HEALTH – CuredByNature.net

Fall Health Tips: A Perspective from Chinese Medicine

Oct 052020

With the change of seasons and the arrival of cooler and shorter days, the wisdom of Chinese medicine offers us some helpful suggestions for staying healthy during this time of year.

According to Chinese medicine, keeping the lungs strong and healthy is especially important during the fall. Taking walks outside and breathing exercises strengthen the lungs. Protecting yourself from becoming chilled, particularly by wearing a scarf around the neck, is a good illness prevention measure as wind and cold are said to be “the cause of 100 diseases.” Grief is the emotion associated with the lungs, so finding ways to deal with grief such as by allowing yourself to cry, talking with a trusted person about how you feel, getting an acupuncture treatment and/or doing some self-massage and breathing exercises (here’s a great video!) can help you process and move through grief in a healthy way.

Certain types of foods and drinks have beneficial health properties for us during the fall season. In particular, there are several that are warming in nature, aiding in blood circulation and boosting immune function. Warming spices such as cinnamon, ginger, garlic, onion and scallions are especially beneficial for people who tend to become chilled easily. Try a hot Chai tea, adding some cinnamon to oatmeal, or cooking a delicious soup or dish with garlic, onions and/or scallions.

Pears are beneficial particularly when steamed or lightly cooked to relieve cough and cold symptoms. They reduce coughing and excessive mucous/phlegm production while moistening and soothing the throat. They’re also generally good as a tonic for the lungs, so they’re a great choice to eat even when you’re not experiencing any upper respiratory symptoms.

Consuming more cooked vegetables and less raw foods such as salads strengthens the digestion and overall health during this time of year.

Enjoy the season and stay healthy!

Justine Myers, Lic. Ac.

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Health Benefits of Abhyanga Snan in Diwali | A Holy Bath for a Healthy Start

Ayurvedic

Oct 142019

It might be irritating to wake up early in the Diwali vacations just to take a bath. But this bath has a special significance in Diwali as it is considered as a holy bath during Diwali. According to early ancient mythology, Narak Chaturdashi implies the victory of good over evil. And thus, this early morning bath signifies the elimination of evil within us. It is also believed that since Abhyanga Snan is taken before the sunrise, it is as pure as bathing in the River Ganga.

Importance of Abhyanga Snan in Diwali

Here’s how to perform the ritual:

Wake up early in the morning (before sunrise).
Massage your entire body with sesame or any ayurvedic oil.
Also, apply a few drops of oil on the scalp and massage your head.
Keep massaging and wait for around 30 minutes before you go for a bath so that the oil is absorbed by the body.
Before bathing, apply Ubtan (a powdered mix of Ayurvedic herbs and natural ingredients) and massage it thoroughly over the entire body.
Scrub it and rinse with water properly so that the mixture is washed off.
Now, bathe as you usually do.

As it includes a full body massage with ayurvedic oil and in some regions, a special ayurvedic herbal soap is used for bathing. However, many people use sesame oil, sandalwood oil, coconut oil and then scrubbing the body with Ubtan. Ubtan consists of besan, turmeric oil, and sandalwood powder. As Abhyanga Snan is an ancient ayurvedic therapy that is said to be the most beneficial for health, it leads to an increase in Sattva Guna and decreases Rajas and Tamas. During the days of Diwali, an Abhyanga Snan reaps 6% more benefits than the other days.

Winter is the season where the body runs out of moisture. Abhyanga Snan moisturizes the body and helps in the flow of blood circulation with tightening the muscles, lubricating the joints, eliminating the toxins from the body & boosting up the stamina. The Ubtan helps in healing the damaged or dull skin, shedding the dead skin; ultimately resulting in soft, smooth & glowing skin. The head massage with warm oil relieves you from stress & calms your mind. It also stimulates the hair follicles which results in hair growth. It also stimulates the nerves, prevents neurological problems and relaxes the mind and soul.

With this holy & simple ritual, heal your complete body so that you can stay healthy for the entire year. Prepare yourself to welcome this festive season with Ayushakti’s proven ayurvedic therapies. Visit http://bit.ly/2Mp18Nn to know more and to book an appointment online. Find the nearest Ayushakti Clinic simply by searching ‘Ayushakti’ on Google! You may contact us on our toll-free numbers 18002663001 (India) & +18002800906 (Global) or email us at info@ayushakti.com for more details.

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Firecrackers Hazards & Health Issues During Diwali Festival

Ayurvedic

Oct 142019

India is a country where every religious festival is celebrated proudly and with full of energy & enthusiasm. As a secular state, everyone includes themselves in every religious festival for celebration & India is called the land of the festival. Diwali is considered the most important & holy festival as during Diwali, we worship Goddess Laxmi for every essential we require in our life including wealth as well as health.

Diwali is also known as the festival of lights. When it comes to lights, the firecrackers are the must in to-buy-list of every Indian. Indians buy the firecrackers in such a large quantity and then it just turns into ashes. We may find fun in burning the crackers but we are still unaware of the hazard we have done to our health. When we burn one-single cracker, we release a tremendous amount of toxin which makes the winter air extremely toxic. Such toxins form a stubborn fog which makes it difficult to breathe. Hence, it ends up causing severe health issues to kids, senior citizens, pregnant women, etc.

Firecrackers Hazards & Health Issues During Diwali Festival

Most of the health cases that are registered in Diwali are majorly related to asthma, coronary issues, lung disorder, chronic or allergic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, sinusitis, rhinitis, pneumonia, and laryngitis, etc. Air quality takes a deep plunge as the problem gets compounded. This leads to an increase in the number of asthma & lung disorder patients. The symptoms start from difficulty in breathing, cough & wheezing.

