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Let’s see, I’ve got my popcorn, some iced tea and a big vial of muscle relaxants. I guess I’m ready to watch another U.S. election.

It’s not like I’m a political junkie. My interest is rather more ghoulish than that. I’m into it strictly for the the bizarre spectacle, for the dizzying highs and terrifying lows. I just happen to be attracted to slow-motion car wrecks, that’s all.

Consider the byzantine electoral college system of determining the president. It makes Canadian parliamentary elections seem eminently practical. And then there are the crazy side-stories which reveal how many different ways Americans vote, or at least try to: levers, computers, early mail-in ballots, possibly smoke signals in some distant precincts.

I’ll bet you a steak dinner they’re still using chads somewhere.

There will also be, guaranteed, many stories about overcrowded polls and duly registered voters who are nonetheless denied a ballot, usually because of underhanded edicts by partisan hacks who somehow got local control of this whole insane quadrennial process.

Good times, good times.

I’ll never forget November 2000, watching with a couple of tuned-in buddies. When the network anchor declared that Florida, which had been called for Gore, was being dragged back into the undecided category, my friend responded instantly.

“Oh yeah,” he said. “Here we go. Somewhere on a dark road in Dade County there’s a GMC Yukon with smoked-glass windows and a guy named Julio throwing boxes of votes into the swamp.”

It was a prescient comment, only slightly off the mark. It actually would have been Broward County.

I once got to witness a pivotal election right in the belly of the beast. That was Ronald Reagan’s breakout victory in 1980, which I watched in a bar on 6th Avenue in Manhattan. Granted, Jimmy Carter hadn’t enchanted the world, but there was a palpable sadness in that tavern when the Reagan landslide became apparent.

For many of us, Reagan was the original null entity, the sort of cipher we thought would have provided the low-water mark of presidential gravitas for all time. And it was, at least until Dubya came along.

Little did I know then, however, what an immediate and lasting effect the 1980 election would have. I got an inkling the next morning when I showed up for a pre-arranged meeting with an editor at the humour magazine, National Lampoon, where I’d written a few articles previously.

Back then the Lampoon’s editor in chief was the now well-known satirist, P.J. O’Rourke, who had always shared the leftish bent of the rest of the magazine. Yet everything changed on that day. In the 15 minutes I spent with sub-editor Ted Mann, his phone rang at least 10 times — all, apparently, buddies cuing up a hyper-ironic Reagan victory party.

Shortly thereafter, O’Rourke declared he was forming a new party, the Pants-Down Republicans. Before long he’d written its seminal manifesto, Republican Party Reptile, followed later by funny but scary books like Give War a Chance and its follow-up, Peace Kills.

Two decades later, and with a straight face, many Americans consider Ronald Reagan the greatest statesmen in their country’s history. They want to name important things after a guy who napped his way through most meetings he ever attended. This is, obviously, just one more thing I don’t understand about U.S. politics.

Still, I’ll be watching tomorrow. I don’t expect it to be any more comprehensible than kabuki theatre, although it will have its share of the unforeseen. It may be too late for a genuine October surprise, but I will be shocked indeed if something unpredictable and contentious does not occur.

Though I’m skeptical an Obama presidency would do much to bring the gigantic ship of state back on course, I will nevertheless be pulling for him. It’s about optics, at a minimum. Showing the world there’s been a break with the same gang of crazy old white guys can only help Brand America.

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* Nutrients
Cayenne pepper is an excellent source of vitamin A. It’s a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber.

* Weight Loss
Epidemiological data (data hatgered from population studies) indicates the consumption of capsaicin rich foods such as cayenne and other peppers is associated with a lower prevalence of obesity.

In a human study conducted at the Division of Kinesiology, in Québec, Canada, the addition of red pepper to meals significantly increased diet-induced thermogenesis (heat production) and lipid oxidation (the burning of fat for energy). In a second study, results show that the intake of red pepper decreases appetite.

In recent research there is evidence that capsaicin from cayenne and other chili peppers may inhibit the growth of fat cells by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is found in muscle and other human tissue. AMPK has been found to regulate eating behavior and energy expenditure, and AMPK activation also stimulates hepatic and skeletal muscle fatty acid oxidation.

* Arthritis
In a 4-week double blind study of 70 patients with osteoarthritis, and 31 with rheumatoid arthritis, it was concluded that capsaicin cream is a safe and effective treatment for arthritis. Another double blind study suggest that capsaicin is a safe and potentially useful treatment for painful osteoarthritis of the hands.

* Digestive Health
Cayenne has been, and is still used for digestive problems in traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Ayurvedic medicines. Studies have shown cayenne, or the ingredient capsaicin, to be effective in relieving the symptoms of dyspepsia. It also offers protection against peptic ulcers, and against injury to the stomach lining caused by aspirin.

