While some people are more concerned about how their health is related to their appearance, maintaining healthy organs is a huge part of staying healthy. Depending on age and lifestyle, people will have different physical concerns. For example, while an elderly woman will be more concerned about her bone mass due to osteoporosis, a smoker will be more concerned about his lungs.
However, maintaining lung health goes beyond not smoking. Occasionally, congenital disorders can affect lung functioning, causing asthma or chronic bronchitis. Read on to learn more about maintaining healthy lungs.
Often used for both wellness and pain management, acupuncture is currently used to treat a wide array of medical conditions, including:
· Anxiety
· asthma
· carpal tunnel syndrome
· depression
· fibromyalgia
· headaches
· lower back pain
· menstrual cramps
· nausea
· osteoarthritis
· Urinary disorders.
The theory behind acupuncture is that it opens up blocked "Qi" points, or meridian points. When these meridian points are blocked, the flow of healthy Qi throughout the body is interrupted, creating pain, stress and imbalance.
When you receive acupuncture, your practitioner will determine the points at which your meridian points are blocked by asking you about your physical symptoms, as an M.D. would. He or she will then talk to you about your recent emotional and mental states, a more unconventional series of questions. After this triage of your case, the practitioner will insert the necessary number of needles in the points of blocked Qi all over your body. Depending on your needs, she or he may also slightly move the needles to further stimulate the flow of Qi.
Once all of the needles have been put in place, the practitioner will let you lie and rest for about ten minutes. After the resting period, the practitioner will remove the needles, ending the session.
While those new to acupuncture tend to fear it because it uses needles, these needles are extremely thin: They usually are small enough to fit inside of the hypodermic needles that doctors use to administer vaccines or other shots. As a result, acupuncture is a painless procedure.
Ø Is Acupuncture Effective?
The World Health Organization has recognized the effectiveness of acupuncture for a number of medical conditions. While many Eastern cultures use acupuncture as a primary form of treatment, U.S health officials think that more studies about the benefits of acupuncture should be conducted. However, these officials, as well as those who practice medicine, do agree that acupuncture can be effective when coupled with traditional treatments.
Ø What Is Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Cosmetic acupuncture is a non-invasive alternative to conventional cosmetic surgery. Using acupuncture to prevent the signs of aging is not a new idea. In fact, during the Sun dynasty, the Chinese empress and the royal concubines used cosmetic acupuncture to maintain their youthful appearance. Today, some celebrities, including Cher and Madonna, have opted for cosmetic acupuncture. It can be effective in:
· activating collagen production
· delivering youthful radiance
· eliminating fine lines and reducing deep wrinkles
· improving the balance of hormones that affect your skin
· increasing moisture and elasticity of skin
· increasing muscle tone
· removing the traditional signs of aging
· smoothing away under-eye bags and lifting droopy eyelids
· taking as many as five to fifteen years off your face
· tightening pores
· treating sun damage of the underlying skin that causes signs of aging.
Cosmetic acupuncture follows the philosophy that inner health will result in outer beauty. By releasing points of bottled up Qi, cosmetic acupuncture promotes the skin's production of hormones and new cell generation that contribute to younger-looking skin. It is considered to be an effective alternative to cosmetic surgery. Most clients that try it are very satisfied after just a few acupuncture treatments. If you are considering cosmetic acupuncture treatment, consult a licensed acupuncturist.
Ø Acupuncture as a Treatment for Depression
Acupuncture is becoming a popular portion of a comprehensive treatment for depression that also includes prescription medications. Several recent studies indicate that acupuncture addresses many of the underlying physical aspects of depression. Depression is marked by a deficiency of the serotonin hormone. Because acupuncture is known to stimulate hormone production, it serves as a natural way to fight low serotonin levels.
Over time, many people have found that having regular acupuncture treatments can help them steadily decrease their depression medications. However, keep in mind that you should talk to your doctor before you change your dosage. The person's primary physician should supervise any acupuncture treatments and work with the acupuncturist to get the best possible results for the patient.
Ø The Side Effects of Acupuncture
Acupuncture's side effects are relatively minor. Because acupuncture uses needles, there are some risks associated with it. The minor side effects of acupuncture include:
· bruising
· dizziness by those who have an aversion to needles
· Infection (However, infection is extremely rare due to most countries' health requirements for disposable acupuncture needles.)