However, there are cures to all these health problems. These disorders can be overcome by the right treatments. Ayushakti’s ayurvedic treatments for asthma, breathlessness, sinusitis along with proper diet and lifestyle can give you the best relief like never before. Also, as responsible citizens, we must take care of nature and other living beings. Let’s celebrate Diwali that is free from any pollution.

Prepare yourself to welcome this festive season with Ayushakti’s proven ayurvedic therapies. Visit http://bit.ly/2Mp18Nn to know more and to book an appointment online. Find the nearest Ayushakti Clinic simply by searching ‘Ayushakti’ on Google! You may contact us on our toll-free numbers 18002663001 (India) & +18002800906 (Global) or email us at info@ayushakti.com for more details.

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Celebrate Diwali with Healthy Snacks | Health Benefits of Diwali Sweets

Ayurvedic

Oct 142019

Diwali is the most auspicious festival celebrated by the Hindus across the Indian land. We clean & decorate our house, light it up with Diyas and many more. But every Diwali is incomplete without the special Diwali sweets and snacks. From scrumptious yet yummy Karanjis to Anarsas dipped in Ghee and spiral Chaklis, making sweets and savories that will probably be going to fulfill your sweet tooth.

Diwali is the most precious in the vision of Ayurveda as it is one of the festivals to nurture health & peace along with joy. In Ayurveda, one believes in maintaining the balance between health elements (Doshas)- Vata, Pitta & Kapha. Ayurveda recommends a properly balanced diet as the festival falls in between the seasonal change and therefore, a change in diet is necessary.

Celebrate Diwali With Healthy Snacks | Health Benefits Of Diwali Sweets

When it comes to Diwali diet, we need to make the snacks meant for celebrating the holy festival. It is also necessary because we need to perform the ‘Bhog‘ ritual when we worship Lord Ganesha during Laxmi Poojan. In Diwali, we mainly prepare sweet and fried food. During the winter season, the Vata gets aggravated which leads to cramps in joints, muscles. Hence, to relieve such pain, one should consume a lot of Ghee & oil in their diet to balance aggravated Vata. Ghee or oil in sweets acts as a lubricant to provide nourishment to the bones and helps in maintaining Vata in the body.

Every snack in Diwali is made with Ghee as it not only helps in nourishing the bones but also aids in proper digestion of food, strengthens the sensory organs, detoxifies & rejuvenates the body, improves the immune system, memory & vitality. Along with the Ghee, cane sugar has its benefits that increase seminal fluids and helps in regulating Pitta & Vata. Wheat & Rava used in sweets strengthens the tissues & energizes the body.

This Diwali, nourish your body with the richness of Diwali sweets and get blessed with good health. Happy Diwali!

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The Importance of Gut Health

Naturopathy

Jun 172019

The human gut is much more complex than previously thought and has a huge impact on whole-body health. A healthy gut contributes to a strong immune system, heart health, brain health, improved mood, healthy sleep, and effective digestion.

The health of our digestive system is reflected in just about every other system in the body. It’s not just its ability to extract the nutrients that are required for our bodies to operate optimally, but for its ability to produce substances such as nutrients, hormones and neurotransmitters. Without all these essential ingredients that the gut provides, we would simply cease to exist.

For these reasons alone, ensuring optimal gut health is vital to your very being.

When we talk about holistic gut health, we include everything from the mouth the anus. We don’t break it down into compartments, as an imbalance in one area will result in imbalances in another area.

Naturopathically, we look at how we are chewing our food, how our stomach is beginning to digest the food, how our small intestines are absorbing nutrients and how efficient our bowel is excreting the remains. We also assess our relationship with food as the mind-gut connection can have a dramatic effect on how we digest and absorb our food (1). The mind-gut connection is a huge topic that we will get into another day.

At the forefront of gut health, today is the role of our microbiome and its effect on our entire health. The term microbiome refers to the bacteria that resides within us. This bacteria can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on our health, and getting it into balance is key to complete health. In the past few decades, science has really put a spotlight on how vital it is to have a microbiome that is thriving within us.(2)

So where are we going so wrong?

Despite all of our new found knowledge into gut health, we are seeing digestive disturbances in epic proportions. In the clinic, digestive health would have to be the number one health complaint that I see and treat.

People are diagnosed with so many digestive issues. Ranging from the more simple conditions such as indigestion, IBS and food intolerances to life-altering conditions such as Crohn’s disease, Inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune diseases.

Almost all digestive disorders share one or more of the following underlying mechanisms:

▪ An overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine (SIBO)

▪ An imbalance between “good” and “bad” microbes in the gut

▪ A permeable gut barrier (leaky gut)

▪ Chronic bacterial, parasitic, or fungal infections (such as H. pylori, Blastocystis hominis, Candida albicans)

▪ Low stomach acid or digestive enzyme production

▪ Sensitivity, allergy, or intolerance to certain foods

▪ Impaired communication between the gut and the brain

The main cause of these underlying mechanisms can be put down to a few simple things –

Poor diet
Overuse of medications and antibiotics
Stress
Poor sleep

So how do we heal our gut?

Firstly we want to start with healthy digestion. We want to ensure that we have adequate digestive enzymes and stomach acids to break down our food. If you don’t produce enough digestive enzymes, you can’t break down or absorb protein, fat, or carbohydrates properly. It’s not hard to imagine that this could lead to digestive problems. Poor enzyme production is caused by low stomach acid, stress, micronutrient deficiency, advancing age, and a diet the is high in processed foods.

