Dr. Phil Hariram's Health Blog

What is acupuncture? It is a form of holistic healthcare that is used to prevent and treat certain diseases as well as relieve pain and anesthetize patients for surgery. Research shows that this began in China and has been practiced for more than 5,000 years.

The earliest account of this is found in the book called Nei Jing which in English means the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine. The contents of this book date somewhere around 200 BC. Back then, they did not use metal needles and instead used those made out of stone, moxibustion and herbs to treat a patient.

Acupuncture prevents and treats diseases by inserting very fine needles into the skin specifically at the anatomic points of the body.

The principle behind this concept is that illnesses occur because there is an imbalance in your life force otherwise known as Qi. It is believed that this flows in 14 channels in the human body known as meridians which branch out to bodily organs and functions. If there is a blockage or obstruction in any of them, this is when you succumb to a disease or an illness.

The imbalance in the Qi may go one way or the other because of Yin and Yang. The person can only be normal if there is harmony between the two which is what acupuncture is trying to achieve. This can only be restored by stimulating these acupuncture points so your Qi can be adjusted, balanced and harmonized.

Apart from using needles, practitioners also use friction, heat, impulses of electromagnetic energy and pressure to stimulate these points in order to balance the movement of energy in the body to reduce one’s health.

An example of this is sonopuncture where an ultrasound device that transmits sound waves is applied to these points in the body. Some use a tuning fork and other vibration devices.

Acupressure is another example and here, the fingers are used to relive the pain. This can be used by itself or with other manual healing techniques. 

Impulses of electromagnetic energy are used because our bodies generate tiny but electrical discharges which influence the function, growth and maturity of certain types of cells. By inserting the needles in these areas, it stimulates and alters the neurotransmitters in the body thus making the patient feel better after treatment. This is also sometimes used for diagnosis and testing.

According to the World Health Organization or WHO, here is a list of some illnesses where acupuncture is used. These include acute bronchitis, the common cold, cataract, toothaches, gingivitis, hiccups, ulcers, constipation, diarrhea, headache and migraine, Meniere’s disease, osteoarthritis and a lot more. In the US, acupuncture is often used to treat chronic pain conditions and mind body disorders. 

But acupuncture is not risk free. Hematoma may develop if the needle punctures a circulatory structure. It is also possible that pneumothorax may occur if the needle is inserted too deep. There is also the risk of HIV and hepatitis if the needle was not properly sterilized.

Now that you know what acupuncture is, you must not forget that it is merely an alternative and not a proper form of medical treatment. This means you should still be examined by a professional in the medical field who can determine the severity of your illness or disease.

Our skin needs moisture to remain smooth and supple, however, retaining moisture is not always easy. Dry skin, also called xerosis, is a very common problem although it is not usually a serious issue.

Factors which contribute to dry and cracked skin include:

• Inherited factors.

• Metabolic factors such as an underactive thyroid gland, or excessive weight loss

• Increasing age, resulting in decreased natural lubrication.

• Cool weather, especially when windy.

• Air conditioning.

• Excessive bathing, showering, swimming, especially so in strongly chlorinated hot or cold water.

• Contact with soap, detergents and solvents.

• Frictional irritation and chapping.

Chronic or severe dry skin problems do exist and may require a dermatologist’s advice; however, for mild cases of xerosis there are steps that can be taken to improve the skin’s condition. Locate The fact that we may have oily facial skin does not mean that the rest of us is as lucky.

Dry skin is most common on the (lower) legs, arms, flanks (sides of the abdomen) and thighs. Locate these dry areas and plan to remedy their condition. Showering and bathing Hot water dries out the skin, so try to use lukewarm water when showering and bathing. It is also a good idea to limit the time you spend in the shower to an absolute minimum. Bathing provides the skin with moisture temporarily, but it removes the skin’s oily lipid layer and in the end causes more moisture loss than gain.

Avoid rubbing the skin too harshly with sponges or washcloths and when towelling, do not rub the skin. Instead, blot or pat dry so there is still some moisture left on the surface. Next, apply a moisturizer. Products Steer clear of harsh soaps that dry the skin.

