Acupuncture-Body Points,Treatment & Health Benefits

Acupuncture is based on the theory of yin and yang,which are not absolute but relative.

Yin and yang are the opposites that make the whole.Yin is conceptualized as being cold, dark and female.Yang is warm, light and male.Neither of them can exist in isolation.These two opposites are not stationary,but in constant motion.The interaction of yin and yang produces "Qi", the bipolar energy.Life is possible only because of the interplay between these forces.The body, mind and emotions are all subject to the influences of yin and yang.Each organ has an element of yin and yang within it.The histological structures and nutrients are yin, and the functional activities are yang.Some organs are predominantly yang in their functions, such as the liver, while others are predominantly yin, such as the kidney.Even though one organ may be predominantly yin (or yang) in nature, the balance of yin and yang is maintained in the whole healthy body because the sum total of the yin and yang will be in a balance.Historically, acupuncture body points were believed to be the holes that allow entry into channels.These holes provide us gateways to influence, redirect, increase, or decrease body's vital substance,Qi, thus correcting many of the imbalances.
The efficacy of acupuncture, especially for relieving pain, has been proved beyond doubt and is no longer a question today. According to the Gate Control Theory , pain signals pass through a number of high-traffic 'gates' in the spinal chord, as they move from the area of injury upward into the brain. Like a road or highway, these nerves can handle only a limited number of nerve signals at a particular time. Under normal circumstances, this gate is wide open and pain impulses get through very easily. But when acupuncture needling is carried out, another stream of non- painful impulse flow towards the spinal chord. This causes overcrowding at the gates, resulting in jamming. This competitive inhibition of pain impulses leads to an analgesic effect and no pain is felt at the level of brain.
Chemical or humoral mechanisms are also involved in relieving pain.These substances, called endorphins, are present in the brain, spinal chord and the intestines.The pituitary responds to acupuncture by releasing this painkiller, into the blood and cerebro-spinal fluid. This indirectly decreases the pain by reducing the firing rate of the pain impulses by the nerves at a distance.This phenomenon is described as pre-synaptic inhibition.
The electrical theory of acupuncture states that acupuncture works by influencing the electromagnetic field in the body. This electrical field influences the growth, maturation, and functioning of some types of cells. The body also continually generates tiny, but detectable electrical discharges. Studies have shown that there is a correlation between the electromagnetic fields in the body and the channels or meridians. Acupuncture points, which lie along the meridians, when stimulated, alter the amount of neurotransmitters, leading to an altered sensation of pain.
The important effects produced by acupuncture are analgesic, sedative, homeostatic or regulatory (an effect important for the body to adjust itself to the external environment), immune- enhancing, tranquilizing __apart from mere sedation, and motor recovery in paralytic patients.Apart from controlling pain, acupuncture can treat a wide variety of common and uncommon disorders.It has been shown to improve the circulation of blood, decrease high blood pressure, stabilize the rhythm and stroke volume of the heart, control the secretion of the gastric acid, increase the production of red and white cells.
It also stimulates the release of a variety of hormones that help body to respond to injury and stress.

The following is a list of disorders that can be treated by acupuncture: -

Respiratory :- Acute Sinusitis, Acute rhinitis, Common cold, Acute tonsillitis, Acute bronchitis, Bronchial asthma.

Eye :- Acute conjunctivitis, short sightedness (in children), Cataract (without complications).
Mouth :- Toothache, post extraction pain, Gingivitis (gum disease), Acute and chronic pharyngitis.
Gastrointestinal Disorders :- Hiccups,Gastritis, Gastric Hyperacidity, Ulcers, Colitis,Constipation,Diarrhea, and Paralytic ileus.
Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders :- Headache and migraine, Trigeminal neuralgia, Paralysis following stroke, Meniere's disease, Neurogenic bladder dysfunction, Nocturnal enuresis (bed wetting), Intercostal neuralgia (pain in the ribs), Cervicobrachial syndrome (pain radiating from neck to arm), "Frozen shoulder" or "tennis elbow", Sciatica, Low back pain and Osteoarthritis.