Next, we want to move onto how well we absorb our nutrients. This occurs in the lining of the small intestines. The gut is first and foremost a barrier designed to keep certain things (like pathogens and toxins) out and let other things (like beneficial bacteria and nutrients) in. When the intestinal barrier becomes permeable (leaky), substances that should not escape the gut—such as large, undigested protein molecules and bacterial toxins—pass into the bloodstream, where they trigger an immune reaction and provoke inflammation. Leaky gut is very common in most digestive disorders, so it’s a good idea to take steps to restore healthy gut barrier function.

Healing the gut barrier can be easily done with –

Nutrients (vitamin A, D, zinc, MSM, L-glutamine, N-acetyl-glucosamine)

Herbal medicine (slippery elm, marshmallow, liquorice, turmeric and chamomile)

Probiotics (certain strains are specific or certain conditions. Sorry, but Yakult, won’t cut it.

Prebiotics – this is the food for your beneficial bacteria. Good sources of probiotics include soluble fibre such as sweet potato, inulin, chicory root, raw asparagus, onion, garlic, leek, green bananas and dandelion greens. Getting adequate amounts of these foods will encourage your gut bacteria to thrive.

Dietary Changes – removing processed foods from the diet, eating lots of fermented foods, soluble fibre and identifying foods that might be triggering your symptoms. You may be prescribed a diet such as the FODMAP, Ancestral, Elimination or 30 Day Reset Plan.

Please don’t run to the health food shop and self-prescribe yourself a gut health protocol. Consult with a qualified health practitioner who can determine what nutrients and dietary advice that is right for you.

Many digestive disorders originate from a short list of underlying imbalances in the gut. Often adjusting the diet, addressing maldigestion, healing the gut lining, replenishing the gut microflora, and managing stress bring most patients significant relief from gut symptoms. If symptoms still continue then it can be worth running a few diagnostic tests to determine if there are parasites, imbalances in gut flora or inflammatory based conditions.

Maintaining good gut health is critical to our ongoing health. Don’t continue to ignore your symptoms, or attempt to self-diagnose. Get the professional help that you need so that you can heal your gut once and for all.

(1) http://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/the-gut-brain-connection

(2) http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925443914001513

Are you ready to take charge of your gut health? Get started with this free guide

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The best foods for gut health

Naturopathy

Jun 072019

Traditional naturopathic healing principles have always been based around ‘heal the gut first’. This is the first thing we learn in our education and it is something that we evaluate in every patient that we see. Here we will explore the best foods for gut health.

‘All disease beings in the gut’ – Hippocrates

This famous statement was said over 2000 years ago, yet it is only in the past few decades that science has caught up and the enormity of this statement is being fully understood.

We now know that gut health not only determines the quality and efficiency of our digestion and metabolism, but it is also critical to our overall health. Poor digestive health, and most importantly a poor gut microbiome (the ecosystem of bacteria that lives within our gut) contributes to a wide range of diseases such as mental health issues, obesity, diabetes, autoimmune conditions, autism spectrum disorder, chronic fatigue, skin disorders and poor immune health.

When it comes to optimal gut health, it is a necessity that we look at the diet first and foremost. What we eat reflects everything in regards to the health of our gut and our entire health.

When we eat well then all the influencing factors of good gut health fall into balance.

This includes –

Good level of digestive enzymes to break down the food that we eat
A robust and healthy gut lining to promote nutrient absorption
Optimal gut-brain connection to stimulate the movement of digestion
A healthy liver to process our food and detoxify toxins
Minimal inflammation
A diverse colony of good bacteria

Sounds complex, but when we address all these areas our health thrives.

So what are the best foods for gut health?

Foods to heal the gut lining

The lining of the gut is a tight network of cells that selectively lets certain sized molecules into the circulatory system. When this becomes damaged and ‘leaky’ then we set ourselves up for a whole host of health complaints.

Support your gut lining with these foods – bone broth (rich in nutrients that heal the gut lining), grass-fed butter (contains butyrate which is a preferred fuel source for these cells), slippery elm and aloe vera.

Digestive Support

Your digestive enzymes start the whole process of digestion, if it goes wrong at the beginning then your body will struggle to continue the process of digestion.

Enhance your digestive enzymes with these simple foods – apple cider vinegar, kiwi, pineapple, lemon and papaya

Liver Support

The liver has a central role in digestion is the process the nutrients that are absorbed in the small intestine.

Try to include these foods in your diet – dandelion coffee, globe artichoke, garlic, onions, turmeric, leafy greens and beetroot.

Microbiome Support

A healthy balance of good bacteria can be achieved by including fermented foods in your diet daily. These will always offer a more diverse range of bacteria that can survive the digestive process than any probiotic will.

These foods include anything fermented such as sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, miso, kimchi. These foods will provide the right bacteria but we also need foods that feed these bacteria within the gut so that they can colonise and get to work. Prebiotics are the foods required for this and they include coconut oil, fermentable fibres (sweet potato, onion, garlic, dandelion greens, leek, chicory, cabbage, banana, oats, lentils)

Anti Inflammatory Foods

Inflammation is at the root of all damage to our cells and therefore it is a direct influencer of our level of health and quality of ageing. Consuming anti-inflammatory foods will not only support your digestive health, but the health of your whole body.

Anti-inflammatory foods include – turmeric (this is one exception as it is best taken in supplement form for a therapeutic benefit), coconut oil, aloe vera, wild caught oily fish, green leafy vegetables, beetroot, walnuts, berries, ginger, chia seeds, flaxseeds and pineapple.

Anti Microbial Foods

Just as we want to encourage the colonisation of healthy bacteria we want to get rid of the bad bacteria that is destroying our digestive system. We will naturally be exposed to bad bacteria in the foods that we eat, and when our digestion is not the best then we will be at more risk of these strains of bacteria from taking over. Including regular amounts of naturally anti-microbial foods will help to kill off these bad bacteria. Don’t worry about them killing off the good bacteria, mother nature and our bodies are much smarter than us and will selectively kill off the bad bacteria only.

