Natural Liver Cleansing Products

The liver is involved in thousands of biochemical mechanisms making it second only to the brain in importance and complexity. Natural health practitioners are also acutely aware of the detrimental effects on the liver of modern living, with its chemicals, excessive fat intake, pesticides, hormones, and stress. This suggests that we as a culture are in need of liver support. You should consider liver support supplementation if you:

• Have a history of a Fatty Liver
• Consume Alcohol
• Consume Tobacco Products
• Have been taking Medications/Drugs
• Are exposed to Environmental Toxins or Chemicals or Second Hand Smoke
• Have a history of Liver or Gall Bladder Problems

Dandelion
Dandelion root enhances bile flow, thus improving conditions such as liver congestion, bile duct inflammation, hepatitis, gallstones, and jaundice. Dandelion increases bile flow by affecting the liver directly to cause an increase in bile production and flow to the gallbladder, and exerting a direct effect on the gallbladder by causing a contraction and release of stored bile. Dandelion's hepatic tonic effect may be attributable to the high choline content.

Milk Thistle
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used since Greco-Roman times as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, particularly liver problems. Several scientific studies suggest that active substances in milk thistle (particularly silymarin) protect the liver from damage caused by viruses, toxins, alcohol, and certain drugs such as acetaminophen (a common over the counter medication used for headaches and pain; acetaminophen, also called paracetamol, can cause liver damage if taken in large quantities or by people who drink alcohol regularly.)

Many professional herbalists recommend milk thistle extract for the prevention and/or treatment of various liver disorders including viral hepatitis, fatty liver associated with long term alcohol use, and liver damage from drugs and industrial toxins such as carbon tetrachloride.

Green Tea and its amazing health qualities

The Chinese have known about Green tea as a powerful medication for at least 4000 years. According to legend, tea was discovered by a Chinese emperor called Shen Nung. Some tea leaves accidentally fell into boiling water, and he tried it and found it invigorating.

Green tea became part of the Chinese diet and many important health benefits were attributed to it. Now recent medical studies in both asia and the west are providing a scientific basis for the claim that drinking green tea has very significant health benefits.

Green tea, like black tea is made from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis. The difference between the three main types of tea is the way that they are produced. Green tea is unfermented tea meaning that the leaves used for green tea are steamed soon after been plucked in order to prevent the oxidation of the leaves. In this way the leaves remain green and the active substances within the leaves retain their qualities. Black teas on the other hand are made from fermented leaves and as a result have less nutritional and enzyme content as the green tea. Thus green and black teas have different chemical properties.

Modern science has in recent times been able to demonstrate that green tea is beneficial to one's health and this is mainly due to the fact that tea contains high levels of antioxidants called polyphenols or flavonoids. The antioxidant activity of tea has been compared to that of fruit and vegetables in a number of studies. One study concluded that consuming three cups of tea a day produced a similar amount of antioxidants as eating six apples. Antioxidants help your body fight against free radicals which cause damage to cells and tisuues in your body.

While all tea is healthy to drink, it is green tea that contains the highest level of flavonoids. Recent medical studies suggest green tea to be beneficial in many areas including the following:

-Digestive and respiratory health.

-Lowers cholesterol levels

-Boosts your immune system

-Reduces high blood pressure

-Arthritis - anti-inflammatory effect.

-Oral hygiene - due to antibacterial properties.

-Skin conditions such as acne

-Lowers blood sugar

Weight loss is another area that is attracting huge attention. Recently published research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that an extract from green tea may speed up fat oxidation. A study was conducted of ten healthy men over a period of 6 weeks. It was discovered that those men who were given green tea extract burned more calories per day than those who were not given the extract. Much more research needs to be conducted in this area but the signs are certainly very encouraging.

Anyone for tea

Alternative Health Treatments

Do you suffer with one of the many health problems out there? Are you getting fed up with the traditional forms of health treatment? Are you looking into the different forms of alternative health therapy that are available?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, this article may be of interest to you. In the article, I am going to write about some of these alternative therapy treatments which I, my family and friends have tried in the past. I hope you enjoy the read.

My wife has had many problems with her own health and also suffers from regular bouts of depression. She is quite a stressful person and at times finds life to be fairly tough. A couple of years ago she decided to find a different approach to ones she had previously tried. The first option she tried was reflexology. She was not entirely sure if she really wanted a stranger messing about with her feet but was more than pleased with the experience on her return. She could not believe how relaxed and chilled out it made her feel.

I have also found myself struggling to cope with the pressures of every day life. I now have turned my hand to meditation. This is not I am sure for everyone but it has certainly helped me to think in a more positive and clearer way. It took me quite a long to meditate in what would be known as the correct way as I originally could not seem to concentrate or relax enough.

My mother prefers to go to a womens wellness centre rather than to the doctors. She has not spoken too much about this to me but it obviously helps her as she has now been going there for years.

Tai chi is a very popular form of alternative therapy for many people. Tai chi is also very good at reducing peoples stress levels and is something I also considered before I took up meditation.

A friend of mine always raves on about yoga and the many health benefits that this has bought her. To me it all seems like a lot of hard work, however she insists that it isn't. In a way these things are like horses for courses. Some people prefer to do one thing and others prefer to do something entirely different.

My brother who also finds it hard to relax, it must run in my family I suppose, has found hypnotherapy to be very useful. He has been a smoker for many years and two years ago decided it was time to quit. He was very determined, which helps of course but by attending hypnotherapy sessions, also gave him that extra edge. He, from what he tells me has not smoked even one cigarette for the past eighteen months.

These are just a small number of the many alternative health treatments out there. It is worth pointing out that even though they have been successful in helping the above people, they may not work for everyone. In my opinion it is worth giving different things a try as it may just change your life.

Take Control of Your Health

In large part, you’re in control of your health, not your doctor. And taking control of your health doesn’t really depend on whether or not you have medical conditions.

Taking control means developing habits and discipline.

