Whole Health Wellness Blog

Reduce Fatigue with Acupuncture and Acupressure

Blockages of energy flows in the body have long been recognized by practitioners of Chinese medicine as the cause of reduced health and disease. This “life energy” that flows through the body, known as Qi (pronounced chee) is responsible for illness when it is not flowing properly. Restoring the natural flow of Qi returns the body to harmony and positive results occur. Acupressure can help to return the flow as well.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is one such blockage problem that can be successfully treated with Acupuncture. Whether a person subscribes to a Western definition of Acupuncture helping due to a release of endorphins in the brain, or the Eastern thinking that has Qi now flowing freely through the body’s meridians - what’s most important is that Acupuncture helps the condition.

CFS is characterized by debilitating fatigue, plus flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, swollen lymph glands, fever, headaches and muscle pain. While a Western medicine approach would likely include medications for the problem, a Chinese medicine and Acupuncture approach would be quite different.

“A typical diagnosis for CFS would involve kidney-adrenal exhaustion, spleen-stomach diges-tion deficiency, liver stagnation and blockage,” says Dr. Maoshing Ni, a Doctor of Oriental Medicine who’s used Acupuncture in his treatments since 1985. Mainly, I think we’re looking at the over-taxation of one’s vital energy resources. Treatment with Chinese medicine would involve trying to resolve those issues.” Diet changes and Acupuncture would both be uses.

Now, for those who don’t have access to an acupuncturist, Dr. Ni has several self-help sugges-tions for persons suffering from fatigue. He suggests 3 separate Acupressure points where a person can do some “self-administered” treatment applying a little bit of pressure for several minutes a day.

Stomach point #36 improves immune function. It is located in the outside of the leg about 3 inches below the bottom of the knee cap. Feel for the outside head of the shin bone and apply steady pressure for about 1 minute, just hard enough to feel a bit of tenderness.

Kidney point #3 fortifies the kidney-adrenal system. This is very important says Dr. Ni as peo¬ple with CFS have kidney and adrenal systems that are virtually exhausted. The point is located in the inside back of the ankle between the Achilles tendon and the ankle bone. Again, apply pressure for 1 minute.

Large Intestine #4 relieves pain, plus fights bacterial, fungal and microbial problems, too. It’s located in the web of the hand between the thumb and the index finger. To find it, make an “OK” sign and feel for a back of the hand muscle bump. Press there for 1 minute.

“Not everyone has access to Acupuncture, but certainly they have a finger they can use,” Dr. Ni says. “It will stimulate in much the same way as an Acupuncture needle.”

Source: Hormones, Health, and Happiness, by Steven F. Hotze, M.D. with Kelly Griffin, Greenleaf Book Group LP, Austin, Texas, 2005.

July 4th - Firecracker 5K Run/Walk

July 4th Firecracker 5K Run/Walk Sweetwater Park, Lone Tree

7:30 a.m. - Registration
9:00 a.m. - 5K Run/Walk
10:00 a.m. - Kids’ Fun Run

Whole Health Center will be there to celebrate with the runners! Look for the Whole Health Center booth. We will be providing free chair massage. Dr. Mike, our chiropractor, will be there for consultation. They will be happy to discuss your health care concerns.

Exercise and Acupuncture Help Women through Pregnancy Pain

Acupuncture, combined with stretching exercises and special pillows, helps relieve back and pelvic pain that occurs during pregnancy. Acupuncture alone helps the majority of pregnant women, with even better results than physiotherapy.

A study of women with both back and pelvic pain showed that 60 percent who received Acupuncture treatment reported less intense pain, compared to 14 percent of women who did not. The study found no complications associated with the use of Acupuncture in pregnant women.

Back and pelvic pain can interfere with everything - work, recreation and even sleep. According to an updated review of eight studies involving 1,305 pregnant women from Sweden, Iran, Brazil, Thailand and Australia, more than two-thirds of pregnant women experience back pain and almost one-fifth report pelvic pain.

