By Michelle Fletcher, B.A., http://michellefletcher.net

Recent medical studies and research have led to the discovery of acupuncture’s abilities in the fight against substance abuse. Clinical success stories and anecdotal evidence strongly suggest that acupuncture can alleviate many of the serious symptoms of withdrawal, thus facilitating detoxification and encouraging acute addicts to continue treatment.

Did you ever think that heroin addiction could be treated with acupuncture? Few of us have. Acupuncture has been used for 3,000 years for everything from allergies to chronic pain, but since 1973 there has been an increase in using acupuncture as a treatment for addictions.

Acupuncture works on the concept of yin and yang- two complementary and opposing dynamics found in nature. When we are healthy, our yin and yang is said to be in balance. Addicts are found to be lacking in yin, and since yin is like water and yang is like fire, a shortage of yin means the fire of yang can grow out of control.

As a treatment or therapy, acupuncture needles stimulate certain locations in the body to improve the corresponding problem area. Research has shown that acupuncture raises endorphin levels, which are natural painkillers, found in and produced by the body. It was noted that addicts were better able to curb cravings and withdrawal symptoms when endorphin levels were kept high.

By Michelle Fletcher, B.A., http://michellefletcher.net

Acupuncture can provide long-lasting relief for lower back pain, according to a recent U.K. study.

Did you ever think that heroin addiction could be treated with acupuncture? Few of us have. Acupuncture has been used for 3,000 years for everything from allergies to chronic pain, but since 1973 there has been an increase in using acupuncture as a treatment for addictions.

Acupuncture works on the concept of yin and yang- two complementary and opposing dynamics found in nature. When we are healthy, our yin and yang is said to be in balance. Addicts are found to be lacking in yin, and since yin is like water and yang is like fire, a shortage of yin means the fire of yang can grow out of control.

By: Michelle Fletcher

Acupuncture has been known to cure illness, relieve pain, and chemotherapy-induced nausea. This ancient healing art is now being applied to modern fertilization techniques.

By Diane Joswick, L.Ac./www.Acufinder.com

Each year, people across the globe vow to finally quit smoking for good only to watch their resolution go up in smoke. If you have tried to quit smoking, you know how difficult it can be. It is hard because nicotine is a powerful addiction. For some people, it can be as addictive as heroin or cocaine.

The word functional disorder refers to a disease or disorder when a body part functions in an abnormal manner. The Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders affects many people around the globe of different age groups, and of all genders. Western physicians have accounted that Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders are the most common illness found in most individuals in primary care or gastroenterology.

The most common Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders include the following:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Dyspepsia
Constipation
Diarrhea
Pelvic Floor pain
Abdominal bloating
Biliary disorders
Esophageal disorders and GERD

Long stressful days at work; eating foods high in fat and low on fiber; lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle; aerated drinks high on sugar and little nutrition value; and an excess consumption of tobacco and liquor can take a toll on you both physically and psychologically. With all the abuse we put our bodies through, our heart is the most susceptible. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one killer in America. About 910,000 Americans died last year of CVD, accounting for over 40 percent of all deaths.

The good news is that all you need are regular tea breaks to combat the damaging effects and repair your heart health. All three varieties of tea--black, red and green--have a host of benefits for maintaining cardio-vascular health. Consuming about four cups of tea a day drastically reduces your susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases. According to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, drinking tea every day reduces the chances of atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.

As drug cocktails continue to be used as a course of treatment for those who have HIV and AIDS, more patients are suffering through debilitating side effects that are caused by these medications. Often patients complain of a wide range of symptoms including, night sweats, nausea, vomiting, depression, insomnia, anxiety, peripheral neuropathy, muscle pains, and sinus congestion. However, acupuncture is now being used to alleviate some symptoms brought on by the powerful drugs. These treatments have been shown to boost the immune system and help fight the side effects brought on by HIV and AIDS.

Redge Norton of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation uses acupuncture, massage and nutritional therapy to combat the side effects of the powerful drugs. "It really helped to get my appetite back to normal," said Norton. "And I feel more like myself again."

Roughly thirty-one percent of Americans, that's abaout sixty-five million, are considered to be obese. In terms of the scientific/health standards obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of thirty percent higher. To calculate you BMI take your weight in pounds, multiply it by 703, then divide it twice by your height in inches. A healthy or average BMI falls in the range of 20-24%, anything below that is considered underweight, and anything about is regarded as overweight. With the exception of professional athletes, weightlifters, and those who generally are heavier due to a surplus of body fat stored in the body. It is well known that Diet/Nutrition and Exercise lifestyle changes are the most efficient means for treating obesity. However, many overweight people are finding regular needling by a licensed Acupuncturist to be beneficial when implemented along with regular exercise and nutritional awareness.

Losing weight is easier said than done. Being obese is an much a struggle physically and socially as it is emotionally and mentally. Most overweight people at one time or another have given in to fad diets, gadgets, or get thin quick exercise schemes promoted by the media only to be disappointed and eventually relapse. In the rate instances these programs do bear results they usually are short-lived.