The most important thing you can do is educate yourself. Learn about your health problems and how you can take care of your body. What do the latest studies say? The Internet is an excellent place to research health issues. Sometimes just finding different ways of doing things can help.

Now, take the time to decide what your health goals for the next year will be. Write the goal(s) down. Some examples of goals might be:

- to stop yo-yo dieting and focus on get healthier.

- to start exercising regularly.

- to move toward my perfect weight.

- to find alternative ways to control diabetes.

Then list specific ways you can accomplish these goals. For instance, try a new healthy dinner recipe once a week, go to the gym five days a week, or research nutrition on the Internet 10 minutes a day.

Work on your mind and thought patterns. You have to believe that you can become healthy and reach your ideal weight before you will be able to do so. Learning to accept what you can’t change, but striving to change what you can, is key. A large part of succeeding in health improvement is being comfortable with yourself to begin with.

Find time to do something good to reward yourself for making this commitment to improve your health. Reward yourself each week as you find yourself accomplishing your goals.

If you have another person to work with, you will be more successful in meeting your health goals. This partner should be someone you can trust to share your feelings with.

It helps to have a partner for accountability. We work harder when we know someone is watching us and holding us accountable. A good partner also helps us stay realistic in our goals and challenges us to grow.

Try to find someone who will encourage you in the down times and celebrate your successes with you as you accomplish your goals. And of course you need to be that kind of a partner to your friend in return.

You might consider forming an informal support group with some of your friends or acquaintances. People who belong to a group with mutual interests and a shared purpose accomplish more. A group might get together weekly or monthly and discuss progress or concerns and help encourage each other. Sometimes all a person might need is another opinion or just a little encouragement to help them get past a place where they are having problems. Even if you are doing great, perhaps you could be of help to someone else who is struggling.

Communication is important when putting together a group. Set up a regular time and method to report progress to each other and stick to it. Set realistic benchmarks to monitor your progress. Reward yourselves for your effort. Do something fun as a group once in a while.

There can be great rewards in working with others toward common goals. It makes the journey more enjoyable as well as more productive.

Manage High Blood Pressure Naturally

In Chinese Medicine, many of the symptoms of high blood pressure, such as pounding headaches, dizziness, and pressure behind the eyes are often related to a pattern of Liver Yang Rising or Liver Heat. It is important to see a physician for proper diagnosis and supervision of high blood pressure, but acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may also be useful for managing your condition. Certain herbs have been shown to have an anti-hypertensive effect. Certain other herbs have been shown to be useful for controlling cholesterol levels and improving cardiovascular function. Acupuncture has been shown to have a general relaxing effect which can be useful in stress related or essential hypertension. In addition, certain points are commonly used in the treatment of patterns that relate to high blood pressure.

One commonly used herb for symptoms and patterns related to high blood pressure is Tian Ma or gastrodia rhizome. Research in China has shown it to be useful in the treatment of symptoms related to high blood pressure such as dizziness, numbness of extremities, tinnitus, headaches, and pain behind the eyes. It may have a sedative and tranquillizing effect. It has been shown to have usefulness for renal hypertension and essential hypertension. Another useful herb is Ye Ju Hua or chrysanthemum flower, which has been shown to have a prolonged effect of lowering blood pressure through peripheral vessel dilation. It has also been shown to increase blood flow to the heart. Another herb that is used to clear Liver Heat and is commonly used to treat eye problems that may be beneficial for high blood pressure is Xia Ku Cao or prunella. Chinese research has shown that it has a moderate vasodilating effect. These herbs are often used in combination by practitioners of Oriental Medicine in the treatment of patterns related to high blood pressure.

Other herbs may be useful for improving heart and circulatory function. They may also help reduce cholesterol. Shan Zha, or hawthorn berries, have been shown to reduce cholesterol when taken for six weeks or more. It is often used in China to improve circulation and to treat angina pectoris. Another herb that is commonly used in China for cardiovascular problems is Dan Shen, or Salvia. It has also been shown to reduce cholesterol. It also may improve microcirculation in the body. In China, pills of Dan Shen are used in the treatment of angina and in the treatment of coronary heart disease. It also may help promote repair and regeneration of tissues by increasing the body’s metabolism.

Certain acupuncture points are also known to be useful in the treatment of patterns related to high blood pressure. Large Intestine 4 is a point that many people know can help to control headaches. It is on the back side of the hand in between the thumb and index finger. It is also commonly used point for blood pressure related patterns. Another point at the vertex of the head, Du 20, is also commonly used. An acupuncturist or Chinese herbalist always takes an inventory of symptoms, along with looking at a person’s tongue and feeling a person’s pulse in order to determine the specific combination of points and herbs that a person needs. Different people with high blood pressure are treated differently depending on the pattern they present.

During my time in China, I did clinical rounds in the cardiology department at the Chengdu Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. Modern drugs and diagnostic equipment were used hand in hand with Chinese herbs and acupuncture in order to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmias, heart enlargement, and stroke. I even saw Chinese herbs, such as Dan Shen, being given in intravenous and in injectable form. The conditions were diagnosed using modern science and traditional Chinese diagnosis. Drugs were used for symptom control and for emergencies. As people’s condition improved with the use of Chinese herbs and acupuncture, their doctors slowly adjusted the dosage of drugs that they received. The results I saw were better than either form of medicine could have achieved alone. We do not have the benefit of experiencing such a deep synthesis of modern medicine and ancient techniques yet in the West. Nevertheless, I believe that as people learn more about the benefits of Asian medicine, we may someday come close to achieving a more integrated system of care in the West that will be more clinically effective, more cost effective, and result in fewer side effects.

Constipation and Natural Remedies

There are two types of constipation, organic and functional. Organic constipation is a result of some physical change, obstruction, or distortion in your colon. This type of constipation needs immediate attention from a doctor. We do not cover constipation that occurs from these reasons.

Functional constipation is a result of not following a proper diet, drinking the proper fluids, having good emotional health, and not having the proper lifestyle that promotes good movement of digested foods through the intestines and colon.

