Acupuncture Will Help You Stop Smoking

Today, there appears to be new hope for those who suffer from addictions to substances harmful to their health. Acupuncture is rapidly increasing in popularity as an effective aid in the control of many addictions—from serious ones involving alcohol and hard drugs to relatively less serious ones involving nicotine and overeating.

Excellent clinical evidence supports the use of acupuncture for addiction control. The first acupuncture detoxification clinic in the United States opened in 1974, at the Lincoln Memorial Hospital in the South Bronx section of New York City. At first, acupuncture was used as an adjunct to methadone treatment, but such good results were obtained with acupuncture that methadone was dropped from the program. According to Dr. Michael Smith, director, the success rate with acupuncture is substantially higher than that of more conventional programs. Unlike methadone, which is itself a highly addictive drug that is used primarily as a heroin substitute for heroin addicts, acupuncture is a natural procedure with no to very little side effects, and it can treat a wide range of addictions. It works equally well for cocaine and crack addicts, heroin addicts, alcoholics, users of psychedelics, and people addicted to barbiturates and amphetamines. Addicts report a marked reduction in craving for drugs, a relief from symptoms of withdrawal, and feelings of relaxation along with improved sleep. The success of this program has inspired the opening of public-funded acupuncture detoxification programs in San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Chicago, Portland, Miami and other locations.

There is strong physiological evidence supporting the use of acupuncture in this area. Research has shown that acupuncture can raise the level of endorphins in the nervous system. Resembling opiates in structure and function, endorphins are the body's natural pain killers. Their level is also increased by endurance exercises, and they are responsible for the phenomenon called "runner's high", a feeling of euphoria experienced by long-distance runners who have crossed the five-mile line. It seems that the cravings and withdrawal symptoms experienced by people giving up smoking or drugs can be alleviated by raising the level of endorphins in the nervous system. Some researchers also believe that the desire to eat is also mediated by the endorphin level in the brain, which would explain why acupuncture helps dieters to control their appetites.

Chinese Medicine has its own explanation of how acupuncture works. Chinese medical theory is based on the concept of yin and yang, which are dynamic and complementary opposites observed in all the processes of nature. In a healthy individual, yin and yang are in relative balance. Addicts often suffer from a deficiency of yin. Chinese medical theory, which comprehends the body metaphorically, relates yin to substance, quiescence, and the element of water. Yang relates to function, activity, and the element of fire. Yin nourishes, and yang consumes. When yin, or the water element, is deficient, fire is not held in check and rages out of control. Since it is the product of a deficit, it is called empty fire because it has no substance to fuel it. On a psychological level, such an imbalance creates feelings of emptiness and desperation. Physiologically, it manifests as frenetic hyperactivity. The addict is driven to use and abuse, but the drug exacerbates the fire and further depletes the yin; hence, the feeling of power he or she gains is exaggerated and merely temporary, leading to even more desperation.

The treatment involves nourishing the yin by treating points on the outside of the ear. Short, thin, sterile needles are inserted various points. Patients sit or lie comfortably for about twenty to thirty minutes. The treatments often have a profoundly calming effect on the mind and body, creating feelings of peace and well-being.

People addicted to hard drugs are advised to receive daily treatment until they are clean. They then receive treatments a couple of times a week for a while to help them to remain so. Alcoholics also require daily treatments during the initial period of treatment. To insure long-term abstinence, both groups are encouraged to seek counseling and participate in a support group. Interestingly, alcoholics receiving acupuncture during the withdrawal period rarely experience seizures.

Smokers are in a different category because nicotine is a much milder drug. It does not produce the dramatic effects of hard drugs, though it is probably just as addicting in a more insidious way. Smokers do not always need daily treatments and can usually kick the habit in a shorter period of time. After a few treatments, the craving for nicotine is usually sharply reduced. After several more treatments spread over a two-week period, seven out of ten patients will have managed to quit. Others will have drastically cut down on the number of cigarettes smoked daily.

Acupuncture is very effective in controlling addictions, and the drug problem in this country is a serious one.

Acupuncture is effective for many other conditions as well. Acupuncture has a 3000-year old history and has only recently been found to be useful for addictions. The World Health Organization lists over 40 disorders that respond favorably to acupuncture. Among these are chronic pain, injuries, back and neck pain, chronic fatigue, headaches, depression (mild), stress disorders, hypertension, insomnia, digestive disorders, pre-menstrual syndrome and other women's problems, constipation, allergies and the common cold.

If you are thinking of Alternative care for yourself or if you’d like more information on what alternative care can do for you today:

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Michelle Leonard

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©2008-2010
Finally healthcare that is “Soul good for you”
The kindness thank you is your referral. Please pass on the gift of health.

Contact Alternative Health Solutions of NJ. I will call you to make that appointment

Mercury: Health Topic

Mercury is found naturally in the environment in several forms, but there is little doubt that mercury has one of the most unique physical properties of all metals. In its elemental form, mercury is one of the most unusual metals of all metallic elements. It is a shiny, silver-white, liquid yet contained solid metal used in thermometers, dental amalgams, inoculations / vaccinations, and some electrical switches. It can be combined with other elements to form inorganic compounds, and due to its unique physical property of being neither a solid nor a liquid, mercury has the ability to escort any compound into the hair-like crevices of any substance.

Mercury is assertive, movable and bioaccumulative (retained in organisms). Most of the mercury found in the environment is inorganic so it can enter the air from several sources such as emissions of coal-fired power plants, the burning of municipal and medical wastes, and natural processes such as erosion of ores and volcanic activity.

Mercury can evaporate to form colorless, odorless vapors. Mercury can combine with organic material to form organic compounds such as methylmercury (MeHg) which is produced primarily by bacteria, and poses great concern for environmental (fish) exposure.

Exposure to high levels of mercury can create health dangers in the following ways:

* Elemental mercury vapor can result in nervous system damage including tremors and mood and personality swings.
* Exposure to relatively high levels of inorganic mercury salts can cause kidney damage.
* Adult exposure to relatively high levels of methylmercury through fish consumption can result in numbness or tingling in the extremities, sensory losses, hormonal imbalances, and loss of coordination.
* Exposure by the developing fetus through maternal intake of contaminated fish can result in neurological developmental abnormalities in cognitive and motor functions.

The nature and severity of health symptoms depend on the amount of exposure.

Methylmercury (an organic form of mercury) is spread through the food chain and is retained in the bodies of the animals exposed to it. It reaches its highest levels in large predatory fish, and in birds and mammals (humans) which consume the fish. Levels of methylmercury in fish are typically 100,000 times greater than the water in which they swim.

Mercury in the form of methylmercury is one of the greatest concerns to human beings (and domestic pets fed canned tuna), as the common route of exposure is ingestion. Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations prohibit the sale of commercial fish that are found to have high concentrations of methylmercury. Also, state and federal authorities issue public health advisories when needed to warn people about eating fish caught from local waters that are contaminated with mercury.

Mercury released from dental amalgam fillings can accumulate over time in the brain, pituitary gland, adrenals, and other parts of the body. Mercury from fillings in pregnant women has been shown to cause marked mercury accumulation in the brain, in the kidneys, and liver of human fetuses. Studies have shown that mercury can also be passed to infants through breast milk.

Some metals are necessary for body function as these are natural elements our bodies need. But most heavy metals are toxic when inorganic or at high levels, and can cause various disease syndromes, thyroid problems, learning disabilities, neurological problems, hormonal imbalances, and many other health issues. Mercury toxicity can damage the heart, brain, lungs, kidneys, adrenal glands, pituitary and thyroid glands.

