ACUPUNCTURE

Essential Oils, Acupuncture and Common Cold

2011-10-23T15:18:00.003-04:00

Certainly this is the time of the year to talk about common cold, stuffy nose, runny nose, pressure in the sinuses and body aches. [read more]

Diabetes and Alternative/Complementary Medicine, What You Should Know

2011-08-22T18:23:00.000-04:00

It took me quite a time to make one blog. I apologize, has been busy with my 2 new locations and my teaching career.

Remember you can follow me on tweeter and read other articles that I post there. You can find me as arroyosacu

Depression and Inflammation

2011-05-23T18:27:00.002-04:00

It has been found that depression and inflammation go hand to hand

Taking a Deep Breath

2011-05-04T14:57:00.000-04:00

Learn how deep breathing helps you by not only relaxing you or massaging your intestines...

Kindling, Depression and Hypoglycemia

2011-05-02T18:15:00.000-04:00

Learn what kindling, depression and hypoglycemia have in common

The Relevance of electroacupuncture

2011-04-27T15:23:00.001-04:00

Learn how many hertz to use, what happen at low or high frequencies and how it effects the brain...learn what are anti-endorphins and even how long electroacupuncture could last

Discovering the Beauty Benefits of Essential Oils

2011-04-26T18:03:00.000-04:00

Here is a blog for those interested in health skin ...

The Assitant's of Krebs

2011-04-15T20:38:00.000-04:00

Learn which minerals, vitamins and amino acids are involved in the Krebs cycle and their functions

The intestines and your brain

2011-04-12T09:32:00.000-04:00

Learn what is the relationship of the brain with your intestines

How Many calories?

2011-04-10T22:34:00.000-04:00

Do you know how many calories your brain uses? O how many calories your liver uses? If you dont then you really need to read this...you might be killing your body with a low calorie diet...

Genetically modified cows produce 'human' milk

2011-04-05T22:59:00.000-04:00

Genetically modified food is here to stay...it seems that we are pushing evolution...I wonder what will happen to animals, plants and us once the modification takes place deep inside in our cells...

Buying Supplements with a Tight Budget

2011-04-05T14:36:00.000-04:00

Here is a suggestion of what supplements you could by to stay healthy and why I suggest this particular protocol.

Keeping a healthy diet and weight

2011-03-01T21:03:00.000-05:00

Learn what I do in just 1:30 mins

2011-02-28T14:10:00.000-05:00

YouTube - promo english

Eating Brain to Improve Your Mood?

2011-02-07T17:02:00.001-05:00

Did you know that Robert Burton (8 February 1577 – 25 January 1640) in his book The Anatomy of Melancholy (1621) prescribed brains for depressed patients? Nowadays they found that the brain is high on omega 3 (and rich on phosphatidylserine) which regulates neurotransmitters involved in mood and behavior.....No wonder ancient civilizations ate organs such as liver, kidneys, heart, brains, intestines, stomach and many more...nowadays it has been proven that each organ is reach in minerals, fats, etc that help that particular organ i.e eating brains for a healthy brain...interesting enough they were right in their way of thinking this paradigm is called by Unschuld homeopathic magic where ancient civilizations saw that similar treated similar.

One thing is for sure...you will not see me eating brains, eyes...I guess that I will stick with the encapsulated supplements at my health food store

About the Author

Emmanuel Arroyo is a New York State Licenced and NCCAOM board certified acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist with special interest on depression and men’s health issues and how to use essential oils to help emotionally the patient, and unblock chakras. At the moment Emmanuel Arroyo practices in Queens, New York at his home based office and do community work at Vision Urbana division of Institute of Puerto Rican Hispanic Elderly in Manhattan.

Disclaimer

The information presented is for educational purposes and it is based on information read in journals or other sources and is not meant to replace medical advice.

Phospholipidosis and your health

2011-02-02T17:42:00.002-05:00

Kindling and Depression

2011-02-02T16:08:00.000-05:00

Learn what is kindling and how it affects our body

Depression and Dietary Fat

2011-01-24T19:08:00.000-05:00

Low cholesterol and depression? Depression and low intake of omega 3?

You can follow me on twitter: Emmanuel Arroyo

Depression and Homocysteine

2011-01-24T17:06:00.002-05:00

Depression and Homocysteine linked

Erectile Dysfunction: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

2011-01-17T20:08:00.000-05:00

In this blog you will learn the different diagnosis according to TCM and how to treat it with diet as well.

Understanding Your Heart

2011-01-13T13:44:00.001-05:00

Learn how Traditional Chinese Medicine sees the heart

Testosterone, Luteinizing hormone and cortisol

2011-01-03T13:41:00.000-05:00

Studies have shown a close relationship between Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) and Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG); simply put: higher levels of cortisol and lower levels of testosterone go hand to hand...Luteinizing hormone frequency is reduced as well...Men and Ladies control your stress and if you suffer from major depression I highly recommend acupuncture, herbal treatment and aromatherapy ... I have to admit that aromatherapy its great for stress relief, especially if you don't like needles.

Soon I will be posting information of some essential oils that are good for stress, depression, anger, fear, low self esteem and lack of courage and where you could find good quality essential oils.

Emmanuel Arroyo is a New York state licensed acupuncturist who uses chakra balancing and aromatherapy during acupuncture treatment. The purpose is to energetically align the body and clean the emotional aspect so the person can overcome any disorder or ailment.
Blogger and two of his blogs have featured in Queens Karma and Wisdom Magazine. Emmanuel Arroyo can be reached at 917-324-1140 or via email at dr.agujas@gmail.com

Keeping a healthy neck

2010-12-29T13:01:00.000-05:00

Hope you enjoy this

Dropletss of Knowledge

2010-12-17T18:48:00.000-05:00

I have to apologize for taking me so long to post something but have been busy doing some research therefore I decided that i will post tid-bits of interesting information that I'm learning during the process:

In Chinese medicine we say that Common cold or any upper respiratory infection (wind-cold) enter through the nape of the neck, why? because a few days prior to an acute respiratory infection or attack the levator scapulae's trigger points activate eliciting stiff neck or pain in the neck....
Did you know that people taking some anti-depressants gain wait due to an activation of alpha-noradrenergic receptors or deactivation of beta-noradrenergic receptors? Beta receptors stops feeding while alpha stimulates feeding.
Did you know that an increase on melatonin inhibits or reduces sexual activity? That is why warmer seasons and longer days are associated with fertility (ie, the Spring season). Melatonin is synthesized from serotonin by taking from it a methyl group from SAMe and an acetyl group from Acetyl-CoA.
Did you know that CKK (Cholecystokinin) modulates the release of dopamine while somatostatin and Substance P does the same with GABA and Serotonin respectively?

Insomnia: Through the Acupuncturist Lens

2010-09-29T14:52:00.000-04:00

Here you will learn how we, acupuncturist, distinguish insomnia and treat it accordingly; have included a list of some well known western herbs that are used for insomnia but this time I mention what type of insomnia it treats according to chinese medicine

The incredible World of Edible Fungi

2010-09-27T16:44:00.000-04:00

Breastfeeding Problems, a Holistic View

2010-09-21T23:15:00.001-04:00

Correction: the stomach meridian is the one with the girl and the liver is the other one.

Acupuncture/Acupuntura - Classified Ad

2010-09-14T23:45:00.000-04:00

Acupuncture/Acupuntura - Classified Ad

The Amygdala and US

2010-08-16T10:29:00.000-04:00

Probably you have heard of the limbic system, if you had then you should know that the amygdala is part of this system which is involved in gratification and "punishment"...it has a tendency to recollect and recall information that has significant value to it (and the brain and us).
The amygdala is as big as an almond yet it connects with the olfactory and optic functions of the brain; it also connects with the thalamus and hypothalamus. The neurotransmitters that "influence" this tiny "organ" are dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine while the hormone cortisol plays its little tricks on it too.
Once we have seen how intertwined the amygdala is with other centers and parts of the brain we can understand why aromatherapy works, the aroma is collected by the nerve endings of the olfactory nerve in the nose which sends the information to the amygdala which in turn will process the information and will send it to the frontal lobe, thalamus, and hypothalamus.
The connection the amygdala has to the optic nerve sheds some light on why we humans react to colors, faces and to unknown faces, places, etc. That is why Eeva Karjalainen et al, in the study entitled Promoting human health through forests: overview and major challenges clearly stays that vegetation has beneficial effects on human's mental health and immunology... the information collected by the optic nerve is send to the amygdala which in turn sends refined, processed information to the occipital and temporal area. No surprise that depression is high on developed countries, especially cities.
Considering that stress causes an increase on cortisol levels, is not surprising to expect people suffering from depression and other mental health issues to have an enlarged amygdala that has been down regulated and now works poorly upon dopaminic, serotonergic, epinephrine and norepinephrine stimulation.
Therefore, it is time for us to stop look and smell at the roses figuratively speaking.

Emmanuel Arroyo is a new york state licensed acupuncturist and NCCAOM certified herbalist with special interests on depression, men's health, pain management and gastro-intestinal issues.
The information presented here is purely educational and you should consult your physician and copy or distribution of this information should be done by permission of Emmanuel Arroyo.
You can contact him by email dr.agujas@gmail.com and by phone 917-324-1140

YouTube - GGN- Police Raid Health Food Store for Raw Milk

2010-07-28T10:07:00.000-04:00

YouTube - GGN- Police Raid Health Food Store for Raw Milk

The Forgotten Universal Key Ingredient

2010-07-23T14:02:00.000-04:00

Like our planet, we humans are a walking bottle of water. Our body is approximately 70% water. At a cellular level, 45% is extracellular where 8% is in the blood, 22 % is interstitial and lymphatic, and 15% is in connective tissues, cartilage and bone; the remaining 55% of the water is intracellular. Our body and cells use water to dispose of waste, as transportation of enzymes, proteins, amino acids, fats, minerals, vitamins, temperature regulation of organs and body and as a medium for biochemical reactions such as hydrolysis, oxidation and reduction. Water is composed of one atom of hydrogen and two of oxygen, hydrogen been positively charged and oxygen negatively. The outcome of one hydrogen and two oxygen atoms create some sort of electric charge that facilitates the union (bonding) of hydrogen to oxygen, nitrogen and fluorine from another molecule.

As we can see, water is a very important factor in order to maintain a healthy body, which includes our brain. Poor hydration can easily affect the brain’s chemistry the more viscous the solution is less effective biochemical reactions are.

Doctor F. Batmanghelidj spent 2 years and 7 months in an Islamic prison. During his time in jail he made a very interesting discovery, he was experiencing abdominal pain and upon drinking water the pain went away… later on during his incarceration officials brought him two prisoners with peptic ulcer pain but he did not have any medications so he offered them tap water and for his surprise the pain went away as well. No more to say he spent the remaining time doing observations on water as a treatment and once released he kept studying, researching and documenting his findings. Now he believes that a comprehensive understanding of physiology from an anatomical to a molecular perspective can shed light on many diseases that nowadays afflict humanity.

He found that many humans are dehydrated even if their mouth is not dried causing chemical imbalances at a cellular-molecular level. Dehydration can cause poor performance of vitamins, minerals and even amino acids. According to F. Batmanghelidj, MD prolong dehydration can create imbalances that eventually, if perpetuated, can be passed on to the offspring, meaning genetic mutations, resulting in diseases such as asthma, allergies, depression, diabetes and many other genetic disorders. This dehydration pushes the body to make its best to survive in a system with less water. The consequences are ample, as I previously mentioned, but one aspect that is more interesting is that the liver uses tryptophan and tyrosine as antioxidants substitute, which causes a lack of tryptophan and tyrosine in the brain (or body). All these information that water is nourishing and life supporting and a deficiency of this nourishing and life supporting liquid points out to what ancient Chinese medicine practitioners called yin and/or jin, ye deficiency. After all what they were explaining was exactly what science is now able to explain by means of a total different jargon, dehydration can cause biochemical imbalances which in turn will manifest pathologically.

I would like to expand on this yin, jin, ye deficiency concept by quoting a portion of Lei Jing Fu Yi (Wings to the Classified Canon) written by Zhang Jing-Yue, a famous Chinese physician from the Ming dynasty

Yin cannot exist without yang; without qi, form cannot be engendered. Yang cannot exist without yin; without yang, form cannot be carried. So, substance is engendered because yang engenders it, and substance is formed because yin forms it. This so-called original yin and original yang and is also called true essence and true qi. […] Early heavens causes qi to transform [into] form; this is yang engendering yin. Later heaven is form transforming [into] qi; this is yin engendering yang. Form is essence and essence is water. Spirit is qi and qi is fire. The two qi -yin and yang- most importantly should not be imbalanced. If they are not imbalanced, qi is harmonious and can engender substance. If they are imbalanced, qi is disharmonious and kills substances. […] Those who are good at treating essence are able to make qi be engendered from within essence; those who are good at treating qi are able to make essence be engendered within qi. This follows the mysterious use of [the fact that yin and yang] are separate but indivisible. (This quotation was taken from the book Principles of Chinese Medical Andrology by Bob Damone. Blue Poppy Press, 2008 pp 16.)

While I was reading this quote I could not stop thinking on what Doctor F. Batmanghelidj explained on his book that by hydrating the body by means of water (yin in nature or jin-ye) the body will start creating ‘hydroelectricity’ (qi) by rushing water through cell membranes’ pumps. Rehydration of the cells will bring into the cell more nutrients (yin) which would be used by the mitochondria to create more ATP’s (qi). By having more water (yin) at the cellular level the minerals, amino acids and proteins will be able to flow freely and faster (from a stagnant situation they are quicken by water) and engage into energy producing cycle known as Kreb’s cycle. From my perspective, Dr Batmanghelidj has developed a paradigm that closely relates with what in Chinese medicine we call yin, jin or ye deficiency. The difference is that for Dr Batman a big chunk of ailments, disorders, syndromes and diseases spring from what we call in Chinese medicine yin, jin or ye deficiency. He believes that we humans are not aware of the body’s messages. Confusing thirst with hunger (food and water are late heaven) deprives the body of water which over time will start suffering a ‘drought’, the body will be able to manage it but its cumulative effect will start mounting to the point that serious degenerative conditions are manifested. Here we see a lack of water or cellular dehydration (yin deficiency) leading to disharmonious qi (lack of energy production) which in turn will damage yin even more by activating histamine and renin-angiotensin (qi or yang in nature).

Signs of Dehydration

Doctor Fereydoon Batmanghelidj grouped signs and symptoms of dehydration into four categories these are feelings, drought and resource management, local dehydration and fourth dimension. For simplistic reasons I will propose to call these groups differently acute, sub-acute, chronic and degenerative. Under the acute (Feelings) category the person will start complaining of heaviness sensation in the head, irritability, anxiety, anger, impatientness, low spirits and feeling inadequate, depressed mood, attention deficits, poor concentration, poor memory, shortness of breath without any pathological evidence, malar flush, red nose and chin, tiredness, sleep disturbances, craving coffee, tea, sodas or any other beverage, and agoraphobia. Batmanghelidj proposes that dreaming of water, rivers, oceans, lakes or anything similar might be a subconscious signal that the person is dehydrated. A person with a sub-acute dehydration will experience what he calls cannibalistic processes where the body starts attacking its own tissues in order to obtain the water that it needs. The conditions that he believes are part of what I call sub-acute dehydration are asthma, allergies, hypertension, constipation, type 2 diabetes and autoimmune disorders. The third stage, which I call chronic dehydration, the patient will start manifesting localized pain due to an accumulation of acid inside the cell; these signs are heartburn, gastritis, duodenitis, esophagitis, and indigestion after eating, angina, lower back pain, arthritic pain (even rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis), migraine, colitis, fibromyalgia, bulimia, edema and morning sickness. Once the chronic stage has started, degeneration of tissues and organs is underway leading to the last stage called degenerative. Some of the diseases or disorders due to severe dehydration (degenerative) are obesity, high cholesterol and triglycerides, plaquing of arteries, coronary thrombosis, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, heart failure, strokes, juvenile diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s, scleroderma, cancers and AIDS.

How Much Water

Every twenty-four hours the body recycles an equivalent of forty thousand glasses of water. From that amount of water a healthy human (note that healthy is in bold which means that people that are not healthy might need more) lose approximately 2 liters of water per day; of that amount 50% is loss via urine while 5% is lost in fecal matter while the remaining 45% is lost through our lungs and skin. On a cellular level, at least 75% of the cytoplasm content is water, 25% at an extracellular level while 8% of water is in the blood as serum. Now imagine what will happen if there is dehydration present. To make this easier to understand let us compare this with a budgetary deficit. When governments start facing deficits resources have to be re-allocated some areas will suffer severe cuts, other less and there will be some that will not experience any disturbance yet if the deficit keeps growing more cuts and restructuring will occur and if the deficit keeps mounting it will come a day that governments will go bankrupt. Something similar happens with the body when dehydration takes place. First the body will take water at an intracellular level, then extracellular level…the body will rationalize the water to the most important organs brain, liver, kidneys and heart. While this process of rationalization is taking place, the mitochondria will keep producing energy and their “waste” will start piling up, which creates an acidic intracellular environment and later on an acidic extracellular environment. A shortage of water will shrink the cell and the cytoplasm will become more viscous. It is good to mention that as humans get older their thirst sensation decreases. At this point, you might have an idea of how many physiological consequences dehydration exerts in the body, it is no wonder to see people suffering with some of the signs and symptoms previously mentioned, and it is rightfully correct to ask how much water I should be drinking.

As a rule of thumb I always advice to drink 2 glasses of water as soon as waking up and one glass of water 30 minutes to 1 hour before and after having a meal or snack. This routine will certainly keep your cells well hydrated and equipped to transport nutrients, hormones, other substances and the proper methylation and hydrolysis processes. You could take your weight and convert it into ounces and divided it by two; the result is an estimate of how much water a person should be drinking.

Doctor Batmanghelidj believes that we have been deceived to believe that coffee, tea, soda, alcohol and other liquids can replace water consumption. His point of view is that nothing can replace the life giving and sustaining liquid known as water. He advises that in order to re-hydrate our cells we need to add sea salt to the water we drink. I highly recommend reading his book if you are more interested in his paradigm.

Certainly water plays a major role in our body biochemistry therefore increase your water intake to flush out lactic acid out of your system, increase oxygenation at a cellular level, promote stronger molecular bonds, facilitate enzymatic activity and other reactions so necessary to produce cellular energy and good health. Cheers!

Emmanuel Arroyo is a New York State licensed acupuncturist, certified chinese medicine herbologist and iridologist. Can be contact by email at dr.agujas@gmail.com or by phone at 917-324-1140

This information should not be copied or published without written consent from Emmanuel Arroyo.

Fast food 'fuelling Asia diabetes boom'

2010-07-09T10:22:00.000-04:00

Many Vietnamese have diabetes but are unaware of it - and the condition is spreading fast in South East Asia, scientists have warned.

