Alternative Medicine: Injuries To The Hamstrings

The hamstrings are a muscle group which are situated at the back of the thighs and are commonly involved in injury from vigorous activities and sports. Hamstring injuries are more commonly involved in areas of the muscle which are closer to the buttock and on the outside of the back of the thigh. There are three muscles in the hamstring group and they do not have common names, being termed semimembranosus, semitendinosus and biceps femoris. The latter is the muscle most commonly involved in typical sporting injuries.

Injuries to the hamstring muscle group is classified by using grades of severity: grade one being a mild muscle strain with a number of torn muscle fibres, grade two is rated as a moderate strain with a noticeable loss of muscle strength and grade three is a complete tear of a muscle. The most common position for injuries to occur is where the muscle and tendon join on the upper part of the muscles near the buttock, although in the biceps femoris the muscle-tendon junction occurs over a significant length. The tendons themselves do not usually get injured within their own structure unless there is some already existing pathology.

The origin of the hamstring tendons is the bones in the buttock which we sit on, known formally as the ischial tuberosities. The tendons are attached to this bony area and a violent movement into hip bend with a large overall movement range can avulse (tear off) the tendon's junction from its bony bed. Water skiing is a risky activity for this problem. Most hamstring injuries occur in younger people who overwhelmingly perform athletic activities, with typical sports for this injury being field sports, contact sports, track activities such as sprinting, football or rugby.

The hamstrings start at the ischial tuberosity in the buttock, run down the back of the thigh and insert into varying places on the tibia or fibula. When these muscles are contracting and lengthening at the same time (eccentric contraction) such as in track events and rugby, there can be a high risk of injury. Direct muscle blows can result in contusions to the tissues while water skiers are more prone to avulsion injuries as they fall because they undergo rapid hip flexion with their knees straight. Onset of a hamstring strain is typically sudden and often when the person is moving quickly, with an audible pop in the muscle often reported


Immediate pain is noticed in the posterior thigh area and people may be vulnerable early in the process before they are warmed up or later on when they may be becoming tired. If the damage is not severe then function can be preserved although with pain such as on stair climbing or walking up a hill. Examination of the back of the thigh may reveal little but it may well be painful if the patient is asked to bend their knee and the physiotherapist resists the movement. Rupture of one of the hamstrings may show by it balling up on contraction along with reduced strength on assessment.

The likelihood of suffering from an injury to the hamstring is thought to be related to factors such as tiredness, inadequate warm up, flexibility restrictions or if the strength ratio between the hamstrings and the quadriceps is incorrect. Having previously incurred a hamstring injury is enough to raise the risk of having another one. How an injury will be treated depends entirely on its severity with one end of the spectrum seeing the physio progress the patient speedily on to strength work and at the other end of the spectrum some injuries require the intervention of a surgeon.

Physiotherapy for a moderate level injury initially addresses the reduction of local swelling and inflammation and control of the pain which is often significant. The physio will use the PRICE guidelines for treatment: Protection of the injured tissues is vital at first which can include crutch use or braces; Rest is essential to a degree to allow tissue healing to proceed; Ice application for up to 20 minutes reduces pain and inflammation; Compression can be effected by wrapping elasticated bandages around the limb; Elevation is not simple due to the area of the damage and that the patient may prefer a bent knee.

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Alternative Medicine: What Can I About My Son's Blocked Nose?

Question:

My teenage son has suffered from a blocked nose since he was little. Numerous visits to the doctor have not helped. A nasal spray has had little effect, although he doesn't use it regularly. His symptoms always worsen at this time of year. I would appreciate your advice.

Answer:

The nose is the primary passage way for air entering the respiratory system. The first part of the passage way is called the vestibule, which is contained within the soft part of the nose at the front. The vestibule is covered by a lining of cells that contain coarse hairs to trap dust particles, insects and such like, and prevent them from entering the nasal cavity. The rear of the nasal passageway has folds of cartilage (conchae), which protrude into the nasal cavity. These conchae are lined with layers of moist cells. As air passes through the conchae, it is moistened and either warmed or cooled depending on the temperature outside.

