Flax seed / Flax Seed Oil and benefits?

Flax Seed is a blue flowering plant that is grown on the Western Canadian Prairies for its oil rich seeds. This natural oil (also known as Linseed Oil) is highly recommended for the general well being and whole body nutrition and is considered to be nature's richest source of omega-3 fatty acids that are required for the health of almost all body systems.

Flax Seed Oil contains omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, B vitamins, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fiber, protein, and zinc and also provides approximately 50% more omega-3 oils than what you could get from taking fish oil, minus that horrible "fishy" after taste.

Some nutritionists, researchers, and scientists believe that it could be the most important health-promoting supplement next to a multi-vitamin. Nearly every system in the body can benefit from flax seed oil's natural properties, including the cardiovascular system, immune system, circulatory system, reproductive system, nervous system, as well as joints.

Just look at this list of facts and studies of what Flax Seed may accomplish:

- Research shows low incidence of breast cancer and colon cancer in populations that have high amounts of lignan in their diet. Flax is 100 times richer in lignan than most whole grains.

- Studies show that Omega-3 fatty acids help lower cholesterol and blood triglycerides, and prevent clots in arteries, which may result in strokes, heart attacks and thromboses.

- Helps protect the body against high blood pressure, inflammation, water retention, sticky platelets and lowered immune function.

- Shortens recovery time for fatigued muscles after exertion.

- Increases the body's production of energy and also increases stamina.

- Accelerates the healing of sprains and bruises.

- Eases weight loss in people afflicted with obesity.

- Stimulates brown fat cells and increases the metabolic rate making it easier to burn off fat.

- Improves the absorption of Calcium.

- Strengthens finger and toenails.

- Can improve eyesight and perception of colors.

- Can often improve the function of the liver.

- Can relieve the side effects and stop development of many forms of cancer.

- Can relieve some cases of Asthma.

- Helpful in the treatment of Eczema, Psoriasis, and Dandruff.

- Can relieve the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. It can relieve the symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus.

- Can alleviate some allergies.

- Helps prevent Atherosclerosis (the accumulation of fatty deposits inside the blood vessels, especially the large and medium-sized arteries, that many people experience during the aging process).

- Lowers high blood pressure in Hypertension sufferers.

- Has been scientifically proven to treat some cases of depression.

- Can improve the mental function of many old age pensioners.

- Can help in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.

- Has been proven to improve the behavior of Schizophrenics.

- Can relieve some cases of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) in females.

Unfortunately, our current diets do not come close to meeting our daily EFA (essential fatty acids) requirements. The richest sources of EFAs such as flax seeds, cold-water fish, and soy and canola oils are rarely found in our regular meals. In addition, more typical foods like red meats and egg yolks can actually encourage the body's production of bad prostaglandins. Flax Seed oil can help restore the body's natural balance of good and bad prostaglandins.

The recommended daily dose for most people is at least 1,000 mg taken one to three times daily. Even better is adding flax seeds into your diet in breads, muffins or on salads. Scientific studies have used up to 30 grams of flax seeds a day safely and without side effects.


It's important to buy high-quality flax seed or flax seed oil as it is prone to rancidity. Light and oxygen will slowly breakdown the essential fatty acids. Look for flax seed oil capsules (dark coated soft gels) or oil that is bottled in amber-brown bottles, as these are more resistant to the light and oxygen. Make sure you refrigerate your flax seed oil to help extend its shelf life.

Flax seed oil takes a bit of time to be absorbed into the body before the full beneficial effects begin, ranging anywhere from a few days to as many as six weeks, depending on your overall well-being.

Add Flax Seed to your diet and watch what it will do for you! If you're unsure about trying Flax Seed, contact your physician and ask for more information.

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Chiropractic History Class

It’s said chiropractic got its start in Iowa in 1895, but, according to the World Chiropractic Alliance, Hippocrates knew of its importance much earlier, saying “Get knowledge of the spine, for this is the requisite for many diseases.” Hippocrates’ contemporary Herodutus cured diseases through spinal manipulation, and drew criticism from Aristotle who said, “He made old men young and thus prolonged their lives too greatly.”

The father of chiropractic, however, was D.D. Palmer, Iowa teacher, bee-keeper and magnetic healer, who in 1895 cured a janitor of deafness by adjusting a vertebra in his spine. He went on to treat an array of other ailments, including stomach problems, migraines, flu and heart trouble with his innovative, drug-free approach. It was Palmer who coined the term “chiropractic,” using the Greek words chiro, meaning “hand” and practic, meaning operation, and developed much of the science and philosophy on which chiropractic care is now based. In 1898, he accepted his first chiropractic students at the Palmer School & Infirmary of Chiropractic and a new discipline was born.

But, alas, no good deed ever goes unpunished. Palmer ran into trouble as a result of his efforts. Accused as a charlatan by the medical community, he was eventually arrested for practicing medicine without a license and sentenced 105 days in jail and a $350 fine. Palmer served his sentence and eventually paid his fine but never deserted chiropractic study. He went on to publish two books on Chiropractic before his death, “The Science of Chiropractic” and “The Chiropractic Adjuster.”

Throughout the twentieth century, the profession of chiropractic has gained considerable recognition and scientific support. Research studies that have clearly demonstrated the value of chiropractic care in reducing health care costs, improving recovery rates and increasing patient satisfaction. In fact, one very large study conducted in Canada, the 1993 Manga Study, concluded that chiropractic care would save hundreds of millions of dollars annually in work disability payments and direct health care costs. Several major studies conducted by the U.S. Government, the Rand Corporation and others, have all demonstrated the incredible value of chiropractic care.

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Autogenic Training Stimulates the Autonomic Nervous System

Autogenic training (AT) is a technique that teaches your body to respond to your verbal commands. These commands "tell" your body to relax and control breathing, blood pressure, heartbeat, and body temperature. The goal of AT is to achieve deep relaxation and reduce stress. After you learn the technique, you can use it whenever you need or want relief from symptoms of stress, or you can practice it regularly to enjoy the benefits of deep relaxation and prevent the effects of chronic stress.

Most people use autogenic training (AT) to relieve the symptoms of stress. It can also be helpful with problems such as generalized anxiety, fatigue, and irritability. Some people use it to manage pain, reduce sleeping disorders such as insomnia, and increase their resistance to stress.

In addition, AT has been shown to help treat:

* Hyperventilation (breathing that is deeper and more rapid than normal).
* Asthma (inflammation in the tubes that carry air to the lungs, resulting in periodic episodes of
difficulty breathing as well as wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing).
* Constipation and diarrhea.
* Gastritis and stomach spasms.
* Ulcers (sores on the skin or on a mucous membrane, such as inside the mouth, stomach, or
intestines).
* Racing heart and irregular heartbeat.
* High blood pressure.
* Cold hands or feet.
* Headaches.
* Thyroid problems, such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

TRY IT

Sit or lie down. Close your eyes. Repeat the following 6 statements 6 times.

