Circumin is the active ingredient in the spice Tumeric, which has been considered a "holy powder" in India for centuries. Circumin imparts the bright gold color to turmeric and also serves as a yellow dye for textiles. But more importantly, the use of turmeric as medicine in the Indian culture goes back more than 5000 years.

U.S. scientists are jumping on the circumin bandwagon as well. In 2005, almost 300 technical papers in the National Library of Medicine's PubMed database referenced circumin - compared with only 100 papers just five years earlier.(1)

And the result of all those studies? Extensive research has shown circumin to be an effective antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, anifungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agent. That means it has enormous potential in combating malignant diseases and chronic illnesses, including diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer's disease.(2)

Head and Neck Cancer

Recently, a paper was presented at the 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation Annual Meeting in San Diego. Researchers had created an experiment to mimic what happens in actual cases of head and neck cancer.(3)

It's important to understand that 85% of head and neck cancer cases are linked to the use of tobacco. And even after successful treatment of such cancers, many patients continue to smoke, so recurrence of the cancer is very high.(4)

Those who do stop smoking often use nicotine replacement therapy, which still aggravates the cancer-forming process.

So the study pre-treated cancer cells with circumin and then re-introduced the nicotine. The results were astonishing: the circumin actually blocked the nicotine from activating the cancer-causing cells.

This study is an important step in discovering therapies that will provide cancer prevention and treatment. In the U.S. alone there are 40,000 new cases of head and neck cancer every year, resulting in over 13,000 deaths. Worldwide, new cases top the 500,000 mark each year.(5)

Neck Cancer Symptoms

Most cases of head and neck cancer begin in cells that line the mouth, nose and throat. Signs to watch for are a sore or lump that just won't heal, difficulty swallowing, a change in the sound of your voice or a sore throat that doesn't go away.

Any of these neck cancer symptoms are cause for concern and should be checked by a health care professional.

Meanwhile, M.D. Anderson, a world-leading cancer facility associated with the University of Texas in Houston, is heavily promoting the use of circumin even before all clinical trials are complete. They refer to circumin as an "ingredient of choice."(6) This view is reinforced by a study published in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology in 2007, which concluded that "circumin can be considered an ideal Spice for Life."(7)

More Powers of Circumin

Personally, I consider circumin to be one of the most powerful nutrients available today. Besides preventing disease, boosting your immune system and having a positive effect on your hearing, your brain and your prostate, it helps displace harmful estrogens that can cause estrogen dominance in men.

Naturally, you will want to consult with your personal physician before making any changes to your normal exercise, diet and supplement routine.

Until next time, don't forget to visit us online at Chesapeake Nutraceuticals.

Sources:

1. "Spice Healer," ScientificAmerican.com, February 2007
2. Aggarwal BB, Sundaram C, Malani N, Ichikawa H, "Circumin: the Indian Solid Gold," Adv Exp Med Biol. 2007; 595:1-75
3. Mikulski, Jessica, "Nicotine-Induced Activation of Head and Neck Cancers May Be Inhibited By Circumin," MedicalNewsToday.com, Oct 6, 2009
4. "Head and Neck Cancer: Questions and Answers," National Cancer Institute, cancer.gov
5. Mikulski, Jessica, "Nicotine-Induced Activation of Head and Neck Cancers May Be Inhibited By Circumin," MedicalNewsToday.com, Oct 6, 2009
6. "Spice Healer," ScientificAmerican.com, February 2007
7. Aggarwal BB, Sundaram C, Malani N, Ichikawa H, "Circumin: the Indian Solid Gold," Adv Exp Med Biol. 2007; 595:1-75

Neck sprain is a stretching or tearing feeling in the tissues of the neck. A neck strain is an injury that can damage the ligaments and muscles that support the neck and head.

Neck Strain

A strain in any part of a body is a stretch or tear of a muscle or tendon. Neck is surrounded by small muscles running close to the vertebrae and larger muscles that make up the visible muscles of the neck.

Causes

Neck strain can be caused when neck got unexpected bend, as if you a person is suddenly accelerated forward, then the head has tendency to remain behind and thus neck bends backwards suddenly. Our neck stays in constant tension to hold the head up. If a person having any injury on either neck or head, this may result to strain in neck. Sometime if you keep your neck one side while sleeping this may result to strain in neck. People who work on computer for a long time may suffer from the problem of neck strain.

Symptoms

If a person having strain in neck he/she may experience severe pain in the area around neck. Sometime it may have aching in neck. Even head movements also seems difficult and if one tries to move head side to side this can get pain in the neck. In some cases patient of neck strain may get numbness in fingers and also in forearms. Some other symptoms are blurred vision, swallowing, dizziness, stiffness, noise in ear and also nausea.

