Herbal Remedies Could be key to Losing Weight

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If you’re like millions of Americans fighting the battle of the bulge with little success despite your attempts to eat less and exercise, herbal remedies might be a fantastic option to look into.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The old mantra stands the test of time, even when it comes to losing weight. There are many pharmaceutical drugs out there that advertise promising weight loss, but they are expensive and often don’t deliver what you are promised.

What follows are some herbal ingredients that may be helpful in your personal battle to lose weight.

• Green tea: Green tea often mimics the effect of coffee but it is much better for you. With a high-dose of vitamin C, green tea is simply good for you. Studies suggest green tea is effective in boosting one’s metabolism and helping the body to burn fat. Some studies show the combination of caffeine and green tea to be especially effective.

• Cayenne: You know the super-spicy spice, cayenne pepper? Cayenne contains an ingredient called capsaicin which essentially stimulates saliva production and therefore helps the body digest faster, acting as a boost to your regular metabolic rate.

• Seaweed: While it doesn’t sound too appetizing, seaweed can have a positive effect in helping people lose weight. The herbal form of this oceanic delicacy acts to stimulate the thyroid. No worries with trying to digest the ocean’s form of seaweed as the herb does come in forms of capsules of tablets.

• Dandelion: Who knew the colorful flower that aggravates homeowners by the millions could help in terms of weight loss? Dandelion, in pill form, acts as a diuretic which helps naturally decrease the amount of water in the body. Some people have allergic reactions and heartburn as minor side effects to dandelion.

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Music Therapy

Listening to music is an integral part of many of our lives. It soothes our soul when the work day has been long. It gives us energy when our spirits or physical being is tired. It is tied to our most important rituals such as marriages and funerals. What most people do not realize though is music heals.

Music therapy is a legitimate medical treatment for a variety of ailments and has been around for nearly fifty years. It is administered by credentialed professionals, who have been referred by your doctor. It is well researched and recommended for stroke victims, epilepsy patients, and Alzheimer’s patients.

Stroke

A 2008 Finnish study published in the February 20th issue of the Brain involved 54 patients,who had various types of strokes. One group was given audio books to listen to for a few hours of the day, the control group received the standard treatments, and a third group listened to music for a set time. The group that listened to music had significant improvement in focusing attention and concentration.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which a person’s brain has an electrical storm. Dr. Sidorenko did a study, where they assessed the effectiveness of Medical Resonance Therapy Music done on severe epileptic patients in which medication was not being effective. He found that the frequency and severity of the attacks were reduced as much as 75 percent.

Alzeheimers

Alzeheimers is not only devastating to the person that has the disease, but also to the ones closest to them. The ailment breaks the relationship between partners as
the patient loses the ability to interact with their spouse and loved ones. At the University of Queensland a project by Dr. Felicity Baker sent music therapists to the home and trained the spouse how to use music and dance to facilitate conversation. This provided a means of interacting and maintaining relationships.

Music therapy does much to improve a patient’s quality of life.

Resources

http://www.musictherapy.org/

http://www.epilepsy.com/

http://dementiaweekly.com/

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Video and Computer Games That Treat Illnesses in Children

Before you ban your child from playing video or computer games you might want to take a look at the latest research.

Obesity has been declared a major health issue in the United States. Obesity in children has risen dramatically in recent decades. In a study found in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine the issue of obesity is being treated with video games. For example, the video game”Escape from Diab” was designed and used to treat
children with type 2 diabetes. Management of diabetes takes major behavior changes which are always difficult. Children in the study played the game and learned what needed to be done to control their diabetes. The study showed that children increased their fruit and vegetable consumption by 2/3 servings daily in the period of time they were exposed to the game.

Dyslexia is a major obstacle to learning how to read efficiently. The American Psychological Association states that dyslexia can be undone. One way this is being done is through a video program called Fast Forword (http://www.scilearn.com/) This game was based on a 2003 study using MRIs by Elise Temple, PhD., John Gabrieli, PhD., Dr. Tallal and others. The game after several months of use changed the brain and lessened children’s dyslexia. This study found increased use of multiple brain regions during language processing, as well as significantly improved language and reading skills.

The Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology in its November/December issue highlighted a study by Christine Hanson and Synthia Puffenburger which tested a game that was designed to improve the working memory in children with ADHD. Working memory is important for academic success. One fourth to one third of the children showed significant progress in their working memory after using the program for a month and a half.

Recent research studies are proving daily that games can be a useful treatment for some of our most complex diseases and syndromes, particularly in children.

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Is an Electronic Cigarette Safer than a Regular Cigarette?

Electronic Cigarettes
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Some say yes, others say no. Whatever the response, people are citing a number of different reasons for their opinion.

Those who believe that an electronic cigarette is safer than a regular cigarette give several typical responses. One is that the device is safer because no tobacco product is being burned, thus no tars or chemicals are being taken into the body (as happens with regular cigarettes).

Others say that an electronic cigarette is safer because even if the contains some nicotine liquid, the amount taken in is nowhere near that of a regular cigarette. Less nicotine means less danger from nicotine intake; plus, taking in less nicotine can help them cut down or even stop smoking regular cigarettes.

The argument is also made that an electronic cigarette is safer because nothing is burning. There is no danger of burning oneself or someone else with the lit end, or of anything catching fire should one fall asleep while smoking an electronic cigarette. This can be especially true, they say, of those devices that have automatic shut-off features that operate when the device has not been puffed on for a while.

Those who take an opposing view say they believe an electronic cigarette is not safer because the filters and delivery methods in the devices can actually release harmful chemicals. They also say that if one smokes an electronic cigarette that contains liquid nicotine, the chemical is being absorbed in the body, and even a small amount is too much.

They also say that anyone who truly wants to quit smoking can take advantage of smoking cessation methods such as nicotine patches or even acupuncture, which is a part of traditional Chinese medicine practices. Any of these may help someone be able to stop smoking entirely, without having to rely on e-cigarettes.

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Chinese Medicine Diagnosis: Tales Your Tongue Tells

“Show me your tongue” is a phrase anybody who has ever visited a physician would have heard. In traditional Chinese medicine however, your doctor would give more than just a passing glance to your tongue. To them, the tongue is seen as a vital indicator of your state of health.Elizabeth tongue

Western science and most health medicines view the tongue primarily as an organ for taste, and occasionally check it to detect symptoms of an already suspected illness. In Chinese medicine, a tongue diagnosis may just end up being used as an alternative to the traditional ‘physical’. The tongue is believed to represent imbalances in the body, and the diagnosis is made by checking the color, coating, and edges of the tongue.

The color of the tongue is the first and most easily visible characteristic. Pink suggests normal health, while red and its deeper shades point to excess heat in the body. Purplish hues are indicative of stagnation, or circulatory issues. A pale tongue, on the other hand, shows that body is not warm enough.

The coating of the tongue is the next important feature. Dirty white to yellowish coatings are a symptom of excess heat in the body. It could be temporary due to an illness or even a hot meal. Extreme cases can point to individual organs that need to cool in order to restore balance in the body. The evenness and consistency of the coating also indicates the adequacy and functioning of digestive juices. Spots and cracks on the surface are other features that are considered for a diagnosis.

If your tongue is hammer-shaped or swollen, it is indicative of a more serious internal disorder. Tongues that are flaccid, with teeth marks along the side are said to show the lack of Chi energy in the body. This causes limpness, or excess dampness and edema.

The science behind a tongue diagnosis is far too extensive to be covered in a single article. But a good physician can unearth many significant findings about your body and its health by looking at the condition of your tongue.

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Do Coffee and Cigarettes Just Naturally Go Together?

Tobacco smoke in an Irish pub before a smoking...
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Some would say yes, that you simply cannot have one without the other. These, however, may be the ones who are the most affected by cigarette smoking restrictions or even outright bans in workplaces and other public areas. For them, the decision may be between having coffee or a cigarette, as it may be very difficult for them to do both.

