Moxibustion Heat Therapy and Herbal Medicine Are Remedies To Consider For Uterine Fibroids
When you have a diagnosis of uterine fibroids, natural and alternative home remedies can be safe and simple ways to treat yourself.
Uterine fibroids also known as leiomyomas, myomas or fibroid tumors are growths of hard muscle tissue in the uterus. About 50 percent of all women over the age of 40 have them. The fibroids grow so frequently that they are deemed a typical irregular occurrence. Most fibroids (about 80 percent) remain small, about the size of a walnut although some fibroids can become huge (medical reports show one that was a hundred pounds!).
Fibroids are the biggest reason women in the US have hysterectomies.
While medical researchers have not determined what exactly causes uterine fibroids, they have established proof that estradiol, a type of estrogen, is responsible for their growth. Fibroids disappear after menopause. But since the level of estrogen levels can increase during the early menopausal years, previously symptomless fibroids may develop in the years just prior to the cessation of the menstrual cycle, leading to menstrual flooding and extreme menstrual pain, difficult evacuation, incontinence or urinary frequency, pain during intercourse, low back pain, a sensation of heaviness in the stomach and other symptoms.
Colored women are 3 to 9 times at risk of developing fibroids with their fibroids growing more rapidly than white women.
Generally, fibroid tumors aren’t cancerous. Tumors are not a malignancy or cancer, they are growths or swelling in the body. Less than 0.1 percent of all uterine fibroids are malignant.
When it is small, the fibroid eventually disappears on its own. Fibroids that are large are harder to deal with, although through natural interventions, they are not impossible to control.
The uterus is where the lowermost energy center or “root chakra” of your body is located. It is the area believed to house unexpressed anger and that any undesirable growths in these organs can be cleared by safely channeling or externalizing the anger.
A woman’s menstrual cramps and fibroids vanished within 3 months after she embarked on a rigid exercise routine. Irregular ovulation appears to exacerbate the fibroids; exercise ensures regular ovulation.
Eating at least three servings of beans or whole grains a day not only lessens the size of fibroids but also helps prevent the development of cancer in the endometrium and breast.
Trifolium pratense or red clover flower can help prevent fibroid development although when used during the menopausal years, it may increase the number of fibroids in the body.
Herbs such as yellow dock root, milk thistle seed, and dandelion can strengthen the liver and help metabolize estrogen out of the body, which helps reduce fibroids.
Twenty five to thirty drops of chasteberry tincture or Vitex two to four times a day, tend to reduce the size of fibroids within a couple of months. But outcomes emanate from long-term use (about two years and more).
A TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) practitioner in Fremont can administer moxibustion heat therapy over the area where the fibroid is located while you visualize the heat releasing the treasures in your uterus. What can you give birth to? What is hidden in this fibroid?
TCM treatments for reducing fibroids
Used externally as a stomach rub oil and internally as a tincture, one to ten drops of Phytolacca Americana or poke root can significantly relieve discomfort and pain caused by fibroids. Take note that poke is a poisonous herb and is usually not for sale. This is one solution you may have to make yourself to try.
Ginger compresses (hot ginger water soaked in a towel) and warm castor oil packs applied on the stomach can help reduce the size of the fibroids as well as alleviate pain.
Hormonal progesterone therapy is a controversial way of treating uterine fibroids in women. Some believe that not having enough progesterone in the body is the cause of fibroids while others believe that progesterone promotes fibroids. During pregnancy, when progesterone production is high, the size of the fibroid increase, and after menopause atrophy when progesterone levels plunge, they diminish. Time will tell what side will be proven right. In the meantime fibroid size can be reduced by eating more beans and whole grains because they alter progesterone/estrogen ratio the leads to the reduction of fibroids.
Decrease fibroids by minimizing exposure to estrogen: Eat organic foods, stay away from HRT/ERT and birth control pills, and avoid pesticides and herbicides and other estrogen-mimicking residues. Chlorine bleached tampons may imitate mimic the negative effects of estrogen as well.
The medication leuprolide acetate or Lupron induces “artificial menopause” by shutting down estradiol production in the body resulting in a substantial reduction in fibroid size within two to three months.
