Stuttering

Stuttering The stutterer must know that the princi¬ple cause of the condition is tension. The in¬dividual must learn to relax the upper body muscles which cause stuttering. Shiatsu Full body shiatsu is the best solution. Shiatsu will bring about general body-wide relaxation.Additionally, shiatsu and moxibustion have been used successfully to relieve anxie¬ty and relax the body. For moxibustion use: CV 12, UB 23 and UB 13....

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Ringing in the ear,Ear infection, Hearing Loss

Ringing in the ear (tinnitus) Ear infection Hearing loss The ear we see attached to the side of the head is only part of the wonderful mechanism that allows us to hear the world around us. The sounds of the birds chirping, water rushing downstream, and the breeze gently moving through the trees are made possible by the interaction of sound vibrations, liquid vibrations, and electrical impulses.These sounds enter the outer ear, that is, the structure that you and I know as our ears. These vibrations place pressure on the ear drum which is inside the middle ear. There are some small bones inside this middle portion of the ear, named the hammer,...

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Eye fatigue, Nearsightedness,myopia,blurred vision, eye pain

Eye fatigueNearsightedness (Myopia)Blurred visionEye pain Poets throughout the ages have often looked upon the eyes as the "windows of the soul". With a somewhat less romantic view, we can see that the eyes and their surrounding tissues are among the body's most delicate structures. Most of us value our gift of sight above all other senses. The eye is actually a direct extension of the brain. The retina—the light-sensitive structure at the back of the eye—contains millions of rods and cones, which are specialized nerve endings which convert light into electrical impulses. These impulses are then conveyed by the optic nerve to the visual center...

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Nose bleeds (epistaxis)

Nose bleeds (epistaxis) Many times an accidental bumping or blow to the bridge of the nose causes bleeding. This occurs because one of the fragile blood vessels in the nasal mucous membrane breaks. This minor type of problem responds quickly to treatment and is of little medical significance. Nosebleeds, however, can occur spontaneously, sometimes due to high blood pressure, nasal allergies, and/or excessive sneezing. Some people also get nose bleeds after eating certain foods such as chocolate, or drinking beverages which contain caffeine. These substances and foods high in phos¬phorus cause the blood vessels to expand and burst so that the...

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Sinus trouble

Sinus trouble The sinuses are cavities in the bones of the face and skull. The largest sinuses are found in the forehead and cheeks. The symptoms of pain and tenderness above them (many times with a nasal discharge) are typical signs of sinus trouble. Obstruction of normal sinus drainage by extra mucus produces the pain associated with sinusitis and stuffy nose. The affected side of the face may swell, as well as the lower eyelid. Steam Inhalations Stand near a kettle of boiling water and gently allow the steam to go up your sinuses. Be careful not to burn yourself! The steam will reduce the thickness of the mucus inside the nose and al¬low drainage....

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Headache migraine

Headache migraineHeadache is a very common ailment. Associated with many illnesses, it occurs without specific cause as well. Most headaches arise in tissues outside the skull. Headache is only a symptom. It can occur with the common cold, flu, sinus trouble, toothache, allergies, hay fever and other nose and eye diseases, and menstrual irregularities, to name a few. There are several kinds of headache which can be classified according to location of pain and accompanying symptoms. One type of headache is generally found in the front part of the forehead and is of an acute nature, that is, it comes on quickly and occurs with other symptoms such...

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Acupressure could calm patients with dementia, study finds

The practice of acupressure might help calm people suffering from dementia, one study suggests.A Taiwanese study found acupressure might alleviate the agitations that people with forms of dementia like Alzheimer's go through. Acupressure is like acupuncture, only using hands instead of needles.People with dementia are more prone to become angry, yell at others or become violent; they also may take illogical actions such as disrobing in public or wander around lost in the streets.The effects of dementia are a concern for relatives and caretakers alike, as the agitations put dementia patients at risk of injury. The behavior also makes it harder for family members or nursing home staff to care for them.For the study, the Taiwanese researchers enlisted the help of 31 dementia patients living in...