Even though there are many conditions, symptoms and definitions describing constipation, constipation simple is,

A condition where the fecal matter traveling through your colon remains too long in your colon before traveling out the rectum.

Constipation is a symptom that tells you your colon is not working properly or you have some underlying gastrointestinal disease you are not aware of.

Constipation is a warning your diet and lifestyle can be leading to some illness or disease in the future. It is a symptom that many people ignore or it is a symptom that many people try to eliminate by using unnatural dangerous laxatives.

Laxatives are probable the worst product you can use when you have constipation. They can become habit-forming if used too long and have some nasty side effects. They have a tendency to create the problem you are trying relieve – constipation.

It is important to use only natural remedies for constipation so you don’t continue to upset the natural balance and function of your colon. As you begin to apply some of these remedies, keep in mind that one particular remedy does not work for every person. You may have to make some changes to some of these remedies, such as increasing dosage, adding substances, or trying different substances.

The remedies you choose to use will depend on specific herbs, foods, or nutrients you have, you can buy locally, you can buy on the Internet, nutrients you prefer, or you can afford.
Experimenting is part of how you find out what is best for you.

Keep in mind that all remedies you should only be used only for a short time, two to four days and not longer than 2 weeks. They should only be used for the time needed to clear your constipation. Sometimes this might just be one or two times.

There are some herbal combinations you can use longer. These combinations can improve the health of your colon and get your bowels moving.

If you have constipation, I can tell you now the natural balance and function of your colon has been affected. But natural remedies can bring you back into balance.

Premature Ejaculation

Most men have experienced the problem of premature ejaculation at some time in their life. Premature ejaculation is one of the most common sexual problems. Premature ejaculation is explained as a condition where in a person is unable to delay ejaculation to a point when it is mutually desirable for both the partners. That means ejaculation occurs before a man wants it to happen. Some men ejaculate during foreplay while some do so at the very entry itself.

But few men feel that 5 or 10 minutes time to have orgasm is not enough and they feel that this is also premature ejaculation. This suggests premature ejaculation is most likely psychological in origin than physiological. The exact cause of premature ejaculation is still unknown.

Ayurveda has said Kshiprumunchati Shukram....... this means the person will have Premature ejaculation when vata in his body aggravates and leads to a very quick ejaculation of shukra (semen).

The probable causes for premature ejaculation:

• Anxiety during the first experience of sex. Some men will develop
a longer-term anxiety toward sex, which can cause a prolonged experience
with premature ejaculation.

• A long period of abstinence from sex.

• Younger men tend to ejaculate more quickly than older men, as
experience seems to be associated with ejaculatory control.

• Depression or anxiety about poor sexual performance

• Anxiety due to anticipation of Rejection by partner.

• Anticipation of failure to satisfy his partner

• Anticipation of pain

• Adverse experiences with sex in childhood

• Religious beliefs

• Financial burdens

• Job stress

• Relationship problems

• Side effects of some prescription drugs

Apart from psychological causes some physiological causes like inflammation of prostate gland or spinal chord problems may cause premature ejaculation.

According to ayurveda when vayu gets vitiated it causes premature ejaculation. The following causes vitiates vata

• Consuming stale, spicy, cold and junk food (Men who are away from
home on business mostly consume this sort of food )

• staying up for long hours at night .

• long gap between meals

• Controlling natural urges (this happens during long corporate
meetings)

• Physical and mental exertion.

• Under nourishment due to worries and grief

• Sitting for long hours in uncomfortable chairs.

• Traveling at high speeds.


Prevention:

• Seek psychotherapy to maintain a healthy attitude towards sex.

• Do not blame yourself for premature ejaculation. Anybody can
experience premature ejaculation.

• Speak openly with your partners to avoid misunderstanding and
miscommunication.
• Use some relaxation techniques to reduce stress.

• Have full knowledge about sex

• Try to minimize the above said causative factors.


Simple Remedies

Many techniques are used to control premature ejaculation. “The squeeze technique” is popular and effective amongst all. Squeeze technique is a behavioral therapy. If a man senses that he is about to experience premature ejaculation, he interrupts sexual relations. Then the man or his partner squeezes the shaft of his penis between a thumb and two fingers applying gentle pressure just below the head of the penis for 20 seconds. And then sexual relations can be resumed. The technique can be repeated as often as necessary. When this technique is successful, it enables the man to learn to delay ejaculation with the squeeze, and eventually, to gain control over ejaculation without the squeeze.

The Masters  & Johnson method:

• The best way to combat premature ejaculation is by learning to
control the sensations prior to orgasm. This method takes time and
practice, but it is very effective.

• First you need to bring yourself close to orgasm (this can be
done via masturbation, without the involvement of your partner) and then
stop and relax before recommencing. Each time you need to bring yourself
closer to orgasm until finally you cannot control it. If you do this
often enough, you will learn where your point of climax is. This is
helpful when interacting with your partner.

• You will need to practice reaching your climax point with your
partner by engaging in non-penetrative sex so that when you feel it is
near, you signal them to stop and you allow your erection to subside.
This also needs to be repeated so that you and your partner are familiar
with the procedure.

• Once you feel you are ready for intercourse, it is best to start
by lying on your back so that you can guide your partner during
penetration. When you are near orgasm, give your partner a signal to stop
and you should relax and start again. Once you get the hang of it (it may
take several weeks or months), premature ejaculation shouldn’t be too
much of a problem.

• A variant of this method involves the partner squeezing the tip
of the penis just before orgasm ("squeeze technique"). This pushes blood
out of the penis and reduces the erection.

Foot Massage

Foot massage or foot reflexology has a Chinese origin.  It dates back to more than 3,000 years ago and is used in the prevention and cure of many health ailments.

Some in fact say, foot massage dates back to ancient Eygyptian times due to archaeological findings in cave drawings in Egypt.

