長青通訊 第五十二期 EHVA Newsletter No. 52

長青健康素食推廣中心發行 二O一五年四月
 

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石大夫談養生 「腳底按摩」是怎麼一回事(二)?

石鴻英大夫講述 陳介川整理

腳底按摩如何對身體產生作用?

至於「腳底按摩」到底如何對身體產生作用呢?讓我們看看兩種不同的看法:

坊間流行的理論

坊間認為腳底按摩有效的理論之一是:尿酸鈣結晶沉澱於腳底,產生局部痛處,而這些痛處正和代表人體內臟反射的相對縮影區的位置相符合。因此推論:痛處即是相對臟器不健康的反映,只要透過按摩痛處,將尿酸鈣結晶溶解由小便排掉,如此即可達到治病的目的。

針對這個說法,我們應該思考清楚的是:

一)、有關「足部/內臟反射區」的建立和發展經過,尚須進一步的資料來支持。

二)、「尿酸鈣結晶」的說法倒可配合一般痛風病人的病情來考慮。根據一般的了解,尿酸鈣結晶對人體是很具刺激性的。痛風病人在尿酸鈣結晶沉積的患區,通常都有一定的發作次序-由下往上:從大腳趾的最後大關節開始發生,而後上踝關節、膝關節。痛處不但紅腫,往往是不碰都痛;而且尿酸鈣結晶通常是有稜有角,加壓會讓相關的軟組織受更大的傷害。如果強調非得用力按壓才有效,在實際情況下是不可能的,除非別 有其他病因。在此提出這些討論,供作參考。

祖國醫學的見解

清朝的曾國藩先生曾有「養生之道,不外飯後三千步」之說,表示飯後散步對身體的保健有益。現代的人吃飽飯後大都休息、看電視,養成散步習慣的人並不多,難怪消化不良的人越來越多。

有些醫學家認為:「腳底」是人體的「第二個心臟」。因為心臟壓縮時,對血管壁產生最大的壓力,即是以到達足部為標準。如果足部血液循環良好,對於心臟負擔自然有減輕作用。

中醫自古即透過觀察,認為腳部的活力可以象徵全身的活力,因此提出「精從足底生」的理論。以出生的嬰兒來說,他們的腳不停地動,象徵著旺盛的生命成長力;而遲暮的老人,他們的雙腳冰冷難動,全身活力越來越衰退。這個明顯的對比,適切地顯示腳底按摩的重要性。

「踩石腳底按摩法」的施行有那些注意事項?

一般人以為踩石頭走路和日常走路並無不同,其實它是很講究的;不但有一定的規矩,犯錯還可能造成後遺症。因此,有幾個問題必須事先說明清楚,希望有興趣實踐的朋友們牢記在心!

腳底的那部份不應接受強刺激?

答案是:「腳跟區」。因為腳跟沒有受壓的緩衝空間,不是受力區。任何重力刺激都可能對心臟產生間接、甚至直接的傷害。除腳跟區外的其餘部份都可接受強力刺激,尤其是中間弓起的部份,這也是設計石頭或塑膠踏板的基本考慮。

要如何踩法?

我們曾於介紹脊柱時提到脊柱是壓力最後的應力終結者。表示當進行踏步時,身體的腰椎或腰骶椎、甚至骶骨區都要受影響。

那麼要怎麼分別呢?有一個最簡單的例子方便大家的記憶,那就是檢查身體時,坐在桌上或高椅,膝蓋保持九十度懸空,此時用橡皮棒敲膝蓋產生反射作用,使小腿彈直,其主導反射弧的脊柱正是「第二腰椎」,也正是脊柱中最強大的受力椎。它主控股神經及股四頭肌,相當於針灸經絡理論中胃經路線,是下肢的運動、受力的主要組織。

以上就是踏法基本原則的根據,表示每次踏步時,「膝蓋要提高到九十度」後,才可以接著將腳放下踏在板上。此時腰部不會因壓力大而受傷,因為它原來就是為接受大壓力而準備的;下肢反而會因此加速血液循環、強化肌肉。

反之,如果踏步時膝蓋低於九十度、四十五度、甚至碎步,脊柱的應力區將由腰椎往下移到不屬於受力承受區的腰骶區、甚至骶骨區。此時非常容易造成受傷,連鎖肌肉、神經病變、骨刺及坐骨神經痛等,就是很好的例証。由此可知踏步姿勢不當的嚴重性!

需要用力踩嗎?

