Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and Herbal Medicine

Several herbs and acupuncture points are particularly helpful in the treatment of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). In a recent HealthCMi online acupuncture CEU webinar, we covered several herbs that invigorate blood circulation and clear heat & toxins. Three standout herbs are Bai Jiang Cao, Hong Teng and Lu Lu Tong. They have the ability to address the infectious lingering pathogenic factors associated with PID as well as the concomitant Qi and Blood stasis. Let's take a look...

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is the inflammation of the female pelvic organs or tissues. Often this is due to an ascending intravaginal infection, however, it may also be caused by endogenous factors such as Liver Qi stagnation transforming into Fire and Heat in the Blood. External pernicious influences include gonorrhea, chlamydia and a variety of other infectious microorganism infections. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), PID is the invasion of damp-heat and toxins causing Blood stasis in the lower jiao (burner). Chronic cases are complicated by a complex mix of cold and deficiency syndromes such as Spleen Qi deficiency, Kidney Yang deficiency and cold stagnation in the Liver Channel. Common presentations of PID are cervicitis, endometritis, salpingitis, oophoritis and broad ligament infections.

PID often causes inflammation of the fallopian tubes (salpingitis) and ovarian obstructions and adhesions. This is often due to congealed exudate lingering from the acute phase of the infectious aspect of PID. The predominant symptoms for all cases of PID are lower abdominal pain and leukorrhea. The acute stage often presents as a clinical emergency requiring hospitalization, however, some cases are completely asymptomatic in the initial acute stage. Chlamydia infections, for example, may be completely asymptomatic.

The chronic stage involves less severe symptoms such as the Yangming or Qi level heat often occurring in the acute stage. Often, there is lingering Ying level heat or Taiyin stage involvement. Blood stasis in the form of scar tissue from PID may lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancies. Over 750,000 women suffer from PID every year in the USA and approximately 150 women die every year in the USA due to either PID or its complications.

Biomedical tests include cultures, smear, ultrasonography and laparoscopy. Biomedical treatments include antibiotics, surgical drainage of abscesses and surgical removal of affected tissues. Chronic repeated episodes of PID are often treated with multiple exploratory surgical procedures.

In the acupuncture clinic, we often distinguish chronic PID from endometriosis by the character of the pain. Often, PID presents with severe pain in the acute stage followed by a lower level of pain in the chronic stage. Endometriosis pain worsens over time and worsens towards the end of each menstrual cycle. Leukorrhea is more common in PID and PID pain flare-ups may precede the menstrual cycle whereas this is less common with endometriosis.

The Daimai (Dai Vessel, Belt Channel, Girdling Channel), Chong (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren (Conception Vessel) are always disturbed in cases of PID. Also, local channels are involved, particularly the Liver and Stomach channels. Let’s take a look at three herbs that treat both the Damp-Heat and toxins and the Blood stasis involved in PID. To learn more beyond this blog, take the PID anytime courses or live webinars at HealthCMi.

Herbs that clear heat and toxins, regulate Qi and invigorate Blood address the central disharmonies found in PID. Bai Jiang Cao is a standout because it clears heat & toxins, drains pus & abscesses and removes Blood stasis. Bai Jiang Cao’s ability to move the Blood helps to relieve the pain caused by PID. This is why Bai Jiang Cao is also valuable in the treatment of appendicitis, peritonitis, post-partum abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea and inflammation of the intestines. Bai Jiang Cao enters the Large Intestine, Liver and Stomach channels and is cold, pungent and bitter.

Lu Lu Tong, translated as all roads open, is an important herb for the treatment of PID because it moves Qi and Blood in the channels and collaterals. Lu Lu Tong is also helpful because it promotes urination to drain the dampness and expels wind. One caveat, Lu Lu Tong should not be used for pregnant women due to its Blood invigorating properties. Lu Lu Tong is neutral, bitter and enters the Liver and Stomach channels. Lu Lu Tong helps to relieve lower abdominal pain and back pain due to PID from its ability to move Qi and Blood. Its ability to move Qi and Blood and to promote urination makes Lu Lu Tong an excellent choice for treating fallopian tube blockages and pelvic region adhesions due to damp stagnation and Blood stagnation. Lu Lu Tong is appropriate for use in both acute and chronic PID. Lu Lu Tong also treats joint pain and traumatic injuries. Lu Lu Tong has a general anti-inflammatory effect and expels wind. As a result, Lu Lu Tong treats skin and nasal allergies. Lu Lu Tong moves the Qi and Blood and enters the Liver and Stomach channels making this herb also helpful in resolving post-surgical adhesions and for the treatment of endometriosis in addition to its ability to treat PID.

