The American Journal Of Chinese Medicine

Sunburns Happen

admin Post in Herbal Treatment，Tags: Aloe Vera, Health, Sunburn

30 July 2010

With sunshine comes the risk of sunburns. Whether due to deliberate neglect or accidental absent-mindedness, forgetting proper precautions can create a world of pain for the next few days. It’s common knowledge that you should apply sunscreen before heavy sun exposure, but sometimes burns still happen. If you do get sun-burnt, the most important thing is proper treatment. There are several simple home remedies and herbal solutions to ease your burns.

The most recognized herbal treatment for sunburns comes from Indian Aloe, or Aloe Vera. Gel pulled directly from the Aloe Vera plant works best. If you don’t have an Aloe Vera plant, over the counter creams with Aloe will suffice. As the Aloe Vera plant is made of nearly 100 percent water, its hydrating properties logically help soothe first to second degree burns.

Sandalwood is another herbal treatment that helps soothe sunburns. It has cooling properties and can actually act as a sunscreen. Vitamin E is another essential nutrient for your skin, and you can take it either by pill, or with a topical cream. You can wear these creams before you go outside and enjoy the weather. The properties like Aloe and sandalwood can help prevent burns as well as help you cope with them later.

With a sunburn, your skin is dehydrated. It is essential that no matter what cream or medication you decide to take, you drink lots of water. Your body needs as many fluids as possible after excessive skin exposure. Largely water-based foods, like fruits are great for hydration. Of course, the best way to beat sunburn is to avoid overexposure in the first place. Naturally, you can’t always avoid it, but staying conscious of the sun during the hot months can help. Wear preventative clothing like a hat or wear clothes that cover more skin areas when possible. Use sun block and stay hydrated. Prevention is the best medicine for sunburns.

Dealing With Child Temper Tantrums

admin Post in Health Food, Health Tips，Tags: Child, Children Youth and Family, Home and Family

29 July 2010

Dealing Child Temper Tantrums

When children get angry or frustrated and feel out of control and out of power, they throw tantrums. It is their means to express these feelings and gain fast attention.

Out first reaction may be to punish the child or give the child what they want. Stop. Do not punish your child and do not reward him/her. In doing so, you are feeding attention to the tantrum and your child will expect attention with every tantrum. If throwing a tantrum receives your attention, then you child will keep throwing them when they need to feel power.

So, what should you do? Stay in control by ignoring the tantrum all together. If your child is screaming and yelling then simply stay calm and ignore it.

Some children may cause harm to themselves when acting out like this and it is important that you keep them safe or if needed, keep them away from others and in a separate area. Do whatever you need to do to make sure your child doesn’t get hurt, but do it in a controlled manner.

What do you do if you are in public and your child throws a tantrum?

First thing to do is immediately take your child out of the public area and into a quiet area like your car. You can put your child in your car and buckle them in their seat and then shut the doors. Make sure that there is enough air. Then wait outside of the car until the tantrum ends.

Wait out the tantrum and ignore the behavior. Once your child is finished then you can talk to them. After your child is calm, explain to them why that behavior is not acceptable. Let your child know that they can talk to you about their feelings, instead of acting out.

It’s also important to consider the health of your child if you see that tantrums are persistent and usual. In this case, there are many natural remedies, such as chinese medicine and alternative medicine to help calm a child that is overactive and hypersensitive.

Using Emergency Loans

admin Post in General，Tags: Emergencyy, Happenings, Loans

18 July 2010

Have you ever experienced an emergency? Has something ever come up in your life that you were not prepared for? Have you ever felt like you planned for everything, and then something totally unexpected hits you? Most people will answer yes to at least one of these questions. That is because it doesn’t matter how much we would like to be in total control of our lives, we can’t control everything. Accidents happen, cars break down, houses succumb to weather and wear, jobs are lost, and our bodies can’t fight off every sickness. It is wise to have an emergency fund stored up for just such unexpected happenings, but sometimes there is no choice but to look somewhere else for help.

