| Professional Edition Volume 1 Issue 12 December 10, 2007 |
Newsletter for Acupuncture Practitioners sponsored by Ashi Research |
Exercises for Sciatica
By Caroline Bourke
There are different kinds of exercises for sciatica depending on what is causing the sciatica. Sciatica is
caused by spinal stenosis, herniated disc or piriformis syndrome. Each of these conditions is different and,
therefore, requires different types of exercises to help relieve the pain, which may be in the foot, leg, thigh,
buttocks or lower back.
Exercises for sciatica caused by a herniated disc are to help the pain and symptoms move from your lower
extremities (feet, legs, thighs) back to the lower back. The best exercises for this purpose are press-ups or extension exercises.
The patient will lie on their stomach while propping the upper part of the body with the elbows and making sure the hips are on the floor.
Hold this position for five seconds the first day and work up to 30 seconds each time. After the patient can do this easily without difficulty,
the therapist will recommend holding up the upper body with their hands, making sure the arms are straight. This position will be held for
only one second, but will be done ten times. These exercises should be done every few hours.
For sciatica caused by spinal stenosis, there is a very effective stretching exercise where the patient lies on his back and pulls his knees to
his chest until he feels a stretch that is comfortable. Hold this position for 30 seconds and then go back to the starting position. This
exercise should be done up to six times each session.
A strengthening exercise for the sciatic pain consists of lying on the back and pushing the lower back on the floor by tightening the lower
stomach muscles and pulling the belly button in and up, holding for 10 seconds longs. Up to ten of these exercises should be done each
session.
A good stretching exercise for sciatica caused by piriformis syndrome is the patient lying on their back with the legs flat on the floor. Pull the
painful leg towards the chest, while holding the knee on the same side and holding the ankle with the other hand. Try to pull the knee in the
direction of the other ankle until you can feel the stretch. Do not try to force it beyond this point, but hold it for up to 30 seconds. Release it
and start again, doing this three times.
These exercises are just a few of the many stretching and strengthening exercises that are helpful in relieving the pain caused by sciatica.
A physical therapist, spinal specialist or chiropractor will be able to give the patient an entire list of different exercises.
Caroline Bourke is a full time therapist in Florida. Check out these great Back Pain Relief resources and articles or the more general
Causes Of Lower Back Pain advice. http://www.painback.net
By Caroline Bourke
There are different kinds of exercises for sciatica depending on what is causing the sciatica. Sciatica is
caused by spinal stenosis, herniated disc or piriformis syndrome. Each of these conditions is different and,
therefore, requires different types of exercises to help relieve the pain, which may be in the foot, leg, thigh,
buttocks or lower back.
Exercises for sciatica caused by a herniated disc are to help the pain and symptoms move from your lower
extremities (feet, legs, thighs) back to the lower back. The best exercises for this purpose are press-ups or extension exercises.
The patient will lie on their stomach while propping the upper part of the body with the elbows and making sure the hips are on the floor.
Hold this position for five seconds the first day and work up to 30 seconds each time. After the patient can do this easily without difficulty,
the therapist will recommend holding up the upper body with their hands, making sure the arms are straight. This position will be held for
only one second, but will be done ten times. These exercises should be done every few hours.
For sciatica caused by spinal stenosis, there is a very effective stretching exercise where the patient lies on his back and pulls his knees to
his chest until he feels a stretch that is comfortable. Hold this position for 30 seconds and then go back to the starting position. This
exercise should be done up to six times each session.
A strengthening exercise for the sciatic pain consists of lying on the back and pushing the lower back on the floor by tightening the lower
stomach muscles and pulling the belly button in and up, holding for 10 seconds longs. Up to ten of these exercises should be done each
session.
A good stretching exercise for sciatica caused by piriformis syndrome is the patient lying on their back with the legs flat on the floor. Pull the
painful leg towards the chest, while holding the knee on the same side and holding the ankle with the other hand. Try to pull the knee in the
direction of the other ankle until you can feel the stretch. Do not try to force it beyond this point, but hold it for up to 30 seconds. Release it
and start again, doing this three times.
