(NaturalNews by: Lindsay Chimileski) Pericardium 6 or Inner Pass (PC6, Neiguan) is one of the most well-known, highly researched and often utilized Acupuncture points. It is indicated to calm the spirit and regulate the heart, making it useful for conditions like heart pain, palpitations, hypertension, insomnia, fear, mania, nausea and menstrual irregularities to name a few. How can one little point benefit so many vastly different conditions? Because it works to treat the underlying cause and common denominator of most illnesses: stress.
Recent studies are proving that PC6 stimulation has powerful effects in the body - acting to relieve stress, as well as to repair the damage stress has already caused. It is also a well-known acupressure point for nausea. This action has been utilized by the development of wristbands that stimulate the point to treat motion sickness.
PC6 is located on the inner forearm, 2 cun distal from the crease of the wrist. Cun are the measurements used by acupuncturists to locate points on the body. Its measure is unique to each individual's anatomical structure, to compensate for differences in body types. 1 cun is approximately the width of the individual's thumb.
New Research on Inner Pass
One recent study by Kim et al. looked at both the detrimental effects of stress and the subsequent relief and restoration of health PC6 can provide. Rats exposed to chronic mild stress exhibited decreased memory and retention as well as significantly lowered Acetylcholine esterase (AchE). In the study, PC6 was then stimulated while biochemical and behavioral changes were monitored. The study found that, AchE, or Acetylcholinesterase, brain activity was increased by PC6 stimulation and that the rats who received acupuncture at PC6 were able to restore AchE activity faster than those in the control group.
AchE, which is found primarily in the cholinergic nervous system and neuromuscular junctions, plays a vital role in synapse transmission. It is responsible for neurotransmitter conversion and the breakdown of acetylcholine to choline and acetate. It is responsible for the termination of synaptic transmission, which allows relaxation to occur.
AchE levels are directly related to Acetylcholine levels. Without AchE, Acetylcholine is allowed to build up. Depending on the degree of excess, high Acetylcholine can cause a spectrum of symptoms, including aggression, depression, neuromuscular paralysis and even asphyxiation. Low levels can be detrimental as well, causing impaired memory function. This proves the importance of having balanced Acetylcholine levels. Acupuncture's ability to balance AchE is beneficial because it works to balance Acetylcholine levels, resulting in both improved memory and relaxation.
This study also looked at behavioral changes of the rats using passive avoidance tests: the rat would be trained not to step into a hole and then repeatedly tested every day for 6 days to monitor retention. The group exposed to chronic mild stress exhibited impaired memory, but again, the group that then received treatment at PC6 had much better retention, improved memory, and learned skills than the control. The study concluded that PC6 could be used to improve memory, increase AchE hippocampus reactivity and repair stress-induced damage to learning and memory.
Keep in mind, TCM is a highly complex medical system that functions within a paradigm all its own. There at least 360 standard acupuncture points on the classical meridians and over 100 extra points. Most importantly, treatments are tailored to the individual, so any study using standardized treatments are not utilizing the medicine completely. These studies are helpful to show some of the many potential changes acupuncture induces within the body, but its healing powers may simply go beyond the parameters we can currently measure.
Sources for this article include
Brett, J. Point Location I & II. University of Bridgeport Acupuncture Institute. Bridgeport, CT. 2011.
Deadman P, Al-Khafaji M, Baker K. A Manual of Acupuncture. 2001. Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications. England
H.Y. Kim, H.J. Park, S.M. Han, D.H. Hahm, H.J. Lee, K.S. Kim, I. Shim, The effects
of acupuncture stimulation at PC6 (Neiguan) on chronic mild stress-induced
memory loss, Neurosci. Lett. 488 (2011) 225-228.
H.Y. Kim, H.J. Park, S.M. Han, D.H. Hahm, H.J. Lee, K.S. Kim, I. Shim, The effects
of acupuncture stimulation at PC6 (Neiguan) on chronic mild stress-induced
biochemical and behavioral responses, Neurosci. Lett. 460 (2009) 56-60.
About the author:
Lindsay Chimileski: I am a graduate medical student currently pursuing dual degrees in Naturopathic Medicine and Acupuncture, expecting to graduate in 2013. I have a passion for health education, patient empowerment and the restoration of balance, both on the individual and communal level. I believe all can learn how to live happily, in harmony with nature and in ways that support the body's innate ability to heal itself.
