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PurNail Pioneers Toenail Fungus Treatment

March 2nd, 2012 No comments

Locating the proper toenail fungus treatment often presents a challenge. Doctors often prescribe oral medicines for patients with this problem. These prescriptions are costly and come with no guarantee of success, however. In fact, they can even cause severe adverse side effects such as liver disorders and skin rashes. Consequently, many patients undergo surgical nail removal followed by up to a one-year wait for its regrowth.
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Other options should be exhausted prior to submitting to such invasive and expensive procedures, however. Fortunately, many nail fungus home remedies have proven to be effective alternatives to formal surgery.

toenail fungus treatmentHome remedies

A primary self-help means consists of mixing one part vinegar with two parts water and applying it to the effected area. Although this will not kill existing bacterial infections, it will retard its subsequent growth or spread. Mayo Clinic medical experts have revealed the total absence of empirical evidence that this method is effective, however.

Avoiding Future Fungal Infections

Eliminating toenail fungus is not always easy. Having eliminated existing fungus, there are steps that patients may take to prevent its subsequent development, however. These include maintaining toenails in a dry, clean, and short condition. Moisture makes an ideal environment within which bacterial flora can flourish. Always wear shoes whenever you are in public areas like showers, pools, or gyms. Avoiding toenail polish as well, since it can facilitate fungus growth.

Best In-Home Toenail Fungus Treatments

Get rid of current fungus before attempting to prevent future outbreaks. PurNail is among the better nail fungus home remedies available on today’s market.

This innovative formula represents the culmination of years of advanced scientific analyses and research. Few competitive products can match PurNail’s proven effectiveness.
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It’s ingredients primarily include all-natural compounds that permit you to avoid having to fear adverse side effects or other health issues due to hazardous chemical exposure. Such all-natural compounds include Helianth Annus, Melaleuca Alterifolia, and Undecylenic Acid. PurNail goes much further than merely killing toenail fungus, however. Its formula also includes many oils and vitamins that possess proven healing properties.

Proper PurNail use is amazingly simple. Just clean and dry the affected surface thoroughly prior to product application. The solution dries and is totally absorbed by the skin after 20 minutes of exposure.

Many PurNail users report positive results within a month of consistent use. Most require 3-5 months of PurNail treatment to totally eliminate their infections. Each bottle contains a full month’s supply.

A money-back guarantee gives you every reason for – and no excuse against – availing yourself of PurNail relief today.

Back Pain: The Number One Complaint for Chiropractic Treatment

January 23rd, 2012 No comments

Back pain is a main reason that millions of dollars are lost in the work force. So many things can be the cause of lumbar pain among individuals, such as improper lifting or sitting, trauma, or abnormalities of the spine that may have been inherited. Bulging discs put pressure on the spine, or a surrounding nerve root, which also causes severe pain in the low back.

The result of a bulging or herniated disc is pain down the leg, which is usually accompanied by numbness and tingling. Surgeries that involve the disc to be cut away can permanently alter its ability. Chiropractic treatment is safer than surgery and often more effective. Adjustments help to restore the normal position and motion of the spinal bones that are affected.

Acute back pain is far more common than chronic lumbar pain. It typically gets better on its own and doesn’t usually last longer than six weeks. Pain in the back is actually the second most common reason for visits to the doctor, and the most common condition for a visit to the chiropractor. Between standing and walking on two feet, routine work, home, and recreational activities, there can be a lot of pressure put on the spine.

Lumbar pain can be accompanied by numbness and tingling or burning sensations. There may also be extremity weakness.

one complaint chiropractic treatment

A few simple ways to help prevent pain in the lower back are:

· Maintaining a healthy weight and diet

· Avoid any kind of bed rest or inactivity

· Maintain proper posture

· Always stretch before working out or any strenuous activity

· Wear comfortable shoes

· Sleep on a good mattress

Previous research has shown that spinal manipulations and manipulative therapy cut costs and help workers get back on the job quicker than other medical treatments for back pain. It can be annoying waking up every day with acute back pain because it starts to take control of one’s life. Chiropractic care is a natural way for the body to heal itself, so it is definitely a safe and effective way to take care of the problem when it arises.

