Acute and chronic pain effects over 100 million people in the United States each year. While pain is best known and characterized as subjective, meaning only the person who is experiencing it can explain what it feels like, pain is often called the Universal equalizer. Pain affects people differently. What may be perceived as only a minor nuisance to one person, may be completely debilitating to someone else. Pain is a warning that something isn't quite right. Pain is not a disease in itself but the result of an underlying condition or due to injury.. Pain is not just a physical sensation or psychological event, but a combination of these and other components. Pain can be caused by a variety of situations such as accidents, musculoskeletal disorders, improper lifting, bending, sports activities, misalignment of the vertebrae of the spine and disease. It can also appear out of nowhere with no obvious cause.. A viral illness may possibly be a cause, or emotional trauma, such as fear or resentment. n the vast majority of cases, pain is caused by stasis of blood and or our body's energy resulting in muscle spasm, trauma and immobility. From a healthy heart to a good sex life, the proper flow and circulation of blood in our arteries is one of the most important things we can do to maintain good health, a pain free life and push back the aging process. There is a common denominator between good arterial health and pain disorders such as heart attack, obesity, diabetes and high glucose levels, as well as sexual health. That common denominator is blood. Pain is a vicious cycle: spasm and inflammation lead to more spasm and inflammation. Although the cycle can develop due to injury, the ultimate cause is often in the brain, which can interfere with muscle physiology through the spinal cord. Chronic (long term) and acute back (and neck) pain are common expressions of stress and emotional stress. This demonstrates the true complexity of the mind/body interaction. Many times it is the brain's distortion of muscle function that sets us up for pain by preventing muscles from responding freely to physical stresses. Acute pain can result from disease, inflammation, or injury to tissues. This type of pain generally comes on suddenly, for example, after trauma or surgery, and may be accompanied by anxiety or emotional distress. The cause of acute pain can usually be diagnosed and treated, and the pain is self-limiting, that is, it is confined to a given period of time and severity. In some rare instances, it can become chronic. Chronic pain is widely believed to represent disease itself. It can be made much worse by environmental and psychological factors. Chronic pain persists over a longer period of time than acute pain and is resistant to most medical treatments. It can often cause severe problems for patients. In assessing pain, a useful approach is to assess pain intensity (sensory), pain relief (cognitive), pain location, pain distress (affective), behavioral patterns or other similar sensory aspects of pain. Without a doubt, added stress and strains can take its toll on your spinal and nervous system. Maintaining a physically fit body, awareness of body positions, a clean and detoxified internal system, keeping fears, stress and insecurities in check and careful execution physically, through each day are all great ways to avoid daily aches and pains. Common Pain Syndromes 1. Inflammation: can be caused by injury, joint diseases, tumors, infection, abscesses, misalignment. The cause is usually clearly defined and is medically classified as Calor, dolor, rubor, and tumor: Heat, pain, redness, and swelling. The four classical signs of inflammation. 2. Physical Injury: are defined as cuts, broken bones, sprains and strains and can manifest as intense burning pain or deep aching pain. 3. Widened Inflamed Blood Vessels: considered migraines, headaches or temporal arteritis. This is defined as pulsing, throbbing intense pain and localized to the area of inflamed blood vessels. 4. Insufficient Blood Flow: considered angina, leg pain, pain from exercise or in some cultures the definition of pain itself; blood stagnation. 5. Nerve Pain: expressed as shingles, diabetic neuropathy and sciatica. This sensation is that of tingling or burning pain and may radiate along nerve pathways. 6. Toxemia: which is caused by the ingestion and accumulation of substances which are foreign to the body and toxic in nature, such as chemicals, drugs, etc. These produce irritation, inflammation and pathology in bodily organs and systems. Toxemia, which is also due to the accumulation of toxic wastes resulting from the food and beverages we eat and drink; unnatural food or natural food in excess beyond what the body can use at the moment. 7. Deficiencies: The insufficiency of necessary food substances, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, enzymes etc., lead to breakdown of cells, tissues and organs which is given names of diseases, according to its location. 