Alternative Health Articles

Herbs Provide Fuel For the Body To Build It Stronger And Healthier

2008-12-31T10:38:00.000-08:00

Herbs have been used for a long time as foods to heal disease in our human society. It can be estimated that herbs have been used by humans for at least 15,000 years, with animals using the herbs as medicine for much longer. They, fortunately, had the instinct to search and find the herb they need when it is needed, while our animals of today are limited by fences. Many veterinarians claim that horses will go out and look for a plant that will be helpful to get them to get rid of a parasite when they have it. This plant is called Wormwood. A lot of the first herb uses were actually learned from observing and ill animal and watching it go out and get a plant. Man then followed and ate the plant himself.

The Indians in South American discovered that the Pau d’Arco tree possesses a lot of medicinal ability in the inner back by observing that the inner bark repelled the insects that flooded other trees in the rain forest. The Indians also found a bush that is found in a certain canyon increased their eyesight, so they named it Eyebright. Similarly, the Arizona Apache and Pima Indians found that if they took a twig of the Chaparral bush and heated it and placed it in or next to a tooth hoe, the pain and infection were relieved.

Because of the above, it can be inferred that man has been using herbs for an extremely long time. This is important, especially when taking it to comparison just how short-term the use of chemicals has been. There is no doubt to anyone that chemical use over a long period of time causes a negative effect on the human body. It seems extremely odd that the scientific community prefers their scientific laboratory experiments with chemicals over 4,000 to 5,000 years of herb use. It seems as if someone would see the inadequacy of trying to find a medicine in laboratories by working with animals over a period of months versus the use of herbs by humans in their natural habitat for thousands of years.

Chemicals are not food for the human body as they have all sorts of negative effects including unwanted immune responses which cause inflammation. They do not provide any nutritional affects. Herbs, on the other hand, are foods that fuel the human body, nourishing it and also cleansing it so that it may be energized. Additionally, these herbs have a lot of unknown positive effects. This seems so simple that some wonder how anyone in a professional status could see the truths in prescribing a drug for their spouse or client. A lot of times it is suggested that patients ask their doctors if they would prescribe the same drug or surgery for their wife or children. We need to become aware of the responsibility we have to our bodies.

Many herbs have Glyconutrients and polysaccharides that can feed the immune system. These Glyconutrients or polysaccharides are simple sugars that provide raw materials for the body to build its self better and stronger. Every cell in the body is wrapped with instructions. When the immune system come in contact with each cell, it determines whether its friend or foe. Herbs can help the body build its self better.

Those people who ask if they will become dependant on an herb are thinking of the herbs as a drug instead of food. Although we are dependant on food, it is better to eat food that has been proven to help our body, rather than one which will poison it. Herbs are foods that have proven elements involved which will provide a positive effect on our body. Each specific herb can provide a specific need to our body.

Soluble Fiber such as Guar Gum Promotes a Healthy Colon

2008-12-31T10:35:00.000-08:00

Guar gum is what is known as a soluble fiber, and it is well known that it promotes a healthy colon. You will not find soluble fiber in what you believe to be 'high fiber foods', yet it is a very important part of your diet, particularly if you have problems with your colon such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or even colon cancer.

Traditional high fiber foods, such as bran, leafy vegetables and cereals, contain insoluble fiber that mechanically act as an aid to digestion and the movement of your food through your gastrointestinal system. Soluble fiber, on the other hand, is found in what are more commonly regarded as starchy foods, although unlike starch, the chemical bonds that attach the various sugar molecules together cannot be broken by the acids and enzymes used by your gastric system to digest them.

They thus pass through the body undigested, in the same way as insoluble fibers, and so contribute to the mechanical system upon which the peristaltic pumping motion of the intestine depends. Because it is not digested, soluble fiber contains practically no calories since it does not contribute to the metabolism of your body. Fiber imparts many benefits in addition to enabling your intestine peristalsis to move your food through your digestive system.

For a start they don't contribute to your nutrition, either negatively or positively, but provide bulk to what you eat and provide help to your bowel movements by giving the intestinal muscles something to bite on. One of the benefits of such foods is their effect on your blood sugar and preventing the onset of diabetes. They can also help you to avoid obesity through providing virtually calorie-free bulk to your meals. Some fibers can bind chemically to toxins and certain fats, and can clean out your colon. So what's the benefit of soluble fiber over the insoluble type, and where does guar gum enter the equation?

Basically, soluble fiber is water soluble while insoluble fiber is not. Insoluble fiber is contained in cereals, beans and peas, fruits and in fact anything that doesn't dissolve in water, even when acted upon by that concentrated hydrochloric acid that is the basis of your digestive juices. Soluble fiber can help to prolonging the time that your stomach acids and enzymes spend in digesting your food. Soluble fiber is reported as conferring many health benefits, and guar gum and pectin are two of its major forms.

Guar gum is obtained from the guar bean, indigenous to India and Pakistan, but also grown in the USA, China Africa and Australia. The bean is edible to humans, and also used as cattle feed and fertilizer. TO obtain the gum, the seeds are dehusked and milled, and the gum is a whitish powder, not gummy as you might believe. However, when dissolved in water it gels when it comes into contact with calcium or borax.

It is effective as a laxative, due to the bulk it forms when dissolved in water, and can relieve not only constipation, but is also an effective treatment for IBS, Crohn's disease, colitis and other conditions of the lower digestive tract. Because it enables the colon to eject toxins and other undesirable waste products much more rapidly, guar gum is good for the health of your colon, and absorbs not only toxins but also undesirable bacteria.

Guar gum is what is known as thermogenic: it helps your body to burn fat by converting it to energy, with a resulting increase in your body heat. Not only that, but because it contains very little calorie content, it can bulk up a meal, help to make you feel satisfied and lower the glycemic index of your meal. It is used in many types of weight loss products and diets, although its uncontrolled use can be dangerous due to the potential blockage of your esophagus through insufficient fluid intake. For that single reason you are unable to purchase guar gum in non-prescriptive weight loss products.

Another of the benefits of soluble fiber, and guar gum in particular, is that it accelerates the absorption of calcium in the colon. Since calcium is normally absorbed in the small intestine, as opposed to the colon, this is good news for those seeking to lose weight. The reason for that is that the dairy products which traditionally contain most calcium tend to be high in calories, and guar gum enables you to get your RDA of calcium from a diet lower in these products by maximizing the calcium extraction and absorption right through the intestinal tract, and not only in the small intestine.

It has also been found to improve your tolerance to glucose. One of the problems that diabetics have is that sugars are absorbed mainly in the small intestine, whereas guar gum also enables it to be absorbed in the colon. Therefore, while the overall absorption level remains constant, there are no peaks and troughs since the absorption is constant through the entire intestinal tract rather than all the demand being in the small intestine. There is therefore less of a demand for insulin at certain times after a meal, so that the overall level of blood insulin can be reduced.

Guar gum is used as a delivery medium for certain drugs. Where it is desirable for a drug to be released into the colon as opposed to any other part of the gastrointestinal tract, this is the ideal substance. Guar gum can be degraded, if not digested, by anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that live in the absence of oxygen). Certain drugs can be attached to the guar gum molecule, and after consumption will pass unchanged through the stomach, duodenum and small intestine.

However, when it reaches the colon, the anaerobic bacteria that populate the large intestine degrade the gum, and release the drug molecules into the colon where they are needed. There are a number of delivery techniques in addition to using the gum itself, including using derivatives of guar gum, using a combination of the gum and other polymers and also multiparticulate delivery techniques.

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum also seems to increase the population of your bowel with friendly bacteria, or probiotics, such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. These can help to prevent or reduce the symptoms of many bowel conditions, and probiotic drinks taken with guar gum can be extremely beneficial to people suffering the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and other similar disorders of the lower intestinal tract.

So if you have a disorder of your lower intestine or colon, try a soluble fiber such as guar gum as a natural treatment, and where appropriate also take that with a probiotic. Most people find that their symptoms improve and in many cases they disappear altogether.

Folic Acid, The News Keeps Getting Better

2008-12-31T10:34:00.000-08:00

National press has recently taken an interest in the benefits of folic acid, with coverage increasing throughout the media. Folic acid, a B vitamin and other folates helps the body to form red blood cells and aids in the formation of genetic material within every body cell. Folic acid also helps to prevent birth defects. Proponents of dietary supplements have encouraged the use of folic acid by women who are of the child-bearing age for a long time.

The public is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of this nutrient to prenatal development. In a survey done by U.S. Health and Human Services in 2007, about 40% of all women surveyed reported the daily consumption of a supplement that contained folic acid, while about 42% of women surveyed reported that folic acid is the most important vitamin for women of child-bearing age. This study also found that awareness of the benefits differed by age group. Younger women were the least likely to know about the benefits of folic acid, and therefore, were the least likely to consume folic acid. These younger women were also more likely to hear about folic acid from a magazine or newspaper or school or college, rather than their health-care provider.

On the contrary, the women who aged 25-34 and 35-47 were much more likely to hear about folic acid and its benefits from their health-care provider. Because of these results, the U.S. Health and Human Services considers it vital to increase young person education and awareness. Folic acid has long been known to help prevent birth defects. Recent research on folic acid shows that it may also help in preventing premature births, boost baby weights, prevent preeclampsia, reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and even cut male smokers’ stroke risk.

Folate is determined from the term “foliage,” and is a member of the B vitamin family where it can be primarily found in dark leafy green vegetables, legumes, citrus fruits, beets, meat, and wheat germ. Folic acid does not occur in nature and cannot be found in unfortified foods. It is not an active form of the B-vitamin. However, it is the most common form of folate used is supplements and in fortified food products due to the fact that it is highly bioavailable and chemically stable. It is also readily reduced to tetrahydrofolate, which is the active coenzyme form of folate. One study, comparing folic acid from orange juice and folic acid from a supplement showed that the supplement had a better absorption rate than the fortified orange juice.

Although folic acid is not generally associated with side effects, there have been some clinical reports that high level of folic acid can mask a deficiency of vitamin B-12. However, a deficiency of B-12 is very uncommon and it has been determined that only amounts about 3000 – 4000 micrograms per day of folic acid for extended periods of time may have this masking effect, which can in turn be eliminated by supplementing with a few micrograms of B-12. For more information about folic acid and its benefits to your body, contact your local health food retailer.

Energize the Body Mentally And Physically With Natural Guarana And More

2008-12-31T10:33:00.002-08:00

Guarana comes from the Amazon basin, and has been used by the natives of the Amazon rain forest to treat conditions such as diarrhea, arthritis, fatigue and even to reduce hunger. It is, in fact, a climbing plant of the Sapondacaea family, although it is the fruit for which it best known. Each contains a single seed that contains around five times the amount of caffeine of a similarly sized coffee bean.

An interesting piece of trivia is that the reason why such seeds are rich in caffeine is that the substance is poisonous to certain pathogens that would otherwise attack the berry. The same is - true of all seeds that contain caffeine: it is a means of self-defense. Obviously it is an effective defense since the berries appear to relatively immune to such common plant diseases.

Guarana is named after the Guarani tribe of South America, and the language is spoken by many in the area around Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil, and also parts of Argentina. In fact over 67% of Paraguayans speak the language. There is a myth that when child of the Guarana village was killed by an evil god, a more benevolent deity planted the child's left eye in the forest and the right eye in the village. The left eye gave rise to the wild form of the plant, and the right eye the cultivated form.

This likely came about because of the appearance of the fruit when it is split open: it has the appearance of eyeballs. However, what is true is that Guaranis made tea from the seeds, and also a bread known as guarana bread by mashing the powder into a dough and shaping it into a cylindrical bread. It is dry roasted and milled to a fine powder, also known as Brazilian cocoa, but it has never quite managed to compete commercially against the coffee! However, it has its local adherents to whom it is a staple drink.

However, back to the health benefits of the seed. They were recognized as early as the 17th century when Father Felip Betendorf introduced it into Western civilization, but over the centuries since then it has been found that even in spite of the caffeine content it has been demonstrated to have brain-boosting properties and able to increase tasks requiring mental attention. It is certainly known to be an energizer, and able to give a boost to your brain when you really need it. So why should this be, and how does it do this?

The flavor is a bit like chocolate, hence its nickname of Brazilian cocoa, and has been approved by the FDA as a food additive. Extracts from the berry have been shown to possess strong antioxidant properties, and also act as bactericides and fungicide, few of which can be put down the caffeine content. In fact the seed has been proposed for use in the food industry as a natural antioxidant and preservative and as stated below, that is more acceptable to people than synthetic chemicals.

This is probably in response to the fact that synthetic antioxidants are in decline whereas the natural antioxidants such as vitamins, C and E and the various tocopherols and carotenoids are increasing in prominence due to them being more readily accepted by the consumer than the synthetics such as butylhydroxytoluene(BHT). These antioxidants are commonly used as food preservatives, in that they slow down the oxidation of foodstuffs, and people are increasingly feeling that natural products are preferable for this application than synthetic.

Guarana seeds have been found to be exceptionally high in proanthocyanadins with powerful antioxidant properties. They are fatal to free radicals and help to prevent cardiac disease and to improve cellular activity. They also display antimicrobial and antifungal activity. Chemically, they consist of up to 60% starch, pectins, saponins, proteins, and the aforementioned caffeine (3% - 5%). The guarana paste can contain up to 7% caffeine that can be dangerous to those with cardiac problems.

Guarana also contains tannins at levels of up to 12%, including catechin and some proanthocyanadins. The astringency of these tannins represents a problem to their use in the beverage and food industry, although the substance is regarded as safe by the FDA. They have little if any nutritional value and can react with alkaloid and proteins to form unwanted complexes. Were it not for tannins guarana would be more acceptable to the food industry.

However, it is for their energy-boosting properties that the guarana berries and seeds are most prized by many. The fact they it has been traditionally used as a stimulant and aphrodisiac indicates that there is something behind these claims. Studies on mice, hamsters and other animals have supported these effects. It has been found to posses the two desirable properties (to some) of stimulating the nervous system and curbing the appetite.

Consequently, it is used in diet and weight loss pills, and also to maintain high energy levels. In fact weight loss pills are used by many people to maintain their energy levels while not eating. This is a definite bonus to those that want to lose weight, but dislike the lethargy that a strict diet can cause.

There is a downside to that of course, and that is insomnia and an increased heartbeat, and also nervousness and feeling 'on edge'. Once people stop using guarana they suffer withdrawal symptoms such as nervousness, irritability and headaches.

The upshot is that it is basically the high caffeine content of guarana that allows its use as a stimulant that can boost not only energy, but also reduce appetite and act as an effective weight loss supplement. However, used excessively it can lead to nervousness and while it is included as an ingredient in many foods and drinks, you should be careful when using it as an energizing supplement if you have any heart problems at all.

Otherwise, guarana is used to energize the body naturally, and is not only very commonly used for this purpose in South America, but also increasingly so in the USA and elsewhere with some very good results.

Improving Sexual Performance Naturally

2008-12-31T10:32:00.000-08:00

Nowadays, sex seems to be everywhere except where it counts, in the bedrooms and love lives of married Americans. We see it on TV, in magazines, in the books we read, in the movies we watch, and even in the music we listen to. Estimates of 15 to 20 percent of the 113 million married Americans are not having sex, and many of those that are say that it’s not as enjoyable as it was in the past, or they’re not having enough of it. The interesting part of this is that the very same thing is happening to husbands and wives in Paris, London, Lisbon, and Madrid. Research has proven that couples who live in Western civilized countries are much more likely to be unhappy than those living elsewhere in the world. It is believed that married couples living in Brazil, Beijing, and Tibet have access to powerful plant medicines that keep their sexual relationships healthy and happy.

Many plants and herbs have been found all over the world that really does improve orgasms in women and erections in men, making sex satisfying for both parties involved. These plants really do help by working with your body’s innate mechanisms for healthy sex. A man needs an erect penis that remains firm through foreplay and into intercourse so that he is able to experience a pleasurable ejaculation when he and his partner are ready. Similarly, a woman needs to feel desire and the feeling of being desired for her to achieve her orgasm. There are many plants which will help men and women obtain these necessities of sex and you will be able to know if the herbal plant you’ve purchased is actually doing its job.

Because most women put their family’s needs before their own, it has led to a large quantity of very tired moms and wives. These life demands impair sexual performance in men also. Work stressors, family demands, and home maintenance often result in fatigue and lack of energy, leaving no energy left to devote to sex. Two supplements, Maca and Rhodiola Rosea, reduce sexual fatigue in women and men who are too tired to make love. Maca, which is grown in Peru, has been prescribed by physicians to men with low libido and diminished erectile function and has shown excellent results. Researchers have recently studied Maca and discovered that two compounds, macamides and macaenes, are responsible for improved sexual stamina and help men and women obtain more frequent and powerful orgasms. Rhodiola Rosea, grown in the highest mountains of Europe and Asia, was once used by early Siberians to boost strength and stamina. After using it, they realized that they not only had more energy, but also had more sexual stamina. Rhodiola helps us to adapt to changes in life and the stresses of every day life. Hormones, produced by our body when we are stressed, are necessary in cases of trauma or childbirth. Stress caused by work, family, or personal struggles can cause fatigue, added weight gain, poor metabolism, and impaired sexual hormone. Rhodiola makes sure that we get the hormones when they are needed, in order to protect our health, and give us more energy, vitality, and better sex.

As a woman enters perimenopause, the years where she is still menstruating despite the fluctuating estrogen levels, she often feels a decrease in desire for sex. Because estrogen is the hormone that drives a woman’s reproductive system, as it starts to decrease, the sex drive decreases also. Traditional medicine has some answers to help those women in perimenopause and menopause as well. Ashwagandha, is also an adaptogen, like Rhodiola, and has powerful sex-enhancing powers. It has been helping women enhance their desire for sex for many years. Catuaba, a tree that grows in the Brazilian Amazon, stimulates sexual desire and is used worldwide today by women who desire passionate sex. Eleuthero, often called Siberian ginseng, has been used by tribal people for over 2,000 years to eliminate sexual fatigue. It, also, is an adaptogen, and invigorates sexual function.

For men, it is often their equipment that lets them down, with the inability to get an erection hard enough or keep it long enough to satisfy their partners and themselves. Unlike women, who can fake an orgasm, men have to perform every single time they have sex. Horny Goat Weed, Yohimbe, and Panax ginseng can help with these problems. Horny Goat Weed has been used for thousands of years in restoring sexual fire, treating impotence, and increasing production of semen. Research has proven that horny goat weed has activities similar to those of androgen, which are sex hormones that stimulate desire in men. Yohimbe, nature’s Viagra, helps men to attain a firm erection by stimulating engorged vessels within the penis and nerves of the lower spine. Panax ginseng stimulates the central nervous system, invigorates the brain, increases resistance to stress and fatigue, and sharpens the mind. It is also used by many men to enhance libido and sexual vitality and has been proven to help with problems of erectile dysfunction. To make sure you get the most for your money when purchasing these products, make sure the supplement you are considering is from a well-respected manufacturer, the herbs are standardized, and that the extracts are concentrated for optimal benefit. Men who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, thyroid disease, prostate problems, or other illnesses should use caution when selecting any health supplement. This same advice applies to women who are pregnant or nursing. Always remember to keep your doctor informed about the supplements you are using, especially if you’re also taking prescription drugs.

The easiest way to naturally enhance your sex life is to practice. Studies have shown that couples in the Amazon rainforest, as well as those in New York City, have better sex lives if they make it priority. Men who smoke need to quite because research has shown that more than 20 cigarettes daily causes a 60 percent higher risk for erectile dysfunction, as compared to those who never smoked. This is because smoking decreases blood flow and makes it difficult for men to obtain an erection. Since sex is a visual and tactile endeavor, visually stimulating images can arouse even the most tired people. Just remember that sex always has consequences and improving your sex life does not eliminate the requirement to practice it responsibly. You must be sure to consider the consequences of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. Horny Goat weed, Maca, and other herbs can be found at your friendly internet health food store.

Bioidentical Hormones: An Alternative to Premarin

2008-12-31T10:31:00.000-08:00

Chances are, if you have required medication therapy for your menopause, you were given a prescription for Premarin or a similar ‘conjugated estrogen’ product. Premarin is a synthetic estrogen made from the urine of pregnant horses. Other conjugated estrogen products like Enjuvia and Cenestin, are made synthetically from plant sources.

The problem with conjugated estrogen products like Premarin is that it not only contains human-like hormones, they may also contain other hormones that are unlike human estrogens, like horse hormones. Many medical experts question if our bodies really know what to do with these equine estrogens. It is thought that some of the ill effects sometimes experienced by women taking Premarin, such as migraine and fatigue, are caused by these horse hormones.

There has for some time now been an alternative to traditional synthetic hormones like Premarin called 'bioidentical hormones'. Bioidentical hormones have been around for many years. However, up until now, they have not been widely advertised or promoted by the medical community. This is a shame as many women are finding relief from their menopause symptoms without the possible ill effects of Premarin. Times are changing though. The medical community may be seeing the potential benefits of bioidentical hormones. The American Medical Association (AMA) has just vowed to make patients and physicians “more aware of the safety and efficacy of bioidentical hormone compounds.”

Bioidentical hormones are hormones that are ‘identical’ to human estrogen hormones on a molecular basis. These hormones are typically isolated from natural sources such as soy beans and yams, but are modified so that they are just like the human hormone. There are a couple of commercial bioidentical products available. These include Ogen, Ortho-Est, Estrace, Estraderm and Prometrium. Ogen and Ortho-Est are crystallized forms of a single human estrogen. Estrace is a single hormone estradiol. Estraderm is estradiol in a patch. Prometrium is a bioidentical form of progesterone. Bioidentical hormones can also be compounded by specialty pharmacies called ‘compounding pharmacies’. Compounding pharmacies are pharmacies that will ‘compound’ (‘prepare’ or ‘mix’) the medication according to your doctor’s order. These types of pharmacies can compound formulations that are not commercially available. Bioidentical hormones are typically ordered under the names ‘Triest’ or ‘Biest’. Triest is a combination of all 3 human estrogens; estradiol, estrone, and estriol. Biest is a combination of two of these hormones; estriol and estradiol. These formulations are nice because they contain two or three of the 3 human estrogens. The doses of these hormones can also be better tailored to the patient since the pharmacy can compound anything according to the doctor’s order.

‘Bioidentical’ and ‘natural’ estrogens should not be confused. Bioidentical hormones are ‘identical’ to the actual human hormone, whereas ‘natural’ hormones typically are not. Natural hormones usually refer to plant-based ‘phytoestrogens’ which are not the same as human estrogens. Sometimes these natural hormones can be converted into bioidentical hormones, but in their normal plant form, they are not bioidentical. Sometimes herbs like black cohosh and red clover are referred to as ‘natural hormones’. Personally, I do not recommend these herbs as their effectiveness is questionable and black cohosh has been associated with liver toxicity.

Up until now, compounded bioidentical estrogen products were not overseen by the FDA. This has changed as now, the FDA will conduct surveys for purity and dosage accuracy and require compounding pharmacies to complete mandatory reporting on these products. For the consumer, this is potentially good news as it will help ensure the quality of such compounded products. They are also requiring these compounding pharmacies to keep track of the reported adverse events (‘unwanted effects’) of these products.

If your symptoms are not really that troublesome, you may not require hormone therapy. If you and your doctor decide that you would benefit from hormone therapy, you may want to consider a bioidentical hormone product vs. a synthetic one. Whether you choose a bioidentical product that is commercially available or one that is compounded is up to you. One advantage of choosing a compounded bioidentical product is the dose can be customized for you. As with any other medication, it is important to use the smallest, effective amount of the hormone that will provide you symptom relief. To find a compounding pharmacy near you, you can look in the Yellow pages under ‘Pharmacies, compounding’ or ask your local retail pharmacy where you might find one.

Expensive Antioxidants: These Fruit Juices are Not for the Frugal

2008-12-31T10:30:00.000-08:00

Would you pay for a bottle of juice? This may sound crazy but many people will pay a pretty penny for a bottle of juice if it promises things like ‘longevity’ and ‘cancer-free living’. These fruit juices have taken the health food market by storm. In fact, there are so many of them on the market now, keeping them straight can be a little confusing. Many of these juices make claims that are not backed by any really good evidence. For this reason, most of these juice manufacturers rely on testimonials from people who claim the juice has helped or cured an ailment they had.

