Acupuncture Can Help Treat Migraines

Acupuncture can help treat migraines. This was discovered after a comparative study was done with conventional medical care. In some cases, it even prevents it from happening which helps improve the quality of life for the patient. 

 

To understand how acupuncture helps migraine sufferers, you have to understand that in traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that an imbalance in the flow of blood and energy causes this to happen. 

 

In order to treat it, the specialist must relieve the tension by inserting needles into the body to improve the blood flow to the brain thus reducing the pain experienced during an attack.

 

The needles used helps the body balance the serotonin levels since it is a neurotransmitter that affects blood vessels and has a role to play in migraines. In fact the more frequent these sessions are the better. It may even come to a point where the specific point of contact is no longer needed but the general stimulation itself.

 

The end result of undergoing acupuncture is amazing. If you experience 15 to 20 days of agonizing pain, this may be countdown to only 8 days. You won’t even need to use that much medication anymore as before. 

 

For those who are working, this is good so that they are not absent from work that much and there won’t be that much deductions in their salary. 

 

But how well acupuncture does for one patient may vary with another. This depends on the condition of the attack and the individual.

 

The best part about acupuncture is that there are no side effects and it is painless. Skillful professionals can do this so you don’t suffer from hematoma or pneumothorax. Another disease is potentially dangerous is HIV or hepatitis which can be prevented of course as long as the needles used are properly sterilized. It will be much better if the person uses disposable needles. 

 

Acupuncture has been practiced in the United States for more than 2 decades. Although tests have shown how effective it can be to treat chronic conditions and certain addictions, more studies need to be done to see where else it can be useful. 

 

Although one test has proven that acupuncture can help migraines, other tests will also have to be done to prove if this is true. Until such time that other results are published, patients will have to rely on conventional medicine that is prescribed by a doctor. 

 

But you don’t have to wait for the results to come out. If you think it is worth a try, go for it. Just ask for a referral from your doctor as there are many practitioners who have accepted the fact that alternative forms of medicine can also help a patient. 

 

You can also find someone online. You can be sure they are certified if they are recognized by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. 

 

Aside from that, you should also make some lifestyle changes as there are trigger factors that have been known to cause migraines. Stress is number one on the list so you get enough rest and exercise as well as a balanced diet. 

 

Patients who are suffering from migraine should also check if acupuncture is covered by their HMO. Most insurance providers and HMO’s these days cover all or part of the cost but there are restrictions so you should check what is covered by your policy.

 

Acupuncture Can Help You Quit Smoking

Smoking is one hard habit to break. If nicotine patches and gum doesn’t work, perhaps you should try something else like an alternative form of healthcare like acupuncture. 

 

Acupuncture is an ancient practice involving the use of needles. This instrument is inserted into the skin to allow you energy or Qi to start flowing freely around your body and thus help you quit smoking. 

 

When you go visit an acupuncturist for the first time and tell him or her that you want to quit smoking, after answering some questions, the specialist will carry out an examination of your ears and search for areas where the energy is low. 

 

Once these spots are identified, these sharp needles are then inserted. Usually 5 needles are placed in various acupoints. 

 

The treatment is finished after an hour and when the needles are removed, you are advised to wear ear magnets so your session continues even when you leave the clinic. While acupuncture itself is a painless procedure, some smokers have claimed that they felt a prick or get sleepy. 

 

Most smokers will have to come to the clinic 4 to 6 times before seeing any significant results. Just to give you an idea, one study shows that the respondents reported a decrease in the number of cravings to smoke just after one or two sessions. Seven out of 10 of the respondents were able to kick the habit after 5 or 6 sessions. 

 

Because the number of test subjects is small, there are some who doubt the effectiveness of acupuncture. This is because although there are positive signs with regards to the short term effects of this technique, its effects were not sustained. This is why some medical journals have stated that it is unclear what acupuncture can do in smoking cessation. 

 

But you have to remember that acupuncture is not permanent. It merely starts something that you have to finish on your own. Some smokers who go 2 or 3 times a week to the clinic will need to come back for follow up sessions in the future. 

