The popularity of Chinese medicine has been on the rise in the Western World. The increasing amount of illnesses and dwindling amount of treatments have left many Americans no choice. This quest for a cure is not in vain as this traditional medicine has been benefiting the Chinese for over 2000 years. Three major methods of this traditional medicine are still commonly practiced today amongst the Chinese and Americans alike.

Herbal Medicine

Herbs are seen as the simplest way to improve ailments. With all of the detailed classifications behind Western medicines, where an accidental mix-up could prove fatal, Chinese medicine is more user-friendly to the average consumer. The herbs are separated into five basic categories: Bitter herbs, such as gardenia, are seen as being beneficial for the heart and have the ability to purge the bowels; Sweet herbs, such as Licorice, can relieve pain and restore energy. Sweet herbs are especially helpful to Chinese herbologists in the treatment of sore throat, hyperthyroidism, and muscle spasms; Ginger, the most common spicy herb, stimulates the body to sweat, and increases blood flow; Sour herbs such as the dogwood fruit are used to reduce excessive sweating and control chronic diarrhea due to their absorbing nature; Finally, salty herbs such as gaulber’s salt are helpful in softening masses such as cysts.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is well summed up by its meaning, “needle, to prick.” This is the most controversial method of Chinese medicine to Western doctors. However, many patients who sought acupuncture as a way of treatment are pleased with the results. In fact, many doctors in the United States have begun to study the practice and offer it at specialized clinics.

A session begins with the patient describing symptoms. Afterwards, he then lies on his stomach or back depending on needle placement. Acupuncture is a relatively painless treatment with the exception of a brief sensation when the hair-thin needles are first inserted. The thought behind the practice is that the harmony within the body is off balance, and that inserting the needles in different locations and depths restores that balance.

Massage Stones

Massage stones are closely tied to acupuncture because they share many of the same pressure points to realign the body’s balance. The stones are very versatile and can be heated, used with oil, or chilled. Hot stone massages have become very popular in spas today. Heated stones are placed over the body so that the heat deeply penetrates into aching muscles. When stones are used with oil, there is less focus placed on physical relief and more on mental relaxation. The scented oils, along with the smooth rocks, help to put one’s mind at ease and melt away daily stresses.

The stones can vary as well. Metamorphic stones, which have the ability to retain heat, are commonly used in heated massages. Textured stones are a helpful aid in sports massages, while round, flat stones are laid on a client who is interested in a calming, balanced effect. No matter what type of stone a masseuse uses, the main purpose of the stone is as an aid—an extended tool—in the massage.

Have you ever heard some weird, swishing or ringing sounds in the ear? And, are you just the only one who could hear it? That’s probably Tinnitus.

Tinnitus is the term used for the noise or sound that seems to emanate from the ear or even the head. These weird, and oftentimes irritating, sounds or noises that you hear may specifically originate from any of the following area: the inner ear, middle ear and the outer ear. Or, it may also be caused by some brain abnormalities. This ear condition is usually considered as a nuisance that can be resolved immediately and not as a serious problem. Sometimes, however, tinnitus is not just a single disease but rather an indication of an underlying illness like diabetes and thyroid problem.

There are actually head or body noises that are normal but you can’t hear them because external noises masks these noises. But once you enter a sound proof booth, you would be aware of these normal sounds. You also become more aware of these noises or sounds once wax or other foreign bodies accumulate in the external ear. This is possible since these particles blocks the outside sounds. Aside from these, tinnitus could also be a product of other factors like stress, over intake of aspirin and caffeine and even pregnancy. If you are one of those people experiencing these disturbing sounds and is asking how to cure tinnitus, please read ahead.

Majority of tinnitus cases do not need serious medical attention since it goes away by itself. There are some people though who are diagnosed of having a permanent tinnitus. Hence, it’s something that they have to live with. Given the case, doctors recommend Niacin, a part of human diet that is vital in some of the body’s chemical reaction. This substance’s effect on tinnitus though is not clear as there are no scientific evidences that articulate its ability to combat tinnitus.