Please note: I am not a doctor and not giving any medical advice, just spreading the word of natural living, and the pressing health revolution.
http://blossomingconsciousness.com/
Learn more:http://www.naturalnews.com/034467_acupuncture_inner-pass_stress_reduction.html#ixzz1hNwbEOEu
(NaturalNews by: Fleur Hupston) Stress is activated by various factors. Too much stress paves the way for a variety of illnesses, diseases and emotional problems. Since we all react in different ways to stressful situations and it is something impossible to avoid completely, recognizing and addressing the symptoms of stress induced imbalances can help the body cope.
Of course, not all stress is bad for you. For example, getting married or winning a sports event are stressful situations in themselves, but they have happy results. However, many people subject their bodies to relentless stress on a continual basis, the effects of which are cumulative.
Dr. Selye, author of the book Stress Without Distress, defines stress as "the non-specific response of the body to any demands made upon it". In other words, the stress response is the human body's reaction to anything that throws the body off balance - injury, infection, fear, exercise or pain. The body reacts with an alarm phase, then a resistance phase during which it tries to remedy the imbalance; thereafter there is an exhaustion phase.
While most people realize that, for example, over-work and sleeping too little place stress on the body, few pause to consider the subtle but persistent effects of stress due to factors such as an incorrect diet or noise pollution. As far as the latter is concerned, it has been found that people living near noisy, high-traffic highways or near airports tend to have more illnesses, especially cardiovascular illness. This is because noise is a form of stress.
Stress and Diet
The hard-working liver is the organ that has to detoxify practically every chemical that we ingest. Each time an individual drinks too much, takes antibiotics, consumes excess fats or inhales chemicals, the liver has less energy to take care of 'alarm' hormones, and these hormones then stay in the blood stream longer than they should. Refined, processed foods, preservatives and additives are sources of continuous biochemical stress on the human body.
To avoid placing the body under this kind of subtle stress, follow some simple tips:
A vegetarian diet is generally considered to be a healthy diet. However, certain individuals are affected by natural compounds found in fruits and vegetables called salicylates, which means their diet may be severely restricted. A nutritionist would be able to arrange for a test to assess the suitability of a diet and advise accordingly.
Eliminate certain grains, dairy products or meats from the diet if there is sensitivity or intolerance to these types of foods.
Everyone should avoid eating large amounts of refined and processed foods. If one must eat foods that fall into these categories from time to time, eat simple, fresh foods in order to allow the body to heal. Go on a juice fast or liver detox diet regularly to give the hard-working liver a break.
Supplement your diet with appropriate vitamins and minerals to help the body withstand stress.
Sources for this article include:
Foods for Moods by William Vayda, 2007 edition, Published by Geddes & Grosset, pages 114 - 121
About the author
Fleur Hupston is a professional freelance writer. She is passionate about natural, healthy living and is currently studying to be a naturopath. She divides her time between writing for Natural News and various other sites, home schooling her children and studying part time.
Learn more:http://www.naturalnews.com/033732_diet_stress_reduction.html#ixzz1ZpAY2uHo
(NaturalNews by: Mike Bundrant) During my high stress years as an executive in corporate America, my least favorite part of the day was hearing the alarm clock go off in the morning. Getting up to face a new day of tough work challenges and even tougher office politics wasn't exactly a walk in the park for me. So, I needed a little extra motivation in the morning to put my feet on the floor and head for the coffee pot. How did I do it? Easy. I scared the hell out of myself.
Here's the scenario. I am awakened from sweet slumber by the alarm clock. Naturally, I hit the snooze button. It goes off again five minutes later. You know the deal.Snooze. Alarm. Snooze. Alarm. Snooze. As I keep this up, an image begins to grow in my mind of the consequences of being late for my morning meetings. With each passing moment, the pressure increases until I am imagining the utter embarrassment of being 30 minutes late to a meeting that I am supposed to facilitate. Soon, I am witnessing my whole career flash before my eyes. With a shot of pure adrenaline, I bolt out of bed, bypass the coffee and rush to save my job.
You can imagine after a few years with this self-motivational style, my adrenal glands were not happy. Burn out was inevitable. We all know the benefits of high stress - a lower immune system, poor sleep, high blood pressure - I could go on. My way of motivating myself came at a high price.