For these people, an electric cigarette may be the answer. An electric cigarette does not produce real tobacco smoke that contains the tars, nicotine, and other chemicals that are found in regular tobacco products, nor is there the lingering odor of cigarette smoke. Further, an electric cigarette does not produce any ash and the “smoke” that is produced is simply exhaled water vapor.

If smokers are in the workplace, they may ask their supervisor if smoking an e-cigarette in designated non-smoking areas is allowable. They can explain that the “smoke” is simply water vapor, perhaps scented with menthol or other flavorings.

They can also explain that the water vapor is not the same as “secondhand smoke” that is produced by a regular cigarette. There are no tars or other chemicals, and the nicotine liquid itself has been filtered through the water vapor.

If the e-cigarette smoker is told that it is all right to smoke an e-cigarette in designated non-smoking areas, and if co-workers do not object (some may be sensitive to even the “smoke” caused by the water vapor), then the pairing of coffee and a cigarette can occur again. If, however, the answer is no, or there is objection from co-workers, the e-cigarette user may have to make the decision of which one is more important—the cigarette or the coffee.  Hopefully they all choose the coffee, as it is nowhere near as dangerous as a regular cigarette!

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Alternative Medicines and Therapies: Magnet Therapy

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You’re drifting on a large cruise liner across the high seas, and the incessant rocking – rocking – rocking is making your stomach churn in ways you never though imaginable. Among the many recommendations to alleviate the nausea from fellow passengers, someone suggests you wear a magnetic bracelet directly on the veins of your wrist.

At this point you’re willing to try anything, but what do magnets have to do with your unruly stomach?

Also known as magnetic therapy or magnotherapy, magnet therapy is the exposure of the body to static magnetic fields to cure certain conditions, such as nausea.

The claim is that the magnetic field affects the hemoglobin (the oxygen carrying protein) in the blood, since hemoglobin is repelled by magnetic fields. However, experts find this to be highly unlikely, since most of the magnets uses in magnetic therapy are too weak to effect the hemoglobin in any way.

The claimed benefits of magnet therapy range from aiding in the healing process of wounds to simply increasing the wearer’s energy. There are a number of magnetic products available as well, including jewelry, shoe insoles, mattresses, blankets, body creams, vitamins or supplements and magnetized water.

The claimed effects that magnet therapy has on the body, such as increasing and correcting blood flow or effecting the blood’s hemoglobin, are not even observed in the modern medical use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is several times stronger than any of the magnets used in magnet therapy practices. Additionally, studies in both 2008 and 2009 showed that magnet therapy had no effect on the patients.

Still, the industry of magnet therapy products sees over a billion dollars in global sales each year, according to a 2007 report in the Skeptical Inquirer. There’s no use thinking Americans don’t believe in the practice, since $300 million of those annual sales come from the U.S.

However, there is no indication that magnet therapy is harmful in any way either. So, you might as well give that magnetic bracelet a shot and, who knows, maybe it will cure your sea sickness after all.

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Alternative Medicines and Therapies: Fasting

Modern medicine of the past
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Fasting is not just something mentioned in the Bible. Many view this abstinence from food, drink or both as not only a spiritual means of meditation, but also as an effective alternative medicine – a means of cleansing the body and starting anew with healthier eating practices.

What someone who is fasting abstains from can vary. While one individual might fast from all food, another individual may just fast from meat for a determined amount of time. Someone who fasts may also exclude certain types of drinks with the exception of water, or may substitute all food with a protein drink. Additionally, the time frame of a fast differs with each individual.

Fasting is sometimes a requirement for certain medical tests performed in modern medicine, but this is actually different from the more spiritually centered approach. In modern medicine, fasting refers to someone who has not eaten overnight (usually a period of 8-12 hours) or the state of the body after a meal is completely absorbed and digested.

Fasting for an extended period of time triggers the body’s “famine response.” The body depends on glucose as the primary source of fuel or energy. After a period of 4-8 hours without food in the body producing glucose, the body starts to glycogen stored in the liver for fuel. After approximately 12 hours of relying upon the glycogen in the liver, the body will start extracting glycogen from muscles. In order to preserve the muscles, the body will turn to fat as a fuel source after a few more days.