Recommended soaps are Dove, Olay and Basis. Even better than soap are skin cleanser lotions such as Cetaphil Lotion or Oilatum. When moisturising, water-based lotions are best, however oil-based creams are more effective in trapping moisture. If you have very dry skin, apply oil to the still moist skin, then apply a moisturizing cream at bedtime.

Dry skin can sometimes feel and look patchy – if you have pigmentation issues, at sites like Skin Lightening Advice you’ll find the best skin whitening articles, guidance and information.

Protect all areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, hands and back of the neck should have a moisturiser containing sun block or a sunscreen of SPF 30 applied daily.

Laundry For laundry, try using non-biological washing powder or liquid and avoid using fabric softeners, especially in the dryer. Keep irritating fabrics away from your skin. Do not wear clothing made of wool or other ‘scratchy’ fabrics and use good quality cotton percale sheets on your bed. If you feel itchy without a visible rash – or if dryness and itching are preventing you from sleeping -you should consult your physician. Also, if you have any open cuts or sores from scratching – or if your home care measures do not relieve your dryness and itching, you should definitively seek medical advice.

The condition of alcohol addiction impacts huge numbers of people throughout the world and will employ a devastating result not just to the alcoholic but additionally on the families close to them just like family who care for him or her.

When you or somebody think that there might be a problem as a consequence of alcohol consumption, this guide will help you to recognize a number of the serious warning signs of alcohol dependency.

An important sign of alcoholism will be the rate of recurrence of alcoholic beverages consumption for instance having on a daily basis with all the lack of ability to have over the time without having a drink.

The alcoholic furthermore is unable to handle the amount of drink that they drank and stay to consume even when in a dangerously drunk state often to the point of blacking out.

One more sign of alcohol addiction is when a person attempts to maintain his or her dependency secret by means of disappearing their empty beer and liquor pots or consuming when alone to hide from family as well as good friends discovering simply how much or frequently they’re drinking.

Another danger signal is when someone doesn’t recall certain talks or essential activities they may did including building responsibilities to other people and not remembering they have created all of them.

Alcoholic dependency additionally causes withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting, rumbling, and also perspiring if the alcoholic has gone even a single small period of time without a drink causing them to become irritable and likely to great lengths just to obtain a sip if alcohol isn’t readily available to them.

People who regularly consume alcohol also build-up the tolerance stage escalating the demand to take much more in order to experience the same influences as they choose to with a lower amount.

Some sort of folks decrease or even lack of interest in routines which these people commonly would likely take pleasure in before can be the symptoms of dependency on alcohol because the person has only a wish for finding the next sip.

In case you or perhaps somebody may have a problem using alcoholic beverages there are literally thousands of programs available on the internet or in your own local telephone booklet where it is possible to seek support.

OAB or overactive bladder is one of the most common problems related to bladder, and it occurs when smooth bladder muscle contracts without warning. There are millions of people suffering from this bladder disorder, but only about twenty percent seek the medical help, as mostly are embarrassed to ask for help, or they feel that there is no cure available for bladder Disorders.

There are three main symptoms of OAB: urgency, frequency and urge incontinence. The people suffering from OAB need to urinate more frequently, they do not get enough sleep as they need to wake up several times during night to empty their bladder.

Types Of Bladder Disorders.

Flaccid bladder is a urinary bladder disorder resulting from interruption of reflex arc, which is usually associated with voiding urine; absence of sensation of bladder and as a result, bladder gets over-filled. The bladder becomes stretched because of constant over filling with excess urine. Treatment consists of self cauterization on a regular basis.

Neurogenic bladder is a urinary bladder disorder that is caused by lesion, injury or disease in the nervous system. In case of neurogenic bladder disorder, brain does not send the signal required by the bladder to release and tighten properly. Or at times, the signal is not processed correctly by the spinal cord. Misfiring, or no firing easily affects urinary system negatively.

