Following is a list of popular types of herbal teas which may be used for a variety of effects, including their sedative, stimulant, relaxing, or therapeutic effects.
Chamomile tea is one of the more popular types of herbal teas, and it is known to have sedative properties, which can both help a person to relax and to sleep better.
Ginger tea is an aromatic, spicy tea that is used to treat symptoms of nausea and to aid in digestion. Often, pregnant women use this tea to help fight morning sickness.
Peppermint is a popular aid for digestion and a remedy for minor stomach problems. In tea form, peppermint can help relieve stomach discomfort and indigestion, and the clear, sharp aroma and taste are pleasant.
Sage tea is used for its therapeutic properties, and it is often used to soothe sore throats or to treat laryngitis. Also, it can aid in digestion.
Rosemary Tea can be used to treat headaches and is also used for its natural anti-septic properties.
Cinnamon tea aids in controling blood sugar levels and insulin levels. It is thought to be very healthy for the heart, and may also be used to reduce menstrual cramps.
Sassafras tea has natural anti-blood clotting properties, and it is often used to treat respiratory problems.
Herbal teas can have a variety of beneficial effects - however, they also affect different people in different ways and at different levels. Some herbal teas could be dangerous to drink depending on a person's medical conditions or what prescription medicines they are taking.
Some herbal teas have been connected to premature labor and even abortion and thus should only be taken under the guidance of a physician during pregnancy.
News, articles, and views on the field of alternative health including naturopathy, herbal supplements, holisitc medicine,
homeopathy, magnetic therapy, energy healing, acupuncture, and others.
News and discussions regarding the use of, history of, and research on alternative medicines and therapies.
Alternative Medicine Industry Growing
For many, the phrase “alternative medicine” conjures of images of quacks prescribing strange potions to treat health problems. Other people know that the broad phrase is better defined as a wide range of health care practices, therapies, and products which offer an alternative or complimentary component to conventional treatments.
The U.S. government’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine exists in order to do scientific research on alternative medicine options and to offer their findings to the health care industry and the public. NCCAM reports that 38% of adults and 12% of children utilize some type of complementary or alternative medicine (CAM). Practices such chiropractory and massage therapy are a couple of the most popular. Lower-back pain, which is an extremly common, yet condition which is hard to treat, is the main reason people seek relief through chiropractory, making the chiropractic industry worth nearly $10 billion a year.
NCCAM puts yoga, hypnotherapy and tai-chi into a mind-body classification, which focuses on utilizing the mind in order to affect the body and health. The idea that the mind is an important component of healing goes back more than two millenia to traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medical practices.
Acupunture, a practice which involves stimulating points on the body with needles, is a central component of ancient Chinese medicine which strives to achieve a balance of the body’s yin and yang. A recent survey found that 3.1 million Americans had tried acupuncture treatment.
Movement and energy therapies, such as light therapy, and therapies which are based on natural products were also part ofNCCAM’s research. The use of natural herbs, vitamins, and minerals in order to promote health and treat specific health problems is a popular practice that continues to gain popularity. The herb Echinacea is regularly prescribed for the treatment of urinary tract infections and to help bolster the immune system. Ginger is often utilized to relieve arthritis pain and to treat post-surgery nausea.
As health insurance costs continue to rise, a growing number of Americans are inquiring about CAM services as a solution to their health problems and, according to NCCAM, an increasing number of health professionals are now considering these options in conjunction with more conventional medicines and treatments.
Some polls have shown that those who have higher incomes and more education are more likely to seek and utilize CAM, and more women use such therapies than men. Pain is the main reason that people consider these alternative methods.
Source: Bay Net
The U.S. government’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine exists in order to do scientific research on alternative medicine options and to offer their findings to the health care industry and the public. NCCAM reports that 38% of adults and 12% of children utilize some type of complementary or alternative medicine (CAM). Practices such chiropractory and massage therapy are a couple of the most popular. Lower-back pain, which is an extremly common, yet condition which is hard to treat, is the main reason people seek relief through chiropractory, making the chiropractic industry worth nearly $10 billion a year.
NCCAM puts yoga, hypnotherapy and tai-chi into a mind-body classification, which focuses on utilizing the mind in order to affect the body and health. The idea that the mind is an important component of healing goes back more than two millenia to traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medical practices.
