10 Tips to Overcome Morning Stiffness by Robert Chu, L.Ac. QME
Perhaps you’ve helped your friend move yesterday, or you have fibromyalgia, or arthritis, or just plain sore from gardening, you might find it hard to get about in the morning. According to the American College of Rheumatology, Fibromyalgia affects 3 to 6 million, or as many as one in 50 Americans, with seven times more the frequency in women than in men. According to the NHIS, by 2030, an estimated 67 million Americans ages 18 years or older are projected to have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. That’s certainly a lot!
It can take you hours to "warm up" or "move easily" so to speak, and generally, most people reach for muscle relaxants, pain relievers, or topical creams and sprays. And it’s doubly hard when you have to take care of the kids or get going to work.
The basic causes of morning stiffness are lack of exercise, being overweight, having a poor diet, not sleeping properly, a prevalence of coldness or dampness in the environment. Lack of exercise in general does not allow you to rid the body of toxins which can build up in the joints and cause gout. Being overweight is difficult because you are carrying unnecessary weight, which puts a strain on joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. A poor diet, generally high in simple carbs and causes weak muscles, bad posture and lethargy. Poor sleep and poor sleeping posture can lock your body in a bad position for hours, causing reduced blood flow to the local muscles, and a buildup of lactic acid, causing stiffness. A cold or damp environment causes muscle stiffness because the coldness or dampness affects the blood flow to the area.
You can be happy to know you’re not the only one who is painfully stiff in the morning, and what is causing this can be avoided or corrected... here are 10 things you can do.
1) Take a hot shower. This serves as a means to induce sweating and release the muscles, as well as increase the blood circulation.
2) Do some easy stretches while lying in bed, then sitting up in bed. This will stretch and loosen the muscles and help flush them with more blood.
3) Promote good sleeping habits. This means that sleep time is not think time or time to think about relationships, work, the kids, etc. Get those out of the way first before you sleep.
4) Drink the best water you can get. Often the tap water in our cities is not the freshest or safest. Even cities like Los Angeles have traces of psychiatric medicines and estrogenic-like compounds. Drink either bottled water or reverse osmosis filtered water.
5) Force yourself to do some gentle deep knee bends. You don’t have to go all the way down, and the idea is to do these assisted with a chair or table, or counter. These exercise almost 90% of the skeletal muscles. Find a counter, table or chair and use your hands for support. Then exhale and squat as low as you can go, then inhale and stand up again. Do 10 of these and these will get the morning blood flowing.
6) Sleep with a portable heater in your room if your bedroom is particularly drafty or damp.
7) Eat better. Cut down on simple carbohydrates, and start reading labels. Simply eliminate the foods with artificial color, artificial flavors and artificial sweeteners (High fructose corn syrup, crystalline fructose, and aspartame) and enriched white flour. If you don’t know what it is, or have difficulty pronouncing it, avoid ingesting it.
8) Get some therapy for stress or emotional problems, so that you’re not lying awake all night thinking about your problems. Learn how to deal with toxic people in your life.
9) Get some regular exercise. The idea is to go out and do some regular exercise, as all exercise is cumulative. Even a simple routine of 10000 steps a day (buy a pedometer!) will improve your health greatly!
10) Be the fashion police! You want to dress appropriately for these cold months, and you might do well to sleep in flannel pajamas or sweats.
These simple tips followed with a little dedication, along with some minor lifestyle changes and changes to the living environment, can help you overcome morning stiffness in no time.
Showing posts with label alternative medicine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alternative medicine. Show all posts
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Homeopathic Medicine for Pain Management
Homeopathic Medicine for Pain Management by Robert Chu, L.Ac., Certified Clinical Homeopath
Introduction
Homeopathic medicine is one of the overlooked treasures of self-help you can turn to when you're suffering from pain. Whether you're suffering from back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sprained ankle or sciatica, there is a homeopathic remedy for you. Often distributed in liquid tinctures or lactose sugar pellets, they are a safe and easy way to treat yourself with little to no side effects.
Theory
Homeopathy is the medical system discovered by a German allopathic physician, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, in the 1800's. Dissatisfied with the medicine of his time, he experimented with medicines that produced specific symptoms, and discovered a principle in medicine that 'Similia Similbus Curantur' which means "Like Cures Like". It means that a medicine can create similar symptoms in a healthy patient, and can cure those illness in a diseased person. Also unique in Hahnemann's work was that every cure was given in minute doses to lead the body into healing, rather than forcing the body to function unnaturally due to the strong effect of medicine. Homeopathy was used throughout Europe and with the early settlers and pioneers in the USA.