A study by Australian and Vietnamese scientists found about 11% of men and 12% of women in Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City had undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.
This was in addition to the 4% of people who had been diagnosed.
The scientists, from Australia's Garvan Institute of Medical Research, blamed changing lifestyles and fast food.
"Dietary patterns have been changing dramatically in Vietnam in recent years, particularly in the cities as they become more Westernised," said Professor Tuan Nguyen of the Sydney-based institute.
"There are fast food outlets everywhere," he said, adding that similar studies in Thailand reinforced the link.
"Because of that, we feel very confident that we can extrapolate our findings to other parts of South East Asia including Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia and Laos," he said.
The study was based on a sample of more than 2,000 people.
The condition is caused by high levels of sugar and fat in the diet and inadequate exercise.
The most common form of diabetes can lead to heart disease, vision loss and kidney failure.

Taken from BBC News 9 July 2010 at 10:20 AM Eastern Standard Time USA

Abbreviated Courses In Acupuncture For Physicians Pose A Serious Problem

2010-06-25T14:06:00.000-04:00

Sometimes, understanding one’s background can clarify their particular point of view. So in the spirit of “full disclosure” I would like to tell you a little about mine.
I began my medical career in 1979 when I received my MD degree from Albany Medical College. I trained in diagnostic radiology at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC. I entered private practice and spent 20 years doing full-service hospital radiology. It was at the end of these 20 years that changes occurred in my life, changes that made me look at my direction and commitments. It was at that time in my career when I discovered acupuncture, and the power this medicine has to heal. Please understand, I was awestruck at the conditions acupuncture could effectively treat —- conditions that from my previous medical training I knew were precisely those no one wanted to get stuck with because there was no effective treatment. I am a fellowship-trained interventional radiologist, and I have put needles into arteries, veins, solid organs, abscesses, tumors, pleural cavities, peritoneal cavities….you name it. But I had never felt the pull of Qi on a needle, I had never intentionally manipulated a needle to achieve a specific energetic effect, I had never contacted the energy of a meridian, nor used needles themselves, as instruments of healing. Here was a whole new science to learn. And the amazing thing is that it has a 3000 year history with millions upon millions of people undergoing clinical trial in China for 30 centuries!

So I enrolled in a course for physicians to learn “medical acupuncture”. I attended two weekend sessions, watched videotapes, and read one book. This course was based on the work of one physician. The book we read was his book – the videotapes we listened to were him talking, and he gave nearly all of the lectures at the 2 weekends of instruction. On the last day of training, I happened to be sitting next to a doctor from San Diego, and I overheard him say, “My wife knows so much more about acupuncture than I do.”
I subsequently found out this doctor’s wife was a licensed acupuncturist. One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I was enrolled at the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon in a Master’s degree program in Classical Chinese Medicine. I will graduate from this same program in June. It is a 4-year program, and I have been able to complete it in 3 years by transferring credits from my medical school training. I feel very strongly that, in order to practice acupuncture at the level of competency which this medicine deserves, one must learn from many professors, observe with many clinical supervisors, and spend at least a few years to learn how to approach a patient in a holistic way with an entirely new set of diagnostic principles.
Remember, I am a scientist at heart, and this is the finest science that I have encountered. As a physician who has gone through Western medical training and now training in acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, I assure you that abbreviated courses in acupuncture for physicians pose a serious problem. That problem has to do with efficacy of treatment. Without a comprehensive education in the fundamentals of this science, and without appropriate hours spent in learning complex needling techniques, followed by supervised clinical application of all of this learning, it is not possible to effectively treat the list of diseases which the world now recognizes are amenable to acupuncture intervention.
The World Health Organization recognizes the ability of acupuncture to treat the following diseases: asthma, menstrual cramps, arthritis, sciatica, TMJ problems, allergies, anxiety, depression, bladder problems, kidney problems, childhood illness, colds, influenza, cough, bronchitis, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, ear-nose & throat disorders, fatigue, gynecological disorders, genital herpes, herpetic neuralgia, heart palpitations, immune system deficiency, infertility, insomnia, numbness, poor circulation, PMS, sexual dysfunction, impotence, skin problems, stress-related illnesses, and weight gain or weight loss…and the list goes on.
Acupuncture is not a nice, short topic that can be covered during a seminar lasting for a few weekends. Suffice it to say, that it is not possible to treat the difficult diseases listed above after watching videotapes, reading one textbook, and attending two weekends of lecture with needling practice on a few other course participants.
I would like to give you a brief case presentation now, to try to illustrate in a nutshell why I am writing this letter. A 57 year old man presented 4 days earlier to the OHSU emergency room with sudden and complete blindness in his right eye. He was seen by an ophthalmologist, underwent carotid ultrasound, an MRI of his brain and MRI angiography , and was told that he had occlusion of his central retinal artery and would have permanent loss of vision in that eye. At the time of presentation his medications included lisinopril, metformin, and aspirin. Fortunately, the patient happened to have an appointment with his chiropractor, who heard the story of this man’s sudden blindness and grim prognosis, and referred the patient to the acupuncture practitioner who worked in the same building. The patient was seen daily for 7 consecutive days for acupuncture treatment. On the second day, he could see a small circle of light in the center of his vision in the blind eye. Day by day that circle of light enlarged, and became clearer. At the end of 7 treatments he had 20/40 vision in the previously blind eye.
This is the power of this medicine in the hands of a skilled practitioner. This is what can be accomplished in Oriental Medicine. Someone in Integrative Medicine has given me a definition of their subspecialty as the medicine that “fills in the gaps”. I think this is an apt definition, and there are many gaps in western medicine which need filling. Please give Oriental Medicine a chance by ensuring that practitioners who enter this field are adequately trained. Let’s up the ante, and see whether we can embrace this amazing alternative healing science with practitioners who have enough didactic hours of lecture from a variety of acupuncture faculty, and enough supervised hours of clinical practice so that they are familiar with treating patients with all sorts of maladies such as cancer, asthma, palpitations, constipation, allergies, menstrual disorders….to name just a few common problems.
The way forward has been paved by the state of Hawaii. Hawaii requires that medical doctors be trained and tested for competency prior to administering acupuncture to patients. The Attorney General for the state of Hawaii issued a statement on August 18, 2003, declaring that “medical acupuncture” as performed by physicians is not substantially different from any other type of acupuncture, and therefore, physicians performing “medical acupuncture” should be subject to the same laws of licensure and proof of competency as everyone else.
We in the acupuncture field are at a crossroads. We can condone physicians doing acupuncture under-trained, unsupervised, unevaluated in terms of competency, or we can strive to raise the standard. I feel strongly that this is a public health issue. I feel strongly that allowing medical doctors with minimal training & without oversight by a non-professional organization is a dangerous and foolhardy policy. I’d like to respectfully remind you that we are talking here about a healthcare profession; we are talking about peoples’ health & well-being; we cannot afford to have a double standard. The general public deserves parity in licensing so that competency can be maintained.
I therefore propose that the American Association of Medical Acupuncture evaluate their own training programs and consider complying with the World Health Organization’s recommendations of 1500 hours of training in acupuncture for physicians interested in pursuing this medicine. The WHO standards for physicians performing “medical acupuncture” include 1000 hours of didactic (including needling technique labs) and 500 hours of supervised clinical training, which ensures adequate training for entry level acupuncture. In addition, I feel that physicians should be required to pass the NCCAOM examinations to ensure their competency in acupuncture evaluation and treatment. If the AAMA is willing to adopt these standards of 1500 hours and NCCAOM testing, I believe the future of “medical acupuncture” in the United States would be shifted from a position of tenuous efficacy to one of competency and powerful healing.

Dr. Marilyn M. Walkey MD

White rice 'raises diabetes risk', say US experts

2010-06-22T12:11:00.000-04:00

Replacing white rice with brown rice and wholemeal bread could cut the risk of diabetes by a third, US experts say.

White rice poses a diabetes threat because it causes steep rises in blood sugar, say Harvard researchers in Archives of Internal Medicine.
Brown rice and other wholegrain foods are a healthier option as they release glucose more gradually, they say.
The study is based on questionnaires; some say the data is not robust enough to base firm conclusions on.
It may be that people who eat less white rice tend to live healthier lifestyles, for example.
'Brown is better' In the study of nearly 200,000 US people, white rice consumption was linked to type 2 diabetes.
After adjusting for age and other diabetes risk factors, those who ate five or more 150g servings of white rice per week had a 17% increased risk of diabetes compared with people who consumed less than one serving - about a cup of rice - per month.
Although few people - only 2% - in the study ate this much white rice, the finding was significant.

Yet eating brown rice appeared to have the opposite effect, cutting the risk of type 2 diabetes.
People who ate two or more servings of brown rice per week had an 11% reduced risk of developing the condition compared with those who ate less than one serving a month.
Based on the results, the researchers estimate that replacing 50g or one-third of a typical serving of white rice with the same amount of brown rice would lead to a 16% lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
And replacing the white rice with wholegrains, including brown rice and pasta, wholemeal bread and rolled oats, could cut the risk by more than a third.
Food composition Dr Qi Sun and other researchers say the explanation lies in the composition of the food.
Like other wholegrain foods, brown rice is high in fibre and releases its energy slowly.
In contrast, white rice has had all the bran and some of the germ removed during milling.
This gives white rice a higher glycaemic index (GI) - a measure of how much a food raises blood sugar levels compared with the same amount of glucose or white bread.
"From a public health point of view, replacing refined grains such as white rice by whole grains, including brown rice, should be recommended to facilitate the prevention of type 2 diabetes," according to the researchers.
Experts generally recommend that at least half of carbohydrate intake should come from whole grains like brown rice.
More than 70% of the rice consumed in developed countries such as the US and UK is white.
Dr Victoria King of Diabetes UK said that, since the results were from self-reported food diaries and questionnaires, it was not possible to make conclusive recommendations on how much of certain foods, such as brown rice, might protect against type 2 diabetes at this stage.
"The best way to prevent type 2 diabetes is by keeping active and eating a healthy balanced diet that is low in fat, salt and sugar with plenty of fruit and vegetables," she said.

Page last updated at 23:48 GMT, Monday, 14 June 2010 00:48 UK
Retrieved June 15 2010 10:15 AM eastern standard time USA

40,000 deaths a year due to junk food, says health watchdog Nice

2010-06-22T12:05:00.000-04:00

By Rebecca Smith, Medical Editor
Published: 10:00PM BST 21 Jun 2010
Retrieved 12:04 PM eastern standard time USA

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) says that unhealthy foods have wreaked a “terrible toll of ill health” on the nation and placed a “substantial” strain on the economy.

For the first time, the organisation publishes landmark guidance on how to prevent the “huge number of unnecessary deaths” from conditions such as heart disease that are linked to the consumption of ready meals and processed food.

It calls for sweeping changes to food production and government policy to encourage lifestyle changes, and to reduce significantly the amount of salt and saturated fat the nation consumes.

It says “toxic” artificial fats known as trans fats, which have no nutritional value and are linked to heart disease, should be banned. The organisation says that ministers should consider introducing legislation if food manufacturers failed to make their products healthier.
Nice says it has brought together all the available evidence to illustrate the link between unhealthy food and public health, partly in response to increasing concern about obesity in Britain, particularly among children.
It says there are about five million people in the country suffering the effects of cardiovascular disease — a “largely avoidable” condition that includes heart attacks, heart disease and stroke — and that it causes 150,000 deaths annually. Nice says 40,000 of these deaths could be prevented, and hundreds of millions of pounds saved, if its measures were introduced.
The guidance, which was commissioned by the Department of Health, also recommends that:
• Low-salt and low-fat foods should be sold more cheaply than their unhealthy counterparts, through the use of subsidies if necessary;
• Advertising of unhealthy foods should be banned until after 9pm and planning laws should be used to restrict the number of fast food outlets, especially near schools;
• The Common Agricultural Policy should focus more on public health, ensuring farmers are paid to produce healthier foods;
• Action should also be taken to introduce a “traffic light” food labelling system, even though the European Parliament recently voted against this;
• Local authorities must act to encourage walking and cycling and public sector caterers must provide healthier meals;
• All lobbying of the Government and its agencies by the food and drink industry should be fully disclosed.
Prof Klim McPherson, the Chairman of the Nice Guidance Development Group and professor of epidemiology at Oxford University, said: “Where food is concerned, we want the healthy choice to be the easy choice. Going even further, we want the healthy choice to be the less expensive, more attractive choice.
“Put simply, this guidance can help the Government and the food industry to take action to prevent huge numbers of unnecessary deaths and illnesses caused by heart disease and stroke.” The average person in Britain consumes more than eight grams of salt a day. The body only requires one gram to function. Targets are already in place to reduce salt consumption to six grams by 2015 and this should be extended to three grams by 2050, the guidance says.
Nice says children should consume considerably less salt than adults and that, because the bulk of salt in their diets comes from prepared food such as bread, cereal, soups, meat and cheese products, manufacturers have a significant role to play in reducing it.
The organisation says that most consumers did not even notice a difference in taste if salt levels were reduced by
5-10 per cent a year because their taste buds adjusted.
Prof Mike Kelly, the public health director at Nice, added: “This isn’t about telling individuals to choose salad instead of chips — it’s about making sure that the chips we all enjoy occasionally are as healthy as possible.
“That means making further reductions in the salt, trans fats and saturated fats in the food we eat every day.”
Betty McBride, the director of policy and communications at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Creating an environment that makes healthy choices easy is vital. Government, the health service, industry and individuals must all play their part. We must see industry making major efforts now to reformulate products with less saturated fat.
“Cutting our 'sat fat’ intake would have a major impact on heart disease.”
Prof Sir Ian Gilmore, president of the Royal College of Physicians, added: “The Nice guidance demonstrates conclusively why we need to change radically our approach to this vast and silent killer.
“Many of the diet-related recommendations made by Nice have the added benefit of costing the public purse little to nothing, while creating an opportunity to reduce the tens of billions of pounds of associated costs the UK loses every year to heart disease.”
While the guidance was welcomed by health experts, representatives of the food and drink industry said significant progress on salt and fat had already been taken.
The Food and Drink Federation accused Nice of being “out of touch with the reality”. Julian Hunt, its director of communications, said: “We are surprised that Nice has found the time and the money to develop guidance that seems to be out of touch with the reality of what has been happening for many years.
“The food industry is leading the world when it comes to voluntarily changing the recipes of popular food brands so that they are lower in salt, fat or sugar; introducing better-for-you choices at the same price as standard lines; and improving the quality of nutrition information available on packs.”

Institutes complete first gene map of Chinese medicinal plant

2010-06-21T11:29:00.000-04:00

Two traditional Chinese medicine institutes announced the completion of a gene map of the plant Salvia miltiorrhiza, the first of its kind, on June 20 in Beijing.

The Institute of Medicinal Plants of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences launched a program to create a gene map of Salvia miltiorrhiza in conjunction with Hutchison Whampoa Guangzhou Baiyunshan Chinese Medicine Co., Ltd. They used the second generation of high-flux sequencing techniques to check salvia multiorrhiza's DNA order and finally finished its gene map.

The success of the gene map is seen as a step forward in the research of medicinal plants and the merger of front-line life science and traditional Chinese medicine. It promises new breakthroughs in the research of Chinese medicine.

This article was take from People's Daily Online, a Chinese newspaper. It was retrieved on June 21 2010 at 11:28 AM eastern standard time...The article was written on june 21, 2010 at 14:22

Methyl Iodide Controversy: Warning About Strawberry Field Chemical Ignored

2010-06-21T10:40:00.001-04:00

This story comes courtesy of California Watch.
First Posted: 06- 7-10 11:28 AM | Updated: 06- 7-10 12:22 PM

By Amy Standen

California pesticide regulators plan to approve a new agricultural chemical called methyl iodide for the state's coastal strawberry fields, allowing levels of exposure that the state's own experts say will put farmworkers and bystanders at risk.
The Department of Pesticide Regulation has set acceptable exposure levels for methyl iodide that are 120 times higher than recommended by its own scientists and an eight-person panel the department commissioned to peer-review its work.
The decision to increase exposure levels has caused a rift within the DPR, a little-known but powerful agency that oversees a major segment of the state's multibillion-dollar farming industry. In interviews, all eight peer-review scientists said their warnings and scientific analysis of the health risks of methyl iodide appear to have been disregarded.
"I've never seen anything like this," said Ron Melnick, a panel member and scientist at the National Institutes of Health, who has participated in similar assessments in the past. "Why have someone review a document when you're just going to ignore it?"
Thousands of Californians live, work or play within a stone's throw of the state's strawberry fields. Thousands more do the hands-on field work that supplies supermarkets across the country, fueling a $2 billion industry.
Currently, most California strawberry growers rely on a fumigant called methyl bromide. But that chemical is being phased out under an international treaty because it damages the ozone layer.
Conventional strawberry growers have spent a decade looking for a viable alternative and have turned up only one: methyl iodide. Under the new regulation, farmers would use the chemical as a fumigant to sterilize the soil before the plants go in.
Lab tests involving rats and rabbits show methyl iodide can cause thyroid cancer and miscarriages. But scientists say methyl iodide is also a neurotoxin. Although this research is less well-developed, case studies of people who were accidentally exposed to methyl iodide show "chronic, irreversible brain damage," according to John Froines, a chemist at UCLA who chaired the independent review panel.
Amid this evidence, scientists at the DPR recommended a maximum exposure of .8 parts per billion for farmworkers. State regulators are proposing 96 parts per billion, over an eight-hour day.
Scientists on the review panel said methyl iodide hasn't been sufficiently studied to justify the larger amount. They're concerned about damage the fumigant could inflict on developing brains in infants and children, including subtle changes to IQ, or behavioral changes that might take years to detect.
Because of these concerns, the scientists added an extra "uncertainty factor" to their calculations, which lowered recommended exposure levels by a factor of ten.
The DPR's scientists say they were left guessing as to how their supervisors had made the jump to the larger amount, according to e-mails obtained by KQED'S "Quest." In the e-mails, staff scientists said the uncertainty factor appears to have been removed.
"We, as risk assessors, stand by our ... conclusions," one e-mail said. "We had to read between the lines to figure out how the target levels were calculated."
DPR spokeswoman Lea Brooks said in an e-mail that the scientists' assessment is one factor in the decision. She said that managers consider other factors as well, including tools such as respirators and buffer zones that farm workers can use to keep themselves safe. Brooks said risk managers didn't think an extra uncertainty factor was necessary and that scientists had overestimated the exposure workers would receive.
"The risk managers in this case," she wrote, "believe that the proposed restrictions will allow these products to be used safely."
Given the unknowns about neurotoxicity - and the proximity of California's strawberry fields to schools and residences - several scientists on the panel said they were surprised that the DPR would approve methyl iodide at all.
"We were actually - I don't want to use the word - horrified that there would even be a consideration of registration, without data about neurotoxicity," said Melnick.
In her e-mail, Brooks pointed to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which approved methyl iodide in 2007, under the Bush administration, at levels well above what the DPR has set.
"No pesticide has been evaluated more than methyl iodide in the history of the Department of Pesticide Regulation," she wrote.
But the EPA appears to be having second thoughts about its own approval of methyl iodide. In September, the agency sent two representatives to California to take part in hearings held by the scientific review panel.
"Depending on the outcome of this external peer review and final risk assessment, EPA may choose to initiate a reevaluation of [methyl iodide fumigant]" said EPA pesticide scientist Jeff Dawson. "So we are very open to the results and conclusions of the panel. And this message comes from highest levels of the agency."
The public comment period on methyl iodide ends on June 29. California Sen. Dean Florez, D-Fresno, is sponsoring a state Senate hearing on the issue in Sacramento on June 17.
California Watch contributor Amy Standen is a radio reporter for KQED's QUEST, where she covers science and environmental issues facing Northern California.

