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Frequency Specific Microcurrent Offers New Hope For People With Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia
Approximately 10 million Americans suffer from a condition known as fibromyalgia syndrome. This condition is characterized by widespread muscle pain, extreme fatigue and chronic non-restorative sleep disturbances for more than three months' duration. Although pain and inflammation are among the symptoms, they are not the cause of the disease. Therefore, treating the inflammation and pain of fibromyalgia with anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medication or even natural remedies is rarely effective. There are four common traumas that can cause fibromyalgia. Most patients with fibromyalgia have experienced one of the following events 4 to 12 months before their symptoms appeared: (1) neck injuries or cervical spine trauma; (2) toxicity or chemically induced trauma; (3) acute or prolonged severe emotional stress; and (4) immune system trauma from unresolved viral or undiagnosed illness. Although these traumatic events seem unrelated on the surface, each one can be the precipitating cause of two systemic problems present in almost every fibromylgia patient. The first effect is damage to the neuroendocrine system, resulting in adrenal exhaustion and hormonal imbalance. The second effect is the reduction of cellular energy in the mitochondria, which is the power-producing part of the cell. Recovery from fibromyalgia requires that all causative factors and the hormonal and cellular energy production problems be addressed and corrected. Although this approach has been effective with all types of fibromyalgia, this article will address the evaluation and treatment of fibromyalgia caused by cervical spine trauma. Approximately 25 percent of patients with fibromyalgia report the onset of pain following a cervical trauma. The most common injuries result from motor vehicle accidents (whiplash), surgeries, trauma from falling down or injuries from lifting or moving heavy objects. The symptoms associated with cervical truma-induced fibromyalgia include: neck pain; burning pain between the shoulder blades, shoulder, arm, hand, back, leg and foot: headaches; fatigue; weakness; sleep disturbance; depression; and digestive problems. Patients with this type of fibromyalgia complain of aching, burning, sharp, shooting and/or stabbing pain. A new treatment called frequency specific microcurrent (FSM) offers hope to patients with fibromyalgia. A clinical trial of 160 patients with cervical trauma-induced fibromyalgia treated from 1999 and 2003 was conducted using FSM. On a subjective pain scale (1=no pain to 10=severe pain), these patients reported an average pain reduction from 7.3 to 1.3 after their initial treatment with FSM. The treatment involved the use of 200 to 600 microamperes of direct electrical current to the spinal cord. Condition and tissue-specific frequencies are utilized to effectively reduce the inflammation in the spinal cord and restore normal nerve conduction. Most patients benefiting from this treatment were pain-free for the first time in years. The initial pain relief lasted five to 48 hours and was the start of recovery. Follow-up FSM treatments were conducted twice a week and most patients required daily use of a home FSM unit to control the pain. The average number of treatments to remain pain-free was 10 treatments. Recent studies have determined a biological mechanism for the result seen in patients. FSM treatment affected the serum levels of several biochemical constituents including IL-1, IL-6, TNF-a, Substance-P and LOX, which are inflammation/pain-related biological chemicals. All were significantly reduced when measured after the FSM treatment. There was also a dramatic increase in b- endorphin, a naturally-occurring chemical which helps reduce pain, and a 500 percent increase in ATP, the body's fuel storage molecule used in cellular energy production. Dietary changes and nutritional supplements were combined with the FSM treatments to address other contributing factors, such as the endocrine and cellular energy weaknesses in all patients. Furthermore, depending on the individual needs of the patient, the following imbalances were corrected before a lasting recovery could be reached: neurotransmitter (serotonin and catecholamine) deficiencies, digestive problems, liver, adrenal, and thyroid dysfunction, soft tissue and joint problems, and unresolved mental/emotional issues. Beyond alleviating the effects of fibromyalgia, FSM also has shown great promise in the successful treatment of athletic injuries, chronic or acute joint pain/stiffness, pain associated with gall stones and kidney stones, closed head injuries, shingles, post herpetic neuralgia, infections, diabetic ulcers, wound healing, and other conditions that are often unresponsive to conventional medical treatment. William Nelson, NMD is a naturopathic medical doctor that specializes in the treatment of acute and chronic illnesses using a combination of natural medicine and the latest advances in medical science. 7500 E. Pinnacle Peak A207 Scottsdale, AZ 85255 http://www.theelementsofhealth.com 480-563-4256
