If you suffer from bloating, you carefully examine all the foods you are eating but tend to overlook what you drink. Most popular drinks that you consume daily might just be the culprit in your no win bloating war.
Let's take a look which popular "health" drinks might contribute to your gas, bloating and indigestion symptoms.
1. Milk is the number one culprit for your bloated stomach that is ready to explode. Milk contains lactose that many people can't digest properly. Milk was initially intended for human and animal babies as a rich source for growth and nutrients; you will not see adult animals consuming milk anywhere in nature. Most individuals lose the ability to process milk with age triggering multiple allergies and sensitivities. If you favor chocolate milk on top of that, you supply your body with indigestible formula of lactose and sugar which adds to your indigestion problems.
2. Coffee contains large doses of caffeine and acid that irritates and over stimulates the stomach lining. Strong ingredients in coffee eventually cause intestinal spasms and colic. Instant coffee that is more popular in Europe but gaining popularity in America is even worse for your stomach than naturally brewed coffee.
3. Tea, especially strong black varieties, contains considerable amount of caffeine and similarly to coffee causes stomach sensitivities and indigestion.
4. Fruit juice is believed to be a health drink and is widely advertised by juice manufacturing companies to supply your body with essential nutrients and elements. However, once you rid a fruit of its vital fibers via a juicing process, you are likely to be left with a high concentration of water and sugar. High amounts of fructose can upset any stomach and trigger an acid indigestion or gas attack. Additionally, sugar is perfect food for Candida yeast to feed off.
5. Soda has to be the ultimate worst contributor to your bloated stomach causes due to high concentration of chemical ingredients. Sugar, artificial sweeteners, chemical additives and caffeine mixed together by the process of carbonation create a concoction that is so harmful to our bodies that no words can describe. Both diet and regular soda varieties are equally bad for you and can give you gas almost right away.
6. Energy drinks are among the worst killer brews for our health since they contain double sugar and double caffeine compared to sodas to give you the jolt of energy. However, the jolt of energy very often comes at a very high cost of your health, namely, poor digestion, gas and bloating.
7. Beer is one of the top contributors to gas and bloated belly along with many carbonated beverages. Additionally, it contains wheat and yeast remnants that some people do not tolerate very well.
8. Champagne usually accompanies many festive events and romantic occasions. However, the famous bubbly is going to give you the not so romantic flatulence and indigestion due to high concentration of bubbles and sugars.
9. Wine is a type of alcoholic drink manufactured by means of fermenting grape juice. The result is highly acidic and sugary composition that can irritate your digestive tract and result in gas. Some people are additionally allergic to sulfites that most wine manufactures use as wine preservative and an ingredient intended to stop further fermentation.
10. Heavy liquor is literally pure poison for any organ of your body and is a very strong stimulant wrecking havoc with your digestion. Consuming heavy alcoholic beverages is almost a sure way to give you bloating.

By Caroline Hawthorn

Anemia can be mild, moderate, or severe, and this condition can be caused by many different factors. In this condition your body does not have an adequate number of red blood cells present, and if the condition is severe it can lead to serious complications or even be fatal in some cases. Another cause is having the right number of red blood cells, but for some reason these cells do not contain adequate amounts of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein which is rich in iron, and this component is required so that oxygen from your lungs can be transported through the rest of your body in your bloodstream. Both of the factors that cause anemia mean that your tissues do not get enough oxygen rich blood to them, and organ or tissue damage can result. One cause of this problem is an injury which results in substantial blood loss, and over time the condition will go away as your body makes new red blood cells. If your condition is mild then you will probably not notice many symptoms, if any at all. You may notice some fatigue, because insufficient oxygen levels will sap your energy, and your skin may seem a little pale.

Moderate anemia may cause other symptoms, some of which can be dangerous and should be treated. You may experience extreme fatigue, where it may be impossible to perform normal daily tasks without requiring rests. Your skin may become extremely pale, and you may experience difficulty breathing or be short of breath without any exertion. Dizziness is another common sign, and so is a headache. You may have extremities which feel cold or go numb, and this means that your blood flow and oxygen levels in these tissues are affected. Chest pain can be a symptom as well, and this sign should always be evaluated by a medical professional immediately. In some cases a lack of oxygen or adequate blood flow can affect your heart tissue, causing damage and increasing your risk of a heart attack or other cardiac event. Unusual or irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias can also occur, and these can be dangerous if not controlled.

