Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Light Therapy Pain Relief: NASA Study Opens the Door for Drug Free Treatment

Light therapy pain relief has become a staple form of treatment for individuals in both the Navy and NASA. Their initial studies on bone marrow transplant patients have led to the implementation of this medication alternative in specific professions to lessen the amount of experienced discomfort or inflammation of a patient. The NASA studies centered on how infrared light at defined wavelengths is capable of promoting cell regeneration, cell functions, and general discomfort alleviation. Their confirmation of treatment effectiveness to alleviate pain safely has caused the method to be adopted in various medical areas.
Advanced light therapy has been proven to expedite wound restoration, reduce inflammation, and decrease pain. The procedure involves using a device to emit the required wavelength to a designated area of the body through a concentrated source by means of Light Emitting Diodes (LED's). It has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for every kind of ailment, but the NASA studies generated awareness of this option as an alternative to traditional drugs.
Why is Advanced Light Therapy Effective?
Advanced light therapy is a procedure where photons are emitted through a special device designed to reach unhealthy or abnormal cells underneath surface tissue by means of a certain light wavelength. The LED's provide necessary photons for energizing damaged cell mitochondria to speed up repair while alleviating discomfort. Fast cell regrowth limits the time required to regenerate a wounded area and supplies a reduced amount of pain. Quick regeneration eliminates discomfort as an individual's health is restored. The non-invasive treatment requires multiple visits or home applications to be effective. Session counts vary based on the type of ailment and the level of experienced discomfort. The main benefits offered by using light therapy pain relief are elimination of harmful drugs, faster relief, and a shortened recovery time. Individuals considering remedying acute or chronic pain by these means are encouraged to discuss all options with a doctor before making a choice.
This treatment choice has proven highly effective in the alleviation of joint or muscle aches. NASA found that patients receiving bone marrow transplants had a noticeable discomfort reduction when advanced light therapy was applied. Plant studies showed cells exposed to LED's grew as much as two hundred percent faster than those receiving no stimulation. A more recent study displayed the possible benefits of LED application among pediatric cancer patients. Bone marrow transplant patients in particular develop a condition called oral mucositis, which causes mouth or throat ulcerations, extreme soreness, and intestinal tract inflammation. They have a difficult time chewing due to the ulcerations and swallowing is sometimes near impossible. Inability to drink or eat quickly diminishes the patient's health, with medication providing the only relief.
Latest studies prove that LEDs can help alleviate many of these symptoms. Dr. Harry Whelan found the study results to be encouraging, and the extended research has caused light therapy pain relief to become a justifiable choice over the administration of multiple medications. The study has opened eyes among medical professionals regarding the possible benefits of this treatment for remedying discomfort without the use of drugs.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Food Remedies For People With Cervical Spondylosis

One of the many degenerative conditions suffered in old age is Cervical Spondylosis. The condition is a result from the wear and tear of the joints and intervertebral discs in the neck area and is mostly more evident in men than in women. Recent studies have shown that Cervical Spondylosis develops in relation to sedentary lifestyle.
There are a lot of factors that contribute to the development of Cervical Spondylosis. Some of these factors include old age, sleeping positions, sedentary lifestyles and even genetics. During the development of the disease, the intervertebral discs thicken as a response to the upcoming threat of bone fusion. Osteocytes, which are also known as, bone spurs are mostly responsible for the thickening of the discs. There is an increased risk for the development of nerve compression and slipped discs when the intervertebral discs increase in size. Most often than not, the recurrence of neck pains is associated with Cervical Spondylosis.
People diagnosed with Cervical Spondylosis have several treatment options to choose from to slow down the progression of the disease. For natural treatments, home remedies which has been effectively proven to alleviate pain brought about by the disease, are usually introduced. These remedies can be performed even in your home as the organic constituents of the alternative are mostly found in your kitchen.
Eating 2-3 cloves of garlic in the morning along with the application of garlic oil can provide a fast relief from neck pain. You can even prepare your own garlic oil by frying 10 cloves of garlic in about 60 grams of oil. Apply this on your neck when the oil has already cooled down. It is suggested that a warm batch follows after for best results. Do this routine consecutively for 15 days.
Neck massage can also ease the pain that is felt because of Cervical Spondylosis. An aromatic massage which contains lavender fragrances is ideal for a heavy massage in the neck. Massage your neck with the oil to a point that you can no longer feel any neck strain. To avoid the pain from coming back, it is advised that you avoid prolonged bending or leaning of your neck forward.
A preparation of lemon juice in your kitchen can also be helpful as this was approved by the experts. For best results, consume lemon juice three times a day along with a pinch of roc salt. Chebulic myrobalan, which should be consumed after meals, can also help in providing a fast relief against neck pain.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Benefits Are Offered Through Light Therapy Pain Relief