Read on to figure out how to sort through these fancy fruits:

Mangosteen
Mangosteen is an Asian fruit. The juice it makes is marketed under names such as XanGo, Mangoxan and Thai-Go. Most of these brands contain mangosteen juice mixed with other juices. The producers of this juice claim that this juice is an extraordinary antioxidant. This antioxidant effect may be contributed to the xanthones found in the juice. Xanthones are compounds that have antioxidant properties.2 It has also been purported to strengthen the immune system, support good respiratory health and aid joint function. It also claims to contribute to a healthy intestinal tract.1 The juice’s possible benefits in the GI tract are thought to be due the tannins present in the juice. Tannins are thought to have a sort of astringent affect on the intestinal walls, which may help reduce diarrhea.2 Although the manufacturers make some great claims, there is no real evidence available that show that this juice benefits any specific health condition. There are currently no known drug interactions or side effects documented for mangosteen. This of course does not mean there aren’t any. It only means that none have been documented yet.

Acai
Acai, pronounced ah-sah-yee, is a fruit that grows in South America. The juice is marketed under such product names as MonaVie, Sambazon and Bossa Nova. The producer of this juice claims that this juice has a low glycemic index (meaning it does not contain many pure sugars that will spike your blood sugar) and that there is no other fruit available that has as much antioxidant power.3 There has been some evidence that shows that acai juice may have activity against leukemia cells, however, there is no good evidence that this juice is good for any other disease or condition.

Pomegranate
Pomegranate juice is available as a pure juice or mixed with other juices. Pom Wonderful, a popular brand of this juice, claims that this juice is full of antioxidants and may help with such conditions as cancer, heart health and may have anti-aging properties. Unlike many other health supplements on the market, there are some preliminary studies on pomegranate juice that show promising results with regard to these claims. For examples, some data suggests that this juice may slow the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). It is thought that pomegranate juice helps accomplish this by preventing the formation of plaques that can cause arteries to clog. It is also thought that it helps dilate the blood vessels. Because of its effects on blood vessels, it has been thought that pomegranate juice might also prevent erectile dysfunction.
It is also thought that pomegranate juice may help reduce cholesterol by reducing the body’s ability to make cholesterol in the liver. Pomegranate juice has also been shown to reduce blood pressure by reducing the activity of an enzyme called ACE in the body.
Finally, there may be evidence from animal studies that pomegranate juice inhibits the growth of cancer cells in prostate and breast cancer.
Many of the potential benefits of pomegranate juice are thought to be due to its high polyphenol content. Polyphenols are antioxidants. Pomegranate juice is thought to have as much as three times the polyphenol content of red wine, blueberries or green tea.
Drug interactions and side effects for pomegranate juice are not all known, however, people who take blood pressure medications should use caution when drinking pomegranate juice or eating the fruit. Although not well documented, taking blood pressure medications with this juice may cause extremely low blood pressure which can lead to fainting, heart problems or worse. It also appears that pomegranate juices inhibit many of the same enzymes in the system that grapefruit juice does. This means that you should check with your doctor or pharmacist before drinking these juices with certain other medications, such as those that use the CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 enzymes in the body. Drinking the juice with these medications may cause levels of the medication to change in the body. This juice has also been shown to cause allergic reactions, even in people who have taken it for many years. 2 It is important if you experience any symptoms of a serious reaction such as a rash or swelling of the tongue or throat, that you stop eating/drinking the pomegranate and seek medical attention immediately.

Goji
This plant with beautiful red berries grows in China. It has many other names such as Chinese Boxthorn, Chinese Wolfberry, Di Gu Pi, Gou Qi, Ning Xia Gou Qi and Barberry Matrimony Vine. It is usually mixed with other juices. The manufacturer of this juice claims that this juice promotes longevity and may help lower cholesterol in the body. Goji also contains many nutrients like beta-carotene, niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Despite these claims and the fact that it contains these nutrients, there is no compelling evidence that Goji helps with any particular condition.
As for side effects, few are reported. It is recommended that pregnant women do not consume Goji as it has been shown to have mild uterine stimulant properties. Goji may cause some drug interactions with those drugs that use the CYP2C9 enzyme in the body (ask your doctor of pharmacist if you are taking any of these medications). Patients taking warfarin (Coumadin®) should be especially careful.

Sea Buckthorn
Some products like Thai-Go combine sea buckthorn with other juices. Weleda is an example of a brand that markets pure sea buckthorn juice. These juices contain many nutrients like beta-carotene, vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C and E.2 It is also thought to contain beneficial fatty oils. It is said that sea buckthorn can lower cholesterol, help heal gastric ulcers, reduce cancer cell growth, promote wound healing and help prevent blood clots.2,4 These all sound well and good, however, there is no real evidence that sea buckthorn can accomplish any of these claims. There are no reports of serious side effects from sea buckthorn.

Morinda (Noni)
This is often referred to as ‘Noni Juice’. The manufacturers claim that this juice can boost the immune system, increase energy and act as an antioxidant.5 There is preliminary data from animal studies that this substance may be useful in the future for treating conditions like cancer, HIV, pain, and infections.2 This does not mean that it is safe and/or effective in humans, however. In fact there is no reliable data in humans as of yet to show that Noni is effective for any human condition. One should also be cautious in that there have been cases of possible liver damage from the use of Noni. One patient even required a liver transplant.2 Patients who take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) should be especially careful. Noni also contains high levels of potassium. For this reason patients who take medications that can increase potassium levels should be careful as well as too much potassium in the body can cause serious side effects like heart arrhythmias (check with your doctor or pharmacist). Patient with kidney problems should also be careful as these patients are prone to having higher blood potassium levels anyway. As with any other supplement that has unknown effects, pregnant women should not drink Noni juice.

The Bottom Line
Most of these juices do not have any compelling evidence that show that they do what they claim. Most of the claims put forth by these manufacturers are backed not by studies, but by testimonials of people who have used them that claim extraordinary results. All in all, most of these juices (with the exception of Noni) do not appear to have any harmful side effects so consuming them will probably not hurt, however, it is important to remember juices can be high in calories and that consuming too much of any juice can thwart weight loss or weight maintenance plans if one is not careful. Unknown drug interactions is also a potential problem with these juices. Pregnant women should avoid these juices as side effects for these substances has not been clearly established.

RERFERENCES:
1. XanGo juice. www.xango.com/learn/. (Accessed January 2, 2007).
2. Jellin JM, Gregory PJ, Batz F, et al. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. (Accessed January 2, 2007).
3. Bossa Nova acai juice. www.bossausa.com/home_bossa_ove_acai_juice.html (access January 2, 2007).
4. Li T. Product development of sea buckthorn. In: Janick J, Whipkey A, Eds. Trends in new crops and new uses. Alexandria, VA: ASHS Press, 2002:393-8.
5. Tahitian Noni Juice. www.tahitiannoni.com/united_states/english/retail/index.html?r=399. (Accessed January 2, 2007).

Exotic Herbal Powerhouses To Boost Libido, Memory And More

2008-12-31T10:29:00.001-08:00

Even though a lot of herbal medicines have yet to be scientifically supported in the West, logic proves that people wouldn’t be using an herbal product for centuries if it didn’t work. A great deal of the herbs that we now recognize as having great health benefits were recently considered fairly exotic, a main one being Green Tea, which has just recently gone mainstream. It is predicted that this same event will occur with herbs from the Amazon basin, which is one of the most bountiful places on the planet. It has been explored and looked at for generations for “the next big thing,” which in most cases has already been in use for centuries. There are many energizing herbs that also have great antioxidant properties, which are also available to us here in the United States.

Maca root, which has been cultivated for at least 2000 years, is related to plants including radishes, mustard, and cabbage. It is cultivated by the Andean people in Peru, where it is found to contain a great deal of beneficial compounds that enhance overall health and vitality. Some strains of maca root have been cultivated in Incan sites since 1600 B.C. During early European colonization, maca root was used as a form of currency, similar to the way cocoa was used by the Aztecs. This plant thrives in high altitudes between 10,000 and 16,000 feet. It seems that the harsher the conditions, the better it grows, as efforts to grow the plant in Central Europe haven’t been successful as compared to its home turf in Peru. Maca root is a popular, nutrient-packed super food which is commonly powdered and mixed into drinks. Because maca root is a natural energizer, it has libido enhancing abilities, as well as many others. It acts as an adaptogen, being known as “Peruvian Ginseng” in South America. Maca root is most commonly recommended for boosting the immune system, menopause support, and hormonal balance in general. It is a great source of energy and for all-day endurance. The alkaloids found in maca root are partially responsible for maca’s energizing abilities and libido boost. Research has proven that the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA) boosts energy and overall aphrodisiac abilities in both men and women. Maca root contains compounds called macamides and macaenes which have been scientifically proven to enhance energy, stamina, and sexual function. There are other reasons why maca root is such a great plant. One group of compounds, isothiocyanates, reduces the risk of breast and stomach cancer.

Guarana, loved for its mild stimulating effect, has many benefits. It is such a big part of the culture in Brazil that it actually out-sells Coca-cola in its soft-drink form. Similar to many other herbs, Guarana was used locally well before European settlement. This evergreen vine usually climbs fairly far up the Brazilian forest trees, its seed being the main part that gets used. It also contains powerful antioxidants including catechin, epicatechin, and proanthocyanidins that protect cells from destruction of free radicals and also give benefits to the body’s tissues and blood.

Catuaba, a common tree found in South America, contains many components known as alkaloids. These alkaloids are responsible for the mental boost that most people get when they take a catuaba-based supplement or mix. Catuaba bark can be a little bit confusing because there are many species using the same common name. Make sure to read labels carefully, as the one that results with the best luck is Erythroxylum catuaba.

Coffee Fruit, specifically the bright, red berry that is the seed of the coffee fruit, is often left behind in the process of making coffee. This is because it is too delicate to last long in the hot conditions necessary to make coffee. However, advances in technology have made the “coffee cherry” extract possible. This extract is not just another antioxidant. It also decreases tumor size and possibly even prevents their formation in the first place. The elements in coffee berry activate T-lymphocytes which shrink mammary tumors or simply put them on hold.

Muira Puama, which grows between 15 and 45 feet high and is native to the Amazon basin of Brazil, has been used for centuries for energy support. Some of its included components are beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and lupeol. Like other nervous system stimulants, muira puama has been researched lately for its ability to boost memory retrieval and protect brain tissue. This herb is also able to improve low libido and poor erectile function in men after only two weeks.

Acai berry, a traditional favorite food source for people in the Amazon, grows on a tall-growing palm and provides a rich source of anthocyanins, which are purple pigments that have extremely high antioxidant activity. Once the fruit is harvested, it decays rapidly. Therefore, special processing is necessary to make sure that all the nutrients of acai berry are included. Not only do these fruits fight against free radical damage, but they also help natural digestive enzymes and boost natural immune defenses. Current research is investigating the effects of acai berry on leukemia, as results have been very positive so far. When choosing a supplement, make sure to look for one that is organically-grown. The best companies employ local people to harvest acai so that they provide jobs and better lives for future generations to come.

Sustainability refers to a set of naturally occurring circumstances that ensure that all members of a situation are adequately nourished to promote their healthy continuance as well as practices in programs designed and implemented to keep natural systems healthy and flourishing. Many of these programs focus on environmental protection and preservation of traditional cultures. In the realm of medicinal plants, sustainable practices consist of organic agriculture, species management, fair trade, and benefit-sharing programs. To sum it up, sustainability pays people fair wages, puts resources back into the communities they came from, and ensure that the resources that benefit us all are going to stay around for a long time to come. It is an earth-friendly, people-friendly concept of commerce that is thankfully being put into effect all around the world.

Herbal supplements are a great way to boost energy, boost immune response, and boost libido when taken correctly. Always consult your health care provider for conditions such as loss of energy, chronic colds from low immune system, or no libido because symptoms like these are not normal to healthy individuals and need address by a processional. Great supplements like maca root, catuaba, muira puama, acai berry, and green tea can all be found at your local or internet health food store.

Exotic Herbal Powerhouses To Boost Libido, Memory And More

2008-12-31T10:29:00.000-08:00

Folic Acid May Reduce Birth Defects And Aid In Cancer Treatment

2008-12-31T10:28:00.002-08:00

Folate also known as folic acid is a member of the B vitamin family, derived from the term “foliage”. Folic acid is found in dark leafy vegetables, legumes, citrus fruits, meat, and wheat germ. Let’s look at how folic acid is found in nature, how folic acid might help in birth defects, and help with cancer treatment.

Folic acid occurs in two forms in nature folic acid or folate. The only place you will find folic acid is in fortified foods or multiple vitamins. B vitamins need to be in their active form for the body to utilize them. All B vitamins have to be coenzymated by the liver the active form before the body can absorb them. Folic acid is usually found in the form of folate. Folate is the most commonly use form of folic acid because it is highly bioavailable and chemically stable. Folate is easily reduced to tetrahydrofolate, the active coenzyme form of folate.

Folate is most always absorbed in the small intestines. Folate is converted or metabolized into 5-methylterahydrofolate when absorbed across the intestinal mucosa. When folic acid in the form of folate is taken on an empty stomach, almost one hundred percent is absorbed into the bloodstream. Digestibility of folic acid with foods is estimated at fifty percent and folic acid that is not in the form of folate is estimated at eighty five percent. Recently, studies have been performed on the digestibility of folic acid in supplements verses foods fortified. They discovered that dietary supplements provide more bioavailable folic acid than foods. For example, one study compared folic acid in supplement form verses orange juice that is fortified with folic acid, the dietary supplement won in terms of a better absorption rate.

Pregnant women can benefit the most from taking folic acid daily. In the United States alone there are over three thousand pregnancies with neural tube birth defects. Neural tube is formed early in pregnancy which later turns into the brain and spine on babies. When the neural tube does not form correctly early in pregnancy, the baby can grow up with life long disabilities or worst case it can cause death. The two most common neural tube defects are known as spinal bifida and anencephaly. Studies have found that a folic acid deficiency can cause a neural tube defect early in pregnancy. The U.S. Public Health Service and March of Dimes recommends that all women in child bearing years should take folic acid in no less than 400 micrograms per day to reduce the risk of neural tube defects while pregnant. The studies have been so conclusive that even the FDA has authorized a disease risk reduction health claim that folic acid can reduce the risk of birth defects in pregnant women.

One study in 2004 was done by the Lewin Group found that in 10.5 million women of childbearing age who took 400 micrograms of folic acid. This study showed six hundred fewer babies were born with neural tube defects which provided a significant reduction in medical costs. Estimated savings of 1.3 billion in lifetime medical costs just in the five years this study has been out.

Also, researchers have discovered that cancer cells have a natural attraction to folic acid. This opens a whole new area of drug therapies that could become available for cancer patients. Folic acid could be used as a nontoxic carrier for chemotherapy drugs. Researchers at the fourth annual Gene, Drug Therapy and Molecular Biology meeting, suggested that conventional chemotherapy drugs could be used to destroy cancer cells with folic acid as the carrier. Researchers have found that folic acid is over-expressed in certain cancers: especially cancers of the ovary, cervix, endometrium, kidney, breast, brain, lung, and colon. Researchers said that tumors resistant to typical chemotherapy treatments gobble up folic acid. Researchers estimate that over 300,000 people are diagnosed with cancers that over-express the folate receptor in the United States alone. These cancer cells have 500,000 times greater affinity for folic acid than normal healthy cells. Drugs with folic acid as a carrier can find those hard to reach cancer cells while avoiding the normal healthy cells.

Folic acid looks like a very promising B vitamin supplement to aid in wide range of diseases. If you are in child bearing years or undergoing cancer treatment, always consult your health care provider before starting a new supplement regiment. Remember when looking for folic acid, always read the label and make sure the folic acid you are taking is in the form of folate. Great supplements like Folic Acid can be found at your local or internet health food store.

Natural Supplements Like 5-HTP To Support A Normal Sleep Cycle

2008-12-31T10:28:00.001-08:00

5-HTP is 5-Hydroxytryptophan, and amino acid and a precursor of serotonin, an important neurotransmitter. 5-HTP can pass from the blood to the brain and allow it to synthesis serotonin and it is thought to work synergistically with some nutritional supplements to support the way we feel, otherwise called mood. It is also thought to promote a healthy sleep cycle since serotonin itself takes part in the processes that regulate mood, sleep and also control of appetite.

A typical healthy diet does not contain significant sources of 5-hydroxytryptophan. Instead, it is manufactured by the body’s biochemistry from l-tryptophan that is found in most proteins. Hence it is available from read meats, cheese, poultry and seafood. Most is available from beef and cheese and vegetarians and vegans rely on avocados, peanuts and cashews for their l-tryptophan. Even so, these sources of tryptophan do not lead to the production of large amounts of 5-HTP by the body and a supplement is indicated when natural levels have to be increased, not only in the case of vegans but for all of us.

The major natural source of this important amino acid is the plant Griffonia simplicifolia. Native to Central and West Africa, this is a climbing shrub and its seeds are an important source of supplemental 5-HTP. So the biochemical pathway to serotonin is from 5-HTP that is taken as a supplement or synthesized from l-tryptophan.

The reason that serotonin is so important is in its variously different functions within the body. It is found not only in the brain, but also in the intestines and in the blood. When you get cut, or the blood vessels get damaged, then serotonin is released by the platelets in the blood and acts by constricting the blood vessel, and so preventing or reducing blood loss. It also controls the action of the muscles in the cardiovascular system and intestines ensuring that they function smoothly by stimulating their contraction.

However, it is for its effect on the brain that serotonin is best known. It is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for the transmission of electrical signals across the synapses, the small gaps that separate neurons. If these misfire then a whole range of neurological malfunctions can occur, including sleeplessness, autism, appetite loss, migraines, mood disorders and eating disorders. Serotonin is therefore a critical component of the brain and so, therefore, is 5-HTP, from which it is made.

The biochemical pathway involves the formation of 5-HTP from l-tryptophan by means of the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase, and another enzyme converts the 5-HTP to serotonin. The serotonin can then be converted to melatonin by means of a two step reaction involving two other enzymes. Incidentally, not all of the tryptophan is converted to serotonin since it is also used to manufacture niacin, Vitamin B3 by means of another biochemical pathway and different enzymes.

Melatonin is the hormone that controls sleep patterns, and synthesized in the pineal gland deep in the brain. It would therefore seem sensible to take supplements of melatonin directly in order to promote sleep, but this seems to be effective only where the patient’s melatonin levels are low. A melatonin supplement is not nearly as effective as a supplement of 5-HTP. Tryptophan is effective in improving sleep levels and decreasing the number of times insomniacs awaken during the night, but this is a prescription drug.

5-HTP is not, and can be purchased at any health store. It is a very effective substitute for tryptophan and a daily dosage of 50 mg – 100 mg taken with fruit juice has a significant sedative effect on children and insomniac adults. All these facts have been established in double blind studies where neither the patients nor those carrying out the studies have known who received the drug or supplement and who were given a placebo.

Apart from its effect on sleep, 5-HTP supplements improve mood and help depression, PMS, anxiety and migraines, and also help overweight people by acting as an appetite suppressant. Insomnia can be caused by a number of factors, among them anxiety and depression, and serotonin can help to control these conditions. Melatonin secretion appears to be promoted by Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) and B12 deficiency is common, especially among the elderly and in vegans, since there is no effective vegetable source. A vitamin B12 supplement might also help sleeplessness by improving the secretion of melatonin once biosynthesized.

However, although the supplement is a natural product, keep in mind that it is a mood-changing chemical and can interact with other drugs. Examples of known interferences are with triptans used in treating migraines, and Carbidopa that is used in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease. It is important that if you are on any other medication you check with your doctor that a 5-HTP supplement is safe for you to take. It has not yet been tested for safety during pregnancy and nursing and there is a possibility that it could be the cause of seizures in Down’s Syndrome children, though that has still to be established.

To sum up, then, 5-HTP is not contained to any extent in a normal diet, but is manufactured from the body’s diet of proteins that contain its precursor, l-tryptophan. In the event of a 5-HTP deficiency, there is insufficient biochemical production of it from natural sources of l-tryptophan to make up for any shortage, and so supplements are required.

5-HTP supplements are indicated in the event of insomnia or disturbed sleep patterns and where mood and appetite have to be regulated. It is also used to alleviate the symptoms of melatonin deficiency such as depression, anxiety and tension, and in such cases 5-HTP, being a natural over-the-counter supplement, is preferred to the prescription drug tryptophan. Recently l-tryptophan has come back on the market as an Over the counter supplement available in health food stores. Melatonin supplements are effective only where there is a definite reduction in the patient’s natural level, and 5-HTP is more effective where a general increase in melatonin is needed.

5-HTP is a natural and safe remedy for sleeplessness, but you must check with your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you are taking any other medication.

Support Adolescence with Flower Remedies

2008-12-31T10:25:00.000-08:00

Adolescence - the difficult period when a child changes from child to adult, usually beginning at age eleven and lasting through nineteen. This is a period of great change - physical changes in their body become very apparent, young people begin to search for their personal identity, they begin to feel strong sexual feelings and learn what is socially appropriate and responsible in reaction to theses feelings.

Young people begin to challenge parents' authority and the safety of their care in order to develop personal freedom and independence. This is a time when they begin to know the world they live in, their social systems become more solid, their school work becomes more challenging, many hold their own jobs and become active in extra-curricular and civic activities.

Ironically, during these turbulent years, as young folks work hard at establishing their self-identity and individuality they are very vulnerable to the pressures of the world and often look for security in their peers. Adolescence brings with it a period of apprehension, insecurity, and experimentation which produces a kind of sameness in order to become one-of-the crowd. These young adults begin to dress in similar fashion and wear similar hairstyles; they begin to talk alike, listen to the same style of music, and socialize with others of similar mind.

Individuality and maturity carries with it a long period of unreasonable judgment commonly due to a lack of life inexperience. Too often we hear reports in written and verbal media regarding the extremely high incidence of teenage pregnancy resulting in the death of mother and/or child, and in extreme cases, incarceration of one or both too-young parents. Drug and alcohol abuse is seen in children as young as ten years of age. Drug abuse now includes snorting of household chemicals, pulverizing standard over-the-counter (and prescription) drugs and snorting them. Suicide is the third leading cause of death amongst American teens (aged 10-19), next to accidents and homicide. Three million people in the US cry out in emotional pain by "cutting", causing physical injury to themselves as a way of relieving internal emotional agony. Recent statistics report that there are more children in the population affected by divorce than there are children living in households with intact parental partnerships. 35% of our teens are at risk or are overweight (by 25 pounds or more). 20% are obese. It is incredible that very young children and teens alike are now being diagnosed with high blood pressure, dangerously high cholesterol levels, and the beginnings of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and depression, asthma, allergies and ADD/OCD in record numbers. Almost 30% of our teens are diagnosed with eating disorders or other forms of mental or emotional illnesses.

Why? One can entertain many explanations. A record number of families are fractured by divorce. Parents are absent from the home too often. Social, spiritual, role model connections are often sacrificed when the family unit is stressed. Our food sources are sadly depleted from vital nutrients due to additives during processing of our food and the stripping of nature's soil for centuries of over use. Fast food has become a main source of nutrition in the home, in the car, and in schools nationwide. Children have become too busy and over-stressed by well meaning social activities. Our culture has become incredibly media minded, learning the wrong ways to health and happiness. Computers have become too much of a source of our social and intellectual entertainment. Exercise of the mind, body and spirit is becoming extinct as a result.

What to do? Spend more time in a family unit to eat healthy, home cooked meals together. Take a few hours a week to play, take a walk, go to the park, concerts, game nights, etc. Look into community sponsored exercise and recreation courses. Worship together and develop a spiritual foundation to build upon. Contact a holistic nutritionist to set up healthy meal plans and dietary guidelines. Browse your local health food store for healthy choices in food and find holistic health professionals in your area. (Chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, yoga for physical helps; homeopathy, aromatherapy, and flower remedies for mental, emotional and social health are available everywhere.)

