Understanding Shoulder Pain

By Karen Benford Smith

 

The shoulder is an integral part of the body because the shoulder joints move each time the arms move.  Understanding how the shoulder is put together may help an individual better understand the purposes of the shoulder.  The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint with three main bones:  the upper arm bone (humerus), collarbone (clavicle), and the shoulder blade (scapula).  Muscles and ligaments hold the shoulder bones together.  Because the shoulder has the highest range of motion of any joint in the body it is prone to more injuries, overuse, and wear and tear.  The process of aging may also increase the chances of pain in the shoulder.  Determining if a shoulder injury or pain is serious or minor can often be regulated by the range of motion of the shoulder.

Shoulder injuries often occur during sports related act ivies, work related accidents or activities, falls, and change in the weather.  Most shoulder injuries or pains are treatable at home.  Other injuries that are more serious should be treated by a medical professional.  Acute or sudden injury, overuse of the shoulder, and other symptoms of shoulder pain such as muscle tension, breakdown of the cartilage of the shoulder, and calcium build up on the tendons of the shoulders, and herniated disc or pinched nerve of the neck. 

As stated before understanding how severe the overused shoulder injury is found out by the shoulders range of motion.  A frozen shoulder, which is a condition that permits limited use of the shoulder, is usually followed by an injury. 

Bursitis is the inflammation of the sac of fluid that cushions and lubricates the joint area between one bond and another bone, a tendon, or the skin.

Bicipital tendinitis is an inflammation of one of the tendons that attaches to the biceps on the front of the arm and connects to the humerus (Bicipital bone), which the tendon routes through to attach above the shoulder joint.

Rotator cuff syndrome or shoulder impingement syndrome is verified by overhead arm movements, causes rubbing and scraping and inflammation of the acromion.

Acute injuries of the shoulder are brought on by bruising or contusions from a twist, bump, or fall. 

Sprains to the tough, ropy ligaments that connect to the bone and aid in stabilization of the shoulder may occur.

Separation of the shoulder occurs when the outer end of the collarbone (clavicle) separates from the acromion of the shoulder blade and causes the ligaments to tear.  The injury often happens from a blow to the shoulder, fall or to break a fall with an outstretched arm or hand.

A dislocation or subluxation is when the shoulder is pulled or pushed in an abnormal association with other bones.

Treatment for shoulder injuries may include first aid measures, physical therapy, massage therapy, and in some instances surgery.  Treatment varies and is dependent on the location, type, and nature of the injury.  Other variables are how long the injury has occurred, age, health, and extracurricular activities.

 

 

 

 

Stress and the master gene trigger

By Karen Benford Smith

A recent article found in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that the stimulation of the master gene known as ATF3, which aids in the adaption of cells to reduce stress may be a primary aid in reducing the spread of breast cancer, as well as other cancers that metastasis (spread to other parts of the body).

Stress, a major culprit in the instigation of breast cancer, may also be the contributor to the spread of this disease.  ATF3 normally protects the body’s cells by disposing of cells permanently that have been harmed by stress due to lack of oxygen or irradiation (radioactivity or x-ray treatment).

Healthy cellular structure is composed of an immune system that eliminates foreign agents or harmful compositions, which is beneficial in early stages of cancer.  If for some reason the immune system decides that the destruction of certain harmful cells is unnecessary, the cancerous cells will begin to multiply and take over a system.  This is when tumors develop.  The AFT3 is called upon to create a malfunction in the cellular organization and permits the cancer cells to leave the cell and escape with the cancer to other areas of the body.

Things that promote ATF3 are a diet high in fat, radiation, chemotherapy, UV damage, and chronic stress.

Western medicine is currently studying ways to create a drug that would focus on the destruction of the ATF3 cells and promote the creation of more productive cellular growth.

If an individual would work on reduction of stress naturally the need for a new drug would not be necessary.  Here are some ways that stress can keep the master gene cell ATF3 from inhibiting the body.

