Thursday, December 31, 2009

Treating Lymphedema With Compression Sleeves

Lymphedema is a medical condition causing chronic swelling of the body. Doctors often recommend compression sleeves to lower the inflammation after the patient receives other therapy.

Features of Compression Sleeves
These sleeves can come in Lycra and nylon and should be worn each day under a medical professional's direction. Compression sleeves may be bought without a prescription through a pharmacy or online store. Different sizes and elasticities are on the market to fit both men and women. Custom-designed sleeves may be special ordered for those who cannot find the exact model suggested buy their doctor.

Compression sleeves used to come in only white but are now found in many colors and styles. Some brands even offer zebra stripes, festive designs and floral prints, which look more like a fashion statement than for treating edema. These newer versions are a lot more comfortable than the older styles. Depending on the manufacturer, moisture wicking is also featured to prevent excess perspiration beneath the sleeve.

Trying to pull on these special garments may be challenging for those who suffer hand and finger swelling. Donning gloves are helpful in putting sleeves on, allowing for better grip on both stockings and sleeves. Resembling dishwashing gloves, they are made of rubber and usually extend just above the wrist. Ridges on the exterior help catch the slippery, stretchy fabric, making it faster and easier to pull on.

Another product available that assists with putting on compression sleeves is a slippie. The arm is placed into an oversized sleeve, and the compression sleeve is slipped over it. The slide is easily pulled out by hand or hooking it onto a fixed object, like a doorknob. The compression sleeve stays on the arm and the slide comes out.

For those with poor circulation or medication issues that result in easy bruising, slides and donning gloves also prevent fabric from snapping back against the skin while pulling and losing grip on sleeves.

Compression Gloves
Edema may be limited to the wrists and hands, making sleeves ineffective or cumbersome. Specially made gloves are worn in these cases. The fingertips or area beyond the knuckles are removed to allow for finger dexterity, mobility and functional grip. While fabric choices are usually limited to various shades of tan rubber or nylon, some manufacturers also offer Lycra material that is in color.

Lymphedema Medical Conditions
People with damaged lymph nodes are most vunerable to lymphedema. This can be caused naturally or by surgery for cancer or other health problems. Common swelling areas include the arms and upper body, especially for breast cancer survivors. Risk for lymphedema is also hereditary, especially where poor circulation is a factor. In some remote parts of the world, a parasite called filariasis may cause the condition, as can cellulitis.

Lymphedema can also be called elephantiasis, or misnomered elephantitis, for the disfiguring effects in extreme cases.

If you would like to learn more about compression sleeves then please visit http://www.brightlifedirect.com where you can find additional information.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Be Pain Free By Using A Chiropractor!

By Randy Goodson

Sports athletes have come to rely on their chiropractors more than just about any other medical professional. Once the news was out and that chiropractic care could treat more than sore backs their waiting rooms were filled to overflowing with people eagerly awaiting their turn for treatment. Chiropractic care has become a sort of hidden secret for success in sports.

The use of this type of care has been examined thoroughly across National Football League teams in the US. When asked about chiropractic care use and referral most answered that they had been treated personally by a chiropractor.

A big percentage of NFL teams use chiropractors in an official role, as part of their personnel, but almost all trainers had referred a patient to a chiropractor outside their payroll for evaluation or treatment. Not that the NFL players actually need a referral, with a hefty percentage of them seeking out a chiropractor of their choice without any referral at all.

Many of the trainers also agreed that players with suspected spinal subluxations (the technical term for spinal misalignments) must be referred to a chiropractor; but even more trainers agreed that there is a place for a chiropractor in the NFL. What is more significant is that athletes understand the difference between the team doc and the team chiropractor.

Chiropractic care is not a privilege of football athletes; many other athletes engaged in many different sports count on chiropractic care. John Stockton for one. While admitting his lack of knowledge regarding chiropractic, he also noted that the continued treatment offered by his chiropractor has helped keep him healthy. He knew it dealt with balancing muscles and general health. He claimed that in tandem with is family, he has benefited so much from chiropractic treatment that it is the single most contributing factor in the length and success of his career.

The consultative value and direction a professional chiropractor can and does provide, it is easy to see how people ranging from professional athletes to the leisure athletes all the way to grandparents that are not active can benefit by utilizing a chiropractor.

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Monday, December 14, 2009

TMJ Pain and TMJ Exercises

By Bart Icles

It can be quite annoying to suffer from TMJ disorder. Not only does this disorder cause great pain, it can also be tricky to diagnose. TMJ disorder has a wide range of symptoms and many of these symptoms are observed away from the jaw joints. This makes it difficult for medical professionals to determine whether a person is truly suffering from TMJ or if that person is suffering from some other medical condition. Nevertheless, there are several experts you can turn to if you suspect that you are suffering from TMJ disorder. These experts can recommend ways on how you can lessen the pain brought by TMJ and how you can rid yourself of such a condition. There are lots of ways of treating TMJ and TMJ exercises are among the most popular methods of treatments.

TMJ exercises do not require you to do any fancy movement or use any expensive equipment. All you need is a room or space where you can be comfortable and few minutes each day. You might be surprised at how simple the exercises might be and you will even be more surprised at how effective they can be in lessening the clicking and popping in your jaw joints, relieving you of the pain you feel, and realigning your jaw joints.

Depending on how severe your condition is, there are some exercises that you can do at home. To be sure that you will not be aggravating your present condition, you can seek help from your doctor. Most exercises for your jaw joints will require you to face a mirror so you can observe your jaw as you move it. In doing so, you will need to open and close your mouth in a slow manner. If it is moving from side to side, you might want to proceed with exercises for your jaw joints.

Simply opening and closing your mouth slowly, evenly, and smoothly can already help much in keeping your jaw joints in their proper alignment. While this kind of exercise might appear to be simple, this can be quite difficult to do if you are really suffering from TMJ. What is good about this exercise is you can do this practically anywhere as long as you are free from distractions.

There are still tons of TMJ exercises out there that can help you relieve yourself of TMJ pain. You can learn more about these exercise in home medical books, health and fitness journals, and in several websites that discuss TMJ disorder and TMJ treatment.

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Monday, September 28, 2009

Discover The Most Essential Things To Look For In An Acai Product

By Helen Harris

Let me ask you this, did you know that antioxidants play a important function in our good health by protecting the cells in our bodies from oxygen free radical damage, which in turn bolsters our immune system? The acai berry contains one of the highest antioxidant capacities of any food found in nature.

The antioxidant ability of food is measured by a scale called the Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity or ORAC scale. The acai berry has one of the highest ORAC levels of any singular food.

Antioxidants are a nutrient found in foods that aids in the harmonizing of free radicals. Free radicals are an unsound molecule that is absent one or more electrons. This lack of the required electron makes the molecule very unstable and detrimental to our bodies. The antioxidant will attach itself to the free radical and give it the absent electron that it needs. This stabilizes the molecule. This replacement of missing electrons is a lifelong and continuing procedure as even by stabilizing a free radical more free radicals are formed.

Thus we must continuously reinstate the antioxidants within our bodies in order to stop the troubles of oxidation. The oxidation process causes free radicals. When an apple that has been cut up is left out in the air, it will become brown. That is in essence oxidation. This oxygen process is one phenomenon that contributes to disease and troubles with aging.

Our bodies need antioxidants to undo the difficulties associated with free radical and oxidative damage. However, we must get them from our diets, as our bodies cannot make them. Antioxidants are only provided by the food that we eat.

The foods with the main antioxidant content are the colorful foods from the natural world. Deep greens, deep reds, deep purples, brilliant oranges and reds are the colors of the fruits and vegetables highest in these vital nutrients. Spinach, kale, cranberries, blueberries and pumpkins, along with many others including the acai berry are all exceptionally high in beneficial antioxidants.

