Do you suffer from neck pain or maybe you know someone who does? Neck pain is a very common pain in most people and it is because the head and neck region is vulnerable to many different stresses. It can be caused by muscle strains, osteoarthritis, herniated intervertebral discs; even something as a bad posture can cause an incorrect alignment of the neck and spine and therefore neck pain will manifest. So, what can we do to prevent or treat neck pain?
One of the most usual causes of neck pain is a poor posture. Most people have bad posture habits whether when they are sleeping or during the day and they don’t even realize it, even an activity that we consider harmless as reading in bed without a posture pillow can, at some moment, lead to pain and more serious problems. A basic recommendation is not to sit in the same position for a long time, but if we have to, we must not bend or hunch the neck forward or long periods, the neck and back must be supported so that we have a better posture.
The sleep positions are even more important because they are the most possible source of neck problems. A regular pillow causes you to sleep with your neck at a too high or too low angle and does not keep your spine straight, therefore causing neck pain, back pain, discomfort and fatigue. This sagging or distorted sleep surface usually causes an unnatural spine alignment, so the back muscles will try to compensate by tensing up so they can restore a more natural positioning of the spine. But this muscle tension is what produces the morning discomfort and pain in the neck and the back.
That is why the Better Sleep Pillow is so great, because this neck pillow conforms easily to the shape of your neck and offers you proper spine alignment. Its memory foam technology can naturally and effectively redistribute your head, neck and body weight, improving circulation and reducing neck and spinal pressure. So it does not matter if you prefer side sleeping or back sleeping, this pillow allows you to sleep quietly and comfortably and enables you to wake up the next morning rested, relaxed and ready to take on the day.
A right neck support pillow is essential to get a good night’s sleep without having to worry about neck pain and other discomforts. With their pressure relieving and hypoallergenic urethane memory foam that supports neck and head’s contours, the Better Sleep Pillow provide the ultimate sleeping experience.
If you want to know more about neck pain and how to treat it and also about the Better Sleep Pillow you can visit the site making click in http://www.bettersleeppillow.com/
Roger Sommers is a health, sleep disorders and pillows expert with seven years of experience in these fields, and he's also a writer for these topics.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Saturday, March 24, 2007
2 Natural Topical Pain Relievers
With pain relief being the most common goal of a bodyworker, massage therapists can utilize more than their learned techniques in sessions to achieve this result. There are other methods for helping reduce pain, among them being the use of various natural substances like wintergreen and menthol. The use of temperature in therapeutic treatments can be very valuable in managing injuries. Stimulating the body with topical, temperature-altering substances may offer your clients the pain relief they’ve been searching for.
Topical applications not only help relieve pain, but also have anti-inflammatory qualities and can help increase circulation. Studies have shown a drastic reduction in pain, specifically through the use of wintergreen and menthol oils. When applied directly to the skin during a massage, a topical ointment is more easily absorbed into the affected muscle tissue, offering instant relief.
There are a few things to consider before incorporating topical pain relievers into your regular massage sessions. Some clients may have skin sensitivities that prohibit you from using these oils on them. Or, there may be some contraindications between the oils and a medication your client is taking. Be sure that each application you use matches your clients’ individual needs so that their treatments are enhanced.
Using these herbal preparations in conjunction with massage therapy techniques can only provide extra relief to your clients in pain. Consider the addition of these types of products into your routine to maximize the benefits of your massage. Your clients will feel instant pain relief, which may help their injuries heal quicker.
Learn more about how wintergreen and menthol oils can be a great, pain-relieving addition to your massage sessions by reading this entire article here.
This article was prepared for HomeStudyCredits.org. Learn more about massage therapy and massage therapy continuing education programs.
Topical applications not only help relieve pain, but also have anti-inflammatory qualities and can help increase circulation. Studies have shown a drastic reduction in pain, specifically through the use of wintergreen and menthol oils. When applied directly to the skin during a massage, a topical ointment is more easily absorbed into the affected muscle tissue, offering instant relief.
There are a few things to consider before incorporating topical pain relievers into your regular massage sessions. Some clients may have skin sensitivities that prohibit you from using these oils on them. Or, there may be some contraindications between the oils and a medication your client is taking. Be sure that each application you use matches your clients’ individual needs so that their treatments are enhanced.
Using these herbal preparations in conjunction with massage therapy techniques can only provide extra relief to your clients in pain. Consider the addition of these types of products into your routine to maximize the benefits of your massage. Your clients will feel instant pain relief, which may help their injuries heal quicker.
Learn more about how wintergreen and menthol oils can be a great, pain-relieving addition to your massage sessions by reading this entire article here.
This article was prepared for HomeStudyCredits.org. Learn more about massage therapy and massage therapy continuing education programs.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
What To Do For Cluster Headache Pain Relief
Cluster headaches are not as common as other types of headaches. In fact, statistics show that only 69 out of 100,000 people get cluster headaches. For this reason, this type of headache is not discussed very often. Still, cluster headaches can be very painful and those who suffer from them would desperately want to look for an effective cluster headache pain relief.
The median age of a cluster headache sufferer is 30 years old. Most of those who develop cluster headaches have their first cluster headache between the age of 20 and 50. Nevertheless, you can develop a cluster headache at any time in life. Some people actually experience their firs symptoms before they even turn 10-years-old. There are also some people who do not get cluster headaches until they are 80-years-old or older. Men are usually affected more often than women. In fact, five out of every six who suffer from a cluster headache is a male.
You need to have a clear understanding of the symptoms if you are looking for a cluster headache relief. A cluster headache is called as such because it usually attacks you in clusters. It is usual for an attack to last between a half hour and two hours. You can also experience anywhere from one headache per week to six per day. It all depends upon how severe your condition is. These attacks occur in waves. Most patients will experience between four and eight headaches per week. You may experience this for several years but not many people are afflicted in this way.
For a cluster headache diagnosis, you need to get a proper diagnosis from your doctor first. Your doctor can help you determine if you may be experiencing cluster headaches because your nasal passage is blocked.
Some other symptoms that commonly occur with cluster headaches include red eyes and sweating from your forehead and cheeks. The pain that you experience with a cluster headache usually begins around or above your eye and then spreads outward. These headaches come in a flash and reach their height of pain within two to fifteen minutes. Once you begin to have a cluster headache, your heart rate will begin to beat at a much higher pace. These are important signs to note when you are trying to figure out what type of headache you are suffering from. A more accurate observation of your symptoms can help you come closer to an effective cluster headache pain relief.
The sad part is that there appears to be no cure for you if you are suffering from a cluster headache. OTC analgesics such as aspirin are not an effective cluster headache pain relief because by the time the pills begin to work the headache is nearing its end. Doctors would have to prescribe antihistamines, calcium channel blockers and ergot preparations for cluster headache pain relief.
Other than drugs, there are plenty of other ways for cluster headache pain relief. These methods are natural and result in little or no side effects. You can get enough sleep, reduce stress, look for other relaxation techniques designed to help you reduce stress and tension.
