Chronic Pain: Your Options for Healing Without Invasive Surgery

Most of us will experience the distress caused by chronic pain at some point in our lives. Due to illness, injury, or age, chronic pain can linger on for months or even years and severely affect your quality of life.

There are a variety of different methods to treat the chronic pain you or a loved one may be suffering. Some may involve medication, or possibly even surgery to correct the problem. However, there are also a number of options available that do not involve medication or invasive surgery techniques. Here are a few ideas to consider.

 

PRP Treatments

One of the exciting new methods of healing chronic pain that has become popular in recent years is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment. PRP treatments work by using components of blood plasma to induce healing.

Blood is taken from the individual who requires the treatment, and is then analyzed and separated into its component parts (plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets). The platelets have an important function of clotting blood and contain proteins called growth factors, which are essential in the healing process of injuries. Nexus pain specialists from Utah say the concentration of these platelets is increased, before being combined once again with the remaining blood. The blood is then re-injected into the affected area to stimulate healing. This treatment has become particularly popular amongst athletes to effectively recover from chronic pain caused by sprains and tendon injuries.

 

Manual Techniques

A well-proven method of healing chronic pain without surgery is to use manual stimulation techniques, such as massage to promote healing. A chiropractor or osteopathic doctor can manipulate joints and apply pressure to muscles, tendons and ligaments. This improves blood flow and reduces muscle stiffness, allowing chronic pain to be treated effectively in many cases. It’s great for reducing swollen joints and if done regularly can be a good treatment for those who want to skip time spent recovering from surgery.

 

Electrotherapy

This method can be useful to suffers of chronic joint pain and has proved to be particularly effective when treating back pain. The most commonly used type of electrotherapy is known as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). This therapy works by stimulating muscles in areas that are causing pain by sending a low-voltage electric signal into the tissue. You should ask your doctor if this kind of treatment could work for you.

Electrotherapy has the effect of changing the way the nervous system interprets pain signals and can temporarily relieve chronic back pain, making it effective for many people. Portable TENS machines can also be purchased for use within the home.

 

The type of treatment you choose will depend largely on the type of pain you are experiencing and where you get it most. Thankfully, with the amazing range of treatments now available for the management of chronic pain, you should be able to find something that works for you without the need for invasive surgery or dependence on medications. Talk with your physician and see if they can suggest any other treatments that may be helpful for your situation.

 

Categories: chronic pain, electrotherapy, health, Pain, prp treatment, Therapies, Treatments, Wellness

The Best Drug-Free Treatments for Chronic Headaches

 

Chronic headaches are a common problem for people in modern society. Unfortunately, doctors often resort to drug-based treatments far too fast. This guide is for individuals who are seeking alternatives to pharmaceutical prescriptions and over-the-counter substances. Detailed below are several techniques that are proven to alleviate the suffering associated with persistent migraines.

 

Peppermint Ointments

This holistic approach offers the most accessible method for instantaneous headache healing. Homeopathic stores everywhere carry this cream, which is comprised of pure peppermint extract. When applied to the temples, the cooling sensations provide rapid relief. After repeated uses, many say the mere scent becomes healing by association.

 

Meditation

An overactive mind can be responsible for the occurrence of chronic headaches. Fortunately, it is possible to clear the head of unnecessary thoughts. This act, which many spiritualists call meditation, can permanently reduce the regularity of migraines.

 

Audio Frequency Therapy

Binaural tones have shown great promise in treating chronic headaches. Many modern practitioners have experienced with audio tones to heal the brain without any intrusions. Chemicals are completely eschewed in the practice. Headphones usually are used to instill a recalibration of the mind through convergent sound waves.

 

Yoga

The stretches involved with a standard yoga practice help headaches in several ways. First, the routines dramatically reduce stress, which is a major factor in headaches. Yoga also reportedly soothes nerve passageways leading to the brain. It can be applied to lessen blood flow towards an affected area, thus lowering overall pain.

 

Chiropractic Adjustments

Spinal imbalances are one of the leading causes for recurring headaches. A lot of neural pathways can face obstructions that are removed with simple chiropractic attention. An expert from Stroud Chiropractic Clinic says that, after just a few routine adjustments, patients often report a reduced frequency of headaches. The mind and neck are deeply interconnected, and upper back massages have a tendency to resolve issues in nearby areas including the head.

 

Having Fun

Sometimes, all it takes to stop a headache is a little fun. Most enjoyable pastimes facilitate the release of dopamine, which is the mind’s natural painkiller. The chemical occurs within the brain to stop pain, but it only releases upon certain stimulation. By participating in exciting activities, patients can stave off chronic headaches once and for all!

 

Drugs no longer have to be an integral part of chronic headache recovery. The aforementioned techniques are only a few of many possible remedies.

Categories: best, chronic headaches, drug free, Treatments

Six Alternative Medical Treatments That Every Family Should Be Aware Of

 

Increasingly more people are turning to alternative medicine to solve their health problems and prevent disease. Complementary medicine has never been more popular. From acupuncture and massage to homeopathy, reiki and alcohol rehabilitation, there are dozens of treatments available. Some are expensive and take a lot of time, while others provide immediate relief. Here are six alternative medical treatments that every family should aware of:

 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been used since ancient times for its healing effects. This therapy can cause multiple biological responses and treat chronic diseases. It has been shown to be effective for treating nausea, back pain, fibromyalgia, poor appetite, insomnia, obesity, anxiety and addictions. Most health insurance plans cover acupuncture.

 

Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation

Does anyone in your family smoke or drink? They might want to consider drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Many rehabilitation centers offer alternative cures targeting the mental, physical and social aspects of recovery. Alternative medicine practitioners claim that a holistic approach is more effective on long term than conventional treatments. Patients are encouraged to reach out to those that care about them and find the support that they need.

 

Massage Therapy

Message therapy is being used worldwide for pain relief, sports injuries, stress, depression and anxiety. This form of treatment is widely available and can be administrated at home. Several studies have found that massage therapy not only relaxes the mind and body, but also eases pain and improves health.

