Once an alternative treatment, acupuncture is making inroads into mainstream medicine, with evidence indicating that it can help with everything from allergies to stress and pain. At New York City Dr. Travall's Acupuncture, Dr. Croom takes an integrative approach to patient care using his acupuncture skills. He employs a comprehensive model to his clinic and patient care, including accurate evaluations, extensive treatments, and combined Western and Eastern medicine approaches to address various ailments, sports injuries, and other medical concerns. Explore the benefits of acupuncture by calling the office or booking an appointment online.
What Are The Various Forms Of Acupuncture Available?
With acupuncture, patients can benefit from a client-centered, tailored approach to various health concerns. For first-time patients, sessions start with a detailed consultation.
Although medical records are not necessary, they are always beneficial to bring along. Dr. Travall constantly ensures that his patients understand what kind of acupuncture they are getting and how it might help their bodies. Before they leave, patients obtain advice and suggestions on how to improve their rehabilitation and overall wellness.
Here are some of the acupuncture services Dr. Travall offers at Dr. Travall’s Acupuncture:
Cosmetic Acupuncture
Dr. Travall is one of New York City's finest acupuncture practitioners for his quality cosmetic acupuncture procedures that he specially designed. The technique combines Chinese medicine with contemporary Western techniques to achieve outstanding facial rejuvenation.
Dr. Travall lectures his system to acupuncturists across the globe, and he was the first to show that integrating celluma ® red-light therapy with acupuncture can be beneficial. These procedures encourage natural collagen generation and activate weaker facial muscles to produce a renewed, more youthful look without fillers.
Medical & Sports Acupuncture
Dr. Travall got his Ph.D. in acupuncture from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in New York City, specializing in orthopedics and sports medicine. He holds licenses in Pennsylvania and New York, where he currently resides.
Dr. Travall's body acupuncture blends conventional Chinese acupuncture procedures with a Western orthopedic and sports medicine framework that focuses on specific anatomical and orthopedic points (such as trigger points and motor points) to heal pain and injuries and improve athletic performance.
Some of the most prevalent physical points and areas of concern that Dr. Travall addresses include:
Dr. Travall also utilizes acupuncture and other holistic treatments to address various conditions. These include, but are not limited to:
• Fertility issues
• Migraines
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Digestive health concerns
Add Acupuncture Advantages
Dr. Travall is presently accepting new patients at Dr. Travall's Acupuncture and looks forward to working with them. FSA cards are permitted at his acupuncture clinic, and Super Bills can be provided for insurance compensation.
Are you looking to find out what acupuncture can do for you? Do not hesitate to talk to a specialist. Schedule a consultation at Dr. Travall’s Acupuncture through mobile or book online.
Our hectic life takes a heavy toll on our health, as we all have to put up with tight deadlines, long daily commutes or chores that eat up most part of our time.
According to some expert estimations, in 2014-2015 stress was the cause of 35% of all work related illness, almost half of all waking days being lost due to sickness.
In addition, we are exposed to pollution, toxic environment, harsh cleaning products, refined sugars, highly processed foods, and many other such things that generate physical and toxic stress.
Under these circumstances, there's no wonder that many of us suffer from sleep troubles, anxiety, chronic fatigue, depression and even physical illness.
Fortunately, there are some Adaptogens we can rely on to alleviate stress symptoms. These herbs are known as adaptogens and they can help us cope with all of these health troubles.
What Are Adaptogenic Herbs And What Can They Do For Your Health?
Their name adaptogen says it all. These herbs help the body to adjust to the surroundings and to cope with the various adverse factors that influence our physical and mental health. Adaptogenic herbs can help you calm whenever you have to face stressful life situations.
- They can help you unwind and quiet your mind at night, allowing you to fall asleep and to enjoy a good night rest.
- They can provide you with the clarity you need in times of trouble.
- They can supply you with an energy boost just when you need it most.
Nikolai Lazarev, a Russian toxicologist, coined the term "adaptogen" to define "those substances that boost non-specific resistance" in high stress conditions. In order to qualify as an adaptogen, a substance needs to feature the four Ns:
Nourishing - supply the body with extra nutrients
Normalising - regulate energy levels and various other bodily parameters
Non-Specific - act simultaneously on multiple areas of the body
Non-Toxic - be 100% safe when used over a very long time.
What Is The Mechanism Of Action Of Adaptogenic Herbs?