1)       Passionflower (for stress and anxiety)

2)      Massage

3)      Meditation

4)      Exercise

5)      Organize your life

6)      Eat Healthy

7)      Limit internet and Cellular phone use

8)      B vitamins

9)      Aromatherapy

10)   Sleep

	Experts: Interviews Print this page | Sign up for free e-bulletins	11/19/2013 | Bookmark This Page
	Don't Just Change: Transform A Message from Dr. Matt Mumber and Heather Reed: In our new book, Sustainable Wellness: An Integrative Approach to Transform Your Mind, Body, and Spirit, we introduce a series of safe and reliable techniques that can help you to make adjustments needed to rebalance yourself as you move through the stages of life. These particular techniques come out of Dr. Matt's extensive training and experience as an integrative radiation oncologist and Heather's experience as a Yoga and meditation teacher. The book reflects our decade of work with people facing challenges of all kinds - including life threatening ones. Rather than a quick fix or fad diet, this program is grounded in the cultivation of awareness. After interacting with hundreds of people in retreats and group settings, we've learned it's the familiar tools consistently applied that facilitate the greatest benefit and become our strongest allies, even if these tools change over time. Our Website, www.sustainablewellnessonline.com, offers further resources, practices, and ways to stay in touch with us. Please think of us as guides and part of your support team as you take gradual steps toward sustainable wellness. Here's an excerpt from the book: A sustainable approach to health should be practical and should fit into everyday situations. Our actions reflect our inner nature, and vice versa: Consistent choices made over time can influence this inner nature and its expression. This is the work of transformation via the use of well-chosen tools. Small changes can have a big impact on our lives. Heather describes this through an experiment she did as a child: As a little girl, I wandered through summer fields of wild-flowers. Queen Anne's Lace was always my favorite. I wondered how the rain got into the tiny white petals and asked my father to explain. He said the flowers would show me. We picked a bunch of lacey flowers and placed them in a jar of water. My father asked me to choose among the small vials of food coloring in the kitchen cupboard and to squeeze a few drops into the water. I saw the water turn blue and asked what would happen next. He smiled and said, "You'll see." I watched the flowers throughout the day. By the next morning it happened: the tinted water had traveled up the flower stems. The petals were blue! Later, I learned the science behind the flowers' transformation. It paled in comparison to the magic that I witnessed with my own eyes. Over time, the power and significance of my experiment has deepened. More than ever, I'm amazed by the effect of a few small drops. This process is similar to creating a practical and sustainable health practice: The jar and the water represent our inner nature, whereas the flower reflects its expression in life. The drops of coloring are new tools at our disposal. When we use tools that merge with the substance of our inner nature, they are absorbed in a way that feeds our life and changes its expression effortlessly. If we use tools that don't align with our inner nature, they will not enter into the solution of nourishment. In our example, this would be like dropping a rock into the jar of water. The rock would sink to the bottom and would have no influence on the expression of the flower. Throughout this book we'll offer exercises like the small drops of coloring added to the water nourishing the flower. We call these "Yoga Bits" and we encourage you to drop them into your daily life with intention and awareness. They're helpful in maintaining your chosen health practice and can be performed in as little time as taking a breath. Dr. Matt Mumber and Heather Reed are the authors of "Sustainable Wellness: An Integrative Approach to Transform Your Mind, Body, and Spirit" published by New Page and due out September 22, 2012. EAN 978-1-60163-234-0, Canada $17.95. Dr. Matt is a 2002 graduate from Dr. Weil's Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona.

Detoxifying and Cleansing

by Karen Benford Smith

Every day the body transforms the food and chemicals ingested in the body through a natural process of elimination or neutralizing.  The processes take class in the colon, kidneys, liver, lungs, lymph, and skin.  The internal and external organs automatically detoxify through normal bodily functions but in today’s world the process can be hampered.  Cleansing or detoxification program may enhance and provide protection from the outside forces that want to cause havoc in the body. The solution to safeguard the body an implementation of yet another way to defend the keep pollution and hazardous materials from contaminating the body is to cleanse and detoxify these materials that were not meant to be in the body.  Detoxifying and cleansing can help remove unwanted environmental harmful such as pollution, chemicals, and any other immune-compromising diseases that affect the whole body. Cleansing is one of the best ways to fight free radicals and triggers that may cause internal damage.

