.:. Traditional Medicine

Alternative medicine: Magnetic therapy

2008-12-18T06:28:00.001-08:00

Magnetic Therapy: natural method that is used to relieve pain, restore energy and improve sleep. This has proven to be safe, effective, economical, and simple to use alternative forms of treatment. Magnetic therapy is thousands of years still holds great promise for the future. Magnets has been proven scientifically to return to the body with its own-healing electromagnetic balance of nature. Evidence strongly indicates that magnetic therapy can help: RELIEVE Pain, Reduce inflammation restore natural energy, increase blood circulation, reverse or prevent infection, improve metabolism and the processing of toxins and support the process of healing. Magnetic therapy is a non-Invansive methods of treatment with a very high level of success and has much to offer in both prevention and treatment of chronic disease.

Brief History of Magnetic Therapy: Association between magnets, health and welfare, which is currently enjoying revival, but the approach is not new. Magnetic therapy has an ancient heritage and has a central role in the busy Chinese medicine for more than 2000 years. Magnetic therapy mentioned in some of the earliest writing in Egypt, India and Greece. Until recently the scientific explanation of magnetic action is not available. Magnetic therapy utilizing natural energy resources necessary to pull the human presence and overall health. A magnetic provide the (natural) ways to help the body's normal healing process as a pass through all the networks and cells. Studies show that magnets can be an effective therapy for relief of pain by blocking pain sensations. Applying the injury magnets increase blood flow and oxygen to increase the body's natural healing process. The increased flow of blood and fluid exchange network to help reduce injury pain and inflammation.

Completed clinical trials in the United States.

Arthritic Pain: In 1997, Dr. Carlos Valbona from Baylor College of Medicine, published a study reported that 76% of patients treated using permanent magnets reported a decrease in arthritic joint and muscle pain compared with 19% of placebo patients.

Facilities diabetes Pain: Dr. Michael Weintraub of New York Medical College released a study that shows that significant levels of poverty in the foot pain that afflicts millions of diabetics. Using magnetic insoles, nine out of ten people with diabetes reported a decrease in pain burning sensations, tingling and taste compared with 22% reporting an increase in the placebo group.

Fibromyalgia: Magnetic Mattress Pad with the Use, held in Patients A Randomized Double-blind Pilot Study, conducted by Agatha P. Colbert, MD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Conclusion of the "sleeping in the magnetic mattress pad provides a statistically significant and clinically relevant pain relief and sleep with the improvement in the subjects held. No adverse reactions recorded during the 16-week trial."

Other - There are hundreds of other clinical trials that prove the efficiency of magnetic therapy was reported in several Gary Null book with Healing Magnets, and very good in the work, Magnetic Therapy Research in Eastern Europe, by Jiri Jerabek, MD, PhD, and William Pawluck, MD, MSc.

Magnetic Therapy Today - Today in Japan and other Asian countries, including the magnets is given as a medical device. Magnetic therapy has found favor in Australia, Russia and many European countries, especially in Germany in which health insurance covers some costs. Contemporary western medicine using magnetic energy for diagnosis with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and, as a method to accelerate the healing of bone fractures. Magnetic therapy is becoming increasingly popular among health practitioners progressive, Veterinarians and professional athletes and the general public. This is a reality, our population is aging and the cost of traditional health care is spiraling upward. magnetic therapy, for reasons of ease, effectiveness and economy, will become an important form of alternative treatment in the future.

According to the World Health Organization and the type of Gauss strength magnets used in magnetic therapy does not offer a health hazard. Consult your health care professional before using any new type of therapy. Most magnetic products carry warning labels indicating the following:

Do not use magnets or magnetic therapy if using a pacemaker, implanted insulin pump or because it can interfere with the soft electronic equipment. Magnetic products are not recommended for use during pregnancy. They do not proven profitable, and not harm. Be on the safe side, do not use. Keep magnetic products at least six inches from the object, such as credit cards, computer diskettes, audio and videotapes, and the same items, such as loss of data can cause.

The history of magnetic therapy

2008-12-18T06:26:00.000-08:00

More than 2000 years ago, Chinese medics realized that part of the body's energy plays an important role in protecting us from disease. They are called Wei Chi (how Chee), which means' defensive energy ', the invisible energy that is only distributed under the skin and is our first line of protection against disease and illness.

Traditional Chinese Acupuncture therapy is used is called a trusted to strengthen the Wei chi on the 'external pathogenic' - the influence of outsiders such as cold and damp that can affect immune function when the defense is low and can cause illness.

Currently, research shows that Acupuncture improve immune function by stimulating the production of blood cells and shows changes in the complex parameters of the immune system.

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Magnetic Therapy itself is based on the use of magnets in and around the Acupuncture points from your body. Applying Magnetic Therapy to help build new cells to rejuvenate the tissues of the body. Magnetic Therapy is not a caprice. He has thousands of years the value of history is used for treatment.

Many millions of years ago when living far away in the early stages of creation, the earth geomagnetic field may be hundreds of times stronger than that today. Our bodies today, have been developed in the enriched environment of oxygen in the water, nutrition and charm. All natural systems in the human body is electro-magnetic in nature and respond to natural earth charm.

Our bodies' natural magnetic field created by the electrical flow of ions and charged in the outer cells, and transmission of electric impulses through the cell mem-brances. Because of the rapid pace of modern life and continuously in the development of technology and society, the earth geomagnetic field has grown very weak in the recent past. This field is who is protected by us from our day-to-day, we use the items to be given such as steel, cars, trains, aeroplanes, ships and metal framed buildings.

Some are amazed at how much difference that can make magnetic therapy. Best of all though, magnnetic therapy is only one of many ways to fight natural pain, particularly, arthritis.

If you want to buy magnetic products, we continue to hear good comments about this company: Acumed.

Loa Fair: Researchers writing Magnetotherapist
We learn to find a cure for disease cures and remove them. No one has figured out where the disease originated. The more we know about the human body, mind and spirit, the possiblity to find the reason for the disease can lead to cures. As long as the disease that humans, there is a need to explore all medical practices.

An interesting fact in the history of the Arab system is how the drug works. This is a combination of various thoughts and experiences. This makes the road to handle the health problems of the many ways and does not restrict medical practice to one train of thought. This provides the opportunity for open mind and include all the knowledge to help people maintain their health. This gives room for the advancement of medical knowledge and better for those who need such treatment.

Magnetotherapy research revealed to be a source dating back to the books written during the 1800's. Doctors recorded their work using magnets to cure and eliminate the disease. A trail of how magnets that will come to design medical presented here. Magnetic healing system is as old as time, but as new as the latest space-age technology. Scientific research is still in the infancy of magnets as medical devises. Research is being conducted in various countries around the world on the effect of traction from bacteria, flies, mice, rabbits, and a network of plants and culture, to learn what may be in medical circles. "Biomagnetism" is the term used in research on the attractiveness of the human body. Magnetotherapy come into this category.

Biomagnetism and Magnetotherapy is the use of magnetic strength to aid in the body help itself and may cure the crippling disease. The benefits derived from use of this technology can be distressing for the warmth of the joints, giving them more flexibility; enrgy to give more people, and make other people feel better. When viewing the results of magnets, they really as effective as pain blockers when used properly.

There are magnetic products in the market to help release stress. In the process they help relieve pain in some cases. Reason eliminated pain is the result of the strength of magnetic stimulate nerve to make the blood flow to the area swollen and injured. When the blood get to the area we do not have the swelling and pain situation. When our blood has been limited swelling and pain. This is a normal reaction from our body tells us from stress and injury.

In theory and principle that force can stimulate nerves, so that creates the environment for the body to recover from stress. This is not new technology. Used in many countries around the world and has been used for centuries. He has not been proven scientifically how magnets work on human energy. Is a phenomenon that is learning more closely with scientists and doctors together.

In India said the builders of the pyramids have been acquainted with both strength and magnetic used in the conservation of natural mummy from the damage. Cleopatra said using a small stone on the forehead to preserve her beauty.

Magnets are not made objects of scientific research to the early sixteenth century. PA Paracelsus (1493-1541) of the Swiss alchemist and physician, pioneered work on the magnets. He brought healing with the power to light. He traveled to Africa, Asia, Europe, and to make discoveries and learn various aspects of medicine. He observed, "that is a magnet attraction is the strength of our understanding of the outside, but that, still, that caused the power to pull the iron and other things.
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This magnetic useful in the treatment of all inflamations, influxes, and ulcerations, diseases from the womb and bowels, in internal and external disease. "His opinion is that every part of the body is sick, when dealing with a magnetic force, will recover better and faster than any drug.

Dr. William Gilbert of Colchester, England (1540-1603) is the first British person to study electricity and magnetism. He felt that the world is one big magnet. He found that substances such as paper and cloth, do not affect the strength of attraction between the stone and iron.

Father Hall, an Austrian Professor of Astronomy, in the eighteenth century the cue from Paracelsus and treated nervous men and women with magnets. Magnetic treatment by the Hall has been closely watched by Dr. Messer (1734-1815) who pioneered Hynotism. He applied magnetic treatment to the patients and successful treatment in a number of serious diseases and complex.

Mesmer work of Hall, and witnessed by Dr. Samuel Hanneman (1775-1843), the Father of homeopathy. He is the first to use magnet therapy for the treatment of disease. He prepared by the three medicines exposing milk and water to a magnetic force, using north and south pole magnets. Through the use of magnetic water and application of magnets (north and south poles), Dr. Hanneman found that he can treat 1,243 in aiding the recovery symptoms of the disease.

Although the discovery of Paracelsus, Mesmer, and in hanneman magnets as a tool therapuetic has been recognized, it continues to be used by doctors believe the healing power.

Michael Farraday (1791-1867) lay the basis for Biomagnetics and magneto-chemical and all this was set in a magnetic or other means.

Louis Pasteur in 1862 found that earths magnetic executed will provide a positive impact on the growth of plants.

Dr. EK Maclean New York, New You, the United States, has succeded in relieving pain with every type of use magnets. He has been treated succeessfully advanced cancer cases with electromangetic driving.

There are ongoing studies to prove how the appeal of working in the world. More people can be mentioned here. This is a birds eye view of the pioneer Magnetotherapy. Do you agree with this form of treatment or not, it is to live here.

Books on Magnetotherapy can be found in bookstores special deal "alternative medicine" and "natural medicine". B. Jain publishers from India has a very good book on the subject. You can find other ways through the central Research also deal with the magnets.

Indian Institute of Magnetotherapy, New Delhi, India has a letter-aid courses in the use and effectiveness of magnets as a health aid.

Magnetotherapy is a valid health assistance to treat the disease and as a preventive health care for the poor. Although not widespread, that, in the opinion of this writer, a great tool to help maintain and in the field of health.

Kids' cancer rates highest in Northeast

2008-12-18T06:16:00.000-08:00

Kids' cancer rates highest in Northeast
Study may show reporting rates

CHICAGO (AP) | Surprising research suggests that childhood cancer is most common in the Northeast - results that caught experts off guard. But some specialists say it could just reflect differences in reporting.

The large government study is the first to find notable regional differences in pediatric cancer. Experts say it also provides important information to bolster smaller studies, confirming that cancer is rare in children but also more common in older kids, especially among white boys.

The study from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is based on data representing 90 percent of the U.S. population. It found that cancer affects about 166 out of every million children - a number that shows just how rare childhood cancers are.

The highest rate was in the Northeast, with 179 cases per million children, while the lowest was among children in the South, with 159 cases per million. Some experts suggested that could mean there is better access to care in the urban centers of the Northeast, leading to more diagnoses.

The rates for the Midwest and West were nearly identical, at 166 cases per million and 165 per million, respectively.

The cancer incidence in boys was 174 cases per million, compared with 157 cases per million in girls. In white children, the rate was 173 per million, versus 164 per million in Hispanics and 118 per million in blacks. Teenagers had higher rates than younger kids.

A total of 36,446 cases were identified in the study, which analyzed 2001-03 data from state and federal registries. The research appears in the June edition of Pediatrics, released Monday.

"It's very powerful that this study includes so much of the U.S. population so it gives us a good picture of where we are with the incidence of these childhood cancers," said Elizabeth Ward, the American Cancer Society's surveillance director.

Environmental factors might play a role, including exposure to radiation, said lead author Dr. Jun Li of the CDC. Radiation has been linked with the most common types of childhood cancer - leukemia, lymphoma and brain cancers.
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Coupling Therapy, What daily lovemaking for a year did for one marriage?.

2008-12-18T06:12:00.000-08:00

Coupling Therapy, What daily lovemaking for a year did for one marriage?.

Looking for a truly memorable gift for your spouse? Charla Muller has one: Offer your spouse sex every day for a year. That's what she gave her husband, Brad, for his 40th birthday.

The gem of 365 Nights: A Memoir of Intimacy lies less in the gift itself and more in Muller's motivation for giving it. She and Brad had been married ten years, the last several of which were "off kilter." She struggled with depression and wasn't much interested in sex at all. Her offer of The Gift was a way of telling Brad she was committed to restoring their relationship. Through stories and dialogue, Muller makes the case that marriage is worth unusual sacrifice and work—and that spouses will be happier and healthier for the effort.

Muller makes the point well, but writes kinda like this: "Girls, do what it takes to give your man a slap-happy grinnin' face and you won't be sorry." Throughout the book she alternatively refers to her readers as "girls," "gals," and "sisters." I don't talk like this. In fact, Charla and I don't have much in common. But we both care about our marriages—which is, after all, something significant.

Muller scores well (pun intended) with reflections on marriage during the year of daily sex. She debunks the myth that only beautiful couples deserve or can have good, hot sex. She names the scrutiny wives feel from other women, the changing standards of beauty, and the struggle to cope as women who don't measure up to our own ideal, much less someone else's.

Most chapters have a nugget of marital wisdom: women can't do it all—be super moms, wives, and employees. Something will slide, and it will probably be the super wife role. She names the "aha" moments all married persons come to—a crossroad where we realize that life with our spouse is going to be different than we had thought. Muller talks about the good of standing by our commitments and seeing what surprises may come. I affirm that, though I don't like how she connects it to having sex. She so loathed the idea of having sex at the end that she became tense before even changing into her pajamas.

Reluctance for it aside, Muller found that overall, daily sex made her happier; it made her feel younger, and strengthened her relationship with Brad in ways she had hoped and in ways she hadn't imagined.

Muller hints at her faith throughout the book. She holds Christian values of marital fidelity and perseverance. And while having daily sex made her feel more connected and inclined to be nice to her husband, this book only goes so far. Those wanting something more thoughtful about why sex ought to be pursued with abandon in Christian marriages won't find it here. But the broad popularity of books like this is a good sign that we still desire satisfying marriages.

Finding ways to express commitment, to craft places where we can rest in the embrace of another, reflects God's gift of marriage. For a few, that might include having daily sex. But there are also other ways to keep one's sex life, and love story, alive and well.

Lisa Graham McMinn, professor of sociology at George Fox University and author of Sexuality and Holy Longing (Jossey-Bass, 2004)

Hormone Therapy Not Best for Older Prostate Cancer Patients

2008-12-18T06:09:00.000-08:00

Hormone Therapy Not Best for Older Prostate Cancer Patients

Older men with early-stage prostate cancer who are given hormone therapy before radiation seed implant therapy face a 20 percent greater risk of dying than those who get radiation treatment alone, new research suggests.

Focusing on men over the age of 70, the study summed up the risks of death from any cause linked to androgen-deprivation therapy. Such treatment is sometimes given before radiation treatment to lower male hormone levels, shrink the prostate, and retard cancer growth. Brachytherapy itself involves the insertion of small radioactive seeds into the prostate to destroy cancer cells.

"We know that hormone therapy has a lot of side effects," noted study author Dr. Amy M. Dosoretz, a radiation oncology resident with the Harvard Radiation Oncology Program in Boston. "Depression, fatigue and anemia, among others. Yet it can be worth it, because it has a significant benefit for many patients. But for some patients, the risks may outweigh the benefits. And here, we found that in this particular group of patients -- early-stage prostate cancer patients over 70 -- there was an increased risk for mortality."

Dosoretz and her colleagues were expected to present their findings Tuesday at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology annual meeting, in Boston.

The team's risk assessment is based on a mortality analysis involving more than 1,700 early-stage, localized prostate cancer patients. The men were between the ages of 70 and 91, and received either hormone and brachytherapy treatments or brachytherapy alone between 1991 and 2005.

For those who received hormone therapy, treatment lasted three and a half months on average.

The authors found that undergoing such hormonal intervention was associated with an increased risk of dying from all causes. Being older and having a more aggressive form of prostate cancer was similarly associated with an increased risk of dying from all causes.

"But we still don't know exactly why there's an increased risk for mortality for these patients," Dosoretz cautioned. "So, we need to look into this important issue further, with randomized trials that take in all the bias. Meanwhile, when deciding about hormone therapy treatment, it's important -- especially among elderly men who have early-stage prostate cancer -- to really weigh the benefits and risks."

Dr. Charles J. Ryan, a urologic cancer specialist and an assistant clinical professor of medicine in the division of hematology/oncology at the University of California, San Francisco, agreed.

"We have a pretty good sense that hormone therapy can increase the relative risk for cardiac risk, diabetes and some of the major problems that are likely to kill patients with prostate cancer," Ryan noted. "However, here, the researchers do not address prostate-cancer specific mortality but rather all-cause mortality. And it does a disservice to what hormone therapy can do well to ignore the fact that there have been several studies going back years that show that hormone therapy in addition to radiation improves survival for high-risk patients."

"So, basically, the decision with what to do with hormone therapy needs to be taken in the context of risk," Ryan said.

Cancer link to hormone therapy

2008-12-18T06:08:00.000-08:00

Cancer link to hormone therapy

A DROP in the number of breast cancer cases coinciding with a reduction in hormone therapy use is likely to reignite the debate over treatments for women experiencing menopause.

The numbers of Australian women aged over 50 diagnosed with breast cancer has dropped by 7 per cent - equivalent to 600 fewer cases - between 2001 and 2003, during which there was also a 40 per cent decrease in those taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), a study published in the Medical Journal Of Australia yesterday shows. It was the first time in 20 years the breast cancer rate had declined.

The findings of the study, by the NSW Cancer Council and the Australian National University, back up research linking HRT use to increased breast cancer rates.

Dr Andrew Penman, CEO at the Cancer Council NSW, said the "findings are great news for women".

"The correlation between the drop in breast cancer cases and HRT use is clear and its importance can't be underestimated," Dr Penman said.

The director of the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre, Dr Helen Zorbas, said although the link was "likely" the study did not categorically show a drop in HRT caused the decrease in cancer rates and did not change the advice to women regarding the use of HRT for the short-term relief of menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes.

"There may be other factors which could be contributing to this decrease in breast cancer incidence," she said.

The study did not say how long the women had been taking the HRT.

Dr Zorbas said for every 1000 women in their 50s taking HRT over five years, there would be an additional four women diagnosed with breast cancer but the risk returned to normal within a few years of stopping treatment.

"All the data … shows that taking combined HRT does increase the risk for breast cancer with the longer duration of use increasing the risk," she said.

Millions of women around the world stopped using HRT after it was linked with increased breast cancer rates in the controversial Women's Health Initiative report in 2002, which last month was criticised as flawed at a World Congress in Madrid.

German, 2 French share Nobel medicine prize

2008-12-18T06:07:00.000-08:00

German, 2 French share Nobel medicine prize

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) -- Germany's Harald zur Hausen and French researchers Francoise Barre-Sinoussi and Luc Montagnier have shared the 2008 Nobel Prize in medicine.

The trio received the prize for their discovery of a pair of major viruses including HIV and ones that cause cervical cancer.

AlphaMed Inc. has been awarded a $750,000 peer review grant from the National Cancer Institute to continue development of its targeted melanoma thera

2008-12-18T06:02:00.000-08:00

Funds from this grant will be used to develop an imaging capability required for treatment planning. For the clinic, treatment planning is required to demonstrate tumor uptake and is used to calculate the dose of
the therapeutic that would be administered to patients. Previously, in preclinical animal tests, AlphaMed demonstrated a cure with its targeted radiotherapy. Increasing doses of its therapy were injected into the blood stream of several groups of animals. Every animal receiving even the lowest dose showed life extension. In two separate tests, approximately half the animals receiving the highest dose were cured. Maximum tolerated dose has not been reached. More than 90% of the compound cleared the body within two hours of administering the dose. Biodistribution studies showed high tumor uptake when compared with other organs.

How it works - a molecule that binds to receptors overexpressed in approximately 75% of melanomas is labeled with lead-212, an isotope that AlphaMed produces. The decay of this isotope releases large amounts of energy that destroys targeted tumor cells. For treatment planning, the same molecule is labeled with Pb-203, an isotope that can be imaged and of the same element as the therapeutic. This work has been published in peer review journals: Clinical Cancer Research and the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

AlphaMed is seeking partners to assist in completing drug development for its therapeutic and treatment planning products.

Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 60,000 people in the US will be diagnosed with melanoma and 8,000 people will die from the disease this year. AlphaMed's targeted therapy offers hope of a cure for this disease.

AlphaMed Inc.
Mr. Richard Testa, 978-929-9190
President
richard.testa@alphamed.biz

Trend in Traditional Medicine Industry

2008-12-18T05:57:00.000-08:00

Trend in Traditional Medicine Industry
Neem has essentially been used for centuries now, in different traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Unani system. It is used to manufacture large variety of drugs, medicines, tonics, syrups addressing different diseases.

Future of Neem in Ayurveda and Herbal
Industry
Neem is extensively used to manufacture a large number of ayurvedic medicines and syrups as they have curative properties to treat all doshas. It is a major ingredient used and referred by all ayurvedic practitioners due to its miraculous powers. It is being used to manufacture natural products like:

* Dietary Supplements
* Skin Care Products
* General heath care products
* Oral Care products
* Blood Purifying and detoxifying products

Healers use the roots, bark, gum, leaves, fruit, seed kernels and seed oil for preparations that heal and prevent disease throughout the human body.

This is a lucrative opportunity for neem products manufacturers to supple quality extracts, raw neem to ayurvedic and other traditional medicines manufacturers. The main reason for the popularity of neem is the fact that not only can it be used to cure a number of defects simultaneously, but it also has no side effects.

Future of Neem in Unani Medicine
Unani system is one of the oldest system of medicine being used in the Indian Subcontinent and other countries. It is based on the Greek philosophy. Neem has been an active participle in a large number of unani medicines in the raw from or as concentrated extracts to cure skin disorders, digestive disorders, dental problems, diabetic and blood related problems. With the increase in the belief of efficacy and goodness of natural products and medicines, neem tree has been gaining popularity as a sure shot cure for a wide number of diseases without any after effects.

Magnet Therapy, Magnetic healing

2008-11-17T18:27:00.000-08:00

magnet therapy

"I know of no scientist who takes this claim seriously...It's another fad. They come and go like copper bracelets and crystals and all of these things, and this one will pass too." --Robert Park of the American Physical Society.

"Iron atoms in a magnet are crammed together in a solid state about one atom apart from one another. In your blood only four iron atoms are allocated to each hemoglobin molecule, and they are separated by distances too great to form a magnet. This is easily tested by pricking your finger and placing a drop of your blood next to a magnet. " --Michael Shermer*

"The more extreme claims of magnetic therapy, such as curing cancer by hanging supermagnets around your neck, are not only nonsense but also dangerous, since they may divert patients from seeking appropriate treatment from mainstream medicine. Magnetic jewelry and most other magnetic-therapy products probably are harmless beyond a waste of money." --James D. Livingston*

Magnet therapy is a type of "alternative" medicine which claims that magnetic fields have healing powers. Magnetic cures have been attracting gullible patrons for centuries (Mackay: Extraordinary Popular Delusions & the Madness of Crowds). For example, in the early 1770s, Anton Mesmer, a Viennese physician met a Jesuit priest and healer with the unlikely name of Maximillian Hell. Fr. Hell claimed that he cured people with a magnetic steel plate. He knew this therapy worked because he had many satisfied customers. Mesmer plagiarized Hell's magnetic therapy and posited that it works because there is a very subtle magnetic fluid flowing through everything but which sometimes gets disturbed and needs to be restored to its proper flow. Hell, Mesmer theorized, was unblocking the flow of this magnetic fluid with his magnets. Mesmer eventually discovered that he got the same results without the magnets.

More than two hundred years later, we still find extraordinary claims being made about magnetic healing. Some claim that magnets can help broken bones heal faster or wine taste better, but most of the advocacy today comes from those who claim that magnets relieve pain. The support for this notion is mainly in the form of testimonials and anecdotes, and can be attributed to "placebo effects and other effects accompanying their use" (Livingston 1998). There is almost no scientific evidence supporting magnet therapy, though the occasional positive study does exist, e.g., "Randomised controlled trial of magnetic bracelets for relieving pain in osteoarthritis of the hip and knee" ("British Medical Journal, Dec. 2004). This was a small study (194 subjects over 12 weeks) that found a slightly higher decrease in pain from osteoarthritis of the hip and knee in the group wearing magnetic bracelets as opposed to a "dummy group". The authors noted: "It is uncertain whether this response is due to specific or non-specific (placebo) effects." The reason they could not be certain that the magnets were responsible for anything is that it is very difficult "to blind subjects to the presence of a magnet" (Finegold and Flamm 2006).

Of course, a single scientific study here or there that supports or fails to support a hypothesis should rarely be taken as conclusive. Many of these studies involve complex statistical analyses and due to such things as the small number of participants, the experimenter effect, and variables that are difficult to measure or control, the reasonable thing to do is wait for a consensus from numerous studies before making up your mind about such things as the effectiveness of magnets (or vitamins, etc.) on health. The fact is that there have been very few scientific studies on magnetic healing and the evidence supporting many of the extravagant claims for such healing is not very strong.

One highly publicized double-blind study was done at Baylor College of Medicine. This study compared the effects of magnets and sham magnets on the knee pain of 50 post-polio patients. The experimental group reported a significantly greater reduction in pain than the control group. No replication of the study has yet been done. (See James Livingston's comments on this study.)

A less publicized study at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine found that magnets did not have any effect on healing heel pain. Over a 4-week period, 19 patients wore a molded insole containing a magnetic foil, while 15 patients wore the same type of insole with no magnetic foil. In both groups, 60% reported improvement. In 1982, C. Z. Hong et al. found that magnetic necklaces produced no relief of neck or shoulder pain. In 2002, a small study (30 subjects) found that the use of a magnet for reducing pain attributed to carpal tunnel syndrome was no more effective than use of the placebo device.* Another study found no effect using magnets to treat back pain (Collacott et al. 2000). A study out of the University of Virginia that tested magnets on sufferers of fibromyalgia found little reason to be enthusiastic about such treatment.* A review of the world-wide scientific literature regarding magnet therapy found that "the scientific evidence to support the success of this therapy is lacking. More scientifically sound studies are needed in order to fully understand the effects that magnets can have on the body and the possible benefits or dangers that could result from their use" (Ratterman et al. 2002).

Despite the fact that there has been very little scientific testing of magnet therapy, a growing industry is producing magnetic bracelets, bands, insoles, back braces, mattresses, etc., and claiming miraculous powers for their products. The magnet market may be approaching $150 million annually (Collie). (Lerner claims that U.S. sales are near the half billion mark and that world-wide magnetic therapy is bringing in nearly twice as much.) Magnets are becoming the gimmick of choice of chiropractors and other "pain specialists." Former potter Marlynn Chetkof sells Russell Biomagnetic products and advises that magnets are better than painkillers or living with pain (Collie). Even a bankrupt building contractor, Rick Jones, is trying to cash in on the current magnet craze. He has formed a company called Optimum Health Technologies, Inc. to market his "Magnassager," a hand-held vibrator with magnets retailing for $489. Jones claims his invention "isn't just another massage device." He says it uses an electromagnetic field to help circulate blood while it's massaging the muscles. Jones raised $300,000 from investors and spent it all on "product development and marketing." Not a cent was spent on scientific testing of the device before bringing it to market, though he did give $20,000 to a physiologist to evaluate his device "to make sure that it was not gimmicky" (Kasler).

The claim that magnets help "circulate blood" is a common one among supporters of magnet therapy, but there is no scientific evidence that magnets do anything to the blood. Even though the evidence is lacking that magnets have anything other than a placebo effect, theories abound as to how they work. Some say magnets are like a shiatsu massage; some claim magnets affect the iron in red blood cells; still others claim that magnets create an alkaline reaction in the body (Collie). Bill Roper, head of Magnetherapy claims that "Magnets don't cure or heal anything. All they do is set your body back to normal so the healing process can begin" (Collie). How he knows this is not clear.

Some supporters of magnetic therapy seem to base their belief on a metaphysical assumption that all illness is due to some sort of imbalance or disharmony in energy. The balance or flow of electromagnetic energy must be restored to restore health, and magnets are thought to be able to do this.

Some of the most rabid advocates of magnet therapy are professional athletes such as Jim Colbert and John Huston (golfers), Dan Marino (football) and Lindsay Davenport (tennis). Their beliefs are based on little more than post hoc reasoning. It is possible that the relief a magnetic belt gives to a golfer with a back problem, however, is not simply a function of the placebo effect or the regressive fallacy. It may well be due to the support or added heat the belt provides. The product might work just as well without the magnets. However, athletes are not given to scientific testing any more than are the manufacturers of magnetic gimmickry.

Athletes aren't the only ones enamored of the power of magnets to heal. Dr. Richard Rogachefsky, an orthopedic surgeon at the University of Miami, claims to have used magnets on about 600 patients, including people who have been shot. He says that the magnets "accelerate the healing process." His evidence? He can tell by looking at X-rays. Dr. William Jarvis is skeptical. He says that "Any doctor who relies on clinical impressions, on what they think they see, is a fool" (Collie). There is a good reason scientists do controlled double-blind studies to test causal efficacy: to prevent self-deception.

There is no scientific evidence that magnetizing your water, coffee, wine, fuel, etc. does anyone any good, except for improving the wealth of those hawking these products (Barrett 1998). One such product is said to do such amazing things as "re-vitalize hot or cold liquids," making them taste better and helping improve digestion by helping you better absorb nutrients. We are told that this product is used to prevent kidney and gallbladder stones. No doubt some people do use it for these reasons, but with what effect? We can only guess because no studies have been done to test these extravagant claims.

We should note that Dr. Mark S. George, an associate professor of psychiatry, neurology and radiology at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, did a controlled experiment on the use of magnets to treat depression. He only studied twelve patients for two weeks, however, so his results are of little significance. But further work in this area seems to support Dr. George's contention that magnetic pulses may help some patients with severe depression. However, the types of magnet therapy for pain that are described above have nothing in common with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS): using strong magnetic pulses to treat depression.

At present, we have no good reason to believe that static magnets have any more healing power than crystals or copper bracelets. As the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states: "Overall, the research findings so far do not firmly support claims that magnets are effective for treatment of pain."*

Top 20 Benefits of Exercise

2008-11-17T18:20:00.000-08:00

1. Elevates your metabolism so that you burn more calories everyday.

2. Increases your aerobic capacity (fitness level). This gives you the ability to go through your day with less relative energy expenditure. This enables a "fit" person to have more energy at the end of the day and to get more accomplished during the day with less fatigue.