While treating discomfort with medication is preferred among most doctors and individuals, a new form of relief is available that eliminates the need for introducing drugs into the body. Light therapy pain relief uses LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology to create a concentrated source of artificial light that helps alleviate many ailments. A wavelength ranging from six hundred and thirty to seven hundred nanometers is capable of reaching a depth of ten nanometers into the tissue. It is a feasible alternative to drugs for ailments near the surface of the skin, such as:
  • Wounds
  • Cuts
  • Scars
  • Acupuncture Points
  • Infections
Infrared light ranging from eight-hundred to one thousand nanometers is capable of providing relief at an amplified depth of approximately forty millimeters. It has been applied in studies to evaluate effectiveness regarding bone, joint, and deep muscle tissue relief. Advance light therapy has also been used to treat organ issues and for general discomfort, but is not a solution for every type of ailment. Individuals suffering from a severe condition should consult with their doctor before replacing medications with this type of treatment.
Advance Light Therapy Reduces Discomfort While Promoting Cell Regeneration
Advance light therapy concentrates on providing a certain wavelength to aid in pain reduction. Every cell type and tissue in a person's body has specific characteristics concerning the wavelength they are capable of absorbing. Skin layers do well with red lighting because it contains a large amount of blood, while calcium requires another type of wavelength. LED methods are a newer technology designed to reduce discomfort without the harmful side effects seen in previous devices. Individuals using pulsating LED's enhance experienced results when using light therapy for pain relief. The rates supplied in these devices are referred to as Nogier frequencies and were founded by Dr. Paul Nogier, a doctor and medical researcher. Dr. Nogier found that the supplied bio-resonate effects aid in treating specific bodily tissues and reinforces its ability to function. Experienced benefits seen with this treatment include:
  • Increased Blood Circulation
  • Improved Vascular Activity
  • Heightened Production of Adenosine Tri-Phosphate
  • Muscle Relaxation
  • Decreased Scared Tissue
  • Stimulated Wound Restoration
  • Improved Regeneration
  • Pain Reduction
  • Mood Elevation
  • Inflammation Reduction
Advance light therapy stimulates the production of many items that promote the development or regeneration of cells, which aids in the regeneration of tissue. Adenosine Tri-Phosphate, for example, works as an energy source for supporting muscle contraction, boosting cellular process metabolism, and maintaining the sustainability of living systems. The phagocytosis process is enhanced, thus allowing dead or degenerated cells to be eliminated for reduced chance of infection. It promotes cellular reproduction by accelerating the process of damaged cell replacement. Light therapy pain relief increases the amount of endorphins and enkephelins found in the body to decrease experienced discomfort.
An LED based device designed to provide the right concentrated wavelength source has the possibility of providing muscle, joint, and tissue relief. While not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration, this method of treatment has been proven to be effective in various studies, including ones performed by NASA in pediatric cancer patients.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Correcting Plagiocephaly and Brachycephaly the Natural Way

Whilst cranial head remoulding is necessary for some infants suffering from brachycephaly or plagiocephaly, there is a natural method which can dramatically improve and eventually even correct the condition. The vast majority of babies are born with a slightly funny shaped skull - this is due to time spent confined in the womb and from the stretching and squashing which naturally occurs during birth - babies skulls are naturally malleable for this precise reason. Usually your little one's skull will return to a more normal shape after 6 weeks but for those that don't and for babies who develop an abnormal skull shape after this time, during infancy, treatment is usually recommended.
Cranial head remoulding (also known as cranial moulding orthosis) is one common treatment. It involves remoulding your baby's skull by placing it in a specially designed helmet which encourages the skull to grow into the correct shape over time. For children with mild-to-moderate plagiocephaly or brachycephaly (flat head syndrome) this is a fairly intensive treatment, it involves almost full time wearing of the helmet. Whilst this treatment is very effective, there are other routes you might like to pursue first which are free and which can work well.
Tummy Time
As any new parent will know, all advice states that you should ensure your baby sleeps on his or her back to reduce the risk of cot death. Although this advice is sound and should be heeded, it has caused the number of cases of plagiocephaly and brachycephaly in particular to sky rocket. This is because your baby's skull remains very malleable until they reach around one year old. By ensuring they always sleep in the same position on their back their skull can become flattened in the area where it usually rests.
'Tummy time' is a technique which encourages your baby to stay on their front during their waking hours. It really is as easy as that. By ensuring your baby spends time with their head in a different position, you dramatically reduce the amount of pressure placed on the flattened area of skull and give the skull time and space to correct itself. 30 minutes of supervised 'tummy time' is a good place to start, eventually you'll be looking to spend at least half of your baby's waking hours on their belly. It also helps your little one develop the muscles required for crawling and rolling!
Not all babies are keen to spend time on their bellies, start small and be creative - then gradually increase the time. Try lying face up and placing your little bundle on your belly so you are face to face. There are all sorts of tricks you can try! Toys and mirrors are especially helpful. Alternating the direction your baby's head is in while she or he sleeps (Monday, to the right - Tuesday, to the left etc.) can also help reduce the flattening effect of sleeping in one position.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Your Second Brain: The Belly Has a Mind of It's Own

