Natural Herbal Medicine Is Nature’s Answer To Pharmaceuticals
Posted on June 25, 2010
Filed Under Herbal Medicine | Leave a Comment
Natural herbal medicine is all around us in the form of plants in gardens to plants that grow in the wild. Herbal medicine has been around since the beginning of time and far outdates modern medicine. With the current trend towards healthy, organic and natural, herbal medicine just makes sense. Herbal medicine is used by 80% of the world’s population for some aspect of their primary health care according to the World Health Organization.
Natural herbal medicine vs synthetic man-made medicine
Approximately 80% of the traditional pharmaceutical medications on the market today are based on a variety of different active ingredients that are found naturally in plants; however the minor ingredients that the plants contain are left out. Herbs on the other hand, in their natural form, contain numerous minor ingredients that work in conjunction with their one main ingredient the way they were intended to work. These minor ingredients help support the function of the main ingredient as well as help the herbs get to the parts of the body where they are needed. When herbal formulations are made they differ tremendously from pharmaceutical medications because they consist of a combination of two or more herbs, in their unaltered, natural state, that work together to solve the complete problem. This is just another reason why natural herbal medicine can effectively treat conditions such as the hepatitis b virus when traditional western medicine fails. Today’s health care professionals are finally coming to an understanding that it is possible for alternative medicine and traditional Western medicine to work together hand-in-hand, in part because their patients are seeking a more natural way to deal with their health care concerns.
Make an informed decision
Natural herbal medicine is a very popular choice in today’s world, but that doesn’t mean it is the right choice for you. When deciding to take a course of action concerning your personal health care decisions it is wise to sit down with your doctor and discuss the options. Many doctors are knowledgeable about herbs and other alternative methods of health care. If your doctor is not knowledgeable there is a possibility that they can refer you to someone who is. Never mix herbs and pharmaceuticals without the advice of a health care practitioner. Remember, herbs are considered drugs by definition just as prescription medication is a drug. It is also important to do some research yourself on herbs. Gathering information on the natural herbal medicine that you are considering taking is just as important as taking the time to learn about pharmaceutical medication before you take it.
Millennia Herbal Medicine Still Stands Strong
Posted on June 21, 2010
Filed Under Herbal Medicine | Leave a Comment
Throughout the millennia herbal medicine has been defined as the use of herbs for the medicinal or therapeutic values. The parts of the plant that is used vary but can include any or all of the following: seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark or flowers. For millennia herbal medicine has been around. It has been used much longer than conventional medicine and once again is becoming a mainstream alternative. Almost 80% of the world population today uses herbal medicine for some aspect of primary health care according to the World Health Organization. The popularity of herbal medicine has made some doctor’s today decide to use a combination of both conventional and alternative medicine to treat their patient’s ailments. In previous millennia herbal medicine was the standard.
Herbs throughout history
The practice of herbal medicine began even before records of their use existed. This fact has been proven during archaeological digs where human bones were found with herbs carefully tucked around them. For practically every culture throughout the millennia herbal medicine has been used to heal various ailments, from physical to psychological. An estimated 25% of the prescription drugs that are currently dispensed in the United States contain at least one active ingredient that has been derived from plant material. When plant extracts are not used in pharmaceutical drugs there is a good chance that at least one ingredient has been chemically synthesized to mimic the properties of natural plant compounds.
The new millennia: herbal medicine vs. synthetic medicine
Pharmaceutical medications are formulated to treat one specific illness, which can help save a life in an emergency situation making them an important part of traditional medical practices. Individual herb plants contain numerous minor ingredients that work in conjunction with their one main ingredient. The minor ingredients that herbs contain help support the function of the main ingredient. Some of these minor ingredients help the formulations get to the parts of the body where they are needed. Using herbs as a long term treatment should be avoided because it can result in the body becoming immune to the herbs. Once the body becomes immune to either a pharmaceutical or herbal medication, the medication will either lose some of its effectiveness or not work at all. There is also a chance that the herbs could build up in the body, the same way pharmaceutical medications can and cause various side effects. Alternative medicine centers on healing the mind, body and soul, instead of focusing on healing one major illness like pharmaceutical medicines do. This complete solution is one reason why alternative herbal medicine is rapidly gaining popularity, however it is wise to remember throughout the millennia herbal medicine has been around.
