Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Acupuncture for Dental Procedure Stress Relief
A quick check of the web before going to bed revealed an interesting story put out by abc. It appears that a small study was done in England that shows that patients that suffer from anxiety when going to the dentist were able to obtain some help with their anxiety through acupuncture. The interesting thing to me is the thought that people have anxiety for a variety of reasons. It stands to reason that if acupuncture is helpful with dentist phobia and stress, it would be affective in helping people to deal with any number causes of stress and anxiety, all without the use of any medication, which as you know, can have any number of known and unknown side effects. Click here to take a look at the short story through abc. Good night!
Natural Allergy Relief
Allergy Season! AAAACHOOO!
Is it me, or has anyone else noticed how prevalent allergy symptoms and sufferers have become? When I was a kid, perhaps I was less aware, but it didn't seem like so many people were sufferers.
I know that this next statement might surprise many of you... and others it might simply offend, but I have to tell you. If I don't, I will feel like I have cheated you. Please don't but mad at me, especially my medical doctor friends.... but the truth is... the traditional medical treatments for symptoms related to allergies are not good for you! They do not promote health and wellness! They treat symptoms, and in the process, they can cause you harm!
Consider Claritin, for example. This Link will take you to a site that talks about the adverse affects of Claritin. Yes, this medication can help to decrease your symptoms, for a period of time, but at what cost?
What about some of those inhalers? Consider this article by Dr. Louise Chang, MD.
Scary, Isn't it?
So, what are allergy sufferers to do?
First of all, change your environment. You can do this by using good filters in your air conditioning and heating system, and changing them at least monthly. Not only will this improve you air quality, but it will increase the life of your air conditioner!
Now, this next suggestion is controversial... I know that pets are like family, but...
Consider moving your dogs, cats, and other pets out-of-doors... or if your symptoms are bad enough, find them another home (GASP!)
Clean your carpets, rugs, and furniture regularly. Make sure to change your linens on your bed weekly.
There are some indications that respiratory allergies are related to our modern western diets. I know, changing this can be harder than getting rid of the pets, but consider a Vegan or Vegetarian diet. Vegans and Vegetarians suffer from fewer air borne allergy symptoms.
Here is a list of foods that cause inflammatory responses and more allergy symptoms. They should be avoided:
1) Chocolate
2) Dairy Products
3) Sugars
4) Gluten containing foods
5) Foods with Dyes, Colorants, Sulfites, and Benzoate
This next list is a group of foods that supplements that you should increase:
1) Omega-3 fatty acids, such as in fish and flax seed
2) Onions
3) Garlic
4) Ginger
5) Honey, especially honey harvested locally.
6) Fresh vegetables and Fruits
Add in these herbs:
1) Rosemary
2) Turmeric
3) Boswellia
Now, consider taking these suppliments. They help because of their anti-oxidant properties:
1) Vitamin C
2) Vitamin E
3) Selenium
4) Carotenoids
5) Bioflavenoids
You might also consider taking an enzyme supplement to further reduce your bodies tendency towards inflammation. Enzymes from Papaya and Pineapple fruits are a good choice. These can be obtained through eating the fruits (whole, natural, fresh), or through supplementation.
In my office, I have found several things to be helpful. Chiropractic adjustments of the neck region will help to improve drainage from the sinuses. Adjustments of the mid back area help to increase lung capacity in the asthmatic. Acupuncture and acupressure can also help to reduce the symptoms of asthma and sinus inflammation.
Many patients have responded to homeopathics in helping to reduce their allergic responses to naturally occurring allergens. Phenolic therapy has helped me personally, and is administered simply through drops placed under the tongue. Contact me if you are interested.
Yes, it is allergy season, but if you are proactive, careful, and educated, you can significantly limit your suffering. Take some simple steps, and implement them one at a time. Soon you will find that your dependency on medications have decreased, and so have your allergy symptoms!