Acupunture, a practice which involves stimulating points on the body with needles, is a central component of ancient Chinese medicine which strives to achieve a balance of the body’s yin and yang. A recent survey found that 3.1 million Americans had tried acupuncture treatment.
Movement and energy therapies, such as light therapy, and therapies which are based on natural products were also part ofNCCAM’s research. The use of natural herbs, vitamins, and minerals in order to promote health and treat specific health problems is a popular practice that continues to gain popularity. The herb Echinacea is regularly prescribed for the treatment of urinary tract infections and to help bolster the immune system. Ginger is often utilized to relieve arthritis pain and to treat post-surgery nausea.
As health insurance costs continue to rise, a growing number of Americans are inquiring about CAM services as a solution to their health problems and, according to NCCAM, an increasing number of health professionals are now considering these options in conjunction with more conventional medicines and treatments.
Some polls have shown that those who have higher incomes and more education are more likely to seek and utilize CAM, and more women use such therapies than men. Pain is the main reason that people consider these alternative methods.
Source: Bay Net
Acupuncture to Treat "Lazy Eye"
The bothersome condition known as "lazy eye," which often forces suffers to wear eye patches, may be helped by an alternative therapy: acupuncture. The condition is formally known as amblyopia, and it is primarily characterized by poor vision in one eye. A new study has suggested that acupuncture may be effective in treating the condition.
When acupuncture was administered by certified practicioners, it resulted in an improvement for kids which as equal to that seen from the standard treatment option of wearing an eye patch for a period each day. The eye patch is placed over the sufferer's normal eye, which helps to exercise the muscles of the lazy eye.
The study showed improvement was made by both groups – the group that used the eye patches, as well as the group that had acupuncture.
Acupuncture is used for a wide variety of problems and disorders, and there now appears reason to hope that it may be an effective alternative therapy for treating lazy eye as well, which is among the most common problems of children, and a disorder which nearly 5% of the population of the world suffers from.
Source: MSNBC
When acupuncture was administered by certified practicioners, it resulted in an improvement for kids which as equal to that seen from the standard treatment option of wearing an eye patch for a period each day. The eye patch is placed over the sufferer's normal eye, which helps to exercise the muscles of the lazy eye.
The study showed improvement was made by both groups – the group that used the eye patches, as well as the group that had acupuncture.
Acupuncture is used for a wide variety of problems and disorders, and there now appears reason to hope that it may be an effective alternative therapy for treating lazy eye as well, which is among the most common problems of children, and a disorder which nearly 5% of the population of the world suffers from.
Source: MSNBC
Fish Oils Effective in Reducing Chronic Inflammation and Insulin Resistance
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have been able to identify the molecular mechanism in omega 3 fatty acids which makes them effective for reducing chronic inflammation and insulin resistance.
This discovery may lead to developing an efficient dietary remedy for some of the 23 million Americans who suffer from diabetes and other conditions.
Jerrold Olefsky, MD, and other researchers were able to identify a key receptor on macrophages which are abundant in obese body fat. There is a significant correlation between obesity and diabetes. The researchers say omega 3 fatty acids activate this receptor, which results in broad anti-inflammatory effects and an improvment in insulin sensitivity systematically.
Macrophages are a specialized type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris and pathogens in the blood. One function of this immune system response is that the macrophages secrete cytokines and other proteins that cause inflammation, a process for killing cells and other objects perceived to be harmful. Obese fat tissue contains a numerous amount of macrophages which produce large amounts of cytokines. This can result in chronic inflammation, as well as elevated insulin resistance in neighboring cells overexposed to the cytokines. Insulin resistance causes natural hormone insulin to become ineffective at regulating blood sugar levels, which can lead to a variety of severe health problems, most notably type 2 diabetes.
The researchers looked at cellular receptors which are known to respond to fatty acids. They eventually focused on a G-protein receptor called GPR120, a member of a family of signaling molecules involved in a variety of cellular functions. The GPR120 receptor is only located on pro-inflammatory macrophages in mature fat cells. When the receptor is deactivated, the macrophage causes inflammatory effects. However, when exposed to omega-3 fatty acids, specifically docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the GPR120 receptor is turned on and produces a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.
