BENEFITS OF ORGANICALLY GROWN FOODS
August 26th, 2008
Opting for organic, healthy foods can help in the prevention of many illnesses. Consuming an abundance of organic fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins has many health benefits. Many health experts have determined that organic foods contain more nutrition and are much safer than conventionally processed foods.
Foods grown organically, unlike conventionally processed foods, do not contain any pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. The small pesticide residue doses found on foods in the marketplace can lead to an increased health risk.
Across the United States, farming has become increasingly reliant on pesticides, hormones and fertilizers. While conventional farming methods can lead to a higher yield, these methods can also lead to human health and environmental hazards.
As a result, many farmers have switched to organic growing methods. Consumer support for these methods contributes to environmental protection as well as reducing illness occurrence. Organic foods are produced with only natural additives.
Under the U.S. Department of Agriculture organic labeling system, produce and other foods that are 100 percent organic can carry the phrase “100% organic,” foods that consist of at least 95 percent organic ingredients can carry the USDA’s organic seal. Foods that are at least 70 percent organic can include the phrase “made with organic ingredients” on their packaging.
Concerning health benefits, organic fruits and vegetables may contain as much as 40 percent more antioxidants than conventionally grown foods. A higher intake of antioxidants has been shown to have a protective effect against development of coronary heart disease, cancer, and cataracts. Antioxidants can also reduce occurrence of colds and flus.
Many environmental problems are associated with conventional land-intensive, chemically-dependent agriculture. In the cultivation of crops of all varieties, the typical farmer utilizes a range of different chemicals, including insecticides, herbicides and fertilizers. When these crops are harvested, trace amounts of the chemicals utilized during the planting and growing processes remain.
These chemicals result in topsoil erosion and pesticide runoff from farmlands into lakes, streams, rivers, ponds, and groundwater and are also found in fish and in other animals. While synthetic pesticides leave toxic residues on food they also disrupt natural ecosystems located around farmlands and adversely affect the health of farm workers.
The organic farming system, as an alternative agricultural practice, offers effective solutions to the detrimental effects on the environment caused by nonsustainable, conventional farming practices. Consumers purchasing locally-grown, organic produce contribute to sustainable methods of land use that lead to far less pollution than conventional agricultural methods.
Consumption of these conventionally grown foods results in absorption of these trace chemicals in the body. Over time, these insecticides, herbicides and fertilizers can accumulate in a person’s body. One of the most significant health benefits associated with eating organic food is that the organic products are free of potentially harmful chemicals.
For more information about nutrition for health and wellness call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
COLORPUNCTURE
August 25th, 2008
Colorpuncture is based on the theories of color therapy or chromatherapy, the practice of treating bodily disharmonies with color and/or light. One of the main premises of colorpuncture is that particular colors have restorative and healing properties related to the physical and emotional being. Colorpuncture mimics the natural absorption of color from light, rebalancing body and mind.
Esogetic colorpuncture is a system of color aculight therapy that combines energetic principles of traditional Chinese medicine with modern theories of light biophysics. Colorpuncture, unlike acupuncture, does not use needles, but rather uses light applied to selected acupuncture points as well as other general body points to heal. Transmission of light enhances the body’s healing process and restores cellular communication.
Colorpuncture is a form of holistic therapy. Esogetic colorpuncture was originally developed by German scientist and naturopath Peter Mandel, who coined the term “esogetics” to describe his holistic healing method. The term refers to the “merger of esoteric wisdom of life with the energetic principles of life’s processes.”
As light is the basis for cell communication, many bodily functions can be positively affected by the application of biophotons (particles of light) to the skin’s surface. During a colorpuncture treatment, the practitioner applies frequencies of colored light to the client’s skin with an aculight tool. Each color emits specific wavelength frequencies of light, thereby communicating precise energetic information.
When light is absorbed through the skin, it is transmitted along channels, or energetic pathways, thereby stimulating intracellular communication and healing. Colorpuncture treatments apply light to a sequenced set of acupoints using a prescribed color pattern.
Prior to colorpuncture treatment, your practitioner may also take a Kirlian photograph, which can indicate existing energetic imbalances. Images made from the Kirlian photographic process are referred to as photograms. Kirlian photographic images are sometimes compared with images of the energy fields found in the human aura. At the end of the treatment plan, a second Kirlian photograph may be taken to indicate the balance restoration that the colorpuncture therapy produced.
Colorpuncture, by focusing colored light on specific acupuncture and body points, energizes healing in both the physical and energy bodies. The aculight tool used in colorpuncture treatment contains interchangeable glass rods which emit particular light colors. These light color emissions can effectively treat many adverse health conditions as well as aid in the release of the emotional trauma, negative beliefs and blocked soul information which can contribute to illness.
