Katherine Tallmadge, spokesperson for American Dietetic Association, says, in February 9, 2005, WASHINGTON POST, that “cacao, or cocoa beans, contain ‘flavanols,’ naturally occurring plant compounds also found in tea, red wine, and apples. Their properties have been studied as heart disease inhibitors.”

Carl L. Keen, chair of department of nutrition at University of California, Davis, states in same article that “the flavanols in cocoa help maintain a healthy vascular system. They reduce blood clotting -- an aspirin like effect -- reduce oxidative damage and improve blood flow.”

Unfortunately flavanols in chocolate are bitter and are mostly removed from processed chocolate. The level decreases with each step, from bean to cocoa powder, and ultimately to a finished product. But big manufacturers like Nestle and Mars Inc.(producers of M&Ms) are working on chocolate items that are -- what else? -- good for you. We can soon expect chocolate bars and candies that advertise their high level of flavanols. In meantime, only product that states its flavanol level is Mars’ Dove Dark Chocolate, which has 150 mg. in 1.3 oz., a high level. It also has 200 calories. We live in an imperfect world.

The waves are generated by a piezoelectric effect caused by vibration of crystals within head of wand/probe. The sound waves that pass through skin cause a vibration of local tissues. This vibration or cavitation can cause a deep heating locally though usually no sensation of heat will be felt by patient. In situations where a heating effect is not desirable, such as a fresh injury with acute inflammation, ultrasound can be pulsed rather than continuously transmitted.

Ultrasound can produce many effects other than just potential heating effect. It has been shown to cause increases in tissue relaxation, local blood flow, and scar tissue breakdown. The effect of increase in local blood flow can be used to help reduce local swelling and chronic inflammation, and, according to some studies, promote bone fracture healing. The intensity or power density of ultrasound can be adjusted depending on desired effect. A greater power density (measured in watt/cm2 is often used in cases where scar tissue breakdown is goal.