"It's just an incredibly potent effect," said Olefsky, a professor of medicine and associate dean of scientific affairs for the UC San Diego School of Medicine. "The omega-3 fatty acids switch on the receptor, killing the inflammatory response."
Source: Science Daily
This discovery may lead to developing an efficient dietary remedy for some of the 23 million Americans who suffer from diabetes and other conditions.
Jerrold Olefsky, MD, and other researchers were able to identify a key receptor on macrophages which are abundant in obese body fat. There is a significant correlation between obesity and diabetes. The researchers say omega 3 fatty acids activate this receptor, which results in broad anti-inflammatory effects and an improvment in insulin sensitivity systematically.
Macrophages are a specialized type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris and pathogens in the blood. One function of this immune system response is that the macrophages secrete cytokines and other proteins that cause inflammation, a process for killing cells and other objects perceived to be harmful. Obese fat tissue contains a numerous amount of macrophages which produce large amounts of cytokines. This can result in chronic inflammation, as well as elevated insulin resistance in neighboring cells overexposed to the cytokines. Insulin resistance causes natural hormone insulin to become ineffective at regulating blood sugar levels, which can lead to a variety of severe health problems, most notably type 2 diabetes.
The researchers looked at cellular receptors which are known to respond to fatty acids. They eventually focused on a G-protein receptor called GPR120, a member of a family of signaling molecules involved in a variety of cellular functions. The GPR120 receptor is only located on pro-inflammatory macrophages in mature fat cells. When the receptor is deactivated, the macrophage causes inflammatory effects. However, when exposed to omega-3 fatty acids, specifically docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the GPR120 receptor is turned on and produces a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.
"It's just an incredibly potent effect," said Olefsky, a professor of medicine and associate dean of scientific affairs for the UC San Diego School of Medicine. "The omega-3 fatty acids switch on the receptor, killing the inflammatory response."
Source: Science Daily
Tai Chi May Be Helpful for Mental Health
Tai Chi, a form of low-impact martial arts, has often been connected with a reduction in stress, anxiety and depression, as well as enhanced mood, in healthy people and people suffering from chronic conditions. A thorough review of the subject, published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, has found that even though Tai Chi does seem to result in positive psychological effects, further quality, randomized studies are needed.
Dr. Chenchen Wang, Associate Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine, performed work with a group of researchers to consolidate the results of 40 studies, including a number of randomized, controlled studies, regarding the effect that Tai Chi had on mental health.
Wang and the other researchers found that people who practiced Tai Chi had a reduction in stress, anxiety, depression and other mood disturbances, and an increase in self-esteem. However, the overall quality of the studies involved was generally modest. Particularly, rigorous, prospective, well-controlled studies which included relevant comparison groups and validated outcome definitions were generally lacking.
Source: Alternative Medicine Direct
Dr. Chenchen Wang, Associate Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine, performed work with a group of researchers to consolidate the results of 40 studies, including a number of randomized, controlled studies, regarding the effect that Tai Chi had on mental health.
Wang and the other researchers found that people who practiced Tai Chi had a reduction in stress, anxiety, depression and other mood disturbances, and an increase in self-esteem. However, the overall quality of the studies involved was generally modest. Particularly, rigorous, prospective, well-controlled studies which included relevant comparison groups and validated outcome definitions were generally lacking.
Source: Alternative Medicine Direct
Some Natural Pain Cures
The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that over 65% of the world's population (3 billion people) rely primarily on natural medicines as their main method of health care.
The U.S. government now sponsors acupuncture in drug rehabilitation programs, and nearly a third of American medical schools are now offering courses in alternative medicines, including Yale, John's Hopkins, and Georgetown.
Apart from acupuncture, following are some other natural pain therapies you may want to consider:
1. Drink water - It may seems simple, but avoiding dehydration can help ward off numerous ailments, including headaches, cramping and fatigue.
2. Caffeine - Caffeine is one ingredient in many of the major over-the-counter pain medicines.
3. Fish Oil - Fish oil enthusiasts claim that it reduces inflammation and works by restricting blood vessels in the temples. This could be welcome news for the millions who suffer from migraine headaches.
4. Eat Ginger or Take a Ginger Supplement - Nausea can often be hard to treat, even with over-the-counter medicines. Ginger is often recommended to pregnant women, who may suffer from nausea, but are not allowed to take other medications.
