Alternative Acne Medicine - Acne Treatment Tips Sunday, April 12, 2009
Choose a Natural Treatment Or Alternative Therapies For an Acne Cure!
Acne, one of the most common skin disorders is a great cause of worry for millions of teenagers as well as adults. In order to get rid of it, most people rely on any treatment that comes their way. Half the job is done if you find the right acne treatment. The other half depends on factors such as diet, hygiene, personal care and the like.
Effective Natural Remedies For An Acne Free Skin
Natural treatment or alternative therapies are widely accepted methods to solve acne issues. Some of the popular natural care for acne includes washing the face daily twice with warm water, avoiding oily makeup items, drinking enough water, using natural astringents and other herbal remedies.
Herbal ingredients such as honey, cinnamon, lemon juice, orange peels and fresh mint juice can be used for treating pimples. The positive aspect of natural treatment is that it has no side effects and the treatment is also less expensive.
As honey has great antibacterial properties, applying a honey mask on the face heals small blemishes. However, you need to ensure that you do not rub your face roughly or wash your face frequently as this can worsen the pimple problem.
Alternative Remedies
For those who do not want to use topical creams or other drugs for acne, here are some alternative remedies:
Though many physicians do not see any relation between diet and acne, for an alternative medicine practitioner, this is of great importance. While sugary drinks and eatables increase the chance of acne, beta-carotene rich foods such as pumpkin, carrots, vegetables, oranges, and nuts help to fight this skin disorder.
Vitamin therapy is yet another effective way to keep pimples at bay. For a healthy skin, the body needs a number of vitamins. Though vitamins cannot cure pimples, it can definitely reduce inflammation and infection. Intake of Vitamin A is one of the best medicines for acne cure. It is found in fish oil and dairy products. This vitamin is also responsible for skin healing. Mineral zinc is also recommended for acne sufferers. Apart from helping the body to fight infection and inflammation, zinc helps in preventing scarring. Vitamin B found in eggs, nuts, leafy vegetables, fish, and whole grains can reduce stress, cholesterol levels, and inflammation. The vitamin E found in nuts, sunflower seeds, vegetable oils has many protective and healing properties.
Have you heard of aromatherapy for treating acne? Tea tree oil, which is a natural antiseptic agent, is the basis for it. You can directly apply the oil to the affected area or do a steam facial pouring some drops of tea tree oil in hot water.
Yoga can improve blood circulation, thereby reducing stress and boosting the healing property.
Natural treatment or alternative therapies also demand great commitment. You are advised to eat a balanced, nutrient rich diet and avoid processed foods, alcohol, tobacco, excess salt and foods rich in iodine. If you follow these natural ways, you can attain freedom from acne as well as from many other diseases.
As discussed, Acne Cures can branch out from Natural Acne Treatments to Alternative acne remedies. However, choosing a cure should always depend upon the intensity of your problem and the doctor's advise. To know more about acne related treatments visit Reduce Acne.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Acne Early Signs That Shouldn't Be Ignored
Diagnosing and curing complicated cases of chronic acne condition is very difficult. In such a scenario, it makes sense to keep an eye for acne early signs to ensure that the problem is taken care of in its early stages itself. Acne is a disorder of the skin, which has multiple causes; altered hormonal action being the most common among them. However, just because it isn't regarded as a serious disease, early acne development shouldn't be ignored. It can take a serious form, cause permanent scarring on your face and leave it blemished forever.
Development Of Acne Early Signs
Our body has numerous sebaceous glands that are internally connected with a canal-shaped hair follicle. The sebaceous glands continuously excrete a thickish oily substance (sebum). This sebum is excreted on the skin's surface through small openings within the follicle - the skin pore. The follicle is constricted and consists of keratinocytes besides the hair and the sebum. When certain hormones in our body are stimulated beyond the normal limit, excessive sebum is produced. This additional sebum sticks to the keratinocytes and the hair, thereby choking the follicle. This eventually plugs the entire follicle, creating a plugged pore.
Recognizing Early Signs
Formation of plugged skin pores indicates the onset of an acne problem. All acne early signs can be best understood as a multiplication of the problem of the plugged pores. These plugged pores serve as a host for bacterial infections. As these infections start progressing, the body tries to fight them with its automated mechanism of infusing the infected spot with white blood cells (WBCs).
At this stage, the plugged pore develops a typical reddish hue to it, called inflammation and can be easily detected. Every time the skin membrane surrounding the plugged pore is consumed by WBCs, it is ruptured and the bacteria-infested content is spilled on the surrounding skin. This is how acne lesions are formed, which often lead to the development of self-propagating pimples.
Understanding Acne Lesions
Acne lesions are the early form of an acne problem, which if left untreated can develop into a chronic condition. Such acne early signs are usually found on the face, back, neck, shoulders and the chest. Acne lesions may present themselves in many different forms. The most easily recognizable form of acne lesions is comedones.
Comedones: Universal Signs
A comedone is an enlarged plugged hair follicle. There are basically two types of comedones:
Blackheads - These are also called open comedones or first-stage acne. These plugged follicles have a wide opening that has some access to the outside air. Due to this, the melanin in the comedone undergoes a slow but gradual process of oxidation. This gives the follicle its typical black-colored appearance.
Whiteheads - These are plugged follicles that tend to remain embedded within the skin surface, gaining very little exposure to air. Thus, they are also called closed comedones. Actually, whiteheads have the same plugged contents that fill-up a blackhead but the extent of oxidation is negligible or absent. As a result, they develop a whitish tinge and hence the name.
Both whiteheads and blackheads are typical acne early signs but can evolve into painful cysts, papules, pustules or nodules, if left untreated. Visit reduce acne for more information.
The high production of sebum by the oil glands of the body causes acne scars, the most common skin disease in the world. You might be surprised to know that many foods contain substances that cause these spots.
Though, in spite of numerous studies and researches, it is still very difficult to pinpoint which foods exactly cause this skin disease. Yet, a comprehensive acne diet plan can been prepared, following which you can cure it to some extent and prevent new pimples form forming as well.
Take Care Of Your Diet
First and foremost, confirm that certain foods do cause pimples for you. Simply, eliminate fatty foods and include more greens and fruits in your diet. Yes, you will note a marked difference in your acne! So you now know, that pimples can be controlled and that too with a simple acne diet. You may also consider being tested for food allergies. Certain allergies are known to cause pimples. In this case, the single treatment you will need to do is to totally eliminate those foods from your diet.
After knowing the causes, it will be easy to understand these pointers for a good cure through an acne diet plan that you need to follow for 2 weeks.
Include a lot of ripe fresh fruits in your diet.
Eat salads made of tomato, chives, avocados, laced with extra virgin olive oil.
Avoid topical or hormonal treatment along with acne diet. This could do more harm than good.
Keep off from antibiotics as well during this time.
Take a potent multi-vitamin.
Include chromium and zinc in your diet.
Eat carrots for beta-carotene (Vitamin A).
Drink at least 8 glasses of water.
Do not take any supplement, as they contain the acne-causing gelatin.
Take as many as 9 small meals, instead of the regular 3 square meals, everyday.
You might find it hard to maintain this acne diet forever; this is why it is advisable to follow it first for only about 2 weeks. Once you see a difference in your acne, you could slowly begin to experiment and try out some foods known to cause bad skin. Remember, consume them in very small quantities, and if they do not cause pimples for you, you can include them in your meals.
You don't need to spend a fortune to control your zits. A few sensible changes in your diet and following the advice of a good dermatologist can go a long way in getting you effective acne treatment. Though the market is teeming with acne cures, you can treat and prevent your acne with your level-headedness. For more information, visit reduce acne
Get Rid of Acne With This Easy Natural Acne Treatment
Eliminating acne is something that many people consider to be downright impossible - many individuals have tried many acne products that didn't do anything. It's too bad as having acne is a huge frustration! However, you need to understand that it's completely possible to clear acne once you know how to effectively treat it.
First of all, let's have a look at why the acne treatment products you buy in the drugstores almost never produce results. It's important to understand this if you want to effectively treat your acne.
The issue with most of of the acne treatments out there is that they try to simply cover up or treat pimples after they are already on your skin. They merely act to get rid of pimples one by one rather than treating acne at the root of the issue.
This is a big problem! What's the point of attempting to eliminate a pimple if you aren't also trying to stop new zits from forming? This is a huge annoyance of mine and I see many individuals wasting cash because of it.
In order to eliminate your acne, you need to use a system that deals with all of the things that cause pimples. There are four main causes: extra oil on the skin, acne causing bacteria, inflammation of the skin and plugged up skin pores. Knocking out pimples means you must treat each of the causes.
And it's completely doable. You won't find much selection in the drugstores, you will find acne treatment systems that are designed to touch on each of the factors that cause zits. These will work as a system and commonly use a few steps to ensure you're targeting the causes in the right way.
Once you use a product that actually treats the causes of acne, you will see results within a week or so. It's a terrific feeling looking at yourself and notice the results.
Saying goodbye to zits is not only achievable, but it's actually very simple once you find the appropriate product.
Finding the best acne treatment isn't complicated once you understand what to look for.
Acne Care Treatment - Does a Detox Diet Really Work?
There is no such thing as a perfect acne care treatment for everyone. Some people find that topical over-the-counter creams like benzoyl peroxide or tea tree oil work for them. Yet others swear by their dermatologist. But if all these don't work well enough for you, maybe you need to look elsewhere for your acne cure. One of the fads which always returns is detox diets. Whenever the media report doctors saying that detox is a hokum (some doctors are charitable enough to say it is just a placebo effect), many people stop using them. But after a while, people start going back to detox diets. So, do detox diets really work to get rid of your acne?
Is There Any Scientific Proof That Detox Diets Get Rid Of Your Acne?
If the doctors are right that detox diets don't work, why do people keep on doing them? Probably because detox works for some people, just like Accutane or antibiotics can't get rid of acne for some people.