一開始要求是:輕踩;重點是:姿勢要正確。因此,「手扶牆壁或椅子,穩定身體,慢慢將腳抬起來,再輕輕踩在石頭上」是最適合的開始方式。等到熟練以後,自然可以不須扶助。

一次要踩多少步才夠?

基本要求是:三百步到一千步的範圍。最重要的是:腳跟不受刺激,也就是不碰石頭;踩時保持膝蓋九十度的姿勢。一開始不要求馬上踩三百步,可以循序漸進,慢慢增加。

踩完後,還需要什麼保健?

這裡介紹兩種方法:一種是「水療法」,另一種是「沙療法」

一)、『水療法〈Hydro-Therapy〉』原流傳於歐洲,主要是利用「濃海鹽」「瀉鹽〈Epsom salt〉」撒在潮溼的腳背及腳足心上,然後用力摩擦,再用溫水沖洗乾淨,等水乾了以後,最後再按摩一次足部組織即可〈此時用的按摩方法是一般性的方法,以放鬆肌肉為主,刺激性不大〉。如果不用溫水沖淨,直接將腳泡在溫水,在水中進行一般性按摩,等水涼了以後再將腳擦乾也可以。對於行動不便的人,直接將腳泡在含有鹽份的溫水,用自己的雙腳互相按摩,等水涼了取出擦乾,這也是不得已的變通辦法。

水療法的原理是:利用鹽類造成身體內外滲透壓不同,加速體內的污穢廢物透過皮膚排出體外的作用。經過踩石頭後,腳部的循環加速,此時再配合水療法排毒,二者真是相得益彰,更見功效。

二)、『沙療法』是一種流行於中國西北邊疆的「乾熱法」。它的材料主要是利用陽光曬熱沙

子,再混合中藥粉〈將一般風溼藥材打粉,這類藥材有:川木瓜、獨活、羌活、劉寄奴、蘇木、當歸尾、桂枝… 等〉。在踩完石頭後,將腳踏入沙中,一直等到沙涼了即可。

乾熱沙療法對關節炎等慢性病的效果還不壞。在美國變通的沙療法是將沙子放進烤箱加熱,一開始可能不習慣,多做幾次就熟練,效果也不壞。

〈摘錄自石鴻英先生講述的《工作壓力與保健食療》下期待續〉⊕

What is Foot Reflexology Massage All About?

Translated by Jeff Hsu, Tina Hsu and Jack Chen

Chinese version『石大夫談養生:「腳底按摩」是怎麼一回事?』by Dr. Hung-Ying Shih excerpted by Jei Chen (published in EHVA Newsletter 51, November of 2014)

Foot reflexology massage is a method of massage application, but it is quite different from a regular massage. A regular massage focuses on groups of soft tissue muscles rather than specific points. A foot reflexology massage focuses on inducing strong stimulation to a small area or specific points on the foot, which, in addition to releasing tension on the foot, improves circulation and has therapeutic effects on the corresponding organs of the body. 

"General massage", on the other hand, is focused on working on "soft tissue" of the muscles tissues. As for treating the connection joints and nearby tendons and ligaments, in addition to massage, it also incorporates with the "joint-functional " movements. By doing guided motions, it give complete rehabilitation care between the joint and soft tissue, between the joints and the joints.

According to the basic concept of overall health theory, traditional Chinese medicine has a set of therapeutic techniques (call "massage" collectively). whose main focus is not to elicit a reflex reaction with strong stimulation. Instead, the most basic purpose is to promote soft tissue relaxation. This is the basic and important difference.

Is there truth to the legend that foot reflexology massage can cure all diseases? Why does reflexology massage attract people's attention? The reason is very simple—proper foot massage has proven health benefits, whether locally at the areas of contact or for the body as a whole. 

Why is foot massage popular today? 

Although foot reflexology massage originated in ancient times, it becomes very popular today. The lack of strength in our feet and related muscles are due to the lack of physical exercise in modern industrial societies. Since they do not receive normal and sufficient stimuli, they are not strong. On the contrary, they become weaker and weaker such that more and more problems occur. Secondly, as improvements in the footwear industry and the development of flat roads, both have provided excessive protection to our foot. So, the special structure and function of the foot cannot play their roles. Thus, the opportunities for foot muscle strengthening are diminishing. The chances of getting a foot injury increase and more problems are likely to arise when the muscles are weak. 