Herbal Medicine Download
Posted on June 18, 2010
Filed Under Herbal Medicine | Leave a Comment
Doing a search for herbal medicine online can help you find many programs and other items that are an herbal medicine download. You can get books, articles, pictures and even software. Often, this information is free, however, more places are requiring payment. Like anything else that you get off of the internet, be sure that it is safe by checking the information against several sources. Never accept the first source of information you read online unless it is from a very reliable site that you know and trust. Be certain that you have one of the internet protection programs, like an anti-virus program, running on the computer before you decide to download any files. Going to a reputable website helps to avoid problems since they usually check the items available for download before they post them just in case there are problematic programs.
Herbal Software
There is a tremendous amount of herbal medicine download programs that are available online. Some of the herbal programs have an extensive database on various herbs, ranging from a to z. In some of these databases, there is information about each herb, such as its botanical name,
common names and some even include the herbs names in other languages.
Most herbal software will also offer information pertaining to the parts of the plant that is used, the proper dosages and the properties of the herb so you know what the result will be when you use the herb. Registering most free herbal medicine download software unlocks more of the program giving access to the entire list of herbs as well as access to the picture browser which should have a photo showing what each herb looks like. Some programs will even show the various useful parts of each herb for example, the seeds, berries or leaves. Some herbal medicine download programs give a broad view on each herb, and others focus on their use in traditional Chinese medicine. You can find software that offers information about the taste of the plant and the functions of the plant. There are even software programs that have a listing of different mixtures of herbs that are made and the particular effects of those herbal formulations. Other software might describe how to treat common diseases with herbal medicine. You can find out a lot about herbal medicine if you search in the right places. As long as you are cautious and play it safe, avoiding any site that seems questionable, you should be able to gather a tremendous amount of information about herbal medicine. If you are fortunate, you will even find plenty of free herbal medicine download software.
Safety of Acupuncture Needles
Posted on June 14, 2010
Filed Under Acupuncture | Leave a Comment
With different diseases in the world today, especially those caused by needles that are unclean, the safety of acupuncture needles is of concern to many people. Fortunately in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has strict guidelines on acupuncture needles such as the requirement they be sterile and used only one time. Of course, in spite of these safety mechanisms that are in place, some people will still be fearful at the thoughts of any kind of needles including acupuncture needles. Making certain to choose an experienced practitioner can allay some of those fears.
In addition to sterile needles, a patient may fear pain from the acupuncture needles. A search of various types of acupuncture needles shows the existence of even painless ones. In addition to painless needles easing the stress level of the patient, the acupuncturist can avoid the possibility of an automatic reflex from the patient upon insertion of the needles. Painless acupuncture needles allows the patient more comfort during the procedure, thus creating a lower stress level that will allow the procedure to work more effectively.
The success level of any procedure is enhanced by the patient’s ability to relax. The endurance of painful acupuncture needles does not allow the relaxation of the patient, and therefore may not afford the same level of success as a painless needle. Certainly this differs from patient to patient, but when you have someone who already fears needles, you are not going to help him or her by inflicting pain that is avoidable. For some people the pain of the acupuncture needles is less than the pain from which they seek relief, and thus they consider it worth it; for others, they are not seeking relief from pain by enduring more pain.
When you are searching for an acupuncture practitioner, and you have a problem with painful needles, you can ask about using painless needles. Depending on the practitioner, he may not have them in his office but may be willing to order them for you. On the other hand, you may be able to choose a practitioner who uses nothing but painless acupuncture needles in order to assure the comfort of his patients. While acupuncture used to be a procedure that patients expected to be painful, new technology makes pain the exception rather than the rule.
In addition to the pain from acupuncture needles, some people may fear infection from unclean needles. Visiting the office of the practitioner before treatment will allow a patient to ease his fears and show him or her that the practitioner has a clean office and invests in sanitary, disposable acupuncture needles. Showing a patient that he has concerns for the safety and well-being of his patients will ease the fears and tension of those patients he treats. Without the tension or fear, a patient will respond better to treatment.
Laser Acupuncture Offers Hope To Many
Posted on June 11, 2010
Filed Under Acupuncture | Leave a Comment
Laser acupuncture is a method of administering acupuncture to a patient. The laser used is a very low level laser that does not harm the skin or the body in any way. It is a common and accepted form of acupuncture treatment. With this type of treatment, patients are often able to see results including reduced pain, reduction of symptoms as well as overall well being improvement. As with any type of acupuncture, it is important to work with a qualified provider through the entire process.