WHO swine flu experts 'linked' with drug companies

2010-06-04T15:58:00.000-04:00

Page last updated at 11:14 GMT, Friday, 4 June 2010 12:14 UK

(Governments around the world stockpiled antiviral drugs)

Key scientists behind World Health Organization advice on stockpiling of pandemic flu drugs had financial ties with companies which stood to profit, an investigation has found.

The British Medical Journal says the scientists had openly declared these interests in other publications yet WHO made no mention of the links.

It comes as a report from the Council of Europe criticised the lack of transparency around the handling of the swine flu pandemic.
A spokesman for WHO said the drug industry did not influence its decisions on swine flu.
Guidelines recommending governments stockpile antiviral drugs were issued by WHO in 2004.
The advice prompted many countries around the world into buying up large stocks of Tamiflu, made by Roche, and Relenza manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.
A year after the swine flu pandemic was declared, stocks are left unused in warehouses and governments are attempting to unpick contracts.
Conflict of interest The BMJ, in a joint investigation with The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, found that three scientists involved in putting together the 2004 guidance had previously been paid by Roche or GSK for lecturing and consultancy work as well as being involved in research for the companies.

Although the scientists involved had freely declared the links in other places and said WHO asked for conflicts of interest forms prior to expert meetings, the ties were not publically declared by WHO.
It is not clear whether these conflicts were notified privately by WHO to governments around the world, the BMJ said, and a request to see conflict of interest declarations was turned down.
In addition, membership of the "emergency committee" which advised WHO's director general Margaret Chan on declaring an influenza pandemic has been kept secret.
It means the names of the 16 committee members are known only to people within WHO, and as such their possible conflicts of interest with drug companies are unknown.
On its website, WHO says: "Potential conflicts of interest are inherent in any relationship between a normative and health development agency, like WHO, and a profit-driven industry.
"Similar considerations apply when experts advising the Organization have professional links with pharmaceutical companies.
"Numerous safeguards are in place to manage possible conflicts of interest or their perception."

NOTE

This article was directly copied from BBC news online...was retrieved 4 June 2010 4:00 PM

Asthma risk 'linked to burgers'

2010-06-03T18:15:00.000-04:00

Page last updated at 23:37 GMT, Wednesday, 2 June 2010 0:37 UK

By Jane Hughes Health correspondent, BBC News Eating three or more burgers was linked to asthma.

Children who eat a Mediterranean diet have a lower risk of developing asthma, but eating three or more burgers a week is linked to a higher risk, research suggests.

Researchers looked at 50,000 children from 20 countries.
Writing in the journal Thorax, they said eating fruit, vegetables and fish appeared to protect against asthma.
But they said eating burgers could be linked to other unhealthy habits, which may be the real trigger factor.
The study looked at the habits of children in both wealthy and poorer countries between 1995 and 2005. Parents were asked about their children's diets, and whether they had ever been diagnosed with asthma or had suffered wheezing.
The effects of their diet seemed to vary depending on where they lived.
Fruit and vegetables appeared to be more protective in less affluent parts of the world, while eating lots of fish was more helpful in richer countries.
Eating at least three burgers a week was linked to a greater risk of asthma and wheezing, but only in wealthier countries.

Dr Gabriele Nagel, one of the authors, said this may be because asthma is a collection of symptoms rather than a single condition, and different things may trigger it in different parts of the world.
"This gives us more understanding of how asthma affects different people, and its effects in developing as well as developed countries," she said.
The paper suggested that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables may be helpful because of the protective effects of antioxidants and vitamin C.
High levels of unhealthy fats in burgers could increase the risk of asthma. However, the authors said children who ate several burgers a week were likely to have other unhealthy lifestyle habits as well.
The study did not adjust for levels of obesity.
Obesity link Asthma UK said the paper helped add to the understanding of how asthma and diet are connected.
But it urged caution because children's weight can have a significant influence on asthma symptoms.
Dr Elaine Vickers, research relations manager at Asthma UK, said: "Previous studies have shown that a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruit and vegetables can help to reduce a child's risk of developing asthma symptoms.
"Our advice to parents is therefore to ensure that children eat a healthy, balanced diet and also get plenty of exercise."
Dr Keith Prowse from the British Lung Foundation said further investigation was needed for more conclusive evidence about the effects of diet and lifestyle.
"We would like to reinforce the need for children to have a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle," he said.

Comment From Emmanuel Arroyo, LAc

As the Article mentions asthma is more common on wealthy nations while on poorer regions we see less conditions that are called "diseases from affluence" ... If you have read the book "The China Study" you have realized that diseases from affluence are common on nations with a higher consumption of animal products ...I have even found interesting that Mental Health Foundation with Headquarters in United Kingdom have reported that since 1950 animal derived products has been increasing while fruits, vegetables and seafood have declined significantly. More interesting is the fact that in the last 10 years English people have reduced their consumption of beef, fats and other "hazardous" food from their diet yet the Depression keeps escalating. When we compare The China Study with the Report from Mental Health Foundation we notice something in common: People or citizens are suffering of ailments that in the past were only common among rich, affluent citizens...and what they had in common? A diet rich in animal based products (dairy, beef, chicken, etc, etc etc) and less fruits and vegetables... Our diet you should be mainly fruits, vegetables, roots, nuts, seafood and sparingly grains...our diet should be .8% or less animal based according to "The China Study" book.

I have incorporated in my diet these changes and for my surprise my thinning and hair loss problem stopped and now seems to be reversing...every family member and patient that saw me before I started my new change in diet are witnesses on how a simple change in diet can make great improvements.

According to biologist Jerry A Coyne we humans have not changed that much (biochemically speaking) which means that the same biochemistry we had 3 million of years ago is the same one nowadays which means that our bodies are prone to work better given a very specific type of diet. This diet has been called the cave men diet or the paleolithic diet...

About Emmanuel Arroyo, LAc

Emmanuel Arroyo is a New York state licensed acupuncturist and chinese medicine herbalist certified by NCCAOM that has special interest on nutrition, depression and men's health problems among others. Recently he has incorporated essential oils and energy work with great results.
You can contact Emmanuel Arroyo, LAc via email dr.agujas@gmail.com or by calling at 917-324-1140

Big blow for big pharma's war against vitamins

2010-06-03T10:32:00.000-04:00

02 June 2010

Copied and pasted from What doctors dont tell you

Retrieved 3 June 2010 10:30 AM

Big pharma and other powerful groups have suffered a major blow in their efforts to strangle the vitamin industry. A US court has ruled that a manufacturer can make general health claims about its product – a decision that threatens draconian new laws that will be introduced across Europe next year. A US district court has overturned a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) bar on a manufacturer of selenium supplements from stating that the mineral helps reduce the risk of cancer. District Court Judge Ellen Huvelle upheld complaints from the Alliance for Natural Health USA and others that the FDA ban went against the First Amendment that allows free speech. She said there was credible scientific evidence to demonstrate that selenium helps protect against cancer, and so the manufacturer should be allowed to include the fact in promoting the product. The surprise decision is a blow for European laws that will impose similar restrictions on the sale of vitamins in Europe. Under the Nutrition & Health Claims Regulation, manufacturers will not be allowed to make general health claims about their vitamin and dietary supplements. Rob Verkerk, executive director of ANH International, said: “The verdict in our case against the FDA should be sending shock waves across the Atlantic. If European authorities implement the regulation, it is the European consumer that will be the main loser. Disease prevention using good diets and nutrients will effectively be thrown out of the window.” (Source: ANH Press Release, May 31, 2010).

Smoking

2010-05-27T23:17:00.004-04:00

The Anatomy of Smoking

By Emmanuel Arroyo, LAc
27 May 2010

Each year 443,000 people or 1 out of 5 die in The United States of America due to smoking or second hand smoke. Diseases caused by smoking cost $96 billion dollars on health care every year.

The vast majority of smokers are male (23.5% vs 18.3%) between the ages of 18 to 64 with a higher incidence between white non Hispanic population (22.8%) followed by black non hispanic (21.5%) and 14.7% Hispanic.

From all the causes of death lung cancer is the number one and from all the cases of lung cancer reported 90% are among men and 80% among women.¹Other types of cancer that are attributed to smoking are lip, oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, pancreas, larynx, cervix, urinary bladder, stomach, myeoloid leukemia and kidney.

Smoking has also been linked to coronary heart disease, increase chances for stroke, peripheral vascular disease due to poor blood circulation and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Second hand smokers that are exposed to cigarettes at home or work see an increase of 20 to 30% chances of cardiovascular problems.

The CDC reports the incidence² of lung cancer among United States population as follow black, white, american native/alaskan native, asian/pacific islanders and hispanics respectively but a look at the information from below we observe latino population is experiencing a higher death rate

Smoking is responsible for 87% of the lung cancer deaths in the United States. Overall, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among Hispanics.
Lung cancer deaths are about three times higher for Hispanic men (23.1 per 100,000) than for Hispanic women (7.7 per 100,000). The rate of lung cancer deaths per 100,000 were higher among Cuban-American men (33.7) than among Puerto-Rican (28.3) and Mexican-American (21.9) men.
Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death for Hispanics living in the United States. Among Hispanic subgroups in 1992–1994, death rates for coronary heart disease were 82 per 100,000 for Mexican-American men and 44.2 per 100,000 for Mexican-American women, 118.6 per 100,000 for Puerto-Rican men and 67.3 per 100,000 for Puerto-Rican women, and 95.2 per 100,000 for Cuban men and 42.4 per 100,000 for Cuban women.³

Smoking and The Brain⁴

It has been observed that the thalamus, hypothalamus and basal ganglia are directly affected by nicotine which causes an increase on nicotinic receptors, a decrease on their turnover and increased desensitization.
The thalamus comprises part of what is called diancephalon and has sensory (mostly) and motor functions. All axons, except olfactory, connect here prior to be sent to the cerebrum.
The hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland, homeostasis, emotion, thirst, hunger, circadian rhythms, and control of the autonomic nervous system.
Basal ganglia is a set of 3 components known as caudate nucleus, putamen and globus pallidus which are connected to the thalamus that in turn sends motor signals to the cortex.⁵
Nicotinic receptors are a subdivision of what is known as cholinoceptors; nicotinic receptors once activated will increase dopamine⁶, epinephrine and norepinphrine which will exert effects on the sympathetic system.
It is obvious that the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal axis⁷ (HPA) is involved.
Let me summarize what I just said: dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine are released when nicotinic receptors are activated by nicotine, this explains why people eventually develop peripheral vascular disease⁸. Peripheral vascular disease is just a reaction of what is known as fight-flight response, during this response the heart rate increases, blood is diverted to the extremities, the blood poorly reaches the abdominal cavity and the pupils are dilated...The body starts using more glucose in preparation for fighting or running. When a person is constantly under the fight-flight response glucose intolerance⁹ (insulin resistance¹⁰)will be reached which over time might become into diabetes. With a hyper HPA Axis many hormones will peak but eventually exhaustion, insufficiency or deficiency will be reached causing adrenal insufficiency¹¹. Dopamine which exerts control on pleasure and reward seeking behavior¹² explains why people get addicted and the involvement of the thalamus and hypothalamus can help explain why smokers experience a whole gamut of signs and symptoms during and after smoking and their overall state after not smoking for a while .
Nicotinic receptors have affinity to muscles but they don't contract until high levels of nicotine have being reached and when it does the person might suffer respiratory arrest.

Why Quitting Is So Difficult?¹³

It is believed that smokers that quit easily could have had lower basal nicotinic receptors before they started smoking versus those that are having a hard time quitting.
It has been observed that there might be a genetic component, monozygotic twins have been linked to increased addiction but they easily can cut with it versus dizygotic twins which addiction is low but quitting is more difficult.

Male and Smoking?

It has been showed that male that smoke have a high chance of developing Erectile Dysfunction.¹⁴

A Parent to Be?

Researchers from Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven conducted a study with 181 teens and they found girls that were exposed to nicotine suffered both visual and auditory attention deficits, while boys had listening difficulties.¹⁵

Are You HIV +?¹⁶

Then you should know that HIV smokers have a higher chance of developing COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).

Withdrawal Symptoms

cravings for tobacco
irritation
anger
weight gain
concentration problems
depression
headaches
fatigue
constipation
restlessness
insomnia
dizziness

Your Options

You have several options: the use of conventional medicine or the use of alternative medicine.

Alternative Medicine¹⁷

After analyzing the effects of nicotine in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, dopamine and the well known carcinogenic substances in cigarettes I could suggest the following steps: Detox, Strengthening the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and relieving cravings. For Detox I suggest Tiao He Cleanse, ALJ and Lymph Gland Cleanse (HY) after that Adrenal Support, Liver Balance TCM, Mood Elevator TCM, Stress Relief TCM, and Nervous Fatigue TCM (all from nature's sunshine) for the moodiness, jumpiness, edginess, irritability,restlessness, anxiousness and Lobelia for the cravings.

Another alternative is the use of therapeutic grade essential oils. Anise helps eases, reduces and eliminates the cravings one drop under the tongue is more than enough, but careful it is very warm and might irritate your mouth hence put it on top of your finger tip and apply. Carrot seed oil and rosemary seed oil are good to help in the detox process, one drop of each in a glass of water every day could be more than enough to help you detox. To regulate and balance your adrenals the best essential oils are pine, cedarwood, angelica root, sweet basil,fir needles,geranium rose,and spruce you can apply one drop of each on the kidney area on your back right where the kidneys are located (see picture below for an idea).

the kidneys are located in the lumbar area between the last thoracic vertebra (T12 or the last rib attaching to the spine and the third lumbar vertebrae) I recommend putting it level with L2-lumbar 2.

For the moodiness, crankiness you could put some lavender, tangerine and geranium rose essential oil on your wrists where the watch wraps around...You could try some herbal teas such as chammomile and rooibos; try green tea, oolong, and white tea as well preferably the ones that do not come in tea bags.

Acupuncture has been recommended by NIH (National Institute of Health) and WHO (World Health Organization) for smoking cessation. The treatment is simple and consists on applying 5 needles on each ear and 2 needles on each arm one in the wrist and the other one on the elbow area for 30 minutes or more every other day. The treatment aims to stop cravings, edginess, irritability and other withdrawal symptoms this will help to stop smoking. Remember acupuncture and aromatherapy wont stop you from grabbing a cigarette that part is supplied by you; acupuncture makes the quitting easier...

Conventional Medicine

Conventional Medicine offers nicotine replacement therapy, Varenicline (Chantix), Bupropion (Wellbutrin), Clonidine, Nortriptyline, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI), Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI), Opioid receptor antagonists, Bromocriptine, anxiety drugs, nicotinic receptor antagonists(ie Mecamylamine), glucose tablets, Inhibitors of the hepatic P-450 enzyme (ie Methoxsalen), Cannoboid-1 receptor antagonists (ie Rimonabant), nicotine vaccines and counseling. For Varenicline side effects read the information below and for Bupropion go to notes.

Varenicline (Chantix)

Below I am including information of the side effects of Varenicline, it has been copied and pasted from its official site. Note that below the table there are other other conditions that Varenicline may cause and that is why they use the words RARE and INFREQUENT which means that there is always a possibility that someone might develop the conditions and most notably is that the liver comes with abnormal tests and increase weight.
WARNING "There have been reports of depression, mania, psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, homicidal ideation, aggression, hostility, anxiety, and panic, as well as suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and completed suicide in patients attempting to quit smoking while taking CHANTIX".

SYSTEM ORGAN CLASS High Level Group Term Preferred Term	CHANTIX 0.5 mg BID N=129	CHANTIX 1 mg BID N=821	Placebo N=805
GASTROINTESTINAL (GI)
GI Signs and Symptoms
Nausea	16	30	10
Abdominal Pain *	5	7	5
Flatulence	9	6	3
Dyspepsia	5	5	3
Vomiting	1	5	2
GI Motility/Defecation Conditions
Constipation	5	8	3
Gastroesophageal reflux disease	1	1	0
Salivary Gland Conditions Dry mouth	4	6	4
PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS
Sleep
Disorder/Disturbances
Insomnia **	19	18	13
Abnormal dreams	9	13	5
Sleep disorder	2	5	3
Nightmare	2	1	0
NERVOUS SYSTEM
Headaches
Headache	19	15	13
Neurological Disorders
NEC
Dysgeusia	8	5	4
Somnolence	3	3	2
Lethargy	2	1	0
GENERAL DISORDERS
General Disorders NEC
Fatigue/Malaise/Asthenia	4	7	6
RESPIR/THORACIC/MEDI
AST
Respiratory Disorders NEC
Rhinorrhea	0	1	0
Dyspnea	2	1	1
Upper Respiratory Tract Disorder	7	5	4
SKIN/SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE
Epidermal and Dermal Conditions
Rash	1	3	2
Pruritis	0	1	1
METABOLISM & NUTRITION
Appetite/General Nutrit. Disorders
Increased appetite	4	3	2
Decreased appetite/Anorexia	1	2	1
* Includes PTs Abdominal (pain, pain upper, pain lower, discomfort, tenderness, distension) and Stomach discomfort ** Includes PTs Insomnia/Initial insomnia/Middle insomnia/Early morning awakening

The overall pattern and frequency of adverse events during the longer-term trials was similar to those described in Table 1, though several of the most common events were reported by a greater proportion of patients with long-term use (e.g., nausea was reported in 40% of patients treated with CHANTIX 1 mg twice daily in a one-year study, compared to 8% of placebo-treated patients).

Following is a list of treatment-emergent adverse events reported by patients treated with CHANTIX during all clinical trials. The listing does not include those events already listed in the previous tables or elsewhere in labeling, those events for which a drug cause was remote, those events which were so general as to be uninformative, and those events reported only once which did not have a substantial probability of being acutely life-threatening.

Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders. Infrequent: anemia, lymphadenopathy. Rare: leukocytosis, splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia.

Cardiac Disorders. Infrequent: angina pectoris, arrhythmia, bradycardia, myocardial infarction, palpitations, tachycardia, ventricular extrasystoles. Rare: acute coronary syndrome, atrial fibrillation, cardiac flutter, cor pulmonale, coronary artery disease.

Ear and Labyrinth Disorders. Infrequent: tinnitus, vertigo. Rare: deafness, Meniere's disease.

Endocrine Disorders. Infrequent: thyroid gland disorders.