Heavy metals can be found in food, the air, in buildings, clothes, machinery, drinking water, dental work, and cooking utensils. The following is a list of some of the more common sources of mercury:

* Adhesives
* Air conditioner filters
* Body powders
* Broken thermometer
* Cosmetics
* Dental fillings
* Diuretics
* Fabric softeners
* Felt floor waxes
* Polishes
* Fungicides
* Industrial wastes
* Inoculations
* Vaccinations
* Laxatives
* Mercurochrome
* Paints
* Photoengraving
* Psoriatic ointments
* Seafood
* Sewage disposal
* Skin lightening cream
* Tanning leather
* Tattooing
* Wood preservatives

Mercury poisoning often goes undetected for years because the symptoms presented within the body do not necessarily suggest mercury poisoning at first. Too many times, people justify health symptoms as due to stress when heavy metals are at the root of illness all along. Many factors determine risk from exposure including:

* The dose
* The duration
* The type of contact

The developing fetus and young children are a higher risk population for mercury poisoning because mercury in the mother may enter the unborn child and the breast-feeding infant. Young children are at risk because their nervous systems are still developing and have a lower body weight compared to adults.

Exposure and health risks can be determined by measuring the amounts of mercury in the blood, urine, breast milk, and hair.

Since heavy metals are not metabolized by the body but accumulated in the tissues, many essential nutrients from the daily diet are prevented from being absorbed properly by the tissues through digestion. So what came first - bad digestion due to toxic metals or toxic metal build-up due to bad digestion? It may be hard to know for sure, but like a lead shield blocks dangerous X-rays, heavy metals within the human body block electrical signals (nerves), oxygen flow, nutrient intake, and the excretion of wastes, preventing the normal circulation of nutrients and their by-products.

So, it appears that the heavy metals provoke bad digestion, chronic inflammation, an increase in acidity, and a breakdown in the immune system, which can lead to chronic disease such as arthritis, Fibromyalgia, MS, Autism , and cancer.

Common symptoms of heavy metal toxicity include:

* Depression
* Headaches
* Digestive problems
* High blood pressure
* Fatigue
* Irregular heart beat
* Muscle pain
* Brain fog
* Constipation
* Hormonal imbalances

When considering a heavy metal detox program, it's important to check out all sources of mercury first. A qualified dentist who specializes in proper amalgam removal should remove any leaking dental amalgam fillings. Drink plenty of purified water, use only natural deodorants and cosmetics, avoid antacids and cigarette smoking, and replace aluminum cookware with stainless steel.

Detox often if exposed to roofing materials, petroleum products, or if you live or work near any place that emits or handles dangerous toxic chemicals.

Some safe and effective methods of eliminating heavy metals are:

* Alpha Lipoic Acid serves as an antioxidant
* Apple pectin binds and eliminates heavy metals through the colon
* B3 Niacin eliminates toxins from the blood through the pores of the skin
* Cilantro binds to remove metals through the urine
* Chlorella and sea algae bind and remove toxins while replacing critical minerals and nutrients
* Digestive enzymes increase elimination of toxins through the bowels
* French Green Clay binds and eliminates metallic substances and microbes through the colon
* Milk Thistle stimulates detoxification within the liver and supports the liver while cleansing and detoxifying
* Vitamin C binds and eliminates toxins through the urine

If you are thinking of Alternative care for yourself or if you’d like more information on what alternative care can do for you today:

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Michelle Leonard

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©2008-2010
Finally healthcare that is “Soul good for you”
The kindness thank you is your referral. Please pass on the gift of health.

Contact Alternative Health Solutions of NJ. I will call you to make that appointment

Prevent Snow-shoveling Injuries

Clearing away mounds of snow can be more than just a pain—it can also be dangerous. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) warns that snow shoveling can be hazardous to your back, shoulders and wrists if you don't take proper precautions. Improper use of tools, along with over-extension and overexertion of muscles, can increase your risk of muscular and skeletal injuries.

To minimize risks, the AAOS offers a number of helpful tips for safe snow clearing, including:

* Check with your doctor before shoveling. This activity places high stress on your heart. If you have a medical condition or don’t exercise regularly, consider hiring someone to remove the snow.

* Dress appropriately. Light, layered, water-repellent clothing provides both ventilation and insulation. It’s also important to have warm headgear, mittens or gloves, and thick, warm socks. Wear shoes or boots with slip-resistant soles.Keep the back of your neck covered.

* Warm up your muscles. Shoveling can be a vigorous activity. Before you begin, warm up your muscles for 10 minutes with light exercise.

* Look where you’re shoveling. Don’t let a hat or scarf block your vision, and watch out for ice patches and uneven surfaces.

* Use the right shovel. Your shovel should be comfortable for your height and strength. Don’t use one that’s too heavy or too long. Space your hands on the shovel handle for better leverage.

* Lift properly. It’s best to push the snow, but if you must lift, do it properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight, and lift with your legs, without bending at the waist. Don’t try to remove deep snow all at once, but a little at a time.

* Don’t throw snow. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel, and walk to where you want to dump it. Don’t throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side—this requires a twisting motion that stresses your back. Don’t extend your arms with a shovelful of snow, because this puts too much weight on your spine.

* Clear snow early and often. Begin when a light covering of snow is on the ground to avoid shoveling packed, heavy snow.

* Pace yourself. Snow shoveling is an aerobic activity, comparable to weightlifting. Take frequent breaks and drink fluids to prevent dehydration. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath or other signs of a heart attack, call 911 or other emergency help immediately.

To recover from snow removal seek after care from a Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, or Massage therapist.

If you are thinking of Alternative care for yourself or if you’d like more information on what alternative care can do for you today:

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Email us at alternativehealthsolutionsnj@gmail.com

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Have a Wonderful day

Michelle Leonard

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©2008-2010
Finally healthcare that is “Soul good for you”
The kindness thank you is your referral. Please pass on the gift of health.

Acupuncture and Herbs For Lyme Diesease

Lyme disease seems to be on many peoples minds in the last few days. Once within a host, the spirochetes multiply and act like the bacteria they are as well as parasites. Their favorite hosts are humans, horses and dogs. The symptoms and long-term effects can be debilitating, especially the arthritic symptoms and neurological problems. It is well known that antibiotics can be quite effective if given within the first month of infection. We also know that antibiotics are sometimes ineffective with some people. Lyme disease in some people has not been found, however, until many weeks and, sometimes, months have gone by which lessen the effects of antibiotics on killing the spirochetes. I have found that a combination of acupuncture and massage with herbs can lessen the painful symptoms of joint and muscular pain caused by Lyme disease. Acupuncture also helps with the neurological symptoms people and dogs experience. My best conclusion is to keep our immune systems very strong before being infected. The Lyme spirochetes like sugars and trans-fats so minimize those in your diet. They do not like a strong immune system. Therefore, consider boosting your immune system every chance you get by reducing stress, taking strong antioxidants and herbs such as astragalus. In order to reduce stress, consider regular massage, acupuncture, meditation, yoga and/or Qigong / Tai Chi.

A number of Chinese herbs can be useful for the many different facets of Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease is a bacterial infectious disease caused by the spirochetal organism, Borrelia Burgdorferi. It is usually caused by a tick bite but also in other ways. The prevalence of the disease is greatest in the northeastern United States, but there have been cases of the illness in all lower 48 states. The disease is easy to treat with antibiotics in its initial stages, but it is often not detected at that point. There is a bull’s eye rash that is characteristic of the disease, but many many people never get the rash. The rash looks different in people with darker pigmentation, making it easy to mistake it for other skin conditions, including bruising or eczema. The wide variety of symptoms that a person can have in its later stages makes it hard to obtain a proper diagnosis, and the medical testing for the illness is still not very accurate in many cases.

People with later stages of Lyme need treatment on a number of different levels. At the very basic level, herbs that are anti-bacterial, specifically against spirochetal bacteria, are an important component of treatment. Herbs that have been shown to have activity against spirochetal bacteria include coptis (huang lian), andrographis paniculata (chuan xin lian), isatis (ban lan gen/qing dai), phellodendron (huang bai), scute (huang qin), forsythia (lian qiao), smilax (tu fu ling), and gardenia (zhi zi). Garlic is also a useful antibacterial supplement for those with Lyme Disease.