 

At the same time, you have to find ways to prevent yourself from picking up a cigarette. You can do this by staying away from people who smoke since you will be tempted to ask for a stick. You can create your own personal mantra which you repeat to yourself every time you have an urge. 

 

Remember that this craving is only short term and will last only for a few minutes. You have worked so hard to leave this behind so stick to the path and stay smoke free.

 

Acupuncture treatment for smokers should only be done by a license professional. You can do some research online to find out if they are accredited by the National Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, ask how long they have been in the profession, find out how many smokers they have helped and how much will they charge.

 

Once you have found one, you have to commit yourself to the program because both you and the acupuncturist have to work together to give up this habit.

 

Acupuncture can help smokers in the same way that it has helped addicts and alcoholics quit their addictions. You just have to try it even if you may not believe in it. 

 

Acupuncture Closely Revealed

The foundation of acupuncture rests on the relevance of an individual’s chi in maintaining bodily and mental health. It is believed that chi is present in every living creature, and flows through specific pathways in the body. Health problems arise when the flow of chi on the body is blocked. As a result, a person may feel persistent headaches, muscle pain, fever, weakness, or in the worst case, becomes afflicted with more serious health conditions.

 

A Deeper Explanation of Acupuncture

 

Acupuncture has its origins in ancient Chinese philosophy and practice. More than ten thousand years ago, during the Old Stone Age of China, stones were fashioned into knives for medical purposes. After several years, during the New Stone Age, these stones were eventually made into needles intended for the same therapeutic end. These accounts are further evidenced by unearthed stone needles found to be of the same types used during the New Stone Age. 

 

There are basically 14 pathways throughout the body where chi flows continuously. These are called the meridian points. In order for chi to course through the body unobstructed, there has to be a balance between the strengths of yin and yang. In ancient Chinese philosophy, yin and yang represent the forces of the universe- yin is for feminine, while yang is for masculine. Every single thing in the universe is believed to contain both yin and yang for harmony.

 

When the yin and yang are not balanced, chi cannot stream through the body liberally. Therefore, the meridian points through which chi courses through need to be stimulated. This is done by the insertion of hair-thin, disposable needles in specific areas on a person’s body to induce bodily harmony and bring about healing.

 

A certified and trained acupuncturist will be able to carry out an excellent therapy session for the patient. Trainings for acupuncturists are given in order for them to obtain their licenses. A poor practitioner may not be proficient enough with the practice and could end up jeopardizing the results of the entire procedure. Nowadays, it is wise to verify on a practitioner’s credentials to ensure a safe and effective acupuncture treatment. 

 

What This Ancient Method Does

 

One of the foremost effects of acupuncture on the body is relaxation. Stress is frequently pinpointed as the main precursor for a host of physical ailments. There are particular points all over the body that direct the flow of harmony and relaxation and when these are enthused, the patient becomes more at ease.

 

Another positive effect of this alternative therapy is increased pain control. During a session, a patient will usually feel very minimal pain as the thin needles are being inserted gradually. However, the needles are deliberately placed in varying depths, depending on the health requirements of the patient. When the needles reach the right depth, the patient will feel deeper pain, although the entire procedure is not necessarily painful. 

 

It is also recommended for relief from chemotherapy fatigue as well as chemotherapy-related nausea. It has also been found to be largely effective for back pains, migraines, menstrual cramps, and as a pain controller for patients after undergoing surgical operations. 

 

Variations of Conventional Acupuncture

 

Auriculotherapy or ear acupuncture is one of the variations of conventional acupuncture. In this practice, it is believed that the ear provides a map for all the major bodily organs. A specific area or point on the ear corresponds to a particular organ, such as the heart, kidneys, or liver. Thus, the needles are placed in particular points around the ear and on the ear cartilage. 

 

Staplepuncture is a method used in smoking cessation, wherein staples are placed for a certain period anywhere on the ear area to provide stimulation. 

 

Indeed there is growing evidence that this traditional Oriental practice can rival any modern forms of treatment. If you are one of the many people who are looking for a widely recognized and time honored therapeutic practice, acupuncture may just be the alternative treatment for you.

