According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Chronic Disease will claim 7 out of 10 Americans. Poor nutrition is one of the four contributing factors of Chronic Disease, the other three are:

• Lack of physical activity
• Tobacco use
• Excessive alcohol consumption.

So how do you know that you are a candidate for Chronic Disease? Well here are a few questions that can help you decide if you are at risk:

Are you overweight?

Are you taking cholesterol medication?

Are you using a birth control pill?

Are you waking up feeling groggy?

Are you constantly craving carbohydrates?

Do you have brittle fingernails?

Are you feeling constantly fatigued?

Do you smoke?

Are you binge drinking? (Consuming 4 or more drinks on an occasion for women, 5 or more drinks on an occasion for men in the past 30 days)

If the answer to any these questions is “yes” you are probably living with a silent killer known as inflammation.

Inflammation is the leading cause of Chronic Disease such as:

Heart disease and stoke

Cancer

Type 2 diabetes

Neurological diseases (Alzheimer’s, depression, attention deficit disorder, Parkinson’s)

Autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis)

Pain (fibromyalgia, migraines, chronic pain, arthritis, etc.)

In order to prevent Inflammation, and therefore Chronic Disease you need to make a few changes.

Stop smoking

Don’t drink in excess

Exercise regularly

Eat a nutritious diet

Which takes me back to the nutritional advice I give my patients.

Eat at least 5 to 7 servings of fruits and vegetables everyday. If you don’t get enough of these in your diet consider an anti-inflammatory supplement.

Eliminate dairy and excessive consumption of sweet foods from your diet

Avoid grease and fried foods (fatty meats, Peanuts, hydrogenated oils, butter, and ice cream)

Avoid excessive amounts of spice foods (curry, alcohol, lamb, beef, or spices)

Reduce your caffeine intake

Add a 1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil everyday

Drink enough water

Chinese Medicine considers not only what you eat, but also how you eat it. You can eat the best quality food but if it is eaten under the wrong circumstances, it will also lead to disease. All these habits interfere with proper digestion of food:

Eating in a hurry, take your time

Discussing work while you eat

Going straight back to work after eating

Eating late in the evening

Eating on a state of emotional tension

I know I gave you a lot of don’ts, so I like to close this article with a list of the benefits of reducing inflammation:

Better health

Greater longevity

Reduce symptoms of chronic diseases

Improved emotional control

Greater mental acuity

Improved physical performance

Yours in Health and Wellness

Roberto G. Guerrero,TX.,Lic.Ac.

Yes, yes, yes, I know that you have heard it all before and guess what.  It is true exercise alone makes you feel great and it will kick the bleaks, blues, and blahs away.

You can sneak in exercise without too much effort. For instance:

• Park as far away as possible when going to the mall, grocery store, and dare I say the GYM.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

If you joined a gym this year congratulations! Now all you have to do is make a commitment to your self to go at least three times a week.

We spend way too much time looking at television. Instead of passively viewing “your shows” get on the floor and do some old-fashioned push-ups, sit ups, and leg lifts.  It does not matter what you do as long as you get your body moving (moderation is key).

My other secret I want to share with you are snacks. Keep healthy single portion snacks such as nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables, with you and munch all day long.  This will help boost your metabolism and keep your blood sugar from dropping to low.

Here is a list of foods that you may wish to add to your regular diet when you are feeling the winter or anytime blahs:

• brown rice
• cucumber
• apples
• cabbage
• fresh wheat germ
• kuzu root
• wild blue-green-micro-algae
• apple cider vinegar.

Try to have at least one of these foods with each meal.  Specifically, one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a little water or 1.5 grams wild blue-green algae one to three times per day.  Remember the old adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”.

If you are not benefiting from the above suggestions by all means see your favorite acupuncturist straight away.

To your health,

R.E. Cravens, L.Ac.

Watch this ABC interview with Dr. Brent Bauer at the Mayo Clinic as he talks about the study taking place…

“One of the things that’s very popular right now are these super juices. A lot of people are talking about acai berry, goji berry, but the one we’ve chosen to study is something called mangosteen. The leading manufacturer is a company called XanGo, and we’ve worked with them to evaluate their product, which is a mangosteen juice. It includes not only the fruit but also the rind of the fruit. And it’s that rind that contains some unique anti-inflammatory agents called xanthones.

Well in many animal studies and in some anecdotal human experiences we’ve seen pretty remarkable anti-inflammatory effects. So we’re actually conducting a large trial of about 220 patients, all of whom have atrial fibrillation and as they go to cardioversion, where they get a shock to the heart to restore normal rhythm, those people are then going to either drink the juice or a placebo juice and the idea being that recurrent atrial fibrillation is often driven by how much inflammation is in the body.

