วันเสาร์ที่ 3 มกราคม พ.ศ. 2552

Healthier Living and Organic Farming

A large part of organic agriculture involves the health of the soil and the ecosystems in which crops and livestock are raised. Foods certified as organic must be produced using growing methods that minimize soil erosion and that maintain or enhance the fertility of the soil. All the chemicals in the world can't nourish a garden as well as healthy organic compost.

Look for natural and organic alternatives to chemical fertilizers, such as the use of compost. Natural fertilizers, compost and organic materials encourage native earthworms. The soil's organic matter contributes to good soil structure, and water-holding capacity. Improve the soil with organic matter and fertilizers to develop the best soil for growing seeds and plants.

The availability of nutrients from organic fertilizers depends on their breakdown by soil organisms, which in turn depends on weather and soil conditions. Their nutrients are not available to plants until the organic matter has decomposed. In reality, you can't have a good organic garden without a good composter.

The use of disease resistance must be emphasized within an organic program. In current organic production systems, growers are not permitted to use conventional synthetic organic fungicides in their disease management program. The national organic program rules prohibit the use of conventional pesticides, petroleum, or sewage-sludge-based fertilizers, bioengineering or ionizing radiation and synthetic substances. But, there are several general things any organic gardener can do to beat those pests naturally.

Many believe that organic foods contain a higher level of nutrient minerals and much lower levels of heavy metals. As a result, the industry has understandably grown from experimental garden plots to large farms with surplus products sold under special organic labels.

Today, organic foods are available at supermarkets and farmer's markets, in restaurants and through mail-order suppliers, even here on the web.

Example - http://www.organic-items.com

Buying organic will insure that the food products you consume contain no genetically modified organisms, and are free from irradiation.

Purchasing locally grown, organically produced fruits, vegetables and meat assures you of having the very best food available for your family's table. Buying hemp, organic cotton and recycled products like home furnishings, baby clothes, and natural beauty products aid conservation of natural resources. Growing organically takes more time, requires more knowledge and skill, and, for now, costs more.

Francesca Black works in marketing at Organic Items http://www.organic-items.com and Aromatherapy Blends http://www.aromatherapy-blends.net leading portals for organic products and natural excercise.

Essential Oils Kit Part IV

Whether you use aromatherapy as a stand alone or as a complementary first aid treatment there are several aromatic oils I'd like to recommend you have in your aromatic first aid kit.

My recommendations include important details for you to consider when purchasing an oil, such as its Latin Name, Country of Origin, Method of Extraction and Part of the Plant Used. I also list the best oils to consider when creating a synergistic blend.

GERANIUM ( Pelargonium roseum ) Certified Organic, Steam Distilled Leaf, Madagascar.

A fresh, slightly rosy scent with a fluid consistency Geranium mixes well with many oils and is known for being useful in regulating physical, mental, and emotional imbalances and extremes.

Keywords: HORMONAL BALANCE Geranium's strength lies in its ability to regenerate tissue and nerves, and assist in balancing hormonal problems for both men and women.

Definitely a first-aid oil every woman should have on hand. Women have used Geranium successfully for years to relieve premenstrual conditions and to smoothly navigate the menopausal period.

Its tonifying action helps relieve nervous emotional conditions like anxiety, confusion, depression, lethargy, energy swings and tearfulness.

Geranium has been effectively used to treat an assortment of symptoms, including overcoming addiction, labor and childbirth, enhancing circulation, relieving congestion, detoxification, constipation, fluid retention, indigestion, hormonal imbalances and menopausal difficulties.

Geranium is excellent for skin care and will balance too oily, dry or combination skin types.

Try a synergistic blend of Geranium with any of the following aromatic oils: German Chamomile, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Lavender, Rose and Sandalwood.

CAUTION: Due to its hormonal action Geranium should be avoided by the lay person during pregnancy. Geranium can lower blood sugar and should be avoided in cases of hypoglycemia.

Please join me for Part V in this series of articles to learn about the next essential oil I recommend you have in your aromatic first aid kit, HELICHRYSUM ( Helichrysum italicum ) Italian Everlasting, Immortelle.

Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and can produce satisfying results where other methods have failed.

Aromatherapy is a gentle and noninvasive complementary and alternative health care system used for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind, spirit and emotions to enhance your health. Please consult with your physician regarding your health concerns.

KG has utilized essential oils in her energy medicine practice for more than 30 years. During that time she has facilitated healing for thousands of people suffering from personal trauma, illness and injury. Through her unique AromaTest? system KG formulates essential oil blends that heal.

Please note: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use organic, or ethically wild crafted oils whenever possible.

KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR USA PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure organic and ethically wild crafted essential oils. KG formulates aromatic oils for: colds and flu, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, menopause, anti-aging, skin care and more. KG's DVD & book about her AromaTest system, Your Aromatic Signature ~ How to Formulate Blends that Heal, are scheduled for release in 2006. Click to see PurePlant Essentials Menu & Essential Oils Kits: Order Pure Organic & Wild Crafted Essential Oils Kit Click to order Deluxe Essential Oils Kit. KG invites you to Subscribe to Health Mastery Ezine to WIN FREE Aromatherapy Products. To learn more visit: Subscribe To Win Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315

วันศุกร์ที่ 2 มกราคม พ.ศ. 2552

Essential Oils Kit Part II

Whether you use aromatherapy as a stand alone or as a complementary first aid treatment there are several aromatic oils I'd like to recommend you have in your aromatic first aid kit. My recommendations include important details for you to consider when purchasing an oil, such as its Latin Name, Country of Origin, Method of Extraction and Part of the Plant Used. I also list the best oils to consider when creating a synergistic blend.

GERMAN CHAMOMILE (Matricaria recutita) - Certified Organic, Steam Distilled Flowers, both England and the USA grow and distill lovely oils.

German Chamomile is a lovely shade of deep blue - like Blue Tansy it can stain, so take care. Its aroma is deeply melodic and sweet. It reminds me of fresh mown hay!

Keywords: CALMING & ANTI-INFLAMMATORY As an Anti-inflammatory German Chamomile is my first choice when treating inflamed, irritated skin!

It acts as a sedative or pain reliever, for angry situations and feverish conditions including, burns, cuts, inflamed joints, migraine headache, teething pain, toothache, injuries, sprains, and swelling, as well as various aches and pains, arthritis, colic, cramps and stress related complaints.

A very relaxing and peaceful oil, German Chamomile quiets the mind and body by calming emotional feeling states. German Chamomile summons sleep and is excellent for insomnia.

Use it to relieve tension or stress-related headaches and intestinal spasms. A revitalizing and comforting tonic German Chamomile stimulates the production of red blood cells and is known to relieve aches and pains.

Good results have been reported for relieving distinctly feminine complaints like irregular menses, premenstrual tension, or menopausal upsets, as well as cystitis, rheumatic type pain and loss of appetite.

A highly respected oil for over 3,000 years, German Chamomile has a long history of helping skin conditions, such as dermatitis, boils, acne, rashes, eczema and psoriasis.

It regulates the skin's natural sebum production and is outstanding for balancing dry, itchy or flaky skin conditions, as well as treating too oily or dry skin and sensitive skin types.

German Chamomile is effective when used in a carrier oil for direct application to your skin. Use it in a blend for soothing inflamed skin such as acne or barber's rash. Because of its benign nature Chamomile may be used as a remedy for diaper rash.

Try a synergistic blend of German Chamomile with any of the following aromatic oils: Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Neroli, Petitgrain, Sandalwood, or Vetiver.

Please join me for part III in this series of articles to learn about the next essential oil I recommend you have in your aromatic first aid kit, Eucalyptus globulus.

Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and can produce satisfying results where other methods have failed.

Aromatherapy is a gentle and noninvasive complementary and alternative health care system used for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind, spirit and emotions to enhance your health. Please consult with your physician regarding your health concerns.

KG has utilized essential oils in her energy medicine practice for more than 30 years. During that time she has facilitated healing for thousands of people suffering from personal trauma, illness and injury. Through her unique AromaTest? system KG formulates essential oil blends that heal.

Please note: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use organic, or ethically wild crafted oils whenever possible.

KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR USA PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure organic and ethically wild crafted essential oils. KG formulates aromatic oils for: colds and flu, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, menopause, anti-aging, skin care and more. KG's DVD & book about her AromaTest system, Your Aromatic Signature ~ How to Formulate Blends that Heal, are scheduled for release in 2006. Click to see PurePlant Essentials Menu & Essential Oils Kits: Order Pure Organic & Wild Crafted Essential Oils Kit Click to see and order Complete Essential Oils Kit. KG invites you to Subscribe to Health Mastery Ezine to WIN FREE Aromatherapy Products. To learn more visit: Subscribe To Win Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315

Peppers Naturally Healthy and Delicious

Your Grandma always told you that ?an apple a day keeps the doctor away? There is much to be said about this. There are natural ways to keep us in good shape and it all depends greatly upon our eating habits.

You have tried an apple a day, but did you ever try peppers a.k.a. capsicums?

Peppers are rich in Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and Zinc, two nutrients which are vital for a strong and healthy immune system. They is also high in vitamins A, C, rutin (a bioflavonoid), beta carotene, iron, calcium and potassium.

Peppers contain magnesium, phosphorus, sulphur, B-complex vitamins, sodium and selenium. These combinations of minerals and vitamins make peppers a powerful food for natural remedies.

The Cayenne Pepper was introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus which was also known as ?Guinea Pepper. ? In 1597, Gerard referred to Capsicum as extremely hot and dry and prescribed it for throat and skin infections.

Health practitioners of the nineteenth century called phsysiomedicalists, used peppers to counteract rheumatism, arthritis, depression and chills.

It is an excellant anti-coagulant and lowers the blood pressure as well as cholestrol, thus it is recommended for heart patients.

It has even been perscribed for some for balding. One cure says to soak the red pepper in Vodka for 2 weeks, strain and apply the liquid on the balding patch, daily for six weeks.

Peppers are said to be a great help for Bronchitis patients as they mucus secretions and clear congestion. Peppers are also said to help in strengthening bones and keeping rheumatism under control.

Homoeopaths use capsicum in their mother tincture to cure many patients of such maladies as letharargy, joint pains, home sickness, obesity and hysteria.

Imp: According to doctors. the use of peppers should be avoided for those who suffer from piles and gastric ulcers.

Steve Arun is an Internet Marketing Consultant for Modernsage Inc the nationally-acclaimed women?s healthy living print magazine based in Long Island, New York, is now a women?s online community.

Stop by ModernSage Online Blog today for insightful articles, expert advice and an active community that cares about natural health, alternative medicine, home remedies, living well, quick healthy meals, inspiration, work and family, working from home and the essential daily dose of humor.

Natural Antibiotics

CINNAMON BARK (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)- A powerful antiseptic oil with a strong pungent, spicy aroma and reddish brown color. Cinnamon has a long tradition of use, having been produced in Sri Lanka for more than 2,000 years.

Research shows that virus, bacteria, and fungus cannot survive in the presence of cinnamon oil. Cinnamon bark oil has even stronger antiseptic properties than Cinnamon Leaf and readily kills bacterial and fungal infections.

Historically Cinnamon has been used in the Middle East and the Orient for combating viruses and infectious diseases. It has been used as a treatment for fever, diarrhea and menstrual irregularities, as well as indigestion, cramps, nausea, vomiting and colic. Inflammations of the throat and pharynx may also be relieved through its use. Inhalation of Cinnamon has proven effective for relieving respiratory infections.

In Ayurvedic medicine Cinnamon is used to relieve many common complaints such as those already noted and to balance the various doshas or body types: Vata, Pita and Kapha.

The trees are cut every two years to just above ground level. The bark is harvested from the new shoots, then dried. The outer bark is stripped away, leaving the inner bark, which is the primary part of the herb used for medicinal purposes. The medicinal value of the herb is attributed to the oil extracted from the inner bark as well as the leaves.

Cinnamon bark is one of the most popular food flavoring and a valued commodity on the world market. Because it kills the bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease Cinnamon Bark is a common ingredient in many common oral hygiene products like toothpaste, mouthwash and breath fresheners. It is also used for making perfume, soap, chewing gum, lip stick, nasal spray, cough syrup and soda pop drinks.

Cinnamon Bark continues to be a valued treatment for various common ailments. As in ancient times modern day herbalists continue to prescribe cinnamon bark as a remedy for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and indigestion. Chinese herbalists recommend it for asthma sufferers when their symptoms are brought on by cold, digestive disturbances, backache, or menstrual related difficulties.

Cinnamon bark is known to regulate blood sugar levels and may reduce the amount of insulin required for glucose metabolism by diabetics. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) researchers found a dose of 1/8 to 1/4 tsp of ground cinnamon to be beneficial in regulating blood glucose levels.

I rely on Cinnamon Bark in my health care practice to keep the air fresh and clear of bugs and for preventing the spread of infection. Clients absolutely love its fresh, clean scent and enjoy the benefits it so readily bestows that of preventing and relieving cold and flu symptoms.

Cinnamon?s powerful scent is a definite pick-me-up! It is useful for relieving brain fog, common among chronic pain sufferers, as well as the winter blahs.

Cinnamon Leaf essential oil enhances circulation making it excellent for warming you when you are feeling chilled down to your bones! Try 1-8 drops of Cinnamon Bark or Leaf essential oil blended in 1 ounce of Jojoba oil and massage your feet with a small amount of the mixture then put on your socks and enjoy warm happy feet all day!

Keep warm when engaging in winter outdoor sports by rubbing a small amount of this same mixture on your chest and abdominal area, as well as over the lung area on your back.

Please note: There are many cheap chemical copies of essential oils available, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results always use ethically wild crafted or pure, organic essential oils that are pesticide free!

CAUTION: An intensely powerful oil to be used with respect and extreme caution. Generally not for skin applications except in weak dilutions of less than 1%. May cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Due to its stimulating properties should be avoided during pregnancy, by lactating mothers, or young children.

Aromatherapy is a gentle and noninvasive complementary and alternative health care system used for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind and spirit to enhance your health. Please consult with your physician regarding your health concerns

KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR USA PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure organic and ethically wild crafted essential oils. KG's DVD & book, Your Aromatic Signature ~ How to Formulate Blends that Heal, are scheduled for release in 2006. To learn more & purchase: Order Certified Organic Cinnamon Bark Please refer to KG's Essentials Safety Guide before using any aromatic oils! KG invites you to Subscribe to Health Mastery Ezine to WIN FREE Aromatherapy Products. To learn more visit: Subscribe To Win Contact: KG Stiles Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315

วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 1 มกราคม พ.ศ. 2552

The Best Acne Treatments

The best acne treatments may be the ones that help you avoid the acne in the first place. The best acne treatments can be prescribed by your doctor. You will have to decide the best acne treatments for you.

One of the best acne treatments has to do with keeping your skin clean. There are many products on the market that can be considered some of the best acne treatments available.

Changes in your diet can be another one of the best acne treatments. Some people insist that one of the best acne treatments is to eat a high-fiber diet. The best acne treatments involving diet also mean cutting down on junk foods, chocolate, tea, coffee, fried foods, sugar, sodas and artificial sweeteners. These dietary changes are considered by many to be some of the best acne treatments.

The best acne treatments may be the ones that involve adding supplements to your diet. Acidophilus can be taken in capsule or liquid form and is usually taken 2 or 3 times a day. The best acne treatments that involve using supplements may also include some of the following: brewer?s yeast, chromium, Vitamin B6, Zinc, Vitamin C and E, Vitamin A and B-5, selenium, essential fatty acids and Vitamin B-complex.

The best acne treatments may be those suggested by your physician. Your family doctor may recommend a dermatologist who may know of the best acne treatments. There are medications that can be used to help with acne and your doctor will be able to prescribe them for you.

The best acne treatments may vary depending on the individual and the type of acne.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Clear-Skin-Solutions.com. He provides more acne clearing solutions, remedies and acne treatment information that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Healing Your Body

Are you ready to be healthy and full of vibrant energy? Would you like some ideas about how to heal your body?

During many years as a psychotherapist, I discovered fascinating insights into the emotional causes of disease and accidents. I have also developed powerful processes that have helped people heal themselves and maintain their health and safety.

