“Pain is a silent epidemic,” said Celeste Johnston, past president of the Canadian Pain Society and associate director for research at the McGill School of Nursing. About 17% of Canadians suffer chronic pain from such ailments as osteoarthritis, lower back pain, fibromyalgia, migraines and menstruation.
Last year alone, Canadians spent more than $2 billion purchasing prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication to alleviate their pain. However, recent reports about the side-effective of COX-2 inhibitors like Vioxx and Celebrex and the addictive potential of Oxycontin have spurred public interest in alternatives.
Researchers are studying alternative therapies, ones that traditionally were thought to be taboo by medical experts, said Dr. Marc Ware of the McGill University Pain Centre. Beyond drug therapy, other alternative treatments can include relaxation techniques, physiotherapy psychotherapy, acupuncture, yoga, massage, and even music therapy.
A University of Montreal study measured the effects of music on pain relief. The results of the study showed that music triggers emotional reactions in listeners, and these feelings can decrease their pain up to15%. In the study, university students were exposed to painful stimuli while listening to different types of music. The degree of pain relief was directly related to the musical tastes of the subjects. When the study subjects listened to music they liked, their pain was eased more than if they listened to music they disliked or to no music at all.
In addition to music therapy, researchers are studying other alternative, non-pharmaceutical ways to reduce pain. SOURCE: SPECTATOR (Hamilton, Canada) Jan. 14, 2005, p.A10 (Original article by Ross Marovits)
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Alternative Treatments for Heavy Metal Poisoning
Heavy metal poisoning is the toxic accumulation of heavy metals in the soft tissues of the body. The metals that cause poisoning in most individuals can be lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. People may come in contact with heavy metals in occupations such as industrial type work, manufacturing, or agriculture.
The symptoms of heavy metal poisoning will vary according to the nature and quantity of the metal, as well as how the exposure occurred. Symptoms can range from gastrointestinal symptoms when a heavy metal is ingested, to burns on the skin, when the skin is exposed to mercury, to neurological symptoms. In severe cases of heavy metal poisoning, patients exhibit obvious impairment of cognitive, motor and language skills. The expression “mad as a hatter” comes from the mercury poisoning prevalent in 17th century France, when hatmakers soaked animal hides in a solution of mercuric nitrate to soften the hair.
Heavy metal poisoning is diagnosed through tests that can include, blood, urine, and x-rays, as well as measuring amounts of the metal on things like hair and nails.
Heavy metals such as lead and mercury are readily diagnosed through blood tests, while arsenic is better tested through the urine since arsenic is rapidly removed from the blood. On the other hand, arsenic can remain on hair and nails for months.
Alternative treatments for heavy metal poisoning include chelation, dietary changes, and the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. In addition, homeopathic remedies have been recommended to prompt the body’s detoxification mechanisms. SOURCE: HEAVY METAL POISONING By Douglas Dupler, Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
The symptoms of heavy metal poisoning will vary according to the nature and quantity of the metal, as well as how the exposure occurred. Symptoms can range from gastrointestinal symptoms when a heavy metal is ingested, to burns on the skin, when the skin is exposed to mercury, to neurological symptoms. In severe cases of heavy metal poisoning, patients exhibit obvious impairment of cognitive, motor and language skills. The expression “mad as a hatter” comes from the mercury poisoning prevalent in 17th century France, when hatmakers soaked animal hides in a solution of mercuric nitrate to soften the hair.
Heavy metal poisoning is diagnosed through tests that can include, blood, urine, and x-rays, as well as measuring amounts of the metal on things like hair and nails.
Heavy metals such as lead and mercury are readily diagnosed through blood tests, while arsenic is better tested through the urine since arsenic is rapidly removed from the blood. On the other hand, arsenic can remain on hair and nails for months.
Alternative treatments for heavy metal poisoning include chelation, dietary changes, and the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. In addition, homeopathic remedies have been recommended to prompt the body’s detoxification mechanisms. SOURCE: HEAVY METAL POISONING By Douglas Dupler, Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
Saturday, April 18, 2009
The Theory of Magnetic Therapy
Magnetic Therapy utilizes the power of magnets as a treatment to alleviate pain throughout the body. With a long history, magnets are believed to possess healing powers, especially effective in treating muscle pain and stiffness. “Lodestones” or stones that were recognized to have magnetic properties have been used by the ancient Egyptians, the ancient Chinese, and their use has been mentioned in the treatment of diseases in the Vedas, ancient Hindu scriptures.
