Pros and Cons

A basic principle behind many kinds of alternative medicine is balance.Acupuncture, tai chi, and various forms of energy medicine are designed to bring the body into balance, which in theory, can help restore health.

This principle of balance is an important one to keep in mind when considering alternative medicine for yourself or a loved one. There are many benefits of using complementary and alternative medicine for a wide variety of conditions, but there are also things to be cautious of. Before trying out any new therapy, it is a good idea to consider the pros and cons.

Alternative Medicine: Pros

Recently, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) reported that about 38 percent of U.S. adults and about 12 percent of children are using some form of alternative medicine. Here are some of the reasons:

• Whole-person treatments. Traditional medicine views disease as a distinct entity from the person who carries it. The growing trend toward specialization in medicine has led to many treatment advances, but also has distanced physicians from the “healthy” parts of their patients. A key difference between traditional and alternative medicine is that most forms of alternative medicine emphasize whole-body care. Practitioners of alternative medicine address not just the physical body but also the patient’s emotional and spiritual health. According to the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, a growing interest in a more holistic approach to health is one of the main reasons alternative medicine is on the rise.
• Personal attention. Because of the emphasis on whole-body care, alternative medicine practitioners often offer patients a great deal of personal attention. Traditional physicians can be strapped for time and pressured by insurance companies and packed waiting rooms. Alternative medicine practitioners, because of different philosophies and fee structures, typically place greater emphasis on one-on-one attention.
• Focus on prevention. Another draw to alternative medicine is its focus on prevention. Whereas traditional medicine tends to intervene once disease is present, many types of alternative medicine encourage patients to have “well visits,” treatments that are focused on preventing disease before it occurs, in addition to being cared for when sick.

Alternative Medicine: Cons

Before trying a new kind of alternative medicine, there are some key factors to keep in mind. The following concerns should not prevent you or a loved one from using alternative medicine, but offer more information in the decision-making process.

• Limited scientific research. In response to increased consumer demand, funding for research studies on alternative medicine is growing. But compared with traditional medical methods, evidence is still limited, which has left many questions unanswered. Currently, there are several studies under way. In order to learn about ongoing studies on alternative medicine, NCCAM recommends asking your primary care physician or other health care provider, visiting the "Research" link on the NCCAM site, or going to your local library and inquiring about scientific journals or online resources.
• Confusing marketing. It’s easy to confuse the words “natural” and “safe” — but the two are not synonymous, despite some marketers’ attempts to make us think otherwise. Many dietary supplements and herbal remedies, both of which fall under the alternative medicine umbrella, are mislabeled as “natural.” A red flag should also go up if a manufacturer makes unrealistic claims that their products are “miracle cures” or have “secret ingredients.”
• Potentially dangerous interactions. Even in cases when the product contains no artificial substances, supplements and herbs can still potentially interact with prescription and over-the-counter medication. And some of these natural products have side effects of their own.

SOURCE:http://www.everydayhealth.com/alternative-health/the-basics/are-you-conisdering-complementary-and-alternative-medicine.aspx
The Leader
ACTRESS @ CELEBRETIES HOT PHOTOS
Young and Adult Sexual Reprouctive Health
Organic Farming

BENEFITS

Last Updated: Aug 16, 2013 | By Amber Keefer

Acupuncture is an alternative for treating pain. Photo Credit akupunktur image by Jens Klingebiel from Fotolia.com

According to Johns Hopkins University, more than 40 percent of Americans report using alternative medicine therapies for pain control when prescribed medications prove to be ineffective. Alternative medicine offers an integrated approach to healing and may include interventions such as herbal remedies, reflexology, chiropractic, nutritional supplements, massage therapy and acupuncture. With more medical professionals beginning to suggest the use of alternative therapies in combination with conventional medical treatments, many more studies are underway to examine both the usefulness and safety of these nonstandard treatments.

SOURCE: http://www.livestrong.com/article/121642-benefits-alternative-medicines/
The Leader
ACTRESS @ CELEBRETIES HOT PHOTOS
Young and Adult Sexual Reprouctive Health
Organic Farming

Medicinal Mushrooms

Excerpted from Herbs for Health Magazine

by Christopher Hobbs L.Ac., A.H.G.