Acupuncture is used frequently for the treatment of chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, headache, athletic injuries, and post traumatic and post surgical pain.It is also used for treating chronic pain associated with immune function dysfunction, such as psoriasis (skin disorders), allergies, and asthma.Acupuncture is also found to be effective for the treatment of mind-body disorders such as anxiety, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, hypertension, insomnia, menopausal symptoms, and depression.Acupuncture has become popular throughout the world in the past few decades. It is now recognized as a simple, safe, effective and economical form of therapy, besides being free from side effects.It has not only been used as an anaesthetic agent, but also in many diseases that are resistant to conventional forms of therapy.Some modern application of acupuncture is in the treatment of disorders such as alcoholism, addiction, smoking, and eating disorders.

Dental Care – Tooth Decay Disease

Soon after brushing your teeth, a thin, sticky layer forms on the surface of all your teeth. This layer contains many bacteria and is called plaque.When you eat anything sugary, the bacteria in plaque turn the sugar into the energy they need, producing acid at the same time.The acid softens and dissolves the hard surface covering the tooth (enamel) to slowly produce a cavity (demineralisation). This is called tooth decay or "caries".Enamel doesn't contain any nerves so you won't feel any pain at first. Eventually a cavity may reach the dentine - the white substance underneath the enamel that forms the bulk of a tooth.Dentine is sensitive to pain so you will feel advanced cavities,especially when eating or drinking hot, sugary or acidic things.

Saliva helps to wash away and neutralize the acid. It also contains minerals to replace those lost from the enamel during acid attack.Demineralization and re mineralization are repeated every time we eat or drink something sugary. It's an ongoing battle between the acid and our saliva. If sugary food or drinks are consumed too often, the saliva doesn't get long enough to fully re mineralise the teeth, making tooth decay more likely.

Gum Disease :-
Gum disease is very common, affecting most adults in the UK to some degree.When plaque remains on the teeth for too long, it collects near your gums and turns into a hard substance called tartar (or calculus). Tartar, and plaque, causes your gums to become irritated, red and swollen. This is the early stage of gum disease and is called gingivitis.The most common sign of gingivitis is your gums may bleed when you brush them.This should be a sign you need to clean you teeth more thoroughly rather than less.If gingivitis isn't treated, the tissue and bone supporting the teeth is gradually lost. This is called periodontal disease. After a long time teeth affected by periodontal disease can become wobbly, and may eventually fall out. To prevent gum disease you need to regularly brush your teeth and clean between your teeth with floss or inter dental brushes. This reduces the build up of plaque and tartar.

Dental Erosion :-
Dental erosion is the loss of the enamel, caused by acid attacking the surface of your teeth. This time the acids aren't from bacteria. Instead, they usually come from drinks such as fruit juices, fizzy drinks and squashes - even fizzy water.These drinks are so popular that nearly half of the children in the UK have some dental erosion by the age of six.Dental erosion is irreversible and can result in sensitivity and pain if the dentine becomes exposed. This also makes tooth decay more likely, and it can be unsightly as eroded areas of teeth are darker.Erosion can be prevented by drinking acidic drinks less often, and only at meal times. You may be able to reduce the amount of contact your teeth have with acidic liquids by drinking through a straw.

How to look up after your teeth :-
Maintaining good oral hygiene is critical to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.This means cleaning your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, visiting the dentist and hygienist regularly and controlling how often you consume sugar.

Brush Your Teeth :-
Brushing is the most effective way of removing plaque.Here are some tips for getting the most benefit out of toothbrush :-

brush at least twice a day.
use fluoride toothpaste to protect against.
decay use a toothbrush with a small head and soft or medium synthetic bristles.
start at one side of your mouth and move round to the other side.
brushing all the tooth surfaces thoroughly pay particular attention to the gum line,angling the bristles into the crevices where the gum meet the teeth replace your toothbrush at least every three months.Some people prefer an electric toothbrush. There is some evidence that certain types of electric toothbrush are more efficient at removing plaque than brushing by hand. However, the thoroughness of the cleaning is much more important than what type of brush you use. You must clean every surface of every tooth and a small toothbrush, whether electric or not, will help.

