Alternative Medicine

Getting The Most Out of Acupuncture

Posted by Alternative Medicine on March 31, 2011 in Acupuncture with No Comments


Acupuncture: The Things You Need To Know

Chi or qi is an energy that flows freely throughout our body through energy pathways. This theory is used by acupuncturists with the thought that an imbalance or blockage in the flow of chi will cause illness. Acupuncture unblocks whatever is causing the imbalance in chi to be able to restore one’s health. Acupuncture is often used by people for relief of pain. It is done by putting needles that are very thin into certain points of the body. These needles are believed to influence the energy flow in the body. It can be used as is or can be a part of a treatment program.

Uses of acupuncture may include:

  • Treatment of headache. Acupuncture is most beneficial in giving a long lasting relief on chronic headaches.
  • Treatment of menstrual cramps.
  • Myofascial pain can also be treated due to spasm in the muscles.
  • Low back pain.
  • Also said to aid in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Inflammation in the tubes of the lungs, or asthma, that causes difficulty in breathing, chest tightness, and wheezing.
  • Labor pain and dental pain is also relieved.

How does Acupuncture work?

Acupuncture involves stimulation of specific locations in the skin with different techniques by using a needle, which are stimulated manually, or with electricity.
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Conditions Acupuncture can be Used

Being a widely practiced therapeutic intervention in the United States and in Toronto, acupuncture has been proven to be effective in treating health conditions.

Such conditions may include:

  • Post-operative and chemotherapy nausea
  • Post-operative dental pain
  • Asthma
  • Low back pain
  • Stroke rehabilitation
  • Headache and migraine
  • Tennis elbow

There are however, risks in this type of treatment but is lessened with more and more experienced and competent acupuncture practitioners emerging. The possible side effects may include internal organ injury if the needles are pushed way too deep, infectious disease with reuse of contaminated needles, and bruising or bleeding in needle sites. To make sure that you are facing a competent practitioner, find someone just as how you look for a reliable doctor. One of the best ways is by recommendations. Ask people you know if they have a contact on a practitioner that they trust. Also, you may want to interview the practitioner by asking how the process will be able to help you. Another way is through checking credentials and trainings.

What to expect with Acupuncture Treatment?

An initial evaluation is usually done by the practitioner to assess what type of acupuncture treatment is needed for a certain ailment. The practitioner will then tell you the location of the treatment then the treatment begins. Needle insertion is the first step. Usually, little to no discomfort is felt while the needle is being inserted. The needle is then manually manipulated once they are placed in the right depth. Then needle removal comes after 15 to 30 minutes. Make sure that your acupuncture practitioner disposes the needles after removal. After the treatment, patients usually feel more relaxed and others may even feel energized or some may even not feel any changes.

With many budding acupuncture practitioners in Toronto, feel free to look around and find someone who will be able to meet your needs and give you satisfaction with the treatment.

The Benefits Of An Aromatherapy Basic Care Kit

Posted by Alternative Medicine on March 30, 2011 in Aromatherapy with No Comments


If you are just beginning your journey with essential oils and aromatherapy there are a few oils that will help you get started. These are some of the easiest to find yet versatile essential oils. Not only are they used for therapeutic purposes but can also be used in many other applications.

Some of these include making natural cleaning products and gardening. In addition to the oils you will need some way to get them into your lungs. An aroma diffuser is a good way to do this.

An aroma diffuser puts the essential oils into the air quickly and spreads them about the room which allows you to get your therapy by just relaxing and breathing deeply. They come in all different shapes and styles so you can purchase one that matches the décor in each room of your home.

Some run with the use of an open flame while others are powered by electricity. You can even get aromatherapy diffusers that work in your car.

Lavender

Lavender is a non toxic and non irritant essential oil. It is extracted through steam distillation from flowering tops of the lavender plant. Lavender has long been a folk remedy used to calm an upset stomach. Lavender has both soothing and reviving properties.

Lavender oil should be clear to pale yellow in will smell sweet with floral and woody undertones. It blends well with other floral and citrus essential oils.

