Holistic Medicine and Pain Relief - Part Two

July 31, 2007 on 10:53 pm | In Uncategorized | Comments Off

By Brad Bahr

The more you know about holistic pain relief the better off you will be in the long run. Let us look at some holistic therapies and how they help to combat the big “P”, otherwise known as pain.

Is meditation for pain useful?
Yes, it certainly is. Mediation is much easier to do than the general population actually believes it to be. In fact most people at some point in their lives have used one chosen kind of relaxation in one way or another. When you attempt to manage pain, you meditate by relaxing your mind in order to cope with what you need to. When you take a practical approach to pay attention to your breathing, such as when you engage in deep breathing, you are attempting to take your mind away from any worries or problems and take it to a better place where you are able to relax and be as calm, peaceful and centered as it is possible to be.

What can acupuncture help in my body?
Acupuncture can treat a multitude of health conditions. Some examples are a myriad of respiratory ailments and diseases such as acute sinusitis, acute rhinitis, acute tonsillitis and the common head cold. Acute bronchitis and bronchial asthma are both bronchopulmonary diseases that acupuncture has been shown to have excellent results in improving as well as the pain that often accompanies then. The eye disorders acupuncture helps include acute conjunctivitis, cataract that has no complications, myopia, and central retinitis. The mouth disorders acupuncture helps to include toothaches, gingivitis, pharyngitis, and pain or discomfort that sometimes takes place after a tooth is taken out. The orthopedic disorders acupuncture helps include periarthritis humeroscapularis, tennis elbow, lower back pain, rheumatoid arthritis and sciatica.

Is herbal medicine worthwhile to look into for health problems?
Absolutely. Herbal medicine in the form of herbs have been used for many centuries, dating back thousands of years for their unique ability to help relieve pain. There are different herbs that are recommended for different health problems. For example for spasms and cramps reach for angelica, kava, rosemary, valerian root and cramp bar whereas if nerve pain is your problem then turn to chamomile, capsaicin, licorice, white willow and gotu kola. If you are bothered by back pains then turn to the herbs wood betony, passionflower or hops for relief. For headaches reach for spearmint or peppermint whereas for migraine headaches in general turn to linden, skullcap or feverfew for help. If it is joint pain that is causing you problems then sea cucumber and ginger are what you need to help you through the rough spots.

What is the difference between a Swedish massage and a deep tissue massage?
A Swedish massage can be an effective method of relieving pain. At a massage session a qualified massage therapist will apply special massage oil to the skin and will then use her hands to make long and smooth strokes across the skin. Swedish massage is for the soft tissues of the body. Deep tissue massage on the other hand, reaches deep into the tissues and it is meant for painful and extremely strained and tight muscles that have been that way on a chronic basis. Deep tissue massage is also effective for repetitive strain as well as problems that have developed as a result of bad posture. This form of massage is useful at getting to problems that are connected with connective tissue and the deeper layers of muscles.

Should holistic methods of pain relief replace conventional Western medicine?
Holistic methods of pain relief are best used in conjunction with Western methods as opposed to on their own. Speak to your doctor for greater clarification on this subject.

About the author: Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: Learn More

Don’t forget to visit HGH-Facts.com for the latest anti-aging and nutritional information!health, health articles, pain, Pain Relief, reprint articles

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Holistic Medicine and Pain Relief - Part One

July 31, 2007 on 9:08 pm | In Uncategorized | Comments Off

By Brad Bahr

If you are not sure if you know enough about holistic medicine for it to be of benefit to you when you are in need of pain relief then read on for some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and their accompanying answers.

What is the number one cause of health problems according to most healthcare providers?
The answer is stress. Stress can cause tension in the muscles, fatigue, anxiety attacks, insomnia, migraine headaches, high blood pressure, depression, heart problems and many other problems. Stress can lead to a great many illnesses.