Treatment

Most of the patients of neck strain recover in one-two weeks but in some conditions, it can have long term effects such as long term discomfort, pain and limitation of movements. If a person is facing difficulty by sitting in same position for long time, then you should try to take small gaps between the working schedules. You can wear a soft cervical collar round your neck as it would be helpful in supporting head and also relieve pressure of neck.

Coffee cupping is one of the tasting techniques used by cuppers to analyze coffee aroma and the flavor profile of a coffee. To know the trivial differences among coffee growing regions, it is significant to taste coffee from around the world side by side. Cupping is as well used to find out coffee defects or to make coffee blends.

Cupping Coffee

Table Preparation:

Normally, in coffee cupping session, the table is set up with 6 to 8 cups per coffee. These are set in a triangular way. At the top of this triangle you need to place a taster of a roasted coffee and a taster of the green coffee. In the center of the table place a cup of room warmth water and an unfilled cup containing the cupping spoons. Next you need to cover both the green sample and roasted taster until the cupping session is over and the coffee aroma, smell, and flavor profile have been completely documented. After this time, both coffee tasters can be uncovered and extra comments could be written based on appearance. This method normally helps reduce the common a€œeye coffee cuppinga€ method.

Coffee Flavor Analysis:

After the coffee has cooled suitably take some coffee into the spoon and taste the coffee sturdily to aspirate it around the whole tongue. It is significant to aspirate sturdily as you are trying to cover the whole tongue consistently. Aspirating sturdily would as well cause tiny droplets of coffee to be dispersed into the throat and in the nasal passage. The nose could then act as another influential tasting tool. Most of the flavor experimental in a coffee is a consequence of aromatic compounds available in the coffee. This result could also be demonstrated by plugging your nose during drinking coffee. While the nasal passage is blocked, the coffee would probable taste same as to instant coffee as it lack aroma. When the nasal passage is opened, a full rainbow of flavors would then become evident.

Conclusions:

The key to cupping coffee is carry out and humility. The best cuppers known are self-effacing and always eager to learn more. The beauty is that we agree to disagree while respecting and trying to recognize the characteristics, which other people find.

There are lots of medications and skin cream available in the market for acne treatment, but the problem is that most of them carry side effects and there is always a risk of aggravating the problem instead of treating the same. The side effects may range from mild to severe. It means even if they seem to treat acne effectively, they are very much likely to result in several other medical condition, which can be worse than the skin problem. Therefore, you must be very careful while taking medications or using creams as a part of the treatment procedure. Following is a brief rundown on how to treat acne without causing any side effects.

Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 supplements have been found to be very effective in acne treatment. Regardless of the severity of the acne problem, you are advised to take the vitamin in the dosage as prescribed by your doctor regularly. These supplements are available in the form of pills, powder, or liquid. Though there are side effects of this completely natural treatment, but if you are suffering from several other medical conditions as well along with acne, you may experience gastrointestinal upset.

Chinese Herbs
People have been using Chinese herbal medicines since a very long time to treat acne. The advanced research and studies have also approved its effectiveness in acne treatment. However, you are strongly recommended not to start using just any over-the-counter Chinese herbal product. You must first consult a professional practitioner. In most cases, the Chinese Herbal practitioners first do a thorough check up of the patient and then make up a blend of different herbs tailored to their specific condition. The medicine usually is a combination of seagrass, sileris root, bupleurum, Chinese wolfberry root bark, pine pollen, and honeysuckle flower.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture has gained rapid popularity in the last few years as an effective alternative medicine therapy. Even many allopathic doctors use this therapy for their patients along with other medicines. So, make sure that you discuss it with your family doctor. In some cases, you may be referred to a professional acupuncturist. If done
thoroughly and regularly, the therapy can significantly reduce the severity of acne without causing any side effects. However, acne treatment using acupuncture therapy can be a bit costlier as compared to other methods.

Olive Leaf Extracts Or Green Tea
Olive leaf extracts and green tea products are not only beneficial in treating acne, but they can be very effective in a variety of other types of skin problems as well. If you have acne prone skin, you can use olive leaf extracts as a cleanser because they fight infection.

Tea Tree Oil, Neem And Aloe Vera
Tea tree oil, Neem, Aloe Vera are anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory herbal products. Where neem has blood purifying qualities, tea tree oil and Aloe Vera will keep your skin smooth.Since herbal medicines contain natural ingredients, they usually do not carry any side effects. That is the reason why more and more people are now turning towards natural therapy when it comes to acne treatment.

