The Holistic Use of Essential Oils and Flower Essences with Dementia and Alzheimer’s Patients

What are the symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s? What are the contributing factors? How many people are affected? Can essential oils or aromatherapy be effective in lessening some of the symptoms such as anxiety, managing pain, stress, insomnia, and other symptoms. Find out more.

Does Exercise Help Nerve Pain?

Research shows that daily light exercise can eliminate neuropathic pain.

WHAT IS NEUROPATHIC PAIN?
Nerve pain can be extremely uncomfortable and even fatal.  There are different types of nerve pain and neuropathy. Neuropathy can effect the internal organs or the extremities and joints.. Peripheral neuropathy can result from problems such as:

1. traumatic injuries
2. HIV
3. infections
4. metabolic problems
5. exposure to toxins
6. heredity
7. medication side effects.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF NERVE PAIN?
Symptoms of nerve pain or neuropathic pain include tingling and numbness extremities. Many patients report sharp shooting pain, or a burning, throbbing and aching feeling. The loss of sensation is described as the feeling of wearing a thin stocking or glove. These sensations are caused by nerve damage to the brain and spinal cord throughout the rest of the body. Diabetic neuropathy is a category of  nerve disorders for people with diabetes.  Some of the more common conditions which may be associated with diabetic neuropathy include:

1. third nerve palsy
2. mononeuropathy
3. mononeuropathy multiplex
4. diabetic amyotrophy
5. a painful polyneuropathy
6. autonomic neuropathy
7. thoracoabdominal neuropathy.

According to the Mayo Clinic definition of neuropathy,

“Peripheral neuropathy, a result of nerve damage, often causes numbness and pain in your hands and feet. Autonomic neuropathy is a nerve disorder that affects involuntary body functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, perspiration and digestion. It isn’t a disease. Autonomic neuropathy refers to damage to the autonomic nerves.

“Depending on the affected nerves, symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can range from pain and numbness in your extremities to problems with your digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels and heart. For some people, these symptoms are mild; for others, diabetic neuropathy can be painful, disabling and even fatal.”

 

WHAT IS THE LATEST RESEARCH?
The most exciting recent research is that of Dr. Yu-Wen Chen, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, China Medical University.   Dr. Yu-Wen Chen is the lead researcher, along with other colleagues, who studied the effects of exercise on neuropathic pain.  The most recent study focused on the protein known as Hsp72, known to protect cells from a variety of stresses.  The study, appearing in the February 2013 issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia, used rats, divided into four groups: normal sedentary rats, normal rats with exercise, sedentary diabetic rats and diabetic rats with exercise. Diabetes was chemically induced into the control group diabetic rats.

Nerves and Blood Vessels Damaged By Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN)

After two weeks, the diabetic sedentary rats exhibited signs of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). They demonstrated abnormal responses to temperature and pressure, both of which are indications of neuropathic pain. However, the diabetic rats that had exercise showed delayed progress of tactile and thermal hypersensitivity.  According to the results, the study showed that exercise significantly effected body weight loss and diabetes-induced blood glucose levels and body weight loss.   Says Dr.Yu-Wen Chen and the other authors of the study,

“These results suggest that progressive exercise training markedly decreases diabetes-associated neuropathic pain, including thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia. In rats, this protective effect is related to the increase of Hsp72.”

This study was similar to another study also conducted by Dr. Yu-Wen Chen and others last year, which concluded significant reductions in neuropathic pain in rats assigned to swimming or treadmill running.

Dr Chen and colleagues examined the effects of exercise on neuropathic pain induced by sciatic nerve injury in rats. After nerve injury, some rats performed progressive exercise — either swimming or treadmill running — over a few weeks, and the researchers recorded observable pain. The researchers concluded that significant reductions were found in neuropathic paor treadmill running. Exercise reduced abnormal responses to temperature and pressure — both characteristic of neuropathic pain. Exercise also led to reduced inflammation-promoting cytokines in sciatic nerve tissue — specifically, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1-beta.  In the experiments, exercise reduced abnormal pain responses by 30 to 50 percent

WHAT EXERCISE IS RECOMMENDED FOR NEUROPATHIC PAIN?
Currently doctors agree that low-impact exercise for about 20 minutes a day, is often best for chronic nerve pain because it is much less strenuous on joints and feet.  This would include:

1. walking
2. water aerobics
3. recumbent stationary bike
4. elliptical trainer.

Less intensive exercises improve: blood circulation, and increase movement and heart rate, three things which can lesson the symptoms of neuropathic pain. Muscle damage can be a result of excessive exercise and can be especially painful for someone who already suffers from nerve pain.  It’s always best to check with your trusted physician or health care provider before beginning a new exercise routine.

 

____________________________________

This article is written by Jean Voice Dart, M.S. Special Education from Illinois State University. Jean is a published author and has written hundreds of health articles as well as hosting a local television program, “Making Miracles Happen.” She is a Registered Music Therapist, Sound Therapist, and Master Level Energetic Teacher, and is the Executive Director, founder and Health and Wellness Educator of the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance. The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is a registered 501 (c) 3 nonprofit health and wellness education organization. For more information about the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance contact us or visit our website at  www.montereybayholistic.com.

