Natural Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

An unfortunate side effect of the computer age is the growing prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition, which affects the proper functioning of the fingers and hands, is caused by the repetitive use of fingers and hands in improper positions. The culprit, of course, is the computer keyboard. The condition arises when a major nerve, the median nerve, is compressed at the point where it passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway of bones on the underside of the wrist. The result is pain, tingling, and numbness in the fingers or hands. The condition particularly affects the thumb, index, and ring fingers. Complete loss of sensation in the fingers can also occur.

If you are beginning to suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, the first thing you can do is purchase an ergonomic keyboard. Such keyboards are usually split, with keys separated into two or three groups and splaying slightly outward; they are often adjustable. With a normal keyboard, the hands must be aligned at a 90 degree angle with the desktop, forcing them to angle away from the forearms. With an ergonomic keyboard, however, the hands and forearms can stay aligned, putting less stress on your wrists. Many of these keyboards are also angled upward in the center, such that the index finger is higher than the pinkie. You can try different configurations to see which feels most correct. Any ergonomic keyboard will take some getting used to, and your typing speed may never be the same, but you may save yourself a great deal of pain.

Acupuncture is one common treatment for carpal tunnel, though it doesn't work for everyone. Traditional acupuncture theory holds that pain can be caused by blockages along energy pathways in the body, called "meridians"; by inserting thin needles into specific points, these areas are unblocked, and the flow of energy is improved. Contemporary theory holds that the needles release natural pain-relieving chemicals in certain areas, both improving circulation of body fluids and balancing the nervous system. For carpal tunnel treatment, needles are usually inserted in the hands, wrists, and arms; needles may also be inserted in the upper back and neck, along nerves that run from the spine down the arms to the hands.

Acupuncture is only effective when applied in a series of treatments; a single treatment will have little effect. If you are squeamish about the needles, some acupuncturists are using laser therapy instead, following the same acupuncture principles. Another noninvasive technique is acupressure; the application of directed pressure to points on the wrists, forearms, and hands is thought to stimulate blood flow to the wrists and ease swelling and numbness. If you wish to seek a practitioner of any of these techniques, be sure that your practitioner is experienced specifically with carpal tunnel, and get references from people who have already been treated.

Much research has associated vitamin B6 deficiency with carpal tunnel syndrome; some studies suggest that high levels of vitamin C in conjunction with deficient levels of vitamin B6 lead to greater susceptibility to carpal tunnel. Common food sources of vitamin B6 include avocados, sweet potatoes, sunflower seeds, brown rice, chick peas, salmon, bok choy, barley, bananas, mangoes, and some poultry. You can also take Vitamin B6 supplements, at 50 milligrams two or three times daily. But don't overdo it; daily intake of this vitamin from all sources should not exceed 200 milligrams. It can take several weeks for the vitamin to take effect.

Other supplements that may help include enzyme supplements such as bromelain, which helps reduce tissue swelling. Bromelain is naturally present in pineapple. In some studies, Vitamin B12 has been shown to improve carpal tunnel symptoms. And if you've had surgery for carpal tunnel, arnica, an herbaceous species in the sunflower family, can help with recovery. There are various homeopathic arnica ointments on the market that can reduce post-surgery pain within two weeks.

Finally, various kinds of bodywork can help reduce carpal tunnel symptoms, and retrain you to use your hands and arms in more natural ways. Yoga can help improve grip strength and increase flexibility. Chiropractic care for carpal tunnel involves manipulating the tender tissues and joints of the arms and spine. Feldenkrais and the Alexander Technique are both systems of movement reeducation, in which people are taught individually or in small groups how to move their bodies correctly in ways that reduce joint stress and muscle strain. Hellerwork is another bodywork system with three principal components: deep tissue work around the arms and wrists, education about correct posture in conjunction with an ergonomic assessment of the workstation, and a dialog addressing how one's mental state might lock muscles into inappropriate holding patterns.

Many people who suffer from acute carpal tunnel syndrome resort to surgery. Although success rates are high, there is always risk with surgery, recovery times may be slow, and the condition might not be fully corrected. Before assenting to surgery, it would not hurt to try natural techniques to alleviate your condition first.

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Items For Your Natural First Aid Kit - Part Two

In part one of this article we looked at natural products that you can add to your first aid kit for effective healing remedies for the whole family. Here are more items that are essential for my family household.

