Treating a torticollis, 4 natural solutions

Torticollis may be benign most of the time, but it is nonetheless painful and disabling, as it limits our movements. Application of heat, massage, stretching, plants... here is how to effectively relieve it.

Torticollis (tortum collum in Latin, which means "twisted neck") is a very painful muscular contraction of the neck, which often prevents you from holding your head straight. Often caused by poor posture during the day or at night, the torticollis can also be due to muscle distension during an effort. Pain is felt, especially when trying to straighten the neck. Four practical tips to soothe the pain.

Apply heat to relieve tension due to torticollis.

Whether the torticollis is in its early stages or already well established, "the heat is always interesting because it has a vasodilatory action. It improves local circulation and promotes muscle relaxation to stop the pain/contraction cycle," explains physiotherapist Xavier Dufour.

How to do it?

Heat should be applied as often as possible, both during the day and at night. Several options are possible: hot shower, hot water bottle, cherry pit cushion, hot wet towel... Advantage all the same of the heating patches and other thermal pockets to be placed on the upper back (Mercurochrome, Syntholkine, ThermaCare, Actipoche Thermal microbeads, cervical, and trapezium): practical and effective, they deliver heat continuously for 8 hours. To be covered with a scarf to better conserve heat.

Getting a massage to relieve pain

"When you are contracted, the simple fact of touching the affected area allows you to short-circuit the message of pain at the nervous level, even if the effect does not last more than a few hours," explains Xavier Dufour, physiotherapist.

The ideal is to be massaged by a physiotherapist or an osteopath or, failing that, by someone close to you. On the other hand, it's better to avoid self-massage, because it stresses the trapezius muscles and prevents you from relaxing properly.

How to do it?

With both thumbs or the whole palm, massage for at least 10 minutes from the top of the neck down to the trapezoids.

To strengthen the action of the massage, use a gel or oil that combines anti-inflammatory plants (harpagophytum, meadowsweet, arnica ...) and relaxing essential oils (wintergreen, peppermint ...): Cartimotil Gel Pileje, Paltz Relaxing Gel, Harpagreen Gel LPEV, Organic Massage Oil Muscle Effort Puressentiel.

Use relaxing plants to unwind

The plant option is to be retained when one suffers from repeated blockages, clearly linked to stress. "It is one of the most classic causes of torticollis because it translates into muscular tension in the trapezius muscles and neck," says Xavier Dufour. The objective: to release these tensions to relieve contracture.

How to do it?

"Valerian is a good alternative to pain medication, thanks to its sedative and relaxing action," says Dr. Eric Lorrain, herbalist.

In the event of an attack, it should be used as soon as possible, 3 times a day, and in the form of a liquid extract (EPS, Phytostandard; Liquid Extract, A. Vogel) for rapid action. It relaxes in less than 2 hours. To be coupled if the pain is severe and/or lasts more than 5 days with tablets combining willow and harpagophytum extracts (Phytostandard at PhytoPrevent, 6 tablets/day), with anti-inflammatory virtues.

Stretching to prevent neck blockage

To be done only if the movements are not too limited or painful, and rather after having relaxed the area with the heat. Stretching helps to promote movement and not get stuck in the wrong position. "They are also useful in prevention. Doing them regularly makes the neck more supple if you often have neck pain and torticollis due to poor posture at work, for example," adds Xavier Dufour.

What stretching if the pain is moderate?

You can do these stretches to relieve muscle tension.

• Sitting with your feet flat, your spine well aligned, your forearms relaxed on a table or your thighs, gently turn your head to the left, as far as possible but without pain. Close your eyes and hold the position for 20 seconds.
• Sitting with your back straight, grasp the edge of the chair with your left hand. Then lower your head slightly, chin to chest, and tilt it to the right. Place your right hand on your head and gently stretch your neck.

What stretching if the pain is severe?

First of all, choose a relaxation exercise to loosen the neck. Sit or stand with your shoulders low and your neck extended, with the top of your head pointing upward to the sky. Inhale and raise the shoulders towards the ears, exhale and relax the shoulders without tension in the neck. Imagine that your neck is getting longer.