Try to include – coconut oil, garlic, onion, fermented foods (see above), honey, turmeric, horseradish and pineapple.

Just as important as what we do eat, is what we don’t eat. You most probably know the drill here –

1 – Avoid processed and packaged foods

2 – Limit sugar intake

3 – Eat a diet in fresh whole foods in their natural forms

4 – Avoid factory raised animal products

5 – Reduce stress

6 – Only take antibiotics if they are absolutely necessary.

So if you are ready to take charge of your gut health get your free copy of

12 Tips for a Healthy Gut.

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Acupuncture for Heart Health and Cancer Support

Acupuncture

Jan 252019

February is American Heart Month and February 4th is World Cancer Day. In honor of these occasions we’d like to share with you some information about acupuncture for heart health and cancer support. We regularly treat people for these conditions with acupuncture.

HEART HEALTH:

Acupuncture is a useful treatment for hypertension (high blood pressure), and acupuncture is also effective in some cases of arrhythmia as well as for the prevention of recurrence of atrial fibrillation after electric cardioversion.

CANCER SUPPORT:

Acupuncture is helpful for the reduction of symptoms that many cancer patients experience such as postoperative pain, fatigue, anxiety and depression, insomnia, chemotherapy and/or radiation-induced dry mouth, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and hot flashes and night sweats in breast cancer patients. Acupuncture is increasingly becoming more common in cancer units of various hospitals. The Value of Acupuncture in Cancer Care is a scientific journal article featuring in-depth discussions on this topic.

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Top 10 health benefits of Ayurvedic medicinal herb Punarnava

Ayurvedic

Nov 232018

Punarnava (Hogweed) also referred to as Thazhuthama is a popular ayurvedic herb that has been used since time immemorial for its rejuvenating and purifying properties.

Being indigenous to India, the plant grows wild all over the country as a common creeping weed, and is abundant during the rains. The plant grows nearly 2m in length, with the leaves being simple, broad, thick and brittle. The flowers are either purple or white. However, medicinally, the root is the most important part of the herb. It is a bitter, cooling, astringent and purifying herb, but, is highly beneficial in treating various common ailments. The medicinal value of the herb makes it a priceless herb that is capable of rejuvenating the whole body.

Punarnava or Thazhuthama is an ayurvedic remedy, traditionally used in treatment of several diseases, including those of the gastrointestinal tract. Let us take a look at some of the major healing properties of this medicinal herb:

1. Prevents fluid retention

Punarnava is diuretic in nature, which makes it great in curing urinary tract infections. It increases the secretion and discharge of urine. Hence, the herb is a good cure for the treatment of ‘dropsy’, a condition marked by excessive collection of watery fluid in tissues, cavities or natural hollows of the body. Hence, the herb prevents fluid retention in the body. Freshly boiled herb is administered for the treatment of the disease. A liquid extract of the fresh or dry plant can also be administered in doses of 4g to 16gms.

2. Supports respiratory health

Punarnava promotes removal of blockages in mucous membranes and phlegm from the bronchial tubes. Hence, it is beneficial in the treatment of Asthma. The powder of the root can be taken in small dosages thrice a day. It supports overall lung functioning and respiratory health.

3. Aids weight loss

Punarnava is beneficial in treating obesity. Most of the herbal anti-obesity medications have punarnava as an ingredient. The herb aids excretion and removal of excess fluids from the body, without compromising on other electrolytes that are otherwise required by the body. Hence, it is beneficial in your weight loss efforts too.

4. Boosts liver health

Punarnava is helpful in treating certain type of liver diseases caused by ‘Ascites’, thereby helping in maintaining liver health. Ascites is a disease characterised by accumulation of fluid within the peritoneal cavity of the abdomen. It is particularly powerful on the types of ascites that are caused due to liver cirrhosis and chronic peritonitis. It also stimulates secretion of bile, which is vital in keeping the liver healthy.

5. Treats stomach disorders

Punarnava is useful in strengthening the stomach and improving its functioning. It treats several intestinal disorders, including intestinal colic. The powdered root of the herb is administered in dosages of 5grams thrice a day. Furthermore, it kills and expels intestinal worms. Moreover, given the fact that it is a mild laxative, it helps prevent constipation, thereby helping in overall purification of the body.

6. Maintains efficient kidney functioning

Punarnava helps kidneys do their job, as it helps in getting rid of excess toxins, water and fat from the body, thereby ultimately ensuring that all organs are functioning as smoothly as possible. Being a diuretic, there is increased urine output when the herb is used, and hence, it helps in keeping the body clean. Further, regular urination also helps in flushing out the calcium accumulated in the kidneys, thereby preventing formation of kidney stones.

7. Good remedy for urinary tract infections

Urinary Tract Infections are a common condition, experienced by both men and women, particularly seen in women. It is associated with discomforts such as burning sensation when urinating. Punarnava, being anti-microbial, anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory, works as a cure for UTIs clearing infection effectively.

8. Cures certain eye diseases

Our eyes, being extremely sensitive, are susceptible to various diseases and infections at any point of time in our life. Hence, it is necessary to protect them and administer the right cure as and when required. Punarnava plays a major role in protecting our eyes from several types of infections and diseases, including conjunctivitis and night blindness. A few drops of the herbal extract are administered ayurvedic physicians, depending on the eye condition of the patient.

9. Beneficial in managing arthritis

Punarnava is also ideal for managing arthritis, as the herb offers relief from joint pain and muscle inflammation. For this, the herb should be ground into a paste and applied topically. Allow the paste to sit on your skin for as long as you can, as it is unlikely to cause any side-effects on your skin.