3. Maintains, tones, and strengthens your muscle. Exercise also increases your muscular endurance.

4. Decreases your blood pressure.

5. Increases the oxidation (breakdown and use) of fat.

6. Increases HDL (good) cholesterol.

7. Makes the heart a more efficient pump by increasing stroke volume.

8. Increases hemoglobin concentration in your blood. Hemoglobin is part of the red blood cell that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

9. Decreases the tendency of the blood to clot in the blood vessels. This is important because small clots traveling in the blood are often the cause of heart attacks and strokes.

10. Increases the strength of the bones.

11. Causes the development of new blood vessels in the heart and other muscles.

12. Enlarges the arteries that supply blood to the heart.

13. Decreases blood levels of triglycerides (fat).

14. Improves control of blood sugar.

15. Improves sleep patterns.

16. Increases the efficiency of the digestive system which may reduce the incidence of colon cancer.

17. Increases the thickness of cartilage in joints which has a protective effect on the joints.

18. Decreases a woman's risk of developing endometriosis by 50%.

19. Increases the amount of blood that flows to the skin making it look and feel healthier.

20. Exercise, in addition to all the physiological and anatomical benefits, just makes you feel GREAT!

Author and exercise Physiologist, Greg Landry, offers free weight loss success stories and articles, and unique weight loss programs at his site.. http://www.greglandryfitness.com
Thank You Greg Landry!

Your Diets Don't Work!

2008-11-17T18:18:00.000-08:00

By Chad Tackett

Many Americans view a healthy lifestyle as something difficult to attain--and something that's not much fun. Traditional diets have taught us that to lose weight, we must count calories, keep track of everything we eat, and deprive ourselves by limiting the amount--and kinds--of foods we eat. Diets tell us exactly what and how much food to eat, regardless of our preferences and individual relationships with hunger and satiety. Dieting can help us lose weight (fat, muscle, and water) in the short term but is so unnatural and so unrealistic that it can never become a lifestyle that we can live with, let alone enjoy!

While very few diets teach healthy low-fat shopping, cooking, and dining-out strategies, many offer unrealistic recommendations and encourage health-threatening restrictions. Even more important, diets don't teach us the safest, most effective ways to exercise; they don't teach us how to deal with our cravings and our desires, or how to attend to our feelings of hunger and fullness. Eventually, we become tired of the complexity, the hunger, the lack of flavor, the lack of flexibility, the lack of energy, and the feeling of deprivation. We quit our diets and gain back the weight we've lost; sometimes we gain even more!

Each time we go on another diet of deprivation, the weight becomes more difficult to lose, and we become even more frustrated and discouraged. Then we eat more and exercise less, causing ourselves more frustration, discouragement, depression. Soon we are in a vicious cycle. We begin to ask ourselves, "Why bother?" We begin to blame ourselves for having no will power when what we really need is clear, scientifically-based information that will help us develop a healthier lifestyle we can live with for the rest of our lives.

Deliberate restriction of food intake in order to lose weight or to prevent weight gain, known as dieting, is the path that millions of people all over the world are taking in order to reach a desired body weight or appearance. Preoccupation with body shape, size, and weight creates an unhealthy lifestyle of emotional and physical deprivation. Diets take control away from us.

Many of us who diet get caught in a "yo-yo" cycle that begins with low self-acceptance and results in structured eating and living because we lack trust in our body and are unwilling to listen and adhere to our body's signals of hunger and fullness. On diets, we distrust and ignore internal signs of appetite, hunger, and our need to be physically and psychologically satisfied. Instead, we depend on diet plans, measured portions, and a prescribed frequency for eating.

As a result, many of us have lost the ability to eat in response to our physical needs; we experience feelings of deprivation, then binge, and finally terminate our "health" program. This in turn leads to guilt, defeat, weight gain, low self-esteem, and then we're back to the beginning of the yo-yo diet cycle. Rather than making us feel better about ourselves, diets set us up for failure and erode our self-esteem.

The attitudes and practices acquired through years of dieting are likely to result in a body weight and size obsession, low self-esteem, poor nutrition and excessive or inadequate exercise. Weight loss from following a rigid diet is usually temporary. Most diets are too drastic to maintain; they are unrealistic and unpleasant; they are physically and emotionally stressful. And most of us just resume our old eating and activity patterns. Diets control us; we are not in control. People who try to live by diet lists and rules learn little or nothing about proper nutrition and how to enjoy their meals, physical activity, and a healthy lifestyle. No one can realistically live in the diet mode for the rest of their life, depriving themselves of the true pleasures of healthy eating and activity.

We Don't Fail Diets; They Fail Us!

Decades of research have shown that diets, both self-initiated and professionally-led, are ineffective at producing long-term health and weight loss (or weight control). When your diet fails to keep the weight off, you may say to yourself, "If only I didn't love food so much . . . If I could just exercise more often . . . If I just had more will power." The problem is not personal weakness or lack of will power. Only 5 percent of people who go on diets are successful. Please understand that we are not failing diets; diets are failing us.

The reason 95 percent of all traditional diets fail is simple. When you go on a low-calorie diet, your body thinks you are starving; it actually becomes more efficient at storing fat by slowing down your metabolism. When you stop this unrealistic eating plan, your metabolism is still slow and inefficient that you gain the weight back even faster, even though you may still be eating less than you were before you went on the diet.

In addition, low-calorie diets cause you to lose both muscle and fat in equal amounts. However, when you eventually gain back the weight, it is all fat and not muscle, causing your metabolism to slow down even more. Now you have extra weight, a less healthy body composition, and a less attractive physique.

Diets require you to sacrifice by being hungry; they don't allow you to enjoy the foods you love. This does not teach you habits which you can maintain after the diet is over. Most diet programs force you to lower your caloric intake to dangerously low levels. The common theory is that if you eat fewer calories than you burn, you will lose weight. But when you eat fewer calories than your body needs to maintain its life-sustaining activities, you're actually losing muscle in addition to fat. Your body breaks down its own muscles to provide the needed energy for survival.

Traditional diets which use calorie restriction to produce weight loss are no longer appropriate. Most weight-loss programs measure success solely in terms of the number of pounds lost per weight loss attempt. Diets don't take into account the quality of the process used to achieve that weight loss or the very small likelihood of sustained weight loss. For long-term good health, you need to move away from low-calorie diets and focus on enjoyable physical activity and good nutrition. Exercising regularly and eating lean-supporting calories, protein and carbohydrates, and reducing fat-supporting calories will not only help you look and feel better, it will also significantly reduce your risk of disease.

America spends billions of dollars on different ways to fix people. If we focused more on prevention and on improving our day-to-day behaviors, we could cut health care costs in half. Contrary to popular belief, leading a healthy lifestyle doesn't have to be difficult; it doesn't have to painful or time-consuming. Making gradual, simple changes in your diet and physical activity will make great improvements in your health and well-being, and they can drastically reduce your risk of disease.

If your weight management program is to be a success, everything you eat and every exercise you do must be a pleasurable experience. If you're not enjoying yourself, it is unlikely that you'll continue your program. It's that simple. These small, gradual changes are not painful or overwhelming but rather the core of an exciting lifestyle that you will look forward to.

Take the frustration, guilt, and deprivation out of weight management, and allow yourself to adopt gradual, realistic changes into your life that will make healthy eating and physical activity a permanent pleasure. You will soon discover what your body is capable of and begin to look, act, and feel your very best. Good luck and enjoy all the wonderful benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle.

* Be sure to check with your health care professional before making any changes in your activity habits.

Chad Tackett, the President of Global Health and Fitness (GHF), has degrees in Exercise and Heath Science and Nutrition, is a Certified Personal Trainer, and is a regular guest lecturer to both professional and lay audiences on the principles of effective exercise and good nutrition. Visit GHF (http://www.global-fitness.com) and you'll find easy to follow fitness recommendations, hundreds of exercise instructions and video demonstrations, customized programs, healthy recipes and meal plans, a free nutrition analysis, health club and personal trainer directories, and much more!

Top 18 Benefits of Weight Training

2008-11-17T18:17:00.001-08:00

1. Weight training tones your muscles which looks great and raises your basal metabolism... which causes you to burn more calories 24 hours-a-day. You'll even burn more calories while you're sleeping.

2. Weight training can *reverse* the natural decline in your metabolism which begins around age 30.

3. Weight training energizes you.

4. Weight training has a positive affect on almost all of your 650+ muscles.

5. Weight training strengthens your bones reducing your risk of developing osteoporosis.

6. Weight training improves your muscular endurance.

7. Weight training will NOT develop big muscles on women....just toned muscles!

8. Weight training makes you strong. Strength gives you confidence and makes daily activities easier.

9. Weight training makes you less prone to low-back injuries.

10. Weight training decreases your resting blood pressure.

11. Weight training decreases your risk of developing adult onset diabetes.

12. Weight training decreases your gastrointestinal transit time, reducing your risk for developing colon cancer.

13. Weight training increases your blood level of HDL cholesterol (the good type).

14. Weight training improves your posture.

15. Weight training improves the functioning of your immune system.

16. Weight training lowers your resting heart rate, a sign of a more efficient heart.

17. Weight training improves your balance and coordination.

18. Weight training elevates your mood.

Author and exercise Physiologist, Greg Landry, offers free weight loss success stories and articles, and unique weight loss programs at his site.. http://www.greglandryfitness.com
Thank You Greg Laundry!

Weight loss : Sensible Diet Tips

2008-11-17T18:16:00.001-08:00

Start your diet with a food diary, record everything you eat, what you were doing at the time, and how you felt. That tells you about yourself, your temptation, the emotional states that encourage you to snack and may help you lose once you see how much you eat.

Instead of eating the forbidden piece of candy, brush your teeth. If you're about to cheat, allow yourself a treat, then eat only half a bite and throw the other half away. When hunger hits, wait 10 minutes before eating and see if it passes. Set attainable goals. Don't say, "I want to lose 50 pounds." Say, "I want to lose 5 pounds a month." Get enough sleep but not too much. Try to avoid sugar. Highly sweetened foods tend to make you crave more.

Drink six to eight glasses of water a day. Water itself helps cut down on water retention because it acts as a diuretic. Taken before meals, it dulls the appetite by giving you that "full feeling." Diet with a buddy. Support groups are important, and caring people can help one another succeed. Start your own, even with just one other person.

Substitute activity for eating. When the cravings hit, go to the "Y" or health club if possible; or dust, or walk around the block. This is especially helpful if you eat out of anger.

If the pie on the counter is just too great a temptation and you don't want to throw it away, freeze it. If you're a late-night eater, have a carbohydrate, such as a slice of bread of a cracker, before bedtime to cut down on cravings. Keep an orange slice or a glass of water by your bed to quiet the hunger pangs that wake you up.

If you use food as a reward, establish a new reward system. Buy yourself a non-edible reward. Write down everything you eat - - everything - including what you taste when you cook. If you monitor what you eat, you can't go off your diet.

Weigh yourself once a week at the same time. Your weight fluctuates constantly and you can weigh more at night than you did in the morning, a downer if you stuck to your diet all day. Make dining an event. East from your own special plate, on your own special placemat, and borrow the Japanese art of food arranging to make your meal, no matter how meager, look lovely. This is a trick that helps chronic over-eaters and bingers pay attention to their food instead of consuming it unconsciously.

Don't shop when you're hungry. You'll only buy more fattening food. Avoid finger foods that are easy to eat in large amounts. Avoid consuming large quantities of fattening liquids, which are so easy to overdo. And this includes alcoholic beverages. Keep plenty of crunchy foods like raw vegetables and air-popped fat-free popcorn on hand. They're high in fiber, satisfying and filling. Leave something on your plate, even if you are a charter member of the Clean The Plate Club. It's a good sign that you can stop eating when you want to, not just when your plate is empty.

Lose weight for yourself, not to please your husband, your parents or your friends. Make the kitchen off-limits at any time other than mealtime. Always eat at the table, never in front of the TV set or with the radio on. Concentrate on eating every mouthful slowly and savoring each morsel. Chew everything from 10 to 20 times and count! Never skip meals.

Submitted by Joe R.

12 Keys To Super-Charging Your Metabolism For Weight Loss!

2008-11-17T18:14:00.000-08:00

You hear it all the time - "metabolism", but what is it? It's the process of converting food to energy (movement and heat). Metabolism happens in your muscles and organs and the result of it is what we commonly refer to as "burning calories". Metabolism is essentially the speed at which your body's motor is running.

"Basal metabolism" is the metabolic rate or caloric expenditure needed to maintain basal body functions such as your heart beating, breathing, muscle tone, etc. It's how fast your "motor" is running when you're still in a reclined position or sleeping. Basal metabolism accounts for about 75% of the calories you expend on a daily basis!

The good news is that there are 12 ways you can "boost" your metabolism! The more of these you're able to incorporate into your life, the more you'll boost your metabolism. That means you'll be expending ("burning") more calories 24 hours a day!

1. Always eat breakfast! Skipping breakfast sends the message to your body that you're starving because you haven't had food in 18+ hours. As a protective mechanism, your metabolism slows down. Food, especially complex carbohydrates, fuels your metabolism.

2. Eat earlier in the day! Research has demonstrated that you can lose weight simply by eating a substantial breakfast and lunch, and a light dinner. Dinner should be eaten as early as possible, preferably at least four hours before bedtime.

3. Never eat less than 1200 calories per day! Less than 1200 is usually not enough to support your basal metabolism and thus will slow your metabolism.

4. Snack frequently! Complex carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, and grains) fuel your metabolism. Also, snacking prevents you from becoming too hungry. The hungrier you are, the less control you have over what and how much you eat.

5. Eat more carbohydrates (food from plants), and less fat (food from many animals and other food with added fat)! Carbohydrates boost your metabolism and have fewer calories per weight than fat.

6. Do some type of aerobic exercise (walking, jogging, swimming, stationary cycling, aerobic dancing, etc.) on a daily basis (preferably in the morning)! Forget this twice-a-week stuff. Our bodies were designed to be active on a daily basis! When we are, our metabolism soars!

7. In addition to your regular aerobic exercise, take a brisk 10 to 15 minute walk at lunch or in the evening. This serves to boost your metabolism even more!

8. Tone your muscles with weight training three days per week. Toned muscles send your metabolism through the roof. Do it!

9. Look for situations to be active. Park as far from the store as you can rather than looking for the closest parking spot. Use the stairs rather than the elevator, a broom rather than a blower, etc. Look for the "hard" way to do things!

10. Avoid alcohol! Alcohol depresses your metabolism and stimulates your appetite.

11. Drink 60+ ounces of water a day. Your metabolism needs plenty water to function properly. Carry a bottle of water with you and drink frequently throughout the day.

12. Avoid the"3 P's".....pills, powders, and potions! There are NO quick fixes!

Get started today! You'll feel better and your metabolism will be in "great shape"!

Author and exercise Physiologist, Greg Landry, offers free weight loss success stories and articles, and unique weight loss programs at his site.. http://www.greglandryfitness.com
Thank You Greg Landry!

Why People Fail At Weight Loss

2008-11-17T18:12:00.000-08:00

Why do so many people fail at losing weight? Is it because they are lazy? No. Is it because they are addicted to food? No. Is it because they aren’t good at exercising? No. Failure at weight loss stems from a few main factors:

1) People don't truly understand the risks of being overweight. Why do most want to lose weight? Most would say to look better. Looking better certainly is a benefit of losing weight, but this shouldn’t be the sole reason to lose weight. There is a 1000 pound gorilla in the room and it’s often ignored. Being overweight for a long period of time kills thousands of people each year. Thousands of studies have show and proven without any doubt that losing body fat will improve and lengthen your life. This eBook will give you a picture of the dangers of being overweight. Knowing the dangers of being overweight is a tremendous motivator to not only lose fat, but to keep it off.

2) People don't commit to permanent lifestyle changes. So many people think of a "diet" as something temporary. When they are on a "diet" they restrict themselves so much that they are miserable. Sooner or later failure is inevitable because of the unreasonable demands of most "diets." Some of these diets force you to only eat certain foods (e.g., no carbs, special soups etc…) You, like myself, have probably tried them before. The key to losing weight long term is to make gradual lifestyle changes you can stick to forever.

3) Most individuals are not provided the truthful facts of losing weight and becoming healthier. With the conflicting information in the media, and all of the different lose weight quick fad diets, it’s understandable why so many people really don’t know the truth about losing fat and keeping it off long term. We will go over the no-nonsense truth.

4) Most people don't understand they are constantly either gaining fat, or losing fat. There is no in-between. Some people justify binging or giving up because they hit a small road-block. This isn’t an all or nothing game. For example, when I was overweight, if I ate an unhealthy lunch, I’d go ahead and eat an unhealthy dinner since I already "messed up" the day. Or I’d say, I’ll start eating healthy on Monday since I’ve already eaten poorly this weekend. Every person at times eats too much. The successful people will not let a road bump completely derail their entire lifestyle change. If you are not implementing positive lifestyle changes and losing weight, you are gaining weight. Again, there is no "in-between."

5) Most people don't realize what they consume each day. So many overweight people eat thousands of extra calories and fat without realizing it. It’s tough to know if you are gaining weight or losing weight each day unless you are keeping an eye on what you’re consuming. Later in the eBook you will be given an easy way to keep track of your consumption.

This article was written by Rob B, the creator of FreeWeightloss.com, and the author of the Ultimate Weight Loss eBook.

Weight losss tips: 100 Painless Ways to Cut 100 or More Calories

2008-11-17T18:09:00.000-08:00

"Losing weight can be as simple as cutting out a meatball here and an egg roll there." ~~Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D.

REACHING YOUR FAT-LOSS GOALS may be easier than you think. To lose a pound of fat a month, all you need to do is cut 100 calories a day from your diet, assuming the intake and expenditure of all other calories remains the same. That's because a pound of body fat is equivalent to about 3,500 calories. So if you cut 100 calories a day for 31 days, you're cutting 3,100 calories--or about a pound.

Wait...a pound a month? Isn't that a little slow? Well, mounds of research indicate that you're more likely to keep weight off if you lose it slowly. Besides, losing a pound a month doesn't require drastic changes in your eating habits. It can be as simple as eating two egg rolls with your Chinese stir-fry instead of three. Here are 100 painless ways to cut 100 or more calories a day. As a bonus, they all reduce fat or sugar, which means, calorie for calorie, you're getting more vitamins and minerals.

1. Spread 1 tablespoon of all-fruit jam on your toast rather than 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter.

2. Replace 1 cup of whole milk with 1/2 cup of nonfat milk.

3. Eat 2 poached eggs instead of 2 fried eggs.

4. Replace 1/2 cup of granola with 2 cups of Cheerios.

5. Instead of using whole milk and eggs to prepare 2 slices of French toast, use nonfat milk and egg whites.

6. Snack on an orange and a banana instead of a Snickers candy bar.

7. Munch on 35 pretzel sticks instead of 1 ounce of dry-roasted peanuts.

8. Replace 1 cup of sweetened applesauce with 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce.

9. On your lamb-and-vegetable kabob, replace 2 of the 4 chunks of meat with fresh whole mushrooms.

10. Dip an artichoke in 1 tablespoon of low-fat mayonnaise instead of 1 1/2 tablespoons of regular mayonnaise.

11. Steam your asparagus rather than sauté it in 1 tablespoon of butter or oil.

12. Instead of a 5-ounce glass of wine, opt for cherry-flavored sparkling water.

13. For a chewy snack, have 1/2 cup of dried fruit rather than 9 caramels.

14. Replace 3 slices of bacon with 3 slices of Light & Lean Canadian bacon.

15. Eat a Lender's egg bagel instead of a Sara Lee egg bagel.

16. Select 1 cup of home-style baked beans instead of an equal serving of baked beans with franks.

17. Replace 2 biscuits with 2 dinner rolls.

18. When making a sandwich, use 2 slices of Roman Light 7-grain bread instead of Pepperidge Farm wheat bread.

19. Eat 1/2 cup of steamed fresh broccoli instead of 1/2 cup of frozen broccoli in cheese sauce.

20. Make a burrito with 1/2 cup of fat-free refried beans and 1 ounce of nonfat cheese instead of the same amount of traditional refried beans and cheese.

21. Replace an apple muffin with a high-fiber English muffin.

22. Reduce a typical serving of chocolate cake (1/8 of a two-layer cake) by one-third.

23. Switch from 1 cup of whole-milk hot chocolate to 1 cup of steamed 1% milk flavored with a dash of almond extract.

24. Replace 1 cup of caramel-coated popcorn with 2 1/2 cups of air-popped popcorn.

25. Switch from 1/2 cup of yogurt-covered raisins to 1/2 cup of plain raisins.

26. Snack on 1 cup of nonfat plain yogurt instead of 1 cup of custard-style yogurt.

27. Top your celery sticks with 2 tablespoons of fat-free cream cheese instead of 3 tablespoons of regular cream cheese.

28. Replace 2 fried-chicken drumsticks with 2 roasted drumsticks and a cup of peas and carrots.

29. Instead of eating 5 chocolate-chip cookies, savor the taste of 2.

30. Lighten your 2 cups of coffee with 2 tablespoons of evaporated nonfat milk instead of 2 tablespoons of half-and-half.

31. Replace a 12-ounce can of cola with a 12-ounce can of diet cola.

32. Thicken your cream sauce with 1 percent milk and corn starch instead of a roux of butter and flour.

33. At the appetizer tray, choose 4 fresh raw mushrooms instead of 4 batter-fried mushrooms.

34. Use 2 tablespoons of fat-free sour cream instead of regular sour cream (on baked potatoes or in stroganoff). If done twice in the day, 100 calories will be cut.

35. Reduce the size of your steak from 4 1/2 ounces to 3 ounces.

36. Grill a cheese sandwich with nonstick cooking spray instead of margarine.

37. Replace 1 cup of chocolate ice cream with 2/3 cup of nonfat chocolate frozen yogurt.

38. Snack on 2 ounces of oven-baked potato chips instead of regular potato chips.

39. Instead of topping your salad with an ounce of croutons, get your crunch from 1/4 cup of chopped celery.

40. Instead of 1 cup of macaroni salad, eat 3 1/2 cups of spinach salad with 2 tablespoons of low-calorie dressing.

41. Cut the peanut butter on your sandwich from 2 tablespoons to 1 tablespoon.

42. Serve your turkey with 1/4 cup of cranberry sauce instead of 1/2 cup.

43. Order a sandwich on cracked wheat bread instead of a croissant.

44. Complement your hamburger with 1 1/4 ounces of oven-baked tortilla chips instead of a side of fries.

45. Split an apple Danish with a friend rather than eat the entire thing.

46. Order 2 slices of cheese pizza instead of 2 slices of pepperoni pizza.

47. Grab a Dole Fresh Lites Cherry frozen fruit bar instead of a Sunkist Coconut frozen fruit bar.

48. Snack on 1/2 cup of fruit cocktail canned in water instead of 1 cup of fruit cocktail canned in heavy syrup.

49. Switch from 1 cup of fruit punch to 1 cup of sparkling water flavored with 2 teaspoons of concentrated orange juice.

50. Instead of eating garlic bread made with butter, spread baked garlic cloves on French bread.

51. Rather than snack on 1 cup of grapefruit canned in syrup, peel and section 1 small grapefruit.

52. Dip your chips in 1/2 cup of salsa instead of 1/2 cup of guacamole.

53. Switch from 1/2 cup of Frusen Gladje butter pecan ice cream to Breyers butter pecan ice cream.

54. Use 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise in your tuna salad instead of 2 tablespoons.

55. Hold the tartar sauce on your fish sandwich, and squeeze lemon on it instead.

56. Replace 3 fish sticks with 3 ounces of grilled halibut.

57. In sandwich spreads or salads, use 3 teaspoons of dijonnaise instead of 4 teaspoons of mayonnaise.

58. Use 2 tablespoons of light pancake syrup instead of 2 tablespoons of regular syrup.

59. Top your pasta with 1 cup of marinara sauce instead of 1/2 cup of alfredo sauce.

60. For each serving of pasta salad you make, reduce the oil or mayonnaise by 1 tablespoon.

61. Replace 1/2 cup of peaches canned in extra-heavy syrup with 1/2 cup of peaches canned in water.

62. Prepare 1/2 cup of steamed peas and cauliflower instead of frozen peas and cauliflower in cream sauce.

63. Cut back on sampling during cooking. The following "tastes" have 100 calories: 4 tablespoons of beef stroganoff, 3 tablespoons of homemade chocolate pudding, 2 tablespoons of chocolate-chip cookie dough.

64. At an Italian restaurant, snack on a large breadstick instead of a slice of garlic bread.

65. Eat a 3/4-cup serving of pudding made with skim milk rather than a 1-cup serving of pudding made with whole milk.

66. Choose 1/2 cup of brown rice instead of 1 serving of frozen rice pilaf with green beans or 1 serving of frozen Oriental rice and vegetables.

67. Compliment your sandwich with 3/4 cup of split-pea soup instead of 1 cup of chunky bean and ham soup.

68. Replace 3 tablespoons of strawberry topping on your ice cream with 3/4 pint of fresh strawberries.

69. Pass on the second helping of mashed potatoes.

70. Eat 3 grilled prawns with cocktail sauce instead of 3 breaded and fried prawns.

71. Make a pie crust with 1 cup of Grape-Nuts cereal, 1/4 cup of concentrated apple juice and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, instead of using a traditional graham-cracker crust. You'll save 100 calories per slice.

72. Replace 8 sticks of regular chewing gum with sugar-free chewing gum.

73. Snack on a papaya instead of a bag of M&Ms.

74. Substitute 3 ounces of scallops for 3 ounce of lean beef in your stir-fry.

75. Rather than spread 4 tablespoons of cream cheese on two slices of raisin bread, dip the bread in 1/2 cup nonfat apple-cinnamon yogurt.

76. Munch on 1 cup of frozen grapes instead of an ice cream sandwich.

77. Rather than drink a strawberry milkshake, make a smoothie of 2/3 cup of low-fat milk, 1/2 cup of strawberries and 1/2 a banana.

78. Replace 2 brownies with 2 fig bars.

79. Eat 2 meatballs instead of 4 with your spaghetti.

80. On a hot day, quench your thirst with a glass of ice water with lemon or mint instead of a can of light beer.

81. Eat 1/2 cup of black beans instead of 3 ounces of roast beef.

82. Replace 1 1/2 tablespoons of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spread with 1 1/2 tablespoons of Nucoa Smart Beat margarine.

83. Choose 1 serving of vegetarian lasagna instead of lasagna with meat.

84. Eat 2 Kellogg's Nutri-Grain bars instead of 2 Kellogg's Pop-Tarts.

85. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of low-calorie French dressing on your salad instead of 2 tablespoons of blue cheese dressing.

86. Replace 1 large flour tortilla with 1 six-inch corn tortilla.

87. Eat a turkey sandwich instead of a chicken salad sandwich.

88. Choose 4 1/2 ounces of tuna packed in water instead of 4 1/2 ounces of tuna packed in oil.

89. At Burger King, have a Whopper Jr. Sandwich with regular fries instead of a Whopper With Cheese Sandwich.

90. Order your Quarter Pounder without cheese.

91. At Jack in the Box, eat a regular taco instead of a super taco.

92. Fix 1 cup of turkey chili with beans rather than regular chili with no beans.

93. Use 1 cup of fat-free cottage cheese instead of regular cottage cheese.

94. Order a sandwich with barbecued chicken instead of barbecued pork.

95. Replace 1 cup of corn with 1 cup of carrots.

96. Reduce your helping of turkey stuffing from 1 cup to 2/3 cup.

97. Have a single scoop of ice cream instead of a double scoop.

98. Replace 2 ounces of corn chips with 2 ounces of SnackWell's wheat crackers.

99. Eat 1 hot dog at the baseball game instead of 2.

100. Shred 2 ounces of fat-free cheddar cheese on nachos instead of regular cheddar.

Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D., is a nutritionist in private practice and editor of the Nutrition Report. Her latest book is Nutrition for Women: The Complete Guide (New York: Henry Holt & Co., 1993).

Submitted by Linda Roxbury.

source:http://www.freeweightloss.com/article2.html

Magnet Therapy: The Gentle and Effective Way to Balance Body Systems

2008-11-10T06:56:00.001-08:00

The authors detail methods for treating symptoms ranging from asthma to toothaches and weigh the benefits of magnetic necklaces, magnetic belts, and magnetized water, as well as traditional bipolar magnets. 40 illustrations.

More details
Magnet Therapy: The Gentle and Effective Way to Balance Body Systems
By Ghanshyam Singh Birla, Colette Hemlin
Contributor Colette Hemlin
Published by Inner Traditions / Bear & Company, 1999
ISBN 0892818417, 9780892818419
160 pages

Magnet therapy description

2008-11-10T06:55:00.000-08:00

Magnet therapy is the application of the magnetic field of electromagnetic devices or permanent static magnets to the body for purported health benefits.

The modern magnet therapy industry totals sales of $300 million dollars per year in the United States[5] and sells, often with explicit health claims, products such as magnetic bracelets and jewelry; magnetic straps for wrists, ankles, and the back; shoe insoles, mattresses, and magnetic blankets (blankets with magnets woven into the material); and even water that has been "magnetized".

Magnet therapy, magnetic therapy, magnetotherapy, magnotherapy

2008-11-10T06:54:00.000-08:00

Magnet therapy, magnetic therapy, magnetotherapy or magnotherapy is a complementary and alternative medicine practice involving the use of static magnetic fields. Practitioners claim that subjecting certain parts of the body to magnetostatic fields produced by permanent magnets has beneficial health effects. Magnet therapy is considered pseudoscientific due to both physical and biological implausibility, as well as a lack of any established effect on health or healing. Hemoglobin is weakly diamagnetic, and is repulsed by magnetic fields. The magnets used are many orders of magnitude too weak to have any measurable effect on blood flow.

Magnet Therapy

2008-11-10T06:53:00.001-08:00

Magnet Therapy: A Skeptical View
Stephen Barrett, M.D.

Magnetic devices are claimed to relieve pain and to have therapeutic value against a large number of diseases and conditions. The way to evaluate such claims is to ask whether scientific studies have been published. Pulsed electromagnetic fields—which induce measurable electric fields —have been demonstrated effective for treating slow-healing fractures and have shown promise for a few other conditions. Relatively few studies have been published on the effect on pain of small, static magnets marketed to consumers [1]. Explanations that magnetic fields "increase circulation," "reduce inflammation," or "speed recovery from injuries" are simplistic and are not supported by the weight of experimental evidence [2].
Research Findings

The main basis for pain-reduction claims studies are two double-blind studies, one conducted at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, which dealt with knee pain, and the other conducted at 27 sites, which tested the effects on diabetic neuropathy, a degenerative condition that produces pain and burning of the feet. Both of these studies had significant flaws in their design. Better studies have found no significant benefit.