 

Yoga

From children and teens to pregnant women and seniors, anyone can benefit from yoga. This alternative therapy relaxes your body, strengthens your muscles and improves your balance. Many pregnant women practice yoga to prepare themselves for childbirth and ease labor pain. If you’re expecting a baby, yoga is an excellent choice. It’s also a great way to reduce stress and prevent cravings for alcohol or nicotine.

 

Chiropractic

Chiropractic is one of the most popular alternative medical treatments. It’s a preferred choice for those who are dealing with back and neck pain, headaches and injuries. This therapy is based on spinal manipulation. It relieves pain, increases flexibility and improves your posture.

 

Herbs and Nutritional Supplements

Most families have at least three or four herbal supplements at home. These products are based on plants and herbal extracts containing active ingredients, aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, echinacea, ginseng, senna, noni, wild yam and cat’s claw are very popular. Unlike conventional drugs, herbal supplements are made with natural ingredients and have fewer side effects.

 

Alternative therapies can be used along with conventional treatments. Many people find that certain therapies, such as meditation or hypnosis, improve the quality of their lives. Whether you want to quit smoking, lose weight or boost your immune system, alternative medicine can help you reach your goals.

Categories: Alternative, Medical, Treatments

Transform Your Skin With These Anti-Ageing Tips

We all want younger looking skin, but finding ways to ward off the hands of time without resorting to surgery can be difficult. The good news is that it isn’t impossible. These tips are easy to add into your daily routine and can offer you results very quickly when used regularly.

 

How to ward off wrinkles

You may feel as though you need a chemistry degree to navigate anti-ageing cosmetics these days, but you’re not alone. According to beauty surveys, 33 per cent of women say that choosing a skin care product is more confusing to them than filing their taxes. The main problem is that there’s so many to choose from that you get overwhelmed with choice. The best thing to do is to find a product that is loaded with healthy, skin-loving ingredients to improve the condition of your skin and to prepare it against ageing. Sunlight, toxins and pollution are all damaging to your skin and can increase inflammation which breaks down collagen, the key factor for keeping your skin supple. You need to look for antioxidants which neutralise free radicals before they do any harm and enable cells to repair any damage that’s already been caused. Look for vitamin C and E, ferulic acid and lycopene.

 

How to fight spots

Spots are a sign of sun damage that’s built up, and it can lead to uneven skin tone which can age you very quickly. There are ways to get even though, if you know what you’re looking for. Your superstar ingredient is hydroquinone, which dermatologists consider to be the gold standard for fading spots. It’s available in prescription form (four per cent strength) and over the counter (two per cent strength) and it works by breaking down the melanin in the spots. Apply a thin layer of the serum over your face twice a day and top it with sunscreen.

 

How to prevent dullness

As we age, our skin becomes dull due to the slowing down of cell turnover, causing a build-up of dead skin. The cells in the T-zone, where there are more oil glands, are usually replaced quicker than on other areas of the face, and this leads to a patchy effect on the skin. Glycolic acid is the best way to avoid this and create a glowing complexion. It helps to break apart the substance holding dead skin cells together to reveal a luminous surface. It can irritate the skin so if you can tolerate it, smooth on a moisturiser containing it every day. If not, try it a couple of times a week to avoid it aggravating the complexion. It’s best to ease your skin into using it so don’t overdo it to begin with.

 

How to erase acne scars

The scars of that acne-fuelled period can be as damaging to your skin confidence as the spot itself, but what can you do when your skin is scarred? Salicylic acid can help to heal your scars and fade them, making them less noticeable and helping to creating a more uniform texture and tone to your skin. It helps to promote skin cell turnover so you shed melanocytes at the surface, which makes spots fade quickly. It also helps to unclog pores and prevents new spots from forming. You can apply a peel containing this acid once a week, but you shouldn’t apply it more than that as your skin will dry out and this will increase inflammation.

Categories: acid, anti ageing, anti-ageing, cell turnover, cent strength, dead skin, increase inflammation, nbsp, skin, skincare, spots, Treatments

How to Use Acupuncture As Part of Your Prenatal Care

Pregnancy is a very exciting time for any woman, but it is also a time when her wellness and wellbeing become paramount. As well as following your doctor’s advice, you should look at complementary therapies, which can go a long way to helping you mitigate the discomforts that come alongside pregnancy. Whilst many women dismiss these unpleasant side effects of pregnancy as normal (things like swollen ankles, sore backs etc.), there are actually things that you can do to help improve the situation, and acupuncture is one of them. Acupuncture is perfectly safe, and so there is really no need for you to struggle on valiantly.

 

This is particularly important, as a recent study shows that stress during the prenatal period, including depression and anxiety, can have a negative outcome for both mothers and children, and can lead to things such as preeclampsia, preterm birth and even future obesity and risk of disease in the infant.

 

Chinese medicine has been used safely for centuries, and treatments with herbs and acupuncture have been contributing to the wellbeing of many for generations. There are suitable acupuncture treatments for all phases of pregnancy, although the treatments change depending on how far along the mother is.

 

During the first trimester, acupuncture is usually used to help prevent miscarriage, as this is the most dangerous trimester for pregnancy loss. It is also used to help the mother feel better, as the first three months can be a time when the pregnancy drains the woman of energy and also causes nausea, headaches, constipation and other problems.

 

In the second trimester, the baby is growing a lot, and acupuncture can be used to help negate some of the digestive effects that this causes. During the third trimester, when the baby is storing fat and the body has expanded tremendously, acupuncture can be used to help prepare for birth. Treatments can help relax the uterus, cause the baby to turn the right way and prepare the cervix for a natural labour.

Categories: acupuncture, Baby, nbsp, pregnancy, Treatments, trimester

How Far Have We Come: The History of Depression Treatment

Even though depression has been affecting our wellbeing since prehistoric times, treatment for this mental health issue has, until fairly recently, been fairly basic and, well, rubbish. These days, with better diagnoses and less social stigma, more people than ever are taking care of their emotional wellness and seeking treatment. However, even this isn’t the rosy, sunshiney age for depression sufferers that we’ve been waiting for, as studies show that only 10% of depression patients are getting adequate treatment.