Acupuncture is an Example of Holistic Healthcare

Holistic healthcare by definition is being able to cure an illness through the use alternative means. This means no medication is given to the patient and an instrument like a bunch of needles could do the trick. 

 

Acupuncture has been around for than 2000 years. It is only recently that this holistic form of healthcare has reached the US. Studies have shown that it can treat minor problems and prevent some from happening. 

 

The needles used in acupuncture are very thin but thicker than the human hair. This makes it smaller than those used on hypodermic needles. 

 

Most patients that undergo acupuncture will not feel any significant change after one session which is why a few sessions are needed. Best of all, it is painless so your body will not feel sore afterwards.

 

Several studies have been conducted about acupuncture and there have been positive results. For instance in the UK, 400 participants who were suffering from migraines claimed they felt better after 3 month’s worth of sessions. 

 

In the US, acupuncture has also proven to be effective in helping people deal with arthritis because the needles help the body fight against this chronic illness that is much cheaper and more effective than conventional medicine.

 

Acupuncture can do more than just helping patients deal with arthritis or migraine. Clinical tests have shown that it can help obese people lose weight and those who are suffering from insomnia. 

 

In some countries, acupuncture has even been used to replace chemical anaesthesia prior to surgery as there are some patients who are not able to tolerate regular anaesthesia. 

 

Another field which acupuncture has proven to be effective is helping patients deal with their addictions such as alcohol, drugs and smoking. One study of smokers revealed that the average patient will cut down by half the number of cigarettes they consume after just one treatment. Just imagine the potential after a few more sessions!

 

This has resulted in the establishment of clinics nationwide that only use acupuncture as the means of rehabilitation.

 

Acupuncturists in the US charge from $75 to $150 per session. This usually gets lower in the succeeding treatments. The person will probably have to undergo 10 to 15 treatments 2 to 3 times a week but this really depends on the condition of the patient. 

 

Before you go to one, you should check if this is covered by your insurance. If it isn’t, perhaps you should suggest that it should be included as it is much cheaper than having to undergo surgery.

 

Although there are risks if you decide to go undergo acupuncture, these can be avoided as long as the one doing it is a licensed professional who makes sure that the needles used are sterilized before they are inserted into the body. 

 

These days, a lot of people in the medical field have accepted the fact that alternative medicine such as this can also help the patient which is why they may refer someone when it is needed.

 

So, if you are tired of experiencing the side effects of conventional medicine and want to try a holistic form of healthcare, why don’t you see what acupuncture can do for you? It is painless and cost effective. In fact, it is just one of many you can try to help treat a chronic condition.

 

Natural Medicine

When you become ill, you go to the doctor. And the doctor will, naturally, order medications. You'll go and purchase medications. You take them, and hopefully, you bounce back. This is how the health community carries on today – a cycle of diagnosing and prescription. If anybody were to present you herbs for medication, you'd likely say that that individual was a quack. But today, studies are being carried on to see if there are truly is any merit to what is known as natural medicine.

 

Natural medicine is the utilization of natural techniques, herbal medications, and traditional practices to heal ailments. Each civilization has a sort of natural medicine. In ancient civilizations, village medicine men functioned as the physicians of the community, communicating medical knowledge to the apprentices that came after them.

 

A lot of categories of the therapeutic techniques fall into natural medicine. Among these are traditional medicine, complementary medicine, and alternative medicine, herbal medicine, or phototherapy.

 

Upon the coming of modern medicine, a lot of professionals cast aside the utilization of herbs in favor of synthetic medication. The reality that these treatments are based on the therapeutic properties of a few herbs was blanked out. For instance, opium, digitalis, quinine, and acetylsalicylic acid all have their beginnings in traditional medicine.

 

Natural medicine may be thought of as a lost art. This doesn't mean that it's lost efficacy over time. In a few cases, natural therapy is really better than modernistic medicine. Take herbal medicine for instance. There are a lot of well-documented and analyzed herbal remedies available. Yet, only those that deal with small ailments like cough, colds, fever, rashes, and the like are probable to be advocated by health care providers. These remedies are occasionally superior to man-made medicine. This is because herbal medicines are less likely to induce damaging side effects. 