Many people are aware that the acai berry is tremendously high in various antioxidants but a important one would be anthocyanins, which is the deep purple pigment that is responsible for the colors of berries, red cabbage, grapes, strawberries and other foods. Purified anthocyanins have been proven to be beneficial for weight loss in controlled studies involving laboratory mice. Anthocyanins are also accountable for a array of other wellbeing-promoting benefits, too.

The high antioxidant content and the numerous acai products that are obtainable make it a great addition to any healthful and nutritious diet plan. However, a large diversity of high antioxidant foods is the most beneficial for your healthful diet plan.

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Can Acid Reflux Really Cause a Sore Throat?

By Bob Cox

As if it's not bad enough having heartburn, people with acid reflux are also at risk for chronic sore throat. Although it may not be clear why at first, I think you'll find it makes perfect sense.

To begin with a definition, acid reflux means that acid from the stomach is backing up into the esophagus. The actual acid is HCl and as you might imagine is quite irritating to tissues that were meant to handle it such as the lining of the esophagus.

The most common symptom associated with acid reflux is a burning sensation in the chest. this is what most people mean when they say they have heartburn.

However if there's a lot of reflux, for example if somebody 80 really large meal and the stomach is very full, the acid can back up even farther. In that case people can have what amounts to an acid burn all along their esophagus and even into the back of the throat.

This is what acid reflux sore throat is all about. It's irritation in the back of the throat as result of acid from the stomach backing all the way up the esophagus. The acid can even leak into the windpipe causing lung and breathing problems.

Another indication a person might have acid reflux as a cause of their sore throat is if they also knows a metallic taste. That taste is characteristic of acid.

One surprising thing about this problem is that some people have a chronic sore throat but no heartburn or other G.I. problem to suggest reflux as to cause. Obviously that makes it more difficult to diagnose. Keep that in mind if you have a persistent sore throat that just doesn't get better.

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Sunday, August 23, 2009

Food That Cause Gout: The Underlying Factors

By Rashel Dan

Avoiding food that cause gout is the surest way to preventing gout. To determine which foods are detrimental, you should first get to know the main factors that contribute to the development of gout. Uric acids and purines are precursors to gouty flare-ups, so you should look for food or beverages that are low in purines, low in uric acids and sufficient in Alkalines.

How does a gout occur?

Gout happens when an abnormally high level of uric acid accumulates in your joints. The accumulation turns the uric acids into crystals that somehow "jam" your connective tissues, making it hard for you to move your fingers or toes. The crystals will grow overtime, usually in a matter of hours and therefore causes inflammation-you will see your skin physically swelling and turning red as a result. If left untreated, the swollen area will burst as the crystals exude through the skin.

What is uric acid?

Uric acid is a product of purine. We all naturally have uric acid in our bodies, but sometimes we could have abnormal levels either at birth or by eating certain types of food that cause gout. Uric acid can form into crystals that cause pain and swelling.

What are purines?

Purines are the chemicals in certain food that occur as nitrogenous compounds in nucleic acids. They are excreted as uric acid and are not considered vital in our diet. Since purines are excreted as uric acid high-purine sources are obviously food that cause gout. It is estimated that 50% of those who have high-purine diets have a higher tendency of developing gout. Purines can be found in food that cause gout, so listing food sources would be essential.

Found below is a list of high-purine food that cause gout:

- Beef - Pork - Poultry: turkey, goose - Meat organs: liver, heart, tongue - Seafood: anchovies, herring, salmon, crabs, shrimps, scallops, mussels - Vegetables: asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms. - Legumes: green peas, lentils, dried peas, beans, - Sauces / dressings: creamy sauces, gravies, meat broths - Beverages: coffee, alcohol (beer, wine, etc.) - Oatmeal, wheat bran and wheat germ, yeast - Sweetbreads

The foods listed above trigger high levels of uric acid in the body. One way to lower acidity is by eating alkaline foods.

What is alkali?

Alkali neutralizes the acids in our body. It raises pH levels to more than 7. Acid has a pH less than 7, so alkali can be used to dilute uric acid in the body.

Here are alkaline foods that could help counteract high uric acid levels in your system:

- Bananas - Watermelon - Orange juice - Potatoes - Spinach - Figs - Dandelion Greens - Chocolate - Mineral water

Take note: Sources high in fat are known to be food that cause gout. Also avoid foods that are high in proteins, because they are often high in purines that raise levels of uric acid in the body.

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Thursday, August 20, 2009

Which Hormones can Cure Insomnia?

The concept of sleep to anyone who is suffering from insomnia may seem like a distant dream. If you are tired of waiting to fall asleep, but can't seem to cross over into this, then looking into insomnia cures can help you to find the solution you need. There are several natural solutions that you can consider to help with your desire to sleep, all which can help you to stop your insomnia from occurring. One of the approaches to take if you are suffering from this condition is to look into the natural hormones that can be produced in your body so you can rest easily.

When we are first born, our bodies contain a balance of hormones, vitamins and nutrients, all which are continuously distributed through our bodies naturally. However, as we grow older, our bodies begin to lose balance. This can be related to psychological changes that may distract us from our ability to sleep or could be linked to the environment that is around us. These can lead to problems with stress, anxiety and an over production of the wrong types of hormones in our body, which eventually leads to the inability to sleep. As this builds up, it becomes more difficult to sleep, and leaves you tossing and turning at night.

If you are experiencing this problem, then re-balancing your body with the correct hormones is the only solution you need. This option for insomnia cures can easily assist you in gaining back your overall wellbeing while helping you to get a good night's rest. The first type of hormone that you want to consider for this is known as serotonin. This is a hormone that is located in the brain and is released to stimulate a mood of relaxation and a 'feel good' mood. If you simply need to relax, then stimulating this hormone is the answer. Exercise, taking a bath, breathing deeply and other small steps can all release this hormone and help you to get a good night's sleep.

Another hormone used for insomnia cures is melatonin. This is also used for those that are suffering from jetlag and can directly influence our ability to sleep. As this hormone is produced, there are more capabilities to feel drowsier and to rest. You can find this hormone in a natural pill form, which provides you with an invitation to sleep. It is also possible for serotonin to release this specific hormone so that you can introduce yourself into a world of relaxation and sleep.

These two different hormones are one of the main keys to enter into the world of sleep. Understanding how they work and making sure you take essential steps to sleeping can help you to begin to get your nights back to normal. By introducing yourself to these specific, natural hormones, you will have the ability to re balance your body into wellbeing, while working toward complete insomnia cures.

Ursula is an author and a person that benefited from applying natural insomnia cures. For more information on insomnia cures visit http://www.insomniacureskit.com to find out how You can break free from having restless nights as well as bringing your life back on the right track.



Vaginal Cuff Endometriosis - What Exactly Is It?

Endometriosis occurs when the lining of the uterus, the endometrium, grows on other organs outside the uterus. These usually include the reproductive organs as well as other organs within the pelvic system such as the bowel and bladder among others.

The symptoms of Endometriosis are very painful and one of the more permanent ways to treat it is by having a radical hysterectomy. This means that the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and cervix are taken out. When the cervix is removed, a vaginal cuff is created. This is where vaginal cuff Endometriosis occurs.

The best way to describe a vaginal cuff is by using the example of a tube sock. If you can visualize how a tube sock looks sewn at the toes, then you have a good idea what the vaginal cuff looks like. It is created by the surgeon and does not dramatically shorten the vagina.

Usually, only about a quarter of an inch of the vagina is folded to form the cuff. However, neither you nor your partner will notice the difference when having sexual intercourse. The reason for this is that the vagina is flexible and will stretch with time. Most women think that once they have a hysterectomy then that is the end of the Endometriosis. However, if there were small implants that were not seen, these can grow back to cause vaginal cuff Endometriosis.

The vaginal cuff tends to be an area vulnerable to residual Endometriosis after surgery. If the Endometriosis had spread to the rectovaginal septum and was not all taken out before the hysterectomy was done, then you may get vaginal cuff Endometriosis.

