Friday, August 19, 2016

Exploring The Types Of Neuralgia

Neuralgia is a chronic pain condition. It is a sudden, sharp pain that feels like an electric shock. One can experience the pain anywhere in the body. The main cause of neuralgia-related pain is a damaged nerve.
Although damaged nerves can affect any body part, in the majority of cases, it affects the face or neck. In addition, neuralgia has different causes and forms.

Causes

Regardless of type, neuralgia occurs due to a damaged nerve. The myelin is a coating that protects and ensures proper functioning of nerves. Damage to myelin causes neuralgia pain. Here are the main factors that cause damage to myelin:
·        Infection – HIV and syphilis enhances the risk of neuralgia.
·        Diabetes – Excess glucose can cause harm to myelin.
·        Multiple sclerosis – Weakening of myelin causes multiple sclerosis. A person with multiple sclerosis may experience neuralgia pain.
·        Pressure on nerves – Any kind of pressure, such as from a blood vessel or bone, on the nerves may lead to neuralgia pain.

Types

The following are the main types of neuralgia:

Postherpetic neuralgia

Postherpetic neuralgia takes place because of shingle complications. It affects the skin and nerve fibres, wherever shingles occurred. Postherpetic neuralgia can be extremely painful. The pain can be burning and persistent. In addition, it can last for many months and years.
Usually, the pain occurs after the shingle rashes disappear. However, sometimes the pain can take place before the rash.
Postherpetic neuralgia pain can be reduced over time, with the right treatment.

Trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia affects the trigeminal nerve. This type of neuralgia causes a sharp sensation, from the face to the brain.
In addition, multiple sclerosis can cause the jolting pain. At the same time, it can also be due to a blood vessel putting pressure on the trigeminal nerve.
Trigeminal neuralgia can be excruciatingly painful. An individual may experience mild attacks initially, but it can progress. Also, it affects the face and is very common in the elderly.

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia

Although this type of neuralgia is not as common as postherpetic and trigeminal, it causes pain from the glossopharyngeal nerve. As the glossopharyngeal nerve is located in the throat, glossopharyngeal neuralgia affects the neck and throat.
Neuralgia pain can be long and unbearable. Hence, it is crucial to seek treatment as soon as possible. Acupuncture is a safe, natural and effective treatment to reduce neuralgia pain.

Brisbane Livewell Clinic provides acupuncture for neuralgia in Brisbane, Australia. The centre’s experienced and qualified acupuncturist specialises in treating patients with neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, occipital neuralgia, and post-herpetic neuralgia (after shingles). Click here to schedule a consultation.

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

5 Habits To Adopt For A Healthy Digestive System

A strong digestive system is the key to a long life. Since the digestive system converts the food we eat into energy and nutrients, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy digestive system.
Poor digestion can cause several issues, such as skin problems, gastric issues, fatigue and illness.
Want to know how to keep your digestive system functioning smoothly? Follow the tips mentioned below:

#1 Embrace a high fibre diet

Consume high-fibre diet. Fibre-rich foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, dried beans and whole grains provide many health benefits. Fibre helps regulate bowel movement and prevents constipation and other digestive conditions, such as haemorrhoids. In also helps achieve / maintain a healthy weight, lowers the risk of heart disease and controls blood sugar level.
Try to consume insoluble and soluble fibre. The main difference between both types is that insoluble fibre adds bulk to the stool, while soluble fibre draws in water and prevents watery stools.
For insoluble fibre, turn to wheat bran and vegetables. Meanwhile, good soluble fibre choices include nuts, oat bran, legumes and seeds.

#2 Stay hydrated

Water is critical for a well-functioning digestive system. Without enough water, your digestive system cannot dissolve fats and soluble fibre properly. As a result, these substances won’t pass through the body easily. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day.

#3 Eat on schedule

Having frequent meals and snacks results in regular bowel movement. Adopt a regular eating schedule. Try to have three meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and snacks each day. Also, remember to chew your food slowly for better digestion.
Avoid eating when you’re stressed out. It can cause bloating. Take a few deep breaths to calm down your nervous system before you eat.

#4 Get moving

Don’t skip your daily exercise. Exercise promotes the flow of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It can benefit the digestive system by enhancing blood flow to the intestines and colon.
From crunches to brisk walk, do anything that gets you moving. But make sure you engage in regular exercise.
Equally important is to eliminate bad habits, such as smoking, excessive alcohol and caffeine. These substances can result in digestive problems, such as stomach ulcers.

#5 Naturopathy services

If you’re looking for natural solutions for digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome, consider naturopathy. An alternative medicine, naturopathy entails the use of natural therapies, such as homeopathy to restore a weak digestive system. 
With an experience and experience of over 30 years, Brisbane Livewell Clinic provides naturopathy services to patients. Be it food allergies and intolerances or weight loss, you can count on their team to address different types of digestive issues.

Apart from naturopathy, Brisbane Livewell Clinic also offers massages, homeopathy and acupuncture in Brisbane, Australia. Get more information here.