 

There exist now a lot of alternative medical treatments that fall into natural medicine. Yet, not all of them have been demonstrated to be effective. It would pay to confer with the experts as to the authenticity of these treatments. Natural medicine should likewise be considered as an accompanying practice of medicine. Currently the collective medical thought proposes that natural medicine be utilized only to supplement acceptable modern medical practices.

 

The practice of modern medicine centers on diagnosing an illness and ordering treatments for such. Natural medicine is helpful as it advises that treatment be not inevitably given only when ill. Natural medicine endeavors to make every patient practice healthiness habits. These habits include great diet, fit living. It's this same line of thinking that leads our parents to tell us to eat our veggies. 

 

It's funny but truthful that science, in its quest after excellence, is analyzing the knowledge of sages’ past. This, amazingly, leads us back to the cures nature offers.

5 Essential Remedies for Depression

The first thing to recognize when speaking of depression and the different treatments for it, is that there are different types of depression. Each of these types might require a different treatment, in order to alleviate symptoms and cure the disease. Depression and suicide are very much connected to each other. Often patients who try to commit suicide are diagnosed with some form of depression or mental disorder like trauma.

 

A major event in a person’s life can result in ‘reactive depression’. This is when a person physically and psychologically reacts to a problem in an extreme way. Post-traumatic stress disorder is an example; this can result in a cycle of negative symptoms. 

 

Talking therapy is a very good way of treating depression of this type. The therapy could be with a counselor or a psychologist. It could be in a group setting or it could be one on one. Additionally, an anti-depressant might be prescribed. 

 

A chemical imbalance in the body can result in what is called ‘endogenous depression.’ Talking therapies are required, but this form of depression is a lot harder to treat than reactive depression. In the first instance your doctor might prescribe a number of different anti-depressants. This will help bring you to the point of feeling sufficiently motivated to take part in counseling sessions.  

 

Another form of depression is post-natal depression. If the mother wishes to continue breast feeding throughout the treatment it can be difficult, the medication would then be transferred to the baby through the mother’s milk. Depending on how severe the depression is, the mother might be admitted to a clinic, providing there is a mother and baby unit. When treating this form of depression, it is best to keep the mother and baby together so that their bonding process continues.

 

These days something that is used is ECT (electro-compulsive therapy) this is only be used as a last resort after a patient has been on at least three different anti-depressant medications without results. 

 

In order to increase the chances of treatments being successful, lifestyle changes must be made. It is advised that a balanced diet and abstaining from drinking alcohol will help the recovery process during treatment. 

 

Acknowledging depression and seeking treatment does prevent suicide. Educating people in a positive way as well as providing useful information about mental disorders and health issues is important. 

 

The above-mentioned methods are the most common ways to medically treat patients suffering from depression. However, aside from these, there is also a host of alternative therapies available. 

 

Medication, counseling groups and psychology, ECT and of course a change in of lifestyle are all methods which can help to speed up the recovery of someone suffering from depression. 

7 Techniques to Help a Person Suffering from Depression

The following are seven ways to help a person who is suffering from depression. 

• Providing company will help distract any depressive thoughts. You should encourage the individual to talk to you, and you in turn should listen attentively. Help that person to develop more social contacts as and involve them in your daily activities. Establish an effective role in helping them. Try not to reprimand them. You should remind that person of the realities of life, but also offer encouragement. You should seek professional advice if you find that this is becoming too difficult for you. 

• A very important part of the recovery process is helping the patient to find treatment. The treatment should be continued until the symptoms have improved. If you do not see any improvement after a certain type of treatment, it is best to try another kind.

• Another thing which can speed up the recovery of the patient is emotional support. You must display patience, understanding, encouragement and affection. Nevertheless, make sure that you do not demand too much from them. Doing so could cause them to lapse back into depression.

• If the patient seems to be lapsing back into depression, there could be changes that indicate an increase in the levels of depression. The best way to help someone who is depressed is to encourage them to continue seeking treatment. 