The lining of the rear bony part of the nose is generally kept moist by secretions from the various sinuses that surround the nasal cavity. Any excess secretions from the sinuses, due to an infection, such as a cold, or over-discharge of mucus as a result of an allergy or eating mucus-producing foods (see right), can block the nose. Tears drain into it, too, which is why you get a blocked nose if you've been crying as well.

The partition in the nose separating the two passages is called the septum. You can see in many adults that this veers or deviates to one side, which can cause permanent blocking of the nostril. In my opinion, a baby is not born with a deviated septum but acquires it due to birth injuries (forceps delivery or very rapid, very slow or difficult labour) or as a result of being breast-fed more on one side, which inclines them to sleep on that side.

The inner nasal lining is full of tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that help to keep it moist. When pollen or allergic particles or chemicals come into contact with this lining, the blood vessels dilate so that fluid gushes forth to flush out these 'enemies'. A similar thing happens when a virus attacks the lining: you get a runny nose at first, then a stuffy nose as the lining becomes inflamed. Over-the-counter nasal drops are designed to constrict the blood vessels so that the discharge stops, swelling goes down and the nose clears. The problem is that if you use such drops for a long time, they cease to have an effect on the blood vessels and nerve endings, so they stop working and the nose becomes permanently blocked.

These are my suggestions to help your son

The role of mucus-producing foods is often disputed, but it is quite plain to see. lf you eat chillies, your nose runs and your face flushes as blood vessels dilate. The same response is likely to take place if you consume a lot of dairy products, citrus fruits, ice-cold soft drinks (which chill the body and trigger a cold-type reaction), rice, bananas and fried food. So you should avoid these foods, when you or your family have a blocked nose.

Also avoid yeast-containing products and canned foods with preservatives (which often cause discharge), alcohol (particularly wine and champagne, which may contain traces of moulds that can trigger a reaction), and mushrooms (which are fungal products).

On the other hand, foods such as mustard, ginger, garlic, cherries, pomegranates, ginseng, yams, basil, cinnamon, cloves and thyme are known to reduce excess mucus, so try to increase your son's intake of these.

Ensure against constipation, which increases excess mucus discharge, by drinking eight large glasses of room-temperature water daily, and take qurs mullayan, a herbal supplement: one three times weekly at bedtime for three months.

Take lauq sepistan, a herbal preparation, to help control mucus production and regulate nasal congestion : ½ tsp twice daily for one month.

To help flush out the nasal passages, use a neti pot; details are given in my book Theropeutic Yogo, co-authored with Jiwan Brar (available from the YOU Bookshop).

Retention breathing is also beneficial: inhale through the nose counting slowly to three, hold the breath for six, then exhale body through the mouth for six. This helps to retain carbon dioxide in the blood, which sends signals to the brain of a possible threat and, in response, the nasal passageways clear. Practise this breathing exercise for five minutes, five times a day.

I also advise consulting a qualified homoeopath and/or acupuncturist. Your son may also be allergic to dust mites, mould, pollen, and so on. Talk to your GP about having this tested and, if he does have an allergy consider a desensitization programme.

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Alternative Medicine: Homeopathic Pain Relief - How It May Help Your Pain

Homeopathic pain relief may possibly help you. For thousands of years herbs and other plant extracts have been used to relieve the aching of joints and accompanying inflammation. Let's look at what may help you get relief from pain.

What About Aspirin?

Aspirin has been around for only about 150 years, at least in the form supplied by companies like Bayer. The active compound in aspirin is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in white willow and similar species.

Our Pains Have a Long History

People have suffered from painful conditions since the beginning of time. To think that only modern-day remedies could provide effective relief from hurtful conditions is simply not logical.

The only reason that drugs are more popular than natural alternatives is advertising. In the US, it has a lot to do with the doctors and pharmaceutical companies, as well as the FDA.

Alternative Methods

Herbal remedies and homeopathy are used more commonly in Europe, where they have a longer history of traditional use. Think of an old street in London or Rome. There would likely be an herbalist, homeopath or an apothecary on those streets. Pharmacists have replaced apothecaries, but herbalists and homeopaths are still distinct professions.

