It depends completely on the nature of the tumor identified what kind of therapeutical intervention will be necessary. Certain disorders will require immediate admission and chemotherapy (such as ALL or AML), while others will be followed up with regular physical examination and blood tests. Often, surgery is attempted to remove a tumor entirely. This is only feasible when there is some degree of certainty that the tumor can in fact be removed. When it is certain that parts will remain, curative surgery is often impossible, e.g. when ...

See also:

Oncology, Oncology - Diagnosis, Oncology - Therapy, Oncology - Follow-up, Oncology - Palliative care, Oncology - Ethical issues, Oncology - Progress and research in oncology, Oncology - Complementary and Alternative therapies

Read more here: » Oncology: Encyclopedia II - Oncology - Therapy

Standard treatment includes ursodiol, a bile acid naturally produced by the liver, which has been shown to lower elevated liver enzyme numbers in people with PSC, but has not yet been proven effective at prolonging the life of the liver. Treatment also includes medication to relieve itching (antipruritics), antibiotics to treat infections, and vitamin supplements, as people with PSC are often deficient in vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin K. In some cases, surgery to open major blockages in the common bile duct is also necessary. Live ...

See also:

Primary sclerosing cholangitis, Primary sclerosing cholangitis - Signs and symptoms, Primary sclerosing cholangitis - Diagnosis, Primary sclerosing cholangitis - Pathophysiology, Primary sclerosing cholangitis - Epidemiology, Primary sclerosing cholangitis - Therapy

Read more here: » Primary sclerosing cholangitis: Encyclopedia II - Primary sclerosing cholangitis - Therapy

Women wearing a tampon at the onset of symptoms should remove it immediately. The severity of this disease results in hospitalisation for treatment. Antibiotic treatment consists of Penicilline and Clindamycin. Extreme infection of the skin and deeper parts is called Fasciitis necroticans, (one of the symptoms), and should be attacked surgically without delay. Some are admitted to the intensive care unit for supportive care in case of multiple organ failure. With proper treatment, patients usually recover in two to three weeks. Th ...

See also:

Toxic shock syndrome, Toxic shock syndrome - Point of Entry, Toxic shock syndrome - Symptoms and diagnosis, Toxic shock syndrome - Therapy, Toxic shock syndrome - Reference

Read more here: » Toxic shock syndrome: Encyclopedia II - Toxic shock syndrome - Therapy

Women wearing a tampon at the onset of symptoms should remove it immediately. The severity of this disease results in hospitalisation for treatment. Antibiotic treatment consists of Penicilline and Clindamycin. Extreme infection of the skin and deeper parts is called Fasciitis necroticans, (one of the symptoms), and should be attacked surgically without delay. Some are admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for supportive care in case of multiple organ failure. With proper treatment, patients usually recover in two to three weeks. Th ...

See also:

Toxic shock syndrome, Toxic shock syndrome - Point of Entry, Toxic shock syndrome - Symptoms and diagnosis, Toxic shock syndrome - Therapy, Toxic shock syndrome - Reference

Read more here: » Toxic shock syndrome: Encyclopedia II - Toxic shock syndrome - Therapy

The mainstay of treatment for obesity is an energy-limited diet and increased exercise. In studies, diet and exercise programs have consistently produced an average weight loss of approximately 8% of total body mass on average (excluding study drop-outs). While not all dieters will be satisfied with this outcome, studies have shown that a loss of as little as 5% of body mass can create enormous health benefits. A more intractable therapeutic problem appears to be weight loss maintenance. Of dieters who manage to lose 10% or more of th ...

See also:

Obesity, Obesity - Definition, Obesity - Etymology, Obesity - Cultural and social significance, Obesity - Culture and obesity, Obesity - Popular culture, Obesity - Causes, Obesity - Causative factors, Obesity - Evolutionary aspects, Obesity - Neurobiological mechanisms, Obesity - Societal causes, Obesity - Poverty link, Obesity - Complications, Obesity - Therapy, Obesity - Controversies, Obesity - Medicalization of obesity, Obesity - Health effects of obesity, Obesity - Medical responses to obesity, Obesity - Prevalence and public interest, Obesity - Policy responses to obesity, Obesity - Prevalence of obesity in American children

Read more here: » Obesity: Encyclopedia II - Obesity - Therapy

If an adrenal adenoma is identified it may be removed by surgery. Pituitary ACTH producing adenoma should be removed after diagnosis. Regardless of the adenoma's location, most patients will require steroid replacement postoperatively at least in the interim as long-term suppression of pituitary ACTH and normal adrenal tissue does not recover immediately. Clearly, if both adrenals are removed replacement with hydrocortisone or prednisolone is imperative. In those patients not suitable for or unwilling to undergo surgery, several drugs have been found to inhibit cortisol sythesis (e.g. ketoconazole, ...

