Archive for September, 2009

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Relieve Upper Back Pain and a Stiff Neck With These 4 Holistic Treatments


2009
09.29

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Holistic and natural treatments for pain relief are plentiful. Having the right tools and resources will help you to relieve nagging pain in your upper back and the stiffness in your neck.

Holistic health.
The ‘mind-body-spirit’ movement gives us an understanding of how to treat our bodies with holistic treatments. However, a mind-body-spirit approach is not necessarily the same as a holistic therapy.

For pain relief, a holistic therapy should address pain symptoms and patterns in the entire body. A health practitioner might ask you questions about how you feel mentally and spiritually, but the focus should be first on immediate physical symptoms.

A holistic physical assessment would look at your posture and body alignment, daily habits, work demands, recreation, and lifestyle habits such as exercise and nutrition.

Holistic treatment is more effective at treating your pain because it can address many possible causes of your pain. Without digging to find the true source of your pain, you will only treat symptoms and the pain will return.

Immediate relief of upper back pain and neck stiffness.
The tension in your body might become so uncomfortable that you need immediate relief. These 3 therapies can help:

1) Massage therapy- To keep it holistic, make sure your therapist gives you a regular massage. You do not want them to only focus on your upper body. A complete massage will contribute to stress relief, and to detecting muscle habits that may be hurting you.
2) Acupuncture- This toolbox of ancient methods redirects energy and circulation in your body. It can reprogram your body to return to healthier ways.
3) Meditation- Increasing evidence suggests that meditation and stress relief provide instant and long-term relief of pain. Learn and practice some meditation techniques that work for you.

Long-term upper back and neck pain relief.
To relieve physical tension in the upper body, you must regularly practice all three components of…

4) Exercise- Cardiovascular (aerobic) conditioning includes continuous activity like walking, cycling, jogging, hiking, rowing, aerobic dance, and swimming. Cardio is critical to relieving the upper body because it gets blood and oxygen to restricted tissues and joints. It also reduces stress and gives you energy, which are both challenged when your body is in pain.
You will feel the fastest relief if you strength-train. Focus on improving posture. Strengthen the muscles behind and between the shoulder blades. Also make the muscles along your spine stronger to make you feel taller.

Stretch often. If you do a lot of sitting during your workday, you should stretch every time you stand up and move. If you stay seated for long times, include rotation and side-to-side stretches.

With a holistic approach to your body, you can treat all the reasons your upper back and neck might feel pain.

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Neck Ache Treatments


2009
09.28

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NECK ACHE

Most people over the age of 35 show some wear and tear on an X-ray of their necks, but not everyone over 35 has neck pain! X-rays only show the bones in the body and do not show the disc or soft tissues around the bones and joints. Therefore a patient can have a bad X-ray but be pain free or alternatively have a normal X-ray and be in agony because it is not the bones causing the pain. Cricked neck, trapped nerve and pulled muscle, are all terms which patients use to describe pain in the neck. In fact most neck pain is the result of a disc problem causing a trapped nerve. A neck problem can result from sleeping awkwardly and ‘cricking’ the neck; it can be due to prolonged bad posture such as sitting at a computer or at the wheel of a car; or it can be sudden in onset as a result of suddenly jarring the neck, or from lifting or pushing heavy objects. Patients usually complain of constant pain in the neck, across the shoulders or into the shoulder blade. Pain may even be referred from the neck up to the head or down the arms – referred pain – Neck pain may be one sided or both sides.

TREATMENT

Treatment relies on the reduction of the disc bulge by changing the mechanics of the spine and reducing the tension in the connective tissue with Connective Tissue Manipulation and Manual Lymph Drainage. Correct posture is very important to improve the neck pain and prevent recurrence. Pillow height should be sufficient to maintain the neck in a neutral position and prevent problems whilst in bed.

http://www.londonphysiocentre.com

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Chronic Fatigue Symptoms : Causes and Solutions


2009
09.23

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Chronic fatigue symptoms are different from drowsiness. In general, drowsiness is feeling the need to sleep, while fatigue is a lack of energy and motivation. Drowsiness and apathy (a feeling of indifference or not caring about what happens) can be symptoms of fatigue. Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.

