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Thai traditional Medicine

11/12/2016

1 Comment

 

Thai traditional Medicine
in essence fuses the
combined wisdom of Ayurveda and Chinese traditional Medicine
Welcome
to Patcharapat
on your journey to well-being
It's what we do

https://www.verywellmind.com/emotions-in-traditional...

Lymph system Massage - for a healthy "YOU"
 We often find that Customers with various health issues suffer from a congested-blocked Lymph system.
Basically because of blockages the body cant rid itself of accumulated toxins.
While people don’t feel it directly we do when we treat them.
It often can be resolved with a few treatments.

below please see article regarding benefits of Lymph System Massage.
http://www.deprogramyourself.org/2016/11/4-easy-ways-to-naturally-unclog-your.html
1 Comment

Depression, Anxiety - loving touch - all you need ?

8/21/2016

2 Comments

 
You got the Blues, seeking for professional help on someone’s Couch, they listen to you but really don't understand your specific situation. Have you considered other available options yet?

​The Human touch can be incredible powerful and healing releasing Oxitocin Hormone (don't confuse with Oxycontin)
applied by those that have the knowledge.
Aromatherapy renown for thousands of years has several essential Oils that can help with Depression Anxiety and Stress - makes sense to combine both to attain maximum results.

more here lifespa.com/your-untapped-source-of-oxytocin/

Essentially you are the Captain of your ship, research and decide for yourself what benefits you most.

If you like help with any of these issues -  Welcome we are happy to assist you.


Now this?
Depression scam 95 %
here www.naturalnews.com/055056_antidepressants_junk_science_depression_drugs.html

Research before you act
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2 Comments

Cupping hype? - think again

8/16/2016

1 Comment

 
The Olympics have brought on a lot of attention onto a thousand year old traditional healing practice. Cupping has been known and practiced especially in eastern traditional Medicine particular to increase Blood-flow, remove Toxins, stagnation and increase Circulation it is most effective in combination with Massage.

Cupping is not only for Athletes, it can help People who live a sedentary Lifestyle and especially the elderly or those that have other medical issues.

​

More about cupping,
here 
www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2016/08/16/nationals-players-were-into-cupping-long-before-michael-phelps-made-it-famous/

here
draxe.com/cupping-therapy/?utm_campaign=Article-August-2016&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_term=cupping
​

​like everything else, please do your own research if this therapy may benefit yourself.

Cupping, Accupuncture, Gua Sha therapys along with therapeutic Massage are available by appointment at
"Patcharapat Spa"
HUA HIN
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1 Comment

Bruising, causes after Massage

2/15/2016

1 Comment

 
 Do you bruise easily, do you bruise after a Deep Tissue Massage, below you will find the reasons why ?
Some of these reasons may not be bad at all but rather a sing of improved circulation of blood, lymph and chi.

http://www.1mhealthtips.com/probable-reasons-why-you-easily-get-bruised/

Blockages and Stagnation
Imagine, running water will give clear and clean water while a stagnant pool will be full of dirt, algae, filth. Blood, Lymph, Chi circulation is very similar to this. When blood is not flowing smoothly it begins to slowdown and eventually becomes stagnant. This will create an environment for development of diseases.
The major factors contributing to Bruising are.
  1. Areas that lack circulation due to blockages, stagnation from past injuries or a sedentary life style. Same as in cupping in TCM the darker color the bruise the more serious is lack of circulation.
  2. With advanced age People bruise easier as our skin becomes thinner.
  3. Medication and various diseases lead to easy bruising.
Bruising has not caused any harm, however circulation improves and all bruises naturally disappear in 3 to 5 Days after the treatment. 

for your convenience we have include the following articles

Bruising causes

Bruising common causes after Massage.

for more info on this subject please click here or research via the net.
1 Comment

“Where Miracles happen” – a incredible story

12/29/2015

1 Comment

 

 A Miracle, what else would you name it?

In the last 5 Years Miss Anni had 2 Car Accidents, Two Whiplash and multiple other injuries including Back, Neck, Shoulder, Head, Breathing impairment, Memory issues.

Since then Anni has been through all the care one gets when involved in these types of accidents. Before she came to see us  she wasn’t able to raise her Arm fully extended, unable to breath normally, server Pain in Neck, Back Shoulder daily depending on strongest Pain Killer, unable to open Mouth fully (only 30 %) unable to smile straight, plagued by Memory lapses, and other issues.

Anni’s Father also came to seek us for help; he too had multiple issues depending on strongest Pain killers. Previously a professional Athlete, also his impairing issues have been greatly improved such as he can do without Pain Killers.

Since their visit to Patcharapat in November after only 4 Massage Therapy treatments most of the issues preventing them to enjoy a normal Life have been reversed.

                        A Miracle some call it – it’s what we do at Patcharapat

                                                            Priceless !
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before
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after 1 Hour
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after 1 hour
The following are excerpts of a story happened recently,
just in time for Christmas - what a wonderful Gift.


Email from September 2015
I have read a lot of your treatment skills via Tripadvisor. I will travel to Hua Hin with my wife and our daughter November 4th  and leaving 19th to BKK and continue there back to Finland few days later.
I have had a several years pain in lower back (it was operated -97 because I lost touch of my left leg, and it game back. About two years ago pain started again and I have eat alot of very strong painkillers even morphine to help my pain. Also my (tension) neck and left arm needs help.Not sure if that's a reason for because I am a tall and fat or is is a combination of that and stress?

During last five years has been quite stressful, because my daughter was in car accident and she got a brain damage  One of symptoms of my daughter is a that she needs lymphatic treatment almost once in week here in Finland and I noticed that you are offering that treatment also. 

 
Thanks for your fast reply to me. I would like to get my first appointment 5th of Nov and at a same time to my daughther forlymphatic treatment(but please DO DONT TOUCH HER NECK because of her whiplash injury and also to my wife for a massage either Thai or Sweden just check it first.

November 6.
Thanks for taking care of me. I am a live but to be honest I couldn't sleep very well because of my body. I feel like I have been under a train. All of my body is sote after your treatment; however only few blue spot in my left calf. 
 
December 1
Siwalai and your team,
I am sorry for my late answer to you but it took from me several days to recover for a jetlag (even it's only 5 hours) Also I am so delighted for your treatment because her smile is still straight and her chin also OK after 5 years mislead by dentist and doctors. She is so happy on that because there is no pain at all and also she told me that she can respire much easier than before you started help her.

Anni-Kaisa will spend this week in a rehabilitation at Orton where actually her fysioterapist was asking today from her why you look different than usual... her answer was, Maybe I am got sun, but more I am happier because my mouth works well and my smile is OK.. Also she informed that no one should touch her face because it's fine now :D :D

What comes to me I am also (little) bit better shape, my neck has been very good and my back little better. Actually I have only take during these week 2 pain killers and normally I would have take 1-2/day so in that way I am feeling good.
 
December 8
Just wanted to check with you how about Anni's Neck how is that issue - because I remember you said dont touch it? How about her Memory have you seen any improvements yet?

December 17
Thank you very much and we are very Happy for all of you that you are making much progress after the treatments.
Best of all that you dont need painkiller 

We are thinking and talking often about you due to the multiple issues and difficulties you came to see us about. 
How about Anni Arm and how about the feeling in your leg ?
 
December 25
It seems that after one month I have NOT taken any pain killers so I am very happy on that. Also Anni is still happy about her chin and also for her neck. Based on Hanna (mother) it looks like that also Anni's memory has been coming better. 

Patcharapat
We will update as news happen
We are very happy to being able to make a difference in Health and well-being for another Customer of us in such a short time. Especially if one considers all the complex and difficult circumstances.

More testimony’s on tripadvisor.

1 Comment

Pineapple simply amazing !

4/9/2015

1 Comment

 
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Pineapple
is native to southern Brazil and Paraguay, the modern fruit having been developed by native peoples from an almost inedible wild species. The most significant nutritional elements of pineapple are high quantities of vitamin C, manganese and the enzyme bromelain. We’ve researched and collected a significant amount of information about pineapple health benefits and presented them on this page! 1. Anti-Inflammatory – Different parts of the plant have the above traditional uses for a variety of ailments and their effectiveness could be due to the enzyme bromelain, which is extracted from the plant stems (and also present in the juice in small amounts). It is sold as a digestive enzyme to break down proteins and is used medicinally for a diverse range of conditions from hay fever to burns. It’s primary property is anti-inflammatory. [1]

2. Arthritis Benefits – Bromelain from pineapple, when combined with trypsin and rutin could be helpful in reducing inflammation and knee pain for osteoarthritis sufferers, with possible effects on rheumatoid arthritis as well, although the evidence is scant for the latter. Note that while there is some bromelain in the fruit, it is much more abundant in the inedible stalk. However bromelain is available in supplement form. [1]

3. Bone Health – Manganese is one of the important elements needed for the growth and maintenance of healthy bones, helping to prevent loss of bone density and diseases such as osteoporosis that can lead to a higher risk of fractures. [2] 100g of pineapple contains 44% of the RDA of manganese. [1]

4. Kidney Benefits – Pineapple is a safe fruit for people suffering from chronic kidney disease due to its low potassium content (180mg per cup of chopped fresh fruit). It can provide good nutrition for anyone with a chronic condition. [3]

5. Anti-Parasite Pineapple has been used since old times in the Philippines as a traditional medicine against parasitic diseases. [4]

6. Anti-Cancer – Foods containing bromelain have been linked to chemopreventive action, for example in correlation with colorectal cancer cells. Extract from the plant stems also shows antitumor activity. Vitamin C is also known to strengthen the body against developing cancer. [5][6]

The Wikipedia page for Bromelain [7] states regarding bromelain “No peer-reviewed research shows any efficacy against tumors”. This is to a certain extent misleading – as although the human research has not been done, there have been numerous scientific papers reporting on anti-cancer effects of bromelain in cell and animal studies: For example a 2012 study in the peer-reviewed Journal Of Medicinal Food “Bromelain-induced apoptosis in GI-101A breast cancer cells” [8], and a 2013 study in the peer-reviewed Cancer Investigation “Anticancer property of bromelain with therapeutic potential in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma” [9]

7. Digestive Aid – Bromelain is an enzyme that has been used for centuries as a digestive aid owing to its ability to digest proteins. Some people do not make enough digestive enzymes naturally and benefit from enzyme supplementation.

8. Boosts Immune System – Pineapple is very high in vitamin C. Vitamin C is well known to stimulate the immune system, supporting anti-bacterial and anti-viral action – it can be found in a natural form in pineapple (58% of the recommended daily amount in a 100g serving!). [10]

9. Anti-Blood Clots – There is some evidence that bromelain may help keep platelets in the blood from sticking together, which in turn may help prevent blood clots. If this is the case, it may also promote bleeding in some people and hence might be avoided by people prone to prolonged bleeding.

10. Sinusitis Recovery – Some studies have indicated that bromelain from pineapple may help relieve the symptoms of sinusitis and speed recovery time.

11. Assists E. Coli And Bowel Diseases – Some animal studies have indicated that bromelain may help treat diarrhea related to E. coli infections and reduce inflammation in intestines of people with inflammatory bowel disease. [11]

12. Sore Throat & Infection Remedy – The plant has been used for many years in traditional remedies as a diuretic, to quicken labor, for sore throats, seasickness and venereal disease. Native people in Panama use the leaf juice as a purgative, emmenagogue (stimulates menstruation) and to treat intestinal worms.

13. Fluid Retention – The roots have been used to treat oedema / edema (fluid retention) in Africa and the rind extract for both fractures and hemorrhoids! Scientific research is limited so the evidence is mainly experiential for many of these indications – hopefully the research will begin to investigate more of these potential uses! [12][4]

Pineapple and the environment: Waste material from pineapple growing has traditional use as a fibre for string and textile making. New research shows that it could be used to produce cellulose nanocrystals, which have many possible applications in the production of a highly sustainable and renewable manufacturing material, potentially able to replace some fossil fuel derived plastics! [13][14] Unfortunately, it’s not all good news – some aspects of pineapple production are causing alarm, especially from the heavy use of chemical pesticides and herbicides. Organic pineapples are highly desirable but harder to find as the majority of the large-scale pineapple industry runs on industrialised monoculture. [15]

Safety Note – People with anaemia should limit their pineapple intake as manganese can inhibit iron absorption.

[1] http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/895.html
[2] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23509220
[3] http://www.livestrong.com/article/114096-juices-can-cleanse-kidneys/
[4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pineapple
[5] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24123777
[6] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17893836
[7] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bromelain
[8] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22191568
[9] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23570457
[10] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24766384
[11] http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/complementaryandalternativemedicine/herbsvitaminsandminerals/bromelain
[12] http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/pineapple.html
[13] http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669013004664
[14] http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2013/Q4/cellulose-nanocrystals-possible-green-wonder-material.html
[15] http://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/oct/02/truth-about-pineapple-production

 Source Herbs-Info.com


Pineapple
is a tasty fruit, typically enjoyed during the summertime and for its sweet, tropical flavor. However, the goodness of pineapple extends well beyond its taste, as it offers several health benefits worth exploring.

The fact that it's listed on the World's Healthiest Foods website says a great deal, and there, it's noted as a way to improve overall health ranging from improving digestion to boosting the immune system. (1) At the center of its ability to bolster health is an enzyme called bromelain, which is responsible for reducing inflammation just as effectively as prescribed or over-the-counter drugs, minus the possible negative health consequences. (2)

From reducing swelling gums to helping improve arthritis pain, bromelain works to ensure that such painful conditions are kept at bay. (2)

The many health benefits of pineappleAdditionally, inflammation manifests in ways that aren't necessarily visible or painful, and bromelain's anti-inflammatory abilities work to ensure a healthy-functioning system that fights the free radicals that often set in during inflammation. Research has linked bromelain to reduction in the number of cancer tumors, noting it as an important protective substance that helps signal the death of cancerous cells. (3)

It's important to not throw the core of the pineapple out, since the majority of bromelain is found there. (3) Consider eating the core to enjoy the utmost benefits of the fruit while also reducing food waste.

Bromelain is also a great way to treat post-operative swelling, obtain relief from sinusitis and even help with digestive problems. (2) When it comes to digestive issues, the enzyme helps break down proteins, which is especially beneficial for those with conditions that make them not able to do so efficiently. (2)

The enzyme has also been effective in reducing phlegm and mucus, making it a go-to choice when fighting off a cold or infection. (4)

Furthermore, pineapple has been associated with having properties that improve oral health by strengthening gums and helping preserve teeth, as well as reducing blood pressure and improving eye health. (4)

Sources for this article include:

(1) http://www.whfoods.com

(2) http://www.naturalnews.com

(3) http://rawandnaturalhealth.com

(4) https://www.organicfacts.net

http://science.naturalnews.com

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/046737_pineapple_bromelain_enzymes.html#ixzz3CRf9aBFA


The bromeliad family of plants very rarely produce edible fruit – with the exception of pineapple, that is. The pineapple is the only available edible bromeliad today! One pineapple is actually made up of individual flowerets that grow and weave together to form the beautiful golden fruit we call a pineapple.

The pineapples lush, sweet, exotic flavour make it a family favourite – but did you know that pineapple is also one of the most healthful foods available today?

Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme in pineapples, is often used as a supplement itself to help boost health and clear up various health issues. Of course, eating pineapple in itself will deliver these same effects such as better heart and circulatory health, improvement in asthma and other breathing conditions as well as improved immunity, reduced inflammation and suppressed growth of cancer cells.

Anti-inflammatory Benefits

Bromelain possesses anticoagulant properties, and thus slows down the ability of blood to clot. This, combined with bromelain’s anti-inflammatory properties, make it a great nutritional supplement (in pure form – aka. eating a pineapple) for bruise prevention and to reduce swelling and redness from burns or sports injuries. Consuming pineapple after surgery is another way to reduce the trauma associated with incisions or injections.

There are a variety of inflammatory-related conditions, ranging from arthritis to inflammatory bowel disease and sinusitis as well as inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, acne, rosacea, dermatitis and psoriasis. The list doesn’t end there. In fact, many diseases nowadays are caused by a major influx of inflammation in the cells and tissues, whether that be from consuming the wrong foods or living in less-than-optimal environmental conditions (i.e., chemical hazards, smog, pollution, etc.).

Bromelain has been useful in treating all of the above inflammatory disorders. The major mechanism of action of bromelain is proteolytic in nature, and may also involve immunomodulatory and hormone like activity acting via intracellular signalling pathways. It has also been shown that bromelain significantly reduces CD4+T lymphocytes, which are the primary effectors involved in inflammation in the body.

Research also indicates that the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis can be reduced by supplementing with 200 – 400 mg of bromelain per day (or you could just eat lots of pineapple every day and get the same effects – remember, the natural, real form of these enzymes are far better than their modified, synthetic form).

Immunity & Cancer

Research published in the journal Planta Medica, found that the chemotherapy drug, 5-fluorauracil, was incredibly inferior to bromelain when treating cancer in an animal study. Those treated with bromelain survived 263% times more than those treated with 5-fluorauracil, relative to the untreated control. Bromelain caused no external harm to the animals, other than improving their health. Chemotherapy drugs do more harm than good, and actually kill off your healthy cells, and make more chemo resistant and malignant cell types within the tumour (meaning the cancer becomes resistant to the chemo drugs).

In addition, the anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant effects of bromelain help to boost our immunity. Studies have shown that it may be able to enhance certain immune receptors in the body, and thus enhance the ability of the body to defend against bacteria and viruses at a more efficient rate. Bromelain helps mechanisms that are already in place to work faster, and more efficiently together, and to allow cells to communicate better with one another.

Pineapple is also incredibly rich in vitamin C, which is the body’s primary water-soluble antioxidant. It defends against free radicals that attack and damage normal cells. Vitamin C is essential for proper immune function, and has also been extensively studied by Dr. Ronal Hunninghake (15-year research project called RECNAC), who showed that vitamin C was selectively cytotoxic against cancer cells in cell cultures.

Heart & Circulatory Health and Breathing Conditions

Bromelain, being an anti-coagulant, means that it may allow blood to flow more freely through the circulatory system. Blood that flows more freely is thinner, and is associated with a reduced chance of stroke, heart attack and other circulatory and heart related issues.

Not only does it help with cardiovascular health, but pineapple’s bromelain enzyme also works in such a way that it breaks down mucus and thins its consistency. In conditions like asthma where breathing is often blocked by thick mucus in the lungs, bromelain acts as a mucus thinner, and helps un-clog the bronchial tubes of the lungs, helping patients breathe better.