So if mangosteen does what we think it will, reduces the inflammation, we anticipate we’ll see less atrial fibrillation recurring in those patients drinking the actual juice. We’re also looking at a number of markers for inflammation and antioxidant capabilities, so there’s a lot of interest, because if it’s positive, this’ll really be the first clinical trial to validate the use of this novel juice and there’s plenty of other applications that we’ll pursue in other research studies.”

To read more about this super fruit CLICK HERE

You may have everything you need in your pantry. If you don’t you can pick the ingredients at any grocery store.

This recipe makes one serving of syrup for your sore throat.

1. Tablespoon of Honey
2. 1/4 Tablespoon of Turmeric Powder. Turmeric a condiment and is known for providing flavor to curry.
3. 1/2 Table spoon of lemon juice

Mix together, now you have a home made syrup for sore throats. Take a spoon full at the time 2 or 3 times a day to sooth your sore throat.

Almost all health conditions can be affected to some degree by stimulated ear points. The most common reported uses have been for control of chronic pain, detoxification from addictions, (smoking and heroin and cocaine), relief from nausea, and high blood pressure, weight control…

Human studies have shown that stimulation of ear acupuncture points appears to cause the systemic release of endorphins.

Massage therapy consists of several different techniques, including:

• Swedish Massage
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Sports Massage
• Chair Massage
• Stone Massage
• Geriatric Massage
• Pregnancy Massage
• Baby Massage
• Reflexology
• Energy Work

The massage techniques typically used for de-stressing are Swedish, deep tissue, chair and stone.

Let’s take a look at each of these ways to de-stress with massage:

1. Swedish Massage. Swedish massage is also known as the classic massage and was actually invented by a Dutch man. It involves five kinds of touch and is delivered to the soft tissues using the therapists hands, moisturized with massage oil or lotion.

• The lotion or oil serves two purposes. It reduces friction between the patient’s skin and the therapist’s hands and acts as an aromatherapy experience.
• Scents often evoke strong associations deeply wired into our brain,so using scented lotions can help you relax and thoroughly enjoy the massage experience.The therapist will often give a choice of scents, so choose one you find the most relaxing and pleasing.
• Swedish massage will also help hasten healing of injuries, reduce swelling and help dissolve deep scar tissue adhesions.

2. Deep Tissue Massage. Using many of the traditional massage techniques, deep tissue massage takes it one step further, getting into the deep tissue areas of your body.

• Once the skin and muscles are relaxed using classic massage, the therapist goes deeper into the tissues that join your body parts together, the underlying musculature and connective tissue called fascia.
• Deep tissue massage is also an excellent remedy for chronic muscular pain, injury rehabilitation, and reduction of pain caused by arthritis and tendonitis.

3. Chair Massage. Chair massage has fast become a popular way to de-stress while shopping in a mall or traveling by air. Chair massage therapists can also often be found at your local health food store.

• A chair massage therapist doesn’t use oil or lotion, and you’re fully clothed during the massage. In addition, the sessions are shorter than traditional massage, usually 20 minutes or less. Chair massage focuses pressure only on the head, neck, shoulders, back, and arms.

• Chair massage is a great way to get quick relief and de-stress when you don’t have time for a traditional massage.
• The cost is easy on your wallet, too, usually costing approximately $1 a minute.

4. Stone Massage. You’ve probably seen pictures in magazines or on the web of people receiving a stone massage. Smooth, heated, black stones are placed along a person’s spine and used as an extension of the therapist’s hand in conjunction with traditional massage.

• The added benefits of stone massage are increased pain relief, improved movement and energy

Possible Risks of Massage Therapy

Massage is generally safe as long as it’s offered by a trained therapist. However, massage isn’t the best de-stressing method for everyone, and you should seek the advice of your physician if you have certain conditions, such as:

• Burns or open wounds in areas to be massaged
• A recent heart attack
• Cancer – you’ll want to avoid direct pressure on the tumor area
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Unhealed fractures
• Rheumatoid arthritis in the area to be massaged
• Severe osteoporosis

Some other risks may include internal bleeding, nerve damage or temporary paralysis if the massage is done improperly. Make certain the therapist you choose is licensed and has the proper training.

What to Expect During a Massage

1. Questions & Concerns. Your therapist should ask you about any health concerns, why you’re seeking a massage, and if there are any medical conditions that they should be aware of.

2. Clothing. Expect to disrobe, unless you’re receiving a chair massage. Most likely, you’ll be expected to remove most of your clothing and given a robe to wear during the massage.

3. Positioning. Most massages require that you lie down during your massage and roll over from front to back or vice versa. You’ll also experience hands-on touching, but it should never be inappropriate.

4. Allergens. Oils and lotions that contain scent are typically used during massage. If you’re allergic to certain scents, oils, or lotions, ask your therapist for an alternative.