Homeopathic pain relief can work for osteoarthritis, rheumatism, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, tendinitis and any condition, in which inflammation is involved. There are many natural anti-inflammatories. Some are recommended for health maintenance or as a preventative measure, because chronic inflammation is a common health problem. It plays a role in many major diseases.

White Willow

White willow is still one of the most effective natural anti-inflammatories. In the natural form, it does not cause the stomach upset caused by aspirin. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, wrote about the effectiveness of white willow for easing aches, pains and fevers.
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Boswellia

Boswellia is used to provide natural homeopathic relief. It is one of the staples of Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional Indian medicine still widely practiced, today.

Boswellia does not contain salicylic acid, but boswellic acids. Modern researchers have found that boswellic acids have natural anti-inflammatory activity. They have proposed the boswellia as a treatment for asthma, rheumatism, fever, gastrointestinal problems and other inflammatory conditions.

Lobelia

The lobelia plant is another of the natural pain relievers used by homeopaths and traditional healers from around the world, including those in China and North America. It naturally relaxes the muscles and relieves muscle spasms.

At one time, in order to get their remedies, you would need to find and visit an herbalist or a homeopath. Today, homeopathic help is available to anyone with an internet connection. You can learn about the most effective natural remedies. Choose a reputable company and order the products that you need, without ever leaving home. See resource box below.

Protect Your Liver for Better Health

The biggest advantage for someone that suffers from a chronic painful condition, such as arthritis, has to do with protecting the health of the liver. All non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which include aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen, can eventually cause liver damage. This is true of the prescription strength and the over-the-counter formulas.

Yes, we all want to feel better, fast. Your liver will not be damaged by homeopathic pain relief.

And now please visit the HomepathicPainRelief website listed below for updated information on pain relief.

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There Might Be Relief In Arthritis Rheumatism Natural Treatment

Arthritis rheumatism natural treatments can be less costly than some other solutions that take prescriptions. If you want to test an alternative, perhaps it's time to think about a more natural solution.

There are arthritis rheumatism natural treatments that you can simply rub in. Let them work themselves down to the muscles in question and soothe them.

The same arthritis rheumatism natural treatments can also provide relief for congestion, that tightness that you can feel in your chest or back. Apply the ointment to your chest or neck for relief.

Or you can add a bit of the ointment to boiling water and use it as a steam or vapor. Either breathe it in up close or leave it in the corner of the bedroom, on top of a bureau or table.

This can be a useful solution before bedtime, for little children or adults. It will make the room smell like relief, like your grandma's house.

Make sure you keep such ointments away from your face, particularly your eyes and nose. Always use it for external use only. Keep such ointments and oils far from the reach of children and pets. There are ingredients that can cause harm if ingested.

Let's get back to relief of arthritis rheumatism. Try rubbing an ointment onto the affected areas and allow it to work itself down to the muscles. Let them rest while it works, though you do not want to stop using your body.

As with many conditions, if you let yourself slow down to a stop voluntarily, it will be harder to get going again


Look at what you can do. Remain positive, and look for exercises and outings that meet your needs and abilities. Arthritis is not a death sentence.

Swimming is low weight bearing, and it can get you out of the house and in touch with others. Whatever can put that smile back on your face will make you feel lighter and happier, and just plain better.

At times, a bit of relief can change your mood, and allow you to bring the positive back into line. This is so important.

Take advantage of feeling better to put on some music and do a little dance, or tidy that box of stuff that's been waiting for you to feel well enough to tackle. Simple stuff, a little at a time, makes a big difference to our list of things to do.

Another solution is to become the boss, and allow someone else to help you with the big stuff. A cup of tea in hand, and you'll be able to spend time with a grandson or granddaughter, or even a friend, who can reach up high and down low, to find and then replace those items for you.

There are also some things related to diet, when it comes to arthritis that you might want to consult your homeopath about, to make sure that you're not eating your way to an irritating situation.

The same arthritis rheumatism natural treatments are useful for a variety of ailments, and, most importantly, they'll bring you relief.

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Alternative Medicine: Why She Is Constantly Infected With Threadworms?

My 11- year-old daughter suffers repeatedly with threadworms. Each time she has them I treat her with Vermox, with I get on prescription. I am worried that this medicine is harmful, especially as I am using it every two to three months. She is very clean, keeps her nails short and washes her hands; no other members of the family have them. Any suggestions?

