Sunday, December 20, 2009
Holistic Migraine Treatment
The most recent studies clearly show that acupuncture is as effective or more effective than the triptan drugs in treating migraine headaches. Additionally, there are virtually no side effects. Treatment is usually on a weekly basis for 1-2 months. This is usually enough to break the cycle. At that point, treatments are scheduled further apart or on an as needed basis. There are essentially no contraindications.
Another type of headache called cluster headache was also just recently studied. The report appears in the Dec. 9, 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. The report states: "To our knowledge, this is the first adequately powered trial of high-flow oxygen compared to a placebo, and it confirms clinical experience and current guidelines that inhaled oxygen can be used as an acute attack therapy for episodic and chronic cluster headache....." The report stated that 78 percent of patients reported being pain-free or having adequate relief within 15 minutes of receiving high-flow oxygen.
So, in the end, you be the judge. Safe, effective holistic treatments or piles of pills and the potential for devastating side effects.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Energy Balancing
Acupuncture can be used to sedate a hypersensitized nervous system, i.e. one that is way out of balance due to too much stimulation and subsequent depletion of energy. Follow this treatment directly with a Thai massage. This is a way to re-energize and "lubricate" one's body. Most often, this method, re-sets your "inner clock" and allows the body's energy system to re-balance.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Treating migraines holistically
I now see her for weekly acupuncture treatment and she is very close to headache free. Also, she is very careful with her diet avoiding foods known to trigger migraines. Often, a holistic approach such as this is the safest and most effective treatment.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Wheat grass juice
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Aphrodisiacs
Oyster aphrodisiac
Bing
This is the second article in a series on aphrodisiacs. In the first article it was explained that an aphrodisiac is a substance that can purportedly increase sexual desire. Additionally, because desire is a mental process/emotion, drugs like Viagra which work on a physical basis alone (per claims of the manufacturer) do not fit the true definition of aphrodisiac. Of course, it can not be denied that if people have an expectation for sex and a purple pill is popped at the right time, the expected activity may certainly result.
Oysters are among the oldest and most commonly utilized aphrodisiacs available. In fact , the word aphrodisiac is derived from Greek mythology. Specifically, it comes from the goddess Aphrodite. The story states that the goddess came from the ocean perched upon an oyster shell and that she gave birth to Eros, god of desire. There is also the ancient belief that foods that resemble certain body parts stimulate or enhance those parts. An example of this would be walnuts and the brain. A walnut cracked in half reveals a geography startlingly similar to the human brain. Further, modern science has found walnuts to contain vitamin E which is essential for sexual and reproductive health.
Oysters resemble female genitalia. They also have a sensuous feel. When taken on the half shell with a glass of wine, might this not be a true elixir? And similarly, like walnuts containing nutrients that are good for the brain, oysters contain nutrients which are essential for reproductive health. Specifically, oysters contain zinc. The highest concentration of zinc in humans is in the prostate gland which helps to produce semenal fluid. Might this contribute to enhanced desire? Zinc is also necessary for the production of testosterone. Other nutrients found in oysters are certain amino acids which have been found to stimulate the nervous system and increase sex hormones in lab experiments with rats.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Ginger prevents motion sickness and relieves upset stomach
I have used ginger (Zingiber Officinale) extensively in my holistic practice. It is one of the safest herbs available and can be quite effective in preventing motion sickness and relieving upset stomach. It can also improve digestion. Research has shown that ginger can help prevent vomiting. Many of my cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapy derive great benefit from ginger. Many are relieved to go off their antiemetic (prevents vomiting) meds and instead relax with a cup of ginger tea. Simply pour boiling water over about 1 gram (about 1/3 teaspoon) of freshly cut pieces of ginger and strain after 5 minutes. It is also possible to purchase capsules in a health food store. Total dose for the prepared ginger is between 2 and 4 grams.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Chinese herbs for allergies and sinus
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Balance
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
New Services
From July 7 to July 21 there is a phone drive to help support HR 646, the Federal Acupuncture Act. You can call your congressional rep, senator or president (202-456-1111). There is a good letter on line at www.aaaomonline.org.
Lastly, there is a good free web newsletter available at Debrajoygoldman.com. It provides lots of information on helping you live life fully.