Mushrooms have been valued throughout the world as both food and medicine for thousands of years. Throughout the world, many people enjoy hunting for wild mushrooms, delighting in the variety of shapes, sizes, and colors exhibited by these "flowers of the fall." Europeans have always appreciated the gastronomic value of wild mushrooms. In Japan, pushcart vendors on the streets still sell medicinal mushrooms to the average citizen who uses them to maintain health and promote longevity. Some Japanese people have even been said to travel hundreds of miles in order to collect wild mushrooms that only grow on very old plum trees--such as the Reishi--renowned as a cure for cancerand degenerative diseases. Likewise, for over 3,000 years the Chinese have used and revered many fungi for their health-giving properties, especially tonics for the immune system (Bo and Yun-sun, 1980; Yun-Chang, 1985). To the Yoruba of southwestern Nigeria a number of fungi became an important part of their mythology and medical practice (Oso, 1977).

Source: http://www.chineseherbs.com/category-s/1897.htm

The Leader
ACTRESS @ CELEBRETIES HOT PHOTOS
Young and Adult Sexual Reprouctive Health
Organic Farming

Acupuncture Now Part of Fertility Services

Reproductive endocrinologist, Dr. Robert Anderson, announced today his affiliation with acupuncture fertility specialist, Dr. Grace Pak, who might be able help fertility patients improve the chance for success during in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.

Newport Beach, CA (PRWEB) July 2, 2007 -- The Southern California Center of Reproductive Medicine's affiliation with Dr. Pak developed due to the increasing number of requests by IVF patients and Dr. Anderson's high opinion about acupuncture.

"There have been many attempts to increase the success of IVF through the use of a variety of alternative medicine treatments", comments Dr. Anderson. He adds, "Over the past few years, acupuncture has become one of the more popular of these treatment modalities. Research shows that it may have a positive impact on the outcome of an IVF cycle."

There have been a number of studies performed at IVF centers around the world, which have demonstrated that acupuncture may have some benefit in treating infertilitywhen used along with IVF. It has been shown in these studies that there is an increased embryo implantation rate and increased pregnancy rate when acupuncture is used during IVF compared to women who did not undergo acupuncture treatment. For more information about acupuncture at SCCRM, please go tohttp://www.socalfertility.com/acupuncture-and-fertility.html

If acupuncture treatment is requested by patients, Dr. Anderson recommends to schedule sessions with Dr. Pak during the stimulation phase of IVF and at the time of embryo transfer. This is the time it promises the most benefit, according to research.

Dr. Grace Pak, a licensed acupuncturist joined SCCRM after practicing her skill in Orange County for the past eight years. She was the founder and director of her own reproductive wellness and holistichealth center and holds a Masters Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Dr. Pak grew up around the field of acupuncture and the field of Western Medicine throughout her life and concentrates in her work on providing excellent patient care with the goal of increasing fertility treatment success with acupuncture. For more information about our acupuncture infertility specialist,for more infohttp://www.chineseherbs.com/category-s/1860.htm

Source: http://www.emediawire.com:

The Leader

ACTRESS @ CELEBRETIES HOT PHOTOS

Young and Adult Sexual Reprouctive Health

Organic Farming

Acupressure and Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine views the body as a small part of the universe, subject to laws and principles of harmony and balance. Chinese medicine does not make as sharp a distinction as Western medicine does between mind and body. The Chinese system believes that emotions and mental states are every bit as influential on disease as purely physical mechanisms, and considers factors like work, environment, and relationships as fundamental to a patient'shealth. Chinese medicine also uses very different symbols and ideas to discuss the body and health. While Western medicine typically describes health as mainly physical processes composed of chemical equations and reactions, the Chinese use ideas like yin and yang, chi, and the organ system to describe health and the body.

Everything in the universe has properties of yin and yang. Yin is associated with cold, female, passive, downward, inward, dark, wet. Yang can be described as hot, male, active, upward, outward, light, dry, and so on. Nothing is either completely yin or yang. These two principles always interact and affect each other, although the body and its organs can become imbalanced by having either too much or too little of either.

Chi (pronounced chee, also spelled qiorkiin Japanese shiatsu) is the fundamental life energy. It is found in food, air, water, and sunlight, and it travels through the body in channels called meridians. There are 12 major meridians in the body that transport chi, corresponding to the 12 main organs categorized by Chinese medicine.

Disease is viewed as an imbalance of the organs and chi in the body. Chinese medicine has developed intricate systems of how organs are related to physical and mental symptoms, and it has devised corresponding treatments using the meridian and pressure point networks that are classified and numbered. The goal of acupressure, and acupuncture, is to stimulate and unblock the circulation of chi, by activating very specific points, called pressure points or acupoints. Acupressure seeks to stimulate the points on the chi meridians that pass close to the skin, as these are easiest to unblock and manipulate with finger pressure.

