Article: What Your Eyes Are Telling You

The eyes are not only windows to the soul - but to your general health.
If you are ill, or just under the weather, the first place it's likely to show is in your eyes.

Amy Anderson spoke to Professor Alistair Fielder, ophthalmologist at Imperial College, London, to find out what signs to look for.
Read his top 16 signs below and click on the links in the blue box for tips to look after your eyes.

WHITE RINGS
A milky-white ring around the edge of the eye's cornea - the transparent circular part of the front of the eyeball - is usually called arcus senilis. The white ring is caused by the deposition of fat in the cornea and can mean you have high levels of fat in your blood.

Although this is usually found in older people, a different term, arcus juvenilis, is used to describe white rings found in those under 40. This can be an indication of high cholesterol levels and should be checked.

SORE RED EYES
Cosmetics are one of the most common but least suspected sources of eye problems. Misuse of products and adverse reactions to ingredients are often responsible for eye irritation, allergy and infection. Bacteria can contaminate old make-up, causing infections, so it should be replaced frequently.

WHITE SPOTS
If you have little white spots on your eyelids, this can also mean too much fat in the blood.

PALE EYELIDS
If the skin inside your lower lids looks pale rather than bright pink, this usually means you are anaemic and lacking iron, which is crucial for the healthy production of red blood cells.

RED BLOTCHES
Red blotches appearing infrequently on the whites of the eyes are not dangerous. However, more persistent ones could be an indication of high blood pressure which causes blood capillaries to expand and sometimes burst - leaving red marks.

FAILING NIGHT VISION
Can be a sign of vascular problems due to inefficient circulation. Could also be a symptom of parasites in the intestine and a lack of absorption of essential minerals and vitamins.

The acidity levels of blood can affect the way our eyes work, particularly if the pH becomes too acidic. Acids may come from the food we eat or from under-functioning liver and kidneys. One way to rebalance the system is through diet.

MUSCLE FATIGUE
This is usually caused by poor lighting at work and over exposure to computer screens. In addition emotional stress can be damaging to the eye because stress inhibits absorption of essential B vitamins that help keep eye muscles strong.

The tendency of one eye to close more than the other is another common complaint, especially among student bookworms. This is also a symptom of tired muscles.

To ease the strain, try holding a pencil about a foot away from your face and focusing on it. Then bring it slowly towards you until it goes out of focus, do this three or four times a day.

DOUBLE VISION
Double vision can be an indication of nerve damage and you should consult a doctor.

TOO MUCH WHITE
Sanpaku, meaning 'three whites', is a term from the ancient Japanese system of medical diagnoses called Bo-Shin, closely linked to the philosophy of 'yin and yang', on which the macrobiotic diet is founded.
If a person has Sanpaku eyes, it means that the iris is turned upwards so the white is clearly visible on three sides.

The condition has been recognised for centuries in Oriental countries where it was thought to signify poor physical and mental health - caused primarily by an unwholesome diet too high in red meat and acidic foods.
A person's psychological state can also cause the eyes to become Sanpaku because stress affects the optic nerves. This pulls the muscles up, moving the iris with them towards the eye socket, so white space is revealed underneath. Many high-profile people have been affected, including Julius Caesar, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Adolf Hitler and Princess Diana.
Artist David Hockney also recently noted that Cherie Blair (above) has Sanpaku eyes. Some therapists believe that a macrobiotic diet can get rid of the effect, but only over a matter of years.

BLURRED VISION
This can be a sign of glaucoma, a serious eye disorder in which excess fluid causes increased pressure in the eye, or iritis, inflammation of the coloured part of the eye. Your doctor may send you to hospital for urgent assessment. If you have glaucoma, you will need drugs to reduce the pressure in the eye. Iritis needs immediate treatment with corticosteroid eye drops or tablets.

YELLOW EYES
If you have eyes with a yellow tinge this may mean a liver complaint or infection. Check with your GP.

FLASHING LIGHTS
These and floating spots can be the first sign of a migraine, a severe headache. Symptoms can often be eased by self-help measures, such as painkillers, drinking plenty of fluids and resting in a dark, quiet room.

DROOPY EYELIDS
A droopy eyelid can indicate a muscular problem or nerve damage elsewhere in the body, and you should see a specialist.

ITCHY, RED EYELIDS
Blepharitis(inflammation and scaling) may be the cause. This condition is often associated with dandruff. Using an antifungal shampoo may clear both conditions. Unperfumed moisturising cream on your eyelidsmay also help. If the condition does not improve, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroid ointment.