These exercises are just a few of the many stretching and strengthening exercises that are helpful in relieving the pain caused by sciatica.
A physical therapist, spinal specialist or chiropractor will be able to give the patient an entire list of different exercises.
Caroline Bourke is a full time therapist in Florida. Check out these great Back Pain Relief resources and articles or the more general
Causes Of Lower Back Pain advice. http://www.painback.net
Foreign journalists visit Chinese pharmaceutical factory on drugs safety concern
HANGZHOU, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- China's State Council Information Office invited foreign journalists to
inspect a pharmaceutical factory on Friday morning in the third such publicity exercise this year aimed
at restoring confidence in its drug industry. Five journalists were present for the tour round a factory
owned by Chiatai Qingchunbao Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd in the coastal city of Hangzhou, the country's third
largest producer of pharmaceuticals with an industrial output of 38.5 billion yuan last year.
Wu Ningyi, vice director of the Zhejiang Food and Drug Administration, told reporters his administration had already signed letters of
commitment with 183 companies to ensure the safety and quality of pharmaceuticals.
"We have initiated an annual reporting system requiring pharmaceutical companies to publicize information on product quality," said Wu,
"and 75 supervisors were sent to local 'high-risk' companies such as blood and vaccine producers to monitor every production step
closely. Standing in front of the airtight workshop used for the distillation of herbal extracts, Feng Gensheng, president of Chiatai
Qingchunbao, said, "The factory has designated 15 technicians to supervise the work. The sources, specifics and processing procedures
of the herbs are put on record. Everything here is open to the media, except the formulas."
"If the herbs are found to be substandard on three occasions, the factory will cancel contracts with the supplier," said Wang Yongbin, one of
the supervisory technicians.
Correspondent with Al Jazeera, Nasser Abdul-haq said, "The production conditions and sanitation supervision here are fairly good."
"Chinese medicine production has met international standards. I've been to several food production factories in China, they are also well
organized."
Lotus Fan, a researcher with the Beijing bureau of McClatchy, said, "From what I've seen here, the supervision of medicine safety and
quality is impeccable."
Chinese industries have been battered by a raft of reports detailing substandard products ranging from drugs to toys.
In the wake of the product safety scandals, the Chinese government responded by introducing a new recall system this summer,
embarking on a four-month-long nationwide product quality campaign and offered intensive training courses to domestic toy
manufacturers. A total of 626 criminal cases involving the production or sale of substandard food, drugs and farm produce were filed
during the campaign, with 774 suspects brought under control, according to the State Council. At the end of last month, China's cabinet
approved, in principle, a draft law on food safety to address the "weak points" in food production, processing, delivery, storage and sales.
Ahead of the approval, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) issued a joint statement, vowing to strengthen
cooperation in food safety, promote food trade and protect consumers' rights and benefits.
(Xinhua correspondent Quan Xiaoshu contributed to the story)
HANGZHOU, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- China's State Council Information Office invited foreign journalists to
inspect a pharmaceutical factory on Friday morning in the third such publicity exercise this year aimed
at restoring confidence in its drug industry. Five journalists were present for the tour round a factory
owned by Chiatai Qingchunbao Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd in the coastal city of Hangzhou, the country's third
largest producer of pharmaceuticals with an industrial output of 38.5 billion yuan last year.
Wu Ningyi, vice director of the Zhejiang Food and Drug Administration, told reporters his administration had already signed letters of
commitment with 183 companies to ensure the safety and quality of pharmaceuticals.
"We have initiated an annual reporting system requiring pharmaceutical companies to publicize information on product quality," said Wu,
"and 75 supervisors were sent to local 'high-risk' companies such as blood and vaccine producers to monitor every production step
closely. Standing in front of the airtight workshop used for the distillation of herbal extracts, Feng Gensheng, president of Chiatai
Qingchunbao, said, "The factory has designated 15 technicians to supervise the work. The sources, specifics and processing procedures
of the herbs are put on record. Everything here is open to the media, except the formulas."