A Registered Bach Practitioner will offer supportive consultation and a personal remedy formula. The correct combination of essences will help turn negative moods and emotional states into positive ones. This gradual and subtle change supports one to be "who they truly are", decreases stress, and guides us wonderfully during challenging transitional periods. Self discovery, self-acceptance, increased confidence, and a happier path in life are all possible with flower essences. Consider essences to support the physical changes (self-image) during the teen's years; for the transition from child to adult, and help with fear and apprehension. Your practitioner can offer essences that guide in setting healthier bound-aries in relationships. Essences can help balance anger, feelings of isolation, and even help determine the long-term goals in one's life!

There is no reason for parents and teens to wander through this inevitable and challenging period of life without healthy supports. Call a Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner today - and find your healthy balance today!

The Green Person

2008-12-31T10:24:00.001-08:00

We know our planet is hot - how hot is still a question of some debate - although it seems we get closer each day to a consensus that something (or a whole lot of something's) must be done to reverse the effects of global warming.

Chances are if you're reading this column, you are one of those people who is either looking for more information on Living Green or you are a Green Person already.

The good news: There is no shortage of ways Joe Consumer can make changes in Living Green on the way to Being Green.

If you are just starting, here are some powerful adjustments almost anyone can make:

1. Use compact fluorescent lightbulbs (or, CFLs). The EPA says "If every American household changed five regular light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs, it would be like taking 8 million cars off the road." Look for the Energy Star logo; any average hardware store carries them.

2. Cut down on VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) by using gas grills over charcoal grilling. Gas BBQs produce about half as much CO2 as charcoal grills, and about 1/3 as much as electric grills.

3. This summer collect rainwater run-off with a simple rain barrel solution. Rainwater is chlorine free, can be used on plants and helps reduce polluted rain run-off in streams and rivers.

4. Plant a tree. Trees act like natural air filters. They absorb the carbon dioxide and release oxygen back into the air. The average person is responsible for emitting 94 pounds of CO2 every day. It takes at least four trees to offset the CO2 you personally generate in a month. Visit American Forests (americanforests.org) or The Conservation Fund (conservationfund.org), a non profit group in Arlington, VA for more. Both groups will plant a tree for you.

(And, for $57 the Conservation Fund will plant 11 trees for you - enough to neutralize 14 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere!)

The other half of the model Green Person requires a bigger commitment to Living Green/Being Green. Because they are "macro" choices they will have much bigger impacts on the cleaning up the environment, saving energy and remaining carbon neutral.

Big commitments might look like this:

1. Drive a fuel-efficient hybrid car
2. Build an energy efficient, sustainably built green home
3. Donate a percentage of your earnings to an environmentally responsible non-profit.

Living Green starts with a state of mind. The choices can be absurdly confusing, often eccentric and tend to the altruistic. The important thing is to put it in perspective.

At the same time, Living Green is NOT meant to be polarizing, it is NOT a superficial label and it is NOT an excuse to point fingers at people.

Green IS an excuse to take some new steps towards cleaning up the environment.

How to Pick a Reflexology School

2008-12-31T10:22:00.000-08:00

How to Go About Choosing the Right Reflexology School
So you want to learn how to give your friends or family a reflexology session or maybe even are thinking about beginning a new career or part-time job that lets you help others who are looking for solutions that support wellness.

Maybe you have looked at holistic health or trade publications that speak about the opportunities for financial growth in the alternative health industry of which reflexology is a part. At this point you're asking yourself, "Where do I start?”
Slow down, relax. Here are a few tips by experts in the field about choosing the school that is right for you. Maybe you really like the holistic, body, mind and spirit connection of bodywork like reflexology. Or maybe you are a “just the facts” kind of person who likes to have scientific facts and data to back things up. Schools are as different as the students that attend their classes.
So, take the following tips and come up with some questions designed to get the particular answers you need to make your decision about the school that is the right choice for YOU. Then, check out the school setting to see if the atmosphere is right for you. Attend a clinic where the students get hands on experience by working on people like you. Ask the students questions about their class and what they think about it. Call and talk to the instructors. Remember you are hiring them to provide a service. So interview them first. Attend an open house to see the facilities and talk to the faculty.
Here are some five tips to help you pick the reflexology program and school that is a perfect match for you:
1. Have a reflexology session or two to experience the different styles of each therapist. Talk to them about their school and find out what they liked best and least.
2. Now let’s talk a little bit about you. Sit down and let your brain go and think with your pencil without worrying about legibility, grammar or whether it makes sense or not. No one needs to even see this but you. Answer some questions. Why do you want to learn reflexology? What did you like best about receiving reflexology? Least? Do you have any hang-ups about touching other people’s feet, hand or ears? What about strangers? Do you wish to practice reflexology as a gift for people you know or for others outside your circle of family and friends? Will you work part or full time on others? Will you have problems charging for your services? These are all important questions that you need to be honest with yourself about before you commit financially and personally to professional training like the IUPUI Reflexology Certification Program in Indianapolis.
3. Still unsure? Consider a short, community education course at your local school or university such as Indiana University, Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). The shorter hour courses offered through community education or community learning networks will probably provide sufficient instruction to work on family and friends. They will also give you a good idea whether or not you want study reflexology in a longer course for professionals which are typically 200 or more hours.
4. Review the materials and course descriptions. Note class requirements, instructor credentials costs, classroom hours, dates and length of the course. List questions the materials don’t address.
5. Interview the instructors. Look at whether they are nationally certified, still operate a practice and if the school is accredited and has a long-standing reputation.

These are all great ways to ensure that your reflexology training will be a great investment in your future as a professional reflexologist or that your community education class will help you learn enough about reflexology to work on your kids and friends.
For the right school in Indiana, call IUPUI Reflexology Certification Program at 317-403-5051 or go to http://www.restore-inc.com/iupuireflexology.html

Massage Therapy – So Much for So Little

2008-12-31T10:21:00.001-08:00

Do you remember what it felt to be young? Muscles that weren't sore but that were strong and flexible, joints that didn't ache, headaches that never were and an energy supply that seemed endless. Sleep came easy. You were pain free and full with life. You were alive! Would you like to feel that way again?

Massage therapy can help you restore the youthful sense of vitality that you used to possess. Massage is a word that brings up a variety of feelings to different people. To some a smile comes across their face at the sound of the word as memories of ooh … and ahh… softly fall from their lips when their body begins to remember past experiences of total relaxation. To others it brings up uneasiness. They are uncomfortable with being touched by another in such a close and intimate space. And to others, well they are just neutral and have no opinion or experience one way or the other. All these feelings are right and true for the person who is feeling them. I believe, however, that these perceptions are changing.

In 2005, 47 million Americans received a massage. The primary reason was for relaxation, stress relief or medical reasons. And last year 2 million more Americans received a massage than the year before. According to a study at Stanford University, 70% of Americans use some type of alternative therapy. With more and more people using massage therapy there must be some reason. It is a well known fact that people are becoming dissatisfied with the biochemical based approach of western medicine, and they are seeking a more holistic and integrated approach to health and well-being. There must be another way.

Massage Therapy has been at the forefront of the alternative/complimentary medicine movement. Although the numbers vary depending on what is included in the definition, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) reports that between $36 and $47 billion was spent on Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in 1997. And Massage Therapy was one of the top 10 alternative therapies used by consumers. Today there are literally hundreds of studies that confirm the benefits of massage therapy. Most studies encompass a relatively short period of time (months) and focus on stress reduction and pain management for a variety of ailments. To my knowledge the studies have always shown a statistically significant benefit to receiving massage therapy.

What are some of these proven benefits? Massage provides relief to people of all ages—from infants to seniors—and from all walks of life—the weekend warrior or tri athlete, the stay at home parent or the overstressed, overworked executive.

Massage is a drug-free, non-invasive way to facilitate the body's own natural healing process. Massage is effective for a variety of health conditions especially with those that have a stress-related origin. And this is so important to your well-being because the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that up to 90 percent of the doctor visits in the USA may be triggered by a stress-related illness.

Research indicates that massage can help with back pain, headaches, stress, anxiety, fatigue, high blood pressure, depression, treating cancer-related fatigue, sleep disorders, diabetes, immune system suppression, low energy, autism, muscle stiffness, scar tissue, limited joint movement, poor concentration, premature infant growth and awareness, surgical recovery times, arthritis pain, fibromyalgia, age-related disorders, infertility, eating disorders and smoking cessation to name just a few. How can something as simple as touch help so much? The reasons are because massage:
· Relaxes.
· Softens tense, injured and overused muscles.
· Increases circulation enhancing the flow of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
· Stimulates the immune system.
· Relieves muscle pain including headaches.
· Enhances the removal of waste products from the body.
· Reducing spasms and cramping.
· Increasing joint flexibility.
· Reduces workout recovery time.
· Releases endorphins, the body's natural painkiller.
· Reduces swelling.
· Exercises atrophied muscles.
· Restores postural distortions.

These are wonderful benefits. As you can see having a massage does more than just relax your body and mind - there are specific physiological and psychological changes which occur, even more so when massage is utilized as a preventative, frequent therapy and not simply as a mere luxury. Massage not only feels good, but it can cure what ails you. It is no wonder the numbers of people who receive massage is growing year after year.

But what makes massage so unique when compared to other healing modalities is something that is so lacking in today's world: touch. As mentioned above massage has been shown to help premature babies gain weight faster and shorten hospital stays than for babies who are not touched. So how do we explain this affect? Is it some new physiological benefit that we cannot as yet explain or is it evidence of what compassionate touch can do on a deeper emotional/spiritual level?

Many adults have reported deep healing experiences on the massage table. While the therapist unwinds stressed and tired muscles, pent-up emotions that don't always have time to be processed during the day can become unwound as well. And just being touched can be healing as it gives us a feeling of being connected to something larger than ourselves especially if the touch is safe, caring and compassionate. Studies continue to be done on the benefits of massage and the power of touch. So who knows what the research will show.

Martial Arts and Massage Therapy?

2008-12-31T10:20:00.000-08:00

Chi Kung, which is also sometimes written Qigong, is an ancient Chinese practice for harmonizing the subtle energies through balancing the breath within the body. Chi means breath and/or energy, and Kung means ability or process of development. So Chi Kung can be loosely translated as "breath and/or energy development". And, though there are countless styles and variations of Chi Kung practices, the main categories are lying, sitting, standing or moving Chi Kung. The practices vary from very passive and internal meditative styles in a lying or sitting position, to very dynamic and active movement.

Martial Arts and Massage?

Tai Chi Chuan is one of the most well known styles of moving Chi Kung. The word "chuan" denotes a fighting art and Tai Chi Chuan is a martial style where the principles of Chi Kung have been applied to martial movements and the developing of fighting ability.

However, there is much Chi Kung that is not connected to martial arts. In Buddhist and Taoist circles Chi Kung was used to help attune the adept to the subtle energies, and thus support their spiritual development.

Chi Kung was also used by traditional Chinese doctors for healing and rehabilitation. And this is what Chi Kung is mostly known for today.

Some of China's most ancient medical texts refer to breath and movement exercises. And, in recent times, studies have been done in universities and hospitals, as well as by independent doctors, validating and exploring the healing qualities of various Chi Kung principles. These studies have documented the profound effects that Chi Kung can have on balancing, harmonizing, and energizing every system of the body: the circulatory system, endocrine system, immune system, and so on.

The Chi Kung that I study comes from a traditional martial arts context, with a strong emphasis on building bodily health and vitality as the foundation for further practice. The classes that I teach are based on a process of structural rebalancing. Using various exercises, from lying down to moving, students learn to soften the tissues and loosen the joints, freeing up the breath wave. Through an increasing proprioceptive and kinesthetic awareness one becomes more conscious of what is going on in ones own body. This is a powerful neuromuscular reeducation. And when a person gets the "knack", it becomes an ongoing activity. Going through this process while standing and moving within the gravitational field makes it a very real experience that is directly applicable to everything one does.

Another aspect of the structural rebalancing is based on "softening the tissue". With a focus on relaxation and rhythmic movement, the student is able to release tensions and restrictions within the soft tissues. This helps to develop a fluid quality to ones movements, which literally "flushes" the tissue, having a profound effect on the immune system.

I feel that this is the basis for the healing qualities of Chi Kung. This flushing process can affect the entire body, all the organs and tissues, with a profound physiological effect. And, when the body is vitalized, the subtle energies become free flowing, allowing the whole body-mind being to experience a sense of freedom and harmony.

Integrating Chi Kung with massage therapy is a main focus of mine. And teaching classes at FSM with the students has been a great inspiration for me. I'm starting to do workshops in Chi Kung, and I invited my teacher, Wei Lun Huang, to Gainesville this past October. If you would like information about workshops, or Chi Kung in general, you can contact me through the Florida School of Massage.

Feeling Stress Out About Life? The Best Way to Become De-Stressed.

2008-12-31T10:19:00.000-08:00

Not sure what to expect when it comes to a massage from a Day Spa. Most people are a little intimidated their first time. Here are a few simple rules to follow to make the most of your massage.

First and foremost, you need to be early for your appointment. If you arrive late, you have already stressed out your body and you might as well have stayed home. Being stressed out will make it take longer for you to relax and you will not get the best out of your massage.
Make sure that you do not eat before your massage session. As some massage techniques can include pressure points, this can cause you to be uncomfortable.
It is also important to feel very comfortable with your masseuse. Most places ask that you remove all of your clothing. If you are not comfortable with this, you need to discuss it with the masseuse. Most places will work around you clothing. Keep in mind however that these are professionals that you are dealing with and you will not get the effects of complete stress relief if they do not have access to your skin in the areas that are bothering you.

Good communication is extremely important. You need to let the Day Spa know of any health information that might interfere with your session. You also need to let them know what you expect from the massage as well. During the session make sure to open your mouth and give feedback about the amount of pressure, room temperature, or the speed of movement. Anything that bothers you, you need to let them know. You have the right to stop the massage any time during the session if you do not like something that is being done.
Do your best to relax during the session. Breathing, trying not to tense up or even chatting can help you to relax. The masseuse will follow your lead.

Some things to remember after your massage: It is likely that you will feel light headed and dizzy right after the massage. Be aware to take your time getting up and off of the table. This will also allow you to reintegrate into your surroundings. After your massage you want to make sure to drink plenty of water. This will help to replenish it.
It is important to realize that the effects of massage are cumulative. The more you get a massage, the better your body will respond and you will feel more relaxed.

Aromatherapy Massage and Massage: Effectiveness on Emotional and Physical Wellbeing

2008-12-31T10:18:00.000-08:00

It has been well established that stress is one of the leading factors of chemical changes in the body. Persons who suffer from high anxiety are more prone to depression, disrupted sleep, heart disease and a kaleidoscope of other health disorders. In the case of those persons suffering from a plethora of health conditions, aromatherapy massage and massage have been shown to alleviate stress and anxiety. While these natural healing techniques may not always cure disease, they can have a remarkable effect on the physical body.

What many individuals do not realize is that stress is the leading proponent in raising blood sugar levels and blood pressure, red blood cell over activity, constricted blood vessels, racing pulse, and digestive problems.[4] These facts prove that stress can have a very negative impact on overall health.

In a report by the Research Institute of Nursing Science (College of Nursing Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea)[1], aromatherapy massage was studied on elderly women in Korea to determine its efficacy on anxiety and self-esteem issues.

In the study, aromatherapy massage was administered using aromatic essential oils, such as chamomile, lavender, lemon and rosemary. Overall, the study lasted seven (7) weeks in duration. During that time frame, aromatherapy massage sessions were set three (3) times per week, with each session being 20 minutes. After the initial three-week period, a one-week intermission ensued, and then continued the remaining three weeks. While blood pressure and pulse rate were not significantly affected, remarkable differences were clearly established in regard to anxiety and self-esteem.

In another study, aromatherapy massage was administered to older patients suffering from constipation. In the 10-day study, the experimental group was given abdominal aromatherapy massage; using the essential oils lemon, peppermint and rosemary. The control group, too, was given massage; but without the aid of aromatherapy. Upon commencement of the study, levels of constipation were measured by the constipation assessment scale (CAS). While the results found that the average number of bowel movements had improved in both groups (being treated with both aromatherapy massage and placebo massage); the experimental group who had received the aromatherapy massage showed a significant improvement. Purportedly, the aromatherapy massage demonstrated that its effects lasted for two (2) weeks after treatment; whereas non-aromatherapy massage lasted approximately seven to ten days (7-10). In conclusion, the study found that aromatherapy, coupled with massage does help ease geriatric constipation.[2]

Other research suggests that both aromatherapy massage and massage are beneficial to persons suffering from cancer. In a study performed by Princess Alice Hospice in the UK, patients were administered both aromatherapy massage and massage alone during a four-week course. To assess its efficacy on physical and psychological symptoms, both techniques were randomly administered to patients with advanced stages of cancer. The findings were promising, as significant sleep patterns were enhanced in both the aromatherapy massage group and the massage-alone group. In addition, depression levels were statistically significant in the massage group. Overall, the study showed that patients who had heightened levels of distress were more likely to respond to both aromatherapy massage and massage alone.[3]

In conclusion, we have learned that stress-related disorders and health complications can be significantly reduced and/or alleviated by natural healing techniques such as aromatherapy massage, massage and other noninvasive health treatments.

Lomi Lomi

2008-12-31T10:17:00.000-08:00

"Touch the body with a loving touch. If your hands are gentle and loving, your patient will feel the sincerity of your heart. His soul will reach out to yours, and the Lord's healing will flow through you both."
Aunty Margaret Machado

Early visitors to Hawaii noticed and commented on this healing art. In 1803 Archibald Menzies wrote, "A number of natives placed themselves around us to Lomi Lomi and pinch our limbs, an operation which we found on these occasions, very lulling and pleasing when gently performed.” In the 1820's early missionaries to the Hawaiian Islands found the native healers to be accurate in their diagnosis and treatment of illness, and in mending broken bones. They considered the Hawaiians to be heathens, however, and in 1893, after years of political upheaval, the new government outlawed all spiritual traditions, including healing arts, the study of the Hawaiian language, and hula dancing. But the sacred traditions did not die; they were hidden and practiced in secrecy, passed down only within the Hawaiian community (ohana), through "iki maka lihilihi a maka alawa", which means “to do by observation and insight.”

In 1973, Aunty Margaret Machado, a respected kupuna (elder) from the Big Island, decided to share her family's knowledge by teaching it to anyone who had a sincere desire to learn, Hawaiian or not. She felt it was time for the ancient healing gift of Lomi Lomi to be felt throughout the world. While Aunty Margaret was criticized by many in the Hawaiian community for revealing the secrets of Lomi Lomi, it was through her efforts that Lomi Lomi was brought to the forefront of a resurgence of interest in native Hawaiian healing. The history of Lomi Lomi, however, goes back to the beginning of the history of Hawaii.

"It is correct to say that Lomi Lomi encompasses a massage, but it is not limited to it. Native Hawaiians say the true definition of Lomi Lomi is reconnecting with spirit." One may ask if it is like a Swedish massage; Aunty Margaret says absolutely "no." It's very different she says. "It's a praying work. Each student learns to pray first to God."

One of the common similarities among Lomi Lomi practitioners of old was the power and knowledge they had. That is, their ability to communicate deep to the bones of their patients via their touch through soft tissues, yet being noninvasive and connecting it all with spirit, says Maka'ala Yates, a Hawaiian medicine specialist.

The Lomi Lomi technique focused on finding congested areas in the body and dispersing them, by moving the palms, thumbs, knuckles and forearms in rhythmic, dance-like motions. Setting the intention for healing, the kahuna would also utilize prayer (pule), breath (ha) and energy (mana). The practice of Lomi Lomi was common within each Hawaiian community and contributed to a vibrant, healthy society.

Lomi Lomi literally means “knead-knead.” Aunty Margaret who is on of the oldest and widely recognized teacher of Lomi Lomi has this definition of Lomi Lomi which is: “The Loving Touch – a connection of heart, hands and soul with the Source of All Life.” Students of Lomi Lomi learn to flow the love from the heart, through the hands, to connect with the soul of the one receiving the massage. Healing is increased by love, love received and love given. In the Oxford Dictionary the definition of love is “fondness, a deep or passionate affection to someone or something.” To the Hawaiians it is so much more, it also includes tolerance, forgiveness, acceptance, non judgment, appreciation, compassion, respect and so many other elements. This is the very foundation of a Lomi Lomi massage.

To understand the depth of Lomi Lomi massage, it helps to have an understanding of the Hawaiian philosophy called Huna, and how the philosophies of Huna relate to bodywork and healing. A fundamental assumption of Huna is that everything seeks harmony and everything seeks love. So how does this relate to massage? Perhaps this can best be understood by one of the alternate names for Lomi Lomi, and that is "Loving Hands" massage. The reason for this is that it works gently yet deeply into the muscles with continuous, flowing strokes, totally nurturing the body and, enabling the recipient to relax, give in and simply be. So, whilst technique is an important part of the massage and associated healing, much of the work is done by love, with the focus of the practitioner on the client being deep and complete, using loving hands and a loving heart.

This flowing with total energy, using the long continuous, flowing strokes, combined with the very loving touch, relaxes the entire being, assisting in a letting go of old beliefs, patterns and behaviors that cause limitations and which are stored in the cells of our body. People generally think of memory, beliefs, our "programming", as being stored in our head, in our brain. This is not the case. This memory, and other programming, is, in fact, stored in all the cells of our body.

The Hawaiians look at things in terms of energy flow, suggesting that an idea or belief can block energy flow as much as muscle tension can. Lomi Lomi helps release the blockages, whilst at the same time giving the energy new direction. Thus Lomi Lomi is not just a physical experience; it also facilitates healing on the mental, emotional and spiritual levels as well. The Hawaiians view all aspects of the body as one and believe that the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual are all part of the "whole" self - when healing is effected on one level, all levels are affected.

When harmony is lacking, the effect is pain physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually. Illness is a state of tension, which leads to resistance, which blocks energy movement. Lomi Lomi helps release this and, therefore, facilitates the road to healing. On the physical level, through Lomi Lomi, stress and tension are relieved, blood and lymph flow assisted and the elimination of wastes and toxins stimulated.

So, what happens during a Lomi Lomi massage? How is it performed? A Lomi Lomi usually commences with stillness between the practitioner and client, often with the practitioner’s hands gently resting on the clients back. In this stillness the practitioner will quietly say a blessing or prayer asking for whatever healing is needed to take place during the massage. Alternatively or as well, the client may be asked to set their intention for any healing they would like to receive. The therapist then works very intuitively with the client. In this respect, there is no set format or sequence for the massage and no two massages will ever be identical.

The massage is given in fluid, rhythmic motion using the forearms as well as the hands. Some people have described this as feeling like gentle waves moving over the body. Another feature is that different parts of the body may be massaged at the same time. For example, one arm or hand may be working on a shoulder and the other hand may be working on the opposite hip. This assists the recipient in totally relaxing, as it is impossible or at least extremely difficult for the brain to focus on the two different areas at once. By not working on areas in isolation, a deep sense of balance and harmony is achieved. As I said earlier, whilst technique is important, the priority is loving the body, using intuition so the massage is "right" for the client. The client on the table is not viewed as someone to be fixed, but a being to be returned to harmony and balance. It is important to remember that the practitioner does not heal but is the facilitator for the healing.

Under body and full body strokes also help to free the energy, make the body soft, promoting free and abundant flow of life energy in the recipient. According to Huna philosophy, energy also gets blocked in the joints. Gentle stretches of the body and gentle rotations of the joints are therefore also incorporated to assist the release of tensions and assist the flow of energy. Once again not forcing, but feeling the level of the client’s resistance or comfort. The therapist may also hum at various points during the Lomi Lomi as the vibrating and amplified energy that results also aids the release of blockages.

Dance work or hula movements, combined with the breath work of the practitioner are also important and integral aspects of Lomi Lomi. The reason for the hula-type dance around the table whilst massaging is not just because it looks cute! The movements are all-important to assisting the energy flow both within the practitioner and recipient and help keep the energy at a high level. This combined with breathing techniques by the therapist are also important in assisting the energy flow. The sharing of the breath, the essence of the Creator or universal energy--whatever name you like to give it--is an old Hawaiian custom and greatly enhances the energy flow once again.