Light and color have an effect on the body’s system of energetic information and can restore health. Colorpuncture can treat the physical symptoms as well as the non-physical origins of health problems. Specific acupoints display an affinity to specific colors. These acupoints can be rebalanced by applying complementary (warm and cool) colors through colorpuncture treatment, which also affects the body’s yin-yang energetic balance.
Colorpuncture can prevent occurrence of illness in people in a good state of health by clearing energetic blockages before they negatively impact health.
For more information about colorpuncture for health and wellness call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
NEW STUDY FINDINGS INDICATE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SMOKING BAN
August 21st, 2008
A new study from Scotland indicates public bans on smoking improve health by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke. A March 2006 ban on smoking in all enclosed public places, introduced in Scotland, resulted in a reduction in hospital admissions for acute coronary syndrome. The Glasgow study is the first large-scale examination of how smoking bans might benefit both smokers and nonsmokers.
Study researchers found that during the 10 months following the ban, the number of admissions fell from 3,235 to 2,684. There was a 19 percent reduction among former smokers and a 14 percent reduction in admissions among smokers. Among people who had never smoked, there was a 21 percent reduction. The new study was published in the July 31 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Previous studies have indicated that smoking bans in public places reduced hospital admissions for acute coronary syndrome, but the previous research did not define whether the reduction in admissions accounted for nonsmokers, smokers or both.
The current study found that nonsmokers accounted for 67 percent of the reduction in heart disease admissions, according to Jill Pell, the University of Glasgow professor who led the study. Rate decreases in admissions from the recent study are comparable to reduction rates from previous research.
However, the recent study differed from previous research in data reportage methods. The Glasgow researchers took blood and saliva samples from patients during hospital admissions. Samples were examined to identify a molecule, cotinine, which is produced during nicotine metabolism.
Cotinine found in samples indicated whether patients could be classified as smokers or nonsmokers instead of determining classification by patient self-reportage. Higher levels of cotinine were found in nonsmokers with heart disease, but levels decreased following the ban, indicating that exposure to secondhand smoke was reduced.
In recent years, support for smoking bans at the state and local level has increased. The majority of the U.S. population is protected by some form of smoking ban in either workplaces or public areas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, comprehensive bans comparable to those enacted in Scotland in 2006 are present in 14 states.
One of the most common addiction-related uses for acupuncture is smoking cessation. Acupuncture reduces the symptoms of withdrawal including the jitters, irritability and restlessness that people commonly experience. Acupuncture reduces nicotine cravings and helps to detoxify the body of nicotine.
For information about acupuncture for smoking cessation call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500. Aug 2.
ACUPUNCTURE REDUCES HEAD AND NECK PAIN AND DYSFUNCTION IN CANCER PATIENTS
August 1st, 2008
New data from a randomized, controlled trial indicates that acupuncture provides significant reductions in pain, dysfunction, and dry mouth in head and neck cancer patients after neck dissection.
The study was led by David Pfister, MD, Chief of the Head and Neck Medical Oncology Service, and Barrie Cassileth, PhD, Chief of the Integrative Medicine Service, at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). Pfister presented the findings last week at the annual meeting of the American Society for Clinical Oncology.
Neck dissection is a common procedure for treatment of head and neck cancer. There are different types of neck dissection, which vary based on which structures are removed and the anticipated side effects.
“Chronic pain and shoulder mobility problems are common after such surgery, adversely affecting quality of life,” said Pfister. Nerve-sparing and other modified techniques that preserve certain structures without compromising disease control reduce the incidence of these problems but do not eliminate them entirely. Unfortunately, available conventional methods of treatment for pain and dysfunction following neck surgery often have limited benefits, leaving much room for improvement.”
Seventy patients participated in the study and were randomized to receive either acupuncture or usual care, which includes recommendations of physical therapy exercises and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. For all of the patients, at least three months had elapsed since their surgery and radiation treatments. The acupuncture treatment group received four sessions of acupuncture over the course of approximately four weeks. Both groups were evaluated using the Constant-Murley scale, a composite measure of pain, function, and activities of daily living.
Pain and mobility improved in 39 percent of the patients receiving acupuncture, compared to a 7 percent improvement in the group that received usual care. An added benefit of acupuncture was significant reduction of reported xerostomia, or extreme dry mouth. This distressing problem, common among cancer patients following radiotherapy in the head and neck, is addressed with only limited success by mainstream means.