Eye Disorders. Infrequent: conjunctivitis, dry eye, eye irritation, eye pain, vision blurred, visual disturbance. Rare: acquired night blindness, blindness transient, cataract subcapsular, ocular vascular disorder, photophobia, vitreous floaters

Gastrointestinal Disorders. Frequent: diarrhea. Infrequent: dysphagia, enterocolitis, eructation, esophagitis, gastritis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, mouth ulceration. Rare: gastric ulcer, intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis acute.

General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions. Frequent: chest pain, edema, influenza-like illness. Infrequent: chest discomfort, chills, pyrexia.

Hepatobiliary Disorders. Infrequent: gall bladder disorder

Investigations. Frequent: liver function test abnormal, weight increased. Infrequent: electrocardiogram abnormal, muscle enzyme increased, urine analysis abnormal.

Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders. Infrequent: diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypokalemia. Rare: hypoglycemia.

Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders. Frequent: arthralgia, back pain, muscle cramp, musculoskeletal pain, myalgia. Infrequent: arthritis, osteoporosis. Rare: myositis.

Nervous System Disorders. Frequent: disturbance in attention, dizziness, sensory disturbance. Infrequent: amnesia, migraine, parosmia, psychomotor hyperactivity, restless legs syndrome, syncope, tremor. Rare: balance disorder, cerebrovascular accident, convulsion, dysarthria, facial palsy, mental impairment, multiple sclerosis, nystagmus, psychomotor skills impaired, transient ischemic attack, visual field defect.

Psychiatric Disorders. Infrequent: disorientation, dissociation, libido decreased, mood swings, thinking abnormal. Rare: bradyphrenia, euphoric mood.

Renal and Urinary Disorders. Frequent: polyuria. Infrequent: nephrolithiasis, nocturia, urethral syndrome, urine abnormality. Rare: renal failure acute, urinary retention.

Reproductive System and Breast Disorders. Rare: sexual dysfunction. Frequent: menstrual disorder. Infrequent: erectile dysfunction.

Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders. Frequent: epistaxis, respiratory disorders. Infrequent: asthma. Rare: pleurisy, pulmonary embolism.

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders. Frequent: hyperhidrosis. Infrequent: acne, dry skin, eczema, erythema, psoriasis, urticaria. Rare: photosensitivity reaction.

Vascular Disorders. Frequent: hot flush. Infrequent: thrombosis.

States, What are They Doing?

Some states cover through medicaid the following: nicotine replacement therapy, Varenicline (Chantix¹⁸), Bupropion¹⁹ (Welbutrin) and counseling; the following table has been created according to CDC²⁰ information and it depicts the states that offer Medicaid assistant for quitting.
PWO stands for pregnant women only.

Table 1

STATE	NONE	ALL MEDS + COUNSELING	ONLY MEDS	SOME MEDS	COUNSELING
Alabama	X
Alaska				X
Arizona					PWO
Arkansas				X	X
California			X
Colorado		X			PWO
Connecticut	X
Columbia, District			X
Delaware			X
Florida				X
Georgia	X
Hawaii			X
Idaho			X
Illinois			X
Indiana		X
Iowa				X	PWO
Kansas				X
Kentucky					PWO
Maine				X	X
Maryland				X	X
Massachusetts		X
Michigan				X	X
Minnesota		X
Mississippi			X		PWO
Missouri	X
Montana			X
Nebraska	X
Nevada			X
New Hampshire			X		PWO
New Jersey			X
New Mexico		X
New York				X
North Carolina			X
North Dakota				X	X
Ohio			X
Oklahoma		X
Oregon		X
Pennsylvania		X
Rhode Island					X
South Carolina			X
South Dakota				X
Tennessee	X
Texas				X
Utah			X		PWO
Vermont			X
Virginia			X		PWO
Washington		PWO
West Virginia				X	X
Wisconsin				X	X
Wyoming				X	X
TOTAL	6	9	17	15	17

Summary

1 state (Washington) covers all the medications but counseling is only offered to pregnant women, 1 state (Iowa) offers some meds and only counseling to pregnant women and 2 states (Arizona and Kentucky) only cover counseling for pregnant women, 4 states (Virginia, Utah, New Hampshire and Mississippi) provide all meds and only counseling to pregnant women; 8 states (Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania) include all the medications plus counseling, 6 states ( Texas, South Dakota, New York, Florida, Alaska and Kansas) offer some medication but no counseling, 8 (Wyoming, Wisconsin, West Virginia, North Dakota, Michigan, Maine, Maryland, Arkansas) are offering some meds plus counseling, 6 states do not offer meds or counseling at all (Tennessee, Nebraska, Missouri, Georgia, Connecticut, and Alabama), 13 states (Vermont, North and South Carolina, Ohio, New Jersey, Nevada, Montana, Illinois, Idaho, Hawaii, Delaware, Columbia and California) only provide all the meds while Rhode Island only offers counseling.

Table 2

	Total States	Percent
No Meds	9	18%
Meds	41	82%
All Meds	26	61%
Some Meds	15	37%
Only Pregnant Women	1	2%
No Counseling	24	48%
Counseling	26	52%
Plus All Meds	9	34.61%
Plus Some Meds	9	34.61%
Only Pregnant Women	8	30.78%

About The Author

Emmanuel Arroyo is a New York State Licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Herbalist, and has been trained as an acupuncture detox specialist; has special interests on pain management, men's health and currently is researching depression and its alternative treatments. Emmanuel Arroyo works with chakras and essential oils are used as an aid to open and balance each chakra. Essential oils are used mainly to restablish emotional and psychological balance. To set an appointment you can call 917-324-1140 or you can contact him via email at dr.agujas@gmail.com

Disclaimer

You should consult a physician or professional. This information is intended for educational purposes and Emmanuel Arroyo, LAc is not responsible for any result by self prescription or treatment.

notes

¹http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/ Retrieved 27 May 2010 5:35 PM

²http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/statistics/race.htm 27 May 2010 6:30 PM

³http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/sgr/1998/highlights/hispanics/index.htm Retrieved 27 May 2010 4:56 PM

⁴http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/282/1/7.full Retrieved 27 May 2010 7:49 PM

⁵http://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/d/d_06/d_06_cr/d_06_cr_mou/d_06_cr_mou.html Retrieved 27 May 2010 8:09 PM

⁶http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicotine retrieved 27 May 2010 8:25 PM

⁷http://qjmed.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/102/7/469 Retrieved 1 June 2010

⁸http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/peripheral-vascular-disease Retrieved 1 June 2010 4:00 PM

⁹http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/744572 Retrieved 1 June 2010 4:15 PM

¹⁰http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/short/112/3/332   Retrieved 1 June 2010    4:17 PM

¹¹http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucocorticoid   Retrieved 1 June 2010 4:30 PM

¹²http://theacupunctureguy.blogspot.com/2010/01/depression-allopathic-approach-and.html Retrieved 1 June 2010 4:35 PM

¹³http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/282/1/7.full Retrieved 27 May 2010

¹⁴journal of Urology. 166(5):1624-1632, November 2001. McVary, Kevin T; Carrier, Serge; Wessells, Hunter; The Subcommittee On Smoking and Erectile Dysfunction Socioeconomic Committee, Sexual Medicine Society of North America Retrieved from http://www.pedresearch.org       11 April 2007

¹⁵http://www.msnbc.com/id/18046454 Retrieved 13 April 2010

¹⁶http://ycci.yale.edu/resources/docs/YaleCTSAGrantApplication.pdf Retrieved 27 May 2010 7:00 PM

¹⁷This information is mainly written for alternative health care practitioners.

¹⁸For side effects please visit http://www.rxlist.com/chantix-drug.htm

¹⁹Bupropion is offered as ER, SR, IR (Extended Release, Sustained Release, Immediate Release) and are also used for depression. Bupropion lowers the seizures threshold which causes an increase in seizures.

²⁰http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/state_data/state_highlights/2010/pdfs/by_state.pdf Retrieved 27 May 2010 11:37 AM

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction,

2010-05-21T00:08:00.004-04:00

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction,

The Not Well Known Malady¹

By Emmanuel Arroyo, Lac

21 May 2010 12:03 AM Eastern Standard Time (New York, USA)

Before entering into details on what is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD) it is necessary to understand its anatomy by which I mean the muscles, places where the muscles attach to or cross and the innervation (nerves that supply those muscles) in what is known as pelvic floor. [read more]

Studies Confirm that Acupuncture is Not Safe in the Hands of Non-licensed Acupuncturists

2010-05-09T00:38:00.000-04:00

Acupuncture patients may suffer from unwanted side effects in the hands of non-licensed acupuncturists, according to a comprehensive study conducted by the Institute of Community Medicine in Norway.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PR Log (Press Release) – May 07, 2010 – Wednesday, May 5, 2010- Acupuncture patients may suffer from unwanted side effects in the hands of non-licensed acupuncturists, according to a comprehensive study conducted by the Institute of Community Medicine in Norway.

Acupuncture has been proven to be an effective form of therapy. Numerous scientific studies have proven the efficacy of acupuncture on treating various ailments. As a testament to the now scientifically recognized value of acupuncture, the Department of Essential Drugs and Medicine Policy of the World Health Organization (WHO) has published a list of diseases, symptoms, and conditions that acupuncture can treat. Headaches, depression, sprains, strokes, sciatica, and rheumatoid arthritis are among the conditions included in WHO’s 2003 publication.

However, practitioners with minimal acupuncture training, such as Chiropractors and Medical Doctors who have logged about 300 hours of practice while attending several weekend acupuncture seminars, may pose a risk to patients seeking acupuncture therapy.
A comprehensive decade long study of Norway’s Institute of Community Medicine validates the fact that acupuncture is not safe at the hands of untrained individuals. During the 14-year study, the institute have discovered that 193 patients have suffered from adverse side-effects. The bulk of the said patients may have consulted non-licensed acupuncturists. The study also found out that Medical Acupuncture treatment performed by doctors with minimal acupuncture training was the reason for the death of three patients as also reported by http://www.medicalacupuncturefacts.com.

The most serious side-effect that may stem from consulting non-licensed acupuncturists is pneumothorax or the influx of unwanted air in the chest due to perforation of the lungs by incorrect needle insertion. One case involved a patient who died 90 minutes after suffering chest pains and dyspnea after medical acupuncture treatment, according to MEDLINE.

Like other fields of conventional Western Medicine, acupuncture should be performed by a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) only. Qualification for an acupuncture license is rigid. It is required that graduate acupuncture students should have more than 3,000 credit hours of study and training before gaining a license. During training, students are required to master the human body and the various acupuncture points. Such extensive training would ensure the absolute safety of patients who seek the services of an L.Ac. Unwanted accidents, such as perforation of the lungs by an acupuncture needle, would not happen at the hands of an L.Ac. who knows by heart all insertion points in the body.

When it comes to seeking treatment, your well-being should be your top priority. To ensure your safety, it is advisable to only consult an L.Ac. who has graduated from accredited acupuncture schools from The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine http://www.acaom.org/accprgs.asp.

About Medical Acupuncture Facts:

Medical acupuncture facts discusses the importance of seeking out a licensed acupuncturist over a doctor or chiropractor with minimal medical acupuncture training. For over 2 years Medical Acupuncture Facts has been informing the public of the dangers of going to non-licensed acupuncturists and shows common sense reasons of why to stick with licensed acupuncturists to ensure public safety. Visit http://www.medicalacupuncturefacts.com to learn more.

Acupuncture Is Popular, but You’ll Need to Pay

2010-05-09T00:35:00.001-04:00

By LESLEY ALDERMAN

Published: May 1, 2010

Ruby Washington/The New York Times
Ancient Chinese Art, in a Western Context (May 8, 2010)

Ms. Kumar, then 29, went to see an obstetrician-gynecologist for help.
“The doctor said there wasn’t anything she could do for me because I was under age 35 and had been trying to conceive for less than year — even though it was clear something was not quite right,” Ms. Kumar explained. “She said, ‘come back in a year.’ ”

Ms. Kumar, who has a master’s degree in public health and lives in Jamaica Plain, Mass., decided to try an alternative. She went to see an acupuncturist who said, “I can help; give me 12 weeks.”

Because her insurer, like most, did not cover acupuncture, Ms. Kumar had to pay for the $70 weekly treatments she hoped would put her cycle on a more normal schedule. After the first few treatments, that seemed to be working. Two months later, Ms. Kumar was pregnant. There is no way of knowing for sure whether it was the acupuncture or the gynecologist’s keep-on-trying advice that helped Ms. Kumar conceive.
But a growing number of people are turning to acupuncture for help with conditions including infertility, chronic pain, depression and menopause symptoms. And they are turning to it even though financially it remains a largely out-of-pocket form of health care.

In a 2007 survey, 3.1 million adults reported using acupuncture in the previous 12 months, up from 2.1 million in a 2002 survey, according to the government’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a unit of the National Institutes of Health.

The center’s Web site is mainly neutral on the question of acupuncture’s effectiveness, and it urges people to go to a medical doctor — not an acupuncturist — to have a medical condition diagnosed. Acupuncture can have a powerful effect on your system, but serious ailments typically require a dose of Western medicine, like a course of antibiotics, a prescription-strength pain killer or even surgery.

Still, there are a handful of well-respected studies indicating that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for a range of conditions, like chronic headaches, osteoarthritis, depression in pregnancy and low back pain.

Western doctors are beginning to embrace it, sometimes sending their patients to acupuncturists for specific conditions. And the federal Food and Drug Administration takes it at least seriously enough to regulate acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners.

But insurers have been reluctant to cover acupuncture. And even in the relatively rare instances when insurers do, they might pay for only a few visits or a specific condition.

Ms. Kumar was able to get a financial break by using money from her flexible spending account at work. “It was expensive,” she said, “but probably not as expensive as infertility treatments would have been.”

When she was ready to have a second child, she again went to her acupuncturist, Claire McManus, and became pregnant within months.

Proponents say that acupuncture, in addition to helping treat existing conditions, can also help prevent problems from occurring in the first place. Some devotees of acupuncture even say they believe treatments keep them healthy and out of the doctor’s office, potentially saving them money.

“We’re seeing a small but growing number of clients come to our clinic for wellness tune-ups,” said Angela Grasso, director of clinical services at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Manhattan, which is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and trains students to become licensed acupuncturists.
To receive a license to practice acupuncture in New York State, one must have completed 4,050 hours of course work, done 650 hours of clinical training and treated 250 patients. Once students have completed those requirements, they must pass a national certification examination in acupuncture.

Marcus Berardino, 41, a massage therapist and yoga instructor in Brooklyn, swears by the acupuncture treatments he receives regularly. “Combined with other natural remedies like biking, healthy eating and a little daily meditating,” he said, “it keeps me healthy and fairly balanced.”

Some hospitals are beginning to offer acupuncture to inpatients for pain and anxiety.

“When patients receive acupuncture before or after surgery, their anxiety is less, and their pain is reduced,” said Arya Nielsen, director of the acupuncture fellowship program at Beth Israel Medical Center in Manhattan. “They need less pain medication and so have less side effects from the medication.”
Beth Israel patients receive their acupuncture treatments free through the postgraduate fellowship program run by Dr. Nielsen, who has doctorate in the philosophies of medicine.

But for most people, money is a consideration. Sessions with an acupuncturist run about $65 to $120, depending on where you live (and some leading acupuncturists charge as much as $300). Most ailments require at least three treatments, while some chronic issues like arthritis might require biweekly or monthly sessions, depending on the situation.
If you want to try acupuncture, but are concerned about the cost, here are some suggestions:

CHECK YOUR COVERAGE Call your insurer and ask whether your policy covers acupuncture. If it does, press for details.
Find out how many sessions a year it allows and whether a doctor’s prescription is needed. Check whether it allows coverage for only certain conditions. Some policies, for instance, might cover acupuncture only for chronic pain.

TRY A SCHOOL If you must pay yourself, consider discount treatment by an acupuncturist-in-training. Most acupuncture schools have clinics where you can be treated by supervised students at discounted rates of $40 or so for one to two hours. To find a school, go to the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine’s Web site.

Barbara Andisman, who was told she had multiple sclerosis two years ago, has been going to the clinic at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Manhattan once a week for more than a year. She says the treatments help with her balance and energy.

“I have a type of M.S. for which there are no medications; the treatments have been incredible and helped keep me stable,” said Ms. Andisman, 52, who lives in Brooklyn. “If I miss a few sessions I notice a difference. I feel kind of sluggish.”

COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE If your problem is not serious or complicated — say you are suffering from stress or headache pain — consider visiting a community acupuncture setting, where fees can be as low as $15 a session.

You receive a brief assessment and then are treated, fully clothed, in an open room with other patients. It is the acupuncture equivalent of a chair massage.

To locate a clinic near you, see the Web site of the nonprofit Community Acupuncture Network.

USE FLEX SPENDING Even if your insurer will not reimburse you, your flexible spending account might — if you have one. Using flex-spending dollars to pay for treatments can reduce the cost by 20 percent or so, depending on your tax bracket. Look on your employer’s list of approved expenses to see whether acupuncture is included.
HAVE SOME PATIENCE Acupuncture often has a cumulative effect. If you have a simple cold or headache, you might feel better after one session. But it might take three sessions before you start to notice an improvement in a muscle strain, according to Ms. Grasso, who is also a licensed acupuncturist.

An article from John Hopkins that a colleagues' mother sent

2010-05-09T00:16:00.000-04:00

An article from John Hopkins that my mom sent me!Share. Yesterday at 8:20pm

Johns Hopkins Update – Very Good Article

AFTER YEARS OF TELLING PEOPLE CHEMOTHERAPY

IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRY ('TRY', BEING THE KEY WORD) TO ELIMINATE CANCER, JOHNS HOPKINS IS FINALLY STARTING TO TELL YOU THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE WAY .

Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins :

1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer

cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have

multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients

that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after

treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the

cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable

size.

2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a

person's lifetime.

3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer

cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and

forming tumors.

4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has

nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic,

but also to environmental, food and lifestyle factors.

5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing

diet to eat more adequately and healthy, 4-5 times/day

and by including supplements will strengthen the immune system.

6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing

cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells

in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract etc, and can

cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.

7.. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars

and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.

8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often

reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of

chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor

destruction.

9. When the body has too much toxic burden from

chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either

compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb

to various kinds of infections and complications.

10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to

mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy.

Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other

sites.

11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer

cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.

*CANCER CELLS FEED ON:

a. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made

with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute

would be Manuka honey or molasses, but only in very small

amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in

color Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.

b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the

gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting

off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk cancer

cells are being starved.

c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based

diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little other meat,

like chicken. Meat also contains livestock

antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all

harmful, especially to people with cancer.

d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole

grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into

an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked

food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live

enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to

cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance

growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building

healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most

vegetables including be an sprouts) and eat some raw

vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at

temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C)..

e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high

caffeine Green tea is a better alternative e and has cancer

fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or

filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap

water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.

12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of

digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the

intestines becomes putrefied and leads to more toxic

buildup.

13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By

refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes

to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the

body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.

14. Some supplements build up the immune system

(IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals,

EFAs etc.) to enable the bodies own killer cells to destroy

cancer cells.. Other supplements like vitamin E are known

to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's

normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or

unneeded cells.