As aromatherapy it has a variety of health benefits. It’s pleasant and calming scent makes it helpful in treating nerves and headaches, anxiety, depression, and emotional stress. It also increases mental stamina and calms exhaustion.

Lavender essential oil is often recommended to treat insomnia as its scent can induce sleep. Massage with lavender oil can remedy all types of soreness and pain even when it is deep in the joints.

The vapor form of lavender oil is used to treat all sorts of respiratory problems including, colds, flu, chest congestions, whooping cough, sinus congestion, and asthma. Lavender has been used to promote good blood circulation and stimulate the production for gastric fluids to treat stomach ailments.

Tea Tree

Tea Tree essential oil is also a non toxic and non irritant but can cause sensitization in some people. This oil is extracted through steam distillation from the leaves and twigs of the Tea Tree.

Tea Tree has long been used by the aboriginal people in Australia and is named for their use of it as an herbal tea. The oil should be a pale-yellow green or water white color. Tea Tree blends well with lavender, clary sage, rosemary, and many spice oils.

Tea Tree oil is known for being anti bacterial, anti microbial, anti septic, and anti viral. In short, it can almost be called a cure-all because it has so many properties to ward off disease and germs. In Australia it is found in nearly every household because of these properties.

Tea tree oil can be used as an anti bacterial to cure all sorts of bacterial infections including the treatment of wounds. As aromatherapy it can be used to treat coughs, colds, congestion and bronchitis. It can also keep fungal infections at bay and even cure dermatitis and athlete’s foot. Tea tree can be used as a stimulant to hormones and circulation and to boost ones immune system. Tea tree oil can help remove toxins by opening pores and promoting sweating which removes uric acid and excess salt and water from your body.

Peppermint

Peppermint essential oil is non toxic and when diluted is a not irritant. It can cause some skin irritation because of the menthol properties it holds and should be used with temperance.

The use of Peppermint has been seen as far back as Egyptian tombs from 1000 BC. It also has a history of use in China and Japan since the earliest times to treat all sorts of health anomalies.

Peppermint essential oil should be pale yellow or greenish in color. It has a strong grassy mint scent. Peppermint works well with other mint scents like eucalyptus as well as rosemary and lavender.

Peppermint has been studied in the science community and its health benefits proven. Because of this peppermint oil is available in pill form. It contains many minerals and nutrients like iron, magnesium, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamins A and C.

Peppermint is an excellent remedy for respiratory problems and is widely used as and expectorant to remove nasal and respiratory congestion. As an aromatherapy it can be used to treat nausea, headaches, depression, and stress. It has also been known to treat irritable bowel syndrome. As a skin care product peppermint oil can improve oily skin and replenish dull skin.

Chamomile

Chamomile is a non toxic and non irritant. It is extracted through steam distillation of the flowering chamomile plant. Chamomile has been used for over 2000 years in Europe for medicinal purposes. The oil should be a pale blue that will turn yellow as it ages. It will have a warm, fruity, sweet smell. Chamomile blends well with lavender and geranium as well as sage and jasmine.

Chamomile is well known for its calming properties. So much so that it can be used in aromatherapy to treat nervous disorders, headaches, and migraines. It is also used to calm allergies and asthma. Many women use it for the treatment of PMS or to relieve a teething or colicky baby.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is relatively new to the aromatherapy family as it has only been used for the past few centuries. It is a non irritant but can be extremely toxic if ingested.

It is colorless as an essential oil but has a distinct pine like scent. The essential oil is from the leaves of the evergreen eucalyptus tree that is native to Australia.

As an aromatherapy it is used to treat respiratory problems like sinusitis, nasal congestion, sore throat, runny nose, coughs, colds, and bronchitis. It is able to treat all of these ailments because it is antibacterial, anti fungal, and a natural decongestant.

Eucalyptus also has a cool and refreshing scent which makes it great for treating exhaustion and mental disorders.

Eucalyptus can also be used around the house as a room freshener, in making natural soaps, in saunas for its antiseptic properties, and even as in mouth wash or toothpaste.

Geranium

Geranium has many healing properties but can cause some sensitization and influence hormone secretions so it should not be used by expectant mothers. Geranium oil blends well with citronella, lavender, orange, lemon, and jasmine.