 

Hippocrates, the father of Western Medicine, was the first to describe depression (which he called melancholia). His 5^th century BC definition, which deemed depression to be a condition ‘in which sadness, anxiety, moral dejection, tendency to suicide, aversion to food, despondency, sleeplessness, irritability and listlessness is accompanied by prolonged fear,’ is pretty much the same definition that ended up in psychiatric manuals in the 1950s. Sure, Hippocrates attributed the condition to a build-up of black bile in the spleen, but other than that he was pretty much bang on the money.

 

However, Hippocrates wasn’t alone in his misdiagnosis of depression. During the Dark Ages, for example, wellness experts at the time believed that depression was a sign of God’s disfavour of you, and so, if you were depressed, you were labelled as a heretic or even a witch. This meant you were either imprisoned – which, I find, really does wonders for lifting the spirits – or you were executed. Apparently the Middle Age-definition of preventative medicine is killing someone before you kill yourself.

 

When the depression began to be recognised as a clinical condition during the Enlightenment, it paved the way for more humane treatments than, you know, imprisonment or death. Popular cures included ‘the bath of surprise,’ – in which you were submerged in scalding-hot or freezing-cold water to shock their mind ‘back into a normal state’ – and Dutch physician Dr. Hermann Boerhaave’s “gyrating chair” which was designed to achieve a similar effect, but really only served to knock some patients unconscious while causing others to ‘bleed from the mouth, ears and nose.’

 

It wasn’t until the 1780s that we put the “care” into depression care, when French physician Philippe Pinel took over the Bicêtre insane asylum and forbade the shackling of depressed patients in dungeons – what a guy. Many of Pinel’s patients got better under his regime of sunny rooms and exercise. 15 years later, German doctor Johann Reil first coined the term “psychiatry” and added “psychic” treatments such as massage, opium and flogging to his repertoire existing treatments, which included his own “cannon-fire” edition of the bath of surprise. Still, to get to the “talking cures” that we know today, you have to jump forward to the early 20th century, pioneered by Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung and others.

 

However, crazy treatments didn’t stop with the 1900s; in 1938, a Portuguese doctor named Antonia Egas Moniz believed he could stop the recurrent thought patterns involved in certain psychoses by surgically separating the nerve fibres that connect your frontal and prefrontal cortex to the thalamus deep in your brain. This lobotomy was championed by American doctor Walter Freeman, the eventual co-founder and president of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology – and performer over 3,500 lobotomies – despite admitting that he was ‘uninterested in understanding what was happening in the brain.’ I think I’d rather have a bath of surprise!

 

Lobotomies went out of fashion with the increasing popularity of drugs in the 1950s, although certain chemicals have been used in the treatment of depression since the late 19th century. The 50s drugs were more than a tool to sedate patients; they were actually created to overcome mental illnesses. However, it wasn’t until 1987 that fluoxetine, better known as Prozac, became the first selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and it remains one of the most widely prescribed drugs ever devised. Still, today many researchers are rethinking their entire approach to depression, and going back in time to agree with Philippe Pinel’s prescription: exercise and sunshine – at least it’s better than lobotomies and an execution.

Categories: depression, History of depression, modern day, nbsp, Patients, philippe pinel, treatment, Treatments

Can You Cure Cancer With Holistic Treatments?

Cancer is a big problem for society. It’s one of those words that has been engrained in our subconscious – it puts us on edge just hearing it. That’s probably because it is responsible for the death of so many people every year. Just think about your own life if you are looking for confirming of that fact, if you don’t know someone who is either suffering from cancer or someone who has passed away because of the condition, you’re probably in the minority. Almost everyone knows someone who’s suffered from cancer, and the problem appears to be only getting worse.

 

But what can we do about cancer given the fact that it is a real issue. So many people have it and incidents are on the rise. We do have a number of effective treatments that can help to fight cancer once you have been diagnosed with the condition, but for some people the treatments are almost as bad as the disease. Chemotherapy is probably the most famous of all of the cancer treatments and the issue that many people have with it is the side-effects are well known to be very serious and can cause real issues for your wellness and wellbeing.

 

Chemotherapy is actually a very effective way of treating cancer and it can help to shrink tumours and make them very small. It can also help to stop the spread of cancer. But it is also well known as a having very drastic effects on the health of a person who has it. That’s the strange thing, people have chemotherapy to make them feel better, but in the short term it actually makes them far more ill. Chemotherapy patients generally lose their hair, have dry and sore skin and are prone to vomiting. This is generally because the therapy has trouble identifying the difference between fast-growing cancer cells and other fast growing cells such as those of your hair and skin.

 

So due to the problems that many people suffer with when they have chemotherapy, there is a large and growing number of people in society who are looking for alternative treatments for cancer, hoping that it can do the same good as chemotherapy does with the difficulties that come along with it. Many believe that there are holistic treatments and therapies that can do this job perfectly well. But this is where rational science has to disagree with them.

 

The truth is that almost all the current major holistic therapies that some people believe can help in the fight against cancer have been shown to have no measurable effect. This means that any benefit that people are getting out of them purely comes as placebo and only makes them feel better rather than making any difference in their illness. The number of people who use them merely get the feeling that they are improving because that it what they want to believe. The problem is that the cancer is still very much inside them, and the fact that they aren’t using standard treatments has only made the problem get worse more quickly.

 

The more that people are willing to believe these kinds of lies, the more people will get sucked in and have their lives shortened because they are denying themselves the proper treatment. It is very important to speak to your doctor before you attempt to fight cancer using any prospective treatments. They will be able to explain to you what you need to do and how the process needs to go if you are to fight cancer correctly.

Categories: cancer, chemotherapy, fight cancer, holistic, holistic treatments, nbsp, people, Treatments

Can Naturopathy Or Herbal Medicine Beat Cancer?

When we think about cancer and the ways to treat it, perhaps our first thought centres around chemotherapy and what it can do to help you fight off the disease. But in trying to resist cancer there are a number of different treatments that can be used. The problem that many people have is that they are highly damaging to you – in trying to battle the cancer inside of us we have to do serious damage to our bodies. This is generally because the medications and therapies used to fight cancer can’t tell the difference between the fast-growing cancer cells and other fast-growing cells of the body such as skin and hair cells. This is why so many cancer patients lose their hair or become even more ill during treatment.