My arms are warm and heavy. I am at peace.
My legs are warm and heavy. I am at peace.
My heartbeat is calm and regular. I am at peace.
My abdomen radiates warmth. I am at peace.
My forehead is cool. I am at peace.
My breathing is easy. I am at peace.

Autogenic training is a relaxation technique developed by the German psychiatrist Johannes Schultz and first published in 1932.Source: WebMD and Natural Health

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Chiropractic Care Of A 6 Year–Old Girl With Head, Neck & Extremity Pain

A recent case study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine reviewed the care and outcome of a 6-year old girl receiving chiropractic care. The 6-year old girl was pushed into a playground slide, hitting her head and resulting in acute complaints of her "neck and brain hurting" and hand, foot, and occasional leg pain. In addition, she had a several-year history of unexplained fatigue, vomiting, and coughing spells. Upon examination, the treating chiropractic doctor found she was suffering from noticeable head tilt, significant loss of the cervical (neck) range of motion as well as tenderness, muscle spasm and edema along her cervical (neck) and thoracic (upper back) regions. After her 5th chiropractic treatment, her symptoms had dissipated and by her 9th treatment, she was able to return to normal activity. At 19 weeks, her neck and back continued to be asymptomatic and full and normal motion had returned to her spine.

Author: ChiroPlanet.com
Source: Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. September 2009.
Copyright: ProfessionalPlanets.com LLC 2009

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Massage and Cancer

For those with a cancer diagnosis, the healing touch of massage can make a world of difference. Massage not only provides them with a safe and comforting source of human contact, which is vital for everyone to have in order to thrive, but it can also have medical benefits as well. Massage can help improve blood circulation and equalize blood pressure in the body. It also promotes relaxation, can help with pain, fatigue and even nausea. On an emotional level, massage can be very nurturing. Rather than the fearful reaction a cancer patient might get in other social situations, a massage therapist offers acceptance of the physical body and it's limitations while helping their clients to experience a more pleasant physical reality.

There are obviously certain limitations and contraindications to massage when it comes to cancer, such as in the case of radiated tissue which will have increased sensitivity for a period of time after the radiation. In such cases, as well as across the board, a reflexology-focused foot or hand massage can be extremely beneficial. These can both be used safely on hospitalized patients as well as during treatments such as chemotherapy to relieve some of the side effects. Through reflexology, trigger points in the hands and feet can be used to nourish and encourage homeostasis in organ systems throughout the body.

Massage can go a long way in complimenting traditional cancer treatments. On a physical level, massage can work to relieve pain and promote healing in the body. On a emotional and spiritual level, massage can be used to help people release emotions they are holding in, as well as give a comfortable emotional and social space for that person to experience therapeutic touch.

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Kundalini Reiki: The basics

Kundalini Reiki is an offshoot of traditional Reiki and was pioneered by Ole Gabrielson.

First, let us define the basics:

Kundalini is life energy, often visualized as a serpent, residing in the base chakra. A Kundalini awakening, also referred to as Kundalini rising, is an intense, and sometimes overwhelming experience in which a person's Kundalini energy rises up through the spine, through the chakra system, bringing awareness, openness and energy into a person. This is accompanied by a myriad of physical, emotional, and spiritual experiences.

Reiki is a method of healing in which spiritual energy is channeled through a Reiki practitioner, healing the spirit and therefore the body, of the client.

The first thing you should know about Kundalini Reiki is that it does create a Kundalini awakening experience, but also, it helps to heal a person's spirit and calm the symptoms of an accidental or unacknowledged awakening. An accidental awakening can result in a number of painful experiences, and without guidance, can be a very troubling experience. Kundalini Reiki can bring peace and ease to a person while helping them to correctly align their energy, thus creating a powerful and positive experience.

Kundalini Reiki is less complex than traditional Reiki- there are no symbols or special hand positions. In Kundalini Reiki, the practitioner places their hands on the shoulders of their client, and allows energy to flow down through their crown chakra, and out of their hands, into the body of the recipient. This healing experience is like water flowing into the recipient- it will fill in any area that needs healing. The channeling process usually take about five minutes, although the experience for the recipient can last up to an hour and a half.

Source Ann Mort Newsletter

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New Trials Support the Effectiveness of Cupping Therapy

There are many published clinical trials and scientific papers in 2009 about the effectiveness of cupping therapy. Three papers from Germany, South Korea and Iran support the use of cupping therapy and give new scientific evidence to this old therapy.

What is cupping therapy?

Cupping therapy is one of the oldest natural healing therapies in the world, and was a very popular therapy for more than 2500 years. Cupping therapy was used by all civilizations around the world, including the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Chinese. It is one of the corner stones of Traditional Chinese Medicine. There are many types of cupping therapy. Wet cupping, herbal cupping, dry cupping and massage cupping are examples of cupping therapy types.

Cupping therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome

The first trial was a German study, published in the Journal of Pain in 2009. The researchers investigated the effect of the cupping therapy as a treatment for the carpal tunnel syndrome. There were 52 participants in this trial. The patients were randomly assigned to either a treatment group or a control group. The treatment group experienced pain relief and a decrease in other symptoms. The researchers concluded that "Cupping therapy may be effective in relieving the pain and other symptoms related to CTS (carpal tunnel syndrome)."1.

Cupping therapy for pain

The second trial was a South Korean study, published in the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2009. The researchers searched 14 medical databases. Cupping therapy trials investigating a pain condition were included. Trials investigating unproven therapy or combining cupping with unproven therapy were excluded. The researchers found seven randomized clinical trials that met the previous inclusion criteria. The researchers concluded that "The results of our systemic review provide some suggestive evidence for the effectiveness of cupping in the management of pain conditions."2.

Cupping therapy for low back pain

The third trial was an Iranian study, published in the Complementary Medicine in Therapies Journal. The researchers investigated the effectiveness of wet cupping therapy for the treatment of nonspecific low back pain. The researchers concluded that "Wet-cupping is associated with greater short- term clinical benefit than usual care. No adverse effects were reported."3.

Conclusion

Cupping therapy is a good natural treatment with a promising effect for many diseases. It is used successfully to treat all types of pain. More randomized controlled trials are needed to assess its effectiveness in other diseases. Please, consult a health care professional before using any type of alternative or complementary medicine therapies.