However, when intake of this drug is stopped, the fibroids grow back to almost their original size.
Significant developments in surgical operations have been made for fibroid sufferers. You can now have other options to consider besides uterus extraction (hysterectomy). These options include suprecervical hysterectomy, hysteroscopic resection, myomectomy, and uterine embolization. It may take time though to find a surgeon who is skilled in the procedure since these are fairly new procedures.
For women below the age of 60 who are suffering from uterine fibroids, hysterectomy can be a life-saving procedure. By the age of 60 however, many American women (a third of them) have decided to have their uterus removed surgically. If you have non-symptomatic fibroids in your body, this is not a good reason to undergo a hysterectomy. Some women who did their research before a getting a hysterectomy because of fibroids, fared much better after the operation than those who did not.
Except for a few women, a woman’s ovaries is a very important aspect of their health. So, keep your ovaries even if you decide to have a hysterectomy.
Start with the most gentle remedies first if you have a uterine fibroid that is problematic. When using a remedy, set a time limit for it. Except in emergencies, don’t advance to stronger solutions until you’re sure the safer ones don’t really work for you. You’re the best one to judge what works for you and what does not.
Internal Kung Fu Saved Me From Sarcodoisis
This article will talk about internal kung fu and the health benefits it provides the practitioner.
I was 18 years old back then in 1986. This was the time I started practicing internal kung fu. I was relatively healthy at this age and when I began practicing internal kung fu, I was not aware that it could offer incredible life-saving health benefits to my body. I was simply in search of an effective form to learn because I was an avid martial arts fan.
I earnestly and diligently trained and as time went on, I began to master the aspects of training. I developed an interest in the health related benefits that come from practicing the styles, as well as from the practice of qi gong techniques. When you are young, the thought of being sick never enters your mind.
Then, in 1987, the doctor discovered I had a condition known as sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis is a chronic lung condition that affect mainly the lungs although other organs can be affected as well. I acquired the disease at work due to my exposure to various chemicals. In the search for treatment of sarcoidosis symptoms, my doctor prescribed large amounts of prednisone and other medications that can heal lung tissue and relieve inflammation. These drugs weren’t so effective and can have horrible side effects that were more difficult to treat.
While I struggled very hard dealing with the physical difficulties of my illness, because of my past internal training, my organs were still healthy and continue to function better than most people struggling with the same condition. On MRIs and x-rays, the doctors would notice the injury to my lungs and to other organs but wondered how I could pass breathing tests, and other evaluations given the state of health of my lungs.
If nothing else, my experience has proven that internal martial arts can be a powerful tool that has saved my life from a major illness all these years while others with the same sickness have all passed away. I am very sure I would have died a long time ago weren’t my practicing this ancient Chinese martial art.
Many years have already passed since I last took drugs for sarcoidosis. Currently, I am being treated by a Classical Chinese medicine practitioner who uses diet Chinese nutritional therapy and acupuncture in the treatment of my condition. I have learned how to utilize food as medicine through him, and my energy levels are very high from it.
Certain things occur in life that can lead to illness. By practicing internal kung fu, your internal organs and whole body can be strengthened in such a way that you can overcome deadly diseases such as sarcoidosis.
For me, internal kung Fu is the best form of health insurance you can ever get.
Amy-SuiQun Lui, L.Ac.
Asian Health Center
27059 Grand Army of the Republic Hwy
Cleveland, OH 44143
Tel: (440) 833-0983
http://www.clevelandacupunctureclinic.com/
Increase your Libido Through Natural TCM Solutions
“Libido” is a term that’s often overlooked and does not only applies to males. You’ll hear it mentioned on TV ads that are aimed at selling drugs to heal a condition.