Clean between your teeth :-
Dental floss or inter dental brushes remove plaque and particles of food from between the teeth and under the gum line,These are areas that a toothbrush can’t reach.Correct technique is important,so ask for advice from your dentist or hygienist.You may find inter dental brushes easier and more convenient then floss.

Consider mouthwash :-
Fluoride mouthwashes can help to prevent tooth decay.Some antiseptic mouthwashes reduce the number of plaque bacteria and help prevent gum disease.If you are regularly using mouthwash to freshen your breath,talk to your dentist for advice,as this may be sign of poor oral hygiene.Always read the instructions on the box or bottle.

Chew gum:-
Chewing sugar-free gum after meal stimulated the production of saliva,which helps to neutralize plaque acid.Some chewing gum contain a sugar-free sweeter called xylitol,which suppresses certain types of plaque bacteria.

Control sugar in your diet :-
Sugary foods and drinks encourage tooth decay.But it’s how often these sugars are eaten-rather than the amount-that is important.Avoiding sugars meals gives your teeth a chance to be remineralised by saliva.Limiting sugar between mealtimes is particularly important for children.Children who eat sweets or drink sugary juice over a long period are more likely to develop tooth decay.Its also good for your general health to reduce your sugar intake.Do not frequently ear acidic food or drink,like fizzy drinks or citrus fruit juice,as these also encourage tooth decay and erosion.

Alcohol and tobacco :-
Drinking alcohol and smoking or chewing tobacco is associated with an increased risk of developing mouth cancer.Smoking also stains the teeth and increases the risk of gum disease and tooth loss.Alcoholic drinks,and the mixers used with them,often contain lots of sugar,and also increase the risk of tooth decay.

Visiting the dentist and hygienist :-
Dentists and hygienists play an important role in preventing problems such as tooth decay,gum disease and erosion.At check-ups,they will be able to detect any problems early,and provide advice and treatment.

Dentists :-
Your dentist will give your advice about how often you should have a check-up.For adults,this should be at least once a year.Children,and adults who are at high risk of developing dental disease,need to see a dentist more often.You may be at high risk if you smoke,have a diet high in sugar,or have had lots of dental treatment in the past.

Hygienists:-
Even through brushing and flossing can’t remove every trace of plaque.Most of People have irregularities in their teeth where plaque can accumulate out of reach of brushing and harden into tartar.This can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist using a special scaling instrument.Polishing,using a rotating brush and abrasive paste,removes stains from teeth.

Rapid Weight Loss Tips

(1) Fruits and Green Vegetables are low calorie foods, so over weight persons should use these more frequently.

(2) One should avoid intake of too much salt.Salt may be a factor for increasing the body weight.

(3) Milk products like cheese, butter should be avoided because these are rich in fat.Meat and non-vegetarian foods should also be avoided.

(4) Spices like dry ginger, cinnamon, black pepper etc. are good for loosing weight and can be used in a number of ways.

(5) Rice and potato which contain a lot of carbohydrates should be avoided among cereals wheat is good.

(6) Vegetables like bitter gourd (Karela), and bitter variety of drumstick are useful for loosing weight.

(7) Taking of honey is an excellent home remedy for obesity. It mobilizes the extra deposited fat in the body and puts it into circulation, which is utilized as energy for normal functions. One should start with small quantity of about 10 GMs. or a tablespoonful to be taken with hot water. It is good to take it in early morning. A teaspoonful of fresh lemon juice may also be added.
(8) Fasting on honey and lime juice is highly beneficial in the treatment of obesity without the loss of energy and appetite. In this mode of treatment, one teaspoonful of fresh honey should be mixed with a juice of half a lime in a glass of lukewarm water. It can be taken several times in a day at regular intervals.

(9) Cabbage is considered to be an effective remedy for loosing weight. This vegetable inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. Hence, it is of great value in weight reduction. It can be taken raw or cooked.

(10) Exercise is an important part of weight reduction plan. It helps to use up calories stored in body as fat. In addition, it also relieves tension and tones up the muscles of the body. Walking is the best exercise to begin with and may be followed by running, swimming, rowing.

(11) Lime juice is excellent for weight reduction.Juice of a lime mixed in a glass of warm water and sweetened with honey should be taken every morning on an empty stomach.