Lyme disease can lower body temperature and create poor blood circulation. A person is also likely to feel cysts, lumps, and swellings in different areas of their body that often change and move. The bacteria walls itself off, and creates an environment in which it can grow and thrive and the person with the disease ends up in severe pain, with horribly low energy, and neurological problems. The disease thrives in a low temperature, low oxygen environment, and that is the environment it creates within the body. People with the disease often have signs and symptoms similar to someone with severe altitude sickness (also caused by a low oxygen environment). Chinese herbs that clear blood stasis and break blood stagnation can be very useful for this aspect of the disease. The herb, pseudoginseng (san qi), can be extremely beneficial for people with Lyme Disease. It promotes blood circulation and oxygenation in the body, and can force open the cysts that protect the bacteria from being killed off. It also can help clear some of the brain fog that people with this disease have by improving blood circulation and oxygenation to the brain. Frankincense (ru xiang), and myrrh (mo yao) can also help by improving blood circulation, especially to the joints, where the bacteria often hides in cartilaginous tissue where blood circulation tends to be poorer. An herb that is frequently used by people with Lyme Disease, teasel root, is beneficial because it improves circulation in the body and also has a warming affect. All of these herbs can help significantly with the intense and chronic pain that those with later stages of Lyme disease experience.

Certain Chinese herbs can be used to reduce the person’s sensitivity to cold and improve microcirculation in the body. Herbs such as clove, cinnamon, ginger, and siegesbeckia can be useful for this purpose.

The lymphatic system and the metabolism are often compromised in people with Lyme Disease. The bacteria frequently hides inside the walls of white blood cells, and results in swollen and congested lymph glands. People with the disease often have symptoms of hypothyroidism and a slowed metabolic rate even if all of their thyroid tests are normal. In Chinese Medicine, herbs that treat phlegm are frequently used for conditions related to a slow metabolism and a congested lymphatic system. The Chinese herb, prunella vulgaris (xia ku cao), and scrophularia (xuan shen) are very useful for inflammation, congestion, and infection of the lymphatic system. Herbs such as citrus aurantium, kelp, epimedium, and Siberian ginseng, can be beneficial for improving a sluggish metabolism in people with Lyme Disease who have signs or symptoms of an underactive thyroid.

Another aspect of Lyme Disease is severe and debilitating fatigue and a total lack of energy. This can be due to a host of different factors. Poor oxygenation and blood circulation and lowered metabolism and body temperature are part of the picture. The person’s adrenal glands may not be functioning properly either. Someone with Lyme Disease may also have a host of digestive problems that result in a lack of adequate nutrition. The disease itself can trigger chemical changes in the brain that create severe depression and an inability to concentrate, which is debilitating as well.

In Chinese medicine, herbs that nourish the qi and blood can help this lack of energy. The herbs can improve the person’s digestive functioning, support the functioning of the brain, support proper functioning of the adrenal glands, and improve the person’s ability to handle stress. They can also help the proper functioning of the mitochondria in their production of ATP in the cells, which helps a person’s energy at a very fundamental level. Siberian ginseng, schizandra, licorice, and astragalus are all good herbs for improving a person’s energy level, digestive functioning, and their ability to handle stress. White peony, dong quai, and wolfberry nourish the blood and reduce fatigue. Polygonum and eucommia can help improve a person’s adrenal response and can improve brain functioning. Bupleurum, longan fruit, zyzyphus seed, dragon bone, oyster shell, and magnolia bark can be beneficial for the depression, anxiety, lack of concentration, and sleep problems that people with Lyme Disease experience.

If you are thinking of Alternative care for yourself or if you’d like more information on what alternative care can do for you today:

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Email us at alternativehealthsolutionsnj@gmail.com

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Have a Wonderful day

Michelle Leonard

:0)
©2008-2010
Finally healthcare that is “Soul good for you”
The kindness thank you is your referral. Please pass on the gift of health.

Chiropractic Kids

Many people wrongly assume that children and infants don’t need chiropractic care, however adjusting a child’s spine is one of the best things you can do for your child. Chiropractic adjustments to children are very gentle and effective.

Almost all adults' spinal problems begin in early childhood. By getting children under chiropractic care, you can likely avoid the problems that many adults face (which is the reason they seek chiropractic care in the first place!). Providing care for their spines as early as possible is important and the practitioners with Alternative health Solutions of NJ feel you shouldn’t wait until children develop problems before trying to help them. Many adults suffer throughout their lifetime with problems that may have been avoided by seeking chiropractic care as children or teenagers.

Children grow at an incredible rate and they need to be free of any impediments to their proper development. As their bodies grow, so do any problems that are developing. Childhood is the time that simple, temporary problems become permanent. As the old saying goes, "As the twig is bent, so grows the tree." Do not allow your child to remain "bent."

Even the so-called “normal” birth experience can subject a newborn’s delicate spine to excessive pressure and stress, causing spinal nerve interference. This nerve interference (a vertebral subluxation) can affect the infant’s ability to express health to his/her fullest potential. Childhood is a very active time. Running, jumping, falls and accidents are all part of a normal childhood and yet they can cause spinal misalignments. Many parents believe the children are fine because there is no external evidence of injury or obvious symptom. However, resulting spinal injuries are often overlooked and many times are left uncorrected. These vertebral subluxations can block the natural flow of life across the nerves to any part of the body.

During delivery, typical long lever procedures by hand, forceps or vacuum extractor can exert tremendous stresses on a baby's delicate spinal structures. These types of procedures in delivery rooms can cause excess stress upon your newborn’s neck. Forces of 60-80 pounds of traction are considered normal in the delivery room. Medical researcher, Towbin, found that 80 pounds of force produced spinal cord hematoma and 120 pounds caused decapitation. I encourage all pregnant clients to seek as natural and healthy a delivery process as possible.

Early childhood is the next major hurdle that children go through. Kids have more falls, tumbles and strains in the first few years of life than in the rest of their entire lives. The National Safety Council reports in a study of 536 children that 50% had fallen head first from a high place in the first year of life. This can cause vertebral subluxations to their spine and most often go unnoticed. As the child grows up, they play sports, fall off bikes, fall off beds, etc., going through a typical, normal childhood. These minor disturbances to their spines add up slowly over time to cause problems, either as a child or adult. Remember this nerve interference (a vertebral subluxation) can affect the infant’s ability to express health to his/her fullest potential.

Studies show that women are able to carry and deliver their babies with more comfort when receiving chiropractic care. These adjustments are specifically tailored to the pregnant woman. Correcting vertebral subluxation ensures that both the expectant mother and her unborn child have the best opportunity to have a healthy pregnancy and birth. I believe strongly in the benefits of chiropractic care to the mother and unborn child.

If you are thinking of Alternative care for yourself or if you’d like more information on what alternative care can do for you today:

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Email us at alternativehealthsolutionsnj@gmail.com

Call us 732-664-9348

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Michelle Leonard

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©2008-2010
Finally healthcare that is “Soul good for you”
The kindness thank you is your referral. Please pass on the gift of health.

Superstar Supplement; Vitamin D

You may remember the public health slogan, "Vitamin D helps build strong bones". This message could be seen on colorful school posters and heard on radio and television programs as early as the1950s. Getting enough Vitamin D was a major health issue, primarily for its role in preventing childhood rickets - "softening of the bones".

More recently, and quite dramatically, vitamin D has been strongly associated with reduced cancer risks, preventing autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, preventing cardiovascular disease, and even helping to prevent diabetes. Vitamin D seems to be a one-stop shop for helping combat many serious chronic diseases, and yet vitamin D deficiency is common in the United States. Very few foods are natural sources of vitamin D. The primary source of vitamin D for humans is sunlight - sunlight causes cells in the skin to produce vitamin D.

But most of us don't spend enough time outside to get sufficient sunlight to provide us with our normal daily requirement of vitamin D. Supplementation is needed, in the form of fortified foods such as milk and in vitamin/mineral tablets. Interestingly, meeting our vitamin D and calcium daily requirements is only one step on the road to healthy, strong bones. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from the intestinal tract. Also, vitamin D helps bone cells utilize calcium to build new bone. But - in adults, new bone will only be built if there's a need for it. Mechanical stress causes the body to produce new bone - and the best source for this kind of bone-building mechanical stress is exercise.

