Herbal Remedies for Osteoarthritis

Herbal remedies are derived from the extracts of certain plants. Since herbal remedies have been used for thousands of years, you are likely to presume they are safe -- but think again. According to the American College of Rheumatology, herbal remedies are not subjected to the same quality assurance testing that is required for prescription drugs.

It has also been discovered that the contents of many herbal remedies don't always match the ingredients on their label. Probably the biggest concern is that herbal remedies can be toxic and can adversely interact with prescription drugs. When considering whether or not herbal remedies are safe, the correct answer is you can't be sure.

Let's take a look at herbal remedies that have been recommended for treating osteoarthritis.

ASU (Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables)

ASU is a natural vegetable extract made from avocado and soybean oils. Researchers believe ASU slows the production of some inflammatory chemicals. By doing so, ASU may prevent the breakdown of cartilage and help slow the progression of osteoarthritis. No significant problems have been associated with ASU, according to researchers.

Cat's Claw

Cat's claw comes from the dried root bark of a woody vine that grows in the Amazon rain forests in Peru and other South American countries. Cat's claw is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, possibly by inhibiting tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

Experts warn that only products from the vine Uncaria guianensis or Uncaria tomentosa should be bought and used. Acacia greggi, a highly toxic plant that grows in Mexico and the southwestern United States, is also referred to as Cat’s claw.

Devil's Claw

Devil's claw is a traditional herb used in South Africa. The active ingredient in Devil’s claw, harpagoside, appears to reduce pain and inflammation in joints. The herb may help lower uric acid levels in people with gout also. Specific warnings are associated with the use of Devil's claw.

Ginger

Ginger originates from the dried or fresh root of the ginger plant. Ginger contains active ingredients that may have analgesic (pain relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties -- causing less joint pain in people with osteoarthritis. Warnings are associated with ginger -- it can interfere with medications for blood thinning.

Boswellia or Indian Frankincense

Boswellia originates as gum resin from the bark of the Bos­wellia tree found in India. This herbal remedy may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties but researchers claim the evidence is limited and effects are inconsistent.

Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle is derived from the leaves and stem of the stinging nettle plant, a stalk-like plant found in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Stinging nettle is thought to decrease inflammation and reduce aches and pains associated with osteoarthritis. Warnings are associated with stinging nettle -- it may interfere with blood thinners, diabetes medications, heart medications, and it may lower blood pressure.

Feverfew

Feverfew products usually consist of dried feverfew leaves, but all parts of the plant that grow above ground may also be used. The plant is native to southeastern Europe, but it has become widespread throughout Europe, North America, and Australia. Touted as having anti-inflammatory properties, feverfew has been shown in studies to be no more effective than placebo.

Willow Bark

The extract of willow bark has been used as a pain reliever. In 2004, a study published in the Journal of Rheumatology concluded that willow bark extract showed no relevant efficacy in patients with osteoarthritis.

Points to Remember

Reviewing the most popular herbal remedies for osteoarthritis, has made it clear that you should not consider taking any herbal remedy until talking to your doctor. You must be aware of warnings associated with the herbal remedies and potential drug interactions. Their effectiveness against osteoarthritis remains inconclusive as well.

A Cochrane Review of herbal remedies for osteoarthritis, published January 22, 2001, concluded that there was convincing evidence ASU offered some benefit, but evidence for other herbal remedies was not convincing enough to either encourage or discourage their use.

Acupuncture for Osteoarthritis

is among the oldest medical procedures in the world, originating in China more than 2000 years ago. Acupuncture first became well-known in the United States in the early 1970s.

Acupuncture is not a single procedure, but instead refers to various techniques which involve the stimulation of anatomical points on the body. The acupuncture technique which has been most studied, and which most people know as acupuncture, involves penetrating the skin, with very thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by hand or electrical stimulation.

Acupuncture Has Increased in Popularity in the United States

In a National Health Interview Survey (in 2002), it was determined that 8.2 million adults in the United States had ever used acupuncture while 2.1 million had used acupuncture the previous year. Within the past two decades, the popularity of acupuncture has grown.

Acupuncture is Safe When Used By Licensed Practitioners

In 1996, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed acupuncture practitioners. The FDA requires the use of sterile, nontoxic needles, labeled for single use only. In practice, a new set of disposable needles taken from a sealed package should be used for each patient. The treatment sites should be swabbed with alcohol or another disinfecting agent before needles are inserted through the skin. Proper technique minimizes complications.

The Effectiveness of Acupuncture Has Yielded Mixed Results

Acupuncture has been studied as a treatment for a variety of conditions and its effectiveness has not always been clear. Studies have shown acupuncture to be effective for osteoarthritis of the knee.

Results from a NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) study were released in 2004, a 6-month clinical trial involving 570 study participants who had osteoarthritis of the knee. In this study 190 participants received acupuncture and 191 received "sham" acupuncture. A third group of 189 participants attended an Arthritis Foundation educational program. All of the participants were allowed to continue with conventional osteoarthritis treatments.

The study participants:

• were 50 years or older
• had significant pain in their knee during the month before study onset
• had never been treated with acupuncture
• had not used steroids or other injections
• had not had knee surgery during the 6 months before the study

By the 8th week of the NCCAM acupuncture study, the group receiving acupuncture had better function than either the sham or education group. By the 14th week, the acupuncture group also reported significantly less pain than the other groups. Overall, the participants receiving acupuncture had a 40 percent decrease in pain and 40 percent improvement in function compared to baseline evaluation.

The Theory Behind Acupuncture

In traditional Chinese medicine, disease occurs from an imbalance of yin (a passive principle) and yang (an active principle). The imbalance blocks vital energy along pathways of the body known as meridians. There are 12 main meridians, 8 secondary meridians, and 2000 acupuncture points connecting them on the body. As it applies to Western medicine, some think that acupuncture affects nervous system regulation and painkilling biochemicals.

Points to Remember

• It is best to discuss acupuncture with your doctor to see if it's a treatment option for you.
• If you have decided to try acupuncture, it is not necessary to stop other treatments.
• Be sure that your are receiving acupuncture treatments from a licensed practitioner.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

Also know as (HBP) is a serious condition that can lead to coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and other health problems. It is also called hypertension. It usually has no symptoms, but it can cause serious problems such as stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure. It affects all types of people. It is more common in African Americans than Caucasians. Hypertension is 140/90 or higher. It is often called the 'silent killer' because it usually has no noticeable or visible warning signs or symptoms until other serious problems arise. Normal pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension", and a pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high.

Symptoms:

It doesn't usually cause symptoms. Symptoms of HBP are often called the "silent killer" because they do not appear for years until a vital organ is threatened. People often do not seek medical care until they have symptoms arising from the organ damage caused by chronic (ongoing, long-term) high blood pressure. Pressure of at least 180/120 mm Hg, and there is evidence of progressive damage in one or more vital organs, often accompanied by a variety of symptoms. People can have it for years without experiencing symptoms or knowing they have it. Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if you have any of the following symptoms: A sudden, severe headache,Chest pain (angina) symptoms of a heart attack, stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Treatment:

If your HBP is too high, you need treatment to prevent damage to your body's organs. The goal of treatment is to reduce it so that you have a lower risk of complications. Key steps include following a healthy lifestyle, having ongoing medical care, and following the treatment plan that your doctor prescribes. Treatment is most effective when patient and doctor communicate well and collaborate on the program. Treatment that lowers high blood pressure greatly decreases the risk of stroke and heart failure. All drug treatments have side effects, and while the evidence of benefit is overwhelming, drug trials to lower moderately-elevated blood pressure have failed to reduce overall death rates. Treatment of primary HBP, especially moderate or severe decreases the risk of heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart attack, abnormal heartbeats, stroke, and kidney disease, and it reduces the risk of death from these conditions. Treatment can begin with changes you can make to your lifestyle to help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease. In some cases, weight loss may be the only treatment needed. About 65 million Americans have this disease and more and more are turning to alternative therapies.