Is it me, or has anyone else noticed how prevalent allergy symptoms and sufferers have become? When I was a kid, perhaps I was less aware, but it didn't seem like so many people were sufferers.
I know that this next statement might surprise many of you... and others it might simply offend, but I have to tell you. If I don't, I will feel like I have cheated you. Please don't but mad at me, especially my medical doctor friends.... but the truth is... the traditional medical treatments for symptoms related to allergies are not good for you! They do not promote health and wellness! They treat symptoms, and in the process, they can cause you harm!
Consider Claritin, for example. This Link will take you to a site that talks about the adverse affects of Claritin. Yes, this medication can help to decrease your symptoms, for a period of time, but at what cost?
What about some of those inhalers? Consider this article by Dr. Louise Chang, MD.
Scary, Isn't it?
So, what are allergy sufferers to do?
First of all, change your environment. You can do this by using good filters in your air conditioning and heating system, and changing them at least monthly. Not only will this improve you air quality, but it will increase the life of your air conditioner!
Now, this next suggestion is controversial... I know that pets are like family, but...
Consider moving your dogs, cats, and other pets out-of-doors... or if your symptoms are bad enough, find them another home (GASP!)
Clean your carpets, rugs, and furniture regularly. Make sure to change your linens on your bed weekly.
There are some indications that respiratory allergies are related to our modern western diets. I know, changing this can be harder than getting rid of the pets, but consider a Vegan or Vegetarian diet. Vegans and Vegetarians suffer from fewer air borne allergy symptoms.
Here is a list of foods that cause inflammatory responses and more allergy symptoms. They should be avoided:
1) Chocolate
2) Dairy Products
3) Sugars
4) Gluten containing foods
5) Foods with Dyes, Colorants, Sulfites, and Benzoate
This next list is a group of foods that supplements that you should increase:
1) Omega-3 fatty acids, such as in fish and flax seed
2) Onions
3) Garlic
4) Ginger
5) Honey, especially honey harvested locally.
6) Fresh vegetables and Fruits
Add in these herbs:
1) Rosemary
2) Turmeric
3) Boswellia
Now, consider taking these suppliments. They help because of their anti-oxidant properties:
1) Vitamin C
2) Vitamin E
3) Selenium
4) Carotenoids
5) Bioflavenoids
You might also consider taking an enzyme supplement to further reduce your bodies tendency towards inflammation. Enzymes from Papaya and Pineapple fruits are a good choice. These can be obtained through eating the fruits (whole, natural, fresh), or through supplementation.
In my office, I have found several things to be helpful. Chiropractic adjustments of the neck region will help to improve drainage from the sinuses. Adjustments of the mid back area help to increase lung capacity in the asthmatic. Acupuncture and acupressure can also help to reduce the symptoms of asthma and sinus inflammation.
Many patients have responded to homeopathics in helping to reduce their allergic responses to naturally occurring allergens. Phenolic therapy has helped me personally, and is administered simply through drops placed under the tongue. Contact me if you are interested.
Yes, it is allergy season, but if you are proactive, careful, and educated, you can significantly limit your suffering. Take some simple steps, and implement them one at a time. Soon you will find that your dependency on medications have decreased, and so have your allergy symptoms!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Acupuncture for Eczema
I came across a recent article in Acupuncture Today that touts the benefits of using acupuncture to treat a skin condition known as Eczema. The article quotes a study performed by researchers at the Technical University of Munich, in Germany. The outcomes are promising. Patients were treated with the points Quchi(LI11) and Xuechai (SP10). It appears that if the correct points are used for treatment of itching skin, patients can have significant relief!
The most common medical treatment for Eczema includes Corticosteroids, which have horrible negative effects that include eye issues, intestinal problems, additional skin problems, loss of bone minerals or bone weakening, etc.
It makes sense to me that the alternative acupuncture and nutritional method for treating of Eczema should be tried before the traditional medical approach of steroids! Think of it... relief without side effects!