10. Treats skin diseases

The root of the herb is an effective remedy for various skin diseases. A paste of the root can be applied topically as dressing for oedematous swellings. The root can be applied as a hot poultice with satisfying results to abscesses, ulcers and other skin diseases. It is also used as an ointment for other skin diseases.

Other uses of Punarnava

Apart from the above-said major health benefits, the uses of this wonderful medicinal herb are plenty. The seeds of Punarnava are beneficial to those suffering from impotence, as it helps increase libido, and revives male reproductive organ, making it a good home remedy for erective dysfunction too. The herb is also helpful in treating general fever, insomnia, tuberculosis, colic, worms, fibroids in women, and being rich in iron, it is beneficial in treating anaemia too.

Note: The herb is administered in various forms depending on the need of the patient. Therefore, it may be effective only if used in the right proportions as specified and guided by an Ayurvedic practitioner.

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Immune Health During Cold & Flu Season

Acupuncture

Oct 152018

By Justine Myers, Lic. Ac.

It’s October in New England, and colds are very common. While some people find themselves more prone to colds and other upper respiratory infections than others, there are some steps we can all take to help to prevent getting sick. If/when you do get sick, or start to feel like you might be getting sick, there are also ways to lessen the severity/longevity of the illness and recover more quickly.

Immune health: our highest goal is to prevent getting sick altogether. The first step to illness prevention is to wash your hands. Yes, having clean hands is so basic, but it is absolutely key to staying healthy. Beyond handwashing, some healthy lifestyle habits to keep your immune system at its best include getting enough sleep, managing your stress and eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. We realize that these factors are sometimes out of one’s control, but being mindful of these habits and doing what you can to stay healthy is advisable. Here are some more detailed immune health tips from Harvard Health Publishing.

Acupuncture can play a role in a healthy functioning immune system. Receiving regular acupuncture is helpful for both immune function and stress reduction; therefore it is recommended as a means of prevention of illness, and can also be used as an effective remedy/treatment when you start to have symptoms of illness such as a sore throat or nasal congestion. When you start feeling sick, the key to preventing a full-blown cold or sinus infection with the use of acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine is to be treated with acupuncture and/or take herbs as soon as possible after you start having symptoms, ideally within the first 24 hours – the sooner the better. Chinese herbal medicine, particularly Yin Chiao for sore throat or Cang Er Zi Wan for sinus congestion/pressure/pain, is very helpful for the acute onset of illness, particularly as soon as symptoms begin. Zinc lozenges, Echinacea and Goldenseal tinctures and Elderberry syrup are also helpful supplements that can be taken right away as soon as symptoms of a cold begin in order to fight it off. Take these frequently/as directed for the first 24 hours of your cold symptoms and you may be lucky enough to fight it off altogether. Also do what you can to take it easy: extra rest, a nap and/or a break from physical exertion can help your body to change course and fight off illness.

We have a variety of Chinese herbal medicines for various upper respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, sinus congestion/pressure and cough, and there are acupuncture points to address these conditions as well. If you’d like to try herbs for a cold, just ask our acupuncturists which product would be most effective for you. If your body has succumbed to a cold, acupuncture and herbs can help your body not only relieve symptoms but also shorten the duration and severity of the cold. For nasal congestion the use of a neti pot or saline nasal spray is also a good treatment.

We do ask that if you have a fever, uncontrollable/severe coughing or gastrointestinal virus that you do not come in for acupuncture. In general we do our best to keep our clinic as clean as possible and work to prevent the spread of illnesses.

We hope that you are able to stay healthy, and we’re here to help you with prevention and treatment of common colds and other illnesses.

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Warm water and its health benefits according to Samhitas

Ayurvedic

Aug 192018

Water is the sustainer of life of all living beings. The entire world is full of it. Water acts like nectar either pure or medicated, cooked or uncooked , hot or cold if used wisely. Ayurveda, a 5,000 years old holistic system, believes that the choices we make on a daily basis effect our bodies ability to develop or destroy disease. Most of us consider cold water as rejuvenator and more energiser and are not fond of drinking warm water unless caught by common cold, fever and other hazards. Well, being an ayurvedic medicine student while going through types and health benefits of all the liquid foods in some classical ayurvedic texts, there I got to find warm water has much of health benefits. I had the crave for it I decided to research it to see whether there were any benefits associated with it. The feel of warm water is amazing; it transforms your whole body system.

Ayurveda views agni as the very source of life and has mentions that impaired agni is at the root of every imbalances and diseases. Ayurveda endorses the fact that drinking warm water the secret to good health and clear skin. Warm water is nature’s most powerful home remedy and minimizes digestive problems.

Acharya Vagbhat has explained about Ushna Jala (warm water) on his text – Ashtanga Hridaya (Classical Ayurvedic Text- 7^th century) Sutrasthana chapter 5 as:

dīpanamaṃ pācanaṃ kaṇṭhyaṃ laghūṣṇambastiśodhanam ll (A.H.S 5/16 )

hidhmādhmānānilaśleṣmasadya:śuddhinavajvarekāsāmapīnasaśvāsapāśrrvarukṣuca śasyate ll (A.H.S 5/17)

This classical verse states that:
Warm water has the properties of :
Deepana : Stimulates hunger,
Pachana : helps digestion,
Kanthya : good for the throat,
Laghu : easily digested,
Basti shodhana : cleanses the urinary bladder,

Relieves

Hidhma : relieves hiccup,
Adhmana : flatulence
Anila : aggrevation of vata
Sleshma : aggravation of kapha
It is ideal on the days of Panchakarma Therapy.