For example, Sunny, a young man in his early twenties, was diabetic from the time he was twelve years old. When he came to see me he was almost daily going into diabetic shock. I have a favorite saying, ?Close your eyes and see clearly.? So I said, ?Sunny, close your eyes and imagine that you are really small and traveling inside your body to the place where you store all your tension.? It was no surprise to either one of us when Sunny ended up in front of his pancreas. He said, ?My God, what a mess. There?s a lot of junk in there.?

In the course of his counseling sessions, Sunny became aware of and overcame all the negative emotional issues that were ?stored? in his pancreas. By the eighth and final session, Sunny reported that he was feeling great and his pancreas looked very healthy. He said, ?It?s amazing, Helene, I?m taking less than one-half of the amount of insulin I needed when I first came to see you. I realize that I almost killed myself by way of diabetic shock because I couldn?t cope with all the emotional pain with my family and a broken relationship.?

Another example of the connection between the mind, the emotions, and the body is thirty-five-year-old Cindy. She had no relief from her constant vaginal yeast infections no matter how much she treated the condition with the medication from her doctor. In her counseling process, Cindy found out that her yeast infections were actually serving her by preventing her from being sexual. When confronted with the idea, Cindy admitted to herself that she was afraid to be in another sexual relationship because she always got too emotionally involved, and then felt deeply hurt if it ended. Cindy?s infection cleared up when she trusted herself to avoid another relationship until she was confident that she would not be devastated if it did not last.

Tom, a forty-three-year-old businessman, finally came into the office when his wife threatened to leave him. However, he was still resistant and insisted that he was fine, he had no problems. Meeting him on his level and at his comfort zone, I said, ?Tom, let?s be logical. You are telling me that your childhood was fine, and that you have no issues to resolve. The reality is that you are struggling with your career, having serious problems with your wife and daughters, and you have been warned about the beginnings of heart problems.?

?Let?s take the analogy of an automobile. If your car isn?t running properly do you believe that nothing is wrong or do you open up the hood and fix it? Obviously, Tom, your life is not running well, which means you have to deal with the issues in your unconscious that are causing you problems. In a sense you need to pick up your hood.?

Tom realized that I had a point. He finally loosened his tie, and was willing to regress back to his childhood. To his surprise, he uncovered an incredible amount of pain. Tom had succeeded in blocking his painful childhood; but because of his denial, he was heading for disaster. It was amazing to see this logical, machine-like person transform into a feeling human being as he expressed his fears, his deep hurts, shame, anger, and grief. As a result, Tom began to feel so good about himself that he began to watch his diet, exercise more and improve his relationships with his family. I will never forget when he happily told me about the wonderful report he had received from his doctor.

The case of Sarah is another example of how important it is to listen to your body and constructively express your feelings. Sarah, a forty-seven-year-old woman, was suffering from recurring cancer. Previously, the doctors had succeeded in removing a malignant tumor from her throat and Sarah seemed to be doing well. However, six months ago they discovered a growth in her back.

During the first counseling session, Sarah was able to express her anger, shame, and fears?something she never did. She was a people pleaser, someone who always had a smile on her face. Sarah always tried to make everyone happy, even if she hurt herself in the process. When Sarah returned the following week, she told me that she was able to cut her pain medication in half. After another session, in which she released intensive emotional pain, she was totally free of physical pain.

Needless to say, Sarah was very optimistic about her recovery. However, Sarah called me one day very upset. She was feeling pain in her throat where the first tumor was removed. I reassured her that the doctors succeeded in removing the growth, the symptom, but the emotional cause was still not resolved. In the next session, after Sarah released her issues about being afraid to speak up, about communicating how she really felt, the pain in her throat disappeared.

I have noticed that certain emotions will be blocked in specific areas of the body. For example, clients often realize that they are angry when they have upper or lower back pain, headaches, tightness in the base of the skull, or jaw pain. I often find fear blocked in the abdominal areas, sadness stuffed in the sinuses, or the sides of the back of the neck. The feeling of responsibility causes tension in the shoulders. Hurt and deep sadness often explains the tightness in the center of the chest or in the heart.

I have also found the body to be very literal. Some examples are: tension in the throat deals with the fear of speaking; problems in the eyes relate to not wanting to see something; hearing problems often correspond to the desire not to hear.

It may be hard to believe, but I have discovered that our unresolved emotions can also cause our accidents. In fact, every time a client had an injury, they were always able to uncover the reason it happened. For example, Tonya, a very attractive twenty-one-year-old, had a scar on her forehead from a serious car accident.

I said, ?Tonya, imagine that you are up in the sky and looking down at the collision. Now tell the Tonya in the car why she had that accident.? She replied, ?Tonya, you had that accident because you felt guilty about having so much more than your family members and your friends. You are prettier, smarter, and more successful, and you don?t appreciate all that you have.?

We are all very powerful beings. We have the ability to create our illness or accidents as well as our health and safety. In order to be healthy and full of vibrant energy, we need to understand that our physical bodies are expressing our thoughts and feelings. When we listen to what our bodies are telling us, when we constructively express our emotions and resolve our issues, we can take an active part in healing ourselves and experience optimum safety, health, and happiness.

(Excerpts from the booklet, e-book & tape, ?Healing Your Body?)

?1997 by Helene Rothschild, MS, MA, MFT, Marriage, Family, Therapist, author and speaker. www.helenerothschild.com

HELENE ROTHSCHILD, MS, MA, MFT, is a Marriage, Family Therapist, intuitive counselor, author, teacher, workshop facilitator, and speaker.

She offers empowering telephone, internet, and in-person healing sessions for all issues including: healing your body, relationships, career, prosperity, weight loss and parenting. Helene developed her own unique process, HART: Holistic and Rapid Transformation, which goes right to the core. She teaches HART classes and independent studies.

She is the author of Personal Success ~ an interactive online self-help program, many articles (free articles) and over 85 inspirational and self-help books, booklets, e-books, tapes, posters, and cards--close to a million have been sold worldwide.

Helene has appeared numerous times in the media (including international CNN), and hosted her own local radio and television shows.

All of her educational materials, classes and services support her mission of helping people to feel more loving, peaceful, fulfilled, healthy, happy, and empowered.

http://www.lovetopeace.com

Acupuncture: A Benefit to the Well Individual?

Before we begin a discussion about the benefits of acupuncture, let?s talk about the origins of acupuncture. It was first used in China over 2000 years ago, and is one of the oldest medical procedures in the world. It is a family of procedures that stimulates the anatomy of the body and helps to balance the energy flow throughout the body. It is this kind of acupuncture that is practiced in the United Sates today, through the use of tiny, metallic needles placed in affected areas and manipulated by hand or by electrical stimulation.

Acupuncture is the basic foundation for Traditional Chinese Medicine and is based on the belief that there are two opposing and inseparable forces within our body. They are known as the Yin and Yang of the entire person. The Yin is representative of the cold, slow, or passive principle, and yang represents the hot, excited or active principle. A healthy state is achieved by maintaining a balance state of the yin and yang. This is done through vital pathways or meridians that allow for the flow of qi, or vital energy. The vital energy flow occurs along pathways known as meridians. These meridians connect over 2,000 acupuncture points along the body. There are 12 main meridians, and 8 secondary meridians. Although traditional western medicine does not completely understand how acupuncture works, the proof that it does work has been shown in several studies conducted by western medical facilities.

Now, let?s move to the question of does it work? According to the National Institute of Health, the answer would be yes. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in many areas of health care. Areas such as postoperative nausea, chemotherapy side effects, osteoarthritis, low-back pain, headache, menstrual cramps, addiction, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma, just to name a few. The study revealed that acupuncture was able to provide pain relief, improve function and mobility of joints due to arthritis inflammation, and served to complement standard care.

Although there are many who would doubt the effectiveness of acupuncture, once they are a patient, they are believers. It has been proposed that acupuncture works and produces its effects through regulating the nervous system. The theory proposes that since acupuncture produces its effect through regulation of the nervous system, it induces the release of endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites on the body. There is also the theory that acupuncture alters the brain chemistry by the changing the neurotransmitters in the brain.

Without doubt acupuncture was a benefit in the study, and as a patient myself, I can vouch for the wonderful effect it has had on my back. Although acupuncture is classified as an alternative medicine therapy, and there is still much to be understood about the way it works, it is a proven aid in maintaining optimal health.