If used in aromatherapy Geranium oil is a great astringent. It promotes the tightening of muscles to keep skin from hanging loose.

It has anti bacterial and anti microbial properties to help stave off infections of many kinds.

The essential oil is also known to be a cytophylactic which means it encourages cell growth. It can also be used to treat many mental disorders like depression, anxiety, anger, and pre menstrual syndrome.

Rosemary

Although Rosemary is considered non toxic and non irritant when diluted it should be avoided by epileptics, expectant mothers, and those who have high blood pressure.

The flowering tops of the Rosemary plant go through a steam distillation process to form the essential oil. It should be a clear or pale yellow liquid with a strong herb-mint scent. Rosemary is one of the first plants that was used for both food and medicine. In the middle ages it was used to protect against the plague and to drive out evil spirits.

When used in aromatherapy Rosemary oil can help to boost mental stamina and increase brain activity. It can also treat depression, mental strain, and forgetfulness. When one inhales Rosemary they will immediately feel uplifted making it excellent for relief of fatigue. It can also clear your respiratory tract and relieve sore throats, colds, and coughs.

Around your home Rosemary can be used as an air freshener and bath oil.

Thyme

Thyme essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from fresh or partially dry leaves and flowering tops of the Thyme plant. The oil should be red, brown or orange in color. It has a spicy and pungent odor. Thyme was one of the first plants used in Western herbal treatments mainly for respiratory and digestive health problems.

Thyme is anti bacterial, when used in its aromatic form it can prevent bacterial growth in and outside of your body. It is able to cure lung, larynx, and pharynx infections without effecting the rest of your organs like prescription cough medicines. Thyme is also know to boost memory and to treat depression.

Thyme essential oil is used as an insecticide both around the home and on your body. It can also help in treating bad breath and body odor.

Lemon

Lemon essential oil is non toxic but, it may cause skin irritation so it should be used with restraint. Lemon oil is phototoxic so exposure to sunlight is strongly discouraged. In Spain Lemon is known as a cure all being used for everything from fever to arthritis.

The oil will be a pale green-yellow color that turns brown as it ages. It has a light citrus smell and blends well with fennel, lavender, sandalwood, and chamomile.

Lemon is very popular for cooking and for its fresh scent. As aromatherapy it can aid in the relief of stress, anxiety and fatigue.

The scent of lemon helps to increase concentration and alertness and bring an overall positive sense to those who inhale it. Lemon has also been used in treating coughs and colds and it the treatment of asthma.

The high amount of vitamins in Lemon oil make it an immune system booster. It can also improve circulation and stimulate white bloods cells further aiding ones ability to fight disease. Lemon has also been used as an aid in weight loss.

As a household cleaner lemon can be used on metal surfaces like knives to disinfect them. It can also be used in soaps and facial cleansers as it has antiseptic properties.

Clove

Clove oil should be used with extreme care. It can cause mucus membrane irritation and severe skin irritation. As such it should only be used sparingly and well diluted.

The buds, leaves, stems, and stalks of the clove plant are distilled with water to extract the essential oil. It should a pale yellow color with a spicy scent.

Clove mixes well with sage, allspice, lavender, and rose. Clove has been used all over the world for centuries. It can be used to season food as well as for medicinal benefit. Clove contains many minerals including calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamins A and C.

Clove has many health benefits, namely in the form of dental care. It has germicidal properties that aid in relieving tooth aches, gum sores, and ulcers in the mouth. It can also help relieve a sore throat.

Clove is an aphrodisiac which makes it a great stress reliever when used as aromatherapy. It can also have a stimulating effect and help to ease fatigue. Clove can also be used to treat headaches, bronchitis, asthma, coughs, and colds. Expectant mothers can use clove to relieve the nausea and vomiting often experienced during pregnancy.

Clove cigarettes have long been a popular alternative to the traditional tobacco kind. At one time it was thought that adding clove could counteract the negative effects of smoking, this has since proved false. The American Cancer Society notes that there is no scientific proof that clove cures cancer in any way.