It is the natural phenomenon that the once looking beautiful and youthful face starts degenerating with time. This is due to the stress, pollution and various toxins that cause considerable change in the body. This causes appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, loose skin and other ageing effects, although this is an unavoidable fact but sometimes this occurs in an early age. Modern medication system has developed thousand techniques for its treatment but people always prefer for some natural therapy especially when it comes to their face to avoid any side effects.

Thankfully cosmetic acupuncture is one such treatment which is completely natural and do not use any harmful medicines. Also known as acupuncture facelift or facial rejuvenation, it works on the principle of the acupuncture that is inserting needles in certain points in the body. These points lie along the meridians which are energy pathways all along the body. In cosmetic acupuncture needles are inserted in meridians which carry energy and blood to the face tissues and bones. Some of these meridians lie on cheeks, forehead, ears, chin etc.

When needles are inserted in facial muscles, disrupted path of energy is cleared which enhances smooth flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients in the body. There is no pain but just a tingling sensation is felt when needles are inserted. This then helps in increasing the tone of muscles, tightens the loose skin, removes wrinkles and provides a healthy complexion to skin. If needles are inserted superficially then collagen fiber production is increased which provide elasticity to the skin. This elasticity make a person look younger and healthy. Moreover it also helps in reducing the pain in facial muscles by increasing the movement of stiff and tensed muscles.

Cosmetic acupuncture has proved its effectiveness by showing results in its patients. It increases blood circulation through which your complexion is improved. It flattens wrinkles, lighten deeper lines in the skin, with muscle elasticity help in tightening the skin, increases collagen production, makes you free of dark spots, acne and pimple, alleviate stress, increases dermal contraction etc. This is a pain free and natural technique for your overall health.

There are several other techniques besides this cosmetic acupuncture which have been accepted by the safety norms and are used from last 10-20 years. These techniques although produces same results as of cosmetic acupuncture but some after effects can be seen in them for ex: Surgical Facelift is a highly expensive method which has medical complications that can increase risks of infection, leaves scars on skin. Another one is Botox in which toxins are injected to prevent muscle contraction. This prevention although reduces wrinkles but it makes your face dull with paralyzed appearance while acupuncture flattens the muscles to remove wrinkles to avoid any adverse effects.

This brief story about cosmetic acupuncture treatment could very well make you satisfy that this method of traditional Chinese medicine is very beneficial and safe to improve the appearance of your face that not only makes you younger but also makes you feel younger. Many acupuncturists are moving towards the flourishing market of cosmetic acupuncture. Although this is expensive, some acupuncturists also provide free consultations. Be wary while selecting your acupuncturist as you may be betrayed just for earning money in this lucrative profession.

When therapists and enthusiasts are asked about the effectiveness of acupuncture for endometriosis the topic of pain relief often comes up. This is because endometriosis pains are so varied and differ wildly from woman to woman.

Endometriosis is often difficult to treat even with today's advanced pain medication. According to acupuncture therapists and enthusiasts, however, although acupuncture will not treat endometriosis entirely, it can help relieve the pain that comes with the disorder.

Women who suffer from endometriosis often report severe abdominal cramps, a feeling of heaviness especially in the pelvic area, and disabling, crippling pains in the lower back.

This is because endometriosis involves the migration of endometrial tissue normally found in the uterus, to other parts of the body. Each month as hormonal changes encourage the tissues to swell and then shed, instead of being expelled as menstruation, the blood and tissue lodge in various organ systems, causing internal bleeding, intense pain and even disruptions in normal bodily functions.

Because the cause of endometriosis is unknown, it is difficult to treat with only one form of therapy. Physicians will often recommend various drugs, including those that can help manage pain, and those that can lower the levels of estrogen in the body. Acupuncture contributes to therapy by allowing patients to relax better, and to deal with pain more effectively without resorting to medication.

If you are suffering from endometriosis and do not want to take more medications to relieve your pains, then you may wish to consider acupuncture.

Acupuncture makes use of tiny needles inserted into strategic parts of your body, with the aim of redirecting the universal energy field, called chi. When redirected, chi can allow you to be healthier and more relaxed. With greater relaxation, you can perhaps learn how to handle your pain better.

Before you go to an acupuncturist, however, you will need to consult with your doctor first about what other therapy options are available to you. This is especially advisable if you have a fear of needles, or if you are highly skeptical about acupuncture. If you do undertake acupuncture therapy, however, then these tips can help in your search for an acupuncturist.

• Ask your physician for referrals. Many obstetricians and gynecologists will be in touch with acupuncturists who offer relaxation or pain relief therapy. These acupuncturists will also be licensed and legal, so you can be sure that you are receiving treatment from a qualified practitioner.

