Alternative Health Guide Blog

Introduction to Ayurvedic Medicine

2006-12-10T04:12:00.000-08:00

If you're familiar with the terms "pitta" and "vata", then chances are you've been acquainted with one of the most ancient medical practices of Asia. Ayurveda (pronounced eye-your-VAY-da) has just began to break through mainstream Western medical consciousness as more and more people have began to look for drug-free and natural remedies to cure their ailments and spirits.

Ayurveda is the natural system of medicine that has been traditionally practiced in India for more than 5,000 years. It is a Sanskrit word that literally translated means "the science of life" and "science of longevity". Ayurveda is the health care system that was slowly and steadily developed by traditional seers and natural scientists through centuries of meditation, observation, discussion and experiments. These Ayurvedic teachings were then orally passed on from teacher to student until the sixth century BC, where detailed Sanskrit texts were finally written. It is said that even the ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Chinese and Tibetan medicine systems are said to be derived from Ayurveda. Because of its rich history and philosophy, this multifarious medical system is still the treatment method of choice even for most of modern India and Southeast Asia.

Ayurveda is a holistic approach that emphasizes prevention of disease rather than its treatment. It has systems that aim for the rejuvenation of our body and the extension of life span. The Ayruvedic tradition believes that five elements -- space, air, fire, water and earth -- make up the world we live in. Each element is found in the human body and called the "dosha". The forces and principles that are found in all of nature are also seen in our human systems. In Ayurveda, our minds (or consciousness) and our bodies are not separate - they are united as one, called the "mind-body". Ayurvedic philosophy and practices reconnect us to ourselves and reminds us that we are one with nature and with the entire cosmos. Mental and physical health are one and the same, so in Ayurveda, symptoms and diseases in the mind (like thoughts and feelings) are just as vital as symptoms and diseases of the body (like pain and physical difficulties). These produce imbalance and illness, so both mind and body are treated simultaneously by restoring their natural balance. In short, to be healed, your whole physical lifestyle must be in sync with what you feel inside.

The Ayurvedic objective is to live a long balanced life that achieves our fullest potentials and expresses our true inner nature by adhering to certain daily practices that prevent disease. However, Ayurvedic treatments do not simply dwell on herbal medications. The system emphasizes the inclusion of meditation, yoga, massage and proper diet. It believes in integrating the mind, body and spirit to maintain good health and long life.

In India, Ayurvedic practitioners undergo state-recognized and institutionalized training, much like Western doctors. Only recently has there been a slow acceptance of Ayurveda in the West with the positive research outcomes of meditative techniques and yoga in Western medical literature. Today, more prominent and published studies have documented the success of the Ayurvedic approach in healing cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, bad cholesterol levels, certain cancers, infectious diseases and most stress-induced illnesses.

Michael Russell

Your Independent Alternative guide.

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Massage Oil for Massage Therapy

2006-12-08T22:54:00.000-08:00

Massage oil is a great addition to any massage experience. It enhances not only the relaxing nature of the massage therapy session, but also adds to the healing benefits of the massage.

The use of massage oil is not a new idea. Homer, Plato, Socrates – all of these men referenced the use of massage oil as an aid for pain relief in their writings. Today, pain relief is one reason for using massage oil. Others include the facilitation of more gliding massage, skin nourishment, and the promotion of good health in general.

How do you choose a massage oil for massage therapy? First, choose an oil that is cold-pressed or expeller-pressed. Both of these have had the least amount of processing and will last longest. Prevent them from spoiling by keeping them in a cool place and adding 300 IUs of vitamin E per pint of oil monthly. In addition, essential oils, or oils that are distilled from various plants, roots, or seeds) can be added. Seek the aid of a professional to advise on a good combination.

Some oils to choose from for massage therapy include:

* Sweet almond oil – Anti-inflammatory, light, and good for most skin types, especially dry skin.

* Apricot kernel oil – Reduces stress, provides balance, and good for all skin types, especially prematurely aging skin.

* Avocado oil – This is a heavy oil best diluted at a rate of 10% in a lighter oil.

* Borage oil – Good for eczema and psoriasis, it penetrates, regenerates, and stimulates.

* Castor oil – A thick sticky oil good for drawing out toxins and for use on scar tissue. Best used in a poultice.

* Coconut oil – A thick, heavy oil that should be warmed before use. Good for cracked skin.

* Emu oil – Anti-inflammatory and used for arthritis, sore muscles, bruising, and eczema. May block pores.

* Grapeseed oil – Non-allergenic and good for all types of skin. * Jojoba oil – A penetrating, anti-bacterial oil for eczema and acne.

* Kukui nut oil – Anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory that is light and has a slight warming effect.

* Olive oil – Has a warming effect and relieves stiffness.

Different skin types will fare better with different types of oil. As such, it will be a good idea to experiment with different kinds for massage therapy. If one doesn't work, try another. Also, some may personally prefer the smell or the effects of one massage oil to another. The selection of massage oils is pretty wide; so there is bound to be a preferred one for just about anybody.

Caroline Colby publishes information, tips and resources on Massage Therapy. Her site includes information on shiatsu massage, foot massage, massage techniques, massage oil, massage chairs and other massage equipment. For more details and latest news updates, please visit http://www.Massage-Therapy-Central.com

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Herbal Therapy for Acne Treatment

2006-12-06T20:53:00.000-08:00

Because prevention is the best way to protect your skin from the scarring associated with severe acne, many dermatologists recommend that controlling problematic acne through diet, regular cleansing procedures, and herbal remedies, is the most effective way to combat the tendencies of skin that is prone to acne and acne-related scarring.

Treatments that accentuate the regulation of daily habits having to do with diet, physical exercise, mood control, and other activities, are known as holistic treatments. Holistic treatments often include herbal therapies.

Herbalists recommend the following herbal remedies for acne and scarring:

• Black currant seed oil taken in 500-milligram capsules three times a day for three months or until acne is diminished.

• Evening primrose oil taken in 500-milligram capsules three times a day for three months or until acne is diminished.

• Teas made from a combination of echinacea, tea tree oil, goldenseal, nettles, or calendula.

• Teas made from lavender or chamomile, to help reduce acne-causing stress.

• Chinese herbs such as cnidium seed and honeysuckle flower.

• Teas made from cumin, coriander, and fennel, steeped for 10 minutes in hot water and consumed three times a day after meals.

Some alternative medicine practitioners recommend using diet as a way to combat acne and acne-related scarring. These practitioners believe that diets high in beta-carotene help to reduce the factors that contribute to severe acne. Orange and yellow foods such as carrots, pumpkin, and cantaloupe are loaded with beta-carotene and should be a regular part of the diet of anyone suffering from acne and scarring.

Another dietary recommendation for acne-sufferers is to consume many bland foods such as oatmeal, rice, brown grains, and applesauce. These foods should be eaten instead of spicy foods and fried foods, which are believed by some practitioners to stimulate the hormones and glands that aggravate acne conditions.

A daily practice of yoga is commonly recommended as a way to increase the flow of blood to the face. This helps to flush acne-causing toxins and to provide your facial skin with natural nutrients that help to decrease the formation of acne and to heal scar tissue.

People who suffer from acne should also take care to perform some simple daily rituals that can help to reduce the occurrence of acne and scarring.

Dermatologists and alternative medicine practitioners suggest that acne-sufferers should wash the area twice daily with mild soap. Washing should be gentle. Scrubbing or grating the skin will only aggravate the condition and lead to scarring.

Hair should be washed thoroughly and regularly and should be kept away from the face and shoulders.

Acne sufferers should also avoid shaving as much as possible. When shaving, take care not to run the blade over blemishes. Always use a new blade so as not to spread infection.

Avoid wearing make-up and facial cosmetics. If you must, take care to use make-up that is hypoallergenic.

In order to prevent scarring, do not pop or squeeze pimples. Popping and squeezing pimples is tempting, but can easily cause infection and the development of unwanted scar tissue.

While many of these holistic therapies can be easily performed at home, it is a good idea to speak with your dermatologist or alternative medicine practitioner about the best holistic measures to take as a way to help with acne and acne-related scarring.

Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and currently provides information on treating acne, pimples, and zits, via an objective informational skincare website, http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com

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Setting up the Environment for Aromatherapy Massage

2006-12-04T01:36:00.000-08:00

It is extremely important to pay particular attention to the environment in which the aromamassage is to be performed to derive maximum benefit from the treatment. Careful preparation and the right setting will make a good massage even better. Both the giver and the receiver should feel immediately relaxed. Always ensure that towels, cushions and oils are on hand so that you do not lose contact and thus break the flow of massage. An aromamassage should never be hurried.

Solitude and quiet

These are vital. Ensure that you choose a time when you will not be disturbed. Intrusions and distractions are extremely disconcerting, breaking your concentration and destroying the flow of your massage movements. Take the telephone off the hook and tell your friends and family not to enter the treatment room. You may decide to choose some soothing background music although this is a matter of personal preference.

Cleanliness

This is essential. Always wash your hands before the treatment, as any stickiness will be instantly obvious to the receiver. Make sure that your fingernails are short - trim them as far down as possible. Do not wear any jewellery on your hands. Rings, bracelets and watches can all scratch the receiver.

Warmth

The room should be draught-free and warm yet well ventilated. Nothing will destroy an aromamassage more quickly than physical coldness: it is impossible to relax when you feel cold. The room in which you give the aroma massage should be heated prior to treatment and, as the receiver's body temperature will drop, ensure that spare towels are at your disposal. Keep all areas of the receiver's body covered, other than the part on which you are working. Warm your hands if they feel cold.

Lighting

Soft and subdued lighting will create the ideal atmosphere. Bright lights falling on the receiver's face will hardly induce relaxation and will cause tension around his or her eyes. Candlelight provides the perfect setting or you may wish to use a tinted bulb. Choose from pale pink, blue, green, peach or lavender.

Colour

The most therapeutic colours to have in the room are pastel shades - pale pink, blue, green or peach decor and towels are perfect for the occasion. Colours such as red will tend to create unwanted emotions like anger and restlessness.

Clothes

Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothes as you need to move around easily and the room in which you will be working will be warm. White is the best colour to wear when giving an aromamassage since it will reflect any negativity which is released from the individual being treated.

Wear flat shoes or, even better, go barefoot. The receiver should undress down to whatever level he or she feels comfortable with. Suggest undressing down to the underwear. Point out that areas which are not being worked on will be covered up as this will create a sense of security and trust.

Finishing touches

Fresh flowers add a pleasant aroma to the atmosphere, or you can burn incense or essential oils prior to the treatment. Crystals may also enhance the environment. Rose quartz relaxes and soothes and amethyst is useful for absorbing negativity. You may put a drop of essential oil on to your crystals.

EQUIPMENT

Aromamassage surface

Work on the floor using a firm yet well-padded surface. This will allow you to give an aromamassage whenever you desire. Place a large, thick piece of foam, two or three blankets or a thick duvet on the floor. Use plenty of cushions or pillows during the treatment. When the receiver is lying on his or her back, place one pillow under the head and one under the knees to take the pressure off the back. When the receiver is lying on his or her front, place a pillow under the feet, one under the head and shoulders and perhaps one under the abdomen, if desired.

Ensure that you have something to kneel on to avoid sore knees. If you are unfortunate enough to suffer from back or knee problems it may be a good idea to invest in a portable couch. It is far less tiring and makes the receiver's body readily accessible. You could try improvising by using a kitchen table if the height is comfortable for you. Do not use a bed as most are far too soft and wide for massage purposes and any pressure applied is absorbed by the mattress.

For more information on aromatherapy, aromatherapy massage, aromatherapy books, essential oils, massage equipments, and other related topics.... please visit http://www.massagemanual.com

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Yoga Meditation for World Peace

2006-12-02T00:33:00.000-08:00

Does world peace seem like a fantasy? What is the number one obstruction to world peace? How can we overcome such a powerful obstruction, with Yoga? Does Yoga meditation give us the answer?

The ego is the largest obstruction to world peace. One person’s ego can affect the collective consciousness of an entire country and the world. Consider history’s most famous conquerors and tyrants; their personal ambitions became an excuse to justify sacrifice, cruelty, and warfare.

What starts out as a personal matter can become a social dilemma, if one person has the influence, and an ego, which is out of control. Each of us has an ego, but we often ask others to put their egos aside before we do. We are right and they are wrong. We imply that they should listen to our side of the debate first.

How is it possible to restrain the ego? How can Yoga help control the Ego?

Yoga is designed to take care of the health of a single person. In many ways, Yoga travels to the core of the human mind, body, and spirit. One method allows an individual’s mind to be isolated through Yoga meditation practice. Yoga meditation allows the mind to withdraw from the “pains and aches of society.”

What do I mean by the pains and aches of society? Unfortunately, no society is perfect. Speak to any social worker about poverty and injustice. Each social worker receives a “bird’s eye” view of social injustice. Over the years, I have taught many social workers in my Yoga classes. It is apparent that they came to Yoga class as a sanctuary.

Why would social workers need a Yoga class for sanctuary? Social workers feel empathy, without ego, and they want to make a positive difference in modern society. They clearly see social illness, and inadequacy, on a daily basis.

How else could Yoga meditation overcome the ego? The mind withdraws from society, distractions, and multi-tasking, which forces the mind to look at itself. Yoga meditation is a systematic healing process for the individual and a remedy for society’s short comings.

In a recent conversation with a Yoga teacher, he mentioned how Yoga meditation is considered, by the public, to be “time spent doing nothing.” He completely understood the deeper value and benefits of meditation, but was concerned about how to reach his Yoga students, with overactive minds. After all, most of them would rather perform asanas than spend time meditating in a Yoga class.

