Hijama

They are spread all over the city — in dinghy lanes, tiny corner shops, upstairs in narrow alleys, inside four-foot cubicles. Not known by many and often a target of scepticism, but they claim to provide the best medical treatment. In alternate medicine it is known as the cupping therapy; local practitioners call it Hijama.
Inside a Hijama clinic, opposite the Special Investigative Unit of the Sindh police, a patient sits quietly. A cup is inverted over his head, blood collects into the cup. He sits stationary and refuses to move. It is hard to gauge if he is in pain or not.
This is how the treatment works. A glass cup is inverted over an incision made on the body. Blood is sucked into the cup. Once a session is over, the glass cup is broken and discarded.
On the first floor of a building on MA Jinnah Road is situated a clinic which claims to be the pioneer of Hijama in Karachi. It is a modest, three-room office, which comprises a waiting room, a consultation room and a clinic where Hijama is practised.
“It is painless, leaves no marks and has no side effect,” said Tajuddin, the owner who has been practising Hijama for the past 15 years.
He shows a booklet, where pressure points for each illness are marked on a human figure; points for men and women are different. “If you read this book you can become a Hijama practitioner yourself, but it is advisable to practise with an experienced person for a few years before starting one’s own practice.”
The idea behind the treatment is that illness is caused because of infected blood. Sometimes blood collects between the layer of skin and flesh. This blood has to be taken out.
“The problem with anti-biotech and pain killers is that it makes the virus inactive. But the virus inside the body may become active later on. Hijama takes out bad blood, and with it the virus. Hence chances of the disease recurring are very low,” explains Tajuddin.
The man who taught all of Karachi Hijama is not Madrassa-educated. In fact, he is an MBBS doctor and former dean faculty of medicine at the Liaquat National Hospital. Dr Amjad Ahsan Ali has been a staunch believer in Hijama or cupping therapy. His research on the topic has been published internationally.
Now he is often found at Madrassa Ayesha, where he teaches his disciples the art.
Practitioners of Hijama claim to cure acute illnesses, such as cancer, sciatica and problems of the backbone. Several practitioners opt for this particular branch of medicine after personally witnessing its benefits.
“I had terrible pain in my knees. I took treatment for a few months. The pain is gone,” said Ahliya Alees, a woman practitioner.
And people who have benefited from the treatment are not just common people but renowned doctors as well. In fact, some doctors refer patients to the Hijama clinic.
Dr Nadeemullah Khan, an associate professor at a leading medical university hospital in the private sector, in January 2005, wrote that after seeking various orthopedic and rheumatologist, and physiotherapy he sought Hijama. “I underwent the procedure thrice. I got substantial relief the first time, and after three times I got completely cured.”
A cup costs around Rs200 and a session is charged according to the number of cups used.
However, Dr Samrina Hashmi, who heads the Sindh chapter of the Pakistan Medical Association, remains sceptical. “Never in medical history have I heard about this phenomenon. There is so much blood in the body. How can one be sure which is bad, and remove it from one small incision in the body?”

Health Benefits of Grapes

 

Consumption of Grapes can help an individual in dealing with the followings.

*.Asthma
*.Heart diseases
*.Migraine
*.Constipation
*.Fatigue
*.Indigestion
*.Kidney disorders
*.Breast cancer.
*.Alzheimer ’s disease
*Maculardegener ation
*.Prevents cataract
*.Blood cholesterol
*.Antibacterial activity
*.Anticancer properties
*.Anti-aging
*.Arthritis

Fruits and Health

1. ApricotApricots contain beta-carotene which stops radicals from damaging the inner structures of the organism and it is also very useful for our eyes. In our body, the beta-carotene form the A vitamin which prevent from developing a series of cancer diseases, especially the skin cancer. One fruit contain 17 calories 1 gram of carbohydrates and does not contain any fats.

Apricots are an excellent source of beta-carotene and are useful in reducing infections or skin problems. They are a good source of iron and potassium. Fresh juice of apricot leaves is useful in skin diseases. It can be applied with beneficial results in scabies, eczema, sun burn and itching of the skin due to cold exposure. Apricots have an alkaline reaction in the system. They aid the digestion, if consumed before a meal. The fruit is highly valued as a gentle laxative and is beneficial in the treatment of constipation. The fresh juice of apricots, when mixed with glucose or honey forms a very cooling and soothing drink during fevers. Its many benefits include quenching the thirst, and eliminating waste products from the body. In addition, it tones up the eyes, stomach, liver, heart and nerves by supplying minerals and vitamins.