· Minor bleeding.
While there are some serious side effects that can occur from acupuncture, these tend to be rare, as most acupuncturists are well trained in their field. Some of the more serious complications include stroke, brain damage, kidney damage or nerve injuries.
Overall, acupuncture is a safe treatment option that has proven effective for a number of medical conditions throughout the centuries.
Ø Health Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a form of ancient Chinese medicine, is needle therapy that involves inserting extremely slim needles into specific points on a person's body in order to relieve physical, emotional and mental sources of pain.
30 May 2007
Physical Health and Acupuncture Treatment
28 May 2007
Allergies
Getting the Facts on Allergies
These days, it seems like everyone has at least one allergy. Sometimes, even people who were previously allergy-free will develop allergies, suddenly going into sneezing fits when the family cat enters the room or breaking out in hives after eating shellfish. What causes allergies, and how can people make themselves aware of their allergies before their health takes a beating?
Ø Diagnosing Allergies
The best way to determine if a person is allergic to something is for them to take a battery of allergy tests. During these tests, a doctor will usually perform a series of skin prick tests. During the tests, the doctor will place a small amount of an allergen extract on a patient's skin and will then prick the area with a small needle. If a red bump appears on the patient's skin, he or she is allergic to the substance. Skin prick tests can help diagnose asthma, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, eczema, oral allergy problems and food- or drug-related allergies.
Ø Allergy Symptoms
Allergies occur when a person's immune system becomes very sensitive to materials that he or she might have tolerated at one time. Once exposed to allergens, an allergic person can have a variety of allergy symptoms, including:
· Itching
· Rashes
· Sneezing
· throat closure.
An allergic person can also experience symptoms that one might not typically associate with allergies, such as:
· abdominal pain
· difficulty talking
· loss of consciousness
· vomiting.
Ø Common Allergies
We have all heard about common allergies, ranging from latex allergies to detergent allergies to deodorant allergies to food allergies. Indoor allergens, such as mold and animal dander, can also wreak havoc.
Outdoor allergies, especially pollen allergies, are also very common. People who have pollen allergies experience a variety of symptoms, most notably a lack of energy and/or itchy, watery eyes. Thankfully, people who have pollen allergies typically experience symptoms only during certain seasons.
Ø Detergent and Deodorant Allergies
Some people are highly sensitive to some of the ingredients found in certain laundry and dishwashing detergents. Often, they are allergic to the dyes and perfumes found in these products. When exposed to these chemicals, people who suffer from detergent allergies typically break out in itchy, red rashes.
Deodorants can also cause allergic reactions on a person's skin. Two allergens associated with deodorant allergies are cobalt chloride and neomycin sulfate. A person who suffers from deodorant allergies may experience bumpy, irritated skin.
Ø Latex Allergies
Latex allergies occur when a person is allergic to sap from rubber trees. People who have latex allergies should avoid any products that contain latex, such as latex gloves and latex condoms. Many medical supplies, such as IVs and bandages, also contain latex, so people with latex allergies should notify medical practitioners of their condition. Swim goggles, shoe soles and toys can also be made of latex and can cause allergic reactions in people with latex allergies.
Here's a list of some common latex allergy symptoms:
· cough
· difficulty breathing
· hives
· itchy, watery eyes
· stuffy nose.
· Some more serious latex allergy symptoms include:
· blue skin
· confusion
· diarrhea
· rapid or weak pulse
· slurred speech
· wheezing.
Ø Traditional Treatments for Allergies
Once an allergen has been identified, doctors have several traditional options to treat a patient's allergies. These traditional allergy treatments include steroids, antihistamines or anti-inflammatory medicines. These medicines can be taken orally, rubbed on the body or inhaled.
Ø Natural Allergy Remedies
While there are many traditional cures for allergies, many people are currently seeking out natural allergy remedies. Here's a list of some herbs that you can use to treat your allergies:
· elderberry
· fenugreek
· marshmallow
· thyme.
Vitamins are another option for people who are looking for natural allergy remedies. The best choices to try include vitamin A, B-complex vitamins and vitamin C. Some people also rely on aromatherapy to help alleviate allergies. Some scents to try include lavender, eucalyptus and peppermint.
