Online Pharmacy, Buy Cheap Prescription Medicines,Generic Drugs Online

Beauty And Skin care

Beauty And Skincare section keeps you up-to-date with skincare tips and useful info on skin problems, skin disorders, and similar articles related to skincare and beauty products.

General health

Keeping you and your family healthy is our primary motto. So this section provides you the best information on general health related articles and medicines for your entire family to keep them fit and healthy.

Men's Health

Our men's guide contains information on fitness tips, sexual health, women, weight or hair-loss prevention/cure, health nutrition, etc. that help in keeping you fit and healthy in body as well as mind.

Women's Health

Our women's health section is one of the best and trusted information on variety of women's health topics including fitness, weight loss tips, pregnancy, sexual issues, reproductive disorders, etc.

Extreme Dry Skin and Itching: Skin Care for Dryness

July 20th, 2011

admin

skin care for dryness

A common perception is that dry skin is a result of lack of oil in the skin. This is far from the truth. The fact is, dry skin indicates lack of water or moisture in the epidermis (outmost layer of the skin). The situation is like when you put a soft slice of bread in a toaster for a couple of minutes-the bread become dry, hard and crumbly. This is so because the heat gets rid of the moisture.

A dry skin problem can be very bothersome. The feel of the skin is like it has been stretched. It can be painful also. The appearance might look red or dull or flaky. The worst part is the itching.

What are the causes of extreme dry skin?

Moisturizer:

Not using a moisturizer properly is one the causes of dry skin. Applying moisturizer on dry skin is not likely to help to keep skin dryness away. In fact, the result may just be the opposite. Moisturizer is to be applied when the skin is damp. This way the moisture in the skin is protected.

Using moisturizer that is not suitable to your skin or is of inferior quality can also cause dry skin.

Dry Air:

Dry air is possibly the most common reason for dry skin, particularly during the winters. The moisture is drawn out of the skin by dry air. The dry heat generated by a furnace can also result in dry skin. Skin dryness is also caused by the cold, harsh winter.

Long, hot showers:

Too much exposure to water, particularly hot water can glean away the natural oils that shield the skin. If the skin feels tight after you step out of the shower, then it is a sure sign that it has dried out.

Soap:

Soaps form one of the major causes for skin dryness. A child going to school or someone working in the office just does not get dirty enough to warrant a thorough soapy body scrub. The areas which should be cleaned with soap should be the face, arms, armpits and the groin. The rest of the body can be rinsed with water.

Too much washing of hands can also land us in trouble. Though it is meant to keep off the germs, excessive hand washing can dry the skin of the hand and may cause it to bleed and crack, creating more problems.

Medication and Drugs:

Some medications that result in skin dryness are drugs for:

• High blood pressure

• Acne and other skin products

Skin care for Dryness:

• Avoid using soap

• Use the right type of moisturizers

• Moisturize your house

• Wear fabrics which feel comfortable

• Avoid fabrics which irritate the skin

• Direct sun exposure should be avoided

• Take a balanced diet

• Avoid alcohol

• Avoid caffeine

• Avoid smoking

• Exercise regularly

• Get proper sleep

Beta Val Cream:

Beta Val Cream has been found to be effective in treating various skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema, rash, allergies, etc. Your skin can lose moisture and feel dry even if you have any of these ailments. This medication is a medium strength corticosteroid and works by reducing the itching, swelling and redness that normally occur in these skin conditions.

Breast and Pelvic Exams Information

July 19th, 2011

admin

It is recommended by gynecologists that a girl should visit her gynecologist anytime between the ages of 13 to 15. It is felt that the girl should be made aware of the bodily changes which are in the process of occurring and that she should be prepared for them. Another reason is to check for any abnormalities like missed periods, signs of infection, pain, etc. In the event of having a sexual intercourse, then visiting a gynecologist becomes all the more necessary.

breast and pelvic exams

Selecting the appropriate health care professional:

Choosing the right doctor is important for your maiden visit to know about such sensitive issues.

If your family doctor or pediatrician also does breast and pelvic exams and advises youngsters on sexual health, it would ease a lot of pressure and would surely make you more comfortable during the breast and pelvic exams.

You can also visit a gynecologist for your first breast and pelvic exam.

