Before we begin a discussion about the benefits of acupuncture, let’s talk about the origins of acupuncture. It was first used in China over 2000 years ago, and is one of the oldest medical procedures in the world. It is a family of procedures that stimulates the anatomy of the body and helps to balance the energy flow throughout the body. It is this kind of acupuncture that is practiced in the United Sates today, through the use of tiny, metallic needles placed in affected areas and manipulated by hand or by electrical stimulation.
Acupuncture is the basic foundation for Traditional Chinese Medicine and is based on the belief that there are two opposing and inseparable forces within our body. They are known as the Yin and Yang of the entire person. The Yin is representative of the cold, slow, or passive principle, and yang represents the hot, excited or active principle. A healthy state is achieved by maintaining a balance state of the yin and yang. This is done through vital pathways or meridians that allow for the flow of qi, or vital energy. The vital energy flow occurs along pathways known as meridians. These meridians connect over 2,000 acupuncture points along the body. There are 12 main meridians, and 8 secondary meridians. Although traditional western medicine does not completely understand how acupuncture works, the proof that it does work has been shown in several studies conducted by western medical facilities.
Now, let’s move to the question of does it work? According to the National Institute of Health, the answer would be yes. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in many areas of health care. Areas such as postoperative nausea, chemotherapy side effects, osteoarthritis, low-back pain, headache, menstrual cramps, addiction, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma, just to name a few. The study revealed that acupuncture was able to provide pain relief, improve function and mobility of joints due to arthritis inflammation, and served to complement standard care.
Although there are many who would doubt the effectiveness of acupuncture, once they are a patient, they are believers. It has been proposed that acupuncture works and produces its effects through regulating the nervous system. The theory proposes that since acupuncture produces its effect through regulation of the nervous system, it induces the release of endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites on the body. There is also the theory that acupuncture alters the brain chemistry by the changing the neurotransmitters in the brain.
Without doubt acupuncture was a benefit in the study, and as a patient myself, I can vouch for the wonderful effect it has had on my back. Although acupuncture is classified as an alternative medicine therapy, and there is still much to be understood about the way it works, it is a proven aid in maintaining optimal health.
But what about the well individual, can acupuncture provide a benefit to them? Absolutely. Because acupuncture works off the belief that we must maintain balance of our vital energy flow in order to remain healthy, acupuncture serves as the tool for realignment. Our vital energy flow can be out of balance, and we still feel and appear quite healthy. It is in this capacity that acupuncture serves as a sort of preventive medicine. Checking and balancing the flow of energy on the meridian points in your body is like your car receiving a tune-up before it is in need of a repair.
Reflexology has been used for many centuries. The method of reflexology, also called “zone therapy”, dates back to ancient Egypt, India and China. Evidence of reflexology has even been found in tombs in Egypt. The method of reflexology works by stimulating and applying pressure to certain parts of the hands, or to the feet. Oil, lotion and creams are not used with reflexology. The pressure causes increased circulation and promotes an overall healthier body. The form of reflexology most commonly used today dates back 125 years old to Europe and Russia.
Because hands, feet and ears are very sensitive, pressure on these areas are believed to benefit whole body health. It is estimated that this method can be effective in treating over 93% of sixty-three disorders. Those undergoing reflexology sessions often report increased physical and emotional improvements and feel better with their self-esteem and confidence.
Many benefits of reflexology have been reported. This method can reduce stress from work or home and provide an overall feeling of relaxation. This form of massage also serves to reduce and sometimes eliminate pain in the neck, shoulders and lower back. Reflexology also improves circulation in the body. Another benefit of reflexology is that those receiving regular sessions report an overall sense of well-being, better health and a feeling of reduced stress levels.
In addition, reflexology therapy has been reported to reduce the pain or discomfort caused by a wide variety of medical symptoms. Sessions can help back pain, minor headaches and migraines, menstrual cramps, injuries from sprained muscles, sleep disorders and arthritis some patients report that this therapy also helps infertility. Reflexology can also safely and effectively be used on almost anyone including infants and children, pregnant women, the ill and the elderly.
This technique is a natural way to help both stimulate and relax the body at the same time. Many who experience reflexology report an immediate relief of stress or pain caused by medical conditions.