Adaptogens help regulating the stress hormones production in the adrenal glands, and therefore alleviating stress and anxiety symptoms. In their role as biological response modifiers, adaptogens have the ability to restore the body's natural immunity and help it adapt to a wide range of stressors. This makes adaptogens excellent for curative purposes, as well as for prevention and protection.
By helping us regulate our reaction to stress and by restoring our innate immunity, adaptogens provide multiple health benefits:
- Better overall health and wellbeing
- Higher energy levels
- Optimized functioning of our organs
- Attenuated stress response
- Higher inner strength
- Optimal blood sugar levels
- More efficient protein synthesis
- Lower cortisol levels
- Optimized LDL to HDL cholesterol ratio
- Better hormonal balance
Isn't it wonderful that plants can offer us so many amazing health benefits?
Here are three of our favorite adaptogenic herbs:
1. Ashwagandha
Thanks to its calming and energizing properties, Ashwagandha is the perfect herb for modern, dynamic and active people who need to cope with stress in their lives. This herb can help you calm nervous tension and enjoy a deeper and more restful sleep. It is also great for slowing down the natural aging process, for building bone strength and for providing us with an energy boost exactly when we need it most.
Ashwagandha is available as capsules.
2. Tulsi - Holy Basil
This plant belongs to the mint family. In Hindu tradition, it is the incarnation of the Goddess Tulsi. Holy basil has the power to calm busy minds, to promote digestion and to protect against seasonal anxiety.
You can find holy basil in the Tulsi Clarity tea.
3. Turmeric
Even though turmeric isn't exactly an adaptogen, it shows a wealth of health benefits, and therefore deserves a spot on our list.
This spice is extremely rich in flavonoids. According to numerous clinical studies, turmeric helps preventing aging, reduces inflammation in the body, promotes the healing of wounds, and improves blood circulation. Also, it offers protection to the liver and intestines. Thanks to its multiple benefits, turmeric has gained a reputation of one of the world's most powerful natural remedies.
You can find it in Turmeric Capsules and in Turmeric Gold Tea.
Do you always find yourself struggling with being productive? Have you been feeling like your mind is not working at its full potential all the time, and you can't concentrate? Well chances are that you are probably going through brain fog. Brain fog is basically when you feel like your mind is clouded and is struggling to become active again. But one doesn't need to panic because this is something that many people encounter in their lives. And luckily, there is a cure for it. Since now, you might have probably searched all keywords to get the most effective and proven medicine for the purpose. We are going to meet your expectations to relieve you of this hassle and suggest herbs that will prevent you from mental fatigue. But unfortunately, we can't believe that it will be a miracle drug, and using it one night will solve the problem. In these situations, you can always count on natural remedies and constantly use them in your diet for reliable results over time. Herbs can be a wonderful addition in meals to make them taste delicious. But that is not the only thing they are limited to in terms of goodness. Certain herbs benefit the functioning of different parts of the body. So let us discuss some of the herbs that help our brain feel rejuvenated and working at its best potential.
8 Best Herbs For A Healthy Brain Rhodiola Rosea You can usually find this plant in the mountainous areas of Asia and Europe. For ages, people, specifically the Russians and the Scandinavians, have been using this plant to treat anxiety, depression, and mental fatigue with positive results. It does have several uses, but most of the effects are directed at the mind. It is considered to be an adaptogen, which is a substance that aids in resistance against stress. It is also pretty effective for people who suffer from burnout that is caused by chronic stress. It also helps in stabilizing emotions, improves mental fatigue. Plus, it becomes even more effective when it is combined with other herbs such as Schisandra or eleuthero. Ginko Biloba Originating from Japan, Gingko Biloba is an abstraction from the ginkgo tree leaves. This herb has been used to bring many benefits, and one of them is its treatment for weakening memory or trouble in recalling memories. Gingko biloba has many cerebral-boosting properties. It regenerates brain cells, enhances memory, and provide more improvement to the cognitive functions. It also fights against anxiety and stress. It can take a while to extract out the contents of the herbs from the leaves of its ginkgo tree. So you also have the option where you can order ginkgo biloba online if you wish to get it ready-made in an extracted form. Ginseng Ginseng has played a big part in Chinese medical history and has been continuously used even now for brain function improvement. Some of the benefits ginseng users come across is increased cognitive activities, enhanced memory recalling, and a decrease in stress levels. There have been studies that have shown that this herb has benefited people seeking to improve physical performance along with those who are suffering from Alzheimer's. Ginseng has also been known to protect your brain cells from toxins that can affect the brain into going towards a mental downfall. Ashwagandha Another ancient medical herb, the Ashwagandha, is known to be a natural adaptogen that helps the mind counter high levels of stress. It is also a remedy in treating depression as it decreases chemicals such as reserpine and clonidine. The antioxidants present inside Ashwagandha have neuroprotective properties that fight off free radicals and stop them from harming the brain