Archive for the 'Medicine' Category

Ovary Pain: If Your Ovary Pain Is Severe, It’s Time To Seek Out The Help Of Your Medical Professional

 

All of us women have experienced ovary pain, particularly during our regular monthly cycles. And the same discomfort is experienced for all of us, pain that often occurs in the lower abdominal area of our bodies where our ovaries are located.

 

Occasional, mild ovary pain and discomfort is not usually a cause for concern. But sometimes this type of pain, particularly if it’s severe and ongoing – might be a signal of an underlying problem.

 

The Role Of Our Ovaries

 

As women, we should remember that the ovaries play a vital part in our reproductive system. They produce the hormones that promote ovulation and menstruation. And they are located on each side of the uterus near the lower abdominal region.

 

If you experience ovary pain that is severe or ongoing – it just might be the sign of an ovarian cyst. And this is the best time, to seek out the help of your medical doctor or OB/GYN.

 

Ovarian Cysts Are Not At All Uncommon

 

Ovarian cysts are more common than we even realize and often come and go unnoticed, throughout the course of our years. Although there are many different types of ovarian cysts, most are functional ovarian cysts.

 

A functional cyst is almost always benign and it forms when the follicle that contains the egg does not function properly. Sometimes the egg is not released as it usually does during ovulation.

 

Instead the follicle seals with the egg still in place and becomes an ovarian cyst. Other times the egg is released but the follicle does not dissolve and fills with fluid and also can become a cyst.

 

When a functional cyst goes unnoticed and grows in size and it becomes large it can cause ovary pain and also menstrual irregularities. So if you suffer from ongoing pain and discomfort. It’s time to take notice.

 

Understanding Our Hormones And Stress

 

A hormone imbalance in our bodies can trigger the development of functional ovarian cysts that may cause ovary pain. The best advice, we can all take, is to learn about holistic treatment methods to address the hormonal imbalance.

 

There are many life style and dietary influences that can disrupt normal hormone balances in the body. Stress is a significant culprit in this equation.

 

Unremitting stress can actually disrupt hormone levels so severely that it can stop production of normal levels of hormones and cause any one of us to go through menopause earlier than we ordinarily would. So learning how to eliminate or at least reduce stress in our lives is something that will benefit us in more ways then one.

 

A Few Ways To Minimize Stress

 

We can reduce stress through regular exercise and healthy eating habits. This can help us avoid ovary pain and the development of ovarian cysts. Many of the foods we eat contain chemicals and preservatives that act like estrogens in our bodies. A build up of toxins in our bodies will make it sluggish, and make it a very slow process to get rid of impurities.

 

A diet high in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes will help our hormone levels stay within a normal range and diminish the likelihood of ovary pain and cysts.

 

Women, who are overweight, eat processed foods and junk food and who have weakened immune systems are more likely to develop ovarian cysts. Taking a vitamin and mineral supplement as well as beneficial herbs can help protect them from this sometimes painful condition.

 

Symptoms Of A Cyst That Is Left Untreated

 

An ovarian cyst that is left untreated can cause severe ovary pain. If it is left unattended and does not dissolve on it’s own, it may grow in size. When a cyst grows in size, it begins to put pressure on the bowel and bladder causing constipation and the frequent desire to urinate.

 

Pain is sometimes experience during intercourse. Lower abdominal pain on one side of the body (unless both ovaries are affected) may be experienced in the lower back with radiating pain down one leg.

 

This type of severe ovary pain should be attended to by a physician, without a second thought. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, changes in blood pressure or any severe pain is cause to seek out the help of your medical professional immediately.