5. Willowbark - Willowbark can act as a natural form of aspirin. It contains salocin, which is the active ingredient of aspirin.
6. Hops - Hops is a potent anti-inflammatory.
Source: Fox News
The U.S. government now sponsors acupuncture in drug rehabilitation programs, and nearly a third of American medical schools are now offering courses in alternative medicines, including Yale, John's Hopkins, and Georgetown.
Apart from acupuncture, following are some other natural pain therapies you may want to consider:
1. Drink water - It may seems simple, but avoiding dehydration can help ward off numerous ailments, including headaches, cramping and fatigue.
2. Caffeine - Caffeine is one ingredient in many of the major over-the-counter pain medicines.
3. Fish Oil - Fish oil enthusiasts claim that it reduces inflammation and works by restricting blood vessels in the temples. This could be welcome news for the millions who suffer from migraine headaches.
4. Eat Ginger or Take a Ginger Supplement - Nausea can often be hard to treat, even with over-the-counter medicines. Ginger is often recommended to pregnant women, who may suffer from nausea, but are not allowed to take other medications.
5. Willowbark - Willowbark can act as a natural form of aspirin. It contains salocin, which is the active ingredient of aspirin.
6. Hops - Hops is a potent anti-inflammatory.
Source: Fox News
Fibromyalgia Patients Benefit from Practicing Yoga
A recent study has found that practicing Yoga has positive effects on Fibromyalgia, a condition affecting about 11 million individuals in the United States alone. Fibromyalgia has a direct yearly cost for care of over $20 billion, and drug therapies are only about 30% effective in alleviating symptoms, and 20% effective in improving function. Standard care currently includes drugs accompanied by exercises and psychological coping skills. In a study published in the November issue of PAIN, researchers have reported that FM sufferers participating in a "Yoga of Awareness" program showed markedly greater improvement in Fibromyalgia symptoms and functioning when compared to patients using a standard FM care regime.
"Although yoga has been practiced for millennia, only recently have researchers begun to demonstrate yoga's effects on persons suffering from persistent pain," said lead researcher James W. Carson, PhD, Oregon Health & Science University. "The Yoga of Awareness program stands in contrast to previous multimodal interventions with FM patients in that it integrates a wide spectrum of yoga-based techniques: postures, mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises, application of yogic principles to optimal coping, and group discussions. The findings of this study give promising preliminary support for the positive effects of yoga in patients with Fibromyaliga."
Source: Med India
"Although yoga has been practiced for millennia, only recently have researchers begun to demonstrate yoga's effects on persons suffering from persistent pain," said lead researcher James W. Carson, PhD, Oregon Health & Science University. "The Yoga of Awareness program stands in contrast to previous multimodal interventions with FM patients in that it integrates a wide spectrum of yoga-based techniques: postures, mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises, application of yogic principles to optimal coping, and group discussions. The findings of this study give promising preliminary support for the positive effects of yoga in patients with Fibromyaliga."
Source: Med India
New Research Identifies Herbal Supplements Effective for Treating Anxiety
Recent review of research on the use of nutritional supplements for treating anxiety has found compelling evidence for the use of extracts of passionflower or kava, as well as combinations of L-lysine and L-arginine.
Researchers combined the results of 24 studies which involved a total of over 2000 participants, indicating that certain nutritional and herbal supplements can be effective, with no risk of suffering serious side-effects.
The research was carried out by Shaheen Lakhan and Karen Vieira from the Global Neuroscience Initiative Foundation, in Los Angeles, California. Lakhan stated, "Our review and summary of the literature on herbal remedies and dietary supplements for anxiety should aid mental health practitioners in advising their patients and provide insight for future research in this field. We found mixed results - while passionflower or kava and L-lysine and L-arginine appeared to be effective, St John's Wort and magnesium supplements were not."
Of the studies which were part of the review, 21 were randomized, controlled studies. Of those, 15 showed positive results from either a nutritional or herbal remedy, and any documented side-effects were mild to moderate.
Source: Science Daily
Researchers combined the results of 24 studies which involved a total of over 2000 participants, indicating that certain nutritional and herbal supplements can be effective, with no risk of suffering serious side-effects.