It has become the second most common reason for medical office visits in the United States. High blood pressure damages your blood vessels. It is associated with 35% of heart disease caused by coronary artery disease and 49% of all cases of heart failure. It also affects one out of every three Americans or 65 million people, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). and often runs in families. Hypertension occurs more often in blacks-in 32% of black adults compared with 23% of whites and 23% of Mexican Americans. It is a serious illness that affects nearly 65 million adults in the United States. It is dangerous because it increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, death. Always ask your doctor if you suspect that you may have high blood pressure, because with no visible symptoms it really is a silent killer.

Happily Marrieds Have Lower Blood Pressure Than Social Singles

Hypertension: Just Focus on Systolic Pressure in Over-50s “They point out that while systolic pressure rises with age, diastolic pressure increases until around age 50 and falls thereafter. "The use of diastolic pressure for diagnosis and risk stratification in our aging populations has thus become illogical," Williams et al state. They note that clinical trials and national surveys have consistently shown that systolic pressure is much more difficult to control than is diastolic pressure, with control rates for diastolic pressure approaching 100% but lagging at less than 50% for systolic pressure. "Thus, targeting diastolic pressure leaves most patients with uncontrolled systolic pressure. By contrast, if the focus of our treatment were on systolic pressure, there would hardly ever be a circumstance when diastolic pressure was not controlled," they observe. …The authors report that the risk of cardiovascular disease rises continuously as systolic pressure increases from 115 mm Hg, and most national and international guidelines advocate a target for systolic pressure treatment of below 140 mm Hg, and below 130 mm Hg for patients with diabetes and those at increased cardiovascular risk.“

Low-Salt Diet May Not Be Best for Heart “The study, published online in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, doesn't confirm that a low-salt diet itself is bad for the heart. But it does say that people who eat the least salt suffer from the highest rates of death from cardiac disease. "Our findings suggest that one cannot simply assume, without evidence, that lower salt diets 'can't hurt,' " Cohen said. … Overall, Sesso said, research about the hazards of salt remains mixed. "Patients with normal blood pressure can continue to consume salt, but in moderation and keeping in mind that it is the entire dietary portfolio that matters most." “

Natural Sweeteners Zero Calories and Zero Worries

Sweet is something natural that our body desires. We all heard of people exclaiming to have a sweet tooth! That is because our bodies are built in a manner that has a need for sweet. Trying to battle your sweet tooth by removing sugar from your daily diet is not a wise choice.

While the body does require correct amounts of sweet, it is the lack of other nutrients that makes the body not function efficiently. Therefore, people who eat lots of sugar or meals that contain high amounts of sugar are overweight, but yet still in need of vital nutrients.

The problem with processed sugar is that the body is made to believe that it has received the required nutrients. When the sweetness is totally free of any essential vitamins, minerals and enzymes that would normally present in natural sweeteners. Since a long time, man has been seeking natural sweeteners to make his meal more palatable. So what could be a sugar substitute?

There are many natural sweeteners available in nature, but recent times we see many artificial sweeteners have been created. A strong debate has emerged about artificial sweeteners not being the healthy choice and frequent use may cause health problems in the long run.

Natural sweeteners also contain low calories and can help people watch their weight. It is useful in helping people manage their chronic conditions such as diabetes. Even your teeth can benefit because low calorie sweeteners reduce the chances of cavities.

Fructose is another natural sweetener that is found in fruit. It assimilates into the body more slowly than regular sugar or white sugar. But it has the same nutritional value. Fructose breaks down more slowly because it doesnt use insulin but is rather broken down by enzymes present in the bowel. It looks identical to common white sugar, but is relatively far sweeter. A much preferred option for diabetics, hyperglycemics and hypoglycemics.

Stevia, another low-carbohydrate, low-sugar food alternative seems to be gathering a lot of interest these days. Known to be extremely sweet, Stevia is sold in the US as a dietary supplement. This remarkable non caloric herb, native to South and Central America, has been in use since centuries as a sweetener and flavor enhancer.

Used for treating conditions such as obesity and blood pressure. It has a negligible effect on blood glucose. Stevia is a preferred natural sweetener for people with diabetes and others on a carbohydrate controlled diets.

Home Remedies for Warts that Actually Work

Warts are harmless, non-cancerous skin tumors that can occur singly or in groups on any part of the body. The type of wart is named as per the region of their occurrence. Warts are caused by different strains of the fiendish papilloma virus. It conjures the body into providing it with room to flourish; this is known medically as the wart proper. Warts are non-malignant skin tumors that can appear on any part of the body. It is named depending on the region of its occurrence. Seventy-five percent of the population encounters warts at least once in their lifetime.

Plantar warts are the ones associated in the foot region. Most of the natural remedies for warts are associated with plantar warts. As a reminder, it must be ensured that the so called wart is not a corn, callus, mole, or cancerous lesion. If there is the slightest doubt about what it is, a doctor must be consulted. To help identify, warts are pale, skin-colored growths with a not so smooth surface. Sometimes it has even borders and blackened surface blood vessels. Normal skin lines will not cross the warts surface. Warts are, however, very shallow growths and do not extend up to the bone.

Most warts disappear on their own within two years. Children get rid of them faster. However warts are infectious and if left untreated, may increase in size or spread to other parts of the body.

Normal medical wart treatments are associated with nasty-sounding destructive methods such as burning, freezing or destroying with laser. These techniques are not necessarily effective. It is usually painful and may leave scars. Worse still; warts often reappear, no matter what treatment is used. Alternative medicines for warts, especially home remedies are therefore encouraged before heading for the doctor. Special precautions should be taken when attending to genital warts.

One common home remedy is to buy vitamin A capsules and apply the oil directly to the affected area. Fish oil or fish-liver oil capsules are the best source for Vitamin A. Fish or Fish liver oils capsules should be broken open and the oil massaged into the affected area once a day. The vitamin should not be taken orally; large doses of it can be toxic.

A paste of Vitamin C tablets and water is one suggestible home remedy. The affected area should be bandaged after applying the paste so that it does not come off. The acidic property of the vitamin, particularly when in ascorbic acid form, affects the skin too. Therefore it is important ensure that the paste does not touch the skin.

In the tape method, the wart is tightly covered with tape. Any tape will do, a sterilized plaster is the best option. The tape should be tightly wrapped around the wart. The tape should not be renewed for as long as possible. Keeping it clean and is the key. The virus thrives on moisture and so the wart should be as dry as possible. Results are identifiable within 2-3 weeks.

Another popular home remedy is the onion method. In this method, a small onion piece is cut and kept dipped in vinegar overnight. In the morning, this onion piece should be placed over the wart and taped up tight. Another similar piece must be kept dipped in vinegar, ready for the next change. The onion should be changed at least once a day.