The Baylor study compared the effects of magnets and sham magnets on knee pain. The study involved 50 adult patients with pain related to having been infected with the polio virus when they were children. A static magnetic device or a placebo device was applied to the patient's skin for 45 minutes. The patients were asked to rate how much pain they experienced when a "trigger point was touched." The researchers reported that the 29 patients exposed to the magnetic device achieved lower pain scores than did the 21 who were exposed to the placebo device [3} This study provides no legitimate basis for concluding that magnets offer any health-related benefit:

* Although the groups were said to be selected randomly, the ratio of women to men in the experimental group was twice that of the control group. If women happen to be more responsive to placebos than men, a surplus of women in the "treatment" group would tend to improve that group's score.
* The age of the placebo group was four years higher than that of the control group. If advanced age makes a person more difficult to treat, the "treatment" group would again have a scoring advantage.
* The investigators did not measure the exact pressure exerted by the blunt object at the trigger point before and after the study.
* Even if the above considerations have no significance, the study should not be extrapolated to suggest that other types of pain can be relieved by magnets.
* There was just one brief exposure and no systematic follow-up of patients. Thus there was no way to tell whether any improvement would be more than temporary.
* The authors themselves acknowledged that the study was a "pilot study." Pilot studies are done to determine whether it makes sense to invest in a larger more definitive study. They never provide a legitimate basis for marketing any product as effective against any symptom or health problem.

The multicenter study, headed by Michael Weintraub, M.D., of New York Medical College, involved 48 investigators in 27 states. Of 375 subjects with diabetic neuropathy who were randomly assigned to wear magnetized insoles or placebo (nonmagnetic) devices for 4 months, 259 completed the study. The authors concluded that there were statistically significant reductions during the third and fourth months in burning; numbness and tingling; and exercise-induced foot pain [4]. However, they noted that despite statistical improvement in pain and quality-of-life scores, there was only "modest clinical benefit." There are also good reasons to challenge the statistical analysis that underlies their conclusions:

* The main outcome table listed 4 sets of average group measurements taken at one-month intervals, which produced 20 possible endpoints.
* Symptom severity in both treatment and placebo groups gradually lessen, but there is little month-to-month variation.
* At each endpoint, the average results in both looked similar, but the standard deviations were large. By breaking the data into subgroups, the authors were able to declare that certain ones were significant. However, with many endpoints and widely scattered data, differences between some endpoints are likely to occur by chance alone. The most favorable differences can then be chosen to suggest significance when none exists.

At least three well-designed pain studies have been negative:

* Researchers at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine have reported negative results in a study of patients with heel pain. Over a 4-week period, 19 patients wore a molded insole containing a magnetic foil, while 15 patients wore the same type of insole with no magnetic foil. In both groups, 60% reported improvement, which suggested that the magnetic foil conveyed no benefit [5].
* Researchers at the VA Medical Center in Prescott, Arizona conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study involving 20 patients with chronic back pain. Each patient was exposed to real and sham bipolar permanent magnets during alternate weeks, for 6 hours per day, 3 days per week for a week, with a 1-week period between the treatment weeks. No difference in pain or mobility was found between the treatment and sham-treatment periods [6].
* Researchers at the Mayo Clinic compared the effects of wearing magnetic or sham-magnetic cushioned insoles over an 8-week period by 101 people with heel pain and found no difference between the treatment and control groups [7].

Magnets have also been claimed to increase circulation. This claim is false. If it were true, placing a magnet on the skin would make the area under the magnet become red, which it does not. Moreover, a well-designed study that actually measured blood flow has found no increase. The study involved 12 healthy volunteers who were exposed to either a 1000-gauss magnetic disk or an identically appearing disk that was not magnetic. No change in the amount or speed of blood flow was observed when either disk was applied to their arm. [8]. The magnets were manufactured by Magnetherapy, Inc, of Riviera Beach, Florida, a company that has been subjected to two regulatory actions.

Legal and Regulatory Actions

In 1998, Magnetherapy, Inc., signed an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance with the State of Texas to pay a $30,000 penalty and to stop claiming that wearing its magnetic device near areas of pain and inflammation will relieve pain due to arthritis, migraine headaches, sciatica or heel spurs. The agreement also requires Magnetherapy to stop making claims that its magnets can cure, treat, or mitigate any disease or can affect any change in the human body, unless its devices are FDA-approved for those purposes [9]. Ads for the company's Tectonic Magnets had featured testimonials from athletes, including golfers from the senior pro tours. Various ads had claimed that Tectonic Magnets would provide symptomatic relief from certain painful conditions and could restore range of motion to muscles and joints. The company had provided retailers with display packages that included health claims, written testimonials, and posters of sports stars. Texas Attorney General Dan Morales stated that some claims were false or unsubstantiated and others had rendered the product unapproved medical devices under Texas law. In 1997, the FDA had warned Magnetherapy to stop claiming that its products would relieve arthritis; tennis elbow; low back pain; sciatica; migraine headache; muscle soreness; neck, knee, ankle, and shoulder pain; heel spurs; bunions; arthritic fingers and toes; and could reduce pain and inflammation in the affected areas by increasing blood and oxygen flow [10].

In 1999, the FTC obtained a consent agreement barring two companies from making unsubstantiated claims about their magnetic products. Magnetic Therapeutic Technologies, of Irving, Texas, is barred from claiming that its magnetic sleep pads or other products: (a) are effective against cancers, diabetic ulcers, arthritis, degenerative joint conditions, or high blood pressure; (b) could stabilize or increase the T-cell count of HIV patients; (c) could reduce muscle spasms in persons with multiple sclerosis; (d) could reduce nerve spasms associated with diabetic neuropathy; (e) could increase bone density, immunity, or circulation; or (f) are comparable or superior to prescription pain medicine. Pain Stops Here! Inc., of Baiting Hollow, N.Y., may no longer claim that its "magnetized water" or other products are useful against cancer, diseases of the liver or other internal organs, gallstones, kidney stones, urinary infection, gastric ulcers, dysentery, diarrhea, skin ulcers, bed sores, arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, sprains, strains, sciatica, heart disease, circulatory disease, arthritis, auto-immune illness, neuro-degenerative disease, and allergies, and could stimulate the growth of plants.

On August 8, 2000, the Consumer Justice Center, of Laguna Niguel, California filed suit in Orange County Superior Court charging that Florsheim and a local shoe store (Shoe Emporium) made false and fraudulent claims that their MagneForce shoes (a) correct "magnetic deficiency," (b) "generate a deep-penetrating magnetic field which increases blood circulation; reduces leg and back fatigue; and provides natural pain relief and improved energy level."; and (c) their claims are established and proven by scientific studies [11]. A few days after this suit was filed, Florsheim removed the disputed ad from its Web site.

In 2001, Richard Markoll, his wife Ernestine, David H. Trock, M.D., and Bio-Magnetic Treatment Systems (BMTS) pled guilty to criminal charges in connection with a scheme involving pulsed magnetic therapy. The participants used fraudulent billing codes to seek payment from Medicare and three other insurance plans for treatment with a device (Electro-Magnetic Induction Treatment System, Model 30/30) that lacked FDA approval [12]. The treatments—called pulsed signal therapy (PST)—were administered in a clinical trial on an investigational basis not approved by the FDA. The Markolls were sentenced to 3 years probation, a $4,000 fine and a $100 special assessment. Ernestine Markoll was sentenced to 2 years probation, a $1,000 fine and a $25 special assessment. Magnetic Therapy, was sentenced to a 1-day summary probation and a $200 special assessment. The Markolls also signed a civil settlement under which they agreed to pay the U.S Government $4 million [13]. The device was invented by Richard Markoll, MD, PhD, who does not have a medical license but is described in Web site biographies as a graduate of Grace University School of Medicine, a Caribbean medical school. Trock, a former principal investigator for Magnetic Therapy Center, PC, Danbury, CT, was sentenced to 6 months probation. and ordered to make restitution of $35,250 [14]. Trock has co-authored studies claiming that PST is effective for treating pain, but the device is not FDA-approved for that purpose.

In September 2002, California Attorney General Bill Lockyer charged Florida-based European Health Concepts, Inc. (EHC) with making false and misleading claims about its magnetic mattress pads and seat cushions. The complaint, filed in Sacramento Superior Court, also named EHC president Kevin Todd and several sales managers and agents as defendants. The suit seeks more than $1 million in civil penalties for engaging in unfair business practices and making false claims; $500,000 in civil penalties for transactions involving senior citizens; and full restitution for purchasers of the products. The complaint alleged that prospective customers, primarily senior citizens, were invited to attend a free dinner seminar at which they were told that EHC's products could help people suffering from fibromyalgia, lupus, sciatica, herniated discs, asthma, bronchitis, cataracts, chronic fatigue syndrome, colitis, diverticulitis, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, and more than 50 other health conditions. The sales agents offered phony price discounts for immediate purchases that actually were the company's regular prices. [15].

A recent press report indicates that Thorsten Wietschel, who markets magnetic matresses through local gatherings, had two brushes with the law in the United States and is now pitching them in Canada. The report states that (a) was charged with grand theft in California but not prosecuted because he left the state, and (b) a civil action in Arizona resulted in a court order to repay $150,000 to buyers and pay $2 million in penalties [16].

The Bottom Line

There is no scientific basis to conclude that small, static magnets can relieve pain or influence the course of any disease. In fact, many of today's products produce no significant magnetic field at or beneath the skin's surface.

Acne Natural Cure Ideas

2007-05-02T20:59:00.000-07:00

There are all kinds of chemicals and medications on the market that profess to help combat acne. While some of these work wonders for acne sufferers, others just don`t do much more than dry out the skin. Since acne is a very individualized condition with the root causes varying between people, it makes sense that the cures are pretty subjective, as well. Some of the best options many find are acne natural cure remedies. Some of these can be made at home and others can be found prepackaged by companies that specialize in herbal and natural remedies.

A lot of people who suffer from acne find they must try multiple remedy options to hit on the one that works for them. Many of those who actually find their individual cure do so through the natural arena. There are some very effective, non-chemical, treatments for acne. While not every product that claims to be an acne natural cure works, many in fact do.

The advantages to trying some of these acne natural cure ideas before trying harsher chemical treatments is simply the fact they are natural. They don`t introduce to the skin anything other than ingredients made by nature and they are generally safe to try. Even the prepackaged acne natural cures generally can boast this claim.

Some of the most common acne natural cure remedies include such commonly found ingredients as citrus juice, cinnamon, mint, tomatoes, potatoes and even sandalwood and rose water. Some of these ingredients, such as the citrus and tomatoes, do have a fairly high, but natural, acid content, so they need to be used in moderation.

When trying any acne natural cure, or chemical one for that matter, it`s important to start out with a single area. Do not apply creams, herbs, chemicals or anything else to the entire face on the first or even second use. Pick a spot that`s affected by an outbreak and use it. Check the spot frequently for allergic reactions or side effects. If these do occur, don`t proceed with further use of that particular product. Instead, move on and try a different type of remedy. While reactions to acne natural cures are generally minimal, they can happen. People can be allergic to an ingredient they didn`t even know they were. So, it`s best to play is safe by using the patch test.

If a particular acne natural cure product doesn`t do the trick, try a different one. Or, if a home remedy is desired, there are all kinds of options here, as well. For example, equal amounts of rose water and lime juice applied to the face for a few minutes before washing or radish seeds ground into a paste with water or even sesame seeds treated the same are said by many to present great acne natural cure options.

There are all kinds of cures for acne on the market. From acne natural cure alternatives to prescription medications, they almost all have a tendency to work for some people, but not necessarily others. Finding the right way to treat an individual case of acne will be an effort of trial and error, but when the right cure is found, it`s worth the work.

for additional information please visit http://www.acnegurus.com

Acne Facts Treatments And Tips For You

2007-05-02T20:41:00.000-07:00

Living with acne can be very difficult, and even more difficult to find the right acne treatment for you. There are times when one has to think about alternative, natural, effective treatment methods to get the best cure or solution to their acne, zits, pimples and blackhead problems.

By their mid-teens, nearly 35% of teenagers have acne severe enough to require some treatment from a medical professional. Nearly 17 million people in the United States have acne. Acne is the most common skin disease. People of all races and ages get acne. Baby acne is a rash seen on the cheeks, chin, and forehead of infants. There are several different types of acne.

As time goes by, more research may help determine just how male and female hormones influence acne and the role diet plays. Understanding that hormones may have some influence on the cause of acne needs to be considered.

The cause of acne is really unknown. Doctors think certain factors might cause or contribute to acne including hormone increases in teenage years, hormone changes in pregnancy, starting or stopping birth control pills, heredity, medicines and greasy make-up.

One helpful remedy seems to be to use ice to reduce the swelling caused by inflamed pimples: rub it over the blemishes for 2-3 minutes. Coconut is one of the best treatments I've found for acne. Some natural home remedies include dabbing on non-gel toothpaste to dry out zits or lemon juice.

It just takes motivation, a willingness to try it, and diligent application of coconut oil several times a day and at bedtime to see its benefits. It's easy to treat acne cheaply, simply, naturally, yet effective, at home.

Use baking soda carefully to exfoliate. It's always best to seek non-invasive treatment for any skin condition.

There are several types of acne scars: ice-pick scars, depressed fibrotic scars, superficial and deep soft scars, and atrophic macules. As a registered nurse, I have learned a lot over the years about acne scars, acne scar treatments, and acne scar removal. The good news is that there are several types of treatments to choose from for acne scar removal.

Drink lots and lots of pure, filtered water. Whether you eat a natural diet with living fruits and vegetables or eat dead junk food, what you eat may have a direct or indirect affect on the male hormones which may play a part in acne.

The liver sluffs off toxins from bad foods, drinks, drugs and chemicals and sends them through your skin resulting in skin eruptions, acne, pimples and other skin disorders. Besides external acne treatment it's best to work from the inside out too.

Eat high-fiber snacks like raw nuts, raw seeds, and dried fruit, such as dates, and figs. You want to help the skin from the inside out too. For an easy fiber boost, mix in 2 tablespoons of ground up flaxseeds in raw applesauce, from 2-3 apples, made in your food processor.

The skin must be regularly cleaned or it'll become cracked or inflamed. Functions of the skin are disturbed when it is dirty; it becomes more easily damaged, the release of antibacterial compounds decreases and dirty skin is more prone to develop infections.

Be assured, scientists are constantly looking at new non-invasive ways to treat acne. With cheap, safe, simple, natural, effective, alternative home treatments for acne and pimples, your skin should be well on its way to recovery. In any case, try not to panic about your acne and take it day by day.

For more information on natural treatments for acne and acne light therapy, go to Helen Hecker R.N.'s http://www.Best-Skin-Solutions.com specializing in acne, pimples, and skin disorders with tips, advice and resources for adults, teens and babies, including information on acne scar treatments

Boost Your Metabolism Naturally for Weight Loss

2007-05-02T20:38:00.000-07:00

When we are young, our metabolism is naturally high, but as we get older that just isn't the case. Do you remember the days when you could eat anything that you wanted at any time and never seem to gain a pound? Those days were great, and long gone. However there is hope. Of course we live in the age when we all want to find a quick and easy way out of everything. We want to find a magic pill that will change all of our lives, and the fact is there are thousands of them that claim to do just that.

These pills can be very dangerous and even deadly if they are not used properly. The good news is that you don't even need them. There are many solutions that you can easily use to boost your metabolism in a completely natural manner that will not cause more harm than good. The best things that you can do is to exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet as is directed by the food guide pyramid.

Even if you have a medical condition that requires you to have a special diet, you can still boost your metabolism. Part of having a good metabolism is having good physical health and the other part is having good mental health. Personal fitness is very important in maintaining a high metabolism. This does not mean that you have to be skinny it just means that you have to be fit.

Drinking certain teas like green teas can also help you to detoxify your body which will also help boost your metabolism. Green tea has become very popular in the past few years as a means of doing this. Also, it is essential that I mention that a protein enriched diet will help you to build up your body's natural muscle mass as well. Adding certain vitamin supplements can also help you to boost your metabolism.

Vitamins like vitamin E, D, C, and B will be great for boosting your metabolism. If you don't like the idea of taking them in pill form you can find these vitamins in most fruits and vegetables that are in their most natural state or steamed. Green vegetables are great sources of natural vitamins and minerals that your body needs to stay fit and healthy. If you are dieting you should make sure that you are eating balanced meals. Getting healthy and boosting your metabolism should go hand in hand. Otherwise, you will only succeed in hurting yourself.

Americans turning to Chinese Medicine

2007-04-30T21:35:00.000-07:00

Chinese medicine is the oldest contiguously practiced form of healthcare in the world, dating to at least 3000 and maybe more than 5000 years ago. The first book written on Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is between 2000 and 3000 years old. Modern western medicine is less than 500 years old. Daily we read of drugs harming or hurting people because short term laboratory, controlled studies could not show what long term use by a human would do. Allopathic or “scientific” medicine and its “scientific standard” have many flaws that are serious to life threatening.

Americans are turning to Chinese Medicine because allopathy and western science have their own flaws and inadequacies. Ultimately, western “science” has to learn that nothing is absolute and knowable beyond doubt, that life is fluid, ever changing and that each human being and each body, while very similar, all have a unique experience and a unique reaction to all things encountered. Chinese medicine has understood this for millennia. And people are finding the proof in the pudding.

Alternative Healing Degrees

2007-04-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

Today, one can choose to enroll in a healing arts school to attain one or more alternative healing degrees in a variety of natural health modalities. While most individuals are familiar with conventional associates, bachelors and even doctorate degrees, opportunities exist to earn not only certification, but alternative healing degrees that are equivalent to traditional college degrees.

More common forms of alternative healing degrees may be earned through acupuncture and Oriental Medicine schools, chiropractic schools and naturopathic schools. For example, students seeking alternative healing degrees in Oriental Medicine may achieve "D.O.M." or "O.M.D." status, also known as "Doctor of Oriental Medicine" and "Oriental Medical Doctor," upon successful completion of a Chinese medicine course. In the same course of study, candidates may choose to enroll in a Master of Acupuncture program, and earn the title of "M.Ac."

Among many interesting alternative healing degrees that a number of natural health schools offer prospective students is the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (B.A.M.S.), which is often equivalent to an M.D. degree program. However, numerous practitioners will sometimes participate in the B.A.M.S. as a supplementary course to their degree in naturopathic medicine or conventional Medical Doctor degree. Another alternative healing degree program option is the "N.D." course. The Doctor of Naturopathy degree may be earned after the student has completed over 4,000 hours of educational training, in addition to postsecondary education. The Doctor of Chiropractic Degree is another fine inclusion within the alternative healing degrees group of studies one may choose to pursue; however, bare in mind that most chiropractic schools frequently require a bachelor's degree or other prerequisite courses prior to enrollment.

In general, alternative healing degrees are unique substitutes for, or welcome additions to, traditional academic degrees, which offer an array of educational options instrumental in beginning an entrepreneurial healthcare career in healing arts. Furthermore, they can also be an essential asset for conventional medical professionals desiring to integrate complementary medicine into an established medical practice.

To learn more about alternative healing degrees and additional learning programs, search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved
Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Natural Healing Schools, Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools and Natural Healing Online Schools at SchoolsGalore.com; your educational resource to locate schools.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Bustamante

Aromatherapy - Using Essential Oils for Good Health

2007-04-28T21:46:00.000-07:00

Even before the term alternative medicine was formally used, aromatherapy was already being practiced 5000 years ago by Egyptians. At that time, oil was extracted from aromatic plants through infusion and used for embalming, cosmetics and medicinal purposes. This knowledge was passed on to the Greeks and served as the basis for more discoveries, including the relaxing and stimulating effects of the fragrance of some flowers. Going back further, ancient man's dependence on the environment for all his basic needs and survival led him to discover natural ways of food preservation and the treatment of various conditions using herbs and aromatics.

1. Eastern Roots

The use of aromatics is also reflected in a Chinese herbal book by Shen Nung dated 2700 BC, showing specific details on more than 300 plants and their various applications. Ancient Chinese also burned incense and wood as part of religious practices that a good number of their modern counterparts still observe today. Aromatics was also a part of acupressure, massage and other therapies identified with the Chinese.

2. Modern Health Treatment

Today, many individuals place a high premium on health and well-being. The cost of traditional or conventional medicine such as surgery and medicare, however, has made a high number of people turn to aromatherapy, or essential oils therapy, and other forms of alternative medicine.

3. Basics

- Facilitates an equilibrium of physical, mental and spiritual health through natural means
- In some cases, these alternative treatments are now considered as strong and effective complements to regular medicine
- The main component of aromatherapy is essential oils
- Essential Oils are highly concentrated essences known for their healing effects

4. Essential Oils

These aroma-producing oils come from the flower, as in the case of a rose; leaves (basil is an example); twig; bark; fruit rind and other plant parts. Experts say that the extraction process can be time-consuming, complex and require much patience. Recognition and acceptance of these factors is important: getting about 5 teaspoonsful of oil could entail the use more than 220 pounds of rose petals. This process is what makes pure essential oils costly, although their effectiveness is not compromised because a treatment can entail the use of only a few drops to generate the target effect. An option is the less-expensive synthetic oils, although they do not offer the healing properties of their natural counterparts.

5. How It Works

Essential oils work by stimulating the olfactory system and later the brain or limbic system. The fragrance, other properties and effects of the oil determine how these body systems and their parts are stimulated. During a massage, these oils are inhaled and absorbed by the body at the same time, penetrating the skin and eventually reaching the organs and body systems. The absorption can be as short as 20 minutes and possibly extend to 2 hours or more, making some experts advise to avoid a shower or bathing immediately after the massage to maximize the desired effect.

6. Effects Last Days, Not Hours

The longevity of a fragrance also varies from 3-24 hours to 2-3 days and even longer to about a week. Eucalyptus, peppermint
thyme, and bergamot are among oils with a short-lived scent, while the scent of hyssop, lavender, balm, and other oils last between 2-3 days. Jasmine, sandalwood, ginger and cedarwood are among the oils that take as long as one week before completely evaporating.

7. Achieve A Sense Of Calm

The desired health balance of an individual also requires the creation of a balanced perfume, or a combination of the three types of oils based on longevity. These various combinations or aromatherapy blends can be mixed into a warm bath to relax and calm an individual, eliminate stress and depression, energize and sooth the body or aching part. The healing or calming effect of a massage can be enhanced by applying essential oils. However, this would require the use of carrier oils to prevent irritation or any other negative skin reaction. Some of these carrier oils, which help dilute essential oils, include avocado oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, wheatgerm oil, almond oil, soya oil and hazelnut oil.

For more great aromatherapy related articles and resources check out http://aromatherapy.naturaltherapieshq.com

Alternative Cancer Cure Teatment Options are Gaining Popularity and Trust

2007-04-28T21:25:00.000-07:00

Medical science has taken great strides forward. However, the vulnerability to many diseases like cancer, remain. Thus, billions of dollars are spent on researching alternative cancer cure treatments every year through out the world. Alternative cancer cure encompasses methods, natural and otherwise, that go beyond the traditional realm of surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Some of them are:

Physical Touch method
Amidst the varied alternative cancer cure methods, Manual Healing or the Physical Touch method is widely known. In its arsenal, you have the age-old Chinese practice of Acupuncture. Here needles are put in the skin into specific energy flow ways in order to balance it. Though it is a debatable point whether Acupuncture can actually cure cancer, it has been to be a definite pain alleviator.

Reiki
The Japanese observation of Reiki is another alternative cancer cure methodology, which also works along similar lines. A Reiki master can unclog your congested energy pathways to relieve you of the pain of the disease and the treatment.

Chiropractic
Chiropractic provides a remedy for musculoskeletal disorders by working on the spine and the neck. Chiropractors believe that this boosts the immune system by restoring the bodily balance that had gone haywire due to cancer.

Massages
Massages, though not proven effective as a cancer cure, provide relief from pain and discomfort.

Nutritional Therapy
Amongst the other kinds of alternative cancer remedy, Nutritional Therapy is the most widely publicized. It has been medically proved that some food prevent and can even cure some cancer forms like breast cancer. In fact, recent discoveries point out to the cancer-combating agents present in fruits like pomegranates and red berries.

Naturopathy and Homeopathy
Naturopathy and Homeopathy are grounded on similar lines. Both therapies believe in achieving bodily harmony, which in turn rouses the self-healing process, which can relieve the symptoms of many forms of cancer like prostate, colon, liver or skin. The core difference in these two cancer remedy methods lies in their modus operandi.

While Homeopathy is almost like vaccination, wherein trace amounts of cancer-inducing agents are introduced in the body in an attempt to trigger a defense mechanism to combat the disease, Naturopathy is actually an amalgamation of various methods like Homeopathy, usage of herbal substances or electrical treatment to achieve the requisite bodily balance.

Other upcoming alternative treatments include:

While many alternative cancer treatment methods agree to the use of natural processes, some like the oxygen and ozone therapies profess the injection of oxygen and ozone to retard the growth of cancer cells and even have them transmute into normal cells.

Recently gaining ground in the dominion of alternative cancer treatment methodologies is the Bristol Approach, combining physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual therapies, aimed at corporal and mental well being.

Its underlying philosophy shares ground with many holistic lines of treatment. These empower the mind to control the bodily processes. The Bristol Approach also incorporates numerous self-help techniques to aid the cancer patient during this treatment period.

The synergistic effect of these alternative cancer cure methods is far greater than when used in seclusion. The alternative treatment is doubly effective when used in conjunction with some conventional mode of cancer remedy.

David Maillie is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in the manufacture of various skin peels, skin cancer, and acne treatments for doctors offices and medispas. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.bestskinpeel.com

Aromatherapy Treatment � Alternative Medicine

2007-04-27T21:45:00.000-07:00

Arthritis had Mrs. Thompson grounded for years. She had seen several doctors with no permanent solution to the problem. As an alternative medicinal stream, Mrs. Thomson agreed to use aromatherapy. Regular massage with the essential oils of lemon balm, rose, black spruce, tarragon and jasmine was recommended. She testifies to the positive effect aromatherapy had on her condition.

Many people like Mrs. Thompson have found relief in aromatherapy treatment. The system of aromatherapy treatment utilises aromas and scents to heal the human being as a whole. Aromas and scents are derived from several plants and herbs. Research that has been undertaken on plants and herbs from the ancient times until now has helped determine their therapeutic benefits. However, more than a science, aromatherapy is an art and involves a creative approach in making specific blends.

Essential oils have an important role to play in aromatherapy treatment. An essential oil is the essence of plants derived through a process whereby plants are distilled through steam or water. What we get through the process is a concentrated essential oil, of which a few drops are capable of giving the desired effect.

One of the first known discoveries of the therapeutic benefits of essential oils was made by French chemist Ren-Maurice Gattefoss. Gattefoss is also credited with coining the term aromatherapy. When he got a burn on his hand, he accidentally put his hand in a jar full of lavender oil. He was surprised to see that he got immediate relief and the burn left no scars on his hand. Through further research, he established the healing powers of lavender oil.

Some of the common ailments where aromatherapy treatment has been accepted as a potent solution are anxiety, stress or insomnia, muscular aches and pains, headaches, eczema, digestive problems, menstrual or menopausal problems, etc. Therefore, aromatherapy treatments heal physically as well as psychologically.

A common respiratory disorder is asthma. This is caused through contact with allergen, after a tiring exercise session or through infection. An asthmatic person experiences shortness of breath, cough and mucous production as a result of inflammation or contraction of the bronchi. The condition can be treated through aromatherapy treatment. The oils of clove bud and lemongrass have been recognised to have anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious properties. These oils along with the oils of lemon, clary sage, and angelica can be very useful for treating asthma.

Aromatherapy products are available in several stores, referred to as aromatherapy stores. These stock preparations made from herbs and plants sourced from different parts of the world; mostly, the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and the Africas.

However, the use of aromatherapy treatments must be strictly prescriptive. Toiletries, which use aromas and scents, use a very small amount of essential oils. Therefore, they are not harmful. As said earlier, essential oils are highly concentrated. If a larger dosage of it is taken, then can result in irritation or be poisonous, when used with food or drink.

Did you think essential oils being derived from plants are free from side effects? No, they are not. The common side effects of essential oils are nausea, headaches etc.

Get help from an expert practitioner on the appropriate treatment for ones condition. The person who practices aromatherapy treatment is known as aromatherapist. He either will massage the oil on the skin or would suggest the appropriate method of use. Just as one would check the credentials of a doctor practising in contemporary medicine, it is important to know whether the aromatherapist has been trained in aromatherapy treatment. An aromatherapist proceeds in the same manner as a common doctor. He will first get a detailed medical history of the individual through a series of questions on diet, lifestyle, and health problems. This goes well with the system of aromatherapy healing where the whole rather than one particular ailment is considered for treatment.

Bryan Josling is working with the Horticultural Research Station in Adelaide. He has also been involved with research on plants. To find Aromatherapy essential oils, essential massage oils, essential oils wholesale visit
http://www.ndaroma.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Josling

Alternative Asthma Treatment Ideas

2007-04-27T21:24:00.000-07:00

Asthma can be a very frightening and dreaded illness, but with the proper medication and frame of mind, it can be controlled. Often, asthma patients use inhalers and/or nebulizers to bring relief. However, there are many asthma patients that feel as if they are not reaching their maximum potential with these treatments and opt for other treatment methods. Then there are patients that are experiencing difficulties which require them to opt for other treatments due to dangerous side effects and/or allergies associated with the treatments.

Normally, Doctors will not and do not prefer to endorse alternative asthma treatments. For some patients, there is no other alternative. We will look at various alternative asthma treatments that may be conclusive to fighting back at the disease.

Alternativeopathy will look at the disease as a whole and not just a set of numerous symptoms. The Homeopathic response is to try to cure the disease instead of breaking it down and providing relief of one of two symptoms. They look for many clues within the individual to get the whole picture. They will try to combine cause, precipitating factors, environmental factors as well as hereditary factors. The downfall is that while the homeopathologist is looking for clues and piecing together the big picture, the asthma patient is still having to deal with all the little details such as attacks, and inflammation.

Another alternative asthma treatment is the use of various herbs. Of course, if the patient is not educated in herbs and attempts to mix and match herbs at home, they may become an actual danger to themselves. While herbs are normally safe and effective in addressing many issues, it is not recommended that they be the key player in the approach of a alternative asthma treatment. If the patient is persistent and wants to pursue the use of herbs as a alternative asthma treatment, it is important that they discuss their desires and options with their physician.

Hypnosis and Acupuncture are also alternative asthma treatment considerations. However, oftentimes, it is very difficult to find the properly accredited hypnotist and those specializing in acupuncture. These are two very serious alternative asthma treatments that could cause serious side effects if not done properly, so patients must ensure that they are familiar with the credentials of the person performing these methods. Acupuncture has been proven to be an effective form of alternative asthma treatment. Needles Are used and applied at various nerve points in order to induce an internal chemical reaction to help effectively treat asthma. Many people have a fear of needles and for these people there is acupressure. Instead of needles, acupressure uses pressure to treat asthma. These are all very decent alternative asthma treatments.

If the asthma patient wants to experiment with different alternative asthma treatments, they should do some research on the various methods. They can find a wealth of information on the internet, at the local library and even talking to family and friends.

The most important thing when considering an alternative path to treatment and looking into alternative asthma treatments is to ensure that you openly discuss it with your doctor.

Resources of asthma treatments can be found at: http://www.asthmatreatments.us

Aromatherapy Herbs For Healing

2007-04-26T21:44:00.000-07:00

Aromatherapy is a form of herbal medicine. It uses the scents in essential oils distilled from herbs, flowers and trees to improve health and vitality. Used properly, it can re-energize and rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. Aromatherapy comes in many forms. It can be used as oils, candles, lotions and soaps.

How Is The Scented Oil Extracted From The Plants?