With both the medical and pharmaceutical industries firmly against detox diets, clearly we cannot expect to see published proof in scientific journals. And yet there is plenty of anecdotal evidence floating around. Just surf the web and you will find many stories for yourself. Unless you've been hiding under a rock, even you probably know someone who has found detox diets to help get rid of their acne.
There were two consultants in my old office - both of them had very good complexion. One of them was a Vegan (or vegetarian), which is the basis for many detox treatments in the market today. The other only eats fruits for dinner. He left the meat, rice and other stuff for breakfast and lunch. Given that both of them worked 80-hour weeks, their clear skin very likely came from their diets, not their lifestyle.
Could their clear skin be caused by superior Indian genes? Fortunately for those of us NOT born Indian, I don't think so. In that same office, we also had a half dozen contract Indian programmers... who fully enjoyed the American lifestyle of McDonalds, Kentucky and Pizza Hut (courtesy of their project manager). They had greasy skin, and clearly suffered from pimples.
So it seems that diets high in fruits and vegetables do help prevent acne and pimples.
Why Do You Need A Detox Diet?
Honestly, not everyone needs a detox diet, especially when they are young and have healthy immune systems to get rid of the bacteria which causes acne. Ditto if you have a good daily diet, and eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables like those two Indian consultants. At this point of time, I also find myself eating a lot of fruits everyday, and my skin is quite clear, so I don't need a detox diet either.
But I know a 50-year old businessman who swears by his detox diet. Every weekend, he only eats fruits and drinks only plain water. The rest of the week, he eats normally and drinks coffee. Despite a high-stress lifestyle - he runs his family business and is currently building up a second business - he still has very clear and healthy skin.
So, maybe, just maybe, you too will find it beneficial to you. The only way to find out for sure is to try it out yourself.
So What Should You Do?
Enough people have found detox helpful for acne care treatment. Unless you're allergic to fruits, it doesn't hurt you to try! If nothing else has worked for you, try it for 3 months. If you go to a dermatologist, that's how long his treatment is supposed to take, anyway. We aren't talking about replacing every meal with fruits and water, just your weekend meals. That's just 8 days out of 30, for 3 months, at no extra cost.
What else do you need to know about detox diets for acne care treatment. Click here to find out more.
How to Get Rid of Acne Overnight - 3 Stunning Tricks Which Are Guaranteed to Work
If you have an important date and are staring at zits the size of melons on the night before the date, then the stress itself could give rise to a few more zits. Here are 3 ways to get rid of that acne overnight.
Way 1 - Try lemon juice and green tea. After removing your make up and washing your face with a mild soap, try applying lemon juice with a cotton ball. You can also use green tea on your face and then place the empty tea bags on your pimples for around 20 minutes. Ensure that you use cold water when you try out this method. It is comforting and works wonders for your skin.
Way 2 - Use apple cider vinegar. This concoction can work wonders when you wash your face with it. However, this pungent wonder is not loved by everyone and you will need to check if you can stand the smell before washing your face with it or you might just end up without sleeping adequately throughout the night and wake up all puffy-eyed in the morning.
Way 3 - Use topical creams and lotions. You can also visit your neighborhood pharmacy and get any of the topical creams or lotions that are easily available. Test them on a patch of skin for any adverse reactions and follow the instructions written on the pack so as to get the maximum benefit by the next morning. Make sure that you buy products that are manufactured by reputed manufacturers. You could also contact your doctor for advice on the right products for your skin.
These 3 tips should help you to get ready for the next day without worrying about your acne. Avoid touching your face with your fingers, try the above methods and stick to the method that produces the best results on your skin.
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Cystic Acne Home Remedies - Is Home Remedy the Answer For Cystic Acne?
The vast options available for the cure of acne make it difficult to choose the correct method of treatment. Whatever be the method, people generally prefer the one that gives the least possible side effects. This can be provided only by natural home remedies which leave little or virtually no adverse side effects. Hence the need for cystic acne home remedies arises, as most other treatment options of cystic acne always comes with some adverse side effects.
Cystic acne is the formation of more than one pus filled pustules. These are infected acne which are very painful and need to be treated immediately. The cystic acne is very unsightly to look at and home remedies can provide ample relief. Cystic acne remedies include the following options which have been used so far with appreciable results;
Applying garlic paste on the affected area is found to reduce the severity of cystic acne.
A mixture of lemon juice and rosewater applied and left for half an hour will help to get rid of cystic acne.
A paste of cinnamon mixed with honey is another home remedy that can be effective.
Natural yogurt and cooked oatmeal mixed to form a paste can be applied on the affected area. This is left to dry and then washed off. This also removes the blemishes and is an effective acne home remedy.
Aloe Vera extract applied on the area of cystic acne also helps to reduce the scarred tissues. Aloe Vera is an effective anti inflammatory agent and also has immunity increasing properties. This makes it an ideal remedy for the treatment of cystic acne.
Other options include using mud masks, cucumber, tomatoes, mint leaves on the affected area.
With these simple and easy to use applications that are free from side effects, the cystic acne home remedies scores over the other treatment options.
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If acne treatment or acne medicine is what you are looking for then Alternative Acne Medicine blog is just the perfect landing place for you. From herbal acne medicine to acne therapy, you would find every bit of information about skin care here.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Natural Remedy for Flu and sore throat
Organic fruits and vegetables may be a better alternative to conventionally grown ones, but they are expensive and not everyone can afford them as a regular fare. They are also not easily available. One may be forced by circumstances, financial or otherwise, to fall back on conventionally farmed fruits and vegetables.
Music therapy restores vision
majority of stroke victims loses the ability to track objects in their visual field on the side opposite to the part of the brain damaged by the stroke. This condition is known as VISUAL NEGLECT and the cause of this visual impairment is damage to those areas of the brain responsible for the integration of vision, attention and action, not the actual area of the brain responsible for sight itself.
UK researchers led by Dr. David Soto from Imperial College London in a study on 3 patients with visual neglect found that all 3 could identify colored shapes and red lights in the impaired side of vision when they are listening to music they liked. The researchers believe that listening to pleasant music give rise to positive emotions which help efficiency in signaling in the brain. Here is another case of music being the best medicine
UK researchers led by Dr. David Soto from Imperial College London in a study on 3 patients with visual neglect found that all 3 could identify colored shapes and red lights in the impaired side of vision when they are listening to music they liked. The researchers believe that listening to pleasant music give rise to positive emotions which help efficiency in signaling in the brain. Here is another case of music being the best medicine
Olive Oil Prevent Dementia and Alzheimer's disease
Dr Archarna Singh-Manoux, leader of a group researchers from University College London and INSERM (French National Institute for Health and Medical Research or Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale) claimed that data from Whitehal II trail (study of thousands of civil servants) people with low level of HDL (high density lipids) or bad cholesterol were 53% more likely to have memory loss as compared to those with high level of HDL (high density lipids)or good cholesterol. People with poor memory tend to be more likely to develop dementia. Dr. Archarna Singh-Manoux said that low HDL cholesterol may be a risk factor for dementia. The reason could be, according to Dr. Susanne Sorenson of the Alzheimer's Society, that HDL cholesterol transport harmful cholesterol from the arteries back to the liver to be degraded to simpler substances to be excreted.
Weight control - drink water before meal
Are you struggling to reduce weight by eating less and having problems? Here is a tip. Drink water before eating. This will curb your appetite and you will eat less. According to study by Virginia Tech researchers published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association (a US trade magazine), overweight and obese people who drank a half-litre water before breakfast ended up eating 75 calories less. This is equivalent to 27,375 calorie over a year which is equivalent to 3 kilogrammes of fat. If one is to drink water before every meal, the calories intake will be drastically reduced leading to weight loss over a long period.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Exercise Your Brain
Exercise Your Brain.
According to Michael Merzenich, chief scientific officer with Posit Science in San Francisco, the key to memory longevity is lifelong learning. (Exercising your brain.)
“Often, as people age, they engage in less and less learning,” Merzenich told United Press International. “They rest on their laurels, and their environments, even if stimulating (such as a job or hobbies), do not drive new learning.” Apparently, their brains become weak and in need of exercising.
Merzenich’s company is pioneering brain-training exercises for aging adults that, like calisthenics, keep the organ flexible, in good physical shape and functioning well into the golden years. The company’s computer-guided exercises—which are being marketing to assisted-living and retirement communities—aim at augmenting memory and improving visual acuity and hearing. The memory exercises should be practiced five days a week for an hour a day for eight weeks—a demanding regimen, but one that researchers think may mitigate memory loss.
“As the brain gets into ruts, it is not challenged with new learning, and without crucial stimulation, the brain’s function can gradually erode over time, leading to decreased memory and cognitive function,” Merzenich explained.
Undertaking a rigorous “brain fitness” program later in life may be only part of the answer, said Dr. Thomas Crook, former chief of the National Institute of Mental Health’s Geriatric Psychopharmacology Program. Diet plays an absolutely key role in determining brain function later in life, he said, and establishing healthy eating habits early on can deliver dividends in old age.
“Diet is very important. A generalization would be that those things that are good for the heart are good for the brain as well,” Crook told UPI.
Likewise, exercise appears to contribute to better brain health, he said. A lot of research is showing that aerobic exercise is particularly helpful. Even 30 minutes of walking per day can help. Apparently, vascular changes in the heart also apply to the brain, and exercise benefits both. The worst thing you can do for your brain is to sit on the couch watching TV for hours.
According to a 2005 study by Harvard University researchers, fruit and vegetable intake is inversely related to cognitive decline—the more fresh foods you eat, the better your chances of maintaining brain health.
The Harvard group followed a cohort of female subjects from 1976 to 2001 and tracked their eating habits along with mental function over four decades. They found that the women who ate the highest amounts of green leafy vegetables (such as broccoli, greens and spinach) had the slowest mental decline.