After being diagnosed of tinnitus, physicians also give recommendations on how this ear condition can be relieved. Once you had acquired this condition, they say it is important to keep in mind how sensitive and delicate the hearing system is. It is connected to the nervous system so it could affect a person’s overall health. To lessen the effects of tinnitus, it is essential that the patient avoid exposure to explosive or very loud outside sounds like high-intensity music. Also, he or she should control blood pressure though medications and lessen the intake of salty food and aspirin products.

Coffee, nicotine and other nerve stimulants should also be avoided. Furthermore, since stress is said to be one of the factors that worsen tinnitus, calming and relaxing exercises like meditation and yoga are advisable. And just like any other illness or health condition, adequate rest should be also be observed by tinnitus sufferers.

There is no definite treatment method for tinnitus except when it is a by-product of an underlying disease. Its treatment depends on its cause so better consult your doctor first.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can range from gingivitis, which is the first stage where the gums are inflamed, to advanced periodontitis where severe bone loss has occurred. Until it is in the extreme stages where infection exists and severe damage is being done, periodontal disease does not have any symptoms.

Studies show that over “80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease” and while not everyone gets gum disease, there are certain risk factors that can elevate the probability:

•Poor Oral Hygiene – Plaque is constantly being created in the mouth and when plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing, it develops into tartar (also known as calculus), which can only be removed by a dental professional using special tools.

•Smoking – A very significant risk factor, smoking is the “single major preventable risk factor for periodontal disease.” The risk of gum disease actually increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and pipes and cigars have the same risk potential.

•Diet High On Sugar Intake – Bacteria that are constantly available in the mouth, when combined with sugar, create an acid that attacks the enamel of the teeth and causes gum disease.

•Hormonal Changes in Women – Female hormones make the gums more susceptible to periodontal disease…especially with pregnancy and during and after menopause.

•Genetics – According to the American Academy of Periodontology, studies have indicated that “approximately 30 percent of the population may be genetically predisposed to periodontal disease.”

•Diabetes – Patients with diabetes have susceptibility for developing infections… and this includes gum infections.

•Substance Abuse – Gums and teeth can be damaged by the long-term abuse of either alcohol or illegal drugs such as amphetamines.

•Stress – When the body is under stress, it has a more difficult time of fighting infections, and psychological stress creates the release of inflammatory hormones which can trigger or escalate gum disease.

•Medications – From antidepressants to some types of heart medication…when a drug lessens the flow of saliva in the mouth, the gums are more prone to disease because saliva protects the teeth and gums.

But even with risk factors, periodontal disease does not have to cause havoc. By practicing good daily oral hygiene habits and making regular visits to the dentist for checkups and professional cleanings, gum disease can be prevented or treated. First of all, periodontal disease can typically be prevented by doing the following:

•Eating a well-balanced diet that is low in sugar

•Brushing at least twice a day or after every meal

•Flossing at least once a day (preferably before bedtime)

•Refraining from using tobacco products

•Visiting the dentist on a routine basis

In those cases where a patient does get periodontal disease, after a thorough periodontal examination, a dentist will be able to determine which of the treatment options is the best choice for the patient. These are the methods that are most often used to correct gum disease:

•Scaling and Root Planing – This is a deep cleaning method where a dental professional uses special tools to clean tartar and bacteria from above and below the gum line and to clean and smooth out tooth root surfaces.

•Laser Treatments – These treatments are sometimes used to close up any pockets and remove infected tissue.

•Pocket Reduction Surgery – When inflamed areas or ‘pockets’ are present, the dentist may perform a gentle surgery where a ‘flap’ on the gums is lifted back so that diseased tissue can be removed and the bones and gums can be repositioned if necessary to support the tooth.

•Grafting – If either bone or tissue have been lost because of the disease, the dentist may suggest grafting which can either replace lost bone or tissue or encourage new growth of either or both.

Periodontal disease is preventable. But in those cases where it does take hold, dental technology provides a myriad of treatments to bring the teeth, gums and jawbone back to full health.