 

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on June 26th 2010 in Medicine

Dealing With Abdominal Migraines-Its Not All In Your Stomach

Anyone who has ever had a migraine will say they do not simply happen in the head. The headache is sometimes the worst and most painful part of a migraine, but there’s more.  Most migraineurs (folks that suffer from migraines) will talk about photosensitivity (sensitivity to light-weight), phonosensitivity (sensitivity to sound), scent sensitivity, gastric pain, cramping, and vomiting.Sometimes the abdominal symptoms show up while not the other typical migraine symptoms.  After they do, a patient is alleged to be experiencing an abdominal migraine.  An abdominal migraine is pain, typically varying from gentle to medium, in the abdomen.  The pain is either along the midline or unspecified and is frequently in the course of abdominal tenderness, cramp-like spasms, bloating, vomiting, and loss of appetite.Since abdomen pain can be caused by a big variety of conditions different causes want to be dominated out before a diagnosis can be made.  In a classic abdominal migraine, no gastric cause for the pain can be identified.  Migraineurs would like to let their doctors recognize about their migraines when they experience unspecified abdominal pain thus that the doctor knows abdominal migraine could be a possibility.Abdominal migraines are most typical in children.  Youngsters who expertise abdominal migraines frequently become old to be migraineurs.  While abdominal migraine is not unparalleled in adults, it is rare.  Like most other sorts of migraine, it is also more common in females than in males.While the precise reason behind abdominal migraines is unknown, it is highly possible to be connected to serotonin deficiency.  Serotonin deficiency has been linked in several studies to migraines, and ninety% of the body’s serotonin is created within the gastric system.  Serotonin deficiency causes cascading waves of nerve reaction in the brain when triggering a migraine and a similar method might be in result in the abdomen.

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on June 25th 2010 in Medicine

What Causes Lower Left Side Back Pain?

Many people experience lower left side back pain, which can last for days, weeks or months at a time. Common symptoms may include localized pain below the ribs and around the side of the torso. In addition, lower left side back pain may be intermittent in frequency in which the pain may be more tolerable during certain hours of the day. Often times, people who have lower left side back pain will notice a stabbing-like pain or dull, aching pain. Many people may also be hyper-sensitive to touch, which stays localized to the lower left side of the back. For others, the pain remains unaffected even with changes in dietary habits. Some people who have lower left side back pain may also experience pain and discomfort when taking deep breaths, lying still or during exercise. Changes in bowel movements may also be accompanied with lower left side back pain.

Frustration can be a common emotion for many people experiencing this pain because many doctors have trouble finding an accurate diagnosis. Even extensive testing such as medical imaging, colonoscopy, ultrasound, heart scan, blood tests, urine tests and stool tests may all come out normal.

Your doctor may prescribe pain medication, which may or may not help alleviate your pain. Although it is difficult to remain patient during period, please remember that lower left side back pain can be caused by many factors, which make it very difficult to diagnose your condition. If you and your doctor have tried every approach to diagnosing and treating your pain, ask your physician to refer you to a specialist. If you have tried this approach without much success, you may want to consider seeing a new physician. Doctors are very knowledgeable about medical conditions but some may have more expertise and relevant experience with your particular condition.

Here is a list of conditions which can cause lower left side back pain:

Hypochondrial pain: Symptoms include pain under the rib cage, which can be referred from the colon or spleen.

Ectopic pregnancy: A woman with a developing ectopic pregnancy may not display any signs or symptoms of being pregnant. Symptoms include lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, cramping or stabbing pain around the pelvic area, dizziness and felling lightheaded.

Endometriosis: Symptoms may include pain in the pelvis, abdomen and lower back. Heavy flow of vaginal bleeding may accompany these symptoms.

Pancreatitis: Symptoms that are chronic may include indigestion, abdominal pain, back pain, weight loss and steatorrhea (stool that is appears oily and foul smelling).

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Also known as spastic colon, IBS may be accompanied by abdominal pain, diarrhea, headaches, low back pain and chest pain.

Peptic Ulcer: Symptoms may include a burning pain in the chest, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, change in appetite and back pain.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder: Symptoms may include heartburn, chest pain, back pain, difficulty swallowing or dry cough.

Gastrointestinal bleeding: Common causes include esophageal varices, stomach ulcer, erosions of the esophagus, duodenum or stomach; duodenal ulcer, abnormal blood vessels, colon cancer, anal fissures, colon polyps, diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease, internal hemorrhoids and inflammation of the large bowels.

