Costa del Sol Acupuncture

Acupuncture and Chronic Fatigue

2019-10-21T12:24:00.000+02:00

Photo by Abbie Bernet on Unsplash

The British Acupuncture Council provides some great factsheets about the research evidence for different conditions, and acupuncture. Here is the link to the acupuncture and chronic fatigue factsheet.

Tips for an Easier Pregnancy

2014-11-09T15:03:00.002+01:00

Pregnancy can be accompanied by some uncomfortable symptoms but there are certainly ways to alleviate and prevent things like cramps, nausea, insomnia or back pain.

Morning sickness

I am not sure why in English we refer to morning sickness as in my experience women can suffer from it in the morning, in the evening or even all day long! Recent research at Liverpool University suggests it may be due to diet and certainly Chinese medicine advise to eat more of certain foods (plain whole foods, cereals such as oats and rice, plenty of vegetables, ginger) and avoid others (rich greasy foods, fried foods, sugar, ice cream, etc) . Also, it seems that in countries with diets high in cereals and pulses, there is a lower incidence or "morning" sickness.
In addition to diet, some smells such as smoke or perfume can act as triggers, but one thing that is pretty much a constant is that the nausea is usually worse on an empty stomach, which is why nibbling on dry biscuits can help.

Acupuncture is a popular alternative treatment and there are many reasons why people are sick. In Chinese medicine you look at the root cause and treat that. For instance treatment would differ depending on whether the nausea gets better or worse for eating, whether the person is tired and weak, whether there is a lot of acid reflux, whether is is worse at the end of a work day or in the morning upon waking, etc. Dietary suggestions would differ slightly depending on the symptoms you present with as well.

Indigestion
As with many of the symptoms of pregnancy, indigestion is a consequence of the increased level of hormones relaxing many tissues in the body, including the valve from the stomach to the oesophagus. It is obviously helpful to work out which foods trigger indigestion in your particular case. Also, as pregnancy progresses, you may want to start eating smaller meals, especially in the evening, as the problem is exacerbated as the baby gets bigger.
If lying down makes the heartburn or acid reflux much worse, you may want to try sleeping with your head propped up slightly and during the day sitting up straight, rather than slumping.

Back Pain
During pregnancy, the body produces hormones to soften the pelvic ligaments in preparation for birth. Unfortunately, those hormones don't just get released locally and ligaments then to relax throughout the entire body, including around the spine and sacrum, which can lead to slight misalignment and lower back pain, and in more acute cases sciatica. This, combined with the weight of the baby, can lead to extra strain on the back.
Acupuncture, a great therapy for chronic back pain, can be especially useful if you start getting backache during pregnancy. However, to prevent it from recurring, it is important to do your bit too so...
- try and keep a good posture as much as possible and to avoid overarching your lower back (not always easy when you have all the extra weight on your abdomen but it is certainly helpful to consciously try and avoid it)
- avoid things that would make you arch your back such as wearing high heels (especially if you will be on your feet a lot), lifting heavy objects and standing for too long
- do light exercise such as pregnancy yoga and swimming (avoid breast stroke, which makes you arch your back to catch your breath).

Tiredness and Insomnia
In the first trimester you're exhausted and by the third you're suffering from insomnia. Tiredness may be nature's way of telling you to slow down, and if you can you should definitely try to get enough rest. In the first few months nausea can be made worse if you are tired so resting can actually help you break the vicious circle of nausea/tiredness/more nausea. Later in pregnancy, poor sleep can be simply due to the fact that achieving a comfy position can be tough so use cushions and pillows to find what's comfortable; you can also use the special pregnancy pillows but normal pillows are usually fine if you play around to find the best position for you.
Acupuncture usually has a relaxing effect so it would help you get to sleep and stay asleep. In Chinese medicine Blood deficiency is often linked to insomnia so make sure you don't suffer from anaemia and that you have a good nourishing diet including plenty of Blood nourishing foods. Floradix iron supplement is great at this stage, also because it boosts iron levels without causing constipation, another common problem in pregnancy.

Fluid retention
"Fluid retention is a result of hormonal changes and the extra blood circulating," says Gillian Fletcher, former president of the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) and antenatal teacher. It is important to get moving to get blood and fluids circulating so try walking (and if you are near the sea a few minutes in the water will do wonders), or if you work at a desk try every now and again to put your feet up and circulating the ankles. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids as you need your kidneys to be working effectively for good circulation. Acupuncture can certainly help although it is often crucial to ensure that you physically relieve your legs, by being active or putting your feet up.

Leg cramps
They can be a sign of sluggish circulation and often doing brisk exercise with your ankles and calf muscles before bed it helps during the night. The sooner cramp is stretched out the better, so lean against the wall and stretch out the calf, or wake up your partner and get them to push your foot flat with your leg extended.
Leg cramps can be a sign of iron, magnesium or potassium deficiency or even dehydration so make sure to drink plenty of fluids, keep your iron and magnesium levels up and try having bananas to keep up potassium levels.

Blood Nourishing Foods

2014-11-09T14:49:00.000+01:00

In Chinese Medicine, Blood and Qi have a close interdependent relationship. Both Qi and Blood circulate around the body through the meridians and blood vessels activating and nourishing the tissues.
The quality of our Blood is a measure of the available nourishment circulating in our body. Blood nourishes our muscles, organs, brain – every part of us. Its quality depends on the quality of food we eat, as well as our ability to absorb nourishment.
Blood can be easily improved through diet. As all food forms the basis of Blood, it is recommended to eat well and widely although certain foods will have a stronger effect on the blood (see table below).

Avoid or reduce	Beneficial foods	Dietary habits, cooking methods and other advice
- Fatty foods or deep fried foods - Processed foods or foods with chemicals/additives - Non essential drugs	Meat or fish in regular, small amounts: Chicken and eggs, pork, lamb or beef, liver (organic), oysters, mussels, cuttlefish, sardines, herring Vegetables (preferably cooked): Carrots, spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables, beetroots, avocado, black beans, kidney beans, aduki beans, eggplant, glutinous rice Fruit: dates, lychee, grapes, raisins, cherries, figs, mulberries Sesame seed, molasses, Chinese angelica	- Chew foods well and eat slowly and in a relaxed environment - Eat foods that are good quality, especially when eating liver make sure it is organic - Rest for a while after eating, especially after your main meal of the day - Preferred cooking methods are steaming, boiling, stewing and stir-frying - Raw fruit and vegetables in small quantities only

Strengthening Your Digestion

2014-11-09T13:47:00.000+01:00

Acupuncture

Classical Acupuncture seeks to aid your body regain homeostasis and heal itself by achieving and maintaining an energetic balance throughout the body; this is achieved by treating at the level of the cause of the underlying imbalance.

