The following excerpt explains how Acupuncture can help with weight loss:
​"The rationale for using acupuncture for weight control is based in the premise that weight gain could be the result of disturbed energy flow to and from the regulating center of the brain, called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is responsible for maintaining "homeostasis" or functional balance that allows the body to run like a finely tuned instrument. It is the body's dispatch center that regulates hormones and neurochemicals, and helps to control body temperature, circadian rhythm, thirst and hunger.
Of particular interest is the ability of acupuncture to influence obesity hormones. Research measuring the effectiveness of acupuncture for weight loss found treatments increased ghrelin, a hormone that controls meal initiation and decreased leptin, the hormone that regulates fat storage and metabolism.
The guiding principal is that acupuncture can power up any other weight control strategy by curbing appetite, quelling cravings, boosting metabolism, improving digestion, regulating obesity-related hormones and enhancing the way nutrients are used. It also strengthens the function of the liver, the organ that produces many chemicals critical for digestion, processing nutrients and breaking down of fats. Acupuncture may also increase tone in the smooth muscle of the stomach to help people know that they are full."
​Source: http://www.doctoroz.com/article/acupuncture-and-weight-loss

We really don’t know the exact answer to this question because fluid requirements vary from person to person—and from day to day. For example, infants need more liquids than adults because their bodies maintain a higher water content and their systems do not provide water balance that’s as good as what’s found in adults’ bodies. The general guidelines for hydration are: 

  • Numerous studies investigating water balance have demonstrated that the minimal water requirements of inactive adults who live in normal temperate climates are approximately 1 to 3.1 liters (or 34 to 105.4 oz.) a day. This amount should adequately replace estimated minimum respiratory, urinary, fecal, and insensible water losses. 

  • A general guide for replacing water loss is 1 liter (34 ounces) of fluid for every kilogram (2.2 pounds) lost, or 2 cups (16 ounces) for every pound lost.

  • In more physically active individuals, the amount of water intake necessary to maintain proper hydration varies between 2 to 16 liters per day, depending on the activity and the individual. Physically active individuals are not necessarily athletes. Farm workers, heavy laborers, and the like naturally have higher needs for water.

  • If you are planning a strenuous physical activity, drink approximately 2 to 3 cups of cold water 2 hours before activity. Drink 1 cup approximately 10-15 minutes before the activity or during your warm-up. During the activity, drink 3 to 4 cups of water every hour of activity, or 1 cup every 15 to 20 minutes. After the activity, you should rapidly replace the fluids that you lost within 2 hours. You should drink approximately 16-24 ounces of water for every pound lost during the activity. 

  • Cool beverages of 50-60 degrees are the best forms of fluid for the body. If an activity lasts longer than 1 hour, a sports drink is often recommended. 

  • Fluids with salt (e.g., sodium, potassium) are beneficial because they increase thirst. The salt also helps replace what’s lost through sweat. If you choose a sports drink, it should contain no more than 7% of carbohydrates per serving. 

  • Avoid fruit juices, carbohydrate gels, sodas, alcohol, and high-sugar sports drinks. These may dehydrate the body further by stimulating excessive urine production and/or decreasing your overall beneficial fluid intake.

source: JACA Healthy Living Fact Sheet April 2006

Vitamin D is a nutrient generated by the body through exposure to the rays of the sun. It can also be found in some foods. Vitamin D plays an important role in building strong bones by helping the body absorb calcium from food and supplements. People who get too little vitamin D may develop soft, thin and brittle bones.

Vitamin D is found in cells throughout the body and is vital for many other health functions, as well. It participates in the nerve and muscle function, as well as in the function of the immune system and in the reduction of inflammation.

How can I get vitamin D?

The body makes vitamin D when skin is directly exposed to the sun outdoors. During the warmest months, for example, 5 to 30 minutes of exposure between 10 AM and 3 PM several times a week to the face, arms, legs, or back without sunscreen may be enough to produce sufficient vitamin D. However, excessive exposure to the sun increases the risk of skin cancer. When out in the sun, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 8 or more. Cloudy days, shade, and having dark-colored skin cut down on the amount of vitamin D the skin makes. People who avoid the sun, who cover their bodies with sunscreen or clothing, or who live in the northern half of the United States during the winter months should include good sources of vitamin D in their diets or take a supplement. Vitamin D is found in supplements in two different forms: D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). Both increase vitamin D in the blood, but the D3 form may do it better and keep levels raised for a longer time.

