Acupuncture for infertility - will it work for you

Acupuncture for infertility promises miraculous cure even where modern scientific methods fail to work. Being a Chinese remedy, Acupuncture might conjure a feeling of dark rooms, hushed voices and incessant pains for pricking of needles. But it is not the case when you go to treat your infertility syndrome with acupuncture. It, on the other hand, promises complete relaxation and instant cure from infertility.

Acupuncture is based on Chinese methods. The Chinese people believed that to remain healthy, energy should flow in a balanced way throughout your body. Whenever there is a blockage in the flow of that energy, inflammations will occur leading to severe pains and several types of diseases. Since energy flows the meridian points, so acupuncture inserts needles in different parts of the body to make energy flow smoothly. Placing needles on certain points unblocks the energy points. This reduces the particular type of disease.

What acupuncture treatment will suit you?

A close research on acupuncture and infertility shows that treatment depends from person to person. However, you should visit the doctor, state your problem and know what acupuncture fertility treatment is right for you. Suggest every detail of your physical condition to the doctor and then go for particular acupuncture remedy. Whether you are suffering from low sperm count, bad quality egg, miscarriage problems, troubling ovulation or blocked Fallopian tubes, acupuncture has a remedy for all.

Acupuncture is best for those people who have already undergone various treatments without any effective results. It is also appropriate for those who do not want to undergo any costly fertility treatments. It is a safe, easy, reliable and painless method that provides fast relief from infertility. Acupuncture for infertility includes pricking of needles in the earlobes, eyebrows, eyelids, ears and fingertips. After the needles are pricked, the patient has to relax for 30 to 45 minutes. Acupuncture guarantees complete cure from infertility by just 3-4 regular sessions.

Other Chinese herbal treatments

Acupuncture for infertility can include auricular, electrified or manual treatments. Electrified means using of electric needles to cure pains and obstacles. Auricular treatment involving pricking of needles in the ears and earlobes is an alternative therapy for female infertility due to hormone disorders. Another method used during acupuncture treatments for infertility includes usage of Chinese herbal medicines. Hachimijiogan is a Chinese herb that subsequently reduces serum prolactin level and results in normal ovulatory cycle and pregnancy. However, using rhubarb, endometriotic pill No 1 and Hochuekkito also reduces pelvic pain and intercourse pain, removes blood stasis, disintegrates mass and leads to purgation of serums.

Acupuncture works for infertility by increasing the production of endorphins or brain chemicals that help to reduce stress. It also improves blood supply to the ovaries, and the uterus. This makes it easier for the uterus to nourish a fetus and reduce the risk of miscarriage effectively. Atlanta acupuncture for infertility pregnancy suggests that the sessions stimulates the central nervous systems causing neurotransmitters and neurophormones to be released, thus reducing infertility effectively.

Identifying the different forms of herbal medicine

Although there are a lot of positive things to be said when it comes to herbal medicine, is still an undeniable fact however that what we proof we have is not yet enough to make taking herbal medicine completely safe.

Hence, when you’re about to try out herbal medicine please make sure to check with your doctor first if what you’re doing wouldn’t be harmful to your body. Secondly, it’s better to be able to identify the different forms of herbal medicine so you’d know if what you’re taking is the real thing or not.

Essence - This is also one of the most popular forms that herbal medicine takes. Herbs in essential oils are processed through cold pressing or steam distillation. This form of herbal medicine is popular because a lot of people prefer to enjoy massages with the use of essential oils because it supposedly helps them relax more easily.

Pills and Capsules - People who violently resist the idea of taking herbal medicine in its raw form may find other products of herbal medicine in the form of pills and capsules. Herbal medicine is ground into powder to take this particular form. Usually, with this form of herbal medicine, the medicinal purpose is general and not meant to be a specific cure. Ampalaya capsules, for example, are taken simply to help improve your diabetes.

Infusions - This process involves the delicate parts of a plant like its leaves, seeds and fruits. The process simply takes several minutes to finish.