All parts of the pineapple contain bromelain, however, the core of the pineapple has more concentrated amounts – be sure to stick the core through a juicer to get all the benefits out of your next pineapple feast!

Sources:

Tochi, B., Wang, Z., Xu, S., & Zhang, W. (2008). Therapeutic application of pineapple protease (bromelain): A review. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 7, 513-520.

Gaby, A. (1999). Alternative treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. Altern Med Rev, 4, 392-402.

Maurer, H. (2001) Bromelain: biochemistry, pharmacology, and medical use. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences CMLS, 58, 1234-1245.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/07/11/bromelain-enzyme-aid-cancer-treatment.aspx

Eckert, K., Grabowska, E., Stange, R., Schneider, U., Eschmann, K., & Maurer, R. (1994) Effects of oral bromelain administration on the impaired immunocytotoxicity of mononuclear cells from mammory tumor patients. Oncology Reports, 6, 1191-1199.

Source Life Love Fruit

1 Comment

Sciatica speedy recovery 

4/1/2015

1 Comment

 
Yoga and visits to a chiropractor can help sciatica pain in a more natural way than going the pharmaceutical route.  New studies point toward herbs as another natural method for healing sciatica.

Experts claim that turmeric can help with sciatica pain Many experts propound that turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, can be taken as a tonic to minimize chronic inflammation.

One of the best ways to administer turmeric is to heat it in milk (or milk alternative) and coconut oil with a bit of pepper. Fun fact: the piperine found in black pepper helps absorb nutrients more effectively. Curcumin enteric-coated capsules with piperine is another suggestion for optimal absorption and faster relief. (1)

Consume turmeric as a tea, use it in cooking, or apply it topically in a paste to receive the best benefits. (2)

Turmeric lowers levels of certain inflammation-fueling enzymes Turmeric can help relieve sciatica pain and swelling by lowering levels of certain inflammation-fueling enzymes. (2) The suggested general dosage for healthy adults is 300 mg of turmeric, taken 3 times per day to help ease pain and inflammation. If you take medications, then the dosage may need to be adjusted. Turmeric supplements may contain bromelain which can increase the anti-inflammatory effects. (3)

Turmeric has been used in Ayurveda for many centuries to treat arthritis because of its effectiveness in reducing inflammation, which is sometimes the root cause of low back pain and/or sciatica. (4) Turmeric has also been used in traditional medicine in Asia. Malaysian scientists confirmed that turmeric extract could help ease nerve-related pain. (5)

Turmeric better than NSAIDs Turmeric is a selective COX-2 inhibitor. COX-1 and COX-2 are enzymes that start your inflammatory process. COX-1 is considered to be “good” because it performs a “house keeping role” around inflammation and maintains your stomach lining. COX-2 is responsible for increasing inflammation. (6)

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) that include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are not selective and inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes to stop inflammation. Because these drugs disrupt COX-1 they can lead to stomach problems over time. What makes turmeric unique is that it is “selective” and only inhibits COX-2. (6)

A selective COX-2 inhibitor is something drug companies have been trying to create over the last ten years, but why take a drug when a food or spice can do the same thing with no (known) side effects? (6) The cost difference between a pill and a spice are tremendously different. Thankfully, turmeric is easier on your body and your wallet!

source,    Healthy holistic Living

At  Patcharapat we have helped numerous People get relief from Sciatica. The longest it took to reverse this issue was after 12 Days of therapy with Luk Pra Kop of which fresh Turmeric is one of the ingredients. 
We have found that a combination of Mykeuy- Luk Pra Kop Therapy to help Clients speedy and permanent recovery, it has been effective in most severe cases in relative short time.

There are additional methods that can help improve Sciatica see here
best is give them a try  because "the proof is in the Pudding and something not started today cannot be finished tomorrow"
1 Comment

Pain medications - be aware ?

3/27/2015

1 Comment

 
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Pain Medication
what you should know !

useless?

Pain medication is first line of defence and when nothing else is available initially obviously first to use.

Caution!

 However the devastating effects of long time Pain Medications use are well documented

see here
Excerpt from Huffington Post by Jilian Berman

People typically become addicted to the prescription pills in one of two ways, Kolodny said. The majority of younger users, like Arielle, find the pills lying around at home or at friends’ houses. But the other demographic suffering from prescription painkiller addiction -- middle-aged Americans -- typically get the pills from their doctors for things like chronic back or head pain. Once their bodies adjust, their doctors have to up the doses to mitigate the pain.

Betty Tully experienced this phenomenon firsthand. She went to her doctor in January of 2001, looking for a fix for the pain that had plagued her lower back for decades. Tully’s doctor said he had just the thing, a new “miracle drug” that could help her pain without putting her at risk of addiction. He started her on 20 milligrams of OxyContin. Soon, she was asking for more, so he upped her doses.

“By June, I was an absolute zombie. I couldn’t work anymore, I couldn’t drive my car anymore. I left my car running one day on the street,” the former real estate agent said. “I was calling his office and screaming that I needed this medicine.”

By the end of 11 months, Tully was on 280 milligrams of OxyContin per day. The mother of two, who had held down jobs since she was 12 years old, refused to leave the house for fear she’d miss a dose and go through terrible symptoms of withdrawal like nausea and profuse sweating. When she decided to get clean, it took her six years to completely get off the drug, and she says she’s lucky she was able to finally kick the habit. Indeed, according to Kolodny, "middle-aged women getting pain pills from doctors" are dying from overdoses at some of the highest rates in history. In 2010,
40 percent of U.S. drug overdose deaths were women, many of whom died from abusing prescription pills.


Huffington Post link to your full article Here

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/24/heroin-epidemic_n_4790898.html


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1 Comment

Sciatica - best Natural treatments

3/20/2015

5 Comments

 
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The sciatic nerve is one of the largest nerves of our body. It runs all the way down from the lower spine over the buttock to both feet to provide movement, feeling, and strength in both legs.

As many as 40% of all people will get sciatica at some point in their life. This is a condition which is often mistaken for lower back pain or leg cramps. But it actually is something that puts pressure or pinches the nerve and fires pain down your back or thigh to your legs.

The pain can vary from a mild ache or numb feeling to a sharp, burning and very painful sensation that occurs off and on through one side of your body. Most people stay in bed and take ibuprofen or other over the counter painkillers to find relief.

Here are 8 natural ways that could help you to cure the inflammation and fight the pain.

1.    Acupuncture Acupuncture is an alternative treatment were hair-fine needles are inserted at specific points of your body. It stimulates energy flow and improves nerve function. Some people get relief after just one session, but for most people it takes a few sessions.

Further reading: acupuncture is gaining more and more popularity and it can be used to treat many conditions, such as relieving migraines, stimulating lymph flow, treating stress, and even quitting smoking.

2.    Chiropractor Although the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments shows mixed scientific results, many sciatic patients report a significant reduction in sciatic pain. Spinal manipulation can restore the mobility, improve function, reduce inflammation, decrease the pain, and promote natural healing.

3.    Ice Packs Ice packs (or a package of frozen peas wrapped in a towel) work great to find instant relief. Apply for 20 minutes on the affected area every two hours until pain disappears.

4.    Alternate Temperatures Although ice packs work great to find instant relieve, the sciatic nerve lies deep within our body and ice packs won’t go down to the inner inflammation. Apply a hot pack, just after icing or take a very hot bath. Alternate temperatures boost blood circulation and lymph flow, which can help you to reduce inner inflammation and assist the healing process. To enhance the effect, add Epsom salts or anti-inflammatory herbs or essential oils to your bath tub.

5.    Mild (Yoga) Stretches Moving around may be the last thing on your mind when struggling with sciatic pains, it is important though to get physically active or the pain will last longer. Some people report improvements through gentle back or yoga stretches. These exercises increase blood flow, strengthen the back muscles, and improve mobility.

Further reading: If you love yoga or just want to experiment with it, you can find here 10 yoga poses to make you feel fantastic in 15 minutes. Also find here top 13 exercises to strengthen your back (including detailed illustrations).

6.    Massage Deep tissue massage or trigger-point therapy has shown some beneficial effects on muscle spasms, pain, and numbness of legs and toes. Use herb infused oil or add essential oils to enhance the effect.

Mykeuy a specific Massage technique is exceptional effective for Sciatic Pain. On average few treatments bring relief-reverse of the problem, more about here "Mykeuy" http://www.spahuahin.net/course.html

Further reading: If you are interested to learn more about essential oils you can find useful information the e-book Magical Aromatherapy which will help you to discover the power of essential oils and the most effective ways to use them. You can also find here more information about the top 16 essential oils to relieve pain and how to use them.

7.    Herbs And Oils There are many herbs out there to help you fight the pain and inflammation naturally. You can find them in capsules, salves, liniments, infused oils, make tea out of fresh or dried herbs or use tinctures, elixirs or essential oils to find relief. Always make sure to discuss this with your doctor or professional herbalist as some herbs may interfere with medication you are taking.

Here are the best herbs used for nerve pain, nerve health, and inflammation:

  • Devil’s claw
  • Jamaican dogwood
  • Turmeric or curcumin (make sure to combine with pepper to increase the bioavailability)
  • Kratom
  • Arnica
  • Willow
  • Skullcap
  • John’s wort
  • Mullein root
  • Roman chamomile
  • Clary Sage
  • Lavender
  • Linden flower
  • Milky oats tops
  • Licorice
Further reading: If you are interested in herbal remedies, you can find more useful information in the e-book the Herbal Remedies Guide. This e-book will teach you how to treat common ailments using herbs.

8.    Sleep And last but not least, give your nerves and body time to heal, relax, and balance. So get some extra sleep and rest to give your nerves the chance to rebuild and strengthen themselves.

Although most of these complementary and alternative remedies are not backed up by scientific studies, many people report significant improvements and it helps control the pain, spasm, numbness, and cramps.

If the pain and symptoms persist, it is important to visits a doctor to see if there is a dislocated vertebrate or any other condition that pinches or puts pressure on your nerves. Sometimes a surgery is needed to put everything back in place.

Source http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/

other Remedies that will help
http://www.natural-homeremedies.com/blog/home-remedies-for-sciatica/

Exercises for Sciatica

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5 Comments

Chronic Pain - Emotional Pain connection, solutions

3/6/2015

5 Comments

 
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By Dr. Mercola

Many aches and pains are rooted in brain processes that can be affected by your mental attitude and emotions. While the mechanics of these mind-body links are still being unraveled, what is known is that your brain, and consequently your thoughts and emotions, do play a role in your experience of physical pain.

For instance, meditation appears to work for pain relief because it reduces brain activity in your primary somatosensory cortex, an area that helps create the feeling of where and how intense a painful stimulus is.

Laughter is also known to relieve pain because it releases endorphins that activate brain receptors that produce pain-killing and euphoria-producing effects.

This line of communication between mind and body runs both ways though, and physical pain, especially if it’s chronic, is a well-known trigger for depression. According to psychologist Rex Schmidt at the Nebraska Medical Center Pain Management:1

“Depression and pain happen to share a part of the brain that’s involved in both conditions, which means that mind-body techniques that affect those areas can be efficacious for both.”

Meditation and laughter are just two examples of a burgeoning new field looking at mind-body therapies to address chronic pain. The featured article2 reviews 11 such strategies. I’ve added two more for a baker’s dozen.

#1: Add EFT to Your Self-Help Toolkit The Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a form of psychological acupressure based on the same energy meridians used in traditional acupuncture to treat physical and emotional ailments for over 5,000 years, but without the invasiveness of needles.

Instead, simple tapping with the fingertips is used to transfer kinetic energy onto specific meridians on your head and chest while you think about your specific problem -- whether it is a traumatic event, an addiction, pain, anxiety, etc. -- and voice positive affirmations.

This combination of tapping the energy meridians and voicing positive affirmation works to clear the "short-circuit"—the emotional block—from your body's bioenergy system, thus restoring your mind and body's balance, which is essential for optimal health and the healing of physical disease.

Some people are initially wary of these principles that EFT is based on -- the electromagnetic energy that flows through the body and regulates our health is only recently becoming recognized in the West. Others are initially taken aback by (and sometimes amused by) the EFT tapping and affirmation methodology.

But believe me when I say that, more than any traditional or alternative method I have used or researched, EFT has the most potential to literally work magic. Clinical trials have shown that EFT is able to rapidly reduce the emotional impact of memories and incidents that trigger emotional distress. Once the distress is reduced or removed, the body can often rebalance itself, and accelerate healing. In the videos below, EFT practitioner Julie Schiffman shows how you can use EFT to relieve your physical pain and depression. 


#2: Massage the Pain Away Massage offers real health benefits, so much so that some conventional hospitals are making it a standard therapy for surgery patients and others. Along with promoting relaxation and improving your sense of well-being, getting a massage has been shown to:

  • Relieve pain (from migraines, labor, fibromyalgia and even cancer)
  • Reduce stress, anxiety and depression, and ease insomnia
  • Decrease symptoms of PMS
  • Relax and soften injured and overused muscles, reducing spasms and cramping.
  • Provide arthritis relief by increasing joint flexibility.
Massage affects your nervous system through nerve endings in your skin, stimulating the release of endorphins, which are natural "feel good" chemicals. Endorphins help induce relaxation and a sense of well-being, relieve pain and reduce levels of stress chemicals such as cortisol and noradrenaline -- reversing the damaging effects of stress by slowing heart rate, respiration and metabolism and lowering raised blood pressure.

Stronger massage stimulates blood circulation to improve the supply of oxygen and nutrients to body tissues and helps the lymphatic system to flush away waste products. It eases tense and knotted muscles and stiff joints, improving mobility and flexibility. Massage is said to increase activity of the vagus nerve, one of 10 cranial nerves, that affects the secretion of food absorption hormones, heart rate and respiration. It has proven to be an effective therapy for a variety of health conditions -- particularly stress-related tension, which experts believe accounts for as much as 80 percent to 90 percent of disease.

According to the featured article:

“[A] new study from Thailand suggests that traditional Thai massage can decrease pain intensity, muscle tension and anxiety among people with shoulder pain. Meanwhile, research from the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami in Florida found that when adults with hand pain had four weeks of massage

Thai Massage is good, however from our experience there is a much better Massage technique
"Emotional Pain relief" that we are successfully working with our Clients  at Spa Patcharapat.

Another study at the Touch Research Institute found that when pregnant women who were depressed received massages from their partners twice a week, they had much less leg and back pain and fewer symptoms of depression during the second half of their pregnancies.”
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How Emotions harming "YOU"
#3: Remain in the Now... Practicing “mindfulness” means that you’re actively paying attention to the moment you’re in right now. Rather than letting your mind wander, when you’re mindful you’re living in the moment and letting distracting thoughts pass through your mind without getting caught up in their emotional implications. Though it sounds simple, it often takes a concerted effort to remain in a mindful state, especially if it’s new to you. But doing so can offer some very significant benefits to both your mental and physical health.

For example, mindfulness training has been found to reduce levels of stress-induced inflammation, which could benefit people suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and asthma.

This makes sense, since chronic stress heightens the inflammatory response, and mindfulness is likely to help you relieve feelings of stress and anxiety. In one eight-week study,3 people who received mindfulness training had smaller inflammatory responses than those who received a control intervention, which focused on healthy activities to reduce psychological stress but without particular instruction on mindfulness. Similarly, according to the featured article:

“Mindfulness meditation -- focusing on your breath and each present moment -- can lessen cancer pain, low back pain and migraine headaches. Researchers at Brown University in Providence, R.I., found that when women with chronic pelvic pain participated in an eight-week mindfulness meditation program, their pain decreased and their mood improved.”

In many ways, mindfulness is similar to transcendental meditation, the idea of which is to reach a place of “restful” or “concentrated” alertness, which enables you to let negative thoughts and distractions pass by you without upsetting your calm and balance. This type of meditation is easy to try at home: simply sit quietly, perhaps with some soothing music, breathe rhythmically and focus on something such as your breathing, a flower, an image, a candle, a mantra or even just being there, fully aware, in the moment.

Researchers report that practicing mindfulness meditation for just four days affects pain responses in your brain. Brain activity decreases in areas devoted to monitoring a painful body part, and also in areas responsible for relaying sensory information.

#4: Take Control with Biofeedback In biofeedback, electrical sensors attached to your skin allow you to monitor your biological changes, such as heart rate, and this feedback can help you achieve a deeper state of relaxation. It can also teach you to control your heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension through your mind. According to psychologist Rex Schmidt:

“Through focus and mental strategies, biofeedback induces the relaxation response and gives you a greater sense of control.”

Biofeedback is often used for stress-related conditions, such as:

  • Migraines and tension-type headaches
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Back pain
  • Depression and anxiety
#5: Free Yourself from Tension with Progressive Muscle Relaxation Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is achieved by tensing and relaxing all the major muscle groups, one at a time, from head to toe. By learning to feel the difference between tension and relaxation, you can more actively disengage your body’s fight-or-flight response, which underlies most pain, depression and stress. According to the featured article:

“Studies show that whether PMR is used on its own or with guided imagery, it helps ease emotional distress and pain from cancer, osteoarthritis, surgery and other conditions."


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Emotional Pain Chart
#5: Free Yourself from Tension with Progressive Muscle Relaxation Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is achieved by tensing and relaxing all the major muscle groups, one at a time, from head to toe. By learning to feel the difference between tension and relaxation, you can more actively disengage your body’s fight-or-flight response, which underlies most pain, depression and stress. According to the featured article:

“Studies show that whether PMR is used on its own or with guided imagery, it helps ease emotional distress and pain from cancer, osteoarthritis, surgery and other conditions.”

  #6: Harness Relaxation with Tai Chi The 2,000-year-old Chinese practice of tai chi is a branch of Qigong -- exercises that harness the qi (life energy). It’s been linked to numerous health benefits, including improvements in the quality of life of breast cancer patients and Parkinson's sufferers, and has shown promise in treating sleep problems and high blood pressure.

Often described as "meditation in motion" or "moving meditation," the activity takes your body through a specific set of graceful movements. Your body is constantly in motion and each movement flows right into the next. While practicing tai chi, your mind is meant to stay focused on your movements, relaxation and deep breathing, while distracting thoughts are ignored.

