Saturday, November 19, 2011

Microcurrent Stimulator and Ophthalmologists

Microcurrent (MCS) makes use of extremely small electric stimuli running into the millionths of an ampere. The electric current generated relieves pain, increases the wound healing rate and stimulates regeneration of injured tissue.

It is also used to change scar tissue. Scar tissues are fibrous in nature and replace normal skin when it is injured. They can be tougher than normal skin. A study demonstrated how the scar tissue was 3 to 5 times less in tissue in skin areas where MCS was used.

In treating myofascial trigger points too, this therapy is very useful. These trigger points are like tight contraction knots in muscle. Many times, the joint pain caused by them is mistakenly associated with tendonitis, ligament injury or arthritis.

How does microcurrent stimulation work?

Our body has electric current flowing through it. Our cells generate a very small electric current in the range of microamps. When our body is injured, the electric flow is disturbed hence, the natural healing process cannot take place. The electric current in our body bypasses that region.

MCS therapy restores the natural current flow to the injured region. The body cells, energized and recharged, resume their normal functions. Hence, the healing process is sped up.

How is it done?

There are two techniques:

1) Eye and socket is completely covered with pad electrodes and electrode is placed over each eye

2) A probe-type applicator is used on acupuncture points around the eye

MCS and treatment of retinal diseases

Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of MCS therapy in the treatment of retinal diseases. It is of a non-invasive and painless nature. This is making it an ideal alternative for treating macular degeneration with traditional methods such as Coagulating laser therapy.

Age-related Macular degeneration or AMD is an ailment in which patients gradually lose their vision with age. Clinical studies have indicated this therapy's ability to slow down disease and also promote healing.

It does this by increasing ATP production in retinal cells. ATP is a molecule used for energy storage by cells. Enhanced production helps in protein synthesis. It also helps retinal cells absorb the required nutrients.

The increased blood circulation to the area leaves cells rejuvenated and re-energized. The stimulation therapy boosts the cells' ability of getting rid of waste products.

It is best to get MCS in early stages of macular degeneration but it can benefit people in advanced stages also.

The therapy is used in treating wet and dry macular degeneration as well as Stargardt's disease, retinitis pigmentosa, swelling and retinal vein occlusion including other retinopathies.

Friday, November 11, 2011

What Should I Expect When Going for Acupuncture to Lose Weight?

People around the world have accomplished a variety of goals and overcome certain conditions through acupuncture treatment. It involves inserting thin, sterile needles into certain acupuncture points on the body. Practitioners believe that this promotes positive energy flow and that by releasing positive energy, it pushes out the negative energy in the process. They believe that energy, called Qi, may get blocked due to stress, trauma, poor diet, or even a lack of exercise. Practitioners hold that unblocking this energy is essential in relieving the ailments that may manifest as a result.

If you're going for acupuncture to lose weight, expect the practitioner to target points that correspond to the liver and spleen-two organs thought by believers in Chinese medicine to correlate with being overweight and obese. Research has shown that many who have undergone acupuncture to help them lose weight have been successful in that goal. The treatment may benefit the metabolism, endocrine system (hormones), as well as the digestive system. It is also thought to help with cravings of foods, which may play a role in an individual being overweight.


The specific points chosen vill vary depending on the individual, but most sessions include points on the ear and the body. The goal is to increase blood flow to improve metabolism and to reduce the individual's desire to overeat. Acupuncture may also be beneficial to depression and anxiety, which often contribute to overeating `nd obesity. Stress is a big trigger for many who struggle with overeating. One of the biggest benefits of this treatment is its effect on reducing stress levels. Many believe this is aided by the release of endorphins during treatment.

While the reasons for the success of this ancient Chinese treatment are still relatively unknown, many studies have been conducted looking into its possible advantages. Many of these studies have reached positive conclusions about its benefits in a wide variety of areas including obesity and overeating. But this treatment alone is usually not enough to effectively lose weight. It may help to suppress the appetite, reduce stress and anxiety, and help improve metabolism, but a healthy diet and exercise routine are just as important, if not more so.

Without making the change to a healthier lifestyle, many who aim to shed pounds are doomed to find that their efforts are short-lived as their old habits begin to arise and their healthy lifestyle goes by the wayside. Keep this in mind as you go through any treatment or diet to lose weight.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Benefits of Acupuncture for Stress

Acupuncture is an old Chinese tradition this goes under the alternative medicine category. This method of relieving pain, stress, illnesses and diseases has been used on people for thousands of years. It has also been used to promote good health, blood flow and apply relaxation in the body. Acupuncture has been used to treat stress because stress is something many people feel at some point in their life. Finances, jobs, relationships, tasks and chores can sometimes seem too much for some people to handle.

The benefits of acupuncture for stress are worth a little poking and prodding. Some people are not fond of needles, but this method of alternative medicine is done by professionals. There are specific pressure points on the body that hit the exact nerves to relieve pain, tightness and stress. Everybody's body is different and of course everybody reacts differently to medications and treatments. Many women undergo acupuncture therapy while they are on fertility treatments. Stress levels, anxiety and pressure to conceive a child can take its toll on couples. Not only is it used on women trying to conceive, but many people who suffer from back injuries from falls and through work use acupuncture. Acupuncture needles hit the precise pressure point that will increase blood flow and relieve pain. It not only has great physical rewards, but psychological benefits as well. The mind feels the ease and calmness in the body after an acupuncture session. There are visible symptoms of stress, and it is important to know what they are. People who are under stress begin to make bad choices, suffer from memory loss, have mood swings, and feel lonely and depressed. They also begin to have a bad diet which can cause pain and increase illnesses in the body.


They begin to get sick because their immune system is weak from all the constant worrying and lack of a healthy lifestyle. Some people under stress begin a road of bad habits like drinking alcohol, using drugs and smoking cigarettes. There is good stress that can help people stay on their toes and complete hard tasks, but there is also bad stress. This kind of stress can cause physical and psychological harm to any person. It is unhealthy and needs to be treated soon. Everybody can use a little bit of stress relief to relax their minds and body. Depression is very real and stress is the beginning of it. There are many ways to reduce stress, and acupuncture is one of them. Along with this proven method, exercise, yoga, a good diet, support and some quiet time are other good ways in relieving stress. People get frustrated over school, work, family and other curve balls life might throw at them, but it is crucial to stay calm and to get treatment if necessary.

Bad stress can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, nervous breakdowns and other harmful effects to the body. Stress management is important to implement when a person is under pressure. People are bound to feel stress at some time in their life, but it is how they deal with it that will determine how it will affect their lives. Depression can occur if stress gets to be too much for people who can't handle it. Acupuncture is a great way of relieving stress because it relaxes the muscles in the body and causes a mental feel of tranquility. The benefits of acupuncture not only relieve stress but many other things as well. This is scientifically proven and a method used by professional