Acupuncture

Acupuncture and Skin

Acupuncture is an old therapeutic method that includes both needle and non-needle acupuncture.

Acupuncture and moxibustion

Acupuncture and moxibustion are two therapies that are commonly applied in combination. They have the same therapeutic theory and use the same stimulating points, though the equipment and materials used in the two methods are different. Acupuncture uses needles whereas moxibustion therapy uses heat produced by ignited moxa wool to stimulate certain points of body.

Acupuncture therapy

From a Western medical standpoint, there are over 2000 conditions that acupuncture can treat. The effects of acupuncture have been clinically shown to increase oxygen and blood flow, in order to speed up healing. Also, the hormonal system can be directly stimulated, which can aid in the repair of your body’s cells.

Acupuncture effectively treats acute urticaria, acne, herpes zoster, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, as well as rosacea, pruritus, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma and eczema.

There have been several reports in the medical literature that auricular (acupuncture applied to the ear) and electroacupuncture therapies reduce the symptoms of acne.

Non-surgical facelift


Acupuncture can reduce wrinkling and sagging of skin of the face. According to Chinese medicine, wrinkles and sagging can be a result of weak Qi, or low energy which could be a result of overwork, stress, fatigue, and poor digestion. The meridians of energy that flow towards the face that normally provide a lifting influence become deficient in energy.

By needling certain acupoints on the body, positive energy is stimulated and transmitted throughout the meridian pathways of those points that pass along the face (especially by the eyes and lips) together with oxygen, blood and nutrients, and therefore reducing wrinkles.

By using electro-acupuncture, facial muscle tissues are also stimulated to interlock among themselves and tighten the loosened muscle to achieve face lifting. Acupuncture also stimulates the body metabolism to achieve a healthier and younger looking skins and face.

Modern vs traditional acupuncture Traditional Asian acupuncture is based on correcting imbalances of Qi (the life force), blood fluids, yin and yang. By contrast, modern medical acupuncture is based on the knowledge of neurophysiology and stimulation of different points on the body to alter neuro-endocrine, autonomic and immune function. Modern medical acupuncture sometimes uses electrical currents to stimulate acupuncture points.

Tread with care There is low risk of infection when sterile disposable needles are used. Some patients may have a vasovagal episode during their first few treatments. Acupuncture is not an ideal option for patients who are on anticoagulants, because of the risk of developing hematomas. Serious complications, though extremely rare, include pneumothorax, organ injury and nerve injury.

Caution: If you opt for acupuncture to treat any skin condition, consult a qualified acupuncturist.

Ayurveda

Skin Guide
Know Your Ayurvedic Skin Types

According to the five element theory of Ayurveda, there are three main types of skin. This categorisation is based on the predominance of the three Doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Often, people have different skin-type in different phases of there life. You may be born with a certain skin-type, but that type may change with factors such as climate, diet, lifestyle and your environmental conditions.

Each skin type is susceptible to a different set of problems. Here is how to know your skin type, identify the problems and their causes, and find their solutions:

Vata Skin

This skin type has dominance of air and space elements. Vata skin type is dry, thin, fine pored, delicate and cool to the touch. When balanced, it glows with a delicate lightness and refinement that is elegant and attractive. When imbalanced, it is prone to excessive dryness and can even be rough and flaky.

Potential problems: The greatest beauty challenge for this skin type is its tendency to show symptoms of early aging. Being dry and thin, Vata skin tends to develop wrinkles earlier than other types. Bad digestion can make this type of skin look dull and greyish, even in 20’s and 30’s. Also, it is more susceptible to disorders such as dry eczema and skin fungus. Mental stress such as worry, fear and lack of sleep, has a powerful debilitating effect on Vata skin and can make it look tired and lifeless.

Pitta Skin

This skin type has dominance of fire and water elements. Pitta skin type is fair, soft, warm and of medium thickness. When balanced, it looks beautiful, slightly rosy or golden glow, as if illuminated from within. The complexion can be pinkish or reddish, and often there is a copious amount of freckles or moles.

Potential problems: Among the many beauty challenges of Pitta skin type is its tendency to develop rashes, rosacea, acne, liver spots or pigment disorders. Because of the large proportion of the fire element, this skin type does not tolerate heat or sun very well. Of all the three skin types, Pitta skin has the least tolerance for the sun, is photosensitive, and most likely to accumulate sun damage over the years. It is aggravated by emotional stress, especially suppressed anger, frustration, or resentment.