cells. This herb can work wonders when you are feeling overwhelmed by too much work and stress. It balances the mood, improves concentration, and helps to treat brain fog as well. Rosemary Now we often hear the name of this type of herb-usually to add it in food to make it taste good. But it also has more to offer other than just making your taste buds feel good. Rosemary has a distinctive aroma, which has shown signs of improvement in brain functions in patients who undergo aromatherapy. When the effect of rosemary was tested to understand its effects on the human brain, the results showed enhanced memory refinement. Rosemary is mainly used to battle mental fatigue. Moreover, it has been used for many decades now as a way to improve mood, enhance mental state, and lower your stress levels as well. Brahmi Brahmi is one of the best herbal medicine that relives both sides of the brain and aids the brain overall in working and feeling at its finest. This herb also works as an adaptogen but has a range of benefits. It helps the mind become more focused and enhanced memory retention. And if you are occasionally suffering from stress, anxiety, and depression, you will find that Brahmi is extremely effective in stabilizing your mood swings and remove any symptoms that might lead to mental breakdowns. Regarding anxiety, Brahmi is also a great remedy in preventing insomnia and senility. Gotu Kola A traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, the Gotu kola is an effective herb for aiding your overall cerebral space, but it also stands apart from many of its counterpart herbs. For one, Gotu kola does not have a stimulating effect. It is more balances, which is why it most useful when taken at night time. It helps the brain become calmer, focused, and alert. Plus, it has complex compounds which amongst many different functions, make sure that your brain cells are protected from dangerous toxins that can have harmful effects on the brain. It is also very effective in helping the brain activities and modifies your cognitive activities as well. Sage The Greeks and Arabs have thought highly of this herb and even believed that if sage was taken regularly, then you could become immortal. The reason being is because just a small amount is enough to give loads of positive impacts on the human body. Sage has a powerful scent and taste. The antioxidants present in sage are very helpful in getting rid of free radicals that can cause chronic mental diseases. It is also extremely effective in retaining and refining one's memory and upgrades the brain's defense mechanism. Conclusion These herbs are just a few of many other herbs out there that have proven to keep your brain in a healthy and excellent condition. And you will find that each one is so beneficial in their way that sticking with just a few of these will be more than enough to keep your mind in a perfect and youthful state.
The short answer is Yes, but keep on reading if you want to find out exactly how meditation & mindfulness can improve physical performance. You have probably heard the phrase “healthy body, healthy mind” but it also works the other way round. You won’t have a healthy body either if your mind isn’t healthy. Both physical and mental wellbeing have a mutual relationship. So physical performance does not only rely on your physical wellbeing but even more so on your mental wellbeing. You won’t get the most out of your potential until you take care of both. Stress, for example, is essential and harmful at the same time. Experienced excessively and negatively it can not only have short- but also long term impacts on your health and thus your physical performance. Learning how to handle stress can help you stay focused and calm whilst experiencing pressure resulting in improved performance. This has been proven by several studies, for example, a study published by the University of California about ‘Self-reported mindfulness and cortisol during a Shamatha meditation retreat’. A common technique to practice mindfulness as well as getting a healthy sense of perspective is meditation. Often meditation is mistaken with turning off your thoughts and feelings but this is not what it is about. Meditation is about observing your thoughts and feelings without judgement which will over time help you to better understand and control them. It can help you tackle all sorts of mental and physical issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, sleep difficulties, confidence issues, recovery time and even obesity. You are probably asking yourself “Is meditation something for me ?” and the answer is “yes”. Meditation is a skill that can be learned by anyone, like any other skill. You just have to give it a go and be persistent as if you were picking up any other new hobby. Do not quit if it does not immediately show the desired results as it takes time to fully get comfortable with your mind, and the road to success will probably not be a straight line. It’s easiest if you make it a habit and integrate it into your daily routine, but it shouldn’t feel like a chore, it should be something you look forward to and feel comfortable with in order to fully relax and practice mindfulness. To contribute towards this positive feeling you should try to stick to a certain time and do everything that you need to feel comfortable like for example wearing comfy clothes. As with learning most skills, picking it up can be significantly more effective if it is guided through an instructor but you could also be guided via other means such as audio, video, and even texts, showing that it is getting more and more accessible and easier to get started. To conclude, yes Meditation & Mindfulness can and will improve your physical performance. Practising mindfulness and meditation are a useful way to get into a habit of being more aware and in control of your thoughts and feelings as well as their impact on your body.