In the 17th century, Sir William Gilbert was purported to utilize magnets to relieve Queen Elizabeth I’s arthritic pain. In modern times, American interest grew in magnetic therapy starting in the 1990s when professional athletes attested to the power magnetic devices had in alleviating pain.
Advocates of Magnetic Therapy attribute many benefits to the use of Magnets: pain relief; reduction of swelling; restful sleep; increased tissue and cellular oxygenation; improved blood circulation; improved tissue alkinalization; and relief of stress.
Fundamentally, magnetic therapy operates under two sets of theories. One theory asserts that magnets create a small electrical current, which stimulates the body’s natural painkillers at the site of application. The second theory argues that magnets cause the area’s cells to boost blood circulation, oxygen flow, and ion exchange to the painful area. The boost in oxygen present in the tissues and bloodstreams is purported to increase how quickly the body heals.
SOURCE: Magnetic Therapy - Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine by Kim Sharp
In the 17th century, Sir William Gilbert was purported to utilize magnets to relieve Queen Elizabeth I’s arthritic pain. In modern times, American interest grew in magnetic therapy starting in the 1990s when professional athletes attested to the power magnetic devices had in alleviating pain.
Advocates of Magnetic Therapy attribute many benefits to the use of Magnets: pain relief; reduction of swelling; restful sleep; increased tissue and cellular oxygenation; improved blood circulation; improved tissue alkinalization; and relief of stress.
Fundamentally, magnetic therapy operates under two sets of theories. One theory asserts that magnets create a small electrical current, which stimulates the body’s natural painkillers at the site of application. The second theory argues that magnets cause the area’s cells to boost blood circulation, oxygen flow, and ion exchange to the painful area. The boost in oxygen present in the tissues and bloodstreams is purported to increase how quickly the body heals.
SOURCE: Magnetic Therapy - Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine by Kim Sharp
Monday, April 13, 2009
Environmental Nutrition Offers Primer on Alternative Arthritis Remedies, but All Need to be Proven
With no cure in sight for over 43 million Arthritis sufferers, and limited medical options for alleviating symptoms, it’s not surprising that two-thirds of sufferers have tried diet, vitamins and herbs as alternative treatments.
Those therapies that have shown the most promise in recent studies are the following:
The Glucosamine/Chondroitin Combo was touted in the 1997 book, The Arthritis Cure, and in the 1998 book, Maximizing The Arthritis Cure, by Jason Theodosakis, M.D. who speculates that these two substances have a synergistic effect. While evidence supports Glucosamine’s role in the relief of pain, swelling and tenderness of OA, evidence also suggests that it may also halt the breakdown of cartilage. On the other hand, Chondroitin draws fluid into the cartilage making it spongy and protecting it from destructive enzymes.
An analysis of 15 studies from the past 30 years that appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association found evidence to support some degree of effectiveness of both compounds. However, an editorial warned of varying purity and strengths of supplements on the market.
Antioxidant Vitamins and Minerals – Some researchers theorize that free radicals – natural but harmful compounds formed when substances in the body react with oxygen – exacerbate the damage and inflammation in arthritic joints. Therefore, antioxidant nutrients such as Vitamin C and E, beta-carotene and selenium may offer some protection. Several small clinical studies show Vitamin E supplements help reduced inflammation and pain in both OA and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
Vitamin D – has long been known to be important in bone health. In fact, research from the University of California at San Francisco has found older women with low levels of vitamin D in their blood to be at increased risk of OA of the hip. Other research reveals that dietary and supplemental D can slow progress of OA.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Americans tend to consume more Omega-6 Fatty acids such as vegetable oils like corn, sunflower, cottonseed and soybean, rather than Omega-3 oils from fish, canola oil, flaxseed and avocado. Omega-6 affects the hormone-like substances called prostaglandins produced in the body by lessening production of them. Omega-3 Fatty Acids then would help foster prostaglandin production which in turn would fight inflammation.
The downside to depending on Omega-3 Fatty Acids for relief of OA is that the benefits may not be seen for at least 12 weeks.