It's often said that many of us think with our stomachs. It turns out this tongue and cheek axiom is grounded in scientific validity. According to Michael D. Gerson, distinguished doctor and professor of anatomy and cell biology at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York, we all have a "second brain" made up of the abdomen and all of its complex systems.
Dr. Gerson has devoted over 30 years to studying the abdomen and founded the burgeoning field of medicine known as "Neurogastroenterology." In 1998 he published the groundbreaking book, "The Second Brain" detailing the findings of this new field of medicine.
What Exactly is the Second Brain?
According to Dr. Gershon, the gut has its own nervous system known as the "enteric nervous system." It is vitally important to the operation of the human body and even functions without input from the spinal cord or brain.
The gut plays a vital role in our emotional and physical well-being. The feeling of "butterflies" in your stomach when you are nervous or excited or a sinking feeling in your belly when you dread something is your gut's way of communicating with you.
How is the Second Brain Different from the Brain in our Head?
The "second brain" or abdominal brain is much different from the brain in our heads. Our cranial brain performs complex cognitive functions such as reasoning, calculations and making plans based on logic. In contrast, our second brain is intuitive and receives signals and messages regarding our bodies and the environment that it sends back to our cranial brain and vice versa.
Understanding the second brain and its functions is the answer to helping people who are plagued with gastrointestinal problems that are often dismissed by traditional medical practitioners that often label patients as neurotic.
Why is the Gut Called a Brain?
According to Dr. Gershon, the second brain contains an astounding 100 million neurons - more than the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system combined. The gut is called a brain because it controls the complex process of digestion without assistance of the cranial brain.
The second brain produces an immense amount of chemical compounds, including every type of neurotransmitter found in the cranial brain. In fact, the gut (second brain) produces 95% of the chemical serotonin. Without adequate levels of serotonin, we experience insomnia and depression.
How the Two Brains are Connected
The cranial and abdominal brains are connected by a cable known as the vagus nerve. Neurotransmission allows the two brains to be able to communicate with each other and work together so the body can operate in harmony. When these two brains connect - we are able to connect more deeply with ourselves.
The second brain shapes and forms our emotional state of being. The condition of the abdomen gives rise to depression or enthusiasm, sadness or joy, despair or fulfillment. In our gut reside all of our emotional impressions throughout our lives! Protected from our awareness this tissue holds many of our deepest secrets. At some point in our lives these secrets and internal conflicts manifest as physical symptoms.
These symptoms act as warning signals. It's our body's way of saying, "Pay attention to me! Pay attention to my gut!"
The Gut and our Emotional Problems
Researchers are now beginning to understand the complex relationship between the second brain and psychological disorders.
Dr. Emeran Mayer, professor of medicine, physiology and psychiatry at the University of California at Los Angeles, said that most patients with anxiety and depression have gastrointestinal problems as well.
Researchers are finding out that depression, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, Parkinson's and even Alzheimer's disease manifest at the level of both brain and gut.
Dr. Mayer stated up to 70% of his patients with chronic stomach problems have experienced early childhood traumas which affect how they respond to stress. They remain in an ongoing state of emergency with all of the body's systems ready to deal with approaching danger - even though the original event occurred years before.
Heal the Second Brain and the Rest will Follow
Ten years ago I was experiencing heavy feelings of anxiousness and fear. I was also stuck in my creative work. I tried every healing modality under the sun to no avail. In my quest for healing, I learned that the Taoists have known for centuries that the abdomen, and the emotions and tensions within it, are the cause of many ailments and diseases. I was intrigued.
I found a holistic healing modality based on this ancient knowledge called Chi Nei Tsang (CNT) that focuses on healing the second brain. "Chi" means energy and information, and "Nei Tsang" means visceral or internal. I decided to try it.
During my CNT treatments I was able to connect with myself in a deeper way than ever before. In time, I was able to release the negative energy stored in my gut that was producing anxiety, anger and fear. The emotional energy was released and I was free!
As I continued with treatments, my enthusiasm for life deepened and I experienced an explosion of creativity! My mind slowed, I felt calm, grounded, less reactive and emotionally mature. The years of accumulated stress had vanished. I felt at home with myself and others for the first time.
That was many years ago, and I am happy to report I am still experiencing the beneficial effects of CNT. In fact, my profound experience led me to become a practitioner of the art, which I have been practicing over the last 10 years.
I love working on the abdomen, or second brain, because it allows me to help people find deep healing on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. There is no condition, whether manifested physically, emotionally or spiritually that cannot be helped by Chi Nei Tsang.
A New Hope for Healing
Prescription drug use for gastrointestinal and mental conditions is at an all-time high. People are still suffering and walking around in a drug-induced haze. Gilles Marin, my teacher and Director of the Chi Nei Tsang Institute once stated, "Once people connect with the emotional reason why they are sick and are able to evolve and change the way they their emotions affect them internally, there is no more reason whatsoever that they can continue to be sick".
The stagnant patterns and fear of change we hold inside ourselves are preventing the flowering of our potential. With the emerging understanding of our second brain - a revolution in healing is taking place. With knowledge of the brain in our gut; its power and function, we now have an opportunity to heal at the deepest level, to find our life purpose and to do our part in creating the world we yearn for.