(12) Measure the portions of your food every meal and make sure that the portions are small. For example one portion of rice should not be more than the quantity which can fit in your fist. Smaller meals at a regular interval of 4 to 5 hours will keep your metabolism high and prevent your body from converting the food you intake into fat. You must also include regular exercise in your daily routine to help enhance weight reduction.

(13) Mix equal quantity of honey, garlic and vinegar.It provides a double effect for weight reduction.

Health Improvement with Herbal Life

We can enjoy a natural and effective way of maintaining or improving your health with help of herbal life supplements and over the years,Herbal supplements have become hugely popular.Herbal Life is nothing but one of the very large, worldwide diet and Herbal Nutrition Company.

If we need to become a bit healthier, then you should also think about improving your diet and working out regularly.Another things is that we might want to take some herbalife vitamins or supplements to make sure that you are getting the right amount of nutrients.If you eat well and get a bit more exercise then you will be well on your way to making some improvements,no other quick and easy way of getting healthy.

Whenever need to purchase Herbal Nutrition Supplements,its very important to make the checks discussed with regards to quality and ingredients, as this will ensure that the vitamin you take is safe and of good quality.

You want to get good value on your supplements, and with the discount prices available online you can enjoy getting herbal supplements that are of high quality and at reduced prices.
Here its some common but very important checklists on purchasing of Herbal Supplements.

(1) For a Woman,if she is pregnant or breastfeeding,please do not take herbal supplements.

(2) Do not give Herbal Supplements to Children under 3 to 5 years of age.

(3) We Should not apply self-treatment methods to serious medical conditions with medicinal herbs.

(4) Always We should purchase herbal supplements that display an expiration date, as well as a lot or batch number.

(5) The herbal products should state which part of the plant was utilized, such as root, leaf, or blossom.

(6) Always check A Supplement Is FDA-Approved or not.

Asthma Symptoms- Asthma Cures

Asthma is a chronic lung disease.Asthma symptoms include wheezing, coughing, out of breath, and other breathing difficulties.These symptoms are triggered by allergens or non- allergens.Allergens include seasonal pollens, dust, mould, pets, insects and non-allergens could be a cold, smoke, exercise, anxiety, humidity.Asthma is not a physiological problem stress and anxiety could increase the intensity of the symptoms.Asthma is caused by a variety of factors. It may be due to an allergy caused by weather conditions, food, drugs, perfumes, and other irritants. Allergies to dust are the most common.

Asthma Cures :-

Asthma treatment using Honey :-
Honey is one of the most common home remedies for asthma. It is said that if a jug of honey is held under the nose of an asthma patient and he inhales the air that comes into contact with it, he starts breathing easier and deeper.

Asthma treatment using Figs :-
Among fruits, figs have proved very valuable in asthma.They give comfort to the patient by draining off the phlegm.Three or four dry figs should be cleaned thoroughly with warm water and soaked overnight.


Asthma treatment using Lemon :-
Lemon is another fruit found beneficial in the treatment of asthma.The juice of one lemon,diluted in a glass of water and taken with meals, will bring good results.

Asthma treatment using Indian Gooseberry :-
Indian gooseberry has also proved valuable in asthma. Five grams of gooseberry mixed with one tablespoon of honey forms an effective medicinal tonic for the treatment of this disease. It should be taken every morning .

Asthma treatment using Bitter Gourd Roots :-
The roots of the bitter gourd plant have been used in folk medicine for asthma since ancient times. A teaspoon of the root paste, mixed with an equal amount of honey or juice of the tulsi leaves, given once every night for a month, acts as an excellent medicine for this disease.

Asthma treatment using Drumstick Leaves :-
A soup prepared from drumstick leaves, and taken once daily, has been found beneficial in the treatment of asthma.This soup is prepared by adding a handful of leaves to 180ml of water and boiling it for five minutes.
After being allowed to cool, a little salt, pepper, and lime juice may be added to this soup.

Asthma treatment using Ginger :-
A teaspoon of fresh ginger juice, mixed with a cup of fenugreek decoction and honey to taste, acts as an excellent expectorant in cases of asthma.The decoction of fenugreek can be made by mixing one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in a cupful of water. This remedy should be taken once in the morning and once in the evening.