Acupuncture can greatly help regulate your digestive system. In addition you may experience a sense of relaxed calm and increased vitality, both of which will contribute greatly towards improving your digestion, as it has been shown that digestive problems can often be linked with stress and the person’s emotional state.

Dietary Therapy

Using food therapy and making the proper adjustments to your lifestyle will help restore you to a state of energetic balance, and encourage your body’s natural cycles to function efficiently again.

1. Include in your diet plenty of:

Fresh, lightly cooked vegetables; avoid raw vegetables as they are more difficult for your stomach to process
Fibres, especially from whole grains (but avoid wheat, especially white flour products) such as brown rice, quinoa, oats, millet, rye.
Beans and lentils.
Eat small amounts of animal protein as it is harder to digest and have fish and white meat rather than red meat or fatty meats (sausage, ham,…). Think of it as flavouring for your meals, rather than the core of it.
These foods will help your digestion: carrot, potato, sweet potato, pearl barley, adzuki beans; in addition, adding aromatic spices and herbs to cooking like star anise, cardamom, coriander root, turmeric, cumin, caraway, marjoram and tarragon will help stimulate digestion.
Linseeds in the morning will also help your digestion if it is sluggish; you can either have them on their own or sprinkled on your food. You can get them from the health food shop.
Probiotics can help strengthen your gut flora and can be either used as supplements or consumed through foods such as sauerkraut, miso, kefir, kemchi, among others.

2. Have herbal teas and plenty of water

Along with fibre intake, it is crucial to include plenty of fluids. This may be water but in cases of constipation herbal teas can be a great help too.

There are herbs containing digestive enzymes that have been used for centuries to promote a healthy digestion and in many traditions herbal teas are taken daily as medicine. For best digestive benefits, try drinking one of these teas 30 minutes to 1 hour after every meal:

Peppermint: increases gastric secretions, relaxes the intestines, soothes spasms, settles the stomach and alleviates gas.
Liquorice: thought to have soothing and anti-inflammatory action that help relieve gastro-intestinal irritations.
Ginger: soothes the stomach's digestive lining and balance gastric juices. It also facilitates the absorption of nutrients and the elimination of wastes.
Chamomile: excellent herb for settling the stomach. It also soothes the nervous system and relaxes the muscles, making it a perfect choice for the evening.
If tea is not your thing, you can get digestive benefits from drinking a glass of hot water with fresh lemon juice squeezed in it first thing in the morning (before food!). This lemon drink will help cleanse and move the residues from your intestines.

3. Avoid foods that may impair your digestion

Avoid sugar: Our digestion is adversely affected by an excessive amount of sweet foods in the diet - reducing sweets and high GI (glycaemic index) foods like fruit juices will help to improve your digestion.
Avoid "sweet" tasting food; this includes fruit! Although rich in fibres, fruit also have a high sugar content, and too much sweet foods can impair your digestion so avoid high quantities of fruit. You can have some but in moderation.
Avoid cold foods and drinks: drink room temperature or warm water; if you want cold water, drink it not too cold and use lemon or mint to make it more refreshing.
Eat very little greasy or oily food
Avoid alcohol
Avoid dairy
Avoid caffeine, especially if your stools are dry: it is a diuretic and dries you out further.
Avoid yeast
Avoid processed foods and ready meals
Spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper are beneficial IN MODERATION; too much of them leads to too much "heat" in your intestines, which you want to avoid when you have inflamed intestines or dry stools.

Avoid:

Eating late at night
Eating in a hurry
Overeating
Eating while stressed

4. Get moving

Regular exercise will get the energy moving in your body and should help a sluggish system where there is not enough energy to move the stool, as is often the case with constipation.

Exercise also will often help your body relax which will also help a slow digestion so whether you prefer yoga, a run outside or a brisk walk along the seafront get moving as often as possible.

Acupuncture and Skin Problems

2014-04-09T15:48:00.002+02:00

Other conditions that can sometimes flare up in the Spring are some skin problems, especially eczema. Although it may come as a surprise, acupuncture can be extremely useful for skin conditions, from eczema to psoriasis or urticaria. Factors leading to skin problems vary from environment allergens such as pollen, chemicals, soaps or specific fabric to stress or even the change in seasons! It is often useful to address any potential dietary issues as our intestinal health is directly related to our immune system strength, and all those skin conditions are to some extent an overreaction of the immune system leading to inflammation to the skin.

How can acupuncture help?
Acupuncture often needs to be combined with dietary therapy when dealing with skin conditions. In terms of Chinese medicine, skin problems are associated with heat (if the skin is red and itchy or feels hot to the touch), dampness (if there are signs of oozing or fluid accumulation) among other things. Some acupuncture points help the transformation of fluids in the body while other points are used to "clear heat" or cool the body.
Depending on the diagnosis and your diet/lifestyle, it may be useful to avoid certain types of foods while including others in your diet. In most cases it will be helpful to avoid processed foods, dairy products (especially cow's milk), wheat products, sugar, fried and fatty foods, alcohol and it will be beneficial to include probiotics in your daily routine, as well as eating green leafy vegetables (the list of beneficial foods is likely to vary depending on the individual diagnosis however). In addition, starting the day with lemon in hot water or wheat grass or a green juice will help stimulate the liver's ability to rid your body of toxins, which may also in turn help your skin.

Other helpful treatments
In some cases a food allergy test will isolate foods that may cause the problem. To alleviate the symptoms topically you may find that creams and moisturisers with calendula, yarrow, lavender or chamomile are helpful in reducing the irritation.

Allergy Season is Back!

2014-04-09T15:09:00.000+02:00

Spring is here and although most of us are rejoicing at the smell of orange blossoms and blooms in our gardens, those of us suffering from hay fever are most likely dreading this time of year! A time of growth in nature, spring is associated in Chinese medicine to the Wood element and when out of balance this time can give rise to irritations, which with hay fever usually begins at our nose and can travel, according to Chinese medicine, in eight directions! (east, west, south, north, in, out, up and down) to cause itchy eyes, sinusitis, headaches, sore throat, ear congestion, dizziness and infections.