Overconsumption of drugs for headache relief can result in rebound headaches and worsening migraines. Get more information on headache natural treatment here on this site at http://www.headacheremedysecrets.com
The median age of a cluster headache sufferer is 30 years old. Most of those who develop cluster headaches have their first cluster headache between the age of 20 and 50. Nevertheless, you can develop a cluster headache at any time in life. Some people actually experience their firs symptoms before they even turn 10-years-old. There are also some people who do not get cluster headaches until they are 80-years-old or older. Men are usually affected more often than women. In fact, five out of every six who suffer from a cluster headache is a male.
You need to have a clear understanding of the symptoms if you are looking for a cluster headache relief. A cluster headache is called as such because it usually attacks you in clusters. It is usual for an attack to last between a half hour and two hours. You can also experience anywhere from one headache per week to six per day. It all depends upon how severe your condition is. These attacks occur in waves. Most patients will experience between four and eight headaches per week. You may experience this for several years but not many people are afflicted in this way.
For a cluster headache diagnosis, you need to get a proper diagnosis from your doctor first. Your doctor can help you determine if you may be experiencing cluster headaches because your nasal passage is blocked.
Some other symptoms that commonly occur with cluster headaches include red eyes and sweating from your forehead and cheeks. The pain that you experience with a cluster headache usually begins around or above your eye and then spreads outward. These headaches come in a flash and reach their height of pain within two to fifteen minutes. Once you begin to have a cluster headache, your heart rate will begin to beat at a much higher pace. These are important signs to note when you are trying to figure out what type of headache you are suffering from. A more accurate observation of your symptoms can help you come closer to an effective cluster headache pain relief.
The sad part is that there appears to be no cure for you if you are suffering from a cluster headache. OTC analgesics such as aspirin are not an effective cluster headache pain relief because by the time the pills begin to work the headache is nearing its end. Doctors would have to prescribe antihistamines, calcium channel blockers and ergot preparations for cluster headache pain relief.
Other than drugs, there are plenty of other ways for cluster headache pain relief. These methods are natural and result in little or no side effects. You can get enough sleep, reduce stress, look for other relaxation techniques designed to help you reduce stress and tension.
Overconsumption of drugs for headache relief can result in rebound headaches and worsening migraines. Get more information on headache natural treatment here on this site at http://www.headacheremedysecrets.com
Friday, March 16, 2007
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Stopping the Pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve entrapment disorder that is associated with considerable pain and functional impairment of the fingers and hand. It is also quite common for this condition to refer pain up the median nerve pathway into the elbow, shoulder, upper back and neck.
Caused by an imbalance of the muscles that open, close, deviate and rotate the hand, results in biomechanical dysfunction and a joint imbalance, affecting the median nerve at the wrist junction. Severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to muscle atrophy and deterioration of the median nerve when left untreated. It is the cause of significant disability worldwide and a subject of growing research in the medical and physical therapy communities. With costs to treat this disorder surpassing 60 billion annually, a common sense treatment approach is being sought by both private and federal communities.
There are many pathways to muscle imbalance in the hand, and considerable research has examined the pressure system surrounding the carpal canal. This work has shown that people with carpal tunnel syndrome have markedly increased pressure in the carpal canal in the hand following minor movement in the wrist that involve repetitive and/or static wrist and finger flexion. The longer these types of activities are performed, the greater the muscle imbalance develops and the more severe the symptoms become. As the finger and wrist flexor muscles that close the hand become more developed than their opposing extensor muscles that open the hand, the stronger muscles cause the bones to shift in the direction due to the “pulling” action of the stronger muscles and results in the impingement of the structures between. In this case, the median nerve is impinged. As the median nerve and flexor tendons now have to glide past each other as the fingers and wrist flex and extend while being in a state of impingement, there is increased friction which irritates the tendons and nerve and causes inflammation and swelling of these tissues. The result of this pressure and secondary swelling is a further increase in edema inside the median nerve. (Swelling is often thought of as the “cause” of carpal tunnel, when in fact it is the “result” of being irritated due to its state of being impinged between the flexor tendons inside the carpal tunnel which has also been reduced in size due to the collapse / shifting of the carpal bones.)
This entrapment produces a variety of painful symptoms. Indeed, carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by paresthesia (also known as a pins and needles), numbness, tingling and a lack of coordination of the fingers along with muscle degeneration if left untreated, but it may also include pain, stiffness, tenderness, and swelling, and many people with the condition notice themselves assuming a ginger stance at the computer keyboard or workstation. As symptoms progress and worsen over time, carpal tunnel syndrome generally includes muscle wasting, diminished strength, and a serious loss of overall dexterity and coordination.
Although the disorder is significantly debilitating, effective treatments do exist. Those with the most scientific support target symptoms by restoring muscle balance in the hand. Most often a combination of strengthening and lengthening exercises combined with supportive equipment is enough to improve symptoms dramatically.
By addressing carpal tunnel with conservative modes of treatment (Flextend), people can usually avoid the high failure rates associated with treatments like cortisone injections and surgery. Always be sure to consult with your physician and be sure that you have a received an accurate diagnosis of your condition, but if you do not agree with your doctor, seek a second or third opinion.
Jeff P. Anliker, LMT, is a therapist and inventor of products like Flextend, AC-Kit, TFT-Kit, and Restore, that are used by professional musicians and athletes an around the world to prevent and treat disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injuries.http://www.repetitive-strain.com
Caused by an imbalance of the muscles that open, close, deviate and rotate the hand, results in biomechanical dysfunction and a joint imbalance, affecting the median nerve at the wrist junction. Severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to muscle atrophy and deterioration of the median nerve when left untreated. It is the cause of significant disability worldwide and a subject of growing research in the medical and physical therapy communities. With costs to treat this disorder surpassing 60 billion annually, a common sense treatment approach is being sought by both private and federal communities.
There are many pathways to muscle imbalance in the hand, and considerable research has examined the pressure system surrounding the carpal canal. This work has shown that people with carpal tunnel syndrome have markedly increased pressure in the carpal canal in the hand following minor movement in the wrist that involve repetitive and/or static wrist and finger flexion. The longer these types of activities are performed, the greater the muscle imbalance develops and the more severe the symptoms become. As the finger and wrist flexor muscles that close the hand become more developed than their opposing extensor muscles that open the hand, the stronger muscles cause the bones to shift in the direction due to the “pulling” action of the stronger muscles and results in the impingement of the structures between. In this case, the median nerve is impinged. As the median nerve and flexor tendons now have to glide past each other as the fingers and wrist flex and extend while being in a state of impingement, there is increased friction which irritates the tendons and nerve and causes inflammation and swelling of these tissues. The result of this pressure and secondary swelling is a further increase in edema inside the median nerve. (Swelling is often thought of as the “cause” of carpal tunnel, when in fact it is the “result” of being irritated due to its state of being impinged between the flexor tendons inside the carpal tunnel which has also been reduced in size due to the collapse / shifting of the carpal bones.)
This entrapment produces a variety of painful symptoms. Indeed, carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by paresthesia (also known as a pins and needles), numbness, tingling and a lack of coordination of the fingers along with muscle degeneration if left untreated, but it may also include pain, stiffness, tenderness, and swelling, and many people with the condition notice themselves assuming a ginger stance at the computer keyboard or workstation. As symptoms progress and worsen over time, carpal tunnel syndrome generally includes muscle wasting, diminished strength, and a serious loss of overall dexterity and coordination.
