How to Prepare For Acupuncture Treatment

How to Prepare For Acupuncture Treatment



Rooted in ancient Chinese traditions, acupuncture involves piercing the body with needles at prescribed points to promote or restore health and wellness. Acupuncture has been used to treat a wide range of maladies, including allergies, asthma, depression and addictions.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access to research acupuncture







Prepare for Acupuncture Treatment




1


Go in with a positive attitude. Visit the Acupuncture.com Web site to read about what acupuncture treatments entail (see Resources below). More importantly, the site offers you the opportunity to read testimonials written by those who've had success with acupuncture. Their stories will help you prepare for your treatment with the sort of attitude that attracts success.





2


Dress comfortably. Acupuncture needles may remain inserted in your body for 30 minutes or more, so it's important that you wear an outfit you're able to relax in. Also, you should wear something that offers easy access to the elbows and knees, since these are common acupuncture points.





3


Have a light meal. Acupuncturists recommend against undergoing treatment on an empty stomach, so be sure to eat 2 to 4 hours before your session. Heavy meals are a no-no before treatment and are not recommended.





4


Get a good night's sleep. Extreme fatigue can compromise the effectiveness of your acupuncture treatment. The night before your treatment, don't skimp on slumber. This will help ensure that you arrive fully rested.





5


Prepare to expand your knowledge of acupuncture by reading "Acupuncture for Everyone: What It Is, Why It Works, and How It Can Help You" by Dr. Ruth Kidson (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










Acupuncture ranges in cost from moderate to expensive. Rates depend on the background of your therapist and the city in which he or she practices.








If you're experiencing severe symptoms such as extreme nausea or chest pains, don't attempt to treat your condition with acupuncture. Your ailment may be life-threatening and is best addressed by a physician.








Booze and acupuncture do not mix. It's best to avoid drinking alcohol in the hours before your treatment.








If you're upset for some reason or on the horns of an emotional crisis in the hours before your session, you might want to consider postponing your treatment, since that kind of mind state could potentially compromise the efficacy of your therapy.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



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How to Obtain Acupuncture Treatment

How to Obtain Acupuncture Treatment



Acupuncture is a healing discipline rooted in Chinese traditions. Thin needles are inserted in the skin at specific points, with the aim of treating conditions ranging from asthma to impotence.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access for researching and contacting acupuncturists









1


Research acupuncturists in your area. Go online to find therapists in your area (see Resources below). Obtain phone numbers and email addresses so you can contact them for further details and pricing.





2


Ask about credentials. Pepper your list of candidates with questions about their training. Inquire about where he or she trained, the length of training and the duration of time for which the he or she has been in business. Some states require that acupuncturists be licensed--in fact, licensing is required in about 40 states. If your state falls in this camp, ask candidates if they have been certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists (see Resources below).





3


Inquire about pricing. Rates will vary depending on factors like education and experience. Consider your budget and insurance situation when evaluating rates offered by different practitioners.





4


Decide on a practitioner. Pick the acupuncturist whose rates and experience best meet your needs.





5


Obtain broader insight into the world of acupuncture by doing research online (see Resources below). You'll learn about the history of this practice, as well as its many applications.








Tips & Warnings










Acupuncture therapy varies in price from moderate to expensive. The cost is influenced by qualifications and experience of the acupuncturist. Location also plays a part; treatment costs more in certain cities than in others.








Many plans offer coverage for acupuncture. Note, though, that Medicare and Medicaid won't cover this treatment.








Herbs and supplements may be included as part of your treatment. These are inexpensive to moderate in price, but they aren't covered by insurance.








If you're experiencing severe symptoms such as the vomiting of blood or pus, don't attempt to treat your condition with acupuncture. Seek the care of a doctor. You could be suffering from a life-threatening illness.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031347_obtain-acupuncture-treatment.html

How to Manipulate the Neck for Chiropractic Care

How to Manipulate the Neck for Chiropractic Care



Neck manipulation is one of the safest treatments for neck pain. Although there have been a few documented cases of patients having strokes following cervical (neck) manipulation, statistics indicate that the incidence of stroke following manipulation is only 1 case out of every 8 million patients. The odds are much better of getting struck by lightning.







Things You'll Need:





Appointment with your chiropractor







Manipulate the Neck for Chiropractic Care




1


Make an appointment to see your chiropractor. Take your medical history, list of prior hospitalizations and surgeries and a list of current medications.





2


Know that once organic reasons for your neck pain have been ruled out, your chiropractor will most likely choose to manipulate your neck in order to relieve your pain.





3


Ask your chiropractor if you need x-rays to determine a base line view of your neck and upper spinal region at the height of your pain. Then inquire if future x-rays will be necessary after your neck manipulations have begun.