Learning the techniques of reflexology can be quite simple and easy. Many people can learn the technique and practice it at home or in the office. On-site classes and classes online are offered in many areas to teach the basics of reflexology. Also, books and videos can offer advice on learning the basics of this technique. Many specialty stores offer socks and gloves that can be purchased with the reflexology maps for the hands and feet.
During a traditional reflexology course, students will usually learn the basics of reflexology techniques as well as hand and ear basics. Students also might learn the anatomy of the lower legs including the bones and muscles. Massage techniques and alignment exercises are often taught as well.
While no one is quite sure how reflexology works, there are some theories. One is the “nerve” theory. This theory maintains that there is a connection between the body maps used in reflexology on the feet, hands and ears to the rest of the body. When a certain pressure point is massaged, it will affect the part of the body connected. This is the most widely believed theory on how reflexology works.
Another theory is that reflexology is based on the “meridian” theory. This states that there are at least fourteen energy lines called meridians going up and down in the body. These energy lines have hundreds of pressure points and some of them are in the hands and feet. When pressure is applies to those areas, it creates a sense of well-being.
Another theory on how this technique works is the “vertical” and “horizontal” zone theories. These state that the body is divided in to either ten wide vertical strips or four horizontal strips. Every part of the body falls into one of the strips. Pressure applied to these areas helps that certain body zone.
Professional reflexology sessions can last between forty minutes to an hour. The session usually takes place in a chair with the feet raised. The reflexologies will use their hands and thumbs to help stimulate trouble areas in the body. Typically, after a session, the patient will feel comfortable and relaxed. Sometimes aromatherapy and breathing techniques are used to deepen the affects of reflexology. Breathing techniques used in conjunction with reflexology stimulates a deeper relaxation and better circulation.
Do you remember the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away?” Well that saying is supported by the facts that we have gathered about apples. They are amount the most health giving fruits available and contain beneficial vitamins and minerals. Some of those included are potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, iron and the central ingredient, apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar breaks down fatty, mucous and phlegm that are in the body therefore improving the health and function of your liver, bladder, and kidneys. It also helps thin the blood, which prevents high blood pressure. It also promotes digestion, the assimilation in the body and the elimination process. It helps get rid of toxic substances that can be harmful. It has been said that if you take a mixture of cider vinegar and water before a meal it will help prevent diarrhea or digestive upsets. This works especially well for picnics when food is left uncovered and not refrigerated for long periods. The potassium in apple cider vinegar also is helpful in easing the symptoms of common colds and allergies. Potassium is essential to healthy bones and teeth and it’s good for hair loss.
Apple cider vinegar can be taken in many different forms. The best method is by using it in its natural liquid form. You can use it in salad dressings, making mayonnaise, or sprinkled on chips and fries. It also can be used as a hot or cold beverage sweetened with natural honey.
Cider vinegar can detoxify the body of harmful elements that can cause such things as boils, blisters, and acne. It also helps in the clotting process and cleaning the blood in your body. Cider vinegar applied as hot compresses to the aching joints of the body can also reduce inflammation and pain. It has also been known to treat such ailments as nose bleeds, cancer, gallstones, kidney stones, hay fever, ear discharge, fatigue, muscle cramps, and diarrhea. Depression is also supposed to be helped by taking cider vinegar.
One of the latest crazes in weight loss is the use of apple cider vinegar. I see it as coming around in cycles as a weight loss tool. Since you can now find apple cider vinegar in tablets, it is easy to take as a supplement to help in your weight loss program. Of course, always check with your doctor before starting any weight loss program. It’s been said that it helps increase metabolism, generates energy and reduces hunger. It is safe enough that even children with weight problems can take the supplements. Many diets advocate eating an apple before each meal. This gives the extra boost of the metabolism as well as lessens your appetite before eating.
For postmenopausal women, the risk of bone loss is greater than in younger women. A supplement of apple cider vinegar has magnesium, silicone and calcium and magnesium, which have all been linked to sustaining, bone mass.
