Eczema is an acute chronic inflammation of the body skin. The disease is indicated by redness, itching as well as exploring of oozing vesicular lesions that turn out scaly and thick. Eczema usually appears on the body where the skin is not strong. Eczema occurs internal and external part of the body skin. Internal means intense reaction of the body's immune system and the skin starts to react internally. While external means that if any objects touch the skin, some reaction starts which is exposed on the surface of the body. Thus benefits of Eczema natural treatment is to provide relief to the patients from the suffering.
Eczema natural treatment includes three therapies that will help the person to recover from his suffering. Thus three therapies in Eczema natural treatment are oatmeal treatment, using of natural cleanser and curing moisture.
The benefits of Eczema natural treatment include the use of moisture that can heal the skin from the indication of Eczema. The advantage of applying body lotion moisture on the skin is to cleanse the skin. Try to avail blueberry leaves and licorice lotion. The benefits of Blueberry and licorice protect the skin from spreading of germs and reducing the itching and redness from the skin, respectively.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
What is Involved in a Personal Diet Analysis?
What most dietitians require would be a food journal so they would have a clear view of what the person in question is really eating so they know what needs to be changed. The types or kinds of food plus the amounts eaten are listed down in detail. Some dietitians even go to the extent of asking their clients to list down what they are feeling when they eat their food.
This will show that there can be triggers that make a person crave or overeat a certain type of food. For example, one woman consistently listed down eating about half a pint or more of ice cream when she was stressed from work. It became clear that she didn't really need the ice cream but needed a stress release more. When the ice cream was replaced with either frozen bananas or frozen low-fat yogurt in a reasonably sized serving, and twenty minutes of exercise was done before eating took place, she lost her craving for ice-cream.
Steps like these help the clients find workable and permanent solutions.
This will show that there can be triggers that make a person crave or overeat a certain type of food. For example, one woman consistently listed down eating about half a pint or more of ice cream when she was stressed from work. It became clear that she didn't really need the ice cream but needed a stress release more. When the ice cream was replaced with either frozen bananas or frozen low-fat yogurt in a reasonably sized serving, and twenty minutes of exercise was done before eating took place, she lost her craving for ice-cream.
Steps like these help the clients find workable and permanent solutions.
Monday, January 10, 2011
What is a Personal Diet Analysis?
Personal diet analysis is a new thing that is being exploited by people that are going on a diet. It used to be that people would only base their nutritional intake on what they'd see in health magazines and newspaper articles.
A personal diet analysis involves having a nutritionist or dietitian look over the usual diet of the client involved. Now why it should be done is for different reasons. Some people have to overhaul their diet because of health reasons or because they have problems with certain disorders like diabetes or gluten intolerance. People who are highly allergic also need their diets tweaked.
People who follow the Western diet exclusively may actually be more in need of nutritional analysis than those who don't. It's well documented that this type of diet which relies heavily on meat and potatoes causes more health problems than not. It's the aversion to fresh fruits and vegetables that plays havoc with people's inner workings.
The best option would be to go to a dietitian or nutritionist to have a personal analysis done. Several sessions are required though, over about a period of three months, to do a complete overhaul along with counseling while the changes are going on.
A personal diet analysis involves having a nutritionist or dietitian look over the usual diet of the client involved. Now why it should be done is for different reasons. Some people have to overhaul their diet because of health reasons or because they have problems with certain disorders like diabetes or gluten intolerance. People who are highly allergic also need their diets tweaked.
People who follow the Western diet exclusively may actually be more in need of nutritional analysis than those who don't. It's well documented that this type of diet which relies heavily on meat and potatoes causes more health problems than not. It's the aversion to fresh fruits and vegetables that plays havoc with people's inner workings.
The best option would be to go to a dietitian or nutritionist to have a personal analysis done. Several sessions are required though, over about a period of three months, to do a complete overhaul along with counseling while the changes are going on.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
A Fact Check on Gemmotherapy
20th century medicine has its eye on various discoveries, in its attempts to study the causes of diseases by the molecular and genetic level. The discovery of PSC plant stem cell research has paved way for useful things which appear as future solutions to dilemmas posed by cancer and viral or bacterial gene mutations. One of these remarkable discoveries in stem cell research is the use of PSC plant stem cells to create elixirs which can help prolong life expectancy in today’s world of junk food, global warming and pollution.
Although PSC plant stem cells therapy is a novel, natural way of healing, the story of PSC plant stem cells is not new. It dates back to ancient Egypt, when buds were being used in illnesses. In 1970, Dr. Pol Henry, a Belgian Medical Doctor, published his findings on the use of extracts from buds and other plant material. He called his study on phytoembryotherapy, a therapy which is based on biologic energy from plants and other natural resources. Dr. Max Tetau then popularized “gemmotherapy” or “bud therapy” in France.
