In a study published in the current issue of International Journal of Obesity, researchers found acupuncture was effective and significantly reduced body weight in obese patients. The researchers compared acupuncture to placebo or sham treatments. Acupuncture also showed more improved outcomes than conventional medication.

My comment: Maintaining optimal weight for otherwise healthy individuals has numerous health benefits. This study shows acupuncture to be helpful as a treatment for obesity. This study focused on obese patients. I believe that acupuncture may help to normalise the body weight (ie decrease or increase it). Acupuncture should not be seen as a replacement for a healthy eating habits and exercise. It may be helpful in restoring the healthy lifestyle by decreasing anxiety, stress, regulating appetite, relieving depression, increasing motivation (including motivation to exercise) and improving quality of sleep.
In my clinic I see numerous fertility patients suffering from PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). Acupuncture can help these patients to restore regular ovulation. Maintaining body mass index between 20 and 25 is another way to alleviate symptoms of PCOS. This study also suggests that there may be more than one way acupuncture is helpful for PCOS patients.

Uncategorized

Insomnia is a relatively common sleeping disorder, affecting about one-third of the adult population worldwide. Around 10 to 20 percent of adults with insomnia experience severe sleeplessness. Insomnia is more common in women, but the quality of sleep often decreases as we age, equally in both women and men. Although so-called insomnia cures are promoted widely, there are no guaranteed insomnia cures. There is, however, much that can be done to improve quality and duration of sleep.
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In addition to having problems falling asleep at night, many people with insomnia may feel sleepy during the day, fall asleep during meetings or when they are watching a movie, have problems concentrating and remembering things, and feel irritable. Insomnia can also be marked by waking up frequently during the night and having difficulty falling back to sleep; by waking up too early in the morning; and by feeling unrefreshed following sleep.

During sleep the body produces many important hormones and neurotransmitters, such as human growth hormone (HGH) and serotonin. Researchers are still exploring the long-term health implications of poor sleep, but immune function, memory, mental function and mood can all be affected.

There are three classifications of insomnia:
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1. Transient or short-term insomnia, which occurs infrequently (generally less than once a week).
2. Intermittent insomnia, which comes and goes, usually without a pattern.
3. Chronic insomnia, which is an ongoing problem that occurs most nights and lasts at least a month.

Causes and Symptoms

Many factors can contribute to insomnia, including stress. Others include:

* Exposure to extreme temperature fluctuations or environmental noise
* Disruption in sleep/wake patterns due to jet lag, work schedules, or other reasons
* Side effects of medications
* A change in the surrounding environment
* Premenstrual syndrome, menstruation, pregnancy or menopause

For those suffering from chronic insomnia, the causes are usually more complex and result from a combination of factors, which can include:

* Depression (the most common cause)
* Chronic pain
* Arthritis
* Kidney disease
* Restless leg syndrome
* Heart failure
* Parkinson’s disease
* Sleep apnea
* Asthma

In addition, there may be some behavioral reasons for chronic insomnia:

* Anxiety about not being able to sleep
* Drinking alcohol before bedtime
* Consuming excessive amounts of caffeine
* Smoking cigarettes before bedtime
* Excessive napping in the afternoon or evening
* Continually disrupted sleep/wake schedule possibly from work schedules or nighttime activities

Recommended Lifestyle Changes for Insomnia Treatment

The following are some of the best possible insomnia remedies:

* Establish a consistent bedtime routine. This is one of the most important factors in insomnia treatment and maintaining good sleeping habits. Routines may include taking a warm bath or a relaxing walk in the evening, or practicing meditation/relaxation exercises as part of your regular nighttime routine.
* Try to go to bed at the same time every night, and get up at the same time each morning. This includes weekends.
* Get plenty of exercise during the day. Studies have shown that people who are physically active sleep better than those who are sedentary. The more energy you expend during the day, the sleepier you will feel at bedtime. Just be sure not to engage in vigorous exercise too close to bedtime as that can make it more difficult to fall asleep.
* Reduce your intake of caffeine, particularly in the evening.
* Avoid stimulants like caffeine and limit alcohol. Both, even when consumed early in the day, can affect sleep and inhibit insomnia treatment.
* Use your bed only for sleeping and sex. Don’t use it to do work or watch TV.
* Avoid large meals late in the evening.
* If you can’t fall asleep within half an hour of going to bed, get up and read or do something calming until you feel sleepy.
* Learn and use a relaxation technique regularly.Breathing exercises, meditation and yoga are not insomnia cures, but do lead to a state conducive to sleep.
* Use “white noise” devices to block out surrounding environmental noise.
* Take a hot bath before bedtime. Try a few drops of relaxing oil of lavender in the water.
* Short naps are good. Try to get into the habit of napping for insomnia treatment: ten to twenty minutes in the afternoon, preferably lying down in a darkened room.
* Spend some time outdoors as often as you can to get exposure to bright, natural light. If you are concerned about harmful effects of solar radiation, do it before ten in the morning or after three in the afternoon or use sunscreen.
* Try to give yourself some time – up to an hour – in dim light before you go to sleep at night. Lower the lighting in your house and bedroom and if other members of the household object, wear sunglasses.
* The two best natural sleep aids are valerian and melatonin. Valerian is a sedative herb, used for centuries. You can find standardized extracts in health food stores and pharmacies. Take one to two capsules a half hour before bedtime. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the wake/sleep cycle and other daily biorhythms. Try sublingual tablets (to be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve); take 2.5 mg at bedtime as an occasional dose, making sure that your bedroom is completely dark. A much lower dose, 0.25 to 0.3 mg, is more effective for regular use.
* Don’t obsess about not sleeping. Not surprisingly, studies have shown that individuals who worry about falling asleep have greater trouble dropping off. It may help to remind yourself that while sleeplessness is troublesome, it isn’t life-threatening and there are insomnia remedies.

Courtesy of Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging

Uncategorized Insomnia, no sleep

Make this recipe with Penne Brown Rice Pasta to avoid the wheat.
Yumm.
Salmon Penne Salad With Raspberry Vinaigrette

Quick Info:
Servings
Contains Wheat/GlutenContains Wheat/Gluten
Diabetes-FriendlyDiabetes-Friendly
Nutritional Info (Per serving):
Calories: 368, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 42mg, Dietary Fiber: 4g, Total Fat: 14g, Carbs: 41g, Cholesterol: 33mg, Protein: 18g
Exchanges: Vegetable: 1, Starch: 2.5, Lean Meat: 1.5, Fat: 1.5
Carb Choices: 2.5

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 6 mins
Rest Time: 4 h
Total Time: 36 mins
Ingredients

* 9 ounce(s) fish, salmon fillet
* 6 ounce(s) pasta, penne
* 1 cup(s) asparagus, bias-sliced
* 1 cup(s) raspberries
* lettuce leaves
* 2 scallion(s) (green onions)
* 1/4 cup(s) vinegar, raspberry
* 2 tablespoon oil, olive
* 1 tablespoon mustard, honey
* 2 teaspoon sugar
* 1 clove(s) garlic, minced
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper, black

Preparation

Salmon Penne Salad:

1. Thaw fish, if frozen. Rinse fish; pat dry with paper towels. Measure the thickness of the fish. Remove 2 teaspoons of the Raspberry Vinaigrette; brush onto fish. Cover and chill the remaining vinaigrette until ready to use.

2. Preheat broiler. Place fish on the greased unheated rack of a broiler pan; tuck under any thin edges. Broil 4 inches from heat until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork, allowing 4 to 6 minutes per 1/2 inch thickness and turning once if 1 inch thick.

3. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions, adding asparagus the last 2 minutes. Drain; rinse with cold water. Drain again. Return pasta to pan. Add reserved vinaigrette; toss gently to coat.

4. Flake cooked salmon. Add salmon to pasta; toss gently. Cover and chill until serving time.

5. To serve, add berries to pasta mixture; toss gently to mix. If desired, serve on 4 lettuce-lined plates. Top with green onion. Makes 4 (2-cup) servings.

Raspberry Vinaigrette:

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup raspberry vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey mustard, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1 minced clove garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Cover and chill until serving time.

Recipe from Everyday health.