See also:

Cushing's syndrome, Cushing's syndrome - Signs and symptoms, Cushing's syndrome - Diagnosis, Cushing's syndrome - Pathophysiology, Cushing's syndrome - Therapy, Cushing's syndrome - Epidemiology, Cushing's syndrome - Reference

Read more here: » Cushing's syndrome: Encyclopedia II - Cushing's syndrome - Therapy

Aciclovir (an antiviral drug) inhibits replication of the viral DNA, and is used both as prophylaxis (e.g. in patients with AIDS) and as therapy for herpes zoster. Other antivirals are valaciclovir and famciclovir. Steroids are often given in severe cases. The long term complication postherpetic neuralgia may cause persistent pain that lasts for years. Pain management is difficult as conventional analgesics may be ineffective. Alternative agents are often used, including tricyclic antidepressants (particularly amitriptyline), anticonvulsants (e.g ...

See also:

Herpes zoster, Herpes zoster - Signs and symptoms, Herpes zoster - Diagnosis, Herpes zoster - Pathophysiology, Herpes zoster - Therapy, Herpes zoster - Prognosis

Read more here: » Herpes zoster: Encyclopedia II - Herpes zoster - Therapy

Anticoagulation is the usual treatment for DVT. Thrombolysis is generally reserved for extensive clot, e.g. an iliofemoral thrombosis. Generally, patients are initiated on a brief course (i.e. less than a week) of heparin treatment while they start on a 3- to 6-month course of warfarin (or related vitamin K inhibitors). Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is the type of heparin generally used, though unfractionated heparin is given in patients who have a contraindication to LMWH (e.g. renal failure or imminent need for invasive procedure). In patients who have had recurrent DVTs (two or ...

See also:

Deep vein thrombosis, Deep vein thrombosis - Signs and symptoms, Deep vein thrombosis - Diagnosis, Deep vein thrombosis - Therapy, Deep vein thrombosis - Prophylaxis, Deep vein thrombosis - Pathogenesis, Deep vein thrombosis - Epidemiology

Read more here: » Deep vein thrombosis: Encyclopedia II - Deep vein thrombosis - Therapy

Estradiol - Hormone replacement therapy. In the event that levels of estradiol in a woman's blood are low (possibly due to menopause or oophorectomy), a hormone replacement therapy may be prescribed, including drugs such as Premarinâ„¢, Estrofemâ„¢, or Estraceâ„¢. Estradiol - Blocking estrogens. Inducing a state of hypoestrogenism may be beneficial in certain situations where estrogens are contributing to unwanted effects, e.g, certain forms of breast cance ...

See also:

Estradiol, Estradiol - Synthesis, Estradiol - Production, Estradiol - Mechanism of action, Estradiol - Effects, Estradiol - Role in sexual differentiation, Estradiol - Therapy, Estradiol - Hormone replacement therapy, Estradiol - Blocking estrogens

Read more here: » Estradiol: Encyclopedia II - Estradiol - Therapy

Both metformin and the thiazolidinediones improve insulin resistance. Exercise, weight loss, and a low glycemic index diet may help. The Diabetes Prevention Program showed that exercise and diet were nearly twice as effective as metformin at reducing the risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes (Knowler et al 2002). Naturopathic approaches to insulin resistance include: supplementation of chromium and vanadium have been shown to potentiate the effects of insulin at receptor cells, bitter melon (momordica) and gymnem ...

See also:

Insulin resistance, Insulin resistance - Pathophysiology, Insulin resistance - Investigation, Insulin resistance - Glucose tolerance testing GTT, Insulin resistance - Hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp, Insulin resistance - Alternatives, Insulin resistance - Causes of insulin resistance, Insulin resistance - Therapy, Insulin resistance - History, Insulin resistance - Sources

Read more here: » Insulin resistance: Encyclopedia II - Insulin resistance - Therapy

Both metformin and the thiazolidinediones improve insulin resistance. Exercise, weight loss, and a low glycemic index diet may help. The Diabetes Prevention Program showed that exercise and diet were nearly twice as effective as metformin at reducing the risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes (Knowler et al 2002). ...

See also:

Insulin resistance, Insulin resistance - Pathophysiology, Insulin resistance - Investigation, Insulin resistance - Glucose tolerance testing GTT, Insulin resistance - Hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp, Insulin resistance - Alternatives, Insulin resistance - Causes of insulin resistance, Insulin resistance - Therapy, Insulin resistance - History, Insulin resistance - Sources

Read more here: » Insulin resistance: Encyclopedia II - Insulin resistance - Therapy

In allergic angioedema, avoidance of the allergen and use of antihistamines may prevent future attacks. Cetirizine, marketed as Zyrtec, is a commonly prescribed antihistamine for angioedema. Severe angioedema cases may require desensitization to the putative allergen, as mortality can occur. Chronic cases require steroid therapy, which generally leads to a good response. In ACE inhibitor use, the medication needs to be discontinued, and all similar drugs need to be avoided. There is a certain degree of controversy whether angiotensin II receptor antagonists are safe in patients ...

