position
- though all muscles are effected, the most stressed are postural muscles
- increased pressure on hip, sacroiliac, lumbosacral, and pubic symphysis joints
- they can "roller coaster" from ellation to feeling out of control
- a changing self image as the woman struggles with her feelings of becoming a mother and her ever-changing body
- relationships with her partner, the baby, her family, and her workplace often change
- the sense of independence and interdependence change
- fear about the baby and anxiety about labor
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Pregnancy and Massage Therapy
Massage has been used for centuries by cultures across the globe to nurture pregnant women and relieve the stress of pregnancy's dramatic structural, physiological, psychological, spiritual, and social changes.
The stress of these changes can lead to a number of challenges:
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS FOR A HEALTHY PREGNANCY
The stress of these changes can lead to a number of challenges:
- weakened immune system
- increased heart rate
- increased blood pressure
- increased nausea and vomiting
- decreased blood supply to the uterus and the baby
- interference with fetal brain and nervous system developement
- greater likelihood of labor complications
- difficulty recovering postpartum
- fetal distress, low birth weight, and irritability
- decreased stress hormone levels
- reduced maternal anxiety
- improved mood
- better sleep
- less back pain
- fewer complications in labor
- fewer postnatal complications for the infant
- increased secretion of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production
- enhanced placental function
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS FOR A HEALTHY PREGNANCY
- Facilitates the physiological process of gestation by increasing blood and lymphatic circulation for the mom, placenta, and the baby
- Increases the mom's energy by increasing cellular respiration and nutrition
- Improves lymphatic circulation--i.e. decreases edema
- Reduces stress and promotes relaxation by stimulating glandular secretions
- Reduces the stress on weight-bearing joints
- Increases the mom's muscle tone and enhances her flexibility--A GREAT BENEFIT FOR THE BIRTHING PROCESS
Monday, June 8, 2009
How alternative treatments can make your pregnancy more comfortable
Pregnancy can be taxing on the body. Here are some great articles describing how massage and acupuncture can help alleviate the discomfort of being pregnant.
Prenatal massage benefits:
http://www.expectantmothersguide.com/library/connecticut/ECTprenatalmassage.htm
Acupuncture relieves stress and sickness:
http://www.pregnancytoday.com/articles/comfort-in-pregnancy/acupuncture-1241/
http://acupuncture.com/newsletters/m_jun05/main1.htm
Is Acupuncture safe during pregnancy?:
http://www.babycenter.com/406_is-it-safe-to-receive-acupuncture-during-pregnancy_1246184.bc
Prenatal massage benefits:
http://www.expectantmothersguide.com/library/connecticut/ECTprenatalmassage.htm
Acupuncture relieves stress and sickness:
http://www.pregnancytoday.com/articles/comfort-in-pregnancy/acupuncture-1241/
http://acupuncture.com/newsletters/m_jun05/main1.htm
Is Acupuncture safe during pregnancy?:
http://www.babycenter.com/406_is-it-safe-to-receive-acupuncture-during-pregnancy_1246184.bc
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Alternatives to Surgery for Back Pain
A few years ago, my husband--now ex--was told he needed to have a spinal fusion. Being in intense pain, stooped forward--in a position that honestly looked completely uncomfortable to ME and I often and most unsympathetically told him, "maybe your back would feel better if you didn't slouch"--he was about to JUMP onto the operating table. ( It's funny how the prospect of being pain free will drive us to try all sorts of risky things. ) I convinced him to at least TRY an alternative treatment before fording into surgical waters. He, perhaps out of love but most likely to get e off my soap box, agreed. A chiropractor put him in traction; it helped but didn't stop the pain, nor was it offering relief quickly enough. So after stumbling around options, we landed on acupuncture. It worked wonders! A treatment greatly reduced his pain. And he avoided surgery. ...for a while that is. :( After our divorce, strangely, he gave up acupuncture and is now needing to consider surgery again.
Will he "remember" the wonders of acupuncture? Or will he fling himself into the arms of his surgeon?? Wish I could say. Funny, he doesn't listen to my advice these days...
For more on the effects of acupuncture on back pain: http://www.acupuncturearticles.com/Article/Acupuncture-and-Back-Pain/27
Will he "remember" the wonders of acupuncture? Or will he fling himself into the arms of his surgeon?? Wish I could say. Funny, he doesn't listen to my advice these days...
