Showing posts with label medicine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label medicine. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Chinese medicines guide

Chinese medicines guide
Word Count:
544
Summary:
China has made significant contributions in the field of medicine and cure. There are many remedies that originated in China and have proved to be of great help in healing people across the world.

Keywords:
medicine, health, chinese, chi, energy

Article Body:
China has made significant contributions in the field of medicine and cure. There are many remedies that originated in China and have proved to be of great help in healing people across the world. According to the people of China, there is a universal life force or energy called “chi” or “qi” that pervades the entire human body. The “chi” flows via unseen energy channels known as meridians. As long as the flow of chi is smooth and unobstructed, the individual remains fit and healthy. But the moment there are irregularities in the circulation of chi, health of the person receives a setback. So in order to remain healthy, consistency in the current of chi should be maintained.

To have a sustainable flow of chi, Chinese medical philosophers devised several ways. Some of the best and eminent techniques are listed in this article.
· The flow of chi can be systematized by pinching small needles in the human body at specific points. This treatment or technique was termed as acupuncture. The basic principle behind acupuncture is to open the blockages to have a constant flow of energy throughout the body. The acupuncture needles are meant to puncture or open the points known as acupuncture points. This treatment primarily affects the nervous system of the individual. It helps in secreting some crucial hormones and other chemicals that are not adequately produced but are required by the body. Many diseases like asthma, problems in vision, paralysis, alopecia etc. find acupuncture a satisfying and good remedy. The diseases might not be completely eliminated but they are definitely controlled through the Chinese developed acupuncture therapy. The best point of acupuncture is that it has no side-effects, its harmless to go for it 
· Chinese traditional herbal remedies are meant for hypertension and other cardiac problems. In case of hypertension a mixture of hawthorn, linden blossom, yarrow and valerian is given. The yarrow here is a diuretic while the rest act as relaxing agents. The hypertension with headache is treated with an additional wood betony while stress involves the usage of Siberian ginseng and skullcap.

· Arthritis and Inflammation also find a good treatment in Chinese herbs. Medicines like shosaikoto, sinomenium acutum and scutellaria baicalensis are found to be tremendously effective in this area.
· Chinese doctors have always emphasized the importance of exercise. They also worked out a special method or style of exercising. This method was named as ‘qigong’. Qigong is deemed to bi-function as a fitness developing and enhancing scheme and also as a springboard for superior martial arts. A set of qigong exercises has acted as perfect medicine in many cases.       
    
· The Chinese herbs have something to offer in case of common cold, flu, fever and influenza etc. Astragalus belongs to the pea family and is found to stabilize the immune system. Schisandra vine functions in multiple ways like in preventing diarrhea, cough, stress, aids in producing of fluids by the body. Echinacea is beat in averting cold or flu. It is a purple colored coneflower that stimulates the production of infection resistant white blood cells in the body.

  This however is not all. Chinese herbs and other remedies like exercises have a record-breaking significance in human life. They have largely contributed to the maintenance of a perfect health.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Are You Wasting Time and Money at Doctor Visits?

Are You Wasting Time and Money at Doctor Visits?
Word Count:
790
Summary:
Are You Wasting Time and Money at Doctor Visits? Discover 10 tips for a Better Doctor Visit

Keywords:
Osteopathic medicine, osteopathy, health, family health, D.O., alternative medicine, medicine, women’s health, holistic medicine prevention, preventive medicine, nutrition, OMM, osteopathic manipulation, alternative treatments

Article Body:
Tips for a Better Doctor Visit
1. Have as many medical records as possible with you to document your medical condition, especially for a new visit or a consult.  Go by the hospital, lab or other doctor’s office and get copies. This saves the doctor time and sometimes even avoids an extra official call.
2. Bring in the actual bottles of prescriptions.  While lists are helpful, the bottles reveal how many are prescribed at a time, dosage, and if there are any refills left.  There is no more guessing about the “little blue pill.”  With so many generics the same drug can show up as many different shapes and sizes depending on the manufacturer.  Now you can both be on the same page when talking about a specific medication. I am also surprised at the many errors on the bottles by the pharmacist. 
3. Create a list of questions/requests before your visit.  In fact, it would be ideal to tell the person making the appointment what areas you need to discuss.  This is not the time to say its “personal.”  We assume it is all personal in a medical office.  It helps us be prepared in scheduling, equipment, and assigning the proper room.  Believe it or not, we have heard most of your problems before.  Of course if it is extremely sensitive in nature than just tell the receptionist how much time you will need to discuss your personal problem. 
4. Try to keep to one system of the body per visit unless a complete physical is done.  Most office visits are geared to blocks of 15 minutes.  Usually this is adequate to cover most simple problems such as a rash, upper respiratory infection, and urinary infection just as examples.  The longer you have had the problem or the vaguer the symptoms such as abdominal pain or dizziness expect to spend more time.  Don’t hesitate to ask for more time.  We would rather know ahead of time what your expectations are.
5. Ask for prescription refills, notes for work or school, and forms to fill out at the beginning of the office visit rather than at the end.  Of course, a friendly reminder is always good if it has been overlooked when you leave. You can always give a list of medications needing refills to the nurse at the beginning of the visit too.  Again, communication helps everyone get their needs met.
6. Be realistic in your expectations.  If you start the discussion on a topic that is unrelated to the original problem on the schedule and want some answers, this leaves less time available for other problems.  For example, if you are due to have a pap smear and gynecological exam but start with a headache complaint that requires a physical and full history, don’t expect all of it to be done in one visit.  Always prioritize what is most important for that day.  Sometimes problems become more important, symptoms severe since the original appointment or follow up was made.  Just tell the nurse or doctor things have changed as soon as possible.  That way we can stay on schedule and you can get the most important problem addressed.
7. Don’t leave the office without telling someone if you aren’t satisfied with your service.  Most doctors and staff assume everything is going ok unless told.  It is easier to fix a problem, answer a question or complaint as soon as possible while the information is still fresh.  If you are uncomfortable talking or can’t stay, write a quick note.  Many areas are sensitive and highly charged emotionally.  It is easy to misunderstand directions, reasons for tests, or the intent of the doctor’s remarks.  We really do care how you feel. 
8. It is easier to process your visit on time and handle paperwork if all of your information is correct.  Tell the receptionist if you have moved, have a new telephone number, or changed medical insurance.  Always bring your insurance card with you.
9. I know everyone is busy and overscheduled.  The number one reason doctors are behind in the schedule is patients showing up late.  True, other factors can play a role such as telephone calls and very sick patients. Just be aware that as the day progresses the problem gets magnified.  If you must get in and out quickly try to book the very first or second appointment of the morning or afternoon.
10. Be flexible.  Medical offices are there to serve the patients.  Sometimes bad news, a tragic accident, or a serious medical condition requires more time and attention of the staff.  We can’t hurry someone out who is in tears.  Just be understanding that if it is you, you will get the extra time and attention needed.