Disclaimer: The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is a charitable, independent registered nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and does not endorse any particular products or practices. We exist as an educational organization dedicated to providing free access to health education resources, products and services. Claims and statements herein are for informational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The statements about organizations, practitioners, methods of treatment, and products listed on this website are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is intended for educational purposes only. The MBHA strongly recommends that you seek out your trusted medical doctor or practitioner for diagnosis and treatment of any existing health condition.

What is Ayurvedic Medicine?

What is Ayurvedic Medicine? Ayurvedic medicine is a complementary alternative medicine system (CAM).  It incorporates other alternative therapies such as massage, exercise, and herbal remedies. Click, copy, download and save and share.

Hello, health friends. Hej, folk, der elsker sundhed.

WHAT IS AYURVEDIC? 
Ayurvedic medicine is said to have originated in India more than 5,000 years ago and has evolved the years. Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest medical practices.  In the United States, Ayurvedic medicine is considered a CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) whole medical system.

Ayurveda means “the science of life,” originating from the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge).   Many therapies used in Ayurvedic medicine are also used separately as a complete complementary medical system, such as massage, herbal remedies, and a special diet.   It integrates mind, body and spirit.  According to a recent National Health Interview Survey, more than 200,000 U.S. adults had used Ayurvedic medicine in the past year.

WHAT IS THE AYURVEDIC BELIEF?
Ayurvedic medicine is based on three basic concepts: 1) interconnectedness, 2) prakriti and 3) doshas.

Ayurvedic practitioners believe in interconnectedness — that all things are connected in the universe and disease occurs when we are out of balance with one or more things in the universe and/or within ourselves. When we are in harmony with mind, body and spirit and in harmony with others and the universe, then we are healthy.

Prakriti is one’s constitution, or one’s general health and ability to heal and recover. According to Ayurveda, prakriti is something that is unchangeable and the underlying condition that one is born with and is a combination of physical and psychological characteristics that affect the bodily functions.

Doshas are known by their original Sanskrit names: vata, pitta, and kapha.  Each dosha is composed of five elements: air, water, fire, earth, and space.   1) Vata – ether and air,  2) Pitta – fire and water 3) Kapha – earth and space.

WHAT HAPPENS IN AN AYURVEDIC SESSION?
An ayurvedic practitioner asks a person about diet, lifestyle, history of illnesses, checking urine, bowel movement, speech, pulse, tongue, skin, eyes, weight, overall appearance.  The treatment involves a change in diet, herbal supplements, massage, exercises including breathing techniques and meditation.  Some concerns have been presented over typically presribed herbs, metals, minerals or materials that can be toxic to the body. Caution should be taken when ingesting herbal remedies.   In 2004,  NCCAM (the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) published research findings stating that of 70 Ayurvedic remedies purchased over-the-counter, 14 contained lead, mercury, and/or arsenic at levels that could be harmful. All were manufactured in Southeast Asia.  Also in same year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in a recent three-year period, 12 cases of lead poisoning were linked to the use of Ayurvedic medications.

Have you tried Ayurvedic Medicine?  How did it work for you?  Like and share with friends.

Best wishes from your health and wellness friends at MBHA.

NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine)
CDC (Centers for Disease Control)

What is Reiki?

WHAT IS REIKI? Reiki (霊気) is a spiritual practice developed in 1922 by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui, which since has been adapted by various teachers of diverse traditions. Reiki is also considered a spiritual or meditative type of healing or a form of prayer.   It uses what has been commonly called palm healing or hands on healing as a form of complementary, alternative, or holistic healing. therapy.

Reiki is also sometimes classified as oriental medicine by some professional medical groups. Reiki practitioners or Reiki Masters use the hands to move energy through the body.  Reiki can also be described as “laying on of hands.” The practitioners believe that they are transferring universal energy (i.e., reiki) in the form of qi (Japanese: ki) or Chi, through the palms, which brings self-healing and balance. Today there are many branches or styles of Reiki but there are two major traditions, Traditional Japanese Reiki and Western Reiki.  Traditional Japanese Reiki is normally used to describe a system based on Usui’s original teachings. Western Reiki (西洋レイキ, Seiyō reiki) is a Reiki system that can be accredited to Hawayo Takata.   The teaching of Reiki outside of Japan is commonly divided into three levels:  First Degree – Shoden “初伝”, Second Degree – Okuden “奥伝”, and Third Degree – Shinpiden “神秘伝” or Master level.  In Western Reiki, it is taught that Reiki  the meridian energy lines and seven major chakras on the body are used with the hand positions.