Treatment options for neurogenic bladder usually consist of intermittent or continuous catheterization. Intermittent catheterization is done four to six times per day and avoids the complications that typically arise with continuous catheterization, such as infections due to a buildup of bacteria in the pelvic region. Many patients who have use of their arms can learn to catheterize themselves, otherwise this procedure must be done by a healthcare professional.

Spastic bladder results from multiple sclerosis, spinal cord lesion or trauma causing absence of bladder sensation resulting in interrupted and incontinence voiding of urine.

Bladder prolapse is a type of bladder disorder where bladder becomes partially positioned outside the abdomen. This happens because after the childbirth, muscles of vagina go through intense pressure and these walls stretch, or at times, tear. Though after childbirth, the vagina heals, the original strength is never regained and the bladder slips out of these weak vagina walls. In sever cases the bladder must be repositioned and supported by surgery.

Interstitial cystitis is another kind of bladder disorder, which is chronic and painful inflammation of bladder wall. The bladder pain and spasms are aggravated due to stress, but real causes are still not very clear. People might feel pressure, discomfort, intense pain or tenderness in the pelvic and bladder area. The cause of Interstitial cystitis is unknown so treatment consists of treating the symptoms only.

Bladder stones are quite common and are caused by change in the acidity of the urine. Bladder stones also develop if urine is stagnated in the bladder due to blind pouch. Small masses of minerals build up in your bladder irritating the wall of the bladder. Bladder stones usually pass on their own but surgery may be required.

Bladder disorder in children causes bed-wetting, which is more common in boys. The initial treatment includes urine test to detect any infection, x-rays to determine urine flow, post-void residual measurement, and ultrasound to detect any kind of serious problem in kidneys or bladder. Children with more complex problems need more invasive urodynamic tests.

Always consult your doctor before using this bladder information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

It is an uncomfortable thought to imagine that out of every 3 people alive today, 1 has arthritis of one form or another. While we are grappling with HIV and Aids infections and cancer management, it shocks you even further when you realise that no other illness or accident or catastrophe causes more disability than this disease of the joints. In America, 1.2 % of GDP is spent in managing this disease.

But it is also a known fact that there is no cure for arthritis. What then is the point of research? Is it to simply come up with newer ways of managing it? The answer is yes. But there is a whole branch of researchers who have invested lots of talent in observing the development of this illness with a view to expose an observable pattern on how it begins.

Everyone feels sorry that a person they know and love is afflicted by this disease. But what can they do? You feel helpless that you cannot even prevent the next person from getting it. other than secondary osteoarthritis that is caused from repeated trauma on joints, most other forms of this malady are rather obscure when they are in their early stages.

Professor James Cook, who is with veterinary medicine and surgery, said that according to their findings, there is a pattern in the way canine arthritis begins. It is a matter of certain genes being found around the joints just before the disease is diagnosed. The research is still in its early stages and there are difficult in its progress.

While the researchers working with man's best friend have identified this gene, they have not yet been able to find a way of either knowing its source or interfering with its work there. It is hoped that once they establish such salient points, it is going to be possible to stem arthritis in people as well.

The problem has traditionally been to diagnose it early. If this research comes to a successful close, we shall be ahead of that goal already. This means that we shall not only diagnose early but pinpoint to specific individuals that they are at risk of getting the disease.

By so doing, many will change their lifestyles and improve their lives. This has already been suggested as a way of managing the illness of the joints. Exercise, diet, pain and inflammation control are current areas of concern with today's patient. It will soon be only a matter of diet, exercise and specialised pre-emptive surgery and pharmaceutical regimes. But that all depends on the route this research will take and the magnitude of its success. Professor James cook presented his paper at a meeting of the orthopedic Research Society in D.C. in February, 2005.

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You will know smoking habit can invite many dangerous disorders. The diseases don’t only attack the smokers, and also affect people around which called as passive smoker. Once you smoke, you are actually putting nicotine into your body. Nicotine is really a substance contained in tobaccoin the cigarette.It is very dangerous, especially when accumulated in your body. That’s the reason you must stop smoking immediately. By quitting smoking, you’re going to get smoking cessation benefits.