Slippery Elm Powder - this powder is a superb healer in a range of situations - especially when kids are involved. Any tummy upset from food poisoning, to constipation, to the classic vomiting-diarrhoea-tummy-bug is helped with this powder. It's bland and neutral taste makes it easy for children to take when mixed in foods (porridge, stewed apples, yoghurt etc) or made into a drink. It is highly nutritious and high in soluble fibre and works as a pre-biotic, actually feeding and supporting the healthy bacteria in the gut.

Manuka Honey - this honey is a very special NZ medical miracle. There are currently many studies that are investigating the amazing antimicrobial healing power of this delicious honey. It is brilliant for sore throats, coughs, respiratory infections, and even more delicious when made into a hot drink with lemon juice & root ginger.

Oats & Baking Soda - when used in a bath they can work wonders for eczema, chicken pox, skin rashes and any condition where the skin is itchy! The best way to use oats is to place a cup of oats in a muslin bag or clean sock and place it under the tap while the bath is running. The water will go milky and help to soothe the skin. Baking soda works to soften the water and takes the itch out of the skin. Add a cup of baking soda to the bath when filling.

Epsom salts - if muscle cramps, aches and pains are plaguing you, try adding some Epsom salts to the bath. Use at least half a cup, but you may need more (1 cup) if you are really in achy pain and quite sore. They are very soothing and works wonders to a cramping, achy body.

Lavender Oil - this is another essential oil that works brilliantly for a multitude of conditions. It was first discovered as being a powerful antiseptic when a French scientist burnt his hand in his lab and plunged it into a vat of lavender essential oil to find relief. To his surprise it not only gave him relief, but healed the wound very quickly and effectively. You too can use it directly for burns, or dilute it in some warm water as an effective antiseptic wash. It is also a wonderful oil to use before bed as it sedates the mind and settles your body into a peaceful sleep. Add some drops to your pillow or onto your kids pillows to help the whole family have a blissful night of rest.

Apple Cider Vinegar - when buying Apple Cider Vinegar look for a natural source that contains 'the mother', this way you can use it for any number of wonderful treatments. Its main use is as an effective digestive tonic. Take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water 20-30mins before meals to help prepare your tummy for effective digestion of the meal ahead. It can also be used effectively if you have eaten something that has upset you and caused your stomach to bloat. In this instance, put some apple cider vinegar into a small glass of water and drink it down. The vinegar will boost your body's natural ability to breakdown the food and ease the digestion.

There are any number of herbs and products you can use around the home as effective natural remedies in first aid situations and to ease the medical woes of your household. This knowledge used to be passed from generation to generation however over the years it has weakened and is now something that needs to be sought out be people. This is changing though as natural health products and there uses grow in popularity.

For more information on how natural herbs and nutrition can influence your everyday health, including your fertility, contact Wellington Natural Fertility Nutrition specialist, Kimberly Taylor on 04 4991439.

Kimberly Taylor is a successful Naturopath, Nutritionist and Medical Herbalist in Wellington, New Zealand. She has a passion for women's health care from puberty to menopause including natural fertility and preconception care. She loves supporting women and couples to restore hormonal balance and fertility, especially when a beautiful healthy baby is the happy outcome! With a life-long interest in nutrition, food and cooking, Kimberly has qualifications in naturopathy, herbal medicine and clinical nutrition. She holds a post-graduate certificate in fertility and reproductive health as well as a BA and BCom from Otago University. You can contact Kimberly by visiting http://www.zestnaturalhealth.co.nz/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kimberly_L_Taylor

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The Natural Way To Treat Jock Itch

A disturbing infection called jock itch is caused by a fungi. Tinea curis can grow in your groin and genital area and cause this dreaded infection. A lot of people, especially athletes, have been suffering from this fungal infection. Fungi can grow well in dark, damp and warm environment which your groin and genital areas can provide for them. Actually, this must not cause so much panic to you. A lot of things can be done to get rid of this infection. You can use over the counter creams and medicines from physicians. There are also natural ways to treat this fungal infection. To do this natural ways correctly, there are some tips that you may need to keep in mind to have a guide.

CONSIDERATION

Before you apply the natural methods, you have to determine first the cause of this infection. Too much intake of antibiotic can cause jock itch too. If this is the cause, you may need to consult the doctor to have the medicine that can fight the overgrowth of Candida albicans in your body.