For more on the effects of acupuncture on back pain: http://www.acupuncturearticles.com/Article/Acupuncture-and-Back-Pain/27
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Benefits of Drinking Water with a Higher Ph
One of the simplest and most important things that you can do to enjoy better health, combat disease, and increase your energy levels is to supply your body with a large amount of really good water.
Drinking good quality alkaline water full of antioxidants, in a form that can be easily absorbed and with a good supply of minerals can assist you in preventing and curing most of today's degenerative diseases. It will help you regain a feeling of vitality.
There are now inexpensive portable water ionizers that help to balance the acidity in our bodies. Read more about the Alkalark Portable Water Ionizer.
Drinking good quality alkaline water full of antioxidants, in a form that can be easily absorbed and with a good supply of minerals can assist you in preventing and curing most of today's degenerative diseases. It will help you regain a feeling of vitality.
There are now inexpensive portable water ionizers that help to balance the acidity in our bodies. Read more about the Alkalark Portable Water Ionizer.
Quit Smoking with the help of Cold Laser Therapy
People are constantly looking for safe and effective ways to quit smoking. The manufacturers of the drug Chantix are currently involved in a number of lawsuits with plaintiffs claiming that they became suicidal while on the drug. A new alternative in which acupouncture points are stimulate with a laser has been coming into the publics awareness over the last several years.
As you know, smoking is not only an expensive habit, but an unhealthy one. As reported in the British Medical Journal, non-smokers tend to live about 10 years longer than smokers.
However, those that stop smoking by the age of 50 cut their risk in half. Those that can stop by the age of 30 can avoid almost all of the associated risk.
Cold Laser Therapy is a safe, painless, and non-invasive method that helps smokers to break their habits...............permanently. By stimulating points in the ears, wrists, and hands, Cold laser therapy can help you combat your nicotine cravings. More information on quitting smoking in Colorado using Cold Laser Therapy is available at lasertonic.com
As you know, smoking is not only an expensive habit, but an unhealthy one. As reported in the British Medical Journal, non-smokers tend to live about 10 years longer than smokers.
However, those that stop smoking by the age of 50 cut their risk in half. Those that can stop by the age of 30 can avoid almost all of the associated risk.
Cold Laser Therapy is a safe, painless, and non-invasive method that helps smokers to break their habits...............permanently. By stimulating points in the ears, wrists, and hands, Cold laser therapy can help you combat your nicotine cravings. More information on quitting smoking in Colorado using Cold Laser Therapy is available at lasertonic.com
Liquid Vitamins--Amazing!
People have been taking vitamins and supplements for years. The problem with many of these vitamins is that they are pills which don't get absorbed in the system. Liquid Vitamins get better absorption into the body. Body Balance from Life Force is easily absorbed by the body and provides over 120 naturally-occurring vital nutrients, antioxidents and phytonutrients.
Aloe vera and sea vegetables are two of the world’s leading natural sources of glyconutrients. Together they provide the 8 Essential Glyconutrients, which are essential for optimal health and are required for proper cell function and communication.
Body Balance and other liquid vitamins are easy to take and are a great option for people who dislike pills, especially children and seniors.
Boosting fertility through Diet
Dietary Recommendations:
Go organic: It's quite possible that pesticides and herbicides found in non-organic food have a deleterious effect on our eggs. Without a doubt, food chemicals and additives frequently have estrogen-like synthetic substances and can occupy estrogen receptor sites and throw our hormonal balance off.
Eat alkaline foods: Vegetables, non-citrus fruits, sprouts, ceral grasses (wheatgrass and barley grass). Avoid acidic foods, such as sugar, meat, dairy products, and most grains as they create an acidic environment. An acidic cervical Ph can be hostile to sperm.
Get plenty of Essential Fatty Acids: good sources are fish and fish oil, COLD PRESSED oils such as flax-seed and pumpkin-seed oils, eggs, soy products, raw nuts and seeds. Dark-green leafy vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, beets, carrots, kale, collards, cabbage, turnips, rutabagas, and brussel sprouts are also good choices.
Supplement your diet with a natural high-potency multi-vitamin and mineral complex: make sure it includes iron, folic acid, and B vitamins. Very important in conception are Vitamins A, C, E, B complex; zinc; and selenium.