Because the practitioner works intuitively, a massage may be slow and very relaxing or at times it may be a little faster and, therefore, more invigorating and enlivening to the body. Sometimes the recipient may experience an emotional release as the massage can release and shift negative emotions, negative beliefs and other "stuff" that has been stored in the cells of the body, with the healing effects of the massage continuing long after the massage is over.

While Lomi Lomi is often referred to as a spiritual massage, the technique is also practical and specific. It is, for example, effective in breaking up calcium deposits and lactic acid build-up. This is accomplished by a variety of movements, such as circular thumb strokes that are done in a one-two-three rhythm directly over the area. Knuckle strokes are used on larger, denser muscles in the same rhythm, followed by soothing forearm strokes and hacking.

In addition to Lomi Lomi's physical benefits are the emotional releases felt during and after a session. Recipients of a Lomi Lomi treatment often experience freedom from anxiety, worry, fear and a host of other negative thought patterns. This freedom comes only when the practitioner is aware of their responsibility to the client.
"It is a process that allows the patient to meet the practitioner mid-way in their crisis so healing can take place." Yates says. "It is the Lomi Lomi practitioner's responsibility to guide and treat each patient with right intentions using the correct protocol of treatment based on his/her feelings. The purpose of Lomi Lomi is to bring alignment back to the individual in body, mind and spirit."

During a genuine Lomi Lomi session, the therapist is aligned with divine energy, and keeps his or her heart and mind clear for Spirit to move through them as a conduit for healing energy. Proper breathing and pure thoughts are important. According to the Hawaiians, thoughts contain mana, or energy. When thoughts are combined with touch and breath they are transferred to the receiver. Therefore, the therapist's thoughts must be focused on love and healing.

If something has occurred which interferes with the therapist's ability to control their thoughts, then ho’oponopono is practiced. Ho’oponopono is a prayer of forgiveness and of making things right. It must be done if we have harmed another person or ourselves in thought, word or deed. Ho’óponopono "is a spiritual practice of making things right with yourself and all others before God. One who truly practices ho'oponopono is one who takes a daily inventory of his or her thoughts. This practice is frequently performed at sundown as a way to end the day with a right heart. Any intent to harm, any conscious or unconscious attitudes of malice, jealousy, or hatred must be rooted out and replaced with aloha. Aloha is recognizing the divine nature in every living thing."

Ho'opnopono is a Spiritual practice which was nearly lost in the last few generations. It is a precisely structured traditional family health maintenance procedure in which discordant family conflicts and problems are resolved through pule, discussion, confession, repentance, and mutual restitution, forgiveness, release and severance. Its overall goal is to "set things right", to correct and restore pono among family members.

Most therapists come to Lomi Lomi after years of doing other types of massage and bodywork. One can expect months of training and years of practice to truly master the technique. This is due to the mental and emotional clarity and physical stamina required of the practitioner. Many massage traditions teach that the therapist must continually shield him or herself from negativity that may be coming from the client, but Lomi Lomi teaches the opposite. The client is considered to be the vulnerable one, open to and receiving the therapist's energy, positive or negative. Lomi Lomi practitioners must learn to control their thoughts and trust in their higher selves in order to direct positive healing energy to clients. Dedicated practitioners know that this is a constant process of self-awareness and prayer.

Some months ago a new client, who for years had concerns about her size, was in tears at the end of the massage. She told me that it was the first time in her life she had ever felt safe & beautiful. Why do I do what I do? – That’s why.

The old ways of the Hawaiian ancestors are being absorbed into a technological world; however, the original intention of aloha remains. A Lomi Lomi session is a respite from the outside world. My passion with Hawaiian healing and wisdom continues to grow and expand, and so do my regular sojourns to my island home to reconnect with the energy that feeds my soul. My desire is to spread the Aloha Spirit and bring as much of the energy and wisdom back to create a little piece of paradise here.

My use of the term “Aunty or Uncle” is a term of respect on the islands of Hawaii, not a blood relationship term.

Aloha Mai - I come with love.

Massage Therapy Careers Today

2008-12-31T10:16:00.000-08:00

Massage therapy careers have the potential to provide positive working environments, flexible schedules and lucrative earnings. Because physicians frequently recommend massage therapy to patients these days, candidates with "healing hands" can pursue a massage education at one of several accredited massage therapy schools.

In a massage program, students gain hands-on instruction in a variety of health-related science like anatomy, physiology and musculoskeletal pathology. In addition to general biosciences, healing arts schools will regularly extend training in CPR and first aid, as well as muscular testing (kinesiology).

Traditionally, the vast majority of vocational massage courses give students practical training in Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and sports massage; however, a growing number of technical schools and alternative medicine schools have integrated Asian bodywork therapies like acupressure, Shiatsu, Chinese medical massage (Tuina), Lomi Lomi (Hawaiian massage), craniosacral therapy, Rolfing, Trigger Point, medical massage, as well as numerous other modalities.

Some of the more centralized curriculums involve studies like reflexology, chair massage, and meridian therapy. While each educational program varies, the normal length of a massage course will range between 300 and 500 hours. However, with the expansion of integrative medicine, more and more health schools have begun increasing these training hours to well over 1,000 and in some cases, may provide degree programs in medical massage or massage therapy. Candidates who successfully complete all required coursework and clinical training achieve certification, diplomas or a degree.

Massage practitioners help patients relieve pain and other chronic conditions using various bodywork techniques and touch therapies. But in addition to helping in healing, massage therapists also help clients to improve blood circulation, enhance overall wellness and for relaxation purposes. Additionally, many massage patients often report increased energy levels.

The great job aspects of being a massage therapist are that in addition to gaining a sense of worth from helping others, massage practitioners have the opportunity to work aboard cruise liners, holiday retreats, day spas, wellness clinics; and in a great number of other healthcare related facilities like hospitals, primary care clinics, and chiropractic offices.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, qualified massage therapists can anticipate an abundance of job opportunities as the field is expected to increase faster than average over the several, coming years. Furthermore, depending on education and experience, massage therapists can earn over $30 hourly.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage classes or schools, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Detoxification for a Healthier and More Energetic You

2008-12-31T10:14:00.002-08:00

Do you feel tired all the time and have low energy? Do you have frequent headaches or are you sensitive to certain foods or chemicals? Are your hands and feet cold? These are some of the indications that your body may be toxic. Today there are 77,000 chemicals that are in active production in North America and more than 3,000 chemicals are added to our food supply. And one of the best ways to rid the body of these toxins is with the far infrared sauna.

Chemicals are everywhere. The EPA estimates there are more than 20,000 chemicals that our bodies cannot metabolize and everyday, we ingest tiny amounts of these chemicals. Pesticide residues are detectable in 50% - 95% of the food consumed in the U.S. “Silver" dental fillings contain mercury (a cause of Parkinson's disease and many other neurological disorders) that leaches out and is absorbed by the surrounding tissue and lungs. The average carpet outgases more than 12 chemicals (such as benzene, a known cause of leukemia) all of which can cause disease.

Dr. Sherry Rogers in her book Detoxify or Die elaborates of the pervasiveness of chemicals. “Air pollution and water pollution are only a small part of the toxicity story. There are thousands of harmful environmental toxins, some of which we’re aware of -- such as pesticides, chemicals, household cleansers, fertilizers -- and others, which seem perfectly innocent, such as those ubiquitous plastic water bottles, styrene cups, dental fillings, and plastic wrap. These are just a few small examples of the alarming amount of harmful toxins our bodies are absorbing every day.”

Studies show that most of us have between 400 and 800 chemical residues stored in the fat cells of our bodies. The Columbia University School of Public Health reports that 95% of cancer is caused by diet and environmental toxicity. If the chemicals are unable to be excreted from the body, they find their way into our liver, and then migrate to fat cells in organs throughout the body where they are stored. When our bodies exceed the limit for toxins we can excrete, those too are stored. Chemicals and heavy metals make up our "total toxic burden". This bioaccumulation compromises our physiological and psychological health and leads to chronic disease. As these chemicals build up, they alter our metabolism, cause enzyme dysfunction and nutritional deficiencies, create hormonal imbalances, damage brain chemistry, and cause cancer.

Because the chemicals accumulate in different parts of the body and at different rates and in different combinations, there is a disturbingly large variety of different chronic illnesses that can result. And because the complex interrelationship of these chemicals to the unique health history of each individual, the symptoms of chemical toxicity can manifest differently in each of us. Some of these may include:
HeadachesSkin ConditionsInflammatory DiseasesAutoimmune DiseasesChronic Fatigue and more
The sauna generates infrared light which is part of the Sun's invisible spectrum. It has the ability to easily penetrate human tissue. You can be exposed to Far Infrared heat for hours, and it will never cause your skin to burn. Far Infrared heat is completely healthy and safe for all living things. It is what makes the sun feel warm to you. Infrared heat is not the UV rays that cause sunburn. The temperature range for an infrared sauna is from 100-130° F and is much less than a normal Finnish sauna which ranges from 150-220°F. The waves of the infrared sauna penetrate the skin about 1 _-2 inches deep. This creates a natural resonance, which has many beneficial properties. Primarily it causes water in cells to react, causing the release of toxins in blood, sweat and urine.

Some of the benefits of an infrared sauna experience are:
Enhanced circulation and oxygenated tissuesIncreased energy production facilitating healingIncreased metabolismEnhanced sex lifeElimination of toxinsOpening of nasal passagesMore rapid healing of infectionsHastened tumor deathImproved nervous disordersRelief from digestive disordersEnhanced weight lossNormalization of blood pressure These are some of the many benefits that may accrue to the user of an infrared sauna. The sauna can be used by just about anyone and there are very few contraindications. Everyone has some form of chemical toxicity in their bodies, the only difference is the amount of chemicals and how the symptoms manifest. The infra red sauna is one of the best ways to rid the body of these unwanted toxins.

Gentle Therapy For Seniors And The Infirmed

2008-12-31T10:14:00.001-08:00

CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive form of bodywork that enhances the body's natural healing mechanisms by helping it dissipate the negative effects of stress on the central nervous system. This therapy is increasingly used by many as a preventative measure to maintain good health. Because of the gentle application of CranioSacral Therapy it is especially appealing to seniors and the infirmed.

Seniors
I first began treating on of my clients, who is 73 years old, because he had been suffering from chronic migraine headaches his entire adult life. Especially under times of stress, he would experience an unrelenting headache that would last 4 or more days at a time. Pain medication would barely bring him relief. He had come to accept the headaches as a way of life, but decided to try CranioSacral therapy on the advice of a friend.

During his first therapy session I discovered that the patient had experienced a blow to the head at the age of 19 when he was in the military. After his first 2 CranioSacral sessions this patient noticed a reduction in the frequency of his headaches. He continued therapy sessions with me twice a month. After 6 sessions, this patient noticed that he would get the feeling that a headache was about to begin, but the sensation would disappear and never turn into a full-blown headache. By his eighth session this patient was no longer experiencing migraine headaches. He now receives treatment once every two months to maintain the state of his health.

Seniors, especially once their spouse has passed away, are rarely touched in a nurturing way. The same situation exists for those who are infirmed. They are usually only touched by someone who is caring for their medical needs. CranioSacral Therapy gives me the opportunity to give seniors and the infirmed healthy, nurturing touch.

The Infirmed
My work as a hospice therapist brings me in contact with seniors in nursing homes and those who are bedridden and terminally ill. CranioSacral Therapy is such a gentle therapy that it can be used even on patients to are seriously ill. It can safely be used in conjunction with other therapeutic and medical procedures.

One of my CranioSacral patients was a 69 year old who had recently revocered from surgery and chemotherapy for bladder cancer. The patient's main complaint when he began treatment was that he was having trouble sleeping. He explained that since the surgery he could sleep for no more than 2 hours at a time. He had to get up all night long with the urge to empty his bladder. The morning after his first CranioSacral session this patient phoned me to say that for the first time since his surgery he had been able to sleep for 6 hours straight. This patient received only 2 more sessions and now, a year later, reports that he continues to sleep through the night.

How CranioSacral Therapy Works
The cranium, or skull, is made up of 22 separate bones. There is a misconception that the cranial bones grow together and fuse as we age. In fact, barring some trauma or rare condition, these bones continue to move throughout our lifetime, ideally in a rhythmic, healthy pattern. CranioSacral Therapy involves the therapist following the rhythm of the CranioSacral system and balancing and gently aligning the cranial bones and the sacrum. A very light pressure of as little as 5 grams is used. This is about the weight of a nickel.

A CranioSacral session usually takes place with the patient remaining fully clothed and reclining on a treatment table. For the patient who is seriously ill, the session can take place with the client on a bed. A therapy session can last from about 15 minutes to more than an hour. As a practitioner of CranioSacral Therapy I have seen my senior and infirmed clients benefit with better memory, better circulation, more energy and fewer aches and pains.

Whatever Happened to Biofeedback?

2008-12-31T10:11:00.000-08:00

In the 60ï¿½s, Biofeedback was just at the beginning stages with teaching a patient to monitor his bodyï¿½s response to pain. In the 40 + years which have passed, Biofeedback has grown and expanded into the Neuroscience field we have today with various applications being used from Peak Performance training for athletes to reducing Seizure Disorder. Vast research exists today with wonderful results often surpassing the medical communities own research, surgical procedures and new pharmaceuticals. But no one knows about Neurofeedback. When quizzed about Biofeedback, people often say,ï¿½ I heard about that in the 60ï¿½s. It didnï¿½t work.ï¿½ We heard about rocket science then too, and look where the Space Program has gone!

Neurofeedback is the use of EEG-driven computers to enhance brainwave training. The brain is run by four power frequencies: Alpha, Beta, Delta and Theta. It should function like a well oiled machine, but too often we use drugs, have car accidents or are subjected to illnesses and stress which can strip the brain of its self healing power. This can cause the brain frequencies to become out of sync, or to act like an engine ï¿½out of tuneï¿½. Using the computer and a Neurofeedback instrument, we can inhibit undesirable frequencies or enhance good frequencies to produce a better state of health. Once trained, the brain will maintain this new state of health. Itï¿½s like learning a new language. When you submerse yourself in training, your brain learns quickly and works to retain what it has learned. Your reward is better health, a calm and focused mind where things are accomplished more easily and quickly without stress or strain.

Success rates are amazing such as 85% for ADD/ADHD and 92% for Chronic Pain, and can generally see improvement in as little as 20 hours. With more complex diagnoses, greater numbers of sessions must be done in order to achieve success. Those with symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury can have better cognition, memory, improved speech and gait, a reduction in seizures and lessening of paralysis. Quite often, a patient may also reduce the need for medication.

Through the use of the Quantitative Brain Map or QEEG, we can see the whole brain functioning at once and identify points of treatment. Seizure focal points can be noticed and treated before problems arise. ContraCoup injuries (whiplash) can be positively identified and specifically site treated. Some instruments can even help the therapist diagnose on a session-to-session basis. Our goal is to balance the brain and reduce our response to stress. Neurofeedback could well be the North Star to modern medicine. Whatever your diagnosis, be an informed patient. Do the research and see if Neurofeedback can help in some area of your life.

Explaining Neurofeedback:
ï¿½Symphony in the Brainï¿½ by Jim Robbins

Some helpful websites:
www.Biofeedbackcalifornia.org
www.Aapb.org
www. Snr-jnt.org
www.Eeginstitute.com
www.Neurofeedback-dribric.com

For research papers see the Byers Neurotherapy Reference Library. It contains thousands of publi8shed works on Neurotherapy. Contact your EEG professional for more information.

Comparing Skin Care Products

2008-12-31T10:07:00.000-08:00

Women from all walks of life have forever sought endless beauty. The shift today, however, is that men are also doing the same. Longevity and beauty have stepped into the limelight as countless numbers of baby boomers begin to “grow” wrinkles.

We no longer just worry about survival, but we also fret about the quality of our health and the manifestation of such to be exhibited outwardly – our appearance. The biological sciences are making rapid advances in all areas.

If you are in the market for a skin care product, beware. Know what you’re buying before you buy it. Effective skin care products must include ingredients that protect the skin during the day and repair it at night.

This is the first secret of an effective skin care program; the second is having effective products. So what is the difference between products that work and products that do not work?

Commercial products that are successful must also be profitable. Two methods are used to sell skin care products. The first is to promise something good will happen when the product is used. This is the “hope in a jar” method. It requires constant and expensive advertising to suggest the buyer will look just like the woman in the ad if she uses the product.

As long as the commercial runs, the product will sell. However, cost of the commercials is so high that it is next to impossible to make a quality product for this market.

The second method is to make a quality product and let the product’s performance speak for itself. Only a certain amount of advertising is needed, and once the product is established, the name will carry future sales. Many professional products are marketed this way.

Most companies of mass-market products must keep the cost of materials very low, including the ingredients and the packaging. The ingredients are the key to an effective product – not only the type of ingredients but also the quality. Most inexpensive products will contain ingredients such as mineral oil, stearic acid, and some alkali to form a soap emulsion. A little fragrance and color and, voila, you have a skin care product.

Many people are misled that if a product looks good and smells good, it must be good. Not so. Actually, it may do your skin more harm than good.

Sometimes these poorly-formulated products will list exotic ingredients on the label to impress the buyer. Usually, they are in the product at very low levels-at levels that cannot possibly affect any kind of change to the skin. It is the same as making a pot of tea with only one tealeaf. It can be called tea, but it is not really tea, or, at least, not very good tea.

The consumer needs to be aware that a good skin care product cannot be made cheaply. For example, one ingredient in a major skin care product line cost about $3,000 a kilogram, a gram cost $3, so 0.9 grams will cost $2.70 just for that one ingredient. Consider that a good skin care product may have more than 15 ingredients. It is easy to see why the cost of skin care products can be so expensive.

On the other hand, the average cheap skin care product contains less than 30 cents’ worth of total active ingredients. No matter what claims are made for a cheap product, the quality and quantity of active ingredients tell the story.
Whether or not you go out and buy the most expensive skin care product on the market or the cheapest, just be aware that not all skin care products are made equal-read the label carefully and judge accordingly.

The Best Treatments for Dealing with Psoriasis

2008-12-31T10:06:00.002-08:00

Choosing a psoriasis treatment can be difficult, as people react differently to different treatments. While choosing a treatment, it is important to consult your doctor and to discuss your psoriasis symptoms. Specific psoriasis conditions (like scalp psoriasis, genital psoriasis or pustular psoriasis) may require different treatment.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disease that usually contains raised, red patches covered with a build-up of dead skin cells. There are different forms of psoriasis (including plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic). Psoriasis can also affect different areas of the body (including scalp psoriasis, genital psoriasis, psoriasis on the face, psoriasis on the hands and feet and psoriasis of the nails).

Usually people have only one type of psoriasis at a time. Sometimes psoriasis can change from one form of psoriasis to another. It is most likely to appear on the scalp, knees, elbows or torso, but it can develop anywhere on the body. Psoriasis is not infectious and cannot be caught from another person.

People suffering from psoriasis may develop psoriatic arthritis. It is similar to rheumatoid arthritis, but not as severe. It may affect the fingers, toes, neck, lower back, knees and ankles. In severe cases, it can cause irreversible damage to joints.

SCALP PSORIASIS

About fifty percent of people suffering from psoriasis develop scalp psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis is caused by the body producing too many skin cells on the scalp, resulting in red lesions covered with a white scale (made up of dead skin cells). In extreme cases of scalp psoriasis, thick plaques can cover the scalp and cause hair loss.

What Causes Psoriasis?

The exact cause of psoriasis is not known, but it is believed to be a genetic condition. It seems that the immune system speeds up the growth of new skin cells, so that the skin cells pile up. Often, there is something that triggers the immune system to act in this way and the resulting psoriasis. Some of the triggers that can cause psoriasis are:

?Stress;

?Injury to the skin;

?Infection;

?Reaction to drugs;

?Vaccinations;

?Sunburn;

?Scratches;

?Weather;

?Diet;

?Allergies.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. People suffering from plaque psoriasis will develop 'lesions' on their skin, which are covered by a white scale (from dead skin cells). The skin will also be itchy.

Remedies

Treatment for psoriasis depends on the type of psoriasis you are suffering from and the psoriasis treatment that works best for you. Discuss any treatment with your doctor or skin specialist.

RELIEVING THE ITCH
One of the most uncomfortable things about psoriasis is the associated itchiness. Cool water can help relief this itchiness. Try a wet towel, a cold shower, a cold bath or a cold pack. Many of the medication and natural treatments mentioned below will also help combat the itchiness.

NATURAL REMEDIES

When considering treatment for psoriasis, it may be beneficial to know some of the natural treatments that are available. Although none of these treatments will cure psoriasis, they may relieve the symptoms and itchiness and help prevent further outbreaks from occurring. All natural treatments should be discussed with your doctor, as it may affect any psoriasis treatment he or she prescribes.

?Baths can be beneficial by themselves in relieving itchiness. Oatmeal, Epsom salts and Dead Sea salts can help remove the scales and also help in soothing itchiness.

?Aloe Vera is often used to soothe and moisturize skin.

?Apple cider vinegar can be used to soothe the skin. You may also add it to a bath.

?Capsaicin is found in cayenne peppers. It can help treat red, scaly and itchy skin.

?Evening primrose oil can be found in cream or lotion form. It can also be taken as a nutritional supplement.

?Tea tree can be applied to the skin or added to baths.

?Fish oil, taken as a supplement, can help improve the symptoms associated with psoriasis.

?Milk thistle can be purchased in tablet or fluid form. It helps stop T-cell activation.

?Turmeric can help relieve psoriatic arthritis.

MEDICATION

Psoriasis medication is available to treat all types of psoriasis.
Some of these medications will need to be prescribed by a doctor. Others may be bought over the counter.

?Tar was used for many years to treat psoriasis. It is available over-the-counter.

?Anthralin is a steroid-free topical psoriasis treatment, generally used to treat plaque psoriasis.

?Dovonex is a synthetic vitamin D3 product. It is available by prescription. Dovonex slows down the rate of skill cell growth.

?Salicylic acid helps removes scales. It is available by prescription or over-the-counter.

?Tazorac is a derivative of vitamin A. Tazorac can be bought as psoriasis cream or gel.

?Topical steroids are available by prescription.

?Phototherapy (including UVB phototherapy and PUVA) exposes the skin to light.

?Psoriasis medicine may be prescribed by your doctor. Some common ingredients in psoriasis medicine are amevive, raptiva, cyclosporine, methotrexate and soriatane.

PSORIASIS CURE

As yet, there is no known cure for psoriasis. Researchers are studying psoriasis and trying to find a psoriasis cure.

Preventative Strategies
It can be difficult to prevent psoriasis outbreaks, but avoiding some of the possible triggers for your psoriasis can reduce the amount of outbreaks that occur. It is important to know the symptoms of psoriasis so that you can recognize psoriasis as soon as it occurs and identify any possible triggers. It is not always possible to avoid all psoriasis triggers, but try to avoid triggers as much as you can.

?Stress. This is a very hard one to avoid, especially as the psoriasis may, in itself, be a cause of stress.

?Learn some relaxation techniques and strategies for coping with stress.

?Extreme weather conditions. Protect your skin from the sun and the cold.

?Skin injuries or traumas. Skin injuries may trigger a psoriasis episode. Be extra careful in trying to avoid any injuries to the skin.

?Respiratory infections. Keep your immune system healthy by eating well and resting. A healthy immune system will be better able to fight off any infections quickly.

?Dry skin. Keep your skin moisturized. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a good moisturizer for your condition.