Tissue and organ damage caused by severe anemia can be permanent, and may cause fatal complications. If left untreated or allowed to continue over longer time periods, this condition can cause damage to your heart, brain, kidneys, liver, lungs, and other organs. Heart failure can occur because of extensive damage caused by a lack of oxygen, and brain damage can lead to permanent mental disability or even death in some cases. If you experience heart palpitations, fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, or any other problems that are serious you should go to the nearest Emergency Room for evaluation. These may be signs that your red blood cells or hemoglobin levels are dangerously low, and if left untreated you could suffer from serious medical complications or even death. Bloody bowel movements, weight loss, and a loss of appetite may also be signs of this condition, and they should be checked out as soon as possible.

By Caroline Hawthorn

If you don't know how to stop a stuffy nose, all you need to do is try some of the techniques below and you will surely find some relief.

Step 1: Keep your head elevated. When you're in bed, be sure to use more than one pillow so your head is raised. This is done so the mucus doesn't collect in your sinuses and allows your nose to dry. Standing or walking can also help clear your nose.

Step 2: Use a hair dryer. Turn on the hair dryer and breathe its hot air. The idea is similar to covering your face with hot towels. The hot air will dilute the mucus. This is similar to being in a sauna without increasing the temperature of your entire body.

Step 3: Purchase products like Tiger Balm containing high levels of menthol and camphor. Vicks VapoRub can also be used, but Tiger Balm is much better. Rub it gently on the nose area, chest and throat. Tiger Balm can cause the skin to become hot and red, but it's not dangerous. The steam rising from the menthol and camphor will warm the face and nose so that the respiratory tract becomes more relieved.

Step 4: Use a Nasal Spray. Spray works very well and will not go into your throat. Sprays can be found easily at grocery stores and drug stores. However, keep in mind that the use of many sprays is only a short term fix, because they are addictive.

Step 5: Use items that stimulate the olfactory. Squirt some essential oils, like peppermint, eucalyptus or rosemary on a handkerchief and breathe the smell. You can also spread peppermint oil on the part under your nose. The smell may sting but it will help to relieve your stuffy nose.

Step 6: Use vinegar mixed with hot water. Add vinegar into water, boil and then smell the fumes. Be careful with the sharp smell and stinging.

Step 7: Cough drops. This is just a reminder. Now days cough drops come in a wide range of flavors, so you're almost guaranteed to find some that you like.

Step 8: Massaging the bridge of your nose. Massage the area between your eyebrows and the bridge of your nose. This will help to break up the mucus. Repeat the massage as often as necessary.

Step 9: Chewing gum. Chewing gum, especially peppermint scented, will help relieve your nose. This activity can be done anywhere and without side effects. The only drawback is if you wear braces, this may not be for you.

Step 10: Open your vehicle's window. Open the window of your vehicle slightly when you drive. This may be less convenient than using the AC or heater, but you need to replace the air inside your vehicle which will provide fresh air for your nose.

By Christopher R. Taylor

Gout can be an extremely debilitating condition that leaves the sufferers with red, inflamed painful joints, using in the foot and ankle. There are a number of ways to treat gout, but if you want to avoid medication then why not try these gout pain natural remedies.

Firstly, a brief outline of what causes gout. In essence gout is caused by the build up of uric acid crystals in the blood that are then deposited in the joints and soft tissues surrounding the joints. Uric acid naturally occurs in our bodies, the problems start when there is excessive levels present.

Your body can have an excess of uric acid for a number of reasons:

- It's can be down to a hereditary condition whereby your body struggles to process uric acid efficiently.

- Your diet is high in purine-rich foods. Purine, when metabolized, produces uric acid, so if you're eating lots of purine-rich foods the body struggles to expel the resulting high levels of uric acid.

- Some medications can lead to increased levels of uric acid.

- Being obese can also increase uric acid levels

- Impaired kidney function can hinder the process of eliminating uric acid in via the urine.

There are a number of gout pain relief natural remedies that you can use to reduce the swelling and relieve the pain of a gout flare-up.

1. Water

The simplest of the home remedies is water. We all know that we're supposed to drink 6 - 8 eight ounce glasses of water a day, but we don't all do it! However, as a gout sufferer it is vitally important to keep your fluid intake up. Keeping the body hydrated dilutes the uric acid and allows it to be easily processed by the kidneys and eliminated in the urine.

If drinking that much water isn't very appetizing to you then fruit juices and tea are okay alternatives. But try to drink as much pure water as you can.