Shilajit is an outstanding source of essential lipids, which regulate the kidneys function and affect the functioning of the reproductive system, inflammation and allergic reactions. Amino acids, which are present in Shilajit, take part in the protein and carbohydrate metabolism, stimulate the cardiovascular system, improve blood circulation in a brain. It is a fact, that some of the same amino acids, which are contained in Shilajit and are manufactured in a synthetic way, do alleviate alcohol cravings, irritability and normalize sleep. Patients, who take Shilajit as a primary therapeutic mean, as well as with other medications or substances, which were prescribed by practitioners of various medical schools, have showed improved health. The rehabilitation process was substantially expedited. To make Shilajit more efficient it is a good idea to take occasional brakes from it (not develop tolerance) and come back to its use. In some individuals Shilajit has a stimulating effect on a central nervous system. This is why it is important for a person who takes it to observe and understand how the substance affects the person in the morning and at night. It does not in any way demolish the healing properties of Shilajit, on the contrary it proves the efficacy of it. At the same time it is important to know what Shilajit can be used for in individual case to case basis and be reasonable in dosages and durations applied. Since shilajit is a highly desired substance, there are multiple counterfeits of Shilajit, so how does one distinguish the real product from falsifications? Visual Test Visually quality and authentic Shilajit is very dark brown or black resin, which is sticky. The resin looks somewhat like a tar and produces a bit of a tar glitter if exposed to direct light. Water solution of shilajit is brown, it looks somewhat like lighter coffee or dark beer. The taste is bitter with a highly specific aroma. Despite all the described properties they are not always sufficient as identifiers of Shilajit. In order to precisely identify Shilajit, one need a lot of scientific experience and equipment. For any person it is not possible, beyond using identifiers, which we describe below. Nevertheless, the following basic tests are useful and can be applied. Dissolution Test Authentic Shilajit is 98-100 water soluble. It may take different amount of time to dissolve the substance, but it will usually fully dissolve in water without creating the “sandy “ on non dissolvable substance in the solution. Here is the way to perform the dissolution test. 2 parts of Shilajit (by weight) are added to 100 parts of clean warm water (by weight). Both are vigorously stirred for 7-15 minutes. Room temperature Shilajit should dissolve completely in water. There should be no sandy residue or clumps left. Alkali Acid Test The alkali and acid test are done separately. The solution is prepared in transparent glass in order to monitor the results. 2 Parts of Shilajit are dissolved in 100 parts of clean water (by weight). Once two different batches are prepared the tests are performed. Baking soda is added to the first batch. The solution should not change color. To the second batch one adds vinegar. In a little while one can observe “lightening” of the solution which will take place mostly on top of the solution and an abundant precipitation in the “acidified” batch. Conclusion To summarize all that was said above – Modern Science proves that Shilajit has a wide range of biologic effects: germicidal, bacteriostatic, anti-inflammatory, bile-expelling, overall health improving, and anti-stress. Due to its content, Shilajit stimulates activity of multiple enzymatic systems in a body and supports various immunologic processes.
If you want to start a mindful meditation routine at home, it can be as simple as a few easy steps. There’s no need to have a fancy yoga studio or an entire room dedicated to the pursuit of inner peace. All it takes is a quiet space, time, patience, and a little guided practice. It's a practice of mind over matter, so you can bring the peace and serenity of meditation wherever you go.
Meditation Moments Mindful meditation is a way to become more aware of what is happening present moment. It allows you to think about the here and now, instead of thinking about your past frustration or future anxieties. Meditating can help reduce stress, boost your mood, improve your focus, and become more centered.