Celiac Disease: Symptoms of celiac disease may mimic those of other conditions such as anemia, parasite infections, irritable bowel syndrome, gastric ulcers and skin disorders. Symptoms may include joint pain, weight loss, back pain, weakness and fatigue, bone disorders such as osteoporosis, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and anemia.

Radicular pain: This occurs when there is irritation or compression along the nerves exiting the spine. Symptoms include pain that is accompanied by weakness, numbness or a tingling sensation. Causes of radicular pain can be due to injury, trauma, soft tissue, disc herniation, facet syndrome or bony changes to the vertebral column.

Kidney stones: Symptoms include pain below the ribs, pain around the torso and back pain. It is also common to experience pain radiating into the lower abdomen and groin region. Other symptoms include pain during urination, nausea and vomiting.

Gallstones: Symptoms may include pain between the shoulder blades, pain in the center and upper right region of the abdomen, back pain and pain into the right shoulder. Additional symptoms may include abdominal pain after eating meals.

Problems with the adrenal gland: Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness when standing up or changing positions quickly, sensitivity to bright lights, low back pain.

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on June 25th 2010 in Medicine

What Causes Pain In Lower Abdominal And Ovary?

Abdominal pain is a common medical problem which is caused by viral infection or something eaten. If the pain becomes severe then it may be a sign of something serious. The location of the pains indicates which organ or which part of the abdomen is inflamed. A pair of gonads is found in every woman that lie nestled in their pelvic region. These are the ovaries which make the egg cells. Ovaries of some women hurt during ovulation. It is a process when ovaries float so near the entrance of the falliopian tubes, each time an egg cell matures, the surface of the ovary ruptures and releases the cell that floats towards the tube and rolls towards the uterus. The process of ovulation does not usually result in pain in the pelvic region. But when it pains, it is called ovulation pain.As the location of the pain in abdomen indicates the affected area, when the pain is felt in the left lower abdomen, it can be a problem in the lower tract of the large intestine which expels food waste. Colon problems can be either inflammatory bowel disease or an infection in the colon called diverticulitis.Ovulation pain does not normally last and may not even be there the next time the woman ovulates. If the pain in the pelvic region increases in intensity and duration, then it’s time to see the doctor because it is possible that the woman might have ovarian cyst.Among the cause of abdominal pain is Diverticulitis. It is a common digestive disease found in the large intestine. This is developed from diverticulosis which is a condition where pouches develop outside the colon. This condition is common among old people but when a piece of digested food or fecal matter gets inflamed or infected if is stuck in one of the pouches. This inflammation of the diverticulum which develops into diverticulitis is one of the causes of abdominal pain.Ovarian cysts related to ovary pain are sacs filled with fluids that are usually found on the surface of an ovary. They have many types and each has a different underlying cause. Whether it is functional or physiologic cysts, many of these ovarian cysts are harmless. They develop during pregnancy. Although small percentage of women develop a metabolic dysfunction called polycystic ovarian syndrome. Multiple ovarian cysts are just one part of a disorder.Abdominal pain that is especially the tenderness in lower left side of the abdomen is the most common symptom of diverticulitis. It is usually severe and sudden pain but it can also be mild and can last for several days. In addition to abdominal pain, a person with diverticulitis may experience nauseam, cramping, vomiting, chills, fever or a change in bowel habits.

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on June 24th 2010 in Medicine

Abdominal Cramping When Running

Every athlete has experienced abdominal cramping at one time or another while running. Abdominal cramping can be very annoying and painful, causing a runner to have to stop running until the pain goes away. There are a couple of theories on exactly what this pain is and how it can be prevented. The following are the most common causes of abdominal pain and some suggestions on how to alleviate the pain.

Breathing – Probably the most popular theory on abdominal pain right now is due to the athlete’s vigorous breathing while running. This pain is called a “side stitch” and is caused while running because the ligaments in the abdomen attaching the diaphragm to the internal organs get stretched. A side stitch is caused when runners take too shallow breaths, preventing the diaphragm from coming completely down and not allowing the ligaments to relax. Concentrating on taking deep, controlled breaths as well as massaging the area that is causing pain will help to alleviate this problem.

