Alternative Medicine

5 Ways to Improve Your Emotional Health

Posted by Alternative Medicine on April 29, 2011 in Health with No Comments


 

Being emotional is the biggest problem that you could never imagine. This could affect not only your body but also your mind that is why taking care and improving our emotional health is a good thing to do.

Here are five ways to improve our emotional health.

1. Have a control to your own emotions. Emotions can take over and eat our own system unless we have our own control about it. We can take advantage of our surroundings in controlling our own emotions. Have a breathing practice and think about the problem that is bothering you.
2. Don’t blame others for your own mistake. Denying a certain fact will make you feel frustrated. Face your mistake and have a good look regarding on your daily activities and find a way to correct that mistake. Find a way to have adjustments that might help you to create a difference in your life.
3. Communicate and have a talk with others. All things can be done by means of talking and sharing. Don’t enclose the problem around yourself; you do have friends and family that will guide you to solve the problem. Open up when you are already in the limit. There are things that you could not understand but other people can. This can help to lessen the feel of burden in your shoulders.
4. Keep busy but don’t forget to relax. Some of the things that can help you to avoid depression are by busying yourself, but don’t push yourself too much and have a relaxation. People tend to be active and find some activities wherein they can divert their attention to those and have some peace of mind. You could also take some meditation through yoga, and other activities that involve recreation.
5. The last way that you may do is to have a social life. Have a balanced and entertaining social interaction to avoid the feeling of being alone. Make sure to socialize and have different kind of friends that will understand and help you. Treat them as your own brother and sister, a family or maybe a very important someone.
Following these steps may help you in improving or enhancing your emotional health. Always keep in mind that there people around you who are willing to help and protect you. Share your problems and keep an open mind. Always be in the positive side. Remember that there’s a rainbow always after the rain.

Prevent Underarm Sweating Tips

Posted by Alternative Medicine on April 28, 2011 in Other with No Comments


Why you sweat is due to a couple of reasons. It’s your body’s way to regulate its temperature and to flush out toxins that have accumulated inside you. But too much sweating can be socially embarrassing as people can see those wet spots all the time. Luckily, you can prevent underarm sweating effectively in some natural ways.

Take a shower or bath before you start your busy day. This will regulate your body’s temperature early on, so it won’t have to sweat unnecessarily. This can also keep you from having another embarrassing thing, which is underarm odor. With it, people around you can see your problem, and smell it. During summer days, you should take a shower or a bath more often to boost your confidence.

By allowing as much air circulating in the area as possible, your armpits can be cooler and drier. Shave your underarms to enable air to flow on the skin there. And because there’s no more hair, nothing can trap sweat. Warm and moist areas promote bacterial growth, which can lead to body odor.

Drop by your local pharmacy and purchase an OTC antiperspirant. Apply it right after taking a shower or bath. However, some individuals may end up with skin irritations. If you’re one of them with sensitive skin, worry not. That’s because there’s a natural alternative: baking soda. Baking soda isn’t only good for baking and cleaning, but it’s also a natural deodorant and antiperspirant.

Stick to wearing shirts made from cotton or other natural fibers. That’s because synthetic ones will keep your skin from being able to breathe. Wear loose fitting shirts to maximize airflow towards your underarms. Dark colors, especially black, tend to absorb heat, so it’s best to stick to whites and other light colors.

What you eat also is a role player in your quest to keep your armpits cool and dry. Cut back on eating foods that are hot or spicy. Spices can cause your body to heat up, thereby triggering your sweat glands to do their job. Also, spices can mix with your sweat, making everyone around you to want to flee. Go for iced versions of hot beverages you like to keep your body as cool as possible.

Dealing with stress properly is another way to prevent underarm sweating. Find out the things which cause you to be stressed out, and try to dodge them. Take on some activities which can effectively combat stress. Keeping a journal, taking up yoga, doing deep breathing exercises, listening to music and reading a book are just some of them. I personally managed to get rid of all my sweat problems with a step by step sweat removal guide and highly recommend it.