Other available method include applying Vitamin E oil, clove oil, Aloe-Vera juice, milkweed juice, the milky juice of the sows thistle plant, or the milky juice of unripe figs directly to the wart or taking garlic capsules or tablets.

Different warts respond differently to different modes of treatment. Most warts should disappear within 2-4 months. Plantar warts may take longer to heal.
Warts are caused by virus which thrives under moist conditions. To avoid it, open wounds should not be left unattended. While visiting wet areas, like places around the swimming pool shoes must be kept on. In tropical areas shoes must be changed frequently. Avoid touching with hands that have cuts, the virus spreads easily. Another region where warts thrive is the edge of toe and finger nails. Good manicure and pedicure habits are essential. It is interesting to note that some experiments have successfully shown hypnotism can be used to get rid of warts.

Acupuncture: A Treatment Tool for Lupus?

Treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus vary by patient and by healthcare practitioner, as one method can work well for one individual and have little affect on another. So, it is not uncommon for someone to explore various ways to treat her symptoms -- especially pain caused by inflammation, a hallmark of the disease.

Some of these methods, such as acupuncture, are considered part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). They have been used by various cultures for many generations. CAM is defined as a group of diverse medical and healthcare systems, practices and products that are not presently considered a part of conventional medicine.

It is important to note, however, that the Lupus Foundation of America does not recommend medications, products or methods not approved by the Food and Drug Administration or the American College of Rheumatology, further stating on its website, “remedies that have not undergone the scrutiny of scientific investigation lack the crucial information and data necessary to enable physicians to make sound recommendations regarding substances.”

Before exploring any new treatment option, it is best to talk with your healthcare provider.

Acupuncture

Many Westerners’ first encounter with acupuncture is by way of popular culture. But the actual discipline and the seriousness with which professional practitioners approach the method is very serious.

The practice originated in China more than 2,000 years ago and continues to grow in popularity in the United States and abroad. Although most equate acupuncture with the insertion of hair-thin needles into the skin, the term actually describes many procedures involving the stimulation of specific points on the body (acupoints) to help improve health and well-being.

Some of those techniques include stimulation with heated herbs, magnets, mild electrical current, manual pressure (acupressure), and low-frequency lasers.

Acupuncture is based on the ancient Chinese theory that an essential life energy called qi (pronounced "chee") flows through the body along invisible channels, called meridians. When the flow is blocked or out of balance, illness or pain results. Stimulation of acupoints is thought to correct the flow and restore balance, optimize health, and block pain.

The science behind acupuncture suggests that acupuncture may be associated with neurotransmitter activity in the muscles, spinal cord and brain that trigger the body's release of endorphins ("feel good" chemicals.)

An interesting side note: Researchers studying acupuncture's affect on patients with migraine headaches discovered that patients who underwent clinical acupuncture and those who underwent "sham acupuncture," in which needles are placed randomly on the body, reported similar outcomes. Both groups reported a reduction in headaches. Those researchers attributed the outcome to "nonspecific physiological effects of needling, to a powerful placebo effect, or to a combination of both." The research was conducted by the Centre for Complementary Medicine Research and reported in the May 2005 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Research

Research studies have shown that acupuncture can reduce nausea and vomiting after surgery and chemotherapy, as well as relieve pain, particularly that associated with osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. It also reportedly helps ease depression and irritable bowel syndrome connected to arthritis.

Important to lupus patients, however, is a 1997 meta-analysis of 17 studies that discovered that acupuncture seems to be less effective at relieving pain associated with inflammatory diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and local and progressive systemic scleroderma.

Get the Right Help

On the flip side, the body of research on the topic suggests that acupuncture relieves pain for some. If acupuncture is something you're interested in trying, speak with your healthcare provider before starting treatment. It's important, too, that you seek acupuncture treatment from a professional; the treatment is safest when performed by a reputable provider using sterile, disposable needles.

The American Board of Medical Acupuncture certifies clinician acupuncturists, and the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine certifies non-clinician acupuncturists. Certification comprises passing a standardized exam and a demonstration of adequate training.

The FDA regulates acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners, requiring that needles be manufactured and labeled according to certain standards. Needles must be sterile, non-toxic, and labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only.

Getting Treated

Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and very thin. Those that have undergone acupuncture report experiencing little or no pain from needle insertion. Others report feeling energized during the procedure; still others say they are calmed and relaxed. Your experience will likely vary from that of a friend.

Most complications related to acupuncture are due to inadequate sterilization of needles and from improper delivery of treatments. Practitioners should use a new set of disposable needles taken from a sealed package for each patient, and they should swab treatment sites with alcohol before inserting needles. Make sure your practitioner follows these guidelines.

Your healthcare provider should be able to refer you to a licensed practitioner. If not, websites and professional associations can direct you to an appropriate acupuncturist. Try the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture website. It has a wonderful search function that allows you to find a skilled medical acupuncturist in your area.

Treatment For Bacterial Vaginitis

Bacterial Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina which is caused by excessive growth of the bacteria called Gardnerella vaginitis, already present in the vagina. Gardnerella vaginitis is not solely responsible for this problem. When these different species of bacteria are imbalanced the vaginal discharge gives out a foul odor. Excess discharge and foul odor are the most common symptoms of this disease.

Even though the exact cause is unknown this disease mainly spreads through sexual intercourse, douching, use of intrauterine birth control device (IUD). It is one of the most common types of vaginal infection found in women. Even though there are quick remedies and medicines for this disease, if not treated on time it can be very dangerous. It may cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometritis, cervcitis, pregnancy complication and post-operative infection.

Home Remedies for Bacterial Vaginitis

• A good hygiene becomes very important if you want to stay away from bacterial vaginitis.

• Wear clean and properly washed underwear because the detergent residue may just cause an itching problem.

• Always wipe from front to back whenever you visit the toilet or otherwise to avoid the transfer of germs from rectal to genital area.

• If you have a bathtub see to it that it is properly cleansed as it is one of the favorite places for germs to reside.

• Have a warm bath, if possible without soap as it may cause irritation to the genital tissue. Soap removes natural oils from your body and also makes you defenseless against the germs. This aggravates your problem of vaginal infection.

• Drink at least four ounces of pure cranberry juice everyday to fight this bacterial disease.

• Having eight-ounces of yoghurt everyday keep women away from frequent problems of bacterial vaginitis or vaginosis. The acidophilus bacteria present in the yoghurt helps in creating a healthy bacterial environment.

• If the vagina is swollen you can use plain tea bag soaked in water, cooled in refrigerator to be applied externally to prevent itching. The tannin in tea gives a soothing touch.

• You can also use cold compress which alleviates the swelling and itching of the vagina. The cooling factor squeezes the blood vessels and prevents it from swelling and turning red.

• Avoid tight clothes and try to wear cotton panties which absorb moisture and provide good air circulation.

Acupuncture, What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine that originated in China over 5,000 years ago. It is based on the belief that living beings have a vital energy, called "qi", that circulates through twelve invisible energy lines known as meridians on the body. Each meridian is associated with a different organ system. An imbalance in the flow of qi throughout a meridian is how disease begins.

Acupuncturists insert needles into specified points along meridian lines to influence the restore balance to the flow of qi. There are over 1,000 acupuncture points on the body.