“When you’re pregnant, your center of gravity is off. You have to arch your back to balance this huge tummy, so you end up with extra strain on your back and pelvic muscles,” said Victoria Pennick, M.H.Sc., a senior clinical research project manager at the Institute for Work & Health in Toronto, Canada.

Although none of the eight studies reviewed addressed back or pelvic pain specifically, data on the effects of pregnancy-specific strengthening exercises, water exercises, Acupuncture and other pain-relief interventions to regular prenatal care were available.

“We were able to group trials about women who had back pain alone, women who had pelvic pain alone and both,” Pennick said.

The review authors found that women who participated in prenatal exercise programs to stretch the pelvic muscles, strengthen the abdominal and hamstring muscles and increase spinal flexibility reported significant decreases in back pain compared to women who received the usual prenatal care.

One study evaluated work absenteeism during pregnancy and found that only 12.9 percent who participated in water gymnastics missed work due to low back pain, compared with 21.7 percent who received usual prenatal care. Another study found good results from use of the “Ozzlo” pil­low, a soft curved cushion designed to support the pregnant abdomen when lying down, superior to a regular pillow in relieving back pain.

On average, women who followed through with pelvic or back pain interventions experienced some pain relief and reported less need for pain medication, physical therapy and posture-support belts.

SOURCE: Health Behavior News Service, May 2007, http://www.cfah.org/hbns/getDocument.cfm?documentID=1505

More Evidence that Chiropractic Holds Benefits for Children!

The safety of Chiropractic for children is getting a boost from the findings of two practice-based studies. These International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) reports provide additional evidence about the safety and effectiveness of Chiropractic care for children of all ages.

The first study involved 812 pediatric clinical cases totaling 7,436 separate office visits. Girls totaled 382 and boys 430 with ages ranging from under 1 day up to 18 years for those treated. Of those, 153 were totally new to Chiropractic and 346 were examined as part of a “wellness checkup.” The most common complaints attended to were ear, nose and throat/respiratory disorders followed by musculoskeletal problems involving the neck area and spine. Gastrointestinal disorders were also reported.

More than 90% of the chiropractors reported patient improvement for their original complaints with 717 of the children reporting improvements. Only 9 of the children reported any treatment-related aggravations such as soreness. No treatment-related complications were reported for any of the 812 children during over 7,400 office visits.

Even more interesting, according to the ICPA, was that many of the children report­ed healthy improvements beyond the complaints they originally mentioned. Of the Children, 74 reported improvements such as greater range of motion, improved sleep, improved immune function and improved mood.

In the second study, parents of children receiving Chiropractic care where asked to provide information on the success of treatment. Several hundred parents responded representing thousands of Chiropractic visits by their children.

Parents by and large reported both an improvement in the condition the child was brought in to treat, plus improvements unrelated to that first issue. A large percentage of parents reported improved disposition in their child, improved immune function and improved sleep. Only 2 cases reported treatment-related aggravations and neither of these was of a serious nature requiring discontinuation of office visits.

Evidence of studies and individual successful cases continue to mount showing the benefits of Chiropractic care for children, plus carryover benefit to parents and others who come into their lives.

Source: The World Chiropractic Alliance. November 2007. http://www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/tcy2007/nov/e.htm

Wild Mushroom and Black Truffle Organic Risotto

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1.25 oz of dried porcini mushrooms
• 5-7 cups of organic chicken stock heated
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 medium organic onion minced fine
• 2 organic garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups organic Aborio rice
• 1 cup dry organic white wine
• 2 tablespoons of organic butter
• ½ pound wild mushrooms, cut into bite size pieces
• Salt
• 3 oz of chilled black truffle butter
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• 1 bunch of organic marjoram leaves chopped
• Fresh ground pepper
• Truffle oil if desired

Method:

Heat organic chicken stock over medium heat.

Toast porcini mushrooms until just brittle (caution this happens very quickly, keep your eye on this, otherwise the mushrooms will burn) and cool. Ground dried porcini mushrooms in a blender or food processor until you have a fine powder. Add toasted porcini powder to heated chicken stock and simmer.

