Alternative Medicine

The Role of Chiropractic Treatment in Closed Head Injuries

Posted by Alternative Medicine on August 27, 2011 in Chiropractic with No Comments


A closed head injury is an injury which did not go through the skull. TO understand what exactly a head injury I can mention some examples as – the collisions received by the head that happens during falls, physical attacks and traffic accidents. Children may experienced this type of injuries obtained from bicycle accidents.

Various threats can be caused by closed head injury such as intracranial strain and brain inflammation, which are the result of hard smashes to the head. Such outcomes can damage brain tissue and nerve cells resulting to perennial brain damage.

Closed head injuries are categorized as moderate or severe that can result to extreme brain injury or death of the victim. There are different types of closed head injury.

Concussion affects the normal functions of the brain for a short period. It is considered moderate, as victims of concussion do not faint or collapse although this cannot be claimed all the time. Concussion normally happens in sports activities.

Brain contusion is the bruising of the brain tissue resulting to brain derangement. This occurrence produces bleeding that is taken up into the brain tissue. The absorption of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain tissue can result to stable neurological injury. Compared to concussions, brain contusion affects one area of the brain while the latter spreads out.
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Diffuse axonal injury is the most devastating brain damage. This happens to people who are victims of high-speed automobile mishaps. Victims suffer from brain inflammation and intracranial pressure and eventually succumbed to coma.

Intracranial hematoma happens when the brain is pushed toward the inside of the skull. When this happens, blood will accumulate outside the brain’s blood vessels or amid the brain and the skull. Since our brain is not created to exhaust much fluid, intracranial hematoma will arise. This occurrence demands immediate medical attention. If the excess blood is not drained from the brain, the patient can have convulsions and may be unconscious.

Chiropractic’s role

Along with head injury is neck damage. Our neck is located in the upper cervical area, which is the thickest part of the spinal cord and seals the spinal canal. Not sensitive to tenderness, the spinal cord is more frequently neglected. If it is damaged, the spinal cord will be inflamed and will have identical symptoms with that of moderate brain damage.

Contributing in the management of head injury, chiropractors perform upper cervical chiropractic manipulation to the patient. When the spinal cord is compressed, the body’s function beneath the area of subluxations or structural dislodgments is likewise affected. The compressed nerves and blood vessels in the head particularly the vertebral arteries are the results of the symptoms felt on the head. When cervical manipulation is performed, the nerves and blood vessels will be freed from compression bringing back the normal flow of impulses through the spinal cord. Hence, the symptoms felt on the head and neck will finally settle.

Acupuncture and Emotional Vampires

Posted by Alternative Medicine on August 25, 2011 in Acupuncture with No Comments


When I treat someone, I generally get a shadow of whatever they are being treated for. If someone comes in with a headache, I usually have a slight one by the time the session is over. When I treat back pain patients, my back always throbs afterward. When someone comes in with gastrointestinal issues, I’ll get a flutter of stomach pain that leaves when they leave the office. I know that part of it is the effort I expend-when I am working out the kinks in someone’s back, I’m REALLY working, putting strain on my own in the process-but that doesn’t explain all of it. It’s just another sign of the energetic exchange that takes place between patient and practitioner.

From the start, we acupuncturists are taught to shield our energy, to avoid getting sick. Sometimes this is easier said than done. When I’m treating, I am focusing every bit of mental energy I have on getting that patient better. When I’m in that zone, it becomes very difficult to protect myself. Hopefully it will become easier in time; but at this point I simply accept the fact that, while my patient may leave the office pain-free, I will not. And I must admit that I almost relish the discomfort, since it is evidence that the treatment was powerful enough to affect us both!

These small annoyances are tolerable. What I find really difficult, however, is working with vampires. You probably know some yourself. These vampires don’t have fangs, but they still manage to suck away at your energy and will. Although I fortunately enjoy being around all of the patients I am currently treating, I have had my fair share of these vampires in the past. They used to drain me dry, leaving me feeling absolutely awful after putting needles in them…until I learned a valuable lesson. Vampires, emotional or otherwise, always need something to latch onto. Whether it’s your neck or your energy, if they have nothing to cling to, they can’t work their way in.