Many herbs are used in the production of essential oils and waters for aromatherapy. Essential oils are the aromatic compounds found in the herb. They are extracted by distillation. There are different methods of this but they are all basically the same.

The herbs are put into water which is heated until it produces steam. This releases and then carries chemicals, including the aromatic compounds. The steam is then chilled in a condenser and the material left behind is collected. Oils (which will become the Essential Oil) floats to the top of the distilled water and may be scooped off.

The distilled water part is called hydrosol. If you want to buy a herb or flower 'water' the best kind is a hydrosol as this is the by-product of aromatic distillation. Many 'waters' are essential oils added to water or alcohol and are not as good as true hydrosols.

Treat Aromatherapy With Respect!

Many people think that because the scented oils have 'only come from plants' that they can use as much as they like. Essential oils are very concentrated and are usually measured in drops. Strength wise - one drop would equal the volume amount of two cups. Ingesting one ounce of essential oil could prove fatal.

Unless you are a skilled aromatherapist, it's best to use essential oils only on the skin. Always mix the drops of oil with a 'carrier' like sweet almond oil. Undiluted essential oil can burn the skin.

How Can Anything From Plants Be So Powerful?

Our pharmacology has developed from herbal medicine. Many medications in use today are still derived from plants.

There are more than 250,000 known plant species and yet less than 1% of them have been thoroughly tested for use in medicine. A quarter of our prescription medications are derived from this tiny 1%. The list includes morphine, atropine, ephedrine, warfarin, aspirin, digoxin, taxol, hyoscine - so plants are pretty powerful and care should be taken. Isn't it amazing to think what other helpful medications are out there and as yet undiscovered!

Growing Herbs For Aromatherapy

A large area of crops is needed to grow herbs for aromatherapy purposes. This is because when calculated on the weight of fresh herbs distilled, plants only yield between 0.01% and 2% of essential oil. So a lot needs to be grown and distilled to produce reasonable amounts of oil.

To produce essential oils, the requirements are the plants, good soil (often organic), irrigation, reasonable shelter from harsh weather, harvesting and distillation equipment.

Hints And Tips On Essential Oils

1. Always read and heed advice on the labels on essential oils.

2. Keep them out of the sight and reach of children.

3. Never put essential oils near the eyes.

4. Always dilute with carrier oil before putting on the skin - or it will burn!

5. Essential oils are for external application only. Don't ever ingest them.

6. As with any new skin preparation, test the oil first. Dilute a drop of essential oil with carrier oil and apply to the skin on your inner arm. If there is any irritation, discontinue its use.

7. Many herbs should be avoided by pregnant women and by people suffering some health conditions. Always check before use.

For more aromatherapy articles, click here: http://www.articlehealthandfitness.com/categories/Alternative-Health/Aromatherapy/ To submit your health articles to this article directory, click here: http://www.articlehealthandfitness.com

Are You Looking For Natural Pain Relief Medication?

2007-04-25T21:42:00.000-07:00

There is probably nothing more debilitating than chronic pain. Defined as pain lasting for six months or longer. Chronic pain afflicts millions of people. There is no way for you to be completely sure of preventing chronic pain. It can strike at any stage of your life, whether because of an accident or disease.

Chronic pain often long outlives its original cause, worsening over time and taking on a life of its own. Recent research has shown that chronic pain is destructive to your body. The longer chronic pain goes untreated, the worse it becomes. Chronic pain unleashes a cascade of harmful hormones, such as cortisol, that adversely affect your immune system and kidney function. You can't expect it to go away by itself.

Many chronic pain sufferers wind up taking huge amounts of anti-inflammatory drugs. The NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen put them at risk for gastrointestinal bleeding and liver dysfunction. The newer class of pharmaceutical pain relievers, the COX-2 inhibitors, while an improvement in terms of side effects, still may cause some abdominal distress.

Anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin and Aleve, were implicated in the deaths of 16,000 people in the USA in 2000, due to bleeding ulcers and related complications, according to the Federal Drug Abuse Network. Research is also uncovering the fact that anxiety and depression are not so much responses to pain as the consequences of it.

Functional-imaging scans reveal similar disturbances in brain chemistry for both chronic pain and for depression. Pain and depression share the same neural pathways, the same circuitry. Allopathic physicians to treat depression and pain use the same medications. Depression and stressful events can enhance pain.

Chronic pain sufferers usually respond to stress with more pain. Serotonin and the endorphins that modulate healthy brain functioning also modulate depression. If you have chronic pain it uses up your serotonin like a car running out of gas.

It's important to reduce the level of prostaglandins in your body. The compounds that cause you aches, pain and inflammation that makes your life miserable. It helps you to relax your muscles and to reduce swelling. It improves blood flow to areas such as your joints.

Most likely, you or someone you know suffers from some form of joint pain. With the recent removal of VIOXX and Celebrex from the market, millions of people are searching for an all-natural alternative. Finally, you have an all-natural and safe solution that is now being sold stating that it is the ONLY pain relief health supplement that includes a complete list of active botanicals in one easy to take supplement. You might have it seen on TV.

With this you can relieve your chronic pain of osteoarthritis, rheumatism, neuralgia, stiff joints, shingles, neck ache, and lower back pain. It also provides welcome pain relief from carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, fibromyalgia, muscle and joint pain, pinched nerves and sprains.

It is stated that it's the most powerful anti-inflammatory agent on the market today and best of all it's 100% natural and safe. Additionally, it acts as a highly effective lubricant in your joints, muscles and other tissues. It is also an immune system modulator, which can be effectual against autoimmune conditions. All of these characteristics contribute to its ability to act as an analgesic by removing the source of pain (inflamed and irritated tissues) so that there is no pain impulse.

Taking this product is NOT a substitute for treatment by a physician for chronic pain conditions, but the active ingredients can help to control this sort of chronic and severe pain without causing the side effects associated with many artificial pain relievers.

For more information on EAZOL - Natural Pain Relief Medication and a $50 FREE Newsletter Health News Journal.

Peter Rapport writes on a variety of subjects for http://www.behealthee.com For Your Natural Health Source. The Specialists In Herbal Products To Help You In Different Areas Of Your Life.

Acupuncture Weight Loss? Plus 5 Step Weight Loss Plan

2007-04-25T21:21:00.000-07:00

I remember back in my senior year of high school - my best friend since 5th grade was living in France. He wrote that they didn't like Americans much. "They think we're all fat," he said. With his own skinny frame, of course, he confounded their belief.

But, he added a funny, or perhaps ironic capstone to the issue. "I went to a store, and they were selling statues of these fat people, and, at the base of each one was written, 'American.'"

Obesity is not only an American problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it's a global problem. They call it globesity. Parodoxically, their understanding of this problem began with their original mission to eliminate hunger and malnutrition. We live in a world where many have nothing to eat, and many eat too much. From 1995 to 2000, the number of obese adults worldwide mushroomed from 200 million to 300 million. That's a 50% increase in just 5 years! What is Obesity, and What is Overweight?

Overweight means an excess of body weight. This excess weight may be muscle, bone, fat, and/or body water. Obesity refers specifically to an abnormally high proportion of body fat. You can be overweight without being obese - for example, a bodybuilder or other highly-muscled athlete. But many people who are overweight are also obese.The main way to determine whether you are overweight or obese is with the body mass index (BMI). It doesn't directly measure body fat, and it's not gender specific, but it does give you a pretty reliable estimation.

To find your BMI, divide your weight (in kilograms) by your height in meters squared. Yep, for the math-challenged, that's complex, so I'll give you a website that will figure it out for you, the National Institute's of Health BMI calculator (http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/). This will very quickly tell you if you are normal, overweight, or obese, and it does all the calculating and metric conversions for you!

Overweight is defined as a BMI above 25 (including those above 30 BMI, too), and obese is a BMI above 30. So, all obese people are overweight, but not all overweight people are obese.

The Obesity Epidemic

Obesity isn't just about not feeling good or having trouble getting dates

* It leads to more than 300,000 premature deaths each year in the United States. 90,000 are preventable cancer deaths. (CDC)

* Severely obese men die 13 years sooner than men of normal weight (JAMA).

* As a killer in America, obesity is second only to tobacco. (CDC)

The Weight Loss Industry

* Spending: Americans spend between $40-50 billion per year to lose weight.

* Results: I haven't seen any recent news that Americans are getting any thinner - have you?

* Conclusion: What people are doing isn't working. If we want different results, we have to try a different solution.

Acupuncture Weight Loss: Fantasy, or Fact?

* Fantasy or Fact? As a well-trained and fairly conservative Chinese medicine practitioner, I had assumed that acupuncture for weight loss was a marketing fad and a patient fantasy.

* Evidence: But while researching my upcoming book Chinese Medicine: A Practical Guide to Optimal Healing, I found some surprisingly positive information that changed my mind.

Chinese Medicine's Collective Clinical Data on Acupuncture Weight Loss

Chinese Medicine has thousands of years of clinical experience. This collective data not as convincing as randomized controlled trials are, but it does contain truth - it's imperfect but still valid and important.

A U.S. government study in the 80's concluded that 85% of western medicine is based on clinical experience, not on research. (Office of Technology Assessment of the Congress of the United States, The Impact of Randomized Controlled Trials on Health Policy and Medical Practice, Background Paper OTA-BP-H-22. Also see Michael Millenson's book, Demanding Medical Excellence)

There is good Chinese Medicine research in Taiwan, Australia, and Europe that gets ignored by American scientists and media. Much research in Chinese has not even been translated into English. Seven Studies of Acupuncture for Weight Loss

How it works: By enhancing the function of two neuroendocrine pathways that regulate many bodily processes, including metabolism.

What it does:

* Lowers body weight, body fat, insulin levels, and lipid levels in the blood

* Decreases excessive appetite and makes it easier to satisfy your hunger with less food.

* Decreases menopausal weight gain

* In one study, acupuncture took off 10 pounds in 2 months - that translates to 60 lbs in a year!

* Combined with diet control, and aerobic counseling it not only takes off the pounds and body fat, but keeps them off, especially if you're diligent with their exercise.

(See references at end of article for the research) Ephedra misuse and mislegislation

Ephedra is a Chinese herb for colds and coughs. It has been misused to increase metabolism, and this misuse has caused numerous deaths. As a result, the FDA is considering a total ban on ephedra products. We can blame two major things:

1. Supplement companies that care more about your money than your health (no, not all of them are that way, but some of them are, especially the ones that market weight loss formulations).

2. The idea that you can medicate yourself safely with herbs - self-medication of any kind is risky. Self-medication with herbs is off the radar, and people generally think they can do it safely. The ephedra debacle is an example of how dangerous it can be.

Traditionally, Chinese herbs are given in formulas (not singly), which is safer and more personalized. They're prescribed by a Chinese medicine practitioner who diagnoses your specific imbalances first. Ephedra would never be given for weight loss, but only for certain kinds of colds and coughs, and only to people whose body's can handle it.

No traditional Chinese herbs should be outlawed without allowing Chinese medical practitioners to continue to use them traditionally. Food Cravings

* Problem #1 (Enzyme Deficiency): The foods you crave depending on your personal imbalances. Modern digestive science explains that when your body can't digest a food, you crave more of it - you're not getting what you need from it. This lead to a cycle of craving and overeating the exact food you can't digest.

* Problem #2 (Low Blood Sugar): Another vicious cycle happens when you can't digest complex carbs, so your blood sugar is low, so you eat simple carbs that raise your blood sugar which raises insulin, which lowers your blood sugar again, and your stuck eating donuts and feeling horrible.

* Solution: Enzymes (I recommend various enzyme formulations from a company called Transformations) and Chinese herbal formulas can help you digest your food and break both of these cycles

Weight can be lost safely if done slowly and naturally.

You can lose up to 2 lbs per week without gaining it back. That means you could lose 104 lbs this year and keep it off!

Positive change is like stretching a rubber band- if you stretch too far too fast, it breaks or snaps back on you.

So avoid the temptation to take an easy solution like ephedra or citrus aurantium (both misused Chinese herbs), because you'll gain the weight back, and you're risking heart problems and stroke. 5 Things to Do Right Now To Lose 10 Pounds Within 2 Months And Keep Them Off:

1. Avoid heavily marketed supplements - instead, see a professional trained herbalist (acupuncturist) - it's safer and more effective - my preference would be a Chinese medicine practitioner, but some very well-educated western herbalists are good too.

2. Acupuncture Weight Loss: See an acupuncturist/chinese herbalist - Get acupuncture (once to three times per week) to SAFELY regulate your metabolism and hunger-satisfaction. Your acupuncturist can also get you the herbs that will balance your digestion and cravings - and based on your Chinese pattern diagnosis, they can also give you personalized diet advice. Herbs and enzymes (specific formulations from the enzyme company, Transformations) can eliminate your food cravings.

3. Develop a plan and goals with your acupuncturist and aerobics instructor- make it realistic, and stick to it. If you mess up, don't beat yourself up, just get back on track as soon as you can. Any progress is better than none at all.

4. Eat less, exercise more - Eat a low fat diet, and don't miss breakfast! Weigh yourself regularly, and exercise an hour a day. Start by walking a few minutes each day, or take the stairs at work. Don't overdo it! Remember the rubber band. In fact, you may want to wear a rubber band on your wrist to remind yourself to make changes slowly. Get some aerobic exercise help- a public class, or private aerobic counseling.

5. Join a support group like Weight Watchers or Overeaters Anonymous. There's nothing like positive friends to encourage you and keep you on track. OA members say that this spiritual program of action has changed the way they relate to food.

References and Resources

1. Office of Technology Assessment of the Congress of the United States, The Impact of Randomized Controlled Trials on Health Policy and Medical Practice, Background Paper OTA-BP-H-22.

2. Michael Millenson's book, Demanding Medical Excellence

3. Effect of acupuncture on weight loss evaluated by adrenal function. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1993 Sep, 13(3):169-73.

4. Wozniak, P., Oszukowski, P., Stachowiak, G., and Szyllo, K. [The effectiveness of low-calorie diet or diet with acupuncture treatment in obese peri- and postmenopausal women] (in Polish). Ginekol.Pol. Vol.74 Issue 2 pp. 102-107. 2003

5. Acupuncture on Spleen, Stomach, and Ren Mai Channel Points for the Treatment of Stomach & Intestinal Replete Heat Pattern Simple Obesity. Abstracted & translated by Bob Flaws, Dipl. Ac. & C.H, Lic. Ac., FNAAOM, FRCHM

6. Richards D, Marley J. Stimulation of auricular acupuncture points in weight loss. Aust Fam Physician. 1998 Jul;27 Suppl 2:S73-7.

7. Zhao, M., Liu, Z., and Su, J. The time-effect relationship of central action in acupuncture treatment for weight reduction. J Tradit Chin Med Vol.20 Issue 1 pp. 26-29. 2000

8. Liu, Z. Mechanisms underlying the effects of acupuncture moxibustion on simple obesity complicated by hypertension. Inter J Clin Acup 371-378, 1995.

9. Studies of the Weight Loss Industry

10. Obesity prevalence and effect

11. Overeaters Anonymous

Medical professor Brian B. Carter is the author of "Powerful Body, Peaceful Mind: How to Heal Yourself with Foods, Herbs, and Acupressure" (http://www.pulsemed.org/bookpreview.htm), and has been quoted and interviewed by publications like Real Simple, Glamour, and ESPN magazines. Read more about Acupuncture and Weight Loss here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Carter

Are Religion and Acupuncture Compatible?

2007-04-24T21:40:00.000-07:00

For every practice or thought, there is an opposite viewpoint. This is true with religious beliefs, political beliefs, and even opinions and studies of the environment. As humans, we both consciously and unconsciously choose to believe a side. There are many, many individuals who can see the reasoning on both sides of the proverbial fence, but there are also those that are staunchly devoted and will see no side other than their own. Medical treatments are no exception to this rule.

There are religious groups through out the world, including some who believe that a transfusion of blood is sacrilegious and would never take someone else's blood into their body, as it makes them "impure". There are some who do not believe in modern medicine and still, to this day, practice holistic medicine. However, most religions do not have a prejudice against Western medicine in whole, but may be against particular things, such as prescriptions for depression. Many Eastern religions have given birth to medical practices of their own. An example of this would be Taoism. Taoism believes in studying nature and its influences upon man. From this belief and observation rose the practice of acupuncture, which has to do with the flow of energy, Qi (pronounced chee), and how those affect areas of the body.

Many religions consider that believing in outside energies is a farce and their followers will spurn procedures using such magic and mystery. Others discount the studies of researchers, considering the strength of acupuncture to lie in the possibility of something intangible, such as Qi. Bibles and scriptures of all types warn against the "Devil's work" and mysticism, which leaves some individuals to believe that acupuncture is evil or wrong.

However, for the most part, acupuncture is receiving a positive welcome in communities around the globe. Perhaps this is because of exercise programs, such as Yoga and Pilates, which have become so popular. Asian culture has exploded into the main stream in fashion, thought, spirituality, technology, and medicine. Years ago, such things as acupuncture and Yoga were only for the "beatniks". The regular Joe did not practice such things and would not have heard the positive benefits, but nowadays, people around the globe want different choices when it comes to their bodies. Many individuals want to try to live a life with minimal medication and invasive procedures, turning to nature to help with illness and pain. Acupuncture is a good alternative.

Acupuncture, as mentioned before, has to do with the flow of energy in the body. The energy flows along pathways, fourteen to be precise, which are called meridians. All along the meridian, there are points within that can become blocked. Acupuncture is used to unblock the meridian and allow the energy to flow. This is done with the use of long, thin, solid needles, but most people report that the procedure is painless, so do not worry.

The medical field and the health-care services we choose to receive fall into our set of values and beliefs, be they moral or religious. Certainly, the ultimate decision to accept acupuncture or consider it nothing more than psychological smoke and mirrors remains yours alone, depending much on your personal group of beliefs and your opinion.

John Edmond writes regularly for http://acupuncturealternative.net/ where you can read many more articles on acupuncture as a genuine alternative to Western Medicine.

Acupuncture Schools: A Comparison of Acupuncture Schools in North ...

2007-04-24T21:20:00.000-07:00

For thousands of years, there were no schools of Chinese Medicine as we know them today. To understand the development of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine as it is taught today in the west requires a brief look at Chinese history.

Well over 2000 years ago, Chinese Medicine existed within the body of knowledge known as the Taoist Healing Arts. As healers, the ancient Taoists did not make a distinction between science and spirit. They saw the human body as a combination of physical matter, spirit, and Qi (which can be roughly translated as vital energy). By focusing on balancing ones Qi, one can develop the ability to synchronize oneself with the balanced Qi of nature, which serves to restore and preserve ones health. The oldest book known to describe Chinese medicine in detail is the Yellow Emperors Classic of Medicine, which dates back to at least 2000 years BCE. Acupuncture is first described here as a practice that restores the normal flow of Qi through the channels (meridians) by stimulating acupuncture points.

As the Taoist Healing Arts were refined over thousands of years, the secrets were passed down orally and through hands on experience within a student-master relationship. Acupuncture Schools, as such, did not exist. In some cases there were families of master healers who amassed a great body of special healing techniques and integral practices. Generation upon generation were taught and, in turn, contributed to the wealth of healing knowledge. By the 20th century, there were several outstanding lineage-based styles of Chinese Medicine whose depth of knowledge and styles of treatment went far beyond what is taught today as Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The Great Divide:

Chinese Medicine undertook a drastic change in the 1950s. In an effort to standardize a national medicine of the Marxist state, The Peoples Republic of China stripped the ancient teachings and practices of its spiritual dimension, which was deemed superstitious. In turn, the government created a single form of teaching that more closely emulated the western biomedical model and censored much of the knowledge gained over thousands of years within the lineage-based styles of Chinese Medicine.

The resulting form of Traditional Chinese Medicine is taught today in Universities throughout China. This is also the model taught in most acupuncture schools in North America. Although it is based on traditional models of Chinese Medicine, it is only a small portion of the wealth of technique developed by healing masters and handed down during the past 2,000 years

Types of Acupuncture Schools

Today, there are roughly 3 styles of accredited acupuncture schools in North America:

* TCM schools that follow the standardized curriculum of state run universities developed in Maoist era China. The curriculum is vital, but homogenized to produce western style practitioners.

* Complementary and Alternative Medicine schools that teach an abbreviated form of acupuncture for those who use it as an adjunct to their primary practice. Primarily M.D.s and D.O.s may practice acupuncture with as little as 300 hours of formal training.

* Lineage-based Schools of Chinese Medicine that teach both the standardized curriculum required for national TCM accreditation plus the ancient teachings and healing techniques that require a spiritual dimension to understand and practice.

About TCM Schools:

While it may seem a harsh judgement, most of the TCM schools represent an Americanized version of Chinese Medicine that bears a growing resemblence to western biomedical training. As Mark Seem (President and CEO, Tri-State College of Acupuncture) notes in the article below, "acupuncture is about to be lost and scattered to the four winds of the health care world." He continues, "The Oriental medicine or TCM style of acupuncture taught at most schools and practiced by most practitioners (especially on the West Coast, where TCM had its biggest influence) is a watered down version of acupuncture in which informed touch plays virtually no role at all."

More to the point, the study of Qi is fundamental to Chinese Medicine. While Qi is not a religious concept, it does have a spiritual dimensionsimply defined as the energy of nature that also exists in the human body. Practitioners who have balance and mastery of their own Qi will be better healers, and most TCM schools do not recognize or emphasize this.

When you evaluate a TCM school, look into the tradition and teachings of the founder and senior instructors, as well as the curriculum. If the founder is a western businessman, the school is less likely to teach healing technique from ancient Chinese masters. If the curriculum does not include some form of Qi cultivation for its students, it will most likely be limited to the western biomedical model of Chinese Medicine which does not recognize the body of teaching developed from ancient times.

About Complementary and Alternative Medicine Schools:

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Schools primarily represent an effort to bridge and blend both eastern and western healing arts. In most cases, they do not offer the curriculum that meets the national standards for certification to practice acupuncture, unless you already have an M.D. or D.O. license.

One notable exception exists, however, in Tai Sophia, Institute, Maryland. Tai Sophia Institute is a graduate school for the healing arts offering three graduate programs in Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Applied Healing Arts. Under the guidance of Bob Duggan, M.A., M.Ac, the Institute has been recognized as an anchoring academic institute for the nation's emerging wellness system, and sets the standard in the field of CAM study, as well as an excellent acupuncture program.

(For more information on CAM, read "Complementary and Alternative Medical Therapies: Implications for Medical Education" by Miriam S. Wetzel, PhD; Ted J. Kaptchuk, OMD; Aviad Haramati, PhD; and David M. Eisenberg, MD)

About Lineage-based Schools of Chinese Medicine:

While the lineage-based schools encompass all of the modern medicine required for national accreditation and licensing individuals to practice acupuncture, they also include ancient wisdom that is essential for self-development of the healer. Their approach differs from the western biomedical model in that The essential art of Chinese medicine is the foretelling and prevention of disease rather than the treatment of illness after it has manifested as painful or distressing physical and mental symptoms. Their teaching is more focused on Qi Cultivation and the subtle laws of energy response. In the ancient tradition, the healer must become the medicine. In addition to learning the appropriate clinical skills, the student must refine their personal energy before one is qualified to practice.

In a study called Tracing the Contours of Daoism in North America published by the University of California Press, Louis Komjathy says, The connection between Daoism and health in North America finds its culmination in the establishment of Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Los Angeles) by Ni Hua-ching and his sons; and Liu Mings (then Charles Belyea) involvement in the founding of Five Branches Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Santa Cruz)."

He further identifies all of the lineage based teachers active in North America, including Jeffery Yuen who is currently the academic dean of acupuncture at Swedish Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Studies (New York). Other teachers are active at schools focusing on the teaching of Taiji quan, Qigong, Daoist meditation,
Daoist philosophy, and traditional Chinese healing methods, however they are not accredited to license acupuncturists.

(For more information on lineage-based schools, read "Tracing the Contours of Daoism in North America" by Louis Komjathy)

Differences in Curriculum:

While the lineage-based schools draw from a greater body of knowledge and tradition than other TCM schools, one can also expect to find a slight difference in curriculum. For example, the student handbook of Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine states, At Yo San University, Taoism is a guiding philosophy, not a religion. It further states, Yo Sans Qi Development curriculum emanates from our belief that practitioners who have balance and mastery of their Qi will be better healers. The study of Qi is not just an academic exercise but is cultivation through daily practice, The program is designed to provide students the opportunity to heal and cultivate themselves and also to directly experience the balance and harmony that underlie Taoism and the medicine that has developed from it.

About the Author: Lauren Stomel

Mr. Stomel has made a serious occupation in the study of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, particularly in the Five Eements Chinese tradition. As both a student and patient of Acupuncture, Acupressure, Tai Chi and Chi Gung for over 25 years, he has both a solid empirical understanding and personal understanding of benefits from the Mastery of Chi movement throught the body. However, he does not hold a Doctorate degree in these sciences. His information is presented here simply as the common person viewpoint. Please consult your personal physician before attempting a cure through Alternative Medicine.

Mr. Stomel is on the advisory board and board of directors of several Acupuncture Schools and TCM-based healing modalities in North America.

He is also the publisher of a site that gives sincere, objective guidance to those seeking advice on Acupunture Schools, http://www.acupuncture-schools.us

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lauren_Stomel

Spas: An Option for All

2007-04-24T21:04:00.000-07:00

Once considered secluded getaways where the rich and famous flocked to slim down, spas now offer a wide array of services -- everything from aromatherapy to personalized yoga instruction -- priced to fit about any budget.

The International Spa Association (ISPA) reports that 57 million Americans have visited a spa, and more than 30 million have done so during the last 12 months. The top reasons people cited for visiting a spa were to reduce and relieve stress, soothe sore muscles and joints, and to feel better about themselves.

"Spa vacations aren't just vacations to get away. You'll come away with something more than a postcard," said Michelle Kleist, executive director of the Destination Spa Group. "Spas can be life-enriching. Many peoples' lives do change, and a lot of people develop friendships with fellow spa-goers."

While females have traditionally been considered the spa-seeking gender, nearly one-third of those visiting spas today are men. Kleist said it used to be that most men at a spa were there to make their wives happy. But these days, she said, groups of men are planning destination spa vacations on their own.

"With destination spas, which include activities like fitness and hiking, men are really realizing how much they need this," said Kleist.

Not all spas are created equal, however. There are three main types: destination, resort and day/club spas.

Destination spas. These spas are dedicated to helping individuals develop healthy lifestyles, both while staying at the spa and afterward. Spa services -- such as full body massages -- are available, as are fitness and wellness classes. One-on-one instruction is usually offered as well. These types of spas may also have health professionals on staff to offer medical services, such as bone-density screening or an annual physical. Destination spas are usually all-inclusive, so one price often covers your stay and all of the services offered.
Resort/cruise spas. These types of spas are as much about the travel destination -- think Cancun, Mexico or Key Biscayne, Fla. -- as they are about the spa services. These spas offer a variety of services and often have fitness and wellness classes. Their restaurants may also offer spa cuisine menu selections.
Day or club spas. If you don't have the time or the money to commit to a destination or resort spa, a day or club spa can offer you a pleasant break from the daily grind. In the past 12 months, 77 percent of those who visited a spa have visited a day spa at least once. Day spas are a good way to check out the types of services that spas offer without making a big financial commitment.

The types of services you'll find vary, depending on the type of spa you choose and even within each category of spa. Most offer amenities such as massages and facials, but many include personal training, fitness classes, nutrition counseling and more. Before you choose a spa, make sure it offers the services you're looking for.

The most commonly requested service, by far, is a full body massage, according to the ISPA. Other popular services include manicure/pedicure, facials, movement classes, body scrubs and wraps, aromatherapy and lifestyle classes, such as stress management.

When choosing a spa, ISPA President Lynne Walker McNees said, "We highly recommend that spa-goers do their homework. Before going to a spa, talk to the spa director and ask if employees are licensed." ISPA has a feature on its Web site that allows you to enter what you're looking for from a spa and generate a list of spas that can provide those services along with contact information.

Kleist said people should really consider what they want to get out of their spa experience before booking one. "If you want a spa that has a lot to offer, such as life enrichment, choose a destination spa. If you're just looking to relax, a resort spa might be right for you," she said.

Costs vary widely, Kleist said. For destination spas, weeks start at about $1,000 and can run all the way up to $8,000. "That includes accommodations, meals, activities and, in some cases, spa services," she said.

Resort spas may offer low room rates, she said, but then you may have to pay for each service. Again, it's a good idea to sit down and figure out exactly what you want -- is it massage, yoga classes, nutrition counseling, or all of them?

And you'll need to figure out what you're willing to spend and find the spa that offers the most services within your budget. Day/club spas typically charge for each individual service, and costs vary, depending on the area of the country you live in and the spa you choose.

Chinese Herb May Lower High Blood Pressure

2007-04-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

A Chinese herb called danshen could one day be the foundation of a new treatment for high blood pressure, scientists say.

In a new study, researchers report that an active ingredient in the herb reduces hypertension in hamsters and appears to work by widening blood vessels.

"Traditionally, we knew this was working for high blood pressure, but we didn't know what the mechanism was," said study author David D. Kim, an assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

The roots of danshen, a kind of sage, are used as medicine in Chinese culture. The herb is used to treat heart problems and high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, a condition that affects an estimated 50 million Americans, according to background information for the study.

Kim, a licensed acupuncturist, said he prescribes the herb to his own patients with high blood pressure. "It works very well, especially with a person who has hypertension with atherosclerosis and angina."

In the study, Kim and his colleagues gave the active ingredient of danshen -- tanshinone IIA -- to hamsters with high blood pressure. The researchers found that the ingredient significantly reduced blood pressure in the hamsters and also widened blood vessels. The ingredient appears to work by boosting the body's production of nitric oxide.

The research could lay the groundwork for future investigations of danshen's potential as a hypertension drug. There are plenty of drugs on the market currently, Kim said, but each has significant side effects.

The researchers reported their findings in an upcoming issue of the American Journal of Physiology -- Heart and Circulatory Physiology.

Much work into danshen's therapeutic role remains to be done, however, said Lixing Lao, an associate professor of family and community medicine at the University of Maryland and co-president of the Society for Acupuncture Research.

"More research on drug toxicity and adverse effects will be needed to evaluate the safety of this remedy," said Lao, who suggested it should be used with caution by people who are on blood thinners.

As for the next step, Kim said he's interested in understanding how long the effects of danshen last after people stop taking it.

"People ask about the difference between Oriental and Western medicine: In Western medicine, [a treatment] works fast but doesn't last long. In Oriental medicine, it works slowly, but it lasts," he said.

Chinese Herb May Lower High Blood Pressure

Using the Mind to Cure the Body

2007-04-24T20:54:00.000-07:00

The medical community traditionally has relied on potent drugs to relieve severe pain. But in a number of academic settings across the country, health-care practitioners are adding another therapeutic weapon to the mix -- they're helping patients harness the healing power of their own imaginations.

The use of guided imagery, or mental images, to evoke physical benefits is perhaps the oldest form of therapy known to man, explained David E. Bresler, a founder of the Academy for Guided Imagery in Malibu, Calif. In fact, imagery is woven into the fabric of many ancient cultures' healing rituals, he said.

Today, academic researchers are studying guided imagery's use as an adjunct to more traditional medical treatments.

