Health Related Reading

Conducting a urine drug test requires four steps: collection, screening, confirmation, and review. Urine samples are commonly used to test the presence of various drugs in a person’s system because such testing is simple and mostly reliable. Not to mention, urine tests are much cheaper than other kinds – lab technicians usually aren’t required.

Likewise, the drug test kits used for urine testing are easy to store and they have a long shelf life. Some kits come in packs with gloves and cups; they are very easy to use. Twelve different drugs can be tested through this method but there are certain drawbacks. Urine sample contamination is not difficult, there is only a three-day window of detection, and some subjects find the process invasive and embarrassing.

Here is the process for a conducting a urine drug test:

• A temperature strip on the collection container guards against substitute samples and fraud. A tamper evident is put over the specimen container and then the subject is asked to initial the container and thus verify that there was no fraud.

• The specimen (urine) is then screened for drugs and drug metabolites. If there are positive results, a second test is conducted to confirm this. A physician or nurse then reviews the confirmed positives so that legitimate prescription drugs can be ruled out as contributors to the positive result.

• Some urine samples can be screened at the collection site and results can be known within minutes – others are screened at a laboratory. Negative results are accepted as is and are not confirmed or reviewed.

• Urine specimens that show the presence of drugs in the initial screening are examined again in a laboratory setting under two analytic techniques called gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Through gas chromatography, the various substances in the urine are separated and through mass spectrometry, they are shown as positive or negative.

• The laboratory results are then written out and given to the urine donor or the authority that required the test.

Warning about urine tests

The government has some new guidelines for drug testing that require all laboratories to perform “specimen integrity,” especially for urine tests. Since there is so much fraud, in that people simply use other people’s urine to submit a drug test, the effectiveness of tests comes into question. As well, laboratories have been ordered to not look for just marijuana and other illicit drugs, but for other additives that evidence contamination (like dilution and adulterants).

Giving rise to a plethora of services that have significantly changed the way we live, work and shop, the internet has also provided us with great benefits like multiple canvassing and buying products without having to leave home. Even medicines may now be conveniently bought online. However, unlike many products we purchase, online medicines are not something that can be taken lightly since there are some web sites that sell medicine that is unsafe and could put your life in danger.

There are many reasons why buying prescription drugs online can carry dangers. Here are some of them:

• Many of these sites are not liscensed pharmacies.

• Online sites often give incorrect diagnoses, causing your true condition to go untreated and possibly worsen.

• An unlicensed pharmacy may not consider protecting your personal information to be a top priority.

• There are fake medicines that are spread and sold throughout the internet. Likewise, medicines that contains ingredients that either too strong or too weak. And worst there may be dangerous ingredients added or the medicines are already expired. Medicines such as those mentioned are of course not FDA–approved which means that they have not passed safety standards for use set by the FDA.

It’s also best not to obtain prescriptions online. The best option is to visit a doctor personally so you can undergo the necessary physical check up. Getting prescription online is not a wise choice since you bypass the option of a complete physical check-up, a prerequisite in determining a diagnosis of any health condition. After your doctor has given you a prescription, then that is the only time that you can start purchasing your medicine online.

Here are some important tips to utilize when buying online medications:

Make sure that your chosen web site is a US state-licensed pharmacy. Legitimate pharmacies and pharmacists in the United States are licensed by the state’s board of pharmacy. The state board of pharmacy has the say on which web sites are licensed and are in good standing. If you want to see whether your chosen online pharmacy is on the list of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) you may simply visit the website of NABP and look for the name of your chosen online pharmacy. The NABP is a professional association of the state boards of pharmacy and it has a program that can help you search for some of their licensed pharmacies online.

Qualities of web sites to choose:

• Should be licensed by the state board of pharmacy where the web site is operating

• Always demand for a licensed pharmacist to answer your questions.

• A safe website should require a prescription from your doctor or other health care professionals who are licensed in the United States to write prescriptions for medications.