Hong Teng, translated as red vine, also goes by the name of Da Xue Teng. It also clears heat & toxins and dispels Blood stasis. It is a very valuable herb in the treatment of multiple presentations of PID. Hong Teng is neutral and bitter and enters the Large Intestine and Liver channels. Hong Teng relieves Blood stasis related pain and is an important herb for the treatment of intestinal abscesses and abscesses due to PID because it clears heat & toxins and invigorates blood. Hong Teng is also valuable in the treatment of appendicitis, injuries, joint pain and dysmenorrhea.

Menorrhagia and other forms of abnormal uterine bleeding are common complications resulting from PID. Leukorrhea is the most common symptom along with lower abdominal pain. As a result, it is appropriate to go ahead and mention one more very important herb. The presence of leukorrhea is why Chun Gen Pi (Chun Pi) is an important herb for the treatment of PID. Chun Pi is cold, bitter and astringent and enters the Large Intestine, Stomach and Liver Channels. Chun Pi is an astringent category herb that clears heat and dries dampness. Chun Pi also stops bleeding. Chun Pi is an excellent choice for the treatment of red, yellow and white belt leukorrhea because it clears heat and dries dampness while at the same time it exerts an astringent function. Chun Pi is therefore applicable for the treatment of many types of uterine bleeding both for excess and deficiency including Yin deficiency and Damp-Heat as causative factors. Another reason why Chun Pi is an excellent choice for the treatment of PID is that it has an anti-fungal and anti-parasitic function. This addresses the polymicrobial nature of some forms of PID. Chun Pi is also commonly used for the treatment of dysentery and chronic diarrhea.

To learn more about acupuncture points, channel theory, differential diagnostics, lab tests, factors of susceptibility and herbal formulas for the treatment of PID, take a look at HealthCMi acupuncture CEU courses. HealthCMi features both anytime CEU courses for immediate download and live webinars on the topic. Simply purchase and download the course materials, take the online quiz and download your certificate of completion for acupuncture CEU credit.

- See more at: http://www.healthcmi.com/blog/773-pidherbs#sthash.Tup8h9Aw.dpuf

Chinese Medicine Dietetics Clears Acne & Skin Disorders

Toxicity in the skin leads to conditions such as eczema, hives, rashes and acne. A few changes in the diet help to clear the skin. According to Chinese Medicine principles, skin swellings are often due to damp-heat toxins, Stomach heat, heat in the Blood, Liver heat, Qi stagnation, wind-heat, Blood deficiency and Yin deficiency. Although this is not a complete list of differential diagnostics associated with skin conditions, it represents a vast majority of cases in a typical clinical presentation at an acupuncture office. Today, I’d like to review simple recipes that benefit the skin.

For most acupuncturists, the usual do’s and don’ts apply to patient recommendations. The don’ts are the usual culprits: deep fried foods, dairy products, refined sugar, barbecue dishes, excessively hot and spicy dishes and foods that have a Fa nature. Prof. Jeffrey Pang, L.Ac. and I often review the basics of Fa foods in our online Chinese Medicine dietetics webinars for acupuncture CEU credit. Foods with a Fa nature are those that stimulate pathogenic factors and create disharmonies such as toxicity, phlegm and damp-heat. Fa foods exacerbate inflammatory conditions and have a deleterious effect on skin disorders, wound healing, allergies, tumors and cancer. Regarding wound healing, a diet filled with Fa foods may lead to scar formation.

Fa foods are relative to the patient’s differential diagnosis. 

• Patients with heat conditions react to foods such as chives, ginger, peppers, goat meat, dog meat, rooster and barbecue items. 
• Patients with wind conditions react to shellfish such as shrimp and crabs and also fish that do not have scales. 
• Patients with damp conditions react to Yi Tang, Nuo Mi, Ji Niang, Mi Jiu and tropical fruits such as Mango, Lychee and Liu Lian. 
• Patients with cold conditions should avoid cooling foods such as pear, persimmon and raw foods. 
• Patients with Qi and Blood deficiency do well to avoid blood invigorating herbs such as chili peppers and white pepper. 
• Patients with Qi stagnation or Stomach food stagnation issues do well to avoid potatoes and beans. 

Although many of the aforementioned foods can be a healthy addition to one’s diet, they take on a Fa nature if they are not properly match to the patient’s underlying constitution.