The principle of foot massage rests in the premise that the meridian network connects all tissues, organs and cells in our body. Each organ in the body is connected to a specific reflex point on the foot through the intermediary of 300 nerves. A trained foot reflexologist can put pressure on different meridians or energy lines on the sole and side of the feet to determine the cause of illness.

By using pressure to these the reflex points, the foot massage is good for stimulating the activity internal organs, and to improve blood and lymph circulation.  Thus, the top to bottom well being of a person can be made through the foot.

The principles of foot massage is not in congruence with western allopathic medicine.  Western medicine merely sees the foot as a body part comprising of bones, ligaments and joints.

However, foot massage is fast gaining much popularity and acceptance as an alternative health treatment.  Fans of foot massage believe it can cure not only colds and minor ailments, but more serious ailments as well. These ailments include liver dysfunction, constipation problems, chronic headaches, skin allergies, etc.

Like most Oriental medical techniques, foot reflexology is a “holistic” treatment.  It concentrates on treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms of one particular ailment.

While Western medicine promises speedy recovery of all unpleasant symptoms, foot massage therapy can be slow and gradual.  A series of visits is necessary to strengthen the body and to bring the body back to balance.

A session of foot reflexology in San Francisco, can set you back as much as US$40-100.  Thus, foot massages over a period of time, can add up in terms of costs.

However, for practitioners and believers of foot massage, the cost for good health is well worth it.  The alternative would have been money spent in clinics and western hospitals for prescription drugs and perhaps, invasive surgery.

Aromatherapy & Massage

Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you lacked the ability to smelling. Sure, it whitethorn not seem as difficult as trying to navigate a room while blindfolded, or attempting to perform daily tasks without using your thumbs, but you would still be missing a lot. For one thing, your common sense of taste would go come out of the closet the window, too. For another, your brain is wired to interpret signals from your olfactory center to tell you what pleasures or hazards English hawthorn be lurking in your surroundings.

In fact, you could say that much of what you know about the world, and how you relate to it, depends on your good sense of olfactory property. Olfaction is the only gumption fully developed at birth in humans, and it plays an important role in an infant's ability to recognize and bond with his or her mother. Even the "chemistry" felt between two adults Crataegus laevigata be prompted by aroma. Scientists rich person identified substances called pheromones in human consistency olfactory property that act as chemical messengers to the brain to stimulate, among other responses or behaviors, sexual attraction to a potential mate.

With at least 5 million odor-sensing cells lining the nasal bone passages, the nozzle seems to be well-equipped to observe smells on its own. Merely, approximately scientists speculate that, like other animals, citizenry Crataegus oxycantha also wealthy person a os nasale sensory device known as a vomeronasal organ that helps them to find these subtle fragrance molecules. There's little doubt that certain odors tin give birth a direct impact on the way we think and feel. The odour of freshly baked bread, for example, May conjure up fond memories of home and hearth. Other scents, such as floral or spicy aromas, induce a romantic mood.

So recognized is this impression that many European and Asian facilities ar investing in "indirect perfuming" to enhance productivity in the workplace and to promote recovery in hospitals. Continued from page 1. As Miczak points , "Having something used on you that has a aroma that you find personally pleasing tin can sometimes give a better force than essential oils indicated for rub down." According to Miczak, the about common oils used in knead bergamot, rose, chamomile, frankincense, geranium, lilac, neroli, and sandalwood -- "mostly because they non-irritating to skin and pleasing to almost multitude." If you're just starting buying essential oils, Kirby recommends just about of the more common oils such as , rosemary, peppermint, and ginger. Simply, choose whatever scents do the all but to relax and comfort, or energize, you. Just follow your olfactory organ. The following manufacturers supply good quality aromatherapy grade oils that toilet be found in your local health food store: Earth Harmony; Aroma Vera; Tisserand; and Aura Cacia (to name a few).

Are Alternative Medicines Effective?

A growing number of people have become interested in alternative medicine to treat illnesses. Alternative medicine as a practice has created a significant amount of controversy both inside and outside the traditional medical field. Alternative medicine refers to a treatment or substance that is unproven under the application or accepted scientific standards. The most common types of alternative medicine include herbs, supplements, therapies and activities that are outside traditional medical practice. Some of these raise questions about their safety and effectiveness.

Acupuncture, massage, meditation, herbal tea, and plant extracts are popular among devotees of alternative medicine, but many traditional doctors believe these treatments are ineffective or even dangerous. Alternative medicine has become increasingly popular as more people face the aches, pains, and illnesses that accompany aging. In some cases, individuals have not obtained a cure with traditional medical approaches and turn to other options to treat their illness. In still other cases, people feel very strongly that natural methods of treatment are better than traditional medicine, so they look for answers from alternative practitioners instead of the family doctor.

There are risks associated with alternative medicine. Some of the risks arise through the use of untested, ineffective, and even unsafe substances. The manufacturers of these substances sometimes exaggerate the claims of their effectiveness. They may misrepresent the science related to the material to convince consumers to buy the product, even if its use can endanger a person’s health.

Some herbal remedies are advertised as being able to improve memory, raise metabolism, or cure cancer and heart disease. In reality, the remedies may cause harm if taken at high doses. Another risk is that someone with a serious disease like cancer will not receive traditional and proven treatments, preferring to use alternative methods that may not be effective. In these cases, people are risking their lives. Sometimes, patients may be using alternative treatments, but not telling their doctors about them. This can lead to dangerous drug interactions. If a traditional doctor is unaware of the substance a patient is taking, medications that produce harmful interactions may be unknowingly prescribed.

It is possible to recognize potentially risky alternative treatment. If a treatment sounds too good to be true, it probably is. While this is a cliché, it is often very true in situations involving alternative medicines. Be careful of products labeled ‘miraculous’ or ‘ancient remedy.’ If you are thinking about treatments such as acupuncture or reflexology, check the qualifications of the practitioner before being treated. Ask about the training received, and research the treatment to determine if it has been scientifically tested and found to be effective.

It’s a good idea to ask your doctor about an alternative treatment you are considering. Trained medical professionals have the experience and education to help you make safe decisions about your health.