PSC plant stem cells therapy is a form of therapy which used extracts from buds, young shoots and young roots. These plant parts were chosen to be made into extracts because they were believed to be the center of a plant’s energy and thus, they are the main source of therapeutic effects. These parts, made into PSC plant stem cells, also differ from the adult plant parts because they are less exposed to toxins and pollution.
Although PSC plant stem cells therapy is a novel, natural way of healing, the story of PSC plant stem cells is not new. It dates back to ancient Egypt, when buds were being used in illnesses. In 1970, Dr. Pol Henry, a Belgian Medical Doctor, published his findings on the use of extracts from buds and other plant material. He called his study on phytoembryotherapy, a therapy which is based on biologic energy from plants and other natural resources. Dr. Max Tetau then popularized “gemmotherapy” or “bud therapy” in France.
PSC plant stem cells therapy is a form of therapy which used extracts from buds, young shoots and young roots. These plant parts were chosen to be made into extracts because they were believed to be the center of a plant’s energy and thus, they are the main source of therapeutic effects. These parts, made into PSC plant stem cells, also differ from the adult plant parts because they are less exposed to toxins and pollution.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Naturopathic Doctors Work Wonders!
Modern hectic lifestyle can invite many diseases and ailments. We seek consultation from our doctors but the prescription does not seem to be working at times. Because of this, the immune system of our body also suffers from serious imbalance. Here is a solution to the problem - Naturopathy treatment. It is a boon for patients who have given hope by continued use of Allopathic treatments and medicines. It is an Alternative Medicine that emphasizes on the innate ability of body to maintain itself.
Naturopathy treatment includes the use of natural herbs, plants, and foods and thereby they are free from any side or adverse effect on our body. The holistic care focuses on curing from sunlight, air, water, supplemented with diet and therapies like massages and conventional medicine which helps recuperating the patients. The healing art of Naturopathy believes that body is self healing. It maintains that body will easily heal up and restore itself in a favorable and healthy environment.
As per the Naturopathic approach, our body is connected with a supernatural soul and mind. Therefore the integration and harmony of these three is very necessary to attain a healthy disposition. You will find its root in mysticism and metaphysical doctrine of Vitalize. Naturopathy not only supports the self healing system of our body, but also emphasizes on empowering individuals to change their lifestyles for a healthy living. It can cure both common and chronic ailments but mainly emphasizes on prevention of diseases and making the patient aware.
Naturopathy treatment includes the use of natural herbs, plants, and foods and thereby they are free from any side or adverse effect on our body. The holistic care focuses on curing from sunlight, air, water, supplemented with diet and therapies like massages and conventional medicine which helps recuperating the patients. The healing art of Naturopathy believes that body is self healing. It maintains that body will easily heal up and restore itself in a favorable and healthy environment.
As per the Naturopathic approach, our body is connected with a supernatural soul and mind. Therefore the integration and harmony of these three is very necessary to attain a healthy disposition. You will find its root in mysticism and metaphysical doctrine of Vitalize. Naturopathy not only supports the self healing system of our body, but also emphasizes on empowering individuals to change their lifestyles for a healthy living. It can cure both common and chronic ailments but mainly emphasizes on prevention of diseases and making the patient aware.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Homoepathy is a Proven Source for Natural Health
Homeopathy, a proven system of medicine for over 200 years, is practiced widely all over the earth. It works by stimulating the body's natural defenses instead of than suppressing symptoms. Natural remedies are used which are non-toxic and do not cause side effects. This medicine is empowering as it allows the body to self-correct.
Homeopathy is built upon a whole structure of laws, philosophy, theories and practice began by Dr. C.F.S. Hahnemann (1796). His philosophy states that the body is gifted with a dynamic, self-regulating capability, which he named the vital force. Continually striving for a state of optimal health or homeostasis is the main goal of this vital force. When the human body is compromised due to physical, emotional, mental or spiritual stress, the vital force tries to regain homeostasis.
Uninspired by the medical practices of his day (bloodletting, leeches, mercury), Hahnemann began striving for alternatives and became an advocate of natural healing techniques. Based on the principles of Hippocrates and Paracelsus, he developed the idea that cure could be achieved through the action of similars.
To test this hypothesis, he began to experiment on himself with the medicine cinchona, which was being used for treatment of malaria. To his surprise, this "cure" taken by a healthy person induced the exact same symptoms manifested by the person suffering from malaria. Hahnemann then created one of the cornerstones of Homeopathy, similima similibus curentur, Latin for "let likes cure likes". Simply stated: A substance that produces symptoms in a healthy person can cure a unwell person with those same symptoms.
Homeopathy is built upon a whole structure of laws, philosophy, theories and practice began by Dr. C.F.S. Hahnemann (1796). His philosophy states that the body is gifted with a dynamic, self-regulating capability, which he named the vital force. Continually striving for a state of optimal health or homeostasis is the main goal of this vital force. When the human body is compromised due to physical, emotional, mental or spiritual stress, the vital force tries to regain homeostasis.
