Traditional martial arts practitioners would perform exercises intended to harden their fists into even more impressive weapons. Although these exercises are less common -- and often wildly inappropriate -- in the modern world, they are worth...
Though most herbal infusions are normally drunk as teas, some have also been historically used to bathe wounds. Lavender, hops, St. John's wort and raspberry leaf are traditionally said to have healing properties that can be beneficial for cuts,...
When skin burns, cell destruction occurs to the layers of the skin and the burn victim experiences depletion of vital fluids and electrolytes. Depending on the depth and size of the burn, whether the injury is localized or extensive, it may affect...
Tobacco has been used in Native American spiritual practices for centuries, but the popularity of tobacco began with European colonization of North American and exploded worldwide in the 20th century. It wasn't until the latter half of the 20th...
Cayenne pepper is characterized by its spicy and distinct flavoring. However, this common culinary ingredient contains medicinal properties. The University of Maryland Medical Center says cayenne has been used as a medicine for 9,000 years, and...
Exercise is beneficial if you have type 2 diabetes because it can help you manage your disease and prevent serious diabetes-related complications. Regular exercise can also help stave off type 2 diabetes in the first place. If you're new to...
There are a number of medications that can help you manage complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Your doctor will probably begin with mild, over-the-counter analgesics and anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen, naproxen sodium and acetaminophen,...
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative central nervous system disorder. The cause of the disease is unknown, although genetic mutations and environmental triggers may be factors. In addition, those afflicted with the disease have specific...
Diabetic patients can develop nerve damage, or neuropathy, as the disease progresses. Symptoms of neuropathy include pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands, arms, feet and legs. The actual anatomical location of damage can occur in the digestive...
Leg lifts are exercises that place stress on the structures of your lower body. If any structures in the left quadrant of your flank are damaged or under stress, leg lifts will cause you severe pain. If the pain is not addressed in any way, it may...
Numbness of the feet may be a symptom of diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage. Diabetes damages the nerve endings, which leads to neuropathy. One type of diabetic neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy, which affects such body parts as the feet,...
The vestibulocochlear nerve, also known as cranial nerve XIII, is a special sensory nerve with two nerve branches. The vestibular branch of the nerve aids in balance control, allowing the individual to ascertain their spatial positioning and...
Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is an essential vitamin for the proper functioning of the human body. This vitamin helps support the nervous system by protecting nerve endings against damage from toxins. It is also necessary for the maintenance of red...
Neurosyphilis is a neurological condition that is caused by an untreated syphilis infection, affecting the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms like impaired motor skills, dementia and muscle weakness can result if a syphilis infection is left...
General paresis is a neurological disorder that causes damage to the nerve endings in the brain. It is caused directly by a syphilis infection that has been left untreated for 15 to 20 years. Quite simply, general paresis can be cured if the...
General paresis is a neurological condition that causes damage to the nerve endings in the brain. There is only one cause of general paresis, and that's if you have an untreated syphilis infection. In fact, general paresis only occurs after a...
Fifty-two percent of adults age 18 and older are regular drinkers according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the United States, more than 23,000 people die each year due to alcohol related illnesses. One of the more severe...
Vitamin B-12, also known as cobalamin, is part of the B family of vitamins, which are involved in the metabolism of nutrients from food sources. This vitamin aids in the production of myelin, which helps protect nerve endings against toxic damage....
Tai Chi exercises for elderly people can be performed standing or in a chair. The exercises improve flexibility and strength. Elders who engage in Tai Chi exercises enjoy the increased socialization when practiced in a small group. Tai Chi can...
If you experience ringing or other noises in your ears, you may have tinnitus, a condition characterized by odd noises heard in the ears which may be caused by damage to the nerve endings. Tinnitus interferes with a person's ability to hear sounds...
Kola is a tree that is thought to have originated in West Africa, where it has been used as a stimulant and fever reducer for centuries. According to Michael Castleman, author of "The Healing Herbs," African slaves brought the nuts of this tree to...
Arthritis is a chronic disease in which inflammation of the connective tissues and muscles surrounding joints causes pain, stiffness and swelling. Arthritis may also cause bone loss and permanent disfigurement of the joints. Typically, the...
Vincristine, marketed as Vincasar PFS and Oncovin, is a cancer chemotherapy agent or antineoplastic agent used in the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma. It works by using its cytoxic effects by binding to a specific site on the cell, causing a...
When a herpes virus infects a human, the immune system recognizes the invader and sets out to destroy it. To evade the immune system, the virus "hides out" inside the nervous system, where it establishes "latency," or a period of inactivity. Of...
Inerstitial cystitis is a chronic disease of the bladder. It causes inflammation and in some cases, ulcerations called Hunner's ulcers. Inerstitial cystisis causes painful, frequent and urgent urination. Feelings of pressure and spasms in the...
Injuries to the skin caused by chemicals, radiation, the sun and heat are referred to as burns. Most burns affect the top layer of skin known as the dermis. More severe burns may damage the deeper layer of tissue, blood vessels and bones. Burns on...
High blood glucose is a common complication of diabetes. The body normally controls glucose levels with insulin. Insulin lowers blood sugar by making it possible for the sugar to get into the cells, where it is used for energy. A healthy person...
Prostatitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the prostate gland. The prostate is a small gland encircling the urethra in males and is responsible for producing fluids to transport sperm during ejaculation. This condition affects...
Shingles is a condition caused by Varicella zoster, a form of the herpes virus that also causes chickenpox, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." This virus attacks nerve endings, causing them to transmit...