In 1997, acupuncture needles were reclassified from "experimental" to "medical device" by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The National Institutes of Health released a consensus statment in the same year endorsing acupuncture for the treatment of a variety of conditions such as post-operative pain, tennis elbow, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Acupuncture is one of the best known of the alternative therapies. The FDA estimates that people in the United States spend more than $500 million annually on acupuncture treatments. Many people have insurance coverage for acupuncture.

How Acupuncture Works

There are numerous theories about how acupuncture works. Some of them are:

• acupuncture stimulates the release of pain-relieving endorphins
  
• acupuncture influences the release of neurotransmitters, substances that transmit nerve impulses to the brain
  
• acupuncture influences the autonomic nervous system
  
• acupuncture stimulates circulation
  
• acupuncture influences the electrical currents of the body
  

Conditions Treated By Acupuncture

• migraines and tension headaches
  
• sinusitis
  
• common cold
  
• addictions, quit smoking
  
• trigeminal neuralgia
  
• Meniere's disease
  
• tennis elbow
  
• sciatica
  
• arthritis
  
• menstrual cramps
  
• fibromyalgia
  
• low back pain
  
• asthma
  
• weight loss
  
• infertility
  

What a Typical Acupuncture Treatment is Like

Before the initial appointment, clients usually complete a health history questionnaire. The acupuncturist then interviews the client, asking about his or her primary health concern, lifestyle habits, diet, emotions, menstrual cycle, sleep, temperature, appetite, stress, and sensitivity to foods, temperature, and seasons. During the interview, the acupuncturist examines the client carefully, noting his or her face color, voice, and tongue colour and coating. There are also three pulse points at the wrist of each hand that the acupuncturist will assess to further determine the health of the 12 meridians.

After the interview, the acupuncturist gives a diagnosis and begins treatment. Typically, the acupuncturist will use 6-12 needles during the treatment. The number of needles used does not correspond with the intensity of the treatment, rather it is the precise placement of the needles that is important.

Upon insertion, the client may feel a slight sting or prick. Once the needle is inserted, there should be no pain. You should feel comfortable during the treatment. If you experience pain, numbness, or discomfort, notify the acupuncturist immediately.

Treatment length varies from seconds to longer than one hour. The typical length is about 20 to 30 minutes. The acupuncturist may use the following techniques during the treatment:

• moxibustion - heating of acupuncture needles with dried herb sticks to activate and warm the acupuncture point. Also known as "moxa".
  
• cupping - the application of glass cups to create a suction on the skin. This is to relieve stagnation of qi and blood, e.g. in sports injury.
  
• herbal medicine - Chinese herbs may be given in the form of teas, pills, and capsules to supplement acupuncture treatment.
  
• electrostimulation - provides electrical stimulation to two to four acupuncture needles. Can be used for pain relief and muscle pain.
  
• laser acupuncture - non-needle stimulation of needles

Food Poisoning - Result Of Food Contamination

Food poisoning is caused by eating organisms or toxins present in food or drinks. Staphylococcus or E. coli is one of the commonest bacteria which results in food poisoning. Due to improper handling, this kind of a contamination happens. Even though it is a very common condition it can get worse depending on the degree of contamination. Some common foods which can cause food poisoning if proper care is not taken are raw poultry, unpasteurized milk, red meat, poisonous mushrooms, pesticides on fruits and vegetables, egg and raw egg products, raw meat and water.

The symptoms are so mild that we hardly register it in our minds. The symptoms develop within one hour or it may show up within 12-48 hours. It lasts for more than two days but, depending on its seriousness it may take around a week to recover.
You may have bouts of vomiting, abdominal cramps and pain, diarrhea and similar other pains. If it is very serious you may have chills and fever, bloody stools, dehydration, muscle aches and weakness. In rare cases it may lead to brain damage causing paralysis or death.

Pesticide, chemicals, heavy metals, parasites, fungi, viruses and bacteria are some of the common causes for food poisoning. Bacteria are a major culprit, due to their capacity to multiply. To prevent the contamination we should have a clean kitchen including the storage and vessels, handle raw and cooked food with proper precautions, cook food to the maximum temperature to avoid presence of bacteria and heat canned foods before tasting. You can stop this outbreak either by minimizing the headcount of bacteria, preventing their growth, killing bacteria with proper measures of cooking.

Home Remedies for Food Poisoning

Avoid eating when suffering with food poisoning

Drink good amount of fluids except milk products, caffeine and carbonated products

Avoid sugary fluids and drink more of electrolyte

Eat plain bread, as it soaks the poison to provide relief

Have 1/4 cup of activated charcoal powder with a glass of water to subside the symptoms. If it doesn't work within the first half-hour continue till you get complete relief.

Consume garlic as it detoxifies the intestine and destroys the bacteria in lower digestive tract.

After your meals you can drink a cup of ginger tea for good digestion, heartburn and nausea.

Mix three drops of garlic oil in 1/2 cup soya oil. Rub this mixture after your meals on the stomach to provide relief.

Mix 3-4 drops of mint essence in water and drink it every hour. You can also drink jaljeera (a mixture of asafetida, cumin, salt and water) 2-3 times a day.

Make a mixture by mixing one tablespoon lemon juice or cider vinegar in a cup of hot water. Drink it before your meals to prevent any acidic problems.

Feng Shui And Prosperity At Work

Using feng shui principles to change the atmosphere of your office or desk area at work can help you do better work and get ahead in your career. Feng shui can help you make any environment more pleasant to spend time in, which means that you will feel happier at work after you apply feng shui than you are at work currently. When you are in a great mood, you will feel more energetic, and you will be more pleasant to be around. This can boost your productivity and your reputation at work. Feng shui can also help you to manage stress and tension so that you stay calm and relaxed even when confronted with difficult challenges.

Perhaps the most important benefit of using feng shui to improve the atmosphere of where you work is that the positive effect of feng shui may help you beat workplace-related depression, a serious problem that stops many potential business leaders in their tracks. Management experts predict that depression related to the workplace will prove to be an increasingly devastating problem. Some leaders in the field even believe that within the next two decades, the leading cause of lost workdays will be job-related depression. Feng shui principles can be a powerful tool to aid your career, as they help you maintain a positive, upbeat atmosphere at work. This effectively destroys the menace of work-related depression, leaving you free to excel at your job.

Feng shui is perfectly suited to the workplace because it promotes a clean, minimalist aesthetic that is completely at home in a professional context. If you are looking for a way to create a sophisticated look for your work environment, feng shui may be the answer because its visual appeal is as great as its effect on mood and temperament. An office area decorated according to fundamental feng shui principles of harmony and balance is sure to project an overall sense of order that will help you seem more professional to your colleagues, supervisors, and clients. When people expect you to be competent, you often rise to the challenge and surpass what you thought you were capable of. Feng shui's tasteful aesthetic can help change how people perceive you, and encourage them to think of you in a more positive light so that you will be expected to excel.

When you spend a lot of time in an environment that follows feng shui principles of order and balance, you can achieve a consistent level of relaxation that will help you overcome tension and worry. By making your work environment a place where you feel calm because of the effect of feng shui, you will be doing your body and your mind a service by better managing your stress levels. Often, a large percentage of the stress in daily life has the workplace as its source, but it doesn't always end when five o clock rolls around. By using feng shui at your job, you will be better able to remain calm through the working day and beyond.