Foot reflexology massages in relation to anatomy and body mechanics

Why does foot reflexology massage focus so much pressure on a particular point or small area of the feet? In general, almost everyone is afraid of the pain induced with that. That "Stabbing pain is beneficial" seems to be the slogan of the foot reflexology technique as if it is "no pain, no gain". During a foot reflexology massage, the massager uses either his or her hands, knuckles or a stick tool to manipulate the foot.  Is there no other way to replace this approach and must it be performed by hand forcefully?

There are other methods people use to try to achieve similar results, such as stepping on stones or a foot reflexology board, but do these methods really work? From the viewpoint of human body's structure, what is the best way to do it that can develop positive results for our health? How much of this activity is required to be effective? This series of questions can be answered by taking a look at our foot structure. 

The structure of our feet. 

According to the anatomical drawings (see drawings), we can clearly see that only our heel and toes of the foot are on the ground, while the middle forms an arch. It is important to note that the arc itself is tilted. The arch is most prominent on the center of the foot and gradually decreases as it approaches the outside of the foot towards the pinky toe. This is fully in line with ergonomic needs since our body's center of gravity is located in the middle area of the foot. What happens if the feet are not in this area (a symptom commonly known as "duck feet" or "flat feet")? It would be more difficult for a person to jump because of the lack of cushion. Therefore, those with flat feet is more prone to injury than those with a normal foot arch. 

Also, the structure of the foot is used to bear the weight of the body. So, when people neglect lower body exercise, their foot muscles become weak and cannot bear the weight or stress for long periods of time. Therefore, their bodies are forced to constantly change the position i.e. changing the stress areas where their feet bear their body weight. "Having weak foot muscles" is the reason why people nowadays are unable to stand or walk for a long time and are more prone to suffer foot pain or soreness.

Using "Stepping on stones" to obtain the effect of a strong stimulus 

As to the question of "why do we need strong stimulus", it is also easy to be answered. That is: "Comparing to the total body mass, if the stimulus is not strong enough, it is not effective". Thus, comparing massaging with hands with "stepping on stone", the former is less effective. This is based on the applied force point of view. However, from the point of targeting on specific pain area of the foot, "stepping on stone" is not as effective as hand massage with concentrated force .

Pain area is produced mainly owing to the extra "pressure" (force per unit area) placed on the areas. To aleviate this problem, we can do local adjustment i.e. foot reflexology massage by hand or make whole body adjustment by "stepping on stones". Either one is effective if performed long enough. Foot reflexology massage with hand is just a local treatment. Whereas, "stepping on stone" is whole body exercise.

Based on the comparisons above, "stepping on stone" is recommended because of the whole body movement. (To be continued…)

(Excerpt from Mr. Shi Hongying's speech on "the work stress and health. Diet") ⊕

Text Box:  Text Box:

(The structure of our feet)

如何正確地治療背痛 王寶慧 摘譯

Consumer Reports on Health, Vol.27, No 4, April 2015

吃藥、打針、掃描、開刀?那一項才是正確的選擇呢?又該避免什麼呢?

如果您已經有持續性的背痛,您知道有超過八成的人也和您一樣有下背部疼痛的問題嗎?大部分的人也會求諸醫生的協助。有些人甚至因為背痛而嚴重影響到日常生活中的活動,如工作、運動、睡眠,及家事。

許多劇烈的背痛會在自行處理後四週內又重新發作。其實,一般背痛大都是導因於肌肉痙攣,而不是像骨折,脊椎腔狹窄或癌症等較嚴重疾病。但是,就是因為病人的拖延,沒有在發生的幾天內,即時做適當處理,以致疼痛更加劇烈。即使市面上的療法眾多,有些常見的療效不彰,甚至有潛在風險。本章就是幫助你如何選擇合適又安全的方法。

打電話給醫師

當你的背部突然出毛病,你可能覺得你需要馬上去急診。首先,連絡醫生〈Albany Medical college 的神經科學系的Charles E. Argoff 教授如此建議〉,特別是已經痛到無法做正常活動,如開車及上下樓梯。你的醫師應該根據你的描述來判斷你是否需要緊急醫療協助,以及那種治療比較適合你目前狀況。當然,如果你之前已經受傷,或有癌症、虛弱、耳鳴、一腳沒有知覺、不明原因暴瘦,或是大小便失禁等情況,你必須馬上就醫。