While most people end a fast long before complications begins to occur, fasting for too long will cause the body to break down proteins as it moves from the famine response to starvation. Fast-induced starvation can lead to medical problems such as electrolyte imbalance, cardiac arrhythmia and renal failure.

Despite this risk, medical research shows that there are benefits to a controlled fasting approach focusing more on calorie restriction, including decreased risk for cancer, heart problems, diabetes and immune deficiencies. However, experts recommend consulting a doctor before using fasting as diet regimen.

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Alternative Medicines and Therapies: Meditation

Today at Sarvodaya's Early Morning meditation
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Meditation encompasses hundreds of techniques and strategies with the goal of obtaining clarity of mind. Some practice meditation as a part of their religious practices, while others believe it to have holistic benefits, helping to keep the body and mind healthy.

The term is very broad however. In fact, an article in Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, published in 2010 by the American Psychological Association, stated that there has been no widespread acceptance of any one clear definition for the word “meditation,” with no persistent agreement on the term throughout any literature covering the topic.

Yoga
Yoga is one form of meditation that has increased in popularity over the years. The word “yoga” stems from “yuj” in Sanskrit, meaning to join or unite. The purpose of yoga practices in that sense is to join the mind and body, unifying them for the benefit of overall health.

Yoga consists of a variety of body positions and stretches, known as poses, in combination with breathing techniques. Some commonly seen positions include the praying mantis, downward dog and the lotus pose.

Concentrative
Concentrative meditation is a means of stilling the mind by focusing on your breathing and an image or sound (known as a mantra). The goal is to increase awareness and clarity, narrowing our focus to a specific field of “vision.” The concentrative method is a great way to reduce stress, anxiety and nervousness, especially in the moment. All you have to do is stop, get comfortable and concentrate on your breathing. You’ll find that doing so can quickly calm you.

Mindful
Mindful meditation has the goal of learning to better understand our senses but refraining to react to them. You work to become more aware of smells, tastes, sounds, images and thoughts, without reacting to them. Unlike the concentrative method, where you focus on only one aspect of the world, the mindful meditation method has the goal of taking in the world as a whole to gain a broader perspective without reacting to everything that goes on around you.

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Chinese Medicine to Ease Symptoms of Withdrawal During Drug Rehab

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Withdrawal is perhaps the hardest part of going through Drug Rehab. In fact, quitting any drug, whether it is cocaine, nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, or narcotics can be one of the most difficult things a person has to do. There are both physical and emotional ramifications of stopping drug use and the process is stressful.

Many people undergoing treatment for substance abuse feel alone, and may struggle with depression and anxiety on top of withdrawal symptoms. During the initial phase of detoxification, will power is of paramount importance, and the support of friends, family, and doctors can help ease the stress.

There are many ways to make withdrawal easier. Traditional Chinese Medicine can be an effective complement to more conventional treatments. Chinese medical providers can provide both emotional support, and help reduce physical symptoms of withdrawal through the use of acupuncture, herbs, and other treatments.

Acupuncture is effective in alleviating some of the cravings and physical pain of drug withdrawal which is why it has been used for centuries to help with nicotine, alcohol, and drug addiction. In the U.S. and other western cultures acupuncture has gained attention for it’s effectiveness in dealing with crack cocaine addiction.

A Chinese medical practitioner might work in conjunction with counselors and western doctors to prescribe herbs that can help with symptoms of withdrawal. They might also work with the patient to incorporate dietary therapy and lifestyle counseling into the rehab program.

Yoga and Tai Chi have shown to be effective in helping addicts deal with the emotional stress of withdrawal. These practices build self-esteem and confidence, which can help strengthen will power and avoid relapse. Meditation can also aid in helping the patient learn self-empowerment, which can help prevent future problems.

It is advisable for those undergoing addiction to consider these alternative methods to balance their treatment program.

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