Pharmacotherapy

The American College of Forensic Examiners International is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.
Upon return from the war zone, veterans frequently report intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, increased vigilance, avoidance of social situations, hyperarousal, and nightmares.

Treatment involves

• integration of mental health


• primary care


• physical medicine


• attention to substance abuse and


• vocational services.

The mental health portion involves an initial screening of the combat veteran for PTSD and other mental illnesses, followed by a full assessment. Both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy (individual, couple, and group) are offered for treatment.

Veterans with PTSD find it hard both to fall asleep and to maintain sleep due to hyperarousal and vivid nightmares related to combat. Significant others often report that patients scream in their sleep and may even wake up soaked in sweat.

Prasozin and clonidine both decrease the central nervous system’s noradrenergic activity. They have been found to be effective in decreasing hyperarousal symptoms and improving sleep (Boehnlein, 2007). Other drugs used for sleep are the benzodiazepine class of drugs, like temazepam, and non-benzodiazepines, like zolpidem (Ambien™) and ezopiclone (Lunesta™). However, caution must be taken regarding the habit-forming potential of these drugs.

The presence of psychotic symptoms in PTSD can further complicate the clinical picture. In one study, 20% of the 91 males with combat-stress-related PTSD were found to be suffering from hallucinations and delusions, and hyperarousal was positively associated with the occurrence of psychotic symptoms (Kastelan, 2007). In a small study, augmentation of SSRI with olanzapine (Zyprexa), an atypical antipsychotic, was effective in treating SSRI-resistant combat-related PTSD symptoms, especially sleep (Stein, 2002). In another study, monotherapy with typical or atypical antipsychotics, reduced both PTSD and psychotic symptoms, and antipsychotics seemed to offer another approach to treat the psychotic subtype of combat–related PTSD resistant to previous antidepressant therapy.
Overall, PTSD pharmacotherapy involves several drugs based on our experience with PTSD in general, but well-designed studies are needed to establish treatment guidelines specifically for combat-stress-related PTSD.

Avoiding Massage Mishaps and Misunderstandings

There is no avoiding this simple fact about massage therapy: Providing or receiving the healing power of touch is intimate. And intimacy, even in the most professional settings, can expose vulnerabilities and lead to uncomfortable and even awkward situations.

It is the responsibility of the massage therapist to create an environment that is conducive to a healthy, relaxing and satisfying experience for the client. On the other hand, it is the responsibility of the client to communicate with the massage therapist in a manner that allows the therapist to provide the service in a manner that puts the client at ease.

An experienced massage therapist will be able to guide the recipient through the massage process so that there is little confusion about some of the basic areas that cause embarrassment or confusion.

• The amount of clothing worn during a massage is dependant on the type of massage being administered. It is normal to be completely undressed during a full body Swedish massage but is not absolutely necessary. If a client prefers to wear panties or briefs during the massage that is fine. Frankly, the client should be able to wear whatever makes them most comfortable. Regardless, the therapist will appropriately drape the client so that only the areas of the body being massaged are exposed.
• There are a variety of reasons that an individual may want a massage: stress relief, relaxation, general wellness, enhance circulation, improved flexibility, etc. No matter what the reason for the massage the therapist is always under the obligation to respect the boundaries set by the client and to establish his or her own boundaries.
• An experienced massage therapist, male or female, will know how to deflect sexual advances by a client. If a subtle response does not do the job then a forceful statement or ending the session will be the correct response. Any client who feels that they are being touched inappropriately should feel confident in their right to speak up. If it is incidental contact or just an accident the therapist will apologize and continue with the client’s discomfort noted accordingly.
• It is generally accepted that there ought not to be any personal relationship between the therapist and a paying client. Allowing the relationship to expand beyond the massage table to a social or even romantic connection is to invite a host of ethical dilemmas. A therapist could be perceived as taking advantage of a client who might be in a vulnerable state due to stress or physical ailment. In the state of Washington it is illegal to date a client within two years of the last session. That is strict stuff and is as likely to protect a therapist from misunderstandings as it is to protect a client.
• Providing the healing power of touch is an honorable and ancient profession. The benefits of massage therapy are numerous and continue to gain acceptance as a mainstream health practice. No one should ever have to feel uncomfortable about getting a massage and they won’t if they are in the hands of a well-trained and ethically centered massage professional.

Are The Most Commonly Prescribed Drugs Of Our Time Safe?