By: Dr Tamer Shaban, citizen journalist References
1.Andreas Michalsen, et al., Effects of Traditional Cupping Therapy in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial,The Journal of Pain, ,June 2009, Vol. 10, No. 6, pp. 601-608.2.Jong-In Kim , Myeong Soo Lee , Dong-Hyo Lee , Kate Boddy , and Edzard Ernst -, Cupping for Treating Pain: A Systematic Review, eCAM Advance Access published on May 7, 2009, DOI 10.1093/ecam/nep035.3.K. Farhadi, D. Schwebel, M. Saeb, M. Choubsaz, R. Mohammadi, A. Ahmadi, The Effectiveness of Wet-cupping for Nonspecific Low Back Pain in Iran: A Randomized Controlled Trial,Complementary Therapies inMedicine,Volume17,Issue1,pp.9-15.
4.www.naturalnews.com



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Myofascial Release Therapy; Chronic Pain Conections

By Karen Lee Richards Myofascial Release Therapy is a treatment option that many people are not aware of. It is a hands-on type of therapy that is particularly effective for fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, and can be quite helpful for many other types of chronic pain as well.

What It Is

To understand what Myofascial Release Therapy is, it's important to know what fascia is. Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds, supports and stabilizes every muscle, bone, organ, nerve, blood vessel and cell in the body. It forms a continuous web from head to toe. Think of a piece of raw chicken. Between the skin and the meat you'll find a layer of thin white tissue – that is the fascia.

The fascia is normally fluid and moves easily, but when there is an injury, the fascia constricts to protect the injured area. Usually when the injury heals, the fascia relaxes and goes back to its normal state. However, sometimes it can get bound up and create a three-dimensional pull or drag throughout the whole body. Therefore, a fascial strain in one area of the body can cause pain in multiple other areas. This often happens with a chronic pain disorder like fibromyalgia. Although the original restriction may have begun in one part of the body, the pull from that one restriction can cause connected tissues to become constricted, eventually spreading throughout the body.

How It Works

Myofascial Release Therapy applies very gentle sustained pressure to various parts of the body in order to release the fascia so it can once again move fluidly. A Myofascial Release Therapy session will often begin with what is called tractioning. The therapist may lift your legs slightly by your heels, holding them with a sustained gentle pull for several minutes. This is generally felt into the low back, and when held long enough, will cause the fascia to begin to release all the way into the shoulders and neck. A similar type of traction may then be applied to your neck and shoulders as well. Because fascia is three-dimensional, the effects of Myofascial Release Therapy techniques will usually be felt wherever the fascia is most constricted.

Following the tractioning, the therapist will begin gently moving the skin back and forth on various parts of the body (i.e., back, shoulders, hips) to identify the fascial restrictions. When a restriction is located, a cross-hand technique of gentle manipulation is applied to release it. Since fascia is layered and must be released in layers, this cross-hand release technique is used to release restrictions in progressive layers.

When the fascia has been restricted for a long time, as is usually the case with fibromyalgia patients, it may take several weekly therapy sessions before the fascia holds the release long term.

My Experience

I first learned about Myofascial Release Therapy ten years ago when a lady I worked with told me about her massage therapist who had been helping some fibromyalgia patients. When she told him about me, he offered to give me a free treatment if I'd like to try it. I was extremely skeptical. My body was so sensitive that my clothes hurt. The idea of someone massaging me did not sound pleasant. But since it was free, I figured it couldn't hurt to at least give him a call. When we talked, I was so impressed with his knowledge of fibromyalgia that I decided to give his treatment a shot.

Much to my surprise, not only was the therapy tolerable, it actually felt good! When he finished the first session, I felt more relaxed than I had in years. I couldn't wait until the next treatment. Even if it didn't help my fibromyalgia, I thought the relaxation I felt was worth it. But thankfully, it did help my fibromyalgia – a lot. When I began Myofascial Release Therapy, I had been using a cane for over a year and getting steadily worse. I was afraid it might not be long before I would be in a wheelchair. After two months of weekly Myofascial Release Therapy sessions, I put the cane away and haven't used it since.

Who Does It?

Myofascial Release Therapy may be offered by massage therapists, physical therapists, physiatrists, osteopaths, or chiropractors. However, when it comes to body-wide fascial restriction such as those experienced by fibromyalgia patients, I tend to lean toward massage therapists because they are usually the only ones who are willing and able to spend the extended time needed (usually an hour per session) to treat the whole body. Make sure the therapist you choose has special certification in Myofascial Release Therapy.

It's also important to know that there is another technique that is sometimes also referred to as Myofascial Release Therapy. It is a deep tissue therapy, called rolfing, which can be very painful. Be sure when you ask about Myofascial Release Therapy that you specify you want the very gentle method.



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Alternative Health Solutions Bella Belly Bump Newsletter

Q. I am 32 weeks pregnant and I have experienced leg cramps throughout my entire pregnancy. It only happens while I'm sleeping. Is this normal? What causes it, and how do I cure the pain?
- Washington

Ah yes, the agonizing leg cramps! Quite normal, I assure you, but very annoying and painful indeed. I remember many late-night episodes of painful, distorted muscles, with my toes pointing straight down in extreme ballerina style. One thing that helped was to force my pointy foot flat on the floor. Of course that meant quickly getting out of bed, which was a major feat by the third trimester.

Apparently, one of the causes of leg cramps during pregnancy is dehydration. I couldn't decide which was worse – not being able to fall asleep because of heartburn from the liquids I drank or waking up in the middle of the night with pain and distorted feet.

Low potassium in your diet is also known to be a cause of leg cramps. I swore that a banana milkshake before bed made all the difference. If you're having trouble with heartburn at night (like I did), you might want to try the milkshake. Otherwise, all you can really do is practice your muscle massaging techniques. Yanking the toes straight up towards your knee may help.

My List of holistic natural approaches

Pinch away pain. Try this acupressure technique. Grab your upper lip between your thumb and index finger, and squeeze for about 30 - 60 seconds. It's hard to believe, but it works. It's a pain relief technique many athletes have found to be effective.

Let your fingers do the massaging. You can use the direct approach, too: Grab the cramping muscle tightly, pushing your fingertips deep into the cramp for about 10 to 15 seconds, then release. You can repeat as often as necessary to relieve the cramp.

Give your electrolyte balance a boost. People who are maintaining ideal pregnancy weight and seem to be well hydrated but are getting recurrent cramping may have an electrolyte imbalance--too little sodium or potassium in the blood. Any sports drink that replenishes sodium or potassium may help.

Use cold packs on the affected muscle. This relaxes the tensed muscles.

Stretch and massage the leg by straightening it and pointing the toes upward, towards the head.

Use a warm towel or heating pad to alleviate pain or tenderness following a cramp.

Take two teaspoons of honey with each meal on a regular basis as a preventative measure. (for 1-2 weeks provides relief)

Soak your feet for 10-20 minutes in a bucket of hot water with a homemade tea bag of black or brown mustard seeds (two teaspoons of seeds tied up in some cotton immersed in it).

Massage the sore muscle with some camphor water in coconut oil.

Suck on a little rock salt for immediate relief.

Place a spoon by your bed, silver or stainless steel, put the back of the spoon against your cramp. this has provided instant relief to many.

Wear socks to bed.