The research was carried out by Shaheen Lakhan and Karen Vieira from the Global Neuroscience Initiative Foundation, in Los Angeles, California. Lakhan stated, "Our review and summary of the literature on herbal remedies and dietary supplements for anxiety should aid mental health practitioners in advising their patients and provide insight for future research in this field. We found mixed results - while passionflower or kava and L-lysine and L-arginine appeared to be effective, St John's Wort and magnesium supplements were not."
Of the studies which were part of the review, 21 were randomized, controlled studies. Of those, 15 showed positive results from either a nutritional or herbal remedy, and any documented side-effects were mild to moderate.
Source: Science Daily
Acupuncture to Treat Pregnancy Depression Disorder
Acupuncture may alleviate depression symptoms during pregnancy, according to a new study performed at the Stanford University School of Medicine. The study, led by Rachel Manber, PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, said they hope the results will address depression during pregnancy and provide patients an alternative to using antidepressants. It will also help increase awareness among pregnant woman about depression.
The study was conducted after 14% of pregnant women suffered major depressive disorder, a condition characterized by feelings of dread, gloom and hopelessness, as well as a loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities.
The research was conducted on 150 women whose pregnancies were between 12 and 30 weeks, and who suffered from major depressive disorder. The women were divided into three groups to receive one of three treatments: depression-specific acupuncture; control acupuncture, during which needles were inserted in points not thought to help relieve depressive symptoms; or massage. The women received eight weeks of therapy and were assessed for depression at four and eight weeks by an interviewer who was unaware of which treatments were being given.
The researchers found that women who received the acupuncture for depression, experienced a greater reduction in depression symptoms than the women in the other two groups.
Source: One India
The study was conducted after 14% of pregnant women suffered major depressive disorder, a condition characterized by feelings of dread, gloom and hopelessness, as well as a loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities.
The research was conducted on 150 women whose pregnancies were between 12 and 30 weeks, and who suffered from major depressive disorder. The women were divided into three groups to receive one of three treatments: depression-specific acupuncture; control acupuncture, during which needles were inserted in points not thought to help relieve depressive symptoms; or massage. The women received eight weeks of therapy and were assessed for depression at four and eight weeks by an interviewer who was unaware of which treatments were being given.
The researchers found that women who received the acupuncture for depression, experienced a greater reduction in depression symptoms than the women in the other two groups.
Source: One India
Vitamin K Helpful in Preventing Diabetes
People with a higher level of intake of vitamin K are less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, according to a new study conducted by researchers at the University Medical Center Utrecht, in the Netherlands, and published in the Journal Diabetes Care.
Vitamin K, known to have an important role in blood coagulation, comes in two different forms - K1 and K2. Vitamin K1 is found mainly in leafy green vegetables, as well as some fruits such as kiwi and avocado. Vitamin K2 is found primarily in meats, eggs, and dairy products, and is synthesized by the human body as well. Because vitamin K2 is able to be produced by the body and is only required in small amounts, deficiencies are relatively rare, except in people with underlying medical conditions.
In the study, the researchers followed more than 38,000 Dutch adults for a period of more than 10 years, tracking their dietary and lifestyle habits, as well as their overall health information. At the end of 10 years, it was found that study participants who had the highest vitamin K1 intake were about 19% less likely to have developed Type 2 diabetes than those who had low intake. On the other hand, those who had the highest levels of vitamin K2 intake were about 20% less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those with the lowest levels of intake.
Vitamin K1 appears to be related with decreased diabetes risk only at very high doses. Conversely, each 10 microgram increase in vitamin K2 intake, resulted in a decrease in diabetes risk.
Vitamin K, known to have an important role in blood coagulation, comes in two different forms - K1 and K2. Vitamin K1 is found mainly in leafy green vegetables, as well as some fruits such as kiwi and avocado. Vitamin K2 is found primarily in meats, eggs, and dairy products, and is synthesized by the human body as well. Because vitamin K2 is able to be produced by the body and is only required in small amounts, deficiencies are relatively rare, except in people with underlying medical conditions.