Part of the allure is that it's so gentle, it's an ideal form of activity for people with pain or other conditions that prevent more vigorous exercise. You can even do tai chi if you're confined to a wheelchair. Even respected conventional health institutions such as the Mayo Clinic4 and Harvard Medical School5 recommend tai chi for its health benefits, especially as a stress-reduction tool. However, there are more studies available than you might think; suggesting tai chi has an impressive range of health benefits. To browse through them, please see the WorldTaiChiDay.org6 web site. According to the featured article:

“In a recent study at the Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, researchers found that when people with fibromyalgia participated in 60-minute tai chi sessions twice a week for 12 weeks, they had much less physical and mental discomfort. The researchers also reviewed the medical literature on tai chi’s effect on psychological well-being and concluded that it reduces depression, anxiety and stress.”

#7: Breathe Easy... Deep breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which induces the relaxation response. There are many different breathing practices that you can try, but here I’m going to share two that are both powerful and very easy to perform. The first one I learned when I attended a presentation by Dr. Andrew Weil at the 2009 Expo West in California. The key to this exercise is to remember the numbers 4, 7 and 8. It’s not important to focus on how much time you spend in each phase of the breathing activity, but rather that you get the ratio correct. Here’s how it’s done:

  1. Sit up straight
  2. Place the tip of your tongue up against the back of your front teeth. Keep it there through the entire breathing process
  3. Breathe in silently through your nose to the count of four
  4. Hold your breath to the count of seven
  5. Exhale through your mouth to the count of eight, making an audible “woosh” sound
  6. That completes one full breath. Repeat the cycle another three times, for a total of four breaths
You can do this 4-7-8 exercise as frequently as you want throughout the day, but it’s recommended you don’t do more than four full breaths during the first month or so of practice. Later, you may work your way up to eight full breath cycles at a time. The benefits of this simple practice are enormous and work as a natural tranquilizer for your nervous system.



The second is known as the Buteyko Breathing Method, which is a powerful approach for reversing health problems associated with improper breathing, the most common of which are overbreathing and mouthbreathing. When you stop mouth breathing and learn to bring your breathing volume toward normal, you have better oxygenation of your tissues and organs, including your brain.

Factors of modern life, including stress and lack of exercise, all increase your everyday breathing. Typical characteristics of overbreathing include mouth breathing, upper chest breathing, sighing, noticeable breathing during rest, and taking large breaths prior to talking.

Controlling anxiety and quelling panic attacks is one of the areas where the Buteyko Method can be quite useful. If you’re experiencing anxiety or panic attacks, or if you feel very stressed and your mind can’t stop racing, try the following breathing technique. This sequence helps retain and gently accumulate carbon dioxide, leading to calmer breathing and reduces anxiety. In other words, the urge to breathe will decline as you go into a more relaxed state:

  1. Take a small breath into your nose, followed by a small breath out
  2. Then hold your nose for five seconds in order to hold your breath, and then release your nose to resume breathing
  3. Breathe normally for 10 seconds
  4. Repeat the sequence
#8: Hypnosis for Pain Management Hypnosis, which is a trance-like state in which you experience heightened focus and concentration, can help decrease pain by altering your emotional responses to your body’s pain signals and your thoughts about the pain. Contrary to popular belief, you do not relinquish control over your behavior while under hypnosis, but it does render you more open to suggestions from the hypnotherapist. According to the featured article:

“Studies show that hypnosis can help manage the pain from childbirth and metastatic breast cancer as well as chronic low back pain. What’s more, cognitive hypnotherapy can lead to less depression, anxiety and hopelessness among depressed people than cognitive behavioral therapy does, according to research from the University of Calgary in Canada.”

#9: Soothe Your Mind and Body Through the Power of Music If you’re a music lover, you already know that turning on the tunes can help calm your nerves, make stress disappear, pump up your energy level during a workout, bring back old memories, as well as prompt countless other emotions. When you listen to music, much more is happening in your body than simple auditory processing.

Music triggers activity in the nucleus accumbens, a part of your brain that releases the feel-good chemical dopamine and is involved in forming expectations. At the same time, the amygdala, which is involved in processing emotion, and the prefrontal cortex, which makes possible abstract decision-making, are also activated, according to recent research published in the journal Science.7 Other research8 revealed listening to music resulted in less anxiety and lower cortisol levels among patients about to undergo surgery than taking anti-anxiety drugs. As reported by the featured article:

“...[R]esearchers in Cleveland found that when [burn] patients listened to music and used visual imagery as a distraction when their wound dressings were being changed, they experienced significantly less pain, anxiety and muscle tension. In a study in Norway, depressed people who had music therapy plus psychotherapy were less depressed and anxious and more functional than those who just did regular therapy.”

Musical preference varies widely between individuals, so only you can decide what will effectively put you in a particular mood. Overall, classical music tends to be among the most calming, so may be worth a try. To incorporate music into a busy schedule, try playing CDs while driving, or put on some tunes while you’re getting ready for work in the morning. You can also take portable music with you when walking the dog, or turn on the stereo instead of watching TV in the evening.

#10: Take Up Yoga Yoga has been proven to be particularly beneficial if you suffer with back pain, but recent research also suggests it can also be of tremendous benefit for your mental health. Duke University researchers recently published a review9 of more than 100 studies looking at the effect of yoga on mental health, and according to lead author Dr. P. Murali Doraiswamy, a professor of psychiatry and medicine at Duke University Medical Center:10

“Most individuals already know that yoga produces some kind of a calming effect. Individually, people feel better after doing the physical exercise. Mentally, people feel calmer, sharper, maybe more content. We thought it’s time to see if we could pull all [the literature] together… to see if there’s enough evidence that the benefits individual people notice can be used to help people with mental illness.”

According to their findings, yoga appears to have a positive effect on:

  • Mild depression
  • Sleep problems
  • Schizophrenia (among patients using medication)
  • ADHD (among patients using medication)
Some of the studies suggest yoga can have a similar effect to antidepressants and psychotherapy, by influencing neurotransmitters and boosting serotonin. Yoga was also found to reduce levels of inflammation, oxidative stress, blood lipids and growth factors.

#11: Visualization and Guided Imagery According to the featured article, visualization techniques or guided imagery can serve as an important tool to combat both physical pain and depression by imagining being in “a better place.”

“Research shows it can help with pain from cancer, osteoarthritis and childbirth by providing distraction and promoting a state of relaxation. In addition, a study from Portugal found that when people hospitalized for depressive disorders listened to a guided imagery CD once a day for 10 days, they were less depressed, anxious and stressed over time, compared to peers who didn’t use visualization,” the article states.

Ideally, you’ll want to immerse yourself as fully as you possibly into your visualization, using all your senses: seeing, smelling, tasting, hearing, and feeling. According to Dr. Schmidt:

“Using all your senses changes levels of brain chemicals such as serotonin, epinephrine and endorphins, and with regular practice you’ll gain more of a sense of control, which is often lacking when you’re in pain or depressed.”

#12: Repeat a Calming Mantra The repeated incantation of a mantra—a soothing or uplifting word or phrase of your choice—in a rhythmic fashion can help you relax in a similar way as mindfulness training. The focused repetition, also called autogenic training, helps keep your mind from wandering and worrying, and engages your body’s relaxation response.

“A study at the University of Manchester in the U.K. found that autogenic training helped female migraine sufferers decrease the frequency and intensity of their headaches. And research from the University of Melbourne in Australia suggests that autogenic training may provide 'helpful longer-term effects' on symptoms of depression,” according to the featured article.

#13: Remove Pain and Dysfunctional Psychological Conditions with the Neurostructural Integration Technique The Neurostructural Integration Technique (NST) is an amazing innovative technique developed in Australia. Using a series of gentle moves on specific muscles or at precise points on your body creates an energy flow and vibrations between these points. This allows your body to communicate better with itself and balance the other tissues, muscles and organs. The method of action is likely through your autonomic nervous system (ANS), allowing your body to better carry out its many functions the way it was designed to.

The main objective is to remove pain and dysfunctional physiological conditions by restoring the structural integrity of the body. In essence, NST provides the body with an opportunity to reintegrate on many levels, and thus return to and maintain normal homeostatic limits on a daily basis.

NST is done with a light touch and can be done through clothing. There are pauses between sets of moves to allow your body to assimilate the energy and vibrations.

source Mercola.com


Humans experience an array of emotions, anything from happiness, to sadness to extreme joy and depression. Each one of these emotions creates a different feeling within the body. After all, our body releases different chemicals when we experience various things that make us happy and each chemical works to create a different environment within the body. For example if your brain releases serotonin, dopamine or oxytocin, you will feel good and happy. Conversely, if your body releases cortisol while you are stressed, you will have an entirely different feeling associated more with the body kicking into survival mode.

What about when we are thinking negative thoughts all the time? Or how about when we are thinking positive thoughts? What about when we are not emotionally charged to neither positive nor negative? Let’s explore how these affect our body and life.

Positive vs. Negative Is there duality in our world? Sure, you could say there is to a degree, but mostly we spend a lot of time defining and judging what is to be considered as positive and what we consider to be as negative. The brain is a very powerful tool and as we define what something is or should be, we begin to have that result play out in our world. Have you ever noticed, for example that someone driving can get cut off and lose their lid, get angry and suddenly they are feeling negative, down and in  bad mood? Whereas someone else can get cut off while driving and simply apply the brake slightly and move on with their day as if nothing happened. In this case, the same experience yet one sees it as negative while the other doesn’t. So are things innately positive and negative? Or do we define things as positive and negative?

Cut The Perceptions As Much As Possible After thinking about it for a moment you might realize that there are in fact no positive or negative experiences other than what we define as such. Therefore our very perception of an experience or situation has the ultimate power as to how we will feel when it’s happening and how our bodies will be affected. While we can always work to move beyond our definitions of each experience and move into a state of mind/awareness/consciousness where we simply accept each experience for what it is and use it as a learning grounds for us, we may not be there yet and so it’s important to understand how certain emotions can affect our health.

“If someone wishes for good health, one must first ask oneself if he is ready to do away with the reasons for his illness. Only then is it possible to help him.” ~ Hippocrates

Mind Body Connection The connection between your mind and body is very powerful and although it cannot be visually seen, the effects your mind can have on your physical body are profound. We can have an overall positive mental attitude and deal directly with our internal challenges and in turn create a healthy lifestyle or we can be in negative, have self destructive thoughts and not deal with our internal issues, possibly even cloak those issues with affirmations and positivity without finding the route and in turn we can create an unhealthy lifestyle. Why is this?

Our emotions and experiences are essentially energy and they can be stored in the cellular memory of our bodies. Have you ever experienced something in your life that left an emotional mark or pain in a certain area of your body? Almost as if you can still feel something that may have happened to you? It is likely because in that area of your body you still hold energy released from that experience that is remaining in that area. I came across an interesting chart that explores some possible areas that various emotions might affect the body.

When you have a pain, tightness or injuries in certain areas, it’s often related to something emotionally you are feeling within yourself. At first glance it may not seem this way because we are usually very out of touch with ourselves and our emotions in this fast paced world, but it’s often the truth. When I’ve had chronic pains in my back, knees, neck or shoulders, it wasn’t exercise, physio or anything in a physical sense that healed it, it was when I dealt with the emotions behind it. I know this because I spent the time and money going to physio and even though I wanted and believed I would get better, something wasn’t being addressed still. The more I addressed the unconscious thought pattern and emotions throughout my body, the more things loosened up and pain went away.

When you get sick or are feeling a lot of tightness and pain, often times our body is asking us to observe yourself and find peace once again within yourself and your environment. It’s all a learning and growing process we don’t have to judge nor fear.

You Have The Power

Davis Suzuki wrote in ‘The Sacred Balance’, ‘condensed molecules from breath exhaled from verbal expressions of anger, hatred, and jealousy, contain toxins. Accumulated over 1 hr, these toxins are enough to kill 80 guinea pigs!’ Can you now imagine the harm you are doing to your body when you stay within negative emotions or unprocessed emotional experience throughout the body?

Remember, you have all the power in you to get through anything life throws at you. Instead of labeling with perception the concepts of negative and positive as it relates to each experience you have in your life, try to see things from a  big picture standpoint. Ask yourself, how can this help me to see or learn something? Can I use this to shift my perception? Clear some emotion within myself? Realize something within another and accept it? Whatever it may be, instead of simply reacting, slow things down and observe. You will find you have the tools to process emotions and illness quickly when you see them for what they are and explore why they came up. If you believe you will get sick all the time, and believe you have pain because it’s all out of your control, you will continue to have it all in an uncontrollable manner until you realize the control you have over much of what we attract within the body.

Having Trouble With Meditation? It’s scientifically-proven that meditation has powerful benefits.

source collective-evolution.com

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5 Comments

Osteoarthritis solution !

3/2/2015

1 Comment

 
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A remarkable new study published in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases confirms that food is not only medicine, but sometimes superior to it.  Medical researchers working out of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran, sought to investigate the effects of sesame seed supplementation on clinical signs and symptoms in patients with knee osteoarthritis.[i]

Knee osteoarthritis is a form of degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis localized in the knee, and causes a variety of symptoms including pain, swelling, abnormal bone growth (which can result in bone spurs), disfigured cartilage and loss of motion, and it affects as many as 12.1% of adults aged 60+, according to the CDC.[ii]  Standard therapy involves the use of NSAID drugs, many of which have been linked both to internal bleeding and significantly increased risk of cardiac mortality, which is why the researchers sought out to look for "a complementary treatment to reduce complications and costs."

The study took fifty patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, and divided them into two 25-patient groups: a sesame group, receiving 40 grams/day of powdered sesame seeds, and a standard drug therapy group, receiving two 500 mg doses of Tylenol twice a day along with 500 mg of glucosamine once daily. After two months of treatment, 22 patients in the sesame intervention group and 23 patients in the control group completed the study.

Table 1

Considering that treatment was comprised of little over an ounce and one half of sesame seeds, the results were truly remarkable. As presented in Table 1 above, there was a significant difference in pain intensity between the two groups after treatment, with the sesame group seeing the largest drop from 9.5 before treatment to 3.5 after treatment, and the control group seeing a more modest drop from 9 before treatment to 7 after treatment. Additional measurements were taken using both the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) Questionnaire and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test. Both tests revealed a similar degree of positive change in both treatment and control groups, when compared to baseline. [See table 2 and table 3 below].

Table 2 [KOOS]

Table 3 [TUG]

Taken together, sesame was the clear winner. Not only was this food therapy superior in reducing the intensity of pain, but it was at least equal in effectiveness to Tylenol and glucosamine in both the KOOS and TUG tests. This, of course, was accomplished without the notorious side effects associated with Tylenol; to the contrary, sesame seed has a wide range of side benefits, which we covered recently in our article on sesame's health benefits.

So, how much is 40 grams of sesame seed? A tablespoon of sesame seeds is approximately 9 grams. So, approximately 4 tablespoons will get you to what the study found to be a 'clinical dose.' Also, the researchers powdered the sesame seeds in order to enhance digestion. Remember, it is best to do this fresh with a mortar and pestle (first choice) or coffee grinder, also making sure that your seeds are raw, certified organic, and vetted to have not undergone gamma irradiation.

To truly appreciate the significance of this study, take a look at the growing body of toxicological research indicating that the unintended, adverse health effects of Tylenol (acetaminophen) far outweigh its purported benefits. We recently featured articles on the fact that even only occasional use of Tylenol may raise a child's asthma risk 540%, and that it may be time for the FDA to remove it from the market.

For additional research on natural and/or integrative interventions for knee osteoarthritis visit our research page on the topic: knee osteoarthritis.

[i] Bina Eftekhar Sadat, Mahdieh Khadem Haghighian, Beitollah Alipoor, Aida Malek Mahdavi, Mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi, Abdolvahab Moghaddam. Effects of sesame seed supplementation on clinical signs and symptoms in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

[ii] CDC.gov, Osteoarthritis statistics

tank's to http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/eating-sesame-seeds-superior-tylenol-knee-arthritis

Please note there is more to it to enhance it's optimum efficacy please PM  Spa Patcharapat for more info

1 Comment

Desk Job is bad for Health - cause of many problems

2/15/2015

2 Comments

 
Is Your Desk Job bad for your Health
(Health.com) -- Sharon Gavin used to spend all day on her feet. Now she has a full-time desk job--and the transition has been a painful one.

In 2002, after 12 years as a nurse, Gavin took a new job that requires her to spend the bulk of her day in front of a computer screen. The switch to a more sedentary work life has left her with nerve pain in her neck, back, and left shoulder.

"This is too much sitting; that was too much standing," says Gavin, 57, a patient safety specialist at a pharmaceutical company in Wilmington, Delaware.

Gavin's problems aren't uncommon. The hazards of sitting all day long--whether you're staring at a computer screen at work or watching TV on the couch at home--are better understood now than ever. In recent years, researchers have linked too much sitting to back pain, repetitive stress injuries, obesity, and even an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.

So what's a desk jockey to do? If quitting your job and applying to become a park ranger isn't in the cards, there are a number of other steps you can take to stay healthy at work. For instance, you could improve your workspace ergonomics, swap your office chair for an exercise ball, or ask your employer for a treadmill desk (really).

Health.com: 12 ways to stop work-related back pain

But the first step is to get moving. Stretching your legs and moving around for just five minutes each hour is enough to do a body good (although more activity is even better).

"As long as you have a way to get your body into multiple positions throughout your workday, that's really the solution that you should be looking for," says Katy Bowman, an expert on biomechanics and the director of the Restorative Exercise Institute, in Ventura, Calif. "It doesn't have to be expensive."

What's so bad about sitting?

Studies suggest that sitting for hours on end is harmful, regardless of a person's overall calorie intake or physical activity. This may be because immobile muscles gradually lose the ability to metabolize fats and sugar as efficiently as they should, which could promote high cholesterol and up diabetes risk.

As far back as the late 1950s, a study found that people with sedentary jobs (bus drivers) were twice as likely as those with active jobs (mailmen) to develop cardiovascular disease. More recently, extended daily TV watching and time on the computer--which, like desk jobs, involve long periods of time sitting still--have been linked to a greater risk of metabolic syndrome, a constellation of health problems that can lead to diabetes and heart disease.

In addition, poor workplace habits can bring on aches, pains, and other troubles that in some cases can be disabling. Sitting all day can flatten out the curve of the lower back, for instance, and can put a strain on the upper body, shoulders, and arms.

How to get moving

Exercising outside of the workday can help keep you in shape, but you shouldn't rely solely on an after-hours workout to save you.