* Pain Relief
Capsaicin from cayenne peppers is used effectively in many areas of pain relief.

It has been shown to be effective in acute pain relief following surgical procedures such as inguinal hernia repair, mastectomy and other cancer surgery.

There have been several preliminary studies, and a large double blind study supporting evidence of the effectiveness of capsaicin for pain relief in individuals with post-herpetic neuralgia, the pain following an outbreak of herpes zoster, or shingles.

Results of studies also suggest that topical capsaicin cream is a safe and effective treatment for diabetic neuropathy, the pain that is thought to result from injury to the micro blood vessels supplying nerves. In one study topically applied capsaicin was equally effective as amitriptyline (antidepressant drug with side effects sometimes prescribed for pain relief) for relief of the pain of diabetic neuropathy.

A preliminary study has suggested that topically applied capsaicin cream may decrease neck pain, but a double blind, placebo controlled trial is needed to substantiate this result.

* Cardiovascular Health
Cayenne pepper reduces atherosclerosis by inhibiting platelet aggregation (blood clots), and increasing fibrinolytic activity, which is the ability to prevent blood clots that can be the cause of heart attack, pulmonary embolism and stroke.

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Cayenne (Capsicum frutenscens) is a chili pepper native to Central and South America, and it was named after the capital city of French Guinea, South America.

Christopher Columbus introduced these peppers to Europe after finding them in the Caribbean. Cayenne peppers were soon taken to Africa and Asia where they became an essential ingredient in the cuisine.

Cayenne pepper has been used in traditional folk medicine for the treatment of respiratory tract infections, asthma, digestive ailments, cancers, fevers and sore throats.

The healing properties of cayenne pepper are primarily due to the substance capsicum, which is also responsible for its hot and spicy flavor.

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Here is a question that I often receive: We have anecdotal stories of how Quantum-Touch has worked for many people, yet the real question is - How will it work for me?

Every body is unique in it’s capacity to heal. How quickly a person heals is due in part to variables such as:

* Nutritional needs (does their body have the resources?)
* Willingness to heal (on the surface it’s always “yes,” but underneath?)
* Time (some things take time, such as tissue growth)
* Toxicity or Congestion in the body (definitely hampers healing)
* Severity (intense or severe conditions won’t always heal quickly)
* Emotions and Mental framesets that resist healing

Sometimes chronic pain goes away in one hour during a Quantum-Touch healing session.  Sometimes pain relief may be gradual over a long series of sessions. We have noted that Quantum-Touch appears to be more effective when someone else is working on you, rather than doing energy healing on yourself.

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As we have outlined above, and as those with chronic pain know, medical therapies are not providing sufficient relief.

According to the Chronic Pain in America: Roadblocks to Relief , survey conducted for the American Pain Society, the majority of chronic pain sufferers, especially those with severe pain, have also turned to non-medicinal therapies.

Non-drug pain management techniques have inlcuded techniques such as cognitive–behavioral interventions, relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, yoga, biofeedback, acupuncture, and energy healing.  These complementary therapies may reduce or eliminate the amount of medication needed to treat the pain.

Quantum-Touch, a method of natural healing, is a complementary pain management technique that targets the cause of pain. Quantum-Touch applies the principles of resonance and entrainment to facilitate healing. Practitioners learn to focus and amplify life-force energy (known as “chi” in Chinese and “prana” in Sanskrit) by combining various breathing and body awareness exercises.   When the practitioner resonates at a high frequency, the client often entrains to, or matches, the higher frequency, thereby facilitating healing using the body’s biological intelligence.  Life-force energy affects matter on the quantum, subatomic level and works its way up through atoms, molecules, cells, tissues, and structure.

Your body has a tremendous abilty to heal itself and achieve a pain free state.  Quantum-Touch, as well as other forms of natural healing (i.e. acupuncture) help your body move back into wholeness and well-being.

We have many stories of people who have used Quantum-Touch to eliminate pain - permamently!

Richard Gordon, founder of Quantum-Touch, trained Dr. C. Normal Shealy, M.D., Ph.D (founding president of the American Holitic Medical Associaton ) and his staff in Quantum-Touch.  Norman Shealy noted that “Symptomatic relief was obtained in a number of our chronic pain patients.  Rapid relief of pain and resolution of haeling after surgical removal of wisdom teeth was noted in one young lady.”

Case Study: Chronic Pain after Car Accident

“I worked on one of my co-workers yesterday. In 1994 she rear ended a car doing about 75 mph. She broke her leg in three places and has been in constant pain ever since. She was having some back issues last night, so I offered to work on her. She reported her pain level at 8.