“Acupuncture can be extraordinarily helpful for many people,” said Cassileth. “Acupuncture can control a number of distressing symptoms, such as shortness of breath, anxiety and depression, chronic fatigue, and pain.”
A report published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicated that more than 8 million Americans use acupuncture to treat different ailments. For more information about acupuncture for health and wellness call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
HOW CELL PHONES AFFECT YOUR HEALTH
July 29th, 2008
There has been a recent debate over whether cell phones and the electromagnetic radiation that they emit can increase a person’s cancer risk. Ronald Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, warned consumers this week to limit exposure to cell phone radiation.
Herberman outlined ways to reduce exposure including switching ears during talking to limit radiation concentration, using a hands-free earpiece, decreasing use of mobile phones in public places to limit second-hand radiation, and reducing overall cell phone use. While published evidence is inconclusive in terms of finding a causal link between phone use and cancer, Herberman said people should take precautions to reduce health risk. He commented on recent studies indicating that living tissue is vulnerable to the electromagnetic fields within frequency bands used by cell phones.
“Really at the heart of my concern is that we shouldn’t wait for a definitive study to come out, but err on the side of being safe rather than sorry later,” Herberman said. He sent a memo this week to faculty and staff warning them to limit cell phone use. “Although the evidence is still controversial, I am convinced that there are sufficient data to warrant issuing an advisory to share some precautionary advice on cell phone use,” he wrote in his memo.
Advice on cell phone usage by the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute includes:
1. Do not allow children to use a cell phone except for emergencies.
2. While communicating using your cell phone, try to keep the cell phone away from the body.
3. Avoid using your cell phone in places where you can passively expose others to your phone’s electromagnetic field.
4. Avoid carrying your cell phone on your body at all times.
5. If you must carry your cell phone on you, make sure that the keypad is positioned toward your body.
6. Only use your cell phone to establish contact or for conversations lasting a few minutes.
7. Switch sides regularly while communicating on your cell phone.
8. Avoid using your cell phone when the signal is weak or when moving at high speed.
9. When possible, communicate via text messaging rather than making a call.
10. Choose a device with the lowest SAR possible (SAR = Specific Absorption Rate.)
Two studies released last year assessed the link between cell phone use and cancer. A study from Israel showed an association between prolonged cell phone use and salivary gland tumors. A second study from Sweden showed an association between heavy cell phone use for 10 years and two types of central nervous system tumors.
More than 250 million Americans (84 percent) now subscribe to a cellular phone service, according to the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, the leading industry trade group.
For information about acupuncture for health and wellness call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
Acupuncture for Plantar Fasciitis
July 26th, 2008
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that supports the bottom of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of this band of tissue which causes intense and constant pain making standing, walking or even putting weight on the foot almost impossible.
No one knows for sure what causes this inflammation and worse of all medically there is very little that can be done. Some experts say its abnormal inward twisting of the foot (pronation), high arches, flat feet, or tight tendons along the back of the heel (Achilles tendons). Who cares what is the cause, what we want to know how to get it better.
Last week I took care of a woman who had planta fasciitis for six months. She first went to see a foot specialist who gave he a shot of cortisone in the foot. The pain was better for three days whereupon it returned with a vengeance. She then went to see another doctor who told her to stay off her feet for a month. Yeah right, who gonna pay her bills? Impossible. Her next stop was to see a Chinese acupuncturist who was a medical doctor in China. He recommended 10 consecutive acupuncture treatments, which resulted in no relief whatsoever.
After a lengthy fact finding interview, I told her I though the treatment given by the Chinese doctor was correct and if I were to see her as a patient I’d do the very same thing, with the addition of some micro current therapy based upon the work of Dr. Rife. Having no positive results so far she was interested. Her husband inquired as to my fees. It seems that my fees were 3x that of the Chinese doctor. I know what I do and I know the value of my work. I offered her a plan of 12 treatments for a price of $960 as compared to the Chinese doctor of 10 treatments for $380.
Her husband suggested to her to take just one treatment to see if there was any difference, and if there was she could sign up for the package of 12 treatments. I agreed to his plan, so did the woman.
I treated her using hot pac, shiatsu ( Japanese massage), acupuncture and micro current therapy, both on the front and the back. After one hour she got off the treatment table and gave me a big hug. I could feel the love from her and the joy from her husband. Thereupon she went to the receptionist and paid for 12 treatments. It made me very happy to she her walk out of my office a happy customer. Her pain which was a 10 in the beginning was now just a 2 or 3, but most of all she could now put weigh on her feet comfortable.
As she was about to leave I stopped her and said please tell me what was the difference between what the other doctor did and my treatment. She smiled and said BIG difference.
