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October 21, 2004

Western herbal medicine

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The use of plants as medicines is steeped in thousands of years of tradition and can be found in all societies in every part of the world. In countries such as China or India traditional healing therapies are used by up to 60 per cent of the population as primary treatments. What is Western Herbal Medicine? Herbal medicine, or herbalism, is the use of plants as medicines to treat illness or disease. It most often forms the basis of naturopathic medicine, although it is also practised in its own right. Herbal medicine is based on the principle of holistic healing. Rather than simply treating the symptoms of an illness, a herbalist will look deeper to find the causes. Herbs are used to encourage the body’s natural healing process by assisting with the elimination of toxins, and by revitalising the organs and body systems. In Australia, the majority of herbal medicines are made by commercial companies and sold over the counter in tablet or liquid form, which are then blended into tailored prescriptions by qualified herbalists. Each product must be registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration and only accredited practitioners can buy liquids for blending and dispensing. More traditional ways of administering herbal medicines include: as a tea, as a steam inhalation or as a decoction (a medicinal liquid made from boiling the tough part of the plant). Treatment On your first appointment, the herbalist will try to gain an understanding of the factors in your life that may be affecting your health. He or she may ask you to fill out a questionnaire about your medical history, family background, occupation, diet and exercise, bowel habits, intake of substances such as caffeine, alcohol or nicotine, stress factors and, of course, your current symptoms. The herbalist may also check your hair, skin, nails or tongue for signs of illness or deficiency. You may also be referred for diagnostic tests (such as blood or urine analysis), if necessary. Once armed with the necessary information, your herbalist will most likely prepare a tailored prescription for you by blending five or six liquid remedies in one bottle. Each herb is chosen carefully to meet your most pressing needs. It will usually need to be taken two or three times daily with water or juice. Your herbalist may also recommend changes to your diet, strategies to cope with stress, or certain vitamins or supplements to accompany your prescription. You could expect an initial appointment with a herbalist to last about an hour. Follow-up appointments usually last about half an hour. Origins Written records detailing the healing power of plants go back to the ancient civilisations of China (2500 BC), India (2500 BC) and Egypt (1700 BC). Western herbal medicine can most likely trace its roots to the writings of the Greek physician Hippocrates (circa 400 BC), who categorised the particular health-giving qualities of all foods and herbs. By about 170 AD, the Roman court physician Galen added to Hippocrates’ ideas by documenting complex herbal remedies, which became known as the Galenical Principles. Benefits Herbalists say their treatments can be used for a wide range of conditions. They may be particularly helpful for skin conditions, reproductive problems, chronic fatigue syndrome and digestive problems. Herbalists say their treatments are gentle enough to be used alongside orthodox medicines and that using a low-level herbal remedy can often help to gradually reduce reliance on other medicines. A good example of this is the use of herbal medicine to slowly decrease the need for anti-inflammatory drugs used to relieve the symptoms of arthritis. Cautions Avoid self-diagnosing and self-prescribing – you could be doing yourself more harm than good. Herbal medicines can cause adverse reactions if you do not follow dosage instructions. Always consult a qualified herbalist for advice. Herbal medicines can react with other drugs. Always keep your herbalist and your doctor in the picture about everything you are taking. You should be particularly cautious if you are taking blood-pressure medication, hormonal therapies or anti-depressants.