NATURAL BATHING

It is important that you clean the affected areas. Red ring like rashes may occur. Some can even have blisters. It is important that you do natural bathing to avoid any further irritations on the skin. Avoid using anti bacterial soap to clean it. The chemicals in the soap can just irritate the rashes further. Try to use coconut oil or garlic. Mix it with the water and do your regular sitz bath.

TOPICAL CURES

There are a lot of topical cures that you can do to eradicate this jock itch. Garlic and coconut oil are two of the most effective that you can use. Try to mince or blend some cloves of garlic. It must be applied directly on the affected areas. Make sure that you clean the affected areas first before applying the garlic. Coconut oil can also be applied just like anti fungal creams. To keep your groin dry, try to apply some cornstarch too.

IMPORTANT WARNING

You have to be aware of some warnings also so that you will be able to keep yourself safe. A person who is suffering from hemophilia must avoid using garlic in treating jock itch. Garlic can cause some blood clotting problems. It is better to switch to coconut oil if you have this disease.

NEEDED PREVENTION

There are needed prevention that you need to do for you to cure this jock itch naturally. Try to practice good hygiene and change your clothes regularly. Make sure that you take a bath and avoid using dirty clothes. Do not make it a habit to borrow some clothes from your friends. It may cause the spread of the infection for sure.

It is very important that you will be able to cure jock itch in a natural way only. Actually, there are a lot of ways that you can do. The tips are very helpful for sure. Just keep these in mind so that you will have a guide.

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The Environmental Benefits of Natural Deodorants

Natural deodorants are more than just good for your body; they're better for the environment too!

This article is going to take a look at all of the wonderful benefits of using natural deodorants, for you and for the planet.

For you:

Safe

Natural deodorants such as crystal rock deodorants are very safe to use. Natural deodorants are free from chemicals and other ingredients that may cause allergies and skin irritation. Natural deodorants are often recommended by many health professionals to those with sensitive skin, children with body odour and breast cancer patients, thanks to their gentle and kind nature.

There has long raged a debate about the safety of conventional deodorants and antiperspirants and it has been suggested for quite some time that the regular use of antiperspirants could be linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease. However, it is important to note, that while this is the view of some medical professionals, as yet, no studies have conclusively proven that these products are dangerous to use.

Effective

Natural deodorants are extremely effective at combating body odour. Many natural deodorants contain antibacterial ingredients, such as tea tree oil or mineral salts to actively prohibit the formulation of odour-causing bacteria. As you may already know, sweat itself is not the cause of body odour. Rather, bacteria feeding on the sweat and breaking it down is responsible for that distinctive smell. Natural deodorants are often more effective than some conventional deodorants because they do not simply mask the smell of body odour but they help to prevent it from occurring altogether.

Economical

Crystal deodorants are very economical and if used as directed can last from 6 months to a year! This is friendly to your purse and our planet, since it cuts down on the amount of packaging used and waste thrown out compared to deodorants that last only a month or two.

For the Planet:

No Chemicals

The use of all-natural ingredients in natural deodorants means that no harmful chemicals are making their way into our eco-systems, both in production and use. Some chemicals are known to release carbon emissions during production such as Mineral Oil. Other chemicals are damaging to wildlife and plant-life when they enter the environment; triclosan and formaldehyde for example.

When chemicals are used in deodorants they often make their way into the environment during the production process and they continue to leak in to the environment when they are being used. Aerosol canisters for example propel chemicals into the environment around us, but the real problems occur when we wash. Showering or bathing flushes any chemical residue from deodorants and any other cosmetics from your skin, down the drain and into the marine environment, where they have been known to cause a great deal of damage. Below we expose just two of the culprits:

Aluminum Chlorohydrate - Is the active ingredient in many antiperspirants, and works by clogging pores under the armpit to stop sweat. It is a known water pollutant and can damage the ecosystem and its wildlife.

Triclosan - An antimicrobial agent used in many cosmetics. Over the years, this chemical has been continuously accumulating in our streams and rivers.
Other chemicals include parabens, formaldehyde, diethanolamine and mineral oil.

Recyclable Packaging

Conventional deodorants are often stored in aerosol canisters - the metal of which is often not recyclable. In the UK we get through millions of bottles of deodorant a year, so that is a lot of packaging that could potentially end up rotting on the landfill heap.