2. Icing

When you have a gout flare up a great way to reduce the swelling and accompanying pain is to ice the area. Keeping a cold compress pack in the freezer makes this an easy task when gout strikes.

3. Warmth

Conversely, other gout sufferers report experiencing relief when keeping the affected area warm. Try wrapping a warm towel around the joint or applying a warm wheat bag to the area. This can help to alleviate the pain and many gout sufferers say it's a good way to help you get to sleep.

4. Diet

changing your diet is a longer-term remedy. It won't bring you immediate relief, but it will reduce the uric acid in your system over time and help prevent further attacks.

The focus of a gout friendly diet is to avoid food with very high purine levels and replace them with foods which moderate to low purine levels. Here are a few examples of what to eat and what not to eat:

Gout Friendly Foods:

Fruit & fruit juices

Most vegetables

Eggs

Dairy products

Cereals

Foods to avoid:

Meat extracts

Shellfish (ie scrimp & mussels)

Offal

Gravies

Dried legumes.

5. Cherry Juice

1950 was the year that cherries were discovered to bring relief from gout symptoms. Furthermore, recent studies on the anti-inflammatory properties of cherries have produced similar positive effects. Cherry juice is not a drug and therefore has not been submitted to the clinical trials that medications have, however, many gout sufferers have found relief from their gout symptoms while drinking
or taking cherry juice or extract.

By Lisa McDowell

Lipomas are lumps or clusters of fatty tissue deposits, that amass just below the surface of the skin. They are inclined to be soft and spongy, easily able to be moved when touched or pressed. Generally speaking, they are not dangerous, unless the fatty tissue collects in the region of a nerve, or if the build up causes some form of disfigurement.

The standard diagnostic process involves a doctor carrying out an initial investigation to verify that the lump is a lipoma, and not a more serious form of tumour. When it is proven beyond doubt that the lump is a lipoma, the removal of the fat cells can be considered. The lump can be removed by one of various options, including surgery, laser treatment, liposuction and steroid injections. Depending on the preferred choice, these procedures can be carried out at the medical centre, clinic, hospital or maybe even privately by a cosmetic surgeon.

However, surgery is not the only option. There are several natural, home remedies and herbal treatments that could be tried before embarking on the surgical route. The following are some options that could be considered following advice and careful discussions with your medical professionals.

Castor Oil - apply topically several times daily for best results.

Flaxseed Oil - this is high in omega-3, so by taking this oil, it may be possible to dissolve lipomas, or at the very least, stunt the development of fatty cells

Lemon Juice - this is renowned for reducing toxins and stimulating the liver, which may assist the body to digest fats and therefore help to reduce the number and size of the fatty lumps.

Herbal Treatments

Turmeric - it is commonly believed by many experts that by combining turmeric powder with olive oil and applying the blend to the fatty deposits, the lipomas can be softened and reduced.

Chickweed - both chickweed tea and ointment have demonstrated the capacity to reduce the size of lipoma tumours. Chickweed ointments and herbs are readily available from most health shops. The tea is made by infusing two teaspoonfuls of dried chickweed in boiling water for around fifteen minutes.

Thuja Occidentalis - Ayurvedic medicine practitioners regularly use this form of cedar in the treatment for common skin ailments, such as warts and lipomas. A mixture of cedar extract and water is applied to the affected areas two or three times per day.

Green Tea - real green tea is a great fat burner. Increasing body metabolism and burning off fat is an ideal way of avoiding adding to lipoma problems

Lifestyle Changes

As lipoma lumps consist of fat, one obvious factor in minimising growths is to reduce the intake of fat. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is advantageous anyway, but for lipoma sufferers in particular, it can be extremely helpful in reducing the size and number of these fatty growths. Eating leaner meats and cutting out fatty dairy products, as well as eating green vegetables and fruit is a good point to start. Cut out processed foods, white sugar and white flour as well, and the difference will be noticeable. Perhaps a body detox and immune system boosting supplements would not go amiss.

A good way of dealing with lipomas could therefore be a combination of the above tips. Lipoma reducing creams, fat burning herbs, a proper healthy diet and exercise may just be the answer.