5. Pain. You should never feel more pain than temporary discomfort often experienced while the therapist works out a knot or on a sore muscle area.

• If you’re experiencing pain greater than temporary discomfort, tell your therapist right away.

Benefits of Massage

Massage can relieve tension in your muscles, help you relax, relieve stress and anxiety, and reduce muscle soreness. Massage is also known for releasing natural painkillers in your body, and it may even boost your immune system.

Before making an appointment for a massage, consider the possible risks and talk to your physician. This will help ensure your safety and make your massage a rewarding one.

If you are in the San Antonio Area consider contacting:

Nasaly Blake at

Relaxing Moments Massage

166 N Loop 1604 ste. 102 (Inside North Star Barber Shop)

San Antonio, Tx. 78232

Ph# (210) 781-5299

Or visit:

http://www.relaxingmomentsmassage.net

]]> http://aacucare.com/index.html/?feed=rss2&p=90 1 http://aacucare.com/index.html/?p=84 http://aacucare.com/index.html/?p=84#comments Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:34:20 +0000 admin http://aacucare.com/index.html/?p=84 We all need to relax every now and then. If we don’t, we could end up getting stressed and even sick. However, there are many relaxation activities out there that cost a pretty penny.

What if we want to find some ways to relax without breaking the bank? There are many of them out there and it’s easier than you think!

Here is a list of ideas for zero cost ways to relax:

1. Light Exercise. A great way to relax is getting some light exercise. This can mean going for a walk around the neighborhood or playing a low impact sport. Exercise has been known to help the body relax and engaging in non-intense exercise will help your mind to unwind as well.
2. Meditation. Taking up meditation is one of the most relaxing activities you can engage in for free. All you need to do is sit in silence and focus on your breath. When negative thoughts arise, acknowledge them, and then let them go. Try doing this for 30 minutes each day.
3. Take a Nap. Babies and toddlers aren’t the only ones that can benefit from a nap! You may even feel relaxed and rejuvenated after a simple 15-minute snooze. You don’t even need to completely fall asleep to enjoy this activity.
4. Shoot the Breeze. Go to a friend’s house or talk to a friend on the phone. Chances are you have one of those friends that you can chat with as if no time has gone by since you last talked. Old friends usually provide great opportunities to talk about the good old days.
5. Listen to Music. Grab the MP3 player and lay down with some great tunes. Pick out a group of songs that you find especially relaxing. Classical and other light songs usually work best.
6. Read a Book. Go check out a new book from the local library and start reading. It may even be a fun activity to read one of your favorite books over again.
7. Take a Hot Bath. Take a hot bath or shower. If you’re taking a bath, add in bubble bath soap, play some classical music, and remember to turn off your phone ringer. This is a simple way to have some peaceful time just for you.
8. Look at Old Photos. Bring out some old photos from your childhood or the photos from a fun trip you took. Remembering some of your treasured moments through photographs will make you smile and relax for sure.
9. Play Board Games. When was the last time you played your favorite board game? Dust off the old Monopoly or Scrabble, prepare some snacks, and play a few games with your family. It’ll be fun for all!
10. Daydream. Allow your mind to wander and dream. Escape to where you’d like to travel one day. Think about what your life will be like in the next 5, 10, or 15 years and write these thoughts down in a journal for you to read later.

Endless Possibilities

These are just 10 simple ideas when it comes to relaxing the zero cost way. Stay creative and remember that it’s okay to waste time every now and then. You can either hang around doing some self-reflection, or you can hang out with friends or family, whatever it is, do something fun!

What is EFT Therapy?

Whether you’re a potential client or counselor, you may have come across a kind of therapy called EFT. This stands for Emotional Freedom Technique and is a way for a recipient to gain nearly instant freedom from their pent up emotions.

The Man Behind EFT

Gary Craig is the founder of EFT Therapy. Craig is an ordained minister at the Universal Church of God located in southern California. He’s also a Stanford graduate from the college of engineering. However, he always had a deep interest in psychology and personal development.

EFT Therapy: The Definition

EFT is a type of therapy that uses an emotional form of acupressure. With EFT Therapy, you can tap on a certain part of the body with a finger and provide a recipient with therapeutic healing that may have taken years with other methods.

Your body has a tendency to store up past emotional problems. When this emotional form of acupressure is utilized on the body’s meridian energy points, the pent up emotional energy can then be released. If this seems too good to be true, you can refer to the testimonials of countless past users who’ve described it as life altering.

The beauty of EFT is the ability to provide the client with instant healing. Many would have you believe that traditional conversational therapy is required in order to truly heal emotional problems, however, you can achieve excellent results even with online-based EFT systems.

A free manual about EFT is available for download in order to give you a full education on the Emotional Freedom Technique. It goes over information on how it came about and then describes the technique so you can try it for yourself. The actual technique is only two pages of instructions and easy to understand.