"If you're sitting eight to 12 hours a day and you're taking a one-hour yoga class, it's not enough," says Bowman. She recommends packing in more movement by taking several breaks throughout the day--even for just 10 to 15 minutes at a time--to stretch and walk.

Health.com: 6 mistakes pain patients make

Good posture is also important for avoiding stress and strain at work, according to Dr. Julie Côté, Ph.D., a professor of kinesiology and physical education at McGill University, in Montreal.

Côté, who studies workplace-related musculoskeletal disorders, recommends exercise programs like Pilates and the Alexander Technique, which focuses on coordination and range of motion. These programs can help build body awareness and better posture, Côté says. But, she adds, "One seven-week program is not going to cure you forever."

According to Bowman, maintaining flexibility is also important--and something that's best practiced on the job.

"Even if you cross your leg while you're sitting in the chair and lean forward, that's a hip opener; that's what you go to yoga class for," she says. "No one is saying that you have to sit glued in your chair. You can cross a leg, you can spinal twist, you can stretch your calf, you can stand up."

Try an ergonomic makeover

After she started developing pain, Gavin went to physical therapy to strengthen her muscles. Additionally, she sought help from an in-house ergonomic program run by her employer, AstraZeneca.

"They actually have a therapist who comes out to your desk and assesses you," she says. After observing that Gavin's bifocals were straining her neck by forcing her to move her head up and down, the therapist ordered her a 20-inch computer monitor with an adjustable arm.

Health.com: Head-to-toe solutions for stress

The therapist also adjusted Gavin's chair so that she would have better lumbar support and told Gavin she needed to take breaks from sitting every 20 minutes. "Any opportunity I can, I move and walk and I get up and stretch," Gavin says.

Workstation adjustments like those that the AstraZeneca therapist offered Gavin can definitely help, says Côté. "It's good to vary what you're seated on, but then the surface that you're working on also needs to be adjusted to it," she says.

Sit-stand stools that allow people to sit or lean are a good option, while balance balls can help too, she adds. "You always keep your back muscles in sort of a state of awakening, so it just keeps you active more during that time." Chairs with seats angled forward (and a support below so you don't go sliding off) can also hold the lower back in a healthier curve.

Should you go high-tech?


What about walking while you're working? You can shell out $4,200 for a Walkstation, a low-speed commercial-grade treadmill with a desk attached. You can also make your own treadmill desk; a host of blogs by work-walking aficionados stand ready to offer advice, and there's even a social network of work-walkers called Office Walker.

Health.com: Yoga moves to beat insomnia, ease stress, and relieve pain

When Walkstation first came out, in 2007, several companies gave it a whirl, including GlaxoSmithKline, Best Buy, and Humana. "We did pilot them here," says Dr. Joseph Henry, M.D., senior director of health and well-being at AstraZeneca. "There was a lot of initial excitement."

But for a company that takes pride in its employee health and wellness resources, Henry adds, this approach didn't seem like the right way to go. "We thought it might send the message that you're not to leave your desk, you're chained to your desk. We'd rather that they actually get up from their desk and take a break from their work instead of being stuck at their desk all day."

Health.com: 30 fast, new fat-burners

When they have to work at their desks, AstraZeneca's employees can request an exercise ball to sit on. They're also free to take walks around the company's 150-acre campus and are encouraged to hold meetings while walking, Henry says.

Gavin is also making a point of getting to the company's on-site gym three times a week.

"I've found that the more I move, the better I get," Gavin says. "If you're sitting it's just not normal because your body wants to move. We're made to move."

2 Comments

Physical Therapy for stiff Neck = $ 6000.- why would You?

2/11/2015

3 Comments

 
By Chris Core August 5, 2013 I’m not a health policy analyst or an expert on America’s health-care system. I’m simply an average consumer who put 2 and 2 together. When that added up to much more than 4, it got me thinking.

I woke up one morning in the middle of June with a stiff neck. It was painful to try to turn my head from side to side. When a couple of days of heat, rest and Advil didn’t make me better, I went to a doctor.

The doctor took X-rays, prescribed a muscle relaxant and suggested physical therapy. One of the therapy clinics was in his building, so I stopped by on my way out to make an appointment for later that afternoon. Before I left the therapy office, the folks at the front desk took my insurance information.

When I showed up for my appointment, the front-desk clan was positively giddy with the news that my insurance plan would cover up to 12 physical therapy visits per quarter. And because it was the middle of June, they urged me to book 11 more sessions right away to take full advantage of my coverage this quarter. My only cost would be a $10 co-pay each time.

I found it odd that the front-desk folks wanted me to book 11 more sessions before their therapist had even seen me. I said I would let them know.

I was assigned a therapist who was only a year out of physical therapy school. She put heat on my neck and began to go down a list of questions. “On a scale of 1 to 10, how much discomfort are you in?” was one of them. More questions followed. Then she asked what I hoped to accomplish with my physical therapy. Given that I couldn’t turn my neck, I thought the answer was obvious.

The therapist rubbed my neck and shoulders a bit, then gave me a printout of some exercises to do at home. I was in and out in less than 45 minutes.

The front desk was still eager for me to book another appointment, so I did, for two days later.

Appointment No. 2 lasted an hour. I got heat on my neck, a little massage and more exercises. I also was given some big rubber bands and an instruction sheet on how to exercise with them at home.

As I left the office, the front desk suggested I make more appointments, but because I was leaving town a couple of days later, I told them I’d call when I got back.

Be it the muscle relaxers or the exercises, my neck was much better at the end of my trip, so I never did call them back. They, however, continue to call me to remind me to make more appointments.

A few days, later I discovered why they want me to come back for more treatment. My insurance company sent me notification it was “seeking additional information about these charges,” which would mean a “delay in payment” for my PT treatments. My insurer had been billed $412 for my first appointment and $384 for the second. I can hardly blame the company for wanting to know the justification of such costs.

Now I understand why the front desk seemed so eager to have me use my maximum of 12 visits before the end of June: I was leaving nearly $5,000 worth of payments on the table.

I recognize that I am partly to blame for running up the tab. At no time did I ever ask how much each treatment cost. I never inquired about the breakdown in charges for the heating pad, the interview, the massage and the big rubber bands. I simply handed over my little $10 co-pay.

As I look at it now, the charges seem excessive. There is little justification in my mind for the $800 my insurance company was billed. Had I been told the costs upfront and been expected to pay for them, I would have said no. But nobody volunteered the information, and I didn’t ask.

I suspect my experience is a small example of why America’s health care costs so much. As long as consumers aren’t asked to pay and don’t even know the true costs of procedures, our health-care spending will continue to skyrocket.

Perhaps a place for health-care reform to start is with full disclosure of costs. If we customers are aware of what our insurance company is being billed for, we could do our part in holding our providers responsible for excessive costs and unnecessary treatment.

source
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/for-a-stiff-neck-nearly-6000-in-physical-therapy-seemed-too-much/2013/08/05/5c6b9f52-e9af-11e2-a301-ea5a8116d211_story.html
3 Comments

Soak away aches, pains, harmful toxins, pesticides, heavy metals

12/12/2014

1 Comment

 
NaturalNews) There are almost as many ways to detox heavy metals, pesticides and other noxious chemicals from your body as there are poisons themselves. You can take what I call "the nuclear approach" and use chelation for an intense, fast, efficient detoxing if your system can handle it. Or you can go the gentle route using milder clearing agents made from superfoods, common household products and clay. These are just as efficient at removing a wide range of toxins; but, more gently and slowly, allowing your system to adjust day by day to changes it experiences. Read about gentle detoxing here: http://www.naturalnews.com/036920_superfoods_detox_chemtrails.html 

Whatever type of internal detox you choose, allowing time for that special soak in the tub several times a week will help soak out the unwanted chemicals and poisons, cleaning your skin and tissues and encouraging increased oxygen and blood flow to your entire body. A detox bath helps strengthen the immune system and soothe your soul as you let go of your cares during bath time. The best mixture for detoxing is one you make yourself, where you control the ingredients and their quality. There are lots of suggestions for detox bath salts, this is by far not the only recipe. However, this one works, plain and simple. (And it will not turn you into a zombie.)

Detox bath mixtureAdd one cup of sea salt to a mixing bowl. There are all types of natural sea salts ranging from Celtic salts to beautiful pink Himalayan salt crystals. It's your choice or mix several to experience the beneficial effects from the mineral combination.

· Add one cup of Epsom salt and two cups of aluminum-free baking soda to the bowl and stir

· Mix in two to three teaspoons of glycerin and several drops of your favorite essential oil to scent the mixture. Lavender, rose, sandalwood, mandarin orange and bergamot are popular.

· Stir the mixture until it's well blended and store in a sealed and labeled glass jar. Make it decorative by adding a small amount of natural food coloring, and you can leave it on your bathroom counter for display.

Spa dayFill the tub with comfortably warm water -- not too hot because it can dry your skin and make you feel tired. Add 1/4 cup of your special detox bath mixture. Add a cup of organic apple cider vinegar, especially if you have sore muscles.

Soak in the tub for no more than 10 minutes at first until you get used to the effect that the detox  has on your system. Increase your bath time slowly. Take as many baths as you like; however, it's best to start out with no more than twice a week until you're used to it.

WarningAvoid taking hot baths with detoxing agents if you suffer from diabetes, hypertension or heart disease. Consult your healthcare practitioner before doing any form of detox.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/detox-baths.html# 
http://www.greenchicafe.com/detox-bath-basics 
http://www.allfreecrafts.com/giftinajar/bath-salts.shtml 

1 Comment

Frozen Shoulder ? reversed-resolved

12/8/2014

1 Comment

 
Frozen Shoulder, a problem caused often by long hours sitting in front of a Computer or at a Desk can be resolved with some of these natural Remedies.
A condition in which the inflammation, pain and stiffness in the shoulder region makes it difficult for the shoulder joints to move is known as frozen shoulder. Some of the causes believed to be responsible for frozen shoulder are injury or trauma, autoimmune functioning and lack of fluids in the joint. Symptoms of it may basically include dull pain, pain in outer shoulder area and upper arm and pain while you move your arm.

The people suffering from stroke, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease or lung disease are more likely to get affected by frozen shoulder. It is most common among people who are forty to sixty years old. Women are twice more likely to get affected by frozen shoulder than men. Those who have undergone a surgery on the shoulder or those who have sustained an injury in shoulder can also develop frozen shoulder. There are basically three stages of frozen shoulder; painful stage, frozen or adhesive stage and thawing stage.

There are many home remedies for frozen shoulder which are easy to follow and safe to use at home. Some of the popular home remedies are:

1. One of the effective home remedies for frozen shoulder is to do some stretching.It will increase your range of motion.

2. Heat pack is also considered to be one of the efficient home remedies.It helps in making the stiff joints and muscles loose as well as reduce pain. All you need to do is apply a hot compress on the affected region for fifteen minutes. Follow this process three to six times a day.

3. Take some mustard oil and heat it in a pan.Now take three to four cloves of garlic. Crush these garlic cloves and put them in the pan and wait till they turn dark brown. Allow this mixture to cool down a little bit. Massage your shoulder with this warm oil. It will reduce the pain caused by this problem.

4. Black sesame seeds are very effective in giving relief from the pain.All you need to do is take a spoonful of black sesame seeds and soak them in water. Allow it to steep overnight and the next morning you can consume these seeds along with the water.

5. You can even try acupuncture which is basically a pain killing procedure.6. Along the front of the body cross your arms.Now with the help of other arm try to press affected arm towards the chest. Practice this procedure for thirty seconds two times in a day. This procedure is very effective in improving the range of motion of your arm. It will also prevent any further stiffness.

7. Eat warm and fresh meals only.Consume hot soups made with pulses, lentils or meat with dash of long pepper, powdered ginger and black pepper.

8. Do not eat spicy, fried, pungent and oily foods.9. Consume ghee and oils in moderate amount in meals.They will be very helpful in lubricating the dried and wasted joints of the shoulder.

The above mentioned home remedies for frozen shoulder were some of the most popular home remedies which are effective and safe to use. If they don't bring you relief, come se us at Patcharapat Spa we can help you and it wont take Weeks or Months in Therapy.





1 Comment

How texting may affect your Posture and cause Pain

12/1/2014

2 Comments

 
Are you on Facebook surfing right now? Or perhaps chatting with your friend via your phone? If you are then stop for a while and check yourself, you looking down at your phone and that very posture that you have can force up to 60 pounds of unnecessary stress on your spine.

On your smartphone at the moment? Your spine could be hating you / Kenneth K. Hansraj

On the average, people go slumped with their smartphones between two to four hours a day. For some extreme cases, the average can be up to 10 hours. And that awkward position can bring both temporary and long lasting damage to your spine according to a study by Surgical Technology International journal.

Your adult head on the average weights about 10 to 12 pounds, and that is also the same weight of the pressure put to your spine when you are sitting or standing upright with a perfect posture (that means you’re head is not tilted down and your back not slouched). Tilting your head multiplies the apparent weight that your spine needs to support and this pressure isn’t doing you any good.

Even a tilt of 15 degrees puts unnecessary stress on your spine / Kenneth K. Hansraj

According to the study, tilting your head 15 degrees forward would increase the amount of stress to 27 pounds. Tilt 30 degrees and it becomes 40 pounds. Tilt 45 degrees and it becomes 49 pounds and if you move even further and tilt your head 60 degrees, it becomes 60 pounds. The worse news is a lot of people tilt their head at 60 degrees in order to focus on their smartphones.

Kenneth K. Hansraj, M.D., chief of spine surgery at New York Spine Surgery & Rehabilitation Medicine and author of the study noted that the practice has a lot of negative effects. Not only can that cause a literal pain in your neck, but it also puts stress on your muscles, tendons, and ligaments,” wrote Hansraj.

But it’s not the end for Facebook and text lovers, as a little adjustment can make a big difference. Our expert recommends always having proper posture, and that means to your shoulder blades and your shoulders aligned and your back in neutral position. This might put a little stress on your arms for lifting your smartphone higher but hey that’s the reason these gadgets are becoming lighter.

2 Comments

Reflexology - what it can do for You

10/16/2014

1 Comment

 
Reflexology is based on the principle that certain parts of the body reflect the whole. Reflex points, which relate to all parts of the body, can be found in the feet, hands, face and ears. These points respond to pressure, stimulating the body’s own natural healing process. The body starts progressively clearing blockages, re-establishing energy flows and balancing itself, resulting in better health.  The most common type of reflexology is being done for both hands and feet.

Here are the Feet and Hand chart that will guide you.

  The left foot corresponds to the left side of the body and all organs, valves, etc. found there.   There are many different styles and approaches used in reflexology, however the basic principle is constant. Subtle yet powerful, reflexology is becoming increasingly popular in the world of complementary therapies.Whatever the approach, the reflexologist attempts to release congestion or stress in the nervous system and balance the body’s energy.The right foot corresponds to the right side of the body and all organs found there. For example, the liver is on the right side of the body, and therefore the corresponding reflex area is on the right foot.

 Who Can Benefit From Reflexology?

Reflexology is a holistic therapy suitable for all ages, and may bring relief from a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. Reflexology has been shown to be affective for:

  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Menopause
  • Back pain
  • Migraines, headaches
  • Sleep disorders
  • Digestive problems
  • Circulatory problems
  • Stress related disorders
  • Arthritis
Benefits of Reflexology

Muscle relaxation
Many factors can cause muscle tension, too much time sitting in one position, lifting heavy objects, working out with weights or emotional problems are just a few. Whatever the source, when muscles become tense and over stressed the energy in our body is thrown out of balance. The nerve pathways which connect muscles to the rest of the body become congested. This can result in pain, fatigue, irritability or even more stress. Reflexology stimulates nerve endings in the feet to release the energy, relax muscles and restore physical harmony.

Improve Immune System
Reflexology stimulates the lymphatic system thus reducing risk of infection. It cleanses the body of toxins and impurities and also stimulates the production of endorphins, leading to an improved immune system and sense of well-being.

Cleansing and Detoxification
Riding the body of waste and toxins is extremely important to your health. When the lymphatic, urinary or intestinal systems become blocked due to a build up of toxins and waste the energy in the body stagnates. This may cause you to feel bloated, lethargic or even sick. Reflexology can release these blockages, helping your body to “let go” and eliminate toxins and waste, cleansing the body of all impurities. This will encourage the body to naturally restore its own healthy balance.

Stimulate Nerve Function
By stimulating more than 7,000 nerves in the feet, reflexology encourages the opening and clearing of neural pathways. It interrupts pain pathways, reducing pain.

Stress relief
Whether you suffer from insomnia, migraines, digestive problems or fatigue, the root of many health problems can be linked to stress. Stress can be caused by our own hectic lifestyle, emotional, physical or environmental factors, it is almost completely unavoidable. Stress can be damaging to the body and mind. Under the influence of prolonged stress the body is less capable of fighting illness. Reflexology counteracts the effects of stress by promoting relaxation and bringing balance to the body.

Circulation improvement
All the body’s systems need good blood circulation in order to function well. The blood carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells and removes waste products and toxins. Stress and tension tighten up the cardiovascular system and restricts blood flow, causing it to become sluggish. This results in the tissues becoming oxygen-deprived; the energy in the body becomes depleted, making all body systems suffer. Reflexology keeps the body’s circulation flowing smoothly, which rejuvenates tired tissues.

Body balancer
Balance is vital for a healthy body, mind and spirit. To maintain a state of homeostasis the body needs to run smoothly. When there is a malfunction in the body it is thrown off balance. Reflexology is vital to sustain balance in every gland, organ, muscle, tissue and cell in the body, leaving all the systems of the body functioning fully, and in their natural equilibrium.

Credit for this article to Source: gethappyfeet.co.uk/reflexology.org.au/takingcharge.csh.umn.ed/sydneyreflexology.com/reflexology-benefits
Photo Credit: knoxvillereflexology.com/nirvanareflexologyspa.com/heartandsoulreflexology.com



1 Comment

Thai Remedial Pain relief Massage

9/25/2014

1 Comment

 
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Thai Remedial Pain relieve Massage

 is a treatment modality that manipulates the soft tissues of the body including movement for a specific therapeutic effect, rather than a general therapeutic effect. It uses relevant techniques, lubricants and movements according to the client’s needs and response. This leads to the healing process, which begins at the cellular level aiding soft tissues in repairing, restoring functional integrity and adapting back to health.