Family and friends are an important resource to look to in times of financial and other trouble; however, sometimes family or friends are not prepared with the funds either, or perhaps that resource is not available to you. In that case, there are many financial institutions that can offer emergency loans. Banks are not your only option, and sometimes other institutions can offer a loan that suits your needs better. Emergency loans will help you get money fast for unexpected situations. However, interest rates are generally higher, so you should be aware of that fact, and be prepared to pay the loan back.

It is important to start thinking about paying back your loan as soon as you have taken it out. While the loan will help you get out of a current bad situation, the loan itself has the potential to become a problem situation, but only if you handle it in the wrong way. Don’t let your relief of one emergency being taken care of cloud your memory of the loan which must be repaid. If you understand the implications of an emergency loan it can be an appropriate tool to help you with anything from utilities payments to medical bills.

Free Discount Prescription Card Improves Healthcare Delivery

admin Post in Health Tips，Tags: Health care, Prescription drug

10 July 2010

With the increasing cost of healthcare, now more than ever it is important to save on prescription drugs. Rising costs have forced some people to seek cheap drugs online, frequently falling victims to scams. Unfortunately, in these cases there is little protection or redress that can be offered by government agencies. Finding a free discount prescription card is one answer, but even here, some degree of diligence is necessary.

What is a Discount Prescription Card?

These cards can be used by anyone who has to use prescription medication. Free cards, as the name suggests, require no payment upfront. When they are used they can help to reduce the cost of prescription drugs. For many people struggling with illness they offer the only hope of getting the drugs they need. Discount cards can usually be used for both brand name and generic drugs.

Understanding the Specifics

Discount prescription cards can be used at a variety of pharmacies nationwide. During the sign up process, a list of approved pharmacies is usually provided. Some cards are provided by charity organizations as a means of easing the burden faced by families without health insurance. Some users enjoy savings as high as 50% on their prescription drugs.

Not all prescription drug cards offer the same level of benefits. The size of the discount is dependent on the drug in question. In addition, some cards will not cover the cost of certain drugs.

Getting Discount Cards

A search online will turn up a number of options for these cards. It is important to pay close attention to details, as some cards have fees attached. These can defeat the purpose of getting the cards in the first place. Some websites allow visitors to print cards directly after they have entered required information. Users must be aware, however, that discount cards are not health insurance plans.

Cruises Offer Yoga, Meditation, and Other Healthy Forms of Relaxation

admin Post in Health Tips，Tags: Cruise ship, Health, Meditation, Yoga

07 July 2010

If you think that cruise ships are all about drinking too much alcohol and eating too many rich foods, then you should consider the possibility of booking your next vacation on a ship that focuses on health and well being. Many cruise lines have recognized that health-conscious people want vacations that allow them to recover from the stress of daily life without ingesting large amounts of alcohol and fat. They have, therefore, designed cruise deals that offer yoga, meditation, and other healthy forms of relaxation.

Yoga Classes on Cruise Ships

Most cruise ships that offer yoga classes will have beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes. This allows the teacher to focus on yoga postures that are appropriate for people at different levels of fitness. Not everyone who signs up for a yoga cruise has already mastered difficult poses. In fact, many people use healthy cruise deals as a way to start living healthier lives. If you are an advanced yoga student who wants more intensive study opportunities, then look for cruise deals that focus on people who have already been taking yoga classes for several years. They should offer more advanced options that focus on your interests.

Meditation on Cruise Ships

Meditation helps the mind slow down, prevent racing thoughts, and clear all of the clutter out of your head. Cruise ships are a great environment for this activity, or inactivity depending on the type of meditation that you prefer. Learning various forms of meditation on the cruise ship will help you confront stressful events in life after vacation.

Healthy Relaxation on Cruise Ships

Cruise ships are the perfect places to relax with tai chi, massage, acupuncture, and other healthful techniques from Asia. Look for cruise deals that offer a combination of relaxing classes so that you can learn techniques that appeal to you.