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Alternative Medicine How To Lower Cholesterol Without Prescription Drugs Don't accept that prescription just yet. In most cases it's possible to take control of your cholesterol naturally, without the use of prescription drugs. First, you need to understand some facts on cholesterol. Kokoro no Kaze: Does Your Soul Have a Cold? Feeling sad? Have you lost interest in things you used to enjoy? Perhaps you are suffering from a cold of the soul. The Maharishi Ayurveda Approach to Allergies Allergies: The Ayurvedic Answer Know About the All Purpose Holistic Medicine Understanding what holistic medicine is: Six Smoothie Recipes for Constipation and Acne Relief I recommend drinking a morning smoothie if you have constipation or if you have skin problems like acne. Drinking a high fiber smoothie relieves and prevents constipation. It will also provide the nutrients that are necessary for having or keeping a nice clean and smooth skin. 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DeLuca As each day passes, medical research communities strive to find alternative means of evaluating and treating specific conditions. One of those communities is comprised of a professional and highly educated team of PhDs at Alabama University at Birmingham, located in Birmingham, AL. Sharon Ramey, PhD developer and head of research efforts (of Pediatric CI Therapy) with co-researchers, Stephanie C. Deluca, PhD, K. Echols, PhD., Pt. PCS, and E. Taub, PhD. broadened Pediatric CI investigations. Pediatric Constraint-Induced Therapy, (also called Pediatric CI Therapy) was initiated to further advance treatment in children suffering from neuromotor disabilities. Funded by a grant from the Alabama Health Service Foundation, the Pediatric Neuromotor Research Clinic was established and is now being co-directed by Drs. Echols and DeLuca. Shamanic Healing & Soul Retrieval Shamanic healing is one of the vast numbers of healing modalities available for us to experience today. Like acupuncture its roots are in the mists of time and like acupuncture it works with unseen energy. Acupuncture is usually associated with the East, while there have been shamanic healers for thousands of years in tribal communities all around the world. Full Spectrum Daylight Bulbs Simply Light Years Ahead! Sunlight is a vital nutrient, which regulates the activity of the hypothalamus gland that secretes seratonin, controlling our moods, biorythms, sleep patterns, body temperature, digestion and sex drive. In addition, the photochemical action of sunlight on our skin activates the production of vital Vitamin D essential for growth and maturation of cells, the maintenance of the bones and a healthy immune system. How To Have Optimal Health and Energy: Seven Key Steps Hello! The Many Uses of Mint There are many varieties of mint plants. If you want to brew tea, you go Swiss mint, apple mint or variegated peppermint. To flavor up your cooking, spearmint is the standard. Try Corsican mint for its carpet-like quality as a ground cover in your garden. Pain Relief: Is There an Alternative? Do you rely on Vioxx, Celebrex or Aleve (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs) to ease pain? If you suffer from inflammatory arthritis or pain due to injuries, you probably are familiar with one of these drugs. No doubt you have also heard recent reports linking some NSAIDs with an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Belonging to a class called Cox-2 inhibitors, the drugs in question work by reducing inflammation and pain, while having a minimal effect on stomach bleeding and ulcers. But several studies have raised questions as to the long-term consequences of using Vioxx, Celebrex, Aleve and, possibly, other drugs in this classification. What are the facts and do you have an alternative for pain relief? Improving Your Body Immune System The immune system in your body is an amazing functionality that produces antibodies to fight against any infections whether it is bacterial, fungal, or cancers. Any micro organism that invades our body is kept under check and it is destroyed by the immune system in our body. Any intrusion by a micro organism alerts the immune system and it produces antibodies against that particular micro organism to destroy it. Does A Compulsive Gambler Really Want To Stop Gambling? This question most gamblers ask themselves when they begin to realize gambling has affected their lives. Allergy Approaches through Lifestyle What we do is just as powerful as what we eat to keep ourselves operating at our very best health. This applies to taking care during allergy season as well. So, again, instead of just popping a pill and trekking ahead as usual. Try taking care instead. Colon Cleansing Colonics are one of the best types of medicine. They clean up deposits of old toxemia. Colon cleansing reduces the formation of new toxemia from putrefying fecal matter. Fruits, Juices, and Food for Relieving Hemorrhoids Part II Eating the right kind of food and following good eating habits will speed up your healing of your hemorrhoids. If you have a diet that is hard to digest and moves slowly through your colon, then, expect to have constipation which will encourage formation of hemorrhoids or prevent the their healing. Frankincense in Aromatherapy - Trees, Pearls, and Essential Oil The Mysterious FrankincenseUsed for many thousands of years, the Frankincense tree has perhaps the greatest association with spiritualpractice of any plant on earth. In most of the great ancient cultures,including the Egyptian, Babylonian, Persian, Hebrew, Greek and Roman civilizations, it has played a role inreligious and domestic life. Frankincense has been sought after by kings and valued as highly as gold. Morerecently, the essential oil is gaining popularity with spiritual seekers and natural healers alike. What isso special about this tree that its 'pearls' were given as a gift at the birth of one of history's most reveredprophets?The Hardy Tree and its Tears The Frankincense tree, or Olibanum, upon first glance, may seem rather unremarkable. It appears