Actually, negative motivation styles are common and they are all inherently stressful and ineffective. NLP trainers have narrowed down four typical negative self-motivational styles. I'd like to mention each one and then show how Zen motivation transforms them all.
The Four Negative Motivational Styles
1. The Negative Motivator: You become motivated to act only after imagining the horrible consequences of waiting any longer. This was my getting out of bed strategy.
2. The Dictator: You give yourself "orders" in a stern, commanding voice, much like a military commander. The commands often contain words like: must, have to, should, etc...Not many people like to be ordered around. It is fascinating that many people who report ordering themselves around also report "rebelling" against their own orders.
3. Imagine Doing It: You imagine doing an unpleasant task and feel bad, rather than imagining the task completed and feeling compelled to get that result so you can feel good. If you need to do the dishes and don't enjoying washing, rinsing and drying, then imagining yourself doing just that will not be very motivating.
4. Overwhelm: You imagine an entire project, for example, as one global mass of work and do not chunk it down into one step at a time. The feeling of overwhelm is discouraging.
These four common, stressful and unproductive self-motivational strategies tend to defeat their own purpose. Even when they "work" they do not promote health and productivity in the long run.
Secret of Zen Motivation
Amazingly, Zen motivation overcomes all four negative motivational styles in one stoke. The key is getting to a Zen-like state. Again, NLP offers some handy tools for accomplishing this.
Zen has much to do with being present and being present has much to do connecting to what is going on in your environment right now. Tuning in to the external world in a particular way automatically calms the mind and eases bodily tensions, allowing a peaceful, grounded, present state of mind to emerge. To prepare for Zen motivation, experiment with some alternatives from among the following.
1. Look at your surroundings, but only notice colors, textures and shapes.
2. Listen to sounds in your immediate environment, but not voices. Tune into mundane sounds like the hum of your computer, the whirl of a fan or the running refrigerator motor. You can also listen to the sound of the wind blowing or the distant traffic, even crickets etc...
3. Feel outside textures and temperatures, such as the fabric of a piece of furniture or the carpet. Perhaps the coolness of a glass of ice water, etc...It also works to feel environmental pressure, such as the pressure of your body against the seat or the general feeling of gravity pulling you toward the earth.
Pick just one external sensory experience such as those listed above and merely tune into it for 20-30 seconds. If your attention wanders, that's fine. Just return to noticing the particular external sight, sound or feeling you had been noticing. After several moments, you will feel yourself "settle" a bit. You will relax and your bodily tension will ease. This is the beginning of a more present, Zen-like awareness.
From here, it's simple. While in this state, gently consider what you need to do, then follow your natural instinct! The steps to Zen motivation are simple:
1. Enter a Zen-like state using your external senses
2. Gently consider what you need to do
3. Follow your natural instinct to act.
Zen motivation is a wonderful alternative to forcing yourself, psyching yourself out or pumping yourself up. These attempts at self-motivation can work, but the pressure put on your mind and body is enormous. So, instead of hitting the snooze button until you just know the world will end if you don't get up, why not gently feel the texture of the sheets against your skin as you awaken? Then, tune into the sounds within your awareness, allowing your mind to settle into each one. These experiences will welcome a new day and actually make getting out of bed a pleasure.
When you are in the shower, pay attention to the feeling of the water running down your back. Enjoy the scalp massage you give yourself while washing your hair. Listen to the water going down the drain. Give into your senses! It's a much richer experience than the usual mind wanderings of the average shower taker.
The sights, sounds and feelings of the world are always with you. Use them to your advantage. Get out of your head and tune into your environment. Once you are grounded in the present, motivating yourself is as simple as considering what needs to be done.
About the author:
Mike Bundrant is a retired mental health counselor, NLP trainer and publisher of Healthy Times Newspaper.
Mike offers online NLP training and certification with the iNLP Center. Visit the iNLP site to receive a free alternative health articles. For more on the Healthy Times printed newspaper in Southern California, visit Healthy Times Newspaper.
Learn more:http://www.naturalnews.com/033444_stress_zen.html#ixzz1WX0NklZP
(NaturalNews by: Shona Botes) Many health and fitness experts agree that cycling is one of the best forms of exercise available. Bicycles were first introduced in Europe during the late 19th century. Shortly thereafter, they made their way to the US. Not only does cycling burn a significant amount of calories, but it also helps to improve fitness levels and overall health.