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October 21, 2004

Chinese herbal medicine

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The use of plants as medicines is steeped in thousands of years of tradition and can be found in all societies in every part of the world. In countries such as China or India traditional healing therapies are used by up to 60 per cent of the population as primary treatments. What is Chinese Herbal Medicine? Chinese herbalism forms part of the wider practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) which also incorporates acupuncture, massage, dietary therapy and mind-body exercises such as tai chi. All of these disciplines are based on the notion of qi (pronounced “chee”), the body’s life-force energy. If qi is out of balance, illness is more likely to occur. In Chinese herbal medicine, the practitioner aims to bring harmony to the body through the use of treatments in the form of tea, soups, pills or dried powders. These are often used in conjunction with other therapies such as acupuncture. Five elements Chinese medicine practitioners prescribe herbs based on five elements – earth, fire, metal, water and wood – which correspond to particular parts of the body. For example, earth is associated with the spleen, stomach, mouth and muscles. The belief is that all these elements must be working in harmony to maintain good health. The practitioner will determine any imbalances by a thorough examination of all aspects of your mental, physical and emotional health. Yin and yang The opposing energies of yin and yang are equally significant. Yin represents internal, cold, passive and feminine. Yang is external, warm, active and masculine. Harmony and health are only achieved when there is balance between the polar opposites. If you have an excess of yin, for example, you may be susceptible to chills, colds or fatigue. Too much yang may leave you open to fever or headaches. Treatment Chinese herbal medicine uses the same process of diagnosis as other forms of TCM. The practitioner will be particularly interested in the appearance of your skin, eyes and hair, looking for signs of any imbalance. The tone of your voice, how you breathe and even your smell will be noted. Your tongue will be carefully examined for colour, texture and coating as it is considered a good indicator of health. Perhaps the most intricate part of diagnosis is the measuring of pulses. These pulses, which are said to be in six locations at three depths on each wrist, are used to determine the quality of your qi as well as to pick up any imbalances in your yin and yang. You could expect your first consultation to take at least one hour. Once the practitioner has made an assessment of your state of health, he or she will most likely prescribe a combination of herbs (anywhere from two to 20) to address your particular complaint and symptoms. The herbs are usually boiled in water and made into a concentrated soup or tea. For straightforward ailments, a standard formula may suffice. These are usually available in the form of pills, powder or teas. Origins The ancient healing system of Chinese herbal medicine originated more than 4000 years ago during the Han Dynasty. The fundamental principles were laid down in a text called “The Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine” around 2500 BC. Over time, the system has developed and been added to, but many of the core principles remain the same today. Benefits An Australian study has shown Chinese herbal medicine is an effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. There is also some evidence to suggest it is helpful in the treatment of asthma, arthritis, cancer, infertility, high blood pressure, lupus, breast lumps, Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia. Cautions Contaminants such as lead, cadmium and mercury, as well as pharmaceuticals such as steroids, diuretics and aspirin, have been detected in some imported Chinese herbs. Make sure your practitioner is reputable, qualified and experienced and check the source of the herbs. If in doubt, contact the Australian Traditional Medicine Society or the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association. Both organisations provide a national referral service.

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October 21, 2004

Five ways to get instant energy

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Your body creates energy from nutrients, oxygen, and invigorating stimuli, such as fragrance. These natural mood and body boosters suit busy lives because they give an instant lift and are so simple to do. 1. Massage your ears According to traditional Chinese medicine, stimulating acupressure points on your ears increases blood circulation, and thus energy. Vigorously rub your ears all over for about one minute. They should start to feel hot; almost immediately, you should feel more alert.

2. Drink water Many people feel tired because they’re dehydrated. If you don’t drink enough water, body fluids become thicker and move more sluggishly, making circulation slow and impairing the chemical reactions in cells that produce energy.

3. Snack for long-term energy Eating simple carbohydrates like cakes and biscuits results in a brief spurt of energy, but it’s usually followed by a crash. Instead, the best snacks provide a mix of protein, complex carbohydrates, and fat, because the body metabolises these slowly. Smart snack choices include: apple slices with peanut butter, multigrain toast with hummous or low-fat cheese, porridge with dried fruit and honey; or plain low-fat yogurt with a handful of chopped fresh fruit.

4. Make a splash Dip a face cloth in cold water and wet both the front and back of your neck. Then gargle with cold water for a couple of seconds. Your neck and throat are rich with sensitive nerves; by stimulating them with the cold water, you shock them into the ‘fight-or-flight’ reaction which temporarily shifts more blood towards your brain.

5. Breathe fire Sitting for long stretches of time causes carbon dioxide to build up in your blood, which in turn makes you sleepy. The ‘breath of fire’ is a traditional yoga exercise which helps clear the lungs completely. First, breathe in deeply through your nose; then exhale using 15 to 20 short, sharp bursts, clenching your stomach muscles to really push out each burst. Repeat three times.

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October 21, 2004

Choosing sport shoes

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Feet are the foundations of the body and whether you’re a weekend warrior pounding the pavement or an elite athlete on track, the right footwear can make a big difference to your training, performance and recovery. The right footwear assists proper foot biomechanics, which is also critical in injury prevention, particularly when it comes to the lower limbs and back. In this article we bring you some top tips from leading sports medicine expert, Dr George Janko, Director of McKinnon Sports Medicine centre in Melbourne. Minimise pronation Pronation is the term given to the slight rolling in of the forefoot as your foot strikes the ground. Excessive pronation, which occurs in over 50% of the population, leads to outside heel strike and an over roll of the forefoot. According to Dr Janko, “A significant number of injuries such as achilles tendonitis, shin splints and calf tears are caused by excessive pronation.”

Unfortunately, pronation is also responsible for tight calf muscles (especially the medial gastrocnemius – one of the long calf muscles) and the tighter your calf muscles are the more you will pronate. According to Dr Janko, “It’s one of those vicious circles which continues and continues until it is broken.” Go for:

“Elastic laces are not the best choice when it comes to preserving foot stability. I recommend that for all but those with the most stable foot, use elastic laces for competitions only. Replace your laces with normal non-stretch laces at all other times.”