• 5 Someone who is depressed appreciates your help, although they may not say so. This is why you should not distance yourself from the individual as it could cause them to feel isolated and cause disintegration in their social system.

• You must try to motivate the patient; this will help reduce feelings of hopelessness. Often people suffering from depression find it hard to visit with a therapist and follow a set routine. You should try to help the person make lifestyle changes such as eating healthier foods, or developing an exercise routine.

• It might be necessary to accompany the patient in his/her therapy sessions in order to help them maintain a routine.

• Depression therapy from a psychiatrist/psychologist is important. It will help the patient to understand where their psychological problems are coming from, and also help them to resolve these problems. A psychiatrist or psychologist knows which kind of therapy will be effective in helping the individual. 

 

Finally, a good tip is to ask the person suffering from depression what they would enjoy doing. Maybe you could do things that make you happy or that make you laugh. Even if it is only for a short while, it will go a long way in helping them. 

 

Once again, remember that it is possible for people to recover from depression. In addition, they go on to lead happy worthwhile lives. Do not be afraid to seek help.

Vitamins To Improve Your Personal Life

Most individuals don't like to take any kind of medications on a day to day basis. They don't care that the medications will help them or not. They just don't like to take even an aspirin for a headache. So why would these individuals want to take vitamins. Well taking vitamins well help you in the long run. You get some of the vitamins you need in the foods you eat yet some folks need more than others. That's why you are able to buy one vitamin and it covers all the vitamins you need in one pill.  

 

How will vitamins help me? 

 

Taking vitamins will help you with many things like your vision, blood pressure, your moods swings, if you have diabetes vitamins can help, your nervous system, etc. If you think you might feel better is it not worth taking a vitamin. Vitamins will also help to strengthen your heart, immune system and boost your metabolism. The metabolite vitamins are available if you feel energy-less. 

 

How do I know if I need a vitamin?

 

Your body gives you clear indications when something is wrong. If your body is telling you that something is wrong, you should visit your physician. As a matter of fact, before you take a vitamin you should talk to your doctor first. Your physician will know what foods you're missing. Our body has a natural mechanism that alerts us when something is wrong. Learn to pay attention to your body and mind. Regrettably, this world desensitizes us to the point we fail to listen to our body. 

 

Vitamins will help boost your energy as well. If you lack sufficient vitamins, you'll start to have problems. The problems may include dry skin. Your skin may feel rough, or you may see thick corneal about the eyes. You may experience joint pain also. Vitamin deficiency can cause many complications. 

 

Vitamins are a great source of nutrients and energy, yet you want the FDA approved supplements. You are able to also choose foods, such as crab meats, watermelon, fish oils, and so forth to get the vitamins you need. Veggies and fruits provide us a great source of natural vitamins. If you have skin and scalp problems, you may want to consider Biotin. Biotin is great for restoring hair, treating scalp conditions, or enhancing skin. 

 

Why do I need to see a doctor before taking a vitamin?

 

Before you, start taking any sort of a daily vitamin you should talk to your physician first. Some of the things that you're seeing you may think that they're from not having the right vitamin in your diet but it could also mean something else are wrong with you. Your condition may need attention from a physician. 

 

So just to make sure it's ok, you should take a trip to your family physician and have a talk with him or her. You can buy your vitamins at the local stores in your town once your physician gives you approval. 

Prevent Sinus Infection

You don’t always have to wait for sinus infection to strike before you take action. As a matter of fact, there are steps you are able to take to prevent this from happening and here are a couple.

 

Dampen the air in your house. You are able to do this by purchasing a humidifier or an air conditioning unit as this regulates the temperature during hot and frigid weather. 

 

Apart from humidifiers or air conditioner equipment, you are able to likewise install electrostatic filters which are designed to take away allergens in the air. 

 

Drinking too much alcohol might likewise trigger a sinus infection as it swells the nasal and sinus membranes which leave them exposed to irritation. This merely means that you ought to drink moderately. 