15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit.

A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior

be a survivor. Anger, un-forgiveness and bitterness put

the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to

have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy

life.

16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated

environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to

get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen

therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer

cells.

1. No plastic containers in micro.

2. No water bottles in freezer.

3. No plastic wrap in microwave..

Johns Hopkins has recently sent this out in its newsletters. This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as well. Dioxin chemicals cause cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies. Don't freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic. Recently, Dr Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at Castle Hospital , was on a TV program to explain this health hazard. He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us. He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers. This especially applies to foods that contain fat. He said that the combination of fat, high heat, and plastics releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body. Instead, he recommends using glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex or ceramic containers for heating food. You get the same results, only without the dioxin. So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc., should be removed from the container and heated in something else. Paper isn't bad but you don't know what is in the paper. It's just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc. He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper The dioxin problem is one of the reasons.

Please share this with your whole email list.........................

Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Saran, is just as dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food. Cover food with a paper towel instead.

This is an article that should be sent to anyone important in your life.

Todays feature video clip

2010-05-05T18:41:00.001-04:00

Dr. John Rengen Virapen gives his testimonial on how Big Pharma works and why

2010-05-04T20:32:00.004-04:00

Hemorrhoids That Painful Companionship

What is a Hemorrhoid and What Causes it?

A hemorrhoid is simply a swollen vein in the anal canal due to a lack of fiber, exercise, sedentary life, dehydration, chronic diarrhea and/or pregnancy causing an increase pressure on the intestinal walls and weakening the intestines causing the swollen vein normally known as hemorrhoid.

Types of Hemorrhoids

There are two types of hemorrhoids: External and Internal. External hemorrhoids, as the name implies, are those that are out and visible. When an external hemorrhoid is painful to the touch it is called thrombosed hemorrhoid.
The second type of hemorrhoid is the internal which is divided into 4 stages. The first stage still inside and bulges when defecating, second stage hemorrhoid it bulges and comes out of the anal canal during a bowel movement while the third stage it bulges and comes out of the anal canal and has to be "manually" pushed back in. Fourth stage it bulges and stays out all the time. The fourth stage might be confused with an external hemorrhoid but the difference between external and internal hemorrhoids is its origin, if the origin is in the anal canal then it is called internal while a hemorrhoid that originates around or close to the anus it is obviously called external hemorrhoid.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Bleeding, itching, inflammation and pain are the most common complaints of patients that suffer from hemorrhoids.

Understanding Hemorrhoids, A Chinese Medicine Perspective

Depending on the signs and symptoms plus some other pertinent questions and auscultation (pulse and tongue) the Chinese Medicine practitioner would be able to diagnose and determine the proper herbal treatment.

In Chinese Medicine there are several patterns Intestinal wind, intestinal dryness, damp heat, blood stagnation, spleen qi deficiency and spleen qi sinking.
Intestinal wind refers to the period when there is bright red blood present without pain or any discomfort. Intestinal dryness is obviously caused by a lack of moisture (yin deficiency or liquid deficiency or even due to what we called heat) and the patient will describe this feeling as of passing "sand paper".
Damp heat is a term used to refer to swelling, pain, burning and inflammation experienced by the patient. Spleen Qi deficiency and Spleen Qi sinking corresponds to third and fourth stage. With spleen qi deficiency or spleen qi sinking the patient will report feeling constantly tired; this kind of patient have a tendency of eating raw food, eat at irregular intervals and/or late at night. The patient with spleen qi deficiency or spleen qi sinking will be the kind of person that is constantly worrying, excessively thinking or what is called brooding. It is important to mention that a patient with spleen qi deficiency might present with intestinal dryness too, this is so because in chinese medicine the spleen is in charge of transporting nutrients and fluids. Another aspect to consider with spleen deficient patients is the possibility of stress, anxiety, depression and resentment which are associated with the liver in this millenarian healing art. When the liver gets affected by several emotional factors it has the tendency of weakening the spleen and/or creating heat that might accumulate in the intestines causing dryness or damp heat. There is another factor to take under consideration: the large intestine in Chinese Medicine is related with the Lung (both are metal elements) therefore patients with hemorrhoids might be experiencing some kind of grief, loss or suffering and/or respiratory problems such as sinus, allergies, or skin conditions might be present as well.
Blood stagnation is simply a thrombosed hemorrhoid.

Damp Heat, What is that?

Damp heat refers to the end result caused by a chronic illness, an infection, or food rich in fats, sugars (refined sugar, corn syrup) or alcohol. As you can see our diet does have an impact in our intestinal health.

Treating Hemorrhoids Naturally

When we take a closer look to the herbs used in Chinese Medicine we will observe that some herbs have the following properties: hemostatic (astringent), anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibiotic, diuretic, anti-coagulant or anti-platelet. These properties make herbal remedy an excellent alternative for hemorrhoids.

Some Chemical Compounds Found on Herbal Treatments

Some of the chemical compounds present are tannins, flavonoids, lipids, enzymes, and saponins among others that when properly combine elicit the therapeutic effect so much needed to relieve the signs and symptoms.

Some Herbs Used in The Treatment of Hemorrhoids

These is a list of some of the herbs used in the treatment of hemorrhoids. It is my advice to consult a professional instead of auto-medicate yourself. Auto medication might worsen your condition and therefore it is advisable to visit a licensed acupuncturist with herbal knowledge or any other health professional that specializes on herbal treatments.

Huai Jiao (Flos Sophorae), Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae), and Huang Qi (Astragalus) are some examples of herbs used in Chinese Medicine while you can find other herbs like Witch Hazel (Hammamelis Virgiana), Horse Chestnut, Butcher's Broom, Cranesbill Root,Oak bark, Bistor root, and Blackberry leaf.
Horse chestnut and Butcher's broom is excellent for stopping bleeding and relieve inflamed hemorrhoids while witch hazel is excellent for relieving the "sandpaper" feeling. You could also use Varigone from Nature Sunshine which is really good in strengthening capillaries and veins and stopping bleeding, and some times relieving inflammation and raising the hemorrhoid.

Some Herbal Formulas Used in Chinese Medicine

There is a big list of herbs that are used in Chinese Medicine, if you are a practitioner then you could use the following herbal formulas: Huai Jiao Wan, Qin Jiao Bai Zhu Wan, Huai Hua San, Gui Pi Tang, Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang and Huo Xue San Yu Tang... you can modify at your wish the previous formulas or you can come up with your own as long as you bear in mind which herbs are for the given pattern that the patient is presenting. My favorite formula is Yi Guan Jian which it is for Liver Qi Stagnation due to Liver deficiency with some modifications.

About the Author

Emmanuel Arroyo is a New York State licensed acupuncturist with a Master in Oriental Medicine. A Master in Oriental Medicine means that herbal medicine was part of the curriculum and clinical internship practice was contemplated not only for acupuncture but for herbal medicine.
Emmanuel Arroyo practices in Queens and Manhattan and does home visits. For more information you can reach him by email dr.agujas@gmail.com or calling at 917-324-1140 you can also read other health topics at http://www.theacupuncureguy.blogspot.com

References:

The Energetics of Western Herbs 4th edition Volume 2 by Peter Holmes. 2006
Clinical Handbook of Internal Medicine First EditionVolume 2 by Will Maclean and Jane Lyttleton. 2002
Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology by John K Chen and Tina T Chen. 2001, 2004
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/hemorrhoids-topic-overview 6:45pm May 4th, 2010

Medicines show up in water | delawareonline.com | The News Journal

2010-04-29T14:37:00.001-04:00

Tiny traces of medical hormones, antidepressants, antibiotics and other drugs are trickling into the drinking water of homes and businesses across Delaware, a new Division of Public Health study has found.
The drug residues turned up in more than half the Delaware water samples taken from 20 public water sources and 95 farm irrigation wells last year.
Among the most common contaminants in Delaware's public taps: caffeine, the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole, the painkiller ibuprofen, a medical-imaging aid called iopromide and estrogens.
Also found: antidepressants, cholesterol drugs, nicotine and triclosan, an ingredient widely used in soaps and antibacterial hand cleaners, but now under investigation as a potential disruptor of human endocrine systems.
The release of the information was prompted by a formal request by The News Journal.
"At these extremely low levels, it's not expected that there would be a health impact, but then, nobody's sure of that," said Edward G. Hallock, program administrator for Delaware's Office of Drinking Water. "When you add three or four compounds, even at extremely low levels, we're not sure whether there's an effect."
Those questions already are circulating in Congress, where some lawmakers recently pressed the Environmental Protection Agency to look closer at the cumulative effect of low-level but long-term exposure to toxic compounds, and frequent exposure to cocktails of pharmaceuticals at trace levels.
Recent studies have tied antidepressant levels in fish brains to water pollutants, Kolpin said. Others have found that chemicals from human activities may be disrupting fish responses to predators, making them more vulnerable.
Last year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported that up to 82 percent of male bass in the Potomac River had "intersex" symptoms, or female cells in their male reproductive organs. Scientists said the symptoms were "an indicator of exposure to estrogens or chemicals that mimic the activity of natural hormones."
In the Delaware study, the Wilmington, United Water Delaware and Newark systems, supplied from local creeks, had the highest concentrations, but pharmaceuticals and personal care product residues were detected in all three counties. Pharmaceuticals and hormones are believed to pass into the environment because sewage treatment plants were never designed to capture or break down the chemicals.

List getting long

Windybush resident Theresa Cody said Monday the news adds another reason for her uneasiness about our drinking water.
"It does slightly concern me -- that's why we have filtered water, and that's why we drink a lot of bottled water," Cody said. "I'm more concerned about industrial contaminants and things like that. The list is getting too long. Antibiotics in our meat, all kinds of things."
Delaware officials are worried enough that plans call for a stepped-up campaign to discourage flushing of medications and other medicinal chemicals in toilets. Development of disposal alternatives or drop-off programs also are under consideration.
"From what I've seen from other states, I don't think that we're any different than what's being found across the country, as far as surface water and shallow groundwater," Hallock said.
Although results from individual wells and water intakes have not been released, a summary of findings noted that 17 different drugs were found in 101 samples of treated and untreated water from public systems. Tests of 95 shallow farm irrigation wells detected 14 compounds. Some samples had as many as nine different substances.
Researchers have pointed to discharges from sewage-treatment plants and septic systems, sewage sludges, wastewater-fed irrigation systems and landfills as likely sources. Concentrations were in the parts-per-billion and parts-per-trillion range, however, far below levels in prescription doses.
Delaware's study, which cost $200,000, tested for 23 compounds, but many others not on the list are viewed as potentially harmful to humans, including flame retardants, plasticizers used in bottles, insect repellents and other medications and hormones.
Officials are preparing a report on the sampling and analysis commissioned by Delaware's Cancer Consortium.
Dana W. Kolpin, a researcher with the U.S. Geological Survey's Iowa Water Science Center, said scientists are concerned about the human and environmental consequences. In addition to flushed-away medications, human wastes carry away medicines not used by the body, Kolpin said. Although some may be trapped in sewage sludge, they can be released to groundwater as sludges are reused as farm fertilizers. Even landfilled drugs can eventually find their way into drinking water, since liquids emerging from modern dumps are often captured and sent through sewage plants.
"It's not because of any negligence by treatment plants," Kolpin said. "These compounds haven't been a part of the [treatment] equation, and they're still not regulated."
The USGS and the EPA are preparing new studies of contamination levels before and after treatment, Kolpin said, with a goal of helping to develop new ways to reduce releases of the chemicals.

Filter claims unverified

While some home tap-filter producers claim their systems can capture antibiotics and other contaminants, Kolpin said he was unaware of any that have undergone comprehensive, independent testing.
"They may or may not do something out of the box, depending on how well they've been maintained," Kolpin said. "But we've never done studies. There's a lot we don't know, just because we're trying to catch up on the products that are getting through."
The Brandywine is likely the largest carrier of pharmaceutical contaminants, because it receives treated wastewater from multiple sources as it courses through Pennsylvania, past Downingtown, Coatesville and West Chester.
University of Delaware professor and state Water Supply Coordinator Gerald Kauffman said that about 60 wastewater-treatment plants of varying sizes discharge into tributaries of the Brandywine, Wilmington's sole regular source of water. During past droughts, treated sewage and the trace contaminants it carries accounted for as much as 15 percent of all water reaching the city's treatment plant.
"Until we know more about it, in terms of developing methods of treatment, it's best to limit the amount of pharmaceuticals that get into the water supply by the very simple method of not flushing it, and making sure it's packaged for disposal."
"The other thing that's being talked about is getting pharmaceutical companies involved in disposal of their products, just as other industries are," Kauffman said. By Jeff Montgomery for The News Journal 27 April 2010 Contact Jeff Montgomery at 678-4277 or jmontgomery@delawareonline.com.

The Paleolithic Diet

2010-04-28T17:22:00.001-04:00

Since 2001 I have been reading about the paleolithic diet also known as cave man diet or whole food diet by some authors.

What is All About?

The concept is not old and it is well known by scientist that study the past of humanity. What they have found is that our biology (or should I say biochemistry) has not changed that much.
The "human" that walked this planet between 10,000 to 2.5 million years ago obviously had a different diet but what was this diet all about?
First we have to bare in mind our ancestors were nomads and they gathered and hunted their food. By nomad I mean they would be constantly moving to where food supply abounded (take under consideration the seasons like winter). They collected the fruits of trees, shrubs and any plant whose fruit were edible. They ate meat but this one was limited to availability: if they were lucky enough to hunt an animal which makes us assume that their diet was high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, probably roots with some meat...it is assumed that grains were not part of their diet. When they hunted an animal they would eat everything from it: internal organs such as gall bladder, kidneys, liver even brain. We can see prove of this meat eating habit when we notice how in ancient China animal parts such as gall bladder, testicles and other parts were used for medicinal purposes.

Dr Collins in his book The China Study compares Chinese farmers' diet versus modern diet and in his study he found that only .8% of their diet came from animal products or derivatives...most of their diet relied heavily on fruits, vegetables, some roots and grains.

What the Cave Men Diet Lacked

The cave man diet lacked of animals fed of grains, farmed and confined into small, dirty areas. Those animals were free and ate grass making their meat extremely lean and rich on omega 3, vitamins and minerals... It is well known that our modern ways of agriculture and farming have increased disproportionately the ratio of omega 6 vs omega 3, it is well known that our soils are deprived of some minerals or are running low on mineral content making our vegetables and fruits poor in nutrients compare with 50 years ago...if our food supply has deteriorated so much in just 50 years just imagine how rich in nutrients it was thousands or millions of years ago. The cave man diet lacked of vegetable oils, salt, dairy products, refined and processed food.

What The Cave Men Diet Included

Our ancestors' diet included foods rich in fiber, minerals, vitamins, proteins and enzymes...the oils and fat they consumed was the ones inherent in the food supply: oil and fats from nuts, fruits and vegetables and not the bottled oils we find in the supermarket. The proteins came mainly from plant based diet.

The China Study and The Cave Man Diet

The China Study shows that modern day diseases named by the author as diseases from abundance were absent in the 25 provinces that were researched and when modern diseases or abundance diseases (diabetes, cardio-vascular, and cancer among others) were present the people had a rich animal based diet and less or no fruits and vegetables at all.

The Bushmen Diet

The bushmen from Africa is one of the oldest tribes with at least 20,000 years of existence, this tribe is a hunter-gatherer like our paleolithic ancestors therefore we can expect similarities with the cave man diet: mainly of fruits, vegetables, roots and small portion of meat (remember that hunter-gatherers 'tribes' were small and did not have refrigerators).

What Can We Learn From These Cave Men?

In summary we could say a diet high in fruits, vegetables, roots, nuts (and highly probable seeds) and relatively low in meat was the diet of the cave men...this diet have proved to be healthier than our modern diet rich in processed foods, salt, sugar and low in fiber.
You probably have clicked on the links I have provided and have read the information, but now you might be noticing that the cave men diet was low on meat but high on fat...therefore the question you might be asking is: is saturated fat good or bad? and how much saturated fat is good for our health? These questions and many more will be purposely left unanswered so you, the reader, can embark in a turbulent, interesting and yet conflicting-confrontational adventure.
Please remember these words from Jesus recorded by Thomas in his secret gospel: "let the one who seeks not stop seeking until he finds. When he finds, he will become troubled; when he becomes troubled, he will be astonished and will rule over all things".

Other References

The Real Vitamin & Mineral Book 2nd edition. 1997. Shari Lieberman, PhD and Nancy Bruning.
The Way We Were. Psychology Today May/June 2010 Vol 43 No 3 pp 51,52 by Leyla Muedin.
The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-term Health. 2006. T Colin Campbell PhD and Thomas M Campbell II.

Mysterious fruits reverse aging, improve health

2010-04-26T10:17:00.000-04:00

(ARA) - Do you remember the last time you saw an old friend and were amazed to see how fast they have aged? The reason might be in their diet. It is well known that consumption of fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants lowers your risk of disease and increases health, but can antioxidants slow the rate at which you appear to age? Some people think so and they are betting their company's future on it. "Antioxidants slow the rate at which cells divide," says Ron Slavick, nutrition expert and director of Allmera Nutraceuticals. "The faster your cells divide due to diet, stress or pollution, the faster you will age." This is why Slavick has kept his team focused on a product called Proleva. Proleva is a capsule formulated by a team of scientists in Seattle, Wash., that you take once a day to give your body the extra antioxidants you need to restore your health, vitality and youthful appearance. A single dose of Proleva contains the antioxidants found in 8 of the most powerful superfruits; antioxidants that have been shown to increase eye sight, improve your immune system, support your cardiovascular health, boost short-term memory, increase brain function and return the youthful glow to your skin and hair. After 2 to 3 months, many Proleva customers report more energy, healthier-looking skin, deeper sleep, less sick time and better short-term memory. The reason is believed to be that their body is finally getting the antioxidants they need to balance the effects of poor diet, stress and pollution. Dr. Laurence Meyerson, a professor at New York University School of Medicine, agrees. "It is likely that the components of Proleva's unique formulation may very well produce additive or even synergistic biological effects in the body," Meyerson says. It is well known that people don't consume enough antioxidants. In fact a 2005 behavioral risk factor assessment shows that on average more than 75 percent of Americans receive less than their recommended antioxidants intake each day. This dietary shortcoming is a major contributor to poor health, lack of energy, weakened brain function and accelerated aging. Wellness consultant Sonja Hawley agrees. "If you want to feel healthy and look younger, you must start by healing your body from the inside," says Hawley. "I recommend Proleva to my clients because it gives them the nutrients they need to close the gap between what they eat and what they should be eating each day." If you want to try this amazing product for yourself you can order a 10-day trial of Proleva online by visiting www.TryProleva.com. The company has advised that these samples won't last long so order yours today; it only takes about 1 to 2 minutes to submit your address and billing information. Sponsored content provided by ARALifestyle. Copyright ARAnet, Inc.