This is because endometrium tissue that is not seen at that time can easily be sewn into the vaginal cuff. This is a condition that many women suffer from. Initially you may be surprised to experience the same old symptoms, especially if you had thought of the surgery as a cure. If your doctor does not remove all the Endometriosis in this area it can re-grow causing much pain and frustration.

Many women suffering vaginal cuff Endometriosis wonder how the doctor could have missed the tissue when they were performing surgery. However, by the time one comes in for a hysterectomy they have probably had previous surgeries to remove endometrial tissue in the past.

This means that they will likely have scar tissue as well as fibrosis present. The Endometriosis will be buried beneath this scar tissue out of sight. It gets wadded and buried in the tissues and the surgical scars heal over it. This means that it looks normal on the outside but there is Endometriosis growing on the inside.

This is what happens with vaginal cuff Endometriosis. As the doctor clamps, cuts and stitches tissues, some endometrial tissue may be buried in the flesh out of sight. The area then heals normally and the Endometriosis may be impossible to see unless it is again opened up.

This can cause the recurrence of Endometriosis symptoms and can be a difficult issue to deal with for most women.

If you want to quit wasting time with Endometriosis Treatments that don't work then visit my site right now. Arm yourself with the right knowledge so you can start healing today.

Claim your FREE HealMe Endometriosis report now. http://www.endometriosistreatmentsite.com



Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Balance Your Hormones With Food

Have you been dieting for years? Has skipping meals become a regular habit? Do you eat a lot of FAT-FREE foods? Are you on the No-Carb Diet? Are you exercising regularly and still not able to lose a pound? You may have triggered some hormone imbalances by going on these crazy, strict diets.

Unfortunately, these unhealthy eating habits can shift your body into starvation mode which does a major number on your hormones. It has become epidemic in this country. Add toxins, chemicals, pollutants, plastics, pesticides, medications, antibiotics, and stress to the mix and no wonder it can be hard to lose weight. Your body does not know how to get back into balance.

Here are some foods to add to your day that can help bring you back into balance:

1. Walnuts - they contain selenium which can help your body manufacture the active thyroid hormone T3. Other sources of selenium include salmon, tuna, pork, whole grains and wheat germ.

2. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage - they contain Indole-3 carbinol which stimulate enzymes that help detoxify the body.

3. Olive oil - helps elevate HDL (good) cholesterol which is a building block for testosterone.

4. Citrus fruits and strawberries - they are full of Vitamin C which helps de-stress the body.

5. Spinach, Black Beans and Whole Grains - are full of magnesium which regulates insulin production in the blood.

6. Fish - Omega 3's (fish oil) reduce inflammation throughout the body helping to reduce pain in the joints and they are great for the heart.

What else can you do?

CHEAT! Have a high-calorie meal once a week because this will cause your body to increase LEPTIN levels in the body, increase your metabolism and prime your body for fat loss. My clients always lost a pound or two after a high-fat, high calorie meal the night before. Eating a decadent meal once a week helps ease your body down to lower, daily Leptin levels without feeling starved or deprived. As you lose weight, your body adjusts and realizes the lower Leptin levels are normal.

Do what you can to get enough sleep. When you go to sleep, Leptin levels rise naturally, after all, you want to go to sleep, not eat - right? Your body knows to naturally cut down on hunger while you rest. If you cut your rest or sleep time short, your body tries to adjust by making you hungry again, hence, hunger pains can wake you up and make you want to snack in the middle of the night. Who needs that?

Eat from the earth. Our bodies are build to understand and process WHOLE FOODS from the earth. When you eat whole foods, your body know what to do with them and you can help your body balance itself. Whole foods will help your metabolism work for you instead of against you. I wish you glowing good health - always!

Sherry L. Granader, ACE, AFAA, NETA, ACSM, BBU, is a Nutrition Consultant, National Speaker and Spokesperson, Author and Writer. She teaches Yoga, Pilates and Group Exercise classes. Download her FREE "Eat Right, Feel Good, Lose Weight, Have Fun" Cookbook at http:// www.sgtotalhealth.com



Sleep Apnea and Weight Gain

By Dr. Jason Fowler

Is a lack of sleep thwarting your best weight loss efforts? There is much evidence to suggest that a lack of sleep goes hand-in-hand with weight gain. But first, it is important to address why you are not sleeping well. Is your stress level or caffeine intake to blame? Or is your sleeplessness due to a common but very serious condition called sleep apnea? Sleep apnea can affect weight loss, hunger and hormone activity in a number of ways, thwarting your best efforts to maintain a healthy weight.

To put it simply, sleep apnea happens when breathing is obstructed or ceases altogether while sleeping. Symptoms of the condition range from light snoring to waking up several times during the night, gasping for air. The most common form of sleep apnea " obstructive sleep apnea " affects approximately six percent of the population. But this number is expected to rise along with the increasing rate of obesity, because obesity is a chief cause of obstructive sleep apnea.

To make matters worse, those who are already overweight may gain weight more easily if they arent getting adequate sleep, fueling a vicious cycle. Several theories attempt to explain why a lack of sleep may encourage us to pack on the pounds. Some say that a sleep-deprived person simply doesnt have the energy to be active during the day. Theyre too tired to get to the gym or even take the stairs, burning far fewer calories than a well-rested individual would. Others believe the sleep-deprived attempt to make up for a lack of energy by consuming a greater number of calories. Additional evidence surrounding sleep deprivation and weight gain suggests the problem may be hormonal.

Hormone function is largely responsible for the way in which fat cells respond to the food we eat. Cortisol is a hormone that is usually released in response to emotional and physical stress. When we dont get enough sleep, cortisol is released at an increased rate, making us feel hungry even if we have eaten enough.

And just because sleep apnea is most common among adults, don't assume that children are exempt from the problem. Its no secret that the number of obese children is rising steadily; and its no stretch to imagine that some of these children will develop sleep apnea.

If you are having trouble sleeping on a regular basis, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. Otherwise, a few simple tips and tricks just might help get you back on a regular sleep schedule. If you are already obese and suffering from sleep apnea, your chiropractor can discuss a sensible dieting plan with you, helping you return to a healthy weight and enjoy more restful, unobstructed sleep. And of course, never underestimate the importance of exercise. Exercising three to four times per week is crucial for restful sleep. And getting your workout in long before bedtime is helpful, leaving ample time for your heart rate and hormone levels to return to a resting state. Make sure your room is dark and the temperature of the room will remain comfortable throughout the night. If youre one of those people trying to squeeze extra tasks and activities into your day, leave more for tomorrow and get some sleep. Adequate sleep will increase your productivity during waking hours.

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Side Step Nutrition Scams and Frauds; Eat Broccoli

By Isaac Robert Toussie

People have said that it is of course important to watch out for food scams, as fraud could exist on food labels. I, Isaac Toussie, pardon the thought, think that today, when so many people are concerned about issues like housing and work place discrimination, fashion, entertainment, real estate, mortgages, vacations and the like, issues like food quality and food awareness may become unnecessarily overshadowed. My (Isaac Toussie) opinion is that Broccoli is an excellent nutritional resource.

A cruciferous vegetable that originally came from southern Europe, in the regions by the Mediterranean Sea, broccoli can be traced back to ancient Rome, where it was developed from wild broccoli that resembled collard greens. The name "broccoli" comes from the Latin word brachium, or branch. Broccoli is a very popular vegetable and it is a staple of healthy diets around the world, especially in the United States. It is often called a super-food because scientific research continues to discover nutritional benefit after nutritional benefit. First, broccoli contains one of the highest concentrations of health promoting sulfur compounds like sulforaphane and isothiocyanates, increasing the livers power to make enzymes that neutralize potentially toxic substances in the body. Broccoli is also rich in the powerful phytonutrient antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which are carotenoids concentrated in the lens of our eyes. Furthermore, broccoli provides Vitamins A and C along with folic acid for a healthy heart. Broccoli that is dark green contains more chlorophyll, beta-carotene, and Vitamin C, while those with more purplish heads contain more flavanoids.

