Healthy Life

Archive for November, 2009

Of the different types of acne medicine that need a doctor’s prescription, antibiotics are probably the most commonly used. How they work though in the treatment of acne is not exactly clear. For example, when antibiotics are used in the treatment of an infection such as a pneumonia, their effect by killing bacteria is quickly seen. However, in acne, antibiotics may take up to two months to show any improvement. As a result, many people give up before the medicine has had time to work.

Antibiotics can be used both as topical acne medicine as well as systemic acne medicine.

When used as topical acne medicine, they do not work as well as those taken orally. This may be because they do not penetrate the skin very well. Topical antibiotics do work well in acne of mild to moderate degree. And most people prefer to apply an acne medicine than to take it by mouth. However, they have to be used even when the acne has disappeared. The acne medicine has to be withdrawn gradually to minimise the appearance of new spots.

Examples of antibiotics used in topical acne medicine include tetracycline and clindamycin. As they are alcohol-based medicines, they may sting the skin. Tetracycline also has an interesting effect in very fair-skinned people – it becomes fluorescent under ultraviolet light ! So be careful when you go to a disco after having applied the acne medicine !

Both types of acne medicine break down after six to eight weeks and have to be replaced. It takes about two months before any benefit is obvious.  Read more...

Anti-Aging Agents

Wrinkles, sags, lines, freckles and “liver spots” are all normal accompaniments of aging–or are they? We hear so much hype about what goes on in the aging process it becomes really difficult to separate fact from fiction. However, we do know that there are some topical ingredients that will help the skin combat oxidative stress, regenerate tissue and heal itself. This list covers just a few of the anti-aging heavy hitters you will find in MV products. For a more complete discussion of aging, please visit the About Aging page.

Alpha-lipoic acid—A powerful anti-oxidant. Alpha lipoic acid’s antiaging benefits are in part likely related to its ability to increase levels of the amino acid glutathione, which also possesses anti-aging properties.

Australian bush plum– With the average vitamin C content of 3.0 – 3.5% (range= .2 to 5.9%) the bush plum provides the most concentrated natural source of vitamin C known. The typical bush plum contains about 2907 mg vitamin C per 100 grams of edible fruit.

Beta-carotene—a natural precursor to Vitamin A, whose cell regenerative properties have given it the reputation as the “skin vitamin.” Vitamin A is essential for skin health. Supplements are often given to help with cases of stubborn acne.

Carrot seed essential oil– This essential oil is widely appreciated for its ability to help heal dry and dehydrated skin. Carrot seed essential oil has a high carotol content, which provides good skin-rejuvenating properties. It also contains beta-carotine and it is rich in vitamins A & E. The oil’s aroma is sweet and it is an excellent essential oil for mature skin.

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Courses in herbal medicine (also known as botanical medicine or plant medicine) are typically included in most homeopathic, naturopathic, or Oriental medicine programs; however, there are a number of herbal medicine courses that are designed as certificate and/or degree programs (i.e., herbal sciences).

Though many herbology classes require physical attendance, there are some courses in herbal medicine that can be taken via home study or distance learning. It is always a good idea to review potential healing arts schools for the availability of these courses, and which one will best suit your personal and professional needs.

In addition to Western practices in botanical medicine, courses in herbal medicine instruct in the principles and philosophies of Eastern medicine as well. While academics may vary, comprehensive herbalism programs generally include studies in herbal identification and formulation, Materia Medica, anatomy and physiology, herbal medicine making, aromatherapy, herbal gardening, and more.

In advanced courses in herbal medicine, students can earn their Bachelor of Science degree with a major in herbal sciences. A typical curriculum in this educational program involves anatomy, microbiology, physiology, pharmacology, herbal sciences, biochemistry, organic chemistry, botany, herbal preparation, and natural health sciences, among others. Generally, bachelor degree programs take about two years to complete; and often require basic educational prerequisites.

In addition to core training, elective courses in herbal medicine may include organic gardening, flower essences, pharmacognosy, Ayurvedic medicine, medicinal mushrooms, cooking with herbs, and more.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about these or other holistic programs, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, naturopathy, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore courses in herbal medicine near you.

Courses in Herbal Medicine

Be My Friend – www.myspace.com Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – Clinical Nutrition An overview of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and how clinical nutrition can be used to address the problem. symptoms: difficulty with sleeping, muscle and/or joint pain at multiple sites without evidence of inflammation, headaches, painful lymph nodes that are not pathologically enlarged, sore throat, cognitive dysfunction, worsening of symptoms by physical or mental exertion, general malaise, dizziness and/or nausea and palpitations with no identifiable heart problem. Dr. Vincent Bellonzi BS,DC,CCN, CSCS, ACSM H/FI Dr.Vincent Bellonzi is a chiropractor and a Certified Clinical Nutritionist. He has been in practice for over 12 years. He received his Doctorate from Los Angeles College of Chiropractic in 1991. Since 1998, Dr. Bellonzi has practiced in the Austin area. He works with athletes at every level to provide sports conditioning and rehabilitation. Visit Dr. Bellonzi’s website at www.austinwellnessclinic.com This video was produced by Psychetruth www.myspace.com www.youtube.com © Copyright 2007 Austin Wellness Institute. All Rights Reserved.

Find Oriental Medicine Diplomas in the United States and Canada. Students pursuing Oriental medicine diplomas should know that most diploma programs in Chinese medicine and Oriental medicine can be successfully completed in a minimum of 3-6 years. In addition, while some acupuncture schools do not always require certain prerequisites, some career training programs offering Oriental medicine diplomas do (require prerequisite education). So it is critical that prospective students review all curriculum prerequisites prior to applying.

In the process of achieving their Oriental medicine diplomas, students will first learn the basics of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology. With hands-on training, students will also gain fundamental skills in acupuncture (needling techniques, meridians, etc.), moxibustion, acupressure, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, Tai Chi, Qi gong, and Tuina (Chinese medical massage), among other related subject matter.

In addition to aforementioned studies, students pursuing their Oriental medicine diplomas will learn about nutrition, vitamins, minerals and the history and principles of Chinese medicine.

Upon successful completion of all required course matter, students will often participate in a clinical internship where they will acquire practical training. Once graduates have achieved their Oriental medicine diplomas, they must become licensed in the State or Province in which they reside in order to become practicing Oriental medicine doctors and acupuncturists.

Once graduates have achieved their Oriental medicine diplomas, they must also remember that while they have accomplished a tremendous educational feat, that many states require Oriental medicine practitioners to maintain licensure by acquiring continuing education courses.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding programs offering Oriental medicine diplomas, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.  Read more...