The Basics of Pulse Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine

Posted by Alternative Medicine on April 27, 2011 in Chinese Medicine with No Comments


During the course of an acupuncture treatment, you will notice that the practitioner spends a good amount of time palpating the pulses on both wrists. To an acupuncturist, the pulse can be the most important indication of what the treatment requires. Taking the pulse is an art that takes years to perfect, but it is easy to gather basic information about the state of the patient’s health with general palpation.

To begin, there are six positions on each wrist that correspond to the organ systems of the patient. The positions begin slightly above the styloid process of the radius, where the radial artery can be felt. On the left hand, the top position, closest to the hand, is the Heart. If you place your index finger on this position, and then let your middle and ring fingers rest below this finger, the middle finger will be resting on the Liver position, and the ring finger will be on the Kidney. On the right hand, the first position (where the Heart position was on the opposite hand) is the Lung position. Below the Lung is the Spleen, and the furthest position from the hand is the Pericardium.

The pulses of these organ systems can be felt with deep palpation. If the fingers are pressed tightly down, almost to the bone, they will be pressing upon the pulses of these six organs. If the fingers are slowly lifted up, there six pulses that can be felt separately, which rest atop the six deeper pulses. The pulse that rests atop the Heart is the Small Intestine pulse. The Gallbladder pulse is on top of the Liver, and the Bladder is on top of the Kidney. On the right hand, the Large Intestine is the top pulse, followed by the Stomach and Triple Burner.

When the practitioner touches the pulses, he is feeling for imbalances within these organ systems. If the pulse is weak or deep in any of these positions, he can detect a deficiency within the system. If any of the pulses seems to override the others or have too much strength, it can be an excess of that organ. It may also be a sign that there is an external pathogen trying to work its way into the system. For example, if the Lung pulse seems to be excessive or stands out above the rest, it can correspond to an invasion of wind or cold in the body-in Western terms, catching a cold.

The general feel of the pulses can be telling of issues within the body, as well. A slow pulse can mean that there is excess cold in the body, and a fast pulse usually relates to heat. If the pulse feels strong and forceful, almost like beads are flowing through it, the pulse is referred to as “slippery.” This type of pulse can point to issues with fluid distribution within the body. It can also be a sign of pregnancy. If the pulse feels like a tight wire vibrating, it is described as “wiry”. This pulse points to Liver imbalances, stress, anger, and menstrual issues. Although these two pulse types are the most common, there are a number of variations within the pulses that signal any number of disharmonies within the blood and qi of the body.

A trained practitioner can pick up these subtle nuances and use it as a guide to solve the mysteries that are held within each of us.

Chakra Yoga: Ancient Practice to Revitalize Body Energy

Posted by Alternative Medicine on April 26, 2011 in Yoga with No Comments


Yoga is more than a physical exercise. It as well involves spiritual healing through meditation. Yoga’s origin, a spiritual-oriented Hindu practice, is divorced from the yoga widely performed in the West. The West adapted yoga mainly to increase physical stamina and cultivate mental focus. Rarely people know that one way of using yoga is through Chakra healing.

In the first place, the word chakra is not a common word, except in the realm of Metaphysics where Chakra Energy Center is a subject matter. Chakras are spiritual energies in the body. In Sanskrit, an old Indian language, chakra means wheel or disc of light signifying one of the seven energy centers of the body. These chakras are located in the ethereal body.

Chakra yoga is best at improving mental focus and concentration, enhancing energy circulation, as well as developing physical strength. The Chakra Energy Center is part of an ancient yoga practice used to revitalize body and aid in stress management.

The seven major chakras serve as pathways for energy to enter into the body. Each of the seven chakras, with different designated color, is attached to various set of emotional and physical concerns. The quest
of Sound Essence provides information and tools needed to allow the song of the soul to be heard.
For example, unbalanced lower chakras can cause back pain. That is why in Chakra yoga, the set of sequences is aimed at balancing energy in the body.