Take 1 to 2 Teaspoons of yellow mustard

Drink a cup of orange juice and a banana as a snack before bed.

This may sound funny but has worked for some women. Put a new bar of soap under your fitted sheet at the end of the bed. Takes three days to work. You will know it time for a new bar of soap when the cramps begin to return. I have been told of some women rubbing the bar of soap directly on the cramp which provided immediate relief.

Most important Drink Water Drink Water Drink Water !!!!

Banana Nutrition Information (recipes below)



This food is very low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. It is also a good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Potassium and Manganese, and a very good source of Vitamin B6.

Because of their impressive potassium content, bananas are highly recommended by doctors for patients whose potassium is low. One large banana, about 9 inches in length, packs 602 mg of potassium and only carries 140 calories. That same large banana even has 2 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. No wonder the banana was considered an important food to boost the health of malnourished children!

As bananas are high in magnesium and potassium and low is sodium, they may be useful for the treatment of diarrhoea, colitis, ulcers and protein allergies. Bananas strengthen the body lining and lowers blood cholesterol.

Bananas contain large amount of tryptophan - an amino acid that is a precursor for serotonin (an inhibiting brain neurotransmitter). This therefore makes banana a calming food and can be eaten before bedtime to benefit sleep.

Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

High in fibre, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action to deal with constipation, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Putting all of the nutritional figures together clearly shows the banana is among the healthiest of fruits.


Pregnancy Homeopathic remedy leg cramp banana milkshake recipes (My Personal Favorites)

FROZEN BANANA MILKSHAKE
1) Peel and slice ripe bananas.
2) Put 8 ounces (about two and a half bananas), in a single layer, in pint-size freezer bag. Freeze.
3) To make two glasses milkshake, put one-half bag frozen bananas in food processor.
4) Add one cup organic fresh whole milk.
5) Option: add small amount of fresh or frozen coconut, berries, pineapple.
6) Blend at high speed until light and airy.
7) Leftover milkshake can be frozen and eaten like ice cream.


BANANA MILK SHAKE RECIPE
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup milk
2 bananas, sliced and frozen
2 teaspoons honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients in container of an electric blender; blend until smooth. Serve immediately. This recipe for Banana Milk Shake serves/makes 1

BANANA ORANGE MILKSHAKE RECIPE
Ingredients:
3/4 cup plain fat-free yogurt
1/2 cup cold unsweetened orange juice
1/8 cup sugar in the raw
1/8 cup Honey
1 cup (1 medium) diced banana

In a blender container, combine yogurt, orange juice, and sweetener. Cover and process on BLEND for 10 seconds. Add ba­nana. Re-cover and process on BLEND for 15 to 20 seconds or un­ til mixture is smooth. Serve at once.
This recipe for Banana Orange Milkshake serves/makes 2

CHOCO-BANANA SHAKE RECIPE
Ingredients:
2 cups rice milk
1 ripe organic banana
1 cup organic blueberries
1 scoop of protein powder
1 tablespoon almond butter
1/2 teaspoon carob powder
1 heaping teaspoon Cafix (coffee alternative)
1 heaping teaspoon of shredded DARK chocolate
dash cinnamon



Here is a healthy alternative to a chocolate shake. It's filled with nutritious ingredients and when combined tastes great. Cafix is a coffee substitute that offers a rich, coffee-like flavor yet none of the caffeine or acidity found in coffee, which can stimulate the nervous system or cause stomach upset. Carob comes from the carob fruit, which is a dark brown legume. It has 2 to 3 times the calcium of milk. It contains good amounts of phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A, B vitamins, and many other trace minerals.

Combine the ingredients and blend.This recipe for Choco-Banana Shake serves/makes 2

Please feel free to massage me with your pre and post natal pregnancy questions. Don't forget to check out the T shirts.


Michelle Leonard
http://www.alternativehealthsolutionsnj.com
http://www.myspace.com/bellabellybump

Preventing & Fighting & Recovering from Colds & Flus

Fact :
Doctors in Ancient China were paid only as long as their patients were healthy. As soon as the patient fell ill, payment to their doctor stopped. China Medicine has a tremendous emphasis on the preventative aspect of medicine.

Flu season will be upon us soon. With the recent scare over the flu vaccine, now more than ever it is important to know how to take care of ourselves during this time. We all know that exercise, fresh air, and whole foods are key factors in supporting our immune system, but did you know that Chinese Medicine can also be a tool in the fight against colds and flu? Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can be a valuable resource in the prevention of colds and flu, and can also help us recover from them quickly.

Prevention :
It is possible to use Chinese Medicine to prevent colds and flu from happening altogether or to prevent them from becoming full-blown infections. It has been determined that acupuncture is effective in boosting the immune system. If you haven’t visited an acupuncturist, and feel relatively healthy, it is advisable to come for acupuncture once or twice a month during cold and flu season to strengthen your immunity. If you are prone to infections, especially during winter months, you may want to come for acupuncture two or three times a month to keep yourself from getting sick. Chinese Herbal Teas may be used to supplement the immune system between treatments so that, on a daily basis, your body is being fortified against infection. When people around you are getting sick, while you are receiving acupuncture treatments your body is better able to fight off illnesses and remain healthy.

Treatment :
If you do happen to catch a cold or flu, Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs can help lessen the severity and hasten the recovery of your illness. If you visit your acupuncturist at the first signs of cold and flu, such as chills, fatigue, body ache or sore throat, you can use acupuncture and to repair immunity and fight symptoms so that your body can fight the infection. Also, if an illness is lingering, frequent treatments (twice a week for one week or two) will help stop the pattern on re-infection and weakening immunity so that you can finally get over your cold or flu.

Recovery :
It is common knowledge in Chinese Medicine that it is possible to recover from an illness and be stronger for it. Using Acupuncture during the recovery stage of infection is a good way to ensure that you are completely over the infection and your immune system is intact and ready to ward off the next illness that finds its way into your home. Two or three weekly treatments after and illness will help restore balance in your immune, respiratory, and digestive systems. Symptoms such as a lingering cough, phlegm, or a disruption in your elimination are common complaints after a sever bout of the flu. Acupuncture will help resolve the condition and eliminate any lingering symptoms.

Chinese Medicine was developed to treat many different illnesses, but made particular advancements in its medical history when doctors began to look specifically at the treatment of viral and bacterial infections. Now, the ancient wisdom of Chinese Medicine is combined with what modern acupuncturists know about viral infections such as the flu. During this season, using acupuncture and whole nutrition to prevent infections has never been more appropriate.

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Acupuncture Provides Long-Term Relief of Low Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a health care provider. It has been estimated that up to 80% of the world's population will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives, with the lower back as the most common location of pain.