“The finding with cruciferous vegetables, we believe, may be because they are nutrient dense—good source of vitamin C, beta carotene, B vitamins, which have all been found in some studies to be associated with better cognition,” said Jae Hee Kang, lead author of the Harvard study.
So— now that you’ve finished reading this don’t you want to go for a jog around the block and finish it off with an extra large glass of carrot juice. After all, you’re investing in the health of your brain.
Exercise Helps Prevent Age-Related Brain Changes
Older adults who exercise regularly show increased cerebral blood flow and a greater number of small blood vessels in the brain, according to findings presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
The study, conducted at the University of North Carolina (UNC) - Chapel Hill, is the first to compare brain scans of older adults who exercise to brain scans of those who do not.
"Our results show that exercise may reduce age-related changes in brain vasculature and blood flow," said presenter Feraz Rahman, M.S., currently a medical student at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. "Other studies have shown that exercise prevents cognitive decline in the elderly. The blood vessel and flow differences may be one reason."
The researchers recruited 12 healthy adults, age 60 to 76. Six of the adults had participated in aerobic exercise for three or more hours per week over the last 10 years, and six exercised less than one hour per week. All of the volunteers underwent MRI to determine cerebral blood flow and MR angiography to depict blood vessels in the brain.
Using a novel method of three-dimensional (3-D) computer reconstruction developed in their lab, the researchers were able to make 3-D models of the blood vessels and examine them for shape and size. They then compared the blood vessel characteristics and how they related to blood flow in both the active and inactive groups.
The results showed that the inactive group exhibited fewer small blood vessels in the brain, along with more unpredictable blood flow through the brain.
"The active adults had more small blood vessels and improved cerebral blood flow," said the study's senior author, J. Keith Smith, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of radiology at UNC School of Medicine. "These findings further point out the importance of regular exercise to healthy aging."
Meditation Exercises
RELAXATION EXERCISE
Before each meditation exercise it is worth spending a few minutes relaxing the body. One way is to imagine/feel the tension moving out of your muscles and down your body so that all the tension finally runs through your feet and into the ground.
Sit with a straight back, but do not overdo it so that the back becomes tense. Concentrate on focusing your awareness/attention on specific muscles of your body. Starting with your head, feel the tension drain downward out of your face. Move your awareness down the neck – imagine that you can push the tension downward and that the muscles relax and soften. Continue down the body, especially work on the shoulders and stomach muscles. Keep moving the tension downward until you reach your feet. At this point imagine all the accumulated tension is forced out of your feet and into the floor. Now bring your awareness to the centre of your chest. Imagine that there is a vast sea of peace in the centre of your chest. Spend a few minutes enjoying the tranquillity within yourself.
Key points of exercise
* Get rid of the tension within the body.
Before each meditation exercise it is worth spending a few minutes relaxing the body. One way is to imagine/feel the tension moving out of your muscles and down your body so that all the tension finally runs through your feet and into the ground.
Sit with a straight back, but do not overdo it so that the back becomes tense. Concentrate on focusing your awareness/attention on specific muscles of your body. Starting with your head, feel the tension drain downward out of your face. Move your awareness down the neck – imagine that you can push the tension downward and that the muscles relax and soften. Continue down the body, especially work on the shoulders and stomach muscles. Keep moving the tension downward until you reach your feet. At this point imagine all the accumulated tension is forced out of your feet and into the floor. Now bring your awareness to the centre of your chest. Imagine that there is a vast sea of peace in the centre of your chest. Spend a few minutes enjoying the tranquillity within yourself.
Key points of exercise
* Get rid of the tension within the body.
* Be aware of the tension - and the tranquillity - within yourself.
Purpose of exercise
* Relaxing helps us to ‘centre’ and to feel that we are in the present moment
. Breathing into the heart centre
Please breathe in and hold your breath for a couple of seconds, and feel that you are holding the breath, which is life-energy, in your heart centre. This will help you to develop your inner meditation capacity.
2. Becoming aware of the breath
When you sit down to meditate, try to breathe in as slowly and quietly as possible, so that if somebody placed a tiny thread in front of your nose it would not move at all. And when you breathe out, try to breathe out even more slowly than you breathed in. If possible, leave a short pause between the end of your exhalation and the beginning of your inhalation. If you can, hold your breath for a few seconds. But if that is difficult, do not do it. Never do anything that will make you physically uncomfortable during meditation.
3 Breathing in peace and joy
The first thing that you have to think of when practising breathing techniques is purity. When you breathe in, if you can feel that the breath is coming directly from God, from Purity itself, then your breath can easily be purified. Then, each time you breathe in, try to feel that you are bringing infinite peace into your body. The opposite of peace is restlessness. When you breathe out, try to feel that you are expelling the restlessness within you and also the restlessness that you see all around you. When you breathe this way, you will find restlessness leaving you. After practising this a few times, please try to feel that you are breathing in power from the universe, and when you exhale, feel that all your fear is coming out of your body. After doing this a few times, try to feel that you are breathing in infinite joy and breathing out sorrow, suffering and melancholy.
4. Cosmic energy
Feel that you are breathing in not air but cosmic energy. Feel that tremendous cosmic energy is entering into you with each breath, and that you are going to use it to purify your body, vital, mind and heart. Feel that there is not a single place in your being that is not being occupied by the flow of cosmic energy. It is flowing like a river inside you, washing and purifying your entire being. Then, when you breathe out, feel that you are breathing out all the rubbish inside you—all your undivine thoughts, obscure ideas and impure actions. Anything inside your system that you call undivine, anything that you do not want to claim as your own, feel that you are exhaling.
This is not the traditional yogic pranayama, which is more complicated and systematised, but it is a most effective spiritual method of breathing. If you practise this method of breathing, you will soon see the results. In the beginning you will have to use your imagination, but after a while you will see and feel that it is not imagination at all but reality. You are consciously breathing in the energy which is flowing all around you, purifying yourself and emptying yourself of everything undivine. If you can breathe this way for five minutes every day, you will be able to make very fast progress. But it has to be done in a very conscious way, not mechanically.
5. Total breathing
When you reach a more advanced stage, you can try to feel that your breath is coming in and going out through every part of your body—through your heart, through your eyes, through your nose and even through your pores. Right now you can breathe only through your nose or your mouth, but a time will come when you will be able to breathe through every part of your body. Spiritual Masters can breathe even with their nose and mouth closed. When you have perfected this spiritual breathing, all your impurity and ignorance will be replaced by God's light, peace and power.
Imagine that you can see your breath entering your nose and slipping slowly and silently down into your lungs. Feel your breath is filling your chest cavity, energising your entire body. Keep your awareness in the centre of your chest. Imagine that you are in the centre of your own chest. Observe your breath coming in and bring with it all its positive energy. Then watch as your breath is exhaled carrying away negative feelings and emotions and even thoughts. Try to stay centred in your chest all the way through this exercise - keep your awareness in the centre of your chest.
Key points of exercise
* Feel your awareness is in the centre of your chest.
* Observe your breathing in a relaxed and detached way.
* Do not force your breathing.
Purpose of this exercise.
To slow, calm and relax your breathing – this in turn helps to calm and quieten the mind, to prepare yourself for meditation. It is important that our breathing is calm and relaxed before we attempt to focus on the next level which is single pointed concentration. We need to spend a few minutes “letting go” of our hectic outer activities and the impact they have on our mental state. A breathing exercise is perfect for this.
There are many different breathing exercises, this particular one also serves to help us become aware of a more subtle space within ourselves – the centre of the chest houses the Heart centre. The Heart centre is a sweet and peaceful space which we will use in subsequent meditation exercise.
Exercises in Concentration
1. The dot
If you want to develop the power of concentration, then here is an exercise you can try. First wash your face and eyes properly with cold water. Then make a black dot on the wall at eye level. Stand facing the dot, about ten inches away, and concentrate on it. After a few minutes, try to feel that when you are breathing in, your breath is actually coming from the dot, and that the dot is also breathing in, getting its breath from you. Try to feel that there are two persons: you and the black dot. Your breath is coming from the dot and its breath is coming from you.
In ten minutes, if your concentration is very powerful, you will feel that your soul has left you and entered into the black dot on the wall. At this time try to feel that you and your soul are conversing. Your soul is taking you into the soul's world for realisation, and you are bringing the soul into the physical world for manifestation. In this way you can develop your power of concentration very easily. But this method has to be practised. There are many things which are very easy with practice, but just because we do not practise them we do not get the result.
2. Vision and reality
Another exercise you can try is this. First make a very small circle on the wall at eye-level, and inside it make a black dot. It should be black; not blue or red or any other colour. Then stand facing the wall, about three and a half feet away, and focus your attention on the circle. Your eyes should be relaxed and half-open. Let the force of your concentration come from the middle of your forehead. After three or four minutes open your eyes fully and try to feel that, from head to foot, you are all eyes. Your whole physical existence has become nothing but vision, and that vision is focussed on the dot inside the circle. Then start making the object of your concentration smaller. After a few seconds try to feel that your whole body has become as tiny as the dot on the wall. Try to feel that the dot is another part of your own existence. Then enter into the dot, pierce through it and go to the other side. From the other side of the dot, look back and see your own body. Your physical body is on one side, but on the strength of your concentration you have sent your subtle body to the other side of the dot. Through your subtle body you are seeing your physical body, and through your physical body you are seeing your subtle body.
When you began to concentrate, your physical body became all vision. At that time the dot was your reality. When you entered into the dot, then vision and reality became one. You were the vision and you were also the reality. When you looked back at yourself from the dot, the process was reversed. At that time you became the vision outside yourself, and the place to which you returned—your body—was the reality. Then, the vision and the reality became one again. When you can see the vision and the reality in this way, your concentration is absolutely perfect. When your power of concentration can bring you to the other side of the point which you were calling reality, at that time your whole existence will be far beyond both vision and reality. And when you can feel that you have transcended your vision and your reality, you will have boundless power.