Another specialist is the Adolescent Medicine doctor who is specially trained in health and management of teen concerns. They are familiar with problems most young women face regarding their reproductive systems. They can also guide the teens on birth control measures and STD prevention.

Nurse practitioners are also specialists who can be contacted for breast and pelvic exams. These practitioners specialize in gynecology and have advanced training that enables them to deal with women’s reproductive health issues.

Whether the health care professional is male or female is up to the individual’s choice. Some women are more at ease with a female health care professional as they feel they can express their views more freely and openly without any awkwardness. Other women are equally comfortable being examined by both male and female doctors. It is always advisable to take the help of your parents regarding your health care. You will have that much-needed emotional support which is so very important during such times.

For many young girls it is difficult to predict the time of their periods since many have irregular periods in the initial stages. However, you may take the advice from your doctor’s office, as to what should be done in case the periods start, at the time of appointment.

The Breast Exam:

At the time of the physical part of the gynecologic exam, you are made to lie on your back on the table with a gown or a paper sheet covering you. Your health care professional will uncover only the portion that needs to be examined.

The doctor does the breast exam by lightly pressing different areas of the breasts feeling for lumps which are usual and which may be the effect of a transformation. You may also get educated in how to do a self-assessment of your breasts.

The Pelvic Exam:

During the pelvic exam you will be asked to move down till your behind rest at the edge of the table. Then bending your knees you will be asked to place your feet on the metal protrudings for support.

The doctor will then examine the outside portion of the vagina and make sure that there are no swellings or sores.

With the help of a speculum your doctor may also examine the inside vagina looking for anything unusual like swelling, sores or discharge. To examine the ovaries and the uterus the doctor is required to slide one gloved hand inside the vagina and with the other hand he will press the outside of the lower abdomen. This exam determines the size of the ovaries and uterus and whether they are free of any cysts or growths.

Blood Test Results Explained: Blood Test Normal Ranges

July 18th, 2011

admin

Blood tests are done to check whether various substances in our body are normal or not. However, most of the time we don’t understand the numbers shown in the reports. We do not realize whether they are safe or not. To help you understand what the tests mean and what are the normal ranges of the tests; here are few tests explained.

Lipid tests: These tests are done to determine the presence of heart disease.
- Total cholesterol with LDL and HDL

Cholesterol tests are done to check for any arterial blockage. LDL which is ‘bad cholesterol’ has to be below 130 and HDL the ‘good cholesterol’ should be above 35; also the total cholesterol ratio should not exceed 3.5. However, VLDL i.e. very low density lipoprotein should not be more than 30 mg/dl.

Triglycerides: Triglycerides are a kind of fat that are found in the bloodstream.

Normal ranges: 16-19 years (Male) 40 to 163 mg/dl

16-19 years (Female) 40 to 128 mg/dl

Adult Male 40 to 160 mg/dl

Adult female 35 to 135 mg/dl

Hemo profile: These tests are done to check any abnormalities in the blood substances.
WBC count (White blood cells): This test is also called as leukocytes Test and is done to check for infections and immunity.

Normal range: 4500 to 11000 / mm3

Neutrophils: This is a kind of WBC which is circulated only for short period of time.

Normal range: 2500 to 8000 cells / mm3

Red blood cells (RBC): RBC provides oxygen to body cells and also gives the red color to our blood.

Normal ranges: Adult male 4,700,000 to 6,100,000 cells per uL

Adult female 4,200,000 to 5,400,000 cells per uL

Hemoglobin: This is found in each RBC and carries oxygen and carbon dioxide to the body cells.

Normal ranges: 6 to 18 years 10 to 15.5 g/dl (Male/ Female)

Adult male 14 to 18 g/dl

Adult female 12 to 16 g/dl

Hematocrit: This test measures the percentage of total blood level.

Normal ranges: 6 to 18 years 32 to 44 % (Male/ Female)

Adult male 42 to 52%

Adult female 37 to 47 %

Platelets: This is an important test to check various abnormalities.