I hope you have enjoyed reading this article and your journey into the wonderful world of the benefits of aromatherapy!

How to Make Herbal Incense

Posted by Alternative Medicine on March 29, 2011 in Health with No Comments


Whether you want to improve your mood, do some daily meditation, or simply smell something pleasant-you can achieve those goals by using herbal incense. And in today’s Do-It-Yourself world, more and more people are choosing to make their own herbal incense. While this option can save you a small fortune, it’s important to take the right steps.

Here are some helpful tips for having the most success when making your own herbal incense:

1. Choose your herbs carefully
Not all herbs are alike. In fact, different herbs will have significantly different effects on your mind and emotions. So when creating your own herbal incense, it’s crucial to know how different herbs will affect you differently. The function of the incense should have a key impact on which herbs you choose. Do you want to give your mood a boost? Are you preparing for a romantic candlelight dinner? Will you be performing a religious ceremony? By first determining the function of the herbal incense, you’ll be better prepared to choose the right herbs. Besides doing research to create a blend of herbs, you should also do some experimentation.

2. Use fresh herbs
As when choosing plants for other applications, it’s crucial that the herbs are as fresh as possible. This will maximize the fullness of the herbs’ aromas. To ensure the freshness of the herbs, you could consider growing them yourself. However, if you don’t live in an ideal environment for growing certain herbs, then you’ll have to buy your herbs from a supplier. If you need to do that, then verify that the herbs supplied are as fresh as possible.

3. Use the right tools to pulverize the herbs
The best option is a mortar and pestle. This will help to crush the herbs, while allowing them to maintain their aromatic properties. Ultimately, it will help to maximize the effectiveness of the herbs as incense. On the other hand, you should definitely avoid using tools such as electric coffee grinders. The ultra-fast speed creates heat that causes the herbs to lose some of their aromas. Save those grinders for woods and of course-coffee.

4. Consider adding some essential oils
Although essential oils aren’t essential for your herbal incense, a few drops of them can certainly enhance them.
By definition, essential oils contain the essence of a particular plant. However, they’re in a concentrated form, so you can use a few drops of the oils instead of pounds of plants. Like the herbs themselves, several varieties of essential oils are available on the market. So it’s important to shop around and do your homework before making your selection.

5. Allow your herbs to cure
Sometimes curing doesn’t involve healing. When creating a blend of different herbs for your herbal incense, curing is a crucial step. Place the herbs in an airtight container. Then place that container in a place that’s dark, dry, and cool. The curing should last for a couple of weeks.

Regardless of why you’re planning to use herbal incense, it’s crucial to prepare the herbs properly. These above tips will help you to accomplish that mission.

Discover the Healing Benefits of Aromatherapy Soy Candle

Posted by Alternative Medicine on March 26, 2011 in Aromatherapy with No Comments


If you want to get the ultimate benefits of aromatherapy, then soy candle is your best option. An aromatherapy soy candle promotes superior relaxation. It will soothe your senses so you can achieve psychological and physical balance.

The Secret of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a proven therapeutic method with extraordinary healing properties. The therapy uses the scent of essential oils derived from natural plants.

The scent of essential oils passes through the lungs and into the bloodstream. This will then promote healing and encourage total physical relaxation. More importantly, the delightful aroma of natural oils will relax your mental faculties. This promotes clarity of your senses and improvement of psychological well being.

Why Aromatherapy Soy Candle?

There are many reasons why soy based candle is the ideal tool for aromatherapy. First of all, you need to remember that conventional candles made from petroleum-derived paraffin emit harmful carcinogenic chemicals. If you inhale the aroma of petroleum candles, then you are also inhaling carcinogens.

That is why aroma therapists are gradually replacing chemical based wax with soy wax. The development of candles made from pure soy totally revolutionized aromatherapy. Soy wax eliminates the hazards of carcinogen-laden petroleum wax.

Soy wax is a natural ingredient derived from soybeans. It is actually a close relative of tofu which is one of the healthiest byproducts of soy. So if you inhale the aroma of soy wax, you are also getting the full benefits of natural healing.

Things to Consider When Buying Aromatherapy Candle

There are several crucial factors that you need to consider when you start shopping for soy based candles.