Dehydration – Another common theory about why runners get abdominal cramping is due to dehydration. Dehydration is a common occurrence in runners that can be hard to avoid even if you are consciously trying to stay hydrated. There are many factors that go into getting the proper hydration such as the amount of liquid consumed, temperature of the liquid, timing of the liquid being consumed, amount of sweat being produced, amount of food in the stomach, as well as many other factors. Because the absorption of liquids into the body is such a complex process runners may be suffering from dehydration even if they think they are drinking enough fluids. The best way to avoid dehydration in order to prevent cramping is to find out exactly how much water you should be consuming for your age, weight, and height.

Lactic Acid Build-up – The third theory of abdominal cramping that I hear many athletes talk about is lactic acid build-up. Although many people are familiar with this theory, it doesn’t relate much to an abdominal cramping. Basically, lactic acid builds up in the muscles when they are not getting enough oxygen when exercising. When the body isn’t getting enough oxygen then it must revert to the anaerobic energy pathway to produce energy which has a by-product of lactic acid. This process is more likely to cause larger muscle groups to become sore and not as much the abdominal cramping that is experienced while running. In either case this process can all together be avoided by better oxygen intact and training.

Abdominal cramping while running is an annoyance that most runners have to deal with at one point or another. Although there are different theories as to what exactly causes this pain there are common ways to help alleviate the pain. Deep breathing, hydration, and pressure over the cramp seem to be the best ways to alleviate abdominal cramping.

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on June 22nd 2010 in Medicine

Abdominal Migraines and Migraine Auras

Sometimes abdominal symptoms show up, without other typical symptoms of migraine. When they did, the patient is said to have abdominal migraine. Migraine pain is pain, usually varying from mild to medium, in the abdomen. The pain is either along the midline or unspecified and often accompanied by abdominal tenderness, cramp-like spasms, bloating, vomiting and loss of appetite.Because abdominal pain may be due to different conditions, other causes must be excluded before the diagnosis can be made. In a classic abdominal migraine, there is no reason for the stomach pain to be identified. Migraineurs need to let their doctors know about their migraines when they occur abdominal pain, unspecified so that the doctor knows abdominal migraine may be an option.Abdominal migraines are the most common in children. Children who experience abdominal migraines often grow up to be migraineurs. Although abdominal migraine is not unheard of in adults is rare. Like most other types of migraine, is also more common in females than in males.Although the exact cause of the pain of migraines is unknown, it is very likely that the lack of serotonin. Serotonin deficiency has been associated in several studies, migraine, and 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gastric system. Serotonin causes a lack of cascading waves of nerve reaction in the brain, which trigger migraines and a similar process may be in force in the abdomen.

Migraine aura is a specific type of prodrome, or the anticipation that the announcers migraines. This is a symptom or a series of symptoms that had the migraine, people who suffer from chronic headaches, know in advance that a migraine is about to feel alone.Aura effects will appear for about five minutes and usually occurs after twenty minutes to one hour before the headache. They are a symptom of what used to be called”classic migraine “. Recently, doctors have moved to more scientifically accurate term migraine-with-aura. Only about 15-20% of people with migraine consistently experience any aura as head starts hurting.Aura EffectsMost of the migraine aura is visual. The aura is so positive visual sensations, rather than because their vision is fading and darkness, people who are experiencing sees things. Examples include:-Halo or aura: Nimbus of light and mist surrounding objects, especially lampsOr floating-Flashing Lights: color or white (rarely dark) spots, which move-Flash: jagged or zigzag line, which is shiny and / or arcs through the field, the frequency and severity increases, while one can already see (Whiteout), this effect usually stops with the onset of headache pain.-Photophobia: extreme sensitivity to light, in this sense is often lasts for the duration of headachesMost aura last less than an hour. Migraine sufferers who experience aura, lasting more than an hour, are said to suffer from migraine with prolonged aura. In some cases there may be migraineur effects aura without headache developing, but is still regarded as a symptom of chronic migraines. In different times the same person can go through all three variants, migraine with aura, migraine with prolonged aura, or typical aura without headache.