The exercises are to be done 5 times on each side and are taken from 80 exercises to end back pain, Jean-François Harvey (éd. Médicis, 28,95 $). Be careful to always do slow, progressive and non jerky movements, exhaling while stretching!

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Stevia could cause an intestinal microbial imbalance.

Stevia could cause an intestinal microbial imbalance. 

According to a new study conducted by Israeli researchers, this natural sweetener could cause an intestinal microbial imbalance. The results have just been published in Molecules. 

An alternative to sugar, sweeteners provide a sweet taste while remaining low in calories. In France, stevia gained popularity lately because it was authorized for consumption by the decree of August 26, 2009, but it has been used for several decades in South America, Japan, and China. It is about 100 to 300 times sweeter than ordinary table sugar but contains no calories or carbohydrates.

However, an Israeli study points to an unexpected effect of stevia. Indeed, according to research conducted by scientists from the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), this natural sweetener could lead to an intestinal microbial imbalance. The results have just been published in Molecules, one of the leading international peer-reviewed chemistry journals. This microbial imbalance could lead to the development of gastrointestinal health problems.

Indeed, according to this study, stevia could disrupt communications between different bacteria in the intestinal microbiome. "Through this research, the scientific team discovered that it inhibits these pathways and does not kill bacteria. This is the first study that indicates further research is needed before the food industry replaces sugar and artificial sweeteners with stevia and its extracts. We showed that even a natural supplement can actually disrupt bacterial communication," said lead researcher Dr. Karina Golberg of the Avram BGU and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnological Engineering.

Dangerous sweeteners?

"We are not here to say that you are not allowed to take stevia because there is a health implication. However, [those] who take stevia must take into account the fact that we can actually harm the microbiome by affecting its communication system," she said. 

Previous studies conducted by Ben-Gurion University in 2018 showed that artificial sweeteners such as aspartame were toxic to bacteria in the digestive system. A mechanism is potentially responsible for a wide range of health problems from weight gain to diabetes and even cancer. The next stage of research will be conducted on animals, most likely mice, to see if stevia has the same disturbing effects as those observed in the laboratory. Market analyst Emergen Research says the global market for stevia is expected to reach nearly $1.2 billion by 2027.

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Chicken, a white meat rich in vitamins

Chicken is a type of poultry that is now widely consumed by the French population. It is interesting for more than one reason. Indeed, not only is it cheaper than red meat, but it is also generally less fatty. Nevertheless, it remains rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Nutritional value of chicken

Chicken is a relatively low-calorie white meat, as a 100-gram serving is only 175 calories. Of these 100 grams, there are 30 grams of protein and less than 5 grams of fat with no more than 1.5 grams of saturated fatty acids (globally as much as mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids). Such a portion of chicken also contains less than 1 g of cholesterol.

Chicken, white meat rich in minerals

It is generally not well known, but chicken is meat particularly rich in minerals.

In fact, this white meat contains a large amount of phosphorus, which is involved in the development and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones, in the growth and regeneration of tissues, and the control of blood pH balance.

Chicken is also a source of Zinc. Although it is mainly found in the brown parts, it is also present in chicken breast. Zinc is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system and the proper balance of thyroid, sexual, and pancreatic hormones (insulin in particular).

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Also, chicken is an important source of selenium. This mineral, which is also indispensable, plays an antioxidant role. Thus, selenium helps to fight against the free radicals responsible for certain pathologies, including certain cancers. Besides, it participates in the synthesis of thyroid hormones.

Finally, chicken contains iron (which is easier to assimilate than iron of plant origin), magnesium, potassium, and copper.

Chicken, a good source of vitamins

Chicken is also a good source of B-group vitamins. Indeed, it is particularly rich in vitamin B3 and vitamin B6 but also in vitamin B1, B2, B5, and B12.

Vitamin B3, niacin, is involved in the formation of red blood cells, neurotransmitters (messengers of nerve impulses) as well as in the manufacture of sex hormones. It also plays an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. In particular, it reduces the synthesis of bad cholesterol and therefore reduces the blood level of triglycerides. Also, it is involved in the transport of oxygen to the cells.