Advice: Try to buy apricots while there are still hard (green). When the apricots become soft, they begin to loose their nourishing properties.

2. Avocados
 The oleic acid and the unsaturated fats containing in this fruit decrease the level of cholesterol and increase the quantity of high density lipoproteins. Beside that avocado contain a large quantity of cellulose, iron and vitamin C. One piece contains 81 calories, 8 grams of fats and 3 grams of carbohydrates. In order to fasten the ripping process put avocados in a closed plastic bag with an apple or a banana.

Advice: Try to replace the mayonnaise in your sandwiches with pieces of avocado.

3. Raspberries
  Raspberries contain the ellagic acid which helps decrease the growth of cancer cells. These berries also contains the C vitamin, decrease the level of cholesterol and the probability of cardiovascular diseases. Rich in vitamin C, folate, iron and potassium, raspberries also provide high amounts of insoluble fiber (thanks to all those little seeds) as well as respectable amounts of the soluble fiber pectin, which helps control cholesterol levels.

Raspberries contain a large amount of cellulose. Since cooking does not destroy these compounds, raspberry jam may also be beneficial. Raspberry is one of the few fruits whose consumption would not have much effect on the body’s blood sugar levels. A glass of Raspberries contains 60 calories, 1 gram of fats and 8 grams of carbohydrates.

Advice: A natural face mask made raspberries helps protect against the suns rays. Vitamin C’s antioxidant powers help fade age spots and discoloration. It also rounds out the skin to fill in minor wrinkles.

4. Mango
  A middle-sized mango fruit contains 57 milligrams of C vitamin which constitutes the daily norm for a human’ nourishment. This antioxidant helps to prevent the arthritis, is used in wounds recovery and enforces the immunity system. Pregnant women and people with anaemia are advised to eat this fruit regularly. It is also valuable to combat acidity and poor digestion. Mango also contains the A vitamin. One fruit of mango has 135 calories, 1 gram of fats and 4 grams of carbohydrates.

Advice: Some varieties do not turn red, orange or yellow. If buying these green varieties, look for other signs they are ripe such as a nice sweet fragrance. They should yield nicely to a light press with the fingertip. If they are brought unripe, they can be put in a paper bag in a warm place and they will ripen in a day or two.

5. Cantaloupe
 Contain vitamin C (117 milligrams of C vitamin is contained in a half of cantaloupe – a double daily norm) and beta-carotene which stops the radicals from damaging the inner structures of the organism. It also contains 853 milligrams of potassium, which is twice more than in a banana. Potassium decreases the blood pressure. Cantaloupe has antioxidants that help us fight with heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, aging, etc. Cantaloupe is also a very good source of potassium, vitamin B6, dietary fiber and niacin (vitamin B3). A half of cantaloupe contains 97 calories 1 gram of fats, 2 grams of carbohydrates. Cantaloupe is beneficial for arthritis, obesity, fever, rheumatism, skin diseases, high blood pressure, abdominal and stomach gas and many other diseases.

Advice: When choosing cantaloupe, choose a fully ripened melon, because according to research as fruits fully ripen, almost to the point of spoilage their antioxidant levels actually increase.

6. Cranberries
 Helps to combat the infections in the urinary bladder, stop the in growing number of bacteria. Cranberry juice can inhibit the aggregation of bacteria that cause dental plaque and based on evaluation of several vitro screening tests, it has been suggested that the proanthocyanidin compounds found in cranberry may exhibit some anti-carcinogenic activity. Some medical professionals and specialists believe that quinic acid abundant in cranberry may help to prevent the development of kidney stones. Recent scientific research shows that cranberries and cranberry products contain significant amounts of antioxidants and other phytonutrients that may help protect against heart disease, cancer and other diseases. In some people, regular cranberry juice consumption for months can kill the H. pylori bacteria, which can cause stomach cancer and ulcers. Drinking cranberry juice daily may increase levels of HDL, or good cholesterol and reduce levels of LDL, or bad cholesterol. A cup of cranberry juice contains 144 calories. There are no fats or carbohydrates.

Advice: Buy a 100% cranberry juice and add water without sugar.