Easy Ways To Relief Headache

Having headache is annoying and sometimes it is difficult for us to avoid. Mostly when we are under pressure, headache appeared automatically. If it gets worse, we might faint due to the pain we felt.

A headache is a condition of mild to severe pain in the head. It can also attack at our upper back or neck. There are different types of headache, but most of the time headache brought on by stress, too long in front of computer, noise and others.

One of the main causes of headache is tension in the muscles of the neck, scalp and jaw. We usually deal with it by taking some sleep or consume over-the counter aspirin to release our pain. However, can we do this at any place?

Obviously, we cannot sleep at the office or at the mall. In addition, we might run of aspirin when headache strike us.

Do not worry! The easiest way to handle headache and we can do it everywhere is through massage. Massage is the practice of applying pressure or vibration to the soft tissues of the body, to heal injury, relieve psychological stress, manage pain, improve circulation and relieve tension.

When we suffer from headache, we can help ourselves with self-massage. Simple and everybody can do it, either at work or home.

Here are four easy ways in massage to heal our headache.

1. Eyes Area Massage -- Close your eyes. Place your middle fingers to your eyes that are above cheekbones. Massage that area gently but firmly in circular motion for 1 minute,

2. Eyes to Nose Massage – Using thumb, go along the underside of eyebrows (along the bone on top of eye socket). Feel where this bone meets the bridge of your nose and eyes and find a point where there is a small indentation. Very gentle pressure, press your thumbs into the points. You can do it four times by holding and press that area for 10 seconds in each press.

3. Neck Massage -- Massage a point where you can feel it by moving the middle fingers of your hands to the back of your head and feel the base of your skull. Specially, at the tops of your neck that meets the base of your skull. Massage for a minutes using finger tips gentle in circular movement.

4. Scalp Massage – Let your palms of your hands massage your scalp on the top of your skull for a minute gently.

Once you have done all those massages, start taking a deep breath. Lift your shoulders towards your ears for five to 10 seconds to relief remaining pain, and then let them drop back down into their natural position.

You are going to feel better when you can do that for a couple of times. Your massage will relief your headache and your head will feel less weighty.

Does Your Child Have Constipation?

Child have constipation just like adults and perhaps more often since they don't like to eat food that has a lot of fiber - vegetables and more vegetables.  Children with constipation can use the same natural remedies as adults, but in lesser amounts.

You can use these guidelines for children 3 and older.   Children should have a bowel movement everyday.  It would be best for them to have at least two, if they are eating three meals a day.  If your child is having three or less bowel movement per week, it is time to get worried and take action.

If you use some natural remedies, and your child still has only 3 or less bowel movements per week, then its time for you to take your child to see a doctor.  Continual constipation can reflect a more serious condition, especially if your child is eating the foods that promote natural bowel movements.

Here is a list of things that you can do for your child with constipation.  In fact, these recommendations are also good for you if you have constipation.

1. Drink more water - children are very active and will perspire more than an adult during the day and lose water.  If the body needs water it will take from the stools and make them hard and difficult to expel.
2. Eat more fiber - fruits and vegetables is where the fiber is.  Using artificial fiber and laxative products is not a good idea.  The body can become dependent on these products and lose its bowel sensitive and colon wall tone.
3. Having a bowel movement when it is time - teach your children to go to the bathroom when they get the urge.  A lot of times they will put it off if they are playing or doing something they like.  Putting it off will de-sensitize the colon and it will stop giving the bowel movement signal after a time.  This will lead to constipation.
4. Use natural products that promote bowel movements - there are many fruits and vegetables that promote bowel movements.  Use these as snacks.  In cases where you use a natural remedy that is bitter, remind your child that it is medicine to help them go to the bathroom more frequently.

Drinking Water

Have your constipated child drink more water throughout the day.  Use distilled water.  Minimize the use of sodas, tea, and sweeten juices, as these are not water.  Eating fruits and vegetable provide the body with distilled water since they contain up to 70% water.  Drink unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices provide water and promote bowel movements.

Eating Fruits and Vegetables

The best time to give your child fruits is in the morning.  From the time they wake up to noontime is when the body is detoxifying.  Heavy foods like meat, milk, cereal, and eggs hinder the detoxifying process.  Fruits and their juices accelerate the detoxifying process and promote bowel movement, provided no protein or carbohydrates are eaten.  A good breakfast is simply a bowel of fruit.  A glass of juice can also be provided.

When in season use a big bowl of watermelon and cantaloupe slices.  Otherwise, use a variety of seasonal fruits.  Use fruits as a snack between meals.  But do not give fruits after a meal as desert.  Wait 2-3 hours after a meal before giving fruit.  This helps digestion and promotes bowel movements.

Vegetables should be eaten with each meal at noontime and dinner.  Vegetables provide water, fiber, and an array of minerals and vitamins necessary for good digestion and colon function.

To make the salad more appealing for your child add raisins or pieces of apple to it.

Look to my other articles for Natural Constipation Remedies.  Use those that I discuss.  For a child, any herbal products that are used as a constipation remedy should be used at 1/3 the amount listed for an adult.

What is a Body Massage?

The holistic application of physical touch to affect the systems of the body-the muscular, skeletal, elimination, digestive, circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, lymphatic, emotional, mental and nervous systems is called Body massage. Body massage is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body with the hands for healing, therapeutic, pleasurable and relaxing effects. Body massage is the loving touch of the heart expressed through the hands. Professional therapeutic massage originated in China, is an age-old healing art, which can alleviate mental, physical and emotional ailments.

Let us study about the healing powers of body massage.

STRESS

Body massage helps releasing stress and tension in our bodies by increasing oxygen flow and blood circulation in the body. Excessive unresolved tension and stress in our daily lives could cause continuous muscular tension. This type of mental tension or stress diminishes the flow of oxygen and blood to the muscles and organs causing pains and aches, feelings of fatigue, symptomatic heaviness, tightness of muscles and stiffness. This can even increase the chance of strains and injuries. . Tension creates a tendency for a build up of toxins in the body, and reduces the flow of the more subtle energy or life force (Prana or Chi).  Muscular stress also deforms the skeletal anatomy, which further compounds present problems and develops new ones.