The answer is: We will have to educate them, wait for them to age, or wait for the time, when they can appreciate the meditative aspects of Yoga. If Yoga students were trained to meditate as children, they would appreciate the many benefits of Yoga meditation at this moment. However, we cannot force a person to instantly meditate and “see the light.”

In order for meditation to take place, the mind must be willing to look at itself. When the collective consciousness of a society meditates on a regular basis, it will be reflected by peaceful behavior.

Yoga Meditation is a wonderful resource for mankind because it can bring the mind to a state of peace with itself. A global society, which has an addiction to multi-tasking, needs time to “unplug” itself, and Yoga meditation offers realistic solutions.

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

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Ayurveda, India's Science of Life, Health and Longevity

2006-11-30T04:13:00.000-08:00

Ayurveda is India's ancient science life, health, and longevity. It is thought of by many scholars to be the oldest form of health care in the world. It originated in India over 5000 years ago, and was taught for thousands of years in an oral tradition from accomplished masters to their disciples. The purpose of Ayurveda is to heal, to maintain a high quality of life, and to increase the longevity of the individual. It is an art of daily living that has evolved from practical, philosophical, and spiritual insight. Even though they have been used for thousands of years, Ayurvedic principles have never changed, since they derive from universal laws of nature that are eternally true.

In Sanskrit, Ayurveda means the "Science of Life." Life is the integration of body, mind and consciousness. Ayurveda places great emphasis on prevention and encourages the maintenance of health through diet, lifestyle, yoga and meditation practice, the use of herbs, as well as cleansing and and rejuvenating therapies (panchakarma, abhyanga, shirodhara, nadi swedana, etc.)

Ayurveda is a science of self-understanding. By understanding our own unique nature or constitution we can begin to understand how we interact with our environment and thus make choices that will lead us toward greater health. Ayurveda defines disease as the natural end result of living out of harmony with our original constitution. Therefore, the Ayurvedic approach is very individualized, since the path to optimal health is different for each person, depending upon their unique constitution or prakruti.

The Ayurvedic system believes that the individual’s constitution (prakruti) is recorded at the time of conception as a genetic code that can be expressed physically and mentally as disease proneness and emotional response. This constitution is determined by vata, pitta and kapha, which are the three main doshas, or psycho-physiological functional principles in Ayurveda. They govern the individual’s response to changes and they promote the disease process when out of balance.

Many factors, both internal and external, can disturb this balance and bring about changes in the original constitution that may lead to disorders and disease. Some of these factors include emotional and physical stresses, improper food combinations and choices, physical trauma, or seasonal and weather changes. Once we understand how these factors affect us on a constitutional level, we can take appropriate actions to nullify or minimize their effects and eliminate the causes of imbalance. The aim is to understand the nature and structure of disorder, so we can re-establish order to gain control over our health and well being.

The science of understanding our constitution is the science of tridosha. Tridosha defines the three fundamental doshas or principles that govern the function of our bodies on the physical, mental, and emotional levels. Each individual has a unique balance of all three of these energies. These principles can be related to the basic biology of the body.

Energy is required to create movement so that fluids and nutrients get to the cells, enabling the body to function. Energy is also necessary to metabolize the nutrients in the cells and is utilized to lubricate and maintain cellular structure. Vata is the energy of movement; pitta is the energy of transformation, digestion or metabolism; and kapha is the energy of lubrication and structure. Everyone has the qualities of vata, pitta and kapha, but one is usually primary or predominant, one is secondary and the third is usually the least predominant.

Vata is the subtle energy associated with movement. It governs respiration, circulation, and elimination, as well as the pulsation of the heart and motor neuron impulses. Vata is very much like the wind —it is light, cool, dry and mobile. People with a vata nature experience more of these qualities. Their bodies tend to be light, their bones thin, and their skin and hair dry. They often move and speak quickly. They tend to be talkative, enthusiastic, creative, flexible, and energetic. When aggravated, vata can cause confusion, insomnia, flatulence, constipation, weight loss, tremors, spasms, asthma, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, as well as many neurological and immunological problems.

Pitta represents the fire element in the body. It governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism, and body temperature. Pitta tends to be hot, sharp, and penetrating. It is also somewhat volatile and oily. People with a pitta nature reflect these qualities. They tend to feel warm, have somewhat oily skin, penetrating eyes, and sharp features. They tend to have moderate weight and good musculature. They tend to be highly focused, competitive, capable, courageous, energetic, and clear communicators who get right to the point. They can however become overly intense and speak with a sharp tongue. Pitta disorders include diarrhea, infections, hyperacidity, ulcers, skin eruptions, chronic fatigue, Crohn’s disease, colitis, liver, spleen, and blood ailments, as well as numerous inflammatory problems.

Kapha is the energy that forms the body’s structure and provides the cohesion that holds the cells together. Kapha supplies the water for all bodily parts and systems. It lubricates joints, moisturizes the skin, and maintains immunity. Kapha tends to be cool, moist, stable, and heavy. In the body these qualities manifest as dense, heavy bones; lustrous, supple skin; low metabolism and large, stocky frames. In addition, those with a kapha nature tend to feel cool. The heavy, stable nature of kapha reflects in a stable personality, not prone to quick fluctuations. When out of balance, kapha individuals are prone to gaining weight and tend to accumulate mucous. Kapha can also cause obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, depression, edema, asthma, tumors, and a variety of congestive problems.

Ayurveda also states that like increases like. For example, the summer has attributes similar to those of pitta —hot, liquid, light, mobile, and penetrating. Therefore, in the summer pitta in the body tends to be increased. Vata is light, subtle, dry, mobile, rough, and cold. So in the fall, which also exhibits these attributes, vata will tend to be increased in the body. Kapha is liquid, heavy, cold, sticky, and cloudy. In the winter, when these characteristics predominate in the external environment, internal kapha tends to be increased. The constitution of an individual is a dynamic force, and vata, pitta, and kapha are dynamic energies that will change and be affected by the environment and other factors in various ways. An Ayurvedic regime and lifestyle, along with dinacharya routines, will enable the individual to gain more awareness and control over how those factors can be diminished or nullified, so as to improve and maintain optimal health and well being.

From the time of birth until death, the body is engaged in maintaining life. Vata, pitta and kapha play an important role in the maintenance of cellular health and longevity. Kapha maintains longevity on the cellular level. Pitta governs digestion and nutrition. Vata, which is closely related to the life energy (or prana), governs all life functions. Ayurveda offers different therapies that may support the individual’s constitutional harmony at all levels, while promoting cellular rejuvenation and overall vitality and immunity. The key to optimal health is to help the body eliminate toxins and reestablish the constitutional balance of the doshas. For such purpose, Ayurveda offers diet and lifestyle guidelines, herbal preparations, and cleansing and rejuvenating programs such as panchakarma and vata management therapies.

Vishnu Dass, NTS, LMT, CAyu, is an Ayurvedic practitioner and educator and the Director of Blue Lotus Ayurveda - Natural Health & Rejuvenation - an Ayurvedic clinic in Asheville, NC, that offers holistic health care, panchakarma (for deep detox and rejuvenation), rejuvenating therapies, diet and lifestyle counseling, yoga and yoga therapy, therapeutic massage & bodywork, workshops, and more. For more information, articles and products, visit: http://www.bluelotusayurveda.com and http://ayurvedayogashop.com

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Yoga and MS

2006-11-28T03:16:00.000-08:00

Yoga is known to improve health overall, with every aspect of it enhancing something, mind, body, or spirit. But, overall health aside, yoga is becoming known to be particularly helpful for relief from specific diseases. One of these diseases, Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, is a bit of a medical enigma, with no concrete causes and no concrete cure.

The course of MS is unpredictable. The four categories used to classify the clinical course in a person with MS are: Relapsing - remitting, Primary-progressive, Secondary-progressive, and Progressive-relapsing. In the absence of a resolution, several treatment options must step in to relieve the burden MS places on so many lives. Physical activity is extremely important for individuals with MS, and yoga is now recognized as an excellent means of MS management.

What is MS?

MS is an autoimmune disease in which the body's defensive immune system attacks and destroys the fatty tissue, the myelin surrounding nerves in the brain and spinal cord. These myelin sheaths perform the same function as insulation around an electrical wire. Without the myelin insulation, nerve impulses from brain to body can short out and become confused, misdirected, or be completely blocked. Symptoms can include numbness and/or tingling in the extremities, weakness, lack of coordination and/or balance, gait difficulties, slurring of speech, blurred or double vision, bowel and bladder dysfunction, vertigo, and heat intolerance.

While no one knows for certain why some people get MS, there is some speculation to its cause. Because those who have family members with MS are at a slightly increased risk, there is speculation that it may be somewhat genetic. There also seems to be a link between where a person lived as a child and getting the disease as an adult. Those who grew up in colder climates, farther from the equator than other geographical locations are more likely to get it, suggesting that it may possess an environmental link. The risk also increases for those people who are of Western European ancestry. And, along these lines, the risk is greatly higher for women than men, with MS infecting three times more females than males.

How Yoga Helps?

Yoga is an excellent means of MS management whether the individual manifests little or no outward signs of the disease, or whether they spend most of their time in a wheel chair. Physical activity is extremely important for individuals with MS. The benefits of yoga postures, breath exercises, and meditation may include increased body awareness, as well as a release of muscular tension, a practice that will help keep muscles from atrophying and relieve spasticity. Yoga may also increase balance and coordination, flexibility and strength, control over fatigue, increased tolerance to heat, improved circulation and breathing, improved organ function, enhanced alertness, better management of stress and on overall feeling of well-being.

In 2003, the specific link between MS help and yoga was researched in a study conducted by the Oregon Health and Sciences University. In this study, the researchers worked with 69 MS patients, having some of them participate in yoga, some of them participate in other types of exercise, and some of them participate in no exercise at all. The researchers concluded that those who participated in yoga and exercise classes had a significant improvement in fatigue, a cornerstone of MS progression.

Because MS may have progressed beyond a person's ability to participate in other forms of exercise, yoga is a good choice, with a certain adaptability and versatility to it. For instance, to help balance, poses such as The Mountain and Warrior can be used with the help of a wall where The Tree and The Eagle poses can be used with the help of a chair. Many poses are restorative, helping the person performing them to feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

Yoga can also benefit MS in several other ways. One way is the empowerment yoga provides, empowering people to make wise choices about other factors that can help MS. One of these factors is healthy eating. Because it's important that those with MS eat meals that are healthy and well-balanced, a person's choice in diet can greatly affect the degree to which MS is debilitating. Yoga has a way of filling a person's mind and body with constructive emotions, allowing them to want to do everything they can to relieve the symptoms of the disease. It makes people self-aware, helping them to realize what actions need to be taken to keep MS in check and helping them to want to perform those actions.

Another way yoga helps is by perpetuating a positive attitude, something that can prove helpful even where modern medicine fails. Yoga helps people to look inward, focusing on the positive emotions they have within them and giving their inner being the ability to heal. This takes the focus off the disease of MS, causing it to loosen its grip in the process. It also helps people to relax, be less stressed, and to believe MS is a disease that they can keep in check. In keeping with the belief that "he who thinks he can and he who thinks he can't is right either way" yoga makes people more optimistic when it comes to their disease, and their life in general.

About us: TWISTED is a medical yoga studio at the Center for Osteopathic Medicine in Boulder, Colorado. Twisted integrates osteopathic medicine, hatha yoga and mindfulness practices to teach optimal balance between physical, mental, and emotional health. It aims to educate and help people to live a healthy life from the inside out. Rehabilitation programs offer a comprehensive treatment regime for the whole being, empowering each person one breath at a time to stimulate the body’s natural healing potential.

Jennifer Jordan is senior editor of http://www.yogatwisted.com. Specializing in articles that not only teach yoga techniques, but also teach techniques on fulfillment and enrichment, she aims to educate students proudly enrolled in the school of life.

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Easy Tips Guide to Aromatherapy Massage

2006-11-26T01:46:00.000-08:00

An aromatherapy massage is a great way to relieve stress and show someone how much you care about them. In order to ensure an aromatherapy massage provides physical and emotional benefits without causing potential injury; however, it is important to follow safety guidelines.

First, always keep in mind that the oils used in aromatherapy are flammable, so use care when using near open flame.

It is also important to remember that you should never using painful or hard pressure during an aromatherapy massage. While hard pressure may feel good if the person is particularly tense, the best method is to use gentle movements in order to avoid possible injury.

In addition, avoiding directly massaging bones during an aromatherapy massage as this can cause injury. If an area has been fractured, always avoid this area to avoid possible re-injury. It is also important to avoid any areas that are infected.

Individuals who are pregnant or who have stomach problems should not have their abdominal areas massaged. In addition, individuals who have or may have blood clots are not good candidates for an aromatherapy massage. Avoid trying to crack any bones or perform any adjustments. Only qualified professionals should attempt this.

Always make sure that you are using a diluted blend of aromatherapy oils. There are numerous recipes available that can help you achieve an appropriate aromatherapy massage blend. A basic aromatherapy massage oil recipes; however, includes mixing 15 or so drops of essential oils of your choice with one ounce of carrier oil, like sweet almond oil. Excellent oil choices for an aromatherapy massage include lemon and lavender for stress relief. If you are performing an aromatherapy massage to relieve sore muscles consider options such as eucalyptus and peppermint. Jasmine makes a nice choice for aphrodisiac aromatherapy massages. Any oil that is left over can be stored in an airtight glass container.

An aromatherapy massage can be a great way to relax, relieve sore muscles, achieve a better night’s sleep or share sexual pleasure with a trusted partner. By following these aromatherapy massage tips and guidelines you can be sure to safely enjoy your next aromatherapy massage.