Uncategorized

10 Quick and Healthy Snacks
An easy-to-fix snack can also be healthy. From low-fat dairy to dressed-up vegetables, try these 10 ways to snack smart.
By Chris Iliades, MD
Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH
Print ArticlePrintE-mail ArticleE-mail

Healthy snacks are important for both children and adults. Eating nutritious snacks can help you stay energized during the day, and help keep you from overeating at regular mealtimes or resorting to junk foods when hunger strikes. You can also use a healthy snack to bolster your nutritional intake over the course of your day.
Healthy snack options

“You should think of a quick snack as a mini-meal,” advises Debra J. Johnston, RD, registered dietitian and director of nutrition services at Remuda Ranch, a treatment program for eating disorders in Wickenburg, Ariz. “A healthy snack is a great opportunity to add the fruits, vegetables, fiber, protein, and dairy that you need in your diet. Mix your food groups and avoid unhealthy fats to snack smart.”

10 Easy Snack Ideas

Here are healthy snack ideas that draw from different food groups to provide a good nutritional balance:

1. Up your dairy and fiber intake by mixing a 6-ounce container of plain, non-fat, Greek-style yogurt with 1/2 cup of berries and 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed, says Lanah J. Brennan, RD, a registered dietitian in Lafayette, La., and a nutrition blogger.

2. Make your own trail mix. Start with raw almonds, chopped walnuts, and pistachios — look for nuts without added salt or oil. Then add raisins or dried blueberries and cranberries; again, be sure to look for those without added sugar.

3. Mix 1/2 cup of low-fat cottage cheese with 1/2 cup of no-sugar-added applesauce and sprinkle with cinnamon for a tasty dairy and fruit combination.

4. Dip sliced cucumbers, radishes, and grape tomatoes in hummus. You can substitute raw carrots or any other favorite vegetable for a great high-fiber snack.

5. One of the best healthy snacks is popcorn, says Johnston. It’s low in calories and provides good dietary fiber. For variety, try spraying popcorn with low-fat, olive oil-based cooking spray instead of adding butter.

6. An old snack favorite that combines dairy, vegetables, and protein is “bugs on a log.” Spread peanut butter on a celery stick and then sprinkle with raisins or dried cranberries for a nutritious mini-meal.

7. Another quick and healthy snack is a half sandwich. Use whole-wheat bread and layer on some lean meat such as turkey for protein, a slice of cheese for dairy, and lettuce and tomato for vegetables.

8. For a snack you can carry in your pocket, a bag of toasted almonds can give you a quick boost that is loaded with protein, healthy fat, and fiber, advises Joan Salge Blake, MS, a registered dietitian and clinical assistant professor of nutrition at Boston University.

9. Healthy snacks can come from the freezer aisle, too. Frozen cubes of mango make a delicious snack. “Tropical fruit doesn’t have to be just for vacation,” says Blake. Frozen grapes and banana chunks are tasty, too.

10. Salsa is a great vegetable snack. One-half cup of salsa equals one vegetable serving. For a tasty salsa dipper, try whole-grain crackers.

Healthy snacks are not just a way to curb hunger during the day. A quick and easy snack can also be an opportunity to stick to your overall nutrition plan. “All foods can fit into a healthy meal plan when we incorporate balance, variety, and moderation,” says Johnston.
Last Updated: 04/07/2010
This section created and produced exclusively by the editorial staff of EverydayHealth.com. © 2010 EverydayHealth.com; all rights reserved.

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Scientists have taken another important step toward understanding just how sticking needles into the body can ease pain.

In a paper published online May 30 in Nature Neuroscience, a team at the University of Rochester Medical Center identifies the molecule adenosine as a central player in parlaying some of the effects of acupuncture in the body. Building on that knowledge, scientists were able to triple the beneficial effects of acupuncture in mice by adding a medication approved to treat leukemia in people.

The research focuses on adenosine, a natural compound known for its role in regulating sleep, for its effects on the heart, and for its anti-inflammatory properties. But adenosine also acts as a natural painkiller, becoming active in the skin after an injury to inhibit nerve signals and ease pain in a way similar to lidocaine.

In the current study, scientists found that the chemical is also very active in deeper tissues affected by acupuncture. The Rochester researchers looked at the effects of acupuncture on the peripheral nervous system – the nerves in our body that aren’t part of the brain and spinal cord. The research complements a rich, established body of work showing that in the central nervous system, acupuncture creates signals that cause the brain to churn out natural pain-killing endorphins.

The new findings add to the scientific heft underlying acupuncture, said neuroscientist Maiken Nedergaard, M.D., D.M.Sc., who led the research. Her team is presenting the work this week at a scientific meeting, Purines 2010, in Barcelona, Spain.