 

So given that cancer treatments can be so bad for us, are there some other methods that we can use to help to fight off this terrible affliction that won’t be quite so harmful to us? The problem is that many therapies that claim to be able to help you fight cancer might seem like a good idea and sound reasonable from their marketing approaches, but the fact is that if they are not offered by doctors or hospitals, that means they have not stood up to science testing. In other words, there is no proof that they actually work.

 

There are a number of so-called holistic treatments that many people like to use in their attempts to get rid of their cancer. Many of these treatments do not claim to be able to beat cancer or even fight it by themselves, but they can supposedly help your body to deal with other treatments and recover more quickly. One of the most commonly used and popular of these is naturopathy. Clearly the human body has its own natural defences so it does make sense that if we can improve our own natural defences it will make us better equipped to deal with cancer.

 

In this sense, naturopathy could be very useful and may show us a way to better deal with the health problems that we have. Diet is an absolutely essential part of naturopathy. And the most critical aspect of the diet is cutting out any bad habits that you may have. This can include the excessive consumption of sweets or fizzy drinks. Indeed anything that is putting a large amount of fat or sugar into your body is naturally going to be bad for you and should be removed from your diet to give your body the best chance of fighting off this very serious disease.

 

Of course, the other aspect of cancer treatment that we might not immediately think about is prevention. Of course this is no good for people who already suffer from cancer, but for those people for whom cancer could always creep up on, it’s worth cutting out any of the potential risks to your health. Just ask anyone who is currently suffering from cancer and they will be able to tell you exactly why you shouldn’t take the risk.

 

There are many things that can put you at a greater risk of developing cancer and sometimes it can be hard to keep track of exactly what you should be doing and what you should be avoiding. Nevertheless there are some clear things that have been shown to put you at a much higher risk of cancer. These include smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol and a putting any other toxins into your body such as drugs. Avoid these and you’ll be in a much better position.

Categories: beat cancer, body, cancer, excessive consumption, Fight, fight cancer, holistic, natural defences, naturopathy, nbsp, Treatments

Endometriosis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Endometriosis is a complex condition in which cells that are normally found in the lining of your womb (endometrium) are found elsewhere, “trapped” in your pelvis, lower abdomen and sometimes other parts of the body. This leads to patches of tissue which are referred to as endometriosis. Not only can this affect your sexual health with severe pain during sex and infertility, it also comes with other upsetting symptoms, including backache and painful bowel movements. But why is your wellbeing affected by endometriosis, and what can you do to fight it?

 

The most common cause of endometriosis is retrograde menstruation, or a process by which the endometrial tissue from the lining of your uterus flows backwards through your fallopian tubes while you are menstruating. Because this tissue gets trapped, it cannot leave your body the way it usually does during your periods but it will still respond to your body’s monthly hormonal stimulation – regardless of where it is in your system. As a result, these endometriosis implants become inflamed, bleed and develop into scar tissue. If the endometriosis is attached to organs in your pelvic and abdominal cavities, this may lead to problems such as severe pain and infertility and other problems may result. Some wellness experts surmise that the condition may also be caused by a deficient immune system response, hormonal imbalances, genetics or environmental factors.

 

So, what can you expect to experience if you do develop endometriosis? Symptoms of the disease include:

 

1. No symptoms. It’s possible to have endometriosis without any of the associated symptoms.

 

2. Pain in your pelvic region. This is the most common symptom of the disease and can range from something very mild to a severe pain that makes it impossible for you to go about your normal life. This pain has been described as sharp or burning, and it could last all month long. Usually, this pain gets worse during menstruation, with deep penetration during sex, or with bowel movements, and can also worsen during exercise.

 

3. Abnormal menstrual bleeding. You may have bleeding between periods or during sex.

 

4. Severe menstrual cramps.

 

5. Backache.

As the disease has often been confused with other medical problems, endometriosis can be unsettling as a diagnosis as you may not be fully confident you’ve been diagnosed correctly. If your healthcare professional doesn’t perform a laparoscopy, sometimes he or she will prescribe hormonal treatments assuming endometriosis exists. Then, if your body responds and the pain decreases, your healthcare professional will assume that endometriosis was indeed the cause of your pain. Still, without laparoscopy and biopsy, there’s no way for endometriosis to be definitively diagnosed. This is why the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) recommends a peritoneal (tissue) biopsy to confirm the presence of endometrial lesions.

 

Some women who develop endometriosis are worried about getting pregnant, as the disease has been associated with infertility. However, the truth is that nearly all women who have endometriosis are fertile, and there are many women who have the disease and go on to have children. Unless the disease blocks your Fallopian tubes, endometriosis is generally not thought to be an absolute barrier to contraception. However, if you have surgery to remove the endometrial tissue, this can be a simple laparoscopy or your surgeon may have to remove your ovaries and uterus, preventing you from becoming pregnant. Still, there are other treatment options for endometriosis, including hormonal contraceptives and other hormonal regimens, such as GnRH agonists (gonadotropin releasing hormone drugs). These drugs control the hormonal stimulation of your endometrial tissue.

Categories: bowel movements, develop endometriosis, endometrial tissue, endometriosis, Fallopian Tubes, healthcare professional, hormonal stimulation, Pain, severe pain, Symptoms, Treatments

Endometriosis Causing You Pain? 4 Treatments You Should Try

Endometriosis can really take its toll on your wellbeing, not only affecting your sexual health with severe pain during sex and infertility, but also presenting with other upsetting wellness concerns, such as backache and painful bowel movements. Unfortunately, there is no cure for endometriosis, but there are a number of endometriosis treatment and management options that can help you to cope with the condition.

 

1. Medical Therapies: The most common medical endometriosis treatments are hormonal contraceptives and other hormonal regimens, such as GnRH agonists (gonadotropin releasing hormone drugs). These drugs control the hormonal stimulation of your endometrial tissue. If you are suffering from pelvic pain, your first-line management includes hormonal contraceptives – be they oral, transdermal or injectable – along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. These treatments are cheaper, easier to use and less likely to produce side effects than other hormonal treatments, and so may be used indefinitely to help you manage your symptoms. A type of androgen (Danazol) is sometimes used to treat endometriosis, but it can cause some undesirable side effects. These include weight gain, hirsutism (hair growth), fluid retention, fatigue, hot flashes, decreased breast size, acne, oily skin, irritation or inflammation in your vagina, hot flushes, muscle cramps, emotional instability and a deeper voice.