Crystal Clear Meditations
When it comes to meditation results, you want to maximize your efforts and time. You an also use healing crystals to supplement and amplify your mindful meditations. Visit how to cleanse moldavite to get started with a top healing crystal for your meditations and mental cleansing. Begin By Setting Aside A Time And Place To Meditate It can be a sunny corner of your living room, a spot in the backyard, or even a park bench. You could even take the time to create a meditation space in your home. Wherever you choose, be sure the area is free of stressors and distractions. Take time to declutter and schedule any necessary home repairs before you begin the practice. Wear Comfortable Clothing Anything you would use to practice yoga is fine, but unlike yoga, your clothes do not have to cling. If you prefer to incorporate movement into your meditation such as walking, stretching or yoga poses, feel free to wear whatever you’re comfortable moving around in. There is no wrong way to meditate! If you have time, you could put on a mindfulness audio recording to guide you (this is especially useful for beginners who may not know where to start). Light a candle or rub some lotion on your pulse points to inhale a calming scent. Start By Taking Some Long, Slow Deep Breaths Notice your breathing—is your heart beating fast or slowly? How has your day been so far? Take note of emotions that come up and try to let them pass you by, without getting fixated on any of them. This takes a lot of practice, so do not become discouraged if at first you find this very difficult. Everyone has to start somewhere. If you keep becoming distracted, count your breaths - inhale for three counts, hold for four counts, and exhale for six or seven counts. This should put you in a state of relaxation and mindful peace. Use Some Kind Of Imagery To Focus On A popular one is to imagine a river flowing slowly, and to drop your problems like pebbles in the river. If this sounds too New Age for you, just picture the river or waves in the ocean. Anything calming and repetitive will have the desired effect while meditating. Don’t Give Up - Master Meditation It can take a very long time to actually become “good” at meditation, but any attempt is still progress. Follow these tips and you’ll have a home meditation routine before you know it.
This is just a hand chart but there are other locations often utilized by reflexologists like ears, feet, and knees
Reflexology – How You Will Benefit.
• Brings balance to normalize the body’s organs, glands, and other functions of the body. • Reduces stress and promotes relaxation. • Improves blood circulation.
• Assists in managing chronic pain. • Promotes circulation and assists in the removal of toxins. • Is a complimentary and integrative tool to allopathic and homeopathic practice. • Can be a preventative modality. • Increases a sense of well being. • Encourages the body to release and expel toxins.
Everyone needs Reflexology!!
For Relaxation! If you have never had a reflexology session, the relaxation that comes from a healing session is absolutely incredible. After a one hour session, some clients feel as though they had an entire night of sleep. Chances are good your spine, back and head will feel less stress and tense.
Stress reliever! If you were stressed before you came in for a reflexology session, you will leave feeling relaxed; and, in most cases, your worries will be less intensified. How this does happen? One of the wonders of reflexology is that by working the reflexes for all of the organs, endocrine, spine and back reflexes, endorphins are created and somehow the stress just melts away. Most clients fall asleep during a healing session. Before you know it, many good nights’ sleep will be within your grasp. Also eating healthy & natural foods can help a great deal!
Move those toxins! If you have been experiencing heartburn, digestion and constipation (the three big no-no). Reflexology will support all three by filtering (liver, spleen and kidney) and eliminating organs (intestines) and encourage the elimination of toxins.
Build up your immunity! So when that cold or virus bug comes looking for you…with regular reflexology there is a good chance that the bug will bypass you. If you have a strong immunity foundation, you will have more of chance to fight off pathogens that find their way into your body.
A feeling of well being! We swear that reflexology helps to quiet the brain and eliminate the constant worries. After a session, everyone loves the way they feel: balanced and peaceful. Who doesn’t want to feel balanced and well? Reflexology will help keep all of your bodily and mental facilities in check.
What is Reflexology? Reflexology is a science and an art. Reflex points on the feet, hands, and ears represent the body in miniature. The nerve pathways in each foot create an electro-chemical flow that communicates with the entire nervous system. The principal of reflexology is that reflex points and areas, meridian pathways, and chakra regions connect with a specific organ, gland or body part. Through the application of pressure using specific thumb and finger techniques, reflexology works with the peripheral nervous system and encourages the body to relax. Reflexology promotes the reduction of stress, reinforcing the body’s ability to stay healthy and vital. This preventative modality encourages wellness through empowerment, education, relaxation, and homeostasis.
If you have never experienced reflexology before, be sure to check out our Reflexology FAQ’s.
The Healing Place offers the following Reflexology Therapies -
Foot Reflexology Session – This deep relaxing foot reflexology is administered by applying thumb and finger pressure to specific points on the feet. Each specific point corresponds to an internal organ, gland, tissue or other structure. This stress relieving therapy promotes the alpha state of relaxation, which in turn improves circulation and restores balance, enabling the body to heal itself.
