5 common side effects of acupuncture everyone should know

These symptoms are quite common
Acupuncture is a process of inserting thin needles in specific points of the body to regulate the flow of energy or Qi. It is a natural and safe practice to get relief from different kinds of medical conditions. Even the World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged that acupuncture therapy is effective in treating 47 medical conditions including back pain, acne, insomnia, asthma, infertility, obesity, and irritable colon syndrome.

It is a low-risk, safe and effective procedure, provided that it is performed by a licensed practitioner. But like any other procedure, there some common post-acupuncture effect. Though these symptoms are slightly uncomfortable, they are completely normal and people should not freak out. They are indications that the energy is moving through the body and the treatment is working.

Here are some common side-effects of acupuncture one must know about before taking the treatment.
1. Fatigue-- Some people feel exhausted after acupuncture. This generally disappears a few hours after taking the treatment, but for some people, it lasts for up to three days. This is quite common at the beginning of the session and one must not worry about it. It is actually a warning sign that your body needs rest and you need to take care of it. Only acupuncture cannot heal you completely, you need some self-care also. 

2 .Soreness---The body parts were the needles are inserted can feel a little sore after the treatment. This happens commonly in sensitive areas like hands, feet or large intestine. Usually, the soreness disappears after 24 hours from the treatment, but in some cases, it may last for a few days. Muscle twitching is also common post acupuncture. 

3. Bruising--- Slight bruising at the needling site is also very common after acupuncture. This happens due to the collection of blood at the site where the needle punctures the skin. Bruising lasts longer than soreness, but still, there is nothing to worry about it.

4. Lightheadedness---- Few people also experience lightheadedness post-treatment. If you feel so, then take some rest after taking the treatment. Do not get up immediately after the treatment, lay down on the acupuncture table for some time and take some deep breath. Also, to avoid such a situation, always eat something before your session. 

5. Emotional outburst-- Sometimes people cry or feel too emotional during acupuncture. This does not happen because the treatment is too painful. It is because of the release of certain energy, which may lead to an emotional outburst. Acupuncture helps to heal both your physical and mental issues, so the emotional release is also a sign that the treatment is working. 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                       https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                     FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                   

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Health Benefits Of Ginger

Ginger is one of the common seasoning used in foods in many countries around the world. It surely aids digestion, those who have nausea do take ginger and lime juice, which also increases appetite.

1. Manage acid reflux

Acid reflux, otherwise known as heartburn, is a painful condition that may have you reaching for an over-the-counter medication to relieve your symptoms. Next time, head to the produce section instead. Some of the active substances in ginger are used in heartburn medicines because of ginger’s anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea capabilities. Taking some ginger when you experience acid reflux will manage the symptoms, but evidence also shows that regular ginger consumption can reduce the chance of episodes occurring at all.

2. Ginger Contains Gingerol, a Substance With Powerful Medicinal Properties

Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional/alternative medicine. It has been used to help digestion, reduce nausea and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few.
Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice, and is sometimes added to processed foods and cosmetics. It is a very common ingredient in recipes.
The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol.
Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger, responsible for much of its medicinal properties. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
  
3. Anti-inflammatory properties
Another way that ginger’s anti-inflammatory effects can help relates to your joints. Swollen joints limit range of motion and cause intense, chronic pain. The substance in ginger that researchers think reduces inflammation is called gingerol, and it is present in large quantities in the root.
Certain studies have also found that ginger is as effective as ibuprofen in reducing joint pain. In fact, researchers determined in 2015 that osteoarthritis sufferers could even relieve pain topically by applying a cream or ointment that contains ginger.
I recently read for arthritis, mixing dry ginger powder with water, heating it and applying the warm paste on the affected joints help to reduce inflammation and pain.
Due to its anti-inflammatory property, hubby and self take 1/2 tsp. each of dry ginger , turmeric and fenugreek powders mixed in little water and is gulped down on empty stomach to get relief from joint pain.
  