As for vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), present in large quantities in chicken, it is a coenzyme that is involved in the metabolism of proteins and fatty acids. Like B3, it participates in the manufacture of neurotransmitters and red blood cells. This vitamin also contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system. Besides, it is involved in the synthesis of glucose from glycogen.

That's not all, since chicken also contains vitamin B2 (riboflavin). This vitamin is essential for the cells because it allows them to produce energy. Also, it participates in the development of tissues and their healing.

Finally, chicken is well endowed with vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), which plays an active role in the production of certain hormones, neurotransmitters, and hemoglobin.

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Top 10 traditional dishes of Chinese cuisine

Introduction to Chinese cuisine

Chinese cuisine owes its notoriety to the variety of food it offers as well as the harmony that is sought after in the dishes. The mix of flavors is reflected in the combination of vegetables and meat/fish or recipes based on rice or fried noodles with sauces and spices.

A cuisine with regional influences

The cultural richness of the country can be felt in the culinary arts, so much so that we speak of cuisines in the plural to qualify the country's gastronomy. It is divided into four main groups according to the regions of origin, which are themselves divided into eight subgroups. Depending on the region, the influences are diverse: it is sometimes said that the south is the region where sugar is very present, the west is the region of chilli pepper, the east is marked by sour dishes, and the north is known for its salty dishes.

Top 10 Traditional Chinese Dishes

1) Pork in sweet and sour sauce

A fruity and slightly sweet sauce accompanies the meat.

2) Noodles skips

Traditional dish that comes in a multitude of recipes.

3) Shuang Jiao yu tou

Fish served in a spicy sauce.

4) Steam ravioli

Singular baking method giving a unique flavor to this wheat-based dough.

5) Cantonese rice

Typical popular dish composed of sautéed rice and some vegetables as well as tofu.

6) Szechuan fondue

Pieces of different meats to be dipped in a broth seasoned with many herbs and spices.

7) Niango

Sticky rice cake eaten before ceremonial meals.

8) Nems

Shrimp, chicken or pork is the most popular dim-sum (small bites steamed or fried).

9) The Peking duck

Often accompanied by small vegetables, this dish is appreciated in China.

10) Beef with onions

Recipe for beef in sauce which testifies to the almost systematic use of vegetables in Chinese dishes.

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 Hand eczema: how to cure it?

Approximately 250 million american people suffer from eczema, i.e. nearly 5% of the population. Among its locations: hands. What are its causes? How can it be treated? The health answers of Dr. Antoine Badaoui, dermatologist-allergist, member of ResoEczéma, and the practical advice of Clementine Joachim, certified sophrologist, consultant at Yoburo.

Eczema is the second most common skin disease after acne. It concerns 30% of dermatological consultations.

Hand eczema: what causes it?

Chronic eczema can be of genetic origin, linked to atopic dermatitis (editor's note: also called atopic eczema) with a preferential location on the hands, says Dr. Antoine Badaoui, dermatologist-allergist. It can also be allergic eczema due to perfume, a preservative ... In glove wearers such as housekeepers, hairdressers, eczema can be allergic or irritating. »

Hand Eczema: Recognizing the Symptoms

Whether atopic or allergic, the symptoms of hand eczema are similar.

It manifests itself by red patches that peel and scratch, by blisters that ooze and cracks," says Dr. Badaoui. Most of the time, eczema of atopic origin has very limited borders, unlike allergic eczema, where the borders are rather "map-like" and less well defined. »

How is the diagnosis made?

Hand eczema is diagnosed by a clinical examination. Patch tests (also called patch tests) are used to determine whether or not it is an allergy. The test patches consist of applying, on the back and under occlusion, thirty allergens that correspond to the European standard battery, possibly supplemented by other batteries depending on the patient's questioning.

"To carry out these patch tests, three appointments at 48-hour intervals are necessary each time, says the dermatologist. The first is for placing the patches on the back, the second is to remove them and the last is for the final reading. If the test patches prove negative, an allergy to the tested molecules can be eliminated. »

Itching: limiting scratching thanks to sophrology

Sophrology, as a psycho-corporal method, apprehends the human being in all its richness: it takes into account its corporal, mental and emotional dimensions. 