Asthma treatment using Garlic :-
Garlic is another effective home remedy for asthma.Ten garlic cloves, boiled in 30 ml of milk, make an excellent medicine for the early stages of asthma.This mixture should he taken once daily by the patient.Steaming ginger tea with two minced garlic cloves in it, can also help to keep the problem under control, and should be taken in the morning and evening.

Asthma treatment using Bishop's Weed :-
The herb bishop's weed has been found valuable in asthma. Half a teaspoon of bishop's weed should be mixed in a glass of buttermilk and taken twice daily.It is an effective remedy for relieving difficult expectoration caused by dried-up phlegm.A hot poultice of the seeds should be used for dry fomentation to the chest twice daily. The. patient can also inhale steam twice a day from boiling water mixed with ajwain. It will dilate the bronchial passages.

Asthma treatment using Safflower :-
Safflower seeds are beneficial in the treatment of bronchial asthma. Half a teaspoon of powder of the dry seeds, mixed with a tablespoon of honey, can be taken once or twice a day in treating this disease.This acts as an expectorant and reduces the spasms by liquefying the tenacious sputum.An infusion of five grams of flowers mixed with one tablespoon of honey, taken once daily, is also useful in this disease.

Diet for Asthma :-

carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
The patient should avoid common dietetic errors. Ideally, his diet should contain a limited quantity of carbohydrates, fats and proteins which are 'acid-forming' foods, and a liberal quantity of alkali-forming foods consisting of fresh fruits, green vegetables, sprouted seeds, and grains.

The patient should avoid foods which tend to produce phlegm, such as rice, sugar, lentils, and curds. He should also avoid fried and other difficult to-digest foods, strong tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages, condiments pickles, sauces and all refined and processed foods.

The patient should also follow the other laws of nature.Air, sun, and water are great healing agents.Regular fasting once a week, an occasional enema, breathing exercises, fresh air, a dry climate, light exercises, and correct posture go a long way in treating the disease.

Winter Colds & Flu Prevention Tips

The average person gets two or three colds every year.And while a cold won’t kill you, it suppresses the immune system enough so that more serious problems can ensue.Colds are passed on in two ways; by inhaling the cold virus from someone who has it, or by touching respiratory secretions (sneeze stuff for example) through hand to hand contact or a surface like a doorknob, and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Flu can affect 20 to 50 percent of the population each year. It's very contagious and is mostly spread by direct person-to-person contact.A flu virus can linger in the air for three hours and in close quarters, like classrooms or work spaces, transmission is high.

Some health care tips to help you through the worst of it.

1. At the very first hint of a cold or flu, take action! :-
Suck on a zinc lozenge until it melts away. Then suck another every two waking hours. Or use a zinc-based oral spray such as Thera Zinc Spray from Quantum Health.Take the herb astragalus twice a day until you are better. A 250 mg dose is suggested. Also, Echinacea will help reduce the duration of a cold.If it’s the flu, the herb elderberry has been shown to help reduce the duration and severity of flu.Don’t forget the chicken soup.

2. Wash your hands often. :-
This is the most common recommendation for good reason. It’s true. The Navy did a study on 40,000 people and found that they cut their likely hood of getting a chest cold by 45%. Clean under your finger nails, too. Lots of germs get stuck there.

3. Wash your hands twice. :-
Some say antibacterial soap makes all the difference. But researchers at Columbia University found that two hand washings in a row were better.

4. Take a zinc lozenge every day. :-
A study of over 300 high school students found that one zinc lozenge a day prevented colds in over 60%. Amazing for an environment notorious for germ swapping.

5. Eat a container of yogurt or take a pro biotic every day :-
One study from the University of California-Davis showed that people doing this had 25 percent fewer colds.

6. Public restroom germ prevention :-
Public bathrooms have lots of germs. If you worried, use a paper towel to touch the faucet and another to open the door on the way out. Even the Center for Disease Control agrees.

7.Rub your eyes with a knuckle:-
Eyes are an entry point for germs and you’re less likely to have virus germs on your knuckles than your fingers. Guess what? Most people rub their eyes or nose around 30 times a day.