Being from the cruciferous family places broccoli among the ranks of cauliflower, kale, collard greens, cabbages, mustard greens, and Brussels Sprouts. Some varieties of broccoli are green broccoli, broccolini, broccoflower, broccoli raab, and broccoli sprouts.

Green broccoli, my (Isaac Toussie) personal favorite, sometimes called sprouting broccoli but also known as Italian Green or Calabrese Broccoli, is the most popular kind of broccoli, and the most commonly found in supermarkets today. Its named after the famous geographical area of Italy where its reputed to have been first grown. It has light green stalks topped with clusters of dark green, often purplish florets. Broccolini is, as its Italian diminutive would suggest, baby broccoli, but its actually a cross between green broccoli and kale. This is the best kind of broccoli to serve raw. Broccoflower is a cross between broccoli and cauliflower, and more like cauliflower than broccoli. Broccoli raab is intensely flavorful, with a pleasant slightly bitter taste. It has more leaves and a longer stem than common green broccoli, and though its stem is tender enough and needs no peeling, the bottom last inch or two should be discarded as it is wood-like and tough. Broccoli raab is otherwise similar enough to regular broccoli to serve as a substitute for the latter in most recipes. Finally, broccoli sprouts are just sprouts from broccoli seeds, and have become popular for their high concentrations of healthy phytonutrients.

This article posted by Isaac Toussie, has been posted only for informational and human interest purposes and not for medical or advisory purposes. It does not necessarily constitute the opinions or conclusions of the provider, and the reader should not rely upon the validity of any of the information contained herein. The reader should consult a doctor, nutritionist, and similar medical professionals when seeking advice about food, nutrition, diet, and physiology.

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Sunday, June 7, 2009

Chiropractic for Children?

By Philip Vincent

While you may routinely seek chiropractic care for yourself, you may be wondering if it is safe for your child. Chiropractic and children work well together. Starting from birth, children subjected to chiropractic care can benefit greatly.

Newborns often experience spinal issues during the birth process. This stress can affect the developing nervous system, resulting in colic, sleep disturbances, nursing difficulties and breathing problems. A quick visit to the chiropractor can realign anything that is out of place and relieve many of these discomforts.

As babies begin to grow, they may be affected by spinal issues when they learn to hold up their head, when they learn to sit, to crawl and finally, to walk. All the falls, bumps and normal activities infants go through have the potential to affect their spinal vertebrae. While the trauma may be extremely minor, left to itself it is possible it may develop into a problem as the child grows. A simple check by a doctor of chiropractic will make sure everything is still in alignment for proper growth and development. This doesn't mean you need to rush your child to the chiropractor every time they fall down, but occasional treatments can find and correct these issues before they create problems.

As a child grows and starts activities like skating, biking or other sports, they may experience occasional traumas here and there. Small misalignments can occur during these incidents that may lead to more serious issues as they grow. A quick visit to the chiropractor now and then during these years can straighten these issues out before they become serious.

If a child is injured in a sports or car accident, this is an excellent opportunity to make sure their spine was not injured in any way. Many parents discover that occasional chiropractic adjustments will help with ear infections, asthma, allergies and even headaches. All of these issues could possibly be related to a subluxation (a spinal misalignment) or two. Parents are discovering that their children are no longer experiencing these problems after just a few visits.

It is important for parents to remember that chiropractors do not treat diseases or conditions. They merely check the spine for misalignments that affect the proper functioning of the nervous system. When the nerves are free to do their job, everything functions better.

When you take your child to a chiropractor, ask if they have treated children and babies before. You may feel more comfortable with a doctor who treats children routinely. The doctor will take your child's case history and perform an exam to see if there are any issues with the spine. All adjustments and examinations are gentle and are specifically done according to the developing status of the child's spine. Babies often sleep through the whole thing and most children enjoy their visit to the chiropractor and look forward to the next appointment. Parents note that with regular chiropractic care, their children seem to be healthier than they were without this care.

While most spinal issues are next to impossible to ascertain for parents, there are a few signs to watch for. Child holds his or her head to one side consistently Restricted range of motion of the head or neck Sleeping patterns disrupted every hour or two Feeding difficulties in infants

Persistent earaches, sore throats, colic, headaches, bedwetting and growing pains may all be signs of minor subluxations of the spine.

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Discover the Secrets Powers of Vinpocetine and how it can reduce brain cell loss

By Jamie Reese

Vinpocetine is an effective memory enhancer. The main functions of this supplement are to facilitate cerebral metabolism by enhancing cerebral blood flow, intensify production of ATP in brain cells and increased utilization of glucose and oxygen. This all means that, this powerful supplement share several effects of many other cognitive enhancers.

Vinpocetine is ideally used for treating blood flow problems in the brain such as acute stroke, memory related problems, aphasia, apraxia, faintness, headaches and other such cerebral-vestibular problems. It is used for taking care of severe eye related problems that can come about because of various reasons and up to 70% of the problems have been resolved. Apart from this, Vinpocetine is also effective in treating auditory problems that are related to the nervous system. It is also an effective memory enhancer.

Improper blood flow to the brain is the most important reason that there is a significant lowering of thinking abilities which comes up along with problems like growing old, keeping track of names, appointments and directions to places. Also, forgetting things and getting perplexed can happen quite a bit if there is improper flow of blood to the brain.

Advantages:

Studies have revealed that Vinpocetine is a substance which can save the brain from getting numerous memory related problems by making sure that there is better blood flow to the brain. This benefits those who are already under the scanner for some of the slight problems associated with increasing age and consequently lowered memory.

Vinpocetine is a derived form of an extract from the ancient periwinkle plant. It is also considered as an evergreen under-shrub. This shrub is native of Europe and has been in assessment for fighting brain stroke and age-associated crumble in brain function. Only just a few years before, Vinpocetine was made available in the U.S. It is not sold as a prescription medication alike in the European countries, but as a non-prescription dietary medication.

Vinpocetine is also known to enhance the flow of oxygen in the brain by boosting levels of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) which is the primary energy giver of the body. Those people who seem to suffer from regular strokes can find relief in this surplus of oxygen. Because of these frequent strokes such individuals can possibly suffer from other issues which could resemble Alzheimer's disease. Vinpocetine can even save your brain from damages that result from brain strokes.

Extensively analyzed in European community, Vinpocetine is found to be effective in treating symptoms such as motor disorders, acute stroke and dizziness. Some research studies also reveal that there are more chances of improving visual insight and hearing impairment. Healthy people even can experience improved short-range memory using Vinpocetine.

Also, according to a new study, Vinpocetine has been helpful in:

1. Boosting brain power 2. Increasing the amount of glucose released by the brain cells 3. Stopping blood from getting too sticky 4. Improving the skills of remembering and learning 5. Pushing up the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine and neurotransmitters 6. Making the brain more tolerant 7. Improving brain's working order 8. Making eye sight much better 9. Taking care of moodiness, low feelings and sleep related problems 10. Tackling tinnitus and many different auditory problems

Summary:

When you consider that in the long run, Vinpocetine is an important nutritional supplement it seems to overshadow the immediate benefits that it provides in boosting oxygen supply and supply of nutrients to the brain. It's best if women who are expecting a baby or who are breastfeeding don't take it. Also, if you take Vinpocetine over a long period of time when there can be a few low BP problems. Some other side effects are giddiness, dehydrated mouth, sleepiness, facial redness, feeling woozy, headaches, sleeplessness, irregular heartbeats and temporary low BP.

Overall, it is an effective dietary supplement for boosting proper cognitive function of your brain

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Saturday, June 6, 2009

Yeast Infection Symptoms - Get to Know Your Body

By Emery Jordyn

It is important that we learn to observe our bodies in order to be able to tell when something is "off". Yeast infection symptoms may differ depending on where the infection is located. Yeast infections are very widespread, yet tend to be one of the most mis-diagnosed and difficult of health problems.