8. Enervation: is the reduction or loss of energy due to the lack of rest or sleep, or the excessive use of emotion, negative thoughts, worry, stress, or the overdoing of physical actions, overeating etc. Enervation leads to a reduction of the body's ability to digest, absorb, assimilate and excrete body wastes - thus leading to a retention of wastes in the cells and tissues and thereby causing disease. Source of Relief from Pain 1. Cold Applications: This application often feels best on acute injuries, where the pain is often hot to the touch or has a feeling of heat radiating from it. Ice numbs the area, reducing pain. It also constricts blood vessels, limiting blood supply to the injured site. This action decreases swelling. Ice can also decrease muscle spasms. If an area is painful to move or swells after exercise, use ice. Apply ice or a frozen object, such as a bag of corn from the freezer, to the injury. Be sure the area is protected from the cold application and not applied directly to the skin. The cold will reduce swelling and pain at the injured site. This step should be done as soon as possible. Apply the frozen object to the area for 20 minutes, every two to three hours for the first 48 hours. 2. Hot Applications: This application is often most affective for chronic injuries or pain that is cold to the touch or has cold radiating from it. It is very useful with injuries agitate by cold or damp weather. Heat increases local blood supply, bringing healing cells to the area and potentially relaxing tight muscles. Use moist, hot towels or microwavable heat packs for no more than 10 to 15 minutes several times a day. Never sleep on a heating pad. 3. Anti-inflammatories : from aspirin to herbal compresses, anti-inflammatory applications can reduce the recovery time by half if done within the first 24-48 hours of an injury or painful attack. 4. Lancing or Draining Abscesses: reducing swelling from painful sprains and strains and toxic swellings from insect bites are all very important reasons for lancing and draining an injured area. In Chinese Medicine, cupping is done after the lancing to draw out the blood from the area. This is a very affective method used to decrease the amount of time it takes for the area to heal. 5. Rest: This can be the best medicine for any condition from a cold to a broken bone. Rest rejuvenates, repairs and reassembles. For acute injury, rest and protect the injured area. If it hurts to bear weight on the injury, use crutches, if it hurts to move the area immobilize it with a splint. 6. Compression and elevation: tend to go hand in hand. Compress the injured site by applying an Ace bandage. This will decreases swelling of the injured region. Although the wrap should be snug, make sure it is not too tight as this can cause numbness, tingling, or increased pain. 7. Elevation of the injured area: above the level of the heart as much as possible. This technique will also assist in reducing the amount of swelling to the injured site. 8. Exercise conditioning and stretching: certain pains can improve from stretching such as painful stiff muscles and joints by increasing blood flow to these areas. Weight baring exercises are beneficial for improving strength and bone density. Restoring movement and normal function to an injured area is critical. Learn to stretch to improve your flexibility. 9. Dietary Changes: So many aches and pains can be eliminated by the proper foods we choose to eat. Weight gain affects our joints, heart, circulation and blood pressure among other conditions. Change your diet and change your life. 10. Root Cause Treatment: Pain is the result of injury or disease. With acute pain, the cause is often obvious. A fall resulting in a painful scrape or twisted ankle. In chronic pain, often the pain has been with you for so long, it is hard to pinpoint the real cause or root cause of the disorder. Most alternative health therapies see the occurence of disease as the results from an imbalance. The treating of the root of primary cause of disease is what makes a root cause treatment very affective in the long term. It does not just treat the symptoms of that disease. Andrew Pacholyk, MS L.Ac(Author) http://peacefulmind .com/pain. htm Therapies for healing mind, body, spirit |
Showing posts with label chronic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chronic. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Pain Syndromes and Pain Management
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Finding A Natural Cure For Asthma-acupuncture,videos
Asthma – a disease of the respiratory system whereby a patient's airway becomes inflamed and constricted limiting breathing – can be enormously frightening. The lack of control that comes from having your own breath leave you is something only an asthma sufferer can understand.
The treatments sought for asthma include a number of highly successful and reliable medical interventions. Asthma patients often rely on respiratory inhalers and prescription medications to easy asthma symptoms and prevent attacks. Further, for those asthma patients whose condition is exacerbated by environmental stimuli, avoidance of allergens becomes a main focus of daily life.
Today – as the emphasis on healthy living becomes more prominent – more and more people are looking for a natural cure for asthma. And they're finding them; ways to alleviate symptoms and prevent attacks. The natural cure for asthma derives from a holistic approach to treating the whole body, thus correcting specific symptoms.
One approach to a natural cure for asthma that has been embraced is chiropractic work. Patients report a greater overall feeling of well-being after visiting with a chiropractor. Chiropractic manipulation works to align the spinal column thus removing pressure from the nervous system. Because our central nervous system is all connected along the spine, we can be enormously benefited by having adjustments.
Another approach to a natural cure for asthma is acupuncture whereby sterilized needles are placed – painlessly – in strategic areas of the body to correct internal imbalances.