Poultice - There are some situations that require patients to take herbal medicine in the form of poultice. In this case, the herbs are macerated or chopped into tiny pieces and are then directly applied to the skin. After this, a hot, moist bandage is used to cover the area.

Raw - It’s like going back to the primitive past when you’re required to take this particular form of herbal medicine. Not only is the process somewhat undesirable, the taste of it leaves nothing to be desired as well. Many healthcare professionals, however, advise people to steep these raw herbs into tea because it’s said to release its healing powers effectively.

Tinctures - Herbal medicine in liquid form.

Decoctions - This process involves the extraction of certain parts of a plant like the berries, roots and herb-bark. This process usually takes 45 minutes till an hour and a half.

And now that we’re done with the list of forms of herbal medicine, we do hope that you benefit greatly from whatever herbal medicine product you’re taking!

Natural relief for arthritis and joint pain

The years of teaching high impact aerobics are catching up with me. Sure it's been great for the ticker, but the knees on the other hand are showing signs of age and making icky noises. What my Physical Therapist friends call "creep" and "crepitus" (which is just nice technical way of saying "grinding") had become loud enough to be heard by the naked ear! At the rate I was going - I was sure I'd need a knee replacement by 40. Of course this just won't do. So I've taken to doing leg extensions regularly and… taking glucosamine.

Glucosamine - What's That?

"Glucosamine" is a natural constituent of cartilage which has been shown to stimulate the production of connective tissue! In more technical terms, glucosamine is considered an "amino sugar." An amino sugar is the component of a carbohydrate which does not contribute to the body's energy - instead it gets incorporated into body tissues, forming such structures as tendons, ligaments, bones, skin, nails, eyes and heart valves.

What is Glucosamine Used For?

Glucosamine supplements have been used most recently (according to the research I consulted) for everything from joint pain to connective tissue repair. It's best know for its contribution to tendon and ligament support, for building joint cartilage as well as reducing destruction of cartilage. It has also shown promise in reducing inflammation due to asthma and bursitis, lessen the incidence of food allergies, tendonitis and skin problems! As if that isn't enough - what I find most exciting about glucosamine is its use in relief of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

How Glucosamine Works

It's fairly basic. We produce less glucosamine as we age, therefore our cartilage has difficulty retaining water. Depletion of this fluid, which ads "cushion" to the joints and other tissues, can create everything from joint pain to arthritis. Glucosamine (together with its counterpart chondroitin - another naturally occurring substance) - helps to counteract this water loss as well as restore cartilage.

Side Effects

So What's the bad news? I always want to know. Here's what I found: Since these substances are naturally occurring - they work on the body differently than synthetic drugs (think Prednisone) or anti-inflam's like Naproxen. This said - it takes a while to notice signs of joint help - more than likely it could take up to a year of regular supplementation before the benefits take hold. Once they do, however, 50% of all regular users have reported definite decreases in symptoms of joint pain - I will let you know! The only other downside I could find to the glucosamine/chondroitin complex users were nausea and heartburn - although they are rare and counteracted by eating prior to supplementation.

How To?

As I've just stated, always take the glucosamine/chondroitin complex with meals to avoid side effects. I take one, 500 mg tablet once a day. Dr. Mindell (I am a big fan of his work: see below) recommends taking just 1-3 500 mg. tabs daily for three weeks (to get a boost), then take one, 500 mg. tab daily.

My Usual Disclaimer:

As always, please check with your healthcare provider before supplementation - discuss with him/her any medications you are taking to avoid interactions. Although herbs and other naturally occurring substances are considered "food" (simply because they can't be patented and trademarked thus cannot come under scrutiny of the FDA) they are still very strong substances in the body and should not be taken lightly! Check out more literature - educate yourself!

My Favorite Resources (and research sources for this article) Include:

Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing. New York: Penguin Putnam, 2004.