4.Ginger Can Treat Many Forms of Nausea, Especially Morning Sickness
Ginger appears to be highly effective against nausea.
For example, it has a long history of use as a sea sickness remedy, and there is some evidence that it may be as effective as prescription medication .
Ginger may also relieve nausea and vomiting after surgery, and in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy .
But it may be the most effective when it comes to pregnancy-related nausea, such as morning sickness.
According to a review of 12 studies that included a total of 1,278 pregnant women, 1.1-1.5 grams of ginger can significantly reduce symptoms of nausea .
However, ginger had no effect on vomiting episodes in this study.
Although ginger is considered safe, talk to your doctor before taking large amounts if you are pregnant. Some believe that large amounts can raise the risk of miscarriage, but there are currently no studies to support this.

5.Improved skin

Ginger may also be great for your skin, but you don’t necessarily have to apply it topically to see the results. The fact that ginger is so good for digestion has a corollary effect on how your skin looks, because food that sits in the digestive system for too long can create toxic byproducts that manifest in problems like psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
Ginger helps on the inside to promote digestion, but can also contribute to clear, smooth skin when it exits your body via perspiration. Ginger may also serve as an antiseptic for small cuts or abrasions.

6. Ginger May Reduce Muscle Pain and Soreness

Ginger has been shown to be effective against exercise-induced muscle pain.
In one study, consuming 2 grams of ginger per day, for 11 days, significantly reduced muscle pain in people performing elbow exercises .
Ginger does not have an immediate impact, but may be effective at reducing the day-to-day progression of muscle pain.
These effects are believed to be mediated by the anti-inflammatory properties.

7. Beat the cancer odds

Cancer is a very serious disease that is characterized by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.
Ginger extract has been studied as an alternative treatment for several forms of cancer.
The anti-cancer properties are attributed to 6-gingerol, a substance that is found in large amounts in raw ginger .
In a study of 30 individuals, 2 grams of ginger extract per day significantly reduced pro-inflammatory signalling molecules in the colon .
However, a follow-up study in individuals at a high risk of colon cancer did not confirm these findings.
There is some, albeit limited, evidence that ginger may be effective against pancreatic cancer, breast cancer and ovarian cancer. More research is needed

 

There is significant hesitation among doctors to recommend holistic or homeopathic treatment for cancer, but some doctors have reported the finding that ginger is a powerful weapon against cancer cells.
More research is needed, but don’t wait until you have cancer to start using ginger. We know that it reduces colon and intestinal inflammation, and thereby reduces your risk for developing digestive cancers.

8. Ginger May Drastically Lower Blood Sugars and Improve Heart Disease Risk Factors

This area of research is relatively new, but ginger may have powerful anti-diabetic properties.
In a recent 2015 study of 41 participants with type 2 diabetes, 2 grams of ginger powder per day lowered fasting blood sugar by 12% .

It also dramatically improved HbA1c (a marker for long-term blood sugar levels), leading to a 10% reduction over a period of 12 weeks.

There was also a 28% reduction in the ApoB/ApoA-I ratio, and a 23% reduction in markers for oxidized lipoproteins. These are both major risk factors for heart disease.

However, keep in mind that this was just one small study. The results are incredibly impressive, but they need to be confirmed in larger studies before any recommendations can be made.
  
9. Ginger Can Help Treat Chronic Indigestion
Chronic indigestion (dyspepsia) is characterized by recurrent pain and discomfort in the upper part of the stomach.
It is believed that delayed emptying of the stomach is a major driver of indigestion.
Interestingly, ginger has been shown to speed up emptying of the stomach in people with this condition.
After eating soup, ginger reduced the time it took for the stomach to empty from 16 to 12 minutes.
In a study of 24 healthy individuals, 1.2 grams of ginger powder before a meal accelerated emptying of the stomach by 50%

10. Ginger Powder May Significantly Reduce Menstrual Pain

Menstrual pain ( dysmenorrhea) refers to pain felt during a woman's menstrual cycle.
One of the traditional uses of ginger is for pain relief, including menstrual pain.
In one study, 150 women were instructed to take 1 gram of ginger powder per day, for the first 3 days of the menstrual period.
Ginger managed to reduce pain as effectively as the drugs mefenamic acid and ibuprofen.