Remedial massage is a deep Tissue massage done by a trained massage therapist, to create the conditions for the body’s return to normal health after injury or with muscular-skeletal disorders. It is used to treat chronic muscular-skeletal imbalances, strains, sprains, broken bones, bruising or any injury where the skin is intact. Deep tissue massage removes blockages, damaged cells, scar tissue and adhesions [3] left after injury, speeds up recovery and encourages more complete healing. Remedial massage is also used for conditions created by lifestyle for example Repetitive strain injury and Back pain. It is designed to increase the flow of blood and lymph, particularly in the injured areas.

 

It is often successful where other forms of treatment have failed!

During treatment there is tenderness in areas that are being treated, it indicates which muscles and tendons are injured. Tenderness may last for few days thereafter, Bruising may occur due to circulation issue at times.. The therapist uses the patient's feedback to pinpoint the damaged tissue and to regulate pressure.

 The results are usually immediate; certainly within 3 sessions a big improvement will be seen with a skillful practitioner. Most patients feel a difference after 1 session. A recent injury, perhaps within weeks, will react and recover more quickly than a long-term injury, some up to 40 years. However they will all see improvement. It is remarkable in that patients find themselves spontaneously being able to do things they thought that they couldn’t.

Remedial Massage has particular success with long-standing back and compound injuries that have resisted previous treatment attempts. Once a serious injury is properly healed, further treatment is only needed if another injury is sustained. Sportsmen and women attend regularly to ensure that unnoticeably small injuries are treated before they reduce performance and become debilitating. Recurrent injuries are injuries that have never been effectively treated.

Some common conditions that can be successfully treated are: Achilles Tendon, Tendinitis, Shin Splints, Groin Strain, Cartilage damage, Tennis Elbow, Frozen Shoulder, Hamstring Injuries, Plantar Fasciitis, Scar tissue, Adhesions, Whiplash, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and Repetitive Strain Injury.

It is an unusual form of massage in that it does not set out to relax the patient; the intention is more to fix a mechanical problem. However all-round health improvement is seen: better sleep, increase in vitality and performance levels, as well as increased mobility.

It can also be used to treat general muscle soreness from over exertion.

While remedial massage can relieve pain, treat muscle soreness, increase range of motion & provide soft tissue release the treatment can be painful & uncomfortable. This treatment is not a relaxation treatment or a luxury spa treatment, it is a therapeutic clinical treatment designed to get individual case specific results.

Non-athletes

Remedial massage is often used by athletes but is equally effective for non-sports people. For accidents such as falling down stairs,while on water slide injuries or road traffic accidents, it is very effective.

 

 Many debilitating conditions that people associate with age can be traced back to an old injury and treated successfully with a return of free movement and strength.

References

LeMoon, K, 2008. Clinical Reasoning in Massage Therapy. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, ISSN 1916-257X, 1-10.

Allison, D, 2013. Course notes: Remedial Massage Introduction. Meadowbank College, Health & Fitness, NSI PART of TAFENSW Australia.

http://www.oxfordpainclinic.110mb.com/adhesions.html

. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority http://www.ahpra.gov.au. Retrieved 5 May 2013. Missing or empty |title= (help


1 Comment

Thai Pineapple - great for Health

9/5/2014

2 Comments

 
Picture
(NaturalNews) Pineapple is a tasty fruit, typically enjoyed during the summertime and for its sweet, tropical flavor. However, the goodness of pineapple extends well beyond its taste, as it offers several health benefits worth exploring.

The fact that it's listed on the World's Healthiest Foods website says a great deal, and there, it's noted as a way to improve overall health ranging from improving digestion to boosting the immune system. (1) At the center of its ability to bolster health is an enzyme called bromelain, which is responsible for reducing inflammation just as effectively as prescribed or over-the-counter drugs, minus the possible negative health consequences. (2)

From reducing swelling gums to helping improve arthritis pain, bromelain works to ensure that such painful conditions are kept at bay. (2)

The many health benefits of pineappleAdditionally, inflammation manifests in ways that aren't necessarily visible or painful, and bromelain's anti-inflammatory abilities work to ensure a healthy-functioning system that fights the free radicals that often set in during inflammation. Research has linked bromelain to reduction in the number of cancer tumors, noting it as an important protective substance that helps signal the death of cancerous cells. (3)

It's important to not throw the core of the pineapple out, since the majority of bromelain is found there. (3) Consider eating the core to enjoy the utmost benefits of the fruit while also reducing food waste.

Bromelain is also a great way to treat post-operative swelling, obtain relief from sinusitis and even help with digestive problems. (2) When it comes to digestive issues, the enzyme helps break down proteins, which is especially beneficial for those with conditions that make them not able to do so efficiently. (2)

The enzyme has also been effective in reducing phlegm and mucus, making it a go-to choice when fighting off a cold or infection. (4)

Furthermore, pineapple has been associated with having properties that improve oral health by strengthening gums and helping preserve teeth, as well as reducing blood pressure and improving eye health. (4)

Sources for this article include:

(1) http://www.whfoods.com

(2) http://www.naturalnews.com

(3) http://rawandnaturalhealth.com

(4) https://www.organicfacts.net

http://science.naturalnews.com

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/046737_pineapple_bromelain_enzymes.html#ixzz3CRf9aBFA



Pain relief Smoothie, Super Anti-Inflammatory

Heal your pain from the inside out with the power of pineapple in this super anti-inflammatory juice recipe! Reducing inflammation is one of the key components of living a longer, happier, pain-free life.

Pineapple contains a powerful anti-inflammatory enzyme called bromelain, which is an extremely effective remedy for those suffering from chronic inflammation and associated issues like arthritis, gout, type II diabetes, cancer, psoriasis, heart disease, digestive disorders and autoimmune diseases.

A majority of inflammation in our body is caused by eating foods recognized by our body as foreign substances (foods that our bodies can’t do much with, but nonetheless, still tries to protect itself from). These foods include all junk foods, processed foods, high-heated vegetable oils, refined sugars & corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, refined grains, alcohol, soft drinks, food additives, nitrates (in deli meats, for example), preservatives, pesticides, GMO’s and factory-farm raised animals.

Here’s to good health!

Ingredients:– 2 cups ripe pineapple
– 2 inches ginger root
– 2 granny smith apples
– 2 kiwis, peeled
– 2 inches turmeric root

Method:Juice or blend the above ingredients in a high speed blender, and enjoy! This makes 1 serving, and should be made daily to help ease pain and inflammation.


Read more at http://livelovefruit.com/2014/11/anti-inflammatory-juice/#IRRqR8gbc3YP67Vm.99

2 Comments

Reflexology and Massage keep the Doctor away

8/13/2014

1 Comment

 
Reflexology is based on the principle that certain parts of the body reflect the whole. Reflex points, which relate to all parts of the body, can be found in the feet, hands, face and ears. These points respond to pressure, stimulating the body’s own natural healing process. The body starts progressively clearing blockages, re-establishing energy flows and balancing itself, resulting in better health.  The most common type of reflexology is being done for both hands and feet.

Here are the Feet and Hand chart that will guide you.

  The left foot corresponds to the left side of the body and all organs, valves, etc. found there.   There are many different styles and approaches used in reflexology, however the basic principle is constant. Subtle yet powerful, reflexology is becoming increasingly popular in the world of complementary therapies.Whatever the approach, the reflexologist attempts to release congestion or stress in the nervous system and balance the body’s energy.The right foot corresponds to the right side of the body and all organs found there. For example, the liver is on the right side of the body, and therefore the corresponding reflex area is on the right foot.

 Who Can Benefit From Reflexology?

Reflexology is a holistic therapy suitable for all ages, and may bring relief from a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. Reflexology has been shown to be affective for:

  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Menopause
  • Back pain
  • Migraines, headaches
  • Sleep disorders
  • Digestive problems
  • Circulatory problems
  • Stress related disorders
  • Arthritis
Benefits of Reflexology

Muscle relaxation
Many factors can cause muscle tension, too much time sitting in one position, lifting heavy objects, working out with weights or emotional problems are just a few. Whatever the source, when muscles become tense and over stressed the energy in our body is thrown out of balance. The nerve pathways which connect muscles to the rest of the body become congested. This can result in pain, fatigue, irritability or even more stress. Reflexology stimulates nerve endings in the feet to release the energy, relax muscles and restore physical harmony.

Improve Immune System
Reflexology stimulates the lymphatic system thus reducing risk of infection. It cleanses the body of toxins and impurities and also stimulates the production of endorphins, leading to an improved immune system and sense of well-being.

Cleansing and Detoxification
Riding the body of waste and toxins is extremely important to your health. When the lymphatic, urinary or intestinal systems become blocked due to a build up of toxins and waste the energy in the body stagnates. This may cause you to feel bloated, lethargic or even sick. Reflexology can release these blockages, helping your body to “let go” and eliminate toxins and waste, cleansing the body of all impurities. This will encourage the body to naturally restore its own healthy balance.

Stimulate Nerve Function
By stimulating more than 7,000 nerves in the feet, reflexology encourages the opening and clearing of neural pathways. It interrupts pain pathways, reducing pain.

Stress relief
Whether you suffer from insomnia, migraines, digestive problems or fatigue, the root of many health problems can be linked to stress. Stress can be caused by our own hectic lifestyle, emotional, physical or environmental factors, it is almost completely unavoidable. Stress can be damaging to the body and mind. Under the influence of prolonged stress the body is less capable of fighting illness. Reflexology counteracts the effects of stress by promoting relaxation and bringing balance to the body.

Circulation improvement
All the body’s systems need good blood circulation in order to function well. The blood carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells and removes waste products and toxins. Stress and tension tighten up the cardiovascular system and restricts blood flow, causing it to become sluggish. This results in the tissues becoming oxygen-deprived; the energy in the body becomes depleted, making all body systems suffer. Reflexology keeps the body’s circulation flowing smoothly, which rejuvenates tired tissues.

Body balancer
Balance is vital for a healthy body, mind and spirit. To maintain a state of homeostasis the body needs to run smoothly. When there is a malfunction in the body it is thrown off balance. Reflexology is vital to sustain balance in every gland, organ, muscle, tissue and cell in the body, leaving all the systems of the body functioning fully, and in their natural equilibrium.

credit for this story = http://www.healthdigezt.com/reflexology/


1 Comment

Ginger and Co - Miracle Pain relieve-cure?

7/27/2014

1 Comment

 

Following are a few articles about the incredible healing and pain relieving potency Ginger, Turmeric and relatives have. The following research evidently confirms what has been practiced in Thailand for Centuries.

At Patcharapat Spa we have been successfully using these and other Thai curative medicinal Hebs (Luk Pra Kop = Thai Herbal composition) to treat and heal various issues. We only use fresh sourced Thai Herbs for Luk Pra Kop Herbal compositions.

For more information about them please see our testimonial page and tripadvisor ratings.
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Luk Pra Kop
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Ginger is well known in many Cultures to treat a multitude of Health conditions from Cold to Cancer. Do a search on the net and you will find 100's of sites describing it's incredible and diverse healing powers. However most under valued, unknown is the use and application for treat Pain, Inflammation, range of motion issues. Millions today are suffering from a variety of pain full conditions due to injuries, repetitive motion and now more often because of long hours working on the Computer.

Yet Ginger is only one Herb out of a family of 500, Turmeric is another top inflammatory Pain Healer that is as well used to treat a multitude of other Diseases. In Thailand  Herbs of the Ginger Family have been incorporated into a Herbal Compress called Luk Pra Kop these Herbs work in a variety of ways to treat, relief, reverse and heal various ailments from Muscles, ligaments Nerve and are effective regardless of the official disease name.

Nothing within the modern-day pharmaceutical armamentarium comes even remotely close to Ginger, and Turmeric's 6,000 year track record of safe use in Ayurvedic medicine.

Turmeric studies

http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/science-confirms-turmeric-effective-14-drugs

http://www.greenmedinfo.com/greenmed/topic/18768/focus/5167/page

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=72

http://bembu.com/ginger-benefits

http://thenerdyfarmwife.com/14-way-use-ground-ginger/

By Case Adams, ND
RealNatural.org



Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) is one of the most versatile food-spice-herbs known. Ginger is a fundamental herbal treatment among among Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Traditional Thai Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine and various others.

Finally, researchers are getting wind that ginger can treat numerous ailments – as purported in these traditional medicines thousands of years ago.

In fact, in the past five years, a number of human clinical studies have shown some of ginger’s amazing properties to treat and prevent various disease conditions—just as predicted by the ancient medicines.

‘Universal Medicine’ in Ayurveda In Ayurveda—the oldest medical practice still in use—ginger is the most recommended botanical medicine. As such, ginger is referred to as vishwabhesaj—meaning “universal medicine”—by Ayurvedic physicians.

An accumulation of studies and chemical analyses in 2000 determined that ginger has at least 477 active constituents. Each of these constituents can stimulate a slightly different physiological mechanism in the body—often moderating the mechanisms of other constituents. This is one of the secrets, by the way, of traditional herbs. Their constituents buffer and balance each other.

Anti-inflammatory effects Many of ginger’s active constituents have anti-inflammatory and/or pain-reducing effects. Research has illustrated that ginger inhibits COX and LOX enzymes in a balanced manner. This allows for a gradual reduction of inflammation and pain without the negative GI side effects that accompany NSAIDs. Ginger also stimulates circulation, inhibits various infections, and strengthens the liver.

Ginger has therefore been used as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory ailments, fevers, nausea, colds, flu, hepatitis, liver disease, headaches and many digestive ailments to name a few. Herbalists classify ginger as analgesic, tonic, expectorant, carminative, antiemetic, stimulant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial.

Earlier studies have shown that ginger is an effective remedy for reducing pain associated with arthritis.

Yet as opposed to NSAIDS, ginger does not come with the typical gastrointestinal side effects—notably heartburn and ulcers.

In fact, whole ginger is clinically proven to reduce nausea, stomachache, ulcers and many other gastrointestinal problems.

Here is a review of the last five years of research on ginger by universities and medical centers around the world, sorted by condition:

Osteoarthritis A 2013 study found that ginger applied topically onto the skin can significantly reduce pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis. This study from Australia’s Edith Cowan University studied 20 mostly elderly adults with osteoarthritis.

Another study from Thailand’s Thammasat University found that Plygersic gel – made of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and a ginger relative—plai (Zingiber cassumunar)—significantly reduced knee pain, mobility and quality of life among 50 patients tested.

Another study of 440 people with osteoarthritis were tested with an Ayurvedic combination of ginger plus Tinospora cordifolia, Emblica officinalis and Boswellia serrata. Those given the Ayurvedic combination had pain relief that closely matched the relief of the pharmaceutical drug celebrex (celecoxib). Celecoxib has been plagued with complaints of cardiovascular and other side effects.

A study from Russia’s Central Gastroenterology Scientific Research Institute tested ginger against the NSAID diclofenac with 43 patients with osteoarthritis. The researchers gave 22 patients 340 milligrams of ginger extract for four weeks. The ginger group had similar pain and inflammation reduction as the diclofenac but with less side effects—notably less heartburn symptoms.

Learn more natural solutions to arthritis

For six weeks, researchers from Iran’s Farateb Research Institute treated 92 osteoarthritis patients with either a salicylate ointment or a ginger ointment. After six weeks of topical application twice a day, the ginger ointment significantly reduced pain and morning stiffness, and increased mobility among the patients.

Chemotherapy nausea Researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center found, in a study of 576 cancer patients, that ½ gram, one gram and 1.5 grams per day of powdered ginger significantly reduced nausea among patients receiving chemotherapy.

Another study from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences found that ginger root given to chemotherapy patients significantly reduced nausea among bone cancer patients.

Colon Cancer A study from Atlanta’s Emory University found that ginger may reduce colon cancer proliferation. The researchers tested 20 people with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. They gave them two grams of ginger or a placebo for 28 days, and found the ginger group had lower expression of signs of cancer among the intestinal walls.

In a similar study from the University of Michigan Medical School, researchers confirmed that ginger reduced cancer cell expression among intestinal cells as they tested 20 high-cancer risk people—again with two grams per day.

In another study, University of Michigan Medical School researchers studied ginger with 30 patients for 28 days. They found that ginger significantly reduced inflammation markers PGE2, and 12-HETE.

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) A study from a Taiwan’s College of Medicine at Kaohsiung Medical University found that fresh ginger is an effective treatment against human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This study tested ginger with infected lung and liver cells.

A study from Iran’s hahid Beheshti University of Medical Science found that ginger improved breathing and oxygenation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Athletic performance and muscle pain Another study found that ginger was effective in increasing athletic performance. The study of 49 women used three grams of ginger powder per day or a placebo. The ginger group had significantly less inflammation and better recovery rates, and reduced muscle pain.

A study from Georgia College and State University studied 34 people and 40 people for 11 days, giving part of each group either raw ginger or heat-treated ginger powder during muscle testing that produced pain. The researchers found that both the raw and the processed ginger reduced muscle pain among the subjects 24 hours later.

Antibiotic A study from King Saud University and India’s Rangasamy College found that ginger successfully inhibited infective species of bacteria including Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli bacteria.

Difficult menstruation In this study of 70 female university students with difficult menses, subjects were given either ginger (powdered in capsules) or a placebo for three days at the beginning of menstruation. Among the group taking the ginger there was significantly less pain, and 83% reported improved nausea symptoms compared to 47% among the placebo group.

A similar conclusion was found in a study from India’s Holy Spirit Institute of Nursing Education. In this study 75 nursing students were given either one gram of ginger powder twice a day during the first three days of menstruation or progressive muscle relaxation. The researchers found that those given the ginger had significantly less pain and other symptoms of dysmenorrheal than did those receiving the progressive muscle relaxation.

Researchers from the Department of Midwifery at Shahed University tested 102 women with difficult menstruation. They gave the women either a placebo or 1,500 milligrams of powdered ginger in capsules per day for five days during the beginning of menstruation. They found that the ginger group had significantly less pain and other symptoms.

IBS symptoms Forty IBS patients were given either a placebo or Ginger along with Mentha longifolia (Horse mint) and Cyperus rotundus (Java grass or nut grass). After eight weeks, those in the IBS group reported significant improvement in IBS symptoms.

Post-Op Nausea New York Methodist Hospital researchers gave 239 women either ginger or a placebo prior to being given anesthesia for a C-section surgery. Those given the ginger had reduced intraoperative nausea during the C-section. Other symptoms were unaffected.

Glucose sensitivity Researchers from Iran’s Tabriz University of Medical Sciences studied 64 patients with type 2 diabetes. For two months they gave them either two grams per day of powdered ginger or a placebo. The ginger group had significantly lower insulin levels, and improvements in insulin sensitivity. The ginger group also had lower LDL-c levels and triglyceride levels compared with the placebo group.