Likewise, make sure that your privacy is protected. Try to search privacy and security policies that are easy to find and easy to understand. Avoid divulging important personal information such as your social security number, credit card, medical or health history unless you are sure that the web site is safe and private. Also, if ever you find a web site that you feel is illegal, feel free to report the site to the NABP.

Gout is a painful condition that is caused by a build up of uric acid crystals in joints. In most cases, this will happen in the big toe, or between the big toe and the one next to it. The overabundance of this uric acid will crystallize and settle in that joint and be pretty painful. Though gout is mostly a problem that men face, women develop gout on occasion. It is like arthritis in nature, but it can be very easy to treat with the right diet and certain medications. It’s a great idea for anyone with this condition to watch what he or she eats. Knowing what foods to avoid with gout will help greatly when you are eating out in a restaurant.

The foods that seem to irritate those with gout the most are those high in purines. These compounds are found in the human body, and in many different foods making them hard to avoid at times. So, when suffering from gout you need to be careful about the types of foods that you chose. Some of these purines won’t bother a person, but for others it leads to pain, and extreme pain at times. Knowing which foods to pass up can help you avoid the very painful episodes of gout that can leave you feeling incapacitated.

Some of the biggest problems for those with gout seem to come from eating meats and seafood. That is not good news for many, but avoiding these two food groups can help keep the pain down to a minimum. It is suggested that meat consumption be limited to six ounces a day and replacing proteins with eggs, and low fat milk foods as these are low in purines.

Some foods that are high in purines are okay to eat in moderation, for example peas, mushrooms, and beans. You shouldn’t eat huge quantities but you don’t have to limit them as much as you should limit meats and seafood.

Fats too must be limited, and foods fried in oils are never a good idea. Coffee and tea seem to be okay, but alcohol is not. When you add all of this together, eating at home can get complicated, but eating out can be even worse.

When you look through a menu, you may find that you don’t know what to get and what you should skip. The trick is to know what is in a dish, and also, how it is prepared. As someone who suffers with gout you may have to learn how to take the things you’ve learned at home and use them when ordering in a restaurant.

Someone with gout is going to have a hard time choosing something off a menu to eat, though this does depend on where this person is eating. It is always a good idea to ask how a dish is prepared, and ask for modifications to suit your gout friendly style of eating.

Most restaurants these days are very good at altering dishes to help those who might be dieting or who have specific medical conditions. Ask for the leaner varieties of your favorite dishes. Knowing what foods to avoid with gout will make it much easier to choose meals that are tasty to eat without causing you a painful gout flare-up. With the right modifications and knowing which foods to avoid with gout, a meal in a restaurant does not have to lead to pain and discomfort

Grab your free copy of Lisa McDowell’s brand new Gout Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you find out about gout symptom and for information on gout home treatment please visit Cure Gout Now.

Hydrotherapy is a treatment that can help you get rid of gout, but is not the only alternative remedy out there.  Reflexology is a treatment that is often used to treat gout, and has worked effectively for some sufferers. 

What is reflexology?  Reflexology, also known as zone therapy, is an alternative treatment that involves the stimulation of specific points on the feet, hands and ears, for the purpose of promoting positive healing effects on other parts of the body.  Reflexology may also be used to improve overall health.  Although reflexology can be performed on the hands or ears, it is primarily administered to the feet, which is the method that would be used to get rid of gout.

A reflexologist believes that the foot is made up of various reflex zones that correspond to all of the other energy zones in the body.  The theory is that applying pressure through massage to the “gritty” or “tight” points of one’s foot will stimulate the body energy connected to the foot point encouraging self-healing.  Reflexology only seeks to cure imbalances in body energy and is not used to cure or diagnose medical conditions.