Let’s take a look at some simple food items and recipes that benefit the skin. One Chinese herbal medicine that is available in Asian supermarkets as an instant breakfast cereal is Yi Yi Ren. Simply add hot water to powdered Yi Yi Ren, stir and consume as a porridge. Yi Yi Ren is often labeled as pearl barley, coix seeds or Job’s tears in supermarkets. Yi Yi Ren drains the dampness, promotes urination, clears wind-dampness, clears heat and eliminates pus. Yi Yi Ren is slightly cold, sweet and bland. Yi Yi Ren is often added to herbal formulas for the treatment of edema, dysuria, difficult urination, urinary tract stones, diarrhea, arthritis, joint pain, muscle spasms, lung abscesses, intestinal abscesses, carbuncles, acne, vaginal yeast infections and appendicitis. Yi Yi Ren is very mild and therefore is rarely the chief herb of an herbal formula. However, as a consistent supplement to one’s diet, Yi Yi Ren exerts powerful effects on the skin. It helps to clear swellings, general inflammation and smoothes the skin. Yi Yi Ren adds a clarity and healthy luminance to the skin.

A simple snack to clear heat and toxins from the skin is made with mung beans and seaweed: Hai Zao (hijiki, sargassum), Kun Bu (kelp, Ecklonia kurome Okam.) and/or Hai Dai (kelp, konbu, kombu, Laminaria japonica Aresch.). For frequent use, Hai Zao is not recommended but rather Kun Bu and Hai Dai are better choices. Hai Zao, although more potent medicinally for thyroid disorders and swellings, may contain trace amounts of inorganic arsenic and may not be appropriate as an everyday snack. The source of the seaweed often determines if contaminants have been absorbed. Notably, all three seaweeds are also helpful in the treatment of obesity, hyperlipidemia and arteriosclerosis.

No conversation about benefitting the skin with dietetics is complete without mentioning  jellyfish. Jellyfish dissolves nodules and clears heat and toxins. It can be served as a noodle and lightly sprinkled with sesame seeds for finish. Never sauté jellyfish. This will ruin its consistency and medicinal function. After purchasing jellyfish at your local Asian supermarket, simply boil it for a few minutes to cleanse and prepare it for consumption. Next, add seasonings such as soy sauce or Chinese vinegar. Jellyfish powerfully clears the skin and is an excellent choice for someone wanting to shed a few pounds of fat. Jellyfish also helps to dissolve tumors and phlegm nodules.

That brings me to a simple external application for the treatment of acne. Take powdered Qing Dai (indigo) and add either a little cucumber or bitter melon juice to form a paste. Apply externally to acne and other skin swellings and retain for no less than 20 minutes. Powdered Qing Dai tends to repel water and therefore the vegetable juices are easier to mix. Cucumber and bitter melon juices tend to help Qing Dai form a more usable paste that is easy to manage. If cucumber and bitter melon are unavailable, use Qing Dai with water. Be prepared to work the water into the Qing Dai with a whisk or brush. Warn anyone using Qing Dai that it stains clothing. I recommend wearing an old T-shirt when preparing and applying the paste. This paste is very effective and has the ability to clear deep cystic acne.

Qing Dai enters the Liver, Lung and Stomach channels and is cold and salty. Qing Dai clears heat and toxins and also cools the blood and stops bleeding. Qing Dai is commonly used in the treatment of mouth & tongue ulcers, eczema, boils, skin eruptions, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, epistaxis, coughing with blood and blood in the sputum.

Bitter melon juice is the preferred binding agent for the Qing Dai external application paste due to its powerful function but cucumber is also an excellent choice. Cucumber is naturally beneficial to the skin and clears lung & stomach heat. Bitter melon has a more potent, herbal level, medicinal effect but availability becomes an issue if one does not have access to an Asian market. Bitter melon (Ku Gua) originated in India and it powerfully clears heat and toxins. Research demonstrates that bitter melon has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory medicinal effects. Bitter melon is an excellent choice for diabetics because of its ability to lower blood sugar levels. Bitter melon is especially potent in treating acne and gum inflammation.

- See more at: http://www.healthcmi.com/blog/749-acnekunbu#sthash.TCwG6pNa.dpuf

Traditional Chinese Medicine Topical for Acne

External pastes for the treatment of acne complement internal herbal medicine and acupuncture. A great external paste for the treatment of acne is comprised of Qing Dai (Indigo Naturalis) mixed with either fresh bitter melon or cucumber juice. This is a handy external paste that has been presented in HealthCMi dietetics and dermatology webinars and online courses for acupuncture CEU & PDA continuing education credit.