Kapha Skin

This skin type has dominance of earth and water elements. Kapha skin type is thick, oily, soft and cool to the touch. It has a glowing porcelain whitish colour complexion like the moon. Kapha skin type, with its more generous collagen and connective tissue, is fortunate to develop wrinkles much later in life than the other two types.

Potential problems: If imbalanced, it can have enlarged pores, excessively oily skin, moist types of eczema, blackheads, acne or pimples, and water retention. Kapha skin is also more prone to fungal infections.

Hydrotherapy

Ion Detox: Spa Your Way Healthy
Mark Sterling, Healthier Living 4 You

We are facing a global epidemic. On a daily basis, the food we eat, the air we breathe and the stress we endure allbombard our bodies to millions of harmful toxins, much to the detriment of our health and overall well-being. The accumulation of toxins in the body has been associated with decreased immune function, lower energy levels and the acceleration of the aging process.

Detoxification through ion technology, especially when administered in the form of footbaths, is one of the most effective ways of eliminating dangerous toxins from our bodies. By cleansing the body of these chemicals, detoxification helps to restore energy and vitality.

The best part is that this treatment feels more like a visit to a luxury spa than an actual medical treatment.

What is an ion?

An ion is a charged atom that has gained or lost an electron, creating a magnetic field capable of attaching to and neutralizing opposite-charged particles.

How it works….

While enjoying a soothing footbath, a device called an array is inserted into the water alongside your feet. The array is connected to a power supply that delivers a low-level, direct current into the water. The current separates the water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen, thereby generating positive and negative ions.

When it is set to positive, the current is directed to the positive pole, producing more negative ions in the water. Conversely, when the array is set to negative, the current is directed to the negative pole, which results in the production of more positive ions in the water.

The ions generated by the footbath travel through the body, attaching to and neutralizing oppositely charged particles. This creates an imbalance of charge between the body and the water. Through osmosis, the neutralized particles are drawn out through the sweat glands in your feet as they soak in the water. As a result, the footbath water will likely change colour, possibly even displaying a variety of colours, as well as flakes and speckles during a detoxification session. This is caused by a reaction between toxins from the body and particles in the water, and the acidity or alkalinity of the person undergoing the detoxification.

This detoxification procedure is non-intrusive and does not detract from the relaxing experience of a footbath.

Who might benefit from a detoxification?

Toxin build-up can detract from our body’s ability to function properly. By ridding our bodies of these toxins, we allow ourselves to heal.

Specifically, people suffering from the following conditions can benefit significantly from detoxification.

• Obesity

• Low energy

• Mood swings

• Irregular bowel movements or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Digestion problems (indigestion, heart-burn, belch and bloating etc.)

• Gallbladder problems (pain or stones)

• Chronic pain or arthritis

• Fibromyalgia

• High cholesterol

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Depression or anxiety

• Allergies or sensitivities (food and environmental)

• Skin problems (eczema, psoriasis, rashes)

• Gingivitis

• Bad breath

• Cancer

What can I expect from doing a detoxification?

Healthy individuals can expect to feel lighter and experience a greater sense of well-being from each session. In addition, people often report experiencing:

• Weight loss

• Stabilization of moods

• Increased energy

• Improved bowel movements

• Improved digestion (especially of fats)

• Improved liver function, specifically relating to the metabolism of nutrients

• Clearer mind

• Decreased cravings

Note: Detoxification is only one step in attaining and maintaining good health and is not meant as a replacement for a well-balanced diet and regular exercise.

Seniors

Learning is an important part of our lives. However, education has
historically catered mainly to children and young adults, because the
brain was thought to be at its most malleable during the formative years.
Although the learning process during this time is extremely important,
the brain’s development is no longer thought to be “hard-wired” and
immutable thereafter.

Common Ailments

Alternatives
Yeast Infection: Causes, Symptoms and Cures
Home Remedies

Yeast infections primarily inflict women of child-bearing age. According to the medical statistics, 70% to 80% of this infection is caused by Candida Albicans, a common strain of yeast. Normally, this and some other strains of yeast present in a woman’s vagina in miniscule amount, are kept in control by Lactobacillus Acidophilus which is a bacterium existing naturally in the vagina. However, when there is an imbalance of these organisms, yeast infection occurs.

Yeast Infection Causes:

• Broad-spectrum antibiotics, steroids and certain birth control pills that kill the bacteria responsible for maintaining the balance.

• During pregnancy and prior to menstruation a woman goes through hormonal changes. This can also contribute to yeast infection problem.

• When the vagina is frequently exposed to semen, the acidic balance of the vagina is affected causing the infection.