Answer:

Threadworms (also known as pinworms) are more common in temperate countries such as Britain than in the tropics. The adult Enterobius vermicularis worms are about 1cm long and dwell in the bowels. The female worms sneak out of the anal region at night and lay up to 10,000 eggs at the entrance to the rectum. This leads to terrible itching which may cause inflammation as the eggs develop and the resulting young worms wriggle back into the bowels.

When the area is scratched, eggs get lodged under the nails. Even if you wash thoroughly, these eggs invariably get transferred to the mouth within a few hours and from there to the intestines, where they hatch, grow into adult worms and live happily in the bowel where the life cycle starts again. From egg to adult worm takes about a month and the worms survive another month or so before laying eggs and dying. Because of the vast number of eggs and worms, the process is continuous and, without treatment, the bowls are permanently infected.

The transfer of eggs is literally hand-to-mouth, so entire families can get infected (although not in your case). One of the common symptoms is itching, particularly at night. Children often grind their teeth at night because the itching causes restlessness, which leads to irritability and tiredness during the day. Severe infection can cause weight gain and even abdominal pain. On rare occasions, the threadworms can invade the vaginal area and cause irritation, which may spread to nearby areas.

The worms absorb nutrients, so infection may result in malnutrition and mineral deficiency. They absorb iron in abundance so an infected person may be anaemic (iron-deficient). People with worms commonly look Pale and undernourished even though their appetite increases. Eating a lot doesn't help, however, because the worms absorb nutrients, leaving the person still hungry.

The common test for threadworms is to analyse the faeces, but this is useless because the eggs are not released in the bowels. An accurate diagnosis is arrived at by applying clear Sellotape to the peri-anal region, then examining it under a microscope to see whether there are any eggs.

Threadworms are effectively treated with one of the group of anthelmintic drugs, such as Vermox. A couple of weeks after the first course, a second is advised. The whole family should be treated to eliminate any hidden source of infection. However, the manufacturer's information lists possible side effects, including, '˜severe swelling of lips, face or tounge' itchy rash, abdominal pain and diarrhoea'. It emphasises that anyone who suffers an allergy should stop taking the drug immediately.

If you would prefer a natural route, I suggest the following

Sugar feeds the worms, so avoid it, along with yeast-containing products such as bread, pizza, beer and wine, and fungal foods such as blue cheese, mushrooms and vinegar.

Worms don't like hard stools, as they make it difficult for them to lay eggs outside the bowel, so in this case constipation can be helpful. For two weeks avoid fibre-rich foods such as fruit vegetables, cereal and wholegrain bread. Instead, offer your laughter red meat, chicken, boiled eggs, mashed potatoes, rice, pasta with olive oil, grilled fish, porridge and carrots. These will clog up her bowels. Once the infection is eliminated, however, you must put the child back on a regime that will get her bowels moving again. This should include lots of water, Papaya, bananas and vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, asparagus and cabbage.

I usually advise adults to chew betel leaf with kattha a herbal paste, which both have de-worming properties.

However, betel stains the tongue and lips and doesn't taste that good. Your daughter should take a Pinch of kattha with water for seven days. Kattha is available from Indian grocers and the Integrated Medical Centre shop.

Take kadu and kariatu combined. Put two twigs of kadu and ½ teaspoon kariatu in a cup of hot water, soak overnight strain and drink in the mornings for one month. It is bitter, but the whole family should take it in your case.

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Alternative Medicine: Free Stop Smoking Patch Usa

It is a hardship that they will face several times in their lives. During this painful journey, most of them have to study and use various tips and techniques with one goal that is to have a life from cigarettes and smoke.

Those smokers that have successfully kick their dreadful habits may have heard of smoking nicotine patches. Most adverts that they saw featuring a free stop smoking patch. To be honest, there is no such thing as a free stop smoking patch.

There are lots of nicotine patches around. They are not expensive at all and, mostly their price depends on their branding and where you bought them.

The number of nicotine patches used per day will affect your spending expenses for the entire treatment period.