 

2. Surgical Procedures: If you have surgery, this can be something as simple as a laparoscopy to something as drastic as a hysterectomy. If you have a laparoscopic procedure, your surgeon will either use heat or laser to destroy your endometriotic implants, or else cut them out. This can be a complicated surgery if the endometriosis is in your ureters or bowels. If your doctor recommends that you have a hysterectomy, you should be aware that this involves the removal of your uterus and potentially your ovaries, both of which you need to have a baby. Therefore, you should only have this procedure if you’re absolutely sure you don’t want children, and exploring other – potentially less effective – treatments is worth that goal. If you wish to preserve your fertility, discuss other options with your health care professional and consider seeking a second opinion.

 

3. Alternative Treatments: Complementary therapies for relieving the painful symptoms of endometriosis include traditional Chinese medicine, nutritional approaches, homeopathy, allergy management, and immune therapy. Again, you need to bear in mind that none of these treatments can cure endometriosis. That said, you should talk to your doctor about these options. Some doctors believe going down the alternative wellness route is a waste of time, but others will tell you that it’s always worth try alternative methods of pain relief as long as they are not harmful to your condition. Either way, you should always consult a doctor first, as you need to know exactly what you’re putting into your body.

 

4. Pregnancy: Although pregnancy is by no means a cure for endometriosis – and you shouldn’t have a baby just for nine months of pain relief – some women do find that being pregnant helps to lessen their pain. Moreover, even though the chronic condition won’t disappear with pregnancy, many women still find that the pain is substantially improved after they have a baby, and some women find that the pain does not come back at all. The reason behind this is that pregnancy stops the ovulation process, causing your endometriosis implants to become less active and, as a result, become less painful or large than they once were. Or, the reason why pregnancy eases your endometriosis pain may be because you’re not having periods, and menstruation triggers the pain that many women with endometriosis feel.

Categories: endometriosis, hormonal, hormonal contraceptives, Pain, Pain Relief, pregnancy, Treatments

The Alternative Way To Quit Smoking

Giving up smoking is one of the hardest things for many people to attempt to do in their lives. It might seem like such a big deal, but try to imagine going without something that you literally crave every couple of hours or so – then imagine trying to do that for several weeks in order to break the addiction altogether. This might give an insight into why so many people find it very difficult to cope with the struggles of giving up and lapse into their old ways of smoking. And yet there are so many benefits that come with giving up smoking that it’s not hard to see why such a large number of smokers feel like giving up is a good idea.

After all, smoking is not only a bad thing for your health, it is also harmful for those around you – for many smokers this is the most poignant aspect of attempting to give up because you’re not just doing it for your benefit, you’re doing it for your loved ones too. Remember also that smoking is linked to virtually every health concern imaginable from lung cancer to heart disease, some of the biggest killers of people in the UK. There can be no doubt that smoking makes you more likely to develop these illnesses which can give you serious problems.

So with such good reasons to give up, why haven’t we all thrown down the cigarettes and declared “no more!” Well, the trouble is that as it was explained at the beginning, smoking is a vice that draws you in and makes you want it more. Help is at hand with a number of methods, and speaking to your doctor is your best bet for ideas of how to give up smoking altogether. But if you’re looking for alternative ways to give up the cancer sticks, there are some different ways you can attempt to give up.

Many people are turning to alternative therapies as a way to help them get off the cigarettes for good. There is a huge range of different ways that are all championed as the perfect way to rid yourself of the addiction. For some people the way forward is acupuncture treatment. Others find that hypnosis or meditation can be a great way to help them focus on getting through the difficult stages and ridding themselves of the constant need to light up.

Of course let’s remember that it’s always best to go for the standard methods such as therapy, nicotine gum, using the patch or electronic cigarettes. But if you combine these with alternative treatments it can really give you the help that you’re looking for. But why are these treatments effective? Well, for a lot of people it’s about the psychological boost that they receive when they do it. Hypnosis, for example, works on the same basis that when you hear someone in authority say something, it makes you feel reassured. The hypnosis helps you to calm down and focus on quitting.

It’s the same story for meditation, which is all about concentrating the mind and blocking out the desires of the body, which includes the want to light up a cigarette and start smoking. With acupuncture, this is a traditional Chinese medical practice that uses needles to supposedly be able to clear up certain conditions. These types of treatments may be able to help you but remember that you cannot rely on them entirely and that you should always look to include normal medical treatments when you are trying to give up smoking.

Categories: Alternative, alternative therapy, cigarettes, people, Smoking, Treatments, ways

How to Treat Your Acne Scars With the Help of Lasers

Lasers are now being used more in anti-aging treatments, particularly when it comes to improving the wellness and wellbeing of your skin. Sufferers of acne in particular are turning more and more to lasers, not just to treat their acne but to treat the unsightly scars that they are left with after the acne.

 

Dermatologic technology now offers all kids of new possibilities to those suffering from acne, and yet all these decades later, acne still remains one of the most difficult and stubborn conditions to treat.

 

Others steer clear of treatments altogether and simply try to cover up the unsightly craters and potholes in their skin using thick layers of makeup. Scars can vary from mild to severe, but even those with the mildest scarring can feel upset and lacking in self confidence when they look in the mirror.

 

The various treatment options on the market can go some way to remedying the situation, but little is known so far about Fraxel, a laser treatment that is available in ‘repair’ and ‘restore’ modes.

 

Fraxel Repair is the more aggressive of the two, and you need to have at least a week between treatments for your skin to recover. Fraxel Restore is a little gentler, and is the first non-ablative laser to work in the same way as the old fashioned lasers, without burning through the skin. It requires only a couple of days downtime between the treatments as you do not wound the upper layer of skin. You can even wear makeup between treatments as there is no top layer damage. Five to seven treatment sessions is recommended, with each session spaced around a month apart to achieve the best result.

 

The laser is safe for all different skin types, but it is not recommended by anyone who uses tanning beds or who have active cold sores. Smokers also won’t see as good a result as their skin doesn’t heal as well.

Categories: acne, laser, nbsp, scar, skin, treat, Treatments

The Anti-Aging Treatments That Could Kill You

Could your desire for the latest anti-aging product and the newest treatments actually be putting you in danger? A new study has shown that people prioritise their wellness and wellbeing behind their desire to look good on many occasions.