Normal ranges: Children 150,000 to 400,000 per mm3

Adult 150,000 to 400,000 per mm3

Some other clinical values:

There are various other clinical tests which are done to find any abnormalities, diseases and infections. Some of them are listed below with their normal ranges:

Sodium: Adult 136 to 145 mEq/L
Potassium: Adult 3.5 to 5 mEq/L
Chloride: Adult 98 to 106 mEq/L
Carbon Dioxide: Adult 23 to 30 mEq/L
Glucose: Adult 65 to 120 mg/dl
Blood Urea Nitrogen: Adult 10 to 20 mg/dl
Creatinine: Adult (M) 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dl Adult (F) 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dl
Calcium: Adult 9 to 10.5 mg/dl

Hopefully, this information will make you aware of why these tests are done. You can also check your reports with these normal ranges to understand what your doctor advised you. Please note that these ranges may vary by 1 or 2 points depending on the various labs where the tests are carried out.

Heat Exhaustion Vs Heat Stroke: Symptoms and Treatment

July 15th, 2011

admin

What is heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

Heat Exhaustion:

This condition takes place when people carry out physical activities like working or playing in hot and humid places as it leads to sweating. Thus bodily fluids get lost and the body gets overheated. In this condition an individual’s body temperature increases but does not exceed 104 F.

Heat stroke:

Heat stroke is a medical condition which is considered as life threatening. In this condition an individual’s cooling system, which also controls the brain temperature, stops working. This obviously results in increasing internal temperature of the body. This temperature may shoot up to more than 105 F causing damage to the brain or to any of the organs in your body.

Heat exhaustion symptoms:

After being in hot or humid conditions for a prolonged duration one may suffer from heat exhaustion and the symptoms of this could be as follows:

Frequent complaints of headache and weakness.
Increased thirst.
Sweating heavily.
Cramps in muscles.
Feelings of nausea and vomiting.
Weakness and fatigue.
Persisting unsteadiness and dizziness.
Increased pulse rate.

If you notice some or all of these symptoms, seek medical attention without delay.

Heat stroke symptoms:

Here are the symptoms of heat stroke:

Body temperature as high as 105 F.
Dry skin with no sweat at all.
Fast and troubled breathing.
Frequent vomiting.
Increased or decreased blood pressure.
Fast and irregular heartbeats.
Bafflement and confusion.
Fainting – this could be the first symptom in older people.
Seizures.

These are the symptoms of heat stroke and if you find any of these persisting then contact your health care provider right away. Remember that untreated heat stroke can lead to coma so it is important to treat this condition immediately.

Treatment for heat exhaustion:

It may take just one minute to recognize heat exhaustion but it will take several minutes to treat this condition.

First of all remember that if one person can get affected by heat exhaustion in such a place; so can another – so take precautions to keep yourself safe.
Confirm that the patient is breathing and take him or her to a cooler place right away.
Remove unwanted clothing to cool down the heat.
If the patient is conscious and can swallow, make him or her drink fluids.
If the patient is unconscious and cannot listen to you, contact 911 immediately.
If the patient stops sweating and is unconscious then this condition is leading him or her to heat stroke so now he or she needs to be treated for heat stroke.

Treatment for heat stroke:

Follow all instructions as for heat exhaustion and call 911 without delay.
Apply ice on the patient’s armpits, neck and back.
Take all possible and aggressive actions to cool the patient.
Make sure to admit the patient to the hospital as soon as possible.
Once admitted he or she is to be treated in the Critical Care unit. To bring down the body temperature, continuous sponging with tepid water is to be done. Also he or she is to be wrapped in a wet sheet and is to be placed close to the fan. Thus the body temperature is brought down.

After treating heat exhaustion the patient may recover in few hours and in heat stroke it may take a few days.

Acne Marks Removal Tips: How to Remove Acne Marks

July 14th, 2011

admin

Acne marks and scars are the result of response of your skin cells to the active acne that shows inflammation. Sometimes skin tissues that overgrow also cause acne scars. These acne marks make a person feel really uncomfortable and sometimes make the person look old. However, there are a few tips that are easy to follow and some safe medications, with which you can keep acne marks at bay. Let’s take a look at these easy to use and quick techniques to fight acne.

Tips to Remove Acne Marks

Prepare a paste of powdered and roasted pomegranate skin with lime juice. For best results, use fresh lime. Apply over whiteheads, blackheads, boils, pimple and acne. Leave for approximately 10 minutes. Wash and pat dry.

To stop acne marks from reappearing, drink coconut water empty stomach daily. It just cools down your body and cleanses your body as well.

Apply Aloe Vera gel on your face and leave it on for 10 minutes. Wash with water and pat dry. Aloe Vera fades acne marks and is beneficial for skin. If acne marks are not very severe Aloe Vera would wipe them out with prolonged use.