In addition, Vitamin C, vitamin E, Vitamin A, B2 and B6, Vitamin P and beta-carotene is also found in trace amounts. These additional minerals and vitamins help your body by boosting metabolism, reducing the dangerous LDL cholesterol, reducing water retention in the body, and regulating blood pressure. It’s said to also increase concentration and memory, blood circulation, regulating body temperature and gives us more energy.
Yeast infections can also be impacted by apple cider vinegar. It’s caused by a yeast imbalance in your body sometimes caused by a change in diet or taking antibiotics. A douche of two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a quart of lukewarm water helps restore the acid balance in your body. You should do this twice a day until the symptoms go away.
In looking at all the benefits of apple cider vinegar, it seems that having an apple a day is a very healthy start to a good diet plan and healthy eating. It must be noted that apple cider vinegar can be bought in capsule form, but for those of you who are purist, you can make your own at home. You make apple cider vinegar from winter and fall varieties of apples. There are quite a few steps involving in making this at home; one of the important things to remember is to make this mixture in glass, plastic, wood, enamel or stainless steel containers. Don’t use metal containers because the acid will cause corrosion of metal or aluminum.
Depression or similar mood disorders affect twenty five percent of Americans. At least one in eight Americans will experience a serious bout of depression. Depression is a major condition because depression is the leading cause of suicide. Depression can sometimes be a normal experience. For example, depression after dealing with death, divorce, or life-changing accidents is perfectly normal. However, prolonged bouts of sadness without a real reason are quite serious.
Depression can be caused by any number of things in the body. Poor nutrition is often a cause for depression. People who eat extensive amounts of processed foods don't get the materials required for appropriate bodily action. This can include problems with brain function and the nervous system. For some people, pesticides (which can leave a residue on food) and things that are added to food like sugar replacements can be toxic and can induce serious problems within the body.
Additionally, food allergies can cause depression. People who are allergic to wheat have been known to report depressive symptoms as a result of consuming that food. Regulation problems of the hormone system can also be a cause of depression. Stress, toxins, poor diet, and exercise can change hormone levels and lead to mood swings. Stress, more specifically, secretes excessive hormones in the body, causing difficulty with brain processes. Sleep difficulties can also lead to depression. Most people require eight to ten hours of sleep each night. Getting too much or too little sleep changes the body's natural rhythm. There are many possible culprits including bedroom lighting, noise, and stress. Whatever the problem, though, it can change the body's natural mood. Exercise increases endorphin release in the body and prevents depression. Those who don't exercise are thirty percent more likely to suffer from depression than those who do. Whatever the cause of your depression, it needs to be treated. However, medical doctors are most likely to prescribe drugs like Prozac to treat your illness. While medications like Prozac can be necessary at times, they can also have serious side effects like anxiety and violent behavior.
Perhaps one of the best ways to treat depression is through natural medications. While it is necessary to eat well and exercise while taking any of these, they will help in the long term. One natural solution to depression is St. John's Wort. This medication has few side effects and has been shown to assist with depression, apathy, sleep disturbances, anorexia, and feelings of worthlessness. Another helpful herb is Gingko. This can improve circulation, which, in turn, means more blood reaching the brain. That helps to detoxify your body. 5-HTP is also quite helpful in treating depression. It can raise serotonin levels which can cause rising levels of endorphins and other neurotransmitters that are changed when the brain enters a depressive state.
In addition to natural medications, vitamin and mineral therapy can be quite helpful. Many vitamin deficits have been shown to contribute to mood difficulties. Vitamin B6 deficiencies have been shown to be a contributor to depression. Folic acid deficiency can cause depression, insomnia, anorexia, forgetfulness, hyperirritability, apathy, fatigue and anxiety. Vitamin B12 absences have been known to cause postpartum depression. Vitamin C loss causes low levels of serotonin. Poor levels of magnesium can cause poor attention, memory loss, fear, restlessness, insomnia, tics, cramps and dizziness. Supplementation of any of these vitamin and mineral losses can help heal depression.
There are a few other natural ways to heal depression. A focus on nutrition has been shown to lower depression levels in some patients. You should follow several guidelines to create a well balanced, nutritional diet. First, try to consume two and one half cups of vegetables and two cups of fruit each day. When making your selections for each day, be sure to choose a good variety. Select from all five vegetable subgroups at least four times per week. You should eat at least three ounces of whole grain products each day. At least half of your grain intake should be whole grain based.