Uninspired by the medical practices of his day (bloodletting, leeches, mercury), Hahnemann began striving for alternatives and became an advocate of natural healing techniques. Based on the principles of Hippocrates and Paracelsus, he developed the idea that cure could be achieved through the action of similars.
To test this hypothesis, he began to experiment on himself with the medicine cinchona, which was being used for treatment of malaria. To his surprise, this "cure" taken by a healthy person induced the exact same symptoms manifested by the person suffering from malaria. Hahnemann then created one of the cornerstones of Homeopathy, similima similibus curentur, Latin for "let likes cure likes". Simply stated: A substance that produces symptoms in a healthy person can cure a unwell person with those same symptoms.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Natural Cures for Acid Reflux AKA Heartburn
Simple changes in your everyday habits can have a tremendous impact on natural heartburn relief. Understanding the cause of heartburn will allow you to understand how simple heartburn relief can be.
Heartburn No More! Cure acid reflux end your digestive problems and regain your natural inner balance ... Guaranteed! Before you select heartburn remedy you first need to find out what is causing this problem. Different causes need different remedies find out how to make sure to choose natural heartburn remedy right for you.
Acid reflux is a serious medical condition which if left untreated can lead to esophageal cancer. It can be treated with anti acids and diets or with natural cure for acid reflux. Natural remedies usually consists of several different methods like combination of proper diet and herbal products.
If you belch or have burning in your stomach or chest particularly when your stomach is empty you have either an infection a tumor or a condition called GERD. At least 24 different bacteria have been shown to cause stomach ulcers. All people with belching and burning in the stomach should be given the one-week course of antibiotics that is used to treat the most common cause of stomach ulcers called Helicobacter Pylori.
Heartburn No More! Cure acid reflux end your digestive problems and regain your natural inner balance ... Guaranteed! Before you select heartburn remedy you first need to find out what is causing this problem. Different causes need different remedies find out how to make sure to choose natural heartburn remedy right for you.
Acid reflux is a serious medical condition which if left untreated can lead to esophageal cancer. It can be treated with anti acids and diets or with natural cure for acid reflux. Natural remedies usually consists of several different methods like combination of proper diet and herbal products.
If you belch or have burning in your stomach or chest particularly when your stomach is empty you have either an infection a tumor or a condition called GERD. At least 24 different bacteria have been shown to cause stomach ulcers. All people with belching and burning in the stomach should be given the one-week course of antibiotics that is used to treat the most common cause of stomach ulcers called Helicobacter Pylori.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Natural Treatments for Breast Cancer
Many women suffering from breast cancer are interested in learning more about natural treatment options. This type of treatment is often referred to in the medical field and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) treatment, and there are actually a number of different types of treatment options that fall under this category.
Understanding CAM
CAM is any type of medical practice, system, or product that is not considered to be the standard form of care. There are three areas of natural breast cancer treatment that fall under this category: Complementary Medicine, Alternative Medicine, and Integrative Medicine.
Complementary medicines are those that are used along with standard medical treatments like chemotherapy and surgery. A common complementary treatment is acupuncture, which is used to help with the side effects associated with cancer treatment. Alternative medicine, on the other hand, is a natural treatment approach that is used instead of standard medical treatments. Special diets to treat cancer, for example, may be used rather than chemotherapy. Integrative medicine takes care of your mind, body, and spirit by combining standard medicine techniques with CAM techniques.
Natural Breast Cancer Treatment Techniques Involving the Mind and Body
There are a number of treatment techniques you can utilize to help ease the pain and assist in the treatment process. Some of these techniques include:
Biofeedback - using machines to learn how to affect certain bodily functions you are normally not aware of, such as your heart rate.
Meditation - focusing breathing or repeating words or phrases in order to calm your mind.
Yoga - using special stretches and poses with special attention given to your breathing.
Hypnosis - creating a state of relaxed and focused attention and concentrating on certain ideas, feelings, or suggestions to assist in the healing process.
Creative Outlets - special therapy such as dance, music, and art.
Imagery - imagining certain pictures, scenes, or experiences in order to help the body heal.
Understanding CAM
CAM is any type of medical practice, system, or product that is not considered to be the standard form of care. There are three areas of natural breast cancer treatment that fall under this category: Complementary Medicine, Alternative Medicine, and Integrative Medicine.
Complementary medicines are those that are used along with standard medical treatments like chemotherapy and surgery. A common complementary treatment is acupuncture, which is used to help with the side effects associated with cancer treatment. Alternative medicine, on the other hand, is a natural treatment approach that is used instead of standard medical treatments. Special diets to treat cancer, for example, may be used rather than chemotherapy. Integrative medicine takes care of your mind, body, and spirit by combining standard medicine techniques with CAM techniques.