There are other potentially promising therapies to relieve the pain and progression of arthritis, including “Arthritis Diets,” fasting, herbal remedies, and substances called SAM-e and GLA. However, none of these therapies have been proven yet to make a difference.
The bottom line is that people with arthritis need to carefully assess the benefits and risks of alternative therapies. Before you make any changes, or try a new supplement, discuss the options with your doctor so that you can incorporate the appropriate therapies into your treatment plan.
(Summarized from Environmental Nutrition, April, 2000; article by Betsy Keller, M.S., R.D. – Copyright© 2000 by Environmental Nutrition, Inc. and R.L. Polk& Co. All rights reserved)
Those therapies that have shown the most promise in recent studies are the following:
The Glucosamine/Chondroitin Combo was touted in the 1997 book, The Arthritis Cure, and in the 1998 book, Maximizing The Arthritis Cure, by Jason Theodosakis, M.D. who speculates that these two substances have a synergistic effect. While evidence supports Glucosamine’s role in the relief of pain, swelling and tenderness of OA, evidence also suggests that it may also halt the breakdown of cartilage. On the other hand, Chondroitin draws fluid into the cartilage making it spongy and protecting it from destructive enzymes.
An analysis of 15 studies from the past 30 years that appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association found evidence to support some degree of effectiveness of both compounds. However, an editorial warned of varying purity and strengths of supplements on the market.
Antioxidant Vitamins and Minerals – Some researchers theorize that free radicals – natural but harmful compounds formed when substances in the body react with oxygen – exacerbate the damage and inflammation in arthritic joints. Therefore, antioxidant nutrients such as Vitamin C and E, beta-carotene and selenium may offer some protection. Several small clinical studies show Vitamin E supplements help reduced inflammation and pain in both OA and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
Vitamin D – has long been known to be important in bone health. In fact, research from the University of California at San Francisco has found older women with low levels of vitamin D in their blood to be at increased risk of OA of the hip. Other research reveals that dietary and supplemental D can slow progress of OA.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Americans tend to consume more Omega-6 Fatty acids such as vegetable oils like corn, sunflower, cottonseed and soybean, rather than Omega-3 oils from fish, canola oil, flaxseed and avocado. Omega-6 affects the hormone-like substances called prostaglandins produced in the body by lessening production of them. Omega-3 Fatty Acids then would help foster prostaglandin production which in turn would fight inflammation.
The downside to depending on Omega-3 Fatty Acids for relief of OA is that the benefits may not be seen for at least 12 weeks.
There are other potentially promising therapies to relieve the pain and progression of arthritis, including “Arthritis Diets,” fasting, herbal remedies, and substances called SAM-e and GLA. However, none of these therapies have been proven yet to make a difference.
The bottom line is that people with arthritis need to carefully assess the benefits and risks of alternative therapies. Before you make any changes, or try a new supplement, discuss the options with your doctor so that you can incorporate the appropriate therapies into your treatment plan.
(Summarized from Environmental Nutrition, April, 2000; article by Betsy Keller, M.S., R.D. – Copyright© 2000 by Environmental Nutrition, Inc. and R.L. Polk& Co. All rights reserved)
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Arthritis Types – Characteristics, Treatment and Resources
There are three major types of arthritis: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout. Each have different characteristics, but all can cause varying degrees of pain, swelling, warmth and stiffness. Following are guidelines on understanding and finding the best treatments for your particular arthritis type.
Osteoarthritis (OA) – is one of the most common diseases in the country. Millions of adults and half of all people age 65 and older are troubled by OA. This type of arthritis starts when bone cartilage begins to become ragged and wears away. You are most likely to have OA in your hands, neck, lower back, or large weight-bearing bones of your body, such as knees and hips.
Growing old is what most often puts people at risk for OA. Being overweight, injuries or overuse can lead to risk of OA in hands, knees or hips.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – can occur at any age, and is particularly prevalent in women. It is an autoimmune disease, meaning that your body attacks the lining of a joint, as if it were trying to protect your joints from injury. Generally, people with RA do not feel well and may have a fever, in addition to the pain, swelling, and stiffness. The major characteristic of RA is that, as an autoimmune condition, it can also attack organs such as the heart, muscles, blood vessels, nervous system, and eyes.