Although the disorder is significantly debilitating, effective treatments do exist. Those with the most scientific support target symptoms by restoring muscle balance in the hand. Most often a combination of strengthening and lengthening exercises combined with supportive equipment is enough to improve symptoms dramatically.
By addressing carpal tunnel with conservative modes of treatment (Flextend), people can usually avoid the high failure rates associated with treatments like cortisone injections and surgery. Always be sure to consult with your physician and be sure that you have a received an accurate diagnosis of your condition, but if you do not agree with your doctor, seek a second or third opinion.
Jeff P. Anliker, LMT, is a therapist and inventor of products like Flextend, AC-Kit, TFT-Kit, and Restore, that are used by professional musicians and athletes an around the world to prevent and treat disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injuries.http://www.repetitive-strain.com
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Joint Pain - Simple Home Remedies
Joint pains are very disadvantageous because they can interfere in the normal functioning of people. From an Ayurvedic point of view, joint pains occur when there are digestive problems in the body, which leads to the buildup of toxins in the spaces between the joints. Hence, when the joints are moved in the slightest, pain is felt in them.
Some people live with excruciating joint pains that don’t go despite treatment. They look upon these pains as a part of growing up. However, with the right kind of medicine these pains can be totally eliminated.
Treatment with Simple Home Remedies
Remedy # 1
Take the juice of a ginger. Crush some vidanga (Embelia ribes, False Black Pepper) to a fine powder with some rock salt. Mix all of these and take them in quantities of three grams each time with honey. Lick on this thrice a day.
Remedy # 2
Massage the paining joints with the oil extracted from the seeds of the Bishop’s weed. Warm the oil a little before massaging. A similar kind of relief is obtained by massaging with the oil of neem (Azadirachta indica, Indian Margosa).
Remedy # 3
In case of joint pains due to cold weather, add a fistful of Bishop’s weed seeds and one teaspoon of salt in two cups of water and boil it. Keep a sieve on this, and then keep a cloth on the sieve. The cloth will get moistened with the warm fumes of the solution. Use this cloth to foment the painful joints. This will remove the pains.
Remedy # 4
Some joint pains are felt more acutely in the knees, fingers and shoulders when lifting some heavy weight. These are very persistent pains in most cases, and they do not dissipate despite treatments. In such pains, tomatoes are the best solutions due to their rich vitamin C content. Eat four to five raw tomatoes in a day, and eat one bowlful of thick tomato soup twice a day – in the morning and the evening. This provides great relief within a fortnight of continued use.
Remedy # 5
If there are sharp and sudden joint pains in any part of the body, then grind an amalaki (Emblica officinalis, Indian Gooseberry) in water that is a little warm. Then add a slightly crushed piece of cardamom in the water. Drink this concoction once a day. This will retain the zest and vigor of the body and also prevent all the inexplicable pains that arise suddenly in different parts of the body.
Remedy # 6
Take a petal of the yellow oleander flower, known as kaner in Hindi, and grind it to a paste in groundnut oil. Apply this paste regularly on the regions where the joint pains arise. Continuous use will totally eliminate the pains.
Remedy # 7
You can also grind some cloves of garlic and apply the paste on the affected joints. This will remove the pains in a short while. But the problem with this remedy is that the garlic paste needs to be washed off within a few minutes, or it will lead to boils on the skin.
Remedy # 8
Prepare a paste of mustard seeds with a little water. Apply this oily paste onto the affected joints. The pains will be eliminated in a short while.
Remedy # 9
This is a regimen that will take care of joint pains, but it takes some patience. Every morning after waking up, eat castor seeds in the following manner. On the first day of the routine, eat one peeled castor seed, on the second day two and so on keep increasing the number by one till the seventh day. From the eighth day onwards, begin reducing the number of castor seeds by one. Do this till the number comes down to one. The joint pains will vanish by then.
Remedy # 10
Cook some seeds of Bishop’s weed in water. Let the water boil and the fumes come out. Bring your affected joints in contact with the fumes. This will make the joint pains disappear.
Remedy # 11
Put some bitter oil in a pan. Add some seeds of the Bishop’s weed and some cloves of garlic. Use this oil to massage deep into the regions where you get frequent joint pains. This remedy has the potency to remove any kind of joint pains if done diligently.
Remedy # 12
Crush two cloves of garlic and add them to some sesame oil. Warm the oil and massage it deep into the paining joints. You will find immense benefits from this therapy.
Remedy # 13
If the pains are not that severe, then a simple steam fomentation with a cloth will also help. The cloth must be moistened with the vapors and then pressed deep into the affected areas. Fomentation must be done for at least twenty minutes a day, and preferably at dusk.
Remedy # 14
Prepare a brew of ginger juice in castor oil. Take no more than 10 milliliters of castor oil and a teaspoonful of the juice of ginger. Drink this twice a day – at dawn and at dusk – on an empty stomach.
Treatment with Special Ayurvedic Methods
Since joint pains are related to the accumulation of ama, the first step in their treatment is to remove all the toxins. This is done by making the patient fast for a day. After this, fomentation is applied on the swollen joints with dry heat. Castor oil is used extensively in Ayurveda to perform massage in case of joint pains. Herbs prescribed in various potencies are galangal, garlic, guggul and punarnava. Dashamoolarishta is the preparation most commonly prescribed, and treatment is generally carried on for three weeks.
Read more about Joint Pain Relief and Arthritis Treatment at http://www.ayurvediccure.com - World's Finest Portal on Ayurveda and Herbal Remedies
Some people live with excruciating joint pains that don’t go despite treatment. They look upon these pains as a part of growing up. However, with the right kind of medicine these pains can be totally eliminated.
Treatment with Simple Home Remedies
Remedy # 1
Take the juice of a ginger. Crush some vidanga (Embelia ribes, False Black Pepper) to a fine powder with some rock salt. Mix all of these and take them in quantities of three grams each time with honey. Lick on this thrice a day.
Remedy # 2
Massage the paining joints with the oil extracted from the seeds of the Bishop’s weed. Warm the oil a little before massaging. A similar kind of relief is obtained by massaging with the oil of neem (Azadirachta indica, Indian Margosa).
Remedy # 3
In case of joint pains due to cold weather, add a fistful of Bishop’s weed seeds and one teaspoon of salt in two cups of water and boil it. Keep a sieve on this, and then keep a cloth on the sieve. The cloth will get moistened with the warm fumes of the solution. Use this cloth to foment the painful joints. This will remove the pains.
Remedy # 4
Some joint pains are felt more acutely in the knees, fingers and shoulders when lifting some heavy weight. These are very persistent pains in most cases, and they do not dissipate despite treatments. In such pains, tomatoes are the best solutions due to their rich vitamin C content. Eat four to five raw tomatoes in a day, and eat one bowlful of thick tomato soup twice a day – in the morning and the evening. This provides great relief within a fortnight of continued use.