Number one you treated me for one full hour, while he gave me a 20 minute treatment.
You used massage and heat and the electric current
and finally you had me practice meditation while the needle were in place.
I feel fantastic and I want you to know I am going to tell all my friends about you. Again she gave me a big hug.
As she walk out the door I felt like crying, it was a cry of joy, it really feel good to help people. And to think they pay me to do this, I love my job.
For more information about acupuncture for health and wellness call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
QI GONG FOR HEALTH
July 22nd, 2008
The 4,000-year-old traditional Chinese medicine practice of Qi Gong can improve your health. Qi Gong is a system involving therapeutic health care, preventative health techniques and physical training. Qi Gong, or “energy cultivation,” integrates aerobic exercise, relaxation, meditation, and breathing exercises. When practiced regularly, Qi Gong strengthens the body’s vital energy.
Qi Gong can effectively treat a wide range of health conditions including: Chronic pain, osteoporosis, stress, cancer, and depression. Recent studies have concluded that Qi Gong may benefit heart health. Practicing Qi Gong lowers the blood pressure, metabolic rates, oxygen demand, and pulse rate. When practiced alongside conventional medical treatments, Qi Gong speeds cardiac rehabilitation by improving coordination, balance and physical activity. Qi Gong is often practiced for health maintenance as well.
Modern Qi Gong practices can be categorized as medical, martial or spiritual with overlap between the branches. All styles have similar principles: Posture, breathing techniques and mental focus.
Healing Qi Gong (medical) is the preventative aspect of traditional Chinese medicine. Medical Qi Gong is taught for primarily health maintenance purposes but may be tailored for curative intervention. Various forms of Qi Gong are also taught in conjunction with Chinese martial arts, and are prevalent in advanced internal martial arts training. Spiritual Qi Gong developed from Taoism and Buddhism and emphasizes tranquility and self-awareness.
Health benefits of regular Qi Gong practice include: Improved balance, flexibility, concentration, increased strength and energy, and prevention of illness. Qi Gong can be beneficial for various diseases and ailments, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, headaches, arthritis, and asthma.
Stress responses that adversely impact all body systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and immune systems can be decreased with Qi Gong. Qi Gong speeds up metabolism and develops body strength. Qigong exercises combine flexibility, aerobic, and cardiovascular conditioning.
A consistent practice of Qi Gong promotes longevity and has a long-term effect of reestablishing the body/mind/soul connection. Regular Qi Gong practice can extend lifespan by slowing the aging process.
For more information about Qi Gong for health and wellness call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
HEALING TOUCH THERAPY MAY CALM PATIENTS UNDERGOING MEDICAL PROCEDURES
July 21st, 2008
University of Cincinnati researchers are examining the combination of mild sedation and the Healing Touch complementary therapy to see if the latter is capable of calming patients undergoing minor medical procedures.
Healing Touch, an energy therapy, utilizes holistic techniques which balance a person’s vital energy. It can be safely used in conjunction with other conventional medical treatments.
“Individuals undergoing medical procedures often have difficulties falling asleep due to anxiety,” says Nathan Schmulewitz, MD, the lead author of the study and assistant professor of digestive diseases. If a patient is unable to fall asleep with intravenous sedation, stronger anesthesia may be necessary, which is expensive and not often covered by insurance companies. Stronger sedation can also cause slight amnesia following the procedure and can prolong recovery.
The study is examining whether combining mild sedation with Healing Touch prior to a medical procedure can help relax patients, avoiding difficulties with anesthesia and making the procedure run more smoothly.
Judy Bowers, study co-author and Healing Touch practitioner, administered Healing Touch therapy to over 40 patients included in the study. “By restoring balance within the energy system, you create an optimal environment for healing,” says Bowers. “This is complementary medicine, not alternative medicine, so it can be easily incorporated in a medical model.”
Among the many Healing Touch therapies, the study examined three: Mind Clearing, which involves a light touch on the face, head and neck, Magnetic Clearing, which clears the field of congested energy and the Chakra Connection, which facilitates movement of energy from one energy center to another.
The study involved follow-up with the patients two days after the medical procedure to ask the patients questions regarding how Healing Touch affected them during the procedure and recovery. Many of the patients had positive responses to the Healing Touch therapies.
“Some of the patients are asleep before they even receive the intravenous sedation,” says Bowers, who stayed with patients throughout the procedure to enhance energy balance. Healing Touch therapies, according to the study findings, could be an effective way to reduce medical costs and improve health care.