Homeopathy has now split into two major schools of thought, Classical and Clinical. Classical Homeopathy is the study of Hahnemann's early work in Europe and reflects a single remedy to fit the ailments of a person. Clinical Homeopathy is Hahnemann's later work with the combining of single remedies and using them synergistically to get a desired effect.
What you can do for your pain
Homeopathic medicines are generally distributed as pellets or liquids. If you use pellets, use as directed on a bottle. For liquid form, they use a dropper, and the dosage is in drops. Mostly homeopathic remedies are dissolved or taken under the tongue. Typical brand names in a health food store are Hyland's, Newton's, or Doliso's. These are commonly used and reliable. Newton's remedies are what I typically use, as their products reflect Hahnemann's later teaching of combining single remedies in combination, called complexes. This is referred to as "Clinical Homeopathy". "Classical Homeopathy" is the study of Hahnemann's early work in Europe and reflects a single remedy to fit the ailments of a person. If you're not sure what to choose, it is best to consult with a Certified Homeopath.
For people suffering from back pain, try using Arnica. Arnica is available as a topical cream, a lotion, and in pill or droplet form. Arnica is considered one of the best for first aid back pain relief. Bryonia is also considered a good remedy if you have a cough, or a cold along with back pain. Nux Vomica is also a good choice for backpain, especially at niught and that interferes with your sleeping. The Newton Aches and Pains Relief Complex is a good clinical homeopathic remedy for backache from all round strains, nerve injury, or strenuous workouts.
For those with shooting neck pain, Belladonna is the choice. Guaiacum is a great remedy for stiff neck due to cold. And for those with chronic neck pain due to spondylosis, Calc Carb is the best choice. Newton's Muscle Ease is a simple remedy for those who have muscle tension, due to stress and overexertion.
For those with tearing burning stiffness and shoulder pain, it is best to use Rhus Tox. With shoulder pain radiating to the whole arm with weakness, choose Chelkidonium. Of course, the Newton Aches and Pains Relief Complex is can be used for all round shoulder and neck pain.
For a sprained ankle with stiffness and swelling, use Rhus Tox. For weak anklwes susceptible to sprain, use Ledum. Weal ankle tendons and ligaments indivcate the use of Ruta. The Newton Aches and Pains Relief Complex, along with Arnica cream can work wonders.
For acute cases of sciatica, the remedy of choice is to use Colocynthis. Of course the forementioned Belladonna and Ruta also work well, along with any of the mentioned backache remedies. Newton's Sciatica Relief is great for the inflammation of the nerve in the lower back and leg.
Conclusion
By having a handful of these useful remedies, you can treat yourself at home, and have lasting results from acute injury, recovering from an injury, or deal with a chronic problem. In a pinch, the Arnica Cream is one to have at all times for any aches and pains.
Introduction
Homeopathic medicine is one of the overlooked treasures of self-help you can turn to when you're suffering from pain. Whether you're suffering from back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sprained ankle or sciatica, there is a homeopathic remedy for you. Often distributed in liquid tinctures or lactose sugar pellets, they are a safe and easy way to treat yourself with little to no side effects.
Theory
Homeopathy is the medical system discovered by a German allopathic physician, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, in the 1800's. Dissatisfied with the medicine of his time, he experimented with medicines that produced specific symptoms, and discovered a principle in medicine that 'Similia Similbus Curantur' which means "Like Cures Like". It means that a medicine can create similar symptoms in a healthy patient, and can cure those illness in a diseased person. Also unique in Hahnemann's work was that every cure was given in minute doses to lead the body into healing, rather than forcing the body to function unnaturally due to the strong effect of medicine. Homeopathy was used throughout Europe and with the early settlers and pioneers in the USA.
Homeopathy has now split into two major schools of thought, Classical and Clinical. Classical Homeopathy is the study of Hahnemann's early work in Europe and reflects a single remedy to fit the ailments of a person. Clinical Homeopathy is Hahnemann's later work with the combining of single remedies and using them synergistically to get a desired effect.
What you can do for your pain
Homeopathic medicines are generally distributed as pellets or liquids. If you use pellets, use as directed on a bottle. For liquid form, they use a dropper, and the dosage is in drops. Mostly homeopathic remedies are dissolved or taken under the tongue. Typical brand names in a health food store are Hyland's, Newton's, or Doliso's. These are commonly used and reliable. Newton's remedies are what I typically use, as their products reflect Hahnemann's later teaching of combining single remedies in combination, called complexes. This is referred to as "Clinical Homeopathy". "Classical Homeopathy" is the study of Hahnemann's early work in Europe and reflects a single remedy to fit the ailments of a person. If you're not sure what to choose, it is best to consult with a Certified Homeopath.