In laser acupuncture, the process is the same as in acupuncture's more commonly used methods. Just as needles would be inserted into the skin of the individual, lasers are used in these positions. The positions are commonly called acupuncture points. In acupuncture, the position of acupoints, as they are also called, is in relation to the condition that is trying to be overcome. The laser is directed at specific points based on its ability to heal various areas of the body. In order to do such healing, the point must be stimulated to restore the natural flow of qi, or life energy, through the body.
Laser acupuncture can be used in various ways, including on many of the standard points on the body. When used, it can help to heal conditions or to help patients to overcome symptoms. For example, it has been seen to be very positive in treating conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. It has also been effective in treating those that have suffered a stroke and suffer from paralysis.
In most cases it is necessary for the patient to receive both laser acupuncture treatments as well as standard acupuncture with the use of needles. It is often successfully administered with other conditions including magnet therapies, Chinese herbal medicines and treatments, as well as electrical stimulation and moxibustion. Many times, your acupuncturist will recommend a wide range of treatments to provide the best overall result.
Those that want to administer laser acupuncture will need to learn the proper methods of doing so. While the laser is painless and is not invasive in any way to the body, the professional still needs to be educated on how to stimulate the acupuncture points correctly using this method. Therefore, it is important to seek out a professional that can offer the assurance to you.
Laser acupuncture is one of many excellent types of acupuncture available to people today. It is used in many of the health and wellness clinics in the US and around the globe as an effective treatment for many ailments.
Acupuncture Point: The Right Place Matters
Posted on June 7, 2010
Filed Under Acupuncture | Leave a Comment
An acupuncture point is the location on the body that is targeted by the acupuncturist. In this Chinese medicine and alternative treatment, tiny needles are placed into the skin at these points. In doing so, it is believed that they can restore the normal flow of qi, or the energy force within the body to its normal state. When that happens, the body can heal and overcome the ailments that it is currently facing.
The term for an acupuncture point is acupoints. It can also be used in similar, though different types of acupuncture including acupressure, sonopuncture, and laser treatments that are now available. In the study of acupuncture, it is believed that the body is connected through various points. These connected points are referred to as meridians. Each meridian can be targeted to a specific organ or area of the body. Other acupuncture point locations are found throughout the body that is not connected to meridians.
When you visit an acupuncturist, or a professional who performs this type of alternative treatment, the first step is to assess your condition by giving you a thorough exam. During this process, they will determine where the potential problems are. Based on their study of your body as well as the specifics of this type of treatment, they can determine the best acupuncture point or points to place needles. In this treatment, needles are placed on the appropriate meridian to trigger the specific condition needing to be treated. In most cases, several locations will be targeted at one time.
An acupuncturist will know the proper acupuncture point based on his or her experience as well as training in this treatment. The locations of these treatments are done the same from one person to the next.
There are also various categories of points throughout the body. For example, there are the Five Transporting acupuncture points. In this category, the qi flows much like a river through the body. In this method, there are several types of treatment administered, each associated with these points. The five methods are called Jing well, Ying spring, Shu stream, Jing River and He sea.
When you visit an acupuncture location, take notice of any charts that they may have on the walls. These are a great reference to learn where the best acupuncture point to treat your condition is located. Yet, also realize that only after the acupuncturist performs an assessment of the body can he assign the proper treatment. You can often ask questions to learn why one area is located over the others.
Herbal Medicine For Hepatitis B Virus
Posted on June 4, 2010
Filed Under Herbal Medicine | Leave a Comment
The use of herbal medicine for hepatitis b virus is not surprising considering the fact that Chinese doctors had knowledge of a disease that corresponded to the hepatitis b virus over 1,800 years ago. Hepatitis b is a serious virus that is responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. Hepatitis b is found in 95% of liver cancer patients in Southeast China. Because of the high risk of infection over an individual’s lifetime it is a common practice in the United States to inoculate newborns against hepatitis b. Japanese doctors who use herbal remedies report that when a patient is diagnosed with hepatitis b virus they start them on Chinese herb therapy. These doctors, of whom 40% are trained in traditional Western medicine, also report that the herbal medicine for hepatitis b virus is more effective at treating the disease than Western medicine.
Effective herbal medicine for hepatitis b virus
When it comes to using herbal medicine for hepatitis b virus, there are several herbs that have been proven to work. Glycyrrhiza, schizandra, salvia, polygonum, curcumna, ligustrum and silybum are all important herbal components when it comes to creating a protocol for treatment of the hepatitis b virus. Each plant contains substances that work to treat some component of the virus, when they work together they become highly effective herbal medicine for hepatitis b virus.
