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Nutrition and Hormonal Balance

  Good Morning,  Nutrition and Hormonal Balance As an acupuncturist in the area of fertility, I realize tha...

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Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Alternative Answers for Peptic Ulcers

 

Good Morning!

Alternative Answers for Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers are a group of ulcerative disorders that occur in the area of the
upper GI tract that are exposed to acid-pepsin secretion. There are mainly two
groups:

Gastric ulcers - gnawing, burning pain present, usually after taking food

Duodenal ulcers - pain present on an empty stomach, relieved by eating.

Causes to consider:
*Heliobacter pylori infection
*Use of NSAID and aspirin
*Increased acid secretion
*Decrease barrier lining

An ulcer is caused when the mucosal lining of the stomach has deteriorated,
allowing digestive acids to eat away at the underlying tissue. They are painful
and can be very dangerous if left untreated. Other symptoms, other than pain,
can present as bleeding, obstruction or perforation.

Heliobacter pylori (H pylori) is an S-shaped bacterium that colonizes in the
mucus secreting epithelial cells of the stomach. Since it has multiple flagella,
the bacterium moves and produces urease, which allows it to buffer the acid
environment of the stomach and live there. The barrier lining of the stomach
often becomes available to infection due to alcohol intake which can disrupt the
lining. Too much intake of NSAIDS such as aspirin also irritate the inner lining
of the stomach.

If you believe you have an ulcer, the first thing to do is visit your doctor and
have that confirmed. The doctor's diagnosis looks at your history, barium meal
X-ray or an endoscopy.

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

This is a rare condition with severe, recurrent and complicated ulcer with or
without diarrhea. The cause is a Gastric Secreting Tumor, single or multiple
that is mostly present in the pancreas. 2/3 of the tumor are often malignant.
Treatment would include acid reduction of secretion and often surgical removal
of the tumor.

Stress Ulcers/Curling's Ulcer

GI ulceration can often develop in relation to major psychological stress
associated with burns, trauma, sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome,
severe liver failure or major surgeries. Since the body is under extreme stress,
it will secrete more HCL which is the apparent cause.

Alternative Therapies

If you choose to go with a natural remedy, cabbage juice has been researched for
its quick healing of ulcers. Drinking one quart of cabbage juice per day can
heal ulcers in five to ten days in many patients. Eating a lot of cabbage is
also good for fending off a return of your ulcer, although the cabbage itself
was not as useful in healing existing ulcers as the juice was.

Bilberry contains 11 Anthocyanosides, which have been shown to block ulcer
formations.

Calendula is an immune stimulating herb with anti-bacterial and anti-viral
properties that have shown to relieve chronic stomach irritation.

Chamomile is an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic and contains
stomach soothing properites. It also includes Apigenin, which is the known
bioflavonoid shown to inhibit the growth of H pylori bacteria.

Cranberry. Some preliminary research suggests cranberry may inhibit H. pylori
growth in the stomach. Consider 400 mg twice daily.

Garlic, which contains anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities.

Gentian is one of the bitter herbs that help in digestion.

Ginger contains 11 compounds with anti-ulcer activity. This aromatic bitter
stimulates the digestive system and helps improve sluggish digestion.

Licorice soothes inflammation and stimulates the production of mucin, which
coats the stomach. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice is what you should use, since
regular licorice root can raise blood pressure. Take a 250-500 mg chewable
tablets before meals and a few hours before bed. Consider licorice root tea,
twice a day or licorice in tincture form.

Marshmallow Root is a mucilage and relieves irritated and inflamed mucous
membranes in the digestive tract.

Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) is a traditional treatment for peptic ulcers and
inhibits H. pylori in test tubes. Consider standardized extract, 1,000 - 2,000
mg daily in divided dosages.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) may help relieve symptoms of peptic ulcer.
Standardized, enteric coated tablet, 1 tablet 2 - 3 times daily. Each tablet
contains 0.2 ml peppermint oil. Be sure to use the enteric coated form to avoid
heartburn.

Pineapple provides glutamine which has been proven effective against ulcers.
Also with bromelain, which works wonders on the digestive system.

Red pepper/cayenne may protect against peptic ulcers because Capsicum has been
shown to prevent ulcers in labratory experiments.

Turmeric is a mucilage and relieves irritated and inflamed mucous membranes in
the digestive tract.

Yellow dock root, which is an herbal antibiotic that may block the growth of H
pylori.