Allergies are due to a hypersensitivity of our immune system to air-borne substances such as pollens, dust, dust mites, animal fur, feathers, spores, moulds, plants and chemicals. The condition is commonly called allergic rhinitis with symptoms of running nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes and sore throat. If it affects the trachea and the lungs it may cause shortness of breath, chest congestion, wheezing and asthma. In severe cases hay fever can turns into a sinus infection.

Treatment

Avoiding allergens can keep the symptoms at bay but it is often hardly practical. Conventional therapies include antihistamines, decongestants, oral steroids, and corticosteroid sprays, bronchodilator inhaler, and allergy injections. However, these are not always sufficient and may have side effects over the long term. Sometimes, using a combination of natural remedies and alternative treatments such as acupuncture may be all you need to relieve the symptoms.

Chinese medicine views the cause of allergies as an imbalance of our organ system. This imbalance can be caused by excessive stress in our life, poor dietary choices, sluggish digestion or hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause. A return to a state of balance, often through acupuncture as well as changes in dietary habits and lifestyle, leads to an improvement of the allergies.

For more information on managing your allergies naturally you can also read:
- Spring, the hayfever season where you will find our 10 tips to reduce your exposure to pollen
- Beating your allergies naturally, using acupuncture, diet and detoxing your liver

Tips

Sleep: a good night of sleep helps to calm our nerves and reduce our hypersensitivity, including to allergens. Most adults need about eight hours of restful sleep, while children need nine to ten hours.

Regular exercise: helps improve blood circulation, relax the nervous system and strengthen our immune system.

A home remedy of saline drainage can also be helpful in some situations. Mix three teaspoonfuls of salt with warm water. In the shower, tilt your head back and slowly pour the saline water into your nostrils. It may burn initially, but you may also feel better in the morning when you wake up.

Acupressure: A frequently used point, Large Intestine 20, located right next to both sides of the nose, in the groove beside each nostril, is an effective point for sinus allergy (see image below for location). Massages can also be applied on this point by using both index finger, applying steady, penetrating finger pressure to both points for three minutes every half hour until symptoms get better.

Herbs such as stinging nettle, chrysanthemum, angelica or magnolia, can be used for sinus allergy and infection.

Preventive measures are often the most effective and should be considered as the allergy season begins. This can include acupuncture as well as lifestyle changes if necessary.

Acupuncture for Eczema and Psoriasis - research and information

2014-03-29T18:16:00.001+01:00

From www.acupuncture.org.uk

There are few published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of the effects of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic eczema and psoriasis. Two small RCTs found that acupuncture reduced itch in patients with atopic eczema (Pfab 2011; Pfab 2010). On the other hand, a small RCT of acupuncture for psoriasis concluded that classical acupuncture is not superior to sham acupuncture (Jerner 1997). Sham interventions are not inactive placebos, but effectively different versions of acupuncture, so their value in evaluating treatment efficacy is highly questionable.

In general, acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules. The resulting biochemical changes influence the body's homeostatic mechanisms, thus promoting physical and emotional well-being. Stimulation of certain acupuncture points has been shown to affect areas of the brain that are known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress (Hui 2010)

Acupuncture may help to relieve symptoms in people with atopic eczema and psoriasis by reducing inflammation, by promoting release of vascular and immunomodulatory factors (Zijlstra 2003; Kavoussi 2007);regulating mediators of the allergic reaction to extrinsic allergens, for example Ig-E (Rao 2006), serum cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IFN-, Ig-E) (Okumura 2002), and basophils (Pfab 2011);enhancing natural killer cell activities and modulating the number and ratio of immune cell types (Kawakita 2008);increasing local microcirculation (Komori 2009), which aids dispersal of swelling;

Acupuncture for polycystic ovaries and PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)

2014-01-31T11:26:00.001+01:00

This post has moved to Dao-vida.com

Moxa and Moxibustion

2014-01-31T11:10:00.002+01:00

Acupuncture is about more than just needles. In fact, the Chinese word that typically gets translated as acupuncture, zhenjiǔ, actually means “acupuncture and moxibustion.” Though not as well known as acupuncture, moxibustion is a treatment with an important role in traditional Chinese medicine. Moxibustion involves burning moxa (a herb also known as mugwort or artemisia vulgaris) on or near an acupuncture point. Moxibustion generates heat on the point or in the area and is thought to strengthen blood, promote the free flow of energy and blood throughout the body, and enhance wellbeing.

What is moxibustion like?

Moxibustion can be used in many ways, either as a moxa stick over an area (great for period pain, or joint aches and pains), at the end of a needle or directly on an acupuncture point. Direct moxibustion relies on placing the burning moxa on the skin, while indirect moxibustion is when the burning moxa is held an inch or so above the skin. Although generally used in conjunction with acupuncture, it can be used with or without acupuncture needles. In some cases, the moxa is set on ginger or salt to create a barrier that protects the skin.

Moxibustion is particularly effective for cold, damp and stagnant conditions and is often a calming and pleasant therapy at it creates a pleasant sensation of warmth throughout the body.

What is it used for?

Moxa typically is applied to places where there is stuck energy or pain, or where the body feels cold and can also be used to strengthen the immune system (because of its effect on the blood). Issues treated by moxibustion include obstetrical conditions, such as breech babies, menstrual cramps, pain from injury or arthritis, digestive problems, frozen shoulder, and even colds and flu.
Generally, during an acupuncture treatment, moxa is used on areas corresponding to acupuncture points, which is why moxa is said to enhance the effect of acupuncture needles. A classical Chinese text about acupuncture says, “When a disease fails to respond to medication and acupuncture, moxibustion is suggested.”

Moxibustion is however not indicated if you present symptoms of internal heat, it is therefore important to ask your practitioner if the practice is right for you.

Does moxa hurt?

Moxa should not hurt but if however the moxibustion ever feels too hot, tell your acupuncturist and he or she will remove it immediately.

What does moxa look like?

There are many different types of moxa (see image below). There is loose moxa, moxa that has been molded into sticks, and okyu (moxa that’s rolled into small pieces about the size of a rice grain). There are also moxa boxes, moxa sticks, smokeless moxa sticks, tiger warmers among others.

Certain moxa types are better suited for smaller areas while others are used to bring heat to a larger area on the body.

Can I do moxa on myself?

Yes. One of the safest ways to do moxa on yourself is to use a moxa stick, which does not get applied directly to the skin but held about an inch above the skin to produce a warming effect on the general area.
At this time of year, when we are feeling the lingering chill of winter, moxibustion can go a long way in making you feel better.