• Glycyrrhiza uralensis, also known as licorice root, was one of the ingredients in the herbal medicine for hepatitis b virus that Chinese herbalists used in ancient times. It is an antioxidant, promotes production of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and is a useful compound for inhibiting HIV infection of cells.
• Schizandra sinensis is considered to be a safe food product in China and is also highly used in the United States for immune enhancement and as an energy tonic. Schizandrin has been proven to cure 65% of clinical cases of anicteric infective hepatitis within three months time. In addition it is used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis.
• Salvia, when used individually or as a component of an herbal medicine for hepatitis b virus, is used for treating both acute and chronic hepatitis. It is one of the most frequently used herbs in the modern practice of Chinese herbal medicine.
• Polygonum cuspidatum, also known as Hu-Chang, is commonly used to rescue patients who have been treated with Western medicine for severe viral hepatitis and did not recover. It can be used alone or be used as part of an herbal formula. It is believed to have a greater impact on acute hepatitis but is used as a treatment for chronic hepatitis.
• Curcuma, or yujin as it is known, is one of the three major species of curcuma used in Chinese herbal medicine. During a study of thirty-three patients, all but one responded to being given curcuma powder daily. During that study 2/3 of the patients had their subjective symptoms completely relieved.
• Ligustrum lucidum, which is rich in oleanolic acid, is effective at treating both acute and chronic hepatitis. Patients who have used ligustrum have had a 70% cure rate for acute hepatitis and a 44% cure rate for chronic hepatitis. In the United States, ligustrum is used as a health food to enhance immune functions.
• Silybum marianum is a complex flavonoid whose extracts are sold in the United States. It is used to protect the liver from damage.
Clinical studies conducted in China show that a twelve week treatment period using herbal medicine for hepatitis b virus is satisfactory.
Acupuncture Charts Give Valuable Information
Posted on May 31, 2010
Filed Under Acupuncture | Leave a Comment
Acupuncture charts are tools used by acupuncturists to tell them where they should treat a patient. These charts are effective, hands on and easily accessible, which will give instant access to more information. Patients that come in can also learn from using these charts. By implementing a series of acupuncture charts, patients can learn what is happening and why, helping them to see the real benefits of including acupuncture in their daily lives.
There are many types of acupuncture charts available today. For example, an acupuncture meridians chart will point out where the 12 main acupuncture meridians are located. It may also explain the anatomical area effectively. Another type of chart can convey the various acupuncture formulas used. Since there are over 100 of these in Chinese acupuncture, having an easy tool to access this information is helpful. These charts will contain the formulas as well as help for commonly treated conditions with them.
For those that want to learn more, consider acupuncture charts that outline information through TCM and Meridian charts. Here, traditional Chinese medicine is explored on the charts, outlining much of the information you need. They sometimes include information on the five element theory, too. Pulse diagnosis, headache treatment and tongue diagnosis information may also be included. These useful tools help to explain the in depth acupuncture methods to both the user and the receiver!
Sometimes it can be helpful to have micro system charts. These will outline the very minute details that are so important such as the Chinese ear acupuncture chart which will outline all the details of the ear alone, in detail. Other similar acupuncture charts including auriculotherapy charts, Korean hand acupuncture and even addiction charts outlining the steps of treating a variety of conditions correctly.
When you visit any health center with these displayed, you will find that they are mainly used as reference materials. Skilled and experienced acupuncturists will not need to reference them. In many ways, they can serve as a tool for educating you, the patient. This way, they can thoroughly explain what needs to be done and how it will help you. Otherwise, explaining these things to the individual can be difficult to do and even overwhelming. Seeing a picture can help to bring home the message in a clearer form.
When purchasing acupuncture charts be sure to get those that are most modern. They should also include details clearly. Purchase from a trusted provider so that you are sure you are getting high quality every time. In most cases, these charts will be used over and over again for educational benefits.