Milk should also be part of a healthy diet. Consume at least forty-eight ounces of low fat milk or milk products on a daily basis. Your total fat intake should only be between ten and thirty percent of your calories. Most of the fats you consume should be in the form of unsaturated fats, as saturated fats can do much to damage your health. Meat, poultry, dry beans, and milk or milk products should all be lean, low-fat, or fat-free. Less than ten percent of your calories should come from saturated fats, and you should always try to avoid trans-fatty acid. Fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains should be a regular part of your diet as should potassium rich foods. Alcoholic beverages should only be consumed in moderation.
One final way to heal depression is through regular exercise. Choose an activity you enjoy, and then stick with it. Try to exercise twenty minutes per day, three days per week. This will help detoxify your body and increase levels of important neurotransmitters in the brain, thus banishing depression.
Your fitness routine is an important part of your life and you hate to miss a day. But what are you supposed to do when you wake up with a sore throat and a fever? Should you exercise anyway? This has been a point of contention between experts of certain philosophies but the medical response is that whether or not you should exercise depends totally on the situation. Just because you may not feel one hundred percent doesn’t necessarily mean that you should flake out on a workout. Some doctors even say that some illnesses actually benefit from exercise. The simplest, straightest answer is if you have a fever or nausea, stay in bed; otherwise a little physical activity might be just what the doctor ordered.
Fever and nausea are two symptoms that can be highly aggravated by physical exertion. Exercise raises the body’s temperature anyway and that’s exactly what you don’t want when you have a fever. If you’re sick and have a fever, chances are that you probably won’t feel like doing anything anyway, but if you simply must do something, do a few yoga postures for just a few minutes. The soothing nature of yoga may help to calm your mind as well as your body and allow you to relax until your fever breaks. For nausea, lying still is the best remedy. Trying to work out or even just incorporate some physical activity in your day when you’re feeling nauseous is not a smart choice. The likely scenario is that you will aggravate your stomach, already feeling delicate, and end up sicker than before. Do yourself a favor and simply chill out. After all, the faster you recover, the sooner you’ll be back in the fitness saddle. Most infectious diseases, like chicken pox, require complete rest as well. Your body is trying to fight off an infection and it can do that much more efficiently when it’s not trying to do step aerobics.
For the range of other symptoms, it’s usually okay to work out unless a doctor specifically tells you to refrain from physical activity. When you have a cold and are stuffy and blocked up, getting active can help break up some of the blockage in your sinuses and move it on out. Sore throats typically will not bar you from your workout unless accompanied by a fever. Be careful in cold weather, though, since the frigid air can dry out your throat even more and exacerbate the pain. Have a headache? A good aerobic workout might be just the ticket to get rid of it. Exercise increases the blood flow in your body, which may sound like a bad thing when you’re talking about a headache, but it can actually help regulate the blood flow through the vessel that is causing the pain and get you feeling back to normal much faster. Exercise is also fantastic for PMS or the days that you simply feel a little blue. By increasing the amount of endorphins in your body, exercise makes you feel happier. Physical activity helps move water out of the body’s tissues, so the PMS bloat will go away, letting your body return to its normal size.
While there are certainly times when you shouldn’t exercise, there are many more times when it’s the best idea in the world. Exercise is wonderful for dealing with stress, premenstrual syndrome, and much more. Simply the act of taking time for yourself can affirm your own self-worth and give you a boost in your confidence. Rather than reading romance novels while eating a box of chocolate from the corner drugstore, lace up your shoes and go for an invigorating walk around your neighborhood, greeting familiar faces and enjoying the scenery. You will feel much better than if you had stayed in!
The next time you’re feeling less than healthy, assess your body. If you have a fever or nausea, care for yourself by going to bed and allowing your body’s natural defenses to do their jobs. If it’s a cold, PMS, or simply a bad day, go out and exercise anyway. Try something new like an unfamiliar sport or a different machine at the gym. Make your well being a priority and contribute to your own fitness. You may be surprised at how much better you feel after!