There are a lot of people who are overweight. For those who are obese, perhaps surgery is the best option but for those who can’t, they can try to see if acupuncture can help take out the excess weight.
Acupuncture is a form of holistic healthcare that uses needles to help treat a patient. Unlike the cartoon where the balloon will pop and all the air will go out, the needles that are inserted into the vital points will stimulate the body to release endorphins thus helping the person control their appetite.
But before needles are inserted, the specialist will first ask the patient some questions and perform an examination. This is needed to understand the main cause for the person to be overweight.
Part of examination is to help the acupuncturist figure out where the needles will be inserted. Your pulse will give the person an idea on your general state of energy and the general health of your stomach.
You will also have to open your mouth and show your tongue to check for cracks, peelings or puffiness on the stomach area as this provides clues to why you are overweight.
Once he or she knows the reason, this is the time that the needles are inserted into different parts of the body. One way is called the multi-targeted approach which is designed to lower the body’s weight by increasing the output of the pituitary gland.
The areas where the needles will be inserted will be in the ear and in two of three body points. These areas could also include the mouth, the stomach, the lung, the endocrine, the spleen, kidney or thyroid.
During the initial treatment, the “Four Gate” points would be used to circulate energy throughout the entire body. It is also possible that electro simulation will also be done to increase endorphin release and stimulate metabolism.
These needles will be kept in place for 30 to 45 minutes depending on how much support is needed. These are then removed and replaced with ear tacs with adhesives to make sure they are in the same spot as the needles.
These ear tacs work by applying mild pressure whenever he or she feels hungry. It causes a mild endorphin release and helps the patient relax making it possible to use their willpower and resist the temptation to eat.
The patient will also have to reduce cravings on certain food by cutting down the intake. Some studies suggest that this can also lower insulin levels or lipid levels in the blood.
The best part about acupuncture is that there are no harmful side effects and no chance for an addiction to occur. The patient will have to come back for regular treatment and have to pay attention to one’s diet and exercise regularly as needles can only do so much to control one’s weight.
The number of treatments for someone who is overweight varies depending on how many pounds they want to lose, the speed at which they want to lose it and their commitment to sticking to the plan.
The average patient on the other hand who wants to lose 5 to 10 pounds will have to come for treatment every three days or twice a week then once this is attained, once every two weeks. It is up to the person until when the treatment will be done which shows that acupuncture can help you lose weight.
Friday, April 01, 2011
Oral health and diabetes - the important link
Did you know that people living with diabetes are twice as likely to develop serious gum disease?
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there is an increased prevalence of gum disease among those with diabetes, making proper oral health and hygiene a key factor to living well with diabetes. That is why dentists from around the nation want to educate the nearly 24 million Americans living with diabetes that serious gum disease may be an additional complication of diabetes.
People living with diabetes are at an increased risk for developing serious gum disease because they are generally more susceptible to bacterial infection and have a decreased ability to fight bacteria that invade the gums.
"Overall, there is low awareness among the diabetes community about the association between oral health and the short and long-term implications it may have on a successful, comprehensive diabetes management plan," says Dr. Maria Emanuel Ryan, a professor of oral biology and pathology at Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, N.Y. "One of the many complications of diabetes is a greater risk for periodontal disease."
Dr. Ryan recommends the following preventative oral health tips, in addition to regularly visiting the dentist:
* Floss at least once a day: Flossing helps remove plaque between your teeth and under your gum line.
* Brush as least twice a day and use an antibacterial toothpaste such as Colgate Total(R): Unlike regular toothpaste, Colgate Total toothpaste reduces germs that cause gingivitis, an early form of gum disease, by 90 percent versus regular fluoride toothpaste 12 hours after brushing. In addition, it is the only toothpaste approved (Colgate Total toothpaste is approved through the new drug application process for the prevention of gingivitis. It is not approved for the prevention or treatment of serious gum disease or other diseases.) by the FDA to help prevent gingivitis and the No. 1 toothpaste recommended most by dentists for gum care.
* Look for early signs of gum disease: Report any signs of gum disease - including redness, swelling and bleeding gums - to your dentist.
* Control your sugar levels: If your blood glucose levels are poorly controlled, you are more likely to develop serious gum disease than people with properly controlled blood glucose levels.
* Remind your dentist you have diabetes: Visit your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings and ask your dentist about diabetes and oral health.
People living with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing serious gum disease, but with good oral health care, they should be able to help prevent gum disease from happening. For more information about diabetes and oral health, visit www.OralHealthAndDiabetes.com. (ARA)
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there is an increased prevalence of gum disease among those with diabetes, making proper oral health and hygiene a key factor to living well with diabetes. That is why dentists from around the nation want to educate the nearly 24 million Americans living with diabetes that serious gum disease may be an additional complication of diabetes.
People living with diabetes are at an increased risk for developing serious gum disease because they are generally more susceptible to bacterial infection and have a decreased ability to fight bacteria that invade the gums.
"Overall, there is low awareness among the diabetes community about the association between oral health and the short and long-term implications it may have on a successful, comprehensive diabetes management plan," says Dr. Maria Emanuel Ryan, a professor of oral biology and pathology at Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, N.Y. "One of the many complications of diabetes is a greater risk for periodontal disease."
Dr. Ryan recommends the following preventative oral health tips, in addition to regularly visiting the dentist:
* Floss at least once a day: Flossing helps remove plaque between your teeth and under your gum line.
* Brush as least twice a day and use an antibacterial toothpaste such as Colgate Total(R): Unlike regular toothpaste, Colgate Total toothpaste reduces germs that cause gingivitis, an early form of gum disease, by 90 percent versus regular fluoride toothpaste 12 hours after brushing. In addition, it is the only toothpaste approved (Colgate Total toothpaste is approved through the new drug application process for the prevention of gingivitis. It is not approved for the prevention or treatment of serious gum disease or other diseases.) by the FDA to help prevent gingivitis and the No. 1 toothpaste recommended most by dentists for gum care.
* Look for early signs of gum disease: Report any signs of gum disease - including redness, swelling and bleeding gums - to your dentist.
* Control your sugar levels: If your blood glucose levels are poorly controlled, you are more likely to develop serious gum disease than people with properly controlled blood glucose levels.
* Remind your dentist you have diabetes: Visit your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings and ask your dentist about diabetes and oral health.
People living with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing serious gum disease, but with good oral health care, they should be able to help prevent gum disease from happening. For more information about diabetes and oral health, visit www.OralHealthAndDiabetes.com. (ARA)
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