LIDS TURNED IN OR OUT
You may have entropion, a condition in which the eyelid turns inwards so that the lashes rub on the eye, or ectropion, in which the eyelid droops away from the eye, exposing the inner surface of the lid.
Although they are not serious, both conditions can look unpleasant and increase the risk of damage to the cornea. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist for a minor operation to realign the eyelid.

RAPIDLY FAILING SIGHT
Can be a sign of diabetes due to a lack of protein or a violent form of macular degeneration, where part of the retina ages prematurely and loses function. Consult a specialist.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-156166/Can-eyes-saying-you.html#ixzz1cCBoUSko

Article: 11 DIY face masks

We’re making healthy skin even easier for you with one-ingredient, all-natural, DIY facials made from common supplies you can easily find right in the refrigerator shelf or kitchen cabinet. Raiding your pantry is also a great way to save money and cut back on food waste and packaging.

If you want pretty and healthy skin, don’t skimp on the bare-bone basics. Be sure to always drink lots of water and wear sunscreen moisturizer.

1. Honey -- A humectant, honey, attracts and retains moisture, so it's great for anyone who wants to combat dry skin. Use a cloth damp with warm water and pat skin to open pores. Smear honey onto skin and leave on for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, then pat skin with a cloth dampened in cold water to close pores.

2. Raw egg yolk -- Egg yolks are high in vitamin A, a common ingredient in acne-fighting products. Spread on face and neck and leave on skin for 30 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

3. Raw egg white -- You'll get a lifting effect as the protein in egg whites dries on your skin. Beat egg white until frothy and spread on face. Wait until it dries and rinse off with warm water.

4. Grapes -- They contain powerful antioxidants, called polyphenols, which help combat aging. Cut one grape in half and rub lightly all over face.

5. Banana -- Bananas are one of the most nourishing fruits available because they contain magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, iodine, folic acid, and vitamins A, B, and E, all of which benefit the skin. Mash one overripe banana and spread onto face. Rinse off after 15 to 30 minutes with warm water.

6. Plain yogurt -- Yogurt contains alpha-hydroxy acids, including lactic acid, which are commonly used to help reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles. It's also rich in B-complex vitamins, including B-5, or panthothenic acid, which is commonly used to promote skin healing. Apply on face after cleansing and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes.

7. Apple cider vinegar -- It has a tonic action that promotes blood circulation in the small capillaries that irrigate the skin. It's also antiseptic, preventing the proliferation of bacteria, viruses, or yeast that trigger infection. Dilute apple cider vinegar with two parts water and apply over face with a cotton ball as a toner after washing face every day and every night.

8. Olive oil -- Olive oil is a source of squalene, a natural moisturizer used in many cosmetics. Natural antioxidants found in olive oil include A and E vitamins, as well as some polyphenols. Dab on lips at bedtime if chapped or leave on face overnight. It can also be used to de-frizz hair.

9. Avocado -- The fruit is rich in vitamins, A, C, E, iron, potassium, niacin, and pantothenic acid and its natural emollients. Mash avocado, then leave on skin for 10 minutes. You can also use it to strengthen and condition your hair.

10. Baking soda -- This pantry staple has a gentle abrasive action. Use as an exfoliant for face by adding to your regular cleanser. It also helps neutralize skin's pH.

11. Milk -- Seriously? Yes, seriously. Like yogurt, it contains lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid that is often used to revitalize skin. Swab on face with cotton ball, leave on until your skin feels tight. Rinse off with warm water. Your skin will feel super-soft afterwards.

source: link

Article: High Doses of Antioxidant Supplements Induce Stem Cell Genetic Abnormalities

ScienceDaily (May 4, 2010) — High doses of antioxidant nutritional supplements, such as vitamins C and E, can increase genetic abnormalities in cells, which may predispose supplement-takers to developing cancer, according to a new study from the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute.

The study, led by Eduardo Marbán, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, was published online in the medical journal Stem Cells. The study also will appear in the journal's July printed edition.

Marbán and his team accidentally discovered the danger of excessive antioxidant doses while seeking a way to reduce the genetic abnormalities that occurred naturally when the scientists sought to multiply human cardiac stem cells.

Marbán stressed that the study's finding applies only to excessive nutritional supplements and not to foods that are rich in antioxidants, such as milk, oranges, blueberries and peanuts. In recent years, multiple studies have touted the benefits of foods rich in antioxidants.