"I think it's just the beginning, really, even though it's been around a long time," said Bresler, whose academy instructs clinicians, including pediatricians, in the use of imagery to evoke physiologic changes that promote healing. A traditionally trained Ph.D. neuroscientist, he first became intrigued with alternative methods of pain relief in the early 1970s as founder and director of the University of California, Los Angeles, Pain Control Unit.

While much of the ongoing research is preliminary, practitioners of guided imagery are encouraged by initial results among children and adults.

Nola Schmidt, associate professor of nursing at Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Ind., recently completed a pilot study at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago examining guided imagery's effect among children with pain due to sickle cell disease or stem cell transplants. Of the 17 participants, eight were randomly assigned to listen to guided-imagery tapes created especially for each child.

Most tapes were vague, allowing the children to insert different scenes each time they listened to a recording. "For example," Schmidt said, "a tape may start out: 'OK, we want you to relax and close your eyes, take a deep breath, feel the air go in, feel the air go out.' " The child is invited to imagine being in "one of your favorite places" and to describe the sights, sounds and smells he or she encounters.

Children in the experimental and control groups also kept pain diaries. Their entries recorded when and where they felt pain, what they did to feel better and how much they hurt before and after those interventions.

On a 0-to-10 scale, children in the guided-imagery group had an average post-pain intervention score of 4.3, a point lower than children in the control group. While the difference was not statistically significant, Schmidt believes it is "clinically" significant.

"If it works for you, and it reduced your pain by one point or two points, isn't it worth it?" she asked.

Bresler noted that his academy trains a lot of pediatricians to use guided-imagery techniques. But kids aren't the only patients benefiting from this mind-body therapy. Sports psychologists use it to enhance athletes' physical performance. And cancer centers often use it to relieve patients' pain and nausea.

Carol L. Baird, an associate professor of nursing at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., recently tested guided imagery with a relaxation component among older women suffering from osteoarthritis.

Half of the 28 volunteers in the pilot study listened to recordings that described a pleasant scene and guided listeners to engage all of their senses. After 12 weeks, the experimental group experienced a significant reduction in pain compared with women in the control group. The guided-imagery group also had increased mobility, the study showed.

What's more, a separate study involving the same volunteers found that guided imagery with relaxation seemed to improve their quality of life, she said.

Baird thinks the guided-imagery approach has exciting potential. "For one thing, it's so easy to use," she noted. It's also inexpensive and easy to teach, making it suitable for patients to use in their own self-care, she added.

Of course, it may not be for everyone, especially people who have difficulty visualizing images in their heads, Baird acknowledged. In the future, she plans to do studies that measure people's "imaging ability."

On the other hand, guided-imagery experts say the technique has minimal side effects, if any. So why not try it?

Schmidt suspects science someday will reveal a concrete biological reason why guided imagery works. In fact, animal studies suggest that images in the brain can stimulate neurotransmitters that, in turn, block pain receptors, she said. But for patients garnering relief today, a neurochemical explanation may not be necessary.

"I mean, who cares why it works, if it works," she said.

Are 'Alternatives' Good Medicine?

2007-04-24T20:53:00.001-07:00

Plug the terms "alternative" and "cancer" into Google and the Internet search engine returns a list of 3.4 million -- yes, million -- sites with information both credible and questionable about nontraditional treatments for cancer. What's a cancer patient to make of such a vast array of options?

This "vast array" is known collectively as complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM. And the issue of how patients find information about CAM therapies is important, experts say, because not all are created equal. While some can be genuinely helpful to patients in treatment or remission, others are outright dangerous. Still others are too poorly studied to tell. Nevertheless, huge numbers of cancer patients use these therapies.

"I would guess that over 80% of cancer patients use some form of complementary or alternative therapies," says Barrie Cassileth, PhD, chief of the Integrative Medicine Center at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. "Patients can't distinguish which are good and which are harmful, and we've got to help them do that."

To that end, experts from around the country have collaborated to form the Society for Integrative Oncology. This new professional group is a joint effort of 3 major cancer centers with strong CAM programs -- Memorial Sloan-Kettering, MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and Boston's Dana-Faber Cancer Institute -- as well as other cancer-related organizations, including the American Cancer Society. The new group holds its first conference in November.

The goal, says Cassileth, president of the Society for Integrative Oncology, is to promote high-level research of CAM and to get reliable information to doctors so they can guide their patients.

The Good, the Bad, the Unknown

Some complementary therapies that patients use in conjunction with traditional cancer treatments -- like chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation -- can be very helpful, Cassileth said.

Acupuncture, for example, has been shown to be effective at reducing nerve pain, and is being tested as a remedy for hot flashes for women who can't take hormones (such as breast cancer patients). Mind-body therapies like meditation and hypnosis are being studied as ways to help control pain from medical procedures. Music therapy can help relieve depression in patients who are having stem cell transplants.

Doctors also need to know which therapies are bogus and potentially dangerous -- treatments typically considered "alternative" because patients may use them instead of scientifically studied treatments.

An article earlier this year in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians (Vol. 54, No. 2: 110-118) reviewed the evidence for nearly a dozen alternative cancer therapies and found that they don't hold up under scrutiny. Among the therapies investigated were high-dose vitamin C, laetrile (a compound made from apricot pits), shark cartilage supplements, and the Gerson regimen (a purportedly detoxifying combination of diet and coffee enemas).

Such therapies should no longer be considered "unproven," wrote author Andrew Vickers, PhD, of Memorial Sloan-Kettering. Rather, "it is time to assert that many alternative therapies have been 'disproven,' " he said.

Then there are treatments that fall somewhere in between the "proven" and the "disproven" -- many herbs, for instance.

"Botanicals have tremendous potential, but they need to be studied," Cassileth said. "At this point, patients only have access to what's available over the counter in the form of supplements, but those are not a good idea to try and should be avoided because of their potential to interact negatively with traditional therapy."

Research is being conducted, she said, but the process is slow.

Not Necessarily Risk-Free

Despite the unknowns, herbal supplements are extremely popular. As many as 6 in 10 cancer patients use these remedies, according to some studies.

And quite often they don't tell their doctors about it. In one study, for instance, out of MD Anderson, researchers found that nearly half of women being treated for breast and gynecologic cancers used some type of herbal or vitamin supplement (Journal of Clinical Oncology Vol. 22, No. 4: 671-677). Yet only about half of these women informed their doctor.

"We kind of knew that patients weren't telling physicians about CAM use," said co-researcher Judith Smith, PharmD, BCOP. "Most of them don't even consider it medication."

Indeed, less than a third of the women in the study thought of herbal products and vitamins as medication. Botanicals may be "natural," but they aren't necessarily risk-free.

A review by National Cancer Institute researchers published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (Vol. 22, No. 12: 2489-2503) suggests that many of the most common herbal products have the potential to interact with cancer drugs -- either by diluting their effect so a patient is undertreated, or by amplifying it, resulting in the possibility of overdose.

The review focused on the top-selling herbal preparations in the US: garlic, ginkgo, echinacea, soy, saw palmetto, ginseng, St. John's wort, black cohosh, cranberry, valerian, milk thistle, evening primrose, kava, bilberry, and grape seed.

Much of this research has been performed in lab samples or in animals, lead author Alex Sparreboom, PhD, emphasized; evidence from human trials is scarce, so doctors don't know for certain that any of these products will react dangerously with cancer drugs.

Nevertheless, patients and doctors should use caution, experts say, and keep the lines of communication open.

Doctors Don't Ask, Patients Don't Tell

Doctors should question cancer patients about CAM use and monitor them for unusual symptoms or reactions, said William Figg, PharmD, co-author of the herbal review.

"I think the best thing to do is to be aware that patients are likely taking [herbal supplements] and be aware they might not tell you about it," he said..

Sparreboom suggested doctors keep a list of potentially troublesome compounds, such as those noted in his review, to ask patients about.

Smith agreed that doctors need to take an active role in talking to patients about CAM. In her study, most of the women who didn't talk to their doctor about CAM use said it was because the doctor never asked about it.

But patients also must be forthcoming, Smith said, not just about CAM, but about all over-the-counter medications.

"I don't think the onus should totally be put on physicians, although they should be asking," she said. "Patients should be telling doctors everything they're taking and consulting with a physician before trying something new, particularly if they have other [conditions] like diabetes or high blood pressure."

Estrogen-Plus-Testosterone Therapy Increases Breast Cancer Risk

2007-04-24T20:45:00.000-07:00

Women who take the hormones estrogen and testosterone in tandem to treat symptoms of menopause appear to have an increased risk of breast cancer, researchers report.

The finding are published in the July 24 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Another report in the same journal issue finds that alternative therapies to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) don't seem to work.

In the first report, Rulla M. Tamimi, of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and Harvard Medical School, and her colleagues collected data on 121,700 women, who were part of the Nurses' Health Study. The researchers looked at the long-term effects of estrogen-plus-testosterone therapy.

"Estrogen plus testosterone increases the risk of breast cancer," Tamimi said. "There needs to be other studies to support these findings, but there does seem to be an increased risk, and women and their physicians should weigh the risks and benefits of estrogen-plus-testosterone therapy before starting," she said.

There is some evidence that many of the symptoms of menopause --including decreased sex drive, mood swings and poorer quality of life, such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and sleep problems -- are related to this decline in testosterone, the authors noted. Previous clinical trials had shown that testosterone in combination with estrogen may reduce these symptoms and promote bone health.

The increased breast cancer risk associated with testosterone may be because enzymes in breast tissue convert testosterone to estradiol, an estrogen-like hormone that could contribute to the development of breast cancer, the authors said. Higher levels of testosterone alone have also been linked to increased breast-cancer risk in postmenopausal women.

Currently in the United States, there is only one estrogen-plus-testosterone therapy available, but such treatments are expected to increase in coming years, according to the report.

During 24 years of follow-up for the study, there were 4,610 cases of breast cancer. The 29 women who were taking estrogen plus testosterone had a 77 percent higher risk of developing breast cancer than those who never used hormone therapy, the researchers reported.

The risk associated with this combination therapy was higher than the risk associated with estrogen therapy (15 percent) and of estrogen-plus-progestin therapy (58 percent), Tamimi said.

Looking only at women who had gone through menopause naturally rather than those who had had a hysterectomy, Tamimi's group found that the 17 women who took estrogen plus testosterone had 2.5 times the risk of breast cancer compared with those who had never used hormones.

One expert doesn't think that, in most cases, testosterone should be prescribed for women.

"We have always been careful about prescribing testosterone to women, based on unknown risks," said Dr. Hugh Taylor, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale University School of Medicine. Testosterone doesn't appear to offer a benefit much beyond a placebo effect, he added.

"We have always been hesitant about using it, and this re-enforces it," Taylor said. "The usual reason women request testosterone is for decreased libido. But for most women, decreased libido is not due to decreased testosterone. It's due to a myriad of other problems."

Concerns about hormone-replacement therapy were first raised in 2002 by the Women's Health Initiative, the landmark study involving 27,000 participants that caused many women to discontinue their use of hormone therapy.

In the second study in the journal, researchers who reviewed 70 previous studies of alternative and complementary therapies for menopause-related symptoms found there was insufficient evidence that these therapies relieve menopause-related symptoms.

"There is a significant placebo effect in almost anything that is used for the management of menopause," said study lead researcher Dr. Anne Nedrow, of the Oregon Evidence-based Practice Center and Oregon Health and Science University. "There is a lack of any evidence that of the millions and millions of dollars spent on alternative therapies that anything really works.

Nedrow's group looked at 48 studies that examined vitamins, proteins, complete diets or other biologically based treatments; nine studies that focused on mind-body therapies, including meditation and guided imagery; one study of osteopathic manipulation, a body-based therapy; two that looked at the energy-based treatments reflexology and magnet therapy; and 10 that assessed whole medical systems, such as traditional Chinese medicine or ayurvedic medicine, a traditional therapy from India.

Nedrow said the study found there really aren't any good alternative or complementary choices for women going through menopause. "The truly symptomatic women may need to reconsider estrogen," she said. "Or we may want to take advantage of the placebo effect, which has shown a 50 percent reduction in symptoms in 12 weeks," she added.

Nedrow said she doesn't think there's any harm in using alternative therapies. She recommended black cohosh or soy supplements, with the understanding that most of the effect would be a placebo effect.

One expert agreed that the benefit of alternative therapy to relieve menopausal symptoms is largely a placebo effect.

"Currently, the best medication we have to remove menopausal symptoms is estrogen," said Dr. Jennifer Wu, an obstetrician/gynecologist at Lenox Hill Hospital, in New York City. But, she added, "The associated risks make it less than desirable."

Traditional Heart Risk Factors Outdo Biomarkers

2007-04-24T20:41:00.001-07:00

The sophisticated biomarkers for cardiac risk that have enthralled researchers in recent years don't add much diagnostic power to such traditional risk factors as blood cholesterol levels, smoking, blood pressure and obesity, a new study finds.

"Our results indicate that, at least for clinical use, they are not ready for prime time," said study author Dr. Thomas J. Wang, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard University and a member of Massachusetts General Hospital's cardiovascular division. The report is published in the Dec. 21 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Wang and his colleagues followed 3,209 participants in the Framingham Heart Study for a decade, measuring biomarkers that included C-reactive protein, homocysteine, urinary albumin, fibrinogen and natriuretic peptides.

While those measurements did provide indicators of increased risk of cardiovascular disease, "a lot of biomarkers don't seem to add a great deal once you take the standard risk factors into account," Wang said.

But research on those biomarkers should continue, because "there very well could be subgroups of people in which it would be useful to measure biomarkers," Wang said. "We need further data on that question."

Another reason for continuing research is that "there are studies that suggest that treating people to lower these biomarkers improves clinical outcome," he said.

But the bottom line is that "widespread use of biomarkers is not indicated at this time for clinical purposes," Wang said.

"The message in the article is that the cycle of enthusiasm and hope that we have found the holy grail has been shot down," said James H. Ware, dean for academic affairs at the Harvard School of Public Health, who wrote an accompanying commentary.

Researchers have tended to hope that a newly discovered biomarker "might be a great advance in the ability of a doctor to take individual patients and make a diagnosis," Ware said. "But a lot of these things don't have much use as diagnostic tools."

"People will be more cautious as new biomarkers emerge," he added.

But research should continue because "diseases like cardiovascular disease are very complicated, multi-factorial phenomena," Ware said. "There is not one pathway that leads to impairment of the heart, so a description of it is bound to be complicated."

One useful lesson of the study is that "our data provide a useful reminder that traditional risk factors are very important," Wang said. "They set the bar very high in terms of the knowledge they give us. It takes a fair amount to improve on what we already have."

Traditional Heart Risk Factors Outdo Biomarkers

2007-04-24T20:41:00.000-07:00

Another reason for continuing research is that "there are studies that suggest that treating people to lower these biomarkers improves clinical outcome," he said.

But the bottom line is that "widespread use of biomarkers is not indicated at this time for clinical purposes," Wang said.

"People will be more cautious as new biomarkers emerge," he added.

The Mind as Medicine

2007-04-24T20:40:00.002-07:00

What if your mind's eye could take you to a place so peaceful that the experience eased your pain or sped your recovery from surgery? It's not such a far-fetched concept.

"Guided imagery," a type of mind-body therapy that uses visualized images to communicate to the housekeeping systems of the body, is making its way into traditional medical settings.

"People are just now taking a very serious look at it," said David E. Bresler, co-founder of the Academy for Guided Imagery, in Malibu, Calif., and author of the book Free Yourself From Pain. "There are a handful of hospitals around the country and around the world that are starting to implement these programs," he said.

In one study, researchers at Harvard Medical School found that more than 30 percent of U.S. adults have used some form of mind-body medicine, a category that includes imagery, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Bresler, a traditionally trained Ph.D. neuroscientist, first became intrigued with alternative methods of pain relief in the early 1970s, as founder and director of the University of California, Los Angeles, Pain Control Unit. Patients often used vivid images to describe their pain. It felt like an ice pick to one person, fire ants to another. One particular patient, a psychiatrist with a painful rectal carcinoma, suffered low back pain that he said "felt like a dog chewing on my spine."

Bresler knew that when patients used their imagination to go to a peaceful place, it helped them to relax, so he guided the agitated psychiatrist through a relaxation exercise. When the man's pain flared up, Bresler instructed him to speak to the dog. Would it let go of his spine? Then, an astonishing thing happened -- when the dog let go to talk, the man's pain subsided.

Today, guided imagery has numerous applications. Sports psychologists use it to enhance athletes' physical performance. Cancer centers often use it to relieve patients' pain and nausea.

In a 2004 study in the journal Pain, researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that children who used guided-imagery tapes before and after routine surgery had significantly less pain and anxiety than a control group. More recently, researchers examined how children used these tapes, which suggested that they "go" to a park, at least in their mind. Many, though, put their own spin on the proposed image, allowing them to escape to places like a swimming pool, a lake or an amusement park.

Bresler said imagery is the language of the autonomic nervous system, the part of the nervous system that regulates many involuntary body functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure and digestion. "So, when you're working with images, it's really a set of instructions to the system," he said.

Victoria Menzies, an imagery researcher and professor at Florida International University's School of Nursing, in Miami, said the first step for a patient in any guided-imagery session is to develop a rapport with the guide who is asking you to close your eyes and relax. Once the patient is in a relaxed state, the guide will either offer an image or ask the person to come up with their own, someplace where he or she would feel calm and safe or joyful -- the mountains, the seacoast, a favorite room in their home, whatever.

Engaging the senses is the next step, she explained. The guide might ask where you are and what you see, hear, smell, feel and even taste.

Menzies led a 10-week guided imagery intervention for a small group of patients with fibromyalgia, a condition involving chronic pain and fatigue. In the study, published in January 2006 in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, one group of patients received usual care and used a set of guided-imagery audiotapes. The other group received only usual care. Compared with the controls, the patients who participated in guided imagery were better able to perform activities of daily living and had a greater sense of being able to manage their pain and other symptoms, the study showed.

What's more, Menzies found, "The pain did not change, but the ability to cope with the pain was improved."

Bresler considers it shocking that medical colleagues would reach their hands into someone's body and remove organs before allowing a patient to go through an imaging exercise.

"It only takes a few moments to do these things and to really check on the wisdom from inside, because there is tremendous wisdom that's being generated if only we'd listen to it," he said.

Medicine - East Meets West

2007-04-24T20:40:00.001-07:00

It has been said that you can expand your horizons when you travel the world. For me, this is true. One of my greatest "eye-opening" experiences happened years ago when I was invited to China as part of a U.S. delegation.

I was fortunate to have been part of a sports medicine exchange program in which I spent almost one month traveling throughout China giving lectures and demonstrations. Our task was to teach Chinese health practitioners about the latest and greatest techniques of Western medicine.

In exchange, they shared techniques and treatments of traditional Chinese medicine including acupuncture, moxibustion and QiGong, some of which, at that time, had not yet arrived in any significant amount in the U.S.A. We, as a delegation, spent time visiting all aspects of health care in China, from their hospitals and rural clinics, to the "barefoot doctors" out in the field. Their adoption of traditional medicine was fairly primitive it at that time, but their capabilities in terms of ancient Eastern practices, was remarkable.

There was no such thing in the U.S. (yet) as "alternative medicine."

It was a tremendous experience for me, and as I mentioned, and eye and mind opener. I came to realize that even though medical care in the U.S. is clearly the best in the world, with the best trained physicians, we still do not have all the answers that fit every patient's needs.

The Chinese continue to incorporate many of our techniques, and we, even more so, showcase theirs under the umbrella of "alternative medicine." More and more hospitals and physicians are providing these types of services and, according to a report in the New England Journal of Medicine, we are flocking to them in droves.

In my next blog entry, I'll talk about some of the science behind certain alternative medicine practices especially those related to the musculoskeletal system.

In the meantime, what is your experience with alternative medicine? Has it helped you in times when traditional medicine has failed? Are you a believer?

Do you think alternative medicine should be held to the same scientific scrutiny and rigorous scientific studies (to show its merit) as traditional medicine? Please share your thoughts and stories.

About Complementary / Integrative Medicine

2007-04-24T20:39:00.001-07:00

The definitions provided below are from various authoritative sources and are provided here for general explanation purposes. Please refer to the Web pages for more details.

The Basics
NCCAM's Major Domains of Complementary & Alternative Medicine (for Consumers and Practitioners)
National Cancer Institute (NCI) Definitions Glossary

The Basics

Conventional Medicine
The term conventional medicine refers to medicine as practiced by holders of M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) degrees, some of whom may also practice complementary and alternative medicine. Other terms for conventional medicine are allopathy, Western, regular and mainstream medicine and biomedicine.

Alternative Medicine
Therapeutic approaches taken in place of traditional medicine and used to treat or ameliorate disease.

Complementary Medicine
Therapies that complement traditional western (or allopathic) medicine.

Complementary/Alternative Medicine
The terms "complementary" and "alternative" are often used interchangeably, when in fact they are two different therapeutic approaches.

"CAM" Complementary/Alternative Medicine
Combination of complementary and alternative medicine.

Complementary/Integrative Medicine
Combines traditional western (or allopathic) and complementary approaches and supplements, but does not replace conventional therapy. It is used for:

Managing symptoms
Increasing wellness (quality of life, reported sense of well-being)
Improving treatment efficacy

Basic Principles of Integrative Medicine*

A partnership begween patient and practitioner in the healing process
Appropriate use of conventional and alternative methods to facilitate the body's innate healing response
Consideration of all factors that influence health, wellness and disease, including mind, spirit and community as well as body
A philosophy that neither rejects conventional medicine nor accepts alternative medicine uncritically
Recognition that good medicine should be based in good science, inquiry driven and open to new paradigms
Use of natural, less invasive interventions whenever possible
The broader concepts of promotion of health and the prevention of illness as well as the treatment of disease
Practitioners as models of health and healing, committed to the process of self-exploration and self-development

*As stated by the University of Arizona Program in Integrative Medicine

"CIM"
An acronym used when describing the study or use of traditional western (or allopathic) and complementary medicine approaches.

"NCCAM" National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine
The center within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of the U. S. government that is "dedicated to exploring complementary and alternative healing practices in the context of rigorous science, training CAM researchers and disseminating authoritative information".

NCCAM's Major Domains of Complementary & Alternative Medicine (for Consumers and Practitioners)

Complementary and alternative healthcare and medical practices (CAM) are those healthcare and medical practices that are not currently an integral part of conventional medicine. The list of practices that are considered CAM changes continually as CAM practices and therapies that are proven safe and effective become accepted as "mainstream" healthcare practices. Today, CAM practices may be grouped within five major domains

Alternative medical systems
Mind-body interventions
Biologically-based treatments
Manipulative and body-based methods
Energy therapies

The individual systems and treatments comprising these categories are too numerous to list in this document. Thus, only limited examples are provided within each.

I. Alternative Medical Systems
Alternative medical systems involve complete systems of theory and practice that have evolved independent of and often prior to the conventional biomedical approach. Many are traditional systems of medicine that are practiced by individual cultures throughout the world, including a number of venerable Asian approaches.

Traditional oriental medicine emphasizes the proper balance or disturbances of qi (pronounced chi), or vital energy, in health and disease, respectively. Traditional oriental medicine consists of a group of techniques and methods, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, oriental massage and qi gong (a form of energy therapy described more fully below). Acupuncture involves stimulating specific anatomic points in the body for therapeutic purposes, usually by puncturing the skin with a needle.

Ayurveda (Eye yer vay duh) is India's traditional system of medicine. Ayurvedic medicine (meaning "science of life") is a comprehensive system of medicine that places equal emphasis on body, mind and spirit, and strives to restore the innate harmony of the individual. Some of the primary Ayurvedic treatments include diet, exercise, meditation, herbs, massage, exposure to sunlight and controlled breathing.

Other traditional medical systems have been developed by Native American, Aboriginal, African, Middle-Eastern, Tibetan, Central and South American cultures.

Homeopathy and naturopathy are also examples of complete alternative medical systems. Homeopathy is an unconventional Western system that is based on the principle that "like cures like," i.e., that the same substance that in large doses produces the symptoms of an illness, in very minute doses cures it. Homeopathic physicians believe that the more dilute the remedy, the greater its potency. Therefore, homeopaths use small doses of specially prepared plant extracts and minerals to stimulate the body's defense mechanisms and healing processes in order to treat illness.

Naturopathy views disease as a manifestation of alterations in the processes by which the body naturally heals itself and emphasizes health restoration rather than disease treatment. Naturopathic physicians employ an array of healing practices, including diet and clinical nutrition, homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, hydrotherapy (the use of water in a range of temperatures and methods of applications), spinal and soft-tissue manipulation, physical therapies involving electric currents, ultrasound and light therapy, therapeutic counseling and pharmacology.

II. Mind-Body Interventions
Mind-body interventions employ a variety of techniques designed to facilitate the mind's capacity to affect bodily function and symptoms. Only a subset of mind-body interventions are considered CAM. Many that have a well-documented theoretical basis, for example, patient education and cognitive-behavioral approaches are now considered "mainstream." On the other hand, meditation, certain uses of hypnosis, dance, music and art therapy and prayer and mental healing are categorized as complementary and alternative.

III. Biological-Based Therapies
This category of CAM includes natural and biologically-based practices, interventions and products, many of which overlap with conventional medicine's use of dietary supplements. Included are herbal, special dietary, orthomolecular and individual biological therapies.

Herbal therapies employ individual or mixtures of herbs for therapeutic value. An herb is a plant or plant part that produces and contains chemical substances that act upon the body. Special diet therapies, such as those proposed by Drs. Atkins, Ornish, Pritikin and Weil, are believed to prevent and or control illness as well as promote health. Orthomolecular therapies aim to treat disease with varying concentrations of chemicals, such as, magnesium, melatonin and mega-doses of vitamins. Biological therapies include, for example, the use of laetrile and shark cartilage to treat cancer and bee pollen to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

This M. D. Anderson Web site further subdivides these biological therapies into:

Herbal/Plant Therapies
The specific definition of an herb is any seed producing plant that does not have persistent woody tissue, but rather dies down at the end of a season. The general definition is a plant valued for its medicinal, savory or aromatic properties.*
Nutrition and Special Diets
Nutrition is defined generally as the act or process of nourishing; specifically it is the sum of the process by which an animal or plant takes in and utilizes food substances*. Diets commonly used by patients with cancer may be described as restrictive, supplemental or simply require changes in food habits.
Biologic/Organic/Pharmacologic
Non-plant biologic (related to life*) organic (derived from living organisms*) pharmacologic (drugs or substances used as medications*) make up the remaining category of biological therapies that are usually swallowed, injected or applied to the skin.

*Webster's Medical Desk Dictionary. Merriam-Webster, Inc., Springfield, MA (1986).

IV. Manipulative & Body-Based Methods
This category includes methods that are based on manipulation and/or movement of the body. For example, chiropractors focus on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function, and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health, using manipulative therapy as an integral treatment tool. Some osteopaths, who place particular emphasis on the musculoskelatal system, believing that all of the body's systems work together and that disturbances in one system may have an impact upon function elsewhere in the body, practice osteopathic manipulation. Massage therapists manipulate the soft tissues of the body to normalize those tissues.

V. Energy Therapies
Energy therapies focus either on energy fields originating within the body (biofields) or those from other sources (electromagnetic fields).

Biofield therapies are intended to affect the energy fields, whose existence is not yet experimentally proven, that surround and penetrate the human body. Some forms of energy therapy manipulate biofields by applying pressure and/or manipulating the body by placing the hands in, or through, these fields. Examples include Qi gong, Reiki and Therapeutic Touch. Qi gong is a component of traditional oriental medicine that combines movement, meditation, and regulation of breathing to enhance the flow of vital energy (qi) in the body, to improve blood circulation and to enhance immune function. Reiki, the Japanese word representing Universal Life Energy, is based on the belief that by channeling spiritual energy through the practitioner the spirit is healed, and it in turn heals the physical body. Therapeutic Touch is derived from the ancient technique of "laying-on of hands" and is based on the premise that it is the healing force of the therapist that affects the patient's recovery and that healing is promoted when the body's energies are in balance. By passing their hands over the patient, these healers identify energy imbalances.

Bioelectromagnetic-based therapies involve the unconventional use of electromagnetic fields, such as pulsed fields, magnetic fields or alternating current or direct current fields, to, for example, treat asthma or cancer, or manage pain and migraine headaches.

National Cancer Institute (NCI) Definitions Glossary

Bias
Human choices or any other factors beside the treatments being tested that affect a study's results. Clinical trials use many methods to avoid bias, because biased results may not be correct.

Control group
In a clinical trial, the group of people that receives standard treatment for their cancer. (See Treatment group.)

Informed consent
The process in which a person learns key facts about a clinical trial or research study and then agrees voluntarily to take part or decides against it. This process includes signing a form that describes the benefits and risks that may occur if the person decides to take part.

Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Groups of scientists, doctors, clergy and consumers at each health care facility at which a clinical trial takes place. Designed to protect patients who take part in studies, IRBs review and must approve the protocols for all clinical trials funded by the Federal Government. They check to see that the study is well-designed, does not involve undue risks, and includes safeguards for patients.

Investigator
A researcher in a treatment study.

Oncologist
A doctor who specializes in treating cancer.

Placebo
A tablet, capsule or injection that looks like the drug or other substance being tested but contains no drug.

Protocol
An action plan for a clinical trial. The plan states what will be done in the study and why. It outlines how many people will take part in the study, what types of patients may take part, what tests they will receive and how often and the treatment plan.

Randomization
A method used to prevent bias in research. People are assigned by chance to either the treatment or control group.

Remission
When the signs and symptoms of cancer go away, the disease is said to be "in remission." A remission can be temporary or permanent.

Side effects
Problems that occur when treatment affects healthy cells. Common side effects of standard cancer treatments are fatigue, nausea, vomiting, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss and mouth sores. New treatments being tested may have these or other unknown side effects.

Single blind study
A method used to prevent bias in treatment studies. In a single blind study, the patient is not told whether he/she is taking the standard treatment or the new treatment being tested. Only the doctors know.

Double blind study
In a double blind study, neither the patient nor the doctor knows who is taking the standard treatment or the new treatment being tested.

Stage
The extent of a cancer and whether the disease has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. Numbers with or without letters are used to define cancer stages (e.g., Stage IIb).

Standard treatment
The best treatment currently known for a cancer, based on results of past research.

Treatment group
The group that receives the new treatment being tested during a study. (See Control group.)

Clinical trials, also called cancer treatment or research studies, test new treatments in people with cancer. The goal of this research is to find better ways to treat cancer and help cancer patients. Clinical trials test many types of treatment such as new drugs, new approaches to surgery or radiation therapy, new combinations of treatments or new methods such as gene therapy.

The phases of clinical trials(from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Office of Cancer Complementary Alternative Medicine update posted 01/10/00)

Phase I trials
These first studies in people evaluate how a new drug should be given (by mouth, injected into the blood, or injected into the muscle), how often and what dose is safe. A phase I trial usually enrolls only a small number of patients, sometimes as few as a dozen.

Phase II trials
A phase II trial continues to test the safety of the drug, and begins to evaluate how well the new drug works. Phase II studies usually focus on a particular type of cancer.