By Roger Clinton

Loss of energy may simply be your body's way of telling you it needs to rest. Feeling tired all of the time is a sign that something is going wrong within your body. Here are five causes of fatigue.
Diseases
When you have an infection or illness, your body needs more rest than usual. We often take over-the-counter drugs to help reduce the other symptoms of infections like the common cold, but those drugs do not reduce the need for extra rest. A chronic gastrointestinal problem called celiac disease is accompanied by fatigue.
Disorders
A number of medical disorders can cause fatigue and loss of energy. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is a disorder commonly referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), although those who suffer from the condition prefer the more accurate term of ME, rather than CFS, because fatigue is not the only symptom. They also suffer from memory loss and other disabling symptoms.
Fibromyalgia is a painful condition and feeling tired is often a symptom, but exercising has been shown to reduce the pain and the fatigue. Insomnia, sleep apnea and other sleep disorders will cause daytime fatigue, because the body is simply not getting enough rest. Depression and bipolar disorder may cause fatigue, as can arthritis and many other health problems.
Being Overweight or Obese
People who are overweight or obese will complain of feeling tired, because they are carrying around all of that extra weight. Think about how much harder it is to walk up a flight of stairs carrying a 20 pound backpack. People who are 20 pounds overweight are constantly carrying around that backpack.
Nutritional Deficiencies or Inadequacies
Nutritional deficiencies or inadequacies are the most common causes of loss of energy or general fatigue. Your body needs a variety of nutrients every day in order to function normally. Our diets rarely provide all of those nutrients, partially because of making bad choices and partially because our foods are simply not as nourishing as they once were.
A lack of essential amino acids is commonly associated with chronically feeling tired. Amino acids are provided by protein-rich foods in the diet, but not all proteins are complete. They may provide some amino acids, but not all of them.
Any nutritional deficiency will cause fatigue long before it causes any other symptoms. Anemia, for example, causes loss of energy before other symptoms appear.
Aging
Feeling tired is not a natural part of the aging process, but unhealthy lifestyle, poor diet, chronically low intake of nutrients, taking medication and toxins in the environment can cause age-related energy-loss. In addition, some conditions are more common with age. For example, osteoarthritis affects many older people and it causes fatigue.
Decreased muscle strength and flexibility may occur due to less than optimal nutrient intake and lack of physical activity. Your body's resting metabolism decreases with age, which means your caloric requirements are lower, but your nutritional requirements are still the same. As you age, you must increase your nutritional intake without increasing your caloric intake or you will become overweight.
By Larry L. Taylor

Hemolysis is the premature destruction of red blood cells (erythrocytes) and it leads to hemolytic anemia, when bone marrow activity cannot compensate for the erythrocyte loss. This condition can be caused by a large number of hereditary and acquired disorders, which number more than 200. Symptoms include anemia, breathlessness, leg ulcers and in severe cases, angina and heart failure. Treatment consists of blood transfusions for severe acute anemia, and avoiding known causes. This includes drugs, chemicals and known offending food products. Folic acid, steroids, immunoglobin, and iron therapy are commonly used, while surgical splenectomy is required rarely.
Ayurvedic treatment is aimed at treating the cause of hemolysis, reducing the anemia and treating the associated symptoms. Medicines like Punarnavadi Mandur, Tapyadi Loh, Arogya Vardhini and Lohasav are used to increase the red blood cell count. Medicines which act on the "Rakta" and "Majja" dhatus (tissues) of the body are used for this condition. These medicines include Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Guduchi (Tinosporia cordifolia) and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis).
In addition, medicines which act on the bone marrow are given in an attempt to improve the production of healthy red blood cells and also to reduce the tendency for hemolysis. These medicines include Guduchi, Amalaki, Musta, Laxadi Guggulu, Suvarna-Malini-Vasant, Heerak Bhasma and Panch -Tikta -Ghrut -Guggulu.
Additional treatment needs to be given for associated symptoms. Triphala Guggulu and Mandukparni (Centella asiatica) are used for leg ulcers. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) and Laxmi Vilas Ras are used for angina and heart disease.
The overall results of treatment in this condition depend upon the cause of hemolysis. However, in most of the conditions related to hemolytic anemia, the outcome is usually quite good. Acute or emergency cases need to be treated by a Hematologist.