Khalsa, Dharma Singh, M. D. Food As Medicine. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2003.

Mindell, Earl, R. P.h., Ph. D. The Vitamin Bible. New York: Warner Books, 2004.

Mindell, Earl, R. P.h., Ph. D. Prescription Alternatives. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.

The first harvest

First responders arrived at the home initially, followed soon thereafter by paramedics. We picked up the dispatch over the radio scanner and prepared our minds and equipment in trauma room one. This one was a long time coming which surprised us all since the scene was within five minutes of the ER by car. 45 minutes passed before the call came telling us they were inbound.

The ambulance pulled up to the doors and he was brought in on a stretcher. He was SOA - smurfed on arrival, or perhaps I should say cyanotic for the sake of the purists, which really means that his skin was a most unappealing shade of blue. No IV line had been started, and the rescue team were bagging as they hurried him into the ER. 45 minutes on scene, four paramedics accompanying him - the focus of the time on scene had been concentrated on CPR alternating with unsuccessful attempts to intubate.

My heart leapt into my throat as the stretcher was rolled into place beside where I stood waiting, under the saucer shaped overhead exam light, with IV catheter in hand & fluid hung ready to get a line started. With his face partially obscured by venti-mask this bare-chested man lying on the stretcher was the spitting image of a man I deeply cared for - was it... ? No time to pause to know that instant - other things took priority and the IV was started, the ER doc tried to intubate, the parameds kept up CPR and the theater became a whirlwind of fast working professionals, some drawing blood for lab, taking x-rays, connecting the lines for cardiac monitoring etc...

Very quickly I became busy pushing medicines through the IV line, atropine, bicarb, epi, we drained the crash cart in short order and had the house supervisor dashing for more. As I paused between each administration I was able to see the man more distinctly and know he was not the person I thought him to be at first glance, although he could surely have been the man's brother.

All efforts to intubate were unsuccessful as were the medicines we were giving and the jolts from the defibrillator The patient's wife had arrived and we learned that he was on the waiting list for a new heart. With sadness, and after an hour of all out effort in the ER we knew his name would be off that list that night.

The doctor called the code. The patient was pronounced. We removed the signs of our interventions and made him presentable. His wife grieved. The ER physician returned to his call room and the nursing staff began the mountain of tasks and paperwork that follow an unsuccessful code.

My partner had recently been certified for organ harvest and she noted on his driver's license that he had agreed to be a donor and so after providing his wife a bit of time to cry, we had the task of approaching this subject with her. I remember how his wife handled it - she was a hero that night. We watched the time and let her know when we would have to begin at the latest. A wonderful trooper, she departed leaving her husband in our care. It would be the last time she would look upon his features as he was to be cremated.

"K" and I studied the manual closely, assembled all the necessary items and got started. We worked together and by carefully retracting, snipping and cutting delicately, removing first one eye, and then the other, being sure to get as much optic nerve as possible, pin it, cage the specimens and pack them properly. It's a highly emotional feeling, the first time you actually perform an organ harvest, and as emergency nurses, a scientifically interesting change of routine as well. "K" and I remained high on our experience the remainder of our tour of duty.

That was the first time I participated in an organ harvest. There have been others since that night, but no matter how many chance and circumstances will bring me to participate in or perform over the course of my nursing career I will never forget Mr. "S" or his brave wife. I am left filled with awe every time I think about the contribution Mr. "S" made.

If I were to write a blockbuster movie or a best-selling novel I would never come close to leaving a more meaningful contribution than that of Mr. "S" and all those who like him donate their organs. My mother had cataracts from an early age and her quality of life was greatly improved by being able to have lens implants. My father, still flying his private plane at age 82, recently had a lens implant done and passed his FAA flight physical. I hope it comforts Mrs. "S", as it should, to know that her husband gave of himself so that others would be able to lead better lives. What finer contribution can any of us hope to make? I remember Mr. "S" with great respect and every once in a while speak quietly and smile while telling him ... Mr. "S", you're a hell of a man. Somehow I think he looks down and smiles back...

