September 23, 2008
Hemorrhoids are a very distressing condition that involve the swelling of the veins of the anus and rectum. They are very similar to varicose veins whereby the veins lose their elasticity and swell. This results in the uncomfortable symptoms of hemorrhoids that may include itching, burning pain and bleeding.
In many cases hemorrhoids will respond quickly to the use of herbal medicines, both taken internally and applied externally. To get rid of the condition however, it is also necessary to address the cause of the condition.
Some common factors that can contribute to hemorrhoids include sitting or standing for long periods, lifting heavy objects, dehydration, obesity and lack of exercise, but without a doubt the largest factor is constipation and straining during defecation. A poor intake of dietary fiber is often a major culprit that increases the risk of development of hemorrhoids.
The fact that no animal other than human beings has ever be known to exhibit hemorrhoids can be seen as a major indication that something is wrong with our diets and improving the diet can help this condition dramatically, however herbal remedies can often provide immediate relief as well as being effective for the long term treatment of this very distressing condition.
Herbs for the treatment of hemorrhoids:
Pilewort - Piles are another name for hemorrhoids and this herb was named for its effectiveness for this condition. It tonifies the blood vessels and stops bleeding. Pilewort may be taken internally as a tea or alcohol-based tincture and it can also be applied externally as an ointment.
Witch hazel - this herb can help to ease the bleeding and swelling associated with hemorrhoids. It is applied externally as an ointment, or the liquid can be applied directly to the area with a sterile cotton pad. Use three times daily until relief is obtained.
Aloe Vera gel - the fresh pulp can be applied directly on the anus to provide pain relief and soothe any burning sensations.
Butcher’s Broom - this herb has been used throughout history for the treatment of hemorrhoids and varicose veins. When looking for preparations of Butcher’s Broom, try to find those that contain a minimum of 9-11% of ruscogenin content, which is the active ingredient. 100 mg should be taken three times daily.
Pine Bark and Grape Seed - these plant extracts contain proanthocyanins and anthocyanins which are substances that improve the structural integrity of the veins and in fact the entire circulatory system. It is also possible to obtain them through increasing consumption of berries such as blueberries, blackberries and strawberries as well as cherries.
Fiber - a low fiber diet increases the risk of straining during bowel movements and increasing fiber intake may actually be a very effective simple measure that can go a long way towards improving hemorrhoids.
Increasing fruit and vegetable intake is a must, however there are also a wide variety of fiber supplements available, such as those containing Psyllium husk or Slippery Elm Bark, that can soften the stools and reduce straining.
It is very important to ensure that water intake is increased when taking fiber supplements.
Herbal medicine can greatly assist in reducing the symptoms of hemorrhoids however in very severe cases surgical treatment may be required. In such instances the herbal treatments and dietary changes outlined can be used to prevent the problem from occurring again following surgery.
Disclaimer: This information is not meant to replace any medical treatment. It is offered here as a service only. Use this information at your own risk and only with qualified supervision. No guarantee is made towards the validity of the information presented here.
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September 22, 2008
Homeopathy is a system of medicinal treatment founded by Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician. He published a paper in 1796 in which he promulgated his principle that “likes are cured by likes”. This principle is known as “Law of Similars”.
Hahnemann claimed that quinine, a medicine widely used for successful treatment of malaria, produced symptoms of malaria in a healthy person. The patients of malaria were treated with a medicine which created the same symptoms as those created by the disease. The observations with quinine and other medicines led Hahnemann to his “Law of Similars”.
Four years later Hahnemann advanced his doctrine of “potentization of dynamization” which stated that medicines in small doses effectively exerted their curative power.
The homeopathic system of treatment is based on these two principles - Law of Similars and Potentization.
Potentization is a process by which medicine is diluted in precise steps and subjected to “succussion” (a vigorous shaking action). This process brings about an energetic change that gives medicines a deeper curative effect. Repeated dilution ensures that the medicine has no toxic effect. This allows homeopathic use of many substances which would be unsafe under normal conditions.
Traditionally homeopathic treatment is done to cure the disorders, not just the symptoms. Any physical and emotional disorder produces certain symptoms in the body. In many cases different ailments produce similar symptoms. As a part of the treatment the medicines are prescribed to eliminate the causes of disease or discomfort. If two patients have similar problems, they may still require different medicines depending upon their habits and many other factors. Medicines of higher potency are generally given only after the cause of the disease is established.
