Author: Sony Sherpa

What is cupping therapy and its history? Cupping therapy is a form of alternative medicine in which a practitioner applies special heated cups on the skin for a few minutes to create localised suction. It is used for many purposes such as to relieve pain, inflammation, stimulate blood flow, for relaxation, indigestion, skin conditions like psoriasis, or as a body massage.  Ge Hong, a renowned Taoist alchemist and herbalist is regarded as the first person who started cupping therapy around A.D. 281 to 341. He believed that it would balance negatives and positives within the body to help fight against…

What is caffeine? Caffeine is a stimulant naturally found in tea, coffee, and cacao plants, that stimulates the brain and central nervous system to keep you alert. It is often referred to as a psychoactive drug. Apart from natural sources, it can also be added to beverages to make caffeinated sodas, and energy drinks. These beverages tend to exert their effects on the body soon after consumption. Once consumed, caffeine is absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream, where it travels to the liver and is broken down into compounds that can affect the function of various organs. The principal…

Diabetic macular oedema is a complication of the macula that occurs gradually and affects patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Read on to find out more about this complication that can potentially cause blindness if left uncontrolled. What is diabetic macular oedema? The macula is the central part of each retina, situated at the back of the eyes and composed of blood vessels. It functions to allow for central vision and helps with focusing and seeing finer details. In diabetic patients, higher blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels present in the inner wall of the retina…

What is a glucometer? A glucometer is a portable medical device which can be used by diabetics for home blood glucose monitoring (HBGM).  The table below offers a comparison between the 2 main types of glucometers which are available commercially – Self-monitoring Blood Glucose (SMBG) systems and Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) systems. Comparison of features of SMBG vs CGM Self-monitoring Blood Glucose (SMBG) Systems Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) Systems Require finger pricks for capillary blood sampling with each measurement  E.g. Accu-Chek Single needle stick to insert sensor under skin, thereafter obviates the need for finger pricks for measurement E.g. FreeStyle…

Low blood sugar, also called hypoglycaemia, refers to the condition where blood glucose levels drop below normal. This condition is mostly seen in diabetic patients who are under medications that increase insulin. However, hypoglycaemia can also be observed in non-diabetic individuals. It is important to treat hypoglycaemia as soon as you become aware of it. Sugar, insulin, and our body Glucose is the major source of energy in our body and it can be obtained from foods that are rich in carbohydrates such as potatoes, rice, and bread. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, the glucose we consume…

Gallstones are formed in the gallbladder, which is an organ located below the liver in the upper right abdomen. The gallbladder is a small, sack-like structure that stores bile, a greenish liquid that aids digestion.   Gallstones can present as single stones or in numerous numbers and can be of differing sizes, they can be as small as a grain of sand or as big as a ping-pong ball.   Whether a patient requires surgery depends on the symptoms. If a patient experiences symptoms of pain, surgery might be necessary to remove the gallstones. On the other hand, asymptomatic patients usually do…

Ovaries are the organs of the female reproductive system and are located in the lower region of the abdomen on either side of the uterus. They are responsible for the release of eggs, as well as the reproductive hormones: oestrogen and progesterone. Occasionally, fluid-filled sacs known as cysts may arise on one of the ovaries. They do not usually cause any symptoms and a majority of women develop ovarian cysts at some time. However, serious symptoms can be observed if a cyst bursts. Read on to find out more about these cysts. Types of Ovarian Cysts The most common type…

In recent years, the practice of going vegetarian or vegan has caught on. Adopting such a plant-based diet is an age-old tradition in certain cultures or religions like Hinduism and Buddhism. However, it has begin to gain popularity these days as it is seen as a more ethical and healthful way to live.  Pros of a vegan or a vegetarian diet Some perks of a plant-based diet may include:  Reduced animal cruelty Less demand for meat translates to less caging and slaughtering of animals Reduced carbon footprint Livestock rearing contributes to global warming through the greenhouse gases (methane) the animals…

The sensation of feeling lightheaded, faint, unbalanced, or unsteady, is referred to as dizziness. Feeling dizzy or experiencing a dizzy spell does not necessarily indicate a serious medical condition, but it could be a symptom of more serious underlying disorders. Read on to find out more about this common symptom that affects most people at some point in the lives. Types of dizziness There are four types of dizziness: Vertigo: Illusions of self and environmental motion Disequilibrium: Loss of balance  Presyncope: Sensation of a forthcoming loss of consciousness Lightheadedness Symptoms of dizziness People experiencing dizziness may feel sensations such as:…

Glaucoma is a disease of the eye that damages the optic nerve. Accumulation of fluid in the frontal region of the eye causes this eye condition. This collection of fluid applies stress to the eye which damages the optic nerve in the long run and causes issues related to loss of sight or in extreme cases; blindness. However, while glaucoma is one of the most frequent reason for blindness in people aged over 60, it can be avoided if treatment is sought early.  What are the types of glaucoma? Primary open-angle glaucoma This is the most frequently occurring type of…