Alternative medicine

The term alternative medicine, as used in the modern Western world, encompasses any healing practice "that does not fall within the realm of conventional medicine".^[1] Commonly cited examples include naturopathy, chiropractic, herbalism, traditional Chinese medicine, Unani, Ayurveda, meditation, yoga, biofeedback, hypnosis, homeopathy, acupuncture, and diet-based therapies, in addition to a range of other practices.^[2] It is frequently grouped with complementary medicine, which generally refers to the same interventions when used in conjunction with mainstream techniques,^[3][4][5] under the umbrella term complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM. Some significant researchers in alternative medicine oppose this grouping, preferring to emphasize differences of approach, but nevertheless use the term CAM, which has become standard.^[6][7]

Alternative medicine practices are as diverse in their foundations as in their methodologies. Practices may incorporate or base themselves on traditional medicine, folk knowledge, spiritual beliefs, or newly conceived approaches to healing.^[8] Jurisdictions where alternative medical practices are sufficiently widespread may license and regulate them. The claims made by alternative medicine practitioners are generally not accepted by the medical community because evidence-based assessment of safety and efficacy is either not available or has not been performed for many of these practices. If scientific investigation establishes the safety and effectiveness of an alternative medical practice, it may be adopted by conventional practitioners.^[9][10] Because alternative techniques tend to lack evidence, some have advocated defining it as non-evidence based medicine, or not medicine at all. Some researchers state that the evidence-based approach to defining CAM is problematic because some CAM is tested, and research suggests that many mainstream medical techniques lack solid evidence.^[11]

A 1998 systematic review of studies assessing its prevalence in 13 countries concluded that about 31% of cancer patients use some form of complementary and alternative medicine.^[12] Alternative medicine varies from country to country. Dr. Edzard Ernst believes that in Austria and Germany CAM is mainly in the hands of physicians,^[7] while some estimates suggest that at least half of American alternative practitioners are physicians.^[13] In Germany, herbs are tightly regulated, with half prescribed by doctors and covered by health insurance based on their Commission E legislation.

Secondary metabolite

Secondary metabolites are organic compounds that are not directly involved in the normal growth, development or reproduction of organisms. Unlike primary metabolites, absence of secondary metabolities results not in immediate death, but in long-term impairment of the organism's survivability/fecundity or aesthetics, or perhaps in no significant change at all. Secondary metabolites are often restricted to a narrow set of species within a phylogenetic group.

Function

The function or importance of these compounds to the organism is usually of an ecological nature as they are used as defenses against predators, parasites and diseases, for interspecies competition, and to facilitate the reproductive processes (coloring agents, attractive smells, etc). Since these compounds are usually restricted to a much more limited group of organisms, they have long been of prime importance in taxonomic research.

Secondary metabolites may be likely candidates for drug or other technological development directly, or as an inspiration for unnatural products. This will concern secondary metabolites in plants, bacteria, fungi and many marine organisms (sponges, tunicates, corals, snails). In some cases, higher organisms will host a microorganism which is the actual producer of the product in question, as part of a symbiotic relationship.

Most of the secondary metabolites of interest to humankind fit into categories which classify secondary metabolites based on their biosynthetic origin. Since secondary metabolites are often created by modified primary metabolite synthases, or "borrow" substrates of primary metabolite origin, these categories should not be interpreted as saying that all molecules in the category are secondary metabolites (for example the steroid category), but rather that there are secondary metabolites in these categories.

Small "small molecules"

• Alkaloids (usually a small, heavily derivatized amino acid):
  • Hyoscyamine, present in Datura stramonium
  • Atropine, present in Atropa belladonna, Deadly nightshade
  • Cocaine, present in Erythroxylon coca the Coca plant
  • Codeine and Morphine, present in Papaver somniferum, the opium poppy
  • Tetrodotoxin, a microbial product in Fugu and some salamanders
  • Vincristine & Vinblastine, mitotic inhibitors found in the Rosy Periwinkle
• Terpenoids (come from semiterpene oligomerization):
  • Azadirachtin, (Neem tree)
  • Artemisinin, present in Artemisia annua Chinese wormwood
  • tetrahydrocannabinol, present in cannabis sativa
  • Steroids (Terpenes with a particular ring structure)
    • Saponins (plant steroids, often glycosylated)
• Glycosides (heavily modified sugar molecules):
  • Nojirimycin
  • Glucosinolates
• Phenols:
  • Resveratrol
• Phenazines:
  • Pyocyanin
  • Phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (and derivatives)

• Big "small molecules", produced by large, modular, "molecular factories"

• Polyketides:
  • Erythromycin
  • Discodermolide
• Fatty acid synthase products :
  • FR-900848
  • U-106305
  • phloroglucinols
• Nonribosomal peptides:
  • Vancomycin
  • Thiostrepton
  • Ramoplanin
  • Teicoplanin
  • Gramicidin
  • Bacitracin
• Hybrids of the above three:
  • Epothilone
• 
  
  

Phenols

In organic chemistry, phenols, sometimes called phenolics, are a class of chemical compounds consisting of a hydroxyl group (-OH) bonded directly to an aromatic hydrocarbon group. The simplest of the class is phenol (C₆H₅OH).

Phenol - the simplest of the phenols.

Although similar to alcohols, phenols have unique properties and are not classified as alcohols (since the hydroxyl group is not bonded to a saturated carbon atom). They have relatively higher acidities due to the aromatic ring's tight coupling with the oxygen and a relatively loose bond between the oxygen and hydrogen. The acidity of the hydroxyl group in phenols is commonly intermediate between that of aliphatic alcohols and carboxylic acids (their pK_a is usually between 10 and 12). Loss of a positive hydrogen ion (H⁺) from the hydroxyl group of a phenol forms a corresponding negative phenolate ion or phenoxide ion, and the corresponding salts are called phenolates or phenoxides, although the term aryloxides is preferred according to the IUPAC Gold Book.

Phenols can have two or more hydroxy groups bonded to the aromatic ring(s) in the same molecule. The simplest examples are the three benzenediols, each having two hydroxy groups on a benzene ring.

Some phenols are germicidal and are used in formulating disinfectants. Others possess estrogenic or endocrine disrupting activity.

Fungus

A fungus (pronounced /ˈfʌŋɡəs/) is a eukaryotic organism that is a member of the kingdom Fungi (pronounced /ˈfʌndʒaɪ/ or /ˈfʌŋɡaɪ/).^[2] The fungi are a monophyletic group, also called the Eumycota ("true fungi" or eumycetes), that is phylogenetically distinct from the morphologically similar slime molds (myxomycetes) and water molds (oomycetes). The fungi are heterotrophic organisms possessing a chitinous cell wall, with most fungal species growing as multicellular filaments called hyphae forming a mycelium; certain fungal species also grow as single cells. Sexual and asexual reproduction of the fungi is commonly via spores, often produced on specialized structures or in fruiting bodies. Some have lost the ability to form reproductive structures, and propagate solely by vegetative growth. Yeasts, molds, and mushrooms are examples of fungi. The fungi are more closely related to animals than plants, yet the discipline of biology devoted to the study of fungi, known as mycology, is often regarded as a branch of botany.