In the study, the researchers followed more than 38,000 Dutch adults for a period of more than 10 years, tracking their dietary and lifestyle habits, as well as their overall health information. At the end of 10 years, it was found that study participants who had the highest vitamin K1 intake were about 19% less likely to have developed Type 2 diabetes than those who had low intake. On the other hand, those who had the highest levels of vitamin K2 intake were about 20% less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those with the lowest levels of intake.
Vitamin K1 appears to be related with decreased diabetes risk only at very high doses. Conversely, each 10 microgram increase in vitamin K2 intake, resulted in a decrease in diabetes risk.
Alternative Health Industry Thriving in Central New York
In the last decade, the alternative health care industry in Central New York has exploded. A few examples to consider:
Hematology/Oncology Associates, the region's largest cancer treatment facility, has an exam room available for patients who want massages or energy treatments, such as reiki.
Once the doctors realized that traditional medicine wasn't helping everyone at CNY Fertility Center, the area's largest fertility center, they began to offer "integrative fertility care," which includes both massage and acupuncture.
Syracuse's Crouse Hospital offers reiki. Rome Memorial Hospital offers harp-therapy. The syracuse V.A. Medical Center includes a "Center for Integrated Health."
The change is also reflected in various, local small health-related businesses: a pharmacist began Bare Bones Health & Wellness, in Manlius, to give out nutrition and lifestyle advice; a local nurse runs Speedy Greens, an organic restaurant, in Cicero, which also provides reflexology and reiki; a retired investment banker is now a reiki master at The Spring, in Fayetteville, a spiritual/cultural center.
Perhaps doctors, newfound openness to "alternative" medicine and therapies is because of an increase in their patients' interest. About 40% of Americans use some form of alternative medicine, according to a 2007 survey taken by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Source: Syracuse.com
Hematology/Oncology Associates, the region's largest cancer treatment facility, has an exam room available for patients who want massages or energy treatments, such as reiki.
Once the doctors realized that traditional medicine wasn't helping everyone at CNY Fertility Center, the area's largest fertility center, they began to offer "integrative fertility care," which includes both massage and acupuncture.
Syracuse's Crouse Hospital offers reiki. Rome Memorial Hospital offers harp-therapy. The syracuse V.A. Medical Center includes a "Center for Integrated Health."
The change is also reflected in various, local small health-related businesses: a pharmacist began Bare Bones Health & Wellness, in Manlius, to give out nutrition and lifestyle advice; a local nurse runs Speedy Greens, an organic restaurant, in Cicero, which also provides reflexology and reiki; a retired investment banker is now a reiki master at The Spring, in Fayetteville, a spiritual/cultural center.
Perhaps doctors, newfound openness to "alternative" medicine and therapies is because of an increase in their patients' interest. About 40% of Americans use some form of alternative medicine, according to a 2007 survey taken by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Source: Syracuse.com
Homeopathic Remedies to Treat Insomnia
Over one-third of Americans suffer from insomnia, and it is the single most common sleep complaint. I nsomnia is characterized by the inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake refreshed. Homeopathy has been found to have a number of remedies which can be used to treat acute insomnia.
Homeopathic Dosing
For most acute diseases, homeopathic remedies should be taken in 6x, 6c, or 30c potencies. Most people have no problems with taking these small doses up to a few times a day. However, for the 10% of American who suffer from chronic insomnia, the seeing a professional homeopath or medical professional is advised.
Aconite napellus - Aconite napellus is used to treat a variety of nervous and panic disorders, and is especially useful for insomnia caused by pain or fear. It is useful for people who awaken from sleep due to anxiety, panic or fear.
Arsenicum album - Arsenicum album is made from elemental arsenic. People needing this remedy can be greatly fatigued, but too restless to fall asleep. They tend to be anxious about small things, and they wake unrefreshed. Those needing arsenic wake frequently during the night and may have many dreams.
Belladonna - Belladonna is made from Nightshade, a plant in the Solanaceae family. This remedy helps those who are very restless and who are woken up by nightmares. They may also experience jerking while sleeping. They may experience a pounding in the blood vessels of the head or be kept awake by hearing the blood pulsing in their head. Their dreams are also anxious and vivid.
Calcarea phosphorica - Calcarea phosphorica is a mineral remedy that can be used to treat children who wake up due to growing pains in the legs. Aches in bones and joints that disturb or prevent sleep may be helped by this remedy, in both children and adults. Those needing this remedy have difficulty falling asleep because of pain and discomfort, and then have difficulty waking from sleep.