Some problems EFT Therapy has been known to solve include:

1. Insomnia and Anxiety. These two problems often go hand in hand. With EFT, you can learn how to quickly cope with these problems. You’ll also gain confidence, which will reduce the occurrence of both anxiety attacks and insomnia. Many long time sufferers are shocked by the easy results they can achieve.
2. Phobias. Phobias can vary from minor and relatively harmless, up to major ones that interfere with daily life. EFT has been known to fully erase even debilitating phobias in a matter of hours.
3. Anger. Anger management can also become easier with help from EFT therapy. Repressed anger is a common pent up emotion that can easily be released with EFT.
4. Addiction and Weight Loss. EFT therapy can be used on all kinds of addictions, from alcohol and drugs to excessive eating. This form of therapy can make dealing with cravings more bearable and – in some situations – the cravings can disappear entirely.

The Mind/Body Connection

No matter what kind of therapy you engage in, you may begin to notice mind and body connections. Mental conditions such as stress can take a toll on the body.

Stress can cause all sorts of problems including:

• Backaches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Discomfort

Once your stress has been relieved, you may also notice that these physical symptoms fade as well. Clients of the EFT Therapy method undergo simple procedures and then find that their physical symptoms vanish without having to endure longer or more emotionally painful treatments.

Like most things in life, EFT Therapy is not fail proof. The system is not perfect and there are certain individuals and situations that cannot be helped. On the flip side, there are certain people that have tried nearly everything without luck until they finally came across the Emotional Freedom Technique.

It could be the answer to your physical or emotional challenges and, since it’s a quick and painless process, it’s worth a try. EFT practitioners are located in every major city and many towns throughout the country. Seek one out in your area or study the field on your own, and reap the benefits!

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing art

How Does It Work?

Acupuncturists believe that energy flows through the body system through channels called meridians. This energy is referred to as Qi or Chi.

Stress causes an imbalance in the body’s energy and causes it to flow improperly. The Qi can become blocked and stagnant. It must be unblocked and flow freely in order to restore harmonious balance to the body.

By stimulating the proper acupressure points, the Qi can flow freely, thereby alleviating stress induced mental and physical symptoms.

Is It Safe?

Acupuncture is perfectly safe when performed by a licensed practitioner. Acupuncturists are trained in the proper methods of treatment and all instruments are sterilized to prevent any risk of infection.

The Food and Drug Administration approved non-toxic needles made for single use application just for use in acupuncture treatments. The majority of people who undergo acupuncture feel no pain at all. A small percentage may feel very minimal pain. Bleeding rarely occurs.

Health Benefits

Acupuncture can relieve the physical symptoms of stress that tends to accumulate in the neck, shoulders, and back, causing pain and tension. Headaches are another physical complaint resulting from stress. People who are under high levels of stress often have high blood pressure.

Acupuncture can relieve physical symptoms, such as tense muscles, and even help to lower blood pressure. Acupuncture leaves the body feeling calm and relaxed. An added benefit of acupuncture is that it improves the circulation of the blood throughout the body.

Treatment Sessions

A typical acupuncture session may last for 30 to 60 minutes. The patient will become very relaxed during the treatment and may even fall asleep.

Regular acupuncture treatments can help strengthen your body so you’re better able to deal with the day-to-day stresses of life. Acupuncture can also leave you feeling refreshed and energized.

Stress Related Health Conditions

Regular acupuncture treatments can help heal stress related health conditions and improve the body’s immunity to defend against potential illnesses.

In fact, in some cases, acupuncture that is being used to treat one condition can actually help detect another, more severe illness that had not been previously identified. In such cases, acupuncture aids in early diagnosis and treatment.

In another capacity, acupuncture can serve as a form of preventive measure against illness by alleviating stress and strengthening the body.

The Mind-Body Connection

Acupuncture serves to the treat the mind and body as a whole system. Conventional medicine has come to accept that the mind affects the body. The mental system affects the physical. Stress is a perfect example of the interrelated connection between the body and mind.

The mind perceives life situations and the body reacts to them on the basis of the mind’s perception. If the mind perceives a threat, the body immediately prepares for a flight or fight response in which the heart beats faster and the muscles tighten, just as with stress.

Remember, acupuncture is just one method of relieving stress. It’s also important to learn positive and productive ways to cope with stress on a daily basis, thereby making the stress work for you rather than against you.

Find your own combination of de-stressing methods that work for you, and use them often to enjoy a happier and healthier life.

Roberto G. Guerrero is a Texas licensed acupuncturist, a Chinese herbalist and a National Board Certified Practitioner of Oriental Medicine with a practice located in San Antonio, Tx.

If you are in the San Antonio Area, call 210-641-1417 to schedule your free 20 minute consultation.