But what about the well individual, can acupuncture provide a benefit to them? Absolutely. Because acupuncture works off the belief that we must maintain balance of our vital energy flow in order to remain healthy, acupuncture serves as the tool for realignment. Our vital energy flow can be out of balance, and we still feel and appear quite healthy. It is in this capacity that acupuncture serves as a sort of preventive medicine. Checking and balancing the flow of energy on the meridian points in your body is like your car receiving a tune-up before it is in need of a repair.

About The Author
Richelo Killian is a Personal Trainer who has been training individuals online and offline for about 3 years. Richelo has himself done an amazing body transformation, going from a very skinny 58Kg, to a nice and muscular 90Kg. If you want to read more articles like this one, or would like to find out more about online training services from Richelo Killian, please visit our website at: http://www.allaboutfitnessonline.com/.

DISCLAIMER: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read. Since natural and/or dietary supplements are not FDA approved they must be accompanied by a two-part disclaimer on the product label: that the statement has not been evaluated by FDA and that the product is not intended to ?diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.?

วันพุธที่ 31 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Love the Skin You're In

Your skin is the body's largest organ. It weighs between two and four kilos (or 4 and 8 pounds), covers between one and two square metres (9 to 36 square feet) and completely renews itself every seven to ten weeks, with approximately five million dead skin cells rubbing off on a daily basis.

Your skin reflects your state of health and your biological age, being soft and smooth when well-cared for, or dry and flaky when taken for granted. To be the proud owner of beautiful, soft, young-looking skin, you need to take care of it. When taking care of your skin, it's vital that you take care of the part of you that everybody sees - your face and neck.

The absolute golden rule, before you start using products on the delicate skin of your face, is to determine your skin type...

Normal and combination skin

? Slight oily sheen in the T-zone area
? Drier cheek area
? Occasional pimples and spots

Dry and sensitive skin

? Fine, dry lines around the eyes and mouth, dehydration lines on fact
? Cheek area is dull, dry and taut
? Skin that's very sensitive to sun, wind and pollution

Oily skin ? Oil sheen in T-zone area and on cheeks ? Enlarged pores and blackheads evident ? Frequent pimples and spots

So, how can you help keep your skin looking and feeling young?

Make sure you do the following:

1. Have a daily intake of two litres of water, including 2-3 glasses with high quality aloe extract

2. Enjoy a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables

3. Try to have sound, restful sleep

4. Practice a daily skin care regime using high quality products that suit your skin type

5. Take a high quality supplementation programme, including a vitamin & mineral supplement

6. Take a brisk walk in the fresh air every day

7. Keep stress levels to a minimum and have a happy attitude to life in general

The following daily practices will have a detrimental long term effect on the skin:

1. Inadequate daily water intake

2. Poor nutrition, junk food

3. Lack of sleep

4. Stress

5. Prescribed drugs

6. Excess coffee and tea

7. Alcohol consumption

8. Smoking

9. Excess exposure to sunlight, or cold, wet, windy weather

10.Central heating and air conditioning

Kim Beardsmore M.B.A. (H.R.M.), B.Sc. (Biochemistry) is an independent Herbalife distributor, weight loss coach and creator of the online weight loss & health magazine Weight Loss Health. For a free weight loss consultation, newsletter and resources to help you lose weight and keep it off forever, visit http://weight-loss-health.com.au Online Herbalife store at http://weightlosshealth.herbalcoach.com The Herbalife home business opportunity visit: http://free2liv.com

Essential Oils Kits Part VII

Whether you use aromatherapy as a stand alone or as a complementary first aid treatment there are several aromatic oils I'd like to recommend you have in your aromatic first aid kit.

My recommendations include important details for you to consider when purchasing an oil, such as its Latin Name, Country of Origin, Method of Extraction and Part of the Plant Used. I also list the best oils to consider when creating a synergistic blend.

PEPPERMINT ( Mentha piperita ) - Certified Organic, Steam Distilled Leaf, England and USA have wonderful distillations.

Peppermint is a fluid, colorless oil with a fresh, distinctly penetrating scent.

Keywords: COOL & REFRESHING Peppermint acts as a regulator and has a relaxing or invigorating effect depending on the circumstance for which you are using it.

A good blood cleanser it is both antiseptic and antibacterial!

Peppermint is well known for relieving migraine type headache, as well as headache resulting from weak or poor digestive forces, congestion or sluggish circulation.

It is also known to relieve nausea from motion sickness.

As well as being helpful for treating acne, swollen gums, mouth thrush, or ulcers and toothache.

Soak your tired feet in a foot bath with a drop or two of Peppermint (disperse oil in water by blending first with a teaspoon of honey or jojoba oil before adding to your foot bath) to relieve tired, swollen ankles and feet.

Peppermint relieves congested sinus cavities, aids concentration and is good for memory retention, restorative for mental fatigue, use alone or in a blend when studying for an exam.

Known to clears brain fog when fatigued Peppermint is great for keeping alert!

An analgesic or pain reliever use Peppermint for relieving tummy aches, or sore, achy muscles and joints.

May be used to ease a variety of skin irritations, including Poison Oak and Poison Ivy. Add a drop or two to your favorite anti-itch lotion or ointment when treating insect bites and stings.

Use as a food flavoring in recipes that call for mint, or add a drop to your favorite cooling summer drink and enjoy a refreshing break in your day!

Try a synergistic blend of Peppermint with any of the following aromatic oils: Basil, Black Pepper, Ginger, Orange, Marjoram and Rosemary.

CAUTION: Although excellent for nausea, peppermint should be avoided during pregnancy due to its stimulating properties. Peppermint cools by constricting your blood capillaries therefore please use in extremely weak dilutions. Peppermint Oil may aggravate GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease), a type of heart burn.

Please join me for Part VIII in this series of articles to learn about the next essential oil I recommend you have in your aromatic first aid kit, TEA TREE ( Melaleuca alternifolia ).

Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and can produce satisfying results where other methods have failed.

Aromatherapy is a gentle and noninvasive complementary and alternative health care system used for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind, spirit and emotions to enhance your health. Please consult with your physician regarding your health concerns.

KG has utilized essential oils in her energy medicine practice for more than 30 years. During that time she has facilitated healing for thousands of people suffering from personal trauma, illness and injury. Through her unique AromaTest? system KG formulates essential oil blends that heal.

Please note: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use organic, or ethically wild crafted oils whenever possible.

KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR USA PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure organic and ethically wild crafted essential oils. KG formulates aromatic oils for: colds and flu, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, menopause, anti-aging, skin care and more. KG's DVD & book about her AromaTest system, Your Aromatic Signature ~ How to Formulate Blends that Heal, are scheduled for release in 2006. Click for PurePlant Essentials Menu & Essential Oils Kits: Pure Organic & Wild Crafted Essential Oils & Kits Click to order Basic Essential Oils Kit. KG invites you to Subscribe to Health Mastery Ezine to WIN FREE Aromatherapy Products. To learn more visit: Subscribe To Win Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315

วันอังคารที่ 30 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2551

5 Natural Remedies For 5 Common Ailments You Can Find In Your Kitchen

Below are just a few of the natural remedies I have tried on my husband, three sons, friends, family and myself. They really work! Open your mind to trying the herbs and spices that God has given us in their natural form. These healing remedies cannot hurt you because they are not processed into chemicals but are natural and absolutely safe to use.

EAR INFECTION:

Next time your child has an earache blend up three tablespoons olive oil with one clove of garlic in your blender until smooth. Have your child lie down with the hurt ear face up. With a cue tip or a bulb syringe put two or three drops into the ear, letting it drip down into the canal. Have a wet washcloth handy incase any of it drips down onto your child?s neck.

Make sure your child stays lying down while the oil and garlic mixture drains down into the ear canal completely, about a half hour or so. After about five or ten minutes your child will tell you that it tickles inside their ear that means it is working. Do this remedy three times a day or when your child complains of pain. The oil cleans out the earwax and the garlic heals the infection.

No more earache, no more doctors! You can now cure the common earache your self! Amazing, isn?t it?