Hand Reflexology Session – This is a relaxing hand therapy that can be administered alone or be given in conjunction with a foot reflexology session. Hand reflexology is administered by applying thumb and finger pressure to specific points on the hand. Each specific point corresponds to an internal organ and other structure of the body and allows for the release of energy blocks and toxic build-up.
Ear Reflexology Session – This is an extremely relaxing therapy. Each ear contains a complete reflex map of the body, rich with nerve endings and multiple connectors to the central nervous system. Ear Reflexology is based on zones and points in the ears which relate to energy centers known as a meridian. The shape of the body is projected into the ear. The head is located in the ear lobe while the legs are located at the opposite end. Ear reflexology is administered by applying thumb and first finger working on the outside of the ears from the lobe to the top of the ear.
Digestive Disorder session – This is a very effective therapy. This protocol includes working the reflexes for the liver, spleen, kidney, gastrointestinal, esophagus, large and small intestine and colon. By working the reflexology intestinal reflexes in the direction of peristalsis can help move contents through the gastrointestinal tract. Reflexology promotes the harmonious contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm resulting in a rhythmical massage of the abdominal organs. Reflexology also helps to release muscular and emotional tension, both of which can severely hamper the digestive process. Reflexology also can unblock congested energy, promoting a free flow of energy through all channels so that the digestive process from the mouth to the anus can work effectively. Most importantly, it stimulates the energy pathways to allow the digestive system to work optimally (as reflexology does for all bodily systems).
Fertility Reflexology Session – This protocol includes fertility reflexology supports and conscious conception. The endocrine and reproductive systems are emphasized with attention to creating balance. Sessions can be used as a complement to assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as IVF, IUI, and ICSI. It is recommended that male partners also participate in fertility reflexology to aid in sperm and testosterone production and to create balance and harmony in the body. Reflexology will also help to lessen the stress and anxiety associated with conceiving.
Hormonal Balancing Reflexology Session -This healing protocol includes hormonal balancing reflexology treatment has been helpful to women who suffer from PMS; heavy, painful and irregular menstrual cycles; and hormonal fluctuations. By stimulating the endocrine and reproductive glands, this treatment has in many cases eased tension and reduced or eliminated the “hot flashes” associated with menopause. For men, the hormonal balancing reflexology treatments help increase testosterone levels by stimulating the endocrine and reproductive glands reflexes. Pain Relief Reflexology Session – This healing protocol includes foot reflexology that encourages the body to produce the painkiller chemical “endorphins” and to interrupt the pain cycle through the application of pressure on the feet and/or hands. This treatment emphasizes working with the nervous system to help reduce pain and inflammation resulting from different forms of arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, etc.
Weight Management Reflexology Session – This healing protocol includes foot reflexology with an emphasis on the endocrine glands. The goal is to promote balanced hormone secretion in order to boost the body’s natural weight loss capabilities and encourage appropriate diet.
“Mommy and Baby” Reflexology Service – If your baby is having problems with either sleeping, digestive or respiratory, bring your baby with you to your next Reflexology session. A little Reflexology will help you and your baby to feel better soon. Our baby sessions are short and we will work on the points of the feet to help your baby to find relief from his or her discomforts. Most likely your baby will nod off into a peaceful sleep. While your baby is sleeping we will work on mommy to help her to balance the energy in all of her organs, glands and address any hormonal issues.
Have Migraine Headaches? Tips how to find Relief – For those who suffer from migraines headaches, it can be debilitating. Sometimes the headaches are unrelenting and the pain can last for days and even weeks. To help clients to find relief of the pain, the Healing Place has made a thirteen minute video (below) on how to relax the body and quiet the headache through some simple Reflexology techniques and using light pressing on pressure points on the head, face, jaw and neck to relieve tension and pain.
Ignoring or even lack of awareness of our body’s signals usually cause more burden and stress which can result in the sacrifice of daily exercising, we end up overeating, or finding ourselves with too many items left unaccomplished at the end of a day thus re-creating the negative behavior cycle! The joy we know diminishes and we don’t know how to get it back.
We KNOW when we are uncomfortable, but most of the times we do not know why or we just ignore the messages. Out of frustration, we feel anger, nervousness or numb.