嘗試使用非處方止痛藥OTC

除了處方止痛劑外,病人可嘗試一般藥局的非處方止痛藥。學術調查建議非處方止痛藥的確可以減低疼痛。背痛治療指南也推薦使用常見止痛藥如:acetaminophen 〈Tylenol 及 generic〉,ibuprofen〈Advil 及 generic〉,或是 naproxen 〈Aleve 及 generic〉。 Acetaminophen 是好的選擇,特別是針對心臟病,胃潰瘍及胃炎病人。但是其缺點是只要使用稍微超過每日限量〈4000毫克 或 12顆 325毫克的藥丸〉就會造成肝臟損害。〈我們專家更建議每日不要使用超過3250毫克〉。為什麼呢?因為 acetaminophen 也常被加入到上百種成藥中?從咳嗽藥,感冒藥到強力止痛藥。所以請病人務必核對用藥中的成份是否含有acetaminophen ,並且確認日總量沒有超過每日最大限量。尤其是酒癮大,有肝硬化、肝炎的人更需要小心acetaminophen 的使用量。還有,不要被自稱專門治療背痛的OTC 藥品,如 Doan's pills 所愚。Doan's pills 所含的成分通常和其他OTC止痛藥類似,但價錢較貴。為了節省荷包,只需使用generic acetaminophen, ibuprofen , 或是naproxen 即可。

影像檢查並非絕對需要

雖然聽起來很合理-大部分的病人都會要求做影像檢查,如X 光檢查〈X-Rays〉,電腦斷層掃描〈CT scans〉,或是核磁共振〈MRIs 〉;但是我們的專家則不建議如此做。因為這些檢查對病人療效沒有較快,卻可能多花錢。掃描通常顯示出不重要或無關背痛的異常問題,卻可能導致不必要的治療。有些病人甚至會因為擔心身上其他異常狀況而不敢積極活動。持續活動是痊癒的關鍵,唯有在一般自助型式及保守型的治療,如復建或是按摩長達一,二個月皆不奏效時,掃描檢查才合理。

不要只是躺著

當你有背痛時,你一定很想躺在床上休息。可是根據獨立醫學合作組織〈Cochrane Collaboration〉 在2010年針對10篇論文所寫的1篇評論,發現較積極活動的背痛病人其實比只躺著的病人較快痊癒。因此,現在的治療指南建議醫師讓病人儘快在幾天內就回復正常生活,包括回去工作,即使身體仍然不舒服。

一旦病人可以不太費力地從事日常活動,就應開始走路。至於健身房運動或是正式的背部強化的運動計畫則須要等個二至三週。評論中提到背痛發生時前幾週,運動及復建幫忙不大。但長期的運動計劃卻可以防止背痛復發;建議詢問復建科的推薦。

仔細考量治療方法

大多數的病人是不需要處方治療,如肌肉鬆弛劑,嗎啡或是類固醇注射。這些治療皆有風險,也不比非處方止痛藥來得有效果。

肌肉鬆弛劑如carisoprodol〈Soma 及 generic〉,cyclonbenzaprine 〈Amrix及 generic〉,及 metaxalone 〈Skelaxin及 generic〉都有上癮及鎮定作用,並且可能導致昏沈、口乾、虛弱無力等症狀。一般來說,對病人並無多大好處。

約有1/3的背痛病人拿到含有強力麻醉成分的藥物如oxycodone 〈在OxyContin 及 Percocet 發現〉,和hydrocodone 〈在Lortab 及 Vicodin 中發現〉。這些藥物其實減緩疼痛效果不大,卻可能讓病人情況變糟。報導顯示吃過這些藥物的病人在六個月後發生殘疾的機會比沒有吃這些藥的病人高。嗎啡可能會上癮,背痛患者尤其容易因為不當服用而受害。

長期以來,注射類固醇到脊椎是治療下背部疼痛方法之一,尤其是針對那些試過其他藥物卻仍有背痛、腳痛、麻木、刺痛的病人。然而,去年開始,食品藥物管理局警告類固醇注射可能引起罕見卻嚴重的副作用,如失去視力、中風、癱瘓、甚至死亡。最基本原則:假如您為背疼所苦,OTC止痛藥和緩和的活動力對你最適當。與其匆忙地嘗試積極的治療,不如給自己的身體足夠時間去痊癒吧!