About Assisted Living Care

admin Post in Drug Addiction Recovery, Rehab，Tags: Assisted living, Health care, Old age

05 July 2010

There is often some confusion in regard to the terms used to describe senior care facilities. Many older adults may be experiencing memory issues or some difficulty getting about, but are in otherwise good condition and are mostly able care for themselves.. For these people, assisted living facilities may be the ideal choice when it’s time to consider alternative housing and medical arrangements.

You’ll find assisted living facilities in every region of the country. Service for senior residents at these kinds of facilities is not one-size-fits-all. Individualized service plans are created for each senior based on his or her own unique needs. These plans ensure that the individual’s needs are met, while allowing as much independence as possible.

Depending on the facility and the request of the resident, there are a wide variety of services available at assisted living centers. Usually, three meals a day are provided and may either be served in the facility’s dining room or in the senior’s private residence. Transportation and housekeeping are normally available as well.

If the resident requires physical assistance in daily activities such as eating, bathing, dressing and going to the bathroom, staff is available to help them. In addition, medical services are almost always located on the premises, and social workers are on hand to assist residents and their families. There are also opportunities for residents to get involved with social and recreational activities at most facilities. Activities may be on facility grounds or outside excursions may be planned.

There are various types of facilities available, depending on preference. There are large facilities with hundreds of residences, while some centers are smaller, with more of a neighborhood feel. Each state has its own governance requirements of such facilities, so be sure to research the requirements of your particular state.

Drug Addiction Recovery Programs

admin Post in Drug Addiction Recovery, Herbal Treatment，Tags: Addiction, Drug addiction

21 June 2010

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The use of illicit and prescription drugs in an abusive and consistent manner can lead to a physical and psychological addiction that in most cases leads to negative effects on the user’s physiology and day-to-day life. Many drug abusers require a drug addiction recovery program to help them kick their dependence on a particular substance, while others may need to be a part of a structured program for the rest of their lives.

There are numerous types of drug addiction recovery programs; deciding on the right one for a particular person depends on the type of drug they abuse. Some include the better known AA meetings that require addicts to attend regular meetings. Other programs require a more hands-on approach through the detoxifying process, and may need the addict to live in the treatment center until he or she gains the tools necessary to manage the addiction problem.

Drug addiction recovery programs are only as successful as the level of commitment by the patient and his or her family. The larger the support system formed around the patient, the easier the process becomes and the greater the chances of long term success. Recovery programs provide guidance to the patient and his family on how to break away from cycles and habits that prevent recovery. Many of the tools gained in these programs can be beneficial not only to the addict, but her family and friends as well. These programs teach coping mechanisms that are important in reducing daily stress and anxiety. Some programs also use replacement drugs that aid the addict through the detox process by lessening the physiological shock of reducing or stopping the use of a particular drug.

The type of recovery program chosen strongly depends on the type of drug the addict abused. This is because different drugs result in varying types of addiction responses by the body.

E-Cigarettes: Clearing the Haze

admin Post in Health Tips，

08 June 2010

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Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, were patented in China in 2003, but there is still a huge debate over how good e-cigarettes are. Safe smoking may seem an oxymoron to most people, but it is important to know why e-cigarettes are being touted as a safe alternative to regular cigarettes.

The biggest point in favor of e-cigarettes is that it does not involve a combustion process. E-cigarette manufacturers are quick to point out that this eliminates the smoke, tar, and about 4,000-odd carcinogens and chemicals that are part of a regular smoke. Detractors argue that the most harmful agent of them all, nicotine, is still part of the e-cigarette experience. Here’s why “just nicotine” may not be such a great idea after all. E-cigarettes eliminate all the other harmful additives that are used in normal cigarettes, but nicotine on its own is a highly addictive substance too. Nicotine is the ingredient responsible for that final surge of dopamine, which gives smokers their high.