Better Sleep with Acupuncture

2014-01-29T22:14:00.002+01:00

Almost half of us suffer from disrupted sleep, yet very few people know of alternatives to medication to help us sleep. Acupuncture, now tried and tested over centuries, has shown to be effective in regulating sleep. In addition, some simple lifestyle changes can make a world of difference to your sleep patterns.

If the insomnia is stress related, maybe you can find ways to manage the stress better, such as: getting regular exercise or taking up activities like yoga, taichi or meditation.
Working late at night or watching TV in bed before going to sleep could be too much stimulation for your brain just before bed. Indeed people tend to sleep better if by the time they go to sleep they have had some time to unwind and rest their minds.
If you are going to sleep after a heavy meal, it can make it harder to get to sleep, so is having caffeine.

If you are guilty of any of these habits, trying to change them may be all you need to do. If however your sleep doesn't improve, acupuncture is a natural option to tackle the issue. In addition, it has none of the side effects that sleeping pills can have and you may find that other aspects of your physical and mental state improve. Acupuncture aims at restoring balance overall and common effects of treatments are feeling more relaxed, more energy, having better digestion, and better sleep.

Studies have shown effectiveness

A 2007-2008 study in Taiwan involving 33 patients with primary insomnia found that acupuncture was as effective as the drug zolpidem (sold under the brand names of Ambien, tilnox, and Sublinox). In that study, participants were either given one acupuncture treatment per week or 10 mg of zolpidem per night. "Researchers found both groups improved over time at a similar rate," said summary of the study, suggesting that acupuncture may be an effective therapy for insomnia.

Another 2013 study concluded that a combination of acupuncture and moxibustion for the treatment of insomnia. Across the board improvements included better sleep quality, better time to fall asleep and improved daytime function in the group receiving both acupuncture and moxibustion.

The most common treatment for insomnia is, unfortunately, medication - not just sleep aids but also benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants. The tricyclic antidepressants can have debilitating and undesirable effects too, such as dry mouth, orthostatic hypotension (dramatically decreased blood pressure upon standing or standing too quickly), urinary retention or heart arrhythmias.

Acupuncture allows for an individualized approach

Acupuncturists take a detailed history, which includes questioning, pulse analysis and tongue diagnosis, to give a complete picture of the patient as a whole. As a result, two different patients with insomnia are likely to get different treatments, depending on each person's constitution (strength and type of overall body and health) and other factors (overall health, emotional state, etc).

In general, you are most likely to get your best night's sleep right after your acupuncture treatment, and the effect may subside after several days. Therefore, you will generally need a course of acupuncture treatment to have a more sustained effect and to fully resolve chronic insomnia.

Suffering through Menopause? HRT isn't the only answer

2013-10-26T18:11:00.000+02:00

"What is happening to my body?" is the question many women ask themselves in the midst of the many hormonal changes leading to menopause and many women suffering acutely wish there was a way out of going through "the change". Although there is no way to avoid this natural transition in a woman's life, there are many things that can help ease the unpleasant symptoms and reinforce the positive benefits of becoming a post-menopausal woman.

Menopause is a transitional period marking the cessation of ovulation in a woman's body. This time of change may last a few months to several years. Symptoms vary from mild to severe, and are brought on as our bodies try to adapt to decreasing amounts of hormones. Symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, mood swings, memory loss, vaginal dryness, headaches, joint pain, and weight gain. Medical treatment is usually through Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). While this may alleviate hot flashes and prevent osteoporosis, it will also increase the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer, and have a number of significant side-effects, hence the confusion and debate surrounding this therapy.

But HRT isn't the only solution. Menopause is an area in which Oriental Medicine shines. Acupuncture has the ability to detect energetic changes that occur in the body and quickly relieve symptoms such as hot flashes, foggy mind, and irritability. According to Chinese Medical theory, menopause occurs when a woman's body begins to preserve blood and energy in order to sustain her vitality and longevity. Thus, in the Chinese Medicine system, menopause is seen in a more positive light and in fact Asian women tend to suffer less from unpleasant symptoms comes the menopause.

Evidence that acupuncture has been used for women's health in China can be found in early medical literature dating back over 2,000 years and recent studies suggest that acupuncture is an effective treatment for hot flashes, anxiety, insomnia and many other symptoms associated with menopause. A 1989 study into the effectiveness of acupuncture for hot flushes showed that 85% of women reported an improvement, including 20% who experienced complete remission. More recent research (University of Tromsø, 2009) showed that 10 acupuncture treatments over 12 weeks could reduce hot flashes and improve sleep.

Traditional Chinese Medicine does not recognize menopause as one single condition. Instead, it aims to treat the specific symptoms that are unique to each individual using a variety of techniques such as acupuncture, lifestyle/dietary recommendations and exercises to correct imbalances found in the body.

Although these suggestions work for many women, every woman is different and Chinese medicine treatments are tailored to the individual. For more information or an appointment with Carole Duménil, call 693 939 188 or visit www.5element-acupuncture.com.

Acupuncture and Back Pain

2013-10-09T15:50:00.000+02:00

Back pain is one of the leading causes of work-related sickness absence. Approximately 40% of people experience lower back pain at some point in their adult life. Acute episodes are usually less than 6 weeks in duration, while chronic lower back pain can last for more than 12 weeks.
The causes can range from strains in the muscles of the back, or a structural problem like a damaged vertebral disc which can result in a pinched or irritated nerve. Back pain can also be a symptom indicating a kidney infection. Western medical treatment in the acute phase is generally by pain relief with Paracetamol, and anti-inflammatories such as Diclofenac. In the long term physiotherapy is used to encourage, through exercises, the strengthening of the muscles of the back.

Traditional acupuncture regards symptoms like back pain as an indication that the body's Qi (or energy) is out of balance in some way. The nature and extent of the imbalance is determined through diagnosis, and this is achieved through asking the patient to relate the history of the complaint, the nature of the symptoms, and information about what improves or aggravates them. The practitioner will also need to examine the pulse, which is felt at both wrists, with particular attention being paid to qualities such as strength, depth and rhythm.

Treatment can be directed at either the root of the imbalance or the outward manifestation. In the case of lower back pain there are specific acupuncture points which can address the root or systemic cause of the problem; or points which can be used to alleviate the immediate pain and inflammation. It s not unusual to treat both the systemic cause and the outward manifestation in the same treatment.