Remedy # 5
If there are sharp and sudden joint pains in any part of the body, then grind an amalaki (Emblica officinalis, Indian Gooseberry) in water that is a little warm. Then add a slightly crushed piece of cardamom in the water. Drink this concoction once a day. This will retain the zest and vigor of the body and also prevent all the inexplicable pains that arise suddenly in different parts of the body.
Remedy # 6
Take a petal of the yellow oleander flower, known as kaner in Hindi, and grind it to a paste in groundnut oil. Apply this paste regularly on the regions where the joint pains arise. Continuous use will totally eliminate the pains.
Remedy # 7
You can also grind some cloves of garlic and apply the paste on the affected joints. This will remove the pains in a short while. But the problem with this remedy is that the garlic paste needs to be washed off within a few minutes, or it will lead to boils on the skin.
Remedy # 8
Prepare a paste of mustard seeds with a little water. Apply this oily paste onto the affected joints. The pains will be eliminated in a short while.
Remedy # 9
This is a regimen that will take care of joint pains, but it takes some patience. Every morning after waking up, eat castor seeds in the following manner. On the first day of the routine, eat one peeled castor seed, on the second day two and so on keep increasing the number by one till the seventh day. From the eighth day onwards, begin reducing the number of castor seeds by one. Do this till the number comes down to one. The joint pains will vanish by then.
Remedy # 10
Cook some seeds of Bishop’s weed in water. Let the water boil and the fumes come out. Bring your affected joints in contact with the fumes. This will make the joint pains disappear.
Remedy # 11
Put some bitter oil in a pan. Add some seeds of the Bishop’s weed and some cloves of garlic. Use this oil to massage deep into the regions where you get frequent joint pains. This remedy has the potency to remove any kind of joint pains if done diligently.
Remedy # 12
Crush two cloves of garlic and add them to some sesame oil. Warm the oil and massage it deep into the paining joints. You will find immense benefits from this therapy.
Remedy # 13
If the pains are not that severe, then a simple steam fomentation with a cloth will also help. The cloth must be moistened with the vapors and then pressed deep into the affected areas. Fomentation must be done for at least twenty minutes a day, and preferably at dusk.
Remedy # 14
Prepare a brew of ginger juice in castor oil. Take no more than 10 milliliters of castor oil and a teaspoonful of the juice of ginger. Drink this twice a day – at dawn and at dusk – on an empty stomach.
Treatment with Special Ayurvedic Methods
Since joint pains are related to the accumulation of ama, the first step in their treatment is to remove all the toxins. This is done by making the patient fast for a day. After this, fomentation is applied on the swollen joints with dry heat. Castor oil is used extensively in Ayurveda to perform massage in case of joint pains. Herbs prescribed in various potencies are galangal, garlic, guggul and punarnava. Dashamoolarishta is the preparation most commonly prescribed, and treatment is generally carried on for three weeks.
Read more about Joint Pain Relief and Arthritis Treatment at http://www.ayurvediccure.com - World's Finest Portal on Ayurveda and Herbal Remedies
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Varicose Vein Treatment - Ayurvedic and Home Remedies
Varicose veins refer to the condition in which the veins of the legs become varicosed, i.e. they appear swollen and bulging and can be made out from the outside. Varicose veins may be dark in color or may retain their original color. They are always painful. In case of prolonged varicose veins, there could be skin peeling and skin ulcers in certain affected parts of the legs.
Varicose veins are caused due to excessive pressure caused on the legs or the abdomen. These are brought on by advancing age, obesity, pregnancy, hormonal changes and a host of other factors. Some deficiencies in the diet may cause the loss of elasticity of the veins, which may make them varicose. Also, standing for a long time, engaging in physical activity that puts more strain on the legs, wearing constrictive clothing and total lack of exercise can make the veins varicose.
This condition is more or less a vata problem. People with a predominance of vata dosha seem to suffer more from this problem.
(1) Useful Herbs for Varicose Veins
1. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
The indigenous Indian herb, brahmi, is perhaps the best Ayurvedic treatment for varicose veins. It provides the necessary nutrients required for the proper toning of the veins and makes them less tortuous. Brahmi is taken in conjunction with some mineral supplement like Jasad bhasma.
2. Garlic (Allium sativum)
Among its many advantageous properties, garlic also has effects in the treatment of varicose veins. Garlic can break down the protein content in the body and distribute it evenly. This increases the protein supply to the lower limb region. Hence, the condition of varicose veins is avoided.
3. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Like garlic, ginger too breaks down and distributes the protein in the body.
4. Onion (Allium cepa)
Onion helps in the proper assimilation and distribution of protein in the human body. It gives inner strength. Chomping on one onion everyday can help to solve the problem of varicose veins permanently.
(2) Dietary Treatments for Varicose Veins
If the diet of the person is deficient in certain nutrients, then it may cause the skin to lose its elasticity. This would lead to the condition of varicose veins. For this reason, people must take good dietary care so as to provide the body with the essential nutrients. The following are some points to remember: -
- Include whole food grains in the diet, instead of synthetically polished ones. Whole grain wheat and millet are good.
- Fresh fruits are very much needed, since vitamin C deficiency is a prime cause of varicose veins. Amalaki and other citrus fruits must be had in good amount.
- Have a protein-rich diet, which is necessary for building up the tissues. You must have one egg daily, a glassful of milk, meat, legumes and other protein-rich food. But avoid red meat.
- Protein tends to accumulate in fixed pockets in the body. Hence to distribute this protein properly, you must consume garlic, onion, ginger and pineapple.
- Fish must be included in the daily diet.
(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Varicose Veins
Ayurveda prescribes the Brahmi as the drug of choice for the treatment of varicose veins. Brahmi is used for four continuous weeks to get permanent benefits. It is taken in doses of 10 to 20 milliliters twice a day. Along with brahmi, the Jasad bhasma is also prescribed. This bhasma has three benefits – (i) it is a rich source of the mineral zinc, (ii) it helps in healing and blood clotting through the formation of collagen and (ii) it helps in the concentration of vitamin E in the blood. Other popularly prescribed medicines are Chandraprabha vati, Nagarjunabhra rasa and Punarnavadi guggulu, among others.
There are some Ayurvedic oils available for local application to seek temporary relief. These are Prasarini taila and Chandanabala taila. But care must be taken never to massage any oil directly on the varicose veins, as it would increase pressure on them.
Yogic exercises can treat varicose veins without any medication. The best exercises for this condition are Halasana, Pawanmuktasana and the Sarvangasana. Simple exercises like walking, swimming, cycling and stretching the legs while sitting on a chair also help.
(4) Home Remedies for Varicose Veins
1. Have a mixture of carrot and spinach juice daily. This will solve the vitamin deficiencies in the leg.
2. Apply a mudpack on the leg in the night and wash it off in the morning.
3. Wearing stockings at night helps, but do not wear tight jeans in the daytime.
4. Have an alternating hot and cold hipbath daily.
5. Apply an oil containing vitamin E as its major component onto the legs. But take care not to rub it too deeply into the legs.