The body sends signals to the mind identifying reasons for a change to the compromised immune system.  Here are some of the warning signs that a cleanse or detoxification program may necessary. If you have frequent headaches, back and joint pains, or arthritis. Also a detox program may be prompted if you have chronic sinus, respiratory, or asthma problems. Another way to define if you need a cleansing is if you have abnormal bad breath, body odor, or a coated tongue.  When you become irritable, depressed, or have trouble sleeping would be three additional reasons to try a detoxification program. 

Some of the benefits that a detoxification program gives the body is a clean internal operating system that is able to handle its own flushing and eliminating.  A cleanse will provide the body with the ability to breath freely without obstruction caused by excess mucous and congestion.  Once the chemical overload has been removed, mental clarity and free thinking will be restored.  A big plus factor in cleansing is the reduction of stomach muscles which helps control weight and allocation of food sources.

There are three steps needed to put together a cleansing program, the actual cleans, rebuilding, and maintenance.  The amount of time you can devote to cleansing is also another important factor.  Always follow these three steps, elimination, rebuilding of the healthy tissues, and keeping the body toxin-free.

Recently, I did a detoxification to reduce stress.  My cleansing program was a three days program followed by a continued upkeep of the reduction of unhealthy chemicals in the body. 

Two good sources for a detox program can be found at http://www.doctoroz.com/media/print/10173 or for a longer formal detox program go to http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/Deepak-chopra/meditation-cleanse-detox-stress-21-days?

Another excellent source for different detoxification and healthy living programs is Healthy Living by Linda Page.

Namaste,

Karen

 

Posture

Posture

By Karen Benford Smith

Back pain is one of the primary complaints of individuals seeking medical attention and reasons for missing work.  The chief complaint is low back pain with symptoms that include muscle ache, shooting or stabbing pain, limited range of motion, and the inability to stand erect.  Back pain can be eliminated or reduced by following these simple steps.

First, posture is an important part of the back pain problem.  Posture may be the leading cause of lower and upper back pain.  The pressure that is added to the spinal nerves may cause a herniated disc. Overuse of certain muscles may cause Myofascial pain, which affects the connective tissue of the group of muscles in the lower back. If an individual corrects poor posture either during extended times of standing, walking, and sitting back pain may be reduced.  Exercise is another key component for strengthening back muscles.  The exercises usually target muscles in the back, shoulders, and abdomen.  Another way to control good posture is to practice deep breathing exercises.  Yoga participants use deep breathing exercises to strengthen core muscles.  These muscles in the core region of the body will help balance the spinal cord and surrounding muscles as well as keep the body in proper alignment.

Back muscles often become sore from strenuous exercise, poor posture, or overuse. Some back treatment remedies that may be managed at home are rest, heat and ice, over—the-counter pain medication, and analgesics for muscular pain.

Back pain is the number one reason for individuals seek medical consultation and absenteeism from work.  Practicing good posture while walking, standing, and sitting can eliminate or minimize back pain.

Iliopsoas Syndrome

The lower back muscles are the more dominant muscles of the back because of their ability to maintain posture, stability of the body, and movement.  There are two muscles of the low back that cross over and act as one.  The psoas major and illacus, together form the muscle known as the Iliopsoas.  The purpose the Iliopsoas is a deep muscle in the abdomen and along the iliac fossa.  As a hip flexor, the illiopsoas plays a crucial role in the posture of the spine, and helps with movement in the lower lumbar spine, and an influential function of the lordosis (curve) of the spine.