"If the herbs are found to be substandard on three occasions, the factory will cancel contracts with the supplier," said Wang Yongbin, one of
the supervisory technicians.
Correspondent with Al Jazeera, Nasser Abdul-haq said, "The production conditions and sanitation supervision here are fairly good."
"Chinese medicine production has met international standards. I've been to several food production factories in China, they are also well
organized."
Lotus Fan, a researcher with the Beijing bureau of McClatchy, said, "From what I've seen here, the supervision of medicine safety and
quality is impeccable."
Chinese industries have been battered by a raft of reports detailing substandard products ranging from drugs to toys.
In the wake of the product safety scandals, the Chinese government responded by introducing a new recall system this summer,
embarking on a four-month-long nationwide product quality campaign and offered intensive training courses to domestic toy
manufacturers. A total of 626 criminal cases involving the production or sale of substandard food, drugs and farm produce were filed
during the campaign, with 774 suspects brought under control, according to the State Council. At the end of last month, China's cabinet
approved, in principle, a draft law on food safety to address the "weak points" in food production, processing, delivery, storage and sales.
Ahead of the approval, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) issued a joint statement, vowing to strengthen
cooperation in food safety, promote food trade and protect consumers' rights and benefits.
(Xinhua correspondent Quan Xiaoshu contributed to the story)
| Ashi Pain Relief Products New Solution for Practitioners! Click here to order |
CONTENTS
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Soy Choices
By David McMillin
The humble soybean, a staple of Asian cuisine for centuries, has made significant inroads among health
conscious consumers in the West.
Soy food products also form the nutritional foundation for many vegetarians who have ethical qualms about
eating flesh or who simply wish to spiritualize the body.
Soy is a nutrient-rich food that contains all of the essential amino acids required by our bodies, making it a complete protein. Soy foods are
high in fiber with no cholesterol. In addition to the many vitamins and minerals, soy foods also contain phytochemical compounds (such as
isoflavones) that have been linked to numerous health benefits.
Notably, the isoflavones in soy lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and decrease blood clotting which decreases the risk of heart attack and
stroke. Research at the University of Illinois suggests that soy consumption can help prevent two of the biggest complications facing
people with type 2 diabetes (kidney disease and heart disease). Soy foods are thought to enhance the body's ability to retain and absorb
calcium in the bones, helping to prevent osteoporosis.
One of the popular uses for soy foods and supplements in recent years is the alleviation of menopausal symptoms. The isoflavones in soy
may help regulate estrogen when this hormone is fluctuating and declining. There are reports that soy may also decrease premenstrual
syndrome (PMS)
Soy-based foods have been extremely helpful for persons with lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance results from the inability of the body
to digest a sugar called lactose that is present in milk and dairy products. The American Dietetic Association estimates that between thirty
and fifty million Americans are lactose intolerant. Symptoms of this common malady include abdominal gas, bloating, stomach cramps,
and diarrhea. Since soy does not contain lactose, soy-based dairy substitutes prevent these annoying digestive problems.
Soy Questions
The soy-foods' bandwagon has hit a couple of road bumps lately. Research at the University of Illinois suggests that the well-documented
health benefits of soy consumption in Asian cultures may be largely lost by processing techniques used in the West.
In particular, the cancer-fighting qualities of soy may not only be absent in Western soy-based foods and supplements, but the highly
processed soy products may actually stimulate the growth of preexisting estrogen-dependent breast tumors. The troubling research was
performed on mice and is therefore inconclusive with regard to humans.
Previous research by a team of Dutch scientists also highlighted the differences between highly processed soy foods and more natural
dietary soy foods that are traditionally consumed in Asia. The Dutch study did not go as far as suggesting that processed soy products
could be a risk factor for tumor growth.
If including soy foods in your diet makes sense to you, here are some soy choices that you can consider:
Choose natural soy products that are processed as little as possible.
Pay attention to your body's individual response to soy foods.
Include soy as part of a broadly balanced diet with emphasis on fruits and vegetables.
Make outdoor exercise a part of your lifestyle as much as reasonably possible.