Natural Breast Cancer Treatment Techniques Involving the Mind and Body
There are a number of treatment techniques you can utilize to help ease the pain and assist in the treatment process. Some of these techniques include:
Biofeedback - using machines to learn how to affect certain bodily functions you are normally not aware of, such as your heart rate.
Meditation - focusing breathing or repeating words or phrases in order to calm your mind.
Yoga - using special stretches and poses with special attention given to your breathing.
Hypnosis - creating a state of relaxed and focused attention and concentrating on certain ideas, feelings, or suggestions to assist in the healing process.
Creative Outlets - special therapy such as dance, music, and art.
Imagery - imagining certain pictures, scenes, or experiences in order to help the body heal.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Does Fasting Work?
Fasting is one of the widely used therapeutic procedures that help in complete detoxification of the body. The body will be purified due to fasting. The duration of the fast depends on the nature of disease, and amount and variety of drugs used and the important one is the age of the patient. Fasting must be done under the guidance of a natural therapist and correct mode of living and a balanced diet after the fasting for a week or so will make a person to get vitality and vigor and regeneration of tissues or the body.
Fasting is advised in stomach diseases, intestinal diseases, kidney diseases, lever diseases and skin diseases. It should not be done in diabetes, tuberculosis, extreme neaurasthenia. Fasting for a long time in these diseases will be not at all good.
The best and the most effective fasting is juice therapy. Fasting will make the body burn and excretes large quantity of accumulated wastes; elimination of inorganic acid and uric acid will be done. Fruit juices will promote strength in the heart muscle. So it is safe therapy. Vitamins, enzymes minerals and trace elements present in fruit juices and vegetables juices will be beneficial to body. Before or during the fasting enema is resorted to eliminate the morbid materials or toxins from the body. Fruit juices every two hours along with lukewarm water must be given for a week. The total fruit juice per day would be 5 to 10 glasses. The complete bed rest mental and physical is essential for the patient, as he will become week after expulsion and excretion of toxins from the body.
Fasting is advised in stomach diseases, intestinal diseases, kidney diseases, lever diseases and skin diseases. It should not be done in diabetes, tuberculosis, extreme neaurasthenia. Fasting for a long time in these diseases will be not at all good.
The best and the most effective fasting is juice therapy. Fasting will make the body burn and excretes large quantity of accumulated wastes; elimination of inorganic acid and uric acid will be done. Fruit juices will promote strength in the heart muscle. So it is safe therapy. Vitamins, enzymes minerals and trace elements present in fruit juices and vegetables juices will be beneficial to body. Before or during the fasting enema is resorted to eliminate the morbid materials or toxins from the body. Fruit juices every two hours along with lukewarm water must be given for a week. The total fruit juice per day would be 5 to 10 glasses. The complete bed rest mental and physical is essential for the patient, as he will become week after expulsion and excretion of toxins from the body.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Help Cure Your Fatigue
Fatigue Symptoms
Fatigue symptoms can be accompanied by or manifest in a range of other physical and emotional complaints. These include:
* Constant tiredness or sleepiness
* Lack of energy
* Desire to sleep more
* Headaches
* Aching muscles or joints
* Muscle weakness
* Slower reflexes and responses rates
* Indecision and poor judgment
* Low mood, irritability or depression
* Changes in appetite
* Lowered immune system functioning
* Problems with short term memory
* Attention difficulties and poor concentration
* Poor motivation
Help for Fatigue
Fatigue will be treated according to the underlying cause. In some cases, simply adjusting your life-style to include appropriate dietary, exercise and sleep needs will be enough to combat fatigue. In other cases where medical causes are at play, treating the medical illness is the first plan of action.
Natural herbal and homeopathic remedies can be a great help when trying to combat fatigue. Certain herbs are known for their tonic effect on systemic functioning as well as their ability to increase strength and endurance, while energizing both mind and body.
Herbs such as Siberian Ginseng, Olea europea (extract of olive leaf) and Centella asiatica are commonly used to fight fatigue and boost energy without negative side effects - like those possible with pharmaceutical or dietary stimulants.
These herbal ingredients can be taken to naturally assist overall systemic functioning, help to balance all body systems naturally and are often taken by athletes, those recovering from illness or those that need the extra boost to help manage a busy life-style.
Fatigue symptoms can be accompanied by or manifest in a range of other physical and emotional complaints. These include:
* Constant tiredness or sleepiness
* Lack of energy
* Desire to sleep more
* Headaches
* Aching muscles or joints
* Muscle weakness
* Slower reflexes and responses rates
* Indecision and poor judgment
* Low mood, irritability or depression
* Changes in appetite
* Lowered immune system functioning
* Problems with short term memory
* Attention difficulties and poor concentration
* Poor motivation
Help for Fatigue
Fatigue will be treated according to the underlying cause. In some cases, simply adjusting your life-style to include appropriate dietary, exercise and sleep needs will be enough to combat fatigue. In other cases where medical causes are at play, treating the medical illness is the first plan of action.