An individual might experience the pain of the iliopsoas syndrome if the following areas are experiencing acute or chronic pain:  lower abdomen, groin, buttocks, thigh and leg, hip, lower back, sacroiliac joint, across the top of the pelvic bond, and stiffness and clicking in the hip region.

The cause of iliopsoas syndrome can be attributed to repetitive hip  motion, sitting too long in the same stationery position, speed workouts associated with a runners workout, shortened hip muscles, poor abdominal muscles, pronation, shortened quadriceps muscles, and cycling.

This muscle lies deep in the back of the spine intertwined between the S1 and L5.  The difficulty of working this muscle from a massage therapist standpoint begins with understanding how to locate this muscle. As the therapist enters the point where Ilacus and psoas meet, a slow insertion of pressure as well as an inward motion toward the spine is important in relieving the client’s pain.  Once the muscle is located, pressure should be added to the point, then releasing for ease of the soft tissue.  This type of manipulation will encourage the management of this syndrome.  Other options are various stretches that open the constrained hips, lower back stretches, and leg raises.  Often rest, massage, and stretching will help alleviate the pain caused by Iliopsoas Syndrome.

Ginger Root and Benefits

Ginger

By Karen Benford Smith

Ginger is rhizome (underground stem), used as a spice in cooking or for medicinal purposes. This stem can be found in powered form, dried, fresh, as a juice or oil.  Ginger to aid in the relief of stomach pain, muscle or arthritic joint pain, and as a laxative.

Cancer treatment that causes nausea can be soothed with ginger.  Motion sickness, morning sickness, colic, upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea can be treated with ginger. 

Drink ginger tea during a menstrual cycle to soothe the cramping.  Other muscle pains can be relieved with ginger heated and applied directly to the affected area.  Some individuals have had positive outcomes drinking ginger tea when afflicted with upper respiratory problems.

Ginger is also used to improve the taste of food and beverages.

Studies have shown that ginger can reduce the inflammation of osteoarthritis.  An individual would have to take 250 mg four times a day of ginger extract (Zintona EC) for three months to actually begin to feel the effects.  (Ginger, 2013).

The chemicals in ginger work to keep nausea and inflammation down by working chiefly in the intestines and stomach region.  Ginger is also has properties that control nausea and as a carminative (an ingredient that reduces gas in the intestinal tract).

Ginger Compress

Ginger compresses can be placed directly on achy muscles or aching joints.  Slice raw ginger, approximately four ounces, into lean slices.  Boil one-half gallon of water to a rolling boil then add the slices of ginger and let simmer for 20 minutes. Take a towel and dip it into the water, wring it out, and place on the area that is in pain.  Cover with another towel to keep the heat from evaporating.  Place the towel back in the ginger water after the towel has cooled off.  Repeat one more time. Again this is effective in treating arthritic and muscular pain.  Also works for areas in the back that are having spasms.

Ginger Bath

Take eight ounces of ginger and slice very thin.  Place in boiling water and let simmer for 40 minutes.  Add the simmered ginger to a hot bath and wait for the bath water to cool.  Soothing to joints and inflamed muscles that occur all over the body.

The cost of ginger is $5.00 per pound as of yesterday when shopping at Publix.  The benefits of ginger are amazing per cost per pound and if used often will relieve most muscular and arthritic problems.  Why not consider switching to ginger versus over the counter pain relievers.  Natural pathic ways surely are less expensive and safer for the body.

 

 

 

Ginger. (2013, August 3). Retrieved from Medline Plus Trusted Health Information for You: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/drugino/natural/961.html

Michael Reed Gach, P. (2012). Accupressure Pain Relief. Kihei: Accupressure.com.

Weil, D. (2013, February 4). Anti-Inflammatory Diet & Pyramid. Retrieved from My Four Favorite Anti-Inflammatory Foods: http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART032227/My-Four-Favoirte-AntiInflammatory-Foods.html

Back Pain Treatments

Complementary Back Pain Treatments

There are several other back pain treatments you can try.