Toby Russell & his site http://www.benefitwitharomatherapy.com aims to provide up-to-date information, tips and advice on the numerous health benefits associated with Aromatherapy.

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Align Your Body with a Chiropractic Treatment

2006-11-24T01:40:00.000-08:00

What is Chiropractics?

Chiropractics is a medical system based on the theory that disease and disorders are caused by misaligned bones, especially in the spine, that obstructs proper nerve functions. Chiropractors manually manipulate the joints of the body and realign the spinal column.

Chiropractors are people who diagnose and treat disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. The philosophy of chiropractic medicine believes that skeletal imbalance and joint malfunction, particularly in the area of the spine, can cause pain and other problems. Chiropractors rely on palpitation, pressure, and manual manipulation of the joints and muscles to cure these problems.

Subluxation and chiropractic manipulation

Chiropractors use the term subluxation to depict the altered position of the vertebra and subsequent functional loss, thus determines the location for the manipulative treatment.

Chiropractic kinesiology

Chiropractors often use chiropractic kinesiology to treat structural imbalances and muscle and joint problems. Chiropractic kinesiology is a specific form of diagnosis using functional neurological muscle testing (FNMT) as a primary feedback mechanism to help determine the cause of an individual's chief complaint and to help evaluate our structural, nutritional and mental aspects of health.

Chiropractic treatment is suitable for everyone, including newborn babies, the elderly, pregnant women, and sports enthusiasts. Your chiropractor will help you to maintain your health, and keep your body aligned as it should, and by offering exercise and lifestyle advice for you to follow in the future.

Not all insurance covers chiropractic care. You will need to check with your health care provider. Most chiropractic offices will call and check on your coverage, but it is best to call your health provider prior to your visit.

Chiropractic treatment can be ongoing. You may achieve a degree of comfort after your treatments, but misalignment of joints can sometimes be reoccurring.

For more information about chiropractic therapy, visit Chiropractic

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The Essential Guide to Aromatherapy Essential Oils

2006-11-22T01:18:00.000-08:00

Learning about aromatherapy essential oils is an important part of learning how aromatherapy can provide a number of benefits.

First, it is important to learn how to find quality aromatherapy essential oils. With the growing popularity of aromatherapy today there are a number of vendors offering aromatherapy essential oils through stores, websites and mail order. It is important to be aware; however, that while essential oils are now quite readily available, not all of the oils you will find for sale are quality.

Quality is an important part of achieving the benefits through aromatherapy essential oils. Poorer quality aromatherapy essential oil have been produced from poor crops and not handled properly. They may also have other oils or even chemicals added to them. As a result they will not have the same therapeutic benefit as true pure aromatherapy oils. In some cases, poorer quality aromatherapy essential oils can even cause harmful problems instead of the therapeutic benefits for which they are intended.

To choose high quality pure aromatherapy essential oils it is important to learn what to look for when shopping for oils. Always avoid oils which indicate they are perfume or fragrance oils. This is an indication the product is not a pure essential oil. Instead, it is most likely a combination of different essential oils and possibly even chemicals.

It is also important to understand that aromatherapy essential oils must be stored properly in order to retail therapeutic benefits. Toward this end they should be stored in dark glass bottles. Clear glass allows light to damage the oils. Never purchase oils sold in clear glass bottles. Plastic bottles should also be avoided as well. In addition, it’s a good idea to avoid buying essential oils that have dust on the bottles. This is probably an indication they have been on the shelf awhile.

The best aromatherapy essential oil vendors will allow you to test or sample a product before you buy it. Of course, if you are buying on-line this would be difficult, but the company should still have a way for you to ask questions as needed regarding products.

Finally, always be sure to peruse the prices of the products before you purchase. The prices of aromatherapy essential oils should vary somewhat simply because some essential oils are more expensive than others. Citrus essential oils are less expensive than jasmine, for example. Be aware of essential oil that are all priced the same.

Toby Russell through his website http://www.benefitwitharomatherapy.com helps all those seeking a better understanding of the health benefits using aromatherapy essential oils to ease many common, everyday problems.

Meditation Technique: The Basics Of Good Meditation Practice

2006-11-20T01:58:00.000-08:00

Meditation is a conscious mental state where our body and mind are purposefully focused and relaxed. Expert meditators swear that doing it regularly, using the right meditation technique, leads to a higher state of consciousness. They say meditation gives you better focus,sharper concentration, and increased awareness, plus a healthier positive outlook.

You don’t have to be mystic, or a 'guru' to enjoy the acclaimed benefits of meditation and you can literally meditate anywhere, but preferably where you don't have to concentrate on driving a car or machinery.

Meditation has many different disciplines and approaches, but the basic fundamentals remain common to all. The ultimate focus is getting rid of negative, wandering, and obstructive thoughts by disciplining the mind to become accustomed to a higher plane of activity. Meditation seeks to get rid of the the 'flak' and 'junk' that fills your mind, replacing it with more meaningful ideas and thoughts.

Reigning in the mind through meditation, seeks to tune your thoughts to a better purpose; to clean it of rubbish and self-defeating thinking.

One school of meditation requires the removal of all outside sensory stimulation so that exterioir noises and sights are phased out.

Other meditators deliberately focus their mind on some meaningful and important thought. This is not easy because we are all very accustomed to sensory overload in our daily lives. The paradox is that by settling the mind and training it through meditation, practitioners become much more aware of what's going on around them.

Traditionally, we are familiar with mystics contorting themselves into all sorts of weird positions when they meditate, but rather than jumping in to try yoga meditation, those starting out should simply find a comfortable position to calm the body and the mind. You could lie down, sit cross legged, or even be walking as you meditate; anything that induces an atmosphere where you can both relax and concentrate.

Ensure that your back is straight and that your muscles are not tense or uncomfortable. But, don't become so relaxed that you fall asleep, because this is a different mind state.

You should dress in very loose, comfortable, baggy clothing that does not constrict you in any way. Many expert meditators barely cover themselves at all; maybe just with a loin cloth.

The environment for your meditation should also be peaceful, pleasant, soothing and relaxing. It could be your favourite room in the house, or in your garden, or even in a warm bath.

Should you be a bit more advanced in your meditation journey, you could consider using an exercise mat. Some people even have a favourite meditation chair. Try some of the challenging positions you might have learned from your yoga or even Pilates class. But, don't be too hard on yourself. Practice easy positions first and build your meditation approach as you become more confident.

Some people prefer a silent atmosphere when meditating; others like some appropriate relaxing meditation music or recorded natural sounds, like whales singing, birds quitely chirping or water flowing. There are even good recorded guided medition CDs you can use to enhace your practice.

You might also like to have some pleasant incense burning, or even some nice smelling candles, to add to your peaceful meditation environment.

You will need to get instruction about this, but one school of meditation involves chanting, or humming what sounds like a monotonous noise. This is actually a mantra which has a mystic value to the person using it. Meditation chanting is a more advanced technique.

Breathing is an important part of meditation. Yoga teaches us to breath in through our nose to the count of five, then out through our mouth, to the countr of 10. You can use this tecnique to become calm in stressful situations.

The whole purpose of all these techniques; breathing, chanting, relaxing; is to focus and discipline the mind. Another meditation technique is to singularly focus on a particular object or idea.

A good meditation technique is to calm your mind and then to quietly, without speaking, only thinking it, name each part of your body, progressively focussing your consciousness on them in succession. You'll find it works very well to mentally visualise each body part as becoming completely relaxed, and without any tension. Some people visualise the tension flowing out of them like a soft flowing stream.

IF you are interested in taking up meditation, it's definitely worth getting some lessons from the experts. Researchers have discovered that meditation has a beneficial impact on the mind and body, but it takes practice.

Even medical doctors are coming around to the view that a healthy mind leads to a healthy body. Meditation, or disciplined relaxation of the mind, has spin-off benefits to the body's biochemical processes and organ health.

After all, practitioners have been advocating meditation for many thousands of years and, in today's frenetic world, deliberate and regular 'calming of the mind', through meditation, should be a daily practice for better mental and physical health.

Ross Storey, CEO of StoreyWorks International – http://www.aokhypnosis.com - is an experienced public relations consultant, communications strategist, publisher, editor and writer with a career-long fascination with psychology, meditation and hypnosis. Please feel free to re-publish this article so long as you include this resource box.

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Aromatherapy: Revive Your Senses

2006-11-18T01:39:00.000-08:00

The art of aromatherapy had been practiced since the earliest times. Strong evidences were found to link aromatherapy to ancient traditions. Though aromatic oils had been used to treat and cure various ailments and conditions for who knows how long, the formal study on their properties only started in the year 1928.

In its simplest form, aromatherapy is the use of essential plant oils for therapeutic purposes. They are normally employed to relieve a person from stress and a variety of stress-related conditions. And also for promoting an individual's general well being and in invigorating the body and the psyche.

Aromatherapy works by inducing the olfactory nerve cells with aromatic oils, which then carries out the message to the limbic system in the brain. Limbic system is the part of the brain that is responsible for controlling memory and emotions.

Aromatherapy is concerned in both the workings of the physical and emotional aspects of the person under treatment. Physically, aromatherapy helps in relieving specific conditions trough the stimulation of the nervous, immune and circulatory system. In emotions however, they may evoke pleasant memories.

Yet, the medical circles do not agree if aromatherapy in itself is instrumental to the complete healing of a certain condition. But the idea of recovery through aromatherapy is widely accepted.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are derived from the distillation of the elements of a plant like the leaves, roots, flowers, stems and bark. They hold the true essence of the plants from which they originally came in high concentration. Though termed as oil, essential oils normally do not have the real properties of oil. Some essential oils are yellow like that of the lemongrass and orange and many are clear.

These oils are used in a variety of methods: through inhalation, by adding them in the bathwater and by the application of the diluted oil on the body.

The use of oil in aromatherapy is only restricted to those with unadulterated qualities. The purest of the essential oils alone have the therapeutic values.

The following is a list of the most common essential oils used in aromatherapy. Some of which are used as carrier oils (also known as vegetable oils or base oils):

- Almond, Sweet
- Apricot Kernel
- Avocado
- Borage
- Cocoa Butter
- Evening Primrose
- Grapeseed
- Hazelnut
- Jojoba
- Kukui
- Macadamia Nu
- Olive
- Peanut
- Pecan
- Rose Hip
- Sesame
- Shea Butter
- Sunflower

Below are listed essential oils that are not advisable to use in aromatherapy, especially if not supervised by a professional aromatherapy practitioner.

- Ajowan
- Almond, Bitter
- Arnica
- Birch, Sweet
- Boldo Leaf
- Broom, Spanish
- Calamus
- Camphor
- Deertongue
- Garlic
- Horseradish
- Jaborandi
- Melilotus
- Mugwort
- Mustard
- Onion
- Pennyroyal
- Rue
- Sassafras
- Thuja
- Wintergreen
- Wormseed
- Wormwood

Aromatherapists put into practice the workings of aromatherapy in a spectrum of work environments including:

- private practice
- mobile visiting practice
- natural health clinics
- beauty therapy clinics
- health clubs
- hospitals
- hospices and
- nursing homes

In spite of the lack of formal research on aromatherapy therapists and European physicians are often prescribing certain aromatic oils for a range of complaints including colds and flu, insomnia, sinusitis, migraines, digestive problems and muscle pains. It must be understood though that aromatic oils must never be taken orally and should be first tested to determine the degree of skin's sensitivity to some oils.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides aromatherapy resources on http://www.about-aromatherapy.info

Diabetic Diet Facts

2006-11-16T20:38:00.000-08:00

Initially diabetes management and control may involve dietary changes alone. Diet is a vital component in your overall diabetes control program and to keep blood sugar levels under control, a diabetic diet strikes a balance among the carbohydrates, fats, and protein you eat, when you control your body functions through exercise and by using a diabetic diet, your pain and agony seems to diminish.
A diabetic diet must be a well-balanced meal plan tailored to your individual needs, tastes, activity level and life style, and its goal is to provide all the calories and nutrients the diabetic needs while keeping blood sugars as close to normal as possible. Diabetes is not a life sentence to a rigid and restrictive menu plan.

The diabetic diet basically involves limiting your carbohydrate intake in order to control your glucose levels. The recommended carbohydrate content of diabetic diet is 60%, fat content 30-35%. Another important characteristic of a diabetic diet is to eat regularly, at the same times each day, and to eat a consistent amount of calories each day; the diabetic diet is not only for diabetics: it is an excellent, balanced alternative for anyone.

Since the diabetic diet is one which is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, look for cookbooks that emphasize low-fat cooking, the diabetic diet is a bit stricter and calls for avoiding grains and fruit but you have about 30g of carbs daily. The ideal diabetic diet is also good for cholesterol with its emphasis on low fat, high complex carbohydrate and high fiber.

The most important aspect of the diabetic diet is meal planning, your meal plan should be adjusted to take into account carbs sugars and fat in the diabetic food, the general principle is to control body fat means less sensitivity to Insulin, which keeps the blood sugar level in check.

Carbohydrate Counting offers suggestions and tips about how to eat carbohydrates while maintaining your insulin needs and diabetes control, by following a consistent diet control, a diabetic patient ought to be able to maintain good health in general, but you should remember that an effective control of diabetes requires an integrated approach which also includes exercise, weight control and a good diabetic diet.

When you have diabetes, your medications are your best friends, as they will help you keep your condition under control, remember that one of the main goals for a diabetic diet is to lower your weight and maintain it, to put it in simplified words, diabetic diet is a balanced healthy diet plan which is vital for Diabetes treatment.

