Anti-Aging, Health & Nutrition Facts

Popularity: 34%

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

Popularity: 28%

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

Popularity: 24%

By Brad Bahr

In order to prevent inflammation from developing in the body or to discourage the development of more inflammation as well as to decrease your chance of developing a chronic disease, it is essential to eat foods that are anti-inflammatory in nature.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids are extremely effective at fighting inflammation. The omega-3s are found in such foods as flax seeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, canola oil, and cold water oily fish such as salmon and mackerel. Making the decision to supplement your diet with either fish oil or flax oil is an excellent way of adding more omega-3 essential fatty acids to your diet and therefore decreasing inflammation. Olive oil is also beneficial in the fight against inflammation. Studies have shown that olive oil is excellent at decreasing the risk of heart disease and it beneficial at fighting pain. Other kinds of oils that fall under the healthy category include grape seed oil, rice bran oil and walnut oil.

Protein is essential for building healthy tissues in the body. Good sources of protein include such foods as fish and other types of seafood, legumes, nuts, seeds and lean poultry. Red meats can be especially high in fat. If you are a red meat lover and don’t want to give it up entirely then instead choose lean cuts of such meats as venison, bison and other kinds of meat of wild game or choose low-fat beef from the grocery store. It is best to look fro beef that is deemed as “grass-fed beef.” Other sources of protein that are excellent when it comes to decreasing pain as well as inflammation in the body include soybeans, soy milk and tofu.

When it comes to carbohydrates obtain these from healthy whole grain sources as well as fruits and vegetables. When you buy breads, cereals and pasta always purchase products that are made with 100 percent whole grains. Whole grains are excellent for health and are chocked full of fiber. Be aware that a diet high in fiber will help to reduce inflammation in the body.

When it comes to vegetables, dark, leafy green vegetables are the best choice and also make sure you eat plenty of fresh fruits. It is recommended that everyone eat at least five, if not more servings of both fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Whole fruits as well as green leafy vegetables are also extremely good sources of dietary fiber, which helps regulate the digestive system, and keeps it running smoothly.

If you read for any type of fruit, berries come out on top. In particular blueberries and strawberries are the best because both are full of antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, which fight diseases and also reduce inflammation in the body. It is the pigments in many fruits, such as berries, as well as many vegetables that is believed to contain a great deal of phytochemicals and to have many properties of an anti-inflammatory nature. To use an example, there is a substance known as quercetin that can be found in apples as well as the skins of red onions and it is believed to have very intense anti-inflammatory powers.

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

Popularity: 8%

By Brad Bahr

Ear pain can cause major discomfort to babies, kids and adults. It is especially painful and disturbing when it happens during the night, when all you want to do is sleep. Excruciating ear pain interrupts sleep. You need to end the pain fast, so you can get back to sleep. Here are just a few things that you can do to alleviate ear pain fast.

Ear pain remedy will depend so what on the cause of the pain. Common causes of ear pain are:

Swimming without earplugs. Earplugs prevent water from the pool from getting into your ears. When pool water does enter your ear canal, it brings with it bacteria from others who are in the pool. This bacterium can then cause infection, which can cause ear pain.

The common cold can cause ear pain when it increases the pressure in your ear, which will in turn cause your ear to ache. Another cause of ear pain is when there is pain in another part of the body which is physically related to your ear like when you have a toothache. Your mouth is related to your ear by passageways.

Medications:

Tylenol and ibuprofen can help to relieve ear pain when taken in correct dosage. Over dosing can hurt your stomach and should be avoided.

One thing that can be done immediately is that when you are lying down, do so in such a way that they painful ear is facing upwards.

There are ear drops that are antiseptic in nature that can be purchased at the store in advance so that when earaches strike you have them on hand to use. Follow bottle instructions for proper dosage.

Homemade ear drops can be made using warmed up (not hot) olive, garlic or vegetable oil and applied to the painful ear one drop at a time. You can test the oil to see if is warm or hot by placing a drop of oil on your inner arm, much like you would test a baby’s bottle.

DO NOT APPLY ANYTHING TO AN EAR THAT HAS LIQUID OR PUSS COMING OUT OF IT. You must see a doctor right away if anything is coming out of the ear.