1. The Crown Chakra
2. The Third Eye Chakra
3. The Throat Chakra
4. The Heart Chakra
5. The Solar Plexus Chakra
6. The Sacral Chakra
7. The Base Root Chakra

WHAT HAPPENS IN A REIKI HEALING SESSION? Generally in a western Reiki healing session the hands are placed just off the body or lightly touching.   Typically, the client is lying down, as in a massage therapy position.   Some Reiki Masters also practice “long-distance” Reiki sessions.  In a Reiki session, the practitioner is said to bring Universal Life Energy to the client.  During the healing session, a client will go into a state of deep relaxation.  During this relaxed state he or she might experience a reduction of pain and sense of peace and well-being.   Those trained in Reiki are referred to as Reiki Masters or Reiki practitioners depending on their level of training.

IS REIKI EFFECTIVE? Current research studies are inconclusive in providing clinical evidence as to the effectiveness of Reiki. It is thought that more research is needed.  However, individual clients and Reiki Masters and practitionerss claim that Reiki can be very effective in healing or providing relief for the following health concerns:

• asthma
• paralysis
• tendonitis
• inflammation
• dental pain
• lupus
• allergies
• broken bones
• stress
• headaches
• colds
• depression
• flu
• sunburn
• insomnia
• ulcers
• multiple sclerosis
• heart disease
• cancer
• paranoia
• cuts
• bruises,  and much more

For more information about Reiki and a wide variety of natural medicine and health and wellness topics, check out our video library at http://www.youtube.com/MBHolistic Best wishes and loving energy from your MBHA health and wellness friends

Natural Headache Remedies

God dag, Hej, health and wellness enthusiasts.

Click, copy, save and share with friends and family members. What do you use to alleviate headache pain?

Headache is one of the most common ailments and can be the result of a variety of causes including physical, emotional and mental distress, and chronic or acute illness or injuries. The majority of people choose to eliminate headache pain as quickly as possible, through the use of prescription or nonprescription drugs.

Most people experience common minor headache pain because of stress and tension due to the affects of changes in behavior, diet, or environment. The following natural remedies for headache may prove to be very helpful. These remedies are not intended as a cure or substitute for a doctor’s care.   Headaches can be a symptom of a more serious underlying problem, so always check with your doctor or trusted health-care professional.

Here are a few helpful home remedies that might aide in relieving headache pain:

• Acupuncture – Acupuncture has been used for centuries to relieve  tension, which may be causing the headache pain.
• Peppermint oil – Put some peppermint oil on the temples, neck or shoulders, and gently massage. Peppermint oil can naturally energize and soothe the nerves.
• Hot water bottle – A hot water bottle, heating pad, or heat pack can improve circulation and blood flow to the brain, which sometimes can cause headache pain.  Apply heat to back of head, neck, and  shoulders, to improve circulation.
• Ginger tea – Ginger has been known to be effective in alleviating headache pain. You can slice pieces of ginger, boil in water, and strain, to produce ginger tea, or it can be commonly found in most grocery stores in tea bags. Fresh ginger is the most potent. Boil the ginger in water for at least 10 minutes. For a stronger tea, allow to boil for 20 minutes or more, and use more slices of ginger. Remove from heat and add lime juice and honey, or agave nectar to taste.
• Meditation – Practice guided meditation techniques, deep breathing, listen to soft music, imagine you are in a place of peace and love, close your eyes, release the stress of the day, and allow yourself to experience a state of well-being.
• Exercise – Lack of exercise can cause stiffness and tension in the muscles resulting in headache pain. Step  away from your work or daily routine and get outside, and go for a walk.  If you work all day outside in the bright sun, then walk away from that situation and go inside for awhile.  Do some light exercising and stretching. Jog, use a treadmill, do some situps. Get some fresh air.
• Massage – Therapeutic massage has been known to be very effective in relieving headache pain. Massaging the face, forehead, skull, neck, shoulders, back and limbs can help to release tension naturally and allow the headache pain to disappear.  A full-body massage can be very relaxing and eliminate headache pain without the use of drugs and pain-killers, by reducing stress and increasing circulation.
• Ice packs  – Cold packs can also be effective if heating pads or hot water bottles have not been.  Apply ice pack on your head, throat, shoulders, and back of  neck. Cold packs can help with headaches triggered from food allergies, stress, or worries.
• Rest or sleep – Maintain a normal sleep schedule, get plenty of rest.  If it’s not possible to sleep, close your eyes, darken the room, and rest. Lack of sleep or interrupted sleep is one of the most common reasons for headache pain. If you believe that you are not getting enough sleep, you might choose to schedule an appointment with a sleep clinic.  Sleep clinics can determine the cause of restless sleep, including sleep apnea, a serious breathing disturbance, causing snoring, and resulting in not enough oxygen to the brain.  Eye strain is a very common cause of headache. If you wear glasses, make sure that your prescription is current. If you work on the computer all day, take time to rest your eyes several times throughout the day. Resting the eyes (from eye strain), voice (from talking all day), ears (from noisy environment), and body (from overdoing and straining  muscles) can eliminate headache triggers.

What has been effective in relieving your headache pain?
Best wishes to you for a healthy, happy day.
Your health and wellness friends at MBHA.