I hope that the next time you renew your driver's license, or otherwise come across the question of whether or not you would like to become a designated organ donor you will remember Mr. "S" too and all of the fine people like him and consider checking the box that says yes.

Written as I smile, remembering Mr. "S"

How to cure snoring

Snoring is a troublesome, annoying noise made by a person during sleep due to improper breathing. Almost 30% of the population suffers from snoring. Snoring is more common in men than women, as men have narrower throats than women. It affects some children also. Snoring is of several types, mild snoring, severe snoring and sleep apnea. Snoring generally makes a loud and unpleasant and discomforting sound. Generally a person sleeping alone doesn’t come to know that he/she is suffering from snoring. Snoring is vibrations of soft tissues in throat like uvula, soft palate, adenoids and tonsils. Sleep apnea is the severest form of snoring in which the person’s breathing gets blocked, so the person wakes up frequently to breathe. However, the person doesn’t remember waking up.

Snoring is not just a nuisance. It has lot of ramifications like a sleepless partner, unhappy marital life, hypertension, sleepiness during day, loss of productivity, high blood pressure, stroke, weaker immune system etc. the sleepiness during day is generally because either the person is awakened by his own snoring noise or the partner wakes up due to jostling by the partner. Most of the time the snorer is not aware of waking up. Studies indicate that snoring causes strain in relationship, and there is an inverse relationship between frequency of sexual activity in partners and snoring.

The cause of snoring is that the breathing passage is blocked. The blockage may be because of tongue falling in throat, relaxation of throat, mispositioned jaw, throat congestion by fat in obese people, nasal deformities like deviated septum, enlarged adenoids and tonsils etc. There are lots of home remedies and other medical remedies available to cure snoring.

The simplest cure for snoring is to sleep on side. Sleeping on the back causes the soft palate and uvula to distend into the throat and block it. Sleeping on the side removes this congestion. This generally cures snoring in mild snorers. This can be achieved by keeping a tennis ball in the back pocket, which causes discomfort to the person whenever he tries to sleep on his back.

Reducing obesity and increasing aerobic activities also benefit a lot. It is beneficial to quit smoking also. Avoid eating heavy food, milk products, sleeping pills and antihistamines before sleeping. Nasal decongestants are also beneficial. Studies have shown that playing didgeridoo on a regular basis gives exercise to throat and reduce snoring. Didgeridoo is an Australian wind instrument and can be bought in musical instrument stores or online.

If the above methods do not help, there are medical methods:

• Continuous Positive Air Pressure: In this a mask is put on the snorers mouth which provides continuous air pressure in throat. Results generally are good.

• Appliances: A variety of dental appliances, jaw positioners, nasal clips, oral devices are available which help in alleviating snoring.

• Surgical Methods: They are called thermal ablation palatoplasty. In these the throat congestion is removed by surgical methods. They include methods like Bipolar Cautery, Laser Assisted Uvula Palatoplasty and Somnoplasty. Surgical methods require anesthesia except Somnoplasty.

• Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy: They are generally used to reduce snoring problems in children.

Snoring relief how to achieve it

If you suffer from snoring, then you are probably looking for a way to relieve it. Snoring relief is often sought from a surgical standpoint, but many do not realize that snoring relief can actually begin at home.

Snoring relief can be found in many forms. From changing your sleeping position to the use of an anti-snoring device, snoring relief can be quite effective if you know where to begin. First off, try sleeping on your side instead of your back. If you find that it is impossible to do, try using two pillows instead of only one. An important part of snoring relief is to make every effort to keep the muscle and tissues from relaxing in your throat and restricting air passage. That is why side sleeping and a few inches of elevation are both important to snoring relief.

Another effective method at snoring relief is to remove allergens from your home. Regular cleaning and the use of air filtration devices can help to ensure that your air is as clean as possible. Individuals, especially those with allergies or sinus problems, are prone to breathing problems that could lead to snoring.