Initially I put my hands at the beginning of the pain and the end on the spine. Then I worked each vertabre with the tripod finger position and finally the hip and shoulder alignment positions. It was about a 15 minute session. At the end she had zero pain in her back and leg! Wooohooo!!!”

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One way to manage pain is though pain medication.About 21.6 million Americans, or one in ten (11%) adults, take prescription pain medication regularly to manage chronic pain.  Nearly nine in ten pain sufferers (88%) take prescription pain medication at least once a day. They are also likely to take prescription pain medication for long periods of time.

However, as pain sufferers know, medication may not be sufficient means to manage pain.

First, pain medication may not always be effective. Three in five pain sufferers (62%) say their pain medication “works better on some days than others.”

Second, after taking medication for a long period a time, the medication may become less effective: One in three (33%) says it becomes less effective the longer they take it, that is, there is a ceiling effect.

Third, pain medication may incur side effects: Three in ten (31%) pain sufferers experience side effects caused by their prescription pain medications.

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Pain represents a major problem confronting our modern culture.

According to the 1999 National Pain Survey, conducted by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, approximately 24 percent of Americans, or roughly 48 million people, suffer from chronic pain.

If you’re one of the people suffering from chronic pain, you are fully aware of the negative impact pain can have on the quality of life. Pain diminishes the ability to concentrate, do your job, sleep, and to exercise. And pain can affect your social life, resulting in feelings of isolation and depression.

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People with fibromyalgia often need a rheumatology consultation (a meeting with a doctor who specializes in disorders of the joints, muscles, and soft tissue) to decide the cause of various rheumatic symptoms, to be educated about fibromyalgia and its treatment, and to exclude other rheumatic diseases. A treatment program must be individualized to meet the patient’s needs. The rheumatologist, as the team leader, enlists and coordinates the expertise of other health professionals in the care of the patient.

If diet, exercise, and adequate rest do not relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia, medications may be prescribed. Medications prescribed and found to have some benefit include antidepressant drugs, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Expected results

Fibromyalgia is a chronic health problem. The symptoms sometimes improve and at other times worsen, but they often continue for months to years.

Prevention

There is no known or specific prevention for fibromyalgia. However, similar to many other medical conditions, remaining as healthy as possible with a good diet, safe exercise, and adequate rest is the best prevention.

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There is no known cure for fibromyalgia. Therefore, the goal of treatment is successful symptom management. Treatment usually requires a combination of therapies, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments. Adequate rest is essential in the treatment of fibromyalgia. The diet should include a large variety of fruits and vegetables, which provide the body with trace elements and minerals that are necessary for healthy muscles. Avoidance of stimulating foods or drinks (such as coffee) and medications like decongestants prior to bedtime is advised. A patient’s clear understanding of his or her role in the recovery process is imperative for successful management of this condition.

Treatments found to be helpful include heat and occasionally cold compress applications. A regular stretching program is often useful. Aerobic activities focusing on increasing the heart rate are the preferred forms of exercise over most other forms of exertion. Exercise programs need to include good warm-up and cool-down sessions, with special attention given to avoiding exercises causing joint pain. Hydrotherapy exercises (exercises in a pool or tub) may be useful in providing a low impact exercise environment while soothing muscle and joint pain.

Massage therapy can be helpful, especially when a family member is instructed on specific massage techniques to manage episodes of increased symptoms. Short sessions are most helpful as repetitious movement can aggravate the condition. Specific attention to mental health, including psychological consultation, may also be important, since depression may precede or accompany fibromyalgia. Relaxation exercises, yoga, aromatherapy, guided imagery, and other relaxation therapies can be useful in easing stress and promoting overall well-being. Acupuncture can be very helpful for symptom relief and in easing the general condition.

Herbalists and aromatherapists may recommend tub soaks or compresses with lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), chamomile (Chamaemelum nobilis), or juniper (Juniperus communis) to soothe muscle and joint pain.

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Diagnosis is difficult and frequently missed because symptoms of fibromyalgia are vague and generalized. Coexisting nerve and muscle disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, spinal arthritis, or Lyme disease may further complicate the diagnostic process. Presently, there are no tests available to specifically diagnose fibromyalgia. The diagnosis is usually made after ruling out other medical conditions with similar symptoms.

Because of the emotional distress experienced by people with this condition and the influence of stress on the symptoms themselves, fibromyalgia has often been labeled a psychological problem. Recognition of the underlying inflammatory process involved in fibromyalgia has helped promote the validity of this disease.

The American College of Rheumatology has developed standards for fibromyalgia that health care practitioners can use to diagnose this condition. According to these standards, a person is thought to have fibromyalgia if he or she has widespread pain in combination with tenderness in at least 11 of the 18 sites known as trigger points. Trigger point sites include the base of the neck, along the backbone, in front of the hip and elbow, and at the rear of the knee and shoulder.

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