Vitamin D in American diets is found mostly in fortified foods:

• Fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, as well as fish liver oils, are among the best sources.
• Beef liver, cheese, egg yolks and some mushrooms provide small amounts.
• Almost all of the U.S. milk supply is fortified with 400 IU of vitamin D per quart. But foods made from milk, like cheese and ice cream, are usually not fortified.
• Vitamin D is added to many breakfast cereals and to some brands of orange juice, yogurt, margarine, and soy beverages. Check the labels for more information.

 Am I getting enough vitamin D?

The amount of vitamin D required depends on your age. Average daily recommended amounts for different ages are listed below in International Units (IU):

Children and most adults 200 IU
Adults 51–70 years 400 IU
Adults 71 years and older 600 IU
Pregnant and lactating women 200 IU 

Measuring blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D is the best test to check the levels of vitamin D in the body. In general, levels below 15 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) are inadequate, and levels above 200 ng/mL are too high. Some nutrition experts think a blood level of at least 30 ng/mL is best for overall good health. By these measures, some Americans are vitamin D deficient and almost no one has levels that are too high.
 
What precautions do I need to take with vitamin D?

When amounts of vitamin D in the blood become too high, it can lead to toxicity--
nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, constipation, weakness and weight loss. In addition, by raising blood levels of calcium, too much vitamin D can cause confusion, disorientation and problems with heart rhythm. Excess vitamin D can also damage the kidneys. The safe upper limit for vitamin D is 1,000 IU/day for infants and 2,000 IU for children and adults. Vitamin D toxicity almost always occurs from overuse of supplements. Excessive sun exposure doesn't cause vitamin D poisoning because the body limits the amount of this vitamin it produces. Like most dietary supplements, vitamin D may interact or interfere with other medicines or supplements. Tell your health care providers about any dietary supplements and medicines you take.

Source: Copied from JACA Healthy Living Fact Sheet May/June 2010

Alarming facts about headaches:
-9 out of 10 Americans suffer from a headache at some point in their life
-45 million Americans suffer from recurrent headaches, while 28 million of those suffer from migraines.
-The most frequent type of headache is known as a tension type headache, occurring when the muscles in the back of the neck get tight or go into spasm.
Common Headache Triggers:
-Caffeine withdrawal
-Caffeine-Alcohol and Dehydration
-Smoking
-Tight pony tails, hair bands, or hats pulling on hair
-Slouched or improper neck posture
-Warm weather
-Strong scents
-Excessive salt
-Skipping meals
-Chocolate
-Nuts (peanuts, brazil nuts, and even coconuts)
 -Allergies (pet, grass, mold, weeds, food, etc…)

Migraine Triggers:
-Tyramine rich foods:Bananas, Grapes, Raisins, Prunes, Plums, Oranges, Avocadoes, Dried Fruit, Eggplant, Figs, Pineapples, Soy, Tofu, Sauerkraut, Aged Cheeses (asiago, romano, parmesan, aged cheddar, etc…) 
-Foods seasoned with monosodium glutamate (MSG):  Seasoned potato chips/many processed foods with added seasoning
-Nitrate containing foods:  Processed meats, hotdogs, etc…
-Over sleeping or not getting enough sleep
-Oral Contraceptives
-Alcohol/Red Wine/ Any of the common headache triggers listed above 
Ways to reduce headaches:
-Avoid the triggers
-Acupuncture
-Chiropractic care
-Biofeedback
-Stress reduction techniques
-Deep breathing techniques
-Fish Oil
-Vitamin B12
-Get the same amount of sleep each night (6 to 8 hours)
-Several over the counter medications

Sources:"Foods Containing Tyramine." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 16 July 2010. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foods_containing_tyramine."Alternative Migraine and Headache Treatments." WebMD - Better Information. Better Health. Web. 16 July 2010.http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/stop-frequent-migraines-5/remedies.
"Headaches and Migraines Center: Treatments, Causes, Types (Cluster, Tension, Chronic, Sinus, and More )." WebMD - Better Information. Better Health. Web. 16 July 2010. http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/default.htm.
"Headache and Migraine Causes Slideshow: 12 Surprising Headache Triggers & Tips for Relief." WebMD - Better Information. Better Health. Web. 16 July 2010. <http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/slideshow-surprising-headache-triggers>.