The amount of salt in our diet could be involved in driving our own immune systems to rebel against us, leading to diseases such as multiple sclerosis, early laboratory findings suggest.

Several teams of scientists have simultaneously published data in the journal Nature suggesting a link.

Salt may activate a part of the immune system that can target the body.

Experts said the findings were very interesting and plausible, but were not a cure for people with MS.

The body's defense against infection can go horrible awry, turning on the body and leading to autoimmune diseases including Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

Genetics is thought to increase the risk of such diseases, but the world around us also has a major impact. One of the leading theories behind multiple sclerosis is a viral infection, but smoking and a lack of vitamin D may make the condition more likely.

Now researchers believe they have the first evidence that the amount of salt in our diet may also be contributing.

 

Teams of researchers at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard were investigating a part of the immune system that has been implicated in autoimmune diseases.

Mice fed a high-salt diet were more likely to develop a disease similar to MS in experiments.

Meanwhile, researchers at Yale University were also investigating salt and looking at human cells.

David Hafler, professor of immunobiology at Yale, told BBC news online: "In mouse models of MS, those fed high-salt diets had significantly worse disease.

"We were all really quite surprised to see how changes in dietary salt could have such a profound effect."

 

Advice?

Commenting on the findings, Prof Alastair Compston, from the University of Cambridge, told the BBC the findings were plausible, unexpected and very interesting.

"Like all good science it is introducing a brand new idea that nobody had thought of."

He said that salt may have a similar effect to other factors such as smoking and sunlight, which alter the odds of getting the disease.

However he cautioned: "There is no prospect of a low salt diet curing MS. If you already have the disease and go on a low salt diet the horse has already bolted."

Dr Susan Kohlhaas, head of biomedical research at the MS Society, said: "This is a really interesting study and it's positive to see new avenues of MS research being explored in this way.

"It's still too early, however, to draw firm conclusions on what these findings mean for people with MS, but we look forward to seeing the results of further research.

"In the meantime, we recommend that people follow government advice on maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, which includes guidelines on salt intake."

Many folks have had that "ringing in your ears" sensation after a loud concert. However, some people suffer with this ringing sound in their ears or "tinnitus" on a daily basis and it can be a source of emotional stress and obstacle to well being. When medical treatments have failed, some people turn to acupuncture to help manage their tinnitus. 

We have had many successful outcomes relative to tinnitus.  The following info will help inform you as to what to expect should you elect to treat your tinnitus with acupuncture.

(NaturalNews) Chinese herbs have been used for centuries on their own and in conjunction with other alternative therapies such as acupuncture, acupressure and moxibustion to prevent hair loss, re-grow hair and restore natural pigment to gray hair.

Hair loss has many causes, such as the genetic male pattern baldness and diseases affecting glands and hormones. Lack of circulation to the scalp and vitamin deficiencies play a major role in hair health. Chemotherapy or other toxicities are also a cause of hair loss and is the primary cause of hair loss in patients suffering from cancer.

Hair loss prevention with Chinese medicine

Certain herbs help bring the body into balance and are used for thinning hair treatment and as baldness cures. The first steps toward hair restoration is establishing the cause, removing it if possible and then increasing the quality of the blood and circulation to the scalp. The key to limiting thinning hair and promoting hair re-growth is early intervention. Natural hair loss treatments may extend from 3 to 12 months or longer, depending on the severity of the problem, the length of time the condition has persisted, and on the response of each individual being treated.

Below are listed some of the best hair promoting Chinese herbs. An naturopath or herbal specialist should be consulted for source and formulas as these vary widely and can be quite dangerous if used by amateurs as they impact the whole body.

1.One natural herb is Fo-Ti, also known as He Shou Wu, or by its Latin name, Polygonum Multiflorum. This herb has shown efficacy for hundreds of years in not only helping with  restoration, but also for restoring gray hair to its original color. It strengthens hair, builds the blood and reverses the process of aging throughout the body. Most commercial products use raw herbs which are not usable for this purpose.

2. Ganoderma lucidum or Reishi mushroom as well as others,  is known in TCM for enhancing kidney energy which effects blood flow. This highly touted herbal cure is known in China as a cure for immune disorders and helps protect against aging. In China, Reishi mushroom is so well respected it has been called the "mushroom of immortality."

3. Ligustrum lucidum or Nu Shen Zi improves circulation to the scalp and is considered a Yin kidney and liver tonic. In China it is said that this herb extends life and acts on the immune system as a blood tonic helping with hair restoration and prevention.

4. Schisandra chinensis or Wu Wei Zin is a well known herbal tonic used to enhance beauty and as a baldness cure. It is one of the most widely used natural hair restoration products, enhancing skin quality on the scalp and on the rest of the body.

5. Additional herbs used in natural hair restoration products and herbal tonics include Thallus algae, a type of seaweed high in micronutrients; Morus albus or Mulberry fruit spike, used to prevent the premature graying of hair; Stinging nettle, which provides important minerals and nutrients to prevent hair loss and stimulate hair re-growth; Rehmannia glutinosa, Angelica sinensis, Eclipta prostratea, Sesame indicum, and Salvia miltiorrhiza.

 

Chinese herbs are designed to be used in conjunction with acupuncture in order to direct energy to the scalp and affected organs.  Chinese herbs are not generally used alone but in combinations or formulas.

We have seen awesome results in clients with varied levels of hair loss and causes with acupuncture and herbs.
 

 

If youy are concerned about your hair loss and this modality appeals to you please contact us for a consultation.  If you prefer, I also have excellent hair loss products in my store! 

Visit our store aisle for many more suggestions on hair loss. Also, visit my Natural Health Library for more excellent articles on hair health.