Fortunately, many companies that produce natural deodorants are eco-friendly minded. As such, much of the packaging used by these companies is recyclable as they use packaging that is made from plastic that can be recycled; HDPE. Other companies choose to use alternative recyclable materials, such as cardboard, to store and transport their goods. If you want to be sure that the deodorant you use is truly eco-friendly, you can contact the company directly to check out where and how they source their packaging.

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What Is A Natural Sports Rub?

What is a sports rub? A sports rub is a lotion, cream, balm or ointment that helps relieve sore muscles and joint pains associated with all types of sports activities. A natural sports rub is one that has absolutely no artificial compounds such as petroleum byproducts, preservatives and countless other chemicals that supposedly help.

Do not use an artificial product because the synthetic compounds can absorb into your bloodstream through your skin. It doesn't make sense to use potentially harmful ingredients to relieve minor pain!

Some natural sports balms contain capsicum for the heat producing qualities and arnica for the relief of soreness and bruises. There are many other natural ingredients that have been known to help relieve pain including camphor, eucalyptus, nutmeg, cedarwood atlas, peppermint and countless other botanical based compounds.

The important thing to remember is to stay natural. The next thing to look for is a product that has more of the best pain relief ingredients in a pure beeswax base with carrier oils and plant butters. The purpose of the sports rub is to be able to absorb deeply into the muscles & joints which is facilitated by the various active ingredients represented by the essential oils.

A good sports rub should be exothermic in nature which means it produces it's own heat and is usually a result of capsicum being mixed with camphor & eucalyptus. It should not burn the skin but create a soothing warmth that radiates around the aching muscle or joint.

Usually a lithographed tin signify a higher level of quality you the consumer should also look at the ingredient label very closely. With the advent of the internet you will be able to determine for yourself if the sports rub is all natural and does nit have active ingredients that will actually help relieve your muscle aches and joint pains.

If there are only two or three ingredients you can rest assured the product is sub standard and should be avoided because you are not going to get your money's worth. On the other hand if there are a lot of ingredients but you can't pronounce them well then you probably are looking at a sports rub that has plenty of artificial compounds. this is especially true with products that you find on the shelves of discount drug store chains.

Avoid these synthetic products at all costs because your long term health may be at risk!

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Lower Back Pain And Natural Healing

Most of us at one time or the other have experienced lower back pain in some way, shape, form or another. It's a familiar feeling of dull, throbbing pain right around where our tailbone and pelvic area is. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to chronic back pain when we're sitting in an office chair for 8 hours a day. Alternatively it can happen if you're a manual labor worker. One wrong move and you've tweaked your back. There all sorts of methods to treat this pain with traditional medicine, such as prescription muscle relaxants, injections and even surgery. Some of these are not very appealing, so you may have considered trying to heal lower back pain more naturally. Here are some of the more popular methods to treating and healing lower back pain naturally.

Chiropractic Adjustment. Probably the most well known natural method of treating lower back pain, a good chiropractor can target the bones and muscles within the lower back, and push them back into alignment. In fact, regular chiropractic adjustment can actually prevent further injury from the lower back and help with posture. Most major insurances now cover chiropractic adjustment as a valid method of treatment, which is great new for those of us interested in treating pain naturally.

Acupuncture. Using needles placed just under the skins surface, a skilled acupuncturist can target the muscles and nerves affected by lower back pain. Pain relief is almost instant when this method is used correctly. Again, most major insurances are now recognizing this as a valid treatment for pain.

Massage. For soft tissue pain, massage can be a godsend. Deep tissue or even regular Swedish style massage performed on a regular basis can help keep muscles moving and in the right spot. A good massage therapist can recognize sore and tender spots and help the injured individual to recover quicker.

Topical Herbal Tinctures. Using different oils and combinations of herbs can help relieve pain right in the target area. Often recommended are angelica, pine, lavender and peppermint. All give excellent anti-inflammatory benefits to sore muscles.

There are many natural healing methods to alleviate pain and some of the best ones are listed here. Depending on the severity of your lower back pain, you may be able to heal yourself just using one method, or if pain is severe you may find relief in using a combination of all of them. Lower back pain no longer means being relegated to strong prescriptions and injections. With natural methods you can allow your body to help heal itself naturally without any untoward side effects.

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