Phase III trials
These studies test a new drug, a new combination of drugs, or a new surgical procedure in comparison to the current standard for treatment. A participant will usually be assigned to the standard treatment group or the new treatment group at random (called randomization). Phase III trials often enroll large numbers of people and may be conducted at many doctors' offices, clinics and cancer centers nationwide.

How to understand and interpret clinical trials

Best case series
Investigators describe patients who they believe have had the best results with a particular treatment.

Since 1991, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has had a process for evaluation of data from alternative medicine practitioners of groups of patients with cancer treated with alternative medical approaches. This process, called the Best Case Series Program, provides an independent review of the medical records and primary source materials (medical imaging [e.g., radiographic, or ultrasound films] and pathology [cytology and surgical pathology]) and an overall assessment of the evidence for a therapeutic effect. (National Cancer Institute (NCI) Office of Cancer Complementary Alternative Medicine update posted 01/10/00)

Any Best Case Series described on this Web site will be designated as to whether or not they have been reviewed by the National Cancer Institute.

Responses to treatment
Standards for evaluation of the responses to treatment of measurable tumors have been defined by the National Cancer Institute.

National Cancer Institute Response Criteria

Code	Label	Definition
CR	Complete Response	Complete disappearance of all evident tumor.
PR	Partial Response	A greater than or equal 50% decrease in the cross sectional area (product of the largest diameter and its perpendicular diameter) of measurable tumor without progression in other tumor sites or the appearance of new lesions.
SD	Stable Disease	Change in measurable disease too small to meet the requirements for partial response or progression without the appearance of new lesions.
PD	Progressive Disease	Increase in greater than or equal 25% of any pretreatment area of measurable malignant disease, development of any new area of malignant disease, physiologic evidence of progression or significant clinical deterioration reasonably presumed to be related to malignant disease. Grossman SA and Burch PA. Quantitation of Tumor Response to Anti-Neoplastic Therapy. Seminars in Oncology, Vol 15, No 5 (October), 1988: pp 441-454.

Evaluations of responses to treatments described on this Web site that use criteria such as objective stabilization, objective response, mixed response or positive response will be defined within the Annotated Bibliographic description for the specific study.

Types of studies concerning risk or prevention of disease
Although the terms below are defined in the context of the risk of developing disease, the concepts are adaptable for describing the risk of death or other outcomes following the development of disease as in the clinical trials studies previously defined.

Prospective Cohort: A group of people with a common characteristic (e.g. age, city of residence, exposure to a particular agent, etc.) is followed to determine the characteristics of those who develop disease. Cohorts may be compared with control groups that have not been exposed to a particular agent. These controls may be internal (from within the cohort) or external (outside of the cohort) that have not been exposed to a particular agent. In some cases, persons may function as their own (internal) controls by being exposed and then not exposed to a particular agent. Historical controls are a comparison group of persons who have been exposed to an agent prior to the current cohort (e.g., reported in a published medical article).

Retrospective Cohort: A group of people with a common characteristic is identified through a review of records. Characteristics, exposures and occurrence of disease that have already occurred subsequently, but still in the past are then determined. A more current term for this type of cohort would be "Historical Cohort".

Retrospective Cohort with Historical Controls: A group of people with a common characteristic is identified through a review of records. Their response to treatment is then compared with a group of patient with similar characteristics whose treatment and response have been previously reported in the medical literature.

Case Control: A group or sample of persons with a particular disease (cases) is identified and then compared with another group or sample that does not have the disease (controls). This comparison focuses upon characteristics and exposures have occurred in the past within each group that may be associated with their current designation as a case or control.

Case Report: Description of the diagnosis, treatment and response of an individual patient.

Cancer Team Studies Chinese Medicine

2007-04-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

Americans, Chinese Establish International Center

Western medical professionals, as a whole, have been slow to embrace the practices of traditional Chinese medicine. A new international scientific partnership, however, could now mark a significant step toward greater acceptance of Eastern medical care.

The venture involves researchers at M. D. Anderson and the Cancer Hospital, Fudan University (CHFU) in Shanghai, China. A $263,000 grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) will establish the International Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Cancer, which will investigate the benefits of some traditional Chinese medicine for cancer patients.

During the two-year pilot study, funded by the NCI's Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the center will investigate three aspects of traditional Chinese medicine:

Herbal and natural treatments that target the disease and cancer- and treatment-related symptoms
Acupuncture for dealing with some side effects of cancer treatment
Bio-behavioral effects of qigong and other mind/body-based interventions

Global milestone

This is the first NCI grant to support the development of an international partnership to study the use of traditional Chinese medicine for cancer treatment. The multidisciplinary team includes researchers from both institutions.

The scientists come from the following disciplines:

Integrative medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine
Radiation oncology
Anesthesiology
Experimental therapeutics
Cancer biology
Surgery
Palliative care and rehabilitation medicine
Epidemiology
Medical oncology
Behavioral science

As a part of the agreement entered into by M. D. Anderson and CHFU, the institutions will collaborate on a range of clinical, educational and cancer research efforts.

"We recognize that innovation and collaboration are key to success in the fight against cancer," says M. D. Anderson President John Mendelsohn, M.D. "Traditional Chinese medicine has a remarkable history.

By applying Western scientific methodology, we hope this pilot study will help open the doors to important discoveries that will result in better treatment and quality of life for cancer patients worldwide."

In addition to collaborating on a study of traditional Chinese medicine, both institutions plan to work together in areas of translational and population research, as well as in increasing the educational exchange among faculty.

"There is much that cancer experts in China and the United States can learn from each other," says Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D., chief of the section of integrative medicine at M. D. Anderson and principal investigator on the study. "We hope open communication and a free exchange of scientific ideas will allow Western practitioners to learn about concepts of traditional medicine and expose Chinese practitioners to our approach to clinical research."

Broadening horizons

Interest in complementary and alternative therapies in the United States has increased dramatically in recent years. Mental exercises like relaxation and meditation, physical activities such as yoga and dance, or the use of herbal supplements and vitamins are more accepted today for maintaining good health. Before beginning any new regimen, cancer patients need to know how these therapies interact with or complement treatment prescribed by their doctors.

"Many patients begin some form of complementary therapy without the consent or knowledge of their doctors," Cohen says, "but it's important that a therapy complement, not impede, other treatments that their doctors prescribe. With more research and better information about these therapies, physicians and patients can evaluate these options thoroughly and know with more certainty which options are appropriate for their care."

In traditional Chinese medicine, practitioners attempt to maintain health by restoring the balance and flow of energy in the body - addressing symptoms as they relate to an imbalance of energy instead of treating a particular disease or medical condition. It is a practice dating back more than 5,000 years. However, many of these therapies have not been clinically tested using Western methods of clinical research.

At the same time, some important chemotherapy agents used in conventional Western medicine have been derived from products used in traditional Chinese medicine. More work needs to be done to investigate and document these agents before researchers can understand the role they may play in fighting and treating cancer.

"We hope to plant a seed that will expand our collaboration on evidence-based research of complementary therapies to treat cancer and cancer-related symptoms," Cohen says.

For more information, please contact the M. D. Anderson Information Line at 1-800-392-1611, option 3

Traditional sinus surgery for sinusitis

2007-04-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

Surgery Overview

In traditional sinus surgery, an opening is made into the sinus. The opening may be made from inside the mouth or through the skin of the face. See an illustration of the locations of the facial (paranasal) sinuses.

There are a number of possible approaches depending on the location of the infected sinus and what the doctor prefers.
Working through the incision, the doctor can remove tissue that is blocking the sinus and preventing drainage.
More extensive procedures may involve removing the sinus or leaving a temporary opening to help drain the infection. Removal of the sinus is usually considered only when the infection has spread into the eye socket or brain cavity.

Most of these procedures require admission to a hospital.

What To Expect After Surgery

Recovery from surgery may involve:

Packing the nose with gauze to absorb blood and other drainage. The packing may be changed several times a day or left in place for a few days.
Using saltwater nasal washes (saline lavage or irrigation) to keep the sinuses moist.
Avoiding activities such as blowing the nose, strenuous exercise, and bending forward for a few days.
Using a humidifier to keep room air moist, especially in the bedroom.

Why It Is Done

Traditional sinus surgery may be done if:

Medications have failed to cure chronic sinusitis.
Endoscopic surgery is unsuccessful. For more information, see Endoscopic surgery for sinusitis.
There are complications related to sinusitis.

How Well It Works

Traditional surgery is an effective method of treating chronic sinusitis or sinusitis that has caused complications.

Risks

Serious risks include:

Heavy bleeding.
Leakage of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
Inflammation of the membrane that covers the brain (meningitis).
Blindness.
Death.

What To Think About

Endoscopic sinus surgery is now preferred over traditional sinus surgery. It is less invasive, less expensive, and has a lower rate of complications. 1, 2 For more information, see Endoscopic surgery for sinusitis.

Surgical treatment of sinusitis should be considered only when more conservative approaches, such as home treatment and medications, have failed.

Should I use complementary medicine?

2007-04-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

Your choices are:

Add complementary medicine to your treatment or wellness plan.
Stick with traditional medical treatment only.

The decision whether to use complementary medicine takes into account your personal feelings and the medical facts.

Reasons to use complementary medicine

Reasons to not use complementary medicine

You want a more personal, holistic approach to your health care.
Conventional treatment has not provided relief from your chronic condition.
In seeking out complementary therapy, you get a sense of empowerment from taking greater control of your health.
Complementary medicine offers the best option for your wellness efforts.

Are there other reasons you might want to use complementary medicine?

There is little scientific research on the safety and effectiveness of some complementary therapies.
Complementary medicine may have interactions with your conventional treatments.
Some complementary therapies are expensive, and many are not covered by insurance.
You are satisfied with the results of conventional treatments for your condition.

Are there other reasons you might not want to use complementary medicine?

American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA)

2007-04-24T20:25:00.000-07:00

Organizations

American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA)
4929 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 428
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Phone:	(323) 937-5514
Web Address:	http://www.medicalacupuncture.org

The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture promotes the integration of traditional and modern forms of acupuncture with Western medical practice. Its goal is to create a more comprehensive approach to health care.

American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
3201 New Mexico Avenue, NW
Suite 350
Washington, DC 20016
Phone:	(202) 895-1392 1-866-538-2267
Fax:	(202) 274-1992
E-mail:	member.services@Naturopathic.org
Web Address:	http://naturopathic.org

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) is the national professional society representing naturopathic physicians who are licensed or eligible for licensing as primary care providers. This organization can help you find a naturopathic physician in your area.

American Botanical Council (ABC)
6200 Manor Road
Austin, TX 78723
Phone:	(512) 926-4900 1-800-373-7105
Fax:	(512) 926-2345
E-mail:	abc@herbalgram.org
Web Address:	http://www.herbalgram.org

The American Botanical Council's goals are to educate the public about beneficial herbs and plants and to promote the safe and effective use of medicinal plants.

American Chiropractic Association
1701 Clarendon Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone:	1-800-986-4636
Fax:	(703) 243-2593
Web Address:	http://www.amerchiro.org

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is a professional organization representing doctors of chiropractic. Its mission is to preserve, protect, improve, and promote the chiropractic profession and the services of doctors of chiropractic for the benefit of patients they serve. This organization can help you locate a chiropractor in your area.

American Massage Therapy Association
500 Davis Street
Suite 900
Evanston, IL 60201-4695
Phone:	(877) 905-2700 (847) 864-0123
Fax:	(847) 864-1178
Web Address:	http://www.amtamassage.org/

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is a professional organization that certifies massage therapists and works to advance the profession of massage therapy. Members agree to follow a basic code of ethics and abide by AMTA's standards of practice. The association can help you locate a therapist in your area who is an AMTA member.

National Association for Chiropractic Medicine (NACM)
1527 Baybrook Drive
Houston, TX 77062
Phone:	(281) 280-8262
Fax:	(281) 280-8262
Web Address:	http://www.chiromed.org

The National Association for Chiropractic Medicine (NACM) is a consumer advocacy association of chiropractors who confine their scope of practice to scientific parameters and seek to legitimize the use of professional manipulative procedures in mainstream health care delivery. The association offers consumer assistance in finding member practitioners.

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) Clearinghouse
P.O. Box 7923
Gaithersburg, MD 20898
Phone:	1-888-644-6226
Fax:	1-866-464-3616 toll-free
E-mail:	info@nccam.gov
Web Address:	http://nccam.nih.gov

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is dedicated to exploring complementary and alternative healing practices in the context of rigorous science, training CAM researchers, and disseminating authoritative information. Direct all requests for information and questions regarding the NCCAM to the NCCAM Clearinghouse.

National Council Against Health Fraud (NCAHF)
119 Foster Street, Building R, Second Floor
Peabody, MA 01960
Phone:	(978) 532-9383
Fax:	(978) 532-9450
E-mail:	ncahf.office@verizon.net
Web Address:	http://www.ncahf.org

The National Council Against Health Fraud is a nonprofit voluntary health organization that focuses its attention upon health fraud, misinformation, and quackery as public health problems. The council's positions are based upon the principles of science that are at the root of consumer protection law.

Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health
6100 Executive Blvd., Room 3B01, MSC 7517
Bethesda, MD 20892-7517
Phone:	(301) 435-2920
Fax:	(301) 480-1845
E-mail:	ods@nih.gov
Web Address:	http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov

The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) supports research and disseminates research results in the area of dietary supplements. The ODS also provides advice to other federal agencies regarding research results related to dietary supplements.

Rosenthal Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
630 West 168th Street, Box 75
New York, NY 10032
Phone:	(212) 342-0101
Fax:	(212) 342-0100
Web Address:	http://www.rosenthal.hs.columbia.edu

The goal of the Rosenthal Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is to facilitate and conduct rigorous scientific investigation for evaluating the effectiveness, safety, and mechanisms of action of alternative and complementary remedies and practices. It also serves as an internationally known and respected resource for information about complementary and alternative therapies.

U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20250
Phone:	(202) 720-2791
Fax:	(202) 720-2166
Web Address:	http://www.usda.gov

The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, develops and promotes science-based dietary guidance and economic information for consumers and professionals in health, education, industry, and media.

Top 10 Alternative Medicine Sites

2007-04-24T20:23:00.000-07:00

The Alternative Medicine Homepage
Information on unconventional, unorthodox, unproven, or alternative, complementary, innovative, integrative therapies. Maintained by Charles B. Wessel, ...
http://www.pitt.edu/~cbw/altm.html [#2 on Google, #2 on Yahoo!, #1 on MSN]
• Internet Resources: The Alternative Medicine Homepage http://www.pitt.edu/~cbw/internet.html [#3 on Google, #5 on Yahoo!]

MedlinePlus: Alternative Medicine
(National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) ... Select services and providers for Alternative Medicine in your area. ...
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alternativemedicine.html [#7 on Google, #3 on Yahoo!, #2 on MSN]

Alternative Medicine - altmedicine.com
Medical journalist Frank Grazian presents a variety of alternative, complementary and preventive health traditions including Chinese medicine, aryuvedic, ...
http://www.altmedicine.com/ [#5 on Google, #4 on Yahoo!, #4 on MSN]

Alternative Medicine, Home for Natural Remedies & Healthy Solutions
Complementary and alternative medicine information about common health conditions, including natural remedies, holistic healthcare, healing foods, ...
http://www.alternativemedicine.com/ [#1 on Google, #1 on Yahoo!]

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Official website of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). NCCAM explores complementary and alternative healing practices ...
http://nccam.nih.gov/ [#4 on Google, #6 on MSN]

Alternative Medicine - Remedies - Herbs - Mind-Body - Detox ...
About Alternative Medicine blog and website, with detailed and reliable information on alternative medicine remedies, health conditions, ...
http://altmedicine.about.com/ [#6 on Google, #8 on Yahoo!]

Alternative Health in the Yahoo! Directory
Conducts and supports basic and applied research and training and disseminates information on complementary and alternative medicine to practitioners and ...
http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Alternative_Medicine/ [#8 on Google, #6 on Yahoo!]

Alternative medicine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
... Alternative medicine describes practices used in place of conventional medical treatments. ... 10.3 Journals dedicated to alternative medicine research ...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_medicine [#9 on Yahoo!, #5 on MSN]

Natural Alternative Medicine
Tradition Chinese remedies for a variety of health problems, specializing in organ restoration formulas.
http://www.cljhealth.com/ [#3 on MSN]

Alternative Medicine
Vic Stenger's page on alternative medicine and quackery ... in The Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine 1(1),26-30m Fall/Winter 1997. ...
http://www.colorado.edu/philosophy/vstenger/alt.html [#7 on Yahoo!]

Medicine Alternative Inc.
http://www.medicinealternative.com/ [#7 on MSN]

What is naturopathic medicine?

2007-04-24T20:14:00.000-07:00

Naturopathic medicine (or naturopathy) is based on the belief that the body can heal itself naturally. Naturopathic medicine attempts to improve health, prevent disease, and treat illness by promoting the use of organic foods and exercise; encouraging a healthy, balanced lifestyle; and applying concepts from other areas of complementary medicine (such as ayurveda, homeopathy, and herbal therapies).

Naturopathy was developed in the late 1800s in the United States. Today, a licensed naturopathic doctor (ND) attends a 4-year, graduate-level naturopathic medical school and studies the same basic sciences as a medical doctor (MD). However, the ND also studies alternative approaches to therapy, such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and bodywork.

Most traditional naturopathic physicians (naturopaths) believe in natural therapies, such as nutritional and lifestyle counseling. They generally avoid prescribing medicines or performing surgery. However, some naturopaths prescribe herbal medicines, homeopathic dilutions, nutritional supplements, or perform minor surgeries. The disagreement over specific practice guidelines and licensing requirements in different states has led to some public confusion about the role of the naturopath.

What is naturopathy used for?

People use naturopathic medicine for promoting good health, preventing disease, and treating illness. Most naturopaths can treat earaches, allergies, and other common medical problems. Naturopathic medicine tries to find the underlying cause of the condition rather than focusing solely on treating symptoms. A properly trained naturopathic physician works with other health professionals, referring people to other practitioners for diagnosis or treatment when appropriate.

Is naturopathy safe?

Two of the biggest concerns about naturopathic medicine are the use of dietary fasting and a bias against immunization (vaccinations).

Talk with your medical doctor before fasting (not eating or drinking, or consuming only liquids for a period of time). Fasting can be dangerous, especially if you have a disease such as diabetes.
Some naturopaths do not believe that immunization is necessary. Before immunizations became available, childhood illnesses caused large numbers of deaths and long-term health problems and provided survivors with natural immunity. The benefits of immunization greatly outweigh the risks. 1

Always tell your doctor if you are using an alternative therapy or if you are thinking about combining an alternative therapy with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on an alternative therapy.

Naturopathy licensing varies from state to state. Not all states require naturopaths to be licensed. Also, not all naturopathic educational programs are the same. Some schools grant degrees that are not accepted by state licensing boards. In the United States, the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) is the only agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit naturopathic programs and colleges.

Before you choose a naturopath, find out whether the person graduated from an accredited college. Also check to see whether your state has licensing laws that govern the practice of NDs. If your state licenses NDs, ask your prospective ND whether he or she is licensed.

Are Aromatherapy Candles Any Good For You?

2007-04-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

Along with the rise in popularity of aromatherapy we have seen an increase in the introduction of aromatherapy candles to the market. The problem with this is that a great deal of these are not authentic aromatherapy candles and if they do not contain pure essential oils they are giving you no benefit other than lightening your wallet.

In many cases these candles being sold as aromatherapy candles are merely fragrant candles and have no essential oils at all. While there may be a pleasant scent and the pretty flicker of light it isn't doing anything for you in the way of aromatherapy. If you are after the therapeutic benefits you need to be aware of what to look for.

In addition to many of the candles on the market that claim to be aromatherapy, there are also a great many of these that can be harmful, containing substances like neurotoxins, carcinogens, and reproductive toxins such as phenol, xylene, and benzene. It's bad enough that they don't contain pure essential oils without poisoning you as well. Acetone exposure can irritate your entire respiratory system and result in fainting or dizziness. Benzene exposure will cause drowsiness and unconsciousness with long term exposure causing leukemia.

As you can see there are many health concerns to be aware of in addition to merely not getting what you have paid for. It is actually best to use a natural beeswax candle that burns clean so that you know you aren't getting any toxins. Once you have the beeswax candles you can easily create your own aromatherapy experience by adding some of your favorite essential oils to the puddle of wax around the wick which will give off the aromatic vapors.

Another method that is used by many to get the benefits of aromatherapy is to purchase an essential oil diffuser. These are relatively easy to find locally or online and are a safe way to get the aromatherapy vapors flowing in the room. Another non burning method of using the essential oils is to mix them with a little water to create a spritzer that you can spray where you want. Of course you can use the essential oils as massage oil and have them rubbed right into your skin along with a carrier oil but you really need a partner for that.

Look around and see what is available, using these tips to help guide you and remember this, a true aromatherapy candle will not be cheap. If you see some that make the claim and they are inexpensive you need to check them out thoroughly. If you go the route of adding the essential oils to the candles yourself be extra careful due to the flammability of the oils.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about candles and scented floating candles at http://www.decorativefloatingcandles.com

Acupuncture Is Breaking The Boundaries In Family Health

2007-04-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

Dealing with physical pain is a part of human life, from birth to death. Generally, most individuals do everything in their power to avoid aches, pains, and any discomfort. In today's modern world, the medical field has provided individuals with many forms of pain relief, be it in the form of prescription medication or invasive surgery. Pain is something no one can avoid, though, and it is only with how we cope with malaise that becomes important.

That does sound incredibly morbid, but it is a fact of life. The body ages and, as it does; it begins to lose its vitality. Health, the environment, and genetics play a huge factor in how quickly the body deteriorates. Take for example a smoker and a non-smoker. Which do you think would be the one more at risk for wrinkles, lung cancer, or emphysema? A quick hint: Surprisingly, it is not the person out in the parking lot with a lit cigarette!

More and more people are realizing that they want to live longer, healthier lives free from chronic pain, feeling down and depressed, or having a general sense of malaise. Also, as much as an individual wants to be pain-free and happy, they wish for their children to be more so. Acupuncture has been a rising trend in the medical and alternative health field for many years now.

The media has given us a false image of acupuncture. Movies have portrayed acupuncturists as being small, Chinese men practicing the technique in a dim, incense-filled room. However, the truth is that acupuncture is practiced in modern offices very similar to that of doctors and the acupuncturists themselves come from all different nationalities.

Adults and teenagers are the general clientele, and the results of their acupuncture sessions have proven long-lasting results and relief from health complaints. Researchers have followed these results and studies continue to show that acupuncture is a positive technique.

There are some cases in which acupuncture should be avoided. Children and infants should not have acupuncture performed on them, and those adults who have a fear of needles will also want to avoid the technique.

Acupuncture isn't an immediate miracle cure and patients need to undergo repeat treatments to show great improvement to their health. However, if you have the patience and the willingness to try a few session of acupuncture, you may find that the results are well worth the effort.

John Edmond writes regularly for http://acupuncturealternative.net/ where you can read many more articles on acupuncture as a genuine alternative to Western Medicine.

Acne Facts Treatments And Tips For You

2007-04-22T21:17:00.000-07:00

Acupuncture During Pregnancy

2007-04-21T21:16:00.000-07:00

Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese method of using tiny needles to stimulate specific areas or "meridians" of the body and to rebalance the body's energy, or chi. Because acupuncture is especially effective for chronic conditions, many pregnant women are turning to acupuncture to provide drug-free relief from many of the unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy.

An Australian study showed that women who received acupuncture treatments regularly before their 14th week of pregnancy had less nausea and shorter bouts of morning sickness than women who did not receive the treatment. Acupuncture has also been used to treat the more serious condition hyperemesis gravidarum, which causes serious vomiting that persists throughout pregnancy.

During the second trimester, acupuncture has been used to successfully treat heartburn and hemorrhoids. In the third trimester, acupuncture can provide relief from sciatica, joint pain and carpal tunnel syndrome, which many women develop late in pregnancy. Acupuncture has even been used to relieve pain during labor and delivery.

Pregnant women seeking to use acupuncture to treat conditions developed during pregnancy should be sure to visit a licensed and experienced acupuncturist. For example, although acupuncture can be used to treat edema, or swelling of the ankles, edema can be an indicator of a serious problem. An acupuncturist experienced in treating pregnant women would be more likely to recognize this problem and refer the patient back to her obstetrician.

The most serious risk of using acupuncture during pregnancy is that it may stimulate labor if it is improperly applied. Choosing an experienced practitioner reduces this risk to almost negligible levels. In fact, many women have turned to acupuncture to purposefully stimulate labor when their baby is overdue. Some women have found that labor induced by acupuncture is gentler than labor induced by drugs such as Pitocin.

In addition to benefits during pregnancy, labor and delivery, acupuncture has been used to promote fertility and to treat infertility. In a small German study, women who used acupuncture in conjunction with in vitro fertilization had a 42.5% success rate compared to 26.3% in women who used in vitro fertilization alone. Fertility specialists attribute this to the overall improvement of health that comes from receiving regular acupuncture treatments.

Finally, acupuncture may have some benefits in treating post-partum depression. Although no research has been done to support the efficacy of acupuncture treatments on post-partum depression, anecdotal evidence shows that some women do benefit from its use. Because acupuncture does not cause harmful drug interactions, it can be a useful complimentary therapy.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles for http://4alternativehealthinfo.com/ - In addition, Jonathon also writes articles for http://thenursingcenter.com/ and http://letsdropsomeweight.com/

American Chinese Medicine Association

2007-04-20T21:34:00.000-07:00

Kidney Failure

Kidney failure is characterized by acute or chronic decrease or loss of renal function due to damage to the glomeruli of kidney.

Western Medicine treatments for kidney failure usually involve dialysis and/or kidney transplant etc.

Prevent Dialysis

ACMA deems that many kidney failure patients can avoid dialysis or even kidney transplant if they receive appropriate and in time Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) treatments. It is wrong to give kidney failure patients dialysis and kidney transplant if the kidney failure process can be stopped or even reversed by the Chinese Herbal Medicine treatments.

In 2005, ACMA received and treated a kidney failure patient with Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) before the patient started Western Medicine treatments.

After a few months CHM treatments, the patient's signs and symptoms disappeared. The blood and urine tests became normal. The patient had successfully avoided proceeding to dialysis.

Prevent Kidney Transplant

In 2006, ACMA received a patient who has been on dialysis for two years. Before visiting ACMA, the dialysis side effects started appearing, the patient's conditions got worsened, and the patient was put on the kidney transplant waiting list.

After Chinese Herbal Medicine treatments, the patient's condition get improved, and the kidney failure deteriorating trend has been stopped and reversed to some degree.

ACMA predicts that the patient's kidney failure condition may be recovered by the CHM treatments to such a degree that the kidney transplant can be prevented.

Acne Treatments that Dermatologists Actually Recommend and Use

2007-04-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

Acne is a scourge that affects 99% of everyone at some point in their life. For some acne is a minor skin problem that goes with puberty, for others acne can start as early as 8-10 years of age and remain through their 30's and 40's. Acne can leave both physical and emotional scars as it can really affect ones psychology and resultant outlook on life.

There are thousands of acne treatment skin care products out there that promise to help and alleviate the acne, but 99% of them do not work. We asked several leading dermatologists what really works on treating acne, what they recommend, and what they actually use in their office.

Before the dermatologists would tell us their recommendations, they wanted to make sure that we and our readers fully understood what acne is and what causes it. Acne starts as a blockage of the hair follicle by skin cells that are not properly exfoliated and excess sebum (oil). The plugged up hair follicle will eventually become infected as it is an excellent environment and breeding ground for bacteria. These infections grow to become postules and cysts which are hard, red, inflamed bumps that can leave permanent scars.

Acne treatment begins with a change in initial skin care. Soaps should not be used as they are usually too harsh and will dry out and further irritate the already irritated skin. The dermatologists recommend switching to a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil or its generic equivalents. A gentle cleanser will remove dirt, makeup and excess oil without irritation. According to the dermatologists, gentle cleansers should be a part of everyone's general skin care regimen.

Next, alcohol based cleaning and disinfecting solutions should not be used. Be sure to read the ingredients of any product you are thinking of using for treating your acne. Alcohol will dehydrate and further irritate your skin.

Many times acne is exacerbated by the skin's pH or acidity range being too basic. The skin naturally has a slightly acidic pH and this makes the skin less susceptible to a bacterial infection. Acne treatment products with glycolic acid or salicylic acid will be effective on minor acne as they will remove excess oil, slightly increase the rate of exfoliation (which helps heal acne), and help restore the original pH of your skin. A deeper and much more effective acne treatment is a TCA peel.

TCA peels will do everything that glycolic and salicylic will do, but TCA peels can also treat more severe forms of acne and have been clinically shown to even cure acne. TCA peels are offered on an outpatient basis and can take 3-10 days to heal, but they result in new, younger looking skin and are well worth it.

The only other acne treatment items that the dermatologists unanimously recommended was Accutane in the most severe cases (Accutane is very toxic and does require blood tests and monitoring) and antibiotics. The dermatologists stated that the TCA Peels work 1,000 times better than any peroxide wash or cleansing system and have similar results to Accutane without any of the harsh side effects.

Needless to say, they all offer TCA skin peels for acne treatment in their offices and none offered peroxide or alcohol cleansers even for general skin care.

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. For more information on TCA peels for in home use and great anti-aging products and ideas please visit http://www.bestskinpeel.com

Alternative Medicine - What Happens During Acupuncture Treatment

2007-04-19T21:32:00.000-07:00

Acupuncture is one of several popular alternative therapies tracing its roots to traditional medicine in China more than 5,000 years ago. Although the treatment is regarded as one of the most common and oldest worldwide, acupuncture only started to become recognized in the US after New York Times journalist James Reston wrote a feature on how his post-surgery pain was eased by doctors in China in 1971 using the procedure.

1. The Basis Of Acupuncture

The treatment assumes something called qi (pronounced key) - energy in living beings that passes through twelve meridians or invisible energy lines in the body. Each line links to a specific organ system; the belief is that any imbalance in qi flow leads to a disease. The key component of acupuncture treatment is the insertion of needles into key points on the meridian lines to renew balance. These extremely thin, metallic needles are aimed at specific anatomical points and controlled manually or by electrical stimulation. An individual usually feels relaxed and energized after acupuncture.

2. Modern Treatment

The US Food and Drug Administration reclassified these needles as medical devices in 1997, from the earlier classification as experimental. The FDA notes that over $500m are spent by people in the country every year for the treatment, for which a good number secure insurance coverage. The agency's main restrictions with the needles are that they be non-toxic and sterilized and that they be used only once and discarded immediately after.

- Acupuncture is endorsed by the National Institute of Health
- Is practiced by dentists, doctors and other health practitioners

3. Increasing Acceptance

Increasing acceptance of acupuncture was highlighted by the National Health Interview Survey in 2002, which indicated that the number of American adults turning to the treatment surged from 2.1 million in 2001 to about 8.2 million the following year. The interest in acupuncture also received a boost from the impatience individuals had with the failure of conventional medicine.

4. How Does It Really Work?

Acupuncture reportedly induces the release of endorphins in the body, relieving an indivudal from pain. Other effects attributed to the therapy include influence over neurotransmitters, or substances transporting nerve impulses; promotion of circulation; and effects over the body's electrical currents and autonomic nervous system. Many common ailments and undesirable conditions are addressed by acupuncture treatment.