Mix milk and lemon. The quantity of lemon would be little as compared to milk. Wash your face with this mixture every day. It lightens your skin and erases the acne marks if used continuously.

Peel and grate a raw potato. Make a pad by putting it into a muslin piece (cotton fabric) and tying tightly. Rubbing this pad for 5 -8 minutes in circular motion all over the face and then washing it off will help the skin get rid of acne marks and blemishes.

Apply a paste of rosewater and sandalwood on your face. Leave for about 10 minutes. Wash and pat dry. Continuous application will help acne spots go away.

This was about quick and easy steps for acne marks removal. However, quite a few times, you must have observed that the intensity of acne marks and spots is just so extreme that these home remedies won’t help. In such a scenario, you need to use medications. The creams available in the market sometimes contain harsh chemicals that may harm your skin. Let’s take a look at a medication that is much safer for your skin and takes off, these severe acne spots, scars and blemishes. Before using this medication, consult skin care expert, to know in detail about the product.

Tazorac for Acne Removal

Tazorac (Tazarotene) gel and cream 0.1% is an effective and safe to use product that relieves you from extreme acne marks and spots. Tazorac has been clinically found to be an effective and safe remedy to ‘kick out’ acne spots and give you smooth skin. You should consult your doctor or skin care specialist for detailed information on the product before using this product. Most of the people that have used this ‘topical retinoid’ Tazorac, have been found to have benefited from this medication, barring a few ‘not too serious’ side effects. Tazorac speeds up cell turnover rates and keeps pores away from blockages. Since skin cells don’t continue to clog the pores with the usage of Tazorac, acne marks and comedones get significantly reduced.

Skin Tanning: The Disadvantages of Tanning

July 13th, 2011

admin

Remember ‘Annie Hall’, the Hollywood classic where Alvy Singer quotes “Sun is bad for you”? We all are aware of skin tanning, the process of tanning or darkening skin color through exposure to the sun or with the help of a tanning bed. Well, I agree, moderate exposure of skin to the sunrays is beneficial for the body, since it aids in the production of vitamin D. However, exposing your skin to a little too much of UV rays, be it to the sun or tanning beds, can have a deteriorating effects on your skin. Let’s take a look at ‘how your skin suffers due to tanning’.

Disadvantages of Tanning

The DNA of the epidermal cells of skin gets damaged due to UV rays, initiating enzymes that rush to rectify the damage caused. However, the fact is, these enzymes are not always successful in repairing the ruptured DNA and it ultimately triggers mutations that increase the probability of skin cancer. Moreover, continuous excess sun exposure is a bane in the form of photo ageing, which leads to spots, sagging and wrinkles on the skin.

Solar UV rays are categorized into UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC poses no threat, since most of it gets absorbed by the Ozone layer. However, UVA and UVB are far more dangerous. Recent research has discovered that UVA can be more carcinogenic than UVB. It causes more harm to Karetinocytes or skin cells where majority of skin cancers initiate. The World Health Organization and The National Institute of Health have reported that both UVB and UVA are the initiators of skin cancers.

It doesn’t matter where UV radiation comes from, sun or tan beds; it is associated with skin damage and skin cancers.

A research in 2002 found that using tanning devices was linked to approximately 50% increase in the possibility of basal cell carcinoma and up to 100% increase in the chances of getting squamous cell carcinoma.

The International Cancer Research Organization reported in 2007 that people who used tanning devices before the age of 35 had approximately 75% greater risk of developing Melanoma, a severe form of cancer.

Devices like tanning beds often employ mostly UVA emitting fluorescent bulbs with little amounts of UVB. UVA emission through tanning devices has up to thrice the intensity of UVA in natural sun light. UVB radiation from an artificial source is almost equal to bright sunlight.

People for tanning claim that it’s a good method for producing vitamin D by skin, essential for bone health and helps in reducing some cancers. However, the fact is, vitamin D can be obtained through supplements without risking your skin for these cancers.

Tanning salons often claim that safe UV exposure is good for skin, however, studies have found that tanning salons often exceed “safe” UV exposure limit. Years of research has proved that sun bed tanning increases the probability of non melanoma and melanoma skin cancers.