Every time you inhale the smoke, the carcinogenic substance that may cause cancer are going to be absorbed into your system and stay with every surface of the body. Over time, the carcinogens evoke cell damage and affect the DNA in your cells. If the happens, the cancer may begin to develop. The key area for cancer growth caused by smoking is normally lungs. But it’s not the sole area. The cancer can also occur in mouth, tongue, nose, throat, larynx, among others. So, before it can be too late, give up smoking is the smart way to prevent cancer. The risks of cancer will start subsiding the minute you quit smoking. This is one of smoking cessation benefits.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is also another major illness induced by smoking. There are two main types of COPD that we need to be aware, emphysema and bronchitis. Emphysema is definitely an illness when the lung tissue lost its elasticity, become inflexible and fail to work effectively. It is very unpleasant. Essentially, Emphysema brings you near to death. While bronchitis occurs the bronchioles get inflammation for a long time and obstructs the lungs capability to grasp air and transfer into your body. This can reduce the option of lungs to accomplish their function and causes it to be hard to breath. In order to avoid these diseases, stop smoking may be the answer to obtain the smoking cessation benefits.

Quitting smoking will also offer you other smoking cessation benefits like lower risk of cardiac arrest or heart disease. Smoking can harden your arteries and increase your blood pressure. Eventually, this can make your heart harder to pump blood and tends to become enlarged. Furthermore, the high pressure gives more stress for the aorta along with other arteries. The combined effect of the increased stress on cardiovascular system can lead you to heart illness or might be cardiac arrest.

smoking cessation benefits

Whenever you are feeling pain and discomfort, you’d usually reach for your painkillers for relief. While they do relieve the pain, they also bring along side effects that comes with taking foreign chemicals into your body. As much as modern medicine has developed drugs that can relieve pain right off the bat, do you really think that the quick fixes you’ve been taking are actually good for your body? Why not try something safer and more effective like acupuncture.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture has surged in popularity for the last few decades as brought on by the recent health trend. Mostly known as a traditonal Chinese medical technique, acupuncture is seen as a homeopathic method of treatment. While alternative medicine does raise a lot of eyebrows for the scientifically-inclined, it does merit attention before being dismissed as a quack cure.

Basic Procedure

Basically, needles are inserted into the skin, each corresponding to one of the numerous pressure points located throughout the body. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, by inserting a needle into the pressure point, an acupuncturist can manipulate the flow of chi or life force, thus relieving pain and gradually treating the patient. While most would say that the whole chi thing is a bunch of nonsense, science has suggested that with the needles inserted, the body’s natural painkillers called endorphins are released, thus helping with pain relief.

Instruments

Modern acupuncturists nowadays use disposable fine stainless steel needles that are 0.007 to 0.020 inches in diameter which are sterilized with either ethylene oxide or by autoclave. Since they are way finer than hypodermic syringe needles, being poked by these needles are relatively painless. The upper third of the needle is covered with either a thicker bronze wire or plastic to make the needle sturdier and easier to handle. The length of the needle and how far they are inserted is all up to the acupuncturist and his practised style of acupuncture.

Example Of Treatment

If a patient has a headache, he/she is diagnosed and is treated by stimulating the sensitive points located at the webs between the thumbs and palms. In acupuncture theory, these points are connected to the face and head and can be used for treatment of headaches and other ailments involved. Needles are then carefully inserted into the skin until the patient feels a twinge, which is usually accompanied by a slight involuntary twitching of the area. During this treatment, a number of things may occur.

– Sensitivity to pain in where needles are inserted.

– A hint of nausea during treatment in case of bad headaches.

– Near-immediate headache relief.

Evolution

As an ancient method, acupuncture has crossed over into the modern age with implementations of technology and recent scientific findings. Electrical stimulation is now a common technique that is combined with acupuncture to produce more effective results. Also, acupuncturists combined this eastern technique with western methods to further enhance the treatment.

Practitioners have eventually realized that leaning towards one school of thought can’t propagate progress unless they are willing to move towards the future by looking towards other horizons as well.