Navavjara: fever of recent origin
kasa : cold, cough
Ama : accumulation of undigested materials,
Peenassa : rhinitis(running nose)
Shwasa : dyspnoea and
Parshvaruja : pain in the flanks.

Acharya Charaka has also described the role of hot water in management of Jvara (Fever):

jvaritasyakāyasamutthānadeśakālānabhisamīkṣya pācanārthaṃ pānīyamuṣṇaṃ prayacchanti bhiṣajaḥ| jvaro hyāmāśayasamutthaḥ, prāyobheṣajāni cāmāśayasamutthānāṃ vikārāṇāṃ pācanavamanāpatarpaṇasamarthānibhavanti; pācanārthaṃca pānīyamuṣṇaṃ, tasmādetajjvaritebhyaḥprayacchanti bhiṣajo bhūyiṣṭham| taddhi teṣāṃ pītaṃvātamanulomayati, agniṃ codaryamudīrayati,| kṣipraṃ jarāṃ gacchati, śleṣmāṇaṃpariśoṣayati, svalpamapi ca pītaṃ trṣṇāpraśamanāyopakalpate; tathāyuktamapicaitannātyarthotsannapitte jvaresadāhabhramapralāpātisāre vā pradeyam, uṣṇena hi dāhabhramapralāpātisārā bhūyo:’bhivardhante, śītenacopaśā, śītena copaśāmyantīti || (Cha.Vi. 3/40)

As the fever is relieved by cold articles, hot water is prescribed to the patient suffering from fever instead of cold water to help them with their digestion. Moreover, fever arises from amashaya (stomach) and the remedies usually used for disorders arise from the stomach with digestive, emetic and depletive properties.

Ingestion of hot beverages helps to expel gas, stimulates digestive power, digests (the ingested beverage) quickly, dries up the mucus, and relieves thirst when taken even in a smaller quantity.

Nevertheless, hot drinks should not be administered in fevers which are due to exacerbation of pitta-dominant symptoms such as fevers accompanied with excessive burning sensations, giddiness, delirium, and diarrhoea, since these disorders are greatly aggravated by hot measures. Such ailments require cold fomentation or cold treatments.

Some mentions and indications of warm water are found in classical ayurvedic texts as:

Hot water shouldn’t be used for Achamana (intake of a sip of water). Achamana is done before commencing worship of god and after riding a chariot. (A.S.S. 3/12)
Luke warm water is indicated for Gandusa Therapy (gargling with mouth full of liquid). Gandusa is useful to prevent cracking and roughness of the lips, dryness of mouth, diseases of teeth and disorders of voice. Luke warm water will make the mouth clean and healthy. (A.S.S. 3/31)
Water from different source should not be drunk till the digestion of first water; & if uncooked water taken previously has not been digested, cooked water should bot be taken over it and vice versa. (A.S.S. 6/29)
Water undergoes Madhura Vipaka and sita veerya even though used hot. So, hot water should be avoided as it is Laghu (light) and causes no harm in small quantity. Patients of Ama (indigestion), and other digestive problems should drink warm water to moisten the food. The food liquefied by hot water undergoes quick digestion. (A.S.S.6/35)
Warm water is considered as the best Anupana (after drink) after consuming foods made from pista (flour) and are hardly digestible. (A.S.S. 10/44)
Warm water mixed with salt should be given for emesis to the patient suffering from indigestion. (A.S.S. 11/22)

Many individuals are becoming health conscious and many tends to stay healthy with their daily intakes.I have been prescribing people to drink warm water as it rejuvenates and energizes the body. Also it maintains electrochemical balance in the body and also continues the calorie burning process.

You can maintain your optimum health with regular intake of warm water. Lastly, I’d recommend you to take warm water and be healthy.

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Summer Health Maintenance

Acupuncture

Jul 112018

Summer Health Maintenance
by Justine Myers, Lic. Ac.

Come in for some acupuncture tune-ups and enjoy a more comfortable, active life this summer! If you are limiting the activities you love due to nagging aches and pains and limited range of motion, acupuncture can help alleviate your discomforts and loosen up your muscles and joints so you can be more active. Have travel plans including long car or plane rides? Prevent, reduce and manage low back pain that comes from prolonged sitting. Struggling with jet lag or insomnia? Acupuncture can help get your sleep back in order. Feeling stressed and anxious? Acupuncture is great for calming down the nervous system so you can feel more relaxed and walk through difficult situations more serenely. For chronic digestive disorders that get in the way of daily life and make traveling more difficult, acupuncture can smooth it out. A series of acupuncture treatments can reduce the frequency and severity of headaches and migraines so you can enjoy life with less pain and prevent debilitating episodes. There are many more conditions that can be helped by acupuncture. Wondering how much acupuncture would be helpful? Ask your acupuncturist at your next visit. Here’s a chart with some helpful guidelines for various health conditions. Take good care of yourself this summer – your body and mind will thank you and reward you by feeling better!

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Supplement Sensation My top 3 picks to boost your health

Naturopathy

Mar 262018

The human body requires rather steady and frequent intakes of essential vitamins and minerals in order to perform the biological functions that it needs to. A balanced and varied diet is the preferred means of obtaining essential vitamins and minerals, however nutrient deficiencies can occur even amongst those populations with a bounty of food. As such, supplementing your diet with vitamins and minerals is an effective means of fortifying one’s diet and boosting nutrient content in a consistent manner.