Most people actually act on their libido more often than they would admit. Some people, especially the ones who are in a relationship find ways to enhance their libido. Obviously, Viagra is the drug of choice to help increase sexual stimulation and stamina. However, there are natural libido enhancers that’s just as good as Viagra and are readily available in local health food stores. Chinese senega, root of morinda, ginseng radix, deer antler velvet, and horny goat weed are all effective natural solutions. When combined, they increase the testicle’s health and function and boost the flow of blood in the genital for firmer and longer erections. They also balance the hormones to make sure you stay healthy and sexually active. These common spices can bolster your libido: Cinnamon, ginger, chives, leek, scallion, onion, black pepper, cayenne pepper, turmeric, anise, and cardamom. You must not also forget that exercise provides you with tons of benefits, one of which is a substantial increase in your sexual drive and stamina. All you need is 30 minutes of daily exercise to start feeling better!
One good and enjoyable way to raise your libido is boiling turmeric, cayenne pepper, onion, and leek with chicken stock. It is a flavorful hot snack and just one bowl a day will greatly raise your desire and make you a more romantic individual.
However, people often forget that trying to be simply more romantic can spark the heart’s desire, which usually leads to intimacy. More often than not, libido is more a mental thing than a physical thing, and a lucid mind as well as making an effort to intensify and renew interest in your partner, overall, can enhance your sexual drive.
Vickery Health & Wellness
18455 Burbank Blvd #306
Tarzana, CA 91356
(818) 578-6730
http://www.vickeryhealth.com/
Food Therapy And The Healing Art Of Qigong
An “energy strengthening art” that includes slow body movement and powerful breathing techniques, Qigong is a 5000 year old practice that was ranked as one of the top natural therapy exercises, curing or preventing cancer. In a 2007 TV show, Dr. Oz extolled the benefits of Qigong when he said, “Practice Qigong if you want to live up to a hundred years old! There are so many different forms of Qigong, and popular therapies like Feng Shui, Acupuncture and Tai Chi all emanated from Qigong principles. The Qi in qigong means life force or vital energy and Gong means “skill”, which makes Qigong the skill of working with your own vital energy.
Around the world, there are about 200 million people practicing Qigong and this number is increasing by the day. This technique’s health benefits have been a matter of research for many years. Some of its potent health-enhancing aspects include: better appetite, increased blood microcirculation and circulation in the forehead, improved digestion and sexual function, sharper mental focus and acuity, faster metabolism, and enhanced energy. Several studies have been published showing the remedying ability of Qigong for illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and arthritis to name a few.
What makes Qigong work, and why is it so different from other exercises?
While standing perfectly still doing your Qigong exercise, the circulation of your blood increases in such a way that it compares to jogging for two miles. Standard exercises such as jogging, results in the release of the stress hormone Cortisol which tightens up the blood vessels. Your body is completely relaxed when you’re practicing Qigong, yet your blood is activated to flow properly. Some people may experience a strong pulsation of blood in their hands while performing the slow movements. Since the body doesn’t get stressed, the blood can penetrate areas that may have been blocked off for years. This is the reason Qigong is quite effective in relieving bodily pain. Qigong greatly improves microcirculation to the forehead and substantially boosts digestion. There is no exercise that provides people this level of blood flow to the glands and organs.
One important aspect of both our health and Qigong is breath. The most powerful forms of Qigong utilize the breath, specifically synchronizing it with the movements. Qigong’s deep, stomach breath imbibes more oxygen while reducing cortisol levels that help relax the mind. Higher forms of breathing exercises like the Nine Breath technique that integrates methods from Tibet, boosts the oxygenation of blood, and are scientifically proven to enhance the quality of blood as gleaned by analysis of live blood cells under a microscope. Many think the effect feels like a soft humming inside the stomach or a full-body vibration. Many psychologists and counselors have had success in assisting drug addicts in substituting their addiction for a “natural high” caused by such breathing methods.
Aside from movement and breath, the holistic therapy of true Qigong also entails the prudent use of herbs and foods. This is even more essential to our modern way of living.
To reverse certain illnesses, using certain foods is a time-honored practice. Foods such as kiwi, for instance, have been known to cure asthma. Something that the kiwi fruit contains called phytochemicals, can drastically improve breathing as proven by hundreds of patients who were able to reverse their asthma. This is a big deal in Qigong therapy not only in breathing, but also in the type of food you eat.