How does reflexology work?  A qualified practitioner massages designated points on the bare foot with their hands.  No other drugs or tools are used.  Reflexology treatment has been known to –
• Improve posture
• Improve circulation
• Increase the nutrients and oxygen in cells
• Improve chemical function in the body
• Remove toxins from the body
• Calms nerve endings
• Encourage overall relaxation
• Reduce stress
• Encourage normal body functioning
• Encourage pain management

What benefits does reflexology offer gout sufferers?  If a person needs to be rid of gout, reflexology can be used to help restore balance to the kidneys.  The kidneys are the organs that are in charge of uric acid production.  Therefore, if the body energy related to the kidneys is stimulated through the corresponding point in both feet (boot feet need to be involved as there are two kidneys), this could help the kidneys lower uric acid production. 

Reflexology can also be used to break up uric acid crystal deposits that may be present in the foot.

Are their side effects?  Side effects are not common.  However, some people may experience nausea, headaches or sinus congestion after treatment.   This side effect is commonly referred to as a “healing crisis”, and reflexologists believe it is caused by the body releasing toxins.  These side effects usually last no longer than 24 hours.

Precautions - Although reflexology may effectively get rid of gout in some sufferers, it is imperative that you know reflexology is a preventative gout treatment and should not be sought during an active case of gout.   Think about it - considering the pain gout causes in the foot can be so intense that the weight of a bed sheet is unbearable, just imagine how your foot would feel during a deep massage.  Ouch!

You should also consult your doctor before attempting reflexology treatment if you –
• Have kidney stones
• Are a diabetic
• Have problems with blood pressure
• Have cancer
• Severe problems with circulation in the legs or feet
• Have Osteoarthritis in the foot or ankle
• Are pregnant
 
Reflexology can be an effective treatment for gout if performed properly by an experienced practitioner.  Just make sure you consult your health care provider first to find out if this treatment is the best course of action for you to get rid of gout.

Grab your free copy of Lisa McDowell’s brand new Gout Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you find out about gout recipe and for information on gout symptom please visit Cure Gout Now. 

An acid reflux disease diet can help control the occurrence of acid reflux and decrease the risk of heartburn for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) sufferers.  Following a controlled diet is a matter of determining which foods trigger symptoms, and which foods are safe to eat.

Creating a two-week food diary, where you make a record of all the foods you ingest and the symptoms that follow, is the best way to discover the foods to eliminate.  After two weeks, you should then present your food diary to your doctor or dietician so he/she can help create a diet plan that is beneficial for you.

Although it is in your best interest to create a food diary, the following are 7 food categories and the related foods you should avoid, or are considered safe to eat in each.  The seven categories are:
1. Dairy
2. Meat
3. Grains
4. Vegetables and Fruit
5. Fats and oil
6. Sweets and snacks
7. Beverages

By knowing what you should and shouldn’t eat within each food category is how you create an acid reflux disease diet that effectively relieves symptoms by stopping them before they start.

Foods you should avoid
The following foods should be eliminated or dramatically limited in an acid reflux disease diet, as ingesting them, even in small quantities, can aggravate symptoms and lead to recurring heartburn.

Dairy – Cottage cheese, sour cream, ice cream and ice cream related products (I.E. milk shakes, floats, etc.)
Meat – Buffalo wings, chicken nuggets, ground beef, and marbled steak
Grains – Pasta with marinara sauce, macaroni and cheese
Vegetables & Fruit – Vegetables: raw onion, French fires, mashed potatoes.  Fruits: Citrus fruits and juices which include lemon, lime, lemonade, orange, orange juice, grapefruit and grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, tomato and tomato juice.
Fats and oil – Oily or creamy salad dressings, and essentially all fried or fatty processed Foods.
Sweets and Snacks – Chocolate, doughnuts, butter cookies, brownies, corn chips, and potato chips. 
Beverages – Alcohol, regular or decaffeinated coffee and tea, high-sugared drinks such as soda.

Foods considered safe
The following foods are considered safe to eat and shouldn’t aggravate your GERD symptoms; therefore, they can become a regular part of your acid reflux disease diet.