The diabetic diet is aimed at helping to control blood sugar levels, the less fluctuation, especially rapid release of glucose into the blood, the better, an adherence to a diabetic diet is an important aspect of controlling elevated blood sugar in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Want to learn more about Diabetic Diet?, feel free to visit us at: http://www.about-diabetics.info

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10 Advantages of Light Therapy

2006-11-14T20:23:00.000-08:00

Weakness and disease are inescapable facts of life. You could fall prey to a pathogenic bacterium that could eat away your skin. You could catch a deadly virus that could lodge in and weaken your lungs. You could be sick because of sunlight, or you could be sick because of depression related to the weather.

Sickness is inevitable, but suffering is optional. There are many therapies available to cure sickness, or to alleviate the pain of its symptoms. You can take medicines or be injected with them. These medicines are engineered in the laboratory to destroy infectious agents by either breaking open their cell walls, or targeting pathogenesis-related genes in their genetic material.

You can also be given vaccines to protect you from future infections. Vaccines are actually a mild version of the pathogen, and mimic the presence of the pathogen in your body. It is this mimicry that, in turn, triggers a mild immune response, which leads to your body producing cells that will keep you from succumbing to infections when you grow older.

Surgery is the last resort when trying to cure a disease. Parts of damaged organs can be removed, so that they do no further harm to the body. Whole organs may also be transplanted into you to ease the body of its burden of trying to use an organ destroyed by pathogens. You may be fitted with prosthetics, given chemical treatments, or tumors can be taken away for biopsy.

Thanks to modern technology and discoveries in science, these are not the only ways that diseases can be treated. Laboratory research has found that certain frequencies of light can actually kill pathogens or even rejuvenate cells. As a result, laboratories and clinics now specialize in research and applications in light therapy.

Certain wavelengths of light can have different effects on living organisms. Ultraviolet, or UV light, for example, can destroy bacteria. Lasers can change the configurations of molecules. Alternating periods of light and darkness can cause different plants to fruit or flower, and can change sleep rhythms in humans as well.

Light therapy exploits these properties of light and uses them to create regimens that can help cure, or alleviate the pain brought about by certain diseases. Light therapy can also be used for cosmetic purposes, and is often used in psychiatry to relieve weather-related depression.

Also known as phototherapy, light therapy involves exposing subjects to specific light wavelengths using light emitting diodes (LED), lasers, fluorescent lamps, or bright lights emitting all the colors of the spectrum. Such procedures will be prescribed for a short period of time, and are non-invasive. That is, they will not involve surgery or other penetrating therapeutics, and can thus ease the anxiety of the needle-fearing, scalpel-phobic patient.

What are the advantages of using light therapy?

- Light therapy is a non-invasive method that can kill acne-causing bacteria. Acne removal can be painful if done in a dermatologist's clinic, with only piercing equipment and syringes. Thanks to advances in light therapy, these bacteria can be destroyed when the light penetrates their cell walls, thus stopping them from causing more acne.

- Lack of light, as well as the gray air of winter, can trigger depression. Light therapy can treat depression disorders by giving patients various amounts of light, awakening the brain into thinking that the less gray seasons of summer and spring have come. This prevents patients from taking anti-depression medication s, which can have side effects.

- Light therapy can work into the body's sleep rhythm, or circadian rhythm. Research shows that our sleep habits are governed by light, and light therapy exploits this fact by giving patients varying amounts of light at designated times of the day. This keeps patients from taking tranquilizers to get a good night's sleep. It can also alleviate the pain of jet lag for frequent travelers.

- Light therapy can treat skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema at a much faster pace than other therapeutics. Ointments and shampoos need months, even years to fully take effect.

- If you are miles away from the beach, but still want to get a tan, you can go to an accredited tanning salon for UV light therapy. At safe doses, UV light can give you the tan that you want without you worrying about overexposure to the sun's harmful rays.

- Light therapy users claim that light rejuvenates their cells and gives them a more youthful, glowing look. This means less spending on expensive ointments and elixirs promising to turn back the clock on skin.

- Light therapy has been shown to be largely effective for at least ninety percent of patients.

- Light therapy can be done at home, with special light boxes. Although expensive, rising demand can lower the prices of such light boxes.

- When done with the supervision of experts, light therapy can be controlled, and its effects monitored accordingly. That is, the amount of light, its intensity, and frequency can be measured and adjusted easily.

- Light therapy is safe for many patients, if placed under the control and supervision of accredited experts.

If you think that light therapy is for you, consult with your doctor, and find out what clinics are accredited and certified in your area. If you fear needles and scalpels, but want to get cured and get better, then light therapy might just be the answer you are looking for.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.herbs-home-remedies.com where you can explore other methods of alternative treatments.

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Yoga: Relieving Asthma

2006-11-12T03:26:00.000-08:00

Yoga teaching dates back thousands of years and stems from the ancient Vedic wisdom often referred to as the Science of Life.

The science of breath and the conscious utilization of what is usually an unconscious process is the specialized province of Yoga with its system. Its system developed from centuries of observation and application of recognized traditional techniques used in the art of breath control. Study was made of the effect of different breathing habits upon both physical and psychological health as well as spiritual well-being. The science therefore extends beyond the western approach to the subject and offers information of vital interest to all, as we share the common life sustaining need to breathe every moment of our lives.

The need for air and the associated process of breathing holds its own as the most vital life nourishment, more important than food and water. It is no wonder that we tend to panic when the natural pumping of air and life into our bodies is interrupted and this is exactly what happens to a person, whether child or adult, when the spasms of asthma occur.

Healing practices of yoga are employed in India under appropriate supervision relating to the traditional Indian customs or under western medical professional care, according to choice. However, yogic techniques for home use in the West, as outlined here, are usually applied in conjunction with orthodox treatment and relief through drugs and sprays according to current medical practice. But these should be gradually reduced as the sufferer becomes independent of the need. It is advisable to maintain medical supervision particularly with children, many of whom will readily respond to the following simple exercises and suggestions.

First Preparation - Ensure that both nostrils are free

Apart from the obvious reason that the air passages must be unimpeded to allow full inhalation and absorption of oxygen by the lungs there is an additional purpose that relates to the need to balance the flow of air through the nostrils as it directly affects the brain, so intimately placed behind. This balance guarantees a calm nervous system.

So we begin with ensuring that the nostrils are both free of mucous. Each nostril should be free of obstruction and this condition maintained if possible throughout.

Check to see if both your nostrils are open now. If you cannot draw air through let us say the Right nostril and blowing the nose is no remedy, then try the following:

Place the closed right fist (in this case) under the left armpit and press the arm down so that the knuckles press into a spot on the underside of the arm and on the torso also. It is important that you find the 'right spot' that will be quite tender. Holding this position, take some deep breaths maintaining the pressure for a minute or two. It is usual that if the nostril is blocked for no other reason, simple nerve pressure in this manner will be successful and for a time both nostrils will then be free. Be patient until you are successful. Of course reverse the process in the case of a blocked Left nostril.

It must be understood that it is natural for one nostril to be open and functioning more freely than the other and this alternating pattern ensures that our natural air conditioning system works well in maintaining the necessary balance for health. There is also a period when both nostrils are equally free between times. Keep a check on this and you will observe differences throughout the day.

The technique will certainly help in cases of chronic conditions but if suffering acute asthma it is likely that you will have to resort rather to the simple method of applying cold water compress, or even iced water to the bridge of the nose and this in itself can sometimes be helpful in relieving nasal congestion and reducing the intensity of an asthma attack.

Breathing Exercises

The following disciplines are related to periods in the day when the asthma sufferer is temporarily free of symptoms:

Balancing Inhalation and Exhalation It is common to find that each individual varies in regard to ease of inhalation and exhalation and that there are greater capacities and difference in degree of air flow in the dual process. In the case of asthma, it is recognized that it is usually the exhalation that must gradually be improved. This can be done quite simply.

Extend the Exhalation Begin with breathing in to an easy count, say of 4 seconds and breathing out for the same, to establish a rhythmic flow. Continue for a minute or two and then make a change. Inhale to a count of 4 but exhale trying to double the time to a count of 8. If this is difficult, reduce to a count of 3 in and 6 out. Continue for a few minutes only and then rest.

Regular use of this simple exercise will draw your attention to what is required regarding elementary control of the breath.

Adjustments to the Diet

Asthma is known to be exacerbated, if not caused, by unnatural chemical agencies in the diet and chemicals and toxins in the environment of the patient. Also the general constituents of diet must be considered, not only because of allergies but by any imbalance. Asthmatics often have built up an imbalance through favouring a diet with too much carbohydrate content, comprise of refined sugars and processed starches. Dairy products are to be avoided altogether for a period of time if one is serious about reducing symptoms of this disease.

Increasing use of herbs in the diet is important with some being specific remedies for respiratory complaints. No amount of attention to breath control will cure anyone suffering from asthma created by toxic materials ingested within his own body and which are now stifling him. Some asthmatics are obviously suffering from a situation of internal body pollution and a heavily burdened toxic bloodstream that produces symptoms such as dull eyes, nasal congestion, mouth breathing and frightening asthma attacks.

Generally however the approach to relieving asthma involves attention to all the main health factors and there is much to be gained by continuing to learn what yoga therapy offers. There are many simple, natural practices that offer additional or alternative methods of therapy that can prove effective in relieving asthma and may be safely be done at home. It is therefore important, in assessing a natural approach, that attention is given to correct the basic factors of preparation. The nostrils must be free and the nutritional aspect adjusted before we look to the deep-seated nervous condition and the psychological factors behind this disease and realise how important a role relaxation plays in bringing relief.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Yoga

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The Wonders of Massage Therapy Vs Aromatherapy

2006-11-10T01:45:00.000-08:00

About 6000 years ago in the land of Egypt, aromatherapy was exclusively used and recommended by the Egyptian doctors as a combination of massage and essential oils. That combination helped relieve burn-outs, stress, depression, aches, pain, and so on. As time goes by, massage therapy broke away from essential oils. Presently, essential oils now known as aromatherapy products now work as stand alone products. As it is presently, this combination is being recommended as the best solution for a healthier body and mind. That brings us to a vital question, can essential oils actually fight diseases to heal the mind and body as stand alone aromatherapy products?

Aromatherapy oils are volatile oils used for flavourings and as perfumes and are extracted from living plants. Fixed oils are different because they are not volatile and fatty in nature. That being the case, how can one tell if aromatherapy essential oils can work alone when compared to the massaging therapy. It is a known thing that aromatherapy oils work in conjunction with massage to bring about a healing of the body and mind. But some are concerned that as a stand alone products that aromatherapy oils may not be able to heal without the massaging therapy. Well that is a good question and i will like to answer it. Let's us get a proper definition or meaning for these two therapies namely; aromatherapy oils and massaging.

Massage therapy: This is the gradual rubbing of the whole body, paying attention to special areas like pressure joints, thus releasing muscle tension that has developed along the stomach line, shoulder, hips etc. When this is done with essential oils, a healing effect is achieved which relaxes the mind and body using the natural scents radiated by these essential oils.

Aromatherapy essential oils: Ordinarily as stand alone oils, they have natural scents that engulfs the atmosphere surrounding where it is opened. It is a known fact that these oils preserve their natural scents because they are extracted from living plants. If an oil has a natural scent and fragrances preserved, i see no reason why its smell should not relax the mind and body. But to further clear that, what are essential oils claimed to heal? Let us consider the answers as to why these oils can still function as stand alones. We will consider just two aromatherapy essential oils.

Frankincense is an essential oil used as incense for burning to produce a sweet smell usually used in perfumes. One of its main healing functions is that it serves as an antiseptic. Since it is a natural antiseptic and very pure and undiluted, don't you think that if the smell can be inhaled via its scent into the lungs and body, that it can have a healing effect on anyone who inhales it? The scent can remove toxic, diuretic, and help in sedating one.

Another essential oils is Fir needle. Merchants have it that this oil can can aid in healing bronchitis symptoms, muscle aches, rheumatism, coughing, sinusitis, colds, and so on. As the frankincense too, this one has an antiseptic characteristics and this can be inhaled when the oil is opened. Now do you think you will receive any form of healing if you inhale this antiseptic from the air. The answer is an obvious yes answer. This is true if you are breathing pure and undiluted antiseptic directly from the air.

Aromatherapy oils when combined with massaging therapy can result to a wonderful healing of the body and soul, this i want to recommend. Moreover, it seems that essential oils of aromatherapy can equally function very well without the combination by just inhaling it.

Joe Okoro writes about Aromatherapy in his free reports. You can sign up for his courses and get additional information by visiting: www.coolcashjackpot.com/aromatherapyform.htm

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Ayurveda and Yoga, Ancient Sister Sciences

2006-11-08T02:34:00.000-08:00

Ayurveda and yoga are sister Vedic sciences that have been united for thousands of years for the sake of healing body, mind, and consciousness. Generally speaking, Ayurveda deals more with the health of the body, while yoga deals with purifying the mind and consciousness, but in reality they complement and embrace each other.

The ancient rishis (seers) were the original masters of all Vedic sciences. They understood that good health is a great asset on the path toward Self-realization. If the body is neglected it can easily become an obstacle to spiritual practice. Anyone who has practiced meditation for any length of time would agree to how difficult it can be to sit still for long periods of time without feeling discomfort and fatigue. Both yoga and Ayurveda are mutually supportive and offer many ways to prevent and heal various disorders as well as to cleanse and rejuvenate the body.

Besides sharing a philosophical foundation, both systems have many similarities in relation to attitude, nutrition, diet, hygiene, exercise, cleansing practices, as well as spiritual practices. Traditionally, a student of yoga would first live close to and serve the guru for many years, during which time he would learn healthy habits. The basic Ayurvedic principles for health and longevity were past on in the lineage in oral form to serve as a foundation for a life of sadhana (spiritual practice).