 

A trip to a spa or salon should, of course, be about a bit of pampering, and helping you to relax and feel beautiful, but there are times when simple beauty treatments can go horribly wrong, leading to infections, scarring and sometimes even death.

 

Most procedures are perfectly safe, especially when carried out by a qualified doctor or technician, but that doesn’t mean that you are every truly free from risk.

 

Take a simple manicure or pedicure, for example – no harm there, right? Wrong. In a place where feet are soaked and calluses are buffed, it’s possible to pick up both bacterial and fungal infections, including MRSA, which is an antibiotic resistant type of bacteria. This was the case with 46-year-old Kimberley Kay Jackson who went to get a pedicure and suffered a small cut to the heel from a pumice stone. An infection occurred and the woman died of an infection. Check out the cleanliness of a salon and make sure that you are comfortable with the salon’s hygiene procedures. If you spot any signs of infection later, visit your doctor straight away.

 

A Brazilian Blowout is a hair straightening product line, but a recent warning by the FDA has revealed that these products contain dangerously high levels of formaldehyde, which can cause cancer. Users of these products have reported problems including nosebleeds. Chest pain, vomiting, rashes and dizziness.

 

Botox is another risky one – there are serious side effects to the drug such as slurred speech, muscle weakness and difficulty swallowing, and they are rare but can lead to death if left untreated.

 

Categories: anti aging, beauty, Death, infection, Infections, nbsp, salon, treatment, Treatments

Lumpy Bum? How to Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite

Cellulite is one of those wellness problems that never seem to go away. No matter how you look after your wellbeing through a healthy diet and fitness regime – which many experts assert is the only way to get rid of cellulite – those little lumps and bumps around your bottom, thighs and upper arms never seem to shift. Considering that up to 90% of all women will experience some form of cellulite at some time in their life after puberty, surely someone must have come up with a solution? If knowledge is power, maybe we should take a closer look at cellulite, and how you might be able to defeat it.

 

According to Emma Hobson from the International Dermal Institute, ‘Cellulite is a connective tissue disorder. Simply put, the structure of the body’s fat cell chambers break down and cause this dimpling to appear.’ But why? Hobson suggests that a poor circulatory system causes this breakdown in connective fibres. ‘Loss of circulation to an area – whether caused by lack of exercise, too much sitting, clogged arteries or nutrient deficiency – can have a serious impact and accelerate cellulite formation,’ she says, adding that, as cellulite is not like regular fat, it must be treated differently. ‘For years, many experts argued that cellulite is merely fat and can only be treated with diet and exercise,’ recalls Hobson. ‘Yet non-overweight, physically active women also plead for treatments or products to address dimpled-thigh skin.’

 

So perhaps you’ll never be able to eradicate 100% of your cellulite. Nonetheless, there are many things you can do to reduce its appearance. While a topical skincare product won’t do the trick alone, Dr Esra Ogru, molecular biologist and co-founder of Phosphagenics, recommends Elixia BodyShaper Cellulite Contour Crème, as it has an impressive dermal-delivery system and uses three tried-and-true cellulite actives. However, it’s interesting to point out that Phosphagenics is the pharmaceutical-based owner of Elixia. Still, Ogru notes, ‘Caffeine is well established in its ability to release fat from the fat site; forskolin is a naturally occurring plant extract that is very powerful in converting fat to muscle; and we also use a peptide that stops fat from going into storage.’ The company claims that 21 days of use can reduce your cellulite by 40%, as well as enhancing skin hydration and improving elasticity.

 

You might also like to turn to in-salon treatments for help reducing the appearance of cellulite, advises Hobson. She lists a number of therapies that she loves, including Endermologie (a French method of mechanized massage therapy); mesotherapy (vitamin and plant extract injections to improve circulation and metabolism); lipolysis (an injection of a fat-cell-melting substance); and, Velasmooth (a non-invasive device that uses a combination of radio frequency, infrared light and vacuum suction which works to break down fat cells). However, the treatment that Hobson really raves about manual lymph drainage.

 

Hobson explains that manual lymph drainage is a light form of massage that stimulates lymph flow, which helps reduce cellulite because a sluggish lymph contributes to poor circulation. Hobson argues that manual lymph drainage ‘may in fact be one of the most effective means of treating the causes of cellulite.’ Still, if you can afford the full salon treatment, it is possible to obtain similar benefits by dry body brushing at home. Hobson instructs, ‘Use a large soft natural-bristle brush to gently and lightly stroke the surface of the skin of the legs, the direction of the nearest lymph nodes (back of knees, groin.’ Do this for a few minutes each day and you’ll see results within a few months.

Categories: Cellulite, circulation, hobson, lymph, lymph drainage, manual lymph, nbsp, plant extract, reduce, Treatments

Five Forgotten Body Areas that Could be Ageing You

There are countless products, articles and tutorials for tips to anti-age our faces, but what about the rest of your body? It seems that there is more to anti-ageing than simply reducing the wrinkles around your eyes, and forgetting these overlooked areas could be adding years to your appearance without you even realise it. These areas include your hands, chest, arms, neck and legs. Think of where the sun hits your body – these areas very rarely get covered, particularly not in the summer, and they age just as quickly as your face when left exposed. UVA rays cause wrinkles, pigmentation, brown spots and broken blood vessels, all of which age you significantly. The best prevention of sun-induced ageing is to use an SPF every day and to cover up when the sun is high. There are other ways to improve your appearance though, from getting plenty of exercise to eating foods which are great for your skin. To start with, your neck is an area which can age you beyond your years if you don’t look after it. Many people extend their moisturising routine to their neck to ensure that the fragile skin in this area stays hydrated. There are treatments that can help reverse any damage as well. Radio-frequency treatments can help to firm up the delicate area on the neck – lasers such as Intense Pulsed Light can also be very effective in improving the colour and texture of the skin here.