Are you struggling to prioritise your nutrients? Here are my top 3 recommendations:

Magnesium
One of the most abundant minerals in the body, magnesium is used for a variety of functions including energy production, nervous system function and stress management, muscular relaxation, blood pressure maintenance, blood glucose maintenance and bone health. Avoid taking formulations that include magnesium oxide and magnesium sulfate as they are poorly absorbed and can have a laxative effect. Instead opt for magnesium glycinate, magnesium malate and magnesium citrate which are better absorbed.

B Group vitamins
These include vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, folate (B9) and B12. This group of nutrients have wide spread effects and are used for energy production, nerve tissue conduction, neurotransmitter synthesis (chemicals that regulate mood, concentration, memory, pleasure), red blood cell formation, hormone synthesis and heart health. Whenever possible, select a product that contains B group vitamins in their active forms as these are easily absorbed and can be readily used by the body.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs)
EFAs cannot be produced by the body, yet they are essential for good health. Fish oils are particularly rich in this unique fatty acid. The active ingredients that give fish oil its therapeutic benefits are EPA and DHA. EPA is an essential nutrient that reduces inflammation within our bodies and helps to regulate our mood, whilst DHA supports our central nervous system health and our cardiovascular function. Heavy metals and other impurities easily contaminate fish oils. Thus, when selecting fish oil ensure that your choice of manufacturer maintains a high standard of quality control.

If you’re after additional food and nutritional alternatives, book an appointment with our Naturopath, Julia. Available for consultation on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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Top 16 Benefits Of Lettuce For Health And Beauty Purposes

Ayurvedic

Dec 292017

by Hang Pham

December 29, 2017

Topics: Ayurveda

For thousands of years, lettuce has also thought to contain medicinal properties and its health benefits have been confirmed by science. In this article, Healthy Guide will show you some of the best benefits of lettuce for health and beauty that you should not skip out.

List Of Benefits Of Lettuce For Health And Beauty:

Now, I will show you some of the nutrition facts of lettuce as well as benefits of this leaf veggie for health and beauty. So, if you love this kind of veggie and want to know more about benefits that you can reap from the consumption of lettuce, keep the eyes on this article right now.

Nutrition Facts Of Lettuce

Lettuce is cultivated with ease. It is a great source of antioxidants, vitamins A, C, K, iron, potassium and folate. Although lettuce looks like cabbage, one of the differences between them is the water content, Lettuce is crunchier while cabbage contains less water and is tougher than lettuce.

This leafy green vegetable helps in fighting inflammation, diabetes and cancer. The omega-3 fatty acids found in lettuce help to protect the heart and simultaneously improve hair and skin health.

Benefits Of Lettuce For Health, Skin And Hair

Keep in mind that not all varieties of lettuce are created equal. You just get all of the benefits if you consume the Romaine variety of lettuce. Some of the best benefits of lettuce for beauty and health purposes include:

Reduce Diabetes Risk

This is the first one on the list of benefits of lettuce for health and beauty purposes that I want to mention in this article and want all of my readers to know for good. Studies have found that the consumption of lettuce can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Also, one cup of lettuce has only 5 calories and 2g of carbs, making it a great addition to your diabetes- friendly diet. Moreover, lettuce contains lactucaxanthin that helps reduce blood glucose levels, making it a potential remedy for diabetes.

List of 26 Best Smoothies For Diabetes Treatment and Relief will show you some of the healthiest smoothies that patients with diabetes should drink for good, so check it out!

Improve Vision Health

The omega-3s found in lettuce can help improve vision health and fight off any eye-related ailments. Besides, Romaine lettuce also has a super antioxidant called zeaxanthin, which can promote vision health and prevent age-related macular degeneration. Actually, Romaine lettuce is a great replacement for spinach that is another kind of veggie great for eye health. This is also one of the best benefits of lettuce for beauty and health purposes that we would like to reveal in this article!

Read on Top 19 Healthy and Nutritional Foods for Eyes Improvement to discover some of the best foods you should consume to help you improve eye health.

Reduce Cholesterol Levels

Lettuce can help to reduce cholesterol levels that can cause cardiovascular diseases as well as other health conditions. Actually, the high levels of “bad” cholesterol are harmful and can lead to heart attack and stroke. According to a study conducted on mice, lettuce consumption caused a reduction in cholesterol levels if compared to mice that did not consume lettuce.

Work As An Antioxidant Agent

Studies have found that lettuce contains antioxidants, which are necessary for human health. Actually, these antioxidants work to fight against free radicals produced during cellular metabolism. Studies indicated that these free radicals could attack healthy cells and tissues and then mutate them into cancer cells, resulting in the development of diseases. On the other hand, antioxidants fight against these free radicals and then neutralize them.

Fight Cancer

When it comes to benefits of lettuce for health and beauty purposes, you should not skip its ability to fight cancer. The extract from lettuce leaves can help control some certain types of cancer. Some studies found that human cancer cells could be controlled after being treated with the extracts from lettuce leaves.

Induce Sleep

One of the common uses of lettuce is its use to induce sleep. The white fluid called lactucarium is what you see when breaking lettuce leaves. This contains relaxing and sleep-inducing properties. Therefore, if you are suffering from problems with sleep, simply consume a few lettuce leaves or drink lettuce juice.

Protect Neuronal Cells

Neuronal cells have to form physical connections in order to make up memory. Therefore, the death of neurons can cause memory loss. In some cases, the neuronal death can lead to the onset of mental diseases like Alzheimer’s. The lettuce extracts had a control of neuron cell death thanks to its effect in glucose/serum deprivation. Besides, the research has also shown that lettuce could be used in neuroprotection as a natural treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.

Fight Inflammation

If you are looking for benefits of lettuce for health and beauty purposes, you should know that this leafy veggie can help you fight inflammation. Some certain proteins in lettuce can help control inflammation. According to a study, lettuce is rich in vitamin K that can help lower inflammation. Other veggies that are rich in vitamin K are spinach, kale, broccoli and cabbage. Also, the omega-3s found in lettuce contribute to its anti-inflammatory effect.