4


Expect to sit or lie on an adjusting table with your chiropractor standing behind you.





5


Know that your chiropractor will examine your neck joints, one by one, through a series of gentle motions. He or she will check to see if any of the joints have become locked or fixated by taking each joint through its 5 ranges of motion.





6


Understand that if there is a lack of spinal joint motion, your D.C. will tell you that you have a subluxation. This will require your chiropractor to manipulate your neck. Expect to hear a cracking or popping sound as your chiropractor manipulates your neck.





7


Realize that it may take a number of sessions for your neck pain to dissipate.





8


Learn more about chiropractic care by visiting the American Chiropractors Association Web site (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










There are fewer adverse effects reported from neck manipulations than from the common pain meds and/or anti-inflammatory drugs usually prescribed for cervical pain.








If you experience more pain once your treatments begin, contact your medical doctor at once. Also be aware of any sudden changes in your general health. Report chest pains, shortness of breath or extreme vomiting to your medical doctor or the nearest emergency room.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners are licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider and keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2033173_manipulate-neck-chiropractic.html

How to Find Alternative Therapies to Treat Skin Cancer

How to Find Alternative Therapies to Treat Skin Cancer



While most oncologists and dermatologists feel it is extremely risky to replace conventional skin cancer treatments with alternative therapies such as herbal remedies, acupuncture, massage and vitamin supplements, they do recognize that many of them help to alleviate stress and increase the feeling of well-being. It is important, however, to separate the alternative therapies which may interfere with conventional treatment from the ones that do no harm.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access




Oncologist or dermatologist







Find Alternative Therapies to Treat Skin Cancer




1


Research alternative therapies to treat skin cancer through objective sources, such as the Web site for the National Cancer Institute (see Resources below), as opposed to Web sites and books that are designed to sell you a specific product or program.





2


Discuss with your oncologist or dermatologist your desire to seek out alternative therapies to treat skin cancer. Some herbal supplements and vitamins may actually interfere with any prescription medication you may be taking, so it is essential that you inform your healthcare team every step of the way.





3


Talk to others who have tried alternative therapies to see what has worked for them and what hasn't. Support groups for skin cancer may be an invaluable resource for this.





4


Ask your doctor if he has treated any patients who have tried alternative therapies and have achieved good results.



Pick the Alternative Therapy That is Right for You




1


Consider a vitamin or herbal supplement that has been approved by your oncologist or dermatologist and will not interfere with any treatment you are already receiving.





2


Investigate such alternative methods such as acupuncture and massage that may be beneficial to you in terms of relieving the stress and anxiety that may be caused by undergoing cancer treatment.





3


Maintain a strict follow-up procedure with your doctor so that he can monitor any changes in your condition while you are trying alternative therapies to treat skin cancer.








Tips & Warnings










Seek a second opinion after being diagnosed with skin cancer to ensure that you are well informed, and that you are aware of patients' rights and the legal rights of their families.








Many alternative practitioners recommend simple lifestyle changes, such as eating a diet right in phytochemicals to strengthen your immune system.








Consult with your doctor for methods to reduce the stress of dealing with cancer treatments, such as support groups, anti-depressants and other types of counseling before you attempt an alternative treatment.



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How to Find Alternative Therapies to Treat Ovarian Cancer

How to Find Alternative Therapies to Treat Ovarian Cancer



Ovarian cancer is a malignant growth in or on the ovaries. For many women suffering from ovarian cancer, pursuing alternative therapies can help alleviate side effects, reduce stress and anxiety and even treat the actual disease. Many women find that alternative therapies are as if not more successful than traditional treatment methods.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access







Speak to Your Doctor About Using Alternative Therapies to Treat Your Ovarian Cancer




1


Make sure that the alternative therapy won't interfere with your primary medical treatment. Ask your doctor if he or she knows of any ways your treatments might counteract each other.





2


Ask your doctor if there are any alternative therapies or alternative therapy practitioners that he or she might recommend. Many women are pleasantly surprised to discover that their doctor encourages alternative therapy as an additional treatment for ovarian cancer.





3


Be an informed patient. Do research about techniques and results before you agree to try out an alternative therapy.



Discover Different Forms of Alternative Cancer Therapy




1


Investigate biologically based therapies. Look into methods of treatment that involve herbs, vitamins, dietary supplements or dietary restrictions. You may have access to a nutritionist through your insurance company.





2


Explore body-based therapies. Treatments such as massage therapy, reflexology, acupuncture and chiropractic therapy are all methods that involve working with the whole body to treat cancer.