Natural herbal and homeopathic remedies can be a great help when trying to combat fatigue. Certain herbs are known for their tonic effect on systemic functioning as well as their ability to increase strength and endurance, while energizing both mind and body.
Herbs such as Siberian Ginseng, Olea europea (extract of olive leaf) and Centella asiatica are commonly used to fight fatigue and boost energy without negative side effects - like those possible with pharmaceutical or dietary stimulants.
These herbal ingredients can be taken to naturally assist overall systemic functioning, help to balance all body systems naturally and are often taken by athletes, those recovering from illness or those that need the extra boost to help manage a busy life-style.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Fighting Fatigue
What is Fatigue?
Fatigue is a symptom rather than a specific illness or disorder. While it is common to have the occasional day where you feel tired and less energetic than usual, people suffering with fatigue feel tired and lethargic all the time and seem to lack energy.
Affecting both body and mind, long periods of fatigue can seriously impair your daily functioning and make even the simplest of life’s responsibilities difficult to cope with. Both physical and mental fatigue are the first signs that the body is being damaged and placed under unhealthy stress.
While many cases of fatigue can be rectified by changes in nutrition, environment, stress levels or sleep patterns, it may also be a symptom of a more serious problem. Because it is such a common complaint, it is often overlooked and relatively few people seek medical advice or take the necessary steps to changing an unhealthy lifestyle.
If you have been suffering with chronic fatigue it is important to examine your life-style and take action. If your fatigue continues, a medical evaluation is recommended.
Is Fatigue a Serious Problem?
If fatigue becomes an ongoing problem it is important to address it. The first step is to take a look at life-style factors that may be contributing to your feelings of fatigue.
If however the fatigue continues or you feel that you don’t have the energy to address life-style problems, it is advisable to seek medical advice to rule out any serious conditions and explore treatment options.
It is especially important to call your general health practitioner if you present with other symptoms.
Fatigue is a symptom rather than a specific illness or disorder. While it is common to have the occasional day where you feel tired and less energetic than usual, people suffering with fatigue feel tired and lethargic all the time and seem to lack energy.
Affecting both body and mind, long periods of fatigue can seriously impair your daily functioning and make even the simplest of life’s responsibilities difficult to cope with. Both physical and mental fatigue are the first signs that the body is being damaged and placed under unhealthy stress.
While many cases of fatigue can be rectified by changes in nutrition, environment, stress levels or sleep patterns, it may also be a symptom of a more serious problem. Because it is such a common complaint, it is often overlooked and relatively few people seek medical advice or take the necessary steps to changing an unhealthy lifestyle.
If you have been suffering with chronic fatigue it is important to examine your life-style and take action. If your fatigue continues, a medical evaluation is recommended.
Is Fatigue a Serious Problem?
If fatigue becomes an ongoing problem it is important to address it. The first step is to take a look at life-style factors that may be contributing to your feelings of fatigue.
If however the fatigue continues or you feel that you don’t have the energy to address life-style problems, it is advisable to seek medical advice to rule out any serious conditions and explore treatment options.
It is especially important to call your general health practitioner if you present with other symptoms.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
The Medical Application of Aromatherapy
Really, the medical, therapeutic applications of essential oils (repeat: aroma-therapy!) are making huge advances in acceptance in the scientific community -- among the labs and scientists that do independent and educationally funded research. Important studies are released every month showing the strong efficacy of certain essential oils in treating serious bacterial infections. Try a Pub Med search on 'staphylococcus' and 'essential oil' or 'tea tree', or 'mrsa' and 'essential oil'. You'll find pages of results. The big test will be whether these result in protocols for medical use. The most important factor in this may be how much we all demand that natural 'alternatives' are available in the main-stream, as the profit-driven conventional medical system is just not designed to utilize very low cost natural treatments.
There's a huge body of data affirming the strong anti-tumorial effects of essential oils. Linalool has been shown to completely destroy certain liver cancers. Frankincense has other powerful anticancer action -- cellular toxicity that's specific to tumors! (One of the great challenges of chemotherapy is killing the cancer cells without killing the rest of the human). Lemongrass too has "promising anticancer activity". Search for yourself and you'll find more pages than you can get through any time soon.
While its easy to snub aromatherapy as New-Agey and soft, it's so much more helpful to really know the score. We're talking about medicines with huge curative potentials, and limited side effects. And they smell good -- how many medicines have THAT going for them? Now it the time to change the miss-perception of natural medicine in general, and the therapeutic use of essential oils in particular. Educate yourself on the valuable research being performed. Use the term 'aroma-medicine' instead. Clarify that aromatherapy is really the therapeutic use of medicinal plant extracts, and while some folks appreciate the smell, that's just the surface of the entire branch of this healing modality. A little noise from us can change the way the graciously uninformed think about the healing potential of these wonderful oils.
