Indians try cupping as Phelps boosts this pain relieving technique

Cupping clinics get a Phelps boost as people try it for pain relief, and even facelifts. Long before the purple bruises on swimmer Michael Phelps’s body hit the head lines, Mumbai doctor Sahil Sheikh was a fan of cupping. Nagged by a chronic shoulder problem, the 35-year-old decided to try this alternative therapy. “Apart from mild dizziness immediately after the session, there were no side-effects,” he says. But he did report relief from pain. Like Sheikh, many Indians have become cupping devotees. The therapy, which has its origins in traditional…

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Researchers identify protein that boosts memory

Researchers identify protein that boosts memory (Getty Images) Researchers have discovered a link between higer levels of a protein and better memory and more brain volume, suggesting a new way to predict the progression of memory loss and brain atrophy in Alzheimer’s patients. The research, published in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity, found a correlation between lower levels of the protein neuronal pentraxin-2, or NPTX2 and diminished memory and less brain volume. “NPTX2 seems to exert a protective effect,” said one of the researchers Ashley Swanson from Iowa State…

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Glass of wine with dinner boosts health: Study

Having a glass of wine with your dinner could lead to better mental and physical health and higher self-esteem. Contrary to UK government advice suggesting keeping several days ‘alcohol free’, a study from researchers in Finland, published in the Alcohol and Alcoholism journal, found that several glasses of wine per day with an evening meal could actually be good for you. The research suggested those who drank wine with their dinner every night were less likely to binge-drink and “should not be considered at risk” of doing so. [“source-timesofindia”]

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Brisk Walk Boosts Memory in Breast Cancer Survivors

PhotoCredit:istock Moderate-to-vigorous physical activities — such as brisk walking or jogging — may help improve memory in breast cancer survivors, a new study suggests.Physical activity alleviates stress and benefits women psychologically, which in turn aids their memory, the study said. Memory problems appear to be related to the high stress load cancer survivors experience and may not be specific to chemotherapy or radiation treatments. “Our research suggests these self-reported memory problems may be emotionally related. These women are frightened, stressed, fatigued, tapped out emotionally and have low self-confidence, which can…

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