Occurring worldwide, most fungi are largely invisible to the naked eye, living for the most part in soil, dead matter, and as symbionts of plants, animals, or other fungi. They perform an essential role in ecosystems in decomposing organic matter and are indispensable in nutrient cycling and exchange. Fungi may become noticeable when fruiting, either as mushrooms or molds. They have long been used as a direct source of food, such as mushrooms and truffles and in fermentation of various food products, such as wine, beer, and soy sauce. More recently, fungi are being used as sources for antibiotics used in medicine and various enzymes, such as cellulases, pectinases, and proteases, important for industrial use or as active ingredients of detergents. Many fungi produce bioactive compounds called mycotoxins, such as alkaloids and polyketides that are toxic to animals including humans. Fruiting structures of a few fungal species are used recreationally or in traditional ceremonies as a source of psychotropic compounds. Fungi are significant pathogens of humans and other animals, and losses due to diseases of crops (e.g., rice blast disease) or food spoilage caused by fungi can have a large impact on human food supply and local economies.

Plant

Plants are living organisms belonging to the kingdom Plantae. They include familiar organisms such as trees, herbs, bushes, grasses, vines, ferns, mosses, and green algae. About 350,000 species of plants, defined as seed plants, bryophytes, ferns and fern allies, are estimated to exist currently. As of 2004, some 287,655 species had been identified, of which 258,650 are flowering and 18,000 bryophytes (see table below). Green plants, sometimes called metaphytes or viridiplantae, obtain most of their energy from sunlight via a process called photosynthesis.

Traditional medicine

Traditional medicine(also known as indigenous or folk medicine) describes medical knowledge systems, which developed over centuries within various societies before the era of modern medicine. Practices known as traditional medicines include herbal, Ayurvedic, Unani, Ancient Iranian, Siddha, Islamic and traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, Muti, Ifá, and other medical knowledge and practices all over the globe.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines traditional medicine as:

the health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses or maintain well-being.^[1]

Some Asian and African countries up to 80% of the population relies on traditional medicine for their primary health care needs. When adopted outside of its traditional culture, traditional medicine is often called complimentary and alternative medicine. Herbal medicines can be very lucrative, generating billions of dollars in sales, but adulteration or counterfeit herbs can also be a health hazard.^[1]

The WHO also notes, though, that "inappropriate use of traditional medicines or practices can have negative or dangerous effects" and that "further research is needed to ascertain the efficacy and safety" of several of the practices and medicinal plants used by traditional medicine systems.^[1] Core disciplines which study traditional medicine include ethnomedicine, ethnobotany, and medical anthropology.

Medicine

Medicine is the art and science of healing. It encompasses a range of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness.

Contemporary medicine applies health science, biomedical research, and medical technology to diagnose and treat injury and disease, typically through medication, surgery, or some other form of therapy. The word medicine is derived from the Latin ars medicina, meaning the art of healing.^[1][2]

Though medical technology and clinical expertise are pivotal to contemporary medicine, successful face-to-face relief of actual suffering continues to require the application of ordinary human feeling and compassion, known in English as bedside manne

Herbalism

Herbalism is a traditional medicinal or folk medicine practice based on the use of plants and plant extracts. Herbalism is also known as botanical medicine, medical herbalism, herbal medicine, herbology, and phytotherapy. The scope of herbal medicine is sometimes extended to include fungal and bee products, as well as minerals, shells and certain animal parts^[1].

Many plants synthesize substances that are useful to the maintenance of health in humans and other animals. These include aromatic substances, most of which are phenols or their oxygen-substituted derivatives such as tannins. Many are secondary metabolites, of which at least 12,000 have been isolated — a number estimated to be less than 10% of the total. In many cases, these substances (particularly the alkaloids) serve as plant defense mechanisms against predation by microorganisms, insects, and herbivores. Many of the herbs and spices used by humans to season food yield useful medicinal compounds

Herbal and Natural Medicines – Research Is On The Increase

As you are no doubt aware medicines derived from herbal and natural products are becoming increasingly popular in many cultures around the globe. Many of these herbal and natural remedies were developed centuries ago in eastern culture and they have been used much longer than any other variety of health care products.

As well as the Eastern culture other societies have, throughout history, known about and have successfully used herbs as well as natural substances to cure all kinds of different ailments. The pharmacopoeia, as we know it today, was initially developed in the early nineteen hundreds and is primarily based on long established natural and herbal remedies.

Plant substances, or synthetically produced plant compounds, are in-fact used in the manufacture of nearly twenty-five percent of all prescription drugs that are used in the United States. Medical researchers have recently estimated that approximately eighty percent of the people in the world have used, or currently use, some form of herbal and natural medicine on a regular basis. The multinational pharmaceutical companies are constantly researching and looking for new plant species that can be successfully harvested to create new and better medicines for the public.

Research on Herbal and Natural Medicines

Up until now the pharmaceutical companies and independent medical research organizations have not devoted a great deal of time researching the origins and medical properties of ancient herbal and natural remedies. This situation has begun to change and now an increasing number of research studies are being conducted with many more expected to be undertaken in the near future. This is primarily as a result of the increased popularity of herbal and natural remedies in the western style markets of the United States, Europe and many other major countries throughout the world.

There are many popular herbal and natural medicines which are inexpensive and readily available. The natural remedy known as St. Johns Wort is currently used to help people who suffer minor to moderate depression problems. Other herbal medicines have been used to combat diabetes as well as deal with the treatment of high cholesterol levels. For instance garlic and artichokes are both believed to assist with the reduction of cholesterol levels.

Some herbalists believe that Echinacea can reduce the time frame of the common cold and can also reduce the severity of the symptoms. As a word of warning some research does suggest that the quantity required to fight a cold is higher than the dosage that most manufacturers of the product recommend. Also it is important to note that there has not been sufficient research undertaken to find out the possible side affects of these higher than generally recommended dosages.

People have been using Nigella Sativa (also known as black cumin) for all types of health related issues including pulmonary infections, influenza, some allergies, coughs and the treatment of stomach aches. Some herbalists believe that oregano might be useful in battling multi-drug resistant bacteria. Green tea is thought to have the ability to inhibit growth of breast cancer cells.

The Feeling of Hypnosis

Hypnosis feels a bit different in my office than just naturally going into it. After I induce the state of hypnosis, which most of the time is instantly, the person starts thinking even though my instructions were to not think. First they are thinking, 'Am I hypnotized? I don't think I'm hypnotized, is this working? I don't feel any different.' You see, most people have a preconceived idea about what hypnosis is going to feel like. They expect that they will be out of control or sleeping but it's just not like that.

After these thoughts die down then people generally start thinking about moving or adjusting their body. 'I'm uncomfortable, is it okay to move?' 'I have an itch, can I scratch it?' Of course it's okay to move around. I remember I had two clients in my office, one after the other, on two consecutive days for smoking cessation. Both of them were squirmers. They squirmed around so much that I actually swiveled my chair around and was kind of looking the other direction because they were bothering me! So yes, it's okay to move while in hypnosis, actually the definition of hypnosis says nothing about relaxation. I could hypnotize you standing up, with your eyes open.