Although most episodes of low back pain last less than two weeks, research has shown that recurrence rates for low back pain can reach as high as 50% in the first few months following an initial episode.
While there is no definitive way to resolve lower back pain, the use of acupuncture to treat this condition has increased dramatically in the past few decades, based in a large extent to placebo-controlled studies that have validated it as a reliable method of pain relief. The results of a recent study published in the Clinical Journal of Pain provide further proof that acupuncture is a safe and effective procedure for low-back pain, and that it can maintain positive outcomes for periods of six months or longer without producing the negative side-effects that often accompany more traditional pain remedies.

Drs. Christer Carlsson and Bengt Sj˜lund of the Lund University Hospital in Sweden recruited 50 patients (33 women, 17 main) from a tertiary level pain clinic for their study. The median age of the participants was 49.8; each patient had been suffering chronic low back pain for a minimum of six months and had tried a variety of other therapies (such as corsets, nerve blocks, drugs and physiotherapy) to treat their condition, but to no avail.

Subjects were randomly assigned to a manual acupuncture group, an electroacupuncture group or a placebo group. Treatment sessions lasted a total of 20 minutes each and were delivered once per week for eight weeks, with the same amount of time and care given to all patients in each group. A followup treatment was given after two months, and a tenth and final treatment was given after an additional two months.

In the manual group, local points on the lower back and distal points on the lower limbs, forearms and hands were used. The number of needles used per patient increased from an average of eight during the first session to as many as 18 during the third or fourth session. Needles were stimulated three times during each session to attain de qi.

A slightly different protocol was used on patients receiving electroacupuncture. Patients in this group received manual stimulation only during the first few sessions, followed by electrical stimulation of four needles in the low back in subsequent sessions. A similar number of needles as used in the manual acupuncture group were inserted and activated by hand.

The placebo group was given mock stimulation using what the researchers termed an "impressive" -- but disconnected - stimulator attached to two large electrodes. The electrodes were placed on the skin over the most painful areas in the lower back. During mock stimulation, flashing lamps from the machine were displayed and made visible to the patient to give the illusion that treatment was being delivered.

Throughout the study, patients recorded pain levels and other measurements in small booklets called pain diaries. Among the variables measured were pain intensity (recorded twice daily on a visual analog scale from 0 to 100, 100 being severe as possible); intake of analgesics (recorded daily); sleep quality (scored on a scale of "good," "slightly disturbed by pain" or "badly disturbed by pain"); and activity level. These diaries were compiled and their results analyzed by a nurse practitioner at the end of the study.
In addition, assessments were performed by an independent observer who did not know which type of acupuncture each patient received. These assessments were taken at four intervals: baseline, one month, three months and six months after the treatment period. These assessments consisted of a clinical interview and physical examination, after which the observer classified the patient's pain as improved, unchanged, or worse.

"Significant" Changes Observed in Acupuncture Patients
Analysis of the pain diaries revealed "significant" differences between acupuncture and placebo patients at the one-, three- and six-month intervals following treatment, all of which favored acupuncture as a more effective form of pain relief. For example, in the acupuncture group, both morning and evening pain scores were lower than baseline measurements and continued to decrease for the duration of treatment. In the placebo group, however, pain scores were several points higher after one month than they were at baseline, and continued to remain higher than the baseline scores throughout the study.
Activity levels were also markedly improved in the acupuncture group. Fourteen acupuncture patients and seven placebo patients had been on sick leave (either part-time or full-time) prior to the start of the study. By the time the tenth acupuncture treatment was delivered, six of the acupuncture patients on sick leave had returned to part-time or full-time work; another six were retired but still reported improved activity levels. In comparison, only one patient in the placebo group showed an improvement in activity; another patient actually regressed to being put on full sick leave
.
Furthermore, acupuncture patients experienced less episodes of sleep disturbance than their placebo-treated counterparts. Before the study, 30 acupuncture patients and 12 placebo patients reported sleep disturbances due to pain. The researchers reported that the sleep pattern was "significantly less disturbed after the treatment period" in the acupuncture group, but that there was "no significant difference in sleep disturbance" in the placebo patients.

Finally, total intake of analgesics dropped dramatically in the acupuncture group, but not the placebo group. At the start of the study, patients in the acupuncture group consumed an average of 31 pills per week; those in the placebo group consumed an average of 23 pills. At the six-month follow-up, the number of pills taken by placebo patients remained almost identical (21.5 per person per week), but had dropped more than 28% to 21.4 pills per week in acupuncture patients.

Independent examination by the blinded observer appeared to corroborate the patients' pain estimates. One month after the initial treatment period, 16 acupuncture patients (but only two placebo patients) were judged to be improved. After six months, 14 acupuncture patients (and only two placebo patients) were still improved. Both types of acupuncture worked effectively; of the 14 patients who showed improvement after six months, eight received manual acupuncture and six received electrical stimulation.

One interesting result of the study was that acupuncture appeared to be most effective in women. Of the 16 acupuncture patients judged to be "improved" at the one-month follow-up, 15 were women. At the six-month follow-up, all 14 patients who were still improved were women. The researchers were at a loss to explain this phenomenon, but hypothesized that it may be linked to estrogen receptors in the central nervous system.

Treatment Works Best with Specific Types of Pain
In their discussion, Carlsson and Sj˜lund stated that the trial "demonstrated a long-term pain-relieving effect of needle acupuncture compared with true placebo in some patients with chronic low back pain." To substantiate this claim, they highlighted several components that had been built into the study to help validate its results. Among them:

Only acupuncture na€ve patients (those who had never received acupuncture before) were selected for inclusion;
Patients were informed at the start of the study that the treatment might not be felt;
An equal amount of time and care was spent on each patient from every treatment group;
The placebo treatment used in the trial (mock stimulation) was preferred because, unlike sham acupuncture, needles were not inserted, which might have inadvertently skewed the results from the placebo group; and
The independent observer who performed assessments was never made aware of which group each subject was in and specifically avoided asking any questions about the type of treatment subjects received.

Taken together, the researchers concluded that these factors "seem sufficient to establish a true placebo treatment in the current study." They added that based on their latest study, in conjunction with the results of acupuncture trials on other disorders, "there is now reasonable evidence that acupuncture has a clinically relevant pain-relieving effect on certain forms of chronic pain."

Carlsson and Sj˜lund also advised practitioners that just because acupuncture works on certain types of back pain, it may not produce the same results on every type. "It would be as correct to assess the effect of acupuncture on all types of pain," they observed, "as it would be to study the effect of common penicillin on all types of bacterial infections and calculate some form of 'average.'"

References
1. Moffett JK, Torgerson D, Bell-Syer S, et al. Randomised controlled trial of exercise for low back pain: clinical outcomes, cost and preferences. British Medical Journal July 31, 1999;319(7205):279-283.
2. Nyiendo J, Haas M, Goodwin P. Patient characteristics, practice activities, and one-month outcomes for chronic, recurrent low-back pain treated by chiropractors and family medical physicians: a practice-based feasibility study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics May 2000; 23(4):239-45.
3. Carlsson C, Sj˜lund B. Acupuncture for chronic low back pain: a randomized placebo-controlled study with long-term follow-up. Clinical Journal of Pain 2001;17(4):296-305.