Qing Dai enters the Lung, Liver and Stomach channels. Qing Dai clears heat and toxins, cools the blood and stops bleeding. Order Qing Dai in the powdered raw herb form. It is best to avoid raw herbs that have been processed with sulfur and phosphates, please check with your supplier.

If a patient tries to make a paste from Qing Dai with boiling water, the Qing Dai will repel the water. A concerted effort of whisking does make this possible but the process is slightly tedious. The use of bitter melon or cucumber juice makes the mixing process much easier for the patient. Have the patient squeeze the bitter melon or cucumber to produce a small amount of juice to help mix the Qing Dai powder into a paste. Bitter melon is significantly more clinically effective, however, cucumber is more available and its ability to clear Lung and Stomach heat works well with Qing Dai.

The patient takes the paste and generously applies it to the areas where the acne is located. It is best to leave the paste on the affected regions for at least twenty minutes but longer periods are preferred. Next, the patient carefully washes off the paste. It is best to repeat this process everyday until the acne resolves.

Inform the patient that Qing Dai imparts a temporary green color to the skin, which is not permanent. The patient should be prepared to wash thoroughly in order to remove all of the green coloring. In addition, the patient needs to know that Qing Dai stains clothing and that it is often best to wear an old shirt when applying the paste. To learn more about Traditional Chinese Medicine dietetics and the treatment of acne, http://www.healthcmi.com/blog/749-acnekunbu

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New Research - Chinese Herb & Acupuncture Clear Ulcerative Colitis

New research finds a very powerful Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herb effective in resolving ulcerative colitis. The patients examined in the study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology suffered from intractable ulcerative colitis and were unresponsive to conventional drug therapy. After use of the herbal medicine, 6 of the 7 patients in the study were able to completely discontinue the use of anti-inflammatory medications. This included the use of aminosalicylates, corticosteroids and azathioprine. Endoscopy and symptomatic responses showed everything from significant clinical improvements to a complete resolution of the condition.

Herbal Powder
The patients orally self-administered 1 gram of Qing Dai (Indigo Naturalis) powder, 2 times per day for 4 months. The results of the herbal program demonstrated significant clinical and objective improvements such that 6 of the 7 patients completely discontinued the use of prednisolone, a corticosteroid used to control ulcerative colitis. The researchers examined Qing Dai to learn more about its effective mechanisms of action. Using electron spin resonance, they discovered that Qing Dai has potent hydroxl radical scavenging activity. This discovery prompted the researchers to recommend further investigation into the mechanisms of Qing Dai’s anti-inflammatory effects.

This research coincides with other recent research demonstrating that acupuncture and herbal medicine are effective in the clearing of chronic ulcerative colitis. Published in the Clinical Journal of Chinese Medicine, the study showed that a combination of herbal enemas consisting of Ku Shen and Bai Tou Weng combined with an acupuncture treatment regime was significantly more effective than taking antibiotics for resolving ulcerative colitis.

The Qing Dai study examined the oral administration of Qing Dai in its powdered form. Qing Dai has received a great deal of attention in modern research. One recent research study found that I3M, synthesized from the indirubin found in Qing Dai, downregulates cancerous tissues when applied topically to oral cancer. This shows great potential for the treatment of oral cancer. Historically, TCM documents Qing Dai as an important herb in the treatment of ulcers in the mouth and tongue. TCM also documents the use of Qing Dai as a topical paste for the treatment of acne and topical ointment for the treatment psoriasis. HealthCMi recently published instructions on how to prepare the anti-acne topical paste in its blog section. Visit the Healthcare Medicine Institute's blog to learn more.  http://www.healthcmi.com/blog/815-qingdaiceu

The I3M study cited the TCM formula Dang Gui Long Hui Wan as an historically important herbal compound for the treatment of chronic myelocytic leukemia. Many sources include Qing Dai as one of the ingredients in this formula that contains Dang Gui, Long Dan Cao, Zhi Zi, Huang Lian, Huang Bai, Huang Qin, Lu Hui, Da Huang, Qing Dai, Mu Xiang, She Xiang and Sheng Jiang. The researchers suggest that the indigo dye found in Qing Dai is partially responsible for the herbal formula’s efficaciousness given the modern research demonstrating that indirubin powerfully inhibits several types of human cancer cells. The Qing Dai researchers noted that modern studies demonstrate that indirubin has anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing interferon-alpha, interleukin-6 and nuclear factor. They added that Qing Dai has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory “effects on human neutrophils based on its ability to suppress superoxide generation.”