如何對付慢性痛

長青素食譜 椒鹽脆餅卷

材 料: 1. 麵粉 500 公克 2. 鹽 1 ½ 茶匙
3. 酵母 10公克 4. malt extract 1 茶匙
5. 奶油 (soft) 2 湯匙 6. 牛奶+水 150 ml + 150 ml
7. 水 1 公升 8. 鹽 1 湯匙
9. 小蘇打粉 80 -100公克 10.粗鹽 適量
做 法:
  1. 將前面6種成分混合成麵糰,揉到麵糰軟,約10分鐘。
  2. 麵糰放在抹油的大碗內,蓋上布,直到麵糰的大小增加一倍〈約1小時〉。
  3. 麵糰分為14塊 做成麵包/捲餅/羊角麵包的形狀。間隔的放在烘焙紙上,再醒〈約20-40分鐘〉。
  4. 在不銹鋼盤中混合水,鹽和小蘇打粉,帶至沸騰。把它關火。
  5. 用漏勺把發酵麵糰〈3〉一一在蘇打水中〈4〉沾浸一下,瀝乾水,放置在紙張上。
  6. 用利刀在麵糰上〈5〉輕輕劃幾條縫,撒上適量的粗鹽。
  7. 烤箱預熱400 ° F,在中層烤20-25分鐘。
份 量: 14

EHVA Recipe: Laugenbrotchen (German Pretzel Rolls)

Ingredients: 1. flour 500 g 2. salt 1 ½ teas
3. yeast 10 g 4. malt extract 1 teas
5. butter (soft) 2 tabs 6. milk, mixed with water 150 ml + 150 ml
7. water 1 liter 8. salt 1 tabs
9. bicarbonate of soda 80 -100 g 10. coarse salt
Procedure:
  1. Mix the first 6 ingredients together, and knead to a soft dough, about 10 minutes.
  2. Then let it rest in an oiled bowl, covered, until the dough has doubled in size (about 1 hour).
  3. Form into 14 of bread rolls/pretzels/croissants shape. Place on baking paper well spaced, and allow to rise again (about 20-40 minutes).
  4. Mix the water, salt and bicarbonate of soda in a stainless steel pan and bring to the boil. Take it off the heat.
  5. Take the risen bread rolls (3), and using a slotted spoon, dip them one by one in (4), drain well and set back on the paper.
  6. Cut slits in the (5) bread rolls with a sharp knife and sprinkle with coarse salt.
  7. Preheated oven to 400 °F, bake in the middle level of the oven for 20-25 minutes.
Servings: 14

本季長青活動

未來活動看板

日期 時間 地點 活動內容
7月/2015 Sun. 1:30-4:30 pm 長青健康素食推廣中心 3071 Lawrence Expressway, Santa Clara, CA 95051    長青秋季身體調養班〈中文〉供應點心
每週二 10:00-11:00 am Palo Alto Avenidas Senior Center 推拿講座

歡迎捐款及贊助

本中心為非營利組織,目的在宣導正確的健康素食理念以提昇生活品質。本中心工作人員均屬不支薪的義工,各項推廣活動均靠大家在人力、物力上的支持與捐助。竭誠歡迎您慷慨解囊,一切捐贈皆可依個人所得狀況抵稅,捐贈股票還可節省capital gain的稅。凡捐款$500以上者為本中心年度榮譽董事。捐款支票抬頭請寫Evergreen Healthy Vegetarian Association 或EHVA,並寄到本中心,謝謝!Please send your tax-deductible donation to Evergreen Healthy Vegetarian Association (EHVA). Thank you!

 

 


2015
董事:

王宇霖、尹明潭、吳宜玟、吳英芳、黃宗哲、陳介川、游松賀、李慶祥、劉雪清、戴盛珊、程俊豪、方木桂
發行: 長青健康素食推廣中心
打字: 高淑玲、劉雪清、徐鴛鴦
編輯: 劉雪清、尹明潭、高淑玲、陳慧珊、徐鴛鴦、梅文琴
美工: 高淑玲
印刷: Kwik Kopy Printing (TEL: 408-725-0243)
郵寄: 程俊豪

長青健康素食推廣中心 Evergreen Healthy Vegetarian Association
3071 Lawrence Expressway, Santa Clara, CA 95051-0713
網址:http://www.ehva.org
洛杉磯連絡處: 8513 Elm Circle, City of Buena Park, CA 90620
電話:714-827-4925
新竹連絡處: 新竹縣竹北市華興街79號,Taiwan, ROC
電話:03-553-5380
傳真:03-553-1440
台北連絡處: P. O. Box 94-35, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
電話:02-2940-6824
傳真:02-2944-9757