After the person gets by these sets of thoughts they all pretty much say the following after the session has been completed. 'Well' I was listening to you and heard most of what you said but I kind of tuned you out here and there, I stopped listening to you after a while but then I came back and started paying attention again.' This happens much more when I'm doing most of the talking. If I'm doing a direct suggestion kind of session where I'm rambling on and on then yes, the person tends to tune me out here and there. This tuning out does not mean that they aren't 'Getting it' though, in fact I believe my suggestions are getting in there even better during this time because they are so deep. Hypnosis is similar to a sleep pattern. When you sleep at night you go through cycles of sleep where you shallow out for a while, meaning you are in light sleep, and then go into REM sleep, rapid eye movement where you are in deep sleep. The same holds true for the state of hypnosis. That's why it's important to deepen your subject so when they 'Shallow out' they aren't 'Coming out' of hypnosis.

Interestingly enough most people don't even think they were hypnotized when we have concluded our session no matter what took place. I was taught that it's very important your client knows that something was going on. Maybe that is important but I focus more on results. Nonetheless I use to do all kinds of things to prove they were hypnotized such as, 'In a moment I will count from fifteen down to one. At the count of one or before, your right arm will be so light that it will just float up to the ceiling.' I won't bore you with the patter, (patter is the term used by hypnotists, it's what they say during a session), but their arm would be floating on up, waving around in the air. Sometimes I would have them open their eyes and look at their arm floating around, they generally laugh and think it's funny. Then I might tell them that when I snap my fingers the sensation in their arm goes from very light to extremely heavy and that arm will just plop on down at the snap of my fingers and, Snap! Their arm falls as if its filled with lead, I then have them close their eyes and go much deeper.

After the session when I ask them what they thought about their arm floating up like it did they say that it was pretty neat but they still don't think they were hypnotized! I would do things like the floating arm or just regress them back to being two or three years old. After the session they were amazed, 'Wow, my mom looked so young!' Of course they still didn't think they were hypnotized. You see that's the thing, people expect hypnosis to be this wild out of control kind of feeling, it just isn't. Once in a while I get the metaphysical types coming in wanting an 'Experience' so if I take my usual approach they won't think they were hypnotized either. Here's the thing though, if you want someone to absolutely know they were hypnotized then you must deepen them quiet a bit. We'll discuss deepening later in chapter three. Extreme deepening of trance isn't generally necessary for most clinical hypnosis sessions. I generally spend about five to ten minutes or so in deepening my subjects.

The biggest convincer that you were in hypnosis is that time is very skewed. If a person is in hypnosis for an hour or ten hours, it pretty much feels like around twenty minutes or so for them. But again, the more they are talking the longer the session feels. The more you deepen the person, the more this feeling of being hypnotized increases. By counting, breathing, suggestions of letting go and imagery, it is possible to have an 'Experience' while in hypnosis.

Another huge aspect of hypnosis is that you cannot induce hypnosis without someone's knowledge or consent. Most of the time I use an instant induction to place a person into hypnosis. We will talk about inductions later but if I were to just walk up to you and snap my fingers in front of your eyes and command 'Sleep', you'd look at me funny! If you knew I was a hypnotist and you wanted to be hypnotized and I did that same thing, then you would be placed in a wonderful state of hypnosis. Mental expectancy is huge for this to work.

Mental Expectancy with regard to Hypnosis

Mental expectancy is another gigantic part of hypnosis. “What the mind expects to happen tends to be realized” - “Thought becomes reality.” I’m sure you have heard the expression of a “Self fulfilling prophecy.” I cannot tell you how many times people have come to see me for physical problems and they’ve already tried everything. They have had multiple MRI scans, been through a whole host of doctors. Actually here is the progression of what people typically do… They go to a doctor, then another doctor, then another one, then to a specialist. Then they go to a counselor or a psychologist and they still don’t find relief. Then they go to an acupuncturist, a tarot card reader and they still haven’t found relief. Then they’ll “Try” hypnosis and guess what? They get fixed!

When these people walk in my door I tell them, I move into their personal space a bit to make my point, “You will be healed of this problem you have if you do what I tell you to do. I’ve done this so many times in the past and we can easily get rid of this for good.” I also tell them not to “Try” or “Hope” because these are actually failure words. Anytime you’ve ever tried to do something or hoped that it would work, you probably failed at it. We will achieve this change right now, today, end of story.

Mental expectancy works in other parts of our lives as well. When you were a teenager did you ever go to a music concert? You buy the tickets months ahead of time and then you count down the days on the calendar. You play that bands music more and more as the date of the show approaches. Now it’s finally the day of the concert and you get in your car with your friends, how exciting! This is going to be great! Well of course it will be great. You just spent several months anticipating this night and building mental expectancy towards it.

Another interesting example of mental expectancy is the preacher you see on TV, you know the ones I’m talking about. It’s a huge stadium with twenty thousand people and he’s up there with the microphone talking excitedly through a million watt PA system. There’s a single file line of people coming up to him and he’s healing one person after the next, they’re falling to the floor. He speaks to them as if he is God. His voice just blaring loud, he grabs their forehead with his hand, shakes their head back and forth, and then smacks them on the head with his bible. They fall down and when they stand up, they are healed! And you know what? A lot of them are… but why? Mental expectancy and… are you ready for this? Hypnosis!

These people have been waiting months for this big healing event. They’ve had that card on their refrigerator and have looked at it for weeks and weeks. On September 27th I am going to get this bum leg healed! When they arrive at the stadium, the grandeur of it all, so many people! They get in that single file line and advance one by one to the podium where the preacher is. They are seeing the people ahead of them falling to the floor and then getting up healed. Talk about critical bypass factor of the conscious mind, man that’s it! They finally get right in front of him and he hits them with his bible which causes their nervous system to spike way up, then way down into hypnosis, (I do this same thing every day in my office, it’s an instant induction), and they fall to the floor and don’t know what hit them! They are assisted to their feet and yes, it’s a… it’s a miracle! And I would agree with that, it is a miracle, a hypnosis miracle.

Environmental Toxins Are Slowly Killing Us

The air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink is contaminated with toxins and they are slowly destroying human health and wellbeing. That's the premise of a new book by Dr. Garry Gordon.

Detox with Oral Chelation: Protecting Yourself from Lead, Mercury, & Other Environmental Toxins (2008 — Smart Publications) is the latest book from the "father of chelation," Dr. Garry Gordon. Co-written by noted health writer David Jay Brown, the book is the strongest indictment yet of our polluted planet and the role environmental toxins play in human sickness and disease.

According to Dr. Gordon every person on this planet—to one degree or another—is suffering from heavy metal and pesticide poisoning. Every person alive today has around a thousand times more lead in their bones than anyone who lived prior to the Industrial Age.

"The Earth has become so totally polluted that everybody today is walking around with high levels of styrene, PCBs, and dioxins. They're in every human being we test today, as well as is lead, mercury, and cadmium... There is simply no escape from the particulate matter. We have poisoned our nest," Dr. Gordon says in his new book.

To illustrate his point, Dr. Gordon cites these shocking examples...

"...when the head of a company in Japan wanted to find a place to grow garlic, I had to admit to him that any garlic that you raise in the central valley of California—if it's within a quarter of a mile of the freeway—is going to be contaminated with lead because all freeways throw trash into the surrounding dirt."

"In New Zealand it is so dangerous to have your cow eat the grass that's next to the road because your cow is going to get lead poisoning. This is because New Zealand doesn't have the newer methods of refineries that we have that are relatively low lead. They have high-lead refineries, and all the gas is loaded with lead. So any car going down the street is passing cadmium out from the wearing of tires and lead from the exhaust."