Seeing a chiropractor for lumbar pain can help avoid any surgery or medications. It isn’t uncommon for people to deal with side effects from medications due to pain in their lower back. In the long run, chiropractic treatment should be considered as the first option of back pain, acute or chronic. The adjustments will help the spine return to its normal functioning within a short amount of time.

An Herb For Blood Pressure?

January 19th, 2012 No comments
Millions of Americans suffer from some degree of high blood pressure. As an alternative to prescription medications, many of these individuals have discovered a safe and natural alternative. They have found an herb for blood pressure.

Herbs are used to cure an abundance of health problems. They are jam packed with rich antioxidants, nutrients and phytochemicals that help to balance your body and to naturally support a healthy blood pressure level.

herb for blood pressure

An herbal alternative provides an excellent approach to treat and prevent the development of this health condition. As long as you don’t stop the use of your current medication without speaking with your doctor first, you will soon discover that several herbs are well known for being quite effective in their healing properties.

Hawthorn is an herb for blood pressure that is pretty well known as well as common. It has a long history of anecdotal evidence which is confirmed through modern scientific studies. A controlled study out of the United Kingdom followed seventy-nine people with hypertension. The study administered 1200 mg of hawthorn to half of the group while the rest received a placebo. The group that was receiving the herb had a significant reduction in the signs and symptoms of blood pressure over those receiving the placebo.

Another herb for blood pressure that is receiving a lot of attention is garlic. Garlic’s natural potency has been the focus of scientific studies. These studies have confirmed garlic’s consistency in reducing hypertension. The active ingredient in garlic that works to keep the arteries clear of plaque and other debris is called allicin. It is just this kind of accumulation that forces your heart to pump harder and faster to move blood through the circulatory system. Allicin also widens your arteries and decreases clotting.

Interested in another herb for blood pressure? Some other herbs include valerian, passion flower, limeflower, also known as Tilia Cordata, and lemon balm. If your blood pressure is due to stress and anxiety, these herbs are especially potent and have a sedative effect on your body. For instance, passion flower works by reducing the activity of some of the cells of the brain therefore, calming you down and in turn, reduces your blood pressure.

Although passion flower does its job well, if you need a choice of herb that is a little stronger, valerian might the right choice for you. This herb has the added bonus of offering the ability to relax and smooth the muscles of your artery walls. This aids in preventing constriction and inhibiting the flow of blood and therefore prevents your heart from working too hard.

While using an herb for blood pressure is extremely beneficial, you should always consult your health care provider before you take any kind of herb or herbal supplement. Not all herbs can be taken with certain kinds of medications. You should also look into consulting a professional, licensed herbalist. With the expert advice that you can gain for your specific health conditions, you will be able to find success in using herbs to lower your blood pressure.

Chiropractic Care – How and Why It Works

January 18th, 2012 No comments

The nervous system controls the function of every cell, tissue, organ, and system of your body. This fact is the basis of chiropractic care, which focuses on maintaining optimal function of the nervous system.

Everyone recognizes the importance of the brain, yet while the brain is protected by the skull, the nervous system that travels from the brain to the outer reaches of your body is much more vulnerable. The spinal cord is covered by 24 moving vertebrae. When these bones lose their normal motion or position, they can irritate and disrupt the healthy function of the nerves that radiate into every part of your body, undermining the function of the tissues and organs that the nerves control. This is called the Vertebral Subluxation Complex, or Subluxation Syndrome. Chiropractors are trained to locate these areas of spinal joint dysfunction, correct them, and return them to normal function. When spinal function is improved, the nervous system is restored to healthy function.