There's a huge body of data affirming the strong anti-tumorial effects of essential oils. Linalool has been shown to completely destroy certain liver cancers. Frankincense has other powerful anticancer action -- cellular toxicity that's specific to tumors! (One of the great challenges of chemotherapy is killing the cancer cells without killing the rest of the human). Lemongrass too has "promising anticancer activity". Search for yourself and you'll find more pages than you can get through any time soon.
While its easy to snub aromatherapy as New-Agey and soft, it's so much more helpful to really know the score. We're talking about medicines with huge curative potentials, and limited side effects. And they smell good -- how many medicines have THAT going for them? Now it the time to change the miss-perception of natural medicine in general, and the therapeutic use of essential oils in particular. Educate yourself on the valuable research being performed. Use the term 'aroma-medicine' instead. Clarify that aromatherapy is really the therapeutic use of medicinal plant extracts, and while some folks appreciate the smell, that's just the surface of the entire branch of this healing modality. A little noise from us can change the way the graciously uninformed think about the healing potential of these wonderful oils.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The Science Behind Aromatherapy
The image problem of aromatherapy has everything to do with the prevailing idea that the practice is all about 'smelling things', whereas the science really about 'things that smell'. Smelling things is very subjective, and may have little medical effect at all (though we'll see that it MAY as well). Aromatherapy is defined as the complete practice of the branch of natural medicine using the volatile liquids distilled from plants. Authors of the hard-science aromatherapy texts available today, professionally-trained aromatherapists (one with a PhD in Chemistry) note that the future of aroma medicine is with the treatment of serious infectious illnesses and cancer treatment. You don't even have to smell them for them to work! Other effects of essential oils also being successfully investigated include speeding wound healing, reducing inflammation, and acting as analgesics.
You can read these research abstracts yourself by Googling 'Pub Med', and searching for 'essential oil' and things like 'cancer' or 'staphylococcus' or 'axiolytic'. You'll find a few studies too that were inconclusive, like inhalation of a certain oil did not change the immune system stress marker researchers use. But there's also another showing that EVERY OTHER marker of stress WAS changed. It may be the study chose the right oil, or the study population was better treated with the selected oil in some studies and not in others (one showed a stress reduction in women from lavender essential oil, but not in men). You'll find a full page of results showing a statistically significant effect on stress from lavender and linalool. Try other combinations of pharmaceutical preparations and see if there are more significant results than that!
You can read these research abstracts yourself by Googling 'Pub Med', and searching for 'essential oil' and things like 'cancer' or 'staphylococcus' or 'axiolytic'. You'll find a few studies too that were inconclusive, like inhalation of a certain oil did not change the immune system stress marker researchers use. But there's also another showing that EVERY OTHER marker of stress WAS changed. It may be the study chose the right oil, or the study population was better treated with the selected oil in some studies and not in others (one showed a stress reduction in women from lavender essential oil, but not in men). You'll find a full page of results showing a statistically significant effect on stress from lavender and linalool. Try other combinations of pharmaceutical preparations and see if there are more significant results than that!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Essential Oils for Medicine
Searching for the term 'Aromatherapy' brings up several pages claiming aromatherapy is a fraud of some sort. That essential oil manufacturers and retailers are making 'dubious' claims of the efficacy of essential oils. These folks don't seem to have done their homework, or compared the validity of scientific inquiry to that produced by conventional medicine, which in fact could easily be claimed as 'dubious' using the same criteria. Ok, well actually there are no criteria used, just a few blurbs that present aromatherapy as a soft science, on that should be neglected along with everything else that's every been found under the heading of 'new age'.
How about we'll start be agreeing on this: That SOME of aromatherapy is in-fact a 'soft science'? That SOME people may feel more relaxed when inhaling Lavender, for example, and some will not? Aromatherapists will not disagree on this point -- they will however put up a defense when the medical applications of essential oils are thrown out with the soft side of 'aroma' therapy. Science IS BACKING UP many of aromatherapy's claims with valid data, even on the 'soft-science' of the practice.
How about we'll start be agreeing on this: That SOME of aromatherapy is in-fact a 'soft science'? That SOME people may feel more relaxed when inhaling Lavender, for example, and some will not? Aromatherapists will not disagree on this point -- they will however put up a defense when the medical applications of essential oils are thrown out with the soft side of 'aroma' therapy. Science IS BACKING UP many of aromatherapy's claims with valid data, even on the 'soft-science' of the practice.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Give Holistic Medicine a Try
It is important to know what you're getting yourself into when you decide to purchase any form of medicine. Whether it is produced by a giant pharmaceutical manufacturer such as Merck or Pfizer, or obtained from your local Chinese herb shop, being in the know is what is best for you. In this day and age of the internet, lack of information is not an acceptable attitude.