TOOTHACHE:

Have a toothache? This solution is only temporary to ease the excruciating pain of a toothache. I know how painful a toothache can be and I ran across this old kitchen remedy years ago when it was too late to rush to the dentist.

Blend up about two tablespoons whole cloves in the blender until blended into powder form. Mix this with 1-tablespoon olive oil to make a paste. With your finger, dab directly on the infective tooth and gum area, wait 5 minutes. You will be so relieved you tried this natural remedy. Absolutely unbelievable that it really works! The properties in the clove actually numb your gums!

STOMACH VIRUS:

This remedy only works if you do it BEFORE you start to feel sick. If there is a stomach virus going around the school or in your home and you?re thinking that you might be next to get this awful virus, eat a bunch of raw garlic. Yeah, that?s right. Most people think I?m crazy when I tell them to do this but I know it works. I do it myself every time I know there is a stomach virus going around.

Eat two good sized or three small cloves of garlic every four hours and you will not get the stomach virus. Do this as long as someone is sick around you. This will only work by eating the real garlic. Taking the pill form will not work! You might smell like garlic for while but this all natural and safe remedy will also ward off any vampires coming to your home. Your spouse might not kiss you for the day either. But it sure beats getting terribly ill to your stomach for 24 or 48 hours! Garlic to your health!

ACID REFLUX:

This method is an absolute miracle cure! You will love its properties. Do you have acid in your stomach after eating? Throw away the Tums and Rolaids because they just make your acid worse in the long run. Try this. Mix 1-tablespoon powdered ginger with warm water in an 8 ounce coffee cup. Sip it down slowly. You will see that this remedy works instantly.

I call this the ginger tea remedy for acid reflux. Ginger is a safe and natural spice that can?t harm your system like those other antacids can. You will be astonished that this really works! You can also buy the whole ginger root and blend the root into a powder to get the same results. You will be flabbergasted that ginger can get rid of your acid. It?s safe, cheap and miraculous!

CONSTIPATION:

Senna Leaf Herbal Tea is so much better for you than those other over the counter medications. Senna leaf is an all-natural herb and it taste good too. I was absolutely amazed when this worked so well. Brew it like any other tea by steeping in hot water for 5 minutes. You can add honey or lemon to the tea if you like.

There are several different brands you can buy that have Senna Leaf Herb in it. I have always used ?Smooth Move? available from Wal-Mart or even your local grocery store. No matter what brand you decide to use, read the ingredients and make sure that Senna Leaf is the active ingredient. You will be relieved that you decided to try a more natural approach. You'll love this tea.

To your health!

Angie Lewis offers spiritual enlightenment tips for couples in marriage, and is the author of new release book JOURNEY ON THE ROADS LESS TRAVELED. This unique book is about love, life, marriage, addiction, temptation, and understanding the power of spiritual awareness for your marriage.

In her book, Angie reveals her own journey of overcoming addiction and battling with her negative emotions that she allowed to embrace her life and marriage.

To find out more about this new book click here, http://www.spiritual.journeybooks.4t.com/ ISBN 1413788904 Avaliable Amazon online!

Angie Lewis counsels couples and writes a monthly newsletter where she reveals her secrets on how YOU can stay happily married for life! Subscribe to get your FREE monthly newsletter so you can stay happily and forever married! http://www.heavenministries.com/

Health and Fitness Essentials ? The Cardiovascular Workout

To accomplish a good cardio-vascular workout all you really need is a good pair of running shoes. Most cardio-vascular exercise needs little or no third party apparatus to help you accomplish your routine. Running, dancing, walking can all be done with no equipment (well, if dancing, then maybe some music would help). Other forms of cardio are step, circuit training, bike riding, swimming, aerobics and more...

With most exercise you should always remember to warm up first and cool down afterwards. This means gently stretching and moving your muscles to start off with. Suddenly moving into full exercise without building up first will cause problems such as stiffness and cramps. Ease yourself into it. Then after exercise, the cool down is basically gently moving the muscles and joints to stretch and relax, as your body returns to its normal pace.

Running:

Make sure you have a good pair of running shoes. The technology put into these shoes nowadays is highly researched and designed to reduce shock to the feet, ankles, legs and back. So don't skimp on these - you get what you pay for.

Before you start your run, be sure to warm up first. Start with a brisk walk ensuring you move your arms vigorously gradually breaking into a slow jog. It is better to run at a speed to which you can still converse. If you find yourself losing breath, slow your pace down until you've recovered. If you are a novice runner try running and walking, until you can hold your run for 15 minutes.

Now increase the length and time of your run by a couple of minutes every other time you hit the road or treadmill, until you can run for 30 minutes without stopping. Try to increase your run time by 10% each week, remember not to over do it and don?t forget to warm down at the end of each by slowing down gradually. When your run is complete stretch your legs for 30 seconds per muscle, hamstring, calf and thigh.

Cycling:

Cycling is one of the best ways to get a good cardio-vascular workout.

First of all, if you are riding on the roads safety is paramount, always use the appropriate safety equipment when road riding. You can stay fit by riding a bike to work, most people work within a five mile radius of there place of work, which is a perfect distance for a bike ride.

Exercise bikes can be used in a variety of ways, general riding for specified length of time, this is like going for a bike ride with out the dangers of road riding and the weather. Warm up riding you can use an exercise bike for warming up the legs before a leg workout. Also exercise bike classes, these classes are taken by an instructor, who will put you through various levels of pace, quite like a circuit training exercise with a bike.

You may find it surprising to find that riding a bike five miles 3 times per week will improve your heart rate, your posture, skin and weight control. Some even say that riding and running are great ways of relieving stress.

Swimming:

One of the best ways to firm up and trim your body down. Due to the resistance the water has on the body swimming involves all the major muscle groups this allows the body to burn up to 20% more calories than swimming through air. Swimming a few lengths per day will keep you fit and give you an excellent workout. Swimming also has less impact on the joints than say, running.

If you wish to take your swim a little further try picking up the pace of your swim, you can work up to a great aerobic exercise and give your body an excellent workout.

Start off by swimming 1-2 lengths at a time resting between sets if necessary, after you have swam ten lengths call it a day. The next day repeat the process until you can swim five lengths without a break. Progress to ten lengths in by adding an extra length each time you return.

You can put together your own cardio raining routing in the gym, if you have a problem with this then the staff on hand will write one for you and show you how to achieve your goal. Try to make your cardio last between an hour and an hour and a half. A good start point for cardio is always a run.

This cardio workout will work for a person of medium fitness, however adjust the times and pace according to your fitness levels.

1. Run at a light pace for 20 minutes, start off at a walking pace and gradually move to a run, this helps you get warmed up and the blood pumping.

2. Rowing machine- set the rowing machine for a countdown time of 15 minutes or keep a check on your watch or the clock. Start off with a slow rowing motion to get the pace up, maintain this steady pace throughout the full 13 minutes and use the 2 minutes to slow the pace down.

3. Move immediately on to exercise bike take a stead paced ride for 12 minutes with a sprint finish for the remaining 3 minutes.

4. After the exercise bike move directly on to the step climber for a period of 15 minutes climbing on a light level to get the legs going. Try to move at a swift pace for the full 15 minutes as this is the last of the leg work you will be doing.

5. When you have completed the step climber, move onto the abs bench for some crunches. 4 sets of crunches to failure is your target for this exercise. Try twisting your body and touching your left knee with your right elbow and vice versa.

6. The last exercise in this quick cardio workout is the leg raise apparatus. Bring your knees up to your chest for 3-4 sets for as many reps as possible (failure)

After the completion of this cardio workout, remember to do a full warm down by stretching the muscles. The full workout should take you around 1 hour 20 minutes.

Article supplied by Michael Aldridge. For health and fitness - simple steps to a healthy lifestyle, please visit our web site at http://www.healthfitness.informatee.com

Victorious

There it is again. I muttered to myself, frustrated as I washed my arm. Every morning for five or six days in the fall of 2003, I noticed this rust-colored sticky stuff that appeared in both drips and smears on my left forearm and thigh. I had no idea where it could be coming from.

Finally, on Sunday morning I found the answer. My eyes followed my hand as I wiped the steam from the bathroom mirror. Looking past my fingertips, there it was. To my shock and horror, the rust-colored sticky stuff easily dripped from my left nipple.