By Abdulmubeen Mundewadi

A healthy diet is essential regardless of an individual's cardiovascular risk profile. Many studies, including Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), have provided evidence of the heart and vascular benefits of specific dietary guidelines. An early adjustment in dietary choices may prevent and/or improve high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and consequently other health-related problems. If a rise in blood pressure with age could be prevented or diminished, many conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart, vascular and kidney disease, and stroke, could be prevented.
Dietary Restrictions
1) Low sodium intake: The main source of sodium in Western diets is processed food, for instance, excessive quantities of salt are contained in packaged food and in food eaten outside the home. The DASH trial evaluated the effects of varying sodium intake in addition to the DASH diet and found that lowering sodium intake reduces blood pressure levels. Mean sodium intake is approximately 4,100 mg per day for men and 2,750 mg per day for women, 75% of which comes from processed foods.
Recommended Daily Sodium Intake
Dietary sodium should be reduced to no more than 100 mmol per day (2.4 g of sodium). 2)
2) Alcohol: Alcohol intake should be limited to no more than 1 oz (30 mL) of ethanol, the equivalent of two drinks per day for most men and no more than 0.5 oz of ethanol (one drink) per day for women and lighter-weight persons. A single drink is equivalent to 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1.5 oz of 80-proof liquor.
3) Caffeine: Caffeine may result in high blood pressure; however, this effect is usually temporary. Moderate intake of caffeine per day does not significantly increase blood pressure.
Recommended Daily Coffee Intake Coffee intake should be less than two cups per day.
Dietary Restrictions
1) Low sodium intake: The main source of sodium in Western diets is processed food, for instance, excessive quantities of salt are contained in packaged food and in food eaten outside the home. The DASH trial evaluated the effects of varying sodium intake in addition to the DASH diet and found that lowering sodium intake reduces blood pressure levels. Mean sodium intake is approximately 4,100 mg per day for men and 2,750 mg per day for women, 75% of which comes from processed foods.
Recommended Daily Sodium Intake Dietary sodium should be reduced to no more than 100 mmol per day (2.4 g of sodium).
2) Alcohol: Alcohol intake should be limited to no more than 1 oz (30 mL) of ethanol, the equivalent of two drinks per day for most men and no more than 0.5 oz of ethanol (one drink) per day for women and lighter-weight persons. A single drink is equivalent to 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1.5 oz of 80-proof liquor.
3) Caffeine: Caffeine may result in high blood pressure; however, this effect is usually temporary. Moderate intake of caffeine per day does not significantly increase blood pressure.
Recommended Daily Coffee Intake Coffee intake should be less than two cups per day.
Dietary Supplements
1) Potassium supplementation: Lower potassium intake (i.e., below 40 mEq) is thought to be associated with high blood pressure.
2) Fish Oil: According to a meta-analysis of 36 trials of fish oil, the consumption of high doses of fish oil with a median dose of 3.7 g per day provided a significant reduction in systemic blood pressure. Fish oil consumption has also shown to reduce triglycerides.
Recommended Daily Fish Oil Intake A median dose of 3.7 g per day provided a significant reduction in systemic blood pressure.
3) Folate: A small randomized study reported that short-term folic acid supplementation could reduce blood pressure significantly. It has been suggested that a daily intake of 5 mg of folic acid could be beneficial in reducing systolic pressure.
4) Flavonoids: A Cochrane meta-analysis looking at multiple randomized controlled trials reported that flavanol-rich chocolate and cocoa products may have a small but significant effect in lowering blood pressure by 2-3 mm/Hg in the short term.
5) Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Some studies suggest that CoQ10 may have the potential to reduce systolic pressure by up to 17 mm Hg and diastolic pressure by up to 10 mm Hg without any significant side effects. The average dosage used in these studies were around 217 mg/day.

By Homayoun L. Daneschvar, M.D.

Acupuncture is a method that originated in China over 5000 years ago. It is a holistic practice that is based on the belief of releasing blocked energy or "chi" in living beings. These energy lines circulate through twelve invisible energy lines known as meridians of the body. Each meridian is associated with a different organ system in your body so the needle insertions in each of these meridians reduce the respective disease associated with that meridian point.

What acupuncture can do?

Usually people suffer from diseases when energy gets blocked in the meridians. When the needles are inserted into the specific points along the meridian lines, the balanced flow of energy is restored. Acupuncture works effectively because the needles stimulate the release of pain-relieving endorphins into the body, influences the release of neurotransmitters and also enhances the working of autonomic nervous systems. By influencing the electrical currents in the body, acupuncture also improves blood circulation throughout the body.

School of acupuncture therapy

School of acupuncture therapy provides acupuncture-training courses to all practitioners. These courses help them to perform various acupuncture treatments to reduce diseases in human beings. The acupuncture therapy school teaches the acupuncturists to perform a number of treatments like acupuncture with needles and acupuncture without needles.

