Acupuncture & Massage BLOG

Treating Allergies with Chinese herbs can be both safe and effective. Millions of American suffer each season from allergies. In the fall season the main culprit is the pollen from the ragweed plant. The most common signs and symptoms are: runny, stuffy and itchy nose and eyes. And in some cases sneezing and wheezing.

The discomfort can be covered up with over the counter antihistamines or prescription drugs. In any case the allergies come and go from season to season. The fundamental cause of allergy is still not known. The problem has a tendency to run in families. An allergic individual is more likely to have relatives who are allergic. One interesting fact is that infants who are breast-fed are less likely to develop allergies than bottle-fed babies.

In Oriental Medicine the primary organs that are affected by allergies are the Lungs.and Liver. When the Qi of the lungs is disturbed the Lung function of regulating water passages are impaired. Hence we see the watery discharge from the orifice of the Lungs and the Liver, the nose and eyes.

Two ancient Chinese herbal formulas that have proven to be effective for seasonal allergies are Powder of Xanthium ( Cang Er Zi) and Decoction of Magnolia ( Xin Yi San).

Clinical studies have shown Xanthium to have vitro inhibitory antimicrobial effects on staphylococcus aureus. The most telling study of this herb involves 207 clinical cases of chronic rhinitis. Local applications of this herb were applied to the nasal passages of these patients for 2 to 3 times daily for three weeks.

Only 3 out of 207 cases showed no improvement. The remaining 204 cases showed cessation of the symptoms. In these cases there was no recurrence during the follow-up period which lasted for three years.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. It can be used as long as credit is attributed to the author by including the following section :

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”

COLA MAY BE CAUSAL FACTOR IN OSTEOPOROSIS

Women who are regular drinkers of cola may be more at risk for lower bone density and developing osteoporosis, according to a study in the October issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers at Tufts University in Boston analyzed dietary questionnaires and weekly cola consumption of more than 2,500 people whose average age was just below 60. They also measured participants’ bone mineral density at the spine and three different hip sites. Cola consumption in women who had four or more sodas per week was associated with lower bone density at all three hip sites.

Phosphoric acid, an ingredient in cola might be responsible for the lower bone density but the mechanism is not yet fully understood. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 55 percent of Americans older than 50, mostly women, are at risk of developing osteoporosis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be an effective preventative treatment for osteoporosis in addition to an adequate calcium intake and regular weight-bearing exercise. Kidney jing deficiency correlates to the Western diagnosis of osteoporosis. Oriental medicine defines the condition of osteoporosis as a yin or yang kidney deficiency. The kidney organ is the source for growth and aging, and deficiency of kidney essence (jing) is linked to symptoms of osteoporosis, including weakness in the lower back and legs and decreased bone mass density.

Chinese herbal formulas for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis such as Gui lu er xian jiao contain herbs that increase calcium absorption, prevent fractures and strengthen the bones. The use of herbs in gui lu er xian jiao (gui ban, lu jiao, gun qi zi, ren shen) has been found to increase bone mass density by an average of 3.4 percent in one year, according to a Clinic Medline of Taiwan clinical study.

Rehmannia is an herb commonly included in Chinese herbal formulas for treatment of osteoporosis to nourish yin, kidney energy, qi, and blood. Chinese herbs effective in the prevention of osteoporosis include cornus, hoelen and dioscorea. Other ingredients found in Chinese herbal formulas to treat kidney deficiency include yin and blood tonics (lycium, tortoise shell), yang tonics (epimedium), and qi tonics (baked licorice).

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. It can be used as long as credit is attributed to the author by including the following section :

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”

The FDA announced last week that the German pharmaceutical company Bayer withheld data from a retrospective study it had commissioned to investigate the cardiovascular safety of its antibleeding heart drug Trasylol. Preliminary results of the study suggested that the use of Trasylol increases the risk for death, kidney failure, congestive heart failure, and stroke.

As part of an ongoing review of the drug’s risk-benefit profile, the FDA’s cardiovascular and renal advisory committee convened on September 21 to determine if any additional safety measures needed to be taken. The advisory panel’s opinion was sought after two studies published in The New England Journal of Medicine and Transfusion earlier this year suggested Trasylol was linked to heart attack, stroke and kidney problems. The agency said it was unaware of the new study at the time the panel deliberated.