Reactions And Research

Not everyone is impressed with acupuncture itself. Most western medical professionals have expressed either doubt or indifference to the oriental method while others have downright driven it down into the earth with criticisms and brutal skepticism. However, recent research shows the efficacy (or lack thereof) of acupuncture, and while more research has to be done, it has been proven to actually positively affect some, but not all, forms of ailments that it claims to cure.

So as the doors open to a new age of acupuncture, give it a try when you feel the need for pain relief and you will not be disappointed. As the Chinese have used it for many centuries, so should we.

There are things that patients have to be aware of before, during and after surgery. The same goes for those who undergo acupuncture because in order to enhance the value of the treatment, there are some do’s and don’ts that patients have to follow.

First, you should not eat a large meal before or after treatment.

You should also avoid over exercising, engaging in a sexual activity or consume alcoholic beverages 6 hours before and after treatment.

Since the acupuncture session will last from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on how often you have to go to the clinic, you better fix your schedule so you have time to rest.

Chances are, you were consulting with a doctor prior to your visit to the acupuncturist. If there are any prescription medicines given, don’t forget to take them.

You will not feel any improvement after just one or two visits with the acupuncturist. Just the same, you should write this down so you can go back to the acupuncturist on your next visit and tell him or her how you felt during the previous session. Such feedback will let the specialist know what needs to be modified in the future to help you with your problem. 

The acupuncturist might give you some herbs to take as part of your treatment. Since you don’t know if taking them will have any side effects with the medication you are taking, you should first consult with your doctor if it is safe to consume both.

Women who are pregnant are also advised not to undergo acupuncture treatment. However, they can engage in that once the baby is born.

How well the acupuncture treatment will go depends also on specialist who will be performing it. You have to take into account their years of experience and skill so they are able to make the correct diagnosis, finding the acupoints in the body, the angle at which the needles will be inserted and the techniques they know as there are different types of acupuncture.

This brings us to asking ourselves how to find a skill acupuncturist. For this to work, we have to do ask our doctor if they can refer anyone. It wouldn’t hurt to also do some research online. After all, there are about 3,000 acupuncturists all across the country so it won’t be that hard to find one.

Before you decide to have a session with them, talk to the acupuncturist to know their credentials. This will also give you the opportunity to find out how much do they charge as this can be from $45 to more than $100 per session.

You can probably ask for the name and contact number of a previous client so you can ask this person how everything went. Remember, if it doesn’t work out for you, don’t be afraid to find someone else who can do a better job.

The most important thing to do during the session is to relax. If you feel an itch or something, tell the acupuncturist. The same goes if you are nervous or experience a burning sensation so the specialist will take out the needles.

Now that you know the do’s and don’ts of acupuncture, you should ask yourself if this form of treatment is right for you. If conventional medication doesn’t work, it wouldn’t hurt to see how things turn out.

Acupuncture is already a renowned method used in treating smoking addiction. An alternative medicine believed to have originated as far as 3000 BC in ancient China, this treatment is now being widely utilized for various medicinal and therapeutic purposes. It has been found furthermore to successfully treat drug dependence and chronic smoking addiction.

There are several smoking cessation medications and therapies available presently. However acupuncture is a recommended alternative procedure, especially where conventional therapies have already failed. The strategic insertion of needles in various parts of the body aims to treat the condition in a more profound and emotional level. A smoker needs to free himself from the physiological and psychological addiction of smoking, thus necessitating a more holistic treatment.

How It Stops the Addiction

The placement of needles is usually located behind the ear, or on the ear cartilage. This is where the calming effect takes place, curbing the patient’s cravings for more cigarettes. People who have a smoking habit are bound to take up the nicotine stick more often whenever they feel stressed, bored, or depressed. Needles are also often inserted on the hand and wrists to promote a steadier flow of bodily energy. The feeling of relaxation will help an individual think twice about lighting a cigarette again.