Treating Psoriasis

Treating psoriasis needs to be done on an individual basis. Different people will respond differently to medications and treatments. Specific types of psoriasis may need specific types of treatment. Discuss all of your psoriasis symptoms with your doctor. Make sure you mention any specific psoriasis symptoms (such as those associated with scalp psoriasis or genital psoriasis). You should also tell the doctor if there has been anything that may have triggered a psoriatic episode. Your doctor will then be able to help you find the best psoriasis treatment, according to your particular needs.

http://www.skinii.com/skin-rash/the_best_treatments_for_dealin.html

Dry skin care

2008-12-31T10:06:00.001-08:00

Dry skin is common; as skin loses moisture it cracks. The inherited form of dry skin is known as ichthyosis. Dermatologists often call dry skin in later life xerosis or asteatosis. Dry skin looks dry, sometimes flakes, and often feels tight, especially if you have washed it with soap and water. Sometimes it is lacking some of the protective sebum and so it reacts to very hot and very cold weather by tightening up.

Dry skin most often occurs on the shins, hands and sides of the abdomen. It is more common during the winter months, when humidity is low. Some people also have a genetic, or hereditary, tendency to develop dry skin. In addition, elderly people tend to have more trouble with dry skin due to the natural changes in skin that occur with age.

One of the best and most effective things you can do to help dry skin is to moisturize your dry skin. Moisturizers are a very important part of dermatology since keeping the skin moist is one of the key factors in healthy skin. Most moisturizers available are composed of some formulation of oil and water, with added ingredients that may or may not help to combat dry skin. However, moisturizers are only capable of keeping moisture from escaping out of the skin, not putting moisture back into the skin.

Make sure you choose a product specifically for dry skin and apply as directed. For moisturizers that work by trapping moisture in the skin, the most effective available is petrolatum or vaseline, which provides a coating over the skin through which water cannot escape. Unfortunately, because it is greasy, not many people like to use it. Ointments are usually like petrolatum, since most have an oily base. They are also very greasy and are usually used at bedtime rather than during the day. Moisturizing creams contain more oil than water and, as a result, are also very effective. These also may feel a little greasy, but less so than ointments or petrolatum. Lotions are the most popular moisturizer because the absorb quickly, but because they contain more water than oil, they are not as effective. Moisturizers are now adding other ingredients to help add to their moisturizing capabilities.

Humectants are a class of moisturizers which do not contain oil and may be classified as oil-free. These contain glycerin, propylene glycol, urea, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid. Humectants work by drawing moisture out of the air and trapping it next to the skin. These are especially effective in more humid climates. Exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy acids actually improve the skin's ability to retain moisture by getting read of dead, dry skin. Dead, dry skin cells can add to the problem because these dead skin cells alllow water to escape through their cracks. Alpha hydroxy acids help the skin shed these skin cells and replace those skin cells with healthy cells that are able to creat a more effective water barrier.

Very dry skin often lacks the lipids found in healthy, young skin. These lipids help the skin keep moisture in the skin and keep it well hydrated. Without these lipids, water escapes easily and skin is left even more dry and cracked. If your skin is extremely dry, a lipid-replacement moisturizer will be the most helpful. Many moisturizers are now adding the lipids into their formulas in order to restore lipids where they might be lacking in the skin. Lipids are located in the outer layer of the skin and work by trapping water within the skin. When the lipid content is reduced, water in the skin evaporates quickly, resulting in dry skin. Use of lipid products can help restore the lipid content in the skin, allowing the skin to retain water naturally.

Be diligent, develop a routine, make it a priority. Apply a touch of your natural moisturizer over the freshly cleansed, toned, and dampened skin on your throat, cheeks, and around your eyes. Men should follow a two-step process. Apply moisturizer immediately after shaving. Wait ten minutes. Then moisturize again. It is very important if you have dry skin to have a skin care regimen that you follow daily. You should have a good nighttime moisturizer as well as a good day time moisturizer. After you clean and tone your skin, apply a splash of water or a water-misting. Pat almost dry with a soft towel, then smooth moisturizer from bosom to hairline. Allow five minutes for immediate absorption (cover your face and throat with warm washcloths to hasten penetration), then blot off any excess moisturizer with a tissue. Men can skip the toner but should moisturize the delicate skin around the eye area.

Reduce how often you bath or shower, using lukewarm water. Showers are better than baths. Each day when you take your bath or shower, try to use lukewarm water. Hot water dries out the skin. Try to limit your time to fifteen minutes or less in the bath or shower. Bathing should be done no more than once a day. If you bathe too frequently you will remove the natural oils from the skin causing dryness. In the morning, just splash cool water or use a moisturizing toner and apply moisturizer. Because cleansers can strip away sebum and natural moisturizing factors from your skin, washing at night gives your skin time to replenish itself, before you need to face outside elements. Morning scrubs don't give your dry skin time to recover its defenses before you go outside. Use mineral water to freshen your face. Don't use a washcloth-a rough texture can irritate. In the morning, apply a spray of mineral water on your skin misted on with a plant sprayer. (Do not use a sprayer that had been used for spraying insecticides.) Lightly pat dry.

Do not over-indulge in sunbathing. Excessive exposure to sun rays can cause dry skin, wrinkles and skin cancer. All areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, hands, and back of the neck should have a moisturizer containing sun block or a sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater applied daily. As much as possible, stay out of the sun. The sun is responsible for most of the damage done to the skin. It causes dryness, wrinkles, and even rashes and blisters. Always apply a good sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin if you must be in the sun.

Those with dry skin should stay away from deodorant or antibacterial soaps, since they can be drying to the skin. If the odor-fighting capabilities of these soaps are desirable, then it is recommended that they be used only on areas such as the armpits, etc...Cleansing creams and lotions are the most useful for particularly dry or sensitive skin. They leave behind a layer of oil that helps lubricate the skin much as moisturizers do, but they are only moderately effective at cleansing the skin. Mildly moisturizing soaps are probably the most useful for general use since they clean adequately without stripping the skin of it's natural oils.

Always rinse and dry hands carefully, particularly after contact with household products. Chapped and irritated dry skin on the hands is a common problem for people with dry skin. Try rubber gloves to protect them from hot water and detergents. If you are allergy-prone, wear a cotton pair underneath. You could develop contact dermatitis from the rubber in the gloves. Wear PVC waterproof gloves to avoid contact with detergents and other household irritants, or wear thin cotton gloves underneath waterproof gloves. Do not wear the gloves for long periods of time. Cotton gloves are useful for dirty work. Wash cotton gloves frequently. Avoid using fabric softeners, especially in the dryer. Keep irritating fabrics away from your skin. Don't wear clothing made of wool or other "scratchy" fabrics. Use cotton percale sheets on your bed.

Extreme weather conditions exacerbate and cause dry skin. - hot and sunny, cold and windy. At Home, do not set your central heating too high - hot air can be detrimental. Use a simple humidifier - a bowl of water beside a radiator is sufficient. Wear cloves in cold weather. Use a humidifier in your home during the central heating season. If sweating causes itching, modify your activity and surroundings to minimize sweating. Work and sleep in a fairly constant temperature (68-75o F) and humidity (45-55%). Remember to keep drinking plenty of water and other liquids to keep your skin moist from the inside, too.

Do not smoke. Smoking has a harmful effect on the skin for several reasons. Nicotine constricts the blood vessels, including the tiny capillaries that serve the skin. This deprives the skin of the oxygen and nutrients it needs for good health. Smoking also can make the skin dry and leathery.

http://www.skinii.com/skincare.html

Africa’s Miracle Plant-The Untold Story of Raw Shea

2008-12-31T10:05:00.002-08:00

Just below the Sahara Desert, in a vast expanse of African Savannah land, sits the Nasia Village. Outside of the rainy season, this is one of the most unforgiving, dry, dusty places on earth. Brutal sun, wind, and Hamatan dust create dire consequences for exposed skin. For centuries, women of Nasia have used oil from the nut of the native Shea tree to combat these extreme conditions, turning the oil into raw shea butter for their skin.

Raw shea butter, a thickened oil extracted from the nut of the Shea tree, is an extremely versatile product, containing both carotene and alantoin for excellent moisturizing, soothing, anti-aging, and healing treatment. Women and men all over the world have caught on to this secret-of-the-savannah and use shea to combat all types of skin conditions.

One of the most significant uses of raw shea butter is as an anti-aging treatment. In a remarkable six-month anti-aging study performed by F. Renard, 30 participants used raw shea butter as a daily moisturizer. Within a few weeks, the dull, grayish complexion of most participants had vanished, and smoother, clearer skin was revealed. Wrinkles caused by prolonged sun exposure were visibly diminished for half of the study’s participants. Because of shea’s unique ability to reactivate collagen synthesis, by the study’s conclusion, evident skin regeneration had occurred in all participants.

Anti-aging is only one of the several conditions raw shea butter remedies, others include:

Dry skin
Rashes
Peeling
Blemishes
Itching
Skin cracks
Wound healing time
Scarring
Sunburn
Insect bites
Rough skin on feet, elbows and knees
Frost bite
Chapped lips

However, according to Lynne Killey, founder of Queen Bee skin care, not all shea is created equal. “Most consumers don’t realize that a refining process is typically used to make shea butter. This manufacturing process adds chemicals to the oil, then heats it to a point where most of the nutrients are killed off – virtually eliminating all healing properties of the original nut.”

Raw shea butter (also known as unrefined shea) undergoes a traditional production method. In this process, the shea kernel is picked, cracked, grilled and pounded. It is then boiled in water until the fresh butter rises to the surface, which is scooped into gourds and left to set. Performed by hand, this extraction method uses no conventional processing techniques that will strip the finished product of original nutrients. At no point of production are dangerous chemicals or synthetic agents added to this shea butter.

More commonly found in retail outlets, refined shea butter goes through an entirely different production cycle than its natural counterpart. In an effort to speed up the extraction process, increase profits and alter the smell and texture of shea butter, most manufacturers have adopted a refining method which destroys much of the natural integrity of the shea nut. In this process, the seed oil is extracted from the kernels using a highly flammable, gasoline-like chemical known as Hexane, which usually remains in the product in trace amounts.

Side effects from exposure to hexane include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, weakness, unconsciousness, and abdominal pain. Production by-products containing trace amounts of hexane are commonly sold as animal feed, and excessive amounts of hexane are thought to cause anemia in livestock – transferring to the meat consumers’ purchase. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Hexane compounds are carcinogens and are classed as a hazardous substance. Hexane also poses a serious environmental threat – implicated as a polluter and producer of harmful ozone build-up and air pollution when vented into the atmosphere during the flash-off (burning) cycle of manufacturing.

The side effects and environmental concerns surrounding the use of hexane are serious problems of refined shea butter production, yet other aspects of this refining process are equally as damaging to consumers. To remove the characteristic nutty smell of shea, the extracted oil is exposed to 450 degree heat and sodium hydroxide and carbonate chemicals are added. To change the texture and appearance of the product, it moves through an acid-treated filter and is bleached. Known carcinogens (BHT & BHA) are added to refined shea butter to enhance the shelf-life of the finished product.

“Refining shea butter removes natural essential fatty acids, valuable proteins and important minerals, leaving consumers with a questionable, ineffective and potentially dangerous product. In no way similar to refined shea butter, raw shea butter is significantly richer in vitamins, phyto-nutrients and UV absorbing factors. Raw shea is more difficult to find [than refined shea butter], but is well worth the effort,” states Killey.

The American Shea Butter Institute agrees, “While altered shea butter may smell nicely or [when mixed with less expensive ingredients] appear cost-effective, it has lost significant health-properties….poor quality shea butter is ineffective in healing most conditions that raw shea treats.”

To ensure your shea butter is raw, make sure it is beige or yellow, with a creamy texture and a nutty smell. If your shea butter has no smell (or a fragrant/floral smell), is white or is grainy, it is refined shea and does not hold the same healing properties of authentic shea. Because of several naturally-occurring antioxidants, raw shea has an indefinite shelf-life; however, refined shea has a maximum two-year shelf-life.

Shea butter is truly a remarkable, one-of-a-kind skin care product, treating wrinkles, stretch marks, scars, burns, muscle soreness and everything in between – every household should have a jar on hand. However, raw shea produces results that are far superior to those of refined shea.

Raw shea lotion bars and tubs can be purchased at www.QueenBeeSauce.com. The most popular Queen Bee raw shea product is the Tub O’ Raw Shea, a $26.00, 4oz jar of 100% unrefined shea butter, with nothing else added. Queen Bee raw shea is sourced from a U.S company that directly teaches sustainable farming and eco-friendly handling of shea to the women of Northern Ghana.
About the Author

Founded in 2004, Queen Bee offers simple, natural skin care products to health-conscious consumers. With a focus on personalized products and service, all Queen Bee products are homemade, by hand, from scratch, using natural and organic ingredients. The Queen Bee motto ‘Made with Love’ represents the philosophy of founder Lynne Killey that “each bottle or jar of product is made with attention to quality of ingredients, harmony with nature and care for the person who will be using our product.”

To learn more about Queen Bee, raw shea butter, or any other product, visit www.QueenBeeSauce.com, call 970.731.3690 or email QB@queenbeesauce.com.

Natural Acne Treatments – Get Rid of Acne with No Pills or Harsh Lotions

2008-12-31T10:05:00.001-08:00

Acne is a serious problem that affects millions of people worldwide. There are many acne treatments that have been developed over the years. Many of them treat the problem of acne only at the level of the skin. Their focus is to clean the skin and keep it oil free and then apply a lotion that is supposed to keep the acne from coming back. However, many natural acne treatment programs focus on lifestyle and the effect one’s diet, immediate surroundings as well as stress levels can have on their acne condition.

The belief is that the real cause of acne goes far deeper than just the level of the skin. Many researchers think that the root cause of pimples is really a matter of looking at the kind of lifestyle you are living and that the levels of toxins in your body is a major contributing factor to your acne condition.

External as well as internal cleansing programs are important when it comes to getting rid of acne permanently. There are many ways to clean the skin externally and most people are familiar with these approaches. Using a mildly abrasive cleanser is ideal as it helps to remove the dead skin cells at the surface of the skin. Also it is important to nourish the skin and using natural skin moisturizers such as almond oil is great to keep the skin looking soft and healthy.

Internal cleansing is also very important in any natural acne treatment program. There are many cleansing programs that you can use, just take a look at your local health food store and ask for a ‘full body cleanse’ package. Going on a juice fast can be a great way to detoxify and clean your internal system naturally. Yes, it does require some discipline to not consume your regular fast food and packaged lunches but you need to focus on how beautiful your skin will look when you finally become acne free. So going through a bit of pain will be worth it.

Many natural acne treatment programs also address the effect that stress can have on your acne. Many researchers believe that stress contributes greatly to your acne condition and that by simply reducing the levels of stress in your life can make a dramatic difference in your acne. How is stress related to acne? The answer is not fully known however there are many examples of where people that had severe acne took part in stress reduction programs and found their acne condition improving dramatically.

There are many ways to reduce stress from your life. One of the best ways is to learn how to perform meditation. The primary goal of most meditation practices is to help reduce excessive thinking. This has the effect of eliminating significant stress from one’s life as most mental stress is caused by simply thinking too much. Meditation will help you to quiet your mind and when you learn to have a quiet mind, you will attain great inner peace and inevitably you will experience less stress in your life.

Natural acne treatment solutions are indeed very effective, perhaps the most effective way to eliminate those pesky zits permanently. They do require a bit of commitment on your part to stick with the program and learn a few new skills but getting rid of acne is worth it. So look for natural acne treatment programs as there are many out there, you can even find them online as e-book programs.

Back Acne - All That You Need To Know About It

2008-12-31T10:04:00.001-08:00

Back acne, also referred to as body acne or â€˜bacne,â€™ is a serious issue. But women seldom realize its serious as they take solace with the fact that it can be hidden easily and thank God itâ€™s not on the face.

Back acne tends to appear on the back, upper arms, hips and appear in several forms like pimples, blackheads, cysts etc. People take back acne very lightly because it can be easily covered with a clothing layer. But when it comes to swimsuits or anything that has a deep back neck, it gets a little embarrassing. In such scenarios back acne can be a cause of self-consciousness and discomfort in a crowd.

The causes of back acne are just the same as what causes facial acne. Your back contains a host of sebaceous glands that secrete body oil called sebum. Excessive production of oil and no removal processes make the skin pores and hair follicles clog. This promotes the growth of bacteria and the skin tissue gets inflamed. This is how back acne is caused.

Also, stress, oily food, excessive sweating and genetic designs all contribute to the outburst of back acne.

Therefore, to prevent any such event, make sure your back is clean and free of all dead cells. And for this, regular bathing and exfoliation is a must. You should also avoid doing activities that involves sweating too much. Always wipe your back dry after strenuous exercise and change the sweat-soaked clothes as soon as possible. This would avoid the formations of pimples and blackheads on your back.

There are studies that suggest back acne can also be caused by wearing tight clothes and carrying heavy backpacks. This is because the pressure and chafing created by the two things are enough to trigger of bacterial growth and breeding.
So, its always better to wear loose-fitting close for activities that may cause sweat and swapping the backpack for other usable bags that the pressure off your back. You donâ€™t have to completely abandon your tight clothes and backpacks provided you know how to maintain a healthy lifestyle for your back.

Mild back acne can be effectively be treated by medications and skin care products especially designed to combat acne. Medications that contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid work best for back acne.

Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Systems are clinically proven to treat the primary causes of acne and promote a clear, healthy complexion throughout. The three products in the CLENZIderm M.D Acne Therapeutic Systems - Daily Care Foaming Cleanser, Pore Therapy, and Serum Gel.are specially formulated to work in combination with one another so as to provide optimal results.

It penetrates the skin pores effectively and reduces acne considerably so much so that you can see the difference in only 2 weeks.

Daily Care Foaming Cleanser removes all the debris and excess oil so that the skin becomes clean and fresh. The Pore therapy unclogs the skin pores and scrapes off dead skin. And then the serum gel provides in depth medication to destroy the very root of acne.

People who prefer natural skin care products should look for ingredients like tea tree oil, neem, and basil while selecting their anti-acne skin care products.

Acne- All You Ever Wanted To Know About It

2008-12-31T10:03:00.001-08:00

Itâ€™s quite an unsightly scene to wake up one fine morning and see a plum pimple on your cheek. It may fade away in a few days but it can also stay to infect the other areas of your face.

Acne is the most common of all skin disorders and all women have faced it and some or the other points in their lives. If you are in your teens, then it is as normal as can be. Teenage years are when the hormones are most active thus making the skin prone to acne. However, its not permanent and correcting them can just be a step away. Pregnant ladies also find its appearance. But following an effective anti-aging treatment can set things right for you.

Acne is a popular name that refers to a number of skin disorders, not just pimples. The term â€˜acneâ€™ includes inflammations, whiteheads and blackheads too. These inflammations are usually hormonal in nature. Therefore, you just need to stabilize your hormones using medication or natural means. Try the all new iS Clinical Active Serum that is specially formulated to repair damaged skin cells and stimulate the production of collagen.

Types of Acne

Unlike popular belief, acne is not just the pimples but is a blanket term to cover numerous other skin disorders. There are different types of acne and each type requires customized treatment. Acne comes in two basic types:

Non-Inflammatory Acne

Non-inflammatory acne is when its in the preliminary stages and has not blown up fully. It just needs some bacteria infection to evolve into pimples and other inflammations. It is further classified into whiteheads and blackheads.

If the hair follicles shows its head and the surface has rough black-dotted points, then it is referred to as a blackhead. In cases where the hair follicle does not appear at the surface of acne prone area but looks swollen with a white tip, then itâ€™s a whitehead.

Inflammatory Acne

This is what you call a full-blown acne. It is further classified into:
â€¢ Papule: Papules are the small pink bumps on the skin. They are actually in between the non-inflammatory and inflammatory stages of the acne.
â€¢ Pustules: Pustules are noticeable inflammations that are red in color and filled with pus.
â€¢ Nodules: Nodules are a more painful version of pustules. They can stay for months over and if you pluck it they leave behind scars on your face.

Often, acne can be a result of hormonal imbalances rather than skin disorders. Therefore it is very essential that you take adequate measures to rectify it. The Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Systems are specially formulated to treat the primary causes of acne and clear skin quickly and maintain a clear, healthy complexion. There are three products in the CLENZIderm M.D. Acne Therapeutic Systems that work together to provide optimal results.

Serious Skin Care: Important Tips to Remember

2008-12-31T10:02:00.002-08:00

If your skin isn’t quite as radiant and glowing as you’d like, you’re probably searching for some serious skin care tips and pointers. Well, hopefully we can help you out. You know, your skin's health and vitality is a just like so many other things when it comes to your appearance and your overall health - you only get out of it what you put into it.

The Problem.

Some half-hearted efforts here and there to take care of your skin are not going to give you the same great results you would get with serious skin care; however, be warned because there are many mistakes you can make when trying to take care of your skin that can make it look and feel worse.

Ok, the first misconception many people have is that serious skin care means more frequent cleaning and more vigorous methods of cleaning. Not so fast! Many folks with acne or other blemishes can get very frustrated and very angry and they feel that they simply need to scrub away their entire face to have clear skin.

The Facts.

The facts reveal something quite different. In reality these practices can cause your skin to get very dry, very rough, very irritated, very red, very flaky, and even very itchy…very not good! The skin is delicate and no serious skin care practices should include treatment or cleansing that is overly rough.

And when you clean, don’t forget that you're also stripping away important natural oils that the face needs to keep the skin soft and supple. Intense cleaning too often means that those oils are going to be stripped too often and this will end up leaving your face dry and irritated. Those natural oils are your face's own defense against lines and wrinkles, so while you want serious skin care to get your face clean you certainly don't want it to mean premature aging either.

You may be asking: “So What do I Do?”

A good moisturizer applied twice daily is a vital part of serious skin care. Moisturizers keep the skin soft and supple and when the skin is supple it more easily bounces back from being stretched or scrunched up. So when you make those funny faces or sad faces, properly moisturized skin will go back to normal when you do.

When it stops bouncing back, then lines and wrinkles are formed. Moisturizers also act as a protective barrier between the skin and the elements in the air that bother it such as dust, dirt, pollution, and so on.

Can You Handle the Truth?

Very serious skin care means taking the time to remove all your makeup at night, to clean the skin thoroughly, and then to apply a moisturizer as well. During sleep the body renews and repairs itself so this is an important time to apply moisturizers. Adding another application in the morning before you head out is also an important part of serious skin care because this will protect the skin while it’s being sapped of moisture throughout the day.

If you’re serious about serious skin care make sure that you follow a good basic skincare regimen but don't overdo it either. Neglecting your skin is not good—it’s bad--but going to the other extreme and being harsh and rough with your skin is just as bad if you want truly healthy, radiant and glowing skin.

Home Remedies For Wart Removal

2008-12-31T10:02:00.001-08:00

Warts are a common and unsightly skin problem. While they are usually painless they can cause you a great deal of embarrassment. They look and feel like a solid blister and can be contagious. A wart is generally a small, rough tumor. Warts are common, and are caused by a viral infection, specifically by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are contagious when in contact with the skin of another. It is also possible to get warts from sharing towels or from contact with other objects. They typically disappear after a few months but can last for years and can recur.

Here are a few traditional home remedies to help you battle against warts.

1) One of the simplest ways to remove the wart is to apply the juice of onion onto the wart on a very regular basis.

2) Grind some cumin seeds and make a poultice of them. Apply this poultice to the wart, and tie it in place with the help of a cloth. This is very good for the warts that are bleeding.

3) You could regularly apply tea tree oil. Many people swear that this is a very effective way of removing warts.

4) Take a pinch of baking soda and moisten it with a few of drops of castor oil. Dab this paste onto the wart and leave it overnight. If you do this continuously for a few days the warts should disappear in a week or so.

5) Take a single clove of garlic and cut it into two halves. Place the garlic slice on the mole, so that the cut portion is in contact with the mole. Leave it overnight, tied with a cloth bandage. The sulfur-rich juices of the garlic will work on the wart. Within two or three days the mole should disappear.

6) Roast some peel of the pomegranate fruit. Mix an equal amount by weight of limejuice in it. Make a paste of the mixture. You can apply this paste on your skin problems such as warts, moles, blackheads, pimples, etc. You will definitely find good benefits. This is another good Home Remedy for Warts.

7) Take a fresh grapefruit and squeeze it to get its juice. Apply this juice to the warts several times a day.