How to Identify People with Low Self Esteem

2010-04-23T19:31:00.001-04:00

Low self-esteem can occur at any point in a person's life. Some people who are especially susceptible to such feelings are usually teenagers who are influenced to a large extent by what other people think about them. Other categories of people can be affected by such issues as well such as new mothers who are entering a different phase of their lives that they weren't really aware of or haven't experienced before.

If you want to know whether people or anyone close to you is currently suffering from low self-esteem, you can look at any of these signs to determine is the signs are typical of the person in question:

* Lack of Satisfaction. For people with low self esteem, the grass is always greener on the other side. These sorts of people are never satisfied with any aspect of their lives whether this aspect is their family or their car, these people constantly want more with the feeling that something bigger will give them the joy they desire.
* Apprehension of the Unknown. People who have low self-esteem are often afraid to try new things. Their fear of the unknown prevents them from doing what they really want to do and achieving their full potential.
* Staying in the Past. Low self-esteem sufferers are constantly unable to focus on the "here and now" they spend a huge amount of time bothering about the future and thinking about their past mistakes. These people often fail to enjoy the current joys that life provides them with.
* Self Dissatisfaction. Such people often fail to be comfortable with themselves; these people constantly focus on the negative and focus on losses instead of successes. They constantly neglect themselves or focus too much on their appearance because they lack the belief in their looks.
* Acceptance of Imperfections. These people are constantly unable to accept the fact that they're not perfect. They strive for perfection at all times and become increasingly distraught when they fail to achieve the superficial standards of perfection they set for themselves. These people are also over sensitive and worry about criticism at all times.
* Lack of Intimacy. These people can't be really intimate with other people and find it hard and impossible to be intimate with friends, family and other people. The relationships they have tend to be surface level at best.
* Busy Bees. Busy people don't have the chance to look at their fundamental problems and issues, so people with self-esteem issues often hide their real feelings and issues by appearing to be constantly busy.

Written by Darren Williger taken from Ezine Articles 23 April 2010 7:31 pm

Germany Bans GMO Corn by Monsanto - MON 810 deemed unsafe for people or ...

2010-04-23T16:02:00.000-04:00

Caring for Hips and Knees to Avoid Artificial Joints

2010-04-23T11:54:00.000-04:00

If you are one of the more than 400,000 people a year who have already had one or more hips or knees replaced — or someone who already has no choice but to consider joining their ranks — we offer our sympathies or encouragement or even congratulations, depending on how you are faring. But this column is for people who are not yet destined to necessarily become part of those statistics.

Although the human body has an amazing capacity to repair itself, our joints are surprisingly fragile.

When the cartilage that cushions bones wears away, it does not grow back. Thinning cartilage contributes to osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, a painful and often debilitating condition.

Over time, arthritic joints can become so sore and inflamed that they need to be replaced with mechanical substitutes. A result: more pain, at least in the short term, and big medical bills.

Fortunately, you can act to protect your joints now, to reduce your chances of needing to replace them later.

And protect you should. The cost for a new hip or knee — the joints most commonly replaced — is $30,000 to $40,000. If you have insurance, your total out of pocket costs will be much less, but may still be $3,000 to $4,000. And don’t forget to factor in all those days of work you will miss before you get your new prosthetic.

Creaky joints are a growing national problem. The population is getting older, more people are overweight, and an increasing number of children and young adults are playing serious sports and getting seriously injured — all factors that contribute to osteoarthritis.

“Arthritis used to show up in people during their late 40s and 50s, now we’re seeing it earlier, like in the 30s and 40s,” said Dr. Patience White, a rheumatologist and the chief public health officer at the Arthritis Foundation.

The total national tab for hip replacements in 2007 was $19 billion, and $26 billion for knees, according to the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Those figures are expected to rise significantly in the coming decade, Dr. White said. So protecting your joints will not only save wear and tear on you and your budget. You could also be doing your part to curtail the national health care bill.

If your joints are still intact, or just beginning to creak, here are some ways to keep osteoarthritis at bay.

CONTROL YOUR WEIGHT The more you weigh, the more pressure on your joints, which can lead to joint damage. When you walk, each knee bears a force equivalent to three to six times the body’s weight. If you weigh a mere 120 pounds, your knees are taking a 360-pound, or more, beating with every step.

Studies have found a connection between being overweight and developing osteroarthritis of the knees, and to a lesser extent the hips. One recent review found that 27 percent of hip replacements and 69 percent of knee replacements might be attributed to obesity.

For reasons not well understood, weight is more of risk factor for women than men.

“A woman’s risk for developing OA is linearly related to her weight,” Dr. David Felson, a rheumatologist and arthritis-prevention specialist at Boston University School of Medicine, said, referring to osteoarthritis.

“Men who are moderately overweight are not as at high a risk as a woman of the same weight,” Dr. Felson said.

But a woman can substantially lower her risk by shedding pounds. One study in which Dr. Felson was a co-author found that when a woman lost 10 pounds, her risk of osteoarthritis of the knee dropped by half. [LINK: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1543306]

GO LOW-IMPACT Although no definitive link has been found between osteoarthritis of the knee and running (or any other sport), sports medicine doctors discourage their patients from running on hard pavement, playing tennis on concrete or activities like skiing over lots of moguls.

“Impact sports put too much stress on the joints, particularly the knees,” said Dr. Donald M. Kastenbaum vice chairman of orthopedic surgery at Beth Israel Medical Center in Manhattan. “These activities may lead to OA and they definitely can escalate the progression of the condition.”

If you run regularly, try to do so on a track or treadmill and consider swapping one run a week for something low impact like swimming, biking, lifting weights or tai chi.

AVOID INJURY Easier said than done, of course. But major injuries, typically the type that require surgery, greatly increase your risk for osteoarthritis.

According to one big study, 10 to 20 years after a person injures the anterior cruciate ligament or menisci of the knee, that person has a 50 percent chance of having arthritis of the knee. [LINK: ajs.sagepub.com/content/35/10/1756.abstract].

Those rates are even higher when the injury happens in your 30s or 40s, Dr. Felson said. “As you move into middle age, it’s crucial to avoid sports that predispose you to injury,” he said.

Weekend warriors, who sit at a desk Monday through Friday, and then run or play basketball for five hours straight on the weekend, are at a high risk for injury, and thus for osteoarthritis.

GET FIT It makes sense. The better toned your muscles are, the less likely you are to injure yourself (unless you are also playing football every Saturday morning).

And “building muscles up around joints acts like a shock absorber, spreading stress across the joint,” said Dr. Laith M. Jazrawi, chief of the sports medicine division at N.Y.U. Hospital for Joint Diseases. Pilates, moderate weight lifting, vinyasa yoga, and swimming are all non-impact forms of exercise that firm up your muscles without jeopardizing your cartilage.

No definitive link exists between increased flexibility and lower, or higher, rates of osteoarthritis. But some doctors interviewed said they believed that by regularly stretching your muscles you are less likely to injure your joints. It can’t hurt to judiciously stretch your muscles after a work out. And even if it won’t protect your joints from deterioration, it will certainly make your muscles feel better.

BE SKEPTICAL Don’t waste your money on specialized nutrients. Shark cartilage, glucosamine and chondroitin — popular supplements marketed for healthy joints — can be expensive and probably are of limited benefit, many specialists say.

“There’s some evidence to suggest glucosamine and chondrotin sulfate may be helpful in O.A. once it has started, but overall the results are inconclusive,” Dr. Jazrawi said. As for shark cartilage, there is also no evidence to suggest that it has any benefit for treating the symptoms or the disease, he said. Joints are like car parts. With proper care and maintenance, they last longer.

By LESLEY ALDERMAN
Published: April 23, 2010
New York Times

Decoding an Ancient Therapy

2010-04-23T10:15:00.000-04:00

Acupuncture has long baffled medical experts and no wonder: It holds that an invisible life force called qi (pronounced chee) travels up and down the body in 14 meridians. Illness and pain are due to blockages and imbalances in qi. Inserting thin needles into the body at precise points can unblock the meridians, practitioners believe, and treat everything from arthritis and asthma to anxiety, acne and infertility.

As fanciful as that seems, acupuncture does have real effects on the human body, which scientists are documenting using high-tech tools. Neuroimaging studies show that it seems to calm areas of the brain that register pain and activate those involved in rest and recuperation. Doppler ultrasound shows that acupuncture increases blood flow in treated areas. Thermal imaging shows that it can make inflammation subside.

Scientists are also finding parallels between the ancient concepts and modern anatomy. Many of the 365 acupuncture points correspond to nerve bundles or muscle trigger points. Several meridians track major arteries and nerves. "If people have a heart attack, the pain will radiate up across the chest and down the left arm. That's where the heart meridian goes," says Peter Dorsher, a specialist in pain management and rehabilitation at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla. "Gallbladder pain will radiate to the right upper shoulder, just where the gallbladder meridian goes."

Many medical experts remain deeply skeptical about acupuncture, of course, and studies of its effectiveness have been mixed. "Something measurable is happening when you stick a needle into a patient—that doesn't impress me at all," says Edzard Ernst, a professor of complementary medicine at the University of Exeter in England and co-author of the book, "Trick or Treatment." Acupuncture "clearly has a very strong placebo effect. Whether it does anything else, the jury is still out."

Even so, the use of acupuncture continues to spread—often alongside conventional medicine. U.S. Navy, Air Force and Army doctors are using acupuncture to treat musculoskeletal problems, pain and stress in stateside hospitals and combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. Delegations from Acupuncturists Without Borders are holding communal ear-needling sessions to reduce stress among earthquake victims in Haiti. Major medical centers—from M.D. Anderson in Houston to Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York—use acupuncture to counteract the side effects of chemotherapy.

In a 2007 survey, 3.2 million Americans had undergone acupuncture in the past year—up from 2.1 million in 2001, according to the government's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

The most common uses are for chronic pain conditions like arthritis, lower back pain and headaches, as well as fatigue, anxiety and digestive problems, often when conventional medicine fails. At about $50 per session, it's relatively inexpensive and covered by some insurers.

It is also generally safe. About 10% of patients experience some bleeding at the needle sites, although in very rare cases, fatalities have occurred due to infections or injury to vital organs, mostly due to inexperienced practitioners.

Most states require that acupuncturists be licensed, and the Food and Drug Administration requires that needles be new and sterile.

Diagnoses are complicated. An acupuncturist will examine a patient's tongue and take three different pulses on each wrist, as well as asking questions about digestion, sleep and other habits, before determining which meridians may be blocked and where to place the needles. The 14 meridians are thought to be based on the rivers of China, and the 365 points may represent the days of the year. "Invaders" such as wind, cold, heat, dampness, dryness factor into illness, so can five phases known as fire, earth, metal, water and wood.

"It's not like there's a Merck Manual for acupuncture," says Joseph M. Helms, who has trained some 4,000 physicians in acupuncture at his institute in Berkeley, Calif. "Every case is evaluated on an individual basis, based on the presentation of the patient and the knowledge of the acupuncturist."

Dr. Helms notes that Western doctors also examine a patient's tongue for signs of illness. As for qi, he says, while the word doesn't exist in Western medicine, there are similar concepts. "We'll say, 'A 27-year-old female appears moribund; she doesn't respond to stimuli. Or an 85-year old woman is exhibiting a vacant stare.' We're talking about the same energy and vitality, we're just not making it a unique category that we quantify."

Studies in the early 1980s found that acupuncture works in part by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, much like vigorous exercise does. Now, a growing body of research suggests that it may have several mechanisms of action. Those include stimulating blood flow and tissue repair at the needle sites and sending nerve signals to the brain that regulate the perception of pain and reboot the autonomic nervous system, which governs unconscious functions such as heart beat, respiration and digestion, according to Alejandro Elorriaga, director of the medical acupuncture program at McMaster University in Ontario, which teaches a contemporary version to physicians.

"You can think Western, you can think Eastern. As long as your needle goes to the nerve, you will get some effect," Dr. Elorriaga says.

What's more, an odd phenomenon occurs when acupuncture needles are inserted into the body and rotated: Connective tissue wraps around them like spaghetti around a fork, according to ultrasound studies at the University of Vermont. Helene Langevin, research associate professor of neurology, says this action stretches cells in the connective tissue much like massage and yoga do, and may act like acupuncture meridians to send signals throughout the body. "That's what we're hoping to study next," she says.

Meanwhile, neuroimaging studies at the Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston have shown that acupuncture affects a network of systems in the brain, including decreasing activity in the limbic system, the emotional part of the brain, and activating it in the parts of the brain that typically light up when the brain is at rest.

Other studies at the Martinos Center have shown that patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful compression of nerves in the wrist, have heightened activity in parts of the brain that regulate sensation and fear, but after acupuncture, their brain patterns more closely resemble those of healthy subjects. Brain scans of patients with fibromyalgia show that both acupuncture and sham acupuncture (using real needles on random points in the body) cause the release of endorphins. But real acupuncture also increased the number of receptors for pain-reducing neurotransmitters, bringing patients even more relief.

The fact that many patients get some relief and register some brain changes from fake acupuncture has caused controversy in designing clinical trials. Some critics say that proves that what patients think of as benefit from acupuncture is mainly the placebo effect. Acupuncture proponents counter that placebos that too closely mimic the treatment experience may have a real benefit.

"I don't see any disconnect between how acupuncture works and how a placebo works," says radiologist Vitaly Napadow at the Martinos center. "The body knows how to heal itself. That's what a placebo does, too."

Written by Melinda Beck Wall Street Journal (Monday, March 22 2010) Write Melinda Beck at HealthJournal@wsj.com

The Claim: Alcohol Worsens Allergies

2010-04-22T15:19:00.000-04:00

Sniffling, sneezing and struggling through allergy season this year?

You may want to lay off alcohol for a while. Studies have found that alcohol can cause or worsen the common symptoms of asthma and hay fever, like sneezing, itching, headaches and coughing.

But the problem is not always the alcohol itself. Beer, wine and liquor contain histamine, produced by yeast and bacteria during the fermentation process. Histamine, of course, is the chemical that sets off allergy symptoms. Wine and beer also contain sulfites, another group of compounds known to provoke asthma and other allergy-like symptoms.

In one study in Sweden in 2005, scientists looked at thousands of people and found that compared with the general population, those with diagnoses of asthma, bronchitis and hay fever were far more likely to experience sneezing, a runny nose and “lower-airway symptoms” after having a drink. Red wine and white wine were the most frequent triggers, and women, for unknown reasons, were about twice as likely to be affected as men.

Another study of thousands of women published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Allergy in 2008 found that having more than two glasses of wine a day almost doubles the risk of allergy symptoms, even among women who were free of seasonal and perennial allergies at the start of the study.

It helps to be on the lookout for other foods that either contain or release histamine, like aged cheeses, pickled or fermented products and yeast-containing foods, like bread, cider and grapes.

This article was taken from New York Times. Writen By ANAHAD O’CONNOR and published on: April 19, 2010

Herb of the Week

2010-04-22T15:08:00.000-04:00

Acerola is one of my favorite fruits besides tamarind and grosella.
This delicious red Caribbean Cherry has 3 lobes and has a nice tangy, juicy flavor. Acerola is rich in vitamin A and C and B vitamins too... has obviously fiber, proteins and healthy lipids.

Health Benefits and Uses

This rich nutrient fruit has been used for diabetes, dysentery, for heart functions, to lower or enhance other cholesterol lowering herbs, cleanses the liver and kidneys...has been used for inflamations including rheumatism, water retention and to heal wounds.

Parts Used and Dosage

The part used is the fruit and you can make the most delicious juice ... The dosage? to be honest I used to eat so much of it when I was a kid...a few pounds but the dosage given by rain-tree.com is 1 cup 2 or 3 times daily.

Guangzhou studying light pollution fees

2010-04-22T14:46:00.000-04:00

SINAPSIS:

Light pollution causes a decrease on sexual function, eye diseases, stress, anxiety and other problems; the province of Guangzhou is considering a fee for light pollution...the details are not known and are going to be public as soon as the government has a plan on how to implement it

Neon signs and billboards may soon be restricted

The provincial capital of South China's Guangdong province is expected to take the lead in collecting light pollution fees in the country.

Sources with the Guangzhou municipal price bureau said they are studying the feasibility of collecting light pollution fees and are working to prepare the first phase of such a program.

But the city's officials would not reveal details on how and when the light pollution fees will be charged.

"We will make it public once it has been decided," said an official who declined to be identified.

Officials from the Guangzhou bureau of environmental protection also refused to comment on the issue, saying the bureau now collects fees for only four kinds of pollution: waste gas, sewage, solid trash and noise, according to the relevant laws and regulations.

The plan to charge light pollution fees is coming as a result of the light pollution becoming worse in the southern metropolis, dubbed "a city without night".

Medical research has proven that excessive light surrounding the human body causes a variety of adverse health effects, including increased headaches, stress, and anxiety, as well as a decrease in sexual function. The incidence of eye disease is also higher in urban residents than in country residents due to light pollution.

The normal light intensity of illumination is about 15 lumens. The light illuminance in the city's busy Beijing Road, however, reaches more than 1,000 lumens, 60 times more than the standard level, said Li Mingguang, a doctor from Guangzhou Scientific Research Institute of Environmental Protection.

"Other business districts, streets, bars and public entertainment venues also have been reported to cause serious light pollution in the city," Li said.

In addition to road lamps, the sources of light pollution come from the city's large number of neon lights and advertisement boards. The glass walls of skyscrapers further reflect strong lights into nearby residential houses.

However, Li said relevant departments will have difficulty in collecting light pollution fees because they lack regulations and standards to define light pollution.

He urged the relevant departments to quickly introduce these regulations and standards.

Li Jianji, a member of Guangdong Society of Astronomy, is in favor of limiting the time for switching on the city's neon lights and lights on advertisement boards to reduce light pollution.

"All the city's neon lights and advertisement lights should be switched off at 10 or 10:30 pm every day," Li said.

Some of the neon lights should be allowed only on weekends or public holidays, he added.

Currently most of the city's neon lights, advertisement lights and decorative lights remain on overnight seven days a week.

Cheng Chenghua, a white-collar worker, said light pollution has become a more serious problem in Guangzhou compared with a few years ago.

"Collecting light pollution fees should be an effective way to help battle the light pollution," Cheng told China Daily.

Light pollution is particularly bad on both banks of the Pearl River in the downtown area, where there are many neon lights, billboards and decorative lights, Cheng said.

Really? - The Claim - Milk Makes You Phlegmy - Question - NYTimes.com

2010-04-16T13:01:00.001-04:00

Really? - The Claim - Milk Makes You Phlegmy - Question - NYTimes.com

The double standards of the FDA and Free Speech

2010-04-15T17:56:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the Alliance for Natural Health - USA

Nutritionist praises traditional diet | The Japan Times Online

2010-04-14T09:33:00.000-04:00

Nutritionist praises traditional diet | The Japan Times Online

Herb of the Week: Anamu

2010-04-13T19:51:00.000-04:00

This herb known in Puerto Rico as the weed that the goat does not want to chew has medicinal properties that have been lost in Puerto Rico.
Anamu known in English as garlic weed, gully root, congo root and pipi root with a botanical name of Petiveria Alliacea L was used in Puerto Rico as muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory (bladder and joints), hysteria, and other nervous symptoms...It was used against asthma too. Has diuretic properties and diaphoretic as well.
The part used was the root but has been observed that the leaves have same properties.