"Taking one multivitamin daily is fine, but a lot of people take way too much because they think if a little is good, a lot must be better," said Marbán, who is also the Mark Siegel Family Professor at Cedars-Sinai. "That is just not the case. If you are taking 10 or 100 times the amount in a daily multivitamin, you may be predisposing your cells to developing cancer, therefore doing yourself more harm than good."

In laboratories, stem cells are often grown in a Petri dish culture than is composed of 20 percent oxygen, whereas cells growing inside human tissue are exposed to just 3 to 5 percent oxygen. But Marbán's team of researchers became frustrated because the higher concentration of oxygen in lab-grown stem cells resulted in 9 percent of the cells being rejected because of genetic abnormalities.

"We sought to counter that oxidation problem by adding high doses of antioxidants directly to the cells," Marbán said. "That's when we made the serendipitous discovery that there is a danger zone for the cells exposed to antioxidants to develop genetic abnormalities that predispose to cancer."

Marbán is leading an ongoing, groundbreaking clinical trial in which heart attack patients undergo two minimally-invasive procedures in an effort to repair and re-grow healthy muscle in a heart injured by a heart attack. First, a biopsy of each patient's own heart tissue is used to grow specialized heart stem cells. About a month later, the multiplied stem cells are then injected back into the patient's heart via a coronary artery.

The two-step procedure was completed on the first patient in June 2009. The results of the trial are expected in early 2011.

Recently, Marbán received a $5.5 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to continue developing cardiac stem cell therapies.

Source: link

Most Commonly Known Antioxidants
Vitamin A and Carotenoids
- Carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, kale, collards, cantaloupe, peaches and apricots (bright-colored fruits and vegetables!)

Vitamin C
- Citrus fruits like oranges and lime etc, green peppers, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, strawberries and tomatoes

Vitamin E
- Nuts & seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oil and liver oil

Selenium
- Fish & shellfish, red meat, grains, eggs, chicken and garlic

Other Common Antioxidants
Some common phytochemicals
Flavonoids / polyphenols
soy, red wine, purple grapes or Concord grapes, pomegranate, cranberries, tea

Lycopene
- Tomato and tomato products, pink grapefruit, watermelon, Lutein, dark green vegetables such as kale, broccoli, kiwi, brussels sprout and spinach

Lignan
- flax seed, oatmeal, barley, rye,

Vitamin-like Antioxidants:
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Glutathione

Antioxidant enzymes made by the body:
Superoxide dismutase (SOD)
Catalase
Glutathione peroxidase

Source: link

Article: What Your Pimples Tell You

I've been getting blackheads on the same spot for a long time. I even got a pimple in my ear, which is like the weirdest location to have one. Caught a Chinese health-related show and it was talking about reading your face to know your health status so if you notice new age spots, pimples, change in colour at that part of the face, something is wrong with the organs related to that area.

Apparently, I'm having some problems with my digestive system, that's why I'm been breaking out in my ear and right cheek. Decided to look it up and here's an article I found.

Image mapping for the left and right cheek is wrong. Just refer to the text to avoid confusion.





Acne is a problem that seems to come with the arrival of summer. In summer, many people find red pimples popping up on their face. TCM recommends adjusting imbalanced energy inside instead of squeezing. The pimples, sometimes, may suggest organ problems that need treatment.

Though acne is called 青春痘 (teenage spots) in Chinese, it can also affect older people. Acne pimples are caused by an excess of oil rising through pores to the skin's surface, especially in the T-zone - the forehead, nose and chin.

Increasing levels of androgen, the male sex hormone, cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum (fat, keratin and cellular material).If the excess sebum can't be excreted through the pores, it blocks them together with dead skin cells and results in acne pimples.

Long-term psychological stress causes endocrine disorder and increases androgen levels, thus leading to excess sebum. Sunshine, hot and wet weather will also make the sebaceous glands produce more sebum.

"Skin conditions are not as superficial as they may seem. All are caused by toxins and imbalanced energy inside your body," says Dr Li Bin, chief physician of the Dermatology Department of the Shanghai Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine.

"Take acne for example. When imbalanced energies can't pass through the body freely as they used to, they collect and become toxins inside, resulting in acne on the face," Dr Li adds.

TCM usually attributes acne to pathogenic heat gathered inside. There are two kinds of pathogenic heat in the body according to TCM - excess heat and a deficiency of heat.

Both are caused by imbalanced yin and yang energy inside. Excess heat is caused by excessive yang energy while deficiency heat is caused by deficient yin energy.

