By Jeff Denny

There are over one hundred types of Arthritis disease known to modern science that afflict the human body. The manifests, symptoms, and conditions vary based on individual and type of Arthritis (i.e. Rheumatoid, TMJ, Algood-Schlatter, and Tendonitis). In terms of Western allopathic medicine there are roughly fifty phamaceutical product lines to treat Arthritis and Arthritic symptoms, all of which have their subsequent side-effect. A considerable number of people suffering from Arthritis today are turning to alternative therapies, specifically massage therapy, to alleviate the pain and discomforts associated with the condition.

By Laura L. Ecklund

Made from the dried leaves of the camellia sinensis plant, green tea came from China between 4,000-5,000 years ago. The legend is told that an ancient Chineses Emperor was boiling water and some leaves fell into his pot. Today, green tea is popular all over the world, not only for the taste but also for its many health benefits. For centuries Chinese medicine has used green tea for headaches, digestive problems, lack of energy, and immune enhancement to name a few. Today green tea is available flavored or natural- a taste that is pleasing to anyone.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 97.1 million adults are overweight, and 39.8 million of those people also meet the criteria for obesity. Approximately 280,000 deaths and 39.3 million missed workdays are attributable to obesity each year.

While Americans spend $33 billion annually on weight-loss products and services, the prevalence of obesity increased by almost 30 percent between 1991 and 2000. Those seeking an alternative to diet fads and short-term solutions are turning to lifestyle changes that often include the use of acupuncture and tai chi.

• Important PCOM Dates
• Tea Promotes Good Health
• Herbs for Women: Alternatives to Prescription Medications
• Pacific College Celebrates World Tai Chi & Qi Gong Day
• Chinese Wisdom: Quote of the Day

• April 11 – Chicago Open House
• April 29 – World Tai Chi & Qi Gong Day
• May 6 – San Diego Healing Arts Festival

Upcoming CEU Events in San Diego

Healthy tea has been a popular topic as more people try to kick the coffee habit. Recent studies at Pace University have shown that there is a major health benefit of white tea extract -- it can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the body with more success than other teas. The study focused primarily on the bacteria that cause Staphylococcus infections, Streptococcus infections, and pneumonia. The same study concluded that fluoride-rich white tea helps prevent the growth of dental plaque, the chief cause of tooth decay.

"Past studies have shown that green tea stimulates the immune system to fight disease," says Milton Schiffenbauer, Ph.D., a microbiologist and professor in the Department of Biology at Pace University's Dyson College of Arts & Sciences and primary author of the research. "Our research shows white tea extract can actually destroy in vitro the organisms that cause disease. Study after study with tea extract proves that it has many healing properties. This is not an old wives tale, it's a fact."

Sexual health is a topic we often find difficult to define and master. Many obstacles - physical, psychological and emotional - can become barriers to fulfilling and health-enhancing sex lives. Chinese medicine, with its focus on whole body wellness, supports sexual vitality in an active, complete way. In the age of quick-fix healthcare, it is becoming more necessary to slow the pace and reconnect with ourselves on a deeper level.

Sexuality is not widely considered a healthcare issue, but sexual desire can be a powerful source of healing and personal growth. When it is suppressed, diminished or dysfunctional, it can have negative effects on wellness. Sexual energy and passion make up a portion of our qi and feed positive aspects of our overall welfare. Men and women's sexual health< can be greatly enhanced by principles inherent in Chinese medical philosophy.

Feet are an important and often ignored part of the body's health system. Three out of four Americans experience a serious foot problem in their lifetime, many of which are treatable and preventable. In Chinese medicine, the condition of the feet is crucial to overall health and is considered a separate body related to all body parts and organs.

The Podiatric Medical Association says that an average day of walking brings a force equal to several hundred tons down on the feet. This helps explain why the feet are more subject to injury than any other part of the body.

Physical and emotional stress is a fact of modern life. Natural disasters, war, and general unrest are painting an uncertain picture of the future, which can leave many people with undue stress. Although the American Psychological Association reports that 63 percent of Americans say they are taking action to reduce their stress levels, 43 percent suffer adverse health effects due to stress. Studies show that Chinese medicine, which includes acupuncture, massage, Tai Chi and Qigong, can significantly help reduce stress.

The body's reaction to stress is meant to protect us. Our body adjusts to its surroundings to maintain homeostasis. Our natural reactions to danger or challenge can be positive, but when we feel intense pressure or feel out of control these reactions become negative stress. The "fight or flight" response from the sympathetic nervous system occurs as we react to physical and mental changes in our equilibrium. In Chinese medical language, excessive emotional stimulation or suppression causes imbalance of qi, thereby injuring the body and producing disease.

• Important PCOM Dates
• Pacific College – NY Campus Offers New Massage Program
• Healthy Body, Healthy Sole – Foot Health and Chinese Medicine
• Tea for Weight Loss
• Chinese Wisdom: Quote of the Day

• March 21 – Chicago Open House
• March 22 – New York Open House
• April 29 – World Tai Chi & Qi Gong Day

Upcoming CEU Events in New York

• March 25  - Steve Kaplan: Insurance Billing in the Acupuncturist Office

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• Important PCOM Dates
• Health Benefits of White Tea
• Chinese Medicine and Nutrition
• Herb of the Month: Barberry
• Chinese Wisdom: Quote of the Day

Important PCOM Dates

• March 11 – San Diego Open House
• March 21 – Chicago Open House
• March 22 – New York Open House

• March 18-19 - Lianne Audette: Acupuncture for Addictions
• March 25  - Steve Kaplan: Insurance Billing in the Acupuncturist Office

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