What is yoga and what is it good for?
Yoga is a holistic therapy that attempts to redirect stress and negative energy and helps to diffuse it so it will not lead to a buildup of stress, which can then cause illness in the human body. Practicing yoga on a consistent basis helps to keep the body in its natural form of balance and it helps to keep an individual’s level of health at its best.

What is shiatsu used to treat?
Shiatsu has been used to treat a number of health problems including anxiety, back pain, headaches, Insomnia, constipation, skin problems and many others. The number one thing shiatsu is good for is decreasing and relieving stress levels as well as relaxing the work of the nervous system and encouraging the immune system and the circulatory systems to work to their absolute best. Any stress related disorder can be greatly helped by the practice of shiatsu. Shiatsu is also beneficial in stimulating the hormone system and also plays a role in stimulating the digestive system and the reproductive system. Shiatsu can help free a person from almost all of the symptoms that accompany many health problems and it is effective at correcting behavioral imbalances in the body as well as postural imbalances that have become chronic.

Is hydrotherapy useful in treating many disorders or not?
The answer is yes it is. Hydrotherapy is an excellent holistic option to ridding an individual of many stress related disorders such as extreme anxiety, tension, and anxiety attacks. Hydrotherapy is also beneficial for those with hyperthermia, pulmonary disease, swollen ankles and varicose veins.

Does chelation therapy work to get rid of pain?
Chelation therapy is believed to be beneficial to those who are suffering from atherosclerosis as well as any other type of chronic degenerative disease that is related to the heart and the overall circulatory system. Chelation therapy is believe to work well because it gets rid of metallic catalysts in the human body that are responsible for the development and growth of free radicals in the body.

How can fasting help my pain?
Fasting is often recommended as a way of cleaning out the body when an individual is suffering from a sickness or has recently recovered from one. Illnesses that are acute are more receptive to the benefits of fasting than are chronic degenerative diseases and these include health problems such as disorders of the colon, respiratory diseases and allergies. By allowing the body a break from digesting food, fasting helps to get rid of toxins as quickly and efficiently as possible, thereby encouraging healing to begin. Fasting is good for the body in general and not just when a person is sick or is going through a low cycle. Fasting on a regular basis provides a rest from work for all of the body’s organs.

About the author: Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: Learn More

Don’t forget to visit HGH-Facts.com for the latest anti-aging and nutritional information!health, health articles, Holistic Medicine, pain, Pain Relief, reprint articles

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Precaution to be taken for the Cure of Psoriasis

July 25, 2007 on 4:00 am | In Uncategorized | Comments Off

What is this Condition?

Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent skin disease in which the skin's outermost layer is abnormally overgrown. Red patches form and are covered by thick, dry, silvery scales. These lesions vary widely in severity and distribution.

Psoriatic skin cells have an abnormally short life cycle - 4 days as opposed to 28 days for normal skin cells. Four days isn't enough time for skin cells to mature. As a result, the outermost skin layer becomes thick and flaky.

Typically, the disease goes through partial remissions and flare­ups. Flare-ups are often related to specific factors but may be unpredictable. They can usually be controlled with therapy.

Psoriasis affects about 2% of the population in the United States.

The incidence is higher among whites than other races. Although this disorder is most common in young adults, it may strike at any age, including infancy.

What are its Symptoms?

The most common symptom of psoriasis is itching; occasionally, pain from dry, cracked, encrusted lesions may occur. These lesions are red and usually form well-defined patches (also called plaques), which sometimes cover large areas of the body. They're most common on the scalp, chest, elbows, knees, back, and buttocks.

The patches consist of silver scales that either flake off easily or can thicken, covering the lesion. If the scales are removed, fine points of bleeding may occur. Occasionally, small teardrop-shaped lesions appear, either alone or with plaques. Typically, these lesions are thin and red, with few scales. Widespread shedding of scales is common in exfoliative (inflammatory) psoriasis and may also develop in chronic psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis is a rare, severe form of the disorder marked by bright red patches and small, raised areas that contain pus.