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October 15, 2004

Sensitive paws

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Question:

Last December my son adopted a three-year-old Staffy-cross. Sam is a very active dog who loves walks and fetching. The problem is his paws are extremely sensitive and Sam quite often gets blisters and cuts. Most of the time we resist his compulsion to fetch, which reduces most of the cuts, but just a gentle walk along the footpath still often results in blisters. Is there a way we can toughen up his paws and alleviate this problem altogether? We would love to be able to throw sticks for Sam to fetch.

Lyn Frey, via e-mail.

Answer:

Take him to a vet to check there is not an underlying contact allergy, sunburn or other skin disorder contributing to his sensitivity. If he gets the all clear, then you need to come up with ways he can still have fun without hurting his feet.

Firstly, only walk him on grass and soft surfaces that are less likely to aggravate or cut his paws. Secondly, rest him when his paws are sore. They may also need some topical treatment or antibiotics if they are really flaky or infected which your vet can advise on. Finally, if he is obsessive-compulsive in other aspects of his life there may be an underlying anxiety issue your vet could go through with you and help manage.

The great news is you can get booties made for this exact problem that come in all sizes and in strong water-resistant fabrics that do up with Velcro straps around the ankles. Investing in a set of these may just be the answer to all your problems. Muttlucks are one brand but there are a few around. Ask your vet or pet store to order them in for you, or search for “dog booties” online and you’ll find loads!

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October 15, 2004

Flea bites

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Question:

When a dog is bitten by a flea it’s very annoying for them and their owner. But I’ve discovered that if you rub a little olive oil with your finger on the affected area, the bite is eased and the dog stops scratching.

Answer:

Adriana, via e-mail.

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October 15, 2004

I faked the forced entry of a robbery!

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A year ago, I traveled to America to become an au pair, where you live in another’s home and care for their children. I was lucky to be working for a lovely family, who owned a nice house and a car that I was allowed full use of.

One day, I was asked to pick the children up from school and take them to their friends’ house where they were staying the night. I left the house that afternoon a little earlier in order to go for a quick shop before picking the kids up, but I ended up arriving at the shops later than I’d expected. I didn’t have that much time, so I quickly parked the car and entered the supermarket, forgetting to lock the car doors.

Fifteen minutes later I returned to the car, only realising then that I had forgotten to lock it up. As I jumped in, a sudden panic rose inside of me. I finally noticed that the children’s overnight bags and one of the kid’s scooters were missing. The car had obviously been robbed and expensive items, including the scooter and a Game Boy, were stolen. I immediately burst into tears, knowing that it was all my fault because I left the car unlocked. I also began to worry about what the family would say and think of me, as they had warned me earlier about the crime in that area.

As I became more and more worried, I suddenly decided that I couldn’t take the blame for it, so I came up with a scam to cover my negligent act! I drove the car around the corner and smashed the window in with a rock — making it appear that the robber had forced entry into the car. At the time, it didn’t hit me that what I was doing would only cause the family more expenses; all I was concerned with was taking the blame away from me!

That evening was a bad one as I spent most of the time stewing over my deception of that family and deeply regretting what I had done. What made the guilt worse was that after seeing me so upset, the family continued to attempt to comfort me by saying, “It wasn’t your fault, don’t worry about it.”

I now only wonder how they would feel if they ever found out the truth!

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October 14, 2004

Dysphagia — a hard act to swallow.

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By Annette Campbell

Murray Corbett appreciates a good steak, perhaps more than most! The 41-year-old recruitment company director and father of three from Newcastle, north of Sydney, has spent about 18 months of his life being unable to swallow properly — a condition called dysphagia.

“A few minutes after I’d eat or drink anything, I’d have to race to the toilet and vomit,” he explains. “If ever we were at a restaurant, I’d have to do this maybe seven or eight times throughout the meal.”

Murray first had trouble swallowing in 2002. He suffered a range of conflicting symptoms, which made his condition difficult to diagnose. He saw several doctors to try to find out what was going on, but no one had any definite answer — he was even told it could be cancer of the oesophagus.

In the meantime, Murray existed on only small bits of food, so was losing lots of weight and almost permanently dehydrated. “I lost about 10kg, and the fact that I didn’t know why made life pretty difficult,” he says.

Murray then decided to see another specialist who he’d heard was the “top” doctor in this area. Dysphagia is usually a symptom of other conditions, and the specialist diagnosed Murray with something called achalasia straight away.