• Acupuncture. An expert inserts tiny needles in your skin at specific points to relieve pain. Studies have found that acupuncture can help some people with back pain.

• Electrical stimulation. This involves sending harmless levels of electricity to the nerves in order to ease pain. The most common form of this treatment is called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS.)

• Massage. One study found that massage helped reduce back pain and improve function faster than regular medical care alone. Be sure to tell your massage therapist about your back pain and any injuries.

• Spinal Manipulation. An expert will press against a joint in your spine with hands or a device. The idea is to relieve pressure and realign the joints and muscles. Spinal manipulation is also called chiropractic adjustment. Studies have found the approach can help with back pain.

Tips to Prevent Back Pain

• Seek support from your furniture. Sit in chairs with good back support. Make sure your desk is at a comfortable height.

• Have good posture. Try not to slouch when you're sitting or standing. Keep your shoulders back when sitting at a desk. Don't let your shoulders creep up toward your ears.

• Lift carefully. Don't try to pick up things that are too heavy. When lifting, bend from your knees, not your waist.

• Sleep on your side with your knees bent. It puts less stress on your spine. Try not to sleep on your stomach. If you sleep on your back, put pillows under your lower back and knees.

• Stretch. Before you work out or do anything strenuous, stretch first. It lowers the risk of a strain or sprain.

WebMD 2013

Oh My Aching Back

Oh My Aching Back

By Karen Benford Smith

The cause of lower back pain can range from mechanical problems, injuries, or acquired conditions or diseases according to WebMD. Understanding back pain will help a patient decide, which method of pain relief is necessary.

 Mechanical problems with back pain can be diagnosed by the physician and involves the failure of the discs located at the base of the spine deteriorate until they stop functioning.  This is usually a commonality with age.  The cushion between the vertebrae begins to deteriorate causing much pain because of bone on bone.  Other types of mechanical failure in the back are felt through spasms, muscle tension, and discs that become herniated.  Spasms and back tension may often result from overuse of the back or stress placed unnecessarily on back. 

Back injuries may either be acute (short-lived) or chronic (long-term). Often time acute pain can transfer to chronic pain if the individual is not careful to provide ice upon first feeling the injury and rest.  Sprains and spasms in the spine can often occur from a simple twist of the spine.  Remembering to use good body mechanics when lifting items up from the floor by incorporating muscles in the legs versus the lower back will help alleviate back pain.  Many injuries are sustained in the workout areas because individual are not properly trained in how to perform exercises such as squats and leg baring weight exercises. This is especially true with individuals who garden and are lifting and carrying items from the car to the area of the yard.   Falls and accidents can also trigger lower back pain.  Physical pain resulting from stress placed on the back can also be generated from stress.  Stress is often the culprit in long term back pain and with relaxation methods can easily relieve the pain in the back.  Paying attention to how you lift and twist using the back may save many weeks of pain and therapy.

A trained massage therapist will help any individual who is feeling lower back pain.  A good licenses massage therapist will understand how the hamstrings, gluteal muscles, and lower back muscles  work together.  Receiving a massage for acute back pain may help an individual avoid major physical therapy down the road.  Receiving a massage once a month and can help deter back pain for anyone who suffers from acute or chronic back pain, back muscle spasms, or just discomfort in the lower back region.  As the picture indicates below, a pinched Piriformis can create major lower back pain.  If the onset of a pinched Piriformis happens ice immediately for the first 24 hours and then follow three minutes of heat and 30 seconds of ice for three consecutive times.  Massage may be advisable but if the pain continues for more than two weeks seek the knowledge of a healthcare professional.