Some people resort to eating, drinking, or other activities that are destructive to their bodies. For comfort and rest we look for temporarily escape from these uncomfortable feelings through destructive behavior.
Instead of turning inward, some people will lash out at other, funneling negative feelings towards their family members and friends. Over time, such angry and bitter emotions turn negative state of mind
*thinking about how you got cheated out of something in life *how you wished you follow your instincts and not made that wrong decision *how your children did not turn out the way you expected them to *how your spouse became ill or died too young or ran off with your best friend *how you were laid off after giving your company years of services
When this happens, is there anything to question as to why you are so mad and angry; why you can’t sleep; how you find yourself reliving the same scenes over and over in your mind. After replaying the same old negative thoughts, it almost guarantees those negative thoughts become seeds that will manifest into illnesses. Have you been aware of your thoughts? Are they negative? Are you blaming someone?
The herb ginseng, in its various forms, has been used for thousands of years for therapeutic effects in the Orient. There are several different types of ginseng out there but I will be focusing on the uses of Panax Ginseng because it is the most commonly used in studies and in clinical use. In the east, ginseng is considered one of the most highly regarded herbal supplements and has always been a staple in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been used for many different purposes including to improve physical performance, stimulate the immune system, and to prevent and treat various diseases and conditions. This popularity has been spreading rapidly to the west over the past decade and is now being analyzed more closely and subjected to clinical studies to examine its true potential therapeutic qualities. Labeled as a nutritional supplement by the Food and Drug Administration, ginseng is not subject to regulation by the FDA and different brands of ginseng can have different contents and qualities. While a study found that all the ginseng products were labeled with the correct genus of the plant, the concentrations of different products varied greatly. The concentrations of ginseng content must be considering when supplementing with it or creating an accurate scientific study (Hackman et al 2001).
With the hype of ginseng being a panacea and the ease of buying it over the counter, ginseng has incredible sales totaling over $300 million annually and growing. While it is already used as a medicinal treatment in the east, the majority of support for the use of ginseng is actually clinically based with official scientific studies only coming out relatively recently. With the popularity and non-regulation of ginseng, it is important for physicians and anyone in the health/fitness field to know any safety concerns concerning ginseng (Bahrke 2000). As a personal trainer and a sports medicine student, I decided it would be a good idea to dive into the studies regarding ginseng and its many proposed uses to determine if it is in fact a safe and effective supplement.
One of the major proposed uses for ginseng today is to improve physical performance during physical activities. It has been dubbed as an adaptogen that allows the body to further tolerate excess stresses placed on it. Russian athletes have been using Siberian ginseng for several decades to boost performance and stamina although the few official studies on this subject are inconclusive to whether this supplementation is helpful or not. Today’s athletes, always trying to find a way to gain an edge, have tried using similar supplementation with Panax ginseng to gain this extra endurance. The few studies out there involving humans have either conflicting or negative conclusions on ginseng supplementation for improving human performance. In various animal studies, however, they have proven that ginseng can in fact help survival against physical and chemical stresses. These animal results seem promising but there is an overall major lack of scientific based evidence for humans supporting the use of ginseng as an ergogenic aid to prevent fatigue, improve physical ability, or prolong performance (Bahrke 2000).
Another major use for ginseng supplementation that shows more promise is its potential use as an antioxidant and immune system aide. With billions of dollars being spent every year on medicine and trips to the doctor, everyone is looking for a cheap, safe, and effective way to boost their immune system. One in vitro experiment suggested that the use of ginseng stimulated cellular immune function by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) for normal individuals and patients with either chronic fatigue syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The addition of Panax Ginseng led to increased natural killer activity against the herpesvirus 6 infected cells and other damaging cells. The potential for ginseng to play a role in treating the many individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome or AIDS could be incredible because it is a very cheap supplement and has very few side-effects. This study supports the use of Panax ginseng in improving overall immune function in normal patients or those with lower immune systems (Broumand et al 1997).
Since ginseng has been suggested to be a promising tool for the immune system, it would only make sense that it has been considered to play a possible role in the prevention and treatment of various types of physical conditions. One randomized, double blind experiment on 384 post-menopausal women had results that suggested 16 weeks of treatment with ginseng extract significantly reduced symptoms of menopause and increased feelings of well-being (Limoni et al 1999). This is a very large population that could potentially gain benefits from ginseng supplementation instead of expensive traditional treatments and medicinal side-effects. When non-insulin diabetics were treated with for 100-200 mg of ginseng for 8 weeks, they showed a significant improvement in mood, physical activity, psychophysical performance, fasting blood glucose levels, and lowered bodyweight while the placebo group only lowered their weight. This study suggests that 100-200mg of ginseng could be useful as a therapeutic treatment for non-insulin diabetic mellitus patients. With diabetes cases increasing significantly every year, ginseng could play a major role in managing some of the detrimental symptoms of this condition (Haapakoski et al 1995).
