Dennis Newhook RMT, CYT
Headaches are among the most common complaints we see at Lifewise, affecting both men and women, young to old. While some headaches are the result of underlying medical conditions, the majority of headaches, known as tension headaches, result from our busy lifestyles. Muscle tension in the shoulders and neck contribute to most headaches. These factors can be easily treated by paying more attention to posture, stretching, and drinking enough water. Prolonged computer use leading to poor sitting posture and strained eyes is another major contributor to tension headaches. Beyond improving your posture and increasing exercise, improving your sleep and treating any jaw or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction can greatly relieve headache symptoms.
Some people suffer with migraine headaches - which are poorly understood and experts have yet to agree on one concrete definition or cause. Two theories include the vascular model (often treated with vasoconstricting drugs) and the neurogenic model (affecting pain-sensitive nerves from the trigeminal nerve and the upper neck). The neurogenic model is supported by studies that have shown chiropractic adjustments to be helpful in relieving migraine symptoms. Migraines are often accompanied by auras, light/scent sensitivities, nausea, vomiting, and irritability.
Some headaches accompany more serious conditions or result from medication errors or side-effects. If a headache follows an acute head trauma and is accompanied with confusion, fever, or changes in vision be sure to seek immediate medical advice.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Facts about Acupuncture Needles
JoAnn Alafriz, BSc, Dipl ST, Dipl Ac
Acupuncture is defined as a healing modality whereby fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body. These needles can induce positive changes in your health and well-being. Your Acupuncturist should consider certain factors in choosing these needles.
The quality of the needles is of the utmost importance. Manufacturing facilities with strict quality control must ensure proper packaging and sterilization. All packages must come with a lot number and an expiry date. They must be stored in a cool, dry space and handled with proper Clean Needle Technique.
Needles are made with surgical stainless steel. They are strong yet thin, filiform and flexible. Needles with a low nickel content helps to reduce the reaction of those with metal allergies.
The gauge and thickness of the needle is also taken into consideration. With each insertion, the Acupuncturist senses “de Qi”, or the arrival of Qi. The client will feel it as a heaviness or dull ache. The smaller the gauge the more sensitive the therapist is at finding de Qi. A smaller gauge is also used for more sensitive people and points on the body.
Acupuncture needles should be used ONCE only. After the removal of each needle, it is placed in a bio-hazard container and disposed of properly. The safety of both client and therapist is always at the forefront.
Acupuncture is defined as a healing modality whereby fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body. These needles can induce positive changes in your health and well-being. Your Acupuncturist should consider certain factors in choosing these needles.
The quality of the needles is of the utmost importance. Manufacturing facilities with strict quality control must ensure proper packaging and sterilization. All packages must come with a lot number and an expiry date. They must be stored in a cool, dry space and handled with proper Clean Needle Technique.
Needles are made with surgical stainless steel. They are strong yet thin, filiform and flexible. Needles with a low nickel content helps to reduce the reaction of those with metal allergies.
The gauge and thickness of the needle is also taken into consideration. With each insertion, the Acupuncturist senses “de Qi”, or the arrival of Qi. The client will feel it as a heaviness or dull ache. The smaller the gauge the more sensitive the therapist is at finding de Qi. A smaller gauge is also used for more sensitive people and points on the body.
Acupuncture needles should be used ONCE only. After the removal of each needle, it is placed in a bio-hazard container and disposed of properly. The safety of both client and therapist is always at the forefront.
Missing Magnesium?
Karen Baker, BSc, DC
Magnesium is an extremely important mineral, whose value for good health is just starting to be recognized. This essential nutrient plays an important role in the generation of cellular energy as well as the repair and regeneration of skeletal muscle and nerve cells. It is necessary for healthy bones and teeth, for controlling blood pressure, regulating calcium channels in the heart, and promoting sleep.
Magnesium deficiency can affect virtually every organ system of the body, and has been linked to many symptoms including: muscle twitches and cramps, back aches, neck pain, tension headaches and TMJ dysfunction. Other symptoms include constipation, menstrual cramps, insomnia, anxiety, PMS, numbness, tingling, and chest tightness.
While the recommended daily intake (RDI) is 310 to 420mg per day, most people are only getting about 175 mg daily. Magnesium can be found in lentils, dark green vegetables, seafood, walnuts, peanuts and almonds. One easy way and proven way to increase magnesium levels in the body, is to take an Epsom Salt Bath (Magnesium Sulfate).
The consumption of alcohol, use of diuretics, diarrhea, presence of fluoride, and high levels of zinc and vitamin D increase the body’s need for magnesium.
Recent research is exploring the therapeutic effects of its use in treating Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Migraines, and Osteoporosis.
Magnesium is an extremely important mineral, whose value for good health is just starting to be recognized. This essential nutrient plays an important role in the generation of cellular energy as well as the repair and regeneration of skeletal muscle and nerve cells. It is necessary for healthy bones and teeth, for controlling blood pressure, regulating calcium channels in the heart, and promoting sleep.
Magnesium deficiency can affect virtually every organ system of the body, and has been linked to many symptoms including: muscle twitches and cramps, back aches, neck pain, tension headaches and TMJ dysfunction. Other symptoms include constipation, menstrual cramps, insomnia, anxiety, PMS, numbness, tingling, and chest tightness.
While the recommended daily intake (RDI) is 310 to 420mg per day, most people are only getting about 175 mg daily. Magnesium can be found in lentils, dark green vegetables, seafood, walnuts, peanuts and almonds. One easy way and proven way to increase magnesium levels in the body, is to take an Epsom Salt Bath (Magnesium Sulfate).
The consumption of alcohol, use of diuretics, diarrhea, presence of fluoride, and high levels of zinc and vitamin D increase the body’s need for magnesium.
Recent research is exploring the therapeutic effects of its use in treating Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Migraines, and Osteoporosis.
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