Online Class Notes (Jesse)

Grammar

before your class I have a call with my mum – I had a call / I got a call from my mum

in thursday – on Thursday

herbs products – herbal products

keep health – keep healthy / keep your health strong 

if muscle is weakness – if you have muscle weakness / if your muscle is weak

Vocabulary

choir – group of people singing together – “kwai yer”
eg. he’s a choir conductor

he is just next to me / he is just here 

placebo / the placebo effect

wear out the joint – to slowly make the joint more and more damaged

sham – fake / tricking people

carpal tunnel syndrome – hands / wrists

hand pad

paralysis (n)
paralyse (v)
eg. they have paralysis in their feet

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a technique in which practitioners stimulate specific points on the body, usually by inserting thin needles through the skin. Studies suggest that acupuncture stimulates the release of the body’s natural painkillers and affects areas in the brain involved in processing pain; however, some trials suggest that real acupuncture and sham acupuncture are equally effective, indicating a placebo effect. Results from a number of studies, however, suggest real acupuncture may help ease types of pain that are often chronic, such as low-back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis/knee pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. It also may help reduce the frequency of tension headaches and prevent migraine headaches. For more information, see NCCIH’s acupuncture fact sheet.

Tai Chi

Tai chi combines certain postures, gentle movements, mental focus, breathing, and relaxation. Research findings suggest that practicing tai chi may improve balance and stability in older people and those with Parkinson’s disease, reduce pain from knee osteoarthritis, help people cope with fibromyalgia and back pain, and promote quality of life and improve mood in people with heart failure. For more information, see NCCIH’s tai chi fact sheet.

Chinese Herbal Products

Chinese herbal products have been studied for many medical problems, including stroke, heart disease, mental disorders, and respiratory diseases (such as bronchitis and the common cold), and a national survey showed that about one in five Americans use them. Because many studies have been of poor quality, no firm conclusions can be made about their effectiveness. For more information about specific herbs, see NCCIH’s Herbs at a Glance webpage. You can find additional information on botanical (plant) dietary supplements on the Office of Dietary Supplements website.