It's very normal for yeast or fungi organisms to exist on nearly every part of our body. The most common form of these organisms is Candida albicans. A yeast infection or Candidiasis arises when certain conditions are met that allow for an imbalance of the good and bad bacteria in our bodies which usually keeps this yeast "in check". A yeast overgrowth or yeast infection is the adverse result of this imbalance.

Yeast infections show up in many forms such as a vaginal yeast infection a baby's diaper rash or an oral yeast infection thrush.

Vaginal yeast infection symptoms very often consist of a discharge that is thick and has a cottage cheese texture-however not everyone experiences this symptom. There is usually itching, burning and irritation around the vaginal area and surrounding tissue. There may also be discomfort during sex and a burning sensation while urinating.

Yeast infection symptoms in children and adults may manifest as an oral yeast infection or thrush. Thrush symptoms include white, thick, curd-like patches that appear on or under the tongue and palate of the mouth with redness and irritation of surrounding tissue. These patches may look like they could be wiped away easily; however, if upon scraping or other attempt to remove them, bleeding occurs-you can be assured that you have thrush. Thrush can make it difficult to take foodor swallow normally-and severe thrush may lead to dehydration due to difficulty with swallowing food and liquids. Babies may also experience skin yeast infections that look like a diaper rash, but have a distinct jagged edge, as well as "satellite" patches of rash in other areas.

Individuals with weakened immune systems because of serious illness that may include cancer of AIDS may be more prone to yeast infection symptoms that affect internal organs and cause organ dysfunction and severe pain. AIDS patients may experience yeast infections of the esophagus (esophagitis) and upper gastrointestinal area. While such infections have similarities to thrush, they are more serious and usually extend down the throat, esophagus and stomach. Resulting ulcers may affect the throat, esophagus and gastrointestinal system causing painful and difficult swallowing.

While these are a few of the most common yeast infection symptoms, an ongoing or chronic yeast infection could end up causing a long list of long term symptoms including fatigue, brain fog, stress or anxiety, bloating, migraines, sugar cravings and irritability, among others.

If you've never had a yeast infection before, it is most always best to talk with your doctor to confirm the diagnosis prior to self treating. The presence of severe symptoms such as fever or pelvic pain may indicate a more serious problem.

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Should You Consider Complementary and Alternative Medicine?

More and more Americans are realizing that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is largely beneficial to medical health and well-being. Alternative medicine and natural health practices, including holistic healing, have been used successfully for centuries all over the world. But, conventional medical healing is still preferred by the majority of the population in western cultures.

What Is It?

Complementary and alternative medicine brings together both schools of thought and takes the best of each, allowing them to work together in healing the whole individual, mind, body and soul. The major difference in healing methodology between the two is that conventional medicine heals the symptoms while alternative and holistic practices work to improve the underlying conditions which are causing the symptoms. By treating both, you are allowing the two to complement one another in order to treat and heal the entire body.

Educate Yourself

You are your best source of information and protection against any medicinal methodology that could possibly harm you. Take charge of our life and your health and research the types of natural healing practices that interest you. Don't be afraid to discuss your findings with others whose opinions you trust, including your health care providers and recommended alternative medicine professionals.

Read books, ebooks, websites and all other information sources you can find about complementary and alternative medicine and other natural health practices that are of interest to you. When one stands out, go further into your investigation and find out as much as you can about that particular topic. Do not forget to read the scientific reports about the alternative medicine practices that interest you. A well-rounded supply of research is the best way to make an informed decision and reputable alternative practices do have science backing them, though it is sometimes difficult to find.

For example, perhaps you are struggling with an overabundance of stress in your life. There are multitudes of ways in which you can begin to reduce stress naturally. Read widely on the stress reduction techniques that interest you most. When you find a specific technique that intrigues you, focus on that one and learn all you can. This process of elimination will allow you to educate yourself and to begin working with specific methods in order to improve your natural health.

Most states have regulatory agencies and licensing boards that oversee the training requirements and licensing for practitioners of CAM therapy. Ask you health care provider to recommend local CAM practitioners to you. Or, contact a professional organization for the type of practitioner you are searching for. They will have resources that you can contact.

To learn more about complementary and alternative medicine, visit the website of a knowledgeable source that promotes natural health through a healthy balance between complementary and conventional medicine.

KC Eichstaedt creates websites to provide information and products relating to alternative health and natural medicine. Find out how you can begin to reap the rewards of natural living at: http://www.kcalternativehealth.com/



Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Simple Ways To Treat Your Headache

By Jamal Khan

Sometimes the problems that come along with migraines can be so severe that they interrupt daily life. Fortunately, headache clinics across the country can offer help. Although the vast majority of headaches are transitory and minor problems, some portions of the population suffer from headaches that strike so frequently and so painfully that their lives are interrupted. In these cases, preventive measures should be undertaken as much as possible. Headache Clinics can be a effective treatment of the problem and can seriously mitigate the issue and perhaps even completely relieve it.

The medical community has split the headache problem into three categories. Primary headaches are what the vast majority of sufferers experience, and they are very rarely life threatening. Despite sometimes severe pain, over the counter medicine is usually effective. Such medications are typically an effective way to reduce the pain significantly. Primary headaches most commonly take place when emotional and physical stress cause a contraction of muscles around the skull.

Problems requiring treatment at headache clinics are most likely related to cluster or secondary headaches. These serious headaches can occur seemingly at any time, causing severe pain in the sufferer. Cluster headaches come about in groupings, with patients sometimes going a year or more with no symptoms. A cluster headache can be identified by a runny nose or eyes, and severe pain behind the eye region. In these cases, treatment should be sought as soon as possible. Secondary headaches can be indicative of more serious issues in the brain. These kinds of problems should be treated at headache clinics. Although relieving pain with these varieties of headache can be difficult, there are medications designed to provide relief under these circumstances.

It is also very important that the root cause of a secondary headache be promptly identified. A secondary headache typically indicates a deeper brain issue, and it is vital that these issues receive attention at headache clinics, or by another specialist. Specialists at headache clinics like the Mayo Clinic are very well equipped to diagnose and treat the problems associated with severe headache pain. A Headache Clinic can be found around the world, and should be visited when chronic headaches cannot be treated normally. As chronic headaches can also be a symptom of other issues, it is important to seek prompt medical care.

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Monday, June 1, 2009

BodyTalk System: Can It Restore You To Natural Health?

By Donna Burick

With the progression of our society, the view of healing has taken a curve in the road from letting the body to heal on its own with no or very little aggressive intervention by healers to the use of aggressive treatments that can be invasive and cause drastic changes to the body. However, a new system of healing has arrived and is most appropriately called the BodyTalk System. This healing method is quite fascinating and is very effective in a variety of ways.

The Theory of the BodyTalk System

The human body is composed of many systems that interconnect and are interrelated with each other. If someone is in an ideal state of health and remains in constant communication, then that persons chance to be in ideal health are great. When these lines of communication are broken among the various bodily systems and even among the most basic unit in a certain system, the body will begin to experience not only symptoms of illnesses but may even have a tendency toward injuries. With this new system, the communication lines can be restored and health is regained.

The BodyTalk System borrows extensively from both Eastern and Western healing traditions. The following is included in the Western healing tradition: Medical expertise, physics, kinesiology, and mathematics. This is what is included in the Eastern healing traditions: Acupuncture and chiropractic philosophy. As you can see, the BodyTalk System is a continually evolving healing method that takes the time to address human health issues from the physical to the mental aspects which include the emotions.

Open-minded doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, acupuncturists and massage therapists have all been trained to use this system. Optimum results have been noted particularly when a series of sessions are conducted to fully correct the problems. Of course, the client has to be willing to have this treatment done as it is his/her heart and brain that are most affected by this system.