Sweat onion in ½ cup of olive oil until translucent in a large heavy bottomed pot. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add rice and stir to completely coat each kernel of rice with oil and onion. Deglaze with wine and cook until liquid is absorbed, stirring often.

Add enough heated stock 1 cup at a time to cover rice about 1/16″ over rice. Let stock and rice simmer for about 20 minutes until cooked down and liquid is absorbed.

Meanwhile heat a medium skillet over medium high heat and add butter. Add bite size mushrooms and sauté until tender about 3-4 minutes.

Add more stock to risotto in ½ cup increments and stir often until stock is absorbed. You do not want to over stir your rice because it wll break down and become too starchy (you will add stock about 6 times and you will stir about 11 times), you want the rice creamy. When rice reaches the point of being almost al dente, stir in mushrooms.

Remove rice from flame and stir in chilled butter and a generous ½ cup of parmesan cheese until they are completely incorporated into the dish. Stir in marjoram and salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with truffle oil and serve immediately.

Pressure Applied to Acupuncture Points Brings Long-Lasting Low Back Pain Relief

When a person complains of low back pain, physical therapy is often included in the treatment. Now, based on the results of a recent study, simply applying Acupressure to a troubled area may bring very favorable results. Acupressure is the applying of pressure to the body with the thumbs or the forefingers to the same points that are stimulated in Acupuncture.

Low back pain is a common health problem that is experienced by a considerable percentage of the population worldwide. In previous studies, Acupressure had been shown to be effective in alleviating various types of pain, but little was known about its effect on low back pain.

In a recent survey published online by the British Medical Journal, Acupressure was found to be considerably more effective in bringing relief for low back pain than did physical therapy.

The study was conducted in Taiwan where 129 patients with chronic low back pain were recruited from an orthopedic clinic. Each of the participants completed a standard disability questionnaire prior to beginning treatment. Of the patients, 64 received 64Acupressure treatment for six sessions. The remaining 65 patients received physical therapy. The results of their treatments were measured immediately after the treatment program and again 6 months later.

Researchers found that the average disability score for the group receiving Acupressure was significantly lower than in the group that received physical therapy. In fact, Acupressure provided an 89% reduction in disability compared with the physical therapy group. Researchers found that this improvement continued on through 6 months. It was also noted in the study results that the benefits of Acupressure were also greater for such variables as “leg pain,” “pain interferes with normal work” and “days off from work or school.”

This study supports the conclusions of earlier studies involving the benefits of Acupressure for a variety of other health concerns. Acupressure may be useful for reduc­ing pain, improving body function and reducing the level of disability from low back pain. Additionally, they found it important that it was not only a short-term benefit. Acupressure as applied to low back pain brought long-lasting relief.

Source: Kid Chiropractic, November 2007, “Research Shows Chiropractic Helps Stage One Hypertension” and “Medical Study Demonstrates Chiropractic Safety for Neck Adjustments.” www.kidchiropractic.com

Amusement Rides May be a “Pain in the Neck” for Patrons

Ever think that a roller coaster ride could cause as much damage to the body as a car accident? The odds of injury from riding a thrill ride are very low for most people, but motion-related back/neck injuries and damage are the most frequently reported ride-related injuries. Riders’ bodies are not normally uniform in size, shape, or resistance to every ride. Injuries vary from person to person.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), neck sprain is the most common type of ride-related injury treated in hospital emergency rooms. As thrill rides whip the human body around, the weight of the head exerts strong forces on the neck. Risk factors for neck injury include:

• Previous injuries or pre-existing medical conditions affecting the neck.
• Position of your body during abrupt acceleration and quick changing movements.
• Seat and restraint design, including padding and neck support. Coasters with low-backed bench seats may allow the rider’s neck to snap backward and hip only seat belt restraints cause bodily trauma.
• Strength of rider’s neck. Full-sized rides are designed for a median adult male weighing 170 pounds.
• Younger, older, and more slender riders do not have as much muscle strength in their necks to hold their heads upright. CPSC data from hospital emergency rooms indicates that women are twice as likely to suffer ride-related neck injuries as men.
• Flexibility of rider’s neck. Older riders and people who suffer from conditions affecting flexibility and bone strength, such as arthritis, should avoid “High-G” rides that tend to whip the rider’s head around.