Here are some tips that could serve as your buying guide:

1. Make sure that you are getting 100 percent soy wax candle. Do not buy candles made from composite wax. You have to get assurances from the candle maker that the candle only contains pure and unadulterated soy wax.

2. Buy aromatherapy candles with lead free wick. This is important because a wick laden with lead will emit soot and harmful smoke.

3. Choose a candle maker that can offer rich collections of scented soy wax candles. If you can choose from at least 40 different fragrances, then you can easily find the right scent that will soothe your senses.

Aromatherapy soy candle could promote healing and relaxation. It can significantly improve your psychological and physical well being. If you want to enjoy the full benefits of aromatherapy, always choose natural 100 percent scented soy candles.

Homeopathy – Some Personal Experiences

Posted by Alternative Medicine on March 25, 2011 in Homeopathy with No Comments


There is a lot of controversy about homeopathic remedies. One thing I know for sure. If it works, use it. I have been going to a homeopathic doctor for twenty years. Both of my children who are now eighteen and twenty years old, have been treated throughout their entire lives, by a homeopathic doctor. Their health from a young age, in comparison with some of the other kids at school. My children got the usual ‘flu’ that would turn to a bad chest cough. My doctor would treat them with his homeopathic ‘flu’ remedy and within three days it would clear up.In comparison to some of the children whose ‘flu’, coughs and colds would drag on for weeks. Why would anyone question the efficacy of this medicine?

Many of my customers also went to the same Homeopath and I have decided that I would like to share some of those stories. While these situations certainly could not be applied to everyone, I feel that Homeopathy deserves a chance since there appears to be too much evidence in favour of these so-called placebos. These are the sorts of comments being made about Homeopathy. The British Medical Association vehemently objects to national funding for homeopathy treatment, considering any effect to be placebos. Homeopathy is one of the most polarizing forms of complementary and alternative medicine in part because it’s based on principles that defy the laws of chemistry and physics. Well that may all have some controversial weight, but to be honest… if it works for you… why not use it.

I’ve always been pretty healthy except for a regular recurring nausea for no apparent reason. When I became pregnant with my first child I became impossibly ill. And this was my first recommended visit to my Homeopath. He conducted his diagnosis with a Vega machine and concluded that because I had suffered with hepatitis when I was six years old, the liver needed to be treated. He put me on a diet of fruit and vegetables for five weeks. No fat, protein, sugar or white flour whatsoever. I was so ill that I welcomed the diet. He gave me two bottles of medicine. Both in a liquid form that tasted like water with a mild after taste of alcohol. He explained that the diet was important because the liver had to be still in order for the medicine to work. He also described how liver cells have a certain shape, and due to certain circumstances such as Hepatitis, the shape of the liver cell changes. This affects the way the liver aids the digestion and elimination of proteins from the body. When the liver renews its cells, it simply duplicates the same ‘damaged’ liver cells and continues to work under duress. This was why I was experiencing this continual nausea.Within three days all of the symptoms cleared up. It was remarkable!

I completed the diet and the remedy. I am a changed person. I had acne… it cleared up. My complexion took on a new elasticity. The acne scarring which was mild, disappeared as the skin just plumped out. My breath was fresh. My food tasted completely different, and for the first time since I was a child, I could eat a fried egg. Whew! Phenomenal. I have been in tip-top health since that time. I sleep well..I have boundless energy, no hormone problems… at fifty.

One of my clients who was diagnosed with a terminal illness and is the person who recommended my Homeopath to me. On the day she gave me his phone number, she told me that eleven years previously she was told to see this Homeopathic doctor as a last resort. He husband carried her to the doctors rooms as she could not walk due to the illness. The doctor treated her. After two weeks she woke up, got out of bed and went straight to the kitchen and began to prepare breakfast. She was telling me her story eleven years later.

A short time later, another client told me about her son at seven years old, was suffering with recurring kidney infections. She had been very upset when she was told that one kidney had to be removed. She was told to see the same Homeopath. She was telling me the story while her son was getting his cut with me. He was now fourteen years old and was seven when he was diagnosed. He smiled at me and said “I’m fine now. I haven’t had any more problems since I was seven”.