 

 

Many of you that know and have worked with me know that I have an uncanny ability to cut right to the heart of matters. For Valentine's weeks posting I'll be continuing that trend. 

 

We all know that blood circulates in our bodies. But what you may not know is that aside from being a vital nutrient substance blood can also be a cause of pain in the body. One of the ways blood causes pain is when it becomes “stagnant.” That is, locations where blood becomes “static” (e.g., sluggish) in the organs and tissues.

 

The following list of common ailments related to the quality of blood, paints a picture of how many different issues are related to the quality of our blood.

 

• 25.1 million Americans live with heart disease
• 32% of Americans suffer hypertension
• 12% of females over age 20 are deficient in iron
• 16% of adults have high-cholesterol
• 1 in 6 Americans contract arthritis
• 26 million Americans, between ages 20-64, suffer back pain

 

Blood Formation and Circulation

Blood is formed by the essence of the food and beverages we consume. This essence is extracted by the energetic function of the spleen and stomach, which also produce qi or life force.

 

Once formed, blood circulates not only in the veins but throughout the body by way of the meridian complex. It is jointly controlled by the heart (which dominates blood and vessels and circulates it), the liver (which promotes the free-flow of qi, stores blood and regulates blood volume in circulation), and by the spleen (which controls the blood and prevents hemorrhaging).

 

Since traditional Chinese medicine views the entire body as a connected hole, it views the coordinated efforts and proper functioning of these three organs that ensures the continuous circulation of blood in the vessels. Dysfunction of the heart, spleen or liver may lead to abnormal circulation of blood, which causes pain, illness or disease.

 

Blood Stagnation

 

Blood stagnation is both a symptom and a cause of ill-health. It is caused by poor circulation of blood that itself is caused by deficient or stagnation of qi or by an excess of cold or heat in the blood itself.

 

When the qi (vital energy) is deficient or stagnant, it is unable to properly propel the blood through the body.

 

When cold enters the body it constricts the channels and impedes blood circulation.

 

When heat enters the body and enters the channels it raises the blood temperature, thereby “rendering it down” (if you will) and obstructing the free flow of blood.

 

When there is internal hemorrhage as a result of a traumatic injury, blood may also stagnate, causing bruises or more serious internal bleeding.

 

Manifestations of Blood Stagnation

 

Depending on the area of the blood stagnation, and indeed the cause of it, various signs and symptoms may present themselves. Here are some examples.

 

• Blood stagnation in the heart may cause palpitations, what has been described as “a suffocating sensation” in the chest, cardiac pain and a purplish-color to the lips and nails. It may also cause mania.

• Blood stagnation in the lungs may cause chest pain and the expectoration of blood.

• Blood stagnation in the stomach and intestines may cause constipation or bloody stools.

• Blood stagnation in the liver may cause hypochondriac pain.

• Blood stagnation in the uterus may result in lower abdominal pain, scanty or irregular menstruation, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and a dark menstrual flow with clotting.

• Blood stagnation in the limbs and body surface may cause gangrene, a local purplish or bluish skin color, localized swelling or pain.

 

Characteristics of Blood Stagnation

 

Although blood stagnation manifests differently depending on its cause and location, it does present a set of identifiable characteristics. These include: a fixed stabbing-type pain which is aggravated by pressure and gets worse at night; purplish clots (bruises) or serious internal hemorrhage; varicose veins; a dark complexion; scaly and dry skin; bluish or purplish lips and nails; and a purplish tongue.

 

There is an axiom of traditional Chinese medicine that sums this up nicely:

 

Tong ze be tong;

Bu tong ze tong.

If there is free flow, there is no pain;

If there is pain, there is no free flow.

 

So the next time you're experiencing pain, make a check of the physical signs. Blood stagnation just might be the cause!

To help you get an idea as to how many "hidden" toxins you're exposed to and just how toxic YOU might be. Circle your answers then tally up your score:

1)	Do you use (unfiltered) tap water for cooking or drinking? Yes: 1 No: 0
2)	Do you have at least one bowel movement every day? No: 1 Yes: 0
3)	Do you brush & floss daily? (Be honest about flossing!) No: 1 Yes: 0
4)	Do you have silver amalgam dental fillings? Yes: 1 No: 0
5)	Do you use any bug sprays in your home? Yes: 1 No: 0
6)	Do you use weed killer or bug killer on your lawn? Yes: 1 No: 0
7)	Have you ever smoked or been exposed to 2nd-hand smoke? Yes:1 No: 0
8)	Do you eat non-organic fruits and vegetables? Yes: 1 No: 0
9)	Do you eat GMO (genetically modified organism) foods? (In the modern world, this is most definitely a yes)  Yes: 1 No: 0
10)	Do you eat processed (boxed, bagged, canned, bottled) foods or fast food? Yes: 1 No: 0
11)	Do you take medications of any kind? Yes: 1 No: 0
12)	Do you drink alcoholic beverages (2+ per day avg)? Yes: 1 No: 0
13)	Are you exposed to toxins at your place of work? (you most assuredly are) Yes: 1 No: 0
14)	Do you have headaches, joint and muscle pain or fatigue that you can't explain? Yes: 1 No: 0
15)	Do you wear clothes that have been dry cleaned? Yes: 1 No: 0

Your score:__________

 

The closer your total score is to 15, you guessed it--the better the chances of you being seriously toxic and not even knowing it.  Make an appointment now for an analysis.

 

7-14 Consider stopping by to pick up a Detox kit that you can do on your own.

 

Check your emails for valuable Valentine's offers.  The tinnitus special report will be posted this week. 

 

Thank you!  Your appointments, referrals and product purchases enable us to go on helping people.l  Visit the Detoxification Aisle of our store for many GREAT products.