Weight loss Columbia University researchers found that overweight men given ginger with breakfast burned more calories (thermogenesis), reduced hunger and had a greater sense of fullness.

Migraines Researchers from the Kansas Headache Care Center tested a combination of ginger and feverfew with 60 patients. The patients were treated with a placebo or the combination during a total of 221 migraine attacks. The patients were given the ginger/feverfew combination sublingually.

On average, 63% of those given the combination were pain-free in two hours, compared with 32% of those given conventional drug medication and 16% of those given the placebo.

Digestion A study from Taiwan’s Chang Gung University College of Medicine studied 11 patients with heartburn and found that three capsules of ginger powder containing 300 milligrams each significantly hastened digestion by measuring the rate of emptying of the stomach. The patients were given a meal an hour after the ginger supplement.

Increased gastric emptying was also found by Shahid Beheshti University researchers who studied 32 patients who were hospitalized with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

It should be noted that ginger’s gastrointestinal effects are most prevalent in its whole/raw form. During pulverization, dehydration and extraction, some of ginger’s 477 constituents may be lost.

Here are a few ways to take raw ginger:
  • Grate directly into salads and other fresh dishes (potato peeler works great too)
  • Top food dishes after cooked with grated ginger
  • Put a chunk of root directly into blender when making fruit smoothie
  • Peel and take a small bite and chew
  • Grate into hot tea after steeping is completed
Read the full article here: http://www.realnatural.org/gingers-many-amazing-medicinal-benefits-exposed-in-recent-research/

REFERENCES:

Therkleson T. Topical Ginger Treatment With a Compress or Patch for Osteoarthritis Symptoms. J Holist Nurs. 2013 Dec 4.

Jenabi E. The effect of ginger for relieving of primary dysmenorrhoea. J Pak Med Assoc. 2013 Jan;63(1):8-10.

Sahib AS. Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome using a selected herbal combination of Iraqi folk medicines. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Jul 30;148(3):1008-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.05.034.

Halder A. Effect of progressive muscle relaxation versus intake of ginger powder on dysmenorrhoea amongst the nursing students in Pune. Nurs J India. 2012 Jul-Aug;103(4):152-6.

Kalava A, Darji SJ, Kalstein A, Yarmush JM, SchianodiCola J, Weinberg J. Efficacy of ginger on intraoperative and postoperative nausea and vomiting in elective cesarean section patients. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2013 Jul;169(2):184-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2013.02.014.

Mahluji S, Attari VE, Mobasseri M, Payahoo L, Ostadrahimi A, Golzari SE. Effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on plasma glucose level, HbA1c and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic patients. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2013 Sep;64(6):682-6. doi: 10.3109/09637486.2013.775223.

Niempoog S, Siriarchavatana P, Kajsongkram T. The efficacy of Plygersic gel for use in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. J Med Assoc Thai. 2012Oct;95 Suppl 10:S113-9.

Chopra A, Saluja M, Tillu G, Sarmukkaddam S, Venugopalan A, Narsimulu G, Handa R, Sumantran V, Raut A, Bichile L, Joshi K, Patwardhan B. Ayurvedic medicine offers a good alternative to glucosamine and celecoxib in the treatment of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, controlled equivalence drug trial. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2013 Aug;52(8):1408-17. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/kes414. Epub 2013 Jan 30.

Citronberg J, Bostick R, Ahearn T, Turgeon DK, Ruffin MT, Djuric Z, Sen A, Brenner DE, Zick SM. Effects of ginger supplementation on cell-cycle biomarkers in the normal-appearing colonic mucosa of patients at increased risk forcolorectal cancer: results from a pilot, randomized, and controlled trial. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2013 Apr;6(4):271-81. doi: 10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-12-0327.

Jiang Y, Turgeon DK, Wright BD, Sidahmed E, Ruffin MT, Brenner DE, Sen A, Zick SM. Effect of ginger root on cyclooxygenase-1 and 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase expression in colonic mucosa of humans at normal and increased risk for colorectal cancer. Eur J Cancer Prev. 2013 Sep;22(5):455-60. doi: 10.1097/CEJ.0b013e32835c829b.

Chang JS, Wang KC, Yeh CF, Shieh DE, Chiang LC. Fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) has anti-viral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus in human respiratory tract cell lines. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Jan 9;145(1):146-51.

Vahdat Shariatpanahi Z, Mokhtari M, Taleban FA, Alavi F, Salehi Surmaghi MH, Mehrabi Y, Shahbazi S. Effect of enteral feeding with ginger extract in acute respiratory distress syndrome. J Crit Care. 2013 Apr;28(2):217.e1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2012.04.017. Epub 2012 Aug 9.

Drozdov VN, Kim VA, Tkachenko EV, Varvanina GG. Influence of a specific ginger combination on gastropathy conditions in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. J Altern Complement Med. 2012 Jun;18(6):583-8. doi: 10.1089/acm.2011.0202.

Rahnama P, Montazeri A, Huseini HF, Kianbakht S, Naseri M. Effect of Zingiber officinale R. rhizomes (ginger) on pain relief in primary dysmenorrhea: a placebo randomized trial. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012 Jul 10;12:92. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-12-92.

Mashhadi NS, Ghiasvand R, Hariri M, Askari G, Feizi A, Darvishi L, Hajishafiee M, Barani A. Effect of ginger and cinnamon intake on oxidative stress and exercise performance and body composition in Iranian female athletes. Int J Prev Med. 2013 Apr;4(Suppl 1):S31-5.

Mansour MS, Ni YM, Roberts AL, Kelleman M, Roychoudhury A, St-Onge MP. Ginger consumption enhances the thermic effect of food and promotes feelings of satiety without affecting metabolic and hormonal parameters in overweight men: a pilot study. Metabolism. 2012 Oct;61(10):1347-52. doi: 10.1016/j.metabol.2012.03.016.

Zahmatkash M, Vafaeenasab MR. Comparing analgesic effects of a topical herbal mixed medicine with salicylate in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Pak J Biol Sci. 2011 Jul 1;14(13):715-9.

Zick SM, Turgeon DK, Vareed SK, Ruffin MT, Litzinger AJ, Wright BD, Alrawi S, Normolle DP, Djuric Z, Brenner DE. Phase II study of the effects of ginger root extract on eicosanoids in colon mucosa in people at normal risk for colorectal cancer. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2011 Nov;4(11):1929-37. doi: 10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-11-0224.

Ryan JL, Heckler CE, Roscoe JA, Dakhil SR, Kirshner J, Flynn PJ, Hickok JT, Morrow GR. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) reduces acute chemotherapy-induced nausea: a URCC CCOP study of 576 patients. Support Care Cancer. 2012 Jul;20(7):1479-89. doi: 10.1007/s00520-011-1236-3.

Cady RK, Goldstein J, Nett R, Mitchell R, Beach ME, Browning R. A double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study of sublingual feverfew and ginger (LipiGesic™ M) in the treatment of migraine. Headache. 2011 Jul-Aug;51(7):1078-86. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2011.01910.x.

Hu ML, Rayner CK, Wu KL, Chuah SK, Tai WC, Chou YP, Chiu YC, Chiu KW, Hu TH. Effect of ginger on gastric motility and symptoms of functional dyspepsia. World J Gastroenterol. 2011 Jan 7;17(1):105-10. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i1.105.

Pillai AK, Sharma KK, Gupta YK, Bakhshi S. Anti-emetic effect of ginger powder versus placebo as an add-on therapy in children and young adults receiving high emetogenic chemotherapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2011 Feb;56(2):234-8. doi: 10.1002/pbc.22778.

Black CD, Herring MP, Hurley DJ, O’Connor PJ. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) reduces muscle pain caused by eccentric exercise. J Pain. 2010 Sep;11(9):894-903. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2009.12.013.

Shariatpanahi ZV, Taleban FA, Mokhtari M, Shahbazi S. Ginger extract reduces delayed gastric emptying and nosocomial pneumonia in adult respiratory distress syndrome patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit. J Crit Care. 2010 Dec;25(4):647-50. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2009.12.008.




Health Impact News Editor Comments:

When our family lived on a mountain in the Philippines for several years, there was one man from our community who walked down the mountain every week on market day who was quite well recognized by everyone. That’s because he was over 100 years old!

One day we stopped to talk to him, and I asked him what he felt his secret was to reaching 104 years of age. He replied: “I drink salabat every day.” Salabat is the name the Filipinos give for fresh ginger tea. I am sure there were many other contributing factors to this man’s longevity (coconut oil more than likely was his cooking oil like everyone else in our community), but in his mind ginger tea was at the top!

There is almost always a pot of ginger sitting on top of our stove….

by DAVE MIHALOVIC
Prevent Disease


Along side turmeric, ginger is one of the world’s most potent disease-fighting spices. It has been widely regarded for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments. The use of ginger is numero uno when it comes to curing common cold and cough. It is also superior to pharmaceutical drugs in defeating cancer, motion sickness and inflammation.

Astoundingly, ginger is even more effective than many cancer drugs at shrinking tumors. Commonly consumed across the world in small doses among food and beverage products, the medicinal properties of ginger far surpass even advanced pharmaceutical inventions.

CancerWhole ginger extract was shown to exert significant growth-inhibiting and death-inductory effects in a spectrum of prostate cancer cells. Over 17 other studies have also reached similar conclusions on ginger’s anticancer benefits, with the spice being shown by peer-reviewed research to positively impact beyond 101 diseases.

The subject of one study based out of Georgia State University, whole ginger extract was revealed to shrink prostate tumor size by a whopping 56% in mice. The anticancer properties were observed in addition to ginger’s role in reducing inflammation as well as being a rich source of life-enhancing antioxidants. But what about cancer drugs? Could this simple spice really topple the advanced pharmaceuticals that are often touted as the ‘only option’ for cancer patients by medical doctors?

It turns out that cancer drugs are not only severely ineffective at permanently shrinking tumors, but they actually make tumors larger and kill the patient more quickly. More specifically, the tumors have been found to ‘metasize’, meaning they come back bigger and more stronger than their original size. What’s more, the ‘metasizing’ was found to be very aggressive. According to scientists Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, the premium priced drugs were little more than death sentences for many patients.

“Whatever manipulations we’re doing to tumors can inadvertently do something to increase the tumor numbers to become more metastatic, which is what kills patients at the end of the day,” said study author Dr. Raghu Kalluri.

InflammationGinger is one of the best pain killers in the world having analgesic properties like the popular ibuprofen, only better. It contains a quartet, gingerols, paradols, shogaols, and zingerone which are active ingredients to reduce pain. Ginger reduces pain-causing prostaglandin levels in the body. A study by researchers found that when people who were suffering from muscular pain were given ginger, they all experienced improvement. The recommended dosage of ginger is between 500 and 1,000 milligrams per day. Drink ginger tea or place shavings in your foods. Either way will get you relief from that recurring pain.

During the past 25 years, many laboratories have provided scientific support for the long-held belief that ginger contains constituents with antiinflammatory properties. The original discovery of ginger’s inhibitory effects on prostaglandin biosynthesis in the early 1970s has been repeatedly confirmed. This discovery identified ginger as an herbal medicinal product that shares pharmacological properties with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but without the side effects.

Ginger suppresses prostaglandin synthesis through inhibition of specific enzymes. An important extension of this early work was the observation that ginger also suppresses inflammatory biosynthesis by inhibiting inflammatory proteins. This pharmacological property distinguishes ginger from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

This discovery preceded the observation that dual inhibitors of these enzymes and inflammatory proteins may have a better therapeutic profile and have fewer side effects than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The characterization of the pharmacological properties of ginger entered a new phase with the discovery that ginger extract inhibits the induction of several genes involved in the inflammatory response.

These include genes encoding cytokines, chemokines, and the inducible enzymes. This discovery provided the first evidence that ginger modulates biochemical pathways activated in chronic inflammation.

Motion SicknessA study in the journal Lancet involved 36 people highly susceptible to motion sickness. The researchers had the subjects take either two capsules of powdered ginger, an antinausea medication or a placebo, and then, 20 minutes later, spin on a motorized chair for up to six minutes. Taking ginger delayed the onset of sickness about twice as long as taking the medication. The study also found that half the subjects who took ginger lasted the full six minutes, compared with none of those given the placebo or the medication.

A study by Danish scientists looked at 80 naval cadets prone to seasickness and found that those given one gram of ginger powder suffered less in a four-hour period then those given medication.

Researchers have demonstrated that ginger beats dimenhydrate, the main ingredient in motion sickness drugs such as Dramamine, for controlling symptoms of seasickness and motion sickness. Ginger stimulates saliva flow and digestive activity, settles the stomach, relieves vomiting, eases pain from gas and diarrhea, and is effective as an anti-nausea remedy.

Why Is Ginger So Important? “Ginger is very popularly used in Ayurveda for its benefits in digestion and respiratory disorders. It is a wonderful carminative, ant flatulent, stimulant and expectorant,” said Ayurvedic consultant Dr. Jaishree Bhattacharjee. She adds, “Ginger has many useful minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc and few others.”

Zingerone, shogaols, gingerols, and volatile oils give ginger its distinct aroma and flavour, as well as its medical properties. The amount of these therapeutic compounds in ginger is determined by geography, time of harvest, and processing methods.

- See more at: http://healthimpactnews.com/2013/ginger-beats-drugs-in-defeating-cancer-motion-sickness-and-inflammation/#sthash.aJaP17jE.dpuf


Amazing Ginger Detox Bath:

Get Rid of radiation, heavy metals and other health harming poisons
April 4, 2015

Ginger is one spice that I recommend keeping on hand in your kitchen at all times. Not only is it a wonderful addition to your cooking (especially paired with garlic) but it also has enough medicinal properties to fill several books.

Fresh ginger root keeps well in your freezer. If you find yourself nauseous or with an upset stomach, mince up a small amount (about the size of your fingernail) and swallow it. You’ll be amazed at the relief it provides. Yet this is only the beginning…

Therapeutic Benefits of Ginger Noted for Thousands of Years The medicinal uses of ginger have been known for at least 2,000 years in cultures all around the world. Although it originated in Asia, ginger is valued in India, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean, among other regions.

The most commonly used medicinal part of the plant is the rhizome, the root-like stem that grows underground. It’s a rich source of antioxidants including gingerols, shogaols, zingerones, and more. Ginger actually has broad-spectrum antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-parasitic properties, to name just several of its more than 40 pharmacological actions.1

Amazing Ginger Sweat Bath This might sound odd but soaking in ginger has some amazing effects on the body from detox to anti-inflammatory properties ginger baths are good on a regular basis or when you have a flu or cold.  But beware you will sweat profusely.

Ginger Detox Bath Ingredients

  • 1 c. Epsom salts
  • 1 c. Baking Soda
  • 3 Tbsp. ground ginger
  • 1 Tbsp.  freshly ground ginger use a muslin tea bag or tea ball (optional)
  • A few drops of Ginger essential oil or other scent preference (optional)
Method:

1. Fill the tub with hot water.

2. Add Epsom Salts, ginger, baking soda and essential oils

3.  Soak for up to 30 minutes

Please remember that the ginger bath will make you sweat profusely for at least an hour afterwards, so wear a bathrobe or sweat clothes.  Make sure you drink plenty of water after the bath.

If you have sensitive skin or are allergy-prone, test ginger on your skin for irritation before the bath.

Ginger Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties That May Rival Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) For instance, ginger (like many natural plant compounds) is anti-inflammatory, which makes it a valuable tool for pain relief. In 2001, research showed that ginger oil helped reduce knee pain in people with osteoarthritis.2

In 2013, a study also found that women athletes taking three grams of ginger or cinnamon daily (that’s less than one teaspoon) had a significant decrease in muscle soreness.3 Ginger has even been found to be as effective as ibuprofen in relieving pain from menstrual cramps in women.4

The pain-relieving potential of ginger appears to be far-reaching. Along with help for muscle and joint pain, ginger has been found to reduce the severity of migraine headaches as well as the migraine medication Sumatriptan – with fewer side effects.5

Another recent study, which was presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference, found that adding ginger compounds to isoproterenol, a type of asthma medication called a beta-agonist, enhanced its bronchodilating effects. Because ginger enhances bronchodilation, it may provide a much safer alternative, or at least complement, to current asthma medications on the market.

Ginger Shows Promise as a Cancer and Diabetes Fighter Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties no doubt make it beneficial for many chronic inflammatory diseases including cancer. Indeed, research published in the British Journal of Nutrition6 has demonstrated the in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity of ginger, suggesting it may be effective in the management of prostate cancer.

Other research shows it has anti-tumor activity that may help defeat difficult-to-treat types of cancer, including lung, ovarian, colon, breast, skin, and pancreatic.7 Furthermore, because ginger helps prevent the toxic effects of many substances (including cancer drugs), it may be useful to take in addition to conventional cancer treatments.8

As for diabetes, ginger appears to be useful both preventively and therapeutically via effects on insulin release and action, and improved carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

According to one comprehensive review, a clinical trial that was performed found that after consuming three grams of dry ginger powder for 30 days, diabetic participants had a significant reduction in blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol.9 It’s thought that ginger has a positive effect on diabetes because it:

  • Inhibits enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism
  • Increases insulin release and sensitivity
  • Improves lipid profiles
Ginger also has also been established to have a protective effect against diabetes complications, including offering protection to the diabetic’s liver, kidneys, central nervous system, and eyes.

The Power of Ginger for Nausea, Motion Sickness, and Digestive Upset No article about ginger would be complete without highlighting its wonderful use for digestive upsets. In my book, it is one of the best natural remedies if you struggle with motion sickness or nausea (from pregnancy or chemotherapy, for example), ginger should be a staple in your diet. Research shows:

  • Taking one gram of ginger daily may help reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnant women, and ginger has been shown to work better than a placebo in relieving morning sickness10
  • Daily ginger supplementation reduces the severity of chemotherapy-induced nausea11
  • Ginger may help reduce vomiting and other symptoms of motion sickness12
Ginger is also a must-have if you struggle with indigestion, and it does more than simply relieve pain. Ginger helps to stimulate the emptying of your stomach without any negative effects,13 and it’s an antispasmodic agent, which may explain its beneficial effects on your intestinal tract. Additionally, ginger inhibits H. pylori, which may help prevent ulcers, while also protecting gastric mucosa.14

Caution: If you take anti-coagulants, consult your doctor before using ginger.