 

Smoking likewise induces sinus infections as it irritates the sinus lining which causes bad drainage of the mucus and the sinus to congest. So, you ought to quit smoking and stand back from individuals who smoke. 

 

If you travel frequently, you ought to cut back the number of times you have to fly from one destination to the next. This is because a bubble of air inside the body expands as the atmospheric pressure in the plane reduces. When this occurs, this may result in the blockage of the Eustachian tubes causing your nose to clog during the plane’s rise or fall. If you have to fly, make sure to bring with you a decongestant nose drops or inhaler and utilize this before the flight. 

 

When you've a sinus infection, the best way to fight it is to stay hydrated. The same thing goes to prevent it by drinking lots of water, juice or any additional liquid to replenish what was lost from the body. 

 

You ought to likewise practice good hygiene since most sinus infections are induced by bacterial and viral infections. This means taking a shower twice a day and washing your hands with soap and water every time you go to the bathroom. You ought to likewise do this every time you sneeze as when you cover your mouth, the germs go to your hands. 

 

Finally, stress makes us prone to sinusitis and a lot of other infections. So, we ought to get sufficient rest like eight hours at least nightly. 

 

You ought to likewise take some multivitamins and supplements daily. 

 

You are able to prevent sinus infections from occurring so that you don’t have to call in sick and miss a day at work or school. It takes a little effort to take these safety measures which happen to be much more inexpensive than going to your physician and purchasing over the counter medicine.

Established Medicine for Sinus Infections

There are a lot of things you are able to take to fight a sinus infection. Aside from antibiotics, there are others as well namely antihistamines, decongestants, leukotrienes, mucolytics, nasal saline irrigation and steam inhalation as well as steroids. 

 

Antihistamines are advocated if the physician has determined that your sinus infection is induced by an allergy. Majority of them don't have to be prescribed by a physician so you are able to easily get this over the counter. The only limit with antihistamines is the side effects. Those who take it will commonly feel dazed or sleepy. To counter this, decongestants are added to the ingredients of the antihistamine like those commonly found in those that are prescribed by the physician. 

 

Then there are decongestants. These are likewise available over the counter and in prescription drug form. These are designed to alleviate congestion, nasal pressure and nasal swelling by reducing the blood flow to the membranes that in turn will better air flow, lessen breathing with the mouth, decrease pressure in the sinus and head as well as alleviate discomfort. 

 

The one thing it can't do is relieve a runny nose. Unhappily, it likewise has side effects like increased blood pressure and pulse rate which means patients who have hypertension or heart problems have to consult a physician before taking them. 

 

Your physician may likewise recommend nasal saline irrigation and steam inhalation. This is the only one that doesn't have any side effects. It's safe and non-addictive. This works almost instantly. 

 

Steroids are likewise used to eliminate sinus infections. As a matter of fact, there are 2 kinds and the one used for inflammatory conditions are called glucocorticoid steroids. This may be administered orally, applied to the skin or by shot. 

 

The side effects affiliated with it include increased appetite, weight gain, indigestion, increase blood glucose and blood pressure, sleep disturbance, mood swings as well as fluid retention. These gradually disappear naturally once you quit taking it. 

 

As you are able to see, there are many medications around that may used to help you fight off your sinus infection. It will have to be determined first what is causing it instead of through trial and error as this may lead to complications and you certainly don’t wish that to happen to you.

Weight Loss, It May Be More Healthy Than You Think

So you want to lose weight because you hate that you look fat and can walk up a flight of stairs without breaking into a major sweat and losing your breath for 5 minutes. You think that weight loss is the ticket to reenergizing your long lost love life. But let me tell you about a few other things that might persuade you to lose that 24 pack for a reason other than vanity.

 

Let's start by listing all of the other diseases that can be associated to obesity. Heart disease is probably the major one and shares associations with many of the others in the list. These include hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, and sleep apnoea. Other things not necessarily related to heart are colon cancer, fatty liver, gynecomastia, irregular menstruation, breast cancer, uterine cancer, depression, joint pain and destruction, and heart burn. With each of these diseases carries with them a host of other complications, many of them that are life threatening or seriously debilitating conditions This is all not to mention the social stigmatism that hinders life in all arenas including personal life and career.