Furthermore, this treatment has been found to help an individual deal with the withdrawal symptoms better.  This alternative medicine promotes better tolerance to pain and discomfort during smoking cessation. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and may involve nausea, palpitations, and dizziness. Oftentimes, these same conditions will propel an individual back to his smoking tendencies sooner than later.

Nicotine is the addictive and toxic substance present in a cigarette. This is the same substance that makes quitting a big challenge for most smokers. The nicotine that you get from smoking will attach itself to the pleasure areas in the brain, making it hard for you to stop. Without a steady stream of this substance, a smoker will tend to feel depressed and uncomfortable.

People who have undergone acupuncture treatment reported that they no longer find cigarettes as tempting or as satisfying. Oftentimes, smoking would leave an awful taste in their mouths prompting them to stop their habit for once. Some patients would even resort to eating mints or lozenges to clear to get rid of the terrible aftertaste.  

According to skilled practitioners, approximately 7 out of 10 smokers will successfully extricate themselves from their smoking habit after 2 or 3 weeks. While the others are unable to quit totally, these smokers will be able to cut down on their cigarette consumption quite significantly.

Treatment from Acupuncture Experts

It is very essential for a patient to consult with a skilled acupuncturist. A more personalized service will be provided by an expert, as well as added counseling for the patient. Moreover, an acupuncturist may prescribe herbal supplements to aid the patient in quitting efforts.

During treatment, filiform needles are inserted into specific points on the ear cartilage, as well as the hands and wrists. Normal procedures last for about 30 minutes. Body acupuncture can be used in combination with the ear and wrist needle placements. An acupuncturist may also utilize a mild electric current, to enhance the effect of the needles through the body.

The greatest advantage of this ancient Oriental procedure is the absence of side-effects during and after treatment. Unlike smoking cessation medications and nicotine replacement therapy products, acupuncture does not employ chemically manufactured substances. There is also no risk of weight gain during therapy. In conjunction with helping a patient quit smoking, it can also curb appetite, thus reducing food cravings.

If you have tried several methods in smoking cessation to no avail, perhaps it is high time you consider the alternative method that is acupuncture. With the right practitioner and the right frame of mind, there is no reason why you won’t be nicotine-free before long.

The core foundation for arthritis was begun in 1984 and has since grown to become the biggest organisation for the public in Singapore. All around the world, we have such foundations that put mind and dollar to the cause of ensuring the world is a better place for the sufferers of this malady. Among the goals of these foundations is to support research, work with companies that seek to provide pharmaceutical solutions to this disease as well as to spread information on how best the illness can be managed.

The American foundation for the disease is a non-profit making organisation which has over half a million volunteers and close to 200 service points where information support and care for arthritis patients can be procured.

It is among the campaigns' strategies to get people to respond to this illness with greater understanding. For instance, specialised exercise techniques are taught to surfers as well as care givers so as to extend both the meaningful lives of patients as well as slow arthritis' ruinous reign. They hold workshops attended by members as well as other willing participants. Mainly, speakers range from sufferers, doctors and care givers, encouraging each other and bringing to light any new skill, medicine, herb, technique and confirmed therapies.

Diets are also crucial in the word spread by these foundations. As much as pharmaceutical companies are partners with these organisations. Members can easily see a specific leaning towards natural therapies, herbs and non-pharmaceutical cures.

Many patients are now aware that they can counter the disease by slowing its progress. In member meetings, the members share experiences and improve on each other's info package.

There is a magazine in America called Arthritis Today published six times in the year. Through this as in the audio-visual media, populations are put in greater awareness of this disease. It is not the only magazine that deals with awareness on the illness. Almost all medical journals, except those for specific diseases and concerns, have been giving information as well. The internet is perhaps today the most prolific in production and provision of material that the patient can find useful. With a click of the mouse, many sufferers and care givers are able to stay abreast with the world of arthritis. It is now possible to go straight to a site that features only the variety of illness that you are suffering from.

It will also assure you to note that about half a billion dollars have been used in the awareness and fight against arthritis by these foundations alone. The governments of the world have their own small outfits with regard to health ministry priorities and they are able to respond to this problem alongside other diseases and pressing issues.

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