Nowadays, the teachings of yoga are easily available to all, and whether prepared or not we can leap headlong into its practice. This has its blessings, in the sense that more people can be turned on to the teachings, although much is often lost without the parampara, or close guidance at the feet of an accomplished master. With this in mind, modern yoga practitioners would most certainly benefit from a basic knowledge of Ayurveda to help establish a healthy daily routine and adjust their practice according to the constitution, dosha imbalance, season, and so on, to prevent disease and promote longevity.

First, let’s take a look at the similarities between yoga and Ayurveda:

* Both are ancient Vedic teachings. Yoga originates in the Yajur Veda, while Ayurveda originates in the Atharva Veda and Rig Veda.

* Both recognize that keeping the body healthy is vital for fulfilling the four aims of life: Dharma (duty), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation).

* Both recognize that the balance of doshas (humors), dhatus (tissues), and malas (waste products) is essential for maintaining good health.

* Both share virtually the same metaphysical anatomy and physiology, which consists of 72,000 nadis (subtle channels), 7 main chakras (energy centers), 5 bodily sheaths, and the Kundalini Shakti (energy).

* Both advocate the use of diet, herbs, asana, pranayama, meditation, mantra, astrology, prayer, puja, and rituals for healing the entire being.

* Both encourage physical health as a good foundation for mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

* Both share the same view on psychology. Ayurveda embraces all six of the main schools of philosophy including the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and Vedanta (a non-dual philosophical and spiritual path). They both understand that the attachment to the body-mind complex is the root cause of all suffering and that the ultimate state of health is experienced when we abide in our true nature, which is total peace, regardless of the state of the physical body.

* Both use cleansing methods for the body, all of which encourage the removal of waste products and toxins through their natural routes of elimination. Ayurveda has panchakarma (five cleansing actions) and yoga uses Shat Karma (six purification measures).

Ayurvedic approach to asana practice

The use of asana, pranayama, and meditation for healing is known as Yoga Chikitsa, or Yoga Therapy and has been used for thousands of years by Ayurvedic and yogic adepts. In Yoga Chikitsa, a group of yogic exercises are chosen that will best support the individual and are practiced daily. This can be done over an extended period of time in conjunction with an Ayurvedic regime and herbal and dietary therapies. Yoga Chikitsa also plays an integral role in the Ayurvedic cleansing and rejuvenation process known as panchakarma.

For a well balanced personal yoga practice, it is important to take into consideration the individual’s body structure, prakruti (original constitution), and vikruti (present constitutional imbalance). The following are general recommendations according to the predominant dosha.

Vata predominant individuals should remember to focus on calming, grounding, stillness, strengthening, and balancing while doing their practice.

Precautions for vata:

* Vinyasa or flow styles of yoga tend to move too quickly from one pose to the next and can aggravate the hyper-mobile quality of vata over time. Flow sequences can be made to be more vata pacifying if they are not excessively long, the length of time poses are held is extended, and transitions are done slowly and consciously.

* Those with lower back problems may find that bending the knees in standing forward bends can prevent discomfort.

* Back bends should be done slowly, carefully and within one's own limits.

Pitta individuals should maintain a calm, cool, and relaxed intention while doing asanas. Pitta types may benefit from trying to cultivate an attitude of forgiveness, and of surrendering or offering the fruits of their practice to the divine of to those in need of positive healing energy. Because asana practice tends to generate heat in the body, it is best to do them at cooling times of the day, such as dawn or dusk. Also, it is useful to place some emphasis on poses that help to release excess heat from the body, such as poses that compress the solar plexus and poses that open the chest like.

Kapha types tend to be sedentary and often dislike vigorous exercise. For this reason, their practice should be energetic, warming, lightening, and stimulating, providing they are physically capable. Vinyasa or flow style yoga is good for kapha because it is dynamic and moves quickly from one pose to the next, it induces sweating and gets the heart pumping.

Yoga poses that address specific doshic problems can be easily added to an Ayurvedic regime and integrated into an existing yoga routine, or they can be organized as a small session with the help of an Ayurvedic clinician who knows each individual case well and can help set up a well balanced program according to the needs of each client.

Ayurveda also offers Yoga Chikitsa, or Yoga Therapy, for specific doshic disorders. It is advised to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for an individualized regime.

Ayurvedic Approach to Pranayama (breathing techniques).

The ultimate goal of pranayama is to calm the mind and prepare it for meditation. It also has a therapeutic effect on the physical body as well. It is not essential to do a pranayama practice according to dosha, but knowing its effects on the body is a valuable tool for management of the doshas. Below is a general list of pranayama and bandha exercises according to dosha.

Vata: Nadi Shodhana, Kapala Bhati, Agnisara Dhauti, Ujjayi, Tri Bandha, Maha Mudra.

Pitta: Sheetali or Sitkari, Nadi shodhana.

Kapha: Bastrika, Agnisara Dhauti, Kapala Bhati, Ashvini Mudra (contracting and releasing Mula Bandha), Ashvini Mudra, Ujjayi, Tri Bandha, Maha Mudra.

Furthermore, the Four Purifications taught in our workshops is an ancient method from the Ashtanga Yoga for purifying the gross and subtle body in order to prepare it for more advanced practices. They are tridoshic and safe for everyone, providing they are performed correctly.

Meditation According to Dosha.

These spiritual paths and their meditation techniques can be practiced by anyone, regardless of their prakruti. This list is only intended to give an idea on how dosha can support or influence one’s spiritual practice. Many traditions of yoga blend various aspects of the paths listed here.

* Vata: Kriya Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga and other structured techniques help to keep vata stabilized and focused.

* Pitta: Jnana Yoga and Vedanta are good for pitta types because they often have sharp intellects and have a keen interest in self-study (Atma-vichara).

* Kapha: Bhakti yoga is natural for kapha types because they are often loving and devotional by nature.

Ayurvedic and Yogic Diet.

Ayurveda is more concerned with food being constitutionally balanced, while Yoga promotes a diet that is sattwic (light and pure). A combination of both aspects is the best choice for a yogi or anyone wanting to make real progress on a spiritual path.

Ayurvedic diet:

* According to dosha.

* Primarily vegetarian (meat is used as medicine, mainly for extreme deficiencies).

* Primarily cooked (raw food in moderation, especially for vata types).

* Containing six tastes.

Yogic diet:

* Sattwic vegetarian diet.

* Easy to digest.

* Simple meals (to limit desire).

* Both cooked and raw.

* Foods recommended in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika consist of rejuvenating substances such as wheat, whole grain, white basmati, corn, raw milk, raw sugar, butter, ghee, honey, dried ginger, mung beans, pure water, vegetables.

* Fruits, roots and nuts.

* Avoiding excessive hot, sour, salty, fermented, and fried foods.

* Avoiding tamasic (dulling) foods like meat, onions, garlic and mushrooms as a regular part of the daily diet.

Cleansing in Yoga and Ayurveda.

Ayurveda and Yoga both emphasize cleansing of the body for health and support of spiritual practices. Their methods are similar and work by expelling excess dosha and ama, or toxins, using the body's natural routes of elimination.

The yogic method is known in the Ashtanga tradition as Shat Karma, or six cleansing measures. These are:

1. Neti (nasal cleansing):
Jala neti (salt water flushing of the sinuses).
Sutra neti (nasal cleaning with string).

2. Dhauti (washing the GI tract).
Teeth, tongue, eyes, ears and forehead.
Agnisara Dhauti.
Vamana Dhauti (vomiting salt water).
Vastra Dhauti (washing with a cloth).
Varisara Dhauti (washing with water for purgation).

3. Basti (enema).
4. Trataka (forehead wash, gazing into a candle flame).
5. Nauli (intestinal washing, abdominal rolling).
6. Kapala Bhati (skull shining).

The Ayurvedic method for cleansing and rejuvenation is known as panchakarma (pancha karma), or five cleansing actions. This program is usually done for a week or two, but can also be done for longer periods depending on the case. The five actions of this method are:

1. Basti (Enema).
2. Nasya (Nasal application of herbs and herbal oils).
3. Vamana (Therapeutic vomiting).
4. Virechana (Purgation).
5. Rakta Moksha (Blood letting).

It is obvious that Ayurveda and yoga not only complement each other. Both sciences actually embrace each other as they share similarities and fundamental principles on many levels. Ayurveda and yoga should go hand in hand if we want to achieve optimal health, peace, and longevity.

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The Origins of Aromatherapy

2006-11-06T00:42:00.000-08:00

Aromatherapy, which involves the use of essential oils to treat various ailments, has been used by healers for thousands of years. Although its origins are difficult to trace, the use of aromatherapy goes back at least 4,000 years, possibly beginning with the ancient Egyptians, who were known to have used aromatic botanicals in many different ways. The Egyptians used a number of herbs and spices for soothing massage, medicine, cosmetics, and even in their embalming practices.

Centuries later, it was Hippocrates who may have been the first high-profile advocate of aromatherapy. More than 2,000 years ago, the creator of the physician’s creed that bears his name was an outspoken believer in the benefits of aromatic massage for both physical and emotional well-being.

In the 10th century, the Arabs invented a process of distillation that allowed for more efficient extraction of the essential oils from plants, and for centuries, cultures from every part of the globe have inhaled aromas, drunk potions, and worn aromatic amulets as healing aids and to protect them from harm.

By extracting the essential oils from plants and herbs, aromatherapy has been, and continues to be, used to address a wide range of physical and emotional ailments, from headaches to herpes, from dry skin to acne, and from arthritis to asthma.

In modern times, France and England have led the attempt to reintroduce many ancient remedies to the world in the early 1900s, and to help aromatherapy gain greater acceptance in the traditional medical community. France still leads the world in rediscovering modern uses for ancient remedies, and many French doctors routinely prescribe aromatic remedies for their patients. That practice is reinforced by the fact that French pharmacies stock a wide variety of essential oils, and insurance companies are willing to pay for treatments involving ancient healing methods.

America currently lags behind the French and English in the use of aromatic medicine, but as more and more people experience the healing properties of aromatherapy, its use will continue to gain popularity in the United States.

Professor Jeanette Fisher, author of Doghouse to Dollhouse for Dollars, Joy to the Home, and other books teaches Real Estate Investing and Design Psychology. For more articles, tips, reports, newsletters, and sales flyer template, see http://www.doghousetodollhousefordollars.com/pages/5/index.htm

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Use Tai Chi As An Alternative Form Of Health Therapy

2006-11-04T01:07:00.000-08:00

More and more people are looking at the different alternative health therapy options these days. In this article, I write about the health benefits which using tai chi can bring. I hope you enjoy the read.

Tai chi is the most popular exercise in the world today. It is relatively new to the western world but is becoming more and more popular. The two thousand year old Chinese martial art is quite simple to do and has many benefits.

I have been attending tai chi classes for around a year now and it has massively helped me to control my anxiety and stress levels. Stress has been a big factor in my life and I have always struggled to think in a positive way. I now try many alternative treatments to manage my stress including meditation and tai chi. Both work very well for me.

I was introduced to tai chi by a friend. I must say that I did not really know much about it before this. He told me that it had helped him no end in controlling his depression. His name is John and he has many issues in his life which not only affect his self-confidence but also makes him very depressed at times. John has been attending tai chi classes for nearly two years and has seemingly become a new man. For whatever reason he did not tell people about what he was doing. On a night out I mentioned to him that he had been a lot happier in the recent months. This is when he talked to me about tai chi. He also asked if I would like to attend the classes with him, which I duly agreed to. I am very glad that we had this conversation as I can also quite easily spiral into a state of depression.

It may be a piece of mind thing as I know that I will be attending a tai chi once a week, but I am now very able to deal with stress and am far less anxious than I ever used to be.

People have also mentioned that I look far healthier and even that I look younger than before. This is supposed to be another benefit of tai chi, it helps to delay the aging process. This is good for somebody like me as people always thought that I was around five years older than I actually was.

Other health benefits of tai chi:

Helps to keep people mobile well into old age

Helps to improve balance

Helps to reduce asthma

Helps people to recover from certain injuries

Helps to boost the immune system

Helps to lower blood pressure

In conclusion, if you are like me and are a person who is always stressed out and often depressed, tai chi could be the answer for you. Give it a go and it could change your life.

It goes without saying that tai chi is not for everybody and I would also recommend meditation, reflexology, aromatherapy, and hypnotherapy.

I am a person who likes to try new things as I am always trying to improve my life. I want to live a long, happy and stress free life. Using these forms of alternative treatments is helping me to achieve this at the moment.

Steve Hill

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Acupressure Cures Back Pain For Sure

2006-11-02T00:35:00.000-08:00

Most of the so-called effective drugs for the treatment of lower or upper back pain have a contingent of side effects ready with them. If you are told about the name and the nature of the after effects in advance, you may freeze with horror. And perhaps will never take these drugs on own without consulting a specialist.

On the contrary, the natural and therapeutic therapies such as Acupressure and Massage therapy are the recommended options for seeking back pain relief. Well, these therapies offer you the cure, and cure only, without bothering you further about the side effects.

Acupressure is an ancient therapy which is reported to have a successful history of 5000 years behind it. If any line of treatment has withstood the test of time over such a long period, the system must surely give you good results. And this trust has been confirmed by the recent research findings as well.

The article published in the British Medical Journal has confirmed the efficacy of the acupressure treatment, especially for the lower back pain treatment. Thus the benefits of Acupressure for back pain relief are scientifically established!

The main highlight of the acupressure treatment is the fact that its results are long lasting with no possibility of side effects. It has shown better results as compared to other therapies. After six sessions of acupressure treatment, patients have reported immediate improvements in the pain situation.