Chinese acupuncture has been around for thousands of years. Billions of Chinese can't all be wrong! We may not completely understand the mechanisms of acupuncture treatments and their benefits, but we can still open our minds to the potential benefits.
Are you tired of itching? Give acupuncture a try!
The most common medical treatment for Eczema includes Corticosteroids, which have horrible negative effects that include eye issues, intestinal problems, additional skin problems, loss of bone minerals or bone weakening, etc.
It makes sense to me that the alternative acupuncture and nutritional method for treating of Eczema should be tried before the traditional medical approach of steroids! Think of it... relief without side effects!
Chinese acupuncture has been around for thousands of years. Billions of Chinese can't all be wrong! We may not completely understand the mechanisms of acupuncture treatments and their benefits, but we can still open our minds to the potential benefits.
Are you tired of itching? Give acupuncture a try!
Alzheimer's Disease and Ginko Biloba
Lets talk about something truly horrible... Senile dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. These conditions attack the aging population, and due to the fact that we as a nation are getting older, the incidence of these conditions is going to increase. There are few options for those that suffer from these conditions and their family members, who often struggle with the mental and emotional loss of a loved one.
Ginko Biloba has been used as an herbal remedy for thousands of years, and has been touted as a remedy for those that suffer from Alzheimer's disease. Even the Mayo Clinic has expressed that they have used Ginko Biloba with their patients, often with promising results. The idea is that the herb helps to improve circulation through the small blood vessels of the brain, thus bringing in more oxygen and improving memory and thought processes. According to an article recently published in Dynamic Chiropractic (CLICK HERE to go to the article), a recent study is calling into question the efficacy of using Ginko Biloba in the treatment of Alzheimer's.
My thought is this: Studies come and go, often with different results that contradict each other. Considering the potential benefits of Ginko Biloba with minimal or no side affects, it makes sense that if you are taking this herb, and it appears to help you... KEEP TAKING IT! What do you or your loved one have to loose by trying it? On the other hand, be cautious of anyone that is offering miracle cures. They just don't exist yet.
Ginko Biloba has been used as an herbal remedy for thousands of years, and has been touted as a remedy for those that suffer from Alzheimer's disease. Even the Mayo Clinic has expressed that they have used Ginko Biloba with their patients, often with promising results. The idea is that the herb helps to improve circulation through the small blood vessels of the brain, thus bringing in more oxygen and improving memory and thought processes. According to an article recently published in Dynamic Chiropractic (CLICK HERE to go to the article), a recent study is calling into question the efficacy of using Ginko Biloba in the treatment of Alzheimer's.
My thought is this: Studies come and go, often with different results that contradict each other. Considering the potential benefits of Ginko Biloba with minimal or no side affects, it makes sense that if you are taking this herb, and it appears to help you... KEEP TAKING IT! What do you or your loved one have to loose by trying it? On the other hand, be cautious of anyone that is offering miracle cures. They just don't exist yet.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
80% Chance of Back Pain
Did you know that you have an 80% chance of suffering from significant back pain? Talk about job security! All kidding aside though, there are a few simple things that you can do to decrease the odds of you being one of the unlucky majority! Click the button to the left and it will take you to a page on my website where you can learn to do some simple exercises that will greatly diminish the chances of you suffering from a potentially disabling back injury! You get up every morning and brush your teeth, right? Think about doing some simple stretching and strengthening exercises as a way of maintaining your back health. It only takes a few minutes!
Childhood Immunizations
There is a lot of controversy regarding immunizations and children. Many patients ask me what my thoughts are. Personally, I have taken a middle of the road attitude. I am not against immunizations, but I am against people making the choice to immunize without studying the issue some and making an educated decision. Click here to go to my website where you can find helpful hints regarding raising your children either with or without immunizations. I personally have chosen to immunize my children later in life, and with some, I have eliminated the pertussis vaccine. I have also chosen not to immunize my children against chicken pox. What are your thoughts?
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