In disbelief, I collapsed into my bedroom chair, swirling with a mix of grief and fear. I stared at the blank white wall, feeling vacant, distant, disconnected from what I had just seen in the mirror. All I heard was that loud, penetrating silence that surrounds and encompasses every thought and movement.

I called my doctor and was told that this was not an emergency room issue, but did need immediate attention. It could be cancer or another of many health challenges. Then, I began to wonder, what now? What is next?

After an exam, the breast cancer specialist made an appointment for that same afternoon to have both a mammogram and an ultrasound. They took two sets of two x rays on each breast and a third x ray of a specific area of my right breast. I realized I could have two areas of concern, not just the one.

Next, was the ultrasound. I could see the area of my breast where they had done the extra mammogram. There was a dark mass which had a very different pattern than the rest of my breast. After the biopsy, I was diagnosed with infiltrating ductile carcinoma, a rare, aggressive, deadly cancer that can quickly metastasize to the bones and lungs. Next is death. I had symptoms of both bone and lung cancer.

The ultrasound of my left breast showed a trail of little beads. Masses unevenly lined up from my underarm to my nipple. This could not be good, I thought. These masses were rubbing against several ducts, causing bleeding and discharge. That was the rust-colored sticky stuff. My left breast was diagnosed with a rare hyperplastic disease involving multiple ducts. My oncologist felt that I also had cancer in this breast. She was deeply concerned, and wanted to immediately remove the mass in my right breast and cut off 1/3 or more of my left breast. From now on, on medical history forms, I would check the box for cancer.

Even before these diagnoses, I had already decided that I did not want surgery. In my heart, I really did not believe I would live through a surgery, much less the chemotherapy or radiation. I preferred an alternative approach. I did have my health insurance to pay for most medical expenses, but it did not cover alternative therapies. Also, I had previous long term health challenges. I wanted a fix, not just a partial solution. I chose Mye Cell treatments in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and worked with Dr. Melenie Dunn, NMD in Scottsdale, AZ. Her number is 480.556.6700. I am now cancer-free.

I have the confirmed belief that each of lifes moments hold a purpose and a gift. There are no accidents. Nothing is random. Lifes lessons come hand in hand with their opportunities. I do not always remember to live by these beliefs, but I do always come back to them. I knew that this particular lesson was about trust. It was about my ability to trust. It was about my confidence in myself. My confidence in God. The lesson was about realizing, knowing with every breath and every beat of my heart, that I Am Blessed. We All Are.

Doreene Clement, a cancer victor and author of The 5 Year Journal, is currently writing a new book, Blessed, about her life and her cancer experience.

For more information:
http://www.the5yearjournal.com
480.423.8095

Copyright 2005 OMDC, LLC All Rights Reserved

วันจันทร์ที่ 29 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Herbal Therapy for Acne Treatment

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

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

Herbalists recommend the following herbal remedies for acne and scarring:

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

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

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

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

?Chinese herbs such as cnidium seed and honeysuckle flower.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy These Tips for Living a Healthy Life

What is more important than the way you feel? Is there anything more important? Your physical health, the way your body feels, is probably the most important determining factor in the way you feel. Any feeling, weather it be physical or emotional is experienced through our bodies and by applying these simple tips for living a healthy life, the way you feel will vastly improve.

Psychoneuroimmunology, the science of the mind-body relationship, has now produced scientific evidence of the effect of your mind on your body and vice versa. Depressed people use their bodies in a certain way that causes them to feel depressed and by just changing simple things like their facial expressions, studies have shown, they can literally change the way they feel instantly.

The significance of this fact is that it proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that our physical bodies have a tremendous effect on the way we feel both physically and emotionally. The one thing we are all pursuing in life is happiness and happiness is nothing but feeling good. By following some basic tips for living a healthy life we can make significant changes in the way we feel physically, emotionally and mentally.

We've all heard the clich? a healthy body houses a healthy mind and thanks to scientific research we now know this for a fact. Also, the opposite is equally true: a healthy mind equals a healthy body. If we learn to be in control of our emotional association to food, we will automatically take care of our bodies. The instant satisfaction we get from junk food caused a lot of people to make pleasurable association (in their subconscious minds) to these foods that lead to overeating and addiction.

Living a healthy life starts with your body. If you take care of your body you will develop that sense of pride in yourself and the consequently the way you feel about yourself (or your self esteem).

With this in mind, let me offer you some very simple and basic tips for living a healthy life. Firstly, realize the importance of oxygen to your body and your health. Breathing is not just to get oxygen to our vital organs. Every cell in your body requires oxygen for it's survival and health.

You are only as healthy as the cells in your body. In order to fully oxygenate our bodies we must learn to breathe deeply, fully and effectively. Deep, diaphragmatic breaths will, apart from oxygenating your system, stimulate the movement of lymph fluid through the body. Lymph is the body's natural cleansing system, essential to keeping your cells free from toxins and maintaining a healthy environment for the cells of your body to live in. To breathe properly you must breathe in the following ratio: inhale(1) : hold(2) : exhale(4). For example inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 8 seconds and exhale for 16 seconds. Doing this simple exercise with 10 deep breaths 5 times a day will vastly increase your health, your energy and help maintain a healthy immune system.

Secondly, understand the importance of water to your body and health. Our bodies consist mainly of fluids and water, along with oxygen is the basis of all life. Taking sufficient amounts of water is essential for health and life, but also we need to avoid foods that drain our bodies from vital fluids. Foods that are high in sugar, salt, caffeine and preservatives will actually absorb fluids from your body causing certain vital functions to shut down. Eating foods that are naturally rich in water is essential and include all fruits, vegetables and sprouts.

Your body is your temple and what you put in is what you get out. Stop abusing it and adhere to these simple tips for living a healthy life. The very least you must do to life a healthy life is to stop depriving your body from the two most essential element, water and oxygen.

Applying these simple tips for living a healthy life will vastly improve your health and consequently the way you feel. When we feel good life is a pleasure and we suck from it all the juice. Life is a gift and know that tomorrow is not promised to you. Live everyday like it's your last and constantly seek out tips for living a healthy life and improving yourself and the quality of your life. It's all out there and the only thing that is required to have whatever you want from life is for you to go and get it. Just do it and do it with passion and joy.

This article is published with the permission of the author, Deon Du Plessis. He is the founder of The Self Improvement Gym, a network of website dedicated to helping ordinary people create extraordinary lives by improving themselves in every area of their lives. For more information and free tips, books and courses please visit http://www.tonyrobbinsaudiobooks.com for the best from Self Improvement guru, Tony Robbins.

Veggies for Breast Health? The Breast Cancer/Vegetable Connection

Breast cancer is now the most common cancer women get, putting lung cancer second to this growing female epidemic. Although the exact causes of breast cancer still are not known, studies and statistics show that a woman's risk of getting breast cancer increases as she ages.

A new intriguing study suggests - no, concludes - that not only is a vegetable-rich diet good for preventing breast cancer, but it also significantly improves a breast cancer patient's odds of the disease returning after remission.

You may have been going all these years, thinking that eating your veggies was just a good health measure that was only the skinny minnies and health nuts. Well, new studies are showing that the consumption of vegetables is not only preventative maintenance against many kinds of cancers, but it also dramatically improves a woman's odds of breast cancer returning once she has gone into remission.

Not only is it the mere consumption of your leafy greens and brightly colored veggies, it's also got a lot to do with the variety of veggies that are consumed. The wider the variety, the better the women's chances were in the study of continuing on in full remission and recovery from their cancer.

The Carotenoid Connection

So, what exactly is the responsible factor for this improvement of odds against the return of cancer? It's a tiny little micronutrient, found commonly in many vegetables, called carotenoids which is believed to be responsible. The reason this conclusion was reached is that women who did not see their breast cancer return tested with very high carotenoid blood levels, while the women who did see their breast cancer return did not.

The same women who had high levels of this potent antioxidant compound said that they not only consumed a veggie-rich diet, but that they also consumed a wider variety of vegetables in their diet, which lends itself to higher levels of this antioxidant in the blood stream. This translates into a powerful anti-cancer message : Eat your veggies, just like your grandma said.