Just masking and suppressing the symptoms of pain is no treatment. Most of the over the counter and prescription medications focus on treating symptoms of pain to treat the back pain. This directly invites the lurking danger of side effects such as liver and kidney failure, bleeding gut and cardiac dysfunction.

When the energy flow is blocked within the body, when the metabolism is not proper, illness is the result. Stress and injury are often the cause of these energy disruptions. Acupressure works on highly scientific lines. Pressure on certain specified points, makes the brain to release endorphins, which plays an important role in pain relief, stress reduction, immune function and slowing the aging process.

The end purposes of the acupressure and acupuncture treatment are one and the same. Both concern the same acupoints. But the vital difference in the mode of treatments is that no needles are used in acupressure. The pressure is mostly applied with fingertips on the relevant acupressure points on your skin.

So, acupressure is the most trusted therapy for back pain relief. It delivers the results, the good ones indeed to cure your back pain!

www.backpaindetails.com/pain/ & Back Pain Treatment website provides detailed information on back pain, back pain treatment, back pain cure and more.

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Learn Yoga, Live Yoga, Love Yoga

2006-10-31T03:29:00.000-08:00

Immerse yourself in the world of an ancient and powerful discipline for cultivating physical, mental and spiritual growth – Yoga. This intimate practice offers escapism, peace of mind and a sense of stability for all who endeavour to learn. By embracing yoga you will be opened up to a whole new perspective on life.

Learn Yoga…

Yoga can provide a foundation for living and constant direction in your life. Astanga is one of the most common form of yoga practised. It was handed down from Rishi Vamana, through a long lineage of Masters and is practiced around the world today. Qualified yoga instructors are certified through Yoga Alliance International, which enables them to share the yoga experience with others.

Yoga is more than simply poses and stretches, it focuses on calming the mind and strengthening the body. Therefore, instructors always ensure a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone – from beginners through to veterans. Rejuvenative yoga covers subtle techniques for creating an understanding of our body through releasing tension, mainly from the hips and shoulders.

Yoga Nidra is another practiced type of yoga, which literally translates to “sleep of the yogis." It is used to prepare mentally and physically prior to seeking deeper levels of consciousness and awareness through meditation. Yoga Nidra is enjoyed so much because it gives a feeling of total relaxation, and is often practiced by enthusiasts daily. It is one of the most powerful opportunities that people can take in order to escape from the tension of materialistic life.

Live Yoga…

Our hectic modern day lives tend to make us lose touch with ourselves; however by embracing the practice of yoga, this can be overcome. In philosophical terms yoga means a refined rejuvenative reunion with ‘self,’ a journey of self-discovery. This practice restores the body and mind to its fundamental state of well-being, peace, and vibrant alertness. It encourages balance and harmony in all areas of life in addition to assisting with the rehabilitation of injuries.

When practiced traditionally Astnaga Yoga is a 6 day a week exercise. Once introduced to the yoga, many find it inescapable and integrate it as a regular activity in their daily lives. Those who practise yoga will experience increased flexibility and toning of muscles. Yoga has also been proven to assist in preventing illness and supports an entirely healthy and invigorated mind, body and soul.

Love Yoga…

It is important to realise we don’t need to buy something material to make us feel good. Yoga activists acquire a sense of increased physical strength and flexibility, in addition to greater concentration and general well-being. What could be better than treating your mind and body to an intimate practise that serves to benefit your well being?

The opening prayer for the practice of yoga reads as: “Because I want more peace of mind and stability in life, I faithfully practice yoga as it has been passed down by the gurus.” Yoga allows for the creation of peace as well as physical, mental and spiritual awareness and escapism.

Of those who seek to learn yoga, many end up living it and loving it.

Sheridan Hammond is founder of Samudra Surf & Yoga Retreats. A Samudra yoga retreat is all about experiencing a different culture, eating healthy foods and engaging in the intimate practice of yoga with new friends. For more information on Sheridan, Samudra or to learn yoga, please visit the website at http://www.samudra.com.au

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Alternative Medicine and Therapies - What, Why and How of it

2006-10-29T02:02:00.000-08:00

Alternative Therapies and alternative medicine has been gaining ground along with conventional treatments. Alternative therapies have been practiced for thousand of years especially in the east commonly known as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Modern medicine has replaced such therapies due to its ability to quickly suppress the symptoms and treat the specific physical condition with pharmacological and surgical methods evolved after much research.

However the modern medicine too has severe side effects due to its toxicity and chemical interference in cellular functioning. This has resulted in alternative therapies and alternative medicines gaining ground. The inability of the medical science to quickly tackle the outbreak of immunity related disorders and disease like Aids and SARS have rekindled the interest in alternative therapies.

Alternative therapy and medicine has also gained respectability as more and more clinical trials and research is establishing the efficacy of its treatments.

Alternative therapies have very simple principles.

The body can heal itself. You only need to facilitate the self-healing process.

Prevention is the key to healthy living. The alternative medicinal system stresses on prevention of disease through a change in diet, use of proven herbs and lifestyle changes which while preventing the disease also helps in dealing with the basic cause of any disease.

Each system of alternative medicine has their own complex method of diagnoses and treatment; broadly they focus on balancing the energies in the body as well as the emotional aspects of disease. Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as homeopathy works on the principle of assisting the body to heal itself.

All treatments in alternative therapy use medicines which are directly derived from botanical sources - ingredients in plants. They are generally safe in moderate doses if they are prepared with pure essence of such botanicals and unadulterated with any form of chemicals.

Selecting the right herbal products

There are plenty of spurious products in the market with tall claims. Buy only from the best source after verifying the background and credibility of the company.

Don’t go by claims of miraculous cures. You need to understand how each product works and go by the research available on the herbs along with the traditional history of healing.

Buy the herbal or food supplements only after verifying whether company is meeting with the quality standards and test certifications. Check whether the ingredients on the label are as per the claims on the advertisements.

Plenty of information is available from the website of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or NCCAM website for complementary and Alternative medicine.

A final word of caution while using alternative medicines and therapies, whatever the claims made or facts about the medicinal and curative properties do not stop your regular treatment recommended by a doctor.

It is best to use these products as a preventive and for good health. Do not use the products for symptomatic relief but for therapeutic use.

Use the alternative medicine as complementary or as an adjuvant therapy to your regular medicine. Use of herbal remedies as a preventive or as food and health supplements is the best way to go as you do not run the risk of interference with your regular treatment of any disease or disorder.

R.G. Srinivasan is a Certified Trainer, Writer and Author.He is passionate about alternate therapies and holistic herbal medicine. Check out blog at http://alternative-healthnews.blogspot.com

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Lose Weight Rapidly with Diet Pills Therapy

2006-10-27T23:31:00.000-07:00

What is obesity? Obesity is a state when you take in more calories than the calories burnt. It affects your body metabolism and results in the dissolution of fat in your body. Obesity comes with many other health-related problems like irregular blood pressure, pain in joints, and many more.

It is for sure that losing weight is not an easy task. It is the demand of recent times to lose excess body weight at the earliest. Everyone strives hard not just to wipe out their excess body weight, but also to stay healthy

Though exercise is the best remedy for dissolving extra fat of your body, it is seen that only few of us are able to avail the benefits of exercise. It can be due to many reasons like inability to exercise, laziness, medical condition, and hectic schedules. Subsequently, diet pills therapy comes in to action by providing an easier method to shelve excess body weight. Diet pills therapy is like a boon for those people who don’t want to spend most of their time in exercises.

Diet pills are an innovative way to remove extra pounds from your body. Diet pills work effectively by suppressing your appetite. You can lose your excess weight when you take these diet pills in combination with mild exercises and a balanced diet. It is required to say “NO” to all of the following things:

•Fried Food
•Fat enriched stuff like butter
•Junk food like hotdogs, pizzas, and many more
•Milk shakes and cold drinks
•Unscheduled dietary habits

If you want to lose weight, it is important that you should set some goals. You can’t lose weight significantly without goals. Diet pills play an important role in suppressing your appetite and in stimulating the metabolism of your body. A number of diet pills are available in the market to cure obesity as:

•Phentermine
•Acomplia
•Adipex
•Didrex
•Xenical and many more

These diet pills should be taken before meals and with a glass full of water. Also, prior consultation should be taken before your go for diet pills therapy. It is to be noted that these diet pills should not be overdosed, as overdose of these pills may affect your health in an adverse manner. Few of the sober side effects of these diet pills are dizziness, insomnia, constipation, upset mouth, and dry mouth. These side effects will disappear within a few hours.

Diet pills therapy plays an important role in losing weight more rapidly. Diet pills are useful for all whether they are indulged in exercises or not. Phentermine is one of the established diet pills available in pharmaceutical market. You can buy phentermine online by just a single click of your computer mouse.

Joseph Jones received training as a healthcare scientist. He has been working in the same field and writes informative articles for weight loss subject. To find Buy phentermine online, Cheap phentermine, Diet pills, phentermine diet pills visit http://www.onlinephentermine.net

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Using Therapy Lights Or SAD Lights To Improve Your Health

2006-10-25T23:10:00.000-07:00

In comes the sunshine. That's how some people describe the benefits of therapy lights. Scientists think that simulated intense light has an effect on chemicals in your brain and your skin and that they can be used to help some conditions. There are lots of different types of therapy lights so I'm going to described just a few of them and the conditions that they can be used with:

Light boxes (Phototherapy or bright light therapy)

Many therapists have realised that sitting close to a simulated sunlight box can alleviate symptoms for some complaints. The intensity of the light should be at least 2,500 lux and exposure every day is required. Remember that a medical practitioner must prescribe the strength and type of light used in addition to the duration of the exposure.

SAD Light Boxes

Seasonal Affective Disorder in its mildest form is sometimes known as 'Winter Blues'. You don't have to be a genius to know that we all feel a lot better during the long sunny summer days. We appear to have more energy too. You lose some of that enthusiasm when winter comes when there aren't as many daylight hours. Some people get what they call 'winter blues' which makes them feel lethargic and ill and gives them a tendency to overeat. For others this becomes bad enough it to interfere with their lives and can cause a lot of upset. It can also change your behaviour.

The symptoms often begin at the start of the winter season and start to get better in March and April when spring arrives. It may not be necessary for you to use light SAD therapy daily during winter and advice from a trained professional is advised.

Jetlag and Sleep Disorders

Where the circadian rhythms or body clock of the brain have been affected by periods of sleep deprivation or extended night or daytime hours. Flying over time zones can have this effect. The light box can simulate the difference between waking hours and sleep or night time and helps to re-adjust the body and brain into rhythm quickly.

Alzheimer's and Dementia Sufferers

There are lots of research papers written on Alzheimer's Disease and many of them deal with the damage that happens to the part of the brain that controls the circadian rhythms. Damaged nerve pathways together with poor eyesight as you get older can lead to indoor levels of light being insufficient to tell the difference between day and night. There have been experiments to find out how therapy lights and light boxes can be used and they have determined that they can help to maintain the rest and activity cycles of Alzheimer sufferers' for longer.

UVB/UVA1 light

The technology that is used in tanning beds can also be used to help relieve problems with vitiligo, patches of psoriasis, pale scars and stretch marks. For best effect the light should be focussed onto the affected patch without exposing the surrounding normal skin. This type of light will damage normal skin so you must always take appropriate action to avoid over exposure.

Coloured-light or Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

With these types of therapy lights, floodlights have colored filters in order to bathe the skin in light of different wavelengths or colors. It has been shown that certain colored filters are better for different conditions:

Blue: Destroys the bacteria that can cause acne. Green: Used to treat irregularities in skin pigment like liver spots and age spots, Yellow: For the treatment of vascular conditions such as thread veins and rosacea. Combination green and yellow: This light reduces wrinkles and fine lines. Red: Can be good for headaches and, when directed at one area, for the relief of arthritic pain.

Low-level laser light (Ruby and KTP) therapy

Laser treatment has been developed to help shrink patches of discoloured skin like moles or birthmarks. The pigment (melanin) in the skin absorbs the laser light, which causes darker areas to break up and help it to look more normal.

The two therapy light systems above can be combined and used to remove areas where there is too much hair.

Information in this article is not advice. Anyone wishing to try these treatments should contact their medical practitioner first.

Steve is a software engineer and the keeper of Therapy Lights devoted to the use of light as an aid to good health. http://www.therapy-lights.thecatcollar.com

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Health Benefits of Yoga

2006-10-23T23:06:00.000-07:00

The yoga practice acts as a therapeutic tool to heal the body and the mind. When you practice yoga regularly, the numerous health benefits become apparent. The yoga postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation come together to yield a large number of physiological and psychological changes:

Physiological Benefits of Yoga

* increases muscle flexibility and joint range of motion

* increases muscular strength, endurance, and joint stability

* improves posture, steadiness, coordination, and balance

* decreases joint and back pain

* increases immunity

* improves sleep and increases energy levels

* decreases heart rate and increase cardiovascular efficiency

* decreases respiratory rate and improves respiratory efficiency

* reduces high blood pressure

* improves digestion and normalizes gastrointestinal function

* improves excretory functions and reduces constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

* improves flow of lymphatic system, thus helps in removal of toxins

* normalizes endocrine (hormone) function

* normalizes weight and body composition

* increases bone density and decreases onset of osteoporosis

* decreases blood sugar levels

* decreases sodium

* decreases total cholesterol

* increases HDL (good) cholesterol /decreases LDL and VLDL (bad) cholesterol

* decreases triglycerides

* increases grip strength * EEG - alpha brain waves increase leading to a restful mental state

* brings autonomic nervous system to stable equilibrium

* improves dexterity, reaction time, and depth perception

* increases Galvanic Skin Response (GSR)

Psychological Benefits of Yoga

* improves concentration and attention

* decreases anxiety, internal stress and depression

* improves mood and sense of well-being

* increases self-acceptance and self-actualization

* improves learning efficiency and memory

* increases somatic and kinesthetic awareness (body/mind connection)

* decreases aggression and hostility

* increases social skills

* improves depth perception

Michelle Trantina is a certified Hatha Yoga Teacher and the Co-Founder of http://www.myyogaonline.com and http://www.myyogamusic.com. Visit http://www.myyogaonline.com to learn more about Michelle and On-Demand Yoga, Pilates and Meditation lessons.