8) Apply the juice of a fresh pineapple onto the warts. The warts will disappear within a few days of continuous application. You can apply the juice in the night and leave it on the skin while you sleep and wash it off in the morning. Alternatively you can tie a pineapple slice on the skin instead of applying the pineapple juice.

9) Probably the most effective ‘home remedy’ is to holistically look after your health. Increase your water intake, eat more fresh fruit and vegetables, and get more exercise. This will give your body the best possible chance of fighting warts, or indeed anything else, for itself.
Hopefully some of these methods will greatly help you. Over the counter lotions and skin medications are often slow and ineffective. Medical interventions, such as freezing, acid, or lazer can be painful. However hypnosis is effective in curing warts by controlling the blood flow, thereby not allowing them the environment they need to thrive. Hypnosis has a much higher success rate of removal and a much lower chance of warts returning, and is very painless and safe.

Making Homemade Body Lotions

2008-12-31T10:01:00.001-08:00

Making body lotions at home do not require a degree in science to make. Body lotion making is actually a rather simple process. Making lotions at home can be a personalized experience others will want to know the secrets to. The lotions can be made with one's favorite scent or made specifically to help certain skin issues like extremely dry skin or overly sensitive skin, as well as making it with ingredients that are natural and not synthetic. Creativity and a few supplies are needed for making the lotions.

To begin the lotion making process, an emulsifying wax, water, oil, fragrance and a colorant if desired. Choosing the specific materials for the body lotion being made can be found at craft supply stores or through the Internet. Next, the materials that are used for making the body lotions should be washed thoroughly in order to prevent any contamination.

Here are some steps to create the ideal body lotion. Making body lotion is only a matter of following a recipe.

* First Step: Mix the chosen oils and water with the emulsifying wax. This will be the base for forming the remainder of the body lotion. In order for the water and oils not to separate, the emulsifying wax is necessary.

* Second Step: Next is to add the essential oils, used for scenting the lotion as well as for aromatherapy reasons which provide a feeling of well-being. After adding the essential oils, the fragrance oils may be added for the scent of choice.

* Third Step: The next thing to follow is the colorants if one chooses to use it. The colorants can come from natural sources such as powder extract forms of fruits, vegetables, spices or plants. Colorants may also be purchased from laboratories.

* Fourth Step: The last step is bottling the lotion. Jars, tubes, plastic containers may be used for body lotion storage, including a pump or using a squirt bottle may be helpful when looking for a container. Be sure to label the container with what it is as well as the ingredients used.

Keeping a record of what works and what does not with scents and oils will be helpful in making future batches of lotion. Some other ideas for body lotions is placing additives into it such as glitter or SPF for sun protection or even skin tinting. There are many recipes for body lotions made at home that can be found on the Internet. A more natural made body lotion can be made with olive or peanut oil and aloe vera that has been blended together. Adding Vitamin E capsules to the body lotion mixture will add extra benefits for the skin.

If a person is making the body lotions as gifts, try making some for the males as well. To make an after-shave lotion for the men, add one ounce of sage and one ounce of dried lavender leaves to two cups of witch hazel. Place the mixture in a tightly sealed container and place in a very warm area over a one week period of time. Strain the mixture and bottle again in containers acceptable for gift-giving.

Other ideas for gift-giving is to seal the container, if possible, with a wax seal, or perhaps a raffia bow with a nice tag. The containers themselves can be an attractive gift in themselves.

Hair Loss Natural Treatment

2008-12-31T09:57:00.001-08:00

Thinning hair, hair loss and especially baldness are stressful and traumatic issues for men as they grow older. At least 50% of male population of earth suffers from hair loss problems and this percentage is higher for men in developed world, due to tense life, unhealthy nutrition and pestiferous climate. Moreover, if your father had hair loss then you probably encounter with the same hair condition because “male pattern baldness” is a hereditary disease.

Treating hair loss has interested physicians and scientists through out history and many natural and pharmaceutical cures has been proposed. Recently, medical researches have finally proved the overall cause of hair loss. An androgenic hormone (named dihydrotestosterone or DHT) gradually increases in the receptors at hair follicles as men grow up and as a result, hair follicles shrink, hair becomes thinner, progressively falls and eventually no new healthy hair grows.

The understanding of the cause of hair loss does not mean that there has been success in discovery of hair loss treatment. Many pharmaceutical, beauty products and natural remedies “promise” to improve hair health but nothing can be considered as panacea. Below there are some natural treatment (some have been used for centuries) that concern hair loss. Of course, treating hair loss may last long and therefore you should be patient and determined. You will not see a new head full of hair after just one or two treatments. Nevertheless, repeated use will probably offer you a better looking, healthier and fuller hair.

A widely used home remedy is with use of herb Aloe Vera. It is believed that by rubbing your head with leafs of Aloe Vera, you achieved balanced scalp’s Ph, improved circulation to the area and stimulated hair follicles able to provide new healthy hair.

Another popular treatment with essential oils suggests before going to bed, to apply to head a blend composed of 4 essential oils and 1 vegetable oil: 2 drops of lavender oil, 2 drops of rosemary oil, 2 drops of thyme oil and 2 of cedarwood oil based in 50 ml of jojoba vegetable oil. After applying, massage your scalp for half an hour or more, in order the blend to have the time to take action and then give it a rinse. If you are not experienced with aromatherapy blends, you can benefit from essential oils by just adding 4 drops of bay oil to your normal shampoo.

Finally, follow these everyday advices for stronger and healthier hair. After shampooing your hair, you dry it naturally or use a hairdryer. Remember that you should never rub or wring your hair with a towel to dry it. This will damage the brittle and breakable hair. You can also wrap a large and thick towel around your hair and wait until the towel absorb the water. Moreover, if you choose the hairdryer solution, do not overdo with it, because too hot or too much drying leads to undesirable results. Additionally, keep in mind that sleeping in a tight braid can cause hair breakage or loss of hair over time.

Hair Shampoos, Medicated Shampoos and Homemade Shampoos

2008-12-31T09:56:00.000-08:00

Over and above the daily brushing, it is necessary to remove from the hair dirt and all the secretions of sebaceous glands which accumulate on the scalp. The process of shampoo is divided in two portions so that you lather twice and rinse after each lather. Rinse thoroughly in plenty of water (preferably rain water) until the hair squeaks when you rub it with your fingers.

Now the question arises how often you must shampoo. Women are advised to shampoo once every 8 to 10 days for normal hair, once every fortnight for dry hair and once everY,5 to 8 days for oily hair. I would like to mention that too frequent washing of hair, however good the quality of the shampoo used, can in the long run cause damage to the hair. There is at present in the market quite a large selection of products ranging from ordinary soaps to medicated shampoos. Buy these products preferably from a chemists shop or a reputed general store.

There is a large variety of liquid shampoos presently available in the market. These synthetic detergents were developed during 1939-40. These soapless shampoos, whether used in hard water or soft water, leave no white deposit on the hair when dry. They also clean the hair more thoroughly due to their greater lathering and emulsifying power. Do not use ordinary household detergents to wash the hair. These are crude, very alkaline and can act as an irritant. Manufacturers usually add to the refined detergents soapless shampoo, perfume and other products such as lanolin and lecithin to render the hair supple and glossy after washing.

Medicated Shampoos

These shampoos are used to correct any disorder of secretion in the scalp. If you have dry hair, choose a shampoo based on cod oil, tar or lecithin. If you have oily hair, a shampoo containing sulphur or essence of cedar is best. There are dry and coloring shampoos widely used in western countries. Dry shampoos come in an extremely fine powder form which is sprinkled over the hair and then removed by very thorough brushing. Their main advantage is that no wetting of the hair is required. They consist of a mixture of synthetic detergent in powder form and mineral salts. Mostly sodium salts are used which absorb fatty matter. Thus the hair can be cleaned without too frequent washing, and because of this they are particularly recommended for oily hair.

Coloring shampoos have become very popular in recent years for brightening the color of the hair. They are in fact good shampoos with a detergent base to which has been added either a bleach or a dye which is much less harmful than the real dyes because it does not penetrate the hair but only covers it with a thin coloring film. Coloring shampoos are generally harmless, but they can affect those who are susceptible to allergies, by causing an eczema on the face and swelling or irritation on the scalp. To avoid these severe allergies, do not use coloring shampoos during periods, pregnancy, menopause, ovarian upsets, and skin troubles. .

To carry out a shampoo properly, begin by soaking your hair in hot (not too hot) water. Too hot water is not good for the hair or the scalp. Pour on to the hair a small quantity of shampoo and rub the scalp with the tips of your fingers vigorously. If your hair is long or very thick, slip your fingers right through the hair to the scalp itself, and rub it vigorously but not roughly. Next rinse completely with hot water, and again apply a Jot of shampoo. Rub in, but this time more with the hands flat. Do not penetrate through to the scalp, but gently rub the half. The shampoo should foam cleanly. If not, apply more shampoo for the third time. The rinsing which follows must be very thorough. Rinsing should not stop until the water from this last rinse is completely clear. At the slightest trace of soap or foam, at the slightest tingling from the scalp, do not hesitate to carry out an extra rinse.

Next you should wring the hair, but never twist it, in a thick towel. Wrap the dry towel like a turban around your hair. A hair dryer can also be used for this purpose, but avoid too hot air.

Combat Cellulite With Aromatherapy

2008-12-31T09:55:00.001-08:00

As you may know, Aromatherapy is the use of volatile liquid parts of plants, which are called essential oils, for various natural treatments. It is a holistic alternative therapy that has been used since antiquity from all major civilizations and its popularity has been increasing recently.

Cellulite is the dimpling skin found especially on thighs and sometimes on tummy, back of arms and bottom which looks lumpy and ripply. While it is harmless, cellulite discomforts female population especially in summer time. Almost every woman (even the slimmest ones) has cellulite to some degree. It is believed that cellulite is not only fat, but accumulation of fat, fluids and toxins which are trapped in the skin, owing to weakening of the connective tissue.

Cellulite is caused by numerous reasons. Upon the whole, cellulite is genetically inherited from mother to daughter and related with female hormones and their changes. Cellulite is magnified during pregnancy, menstruation and estrogens therapy. Estrogen hormone plays the major part in determining intensity, formation and expansion of cellulite condition. Men’s lack of estrogen hormone, is the reason why men don not have cellulite on their body. What is more, diet poor in fibre, rich in fat and salt, smoking and inactive lifestyle contribute to cellulite aggravation.

Keep in mind that there are many things to do to reduce cellulite, but nothing can eliminate one hundred percent the “orange peel” surface of female skin at affected areas. Just to name few, increasing body exercise, decreasing fat income and sugar, drinking many cups of water, avoiding coffee and eating fruits rich in C vitamin, are suggested for combating cellulite. In this article we will present you some aromatherapy tips that can help you remove cellulite.

Essential oils can assist with anti-cellulite treatment in two major ways: Reducing body toxins, waste matter and imprisoned liquids and enhancing blood circulation. The essential oils that are used most for cellulite therapy are Juniper, Citrus, Rosemary, Lemon, Lemongrass, Grapefruit and Geranium oil. Bath and especially massage are the most effective Aromatherapy uses for a successful cellulite cure.

Add 5-10 drops of your favourite essential oil in your bath water and stay in it for at least fifteen minutes, once a week. This time allows essential oil to penetrate your skin and its diuretic and circulation boosting action to be more effective.

Aromatherapy massage is probably the most useful alternative method for treating cellulite because it is applied directly to the affected part of skin and encourage body detoxication and blood circulation. Carrier (or base) oils from various vegetables are used for essential oil dilution. Appropriate carrier oils for massage are among others, Avocado, Jojoba and Almond. Remember to follow carefully the safety rules for essential oils uses. Otherwise, you will run the risk to irritate and harm your skin.

Aromatherapy is not only a delightful and refreshing activity. It is beneficial for a lot of health conditions including skin diseases like cellulite. Using the right essential oils in bath and massage you can regenerate skin cells and reduce the toxins and fat that turn into cellulite.

Natural Bar Soaps for the Kitchen and Bathroom

2008-12-31T09:54:00.000-08:00

Good natural bar soaps that contain only substances that are good for your skin are available, although most people pay little attention to them. Many people might be unaware of the fact but the skin is the largest organ of the body. As such, the skin needs taken care of just as much as any other major organ, yet few people pay much attention to what they bring into contact with it. Although a lot of money is spent on body products, do you really know what your skin needs for optimum health and what substances can do it harm?

Your skin carries out many functions other than keeping the bits inside that should be kept inside. It is a natural thermostat, containing the sweat glands that dampens it and allows evaporation to cool you down. It contains hairs and subcutaneous fat, both of which help you to remain warm when the external temperature is low. Your skin is designed to remain supple, and so allow free movement of the various parts of your body.

It is an ideal waterproof covering for your body that also protects you from infection. Although infection can set in if the skin is ruptured through cuts or grazes, the skin itself rarely suffers from surface infections when related to the number of infectious agents it is constantly in contact with.

The health of your skin is very important, especially in view of the fact that it regularly comes into contact with some very hazardous substances. What may not have occurred to you is that one of the many functions of your skin is to eliminate some of the body’s waste products. It does this when you sweat and the toxins that are emitted can harm it. Although not often infected, it does suffer from complaints such as psoriasis, eczema and acne that are not primarily caused by bacterial agents or viruses, and hence not true infections.

These conditions, however, are caused largely through the emission of toxic agents through the sweat glands. Acne for instance is caused by excessive emission of sebum that combines with dead skin cells to form acne which can also become infected with bacteria. Psoriasis is the excessive formation of skin cells at too rapid a rate, the true causes of which are as yet unknown. Skin cells can become cancerous due to excessive exposure to sunlight or ultra violet radiation, and skin cancer is the most common type of cancer that your doctor is liable to come across.

If you suffer from any specific skin condition, such as acne, or even dry skin that can be caused through excessive exposure to degreasing agents or dry winds, then your skin will need special care. The soap you use is very important in the way you care for your skin, and many people will use soaps that contain many ingredients that they cannot pronounce let alone understand.

Your skin needs cleansed regularly since it comes into contact with many dangerous and toxic substances. Apart from the everyday pollution of traffic fumes and factory emissions, there are also the substances that contaminate your skin at work and at home. At home specially, domestic cleaners can be very harsh on your skin, consisting of substances that are intended to clean away greases and oils, the very types of substance that protect your skin from the elements. When you clean your oven or your sink without gloves, you also clean off the protective oily layer on your skin and leave it open to bacterial attack.

Your skin can also become sensitized to many substances, so that whenever it comes into contact with them it promotes an allergic reaction that can cause irritations so severe that your life can become very miserable. Many people are allergic to various types of soap or detergent because they have become sensitized to them, and are unable to use that type of cleanser after sensitization.

Many soaps contain active ingredients that are intended to carry out specific functions. Thus, some contain antibacterial agents to inhibit the growth of specific types of bacteria on your skin, while others contain detergents to improve their cleaning power. However, some detergents can be very harsh on your skin, and try to avoid bar soaps containing PEG-6 methyl ether or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). These can be harmful to your skin. There are others, and if your skin is sensitive try to avoid soaps containing animal products or petroleum derivatives.

Take tetrasodium EDTA, which is present in common bar soaps. It enhances the penetration of substances through your skin, which means that it can also enhance the penetration of the lees welcome ingredients in the soap as well as the moisturizers. Substances as sodium etidronate that is a synthetic preservative that might cause irritation to your skin and mucus membranes. There are several other synthetic detergents that are ingredients in bar soaps, and many kitchen soaps contain the same ingredients as personal or bathroom soaps, the difference between them being only in their moisturizer and perfume content.

Other ingredients than can cause potential problems are limonene, linalool and camphor, all of which can give rise to unwelcome conditions such as irritation or respiratory problems. The first two of these are common in bar soaps, as are benzaldehyde and benzyl alcohol which are irritants. Alpha-pinene, found in some bar soaps, is a sensitizer than can damage your immune system. Unless you know what a specific ingredient is, don’t use the soap. Instead you should use pure natural bar soaps containing antioxidants that are good for your skin.

A pure soap should contain the fat or oil that it is made from, good examples being coconut or palm oils, water, a water softener to enable the soap to cleanse the skin properly, an example being one of the penetrates, a moisturizer such as glycerine or lanolin and possibly a perfume derived from natural sources. Salt is also frequently used, and is a good bactericide.

Wherever possibly, you should choose a natural soap containing antioxidants. Citrus soaps, for example, contain vitamin C although many soaps contain antioxidants such as beta carotenes, vitamin A and vitamin E. Since soap consists of both oils and water, you can have both oil and water soluble antioxidants in your soap. The antioxidants help to protect your skin from the ravages of pollution and the effects of the sun’s rays, both of which generate free radicals that can accelerate the aging and wrinkling of your skin.

A good antioxidant, moisturizer and wetting agent in your bar soap will help to protect your skin from the effects of atmospheric pollutants, the drying effect of the sun and wind and also effectively cleanse the skin surface and pores of everyday dirt. If this is associated with an absence of synthetic chemicals that can cause irritation then you will be giving your skin the best protection that you can. This is true of soaps intended either for the kitchen or the bathroom.

The Science of Beauty in the Bath - Application of Body Scrubs and Soaps

2008-12-31T09:53:00.000-08:00

Using specially formulated body scrubs and soaps is one way to deal with several skin and body conditions. Be sure to stay away from scrubs and soaps which contain harsh chemicals, acids or mineral oil (also called parafin) as these can be drying and even damaging to your skin.

Making your own scrubs and soaps is another option which doesn't have to be complicated or difficult. I've included some terrific, simple recipes here for you to try. A little extra TLC and time in the bath can not only improve the look and health of your skin, it can also help to reduce stress and improve your overall health.

Body scrubs and special soaps can be used for:

1. Goosebumps

2. Blackheads

3. Skin that needs revitalizing

4. Addressing problems such as dry skin or cellulite

The process is simple and choices are available to improve the look and feel of your body's skin.

a. Scrub down with soap and water using the bath mitt, loofah or brush.

b. Rub all over with sea salt as you stand in the bath.

c. Rub all over with sugar using your soap lather.

d. Fill a muslin bag with ground oats/bran from a health food store and scrub with that.

The use of a loofah, hemp glove, long-backed bristle brush is beneficial at all times, but is especially important is the person is on a strict diet or undertaking a fast. Under these circumstances the body is throwing off poisons rapidly, and these need to be scrubbed off the skin.

The Use of Soap

Even dermatologists are unable to reach agreement on as to whether soap is positively good or bad for the skin. The theory that it is bad is based on the fact that skin is naturally slightly acid, while soap is mostly alkaline. Hence the soap temporarily destroys the skins' acid mantle. However, as the balance is restored in one to three hours, the damage is not permanent.

The `anti-soap` brigade claims that the drying effect of soap is cumulative; years of washing will take their toll in the form of skin that is prematurely dried or cracked. Certainly, students will feel the drying effect of soap on their skin; it is this very feeling that makes some women say that they feel `clean`, but often this means that soap has been left on the skin which has not been adequately rinsed and dried off.

You should be aware that although nowadays most soaps contain moisturizers such as cold cream to mitigate the drying effect, this does not alter their alkalinity. Most people will cause little harm to their skin by using soap. It is only those who have particularly dry or sensitive skin who should use the special acid-balanced soaps, which are not strictly soaps at all, they are more aptly called cleansers.

Natural Body Cleanser, Scrub and Soap Recipes

Homemade Sea Salt Exfoliator

Mix 1/8 cup of Olive Oil and 1 heaping tablespoon of sea salt

Use on knees and elbows in the shower and rinse off. Pat dry with a soft towel.

Honey Scrub

To make a good exfoliating scrub, mix a tsp. of warm runny honey with 1 tbsp. milk. Add sugar until you get it to a grainy consistency.

Use immediately.

Liquid Lavender Soap

Put 6 tbsp. of grated castile Soap and some water in a heatproof bowl and place over a saucepan of boiling water. When the Soap has melted, stir in 5 tbsp glycerin. Remove from heat and stir in 4 drops of Lavender oil.

If desired, stir in a few drops of natural food coloring to color the Soap. When cool, pour into clean bottles and seal with corks.

Cool Shower Gel

Ingredients

* 1/2 cup herbal shampoo (look for one that is detergent-free; avoid labels that list any variation of "sodium lauryl Sulfate")
* 1/4 to 3/4 cup water
* 3/4 teaspoon salt
* 8 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
* 2 tablespoons Aloe Vera gel
* Blend all the ingredients thoroughly, adjusting the amount of water to get the desired consistency.
* Pour into a bottle or jar.
* Place a dab of this cooling gel in your hand to use instead of Soap.

Helpful Hints:

Formula may be doubled or tripled to make extra for gifts.

And please be sure to use pure Peppermint Essential Oil, not a fragrance oil.

Oatmeal Bath Gel

To make a creamy bath gel, mix 1/4 cup dry oatmeal and 1 tsp. honey with enough milk to make it a paste. Put in the microwave for a few seconds to warm up and then use.

Almond Mayonnaise Scrub

(for very dry skin)

* 1/4 cup almonds
* 1/8 teaspoon mayonnaise

Grind almonds in blender until they form a meal. Whirl in mayonnaise. Vinegar-Rinse your skin. Rub in Scrub gently and thoroughly. Leave on skin for about 10 minutes. Rinse off and follow with Vinegar Rinse.

Basic Body Butter Lotion Bar

Ingredients:

* 1 Part Beeswax
* 1 Part Cocoa OR Shea Butter
* 1 Part Carrier Oil
* 1 Part Skin-Safe Fragrance or Essential Oil

Directions

* Do not use both Cocoa Butter & Shea. Cocoa Butter will make a slightly harder bar, Shea Butter will make a slightly softer bar.

* Add Beeswax, Carrier Oil of choice and Butter of choice to a microwave safe container. A Pyrex Measuring Glass works best for cleanup purposes. Melt in 20 second increments until all is melted. Stir well. Add Fragrance of Essential Oil, and stir well. Pour in a Melt & Pour Soap mold, Push Up Stick, or Deodorant Container and let harden overnight.

* This recipe can also be used for Lip Balm, by using a Skin-Safe Flavor Oil instead of the Fragrance of Essential Oil.

Easy Sugar Scrubs

You'll need a small to medium jar, white or brown sugar to fill it near the top, and enough oil to add so the mixture is moist. You can use olive, sweet Almond, or vegetable oil. At this point you can add a 1/2 tsp. of an Essential Oil or blend of oils. Lavender, Rose Geranium, or Rose mixed with Rosemary, Lemon or Orange is nice.

If you mix oils they should all total about 1/2 tsp.-not a 1/2 tsp. each. Mix all with a spoon in the jar, cover with the lid and allow to sit at least overnight. The mixture should look "oily" and moistened. If it doesn't, add more oil.

To use: Scoop a small amount on to your hand and rub your hands and fingers gently with the scrub, not too hard. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. This leaves your hands soft, and is great after gardening!

About the Author

Dee Braun, a single mom of 6, is a Certified Aromatherapist, Certified Dr. of Reflexology and a natural health practitioner. Click now to visit NaturallyBeautiful.Me at http://www.naturallybeautiful.me/ - where you can find helpful information on natural and effective skincare treatments (including recipes!) to help battle the ravages of time, toxins and stress as well as address many common skincare problems.

What to Look for in Anti-Wrinkle Face Creams?

2008-12-31T09:52:00.000-08:00

Eventually time and life catches up to us whether we want it to or not. The most noticeable perhaps of this occurrence is in the face. Why does this happen? Over years, the skin ages and becomes drier and thinner. The skin covering the neck, face, back of the hands and tops of the forearms tend to be the most exposed to the elements of life and show the most wear and wrinkles appear quicker and with more of them than the rest of the body. Sun damage causes the most havoc on skin, but is a natural process regardless of the sun for all humans.

Many people are looking for ways to reverse the process, wishing for younger skin that was smooth, wrinkle-free and smooth. Many people also find out that companies selling products on the market are more interested in making money than in selling a real product to help restore the skin. So is there anything available for purchase that actually works?