Modern research has generally shown that acupuncture is significantly better than no intervention, and at least as effective as the standard Western medical interventions (more information on http://www.acupuncture.org.uk/a-to-z-of-condiions/a-to-z-of-conditions/back-pain.html). The use of traditional acupuncture in the treatment of low back pain received a significant endorsement in May 2009 when the National Institute of clinical Excellence, NICE published a guidance paper for GP's recommending that they offer a course of 10 sessions of acupuncture as a first line treatment for persistent, non specific lower back pain, http://www.nice.org.uk/CG88

To find a qualified practitioner in your area please use the following link:
http://www.acupuncture.org.uk/find

See how acupuncture helped plumber Stephen with his back pain (British Acupuncture Council):

Prepare for the cold & flu season

2013-10-09T15:34:00.001+02:00

By paying attention to your body and recognizing the first signs of a cold or flu, you may be able to prevent it from developing. Common first signs include: scratchy throat, sneezing, achiness in your body or head, feeling unusually tired, sensitivity to wind or drafts, or even just not wanting to go outside without an extra layer of clothing.

In addition to getting acupuncture as soon as possible, there are a number of things you can do to help boost your immune system so you can fight the illness more quickly and effectively.

Chinese medicine classifies colds and flus into two primary categories, depending on whether the primary signs are more of heat or of cold.
Heat signs include fever/feeling hot, thirst, sweating, headache, painful sore throat, yellow/green nasal discharge and an aversion to heat.
Cold signs include feeling chilled, sneezing, a stiff neck, lack of sweating, clear/white nasal discharge and an aversion to cold.

Home remedies

For heat signs, help your body cool while it fights the pathogen.
Add ½ cup of chrysanthemum flowers and ½ cup of mint leaves to 4 cups of water and boil for 20 minutes to make a tea. To stay hydrated, thsi mix of juices is especially effective: 1 head of cabbage, 2 cucumbers, 2 oranges and 1 cup of dandelion greens.
For cold signs, help your body clear the pathogen by using warming foods that help you sweat.
Have a steaming bowl of miso soup with extra scallions. You can also make a tea with: 1 chopped scallion, 3 slices of fresh ginger, 1 chopped garlic clove, some basil and a pinch of powdered cinnamon. Add to 3 cups of water and bring to a boil.

The best way to fight colds and flus is still to avoid getting them in the first place. Wash your hands often and avoid touching common items in public places such as door handles. Also, keep yourself warm, dry and well nourished so your body can use its energies to protect you.

Arthritis and Acupuncture

2013-10-09T09:43:00.000+02:00

Osteoarthritis is, as anyone who has this condition will know, can be extremely painful, and debilitating. From a biomedical standpoint it affects the cartilage and other parts of the body's joints; mainly the knee and hip. The condition is characterised by short or extended episodes of significant pain and loss of function, that is often accompanied by inflammation. The treatments which western medicine have developed to treat osteoarthritis range from various pain relief and steroid preparations to joint replacement.

Acupuncture, on the other hand, is based on the principles underlying traditional Chinese medicine theory. It may, as a stand alone treatment or in combination with western medical treatment, help relieve pain and improve movement for patients suffering from osteoarthritis. Acupuncture has, as an underlying principle a holistic approach to health, and it recognizes that we are all closely connected with nature and the earth. From a scientific point of view we are composed of the same fundamental constituents that are found in all elements of life and we are also subject to the same cycles that exist in nature. Another important concept underpinning acupuncture and Chinese medicine is that of Qi or vital energy. Symptoms or conditions such as osteoarthritis are thought, from the standpoint of Chinese medicine to arise from imbalances in the body's Qi.

Acupuncture seeks to treat the person as a whole rather than specific symptoms in isolation. This is achieved by correcting the imbalances in the flow of Qi, which are diagnosed through taking a detailed medical history, examination of the tongue coating and reading the pulses at the wrist. The treatment is carried out by the insertion of very fine needles into specific points. An important aim of treatment is also to improve the harmony of the body's natural cycles and in this way help maintain health.

If you would like more information about acupuncture in the Costa del Sol please visit costadelsolacupuncture.es.

In addition, the British Acupuncture Council website has facts sheets about the condition: http://www.acupuncture.org.uk/a-to-z-of-conditions/a-to-z-of-condit...

and Arthritis research UK also has lots of helpful information http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/support-us/get-involved/national...

Increase Lactation for Breastfeeding Naturally

2013-07-24T13:32:00.000+02:00

While it is a wonderful decision to breastfeed your baby, because of the short and long term benefits for both mother and baby, at times it might be a bit of a challenge to produce breast milk on demand in order to meet a newborn’s need.

Here are a few simple and easy methods that can stimulate milk production:

#1 Drink Enough Water

Approximately 3 to 5 days after giving birth is when a mother’s milk is expected come in. If the milk production is low, the best option at this point is to increase one’s water consumption prior to breastfeeding.

#2. Apply Warm Towels to the Breast to Increase Milk Flow

First sterilize two small towels in hot water; let it cool some what, and then apply them to both to the breast. Remove both towels after 3 to 5 minutes and then breast feed. This should increase the flow of milk dramatically

#3 Eat Well

This may seem like common sense but it is very important to eat a balanced diet when breastfeeding as you need proper nutrition yourself in order to produce milk for your baby. It is also a good way to ensure that the baby is getting a balanced food intake and that your body is able to recover from childbirth in the best conditions.

#4 Gentle Exercise

Going for a walk after eating will also increase milk production, because you are increasing the digestive process and burning energy which increases the secretion of gastric juices.

#5 Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds and fennel tea have traditionally been used for stimulating milk production almost immediately.

To make fenugreek tea, add a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds to 2 cups of water in a pan and bring to the boil. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes and then remove from the stove and set it aside to brew for about a half hour or until the tea turns dark brown to black. It is then ready to drink although you may add sugar or honey to taste.

You can also use fennel tea but always make sure that you allow the tea bag to brew in the hot water before removing tea bag from cup. Then sweeten to taste.

#6 Acupuncture
Acupuncture has long been used to address issues of milk production and recent modern research shows its efficacy. According to Chinese medicine, insufficient milk production is characterized by either:
- breasts are soft and the milk production is insufficient
- breasts are distended but the milk is not flowing
The use of acupuncture can trigger the body to release more prolactin, a hormone essential to milk production. Acupuncture can also help reduce inflammation and breast engorgement.