For people suffering from back pain, try using Arnica. Arnica is available as a topical cream, a lotion, and in pill or droplet form. Arnica is considered one of the best for first aid back pain relief. Bryonia is also considered a good remedy if you have a cough, or a cold along with back pain. Nux Vomica is also a good choice for backpain, especially at niught and that interferes with your sleeping. The Newton Aches and Pains Relief Complex is a good clinical homeopathic remedy for backache from all round strains, nerve injury, or strenuous workouts.
For those with shooting neck pain, Belladonna is the choice. Guaiacum is a great remedy for stiff neck due to cold. And for those with chronic neck pain due to spondylosis, Calc Carb is the best choice. Newton's Muscle Ease is a simple remedy for those who have muscle tension, due to stress and overexertion.
For those with tearing burning stiffness and shoulder pain, it is best to use Rhus Tox. With shoulder pain radiating to the whole arm with weakness, choose Chelkidonium. Of course, the Newton Aches and Pains Relief Complex is can be used for all round shoulder and neck pain.
For a sprained ankle with stiffness and swelling, use Rhus Tox. For weak anklwes susceptible to sprain, use Ledum. Weal ankle tendons and ligaments indivcate the use of Ruta. The Newton Aches and Pains Relief Complex, along with Arnica cream can work wonders.
For acute cases of sciatica, the remedy of choice is to use Colocynthis. Of course the forementioned Belladonna and Ruta also work well, along with any of the mentioned backache remedies. Newton's Sciatica Relief is great for the inflammation of the nerve in the lower back and leg.
Conclusion
By having a handful of these useful remedies, you can treat yourself at home, and have lasting results from acute injury, recovering from an injury, or deal with a chronic problem. In a pinch, the Arnica Cream is one to have at all times for any aches and pains.
Advice for Acne
Advice for Acne
For a clearer complexion… by Dr. Robert Chu
Contrary to modern medicine’s assessment that sugar or chocolate does not cause acne, in the Chinese Medicine paradigm if you ingest substances that are excessively sweet, spicy and greasy, they will cause Damp-Heat in the body.
Throughout my articles I discuss the poetic nature of Chinese Medicine and the various syndromes that are labeled in metaphoric terms. Dampness in the body is caused by consuming sweet flavors. When the dampness in the body persists for a while, it may cause additional heat, causing a combination of Damp-Heat in the body. Damp Heat signs and symptoms include oily skin, aversion to heat, thirst, red tongue with greasy coating, and a rapid, wiry pulse. This, of course, can lead to red inflamed acne filled with pus. In Chinese medicine terms, the red, inflamed is heat; the pus is dampness and toxins. To solve the problem, Chinese Medicine strives for balance in the body and wants to take away excessive dampness, heat and toxins to bring the body back to proper homeostasis.
During the adolescent years, teenagers may consume a lot of junk food – often with excessive intake of sugary beverages like sodas, sports drinks and juices, greasy foods like pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, cheese steaks, french fries and spicy foods like salsa, chips, burritos and tacos. I am not singling out the fast food industry, but I am pointing out the potential risks that such a diet can hold for an unsuspecting individual. Adding chocolate, candy and other empty calorie foods, one can easily have a face full of zits and pustular acne. Coffee, especially with cream and sugar can also increase damp heat. Alcohol consumption also produces dampness and heat in the body, plus it breaks down into sugar during digestion. Spicy foods add to heat, sugary foods add to dampness, and greasy foods also contribute to dampness. So with this combination, the resulting damp heat in the body can lead to acne.
The best thing is a change in diet. Eating foods that are less greasy and less heat producing can clear the skin. Certain foods have heat clearing properties. For example, cucumbers are cooling and provide moisture. Bitter vegetables like spinach, chicory, kale, watercress can also clear heat from the body. Eating salads and steamed vegetables will clear out excessive oily or greasy diet, and also cool the body down. Less consumption of meats, also cuts down on the greasy properties which build up in the body. Avoiding excessive sugary drinks and more intake of water can lead to clearer skin.
Herbs and acupuncture can be done to release the damp heat and toxins in the body. Herbs such as Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis), Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae), Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae), and Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) are common herbs that clear damp heat and toxins in the body. The Chinese herbal preparations Huang Lian Jie Du Pian, Huang Qin Shang Qing Wan and Si Huang Pian are commonly used in the treatment of acne. Acupuncture would not be applied to the face, but rather, to the hands and feet and mostly in the stomach and large intestine channels, especially when done by a Tung Acupuncture practitioner. It would best to contact with a licensed acupuncturist and/or herbalist to consult about this. Taking antibiotics can ruin the intestinal flora and lead to issues such as gas, flatulence, bloating, malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, indigestion and a host of other problems, so it may not be the best idea to take antibiotics for clearing up acne.