Dairy – Fat-free cream cheese, feta or goat cheese, low-fat soy cheese.
Meat – Extra lean ground beef, London broiled steak, skinless chicken breast, egg whites, imitation eggs, and fish without additional fat.
Grains – Whole grain or white bread, corn bread, oatmeal, bran cereal, white or brown rice
Vegetables & Fruit – Vegetables: broccoli, carrots, cabbage, peas, green beans, and baked potato. Fruits: banana, fresh or dried apple, apple juice.
Fats and oil – low fat salad dressing
Sweets and Snacks – Pretzels, baked potato chips, graham crackers, rice cakes, fat free cookies, red liquorice, and jelly beans
Beverages – Water

Occasional treats
Last, but not least, the following is a brief list of foods you can occasionally enjoy in your acid reflux disease diet, but should be consumed with discretion and in moderation as they can aggravate symptoms:

Dairy – Yogurt, cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Meat –fired eggs, fried fish, hot dog, ham and tuna salad.
Grains – Granola cereal and muffin.
Vegetables & Fruit – Vegetables: garlic, leeks, and green onions.  Fruits: low-acid orange juice, dried cranberries, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries.
Fats and oil – ketchup
Sweets and Snacks – low-fat cookies
Beverages – non-alcoholic drinks and carbonated drinks

Finally, keep in mind that the above food lists are only general guidelines.  Some of the foods considered safe to eat for one heartburn sufferer may not be the same for another.  Therefore, make sure you keep a food diary to determine what the best acid reflux disease diet is for you, so you can effectively treat and prevent your symptoms.

Grab your free copy of Kathryn Whittaker’s brand new Acid Reflux & GERD Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you find out about acid reflux cause and for information on acid reflux relief please visit Stop Acid Reflux Now.

Orthotics can provide many people with foot pain support and relief, and it may just be one of the methods you use when you suffer an injury to your foot.  However, before you decide if orthotic inserts are for you, it is important that you first know how to treat your particular foot injury. 

Most foot injuries involving the toe, foot or ankle that are caused from sports, work, or falling - and are not fractures - will heal naturally with proper home treatment.  These injuries are usually characterized by symptoms including: bruising, swelling, inflammation (heat), throbbing and pain in the affected area. 

Treating your foot injury at home – First and foremost, you should treat your injury with R.I.C.E - 

Rest – Stay off your foot whenever you can.

Ice – For the first two day following the injury, apply ice to the injured area for 20 minutes, wait for 40 minutes, and repeat the cycle. Ice should be wrapped in a cloth before being applied.

Compression – Use an ACE® bandage to provide compression and support to your injured foot.  Wrap the bandage lightly (not tightly) around your foot.

Elevation - keep your injured foot elevated above your chest.  This can be achieved by propping your foot up on pillows. 

In addition to R.I.C.E, effective ways to treat your foot injury include -

Heating pad – After the first two days, a heating pad or warm compress may provide relief and help sooth aching joints.  Follow the same method applied to ice.

Over-the-counter pain relievers – NSAIDs (Non-sterodial anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. 

Take baths – Take tepid baths, especially during the few days following the injury.  Keep your injured foot rested on the side of the tub and this will help you avoid getting it wet and keep pressure off.

Walk with support – When walking, you should take someone’s arm for support, or walk with a cane, crutch or walker to keep pressure off your injured foot.

Avoid exercises and massages – Unless recommended by your doctor, do not use exercises or massages to help heal your injury.   These methods will only aggravate the issue and likely cause more inflammation, prolonging healing.

Check toenails for blanching – Every day, press your thumb into the nail bed of your big toe (as long as it’s not injured) on the injured foot.  When you apply pressure, your nail will turn white.  If after you remove your thumb your toenail stays white longer than 6 seconds, your foot is not receiving proper circulation.  This is a serious concern, and you should visit your doctor right away.