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Griffin, R. M. (2013, July 24). WEbMD. Retrieved from What's Making Your Back Hurt?: http:/www.webmd.com/back-pain/america-asks13/why-your-back-hurts

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83 My Life With Tea, Part One Drinking a daily cup of tea will surely starve the apothecary.  ~Chinese Proverb I have written about the health benefits of green tea for more than 30 years, and it is possible that in some small way I have helped this wonderful beverage become popular in the United States. I hope so, because today, thousands of scientific studies confirm what the ancient Chinese knew through simple observation - green tea is perhaps the most healthful beverage human beings can consume. Studies either strongly suggest or confirm that the antioxidants in green tea can reduce LDL cholesterol, promote fat burning, reduce the risk of several forms of cancer, and alleviate depression. But tea is much more than the healthful compounds in it. It is an experience, and for me, a personal story of discovery that continues to this day. Tea is drunk to forget the din of the world.  ~T'ien Yiheng When I was growing up in Philadelphia in the 1940s and 50s, my parents drank coffee exclusively - black and unsweetened. I did not like it (and still don't). The only tea we knew about was the stuff from the supermarket in tea bags. Old and sick people drank hot tea.  My parents and I drank iced tea in the summer, much sweetened. Then, after graduating from high school in 1959, I had a life-changing experience. As part of a remarkable institution known as the International School of America, I traveled around the world in nine months with a group of fellow students. In Japan, I was exposed to sencha - the everyday green tea drunk by all Japanese. More significantly, I experienced matcha, the powdered green tea, as part of a true Japanese tea ceremony. Many Americans have heard of, or even taken part in, this ceremony today, but in 1959, it was virtually unknown to most of the western world. The idea of using a food - tea - as a ceremonial object of focus and meditation fascinated me and made a strong impression. Later on that same trip, I had a chance to drink tea in other Asian cultures as well as in middle Eastern and European countries, and by the time I returned to the U.S. to attend  Harvard College, I was a confirmed tea aficionado and experimenter. In the early 1960s, I recall in particular a period of enthusiasm for lapsong souchong, a Taiwanese tea that is smoked over pinewood fires, imparting a rich, dark color and a complex, satisfying flavor. If man has no tea in him, he is incapable of understanding truth and beauty.  ~Japanese Proverb In the 1970s and 80s, I became concerned about widespread coffee addiction in America. Many of my patients had longstanding disorders - such as chronic stress, insomnia, or gastrointestinal conditions - and had been to dozens of doctors, taken many medications, but found no relief. I was nearly always the only doctor who 1) asked them if they drank coffee, and 2) told them in no uncertain terms to stop drinking it for at least two months to see if the problem resolved. This simple counsel was amazingly successful. My files are full of accounts of chronic health problems  that resolved completely when people stopped drinking coffee. In many cases, these patients became tea drinkers, and found the experience satisfying and healthful. Also in those decades, I went to Japan many times, and was fascinated by the true depth and richness of the green tea culture there. I became familiar with some of the finest varieties of green tea, and soon began to drink these daily.

Essential Oils

Essential Oils and Herbs

By Karen Benford Smith

The fifth tenant of Traditional Chinese medicine is herbs and essential oils, which are found naturally in the plants on the planet.  Essential oils were first noted on a painting in a cave in France, the painting depicting the use of the plants primarily for the healing properties.  Around the world essential oil were found in such places as Egypt, China, India, Greece, Rome, Persia, and European continent.  Egyptians used essential oils as far back as 4500 b.c. cosmetically.  The oils and pastes from plants were created to aid in fighting everyday illnesses.  Chinese usage dates to 2697 b.c. during the reign of Yellow Emperor, Huang, Ti.  The emperor devised oils used in cures for internal problems in the human body.  The book can still be found today and is called “The Yellow Emperor’s Book”.  India used Ayur Veda for more than 3000 years.  The culture incorporates essential oils in the healing process of daily living.  During the Bubonic Plague, Ayur Veda essential oils replaced antibiotics and came to the aid of all those who were suffering from this illness.  The Indian culture also uses oils in spiritual healing and awareness.  The Greek soldiers of 400 b.c. carried the essential oil Myrrh into battle to combat infections.  Ali-Ibn Sana wrote a book in 980 a.d. that offered how to retrieve the oils from plants by a distillation method.  This method is still in practice today.  Today, essential oils are finding a way into many American homes.