Apply a warm washcloth to the ear and the heat will give some pain relief.

You also need to see a doctor if the ear is swollen, or the pain does not go away within 24 hours.

Babies and young children can be held in an upright position and gently rocked back to sleep. If it is possible, elevate the head of the bed slightly so that the head is slightly elevated and not flat while sleeping. This helps to relieve some of the pressure off of the eardrum and there will be less pain.

In some cases giving Tylenol and a decongestant if the nose is stuffy can relieve the ear pain. The Eustachian tube in the ear can become blocked when the person is suffering from a cold or from allergies.

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

Popularity: 5%

By Brad Bahr

So many health problems result from stress and stress can be relieved in an easy and inexpensive manner, which is to say by way of deep breathing techniques. There are two kinds of breathing, which is chest breathing and diaphragm breathing. The diaphragm is a muscle that is located in the lower abdominal area and is instrumental in helping to relieve stress through proper breathing methods. Most individuals are taught to breath from their chests but this then causes irregular and shallow breathing that is slow and causes carbon dioxide to leave the lungs too swiftly, which can then create more tension in both the body and the mind. Diaphragm breathing is healthier and more beneficial to the body. When it comes to diaphragm breathing, breathing is even and consistent and more breaths are taken in and can be breathed deeper and more fully into the lungs.

Deep breathing does not just involve the lungs but also the lower ribcage, the back and the stomach. Diaphragm breathing creates a response from the nervous system that is called the “relaxation response” because it makes it possible for the body to be soothed, calmed and relaxed and allows for a sense of peace and well being which is akin to mediation. Life begins with diaphragm breathing as evidenced by the way babies and young children breath. These little tykes breathe from deep down in their diaphragms and they make sure to use the complete ability of their lungs. When you see a baby’s stomach rise when he or she is sleeping it is because the breathing is coming from deep down in the body. This is how nature intended it to be but as we age we tend to become more stressed and this affects how we breathe. Breathing becomes more controlled and restrained and often we do not even realize that we are not breathing as completely as we should be.

The benefits of deep breathing are tremendous and are worth becoming aware of. It is very therapeutic in nature. Deep breathing allows for the supply of oxygen to all organs of the body to be increased and indeed doubled, which makes everything work to its greatest capacity. This allows for a more restful night of slumber, which can do anybody good. Deep breathing exercises are excellent to do after a stressful day to calm you and get you ready to retire for the night. Endorphins are the body’s answer to painkillers in their natural form, and deep breathing makes it possible for endorphins to be released from the brain. Endorphins, which are very closely related to the drug morphine, decrease pain in the body by blocking the pain signals that are sent out from the central nervous system.

Studies have shown that arthritis sufferers, and particularly those who are over the age of 65 and suffer from a multitude of health problems can benefit from deep breathing exercises for many reasons but in particular due to the release of endorphins for pain control. Deep breathing is a very simple and easy way to improve the condition of an individual’s and it takes only a short period of time to learn. Deep breathing promotes improved health in a way that shallow breathing does not. More oxygen is able to circulate in the body when deeper breathing takes place, which is an undervalued benefit of good health.

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

Popularity: 5%

By Brad Bahr

Chronic pain is pain that does not go away even after 6 months have past since your body was injured (if it was). Chronic pain can also occur when there has been no injury and no apparent cause for the pain.

Chronic pain can lead to more than just long-term discomfort; it can lead to feelings of anger, depression and low self-esteem. Chronic often interferes with daily activities, even causes loss of work time that may over a period of time cause a person to lose his/her job.

Common treatment for chronic pain is a combination of medications and therapy.

Medicines:

Medicines for chronic pain vary by doctor and can include a combination of pain relievers, antidepressants and also anticonvulsants. Your doctor will tailor your medications based on your own individual needs. Just as there are different people, there are different types of pain. Different pain, needs different pain treatment.

Long-acting medications are used for chronic pain because the pain is constant.

There are several types of therapy that may be prescribed for your pain relief.