Additionally, many in search of a natural cure for asthma have found that certain types of exercise – most specifically yoga – have relieved their asthma symptoms. Again, overall health in the body addresses many symptoms.
Others have found non-traditional techniques such as hypnosis and laser treatments to clear airways very successful in their search for a natural cure for asthma.
To research a natural cure for asthma, go online; there are many resources available for those who suffer from asthma including a multitude of chat forums wherein other people share their experiences and what has worked to ease their asthma symptoms. Having support from people who understand can be more than half the battle.
No matter what you choose in your journey to alleviate your asthma, always check with a medical professional prior to experimentation. It may be that you can use any of the methods mentioned above in conjunction with traditional medical treatment. Either way, staying proactive and positive will one day find you enjoying a much healthier life.
Related links :
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Friday, March 6, 2009
How Inflammatory Disease Causes Fatigue
ScienceDaily (Feb. 28, 2009) - New animal research in the February 18 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience may indicate how certain diseases make people feel so tired and listless. Although the brain is usually isolated from the immune system, the study suggests that certain behavioral changes suffered by those with chronic inflammatory diseases are caused by the infiltration of immune cells into the brain. The findings suggest possible new treatment avenues to improve patients' quality of life.
Chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and liver disease cause "sickness behaviors," including fatigue, malaise, and loss of social interest. However, it has been unclear how inflammation in other organs in the body can impact the brain and behavior.
The researchers found that in mice with inflamed livers, white blood cells called monocytes infiltrated the brain. These findings support previous research demonstrating the presence of immune cells in the brain following organ inflammation, challenging the long-held belief that the blood-brain barrier prevents immune cells from accessing the brain.
"Using an experimental model of liver inflammation, our group has demonstrated for the first time the existence of a novel communication pathway between the inflamed liver and the brain," said the study's senior author Mark Swain, MD, Professor of Medicine at the University of Calgary. Swain and his colleagues found that liver inflammation triggered brain cells called microglia to produce CCL2, a chemical that attracts monocytes. When the researchers blocked CCL2 signaling, monocytes did not enter the brain despite ongoing inflammation in the liver.
Liver inflammation also stimulated cells in the blood to make an immune chemical (TNFá). When the researchers blocked the signaling of this immune chemical, microglia produced less CCL2, and monocytes stayed out of the brain. In the mice with inflamed livers, preventing the entry of monocytes into the brain reduced sickness behaviors; mice showed more mobility and social interaction. These findings suggest that people with chronic inflammatory diseases may benefit from treatments that limit monocyte access to the brain.
"Sickness behavior significantly impacts quality of life. Our findings further our understanding and may generate potential new avenues for treatment of these often crippling symptoms," said Swain. "The brain is the master coordinator of many of our bodies' defense responses, so it must be able to sense injury and inflammation in distant body organs. This study starts to explain the peripheral communication signals that activate the brain," said Nancy Rothwell, PhD, DSc, at the University of Manchester, an expert on brain inflammation who is unaffiliated with the study.
The research was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian Liver Foundation, and the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research.
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Adapted from materials provided by Society for Neuroscience, via EurekAlert!, a
service of AAAS.
Siddha Medicine-The Only Medical System In The World That Bestows Immortality
Siddha System of Medicine also known as Siddha Vaidya in India, is the oldest among the Indian Medical Systems namely Ayurveda, Siddha & Unani & its also the oldest medical system in the world.
The Siddha medicine is a form of south Indian TAMIL traditional medicine and part of the trio Indian medicines - Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani. This system of medicine was popular in ancient India,Due to the antiquity of this medical system. The Siddha system of medicine is believed to be the oldest medical system in the universe. The system is believed to be developed by the Siddhars, the ancient supernatural spiritual saints of India and the Siddha system is believed to be handed over to the Siddhar by the Hindu God - Lord Shiva (click to visit) and Goddess Parvathi. So are the Siddhars, the followers of Lord Shiva(saivam).Siddhar's Total Nos are eighteen in them Agathiyar Is the First Siddhar.
Since number of people, preferring natural health remedies and herbal health remedies are increasing day by day and Indian medical systems like Ayurveda is gaining popularity all over the world now a days, I think its the best time to give you some information about Siddha Medicine Which Is Far More Advanced than Ayurveda For Usage of Herbs, Metals, Minerals As Well As Animals and Siddha System of Medicine is the Oldest Medical System in existence.