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Aromatherapy Basics

2006-10-21T22:24:00.000-07:00

Aromatherapy is considered one of the country's biggest businesses today! Need proof? Take a trip to every natural food and herb products store and you will see a variety of aromatherapy products on display. Although relatively new in the United States, aromatherapy's popularity has escalated to unprecedented heights as part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) since its "birth" in the 80s.

What is aromatherapy? There is still some controversy surrounding this topic. Some claim that aromatherapy is all about fragrances and is commonly perceived as anything that exudes sweet-smelling odor such as that of scented candles and potpourri. Some even claim that the oils used should not even be of natural origin. This is not the true element of aromatherapy. In its absolute meaning, aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from natural botanical sources to influence the physiological and psychological well-being of an individual.

Aromatherapy, or the use of essential oils for healing and therapeutic purposes, traces its origin back from the Neanderthal times. The method was so commonly used all throughout the ancient period that it transverses the boundaries of distance and culture. It was so widely practiced that you can see references from ancient Chinese, Egyptian, Indian, Roman, Tibetan, Australian and New Zealand, North American, South American and Middle Eastern sources.

What are essential oils and how are they used in aromatherapy? Essential oils are the volatile liquid products extracted from plant sources. These oils are extracted from the plant materials either through steam distillation, expression, or through the more recent method of supercritical CO2 extraction.

In steam distillation, steam is directed towards the plant material, which vaporizes the more volatile components of the plant. This process yields two products - the essential oil (contains oil soluble products) and hydrosol (containing water-soluble products). Rose water is one of the most popular hydrosols produced using this method.

Expression is more popularly used in extracting essential oils from citrus fruits. In this process, the peel of a citrus fruit is grated or scraped in order to release the oil. No heat is applied in this method so the oil produced smells essentially the same as that of its source. The oils from lime, lemon and grapefruit are obtained through this method.

In supercritical CO2 extraction, carbon dioxide is used to yield a high-grade extract which has a very similar composition as that of the natural material.

What conditions are usually treated by aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is effective for a wide range of conditions and ailments. Basil oil, for example, can be used to counter depression, sharpen the memory and treat headaches and migraines. Others have stimulating effects on the bodily systems such as the digestive and urinary tracts (bergamot oil) and the circulatory system (black pepper oil). Still others can be used as analgesic (clove oil), as topical antiseptics and disinfectants (tea tree oil, eucalyptus, sandalwood oil, etc.) and insect repellents (bergamot oil, citronella oil). Some even act as aphrodisiacs (Jasmine, Rose, Sandalwood and Ylang ylang oil)!

Applying the essential oil depends on the nature of the condition or ailment to be treated and the desired effects of the therapy. It can be through inhalation (proven to positively affect the psychological well-being of a person), topical application, or ingestion.

Although relatively safe, some people may experience allergic reactions to some of the oils. Cross-sensitivity, or the potential to experience allergic reactions to similar substances, may likewise be another possibility. This may be caused by the presence of adulterants in the oil that you are using. To be on the safe side, take extra precautions whenever using any products. Essential oils are very concentrated so for skin applications, remember to use a concentration not greater than 5% to avoid negative reactions. If you are going to employ inhalation methods, please be advised that exposure should not be more than 15 minutes in 1 hour.

When in doubt, always consult with a qualified practitioner.

Some wonderful tidbits of information. We humans are not the only ones who benefit from these wonderful oils. Plants use these naturally occurring essential oils in controlling and healing infections, humidity, hormonal effects and in attracting or repelling insects, birds and animals.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Aromatherapy

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Learn to Control Your Brainwaves Through Meditation

2006-10-19T22:43:00.000-07:00

Control your brainwaves and you control your state of mind. By raising or slowing our brainwaves, we can altar how we think, feel and act. Meditation is the process of slowing our waking beta brainwaves to the slower states of alpha and theta. By learning to control these states, we can improve our health and well-being.

Brainwaves are the electrical movements in the brain. The frequency of these brainwaves can be measured using an electroencephalograph (EEG). Electrodes placed on the scalp measure the frequency of these brainwaves. From highest to lowest frequency, these brainwaves are called beta, alpha, theta and delta.

Beta is the waking, thinking state. During beta, brainwaves range from 14 to 40 cycles per second. In beta, an individual thinks and listens, can solve analytical problems, make decisions, and intake and process information. This is our normal state of mind when working, going to school and shopping. During beta our minds are the most alert.

Alpha is a slower state more indicative of relaxing and reflecting. During alpha, brainwaves range from 9 to 14 cycles per second. In the alpha state, an individual is fully aware of his/her surroundings but in a much more relaxed state of mind than beta. Meditation is often practiced in the alpha state.

Theta is an even slower state perfect for daydreaming and intuitive thinking. During theta, brainwaves range from 5 to 8 cycles per second. It is the state between wakefulness and sleep. In this state of mind, memories, thoughts and facts that eluded a person in a wakeful state can be recalled. It is often in this state that answers to problems seem to appear. Deep meditation and prayer are practiced in the theta state.

Delta is the slowest of the four states where sleep occurs. During delta, brainwaves range from 1.5 to 4 cycles per second. At the slowest delta level, sleep is deep and dreamless.

During our waking and sleeping hours, the brain moves through all four of these stages. At any given level, there is a range in brainwaves that effect how deeply we have entered that state. By knowing how these states function, we can knowingly enter a particular state and control how our thoughts are processed.

Jose Silva wrote in his book The Silva Mind Control Method, “When you are wide awake, doing and achieving in the workaday world, you are in Beta or ‘outer consciousness’. When you are daydreaming, or just going to sleep but not quite there yet, or just awakening but not yet awake, you are in Alpha. When you are asleep you are in Alpha, Theta, or Delta, not just Delta alone, as many believe. With Mind Control training you can enter the Alpha level at will and still remain fully alert”.

Meditation allows our minds to move through these states leading us to a healthy lifestyle. When we control our brainwaves, we control how we think, feel, reason and react. Relaxation, creativity and self-awareness flow naturally. As we mediate, our physical health improves as we move closer and closer to a healthy lifestyle. Consciously controlling our brainwaves is a step towards healthy

Sharon B. Gilbert, Ph.D. is an avid researcher and writer particularly interested in the areas of women’s health, meditation, metaphysics, organic foods and cooking, and natural health remedies. For further information or to contact the author, please visit www.Healthylifestylesfortoday.com. Copyright 2006.

Aromatherapy - Theories and History

2006-10-17T22:17:00.000-07:00

Aromatherapy has been used as a means of alternate medicine for thousands of years. Records show that it was used to treat various ailments in Ancient Egypt, China and India as long as 2,000 years ago. While it is unsure exactly how aromatherapy works, it has been proven to help ease certain aches and pains, treat anxiety and other mood problems and is still a popular treatment option for many illnesses to this day.

Aromatherapy is the use of extracted plant oils for treatment of various ailments. These oils can be inhaled or massaged into the skin. It was not until the early 20th century that the term "aromatherapy" was used to describe the healing effects plant oils had on the body. A French chemist by the name of René-Maurice Gattefossé discovered the healing power of essential oils in their raw form when he suffered a severe burn during an accident. It was not until Gattefossé accidentally caught his arm on fire while working and instinctively dipped it into a vat of lavender oil that he discovered the healing powers of essential oils. The burn healed at an amazing pace and left no scar. Before the incident, Gattefossé had only used essential oils for aromatic purposes. He later wrote a book about the healing powers of aromatherapy, which is still in print today.

Essential oils can be extracted from several parts of plants, including petals of flowers, roots and leaves. Essential oils used for aromatherapy are very precious. For example, it takes approximately 440 pounds of fresh lavender petals to extract about two and a half pounds of lavender essential oil. This makes pure essential oils quite expensive, but some say it is well worth it.

Different plant oils have different effects on the body. For example, Roman chamomile can be used to treat the symptoms of allergies, while spike lavender is commonly used to treat backaches. However, some oils have many different healing affects on the body. Peppermint oil can be used to treat several ailments, including coughs, constipation, congestion, fever, indigestion and many more. Many different oils can be used for many ailments. If you are looking for a certain kind of oil for a specific ailment, ask an aromatherapist which essential oils work best for that specific problem. You can also find useful information on aromatherapy and its uses from various book and from the Internet.

Many skeptics believe that aromatherapy has retained its popularity because of the belief that it works, rather than believing that it actually has some medicinal affect on the body and mind. When inhaled, certain essential oils have healing affects on the mind and spirit. It is popularly used to treat emotional problems, such as anxiety, depression and mood swings. When massaged into the skin, these oils can have different affects. Some are used to treat muscle aches and pains, while others are used to treat common stomach complaints. Some oils can even be ingested, but it is not recommended that you drink essential oil. Some oils are used in the production of prescription medicines and can be ingested that way.

The use of essential oils for medicinal purposes is regarded as somewhat of a joke throughout most of the United States. It is often used as a complementary treatment along with prescription drugs to treat various illnesses. However, in France, where the practice or aromatherapy originated, essential oils are prescribed by physicians for various health problems and complaints.

Michael Russell

Your independent guide to Aromatherapy

Chiropractic Versus The AMA

2006-10-16T03:52:00.000-07:00

For many years, chiropractors were labeled as quacks by the established medical community. Only in recent years have medical doctors started to work with chiropractors instead of having a confrontational relationship with them. The basic theory behind chiropractic is that subluxations are the cause of many, if not most, medical problems. Subluxations are defined as misalignments in the spine or other skeletal structures that may cause blocked and impaired nerve functions. The idea is that if a chiropractor realigns the spine then normal nerve pathways will be restored and good health will be the result for the patient. However, there is no scientific evidence that supports these theories and this is why medical doctors were opposed to chiropractic. All the studies made in support of chiropractic are basically testimonials from patients. The chiropractor aligns the patient's spine and the patient "says" he feels better. Whether or not the alignment is the direct and only cause of the patient's restored health has not been scientifically established.

In the 1970s the American Medical Association (AMA), which is the main governing body for medical doctors in the USA, officially condemned and labeled chiropractic as a cult and quackery. The AMA actually had a section in its written Medical Code of Ethics that prevented medical doctors from associating with chiropractors in any way, shape or form. Also, the AMA's Committee on Quackery was working hard to discredit chiropractic by preventing coverage and recognition in all federal and state government agencies. The chiropractors, in return, sued the AMA claiming that the condemnation restricted free trade, and they won the lawsuit. Lawsuits between the AMA and chiropracters continued throughout the 1980s culminating in a Supreme Court decision in 1990 that supported an earlier decision that found the AMA guilty of illegally boycotting and conspiring against the chiropractic profession. The lawsuits didn't establish the scientific validity of chiropractic medicine but they did allow chiropractors to continue their practice without medical doctor interference. Despite improvements in the relation between medical doctors and chiropractors since then, chiropractors are still not a normal established part of the medical staffs at hospitals and medical clinics. Chiropractors usually work out of their own buildings and organizations separate from medical doctors' facilities. Occasionally a doctor will refer a patient to a chiropractor and vice versa but there is no clearly established working relationship between the two.

Part of the problem is that the established medical profession has for many years been opposed to all other alternative forms of medicine, valid or not. Science was not the real legal issue. They actively tried to contain and eliminate competition, which is against the law. The AMA has enjoyed its monopoly of the health profession industry and has zealously tried to defend it against all other approaches whether it be acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic or any other form of health care that does not buy into the surgery and drugs culture of the established medical community.

The biggest losers in all of this unfortunately have been the patients. If a spirit of cooperation and learning had been fostered between doctors and chiropractors instead of antagonism there would undoubtedly be a much stronger infrastructure today for providing health care to patients.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Chiropractor

Diet For Acne

2006-10-14T00:30:00.000-07:00

In order to control the rate of acne development, there are a few tips, which need to be followed. It is better advised to consume vegetables, cereals, pulses and fruits to the maximum. They are usually rich in fiber content and lack the constituents that lead to obesity. You will be on the safer side if you avoid gulping fried food, milk products, hydrogenated vegetable oils, shellfish, carbonated beverages etc. Proper intake of water is also necessary and will work out best.

As vitamin supplements are the building blocks for healthy skin, they should be eaten but with a proper guidance from a physician.

1. Vitamin A is necessary for reducing the sebum production, but excessive dosages could cause knee and joint pain, decrease in bone density, a few gynecology issues etc. A woman expecting an offspring should carefully follow a guideline from the medical experts and continue with her course of therapy.

2. Ingestion of zinc, especially the solution of zinc gluconate will readily reduce the rash formations, reduce inflammation and also slow down the effect of adrenal glands on the skin.

3. Vitamin B6 is required for proper metabolism.

If the above mentioned diet and vitamin supplements are consumed you can restrict acne to a large extent. Consult a physician before embarking on any supplement or diet regimen.

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1522.html

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Acupressure Is Different To Acupuncture

2006-10-12T03:39:00.000-07:00

A form of touch therapy that utilizes the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupressure is a lot like Acupuncture. The same pressure points are used in both systems. The only difference is that while Acupuncture relies on the use of needles to stimulate the pressure points, Acupressure is non-invasive. In Acupressure, the practitioner makes use of the finger tips to apply pressure.