Ø Tips for Preventing Allergies
Coming into contact with even the tiniest amount of an allergen can cause significant health problems in people with allergies. The best way to control your allergies is to avoid contact with allergens and to talk to your doctor about your treatment options.
These days, it seems like everyone has at least one allergy. Sometimes, even people who were previously allergy-free will develop allergies, suddenly going into sneezing fits when the family cat enters the room or breaking out in hives after eating shellfish. What causes allergies, and how can people make themselves aware of their allergies before their health takes a beating?
Ø Diagnosing Allergies
The best way to determine if a person is allergic to something is for them to take a battery of allergy tests. During these tests, a doctor will usually perform a series of skin prick tests. During the tests, the doctor will place a small amount of an allergen extract on a patient's skin and will then prick the area with a small needle. If a red bump appears on the patient's skin, he or she is allergic to the substance. Skin prick tests can help diagnose asthma, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, eczema, oral allergy problems and food- or drug-related allergies.
Ø Allergy Symptoms
Allergies occur when a person's immune system becomes very sensitive to materials that he or she might have tolerated at one time. Once exposed to allergens, an allergic person can have a variety of allergy symptoms, including:
· Itching
· Rashes
· Sneezing
· throat closure.
An allergic person can also experience symptoms that one might not typically associate with allergies, such as:
· abdominal pain
· difficulty talking
· loss of consciousness
· vomiting.
Ø Common Allergies
We have all heard about common allergies, ranging from latex allergies to detergent allergies to deodorant allergies to food allergies. Indoor allergens, such as mold and animal dander, can also wreak havoc.
Outdoor allergies, especially pollen allergies, are also very common. People who have pollen allergies experience a variety of symptoms, most notably a lack of energy and/or itchy, watery eyes. Thankfully, people who have pollen allergies typically experience symptoms only during certain seasons.
Ø Detergent and Deodorant Allergies
Some people are highly sensitive to some of the ingredients found in certain laundry and dishwashing detergents. Often, they are allergic to the dyes and perfumes found in these products. When exposed to these chemicals, people who suffer from detergent allergies typically break out in itchy, red rashes.
Deodorants can also cause allergic reactions on a person's skin. Two allergens associated with deodorant allergies are cobalt chloride and neomycin sulfate. A person who suffers from deodorant allergies may experience bumpy, irritated skin.
Ø Latex Allergies
Latex allergies occur when a person is allergic to sap from rubber trees. People who have latex allergies should avoid any products that contain latex, such as latex gloves and latex condoms. Many medical supplies, such as IVs and bandages, also contain latex, so people with latex allergies should notify medical practitioners of their condition. Swim goggles, shoe soles and toys can also be made of latex and can cause allergic reactions in people with latex allergies.
Here's a list of some common latex allergy symptoms:
· cough
· difficulty breathing
· hives
· itchy, watery eyes
· stuffy nose.
· Some more serious latex allergy symptoms include:
· blue skin
· confusion
· diarrhea
· rapid or weak pulse
· slurred speech
· wheezing.
Ø Traditional Treatments for Allergies
Once an allergen has been identified, doctors have several traditional options to treat a patient's allergies. These traditional allergy treatments include steroids, antihistamines or anti-inflammatory medicines. These medicines can be taken orally, rubbed on the body or inhaled.
Ø Natural Allergy Remedies
While there are many traditional cures for allergies, many people are currently seeking out natural allergy remedies. Here's a list of some herbs that you can use to treat your allergies:
· elderberry
· fenugreek
· marshmallow
· thyme.
Vitamins are another option for people who are looking for natural allergy remedies. The best choices to try include vitamin A, B-complex vitamins and vitamin C. Some people also rely on aromatherapy to help alleviate allergies. Some scents to try include lavender, eucalyptus and peppermint.
Ø Tips for Preventing Allergies
Coming into contact with even the tiniest amount of an allergen can cause significant health problems in people with allergies. The best way to control your allergies is to avoid contact with allergens and to talk to your doctor about your treatment options.