The chakras automatically let the body receptive to positive emotions like love, empowerment and joy, as well as optimism on health and daily stress issues. An off-balanced lifestyle, as they call it, causes damage on your health life back pain and adversely affects social relationships like family, marriage, and friendship.

The basic combination of breathing exercises, postures, and meditation is also present in Chakra yoga.

Colours of clothing that are worn can have a strong effect on a person and can reflect their state of being. Dressed in black may make you feel closed off, depressed while bright colours may have the reversed effect.

Have you noticed what you wear and the colours you chose? How do you feel with the colours you have chosen? Try it. For example, try something completely different, if you wear dark clothing wear
something bright. Red is a passionate colour, yellow is a vibrant colour. Chose a colour that you resonate with it could have quite an effect on your state of being.

Aromatherapy – The Science of Scent

Posted by Alternative Medicine on April 23, 2011 in Aromatherapy with No Comments


Need to relax? Try lavender. Need a boost? Try spearmint. Chances are you’ve heard about aromatherapy. After all, retailers promote the therapeutic properties of scent in everything from candles to alarm clocks. In fact, its use is growing, especially in fighting stress, anxiety, fatigue, depression and anger. But how does aroma alter the way you feel scientifically?

It’s based on this simple premise: We all have a very strong sense of smell, and smell can trigger reactions in the brain. It’s not so much that a specific oil will relax or stimulate you as much as the aroma of a certain oil will help cause the brain to do it internally.

Unlike the other senses, which pass through several regions of the brain first, a whiff of fragrance travels from the olfactory track directly to the response center, leading researchers to conclude that smell has the most ability of all the senses to evoke an emotional response.

Over the centuries, people have learned what smells help trigger the body’s own defense and self-healing systems–what smells help the body relax, stimulate, arouse or heal itself.

There’s an evolutionary component to aromatherapy, too. Mammals are constantly enticed by fruit and flowers–their scent lets us know they’re ready to be eaten. We find their scents pleasing because we must eat them to survive.

Aromatherapy is the world’s gentlest form of medicine. It also happens to be of the oldest. It started more than 4,000 years ago, and was practiced in ancient Egypt, India, Greece and throughout the Arab countries.

This science of scents involves the use of essential oils–including bay, jasmine, chamomile and sandalwood–made by boiling down certain plants, roots, flowers and leaves. Modern science has discovered that, aside from producing powerful aromas that trigger the brain to perform certain actions, a number of the essential oils have definite antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Most libraries and health food stores have numerous books about the properties of various oils, how to use them and how much of each to use.

Oils can be mixed in different ways, and many health food stores sell them as preblended oil compounds. Keep in mind that the way you use the oils will have a major impact on how effective they are.

For example, massages can be very calming and relaxing all by themselves, but add an essential oil that promotes relaxation and the entire experience is enhanced. Likewise, a warm bath can soothe an aching body and an anxious mind. Drop in some lavender, ylang-ylang and rose absolute oil and your bath becomes a spa.

To retain the quality of your essential oils, buy small bottles. Air trapped in bottles can accelerate the deterioration of oils.

Dangers of Aromatherapy: Don’t Be Afraid

Posted by Alternative Medicine on April 21, 2011 in Aromatherapy with No Comments


Essential oils (E O’s) will tell you when you do something stupid. It just works that way. So don’t be afraid. Open up the bottle take some drops out – and use them.

My early days of aromatherapy were loaded with the don’ts – The two biggies are:
• Don’t use E O’s undiluted directly on the skin
• Don’t take E O’s internally

OK. So there I am, a budding aromatherapist sitting in a class with Dr Daniel Pénöel, the preeminent “doctor” and expert of aromatherapy – who was taking and suggesting internal use of essential oils and pouring copious amounts of essential oils on the back of his volunteer, some of which are in the big caution category of “hot” and irritating oils. OK. So what’s up with that?

– He’s breaking the rules. I was inspired.