In about 30% of cases, psoriasis spreads to the fingernails, producing small indentations and yellow or brown discoloration. In severe cases, buildup of thick, crumbly debris under the nails causes them to separate from the nailbed.

Some people with psoriasis develop arthritic symptoms, usually in one or more joints of the fingers or toes, or sometimes in the joints of the lower back. Some people suffer morning stiffness. People with joint symptoms experience remissions and flare-ups similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis.

Scale Removal

To remove psoriatic scales, the doctor may instruct the person to apply ointments, such as Vaseline, salicylic acid preparations, or preparations containing urea. These medications soften the scales; the person then removes them by scrubbing them carefully with a soft brush while bathing.

Ultraviolet Light Treatment

To retard rapid skin cell production, the doctor may recommend exposure to light (either ultraviolet B or natural sunlight) to the point of minimal skin redness. Ultraviolet B light exposure is the most common treatment for generalized psoriasis.

The person may apply tar preparations or crude coal tar to affected areas about 15 minutes before exposure, or may leave these preparations on overnight and wipe them off the next morning. Exposure time can increase gradually. Outpatient or day treatment with ultraviolet B light avoids long hospitalizations and prolongs remission.

Steroid Therapy

Steroid creams and ointments are useful to control psoriasis. A potent fluorinated steroid works well (except on the face and areas where two skin surfaces come into contact). These creams must be applied twice daily, preferably after bathing to promote absorption; overnight, the person covers the areas with occlusive dressings, such as plastic wrap, plastic gloves or booties, or a vinyl exercise suit (under direct medical or nursing supervision). Small, stubborn plaques may require steroid injections into the lesions.

Calcipotriene

Calcipotriene ointment, a vitamin D3 analogue, is a new topical agent used to treat psoriasis.

Therapy for Severe Psoriasis

For someone with severe chronic psoriasis, the doctor may prescribe the Goeckerman regimen, which combines tar baths and ultraviolet B light treatments. This therapy may induce remission and dear the skin in 3 to 5 weeks. The Ingram technique, a variation of the Goeckerman regimen, uses anthralin instead of tar.

In a therapy called PUVA, the person first receives psoralens (an agent that promotes the action of ultraviolet light) and then is exposed to high-intensity ultraviolet A light.

As a last resort, a drug that inhibits cell proliferation - usually Rheumatrex - may help to relieve severe psoriasis that's unresponsive to conventional treatment.

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Information about Papaverine

July 25, 2007 on 4:00 am | In Uncategorized | Comments Off

Papaverine

Precautions:

Heart: Large doses can produce serious arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Liver sensitivity has been reported with intestinal symptoms, yellowing of the skin and eyes and altered liver function tests. Discontinue medication if these symptoms occur.

Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women or animal studies may have shown a risk to the fetus. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if papaverine appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over­the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with papaverine. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. Levodopa (eg, Larodopa) inter­acts with papaverine.

Side Effects of The Papaverine:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many papaverine users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dosage, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Nausea; stomachache; appetite loss; constipation; diarrhea.

Nervous System: Headache; dizziness; drowsiness; feeling of whirling motion.

Circulatory System: Increased heart rate; increased blood pressure. Skin: Yellowing of skin or eyes; sweating; flushing of face; rash.

Other: Fatigue and general body aches; increase in depth of respirations; abnormal liver tests.

Guidelines for Use:

• May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution when driving or performing tasks requiring alertness. Alcohol may intensify these effects.

• May cause flushing, sweating, headache, tiredness, jaundice, rash, nausea, appetite loss, abdominal distress, constipation or diarrhea. Notify your doctor if these effects become pronounced.

• Take at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day.

• Store at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F). Protect from moisture.

Myself Mike Singh , webmaster of http://www.online-health-care.com deals with providing information on various health care practices, diseases, <a href="http://www.online-health-care.com/diseases/index.htm">common ailments </a>and various home remedies and <a href="http://www.online-health-care.com/home-remedies/index.htm">herbal remedies </a> for healthy lifestyle.