It is recommended with the more aggressive rides that patrons keep keep their heads upright and facing forward. It was found that ride-related neurological injuries happened when the rider turned his/her head, for instance to check on a child seated next to them, right before a change in direction or thrust of acceleration.

Newer rides are designed to support the body better and offer better protection from certain injuries espe­cially to the head and neck. Seats and restraints are designed to discourage side-to-side movement. More “theme” related rides are designed with visual elements in a position to have the rider’s attention focused forward. Parents should teach their children the importance of riding with their eyes and head forward while they ride.

A related article entitled “Amusement Park Injuries and Death” published in the January issue of the Annals of Emergency Medicine, reported that amusement ride-related brain injury has risen substantially since 1990. It was reported that, “Carotid and vertebral artery dissections are often associated with indirect trauma or torsion of the neck. The acceleration and abrupt changes in direction on a roller coaster may induce uncontrolled rotation of the head with stretching of the cervical vessels and aorta similar to that observed with acute deceleration in a motor vehicle crash.”

To avoid pain and discomfort from an amusement park ride, visit your chiropractor. Your chiropractor can check for and treat injuries to the head, neck and spine. After all, a visit to the amusement park could possibly cause as much damage as a vehicle collision. Have fun-and be safe!

Source: Saferparks, http://www.saferparks.org/

Coated-Aspirin Has the Same Effect on the Stomach as Non-Coated Aspirin

The potential problems caused by taking aspirin have been well publicized and documented over the years. For some people, these include stomach-related upsets including nausea, gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and low-grade stomach pain.

To counter problems associated with the stomach, the pharmaceutical industry developed and has for many years promoted coated aspirin products. The aim of this product is to minimize these potential difficulties by allowing the tablet to sail right through the stomach and into the small intestine before it begins dissolving.

Armed with this information, many people have been taking coated or buffered aspirin in the belief that their risks of stomach problems and discomforts will be less­ened. Now, however, a new report recently published in the Harvard Heart Letter notes that this is mistaken information. The risks are just as great in taking coated aspirin as when ingesting non-coated aspirin.

According to the report, aspirin does not have to be in direct contact with the stom­ach cells to cause them harm. The reason for this has to do with the fact that even though the tablet dissolves in the intestine, the medicine gets into the blood stream where it is pumped to all parts of the body. This would include being transported directly back to the cells of the lining of the stomach.

Aspirin has the effect of blocking the COX-1 enzyme in the stomach. (Cox-1 is Cyclooxygenase-1, a protein that speeds up certain chemical messengers in the stom­ach.) When Cox-1 is inhibited, it can have the effect of reducing the natural protective mucus lining of the stomach and can cause nausea, intestinal bleeding and ulcers.

Many people use aspirin products regularly and have no adverse reactions. Many older people include taking it as part of their daily health regimen. Regardless, health care professionals and users of aspirin should be advised that taking a coated product offers no advantages to the user who may be experiencing stomach problems. In fact, according to the report, coated aspirin products hold the same potential as non-coated aspirin in causing problems of the stomach and the stomach lining.

Source: Harvard Publications, The Harvard Heart Letter, August 2007.

http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/gastrointestinal-bleeding-from-coated-aspirin.htm

Chiropractic Brings ADHD Relief, Offers Much Safer Solution than Drugs!

Evidence continues to mount in favor of Chiropractic intervention having the ability to bring relief from the symptoms that have now commonly been lumped into the label of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This is especially evident cases when an accident or injury has occurred to a child or adult who pre­viously showed no signs of any of the difficulties with concentration associated with ADHD.

Case in point of this study involves a child of 6 years of age, a person of any age could suffer the same lack of concentration ability following an accident or a severe blow. This could occur through an auto mishap, a slip-and-fall injury, sports contact or even a work-related trauma that is part of daily life. While drugs are now frequently prescribed by the medical community to handle the ensuing “attention” problems, a Chiropractic adjustment may really be all that is necessary for normal function to return.