Our present environment is more dangerous than ever before. Mind-boggling levels of toxins and heavy metals are released into the atmosphere constantly, eventually polluting our water air, and soil, while dangerous amounts of toxins can be found in our food and in the household products we use every day causing health problems like Autism, Attention Deficit Disorder, Alzheimer’s and Cancer to rise at an alarming rate.
Phytochemicals found in medicinal mushrooms, tonic herbs, vegetables, and fruits can simulate the endocrine system of our body and act as catalysts to jumpstart our immune system. Unfortunately, most of us are not getting adequate amounts of the phytochemicals. They are mostly found in the food parts that are not usually eaten: in the stems, seeds, rinds and skins of veggies and fruits. A lot of people are good at selecting the right foods to eat, but unfortunately, they discard the parts that contain all the “healthy stuff.” For instance, we put all the avocado parts in the blender but we throw away the seed, which doesn’t have a taste. The avocado seed is filled with high soluble fiber that can scrape the plaque off your arteries.
The phytochemicals needs to be broken out of the cellulose fibers of the vegetables and fruits in order to access their nutrients. Therefore, blending the entire food is much better than “juicing” veggies since you get all the nutrients out of the food. This is the reason smoothies mixed in a blender have been so successful in reversing cancer and other diseases and have increased people’s overall health.
We can prove that that most health problems can be cured by eating the right food. But, eating healthy is just part of the solution. Actually, it is the knowing of utilizing “certain foods for certain diseases” that most people need to learn. For instance, bitter melon and other vegetables of its kind contain a phytochemical that’s similar in structure to insulin and may be helpful in reversing Diabetes by helping naturally balance the blood sugar of the body. Obviously, the course of treatment is more involved, but the thing is we’re not exploiting all the natural medicines that nature has endowed us with. Another food that can help reverse cancer is grapefruit, but again it’s the white pith, the substance that’s often discarded in the grapefruit that has the greatest concentration of D-Glucarate, instead of the juice which people love to eat. The real therapeutic values lie in the parts of the food that brings out the greatest nutrients. Believe it or not, this is also the wisdom of Qigong.
When we develop a healthy body, we not only enhance our Qi but we also create a stronger vessel wherein it resides. A real holistic strategy to healing balances the spirit, mind and body. The age old healing method of Qigong encompasses all three by giving us the power to manage our health and by enlarging our vibrational energy.
Emily Farish is a licensed acupuncturist in Spokane, WA with advanced training in modern acupuncture techniques and traditional Asian therapies.
Five Suggestions For Creating Positive Feng Shui in your Home
“Health is Wealth” and Feng shui has the means to make this adage a reality for you. It has so many useful tips to help improve your well-being and health.
The significance of good feng shui cannot be overstated since few things really do matter without good health. Feng shui can provide us a direct path between health and the energy quality in our office and home.
Several businesses and homes suffer from stagnant and weak feng shui chi or energy. Research shows that most businesses and homes are unequipped with the most fundamental level of energy needed to maintain the wellbeing of individuals who work or live there.
The following are four simple and basic feng shui suggestions to create a feeling of happiness and joy in our life and to enhance well-being and health.
Suggestion 1:
Use of Color and Light
The color and quality of natural light are vital ingredients for one’s well-being and health. A combination of beautiful and vibrant colors in your home and office as well the amount of natural light you’re getting during the day is essential for the nourishment of your energy.
If you need to be indoors most of the day, make it a point to invest in a whole range of colors that can help nourish your chi or energy.
Make sure you decorate your office or home with vibrant art – make it joyful and happy with alive and fresh colors.
Be aware that the energy you have becomes all the more enhanced by the presence of light and colors, be it through fresh flowers or a wall color art.
Suggestion 2:
Be Conscious of the Air You Breathe In
The issue of environmental pollution, specifically air pollution, has been plaguing modern societies for decades. Few people have the smarts to realize that air pollution indoor is much actually worse than the pollution outdoors.
Unless one works and/or live in a genuinely environmentally friendly and green building, they need to constantly work on keeping the quality of air in their space fresh and clean.
Essentially, this implies that no level of feng shui health cures will help, because the number one priority in feng shui for health is the air you breathe.