• Sanitary products, including sanitary napkins, sprays, body washes etc. (especially the ones with fragrance) can cause infections.

• Wearing tight clothing such as skin-fitted jeans does not leave room for skin to breathe and can create an environment for this infection.

• Reduced body immunity levels due to illness, lifestyle or heredity.

• Physical and mental stress can cause the yeast level to go up considerably.

• Diabetic conditions may cause the infection in certain cases.

Yeast Infection Symptoms

• Itching and burning in the vagina. May be mild in the beginning and increase gradually.

• Swelling, itching and burning around the skin surrounding the vagina (known the vulva). Vulva may become very tender and sensitive to even the lightest of contact.

• Vaginal discharge. This is typically white, thick and odourless secretion.

• Pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse.

• Burning sensation during urination, and sometimes even after urination, on the skin in and around the vagina.

Maintaining good hygiene and health can help prevent yeast infection. But if you get it then, rather than rushing to a drug store to pick up a quick-fix medication, try these home remedies. Not only they have a lasting effect, they save you the trouble of exposing yourself to known and unknown side-effects.

Following is a list of time tested home remedies for yeast infection:

• Daub diluted apple cider vinegar in the vaginal areas.

• Eat garlic. Raw as well as cooked garlic helps cure the infection.

• Include curds and yogurt in your daily diet to prevent and cure yeast infection.

• Soak a tampon into curds and place it in the vagina for at least an hour. Repeat a couple of time a day. This helps as it takes the healthy bacteria from the curds to replace the unhealthy yeast bacteria.

• Include buttermilk in your daily diet to prevent and cure yeast infection.

• Mix olive leaf extract and grapefruit seed extraction in a glass of water to prepare a curative tonic for this infection.

• A few drops of tea tree oil poured on a tampon and inserted in the vagina can provide some relief.

• For non-vaginal yeast infections, apply garlic paste directly on the affected parts. This remedy is not for the vaginal yeast infection.

• Avoid wearing tight underwear or acrylic garments. Opt for easy fitting cotton underwear and panties. Say NO to tight jeans, leggings and pantyhose.

• Use cotton sanitary pads without deodorant. Change them often. Avoid sprays and other such external agents as they could cause irritation.

• Wearing wet clothes for a long time can provide a breading ground for infection causing bacteria. Wash thoroughly your affected body parts and change into dry clothes as soon as possible.

• Avoid fruits that are rich in sugar content as this can fuel the yeast problem.

• Avoid foods high in carbohydrates as these turn into sugar if not burned off through exercise. Instead, try to keep a diet that consists of mostly vegetables.

Men’s Health

Healthy Living
Choosing Mens Underwear: Boxers vs. Briefs
Men’s Health

Choosing men’s underwear

Boxers or briefs? It is as perplexing as the chicken-egg question. This men’s room debate came into open during 1992 MTV Rock the vote special, when a young lady flanked former President Bill Clinton with this question. Well, if you are guessing an answer, he is “usually” a brief guy.

But in spite of what Bill Clinton, Superman and Spiderman have in common, many men prefer boxers. They believe that nothing can beat the feeling of freedom. On the other hand, brief buffs bet on the sung feeling.

However, whether you belong to the “freedom” camp or "tighty whities" camp, there are some myth-busting facts you should know about man’s underwear.

• Women prefer men in boxers.

Men may love the idea of women banishing the bra – but women creed is intelligent enough to not consider it a reason enough for the bounce. Hope you got the hint!

• Boxers are sexier

May be, if it helps you camouflage your flab. Briefs are what many models prefer to strut their stuff.

• Potent power

Counting on your boxers for a better sperm count? A study done by the doctors from State University of New York at Stony Brook showed that underwear type didn’t affect semen quality or scrotal temperature, and did not affect fertility.

• Uncomfortable comfort

The looseness which makes boxer lovers go for them, can cause them to ride up. Now what’s so comfortable about your underwear halfway up your chest under your tight trousers? Also, the thick waistband boxers are adorned with often causes irritation.

• Boxers and health concerns

Not only boxers increase the chances of physical injury, lack of support down under is also linked to hernia.

• Briefs – the best bet?

Not really if you sit at one place for long periods of time. Wearing tight briefs can lead to moisture, warmth and friction between skin folds and your underwear causing problems of fungal infection, jock itch etc.

You can have best of both worlds

If you desire more room to breathe without sacrificing scrotal support, answer is boxer briefs. Shaped like briefs around the pelvis with legs like boxers, these are just firm enough to provide support without strangulation. Also, without giving up on the sex appeal of your bright, colourful boxers, you can wear briefs/boxer briefs underneath for the support.