3. My heart-friend
Just as you can concentrate on the tip of your finger, or on a candle or any other material object, you can also concentrate on your heart. You may close your eyes or look at a wall, but all the time you are thinking of your heart as a dear friend. When this thinking becomes most intense, when it absorbs your entire attention, then you have gone beyond ordinary thinking and entered into concentration. You cannot look physically at your spiritual heart, but you can focus all your attention on it. Then gradually the power of your concentration enters into the heart and takes you completely out of the realm of the mind.
If you do not have purity in abundant measure, if countless earthly desires are in possession of the heart, then before concentrating on the heart you should invoke purity. Purity is the feeling of having a living shrine deep in the inmost recesses of your heart. When you feel the divine presence of an inner shrine, automatically you are purified. At that time your concentration on the heart will be most effective.
4. The heartbeat of life
Some seekers like to concentrate on their heartbeat. If you want to do this, do not be afraid that the heart will stop and you will die. If you want to be a real hero in your spiritual life, you can practise concentrating on your heartbeat. This is the golden opportunity for you to enter into the endless life. Each time you hear the sound of your heartbeat, immediately feel there your infinite, immortal life.
5. The inner flower
For this exercise you will need a flower. With your eyes half closed and half open, look at the entire flower for a few seconds. While you are concentrating, try to feel that you yourself are this flower. At the same time, try to feel that this flower is growing in the inmost recesses of your heart. Feel that you are the flower and you are growing inside your heart.
Then, gradually try to concentrate on one particular petal of the flower. Feel that this petal which you have selected is the seed-form of your reality-existence. After a few minutes, concentrate on the entire flower again, and feel that it is the Universal Reality. In this way go back and forth, concentrating first on the petal—the seed-form of your reality—and then on the entire flower—the Universal Reality. While you are doing this, please try not to allow any thought to enter into your mind. Try to make your mind absolutely calm, quiet and tranquil.
After some time, please close your eyes and try to see the flower that you have been concentrating on inside your heart. Then, in the same way that you concentrated on the physical flower, kindly concentrate on the flower inside your heart, with your eyes closed.
Concentration Exercise with Flower
“The Inner Flower. For this exercise you will need a flower. With your eyes half closed and half open, look at the centre of the flower for a few seconds. While you are concentrating, try to feel that you yourself are this flower. At the same time, try to feel that this flower is growing in the inmost recesses of your heart. Feel that you are the flower and you are growing inside your heart.
Then, gradually try to concentrate on one particular petal of the flower. Feel that this petal which you have selected is the seed-form of your reality-existence. After a few minutes, concentrate on the entire flower again, and feel that it is the Universal Reality. In this way go back and forth, concentrating first on the petal – the seed-form of your reality – and then on the entire flower – the Universal Reality.
While you are doing this, please try not to allow any thought to enter into your mind. Try to make your mind absolutely calm, quiet and tranquil.
After some time, please close your eyes and try to see the flower that you have been concentrating on inside your heart. Then, in the same way that you concentrated on the physical flower, kindly concentrate on the flower inside your heart, with your eyes closed.”
“Each time an undivine thought enters into your mind, throw it out of your mind. It is like a foreign element, a thief, that has entered your room.”
“In the beginning you may not be able to concentrate according to your satisfaction because the mind is not focused. The mind is constantly thinking of many things. It has become a victim of many uncomely thoughts... When your mind starts getting illumined, it will be very, very easy to concentrate for a long time, and also to concentrate more deeply.”
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Heart attack
The goals of initial treatment are to minimize damage by restoring blood flow to the heart and to determine the amount of damage to heart tissue. It is critical to call for immediate medical attention if heart attack is suspected. Intensive research over the last 20 or more years has demonstrated that prompt treatment can decrease damage from a heart attack and increase the chance for survival.
The heart may develop irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or stop beating (sudden cardiac arrest) during a heart attack. When the heart is unable to pump blood throughout the body, brain damage and death can occur within minutes.
Emergency medical personnel can quickly assess the situation and may perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure electrical activity in the heart. If the patient is in cardiac arrest, or is experiencing an abnormal heart rhythm, a device called a defibrillator may be used to "shock" the heart into a normal rhythm.
Emergency medical personnel also can administer medications and begin treatments immediately that can help dissolve a blood clot and open a blocked coronary artery, restoring normal blood flow to the heart. If these therapies are initiated within 1 hour of the onset of symptoms, less irreparable damage may occur.
Even before emergency personnel arrive, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be performed if the patient has no pulse and a capable bystander is present. CPR is a combination of rescue breathing and chest compressions. Automated external defibrillators designed for CPR are available in some public places (e.g., airports, shopping malls, large office buildings). Defibrillators also are available without a prescription for home use.
Recent studies have shown that a procedure called cardiocerebral resuscitation may help improve outcomes for patients who suffer a heart attack outside of a hospital setting. In cardiocerebral resuscitation, emergency personal administer uninterrupted chest compressions for approximately 2 minutes (200 compressions), then perform regular CPR and use a defibrillator to administer an electrical shock, if necessary.
If the patient is still in cardiac arrest, the procedure is repeated as many as 3 times. Cardiocerebral resuscitation also involves administering epinephrine (drug that constricts blood vessels) as quickly as possible and with each cycle of 200 chest compressions.
Studies have shown that cooling the body temperature to between 89.6 °F and 93.2 °F may help to prevent brain damage in patients who survive cardiac arrest lasting more than a few minutes. This treatment, which is called mild therapeutic hypothermia, should be started as soon as possible after the patient is resuscitated and continued for 12–24 hours. Cooling blankets, ice packs, fanning, and intravenous (IV) solutions can be used to lower the patient's core body temperature.
Treatment may include the following:
Thrombolytic therapy
Heparin therapy
Aspirin
Beta-blockers
Nitroglycerin
IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
Primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)
Several new "clot-busting drugs," called thrombolytic agents, can help dissolve blood clots and prevent further heart damage. Although clot-busting drugs (e.g., r-PA, t-PA, tnk-PA, streptokinase) are most effective when administered within the first several hours of a heart attack, they are beneficial when administered within 12 hours following the onset of symptoms.
These medications are not used in all cases, and whether they are used or not is determined primarily by electrocardiogram results. Thrombolytic agents carry a small risk for causing excessive bleeding, which can cause stroke if it occurs in the brain; however, potential benefits usually outweigh the risk.
Heparin is a drug used to "thin" the blood to help prevent further blood clot formation. This drug may be particularly useful in patients who experience intermittent blood clot formation within a coronary artery.
The older form of heparin, called unfractionated heparin, usually is administered via a continuous intravenous (IV) infusion. Frequent blood tests are required during treatment to monitor how "thin" the blood is.
Newer forms of heparin, called low molecular weight heparins, usually are administered via injection in the abdomen twice a day. These medications include enoxaparin (Lovenox®), dalteparin (Fragmin®), and nadroparin (Fraxiparin®). Low molecular weight heparins require less frequent monitoring and several studies suggest that this form of the drug prevents recurrent heart attack and death more effectively than unfractionated heparin.
Taking an aspirin during a heart attack and each day following a heart attack can decrease the risk of dying from the condition by almost 25%. Blood clots primarily are composed of platelets (microscopic particles that circulate in the bloodstream) that "stick" to ruptured plaques and to each other. Aspirin makes platelets less "sticky," decreasing the risk for further blood clot formation.
Studies have shown that some patients are resistant to the effects of aspirin therapy. Regular blood tests may be performed to monitor the patient's response; the results of these tests can be used to adjust the aspirin dosage or change the medication.
These drugs slow the heart rate and decrease the strength of the heart's contractions, reducing strain on the heart and its oxygen requirement. Commonly used beta-blockers include metoprolol (Lopressor®, Toprol XL®) and atenolol (Atenolol®). These drugs usually are administered intravenously (through a vein) at first and then orally.
Studies have shown that taking beta-blockers during and after a heart attack decreases the risk for recurrent heart attack and death. Therefore, patients without contraindications to beta-blocker therapy often take these drugs indefinitely. Beta-blockers may cause erectile dysfunction.
Nitroglycerin is a chemical that opens up (dilates) arteries and veins and increases blood flow to the heart. During heart attack, nitroglycerin can be placed under the tongue, where it quickly dissolves and is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Nitroglycerin also can be administered via continuous intravenous (IV) infusion; applied to the skin in cream or patch form, where it is slowly absorbed; or administered as short- or long-acting nitrate pills. Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil®) usually is taken 3 times a day and isosorbide mononitrate (Ismo®, Imdur®) is taken either twice (Ismo) or once daily (Imdur).
Because nitroglycerin dilates not only the coronary arteries, but also other blood vessels, it may cause severe headaches. In some cases, headaches are so severe that patients are unable to tolerate nitroglycerin therapy.
These drugs help to prevent platelets from sticking together and forming blood clots. They also help dissolve existing blood clots. Studies show that treatment with IIb/IIIa inhibitors can reduce the risk for recurrent heart attack or death. IIb/IIIa inhibitors include eptifibatide (Integrelin®), tirofiban (Aggrastat®), and abciximab (ReoPro®).
Primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)
In some cases, primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), or angioplasty, is performed to obtain images of the coronary arteries, identify the blockage, and determine the best course of treatment.
Coronary angioplasty is performed in a catheterization laboratory (cath lab), under sedation and a local anesthetic. An iodine-based dye or other contrast agent is injected to make the arteries and blockage(s) visible on a monitor. Physicians use a monitor as a guide during the procedure.
During coronary angioplasty, the coronary arteries are accessed through a small incision made in the femoral artery, located in the groin, or the brachial artery, located in the arm. In most cases, the femoral artery is used. A pencil-sized plastic sheath is inserted through the artery and flexible catheters are passed through the sheath to the blocked coronary artery. Then, a device such as an ultra-thin wire, tiny balloon, or a small metal spring-like device called a stent, is used to stretch open the blocked artery.