Benefits of Body massage

1. Assists weight loss

2. Improves and increases blood circulation and the flow of tissue fluid (lymph)
3. Nourishes the skin (with the right oils)
4. Soothes and relaxes nerves
5. Assists in removal of deposits of tissue
6. Releases emotional and mental tension
7. Creates a feeling of well-being
8. Gives pleasure

If you have any illness it is always advisable to inform a doctor before you go for a body massage.

Stammering In Children

Children can develop a stammer at an early age and for the parents it can be a very worrying time. It is difficult to know what to do. Parents wonder if it is just an age thing or just a phase. They think about whether to take their child to some form of speech therapy, however worry that that might be an over-reaction.

I myself developed a stammer at the age of four or five. My mother had left work to look after me when I was born and I started to talk as normal. Everything was fine until I started school. My mother who now had more time on her hands decided to re-start work and I would now be going to a friend of the families after school. This friend was called Jean and she had a son my age called Graham. On the first day I spent at her house everything was going well until Jean called us in for our evening meal. Meal times at my own house were a very relaxed affair, we were able to eat our food wherever we wanted to in the house.

At Jean's house they ate in a dining room around a dining table. There were a lot of people around the table who I did not know very well and eating in front of them all itself made me feel quite uncomfortable. During the meal people were asking me various questions and for whatever reason, I found it difficut to answer and started stammering. This was the first day of my life as a stammerer.

My parents a few months later took me to speech therapy, the speech therapist advised them that most children will grow out of stammering. I continued unfortunately to stammer until I was twenty two.

Stammering affected every decision I ever made and was constantly on my mind. Having a stammer made obtaining work, relationships and socialising very difficult and at times I became very depressed.

Insomnia – Trouble sleeping?

The English proverb says: ‘Six hours sleep for a man, seven for a woman and eight for a fool.’ but even a fool is better off than someone who cannot sleep at all.  An insomniac may have difficulty in falling asleep or in staying asleep, both of which can increase daytime fatigue and irritability.


What causes insomnia? There are many reasons why you may have insomnia, chronic insomnia can itself be a symptom of another condition; some include receiving bad news, running out of time in an over burdened busy schedule; there are physical disorders such as ‘sleep apnoea’, restless legs,  heart disease, lung disease, hot flashes, or diabetes, therefore it is wise to consult with your doctor if you are having trouble sleeping; the environment may also be a factor, like noise and light or lack of exercise during the day, lifestyle or the miss use of sleeping drugs can be another factor for having insomnia, or it can just occur for no apparent reason.


Insomnia can also be a symptom of psychiatric illnesses like depression and anxiety attacks.  In all, we should be sensitive to those who spend the night trying to count all of the sheep in the world and never getting to sleep.
Alternative medicine or the use of alternative medicine types and natural remedies can be a very successful way in treating those suffering with insomnia - when administered properly by a qualified health specialist and therapist, they encompass a wide variety of disciplines that include everything from diet and exercise to mental conditioning and lifestyle changes.   You may find one or more of the following alternative medicine types helpful to you.


The learning of relaxation techniques can help you to fall asleep faster and increase your sleep time, there are lots of things that you can do to improve your relaxation such as visualization which helps you relax by imagining a relaxing scene for you to sleep on.  


Another alternative medicine type is meditation which essentially involves you focusing your mind on the present.


Some have found Yoga to be very relaxing and to encourage sleeping, Yoga develops the relationship between deep breathing, meditation, and stretching; There are many gentle styles of Yoga available that maybe helpful.

Acupuncture is often used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating cases of insomnia and is becoming a more popular practise in the western world.


A careful look and adjustment to your diet can make a huge difference too, particularly if you can cut out caffeine from your diet which can have a pronounced effect on sleep, in addition eliminating the drinking of tea and soft drinks at night time, can be beneficial.


Avoiding sweets or high sugar foods at night time that give you a short burst of energy will also help; because these type of high sugar foods can often cause uneven blood sugar levels, they can disturb your sleep in the middle of the night as the blood sugar level falls.


Apparently, it is proven that regular exercise deepens sleep in young adults with or without sleep disorders, therefore, increasing your personal exercise plan may also be an advantage in getting a better night sleep.


Alternative remedies such as using the root of valerian (Valeriana officinalis), and using herbs such as chamomile, passionflower, hops, ginseng, lemon balm and skullcap are all alternative medicine types that have been successfully used in treating people with sleep disorders. It is to be remembered that natural remedies are not always benign, some herbal therapies can interact with other medications you may be taking, therefore is it good practice to always consult with your doctor or health care provider before you change or adjust your current medication.


Many have found that taking a warm bath with appropriate aromatherapy oils added can relax the body and reduce a stressful mind to help you enjoy a comfortable rest through the night.

Acupuncture Stop Smoking

Acupuncture is an very old Chinese medical style. In essence, acupuncture means stimulating certain particles of the biped body in rule to archive specific outputs. The procedure includes penetrating the skin with thin needles.

Acupuncture is used for various reasons:  from stimulating the fertility of women to pain relief and osteoarthritis. Nowadays acupuncture stop smoking is a widely used practice that (according most who have tried it) gives very positive results.

If you are eager to try acupuncture stop smoking programs, first you need to be sure you have found a licensed acupuncture practitioner. Your doctor should be able to hand over you to a know onions and experienced acupuncturist. You can also checkup at the national acupuncture runnings such as the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). The best option is to find a person who has proper medical cultivation, as he is likely to better asses your medical reputation and required treatment. After you have plant an acupuncturist, ask for references from previous cases.