6. Have a wholesome diet rich in proteins and vitamin C.
Read more on cause of varicose vein and varicose vein treatment by Ayurveda at http://www.ayushveda.com
Read more about Ayurveda at World's Largest Portal on Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Remedies: Ayushveda.com - The Free Ayurvedic Encyclopedia
Varicose veins are caused due to excessive pressure caused on the legs or the abdomen. These are brought on by advancing age, obesity, pregnancy, hormonal changes and a host of other factors. Some deficiencies in the diet may cause the loss of elasticity of the veins, which may make them varicose. Also, standing for a long time, engaging in physical activity that puts more strain on the legs, wearing constrictive clothing and total lack of exercise can make the veins varicose.
This condition is more or less a vata problem. People with a predominance of vata dosha seem to suffer more from this problem.
(1) Useful Herbs for Varicose Veins
1. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
The indigenous Indian herb, brahmi, is perhaps the best Ayurvedic treatment for varicose veins. It provides the necessary nutrients required for the proper toning of the veins and makes them less tortuous. Brahmi is taken in conjunction with some mineral supplement like Jasad bhasma.
2. Garlic (Allium sativum)
Among its many advantageous properties, garlic also has effects in the treatment of varicose veins. Garlic can break down the protein content in the body and distribute it evenly. This increases the protein supply to the lower limb region. Hence, the condition of varicose veins is avoided.
3. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Like garlic, ginger too breaks down and distributes the protein in the body.
4. Onion (Allium cepa)
Onion helps in the proper assimilation and distribution of protein in the human body. It gives inner strength. Chomping on one onion everyday can help to solve the problem of varicose veins permanently.
(2) Dietary Treatments for Varicose Veins
If the diet of the person is deficient in certain nutrients, then it may cause the skin to lose its elasticity. This would lead to the condition of varicose veins. For this reason, people must take good dietary care so as to provide the body with the essential nutrients. The following are some points to remember: -
- Include whole food grains in the diet, instead of synthetically polished ones. Whole grain wheat and millet are good.
- Fresh fruits are very much needed, since vitamin C deficiency is a prime cause of varicose veins. Amalaki and other citrus fruits must be had in good amount.
- Have a protein-rich diet, which is necessary for building up the tissues. You must have one egg daily, a glassful of milk, meat, legumes and other protein-rich food. But avoid red meat.
- Protein tends to accumulate in fixed pockets in the body. Hence to distribute this protein properly, you must consume garlic, onion, ginger and pineapple.
- Fish must be included in the daily diet.
(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Varicose Veins
Ayurveda prescribes the Brahmi as the drug of choice for the treatment of varicose veins. Brahmi is used for four continuous weeks to get permanent benefits. It is taken in doses of 10 to 20 milliliters twice a day. Along with brahmi, the Jasad bhasma is also prescribed. This bhasma has three benefits – (i) it is a rich source of the mineral zinc, (ii) it helps in healing and blood clotting through the formation of collagen and (ii) it helps in the concentration of vitamin E in the blood. Other popularly prescribed medicines are Chandraprabha vati, Nagarjunabhra rasa and Punarnavadi guggulu, among others.
There are some Ayurvedic oils available for local application to seek temporary relief. These are Prasarini taila and Chandanabala taila. But care must be taken never to massage any oil directly on the varicose veins, as it would increase pressure on them.
Yogic exercises can treat varicose veins without any medication. The best exercises for this condition are Halasana, Pawanmuktasana and the Sarvangasana. Simple exercises like walking, swimming, cycling and stretching the legs while sitting on a chair also help.
(4) Home Remedies for Varicose Veins
1. Have a mixture of carrot and spinach juice daily. This will solve the vitamin deficiencies in the leg.
2. Apply a mudpack on the leg in the night and wash it off in the morning.
3. Wearing stockings at night helps, but do not wear tight jeans in the daytime.
4. Have an alternating hot and cold hipbath daily.
5. Apply an oil containing vitamin E as its major component onto the legs. But take care not to rub it too deeply into the legs.
6. Have a wholesome diet rich in proteins and vitamin C.
Read more on cause of varicose vein and varicose vein treatment by Ayurveda at http://www.ayushveda.com
Read more about Ayurveda at World's Largest Portal on Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Remedies: Ayushveda.com - The Free Ayurvedic Encyclopedia
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Magnets For Pain Relief: Do Magnets Provide Pain Relief?
Magnets have been used for pain relief for hundreds of years, and although there's no scientific evidence that they work, thousands of people swear by them. People all over the world use them for aches and pains stemming from medical problems like arthritis and migraine headaches.
Will magnets provide pain relief for you? That's impossible to say. Be guided by your doctor, and follow his instructions. However, if you're sick of taking painkillers, give magnets a try.
Magnets For Pain Relief: Static And Pulsed Electromagnets
Magnet come in two types: static, and pulsed.
Static magnets are widely available in many forms, including: bracelets, necklaces, mattress inserts, shoe insoles, and cushions. The magnetic fields are said to help common aches and pains, and to enhance quality of life.
When you start wearing or using magnets you should feel the effects immediately. For example, if you have arthritis, and sleep on a mattress with magnetic inserts, you should have less pain and more freedom of movement the very next day.
Pulsed electromagnets are available with machines and pads designed to improve circulation and allegedly provide many many benefits, like assisting in cell regeneration.
Why Do Magnets Provide Pain Relief?
There's no conclusive evidence that magnetic therapy gives pain relief, but there's a lot of anecdotal evidence.
Anecdotally magnets provide pain relief because they improve cell regeneration and blood and lymph flow throughout the body. The improved blood flow assists in providing oxygen and nutrients to cells.
It's thought that electromagnets may affect how the brain perceives pain, and increase the production of white cells to fight inflammation and infection.
Will magnets provide you with pain relief? That's impossible to say. However, since most manufacturers provide a money-back guarantee, there's no harm in trying magnets, and they may indeed provide you with considerable benefits.
A caution: if you have a pacemaker, or are pregnant, you should never used magnets. Always ask your doctor before you start using magnets for pain relief.
Do you suffer from chronic or other pain? Visit i Fix Pain Now at http://www.ifixpainnow.com/ to discover how to get pain relief. There's no need to suffer in silence. Julia Denham writes on health topics. If you're overweight, visit her weight loss site 30 Day Slimmer at http://www.30dayslimmer.com/
Will magnets provide pain relief for you? That's impossible to say. Be guided by your doctor, and follow his instructions. However, if you're sick of taking painkillers, give magnets a try.
Magnets For Pain Relief: Static And Pulsed Electromagnets
Magnet come in two types: static, and pulsed.
Static magnets are widely available in many forms, including: bracelets, necklaces, mattress inserts, shoe insoles, and cushions. The magnetic fields are said to help common aches and pains, and to enhance quality of life.
When you start wearing or using magnets you should feel the effects immediately. For example, if you have arthritis, and sleep on a mattress with magnetic inserts, you should have less pain and more freedom of movement the very next day.
Pulsed electromagnets are available with machines and pads designed to improve circulation and allegedly provide many many benefits, like assisting in cell regeneration.
Why Do Magnets Provide Pain Relief?
