Posts Tagged abdominal pain

Facts About Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease, named for American physician Burrill Crohn who was among the first to describe it, may effect any point of the digestive tract. It is most often associated with the intestine, which can become inflamed and ulcerated. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea — possibly containing blood, and fever. The condition may also be called regional enteritis or granulomatous enteritis or colitis.

The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is not known. There is some speculation that it is related to a bacterial infection, but this is unproven. In any case, the illness is not contagious, although a family history of the disease is one thing doctors look for when making a diagnosis. Diagnostic images such as X-rays, colonoscopies, and CAT scans allow the location of outbreaks and determination of their severity.

At this time, no cure for Crohn’s disease exists. The condition is commonly treated with medication, both over the counter and via prescription. A wide range of possibilities include 5-aminosalicylic acid drugs, corticosteroids, and antibiotics. Some medications are administered orally, others rectally.

When medications are unable to control outbreaks, surgery is necessary. A majority of those with Crohn’s will require surgery in their lifetime. The goal of the surgery may be to repair a fissure or clear an obstruction.

While diet does not cause the disease and there isn’t any Crohn’s disease diet, certain foods vary the effects positively or negatively. Foods to limit include those containing saturated or trans fats, cholesterol, and salt. Alcohol consumption should also be moderated. Healthy foods for Crohn’s sufferers are grains, fruits and vegetables, and other heart-healthy foods. Patients respond differently, so they need to note and avoid those foods which cause their condition to worsen.

Crohn’s disease presents physical challenges and forces lifestyle changes. As with any incurable disease, a positive outlook is key. For those who find themselves showing signs of depression or isolation, a mental health professional can help.

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Pain Relief – The Real Value of Alternative Medicine for Endometriosis Pain

Over 5 ½ million women in the United and Canada, the pain from endometriosis is all too real. Because the tissue that n lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, these women suffer through many various pain symptoms. Whether they experience excessive bleeding, lower back and abdominal pain, or infertility (inability to become pregnant), most women with this disease seek endometriosis pain relief treatments and products that provide effective pain relief.

Endometriosis pain treatment is available in many forms, such as over-the-counter medication, hormone therapy, and surgical options.

However, for some women, the side effects of these manufactured medicines are not worth the end result. Many women tend to find relief using a more natural method of endometriosis pain treatment.

Natural Endometriosis Pain Treatment Options

Speak to your doctor before you try a natural method of endometriosis pain treatment to make sure what you have is truly endometriosis. If your doctor agrees that a natural method of endometriosis pain treatment is right for you, begin treatment. Some of your alternative endometriosis pain treatment options include:

  • Acupressure. Acupressure is a Chinese method of pain relief that relies on pressure to stimulate channels of energy. Acupressure is a successful endometriosis pain treatment for women experiencing painful cramps. Find a doctor who is accredited to practice both conventional medicine and acupressure.
  • Acupuncture. Chinese medical practitioners believe that acupuncture is a very effective endometriosis pain treatment. Combined with herbal therapy, acupuncture regulates stagnant blood, which causes much of the inflammation and pain of endometriosis. It will require a few treatments before you experience any material results. If results are not apparent by the 3rd treatment, discontinue or find another practitioner .
  • Herbal Medicine. Many believe that specific medicinal plants can heal a patient naturally. For endometriosis pain treatment, herbs are first taken to rebalance the hormone levels in the body. Then, other herbs are used to strengthen the immune system. These herbs will eventually lead to the elimination of the disease. One of the most effective herbal formulated products on the market is a product called Menastil, with its penetration agent derived from the Calendula flower. Menastil is a topically applied, non-addictive, non-narcotic pain relief solution that has proven very effective for endometriosis pain relief.
  • Exercise. Do not underestimate the amazing health benefits of exercise. Simple exercises, such as aerobics, walking and swimming, can help prevent cramps, improve circulation, and relax the uterus.
  • Aromatherapy. Essential oils, like chamomile, lavender, and jasmine can reduce endometriosis adhesions. These oils along with massage therapy can strengthen the immune system, help with sleep issues, and heal muscles and tissues.

The focus of alternative medicine is to help the body heal itself naturally. Who knows? Alternative medicine used as endometriosis pain treatment may be able to help you cope with your painful symptoms.

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Pain – Chinese Herbs That Help Relieve Suffering

Pain is a common response to various types of conditions in the body. Mostly, people experience pain due to physical injury but pain can be caused by arthritis, shingles, cancer, menstrual problems, and many other diseases. The pain response is generally thought to be a way that the body tells the mind that there is a problem. Unfortunately, the sensation of pain is often very difficult to bear and can lead to a variety of health problems in itself such as loss of sleep, depletion of energy, further illness, and a general loss of well-being. This is, of course, not to mention a person’s inability to perform some basic functions in their life such as work, certain physical movements, and even just sitting can be a challenge. This article will address some of the basic causes of pain and how some herbs from Chinese medicine can help to relieve pain.

In Chinese medicine it is said that when there is pain there is stagnation of blood or qi, or both. This roughly means that there are various biological functions of the body that are not flowing smoothly and can often lead to or be the result of inflammatory conditions. For this reason Chinese herbs are used to encourage (quicken) the blood flow and move the qi. At the same time “clearing heat,” i.e. reducing inflammation is a common strategy used to assist in the relieving pain.

There are a number of herbs is Chinese medicine that relieve pain by encouraging the blood flow and moving qi. Of these, Notoginseng, Red Peony, Curcuma rhizome (Turmeric), Ligusticum (Cnidium), Carthamus (Safflower), and Red Sage are some of the most frequently used herbs for encouraging the flow of blood and relieving pain. Notoginseng is probably the most famous for the treatment of pain and is also used to stop bleeding. Turmeric, Red Sage, and Red Peony are used for relieving pain, especially associated with various types of inflammation including, but not limited to arthritis. Red Sage is also very famous for the treatment of various circulatory conditions and is extremely important in the treatment of impaired circulation due to high cholesterol and diabetes. Ligusticum is used for many types of pain and is used extensively for headaches and menstrual pain. Carthamus is used in Chinese medicine for many different types of pain and is considered a very strong herb for encouraging the flow of blood.

Cyperus is one of the most important herbs in Chinese medicine for moving the qi. It is very effective to relieve pain in the abdomen and breasts associated with menstruation. This herb is very often combined with White Peony for menstrual pain and breast tenderness/pain in premenstrual conditions. It is sometimes also combined with Chinese Hawthorn for the treatment of digestive complaints such as pain in the stomach and intestines.

Chinese Licorice is one of the most frequently used herbs in Chinese medicine and is often combined with many of the above herbs to “harmonize” their action. Also, Chinese Licorice is combined with White Peony in a famous formula to relieve abdominal pain due to digestive problems.

Pain is tiring and Astragalus is well known to increase the strength and endurance of the body. Because healing requires strength, Astragalus is a very good herb to help the body endure pain as well as heal from it.

While pain is inevitable in life, suffering is optional. The above herbs are very effective in the treatment of a variety of conditions caused for resulting from pain. They are generally safe and often effective.

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