Siddha System of Medicine is an integrated part of Indian System, which is very potent and unique system when compared with other traditional systems in existence. Siddha Medicine is contributing much to the health care of human beings and Siddha Vaidya could be considered as the crown of all the traditional arts of the ancient world owing to its richness and simplicity.
Siddha System propounded by the Siddhars is a vast and unique system which defines health as a Perfect State Of Physical, Psychological, Social And Spiritual Well Being of an individual. The system not only deals with medicine, but with spirituality, righteous way of living, rejuvenation and its main aim Kaivalya or Attainment of Perfection. Siddhars knew that the only way of stopping the cycle of rebirths was by making the body as strong as a stone, unaffected by diseases, old age or even death. Thus the Kayakalpa System was formed.
No doubt, the Siddha System of Medicine is one among the foremost of all other medical systems of the world. The other systems are concerned with treatment and preventive aspects only. But Siddha Medicine is the only system which bestows immortality.
History
According to the scriptures, there were 18 principal Siddhars. Of these 18, Agasthiyar is believed to be the father of Siddha Medicine. There is a controversy that exists in this regard as some people claim, Siddhar Theraiyyar (One of the 18 Siddhars) as the Father Of Siddha Medicine.
Siddhars were of the concept that a healthy soul can only be developed through a healthy body. So they developed methods and medication that are believed to strengthen their physical body and thereby their souls. Men and women who dedicated their lives into developing the system were called ‘Siddhars’. They practiced intense yogic practices, including years of fasting and meditation. And believed to have achieved super natural powers and gained the supreme wisdom and overall immortality. Through this spiritually attained supreme knowledge, they wrote scriptures on all aspects of life, from arts to science and truth of life to miracle cure for diseases.
The Siddhars wrote their knowledge in palm leaf manuscripts, fragments of which were found in different parts of South India. It is believed that some families may possess more fragments, but keep them solely for their own use.
From these manuscripts, the Siddha System of medicine developed into a part of Indian medical science. Today there are recognized Siddha Medical Colleges, run under the government universities where Siddha medicine is taught.
‘Siddha Medicine’ means medicine that is perfect.....
Siddha Medicine revitalizes and rejuvenates the organs, the dysfunction of which is causing the disease. This brings back normal functioning of the organs. It also maintains the ratio of Vata, Pitta and Kapha, thus maintaining the healthy state of the body. Since no artificial chemicals are involved, it doesn’t cause any side effects.The Siddha Medicine given TO Patients Leaf,Flower,Fruit,Root in a mixed Basis in some extrodinary cases this medicine is not at all cured for those such cases They recommond to take Thanga Pashpam in it Gold is also added in a Eating method.
Most of the practicing Siddha medical practitioners are traditionally trained usually in families and also by different gurus(teachers). When the guru is also a martial arts teacher, he is also known as an Ashan. Practicing this special healing art from obscure clinics, they help heal many maladies which are untouched by western medicine. They make a diagnosis after a patient's visit and sets about to refer their manuscripts for the appropriate remedies which a true blue physician compounds himself or herself from thousands of herbal and herbo-mineral resources. The unique methodology of Siddha thought helped decipher many causes of disorders and the formulation of curious remedies which may sometimes have more than 250 ingredients.
article referenced from :
Spencer Jones : www.siddhaphysician.com
( Spencer Jones, son of Dr.V.Stanley Jones is a Senior Siddha Physician in the state, working as Senior Siddha Medical Officer in Govt. Siddha Hospital Trivandrum, which is the first Government Siddha hospital in Kerala. I am a Siddha Medical student studying in Santhigiri Siddha Medical College Trivandrum which is also the first Siddha Medical College in Kerala.)
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To understand this better you need to read and understand more about Siddha and the Siddhars who developed it. Below you can find links where you can read more about this wonderful Science of Siddha.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic, often life-long,
autoimmune disease that ranges from mild to severe and afflicts
mostly women. The primary characteristics of the disease are fatigue,
joint pain, and recurrent injuries in the vessels that course through
the body. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may affect widespread
sites, but it often manifests in the skin, joints, blood, and
kidneys. SLE was first described in 1828. Its name includes "lupus,"
from the Latin term for wolf, because the disease often produces a
rash that extends across the bridge of the nose and upper cheekbones
and was thought to resemble a wolf bite. The term erythematosus (from
the Greek word for red) refers to the color of the rash, and the term
systemic is used because the disease can affect organs and tissue
throughout the body.