By following the above treatment, starting with R.I.C.E, you should notice a reduction in swelling within 48 hours.  However, keep in mind that it can take as long as 6 weeks before your foot is fully recovered from an injury.  Therefore, you need to keep pressure off it as often as possible.

When to seek medical assistance – You need to determine whether or not your injury might be a fracture.  If you have broken a bone you need the assistance of a doctor. The following are fracture symptoms:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Warmth, redness or bruising
- Obvious deformity
- Difficulty using or moving normally

Since many of these symptoms are similar to foot injuries such as sprains, torn muscles, tendons or ligaments, it may be difficult to determine if you have a broken bone, as you may have only suffered a mild fracture. 

Therefore, it’s always best to consult your doctor about your injury if you are unsure of its seriousness, have a high fever (99.6° F or higher, lasting longer than 24 hours), your foot pain becomes worse, or you are not seeing an improvement after a significant period of time. 
By Dave Wilson. Sign up for a free newsletter & discover how to treat your foot pain with targeted footpain relief treatments. Discover how lifestyle changes can get rid of footpain.

The pain of a gout attack is not something a sufferer soon forgets, which is why finding treatment that provides sufficient relief for an attack is mandatory. Although there are different medications to treat gout, there are also different non-drug treatments such as tissue salts which can provide relief.

What are tissue salts? They are inorganic compounds that play a vital role in the function and growth of cells in the body. Mineral tissue salts exist in the human body and were found to be beneficial in treating certain health conditions by Dr. Wilhem Schüessler, a 19th century German doctor.

Schüessler theorized that tissue salts were essential for bodily tissues to function normally and prevent health problems. Hence, by ingesting the deficient tissue salts, a resulting illness could heal. To prove his theory, Schüessler conducted studies on his own patients and achieved successful results.

How do mineral tissue salts work to ease a gout attack? First of all, there are 12 mineral salts:
1. Calcium fluoride
2. Calcium phosphate
3. Calcium sulphate
4. Ferrum phosphate
5. Kali muriaticum
6. Kali phosphate
7. Kali sulphate
8. Magnesium phosphate
9. Natrum muriaticum
10. Natrum phosphate
11. Natrum sulphate
12. Silica

Different combinations of these tissue salts make up every cell in the body. Each tissue salt is designed to correct deficiencies or imbalances that occur in cells. They work by restoring, maintaining and improving good health when used as long-term treatment.

The mineral tissue salts used for treating a gout attack are –

Natrum phosphate – This tissue salt is an acid neutralizer. It helps to regulate bile and is constituent of the fluid between cells and is also an element of brain, blood, muscle and nerve cells. This tissue salt helps to treat all forms of inflammation, especially inflammation caused by gout. Natrum phosphate is commonly used for treating chronic gout as it helps with the production of overacidity.

Natrum sulphate – This tissue salt eradicates excessive water from blood, tissue and other body fluids. It cleans and purifies toxins from the fluid that borders each of the body’s cells. Natrum sulphate plays an essential role in the healthy functioning of the pancreas and the liver. It is ideal for treating gout attacks that occur after eating purine rich foods and alcohol. This is because it effectively eliminates the toxins associated with each food product from the body.

How are mineral tissue salts taken? Mineral tissue salts come in tablet form and are usually taken before drinking or eating, and are dissolved under the tongue. The recommended dosage of mineral salts depends on the severity of a gout attack. However, the general dosage for an adult is 4 tablets taken 3 times daily. For more acute attacks, tissue salts may be taken every hour. Once symptoms have subsided, the dosage of salts is lowered and treatment is slowly stopped over the course of 3-5 days until it is ceased altogether.

How quickly will you experience relief from gout symptoms? Usually it takes 1-2 weeks before effective relief occurs. This is normal, because your body will need this time to regain its natural balanced state. Thus, a standard mineral tissue salt treatment can last for a number of months.