If you take any medicine too often or for the wrong ailment, you could be putting your health in jeopardy; however, there are some natural medicines that are considerably less risky. It is a well known fact that a person should visit their doctor on a bi-yearly basis if they are taking a number of prescription medicines. The reason for this is that the normal doctor, busy as they are, does not generally take the time to review each medication you are taking at your timer of regular visit. Perhaps you are going in for treatment of the complaint of gout, for example, and your doctor treats you for this ailment at that time. But the doctor, usually distracted and in a hurry, does not review your current list of meds to determine that what he prescribes you for gout may interact with the medication that he has you on arthritis or rheumatism. It is the patient's responsibility to discuss these concerns with the doctor at time of visit.
Natural health medicine has been documented to have less or no side effects when compared to its chemical counterparts. That is because natural health medicine is generally made with products taken out of nature without being refined. They have generally been used for decades by different cultures, with little or no side effect. The medicine is made out of natural ingredients that will work in conjunction with the body, whereas their refined counterparts might have an adverse affect. One must also consider too that the compounds and inert substances used to bind prescription drugs may cause an interaction in the system. At the very least, the body cannot process naturally these agents.
If you take any medicine too often or for the wrong ailment, you could be putting your health in jeopardy; however, there are some natural medicines that are considerably less risky. It is a well known fact that a person should visit their doctor on a bi-yearly basis if they are taking a number of prescription medicines. The reason for this is that the normal doctor, busy as they are, does not generally take the time to review each medication you are taking at your timer of regular visit. Perhaps you are going in for treatment of the complaint of gout, for example, and your doctor treats you for this ailment at that time. But the doctor, usually distracted and in a hurry, does not review your current list of meds to determine that what he prescribes you for gout may interact with the medication that he has you on arthritis or rheumatism. It is the patient's responsibility to discuss these concerns with the doctor at time of visit.
Natural health medicine has been documented to have less or no side effects when compared to its chemical counterparts. That is because natural health medicine is generally made with products taken out of nature without being refined. They have generally been used for decades by different cultures, with little or no side effect. The medicine is made out of natural ingredients that will work in conjunction with the body, whereas their refined counterparts might have an adverse affect. One must also consider too that the compounds and inert substances used to bind prescription drugs may cause an interaction in the system. At the very least, the body cannot process naturally these agents.
Monday, September 20, 2010
How We See Alternative Medicine Today
It is interesting to observe that more and more people are now accepting alternative medicine after having tried out traditional forms unsuccessfully. In fact, a recent survey concluded that as many as 36% of people in the United States relied on alternative medicine alone. But still, there are many doctors in the United States that are totally against using alternative medicine as a mode of treatment. Here again, the researches conclude otherwise! According to these researches, the alternative medicine does include different varieties of compounds in them and all of them have benefits associated with it. If at all you come across doctors that believe in these theories you will do well to contact someone else.
The major challenge confronting people who opt for alternative medicine is that they will not come across doctors with accredited degree pertaining to it. But there is also no denying the fact that most of the colleges across the United States these days are offering degrees in ayurveda, unani, homeopathy, naturopathy and acupuncture. The phenomenal increase in the demand for treatments related to alternative medicine is a very good indicator that this industry is indeed growing healthily. People no longer have to suffer with illnesses and pain as most of modern day pharmacy does not have magic to relieve them from it.
The major challenge confronting people who opt for alternative medicine is that they will not come across doctors with accredited degree pertaining to it. But there is also no denying the fact that most of the colleges across the United States these days are offering degrees in ayurveda, unani, homeopathy, naturopathy and acupuncture. The phenomenal increase in the demand for treatments related to alternative medicine is a very good indicator that this industry is indeed growing healthily. People no longer have to suffer with illnesses and pain as most of modern day pharmacy does not have magic to relieve them from it.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Fight the Flu...Naturally!
More and more people today are looking for a natural flu treatment as an alternative to traditional flu medicine, especially in light of recently revealed dangers to some age groups from the over-the-counter preparations. While we may wish it, there is no natural cure for the flu, at least not today. Happily, there are several natural ways to treat the flu, should you come down with it.
A fever is the immune system's way of trying to kill off the virus by creating a hotter than normal environment. Fever also forces the proteins that kill germs to move faster through your blood, and makes them more effective at the same time. It is tough to endure, but will be worth the wait. Coughing is another sign that your immune system is trying to conquer the virus. By coughing, you are helping to clear the breathing passages and your lungs of the thick mucus that helps carry the virus throughout your body.