Although angioplasty is relatively safe, complications can occur, including the following:
Allergic reaction to iodine-based dye
Arrhythmias
Bleeding at the insertion site
Infection at the insertion site
Kidney failure
Ruptured artery (dissection)
Stroke
Allergic reactions to iodine-based dye range from hives to anaphylactic shock, which can involve hives, rash, swelling (edema), vascular collapse, shock, and respiratory distress. Anaphylactic shock is life threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Rarely, an inflated angioplasty balloon can tear the blood vessel wall (dissection). If this occurs, emergency bypass surgery is performed.
piles
What are they?
The tissue of the anus is rich in blood vessels. If these become dilated and swollen, they may project into the anal canal or out of the back passage (a prolapse) to form visible swellings. Some people describe them as varicose veins of the anus.
Piles are incredibly common - at least 50 per cent of people suffer with them at some time.
Causes
Piles tend to be caused by factors that cause the blood vessels to swell, including anything that increases pressure inside the abdomen such as constipation, pregnancy and being overweight.
Symptoms
Piles may cause no symptoms, especially if they're small, and many people don't realise they have them. However, they can also cause a range of problems:
A swelling protruding from the anus. Piles may be felt as small soft lumps at the opening of the back passage, sometimes compared to a 'bunch of grapes'. They're usually soft and fleshy but may become hard if thrombosis occurs. The piles may only appear after straining on the toilet.
Bleeding from the back passage. The mucosa that covers the piles is quite delicate and if it is damaged, for example as you open your bowels, there may be bleeding, which is usually seen as small amounts of bright red blood on the toilet paper or on the surface of the motions. Occasionally, piles cause severe bleeding.
Mucus discharge.
Itching. Piles can cause intense itching of the skin around the back passage.
Piles can be painful, but this is uncommon. Acute pain and the appearance of a hard lump protruding from the anus can signal thrombosis of the haemorrhoid.
Treatment
The treatment of piles depends on the severity of symptoms. Firstly, it's important to take steps to avoid aggravating factors such as constipation or being overweight. Keeping your bowel motions soft and regular will also help to avoid straining.
Make sure you eat plenty of fibre to provide bulk in your diet by including lots of bread, vegetables, cereal and nuts.
Consider fibre supplements.
Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water and fruit juice.
Keep to a regular bowel habit and go to the toilet when you feel the need to - don't try to hold it in.
Get plenty of exercise - this helps keeps the bowels regular.
Avoid causes of constipation, such as painkillers that contain codeine.
These measures may be all that's needed to allow small haemorrhoids to settle. More persistent piles may need specific treatments.
Pain-relieving creams and ointments, which may contain an anaesthetic, can help soothe the discomfort of piles and allow you to open your bowels more easily. If piles become thrombosed this can be acutely painful. Cold packs and strong pain relief may be needed.
Surgical options
The tissue of the anus is rich in blood vessels. If these become dilated and swollen, they may project into the anal canal or out of the back passage (a prolapse) to form visible swellings. Some people describe them as varicose veins of the anus.
Piles are incredibly common - at least 50 per cent of people suffer with them at some time.
Causes
Piles tend to be caused by factors that cause the blood vessels to swell, including anything that increases pressure inside the abdomen such as constipation, pregnancy and being overweight.
Symptoms
Piles may cause no symptoms, especially if they're small, and many people don't realise they have them. However, they can also cause a range of problems:
A swelling protruding from the anus. Piles may be felt as small soft lumps at the opening of the back passage, sometimes compared to a 'bunch of grapes'. They're usually soft and fleshy but may become hard if thrombosis occurs. The piles may only appear after straining on the toilet.
Bleeding from the back passage. The mucosa that covers the piles is quite delicate and if it is damaged, for example as you open your bowels, there may be bleeding, which is usually seen as small amounts of bright red blood on the toilet paper or on the surface of the motions. Occasionally, piles cause severe bleeding.
Mucus discharge.
Itching. Piles can cause intense itching of the skin around the back passage.
Piles can be painful, but this is uncommon. Acute pain and the appearance of a hard lump protruding from the anus can signal thrombosis of the haemorrhoid.
Treatment
The treatment of piles depends on the severity of symptoms. Firstly, it's important to take steps to avoid aggravating factors such as constipation or being overweight. Keeping your bowel motions soft and regular will also help to avoid straining.
Make sure you eat plenty of fibre to provide bulk in your diet by including lots of bread, vegetables, cereal and nuts.
Consider fibre supplements.
Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water and fruit juice.
Keep to a regular bowel habit and go to the toilet when you feel the need to - don't try to hold it in.
Get plenty of exercise - this helps keeps the bowels regular.
Avoid causes of constipation, such as painkillers that contain codeine.
These measures may be all that's needed to allow small haemorrhoids to settle. More persistent piles may need specific treatments.
Pain-relieving creams and ointments, which may contain an anaesthetic, can help soothe the discomfort of piles and allow you to open your bowels more easily. If piles become thrombosed this can be acutely painful. Cold packs and strong pain relief may be needed.
Surgical options
Haemorrhoid facts
Piles are common and usually painless
There is no link between piles and bowel cancer, although your doctor may take the opportunity to check for bowel cancer while examining your piles
One of the most effective ways to prevent piles is to avoid constipation
Surgery may be necessary to treat persistent or very painful piles. Many different techniques are used including injecting the piles with a chemical to make them scar and shrink, putting a tight band around the pile until it scars and drops off (ligation), or freezing or cutting them off.
Another operation which is often done to help piles is to gently stretch the anus (while the person is under anaesthetic) as there may be overactivity of the internal anal sphincter (a muscly control valve).
Recent research has looked at injections of botulinum toxin or creams containing nitroglycerine ointment to relax the muscle sphincter.
Haemorrhoidectomy, or surgical removal of the piles, is necessary when clots repeatedly form, ligation fails to work or there is persistent bleeding. Haemorrhoidectomy is usually done under general anaesthetic in hospital. There is a small risk of anal stricture (a scarred narrowing of the anal canal) and injury to the sphincter.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Homeopathy is based on the principle that substances that are poisonous in large doses can be very beneficial in small doses. Homeopathy is a form of medicine that treats the body as a whole and helps it to heal itself. It can be used for the short term (acute) illnesses and long term (chronic) illnesses. The objective is to prevent the patient from getting the illnesses again (prevention). The name homeopathy comes from the Greek word "homios" which means "like" and the word "pathos" meaning "suffering". Thus homeopathy simply means treating like with like.
In the fourth century B.C., Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, observed that large amount of certain natural substances can produce symptoms in healthy people resembling those caused by the disease, while smaller doses of these same substances can relieve those symptoms. in 1790's Samuel Hahnemann, a German doctor, amplified this concept and proposed the practice called homeopathy. He proposed that "Let like be cured by like". Homeopathy uses animal, vegetable and mineral preparations to cure a person's illness. Millions of people in Britain, Europe and America uses Homeopathy.
Homeopathy looks at each patient and develops a remedy or treatment plan strictly for him or her. It invokes the powers of healing inherent in individuals (our immune system) to develop a successful therapy. The more one knows about the patient, the symptoms, likes and dislikes, what makes them better or worse, it helps in developing a "symptom picture" of the patient that can lead to a successful treatment.
If we think about the principle of homeopathy, it has a lot in common with our present understanding of immunizations. To prevent us from catching small pox, a vaccine is prepared which is a mild form of the virus that causes the disease. The principle is that introduction of this small amount of the virus in our body system will set out our body's defenses so that when the actual virus shows up, our body will have enough barriers or fighting power to prevent the virus from entering our body. Homeopathy practitioners believe that when we introduce a very very small amount of the deadly material into the body, our body will unleash enough defenses to prevent the disease from recurring again. However, there are significant differences between the concepts used in Western medicine and those of homeopathy. Vaccines are not rendered more potent when they are diluted like homeopathic preparations. In conventional treatment, there is a minimum dosage that need to be given before the medication becomes effective in treating the underlying problem. For example, when taking antibiotics, we have to take the whole course at regular intervals to maintain a potency level in the bloodstream to kill the bacteria.
Homeopathic remedies, which are made from naturally occurring plant, animal, or mineral substances, are recognized and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are manufactured by established pharmaceutical companies under strict guidelines. There are over 2000 homeopathic remedies that are usually referred to by their abbreviated name. (For example Arg nit. stands for Argentum nitricum). These are derived from such exotic sources as bee stings, snake venoms, arsenic, gold and silica, and even compounds from diseases tissue. Homeopaths also prescribes tissue salts. Tissue salts are prepared from mineral sources. Homeopathic remedies are diluted to such an extent that there can be no possible side effects from even the most toxic substances. The dilution process is known as 'potentation' Taken in this ultra diluted form, Homeopathic remedies have no side effects and are perfectly safe, non-toxic and non-addictive
In the fourth century B.C., Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, observed that large amount of certain natural substances can produce symptoms in healthy people resembling those caused by the disease, while smaller doses of these same substances can relieve those symptoms. in 1790's Samuel Hahnemann, a German doctor, amplified this concept and proposed the practice called homeopathy. He proposed that "Let like be cured by like". Homeopathy uses animal, vegetable and mineral preparations to cure a person's illness. Millions of people in Britain, Europe and America uses Homeopathy.
Homeopathy looks at each patient and develops a remedy or treatment plan strictly for him or her. It invokes the powers of healing inherent in individuals (our immune system) to develop a successful therapy. The more one knows about the patient, the symptoms, likes and dislikes, what makes them better or worse, it helps in developing a "symptom picture" of the patient that can lead to a successful treatment.
If we think about the principle of homeopathy, it has a lot in common with our present understanding of immunizations. To prevent us from catching small pox, a vaccine is prepared which is a mild form of the virus that causes the disease. The principle is that introduction of this small amount of the virus in our body system will set out our body's defenses so that when the actual virus shows up, our body will have enough barriers or fighting power to prevent the virus from entering our body. Homeopathy practitioners believe that when we introduce a very very small amount of the deadly material into the body, our body will unleash enough defenses to prevent the disease from recurring again. However, there are significant differences between the concepts used in Western medicine and those of homeopathy. Vaccines are not rendered more potent when they are diluted like homeopathic preparations. In conventional treatment, there is a minimum dosage that need to be given before the medication becomes effective in treating the underlying problem. For example, when taking antibiotics, we have to take the whole course at regular intervals to maintain a potency level in the bloodstream to kill the bacteria.