The best way to maintain or generate good air quality in your office or home– while also significantly enhancing its feng shui chi – is by using plants that can purify the air.
These are quality feng shui plants that can be purchased in local flower shops.
Buy as much plants as your space can handle, one to a couple of tall plants, at least, such as Areca palm will do.
Suggestion 3
Having Spa Energy in Your Bathroom
Feng shui-wise, your sense of health is closely associated with your bathroom’s energy quality.
You may have occasionally heard that a bathroom presents a huge feng shui challenge. Hence, this makes it all the more essential to consistently and diligently apply good feng shui to your bathroom!
One can easily produce a spa feeling in the bathroom, but they need to start with a clutter free and very clean foundation.
After having achieved that, art should then be introduced such as an aromatherapy diffuser, candles and other items that can generate a spa feeling in the bathroom that is pleasing to the senses.
Begin enjoying the benefits of good feng shui in your bathroom which while improving your health, also increases the overall positive feng shui chi in your house.
Suggestion 4:
Acquiring Positive Feng Shui Chi in Your Bedroom
We obviously need to work on generating positive chi in our bedroom since we spend so a lot of time there (sleeping, which is about a third of our lives).
This is extremely vital for our well-being and also for the sake of our relationship with our partners. Based on my consulting experience, an overwhelming number of bedrooms have negative energy.
Positive bedroom feng shui chi is both a very simple and complex application. It’s simply a matter of constant effort that may eventually be something of a second nature for some people.
Suggestion 5:
Positive Feng Shui Chi in Your Health Area
Each office or home has certain areas in feng shui (as determined by the map of feng shui energy or by the bagua) that can affect different aspects of a person’s life.
The health of a person is based obviously on the overall chi of the entire space, and on a deeper level, there are two parts that are associated with the state of his well-being.
The first part is the heart of your office or home, and the second part is the area named Health & Family bagua.
When it comes to both modern and traditional feng shui, there are so many cures that anyone can apply to reinforce their health.
From a sculpture of a Laughing Buddha to the use of colors, Water and Wood elements, to the ever popular feng shui lucky bamboo plant, pick one or two that best works for your space.
You’ll so much enjoy having to go through these daily steps of reinvigorating the chi in your bedroom once you have felt and known their incredible effects that can make a huge difference in your health and wellbeing.
Recommendations like not storing anything under the bed, exposing yourself to natural light during the day, keeping your closets organized and clean, maintaining good air flow, and others might look like too much work, but you can be sure that they eventually become very enjoyable!
In producing positive feng shui in your bedroom, there are still a lot of recommendations I can give. In your home, your bedroom is the most important area wherein you can position your bed in order to acquire positive feng shui. Be certain you read and comprehend these suggestions, and realize that by utilizing them in your life, they can greatly benefit your health and well-being emotionally and physically.
By practicing constancy and patience and by exerting just a little effort, anyone you can apply proper feng shui tips to convert their home into a pleasurable and beautiful space that will totally support their wellbeing and health.
Begin with little steps today, and never stop generating positive energy!
Eastern Healing Solutions, LLC
10875 Grandview St #2200
Overland Park, KS 66210
(913) 549-4322
http://www.overlandparkacupuncturist.com
The Influence Of Taoism In The Development Of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Since the dawn of Chinese culture, Chinese Medicine and the Tao have been intimately intertwined. Shamanic healers called the Wu were the very first healing practitioners and they were usually women.
Their gifts helped them to perform exorcism rites and when needed, went into trance states to formulate healing rituals and ceremonies. It was believed that the exorcism practices of burning aromatic woods and incense and shaking spears formed the earliest basis for moxibustion and acupuncture therapy. The Wu are believed to be the precursors of today’s Taoist healers. The rituals and methods of the Wu were practiced for more than a thousand years, while Taoist philosophy, as depicted by Lao Tsu and the Tao Te Ching, developed as a school of thought not until 400 BCE. The offshoot of these traditions was carried into the traditional systems, and in the healing and ritual practices of the Taoist monks or Tao shih. These monks used visualization-meditation and even song and dance to diagnose and address illnesses. They dynamically invoked these states to discern the spiritual entities that may be at the root of an illness. They combined herbal medicine and hands on energetic healing with exorcism rites to treat the person as a whole.