Essential oils have so many different uses, oral care, healthy cooking, cleaning, and home purification.  Oil of clove is beneficial in relieving tooth pain until an individual can seek dental assistance. Calendula tincture placed directly on the gums will reduce inflammation and pain.  Some effective gum massages to control pain are eucalyptus, and goldenseal-Myrrh.  As a recent recipient of TMJ I can assure you that these essential oils helped alleviate and resolve my problem with TMJ. For healthy cooking add the following oils to your food to encourage extraordinary flavor peppermint, basil, lemon, and nutmeg.  Peppermint is a wonderful essential oil to have handy when experiencing stomach aches.  Adding drops of lavender, lemon, pine, or cinnamon to a bucket of vinegar will freshen stale countertops, floors, and areas of the home that have a stale smell. 

My favorite consideration for essential oils is the aromatherapy’s ability to reduce stress and calm the nervous system.  Elevating the spirit and calming the mind can be found in essential oils such as lavender, marjoram, sandalwood, and clary sage.  The specific essential oils for alleviating depression are bergamot, geranium, lemon, Neroli, jasmine, and Ylang Ylang.  If an individual needs motivation and energy the following essential oils will accomplish this:  Lavender, Cypress, ginger, rosemary.

Always read the label and never directly ingest an essential oil.  Always use a diffuser to initiate the oils.  When the oils are inhaled the release of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that result in pain or pleasure, are reduced.  Some essential oils have antibiotic properties.  Other essential oils have properties that contain natural antioxidants.  Lemon, peppermint, rosemary, and thyme encourage immunity. Grapefruit, lavender, cypress, basil, and juniper berry improve skin tone.  Eucalyptus, frankincense, ginger, peppermint, and pine are natural expectorants.  There are so many different essential oils that can help an individual work with problem areas in his/her life. Try a natural approach and see the difference in the healing process of the body.

Page, L. (2000). Healthy Healing. San Francisco: Traditional Wisdom, Inc.

The Third Tenant of Chinese Medicine - Massage

 

 

 

The Third Tenant of Chinese Medicine

By Karen Benford Smith

The third tenant of traditional Chinese medicine is massage.  Massage is professional, licensed, and structured touch.  Therapeutic touch is provided by a licensed massage therapist who has study the art and service of massage for the benefit of the receiver.  Receivership of quality touch brings the anatomy and physiology of an individual together through deeper sensory stimulation, resulting from touch of the skin but also delving deeper to the layers of muscles.  Since the skin is a major organ of the body, which is the chief sensory organ of the body. Skin permits the individual to feel not only topically but internally.  Muscles, lungs, heart and digestive organs all launch awareness to the skin by sending signals of good or bad feelings.  Touch also is necessary to all human beings for survival.  Touch can relieve stress, calm a bad attitude, and change the reaction in the central nervous system because of a negative situation.  Best of all massage reorganizes the wiring in our body to achieve vitality and happiness.  In 2000 B.Sc. the first massage was recorded.  Massage has been around for many years for beneficial reasons.

Massage will encourage the mind, body, and spirit to work harmoniously.  When the mind goes into overload the body reacts in specific ways such as muscle aches, headaches, illness, and chronic pain.  The mind is sending message to the body that the pain is within because of emotional problems.  The spirit takes over by providing ways to renew the mind with positive energies.  Sometimes the spirit requires a simple stimulus found in touch that offers the mind a renewed sense of spirit, which will also influences the bodies healing.  Touch also supplies the human individual with a need; a need is something that sustains life.  An athlete needs a massage to keep his/her muscles fine-tuned.  Massage unites an athlete’s mind, body, and spirit so peak performance can be attained.  The CEO of a company needs a massage to keep the stress levels at bay and also promoting clear thinking so that management duties can be his/her ultimate best.  Massage will also reduce stress related illness brought on by an increased load until the individuals maxed out of their reserve capacities.  Massage will offer reduction in cardio problems, hypertension, ulcers, and respiratory diseases.  The benefits are endless for receiving a massage health benefits by preserving a sound mind, body, and soul.