David McMillin has written numerous articles for the Association for Research and Enlightenment, founded by Edgar Cayce in 1931.
McMillin's articles on holistic health and alternative healing have helped members for many years.
By David McMillin
The humble soybean, a staple of Asian cuisine for centuries, has made significant inroads among health
conscious consumers in the West.
Soy food products also form the nutritional foundation for many vegetarians who have ethical qualms about
eating flesh or who simply wish to spiritualize the body.
Soy is a nutrient-rich food that contains all of the essential amino acids required by our bodies, making it a complete protein. Soy foods are
high in fiber with no cholesterol. In addition to the many vitamins and minerals, soy foods also contain phytochemical compounds (such as
isoflavones) that have been linked to numerous health benefits.
Notably, the isoflavones in soy lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and decrease blood clotting which decreases the risk of heart attack and
stroke. Research at the University of Illinois suggests that soy consumption can help prevent two of the biggest complications facing
people with type 2 diabetes (kidney disease and heart disease). Soy foods are thought to enhance the body's ability to retain and absorb
calcium in the bones, helping to prevent osteoporosis.
One of the popular uses for soy foods and supplements in recent years is the alleviation of menopausal symptoms. The isoflavones in soy
may help regulate estrogen when this hormone is fluctuating and declining. There are reports that soy may also decrease premenstrual
syndrome (PMS)
Soy-based foods have been extremely helpful for persons with lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance results from the inability of the body
to digest a sugar called lactose that is present in milk and dairy products. The American Dietetic Association estimates that between thirty
and fifty million Americans are lactose intolerant. Symptoms of this common malady include abdominal gas, bloating, stomach cramps,
and diarrhea. Since soy does not contain lactose, soy-based dairy substitutes prevent these annoying digestive problems.
Soy Questions
The soy-foods' bandwagon has hit a couple of road bumps lately. Research at the University of Illinois suggests that the well-documented
health benefits of soy consumption in Asian cultures may be largely lost by processing techniques used in the West.
In particular, the cancer-fighting qualities of soy may not only be absent in Western soy-based foods and supplements, but the highly
processed soy products may actually stimulate the growth of preexisting estrogen-dependent breast tumors. The troubling research was
performed on mice and is therefore inconclusive with regard to humans.
Previous research by a team of Dutch scientists also highlighted the differences between highly processed soy foods and more natural
dietary soy foods that are traditionally consumed in Asia. The Dutch study did not go as far as suggesting that processed soy products
could be a risk factor for tumor growth.
If including soy foods in your diet makes sense to you, here are some soy choices that you can consider:
Choose natural soy products that are processed as little as possible.
Pay attention to your body's individual response to soy foods.
Include soy as part of a broadly balanced diet with emphasis on fruits and vegetables.
Make outdoor exercise a part of your lifestyle as much as reasonably possible.
David McMillin has written numerous articles for the Association for Research and Enlightenment, founded by Edgar Cayce in 1931.
McMillin's articles on holistic health and alternative healing have helped members for many years.
- The traditional and current uses of bitter orange
By Prof. Jiangou Gu
- Zhi Shi (citrus aurantium), commonly known as immature bitter orange in the west, is an often
prescribed Chinese herb used for the relief of Qi stagnation in the stomach and intestines.
Recently, the herb has gained popularity as a supplement for weight control replacing the Chinese herb Ma Huang
(Ephedra sinica).
- Bitter orange is the fruit of a small citrus tree. The tree is about five meters tall with scented
white flowers. Its natural habitat is India and China, but it is also cultivated in other countries.
fruits are sometimes eaten with salt and chili paste. Although China has the longest history of using bitter orange
for medicinal purposes, people in other countries have also used bitter orange as a remedy for a number of health
conditions. In Mexico and South America, the leaf of the bitter orange tree is used as a tonic, as a laxative, and as a
sedative for insomnia. The Basque people in Europe use the leaves for stomach aches, insomnia, and palpitations,
and the bitter orange peel as an anti-spasmodic.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the dried, unripe fruit is used in Chinese herbal medicine primarily to treat digestive
problems. The herbal properties of bitter orange are described as bitter, pungent, and slightly cold in nature. It enters
the spleen, stomach and large intestine channels. The actions of bitter orange include dispersing, purging, and
moving Qi downward. This herb, therefore, is often used to relieve Qi stagnation in the stomach and intestines.