Acupuncture Helpful for Fibromyalgia, According to New Study

2013-07-24T11:59:00.000+02:00

The June 2013 edition of the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies reports on a study that found acupuncture helpful with fibromyalgia symptoms, including reducing pain sensitivity ...

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is believed to affect between 3% and 5% of the population according to a survey in five European countries. Conventional therapies often have limited success in treating this complex and unexplained condition and the treatment strategy often consists in prescribing different medications for the varying symptoms in a trial and error approach. A vast majority of fibromyalgia sufferers tend to turn to complementary therapies to manage their symptoms. Acupuncture, in particular, has become a popular treatment choice and has shown to be an effective treatment modality.

What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and profound fatigue. The pain is often described as a diffuse, aching or burning sensation and may change in intensity and change location although it is commonly more severe in parts of the body that are used the most. The accompanying fatigue may range from feeling tired to experiencing the exhaustion of a "flu like" illness. It can come on suddenly, leaving the person feel completely drained, as if someone just "pulled the plug". While not all affected persons experience all associated symptoms, the following symptoms commonly occur together:

• chronic pain
• debilitating fatigue
• difficulty sleeping and unrefreshing sleep
• joint stiffness
• chronic headaches (ranging from ordinary headaches to migraines) and jaw pain
• hypersensitivity to smells, bright lights and loud noises
• lack of concentration ("foggy or fuzzy head") and poor memory
• irritable bowel syndrome
• numbness or tingling in the fingers and feet
• poor circulation in hands and feet

Although fibromyalgia is not new, it can be difficult to diagnose as the condition cannot be identified through standard tests (X-rays, laboratory tests) but the widely accepted criteria for diagnosis are:
- pain in all four quadrants of the body for a minimum duration of three months and
- pain on pressure in at least 11 of 18 designated tender points on the body

Most people report that their symptoms started after a physical or emotional trauma, a period of stress or overwork, sometimes accompanied by a bout of flu or other illness that the person didn't fully recover from although in some cases there appears to be no triggering event. Fibromyalgia affects more women than men and age may be a factor too.

Eastern Perspective on Fibromyalgia

As with any other Western "disease" or pathology, Chinese medicine does not classify fibromyalgia as one specific disease pattern. Rather it looks at the condition as a disruption of the flow of energy or Qi in the body which may be characterized by a stagnation or a deficiency of Qi in several areas (more commonly affecting the Liver, Spleen, Kidney and Heart meridians).

Treatment then aims to address the specific imbalance unique to each individual depending on the intensity and location of the pain, the person's constitution, emotional state, digestive health, sleeping patterns and an array of other signs and symptoms. Therefore, if several people presenting with fibromyalgia are treated with acupuncture, it is very likely that they would receive a different treatment involving the use of different acupuncture points and different lifestyle and dietary recommendations.

If you suffer from fibromyalgia, acupuncture may be able to ease your symptoms and help you get back your health and vitality. Contact us for more information.

Healthy Summer Eating and Chinese Nutrition

2013-07-23T18:40:00.001+02:00

Summer is now in full swing, with plenty of BBQ, beach time, and most of us are spending a lot of time basking in the sun, either sun bathing or exercising outside. However, in Southern Spain the sun rays are strong and the heat can be intense so it is important to take extra precautions this season. Summer may be a time for fun and parties but it also holds risks such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, skin cancer or food poisoning to name but a few. Early signs of heat exhaustion can creep up on us if we do not stay well hydrated. Children, the elderly and those of us weakened by illness are more likely to suffer from it but it can affect any of us and some symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

Feeling lightheaded or dizzy

Fatigue,weakness

Headache

Nausea and possibly vomiting

Cool,clammy and pale skin

It is extremely important to drink plenty of fluids, to stay in the shade especially in the hottest hours of the day and to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. However this may not be sufficient and the intake of proper nutrients can aid in optimizing your health during these hot summer days. How do you know what foods are beneficial in the summer time?

Chinese Medicine advocates that in order to preserve health one should eat in accordance with the seasons and summer is perceived as a time when energy is abundant and the mood is high. This season is about expansion, growth, activity and creativity. Seasonal fruits, brightly coloured, reflect this principle, and so should our daily consumption of foods.

As with every season, it is beneficial to eat foods according to their energetic qualities. Chinese nutrition does not look at foods based on their calories, carbohydrate, fat or protein content. Rather, food is classified according to its energetic temperature, taste, ability to moisten and strengthen or to calm and reduce excesses. In the summer months, when heat is at its peak, foods that are energetically hot or heating in nature are usually best avoided and they include foods such as ginger, garlic, chicken and lamb. Similarly, foods that have cooling properties and that will help clear heat, reduce toxins and generate body fluids will be beneficial and some of the "cooling" fruit and vegetables are:

Tomato	Cucumber	Mung Bean
Asparagus	White Mushroom	Lentil
Sprouts (alfalfa, mung bean)	Peas	Spinach
Courgette and Summer Squash	Bamboo Shoots	Bok Choy
Turnip	Broccoli	Watercress
Millet	Corn	Pearl Barley
Watermelon	Apricot	Melon
Grapefruit	Lemon	Orange

For the salad lovers, summer is a good time to enjoy a light refreshing summer vegetable or fruit salad. Indeed, in this season we are more likely to crave a light and cooling meal. However, for people suffering from excess cold (feeling cold all the time and tendency to a sluggish digestion and loose stools), the intake of raw foods and cold foods (e.g. ice cream, iced cold drinks) should be limited as they could worsen your symptoms. For optimal health, it is best to eat according to the seasons but also to your constitution.

Tips to prevent dehydration and alleviate thirst

Keep a pitcher of water with slices of lemon and/or cucumber and fresh mint around the house.
Blend watermelon with water to make a delicious watermelon juice drink.
Make cold or hot tea with mint or chamomile.
Cook foods quickly, either by sautéing, steaming or simmering quickly.
Cook with small amounts of spicy or pungent spices to balance the cooling properties of foods.
Eat in moderation. Over consumption of any food, especially cooling foods, can lead to food stagnation and phlegm accumulation, which leads to sluggishness and possibly diarrhoea.
Do not leave your food out for too long. The hot weather tends to increase food spoilage.
Stay away from dairy and from heavy, greasy or fried foods.

Keep in mind that these are general summer nutrition tips applicable to everyone. It is important to acknowledge that you are your own unique individual and your diet should reflect this principle regardless of the season.