5. Commonly Treated Conditions

- Sinusitis
- The common cold
- Smoking and other addictions
- Migraines
- Tennis elbow
- Infertility
- Menstrual cramps
- Obesity
- Low-back pain
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome

6. Procedure

On the first meeting, acupuncturists usually ask new clients to fill up a personal health record prior to an interview. A session then has the client answer questions that cover main health issues, diet, emotional and psychological profile, and overall lifestyle and regular activities. The therapist should also be informed by the individual of any current medication and treatment being taken. During this interview, one can also expect the practitioner to evaluate pulse points and establish how healthy the individual's twelve meridians are. A diagnosis is then given, followed by the use of between 6 and 12 needles as treatment is commenced. Patients keen on acupuncture must realize that the exact placement on target points on the meridians is more important, not the number of needles used.

The initial insertion may make the patient feel pricked or stung. However, the treatment should be painless and comfortable for the duration that could extend to an hour or more. An individual should immediately tell the acupuncturist to discontinue if he feels any numbness, discomfort or pain. Variations of the treatment may involve use of herbal medicine - capsules, tablets or tea made from Chinese herbs to boost the therapy. Some practitioners also integrate cupping - a suction effect created with the use of glass cups on the skin, in part to promote blood circulation and continuous qi flow.

7. Rising Popularity

The recent withdrawal of the Vioxx painkiller has raised apprehension over pain relievers available in the market. This concern, combined with statements from the NIH and other government and health organizations that side effects from acupuncture are significantly lower, has made more individuals turn to the treatment, particularly for pain relief. Several studies have also shown how acupuncture has helped patients with osteoarthritis, post-chemotherapy nausea and even depression. Despite all the apparent positive feedback, those considering acupuncture should still consult regular doctors and health-care professionals for advice on their conditions first. If they decide to pursue the treatment, they must make sure that the acupuncturist or practitioner they see is highly-qualified and certified by organizations such as the American Academy of Medical Acupuncturists.

For more great acupuncture treatment related articles and resources check out http://acupuncture.naturaltherapieshq.com

Acidophilus: A Probiotic Bacterium

2007-04-19T21:08:00.000-07:00

When we hear the word bacteria we automatically think negative about it. After all, some bacteria really cause infections. However, that negative belief about bacteria may not be always true especially for your digestive tract, which considerably holds a massive number of bacteria and has then evolved to apply some good bacteria for some significant functions and effects.

It is interesting to know that our digestive tract contains for about 400 various kinds of bacteria and yeast, and among those numbers, the Lactobacillus acidophilus and other members of the Lactobacillus family served important function to our health.

Speaking of the acidophilus, it is believed that acidophilus is a probiotic bacterium and acidophilus is considered as such for the reason that such bacteria aids in maintaining our intestinal health. Aside from that, acidophilus greatly serves as a natural antibiotic against potentially injurious organisms. By taking acidophilus therefore will help us maintain our normal balance of valuable bacteria in the intestines and vagina.

One of the unparalleled food sources of acidophilus is considered to be the yogurt. The yogurt is long valued for its nutritional and therapeutic benefits. Yet, it is greatly important to know that there are some variations in the quantities of acidophilus found in yogurt. Some brands of yogurt sometimes contain none at all, which makes it too tough to obtain reliable amounts. So to make sure of the quality for acidophilus, some commercial manufacturers recently add the active culture after pasteurization, which is a heating process that can ruin both the unwanted and beneficial organisms.

The supplements of acidophilus are an effective option. The acidophilus supplements are currently sold in health-food stores, which often combined with another group of organisms known as Bifidobacteria that also functions as probiotics.

There are several health benefits from taking acidophilus. Some people take acidophilus for the purpose of treating and preventing digestive disorders, vaginal infections, and other illnesses. Numerous studies reported that this group of bacteria functions as an immunity enhancer, and they may restrain the toxic effects of carcinogens, which are cancer-causing agents.

For particular mention, the acidophilus is most commonly used to ease irritable bowel syndrome, which is a constellation of gastrointestinal symptoms that involves abdominal bloating, cramping, and diarrhea. In relation to that, this organism will control diarrhea, reduce flatulence, and will combat vaginal yeast and other infections that are connected with Candida, which is yeast that normally lives in union in our body.

Acidophilus also functions to relieve urinary tract infections and they greatly battle bad breath. It is considered that an amount of acidophilus can encourage more efficient digestion and reduce the number of odor-producing bacteria.

The acidophilus may come in several forms such as tablet, suppository, powder, liquid, douche, and capsule. And today, due to the recognized benefits of this element, acidophilus is largely made available at most health food and nutrition stores. It is just necessary to note that they usually come in two major forms, either in capsules or powder.

In taking the supplement, it is just important to remember that adults are required to take capsules as directed on the bottle; for children, capsules are permitted if able to swallow, otherwise give one teaspoon of the powder once a day in milk, juice, or food; and for the infants, you should make a paste using water or breastmilk and rub this once a day in babys mouth, or place one teaspoon once a day if bottlefeeding.

T J Madigan has been established in online business since 1998 and is director of a number of successful online projects one of which is http://www.articles.net.au your best source for FREE articles and information.

Alternative Medicine Treatment - The Basics

2007-04-18T21:31:00.000-07:00

Alternative medicine is a term that refers to medical practices outside of conventional medicine. Alternative solutions are sometimes new and untested in the scientific realm of conventional medicine, stamped with approval of the federal government. Also, they sometimes focus around or contain a religious, spiritual or metaphysical element. Here are some popular alternative medicinal solutions.

Acupuncture - This is the art of inserting tiny needles underneath the skin that stimulate targeted body spots. Acupuncture is most often used to relieve pain and heal the body.

Apitherapy - Better known as Bee Therapy, this practice makes use of honey and venom from the honeybee for treatments. Popular ones for health and beauty products and healing treatments are raw honey, bee pollen, royal jelly and propolis.

Biofeedback - This refers to a machine that gives feedback on the body. The feedback helps healthcare providers chart bodily functions to help with treatment. These machines are used to chart internal functions with more accuracy than a human alone is capable of, and the results are used to determine and then gauge how well the treatment is working. Biofeedback has been used to help people with their emotional disorders, digestive disorders, stress, migraines and heart irregularities. The machine alerts people to the idea of how their own emotions and thoughts can come into play with regards to illness and treatment options.

Chiropractics - This form of back treatment has been around for awhile and focuses on the vertebrae not being aligned properly, thus contributing to a variety of pain, illnesses and diseases. Many also focus on stress, overall health and lifestyle. In general, a chiropractor applies pressure in small amounts to various vertebrae, helping them realign. Plus many help treat common diseases like asthma, troubled backs and arthritis.

Feng Shui - This is a philosophy that is said to bring harmony into lives, that features not only the four basic elements of earth, fire, water and air, but a fifth; metal. By aligning these elements throughout clutter-free homes, work, outdoor and other environments, peace and tranquility are said to follow.

Healing Crystals - These minerals turned crystalline are said to boast certain healing powers. For example, ancient grave sites house them as a means of protection in the afterlife. In the modern world, many believe these crystals house healing power. For example, to treat stomach pain, some healers place charged quartz on the lower abdomen area to help restore energy there.

Herbal Remedies - Applying herbs, either home grown or store bought, to certain ailments helps with healing for many conditions. Among popular treatments are a half-and-half solution of witch hazel and water to help clear up acne, lavender scented oils and candles to sooth stress and garlic on top of warts to remove them.

There are many more alternative medicine treatments out there. Search your favorite search engine for more.

Download your free report entitled "Natural Herbal Remedies & Antioxidant Vitamin Wonders" from http://www.herbalvitaminwonders.com

Candida, Its Symptoms & Treatment

2007-04-18T21:06:00.000-07:00

Candida is a fungal infection affecting the moist external area of the body like mouth, nostril, in side folded skin and vagina basically of a parasitic fungus. There are many types of Candida fungus like Candida Parapsilosis, Candida Tropicalies, Candida vini and sub-types named after the infected areas like Cutaneous Candidasis, Thrush, Vaginal Candidiasis, Penile Candidiasis, Pulmonary Candidiasis, Esophagus Candidiasis, Invasive Candidiasis and the treatments for respective infections are identified.

Complications of Candidiasis are secondary conditions, symptoms, or other disorders that are caused by Candidiasis. Though there is no life treat in Candida patients, it is highly recommended for immediate medical treatment. The following symptoms are mentioned in various sources for Candidiasis includes Itchy skin rash, Skin inflammation, Small blisters, Armpit skin rash, Skin rash under breasts and Rash in skin folds. For oral thrush, White patches inside cheeks, White patches on tongue, White patches in throat.

However the symptoms of vaginal thrush and penile thrush are almost similar like chronic stage will have fluid discharge. In addition to the symptoms, it may be necessary to examine symptoms that may be caused by complications of Candidiasis. There are many medications are available both external and internal drugs, Creams, powder forms are available. Scientists and Dermatologists are concerned that the increasing use of antifungal drugs will lead to drug-resistant fungi. In fact, recent studies have documented resistance of Candida species to fluconazole, a drug used widely to treat patients with fungal diseases.

Altogether the cleanliness is the most important aspect for not getting any Candida infection. Medications used in the treatment for yeast infection should be kept away from children. Some times the yeast infection anti-fungal creams are recommended differently for mouth and vaginal use. After the treatment for yeast infection if the symptoms persist even after 7 days or return within 2 months see your doctor.

To learn how to cure diseases like warts, hemmorrhoids, uti, adhd & add using natural alternative treatment methods, without any side effects or surgery visit Guide to Natural Health Treatment Remedies. Online version of the above article is located at Candida Symptoms & Prevention Details.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Balaji_B

Alternative Medicine Schools

2007-04-17T21:30:00.000-07:00

Alternative medicine schools are educational institutions in which the processes and practices of non-Western medicine are taught and disseminated. This is a valuable addition to the health industry. There are a number of schools in the US, that offer education in various branches of alternative medicine including degree programs in holistic health care, naturopathy, Chinese herbology and medicine, acupuncture, nutrition, clinical counseling, psychology, spiritual psychology, Avurveda and more.

Three the well known alternative schools are Five Branches Institute, College and Clinic of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine an Southwestern College.

Five Branches Institute, College and Clinic of Traditional Chinese Medicine located in Santa Cruz and San Jose, California emphasizes traditional Chinese medical theory and diagnosis, acupuncture, herbology and Western Medicine. They offer a Masters program as well as Doctoral degrees.

The University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine located in Connecticut awards a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine to students who complete four years of study. Naturopathic medicine is a system of primary health care that practices prevention, diagnosis and treating conditions of the human mind and body.

Southwestern College in Scottsdale, Arizona creates a holistic approach to learning, counseling and psychology. Based on psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, systemic and transpersonal psychology, each theory is applied to students personal transformation and professional development.

The interest in alternative medicine has prompted many medical schools to add complementary alternative medical (CAM) courses to their curriculums. It has become quite apparent that patients are seeing physicians who not only practice conventional medicine, but alternative medicine as well.

Alternative Medicine provides detailed information on Alternative Medicine, Alternative Herbal Medicine, Alternative Medicine Schools, History of Alternative Medicine and more. Alternative Medicine is affiliated with Chiropractic Clinics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Morgan

Acne Care : 5 Guaranteed Acne Care and Treatment Tips

2007-04-17T21:04:00.000-07:00

5 Guaranteed Acne Care and Treatment Tips

Acne afflicts 9 out of 10 people today. Its not just a skin condition related to teens and puberty. Acne can cause severe and permanent scars both physically and mentally. There are thousands of products hawked on various infomercials on TV that claim to cure acne, but according to the American Medical Society and leading dermatologists 99% of these are ineffective at best. So, what really works? Here are five guaranteed acne care and treatment tips that will leave your skin cleaner, healthier and less susceptible to acne.

1. Hydrate The fact is that 70% of Americans are not properly hydrated. When our bodies are not given enough water, the skin loses its elasticity and ability to quickly heal and repair. This can cause the follicles to become blocked and make the skin a breeding ground for bacteria. It is recommended that the average person drink 6-10 glasses of water every day. To test for proper hydration, pinch, pull and release the skin between your forefinger and thumb. If you are properly hydrated the pinched skin will quickly return and show elasticity. Dehydrated skin is similar to aged skin and will show less elasticity. It is a clinically proven fact that proper hydration will help any acne care or treatment.

2. Proper cleansing. Grocery and drug stores have hundreds of brands of soap on display and most are too harsh for your skin. These harsh soaps can dry out your skin, worsen acne, and increase the skins production of sebum or oil (which will attract acne causing bacteria in clogged pores). It is best to use a mild cleanser like Cetaphil or its cheaper generic equivalent (available at Target and Walmart). These cleansers will leave you with fresh, clean skin and are recommended by virtually every dermatologist in America.

3. Moisturize. That's right, moisturize. Even for oily, acne prone skin. Proper moisturizing will actually result in healthier skin which is less susceptible to most acne conditions. Make sure you use a non-comodogenic moisturizer as it will not clog pores. As everyone has different and unique skin you should try several different moisturizers to find the one that works best for you. Some may have botanicals and herbs you don't like or fare well with. There are many moisturizers, so find one that you really like and stick with it. Also, use a non-comodogenic high spf lotion for sun protection. The sun will age and dry out your skin and will increase production of acne causing oil.

4. Treat excess oil and clogged pores. For treatment of pimples and blackheads most dermatologists recommend benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid solutions of 5 10% strength. They can also be used on very light acne. They will actually inflame and worsen moderate or severe acne and are not recommended for this - regardless what any infomercial may claim. In severe and moderate acne benzoyl peroxide will dry out the skin too much and have an irritating effect. Salicylic is more effective for deep cleaning of pores.

5. TCA skin peels. TCA peels have been clinically proven to be as effective as isotretinoin (trade name Accutane) in treating moderate to severe acne without the side effects. They are also used in almost every dermatologists and plastic surgeons office (They are usually referred to as the Obagi peel, blue peel, or Estheticians Choice TCA peel). TCA peels are a deeper skin peel and will increase skin regeneration (through increased skin exfoliation), return the skin pH or acidity back to normal (excess oil can alter the skins pH and make it a breeding ground for acne causing bacteria). In the past TCA peels were only available in dermatologists or plastic surgeons offices as a very expensive outpatient treatment. They can now be obtained through the internet for in home use at very reasonable prices everyone can afford. The best thing is that a TCA peel only needs to be applied once every 3-6 months depending on the depth desired and strength used.

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. For more information on TCA peels for in home use and great anti-acne products and ideas please visit http://www.bestskinpeel.com.

Acne Care: 5 Guaranteed Acne Care and Treatment Tips

2007-04-16T21:03:00.000-07:00

Acne afflicts 9 out of 10 people today. Its not just a skin condition related to teens and puberty. Acne can cause severe and permanent scars both physically and mentally. There are thousands of products hawked on various infomercials on TV that claim to cure acne, but according to the American Medical Society and leading dermatologists 99% of these are ineffective at best. So, what really works? Here are five guaranteed acne care and treatment tips that will leave your skin cleaner, healthier and less susceptible to acne.

1. Hydrate The fact is that 70% of Americans are not properly hydrated. When our bodies are not given enough water, the skin loses its elasticity and ability to quickly heal and repair. This can cause the follicles to become blocked and make the skin a breeding ground for bacteria. It is recommended that the average person drink 6-10 glasses of water every day. To test for proper hydration, pinch, pull and release the skin between your forefinger and thumb. If you are properly hydrated the pinched skin will quickly return and show elasticity. Dehydrated skin is similar to aged skin and will show less elasticity. It is a clinically proven fact that proper hydration will help any acne care or treatment.

2. Proper cleansing. Grocery and drug stores have hundreds of brands of soap on display and most are too harsh for your skin. These harsh soaps can dry out your skin, worsen acne, and increase the skins production of sebum or oil (which will attract acne causing bacteria in clogged pores). It is best to use a mild cleanser like Cetaphil or its cheaper generic equivalent (available at Target and Walmart). These cleansers will leave you with fresh, clean skin and are recommended by virtually every dermatologist in America.

3. Moisturize. That's right, moisturize. Even for oily, acne prone skin. Proper moisturizing will actually result in healthier skin which is less susceptible to most acne conditions. Make sure you use a non-comodogenic moisturizer as it will not clog pores. As everyone has different and unique skin you should try several different moisturizers to find the one that works best for you. Some may have botanicals and herbs you don't like or fare well with. There are many moisturizers, so find one that you really like and stick with it. Also, use a non-comodogenic high spf lotion for sun protection. The sun will age and dry out your skin and will increase production of acne causing oil.

4. Treat excess oil and clogged pores. For treatment of pimples and blackheads most dermatologists recommend benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid solutions of 5 10% strength. They can also be used on very light acne. They will actually inflame and worsen moderate or severe acne and are not recommended for this - regardless what any infomercial may claim. In severe and moderate acne benzoyl peroxide will dry out the skin too much and have an irritating effect. Salicylic is more effective for deep cleaning of pores.

5. TCA skin peels. TCA peels have been clinically proven to be as effective as isotretinoin (trade name Accutane) in treating moderate to severe acne without the side effects. They are also used in almost every dermatologists and plastic surgeons office (They are usually referred to as the Obagi peel, blue peel, or Estheticians Choice TCA peel). TCA peels are a deeper skin peel and will increase skin regeneration (through increased skin exfoliation), return the skin pH or acidity back to normal (excess oil can alter the skins pH and make it a breeding ground for acne causing bacteria). In the past TCA peels were only available in dermatologists or plastic surgeons offices as a very expensive outpatient treatment. They can now be obtained through the internet for in home use at very reasonable prices everyone can afford. The best thing is that a TCA peel only needs to be applied once every 3-6 months depending on the depth desired and strength used.

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. For more information on TCA peels for in home use and great anti-acne products and ideas please visit http://www.bestskinpeel.com.

Alternative Medicine - Herbal Remedies in Acid Reflux Treatment

2007-04-15T21:28:00.000-07:00

Alternative medicine was once an area regarded by many as pure quackery. Indeed "modern" medicine frequently dismissed any form of herbal or alternative medicine as nothing more than a joke. The mere concept of a modern doctor referring patients to an alternative medicine practitioner was unheard of.

How times have changed! The use of alternative medicine has become hugely popular over the last 10 - 15 years. The general public has tightly embraced many alternative therapies in a world filled with superbugs, avian flu and
numerous other horrifying disease and afflictions. It's now becoming increasingly common for doctors to refer patients to aromatherapists and acupuncturists in combination with their own pharmaceutical treatments.

Do You Know What You Are Taking? People suffering from acid reflux are especially keen to find any possible cure for their condition - be it alternative or not. Have you ever taken any medication without checking the contraindications printed on the leaflet inside? Of course you have and so have I. It's sobering to actually sit there and read some of the potential side effects many such medications can have. This is equally true of tablets you may be taking to treat acid reflux.

Shutting Down The Digestive System For example some antacids interfere with vitamin and calcium absorption of the body which could lead to future problems with conditions like osteoporosis. Also unknown to many heartburn sufferers is that certain antacids reduce the discomfort of acid heartburn by shutting down the acidic secretions in the stomach. This does not cure the problem - it simply tops it from happening for a short while. Then take into account how some people react to medications. An antacid may be very effective on one person and totally ineffective on another. This will "force" people to try several different types and brands thereby exposing themselves to the danger of ingesting several different types of medication in a short space of time. Talk about a bad idea!

This is where alternative therapies come in. Normally one type of treatment will be enough to resolve the symptoms the sufferer is experiencing. A single tea concoction or capsule of herbs may be enough to alleviate all the patients problems. The basic logic behind this is that the fewer treatments or medications a patient has to take to cure one problem the better. Your body can only handle so many toxins or potential toxins at any one time.

Another reason people turn to alternative medicine is because of the chemicals used in the production of antacids. Here is a short list:

* Sodium Bicarbonate

* Magnesium Hydroxide

* Calcium Carbonate

* Aluminum Phosphate

All of these have the effect of helping to neutralize the hydrochloric acid in your stomach. Hydrochloric acid is necessary for the proper digestion of food. By reducing or disabling this acid your body will then be prompted to produce more acid to replace it - due to the effects of the antacids you just took. This can cause a condition called "acid rebound" whereby the body will wind up with far more stomach acid than it actually needs. It's a case of short term gain for long term discomfort - if that makes sense?

Are Herbal Medicines Effective? Herbal medicines are largely based on the faith of the practitioners and the users themselves. This faith should not be discounted - especially if the products do actually work. Alternative therapies rarely aim to cure acid reflux but rather to help the body be better able to deal with the condition. How? By strengthening the digestive system so that the affects of acid reflux either do not occur at all or are severely minimized.

So what form do herbal treatments take? You can expect them to be available in the form of tea, juice, capsules and food supplements which all herbal treatment suppliers will claim to be 100% safe. That being said it never does any harm to do a Google search on the ingredients to ensure that they are 100% safe and that there has been no negative web or newspaper reports on them.

Jill Seimer shares her devotion to healthy living at RefluxLife.com She published Natural Medicine for Acid Reflux recently to inform readers of natural acid reflux cures.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jill_Seimer

Vitamins: 4 Things You Didn't Know About Vitamins

2007-04-15T20:59:00.000-07:00

When vitamins were first created synthetically, their creators may not have foreseen the extent to which they would become a part of everyday life. It seems odd to consider that vitamin C, the first vitamin made in a laboratory, was actually synthesized in 1935. The world was an entirely different place then - most people cooked and ate nutritious, well balanced home meals. The pace of life was more orderly. Work was not the dominant and demanding force it is now. Images of bone thin women weren't plastered on the covers of magazines. In all, there seemed to be a more healthy relationship with the body, and what was needed to take care of it.

Fast forward to today, and vitamins are even available in the supermarket. They seem to fit well into the demands of our modern society too. We certainly need every little bit of help to keep up with what's required of us.

But some good things have come out of the development and acceptance of vitamin supplements. One powerful understanding is the effect that nutrients like vitamins can not only prevent diseases, but they can actually treat some. For example, way back in 1747, people knew that citrus fruits like lemons could help people with scurvy. But it wasn't considered very credible in the mainstream. Although those whose lives depended on it, those individuals on long sea voyages, knew this truth and used it well, even when it wasn't official policy.

Here are 4 more little known facts about vitamins:

* Energy Boosting Vitamin

Niacin, one of the B group vitamins, is great for tiredness, irritability, and digestive problems. This is due to the fact that it improves our ability to absorb nutrients from food. Niacin is found in cheese, peanuts, beef, liver, chicken, eggs, fish, and whole grains.

* Our Intestines Do Double Time As A Vitamin Factory

We actually produce two vitamins in our intestines - biotin and vitamin K. They are made there by the 'good' bacteria that also keep harmful bacteria, yeast, and other microorganisms at bay. When our gut bacterial population is imbalanced, one of the things that is affected is our ability to make these vitamin. That's why probiotics are so important.

Biotin is stored in the skin, and when we're in the sun, it becomes a good source of vitamin D. Vitamin K is important for bone health.

* When A Vitamin Is Not A Vitamin

The supplement group often called Vitamin P are actually not vitamins. These are bioflavanoids, which help keep the capillaries and blood vessels healthy. They prevent vitamin C from oxidizing, and the bioflavanoids actually increase the effectiveness of vitamin C.

Bioflavaoids also help prevent bleeding and bruising, and support the immune system, preventing infection. They are often found in the same places as vitamin C, such as the skin and pith of citrus fruit, grapes, papaya, and cherries. They are also found in peppers, onions, and garlic.

* Magnesium, Heart Health, And Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a condition where people have high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, high levels of fats in their blood,, and low levels of healthy cholesterol. Often it is challenging for people with metabolic syndrome to lose weight, but more seriously, if can develop into diabetes and heart disease.

But scientists found that having a diet high in magnesium lowered the risk of developing metabolic syndrome by as much as 31%. Magnesium can be found in green vegetables, avocados, whole grains. bananas, nuts and milk.

Rebecca Prescott presents more on the history of vitamins: http://www.vitaminstohealth.com/history-of-vitamins.html For up to date vitamin advice, check this site out: http://www.vitaminstohealth.com/history-of-vitamins.html

The Amazing Benefits of Goji Berries

2007-04-14T21:33:00.000-07:00

A native of Asia, the goji berry has been prized for centuries for aiding in general health and well-being.

The highest quality goji berry is Himalayan, but many other varieties, including those grown in Western China, Mongolia and Tibet also have powerful effects.

There are many types of goji berry, and in Tibet alone, there are 40 different varieties. The best goji products use goji berries that have the active ingredients, Polysaccharides, which facilitate the communication between cells. These products have been tested through cellular analysis to ensure that the highest quality goji berries are used.

Imagine a small red berry, about the size of a grape, growing on a vine in the hills of Tibet and Inner Mongolia. A small red berry that harvesters are careful to avoid touching with their bare hands so as not to oxidise the flesh of the fruit. It is just a small red berry containing more amino acids than bee pollen, more protein than whole wheat and more beta-carotene than carrots. A little red berry that will dry to the size of a currant in the shade of the mountains within which it has grown before being exported across the globe to those who have only recently, despite its 2000year plus traditional history, discovered it.

Goji comes in many forms these days, including juice, goji bars, goji cream and goji capsules. An excellent tea can be made from goji leaves and goji flowers are decorative and beautiful.

It is said that the Himalayans were the first natural healers, and that they shared their wisdom with the ancient herbalists of China, Tibet, and India. One of their most prized secrets was the fruit of the native goji vine, which had been flourishing in the Himalayan valleys since the beginning of time.

Those who came there to learn took the goji home with them and planted it in their own valleys, thus spreading the legend of this most marvelous and healthful fruit.

Goji is packed with anti-oxidants, powerful molecules that mop up free radicals before they can damage body cells. In Chinese trials, goji shut down cell aging in as little as six hours after the first dose. The credit goes to goji's poly-saccharides. They boost the body's production of human growth hormone, which helps build toned muscle and repair skin cells.

Experts say sipping of goji juice daily for as little as three weeks, improves your immune system's ability to fend off infections. How? Goji's amino acids and minerals trigger a 300% boost in white blood cell function and double production of infection-fighting proteins. Goji's polysaccharides actually make viruses more visible to the immune cells that are trying to destroy them.

Research has shown that many of the world's longest living people consume regular daily helpings of a tiny red fruit that may just be the world's most powerful food - the goji berry.

It is interesting to have a look at what the plant contains:

1. Contains 19 amino acids -- the building blocks of protein -- including nine that essential to the body.
2. Contains 21 trace minerals.
3. Contains more protein than whole wheat
4. Contains Vitamin C at higher levels than oranges.
5. Contains complete spectrum of antioxidant carotenoids, including beta-carotene (a better source than even carrots) and zeaxanthin (protects the eyes). Goji berries are among the richest source of carotenoids of all known foods.
6. Contains Solavetivone, a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound.
7. Contains essential fatty acids, which are required for the body's production of hormones and the smooth functioning of the brain and nervous system.
8. Contains Beta-Sitosterol, an anti-inflammatory agent.

The fruit is eaten either fresh or dried and can be added to cooking, cereals, trail mixes or smoothies as well as being eaten alone. The flavor of the Goji berry is difficult to describe ? sweet with a slight tartness (similar to a cranberry but sweeter).

Incredibly high in iron, Goji berries are exceptionally nutrient rich. They are especially high in Vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2 and B6, and contain considerably more Vitamin C than an orange. The Goji berry has also been found to contain other complex compounds, such as Betaine (useful for improving liver function and reputed to enhance memory), Solavetivone (a compound containing anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties), and Beta-Sitoserol (an anti-inflammatory agent that may also help in the treatment of hypertension). An average daily serving of a cup of dried Goji berries would also contain 4grams each of dietary fiber and protein.

Wolfberry fruits contain phytochemicals with antioxidant activity and could slow the ageing process. A study showed that wolfberry fruit phytochemicals help to prevent oxidation of DNA and helps to restore damaged DNA.

Studies suggest that wolfberry extracts could inhibit DNA mutation and stop the growth of cancer cells. All studies show that regression of many types of cancer could be obtained with patients, treated with LAK/IL-2 and LBP.

The phytochemical zeaxanthin dipalmitate showed a hepaprotective effect on liver cells treated with carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity.

Wolfberry fruits have traditionally been used in China to improve vision disorders such as cataracts, retinopathy and macular degeneration. Studies have shown that wolfberry reduce dark adapting time and improve vision under subdued light. This action may be attributed to the phytochemicals lutein and zeaxanthin, which neutralizes the free radicals formed by sunlight.

Goji berries grow naturally wild and in profusion in the remote ills and valleys of the Himalayas of Tibet and Inner Mongolia and can be harvested with ease.

For more information on the amazing health benefits of Goji Berry, visit http://www.gojiberryguide.com/GojiJuiceResearch | Learn more about the powerful Himalayan Goji Berries at http://www.gojiberryguide.com/WhyHimalayanGojiBerries

All hail the cancer center

2007-04-14T21:23:00.000-07:00

When I say institutions of disease, I mean it. Look at what they're named -- an institution that's supposed to be treating people with cancer. What's it called? It's called a cancer center, as if it's a center erected to worship cancer. It's a cancer center.

Shouldn't it be called an anti-cancer center? Shouldn't it be called a health or wellness center? Well, no, it's not their focus. Their focus is on cancer. It's called a cancer center, almost as if it's some kind of monument to the disease. I think that all the people whose jobs depend on disease in some way worship the disease. They worship them because those diseases give them job security. The very names of these institutions eliminate any possibility of living in a world free of cancer, because if you have an institution named the Cancer Center, then how in the world can anybody who works there even consider the possibility of curing cancer? Then what would it be? It would be the Empty Cancer Center. It would be the Closed Down Cancer Center.

Shouldn't these institutions really be there to try to help people eliminate cancer? But that's not what all these cancer centers are doing. They are really there to manage these diseases. I say, bring in the alternative healers, and help these people be free of cancer. I can't tell you how many people I've talked to -- clinicians, people trained in herbal medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, or even those trained in Western medicine -- who are doing some advanced research on cancer. They've cured cancer, or more accurately, they've helped patients cure their own cancers, because cancer is a disease that is actually quite easy to beat, especially if it's caught in the early stages.

This is not a difficult disease to eliminate, but in modern medicine they try to make it complicated. They try to talk about the microbiology of what's happening, at the cellular level, what's happening with the angiogenesis factors and the genetic influences. They try to figure out the biochemistry and physics, but they get lost in all the details. They forget about the big picture, which is, "Hey, we want this patient to be free of cancer. What do we have that really works?"

http://www.NewsTarget.com/011701.html

Chinese Tea Cups

2007-04-14T21:22:00.000-07:00

As you all know, the Chinese are so meticulous when it comes tea wares. Perhaps this is due to the fact that tea wares like the Chinese tea cups and tea pots play a very important role in the tea preparation. A tea ceremony would not be successful without the use of tea wares. As many people said, the true essence of a Chinese tea ceremony would not be felt if tea wares are lacking.

One of most necessary item in a typical Chinese tea set is the Chinese tea cup. Well, tea cups come in different designs and forms these days. They even differ according to their uses. In this article, I will mention three of the most well-known and highly purchased Chinese tea cups these days. Note that these tea cups are now available in the market and you can even found them online, particularly at http://EnjoyingTea.com.

