Use Acupressure to Fight Fatigue

Posted on February 3, 2007 by Aimee Amodio

I don’t know about you, but I tend to hit a mid-afternoon slump every day. Around two or three o’clock in the afternoon, I start to feel very tired and out of energy. If I have the time, I’ll indulge in a little nap… but I don’t have time to nap every day! If you need to fight fatigue, try acupressure! In short, acupressure uses pressure (rather than needles, like acupuncture) to release natural painkillers called endorphins. It may also help block the transmission of pain signals through your nerves. Studies from the University of Michigan are now showing that … Continue reading →

Does Your Insurance Cover Acupuncture?

Posted on March 10, 2011 by Jen Thorpe

I went for my very first acupuncture treatment today, and doing so had me wondering about health insurance and non-traditional forms of health care. Does your health insurance cover acupuncture treatment? Does the answer to that question influence your decision to pursue this kind of treatment? My decision to try acupuncture came shortly after an incredibly horrific week of allergy symptoms. I’ve written several articles and blogs in the past that describe a little bit about what I deal with when my allergies go haywire. It’s unpleasant, to put it mildly. I’ve already been through most of what Western medicine … Continue reading →

Massage for Cancer Patients

Posted on March 10, 2008 by Aimee Amodio

There is a common misconception that massage is NOT safe for cancer patients. Despite a total lack of evidence, many people believe that massage can spread cancer cells around the body. There is no evidence that this is true. In fact, massage can be very beneficial for cancer patients! Reducing side effects. Studies have shown that massage (manipulation of muscles and other soft tissues) can reduce pain, nausea, fatigue, and anxiety in cancer patients. Improving patient well-being. Cancer isn’t just difficult physically — it can be emotionally traumatic as well. Massage can help improve a cancer patient’s state of mind … Continue reading →

What is Qigong?

Posted on January 4, 2008 by Aimee Amodio

Looking for an exercise that can give you more energy, more stamina, and a stronger immune system? You might want to look at qigong. Qigong means energy work. It is a form of active meditation that focuses on graceful, flowing movements. The results are in: qigong makes a difference. Studies from UCLA found that qigong can lower stress hormone levels and enhance nervous system activity. Healthy adults in the study who practiced qigong had ten percent more energy compared to those who practiced tai chi. Stress-related headaches may also be relieved or eliminated entirely. A Swedish study found that women … Continue reading →

Eight Quick Fixes For Body Aches

Posted on May 7, 2007 by Aimee Amodio

Use ice to ease the ache. Keep a paper cup of ice in the freezer and just peel it away for instant relief. Apply the ice for five minutes, then give yourself five minutes to warm up a bit. Give yourself time to heal. If you’re a believer in “no pain, no gain” it is time to change the way you think! Gentle exercise is okay; pushing yourself to the point of severe pain is not. But getting the blood flowing will help promote healing. Sore muscles from that workout? Eat tart (not sweet!) cherries or drink tart cherry juice. … Continue reading →

Astigmatism

Posted on February 10, 2007 by Aimee Amodio

If your eye doctor has told you that you have astigmatism, you aren’t alone. Astigmatism is a pretty common eye disorder — it is an irregularity in the curve of the cornea. The worse the curve is, the more help your eyes will need. Astigmatism can quickly and easily be corrected by wearing glasses or contact lenses. An eyeball is a sphere. In a normal eye, light enters the eye and refracts evenly to create an image of the object for your brain to process. If you have astigmatism, your eyeball may be shaped more like the back of a … Continue reading →