Natrual Ways to Reduce Anxiety – Part 1
Anxiety is very comman and from time to time its perfectly natural. However when it becomes excessive then its time to do something about it. There are several types of anxiety
- General anxiety disorder
- Panic attacks or panic disorder
- Phobias
- Obsesive compulsive disorders
Cognitive Behavioural therapy, a form of counscelling is on one of the most effective long term treatments for anxiety-related disorders.
Over the next few blog articles I want to share some natural ways that may help.
Passionflower (Passiflora Incarnata), a herb has been used for centuries as a mind calmer and mood boster. There is strong evidence it is effective and in one study it was just as effective as the anti-anxiety drug, oxazepam for generalised anxiety.
Reference
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More tips on how to prevent Delayed Onsite Muscle Soreness
Previously I have explained what DOMS is, and why it plagues some people and not others and given you some ideas on how to prevent it. Given DOMS can be so debilitating and demotivating I wanted to give you more tips on how to prevent DOMS. 1. Omega 3 Fatty Acids Omega 3 fatty acids, like those found in fish and flax oil, are a fantastic addition to your recovery arsenal. Your body can’t make them, so you have to eat them, they are found primarily in fish and wild game, and to a lesser degree in certain nuts and seeds. They are powerfully anti-inflammatory and pro-recovery, and are protective to connective tissue, nerve tissue, and muscle tissue. 2. Protease Enzymes A study by Innerfield in 1957 showed that protease enzyme supplementation may have anti-inflammatory effects, and others have shown them to be specifically effective at reducing DOMS. Protease enzymes include trypsin, bromelain, chymotrypsin and papain, and they help modulate the pro-inflammatory response by blocking pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and stimulating anti inflammatory processes. If you go this route, make sure you get a formula that includes that piperine. This is an ingredient extracted from pepper that increases enzyme absorption by up to 60%. You need this boost because enzymes don’t absorb that well in the gut. 3. Compression Tights Research found that marathoners who wore compression gear in the 24 hours after a race reported less soreness. The technical fabric supports muscle groups, reducing movement, which can result in less soft tissue damage. Compression can also boost circulation. However, to ensure the right level of compression, you’ll have to work out the size you need using your height and weight. 4. Foam Roller Most people are familiar with foam rollers and know that using it on sore muscles can alleivate the pain. Remember using a foam roller may be painful and shouldn't be unbearable. Personally I prefer receiving massage to foam rolling my own sore muscles. Both sports and deep tissue massage can help alleviate DOMS too. References
- Innerfield I. The anti-inflammatory effect of parenterally administered proteases. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1957 Aug 30;68(1):167-76; discussion 176-7.
- Miller et. Al. The effects of protease supplementation on skeletal muscle function and D.O.M.S. following downhill running. Journal of Sports Sciences 22, 365-372;2004.
- Taussig SJ The mechanism of the physiological action of bromelain Medical Hypotheses 1980; 6: 99-104
- Donaho C, Rylander C Proteolytic enzymes in athletic injuries: a double blind study of a new anti-inflammatory agent Delaware Medical Journal 1962; 34: 168-170.
- Cirelli MG Clinical experience with bromelains in proteolytic enzyme therapy of inflammation and edema Medical Times 1964; 92(9): 919-922.
- Taussig SJ, Batkin S Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple and its clinical application Journal of Ethnopharmacology 1988; 22: 191-203.
- Atal CK, Zutshi U, Rao PG. Scientific evidence on the role of Ayurvedic herbals on bioavailability of drugs. J Ethnopharmacol. 1981 Sep;4(2):229-32.
- Velpandian T, Jasuja R, Bhardwaj RK, Jaiswal J, Gupta SK. Piperine in food: interference in the pharmacokinetics of phenytoin. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2001 Oct-Dec;26(4):241-7.
- Miller et. Al. The effects of protease supplementation on skeletal muscle function and D.O.M.S. following downhill running. Journal of Sports Sciences 22, 365-372;2004.

Can acupuncture cut hot flushes by half?
Hot flushes are temporary but recurring feeling of warmth that spreads over the body which often begins in the head and neck region and can be very troublesome. Hot flushes often occur during sleep, producing perspiration known as night sweats. As a result, hot flushes can have a big impact on your quality of life. Hot flushes are one of the most common symptoms women have when they go through the menopause. About 3 out of 4 women going through the menopause (75%) will have hot flushes. If you've had one, there's no mistaking it: the sudden, intense, hot feeling on your face and upper body, perhaps preceded or accompanied by a rapid heartbeat and sweating, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, headache, weakness, or a feeling of suffocation. Researches recruited 209 women who experienced at least four hot flushes or night sweats every day. All the patients received up to 20 acupuncture treatments within 6 months. Nearly half the women saw a 47% reduction in hot flushes or night sweats, while almost 12% reported that their symptoms had stopped almost completely although 4% actually saw an increase in their problems. What is interesting is that most of the women how saw their hot flushes and night sweats decrease started seeing improvements after three sessions. Research http://www.wakehealth.edu/News-Releases/2016/Acupuncture_Reduces_Hot_Flashes_for_Half_of_Women,_Study_Finds.htm