Yes, the E word. It's not enough to passively swallow a bunch of supplements every day. We need to exercise regularly to get the most out of the nutrition we're providing our bodies. When we exercise - particularly when we do strength training and other gravity-resisting activities such as running, walking, and bicycling - our bodies react not only by building new muscle but by building new bone as well. This response follows a physiologic principle known as Wolff's Law - bone remodels along lines of physiologic stress.

In other words, bone responds to mechanical challenges by building more bone. The result is more dense, stronger bones. Such bones are significantly less likely to fracture. And. logically, exercise helps prevent loss of bone mass, a primary cause of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and older adults. Chiropractic health care helps provide assistance to these metabolic processes. All of our metabolic activities are directed by signals from the nerve system. Our nerve impulses tell our cells when to start and when to stop these complicated biochemical processes. Chiropractic care and acupuncture treatment helps ensure proper flow of information throughout the nervous system, helping us maintain optimal physical health and well-being.

Your complementary and alternative health practitioner is an expert in nutritional health and will be able to recommend a program and plan that will be right for you.

Source: Lins P: Vitamin D physiology. Prog Biophys Mol Biol 92)1:4-8, 2006
Cavalier E, et al:Vitamin D: current status and perspectives.Clin Chem Lab Med 47:1, 2009Holick Me, Chen TC: Vitamin D deficiency: a worldwide problem with health consequences. Am J Clin Nutr 87(4):10805-10865, 2008

If you are thinking of Alternative care for yourself or if you’d like more information on what alternative care can do for you today:

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Have a Wonderful day

Michelle Leonard

:0)
©2008-2010
Finally healthcare that is “Soul good for you”
The kindness thank you is your referral. Please pass on the gift of health.

Root Vegetables with Kale Toss

Ingredients:
1 bunch green or purple kale
1 medium parsnip, chopped into bite-size pieces.
1 medium turnip, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
2 medium red potatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
1 medium sweet potato, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
1 small yellow onion, diced.
3 cloves garlic, diced
olive oil
balsamic vinegar
dash of pepper
water

Directions:

Clean kale and shop into bite sized pieces. In a large pot add a small amount of water (1/4 - 1/2 inch deep is fine). Bring water to a boil. If you have a steamer place it into the pot at this time. Put the kale, parsnip, turnip and potato into the pot. Then turn down the heat to low boil and cover the pot. In a small skillet, heat 1 - 2 tsp olive oil. Add the onion and garlic and saute until soft. Remove the onion and garlic from the heat when done cooking. In the meantime, keep an eye on the kale and root vegetables. When the kale is thoroughly cooked and the root vegetables are soft but not mushy turn off the heat. Put the kale and root veggies in with the onions and garlic, a swig or two or three of the balsamic vinegar ( depending on how vinegary you like things), pepper to taste and toss everything together. Put the kale and root veggies in a large serving bowl. Serve warm. This is especially good served with crusty whole wheat vegan bread or brown rice/quinoa or as a side dish. Yum!!! And nutritious too!

P.S. If you don't use a steamer, save your cooking water for use in a soup.

Serves: 2 - 4

Preparation time: 30-40 minutes

If you are thinking of Alternative care for yourself or if you’d like more information on what alternative care can do for you today:

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Michelle Leonard

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©2008 - 2010

The Use of Acupuncture in Drug Addiction Treatment

Alternative medicine in the United States is a billion-dollar industry. A 1993 study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that the American public spent almost as much out of pocket money on alternative medicine in 1990 ($10.3 billion) as they did on hospitalizations ($12.8 billion). In fact, the study estimated that people made more visits to unconventional therapy providers (425 million) than they did to primary care physicians (388 million).[1] Viewed with skepticism by some, and virtually unknown to many, alternative medical techniques deserve serious attention.[2]

Acupuncture, now one of the most popular forms of alternative medicine, was virtually unknown in the United States until recently.[3] In 1971, James Reston, one of the New York Times' most respected journalists, was traveling in China when he was stricken with acute appendicitis. His subsequent article on the use of acupuncture as an anesthetic turned his misfortune into the spark of much Western interest in acupuncture and other Chinese medicines.[4]

Serious medical research and experimentation with the healing powers of acupuncture has led to the discovery of a highly promising weapon in the fight against chemical dependency. Though there is a consensus in the medical community that more reliable scientific data on the subject need to be collected, anecdotal evidence and clinical success stories strongly suggest that acupuncture can alleviate many of the serious symptoms of withdrawal, thus facilitating detoxification and encouraging acute addicts to continue treatment.

Recent enthusiasm for acupuncture treatment has encouraged some detoxification clinics to incorporate it into their programs. Court systems in several major cities have created "drug courts," in which a program of intensive counseling and treatment, sometimes including acupuncture, is substituted for traditional prosecution. The need for more effective approaches in dealing with repeat drug offenders, combined with the relatively low cost of maintaining clients in drug court programs, makes some law enforcement officials hopeful that acupuncture will be an effective part of the solution for addicts who find the lure of substance abuse more powerful than the threat of incarceration.

What is Acupuncture?
The aims and approaches of Chinese medicine are utterly unlike those of Western medicine, which presents a major barrier in attempting to synthesize acupuncture and contemporary American addiction treatment. The radically different nature of the Chinese approach to healing makes many Western observers skeptical of the entire process; others expect a miracle cure that acupuncturists themselves do not promise.

A technical review on the subject of acupuncture use in detoxification programs, sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in 1991, stated the problem this way:

It is clear that some of the reasons for the wide divergence of opinion regarding the efficacy of acupuncture result from the non-standard terminology used to describe it, the wide range of procedures that have been called acupuncture, the lack of a clear mechanism to explain the purported benefits of acupuncture treatment and perhaps most importantly, the lack of systematic clinical research in this area.[5]

It is important for practitioners of Western medicine, therefore, to understand the underlying theory of acupuncture before it can have a practical application in detoxification clinics and drug courts.

In the language of Chinese medicine, acupuncture is the stimulation of "Qi" (pronounced "chee"), by the insertion of needles into "meridians," or vein-like routes under the surface of the skin. Both Qi and the meridias that carry it are invisible. There is no true English translation for Qi, but "vital energy" is often used.[6] When functioning normally, Qi warms and protects the body, smooths the various transitions of the body from one state to another, and governs retention of the body 's substances and organs.[7] Traditional Chinese medicine functions under the assumption that sickness is caused by the inability of Qi to flow freely through meridians. Acupuncture needles unblock the meridians and stimulate the flow of Qi.[8]

In spite of the fact that Qi is a concept not widely accepted outside the world of Chinese medicine, a number of modern developments have helped to synthesize the collected wisdom of Chinese medicine with Western diagnostic techniques, increasing Western acceptance of acupuncture. Recent research suggests, for example, that the insertion of acupuncture needles stimulates the body's production of beta-endorphins.[9] If this is true, the concept of an invisible life-force flowing through invisible pathways seems like a traditional explanation for a then-unknown physiological process.

Another important discovery occured in 1955, when French doctor Paul Nogier was testing for electrical activity on the skin's surface and found that every traditional acupuncture point on the body has a corresponding point on the human ear.[10] Since that discovery, auricular acupuncture, or needle stimulation of points on the ears, has become by far the most popular method of treatment. In the case of drug detoxification, auricular treatment offers the advantage of not requiring privacy, so that many people can be treated at once in the same room.[11]

Today there is debate about the most effective way to administer acupuncture, from the number of needles to their placement in the ear. The 1991 NIDA technical review came to the conclusion that in the interest of uniformity, controlled research conducted in the future should involve five needles in each ear, placed in the traditional acupuncture points: "kidney," "lung," "liver," "sympathetic," and "shenmen."[12] The panel found no reason to experiment with electrically charged needles, single-ear treatments, or deviations from the standard detoxification points.