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on June 21st 2010 in Medicine

Joint Pain And Arthritis: What Are The Alternatives?

Arthritis is a common condition affecting literally millions of people worldwide. For many, mainstream medical care brings relief. But are there any alternative remedies that are effective?
Firstly, a brief run-down of what arthritis actually is. The fact is that arthritis is a blanket term covering over one hundred different conditions, some common, some uncommon and some extremely rare. Arthritis means inflammation of one or more of the body’s joints, generally caused by infection, injury or just the plain wear and tear of life. It can also be a genetic condition.
The causes of arthritis are many and varied and its effects well-known. Pain, inflammation, mobility limitation and redness with swelling are all common symptoms. A strange fact is that people who show little joint damage may experience a great deal of pain, whilst others whose joints show terrible damage sometimes feel little pain, even none at all.
The most common form of arthritis are: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
Some other types include – systemic infectious arthritis, gouty arthritis, psoratic arthritis, bursitis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. As stated, there are many more less common forms.
Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis) is the most common form of all, especially in elderly people. It is associated with loss of bone tissue in the joints and can limit mobility severely.
Rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatism) is more common in women than in men and usually effects the over-40′s. It tends to attack the hands, causing swelling in the knuckles, though it can affect any other part of the body, including the lungs and eyes.
Gout is much more common in men than in women, again usually in the over-40′s. It is caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood that form crystals in the joints. These are attacked by the body’s immune system, thinking them invaders, and inflammation results together with pain that can be localised but severe.
Unfortunately there is as yet no cure for arthritis, especially if the bone or cartilage has become damaged or has deteriorated badly. Conventional arthritis medications help many people and they should be regarded as standard treatment for someone experiencing the onset of the condition. However, it has to be pointed out that these treatments can have severe side effects, including depression, immune system suppression, diarrhea, headaches and elevated blood pressure, intestinal bleeding, nausea and abdominal pain.
Perhaps this is the reason why more and more people – especially those who have suffered from arthritis for some time – turn to alternative forms of treatment and remedies. Conventional medicine does prove effective in the majority of cases – despite the side-effects – but for some it just simply does not give the relief they need. Alternative treatments are many and varied and, whilst little scientific research seems to have been carried out on most of these remedies the fact remains that, at least for some, they work.
Alternative treatments include (alphabetically): Acupressure, Acupuncture, Aromatherapy, Ayurveda, Bach Flower Remedy, Chiropractic, Color Therapy, Food/Diet Therapy, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Hydrotherapy, Hypnosis, Juice Therapy, Massage Therapy, Nutrition Therapy, Oriental Medicine, Reflexology, Tissue Salts, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Yoga.
It is impossible to say which, if any, will work for a given individual – if indeed any will work at all for that person. Yet the fact remains that many sufferers experience relief from joint pain and other arthritic symptoms that they simply cannot find through conventional medicine and, given the nature of arthritis, any relief from pain, however small, is worth consideration.
I’m not suggesting for one minute that anyone should ignore their physician’s advice, throw away their medication and go over completely to alternative therapies. However, if you are one of the unlucky ones who find little relief from pain in taking accepted medication, or suffer unpleasant side-effects, it may be well worth considering these alternatives as a new path to pain relief and a better quality of life.

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on June 20th 2010 in Medicine

Celebrex: Key to Get Rid of Pain

Joint pain, stiffness, arthritis can be very painful and traumatizing. Why not get access to an effectual pain relief? Are you nodding to a ‘YES’? Then, Celebrex can come to your rescue. Celebrex is a pain relief medication which is developed and marketed by Pfizer Inc. Celebrex treatment is beneficial for joint pain, swelling of osteoarthritis, stiffness, and adult rheumatoid arthritis. Celebrex received the FDA in the year 1998, and since then has been employed as a pain relief medication.