Acupressure can be used as part of a Chinese physician's prescription, as a session of massage therapy , or as a self-treatment for common aches and illnesses. A Chinese medicine practitioner examines a patient very thoroughly, looking at physical, mental and emotional activity, taking the pulse usually at the wrists, examining the tongue and complexion, and observing the patient's demeanor and attitude, to get a complete diagnosis of which organs and meridian points are out of balance. When the imbalance is located, the physician will recommend specific pressure points for acupuncture or acupressure. If acupressure is recommended, the patient might opt for a series of treatments from a massage therapist.

In massage therapy, acupressurists will evaluate a patient's symptoms and overall health, but a massage therapist's diagnostic training isn't as extensive as a Chinese physician's. In a massage therapy treatment, a person usually lies down on a table or mat, with thin clothing on. The acupressurist will gently feel and palpate the abdomen and other parts of the body to determine energy imbalances. Then, the therapist will work with different meridians throughout the body, depending on which organs are imbalanced in the abdomen. The therapist will use different types of finger movements and pressure on different acupoints, depending on whether the chi needs to be increased or dispersed at different points. The therapist observes and guides the energy flow through the patient's body throughout the session. Sometimes, specialherbs (Artemesia vulgarisor moxa) may be placed on a point to warm it, a process called moxibustion. A session of acupressure is generally a very pleasant experience, and some people experience great benefit immediately. For more chronic conditions, several sessions may be necessary to relieve and improve conditions.

Acupressure massage usually costs from $30-70 per hour session. A visit to a Chinese medicine physician or acupuncturist can be more expensive, comparable to a visit to an allopathic physician if the practitioner is an MD. Insurance reimbursement varies widely, and consumers should be aware if their policies cover alternative treatment, acupuncture, or massage therapy.

Source: http://www.chineseherbs.com/category-s/1864.htm

The Leader

ACTRESS @ CELEBRETIES HOT PHOTOS

Young and Adult Sexual Reprouctive Health

Organic Farming

Acupuncture: the Stress-buster

By Kath Bartlett

Stress. We all have it. The question is, "How do I get rid of it?"

The answer lies not only in eliminating the causes, but also in learning to manage life's curve balls. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are useful in the management end. Lifestyle changes can help with the causes. How can acupuncture help, and what can you do to stop stress in its tracks?

Before answering that question, let's look at what happens when we get stressed. Mostly, we tense up. This tightening causes our Qi to get stuck. Qi (pronounced chee) is energy, the energy of life. This energy flows through our body. It's Qi (energy) that mobilizes our arms and legs to move, our stomach to digest food, our heart to pump and blood to flow. Without Qi, we're dead, lifeless.

When we get tense the Qi flowing through our body and organs gets stuck. The stuck Qi builds up, like a pressure cooker, and eventually needs an escape valve. We might get angry and have outbursts. When Qi in the stomach gets stuck, we have digestive problems, like acid regurgitation, or heartburn. (Qi gets stuck, and can't flow down, so it goes upward and escapes out the mouth.) Some people get bowel problems, like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) because this stuck Qi cannot move food through the intestines properly. Did you ever get angry and feel Qi rising to your head (maybe you got warm or red in the face)? This happens because the stuck Qi building up has to be released. It goes up to the head, and can cause migraine or tension headaches, and high blood pressure.

Acupuncture effectively treats disorders caused by stress, by unblocking stuck Qi, allowing it to flow properly throughout the body. We feel more relaxed and food is digested smoothly and moves through the bowels properly. As our tension is relieved, so are the headaches. Instead of being so tense and angry, we remain calm and our blood pressure and our tempers stay even.

How does acupuncture treat stress-related health conditions? The acupuncturist beans by asking questions about the problem (e.g.. headache, heartburn, or high blood pressure) and then asks general questions about all systems in the body and emotions. The acupuncturist is determining a constitutional pattern to explain why this patient developed the condition. Next, the practitioner develops a treatment plan, including acupuncture, herbal formulas and lifestyle modifications to treat the condition. The acupuncture and herbal prescriptions include empirical points or herbs known to be effective in treating the complaint, and points and herbs to move the stock Qi. For example, headaches or high blood pressure might be treated with acupuncture points in the feet or ankles, or heavy medicinal like shells or minerals to pull the excess qi down to the feet, therefore stopping the problem.