Exposure to excess UV light leads to the formation of wrinkles and makes the face rough and dry. It also leads to freckles, blisters and discoloration of skin.

This is about the various deteriorating effects of skin tanning on your skin. The trend that used to be considered cool in the 30’s is no more “in”. So I would just suggest, protect your skin and look healthy!

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Without Surgery

July 12th, 2011

admin

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve, one of the main nerves of the hand, is affected by pressure. This can lead to a variety of problems like pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, swelling and hand dysfunction.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

People who have a tendency towards swelling in their hands are more likely to develop this problem.

Swelling of tendons puts pressure on the nerve since they are all packed in a tube like frame. If the tendons and the nerves remain in their original size then there is no problem. Swelling increases the size of the tendon. To accommodate this extra size the nerve gets pressed. This pressure narrows the nerve affecting the blood supply.

Swelling due to other causes like trigger finger, rheumatoid arthritis, basal joint arthritis or fracture of the wrist may lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Other causes and contributing factors of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Obesity

Renal dysfunction

Hemodialysis

Psychological disorders

Anxiety

Acromegaly

Polymyalgea Rheumatica

Depression

Lupus

Water retention during pregnancy

Any autoimmune disorder

Gout

Hypothyroidism

Hormonal imbalances

Diabetes

Abnormal growths like Ganglion and Cysts

Onset of menopause

Amyloidosis

Fibromyalgia

Oral contraceptive-related Edema

Tuberculosis

Addisson’s disease

Sjogren’s syndrome

Activities where Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is common:

Computer keyboarding

Sorting mail/courier service

Meat processing workers

Drivers of vehicles and forklifts

Airline pilots

Tool and Die workers

Construction workers

Locksmiths

Landscaping workers

Machinists and mechanics

Nurses and care givers

Repetitive tasks manufacturing

Cashiers and bar code scanners

Physical therapists

Massage therapists

Needlepoint hobbyists

Homemaking activities

Golfers, skiers, tennis players

What are the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Hand becoming numb and tingling sensation in fingers particularly during sleep at night. Sleep gets interrupted due to this problem.

Pain in the wrist or hand

Pain is also felt in the forearm

Hands becoming cold and forearms are warm

Lack of feeling sensation in fingers and thumb

Index, middle and ring finger showing lack of sensation

Loss of normal movements and agility of the hand

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Without Surgery:

Surgery is not the right treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome since it recurs frequently. Having a reliable home medication like Carpal Solution is probably the best answer to this stress related injury since there is a likelihood of the symptoms coming back.

How the Carpal Solution works:

This solution softly pulls and flexes at once the three vital points on the palm of the hand adjacent to the carpal tunnel during sleep. This mild stretching action is applied for 6-8 hours while the hand is at rest and relaxed. This procedure helps in decompressing and gradually reshaping the tender tissues surrounding the carpal tunnel. This process is repeated for six weeks. This treatment is active during daytime also. Gradually, the pressure on the median nerve decreases, flexibility and circulation increases. When the pressure on the median nerve is totally eased, the syndrome ceases usually for years.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Exercises:

1. Extend the arm straight in front with the palm at right angles to the hand and fingers pointing up. Hold this position to the count of 5 and then relax.

2. Extend the arm straight in front and tighten the fists of both hands with the fist pointing down. Hold for 5 secs. and relax.

3. This process should be repeated 10 times before letting the hands hand loose by the sides and shaking them for a while.

Marathon Runner Paula Radcliffe and Asthma

July 11th, 2011

admin

Marathon runner Paula Radcliffe was influenced by her father, who was an amateur long distance runner, to take up long distance running at the age of seven. Even at this very young age, her resolve and determination was evident as despite suffering from asthma she just brushed aside the issue and hit the road with a vengeance.

As luck would have it Paula Radcliffe got a talented and dedicated coach in Alex Stanton and from then on there was no looking back. At the national level her first race was at the age of 12, where out of 600 girls she was placed 299^th. In the same race, one year later, she finished fourth. This was just the beginning of her astonishing triumphs she was to achieve later on in life.