The usual places of your body where acupuncture will be done are your ears. The feeling is not painful and most people find it relaxing. Acupuncture is safe as long as useful needles are used. Of utmost denotation is the needles used to be decontaminated to avert impurities. Acupuncture stop smoking programs should result into reduced carvings and reduced level of withdrawal features. Some people fuse acupuncture sessions with hypnosis as these two methods rendition really good cessation outcomes.

Normally your acupuncturist will ask you divers questions over your first flap. He will try to gain a full picture of your health, lifestyle, behavior and the desired final solutions. Based on the dossier provided (it is vital that you are honest and do not hide any medical complications you have had or currently have as well as any treatments or medications you are taking) he will asses your condition and inform you how many sessions you will need. A good therapist will keep you informed about the progress you are making. Your acupuncture stop smoking line-up may be refined for a few days or continue for a couple of weeks.

Acupuncture prices may vary but the good news is that (in most or the cases) it is integumented by your fitness strategy. If you are not sure about this, check with your insurance company. Todays alternative of acupuncture stop smoking systems is the laser treatment. It works on the same principle as acupuncture: specific points of your body are stimulated with the use of a low-level laser.

Steps To Relieve Back Pain

First, there is posture. I know this is not the first time you have heard this, but it needs to be said again and again.
Posture should be noted in sitting, standing, and sleeping. Start taking note of your posture at all times. If it is not straight, then start working on fixing it.

If you sleep in a position like I have in the past, with both hands under your pillow while you lay on your side, you can pinch a nerve in your neck if your shoulder of the arm that's up starts to relax and leans in toward your head or neck. It would be better to lay your arm of your upper hand down on your leg while one hand is under your pillow.
And if you can, buy a few different thickness pillows for throughout the night. I do not know about you, but I can not have a high, fluffy pillow when I lay on my back. But a thin pillow gives me neck ache when I lay on my side.

The second thing on our list is the flexibility of your back.

What you want to do when you notice your back goes out a lot and you experience pinched nerves, is in getting your spine back into alignment and having it flexible.

Of course if you feel a chiropractor is your best choice, by all means seek one. But think about your progress if you could align your own back when ever you needed to. It's not all that hard!

If you are in pain at the present, put ice or heat on the spot until the pain seems to lessen.

Do NOT, under any circumstances exercise while any of your nerves are inflamed or swollen!

To get your back more flexible you might want to learn kundalini yoga. Not all yoga styles are like those you may have seen on television, where they twist themselves up. Kundalini yoga has very good and useful spinal exercises developed to help flexibility. Kundalini Yoga is also a spiritual tool to help before meditation as well.

It is very important to strengthen your back and the surrounding muscles. This is the third step to a healthy back.
Doing sit-ups is one such exercise, You do not have to do many sit-ups until you feel you can... step by step.
Take all of these things slow and at the pace of your body. Your body will let you know what it is feeling. Pain is a warning sign.
Just remember... taking pain pills is okay when you really need them. But also remember that they do not heal the problem, they only mask the warning sign, they simply stop the warning sign, but not the underlying problem.
Health is more than just eating right. One has to consider mental health, environmental, and many other factors. It is not all that easy for a doctor to diagnose the complete problem and cure it, especially if it has roots in psychological issues and has gone a long time unchecked, and became a physical problem.

The fourth and last step in back health is to start a daily stretching routine. You have
seen cats and dogs stretch when they get up, try it for yourself!

The key to back health is in keeping it actively flexible and strong, or well supported by the stomach and back muscles. You may have to find that happy medium in between like I have, being too much strength in one area will pull out another.
Each person is uniquely different in many areas. So never think what worked for someone else is going to work for you. You may have to build on someone else's information and work it into your own, personal program.

I recommend you learn a little about acupressure as well to maintain your pain when it flares up.
I have found that I can manage pain by using acupressure, simply by putting pressure on certain areas of the body. But that is something I suggest you seek a professional for help, or look for someone who does acupuncture, or take a course in acupressure like I did.

Common Herbal Remedies

People have been collecting herbs to use as medicine for centuries.  Many doctors claim however that taking herbs in place of your prescribed medication is not recommended.

There has been a vast amount of information and testing with regard to herbal remedies.  Herbs like vitamins are good for your body and overall health.  Although the exact cause of why herbs have a positive effect on the body is not always known.  Usually, herbs need to be taken over a long period to receive the benefits to you health.

Listed below is information about some common herbal remedies.

Alfalfa has been known to be effective in healing ailments such as gas pains, pain and stiffness from arthritis and ulcers.  Alfalfa herb tea possesses no adverse components and is safe for all people including children.

For relief from upset stomachs, colds, bronchitis, bladder troubles, and jaundice, Chamomile is recommended.  This herb is also helpful in the regulating menstrual cycle's rheumatic pains, and headaches.  Chamomile has also been effective for babies with colic.  In addition, it can act as an insect repellent when used properly.

Dandelion increases activity in the pancreas, liver, and spleen and contains insulin substitutes.  Dandelion has a high vitamin and mineral content that is used for treating kidney and liver disorders, along with skin disease and loss of appetite.

Eucalyptus is a major ingredient in many commercial medicines such as cough and sore throat medications.  These plants also contain oils that are extremely potent antiseptics.  The oil may be applied locally on wounds, sores, and burns.  Eucalyptus can also be used as an insect repellent.

Ginseng has been used for more than 5000 years in the Chinese culture.  This herb strengthens the heart and nervous system.  In addition, it builds up a general mental and physical vitality and may be effective for treating colds, coughs, gout, diabetes, headache, and backache.

Hawthorn is known to cause the dilation of the coronary vessels. An improvement has been shown in patients and is helpful in insomnia. It has been used to treat high blood pressure when taken over a period of time.

A strengthening tonic for the entire system is Strawberry.  It is helpful with diarrhea, night sweats, liver complaints, gout, and jaundice.  Strawberry is used internally for weak intestines and is also used for enema.

The above herbal remedies listed above are general guidelines.  If an herb does not agree with you or if you feel adverse effects, discontinue using the herb.  The information contained in this article is not intended to replace the services of a physician.