Does acupuncture work to treat drug addiction?
Acupuncture is widely accepted by medical professionals in the United States as a safe treatment for chronic pain.[13] Other applications for acupuncture, such as relief of asthma, arthritis, nausea, and morning sickness are being explored by the scientific community.[14] In the case of drug addiction, conclusive scientific evidence of acupuncture's efficacy is scarce.

A 1989 study published in the British journal The Lancet by Milton L. Bullock concluded that acupuncture was highly effective in treating alcoholism. Eighty severe recidivist alcoholics were treated, receiving either correct-point acupuncture or acupuncture at non-specific points on the ear. 21 of the 40 treatment group patients completed the two-month program, while only one of 40 in the control group did. The control group patients experienced twice as many relapses in the six months following the experiment and the number of control group patients admitted to detoxification centers was well over twice that of treatment group patients.[15]

One analysis of the available research on acupuncture as part of a detoxification protocol published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment called the results of the Bullock study encouraging. The analysis also cited seven experiments done on animals in which acupuncture effectively reduced withdrawal symptoms. Though the authors of this analysis are confident that acupuncture has more than a placebo effect, they suggest further research to confirm such findings.[16]

Though the Bullock study is promising, its reliability has been questioned. The NIDA technical review noted that a similar experiment performed in 1992 showed no significant difference between the true acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups. After a review of all existing studies with a similar focus, it found no conclusive proof that acupuncture is more effective than placebo in treating drug addiction.[17] Nevertheless, the review panel suggested that more research be performed in the area.

Acupuncture practitioners are reluctant to make broad, sweeping claims about their work. "I stop short of saying acupuncture is a panacea and can cure everything, because it's not and it can't," said Dr. Ken Carter, a psychiatrist and acupuncturist who works in a pre-trial detoxification clinic in the District of Columbia Superior Court.[18]

While acupuncture may not be a physiological cure for drug addiction, Dr. Carter told NewsBriefs it does have a soothing, relaxing effect which is extremely helpful to people experiencing any kind of lifestyle change, especially a change of the magnitude of drug withdrawal. However, to truly beat drug addiction, according to Dr. Carter, individuals need to learn to make decisions based on their own sense of self-worth and a confidence that they can change their environment.[19] Many practitioners like Dr. Carter feel that acupuncture is beneficial for addicts seeking this kind of change, even if too few controlled studies have been conducted to confirm that belief.

The Lincoln Clinic
The Lincoln Clinic in New York City is the premiere detoxification center utilizing acupuncture in the U.S. Its director, Dr. Michael Smith, says the need for effective substance abuse treatment in the clinic's neighborhood is evident:

The South Bronx is a racially marginalized, high poverty, high unemployment, high crime, high infant mortality, low literacy neighborhood devastated by several decades of substance abuse.[20]

When the doctors at the Lincoln Clinic read in 1974 that a neurosurgeon in Hong Kong, Dr. H.L. Wen, had noticed a reduction in the withdrawal symptoms of opiate-addicted patients to whom he had been giving acupuncture treatments, they decided to experiment with the procedure at what had been until then a methadone clinic.[21] Over the years they developed a protocol that they have taught to more than 500 clinicians in 150 different programs.[22]

The Lincoln Clinic protocol relies on four major tools in helping serious addicts recover: acupuncture detoxification, urine testing, individual counseling, and participation in 12-step group-based therapy.[23] Smith argues that the advantages of integrating acupuncture into more traditional treatment programs are overwhelming. The primary value of acupuncture, however, is that its immediate effect is often a cessation of withdrawal symptoms, encouraging patients to come again for treatment in the future.[24]

Smith cites a few remarkable statistics to support the effectiveness of the Lincoln Clinic method. Among pregnant women with a history of abusing crack cocaine, those who receive acupuncture have higher birth weight babies than those who do not receive the treatment. Mothers with more than 10 visits have babies with an average weight of 6lbs. 10oz, while those with less than 10 visits have babies weighing an average of 4lbs. 8oz.[25] A seven-day inpatient drug treatment program in Delaware using the Lincoln Clinic method reported a decline in rates of recidivism from 87% to 18% one year after the date of admission.[26]

Dr. Smith attributes this effectiveness to a number of factors. One of acupuncture's greatest strengths, he argues, is that it forges a bond between doctor and patient even before verbal communication is established: "acupuncture will be just as effective even when the patient lies to us."[27] Unlike verbal counseling, during which the patient may be in denial or feel angry or intimidated, acupuncture's immediate effects are not dependent on the cooperation of the patient.

As stated previously, acupuncture's primary effect is to stimulate relaxation. "In addition to reducing withdrawal symptoms acupuncture provides a strong calming effect on substance abusers and substantially reduces drug craving. Clients describe the effects of acupuncture as allowing them to feel relaxed yet alert," according to Dr. Smith.[28] That feeling of relaxation is the essential benefit of the acupuncture protocol. Unlike methadone treatment, acupuncture affects the patient's state of mind during withdrawal, not the body's need for a drug.

Drug Court
The reputed success of the Lincoln Clinic made an impact on Chief Judge Gerald Weatherington and Judge Herbert Klein of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, founders of the country's first drug court in Dade County, Florida.

Weatherington and Klein recognized that their problems with overcrowded jails and high recidivism among drug offenders were not being solved by the judicial system as it then operated. The Dade County Drug Court, which accepted its first arrestees in 1989, allows people facing charges of buying or possessing drugs the opportunity to submit to intensive addiction treatment.[29]

Uncooperative arrestees are often persuaded by the threat of incarceration to undergo the outpatient treatment, even if that treatment includes something as unusual as acupuncture. The primary incentive to comply with the program is that successful graduates have their charges dropped.[30]

Statistics on drug court effectiveness from Dade County's program and others around the country are, like the studies designed to measure acupuncture's efficacy, promising but not conclusive. The rearrest rates in the year following release were 60 percent for people who served jail or prison sentences and 11 percent for graduates of drug court.[31] In a review of Dade County's program, however, the National Institute of Justice found that one of the major stumbling blocks in this approach to dealing with the drug problem is that treatment providers have very different expectations from those of the criminal justice system.[32] People who work daily to help rehabilitate serious addicts understand that it is a difficult process, and a relapse is not a total failure. The criminal justice system, seeing relapse as the equivalent to criminal recidivism, is much less tolerant in this regard. It is difficult to gauge the true effectiveness of a drug court, therefore, because criminal justice and treatment agencies have different concepts of success.

Though the effectiveness of drug courts is open to debate, programs that incorporate acupuncture into their outpatient treatments are almost certainly less expensive than traditional methods of punishment. Federal estimates project that drug treatment programs cost an average of $1,200 per person, substantially lower than the $20,000 it takes to keep a drug offender incarcerated for one year.[33]

While acupuncture is only one component of Drug Court in Dade County or the District of Columbia, administrators have a strong conviction that it is an important part of treatment. In the early part of the program, acupuncture is used to help the patient through detoxification. Later, acupuncture treatments are phased out as the patient stabilizes. In aftercare, acupuncture is seldom used. Instead, the program seeks to build a strong sense of self-reliance with literacy education, GED courses, and vocational training. [34]

Conclusion
The evidence supporting acupuncture's effectiveness in detoxification treatment is largely anecdotal, and despite its use in some clinics and drug court programs, acupuncture is still considered an alternative medicine. In the 1970s, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruled that acupuncture needles should be classified as "experimental" medical devices. That classification was a blow to the acupuncture industry since insurance companies, Medicare, Medicaid are reluctant to make payments for experimental treatments. A small group of the nation's leading acupuncturists petitioned the FDA in November 1994 to review its ruling. They are waiting for the FDA to decide.[35]

In the meantime, acupuncture continues to attract attention. One acupuncture convert is former United States Senator Dennis DeConcini. In 1994 he addressed the Senate with glowing praise of Dr. Xiao Ming Tian, the acupuncturist who treated DeConcini's neck pain. "His treatments relieved my pain and I do not hesitate to join other patients who have experience significant improvements under his care to pay tribute to him," DeConcini said.[36] Dr. Ming is the only practitioner employed by the federal government with a mandate to further explore the uses of acupuncture.