There's no conclusive evidence that magnetic therapy gives pain relief, but there's a lot of anecdotal evidence.
Anecdotally magnets provide pain relief because they improve cell regeneration and blood and lymph flow throughout the body. The improved blood flow assists in providing oxygen and nutrients to cells.
It's thought that electromagnets may affect how the brain perceives pain, and increase the production of white cells to fight inflammation and infection.
Will magnets provide you with pain relief? That's impossible to say. However, since most manufacturers provide a money-back guarantee, there's no harm in trying magnets, and they may indeed provide you with considerable benefits.
A caution: if you have a pacemaker, or are pregnant, you should never used magnets. Always ask your doctor before you start using magnets for pain relief.
Do you suffer from chronic or other pain? Visit i Fix Pain Now at http://www.ifixpainnow.com/ to discover how to get pain relief. There's no need to suffer in silence. Julia Denham writes on health topics. If you're overweight, visit her weight loss site 30 Day Slimmer at http://www.30dayslimmer.com/
Saturday, March 10, 2007
How To Manage "Enemies of the Spine"
This article was inspired by one written by Michael Stare and Cassandra Forsythe on how to deal with enemies of the spine - common problems and what you can do to manage low back pain. We will address what may be causing some of your pain and how to modify those stresses.
In other articles I talk about the importance of good posture and how prolonged sitting can damage your posture and create pain. Now, you will get some of the specifics. For those of you who may have some doubts, this should give you a better understanding of what exactly is going on.
Enemy #1: Sitting. On the surface, sitting would seem pretty harmless. In reality, you are putting a high compressive load on your lumbar discs. Most of us let our backs and neck and shoulders round forward while sitting. This flexed position causes improper loading of your discs, which are basically shock absorbers.
When your spine is rounded, part of your vertebrae that is meant to share the load (a load-bearing joint) can't do it's job. This puts more stress on the posterior portion of your disc, which over time can lead to damage. This flexed position can also stretch some of the ligaments in your spine, so that they lose their ability to support the spine. Again, this usually takes some time to build up.
Enemy #2: Standing. Prolonged standing can also cause problems. According to physical therapist Robin McKenzie, if prolonged standing leads to back pain, you need to correct your lordotic posture. Meaning, you have too much curvature in your low back. This is the opposite of the previous problem when sitting. Now you are putting too much strain on those load-bearing joints mentioned earlier.
This position can also cause one vertebrae to slide on another, creating a shearing force. Women with back problems would be wise to avoid wearing high heels as much as possible, as they emphasize this lordotic position.
In both of these cases paying better attention to posture would do wonders - think of keeping a "tall spine" to put yourself in a more neutral position. But also, move every so often so that you are not so stationary. If standing, shift your weight from one foot to the other, as well as moving your spine slightly in all directions - back and forth, side to side, etc. They can be small subtle movements, just enough to take some stress away.
If sitting at a desk, stand up every 15-30 minutes and just stretch briefly and then sit back down. If you can, get up and walk around a little bit. Even if only for a few seconds. Any movement at all will take some stress off your back. Remember, your body adapts to the stresses you place on it, so you don't want your body to stay stuck in poor posture.
Enemy #3: Frequent bending and twisting. The combination of bending over and twisting can put a lot of stress on your discs, as well as potentially stretching your ligaments. You don't want to bend over and just stay there as this might damage the ligaments. I personally feel that you should try to regularly bend forward toward your toes and then stand right back up, moving under control and not causing any pain. This is a normal movement that is lost if not done regularly as you age.
According to McKenzie, after vigorous exercise, the joints of the lumbar spine seem to undergo a loosening process, and if slouching afterwards, joint distortion can occur. Based on that, I would avoid any sustained stretches in a flexed position, like bending over towards your feet and staying there. He also believes that most low back pain is caused by prolonged over stretching of ligaments and other soft tissues. So be careful in how far you stretch.
He also advises using a lumbar roll when seated for long periods of time. These can be purchased in some stores or a rolled up towel may also work, to help keep your natural low back curve.
One last movement to leave you with, is one that can be done anywhere. Simply stand straight up, keeping a tall spine. Inhale, reaching your hands overhead toward the ceiling. As you try to extend straight up with your hands, at the same time push your heels into the floor, gently pulling your spine in opposite directions. Hold briefly and exhale, letting your arms drop naturally. Repeat 5-10 times. Simple, but effective.
For more information on mobility training, anti-aging, and pain management, go to http://www.brianmorganfitness.com. Brian is a strength and conditioning specialist and massage therapist.
In other articles I talk about the importance of good posture and how prolonged sitting can damage your posture and create pain. Now, you will get some of the specifics. For those of you who may have some doubts, this should give you a better understanding of what exactly is going on.
Enemy #1: Sitting. On the surface, sitting would seem pretty harmless. In reality, you are putting a high compressive load on your lumbar discs. Most of us let our backs and neck and shoulders round forward while sitting. This flexed position causes improper loading of your discs, which are basically shock absorbers.
When your spine is rounded, part of your vertebrae that is meant to share the load (a load-bearing joint) can't do it's job. This puts more stress on the posterior portion of your disc, which over time can lead to damage. This flexed position can also stretch some of the ligaments in your spine, so that they lose their ability to support the spine. Again, this usually takes some time to build up.
Enemy #2: Standing. Prolonged standing can also cause problems. According to physical therapist Robin McKenzie, if prolonged standing leads to back pain, you need to correct your lordotic posture. Meaning, you have too much curvature in your low back. This is the opposite of the previous problem when sitting. Now you are putting too much strain on those load-bearing joints mentioned earlier.
This position can also cause one vertebrae to slide on another, creating a shearing force. Women with back problems would be wise to avoid wearing high heels as much as possible, as they emphasize this lordotic position.
In both of these cases paying better attention to posture would do wonders - think of keeping a "tall spine" to put yourself in a more neutral position. But also, move every so often so that you are not so stationary. If standing, shift your weight from one foot to the other, as well as moving your spine slightly in all directions - back and forth, side to side, etc. They can be small subtle movements, just enough to take some stress away.
If sitting at a desk, stand up every 15-30 minutes and just stretch briefly and then sit back down. If you can, get up and walk around a little bit. Even if only for a few seconds. Any movement at all will take some stress off your back. Remember, your body adapts to the stresses you place on it, so you don't want your body to stay stuck in poor posture.
Enemy #3: Frequent bending and twisting. The combination of bending over and twisting can put a lot of stress on your discs, as well as potentially stretching your ligaments. You don't want to bend over and just stay there as this might damage the ligaments. I personally feel that you should try to regularly bend forward toward your toes and then stand right back up, moving under control and not causing any pain. This is a normal movement that is lost if not done regularly as you age.
According to McKenzie, after vigorous exercise, the joints of the lumbar spine seem to undergo a loosening process, and if slouching afterwards, joint distortion can occur. Based on that, I would avoid any sustained stretches in a flexed position, like bending over towards your feet and staying there. He also believes that most low back pain is caused by prolonged over stretching of ligaments and other soft tissues. So be careful in how far you stretch.