Clinical Highlight
The Qing Dai study highlighted specific clinical results of its participants. One patient vignette was of a man suffering from ulcerative colitis with hematochezia, the passage of fresh blood through the anus. This patient had taken antibiotics and prednisolone to control the hematochezia. However, he was unable to reduce the dosage of prednisolone without the return of hematochezia. Over time, the patient needed to increase the drug dosages to maintain clinical results and he showed no clinical improvements in his baseline condition. After 3 years, he began the Qing Dai treatments and after one month the hematochezia resolved completely. Objective testing also showed a marked decrease in serum C-reactive protein levels. The patient was able to discontinue the use of all drugs. Endoscopy revealed that his ulcers completely disappeared. A follow-up confirmed that the therapeutic effect of Qing Dai therapy lasted for more than 2 years.

The researchers note that other related research finds important clinical results from the use of Qing Dai. Yuan, et al, discovered that Qing Dai enemas are clinically effective for the treatment of chronic hemorrhagic radiation proctitis. Given the recent research combining acupuncture with herbal medicine demonstrating that enemas of Ku Shen combined with Bai Tou Weng are effective for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, it may be consistent that adding Qing Dai to the enema will enhance its therapeutic effects.

Distinct from Qing Dai used as a one herb formula for the treatment of chronic ulcerative colitis is its use within herbal formulas within the scope of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Differential diagnostics within the TCM system recognise Qing Dai’s appropriate application for this biomedically defined disorder in cases of Heat in the Blood, Damp Heat and Heat and Toxins. However, some clinical presentations of chronic ulcerative colitis may be due to cases of cold and deficiency. In these instances, herbal medicines with very different biological functions may exert more effective clinical actions for the treatment of chronic ulcerative colitis.

References:

Suzuki, Hideo, Tsuyoshi Kaneko, Yuji Mizokami, Toshiaki Narasaka, Shinji Endo, Hirofumi Matsui, Akinori Yanaka, Aki Hirayama, and Ichinosuke Hyodo. "Therapeutic efficacy of the Qing Dai in patients with intractable ulcerative colitis." World journal of gastroenterology: WJG 19, no. 17 (2013): 2718.

Clinical observation on treating chronic ulcerative colitis with retention enema by Baitouweng Kushen decoction and acupuncture, Clinical Journal of Chinese Medicine, 1674-7860, 2013.

Lo W-Y, Chang N-W (2013) An Indirubin Derivative, Indirubin-3′-Monoxime Suppresses Oral Cancer Tumorigenesis through the Downregulation of Survivin. PLoS ONE 8(8): e70198. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0070198.Editor: A. R. M. Ruhul Amin, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, United States of America.

Yuan G, Ke Q, Su X, Yang J, Xu X. Qing Dai, A traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of chronic hemorrhagic radiation proctitis. Zhong De Linchuang Zhongliuxue Zazhi. 2009;8:114–116.

Lin YK, Leu YL, Huang TH, Wu YH, Chung PJ, Su Pang JH, Hwang TL. Anti-inflammatory effects of the extract of indigo naturalis in human neutrophils. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009;125:51–58.

- See more at: http://www.healthcmi.com/acupuncturist-news-online/814-ulcerativecolitis67#sthash.NACbCbI5.dpuf

Acupuncture Tops Drugs for Sty Treatment

New research finds acupuncture more effective than medications for the treatment of a sty (hordeolum), a red lump near the edge of the eyelid. A total of 102 sty patients participated in the study. They were randomized into two separate groups. 

Group 1 received acupuncture and group 2 was given local applications of the antibiotics levofloxacin and erythromycin. Both groups also received the application of a warm compress to the affected eyelid.

Comparisons were made in pain reduction and swelling size reduction. All investigators evaluating the improvements did not know which group each patient participated in as a measure to avoid bias. On day 3 after treatment, the acupuncture group showed a 64.7% improvement and the medication group showed a 41.2% improvement. On day 5, the acupuncture group demonstrated a 90.2% improvement and the medication group showed a 62.7% improvement. On day 7, the acupuncture group demonstrated a 94.1% improvement and the medication group showed an 80.4% improvement. The researchers concluded that the data showed that acupuncture produced superior results to medications for the treatment of a sty. They noted that acupuncture for the treatment of an external sty is effective for the relief of pain and reduction of sty size. The researchers also note that acupuncture shortens the duration of the disease.

Getting to the Point
The only acupuncture point used in the study was Erjian (Tip of the Ear, M-HN-10). This acupuncture point is located by folding the ear forward and is then found at the apex of the outer ear at the upper helix. The folding technique involves covering the posterior aspect of the upper helix over the anterior aspect such that the posterior aspect covers the anterior aspect of the upper helix entirely. The investigators chose to use the bleeding technique and removed between 5 and 6 drops of blood each treatment from Erjian.