New research is revealing some alarming concerns over the safety of Statin agents and questioning their effectiveness in a high percentage of patients taking these drugs.
How do Statins Work? The process of producing cholesterol begins with a two carbon molecule, acetyl-CoA, known as the "building block of life." Acetyl-CoA molecules combine to form hydroxymethyl glutaric acid (HMG). The enyme HMG-CoA reductase is required for mevalonate to be produced from HMG-CoA reductase. Statin drugs inhibit this enzyme and that is why they are known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. This is the reason for the reported numerous side effects.
Statin drugs don't just inhibit the production of cholesterol. Statins inhibit the production of an entire group of intermediary enzymes and molecules that have essential biochemical functions. The mevalonate chain produces 3 end products and one of those is Cholesterol. Ubiquinone and dolichol are the others.
Ubiquinone also known as Co-Enzyme Q10 is an essential cellular nutrient formed in the mitochondria and is necessary for ATP production, functioning as an electron transporter to cytochrome oxidase, the primary respiratory enzyme. High levels of Co-Q10 are required by the heart to function. Ubiquinone, a form of Co-Q10 is in all cell membranes where it plays a vital role in maintaining proper cell membrane structure for nerves and muscles to function. Reduction in serum Ubiquinone levels have been described after statin therapy
Proteins are synthesized within the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum. This complex creation of peptides is directed by dolichol phosphate. The Dolichols are also critical in the assembly of glycoproteins, which allow complex protein structures to fold and interact with receptors and membranes. Dolichol-mediated processes create complex neuropeptides, and mechanisms critical in cellular communication, identification, and immune function. The reality of Dolichol inhibition by statin agents is evident and the resultant turmoil in cellular function is not unexpected. It is also not unexpected that altered cognition and abnormal behavior can result from statin induced neuropeptide formation.
Drastic Cholesterol Reduction. It seems that a lot of these problems begin when cholesterol levels become elevated and aggressive reduction occurs with the use of statin agents. Therefore elevated cholesterol levels have been described as the initiating phase in the development of atherosclerosis. Of course, statins inhibit the production of cholesterol--they do this very well. Cholesterol is the body's repair substance: scar tissue contains high levels of cholesterol, including scar tissue in the arteries. Cholesterol is the precursor to vitamin D, necessary for numerous biochemical processes including mineral metabolism. The use of statin agents will reduce the synthesis of Vitamin D. Studies have identified the increased incidence of musculoskeletal pain in patients who are vitamin D deficient, and that replacement results in dramatic improvement.
A number of patients describe gastrointestinal symptoms and diarrhea associated with statin therapy. Unfortunately after an extensive gastrointestinal workup, the statin therapy is not discontinued. Statin agents reduce bile salts production, which is required for the digestion of fat. Those who suffer from low cholesterol often have trouble digesting fats. Cholesterol also functions as a powerful antioxidant, thus protecting us against cancer and aging.
It is no surprise that the aggressive control of cholesterol, typical of statin therapy, in an attempt to reduce cardiovascular disease, in itself produces it's own disease process. Even though statins have not been proven to decrease the risk of heart attacks and strokes for those not suffering from heart disease.

Top Ten Tips To Prevent Hair Loss

Ayurveda has identified this obsession a few centuries ago and has given the directions to minimize hair loss and better hair growth in its scheme of beauty care, which is commonly called lavanya sutra or the sutra for lavanyam or beauty. Though lavanyam is referred to feminine beauty, hair loss tips are beneficial for the tougher sex too.
Here are top ten tips to prevent hair loss and ensure healthy hair growth.
1. Gently massage your scalpel with fingertips after applying a hair oil like coconut oil or sesame oil.
2. Eat Indian gooseberry in any form early in the day. Don't take gooseberry based products later in the night as it can affect your beautiful dental line.
3. Boil fresh or dried and powdered Indian gooseberry (also called amla) in coconut oil. Apply this for nourishing hair growth.
4. Eat all types of vegetables and fruits. This will ensure supply of vitamins and minerals essential for the healthy growth of hair. Vitamins and minerals are good for your health too.
5. Also eat protein rich food items – tuna, lean meat, whole milk are beneficial.
6. While bathing, wash your head with cold water only. It is winter and water is ice-cold, you can make it luke-warm. It is ok to wash your body with cold water.
7. Apply brahmi oil on your scalpel before going to bed. Good for hair growth and brain.
8. Dandruff is a cause of hair loss. Squeeze half a lemon to half a liter of water and rinse your hair and scalpel with this water as a cure to dandruff. Do this no more than three times a week and for up to a month.
9. Rosemary oil is an aromatherapy oil, which can be applied to your hair once in a week to reduce hair fall.
10. Crush a few leaves and flowers of hibiscus (shoe flower) with two or three glasses of water. The water becomes thick with the juice and use this water to wash your hair. Thoroughly cleanses your hair and gives dark bright color to your hair.