Common symptoms addressed by chiropractic adjustments:
chiropractic сare for you

 

  • hip pain
  • joint pain
  • knee pain
  • back pain
  • muscle spasms
  • neck pain
  • sciatica
  • pinched nerves
  • poor posture
  • shoulder pain
  • mild scoliosis
  • sports injuries
  • TMJ
  • whiplash
  • pre-natal issues

Surrounding areas of the body are often stressed as soft tissues attempt to compensate for spinal dysfunction, resulting in further complications. Pain relief following a chiropractic adjustment can be immediate, but typically the body requires a series of adjustments to support its return to health. A phenomenon known as “muscle memory” can return soft tissues to patterns of stress. It is helpful to provide therapy in the form of massage, stretching and/or other treatments indicated by the condition.

Instead of covering up symptoms with drugs or resorting to surgery, chiropractic care aims to identify and correct the underlying causes. This conservative approach to healing has the advantage of working with the body’s natural ability to heal itself. In stark contrast, the Journal American Medical Association has identified the traditional medical paradigm as contributing to about 250,000 deaths in the U.S. every year due to unnecessary surgeries, medication errors and complications, and hospital-related infections and errors. (JAMA, Vol. 284, July 26, 2000)*

A Doctor of Chiropractic has received at least four years of post-graduate college education to master the art of chiropractic adjustments. After years of training and experience, chiropractic doctors become experts at using the right amount of force in the right direction to correct subluxations. This may require a quick movement, or in other instances a slow and constant pressure. The chiropractic adjustment is truly an art.

The philosophy of chiropractic care is to focus on reducing or removing any interferences to your own inborn ability to heal.

“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.”Thomas Edison

Acupuncture Urban Legends

January 18th, 2012 No comments

When I was in graduate school, there was a tragic incident of acupuncture overtreatment. A student of NESA had taken a heavy courseload, and as a result she was given four or five sessions of acupuncture by students in one day. She left school that day and died of an acupuncture-induced embolism. Well, actually, she didn’t die…but she did go blind. In one eye. Come to think of it, I later heard that she had gone deaf, not blind, but she never recovered her hearing. At least, she didn’t recover it quickly-it took about a year to come back. Oh, wait…it was a month. A month without hearing from acupuncture overtreatment! Sounds unbelievable, but I heard this from a reliable source- a sister of a friend of a cousin of a teacher of hers.

Every profession has its share of urban legends, and acupuncture is no exception. As with all urban legends, though, there is usually a morsel of truth buried somewhere in the story, like the tiny piece of grit that begins the birth of the pearl. In the case above, the student probably was overtreated. I had many days where I had several treatments by students within a short period of time, and left school with headaches and exhaustion. But I never stroked out, lost any of my senses, or fell into a coma after multiple treatments, and I have yet to know anyone else who has, either. Although I don’t recommend getting more than one treatment per day, I’m pretty sure that overdosing on acupuncture will not be the end of you.

Speaking of ending, there are some out there who apparently believe we acupuncturists, amongst our other talents, play the role of “Angel of Death.” If we place those needles in exactly the right location…bam! The end!

This belief probably originated with all the work we do in hospices. When you work in the field of end-of-life care…well, you are going to see the end of lives.

And as for acupuncture killing the young and healthy? A few years ago, a woman died during acupuncture when a needle pierced her heart. This story is actually true, and repeated ad nauseum by acupuncture skeptics. What most fail to mention is that the woman died giving acupuncture to herself. She had no experience with or knowledge of acupuncture, and she inserted a needle into her chest cavity, causing a cardiac tamponade. Funny, I can’t see an outcry against appendectomies starting if I died removing my own appendix…do you? Probably not.