Beautiful skin may not be able to miraculously return to a person with any product but there are products available to help condition and improve the skin and show less signs of aging. There are some areas to look for when in the market for purchasing an anti-wrinkle cream. The right combination of active ingredients that work together can retrieve beautiful skin. Here is a list of ingredients that have been scientifically formulated synergistically to optimally work to combat wrinkles.

Maracuja - a passion fruit extract from Brazil. This extract naturally softens the skin and with the use of linolenic acid, regulates sebum production in order to avoid the skin from getting too oily or too dry. Maracuja nourishes and adds a velvety and smooth feel to the skin.

Grapeseed oil - is a oil produced by pressing the seeds of grapes. Grapeseed oil has a powerful antioxidant with a high content of fatty acids, that will add a layer on the skin to hold in the moisture and repairs the skin.

Babassu palm wax - the babassu palm is native to Brazil and found in the Amazon. It works on many levels - to soften the skin, keeps out impurities and locks out moisture with a protective layer on the surface of the skin.

Vitamin E - combats the free radicals in the skin and their damaging effects from the environment, UV rays from the sun, poor dietary nutrition and unpreventable aging through the anti-oxidant properties. It also reduces the amount of wrinkles to appear and lessens the appearances of age spots. Some products use a synthetic version of Vitamin E that can be less effective, look for a product that contains alpha-tocopherol acetate which is the natural form of Vitamin E.

Wakame - a Japanese sea kelp that is nutritionally rich in minerals and vitamins naturally. It helps to keep the skin healthy, firm and moisture-balanced. It also prevents the breakdown of an acid in the skin that maintains the youthful appearance in skin.

Co-enzyme Q10 - increases elastin production and collagen in the skin, reduces wrinkles dramatically and nourishes the skin with antioxidants. As mentioned above antioxidants work to inhibit the damages caused by free radicals. A particular type of co-enzyme Q10, by the name of Nano-Lipobelle H-EQ10, penetrates the skin deeper to more effectively work than the other types.

Keratin - is similar to a natural protein found in the skin and helps to mimic it to improve regenerating skin cells as well as the regrowth of collagen and elastin. This is a key ingredient to look for in an anti-wrinkle cream product for a result in improved elasticity, smoothness and a softer, even complexion.

What is Ayurveda and How Does It Heal?

2008-12-31T09:50:00.000-08:00

The word Ayurveda means 'Science of Life', a mind/body science. Ayurveda is a complete system of restoring and maintaining a harmonious mind/body/spirit connection. Its function is to balance all physical, emotional and mental systems leading to self-healing and self realization. Ayurveda teaches that our human physical systems are directly connected with our emotional and mental systems. As we learn to understand the complete interaction of these systems we are able to heal ourselves.

As each of us heals ourselves, we create a paradigm of healing that begins to affect our surrounding environment. As we heal and undergo positive transformations internally, we manifest this same positive abundance in our external environment. So Ayurveda offers an opportunity not only to heal our bodies, but also heal our lives and relationships.

Ayurveda teaches that each of us has a physical channel within the physical body that can open to the experience of being aware of our own divine nature. When we become conscious of the Divine within we feel a sense of deep connection with Spirit, God, Universal Life Force which allows us to operate in harmony with the natural laws of the universe. When we are flowing with nature, we experience the feeling of wholeness, where we recognize that there is no lack and no limitation, only the perception that we are in some way deficient or not enough. Ayurveda outlines the perfect wisdom and knowledge to achieve this balance of wholeness. Once balance and wholeness is achieved, we begin to learn how to live happily in a world that appears to foster and fight disease, seek gross stimulation and reward superficial activity.

The ultimate goal of Ayurveda is to facilitate the union of our Spirit with the Divine Universal Power (God consciousness). A healthy mind and body is a temple for our spirit. A healthy body allows us to achieve this union of our Spirit. By learning to use this natural Universal Force, we transcend fear, pain, and limitation and reach our full and highest potential. We become our true Self.

On a physical plane, Ayurveda is designed to promote natural health and prevention of maladies. If a person becomes sick or is challenged with a disease, Ayurveda looks for imbalance to the natural health of the individual. Ayurveda is a natural health lifestyle, not a system of symptom suppression. Accordingly, it can be use in conjunction, as well as be integrated with other healing modalities and with all types of conventional medicine and surgery.

Ayurveda is based on the principles of Quantum physics. Our unique constitution is a result of the unique combination of the elemental energetics. The five elements of ether, air, fire, water and earth combine these energetics in variations called the three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Vata is a combination of ether and air. Pitta is primarily fire and some water. Kapha is a combination of the elements of water and earth. When one has a perfect balance of these three doshas, one is dis-ease and dis-comfort free. With an imbalance of these three doshas one begins the disease process within. Understanding our unique constitutions is important and provides one with customized lifestyle that can be preventative, as well as significantly improve our coping skills for stress. With self-knowledge one may find it easier to achieve balance and stay disease free.. As an Ayurvedic practitioner I provide a health approach that is highly individualized based on one's unique distribution of the elemental energetics. Ex. In Ayurveda there are three different types of arthritis, based on one's constitution, hence three different approaches.

Ayurveda operates to prevent illness by understanding the function of the body, the relationship of body/mind and the particular nature of the individual being treated. Each individual has a specific constitution and the science of life offers a systemic approach to well-being customized specifically to the body type of the individual. This ancient wealth of knowledge teaches a clear understanding of the functioning and enhancement of the individual's mind, body, and consciousness, as well as the role of the individual in society. Ayurveda is the art and science of harmonious, healthy living.

According to Ayurveda disease occurs in 6 stages. Conventional/modern medicine is trained to recognize and treat disease in stage 5, when it is a full blown manifested disease and stage 6 which are complications of the manifested disease. Ayurvedic training involves in the identification of the dis-ease and dis-comfort which progress from stage 1 to stage 4. These are in the format of imbalances, which does not have the formal name of a disease. The progression of the initial stages 1 to 4 of imbalance takes years and years to accumulate. So anyone pursuing Holistic Ayurvedic and Naturopathic route to health, must be patient, and know that healing and results will not be overnight. Some ease and improvement may occur within the first few weeks, however real healing and disease reversal may require several months of lifestyle changes, proper nutrient intake and cooperation of the individual along with their practitioner. Remember the symptoms and discomforts are the last to show up as a result of longterm accumulation of imbalances. Chronic neglected imbalances lead to disease. So one must understand and realize that symptom relief may take time.
Ayurveda emphasizes upon education, and self-healing through self-realization. So as an Ayurvedic practitioner I am an educator, a guide, a facilitator and a coach. I do not prescribe or diagnose. My job as a Ayurvedic healer is to assist the body's return to its natural state of balance.

Refreshing Summer Scents Using Essential Oils

2008-12-31T09:48:00.001-08:00

The sweet scents of summer include the aromatic fragrance of honey suckle and the fragrant purple blooms of lavender floating in the warm breeze and the damp summer perfume rising from the freshly cut lawn, the clean scent of the newly washed towels drying in the sun and the fresh ocean breeze wafting coconut and citrus. Generally, the summer scents take you down the memory lane.

Scent is a powerful mode of immediately changing our mood. Life generally abounds during summer as the herbs, trees and the flowers are in full bloom and the air is filled with aromatic fragrances. But when this same aromatic summer turns warm and sticky then most of our homes can use a little summer scent to feel fresh. Clean summer scents can do a lot to us, but it is very harmful to rely on the Plug-in air fresheners or even the sprays, as both contain harmful chemicals, which can cause harm if inhaled. Instead we should rely on the wisdom of our great grandmothers and use natural products to make our homes smell clean and refreshing.

So let the delightful aroma of the summer renew your mind and body and melt away your stress. Isn’t it much better to use essential oils rather than the perfumes made with chemicals? Authentic essential oils are more therapeutic and also have a fuller and yet a milder caress, as compared to the commercial perfumes. As the essential oils are in a concentrated form even a little drop can work wonders.

Zesty Lemon- This lemony clean fragrance can boost and lift up your spirits. So try rubbing it on the doorknobs or even you can try just peeling lemon and twisting the peel to release the fragrance into the room. You can even spread the lemony fragrance by simmering the lemon slices in the water on the stove.

Refresh with Lavender- Place dried lavender in an attractive container and place it next to your bed, to make your bedroom smell fresh and warm. This fragrance promotes sound sleep with peaceful dreams.

Rosemary Blotch- Try burning some sprigs of dried rosemary using an ashtray and as this scent spreads into the atmosphere in your home it turns refreshing and this technique is being used from past many centuries in sickrooms, since its anti microbial.

Sweet smelling Green Mist- Sprays and Mists are the easiest ways to add natural scent to your home and fight germs. Mists and sprays spread aromatherapy by using essential oils. Nothing could be easier than spraying a few drops on the doorknobs, telephones or bathroom surfaces. Essential oils are harmless as well as antibacterial and hence, they can be gifted in pretty bottles tied with a ribbon. Your sweet home will smell fresh too.

Vanilla, the odor remover- The vanilla bean has the properties to reduce odor so try this super trick to remove unwanted odors from your house.

Tricky Cinnamon- Try filling a pot with ground cinnamon and then enjoy the wafts of the sweet fragrance daylong.

Oil that symbolizes the summer season is bergamot. Bergamot oil is produced from the citrus fruit of tree called Citrus bergamia and this fragrance uplifts and relaxes. Bergamot also evokes joy as well as boosts self-confidence. Perfumists rely on bergamot’s magical ability to modify and harmonize the complex blends of oils and fragrance.

About the Author

For the past 10 years Marilyn Reid has been active as an advocate of Alternative Health Therapies. The author of a soon to be published book on Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Marilyn has been delving into the upstate New York fields of therapeutic Essential Oils for over 7 years. For more information check out, www.tarunaoils.com; www.tarunasenterprises.com.

Lemon Essential Oil for Good Health

2008-12-31T09:47:00.001-08:00

Botanically referred to as citrus limonum, lemon oil is used by aromatherapists to promote both emotional and physical well being. Having a piquant, lemony odor, lemon essential oil also has antidepressant properties. When the oil is used in an aromatherapy massage, it can aid in relaxation and alleviate depression. Lemon essential oil also stimulates the mind. When the powerful lemon oil aroma molecules are inhaled it is said to help in enhancing concentration and improving memory.

Thus, lemon essential oil is very beneficial for the body, mind and spirit. Having its origins in India, the lemon tree was first cultivated in Italy around the 5th century. The cultivation of this plant then extended to other countries. In the past, lemon peel has been used to add fragrance to clothing and as an insect repellent. Thus, this useful and therapeutic fruit has been utilized in many ways since ages.

According to Ayurveda, the age-old system of medicinal healing which has been in practice in India, the lemonï¿½s sour taste is useful for regulating and alleviating physical and mental imbalances like constipation, flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome, confusion, hyper activity, anxiety, worry, premenstrual cramps, insomnia, and restlessness. It can also be used to relieve emotional imbalances like anger and frustration.

The Romans are reputed to have used lemon to treat stomach disorders and to freshen up the breath. In the past, the British Navy also used it to prevent scurvy. While lemon essential oil has various properties, it is best known for its ability to fight infections, mainly due to its capacity of stimulating white blood corpuscles, which act as a natural defense of the body.

Lemon essential oil is extracted by cold pressing the fresh peel, which gives off the tangy and tart scent of freshly shredded peel. Since lemon oil is obtained from fresh peel, only pesticide-free, organically produced fruit should be used. The best lemon essential oil is reputedly produced in Sicily.

Lemon Essential Oilï¿½s Uses:

Lemon essential oil can be used to treat malaria, tuberculosis, typhoid, syphilis and gonorrhea. However, only qualified medical practitioners or aromatherapists should use it to treat these ailments. Other ailments like bronchitis, flu and stomach infections can also be treated by lemon essential oil. It can also help to reduce temperature. Because lemon is a haemostatic, which means it helps to stop bleeding, the oil can be used to treat cuts and other open wounds. Lemon essential oil is also an effective remedy against gastric ulcers because it counteracts stomach acidity. A high amount of acidity is also thought to be responsible for gout, rheumatism and arthritis, which can be alleviated by lemon oil.

Lemon oil is also used as an effective weight loss method because it increases the metabolism and stimulates fat burning cells. When research was done to learn how lemon oil aroma affects the brain, it was discovered that it stimulates the central part of the hippocampus, triggering rational, left brain thinking. Thus a whiff of lemon oil has the effect of swiftly curbing the emotional reactions that trigger off reaching for second helpings and sweets. Disorders of the digestive system which include the pancreas and liver can also be treated by this oil.
About the Author

For the past 10 years Marilyn Reid has been active as an advocate for Alternative Health Therapies. The author of a soon to be published book on Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Marilyn has been delving into the upstate New York fields of therapeutic Essential Oils for over 7 years. For more information check out, http://www.tarunaoils.com;

The Goodness of Peppermint Essential Oil

2008-12-31T09:46:00.000-08:00

Mentha piperita being its Latin name, peppermint oil is used in aromatherapy for a broad spectrum of physical ailments and conditions. This pure essence of the plant has a refreshing, mint-like fragrance. Apart from its refreshing qualities, peppermint essential oil also has anti-viral, antiseptic and astringent properties. Being a natural aid in decreasing pulmonary congestion, this oil when inhaled is a wonderful remedy for alleviating the symptoms of colds and coughs. Chest infections can also be eased if it is diluted with a base-oil and massaged on the chest.

Peppermint essential oil has been in use since ancient times. Its presence has been detected in Egyptian tombs dating as far back as 1000 BC. The Romans too are reputed to have used it as a digestive aid. Peppermint leaves would have been traditionally eaten or brewed as a tea in order to treat various nerve and gastric problems.

According to ancient lore, the Egyptians dedicated this fragrant mint to Horus, one of their gods. The Romans, on the other hand, personified it as Mentha or Minthe, the lovely water nymph whom Pluto loved. It is said that when Prosperine, Plutoï¿½s queen, discovered this, out of jealousy she trampled Mentha into the ground, turning her into the humble mint plant. However, Pluto issued a decree that the more the mint was trampled upon, the sweeter would be the aroma that would emanate from it.

By the 17th century the peppermint plant hybridized naturally into about 20 varieties of perennials that are found today, which have the ability of spreading easily by their root systems. Now, it grows in the wild all over North America, Europe and Australia. It is also amongst the few essential oil plants that are cultivated in the US, where the conditions of the soil, the temperature and the rainfall in central Oregon and Michigan are perfect for producing high quantities of the oil.

One of the most extensively used aromatic oils today, peppermint is found in all sorts of products, both inedible and edible, such as medicines, liqueurs, gums, candies, desserts, ice cream, beverages, jellies and sauces, dental and aromatherapy preparations, tobacco, cosmetics and cleaners.

Peppermint Essential Oilï¿½s Uses:

Because of its antispasmodic properties, which alleviate the spasms of the smooth muscles in the stomach and the intestines, it is especially good for ailments like colic, stomach ache, vomiting, indigestion and diarrhea. It also has a palliative effect on the liver. Peppermint is also highly effective in treating flu and cold, and helps to clear congested sinuses and other nasal orifices. Peppermint is an excellent remedy for headaches, especially when combined with lavender. The reason for this being that while peppermint is a stimulant, lavender has sedative properties. This blending of stimulant and sedative properties is used in many analgesics like aspirin, Anacin, etc.

Unlike other painkillers, peppermint does not merely suppress pain, but also acts on the ailment causing it. Another specialty of peppermint is its property of inducing cooling as well as sweating effects, which is used to treat both flu and colds. The essential oil of peppermint is also said to be a very good brain stimulant. It can induce a feeling of mental freshness, which results in positive effects like the ability to face any challenge. It is also used for treating the effects of shock.

About the Author

For the past 10 years Marilyn Reid has been active as an advocate for Alternative Health Therapies. The author of a soon to be published book on Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Marilyn has been delving into the upstate New York fields of therapeutic Essential Oils for over 7 years. For more information check out, http://www.tarunaoils.com;

Methods of Extracting Essential Oils

2008-12-31T09:45:00.002-08:00

Essential oils, also known as volatile or ethereal oils are concentrated, hydrophobic liquids that contain volatile fragrant plant compounds. There are a number of essential oils that have been used as medicines many times to help people lead a fit and healthy life. Besides, they have been used for skin treatments, cancer remedies as well as several other uses. Essential oils are also used in perfumes and cosmetics, for adding the scent to incense and various household-cleaning products. Essential oils can be extracted through several methods such as distillation and others.

Different processes used for extracting essential oils are diverse. It basically depends upon the plant or flower, which is being considered.

Some of the many methods of extracting essential oils are as follows:

ï¿½ Steam and hydro distillation: It is one of the most common methods used for extracting essential oils. It places the plant, from which essential oils is to be extracted in a huge chamber. The plant is put to steam and the whole chamber gets filled with steam. Once the steam is filled in the entire chamber, it goes through the interior of the plant and brings out the oil, from inside. The steam starts going upward till it reaches the condenser where the steam finally gets cooled and then turns back into water. In addition, the oil captured by the steam also returns to its previous state. Later oil is separated from water and can be used. It is known as ï¿½hydrosolï¿½. The quality of oil extracted by hydro distillation depends upon a number of factors, which are identified through the processes such as temperature, pressure and time. These factors can increase or decrease the quality of the oil because a plantï¿½s essence is present in these essential oils. In order to extract essential oils, you need to follow the instructions properly or else you would not be able to get the desired result. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate the entire process of distillation at the right temperature, within the right amount of time and with an appropriate air pressure in the chamber.

ï¿½ Solvent Extraction: Solvent extraction is another method of extracting essential oils. In this method, a hydrocarbon is added to the plant material so that it helps dissolve the essential oil. Once the solution gets filtered and concentrated by distillation, there remains a substance containing resin or a mixture of wax and essential oil. Pure alcohol is used to extract the oil. The oil is left behind once the alcohol evaporates. Though it is often used to extract essential oils, it is not considered to be the best method, as the solvents often leave a small amount of residue behind that may cause allergies and harm the immune system.

Cold Pressing: Cold pressing extracts essential oils from citrus rinds like orange, lemon, bergamot and grapefruit. The rinds are placed separately from the fruit and are chopped or ground. Finally, they are pressed and the watery mixture of the essential oils is obtained.
About the Author

For the past 10 years Marilyn Reid has been active as an advocate for Alternative Health Therapies. The author of a soon to be published book on Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Marilyn has been delving into the upstate New York fields of therapeutic Essential Oils for over 7 years. For more information check out, http://www.tarunaoils.com.

Aromatherapy for Acne Cure

2008-12-31T09:45:00.001-08:00

Aromatherapy is considered as one of the most effective holistic medicines for skin diseases healing. Nowadays, aromatherapy baths and compress are very popular ways of aromatherapy skin care. Keep in mind that although all essential oils have therapeutic attributes, only certain of them are appropriate for acne treatment. What is more, you should always observe the safety precautions when using the essential oils. Never use essential oils undiluted to your skin. Always use a carrier oil for dilution and remember that generally only 2-3% dilution of essential oils in blends that will be applied to skin, is not only safe but also effectual.

Acne is a typical skin disease that afflicts almost every teenager. Nevertheless, statistical researches show that at least 80% of the population experience acne at some time in their lives, not necessarily the teen age. Acne pimples may appear at any age, from early baby to elderly age.

Acneï¿½s symptoms are pimples, black heads, cysts and even scar and lumps on skin. After an acne attack the annoying symptoms become severer and worse leading to bad feelings, stress and sometimes pessimism and signs of depression to young person. It is important patient to learn how to manage stress and fight melancholy because acne has psychosomatic aspects and can intensify acneï¿½s outbreaks.

The essential oils which are believed to be the most effective and appropriate for acne treatment are: Tea tree oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia), Lavender oil (Lavandula Officinalis), Helichrysum (Helichrysum Angustifolia) and Ylang Ylang (Cananga Odorata). Most aromatherapy practitioners suggest mixing the above oils with Jojoba vegetable oil before applying to skin. Usually, a cotton pad is used to deliver the blend directly to the acne spot.

These essential oils have been proved to stop the growth of a broad range of bacteria and microbes which cause acne. The have remarkable antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, they clear and unclog pores, heal scars and generally help to remove acne spots contributing to a fresh and supple skin. As mentioned before, jojoba is the one of the best carrier oil for dilution because it is not greasy, so it does not block the pores, but it moisturizes and exfoliates the skin.

Keep in mind that aromatherapy treatment for acne, although its indisputable success in cure acne, it can not have immediate results and take some time to initiate healing. Therefore, you have to be patient and it is advisable to follow some every day tips in order to enhance the healing.
Avoid harsh facial lotion with alcohol.
Do not scrub your pimples, spots or scars.
Adopt a healthy life style. Eat healthily, learn stress management techniques and stay away from pollution.
Wash your face regularly with much water. This will help you to get rid of skin waste toxins.
Do not use facials more than twice a day, because this can have the opposite results than those desired.

At last, if you search on internet you will find several aromatherapy recipes for acne but it is not wise to try any of them before consulting your aromatherapy practitioner. Otherwise you take the risk to have unwanted side effects like skin irritation or flaking.
About the Author

George Kakaris is the owner of a new but very comprehensive site dedicated to Aromatherapy and Essential Oils. Valuable and reliable aromatherapy advice and recipes.

Aromatherapy in Pregnancy

2008-12-31T09:43:00.002-08:00

People get very concerned about the use of aromatherapy and essential oils during pregnancy. Some, including some aromatherapists, even advise not to use any essential oils at all. I personally think that is a bit extreme, and also a great pity, as many essential oils can be quite useful in helping the prospective mum through this time.

There are a number of reasons that the area of aromatherapy and pregnancy has become the subject of so much concern. And often people are left not knowing what, if anything they can use.

Essential oils listed as "Not to use in Pregnancy" fall into 3 basic groups -

Oils which are toxic or otherwise dangerous and should be avoided at all times, even when not pregnant. These include bitter almond, arnica, boldo, broom, buchu, calamus, brown & yellow camphor, cassia, chervil, cinnamon bark, costus, deertongue, elecampane, bitter fennel, horseradish, jaborandi, melitotus, mugwort, mustard, oregano, pennyroyal, dwarf pine, rue, common sage, santolina, sassafras, savin, southernwood, savory, tansy, thuja, tonka, wintergreen, wormseed, wormwood.

Other oils which require caution for anyone using them (again not just during pregnancy) include ajowan, aniseed and star anise, some types of basil, bay,white camphor, carrot seed, some types of cedarwood, cinnamon leaf, clove (leaf and bud), coriander, cumin, eucalyptus, sweet fennel, hops, hyssop, juniper, lemongrass, nutmeg, parsley, black pepper, spanish sage, tagetes, tarragon, thyme, tuberose, turmeric, turpentine, valerian.
Commonly used oils which are normally safe but may have adverse effects when pregnant. These include angelica, basil, birch, calamintha, cedarwood, celery seed, citronella, clary sage, cypress, jasmine, labdanum, lovage, marjoram, melissa, myrrh, nutmeg, parsley, peppermint, rosemary, yarrow.

In addition there are some oils which are usually to be avoided in the first trimester, particularly if there is a history or risk of miscarriage, such as roman chamomile, geranium, lavender and rose.
The first category should always be avoided, but in the main are not readily available anyway. The second should only be considered under the advice of a professionally qualified aromatherapist and generally used in very limited amounts and/or for a limited period of time.

But why do some oils only become a risk during pregnancy? Well, some of these oils are emmenogogues and have a stimulating effect on the uterus. Some affect the hormones or have too strong an effect on a particular organ or system of the body. We also do not yet know to what extent oils used by the mother may affect the developing foetus, so any oils which may be too strong for the child should be avoided.

This amount of caution is also required because the quality of essential oils can vary widely in the marketplace. But under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist, great benefits can be gained by using some essential oils during pregnancy.

Another thing to bear in mind is how & how much oil you use.

Never take essential oils internally. Always, but always, dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin. Never apply them neat to the skin. If you are pregnant, adapt any recipes by cutting down the number of drops to child sized doses, around half of that for an adult. This softens the effect and also takes account of the fact that when pregnant, a woman's sense of smell is often more acute, so full strength may seem overpowering. For example if a recipe suggests 5 drops in 10 mls of carrier oil, then use only 2-3 drops. Less is often more in aromatherapy!