In the Taoist philosophical system, the importance of Nature and adhering closely to its laws as a basis model for the perfect life has obviously been integrated into Winter Park Chinese Medicine. The periodicity of the circulation of Chi and the importance of being in harmony with the seasons are all examples of this. Some parts of the Nei Ching also expose a Taoist influence alluding to a life desired by those in antiquity who were able to live past a hundred years without any loss to their mental or physical mental capacities. When the Yellow Emperor asked his teacher Po, what made these people live such a long and healthy life, his teacher replied;
“The people of antiquity comprehended the Tao. They lived their lives based on the principles of yin and yang. They acted and consumed moderately, they did not waste their strength to unseemly behavior. Therefore, they were able to preserve their strength and lived their years in health and mirth.”
Taoist healers played a major role in the establishment of Chinese Pharmacopeia. The quest for magical pills and elixirs that could bestow immortality on the user gave impetus for experimentation on a broad variety of animal, plant, and mineral products. The mercuric-cinnabar, Reishi mushroom, and Ginseng radix were all thought to possess supernatural qualities that could enhance health and prolong longevity. The Chinese emperor Chin Zhi Wang was alleged to have sent ships to the islands of Japan to find a magical mushroom that could bestow immortality on the user. He sent a second expedition when no one returned from the first. When the second expedition also did not come back, it was assumed that the explorers failed to find the mushroom and fearing the wrath of the Emperor, decided to settle in Japan were they contributed greatly to the development of Japan.
The influence of Taoism can also be clearly seen in the development of Qi Gong, a form of Chinese exercise therapy. Qi gong originated from ancient Taoist breathing postures and techniques which strove to preserve and purify the body. Hua To, an ancient and famous Chinese healer invented a technique called the “Play of the Five Animals” which is based on his observations of animals and their distinctive characteristics. This technique is still practiced today and is one the most ancient Qi Gong practices designed to improve health and treat health problems.
Today’s Qi Gong techniques are widely used in the West and China to maintain and balance Chi circulation through the collaterals and channels. The application of the external discharge of Chi from practitioner to patient is also becoming well known and more and more popular by the day.
Most of the systems of Qi Gong systems that are used these days can be traced back to millennium-old Taoist traditions and the quest for immortality. The practice later on, integrated Chinese medical practices into healing system performed by the Taoist priests. According to Share Lew, graduate of the Yellow Dragon Monastery in Canton and Taoist Master, herbal medicine, tuina, and moxibustion plus the application of external discharge of Qi Gong energy are all components of the healing techniques that were taught in several monasteries and temples. As part of their basic training, Taoist Monks had to learn these techniques and principles. This allowed them to serve better the individuals which comprised the lay members of the temples in the cities.
While the principle of the Tao was accepted by all of the schools in China, the impact of Taoist philosophy was a very huge factor in the evolution of Chinese Medicine. By establishing a connection to the relationships of human beings to the theories of natural law, Chinese Medicine took on a style and flavor that solidified its place in the realm of holistic medicine in the 21st century.
Uses Of Moxibustion Therapy
A form of heat therapy in Orlando, moxibustion involves burning of pieces of dried plant near or on specific areas of the skin. Moxibustion means moxa (mugwort plant) and bustion (burning). Thus moxibustion means the burning of moxa plant. Artemesia Vulgaris (Mugwort) is a common weed that can be found all around the world. For hundreds of years, it has been used for medicinal purposes in some countries especially in countries of East Asia where it is a very important procedure in treating a wide variety of diseases and ailments. Oftentimes, Chinese medicine practitioners combine moxibustion therapy with acupuncture.
The Aroma Emanating from Moxibustion Therapy
Moxa is chosen for its powerful healing abilities since the heat from dried moxa goes through deeper into the skin whilst providing the skin with gentle comforting heat. Moxibustion treats a small area of the body which helps enhance blood and energy (chi) flow along the meridians (energy channels) generating a change in temperature on different areas of the skin that, in turn, facilitates a flow. A significant rise in white blood cell count has been seen in regions of the body where moxibustion is administered.