In my life as an acupuncturist, these vampires have many faces. Some come in full of demands, dictate the treatments, and attempt to get as much as they can for as little as possible. Other vamps smile sweetly and try to passive-aggressively manipulate the entire treatment from beginning to end. Then there are some who are so full of hate and negativity, you can almost see the black cloud circling around their heads. From the moment they walk in the door, they are full of complaints about everyone and everything. Whatever form these vampires take, they all have one thing in common: they feed off the energy of everyone around them.

In your day to day life, you probably don’t think in terms of qi and energies, but you still know when a vampire is around. You know that person in your life who constantly exhausts you? You may love them or hate them; either way, when you are around them you feel like you are slowly being drained of spirit. You might always feel depressed after a conversation with this person, or they might leave you with a lingering sense of unexplained guilt. Guilt is usually a trademark of these vampires. If you know someone who ALWAYS makes you feel badly about yourself, it’s the work of a vampire who is draining your spirit of confidence in order to boost their own!

So, how do you protect yourself from these people? In my field, I focus very hard on maintaining a sort of energetic bubble between myself and the patient. Remember, give them nothing to latch onto. If my own qi isn’t out there, intermingling with theirs, it can’t be snatched up. In your life, the concept remains the same. Refuse to get sucked into an argument-that is what they want! Those words of anger or defense from you are their way in. Don’t respond or get drawn into their neediness and negativity. Build an emotional wall between you and their fangs.

Anti Inflammation Supplements

Posted by Alternative Medicine on August 23, 2011 in Other with No Comments


If you are looking for anti inflammation supplements, you probably have these 2 problems:

  • First, you don’t want to take, or keep taking, prescription and OTC pain killers anymore. Maybe you can’t bear the well known side effects; maybe you want to treat your body right with a natural treatment.
  • Second problem – you don’t know WHICH anti inflammatory supplement to choose. This guide will help you choose the right one for you.

Here are the Top 10 Natural Anti-Inflammatories to help you decide:

1. Proteolytic Enzymes

Research indicates these enzymes work throughout your entire body to help it fight inflammation. They also cleanse and “thin” the blood (so you can’t use them if you are taking blood thinners) and boost the immune system. Unfortunately with the nutrient-deficient food we’re eating today, most of we adults have very low levels of these enzymes!

2. Bromelain

This special natural compound which is extracted from pineapple contains several proteolytic enzymes that have been shown to short-circuit multiple pain pathways in the body. Many studies have already shown how it reduces inflammation and removes “waste” and toxins from the blood.

3. L-glutathione

This is a “famous” ingredient in anti inflammation supplements. There are literally over 20,000 research studies available on how glutathione can help your body in everything from cancer prevention to more supple skin.

Glutathione is quite literally THE most important antioxidant in your body.

It is the ONLY antioxidant in your body that has the ability to eliminate ALL free radicals, not just specific types!

4. Turmeric Extract

The best way to use this one is by eating it, but moat of us don’t like its taste. Turmeric “seeks and destroys” free radicals that cause pain and swelling among other diseases. A recent study done at the prestigious Sloan-Kettering Cancer Research Center in New York, found that Turmeric was more safe and precise than aspirin in eliminating inflammation (without the well known side effect of aspirin – stomach irritation).

5. Papain

Papain is unique in that it’s been shown to actually attack tumor cells and boost the immune system!

It also contains a wide range of proteolytic enzymes. Many nutritionists suggest taking it for diabetes, herpes, cancer and indigestion.

6. Boswellia Extract

Besides being a natural anti-inflammatory, Boswellia also helps keeping a healthy blood circulation. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study, 30 patients received 333mg, 3x a day of Boswelia.

The group who received the Boswelia had a significant reduction in pain and swelling and experienced an increase in joint mobility and flexibility as compared to the placebo group.

7. Devil’s Claw

One of the hundreds of studies even found that this herb is as effective in reducing inflammation as a common arthritis medication – phenylbutazone, but without the side effects of course.

A series of studies completed in Germany found that the main ingredient in Devil’s Claw was indistinguishable from Vioxx in the treatment of chronic low back pain!

8. Ginger Extract

This root is very popular in Asian medicine, over 2500 years old. It’s an anti inflammatory, but also eliminates nausea and reduces pain. It reduces the amount of prostaglandins, which are responsible for the feeling of pain. In other words, it does what NSAID’s and prescription pain meds do, but naturally

9. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is very well known for its anti-oxidant properties.

Vitamin E has been shown to be beneficial in numerous situations and conditions such as controlling high blood pressure, maintaining healthy and balanced cholesterol levels and boosting immune system function.