 

The great thing about weight is that it is not a permanent disability that has to be accepted. On the contrary it is very within the realm of possibility to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. Weight is not the only thing that goes either. With weight loss goes the increased risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, increased risk of cancer, depression, sleep apnoea, and on and on. You also gain stamina, productivity, self-esteem, confidence, respect, and on and on.

 

So the question is why wouldn't you go out this minute and get your hands on the latest and greatest weight loss information that money has to buy. Or I have an even better way--that is to go to your family physician (who has the best information that money can buy at his/her beckon call) and have him come up with a comprehensive to help you safely and effectively lose the weight in a very controlled environment with the best support money can buy. And the best part is that it is not your money that is doing the buying, its your insurance company's bank roll. They are glad to do it too and this should tell you that this is important. You see insurance companies know that it is in their best interest for you to lose weight and to keep it off--because it keeps you healthier and out of the doctor's office and the hospital.

Weight Loss Helps Prevent Diabetes

A few months ago (March 2005), the American Diabetes Association announced the findings of the comprehensive Diabetes Prevention Program. The DPP was conducted at over 25 medical centers nationwide and involved thousands of participants who volunteered to have their habits monitored and to follow dietary and exercise recommendations. All participants had been diagnosed with 'pre-diabetes', a condition where the blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet in diabetic ranges. Untreated, more than half of those people diagnosed with pre-diabetes will develop full-blown type 2 diabetes within a decade. 

 

For the study, the participants were divided into two groups. One half were given dietary recommendations. The other half got the same dietary recommendations, plus the recommendation to exercise at least 30 minutes daily, five times a week. 

 

The results? Those who included daily exercise in their routines and followed the diet recommendations cut their risk of developing diabetes by 58%. The reason? Those who made the recommended changes in their lifestyle lost 'a moderate amount' of weight. Even more important, researchers found something that they didn't expect. Those in the treatment group had a substantial chance of reducing their blood sugar level to normal, something that had been assumed was impossible. 

 

Apparently, losing weight not only prevents a worsening of diabetes, it reverses the damage that obesity causes to the cells that produce insulin. 

 

How much weight loss does it take to have an effect on the progression of diabetes? The key is in the definition of 'a moderate weight loss' - 5-7% of your body weight. In other words, depending on your body weight, a loss of as little as 7-10 pounds can make a difference! 

 

The recommendations suggested by the American Diabetes Society for a healthy diet to prevent diabetes is an ideal diet for steady, gradual weight loss - the kind of weight loss that stays lost. The diet includes the following suggested daily diet allowances: 

 

• Grain - 6-11 servings per day (Bread, Cereal, Rice, Pasta) 

• Vegetables - 3-5 servings per day 

• Fruits - 2-4 servings per day

• Milk - 2-3 servings per day 

• Meat - 4-6 ounces per day (Meat, eggs, fish, dried beans, nuts and peanut butter) 

• Fats, Sweets, Alcohol - Occasional treats 

 

(Recommendations for portions are based on gender and activity level. For instance, a sedentary 40 year old woman needs fewer portions than an active 25-year-old woman.) 

 

Look familiar? It's also the dietary recommendation for the Heart Healthy diet from the American Heart Association, and the recommendations from the USDA's new MyPyramid. The results just keep coming in, but the message is clear: losing weight, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet can help prevent most major health problems. Why wait till you're diagnosed? Start today - and it may never happen.

No More Upper or Lower Back Pain!

The use of chi machines has consistently proven to induce weight loss. Daily use can help you to break out of the tired and overweight mentality to healthy and happy and vital living . John William Johnson is a nationally certified massage therapist, psychotherapist, and health researcher.

 

I remember once when I was working a trade show, and was leaving my hotel room with my luggage. I closed the door to my room, turned the corner, and felt a sharp pain in my right knee. Fortunately there was no one in the hall. I put my luggage down, and proceeded to massage and knead the area around my knee, for maybe 5 minutes at most. I got up, and my knee was like new! 