See also:

Angioedema, Angioedema - Signs and symptoms, Angioedema - Diagnosis, Angioedema - Pathophysiology, Angioedema - Therapy, Angioedema - History

Read more here: » Angioedema: Encyclopedia II - Angioedema - Therapy

The skin is obviously accessible to topical local therapy. Antibiotic creams can help eliminate infections, while inflammatory skin diseases (such as eczema and psoriasis) often respond to steroid creams or topical anthralin. Dermatologists are innovators of new immune enhancing treatments, like topical imiquimod for superficial cancers and injection immunotherapy for warts as discussed below. Topical medications treat many dermatological diseases, but dermatologists also use oral medications. Antibiotics and immune suppressants or immune enhanancing agents (injection immunotherapy or topical imiquimod) ...

See also:

Dermatology, Dermatology - Scope of the field, Dermatology - Dermasurgery, Dermatology - Diagnosis, Dermatology - Therapy, Dermatology - Research, Dermatology - Dermatological diseases

Read more here: » Dermatology: Encyclopedia II - Dermatology - Therapy

Although antibiotics will often help reduce the inflammation of the gallbladder, acute cholecystitis is an indication for gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy). This can be accomplished with an open surgery or a laparoscopic procedure. Laparoscopic procedures can have less morbidity and a shorter recovery stay. An open procedure is preferred by many surgeons if the gallbladder is so inflamed that it could fall apart with the manipulations that could be needed with a laparoscopic procedure. A laparoscopic procedure may also be 'converted' to an open procedure during the operation if the surgeon feels that further attempts at lap ...

See also:

Cholecystitis, Cholecystitis - Diagnosis, Cholecystitis - Radiology, Cholecystitis - References, Cholecystitis - Therapy, Cholecystitis - Complications, Cholecystitis - of cholecystitis, Cholecystitis - of cholecystectomy

Read more here: » Cholecystitis: Encyclopedia II - Cholecystitis - Therapy

AROMATHERAPY: uses essential oils from flowers, trees, roots, herbs, berries and fruits, to treat emotional disorders such as stress and anxiety as well as a wide range of other ailments and to promote physical, mental and emotional wellness. Oils are either massaged into the skin in diluted form, inhaled, placed in baths, or applied on and around the body.

Aromatherapy is often used in conjunction with massage therapy, acupuncture, reflexology, herbology, chiropractic and other wholistic healing.

What is aromatherapy?

It is the controlled use of natural essential oils in the process of physical and emotional healing. You may have discovered that in some ways, you've been experiencing aromatherapy most of your life without even knowing it.

We have all experienced memory recall triggered by a particular scent; perhaps the scent of a favorite flower, or the perfume your grandmother used to wear, or an aunt's linen closet. The event can produce positive or negative memories. Certain scents may trigger negative thoughts of a person or place in your past. Whatever the case, the importance of scent in our lives is quite profound and in some ways, unique to each of us. Aromatherapy is a way to enjoy a controlled use of natural oils to enrich and benefit your life.

What are essential oils?

Whole, pure essential oils come from nature; they are the "essence" of plants. They are droplets of water-like fluid contained in the leaves, stems, bark, flowers, roots and/or fruits of different plants, and give the plant its unique scent. Essential oils are volatile, whereas they easily transfer from a liquid to a gaseous state at room temperature or higher. The amount of essential oil found in most plants is 1 to 2%, but can contain amounts from 0.01 to 10%. They can change in composition and location with a particular plant. For example, orange trees produce neroli oil in their blossoms, orange oil in their citrus, and petitgrain oil in their leaves. Essential oils are also very concentrated and extremely potent, and sometimes 75 to 100 times more concentrated than say, the herb it is present in. This is all the more reason to use these oils with thorough knowledge of their potency.

How are essential oils extracted?

There are two common procedures for extracting true essential oils:

1. Steam distillation
2. Expression

 The process of steam distillation has 5 steps:

1. Steam plant material
2. Collect steam carrying aromatic molecules
3. Cool in cold-water bath
4. Produce floral water and essential oil
5. Separate essential oil, then bottle

This process is also the most popular for obtaining the essential oils from plants. The steam is forced into a vat containing the plant material, which ruptures the oil glands and releases the oil. The volatile oils are cooled, separated from the water content, and bottled. It may take hundreds or thousands of pounds of plant material to distill a single pound of the essential oil. Bulgarian Rose oil requires about 4,000 pounds of hand-picked flower petals to make 1 pound of oil, obviously making this one expensive oil!