A case discussing the events that happened to this child who struck his head while on the playground was recently presented by an Australian-American Chiropractic group. The child was knocked unconscious by the impact and, in the months that followed, his teachers noted his concentration problems, inattentiveness and even disruptive behavior. The boy developed all of the classic symptoms so commonly labeled as ADHD. He was unable to sit still in the classroom and his grades began to plunge.

Drugs were a main part of the medical prescription for handling the boy. Unfortunately, but expectedly, these did not bring any lasting relief or help to the child. In spite of the powerful drugs, his headaches and neck pains persisted. Finally, 18 months after the accident, his mother brought him to a chiropractor.

It may seem remarkable, but the boy only required 3 visits to the chiropractor over a 3 week period to put him back on the road to good health and classroom success. The diagnosis was a subluxation, a partial dislo­cation of the vertebrae. He continued with regular checkups and after 9 months continued to do very well.

An accident or blow which involves the head, neck and back being in pain is increasingly being documented as a trigger or aggravating factor to ADHD. This evidence and case studies such as this one can be of great value in spreading the word that drugs are not the universal solution for the handling of ADHD as has become so common in the world today. When drugs are administered, the concentration problems that are not handled can even lead to further accidents and more subluxations. Thus, the drugging solution could lead to a vicious circle that includes more injuries, more subluxations and an continued worsening of the ADHD symptoms.

However, when the symptoms of ADHD are handled through Chiropractic, tremendous benefits frequently occur. First off, the pain and discomfort is either reduced or eliminated for the patient. Next, the relief provid­ed to the nervous system through the correction of the subluxation are also extremely beneficial. Concentration ability often returns quickly, and the person gets more enjoyment out of life while doing better at school or at work, whatever the case may be.

Chiropractic adjustments of the person suffering from, so called, ADHD can lead to a better overall state of health and increased productivity without drug intervention. Again, the simple motto for handling such ADHD issues should resound, “Say no to drug and say yes to Chiropractic!”

Source: Dynamic Chiropractic. “Pain Relief. Safe Behind the Wheel.” January 2008. http://www.chiroweb.corn/archives/26/02/15.htm1

Checking Facial Temperatures Provides Clues to Important Acupuncture Points

There may be an improved way to pick Acupuncture points than to simply follow the time honored locations developed over the long and successful history of the practice. Now the results of a new study show that introducing the modern technique of infrared thermography to diagnosis may help direct an acupuncturist to the most critical areas that need treatment.

Thermography is a technique where an infrared camera photographically portrays the body’s surface temperature in picture form. Self-emanating infrared radiation from the body can then be used as a diagnostic method to point out pathological conditions and areas of the body that may need special attention.

For the purpose of a study, 60 persons who were suffering from facial paralysis were given an infrared thermogram of the face. The object was to detect points that an acupunctur­ist could treat. Points that registered a difference of over 0.5 degrees C from the healthy side of the face were selected and then treated with Acupuncture.

During the course of this specialized treatment, points to apply Acupuncture were re­determined by subsequent thermogram examination. Acupuncture was then administered to these newly determined points until the end of treatment. A control group of persons with facial paralysis included 120 persons who were treated at conventional Acupuncture points.

The result of this study showed quite conclusively that the cured and basically cured rate was 90 percent (54 cases) in the test group that received thermogram examinations. In the control group receiving traditional Acupuncture point treatment, the cure rate only reached 77.5 percent (93 cases).

Researchers also pointed out that the test group received fewer ses­sions of Acupuncture and that the length of treatment time was of shorter duration.

It was the conclusion of researchers that Acupuncture treatment delivered at acupoints selected by thermogram had a higher cure rate and a shorter duration of treatment than did Acupuncture applied only at conventional treatment points. This modernized method of selecting thermogram-aided acupoints certainly showed some beneficial results. More studies using this technique will be welcomed and should be considered in light of the enhanced suc­cesses achieved with this unique process.