11. Less painful and frequent headaches

A regular headache can really ruin your day, but a migraine can all but incapacitate you. Beyond agonizing pain, migraines can also cause light sensitivity as well as nausea and vomiting. The more than 200 substances in ginger work together to provide anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and antihistamine effects which appear to help relieve intense migraine symptoms.
More study is necessary, but early results seem to show that ginger is at least as effective as other commonly prescribed migraine medicines, but without many of the side-effects.

12. Ginger May Lower Cholesterol Levels

High levels of LDL lipoproteins (the "bad" cholesterol) are linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
The foods you eat can have a strong influence on LDL levels.
In a 45-day study of 85 individuals with high cholesterol, 3 grams of ginger powder caused significant reductions in most cholesterol markers .
This is supported by a study in hypothyroid rats, where ginger extract lowered LDL cholesterol to a similar extent as the cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin .
Both studies also showed reductions in total cholesterol and blood triglycerides.

13. Weight loss

Adding ginger to your daily diet may also make it easier to lose weight . It helps enhance calorie burn and drive your body’s metabolism so that food is digested fully between meals. We also know that it plays a role in fat burning, carbohydrate digestion, and insulin secretion, all vital processes involved in how much fat stays stored in the body.
Ginger is also thought to help keep you full longer so that you can resist those snack cravings.
I simmer 1" cinnamon in 200 ml water for 5 minutes, in a glass/ mug add 1/2 tsp of turmeric pdr. and 1" ginger finely chopped, add the simmered water, mix well, don't cover, let it steep for 10 minutes, drink it on empty stomach, helps in weight loss, giving a feeling of satiety when you eat little.

14. Fight infection

Not only great for daily use, ginger can give you a boost when you are at risk of infection from an illness or injury. Gingerol lowers the risk of infection and can inhibit the growth of several types of bacteria. It has been shown to be particularly effective against inflammatory gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. Respiratory infections like RSV are also no match for the infection-fighting power of ginger. Daily use of ginger can help to strengthen your immunity against those bugs that get passed around the office or classroom.

Now that you know how beneficial ginger is to your overall health, you may be wondering how to get more of it into your diet. The great news is that ginger is highly adaptable. Peel it first, then grate, slice, dice, or shave it for use in all sorts of recipes, both savory and sweet. It may also be eaten raw or steeped in hot water to make a tea.

15. Ginger May Improve Brain Function and Protect Against Alzheimer's Disease

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can accelerate the aging process.
They are believed to be among the key drivers of Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline.
Some studies in animals suggest that the antioxidnats and bioactive compounds in ginger can inhibit inflammatory responses that occur in the brain .
There is also some evidence that ginger can enhance brain function directly. In a study of 60 middle-aged women, ginger extract was shown to improve reaction time and working memory .
There are also numerous studies in animals showing that ginger can protect against age-related decline in brain function.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                
 PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                                             FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                               
     https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                                     
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Watermelon juice eases post-exercise muscle pain

Drinking watermelon juice can relieve the muscle soreness experienced after rigorous 

exercise, a new study has found. 

According to the study , watermelon juice may relieve post-exercise muscle soreness due 

to the amino acid L-citrulline present in the summer fruit. 

Previous research had identified watermelon juice's antioxidant properties and its potential 

to increase muscle protein and enhance athletic performance. 

However, scientists had yet to explore the effectiveness of watermelon juice drinks enriched 

in L-citrulline. 

Researchers tested natural watermelon juice, watermelon juice enriched in L-citrulline and a 

control drink containing no L-citrulline on volunteers an hour before exercise. 

Both the natural juice and the enriched juice relieved muscle soreness in the volunteers, 

researchers said. 

L-citrulline in the natural juice (unpasteurised), however, seemed to be more bioavailable - 

in a form the body could better use, the study found.

ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

ps- those interested in recipes are free to view my blog-

http://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/

for info about knee replacement, you can view my blog-

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for crochet designs

http://My Crochet Creations.blogspot.com/

I've not given details about designs, but those interested are free to mail me for the same.

How to manage menopause with exercise

If you're in the middle of menopause, you may be experiencing challenges such as weight gain, hot flashes or fatigue. It is known that  physical activities as a means to help manage menopausal consequences and protect against heart disease and osteoporosis.