My mother developed painful arthritis about four years before I started going to my doctor. After he treated me, my mother went to see him. Can you guess? No more problems. There were many incidences over the past twenty years similar to the ones I have described, since we were all from the same area and went to the same Homeopath. There were to many successful results for the medicine to simply be called a placebo. Now I cannot make any medical claims. I can only write about the success stories over the years, and believe me, there were many. I can only defend homeopathy due to the results that I have personally experienced and the success stories that I have been exposed to. I wish you health. At least explore a homeopathic route if nothing else is working.

Rudraksha – The Ayurvedic Miracle Healer

Posted by Alternative Medicine on March 24, 2011 in Health with No Comments


What exactly is Rudraksha? It is a bead, the seeds of the Rudraksha tree, found in plenty in India, Nepal and Indonesia. It is botanically known as the ‘Elaeocarpus Ganitrus Roxb’, but before it was botanically named and researches started to find out its properties, Ayurveda had considered Rudraksha as one of the major healing herbs, with no other herb to second it.

But unlike other Ayurvedic herbs, it is not taken orally. Rather, it is either worn on the body or kept in a small box, which should always be near you – you can carry the small box wherever you go, keep it in your room, keep it under your pillow, keep it in your car while driving, or keep it in your purse.

If you happen to see these beads, you will notice that each bead has clefts and vary in the different number of clefts – some may have five and some may have ten. Its cleft is the basis upon which the usability of a particular Rudraksha bead is decided upon.

Various studies have revealed that in total, there are 38 facets of these beads, out of which the five cleft beads are the most popular ones. In India, yogis are seen to wear Rudraksha garlands as it is considered to possess healing elements. But one doesn’t have to be a yogi to wear it. In fact – it is rather common to see an average person wears these garlands because it is considered to be a miraculous healer. It is believed that wearing this particular garland can protect your mind, body and soul from negativities and fill you with positivity and prosperity.

For a long time now, the traditional and contemporary Asian literatures have been documenting the importance of Rudraksha on many levels, and making the people understand its miraculous powers. In recent years, scientific approaches are being applied to determine exactly how this miraculous healing power of this bead works. It is indeed surprising to know how a herb can create such a miracle, when we look at other places for miracles to happen!

Some researchers have linked Rudraksha to Physics as they have found that its beads have electro-magnetic properties and like magnets, they work on the principle of Dynamic Polarity. For instance, you can stabilize your heart beat by placing a singular bead over your heart!

For centuries, these beads have been used by the Asians, especially the Indians, as a powerful healer. The beads transmit subtle electrical and inductive impulses with opposite polarity and intensity.

So, why do the these beads hold such benefits for humans? The human body is a complex mechanism of bio-electronic circuits which regulates the organs and its functions. So whenever the body’s bio-electronic function becomes imbalanced, one can use these beads as a stabilizing agent, to restore equilibrium. Being organic, Rudraksha is yet another of Mother Earth’s gifts to mankind, a gift we should all consider accepting and using.

Home Cures for Thrush of the Mouth

Posted by Alternative Medicine on March 23, 2011 in Health with No Comments


As if we do not have enough to deal with in our daily lives, you have discovered horrible white patches on your tongue that may even bleed.

If this sounds like something you are experiencing than you most likely have thrush of the mouth. It is possible to get rid of this with one of several home cures for thrush of the mouth instead of spending money at the doctors.