Factors Responsible for Vinpocetine Herb

July 25, 2007 on 4:00 am | In Uncategorized | Comments Off

Vinpocetine Herb Description

Source

Vinpocetine is derived from vincamine, an alkaloid from the extract of the periwinkle plant, Vinca minor. It is a semisynthetic ethyl ester of apovincamine. V minor is indigenous to northern Spain and parts of central and southern Europe. The medicinal parts of the plant include the dried leaves and the flowering plant.

Chemical Components

V. minor contains indole alkaloids (vincamine, vincin, apovincamine, vincadifformin) and flavonoids.

Actions

The actual mechanism of action of vinpocetine is not fully understood. Potentially, it is a vasodilator and enhancer of cerebral metabolism. It is thought to have a stimulating effect on memory and increases metabolic activity in the brain by increasing blood flow. There are also claims that vinpocetine inhibits platelet aggregation and increases the release of serotonin and norepinephrine. Vinpocetine may have direct or indirect cholinergic activity, increase the turnover of brain catecholamine levels, and enhance norepinephrine effects on cortical cAMP levels . Vinpocetine may also block sodium ion channels .

Reported Uses

A study of eight patients with renal failure who were undergoing hemodialysis reported that vinpocetine, IS mg P.O. daily, treated intractable tumoral calcinosis after 6 to 12 months of therapy .

In Europe, vinpocetine is commonly administered to patients with cerebrovascular disorders. It is claimed to be useful for memory and cognitive function enhancement and to increase brain function. Vinpocetine has been evaluated but not shown to be effective in improving symptoms of Alzheimer's disease . Another study evaluated the use of vinpocetine in Alzheimer's disease patients . This study determined the safety of vinpocetine but suggested that vinpocetine did not decrease the rate of disease progression. Vinpocetine, 30 mg P.O. daily, did demonstrate clinical improvement in patients with vascular or degenerative cerebral dysfunction . Another report reviewed the use of vinpocetine in acute ischemic stroke and determined that evidence to recommend vinpocetine to these patients was insufficient . Vinpocetine has been claimed to treat aphasia, unstable blood pressure, poor coordination, depression, dizziness, headache, impaired hearing and vision, insomnia, irritability, mood instability, motor disorders, nervousness, ophthalmic diseases, acute stroke, and vertigo.

Contraindications and Precautions

Vinpocetine is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to this herb. Avoid its use in pregnant or breast-feeding patients. Use vinpocetine cautiously in patients with a history of allergic phenomena during treatment with other vinca alkaloids, in those with hepatic disease, and in those with nonorganic psychoses.

Special Considerations

• Patients with nonorganic psychoses or other mental illnesses should be evaluated before initiating therapy.

• Elderly patients may require higher doses of vinpocetine because they have significantly higher plasma clearance and a larger volume of distribution of vinpocetine.

• Monitor the patient for improvement of neurologic parameters, dementia symptoms, and daily functioning.

• Monitor the patient with seizure disorder closely.

• Routine blood chemistry, blood pressure, and pulse rate monitoring should be performed during long-term therapy with vinpocetine.

• Advise the patient to take vinpocetine tablets or capsules with meals and fluids and not to chew them.

Points of Interest

• In Italy, the flower of V. minor is called "The Flower of Death" because it was used in ancient custom to make garlands placed on dead children. Ironically, in Germany, it is called the "Flower of Immortality:' In France, the flower is considered a symbol of friendship.

Commentary

Although there have been studies in both animals and humans, there is contradictory information for use in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and ischemic stroke. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vinpocetine.

About Author: Mike Singh, for http://www.health-care-tips.org. For information on health care, herbal and <a href="http://www.health-care-tips.org/home-remedies/index.htm">home remedies </a>, refer author's site at: <a href="http://www.health-care-tips.org">http://www.health-care-tips.org </a>.