So let’s talk about some of the rumors I’ve heard about adjunct therapies. My personal favorite therapy is bloodletting. I get great results from patients when I add this type of treatment. Of course, the words no more than leave my lips and people assume that they will shortly be covered in leeches. Years ago, doctors used leeches all the time-their blood has an anticoagulant that can help with blood-clotting issues. In fact, I believe that some docs still use them today. However, while leeches have medical merit, you will not find any in my office. After watching “Stand By Me,” there was never any chance of me incorporating those things into my practice. No, when I bloodlet I use a tiny lancet to prick an area of the body and bring up a few drops of blood. No leeches, no medieval torture devices. Just your standard, tiny lancet.

Cupping and gua sha are two other adjunct therapies that I frequently use…but carefully, because if I don’t do it right, the patient will die instantly. Just kidding. The truth is, both gua sha and cupping open the surface of the skin, leading to a doorway for pathogens to get in. So, I always tell my patients to stay covered up after having either of these techniques done. And what will happen if they don’t? Well, this is my experience with being disobedient after getting a good round of gua sha: I went home, took a shower, and promptly passed out naked in front of my air conditioner. When I woke up, I had a sore throat, runny nose, and headache-in short, I got a cold. It was a pretty bad one, too, that lasted several days. It was my own fault for doing the exact opposite of what I was told, and it is now a lesson I share with patients.

The Art of Reiki

January 9th, 2012 No comments
Reiki means Universal Life Force Energy. We are made of energy, and science has recently proven this fact. The smallest matter that has been measured to date is simply vibrating energy. The body consists of several major and minor energetic pathways (or meridians) which connect each organ and permit the flow of energy throughout the body. These energy pathways have been known for years by various ancient Chinese practitioners. Acupuncture, for example, is a method of releasing blocked energy by inserting fine needles in the body’s meridians to stimulate specific energy points.

art of reiki

Reiki and acupuncture have similar objectives, though the techniques are completely different. In Reiki, the practitioner will use either a hands-on approach or hands off (depending on the practitioner). The client will remain in a relaxed position for the duration of the session while the Reiki Master helps to realign the body’s energy through non-moving touch. Reiki practitioners often have a gift of sense, either through the ability to feel energy, or see energy (or both). There are many benefits to Reiki such as increased vitality, increased relaxation and focus, decrease in stress and anxiety, decreased pain, and speeding up healing/recovery time. Everyone experiences Reiki differently, which is one of the reasons it is so unique and special.

One of the most important things to remember about Reiki, is the aspect of self-responsibility. No practitioner in the world can heal a person who is not willing to heal themselves. The client must take responsibility for their own health and wellness if they wish to see the full benefits that Reiki can bring into their life. It is also important to remember that Reiki affects both the mind and body (as they are interconnected). Habitual patterns or imbalances in our mind will affect our day to day life, as well as our physical body. Reiki will address both the physical and mental energy levels, but it is up to the client to make corresponding changes in their life. The body and mind can be realigned through Reiki, but if the same problem that created the imbalance persists, then the benefits of Reiki will only be temporary.

I like to recommend to my clients that they have a supportive person in their life to talk to while they are going through energy sessions. Mental issues may arise because they need to be dealt with in order to change, so it’s always good to have someone who will listen and be supportive in your life.

Use your intuition when you choose a Reiki Master; the right practitioner will present themselves when you are ready.

Tea Tree Oil Trials Prove the Medicinal Uses

December 22nd, 2011 No comments

Tea tree oil also known as Australian tea tree oil, Melaleuca oil and the Latin name is Melaleuca alternifolia. An essential oil such as tea tree is obtained by distilling the leaves with steam and this plant is a natural plant from Australia. Decades ago a tea was made from the leaves of the tree and hence the oil was named tea tree. The medicinal part of the tree is its leaves. Why is this oil so popular? This tree has had traditional and medicinal usages for decades by the aboriginals of Australia.