There are many smokers do not have a strong addiction, therefore they do not have to require any stop smoking patches. However, only those who are compulsive smokers require stronger nicotine stop smoking patches and more frequent change of the patches.

Although, you ca not get a free stop smoking patch, you still can get a good deal from many online shops selling stop smoking aids. Of course, their prices are much affordable than those prices in the offline shops.

Some online drug stores have regular promotions for example, you may get a free anti-smoking patch if you buy another complementary product. This is another service to keep existing customers.

When you come across a free anti smoking patch offer, be very careful before taking such free offer as it may not be genuine. It might turn out to be a scam, or there are certain terms and conditions attached to it.

Check your patches whether they are real or fake. If you are using the fake nicotine patches, you may get harmful chemicals that might affect your health putting it in a dangerous mode.

For ex smokers who have successfully kicked their habits, you simply do not need any stop smoking patches. But you still need lots of free support and information to prevent you from picking up this harmful habit again.

You can go online as a prevention measure showing you the dangers of smoking and thousand ways to help you to quit smoking.

The internet medium can offer you many discussion and support groups
to help you. You can meet and communicate with them with others similar to your situation. They are able to share your thought and support.

Whether you are an internet user or not, you are able to get lots of free support from many non smokers groups. They are there to provide advice and support for smokers trying to kick their habit fast.

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Swedish Massage Or Ayurvedic Massage

A variety of influences in massage therapy have cropped up leading to the creation of several methods that differ in strategies but offer the same health benefits. The Swedish and Ayurvedic massage both have distinct origins and use contrasting styles but contribute a lot to achieve a healthy and relaxed entire body. With all the kinds of massage therapy programs obtainable today, it has become really complicated for men and women to pick.

The Swedish Massage, that is also identified as the classic or traditional massage may be the most common massage therapy technique and is generally preferred by the majority of folks. It may be characterized by long and flowing strokes which relax muscles, enhance joint flexibility and aid in much better circulation.

The first stroke is acknowledged as effleurage, involves extended, gliding strokes in the neck down for the base in the spine or from the shoulder down for the fingertips. It really is also done around the limbs with all strokes directed toward the heart to aid blood and lymphatic flow. The therapist utilizes his whole hand or a thumb pad. This technique is done for familiarization of the person's body

Next is petrissage that consists on the gentle lifting of muscles up and away in the bones, then rolling and squeezing them, having a gentle pressure. It usually involves rolling, squeezing, or pressing the muscles to enhance deeper circulation. It increases circulation through eliminating toxins from muscle and nerve tissue.

Friction, the third method along with the most forceful one is characterized by deep circular movements utilizing fingertips applied near bony areas and joints and it relaxes the muscle fiber which enhances flexibility in muscles and joints.

After friction, one more method known as tapotement is done. Tapotement is often a series of quick forceful movements made by striking or tapping the muscles with the hand. It can be applied with a closed fist, fingertips as well as the edge on the hand. It releases tension and relieves muscle cramps.

Lastly, the therapist utilizes vibration or shaking that entails the pressing of hands around the back or limbs and shaking in a rapid motion for a few moments. It improves circulation and muscle contraction and is beneficial to men and women with low-back pain.

On the other hand, Ayurvedic massage originated from India and its aim is to produce harmony and balance within the individual and it aids in the removal of toxins and rejuvenation of the entire body. It was not practiced publicly until Indian practitioners decided to roam around and give muscle, joint and back massages

Ayurvedic massage is based on a special system that includes the understanding of Ayurvedic and Greek systems of medicine which is focused on Ayurvedic doshas and marmas or pressure points. Muslim massage tactics were also adapted in this program.

Ayurvedic massage approaches utilizes particular oils that suit your dosha and depends on your being. One may be the Abhyanga-Garshana which comprises of skin brushing followed by an oil massage, Udwarthanam that is a slimming massage that employs herbal powders along with the Ayurvedic foot massage that is a deep massage where the therapist uses his feet.

Now with sufficient know-how on both Swedish and Ayurvedic massage, a individual has of course the privilege to decide on among the two which very best suits his/her style of relaxation. But with both massages having unique techniques, the choosing part can be a little tricky though.

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