10. Citrus Bioflavanoids

Citrus bioflavanoids aid in the absorption of vitamins and act as important anti-oxidants.

They also inhibit collagens and elastase, the enzymes responsible for the breakdown of connective tissue. In addition to protecting connective tissues, they also protect against free radical damage. That way your joints and ligaments stay as healthy as when you were a teenager!

Nail Fungus! What Is It Exactly?

Posted by Alternative Medicine on August 21, 2011 in Other with No Comments


Nail fungus, which is also called Onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is an infection caused by fungus. When it comes to nail diseases or infections, nail fungus is the most popular type. Nail fungus may infect the fingernails and toenails; however, the most popular is toenail because they are more often in a dark and moist environment which provides a great place for the fungus to grow. There are four types of nail fungus which will be explained in the following article.

Distal Subungual Onychomycosis

This type of toenail fungus, which is the most popular, will start at the tip of the toenail and make its way towards the cuticle as it progresses. The meaning of distal is “distance from”; the definition of subungual means “under the nail”; while Onychomycosis is simply the scientific name for toenail fungus. Distal Subungual Onychomycosis affects the nail plate and is caused by a fungus that has adapted to live in the skin, hair and nails.

People with this type of nail fungus may experience inflammation which could cause the nail to detach from the nail bed and/or thickening of the nail. If no treatment is given to the nail this could give a space for infectious bacteria and fungus to grow making the nail appear yellow or brown.

White Superficial Onychomycosis (WSO)

This is the second most popular type of fungus, which can also affect both the fingernails and toenails. Contrary to the other types of nail fungus, the WSO will start on the top layer of the nail and will eventually affect the entire nail. One to two percent of the population have WSO and it is more common among those of Italian decent who are over 65 years of age. Studies also show that 30% of people who have HIV will be affected by nail fungus, and those with WSO can often not be treated with topical treatment.

This is sometimes the case with other people who have WSO as the fungus is growing inside the nail and the cream will not penetrate the nail. Before being diagnosed with WSO, people have often been affected with the condition for a few years without noticing anything. Some of the symptoms associated with WSO are opaque, brittle and deformed nails; however, the first thing people will notice is white spots on the nails.

Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis

This is the least popular nail fungus in people who are health, but more popular in people who are immunocompromised; meaning those who either have something that lowers their immune system such as HIV and autoimmune diseases or people who use intravenous drugs. Often times when someone gets this type of fungus and their immune system has not been affected by anything; they will test the patient for HIV. However, it is important to remember that having this type of nail fungus does not mean someone necessarily has HIV.

The fungus begins at the cuticle and will make its way to the tip of the nail as the nail grows. People may also notice a yellow or white spots near the cuticles, as well as, bumps on the nails as it grows. Finally, the skin around the nail may become red, inflamed and swollen. Sometimes, there is also pus, which causes doctors to misdiagnose the fungus as a bacterial infection and prescribe antibiotic, but antibiotic will not cure fungus. Contrary to other types of nail fungus, Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis must be treated with pills rather than topical creams.

Candidal Onychomycosis

This final type of nail fungus mostly affects the fingernails rather than the toenails. The fungus will affect the area surrounding the nail and it is the least popular type of nail fungus. Most people who get this type of nail fungus, are people who put their hands in water often and most of the time, it requires the person to have prior infection or trauma of the nail. This type of nail fungus is most often treated with topical creams.

After consulting with a doctor, if a person chooses to use a topical cream to treat the fungus, there is one type that works particularly well called Funginix. This cream is completely natural and will not only make the fungus go away, but if used for six months it will prevent it from ever coming back.

Indications and also Conclusions of Gout

Posted by Alternative Medicine on August 16, 2011 in Other with No Comments


Most people who experience signs and symptoms of gout will be ineffective to differentiate amongst the indications of gout plus similar versions of similar illnesses such as arthritis, oily liver and also pseudo-gout which can as well cause joint agony.

Several of an early symptoms of gout can be as simple as an numb or pain feeling in the impacted area which is typically in the great toe or hallux of feet. Soon gout flare ups can be signs or symptoms of any gout assault which are rather hurtful and also happen to be enlarged, shiny, reddish plus pretty sore. In most cases these flares come about around midnight plus 5 AM. In numerous cases individuals can likewise go through fever plus any decrease in urge for food to be well. The gout signs and symptoms normally last for the period of concerning 1 or 2 days plus in many cases might last even as much as five days.