Improve Your Health
Health Information: Learn How to Improve Your Health
Regardless of race or socio-economic status, staying healthy is a major concern for nearly everyone. In fact, people's desire to be healthy has generated a vast, booming health industry that includes everything from hospitals and insurance companies to prescription drug companies and the diet industry.
With all of these sources, it's not hard to run across conflicting information. While one source may tell you that a new diet supplement is highly effective, another may say that it is ineffective. Even still another may say that it’s detrimental to your health. Who should you believe?
Clearly, questions surrounding prescription drugs, dietary supplements and health regimens are becoming evermore pressing with the surge of new varieties on the market. Being healthy can only result as long as all parts of the equation are fulfilled. Not only do people need to exercise regularly, but they also should eat healthy foods, take the proper supplements and take care of their mental wellbeing. Learn the facts so that you can effectively improve your health.
Ø Addictions
Addictions With the stress and pressure of everyday life, everyone needs some kind of outlet through which they can release their negative energy and built up tension. However, while some choose healthy releases, such as exercising or taking up a new hobby, others turn find relief in addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling and or sex, to name a few.
Addiction is a serious problem that affects hundreds of thousands of Americans. If you know someone who suffers from addiction or are an addict yourself, finding the right type of help is key to overcoming addiction. Read on to learn more about ways to fight addiction.
Ø Stress Management
Stress Management Stress comes from all areas of life, including families, money, work, bills and relationships. While there are some forms of stress that you can eliminate from your life, others are inevitable and unavoidable.
As a result, learning how to cope and manage these sources of stress is important to helping you maintain your overall wellbeing. Coping strategies are highly individual, depending on what your source of stress is. Read on to learn more about methods and techniques that can help you effectively manage stress in your life.
Ø Diet
Another aspect of maintaining good health is having a balanced diet. Yet, with all of the fast food and sweet temptations out there, eating meals with the proper nutrition can be challenging. Similarly, the number of diet options available for those trying to lose weight can be overwhelming. South Beach, Atkins, the grapefruit diet, diet pills and many more all want your business.
Like exercise, the right diet for you depends on your body, your age and your personal situation. Before jumping into a crazy diet routine, read on to learn more about how to choose the right diet for you.
Regardless of race or socio-economic status, staying healthy is a major concern for nearly everyone. In fact, people's desire to be healthy has generated a vast, booming health industry that includes everything from hospitals and insurance companies to prescription drug companies and the diet industry.
With all of these sources, it's not hard to run across conflicting information. While one source may tell you that a new diet supplement is highly effective, another may say that it is ineffective. Even still another may say that it’s detrimental to your health. Who should you believe?
Clearly, questions surrounding prescription drugs, dietary supplements and health regimens are becoming evermore pressing with the surge of new varieties on the market. Being healthy can only result as long as all parts of the equation are fulfilled. Not only do people need to exercise regularly, but they also should eat healthy foods, take the proper supplements and take care of their mental wellbeing. Learn the facts so that you can effectively improve your health.
Ø Addictions
Addictions With the stress and pressure of everyday life, everyone needs some kind of outlet through which they can release their negative energy and built up tension. However, while some choose healthy releases, such as exercising or taking up a new hobby, others turn find relief in addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling and or sex, to name a few.
Addiction is a serious problem that affects hundreds of thousands of Americans. If you know someone who suffers from addiction or are an addict yourself, finding the right type of help is key to overcoming addiction. Read on to learn more about ways to fight addiction.
Ø Stress Management
Stress Management Stress comes from all areas of life, including families, money, work, bills and relationships. While there are some forms of stress that you can eliminate from your life, others are inevitable and unavoidable.
As a result, learning how to cope and manage these sources of stress is important to helping you maintain your overall wellbeing. Coping strategies are highly individual, depending on what your source of stress is. Read on to learn more about methods and techniques that can help you effectively manage stress in your life.
Ø Diet
Another aspect of maintaining good health is having a balanced diet. Yet, with all of the fast food and sweet temptations out there, eating meals with the proper nutrition can be challenging. Similarly, the number of diet options available for those trying to lose weight can be overwhelming. South Beach, Atkins, the grapefruit diet, diet pills and many more all want your business.
Like exercise, the right diet for you depends on your body, your age and your personal situation. Before jumping into a crazy diet routine, read on to learn more about how to choose the right diet for you.
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