An important development in the field of acupuncture is a new study by Dr. Herbert Kleber of Columbia University's Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. He is currently coordinating funding, including grants from the Hilton Foundation and NIDA, to do a large-scale, multi-site study of acupuncture's efficacy in treating drug addiction.

This comprehensive study will provide valuable information about acupuncture's usefulness in drug treatment. Regardless of the findings, however, more research on acupuncture and other forms of alternative medicine is needed and may reveal other secrets that Western medicine has yet to discover. Perhaps doctors in the United States will soon explain how 250 people experience the benefits of acupuncture at the Lincoln Clinic every day.

Seeking addiction treatment please contact Alternative Health Solutions of NJ
http://www.alternativehealthsolutionsnj.com

by Judd Spray and Sharon Jones

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Michelle Leonard

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Michelle Leonard: Broken and Mending Bone Support Information

If an injury involving a bone is very painful, and the person has difficulty moving the body part or bearing weight on it, the bone could be fractured. A doctor’s care should always be sought because correct assessment and proper setting of a fracture is very important for healing. Homeopathic remedies can ease the pain and swelling associated with broken bones, as well as help to accelerate the healing process.

The outer layer of the bone is a storehouse of mineral deposits. The inner layer is called the marrow. The red marrow makes red blood cells, while the yellow marrow is used to store fat. Bones continually undergo changes in a process called “bone remodeling.” Osteoclast cells break down old bone and osteoblast cells trigger new bone cells to form. As soon as a bone breaks, the osteoblasts get to work. Fibroblast cells create protein fibers called collagen. As bones heal, they form a matrix of osteoblasts, which later harden, or ossify, becoming bone. It takes three to four months to recreate the solid, stable bone in most cases. But some bones have more blood supply so they heal faster, for instance, toe bones, whereas wrist bones can take longer.

To speed bone healing, you can incorporate the following changes into your life:

LIFESTYLE

•Stop smoking. Smoking slows the blood flow to the bones, thereby slowing healing. Smokers take longer to heal broken bones. Many studies have shown that broken bones tend to take longer to heal if the injured person has been smoking. Cigarettes can also increase the risk of blood clotting, which may further reduce blood flow. Breakdown products of cigarette smoke include carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, nitrosamines and benzenes which can damage the cells that form the bone itself and can interrupt the healing process after a fracture or bone injury.

•Stop drinking. Alcohol slows the formation of the osteoblasts.

•Decrease or eliminate caffeine and carbonated drinks like coffee, tea, and colas which increase calcium excretion. Since your body needs all the calcium it can get to heal your bones, it is wise to minimize sources of calcium loss.

•To maximize the rate of healing it is helpful to avoid bone robbers such as sugar, salt, alcohol, caffeine, red meats etc.

NUTRITION

One of the most important influences on fracture healing is nutrition. The healing time for broken bones is influenced by a number of variables that nutrition can impact including blood supply. For example, the ends of long bones are vascular so they heal faster than the center. Certain types of food and exercise foster increased blood supply and hence time it takes to heal. Mobilization, i.e. weight bearing exercises and isometric exercises stimulates healing. Important Nutrition:

Protein
Because the bones need protein to build, add proteins to your diet. Meat, fish, soy, nuts, beans, and dairy are all good sources. Dairy has the added advantage of containing calcium.
I do suggest a good protein drink daily.

Calcium
Recommended dose (RDA) is 800-1200 milligrams a day for adults. There is no research to suggest that adding calcium speeds bone healing, but be certain to maintain normal intake levels because calcium is responsible for bone maintenance and repair.
Type of food Amount - Milligrams of Calcium
Non fat yogurt 1 cup 415
Sardines (Atlantic with bones) 3 oz 372
Collard Greens 1 cup 355
Pink Salmon (canned with bones) 6oz 334
Skim Milk 1 cup 302
Calcium Fortified Orange Juice 1 cup 302
Bok Choy 1 cup 250
Almonds 3 oz 198
Turnip Greens 1 cup 200
Soy Beans 1 cup 180
Broccoli 1 cup 180
Mustard Greens 1 cup 150
Black Molasses 1 tbsp. 140
Great Northern Beans 1 cup 140
Non fat Baked Beans 1 cup 130
Tofu 1 cup 130
Navy beans 1 cup 130
Corn Tortilla 1 tortilla 120
Kidney Beans 1 cup 115
Okra 1 cup 90
Acorn Squash 1 cup 90
Spinach (Cooked) 1 cup 74
Orange 1 med. 60
Raisins 1/4 22
Peanut butter 2 tbsp. 18

The key to better usage of your calcium intake is not just increasing the calcium but also increasing your ability to absorb the calcium.

Lysine is an amino acid that helps in the absorption of calcium. Lysine a protein building block, can increase the amount of calcium absorbed into the matrix according to Peter Furst, M.D.,PhD. in the Jan./Feb. 1993, Nutrition (9: 70-2). It is an essential amino acid necessary for the regeneration of tissues, and the building and healing of broken bones. Research studies show that lysine can increase the amount of calcium absorbed into the bone matrix. The amount in one particular study was 800 mg. As lysine promotes the formation of muscle protein, it may be important in healing after operations and injuries. There are a number of foods that can add lysine to your diet, such as low fat milk, fish, yeast, and soy products.

Vitamins

•Vitamin C is important link in the formation of collagen. Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet can fill this need. Vitamin C is essential nutritionally to make the collagen that helps the body form healthy bones. It also promotes wound healing. You also can get numerous additional benefits from Vitamin C. For example, researchers at New Mexico Medical School found that adults with high blood levels of vitamin C scored higher on mental tasks than those with low levels of vitamin C.

•Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption. The latest suggestions for vitamin D consumption have raised the minimum required dose from 2,000 to 4,000 daily. Be sure to take in that much while healing bones.

•Vitamin K, found in leafy greens, also aids bone repair. Vitamin K, also called Menadione, is a very important fat-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in the regulation of normal blood clotting functions. We get vitamin K from several sources in our diet including dark leafy vegetables. Vitamin K also assists in converting glucose into glycogen for storage in the liver. Numerous studies indicate that it plays a role in forming bone formation and preventing osteoporosis. If you want to help bones heal faster, consider increasing your intake of Vitamin K rich foods.

Boron is important in bone healing because studies how show it reduces urinary excretion of calcium and magnesium and significantly increases blood levels of both estrogen and testosterone. The are many food high in boron. Apples are the highest.

Eat half pineapple every day until it's completely healed. It contains Bromelain, an enzyme that helps to reduce swelling and inflammation. Do not eat canned or processed pineapples. If you don't like fresh pineapple, take the supplement Bromelain. It has the same effect as pineapple.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT SUGGESTION FOR BROKEN BONES

As soon as the trauma occurs, begin daily treatment with Arnica 30c. When the swelling is reduced, continue taking Symphytum 30c daily until the bone is healed. Use other remedies as indicated by their modalities and symptoms.

Arnica
In any homeopathic first aid, Arnica is the first drug of choice. Its remarkable ability to reduce bruising and swelling from trauma has been well documented. Arnica can be used immediately after the break, to reduce swelling and vascular congestion.

Symphytum
The homeopathic remedy Symphytum, or Comfrey, has been known for centuries as Knitbone. It has a remarkable ability to speed the healing of bones. Symph is a great remedy when the bone refuses to knit together and also if the pain remains long after the fracture is healed. Herbalists have long used comfrey, or Knitbone. The roots and leaves contain Allantoin, used in wound healing. Culpepper suggested a salve made from powdered root in water applied externally. But the homeopaths have found Comfrey’s usefulness in broken bones when taken internally. Doses of Symph 30c taken daily have sped up bone healing by one-third.