How safe is this treatment? When taking the recommended dosage, tissue salts are quite safe and do not have any notable side effects. However, if you suffer from a chronic health problem or have high blood pressure, you should consult your doctor before using mineral tissue salts.

Where can you find tissue salts? You may find them in your local health or nutrition store or online. Nevertheless, be sure to consult your doctor before taking this treatment for a gout attack, as mineral salts should be prescribed by a qualified individual who is experienced in this alternative medicine.

By Lisa McDowell. Sign up for a free newsletter & discover how to treat your gout attack with a exercise as an effective natural cure for gout. Discover how lifestyle changes can get rid of gout.

One of the best ways to find a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating fibromyalgia is to join a fibromyalgia support group. However, finding a doctor isn’t the only reason to join a support group; meeting and sharing your feelings, opinions, and knowledge with others who suffer the same, are also excellent reasons.

The following are some benefits a fibromyalgia support group can offer:

Let go of isolation and depression and embrace new friends – There is no reason that you should feel you suffer from fibromyalgia alone. There are millions of people who are forced to live with fibromyalgia and are faced with its not-so friendly symptoms of chronic extreme fatigue and intense pain in the body.

Don’t isolate yourself from others by wallowing in your own misery when you can be talking and getting support from those who understand exactly what you are feeling and going through. comWhat is Eldepryl (Selegiline). Learn about Eldepryl from the publishers of the Physicians Desk Reference. Generic Eldepryl We have the answers you seek. Many doctors add Eldepryl to help control the need forELDEPRYL (selegiline hydrochloride) is a levorotatory acetylenic derivative of phenethylamine. A support group can help you fight feelings of isolation and depression the natural way by opening up to others.
Learn and teach – Do you know everything there is to know about fibromyalgia? Likely not. The more you know about your condition and all the treatment methods available, the better chance you have of seeking treatment that is right for your particular fibromyalgia case.

When you talk to fellow members you can ask them about what medical and alternative treatments they’ve tried and their opinions on each. Find out which ones they liked, disliked, continue to use, and if there are any side effects. You can return the favor and share your treatment experiences with others.

In addition, learning and teaching in fibromyalgia groups isn’t only for those suffering from the condition. Support groups are also ideal for close friends and family members who wish to learn more about your condition so they can better understand and even help spread the word.

Learn about what’s going on in the fibromyalgia community – Since fibromyalgia affects so many people, there are many programs, fundraisers, clinical trials and other events that help to raise awareness, find effective treatments, and give hope for a cure. Through the help of a support group, you can get involved in your community and in others to raise awareness and support the fight against fibromyalgia.

How to find a fibromyalgia support group
Fibromyalgia support groups can be found locally and onlin Licensed Pharmacy. Compare Cardura prices from every licensed pharmacy & save 20 to 85%. Generic Minipress What does Minipress mean. A crystalline vasodilator, C 19 H 21 N 5 O 4 , used in the form Prazosin, trade names Minipress,Vasoflex and Hypovase, is a sympatholytic drugRelax. e. Therefore, if you find your condition debilitating or don’t feel like going out, you can get in touch with others through your home computer and internet connect Aug 9, 2007 VasotecLearn about the prescription medication VasotecBuy Prinivil for Less - Free Shipping Plus 100% Delivery Guarantee. Explains the medication enalapril (Vasotec), a drug used alone in treating high blood pressure. Generic Vasotec He is complaining that he cannot remember anything ever since he started taking this specific drug. Consumer information about the medication ENALAPRIL MALEATE - ORAL (Vasotec(Diagrams above are enalapril and ( Merck, Sharp & Dohme) under the traBuy Zocor at wholesale cost. ion. You just need to know where to John believes that thebuy viagra soft tabs, viagra soft tabs online, viagra soft tabs price Buy Viagra Soft Tabs Online. for men everywhere — this time trying to discover whether or not Soft Tabs can perform as they promiseViagra Soft Tabs. Generic Viagra Soft Licensed Pharmacy. Watch a videoSusan purchase viagra soft tabs Baker of the Boston Children’s Hospital in australia viagra cialis purchase Parents’ Guide to Nutrition. look. Here is how you can find local and online support groups–