The new Bayer study examined hospital data from 67,000 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Of those, 30,000 patients were treated with Trasylol and 37,000 with other drugs. The study concluded that patients given Trasylol were at greater risk. Bayer said it did not immediately provide the FDA with findings from the study because it had questions about the methods used to conduct the research and the results were preliminary. The company said it has since given a copy of the study to the FDA.

An alert was issued by the FDA on September 29 similar to its alert issued last February of this year stating that Trasylol may increase the risk for serious side effects in some patients. The announcement reiterated previous warnings that the drug’s use should be limited to patients in whom the risks of blood loss outweighed the drug’s risks. The agency is evaluating the studies more closely to determine if labeling changes or other actions are warranted. The drugmaker may face a second U.S. advisory panel review on the safety of its antibleeding drug. Approved by the FDA in 1993, Trasylol was administered to about 150,000 patients in

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. It can be used as long as credit is attributed to the author by including the following section :

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”

AMC’s Massage School

The AMC was founded in 1983 under the name of the Acupressure Acupuncture Institute. In 1987 the AMC established its first Massage School as part of its diploma programs. As we developed the program for our massage school we ask ourselves a few questions. Our first questions was what courses are now being offer by the existing massage schools, and what new and unique programs we would want to offer in our new massage school.

In 1987 there were approximately 15 massage schools in the state of Florida. Today there are over 50 licensed massages schools in our state. From the time the vocational schools discovers that there was a high demand for the study of massage therapy many many vocations massage schools made the change over to either a Massage Therapy program or the just bought out an existing Massage Schools.

When you decided to check out Massage Schools I am sure you had no idea there were so many massage schools to choose from. Your first question must be which Massage School is best for me. What is it that you are looking for in a Massage School?

My advise to you is to know that not all Massage Schools are for you, there are many Johnny come lately Massage Schools that have pop up to grab for your dollars and there are Massage Schools that have been around for over 20 years that offer Massage Therapy programs with excellent academic and clinical components.

At the AMC our Massage Schools we aim to provide you with an intergration of both eastern and western ideas of Massage Therapy. We want to train people who want to excel in the art and science of Massage Therapy. We are seeking professionally minded people who not only want to be the best but also want to cash in on this fantastic opportunity to get into the American healthcare system.

Our Massage School will provide you with a solid education with instructions in the western biomedical sciences: Anatomy and Physiology, Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Pathology. In addition you will be introduced to three modules of Massage Therapy. With over 120 hours of Japanese Shiatsu. This is our specialty. We offer the Hoshino method of Shiatsu. Hoshino Therapy is a specialized art form that was introduced to the United States by the late Professor Tometzo Hoshino in 1975. At the time he was 73 years old, he past at he age of 95.

You will also get the opportunity to study and practice Swedish massage, which as you will soon realize is the main stay of 99.9% of all other Massage Schools and consequently most Massage Therapist. When you graduate from our Massage School and go out into the business world you will have already developed a specialty technique, which will make you stand out from the crowd.

We will also give you additional instructions in Medical Massage techniques. These three courses in Massage Therapy will enable you to be truly employable. Our graduates are usually an asset to their place of employment. Being able to perform the basic Swedish massage as well as Medical Massage and finally being well rained in Shiatsu will give you an edge over the competition.

Some of the other classes in our Massage Therapy program includes Aromatherapy. Hydrotherapy, Ethics, State Law and Practice Management. Our massage training is conducted at our spacious 7200 square feet facility. Classes are held both day and night so as to be available to those who are early rises and to those who have to continue working while still in school. One of the best features of our Massage School is our modular schedule. Most of our classes are scheduled for a one-month period. That means you will never have to study more than one subject at a time. Isn’t that fantastic. We feel strongly that this is the model for the future in education.

Are you looking for a new and exciting career? Give us a call at 305-595-9500 and ask for Joe Calareso. You can be on your way to a new and profitable future tomorrow.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. It can be used as long as credit is attributed to the author by including the following section :

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”

STONE MASSAGE THERAPY

Stone massage therapy is a form of thermotherapy bodywork now included in many massage therapy programs. It is a form of massage therapy that involves the application of two sets of stones, heated basalt river or ocean stones and cooled marble stones to the body during massage therapy treatment. Stones may be used hot, cold, or in an alternating relaxing and reviving sequence during a massage therapy session. Stones are used in back layouts, as palm rests, between toes, and in the neck and shoulder area during a massage therapy treatment.