Source: Natural News
Homeopathic Dosing
For most acute diseases, homeopathic remedies should be taken in 6x, 6c, or 30c potencies. Most people have no problems with taking these small doses up to a few times a day. However, for the 10% of American who suffer from chronic insomnia, the seeing a professional homeopath or medical professional is advised.
Aconite napellus - Aconite napellus is used to treat a variety of nervous and panic disorders, and is especially useful for insomnia caused by pain or fear. It is useful for people who awaken from sleep due to anxiety, panic or fear.
Arsenicum album - Arsenicum album is made from elemental arsenic. People needing this remedy can be greatly fatigued, but too restless to fall asleep. They tend to be anxious about small things, and they wake unrefreshed. Those needing arsenic wake frequently during the night and may have many dreams.
Belladonna - Belladonna is made from Nightshade, a plant in the Solanaceae family. This remedy helps those who are very restless and who are woken up by nightmares. They may also experience jerking while sleeping. They may experience a pounding in the blood vessels of the head or be kept awake by hearing the blood pulsing in their head. Their dreams are also anxious and vivid.
Calcarea phosphorica - Calcarea phosphorica is a mineral remedy that can be used to treat children who wake up due to growing pains in the legs. Aches in bones and joints that disturb or prevent sleep may be helped by this remedy, in both children and adults. Those needing this remedy have difficulty falling asleep because of pain and discomfort, and then have difficulty waking from sleep.
Source: Natural News
Magnetic Therapy: Another Way to Treat Depression
A new treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was approved by the FDA in October 2008. The treatment involves focusing electromagnetic pulses on the area of the brain that is believed to control depression. The idea, according to Dr. Och, president and medical director of Island Counseling Center in Worcester, is to attempt to get some of the benefits of electro-convulsive therapy, without the side-effects that come with inducing seizures in a patient under general anesthesia.
In TMS, a curved device attached to a metallic arm is placed against the left side of the head, and the patient looks at a dot on the far wall. For about 37 minutes, the magnet is activated, making 6 loud pinging sounds, then pausing for about minute, and then sounding again. The patient wears earplugs to muffle the sound.
This treatment has been effective for treating people with serious depression who have not had positive results with other treatments.
“Of the 5 patients we’ve treated, 4 have had great success, and have become well enough to stop treatments,” Dr. Och said. The treatment did not alleviate depression for the fifth patient, but it also didn't have any negative side effects.
Dr. Och said Island Counseling is currently considering using the TMS machine to potentially treat other psychiatric illnesses, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The TMS treatment has only been FDA approved for depression, he noted, so patients would have to understand the risks before treatment.
Source: Telegram.com
More information and resources regarding biomagnetic therapy.
In TMS, a curved device attached to a metallic arm is placed against the left side of the head, and the patient looks at a dot on the far wall. For about 37 minutes, the magnet is activated, making 6 loud pinging sounds, then pausing for about minute, and then sounding again. The patient wears earplugs to muffle the sound.
This treatment has been effective for treating people with serious depression who have not had positive results with other treatments.
“Of the 5 patients we’ve treated, 4 have had great success, and have become well enough to stop treatments,” Dr. Och said. The treatment did not alleviate depression for the fifth patient, but it also didn't have any negative side effects.
Dr. Och said Island Counseling is currently considering using the TMS machine to potentially treat other psychiatric illnesses, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The TMS treatment has only been FDA approved for depression, he noted, so patients would have to understand the risks before treatment.
Source: Telegram.com
More information and resources regarding biomagnetic therapy.
Nearly 40% of Americans Use Alternative Medicine Therapies
In the United States, a growing number of patients are turning to alternative and complementary medicine as part of their health care. According to the National Institutes of Health, almost 40 percent of American adults have used some type therapy that isn't considered traditional. More than 40 U.S. universities, including Stanford, UCLA, Duke and The George Washington University have integrative medicine centers.
With more Americans turning to alternative medicine, the U.S. government founded The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine as part of the National Institutes of Health. "Our job here at the National Institutes of Health is to bring really good science to these really interesting practices," says Dr. Josephine Briggs, the center's director.