Ruta
To treat bruised bones and for bones that are slow to repair. Ruta is also beneficial to the connective tissues around the bones and the periosteum. This remedy is indicated if the pains are worse from the cold and damp.

Calcarea phoshoricum
A homeopathic remedy also used as a tissue salt, sold in 3x potency. The salt is essential in facilitating the union of broken bones. The homeopathic indication for this remedy is bones that are slow to heal and a cold sensation in the limbs. The pain is worse at night and in cold, damp weather. CALCAREA CARB, CALCAREA PHOS, RUTA and SYMPHYTUM are all useful for bones that fail to heal.

Eupatorium perfoliatum
Known as Boneset, Eup perf heals the bones and the pain. The pain experienced by a person needing this remedy is a deep soreness, as if beaten, that are worse by motion and in the morning.

Take the remedy which is similar to your symptoms described above.

No side effects or complications if taken as directed, please do not exceed the given dosage as directed on packaging. Avoid Chocolates, Mints, Coffee, Red Meat, Alcoholic and Carbonated drinks, Spicy Rich Food while taking any Homeopathic remedies, and keep the medicines away from direct sunlight, heat strong smells and perfumes and do not store them in the fridge.

Curing without any side effects or Complications That’s the Beauty of Homeopathic Medicine .

OTHER THERAPIES

In 1994, ultrasound bone growth stimulators were approved by the FDA. Treatments are available to speed certain types of broken bones with the use of electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and magnets. Magnets increase blood flow to the area, thereby speeding healing.
Deep tissue massage and techniques like cranio-sacral massage can increase blood flow and send healing energy. A study at Harvard University showed that hypnosis can be used to reduce bone healing time from eight weeks to six.

Aspirin And Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Can Retard Bone

When you break a bone or tear a muscle and are on pain medication, you may want to try to stop taking the pain medication as soon as possible so you do not delay healing. A study in May 1995 issue of The Journal of Orthopedic Trauma shows damaged cells in a fracture release large amount of chemicals called prostaglandins. These chemicals cause the pain and are blocked by the pain medication. However prostaglandins are also very important in the first stage of tissue repair. So decreasing the use as soon as possible is helpful to the healing process.

Furthermore a study in the October 1995 issue of the Journal of Rheumatology found that continued use of anti-inflammatory drugs over several months can increase the rate of cartilaginous breakdown in joints of people who have osteoarthritis. The drugs mentioned in the studies include Aspirin, Anaprox, Lodine, Meclomin, Motrin, Naprosin, Pensile, Relafen, Toreador, Tolectin, Indocin and Ibuprofen.

Avoid eating foods with preservatives; they contain Phosphorous which can lead to bone loss.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture helps to prevent osteoporosis before it attacks you. Acupuncture will help with bone repair. Specific acupuncture points can stimulate the growth of bone tissues and replace the tissue lost fast enough to prevent the decrease in bone density. Acupuncture treatments can also alleviates pain and muscles spasms, strengthen the muscles to support the body weight. Acupuncture treatment is definitely important for you if you are already suffering from osteoporosis and will aid in bone repair It is perhaps the only treatment that does not have side effects. The effect of acupuncture is much greater when combined with natural herbal treatment, food supplements, diet, relaxation, exercise and whole body cleansing.

Remember, bones are living organs that remodel themselves constantly. Nurture them, feed them properly, heal them safely and they will respond.

If you are thinking of Alternative care for yourself or if you’d like more information on what alternative care can do for you today:

Contact http://www.alternativehealthsolutionsnj.com

Email us at alternativehealthsolutionsnj@gmail.com

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Michelle Leonard

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The Lung-Skin Connection

raditional Chinese medicine has effectively treated skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and garden-variety dry skin for thousands of years. According to TCM, the lung is in charge of the skin. To understand the lung-skin connection, it's helpful to know that Chinese medicine considers the opening and closing of skin pores to be the lung's responsibility. When the lung is not functioning as it should, the pores can trap elements that cause skin conditions. For example, acne that's red means heat is present in the skin. Eczema is always a combination of heat, dampness, and wind. The proportion
of these pathogens determines the different presentations of eczema. Oozy skin means more dampness, red reflects heat, and itchy indicates wind. A TCM practitioner chooses from among different herbal formulas and acupuncture points depending on which elements are predominant. Not only does the practitioner help the body get rid of the pathogens to alleviate symptoms, but she also strengthens the lung to make it less likely for the condition to return.

Amazing Lung Facts

*Each lung contains
about 750 miles of
airways.

*Our lungs draw in
about 2 million liters of
air every day . . .
without even thinking!

*The surface area of the
lungs is equal to that of
a tennis court.

*We lose half a liter of
water per day through
breathing

Source: acupuncturetoday.com

Feel free to pass this along to a loved one and friends.



EAT BETTER. PLAY HARDER. LIVE HEALTHIER. LEARN EASIER. WELLNESS IS A WAY OF LIFE! FEEL SOUL GOOD! http://www.facebook.com/AlternativeHealthSolutionsofNJ

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Your Baby'sTransition from Breast Milk to Organic Milk

When you come to introducing cow's milk into your baby's diet you may find that your baby is willing to switch from breast or formula straight away. However, many parents find it easiest to introduce cow's milk gradually. You could try giving your baby a cup of milk after dinner and still continue with bottled formula or breast milk, gradually reducing the number of bottle feeds and increasing the number of cow's milk feeds until you have switched over completely - some parents find the transition to cow's milk a good time to wean baby off of bottle and onto lidded beakers or cups instead.

To ease your baby onto cow's milk you could try mixing it with their regular breast or formula milk in varying amounts to get them used to the taste. Start with mostly breast or formula milk in the feed and add a tiny bit of cow's milk, then gradually increase the proportion of the cow's milk with each feed until you have completely switched over. If your baby really isn't keen on cow's milk you could try introducing it on their cereal or in smoothies first.

Meeting the minimum requirements daily can be a challenge if your child doesn't care for milk. While chocolate milk does add sugar to your child's diet, it has the same amount of calcium and other important vitamins and minerals as plain milk. Better yet, try a powdered flavoring — just a small amount will provide less sugar than preflavored milks. Some varieties (like Ovaltine) contain added vitamins and minerals, too.

Keep in mind that there are many ways to sneak milk into your child's diet. Serve him puddings, custards, and shakes for snacks. Make his soup with milk rather than water, and add a milk-based sauce or gravy to casseroles.
You can supplement this with other calcium rich foods such as cheese and yogurt as dairy products are also an essential source of other essential nutrients such as vitamins A and D and several important B vitamins. If your baby won't drink milk you should make sure they get at least two portions of calcium rich foods a day as part of a balanced diet.
Some plant foods, like dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, blackstrap molasses, and Brussels sprouts, contain calcium. So do pinto beans, figs, tofu made with calcium, and calcium-fortified fruit juice. These foods don't provide all of the vitamins found in milk, though. They contain no vitamin D, for example, so if your child doesn't drink milk, you'll want to make sure he takes a vitamin or multivitamin that contains 100 percent of the vitamin D he needs. Also keep in mind that these are not easy substitutions — it takes 4 cups of broccoli to provide the same amount of calcium as 1 cup of milk, for instance.

Some cereals are fortified with vitamin D. Check the labels.

Soy milk can substitute for cow's milk, but check the labels look for soy milk that is fortified with vitamin D, vitamin A, and calcium. The amount of calcium and other nutrients can vary, so look for brands that have the greatest nutritional value.