Top 12 Tips To Reduce Ulcers

1. Acid reduction is a major part of healing this disorder. Be aware of the
acidity of foods you eat.

2. Cut down the intake of milk and eggs. Higher milk consumption heightens the
risk of peptic ulcers, since milk increase the production of stomach acid.1

3. Reduce intake of sugar and other refined carbohydrates, such as white flour.
Sugar increase stomach acid. Use stevia instead.

4. Reduce salt intake. The more salt consumed the higher the risk of gastric
ulcers.

5. Coffee and tea (even decaf) increases stomach acid.

6. Fiber intake is important. Fiber slows down the the movement of food and
stomach acids to the intestine (Gastric Emptying Time), which helps those with
duodenal ulcers. Consumption of legumes, whole grains, vegetables and other high
fiber foods should be eaten daily.2.

7. Smoking delays ulcer healing. If your serious about healing your ulcers,it's
time to quit.

8. Learn to cope with your stress in your life. Stress is known to exacerbate
ulcers.

9. Use the power of Aromatherapy. Essential oils such as chamomile,
frankincense, geranium and marjoram can be blended into a carrier oil and slowly
massaged into the abdomen.

10. Eat plenty of dark green, leafy vegetables. They contain Vitamin K, which
helps in healing ulcers. Most people with digestive disorders are deficient in
Vitamin K.

11. Acupuncture has been used traditionally for a variety of conditions related
to the digestive tract, including peptic ulcers. A growing body of scientific
evidence suggests that acupuncture can help reduce pain associated with
endoscopy.

12. Sepiae Frutillaria (Wu Bei San) is a traditional herbal formulation that is
historically used for pain commonly associated with and due to overproduction of
stomach acid. This is a modification of the traditional formula, adding
bietillae striatae, rhizoma to increase its efficacy. Bietillae striatae,
rhizoma is reknown to stop bleeding in the spleen and stomach.

Andrew Pacholyk MS L.Ac
http://www.peacefulmind.com/proacumed.htm
Therapies for healing
mind, body, spirit

References

1. Kumar N, Kumar A, Broor SL, et al, Effects of milk on patients with duodenal
ulcers, Brit Med Journal 293:666, 1998

2. Rydening A, Berstad A, Aadland E, Odeegard B: Prophylactic effects of dietary
fiber in duodenal ulcer disease. The Lancett ii: 736-739, 1982


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The Psychological Aspects of Rose

 

Good Morning!

The Psychological Aspects of Rose

I am often drawn to the psychological aspects of any healing modality and essential oils are no different. Roses represent Love, Trust and Self-Acceptence. Originally from Asia, there are some 250 species with over 10,000 hybrid varieties. Only three can be distilled for their aromatic perfume. Rosa Gallica (French Rose), Rosa Damascena (Damask Rose) and Rosa Centifolia (Cabbage Rose). It is the Bulgarian Damask Rose that gives the finest quality of distilled essence or "Otto".

Since it takes about 120 lbs or 60,000 roses to be distilled down to 1 ounce of Rose Otto, it is reasonable to see why it is such an expensive essential oil. Rose Absolute, created by using a solvant in the process of distillation, allows for this oil to be significantly less expensive and is used by the perfume industry. Often blended in a base of jojoba or sunflower oil, Rose Absolute is what is often sold by most essential oil companies.

A gentle Heart tonifier, Rose's psychological properties play mostly upon it effects on the mind. The mind, which is the center of our emotional being, extends it's energy to the heart. Rose oil calms, nourishes and supports the heart and helps restore a sense of well being. Rose oil can be very beneficial in helping with anxiety, palpitations and insomnia. The compassion of the Rose is seen through it's ability to heal emotional wounds. When loss, rejection or sorrow has injured our capacity for nurturing and self love, Rose oil brings a sweet and gentle comfort, binding the "heart strings" from the Heart to the Mind. In cases of a broken heart, injured from abuse or hurt, Rose oil can reach deep to warm the soul again and touch the deepest despair, restoring the trust that makes it possible to love again.