The Practice of the BodyTalk System

What the practitioner of the BodyTalk System does is to act like a troubleshooter to both identify and restore the disrupted communication lines within the human body. In order to do this the practitioner employs neuromuscular feedback; this is a form of biofeedback that relies on the bodys own ability to identify energy circuits within itself. Typically, the client is asked a series of yes and no questions that are supposed to identify the energy blockages as well as disruptions.

When the healer is able to identify them, he/she holds the areas in question while using gentle tapping movements of the sternum and the head. The brain becomes aware of the communication problems and is able to repair them while the heart makes sure that the body incorporates the new information. When ideal balance is restored, the healing process will be able to begin.

The advantages to the BodyTalk System are many, here are 5 of them:

1. This treatment is non-invasive and requires no diagnosis. The only thing that counts is the bodys ability to communicate.

2. It utilizes the bodys innate ability to heal itself and hence requires no aggressive treatments.

3. It can help in the healing process for many types of physical and mental illnesses.

4. No matter what kind of other healing methods are used, this system will complement them. This system can accommodate both Eastern and Western methods.

5. It is often a highly-personalized healing modality that benefits individuals beyond treating their broken bodies.

Indeed, under the right hands of an experienced practitioner, the client can feel better after just one session and with such attributes, it is no wonder that the BodyTalk System fascinates many people.

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Saturday, May 30, 2009

Reishi Extract and Cancer

By Markho Rafael

Reishi extract is commonly used in Oriental Medicine as almost a cure-all. Both medical practitioners and regular people use it for things as innocent as stress and the common cold to more serious afflictions like asthma and cancer.

One of the most ardent proponents of reishi is Dr Fukumi Morishige, a Japanese medical doctor working with the Linus Pauling Institute of Science & Medicine in researching the use of reishi for cancer.

Below follows seven cases described by Dr. Morishige during a speech, later reprinted in the publication, Chinese Traditional Medicine Part III.

Growing up in Japan as Dr. Morishige did, it was impossible not to have heard of reishi. But he dismissed it as a mild herbal remedy to be used with limited results for non-terminal illnesses, not as a viable option for treating terminal conditions such as cancer. His curiosity arose when two of his cancer patients showed signs of remission, which they themselves claimed were due to their use of reishi.

First was a 39-year-old woman with lung carcinoma. The hospitals she had visited all told her she was too far gone and there was nothing they could do to help her. As a serious secondary complication, she also exhibited chest cavity edema. None-the-less, by the time she had her first appointment with Dr. Morishige, the symptoms of her illness had disappeared. The woman credited her recovery to the use of reishi, which her husband had administered to her at 4 grams per day.

After that, there was the case of the young boy with congenital liver cancer. Four years before he came to see Dr. Morishige, the boy's original doctor had sent him home with his parents, claiming the condition was terminal and there was nothing he could do to help. But when Dr. Morishige examined the now 9-year-old-boy, he could find no trace of the tumor. The boy's parents said they had been giving their son reishi via his naso-gastric feeding tube. This is when Dr. Morishige decided that reishi deserved a closer look.

The following are five of his case studies using reishi and Vitamin C (for prevention of side effects):

Case 1: A 70-year-old male patient who had lost consciousness due to a 5 cm (2 in.) brain tumor was administered 6 gm of reishi per day starting in June of 1986. By September, he had regained consciousness. He continued to take reishi orally after regaining consciousness, now 3 gm/day. By December of that same year, brain scans showed the tumor had diminished in size. Once the size of the tumor had been reduced to 1 cm, the patient was released from the hospital and returned to live with his family.

Case 2: A 50+ female with metastatic lung cancer and hemoptysis (coughing up blood) began a regimen of 6 gm/day of reishi. Six months later, the tumor had disappeared. And whereas before she had experienced severe shortness of breath, she could now effortlessly climb stairs.

Case 3: A woman with breast cancer and metastatic bone cancer suffered excruciating pain and an inability to move below the neck. Dr. Morishige started her out on 9 gm/day of reishi and then increased it to 20 gm/day. In two months, the patient was free from pain, able to walk, and was released from the hospital.

Case 4: A man with rectal cancer metastasized to the liver was placed on 6 grams per day of reishi. Six months later, CT scans revealed that the tumor had shrunk. The patient showed improved health.

Case 5: A patient with pancreatic cancer and short life prognosis was put on 9 grams of reishi per day, orally, and 30 grams of Vitamin C, intravenously. Twelve months later, he reported that he longer experienced any symptoms and was back to work. He said he'd continued taking 5 grams per day of reishi after leaving the hospital.

Note: This article is provided for scientific and informational purposes only. This product has not been tested by the FDA and should not be used for self-treatment of tumors. Never use any herb for medicinal purposes without consulting a licensed medical doctor.

Reference: Morishige, Fukumi, 1987. Chinese Traditional Medicine Part III, Page 12 - 23, ISBN4-88580-053-6 C-0077

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Friday, May 29, 2009

Low Back Segmental Stiffness

By Jonathan Blood Smyth

As children we have the great gift of a mobile, strong, well designed and painless spine and it is unusual for stiffness to be an issue as the lumbar spine has evolved to do the job of weight bearing and providing movement. Intervertebral discs separate the spinal vertebrae, allowing more movement in areas where they are thicker and also coping with variable loads. The posterior spinal facet joints limit and control segmental movement, preventing the spine from displacing inappropriately under the shear forces. Strong, balanced and coordinated muscle actions complete the picture.

Inhibition of the stabilising musculature occurs with an episode of acute spinal pain and this can persist beyond the resolution of the pain to generate a long-lasting instability which puts the segment at increased risk of re-injury over time. Longer term effects include the occurrence of degenerative alterations in the spinal structures such as joints and discs, causing segmental levels to develop stiffness and eventually chronic back pain. The discs have fluid forced out of them by gravitational compression forces and must counteract them by generating a fluid absorption force.

Discs will narrow and lose part of their hydration under the forces of compression which occur in normal life, the disc becoming stiffer and narrower. X-rays can show up this narrowing when it reaches a certain level, but many discs will be troublesome long before this stage. The intervertebral disc and the two vertebrae each side of it are referred to as a vertebral segment and an abnormal stiff segment will move in such a way as to impose inappropriate levels of load upon structures not adapted to take them. The stiffness of individual spinal segments can be felt by a physiotherapist palpating the spine.

Muscle spasms are a typical reaction to an acute injury and has a protective function, stopping the damaged segment from moving while it is so inflamed and thereby giving it some freedom to heal. As the pain settles and the injury heals the back spasms should gradually settle and allow normal movement to be restored. Unfortunately this does not always happen, with some muscles remaining over protective and eventually forming a contracture, an abnormally shortened tissue structure which maintains an abnormal joint position.

Sitting for extended periods can increase the likelihood of suffering from increased compression of the lumbar discs with consequent fluid loss. Repeated flexion maintains the regular cycle of fluid uptake and avoidance of this movement interferes with this important process for disc health. The maintenance of abnormal posture and lack of strength in the abdominal muscles are also important factors.

A typical history is to have an episode of severe low back pain which gradually develops into a segmental stiffness problem. The stiff areas may be present asymptomatically for many years in many individual areas of the spine before one of them develops into a painful segment which causes restriction. Sitting for a long time or spending time bent into flexion will tend to aggravate this condition once established as joints are moved beyond their comfortable limits. The lumbar facet joints become fixed into extension and the whole segment suffers from adaptive shortening, forfeiting its ability to move normally. I have back problems very like this and it can be quite difficult, forcing me to limit heavy or repetitive work or any significant time in flexion.