Acupuncture with needles include curing disorders like head and neck pains, migraines, cervical spondylitis, Azoospermia, genitor-urinary systems like bed-wetting in children, laryngitis, earache, depression, arthritis, deafness, schizophrenia and skin disorders like Acne, psoriasis, and falling hair. Sometimes the needles are electrified to produce better results. This also helps in curing smoking, alcoholism and drug addictions.

Other unique acupuncture treatment offered by acupuncture schools

Needle-less acupuncture includes techniques like Moxibustion, Soft Laser Therapy, Cupping Therapy, and Ultrasonopuncture.

1. Sujok Acupuncture - the acupuncture schools offers this unique technique where the expert uses only his hands and legs. He inserts microscopic needles into the points or even a sesame seed and small magnets that relieve the patients instantly.
2. Acutron Mentor Acupuncture - this is one of the most advanced techniques that use electro curative apparatus that offers micro current therapies and interferential current through the needles. It is advantageous because it can be used for pain management and treating all types of diseases.

Special training methods of acupuncture NYC

Other significant acupuncture treatments are offered by Acupuncture NYC [New York City] center. The main advantage of their techniques is confirmed remedy and there are no side effects. They heal severe cases of menstrual disorders, PMS, endometriosis, cysts and fibroids, hot flashes, arthritis, infertility problems in men and women, pregnancy problems, circulation problems, digestive disorders, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea and constipation.

The ancient method of acupuncture truly helps in stress management strategies and rebalances the body's energetic forces to achieve harmony and sense of well being.

By Oliver Turner

You may not realize just how important your wrists are until one of them gets hurt. There are basically two types of wrist injury. One is acute, such as a sprain or a fracture. The other is overuse, caused by the repetitive motion of activities such as typing. The overuse injury that most often affects the wrists is tendinitis. People who use their hands a lot such as carpenters, computer operators, musicians can develop tendinitis if the tendons in their wrists are not strong and flexible enough. Overuse can also affect the ulnar nerve, which runs along pinkie side of the wrist and hand. And it can cause tissues in the wrist to swell and put pressure on the median nerve, leading to carpel tunnel syndrome. Both conditions can produce tingling, numbness, and pain in the fingers and hands as well as in the wrists. Here are some tips that you can consider to adopt to relieve wrist pain.

1. Build Some Muscles

You can prevent future wrist pain by strengthening the muscles in your forearms. It is recommended holding a 6-ounce can of tomato paste in each hand and flexing your wrists back and forth 15 to 20 times. Or you can simply squeeze a tennis ball in each hand. Squeeze the ball for 5 seconds and release, then repeat 12 to 15 times.

2. Ease Back Into It

A wrist that has been immobilized may become stiff from lack of use. Some gentle stretching can help restore flexibility. It is recommended pressing on a tabletop with the palm of your hand. Bend your wrist until you reach the angle of pain, then back off just a hair. By riding the edge of discomfort and stopping just before you feel pain, you are doing beneficial stretching. Hold this position or as long as you find comfortable, working up to 2 minutes. Repeat three to four times daily.

3. Treat It Gingerly

A compress made from ginger can draw out toxins and accelerate the healing process. To make the compress, simply boil some grated gingerroot, allow it to cool, place it in a moist washcloth, and lay the washcloth over your wrist. The washcloth should be as hot as you can tolerate. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, and repeat every other hour.

4. Keep Still

For a more severe case of tendinitis, immobilizing the joint with an elastic wrist support may provide some relief. You will find these devices in drugstores and medical supply stores. It is recommended wearing one while you sleep, to prevent your wrist from twisting awkwardly as well as during your waking hours, when your wrist is in use. The support should keep your wrist in about 10-degree dorsiflex position. In other words, if your palm is facing downward, your wrist should be bent slightly upward.

5. Put It On The Rocks

Ice is a vasoconstrictor. That means it decreases the blood supply in your wrist, which helps reduce any swelling. It is recommended putting ice cubes in a plastic bag, wrapping the bag in a towel, and applying the pack to your wrist for about 20 minutes. Repeat the treatment four to six times a day.

6. Raise Your Hand

Elevation is not as crucial for an injured wrist as for an injured ankle or knee. Still, it can help keep any swelling down. Just be sure to prop your wrist so that it is above heart level.

7. Turn On The Heat

Once any swelling subsides, or if your wrist simply feels stiff and achy, heat can help. It is recommended to follow these instructions. Rub vinegar on your wrist, cover it with plastic, then apply a heating pad wrapped in a towel for about 20 minutes. You can repeat this treatment every hour as needed.

By Raymond Geok Seng Lee