Never apply soap or high power shampoo on your head, as it can affect healthy growth of hair.

5 Tips For A Healthier, Stronger Core

The following are 5 tips you can use to train the inner and outer units of your core with maximal efficiency.

TIP #1 – Brace your abdominals

This is the first thing you should be aware of during any and every movement that you will ever perform. Abdominal bracing consists of three parts.

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  First, draw in your belly button as if you were to put on a tight pair of pants. This will activate your transverse abdominis, the body’s waist belt muscle.


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  Second, raise your pelvic floor by performing a kegel (contracting the pelvic floor muscles up as if you holding in a full bladder). This helps to increase intra-abdominal pressure which will aid in spinal stabilization.


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  Third, lightly create tension in your abdominal muscles as if you were about to get punched in the stomach. This activates the internal and external oblique muscles. By performing all three of these actions you will ensure that your spine is well protected through all movements.

Abdominal bracing should be initiated before and maintained through each and every exercise. With repetition, these muscles will remember their roles and tend to maintain a tighter constricted waistline, even without you being aware.

Exercise: Belly tucks

Lie face down on the floor with your forehead rested on the back of your hands. Inhale, pushing your belly button into the floor (“ballooning” your abdomen). Hold for 3 seconds. Exhale, drawing your belly button towards the ceiling (as if being pulled by a string), raise pelvic floor, and tighten your abdominal muscles. Hold for 3 seconds. Repeat 10 times.

TIP #2 – Maintain a neutral spine

A neutral spine is attained when your spine is kept in its natural alignment. This is best achieved by ensuring that your back is flat (with slight lumbar lordosis) during all movements, especially lifting. This, in conjunction with abdominal bracing, is essential to better support the spine during all movements.

Let us take the example of picking up a heavier box from the floor. The last thing you want to do in the situation is reach down without bending knees and picking up the box…this is a sure way to throw your back out. What is instructed to do in such a case would be to squat down keeping your torso tall (ie. neutral spine), with your abdominals braced, and lift through your legs as opposed to extending up through your torso. If these lifting mechanics are not met, you place you spine at a greater risk of disc herniation, especially if the load is heavier.

Exercise: Cat/Camel motions

In a four point stance (hands and knees) take your spine through a series of cat and camel stretches. Meaning that you round out the back like a camel and then arch it out like a cat. Repeat 6 times. Once you have completed the 6 repetitions simply allow your back (spine) to relax. Wherever it feels most relaxed is your neutral spine!

TIP #3 – Incorporate unilateral lifting

Unilateral refers to the concept of carrying (or pushing) a load on only side of the body. For instance, walking to work holding your brief case in one hand. By doing so, the body automatically activates its contralateral (opposite) side to stabilize the torso and maintain good posture. Studies have shown that this type of lifting stimulates much greater core muscle activation compared to bilateral lifting (equal load on both sides).

Exercise: Unilateral Lunge Walks

Perform your lunge walks while holding a weight, equivalent to 10% of your body weight, in one hand. Perform 10 reps with the weight in one hand, and then switch. The key is to focus on keeping your torso upright and minimizing and lateral swaying.

TIP # 4 – Use a Stability Ball

Incorporating a stability ball into your workouts will make such a difference in your core strength and spinal health. Working on the stability ball offers several benefits such as increased balance, range of motion, co-ordination, and muscle activation. Simply by sitting on the ball, your core muscles fire to a much greater degree in order to stabilize your body. Any unstable surface for that matter will foster much greater core muscle activation as your body is constantly readjusting itself to maintain proper posture. This type of body awareness is known as proprioception, and is immensely beneficial for athletes of all endeavors, and even for people who want more balance while standing in the subway. Incorporate the aforementioned unilateral lifting and you get twice the benefit!