The aboriginal people made use of the tea-tree leaves for healing burns, infection and skin abrasions by crushing fresh leaves and applying the leaves to the affected area. The tea-tree leaves have antifungal as well as anti septic properties as the oil of the tea-tree contains terpenoids. The oil from the trees antimicrobial activity is a compound of the terpinen-4-ol which is abundant in the leaves.

tea tree oil mrsaIt can be used for many health conditions such as dandruff, thrush, acne, vaginitis, boils, periodontal disease, and athlete’s foot as well as eczema, yeast infections, lice and psoriasis. The oil of the this tree is made up into a pure essential oil and is also an added ingredient in ointments, shampoos, lotions, soaps and creams. One needs to be aware that this tree is not the same as niauouli oil, ti tree oil, Chinese tea oil, kanuka oil, cajeput oil and manuka oil.

Researchers have performed many trials on the effectiveness of the oil of this tree. A study was conducted whereby the use of a twenty five percent and fifty percent solution was used on people with athlete’s foot and a placebo was also used on subjects. These subjects had to apply the solution to their feet twice daily and the results showed after four weeks of applying the solution that there was a significant improvement as opposed to the placebo.

Studies also revealed that fifty percent of the group using this oil was completely cured in comparison to the placebo group. Four of the subjects developed dermatitis and withdrew from the program and after discontinuing the oil the dermatitis improved. No other side effects presented in this trial.

Another trial was conducted on people suffering from fungal infections of the toenails. These subjects applied a hundred percent solution of the oil and controls applied a topical antifungal that contained one percent of clotrimazole solution. The oil of tea tree six months later proved to be more effective as opposed to the anti fungal solution which was based on toenail cultures and clinical features.

Many clinical trials have been conducted making use of this oil and all these trials have proved that this tree definitely has healing properties. However a single study showed that the oil may alter hormone levels as a few male subjects presented with enlarged breasts, which was unexplained. People that have cancer, pregnant or nursing and have hormone sensitivity should not use the oil from tree.

Glaucoma and Medical Marijuana

December 19th, 2011 No comments
Medical marijuana was regular in the 1800s throughout the world. It was the major pain reliever before ibuprofen was created. In actuality, the United States made marijuana use illicit via the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, with its sole adversary the delegate of the American Medical Association. Glaucoma is simply one ailment that numerous folks guaranteed would be able to be helped by medical marijuana.

glaucoma and you

Glaucoma is a state where there is an expansion in the force of the eyeball which could turn into visual impairment. It affects a lot of people. Moreover, it has no warning signs at its early states. The vision loss is caused by damage to the optic nerve, responsible for carrying images from the eye to the brain. As of date, there is no cure. Back in the early 70s, studies were conducted that proved medical marijuana lowered IOP, both in those with glaucoma and those with normal IOP. Following this, the National Eye Institute supported researches that showed marijuana truly lower the IOP when administered orally, intravenously or through smoking.

Smoking marijuana is found to minimize the eye force. Admitting that a specialist would be able to recommend alternate prescriptions to treat this disease, the impacts of the proposed prescriptions lose impact in time. Scientists are attempting to advance a new medicine dependent upon marijuana in treating glaucoma. While some experts and patients assert its effectiveness, the administration unequivocally differs. Marijuana is known as one of the most hazardous substance without a distinguished medicinal use.

medical marijuana for glaucomaThe ability of medical marijuana to bring down the intra-visual force was found in the late 70s by different patients and specialists. Numerous patients upheld their visions while smoking huge amounts of therapeutic marijuana when standard remedies failed. A considerable number of people guarantee that glaucoma is one ailment that would be able to profit from the utilization of weed. Still, there remains to be a debate on its lawfulness in treating the disease. Glaucoma ranks as one of the most frequent reasons for using medical marijuana and one of the indications which the government once granted permission for its use. Nevertheless, as of now, only sixteen states have legalized the use of medical marijuana for medical purposes. This use is regulated by issuing medical marijuana cards for those patients with doctor’s recommendation and prescriptions. Moreover, in some cases patients are allowed to cultivate their own hemp for medical consumption alone.

How Exactly Does Acupuncture Work?