The first historical record of the Erjian’s use comes from the Ming Dynasty. The great scholar Yang Ji Zhou covered its use for the treatment of superficial visual obstructions by stimulation with moxibustion in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) classic work The Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion. Since its very first mention, Erjian has been ascribed the functions of clearing heat, dissipating swelling and benefitting the eyes and throat. Traditional indications for the use of Erjian are redness, swelling and pain of the eyes. In addition, superficial visual obstructions, throat pain and swelling, unilateral headache, fever and mumps are indicated.

Reference:
Qi, H. F., J. F. Zhao, Y. Wang, and X. Y. Chen. "[Randomized controlled clinical trials for treatment of external sty with ear-apex blood-letting]." Zhen ci yan jiu= Acupuncture research/[Zhongguo yi xue ke xue yuan Yi xue qing bao yan jiu suo bian ji] 38, no. 2 (2013): 148-151.

"THROUGH A RAPIST'S EYES"

"THROUGH A RAPIST'S EYES" (PLS TAKE TIME TO READ THIS. it may save a life.) 

It seems that a lot of attackers use some tactic to get away with violence. Not many people know how to take care of themselves when faced with such a situation. Everyone should read this especially each n every girl in this world.

POTENTIAL VICTIMS:

FYI - A group of rapists and date rapists in prison were interviewed on what they look for in a potential victim and here are some interesting facts.

1] The first thing men look for in a potential victim is hairstyle. They are most likely to go after a woman with a ponytail, bun, braid or other hairstyle that can easily be grabbed. They are also likely to go after a woman with long hair. Women with short hair are not common targets.

2] The second thing men look for is clothing. They will look for women who's clothing is easy to remove quickly. Many of them carry scissors around to cut clothing.

3] They also look for women using their cell phone, searching through their purse or doing other activities while walking because they are off guard and can be easily overpowered.

4] The number one place women are abducted from / attacked at is grocery store parking lots.

5] Number two is office parking lots/garages.

6] Number three is public restrooms.

7] The thing about these men is that they are looking to grab a woman and quickly move her to a second location where they don't have to worry about getting caught.

8] If you put up any kind of a fight at all, they get discouraged
because it only takes a minute or two for them to realize that going after you isn't worth it because it will be time-consuming.

9] These men said they would not pick on women who have umbrellas, or other similar objects that can be used from a distance, in their hands.

10] Keys are not a deterrent because you have to get really close to the attacker to use them as a weapon. So, the idea is to convince these guys you're not worth it.


POINTS THAT WE SHOULD REMEMBER:

1] If someone is following behind you on a street or in a garage or with you in an elevator or stairwell, look them in the face and ask them a question, like what time is it, or make general small talk: can't believe it is so cold out here, we're in for a bad winter. Now that you've seen their faces and could identify them in a line- up, you lose appeal as a target.

2] If someone is coming toward you, hold out your hands in front of you and yell Stop or Stay back! Most of the rapists this man talked to said they'd leave a woman alone if she yelled or showed that she would not be afraid to fight back. Again, they are looking for an EASY target.

3] If you carry pepper spray (this instructor was a huge advocate of it and carries it with him wherever he goes,) yelling I HAVE PEPPER SPRAY and holding it out will be a deterrent.

4] If someone grabs you, you can't beat them with strength but you can do it by outsmarting them. If you are grabbed around the waist from behind, pinch the attacker either under the arm between the elbow and armpit or in the upper inner thigh - HARD. One woman in a class this guy taught told him she used the underarm pinch on a guy who was trying to date rape her and was so upset she broke through the skin and tore out muscle strands the guy needed stitches. Try pinching yourself in those places as hard as you can stand it; it really hurts.

5] After the initial hit, always go for the groin. I know from a particularly unfortunate experience that if you slap a guy's parts it is extremely painful. You might think that you'll anger the guy and make him want to hurt you more, but the thing these rapists told our instructor is that they want a woman who will not cause him a lot of trouble. Start causing trouble, and he's out of there.

6] When the guy puts his hands up to you, grab his first two fingers and bend them back as far as possible with as much pressure pushing down on them as possible. The instructor did it to me without using much pressure, and I ended up on my knees and both knuckles cracked audibly.

7] Of course the things we always hear still apply. Always be aware of your surroundings, take someone with you if you can and if you see any odd behavior, don't dismiss it, go with your instincts. You may feel little silly at the time, but you'd feel much worse if the guy really was trouble.