In e-cigarettes, liquid nicotine is contained in a plastic filter. A battery warms the nicotine, creating a thin vapor stream when the smoker exhales. The long-term effects of inhaling nicotine mist, as well the impact on non-smokers, is not yet known. E-cigarette owners are also warned to be careful of coming into contact with the liquid nicotine during refills and changes, as nicotine can enter one’s body through the skin. You can, however, control the level of nicotine found in each cartridge, which enables you to lower the amount in each dose.

A good way of putting things into perspective would be to remember that e-cigarettes do not claim to stop one from smoking; they are merely a safer option for those who can’t do without their regular dose of nicotine. Therefore, e-cigarettes are ideal for smokers looking for a healthier cigarette or for those looking to gradually quit smoking.

Foot Reflexology as a Non-Invasive Alternative

admin Post in Health Food, Herbal Treatment, Patient's Testimony，Tags: Alternative, Alternative medicine, Health, Reflexology, United States

17 April 2010

Far beyond merely offering acupuncture, Chinese alternative medicine has long revolved around the concept that invasion of the body by large foreign objects, such as scalpels, was to be avoided. Foot reflexology is a great example of a non-invasive technique which produces results in those who experience the procedure.

Reflexology, which can be applied to any body part, but is especially concentrated on the sensitive nerve endings located in the soles of the feet and in the hands, is a science based on the idea that gentle pressure on reflex points can produce certain results. The result aimed for is to increase health and harmony by promoting health in the organs which correspond to the reflex point being worked by the practitioner. The idea is that energetic pathways flow through and connect all the various parts which comprise the human body.

This might sound akin to a magic act, yet it’s not as esoteric as it may seem. The human brain is a giant electrical device – electricity flows through the inner working of the brain, controlling everything from hunger to fine motor skills. By applying pressure in a skillful and knowledgeable way, a reflexologist may influence the signals sent between the brain and the body, causing a realignment of the electrical pattern. This realignment can create a new balance which is soothing and reduces both pain and stress.

If you’re considering trying a reflexology treatment, your experience will be somewhat similar to going to the spa for a massage. You’ll bare your feet, but nothing else, then sit on a comfortable chair or table. The reflexologist will examine your feet, then begin several techniques to achieve the harmonic balance desired. You should not feel pain, only firm pressure. At the end of the treatment, a sense of relaxation coming over you will indicate that this alternative to traditional medicine has achieved a balance formerly non-existent in your body. Remember to thank the reflexologist if you are happy with the treatment,

What is Chinese Medicine?

admin Post in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Health Tips, Healthy Medicine，Tags: Traditional Chinese Medicine

17 March 2010

One reason why the Western world may be unfamiliar with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is that in the West, it is considered an alternative medical system. Whereas, in the East, TCM has been long accepted as mainstream medical care.

The philosophy of TCM stems from the Chinese belief in the interactive and intimate relationship human beings share with the environment. This is the same fount that energizes Buddhist and Taoist thought.

It further involves the concept that the body contains a group of intricate and precise interrelated systems. These systems then work together in harmony to keep the bodily functions healthy.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing in TCM requires an immense amount of skill, knowledge and training. The methods used include:

• Observation of the odors emitting from the body
• Probing questions about the person, their behavior and their environment
• Total and complete observation of everything about the patient
• Pulse diagnosis in six positions
Treatments

Once the diagnosis is complete, the many forms of treatment include Acupuncture, Food Therapy, Massage, Herbal Medicine, Meditation and Breathing, Dermabrasion, Bone Setting and variations within each of those.

Herbal Classic

A good example of a source of TCM treatments is the herbal medicine modality. Herbal medicine is based on the oldest book on herbal medicine, called “Shen Nong’s Herbal Medicine.” It is 2000 years old. In it, 365 places of grass, roots, woods, furs, stones and animals into three classifications:

• The first group contains herbs that help restore and maintain the inner balance of the body.

• Systems boosters and tonics comprise the second group. Prolonged consumption of these herbs is not recommended.

• The third group is taken for particular problems and must be administered in small doses to take care of those ailments only.

The specificity of each herb as it treats an individual is similar to all the healing methods used in all of the phases of TCM.

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