Chakra Balancing

Chakra reconciliation is founded on the ancient Amerind impression in a series of 7 chakras, or vigor centers. Chakra is the Sanskrit word for wheel. These vigour centers ar believed to be placed at particular points between the pedestal of the spinal column and the circus tent of the skull. Some esoteric systems include additional chakras, said to extend beyond the tangible consistency into the human auric field. Each chakra is believed to relate to particular organs of the consistence, ailments, colors, elements, and emotions. However, different systems or sources that use the idea of chakras whitethorn disagree about the details.

The conception of chakras plays a key role in two ancient Amerindian language healing systems (ayurvedic medicine and yoga) that popular today. In recent decades, however, many modern therapies (like polarity therapy , therapeutic touch , process acupressure, core energetics, and semblance therapy ) rich person besides incorporated the idea of chakras into their own visions of healing. Various approaches English hawthorn be used to "balance" the chakras. Chakra is believed to promote wellness by maximising the stream of vim in the organic structure, much as a tune-up enables a car to operate on at peak efficiency. Chakras part of the ancient feeling arrangement connected with yoga.

These traditions were handed down orally for thousands of years before being codified by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras, several centuries before Christ. The ancient healing science of Ayurveda is on a collection of scriptures known as vedas (a Sanskrit word meaning knowledge or wisdom). Ayurveda literally means "life knowledge." It remained the predominant form of care in India until the British colonial government tried to suppress it during the nineteenth century. Over the last half-century, however, a modernized form of has gained considerable popularity in India.

More recently, traditional has been popularized in the West by such high-profile advocates as Deepak Chopra. Balancing the chakras is believed to promote general and well-being by ensuring the free flowing of life push (too known as prana or qi) throughout the physical structure. It is believed that blockages in the current of this vital get-up-and-go will eventually result in mental, emotional, and/or touchable illness. By removing such blockages and Department of Energy menstruation, practitioners said to enable dead body, mind, and spirit to function optimally. Some alternative practitioners, such as medical intuitives, say they can "read" a patient's chakras to detect imbalances and diagnose problems.

This is likewise sometimes done using a pendulum. Just as the various forms of yoga attempt to mediate between the forcible and Negro spiritual realms, so the chakras believed to manoeuver as Energy Department transformers. They often shown as circles, spaced at intervals along the vertebral column, or sometimes as funnels of Energy. Specific chants or sounds with the different chakras used in some yogic meditation practices as tools for healing and apparitional evolution. Each of the VII chakras is said to wealthy person physiological and metaphysical functions that relate to both the nature of the blockages and to the active problems they produce.

Acne free skin through Ayurveda

Acne is a very common skin problem which affects young people at their puberty and few adults till they reach 45. Acne are referred as Youvana pitikas (which means the eruptions of youth) in ayurveda. This shows the prevalence of acne from ages. Ayurveda has described the causes of acne and recommends the best natural herbal acne remedies too.

What causes acne?

A large number of oil producing glands called “sebaceous glands” are present under the skin  on face, back, chest and shoulders. During puberty or menopause due to the influence of the sex hormones, which are produced in male and female, these glands become more active and produce an oily secretion called “sebum”. The sebum makes the skin more oily .The excessive sebum clogs the skin pore or the pit of the hair follicle forming acne.The blocked pore or acne acts as an excellent habitat for bacteria. The bacterial infection causes inflammation (red, painful swelling of the infected area) of the clogged pore or hair follicle leading to eruption of pimples.

Vata and Kapha are two main doshas, which are involved in eruption of acne and pimples. Rakta dhatu or blood also plays an important role in formation of acne.

Vata when gets vitiated due to unhealthy diet and lifestyles affects other two doshas (kapha and pitta) to aggravate them. Aggravated pitta affects rakta dhatu or blood. The vitiated blood affects the skin and causes excess secretion of oil from sebaceous glands. Kapha has sticky property. The aggravated kapha imparts the stickiness to the oil produced by sebaceous glands of skin. Thus the  thick sebaceous plugs are formed in skin pores and hair follicles leading to eruption of acne.

Acne worsens when

1. grease, dirt or other harsh chemicals accumulate on skin.

2. you have Increased stress levels.

3. you indulge in Squeezing or pinching of acne.

4. when there are hormonal imbalances during menstrual cycle, menopause and puberty.

5. you are under medications like steroids or hormonal therapy.

Precautions to be taken to avoid exaggeration of acne eruptions:

• Avoid foods which are spicy, dry and oily. These may cause indigestion and lead to vitiation of vata.

• Keep a habit of emptying bowels regularly this always normalizes vata.

• Avoid fast foods and soft drinks.

• Wash your face twice daily with mild cleanser.

• Put a hair band to avoid falling of hair on face. The sweat and dirt accumulated on hair may fall on facial skin through hair strands

• Avoid application of scrubs.

• Wash your hair regularly with mild shampoo to keep it clean and avoid dandruff.

• Squeezing and pricking of pimples cause scaring. Hence avoid this

• Avoid exposure of skin to severe climatic conditions.

• Avoid oil based moisturizers. Water based moisturizers are always beneficial.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Practice a regular exercise regimen

Natural Herbal acne Home remedies :

• Wash your face with lukewarm water and mild soap twice a day.

• Wash fresh methi leaves (fenu greek leaves) and grind it to make a paste. Apply it on face and wash it off with lukewarm water after 10  minutes.

• Grind juicy tender neem leaves with turmeric to a consistency of paste. Apply this paste on acne and pimples. Wash this off after it dries.

• Apply a face pack of ripe tomato pulp and wash it off as soon as it dries naturally (preferably after 45 minutes) .

• Do not keep the make up while sleeping. Cleanse it with a mild herbal cleanser.

• Mix besan flour (gram flour) with rose water and apply a face pack.

• Consuming fresh vegetable salads and fresh fruits keeps the skin healthy and resistant to blemishes.

• Drink plenty of water (15 glasses a day)