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Herniated Disc Acupuncture

Herniated disc acupuncture is a specific method of using Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat the symptoms produced by a problematic disc condition. Acupuncture is a valid and scientifically proven holistic pain relief system which dates back in history thousands of years. Acupuncture is an alternative pain management modality often used for symptomatic treatment of a variety of back pain syndromes. Acupuncture uses long thin needles to stimulate energy points in the body. These points lie along energy meridians which transmit Chi/Qi, or internal energy, throughout the body. When the body is aligned in its energies, the patient will feel healthy and strong. When the Chi is out of balance, pain and disability might result. Acupuncture seeks to balance the Chi (energy) flow by adding or removing energy from these crucial anatomical points. Acupuncture is far healthier than using pain relief drugs. The therapy is all natural and has little to no side effects. A properly trained practitioner can enact effective pain relief in many patients. Acupuncture can be used to treat virtually any condition and is also used in healthy people to optimize wellness and provide increased vigor and vitality. There is no downside to acupuncture when used for pain releif. The bottom line comes down to this… If you are looking for a pain management therapy to get you past a difficult time, you will certainly want to investigate acupuncture.

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RSI Repetitive Strain Injury treatment with Myofascial Release Share

RSI is a syndrome, a collection of symptoms, which appear when there has been overuse and repetitive strain on muscles and the fascia and connective tissue surrounding muscles and joints. This produces adhesions - literally "stuck" areas - and trigger points, areas of permanently contracted muscle fibers which cause pain in related areas.

Wrist and hand pain, "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome"
One of the most common forms of RSI is "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome" affecting the arms, wrists and hands. This is prevalent in busy office environments, where prolonged keyboard work is required. It is diagnosed as the impingement or entrapment of the nerves in the wrist, a narrowing of the wrist's "carpal tunnel". The question is "why is the carpal tunnel blocked?" This is most often due to trigger points and fascial restrictions in the neck, the shoulders and across the chest - the problem is therefore not primarily in the carpal tunnel (wrist) itself, but in the areas where there are restrictions which cause the impingement at the carpal tunnel. Your RSI symptoms may even have started with neck stiffness or pain, or headaches, and these symptoms often accompany the arm and hand symptoms. At RSI Clinics UK we will treat the problem where it originates, not just where the symptoms are.

When a movement has been carried out repetitively, for instance when using a mouse, or when a non-neutral posture has been held for a long time, tensing over a computer screen, RSI can be the result and you may experience some of the symptoms listed below.



Symptoms of RSI in the arms, wrists and hands include the following:
• Throbbing and persistent pain down the arms into the wrists, hands and
fingers
• Deep throbbing or dull pain, pain 'like toothache' at rest or when using the
arms or hands
• Shooting pains, 'nerve' pains down the arms, in the wrists, hands or fingers
• Tingling, 'pins and needles', burning sensations
• Inflammation
• Numbness, 'cotton wool' feelings
• Lack of any feeling in parts of the arms, wrists and hands
• Dull persistent pain at night
• Spread of pain across the chest and into the neck on using hands and
fingers, as when typing or using a mouse
• Tightness or stiffness in the shoulders, neck or chest
• Pain on light massage just underneath the collarbones
• Weak grip or inability to grip or lift anything for long, e.g. a cup, fork,
toothbrush
• Inability to turn door handles
• Inability to type or use a keyboard
• Inability to write or hold a pen
• Inability to drive, turn a steering wheel, change gear, operate the
handbrake, etc.
• Reduction in range of movement or pain with movement
• Weakness, lack of strength, sometimes no strength at all

Treatment for RSI and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Our practitioners will treat RSI conditions with myofascial release and trigger point therapy, backed up with remedial massage techniques such as soft tissue release, positional release, and other advanced bodywork modalities, releasing areas which are impinging on nerves, for instance in the wrist, and rebalancing all the muscles and fascia so that these structures can take the strain comfortably.

Treatment with practitioners from Alternative Health Solutions of NJ should bring about the following benefits:

• Diminishing or elimination of pain in the arms, wrists and hands
• Increased sensitivity to sensations and diminishment of numbness
• Decrease in sensations of pins and needles, 'cotton wool', tingling, or
burning
• Increased strength in hands, wrists and fingers
• Improved grip for driving, lifting, and carrying out daily tasks
• Ability to type, write with a pen and perform fine motor functions with
hands and fingers
• Decrease in autonomic nervous system (ANS) sensations of anxiety and panic
associated with inability to use hands
• Decrease or elimination of pain and stiffness in neck and shoulders


Trigger point therapy
Trigger points are areas of muscle fibers which are permanently contracted and sometimes painful to touch. They cause the entire muscle to shorten and tighten, and refer pain to other areas. Treatment involves locating and releasing trigger points which are referring pain to the affected areas and causing narrowing and adhesions.

Very often we will treat an area which is removed from the area of pain. The result is a significant reduction or elimination of pain in the affected area, although it has not been directly treated.

Trigger point therapy is always accompanied by local myofascial release, because if the fascia in the area of a trigger point has not been released, the trigger point is likely to return.

Myofascial Release
As well as trigger point release we look for areas of fascia which have been adhesed and are restricting normal functioning in their own and other areas. We use specific techniques for releasing fascia and the nerves and other structures it bears down on when restricted. We also use soft tissue release and myofascial stretching to release restricted areas.

Stress-related symptoms
Autonomic nervous system responses to physical, emotional or physiological stress or trauma always involve tensing of the connective tissues, either causing or contributing to RSI symptoms. We use Dr. Peter Levine's Somatic Experiencing approach to allow stressful or even traumatic experiences resulting in PTSD to be integrated into the mind-body easily and holistically so that we can get on with life without ANS responses causing pain or restrictions.

We strongly suggest that you seek treatment to eliminate the causes of RSI and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome before you undergo surgery for the symptoms.

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How To Prepare For Your Reiki Session

There are several things that you can do to prepare for your Reiki session that will increase your comfort level, as well as the effectiveness of the healing session. The basic premise behind this is mindful awareness of the experience that you are about to have. Following these steps will also help your Reiki practitioner feel at ease and comfortable practicing with you.

To begin with, take a long relaxing shower the day of your treatment. The hot, cleansing water will help refresh and relax you, both mentally and physically. Avoid using any heavily scented products during or after your shower. Wearing strong scents could later prove detrimental, as the smell might distract you or your practitioner during the Reiki treatment.

