The Silent Signals of Liver Disease: Traditional Treatments and Natural Care Approaches
In an episode of the 'Health 1+1' program, Jonathan Liu, a professor of Traditional Chinese Medicine at a Canadian public university and director of the Kangmei TCM Clinic, explained how TCM views liver disease not just as a physical issue, but as an imbalance of internal energy—known as
qi
.
When liver qi first becomes stagnant, timely care—combined with mindful diet, acupressure, and lifestyle changes—can help restore balance and prevent more serious disease.
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Hamilton Spectator
12 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Canadian man who died in ICE custody reported health concerns weeks before death, agency says
The cause of a Canadian man's death while in custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement last month remains unclear, even as the agency in a report Wednesday says it flagged the man over health concerns just weeks before. Johnny Noviello, 49, was found unresponsive on the afternoon of June 23 at the Federal Detention Center in Miami and later pronounced dead after being attended to by medical staff. According to an ICE report shared publicly , Noviello underwent two evaluations earlier on June 8 and 9 at the request of a unit officer and a health administrator. The man, who had epilepsy, had already been diagnosed with 'unspecified convulsions and hypertension' and prescribed anticonvulsant and blood pressure medication by authorities shortly after being detained in May. Noviello had been living in the U.S. for nearly four decades, with the ICE report noting he first came to the country as a visitor in 1988 and later becoming a permanent resident in October 1991. In 2023, he was convicted of a number of offences, including drug trafficking and racketeering, and sentenced to 12 months in prison. Two years later, in May of this year, Noviello was arrested by ICE at a local probation office and charged with removability on the grounds of his prior conviction. He was awaiting removal from the United States at the time of his death, the agency says. During the first evaluation on June 8, a medical provider requested Noviello get a mental health referral after the man reported 'feeling sad and depressed' — although the ICE report notes Noviello refused to go to a medical clinic for the evaluation. The next day, Noviello told another medical provider that he had not eaten in 'a while.' Though Noviello had normal vitals, the provider at the second evaluation noted that the patient had 'poor personal hygiene,' later discussing the importance of both self-hygiene and a proper diet with the patient. Exactly two weeks later, the detention centre staff found Noviello unresponsive without a pulse and with low body temperature and blood sugar levels. He was later transferred to the care of City of Miami first responders, who declared Noviello dead after trying to revive him for 30 minutes. Wednesday's report comes exactly a month after Noviello's death. Under U.S. policy, ICE had 90 days to publicly share details on the circumstances surrounding the death. More coming.
Health Line
a day ago
- Health Line
What Is Gua Sha and What Is it Used For?
Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves scraping your skin with a smooth-edged tool to improve circulation. Gua sha, also known as scraping therapy, is generally performed on the back, buttocks, arms, and legs. A gentle version of it is used on the face and neck. The practice is believed to release stagnant energy, called chi or qi, which practitioners believe may be responsible for inflammation in the body. This may support both improved blood flow and lymphatic drainage, a process by which the body maintains its fluid levels and removes cellular debris and harmful substances. You can use gua sha massage on your own or have a licensed acupuncturist perform it. Keep reading to learn how to use gua sha massage and the potential benefits and risks. Gua sha is not a substitute for medical care. Readers should consult healthcare providers before trying, especially if they have medical conditions. Expand contraindications to include pregnancy, active skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, rosacea), recent cosmetic procedures (Botox/fillers), and sunburned skin. How to perform gua sha massage Gua sha massage requires using a smooth-edged tool. Gua sha tools can vary in size and shape depending on the area of the body they're intended for. Tools for the face are usually smaller and handheld, while tools for the body can sometimes be larger. You can usually find a gua sha tool online. You can find facial gua sha tools at some beauty retailers. To perform gua sha: Before performing gua sha massage, wash your tool with soap and warm water. Then, apply oil or serum to the area you want to work on. This helps the tool glide across the skin. Finally, scrape or sweep the tool upward and outward across your skin at a 15- to 30-degree angle. If you're trying gua sha for the first time, avoid applying excessive pressure until you know how your body reacts. The amount of pressure you use when scraping the tool typically varies depending on where you are applying it. The pressure should be gentle enough for comfort but firm enough to create slight tension. When used on the body, the gua sha tool is scraped in long strokes across the skin and can leave petechiae, tiny red or purple spots caused by broken capillaries just beneath the skin's surface. Mild bruises are also possible. On the face, the tool should be gently swept upward and outward across the face with light pressure. It should not be enough pressure to leave petechiae. You can also use a jade roller on your face. Licensed acupuncturists can use gua sha on different areas of the body to relieve inflammation and pain. They may determine where to use gua sha based on where you're experiencing symptoms and on acupressure points. These specific points on the body are believed to stimulate qi in Chinese traditional medicine. They correspond to specific ailments, like headaches or anxiety. What material works best for gua sha massage? Gua sha massage tools are often made from natural materials like polished jade or rose quartz or plastic. You can choose whichever material you prefer, based on feel and aesthetics, but common materials include: Jade: Denser, smoother, and