Potentially the most important use of ginseng lies in its use as a possible tool in the fight against certain types of cancers. One of the studies I looked at examined the effects of red ginseng (main active ingredients in Panax Ginseng) on various tumors and found that for some tumors it did have strong therapeutic effects and improved overall immune system function (Hongyan et al 1999). Another study I looked at found that subjects that supplemented with ginseng had a significantly lower occurrence of lip, oral cavity and pharynx, larynx, lung, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, ovary, and colorectum cancers. The relative risks of the ginseng users for developing cancer was lower than the relative risk of non-users especially for lung and gastric caners. (Yun et al 2003). Also, smokers were found to have lower concentrations of these antioxidants in their body as well as much higher levels of oxidative damage from the carcinogens in cigarettes. In their study, red ginseng played a role in increasing overall antioxidants in the body as well as helping the body get rid of 8-OHdG and carbonyl compounds causing damage. The implications of this study means that red ginseng, combined with other antioxidants, can play a role in reversing internal damage from smoking and even help prevent some of the types of cancers caused by smoking. This could be good news for the millions of smokers worldwide with damaged lungs and immune systems (Kim et al 1998).
While Panax ginseng seems to have a lot of promise, many more effective scientific studies must be done to truly prove the beneficial effects of it for human use. While supplemental use is still questionable for every population, for some it could have a significant upside and that can be worth the minor risk and low price. I have used it personally and I have noticed minor benefits from it, whether this is from the placebo effect or from actual chemical changes. I feel that it is worth experimenting with safely to determine if it works for you, ideally under the supervision of a physician. After researching the topic, I will keep in mind that the majority of studies stress its importance as an antioxidant and not as an ergogenic aid. Overall it seems that ginseng use is relatively safe and beneficial “….and the potential for doing good seems greater than that fordoing harm.” (Ernst 2002)
Research Paper Works Cited
Bahrke, MS., Morgan, WP. Evaluation of the ergogenic properties of ginseng: An update. Jrl of Sports Medicine. 29(2):113-133, 2000.
Broumand, N., Sahl L., Tilles JG. In vitro effects of Echinacea and ginseng on natural killer and antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity in healthy subjects and chronic fatigue syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients. Jrl. Immunopharmacology 1997 Jan;35(3):229-35.
Ernst, Edzard. The Risk-Benefit Profile of Commonly Used Herbal Therapies: Ginkgo, St. John’s Wart, Ginseng, Echinacea, Saw Palmetto, and Kava. Annals 2002 137: 1008.
Gillis, CN. Panax Ginseng Pharmacology: A Nitric Oxide Link? Jrl Biochemical Pharmacology 1997 July 1; 54(1):1-8
Hackman, M., Harkey, MR, Henderson, GL, Gershwin ME, Stern JS. Variability in commercial ginseng products: An analysis of 25 preparations. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 73, No. 6, 1101-1106, June 2001.
Hongyan, L., Lihua, T., Rui, H., Xiaoguang, L, Xiaohong L., Yan, L., Zhaodi, F. Cancer chemopreventitive and therapeutic activities of red ginseng. Jrl Ethmopharmacology 1998 Feb;60(1):71-8.
Kim, HS, Lee, BM, Lee, SK. Inhibition of oxidative DNA Damage, 8-OHdG and carbonyl contents in smokers treated with antioxidants (vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and red ginseng). Cancer Lett. 1998 Oct 23;132(1-2):219-27
Limoni, C., Lindgren, R., Mattsson LA, Wiklund, IK. Effects of a standardized ginseng extract on quality of life and physiological parameters in symptomatic postmenopausal women: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Swedish Alternative Medicine Group. Int. Jrl Clinical Pharmacological Res. 1999;19(3):89-99
Yun, TK. Experimental and epidemiological evidence on non-organ specific cancer
preventative effect of Korean ginseng and identification of active compounds. Mutat Res. 2003 Feb-Mar;523-524:63-74
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