How Moxibustion Therapy Is Done
Moxibustion can be used in a variety of ways. One way it’s done is through a process called direct moxibustion. In the method, the practitioner places a small piece of moxa on acupuncture points (acupoints) and directly burns it on the skin. Because this procedure may cause small burns, it’s only used in serious ailments and conditions. The practitioner may sometimes put salt, garlic, a piece of ginger or some other herbs between the burning moxa and the skin to protect the skin and enhance the impact of the treatment. In another technique called the warming needle technique, the practitioner will burn a small piece of moxa stick that’s attached to the topmost tip of an acupuncture needle. This procedure enables the heat to go deeper into the acupoints along the needle.
In the indirect moxibustion technique, the practitioner lights a piece of moxa stick and holds it very near the acupoints carefully avoiding the flame to burn the skin. He may move slowly the stick over the acupoints to give the heat the opportunity to go deep into the acupoints.
Uses of Moxibustion Therapy
Moxibustion can be used for a wide range number of conditions. Its most common usage is for the alleviation of symptoms caused by weak circulation and low energy. A lot of patients say that moxibustion feels like a gentle but profound warm feeling that deeply relaxes them. This is an experience that can never be felt with other superficial heating technique.
The most ideal use of moxibustion therapy is for treatment of “cold dampness pattern” that results in joint pain and ache like arthritis. Many aching and painful joint conditions get exacerbated under cold or humid climate. Because of moxibustion therapy’s warm nature, it is reputed to help tonify the yang energy of a person and treat such illnesses as spontaneous sweating, cold feet and hands, chronic fatigue syndrome, and low energy. It can also treat a lot of gynecological problems and in breech conditions, where it rectifies the position of the unborn baby. It also an ideal treatment for flu and cold; it’s more like getting a flu shot, except that it works regardless of the virus strain since it strengthens immunity.
Spokane Chinese medicine practitioners frequently combine moxibustion with acupuncture to boost and circulation to energize patients suffering from low energy. Give us a call to find out if moxibustion can help treat your condition.
Simple Qigong Exercises For Pain And Headache
Chigong, Chikung, or Qigong, are all the same activity and are all pronounced chee gung. It is a Chinese exercise and health system that goes back 4000 years into the past.
In the most primitive forms of Qigong, practitioners would teach laborers basic rudimentary exercises to help them better deal with their difficult lives. Later on, Qigong became an indispensable component of Chinese medicine in Winter Park. Herbal medicine and acupuncture are the two other components of Chinese medicine. A regular part of Chinese medicine practice is in using Qigong to manage headaches.
The Qigong practiced today is composed of three activities, visualization, movement, and breathing. Qigong was divided up into various schools in the early part of last century. These include Martial Arts Qigong developed to enhance stamina and power, Exercise Qigong with activities to strengthen and to improve flexibility and mobility and to strengthen the muscles and medical Qigong that comes with specific exercises for treatment of specific illnesses.
Medical Qigong was developed to alleviate and/or prevent headaches via gentle relaxing movements and special breathing techniques.
Since most headaches are due to muscle tension and stress, it is quite easy to alleviate the pain and even simpler to prevent the headache from occurring again.
Qigong is similar to Tai Chi, and if you’ve ever seen how this practice (Qigong) is done, you will have an idea of the fluid and slow movements of Tai Chi.
Method One – Lying down
Make sure your shoulders and neck are comfortable while lying flat on your back. Shut your eyes and count ten slow long breaths. Visualize the word relax on each breath. With each breath feel yourself relaxing more and more. Visualize your shoulder and neck muscles becoming as soft as gelatin and that you’re sinking lower and lower into your bed.
If you want to lie down, make sure you use a pillow to support your neck. This is a good idea when you already have a headache
Method Two – Sitting
Sit comfortably in a soft chair and repeat the same relaxing and breathing as when lying down. If your headache gets worse when you lie down, try sitting. Sitting can also be a good idea when you’re already suffering from a headache.
