Are You Suffering From Muscle Ache or Stiff Joints?

Are You Suffering From Muscle Ache or Stiff..

Differentiating Between Perimenopause, Menopause And Post-Menopause

Menopause is a normal stage in every woman’s life. Yet, most women do not have much information about it. Does it start in the 40s? What are its symptoms?

To put it simply, natural menopause takes place in the following stages:

Perimenopause or Menopause Transition:

In the majority of cases, a woman gets perimenopause or menopause transition in her 40s. However, it can start in the 30s as well.

Perimenopause starts almost eight to ten years before menopause. This is the time when the ovaries create less estrogens. It lasts until menopause. During the last stage of perimenopause, women start to experience menopause symptoms. Keep in mind, the menstrual cycles still occur at this stage. Therefore, women can get pregnant.

Menopause:

Menopause is that stage when a woman’s ovaries stop producing eggs and estrogens. In addition, she no longer has her monthly menstrual cycle. In other words, she is not fertile any more.

Menopause is a sign of aging and typically occurs between late 40s to early 50s. But, some women may experience it earlier due to surgical intervention, such as from chemotherapy.

Here are some signs of menopause:

• Hot flashes
• Vaginal dryness
• Night sweats
• Insomnia
• Irritability and mood swings
• Mild depression
• Dry skin or mouth
• Headaches
• Weight gain
• Hair loss or thinning

Postmenopause:

Postmenopause follows menopause. It is when a woman has not had her menstrual cycle for a year.

Most menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes stop at this stage. That being said, women have a high risk of developing health conditions, such as heart disease due to low estrogen. Medication can help treat some of these conditions. But, it is important to talk to a doctor before taking any medication. 

The possibility of becoming pregnant is nonexistent at this stage. For those not wanting to become pregnant, the use of birth control until menopause helps. On the other hand, it is possible to have a baby during perimenopause. There are many advanced fertility-enhancing techniques that can increase your chances of getting pregnant.

For more information on pregnancy related issues, check out Brisbane Livewell Clinic. Specialising in alternative form of medicine, the clinic offers a wide range of services, including naturopathy, bowen therapy and fertility acupuncture in Brisbane.

Brisbane Livewell Clinic focuses on a holistic approach to health. All practitioners provide personalised plan and professional support to help their patients get back on track. 

5 Ways Acupuncture Can Help Relieve Stress

Stress is a natural part of our existence. Regardless of a person’s gender or age, everyone experiences some level of stress in their daily routines. What causes stress to one person may not cause to another. In other word, the cause of stress typically varies from person to person.

While short-lived stress can be beneficial, it is long-term, chronic stress that can cause serious problems. This is especially true if it negatively interferes with an individual’s ability to perform basic everyday tasks.

Chronic stress can result in severe anxiety and depression, if it is not treated in time.

Here are 5 ways acupuncture therapy can help relieve your stress levels:

#1 – It slows the production of stress hormones

Acupuncture is a great technique to reduce anxiety and stress. According to a study published by Georgetown University, the Chinese therapy slows the production of stress hormones. It minimizes the stress protein, thereby reducing your stress levels.

# 2 – It improves sleep

Sleep and stress are interrelated. Your stress levels will aggravate if you don’t get a good night’s sleep. A report published in the Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences reveals that acupuncture increases nocturnal melatonin and reduces anxiety and insomnia. As a result, the alternative therapy can help reduce your stress levels.

# 3 – It helps treat chronic pain

Any kind of chronic pain, including back pain, causes stress. Acupuncture is widely used to reduce chronic pain, such as headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain and back pain.

# 4 – It helps shift thinking patterns

Need to improve your thinking patterns? Acupuncture is a popular technique for shifting thinking patterns. It can also improve a patient’s memory and concentration. Some people find it easier to opt for healthy lifestyle changes due to the technique.

# 5 – It balances mind-body awareness

Acupuncture enhances your mind-body awareness. It boosts the flow of energy within the body. With more energy and a deep awareness, you will feel more productive, efficient and less stressed.

While acupuncture an effective technique for reducing stress, it’s important to consult a trained acupuncturist for it. Brisbane Livewell Clinic offers the best acupuncture treatment in Brisbane. The clinic’s experienced acupuncturists spend time with each patient to find a clear diagnosis in initial consultation. They use a variety of diagnostic tools for diagnosis. Thereafter, the clinic’s acupuncturists stimulate the acupuncture points using conventional methods, alongside others such as moxibustion, cupping, laser therapy, electro-stimulation and massage. And that’s not all. Brisbane Livewell’s natural healthcare practitioners develop customised recovery plans for each client. 

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.

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.

The Best Part About Bowen Therapy is That it Treats the Whole Body

The Best Part About Bowen Therapy is That it

5 Myths About Menopause Which Need To Be Deconstructed

Menopause is a time in female reproductive cycle when menstruation stops. It usually occurs at an average age of 51. There are several symptoms and signs of menopause; however these vary among women.

It is true that menopause affects a woman’s health and body in a number of ways.

However, not all cases are bad. Several women enjoy a period of wellness and perfect health during the time.

We have decided to deconstruct the myths associated with menopause to help you understand what really happens during this period.

1.    Menopause begins after 50

The average age of menopause is 50 or 51. However, this does not mean that menopause begins at this age for all women. In fact, it may occur in your thirties as well as in your sixties. Perimenopause, the time when you still have period, but begin experiencing menopausal symptoms, can last up to thirteen years!

So yes, it is completely normal to experience menopause earlier or later than the average age.

2.    Everyone gains weight during menopause

Weight gain is natural during perimenopause and menopause. This is because the body’s hormones fluctuate during these periods. However, due to these fluctuations, it becomes difficult to control your weight gain. Hence, most women end up gaining at least a few pounds.

But this does not mean that weight gain can’t be prevented. A healthy diet and exercise can help you remain fit as well as maintain your weight.

3.    Sex drive decreases

Hormonal imbalance can have an effect on your sex drive. Some women lose interest in sexual activities. Additionally, almost 50% of women experience vaginal dryness. This can make intercourse painful. However, this is not always the case. So no, a decrease in libido is not certain. You can still enjoy intercourse after menopause.

4.    Hot flashes are the first sign

Hot flashes are not always the first sign but they are usually the first noticed sign of menopause. Why? Because other symptoms are so common, we hardly notice them. Other signs include fatigue, irregular periods, anxiety, depression, cravings among others.

5.    Hormone replacement therapy is the only solution

When it comes to your health during menopause, there are several options to choose from. Hormone replacement therapy is just one of them. It comes with its particular benefits and potential side effects.

You can also choose to go with supplements or other alternative forms of therapy. For example, acupuncture Brisbane for perimenopause and menopause is a favoured by most women.

Brisbane Livewell Clinic offers perimenopause and menopause treatment with personalised nutritional and stress management plans to help women sail through these years. You can book an online appointment with them today.