Source: Acupuncture.com, “A Method of Selecting Acupoints for Acupuncture Treatment of Peripheral Facial Paralysis by Thermography.” February 2008.

http://www.acupuncture.cominewsletters/m_feb08/res.htm#1

New Easier Detection for Drugs in Municipal Wastewater Treatment

Recent media reports have pointed to growing concerns that quantities of pharmaceutical and illicit drugs are finding their way into our waterways. Reports from various areas warn of water life mutations occurring near municipal water discharge as a result of drugs passing through the system. Increased use of some illegal drugs is a growing concern in many communities.

Until now, wastewater testing was generally done after the water left the sewage treatment plant. Now, a team of researchers has developed an automated monitoring method that makes it possible to detect drugs, from cocaine to caffeine and from Paxil to Prozac, before they enter municipal wastewater plants. In effect, it can locate and monitor patterns of drug use in entire communities as they enter treat­ment facilities.

The research group was lead by Oregon State University chemist Jennifer Field, and she reported her findings recently at the American Chemical Society meeting held in Boston, Mass. “It’s like taking a very diluted urine sample collected from an entire community,” said Ms. Field.

The presence of pharmaceutical and illicit drugs in municipal wastewater has been known for sever­al years, beginning with groundbreaking studies in Europe that tracked the presence of drugs in sewage and river water. Ms. Field pointed out that she and her colleagues have developed new methods of chemical analysis so that detection is possible from very small samples. Such testing can be done auto­matically over a 24-hour period from wastewater as it enters a treatment plant.

This data can be used in several ways including providing information regarding community drug use. “This method is most useful for drug surveillance at the community level,” said Ms. Field. “Wastewater analysis is a more powerful indicator at the community level.”

For instance, in their preliminary studies, researchers found patterns of drug use with higher waste­water concentrations of recreational drugs (such as cocaine) on weekends. They found no change in con­centrations of either prescription drugs or methamphetamines in their samples, suggesting more consis­tent use.

This method of testing can have benefits for large cities and particularly smaller towns. Typically, drug use and abuse studies focus on the larger demographic areas. With both the ease and cost effective­ness of these new methods, data can be collected from smaller residential areas as well.

Researchers hope that the state of Oregon will benefit from their work. “The methods allow us to better understand the geographic differences in the abuse of drugs (particularly methamphetamine) with the state of Oregon,” said Daniel Sudakin, an Oregon State toxicologist who was one of the researchers. “We hope that these tools may be useful in identifying communities at risk and developing preventative interventions to reduce the adverse impact of methamphetamine throughout the state.”

And, hopefully, this information will help water treatment specialists to reduce the flow of drugs flowing through their plants that are now ending up in our lakes and rivers.

Source: Oregon State University, August 2007, http://oregonstate.edu/deptincs/newsarch/2007/Aug07/drugsinwastewater.html

Chicken Marinara

The jagged little Japanese breadcrumbs called panko, available at Asian markets and in the Asian foods section of some supermarkets, give an extra crunch to the golden-brown crust of the chicken breasts in this updated version of a traditional Northern Italian recipe. Dredging the chicken breasts in flour and beaten egg before rolling them in the panko-Parmensan mixture ensures that the coating adheres perfectly.

6 servings

• 7 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 3 shallots, peeled, chopped
• 1 29-ounce can crushed tomatoes with added puree
• 2 teaspoons dried crushed red pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• 3/4 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten to blend
• 6 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
• 3/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese (about 3 ounces)

Heat 4 tablespoons olive oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and shollots; sauté until tender, about 4 minutes. Add tomatoes, oregano, and crushed red pepper; simmer until sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Mix in basil. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper.

Blend breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Place flour and eggs in separate shallow bowls. Coat chicken with flour, then eggs, then breadcrumb mixture, patting to adhere.

Heat remaining 3 tablespoons oil in heavy large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sauté until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.

Spoon 1/4 cup sauce over each chicken breast. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Rewarm remaining sauce; serve alongside chicken.

Continuing Chiropractic Care Shows Long-Term Benefits!