A recent medical study published in Anesthesiology (June 2003) used ear acupressure to relieve stress and anxiety in patients being transported to the hospital in ambulances. Some got a real acupuncture points (acupuncture group), and some got a fake (sham) points (control group). At arrival, the stress level in the acupuncture group decreased sixty-six percent. In contrast, the stress level in the control group increased .ten percent. Such studies indicate the effectiveness of acupuncture in-stress treatment.

Stress is our internal response to outside stimuli. Modifying the way we respond and react to external triggers and the way we live, we can make a great impact in improving health and in resistance to stress. Here are seven things You can do change Your response and eliminate stress.

Walk away from it. Walking is a great way to move Qi, so it doesn't get stuck. Sometimes while you're walking you'll see a new way to solve the problem. Somehow in the flesh air things don't seem so bad, and you relax.

Breathe. When life gets overwhelming, take a deep breath, and then slowly release it Watch the breath, as it comes in, and as it goes out Meditation requires you to focus on something other than your problems, like your breath, relaxing music or guided imagery. In doing so, you get your mind off your troubles, and when you come back they just don't seem so bad. People with regular meditation practices consistently report that they are Calmer and less reactive to stress triggers.

Do one thing at a time. Resist multi-tasking. Trying to do too many things simultaneously inherently causes, tension. Prioritize, and then calmly and efficiently work down the list, one by one.

Shorten the list. When you're overwhelmed because of too many to-dos, cross some off the list. Deadlines can be postponed, and some things will just have to wait.

Get help. Often we feel there's just too much to do, and not enough hours in the day. Don't try to be superwoman/man. Enlist aid to get the must-dos done. Often people around us are not aware that we need help because we're not telling them.

Attend to your financial health. Financial stress can be insidious, affecting our emotions, sleep and physical well being. If your income fluctuates, be sure to save enough during the higher months to cover your expenses during the lean months. Is your nest egg Large enough to cover unexpected expenses, or sudden changes hi employment? (This is usually eight months expenses kept in cash in the bank.) Having a plan and knowing that you are in control of your finances can go a long way towards relieving this kind of pressure.

Have fun. What's life but to be enjoyed? When your troubles are mounting, go do something you love. It's hard to be tease when you're having fun. So whether it's dinnerwith friends, watching a favorite movie, or a bubble bath, be sure to make joy part of your routine.

Ear Acupressure Helps Reduce Stress and Anxiety Thirty-six patients being transported via ambulance to a hospital for various medical conditions were randomly assigned to receive auricular acupressure at the relaxation point or a sham point. Anxiety was assessed at departure and on arrival to the hospital using a visual analog scale (VAS): at departure on arrival Relaxation Group 37.6 12.4 Sham Group 42.5 46.7 Note: Table made from bar graph.

Source: http://www.chineseherbs.com/category-s/1862.htm

The Leader
ACTRESS @ CELEBRETIES HOT PHOTOS
Young and Adult Sexual Reprouctive Health
Organic Farming

Diabenit 90 count

Description

	Is a nutritional intervention supplement formulated by world-renowned Dr. Nie Wentao. When taken in tandem with a healthier life style, Diabenit helps to manage blood sugar levels and reverse the damage caused by this condition. Diabenit works by adjusting metabolic functions and helps promote total body health. Source: http://www.chineseherbs.com/product-p/97734-43050.htm

The Leader
ACTRESS @ CELEBRETIES HOT PHOTOS
Young and Adult Sexual Reprouctive Health
Organic Farming

Heart in Hand Massage Therapy

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSi7YGLZ3eQeJ7htQPf3jvu-coBJbkomOHZzlX-K99EcJuthtaS

Massage is an old art. It was known to our ancestors and was practiced after bathing and exercise to balance and center the body. They understood that health involves equal development of the mind and body. In the world we live in, we rarely take time to allow our bodies to recover from the rigors and pressures of every day routines. Endless meetings, deadlines and errands can lead to burnout and illness which will eventually make us ineffective in our work and home lives. Massage is one way to lessen and relieve these stresses that dull our minds and weaken our bodies. Massage is basically touch. Using the palms of the hands, the forearms, fingertips, elbows and knuckles, the therapist will stroke, push, pull, knead and tap away tension and muscular pain and stiffness from your body. We at Heart in Hand believe massage is the key to the best life, pain free. We weren’t given an owner’s manual when we were born, so we have to learn as we go. Massage is one step on the path. Enjoy the journey...
Source:http://www.heartinhandmassage.com/

The Leader
ACTRESS @ CELEBRETIES HOT PHOTOS
Young and Adult Sexual Reprouctive Health
Organic Farming