Improve Bone Health

Vitamins A, C and K are essential for collagen production and bone formation. And lettuce is a great source of all three vitamins. Vitamin A helps with new bone cell growth, and the deficiency of vitamin A can cause osteoporosis and a higher risk of fractures. Vitamin K supports to build cartilage as well as connective tissues and a lack of vitamin K can cause reduced bone mass and a higher facture risk. And, vitamin C helps fight bone depletion.

Taste Great

Although lettuce is very low in calories, many varieties of lettuce still bring on a sweet taste. Lettuce called Lactuva sativa is often added to salads, soups, sandwiches, grilled and wraps.

There are other benefits of lettuce for health and beauty in this article. So, keep your eyes on this interesting article right now and then consider adding this healthy veggie to your daily diet for good.

Aid Weight Loss

A reason why lettuce can be a great option for weight loss diets is calories. A serving of lettuce has just 5 calories. Besides, lettuce helps make up for the lack of micronutrient on a low-calorie diet. Also, lettuce is low in energy density. For example, Romaine lettuce has 95% water and just offers 1g of fiber per cup. And we all know that fiber keeps you full. Moreover, lettuce is also very low in fat, so it can be an ideal addition to your weight loss diet.

Good For Pregnancy

The benefits of lettuce for pregnancy may come from its high content of folate, which can help reduce the risks of developing birth defects. Besides, the vitamin K found in this leafy veggie can also help reduce the risk of hemorrhaging. And, you do not forget the fiber content in lettuce can help prevent constipation, which is a common problem in pregnant women.

Prevent And Treat Arthritis

When you are looking for a treatment for arthritis, you should not skip lettuce. As we know that patients with arthritis have to avoid consuming foods that are high in calories and fat because they can increase the pain and swelling to the body. With that reason, consuming lettuce may be helpful in preventing and treating arthritis.

In fact, this is one of the best benefits of lettuce for beauty as well as health purposes that I want to mention in this article and want all of my readers, especially those with arthritis to include this veggie in their daily diet as soon as possible.

Improve Digestion Systems

It is very important to keep the digestion systems healthy. And, lettuce may be one of the best options for you thanks to its high content of dietary fiber. It helps to improve the functions of gastrointestinal tract. To use lettuce for promoting digestion system, you just need to combine a lettuce salad with other veggies such as carrots and cucumber to get a healthier digestion system.

Improve Skin Health

If you want to have a perfect skin, you can take a natural action rather than applying chemical substances on your skin. As you know, consuming healthy foods is a natural way to improve the skin health. And, green vegetables like lettuce is known as a great source of essential vitamins and minerals that are good for skin.

Lettuce supplies most of the nutrients that our skin needs. It provides protection against pollutions and ultraviolet rays thanks to the combination of vitamin C and E. Moreover, it makes your skin youthful and prevents signs of aging. Therefore, improving skin health is one of the best benefits of lettuce for beauty and health purposes that you should not look down.

Improve Hair Growth

Another one among benefits of lettuce for beauty and health purposes is that this food can help to improve hair growth. Actually, lettuce has nutrients that can support the hair health. It helps nourish the hair, prevent hair fall and graying of hair thanks to its content of vitamin K and potassium. Therefore, consuming lettuce on a regular basis can help you enjoy a beautiful and healthy hair.

Consuming green vegetables is a great way to get the nutrient that our body needs. Thus, you should consider adding this vegetable to your daily diet to reap all of its benefits for skin and beauty. If you know other benefits of lettuce for health and beauty purposes, remember to share them with us by leaving your comments below.

Author Bio: Lien Nguyen – Writer and Blogger, who has more than 6 years of experience in the industry of Health and Skincare. I work for Healthy Guide – reliable resources that help readers solve all their health, beauty concerning, and many other issues in life. I also focus on nutrition, relationship, fitness, lifestyle, men and women’s issues. Find more of my articles on Facebook.

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Acupuncture for Stress and Stress-Related Health Conditions

Acupuncture

Sep 282017

Many health conditions can crop up as a result of chronic stress and/or worsen due to stress. Some examples are indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); weakened immune function (i.e. frequent colds); hypertension (high blood pressure); headaches and migraines; menstrual irregularities, menstrual cramps, PMS and PMDD; anxiety, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression; insomnia; fatigue; low libido; and muscle tension and pain. Stress is often a factor in these conditions and others because it affects the nervous system and various hormones that are released in times of stress, affecting various systems of the body.

Acupuncture is helpful for stress and stress-related ailments because it helps to regulate the nervous system and hormones. There are also acupuncture points used for particular health conditions and symptoms, whether those symptoms are related to stress or not. The holistic approach of acupuncture takes into account both the “root,” meaning issues underlying one’s health condition(s), and the “branch,” or symptoms one experiences stemming from the root. With each treatment points are selected to treat both the roots and branches.

What can you do about ongoing stress, particularly when it’s situational (work-related, family-related, caretaking, etc.)? Take care of yourself as best as possible and find outlets for stress relief when you can. Exercise, deep breathing, time outside and talking with loved ones are all healthy ways to manage stress on a day to day basis. Acupuncture once every week or two is a great way to de-stress and stay healthy. If you have a health condition that is linked to stress, it’s helpful to obtain acupuncture regularly depending on the severity: once a week when mild, twice a week when moderate, and 3 or more times if severe. You can always ask an acupuncturist for a recommended course of treatment, and feel free to experiment with frequency for yourself to obtain an outcome that feels helpful for you.

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