If you are overweight, or have recently been diagnosed with obesity, weight loss may be a very effective snoring relief method. The reason is because obesity is believed to be one of the leading causes of snoring and, therefore, has an important impact on it’s remedy.

Many sufferers turn to the help of anti-snoring aids to help them rid their nights of discomfort. Quality snoring relief products are often doctor recommended. Such is the case with the Sleep Genie, for example, which helps the snoring sufferer to keep their mouth closed during the night. It is nearly impossible to snore with your mouth closed, which is why the Sleep Genie is applauded by snoring sufferers around the globe.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as, or in place of, professional medical advice. Before beginning any treatment for snoring, please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and remedy.

Lasik - laser eye surgery

The refractive state of your eye can be improved and you can decrease the need for wearing glasses through Refractive Eye Surgery. The most common method of surgery followed today is Laser surgery, where lasers are used to reshape the cornea. Laser surgery is the greatest achievement in ophthalmology. Lasers are usually used to treat non refractive conditions.

What is LASIK?

LASIK is one of the most popular types of laser eye surgery. LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. This procedure can permanently reshape the cornea, which is the clear covering of the front of the eye, and change its focus power using an excimer laser. Millions of patients have been treated using LASIK, using of a wide variety of different lasers. This procedure can be used to correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.

Prior to the surgery:

Before you undergo LASIK surgery you will have to get your eyes examined by a doctor to see if you are a good candidate. If you wear contact lenses, you will have to stop using them for 1 to 4 weeks before the surgery and switch to wearing your glasses, to allow the cornea to return to its original shape, or else this can have negative consequences like inaccurate measurements and a poor surgical plan; resulting in poor vision after surgery. These measurements would decide how much corneal tissue is to be removed, and have to be repeated a week after your first evaluation as well as before surgery, to see that the measurements have not changed.

It is important that you tell your doctor all about your past and present medical eye conditions, and also the medications you are taking or if you are allergic to any medicines. Then on the day of the surgery you will be given a numbing drop so that you do not feel pain, although some patients do experience some discomfort. The area around your eye will be cleaned and a lid speculum will be used, which is an instrument to hold your eyelids open. A suction ring will be placed on your eye and suction will be created by applying very high pressure to the cornea. As a result of this, your vision will dim and the pressure may cause some discomfort.

During the surgery:

A small device called a microkeratome will be attached to the suction ring; the blade of which will be used to cut a thin flap on your cornea. The flap is created, exposing cornea tissue. After this, both the microkeratome and the suction ring will be removed. The doctor will now lift the flap and fold it back on its hinge, exposing a layer of tissue called the stroma - the middle section of the cornea.

You will be made to focus on a particular spot and the doctor will begin the laser to remove the corneal tissue, according to the measurements taken at the initial examination. The flap is then put back into position and left to heal.

After the surgery:

As no stitches are required, you will just have to wear an eye patch as protection to prevent rubbing, getting poked, or any kind of pressure that might disturb the healing process. It may take up to three to six months for your vision to stabilize after surgery.

It is important that you know all about Laser Surgery before you go through with it - the benefits as well as the side effects if there are any. Consult with your doctor, as only he will be able to tell you if this surgery will be good for you. Once you have all the information needed, you can make the decision whether or not you wish to go ahead with the surgery, and give yourself the opportunity to see the world in a whole new way!

Sleep apnea symptoms solutions

Apnea, in terms of the Greek word, is defined as “without breath.” This is exactly what happens to individuals who suffer from sleep apnea, which is a serious medical condition that causes the sufferer to completely stop breathing on more than one occasion throughout the night.

While it may be difficult to realize the symptoms of sleep apnea because they occur during sleep, it is possible if you know what to watch for. For instance, you may notice uncommon exhaustion throughout the day, a general feeling of fatigue, frequent or long-lasting headaches or irritability. These symptoms occur due to lack of sleep, which is caused by sleep apnea. In addition, if your spouse notices intense snoring or long pauses between breaths at night, you may be suffering from sleep apnea.