Practices that are considered outside mainstream medicine, include the use of dietary supplements, meditation and yoga, as well as acupuncture, reiki - or therapeutic touch - and massage therapy. A survey by the NIH in 2007 indicated nearly four in 10 Americans use one of these practices, generally to treat pain.
Source: VOA News
With more Americans turning to alternative medicine, the U.S. government founded The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine as part of the National Institutes of Health. "Our job here at the National Institutes of Health is to bring really good science to these really interesting practices," says Dr. Josephine Briggs, the center's director.
Practices that are considered outside mainstream medicine, include the use of dietary supplements, meditation and yoga, as well as acupuncture, reiki - or therapeutic touch - and massage therapy. A survey by the NIH in 2007 indicated nearly four in 10 Americans use one of these practices, generally to treat pain.
Source: VOA News
Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Alternative medicine is any health practice that replaces, or isn't compatible with, "Western" medicine. Complementary medicine may involve alternative health practices, but is taken along side contemporary healing approaches. Alternative medicine implies using only non-traditional therapies and methods.
Alternative medicine includes a wide range of practices and therapies. Some of them are based on Ancient Chinese beliefs, like acupuncture and the use of natural herbal supplements. Others focus on Ayurvedic therapies including changes in diet, practicing yoga, and the emphsis of the connection between body, mind, and spirit. Body, mind and spirit healing is also defined as "holistic health", and it can be either alternative or complementary.
Other examples of alternative medicine and therapies include massage, meditation, energy healing (crystals and gemstones), magnetic (biomagnetic) therapy, naturopathy, exercise practices like Tai Chi, and aromatherapy, among others. Many people employ a form of alternative medicine when they take vitamins or natural herbal supplements without the direction of a physician. For example, many people who contract a cold use Cold-Eeze or Zicam, nutritional supplements, instead of going to see a doctor. With no traditional, or Western, medical advice, users of these supplements practice alternative medicine.
Alternative medicine users can often point to the fact that certain alternative practices have thousands of years of anecdotal evidence, suggesting that they are successful. The Western medical establishment generally opposes such practices, but as complementary medicine has continued to advance, there are now exist medical schools that teach alternative practices. Many physicians are now beginning to embrace complementary medicine and therapies because they provide more options for addressing a number of health conditions.
Many people turn to alternative health practices when the traditional Western medical community can offer them no treatment or cure for a particular condition. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some therapies may help improve quality of life for some of these people. Western doctors acknowledge many of the more established methods and therapies of alternative medicine, and recommend them for patients who they cannot treat with traditional medicine. While many physicians continue to remain skeptical, alternative medicine is often looked upon as a treatment of last resort.
Alternative medicine includes a wide range of practices and therapies. Some of them are based on Ancient Chinese beliefs, like acupuncture and the use of natural herbal supplements. Others focus on Ayurvedic therapies including changes in diet, practicing yoga, and the emphsis of the connection between body, mind, and spirit. Body, mind and spirit healing is also defined as "holistic health", and it can be either alternative or complementary.
Other examples of alternative medicine and therapies include massage, meditation, energy healing (crystals and gemstones), magnetic (biomagnetic) therapy, naturopathy, exercise practices like Tai Chi, and aromatherapy, among others. Many people employ a form of alternative medicine when they take vitamins or natural herbal supplements without the direction of a physician. For example, many people who contract a cold use Cold-Eeze or Zicam, nutritional supplements, instead of going to see a doctor. With no traditional, or Western, medical advice, users of these supplements practice alternative medicine.
Alternative medicine users can often point to the fact that certain alternative practices have thousands of years of anecdotal evidence, suggesting that they are successful. The Western medical establishment generally opposes such practices, but as complementary medicine has continued to advance, there are now exist medical schools that teach alternative practices. Many physicians are now beginning to embrace complementary medicine and therapies because they provide more options for addressing a number of health conditions.
Many people turn to alternative health practices when the traditional Western medical community can offer them no treatment or cure for a particular condition. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some therapies may help improve quality of life for some of these people. Western doctors acknowledge many of the more established methods and therapies of alternative medicine, and recommend them for patients who they cannot treat with traditional medicine. While many physicians continue to remain skeptical, alternative medicine is often looked upon as a treatment of last resort.
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