Celebrex acts on the mechanism of aiming at a specific enzyme in the body, Cox-2. Cox-2 performs a significant part in sourcing inflammation and pain. Usage of Celebrex hinders the functioning of the Cox-2 enzyme and thereby relieves you of pain. Celebrex is an oral prescription medication which should consumed on an empty stomach. You may necessitate a blood test prior to initiation of Celebrex treatment.

This pain relief medication, Celebrex is made available in the strength of 100mg and 200mg, which should be used in consonance with medical guidance. Celebrex is FDA pregnancy category C approved, henceforth is not suggested for expectant women or women about to become pregnant.

Although, Celebrex is a well-tolerated medication but it may source some side effects. These Celebrex side effects are a consequence of bodily modification to this medication. Some of the Celebrex side effects can be enumerated as:

 Diarrhea

 Abdominal pain

 Indigestion

Some more serious side effects which can be sourced by usage of Celebrex include skin reactions, heart problems, and stomach or intestine problems. They serious side effects of Celebrex can prove to be fatal as well. Incase, you experience any side effects report t immediately to your doctor for medical attention. It is advisable to talk with your doctor pertaining to your Celebrex medication as to whether it is right for you. Inform your doctor about your medical record so as to avert any contraindication.

You can buy Celebrex with the aid of online pharmacies at an affordable price range. An online order facilitates you to save your precious time.

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on June 19th 2010 in Medicine

Pms and Back Pain

It’s no secret that many women suffer through their monthly periods, experiencing cramps, bloating, and lower back pain, to name just a few. But a large number of them—estimated at anywhere from 30 to 90 percent—also endure the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Most women feel some discomfort before their periods. But if you have PMS, you may feel so anxious, depressed, or uncomfortable that you can’t cope at home or at work.What causes PMS?

No one know for sure what causes PMS or why some months are worse than others, but PMS is often linked to the changes in hormone levels that happen during a woman’s menstrual cycle. PMS is not caused by stress or psychological problems, though these may make the symptoms worse.

“We probably don’t get nearly enough magnesium from out diet,” says Dr. Carolyn Dean, who specializes in managing and healing commonly misdiagnosed and chronic conditions such as hormone imbalance, and mood swings. “The Recommended Daily Allowance for magnesium is 350-400 milligrams (mg) per day, but for optimal health you may need twice as much.”

Dean, who serves on the medical advisory board of the Healthy Back Institute, suggests taking magnesium supplements to prevent or ease PMS symptoms, including back pain due to water retention. She recommends magnesium citrate and taurate, as well as spraying on magnesium oil that is absorbed through your skin.

Some researchers have found that calcium levels are lower in women with PMS and that calcium supplementation may reduce the severity of symptoms. One study, for instance, reported that 300 mg of calcium carbonate four times a day significantly reduced bloating, depression, pain, and mood swings.How is PMS diagnosed?

There is no single test to diagnose PMS, but because thyroid disease is common in women of childbearing age, and because some of the symptoms of PMS—such as weight gain—are similar to symptoms of thyroid disease, your doctor may do a thyroid test. This can help rule out a thyroid problem as the cause of your symptoms. Often, a doctor will suggest that you keep a diary to track your symptoms for a few months.How is PMS usually treated?

Medicines that are commonly prescribed include diuretics to help the body rid itself of extra sodium and fluid, which can ease bloating, weight gain, breast pain, abdominal pain, and back pain. Antidepressants can help with the severe irritability, depression, and anxiety that some women have with PMS. Doctors often prescribe birth control pills to help reduce some PMS symptoms by evening out hormone levels during your cycle.

Experts also suggest making some simple diet and lifestyle changes. These include eating more complex carbohydrates (such as whole grain breads, pasta and cereals), more fiber and protein, and more foods rich in potassium (such as fish, beans, and broccoli). Other things you can do: cut back on sugar and fat; avoid iodine salt (to reduce bloating and fluid retention) try sea salts, eliminate or cut back on caffeine and alcohol, get at least eight hours of sleep each night, and get regular aerobic exercise—even a short walk every day can help. In fact, research has shown that frequency—rather than intensity—of exercise can decrease PMS symptoms.Are there alternative treatments?