When combined with energy work, mobilization techniques, or muscle stretching, stone massage therapists may leave heated or chilled stones on specific body points for longer duration during massage therapy treatment to improve the flow of energy in the body. Stone massage therapy training at several massage schools includes stone massage therapy techniques effective in treating back pain, osteoarthritis, arthritis, stress, insomnia, and muscle spasms. Stone massage therapy treatment induces a state of deep relaxation.

Local and systemic changes in the body occur during stone massage therapy which are effective in the treatment of certain health conditions. Stone massage therapy training in massage therapy programs instructs on heated stone placement techniques to improve circulation and treatment of spot areas with cool stones to relieve inflammation. Heated stones used during stone massage therapy relax tendons and ligaments, allowing the massage therapist to treat muscle injuries with lighter massage therapy modalities.

Several massage therapy programs at massage schools offer massage training in stone bodywork in combination with a wide range of massage modalities and treatments. Massage therapy training may instruct on how to blend stone massage therapy techniques with Swedish, shiatsu, neuromuscular, deep tissue, craniosacral, reflexology, and aromatherapy modalities and treatments. Massage therapy schools and massage therapy programs may offer a concentration in stone massage therapy training that gears students toward spa massage therapy work.

NEUROMUSCULAR MASSAGE THERAPY

Neuromuscular massage therapy is a form of deep tissue massage therapy that utilizes constant, focused massage therapy pressure techniques on key areas of the body to aid in recovery from soft tissue acute and chronic pain conditions. Neuromuscular massage therapy training in massage therapy programs includes techniques effective in improving the functioning of joints and muscles to aid in muscle pain relief, stiffness and inflammation.

Neuromuscular massage therapy training in massage schools includes instruction in deep tissue massage therapy pressure treatment applied using the fingertips, knuckles, and elbows. Neuromuscular massage therapy uses a combination of effleurage or gliding, friction, petrissage or grasping, flexibility stretching, and strain/counter-strain massage therapy techniques. Neuromuscular massage therapy treats common conditions that may create or intensify pain patterns, including sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome and rotator cuff dysfunction.

By applying static pressure to specific muscle areas, neuromuscular massage therapy practitioners work to dissolve trigger points, treat muscle tightness, improve postural distortion, relieve nerve compression, and correct biomechanical, or body movement irregularities. Neuromuscular massage therapy programs and massage therapy training prepares massage therapists to practice in occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, dentistry, chiropractic, and osteopathic clinical settings.

Craniosacral massage therapy, myofascial release, and trigger point massage therapy may be used as integrative massage modalities with neuromuscular massage therapy treatment for increased range-of-motion and muscular flexibility. Neuromuscular massage therapy treatment is effective in rebuilding strength of injured or atrophied tissues and increasing muscle tissue endurance. Neuromuscular massage therapy may be part of a comprehensive treatment program, and is complementary to many other health care

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. It can be used as long as credit is attributed to the author by including the following section :

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”

E. COLI OUTBREAK TRACED TO SPINACH FROM SALINAS VALLEY

In the current nationwide spinach E. coli O157:H7 outbreak, officials have traced the contaminated spinach to three California Salinas Valley counties. Bagged spinach originating from Monterey, San Benito and Santa Clara counties have been pinpointed as the source. The three-county region produces more than half the nation’s spinach crop and has also been the source of eight E. coli outbreaks since 1995.

The recent spinach contamination has raised consumer concerns about fresh produce safety and officials are determining new food safety measures to minimize the occurrence of produce-related food borne illness. Fresh produce can become contaminated in the field from polluted irrigation water, in the plant from unsanitary equipment, or in the store from improper refrigeration. New measures could include taking water and soil samples and improved plant sanitation practices.

Since September 14, when the FDA first reported the outbreak, federal and state officials have inspected 10 fields and three processing plants in the Salinas Valley area. Officials have determined that the wide dispersal of illness across 25 states could have been caused by contamination early in the distribution process. To date, 173 cases of E. coli illness have been reported, including 27 cases of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), 92 hospitalizations and one death. New reports could be received into the first week of October.

Spinach from the rest of the U.S. has not been implicated in the current E. coli outbreak and is safe for consumption. While spinach has not yet returned to store shelves, food safety experts are in the process of devising new consumer buying safety measures which may include labeling fresh greens with information on product origin to strengthen consumer confidence in safe consumption of fresh produce. The CDC estimates that 73,000 cases of E.coli O157:H7 infection and 61 deaths occur in the United States each year.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. It can be used as long as credit is attributed to the author by including the following section :

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”