Exercise: Stability Ball 1-Arm DB Chest Press

Position your body on the ball so that only the shoulders, neck and head are resting on it. With the feet shoulder width apart raise your hips so that your body is in one straight line (essentially forming a bench within your body). Squeeze your buttocks together as if holding a $1,000 bill between them. Next, with a DB in one arm, push it up and towards your body’s midline as if creating an arc like motion. Repeat 12 times and then switch arms. Ensure to keep your body and then ball as still as possible. Notice the muscle activation in the posterior side of the body especially in the glutes and lower back!

TIP #5 – Incorporate multi-planar movements

Our bodies rarely operate in one single plane (ie. front to back, side to side). Often, our movements require us to move through several different planes such as when walking and looking back over your shoulder. It is important to remember that all movement stems from the core, especially rotation based movements. As such, it is important to strengthen those core muscles accordingly to ensure movement efficiency and injury prevention. Did you know that 80% of our core musculature inserts on a diagonal. This means that our bodies are anatomically constructed for such multi-planar movements involving diagonal and rotational movements. Examples are throwing, kicking, and swinging a tennis racquet or golf club. I’ve seen clients improve their golf drive by 30 yards by simply incorporating these multi-planar movements into their routines.

Exercise: Cable chop (from knees)

Position yourself in the middle of the cable crossover machine. Face your body at a right angle from the cables. Starting from your knees, keeping your body upright and strong, reach over and across your body grabbing the handle (with both hands) on the highest setting. Keeping both arms straight “chop” the cable across your body from above your starting shoulder to the opposite hip. Return slowly and repeat 8 times on each side. Be sure to drive the movement from your obliques and not your arms. By incorporating these 5 core essentials, you can look forward to having firmer, stronger and more performant core muscles. Not only that but you will also be more efficient and stable in all your movements. And, if you participate in regular sporting activities you will have an added edge over your untrained counterparts.

Ayurvedic beauty care

Ayurvedic beauty care mostly is Ayurvedic lifestyle itself. However there are some additional usages of ointments and including healthy food items in your diet. Ayurvedic beauty care includes employing techniques for skin care, hair care, eye care, foot care and to keep optimum body mass. There is no place for ama (bodily toxic wastes) in the body.

• Complete nutrition to body is necessary for good beauty care. Healthy Ayurvedic lifestyle is natural Ayurvedic beauty care. Balance lifestyle in such a manner that there is little scope for stress or accumulation or bodily or mental toxins.
• Ayurvedic beauty care deals not only with external beauty. It also deals with inner feelings like happiness, calmness and mental stability. No one can hide sadness with makeup.
• Daily exercise, especially yoga is an important aspect of Ayurvedic beauty care. Women who want to keep their youthful beauty needs to practice yoga on a daily basis. Practicing yoga can also relieve women off menstrual problems and can help them with easy delivery at the end of their pregnancy.
• Ayurvedic beauty care do include the use of natural cosmetics derived from such plants like sandalwood, turmeric, henna (mehndi), aloe vera and many naturally available beauty care products. The application of which is determined by the body and skin type of the person.
• A knowledgeable Ayurveda beauty care expert can tell the exact body and skin nature of a person and give advice on exact type of cosmetics to use.

Once started, Ayurvedic beauty care continues to give a glowing face and confident look wherever you go.

Manasanthi: Ayurvedic Directions to Calmer Mind

Manasanthi is peace of mind. Manas means mind and santhi means peace or tranquility.

Manasathy is a combination of Ayurveda, yoga, meditation, aromatherapy. The stress is on holistic approach towards better health for body as well as mind. There will be oil massage, sirovasti, dhara etc in the therapy. Rejuvenation massage, steam bath etc are other facets of this therapy.

Fully body massage on a daily basis, with sesame oil (or coconut oil) 30 minutes before bathing has several physical advantages as well as psychological advantages. This is effective stress management therapy. A person practicing this regularly will have the benefits of better emotional control and relaxed mind.

People with excessive mental turbulences are also given vegetarian, calming food. Spicy, hot tasting and salty food items are not helpful in relaxation, while sweet tasting food items are helpful.

Easy to digest food items, mostly in liquid or semi solid form ensures faster digestion, which is helpful in managing mental worries too. Prompting the persons to read religious texts is also an effective way of pacifying human minds.

Listening to soothing music with slow beats also pacifies mind. Another important thing is to keep company of pleasant people, visit religious places and locations with a little sunshine, clean water and greenery. Mind is the sum total of the personal life, personality and everything a person experiences in his or her life. To care for the mind, you need special attention.