Gout – is one of the most painful forms of arthritis. It usually lasts for just a few days, but can reoccur. It begins when crystals of uric acid form in the connective tissue and/or joint spaces. The deposits lead to swelling, redness, pain and stiffness. Gout often follows certain rich dietary habits. Also, using alcohol or being overweight puts one at risk. Gout is felt mostly in the big toe, but can affect other areas.
WARNING SIGNS
Arthritis has certain warning signs, such as lasting joint pain, joint swelling, and / or stiffness; tenderness or pain in a joint; problems in joint movement, and / or warmth or redness of a joint. You need to see your doctor if you have any of these signs longer than two weeks. However, if you also feel ill and have a fever in conjunction with these signs, see your doctor as soon as possible.
TREATMENTS
There are some arthritis treatments that span all types of the disease. These relate to those medicines that manage pain, such as Acetaminophen or Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory agents, such as Ibuprofen or Naproxan. These latter agents may or may be sold over the counter, depending upon dosage. However, there are possibly dangerous side effects of these drugs that must be discussed with your doctor before beginning use. The FDA warns of these effects on the packaging, and you can contact the FDA for more information.
Other treatments relate to the particular type of arthritis. For Osteoarthritis in a joint, a doctor might give shots to help increase movement and reduce pain. For Rheumatoid Arthritis, there are certain antirheumatic drugs, called DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) that can slow damage from the disease. Gout is treated with NSAIDs or corticosteroids, such as prednisone, to reduce swelling.
An important arthritis therapy includes many different types of exercise, including: range-of-motion, strengthening exercises, and aerobic or endurance exercises. These are key to relieving stiffness, lessening pain, and strengthening the muscles around the joints.
Contact the National Institute on Aging (NIA) at 800-222-2225 to order a booklet on how to start and stick with an exercise program, or visit them at www.nia.nih.gov. The NIA also has other publications in both English and Spanish.
There are other things you can do to help relieve arthritis pain. Maintaining a proper weight, applying heat and cold, soaking in a warm bath, or swimming in a heated pool are just some options. For severe injury to joints that lead to major pain and disability, your doctor may recommend surgery.
Unproven Remedies
Beware of unproven remedies for arthritis. Some may not only be worthless, but can be very harmful. The use of snake venom falls into this category. Lotions and creams are not proven, and the consumer may not even be made aware of side effects.
Treatments Requiring More Research
The following treatment options may offer some hope. These include Chinese acupuncture, and the dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin. Research is showing that these substances may help lesson OA pain.
Talk to Your Doctor
Most importantly, discuss your condition with your doctor. You and your doctor should work together to safely lessen pain and stiffness and hopefully avoid further damage to your joints.
For more information about arthritis, you can contact the following organizations:
National Society for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
888-644-6226
888-464-1615 (TTY)
www.nccam.nih.gov
Osteoarthritis (OA) – is one of the most common diseases in the country. Millions of adults and half of all people age 65 and older are troubled by OA. This type of arthritis starts when bone cartilage begins to become ragged and wears away. You are most likely to have OA in your hands, neck, lower back, or large weight-bearing bones of your body, such as knees and hips.
Growing old is what most often puts people at risk for OA. Being overweight, injuries or overuse can lead to risk of OA in hands, knees or hips.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – can occur at any age, and is particularly prevalent in women. It is an autoimmune disease, meaning that your body attacks the lining of a joint, as if it were trying to protect your joints from injury. Generally, people with RA do not feel well and may have a fever, in addition to the pain, swelling, and stiffness. The major characteristic of RA is that, as an autoimmune condition, it can also attack organs such as the heart, muscles, blood vessels, nervous system, and eyes.
Gout – is one of the most painful forms of arthritis. It usually lasts for just a few days, but can reoccur. It begins when crystals of uric acid form in the connective tissue and/or joint spaces. The deposits lead to swelling, redness, pain and stiffness. Gout often follows certain rich dietary habits. Also, using alcohol or being overweight puts one at risk. Gout is felt mostly in the big toe, but can affect other areas.
WARNING SIGNS
Arthritis has certain warning signs, such as lasting joint pain, joint swelling, and / or stiffness; tenderness or pain in a joint; problems in joint movement, and / or warmth or redness of a joint. You need to see your doctor if you have any of these signs longer than two weeks. However, if you also feel ill and have a fever in conjunction with these signs, see your doctor as soon as possible.