Study of gout might be determined centred about the age and also sex of one’s person. In most cases it happens to be unlikely that the child may well contain a contract gout, yet for the customer who’s over 40 ages or senior it happens to be generally more general. It happens to be also more common in men than females. Some people declare that gout is typical in men and also is 20 times more likely to occur in gents of your same exact age than ladies who have not yet experienced menopause. But soon after the menopause gout occurs equally in both genders. For individuals underneath the ages of 60 yrs, gout typically hits the great toe or hallux just as the very first attack. If you have been over 60 decades old then it may occur in any similar place just like the fingers or other sorts of joints.

One can find various tests which will be used to decide whether you now have gout or not. These assessments could be accomplished within 5 days of obtaining any specific symptoms that appear like gout. This is crucial as stopping the gout encounter preceding it will become the full-scale gout encounter is a lot better than obtaining to tackle the full-scale gout attack. The top test to ascertain whether you can be suffering with gout or not is to conduct any urates test to discover the uric acid level inside your body.

However occasionally these analyze results may well not be legitimate given that the blood uric acid quantities drop due to its excretion of uric acid out of the body. The examination has being repeated after the assaults commence and also then a examination will be more accurate. The other check that could be performed to determine whether you have been enduring gout is “arthrocentesis”. During this check sample of your fluid amongst the joints is extracted from the gout strike site and also is seen under the microscope. If gout crystals happen to be present then this may well be revealed that it is the gout encounter or else that might be found that it happens to be not a gout encounter.

In numerous international locations they examination about 10 or 12 indication of gout plus each of such signs or symptoms can be compared up against the original gout indications in order to make the study. Still having this technique is usually complicated to assess whether any person is enduring gout or not.

Home Remedies For Nail Fungus – Get Rid Of This Naturally

Posted by Alternative Medicine on August 11, 2011 in Health with No Comments


Nail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is mainly caused by a fungus that is a member of the dermatophytes group. However, other fungal organisms like yeasts and molds can also cause infection of the nails. It is a painful condition and affects the toenails more than the fingernails. The infection develops when the fungus gets into the nail through a small cut. It can also enter via the gap between nail and nail bed. The prominent symptoms of nail fungus infection include brittle, thickened and dull nails, discoloration of the nails, and distorted nail shape. The infected nails can sometimes detach from the nail bed, a condition referred to as onycholysis.

Fungus infection may result in the permanent damage of your nails and can affect the appearance of your fingers or toes. Moreover, this infection can lead to complications in people with diabetes, leukemia, AIDS, or poor immune system. It is not easy to treat nail fungal infections and it can recur again and again. There are some home remedies for nail fungus that have been proven to be effective to alleviate the symptoms of the infection. Mix vinegar and warm water in a ratio of 1:2 and soak your feet in this solution for about twenty minutes. Then thoroughly wash and dry your feet. Repeat this daily. Vinegar can also be used to remove fungus from your fingernails.
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Always keep your feet dry and clean and trim your nails short. Do not forget to regularly change your socks. Use appropriately fitting shoes and cotton socks. It is best to wear open sandals or flip flops, as they allow adequate ventilation to your feet. Also, avoid wearing nail polish. Epsom salt is considered to be one of the good home remedies for nail fungus. Fill a basin with warm water and add three-quarter cup of Epsom salt to it. Immerse you toes into the solution for about twenty minutes. Do this process twice daily.

In order to treat fingernail fungal infection, it is very important to wear rubber gloves when doing domestic chores that involve water like washing utensils and laundry. Hydrogen peroxide is an effective natural cure for both toenail and fingernail fungus infections. Dip a cotton pad into hydrogen peroxide and apply it on your infected nail for five minutes. Repeat this three or five times a day. A further way to treat nail fungus infection is to combine hydrogen peroxide and water in a ratio of 1:1, dip your nails in this solution for about fifteen minutes, and then thoroughly dry your hands. This is the best method if you have several infected toenails or fingernails.

Another one of the recommended home remedies for nail fungus is to make a mixture of two drops of Oregano oil and one teaspoon of olive oil and apply some drops of this oil blend to your infected nails once a day. Oregano oil contains antifungal properties and so has the potential to cure nail fungus. Tea tree oil is also an effective natural antifungal agent. Rubbing tea tree oil on your nails can help you get rid of your nail fungus.