IVF Herbal Medication Advantages
Posted on May 28, 2010
Filed Under Herbal Medicine | Leave a Comment
If you are considering in vitro fertilization or IVF herbal medicine can be used three to six months prior to the IVF treatment. Chinese herbal medicine practices such as acupuncture increase the chances of pregnancy when used before the IVF treatments. The success rate of IVF conception without acupuncture was 26.3% and with acupuncture it went up to 42.5% according to the results published in the fertility and sterility survey conducted by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Infertility and alternative medicine
Historically, mental stress, was thought to be the cause of infertility. Modern research has shown that mental stress has very little to do with the actual cause of infertility, however it cannot be ruled out because according to a study done at Harvard University stress can reduce the hypothalamic-anterior pituitary-ovarian axis function. Stress should not be overlooked as a possible cause of infertility during the initial workup nor should it be considered the only contributing factor. Over the past twenty years traditional medicine has discovered a new field, psychoneuroimmunology, which focuses on how your mind can affect your body. This new principle that the thoughts and feelings of an individual can affect their physical health is a conviction that has always been a part of alternative medicine, possibly this belief is why IVF herbal medicine works.
East meets west with IVF herbal medicine
Acupuncture has been proven to increase the success rate of infertility treatments and ivf. Herbal medicine has also been used with success in the treatment of infertility for thousands of years. It is suspected that the acupuncture needles were pointed at areas that influenced reproductive factors which is why it was so successful in the study. For example, the acupuncture points that were selected were believed to increase the blood flow to the uterus, relax the uterus, stabilize the endocrine systems and improve the flow of energy to the abdomen which resulted in a higher rate of pregnancy. The exact mechanisms of IVF herbal medicine are not completely understood at this time but it is believed that the formulation of herbs specific to the needs of the patient is one reason why IVF herbal medicine works. Be advised, however, that these formulations should only be prescribed by a board-certified herbalist to help ensure that the combinations and amounts of herbs taken are absolutely safe.
What happens during the three months IVF herbal medicine is taken
The recommended waiting time for IVF to take place after alternative medicine is administered is three to six months. During the three to six month preparation period lots of changes are taking place in the body that will make the ivf have a higher rate of success. Ovarian function will be improved which results in better quality eggs and more follicles. The estrogen and progesterone levels are regulated, resulting in the uterus lining thickening which makes implantation easier. The immune system is strengthened, stress is reduced and the patient relaxes making the possibility of miscarriage less likely, but most important of all, the root cause of the infertility is treated. When considering ivf, herbal medicine options should be discussed with your health care practitioner if this is an option you wish to pursue in your quest for fertility.
Understanding Acupuncture Points
Posted on May 24, 2010
Filed Under Acupuncture | Leave a Comment
Before you begin any acupuncture, you need to know the location of acupuncture points and understand the functions they serve. In short, acupuncture points or acupoints as they are also called are body locations that are the focus of acupuncture treatments. You will find several hundred acupuncture points within connected points across the body. These areas are called meridian and affect specific organs or other parts of the human body. In addition you will find many other areas that include points not connected to any specific meridian. The majority of current research into locations of acupuncture points is being conducted in China using methods based on theory that existed before any scientific methods were developed. These theories have been criticized because of their lack of scientifically based thought processes.
The theory behind choosing acupuncture points may be confusing to those who are new to the treatment because of the fact these acupoints may not be in the area where the symptoms are occurring. The theory within Traditional Chinese medicine is to choose points through stimulation of the meridian system in order to bring relief. This requires balancing yin, yang and qi, a theory that does not exist within traditional Western medicine. The location of acupuncture points is based upon anatomical landmarks that the practitioner can touch or feel. The World Health Organization recognizes almost 400 basic acupoints; however, many of these are rarely used while others are of more value in treating health conditions.
Whether scientifically proven in theory or not, acupuncture points are used in the administration of acupuncture and have been for thousands of years. Similarities in the thinking of scientists exist in much the same way they discount natural health remedies. Treatments our grandparents and great grandparents used for years with great success are not dismissed by medical science because it can not be scientifically proven. The fact that modern medicine is now beginning to see the use of chicken soup as having medical benefits shows how ineffective scientific theory can be. Such may be the case with TCM at some point in the future.
Those who choose to try acupuncture should first understand the theory behind using acupuncture points in order to have a clearer understanding of the procedure. Going to an acupuncture practitioner without having knowledge of the process and theory behind it would be like going to a surgeon and not knowing what is going to happen in the operating room. You need to understand why the practitioner has chosen the specific acupuncture points for your treatment and what you should expect after the treatment is complete. Conduct some research and ask some questions before you agree to any treatment invoked within the field of alternative medicine.
« go back — keep looking »