According to a 2004 study in Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, a drugless intervention that may provide relief from PMS is something called “external qigong.” First, a little background: Human qi comes from two primary sources: one, your parents; and, two, essential substances in nature such as air, water, and food. Both of these qi sources—inherited and acquired vital energies—are refined and transformed by our organs.

By eating a healthy diet and breathing fresh air, the theory goes, the body extracts their most valuable essences and uses them to help form the vital energy. Following these simple principles are the first steps towards creating a healthy balance in the body.

In external qigong, a trained practitioner directs his or her own qi outward, with the intention of helping patients’ clear blockages, remove negative qi, and balance the flow of qi in the body, thus relieving pain and helping the body to rid itself of certain diseases. Scientists in South Korea report that qigong can improve many of the symptoms associated with PMS, and that it may work as well as more traditional methods of relief.

Other techniques—such as breathing exercises, meditation, aromatherapy, and yoga—focus on reducing stress and promoting relaxation. It this regard, it is also advisable (where practical) to schedule events you expect will be stressful—that big family reunion, for example—for the week after your period. And because many women seem to be more sensitive in the weeks before their menstrual period, relaxation experts suggest setting aside personal time to unwind, let out pent-up emotions, and focus on things that will nourish your spirit.

You may also want to try evening primrose oil, a plant oil that contains gamma-linolenic acid, which is an omega-6 essential fatty acid. Gamma-linolenic acid is involved in the metabolism of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins that regulate pain and inflammation in the body. Other natural remedies commonly used for PMS: ginkgo, vitamin E, royal jelly, dandelion, wild yam, oligomeric proanthocyanidins(OPCs), uva ursi, St. John’s wort, progesterone cream as well as Proteolytic Systemic Enzymes.

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on June 18th 2010 in Medicine

Massage Therapy: Physical and Psychological Effects on Stress and Pain

StressStress can have many triggers and many different effects on people. In our modern world, people are often under daily pressure to achieve increasing numbers of tasks in shorter periods of time.Stress may contribute to lowered immunity and can be a significant factor in the development of symptoms of both physical and mental illness.One common physical symptom of stress is muscle tension. This often results in pain such as headaches, backache and a sore neck.Common psychological symptoms of stress are depression, anxiety, or general difficulty coping with everyday tasks.Stress can also increase the severity of existing health complaints such as problems with digestion, period pain, and asthma.Often, the physical symptoms of stress themselves can lead to further feelings of stress, which can result in a vicious cycle. This cycle can put people at risk of serious health problems such as stomach ulcers or severe anxiety and depression.By treating the physical symptoms of stress, your Massage Therapist can help reduce muscle tension and pain. This allows you to feel physically more comfortable and can help make things seem easier to cope with. Massage Therapy can also make sure that the systems of the body (eg: digestive/ respiratory/ circulatory), are all working efficiently and effectively to help reduce other symptoms that may be caused or aggravated by stressMassage Therapy can also have a profound effect on the mind. It can help to improve the circulation of “feel good” hormones around the body, affecting the way you think and feel. This can help to promote a sense of calm and wellbeing.Soothing touch encourages a natural and positive psychological response. A mother comforting a crying child by gently rubbing its head would be an example of this.Massage Therapy can help to soothe your stress away.PainPain relief can be brought about by a reduction in muscle tension.The following types of pain can be treated by your Massage Therapist by reducing muscle tension in muscle groups surrounding/ connected to the area of pain:Headache Backache Period Pain Muscle Strain Some types of Arthritis Some other types of pain may also by reduce by massage therapy:Cramps can be reduced by reducing the involuntary contraction of muscles.Abdominal pain caused by digestive problems may be reduced by improving the efficiency of the digestive system.Sinus pain can be reduced by encouraging the drainage of fluid from the face, thus reducing pressure build up.In cases of severe pain and discomfort, the area may be too painful to allow your Massage Therapist to touch the affected area. In such cases, you must discuss this with your massage therapist, who may advise you to consult your doctor.

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on June 17th 2010 in Medicine

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