Clinically in Chinese traditional medicine, the herb has been shown to help clear stagnant food, and to relieve
stiffness in the stomach. It also relieves abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation. Because Qi stagnation is also a cause of
gastroesophageal reflux disease, formulas that contain bitter orange, e.g. Ashi Refluxan, may be used for this illness. Gastroesophageal
reflux not only results in heart burn and esophageal damage, the disease is also believed to be a cause of esophageal cancer in some
patients. Clinical data have indicated that bitter orange containing formulas can prevent stomach contents (acid, enzymes and foods) from
refluxing to the esophagus, thereby preventing esophageal damage and relieving heart burn.
Bitter orange has a complex chemical makeup, including different volatile oils and alkaloids. The volatile oils give bitter orange its strong
odor and flavor, and accounts for many of medicinal effects of bitter orange. Several alkaloids have been identified in bitter orange,
including synephrine, octopamine, and N-methyltyramine. These alkaloids, especially the active ingredient synephrine, have been shown
to increase the rate of breakdown of fat (lipolysis) in the body of experimental animals. The lipolysis effect is due to its action on beta-3
receptors, a subtype of adrenaline receptors located mainly in fat tissues. Other adrenaline receptor subtypes, including alpha1-1, beta-1
and beta-2 receptors, are widely located in the brain and cardiovascular tissues and can be activated by Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica). These
adrenaline receptor subtypes contribute to the side-effects of Ma Huang when it is used for weight control. Because synephrine acts on the
beta-3 receptor subtype but not on other adrenaline receptor subtypes, it increases fat metabolism without having significant side effects
on the cardiovascular and nervous systems. This is the main reason for the use of bitter orange in recent years, in complementary and
alternative medicine, as a replacement for Ma Huang in weight control. However, the effectiveness of bitter orange for weight control in
human remains to be established using scientific studies such as double-blinded clinical trials.
Bitter Orange Tree
Zhi Shi
I have used the Ashi Pain UW formula in the treatment of recurring neck pain and wrist pain. Although the
neck pain responded well to acupuncture, the Ashi Research product has been instrumental in keeping
the pain away.
Also of interest, approximately five acupuncture treatments were utilized in an attempt to treat wrist pain in
the same patient, with only moderate results. Once the Ashi Pain UW formula had been applied to the
wrist for about four weeks, the pain has become imperceptible and is no longer a limitation to the patient.
Mark Sodders, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM)
mark@newlife-acupuncture.com, Dallas, TX
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I used Ashi NerveCalm for a number of my patients with sleeping problems and found the formula works extremely well. My patients are
very happy about the effect of Ashi Nerve pain.
John Godfrey, L. Ac, Gainesville, Florida
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One of my colleagues took your Ashi NerveCalm and since then she was able to get better sleep. Most importantly, she did not experience
any hang-over side effect.
Mary Hayes, L. Ac.
hayesmj@yahoo.com, Florida
neck pain responded well to acupuncture, the Ashi Research product has been instrumental in keeping
the pain away.
Also of interest, approximately five acupuncture treatments were utilized in an attempt to treat wrist pain in
the same patient, with only moderate results. Once the Ashi Pain UW formula had been applied to the
wrist for about four weeks, the pain has become imperceptible and is no longer a limitation to the patient.
Mark Sodders, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM)
mark@newlife-acupuncture.com, Dallas, TX
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I used Ashi NerveCalm for a number of my patients with sleeping problems and found the formula works extremely well. My patients are
very happy about the effect of Ashi Nerve pain.
John Godfrey, L. Ac, Gainesville, Florida
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One of my colleagues took your Ashi NerveCalm and since then she was able to get better sleep. Most importantly, she did not experience
any hang-over side effect.
Mary Hayes, L. Ac.
hayesmj@yahoo.com, Florida
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