8. Microwave your toothbrush :-
Put it in for 10 seconds and you’ll kill germs that can cause colds and more. Also replace it every month when you change the page on your calendar and after you've had a cold.

9. Pressuring yourself at work doesn’t help :-
A study of 200 people at work over three months showed that those who lacked confidence or blamed themselves when things went wrong were more likely to start sneezing. Stress lowers your immune response.

10. Let a bit of air in during the winter :-
Fresh air chases out germs. But don’t freeze!

11. Keep your house cooler by 5 degrees :-
Keeping your home too hot dries the air making breeding easier for cold viruses. It also dries out your mucous membranes which in turn makes it easier for those viruses to grow inside your nose. A humidifier helps, too. Plus, you’ll save energy.

12. Take a weekly sauna :-
People who sauna have half the number of colds. Researchers believe that the hot air kills viruses. If you can’t sauna, you can inhale hot air from a blow-dryer but make sure you set it on warm, not hot and that you hold it about 18 inches or more from your face and breathe in through the nose. Give it a good 15 minutes.

13. Meditate :-
Or if you don’t like that the idea of meditating, sit quietly and focus on one word.Choose a word that comforts you. Again, reducing stress builds immune strength.Stressed people get two times as many colds.

14. Wipe your nose :-
don't blow. Sneeze into your arm, not your hands.When you blow, the germs go out but also shoot back in.If you have to, blow softly.Sneezing into your arm puts the germs in a place where you won’t spread them around.

15. Forget about antibiotics :-
Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria, not the viruses that cause colds or flu. As a matter of fact, taking antibiotics during a cold or flu can lower your immune defense and make the problem worse or last longer.

Health Excercise Benefits

Exercise has been defined as a rhythmical activity for the purpose of improving fitness or health.

What are the different types of exercise? :-

Physical activity includes all forms of activity (occupational, recreational, or sports-related) performed without the specific purpose of fitness or health.

(1) Aerobic (e.g. walking, swimming)
(2) Anaerobic (e.g. sprinting)
(3) Isometric (e.g. lifting weights)

Resistance Training involves providing some form of resistance to the contracting muscles to stimulate the body for increased strength.Equipment used for resistance training takes multiple forms, including hand weights, pulleys, hydraulic, elastic, rubber, fiberglass, and magnetic equipment.

Strength or resistance training is very important to improve ones functionality and reduce the risk of injury.As people age, the lean tissue (i.e. muscle) declines more from lack of use than from aging itself.Performing some type of resistance training on a regular basis is essential.

Safety Since the demand on the heart is generally less while strength training than when walking at a moderate pace, resistance training is regarded as safe for patients with heart conditions. It is advisable never to strain or hold breath in an attempt to lift something.Straining can adversely affect blood flow to the heart.

What are the goals of exercise?

The goals of exercise are to :-

(1) Improve oxygen delivery and metabolic processes.
(2) Build strength and endurance.
(3) Decrease body fat.
(4) Improve movement in joints and muscles.
(5) Improve sense of well-being.
(6) Slows down aging process. Normal.

Warm-Up and Cool-Down Period. Warming up and cooling down are important parts of any exercise routine. They aid the body in making the transition from rest to activity and back again and can help prevent soreness or injury, especially in older people.

(1) Warm-up exercises should be practiced for five to 10 minutes at the beginning of an exercise session. Older people need a longer period to warm up their muscles. Low-level aerobic exercise, such as walking briskly, swinging the arms, or jogging in place are the best.

(2) To cool down,one should walk slowly until the heart rate is 10 to 15 beats above resting rate. Stopping too suddenly can sharply reduce blood pressure.This is a danger for older people, and may also cause muscle cramping.Breathe deeply during the cool off phase.

(3) Stretching is appropriate for the cooling down period, but not for warming up because it can injure cold muscles. Particular exercises may require stretching specific muscles. For example, a jogger or biker might emphasis stretching the hamstrings, calves, groin, and quadriceps, while swimmers would focus on the groin, shoulders, and back. Stretching is best done when joints are lose and flexible that is in the afternoons or evenings.