To this day, over 20 years later, these “don’ts” are still big players in the aromatherapy rulebook. NAHA, the most enduring aromatherapy organization in the states, does not allow members, according to their membership form, who use E O’s undiluted on the skin or recommend internally. They also don’t allow members who use “Raindrop Therapy” a technique using E O’s named by the multi-level aromatherapy developer Gary Young. By the way, Raindrop Therapy is Young’s refashioned “Live Embalming,” Dr. Pénoël’s name for pouring copious amounts of undiluted oils on the spine. I guess that leaves Dr. Pénoël out of NAHA. Leaves me out as well. Yes, I do, when appropriate, use and recommend E O’s internally and use them directly, undiluted (or “neat”) on the skin. I “don’t” do Raindrop Therapy. Not interested in all that ritualistic stylizing. But, I will do Live Embalming, if not just for the fact that I like to say I use “copious amounts of essential oils.”

There is too much fear being placed with the use of E O’s. Don’t do this, don’t do that, this will hurt you and that will kill you. I don’t think so. One thing the mulit-level aromatherapy world has shown us is that the E O’s don’t abide by the rules. They’ll bite when necessary, but not according to our fears. Use them undiluted – no problem. Take them internally – no problem. But, just smell the beautiful no contraindication essential oil of lavender and break out in a hellacious rash. There are reason’s for this and other types of E O unexpected oddities. E O’s have their own rules. Often inconsistent, hard to define, and individual. This is a topic for another blog.

Nature’s rules, not ours

Point is, nature does not care or abide by our rules. The “irresponsible” use of E O’s by French Aromamedicine and the more recent multi-level armies have proven that. Essential oils are safe and can be used with awareness and respect in any way you want – even if that awareness is not supported by the aromatherapy establishment. When you do something stupid the oils will let you know, like my example of using cinnamon in the bath. I did dilute the cinnamon, just not enough. My parts were screaming, but are functioning quite nicely – no damage. The oils said I did something stupid, there was temporary irritation – I’m fine and won’t do that again.

There are contraindications and what can be called safety concerns when using essential oils – and possible irritation.

Use caution and awareness with essential oils – not fear.

Acupuncture for Good Health

Posted by Alternative Medicine on April 20, 2011 in Acupuncture with No Comments


History

Acupuncture is an ancient system of medicine originating in China. The earliest records of its use date back five thousand years. Doctors visiting China brought acupuncture to the west in the twentieth century. They were amazed to see operations performed on fully conscious patients using acupuncture as an aesthetic.

How many people benefit from acupuncture?

Over two million treatments are currently given each year in Britain alone. It is a therapy which is growing in popularity.

How does it differ from Western medicine?

Chinese medicine describes the processes inside and outside the body in energetic terms. Western medicine describes physiological processes of the body in terms of biochemical changes that occur and how they influence the actions of organs.

Chinese energetic terms refer to vital energy (qi), which travels through your body along pathways called meridians. When you are in good health the flow of qi is smooth and uninterrupted, but when illness strikes this flow is disturbed.

Acupuncture is particularly effective for those conditions which Western medicine finds difficult to treat.

How does acupuncture work?

An acupuncturist stimulates precise points along the meridians to restore your flow of energy and return you to full health. Many people actually describe a tingling sensation along the exact pathway of a meridian, without even knowing it exists.

Acupuncture also works on the physical level. A patient arriving with a headache, or stomach ache may well witness the pain fade away throughout the course of a treatment.

Acupuncture works on the emotional level. It is deeply relaxing. Have you ever wanted to change places with someone who always seems really chilled and happy? Acupuncture can change your own paradigm, from before treatment, to after treatment. Things that bothered you before treatment, suddenly seem no longer such a big deal. Equally, motivation which seemed difficult to muster, post treatment seems to flow easily, and direction and focus become re-aligned.

Improvement to symptoms may hold for the longer term, or they may come back within a week. However with on-going treatment it is likely that symptoms will improve, if not disappear in the long-term.

I have always found it bizarre, and had distrust for the Chinese acupuncture shops in the high street. How could acupuncture, cure a whole list of ailments. However, now I have studied and witnessed its effectiveness, I understand, it can do all it purports to do.