Local Search
- Ask your health care provider, neurologist, physical therapist, etc.
- Call your hospital to find out what is available in your area
- Conduct an online search for local groups using the keywords “fibromyalgia support group” with your city name (I.E. “fibromyalgia support group Wisconsin”)

Online Search
- Do a general search for fibromyalgia and investigate the top 10 sites your search results return
- Search for the keywords “fibromyalgia” and “online support”, “message boards” or “forum”, or “online support” (IE. “fibromyalgia message boards”)

An excellent fibromyalgia websites you can visit that offers support and plenty of information is the National Fibromyalgia Association – fmaware.org

Joining a fibromyalgia group can help you better cope with your condition both physically and mentally. There is no reason to let fibromyalgia destroy your life when you have the power to reach out to others and let others reach out to you.

By Jane Thompson. Sign up for a free newsletter & discover proven natural methods to help you combat the pain and frustration of Fibromyalgia. On the site you’ll also find more about the different early symptoms of fibromyalgia and which treatment for fibromyalgia works.

Exercise is excellent at preventing gout, but it isn’t the best treatment when it comes to easing a gout attack.  However, this doesn’t mean that you need to turn to medication to ease your pain and discomfort.  There are plenty of alternative and complimentary remedies out there you may want to try first.  One such alternative or complimentary therapy is acupressure. 

What is acupressure?  Acupressure, also known as a Shiatsu massage, is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that is based on the same principles as acupuncture.   Essentially, the belief is that the body has approximately 2000 trigger points that are linked throughout the body via 20 different meridians.  Qi (life energy) flows throughout the meridians between the surface of the body and its internal organs.  Qi uniquely affects all of the trigger points it flows through bringing balance to both the mind and body.

When the body suffers injury or illness, qi becomes unbalanced.  Thus by performing acupressure on the particular points of the body related to the affected area, these points can be used to direct the nervous system to release muscular tension and increase blood flow to the injured parts.  In other words, balance is restored.

The main difference between, acupuncture and acupressure is the application. Acupuncture uses needles, while acupressure primarily uses fingers or thumbs to apply pressure to the trigger points to encourage circulation and self-healing in the body.  

What are the benefits of acupressure for gout sufferers?  Acupressure provides many gout sufferers with relief from pain, resulting from inflammation of gout-infected joints.  Acupressure can also:
- Increase circulation
- Reduce tension
- Relieves stress
- Enables the body to achieve deep relaxation
- Maintain health

How to perform acupressure – Acupressure is performed by applying gentle, but firm pressure to a specific trigger point with the finger, thumb or knuckle.  Pressure is usually applied for 15 – 30 seconds.    You will know when the trigger point has been found as you will feel a sharp jolt, immediately followed by a tingling or numbing sensation.  This sensitivity is normal, and usually decreases over time.  When pressure is released, there is often immediate pain relief.

Although acupressure is a treatment that requires no equipment, oils, etc. to work, it is important that you know how to properly perform acupressure before applying it to yourself or others.  There are plenty of online resources and self-help guides that can educate and teach you how to perform acupressure, but it is recommended that you seek treatment and instruction from a qualified and experienced acupressure therapist before engaging in acupressure on your own.

For instance, even though a diagram can show you every acupressure trigger point on the body, not all points can help you achieve relief from gout pain and discomfort.  Every illness has its own specific trigger points that need to be targeted based on the ailment and the area of the body where one is experiencing symptoms. 

For example, if you were to visit magnecare.co.uk, you would find a diagram of acupressure points and discover that the recommended trigger points to relieve gout pain are -
41 –Located just above the inside ankle
63 –Located on the lower back near the spine
65 – Located in the middle of the buttock
66 – Located on the backside of your hip
67 – Located directly behind your knee
68 - Located in the middle of your calf

However, depending on where you are experiencing gout pain, not all of these trigger points need to be addressed.