Homeopathy is relatively young - just over 200 years old. New medicines and treatments are constantly being evolved and documented. Such research studies are called “provings”. As a result of these research studies, Homeopathy is used in a wide variety of health conditions.
Homeopathic medicines do not work strictly by chemical action. At higher potency the medicine is diluted so much that concentration of original medicine reduces to insignificant level. Yet the medicines not only work, they are more effective at higher potency.
The “Potentization” process brings energetic change in the medicine. In turn the medicine stimulates the body’s defense mechanism to fight the cause of disorder. This approach produces more stable cure as compared to treatment with drugs. Direct chemical action of the drugs often produces harmful side effects. Homeopathic medicines on the other hand have no or little side effects. They are safe and non-toxic.
Two centuries of existence has firmly established homeopathy. It is accepted form of treatment in many parts of the world. However, the theory of homeopathy is inconsistent with known laws of science; therefore the critics often dismiss it as pseudoscience and quackery.
Homeopathy has thrived on the basis of its results. Its medicines have relatively slow but lasting effects. It is not trusted to meet emergency situations, but it is extremely useful in many other situations.
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September 20, 2008
Feverfew has always been regarded as a medicinal herb. Its very name implies a cure for fevers and folk healers used it for this. Feverfew has been evaluated scientifically, and, though it doesn’t reduce fevers, it was found to be an antispasmodic.
What this means is that It prevents the spasms in small blood vessels that are known to be the immediate cause of migraines. The chief active ingredient has been isolated, and might, someday, lead to a pure extract. Additional clinical studies have found that feverfew can stop vomiting and relieve nausea, while improving digestion. Other studies have reported: relief from asthma attacks; promotion of restful sleep; and relief from the inflammation, and thus the pain, of arthritis.
British researchers tested feverfew on migraine sufferers and found that 7 out of 10 reported either fewer or less painful migraines. Some people reported that feverfew helped with depression as well, though not having migraines might account for this effect. The leaves of the plant are ingested, and the most frequent potential side effect was mouth ulcers, and use should be discontinued if thid happens.
There are commercial tinctures of feverfew available, or it can be grown at home…
Feverfew is easy to grow in the US and Europe, as it is a relative of the mint family. It grows as a tall (12-24″ or more) bushy plant, which displays a multitude of small white flowers, reminiscent of small daisies. Once planted, it will spread by self seeding and sending out runners. It emerges in the spring, and will continue to grow and bloom all summer if flowers are pinched back.
To use medicinally, eat 1 medium sized leaf per day. There are very few recipes for feverfew available. You may want to try putting it into a tossed salad, along with other fresh herbs. Another approach would be to sprinkle chopped feverfew leaves on top of marinara sauce. It could be made into pesto, using your favorite nuts.
In summary, the potential benefits of feverfew are many, and this important natural herbal remedy should not be overlooked as a treatment for many common health problems. If additional information about feverfew is required, you may want to try “Googling” this term. There should be a wealth of information available on the internet.
If your garden center does not carry feverfew plants, these online sites can provide them:
Good luck!
Disclaimer: This information is not meant to replace any medical treatment. It is offered here as a service only. Use this information at your own risk and only with qualified supervision. No guarantee is made towards the validity of the information presented here.
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September 18, 2008
Today people all over the world are looking for natural alternatives to the more conventional prescription drugs that many of them are forced to take. Today the biggest selling pharmaceutical drugs are medications used to treat high cholesterol, depression, sexual dysfunction, high blood pressure and pain. And not coincidentally, many of the biggest selling alternative herbal remedies are the herbs used to treat these same health problems.
What follows is a list of the most common and effective herbal remedies that can be used in the treatment of these conditions. If you are already taking a prescription consult with your doctor before trying any new program.
1) Garlic (Allium Sativum) Garlic’s reputation as an effective herbal remedy that can be used in the treatment of many conditions has been known for centuries.
In the treatment of high cholesterol, garlic is particularly effective due to its high sulphur content. Sulphur has the affect of decreasing “bad” cholesterol (LDL) while increasing “good” cholesterol (HDL).
The specific action that causes this is the decreased formation of plaque in our arteries and blood vessels due to decreased clotting factors.
In this way garlic is not only an excellent herbal remedy for high cholesterol, it is also an excellent general circulatory system herb as well.
2) Maca (Lepidium Meyenii) sexual dysfunction and loss of libido is becoming more and more common. One of the most powerful herbs (with scientific research to support it’s claims) to help restore normal sexual function in both men and women is Maca.