Some major successes of Paula Radcliffe:

Stood 15^th in the World Junior Cross Country Championships in 1991

Ranked 1^st in the World Junior Cross Country Championships in 1992

3000 m in Seoul, South Korea, World Junior Championships – ranked 4^th

World Cross Country Championships in Spain – ranked 18^th

3000 m World Championships in Germany – ranked 7^th

World Cross Country Championships in England – ranked 18^th

5000 m World Championships in Sweden – ranked 5^th

3000 m IAAF Grand Prix Final in Monaco – ranked 4^th

World Cross Country Championships in South Africa – ranked 19^th

5000 m Olympic Games in USA – ranked 5^th

5000 m IAAF Grand Prix Final in Italy – ranked 4^th

World Cross Country Championships in Italy – ranked 2^nd

3000 m European Cup in Germany – ranked 3^rd

5000 m World Championships in Greece – ranked 4^th

5000 m IAAF Grand Prix Final in Japan – ranked 3^rd

World Cross Country Championships in Morocco – ranked 2^nd

5000 m European Cup in Russia – ranked 1^st

10000 m European Championships in Hungary – ranked 5^th

The list goes on. Here is an asthmatic Paula Radcliffe competing and winning against other athletes who, in all probability, do not have any such problems. It makes her achievement even more special as asthma primarily affects the breathing of a person and long distance running, if anything requires a very strong respiratory system.

To really appreciate Paula Radcliffe’s marathon feats let us see what asthma is.

Asthma is a condition where the airways get inflamed. Due to this swelling, the passageway of the air is reduced leading to the air trying to force its way in during inhaling and trying to force its way out during exhaling. This causes laborious breathing (wheezing), shortness of breath, coughing and tightness in the chest.

Asthma Symptoms:

Cough with or without phlegm

Shortness of breath which worsens with exercise or exertion

Wheezing sound while breathing

Tightness in chest

Chest pain

Unusual breathing pattern

Temporary stoppage of breathing

Emergency Asthma Symptoms:

Severe drowsiness or confusion during an asthma attack

Increased pulse

Lips and face turning blue

Labored breathing

Sweating

Some Asthma Triggers:

Dust

Changes in weather (particularly cold weather)

Animals

Chemicals in food or in the air

Exercising

Respiratory infections

Pollen

Tobacco smoke

Stress

What asthma does is it affects the basics of living and that is breathing. Its triggers are present everywhere. The slightest contact with any of the triggers and breathing becomes a monumental task. And what is Paula Radcliffe’s vocation? Running, running and more running – right into all the triggers of asthma. And to top it, she has exercise-induced asthma, yet she has conquered asthma.

In Paula Radcliffe’s own words “control your asthma, do not let it control you.” Spoken like a true champion.

Acupressure Points for Headaches, Back Pain and Constipation

July 9th, 2011

admin

Acupressure is a different form of conventional acupuncture. It is also known as finger acupuncture. It has been found to be effective in the treatment of mild to moderate headaches. It involves the skill of gently rubbing in circular motion the acupuncture points related to headaches.

Headaches are quite common and usually do not pose any serious problems. But they are source of irritation and distraction and should be dealt with accordingly. One of the better ways of getting rid of headaches is by applying acupressure point’s technique. Acupressure is a natural remedy without any side effects and is a non-drug therapy.

What are the causes of headaches?

Headaches are normally caused due to the following reasons:

• Nervousness and anxiety

• Emotional stress

• Hangover

• Stiff neck and shoulders

• Tiredness

• Common cold and flu

• Menopause

• Menstruation

Acupressure location point and technique to relieve headaches:

One acupressure point is located beneath the occipital bone, about 1.5 inches sideways to the midline of the head. Sit down and bend the head frontward and using the thumb massage gently but firmly in a circular motion.

Another acupressure point is located over the dorsum of the hand in the middle of the first and second metacarpal bones. Press firmly against 2nd metacarpal bone and massage using the thumb.

Acupressure points for back pain:

Back pain can be relieved by applying acupressure techniques in the right manner. Acupressure treatment involves applying pressure on the various relevant points located all over the body. By this method it is possible to get relief from back pain and muscle stress.

What are the causes of the back pain?

• Arthritis

• Obesity

• Sleeping posture

• Spine disc damage

• Improper sitting posture

• Injury

• Pregnancy and menstrual periods

• Diabetes

• Age factor

Acupressure points to relieve back pain:

The first set of acupressure points for back pain relief is located near the centre of the spine. Tracing a line with your finger from the belly button around the side of the body to a spot some 2 inches from the centre of the spine. The second point is on the other side of the spine and can be located in similar way. You may require the help of another person to gently massage on these points. The pressure applied should not cause pain or discomfort.