• Join an email group or forum for people suffering from endometriosis, and ask around about acupuncture therapy. There will most likely be people present who have undergone the therapy to deal with their own endometriosis-related pains, and they can offer you tips on where to go, who to see, and what to do.

• When you arrive at the acupuncturist, ask as many questions as you can. This is a good way to do research on acupuncture. Besides, a good, licensed acupuncturist will be happy to answer your questions, offer reassurance and be more than willing to help you. Try and find a practitioner who has knowledge and experience of dealing with endometriosis.

• Share your good experiences with members of your email group or forum. You can help other endometriosis sufferers in dealing with their own conditions.

Discover more information on natural alternatives for treating endometriosis by signing up to the newsletter below.

For those who practice acupuncture, endometriosis is not necessarily easy to treat. The many pains can blind patients to the possibility of being able to deal with the difficulties of the disorder. However, with positive experiences, and with more acupuncture for endometriosis therapy sessions, the pains of endometriosis may lessen significantly.

If you are familiar with the Xiao Yao Wan Chinese herbal remedy, then you should know that the Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan product functions along similar lines. Actually, the manufacturer claims that Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan is basically an improved version of the Xiao Yao Wan Chinese herbal remedy. People who are experiencing too much stress, or feeling irritable, anxious, and depressed may find their symptoms relieved by Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan.

Just like Xiao Yao Wan, this Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan is supposed to alleviate the accumulation of too much Qi (or chi energy force) in your liver. This congested chi energy force is believed to be the cause of all your symptoms of being overstressed, irritable, anxious, and depressed, as well swollen breasts and painful and irregular menstruation in the women.

Basically, Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan is based on the same essential ingredients that make up the Xiao Yao Wan product, but has several herbs that make the Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan product what it is. The Chinese herbs upon which Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan were based are: Sheng Jian (or Zingiber officinale rhizome-fresh); Bo He (or Herba Menthae); Zhi zi (or Fructus Gardenias); Mu dan pi (or Cortex Movtan); Gan cao (or Radix Glycyrrhizae); Fu Ling (or Poria); Bai zhu (or Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae); Bai Shao (or Radix Paeoniae Alba); Dang Gui (or Radix Angelicae Sinensis); and Chai Hui (or Radix Bupleuri.)

To make the Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan, the manufacturer relies on both traditional preparation methods coupled with modern techniques to make this product. The Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan is an imported product that meets FDA guidelines. It was made slightly differently from Xiao Yao Wan so that the Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan can relieve hot flashes as well.

Though pregnant women might take this product, the manufacturer advocates use of caution when consuming the Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan. If your menstrual flow is quite heavy, then avoid use of Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan altogether. The Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan is also not appropriate to be used in combination with other pharmaceutical products, especially cold medication. Also to get the best results, you should not eat spicy or oily food while drinking the Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan. Children should never take this product under any circumstances.

The Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan is only based on authentic Chinese herbs and does not contain any harmful or dubious ingredients like additives, dyes, sugar, or unknown pharmaceutical products. Because the Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan is an improved version of Xiao Yao Wan, it is deemed a concentrated formulation so you need not take the same doses as the less concentrated version. If necessary though, you should ask your doctor if you can take higher dosages of the Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan product to derive optimal results from it. If for some reason you do not feel comfortable after taking the Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan stop using it immediately and consult a doctor at once.

Acupuncture is becoming more accepted as a legitimate way to treat a whole host of illnesses. It is yet still not completely accepted by everyone in the medical world. This is basically because of a lack of proper studies proving the effectiveness of acupuncture.

Acupuncture has been used to take care of a many different types of pain. It has in recent times been proven to be effective in treating lower back pain. Over the years it has been used to care for arthritis related joint pain, osteoarthritis, and knee injuries. Actually it is seen as most effective when treating pain stemming from injuries.

There are a lot of people who claim to get relief from acupuncture while others do not. The reason for this may be the nature of the pain and the skillfulness of the practitioner in diagnosing the problem. Understanding the former and choosing the latter may facilitate to effectively treat back pain.

Chronic pain is somewhat that a large percentage of the population suffers from. Many people lives through the pain and unable to find relief in any way. Acupuncture for pain relief may now offer some patients a way to discover relief from chronic pain. Acupuncture for pain has now found acceptance in Europe as a rightful way to treat pain and is even covered by health insurance in Germany.

Nevertheless it has not quite received the same level of acceptance everywhere else in the world. Many still consider it as an alternative medicine though there are new trials and studies that show promising results. This could be the answer for people who have not been able to live devoid of pain for years.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a general type of knee pain; it is particularly common in young adults who are active in sports. It affects many people and there is no clear cause of it.