Acupuncture is particularly effective for physical complaints: migraine and headaches, gynecological problems, pain in any part of the body, skin complaints, and emotional imbalances: depression, grief, fear, anger.

The WHO (World Health Organisation) now recommends anyone with back pain should be referred to an acupuncturist (or physio) for a series of ten treatments before medical tests are carried out.

I also believe anyone with depression should also be referred to ten treatments of acupuncture before anti-depressants are prescribed. That’s not to say pharmaceuticals don’t have a place, but it would be nice to find a solutions, rather than a plaster over the wound.

Calendula Oil

Posted by Alternative Medicine on April 19, 2011 in Aromatherapy with No Comments


One of my favorite ingredients is Calendula oil. I love to use Calendula oil in my all-natural and near-natural products. Why? Because of its wonderful healing powers. It is one of the safest oils to use on skin that is inflamed, whether it is due to infection or physical damage. Talk about flower power! The Latin name of Calendula is Calendula officinalis, most individuals know it by its common name, Marigold.

Other names are as follow:

Names: Marybud, Gold-bloom, Caltha officinalis.

Habitat: A common garden plant.

Collection: Between June and September either the whole flower tops or just the petals are collected. The petals and flower heads should be dried with great care to ensure there is no discoloration.

Part Used: Petals, flower heads.

Should you ever come across Calendula Essential Oil, walk away or better yet run Forest run! There is no such animal. Calendula is an infused oil.

The following attributes are associated with Calendula oil:

1. It is anti-inflammatory, which means it not only reduces inflammation but prevents inflammation.

2. It is anti-spasmodic, prevents or reduces spasms

3. Lymphatic, like lymph fluid it aids the immune system in fighting infection

4. Astringent, meaning it contracts, binds, and/or draws together soft organic tissue

5. Vulnerary, means herbs or other remedies that are used to promote the healing of wounds.

6. Emmenagogue, it promotes menstrual discharge

7. Anti-microbial. Calendula fights infections on three levels, caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Now how cool is that!

I found on line that Finley Ellingwood M.D. in his book titled “Ellingwood’s Therapeutist” recommends Calendula for the following pathologies: varicose veins, chronic ulcers, capillary engorgement, hepatic and splenic congestion, recent wounds and open sores, severe burns.

Hmmmmmmmm? Varicose veins? How many people suffer from this ailment? Combined with clary sage I bet it would work wonders. Well I truly believe there is hope for people who suffer from varicose veins. If anyone is interested in an infused oil of Calendula and Clary Sage you can find contact info at HSoapC.com or leave me a tweet or twitter on Herbalicious’s Tweet page. I would love to get feedback from people who try this infusion. After all I do make my own infused oil of Calendula.

In researching Calendula I found that it is safe to use externally as well as internally. I am just sharing this info. It is up to you to use your discretion on whether to drink the calendula infusion. If you are not sure I highly recommend going to ask your doctor.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l-2 teaspoonfuls of the florets and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. External use as a lotion or ointment for cuts, bruises, diaper rash, sore nipples, burns and scalds.

Tincture, l-4 ml three times a day.

I personally have never drunk an infusion of Calendula. I would rather think it is a bitter herb somewhat like Cascara Sagrada. Now that herb is bitter. Would I drink it? If I had to, I believe I would. From all my research I found it to be a safe herb to drink. But with all herbs some people are allergic. Err on the side of caution. If some of you have drunk calendula for health reason please contact me. I would love to hear from you.

Benefits of Wheatgrass – Nature’s Most Powerful Elixir

Posted by Alternative Medicine on April 16, 2011 in Other with No Comments


Wheatgrass shots can digest in as little as 3 minutes. This is so astounding because one two ounce wheatgrass shot that you drink in one gulp packs the nutritional punch of two and a half pounds of fresh organic vegetables.