Dress yourself in comfortable, loose fitting clothing. Avoid wearing tight clothing, as they lessen your chances of relaxing fully. Likewise, items such as short skirts should be avoided. Whenever possible, wear shoes that are easy to remove, and dress in layers so that you can be dressed appropriately for the room's temperature. Leave the jewelry at home on the day of your treatment- wedding bands are usually fine, but watches, bracelets and necklaces should be left someplace safe and out of the way. Some practitioners believe that jewelry can interfere with energy flow, while others merely find it to be in the way.

Be sure to arrive a few moments early for your appointment to avoid the stress of feeling late and being rushed. Be sure to communicate with your practitioner. Let them know what your preferences are (music, no music, dimmer lighting, etc) and alert them to any areas you would like them to work on. This communication is also important during a Reiki treatment. For example, if you started off your treatment very cold and were lying under a blanket, and later became very hot, it is far preferable that you simply let your practitioner know, rather than lying there under a blanket, sweating.

Each practitioner of Reiki is different, and may have their own specific guidelines for how they prefer their clients to prepare for a session. The above is merely a general guideline. Always follow the instructions of your practitioner.



Source: Ann Mort Newsletter

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Who can benefit from Myofascial Release?

Myofascial Release should be considered as a viable alternative health care treament. Practitioners have successfully treated patients with the following diagnoses (+more) using Myofascial Release as part of my physical therapy treatment plan.

BACK STRAIN, chronic back pain, low back pain, thoracic back pain
Persistent, recurrent back pain can cause or be the result of asymmetrical soft tissue tension that does not respond to active stretching by the patient. Active myofascial trigger points can be the stimuli for continued muscle spasm. The pain–spasm cycle further distorts the patient’s posture and causes additional soft tissue injury. Using Focused Myofascial Stretching, the physical therapist or massage therapist can neutralize the trigger points and equalize the soft tissue tension, decreasing the postural asymmetries.

CARPAL TUNNEL SYMPTOMS
Anterior chest wall tightness, forward head posture and active myofascial trigger points can cause carpal tunnel symptoms. Myofascial Stretching of the anterior chest wall decreases the asymmetrical pull that causes protraction of the scapulae and contributes to the forward head posture. Myofascial Trigger Points in the pectoralis minor and the forearm can be neutralized at the same time. A home exercise program using Myofascial Release techniques can be given as the initial symptoms decrease by 50%. Focused Myofascial Stretching can also break the adhesions that form between irritated and inflamed tendons.

CHRONIC CERVICAL STRAIN, chronic cervical pain
Persistent cervical pain can cause or be the result of asymmetrical soft tissue tension that does not respond to active stretching by the patient. Active myofascial trigger points can cause radiating pain into the face, jaw, skull, shoulders, upper back and down the arms. Chronic cervical strain and forward head posture can cause vertigo and balance dysfunction. All of these problems must be addressed in a comprehensive physical or myofascial release therapy treatment program.

COMPLEX PAIN COMPLAINTS
When a patient does not completely recover from an initial injury, inefficient accommodation to the residual restriction of movement causes additional asymmetrical soft tissue stresses. Chronically irritated and inflamed tissues develop adhesions that further limit efficient movement. As this feedback loop continues, the patient’s pain complaint becomes diffuse and global. Pain causes fatigue, depression and impaired sleep.

Myofascial Release can address all of these problems as part of a comprehensive physical or myofascial release therapy treatment program. As a direct, "hands-on" treatment, Myofascial Release reverses the physical withdrawal behavior of many patients who are in chronic pain. As the asymmetrical soft tissue stresses decrease, the feedback loop is interrupted. Sleep patterns improve and overall pain decreases. Gradually, the layers of injury are peeled away like an onion until only the sequelae from the original injury are present and can be treated.

DIZZINESS
A comprehensive physical or myofascial release therapy evaluation of impaired balance due to subjective dizziness and vertigo should include an evaluation of overall muscle strength and coordination, chronic muscle strain due to forward head posture and decreased neck range of motion, and Myofascial Trigger Points. Soft tissue trigger points in the sternocleidomastoid muscles can contribute to vertigo with and without labyrinthine dysfunction. Weakness and incoordination of the ocular muscles can also be a source of dizziness and the resulting balance dysfunction.

Myofascial Release is used to treat the soft tissue trigger points and the muscular imbalance contributing to the forward head posture. Ocular coordination exercises and visual stabilization exercises teach the patient compensatory mechanisms for a decrease in innate balance sense. Lower extremity strengthening and coordination exercises improve proprioceptive feedback and ability to recover from mild to moderate balance disturbances.

FIBROMYALGIA, Myofascial Pain Dysfunction, Fibrositis
Myofascial Release is one of the most effective treatments for patients with moderate to severe symptoms of fibromyalgia. Soft tissue adhesions and active Myofascial Trigger Points must be reduced before the patient can participate in an active exercise program successfully. Postural asymmetry is energy expensive and contributes to the extreme fatigue reported by patients who have fibromyalgia. The patient may initially feel worse when beginning treatment with Myofascial Release. As postural symmetry improves, the patient will feel less fatigued and have less morning stiffness.

HEADACHE
Myofascial Release can decrease the chronic tightness of the posterior cervical musculature and the sensitivity of the Myofascial Trigger Points that cause muscle tension headaches. Myofascial Release can decrease the frequency and intensity of tension headaches. A tension headache can be totally eliminated during a treatment session. By decreasing the tension headache component, migraine headaches can also be decreased in intensity and frequency.

PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Myofascial Release can stretch the plantar fascia and decrease soft tissue adhesions that keep the plantar fascia in a chronically shortened position. The shortened fascia can cause an altered gait pattern resulting in knee or hip pain that does not respond to direct treatment. As the plantar fascia is stretched, the foot pain will decrease and normal foot motion will be restored. Only then will the knee and hip pain resolve.

POST-POLIO SYMPTOMS
Myofascial Release is the safest treatment method I have found for individuals experiencing Post-Polio symptoms. Since feedback guides all Myofascial Release treatments, over-stretching of weak muscles is avoided. Myofascial Release can decrease the asymmetrical stresses caused by shortened, weak muscles. Functional tightness is left undisturbed.

SCARS and SCAR TISSUE
Scars that are not freely mobile can become a pain focus when the patient’s postural adaptation to that tightness and restricted motion is disrupted. Active Myofascial Trigger Points can appear in the scar tissue at any time and cause a unique pain radiation pattern. Using Myofascial Release, the scar adhesions can be broken, restoring free motion of the previously restricted body segment. As the patient adjusts to this unfamiliar posture, new pain may appear. This pain is easily and quickly resolved. As scar adhesions are released, the visible scar may become less prominent and defined.

THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME
Pectoralis minor tightness can produce thoracic outlet symptoms. Focused Myofascial Stretching of the pectoralis minor and the trigger points in its proximal attachment can completely eliminate thoracic outlet signs. Midline sternal scars from open-heart surgery can also cause thoracic outlet symptoms. Focused Myofascial Stretching of the surgical scar and of the anterior chest wall can completely eliminate the thoracic outlet signs. A long-term home exercise program must be followed to maintain the new range of motion.