Fatigue can be a normal and important response to physical exertion, emotional stress, boredom, or lack of sleep. However, it can also be a nonspecific sign of a more serious psychological or physical disorder. When fatigue is not relieved by enough sleep, good nutrition, or a low-stress environment, it should be evaluated by your doctor. Because fatigue is a common complaint, sometimes a potentially serious cause may be overlooked.

The pattern of chronic fatigue symptoms may help your doctor determine its underlying cause. For example, if you wake up in the morning rested but rapidly develop fatigue with activity, you may have an ongoing physical condition like an underactive thyroid. On the other hand, if you wake up with a low level of energy and have fatigue that lasts throughout the day, you may be depressed.

Common Causes of chronic fatigue symptoms

There are many possible physical and psychological causes of chronic fatigue symptoms. Some of the more common are:

-Anemia (including iron deficiency anemia)

-Sleep disorders like ongoing insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, or narcolepsy

-Ongoing pain

-An allergy that leads to hay fever or asthma

-An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

-Use of alcohol or illegal drugs like cocaine, especially with regular use

-Depression or grief

Chronic fatigue symptoms can also accompany the following illnesses:

-Infection, especially one that takes a long time to recover from or treat, like bacterial endocarditis (infection of the heart muscle or valves), parasitic infections, AIDS, tuberculosis, and mononucleosis

-Congestive heart failure

-Diabetes

-Chronic liver or kidney disease

-Addison’s disease

-Anorexia or other eating disorders

-Arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, which affects children and teens

-Autoimmune diseases such as lupus

-Malnutrition

-Cancer

Certain medications may also cause drowsiness or fatigue, including antihistamines for allergies, blood pressure medicines, sleeping pills, steroids, and diuretics.

Home Care for Chronic fatigue symptoms

Here are some tips for reducing Chronic fatigue symptoms :

-Get adequate, regular, and consistent amounts of sleep each night.

-Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and drink plenty of water throughout the day.

-Exercise regularly.

-Learn better ways to relax. Try yoga or meditation.

-Maintain a reasonable work and personal schedule.

-Change your stressful circumstances, if possible. For example, switch jobs, take a vacation, and deal directly with problems in a relationship.

-Take a multivitamin. Talk to your doctor about what is best for you.

-Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and drug use.

-Consider a natural remedy.

Copyright 2005 Marc Deschamps

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Are Hay Fever Allergies Or Respiratory Allergies Affecting Your Performance at Work?


2009
09.22

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Hay fever allergies, also known as upper respiratory allergies are rarely associated with hay or cause a fever, nor does a virus cause hay fever allergies. An allergy reaction occurs when a weak immune system mistakenly identifies and attacks a usually harmless substance known as (allergens). Through a process called (sensitization), this harmless airborne allergen is seen as a threat and the immune system begins producing allergy-causing antibodies called immunoglobulin E. These antibodies bind the cells in the body (called mast cells) and cause the release of histamine (a substance that dilates the blood vessels) and other chemicals.

Each time these antibodies recognize the same invading allergens; histamine is released into the bloodstream causing irritating hay fever, respiratory allergies symptoms. There are two main types of allergies: seasonal allergies (spring through fall) and perennial allergies (all-year long). Hay fever and respiratory allergies are referred to by medical practitioners as (allergic rhinitis) characterized by inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the nasal passages.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis are more often caused by outdoor allergens (mold spores, pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds) where as perennial allergic rhinitis are allergic reactions to indoor allergens (dust mites, mold spores, and animal dandruff).