Herbal remedies, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Acutouch, Shiatsu, diet, lifestyle changes, and meditation are all a part of the comprehensive healing techniques found in China. Legend has it that both Acupuncture and Acupressure developed when early Chinese healers treated the wounds of warriors. These systems of healing came to the West in the 1970s.

Acupressure massage performed by a trained practitioner is used both as a preventive as well as a therapeutic healing technique. Many health conditions including but not limited to headaches, migraine, cold, flu, arthritis, allergies, asthmas, sinus problems, sprains, tennis elbow and even toothaches can be treated using acupressure.

Emotional and mental strain, tension and nervous tension can also be eased using this technique. Acupressure also helps increase positive energy within the person thus creating a sense of well-being. It can be used to stimulate the immune system, thus keeping many ailments at bay. Acupressure can also be used to alleviate sexual dysfunction.

Acupressure, unlike acupuncture is easy to learn and does not need any formal knowledge. The techniques of acupressure are fairly easy to learn and provide quick, cost-effective and immediate relief from symptoms. Acupressure is used as a treatment by message therapists and acupuncturists. Most massage schools in America include a course of acupressure as part of their program.

Acupressure, like Acupuncture, is based on the Chinese belief of Yin and Yang. Unlike medical practices in the West, Chinese medicine does not consider the body as a separate entity. Both body and mind work together to form the person. Thus disease cannot be diagnosed as the breakdown of a purely physical system. The damage starts from the inside and slowly spreads to the organs and expresses itself. The ordinary man is so removed from his own body that he cannot detect the underlying cause of his disease.

‘Chi’ is the fundamental life force or energy that flows through the body and ensures the innate health and balance of the body. There are 12 major meridians in the body that support the transport of Chi. Acupressure works on the pressure points and ‘unblocks’ the circulation of Chi so that it can once again flow freely. Acupressure seeks to stimulate the points on the meridians that pass closest to the skin. These are the points that are easiest to stimulate using finger pressure.

The techniques of acupressure are so easy that it can even be used as a self-treatment for common aches and pains. An acupressurist will evaluate the symptoms and general health of the patient through gentle palpitations. Then he begins his therapy on the different meridians of the body.

A session of acupressure is generally very relaxing and pleasurable. Some people experience immediate relief while others take some more time to experience benefits. For chronic conditions several sessions may be necessary.

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Ayurvedic and Massage Therapy for Acne

2006-10-11T03:53:00.000-07:00

What is Ayurvedic treatment and how may it help in dealing with acne? Will acupressure and reflexology be effective in treating acne as well? What about juice therapy? If you are interested in finding these out, continue reading!

Ayurvedic Treatment. Ayurveda probably is the oldest form of holistic medicine, dating back some 5,000 years ago. It is the art of creating a harmonious and healthy living by practicing self-knowledge and self-care. The word "Ayurveda" originated from the Sanskrit words "ayus" meaning life and "ved" meaning knowledge or science. Hence, Ayurveda literally means the knowledge of life.

In Ayurveda, life is composed of four fundamental parts. These are the mind, body, the senses and the soul. Each of these holds equal importance and an imbalance in one area may result to ill health. Healing through Ayurveda is based on the theory of balancing these four areas. To achieve this, one must eat the right foods at the right time and maintain the cleanliness and purity of the mind and soul. Only when these things are met will true healing be attained.

In this traditional form of ancient medicine, acne is considered as a symptom of imbalance in one's way of life. It is viewed as an aggravation of the pita vata dosha. To cure it, one must comply with several dietary restrictions. Traditional practitioners may advice eating bland foods such as oatmeal, applesauce and basmati rice to minimize the problem. You must also try to eliminate fried foods, spicy foods and citrus fruits from your diet. Herbal remedies used to treat the condition include black kosch and neem.

One very useful tip is to apply toothpaste to your pimple before going to bed to help minimize the swelling. Drinking a lot of water also helps as this facilitates the elimination of bodily wastes that may cause or aggravate the condition. Again, exercising regularly plays a vital role in the fight against acne. Aerobic activities bring oxygen to the cells of the body to give you that healthy glowing skin.

Another great acne treatment can be obtained by employing massage techniques. Both acupressure and reflexology brings wonderful results.

Acupressure is now practiced around the world. This alternative form of acne remedy is a traditional form of the Chinese healing art, having evolved from acupuncture. Acupressure involves exerting pressure to specific points in the body to balance the functions of the bodily systems.

In curing acne, concentrate on the stomach meridian since it is one of the several energy pathways that regulate skin functions. When practiced properly, acupressure can dramatically enhance the appearance of your skin.

In using reflexology, focus on the liver, adrenal glands, diaphragm, intestine, kidney and thyroid gland points on the hands and feet.

And finally, the importance of Juice Therapy. Acne outbreaks are symptoms that the excretory organs are not functioning properly. Loading up on natural fruit juices can help stimulate the liver and cleanse your system. For maximum results, use a blend of one part beet juice, three parts carrot juice and two parts water. Carrot juice is a rich source of vitamin A, which reduces the production of sebum and keratin.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Acne

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Ayurvedic Medicine - Salient Features Of Ayurvedic Treatment

2006-10-10T04:07:00.000-07:00

Ayurvedic medicine is one of the oldest traditional systems of health and disease management. The history of ayurveda goes back to thousand of years. The primary goal of ayurveda has been twofold – promotion of health and managing the disease. Come, let us explore the salient features of this great system of health, lifestyle and medicine of Ayurvedic medicine.

One of the most beautiful features of ayurvedic treatment or ayurveda is that it is not merely a therapy or system of medicine. Ayurveda is essentially a holistic approach toward life, health and disease management. Ayurvedic approach includes the judicious use of medicinal herbs, minerals, diet, lifestyle, spirituality and yoga.

Ayurveda has been the pioneer for maintaining the holistic approach in Medicine. Ayurvedic principles are in the foundational role for this holistic approach in Medicine.

Ayurvedic treatment is based on personalized regimen for every individual. God and nature created each one of us in a unique way and Medicine should regard our individuality. Ayurveda stands for our individuality in theory and in practice.

The personalized approach of Ayurvedic medicine is manifested in several conditions – when we consider the conditions of ayurveda doshas or humors and select the ayurveda body types, when we choose herbs, when we consider age and time of treatment, when we consider the geographic location of the person, when we advise food and lifestyle, when we evaluate the individual physical and mental tolerance and during practically dozens of other situations.

Some medical authorities attribute the emergence of Social and Preventive Medicine totally to Modern Medicine. Ayurveda right from its inception uphold two basic purposes – enhancement of health and prevention of disease. There are guideposts regarding diet, daily regimen, hygiene, immunity boosting and rejuvenation.

Ayurveda considers the appropriate treatment to that management which relieves the disease and doesn't cause any other disease as a result of treatment. This is brought about through balancing the qualities and synergistic planning and formulation of medicinal herbs. However, getting side effects free treatment is the toughest objective for any system of therapy.

Rejuvenative treatment is given so much importance in Ayurveda that out of eight branches in ancient Ayurveda, one was fully devoted to rejuvenation, anti-ageing, promotion of health and geriatric health.

Ayurveda considers each individual as a physical, social, mental and spiritual being. For social integrity, ayurveda supports both moral and spiritual principles and teaches that they are essential for the health of society.

Ayurvedic panchakarma therapy is meant chiefly for purification of body. Panchakarma helps to detox our body thoroughly. The effect of proper diet and herbal supplements increases substantially after purification therapy.

Ayurvedic herbs are the chief therapeutic agent in Ayurveda. Natural medicinal herbs are great healing agents with very little or no side effects. Most of the uses of Ayurvedic herbs are being validated by modern herbal research. Some of the toxic and poisonous herbs are used after their purification when they are free of their harmful effect.

Several minerals and animal products are also used in India in Ayurvedic treatment. These minerals and animal derivatives are purified and undergo special calcination processes. Calcination procedures increase their bioavailability and free them from harmful effects. The use of ayurvedic calcined minerals is not much popular outside Indian subcontinent.

The world as a whole is underway to understand and use these preparations as latest technologies like HPCL studies, clinical research trials report, toxicity reports, Nanotechnology are affirming their safety and efficacy.

Ayurvedic treatment includes diet, exercise and lifestyle as an integral part of treatment. So there is plenty of advice on what to eat, what to avoid and about lifestyle and exercise.

Health is the dynamic balance of the body parts and their functioning. And it should be the goal of every individual to be responsible for one’s health because health is the foundational to all kind of pursuits in our lives.

Ayurvedic medicine helps individuals and the entire society to lead a healthier and happier life. Start living a healthier and happier life.

Find more information about Ayurvedic medicine at>>>

Dr Vikrama is a holistic ayurveda practitioner and freelance writer. He provides holistic consultation globally through website http://www.holistic-herbalist.com/herbal-healer.html. His freelance writing services, ‘WritingForHealth’ can be sought. He is well versed and experienced in holistic medicine, ayurveda, herbal medicine, alternative medicine, reiki, yoga and spirituality. Visit him at http://www.holistic-herbalist.com/index.html for more information about herbal remedies, ayurveda and holistic medicine and his services.

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Alternative Therapies for Sleep Apnea

2006-10-09T02:12:00.000-07:00

Alternative therapies for sleep apnea focus to promote natural ways, to provide relief from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a recurrent condition where during sleep, the breathing stops for a while, and regains normal breathing only after a few seconds. Sleep apnea is considered to be one of the serious sleep disorders since it results in two impacts on the functional system such as oxygen deprivation and sleep deprivation. Sleep apnea is a disease, which requires effective treatment strategy to cure it completely. Now, many people recommend alternative treatment as an effective treatment strategy for sleep apnea. Alternative treatments adopt behavioral interventions, change in lifestyle and use of herbal remedies as the potential treatment for sleep apnea. It tries to reduce the apnea attacks as well as to impart a good quality of sleep.

Alternative therapies are appreciated for the sleep apnea treatment due to its various advantages over the conventional treatment. Primarily, alternative treatments are well accepted because it avoids the risk of side effects as it includes natural methods. Moreover lifestyle factors are blamed to be the major reason for most of the factors, and a change in the bad habits will not only help you to recover from sleep apnea but also from other lifestyle diseases. As alternative therapies practice a holistic approach for the treatment, the mind will get strengthened as well as the body and will attribute a total well being. Additionally, alternative therapies are also cheaper, in comparison with the costly medical devices and surgical interventions.

Alternative therapies for sleep apnea are more effective for obstructive sleep apnea. In this case, the obstructions in the air passage such as blockage in the nasal passage, relaxed throat muscles, thick uvula, tonsils, and adenoids are considered to be the reason for the breathing cessation while sleeping. The maintenance of a better sleeping position such as lying on your side is proven to be a very effective solution for it. To retain the position for the whole night, thick sleeping pillows can help. Tennis ball in the coat pocket is also an effective remedy to lower sleep apnea attacks.

Exercise is another important aspect of alternative therapy since over weight is a major factor for muscular obstructions. Exercise will also help to tone the body muscles. Diet is also important in the therapy, in which sleep promoters are included. Avoidance of the ‘sleep stealer’ habits such as caffeine, alcohol and nicotine is also a part of the alterative therapies.

The herbal remedies such as Lachesis, Passion flower, Valerian and Hops include certain neurostimulators that can induce sleep and can help to cure central sleep apnea. Breathing techniques and certain relaxation techniques have also proven to be effective in controlling sleep apnea. Apart from remedies, a regular sleep pattern is also essential to maintain good quality.

However, alternative therapies are effective in treatment of mild sleep apnea, as it can result in only a gradual improvement. Severe sleep apnea attacks essentially require immediate medical assistance.

Jason Rickard is the owner of Your Favourite Shop - Offering White Noise and Relaxation CDs - Visit Hapa Health for more articles.

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Herbal Medicine for a Modern World

2006-10-08T02:49:00.000-07:00

Using herbs to benefit from its medicinal or therapeutic value is commonly known as herbal medicine. Chemical substances contained in the herbal plants can be induced to act upon the body of the person consuming it.

Humanity has known of this form of healthcare based on herbs since ancient times. History is replete with details of cultures benefiting from herbal medicines. It played a vital role in the progress of modern civilization. The early primitive men discovered that the herbs provide not only a cure but also food, shelter and clothing. Many of the common drugs used by us today are derived from herbs. According to various sources at least one basic ingredient from plant materials form part of some of the prescription drugs available in the United States.

According to WHO – World Health Organization – nearly 80 percent of the worlds population or 4 billion people currently use some aspects of herbal medicine in their health care process. The common element in Native American Indian medicine, traditional oriental medicine, naturopathic, homeopathic and Ayurvedic medicines is herbal medicine. For more info visit www.med-advice.info

Today, for the treatment of high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, pain, and other problems, a large proportion of commercial medications use substances derived from plants. To treat symptoms of asthma and other respiratory problems, Epedrine is used. This is an active ingredient in ephedra, a traditional Chinese herb.

The foxglove plant is another example pointing towards the use of herbal extraction by modern medicine. The leaf from this plant is powdered to stimulate cardiac digitalis and provide relief to a large number of heart patients.

Traditional Chinese Herbalism, Ayurvedic Herbalism and Western Herbalism are some of the various systems of herbal medicine prevalent today. Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbalism developed into a successful system to treat various health disorders. Western Herbalism is yet to achieve this level of advancement and remains a system of folk medicine.

Some of the herbs used in Ayurveda are successful in reducing diabetes and cholesterol. In recent years, there is a growth in the use of herbal medicines due to the success stories of St. John’s Wort, which replaced Prozac to treat mild depression. In the United States, the popularity of Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba is rising due to its curing effects.

Herbal medicines can be marketed in US only as food supplements. Without FDA approval, herb manufacturers or distributors cannot make specific health claims.

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