TMJ DYSFUNCTION
Asymmetry of the muscles of mastication, forward head posture, tightness of the posterior cervical musculature and multiple Myofascial Trigger Points can cause or are the result of TMJ problems. All of the soft tissue problems need to be addressed to achieve maximum effectiveness of the dental treatment. Myofascial Release is used to stretch the posterior cervical musculature and decrease the sensitivity of the Myofascial Trigger Points. A muscle re-education home exercise program is given to re-establish the cervical lordosis. As the forward head posture is decreased, better alignment of the temporomandibular joint is achieved, and the pain from the TMJ malalignment is decreased. Once more symmetrical jaw movement has been achieved using Focused Myofascial Stretching of the muscles of mastication, specific stretching and strengthening exercises are included in the home exercise program.

TRIGGER POINTS, tender points
Myofascial Trigger Points can produce symptoms that mimic many other medical diagnoses. For example, hypersensitive Myofascial Trigger Points in the neck and shoulder muscles can cause headaches, tooth pain, jaw pain, difficulty swallowing, pain behind the eyes, pain in the eyes, vertigo, intrascapular pain, arm pain and hand pain. Myofascial Trigger Points can cause atypical angina, diarrhea, groin pain, sciatic distribution pain, chest and abdominal pain.

For a complete description of the effects of Myofascial Trigger Points, please consult Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual, volume I and II by J.G. Travell and D.G. Simons, William & Wilkins Publishers.

WHIPLASH – cervical, thoracic, low back
The multiple muscle strains that are the result of a whiplash injury can cause soft tissue adhesions, hypersensitive Myofascial Trigger Points and persistent headaches. A pain, muscle spasm, postural asymmetry feedback loop can be established as a result of the initial injury. Aggressive early medical and alternative care therapy treatment of the whiplash injury can prevent a feedback loop from being created. However, once a feedback loop is established, the same treatment approach described under COMPLEX PAIN COMPLAINTS is followed

Source myofasicalrelease.com
Source: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=238083220022

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Very Garlic Green Rice ; New Recipe for the AHSNJ Cookbook

Ingredients; 4 to 6 servings
4 scallions, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch lengths (whites and greens)
1 cup (loosely packed) each: watercress, flat-leaf parsley, mint leaves, spinach and cilantro leaves
2 to 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
5 cloves minced or crushed garlic
4 to 5 cups cooked brown basmati rice cooked in vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon seasalt (or to taste)
3/4 lightly toasted pine nuts or sesame seeds (optional)
Squeezable wedges of lemon


1. Pile all the scallions, greens, and herbs into the food processor and pulverize almost to a paste.
2. Place a large, deep skillet over medium heat. After about a minute, add the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add the garlic and sauté by itself for just a minute, then add the processed herbs and cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes.
3. Add the rice, mixing it in with a fork until the green mixture is uniformly distributed. Stir in the salt and serve hot or warm, topped with pine nuts, if desired, and accompanied by a squeezable wedge of fresh lemon.

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Treating Fibromyalgia With Acupuncture

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition whose main symptoms are muscle pain, fatigue, and poor sleep. Fibromyalgia is chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain and stiffness; as well as fatigue, poor sleep and the presence of localized tender points. This syndrome affects roughly four to six million Americans, about 75 percent of who are women between the ages of thirty to fifty. One recent survey estimated that approximately 20 percent of people who suffer from fibromyalgia undergo acupuncture therapy within two years of diagnosis. If you or a loved one suffers from fibromyalgia, read on and watch above to learn more about the possible healing effects of acupuncture. Since fibromyalgia causes depression the acupuncturist can also help with the symptoms of depression. Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine. The practice of acupuncture is based on the theory that there are patterns of energy flow through the body that are essential for health. Health is defined in terms of a vital force of energy called Qi, which circulates between the organs along channels called meridians. Traditional Chinese medicine acupuncturists seek to identify imbalances in the Qi. Once this imbalance is identified, the acupuncture practitioner then selects the appropriate acupuncture points from among approximately 360 points distributed along the body’s meridians. The practice of acupuncture involves the stimulation of specific acupuncture points on the skin. These points are stimulated by the insertion of needles ranging in length from one to ten centimeters. The typical treatment will use anywhere from five to fifteen needles, with varying point combinations. The needles are inserted to a depth of about five centimeters. Using the theories of traditional Chinese medicine, fibromyalgia occurs due to an imbalance in the energy flow of the body. In the treatment of fibromyalgia, the following acupuncture points are used: UB 11, 17, 18, 20 and 23. Typically, the patient is treated once to twice a week for six weeks. Usually, after about ten to twelve treatments, the patient will feel significant pain reduction and an improvement in energy and sleeping patterns. It also helps to apply a topical pain formula such as Biofreeze over the acupuncture points. The best products can be found at www.alternativehealthsolutionsnj.com A recent study performed at the University of Maryland evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome. The researchers selected all randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials, or cohort studies of patients with fibromyalgia that were treated with acupuncture. They concluded that real acupuncture is more effective than sham acupuncture for relieving pain, increasing pain thresholds, improving global ratings, and reducing the morning stiffness of fibromyalgia. However, they also noted that the length of recovery could not be determined. Many patients may require repeat treatments. In most cases of fibromyalgia unexpected weight gain can occur. If this is a problem, acupuncture can help.
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Folic acid

One of the most important nutrients needed before and throughout pregnancy--folic acid. Also known as folate and folacin, research has linked this B vitamin with helping to protect the developing fetus against neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida.

Folic acid is most effective during the first month of pregnancy, before most women know they are pregnant. The Centers for Disease Control estimate that neural tube defects can be reduced by 50% - 70% if mothers-to-be consume adequate folic acid as part of an overall healthy diet.

Good food sources for folic acid include:

Oranges and orange juice
Papaya
Leafy green vegetables such as spinach and mustard greens
Broccoli
Most dried beans and lentils
Whole grain and enriched grain products, including breads, rice and pasta
Fortified breakfast cereals such as Quaker® Instant Oatmeal

Although the foods listed above are great additions to a varied diet, the National Academy of Science recommends that all women capable of becoming pregnant consume 100% of the DV (daily value) of folic acid from either supplements or foods fortified with folic acid such as Quaker Instant Oatmeal in addition to other foods which may naturally contain folic acid.

This recipe is a great way to incorporate folic acid into your diet!

Oriental Papaya Chicken Salad

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
¼ cup white vinegar
1 tablespoon Chinese red chili paste
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons sugar
1 papaya, peeled, seeded and grated
2 carrots, grated
½ cup fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Combine vinegar, chili paste, garlic and sugar in a small bowl. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine chicken, papaya, carrots, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat. Season with the salt and pepper. Spoon onto lettuce-lined plates and serve.

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