The strength of Chinese therapeutic nutrition focuses on the individual person. The trendy "one size fits all" diets out there do not fit all. Chinese nutrition takes into account what type of person you are and what conditions you might posses. If you tend to run warm and are thirsty all the time, you want to incorporate more cooling fruits and vegetables in your diet. If you are the type who complains about being cold all the time, it is a good idea to add some warming spices or foods like ginger in your summer food preparation.

Have a happy and healthy summer!

Not feeling a spring in your step this spring? That may be down to your Liver...

2013-04-06T17:12:00.000+02:00

Hopefully colds and flus are now behind us and hayfever isn't in full swing yet so why are some of us feeling off in the early days of the Spring season? The culprit may be your Liver meridian! Chinese medicine considers each season to be a peak time for specific organs and functions and transitions from one season to the next are times when imbalances can show forth and when we can struggle through a little more than usual. If your Liver isn't in tip top conditions it will be all the more vulnerable at this time of year and you could find a number of things more difficult. Note that in Chinese medicine this encompasses your actual liver organ as well as other functions and physiological processes so don't rush to the doctor and have your liver functions checked out just yet!

So how does this manifest you might ask....It may be a time however when you get more frequent headaches, when your joints get stiffer, when you feel more irritable or your digestion isn't as smooth. The Liver function may also affect your susceptibility to develop allergies at this time of year, especially if they affect your eyes a lot (dry and irritated or itchy eyes).

Spring should be a time when the Liver and all its associated functions should thrive but before reaching that state it may struggle to finds its balance through the seasonal transition.
Acupuncture can help balance your whole system and especially so your Liver so if you notice any of the following then acupuncture may be just what you need at this time:

You have more frequent headaches and other pains than normal: in Chinese medicine the Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and when it fails to function properly we may experience sensations like pressure, tightness so tension headaches or even menstrual cramps may be more prominent at this time. If you are experiencing one-sided headaches affecting the temple or eye area, that is also down to your lovely liver not feeling the love right now.

You feel tense, irritable or frustrated. Chinese Medicine associates the Liver to a smooth flow of energy throughout the body and healthy tendons and ligament so poor response to stress, feeling physically tense, stiff in your muscles or joints, clenching your jaw, having a shallow breathing are all signs that the Liver isn't working optimally and at this time of year those signs may even be exacerbated. If emotionally you fuse has become shorter and you find yourself more irritable and easily annoyed, that can also be down at least partly to one aspect of the Liver functions.

You digestion is not at its best, more specifically you experience wind, bloating, heartburns or constipation. These are all signs of "stuckness" from the Liver Qi not moving smoothly throughout your system.

Your eyes are dry and irritated. The eyes are associated with the Liver system and many eye problems are attributed to the Liver in Chinese medicine so if you notice eye pain and fatigue, dry eyes, itchy and irritated eyes (one symptom of hayfever).

Endometriosis and your Fertility

2013-04-03T17:09:00.000+02:00

This post has moved to http://dao-vida.com/2020/01/30/endometriosis-and-your-fertility/

Staying Healthy this Winter

2013-01-27T17:52:00.003+01:00

1. Eat for the season

To maintain your health in the cold months of winter, Chinese medicine recommends avoiding cold and raw foods, reducing salt to protect your kidneys, and increasing bitter flavors (like kale, for instance). As much as possible, avoid raw vegetables, cold salads, and icy cold foods and drinks. Include foods like shiitake mushrooms and spices like turmeric and garlic as they will support your immune system.

Include seasonal foods in your diet, such as warming foods like leeks, onions, and turnips or iron-rich foods like spinach, broccoli, dried plums, oats, quinoa, sunflower and sesame seeds, walnuts, yams, squash, kale, garlic, scallions, and parsley. Hearty soups are a great way to warm and nourish during the winter months. It is also best to drink plenty of warm or hot drinks.

Photo by Brigitte Tohm from Pexels

A warming tea recipe: Astragalus and Codonopsis Chai (recipe by Methow Valley Herbs)

2 parts codonopsis root (Codonopsis pilosula)

2 parts astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus)

one part cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.)

one part ginger (Zingiber officinalis)

1/2 part cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)

1/4 part clove (Eugenia caryophyllata)

1/4 part peppercorns (cubeb berries are also nice)

Make big batches and store it in a jar. When you are ready to make the drink, use 1/2 cup of the total mixture and simmer for 40 minutes in a quart of water. (This can also be done in a crockpot overnight on low). Then strain the tea off and pour it into a mug until the mug is 3/4 of the way full. Then add some type of milk for the last 1/4.

2. Early to bed, rise when the sun is up

Ancient Chinese medicine texts recommend to go to sleep early and wait to let the sun is up before rising from bed. Like some many other things in nature, it is time for us to hibernate and sleep longer so try to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night.

3. Store your energy

The colder and darker months of winter urge us to slow down. This is a time when all living things take a rest and replenish their energy reserves before bursting back to life in the spring. Certain activities are especially in harmony with the energy of winter and although physical movement and exercise is essential for circulating Qi and Blood throughout the body, it is important to avoid perspiring excessively in winter. At this time of year, favour moderate activity such as walking to nurture your energy reserves. It is also a good time of year for practicing taichi or qigong exercises.

If you can, avoid energy-depleting activities, try not to overload your days and be sure you give yourself some personal time, away from other people but also from the more and more pervasive technologies in our lives (mobiles, tablets, laptops, TV, etc). If you can, pick a day of the week to do your own "system restore", turn off the TV and limit your time on the phone or email.

4. Avoid cold and keep yourself warm

This may sound obvious but when the weather is sunny people often leave the house without dressing warmly. Pay special attention to your waist as if this area gets cold you will be more likely to feel cold and have an achy or stiff back. Chinese medicine puts special emphasis on the lower abdomen, considered the storehouse of the body's energy.

In addition, consider taking astragalus or ginseng. They are considered to be adaptogens (natural substances that improve the body's resistance to physical and environmental stress), hence boosting immunity.

Fend Off Colds and Flus this Autumn

2012-11-10T16:30:00.000+01:00

Gone is the Summer sunshine and warmth and as the weather gets colder, wetter and windier (especially of late), people are more likely to develop signs of colds (cough, sore throat, runny nose) or flu. The best way to treat a disease is to prevent it. So, do something to boost your immune system now before you start showing any symptom. Chinese herbs such as Huang Qi (Astralagus) are used to strengthen Qi and to boost the immune system.