 

Your chest can be exposed to the damaging effects of the sun every day without you ever really realising. Because the skin here is thin, it can age very quickly. You can prevent any further damage by applying sunscreen every day, and using fillers to reduce the appearance of deep creases. Lasers that are recommended on the neck will also work here, or you may prefer to use radio-frequency tightening. Your hands are a quick giveaway to your age, so keep yours smooth and supple for as long as you can. When it comes to reversing the damage on your hands, fillers such as hyaluronic acids can work wonders on wrinkles and lines. Laser treatments can reduce the appearance of brown spots  and there are plumping treatments available too – speak to your dermatologist about which is right for your needs.

Your arms are an area that most people don’t think to worry about when it comes to ageing. However, they can add years on if you’re not careful. They are a magnet for brown spots and skin damage because they are exposed to the sun all day. You may want to try retinoids to thicken the skin and build up collagen, and laser therapy can be effective in treating brown spots and damage to the skin here. If you want to tighten up the loose upper arm skin which can develop as you age, then radio-frequency treatments may be useful to you. A firming body lotion can be quite effective in the meantime though, and will also keep your skin hydrated and soft. Your legs are in a similar position to your arms, in that they can catch the sun more often than you think. Cellulite can also develop as you age, which can lead to an unsightly appearance. Try radio-frequency treatments to firm up the skin here and rid your legs of cellulite. If you have varicose veins, sclerotherapy or laser therapy can fade them. Use a moisturising lotion regularly in the meantime to keep the skin supple and smooth.

Categories: ageing, appearance, Body image, brown, brown spots, frequency treatments, laser therapy, Neck, radio frequency, skin, skin care, Treatments

Could HIV Meds Prevent the Spread of the Virus?

New research has suggested that HIV treatments could be used to prevent the spread of disease in healthy people as well as those already infected. In a previous trial, targeting women in the commercial sex trade who are particularly at risk of contracting the virus, interesting information was gathered. The researchers conducting the study found that despite counselling the women on the dangers of unsafe sex practices, providing them with condoms and providing them with regular HIV testing, the women still became infected at a higher risk than most people. With the treatments for HIV as advanced as they could be at the time, there was little that could be done. There was good news to come though. In 2001, the US Food and Drug Administration approved a new anti-HIV drug known as tenofovir, which had advantages over other drugs on the market for this condition. It offered fewer side effects and was a daily pill. It was believed that it could not only treat HIV but also prevent it – it seems that that belief was well founded. The drugs used to counter the symptoms of HIV have proven to be effective in treating it in healthy people as well.

Many people believed the concept of giving the medication to people who were healthy and uninfected, as well as potentially risking their health in the process. But it has worked, and offers the most valuable theory that researchers have had in the entire fight against the HIV epidemic. The evolution of the HIV epidemic saw a turning point where the thinking behind treatment and prevention sees a vital shift. Researchers believe that they have finally begun to see the light at the end of the tunnel in the bid to combat AIDs – 30 years after the human immunodeficiency virus was first identified. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV-AIDS, we have now reached record levels for people living with HIV. This is owing in a large part to the great advances in better drugs and treatments, as well as better ways of getting drugs to people who need them most. However, it isn’t possible to treat every infected person, and the potential for the number of infected who act as a reservoir for the disease keeps the disease alive. There are still areas of health care and sexual health risks that remain unresolved. There is still much that needs to be done in the fight against HIV and AIDs, but researchers feel that this news is promising and offers real hope for the hopefully not-too-distant future.

HIV is something that still remains a threat in people who are sexually active – the lack of urgency that has permeated the modern world has taken the edge off the importance, but it remains a serious health concern. If you are sexually active, you should always use protection and get checked for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, regularly. The more of an interest people take in the prevention of HIV, the closer researchers can get to combating the condition and putting an end to the spread of this virus. The plan for routine HIV checks could also work in conjunction with this new prevention method, to help people most at risk to maintain good health. For the first time in its history, researchers could be on the cusp of genuine treatments and methods – this is a promising turn of events that could save millions of people from life-long treatments and health risks.

Categories: drugs, health, Health Risks, healthy people, HIV, hiv epidemic, new study, people, Researchers, sexual health, sexually active, Treatments

What Every Cancer Patient Should Know About Their Fertility

When you get cancer, your whole world falls apart, and every aspect of your life suffers. If you are young and have not yet had a family (or not yet completed a family), the devastating blow to your reproductive and sexual health can be particularly damaging to your emotional wellness and wellbeing.

 

There is new hope, however, that cancer need not necessarily mean the end of your child-bearing days.

 

That’s not to say that the risks are not real, however, as cancer is certainly an emergency situation, and as such, treatment of the cancer has to be a first priority. Saving fertility or sexual health will never take precedence over treating the cancer, and if they have to be the things to go in order to save your life, then so be it.

 

Nevertheless, many young people are devastated to realise that the cancer treatments that they are being given or are about to be given to save their lives could render them infertile.

 

The option is now offered to them to preserve their fertility, and this is frequently done through freezing eggs. Whilst the treatment may still kill off the ovaries and even the body’s ability to carry a child, there can then still be hope of a future genetic baby using the genetic material gathered.

 

This is even more of a serious consideration when the cancer is located on the sexual reproductive organ, such as on the ovaries. The treatments for these (such as chemotherapy) almost undoubtedly damage the organs and the surrounding organs too.

 

Thanks to modern technology, however, the dosages of chemotherapy are getting more specific, and the same goes for radiotherapy. No longer are these treatments turned up to ‘full volume’ to whack out the disease, as the science is getting more exact. These more finely-tuned doses of therapy are often less damaging to the body overall.

Categories: cancer, Fertility, nbsp, reproduce, sexual, sexual health, Treatments

Puppy Problems: How to Respond When Your Dog Has Asthma

Your puppy isn’t only man’s best friend; he’s a much-needed boost to family wellness. However, when you hear your four-legged friend start to wheeze or fight for breath, it can be a frightening experience for you and the pup. It’s not common for asthma to affect canine wellness, but puppies can indeed develop the respiratory condition – just under a different name. Allergic bronchitis is a rare occurrence in puppies, but you don’t need to worry too much about his wellbeing; it’s a manageable condition.

 

When your puppy has asthma, the air passages to his lungs fill with mucus, causing them to swell and spasm. This means that less air is able to reach his lungs, and so it is more difficult for him to breathe. The primary symptom of asthma is coughing, and so you won’t realise there’s a problem until you hear a little gruffness in his growl. When asthma attacks occur, your puppy may also wheeze and seem to gasp for air, which may cause him to paw at his own face or move around in a strange way in order to get more air.