as agiant shrub, with many knurled branches topped with abundant slender leaves and occasionally, small white flowers.A native to northern Africa, it looks like it belongs in the desert, growing in some of the world'sharshest conditions. But it is not the tree itself, but rather its sap that has such profound lore surroundingit. Whenthe tree's bark is pierced with a knife (known traditionally as a 'Mingaf'), a milky-white oleoresin is exuded- thought the tree is not harmed. The resin forms droplets known as 'tears' or 'pearls', which harden intothe orange-brown gum known itself as Frankincense. The English name of this natural incense is derivedfrom the medieval French 'franc',meaning 'pure' or 'free', and from the Latin 'incensium', meaning 'to smoke'.History's Most Popular IncenseFor more than 5000 years, the hardened resin has been burned in temples throughout Egypt, China andIndia; the Catholic church continues to use it today during Mass. It is one of the four main ingredientsin Jewish ceremonial incense, forming an important part of the Sabbath day offerings. The smoke of Frankincense(as with other ritual incense) is thought to carry prayers to heaven upon it's smoke. It is also said todeepen the breath and still the mind, making it useful for meditation and yogic practice. Theincense may have health benefits as well, producing a highly antiseptic smoke, keeping churches and churchgoersfree from disease.According to ancient documents, the great Baal temple of Babylon consumed 2 and a half tons of Frankincensea year. The Frankincense trade was of immense importance in ancient times, peaking about 2000 years ago.Caravans grew to as many as 2 to 3 thousand camels in size. Cities grew up along the trade routes, and heavytaxes and fees for protection, lodging and camel fodder raised the cost of the resin considerably, so muchso that it was valued as much as gold. The wealth involved inspired Alexander the Great to plot to control theregion, though his death happened to preceed the invasion.Health BenefitsFrankincense resin is thought to have a bounty of health properties - it was an ingredient in a rejuvenateface mask in ancient Egypt (it was also charred and used as the classic heavy eyeliner seen in much ancientEgyptian art), and at one time was "used to treat every conceivable ill to man". In ayurvedic medicine itis known as salaiguggul,used for centuries to treat many conditions, including arthritis. Modern science has isolated the activecompounds found to have anti-arthritic properties. Called boswellic acids, these components inhibit theinflammatory process, improve blood supply and prevent further cartilage reduction.Frankincense Essential Oil Modern natural medicine and aromatherapy have taken to the use of the essential oil of Frankincense. The oil, havinga warm, woody, sweet aroma with a hint of citrus, is steam or CO2 distilled from the resin.It is used for respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, catarrh and asthma; for wrinkles, wounds and dryskin, and in cases of rheumatism, cystitis and leukorrea.The most important effect of the essential oil may be on the nervous system. Regarded as an antidepressant,the aroma can both relax and revitalize, and can help in cases of nervous tension and exhaustion. Frankincenseoil contains sesquiterpenes, which stimulate the limbic system, the hypothalamus, the pineal and the pituitaryglands. The oil is now being researched for it's ability to increase human growth hormone production. Further,it is considered to strengthen the immune system, which may in-fact occur as a result of it's uplifting properties.Frankincense essential oil can be used in a manner similar to burning of the incense in spiritual practice.Warming in a candle lamp or direct application to the temples and third eye will quiet the mind, deepen thebreath, and promote meditative stillness. It is often blended with Sandalwood, Myrrh and Cedarwood for suchuses, and the single-pointed concentration it invokes is thought to allow the spirit to soar.Experimenting with FrankincenseFrankincense resin is widely available at reasonable costs. Most is wildcrafted, being extracted fromtrees growing in the deserts of northeast Africa - thankfully, the resource is abundant, as the treeseasily survive harvesting of the pearls. The small chunks of resin can simply be lit by themselves ina dish or similar container, and allowed to smolder and release their smoke. Frankincense is also availablein prepared incense sticks and other incense preparations. In the form of your choosing, simply lightand allow some quiet time to experience the deep aroma.With the essential oil, a diffuser or warming lamp can be used to disperse the aroma throughout a space.The oil is also found in aromatherapy candles, where it is released from the heated oil beneath the burningwick. Frankincense oil can be applied directly to the forehead (it is non-irritating or sensitizing)where you can both capture the aroma and absorb the oil directly. Again, take a moment to sit quietlyto perceive any effects.The wonderful gift of the Frankincense tree is available in many ways, and has come highly recommendedfor many thousands of years. Try adding a little Frankincense to your life, and see what the mystery is all about! Spring Cleaning with Nontoxic Cleaners Spring cleaning goes beyond normal everyday cleaning. It's a major project of home revitalization: to make everything new by removing dust and dirt, to make sure everything is in good repair, and to put things in order, so that you will have everything in your household in working condition for the coming year.
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