"The organ "skin" being from the same embryonic stock as the nervous system, stress has consequences on the organism, which can manifest itself by the appearance of eczema", explains Clémentine Joachim, a sophrologist. Sophrology can therefore be a valuable recourse against "eczema attacks". "In particular, thanks to the exercise of the fans which can reduce itching", specifies the sophrologist.

Starting position :

• Stand with enough space around you, feet parallel and separated by the width of your pelvis.
• Your back is straight, your arms and shoulders are relaxed, and your head is in line with your spine.
• Close your eyes and pay attention to the rhythm of your breathing.
• The course of the exercise (which is to be repeated 3 times)
• Raise both arms in front of you horizontally while breathing in deeply through your nose.
• Hold your breath and shake your hands like fans (hence the name of the exercise!), slowly bringing them closer to your chest. Give meaning to your movements by imagining letting go of the sensations of scratching and tingling. By shaking your hands, free them from the unpleasant sensations of itching.
• Once both hands are close to the chest, release the arms along the body by blowing gently through the mouth.
• Resume natural breathing, and take a moment to observe the sensations in your hands. Linger on the sensations on your palms and fingers. Become aware of all the sensations related to the movements of your hands.
• Repeat twice, always giving more meaning to your gestures: shake your hands and imagine that the unpleasant sensations of scratching escape from your hands, that the itching slips from your fingers to the ground, to free and purify your skin. 
• After exhaling through your mouth, carefully observe and identify your feelings: do they change? In what way? Do you feel lighter in your hands? More freshness?More fluidity in your movements?
• Finish each time by becoming aware of your physical, mental and emotional feelings.

 You can practice this exercise whenever you feel like scratching. Remember to coordinate your movements with your breathing (inhalation time, air retention time, exhalation time), and always give more meaning to your practice. 

How do you treat hand eczema?

Whether it is atopic dermatitis, chronic hand eczema, or allergic eczema, the treatment is the same.

During flare-ups, a corticoid-based cream should be applied once a day until two or three days after the symptoms disappear," says Dr. Badaoui. Since inflammation can be latent under the skin, it is essential to stop the process. »

This treatment should be repeated for each eczema flare-up or continued 2 to 3 times a week for prevention.

The corticoid cream-based treatment should be completed by applying a moisturizing cream several times a day to restore the skin barrier," adds the dermatologist. It is necessary to choose the greasiest creams such as Cicalfate, Eucerin, Cicaplast...".

When the corticoid cream is not enough

When hand eczema does not respond or no longer responds to corticosteroid cream treatment, "oral treatment with alitretinoin is used," says the doctor. This is a naturally occurring, endogenous hormone related to vitamin A that has anti-inflammatory effects.

"The treatment lasts between 3 and 6 months at a rate of one tablet per day, explains the dermatologist. It requires monitoring of the liver and cholesterol levels and, for women, taking effective contraception. "Alitretinoin can cause serious deformities in the unborn child in case of pregnancy, as well as miscarriage.

Can it be prevented?

It is important to avoid all irritating factors that can accentuate hand eczema, and in case of allergy, to remove the allergen of course.

Dr. Antoine Badaoui's advice to limit flare-ups:

• Wash your hands briefly with warm or cold water and soap and if possible avoid hard water.  
• Do not use dishwashing liquid to wash your hands, it is irritating.
• Rinse hands well and pat dry.
• Wear gloves when washing dishes, cooking certain irritating foods such as tomato, lemon... and for cleaning.

Covid-19 and hand eczema: what precautions?

The epidemic of Covid-19 requires to apply the barrier gestures of which the frequent washing of the hands is apart because it represents an effective rampart against the propagation of the virus.

But, when one suffers from eczema, frequent hand washing weakens the skin, which is often dry and bruised. It is therefore recommended to use 'soap-free' soaps, special soaps for atopic skin, or washing oils. And, if possible, opt for fragrance-free products. Once the hands have been washed, dry them gently without rubbing.

As for the use of hydroalcoholic gel, it can cause tingling and burns. It is thus essential to rehydrate the skin by applying an emollient cream.

Wearing latex or vinyl gloves is not recommended because they encourage perspiration and maceration of the skin, which can aggravate hand eczema.

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