Eliminate alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine.
Add more cruciferous vegetables (brussel sprouts, cabbage, broccoli) to your diet
Get plenty of good protein.
Avoid junk food.
Go organic: It's quite possible that pesticides and herbicides found in non-organic food have a deleterious effect on our eggs. Without a doubt, food chemicals and additives frequently have estrogen-like synthetic substances and can occupy estrogen receptor sites and throw our hormonal balance off.
Eat alkaline foods: Vegetables, non-citrus fruits, sprouts, ceral grasses (wheatgrass and barley grass). Avoid acidic foods, such as sugar, meat, dairy products, and most grains as they create an acidic environment. An acidic cervical Ph can be hostile to sperm.
Get plenty of Essential Fatty Acids: good sources are fish and fish oil, COLD PRESSED oils such as flax-seed and pumpkin-seed oils, eggs, soy products, raw nuts and seeds. Dark-green leafy vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, beets, carrots, kale, collards, cabbage, turnips, rutabagas, and brussel sprouts are also good choices.
Supplement your diet with a natural high-potency multi-vitamin and mineral complex: make sure it includes iron, folic acid, and B vitamins. Very important in conception are Vitamins A, C, E, B complex; zinc; and selenium.
Eliminate alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine.
Add more cruciferous vegetables (brussel sprouts, cabbage, broccoli) to your diet
Get plenty of good protein.
Avoid junk food.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Find out how Acupuncture can help sports injuries
| Acupuncture and Sports Medicine | ||
| ||
| Injury may occur as we push ourselves beyond our limits. In our fast-paced lifestyle, we frequently don’t have the time or the patience to allow ourselves to heal completely. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help you to recover more quickly by increasing the circulation of your body’s energy (Qi) and blood, and by encouraging your body to do what it does naturally- heal itself. By using Acupuncture and, if indicated, herbal therapy, you should recover faster and with less pain. | ||
| Despite the strange vocabulary, acupuncture is neither magic nor a folk-medicine. It is a scientific process that has evolved over thousands of years. Acupuncture uses fine needles (about the size of 3 of your hairs) to encourage the circulation of your body’s healing and nourishing energy (qi). We use the analogy of a plant and a hose- when there is a kink in the hose, nourishment will not flow, and the plant will suffer. Your nourishing qi operates under the same principle- without proper flow, the muscles, tendons, bones and ligaments will not receive proper nourishment. Signs and symptoms of this lack of nourishment (Qi deficiency or inadequate flow) include injuries which are slow to heal, swelling, bruising, stiffness, tendonitis, and sub-optimal performance. | ||
| As an athlete, you may experience sprain, strain, repetitive stress injuries, physical trauma, overexertion, overtraining, or emotional stress. All of these can be helped by improving the circulation of qi throughout your body. Chinese herbal therapy may also be recommended. External herbal therapy is applied directly on the injured tissue to promote circulation and therefore the healing of the injury. Internal herbal therapy may be recommended to address constitutional imbalances that may be either aggravating or slowing the healing of your injuries. Herbal therapy may also be used during the training period (without an injury) to address any health issues that may be preventing the athlete from performing optimally. | ||
| Injury may occur as we push ourselves beyond our limits. In our fast-paced lifestyle, we frequently don’t have the time or the patience to allow ourselves to heal completely. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help you to recover more quickly by increasing the circulation of your body’s energy (Qi) and blood, and by encouraging your body to do what it does naturally- heal itself. By using Acupuncture and, if indicated, herbal therapy, you should recover faster and with less pain. | ||
| Chinese Medicine works well in conjunction with other therapies- an athlete need not choose between acupuncture and other therapies. It can be used in conjunction with massage therapy, personal training, and chiropractic. Progressively-minded Physical Therapists are finding that their patients PT regimens often go better when acupuncture is used adjunctively. Chinese Medicine can be a very useful addition to any athlete’s health care team. | ||
| Amy Dickinson comes from a long line of Sports Medicine Doctors, but she is the first to use Chinese Medicine. Her father was the Sports Medicine Doctor for the 1976 US Olympic Cross Country Ski Team. She likes integrating the precision of Western Medical Diagnosis with the long-standing wisdom of Chinese Medicine. She has been a ski instructor in Colorado, Alaska, and Japan. | ||
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