Maca’s reputation is such that it is known as “Peruvian Viagra“. Unfortunately this leads many people to assume that Maca is for men only, which is not the case at all as Maca is very effective in the treatment of loss of libido and frigidity in women.
For men, as the “Peruvian Viagra” label would indicate, Maca is very effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and has been shown to increase levels of testosterone leading to increased levels of energy and vigour in men of all ages.
3) St John’s Wort (Hypericum Perforatum) The herbal remedy most people think of when it comes to treating depression is St John’s Wort. Recent scientific research has shown that St John’s Wort can help to reduce dramatically the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Additionally, it can be used in the treatment of generalized stress, sleeping difficulties, lack of energy and premenstrual stress disorders.
The active ingredient, Hypericin, has been shown to be an effective natural alternative for more conventional ant-depressants such as Prozac and Zoloft.
4) White Willow Bark (Salix Alba) For the treatment of pain there are a number of effective herbal remedies than can be used as substitutes for medications such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs.
White Willow Bark is often referred to as “herbal aspirin” due to the fact that its active ingredient, salacin, is the main chemical component of aspirin.
The salicylic acid in White Willow Bark decreases the levels of prostaglandins in the body that can be the cause of inflammation and pain.
Wherever you would take an aspirin, White Willow Bark can be used as a natural alternative.
5) Hawthorn Berries (Crataegus Oxyacanthoides) are one of the most powerful herbal remedies in the treatment of any blood and circulatory disorder. The remedy has a strong, yet gentle, normalizing affect on the heart tonifying and strengthening it when needed and sedating when appropriate.
As a circulatory tonic, Hawthorn Berries are most often used in the treatment of high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis and angina.
If you are looking to incorporate herbal medicine in the treatment of any disease or dysfunction, the easiest and safest way to do so is to look for a health care professional trained in not only the use of natural alternative medicine, but also someone with training and understanding in conventional pharmaceutical medications.
While there is almost always a safe and natural herbal alternative to most drugs, if you are presently taking pharmaceutical medication of any kind, before you make any changes or modifications to your treatment program you will need to consult with your health care professional.
Disclaimer: This information is not meant to replace any medical treatment. It is offered here as a service only. Use this information at your own risk and only with qualified supervision. No guarantee is made towards the validity of the information presented here.
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September 17, 2008
Most herbalists, and medical professionals, believe that a lot of modern day illnesses, diseases, and chronic health conditions are caused by years and years of dietary neglect. Eating junk food, preservatives and other chemicals, combined with the lack of proper vitamins and minerals, causes a build up of toxins inside the body, which in turn can wreak havoc on the body’s immune system and cleansing capabilities.
While there are many herbal and alternative remedies that are designed to deal with specific conditions, most Herbalists believe that the key to treating almost all conditions is to treat the underlying causes of these conditions instead.
One example is the skin disease known as Psoriasis. This condition is caused by the overreaction of the body’s immune system to a certain stimulus. This causes the immune system to push new skin cells to the surface at a much faster rate than normal. This in turn causes an excess of skin on the surface of the body, which results in flaky, scaly sore spots on various locations of the body.
The focus of most modern day medications for treating Psoriasis is on trying to minimize the scaly buildup. Some treatments even try to suppress the body’s immune system to ’solve’ the problem. From an Herbalist’s point of view, this can only lead to further problems.
When the body’s normal waste removal systems become clogged or stagnated, it can cause toxins to leak back into the blood stream, as well as other intestinal issues, which in turn can cause all kinds of problems for the gut and internal organs.
This can lead to a variety of conditions, diseases, and symptoms caused by the body’s desperate attempts to clear out the toxins and wastes that are polluting it. If the body cannot eliminate these toxins via the normal method (elimination through the colon) one of the next options is eliminating the toxins through the skin.
Detoxifying the body is often accomplished through the use of enemas. Enemas will help quickly flush out any stagnant waste within the colon.
Another method is to add herbs to a very high fiber diet. This colon cleanse pushes things along and the herbs help to sooth and cleanse. Talk to your herbalist to find out which is best for you.
This article addresses just a sample of one of the major problems that can occur due to the buildup of toxins within the body. Detoxifying the body can and should be done naturally by making the right dietary choices, addressing vitamin deficiencies, and through the use of the right herbal remedies. For any of this to be really effective it has to be a lifestyle change, not a one time thing.
Statements made within this article may not be approved by the FDA and should not be taken as professional medical advice.