To find a local qualified acupressure therapist, ask your doctor, a physiotherapist, the local hospital, or check the yellow pages.  You can also search online by using your city name and “acupressure therapist” as the keyword search.

Remember, if you want effective pain relief from a gout attack, acupressure must be performed properly.

By Lisa McDowell. Sign up for a free newsletter & discover the cause of gout treatments. On the site you’ll also find more about the various gout home treatment options and how to get rid of gout.  

Acupuncture is another alternative treatment, like cupping therapy, which has been effectively used to provide some fibromyalgia patients relief from painful symptoms. However, unlike cupping therapy that has been adapted from traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is traditional Chinese medicine.

What is acupuncture? Acupuncture has existed for more than three thousand years and originated in China. It is an ancient Chinese practice that has been used throughout time for treating painful symptoms that occur from a variety of health ailments. Its purpose is to improve the overall functioning of the body by restoring balance to the body’s natural life force known as “chi”.

Chi flows through 14 meridians (unseen channels within the body), and each meridian is connected to various trigger points (known as acupoints) throughout the body. Thus, everything is interconnected, which means when specific acupoints related to the health problem are stimulated, this helps to bring balance to the body as a whole.

How is it performed? Acupuncture is a treatment that involves inserting short, solid hair-thin needles into specific acupoints on the body. There are numerous acupoints located all over the body. The ones that are focused on during a session are related to the health problem suffered by the patient.

Usually, before an acupuncture session begins, the acupuncture therapist with ask a fibromyalgia sufferer specific question related to the symptoms they experience, and if there are any other treatments they are currently using. The therapist will then check the pulse and the texture and color of the tongue in order to determine which acupoints should be targeted. A therapist may target as many as 15 acupoints in one session.

Once the acupoints are decided, the needles will then be inserted. The insertion of the needles is not and should not be a painful experience. Many people describe it as a slight pinch or a dull ache or tingling feeling in the affected area. Needles are usually left in the body for 20 minutes.

After the session, some people find they are totally relaxed, their limbs feel heavy, or that they are energized. However, bear in mind that everyone responds differently to treatment.

Are there any side effects? Some individuals experience side effects such as fainting, fatigue, headache and nausea, but this is extremely rare and usually only occurs in those suffering from complications, and when treatment is performed by someone who is not qualified. However, it’s a good idea to talk to you doctor about acupuncture treatment before perusing it.

How does acupuncture benefit fibromyalgia? Medical studies have found that acupuncture is quite successful at relieving fibromyalgia symptoms for up to one month after treatment. The symptoms it effectively relieves include:

• Decreases and relieves pain
• Reduces feelings of depression
• Increases energy and reduces fatigue

It is believed that acupuncture needles help to increase blood flow in fibromyalgia sufferers, and the increase in circulation helps decrease the number of sensitive points and improve overall muscle health. It is also believed by Western medicine that the reason acupuncture is so successful at reducing and relieving pain is because it increases the level of endorphins (natural painkillers in the body) and may block pain impulses to the brain.

How can you find an acupuncture therapist? Ask your…
• Health care provider
• Physical therapist
• Neurologist
• Hospital
• Fibromyalgia support group

You can also do an online search using the keywords “acupuncture” or “acupuncture therapy” and your city name.

Make sure you receive acupuncture therapy form a qualified and experienced acupuncture therapist. If a therapist does not have a license find out their educational background and how long they have been practicing acupuncture. It also doesn’t hurt to ask for referrals. Remember, acupuncture can be painful, cause bleeding, organ puncture, and lead to side effects if not performed correctly.

By Jane Thompson. To find out more about Fibromyalgia diagnosis and for information on Fibromyalgia characteristics please visit Treat Endometriosis, where you can also sign up for a free newsletter focusing on treating endometriosis.