This information was taken from the book Plantas Medicinales de Puerto Rico page 5, the book was written by Esteban Nunez PhD and published by Editorial de la Universidad de Puerto Rico. 1982.

I do apologize for the lack of information regarding research, dosages, etc. In Puerto Rico plants used to be decocted in combination with other herbs just like we do in Chinese Medicine.

Disclaimer: This information is for instructional purposes and does not replace proper medical attention. It is advice to seek professional help and advice.

YouTube - Pharma Not in Business of Health, Healing, Cures, Wellness

2010-04-13T19:25:00.000-04:00

YouTube - Pharma Not in Business of Health, Healing, Cures, Wellness

Op-Ed Contributor - P.S.A. prostate screening is inaccurate and a waste of money. - NYTimes.com

2010-04-13T16:50:00.001-04:00

Op-Ed Contributor - P.S.A. prostate screening is inaccurate and a waste of money. - NYTimes.com

Herb of the Week: Chanca Piedra

2010-04-09T12:45:00.000-04:00

What is Chanca Piedra

Chanca Piedra known in English as stone breaker is an herb from the amazons with 4 different varieties: Pyllanthum Niruri, Phyllanthus Amarus, Phyllanthus Sellowianus and Phyllanthus Urinaria.
P. Niruri is the one known in tropical places such as the amazon while P. Amarus and P. Sellowianus is the one that grows in dry tropical regions. The 4 plants are alike and exhibit similar medicinal activities but some of them have stronger effects on certain conditions.

Some Active Constituents

Some active constituents are lignans, flavonoids, alkaloids, ellagitannins and phenylpropanoids and others.. One of my favorite flavonoids is rutin and quercetin which are also present on this interesting plant.

Traditional Medicinal Uses and Preparation

Traditionally the plant has been used to treat kidney stones, gallstones, malaria, colic, jaundice, parasites, fever and pain.
The whole plant is used and is prepared as a decoction. Tincture is not recommended because the alcohol content destroy all the water soluble constituents rendering the plant ineffective.

Research and Chanca Piedra

Research has found that chanca piedra indeed is good for its traditional uses yet it has also found that it lowers blood cholesterol, triglycerides, lowers blood sugar and blood pressure. It has been found to act as an inhibitor of Aldose Reductase the culprit of macular degeneration and diabetic neuropathy. Its inhibition is not limited to Aldose Reductase but it acts as a reverse transcriptase inhibitor which makes it idoneous for HBV, leukemia, sarcoma and HIV.
Has been proven to slow and prevent cancer cell proliferation by inhibiting mutations and breaks on DNA; it also has shown to protect the cells and the liver against carcinogenic substances.
Has been found to be 7 times more effective than aspirin and acetaminophen as pain reliever.

Chanca Piedra and Modern Use
Chanca Piedra has been widely used in Brazil and you can find it on pharmacies as pills or capsules...it has been used in China, and India also.

The Future and Chanca Piedra
Because chanca piedra is effective by only using water it can not be developed as a drug and giving the circumstances that chanca piedra's medicinal properties relies on synergetic properties rather than on isolated compounds this makes the herb less "marketable, researchable, and profitable" for companies so expect this herb to be in a dark corner of the closet ...

90 Percent of Parents Want to Know More About Alternative Medicine, Survey Reveals

2010-04-07T12:30:00.001-04:00

90 Percent of Parents Want to Know More About Alternative Medicine, Survey Reveals

WIDE EYE CINEMA â€“ Free Conspiracy Videos Â» The World According to Monsanto

2010-03-06T23:33:00.000-05:00

WIDE EYE CINEMA â€“ Free Conspiracy Videos Â» The World According to Monsanto

Depression: Allopathic Approach and Physiology

2010-01-05T14:43:00.008-05:00

On my previous blog I explained how different nutrients elicit changes in the brain structure and neuronal transmission. This blog is intended to explain what is monoamine oxidase (MAO), what are monoamines, from which amino acid(s) the neurotransmitter(s) are synthesized, the functions of those neurotransmitters, the consequences of having deficiency of those neurotransmitters and the allopathic approach for treating depression and an explanation of why we observe certain side effects on certain drugs. It is my intention to give an idea of the physiological alterations created by these medications. Please bear in mind that this information it is limited and its purpose is to educate.
The references used for this blog and others are in the form of links.

Monoamine Oxidase

Monoamine Oxidase is an enzyme that catabolizes monoamines. Monoamines are serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, GABA, melatonin, and histamine; yes, the term monoamines refers to neurotransmitters that have one amino acid group hence mono (meaning one) and amine (from the term referring to the origin of the amino acid: ammonia).
There are two types of Monoamine Oxidase: MAO-A and MAO-B.
MAO-A brakes down serotonin, norepinephrine and epinephrine while MAO-B mainly catabolizes phenethylamine. Dopamine is broken down by MAO-A and MAO-B.

Role of Monoamines

Dopamine: execution on movement, inhibition of prolactin, memory, attention, problem solving and other neuro-cognitive functions, motivation, pleasure, and reward seeking behavior.
Synthesis: phenylalanine.

Serotonin: regulation of insulin and Insulin like Growth Factor (IGF), serotonin effects appetite, sleep, and general metabolism, and blood vessel constriction. Modulates mood, anger and aggression. Stimulates cells to repair the liver and promotes osteoclasts activity.
Synthesis: tryptophan.

Epinephrine(adrenaline): It is involved in the fight-flight response: increases blood perfusion to the brain and skeletal muscles and diminishes blood supply to the GI tract. Suppresses the immune system and elevates blood sugar and breaks down lipids in cells.
Synthesis: phenylalanine.

Norepinephrine (noreadrenaline): involved in the fight-flight response. Increases blood pressure and
drops heart rate.
Synthesis: Dopamine which in turn is made from phenylalanine.

GABA: Regulates neuronal excitability and muscle tone.
Synthesis: Glutamate.

Histamine: Regulates sleep, is involved in inflammation and immune responses, has erectile and sexual functions. Protect against convulsion, stress, and ischemic lesions.
Synthesis: histidine.

Melatonin: antioxidant (mainly protects nuclear and mitochondrial DNA), regulates circadian rhythms. Enhances immune functions.
Synthesis: Tryptophan.

Phenethylamine: Acts as a releasing agent of dopamine and norepinephrine.
Synthesis: Phenylalanine.

Amino Acids Deficient in Depression

It is of common knowledge that dopamine and serotonin are the main neurotransmitters affected in people with depression. If we take a closer look to the previous list of monoamines and their functions it will be noticed that phenylalanine and tryptophan are deficient in patients with depression; these amino acids are also essential for the synthesis of other neurotransmitters: Melatonin, Phenethylamine,Norepinephrine, and Epinephrine .
It is not surprising to see a big conglomerate of signs and symptoms in people with depression: insulin resistance, high levels of homocysteine, interlukin and tumor necrosis factor besides the well known signs and symptoms of apathy, sadness, emptiness, guilt, feeling of worthlessness, polyphagia or decreased appetite, insomnia or excessive sleeping, impaired immunity, and decreased libido among others sexual problems.

Allopathic Approach to Depression

The conventional approach to depression is the use of the following medications MAOI (Monoamine Oxidaze Inhibitor) SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor), TAC (Tricyclic Antidepressants), Tetracyclic Antidepressants (Tricyclic and Tetracyclic are known as heterotricyclic), Serotonin Modulators (5-HT2 Blockers), Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRI), and SNRI (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor) and Electroconvulsion Therapy.

List of Medications

Heterocyclic Antidepressants: amitriptyline, amoxapine, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine,
maprotiline, nortryptiline, protriptyline, and trimipramine.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors:   citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine.

Serotonin Modulators: mirtazapine, nefazodone, trazodone.

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors: duloxetine, venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine

Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors: bupropion.

The Logic Behind the Medications

TAC: This medications inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine by blocking the serotonin and
norepinephrine transporter (SERT and NET respectively) which in turns increases the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine. The higher the level of serotonin the lower the level of melatonin and viceversa, usually melatonin increases while serotonin decreases: melatonin is metabolized from serotonin. Insulin and serotonin increase accordingly: higher levels of serotonin means higher levels of insulin. Insulin is required in order to increase bio-availability of tryptophan; the downfall is that it might cause insulin resistance which leads to diabetes. An analysis of the functions of melatonin and serotonin will make evident that this medication will cause an imbalance on the circadian rhythms, an increase on blood pressure, GI tract disorders; because norepinephrine activates fight-flight response a reduction on blood flow to the GI tract will be observed leading to slow metabolism and absorption of nutrients from the GI tract leading to poor nutrient assimilation and weight gain. Norepinephrine increases blood flow to the brain which explains why people suffer from blurred vision and dizziness when taking TAC's. Muslce stiffness and twitches are present: remember this medication activates the fight-flight response making the muscles the primary target.
Cyclics effect every receptor in the CNS which includes Histamine and Muscarinic receptors among others.

              Some TAC's medications are: Anafranil, Adapin, Aventyl, Elavil, Norpramin, Pamelor, Pertofrane, Sinequan, Surmontil, Tofranil, and Vivactil.

MAOI: There are 3 types known, the one that does not discriminate and inhibits MAO-A and MAO-B and those that do discriminate and only inhibit MAO-A or MAO-B. MAOIs work by inhibiting the             production of monoamine oxidase which catabolizes serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine with the aim of increasing blood levels and make them bioavailable. The problem with MAOI is that they increase tyramine levels in the blood. Tyramine is synthesize from Tyrosine. Tyramine acts as a releasing agent of dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. An increase in tyramine means an increase on dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine therefore we will see similar side effects as with TAC's. Consumption of tyrosyne containing food will elicit the "cheese effect" where the person will have high blood pressure, headaches, and racing heart. This medication and the TAC are used as a last results due to the severe side effects.
   Some MAOI medications are: Parnate, Nardil, and Marplan.

SSRI: This medication selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin. The side effects are logic: serotonin is
involved in the appetite, sleep, and general metabolism, and blood vessel constriction. Modulates mood, anger and aggression. Stimulates cells to repair the liver and promotes osteoclasts activity. An increase on serotonin means an effect on any of the functions it regulates.
According to the Journal of Psychopharmacology Jan 1998; vol. 12: pp. 396 - 400: SSRI's cause hyponatremia which is an imbalance
of the sodium electrolyte(calcium, chloride, magnesium and potassium are the most common electrolytes in the human body besides sodium). This sodium imbalance can cause headache, fatigue, weakness and nausea as first symptoms. More severe cases can result in confusion, seizure, coma and death. This sodium imbalance might explain why patients get headaches, fatigue, weakness or nausea when taking SSRI. Low sex drive and inability to experience orgasm or retardation of ejaculation are other symptoms which are due to their effect of different type of serotonin receptors (each receptor has effects and affects different physiological aspects of the human body).
           Some SSRI medications are: Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft.

SNRI: Increases amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the synaptic gap. At this point we should have
an idea of the possible side effects of this type of medication based upon the functions of serotonin and norepinephrine. I must add that the last 2 medications SSRI and SNRI are the most safest of all but that does not mean that side effects are absent. According to WebMD the side effects are the following: weight loss, decreased appetite, restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, constipation, dry mouth, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, light headedness, strange dreams, constipation, fever/chills, headache, increased or decreased appetite, tremor, dry mouth, nausea. Many of these signs and symptoms can be explained to the activation of the fight-flight response while others are related to the close relationship with dopamine and its interaction with other hormones and body processes (ie activation of other serotonin receptors: S1,S2,etc)
           Some SNRI medications: Effexor, Remeron, and Cymbalta.

DNRI : Dopamine-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors functions are obvious: they slow down the reabsorption of dopamine and norepinephrine allowing more concentration of the neurotransmitters. The possible side effects are obvious if we look for the functions of these 2 neurotransmitters. This medication has been linked to seizures (JAOA Vol 7. NO10. October 2007 p 441).
There are different types of DNRI: immediate release (IR), extended release (ER) and sustained release (SR).
           Some DNRI medications: Bupropion ER, Bupropion IR, Bupropion SR.

ECT: Electroconvulsion Therapy is used when everything has fail; occurrence of relapse is possible.
Electroconvulsion as the name implies is the use of electrodes placed on the head to elicit seizures;
anesthesia is provided to the patient due to muscle contractions experienced during the treatment.
Possibility of memory loss.

OTHER EFFECTS

Other effects that some antidepressant medications exert in the body is the suppression of CYP450. CYP450 is the generic name given to a group of more than 50 enzymes found in the lungs, small intestine, liver and kidneys. These enzymes are involved in the synthesis of several hormones (i.e. estrogen, testosterone), bile acids, cholesterol, thromboxane A2 and metabolism of fatty acids, degradation of vitamin D and the elimination of toxins of the body via the urine and stools. A decrease function of CYP450 can elicit a cascade of effects in our body: high cholesterol, low levels of sex hormones, poor fatty acids metabolism and many others. If we incorporate genetic determination we will notice that some patients have less active CYP450 versus others that have highly active CYP450 then it will be obvious that for some patients the side effects will be more pronounced than others. These patients with a higher CYP450 activity are referred as having "wild" CYP450.

STATISTICS

According to the newspaper Acupuncture Today December 2001 Volume 2 Issue 12 there are over 28 millions Americans taking antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications but more astonishing is what Merck Manual for Medical Conditions have to say about the efficacy of these medications : "...The chances that any given antidepressant will work for a particular person are about 65%..."
In other words there is a 35% chance that the medication will not work which makes it a big portion of patients that are still affected.
For that reason we are in our right to ask: Is there any alternative for these non-reactive patients?
The answer is yes! and in a next blog I will examine herbal medicine and acupuncture as an alternative.

Depression and the Role of Nutrients in Our Diet

2009-12-08T15:37:00.008-05:00

Over 28 millions Americans are taking antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. It is speculated that for 2020 depression would be the second cause of disability in Western Countries or Industrialized countries.

The question that comes to our mind is why industrialized countries are having such a increase on depression? Is there something more that is escaping to our big picture?

What is Depression?

It is well known that depression is the result of problems with neurotransmitters or neuro-transmission. The criteria commonly used to diagnosed depression is summarized by SIGECAPS which stands for:

Sleep: Insomnia or hypersomnia is present in a daily basis

Interest: a noticeable lack of interest on activities that were delectable and amusing to the patient

Guilt: the presence of disproportionate guilt and/or worthlessness

Energy: reduce or lack of energy, fatigue. Decrease libido

Concentration: Thinking and concentrating are significantly altered or diminished. The presence of indecision
is accentuated.

Appetite: hyperphagia or hypophagia (increased or decreased appetite)

Psychomotor: agitation or retardation of psychomotor processes

Suicide: Recurrent thoughts of death/suicidal thoughts

In order to be diagnosed with depression the patient must be feeling empty, sad or with loss of interest for 2 weeks plus 4 or more of the above criteria. In addition, the "sadness" should create a significant impairment in social, occupational or other areas of his/her life.

Brain Anatomy and Chemistry

After taking all the fluid content out of the brain what we have left is 60% of fat where 20% is composed of polyunsaturated fats known as Omega-3 and Omega-6. From Omega-3 Fatty Acids (FA) we obtain EPA and DHA which play a significant role on the structure of neurons (DHA) and neural transmission (EPA).

The brain protects itself from toxin by means of methylation. This process enables the creation, reparation and maintenance of neurons and neurotransmitters; homocysteine has been linked with the suppression or retardation of methylation.

Amino acids are needed for the creation of neurotransmitters while vitamins and minerals are important in facilitating the creation of them by acting as catalysts.

The brain uses 500 grams of healthy carbohydrates as energy source.

When we analyze these facts we can't help to realize that amino acids, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and fats are all important in the proper function of the brain.

Nutrional Deficiencies in Depression

It has been found that people that suffer from depression lack or are deficient of: selenium, zinc, magnesium, vitamin c, vitamin b complex, folic acid, omega-3 and amino acids such as tryptophan, and phenylalanine .

It is important to point out that reasearch and studies have linked a low consumption of fish with an increase on depression.

Amino Acids and Depression

Some amino acids linked with depression are Dopamine and Serotonin which give rise to Melatonin, Phenethylamine,Norepinephrine, and Epinephrine.

Amino Acids and the pH

The pH plays a very important role on what is called protonation and deprotonation which simply means that a molecule has accepted or given away a hydrogen...Amino acids have an area that is called functional group which is the one capable of interacting with other molecules. A well balanced pH will help the proper chemical reactions.
It is important to understand that amino acids are divided in 4 different groups: hydrophilic, hydrophobic, acidic and basic (alkaline). Hydrophilic substances are "water loving" and dissolve easily in water while hydrophobic molecules are "water hating substances" and by deduction they do not dissolve in water but in other substances like fat. Chemical reaction relies heavily in a well sustained pH.
The amino acids that are hydrophobic are the following: Alanine, Valine, Leucine, Isoleucine, Proline, Methionine, Phenylalanine and Tryptophan. Tryptophan is a special case, it interacts with water in a very limited range. Hydrophilic amino acids are: Glycine, Serine, Asparagine, Glutamine, Threonine, Tyrosine, and Cysteine.
Basic amino acids are: Histidine, Arginine, and Lysine. Acidic amino acids are: Aspartic acid and Glutamic acid.
In order for these amino acids to interact with other molecules the body needs a sustained and ideal pH.

The Forgotten Universal Key Ingredient

We have to consider the following facts: 70% of the human body is water while at the cellular level 60 - 90% is water; 55% of that water is found on intracellular fluids while the remaining 45% is found on extracellular fluid: 8% in plasma, 22 % on interstitial and lymph, and 15% in connective tissue, cartilage and bone.Our cells use water to dispose of waste, as transportation of substances in and out of the cell, to regulate temperature and to carry nutrients through out the body.
As we can see water is a very important factor in order to have and keep a healthy diet.

How Much Water?

First we have to bear in mind the following physiological evidence: healthy humans (note that healthy is in bold which means that people that are not healthy might need more) loss approximately 2 liters of water per day of that amount 50% is loss via urine while 5% is lost in fecal matter the remaining 45% is lost through our lungs and skin; for that reason we need 'healthy' fresh fruits and vegetables to replenish as much as possible that water lost.
As a rule of thumb I always advice to drink 2 glasses of water as soon as you wake up and one glass of water 30 minutes to 1 hour after having a meal or snack by doing so you can rest assure that you keep your cells well hydrated and equipped to transport nutrients, hormones, other substances and the proper methylation process.

What to Avoid

Avoid the consumption of hydrogenated oils, refined carbohydrates and process food.

What to Eat

Increase the consumption of fresh vegetables, fruits, seafood and unprocessed carbohydrates.