For more information about Healing Touch therapies for health and wellness call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF ACUPUNCTURE
July 19th, 2008
Acupuncture utilizes a holistic approach to treating and curing a broad range of health conditions. Regardless of the particular health condition experienced, acupuncture enhances strength, vitality and energy, boosts the immune system, and speeds recovery.
Integrated into conventional therapy modalities, acupuncture can reduce medication side effects, minimize stress and improve circulation. Often, acupuncture is used as a form of preventative medicine to maintain wellness.
Health benefits of acupuncture for particular conditions include:
Headache or Migraine: Occurrence of headache or migraine can be significantly reduced with acupuncture. Acupoints selected in treatment can produce a calming effect that reduces pain and corrects root of the problem.
Muscle and Joint Pain: Acupuncture is a safe, non-invasive therapy for individuals experiencing muscle and joint pain, including knee, arms, legs, shoulders, and back pain.
Postdental Pain: Acupuncture can reduce dental pain and intake of analgesics.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Acupuncture can reduce pain associated with various forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Acupuncture can decrease the use of painkillers by individuals experiencing arthritis.
Gynecological Disorders: Acupuncture can alleviate PMS symptoms and minimize the pain associated with dysmenorrhea (painful menses). Late or missed periods can also be treated effectively with acupuncture therapy, as well as problems of infertility.
Rhinitis and Asthma: By boosting the immune system, acupuncture can reduce occurrence of allergic reactions caused by rhinitis and asthma.
Weight Reduction: Auricular acupuncture has been proven effective in decreasing appetite as well as treating various eating disorders.
In addition to the above conditions, acupuncture has been successfully used to treat circulatory problems, skin conditions, postoperative nausea, anxiety, digestive problems, insomnia, carpal tunnel syndrome, myofascial pain, and tennis elbow.
Acupuncture can aid in the treatment of addictions and is frequently integrated into smoking cessation programs. Acupuncture is also an effective therapy for the treatment of acute and chronic pain conditions.
In the past 30 years, numerous studies have produced findings indicating the positive health benefits of acupuncture in treating various conditions, including angina, fatigue, fibromyalgia, sciatica, and inflammation.
For individuals experiencing a state of health without specific diseases, there are other health benefits. Acupuncture increases energy, produces a state of calm and can sharpen mental alertness. Regular acupuncture treatments are effective in health maintenance and can make the body less prone to illness.
For more information about the health benefits of acupuncture call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician for a FREE health consultation at (305) 595-9500.
ACUPUNCTURE CAN MAKE YOU FEEL YOUNGER
July 18th, 2008
Acupuncture facial rejuvenation, also known as cosmetic acupuncture, can enhance your physical appearance while improving your overall health. Acupuncture can improve a wide range of skin conditions, resulting in a more youthful skin tone.
The effects of sun damage, exposure to environmental toxins and stress can safely be reduced with acupuncture. Cosmetic acupuncture is a good alternative for women who don’t want the side effects associated with a surgical facelift. Acupuncture can produce an anti-aging effect and can make you feel younger by increasing your energy level.
A natural, non-chemical procedure that replenishes the skin, acupuncture erases fine lines and smoothes wrinkles by increasing production of collagen and elastin. Acupuncture can also reduce sagginess, lift droopy eyelids and diminish age spots. Acupuncture for facial rejuvenation revitalizes the look and feel of the skin.
Acupuncture to reduce the appearance of wrinkles selects acupoints on both the face and body. By stimulating local acupoints, acupuncture causes the skin to metabolize at an increased rate and improves facial appearance in topical areas prone to developing wrinkles. Stimulation of local points increases gland secretion and nutrient flow. Selected body acupoints slow the aging process by improving the balance of internal organs and functionality of all body systems.
Cosmetic acupuncture balances the outward appearance of the body with an improved general state of health. An acupuncture for facial rejuvenation program may include Chinese herbal recommendations and dietary modifications. Chinese herbal formulas can treat the body’s imbalances and often have properties that are beneficial to the skin. Dietary modifications can aid in nourishing the skin while rebalancing the body; helping you to restore your health and vitality.
By reducing skin infection and inflammation, acupuncture enhances skin pliancy and prevents acne while reducing signs of aging. Acupuncture for facial rejuvenation is a painless procedure requiring virtually no recovery time. After an initial series of treatments, fine lines begin to disappear and deep lines get smoother, restoring a naturally healthy appearance.
Cosmetic acupuncture requires no anti-aging skin creams or Botox to achieve radiant skin. Acupuncture for facial rejuvenation can increase nutrition to the skin’s surface and enhance healthy breathing of the skin while reversing the aging process naturally.
For more information about cosmetic acupuncture call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.