FINALLY, PLEASE REMEMBER THESE AS WELL ....
I know you are smart enough to know these pointers but there will be some, where you will go "hmm I must remember that" After reading, forward it to someone you care about, never hurts to be careful in this crazy world we live in.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do: The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do it.

2. Learned this from a tourist guide to New Orleans : if a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you.... chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car: Kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like
crazy. The driver won't see you but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping,eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. DON'T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side,put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU CLOSE the DOORS , LEAVE.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:

   a. Be aware: look around your car as someone may be hiding at the passenger side , peek into your car, inside the passenger side floor, and in the back seat. ( DO THIS TOO BEFORE RIDING A TAXI CAB) .

   b. If you! u are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling
them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.

   c. Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot).

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; And even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP IT! It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a
good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked "for help" into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

I'd like you to forward this to all the women you know. It may save a life. A candle is not dimmed by lighting another candle.

Send this to any woman you know that may need to be reminded that the world we live in has a lot of crazies in it and it's better safe than sorry.

45 Uses for Vinegar

1. Freshen up the fridge. Clean the shelves and walls with a solution of half water and half vinegar.

2. Brighten coffee cups and teacups. Gently scrub stains with equal parts vinegar and salt (or baking soda).

3. Eliminate odors. Swab plastic containers with a cloth dampened with vinegar.

4. Kill bathroom germs. Spray full-strength vinegar around the sink and tub. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

5. Save a garment. To remove light scorch marks on fabrics, rub gently with vinegar. Wipe with a clean cloth. This technique also works on antiperspirant stains.

6. Tidy up a toilet. Pour a cup or more of diluted white distilled vinegar into the bowl. Let sit several hours or overnight. Scrub well with a toilet brush and flush.

7. Lose the carpet stain. Make a paste of 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar and ¼ cup salt or baking soda. Rub into the stain and let dry. Vacuum the residue the next day. (Always test an out-of-sight part of the carpet first.)

8. Renew paint brushes. To remove old paint, place brushes in a pot with vinegar. Soak for an hour, then turn on the stove and bring the vinegar to a simmer. Drain and rinse clean.

9. Wipe off a dirty faucet. To get rid of lime buildup, make a paste of 1 teaspoon vinegar and 2 tablespoons salt. Apply to sink fixtures and rub with a cloth.

10. Stop static cling. Add ½ cup of white distilled vinegar to your wash cycle. The acid reduces static and keeps dryer lint from sticking to your clothes.

11. Make old socks look new. Get the stains out of old socks and sweaty gym clothes by soaking them in a vinegar solution. Add 1 cup of white distilled vinegar to a large pot of water, bring to a boil and drop in the stained clothes. Let them soak overnight, and in the morning stained clothes are fresh and bright.

12. Restore handbags and shoes. Wipe white distilled vinegar on scuffed leather bags and shoes. It will restore their shine and help hide the marks.

13. Banish weeds. Pour white distilled vinegar on the weeds growing in the cracks of your walkway and driveway. Saturate the plant so the vinegar reaches the roots.

14. Liven droopy flowers. Don’t throw out cut flowers once they start to wilt. Instead, add two tablespoons of white vinegar and one teaspoon of sugar to a quart of water. Pour the solution into your vase, and the flowers will perk up.

15. Put an end to itching. Dab a cotton ball soaked in white vinegar on mosquito bites and insect stings. It will stop them from itching and help disinfect the area so they heal faster.

16. Whiten your teeth. Brush your teeth once a week with white distilled vinegar. Dip your toothbrush into the vinegar and brush thoroughly. It will help prevent bad breath, too.

17. Make nail polish last longer. Before you apply your favorite polish, wipe your nails with a cotton ball soaked in white distilled vinegar. The clean surface will help your manicure last.

18. Keep car windows frost-free. Prevent windows from frosting over in a storm by coating them with a solution of three parts white distilled vinegar to one part water. The acidity hinders ice, so you won’t have to wake up early to scrape off your car.

19. Let your dog shine. Spray your dog with one cup white distilled vinegar mixed with one quart water. The solution is a cheap alternative to expensive pet-care products, plus the vinegar will help repel pests like fleas and ticks.

20. Battle litter-box odor. Cat litter can leave behind an unwelcome smell. Eliminate it by pouring a half-inch of white distilled vinegar into the empty litter box. Let stand for 20 minutes, then rinse with cold water.

21. Kill bacteria in meat. Marinating in vinegar knocks out bacteria and tenderizes the meat. Create a marinade by adding ¼ cup balsamic vinegar for every 2 pounds of meat to your own blend of herbs and spices. Let the meat sit anywhere from 20 minutes to 24 hours, depending on how strong you want the flavor, then cook it in the morning without rinsing.