The Modern Dilemma of Eating Healthy

The problem we are facing is vast: our farming methods have changed significantly in such way that cattle is been fed grains (or other food) instead of grass, which causes a decrease in Omega-3 ; the same problem goes with chicken and fish. Our soil is less saturated with minerlas due to our farming methods. The increase use of pesticides and herbacides has caused our food to be polluted; it has been found bread with residue of pesticides.

The food we eat has been loaded with dozen of additives which exert a biochemical interaction at a cellular level; this includes the brain.

The food supply of industrialized countries is so high on Omega-6, sugar, salt and hydrogenated fats that it has been observed that people suffering depression have insulin resistance, higher levels of interlukin 1 beta, homocysteine, tumor necrosis factor alpha and prostaglandin E2.

What Else Can We Do?

It has been noticed that aerobics, cardiovascular exercises, yoga, meditation, and acupuncture can impact depression significantly.

We can improve our health by eating organic food or food that has not been chemically treated.

The Codex Alimentarius and Us

Codex Alimentarius is supposed to be a set of regulations to safeguard our food supply; the only problem is that codex alimentarius contemplates the use of radiation in every food including organic. Not only that, Codex Alimentarius sees as dangerous the use of vitamins, minerals and other supplements as alternative therapy hence it has been proposed to cut by more than 50% the recommended daily allowance that we have in our food supply as of 2009 and prior. Starting in 2010 Europe will be implementing the Codex Alimentarius which means that any food will have less vitamins, minerals etc that it is nowadays. Even more by radiating our food supply we will have no nutrients left in our breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Anemia

2009-07-03T17:34:00.002-04:00

It is estimated there are 3.5 millions Americans (approximately 10%)suffering from anemia. Anemia simply put is a condition where the red blood cells (RBC) are not delivering enough oxygen to the body's organs or tissues which manifests as lethargy, fatigue and dizziness among the most common signs and symptoms. Due to the fact that there are more than 400 types of anemia the signs and symptoms will vary accordingly. Considering this we should be aware that anemia can be categorized in 3 major ways: 1) Anemia due to blood loss, 2) anemia caused by malfunction of the RBC or decreased production, and 3) anemia caused by the destruction of RBC. Under the first category we can include gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcers, gastritis, hemorrhoids and cancer and NSAIDS induced anemia; on the second category we can find anemia due to a deficiency of folic acid, vitamin B 12 (pernicious anemia), and iron; sickle cell anemia, bone marrow and stem cell problems and other health problems such as viral infections, and medications that in someway intervene with metabolic processes and absorption of nutrients from the intestines are included in the second category; we have to include here the removal (partial or complete) of the intestines and stomach surgeries too. Finally under the last category we can see hemolytic anemia, thalassemia,aplastic anemia, and Fanconi's Anemia ... all these are caused due to infections, drugs, snake or spider venom, or certain foods,toxins from advanced liver or kidney disease,inappropriate attack by the immune system (called hemolytic disease of the newborn when it occurs in the fetus of a pregnant woman),vascular grafts, prosthetic heart valves, tumors, severe burns, chemical exposure, severe hypertension, and clotting disorders,and in rare cases, an enlarged spleen that traps RBC and destroys them. Now from a holistic point of view the cause of Anemia is due to blood deficiency, Liver Yin Deficiency, Spleen Qi deficiency, Intestines Qi deficiency and damp-phlemg encumbrance which in modern medicine translates as poor nutrition and absorption of nutrients, exhaustion of the liver filtering processes, pancreas insufficiency and dysbiosis of the microflora of the intestines leading to poor immune function or peformance. What we can do? Are there any herbal remedies for these problems? Gladly, yes there it is. I always recommend to start with a thorough cleansing process using " Dieter's Cleanse, ALJ, and Lymph Gland Cleanse-HY" that you can buy at http://www.mynsp.com/arroyo. With these 3 products you will see that the damp-phlegm will disappear, the liver will be nourished and detoxified and the glands such as the pancreas, pituitary and thyroid will be nurtured enhancing the body's metabolism for proper absorption of food and herbal treatment that will follow. Some herbs that I have found that are being used for anemia are the following: carqueja, jurubeba, amargo, chanca piedra, camu camu, maca, erva tostão, vassourinha, fedegoso, acerola, artichoke, suma root, nettle herb, espinheira santa, simarouba, pau d'arco, quinine,flower pollen (bee pollen), spirulina, kelp, dulse, hijiki, wheatgrass, watercress, bladderwrack thallus, alfalfa herb, chicory root, and prepared rehmania root. Once again I would like to encourage the reader to consult a naturopathic doctor, or someone that works with herbal remedies. The information presented here is for educational purposes and nothing has been proven by the FDA. s4inkhp7ae

Gout the Millenary Malady

2009-06-25T11:21:00.001-04:00

Since the Neanderthal put his feet on this planet GOUT has been known for its insidious, painful, deforming and devastating crippling effects. Nowadays, terms such as podagra, tophi, and blood uric acid serum levels are common jargon among sufferers; medications like NSAID, Colchicine, Indomethacin,, Allopurinol, Probenecid, Sulfinpyrazone, Oxipurinol, Fexubostat, Puricase and Anakinra are part of the arsenal to fight gout. Gout known as the 'rich man disease' is caused by either a poor elimination of uric acid by the kidneys or an elevated blood uric acid serum (equal or greater than 6mg/DL) due to the absence of uricase -an enzyme which degrades uric acid and is absent in humans and apes. Sufferers should know that body mass index, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, heart diseases, cortical cataracts, high blood pressure, kidney diseases, hypothyroidism and stroke has been found to be directly or indirectly associated with Gout. It is not know if gout causes those conditions or those conditions predispose to gout. Once again gout sufferers should be aware that they can help by watching their diet and avoiding organ meats, red meat, smoked meats, seafood such as mackerel, sardines, salmon, herrings, trout, perch, shrimp and sprat meanwhile other seafood should be eaten sparingly as well as pork and poultry. Alcohol except red wine (in moderation), High Fructose Corn Syrup containing foods and drinks should be avoide completely, A low fat diet and an increase in vegetables consumption should be considered as well as exercise. Alternative medicine has to be carefully looked... I would recommend someone that has a vast knowledge on herbal medicine combined with acupuncture and or iridology, even the latter one is considered a pseudoscience or a quackery, I have been able to use it successfully to pin point if it is the kidney that is under secreting, if there is an accumulation of toxicity, if the pH is acidic etc and pick the best herbal products to nourish the body and help it in disposing properly of the uric acid. g9hqywt4me

Risks of Artificial Sweeteners

2009-04-22T14:49:00.000-04:00

There are 3 independent studies published in the Circulation Journal and Diabetes Care where they have found a link between diet sodas, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and heart problems. The study found that those people that drink more than 1 diet soda per week has the chances to develop diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Obviously the study was targeting diet sodas but lets not forget that the same study showed that regular soda did not caused diabetes or metabolic syndrome therefore the logic tells us that the problem is the artificial sweeteners and not the drink. If you are concerned with your glycemic index i recommend agave, xylitol and stevia...natural and without side effects. Good health be with you!! Technorati Profile

Supplements That boost immunity or Stops HIV

2008-11-29T07:41:00.000-05:00

Quercetin-Bromelaine 1 000 mg
Rutin-Hesperidin 1 000 mg
Iron 15-50 mg
Copper 30 mg
Zinc 15:1 for each mg of copper there are 15 mg of zinc
Manganese
selenium
NAC (N-ACetylCysteine) 1 000 mg
L-Carnitine 1 000 mg
L-Glutathione 1 000 mg

Herbal Supplements That Inhibits HIV Replication

2008-11-29T07:35:00.000-05:00

Neem 1 000 mg
Sarsaparilla 1 000 mg
Bitter Melon 1 000 mg
Chanca Piedra 1 000 mg

Arthritis its Origins and Causes

2008-11-15T15:18:00.001-05:00

We all are well familiarized with arthritis... are we? Did you know that arthritis is an umbrella term that includes more than 100 conditions? The arthritis mostly known is osteoarthritis and gout but there are many others such as lupus, marfan syndrome, charcot's joints, and many other. Many of these diseases are idiopathic meaning cause of it or what causes it is unknown while others are autoimmune disorders but why it happens is once again unknown. From the Oriental Medicine perspective all is related with an imbalance in some place or some where in our body. On my spare time i dedicate time to research on the causes of arthritis and these are my findings: pH imbalance, poor intestinal flora, increased intestinal permeability, adrenal exhaustion, insulin resistance,external pollutants and heavy metals... each one of these have different manifestations an example of pH imbalance is gout, poor intestinal flora could cause infections leading to infectious arthritis, increased permeability of the intestines leads to "food allergies" that exacerbates the already painful joints, chemicals like MSG and articial flavors or colors, ingredients in our soaps, etc could increase the load on the body and lead to a worsening of the arthritic condition...last is heavy metals, within this situation we see the most critic conditions: autoimmune disorders. I recommend to keep a journal of what you eat and drink and the time, another journal with a record of the urine's pH and later on a detox or cleanse. Then the food that you consider to be the culprit is incorporated and you will watch for exacerbations if it happens you know which food is the one...but bear in mind that it could be caused by something different and not the food...so look carefully. My suggestion: eat more fruits and vegetables than meat, poultry and seafood; buy a supplement that has probiotics and prebiotic;avoid canned and processed food and do a cleanse at least once a year. Products: Dieter's Cleanse, ALJ, Lymph Gland Cleanse-HY and Probiotic Eleven buy them at http://www.mynsp.com/arroyo

How Acupuncture Works, a Western Perspective

2008-07-13T11:16:00.000-04:00

We all know the explanation given: Qi, energy and meridians. Meridians -channels or canals where the energy (Qi – pronounced Chee) flows. But how can we explain it in a more modern, scientific way? Acupuncture as we all know uses fine hair-like stainless steel needles (no, there is not medicine in them) that are inserted in different areas of the body. Once inserted, the fun starts: a micro trauma is caused in the muscle which activates the nerves and lymphatic tissues. Immediately the body reacts by activating diverse centers in the brain: the limbic system, the thalamus, hypothalamus, amygdala and others. The immune system is activated and the creation of new muscle fibers, collagen and elastin is elicited. The endocrine system starts its job by regulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, meanwhile the cardio-vascular system helps not only transporting hormones but by bringing oxygen and nutrients to the area where the needles have been inserted. Let me summarize: the needle is inserted and the central nervous system is regulated as well as the endocrine (hormones), immune and cardiovascular which at the end brings homeostasis. What about the sensation experienced once the needle is inserted? In Chinese medicine, it is called the “Arrival of Qi” (De Qi) but scientifically what happens is that different nerve categories have been activated and that is why the patient experiences numbness (the parasympathetic system is taking over), heaviness, tingling, electric sensation, swollen, or travelling sensation. Now, we all know the more or less scientific explanation of acupuncture, so in your next visit don’t be scared… all is fine and is completely normal… Enjoy your treatment!

Osteoporosis and Men

2008-05-25T19:42:00.000-04:00

The American College of Physicians (ACP) has issued guidelines for older men regarding osteoporosis. According to this institution they are expecting to see a rise of 50% on cases of osteoporosis in men. What are the guidelines to determine who is a candidate for osteoporosis medications? These are the guidelines: 1. Body Mass Index (MBI) less than 20-25 kg/squared meter 2. Weight loss of more than 10% 3. Sedentary life or a non active life 4. Previous fractures due to osteoporosis 5. Use of certain medications that lead to osteoporosis (corticosteroids or others like prednisone) 6. Low calcium diet Natural way of avoiding osteoporosis 1. Weight lifting (No is not for body builders, weight lifting force bones to be stronger and keep its density) 2. Eat your dark green leafy vegetables 3. Eat 3 meals and 2 snacks. 4. Do acupuncture (Of course, it will help the body to get back to balance)

Congestive Heart Failure an outline

2008-05-16T18:10:00.001-04:00

We have been taught that Obesity is the key for heart problems even congestive heart failure. In a recent study (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), researchers led by Dr Hossein Bahrami (Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD))they have found that this fact is not necessarily truth. There are several factors to consider (inflammation markers): 1) Levels of Interlukin 6 (IL-6) 2) Insulin resistance 3) C-Reactive Protein (CRP) 4) Albuminuria The study was obviously conducted with obese people but still within that population there were not a direct relationship when the inflammation markers where thrown in the scene. Meaning obesity + inflammation markers are definitely indicators of CHF as it is the presence of the inflammation markers and no obesity.

Pain and Acupuncture

2008-05-13T10:24:00.000-04:00

Pain is a problem affecting 4 out of 5 Americans; who have reported having at least one episode of pain, usually lower back pain. The parameters for classifying back pain are the following: Primary: is from an unknown etiology and it is self limiting, meaning it solves within a month. For this cases the new parameters state there is no need for X-rays, MRI or CTS. there are Orthopedic Tests that can rule out any doubt. A well Health History intake is very important and SOAP notes Secondary: back pain due to a trauma falls in this category and requires X-Ray, MRI or CTS to see if there is ligaments, tendon, neuro-muscular,disc herniation or bone fracture involvement. Tertiary: the etiology under this category is related with a disease like cancer or any other ailment that someway or somehow has reached the back like PID (pelvic inflammatory disease). In this category MRI, X-Ray, CTS are recommended. Indistinctly of the classification the pain is something real for the patient and that is why the seek for help. One way they seek for help is by using aspirin or any other NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs like Ibuprofen) or Paracetamol (acetaminophen). NSAIDs work with COX1 and COX2 while Acetaminophen with COX3. The difference is that NSAIDs are good to inhibit inflammation by reducing or blocking the production of prostaglandins while acetaminophen works with COX3 which inhibits pain right on the central nervous systems. The problem of both NSAID and Acetaminophen is that the former causes blood pressure issues, gastric problems and many other ailments related with smooth muscles (the heart, the uterus are example of smooth muscles) while the latter damages the liver. The doctor could prescribe the patient anti-depressants, or opiods as pain management tool; the drawback is: addiction. Invasive techniques might have they risk which patients should consider. Acupuncture offers a non-invasive solution where pain can be reduced significantly. 10 to 16 treatments are needed in order to resolve the pain; once solved the relapse is less... for this i have to mention 2 patients: the first was treated for a pinched nerve on the lumbar area which have her prone in bed, it took only 2 acupuncture treatments and the pain has not showed up in one year. The second patient had neck and headaches so severe that medications did not work for her; 11 treatments were enough to reduce the pain to 95%. The patient feels so great that she is not using medications for the headaches or neck pain. There are several great techniques in acupuncture that deliver great results. These are Balancing Method (my favorite), Trigger Point Technique and NeuroMuscular (Medical Acupuncture)....all of them are good but the first brings results the same day and last longer...acupuncture in order to exert great results is recommended ASAP while the problem (pain) is in its acute stage... the more time you let it pass the more treatments or more difficult to treat is. For more information you can contact me at www.omic-ny.net

Graston Technique

2008-04-15T17:56:00.001-04:00

It was a regular day in my office when the chiropractor walks in proud of his new discovery and training: The Graston Technique. He showed me the instruments used and the method employed for treating scar tissues, trigger points, and pain ranging from neck to ankle. The technique consists of rubbing a piece of metal against the skin which immediately reminded me of Gua Sha…. Gua Sha? What is Gua Sha? Gua Sha is an East Asian healing technique in which the skin is rubbed with a round-edged instrument in downward strokes.. Gua means to scrape or rub. Sha is a reddish”millet-like” skin rash (aka petechiae). Sha is the term used to describe Blood stasis in the subcutaneous tissue before and after it is raised as petechiae. Gua Sha is used for many conditions including; back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, common colds and influenza. After his short demonstration and explanation I realized that the Graston Technique is not as innovative as they want to make it look like; but I am glad to hear that the Chinese techniques are infiltrating the Western Medical world with different names….that will open the eyes to world of how intelligent were the Ancient Chinese doctors that they techniques are being used nowadays.

Who is The Acupuncture Guy?

2008-01-15T14:11:00.000-05:00

Hello Everybody!!!! My name is Emmanuel Arroyo a licensed acupuncturist (LAc), certified chinese herbologist, acupuncture detoxification specialist (ADS) and Iridologist. My studies were conducted at New York College of Health Professions (Syosset, Long Island,NY), The Center for Iridology of New York (Lower Manhattan) and Lincoln Recovery Center (Bronx, New York). With more of 500 patients i can assure you that pain is not an issue for me... Acupuncture with more than 2 000 years of history is an ancient medicine used and still used for a broad range of ailments from common cold to diabetes or other complex disorders. I am bringing to New Nork affordable alternative health care.... 917-324-1140

ACUPUNCTURE

Essential Oils, Acupuncture and Common Cold

Diabetes and Alternative/Complementary Medicine, What You Should Know

Depression and Inflammation

Taking a Deep Breath

Kindling, Depression and Hypoglycemia

The Relevance of electroacupuncture

Discovering the Beauty Benefits of Essential Oils

The Assitant's of Krebs

The intestines and your brain

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Keeping a healthy diet and weight

Learn what I do in just 1:30 mins

Eating Brain to Improve Your Mood?

One thing is for sure...you will not see me eating brains, eyes...I guess that I will stick with the encapsulated supplements at my health food store

About the Author

Disclaimer

The information presented is for educational purposes and it is based on information read in journals or other sources and is not meant to replace medical advice.

Phospholipidosis and your health

Kindling and Depression

Depression and Dietary Fat

Depression and Homocysteine

Erectile Dysfunction: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

Understanding Your Heart

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Keeping a healthy neck

Dropletss of Knowledge

I have to apologize for taking me so long to post something but have been busy doing some research therefore I decided that i will post tid-bits of interesting information that I'm learning during the process:

In Chinese medicine we say that Common cold or any upper respiratory infection (wind-cold) enter through the nape of the neck, why? because a few days prior to an acute respiratory infection or attack the levator scapulae's trigger points activate eliciting stiff neck or pain in the neck....

Did you know that people taking some anti-depressants gain wait due to an activation of alpha-noradrenergic receptors or deactivation of beta-noradrenergic receptors? Beta receptors stops feeding while alpha stimulates feeding.

Did you know that an increase on melatonin inhibits or reduces sexual activity? That is why warmer seasons and longer days are associated with fertility (ie, the Spring season). Melatonin is synthesized from serotonin by taking from it a methyl group from SAMe and an acetyl group from Acetyl-CoA.

Did you know that CKK (Cholecystokinin) modulates the release of dopamine while somatostatin and Substance P does the same with GABA and Serotonin respectively?

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Smoking and The Brain4

Why Quitting Is So Difficult?13

Male and Smoking?

A Parent to Be?

Are You HIV +?16

Withdrawal Symptoms

Your Options

Alternative Medicine17

Conventional Medicine

Varenicline (Chantix)

States, What are They Doing?

About The Author

Disclaimer

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction,

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction,

The Not Well Known Malady1

By Emmanuel Arroyo, Lac

21 May 2010 12:03 AM Eastern Standard Time (New York, USA)

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List getting long

Filter claims unverified

Smoking and The Brain⁴

Why Quitting Is So Difficult?¹³

Are You HIV +?¹⁶

Alternative Medicine¹⁷

The Not Well Known Malady¹