Visit Natural Breasts: Enhancement and Health for information on how to naturally manage breast health, as well as beautify your breasts and keep them healthy and young. Danna Schneider is the founder of Breast Enhancement.

วันอาทิตย์ที่ 28 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2551

The Silent Villain

After a restful sleeps night, do you wake up feeling completely drained before you even put a foot on the floor? Even though you are a very focused individual, are your thoughts often foggy? You actively exercise and eat right, but are you still at least 15 pounds or more overweight? Despite your dietary limitations, is your stomach swollen? Even though you are relatively young, do you feel 20 years older than you are?

If these are very familiar symptoms that seem completely out of your control, relax. There could be an underlying condition in your system taking over and leaving you helplessly behind. That condition could be Candidia albican.

What is Candida?

Candida albican is a yeast that is normally found in the body, usually the digestive system (mouth, throat, and intestines). It is necessary because it destroys harmful bacteria and protects our bodies. There are millions of Candida albicans in a healthy system, and the immune system keeps it regulated with the ?friendly? bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and B. bifidum.

Low stomach acid and/or poor digestion can cause food matter to be left in the digestive system. Candida's job is to pick up this left over food matter to keep the digestive system working properly. If it fails to do this, harmful bacteria can grab the food deposits and reproduce. An overgrowth of candida (Candidiasis) can cause an array of problems. When the amount of ?friendly? bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus and B. bifidum) is reduced due to antibiotics, refined sugar, and toxins, the candida out number the ?friendly? bacteria and it will change the candida from a yeast to a fungal and actually become a threat to the body. When this happens you can experience many effects, including weight gain, food cravings, headaches, depression, fatigue, etc. Due to Candidiasis many symptoms, it's often either undetected or misdiagnosed for many years, causing more and more problems down the line.

Candidiasis can inhibit fat loss and cause your stomach to distend out. It is a new condition, created by side effects of antibiotics and refined foods. In addition, birth control pills, chemotherapy, radiation, stress, and overeating all can be contributors to Candidiasis. It may be one of the primary cause of weight issues and obesity.

Why it's not recognized

Doctors routinely treat women for localized yeast infections in the vaginal tract, but rarely consider that the same yeast can cause problems in other areas of the body, such as the digestive tract. This is primarily due to the fact that doctors aren't taught this in medical school. The primary focus in medical school is drugs and procedures. Little is taught on actually preventing and curing ailments and diseases.

In addition, Candidiasis symptoms are lengthy and are very similar to other illnesses and diseases such as sinusitis. In efforts to treat the sinusitis, the doctors prescribed antibiotics, which make the Candidiasis worse!

Candidiasis is also many times misdiagnosed as cancer. Yes, an overgrowth of Candidia albican can show up a cancer on medical testing. I personally had two e-clients who had cancerous cells on their ovaries. I encourage them to do a detoxify cleansing and within six weeks, both ladies were cancer cell free. Needless to say, their doctors could careless how they did it.

Since Candidiasis is often not diagnosed, the problems spread and many times, more and more antibiotics are administered. This puts a strain on the immune system making the body more susceptible to other illnesses, infections, diseases, and the ability to lose fat difficult. Sadly, Candidiasis is a disease brought on by our medical community and convenient lifestyle of antibiotics, birth control pills, refined carbohydrates, etc.

How Candidiasis Affects Your Weight

Candidiasis and can be one of the contributing factors that many people are overweight or have difficulty losing weight. Candidiasis is basically your digestion process is all messed and causes you to store more fat. This is largely due to the fact that the toxins in the digestive system cause the body to become more acidic. When the body is in an acidic condition, it can not burn fat, build muscle, and the body is more prone to illnesses and diseases. The weight gain from Candidiasis can be any where from 15 to 50 pounds and this weight is stored in the gut.

As the Candidiasis becomes more widespread throughout the body, your cravings for sugar and refined carbs intensify. This overwhelming sensation can cause you to succumb to your cravings, allowing the Candidiasis to thrive longer and stronger and keeping you at its whim.

Candidiasis Signs and Symptoms can include:
?Sluggish metabolism
?Increases in carb and sugar cravings
?Improper digestion
?Food allergies
?Weight gain
?Gas and/or cramping or bloating after eating
?Hypoglycemia
?Feeling light headed after eating certain foods
?Fatigue after eating
?Feeling drunk after a high carb meal since Candidiasis waste is alcohol

Other Signs and Symptoms can include:
?Intense PMS
?Chest pain
?Joint pain
?Night sweats
?Mood swings
?Depression
?Memory loss
?Blurred visions
?Headaches
?Insomnia
?Fungal infections (yeast infections, athletes foot, etc.)
?Sexual dysfunction
?Rashes, hives, or other skin conditions
?Anxiety
?Hyperactivity
?Excessive mucus in throat, nose and lungs
?Sinus pressure

Other Contributing Factors

Antibiotics are usually the primary cause of Candidiasis. Healthy bacteria that line the digestive tract are destroyed by antibiotics. This can allow for an overgrowth of Candidia too. Personally, I think doctors are too quick to prescribe drugs to treat ailments rather than getting to the root of the problem. Most of the time, the prescribed drugs cause more side effects than treating the problem.

Pregnancy predisposes a woman to Candidiasis because it alters the body's pH balance and becomes more acidic. An acidic environment is the perfect breeding ground for a Candidia yeast overgrowth.

Reduced bowel movements keep fecal matter in the colon too long. You should be having at least three bowel movements a day, if not more. Animals have a bowel movement after each meal. This is normal. If you are having less than three bowel movements a day, you could possibly have Candidiasis. Candidiasis is at its all time high to do mainly antibiotics, but also the standard American diet. Today's ?nutrition? contains a great deal of refined foods, including fast food, sodas, pastas, breads, etc. Refined carbs and sugar just give Candidia a breeding ground to multiply and take over.

We are also exposed to antibiotics and other drugs in animal meats and other animal products we eat. Steroids and antibiotics are given to livestock in mass amounts to prevent infection and induce growth. This is why it's so important to eat organic.

Dairy products carry trace amounts of antibiotics. Not only that, the processing milk goes through destroys the milks natural enzymes. The sugar in milk also creates a breeding ground for Candidiasis to multiply. Another not so recognized factor in Candidiasis is environmental factors. This includes pesticides, additives, and preservatives in your food, car exhaust, chemical plants, heavy metals, and most commercial personal hygiene products. These elements are foreign to the body, and therefore the body cannot digest it. These chemicals sit in the digestive tract and become toxic and make the body acidic.

Are you a Candidiasis Candidate?
1.Have you ever or do you use birth control pills?
2.Have you ever or do you take antibiotics?
3.Have you ever or do you take steroids?
4.Have you ever or do you have fungal infections? (yeast infections or athletes foot)
5.Do you commonly experience any of the above Signs or Symptoms? You can get rid of Candidiasis. In doing so you will have more energy, think clearer, clear up your skin, reduce your stomach pouch, lose weight, etc.

Conquering Candidiasis

There are alternative therapies for eliminating yeast. You must address the problem at the source and not merely ?treat? it with drugs. You must rid the overgrowth of Candidia by adopting a natural and organic diet. Fiber is a major issue in fighting off Candidiasis. Fiber helps the body to flush toxins and bowel. Friendly bacteria need a diet rich in fiber to survive to fight off the fungus.

Sweating is an excellent way to detoxify your body and all your major organs. It is imperative that you sweat six times a week for 20-30 minutes to pull out impurities. You need to be sweating through system, not energy sweat, and therefore exercise sweating does not count. Dry saunas would be best. This is a very important step, and if you neglect it, you will be neglecting the detoxifying purpose.

Also, include nutritional supplements, herbs, and probiotics. Taking this natural approach can clear out Candidiasis in about six months to a year. It can take a long time because it thrives on impurities we consume and absorb.

Natural Steps You Can Take To Eliminate Candidiasis:
?Do a Candidia cleanse to purge the impurities
?Drink up to a gallon of filtered water a day to flush out dead yeast cells
?Eat more veggies for fiber
?Eat more whole grains such as rye or millet
?Avoid yeast and mold containing foods (cheeses, grapes, mushrooms)
?Avoid refined foods, sugar, and alcohol
?Avoid artificial sweeteners, additives, preservatives, etc.
?Eat organic foods
?Cabbage is a wonderful source of friendly bacteria.
?Virgin Olive Oil
?Even though yogurt has concentrated Lactobacilli that will suppress unhealthy bacteria, the sugar in it feeds the unhealthy bacteria. Freeze-dried L. acidophilus supplement would be superior.