Seasonal Allergies – Hay Fever – Respiratory Allergies Triggers Include:

* Tree Pollen (common in the spring late April and May)

* Grass & Weed Pollen (common in late spring and summer May to mid July)

* Ragweed Pollen (common in the fall late August to the first frost)

* Juniper & Acacia’s Pollen (common to start in early December)

Year-Round Allergies – Hay Fever – Respiratory Allergies Triggers Include:

* Dust Mites

* Spores from indoor and outdoor fungi and molds

* Dander (dried animal dander and saliva) from pets such as cats, dogs, and birds

Airborne dry pollens produced by trees, grasses, and weeds have a detrimental effect on organs such as the throat, the nose, the larynx (voice box), the trachea, and the bronchioles. To ones amazement, large and waxy type pollens from garden flowers rarely cause respiratory allergies. The signs and symptoms of hay fever allergies – respiratory allergies usually develop immediately after being exposed to airborne pollens.

Seasonal Respiratory Allergies Symptoms Include:

* Runny Nose & Sinus Congestion

* Sneezing & Coughing

* Swollen & Watery Itching Eyes

* Itching Nose – Ears – Palate

* Respiratory Breathing Difficulties

* Sleeplessness

* Fatigue

* Irritability

Seasonal allergies, hay fever, respiratory allergies can begin at any age and can last a life time. It is estimated that one out of every six Americans, that’s more that 35 million people, suffer from hay fever and respiratory allergies. More than 40% of the 5.8 million American children experience seasonal allergies as well.

The affects of allergic reactions in adults and children often times interfere with day-to-day activities effecting work performance, disposition, and leisure activities. It is very common for allergy sufferers to feel drained, become depressed and experience mood swings. There are natural allergy relief options available to minimize the negative effects from allergic reactions.

Allergy sufferers are raising the ceiling, minimizing physical and mental limitations. For Example: Increased energy, endurance, stamina, as well as increased oxygen for clear thinking. Now, allergy sufferers can execute day-to-day activities painlessly with organic natural allergy relief products.

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Allergy Symptoms


2009
09.20

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Today Allergies are considered one of the leading causes of chronic diseases. An allergy term originated from the Greek words allos meaning other and ergon meaning work. Clemens von Pirquet who is a Viennese pediatrician observed that his patients were extremely sensitive to various substances, such as dust and pollen and certain foods. Allergy is reaction immune system to safe our body from danger or harm from foreign substance.

Now a days several people suffer from allergies from different sources of substances and foods. There are different types to identify these symptoms, earlier doctors believed a malfunction causes it and the antibodies are called as immunology. However, depth studies and research on allergy showed that various disease mechanism affect on these.

There are different categories of allergies, having certain symptoms including medications (local anesthetics, sulfonamides penicillin, salicylates) plant pollens (ragweed, such as birch trees, rye grass and timothy grass) latex products and foods (wheat, corn, peas, soybeans, beans and other legumes nuts, seafood, egg whites, sesame, soy, milk,) mold spores, insect stings (bee venom, wasp sting) animal allergens (dander, animal hair) dust mite, cockroach calyx etc.

Treatment and Diagnosis of Allergy

Determination and proper diagnosis can be a very difficult process of allergies. Due to this reason, doctors use several methods in assessing allergens. The doctor performs all kinds of allergy tests and first laboratory exam is that skin test.

In this test small amounts of the allergens (drops of milk, nut extracts, pollen, dander, etc) or suspected causes are applied to the patient’s skin. When a patient gets experience such as itching, reddening or swelling, within an hour after application, patient is truly allergic to the particular product. The patient should keep away from these foods or substances as much as possible.

Accurate diagnosis and treatment are very important because some allergies are dangerous and may cause to death of patient. Skin test is the most commonly preferred method in spotting the causes of allergy symptoms; it still has some drawbacks also. While most people experience swelling or itching immediately after direct contact of a product, other people may display these symptoms several hours or even days after the skin test.