“Acupuncture has been a mainstay of medical treatment in certain parts of the world for 4,000 years, but because it has not been understood completely, many people have remained skeptical,” said Nedergaard, co-director of the University’s Center for Translational Neuromedicine, where the research was conducted.

“In this work, we provide information about one physical mechanism through which acupuncture reduces pain in the body,” she added.

To do the experiment, the team performed acupuncture treatments on mice that had discomfort in one paw. The mice each received a 30-minute acupuncture treatment at a well known acupuncture point near the knee, with very fine needles rotated gently every five minutes, much as is done in standard acupuncture treatments with people.

The team made a number of observations regarding adenosine:

* In mice with normal functioning levels of adenosine, acupuncture reduced discomfort by two-thirds.
* In special “adenosine receptor knock-out mice” not equipped with the adenosine receptor, acupuncture had no effect.
* When adenosine was turned on in the tissues, discomfort was reduced even without acupuncture.
* During and immediately after an acupuncture treatment, the level of adenosine in the tissues near the needles was 24 times greater than before the treatment.

Once scientists recognized adenosine’s role, the team explored the effects of a cancer drug called deoxycoformycin, which makes it harder for the tissue to remove adenosine. The compound boosted the effects of acupuncture treatment dramatically, nearly tripling the accumulation of adenosine in the muscles and more than tripling the length of time the treatment was effective.

“It’s clear that acupuncture may activate a number of different mechanisms,” said Josephine P. Briggs, M.D., director of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health. “This carefully performed study identifies adenosine as a new player in the process. It’s an interesting contribution to our growing understanding of the complex intervention which is acupuncture,” added Briggs, who is the spouse of co-author Jurgen Schnermann.

Provided by University of Rochester
To see article :http://www.physorg.com/news194418635.html

Uncategorized acupuncture, adenosine, anti inflammatory, ease pain, Neuroscience

I encourage you to memorize this poem, and then say it every morning in the shower for 2 weeks. Then please write me and tell me the changes and results in your life.

DESIDERATA (latin for “desired things”) is an inspirational prose poem written by Max Ehrmann in 1927 about attaining happiness in life. It goes something like this:

DesiderataGo placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble, it’s a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantement, it is as perrenial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Uncategorized balance, calmness, desiderata

The Secret to Staying Healthy When Everyone Else is Sick
Have you ever really noticed how often people get sick? Maybe you’re one of them.
Maybe you just take it for granted that people get sick every couple of months. You feel miserable, you lose work, you lay in bed and moan and you do wait it out as your body goes through all sorts of disgusting gymnastics.
Here’s how to get off the merry-go-round of repeated sickness.
WHAT MAKES YOU SICK?
There are basically four things:
1. Improper diet
2. Toxic substances
3. Exposure to extreme temperatures
4. Stress
If you look at this list, you can see that the top three are completely avoidable, which means that 75% of the times you are sick you don’t have to be!
The number one reason people get sick, according to my observations, is that they are not eating the right foods while at the same time they are eating health-destroying non-foods. This causes your immune system to crash, you run out of nutrients that work to make you happy and healthy, and you end up in bed with a flu like everybody else.
THE SECRET TO STAYING HEALTHY
Treat Every Day as a Sickness Prevention day.
When we’re sick, there’s nothing we won’t do to feel well again. Remember that feeling and take action to keep “Future You” healthy and happy.
Eat Right, Avoid Toxins, Get Enough Exercise and Sleep but above all:
BUILD YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM.
You can do this if you eat plenty of vitamin C FOODS (not pills, because most are synthetic if not in a food form-check with your health practitioner), and start eating super foods.
WHAT SUPPLEMENTS YOU SHOULD BE TAKING
If you’re not getting enough immune-building foods in your diet alone, you can take great whole food supplements such as Oregano Oil (1 drop daily) and Vitamin C (take 1500mg each/day).
It feels great not to feel sick. Every day when you eat right and take your supplements, be conscious of how you are keeping yourself from being sick the next time around.
You’ll thank yourself later when you everyone around you is sick and you’re still feeling great.

Uncategorized boost immune, staying healthy

Seasonal allergies affect many of my patients at varied times throughout the sunniest months. Sometimes the allergies are just a minor annoyance, other times they really interfere with the person’s daily life. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be helpful for many allergy sufferers, even if they have tried a number of different treatments (like prescription medication, homeopathy, etc.) without results.