However, I have been significantly improved by following Sarah Key's method of back care, popularised in her book Sarah Key's Back Sufferers Bible. While it is hard to agree with all the assertions she states in her book (as she herself admits), there is no doubt she has some very good ideas on how to practically manage low back pain. She describes the chronically stiff segmental back along with several other back pain syndromes and prescribes an exercise and management regime for treating them. The regime is not difficult but has very good results, particularly in my case where I felt I was stuck with my lower back pain and now realise this may not be the case.

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A Closer Look At Massage Therapy Training

By Bart Icles

Thinking of massage therapy training? Here's another look at the career as a profession, some background, the nature of work, employment opportunities and the training that you need to undergo.

According to the Department of Labor, there is an increasing trend on employment for this type of job, and projections up to year 2016 have been pegged at 20% increase for over a decade. One of the cited factors would be people realizing the benefits of massage therapy to their wellness. You also need to know that many states require formal training and national certification in order to practice.

Massage therapy has been around hundreds, even thousands of years. With different countries, its history has different origins, but they are all spawned from the idea of using touch as a healing method. Different ancient civilizations found that it can help heal injuries, relieve pain, and prevent some illnesses. Some people thought it began as a sacred system of healing.

Massage therapy training does not only focus on knowing the applications in touch therapy. It depends whether people would need a massage for medical or for relaxation purposes. A massage therapist can specialize in over 80 types of massage called modalities. Some examples of modalities include Swedish massage, Acupressure, sports massage, aromatherapy, acrosage, Balinese, and hydrotherapy. Different materials are used for the wide array of modalities: oils, lotions, and creams to name a few. Some therapists even supply their own materials like sheets, pillows, and other customized materials depending on their specialization.

Massage therapists can work in both public and private settings. It can be in offices, gyms, spa and fitness centers or the homes of clients. The usual amenities employed are those which would help the client relax and be comfortable. An example setting for such would be in a somewhat dim environment with lighted scented candles and soft music playing. However, for some modalities, it can be just for 15-30 minutes, would not really require those amenities, and can be done in an office setting, even in malls and airports.

There are over a thousand schools offering post-secondary massage therapy. A wide range of training programs are available for those who are interested in massage therapy training. They even cover subjects about anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and of course, hands-on practice of massage. After completing the training, many would take the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Many states require this licensure exam in order for them to practice massage therapy. This credential must be renewed and they must have performed at least 200 hours of therapeutic massage and complete continuing education requirements.

Having good communication skills and a friendly, emphatic personality is a plus in your career as a massage therapist. Being able to make clients feel comfortable about the therapy and in you being the therapist is a very important ability.

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Thursday, May 28, 2009

Do You Need A Detoxification?

Because the the human system cannot eradicate detrimental toxins, they accumulate rendering it perilous to our health. To keep things from becoming worse, people are suggested to undergo a detox diet which is made to flush these toxins away through your pee. As a matter of fact, there are quite a few different programs and it might need you either to drink lots of fluid or to eat food that are heavy in fiber. Physical exercise is additionally recommended because perspiration is another way to free those toxins.

Those who have never attempted any kind of detox diet will get sick as they try this initially, although naturopaths say this is status quo because those toxins inside are released and those overwhelm the human body creating malaise. If you are able to make it through this program, those toxins would be flushed out leaving you with better looking skin, a healthy body and great satisfaction. Not just anyone can go on a detox diet which includes: people are who pregnant, kids and those that have been diagnosed with some kind of cancer and any other diseases, therefore to ensure that it is safe, talk to the physician.

Though there are no studies that proves the efficiency of detox diets, it wouldn't hurt you any to try especially if you eat a heavy fat and sugar diet, smoke, consume alcohol or take drugs. If you are not into such habits but go through aches and pains, behavioral problems, weariness, irritability, skin issues and finally tension, then again you should make some alterations.

Do you require a detox diet? That is one query just you could respond to once you've looked at yourself in the mirror or after getting the results of your latest medical checkup. The good thing about this technique is the fact that it informs you there's space to improve your total wellbeing.

If you're not really into the many detox methods that are out there, an additional choice would be to carry it out the way nature intended since the body has ways to eliminate those detrimental toxins which are the liver and even the kidneys. Still, if your kidneys and liver are not functioning at normal levels, this is probably the best possible alternative. Prevention is key which is why as you grow older, you should constantly watch what you eat and drink because it's in your hands the things you decide to allow inside your own body. You must additionally combine a healthy diet with exercise as it increases your metabolism and makes you sweat.

What makes the detox diet a lot different from any other diet program available is the fact that this is only for the short term. After a few days, you may return to the regular schedule since you will not be able to get all the nutrients you need based upon the food or the drink which is part of this program especially calcium as well as protein. However, if you do that, that signifies those detrimental poisons will build up again and you'll need to begin again. If you're smart and you learned your lesson, you will realize a few alterations would need to be made even if they don't occur quickly. Keep in mind, the detox diet is not the one choice that you have to improve your life.

Joni Bell has many years of extensive study in the area of natural cancer prevention and treatment. He has numerous success stories of people being diagnosed living cancer free with use of alternative methods. http://apricotpower-info.com/



Candida Treatment - The Natural Way

By Michael Sullivan

Thanks to the introduction of natural treatments and advances in medical science and technology, different effective Candida treatments are available at present. While a particular remedy may be favorable for one patient and not work for another, it pays to study all the advantages and disadvantages of a Candida treatment before espousing it.

The question whether to apply a natural medication to deal with Candida or to apply a Western treatment is a controversial subject which boils down to how an individual will react to, and make a choice either of the two. A medical practitioner who prescribes any Candida procedure always takes into account anti-fungal treatment such as Clortimazole or Miconazole. Both of these medications have proven to be very effective over time, although you will always have other alternatives to consider.

An effective natural way to aid these prescribed treatments work is to change the dietary plan to be free of yeast and sugar. This spoils Candida's growth as it will be stripped of any optimal breeding ground. Meanwhile, Candida can be dealt with through the procedure called Immunotherapy i.e. applying anti-genic extracts to combat the illnesses contributed by this yeast infection.

A homeopathic procedure can also help effectively in Candida medication. This is a procedure focused on cleaning the body organs that pay homage to Candida yeast i.e. the digestive system and the intestinal tract. Acupuncturealso serves as an alternative Candida treatment as it is thought to aid in stimulating the immune system.

Very crucial to bear in mind though is that for these and all other medications to shape effectively, there needs to be an accurate diagnosis at the outset, by a certified practitioner. The reason is that there are other ailments whose symptoms are similar to that of Candidiasis. It implies that practicing wrong medicine will only make things worse.

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Bipolar Medication against Neurotransmitters in Bipolar Symptoms

By Ken P Doyle

One has to understand first the intricacies of the brain functions, its nervous system and how bipolar symptom works to really understand bipolar medication. In a few words, bipolar symptoms is caused by differences in how a person's brain and nervous system work together in our basic behaviors.

The Nervous System

The most complex and least understood organ in the human body is the brain. It is the central and focal point of the nervous system and receives, processes, and sends out billions of signals every day by way of chemicals and electrical impulses throughout the body. Science is just beginning to understand these chemicals and electric currents work.

Malfunction of Nervous System

The human nervous system is an amazing organic machine, creating and reacting to a complex bundle of chemical, electrical, and magnetic impulses. A single misstep in one of these processes can set a chain of events in motion that leads to a neurological event, such as a memory lapse, a seizure, or bipolar symptoms. If such missteps occur constantly, the person has what we call a neurological disorder.

The brain's communication system: Neurotransmitters

Neurons are the brain's internal communication centers, but they don't trade messages directly. Inside a neuron, all the messages are sent via electrical impulses. Electrical impulses have to be translated into neurotransmitters (hormone-like chemicals that send signals to all parts of the nervous system).

The Different Neurotransmitters

There are many different neurotransmitters and related hormones running around in the human brain. Along with the hormone melatonin, several neurotransmitters appear to be involved in bipolar disorders, including:

* Serotonin: (5-HT), controls regulation, appetite, sleep, mood, some types of sensory perception and body-temperature regulation.