“The oesophagus is like a ‘sausage case’, and when you swallow, the muscles work in unison to push food down into the stomach,” Murray explains. “Then a valve, where the oesophagus joins the stomach, opens at the right time and allows food to drop into the stomach.

“But with achalasia, that valve clamps shut because nerves in the lower oesophagus die, so there’s no signal to the valve to open. Therefore anything you eat or drink backs-up in the oesophagus, because that ‘trap door’ is not opening. So then you’ve just got to expel it.”

The treatment for achalasia was a procedure where they insert a “balloon” down the oesophagus. When the balloon straddles the valve it is inflated to stretch the valve to the point where it partly tears. Then, because it’s torn, it becomes loose and doesn’t clamp shut again.

Murray was told his treatment should correct the condition permanently, but he may need to have the treatment repeated in about 10 years. Now steak and his other favourite, chicken foccacia, are back on the menu.

“It’s such a relief,” he says. “Not just to be eating normally again, but simply to know what was wrong. For a while there I was scared because some of the earlier prognoses were pretty bleak.

“My whole outlook has changed. I have a lot to live for … I am a happy man.”

What is dysphagia?

Dysphagia is the medical term for any symptom of swallowing difficulty.

It can be caused by neurological conditions affecting the muscles of the pharynx (throat), such as Parkinson’s disease, MS, stroke, cerebral palsy, head and neck surgical procedures, and certain medications. It can also be caused by a wide range of problems with the oesophagus such as achalasia, acid reflux disease and cancer.

People of all ages can be affected, and to various levels of severity – from difficulty swallowing certain liquids, foods and saliva, or even a complete inability to swallow.

This means sufferers may not be able to take in enough food and fluids to nourish and hydrate their body.

If you’d like a free booklet called Living with Dysphagia, phone: (02) 9928 1516 or e-mail [email protected]

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October 12, 2004

Summer and your pet

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Many of us love summer and look forward to those warm, long days. But spare a thought for your pet who might not enjoy the warmer weather as much as you do. Pet owners have to take special care in summer months that their pets are comfortable in the high temperatures.

Your pet needs to have somewhere cool and shady to retreat to. Dogs and cats will appreciate the shade of a large, leafy tree or a cool veranda. The enclosures of pets that are caged, such as rabbits, guinea pigs or birds, must never be in direct sunlight. If you have a bird or fish, keep in mind that even sun on a mild day streaming through a window can be hot enough to harm your pet. And make sure that a cage that isn’t in the sun in the morning stays that way as the sun and shade moves during the day.

Your pet will need a good supply of cool, clean water in hot weather, especially since they’ll be drinking more in summer. If your pets are solo through the day, leave more than one container of water for them in case one lot is knocked over. If your pet is locked in a house or shed during the day, the space needs to be well ventilated and don’t forget how hot a steel structure such as a shed or garage can get on a warm day.

Most pet owners know how dangerous a hot car can be for their animal friends. Even on a moderately hot day, an unattended dog (or other pet) in a parked vehicle can die in as little as four to six minutes. It only takes a couple of minutes for the temperate inside a car to double and for heat stress to begin affecting your pet. Having the car windows open does little to alleviate the temperature, and just means there’s the added threat of your pet escaping (possibly straight onto a busy road).

Animals suffering from heat exhaustion will pant, lie on their side, and be listless and disoriented. In severe cases they may become unconscious. If you think your pet is suffering from heat exhaustion it must be cooled promptly. Put the animal in a cool and shady area. Damp it down with tepid water (never ice) and fan the animal. Contact your nearest veterinarian urgently but do not transport the animal in a hot car. Only place it in a vehicle that has air conditioning or is cool and airy. Keep the animal damp, with cool air playing over its body during the car trip. If your pet is conscious, offer cool — not cold — drinking water. Do not allow your pet to gulp large amounts of water.

If you have an elderly or very young pet, be mindful in summer that they are more susceptible to heat and take extra care of them. Try to walk your dog after sundown on hot days, no matter how much they love their late afternoon jaunts! Concrete and footpaths can heat up so much that they can burn a dog’s feet.

With a little extra care and thoughtfulness, both you and your animal friend can have a good time this summer.

For more great pet info, visit www.petnet.com.au

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October 11, 2004

Fake tan

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Question:

Every time I use fake tan, my legs get unbearably itchy. I’ve tried lots of different brands, but all seem to result in the same problem.

Anon, via e-mail.

Answer:

You must have very sensitive skin or are allergic to the chemical cocktail most fake tans contain to activate the melanin in the skin to achieve a golden tan. You are probably better off using a product such as Monne Sun 2000. It doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals and is safe to use all over the body and face. It gives your skin a sun-kissed golden glow.

Available at selected pharmacies and Woolworth’s variety stores.

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