So the solution is not more acne clearing cleansers, antibiotics, face masks or chemical peels, but a more regulated diet. Add to that, proper rest, as this serves to rejuvenate the body. Exercise also benefits a clear complexion, as it serves to help rid toxins in the body. Having less stress and good emotions, can also help. If you are not able to avoid stress, at least change the way you react to stress. Stress and strong emotions leads to heat and toxins in the body. By having a balanced diet, proper rest, good exercise, reducing stress, one can enjoy beautiful radiant skin.
Pasadena Acupuncturist Robert Chu will help patients with infertility, Cancer treatment related side effects, cardiovascular problems, diabetes, thyroid issues, and pain. Clinic hours are available, please call (626)345-0441 to schedule an appointment for a free consultation.
For a clearer complexion… by Dr. Robert Chu
Contrary to modern medicine’s assessment that sugar or chocolate does not cause acne, in the Chinese Medicine paradigm if you ingest substances that are excessively sweet, spicy and greasy, they will cause Damp-Heat in the body.
Throughout my articles I discuss the poetic nature of Chinese Medicine and the various syndromes that are labeled in metaphoric terms. Dampness in the body is caused by consuming sweet flavors. When the dampness in the body persists for a while, it may cause additional heat, causing a combination of Damp-Heat in the body. Damp Heat signs and symptoms include oily skin, aversion to heat, thirst, red tongue with greasy coating, and a rapid, wiry pulse. This, of course, can lead to red inflamed acne filled with pus. In Chinese medicine terms, the red, inflamed is heat; the pus is dampness and toxins. To solve the problem, Chinese Medicine strives for balance in the body and wants to take away excessive dampness, heat and toxins to bring the body back to proper homeostasis.
During the adolescent years, teenagers may consume a lot of junk food – often with excessive intake of sugary beverages like sodas, sports drinks and juices, greasy foods like pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, cheese steaks, french fries and spicy foods like salsa, chips, burritos and tacos. I am not singling out the fast food industry, but I am pointing out the potential risks that such a diet can hold for an unsuspecting individual. Adding chocolate, candy and other empty calorie foods, one can easily have a face full of zits and pustular acne. Coffee, especially with cream and sugar can also increase damp heat. Alcohol consumption also produces dampness and heat in the body, plus it breaks down into sugar during digestion. Spicy foods add to heat, sugary foods add to dampness, and greasy foods also contribute to dampness. So with this combination, the resulting damp heat in the body can lead to acne.
The best thing is a change in diet. Eating foods that are less greasy and less heat producing can clear the skin. Certain foods have heat clearing properties. For example, cucumbers are cooling and provide moisture. Bitter vegetables like spinach, chicory, kale, watercress can also clear heat from the body. Eating salads and steamed vegetables will clear out excessive oily or greasy diet, and also cool the body down. Less consumption of meats, also cuts down on the greasy properties which build up in the body. Avoiding excessive sugary drinks and more intake of water can lead to clearer skin.
Herbs and acupuncture can be done to release the damp heat and toxins in the body. Herbs such as Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis), Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae), Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae), and Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) are common herbs that clear damp heat and toxins in the body. The Chinese herbal preparations Huang Lian Jie Du Pian, Huang Qin Shang Qing Wan and Si Huang Pian are commonly used in the treatment of acne. Acupuncture would not be applied to the face, but rather, to the hands and feet and mostly in the stomach and large intestine channels, especially when done by a Tung Acupuncture practitioner. It would best to contact with a licensed acupuncturist and/or herbalist to consult about this. Taking antibiotics can ruin the intestinal flora and lead to issues such as gas, flatulence, bloating, malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, indigestion and a host of other problems, so it may not be the best idea to take antibiotics for clearing up acne.
So the solution is not more acne clearing cleansers, antibiotics, face masks or chemical peels, but a more regulated diet. Add to that, proper rest, as this serves to rejuvenate the body. Exercise also benefits a clear complexion, as it serves to help rid toxins in the body. Having less stress and good emotions, can also help. If you are not able to avoid stress, at least change the way you react to stress. Stress and strong emotions leads to heat and toxins in the body. By having a balanced diet, proper rest, good exercise, reducing stress, one can enjoy beautiful radiant skin.
Pasadena Acupuncturist Robert Chu will help patients with infertility, Cancer treatment related side effects, cardiovascular problems, diabetes, thyroid issues, and pain. Clinic hours are available, please call (626)345-0441 to schedule an appointment for a free consultation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