Therapy:

Several different types of therapy can ease pain. Your doctor may refer you to physical therapy. Physical therapy can help ease pain by stretching your muscles and exercises which helps to strengthen them. You may also be instructed on the use of low -impact exercise such as biking, swimming or walking,

You will be encouraged to exercise daily in an effort to reduce your pain level. Exercise can actually reduce the amount of pain you are feeling and how often it is occurring.

How to be pain management partners with your doctor:

There are things you can do to help your doctor, to help you. You need to be able to communicate with you doctor concerning how much pain you are in and when it is that you are in pain. Your doctor also needs to known the location of the pain and how often the pain occurs. It is also important to let your doctor know what makes your pain better or worse. There may be other medical factors that your doctor may wish to review to see if they have any relevance to your current pain issue.

Other health issues that your doctor may review at this time are:

Do you have the presence of arthritis, any breathing problems or do you have any known heart conditions?

Understanding the answers to these questions helps the doctor to fully understand how the pain hinders coping ability. Understanding the answers to the stated questions gives the doctor a clear picture of your pain and clues to what may be causing it.

Chronic pain can be the result of disease, injury or chronic conditions of body or mind. Chronic pain can also result from a combination of causes. In some cases doctors may not be able to determine the exact cause of your chronic pain, though they will be able to prescribe medications and therapies that may relieve the pain.

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

Popularity: 9%

By Brad Bahr

Some studies point to the fact that a deficiency of vitamin B6 might be partially to blame for the development of carpal tunnel syndrome although this has not been proved beyond the shadow of a doubt. Studies have shown that individuals who boast higher levels of vitamin B6 in their systems tend to have fewer painful symptoms that are associated with carpal tunnel. Through research studies it has also been discovered that people who show greater levels of vitamin C and lower levels of vitamin B6 tend to have more painful as well as recurrent symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

There are certain foods that are particularly high in vitamin B6 and therefore are excellent foods for sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome to consume on a regular basis. These include chicken, bananas, brown rice, chick peas, potatoes, turkey, salmon, pork, avocadoes, sweet potatoes, barley, bok choy, mangoes and sunflower seeds. Carpal tunnel sufferers should make sure to take 50 milligrams of vitamin B6 at least two to three times on a daily basis for optimum effects. Be aware that there is the risk of side effects if you decide to increase your consumption of vitamin B6. The number one potential sided effect is an increase of urination. However this should dissipate within a couple of days. It can take up to six weeks time to notice an improvement in symptoms when you increase the amount of vitamin B6 you take in. The maximum amount of vitamin B6 you should get from all sources whether they be food and/or supplements is less than 200 milligrams on a daily basis.

The vitamin B12 is also supposed to do some good for carpal tunnel sufferers although studies have only been done on those with severe and chronic carpal tunnel syndrome and not those who are only in the beginning stages of the syndrome. Vitamin B12 however has been should to be of help to those who suffer from severe carpal tunnel syndrome. Taking enzyme supplements such as bromelain for example or taking a combination of enzyme products such as Wobenzym can help to decrease the swelling of tissue but it can sometimes take many weeks for improvement to be noted. The number one source of bromelain is the pineapple. The homeopathic herbal medicine called arnica whether taken orally as a tablet or applied to the wrist and hand as an ointment has shown it is capable of bringing relief to carpal tunnel sufferers in a variety of research studies although it has not been shown to improve the incidence of swelling or to improve grip strength in patients.

Therapeutic touch makes use of the hands in a therapeutic manner to concentrate and then transfer what is referred to as “energy fields” from one individual to another in order to help bring relief to those who suffer pain in relation to their carpal tunnel symptoms. Unfortunately the reach of therapeutic touch can only go so far. The function of the median nerve does not improve in relation to this holistic therapy and some people question whether it really relieves pain to any large extent or not.

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

Popularity: 7%

By Brad Bahr

When it comes to carpal tunnel syndrome if you try one holistic approach and it is not to your liking or it does not work then try something else. For example acupuncture is beneficial at relieving pain but if you are petrified at the thought of needles then you might want to try acupressure instead which is based on similar principles to the former. Instead of needles being applied to specific areas of the body pressure is applied. This special form of pressure is believed to encourage the flow of blood to the hands and wrists and it also helps to relieve numbness as well as swelling. The specific acupressure points for carpal tunnel syndrome include the hands, forearms and wrists.