Source Dr Mercola
1 Comment

Pineapple Healthy Powerhouse

5/24/2014

1 Comment

 
Picture
The bromeliad family of plants very rarely produce edible fruit – with the exception of pineapple, that is. The pineapple is the only available edible bromeliad today! One pineapple is actually made up of individual flowerets that grow and weave together to form the beautiful golden fruit we call a pineapple.

The pineapples lush, sweet, exotic flavour make it a family favourite – but did you know that pineapple is also one of the most healthful foods available today?

Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme in pineapples, is often used as a supplement itself to help boost health and clear up various health issues. Of course, eating pineapple in itself will deliver these same effects such as better heart and circulatory health, improvement in asthma and other breathing conditions as well as improved immunity, reduced inflammation and suppressed growth of cancer cells.

Anti-inflammatory Benefits

Bromelain possesses anticoagulant properties, and thus slows down the ability of blood to clot. This, combined with bromelain’s anti-inflammatory properties, make it a great nutritional supplement (in pure form – aka. eating a pineapple) for bruise prevention and to reduce swelling and redness from burns or sports injuries. Consuming pineapple after surgery is another way to reduce the trauma associated with incisions or injections.

There are a variety of inflammatory-related conditions, ranging from arthritis to inflammatory bowel disease and sinusitis as well as inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, acne, rosacea, dermatitis and psoriasis. The list doesn’t end there. In fact, many diseases nowadays are caused by a major influx of inflammation in the cells and tissues, whether that be from consuming the wrong foods or living in less-than-optimal environmental conditions (i.e., chemical hazards, smog, pollution, etc.).

Bromelain has been useful in treating all of the above inflammatory disorders. The major mechanism of action of bromelain is proteolytic in nature, and may also involve immunomodulatory and hormone like activity acting via intracellular signalling pathways. It has also been shown that bromelain significantly reduces CD4+T lymphocytes, which are the primary effectors involved in inflammation in the body.

Research also indicates that the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis can be reduced by supplementing with 200 – 400 mg of bromelain per day (or you could just eat lots of pineapple every day and get the same effects – remember, the natural, real form of these enzymes are far better than their modified, synthetic form).

Immunity & Cancer

Research published in the journal Planta Medica, found that the chemotherapy drug, 5-fluorauracil, was incredibly inferior to bromelain when treating cancer in an animal study. Those treated with bromelain survived 263% times more than those treated with 5-fluorauracil, relative to the untreated control. Bromelain caused no external harm to the animals, other than improving their health. Chemotherapy drugs do more harm than good, and actually kill off your healthy cells, and make more chemo resistant and malignant cell types within the tumour (meaning the cancer becomes resistant to the chemo drugs).

In addition, the anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant effects of bromelain help to boost our immunity. Studies have shown that it may be able to enhance certain immune receptors in the body, and thus enhance the ability of the body to defend against bacteria and viruses at a more efficient rate. Bromelain helps mechanisms that are already in place to work faster, and more efficiently together, and to allow cells to communicate better with one another.

Pineapple is also incredibly rich in vitamin C, which is the body’s primary water-soluble antioxidant. It defends against free radicals that attack and damage normal cells. Vitamin C is essential for proper immune function, and has also been extensively studied by Dr. Ronal Hunninghake (15-year research project called RECNAC), who showed that vitamin C was selectively cytotoxic against cancer cells in cell cultures.

Heart & Circulatory Health and Breathing Conditions

Bromelain, being an anti-coagulant, means that it may allow blood to flow more freely through the circulatory system. Blood that flows more freely is thinner, and is associated with a reduced chance of stroke, heart attack and other circulatory and heart related issues.

Not only does it help with cardiovascular health, but pineapple’s bromelain enzyme also works in such a way that it breaks down mucus and thins its consistency. In conditions like asthma where breathing is often blocked by thick mucus in the lungs, bromelain acts as a mucus thinner, and helps un-clog the bronchial tubes of the lungs, helping patients breathe better.

All parts of the pineapple contain bromelain, however, the core of the pineapple has more concentrated amounts – be sure to stick the core through a juicer to get all the benefits out of your next pineapple feast!

Sources:

Tochi, B., Wang, Z., Xu, S., & Zhang, W. (2008). Therapeutic application of pineapple protease (bromelain): A review. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 7, 513-520.

Gaby, A. (1999). Alternative treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. Altern Med Rev, 4, 392-402.

Maurer, H. (2001) Bromelain: biochemistry, pharmacology, and medical use. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences CMLS, 58, 1234-1245.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/07/11/bromelain-enzyme-aid-cancer-treatment.aspx

Eckert, K., Grabowska, E., Stange, R., Schneider, U., Eschmann, K., & Maurer, R. (1994) Effects of oral bromelain administration on the impaired immunocytotoxicity of mononuclear cells from mammory tumor patients. Oncology Reports, 6, 1191-1199.

Credit to Life Love Fruit



1 Comment

Without the Bee - we would not Be!

4/11/2014

1 Comment

 
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by KAREN FOSTER
There Are Shocking Differences Between Raw Honey And The Processed Golden Honey Found In Grocery Retailers

There are well over 30 commercial producers of honey that have no traces of pollen and lack beneficial vitamins and enzymes among a host of other natural constituents which are removed due to pasteurization and processing. Most golden honey you see at your local grocery is dead and far from the health promoting powerhouse of its raw unpasteurized counterpart. Processed honey is not honey at all and if you desire any kind of health benefits, you must stick to the real stuff.

In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration says that any product that’s been ultra-filtered and no longer contains pollen isn’t honey. However, the FDA isn’t checking honey sold in the U.S. to see if it contains pollen.

Ultra filtering is a high-tech procedure where honey is heated, sometimes watered down and then forced at high pressure through extremely small filters to remove pollen, which is the only foolproof sign identifying the source of the honey. It is a spin-off of a technique refined by the Chinese, who have illegally dumped tons of their honey -- some containing illegal antibiotics -- on the U.S. market for years.

Food Safety News decided to test honey sold in various outlets after its earlier investigation found U.S. groceries flooded with Indian honey banned in Europe as unsafe because of contamination with antibiotics, heavy metal and a total lack of pollen which prevented tracking its origin.

They purchased more than 60 jars, jugs and plastic bears of honey in 10 states and the District of Columbia.

The contents were analyzed for pollen by Vaughn Bryant, a professor at Texas A&M University and one of the nation’s premier melissopalynologists, or investigators of pollen in honey.

Bryant, who is director of the Palynology Research Laboratory, found that among the containers of honey provided by Food Safety News, 76 percent or more had the pollen removed including stores such as Walgreens, Costco, Walmart, Sam's Club, TOP Food, Safeway, Giant Eagle, QFC, Kroger, Metro Market, Harris Teeter, A&P, Stop & Shop and King Soopers.

Why Remove the Pollen?

We can only assume to prevent the majority of the public from obtaining all the benefits found in raw honey. Removal of all pollen from honey “makes no sense” and is completely contrary to marketing the highest quality product possible, Mark Jensen, president of the American Honey Producers Association, told Food Safety News.

“I don’t know of any U.S. producer that would want to do that. Elimination of all pollen can only be achieved by ultra-filtering and this filtration process does nothing but cost money and diminish the quality of the honey,” Jensen said.

“In my judgment, it is pretty safe to assume that any ultra-filtered honey on store shelves is Chinese honey and it’s even safer to assume that it entered the country uninspected and in violation of federal law,” he added.

What’s Wrong With Chinese Honey?

Chinese honey has long had a poor reputation in the U.S., where -- in 2001 -- the Federal Trade Commission imposed stiff import tariffs or taxes to stop the Chinese from flooding the marketplace with dirt-cheap, heavily subsidized honey, which was forcing American beekeepers out of business.

To avoid the dumping tariffs, the Chinese quickly began transshipping honey to several other countries, then laundering it by switching the color of the shipping drums, the documents and labels to indicate a bogus but tariff-free country of origin for the honey.

Most U.S. honey buyers knew about the Chinese actions because of the sudden availability of lower cost honey, and little was said.

The FDA -- either because of lack of interest or resources -- devoted little effort to inspecting imported honey. Nevertheless, the agency had occasionally either been told of, or had stumbled upon, Chinese honey contaminated with chloramphenicol and other illegal animal antibiotics which are dangerous, even fatal, to a very small percentage of the population.

Mostly, the adulteration went undetected.

What's Are Differences Between Raw Unpasteurized Honey and Pasteurized Processed Golden Honey?


The processing of honey often removes many of the phytonutrients found in raw honey as it exists in the hive. Raw honey, for example, contains small amounts of the same resins found in propolis. Propolis, sometimes called "bee glue," is actually a complex mixture of resins and other substances that honeybees use to seal the hive and make it safe from bacteria and other micro-organisms. Honeybees make propolis by combining plant resins with their own secretions. However, substances like road tar have also been found in propolis.

Bee keepers sometimes use special screens around the inside of the hive boxes to trap propolis, since bees will spread this substance around the honeycomb and seal cracks with the anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal resins. The resins found in propolis only represent a small part of the phytonutrients found in propolis and honey, however. Other phytonutrients found both in honey and propolis have been shown to posssess cancer-preventing and anti-tumor properties. These substances include caffeic acid methyl caffeate, phenylethyl caffeate, and phenylethyl dimethylcaffeate. Researchers have discovered that these substances prevent colon cancer in animals by shutting down activity of two enzymes, phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C and lipoxygenase. When raw honey is extensively processed and heated, the benefits of these phytonutrients are largely eliminated.

Speakers at the First International Symposium on Honey and Human Health, presented a number of research papers. The research was applied to raw unpasteurized honey and the findings included:

  • FRIENDLY BACTERIA - Different varietals of honey possess a large amount of friendly bacteria (6 species of lactobacilli and 4 species of bifidobacteria), which may explain many of the "mysterious therapeutic properties of honey."

  • Lactobacilli, which deliver protective and beneficial benefits to bees as well as humans, were not found in the bees' honey stomach during the winter months when the bees under investigation were fed sucrose, indicating that certain bee-feeding practices may have dangerous and unwanted effects on bees.

  • BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL - Honey may promote better blood sugar control. Proper fueling of the liver is central to optimal glucose metabolism during sleep and exercise. Honey is the ideal liver fuel because it contains a nearly 1:1 ratio of fructose to glucose. Fructose "unlocks" the enzyme from the liver cell's nucleus that is necessary for the incorporation of glucose into glycogen (the form in which sugar is stored in the liver and muscle cells). An adequate glycogen store in the liver is essential to supply the brain with fuel when we are sleeping and during prolonged exercise. When glycogen stores are insufficient, the brain triggers the release of stress hormones--adrenalin and cortisol--in order to convert muscle protein into glucose. Repeated metabolic stress from cortisol produced when less than optimal liver glycogen stores are available during sleep, leads over time, to impaired glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, diabetes, and increased risk for cardiovascular disease and obesity.

  • Experimental evidence indicates that consumption of honey may improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity compared to other sweeteners. The body's tolerance to honey is significantly better than to sucrose or glucose alone. Individuals with greater glucose intolerance (e.g., those with mild diabetes and Type 1 diabetes) showed significantly better tolerance to honey than sucrose. In addition, the antioxidants in honey, which have been shown to reduce oxidative stress, frequently by a larger factor than can be explained by their actual amount, may be beneficial for diabetics and help to improve endothelial function (the function of the cells that make up the lining of our blood vessels) and vascular health.

  • WEIGHT MANAGEMENT - In a year-long animal study comparing the effects of sucrose, honey and a low glycemic index (GI) sugar-free diet, rats on the honey-based diet showed: reduced weight gain and percentage of body fat, decreased anxiety, better spatial recognition memory, improved HDL cholesterol (15-20% higher than rats fed sugar or sucrose diets), improved blood sugar levels (HA1c), and reduced oxidative damage.

  • COUGH SUPPRESSANT - Honey has been shown to be a more effective cough suppressant for children ages 2-18 than dextromethorphan (see "One Study Finds Buckwheat Honey To Be a Successful Cough Medicine" earlier in this Health Benefits section)

  • BOOSTS IMMUNITY - Honey boosts immunity. Research conducted in several hospitals in Israel found honey effective in decreasing the incidence of acute febrile neutropenia (when high fever reduces white blood cell count) in 64% of patients. Honey also reduced the need for Colony Stimulating Factor (a compound produced in the cells lining the blood vessels that stimulate bone marrow to produce more white blood cells) in 60% of patients with acute febrile neutropenia; increased neutrophil count (another type of white blood cell), decreased thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), and stabilized hemoglobin levels at >11 gm/dl (a bit low but way better than full blown anemic).

  • 32% of the cancer patients involved in the above immunity research reported improved quality of life.

  • WOUND HEALING - Several mechanisms have been proposed for the wound healing benefits that are observed when raw honey is applied topically. Because honey is composed mainly of glucose and fructose, two sugars that strongly attract water, honey absorbs water in the wound, drying it out so that the growth of bacteria and fungi is inhibited (these microorganisms thrive in a moist environment). Secondly, raw honey contains an enzyme called glucose oxidase that, when combined with water, produces hydrogen peroxide, a mild antiseptic. Previous studies have shown that Manuka honey decreases the surface pH of wounds (so germs can’t survive) and can help keep bacteria out. While all honey does contain anti-bacterial properties, commercial honey is usually pasteurized and processed, which decreases its beneficial properties. Manuka honey is special because it produces a different substance called methylglyoxal, which has unique antibacterial activity.

  • ANTI-BACTERIAL - One antioxidant absent in pasteurized honey is pinocembrin, which is unique to honey and is currently being studied for its antibacterial properties. One laboratory study of unpasteurized honey samples indicated the majority had antibacterial action against Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacteria found readily in our environment that can cause infections, especially in open wounds. Other reports indicate honey is effective at inhibiting Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. Darker honeys, specifically honey from buckwheat flowers, sage and tupelo, contain a greater amount of antioxidants than other honeys, and raw, unprocessed honey contains the widest variety of health-supportive substances.

  • FREE RADICAL PREVENTION - Daily consumption of raw honey raises blood levels of protective antioxidant compounds in humans, according to research presented at the 227th meeting of the American Chemical Society in Anaheim, CA, March 28, 2004. Biochemist Heidrun Gross and colleagues from the University of California, Davis, gave 25 study participants each about four tablespoons buckwheat honey daily for 29 days in addition to their regular diets, and drew blood samples at given intervals following honey consumption. A direct link was found between the subjects' honey consumption and the level of polyphenolic antioxidants in their blood.

  • HELPS HIGH CHOLESTEROL - In a series of experiments involving healthy subjects and those with either high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes, honey has proved itself the healthiest sweetener. In healthy subjects, while sugar and artificial honey had either negative or very small beneficial effects, natural honey reduced total cholesterol 7%, triglycerides 2%, C-reactive protein 7%, homocysteine 6% and blood sugar 6%, and increased HDL (good) cholesterol 2%. (Like C-reactive protein, homocysteine is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.)

    In patients with high cholesterol, artificial honey increased LDL (bad) cholesterol, while natural honey decreased total cholesterol 8%, LDL cholesterol 11%, and C-reactive protein 75%.

    And in patients with type 2 diabetes, natural honey caused a significantly lower rise in blood sugar than either dextrose or sucrose (refined sugars). So, enjoy a little honey in your morning coffee, lunchtime yogurt or afternoon cup of green tea. Looks like a daily spoonful of honey may help your need for medicine go down.

How Can You Tell The Difference Between Pure Honey and Artificial Honey?

Inverted sugar solutions and glucose syrups or corn are often used for making fake honey, mixing with it, or replacing it entirely.

Another method for falsification of honey is feeding bees with sugar products.

The "innocent" method of honey falsification is the addition of water (honey containing more than 25% water, is considered to be falsified)

Worldwide, adulterated honey is deemed, counterfeiting ranks second among the food industry - the extra virgin olive oil.

Artificial honey is a food with many shortcomings, representing a solution of invert sugar syrup, which comes from refined sugar, which often add other ingredients, generally summarized as: glucose syrup, dyes, flavors and enhancer flavors. Such a synthetic preparation can be achieved in domestic conditions, but you need to know it is not healthy. Artificial honey contains a physical mixture of glucose and fructose focused elements that have separated from the previous combination, that of sucrose (sugar). It is known that both are in high concentrations, even more dangerous than the original form, crystalline carbohydrates entering the category of very rapid absorption substances.

Artificial inverted sugar, also called artificial honey, is a syrup, soluble in water, with sweet taste, resulted from the hydrolysis of sucrose. It is widely used in food industry as sweetener, attracting criticism from many nutritionists and doctors.

4 WAYS TO SPOT ARTIFICIAL HONEY

1. The Thumb Test
Put a drop of the honey on your thumb. If it spreads around right away or spills, it's not pure. If it stays intact, it's pure.

2. The Water Test
Fill a glass of water and add one tablespoon of "honey" into the water. Pure honey will lump and settle at bottom of glass. Adulterated and artificial honey will start dissolving in water.

3. The Shelf Life Test
Pure honey will crystallize over time. Imitation honey will remain looking like syrup, no matter how long it is stored.

4. Light a Fire
Dip the tip of a matchstick in "honey", and then strike it to light. Natural honey will light the match easily and the flame will burn off the honey. Fake honey will not light because of the moisture it contains.

Sources:
wired.co.uk
pnas.org
foodsafetynews.com
whfoods.com

Karen Foster is a holistic nutritionist, avid blogger, with five kids and an active lifestyle that keeps her in pursuit of the healthiest path towards a life of balance.


1 Comment

Coconut Oil Healer - 150  uses

2/19/2014

2 Comments

 
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It is hard to believe that coconut oil can pretty much do anything you want it to do. The health benefits are endless, it can be put to use for practical home projects and can heal a myriad of health issues. It is completely natural, 100% affordable and can be found in your nearest grocery store. I like to keep a large container of cold-pressed virgin coconut oil in my cabinet so that I can use it whenever I please. I am never without this stuff!

Aside from the long list of uses of coconut oil, which I will provide you with shortly, let’s go over how anti-everything this miracle plant-based oil really is!

Anti-bacterial - monolaurin in coconut oil has long been known for its bug-fighting properties. It can protect against several kinds of bacteria and fungi while leaving the good bacteria alone.