He also advises using a lumbar roll when seated for long periods of time. These can be purchased in some stores or a rolled up towel may also work, to help keep your natural low back curve.
One last movement to leave you with, is one that can be done anywhere. Simply stand straight up, keeping a tall spine. Inhale, reaching your hands overhead toward the ceiling. As you try to extend straight up with your hands, at the same time push your heels into the floor, gently pulling your spine in opposite directions. Hold briefly and exhale, letting your arms drop naturally. Repeat 5-10 times. Simple, but effective.
For more information on mobility training, anti-aging, and pain management, go to http://www.brianmorganfitness.com. Brian is a strength and conditioning specialist and massage therapist.
Friday, March 9, 2007
Sooth Those Muscle Cramps
Regular and hard exercise does not necessarily equal great health. People who exercise or run are known to receive what the experts call exercise associated muscle cramps, these are caused by exercising and straining the muscles, later on when the muscle relaxes the muscle starts to tighten up. When exercising people will feel the fatigue in their muscles and this is a very common occurrence.
Many runners suffer from calf cramps while running, the best remedy to stop the cramps is to let the muscle contract and finish its movement, rub the muscle and let the blood flow continue and the muscle will start feeling better. In many eastern cultures the best way to help with muscle cramping is to get the blood flowing again they do this by using acupressure or acupuncture to stimulate the blood flow to the effected area. If you do receive a muscle cramp stretch and squeeze the muscle this will get the blood flowing again, use some heat on the muscle and this will relax it.
Doctors have researched muscle cramps in tri-athletes and found some interesting findings; the cramps that athletes suffer from are not caused by blocked blood flow, dehydration, or vitamin deficiencies.
From the ancient orient there is a word Chi, the definition of this word is energy, energy of the muscle and energy of the body need to be in harmony. Muscles, the storehouse of energy in a living body, contract to help in the movement of different parts of the body. Another theory on the cause of running cramps says that carbohydrate depletion and a resultant loss of energy and build-up of waste products in the muscle leads to cramps.
It wasn’t so long ago that visualization techniques, stretching and yoga were introduced into sport and running and made an impact. When it comes to training and exercise, sometimes people are very impatient to do a stretching routine before they go for a run; most people don’t want to waste there workout time by stretching their muscles.
What causes an EAMC. There are many reasons why people get muscle cramps of the most common is because people do not warm up before exercising or training. Many people who exercise or don’t exercise receive excruciating pains in their muscles, the muscles tighten up and there is nothing you can do at that point because you can’t move, so before this happens or if you feel it happening rub some type of heat cream on the muscle, take aspirin, use a heating pad, or try to stretch the muscle to loosen it up.
But does stretching before a run help prevent injury? But where do you get the energy from and enough of it to prevent cramping. Bodyworkers can play a role in helping their clients manage and prevent these types of afflictions by sharing some basic tips and information with them.
David Marc Fishman is the owner of Tipssquad. Ask an expert about crafts. Get discounts on appliances at Priceriot
Many runners suffer from calf cramps while running, the best remedy to stop the cramps is to let the muscle contract and finish its movement, rub the muscle and let the blood flow continue and the muscle will start feeling better. In many eastern cultures the best way to help with muscle cramping is to get the blood flowing again they do this by using acupressure or acupuncture to stimulate the blood flow to the effected area. If you do receive a muscle cramp stretch and squeeze the muscle this will get the blood flowing again, use some heat on the muscle and this will relax it.
Doctors have researched muscle cramps in tri-athletes and found some interesting findings; the cramps that athletes suffer from are not caused by blocked blood flow, dehydration, or vitamin deficiencies.
From the ancient orient there is a word Chi, the definition of this word is energy, energy of the muscle and energy of the body need to be in harmony. Muscles, the storehouse of energy in a living body, contract to help in the movement of different parts of the body. Another theory on the cause of running cramps says that carbohydrate depletion and a resultant loss of energy and build-up of waste products in the muscle leads to cramps.
It wasn’t so long ago that visualization techniques, stretching and yoga were introduced into sport and running and made an impact. When it comes to training and exercise, sometimes people are very impatient to do a stretching routine before they go for a run; most people don’t want to waste there workout time by stretching their muscles.
What causes an EAMC. There are many reasons why people get muscle cramps of the most common is because people do not warm up before exercising or training. Many people who exercise or don’t exercise receive excruciating pains in their muscles, the muscles tighten up and there is nothing you can do at that point because you can’t move, so before this happens or if you feel it happening rub some type of heat cream on the muscle, take aspirin, use a heating pad, or try to stretch the muscle to loosen it up.
But does stretching before a run help prevent injury? But where do you get the energy from and enough of it to prevent cramping. Bodyworkers can play a role in helping their clients manage and prevent these types of afflictions by sharing some basic tips and information with them.
David Marc Fishman is the owner of Tipssquad. Ask an expert about crafts. Get discounts on appliances at Priceriot
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Healing Body Aches And Pain
Pain is our nation’s hidden epidemic—more than 75 million Americans live with some kind of chronic or recurrent pain. Pain is the number one reason people seek medical care.
Inadequate treatment of pain has serious physiological, psychological and social consequences. Pain uses up all reserves in the immune system, thus leaving it weakened and leaves the person susceptible to other disease. Pain diminishes the quality of nearly every aspect of a person’s life—including sleep, work, social and sexual relations.
Pain is simply a message sent by the body to the brain, signaling the presence of disease, injury, stress or strain. Without pain, you would be unaware of many problems—torn ligaments to cancer. Pain is simply, Mother Nature's way of telling you something is awry.
Traditional medicine focuses on killing the messenger with narcotics, anti-depressants and tranquilizers that take care of the symptoms, but not the cause of the pain. This treatment only masks symptoms of serious dis-ease, but can also create a lifetime cycle of chronic pain.
The good news is with adequate holistic care nearly all chronic pain can be eliminated or greatly eased.
Unfortunately, there are barriers that prevent people from engaging in the most effective pain treatments. Pain carries a stigma. Many people with pain are fearful or embarrassed to let others know they are in pain because they believe they will appear weak or they will be accused of making it up to avoid life’s travail.
Another major barrier is government and insurance policies impede adequate pain treatment by restricting access to holistic treatment—such as: Chiropractic, Acupressure, Acupuncture, Metaphysical Healing—Mind, Body and Spirit—using Hypnosis, Rolfing, Massage, Biofeedback, Cranio Sacral Therapies, Body Walking, Bodywork and Movement Therapies.
Another important part of holistic treatment is herbal remedies. Herbs have been used for centuries for their pain relieving qualities. These herbs are recommended for pain relief:
• Cramps and Spasms: angelica, cramp bar, kava, rosemary, valerian root.
• Nerve Pain: capsaicin, chamomile, gotu kola, licorice, white willow.
• Back Pain: hops, wood betony, passion flower. Migraine: feverfew, linden, skullcap.
• Headaches: peppermint, spearmint.
• Joint pain: ginger, sea cucumber.
• Sniffing or applying essential oils is believed to change brain chemistry so that pleasurable neuro-transmitters called endorphins are released to relieve pain. Geranium, jasmine, juniper, lavender, peppermint, rose, rosemary and thyme are oils commonly used to ease pain.