Consider the following varieties of a Chinese tea cup:

Filtering Tea Cups

As the name implies, filtering tea cups or mugs are used by tea drinkers to primarily filter the tea. Most of this kind of Chinese tea cup are designed and crafted with internal filters. Here are few samples of filtering tea cups:

Yixing Clay Filtering Mug This tea mug is made in Jiangsu province, an area situated 120 miles northwest of Shanghai China. For centuries, the Yixing wares are known to be the best vessels for tea. They were made in purple clay and are said to absorb the aroma and flavors of the Chinese tea. These Chinese tea cups are also said to have the ability to withstand high temperatures and are slow to conduct heat. Therefore, the handle remains comfortably cool even when enjoying very hot tea. And, to enhance the practical usage, this Chinese tea cup has an internal filter.

Poet Filtering Tea Cup This Chinese tea cup is actually a porcelain mug which is deemed as a perfect companion for enjoying loose tea leaves. It comes with its own lid and an internal porcelain filter, allowing room for tea leaves to expand and provide full infusion of the leaves. Today, this variety of Chinese tea cup depicts a picture of a Tang dynasty poet inspired by outdoor beauty.

Cast Iron Tea Cups

Black Cast Iron Tea Cup This item has long been considered as perfect for enjoying tea. It can serve as a great companion for any cast iron teapots and being a classical teapot, it is made from sturdy iron and has enamel coating on the interior to prevent rusting. It is worth noting that this Chinese tea cup now comes in different color.

Specialty Tea Cups

Small Peony Flower Gaiwan As the name implies, this porcelain Gaiwan has a lovely peony flower design. Gaiwan actually originated from Ming Dynasty and became popular during the Chine Dynasty in China. Accordingly, this Chinese tea cup is large enough to accommodate tea brewing, yet small enough to be held comfortably for drinking.

Four Season Character Tea Cup This is but an exquisite porcelain tea cup. It has four season calligraphy character at all sides, so the name bears it.

Need to flush your system fast? Quick Detox can rid your body of all traces of toxins in as little as two hours! Visit http://www.peeclear.com Active hyperlink must remain with this article.

Acne Treatments & Cosmetic Wearers

2007-04-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

Acne, which is believed to affect approximately 30% of cosmetic wearers, is a discomfort at any age. Whether you are a teenager struggling with oily skin and hormonal changes or an adult who continues to deal with acne on a regular basis, some experts believe that cosmetics may only add to the need for acne treatments. If you think that concealing acne with makeup will be a temporary fix to a temporary problem, think again. In fact, you could even be aggravating or even prolonging your battle with acne.

Acne cosmetica, which is a term used to described a condition resulting from wearing cosmetics that promote clogged pores, is a real problem that many individuals are forced to deal with. The type of cosmetics that are most commonly believed to cause acne include makeup, lotions, creams and certain tanning or sunscreen products. As teens, many begin wearing makeup to conceal their acne when, ironically, they may only be promoting the very condition that they are trying to hide. This is not to say that everyone who wears cosmetics will develop acne cosmetica, but the possibility is there and the potential need for acne products increases.

One of the leading reasons for acne breakouts is clogged pores, which can result from everyday living or from the application of certain cosmetic products. The best way to prevent pores from clogging is to maintain a healthy skin care regimen, which includes regular exfoliation and cleansing. If you wear makeup, always remove it before going to bed at night.

It's very important that you remove all traces of makeup before applying any type of acne products or acne treatments to the skin. In order for acne products to be effective, they must be able to absorb into the skin without interference. One of the best ways to improve your skin's appearance is by washing your face with lukewarm water and rinsing with cold. Many people believe that hot water works better, but the truth is that it may actually irritate the skin. Instead, warm water will be comforting and cold water will close any open pores and help to prevent clogging.

If you enjoy the flawless look that makeup provides, there's no reason to stop wearing it altogether. Instead of giving up your superstar look, simply search for a product that contains natural ingredients and is free of oils. This approach will not only leave you with healthier skin, but will also lessen your likelihood of developing clogged pores. A carefully selected line of cosmetics, combined with the proper skin care and acne products or acne treatments, will help to keep your skin looking just as flawless underneath your makeup as it does on the surface. Afterall, it's what is underneath that counts.

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. If you believe that you have a problem with acne that requires medical attention, consult a physician or dermatologist for a professional evaluation and recommended treatment program.

Brian Dolezal is a contributing editor for TopConsumerReviews.com (http://www.topconsumerreviews.com), a leading provider of independent reviews and rankings for hundreds of consumer products. You can find out how top acne treatments compare by visiting TopConsumerReviews.com today.

Acne Natural Cure Ideas

2007-04-14T21:11:00.000-07:00

Acne Medicine

2007-04-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

Acne is an inflammatory disease of the skin, caused by changes in the pilosebaceous units (skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland). Acne is the most common skin disease in the world today. It's estimated that 90% of adolescents endure it, and that it occurs in up to 25% of all adults. Despite these staggering statistics, getting the right and successful acne medicine remains a mystery to many acne sufferers. With so many acne treatments and acne medicine available today, finding the right one can be a challenge. Take control of your acne today -- there are so much acne medicines out there and there is so much you can do about it. You can try this.

The right acne medicine is available, it is a matter of being educated concerning the problem and choosing the correct approach to choosing the appropriate acne medicine. As with many conditions different people will have varying degrees of success with various medications which is why its important stay informed of your options. Check this option.

When using acne medicine, more is not necessarily better. In fact, it can worsen your acne. Many over-the-counter acne medicine contain active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Too much of either of these can cause your skin to become excessively dry or irritated which in turn may lead to more blemishes. Results are generally seen in a few weeks, but may take up to 8 weeks or more. Use the acne medicine exactly as directed, and if you don't see any improvement talk with your dermatologist. Or you can try this.

All acne medicines are not the same. It is important to know that over-the- counter acne medicine and prescription medications all contain different active ingredients. Each acne medicine is designed to target a specific cause of acne and degree of severity as well as to accommodate a given skin type. Some acne medicines reduce oiliness, others decrease the amount of dead skin cells that are shed and still others attack the bacteria responsible for the breakouts. Some acne medicine combine two or more acne-busting agents to attack multiple causes of acne. Over-the-counter and prescription medications come in various forms that can make a difference in their effectiveness and your comfort. They can be topical (applied to the skin) or systemic (taken orally). Acne medicine and medications can come as creams, lotions, gels, solutions, pads and foam. If you have difficulty finding the right acne medicine for your skin, talk with your dermatologist who can steer you in the right direction. Or get your immediate solution, here.

Article Source: Article Hub

Health article: 3 Old Home Remedies That Can Kill You

2007-04-14T20:59:00.001-07:00

In our modern world, expensive prescription and over-the-counter medicines from large pharmaceutical companies are what most people turn to treat various ailments. In the not-too-distant past, many folks relied on old home remedies and traditional folk medicine when they needed a cure. Although some are still used today, many of these treatments were actually deadly. Here are three home remedies best avoided...

#1: Using Kerosene To Kill Head Lice

Believe it or not, there was a time when some people would use a bit of kerosene on a child's hair to kill headlice. Although it may have succeeded in killing the lice, the dangers far outweighed the results. Kerosene is quickly absorbed through the skin, and of course is both highly flammable and very toxic. Using this old home remedy caused many illnesses and deaths.

These days, a much safer option is using a combination of petroleum jelly and a comb. Hand-picking the lice eggs out and suffocating the lice with the jelly may be time-consuming and messy, but it is safe and effective.

#2: Taking "Azarcon" Or "Greta" For Stomach Troubles

Many older folks, especially in Mexican and Mexican-American communities will know about these two powders that were traditionally given to help treat "empacho", a broad term describing various intestinal and stomach illnesses. The problem is, both of these consist of almost 100% pure lead! Taking any amount of these can and has caused lead poisioning that has harmed and killed many people. You can still find Azarcon and Greta today; be sure to avoid them like the plague.

For mild stomach complaints, ginger tea is a tastier, more effective, and non-lethal alternative.

#3: Putting Butter On Burns

Smearing butter on a fresh burn is a classic example of an old home remedy that should be avoided at all costs. Although it may help the pain at first, the butter will actually contaminate the burn. Furthermore, bacteria will quickly start growing in the butter and allow the burn to quickly become infected.

If you have a minor burn, why not try using some natural aloe vera gel on it. This can be squeezed directly from the houseplant of the same name.

Many of us are taught from a young age to respect the wisdom and advice of our elders. When it comes to treating ailments and injuries though, you might want to get a second opinion before trying out the remedies they remember.

Many home remedies can be safe and effective though. If you want to learn about, request or submit old home remedies that people still use now, come swing by http://www.HomeRemedyGuide.com right now.

Traditional Heart Risk Factors Outdo Biomarkers

2007-04-13T10:10:00.001-07:00

Traditional Heart Risk Factors Outdo Biomarkers

The sophisticated biomarkers for cardiac risk that have enthralled researchers in recent years don't add much diagnostic power to such traditional risk factors as blood cholesterol levels, smoking, blood pressure and obesity, a new study finds.

"Our results indicate that, at least for clinical use, they are not ready for prime time," said study author Dr. Thomas J. Wang, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard University and a member of Massachusetts General Hospital's cardiovascular division. The report is published in the Dec. 21 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Wang and his colleagues followed 3,209 participants in the Framingham Heart Study for a decade, measuring biomarkers that included C-reactive protein, homocysteine, urinary albumin, fibrinogen and natriuretic peptides.

While those measurements did provide indicators of increased risk of cardiovascular disease, "a lot of biomarkers don't seem to add a great deal once you take the standard risk factors into account," Wang said.

But research on those biomarkers should continue, because "there very well could be subgroups of people in which it would be useful to measure biomarkers," Wang said. "We need further data on that question."

Another reason for continuing research is that "there are studies that suggest that treating people to lower these biomarkers improves clinical outcome," he said.

But the bottom line is that "widespread use of biomarkers is not indicated at this time for clinical purposes," Wang said.

"The message in the article is that the cycle of enthusiasm and hope that we have found the holy grail has been shot down," said James H. Ware, dean for academic affairs at the Harvard School of Public Health, who wrote an accompanying commentary.

Researchers have tended to hope that a newly discovered biomarker "might be a great advance in the ability of a doctor to take individual patients and make a diagnosis," Ware said. "But a lot of these things don't have much use as diagnostic tools."

"People will be more cautious as new biomarkers emerge," he added.

But research should continue because "diseases like cardiovascular disease are very complicated, multi-factorial phenomena," Ware said. "There is not one pathway that leads to impairment of the heart, so a description of it is bound to be complicated."

One useful lesson of the study is that "our data provide a useful reminder that traditional risk factors are very important," Wang said. "They set the bar very high in terms of the knowledge they give us. It takes a fair amount to improve on what we already have."

Americans, Chinese Establish International Center

2007-04-13T10:08:00.003-07:00

Americans, Chinese Establish International Center

Western medical professionals, as a whole, have been slow to embrace the practices of traditional Chinese medicine. A new international scientific partnership, however, could now mark a significant step toward greater acceptance of Eastern medical care.

The venture involves researchers at M. D. Anderson and the Cancer Hospital, Fudan University (CHFU) in Shanghai, China. A $263,000 grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) will establish the International Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Cancer, which will investigate the benefits of some traditional Chinese medicine for cancer patients.

During the two-year pilot study, funded by the NCI's Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the center will investigate three aspects of traditional Chinese medicine:

* Herbal and natural treatments that target the disease and cancer- and treatment-related symptoms
* Acupuncture for dealing with some side effects of cancer treatment
* Bio-behavioral effects of qigong and other mind/body-based interventions

Global milestone

This is the first NCI grant to support the development of an international partnership to study the use of traditional Chinese medicine for cancer treatment. The multidisciplinary team includes researchers from both institutions.

The scientists come from the following disciplines:

* Integrative medicine
* Traditional Chinese medicine
* Radiation oncology
* Anesthesiology
* Experimental therapeutics
* Cancer biology
* Surgery
* Palliative care and rehabilitation medicine
* Epidemiology
* Medical oncology
* Behavioral science

As a part of the agreement entered into by M. D. Anderson and CHFU, the institutions will collaborate on a range of clinical, educational and cancer research efforts.

"We recognize that innovation and collaboration are key to success in the fight against cancer," says M. D. Anderson President John Mendelsohn, M.D. "Traditional Chinese medicine has a remarkable history.

By applying Western scientific methodology, we hope this pilot study will help open the doors to important discoveries that will result in better treatment and quality of life for cancer patients worldwide."

In addition to collaborating on a study of traditional Chinese medicine, both institutions plan to work together in areas of translational and population research, as well as in increasing the educational exchange among faculty.

"There is much that cancer experts in China and the United States can learn from each other," says Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D., chief of the section of integrative medicine at M. D. Anderson and principal investigator on the study. "We hope open communication and a free exchange of scientific ideas will allow Western practitioners to learn about concepts of traditional medicine and expose Chinese practitioners to our approach to clinical research."

Broadening horizons

Interest in complementary and alternative therapies in the United States has increased dramatically in recent years. Mental exercises like relaxation and meditation, physical activities such as yoga and dance, or the use of herbal supplements and vitamins are more accepted today for maintaining good health. Before beginning any new regimen, cancer patients need to know how these therapies interact with or complement treatment prescribed by their doctors.

Dr. Lorenzo Cohen"Many patients begin some form of complementary therapy without the consent or knowledge of their doctors," Cohen says, "but it's important that a therapy complement, not impede, other treatments that their doctors prescribe. With more research and better information about these therapies, physicians and patients can evaluate these options thoroughly and know with more certainty which options are appropriate for their care."

In traditional Chinese medicine, practitioners attempt to maintain health by restoring the balance and flow of energy in the body - addressing symptoms as they relate to an imbalance of energy instead of treating a particular disease or medical condition. It is a practice dating back more than 5,000 years. However, many of these therapies have not been clinically tested using Western methods of clinical research.

At the same time, some important chemotherapy agents used in conventional Western medicine have been derived from products used in traditional Chinese medicine. More work needs to be done to investigate and document these agents before researchers can understand the role they may play in fighting and treating cancer.

"We hope to plant a seed that will expand our collaboration on evidence-based research of complementary therapies to treat cancer and cancer-related symptoms," Cohen says.

Traditional sinus surgery for sinusitis

2007-04-13T10:08:00.001-07:00

Traditional sinus surgery for sinusitis

In traditional sinus surgery, an opening is made into the sinus. The opening may be made from inside the mouth or through the skin of the face. See an illustration of the locations of the facial (paranasal) sinuses.

* There are a number of possible approaches depending on the location of the infected sinus and what the doctor prefers.
* Working through the incision, the doctor can remove tissue that is blocking the sinus and preventing drainage.
* More extensive procedures may involve removing the sinus or leaving a temporary opening to help drain the infection. Removal of the sinus is usually considered only when the infection has spread into the eye socket or brain cavity.

Most of these procedures require admission to a hospital.
What To Expect After Surgery

Recovery from surgery may involve:

* Packing the nose with gauze to absorb blood and other drainage. The packing may be changed several times a day or left in place for a few days.
* Using saltwater nasal washes (saline lavage or irrigation) to keep the sinuses moist.
* Avoiding activities such as blowing the nose, strenuous exercise, and bending forward for a few days.
* Using a humidifier to keep room air moist, especially in the bedroom.

Why It Is Done

Traditional sinus surgery may be done if:

* Medications have failed to cure chronic sinusitis.
* Endoscopic surgery is unsuccessful. For more information, see Endoscopic surgery for sinusitis.
* There are complications related to sinusitis.

How Well It Works

Traditional surgery is an effective method of treating chronic sinusitis or sinusitis that has caused complications.
Risks

Serious risks include:

* Heavy bleeding.
* Leakage of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
* Inflammation of the membrane that covers the brain (meningitis).
* Blindness.
* Death.

What To Think About

Endoscopic sinus surgery is now preferred over traditional sinus surgery. It is less invasive, less expensive, and has a lower rate of complications. 1, 2 For more information, see Endoscopic surgery for sinusitis.

Surgical treatment of sinusitis should be considered only when more conservative approaches, such as home treatment and medications, have failed.

What is complementary medicine?

2007-04-13T10:07:00.001-07:00

What is complementary medicine?

Complementary medicine, or complementary therapy, is generally used to maintain or improve wellness and treat health problems. It is any health approach that is not a part of your medical doctor's conventional practice and standard clinical care. Therefore, what may be considered complementary or alternative in one culture may be considered conventional or standard in another. For example:

* Acupuncture is standard in China but is unconventional in the United States.
* Hypnosis is a standard part of psychiatry and psychology, but it may be considered alternative when used in the treatment of cancer.

Is research being done on complementary medicine?

Many complementary therapies have not yet been scientifically studied for safety or effectiveness. Traditional research techniques may not be effective or appropriate for studying certain complementary therapies, such as prayer or music therapy, whose very nature makes them difficult to evaluate.

In the U.S., the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine was formed within the National Institutes of Health to test the safety and effectiveness of complementary medical treatments. The center will develop guidelines to help you choose safe and appropriate complementary therapies.
What are the risks of complementary medicine?

The greatest risk of using complementary medicine is that you will not seek diagnosis or treatment from a practitioner of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine should enhance, or "complement," treatment from your medical doctor. Avoiding conventional treatment can mean missing important, even lifesaving, diagnosis and treatment.

There is also the potential for dangerous interactions between complementary medicine and conventional medicine. It is important that you consult your primary doctor about any complementary therapy you are considering. The FDA regulates many complementary medicines as "dietary supplements," but the potency of products may vary greatly between manufacturers.

Since there is generally less regulation of complementary medicine, you may risk becoming a victim of health fraud or quackery. Be wary of practitioners who require large payments up-front, promise quick and miraculous results, and warn you not to trust your doctor.
What are the benefits of complementary medicine?

One benefit of complementary medicine is in the holistic approach of many of its practitioners. Many of them take an hour or more to ask you questions about your lifestyle, habits, and background in order to get a better idea of your overall health. Most complementary medicine practitioners and many medical doctors use this "whole person" approach, which makes many people feel better about their practitioners, their treatments, and their conditions.

In some cases complementary therapies work as well as conventional therapies. For example, recent research shows St. John's wort can treat mild to moderate depression but also moderate to severe depression as effectively as a commonly prescribed antidepressant medication while causing fewer side effects. 1

A person who seeks complementary medicine often feels a sense of empowerment from being more involved in maintaining his or her own health. And since most complementary medicine emphasizes the connection between mind and body, many people who use it feel better because they are working toward overall wellness instead of just relief from a specific condition.

What is naturopathic medicine?

2007-04-13T10:06:00.001-07:00

What is naturopathic medicine?

Naturopathic medicine (or naturopathy) is based on the belief that the body can heal itself naturally. Naturopathic medicine attempts to improve health, prevent disease, and treat illness by promoting the use of organic foods and exercise; encouraging a healthy, balanced lifestyle; and applying concepts from other areas of complementary medicine (such as ayurveda, homeopathy, and herbal therapies).

Naturopathy was developed in the late 1800s in the United States. Today, a licensed naturopathic doctor (ND) attends a 4-year, graduate-level naturopathic medical school and studies the same basic sciences as a medical doctor (MD). However, the ND also studies alternative approaches to therapy, such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and bodywork.

Most traditional naturopathic physicians (naturopaths) believe in natural therapies, such as nutritional and lifestyle counseling. They generally avoid prescribing medicines or performing surgery. However, some naturopaths prescribe herbal medicines, homeopathic dilutions, nutritional supplements, or perform minor surgeries. The disagreement over specific practice guidelines and licensing requirements in different states has led to some public confusion about the role of the naturopath.
What is naturopathy used for?

People use naturopathic medicine for promoting good health, preventing disease, and treating illness. Most naturopaths can treat earaches, allergies, and other common medical problems. Naturopathic medicine tries to find the underlying cause of the condition rather than focusing solely on treating symptoms. A properly trained naturopathic physician works with other health professionals, referring people to other practitioners for diagnosis or treatment when appropriate.
Is naturopathy safe?

Two of the biggest concerns about naturopathic medicine are the use of dietary fasting and a bias against immunization (vaccinations).

* Talk with your medical doctor before fasting (not eating or drinking, or consuming only liquids for a period of time). Fasting can be dangerous, especially if you have a disease such as diabetes.
* Some naturopaths do not believe that immunization is necessary. Before immunizations became available, childhood illnesses caused large numbers of deaths and long-term health problems and provided survivors with natural immunity. The benefits of immunization greatly outweigh the risks. 1

Always tell your doctor if you are using an alternative therapy or if you are thinking about combining an alternative therapy with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on an alternative therapy.

Naturopathy licensing varies from state to state. Not all states require naturopaths to be licensed. Also, not all naturopathic educational programs are the same. Some schools grant degrees that are not accepted by state licensing boards. In the United States, the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) is the only agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit naturopathic programs and colleges.

Before you choose a naturopath, find out whether the person graduated from an accredited college. Also check to see whether your state has licensing laws that govern the practice of NDs. If your state licenses NDs, ask your prospective ND whether he or she is licensed.

Herbal gardens for 10 Colombo schools

2007-04-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

The School Herbal Garden Development Project organised by the Public Health Department of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) will hold its inaugural tree planting ceremony on April 3 at Kotahena Central College, CMC sources said.

The CMC’s Public Health Department in association with the Indigenous Medicine Department of the CMC and Hettigoda Group plan to introduce herbal gardens at 10 selected schools in the CMC area for the initial stage of this project.

Chief Medical Officer of the Public Health Department of the CMC Dr.Pradeep Kariyawasam said by introducing herbs a healthy environment can be created.

The students could be taught how to get a nutritious diet at a very low cost like “mallung” and herbal porridge, he added.

National Herbal Medicine Group Launches Legacy Campaign

2007-04-06T08:29:00.000-07:00

The American Botanical Council (ABC), North America’s leading nonprofit research and education organization on herbs and medicinal plants, announced the national launch today of a new initiative called “Creating an Herbal Legacy” (Legacy) designed to ensure that herbal medicine continues to play an increasingly important role in both self-care and healthcare. The formal debut will occur on March 8, 2007 during the American Botanical Celebration at the close of the Nutracon conference and the beginning of the Natural Products Expo West convention in Anaheim, California.

Key volunteer leadership involved from across the natural products community will help ABC launch the campaign at a gathering of more than 250 academic researchers and industry leaders at its annual celebration.

The Legacy campaign will provide long-term financial support in three key areas. Individuals, companies, foundations and organizations will select the area(s) of most interest by designating donations to the following funds:

ABC Endowment Fund – Establishing long-term stability of the organization and ensuring its continued international impact.
ABC Scholarship Fund – Providing support to students and others participating in ABC’s onsite pharmacy and dietitian internships and ethnobotanical eco-tours.
ABC Green Development and Beautification Fund – Improving physical facilities and gardens at the ABC headquarters, including rainwater harvesting, solar electric generation, herbal medicine gardens, and more.

At the Celebration, ABC Board of Trustee Morris (“Mo”) Shriftman, Senior Vice-President of Marketing for Avalon Natural Products, a natural body/skin care company, ABC Trustee Neil Blomquist, formerly the President & CEO of Spectrum Naturals, an organic food and supplement oil company, and Loren Israelsen, president of the LDI Group, and the Executive Director of the United Natural Product Alliance, a trade association, all will help ABC launch the Legacy campaign to fellow leaders in the natural product community.

“Creating an Herbal Legacy is ABC’s effort to ensure a solid future for herbs and herbal medicine” said Mark Blumenthal, ABC Founder and Executive Director. “We anticipate great support for this initiative and are grateful to our many friends and supporters in academia, the health professions and industry who will be helping us initiate the campaign.”

ABC’s Wayne Silverman, PhD asks that people view this effort as a new way of supporting the entire herbal medicine community. “We appreciate and need annual support. However, the Legacy funds represent a new way to make financial support count in very specific and tangible ways. Supporters have wanted more control over how their funds are used, which is why we are so enthusiastic about the Legacy campaign.”

Gillian Christie of Christie Communications understands how vital the Legacy campaign is and has thus offered to help ABC launch the campaign. She explains, “There is a great interest in making natural products more accessible to mainstream healthcare and beauty care. The Creating an Herbal Legacy campaign is a great step forward in helping to raise awareness of natural health and wellness. I am particularly gratified to see one of the choices, the ABC Green Development and Beautification Fund,” said Christie. “I applaud ABC for creating choices in donor support and for offering one that helps to improve environmental awareness and conditions.”

For further information about the Creating an Herbal Legacy Campaign or any of the nonprofit educational work of the American Botanical Council, please contact the Development Office development@herbalgram.org.

About the American Botanical Council

Founded in 1988 the American Botanical Council is the leading nonprofit organization in the United States addressing research and educational issues regarding herbs and medicinal plants. ABC’s members include academic researchers and educators, universities and libraries, health professionals and medical institutions, botanical gardens and arboreta, government agencies, members of the herb, dietary supplement, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, journalists, consumers, and other interested parties from over 70 countries. The organization occupies a historic 2.5-acre site in Austin, Texas where it publishes HerbalGram, a peer-reviewed journal on herbal medicine, a monthly e-newsletter, reference books and other educational materials. ABC has published three reference books, including one that is also a continuing education course for healthcare professionals, The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs, containing extensive monographs on the safety and efficacy of 29 popular herbs. Information: Contact ABC at P.O. Box 144345, Austin, TX 78714-4345, Phone: 512-926-4900. Website: www.herbalgram.org.

Life-threatening Effects From Mixing Supplements, Herbs, Over-the-counter Medications And Prescription Drugs

2007-04-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

People are mixing supplements, herbs and over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs to cure themselves of ills, unaware that they could be making themselves sicker, says George Grossberg, M.D., director of the division of geriatric psychiatry at Saint Louis University.

Dr. Grossberg is about to change all that. He is the co-author of a new book, "The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide," which is a comprehensive listing of what various herbs and supplements do, possible side effects and how they might interact with other medications and foods.

"People think if it doesn't require a prescription, it's got to be safe, and that's not true. There could be life-threatening effects."

Dr. Grossberg first became interested in the topic after a routine six-month visit with a patient he had successfully treated for depression. He had been seeing the patient for four or five years, and asked if the man was dealing with any new health problems.

The patient mentioned that he was scheduled to go in for cystoscopy in a couple weeks because there had been blood in his urine. The procedure involves inserting the pencil-thin tip of a probe through the urethra, up to the bladder to detect the cause of the problem.

The patient had undergone thousands of dollars of MRIs and CAT scans of his lower abdomen and pelvis, which had not revealed the reason for the bleeding, and the test was the next diagnostic step.

Dr. Grossberg asked if the patient had changed anything - perhaps had started taking a new medication.

No new medicine. Then the patient's wife pulled from her purse a vial containing a supplement she had purchased from the health food store to enhance memory. Both husband and wife had started taking the herbal memory enhancer, which largely contained ginkgo biloba

"One of the side effects of ginkgo biloba is an increased risk of bleeding. He had no awareness of this. I told him to stop taking the herb and get rechecked before having cystoscopy. The bleeding stopped, and he didn't need the test."

Dr. Grossberg ticks off other common herbs that people take without realizing their side effects or how they might interact with medications.

St. John's wort sometimes is taken for anxiety and depression. Those who also are taking antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, such as Prozac, Zoloft or Paxil, should beware. Mixing St. John's wort with these medicines can cause serotonin syndrome -- with symptoms that may include agitation, rapid heart beat, flushing and heavy sweating -- that may be fatal.

Dong quai, which some women take for menstrual disorders and to ease symptoms of menopause, has been linked to cardiovascular problems, such as irregular heart rhythm and low blood pressure. If a patient takes the herb along with an antihypertensive drug, her blood pressure could plummet, putting her at risk of stroke.

Some people take echinacea, which enhances the immune system, for the common cold. However, those who also take Lipitor, Celebrex and Aleve face an increased risk of liver damage. Echinacea also can be harmful for those who have multiple sclerosis, diabetes, HIV infections or allergies.

Dr. Grossberg and his co-author Barry Fox make it clear that they're not anti-herb or anti-medicine.

"There just are a lot of things people can take that have a lot of bad interactions. And on some level it makes sense for them to think that what they're doing is safe. They associate natural remedies with nature and think if the supplement wasn't safe, they couldn't pick it up without a prescription.

"Hopefully this will get them to think more about it so they look before they leap. People can look up what they're thinking of taking and see if there's efficacy. And they should always talk to their doctor about everything they're taking."

Many doctors don't know much about herbal remedies, which have been used as medications for thousands of years.

"When I trained, there was nothing like this in our medical education," says Dr. Grossberg, who graduated from medical school in 1975. "The younger doctors are more likely to know this than older doctors."

Elderly people, he says, use herbal remedies and don't always tell their doctors and pharmacists. They should.

"A lot of our older patients are buying herbals and botanicals. In addition, while those over 65 represent about 14 percent of the population, they consumer 40 percent of over-the-counter medications," he says.

The book, published by Broadway Books, a subsidiary of Random House, is being released in mid-April.

The traditional roots of modern medicine

2007-04-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

The African’s practice of medicine is a mixture of the traditional and the western. This stems from our understanding of illness: as the effect of both physical and metaphysical causes.

Western medicine cures only those ‘physical’ ailments for which it has managed to find cures. We have a lot more ‘physical’ ailments against which Western medicine is quite simply impotent, so far. The psychotherapeutic care of traditional African healing has been praised by many Western doctors. And the tradition is so deeply embedded in our culture that even the educated elites resort to them. Our dual understanding of disease as the effect of both physcial and metaphysical forces means that our prescriptions usually involve the use of, herbs, animal substances, prayers and incantations. This holistic and comprehensive approach to medical care also defines the Eastern tradition - both Taoism and Hinduism share this metaphysical view of man.

However, this dual approach to medical care should not be confused with the magical invocations of the visionary or the cult-healer. It is more accurate to see it as a recognition, imaginatively grasped, of what Western medicine today calls the ‘psychosomatic” nature of many diseases-- ie, the aggravation of physical illness by mental conflict or stress. so, What better medical approach to have than a comprehensive one? Through trial and error, especially in herbal medication, we’ve come to crystalise what works and what does not.

We often forget that the pharmaceutical industry ‘has its roots in the ancient art of botanising’, and blockbuster synthetic drugs, like aspirin and heroin, were minor modifications of molecules extracted from, respectively, willow bark and poppy seed-pods.’ The superiority of western medicine is not borne out by the evidence: according to the WHO, out of a 119 plant-derived pharmaceutical medicines, 74% of them are used “in modern medicine in ways that correlate directly with their traditional uses by native cultures”. The chinese, for example, have been using the herb, ephedra, to cure asthma for over 2000 years, in the same way that today’s commercial pharmaceutical companies are doing. In fact we can claim the superiority of herbal medication, given the speedy toxicity of synthesised drugs, even in small doses.

Even Western society subsisted on herbal medication for centuries before the discovery and synthesis of anti-biotics. Nicholas Culperer’s, The English Physician, was a valued herbal pharmacopeia, which is still widely consulted today. 80% of the world’s population use herbal medicine. Are they all wrong? There are about 750,000 plants, and very few of them have been studied by Western science. There must be many cultures in the world with knowledge of certain plants which western science does not have. These western scientist must return to the classroom and learn from the oldest primary care system in the world.