Protect your possession

For athletics, briefs are necessary. But if you are a boxer fan, arm yourself with a high quality athletic cup and supporter. An athletic supporter prevents strain on delicate cords and muscles during periods of action.

The supporter pouch or a jockstrap also confines the genitals and protects them from external injuries. When choosing a jockstrap, look for a medium-tension pouch that is soft and roomy to allow for comfortable suspension

Hard cups are highly recommended for both football and baseball. Supporters with a narrow waistband are best for running and swimming. Many athletes choose to wear more than one pair of underwear at the same time for extra support.

Getting injured on a bike is very common. Wearing briefs or supporters helps. On the steps and on a bumpy surface you should walk your bike or stand up on the pedals to protect your groin.

In case of an injury, lie down and apply an ice pack for immediate relief. An anti-inflammatory like Tylenol or ibuprofen may also help. See a doctor as soon as possible. In case of dizziness, swollen testicle or persisting pain head to your nearest emergency room.

Remember, your underwear is not a fashion apparel, it’s a necessity.

Sexual Health

Healthy Living
Transgendered: In Quest of a Place on the Gender Spectrum
Transexuals

An interesting way to look at gender identity is to imagine a spectrum between the standard "male" and "female" sexes. Physical, mental, and emotional factors all help us decide where we lie on that spectrum. While this concept sounds simple enough, it leads us to an understanding of the turmoil some people go through in a society that does not view gender as having grey or mid-points.

Furthermore, it takes a great amount of soul-searching to determine where, exactly, we lie in this spectrum. 

Transgendered individuals are those who feel uncomfortable within their predefined biological gender roles. They feel more at ease somewhere on the spectrum other than at the end points, "male" or "female." The American Psychiatric Association diagnoses these individuals as having "gender identity disorders." Such a diagnosis seems to stick another label on someone who seeks freedom from categories. However, the diagnosis can often help individuals achieve a sense of rightness.

Many individuals make a decision to move to a different place on the spectrum. They seek to achieve a more appropriate identity through the use of clothing choices, name changes, hormone therapy, surgery, or other means that feel right for them. The end result is a sense of liberty.

MEDICAL ISSUES

Mental Health

As if feeling out of sorts in your own body and making a difficult decision, aren’t rough enough; transgender individuals face a whole new set of problems when exercising their choices of change. First, seeking our financial, medical, and psychological help can be difficult. Once resources have been found and the process is underway, unexpected feelings may arise.

Individuals, who have been socialised as one gender, face emotional obstacles as they make changes. Peers may also be unsporting. Extreme physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes happen. All this leads to high stress levels. During this time, individuals may become depressed or anxious, and may turn to substance abuse. Some people may even turn to suicide and self-harm. Having a counsellor who understands transgender issues is very important for making a successful transition.

Physical Health

Transgender individuals often take hormones throughout their lives. Others undergo surgeries that change their bodies. Both can have health effects that need to be acknowledged and monitored to maintain the good health of a transsexual person.

Transgender people often do not receive the thorough and sensitive health care they deserve. However, they are a population who require comprehensive medical attention. Hormone therapy can increase probability of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, thromboembolic events, liver abnormalities, and other diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the body in tip-top shape and regularly see a knowledgeable (who understand transgender issues well) physician. Aerobic exercise, yoga, tai chi as well as working with weights will help keep the body in good shape and keep bone density high.

Individuals in transition may benefit from calcium supplements. Also, it is important to drink plenty of water, eat a diet high in vegetables and omega-3 fats and to limit intake of sugar, trans fats and saturated fats.

Transgendered individuals should never borrow hormones from friends or buy them from the black market. Individuals should be beware of dietary supplements called "herbal hormones," and SHOULD NEVER use these without their physician’s permission. It is important to refrain from smoking while on hormone therapy as it can aggravate risks associated with hormones. Hormonal scans are a regular part of a medical check-up.

Some people who have undergone sex reassignment surgery do not realise that they may still have remaining breast or prostate tissue. It is important to be upfront with doctors about the surgery and be aware that screening of the breasts, uterus, and cervix (in female to male) or prostate (in male to female) may still be a priority.

Sexually transmitted diseases occur disproportionately among the transgender community. Like everyone, transgender people should keep their sexual partners to a minimum and use condoms every time. Furthermore, sharing needles is a dangerous practice and should never be permitted.

With great soul-searching, dedication, and a healthy lifestyle, every individual can find a happy place within the spectrum of gender.