Hormonal changes in teenagers can be a trigger for increasing yang energy while fatigue and psychological stress usually result in deficient yin energy. Most teenage sufferers are bothered with excess heat syndrome while grown-up patients usually have deficiency heat problems.

Therefore, apart from eating foods that help dispelling pathogenic heat such as mung beans and chrysanthemum, having enough sleep and keeping a good mood are also important for adults with acne problems. Regular bowel movements can also help relieve the acne problem by dispelling the toxins, according to Dr Li.

As for the external treatment, Dr Li suggests that washing the face gently twice or three times a day with warm water is enough. Washing too frequently, especially scrubbing, will aggravate the problem, and squeezing pimples could worsen the inflammation and infection, resulting in scars and enlarged pores.

Generally, Dr Li recommends "cold" and "cool" foods such as cucumber and mung beans to help dispel the pathogenic heat inside; fried, fatty, spicy foods and "hot" foods should be eliminated from the diet.

Sometimes the location of acne suggests imbalanced energy in certain organs. Adjusting the condition of the organs by shifting to a healthy lifestyle and certain treatment can also help relieve facial pimples.


Acne location and related possible problems
Location: Forehead
Possible problem: Heart and small intestine
Suggestion: Eat heat-dispelling foods such as lotus seeds soup to get rid of heat in the heart; have enough sleep, control your temper and maintain a good mood.

Location: Between the eyebrows
Possible problem: Heart
Suggestion: Avoid intense physical exercise and over-fatigue; maintain a good mood.

Location: Tail of brows
Possible problem: Gallbladder
Suggestion: Eat less greasy foods and have more heat-dispelling foods such as bitter cucumber.

Location: Nose
Possible problem: Stomach and digestive system
Suggestion: Eat less "hot" foods and more plain foods that can help dispel pathogenic heat such as green beans.

Location: Bridge of nose
Possible problem: Spinal column
Suggestion: Don't sit for too long; stretch your body often.

Location: Side of the nose wings and between the nose and mouth
Possible problem: Reproductive system
Suggestion: Check and treat the problem such as regulating menstrual period.

Location: Right cheek
Possible problem: Lungs and large intestine
Suggestion: Eat more foods that help nourish the lungs such as pear and white fungus; eat less seafood, tropical fruits and drink less alcohol.

Location: Left cheek
Possible problem: Liver and gallbladder
Suggestion: Eat less greasy foods and have more vegetables and fruit and have enough sleep.

Location: Corner of mouth
Possible problem: Intestines
Suggestion: Eat less "hot" foods and move bowels regularly.

Location: Chin
Possible problem: Kidney and internal secretion
Suggestion: Eat more plain foods than stimulating foods like spicy, fried or greasy ones. Take enough rest.


(Shanghai Daily August 4, 2009)

Source: Not linking it because it's a China site and I don't know if it's 'safe'.

For in depth TCM discussion on face charts: link

Article: Treating Eczema

Six Ways to Treat Eczema Naturally

If you suffer from red, scaly, dry patches of skin that are extremely itchy, you may have eczema. Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is an allergy-related skin condition common in young adults, children and infants. Simple measures can often help to minimize symptoms and provide relief. Instead of turning to the topical steroids often prescribed for eczema, which I believe suppress the problem and may worsen it over time, try the six suggestions below and see if they work for you.

1. Eliminate cows' milk and all cows' milk products from your diet, as well as foods that contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (often found in snack foods and baked goods) and trans-fatty acids (margarine, vegetable shortening).
2. Take 500 milligrams of black currant oil or evening primrose oil twice a day (half that dose for children younger than 12). These are sources of gamma-linolenic aid (GLA), an essential omega-6 fatty acid that promotes healthy growth of skin, hair and nails. You should begin to notice positive changes in six to eight weeks.
3. Apply aloe vera gel (from a fresh plant or buy lotions or moisturizers containing aloe) or calendula cream to the affected areas of your arm.
4. Experiment with lotions and salves containing chaparral (Larrea divaricata), a desert plant used topically in Mexican folk medicine for skin conditions.
5. Bathe or shower as quickly as possible, and use a non-perfumed moisturizing soap. Apply a thick moisturizing cream immediately after patting yourself dry - don't rub your skin when you towel dry your body.
6. Practice visualization and hypnotherapy. They can have a significant positive impact on allergy-related skin conditions. And try to relax - stress can make the condition worse. Explore relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises and yoga.

Source: link