If you have been a consistent exerciser during the years leading to menopause, you already have an advantage. Aerobic activity during childbearing years reduces the risk of breast cancer, a disease that becomes more prevalent after menopause. You also will have a jump on your bone health since your strength-training exercises may have increased the density and strength of your bones. Keep in mind, though, that good nutrition works hand in hand with a physically active lifestyle. A low-fat, high-fibre diet and adequate calcium intake are vital to realize the full benefits of exercise. 

To reap the benefits of exercise, a balanced program of weight-bearing aerobic activity (walking is great), strength training (with weights, resistance bands, yoga or even gardening), and flexibility is essential. Consistency is the key so strive for some moderate activity daily or at least most days of the week, every week. During menopause, women are likely to lose muscle and gain belly fat. Any extra physical activity can assist in preventing unwanted weight gain. Working out not only improves physical health, it also enhances the mood. Endorphins are released during physical activity, and they trigger an upbeat feeling to the body. After working out, many people experience an elated, euphoric mood. 

Improving range of motion and flexibility in all joints will remedy stiffness and soreness that are so common as we reach menopause. 

The following exercises are done in sequence sitting on the floor, legs stretched out in front. 

Toes - Place your hands at your sides and flex your toes 10 times. 

Ankles - Rotate your ankles in each direction 10 times, keeping heels on the floor. 

Knees - Bend the right leg and bring the heel near your buttock. Then lift the right leg off the floor and straighten the right knee, repeating 10 times. Then the left leg and knee 10 times. Next, holding your thigh near your body, rotate your lower leg as you did your ankle, 10 times clockwise and 10 times counter-clockwise. 

Hips - Bend the left leg and place your left foot on your right thigh. Hold the left knee with the left hand, and the left ankle with the right hand. Gently move the knee up and down with the left hand; then repeat with the right leg. Now rotate the left knee clockwise 10 times then counter-clockwise 10 times. This improves hip flexibility. Repeat with the right knee. Also for hip flexibility, bring the soles of the feet together, bringing the heels close to the body. Using your hands, press your knees to the floor and let them come up again. Repeat 10 times. 

Fingers - Lift your arms to shoulder height. Keeping your arms straight open the hands wide. Flex your fingers, closing over your thumbs. Repeat 10 times. 

Wrists - Flex and extend the wrists, repeating 10 times. Rotate your wrists clockwise and counter-clockwise 10 times each. Now hold the hand in extension and move it from side to side at the wrist. Repeat 10 times. 

Elbows - Stretch out the arms at shoulder height with palms facing upward. Bend the arms at the elbow and touch the shoulders with your fingers; then straighten out the arms again. Repeat 10 times with arms front, then with arms extended sideways. 

Shoulders - With arms bent and fingertips touching the shoulders, make circular motions with the elbows. Repeat 10 times clockwise and 10 times counter-clockwise. 

Spine - With legs straight out in front, reach over and touch your legs without bending your knees. Repeat 20 times. 

Some Risky Heart Health Myths

Most people imagine they would know when they are having a 

heart attack. It would be difficult not to recognize symptoms of 

"the big one" – sweating, soreness in the left arm, and sudden, 

disabling chest pain.

But that’s not always the case. Sometimes the signs are much 

more subtle or mimic other conditions.

As with any health issue, knowledge is power. And when your 

heart is on the line, you need all the power you can get.

So here are six major heart health myths and the reality behind 

them.

Myth #1: I would know if I had high blood pressure or 

high cholesterol.

Not unless you get a blood pressure or cholesterol test. That's 

the only way to know if you have high blood pressure 

(hypertension) or unhealthy cholesterol levels.

Risk factors are usually silent, meaning they have no obvious 

associated symptoms.

Hypertension is the silent killer, you are not going to know you 

have it. When high blood pressure presents as a symptom like 

headaches or renal failure, it is more difficult to control at that 

stage. Early treatment is essential to preventing end organ 

damage, which is often irreversible.

The same goes for high cholesterol. A person can be thin and 

in good shape and still have high cholesterol.

.

Myth #2: Heart disease treats men and women the same.

Heart disease can affect the sexes very differently.

This begins with symptoms. Although many people experience 

the classic "elephant sitting on the chest" sensation when they 

have a heart attack, there are also less traditional symptoms, 

and they are more common among women.