Supplements You Can Take to Eliminate Candidiasis:
?Potent Multivitamin daily
?Vitamin C ? 10-15 grams a day
?Vitamin E - 400 iu a day
?Zinc Chelate 25-50 mg a day
?Pantothenic Acid - 250 mg a day
?Taurine - 500-1000 mg a day
?Essential Fatty Acids (evening primrose oil, black current oil or borage oil) ? 6-8 grams a day
?Goldenseal Root - 250 mg twice a day
?Pau D'Arco ? 2,000 mg twice a day
?Garlic ? 2,000 mg twice a day
?Caprylic acid ? 1,000 ? 2,000 mg daily with food
?Chlorophyll ? 100 mg daily
?Lactobacillus acidophilus ? 1 tsp three times a day (Take after 8 weeks of detoxing)
?Digestive enzyme with hydrochloric acid (HCL) before and after each meal. If you have ulcers, choose a digestive enzyme without HCL.
?German chamomile tea before and after meals will help to stimulate HCL

Keep in mind it could take several months to a year to rid your body of Candidiasis, if you don't stop feeding the fungus when truing to detoxify it. It thrives on impurities and an acidic environment. Therefore, as you cleanse with supplements, it's just as important to stop destructive behaviors such as eating the foods that can cause the Candidiasis to grow. Once you clean the yeast out of your system you will feel and look like a new person. You will find that weight control is not such a struggle and you will feel completely rejuvenated.

Karen Sessions has been in the fitness industry since 1988. She embarked on weight training to overcome an eating disorder, Anorexia Nervosa in its early stages. She overcame the eating disorder, received her personal training certificate, competed in many local bodybuilding contests, and qualified for Nationals. Since then she?s went on to write six e-books (weight loss, female bodybuilding, contest preparation, leg training, figure/fitness secrets, and cellulite removal). She writes articles for several fitness websites, as well as her own, www.theelitephysique.com, and also distributes a monthly e-newsletter. She has a very active and lively forum, filled with positive and supportive people with informative content. Karen?s sole goal is to educate others and help them apply that knowledge.

Natural Antibiotics

CINNAMON BARK (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)- A powerful antiseptic oil with a strong pungent, spicy aroma and reddish brown color. Cinnamon has a long tradition of use, having been produced in Sri Lanka for more than 2,000 years.

Research shows that virus, bacteria, and fungus cannot survive in the presence of cinnamon oil. Cinnamon bark oil has even stronger antiseptic properties than Cinnamon Leaf and readily kills bacterial and fungal infections.

Historically Cinnamon has been used in the Middle East and the Orient for combating viruses and infectious diseases. It has been used as a treatment for fever, diarrhea and menstrual irregularities, as well as indigestion, cramps, nausea, vomiting and colic. Inflammations of the throat and pharynx may also be relieved through its use. Inhalation of Cinnamon has proven effective for relieving respiratory infections.

In Ayurvedic medicine Cinnamon is used to relieve many common complaints such as those already noted and to balance the various doshas or body types: Vata, Pita and Kapha.

The trees are cut every two years to just above ground level. The bark is harvested from the new shoots, then dried. The outer bark is stripped away, leaving the inner bark, which is the primary part of the herb used for medicinal purposes. The medicinal value of the herb is attributed to the oil extracted from the inner bark as well as the leaves.

Cinnamon bark is one of the most popular food flavoring and a valued commodity on the world market. Because it kills the bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease Cinnamon Bark is a common ingredient in many common oral hygiene products like toothpaste, mouthwash and breath fresheners. It is also used for making perfume, soap, chewing gum, lip stick, nasal spray, cough syrup and soda pop drinks.

Cinnamon Bark continues to be a valued treatment for various common ailments. As in ancient times modern day herbalists continue to prescribe cinnamon bark as a remedy for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and indigestion. Chinese herbalists recommend it for asthma sufferers when their symptoms are brought on by cold, digestive disturbances, backache, or menstrual related difficulties.

Cinnamon bark is known to regulate blood sugar levels and may reduce the amount of insulin required for glucose metabolism by diabetics. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) researchers found a dose of 1/8 to 1/4 tsp of ground cinnamon to be beneficial in regulating blood glucose levels.

I rely on Cinnamon Bark in my health care practice to keep the air fresh and clear of bugs and for preventing the spread of infection. Clients absolutely love its fresh, clean scent and enjoy the benefits it so readily bestows that of preventing and relieving cold and flu symptoms.

Cinnamon?s powerful scent is a definite pick-me-up! It is useful for relieving brain fog, common among chronic pain sufferers, as well as the winter blahs.

Cinnamon Leaf essential oil enhances circulation making it excellent for warming you when you are feeling chilled down to your bones! Try 1-8 drops of Cinnamon Bark or Leaf essential oil blended in 1 ounce of Jojoba oil and massage your feet with a small amount of the mixture then put on your socks and enjoy warm happy feet all day!

Keep warm when engaging in winter outdoor sports by rubbing a small amount of this same mixture on your chest and abdominal area, as well as over the lung area on your back.

Please note: There are many cheap chemical copies of essential oils available, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results always use ethically wild crafted or pure, organic essential oils that are pesticide free!

CAUTION: An intensely powerful oil to be used with respect and extreme caution. Generally not for skin applications except in weak dilutions of less than 1%. May cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Due to its stimulating properties should be avoided during pregnancy, by lactating mothers, or young children.

Aromatherapy is a gentle and noninvasive complementary and alternative health care system used for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind and spirit to enhance your health. Please consult with your physician regarding your health concerns

KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR USA PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure organic and ethically wild crafted essential oils. KG's DVD & book, Your Aromatic Signature ~ How to Formulate Blends that Heal, are scheduled for release in 2006. To learn more & purchase: Order Certified Organic Cinnamon Bark Please refer to KG's Essentials Safety Guide before using any aromatic oils! KG invites you to Subscribe to Health Mastery Ezine to WIN FREE Aromatherapy Products. To learn more visit: Subscribe To Win Contact: KG Stiles Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315

Holistic Approach to Health

Holistic or Holism is an approach that emphasizes the whole being, the entire structure, but looks at how each part affects the whole. It deals with life situations with the whole being in mind, while treating the individual parts that are affected and not treating just symptoms. Your problem is not like a car that gets a flat tire and you replace the tire. It is more like a shopping cart that has a bad wheel, which affects and vibrates the entire cart.

Holistic medicine attempts to treat all the systems of the being: the mind, the body, the emotions, and the spirit. The holistic approach brings balance and harmony to the entire structure by paying attention to the specific parts and systems of the body. The symptoms are analyzed to identify the existing problem/s that are affecting the parts and then treated with the whole-being in mind rather than treating only the parts that exhibit the symptoms. The Holistic Approach deals with all of the life force energy available, which includes the physical and the energetic aspects.

The human body as a whole is made up of many parts, each of which is dependent upon the other for a balanced functioning of the system as a whole. Each system is interdependent upon the other. It?s called looking at the bigger picture. Something we do that affects the whole is that we absorb, digest, and inhale toxins every day. These toxins develop free radicals (oxidation, which is rust in the body). Unless we offset the free radicals with anti-oxidants, our bodies will rust from the inside out. As we mature, our body continually changes; remove one critical molecule, or let one cancer cell become a rogue, and the entire structure changes.

From a Holistic stand-point the balance that everyone is looking for comes from: A good diet, plenty of rest, re-learning how to breath effectively, drinking good water every day, learning how to handle stress, having a good exercise program and learning how to turn your life over to a Higher Power.

Michael McCright is a Holistic Health Practitioner, educator, coach, and motivational speaker. His website: http://www.bodymindconnection.com covers a variety of health concerns. Michael is co-producer of an informative and educational DVD: ?TMJ Relief?. For information and holistic solutions regarding TMJ disorder, go to: http://www.holisticspecifics.com. ? 2005 Michael McCright ? Reprints allowed as long as copy is complete with last paragraph and copyright information.