Homeopathic remedies, which are made from naturally occurring plant, animal, or mineral substances, are recognized and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are manufactured by established pharmaceutical companies under strict guidelines. There are over 2000 homeopathic remedies that are usually referred to by their abbreviated name. (For example Arg nit. stands for Argentum nitricum). These are derived from such exotic sources as bee stings, snake venoms, arsenic, gold and silica, and even compounds from diseases tissue. Homeopaths also prescribes tissue salts. Tissue salts are prepared from mineral sources. Homeopathic remedies are diluted to such an extent that there can be no possible side effects from even the most toxic substances. The dilution process is known as 'potentation' Taken in this ultra diluted form, Homeopathic remedies have no side effects and are perfectly safe, non-toxic and non-addictive
Homeopathic Medicine
Abbreviations Used By Homeopaths and How Homeopathic Medicines are Prepared
Two abbreviations are used to describe a medicine's strength or potency. In the United States, the decimal, or x, system is more popular. In Europe, homeopaths use the centisimal, or c, system.
In both systems, potency is expressed as a number followed by an x or c, such as 3x or 6c. A potency of 1 x means a 1: 10 dilution of the original substance, or one- tenth strength (mix 1 drop of the substance with 9 drops of the dilutant, commonly water or alcohol); 2x means 1: 100, 3x is 1: 1000 and so on. In other words, the number before the x in the decimal system equals the number of zeros in the dilution, so 6x indicates a dilution of 1 part in 1,000,000. A potency of 1c means a 1: 100 dilution. The number before the c means that there are 2 times the number of zeroes in the dilution. For example, 3c means a dilution of 1 part in 1,000,000. (whereas 3x means 1 part in 1,000).
A third scale called millesimal (M) scale is also used by homeopaths. This is denoted by a number followed by the letter M, such as 1M, 2M, etc. A potency of 1M means a dilution of 1 part in 1000. The number before M means that the dilution is 3 times this number. A potency of 2M means a dilution of 1 part in 1,000,000.
Homeopathic medicines are not simply diluted. They are also shaken vigorously, or "potentized." To make a 12x dilution, one drop of the mother tincture is added to 99 drops of the alcohol or water mix and the mixture is shaken vigorously. Then one drop from this mixture is mixed with 99 drops of the dilutant and the mixture is shaken vigorously. The resultant mixture has a dilution of 1 in 10,000 (or 4x). The process is repeated a total of 6 times to get a potency of 12x. Finally, these drops are added to tiny lactose (milk sugar tablets, pillules, granules, or powder and stored in dark colored bottle.
Homeopaths believe that shaking transfers the medicine's essence to the water used to dilute it. This concept is important because solutions diluted beyond 24x (or 12c) may not contain even a single molecule of the original solution. Homeopaths believe that medicines become stronger as they become more dilute and that even when enormously diluted, the medicine's "essence" or "energy" remains.
In conventional medicine, the symptoms are considered to be a manifestation of the disease. The drugs are given to kill the bacteria causing it or to dampen the symptom of the condition. Homeopaths, on the other hand, see the symptoms as the body's attempt to heal itself. They see the symptom as a positive sign that the body's defense mechanism is trying to fight the underlying cause and by this reasoning, they insist that the symptoms should not be suppressed as we are working against the body's attempt to cure it.
Homeopathic Medicine vs. Conventional Medicine
Homeopathic Medicine
Conventional Medicine
Illness
Is an individual expression of imbalance and has important meaning
Occurs in well-defined groups based on pathology, and meaning of illness is irrelevant
Symptoms
Are evidence of disharmony and the person's attempt to restore order
Are analyzed to follow progress of treatment
Are bad
Successful treatment makes them go away
Diagnosis
The understanding of the phenomenon of the illness
The whole person is taken into account
The search for the structural cause
Treatment
Individualized and based on the entire expression of symptoms
Self-care (what the client does) is emphasized
Based on like cures like and potentized microdoses of medicines
Based on the pathologic diagnosis
What the doctor does is emphasized
Based on opposing and suppressing symptoms, and high doses of medicine
For a further discussion on the difference in the philosophy of holistic medicine vs. conventional medicine.
The laws of homeopathy are the law of similars, the principle of minimum dose and prescription for the individual.
The Law of Similars
The principle that like shall be cured by like, or Similia similibus curantur. This principle, recognized by physicians and philosophers since ancient times, became the basis of Hahnemann's formulation of the homeopathic doctrine: the proper remedy for a patient's disease is that substance that is capable of producing, in a healthy person, symptoms similar to those from which the patient suffers.
In other words, a substance produces symptoms of illness in a well person when administered in large doses; if we administer the same substance in minute quantities, it will cure the disease in a sick person. Hahnemann suggested that this is because nature will not allow two similar diseases to exist in the body at the same time. Thus homeopaths will introduce a similar artificial disease into the body which will push the original one out. The dose is small so that there is no danger of any long term side effects.
The Principle of Minimum Dose
This principle states that extreme dilution enhances the curative properties of a substance, while eliminating any possible side effects. This is just the reverse of conventional drug philosophy where a minimum dose is required for effect. Starting from the conventional dose, as we decrease the concentration (or increase the dilution), the medicine become less and less efficient. But below a threshold, the medicine start getting potent again. Homeopaths uses this region of potency.
Whole Person Prescribing
A homeopath studies the whole person. Characteristics such as their temperament, personality, emotional and physical responses when prescribing a remedy, etc. are studied. So, a homeopath may treat different persons exhibiting the same symptom differently. (For example, two persons exhibiting flu like symptoms may get two different medication from the homeopath based on the appraisal of the mind body constitution.)
Laws of Cure
There are three laws of cure, They are:
A remedy starts at the top of the body and works downward
A remedy works from within the body outward, and from major to minor organs
Symptoms clear in reverse order of appearance.
Application of the three principles of cure means that you will feel better emotionally before you will feel better physically.
The Law of Similars
The principle that like shall be cured by like, or Similia similibus curantur. This principle, recognized by physicians and philosophers since ancient times, became the basis of Hahnemann's formulation of the homeopathic doctrine: the proper remedy for a patient's disease is that substance that is capable of producing, in a healthy person, symptoms similar to those from which the patient suffers.
In other words, a substance produces symptoms of illness in a well person when administered in large doses; if we administer the same substance in minute quantities, it will cure the disease in a sick person. Hahnemann suggested that this is because nature will not allow two similar diseases to exist in the body at the same time. Thus homeopaths will introduce a similar artificial disease into the body which will push the original one out. The dose is small so that there is no danger of any long term side effects.
The Principle of Minimum Dose
This principle states that extreme dilution enhances the curative properties of a substance, while eliminating any possible side effects. This is just the reverse of conventional drug philosophy where a minimum dose is required for effect. Starting from the conventional dose, as we decrease the concentration (or increase the dilution), the medicine become less and less efficient. But below a threshold, the medicine start getting potent again. Homeopaths uses this region of potency.
Whole Person Prescribing
A homeopath studies the whole person. Characteristics such as their temperament, personality, emotional and physical responses when prescribing a remedy, etc. are studied. So, a homeopath may treat different persons exhibiting the same symptom differently. (For example, two persons exhibiting flu like symptoms may get two different medication from the homeopath based on the appraisal of the mind body constitution.)
Laws of Cure
There are three laws of cure, They are:
A remedy starts at the top of the body and works downward
A remedy works from within the body outward, and from major to minor organs
Symptoms clear in reverse order of appearance.
Application of the three principles of cure means that you will feel better emotionally before you will feel better physically.
Humor Therapy- Therapeutic Benefits of Laughter
Introduction
Patients, doctors and health-care professionals are all finding that laughter may indeed be the best medicine. Finding humor in a situation and laughing freely with others can be a powerful antidote to stress. It is also a very good coping mechanism when you are suffering from deadly diseases such as cancer. Many people find that maintaining a sense of humor at such occasions are useful for good quality of life. Our sense of humor gives us the ability to find delight, experience joy, and to release tension. This can be an effective self-care tool. Scientific evidence on the effectiveness of humor as a therapy is now overwhelming.
For many years medical professionals have recognized that those patients who maintained a positive mental attitude and shared laughter responded better to treatment. Physiological responses to laughter include increased respiration, circulation, hormonal and digestive enzyme secretion, and a leveling of the blood pressure. Many report a general sense of euphoria after vigorous laughter. But until the New England Journal of Medicine in 1979 published the Norman Cousins case study, few considered the therapeutic uses of humor.
The first documented case of humor positively affecting disease was in 1964 when Norman Cousins, published "Anatomy of an Illness". Medical professionals were for the first shown that humor biologically reversed Cousins' ankylosing spondylitis, a painful disease causing the disintegration of the spinal connective tissue. Given a one in five hundred chance of recovery, Cousins decided to infuse himself with humor treatments. With Cousins' self-designed humor treatments, he found that 15 minutes of hardy laughter could produce two hours of pain free sleep. Blood samples also showed that his inflammation level was lowered after the humor treatments. Eventually Cousins was able to completely reverse the illness. Cousins later documented his story in a book he called "Anatomy Of an Illness."
Today, interest in humor's effects has grown so much that the field has a name -- psychoneuroimmunology, the study of how psychological factors, the brain and the immune system interact to influence health.
