Wednesday, November 5, 2008 | WELLNESS NEWS
· What You Can Learn About Your Health From Hair and Saliva Testing with Dr. Monica Talebnia, DC
· Tip of the Week: Using Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine to Help Alleviate Menopause Symptoms with Dr. Martha H. Howard, MD
What You Can Learn About Your Health From Hair and Saliva Testing with Dr. Monica Talebnia, DC
According to The Daily Mail, routine saliva testing can help doctors identify a certain hormone that causes life-threatening strokes in at-risk patients. Saliva testing involves taking a sample of saliva from a patient to measure the amount of hormones available for cellular function. Another similar test, which is formally known as trace mineral analysis, involves measuring mineral content in a patient’s hair, reflecting the mineral content of the patient’s internal organs and tissue. ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Dr. Monica Talebnia, DC, explains how trace mineral and salivary testing can reveal much more about the body than a simple blood test.
“When hormones are first released into the bloodstream, anywhere from 90 to 99 percent of hormones bind to proteins in the blood, making them unavailable for the body to use,” says Talebnia. “The results from both tests can help diagnose hormone and mineral deficiencies, showing the amount of bioavailable hormones and minerals in the body.”
Some of the conditions that are typically detected by hair and saliva testing are depression, hypoglycemia, headaches, anemia, infertility, hair loss, diabetes, allergies, hyperactivity and arthritis. Dr. Monica Talebnia offers the following advice about how to keep your body balanced after hair and saliva testing:
Once the tests reveal the root cause of the patient’s problem, a doctor can provide them with supplements to counteract the deficiencies or excesses of certain hormones and minerals in the body. Many of the problems associated with mineral deficiencies can be solved with a simple vitamin or diet change.
Poor diet, lack of exercise and genetics are all contributing factors to the amount of hormones and minerals contained in the body. Therefore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet can help alleviate some of the problems associated with hormone imbalances and mineral deficiencies.
Saliva testing and trace mineral hair analysis both reveal important things about the body that are sometimes undetected by blood testing. However, it is recommended that these tests be used in conjunction with other medical testing if the condition is serious.
ChicagoHealers.com Wednesday Experts
Dr. Monica Talebnia, DC: Women’s Health, Acupuncture
Dr. Martha H. Howard, MD, : Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Energy
Tip of the Week: How Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Help Alleviate Menopause Symptoms Dr. Martha Howard, MD
According to a 2006 study in Fertility and Sterility, 15 out of 29 women experiencing menopause were given acupuncture treatments over 7 weeks and reported that their hot flashes were reduced by 28 percent. Acupuncture refers to an ancient Chinese technique of inserting and manipulating fine needles into specific points on the body with the aim of relieving pain and for therapeutic purposes. ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Dr. Martha Howard, MD, explains how acupuncture and Traditional Chineses Medicine can help menopausal women.
“The acupuncture technique along with Traditional Chinese Medicines have long been effective against menopausal symptoms and new scientific proof affirms that it can significantly reduce irritating symptoms,” says Howard. “While the acupuncture technique can relieve stress, Traditional Chinese Medicine can help with the hormonal imbalance.”
According to Howard, menopausal symptoms vary from woman to woman and specialized treatment is extremely important for success. The most common menopausal symptoms include: hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, mood swings, memory loss, vaginal dryness, headaches, joint pain and weight gain. While using acupuncture as an initial treatment for menopause, the acupuncturist will strategically insert the small needles into certain points that coordinate with specific symptoms. A later addition of Traditional Chinese Medicine may help with more severe menopause symptoms. Howard provides helpful tips on how to alleviate menopause symptoms:
Pick the Symptoms – Menopause has a variety of symptoms and Traditional Chinese Medicine treats these symptoms individually allowing the body to become balanced again. Choose which symptoms are the strongest in your body and overcome them individually.
These Cramps are Killing Me! – Taking traditional Chinese herbs such as the Eucommia & rehmannia formula (you gui wan) and ginseng & ginger combination (li zhong tang) are known to relieve soreness and weakness. Women can purchase these at any store that sells Chinese herbs.
Kidney Guarantee – Many involved with Traditional Chinese Medicine believe that menopause is a symptom of kidney deficiency having to do with its yin or yang. Traditional Chinese Medicine recommends heating blanch parsley in water and drinking several times a day.
About ChicagoHealers.com
Chicago Healers (www.chicagohealers.com) is the nation’s pioneer prescreened integrative health care network, offering a comprehensive understanding of each practitioner’s services, approach, and philosophy. Our holistic health experts teach and advocate natural and empowered health and life choices through their practices, the media, educational events, and our website. With close to 200 practitioners and over 300 treatment services, Chicago Healers has provided nearly 400 free educational events for Chicagoans and has been featured in 300+ TV news programs and print publications. For more information, visit www.chicagohealers.com.
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