Chiropractic treatments have been shown to bring relief to some patients as this type of holistic treatment can decrease the symptoms and can also improve the functioning of the wrist and the hands. Chiropractic treatments involve the manipulation of the joints of the body and the soft tissues that take into consideration both the arms as well as the spine. Research studies have borne out the truth that chiropractic treatments are every bit as effective as more traditional methods of pain relief including wearing wrist supports, either in the daytime, nighttime or both, taking ibuprofen, not to mention other forms of treatment.

Feldenkrais is a lesser-known form of holistic medicine that is a type of “movement re-education.” Individuals who decide to participate in Feldenkrais are taught either individually or else in a group setting with others. What is taught is that patients of carpal tunnel syndrome learn how to move their bodies around in a manner that allow them more co-ordination and also improves flexibility and decreases the strain on muscles and joints.

Hellerwork is a type of bodywork that is sometimes recommended for sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome. Hellerwork is made up of three different elements. The first element is the work of deep tissue. In this case each treatment starts with work on the soft tissues of the wrist and forearm. The second element is becoming knowledgeable about how to maintain proper movement and posture and well as assessing the ergonomic set up of an individual’s workstation (in other words, is the chair too high or too low in relation to the desk, is the monitor too high or too low and so on). The third element is the dialogue or discussion that looks at what emotions and what stresses cause the muscles of the body to lock into specific “holding patterns” and from there how they serve to modify breathing in a negative way.

Yoga is another form of holistic pain relief that has been used to help those who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. Studies have shown that people who practice the 11 yoga postures twice every week for a period of two months show improvements in their level of pain as well as the strength of their grip. Yoga is a safe practice that is good for people of all ages. It is possible to start at the beginner class and then work up to more advanced classes.

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

Popularity: 5%

By Brad Bahr

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a debilitating and painful disorder that brings on numbness and tingling in the hands and/or fingers, specifically the wrist, thumb, index finger and/or the ring finger. In some cases weakness also occurs in the wrist and hands and in some people there is a loss of sensation. Carpal tunnel syndrome is brought on due to repetitive actions of the fingers and hands such as improper positioning of the hands, which occurs as a result of constant typing on a computer, cash register, etc. Carpal tunnel syndrome involves the median nerve in the hand. In this case this nerve becomes compressed and it goes through the carpal tunnel, which is a narrow passageway that houses ligaments and bones, which can be found on the bottom side of the wrist. Besides repetitive use carpal tunnel syndrome can also be caused by such conditions as pregnancy, obesity, arthritis, diabetes and hypothyroidism.

There are a variety of holistic approaches that can be taken to help treat the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome. Acupuncture is one option that can bring relief. In this case thin sterile needles are placed into certain areas of the body to bring pain relief. Acupuncturists believe that the body contains energy pathways known as meridians and when these meridians are blocked pain is brought on. Acupuncture is a therapy that works to unblock these areas to stop pain so it cannot get any worse. It is widely believed that acupuncture is capable of releasing chemicals in the body that directly help to fight pain and encourage the proper balance of the circulation system as well as promoting adequate circulation of the blood in the body.

The points used in acupuncture when it is done for carpal tunnel include the wrist, the arm, the thumb and sometimes other regions of the hands. In soma cases other parts of the body will be worked on as well including the leg, the neck and the upper back. How many acupuncture treatments a patient requires is dependent on many factors including the symptoms, how long the person has been afflicted with the condition, the severity of the condition, a person’s overall level of health and how much use a person gets out of their arms and hands (i.e. some people hold jobs that involve a great deal of typing or manual dexterity while other people do not).

In some cases laser acupuncture will be used on a patient as opposed to acupuncture with needles. In this case a handheld laser is used. Some studies have found that after patients underwent three laser acupuncture treatments weekly for a period of four to five weeks that their symptoms got better. Some people however take longer to notice an improvement, whereas others see no improvement at all. Sometimes trial and error is the only way to ascertain if a treatment is for you or not. If acupuncture or laser acupuncture is a holistic therapy you are considering then search for a qualified professional in your area and always speak to your doctor before you book a consultation with the acupuncturist. The Internet is a fast and easy method of finding a professional in your community.

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

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