7. Raisins
 These little pearls- are the main resource of iron which helps to transmit the oxygen to tissues. The phytonutrients and olenolic acid present in raisins makes them beneficial for the health of teeth and gums. Having antioxidant properties, raisins help keep the blood clean and flowing, by getting rid of al the impurities. Raisins are believed to be good for bone density and have been associated with lower risk of osteoporosis in women. Studies claim that raisins contain additional nutritive compounds that can protect against heart disease and colon cancer. A half cup of Raisins contains 218 calories, 3 grams of carbohydrates. It does not contain fats.

Advice: Raisins are a good source of fiber and can help cure constipation. For the purpose, boil raisins in a saucepan of water, strain the liquid and drink it. Every morning try to add little raisins in your cereals.

8. Fig
 The fig is a source of potassium and carbohydrates, it also contains the vitamin B6, which is responsible for the serotonyne – “hormone of pleasure”; it decreases the amount of cholesterol. One fig contains 37-48 calories, 2 grams of carbohydrates, 0 fats. Figs are high in natural and simple sugars, minerals and fiber. They contain good levels of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and manganese. Dried figs contain an impressive 250mg of calcium per 100g, compared to whole milk with only 118mg. Dried figs consist from about 60% of sugar, contain a lot of vitamins and it is said that humans could live on figs only.

Advice: Eat dries figs as a healthy energy snack. For extra flavor and nutrients, stuff them with nuts and a little honey.

9. Lemon
 Lemon contains limonene and C vitamin which help to prevent cancer. It has a limited number of calories and does not contain carbohydrates or fats. You must know that citrus fruits in general may have a great benefit over our body; citruses are useful for your skin, bones and heart; it’s a well-known fact that citruses are great eyesight defenders and mood enhancers

10 Health Benefits of Banana

 

Banana helps in quitting smoking

Banana can boost brain power

Banana relieves menstrual cramps

Banana reduces itchy mosquito bites

Banana Prevents Anemia

Banana Promotes healthy Bones

Banana Reduces depression

Banana Lowers risk of heart attack and hypertension

Banana regulates Bowel Movements

Banana Helps in reducing problems related with ulcers

Health Benefits of Ginger

10 Health Benefits of Ginger

1. Ovarian cancer treatment

2. Colon cancer prevention

3. Morning sickness relief

4. Motion sickness remedy

5. Reduces pain and inflammation

6. Heartburn relief

7. Prevention of diabetic & nephropathy

8. Migraine relief

9. Menstrual cramp relief

10. Cold and flu prevention.

Mixing Malamine in Packed Milk

There are many reported incidents of mixing malamine in Packed Milk. Health experts say ingesting melamine can lead to kidney stones, urinary tract ulcers, and eye and skin irritation. It also robs infants of much-needed nutrition. Some of the reports are as under.

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Four infants died and hundreds fell ill in China when they consumed Nestle-brand milk that was found contaminated with traces of a hazardous industrial chemical melamine. A sample of Nestle Dairy Farm Pure Milk manufactured in China was tested positive for low content of melamine by Hong Kong's center for Food Safety. China's Health Ministry on September 21, 2008 revealed that around 13000 children were hospitalized, while about 40000 children had undergone outpatient treatment for illnesses related to the consumption of melamine-tainted milk products.

A center spokesman said that 'normal consumption will not pose major health effects. However, it is not advisable for small children to consume the milk product.' On the other hand, Nestle has denied the reports published in a leading Chinese newspaper about traces of the dangerous chemical found in baby milk manufactured by the company in China and sold in Hong Kong. The Swiss global food giant said in its statement that 'none of its products in China made from milk is adulterated with melamine.'

Meanwhile, 12 patients ranging from one-year-old to people in their 50's have been undergoing tests in various hospitals in Hong Kong to check whether they have been affected by the consumptions of milk products imported from China.  Health officials say, 'Children who have been drinking more than two glasses of the affected milk and milk products may have consumed potentially harmful amounts of melamine'.  

Source:

http://www.india-server.com/news/chemical-melamine-found-in-nestle-milk-3926.html
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The poisoned milk scandal keeps spreading. Today Taiwanese government officials yanked Nestle products from store shelves after tests showed trace amounts of melamine, the industrial chemical added to Chinese milk. According to the Associated Press Taiwan’s Health Minister, Yeh Ching-chuan, said Nestle powdered milk from northeastern China’s Heilongjiang province had between 0.3 and 0.85 parts per million of melamine. “Such minor doses of melamine will not affect people’s health,” Yeh said, “but we will take them off shelves according to our recommended procedures.”