The only person who can positively identify sleep apnea is a licensed physician. He or she may ask a series of question or, in some instances, recommend a sleep study by asking you to spend the night in a supervised sleep center. At this type of facility, the purpose is to determine whether or not you suffer from sleep apnea. A series of monitoring devices will be placed on your body in order to detect your breathing patterns throughout the night.

Sleep apnea, when left untreated, can be extremely dangerous. In fact, it can lead to heart disease, a stroke or other major health problems. In addition to the obvious health risks, sleep apnea may lessen your immune system’s ability to fight disease or the loss of sleep can cause you to be impaired when driving. Sleep apnea treatments may include sleeping on your side instead of your back, giving up alcohol and cigarettes, ridding your home of allergens, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise program or the use of a doctor recommended at-home apnea treatment.

A product known as the Sleep Genie, which is a doctor recommended anti-snoring device, is available to help provide comfort to those with sleep apnea. Manufactured of a comfortable nylon lycra blend, the Sleep Genie comfortably supports the jaw while keeping the mouth closed to prevent snoring. While the Sleep Genie is not intended as a cure for sleep apnea, many users find additional comfort when using this product with the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, which provides continuous air pressure to help prevent the collapse of tissue in the throat that often blocks air passages during sleep. Users of the CPAP machine need to sleep with their mouth closed in order to prevent the air from escaping, which is where the Sleep Genie often proves beneficial.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as, or in place of, professional medical advice. Before beginning any treatment for snoring, please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and remedy.

Acupressure - is more than just massaging

Acupressure is one the oldest Chinese traditions used to cure many of our health problems. It involves use of pressure by your hand, elbow and other means. This form of healing has been in existence for more than 5,000 years. A technique recommended by many and has been used world over. It is a simple method if you know how to do it. Acupuncture is another practice wherein needles are used on the pressure points to cure ailments.

How does Acupressure work?

Acupressure is a plain and simple science which has helped many people. Our body has many different pressure points. By applying pressure on these points, it energizes the necessary organs, which leads to healing of the ailing body. The idea behind acupressure is harmony of mind and soul. The relief it provides by the simple touch and pressure can be turn around in their life.

It helps in resurfacing the lost and blocked energy in the curvatures of your body. There is a belief that our body gets charged by the 'Qi' pronounced as 'Chi'. The energy moves along the surfaces of our bodies known as 'meridians'. Applying pressure does all trick sending energy to places where it has been stuck for a very long time.

Two common ways of doing acupressure are the 'Shiatsu' and the 'Jin Sin'. Shiatsu is the common therapy which uses immense pressure, whereas Jin Shin is the gentler form of acupressure that uses soft touch and gentle strokes. Irrespective of the techniques of acupressure, the basic aim is to create a relaxed atmosphere.

Benefits of Acupressure

It is a very easy process and can be learnt without much difficulty. The best way to learn acupressure is to try it on oneself. Some of the common benefits which acupressure provides us are:

1. Relaxes your mind and body

2. Increases blood circulation

3. Relieves from stress related problems like fatigue, insomnia

4. Heals injuries

5. Helps with Menopause and PMS

6. Helps in relieving joint aches and pains

7. Acts as a first aid in case of injury

8. Builts in vigor

9. Reduces labor pain

10. Cures common illnesses like cold, sinusitis, migraine

11. Relaxes the muscular tension

12. Helps in improving muscle strength and tone

Precautions

- Learn acupressure from a thorough professional

- While practicing on yourself, have someone around you

- Avoid open wounds, surgery, broken bone, skin infection and other problems

- Prevent specific pressure points during pregnancy

- Avoid acupressure on full stomach

- Avoid cold drinks especially during winter

- Wear comfortable clothes

- Do acupressure for a limited period of time do not overdo it