 

As with human asthma, there are many potential triggers and so it’s not unusual to never discover the cause. However, most cases of allergic bronchitis are caused by an allergic reaction to something in the dog’s environment, be it cigarette smoke, air pollution, pollen, perfumes and fumes from household cleaning products, fresheners or fertilizers. Plus, your furry little friend may have a food sensitivity, possibly reacting to an additive or flavouring.

 

No matter the cause of your puppy’s asthma, there is a variety of treatments that can help to widen his air passages and reduce inflammation:

 

1. Antihistamines. These reduce fluid and mucus in your puppy’s airways

 

2. Corticosteroids. These lower the inflammation in your puppy’s lungs and air passages.

 

3. Bronchodilators. These work to decrease swelling in your puppy’s air passages.

 

4. Cough suppressants. The vet may prescribe these if your puppy develops a chronic cough as part of the asthma.

 

Depending on your canine’s symptoms and the severity of his condition, the vet will either choose to administer these medications immediately, or through the use of an inhaler which your dog may need throughout his life. Either way, you can all breathe a little easier.

Categories: air passages, allergic bronchitis, Asthma, passages nbsp, Puppy, Treatments

Does Your Child Have Lazy Eye? Get it Sorted Soon!

Although you might not realise it, having a lazy eye can have a big impact on family wellness. Also known as amblyopia, a lazy eye occurs when your child’s brain refuses to recognise one eye or use it for sight, either partially or completely. This often occurs in young children, and so the eye may not get a chance to fully develop. So what are the causes of amblyopia?

 

1. Heredity. If you or your parents suffer from the lazy eye disorder, your child’s wellbeing is more at risk.

 

2. Different power in each eye. If there is different power in each eye, your child may have issues fusing images together and so the brain gets confused and blocks one eye out completely to remedy the situation. The longer it takes for the child to understand that something isn’t right, the more severe the condition may become. This could lead to the need for vision therapy or even an eye patch.

 

3. Crossed eyes. This is a completely different problem from a lazy eye, but it may lead to the eye turning lazy. If the eyes are misaligned, they are again sending mixed signals to the brain, which then may suppress the misaligned eye instead of getting double vision.

 

4. Cataract, eye diseases, glaucoma or droopy eyelids. These problems may be birth defects or they may develop later, so it’s vital that you keep a close watch on your child, and get their eyes checked if you notice anything wrong.

 

So those are the causes of amblyopia but what solutions are available to you as a parent? It’s best to have lazy eye treatments done on your child before the age of eight, but most treatments are still effective up until the age of 17. The treatment options include glasses (which, in mild cases, can fix the lazy eye if worn constantly), surgery (which may be the best option if the cause of your child’s lazy eye is a cataract or squint eyes), patches (which involves placing the patch with a sticky rim is over the ‘good’ eye so that the lazy eye is forced to work), and eye drops (which blur the vision in the good eye, but can come with certain side-effects).

Categories: amblyopia, Brain, Causes, Child, eyes, lazy eye, nbsp, Treatments, vision

Why are GPs Increasingly Using Complementary Therapies?

Studies show that around half of the GPs in the UK are now providing access to different forms of therapy to their patients outside of the conventional routes of medicine and it seems that complementary therapies have soared in popularity in the past 10 years. The terms ‘alternative’ and ‘complementary’ medicine have long been associated with different forms of treatment, but the two offer varying methods – complementary treatments are used alongside conventional medicines, whereas alternative therapies refer to such treatments as Chinese medicine, and these replace conventional medicine.

GPs are now opting to include complementary therapies as part of their treatment for a variety of ailments. It seems that as many as one in three patients request these types of therapies when speaking to their GP. When used properly, these therapies can heighten the effectiveness of traditional methods – these include hypnotherapy, aromatherapy, acupuncture and osteotherapy. Many people don’t realise that there is a difference though, or the effect these methods can have.

GPs claim that there has been a high demand for therapies such as osteotherapy, chiropractors and acupuncture, but now nutritional therapies are also increasing in popularity. More GPs are also training in some of these therapies so that they can be offered within the surgery – for breast cancer patients, for example, nutrition, aromatherapy and shiatsu therapies are popular forms of treatment when used alongside more conventional medicines. Studies show that integrative medicines do bring a more positive effect to those using them, with the Haven Breast Cancer charity claiming that as many as 89 percent of patients said they felt better after receiving complementary therapies alongside their regular treatment. And because of the efficiency they offer, GPs are increasingly recommending them more and more.

The NHS and medical centres may begin offering more varied complementary therapies to patients. The Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine, which is the leading centre for complementary medicine in the NHS, offers treatments which include acupuncture, aromatherapy, chiropractic, homeopathy, massage, clinical hypnotherapy and osteotherapy to help deal with the symptoms of a host of ailments and diseases. Your GP will only be able to recommend certain therapies depending on the area you live in though. Speak to your GP for advice on the therapies you’re able to receive, depending on your postcode and budget.

The five integrated therapies which are most popular amongst GPs include osteopathy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, hypnotherapy and art therapy. Osteopathy is ideal for back pain and can be use to detect, treat and prevent health problems. Chiropractic care is also used for back problems and can help alleviate issues with the spine and joints. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years, particularly in Chinese medicine, and uses fine needles which are inserted into pressure points in the body to help treat a variety of health concerns, from migraines to assisting with childbirth. Hypnotherapy involves putting patients into a trance-like state which can improve their well-being and control various symptoms. It is often associated with phobias, anxiety, fear, panic attacks and sleep problems. Finally, art therapy can help patients with mental health problems, as creating paintings and music can help people deal with their inner conflict and emotional turmoil.

 

Your GP will be able to advise you of the best treatments for your condition as there are many more besides these which could help you. Depending on what your budget and location is, as well as your symptoms, your GP can offer a selection of possible therapies which could help to work with your medicine for quicker or more effective treatments.

Categories: art therapy, breast cancer, Chinese medicine, chiropractic care, complementary medicine, complementary therapies, conventional medicines, GP, health problems, Therapies, Treatments