Essential oils used in vaporiser will carry much less risk than any applied directly to the body, whether in a carrier oil, in a bath or as a compress. But still err on the side of caution regarding how much you use.

Some useful and safe remedies for pregnancy -

Nausea - put 2-3 drops of ginger or spearmint oil on a tissue and inhale.

Oedema (swelling of hands and/or feet) - put 4-6 drops of one of the following oils in a foot or hand bath (sweet orange, geranium, grapefruit) and soak

Indigestion - dilute 1 drop of spearmint essential oil in 1 teaspoon of sweet almond oil and massage into the abdomen in clockwise direction.

Other oils that are generally safe to use include, lemon, sweet orange, mandarin, frankincense, lavender, sandalwood and tea tree.

Always ensure that you are using true essential oils rather than synthetic or fragrance oils. See my article on choosing essential oils for more information.

If you have a personal or family history of miscarriage or your have been advised that your pregnancy is in any way fragile, please seek advice from a professional aromatherapist regarding your particular situation before using essential oils. Professional advice is a good idea for anyone contemplating the use of aromatherapy but especially so in pregnancy. And always let your health practitioner, doctor, midwife or obstetrician know about anything you are using or proposing to use.

(This information is meant as general advice. Please consult your health practitioner or a qualified aromatherapist for advice on your specific situation.)

About the Author

Wendy Mackay is a qualified Aromatherapist and member of the International Federation of Aromatherapists (MIFA). Wendy and her husband David run Essence of Wellbeing a successful Aromatherapy & Massage Supply and Pure Natural Skin Care business. Other Articles and Essence of Wellbeing products can be viewed at www.essenceofwellbeing.com.au

Essential Oils

2008-12-31T09:43:00.001-08:00

Essential Oils: Where would aromatherapy be without them?
What is an essential oil and where do they come from?

Essential oils are the heart and soul of aromatherapy. They are concentrated oils removed from various parts of plants; the oil contains odors and properties of the plant it is derived from. The essential oils then are used in so many different ways to bring us aromatherapy.
The most common way of extracting the essential oils from the plant is steam distillation. To do this steam is passed over the plant in a still. The steam the turns into a condensation that is oil and water; the oil will float to the top of the water and can be separated. You now have an essential oil. However, to remove the oil from citrus plants you will have to actually crush them to release the essential oils. To get the best oils there are a lot of factors. When and where the plant is harvested is important, as well as weather conditions and the condition of the soil. All these factors will have an effect of the aroma of the essential oils as well at the price.
There are a few ways the essential oils can enter your body. One of the most common ways is through a massage. During the massage the essential oils are blended with a carrier oil and rubbed onto your body, the essential oils will absorb into the dermal layer of skin and then into your circulatory system, blood vessels, muscle tissues and joints. The essential oils can also enter your body through inhalation. They are volatile, which means they will turn to vapors quickly at room temperature, and you inhale them. There are many kinds of diffusers that will help you disperse the vapors through the room. Once in your body they will travel around for hours and continue to have their effect on you. Eventually the essential oils will leave your body through the kidneys, bladder or skin. Some will even leave your body through your breath. Who has not had garlic breath after eating Italian food?
Safety is a very big factor when using essential oils. They are very concentrated and if not used properly they can irritate the skin. Essential oils should be used in small amounts and almost always should be diluted. Keep in mind a safe dilution is about 2.5% of the total solution, or divide the amount of the carrier solution in milliliters in half and that will be the amount of drops of essential oils needed. For pregnant women and children the amount of essential oils should be cut in half, if used at all. Also be careful if there is a history of high blood pressure or epilepsy, check with a doctor first. Read up on every oil before you use it, some have more precautions then others.
Now that you understand a little more of what an essential oil is and how to use it, you also want to know how to store it properly. You will want to store them in dark bottles that seal tightly. The normal shelf life is about two years; this can be extended if you store them in a cool dark place like the refrigerator. Always label and date your bottles. If you have made a blend of the essential oil and a carrier oil, the shelf life will become that of the carrier oil. The uses of essential oils are endless and are meant to be used to promote good health and relaxation. So go on relax.

Aromatherapy Massage

2008-12-31T09:42:00.000-08:00

Aromatherapy Massage: Oooh it feels so good.
What are the added benefits of having an aromatherapy massage?

Aromatherapy massage has benefits ranging from relaxation to encouraging a healthy immune system. It is the combination of aromatherapy, the use of essential oils to help heal and maintain a healthy body, and massage, the use of touch and pressure to achieve the same results. By using the two techniques together you will receive the maximum result. An aromatherapy massage can be a relaxing and pleasurable experience. You have probably had one, which is why you are here; to learn more about the art of an aromatherapy massage. Touch, through massage is extremely relaxing and beneficial; here is how you can boost your results with aromatherapy and essential oils.
To begin the massage, you must decide what the desired effect will be. This will determine what essential oil you will blend with your carrier oil. The carrier oil is what is used to dilute the essential oil, do not use undiluted essential oil directly on the skin. The choice of carrier oil depends on the skin type.
During an aromatherapy massage the essential oils enter the body two ways. First is through inhalation, the sense of smell is linked to our limbic system. The limbic system plays a part on our emotions and affects our nervous system. The essential oil will also be absorbed into the skin and eventually into the bloodstream where its effects can last for hours. This is the reason that massage is one of the best applications for aromatherapy, the ability for the oil to be applied to such a large area of skin. The actual results will depend upon what essential oils were chosen to give the aromatherapy massage with.
A full body aromatherapy massage will produce the best benefit. It will help relax the body, improves blood circulation, help reduce stress and can be used as preventative and maintenance therapy. If you are just learning the process of aromatherapy massage it is a good idea to start with areas of the body and understand the strokes before putting them all together for a full body aromatherapy massage.
The massage is a series of a few basic strokes. There are some that are meant to warm the muscles, like effleurage and fanning, to help relax and prepare for deeper tissue work. Other strokes like cupping and kneading are meant to work a little deeper during the aromatherapy massage treatment. You will need to learn and understand how to use each stroke individually and then put them together to do and entire full body aromatherapy massage.
A massage by itself has numerous benefits, but an aromatherapy massage offers so many more. As you continue to practice the art of aromatherapy and the art of massage you will find you just want to learn more and be able to understand how your body works and how you can help it to work its best. You can learn to live your life a little happier and with a little less stress if you understand how aromatherapy massage can benefit your life.

Can Aromatherapy Heal Depression?

2008-12-31T09:41:00.000-08:00

Most people who are affected by depression become very flat, lifeless, stressed out and easily agitated. Some individuals even have trouble getting out of the bed. This makes it very difficult to recover or bounce back. The essential oils used in aromatherapy, may help to reverse this by positively affecting the brain. Essential oils can provide an emotional lift and help to alleviate some of the tension and anxiety associated with depression.

Some common essential oils that are believed to help chase away the blues include: Geranium, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Rose, Peppermint and Ylang Ylang.

Although counseling and medication have been the mainstays in the fight against depression, there are many side effects associated with pharmaceutical meds and many people stay in counseling for years without any significant progress. Others do experience relief using these methods and that is great. However, there are groups of individuals who would rather not use pharmaceutical drugs to cure their depression, or may be simply looking to supplement their drug regimen. They may be interested in experimenting with natural remedies. Aromatherapy gives them that option. It can be added as an additional tool in the fight against depression. To increase the effectiveness of this approach, changes in diet, physical activity, and supplementation can really help to multiply the effects of aromatherapy.

A 17th century herbalist by the name of John Gerard, believed that clary sage was good to use when individuals were suffering from mental tiredness, depression and other mental disorders. Today, many aromatherapists tend to agree. According to research conducted at the International Flavors and Fragrances in New Jersey, fragrances of orange are also believed to be helpful in reducing anxiety

Aromatherapy is generally more effective in people who are only having mild bouts of depression, and that either do not require medication or who are being weaned off of it. . This is because there is no threat of dangerous drug interactions. Now while aromatherapy can be very helpful, it is important that one doesn’t suddenly stop using their medications. This could potentially be quite dangerous. It is vital that one works closely with their doctor, psychiatrist or psychologist, so that they can safely create an effective game plan to be weaned off prescribed medications as a health professional sees fit.

Probably the most effective forms of aromatherapy to treat depression are bath and massage oils. These allow you take advantage of both your sense of touch and smell. Aromatherapy is a fantastic way for individuals to treat mild depression. Lavender, geranium, rose and peppermint are some of the very best essential oils to use when one has the prolonged blues.

Aromachology and Aromatherapy – Do you know the difference?

2008-12-31T09:39:00.000-08:00

Aromachology is the scientific study of the effects of fragrance on human psychology and behavior. This term was coined in 1989 by what is now the Sense of Smell Institute, a division of The Fragrance Foundation, which in turn is the non-profit,

educational arm of the international fragrance industry. Aromachology emphasizes controlled scientific study, deals only with the psychological effects of fragrance and considers both natural and synthetic odorants. Aromachology is driven by corporate sponsorship and ultimately endeavors to identify fragrance applications that have commercial opportunity.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of plant essential oils to improve physical health as well as psychological health. The term was first used in 1928 by French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse to describe the healing action of aromatic plant essences but the use of herbs and plant oils dates back to antiquity. The practice of Aromatherapy remains an integral part of folk medicine. The pharmacology of essential oils is seldom studied scientifically as there is no commercial incentive to do so. Aromatherapy uses only pure, natural essential oils, each with specific attributes for healing, and how they smell is secondary to their therapeutic action.

How are they different?

The two disciplines appear to overlap where aromatherapy uses inhalation of diffused oils to treat conditions related to mood and emotion, such as anxiety, depression, lethargy, or irritability. But even in this circumstance, there is an important distinction.

Aromatherapy does not endorse the use of artificial fragrances which have no therapeutic value and can not affect mood beyond the psychological effects of “odor memory”. On the other hand, researchers in Aromachology will point out that the special virtues of essential oils are not supported by a substantial body of clinical evidence. But is there really a conflict?

The effect of fragrance on emotion

The fact that our emotions are affected by fragrance is widely accepted. Memory and emotion are often strongly associated with odor. We have all experienced it. A whiff of a particular odor and our minds are suddenly flooded with a memory and the emotions associated with that memory. There is an anatomical basis for this phenomenon. Within the human brain the primary olfactory cortex, which processes information about odors, is directly connected to the amygdala, which controls the expression and experience of emotion, and the hippocampus, which controls the consolidation of memories. These are primitive functions that have been around since the time in early evolution when we needed to use our sense of smell for survival. Controlled studies would suggest that our appreciation of an odor and our emotional response to it, are determined by the emotional context in which the odor was first encountered, even if the association is subtle and we are not consciously aware of it. This is why our appreciation of odors is such a personal matter and why there are significant differences in odor preference from one culture to the next.

Both natural and synthetic odorants can trigger a psychological response which is at the heart of Aromachology but only the appropriate essential oil will cause a specific physiological response which is the healing goal of Aromatherapy.

Are the claims of Aromatherapy unproven?

It is true that there is little scientific research into the pharmacology of essential oils. Lack of funding is the primary reason. Essential oils are not patentable and so with a few exceptions there is no commercial incentive for conducting research. On the other hand, thanks to Aromachology controlled studies have validated some of the historical claims for essential oils. For example, it has been proven that Rosemary enhances cognitive performance, Peppermint is invigorating and Lavender is relaxing. The practice of Aromatherapy has withstood the test of time. Within western cultures its popularity as a complementary medicine continues to grow.

In reality there is no conflict between Aromachology and Aromatherapy because they have different agendas and neither invalidates the other. In the end, Aromachology may prove to be of great benefit to Aromatherapy by adding the weight of modern research to the large body of common knowledge that has supported it for hundreds of years.

Acupuncture: An Ancient Healing Art For Today

2008-12-31T09:37:00.000-08:00

Forty-four-year-old Mary W. could not find help for the migraine headaches that had plagued her for years. One or two drugs assisted in numbing the pain, but none rid her of the problem for long. She was not happy with the drowsiness and digestive upset that painkillers brought, and became

increasingly afraid that she may have to rely on analgesics and antidepressants for the rest of her years. She sought acupuncture treatments as a last resort. It was found that her headaches were related to her menstrual cycle- something she intuitively suspected, but was told had no correlation. It was also discovered that her other complaints of anxiety, restlessness, poor sleeping and severe premenstrual symptoms, together with signs that included a pale tongue with red edges and a weak, tense pulse quality, indicated an imbalance of liver and heart energy.

Mary began a 12-week acupuncture treatment program incorporating Oriental bodywork, dietary counseling, herbal medicine and meditation - all aimed at restoring balance to her liver and heart energy. By the third treatment her headaches and premenstrual symptoms were much improved. A month ahead of schedule she had experienced such a dramatic change in her PMS - less weepiness, irritability, anxiety and no headaches - that she was able to taper off her treatments to every two weeks. Mary, who reports feeling more at ease in her daily life and enjoying her husband and kids more, now has acupuncture treatments once a month for maintenance, and to prevent potential problems from arising.

Mary is just one of nine to 12 million patients in the U.S. who have discovered the benefits of acupuncture and visit an acupuncturist each year, according to a 1993 Federal Drug Administration (FDA) estimate. In a nation where we are plagued by increasing chronic and degenerative disease, and faced with the limitations of drug therapy and surgery, acupuncture and the Oriental healing arts employ safe, non-invasive therapies and natural medicine to restore balance to the four levels of a person: body, emotions, mind and spirit

Although acupuncture has a history that spans approximately 5,000 years and is used by 25% of the world's population, it has only been in the last decade that its popularity has increased significantly in North America. One of the reasons for that increase is that people have discovered that acupuncture produces results. In a study conducted in six clinics in five states, 91.5% of patients treated with acupuncture reported disappearance or improvement of symptoms; 84% said they go to see their physicians less frequently; 79% said they use fewer prescription drugs; and 70% of those to whom surgery had been recommended said they avoided it.

What is Acupuncture?

Most people know that acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into the body but many don't really understand how it works or the philosophy behind the treatment. Acupuncture is a major part of the system of Oriental medicine. It's based on the same basic principle from which all of the Oriental healing arts spring - that an invisible energy system underlies the body, and that imbalance in that energy (Qi) leads to illness. Eastern modalities also include Oriental bodywork therapy, dietary therapy, herbal medicine and Qi Gong (energy-based meditation). Underlying them all is a world view that sees human beings as directly connected to all life, and part of the same design that includes the entire cosmos.

In the Oriental view, health is balance or harmony within a person and their environment that manifests as a peaceful vitality. Oriental medicine emphasizes the prevention and treatment of illness, addressing the diet and lifestyle factors which influence health and disease, and encouraging a person to become more self-aware. The goal of therapy, with acupuncture and the other arts, is to restore balance to a person's underlying foundational energy, and in doing so attune her to that part of herself that knows how to live in a healthful and peaceful way. The ultimate aim is to help people manifest their unique potential or destiny (ming) in life.

How It Works

Acupuncture first used stone needles (ouch!) and later employed iron, bronze and bamboo as technology advanced. Today's needles are very fine, sterile, stainless steel needles which are quite comfortable, and generally inserted with the aid of plastic guide tubes which minimize the sensation of insertion. Nearly all American practitioners use disposable needles, to save time and expense, and to help patients be at ease. They are much thinner than the hypodermic needles we remember from the doctor's office, and so are far more comfortable when inserted.

Acupuncture is not painful, nor is it entirely painless. Once the needle is set, it usually is not even felt at all. Needles are left in for about 20 minutes, then removed. The specific sites used, often called points, are doorways into the energy system. These energic portals lie on pathways called channels or meridians. Channels are unseen rivers that carry the life energy (Qi) which underlies all human function. Each channel corresponds to and affects a specific organ system, which includes a range of physical functions, as well as emotional, mental and spiritual aspects.

For example, a patient like Mary, who suffers from headaches, mood swings, premenstrual symptoms and a feeling of "being stuck" in life may be assessed with an imbalance of liver energy. Liver energy relates not only to the physical liver, but also to free and relaxed emotional energy, menstrual function, blood, anger, eyes, nails, tendons and ligaments, clarity, good judgment, imagination, spiritual intelligence, foresight and decisiveness. Stimulating acupuncture points on the liver channel with the right intention can empower the healthy expression of those aspects of a person. There are 12 such organ systems in the body, each with its own unique physical, mental and spiritual qualities. Acupuncture, though best known for treating and preventing chronic pain and addictions, helps with dozens of diverse health conditions, and encourages a sense of well-being and peace. Conventional medical approaches are more effective for trauma and life-threatening conditions.

What Does Acupuncture Treat?

The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture and traditional Oriental medicine's ability to treat more than 43 common disorders, including:

* Gastrointestinal disorders, such as food allergies, peptic ulcer, chronic diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, gastrointestinal weakness, anorexia and gastritis
* Urogenital problems, including stress incontinence, urinary tract infections, and sexual dysfunction o Gynecological concerns, such as irregular, heavy, or painful menstruation, infertility and premenstrual syndrome
* Respiratory diseases, such as emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies and bronchitis o Disorders of the bones, muscles, joints and nervous system, such as
* Arthritis, migraine headaches, neuralgia, insomnia, dizziness, and low back, neck and shoulder pain o Circulatory illnesses, such as hypertension, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis and anemia o Emotional and psychological problems, including depression and anxiety
* Addictions, such as alcohol, nicotine and drugs
* Eye, ear, nose and throat disorders o Supportive therapy for other chronic and painful debilitating diseases
* In addition, controlled clinical trials in the U.S. have evaluated the use of acupuncture combined with standard stroke protocol for the treatment of paralysis due to stroke. Effective results were found for more than 80 percent of the patients receiving acupuncture, with a cost savings of $26,000 per patient.
* On Nov. 5, 1997, the National Institutes of Health Consensus Conference (NIH) on acupuncture concluded that "Acupuncture is an effective treatment for nausea caused by cancer chemotherapy drugs, surgical anesthesia, and pregnancy; and for pain resulting from surgery and a variety of musculoskeletal conditions."
* The NIH panel also stated that "One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many other drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same conditions."

Proper Credentials Essential Today there are over 14,000 acupuncturists in America, and dozens of different styles of acupuncture treatment. Practitioners trained in different traditions employ different approaches. The most important factor in selecting an acupuncturist is their depth of training, licensure or certification, and experience. With this in mind, it is best to seek an acupuncturist who has met the standards for national certification set by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), which also certifies practitioners of Oriental bodywork therapy and Chinese herbalism. Currently, 40 states license acupuncturists; 38 use NCCAOM certification as a licensing requirement

Cost Acupuncture is cost-effective because of its emphasis on effective, low-cost natural therapies, and the prevention and early treatment of illness. Increasingly, insurers are paying for acupuncture therapy, often without a doctor's prescription. A typical first visit/evaluation is $75 to $150, with follow-up treatments at $50-$100. Ask your insurance company if it will pay or reimburse you for care; they may offer reduced fees with acupuncturists in their network. If you would like to find an acupuncturist in your area, the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine provides referrals to more than 7,000 NCCAOM-certified acupuncturists, Chinese herbalists and Oriental bodywork therapists. Call 703-548-9004 or visit www.nccaom.org.
About the Author

Michael Gaeta, BPS, is a New York State licensed acupuncturist, licensed nutritionist, licensed massage therapist and certified Amma therapist, and holds a diplomate in Asian bodywork therapy. He is a graduate of the New York College of Health Professions, where he has been a faculty member since 1993. Michael is a certified instructor and state representative of the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia. Michael also serves as President of the Acupuncture Society of New York. He writes for local and national publications, and presents seminars nationally on practice management, nutrition, medical ethics, herbal therapy and Oriental medicine. He is also a pianist and composer. His passion is to give, love and serve through teaching, hands-on therapies and music. Michael founded the Hands-On Health Wholistic HealthCare Center in 1990.

Acupuncture for Infertility

2008-12-31T09:32:00.000-08:00

if you’ve been trying to conceive a child for at least one year without success, most doctors would consider you infertile. You are not alone; infertility affects 6.1 million Americans.

Many couples turn to the latest medical technologies, such as ovulation-promoting drugs, intra-uterine insemination, and in vitro fertilization (IVF), collectively known as Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). IVF has resulted in many pregnancies; however, it is not an easy path to choose: it is very complex, quite expensive, and most find it emotionally difficult. Plus, the success rates are relatively low. If you decide to invest your time and money into ART, you want to be sure to give yourself every possible advantage. Adding acupuncture can significantly increase your chances of success.

If ART is not for you, acupuncture is equally (or more) valuable, for both female and male infertility.

Acupuncture with & without ART:
Growing numbers of studies are demonstrating impressive results when acupuncture is combined with ART. A study published April 2002 (Fertility & Sterility) caught the attention of many specialists: women undergoing IVF embryo transfer who received acupuncture had a 42.5% success rate, compared with the 26.3% success rate of those who did not. Another study, published May 2006 (Fertility & Sterility), found that acupuncture more than doubled the pregnancy rates of IVF.

Acupuncture has been treating infertility for over 3000 years. Only recently has Western science begun research on acupuncture alone for infertility; these studies show that acupuncture can stimulate ovulation, treat endocrine dysfunctional infertility, increase blood flow to the uterus, and normalize the hormone communication cycle. It also reduces stress hormones and increases endorphins, both of which positively affect reproductive hormone levels.

Numerous studies also cite benefits for male infertility: acupuncture increases the number and ratio of normal-form sperm; significantly decreases the quantity of anti-sperm antibodies and increases sperm motility.

Why does Acupuncture work?
Acupuncture relieves stress and corrects imbalances. It increases the circulation of blood, energy and nutrients to the necessary organs and glands, so that they are healthier, work better, and communicate with each other more effectively.

Recommended Protocol:
I recommend acupuncture treatments weekly for 4-6 weeks followed by twice monthly, combined with Chinese herbs, until pregnancy. For those ART patients whose MD’s have requested that they not take herbs, I recommend once or twice weekly acupuncture treatments.

For best chances of success with ART, acupuncture treatment should begin 3 months prior to the procedure or for as many weeks as possible before the procedure begins.

What to expect from Acupuncture for Infertility:
In my clinic, I find that acupuncture can:
1. Regulate menstrual cycles: Often infertility is associated with irregular menstrual cycles or endometriosis. With acupuncture and herbs I have seen women without regular periods start cycling regularly again, women with heavy bleeding normalize, and partial and complete recoveries from endometriosis.
2. Increase ovulation rates: Related to irregular menstruation, some infertility patients are not ovulating regularly. With only acupuncture and herbs, one patient has been ovulating consistently for 7 months, after more than 12 years of negative ovulation readings!
3. Increase the quantity and quality of eggs: After 2 months of acupuncture and herbs, one IVF patient produced 15 healthy eggs for extraction - nearly double her first IVF cycle, without acupuncture, when she produced 8 eggs.
Another patient, after repeated miscarriages, was told by her infertility specialist that she could not use her own eggs. In his opinion, her eggs were too poor quality; she would have to do IVF with donor eggs. After 3 months of acupuncture and herbs, she became pregnant naturally, and, at the time of this writing, is due to give birth in 2 weeks.
4. Increase the chances of implantation: Often, in IVF, the embryo transfer process stimulates uterine contractions, which can make implantation difficult. Acupuncture helps to relax the uterus, so that implantation is easier.
5. Increase the chances of a healthy, full-term pregnancy: Continued acupuncture treatment for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy is highly recommended to decrease chances of miscarriage. It’s also useful for morning sickness, fatigue, aches and mood swings.

The journey to overcome infertility is a difficult one. Give yourself every advantage. Whether you choose to receive ART or not, you can feel confident that acupuncture will optimize your chances of successful pregnancy.
About the Author

Dawn Balusik is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture Physician and Massage Therapist in Clearwater. She specializes in women’s health, including infertility and endometriosis, and has helped numerous couples achieve successful pregnancies. Dawn is located at: 28469 US Hwy 19 North, Suite #402 Clearwater, Florida 33761 Visit her website at www.AcupunctureByDawn.com or call (727) 723-3888 for an appointment.