Nestle argues that the move is unnecessary. In a statement sent to reporters today, the Swiss giant said “the company immediately complied with authorities’ request, even though the Department of Health itself confirmed that these products are absolutely safe by any recognized international standards. Moreover, these products had already received official certification as being safe from the Department of Health.”

The company also takes a stab at trying to contain a melamine panic among health officials. Yes, there’s some of the chemical in Nestle’s milk, the company says, but the amounts not only are so small as to be insignificant to health, they also would probably be there regardless of what unscrupulous Chinese dairy industry players did. “According to international experts the levels of melamine detected in these products by Taiwan’s Department of Health are so minute that they are almost certainly present in any food product anywhere in the world. Such minute traces exist in the natural food cycle. Indeed, the EU and the US have long had limits for the presence of melamine in food and the WHO recently issued recommendations which were used by other countries including New Zealand to set their own standards. The 0.05 ppm detection limit currently applied in Taiwan is up to 50 times below recognized and accepted international standards.”

Perhaps Nestle does have science on its side. But right now the science doesn’t much matter. Given the shocking news from China and the heartbreaking photos of Chinese babies suffering from melamine-induced kidney stones, I seriously doubt Nestle or any other company will be able to make much headway in stopping the momentum against malamine mixed milk.

Source:

http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/blog/eyeonasia/archives/2008/10/china_milk_scandal_update_nestle_hits_back.html

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LAHORE: The chairman of the Pakistan Standard Quality and Control Authority (PSQCA) on Wednesday submitted before the Lahore High Court that the authority’s finding had confirmed the reports on mixture of dangerous substances like melamine, detergents and chemicals in the packaged milk.

The PSQCA chairman was submitting his reply to Justice Mian Saqib Nisar who expressed grave concerns over the dangerous state of affairs among the authorities concerned for maintaining quality food in the country, which was causing diseases and deaths among the citizens. The judge observed that the court would not allow the heinous practice.

The PSQCA chairman informed the court that a meeting of the Technical Committee of Food and Milk Products had already been convened for December 15 to discuss the reports on adulteration of dangerous substances in packaged milk.

The petitioner, Barrister Zafarullah Khan, informed the court that amazingly the Pakistan Standard Specifications for Milk, 2009, had allowed mixing of 5 mg melamine in one kg milk for adults’ consumption and 1mg in one kg milk for children. He said the PSQCA had not given a single reason why the dangerous substance like melamine, which was a kind of plastic, was allowed to be added in milk since it was proved to have been a major cause of renal failure and other deadly diseases. He said the main reason melamine was allowed to be mixed in milk was because the major chunk of natural protein was extracted from the milk before packaging and melamine was added to artificially compensate the loss of protein and thinness of milk. He cited example of China where three persons found guilty of adding melamine in milk were hanged to death.

Source:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=212537

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DAWN.COM | Pakistan | Melamine, detergents in packed milk, court told

Control Authority (PSQCA) chairman confirmed the mixing of melamine, besides detergents, in packed milk.
The judge observed that the court would not allow anyone to play havoc with the lives of people, especially children.
The chairman informed the court that a meeting of the Food and Milk Products Technical Committee would be held on Dec 15 to discuss the adulteration of different substances in packed milk.
Barrister Zafarullah Khan, who had filed a petition against supply of adulterated packed milk, pointed out that the Pakistan Standard Specifications for Milk, 2009, allowed indirect mixing of 5mg of melamine in 1kg of milk for adults and 1mg for children.
The PSQCA chairman said the technical committee would take note of the matter.
Justice Nisar directed the chairman to present a detailed report on Dec 22 about the outcome of the meeting.
The judge asked amicus curiae Barrister Sidra to collect milk samples for tests in a laboratory in London.
Barrister Zafar would contribute Rs10,000 to meet expenses of sample collection, the judge said.

Since melamine has high nitrogen content, it is mainly used in plastic and foam products. It can make foods appear to have higher protein content in some tests. Dishonest food producers in some countries have used melamine to supplement feedstock, pet food and even baby formula.
Scientists have determined that melamine causes kidney stones and renal failure and can be fatal to animals and humans.
Recently, several thousand babies in China became ill, having suffered acute kidney failure, with several fatalities, after consuming milk contaminated with melamine.

Source:

http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/16-melamine+detergents+in+packed+milk+court+told-hs-07