If you experience severe allergies, there are several things you can do to increase the likelihood that your acupuncture treatments will be successful. Below are some of my top recommendations.

Scheduling acupuncture treatments: It is always best to begin treatment before allergy season. For people with year-round allergies, you can start treatment at any time, but preferably before the season that is worst for you. Plan to start acupuncture treatments once a week for 2-3 months (depending on the severity of your symptoms) before your allergies normally begin. During allergy season, increase your treatments to twice a week, if necessary.

Nasal rinse: For almost all of my patients with allergies, I recommend that they use a neti pot nasal rinse. This can be helpful even if you don’t generally have sinus symptoms because the nose is the way most environmental allergens enter your system. Neti pots are a safe, natural product (just like acupuncture!). To be effective, neti pots need to be used regularly during allergy season. You can find them in most drug stores. Neti pots are not the same as nasal mists, which only moisturize the sinuses without getting rid of the allergens. Experiment with the level of salt you use in the net pot, to find what is comfortable for you. Many people find that it is easier to use their neti pot in the shower.

Chinese herbs: There are several herbal formulas that can help with seasonal allergies. Jade Windscreen is a formula that needs to be started several months before allergy season to be effective. It helps to prevent allergies rather than just treating the symptoms. There are also short-term herbal formulas that can alleviate nasal congestion and itchy eye symptoms temporarily. Some formulas I carry in the office, others can be special ordered.

Food journaling: If you have food sensitivities, they can make your seasonal allergies worse. Foods like dairy and citrus are common mucus-producing for most people.(Only baby animals need continued milk for growth).
Other foods are relatives of common allergens (for instance, the apple family and birch family are related) and may set off allergies. If you keep a food diary to track what you eat alongside your symptoms, you can get a sense of which foods are triggers for your allergies.

Now you know how acupuncture can help seasonal allergies. The time to start treatment for spring allergies is now, before the pollen begins. For treatment contact us as www.themazurincentre.com for an appointment

Uncategorized

Protein Intake and Joint Pain

High-protein diets are beneficial in bringing about weight loss and promoting general health, but consuming too much protein can have serious side effects. Furthermore, it is possible that a consistently high-protein diet could lead to joint pain as a result of a loss of calcium, dehydration or arthritis-like symptoms.

Recommended Intake
1. How much protein you need depends on your weight and age. Generally, individuals need about .4 grams for each pound of body weight. A good rule of thumb is to make 15 percent of your total calorie intake protein. So if you eat 1,500 calories a day, 225 calories should derive from protein.
More Protein
2. Some factors can increase an individual’s need for protein. For instance, athletes need more protein than sedentary individuals. The American Dietetic Association recommends .5 to .8 grams of protein per pound (1.2 to 1.7 per kilogram) per day for active people. Pregnant women and older adults also should ingest greater amounts of protein.
Too Much Protein
3. Symptoms of too much protein include weight gain, poor calcium absorption, urinary mineral excretion, kidney overuse, dehydration, increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. Excess protein can make the body more acidic in some cases and lead to disease.
Protein and Joint Pain
4. If you consume too much protein, you will excrete more calcium. As calcium is necessary for strong bones, depletion could lead to osteoarthritis and joint pain. Dehydration as a result of too much protein can make muscles weak and cause body aches.
Protein Arthritis
5. In a study by Paul B. Magnuson reported in the “Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery,” cases of protein arthritis were attributed to excess dietary protein intake. Individuals with joint pain had reduced symptoms after being taken off the high-protein diet.

By Vanessa Newman, eHow Contributing Writer

Uncategorized Protein Intake and Joint Pain...How much is enough? How much is too much?

Spring Cleansing
Prepare your body for the warm months ahead and attain better health with the help of this season’s best fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
After a dreary winter, spring has finally arrived! Nature is waking up and coming to life. The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming and the sun is shining warmer with each day. Traditionally, the spring is a time to clear clutter from our homes, scrub the house from top to bottom and open up the windows for some fresh air. As we clean our homes in the spring, so should we clean our bodies. Throughout history, humans have naturally moved away from the heavier winter diet of starch and preserved meat and shifted toward detoxifying foods in the spring to prepare their bodies for the active summer season.
Read more…

Uncategorized acupuncture, acupuncture in calgary, chinese, chinese medicine, herbs, Spring Cleansing