 

Body Rolling

 

Body Rolling is a form of body work that was developed by Yamuna Zake. It involves rolling on a special ball in a very specific way. I learned about it in 1998, and my life has never been the same. Using the ball has made it unnecessary to go to the chiropractor, and reduced my need for massage. I have attended all of the trainings available, and am a certified body rolling therapist/teacher.

 

Click here to learn more about Body Rolling Balls and the amazing results that can be achieved by using them.

 

Self-Massage

 

Many people think that there is some magical or complicated technique required to give a massage. My experience is that anyone can learn how to use their hands in a way that will give pleasure and comfort to themselves and others.

 

The easiest way to learn is to sign up at a local massage school or community college for a massage basics class. If that is not possible, purchase a massage basics video. There are a few that we could recommend. Next would be a book. And lastly, just practice! On yourself is a good start, and then on a friend or lover. Just ask them to give you feedback. I've been giving massages for over 20 years, and I still ask my clients and friends for feedback. Everyone is different, so don't take the feedback personally. You are just trying to find the pressure and kind of touch that that person prefers. 

 

Massage, Chiropractic and Acupuncture

 

These are 3 primary forms of Alternative Medicine. If I can't fix the problem myself, they are my first line of help. They do cost a bit of money. In an ideal world, we would get some form of treatment on a regular basis. I've never forgotten the fact that Bob Hope got a massage every day! I often arrange to do trades with friends or colleagues.

 

Massage is good for you because our bodies love to be touched. And a good therapist can help remind the body to relax and let go of unnecessary tensions. In the past, massage was about getting the muscles worked on. The field of massage is expanding exponentially, and now there are forms of massage that work on the nervous system, the lymphatic system, the craniosacral system, and on. Start with what is available, and as you learn more, more opportunities will present themselves. 

 

Frequency is More Important Than Duration

 

This seems to be a basic principle; even if you were trying to learn a new instrument, the teacher would tell you that 4 sessions of 15 minutes is better than one 1 hour session. Notice how long it takes for your body to become painful. Then plan on getting a massage a bit earlier. 

 

Proper Posture / Body Mechanics

 

We live in a culture that is very mental and very sedentary. Sitting has become the dominant posture. It is also the worst possible position for the lower back, since all of the weight of the upper body is directed onto the lower back. As a result, lower back pain has become a big business. 

 

My recommendation to you is that you try to move as much as possible. The human body was not built to stay in one position for a long time. The problem with long term sitting is that the muscles used to sit have to stay contracted for extremely long periods. If you moved around, got up, and stretched, your body would be much happier.

 

The next most important thing is to try and keep the natural curves of the spine in place. This requires that you keep the lower back arched, and the head aligned, as if you were a puppet, and there was a string coming out the top of your head.

 

Next, be careful when bending over, and when lifting objects. Use your legs for both; bend the knees rather than the torso. And keep boxes close to the body. Imagine yourself as a lever; the further away the object, the more weight imposed on the torso. AND TRY NOT TO TWIST! Lifting and twisting is the perfect formula for pain.

 

Emotional Factors

 

As a Marriage and Family Counselor, I have seen the power of the mind cause pain and illness. It used to be called psychosomatic illness. Now we know that probably 90% of all illness is psychosomatic.

 

So if you have back pain, ask yourself some questions:

 

• How am I feeling?

• Do I have any unfinished issues/conflicts with anyone in my life?

• If my pain could speak, what would it say? Who would it say it to?

 

Metaphysically, lower back pain is considered to have to do with survival issues, i.e., money problems. Upper back pain is more about withheld resentment, and being overburdened.

 

Taking care of your emotional life will have profound results in terms of all therapist

alleviating pain in your body. Every experience you have ever had that has not been resolved is held in the muscles and organs of the body. If your Dad hit you when you were young, and you couldn't strike back, that is all still sitting in your shoulders, waiting to be expressed.

 

I highly recommend taking advantage of the many counselors and therapist services available to us nowadays. Our parents weren't so fortunate; they really didn't have anyone to go to, other than maybe their priest or minister. Prevention keeps your back pain free!

 

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