Chiropractic adjustments provide help and relief to thousands upon thousands of people daily. To get the most long-term benefit from their initial benefits received, patients would be well-advised to continue Chiropractic “maintenance adjustments” on a regular basis.

A study recently conducted and reported in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics shows that persons who received “maintenance” Chiropractic care after com­pleting their initial care continued to experience a reduction in their disability.

Thirty volunteers who had been suffering from long-term non-specific back problems were divided into two study groups. The first group received intensive Chiropractic care consist­ing of 12 visits in one month. Following this, they were put on a reduced schedule of one visit every three weeks for the next nine months. The second group received the initial inten­sive treatment, but did not receive any follow-up care for the next nine months.

Members of both groups were evaluated and monitored for both pain and disability levels. Results showed that members of both groups experienced a similar reduction of pain and disability after their 30 days of Chiropractic care.

After a nine month period, both groups were evaluated again. Findings showed two things. One, both groups continued to experience a reduction of pain. Two, while both groups had reduced pain, only the group members who had nine months of Chiropractic “maintenance adjustments” experienced a continued reduction in their disability. Those who did not receive “maintenance adjustments” returned to similar levels of disability they were experiencing prior to their initial adjustments.

The study incorporated an accepted measurement tool for disability known as “The Oswestry Disability Index.” This questionnaire addresses 10 different aspects of a person’s physical function capacities. Only the persons who received their regular “maintenance adjustments” were able to maintain the functional improvements received during the initial care, according to the Index.

“Intensive spinal manipulation is effective for the treatment of chronic low back pain,” said the researchers. “This experiment suggests that maintenance spinal manipulations after intensive manipulative care may be beneficial to patients to maintain subjective post-inten­sive treatment disability levels.”

Source: http://www.chiropracticresearch.org Maintenance Chiropractic Care Shown to be Beneficial in Study, 2004.

Lemon Chickpea Salad

Serves 6

2 15-oz. cans chickpeas, drained and lightly rinsed
½ c. extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp. sea salt
¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
1 c. parsley or baby spinach leaves, washed, dried and minced finely

- Put the drained chickpeas into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the remaining ingredients into the mixing bowl with the chickpeas and stir well with a wooden spoon to combine.
- Allow the flavors to marry by marinating in the refrigerator for at least an hour
- Remove from the refrigerator and stir well before serving.

Serve cold or at room temperature.

What is Metabolic Syndrome

This very serious, yet not widely known, condition affects a whopping 7 million adults in the United States (almost 25 percent) and may even overtake smoking as the leading risk fac­tor for heart disease in the near future.

So what is this condition? Not all doctors agree on the definition or cause of metabolic syn­drome. The cause might be insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone your body produces to help you turn sugar from food into energy for your body. If you are insulin resistant, too much sugar builds up in your blood, setting the stage for disease.

Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when a person has at least three of these heart disease risk factors:

• A large waistline. This is also called abdominal obesity or “having an apple shape.” Excess fat in the abdominal area is a greater risk factor for heart disease than excess fat in other parts of the body, such as on the hips.
• A higher than normal triglyceride level in the blood. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood.
• A lower than normal level of HDL (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) in the blood. HDL is considered “good” cholesterol because it lowers your chances of heart disease. Low lev­els of HDL increase your chances of heart disease.
• Higher than normal blood pressure. Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers, usually written one on top of or before the other, such as 120/80. The top or first number, called the systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in the bloodstream when your heart beats. The bottom or second number, called the diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your bloodstream between heartbeats when the heart is relaxed.
• Higher than normal fasting blood sugar (glucose). Mildly high blood sugar can be an early warning sign of diabetes.

What can you do to help eliminate this condition and it’s symptoms? Start with a low-carb and low sugar diet. Studies have found magnesium to lower the risk and treat metabolic syn­drome. Find a Wellness Care professional (chiropractor or acupuncturist or both) to help you find the best way to diagnose and treat metabolic syndrome or any of the above listed health conditions.

Source: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, What is Metabolic Syndrome, April 2007, http://www.nlilbinih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/ms/ms_whatis.html