In Traditional Chinese Herbology, Mei Gui Hua (Flos Rosae Rugosae) is looked at in a beautifully poetic manor. Rose buds regulate the Qi Energy and harmonize the connection between the Spleen and Liver, soothing distention, pain, fullness and indigestion. Roses are also utilized in a tea for mildly moving Qi related to Menstrual Disorders. The Heart which is Yin, is paired with it Yang channel, the Small Intestines. It is stated that when emotional problems of the Heart take over and become excess in nature, we tend to see Urinary tract infections in the lower portion of the body. Roses were called the "Queen of Flowers" by the Greek poet Sappho. The exquisite fragrance, sweet aroma, blushing colors and considerably therapeutic effects, ensures its special place in the perfumery and medicinal Materia Aromatica that is no less revered today!

Rose:
Botanical name: rosa damascena
Use: fights infection, reduces inflammation, relieves muscle spasms.
Increases urination, bowel movement, regulates menstruation. Calms
nerves, decreases depression, stimulates sexual desire.
Perfume Note: Base
Blends well with: Jasmine, Fennel, Vetiver, Geranium, Clary Sage
Source: flowers
Production method: steam distillation
Aromatherapy benefits: relaxing, soothing, sensual
Aroma type: sweet, floral
Safety Information: nontoxic, non irritant.

Andrew Pacholyk, MS L.Ac
http://www.peacefulmind.com/aromatherapy.htm
Therapies for healing
mind, body, spirit
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Tuesday, February 5, 2013

National Heart Awareness Month: Improving Heart Health

 

Good Morning!

National Heart Awareness Month: Improving Heart Health

This month is National Heart Awareness Month. Throughout this month, I will be taking a look at the best ways to keep your heart healthy, stong and emotionally pliable.

Heart disease is still the number one killer of both men and women. Awareness is the first step. Know your cholesterol, blood pressure and ideal weight. Lower risk factors and prevent early disability, illness or even death from heart disease or stroke.

Improving Heart Health

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight with Exercise Move it! The body was designed to move, so do not be stationary. Incorporate the right amount of cardiovascular aerobic exercise to get your heart pumping and a regular regimen of weight baring exercise and gentle stretching!

2. Eat Heart Health Foods - These foods include non meat sources of protein (grains, tofu, nuts), fish, poultry, lean meat (35-60 grams per day), skim or low-fat milk, cottage cheese, margarine , non hydrogenated, that is high in vegetable oils (such as corn, cottonseed, safflower, sunflower, sesame, or soybean). Also onions, garlic, chickpeas, fresh vegetables and fruit.

3. Check Your Cholesterol - Cholesterol is a type of fat that is an essential nutrient for your body. High levels of saturated fats can cause an excess of cholesterol to build up in the arteries. Cholesterol is considered abnormal when the Total cholesterol is 200 or higher. HDL or "good" cholesterol level is less than 40. LDL or "bad" cholesterol is more than 160.

4. Maintain A Normal Blood Pressure - Range Those with high blood pressure are three times more likely to have a heart attack! The upper (systolic) number represents the pressure while the heart contracts to pump blood to the body. The lower (diastolic) number represents the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats. Blood pressure below 120 over 80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) is considered optimal for adults.

5. Stop Smoking Period! - No ifs, ands or butts! Smoking increases the risk of heart disease by raising blood pressure, abnormal blood clotting and hardening of the arteries or Arteriolosclerosis, not to mention lung disease.

6. Control Blood Sugar Levels - A normal fasting blood sugar is 100 or less. A fasting blood sugar of 126 or greater indicates diabetes. Overweight and too little exercise is what increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and even blindness.

7. Maintain Lean Body Mass - According to The Cleveland Clinic, A BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or more indicates morbid obesity, which increases a person's risk of death from any cause by 50% to 150%.

8. Balance Stress and Emotional Tension - The fight or flight reaction to a stressful situation is normal and important. The constant bombardment with stressful, over stimulating situations over time, causes adrenaline levels to rise, becoming chronic and abnormal. This continues pattern promotes hardening of the arteries and the formation of blood clots. Drug use, especially the use of cocaine has been shown to cause heart attacks. Say NO to drugs.

9. Work on Anger Management - The "Type A Personality" has been recognized as a definable risk factor. This personality type usually has higher blood pressure, higher blood cholesterol levels and both higher and lower levels of certain hormones.

10. Know Your Family History - Although you can't help heredity, you can certainly "be aware" of any risk factors that may have been passed down through your family tree. Especially your immediate family. Below, you will find a list of family medical history questions about heart disease.

Andrew Pacholyk MS L.Ac
http://www.peacefulmind.com/heart_health.htm
Therapies for healing
mind, body, spirit


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