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September 15, 2008
Are you having trouble falling asleep? Is your mind replaying the days’ events? Are you worried you will not be able to complete all of tomorrow’s tasks; is there a specific deadline at work that has you tossing and turning all night?
If any of these scenarios are keeping you up at night, there are natural sleep remedies which can help. Let’s take a closer look at a few herbs and cures which can help you.
Drink a cup of chamomile tea before going to bed. This herb has been effective in treating insomnia, and also soothes and calms at the same time. It does work! Another remedy is milk and honey - This combination is an old, but effective, method to induce sleep. In addition, even having a luke-warm glass of milk alone can activate the sleep process.
Lavender is another herb which depresses the central nervous system similar to anti-depressants. One cup of lavender and mint tea can put you to sleep within a matter of minutes.
Lemon balm tea is a fast-acting stimulant which will enable you to relax and produce a calm and sedated sleep. Don’t be frightened by the word stimulant. Not all stimulants energize, many calm and relax, we just don’t hear them in the news as often as the energy jolting type of stimulants.
Additional Sleeping Tips
While herbs can be of enormous value as sleeping aids, there are other methods you can use to attain a restful uninterrupted sleep. Try not to nap during the day; don’t drink caffeine before bedtime; and avoid medications and alcohol which interrupt sleep.
Determine if your iron level is low; this can be a problem which can readily be resolved with iron supplements.
Have some turkey before going to bed; it contains an ingredient which causes sleepiness (Remember Thanksgiving?).
Maybe your mattress is unsuitable for a restful sleep; if so, purchase a new one. There are many new types on the market and you are sure to find one that pleases you. If you can not afford a new mattress, try a bed topper for your mattress. They are available every where that sheets and blankets are sold.
Yoga exercises before bedtime can be of enormous value. Sitting quietly in a room for 15 minutes can calm and prepare your body for relaxation.
Soothing music can also be beneficial. Perhaps the sounds of nature or the ocean will be just the relaxation you need.
Rid yourself of any anxiety, which probably keeps most people up at night. Let the stress of the day go instead, fill your thoughts with tranquility by thinking of a place or a time which brought you great happiness.
Turn off the TV or any other stimulant that is keeping you awake or read a really boring book! Lie in bed, turn off the lights, and just try to relax.
Remember the movie “Gone with the Wind?” In it, Miss Scarlett says, “I’ll think about it tomorrow.” Take her advice. Don’t worry about tomorrow; you will have plenty of time to think about it in the morning.
Sleep can affect your overall health. If sleep problems problem persist, there may be an underlying cause for which you should seek professional advice.
If you’re have trouble sleeping then take this 7 step quiz and get your free sleep analysis.
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September 15, 2008
It seems more and more people are turning to natural healing methods for relief from aches and pains these days. Besides relieving aches and pains, these methods can help release stress and return a sense of balance to the person who craves a break from a hectic lifestyle. In addition to any herbal treatments there are hundreds of variations of natural healing methods and bodywork styles.
These methods don’t involve any surgery, prescription drugs, or invasive procedures (as are routinely practiced by medical professionals) and so can be considered natural. This type of treatment is offered by skilled body workers who combine their healing techniques with the natural healing powers of the body to bring about wholeness.
Of course, it is definitely recommended that anyone with any severe or chronic pain or concern should consult with a licensed medical professional even if they choose to seek help with any natural healing method as well.
Massage
One of the better known and more popular natural healing methods is massage therapy. There are as many forms of massage therapy as there are practitioners. Although many communities require that massage therapists attend formal training and be licensed, there is a lot of room for individuality in the practice.
Massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissue of the body. This is rubbing, kneading, pressing, and touching the skin of the client using various strokes, patterns and levels of pressure to impact the tissue below. Massage impacts the nervous system, the lymph system, circulation, digestion, muscles - you name it.
To be clear, the variety of massage available is not only due to differences in the therapists’ styles. There are many established techniques and schools. One of these, Swedish, is probably the most fundamental in the west, while others include sports massage, neuromuscular, and trigger point, to name just a few.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu Massage is Japanese in origin, although it has its roots in Chinese medicine. Shiatsu involves putting pressure on various points on the body, following the meridian pathways, to release any blocks in the system and so allow the chi to flow freely. This will then restore balance and health to the body. These therapists mostly use their thumbs in their work, but also use their fingers, palms, and even their feet when appropriate.
Although the experience of Swedish and Shiatsu massage is very different, the effects can be very similar. A Shiatsu massage can lead to feelings of deep relaxation and balance while also affecting the body’s systems in healing ways.