• As our bodies ages the ability to manufacture or produce certain elements diminishes and thus diminishes the ability to short-circuit the cycle of chronic pain. Green lipped sea mussels, glucosamine, sea cucumber, spirulina, Sam-e, HGH (Human Growth Hormone), MSM (Methulsuflonydmethane) and melatonin, aid joint, muscle, head, teeth, jaw and general tissue pain.
Meditation is highly recommended to calm the mind so that it is not racing with thoughts and anxieties that might be contributing to an unnecessary belief in the existence of pain. There are hundreds of different meditation techniques. They fit into three categories: concentrative, mindful and transcendental meditation.
Eating a well balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables can raise your pain threshold or resistance to pain. A deficiency in any of the main vitamins (A, B, C, D or E) can cause chronic pain. Vitamin E is used to treat joint pain. A deficiency in calcium, iron, magnesium and other minerals can lower your pain threshold. A calcium magnesium supplement taken in a 2:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium relieves joint pain and headaches. Manganese is a vitamin that is sometimes used for chronic headaches and neuralgia. A deficiency of the B vitamins can cause nervousness, headaches and chronic pain.
Research indicates that bodily functions that were previously thought to be beyond conscious control, such as chronic pain, can be controlled thorough the use of visualization. Guided imagery encourages the sufferer to think in pictures that eliminate negative thoughts thus raising levels of pleasurable brain chemicals, such as serotonin, decreasing anxiety and increasing the effectiveness of the immune system. Through guided imagery, the mind brings forth mental scenes in order to better direct the body's energy. For instance, if a person is suffering from a stabbing pain, she/he might want to imagine a knife being removed from the spot and a subsequent glowing feeling of relief. Guided imagery has been used successfully to manage headaches, sinus problems, arthritis and cancer.
Inadequate pain treatment has an enormous toll on the U.S. economy. The National Institute of Health estimates that pain costs the American public over $100 billion per year in medical expenses, lost wages and other costs.
Adequate pain treatment requires educating yourself, a support system and willingness to buck traditional medical treatments—i.e. pain medication and surgery.
Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, Life Coach, Hypnotherapist, Author, "101 Great Ways To Improve Your Life." Mind, Body, Spirit healing and Physical/Sexual Abuse Prevention and Recovery. As an inspirational leader, Dr. Neddermeyer empowers people to view life's challenges as an opportunity for Personal/Professional Growth and Spiritual Awakening. http://www.drdorothy.net
Inadequate treatment of pain has serious physiological, psychological and social consequences. Pain uses up all reserves in the immune system, thus leaving it weakened and leaves the person susceptible to other disease. Pain diminishes the quality of nearly every aspect of a person’s life—including sleep, work, social and sexual relations.
Pain is simply a message sent by the body to the brain, signaling the presence of disease, injury, stress or strain. Without pain, you would be unaware of many problems—torn ligaments to cancer. Pain is simply, Mother Nature's way of telling you something is awry.
Traditional medicine focuses on killing the messenger with narcotics, anti-depressants and tranquilizers that take care of the symptoms, but not the cause of the pain. This treatment only masks symptoms of serious dis-ease, but can also create a lifetime cycle of chronic pain.
The good news is with adequate holistic care nearly all chronic pain can be eliminated or greatly eased.
Unfortunately, there are barriers that prevent people from engaging in the most effective pain treatments. Pain carries a stigma. Many people with pain are fearful or embarrassed to let others know they are in pain because they believe they will appear weak or they will be accused of making it up to avoid life’s travail.
Another major barrier is government and insurance policies impede adequate pain treatment by restricting access to holistic treatment—such as: Chiropractic, Acupressure, Acupuncture, Metaphysical Healing—Mind, Body and Spirit—using Hypnosis, Rolfing, Massage, Biofeedback, Cranio Sacral Therapies, Body Walking, Bodywork and Movement Therapies.
Another important part of holistic treatment is herbal remedies. Herbs have been used for centuries for their pain relieving qualities. These herbs are recommended for pain relief:
• Cramps and Spasms: angelica, cramp bar, kava, rosemary, valerian root.
• Nerve Pain: capsaicin, chamomile, gotu kola, licorice, white willow.
• Back Pain: hops, wood betony, passion flower. Migraine: feverfew, linden, skullcap.
• Headaches: peppermint, spearmint.
• Joint pain: ginger, sea cucumber.
• Sniffing or applying essential oils is believed to change brain chemistry so that pleasurable neuro-transmitters called endorphins are released to relieve pain. Geranium, jasmine, juniper, lavender, peppermint, rose, rosemary and thyme are oils commonly used to ease pain.
• As our bodies ages the ability to manufacture or produce certain elements diminishes and thus diminishes the ability to short-circuit the cycle of chronic pain. Green lipped sea mussels, glucosamine, sea cucumber, spirulina, Sam-e, HGH (Human Growth Hormone), MSM (Methulsuflonydmethane) and melatonin, aid joint, muscle, head, teeth, jaw and general tissue pain.
Meditation is highly recommended to calm the mind so that it is not racing with thoughts and anxieties that might be contributing to an unnecessary belief in the existence of pain. There are hundreds of different meditation techniques. They fit into three categories: concentrative, mindful and transcendental meditation.
Eating a well balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables can raise your pain threshold or resistance to pain. A deficiency in any of the main vitamins (A, B, C, D or E) can cause chronic pain. Vitamin E is used to treat joint pain. A deficiency in calcium, iron, magnesium and other minerals can lower your pain threshold. A calcium magnesium supplement taken in a 2:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium relieves joint pain and headaches. Manganese is a vitamin that is sometimes used for chronic headaches and neuralgia. A deficiency of the B vitamins can cause nervousness, headaches and chronic pain.
Research indicates that bodily functions that were previously thought to be beyond conscious control, such as chronic pain, can be controlled thorough the use of visualization. Guided imagery encourages the sufferer to think in pictures that eliminate negative thoughts thus raising levels of pleasurable brain chemicals, such as serotonin, decreasing anxiety and increasing the effectiveness of the immune system. Through guided imagery, the mind brings forth mental scenes in order to better direct the body's energy. For instance, if a person is suffering from a stabbing pain, she/he might want to imagine a knife being removed from the spot and a subsequent glowing feeling of relief. Guided imagery has been used successfully to manage headaches, sinus problems, arthritis and cancer.
Inadequate pain treatment has an enormous toll on the U.S. economy. The National Institute of Health estimates that pain costs the American public over $100 billion per year in medical expenses, lost wages and other costs.
Adequate pain treatment requires educating yourself, a support system and willingness to buck traditional medical treatments—i.e. pain medication and surgery.
Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, Life Coach, Hypnotherapist, Author, "101 Great Ways To Improve Your Life." Mind, Body, Spirit healing and Physical/Sexual Abuse Prevention and Recovery. As an inspirational leader, Dr. Neddermeyer empowers people to view life's challenges as an opportunity for Personal/Professional Growth and Spiritual Awakening. http://www.drdorothy.net
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