22. Prevent cracked eggs. Prevent eggs from cracking as they hard-boil by adding two tablespoons of white vinegar to the water. The eggs will stay intact, and the shells will peel off more easily when you’re ready to eat them.

23. Steam away a microwave mess. Fill a small bowl with equal parts hot water and vinegar, and place it in the microwave on high for 5 minutes. As the steam fills the microwave, it loosens the mess, making clean up a breeze.

24. Repair DVDs. If you have a worn DVD that skips or freezes, wipe it down with white distilled vinegar applied to a soft cloth. Make sure the DVD is completely dry before reinserting it into the player.

25. Get those last drops. If you can’t get that final bit of mayonnaise or salad dressing out of the jar, dribble in a few drops of vinegar. Put the cap on tightly and shake. The remaining condiments will slide out.

26. Rinse fruits and vegetables. Add 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar to one pint water. Use the mixture to wash fresh fruits and vegetables, then rinse thoroughly. The solution kills more pesticide residue than does pure water.

27. Brighter Easter eggs. Before your kids dye Easter eggs, mix 1 teaspoon of vinegar with ½ cup of hot water, then add food coloring. The vinegar keeps the dye bright and prevents the color from streaking.

28. Loosen a rusted screw. Pour vinegar onto the screw, and it will easily unstick.

29. Remove gum. To remove gum from fabric or hair, heat a small bowl of vinegar in the microwave. Pour the warm vinegar over the gum, saturating the area. The gum will dissolve.

30. Keep cheese from molding. Wrap cheese in a vinegar-soaked cloth, then place in an airtight container and refrigerate.

31. Renew a loofah. Soak your loofah in equal parts vinegar and water for 24 hours to dissolve soap residue, then rinse in cold water.

32. Remove wax. If you get melted candle wax on your wood furniture or floors, gently wipe it away with a cloth soaked in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water.

33. Take a relaxing bath. Add ½ cup of vinegar to warm bath water for a cheap spa session at home. The vinegar removes dead skin, leaving you feeling soft and smooth.

34. Brighten your hair. Remove hair product buildup by rinsing a tablespoon of vinegar through your hair once a month.

35. Freshen fabrics. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spritz your home to neutralize odors in fabrics, carpets, shoes or any sprayable surface.

36. Erase crayon. If your kids get crayon marks on the walls or floor, dip a toothbrush in white vinegar and gently scrub. The vinegar breaks down the wax, making for an inexpensive, nontoxic way to clean up after children.

37. Sticky stickers. Don’t scratch at the residue left by stickers or price tags. Instead, apply vinegar to the gunk, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe the glue away.

38. Clean the dishwasher and coffee pot. Reduce soap buildup and food residue by pouring a cup of vinegar into your empty dishwasher or coffee pot once a month and letting it run a full cycle.

39. Sanitize pet accidents. You can remove the stain―and smell―of your pet’s accident by mixing ¼ cup vinegar with a quart of water and blotting the mixture onto the mess with a washcloth. Continue dabbing until the spot is gone.

40. Prep for summer grilling. To remove charcoal buildup from your grill, spray white distilled vinegar on balled up aluminum foil and scrub the grate thoroughly.

41. Restore shower head pressure. If your shower head gets clogged with mineral deposits, soak it for 15 minutes in a mixture of ½ cup vinegar and 1 quart water.

42. Clean your scissors. When your scissor blades get sticky, wipe them down with a cloth dipped in full-strength white vinegar. Unlike soap and water, vinegar won’t ruin the blades or rust the metal.

43. Unclog drains. For a natural, nontoxic way to clean clogged pipes, pour one cup of baking soda, followed by one cup of white vinegar, down the drain. Let the products bubble and foam, then flush the pipes with a pot of boiling water.

44. Eliminate dandruff. If your scalp is feeling dry or flaky, vinegar can be a simple at-home remedy. Once a week, pour one cup of apple cider vinegar over your scalp, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.

45. Soften your feet. Summer sandals leaving you with cracked heals and calluses? Soak your feet for 20 minutes a day in one part vinegar to two parts warm water. The vinegar removes dead skin, leaving your feet soft and smooth.(Many people need help maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I invite you to join my FREE group. We offer healthy recipes, exercises, tips, fun facts, support, motivation and so much more!! Its free for men and women all over the world!! Don’t be alone in your struggles any longer!! Click here for more recipes and other great stuff---->>I so do number 38 and it works like a charm !--