The second method, extraction, has 4 major steps:

1. Have citrus peels
2. Machine press
3. Obtain essential oils and fruit waxes
4. Separate oils, then bottle

This method is primarily used in the perfume and food industries, and does not produce a 100% pure essential oil. Solvents are used in the process to pull out the soluable molecules; therefore making them incomplete oils. Resins, concretes, absolutes, and pomades result from this method.

How are essential oils taken in?

Essential oils are absorbed into the body two ways; through the skin and through nasal inhalation. Our sense of smell, controlled by the olfactory system, is some 10,000 times greater than any other sense. The olfactory system is directly linked to the limbic system, which is responsible for our emotional state, memory, and certain regulatory function.

Essential oils also penetrate the skin, or the integumentary system. Because essential oils have a low molecular weight and are organic in nature, they are absorbed through the pores and hair follicles of the skin, and unlike synthetic chemicals, they do not accumulate in the body. Absorption can take place anywhere from 15 minutes to 12 hours, and take from 3 to 6 hours to be metabolized in a healthy body. Excessive fat or toughened skin may slow down the rate of absorption; whereas heat, water, exercise, or broken skin may speed it up.

How are essential oils used?

Aromatherapy is used to self-heal and soothe common, everyday health challenges. It is by no means a replacement for the opinion of a licensed physician, and should always be used with respect.

As with all things derived from nature, some essential oils are considered hazardous, and under certain circumstances, should be avoided. Some are phototoxic, neurotoxic, or carcinogenic, and safety precautions should always be considered when working with and administering any essential oil.

Here are common-sense safety points to note:

1. Avoid essential oils deemed as hazardous
2. Keep all essential oils out of the reach of children.
3. Remember essentail oils are very potent.
4. Do not take orally.
5. Follow dilution guidelines carefully. Never use an oil without first diluting.
6. Use 1% or less dilution during pregnancy.
7. Be aware of others with sensitivities or allergies.
8. Do not use on or near the eyes.
9. Do a skin patch test if prone to sensitivities.
10. Use extra care on broken or damaged skin.
11. Avoid phototoxic essential oils if history of skin cancer.
12. Keep them away from light and heat sources.
13. Use only therapeutic genuine and authentic essential oils.

(See also: Aromatherapy , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Therapy Dictionary

therapy

A systematic approach, method, or process designed to heal, restore, health, promote general well-being

(See also: Therapy , Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Therapy Dictionary

Gemstone Therapy

From time immemorial gemstones have been used by all cultures of the world. Their inherent beauty is second to no other material in the mineral kingdom. Today's science of gemmology gives much information about the physical properties and chemical composition of gemstones, but gives no information of their "healing properties". They are extremely powerful tools to aid in balancing the physical, psychological and spiritual sides of life. This is necessary in order to keep oneself in proper order. The information I will give in this section is mainly from the Vedic viewpoint. This has been tried and tested for thousands of years and found to be accurate. The vedas have the greatest wealth of information on the metaphysical properties, as well as the physical properties, of gems and their correct application to enhance the lives of human beings.

Read more here: » Ayurveda, Gemstones Crystals: Vedic Gemstone Therapy

FLOWER ESSENCES: Elixir of Alchemy

Everyone knows how important flowers are -- for their beauty, their fragrance, their oils in Aromatherapy and perfumes, even sometimes in food. But the most important property of flowers is seldom mentioned: their vibrational essence, and their literal connection to the human electrical system.

This is the true meaning of alchemy: to transmute dross into gold -- to transform suffering into joy, pain into learning, dis-ease to health, and darkness into peace and light. Are flower essences capable of doing this? Yes, and more.

(See also: Indigo Children, What is Indigo Children, Parenting Indigo Children, Adult Indigo, Indigo Children Channeling)

Read more here: » Indigo Children: Indigo Coach and Flower Essence Therapy

ZERO BALANCING: method for aligning body structure and body energy. Through touch akin to acupressure, practitioner seeks to overcome imbalances in the bodyÕs structure/energetic interface, which is said to exist beneath the level of conscious awareness. Zero Balancing is often used for stress reduction.

(See also:   , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Therapy Dictionary

THERAPY: treatment and care of someone to combat disease, injury, or mental disorder.

(See also: Therapy , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Therapy Dictionary

Body-Mind Integration in the Personal Growth Process

Does the matter mind? I mean, does the mind matter? That is, what's the matter with the "mind over matter" attitude, and what's the matter if matter (the body) doesn't mind? Okay, I'll put the questions a little less pun-like and paradoxical. How often does it seem that our body is just something for our mind to use to achieve certain ends? And from the way the body minds at times, do we too often lack confidence that it's really going to cooperate with our plans? Or, even though we may try to "listen to our body," does it still surprise us when the massage therapist finds knots, "rubber bands," and sticky layers of achiness in areas we thought minded us the most?

Read more here: » Massage Therapy: Body-Mind Integration in the Personal Growth Process