Health Blog

A healthy body and a sound mind

5 Alternative Treatments for Addiction

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse 23.5 million people over the age of 12 needed treatment for addiction in 2009. Those numbers represent people struggling with alcohol and “illicit drugs” alone, and are not a reflection of how many individuals actually received the care they needed that year.

Addiction isn’t a minority issue in the United States, it’s endemic. Despite an array of treatment options — from long term inpatient rehabilitation centers, to Alcoholic Anonymous/ Narcotics Anonymous meetings — many individuals are far from addiction free. If you, or someone you know is struggling with addiction, here are a few alternative methods to try in conjunction with more standard practices.

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1. Meditation, mindfulness, and yoga

The practice of Yoga is meant to unite mind, body, and spirit through postures, meditation, and breathing. Often, addicts are disassociated from their bodies, minds, and feelings. Regaining themselves and learning to put the outside world away has proved beneficial for many addicts. [Read more…]

Originally posted on March 27, 2015 @ 3:31 pm

Cupping Therapy and What You Can Gain From It

Women who want to get rid of the stress in their bodies often turn to massage therapy. Getting a massage brings a different kind of relief to many women. It not only relieves the aches and pains they have in their body but it also recharges their psychological being.

But with the various kinds of massage and body therapies available today, it can get confusing as to which one would suit a person best. And as if what you already know of is not enough, there’s still a new kind of therapy that you might want to try. It is known as cupping and in fact, several Hollywood celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow are known to have done this kind of body therapy.

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An obvious sign to know that a person has had some cupping therapy is the presence of circular red spots on the back or neck that look like hickeys. They’re actually cupping marks. [Read more…]

Originally posted on May 13, 2013 @ 12:05 pm

Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome May Benefit From Acupuncture

acupuncturePolycystic ovary syndrome is a relatively common condition in women, although it is not often diagnosed. With advancement in technology and more awareness, more women are able to determine if they are suffering from this syndrome, also known as PCOS. The condition is characterized by numerous small cysts in the ovaries, which interfere with the production of hormones. As a result, the male hormone testosterone is produced in higher quantities. The effects are manifested in various ways, some of which include fertility problems, irregular menstruation, obesity, and even increased risk for type 2 diabetes and heart problems.

The exact cause of PCOS remains a mystery to doctors and researchers. However, the symptoms are clear and some researchers believe that it is closely linked to an over active sympathetic nervous system. This system is what controls involuntary bodily functions such as the dilation of pupils.

A group of Swedish researchers conducted a study recently, wherein women with PCOS were divided into three groups. The first group underwent electro-acupuncture (a weak electric current is passed through the needles). The second group underwent a guided exercise routine (at least three times a week). The third group had no additional treatment or instructions. The findings? The activity of the sympathetic nervous system of the first two groups was considerably lower and the women who had acupuncture had a plus: more regulated menstruation. More than this, they also had lower levels of testosterone.

If you have PCOS or know anyone with PCOS, you might want to consider acupuncture.

Originally posted on August 24, 2011 @ 1:27 pm