* Dopamine. (DA), this neurotransmitter helps control body movements and thought patterns, and also regulates how hormones are released.

* Norepinephrine: it governs arousal, the "fight or flight" response, anxiety, and memory.

Bipolar Symptoms verses Bipolar Medication

Medications change certain hormones and neurotransmitters produced, these chemicals are absorbed into the brain to produce changes in bipolar symptoms. These bipolar medications don't cure the underlying disorder, but in some people they can create major improvements in behavior and emotional stability. It's a bit like taking the hormone insulin for diabetes: you're still a diabetic, and you still must watch you eat, but the insulin injections help you control the illness and prevent its destructive effects.

Finally

What is it about people who have bipolar symptoms that permits this devastating chain reaction to occur? No one can point to a specific gene or brain difference with certainty, but bipolar disorders are probably caused by a complicated mix of inherited genetic differences, differences in brain structure, chemistry, unusual electrical or magnetic activity in the brain, and also environmental factors. The only way known to men is to lessen the work of neurotransmitters by administering bipolar medication

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009

The History of Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy was developed by a Doctor William Sutherland in the early 1900s after he developed the theory that cranial bones were built to have a small degree of motion rather than being fixed as was held by most scientists of the day.

Dr. Sutherland further theorized that if these bones could move, they could be affected by the rest of the body via the sap of the body, the craniosacral system and if that was the case, then positive things could be done to alleviate problems with the spine and skull.

He spent years developing a therapy that could take advantage of the craniosacral system and developed a form of therapy that would gently alleviate pressures and strains and thus alleviate symptoms of things like migraines, autism, fibromyalgia and other problems. He began to teach his techniques, but it was not widely accepted and upon his death in 1945, there were still only a few therapists who would use it.

It was not until it was picked up and popularized by Doctor John Upledger in the 1970s that it became more widely taught and more accessible to the public. He coined the term craniosacral therapy so that any therapist could learn it instead of just osteopaths it had been before.

Craniosacral therapy is a very gentle, hands-on approach to dealing with problems in the craniosacral system, otherwise known as the membranes and fluids which surround the brain and spinal cord. This system of fluids and membranes runs from the one end of the spine to the other and any damage or strain to this area affects the central nervous system in adverse and often difficult to treat ways.

Practitioners apply very gentle force, no more than five milligrams or the weight of a nickel to affected areas of the spine and skull to release craniosacral tensions that can cause things like migraines. It can also be used to relieve the symptoms of things like autism and colic. Its gentle approach means that it can be used on anyone safely, even babies.

Craniosacral therapy is meant to be used to augment the bodys natural ability to heal itself from strain and injuries, as well as in conjunction with other therapies such as myofascial release.

It is gaining more popularity as an alternative expensive and often ineffectual medicines and traumatic surgeries. However, it is still unrecognized by many health associations in the world, leaving the professionals in this field to regulate themselves through professional associations.

This also means that mainstream doctors do not tend to bring it up as an option unless a patient specifically asks for it, so many have to do their own research into this form of therapy before talking to a doctor about it.

Drew Mers is an advertising consultant to Craniosacral Therapy Spotlight http://www.Craniosacral-Therapy-Spotlight.com



What You Need To Know About Massage Therapy Certification

By Bart Icles

Massage therapy is a very lucrative career. Working an average of 15 hours a week would make a licensed massage therapist earn an average of about US $35,000. This allows a massage therapist to have another full-time job without sacrificing much of his or her free time that can be allotted for family time, leisure time, or just simply alone time. Because of this, a lot of people are aspiring to have a massage therapy certification.

Before becoming a massage therapist, you need to, of course, earn your massage therapy degree. After that, you need to pass massage therapy licensure examinations to, finally, earn your much sought-for license or certification. There are several things that you need to know in order to be able to secure your massage therapy certification. They are the following:

1. Not all states regulate massage therapy. Only 37 states do plus Washington, D.C. It does not mean, however, that massage therapists in the states with no regulatory boards are not regulated, though. There are cities and towns and counties that also have regulatory boards for massage therapy certification.

2. The primary massage therapy certification exams are the NCETB (National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork), the NCETM (National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM), and the NCE (National Certification Exam). Usually, it is the state boards that dictate which massage therapy certification exam an aspiring massage therapist should be taking. All three ask questions about the body systems (anatomy, physiology, etc.), about pathology, therapeutic massage assessment and application, and the professional standards, ethics, and other practices of massage therapy. The exams are multiple-choice in nature.

3. To qualify for a massage therapy certification exam, the aspiring massage therapist should have received 500 hours of credited classes and should have graduated from a duly accredited massage therapy school.

4. If you want to practice in a different state than the one the you got your license in, chances are, you would need to go back to a massage school duly accredited by the state that you are moving into and take a supplemental program to be able to standardize everything. Most of the time, though, certified massage therapists are "grandfathered" when they transfer to a different state, provided that they are practicing for a certain number of years and can present pertinent documents supporting it. All massage therapist practitioners should be able to comply with all the requirements of the existing laws that bind them.

A massage therapy certification can be a very easy thing to obtain. As long as you are determined and have your heart set on being a massage therapy practitioner, everything is possible.

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BodyTalk System: Can It Heal The Human Mind and Body?

By Donna Burick

The BodyTalk System is a fascinating combination of the healing methods of both Eastern traditional practices and of Western medicine and science that have proven to be very effective. The Eastern practices have all withstood the test of technology and time. Being an alternative healing method, it promotes wellness in the human body and mind by working with it instead of against it. When you are at your wits end and are sick and tired of going to doctor to doctor, you may wish to turn your attention to the BodyTalk System. If you have an open-minded doctor, you may want to mention this system to him/her. However, do not be discouraged if they do not recognize this system as a viable treatment.

Physical Ailments

The BodyTalk System facilitates the healing process either as a stand alone therapy or in conjunction with other healing modalities. These healing methods can include any of the Western type treatments involving drugs, injections and surgery as well as the Eastern treatment forms like yoga and acupuncture. The emphasis is in the complementation property inherent in the BodyTalk System.

This system addresses almost all of the most common physical ailments: reproductive disorders, intestinal parasites, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, arthritis, chronic and acute infections, digestive disorders, allergies, organ and endocrine dysfunctions back and body pain, headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome. Other practitioners and clients have reported significant improvements when being treated for sports injuries. You want to keep this in mind " each session is designed to treat a specific imbalance in the body before trying to tackle the next health concern. This will avoid body overload.

Mental Concerns

The BodyTalk System also addresses mental and emotional concerns that are often the root cause of the physical symptoms manifested by the body. These concerns include fears and phobias, stress-related illnesses and emotional problems, learning and behavior disorders. Of course, one should not expect instantaneous results although a general feeling of well-being can be experienced after every session.

If you are seeking personal development in order to make your life better, this healing method will be able to help you. Because your sense of well-being in terms of the mental and physical aspects is restored, your sense of self-confidence can be restored as well. To put it another way, you are being healed inside and out.

Sessions Explained

Each BodyTalk session is different. Your own innate wisdom is what your BodyTalk practitioner is guided by in order to work on what is needed for you at the time so that you may have many different experiences each time. Because the healing is energy based, many people prefer to have their sessions either over the phone or long distance. This will help to make the sessions more effective in terms of your time and travel. In your life, you will be surprised at how noticeable and powerful the positive effects of the BodyTalk System really are.

When you have in person sessions, you will be asked to lie down on a massage table in order to relax your whole body. You will also be asked to remove your shoes, watch and jewelry since these things can impede the flow of the treatment. You will keep your clothes as it is not necessary to disrobe.

The BodyTalk System can do wonders for the human body and mind when it is done by an experienced practitioner. By removing any subconscious blocks you may have, you can easily and quickly return to your natural state of health. Think of this as a welcome addition to the healing methods that you are now engaging in to maintain your well-being.

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