Yogurt is a great food for those who shun milk or are lactose intolerant. It has the same amount of protein and calcium as milk, but contains much less lactose, so most people who are lactose intolerant can tolerate yogurt. (Note that being lactose intolerant and allergic to milk protein is not the same thing.) Yogurt also contains a bacterium that’s healthy for the intestines.
Re- cap:

• If your child turns up his nose at milk, try mixing it with breast milk or formula (whichever he's used to), and gradually shift the ratio until you’re using all cow's milk.
• If your child isn't a big fan of milk, offer whole milk flavored with vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or a flavoring perferred. Despite the additional sugar and calories, flavored milk is better than no milk, says the AAP's Dr. Greer, and you can adjust by watching calories elsewhere in your child’s diet.
• Your 12- to 24-month-old needs two cups of milk per day for adequate calcium, vitamin D, fat, and other nutrients, yet too much of it can interfere with iron absorption. Experts vary in opinion on the limit; some set the bar at 16 to 24 ounces per day, others at 24 to 36 ounces.
• If you choose organic milk, look for the USDA green and white organic seal that certifies it has been produced and handled using renewable resources, and without conventional pesticides, certain fertilizers, antibiotics, growth hormones, genetic engineering, or irradiation.
• Yogurt yogurt yogurt!



Smoothies for your baby are nutritious and delicious. They are perfect for fussy children who don’t like milk. Making baby smoothies is great for soothing sore gums from teething and are just plain fun.

BABY Recipes

Baby's First Smoothie (7-9 months)
1/2 banana
1/2 cup formula or breast milk
1/4 cup apple juice

Banana Smoothie
1 frozen banana sliced up
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup apple juice

Banana and Apricot Smoothie
1 frozen banana sliced up
1 cup apricot nectar
1 cup plain yogurt

Peaches and Cream Smoothie
6 frozen peach slices
1 cup peach yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1 cup apple juice

Good Morning Smoothie
1 peeled seedless orange in sections
1 frozen banana sliced
1/2 cup orange juice
1 cup vanilla yogurt

Fresh Melon Smoothie
1 cup cantaloupe diced
1 cup honey dew melon diced
1 cup vanilla frozen yogurt
1/2 cup orange juice

Banana Berry Smoothie
1 frozen banana sliced
1/2 cup frozen raspberries
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup orange juice

Orange Cream Smoothie
1 peeled, seeded, diced orange
1 cup vanilla ice cream
1 cup orange juice

Strawberry Banana Smoothie
1 frozen banana sliced
6 large strawberries (fresh or frozen)
1 cup vanilla frozen yogurt

Strawberry, Peach, and Mango Smoothie
6 slices frozen peach slices
1 mango peeled and diced
6 strawberries (fresh or frozen)
1 cup peach flavored frozen yogurt

Carrot Smoothie
2 cups carrot juice
1/2 cup apple juice
6 oz non-fat vanilla or plain yogurt
Frozen-1 banana broken or sliced into a few pieces

Autumn Smoothie
1/2 cup plain, vanilla or banana yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
dash of ginger
1 frozen banana

Winter Smoothie
1/2 cup plain, vanilla or banana yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup cranberry sauce
1 apple, peeled, cored and cut into chunks
dash of cinnamon
1 frozen banana

Banana Pumpkin Shake
1-cup milk or whole milk yogurt
2 tablespoons canned pumpkin
(or homemade puree pumpkin or baby jar food pumpkin)
1 banana
dash of cinnamon

Add all ingredients in blender and blend until desired consistency.

Hey Mom’s they make great Ice POPS To!

Baby’s Creamy Broccoli Soup Recipe
In Food processor puree
Handful of Steamed broccoli
Organic whole milk (or soy)
Vegetable broth
Till desired consistency
Heat and serve
YUMMMMOOOO !!!



If you are thinking of Alternative care for yourself or if you’d like more information on what alternative care can do for you today:

Contact http://www.alternativehealthsolutionsnj.com

Email us at alternativehealthsolutionsnj@gmail.com

Call us 732-664-9348

Be a Fan of Alternative Health Solutions of NJ on Facebook

Check out the Alternative Health Solutions of NJ MARKETPLACE

Have a Wonderful day

Michelle Leonard

:0)

Improving Your Health This Coming Year in 2010

It is almost the beginning of a new year and, once again, a time to reflect on what changes we can make to improve our lives. If you are intent on improving your health this year, acupuncture may be the very thing you need to "stick" to those resolutions. Here's how:

Resolution: Stay Sharp

Your New Year’s resolution may be to learn something new or take a class at the local college. How ever you choose to exercise your brain, acupuncture can help. Numerous studies suggest that acupuncture can help improve memory, mental clarity, concentration and cognitive function.

One recently published study showed how acupuncture can be used to help patients with vascular dementia. Cerebral functional imaging before and after acupuncture treatments showed a significant increase in the cerebral glucose metabolism of the brain which is associated with improved cognitive function. Other studies have looked at how acupuncture affects the performance of student taking an exam, Alzheimer's disease and memory impairment induced by diabetes and cerebral ischemia. All results, thus far, have been positive.

Resolution: Relieve Pain Naturally

Increasingly, people are looking for more natural approaches to help relieve painful conditions instead of relying on medications. Acupuncture has little to no side effects and can be helpful for all types of pain, regardless of what is causing the pain or where the pain is located. Some studies have shown the pain relief it provides can last for months.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain before and after acupuncture treatment for pain shows dramatic decreases in brain activity -- up to 70%. This decrease in brain activity in certain areas of the brain is thought to be the reason for the reduction of pain caused by the acupuncture treatments.

In addition to reducing pain, acupuncture also hastens the healing process by increasing circulation and attracting white blood cells to an injured area.

Resolution: Eliminate Stress

Stress reduction is always on the top ten list for New Year’s resolutions and for a good reason. Stress is often the cause of illness and the deterioration of health. Numerous studies have demonstrated the substantial benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of stress, anxiety and lowering blood pressure

In addition to acupuncture, Oriental medicine offers a whole gamut of tools and techniques that can be integrated into your life to keep stress in check. These tools include Theraputic Massage, Qi Gong exercises, dietary therapy, meditations and acupressure. Some of these modalities you can administer at home.

Needless to say, if the stress in your life is throwing you off balance, consider coming in for a treatment to regain peace of mind and stay healthy.

Resolution: Reach Target Weight and Stay There

Losing weight is the #1 most common New Year's Resolution. Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine can help you reach your goal weight and maintain it by promoting better digestion, smoothing emotions, reducing appetite, improving metabolism, and eliminating food cravings.

From an Oriental medicine perspective, the acupuncture points, foods and herbs that are chosen to assist with weight loss directly influence the Qi of the Spleen and Liver systems to treat the root imbalances that are causing the weight gain.

From a Western perspective, acupuncture has been shown to have an effect on the function of the nervous system, endocrine system, digestive system, food cravings, and metabolism. All of which can help to energize the body, maximize the absorption of nutrients, regulate elimination, control overeating, suppress the appetite, and reduce anxiety.

The beauty of acupuncture is that each treatment is catered to the needs of the individual patient. Acupuncture points on the body will be chosen for overall well being with the objective of increasing circulation of the blood and Qi (stimulating the metabolism) and calming the nervous system.

Acupuncture is a powerful tool for healthy weight loss, by it self or as a supportive treatment in conjunction with other weight management programs.

Resolution: Quit Smoking

Acupuncture has turned a growing number of cigarette cravers into permanent ex-smokers. In fact, researchers say that acupuncture is a promising treatment for all types of addiction from cigarettes to heroin.

In one study, a team from Yale University successfully used auricular (ear) acupuncture to treat cocaine addiction. Results showed that 54.8% of participants tested free of cocaine during the last week of treatment, compared to 23.5% and 9.1% in the two control groups. Those who completed acupuncture treatment also had longer periods of sustained abstinence compared to participants in the control groups.

The acupuncture treatments for smoking cessation focus on jitters, cravings, irritability, and restlessness; symptoms that people commonly complain about when they quit. It also aids in relaxation and detoxification.

Call now to see how Acupuncture can help you with your New Year’s Resolutions!

If you are thinking of Alternative care for yourself or if you’d like more information on what alternative care can do for you today:

Contact http://www.alternativehealthsolutionsnj.com

Email us at alternativehealthsolutionsnj@gmail.com

Call us 732-664-9348

Be a Fan of Alternative Health Solutions of NJ on Facebook

Check out the Alternative Health Solutions of NJ MARKETPLACE

Have a Wonderful day

Michelle Leonard

:0)