Place your hands on the hips in such a way that the thumb is pointing towards the spine and the index finger is pointing forward. The tips of the thumbs are now directly placed above the kidneys. The points where the tips of the thumbs are placed now form the two acupressure points. These points should be massaged in a gentle circular motion to get relief from back pain.

Acupressure points for constipation

Constipation can be treated with the help of acupressure.

Point 1:

This acupressure point is situated on the right hand. It is located on the spot where the index finger joins the thumb. This point should be pressed for one minute twice a day. One or two glasses of water should be taken before the treatment.

Point 2:

This acupressure point is found on the inner side of the right leg. To locate this point start from the prominent ankle bone and go up for 1.5 to 2 inches.

Point 3:

This spot is located on the right leg. There is a distinct bone joint just below the knee cap. This acupressure point is located just outside this bone.

Point 4:

This point is located around 1.5 inches above the wrist line of the right hand and in the center

Home Remedies for Acidity and Heartburn

July 8th, 2011

admin

Normally the stomach acids and digestive juices, which are very important for the digestive process, remain in the stomach or digestive system where they perform the vital function of digesting the food and absorbing the nutrients from it. These juices are prevented from coming back into the esophagus by a valve which is situated at the end of the food pipe. This valve opens only into the stomach to allow the food into the stomach. If this valve malfunctions or fails due to build up of increased pressure in the stomach, then the digestive juices may be forced back up the esophagus. This situation is termed as acidity or acid reflux. The esophagus and throat linings are not equipped to handle such strong acids. Hence, there is intense irritation in the food pipe and throat. The burning sensation so caused due to the stomach acids traveling in the food, is normally termed as heartburn.

If this occurrence is infrequent, then it is not a cause for worry. However, repeated occurrences would definitely require medical help.

Probable causes for acidity and heartburn:

Heartburn is an indication of insufficient water in the higher part of the gastrointestinal tract. It could also be caused by

• Eating foods which are rich and spicy

• Eating food at a rapid pace without proper chewing

• Eating hurriedly or under nervous tension

• Irregular sleep

• Smoking and alcohol intake

• Pregnancy

• Obesity

Preventive measures for acidity and heartburn:

• Intake of at least 8-10 glasses of water daily

• Chewing the food properly before swallowing

• Eating food at a relaxed pace

• Avoid skipping meals

• Avoid lengthy time gap between meals

• Avoid pickles, tomato ketchup, sauce, fried foods, hot spicy foods, chocolates, mustard, vinegar, too much coffee or tea, spearmint, peppermint, carbonated beverages, citrus fruits, etc.

• Avoiding raw salad consisting of vegetables like radish, cabbage, peppers and onion.

• Unripe high pectin fruits like unripe apple should be avoided.

• A mixture of two tsp of raw honey with two tsp of natural apple cider vinegar along with water should be taken before meals.

• Smoking and alcohol intake should be reduced.

• Allow sometime between eating and going to bed.

Some home remedies for acidity and heartburn:

• Sucking slowly on a piece of clove after meals provides instant relief and also helps in reducing the probability of other complications.

• Eating a piece of Jaggery after lunch or dinner helps.

• Eating a banana daily will ensure protective action against acidity and heartburn

• One tsp juice of amla (Indian gooseberry) mixed with one tsp of chebulic myroblan to be taken daily.

• Fennel has also been found useful for heartburn.

• Ginger aids in preventing acidity.

• Drinking water gives immediate relief from acidity.

• Vanilla ice-cream or cold milk may also provide relief.

• Chewing on a bubble-gum will provide instant relief from acidity.

• Sometimes there is not enough acid in the stomach to digest the food properly. This leads to heartburn. Drinking a teaspoon of vinegar, which is an antacid, gets rid of the acid. Then, the body produces enough acid to digest the food and the heartburn stops.

• Calcium is also quite effective in treating heartburn. A glass of milk or some yogurt or ice cream will do the trick.

• Avoid bending or any other posture which will aid in the reflux of the food for 3-4 hours after meals.

• A pillow with high elevation should be used while sleeping.

• A few almonds should be eaten on feeling of heartburn symptoms.

• Coconut water should be consumed 4-5 times a day.

• After every meal chew on some carom seeds.