Studies have shown that cycling is able to promote circulation in the body, eliminate the appearance of cellulite from the thigh region and even lower blood pressure. It is also able to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes by up to 50%. Those who cycle regularly display fitness levels equivalent to that of being ten years younger.
Cycling helps to strengthen the immune system and can even decrease the formation and activity of tumour cells within the body. It also has the ability to reduce one's Body Mass Index (BMI). Middle-aged women who took up cycling for just a few minutes each day gained approximately 1.5 pounds less over a 16 year period than those who didn`t. Those who only used cycling as a form of commuting experienced a significant improvement in their overall health.
Cycling is able to increase bone density and strength. It also helps to relax mind and body, which makes it an ideal way to fight against depression and other psychological conditions. It can also be beneficial to those suffering from any form of hormonal imbalance. It provides the balance between relaxation and exertion, which is important in maintaining the body`s inner equilibrium. It also greatly improves stamina levels to promote an overall sense of well-being. Those who cycle experience less strain on back muscles as well as reduced impact on knee and ankle joints. This makes it the ideal form of exercise for those who are slightly overweight.
Cycling can be a highly social activity because of the fact that you sometimes meet fellow cyclists along the way while cycling. It is also a lot cheaper to maintain a decent bicycle than a car. Those who cycle help our environment by reducing the amount of carbon monoxide emissions and other pollution created by driving.
It should be taken into account however, that you should always consult with a physician if you suffer from any form of back problem, joint condition or arthritis before taking up cycling as a form of exercise.
About the author
Shona Botes is a budding blogger, as well as a fabulous frugalist. Her spare time is spent engaged in blogging, cycling, photography, as well as green living and natural healing and remedies.
Her blog may be viewed here
Some of her photography work may be viewed here
Other articles written by her may be viewed here
There is no doubt that undergoing infertility treatment is stressful, with high rates of anxiety and depression reported by many patients. Mind/body therapies designed to help women reduce stress earlier in the treatment process result in higher pregnancy rates, but little is known specifically about the impact of these therapies on women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).
A new study published June 1 in Fertility and Sterility, a publication of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, shows that women who participate in a mind/body program for stress reduction while undergoing IVF treatment have a significantly higher pregnancy rate than those who do not (52% versus 20%).
"The intersection of stress and fertility is a controversial one, but we do know that stress can reduce the probability of conception," said principal investigator Alice Domar, Ph.D, OB/GYN, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Executive Director of the Domar Center for Mind/Body Health at Boston IVF.
In 1987, Domar introduced the Mind/Body Program for Infertility at the BIDMC main campus in Boston, later moving it to Boston IVF in Waltham in 2002. The goal of the program is to help couples learn effective relaxation and stress management strategies while attempting to conceive. The ten week stress management program focuses on "cognitive behavior therapy, relaxation training, negative health behavior modification and social support components."
To study the effects of the Mind/Body Program on IVF pregnancy outcomes, Domar's team approached women who were about to begin treatment at Boston IVF and who met the study criteria: 40 years or under with normal hormonal levels. None of the participants had previously participated in a mind/body group.
Participants were randomized into a study group that entered the Mind/Body Program for Infertility or a control group who received no mind/body intervention. All patients underwent IVF treatment. Domar tracked the groups through two IVF cycles.
In the first cycle, there was no difference in conception rates between the study group and the control group. "We noticed that only half of the study group had begun the Mind/Body Program and those who had started the program were only a couple of sessions in," said Domar. "This seemed to rule out the possibility of a placebo affect. The mere suggestion of help with stress, it seems, does not increase the pregnancy rate."
In the second cycle, the majority of the patients in the study group had at least five sessions under their belts. "By that point, they had acquired some real life skills to deal with their stress," said Domar. "And that's when we saw the significant increase in pregnancy rates."
Domar found that 52 percent of the women participating in the Mind/Body Program for Infertility became pregnant compared with 20 percent of the control group participants, a statistically significant difference.
"The study supports the theory that psychological distress may be an important detriment to IVF outcome," the authors write.
"We worked with a small group, about a 100 women total, so we'll need to continue with a larger group of patients to see if the results bear out," said Domar. "But there is a strong indication that stress levels and IVF outcomes are linked and that intervening with mind/body therapies can help."
The study was funded through a grant by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc.
Source:
Kelly Lawman
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