  • One of the easiest home cures for oral thrush that you can do is a saltwater rinse. Simply by mixing one cup of warm water with a ? teaspoon of salt can bring great relief from the pain and start you on the road to a clean mouth. Do this several times a day until the white patches are gone.
  • Another of the many great home cures for thrush is to use garlic and onions together to do battle. Both of these everyday foods have antifungal fighting power and can kill Candida in your mouth. Add these to your daily diet to heal the white patches inside of your mouth.
  • If you wear dentures then you should know that they can be a breeding ground for yeast. There is plenty of moisture under there and this in turn can breed yeast. Be sure to clean your dentures each and every night as well as clean your mouth.
  • If you have ever heard of using yogurt as a home cure for yeast infection then you should know that it is great for oral thrush as well. Not only is it tasty but you will give the healthy bacteria in your mouth a boost. Simply take a teaspoon or two and move it around in your mouth. Be sure not to eat or drink for a little while after this to give it a chance to work.
    The use of probiotic yogurt is one of the most effective and soothing cures you can also use for oral thrush. Try it cooled for some instant relief.
  • Many of us use mouth wash each and every day and you can change to an anti-fungal mouthwash to fight thrush. This is one of the easiest home cures for thrush since it is something that is likely already part of your daily routine.
    To create this wonderful rinse combine warm water, cider vinegar and a dash of salt in a glass. Mix till dissolved then rinse and spit. Not only will this get rid of your current thrush but help to prevent its return.

All of these home cures for thrush of the mouth are great to help get your smile back and your breath fresh and clean.

Using any of these cures every once in a while, you will be able to keep thrush at bay and be pain free. And as you can see, many of the ingredients are things that you keep in your kitchen and use each and every day.

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You may also want to know if you have a baby that is experiencing thrush and you breastfeed, you can rub a little coconut oil on your nipples which is safe for baby and soothing for you.

Acupuncture for Acne

Posted by Alternative Medicine on March 23, 2011 in Acupuncture with No Comments


The part in all of us that is vain may always search for perfect skin. One would always be interested in the current skin care treatment and the breakthroughs for cosmetic medicine. One merely seeks to satisfy a curiosity when one is updated in these matters. It does not mean that anyone would necessarily raid the clinic or market or the drugstore to try out every available beauty product. Right!

The benefits of acupuncture have widened its reach that it can now be used as an acne cure. It is amazing that acupuncture has been found as an application in the skin care industry. Acupuncture for acne is now being suggested by some family doctors and dermatologists as an additional part of the skin care regimen for their clients.

Cosmetic acupuncture is designed to rejuvenate the youthful and healthy glow of skin. Acupuncturist claim that cosmetic acupuncture can clear acne spots, rosacea, or age spots. Aside from acne, treatments can also strengthen facial muscles for instant face lift. It can increase collagen production, improve skin elasticity, remove wrinkles, and improve complexion.

For some, there is a point when they turn to acupuncture for acne treatment. The benefit of having a clear skin without necessarily applying so many chemicals on the skin is preferable. Thus, the chances of the skin being harmed by chemicals are drastically reduced. With the intervention of acupuncture, you use your own body and its inherent chemicals to heal acne.

Thus, if you are tired and confused which chemical or which remedy to apply first on your skin and what comes next after that, then perhaps you can try a natural remedy that would take a few or more Acupuncturist appointments.

Acupuncture is all about finding balance within your body without ingesting or relying on too many synthetic chemicals. It is also based on the belief that your body has some of the answers to heal whatever pain or other symptoms that your body is exhibiting. It is hard to find a treatment that is as concerned with beauty as it is with health. So, if you are lucky enough to find one or two, then you should go for it. It would be much easier for the pocketbook in the long run. However, lucky for you, acupuncture for acne can be one such treatment. It can address skin problems and other health issues you have such as pain, vertigo, hypertension, and others.

It is important that acupuncture for acne must be performed by licensed Acupuncturist. Make sure that you are going to someone who is sincere in his or her service and as passionate to protect your health as you are. Entrusting the widest part of your body – your skin – to one who is not authorized to work on it is a big risk to take. You should not even consider it. The point in seeking an Acupuncturist is to lessen your problems, not add to it.

Why Was Acupuncture Invented?

Posted by Alternative Medicine on March 20, 2011 in Acupuncture with No Comments


To understand why and how acupuncture came into being, you have to look back at the history of Chinese medicine which goes back 8000 years in time.

Two main philosophical ideologies became the framework of the Chinese medicine, Taoism and Confucianism. Confucianism was against the development of anatomy and surgery as it was based upon that the entire body is sacred and must remain complete throughout life and after death. It didn’t allow any practical interventions on the human body even for the purpose of cure. The answer to this was acupuncture which dealt with the diseases on the basis of this ideology.