"If you took what we now know about the capability of laughter to manipulate the immune system, and bottled it, it would need FDA approval," Dr. Lee Berk, a preventive care clinician, medical research scientist, psychoneuroimmunologist, and professor at LLU's Schools of Medicine and Public Health
Therapeutic Benefits of Laughter
Dr. Lee Berk and fellow researcher Dr. Stanley Tan of Loma Linda University in California have been studying the effects of laughter on the immune system. To date their published studies have shown that laughing lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, increases muscle flexion, and boosts immune function by raising levels of infection-fighting T-cells, disease-fighting proteins called Gamma-interferon and B-cells, which produce disease-destroying antibodies. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and produces a general sense of well-being.
Following is a summary of his research, taken from an interview published in the September/October 1996 issue of the Humor and Health Journal.
Laughter Activates the Immune System
In Berk's study, the physiological response produced by belly laughter was opposite of what is seen in classical stress, supporting the conclusion that mirthful laughter is a eustress state -- a state that produces healthy or positive emotions.
Research results indicate that, after exposure to humor, there is a general increase in activity within the immune system, including:
An increase in the number and activity level of natural killer cells that attack viral infected cells and some types of cancer and tumor cells.
An increase in activated T cells (T lymphocytes). There are many T cells that await activation. Laughter appears to tell the immune system to "turn it up a notch."
An increase in the antibody IgA (immunoglobulin A), which fights upper respiratory tract insults and infections.
An increase in gamma interferon, which tells various components of the immune system to "turn on."
An increase in IgB, the immunoglobulin produced in the greatest quantity in body, as well as an increase in Complement 3, which helps antibodies to pierce dysfunctional or infected cells. The increase in both substances was not only present while subjects watched a humor video; there also was a lingering effect that continued to show increased levels the next day.
Laughter Decreases "Stress" Hormones
The results of the study also supported research indicating a general decrease in stress hormones that constrict blood vessels and suppress immune activity. These were shown to decrease in the study group exposed to humor.
For example, levels of epinephrine were lower in the group both in anticipation of humor and after exposure to humor. Epinephrine levels remained down throughout the experiment.
In addition, dopamine levels (as measured by dopac) were also decreased. Dopamine is involved in the "fight or flight response" and is associated with elevated blood pressure.
Laughing is aerobic, providing a workout for the diaphragm and increasing the body's ability to use oxygen.
Laughter brings in positive emotions that can enhance – not replace -- conventional treatments. Hence it is another tool available to help fight the disease.
Experts believe that, when used as an adjunct to conventional care, laughter can reduce pain and aid the healing process. For one thing, laughter offers a powerful distraction from pain.
In a study published in the Journal of Holistic Nursing, patients were told one-liners after surgery and before painful medication was administered. Those exposed to humor perceived less pain when compared to patients who didn't get a dose of humor as part of their therapy.
Perhaps, the biggest benefit of laughter is that it is free and has no known negative side effects.
So, here is a summary of how humor contributes to physical health. More details can be found in the article, Humor and Health contributed by Paul McGhee
Muscle Relaxation - Belly laugh results in muscle relaxation. While you laugh, the muscles that do not participate in the belly laugh, relaxes. After you finish laughing those muscles involved in the laughter start to relax. So, the action takes place in two stages.
Reduction of Stress Hormones - Laughter reduces at least four of neuroendocrine hormones associated with stress response. These are epinephrine, cortisol, dopac, and growth hormone.
Immune System Enhancement - Clinical studies have shown that humor strengthens the immune system.
Pain Reduction - Humor allows a person to "forget" about pains such as aches, arthritis, etc.
Cardiac Exercise - A belly laugh is equivalent to "an internal jogging." Laughter can provide good cardiac conditioning especially for those who are unable to perform physical exercises.
Blood Pressure - Women seem to benefit more than men in preventing hypertension.
Respiration - Frequent belly laughter empties your lungs of more air than it takes in resulting in a cleansing effect - similar to deep breathing. Especially beneficial for patient's who are suffering from emphysema and other respiratory ailments.
Humor and Cancer
Many of us feel awkward in joking in front of terminally ill patients. Many may even consider it inappropriate or insensitive. However, it has been known scientifically that the best thing you can do to your friends is to provide a humorous environment and let them "forget" about their condition. Sitting and feeling sorry for their condition will not help them much.
Dr. Michael B. Van Scoy-Morsher, an oncologist in California says that "one characteristic of the cancer patient who does well is the ability to often put cancer in the background for periods of time."
TV journalist Linda Ellerbee wrote about some of her cancer experiences and of being bald in the January 1993 edition of McCall's :
That summer I bought some breast prostheses to use while swimming. Instead of fastening them to my skin with Velcro as the directions instructed, I simply inserted the prostheses into my bathing suit. When I came out of the water, one had migrated around to my back! Now, how can you not laugh at such a thing? Either you laugh or you cry your eyes out. . . . It's something I've tried to teach my kids as well. When my 23-year-old daughter saw me with my bald head and no breast, she said, "You look just like a Buddha without the wisdom," and we both howled. I think we are never braver than when we stand tall and look into the sun and laugh. Laughter may be a form of courage.
In his book "Intoxicated by My Illness," Anatole Broyard wrote about the final months of his life after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He stated that "Illness is primarily a drama, and it should be possible to enjoy it as well as to suffer it. . . . . Illness," after all, "is not all tragedy. Much of it is funny."
Many of us feel awkward in joking in front of terminally ill patients. Many may even consider it inappropriate or insensitive. However, it has been known scientifically that the best thing you can do to your friends is to provide a humorous environment and let them "forget" about their condition. Sitting and feeling sorry for their condition will not help them much.
Dr. Michael B. Van Scoy-Morsher, an oncologist in California says that "one characteristic of the cancer patient who does well is the ability to often put cancer in the background for periods of time."
TV journalist Linda Ellerbee wrote about some of her cancer experiences and of being bald in the January 1993 edition of McCall's :
That summer I bought some breast prostheses to use while swimming. Instead of fastening them to my skin with Velcro as the directions instructed, I simply inserted the prostheses into my bathing suit. When I came out of the water, one had migrated around to my back! Now, how can you not laugh at such a thing? Either you laugh or you cry your eyes out. . . . It's something I've tried to teach my kids as well. When my 23-year-old daughter saw me with my bald head and no breast, she said, "You look just like a Buddha without the wisdom," and we both howled. I think we are never braver than when we stand tall and look into the sun and laugh. Laughter may be a form of courage.
In his book "Intoxicated by My Illness," Anatole Broyard wrote about the final months of his life after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He stated that "Illness is primarily a drama, and it should be possible to enjoy it as well as to suffer it. . . . . Illness," after all, "is not all tragedy. Much of it is funny."
Humor: How Does It Work?
In her book, "Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Guidelines to Success," Patty Wooten noted:
The ability to laugh at a situation or problem gives us a feeling of superiority and power. Humor and laughter can foster a positive and hopeful attitude. We are less likely to succumb to feelings of depression and helplessness if we are able to laugh at what is troubling us. Humor gives us a sense of perspective on our problems. Laughter provides an opportunity for the release of those uncomfortable emotions which, if held inside, may create biochemical changes that are harmful to the body.
In her book, "Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Guidelines to Success," Patty Wooten noted:
The ability to laugh at a situation or problem gives us a feeling of superiority and power. Humor and laughter can foster a positive and hopeful attitude. We are less likely to succumb to feelings of depression and helplessness if we are able to laugh at what is troubling us. Humor gives us a sense of perspective on our problems. Laughter provides an opportunity for the release of those uncomfortable emotions which, if held inside, may create biochemical changes that are harmful to the body.
Herbert Lefcourt, a noted psychologist from the University of Waterloo in Canada has explored the possibility that a sense of humor and its use can change our emotional response to stress. In this study, subjects were asked to review the frequency and severity of stressful life changes occurring to them over the previous six months, and their recent negative mood disturbances were evaluated. Lefcourt then administered tests to evaluate use of humor, perception of humor, appreciation of laughter, and efforts to include opportunities for humor and laughter into each subjects lifestyle. Results of this study have shown that the ability to sense and appreciate humor can buffer the mood disturbances which occur in response to negative life events.
Humor perception involves the whole brain and serves to integrate and balance activity in both hemispheres. Derks, at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, has shown that there is a unique pattern of brain wave activity during the perception of humor. EEG's were recorded on subjects while they were presented with humorous material.
During the setup to the joke, the cortex's left hemisphere began its analytical function of processing words. Shortly afterward, most of the brain activity moved to the frontal lobe which is the center of emotionality. Moments later the right hemisphere's synthesis capabilities joined with the left's processing to find the pattern -- to 'get the joke'. A few milliseconds later, before the subject had enough time to laugh, the increased brain wave activity spread to the sensory processing areas of the brain, the occipital lobe. The increased fluctuations in delta waves reached a crescendo of activity and crested as the brain 'got' the joke and the external expression of laughter began. Derks' findings shows that humor pulls the various parts of the brain together rather than activating a component in only one area.
The emotions and moods we experience directly effect our immune system. A sense of humor allows us to perceive and appreciate the incongruities of life and provides moments of joy and delight. These positive emotions can create neurochemical changes that will buffer the immunosuppressive effects of diseases and stress.
Benefits of Chelation Therapy
The word chelation is derived from the Greek word chele that means claw (like that of a scorpion or crab). The concept of chelation is based on the observation that when a certain amino acid complex called EDTA (ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid) comes in contact with certain positively charged metals and other substances such as lead, iron, copper, calcium, magnesium, zinc, plutonium and manganese, it grabs them (hence the chele or claw), and removes them. Chelation therapy is the process of removing from the body the undesirable ionic material by the infusion, or taking orally, of an organic compound which has suitable chelating properties.
EDTA is a synthetic amino acid first used in the 1940's for treatment of heavy metal poisoning. It is widely recognized as effective for that use as well as certain others, including emergency treatment of hypercalcemia and the control of ventricular arrhythmias associated with digitalis toxicity. Studies by the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council in the late 1960's indicated that EDTA was considered possibly effective in the treatment of occlusive vascular disorders caused by arteriosclerosis. EDTA grabs metallic cation such as Lead or Calcium from the body and forms a stable compound that is then excreted from the system. The stability of this bond is vital to success in chelation therapy. If the bond is weak, other chemicals can break this bond to form their own compounds.