In spite of this seemingly clear link between knee pain and physical activity, yet there seems to be no clear link between the damage to knee cartilage and knee pain. Acupuncture chronic pain treatments are seen as an unconventional way to treat knee pain. It is preferable than by means of medication and may have long term lasting effects.

Acupuncture neck pain treatments are seen as a form of effective way to deal with neck pain. It is moreover considered more effective, even if marginally, than massage therapy. If the neck pain is happen to be caused by an injury of some kind then relief can be found within a few sessions.

The neck (cervical spine) is composed of vertebrae that begin in the upper torso and end at the base of the skull. The bony vertebrae along with the ligaments (which are comparable to thick rubber bands) provide stability to the spine. The muscles allow for support and motion. The neck has a significant amount of motion and supports the weight of the head. However, because it is less protected than the rest of the spine, the neck can be vulnerable to injury and disorders that produce pain and restrict motion.

Neck injuries can be serious and can affect your ability to walk, stand normally, and move with ease. This is because neck injuries may result in damage to the spinal cord, which connects your brain to the rest of your body.

The most frequent causes of neck injuries include car or motorcycle accidents, sports injuries, whiplash of rides. Accidents are the leading causes of injury to the neck. Sudden jerks of the head and just causes whiplash injuries. Whiplash is a soft tissue injury where the neck and head are suddenly thrown forward and back again at the time of impact (which is almost always a car accident).

What are the symptoms?

You may feel a knot, stiffness, or severe pain in your neck. The pain may spread to your shoulders, upper back, or arms. You may get a headache. You may not be able to move or turn your head and neck easily. If there is pressure on a spinal nerve root, you might have pain that shoots down your arm. You may also have numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arm.

Common causes of neck injuries include car or motorcycle accidents, sports injuries, and whiplash from amusement park rides.

Spasm: Neck spasms are contractions of the muscles in your neck. The muscles become tight, hard, and painful. Neck spasms may occur from an injury, overuse, poor posture, or stress. For example, it is common for a person doing a lot of computer work to feel his or her neck stiffen. Spasms may even occur from an uncomfortable night's sleep.

Self Care:

Self-care for neck pain: If you have severe muscle pain and loss of motion in your neck, self-care should include a few simple techniques to assist with controlling these symptoms and hasten recovery:

Apply ice, a cold pack, or even a small bag of frozen vegetables, such as peas or corn, placed in a light towel, to the sore area for 10-15 minutes every few hours. This will decrease inflammation and cramping.

Use heat or cold to help stop muscle spasms, whichever one gives you the most relief. Alternating heat and cold may help. Rest your neck by wearing a soft, supportive collar or small towel rolled and placed under the chin. Do this for relief of muscle pain and loss of motion. Take care to preserve the normal curve of the neck when wearing a support.

One and again is to take a bath towel and then fold it lengthwise. This should be used to wrap around the neck before bedtime. A massage would also be very helpful, and so is relaxing. Pharmaceuticals such as ibufprofen, aspirin or naproxen are options as well. They ought to be used as directed and they can relieve pain and inflammation. A healthcare professional might recommend certain exercises. They would serve to alleviate the pain and improve the muscles.

Scared off by Botox? Definitely don't want to go under the knife? A new non-surgical treatment promises to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, tighten and tone sagging muscles and give a healthier, younger appearance.

The Caci face lift is a non-surgical micro-current system that offers results without any invasive procedures and has reportedly attracted a host of celebrity enthusiasts.

CACI is a world-renowned system, which guarantees great results. The CACI micro-current system gently helps to tighten and tone sagging muscles whilst smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

CACI achieves excellent results on problem areas such as the abdomen & bust. Stretch marks & scar tissue can also be
successfully treated. CACI also tackles cellulite, fluid retention and stubborn fatty areas such as thighs & buttocks. This achieves
rapid inch reduction as it contours and firms underlying muscle and detoxifies surrounding lymph.

Each treatment takes one hour (a session of eight to ten is recommended) and is designed to stimulate cell repair and boost natural collagen to give visible results right from the start.

Put to the test it definitely leaves the face feeling more taut, fresh and youthful-looking. Admittedly, it's not the most relaxing of facial procedures (rather than involving luxurious creams and gels, the treatment involves a therapist running small probes over your face to stimulate the muscles), but the results feel great.

The treatment, which has become known as 'the non-surgical face lift', is available at London's Buty Salon. Each session costs £82 and clients can also take advantage of a special sale package by choosing a course of 10.