On the other hand, Tao means ‘way’ and Taoism was based upon the philosophy of harmony between man, his inside and outside world. This ideology gave rise to two important phenomena; Yin and Yan which formed the roots of Chinese medicine. Balance between Yin and Yang are essential to maintain harmony of the human body system in Chinese medicine. Acupuncture is based on this concept and the needles are inserted at special points to correct the imbalance and disharmony.

Yin and Yang are two opposite aspects of the material world. Like day and night, they are independent of each other, yet two important ends of the spectrum. Existence of one is the surety that the other end exists as well. Based on this theory initially sharp edged stones were used in Chinese medicine to drain abscesses. Era of this treatment trend was known as The Old Stone Age which dates beyond 10,000 years back. After this the stones were modified in sharp objects which were used to treat diseases. These objects were known as ‘BIAN STONES’. This is how with times modifications gradually gave rise to Acupuncture, or needle puncture; a term invented by European physician Willem Ten Rhyne.

With time many modifications are made in the field of Acupuncture. The treatment is now practiced in many different ways. Therapy is also based on application of heat by either heating the needles and then inserting them, or applying heat to the inserted needle. In either way propagation of heat lead to the feeling of warmth and an energetic boost just after the treatment or after a few sessions. Another method is propagation of electric current to the needles which isn’t painful or dangerous.

Surprisingly acupuncture is also being practiced as a modern technique without the use of needles. Main purpose is to provide relaxation either through needles or with them. Acupressure is also being implemented and is quite popular being an effective part of massage therapies.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Posted by Alternative Medicine on March 19, 2011 in Acupuncture with No Comments


It is natural to have concerns about the safety of any medical technique or healing method. Without knowing how safe acupuncture is there is no way to make an informed decision about whether or not to seek treatment through this method. The answer to the question “Is acupuncture safe?” can be broken down into three separate areas- risk of infection, risk of malpractice, and risk of side-effects. Each of these will be explored in this article.

Infection From Acupuncture

Acupuncture in the modern industrialized world is almost always performed with sterile, single-use, disposable acupuncture needles. To further reduce the risk of infection acupuncturists in most jurisdictions are mandated to pass a “Clean Needle Technique” course. In this course acupuncturists are taught how to prevent contamination of the needles or acupuncture sites that could lead to infection. When practiced this way, infections due to acupuncture are extremely rare. In my informal polls of acupuncturists I have not found anyone who knew of a single case of infection!

Still, infections at the needle site can and do happen, especially in people who have a compromised immune system. To avoid the risk of infections ask your acupuncturist if they always use sterile, single-use, disposable acupuncture needles. You should also ask if they have passed a “Clean Needle Technique” course. If your acupuncturist complies with both of these best-practices then your risk for this kind of infection should be very low.

Acupuncture Malpractice

Malpractice can happen in any healing modality. While acupuncture enjoys very low rates of malpractice compared to conventional “western medicine”, mistakes can and do happen. There are a few incidents such as punctured organs and collapsed lungs each year. According to wrongdiagnosis.com in the years 1990 through 2003 only 0.04% of acupuncture practitioners had a malpractice claim against them. Compare that to the 13.5% of dentists and 68.6% of physicians that had a malpractice claim against them during the same time period and the safety of acupuncture can be put into proper perspective.

Side-effects of Acupuncture

Since acupuncture affects the body in a holistic way, “side-effects” the way one might normally think of them, are rare. Sometimes a patient will come in for treatment of one condition and have another seemingly unrelated condition clear up first. There are also times when the symptoms a patient is experiencing gets worse for a few days after an acupuncture treatment. Most often the symptoms will start to improve in a few days, particularly when acupuncture treatment is first started. Still, this can be alarming to someone who is unprepared for this possibility.

The healing process the body goes through is unique from individual to individual. It is hard to predict exactly how the body will react to treatment. Both of the above cases can be seen as an indication that the acupuncture treatment is working. It is important to give your body adequate time to go through its healing process. Your acupuncturist will want to know about any changes happening in your body as you go through a course of treatment.