The best curative process of allergies is removal substance food source from your home, office and other areas in which contact with the harmful allergens is likely. They are only used in reducing inflammation, rashes, and other allergy symptoms.

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Holistic Therapies For Sleep Disorders


2009
09.19

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Imagine what it feels like to be exhausted… your red-rimmed eyes burn, your mind is a fog-filled landscape, and your body aches with fatigue. For many people the option of simply lying down and going to sleep is non-existent, regardless of how tired they may be. For others, going to sleep is not the issue, but rather staying asleep.

Sleep deprivation robs us of the deep regenerative rest that our bodies and mind require in order to be healed, re-energized and revitalized. Thankfully there are holistic therapies for sleep disorders right here in Fort Collins, Colorado. If you do not live in this area, be sure to check your local holistic community for the following options.

Sleep Disorders and Your Health

Sleep disorders happen to millions of people world-wide. Stress is often the culprit of acute sleep irregularities, which seem to self-correct once the stressor is resolved. Chronic sleep disorders are characterized by symptoms lasting more than a month, creating health issues over time.

Consistently missing out on a good night’s sleep can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including lowered immune function, irritability, hormonal imbalance, lack of judgment and lack of focus. Recent studies have shown that chronic sleep deprivation can also leave one with a heightened risk of developing cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

Remedying sleep disorders as soon as they surface gives an individual the best chance of preventing it from becoming a chronic problem and wreaking havoc on your health.

Holistic Therapy Options

In Fort Collins there are numerous holistic therapy options available. Each one works towards addressing the totality of a person’s wellbeing and strives to restore balance, harmony and functionality in the body, mind and spirit.

Herbal Therapy

Herbalists today rely not only on ancient wisdom of the past, but also on scientific discoveries of today. There are many wonderful herbs that can be taken in place of prescription sleep medications. Herbs are gentler on the body and just as effective as medications. Herbalists spend many hours learning the different healing properties of each plant and flower, as well as how to safely and properly extract the healing remedies that reside within it. Be sure when looking for an herbal remedy that you consult with someone who is properly trained and experienced.

Massage Therapy

If your sleep related issues are the result of stress, massage can be a wonderful remedy. Not only will a massage relax you physically, it also relaxes you mentally. Allowing the body to let go of physical tension can help ease the mind of its mental tension. Sometimes all we need to get our sleep patterns back on track is a moment of letting go, and massage gives us that space. In addition, you may find that in the moment of relaxation you will nod off for a deep, peaceful rest.

Music Therapy

Music is another wonderful modality that can help us let go of bodily tension by relaxing our mind and heart. Listening to music that resonates with you and inspires relaxation and calmness before bed may be all you need to get a good night’s sleep. Many find that working with a qualified Music Therapist deepens the understanding of using music as a healing tool, and helps one to achieve the desired results quicker.

Network Chiropractic Care

This is my personal recommendation for treating sleep disorders holistically, due to the effect that the entrainments have on the brain, which is the master regulator of all bodily functions. The spinal cord acts as the information highway, sending electrical impulses of information to and from the body and brain.

When an individual experiences any degree of stress, distortion is created within the spinal cord itself. As you can imagine, this interferes significantly with the nervous system’s ability to communicate properly with the brain, and vice versa. This miscommunication creates a domino effect of ill-health that ripples through the entire system.

Sleep deprivation can definitely be a byproduct of distortion in the spinal cord and the resulting miscommunications between the brain and nervous system.

Network Chiropractic care works to re-establish a flowing communication between the brain and body. By gently applying specific pressure to the points where the spinal cord and vertebrae connect, Network Chiropractic alters the state or tone of the spinal cord, allowing the vertebrae to self correct and the neurology to release tension held in the system. The effect is a feeling of calm and peace.

While receiving Network care, people are strongly encouraged to be conscious participants with all aspects of their health, including nutrition, lifestyle, and stress management, which directly affects our sleep health.

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