In 2003, a study published  examined the symptoms that 515 

women, (average age 66), had experienced before having a 

heart attack. The researchers found that for at least one month 

prior to the acute event 70% of the women experienced  

unusual fatigue, and nearly 50% had weakness, sleep 

disturbance, or shortness of breath. What's more, 43% of the 

women felt no chest pain at the time of their heart attack 

presentation.

Nausea and/or indigestion can also be unusual (atypical) 

symptoms forewarning a heart attack.

Men can have less classic symptoms, but there is a higher 

prevalence with these in women. Older women tend to present 

more like men, with the classic chest pain, which is still the 

overwhelming symptom of a heart attack.

Putting all of this in context is important. Not all unusual 

symptoms mean you have heart disease. But if you have risk 

factors, pay attention to how you feel. New or changing 

symptoms, even if not typical, could be a sign of problems with 

the ticker.

Myth #3: Younger Women Aren't at Risk

One of the most common myths is that women still tend to think 

they are not vulnerable to heart disease. They think it is a 

disease of older women and men. So women in their 40s and 

50s still believe they are safe.

But heart disease is the No. 1 killer of U.S. women, causing 

more than 460,000 deaths annually, not all of which are among 

the elderly.        

Risk factors that contribute to heart disease -- including 

obesity, Type II diabetes, and hypertension -- are showing up 

earlier now in women. As these factors become more common 

at a younger age, heart disease may follow.    

On average, there tends to be a 10-year gap in the age at 

which heart attacks occur in men and women.  Men are more 

likely to get them in their mid-50s and women in their mid-60s.      

This age difference could be due, in part, to oestrogen. It is 

said that  nitrogen has a complex role in the prevention of heart 

disease, but exactly how it works isn't clear.

Myth #4: Exercise is too risky if you have heart disease.

This is almost always false.

After a coronary event, such as a heart attack, people are 

typically encouraged to get right into rehabilitation and start 

working out within a two-week period.

There are really very few people who have significant long-term 

restrictions in terms of never doing exercise.

It is said that exercise reduces the progression of heart 

disease, and makes people with heart disease less likely to 

have a first or recurrent heart attack.

It is recommended starting with 10 minutes of exercise daily 

and increasing it weekly by 10 minutes until they are getting at 

least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days. But your 

doctor should give you guidelines tailored to your particular 

case.

 Myth #5: Aspirin and Omega-3 fatty Acids Are All Good

Most people have heard that aspirin and omega-3 fatty acids 

are good deterrents to heart disease. For the most part, this is 

true, but there are some caveats to their protective benefits.

Dr. recommends taking aspirin for prevention at age 50 for 

men and 65 for women if there are no contraindications.

Aspirin can exacerbate stomach problems and some people 

can have aspirin allergies. Every supplement and medication 

has pros and cons. A young woman’s risk of excessive 

bleeding from taking aspirin may be greater than its potential 

heart benefits.

Omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial for people who 

have already had a heart issue and are trying to prevent 

another. Dr. recommends eating fatty fish at least twice a week 

or taking up to three grams of omega-3 fatty acids in the form 

of a daily supplement. The Dr. cautions that higher doses can 

cause excessive bleeding in some people.

Aspirin and omega-3 fatty acids both can cut the risk of blood 

clots, such as those that lead to heart attacks. But you don't 

want to curb your clotting ability too much, or you could be at 

risk of excessive bleeding.

Talk with your doctor before taking any kind of medication or 

supplement. And if you're already taking something, tell your 

doctor. Your doctor needs to note it in your medical records 

and may advise you to stop if you have surgery scheduled.

Myth #6: Once I Have Heart Disease, That's It

Absolutely not. There has been research showing that in some 

cases you may be able to undo the damage -- and that your 

lifestyle is a crucial part of turning the tide.

Exercising, eating a healthy diet containing fruits and 

vegetables, limiting processed foods, not smoking, and 

avoiding second-hand smoke can go a long way toward heart 

disease prevention.

"It is never too late" to treat heart disease. Small lifestyle 

changes are key factors in preventing heart disease and 

controlling risk factors."