Such a flood of nutrition makes juicing wheatgrass immediately beneficial. Drink just 2 ounces of wheatgrass on a fairly empty stomach and expect:

  • An instant and lasting energy boost
  • Increased mental clarity and focus
  • Rapid pain relief and reduced inflammation
  • Relief from cold, flu, or virus symptoms due to an enlivened immune system

Wheatgrass has more vitamin A than the most nutritious dark green vegetables, more calcium than milk, more potassium than bananas, more magnesium then carrots – the list goes on and on. The point is that wheatgrass contains an abundance of virtually every nutrient your body needs to thrive – from the most basic vitamins down to the little known trace minerals.

But it’s more than just unbeatable nutrition that gives wheatgrass that instant “zing.” Wheatgrass is also a premier source of living enzymes.

Within the minute you gulp down a wheatgrass shot, enzymes go straight to work so that your body can stop wasting its own limited stores of these vital metabolic “workers.” This results in greatly enhanced bodily function:

  • Quicker and more efficient digestion
  • Balanced brain function for better mood
  • A more responsive nervous system for faster reflexes and quicker thinking

Perhaps the most important ingredient in the revitalizing elixir of fresh wheatgrass juice is chlorophyll. Yes, the same pigment that makes plants green is good for you! Chlorophyll is so similar to human blood that our body converts it to red blood cells. The influx of hemoglobin in your system means:

  • More oxygen to the brain for rapid stress relief
  • Strengthened blood flow for speed healing
  • More physical stamina
  • Quicker and more complete workout recoveries

Wheatgrass truly is the best superfood. Where else can you find a complete source of all essential amino acids (protein), vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that takes just seconds to consume? Anyone looking to improve their health should take advantage of the immense power of this natural medicine. See if your local whole food or health store offers wheatgrass shots. Be sure to drink them right away! Enzymes in wheatgrass die within 20 minutes of juicing and antioxidants become inactive after about an hour. Fresh juice is most potent and effective!

Guaranteed to Get Rid of Ulcer and Advance Your Intestinal Wellness

Posted by Alternative Medicine on April 15, 2011 in Health with No Comments


In the old days the accepted wisdom was that belly ulcers were brought on by excess stomach acid induced by emotional stress, but we know the reality: most stomach ulcers (also acknowledged as peptic ulcers) are brought about by a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori that’s handed down to infants through people.

Obviously anxiety can make an ulcer worse, but the bacterium is the root of the problem. All over 30 percent of us have Helicobacter pylori dwelling in the mucous lining of our stomachs, but most of us don’t have the symptoms. Of the thirty % contaminated, approximately ten percent of individuals will acquire an ulcer in the belly.

Indicators of Belly Ulcer

Abdomen ulcer can be described as compact erosion (hole) in the gastrointestinal tract of an individual. Even though there can be several form of abdomen ulcers, the most typical one particular is duodenal ulcer. It typically occurs inside of the first twelve inches of small intestine, over and above the belly. One other kind of ulcer is gastric ulcer, which occurs within the stomach.

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Are Ulcers Troubling You? Aloe Vera Might Be the Remedy For You

Ulcers are really referred to as open gashes that crop up in the digestive tract tissues. Ulcers have end up an universal dilemma now and the most popular type of ulcers are peptic ulcers that develop in the abdomen and duodenal ulcers that crop up in the small intestine. Ulcers can produce holes in the tummy and a single of the greatest options for ulcers is Aloe Vera.

Aloe Vera is medicinal plant that has its roots in South Africa. It is green in colour and has prolonged and thick leaves just like a cactus. It belongs to the lily household and is in reality referred to as the lily of the desert. It is made up of eighteen amino acids and is famed for its therapeutic power.

Treating Equine Gastric Ulcer via Medicines from Equine Pharmaceuticals

Countless equine pharmaceuticals offer you distinctive sorts of horse medication for treating equine gastric ulcer. It will get complicated, that you just can’t make your mind up on what form of medication you would like to order for your horse.

1st off, you must go through what the medicine is for. All horse medication packages bought from equine pharmaceuticals include the indications for that specific medicine. Some prescribed medicines are applied for minimizing acid creation some are for buffering the acid designed by the stomach and some are employed to safeguard the stomach lining from acidity.