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Sore throat

Sore throatDo the same shiatsu treatment as de¬scribed for the neck. Add acupoint LI 4 on the hands. Press point LU 11 near the base of the thumbnail with a chopstick for 5 seconds, 5-10 times. Do this on both hands. Repeat sever¬al times throughout the day.A hot foot bath can be taken until the feet become really red. Vigorously massage and press the bottom of the foot near the base of the big toe in the arch. You will find a sore spot there. Massage this spot until it becomes less painful.GarglePrepare a warm, salty solution by ad¬ding 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt to one cup warm water or twig tea. Gargle by placing a small amount of this solution...

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Stiff neck /Stiff shoulder

Stiff neckStiff shoulderTightness of the neck and shoulders caused by draftCrick in the neckWhiplashThe neck is the bridge or channel between the head and body. Many important nerves and blood vessels gather in this area. If the neck is troubled, it is easy for many head problems to develop such as brain tumor, ringing in the ears, sinus congestion, headache, and glaucoma. Once established, head problems are difficult to cure. It will take a long time to change, so be persistent in the application of shiatsu. All of the above mentioned conditions indicate varying de¬grees of restriction in the neck region. All neck conditions except sore throat...

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Do you have this???

Q Our 3-year-old son keeps coming into our bed at night. What can we do to stop this without making a big deal of it?Health Visitor Dawn replies: As soon as your son arrives in your bed, gently take him straight back to his room and his own bed with as little talking as possible. If he needs a cuddle, calming down or reassuring then it's important that you give him this, but wait until you are back in his room before doing so. Let him know that it's time for him to go to sleep now and that his room is a nice place to ...

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Do you have this problem???

My 1-year-old daughter’s favourite new word is ‘no’. Every time I offer her something—even something I’m sure she really wants—she shakes her head and responds negatively. She also refuses to hold my hand. I’m finding this quite annoying and I fear we’re going to be constantly at loggerheads.Therapist Lesley replies: Your daughter's becoming a toddler and saying no often is actually a normal and essential part of her development-even if it doesn't make life easy for you. For the first time, she's able to test limits, exert some power and have her own opinions, which is vital in helping her become her own person. It may seem strange when she rejects treats you know she'd really love, or a helping hand from you, but to her, saying ‘yes' can feel as if she's handing her power over to you. Try...

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Acupressure for M.E / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

Acupressure for M.E / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and FibromyalgiaTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) including Acupressure, Chinese Herbal medicine, Moxa and cupping techniques, have been in use for up to 5000 years. For some of that time it was tradition only to pay your doctor while you were healthy - the cash stopped when you got sick - although economically impractical just think how quickly western medicine would have evolved if preventative medicine and results paid, not tradition, reputation or good marketing!The basic theory of T.C.M is that energy or Chi is generated by breathing, and passes around the body through twelve major channels, each related to an organ, starting with the Lung and finishing with the Liver. If the chi becomes stagnant or weak in any of these channels illness...

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Lumbago-back pain-strain and sprain-muscle spasm-sciatica-hip pain-imbalanced/tilted hip

LumbagoBack pain - strain and sprainMuscle spasmSciaticaHip painImbalanced/tilted hip It seems that almost everyone at one time or another has had some trouble with back pain. Pain in the back may be caused by muscular strain, a slipped intervertebral disk, or it may be caused by some disease of the bones and joints of the spine. The hips are the foundation upon which rests the upper skele¬tal system. From the triangular center part of the pelvis, we find the twenty four vertebrae that make up the spinal column which reaches up to the skull. The spinal column consists of seven cervical, twelve thoracic and five lumbar vertebrae. These are separated...

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Curvature of the spine

Curvature of the spineShiatsu on the back may relieve the pain brought on by curvature. In some cases, the curve may be slowly corrected. Shiatsu Have the receiver lie face down. With the giver standing directly over the receiver withone leg on each side of the body, press the back points using body weight. Lean into each point, bending the knees. Beginning at the shoulder level, work down, pressing 11/2 inches from the spine. Hold each point for 3-5 seconds. Repeat many times, spending time where hardness or pain is located. Moxibustion Moxa heat can be applied on any hard or painful spot that you find while doing shiatsu. Do bird-pecking technique...