cooler, with benefits for working out tight muscles Rose quartz: Softer, more porous, which may provide a lighter massage Natural horn: Durable and stronger Stainless steel or metal: Durable, stronger, and easier to clean Bian stone: Durable, stronger, and able to be heated Wood: Softest and most porous Plastic: Inexpensive and softer What are the potential health benefits of gua sha? Gua sha may improve blood flow in the areas where it's applied. Benefits may include: improving circulation reducing inflammation relieving pain sensations elsewhere in the body relaxation A 2024 randomized controlled trial in people with Parkinson's disease suggests that gua sha may improve pain severity, motor function, affective disorder, and sleep quality. Researchers also found the participants who underwent gua sha had increased blood levels of a hormone precursor to serotonin (5-HT), which is involved in regulating mood, and a protein (IL-10) involved in anti-inflammatory processes in the body. These participants also had reduced levels of a protein (IL-8) responsible for promoting inflammation in the body. According to a 2023 non-randomized control trial, gua sha may also have benefits for pain and breast engorgement due to breastfeeding. Participants performed gua sha on their engorged breasts for 30 minute sessions that involved scraping each site three times for 2 minutes each over a gua sha supportive bra with arrows directing them on each scraping pattern. A 2011 study with 48 participants compared the effects of gua sha with thermal heat pads on adults with chronic neck pain. One group received gua sha, and the control group received heat therapy. Researchers found that neck pain severity and mobility after one week were significantly better in the gua sha group compared to the control group. A small 2017 study with 12 participants compared the effects of gua sha with hydrocollator (moist heat) packs on older adults with chronic lower back pain. One group received gua sha, and the control group received heat therapy. Although both methods decreased pain and improved flexion, extension, and bending movement of the lower back, researchers concluded that gua sha may have a longer-lasting anti-inflammatory effect. At the one-week follow-up, more people who received gua sha experienced pain relief and improved mobility than in the control group. More research is still needed to further evaluate these potential benefits with larger studies. Does gua sha have side effects? Gua sha is generally considered safe. It's not supposed to be painful, but the procedure may temporarily change the appearance of your skin. Gua sha it involves rubbing or scraping the skin with a massage tool so that tiny blood vessels known as capillaries near the surface of your skin burst. This is believed to support blood flow. This can result in petechiae and minor bleeding. These marks usually disappear within a couple of days and should not be painful. Some people also experience temporary indentation of the skin or mild bruising. Cleaning the tool after each use can help reduce the risk of infection if the skin tears or bleeds. Avoid using the tool on open wounds and other areas of the skin that are irritated. If you have a chronic health condition, take blood thinners, have a blood clotting disorder, or are taking medication that affects your blood cell production (such as chemotherapy) consult with a healthcare professional before use.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
"Lifelong bond" formed by two kids given dream experience to command Regina's RCMP Academy
Two 10-year-old girls donned the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's ceremonial Red Serge uniform on Tuesday as they were put in charge of the RCMP Academy's Depot Division in Regina for a day. Janine from Lloydminster was one of the children selected to take part in a two-day experience hosted by the RCMP, including one day in Edmonton and the second in Regina. The youngsters were allowed to 'fly a drone, and I liked flying the drone,' said Janine, who also experienced 'petting some dogs and crushing a car (with a police truck).' This is the second year that the RCMP has offered a once-in-a-lifetime experience through the Kids with Cancer Society based in Edmonton. Tessa from Fort McMurray was also selected, and her favourite activity was also flying the drones. Only the first names of the girls were shared for their privacy. Janine described the experience as 'awesome.' For her mom, Laura, it meant a lot to see her daughter welcomed so warmly by the RCMP. It even brought tears to her eyes, she says. Janine was diagnosed with leukemia in 2021 but finished treatment two years ago. She's been in good health since, her mom says. 'Between COVID isolation and cancer, she was alone a lot so having this experience where she got to meet another cancer kid is really special for her,' said Laura, who accompanied her daughter over the two days. 'And she got to make some friends and do some cool experiences. I think her and Tessa formed like a lifelong bond.' The girls were taken for a helicopter ride above Edmonton and then later in the day flew to Regina, where they were fitted with their own Red Serge to join the cadet graduation dinner. On Tuesday, the RCMP held the Sergeant Major's Parade for a change of command and the girls inspected the cadets as co-commanding officers for the day. 'Children who are battling cancer miss so much,' said Madison McElligott, who is the events manager of the Kids with Cancer Society. 'This is our way of trying to give them a day back that they never would have (had).' The Kids with Cancer Society provides a variety of services to families in northern Alberta. The program also includes 'unique' dream experiences for the children, like the one held with the RCMP. Laura says it's already something they will never forget, adding that Janine might consider returning to Regina one day as a cadet. 'I'm so proud,' said her mother. 'She says she wants to come back and train.' Related 'A Canadian image': RCMP Heritage Centre a pillar in celebrating force's history Something special is brewing at RCMP Heritage Centre nyking@ The Regina Leader-Post has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe. With some online platforms blocking access to the journalism upon which you depend, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Click here to subscribe.