December 12th, 2011 No comments

Often times people wonder if Acupuncture works, or if it’s even real. I’ll tell them to show me they’re hand. I’ll place my thumb and forefinger at a famous point called He gu and press down with as little bit of force. “OW, that hurts”, is the usual response.

Acupuncture points are real. No Hocus-Pocus here, no mystery. Ironically, most of the points lay near anatomically sensitive nerve basins. These points we’re found mostly by trial and error starting as early as the Ming dynasty. They are distinguishable by they’re sensitive presence in the body. Pressing down might yield pain, but when the right force is applied (acupuncture needles, or gentle pressure) it can be analgesic or even stress relieving.

acupuncture work

These points, when stimulated by a skilled practitioner, is what makes acupuncture work. It’s that warm and fuzzy feeling you get at the end of a treatment. You could even say that these acupuncture points generate an inward healing response, which can help patients struggling with a myriad of medical issues. Other modern explanations such as hormones, hystamine, and other natural “feel good” chemicals are at an increased level after acupuncture treatments.

Traditional explanations of how acupuncture works lies in the theory of Qi (pronounced chee), which is translated as life force. Qi is the energy which pervades all living things. When Qi is flowing, health is bountiful. For example: The ebb and flow of your lungs is attributed to healthy lung Qi.

In humans and other animals Qi is said to flow through channels, or meridians. These channels, 12 of them to be exact, follow a strict course up, down, and around your body finally reaching a resting place just to circulate all over again. When this course of Qi is disrupted or blocked it knocks the body out of it’s normal balance and can often trigger states of “disease”. Acupuncture Needles are placed at classical acupuncture points which will help to either break up “stagnation” or tonify a weakened area. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body’s internal organ system to correct imbalances in their absorption, digestion and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.

These disease states can be physical states of pain like tennis elbow, neck pain, back pain or emotional states which can be either chronic or acute.

Modern science continues to study this unique phenomenon in order for health professionals to better serve their patients.

Yoga for Relieving Lower Back Pain

December 7th, 2011 No comments

For sure you have already experienced having lower back pains after a long and strenuous day at work. One effective technique to eliminate and relieve that pain is through attending a yoga class. Yoga exercises could significantly help stretch out muscles to bring about indescribable relief from pain. Muscles that have contracted from bad posture of from prolonged stationary position could be miraculously stretched during yoga so that instant relief is facilitated. Feel as the tension gets released and wait a few moments as you feel much better.

yoga and back pain

A specific yoga curriculum was developed by Payne and Usatine from the UCLA School of Medicine. Thus, yoga is now taken for health maintenance. It could also complement Western medicine for treatment of common diseases. This program is obviously inspired by viniyoga or personalized type of yoga that was originally taught by India-based yoga master TKV Desikachar. The program offers simpler versions of basic yoga postures as well as breathing and meditation techniques for students and novices alike to treat and relieve lower back pain.

The yoga program suggests two basic wellness core routines for lower pain relief. The first is the buttocks/ pelvis exercise routine for core conditioning of the lower back. Second is proper breathing routine. To do so, try to hold your own breath as you make a pose. This could help boost blood flow.

Using yoga exercises for relieving pain in the lower back could help nourish and raise overall health of the weakened muscles. In the same light, it would eventually and effectively ease any pain that you are experiencing in the lower back portion of the body. At the same time, yoga could help you deal properly with anxiety and stress due to lower back pain.

yoga for lower back pain

Back problems can be for a variety of reasons, lower back issues could be a fear of money, lack of financial support.

In her book “You Can Heal Your Life” Louise Hay says that the probable cause of Middle Back Pain is Guilt. Stuck in all that stuff back there. “Get off my back”.

Upper Back could be Lack of emotional support. Feeling unloved. Holding back love. This could be the probable cause. By using a new thought pattern it can be turned around, so in the example of lower back pain it would be “I trust the process of life. All I need is always taken of. I am safe.”

By using affirmative statements will send the ‘correct’ messages to the brain to help correct any imbalance.