In addition to massage, there are many other bodywork techniques. Many are hands on, involving actual touch of the body like massage. Other styles work just within the energy field of the body, such as Reiki, and do not involve actual physical touch at all. Then there are some, like Healing Touch, that offer a combination.
Try it for yourself
Whatever the ailment someone might experience, whether it is physical, emotional, or mental, there is a natural bodywork method that could assist in the healing process. Trying out a few of the techniques to find out which styles you like the best can be a very enjoyable and relaxing experience.
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September 14, 2008
Take a look in your general store and you’ll find plenty of manufactured ways to keep bugs off of your skin and to heal bug bites. These commercial sprays and remedies are usually quite effective, but many of them contain chemicals that are harmful to your body or the environment, and you may find yourself having a worse reaction to them than you would have had to any bug!
Well, what other option is there, then? Herbs that you can find in specialty store or oftentimes in your own backyard are a natural, non-toxic, and equally effective way to combat bugs and bug bites.
Note - if you use any of these herbs start with small applications to make sure you don’t have any allergic or other reactions.
Tea tree oil, lavender essential oil, and peppermint essential oil are the three types of oils most recommended by herbalists for their ability to neutralize the toxicity of a bug bite, stave off itchiness, and reduce skin inflammation.
An undiluted drop or two of any of these oils can be applied directly onto the skin or bug bite, or add a few drops into clay, honey, or baking soda mixtures first to increase their efficacy. If you want another essential oil to keep bugs away, choose one that has a spicy, pungent, or woodsy odor, such as cedar wood, citronella, eucalyptus, and rosemary.
The plantain plant makes its home along the roadways and in the backyards of American homes as an unassuming weed. Give it a closer look and learn about its “drawing” properties and you have another treatment for bug bites. Simply take the fresh herb (or you can dry it out), chop it finely, add water, and then apply this mixture to a sting or bite. You should feel the area begin to warm; this means that the toxins are being drawn from the skin. Continue adding more plantain to the bite until the swelling and pain has subsided.
Although harmful in other forms, tobacco as a topical herb possesses many medicinal properties. A small bunch of loose tobacco leaves, combined with water or apple cider and turned into a paste, can be applied topically to a bite to help ease pain and can remain on the skin until the swelling has subsided. However, if you notice the area becoming irritated, wash away the paste completely.
The next time you’re looking to find a way to stop the bugs from bugging you, look no further than at what nature has provided for you!
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September 12, 2008
In the last few years there has been a surge in the use of herbal supplements. The industry is growing by leaps and bounds as people look for ways to improve their health in a more natural and holistic way.
Most of the herbal supplements available today contain many vital nutrients which can have a very positive effect on your overall health. Many people that use herbal supplements know that these supplements not only enhance their way of life, but many herbal supplements also can increase your immunity to many diseases as well. Some of the diseases include insomnia, constipation, GERD, hormonal imbalances, and diabetes to name a few.
There about 100 million people in the United States that are currently taking herbal supplements. For many of us that are looking at looking at adding herbal supplements to their diet there are things that you need to know.
It is important for you to know that there are not any governmental regulations on herbal supplements like there are on pharmaceutical drugs. One of the effects of this is that you are not guaranteed of the potency or concentration of any particular supplement.
You also need to know that many herbal supplements act in much the same way as prescription drugs. So you need to talk to your doctor and let them know if you are talking any supplements, since the whole point is a better quality of life , not to add more problems.
When purchasing herbal supplements you need to make sure that the company that manufactures the herbal supplement follows strict GMP manufacturing standards. There should be a certificate of analysis on file that talks about all of the ingredients in the supplement. Your herbal supplement should contain only herbal extracts that have been standardized and the company should control the manufacturing stages of the herbal supplement through the entire process.
Curious as to what some of the herbal supplements available can do for you? Here is a very short list of what is available and how they can help.
Billberry – has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce clotting and lower blood sugar. The flavonoids provide numerous benefits in the treatment of diabetes.
Blach Cohosh – is used to treat menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, profuse sweating, insomnia and anxiety.
Ginkgo Bilboa – a herbal extract that increases oxygen to the brain and other bodily tissues, increasing mental clarity, alertness and short-term memory.
Ginseng – a Chinese herbal supplement that can reduce the effects of stress, improve performance, boost energy levels, enhance memory and stimulate the immune system.
Red Clover - helps with menopausal symptoms and hot flashes. Also said to be very beneficial for chronic skin diseases, including eczema.