Lupus is a chronic, often life-long, autoimmune disease that ranges
from mild to severe and afflicts mostly women. The primary
characteristics of the disease are fatigue, joint pain, and recurrent
injuries in the vessels that course through the body. Systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE) may affect widespread sites, but it often
manifests in the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys. SLE was first
described in 1828. Its name includes "lupus," from the Latin term for
wolf, because the disease often produces a rash that extends across
the bridge of the nose and upper cheekbones and was thought to
resemble a wolf bite.
The term erythematosus (from the Greek word for red) refers to the
color of the rash, and the term systemic is used because the disease
can affect organs and tissue throughout the body.
Treatment of SLE varies depending on the extent and severity of the
disease. Many therapies can suppress symptoms and relieve discomfort.
Milder treatments are usually effective for symptoms such as fever,
arthritis, pleurisy, mild kidney involvement, inflammation of the
tissue surrounding the heart, headaches, and rash. More aggressive
treatment is needed if there is serious disease progression,
evidenced by the following: hemolytic anemia, low platelet count with
an accompanying rash (thrombocytopenic purpura), major involvement in
the lungs or heart, significant kidney damage, acute inflammation of
the small blood vessels in the extremities or gastrointestinal tract,
or severe central nervous system symptoms.
Consider this:
Patients have reported benefits from certain herbs, such as Essiac
Tea (used in tea and other preparations) .
White Willow Bark is a good anti-inflammatory that works like aspirin
(it is an ingredient in aspirin) with out side effects to the stomach
or gastrointestinal tract.
Cat's claw, black walnut, omega-3 fatty acids and flaxseed oil are
helpful to lessen inflammation. Colloidal silver may be used as an
antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-arthritic remedy.
NOTE: many lupus patients are on several different Western
medications. Before starting any herbal regime, please consider
consulting an herbalist with experience in this disorder. Herbal
medicine can be taken safely when used two hours before or after
Western medicine to avoid side effects.
Cultivating a healthy diet low in saturated fats and high in whole
grains and fresh vegetables and fruits is essential. Obtaining most
proteins from vegetables, particularly soy, and avoiding dairy and
meat products may help protect the kidneys.
Patients should take extra calcium (1500 mg in divided doses,
a.m./p.m.) and vitamin D, particularly if they are on
corticosteroids. Supplements of vitamins B12, B6, and folate may be
necessary, especially in people whose blood tests show high levels of
homocysteine. According to some studies, a diet rich in fruits and
vegetables can lower homocysteine levels. Homocysteines are a by
product of protein digestion. A normal level of homocysteine is
9mg/dl or less. 800 micrograms a day of the B vitamin, folate, lowers
homocysteine to normal levels.
Exercise is safe. Take it slow and at your own pace.
Certain Chinese herbal formulas and acupuncture have been very
effective in treating symptoms and regulating the immune system.
In a 1997 meta-analysis of 17 studies on acupuncture and lupus
discovered that acupuncture seems to lessen and even relieve the
pain associated with inflammatory diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid
arthritis, and local and progressive systemic scleroderma.
Seek out a qualified herbalist/acupunctu rist in your area.
Studies on foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, including fish oil
and flax seed, have been showing benefits for SLE patients. Take
1,000 mg of flaxseed or fish oil 2 times a day.
Researchers are also investigating compounds called indoles, also
known as mustard oil, which are found in broccoli, cabbage, Brussels
sprouts, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, collard and mustard greens,
rutabaga, turnips, and bok choy. Indoles stimulate enzymes that
convert estrogen to a more benign type. Eating vegetables certainly
will not cure SLE, but they offer many health benefits in general.
Patients should minimize their exposure to crowds or people with
contagious illnesses. Immunizations against influenza and
pneumococcal pneumonia are usually recommended, although flu shots
can cause flares. Careful dental hygiene is also important.
Simple preventative measures include avoiding overexposure to
ultraviolet rays and wearing protective clothing and sun blocks.
Allergy shots, which increase certain SLE antibodies, should be
avoided. In general, SLE patients should use only hypoallergenic
cosmetics or hair products.
Chronic stress has profound physical effects and influences the
progression of SLE. Patients should try to avoid undue emotional or
physical stress. Getting adequate rest of at least 8 hours and
possibly a nap during the day may be helpful. Maintaining social
relationships and healthy activities help prevent the depression and
anxiety associated with the disease.
Consider diffusing essential oils into the air such as Lavender,
Clary Sage or Chamomile when stressed.
Yoga breath exercises, deep breathing, makes a great difference in
any stressful situation.
Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac
Therapies for healing
mind, body, spirit
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