Acupuncture can help rebalance energy, regulate the Qi and stimulate the immune system. Several clinical studies have demonstrated that acupuncture and herbal medicine in particular reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection and shorten the length of time one is ill. When you get sick with a cold or the flu, do not wait. Start acupuncture treatments in the early stages. It may help eliminate pathogenic influences.
Regular exercise of sufficient intensity (to warm you up, but not to make you sweat- not overdoing it) has been shown to reduce the incidence of the flu. Exercise such as Qi-gong, Tai-Chi, and Yoga can help reduce emotional and physical stress. It also strengthens the immune system and prevents disease from arising.

Keep a good diet. Make sure to eat a full balanced diet that is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Foods containing beta-carotene are thought to help boost your immune system and keep your mucous membranes and upper respiratory system healthy and harder to infect. Carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, garlic and tomatoes are high in beta-carotene. Eating lots of them during the flu season may help you avoid illness, or recover sooner.

Drink water to prevent dehydration. Ample liquids can help your body flush the invaders and the debris from their battle with your immune system. Chicken soup is recommended because it adds extra water and expels mucous to help you get rid of the illness. Try to drink an 8-ounce glass of water every hour. This is very important to help your body recover from the flu.
Extra rest will help you save energy for battling the illness. This is particularly important if you became sick when you were already tired or run down. Get more sleep and take a nap in the afternoon; it will help you recover faster.

Diet can help alleviate rheumatoid arthritis

2012-11-10T15:06:00.000+01:00

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition characterized by the fact that the immune cells, or lymphocytes, promote inflammation of the joints. The exact causes are still unknown and this chronic disease can lead to long-term joint damage resulting in chronic pain, loss of function and disability.

Rheumatoid arthritis progresses in three stages. The first stage is persisting synovitis, the inflammation of the synovial lining of the joints causing pain, warmth, stiffness, swelling and redness. In the second stage, the rapid division and growth of cells causes the synovium to thicken to the extent that it is palpable as a "boggy" swelling around the joints and tendons. In the third stage, the inflamed cells release enzymes that will damage the underlying cartilage, causing it to thin. Over time, the joint will lose its shape and alignment, eliciting more pain and loss of movement. Rheumatoid arthritis may at times last only for a while and go away; it may also go into remission and then flare up again, or it may continue indefinitely.

In Chinese Medicine, this condition is called Bi syndrome and is typically characterized into four types: Wind-Cold, Cold, Damp and Heat. During an initial consultation, including an assessment of the pulse and tongue, a diagnosis is made and your type of arthritis is determined. Specific acupuncture points are used and an appropriate diet is designed.

Green onions and ginger will help cases of Wind Bi. For Cold-Bi, black pepper and dry ginger are beneficial. Soy bean sprouts and pearl barley help cases of Damp-Bi while mung bean sprouts and winter melon are advised for Heat-Bi.

In addition, the following are useful for arthritis:

Helpful herbs and spices:

Black peppercorn, dill, fennel, coriander, marjoram, sage, saffron, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, onion, chives, garlic, horseradish (best if pickled in vinegar) and ginger root. Of these foods, onion and garlic are especially helpful in reducing the formation of inflammation as they contain the bioflavonid quercetin.

Beneficial Foods:

Fish with ample Omega-3 such as trout, anchovy, sardines, salmon, tuna and butterfish, chicken

Angelica, cinnamon bark (these last two as part of a herbal treatment). Pearl barley, tofu, celery and Chinese yam to help alleviate swollen joints.

You should also avoid any calcium inhibitors: excess meat or protein from any source (especially red meat, which tends to cause more inflammation), intoxicants (alcohol, tobacco, coffee), refined sugar and too many sweets, excess salt. Also restrict foods in oxalic acid, such as rhubarb, cranberry, plum, chard, beet greens and spinach.

Arthritis relief with Acupuncture

2012-11-10T14:04:00.001+01:00

A number of recent scientific studies have found evidence of the effectiveness of acupuncture in both providing pain relief and improving function for people with arthritis.

Western medicine defines arthritis as an inflammatory condition of the joints that is characterized by pain, swelling, heat, redness, and limitation of movement. In terms of Chinese medicine, arthritis can be linked to several patterns of disease, and acupuncture treatment will take into account both the root of the problem and its symptoms (for instance a prior exposure to cold that damaged joint, leading to an obstruction in the natural flow of Qi and blood and manifesting as pain in the joint). The acupuncture diagnosis will also vary depending on the types of symptoms (heat, stiffness, sharp pain, dull ache) and the overall state of the individual. The treatment protocol is therefore tailored to the person's specific symptoms and general physical and emotional state and is likely to be different from person to person.

The use of acupuncture in combination with gentle exercise such as taichi or qigong can be a very effective way to treat and manage joint and musculoskeletal disorders including arthritis. If you would like to start a course of treatment for your arthritis or joint pain, or a free 15-minute consultation visit our website http://5element-acupuncture.com/contact.html for contact details in the Costa del Sol and Gibraltar.

Acupuncture can ease the side effects of breast cancer treatments

2012-10-10T13:35:00.003+02:00

http://dao-vida.com/2012/10/10/acupuncture-ease-side-effects-chemotherapy/

Modern Life, Modern Illnesses

2012-09-18T18:08:00.002+02:00

Some of the diseases found in the minds and bodies of Westerners have not been around that long or at least never been so prevalent in the population such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, interstitial cystitis, depression and certain types of cancer to name but a few.

The pace of modern life is quicker than for previous generations, and with increased responsibilities comes the expectations to be always available through email or phone. In our environment, we are more exposed to chemicals and toxins than ever before. Alongside better standards of living and more comfortable lives, hospital admittances due to food allergies are increasing thanks in part to synthetic food additives. Due to long hours working and commuting, people are getting less exercise and less sleep.

Anxiety and depression are becoming more common as our immune and nervous systems are more and more exhausted by our lifestyle. However, each and every one of us can take better control of our own health to reverse some of our diseases or, better yet, prevent them altogether before they develop. A few helpful steps would be to:

Control what goes in your body: Whenever possible choose local, organic foods that are in season. You can also find a list of foods best eaten organically because of high pesticide content, as well as foods with the lest pesticides on this link. Also whenever possible, drink purified water and choose more natural products for clothing, bedding, furniture, and building materials.

Cleanse your body: Get acupuncture and use herbal medicine and teas to aid in your elimination of toxins through your sweat, urine, and bowels.

Make time for yourself: Work is important but so are you. Make time for exercise and make sure you enjoy doing it. Spend time having fun with people who make you happy. Get regular sleep. Go outdoors.