These are only some of the herbal supplements available on the market. Before diving in make sure you talk to someone who has a thorough understanding of the herbs and their many uses. As you can see there can be are many benefits to adding an herbal supplement to your daily regimen.
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September 8, 2008
Acupuncture is believed to be developed by Chinese over 2000 years ago, and may even date back as long as 5000 years. It is an important part of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) system.
Acupuncture is about placing fine, slender needles into the skin at certain pressure points in the body, known as acupuncture points, to help alleviate pain, relieve spasms, stimulate the immune function to promote healing, and generally improve the quality of physical, mental, and spiritual health in various ways.
The principle of acupuncture treatment is to encourage the “qi”, or the vital energy of the body, to flow smoothly in the channels, known as meridians. The Chinese believe that qi is flowing through every living thing in the universe and it has many different forms and functions. Within a person, qi has five major functions–warming, movement, protection, transportation and transformation, and supporting.
Through these functions, the human body is able to maintain its stabilization and integrity.
The qi primarily comes from three sources. Original qi is transmitted from parents to their children. This qi is mainly responsible for the inherited constitution of a person. Grain qi is nutritive qi that is generated from diet and digestion. Natural qi is the qi we acquire through breathing. Grain qi and natural qi are mainly responsible for the body constitution after birth.
In the medical sense, when qi is out of balance, blocked, or stagnated, illness and pain result. There are fourteen major meridians throughout the human body, including twelve primary meridians which are associated with the twelve major organ systems of the body and two extra meridians arising from genital area to the head at the center of the trunk, front and back.
There are more than 360 acupuncture points and most fall along the fourteen meridians. Those points that do not belong to the meridians are called extra points. Extra points usually have unique and specific healing functions.
To treat illness or pain, needles are placed into these acupuncture points which correspond with the location of the disharmony or bloackage of the qi. The stimulation from needling can restore the flow of the qi and return the balance of the body system, thereby alleviate the pain and improve the symptomatic problems. For acute cases, such as ankle sprain, a small amount of electrical current attached to the end of the acupuncture needles at certain frequency can be used to provide the points with added stimulus.
In addition to needling, the acupuncturist sometimes applies heated herbal cones or sticks above the appropriate acupuncture points , known as moxibustion, to send warmth down into the points for cold diseases. They also use small glass or plastic cups sucked on the skin of the back, known as cupping, to draw out the toxins, resolve the stagnation, and improve the circulation at the local area.
If somebody suffers a heat stroke due to the summer heat, scraping will be used at the upper back and neck area to release the heat. Acupuncture massage, known as tui-na, is a form of massage that focuses power on acupuncture points to relieve muscle tension and pain. Some times the acupuncturist will use a combination of acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and massage as treatment protocol for individual needs.
When a patient seeks acupuncture treatment, the acupuncturist will examine him or her using four basic TCM diagnostic methods–observation, hearing, questioning, and palpation. The acupuncturist will perform pulse and tongue diagnoses to see how well the patient is at the time of visit.
The pulse and tongue diagnoses are unique to TCM. The pulse diagnosis reflects the energetics of the five vital organs, including heart, liver, lung, spleen, and kidney. The shape, texture, and color of the tongue are indications for the dysfunctions of the vital organs and the depletion of the qi in the body. Based on the information collected from the patient, the acupuncturist is then able to choose the best treatment methods and select points for acupuncture treatment.
General speaking, acupuncture treatment is either painless or of trivial discomfort since the needles are very fine and solid. The patient may experience a small twinge of pain at certain acupuncture points where the skin is more sensitive to needling or the qi is more abundant, but the feeling should subside shortly after the puncture and as the treatment continues.
Acupuncture is considered to be relatively safe with only a few side effects to the use of acupuncture reported each year. The most common side effect is bruising or soreness around the needled area.
To minimize the side effect, a trained acupuncturist will apply pressure on the needled area for 1 minute once the needle is withdrawn. Occasionally, the patient may experience a slightly sedated feeling. This situation can be caused by an empty stomach; therefore, you need to eat at least one hour before the treatment.
Another side effect is infection. To avoid infection the acupuncturist should be using disposable needles for every treatment. If the acupuncturist does not use disposable needles, make sure the sterilization procedures are appropriate.
Acupuncture can be used to treat many illness, ranging from slight local pain to ascites (fluid retention in the peritoneal cavity). Although its effectiveness is still under evaluation, acupuncture has been used in the medical field in many countries of the world.
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