Q. Is the realm of bodywork for everyone? Or are there contraindications?

"Stressed-out” and “anxiety-ridden” might describe a mother’s emotions when her child is scheduled for surgery. But according to researchers from Yale University, that uneasiness may be lessened through auricular acupuncture. This technique incorporates the use of needles or scopes on specific points along the outer ear thought to directly influence brain patterns. Of the 66 women who participated in the study, more than half received the treatment 30 minutes before their children’s surgery, while the control group received sham acupuncture.

The growing selection of teas in your grocer’s aisles reveal Americans are consuming a larger amount of this comforting drink than ever before. And with the mounting evidence of the benefits of green, oolong, and white teas, who can blame them? But according to the Journal of Dentistry, while many teas contain powerful antioxidants, other varieties, specifically those that have fruit acids such as lemon, may also be eroding enamel.

According to the Journal Environmental Nutrition, eating almonds may help lower low-density lipoproteins (LDL, or “bad” cholesterol) and help decrease systolic blood pressure. Almonds are also an excellent source for magnesium, vitamin E, protein, fiber, copper, calcium, zinc, and potassium. But if you decide to add this extraordinary nut to your diet, keep your daily intake in check. Adding almonds to your current diet might yield a slight weight gain because they are a concentrated source of fat and calories.