Stress Reduction

Stress Reductions

                                                              By Karen Benford Smith

 

Asian theory or traditional Chinese Medicine believe in seven tenants or rules that aid in maintaining and balancing individuals.  These seven rules follow an order: 1) diet, 2) exercise, 3) massage, 4) meditation, 5) herbs, 6) acupuncture, and 7) surgery.  Diet is being professed in every magazine, commercial, and topic on the television.  Finding the diet that is right for each individual is a push with diet fads and miracle cures placed before our eyes daily.  Therefore I am not going to enter the diet zone.

Second on the list is exercise.  The Chinese believe you should wake up and stretch or practice some form of yoga, Qigong, or Taijiquong (shadow boxing).  As the old saying “An hour in the morning is worth two in the evening," Beginning the day with exercise whether it is stretching for 15 to 20 minutes, taking a brisk walk for 30 minutes, or practicing yoga will increase life span and offer you a better attitude each day.   The desire to work out in the evening can be plagued with stopping at the grocery, making dinner, or just trying to unwind from the days activities.  Make it a point to start your day with exercise to open up the channels in the body and gets the blood flowing.

Here are some easy yoga stretches that will help remove the morning blues and start your day with a fresh outlook.

 

Yoga Poses

www.yogajournal.com

TMJ

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) occur as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw. These disorders are often incorrectly called TMJ, which stands for  temporomandibular joint.

What Is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull, which is immediately in front of the ear on each side of your head. The joints are flexible, allowing the jaw to move smoothly up and down and side to side and enabling you to talk, chew, and yawn. Muscles attached to and surrounding the jaw joint control the position and movement of the jaw.

What Causes TMD?

The cause of TMD is not clear, but dentists believe that symptoms arise from problems with the muscles of the jaw or with the parts of the joint itself.

Injury to the jaw, temporomandibular joint, or muscles of the head and neck – such as from a heavy blow or whiplash – can cause TMD. Other possible causes include:

·         Grinding or clenching the teeth, which puts a lot of pressure on the TMJ

·         Dislocation of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket

·         Presence of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ

·         Stress, which can cause a person to tighten facial and jaw muscles or clench the teeth

What Are the Symptoms of TMD?

People with TMD can experience severe pain and discomfort that can be temporary or last for many years. More women than men experience TMD, and TMD is seen most commonly in people between the ages of 20 and 40.

Common symptoms of TMD include:

·         Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide

·         Limited ability to open the mouth very wide

·         Jaws that get "stuck" or "lock" in the open- or closed-mouth position

·         Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth (which may or may not be accompanied by pain) or chewing

·         A tired feeling in the face

·         Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite – as if the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly

·         Swelling on the side of the face

·         May occur on one or both sides of the face

Other common symptoms of TMD include toothaches, headaches, neck aches, dizziness, earaches, hearing problems, upper shoulder pain, and ringing in the ears (tinnitis)

How Is TMD Diagnosed?

Because many other conditions can cause similar symptoms to TMD – including a toothache, sinus problems, arthritis, or gum disease – your dentist will conduct a careful patient history and physical examination to determine the cause of your symptoms.

 

Web Md 2013

I have recently suffered the unyielding pain of TMJ.  As a result of trial and error I have found several things that help relieve the pain.  First and foremost was training myself to sleep on my back because any added pressure to the jaw from grinding at night can inevitable cause great pain in the morning.  The other items I have added to my own therapy are acupuncture, which eased the tension in the jawline.  In the evening I take a shower or bath in Epsom salts to relax the body and ease the mind.  Before bed I drink Kava tea which can be purchased almost anywhere.  Finally I apply clove bud to the affected jaw area to release any pain the gum and tooth area.  The treatment I have outlines for myself may benefit others who are suffering from TMJ, which happens to be almost 70% of Americans.