3


Consider mind-based therapies. The techniques of hypnosis, meditation and yoga are other alternative treatment methods that have been used by ovarian cancer patients. If you are religious or spiritual, consider the power of prayer, as well.



Expand Your Resources




1


Contact official organizations and agencies to find out information about alternative therapies. Check with the American Cancer Society or organizations specifically devoted to ovarian cancer (see Resources below).





2


Speak to your healthcare team. Any of your physicians or specialists should be able to provide you with information about alternative therapy practitioners whom you can trust.





3


Consider contacting an ovarian cancer support group whose members may have undergone alternative therapies.








Tips & Warnings










Cancer patients have the right to pursue alternative forms of therapy and, in many cases, insurance companies must finance these alternative choices.








Ask your doctors about any research they have access to regarding alternative therapies.








Undergoing any kind of treatment is an emotionally difficult experience, and care should be taken to treat your mental as well as your physical health.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2033508_alternative-therapies-treat.html

How to Design a New Outfit

How to Design a New Outfit



Whether they make their own clothes or buy them in stores, women are always looking for that new great outfit. If you want to be fashion-savvy you need to learn how to put pieces together to create something that makes you feel good and look even better.









Step
1



Sketch your design in a notebook or sketchbook. Think about what sort of sleeves, pant or skirt lines, patterns and accessories you want to incorporate into your design. Draw one complete outfit or draw and cut out mix and match tops and bottoms to pair individual pieces in many ways.




Step
2



Consider what fabrics you want in your outfit. Choose heavier textured fabrics for winter, light airy fabrics for summer. Go to a fabric store or go through your closet to find which types of fabrics you like best.




Step
3



Sew your own designs if you know how to cut your own patterns and run a sewing machine. If you're a beginner, start small with a simple skirt pattern from a fabric store and make it your own by adding your choice of fabric.




Step
4



Shop for pieces you can't make yourself. Browse clothing websites and malls to find clothes similar to your designs. Try everything on to make sure it fits, but remember that you can alter pieces later.




Step
5



Add accessories to your outfit to finish it. Choose jewelry, hats, belts, shoes, handbags and anything else that completes your design.




Step
6



Alter clothing yourself or pay a shop to do it for you. If your pants are too long, or your shirt too wide, shorten them with a sewing machine. Change the buttons, add custom stitching or dye fabric to make it exactly what you want.




Step
7



Mix new pieces with old to create new looks. Design your outfit based on clothes you already have, adding accessories or altering it to make it new and modern.







Tips & Warnings









Be creative. It's your outfit--anything goes. Create your own signature look.








Avoid using a sewing machine by yourself if you've never used one. Ask a friend or family member to show you how to run it before you try it on your own.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2258226_design-new-outfit.html

How to Design a Custom Dress

How to Design a Custom Dress



Wanting a unique dress that's custom-fit for you can be an expensive endeavor that only celebrities and the very rich seem able to indulge. However, many women want special dresses made perfectly for their style and bodies, and they shouldn't spend thousands of dollars to get it. Follow a few steps to design a custom dress so you can wear unique couture without spending a fortune.







Things You'll Need:





Camera



Blank paper



Pencil and pen









Step
1



Get someone to take a picture of you standing both straight on and profile. Stand up straight and put your arms to your sides while taking the picture.




Step
2



Take a blank sheet of paper and use your pen to draw your shape from the pictures as best you can. Get a pencil and begin playing with different dress lengths and strap styles on that shape to see what would be most flattering.




Step
3



Go to a department store or boutique and try on dresses that catch your eye. Take pictures of yourself in the dresses you enjoy, and use some of the ideas from these dresses to tweak your own personal design.




Step
4



Use a computer drawing program to get the dimensions of the dress the way you want it. Scan your picture into a program like Adobe

Photoshop


, which can help you create the desired type of dress. Take your drawings or simple sketches to a seamstress for an estimate of fabric and production costs.




Step
5



Work with a seamstress to play around with lengths, colors and fabric choices since she can typically offer some great ideas. Try something you wouldn't normally think would look good on you. Explore and be creative.







Tips & Warnings









Flip through magazines to get a good idea of trends or styles that would work well with your body style.








Buy the fabric yourself rather than having the seamstress buy the fabric. It will be much cheaper, and you will get the exact fabric and pattern that fits your tastes so the seamstress doesn't have to guess your preferences.








Various websites offer software tools for designing your own dress. Try some of these tools since they can be surprisingly helpful in the process, especially for aspiring designers with limited artistic skills.








If sewing the dress yourself, keep in mind the difficulty of the pattern or if a pattern even exists. If you design a custom dress (unless it is a fairly standard dress shape), a pattern might not exist.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2097251_design-custom-dress.html