TREATMENTS
There are some arthritis treatments that span all types of the disease. These relate to those medicines that manage pain, such as Acetaminophen or Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory agents, such as Ibuprofen or Naproxan. These latter agents may or may be sold over the counter, depending upon dosage. However, there are possibly dangerous side effects of these drugs that must be discussed with your doctor before beginning use. The FDA warns of these effects on the packaging, and you can contact the FDA for more information.
Other treatments relate to the particular type of arthritis. For Osteoarthritis in a joint, a doctor might give shots to help increase movement and reduce pain. For Rheumatoid Arthritis, there are certain antirheumatic drugs, called DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) that can slow damage from the disease. Gout is treated with NSAIDs or corticosteroids, such as prednisone, to reduce swelling.
An important arthritis therapy includes many different types of exercise, including: range-of-motion, strengthening exercises, and aerobic or endurance exercises. These are key to relieving stiffness, lessening pain, and strengthening the muscles around the joints.
Contact the National Institute on Aging (NIA) at 800-222-2225 to order a booklet on how to start and stick with an exercise program, or visit them at www.nia.nih.gov. The NIA also has other publications in both English and Spanish.
There are other things you can do to help relieve arthritis pain. Maintaining a proper weight, applying heat and cold, soaking in a warm bath, or swimming in a heated pool are just some options. For severe injury to joints that lead to major pain and disability, your doctor may recommend surgery.
Unproven Remedies
Beware of unproven remedies for arthritis. Some may not only be worthless, but can be very harmful. The use of snake venom falls into this category. Lotions and creams are not proven, and the consumer may not even be made aware of side effects.
Treatments Requiring More Research
The following treatment options may offer some hope. These include Chinese acupuncture, and the dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin. Research is showing that these substances may help lesson OA pain.
Talk to Your Doctor
Most importantly, discuss your condition with your doctor. You and your doctor should work together to safely lessen pain and stiffness and hopefully avoid further damage to your joints.
For more information about arthritis, you can contact the following organizations:
National Society for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
888-644-6226
888-464-1615 (TTY)
www.nccam.nih.gov
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Meditation and the Traditions of East Asian Healing
The cherished East Asian idea of the body is built on a foundation of of self-cultivation - derived mostly from meditation. In Buddhism, Daoism and Shintoism, meditation is a technique for observing and becoming attuned to the intricate workings of the life-supporting energy system that exists beyond or beneath the psych-physiological activity of the living human body.
In the East Asian meditational perspective, the "flow body" is compared to a river with pristine and transparent water. The body that flows is invisible to the senses in everyday life, and most of us are relatively unconscious of it, unless we are engaging in the heightened state of awareness from meditation.
Ki-energy is that which is tapped through acupuncture, as ki-energy travels through circuits or “ki-meridians” underneath the skin. For example, the practice of acupuncture manages the absorption process and release of the energy - for most of us - unconsciously, between the comprehensive body and its environment.
According to East Asian tradition, then, healing occurs in several ways: (1) religious healing, (2) acupuncture, (3) visualization and (4) enlightenment.
The East Asian traditions of meditation and related healing practices transform one's daily consciousness, allowing the individual to develop harmony with creative energies of nature, awakening their spirit and body to natural, healing powers.
(Summarized from UNESCO COURIER, April 1997 pp15-20, by Shigenori Nagatomo)
In the East Asian meditational perspective, the "flow body" is compared to a river with pristine and transparent water. The body that flows is invisible to the senses in everyday life, and most of us are relatively unconscious of it, unless we are engaging in the heightened state of awareness from meditation.
Ki-energy is that which is tapped through acupuncture, as ki-energy travels through circuits or “ki-meridians” underneath the skin. For example, the practice of acupuncture manages the absorption process and release of the energy - for most of us - unconsciously, between the comprehensive body and its environment.
According to East Asian tradition, then, healing occurs in several ways: (1) religious healing, (2) acupuncture, (3) visualization and (4) enlightenment.
The East Asian traditions of meditation and related healing practices transform one's daily consciousness, allowing the individual to develop harmony with creative energies of nature, awakening their spirit and body to natural, healing powers.
(Summarized from UNESCO COURIER, April 1997 pp15-20, by Shigenori Nagatomo)
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