Anti-carcinogenic - prevents the spread of cancer cells and enhances the immune system

Anti-fungal - used in the treatment of fungal infections, such as candida and other fungi species

Anti-inflammatory - suppresses the effects of inflammation and helps repair tissue. Can inhibit harmful intestinal microorganisms that cause chronic inflammation. 

Anti-microbial - medium-chain fatty acids and monoglycerides in coconut oil are similar to those found in mother’s milk, giving this fruit its miraculous anti-microbial properties. Lauric acid found in coconut and its metabolite monolaurin also protect against infections from bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi and parasites. 

Anti-parasitic – the fatty acids in coconut are anti-parasitic, helping to fight tapeworms, lice and other parasites

Anti-protozoa - lauric acid in coconut is a powerful virus and gram-negative bacteria destroyer, and can kill off protozoal infections like giardia (a common protozoal infection of the gut)

Anti-viral - can destroy lipid-coated viruses like HIV, herpes, cytomegalovirus, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, influenza and other viruses

Anti-retroviral - can reduce viral load of HIV-AIDS patients

Antioxidant - helps protect against free-radical damage and formation

Non-toxic to both humans and animals

Improves nutrient absorption (makes nutrients more readily available when combined with other foods)

What kind of coconut oil should you use?

1. Make sure it is food grade coconut oil

2. Virgin (unrefined) coconut oil is best, especially if you are considering consuming it or applying it topically. Unrefined oil retains the most nutritional value during processing and is far superior to refined oil. Coconut oil that has been refined (expeller pressed) lost some of it’s health properties during the refining process and so should be used for projects around the house instead.

150 Uses for Coconut Oil:

Personal hygiene/body:

1. Age Spots: applying topically to age spots will help them fade

2. After Shave: great for razor burn, or putting on immediately after shaving to help heal skin and nourish the hair follicle

3. Body Scrub: mix coconut oil and himalayan sea salt and rub all over the body. You can also use sugar in place of salt. Rinse off and your skin will feel amazing!

4. Bruises: helps quicken healing time when applied directly to bruise area – reduces swelling and redness

5. Bug Bites: stops the itching and burning sensations associated with bug bites, and helps promote healing

6. Burns: apply to burn site, and continue applying until healed. This will hasten healing process and reduce chances of permanent scarring

7. Chapstick: coconut oil is a natural moisturizer and acts as a wonderful chapstick. It also has a natural SPF which protects our lips from the sun!

8. Dandruff: coconut oil helps to reduce itchiness and flaking of the scalp due to it’s incredible moisturizing properties. It helps to control oil secretion from the scalp too (another leading cause of dandruff)

9. Deodorant: coconut oil is great to use as a base for deodorant because it kills fungi, yeast and bacteria!

10. Diaper Salve: coconut oil is a great diaper cream. It is anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial, and can heal and clear up a rash very quickly!

11. Eye Cream: coconut oil is great for hydrating gentle skin around the eyes. Dab some coconut oil around your eyes before bed and wake up with great looking eyes!

12. Hair Conditioner/Deep Treatment: coconut oil is one of the best natural hair conditioners. It is rich in fatty acids and nourishes the scalp and hair follicles. Put 2 tsp. coconut oil into a cup and let this cup sit in a bath of hot water to help melt the coconut oil. Once melted, massage the coconut oil into your hair and leave it in your hair for one hour or overnight (best when massaged in damp hair – using a shower cap here is useful too). Rinse out your hair the next day with some apple cider vinegar and reveal glossy, conditioned hair!

13. Hair Gel/Defrizzer: coconut oil is a great alternative to conventional chemical-laden hair gels, and can be left in your hair all day!

14. Lubricant: this goes without saying – coconut oil is a wonderful lubricant. Use it in bed, but don’t use it with a condom as it may break down the plastics.

15. Makeup Remover: coconut oil will gently remove your makeup – place some on a cotton pad and rub away your makeup, and rinse after.

16. Massage Oil: coconut makes a great massage oil. Your skin will be glowing after!

17. Moisturizer: the best moisturizer for the skin is coconut! It is highly beneficial to the skin and doesn’t contain ingredients that you can’t pronounce, and shouldn’t be putting on your skin

18. Nipple Cream: coconut oil is the ideal nipple cream for nursing mothers who experience cracked, sore or bleeding nipples. It has wonderful healing properties and helps moisturize and soothe

19. Oily Skin Fix: use a pea sized amount of coconut oil in your T-zone (or other areas) and it will help fix any oily skin problems

20. Pre-Shave: coconut oil helps to prep the skin for any pending damage caused by shaving

21. Skin Issues: skin issues like psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema or acne can be relieved by using coconut oil

22. Stretch Marks: due to it’s healing properties, coconut oil is great for nourishing damaged skin.

23. Sun Burn Relief: suffer from sun burn? Rub a bunch of coconut oil onto the affected area and watch it heal up in no time!

24. Sunscreen: coconut oil has a natural SPF and can be used in place of chemical-laden conventional sunscreens

25. Swimmers Ear: mixing coconut oil with some garlic oil and dropping this in your affected ear for 10 minutes can help clear up any infection. Doing this 2-3 times a day will help heal swimmers ear within 1-2 days

26. Tattoo Healing: using coconut oil on tattoos will help the pigment from fading. When used on new tattoos, coconut oil will hasten healing time and reduce any chance of infection

27. Toothpaste: mix coconut oil and baking soda for an all-natural, easy-to-use toothpaste!

28. Wrinkle Prevention & Reducer: coconut oil helps tighten and strengthen the skin and connective tissues, helping to bring back that youthful look!

Health and wellness: (taken internally)

29. Breastfeeding: consuming 3-4 tbsp. of coconut oil daily (add to smoothies or tea) will enrich milk supply.

30. Bones and Teeth: coconut oil helps aid in the absorption of calcium and magnesium, which supports healthy bones and teeth.

31. Digestion: the medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil help control parasites and fungi which cause indigestion and other digestion issues like irritable bowel syndrome. Coconut oil also aids in the absorption of vitamins and minerals and amino acids.

32. Energy Booster: coconut oil helps boost energy and endurance. It is good if you are an athlete or perform any kind of workout.

33. Fitness: coconut oil stimulates your metabolism and improves thyroid function. These both help shed unwanted fat and increase muscle mass.

34. Insulin: coconut oil improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose, making it great for diabetics and non-diabetics alike.

35. Lung Function: increases fluidity of cell surfaces.

36. Nausea: rubbing a small amount of coconut oil on your wrists is said to help ease symptoms of an upset stomach!

37. Nose Bleeds: rubbing coconut oil inside of your nostrils, especially when the weather is dry, can help strengthen and protect the fine capillaries in the nasal passages.

38. Oil Pulling: oil-pulling with coconut is a great way to help heal your teeth and gums. Coconut is anti-bacterial and can help get rid of gingivitis and other teeth-related issues.

39. Stress Relief: applying coconut oil to the head, and massaging in circular motions can help relieve mental fatigue.

40. Vitamin & Nutrient Absorption: coconut oil helps improve absorption of vitamins and minerals in the gut, and thus helps get rid of deficiencies you may suffer from

41. Weight Loss: coconut oil helps increase metabolic rate, and the healthy plant-based saturated fats contribute to weight loss and control cravings.

Health problems: (taken INTERNALLY, coconut oil can help cure these issues) **click on each name to get more information

42. Acid Reflux/Indigestion 

43. Adrenal Fatigue 

44. Allergies 

45. Alzheimer’s/Dementia 

46. Asthma

47. Autism

48. Bowel Function

49. Bronchial Infections

50. Cancer 

51. Candida 

52. Cholesterol 

53. Chronic Fatigue 

54. Chron’s Disease 

55. Circulation

56. Colds and Flus 

57. Constipation 

58. Cystic Fibrosis 

59. Depression 

60. Diabetes 

61. Dysentery 

62. Eczema

63. Edema

64. Energy 

65. Epilepsy

66. Fever

67. Flaky, Dry Skin

68. Gallbladder

69. Gas

70. H. pylori 

71. Head Lice

72. Heart Disease

73. Hemorrhoids

74. HIV

75. Hot Flashes

76. Hyperthyroidism

77. Immune System Builder

78. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

79. Jaundice

80. Kidney Disease

81. Kidney Stones

82. Liver Disease

83. Lung Disease

84. Malnutrition

85. Mental Clarity

86. Menstruation Relief

87. Migraines

88. Mononucleosis

89. Osteoporosis

90. Pancreatitis

91. Parasites

92. Periodontal Disease & Tooth Decay

93. Prostate Enlargement

94. Rickets

95. Skin Problems

96. Scurvy

97. Stomach Ulcers

98. Toenail Fungus

99. Thrush

100. Thyroid Function 

101. Ulcerative Colitis

102. Under-active Thyroid Gland

103. Urinary Tract Infections

Health problems: (Applied EXTERNALLY, coconut oil can help aid, relieve, or even cure these health issues)


104. Acne

105. Allergies/Hay Fever

106. Athletes Foot

107. Back Pain/Sore Muscles

108. Boils & Cysts

109. Canker Sores

110. Cellulite

111. Circumcision Healing

112. Decongestant

113. Ear Infection

114. Genital Warts

115. Gum Disease & Gingivitis

116. Herpes

117. Hives

118. Pink Eye

119. Ringworm

120. Toothache

121. Warts

Pets and Animals: (recommended dosage for animals is 1/4 tsp. for every 10 lbs body weight twice daily)

122. Heals Digestive Disorders like IBS and colitis

123. Aids in Arthritis or Ligament Issues

124. Helps Eliminate Hairballs & Coughing

125. Promotes Healing of Cuts, Wounds, Bites & Stings

126. Clears up Skin Conditions (eczema, flea allergies, dermatitis, itchy skin)

127. Disinfects Cuts & Promotes Wound Healing

128. General Wellness - adding 1 tsp. to their water bowl daily can help get them all the benefits coconut oil has to offer

129. Prevents/Controls Diabetes

130. Energy Boost for Sedentary Animals - helps lethargic dogs and cats feel more energetic

131. Helps Reduce Weight, Increase Energy

132. Improves Digestion & Nutrient Absorption

133. Fur Improvement – makes coats become sleek and glossy

134. Deodorizer - helps deodorize doggy odor

135. Brain Enhancer - medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) improve brain energy metabolism and decrease amyloid protein buildup which results in brain lesions in older dogs

136. Prevents & Treats Yeast and Fungal Infections (like Candida)

137. Reduces Allergic Reactions and Improves Skin Health

138. Eliminates or Reduces Bad Breath in Dogs

139. Balances & Regulates Insulin and Promotes Normal Thyroid Function

Other uses

140. Removal of Chewing Gum From Anywhere: rub coconut oil over the stuck chewing gum and leave in for 30 minutes. Then, roll the gum between your fingertips and out it comes!

141. Metal Polish: rub a little bit of coconut oil into a cotton towel and gently wipe down the metal. When using this on bronze, it helps to deepen the colour of your bronze.

142. Furniture Polish: using a mix of coconut oil and lemon juice to polish wood furniture makes it look as good as new! Test a small area first to make sure you like the look.

143. Clean, Condition & Sanitize Wooden Cutting Board: coconut oil is a great anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, making it great for sanitizing your cutting board. Use whenever the wood starts to look dry, or when it starts to smell a little off.

144. Season Cast Iron Pots & Pans: use coconut oil instead of lard or corn oil to season cast iron pots and pans and increase health benefits during each use.

145. Lubricator: for guitar strings and squeaky hinges and sticky mechanisms instead of WD-40.

146. Clean Soap Scum From Shower: use a small dollop of coconut oil on a damp cloth and rub away soap scum. Spray with apple cider vinegar (or any other vinegar) afterward and wipe dry with a cloth.

147. Clean Hands & Paint Brushes: after using oil-based paints, instead of using mineral spirits.

148. Clean & Condition Inside of Car: Add a small amount of coconut oil to a lint-free cloth. Rub in and wipe off any excess oil.

149. Soap Making: coconut oil is a wonderful base to use as the fat component in soap.

150. Goo Gone: mix equal parts coconut oil and baking soda into a paste and apply to the “sticky” area and let sit for a couple minutes. Scrub off with an old toothbrush, or other scrubber and watch the goo be GONE!

Sources:

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/facts/benefits-of-coconut-oil.htm

http://www.hybridrastamama.com/2012/08/333-Uses-For-Coconut-Oil.html

http://coconutoil.com

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/11/18/coconut-oil-uses.aspx

At Patcharapat Spa we use the best Thai Virgin Coconut Oil for Massage.



2 Comments

Thai Traditional Medicine - relief, reverse, renew.

1/13/2014

75 Comments

 
PictureKhun Siwalai
Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM)
 is a system of methods and practices, such as herbal medicine, bodywork practices, and spiritual healing that is indigenous to the region currently known as Thailand. While not all Buddhist medicine is Thai, Thai medicine is considered Buddhist medicine.


Contents
  • 1 History
  • 2 Divisions
  • 3 Branches
  • 4 Licensing
  • 5 References



History Traditional Thai medicine stems[1][2] from pre-history indigenous regional practices with a strong animistic foundation, animistic traditions of the Mon and Khmer peoples who occupied the region prior to the migration of the T'ai peoples, T'ai medicine and animistic knowledge, Indian medical knowledge (arriving pre ayurveda) coming through the Khmer peoples, Buddhist medical knowledge via the Mon peoples, and Chinese medical knowledge (arriving pre TCM) with the migration of the T'ais who came largely from Southern China.

In the early 1900s, Traditional medicine was 'outlawed as quackery'[3] in favor of western medicine, however by the mid 1900s traditional medicine was once again being supported by the Thai government. The Seventh National Economic and Social Plan for 1992 & 1996 stated that "[t]he promotion of people's health entails the efforts to develop traditional wisdom in health care, including Thai traditional medicine, herbal medicine, and traditional massage, so as to integrate it into the modern health service system." Further, in 1993 the government of Thailand instituted the National Institute of Thai Traditional Medicine, under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Health. The goal of the institute, expressed in its own literature, is to "systematize and standardize the body of TTM knowledge", to "gather knowledge, revise, verify, classify, and explain TTM knowledge", and to "compare and explain the philosophies and basic theories of TTM and to produce textbooks on TTM".[4]

Divisions Regional differences between healing arts practitioners across Thailand and the recent codification of traditional Thai medicine by the Thai Ministry of Public Health have led to the existence of several variations of how Thai medicine is practiced. These can be understood as follows:

  • Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM) - while this umbrella title is used to describe all traditional medicine practices in Thailand, it can also be used to describe the system of medicine as systematized and taught by the Ministry of Public Health.
  • Traditional Medicine of Thailand (TM of T) - TTM is based on this system, which is based on ancient texts, and varies a bit between practitioners throughout the Kingdom.
  • Local/Indigenous/village Medicine - Local practices based largely on oral tradition and local texts handed down from teacher to student.
    • Lanna Medicine - A regional form of local/indigenous/village medicine requiring its own category due to the unique nature of being possibly the most preserved form of roots Thai medicine.
Branches Traditional Thai medicine (used as umbrella term for all medicine of Thailand) consists of five primary branches:

  • Internal Medicine - Primarily the use of herbs and diet to promote health
  • External Medicine - All therapies applied to the external body including but not limited to:
    • Bone setting (indigenous chiropractics)
    • Thai cupping
    • Thai scraping (a practice similar to Chinese Gua Sha)
    • Thai massage techniques including compression, Thai acupressure, beating, passive stretching and focus on sen channels (pathways of movement in the body such as tendons, ligaments, nerves and circulatory vessels)
    • External application of herbs through balms, liniments, compresses and poultices
  • Spirit Medicine - Use of amulets, incantations, sak yan tattooing and shamanistic involvement with spirits for the purpose of healing
  • Divination - Use of vedic astrology, numerology, palmistry and geomancy to determine health predisposition and remedial measures
  • Buddhism - seen as the mental health branch of Thai medicine.



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Thai Herbal Compress Massage
is a multi-therapy massage treatment, combining traditional Thai massage, aromatherapy, and herbal healing. This massage therapy dates back several thousand years, and incorporates knowledge gathered and passed on for generations concerning the medicinal effects of plants, whether through ingestion or application to the body.[1]

In Thailand, the herbal compress is called luk pra kob ("herbal pressing sphere").[1] An herbal compress is made by combining a number of healing herbs, bundled together in a muslin ball with a short handle, according to ancient recipes.

Originally, this herbal therapy was applied to relieve pain and inflammation, especially for soldiers after battles and for postpartum women suffering the aftereffects of childbirth. Nowadays, the application and massage of these compresses to the body are used more generally to relieve all manner of aches and pains, be it from injuries, disease, physical labor, exertion, or simply the stresses and strains of modern living.[1]

The compresses contain a blend of aromatic and therapeutic traditional Thai herbs – up to 15-20 herbs – wrapped in cotton muslin and then steamed to release the potent qualities of the herbs, which impart both a relaxing and an invigorating effect on the mind and body after application.

A traditional way is to warm up the herbal compresses in a bamboo steamer; any heat-producing device or steamer, thus activating the medicinal properties of the particular combination of herbs inside. The warm compresses are then applied to the body in gentle pressing, circular and rolling movements, according to the experience and intuition of the massage therapist, and based on the sensitivities of the particular client. Most therapists rotate between at least two compresses, with one always being heated and then exchanged as the one in use cools down, concentrating on the afflicted parts of the body.[1]

Most compresses contain the well-known and long-used herbs (see Menu Page) It is now increasingly well-known and accepted that these herbs contain many important properties, including being anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, and antioxidant.

Benefits The benefits of Thai Herbal Compress Massage are numerous and diverse (see website).  The aroma therapeutic and thermal qualities of Thai Herbal Compress Massage are particularly effective in treating upper respiratory ailments, including asthma, bronchitis, and influenza. Relief is also offered to those suffering from headaches and sinus congestion.

Aside from the benefits to muscle and respiratory complaints, herbal compress massage also assists alignment and the postural integrity of the body, stimulates the internal organs, and is known to improve the circulation of blood and lymph. [5]

Mental benefits include the relief of stress, anxiety, and fatigue, as well as engendering a sense of deep relaxation while at the same time leaving one feeling refreshed and invigorated. This is a holistic treatment that aids with overall health, including generating feelings of well-being, relaxation, and positive energy. [6][7]

Medical tourists and massage professionals are traveling to Thailand to study the method -  then, they are transferring these skills back to the West, where the method is appreciated as a safe, holistic, and beneficial treatment. [1]

Credit to Wikipedia for information
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