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Breast Feeding

Breast-feedingNourishing your baby can be a daunting task for the first few weeks. Here's a guide to print out and keep at hand during feedings.How to Breast-feed Your BabyBreast-feeding may be natural, but that doesn't mean it always comes naturally. It often takes practice, so be patient and persistent -- it's worth the effort. In the first few days, your baby may not be too hungry, but she'll become more interested as her need for nourishment increases.If you or your baby finds nursing difficult, seek advice from your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant.Things to Know:Nurse your newborn as soon as possible after birth, preferably within the first hour, and every time she shows signs of hunger thereafter. Watch for increased alertness, mouthing, nuzzling against the breast, or...

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Breast Feeding and Pain

Pain Check your latch. I knew I had the latch down when there was no white tip or line across the nipple and it didn't hurt after a few seconds to nurse. The initial pain went away after a few weeks.Frozen peas aren't just food. A bag of frozen peas [is] awesome as a cold compress for engorgement.Cabbage combats soreness. Use cabbage leaves for soreness -- they are cooling and feel great! Just place individual cabbage leaves inside your bra (break them apart, wash, separate with paper towels, place in a big plastic bag, and keep them cold in the fridge.)No biting allowed. The advice I got was to watch while the baby is latched on. If you watch, you can see when the latch is dropped and a bite is coming, so you can pull out before it happens. If you do get bitten, I've been saying "No bite!"...

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Breast Milk and Supply

Breast Milk and SupplyBreast MilkGive it a swirl. Milk that has been stored in the refrigerator tends to separate and that is normal. So before you give it to your baby, give it a swirl. You'll see that it will come back together.Don't worry about the consistency. If your milk is watery, you're extracting the foremilk. If it is thicker and whiter, it is the hind milk. You may also find that after your baby drinks your breast milk, the bottle has a residue. Don't worry -- it's the fat of the hind milk left in there.Milk SupplyMoist heat encourages let down. I was stressed and worried I wouldn't let down. The worst thing for me was hearing everyone tell me to just relax. What helped was moist heat. I put a wet towel in the microwave for a short time. A shower worked as well.Reading may help...

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Heartburn

Heartburn People with heartburns should pay attention to their diet. As a rule of thumb avoid sweets and sweet drink and eat lots of raw vegetables and fruits. Note which particular food triggers the problem and avoid this food in the future.The burning sensation accompanied by chest squeezing, crushing, or pressure may be a heart attack.Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points.Location: midway between the belly button and the bottom of the breastbone.Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure into the abdomen.Duration: 2 min Location: two fingers-width below the belly button.Direction:...

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Nursing Basics

Nursing Basics Got breastfeeding issues? Get advice from the experts -- moms who got it right. Paid pros, like lactation consultants, are great, but sometimes mom-to-mom tips ("this worked for me") are the ones that really click.Avoid comparisons. I think the biggest mistake nursing mamas make (I did this too) is compare themselves to what other nursing mamas are doing. Each nursing relationship is unique. I expected my nursing experience to be like my sister's and we are worlds apart: she had too much milk, I had too little.Trust yourself. Before you quit, give yourself time (6 to 8 weeks) to adjust to breastfeeding.Keep well hydrated. Get a...

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Acupressure for Weightloss

The secret of reducing weight lies in your palms, soles and the two fingers — the index finger and the thumb. Does it sound incredible or unbelievable? It need not, because it is absolutely true that deep finger pressure helps one to reduce the excess weight without having to depend on external help. Acupressure is being widely practised in almost all parts of the world by specialised practitioners as welt as common man. When we get hurt on the body or get hit on the head our immediate reaction is to press the affected part. We massage our temples with pain balms when it aches and, press the abdomen to relieve stomach ache. But there are specific...

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Overweight, Big hips from overnourishment, Cellulite

OverweightBig hips from overnourishmentCelluliteFor cosmetic or beauty reasons, many people are concerned with their weight. Most people have good reason to be concerned. The health risks associated with an overweight condition can be serious. Illnesses such as diabetes, backache, hardening of the arteries, and osteoarthritis are the most common reasons why your doctor will recommend that you should lose weight. Most cases of obesity are caused by a calorie input that is greater than energy expenditure. In other words, people are eating more that their bodies can use. The excess is stored as fat in all the usual places around the body, the waist,...

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