Method Three – Headache Prevention
While standing, keep your feet shoulder width apart. Inhale through your nose up to the count of three, and exhale out your nose again on the count of three. Begin moving your shoulders, arms, and feet slowly in a comfortable manner.
This exercise is known as spontaneous Qigong and needs no additional instruction apart from the fact that you move in order to identify soreness in your muscle. You then repeat gently the movement slowly once you locate the area of the sore muscles. This is designed to locate the muscles in your back, shoulders and neck, which because they’re tight are partly responsible for the headaches you’re feeling, and then relax and move them whilst breathing deeply into the muscles. Again visualize your muscles softening.
Natural Methods For Treating Anxiety And Panic Attacks
A panic attack is a frightening experience. It often begins with an unexpected, unexplainable feeling of fear, and then intensifies, adding other symptoms along the way, such as feelings of suffocation or choking, , dizziness, chest pain, losing control, lightheadedness, or that you’re having a heart attack or going crazy. Prescription medication treatments are commonly used in addressing anxiety disorders (panic attacks and anxiety attacks are the same thing), but a lot of these drugs can generate symptoms and many of them are addictive; worse, the attacks come back when these drugs are withdrawn. Fortunately, several natural treatments for anxiety disorders are available that are used by psychologists and psychiatrists alike and are sometimes used (and sometimes not) as an adjunct to pharmaceutical drugs to help treat to anxiety disorders.
Methods that are frequently used to control the signs of a panic attack include: deep breathing techniques, avoiding caffeine, and eating a healthier diet. As a stimulant, caffeine can make you irritable, edgy, and anxious. Avoidance of it and consuming highly nutritious meals can help you sleep and feel better. To avoid hyperventilation, performing certain breathing exercises can help calm you down during panic attacks. They are effective ways that can help you control panic attacks, although they still only treat the symptoms and not the source of the condition itself.
A therapy known as “Tapping” works in treating anxieties by bearing pressure to acupoints and tapping then these points in a certain way to free the bad chi (negative energy) generated by negative thoughts. This therapeutic technique is used by some therapists since they believe it works really well and faster than other natural therapies.
In the treatment of panic attacks, hypnosis was recognized by the AMA (American Medical Association) as a valid form of treatment more than 50 years ago. This type of natural therapy can substantially relieve panic attacks but unfortunately cannot cure anxiety disorders.
Interestingly, laughter is considered a natural treatment for panic attacks. Humor removes the adverse emotions related to panic attacks by decreasing the levels of stress hormone in your body. Humor visualization methods make the patient imagine and remember a period when the patient was laughing uncontrollably. He again imagines this memory when he feels the coming of a panic attack. If this memory can make him laugh, it can help stop his anxious feelings and panic attack.
Desensitization is a gradual process that can make victims of panic disorder resistant to situations and things they are afraid of that can set off a panic attack. It has proven to be effective in stopping anxiety disorder and its symptoms. Psychologists or psychiatrists place the patient in a location or situation that usually triggers panic attacks or fear for just a few minutes. The patient is often accompanied by a person he trusts. The support person often accompanies the patient just the first time. The amount of time increases each time the patient repeats the experience, until he can eventually deal with it on his own, without experiencing a panic attack. This technique has proven to work very well for phobias and other anxiety-related conditions.
But the most successful and widely used known natural treatment for panic attacks and anxiety disorders by far is CBT or Cognitive Behavior Therapy. This therapy makes use of tools such as in vivo methods techniques and cognitive restructuring to treat and sometimes totally cure panic attacks and anxiety disorders. Cognitive restructuring instructs the patient on how to modify his thinking in response to panic symptoms. “In real life,” (In vivo), exposure to places and things that sets off a fear reaction makes people learn to face their fears. This technique is quite similar to desensitization therapy. In vivo and cognitive restructuring combined can help treat panic attacks and change the way they behave and think in fearful situations. Professionals admit that CBT may not work for all people but for those who do, it has provided some relief from their panic attacks.
Ling’s Acupuncture, Inc.
120 Gatlin Ave
Orlando, FL 32806-6908
(407) 851-2533
http://www.lingsacupuncture.com