EDTA is a synthetic amino acid first used in the 1940's for treatment of heavy metal poisoning. It is widely recognized as effective for that use as well as certain others, including emergency treatment of hypercalcemia and the control of ventricular arrhythmias associated with digitalis toxicity. Studies by the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council in the late 1960's indicated that EDTA was considered possibly effective in the treatment of occlusive vascular disorders caused by arteriosclerosis. EDTA grabs metallic cation such as Lead or Calcium from the body and forms a stable compound that is then excreted from the system. The stability of this bond is vital to success in chelation therapy. If the bond is weak, other chemicals can break this bond to form their own compounds.
One way to think about the chelation process is to compare it to the way we unclog our drains. We add a chemical to our drain. It dissolves the blockage. The resulting compound is removed from the drain using the existing plumbing system. Chelation process works in a similar manner on our body.
Benefits of Chelation Therapy
Chelation therapy is widely used for the treatment of atherosclerosis and other chronic degenerative diseases involving the circulatory system. It also has other benefits. Many scientists suggest that the beneficial effect of chelation treatment is from the removal of metallic catalysts that causes excessive free radical proliferation. This reduces the oxidation of lipids, DNA, enzyme systems and lipoproteins. The chelation halts the bad effects and initiates the body's healing process, often reversing the damage. It removes the calcium and copper anions from the blood stream. The plaque lining the artery walls are made porous and brittle. Eventually they may get dislodged. Even if only a microscopic layer of the plaque is removed, it, along with a smoothening of the artery wall due to the healing of the cells that line the arteries, can improve the blood flow to the artery muscles substantially. This can prevent artery spasm and minimize or prevent angina pain. Many patients who could not walk due to muscle pain or angina pain have reported that they can walk without pain after chelation therapy.
We will examine how chelation therapy works
We will examine how chelation therapy works
We can think of our cells in the body as miniature factories. Inside the cell, the digestive process is going on. That means converting the raw materials into energy and protein compounds. Like in a factory, there are mechanisms to transport material within the cell as well as mechanisms to transport material to and from the cell. In our body, these mechanisms are performed by complex enzyme activity.
The skin that surrounds a cell controls what goes in and what goes out of it. (It is like the shipping and receiving department in a factory.) The active cell membrane is made up of lipids (Cholesterol), proteins and water.
As explained in "The Story of Free Radicals" below, free radicals can cause lipid peroxidation (fat becomes rancid). Like in the factory example, if the shipping and receiving department is not functioning properly, it can cause chaos; the whole factory will go out of synch. It does not get raw materials in time or cannot ship out waste products and finished products out. In the body, this is the beginning of the cell degeneration. (In case of factory, it will go out of business.)
This is what happens when atherosclerosis begins in an artery wall. The majority of lipid peroxidation activity involves the presence of metal ions such as iron, copper or calcium. EDTA effectively locks onto these ions, preventing their destructive action. Proponents of Chelation Therapy claim that EDTA can reduce the production of free radicals by up to a million-fold!
Research over the past 30 years has confirmed the benefits of EDTA. This protective influence of EDTA would be enhanced by an appreciable presence of antioxidant nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E, selenium, and amino acid complexes such as glutathione peroxidase. These not only mop up free radicals but also assist in reinforcing the stability of cell membranes
We have seen that calcium passes through the damaged cell walls into the cells. If calcium gets deposited in arterial walls, it inhibits the enzyme activity which, in turn, affects the production of energy, the movement of raw material, finished products, and waste products from the cell. The cells become energy starved and become acidic as a result. This can lead to premature aging, unbalanced calcium/magnesium ratios, free radical activity, local toxicity, oxygen deficit, nutritional imbalance, etc.
The cells that have become energy starved and acidic start to attract calcium ions, drawing them into the cell. This, further, blocks energy production. The result is degenerative cardiovascular conditions. When this happens, the muscles that surround the arteries go into spasm. Doctors start treating this problem with calcium channel blockers. The problem is that calcium channel blockers block the calcium intake by the muscles; but it does nothing to cure the underlying problems of cell damage.
This process gets really out of hand in the presence of additional Vitamin D and cholesterol. Free radicals helps to convert the cholesterol into substances with Vitamin D activity. This produces plaque, which, in turn, attracts calcium cementing the material.
How does EDTA infusion affect this scenario? First, EDTA removes the toxic metal ions such as lead, calcium, mercury, cadmium, copper, iron, and aluminum from the blood stream. These are necessary for the production of free radicals. By removing the extra calcium from the blood stream, there is no more free calcium available to produce plaque. It means that the cells can start to repair themselves. Their production of energy increases. As more and more cells rebuild, our body becomes healthier. They can ward off intruders. The result is that we have started a salvage and regeneration activity that repairs previously damaged muscles and heart. And the whole body benefits as a result
The cells that have become energy starved and acidic start to attract calcium ions, drawing them into the cell. This, further, blocks energy production. The result is degenerative cardiovascular conditions. When this happens, the muscles that surround the arteries go into spasm. Doctors start treating this problem with calcium channel blockers. The problem is that calcium channel blockers block the calcium intake by the muscles; but it does nothing to cure the underlying problems of cell damage.
This process gets really out of hand in the presence of additional Vitamin D and cholesterol. Free radicals helps to convert the cholesterol into substances with Vitamin D activity. This produces plaque, which, in turn, attracts calcium cementing the material.
How does EDTA infusion affect this scenario? First, EDTA removes the toxic metal ions such as lead, calcium, mercury, cadmium, copper, iron, and aluminum from the blood stream. These are necessary for the production of free radicals. By removing the extra calcium from the blood stream, there is no more free calcium available to produce plaque. It means that the cells can start to repair themselves. Their production of energy increases. As more and more cells rebuild, our body becomes healthier. They can ward off intruders. The result is that we have started a salvage and regeneration activity that repairs previously damaged muscles and heart. And the whole body benefits as a result
Reduces Blood Stickiness or Clotting
EDTA is believed to reduce the blood platelet formation. This makes the blood less "sticky. The blood can now flow through narrow arteries. It can flow through even partially blocked arteries minimizing the effect of the blockage.
Normalizes Abnormal Cholesterol and HDL Levels
There are two types of cholesterol: the good cholesterol called HDL and the bad cholesterol called LDL. What we want is a high amount of HDL in our blood along with a low level of LDL. We also desire a low total cholesterol. Researchers have found that EDTA infusion, combined with vitamin and mineral supplements, raised the good (HDL) cholesterol and lowered the bad (LDL) cholesterol. If the HDL was low, it was raised; however, if it was already high, its level remains the same. Similarly, the LDL was lowered if it was high. EDTA optimizes the ratio of HDL and LDL.
Removes Calcium from the Plaque
EDTA infusion removes the calcium from the blood stream. In a chemical reaction, if you have an area low in concentration of a substance surrounded by an area that is rich in that substance, the substance will diffuse from the enriched area to that which is depleted of it ultimately leveling the concentration. The same thing happens to our body. When the blood is cleaned off the calcium, the calcium from the plaque and the body tissues (That is enriched with it) migrate into the blood. This gets swept away by the new EDTA infusion. This has the effect of removing most of the calcium from the plaque, making it softer and possibly even breaking away chunks of it from the artery walls.
Many people are concerned that this calcium intake may come from the bones rather than from the plaque and body tissues. Chelation therapists strongly suggest that this is not
EDTA is believed to reduce the blood platelet formation. This makes the blood less "sticky. The blood can now flow through narrow arteries. It can flow through even partially blocked arteries minimizing the effect of the blockage.
Normalizes Abnormal Cholesterol and HDL Levels
There are two types of cholesterol: the good cholesterol called HDL and the bad cholesterol called LDL. What we want is a high amount of HDL in our blood along with a low level of LDL. We also desire a low total cholesterol. Researchers have found that EDTA infusion, combined with vitamin and mineral supplements, raised the good (HDL) cholesterol and lowered the bad (LDL) cholesterol. If the HDL was low, it was raised; however, if it was already high, its level remains the same. Similarly, the LDL was lowered if it was high. EDTA optimizes the ratio of HDL and LDL.
Removes Calcium from the Plaque
EDTA infusion removes the calcium from the blood stream. In a chemical reaction, if you have an area low in concentration of a substance surrounded by an area that is rich in that substance, the substance will diffuse from the enriched area to that which is depleted of it ultimately leveling the concentration. The same thing happens to our body. When the blood is cleaned off the calcium, the calcium from the plaque and the body tissues (That is enriched with it) migrate into the blood. This gets swept away by the new EDTA infusion. This has the effect of removing most of the calcium from the plaque, making it softer and possibly even breaking away chunks of it from the artery walls.
Many people are concerned that this calcium intake may come from the bones rather than from the plaque and body tissues. Chelation therapists strongly suggest that this is not
cancer treatment
Free radicals play an important role in the genesis of cancer. By removing the metallic anions from the blood stream, EDTA helps the cells to remain healthy and helps the damaged cells to heal. Research has shown a decrease in the incidence of death by cancer after EDTA treatment. We don't know the mechanism of action. In some forms of cancer, the use of EDTA was found to strip the tumor cells of their protective coat, allowing other mechanisms (such as protein digesting enzymes) to destroy the tumors.
Researchers have noticed that patients who have undergone chelation treatment are less depressed. They were more alert, and had better concentration and memory. Opponents of chelation therapy dismisses this as "placebo effect."
Chelation therapists attribute this improvement in mental health to an improvement in the overall cellular nutrition as a result of better circulation resulted from the chelation treatment. Another possibility is that by removing the harmful toxins from the blood stream, the brain and central nervous system are protected from harmful effects of these toxins. This improves the overall functioning of the brain that translates into better memory and mental conditions
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