"A single cabbage that is grown just a hundred yards from a freeway in California can contain a thousand times the safe level of cadmium as a result of being next to a freeway."

However, all is not lost...

Dr. Gordon believes oral chelation in the form of EDTA chelation therapy is the weapon of choice to detoxify our bodies and restore vital bodily functions to their original capacity.

In his book, Dr. Gordon explains in great detail how the mechanism by which EDTA oral chelation works to remove toxic heavy metals from the body. Says Dr. Gordon, "The combined evidence from over forty years of chelation therapy research suggests that EDTA may be the most powerful tool that we have available for detoxifying our bodies from lead and the other dangerous heavy metals that threaten our health and wellbeing with every breath that we take."

Fight Menopausal And Premenopausal Problems With Natural Phytoestrogen

Menopause is the time at which a woman stops ovulating and menstruation ceases, which indicates the end of fertility. Menopause is not a disease, but rather a natural progression in life, similar to puberty. Many years before a woman stops ovulating, her ovaries will begin to slow their production of the hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Estrogen and progesterone are often thought of as the reproductive hormones.

Although estrogen is essential in reproduction, it is also extremely important in other non-reproductive organs and systems in the body. Cells in the uterus, bladder, breasts, skin, bones, arteries, heart, liver, and brain all contain estrogen receptors. These organs need this hormone in order to stimulate these receptors for normal cell function. Estrogen is needed to keep the skin smooth and moist and the body’s internal thermostat working properly. Estrogen is also essential for proper bone formation. Even though estrogen levels drop sharply after menopause, they do not disappear entirely. Other organs take over for the ovaries, continuing to produce a less potent form of estrogen. These organs, known as endocrine glands, secrete some hormones from fatty tissue in order to maintain bodily functions.

Progesterone works along with estrogen, stimulating changes in the lining of the uterus to complete the preparation for a fertilized egg during the second half of the menstrual cycle. If no egg is fertilized, the uterine lining is broken down and expelled, allowing the cycle to being again. Progesterone also has effects beyond the reproductive system, as it calms the brain and also affects other aspects of nervous system function. Testosterone is most important for both men and women, with women producing about 80 percent less than men do. However, it is the driving force for maintaining a healthy life and proper functioning organs.

The period when a woman’s body is preparing for menopause is known as perimenopause. For the majority of women, hormone production beings to slow down then they reach their thirties, continuing to diminish with age. Many women will experience few if any symptoms at this time, but others may suffer from anxiety, dry skin, fatigue, feelings of bloating, headaches, heart palpitations, hot flashes, insomnia, irritability, decreased interest in their significant other, loss of concentration, mood swings, night sweats, reduced stamina, urinary incontinence, uterine dryness and itching, weight gain, cold hands and feet, joint pain, hair loss, and/or skin changes.

Menopause occurs when a woman stops menstruating altogether. At this point, most of the acute problems a woman may have experienced are actually over and a new balance between all hormones should be established. However, women become increasingly vulnerable to other, potentially serious health problems at this time. Over the long term, the diminished supply of estrogen increased the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and uterine atrophy. Osteoporosis especially is a major problem for women after menopause, with an estimated 80 percent of the hip fractures that occur in the United States every year being due to osteoporosis.

A proper diet, nutritional supplements, and exercise can help to minimize or eliminate most of the unpleasant side effects of menopause. The following nutrients are recommended for dealing with this stage of life: beta-1, cerasomal, coenzyme Q10, DHEA, essential fatty acids, lecithin granules, a multi-enzyme complex, soy protein, vitamin B complex, vitamin D3, vitamin E, boron, calcium, magnesium, quercetin, silica, zinc, l-arginine, multiglandular complex, a multivitamin and mineral complex, vitamin C, aloe vera gel, slippery elm, damiana, amaranth, chickweed, dandelion greens, nettle, seaweed, watercress, anise, black cohosh, fennel, licorice, raspberry, sage, unicorn root, wild yam root, hops, valerian root, gotu kola, red clover, dong quai, St. John’s wort, and Siberian ginseng.

All these above listed vitamins and herbs are available in capsule, tablet, or powder forms. When looking for natural alternatives to help replace estrogen naturally, look to your local or internet health food store for name brand products that can help restore an imbalance over time.

Control Chron's Disease With Natural Anti-Inflammatory Herbs And Vitamins

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder with an unknown origin. It is often called iletis or enteritis and usually affects the lowest part of the small intestine. However, it can occur in other parts of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Crohn's disease is responsible for inflammation that extends deep into the lining of the intestinal wall. Infrequently, it can cause crampy abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

Commonly, blockage of the intestine may occur due to scar tissue narrowing the passageway. Crohn's disease may also cause sores, or ulcers, that break through to the surrounding tissues. These tunnels are actually called fistulas. Although they can be treated using medication, surgery is sometimes required. Additionally, people with Crohn's disease often suffer from nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorption in the intestinal tract.

Somewhere between 1.2 and 15 in every 100,000 people in the United States are affective by Crohn's disease. This condition affects men and women equally and generally runs in families. Those people who have a relative with the disease happen to be ten times more likely to develop Crohn's disease than the general population. This disorder affects people in all age groups, with the onset usually occurring either between ages fifteen and thirty or between ages sixty and eighty. Those children who have Crohn's disease may also suffer from delayed development and stunted growth because of nutritional deficiencies.

Crohn's disease is often hard to diagnose because its symptoms are very similar to those of other intestinal disorders, especially ulcerative colitis which is another inflammatory bowel disease that affects only the colon. Crohn's symptoms can also appear sporadically, occurring every few months to every few years for some people. In rare cases, the symptoms may appear once or twice and never return. If the disease continues for many years, bowel function will gradually deteriorate. When this condition is left untreated, it can become extremely serious, even life threatening, and it may also increase the risk of cancer by as much as twenty times.

Many doctors believe that Crohn's disease has a genetic basis. However, it does not appear until it is triggered by the presence of bacteria or virus that provokes and abnormal activation of the immune system. The onset of Crohn's disease can be dramatic, with symptoms such as a sudden, high fever, sudden weight loss of more than five pounds in a few days, significant rectal bleeding, severe abdominal pain that persists for more than hour at a time, and persistent vomiting accompanied by a cessation of bowel movements. A series of tests may be necessary to confirm Crohn's disease. If the tests show the presence of Crohn's disease, the doctor may do more x-rays of both the upper and lower digestive tract to determine how much is affected by the disease.

As of now, there is no cure for Crohn's disease. Therefore, the goals of treatment are to control inflammation, relieve symptoms, and correct deficiencies, which can help to keep the condition in remission. The following nutrients are very beneficial in dealing with Crohn's disease: duodenal glandular, l-glutamine, liver extract, N-A-G, omega-3 essential fatty acids, pancreatin, taurine, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, vitamin K, zinc, an amino acid complex, garlic, calcium, magnesium, a multivitamin and mineral complex, quercetin, shark cartilage, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D3, aloe vera, burdock root, Echinacea, fenugreek, goldenseal, licorice, marshmallow root, pau d'arco, enteric-coated peppermint, red clover, rose hips, silymarin, slippery elm, and yerba mate.

Many natural anti-inflammatory formulas are available to help one control inflammation. Look to your local or internet health food store for the above mentioned vitamins and herbs as well as helpful formulas to control inflammation. Always consult your doctor before adding vitamins and herbs to your diet while on prescription medications.