There is a natural flu treatment to help get rid of that congestion your body is already trying to fight off. When you use an over the counter flu medicine such, you are actually restricting the blood flow to vessels in your nose and throat, even though you really need more blood flow to warm that area and force the germs out. Instead, a natural remedy for congestion is to drink more water. When you are having breathing trouble, you need to keep hydrated, and the more you drink, the more the mucus will be affected. Once the mucus has taken in too much water, it can no longer hold its form, and it and the germs it carries will be forced out of the body through the nose.
A fever is the immune system's way of trying to kill off the virus by creating a hotter than normal environment. Fever also forces the proteins that kill germs to move faster through your blood, and makes them more effective at the same time. It is tough to endure, but will be worth the wait. Coughing is another sign that your immune system is trying to conquer the virus. By coughing, you are helping to clear the breathing passages and your lungs of the thick mucus that helps carry the virus throughout your body.
There is a natural flu treatment to help get rid of that congestion your body is already trying to fight off. When you use an over the counter flu medicine such, you are actually restricting the blood flow to vessels in your nose and throat, even though you really need more blood flow to warm that area and force the germs out. Instead, a natural remedy for congestion is to drink more water. When you are having breathing trouble, you need to keep hydrated, and the more you drink, the more the mucus will be affected. Once the mucus has taken in too much water, it can no longer hold its form, and it and the germs it carries will be forced out of the body through the nose.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Alternative vs. Traditional Medicine
There is a lot of difference between Alternative medicine and traditional medicine. And it is important for each one of us to understand these differences at large. In a layman terminology, alternative medicine can also be referred to as non-western or unconventional medicine. This form of medicine, in fact, does not follow the methodology of traditional medicine and hence is unique in its own way. According to NLM, United States, the therapeutic practices falling under alternative medicine does not fall under alternative medical practices.
Therapies like dieting, acupuncture, and yoga fall under alternative medicine. When these therapies are used along side conventional treatments they are referred to as complementary. However, if these therapies are used in place of conventional treatments, they are called as alternative treatments. It was only in the year 1995 that the exact description and definition of complementary medicine and alternative medicine was coined. According to this definition, the complementary and alternative medicine can be termed as resources that include different aspects of health practices and systems and that is so different from prevailing health systems in the current culture or society.
Therapies like herbal medicine, ayurveda, homeopathy, folk medicine, diet practices, music therapy and others come under complementary or alternative medicine. People tend to rely on the medicinal forms when their attempt with allopathic medicine fails completely. If the efficacies of individual therapies that are included under alternative medicine are proved they will be included under tradition medicine. A classical example for this would be chiropractors. Not so long ago, it was discarded by insurance companies as ineffective and alternative form of treatment. But after it was proved to be an important and effective mode of treatment, it is now being considered as an integral part of treatment.
Therapies like dieting, acupuncture, and yoga fall under alternative medicine. When these therapies are used along side conventional treatments they are referred to as complementary. However, if these therapies are used in place of conventional treatments, they are called as alternative treatments. It was only in the year 1995 that the exact description and definition of complementary medicine and alternative medicine was coined. According to this definition, the complementary and alternative medicine can be termed as resources that include different aspects of health practices and systems and that is so different from prevailing health systems in the current culture or society.
Therapies like herbal medicine, ayurveda, homeopathy, folk medicine, diet practices, music therapy and others come under complementary or alternative medicine. People tend to rely on the medicinal forms when their attempt with allopathic medicine fails completely. If the efficacies of individual therapies that are included under alternative medicine are proved they will be included under tradition medicine. A classical example for this would be chiropractors. Not so long ago, it was discarded by insurance companies as ineffective and alternative form of treatment. But after it was proved to be an important and effective mode of treatment, it is now being considered as an integral part of treatment.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Prescription vs Alternative Medicine
There are a large number of people who simply would like to avoid harsh chemical substances. For the people who do not feel very comfortable with these chemical products, there are numerous remedies in various disciplines of alternative medicine. These remedies are certainly not less effective if not more. They have other advantages as well!
First of all I would like to count their gentle action. That may appear to be a disadvantage to some people because gentle action may be inferred as slow, but gradual changes in the body systems are always better tolerated and have a more lasting effect. Then the natural remedies have a far less potential of side effects. There is either no side effect at all, or if there are any, they are also slow to appear and can hence be detected at an earlier stage without significant discomfort or damage.
Herbal and natural remedies in general, are a far cheaper option than the prescription medicine. They are simple to prepare and you hardly ever need the highly expensive professional supervision for their use. One may ask the very pertinent question then; "why the alternative
medicines are so much less in use". The answer is simple. The herbal and natural products have to be licensed by drug regulating authorities before marketing if they are to appear in the competitive market of medicine. That involves a lot of money. Humongous amounts need to be spent on pre-launch researches and the like. The industry of alternative medicine simply does not have that big money! Then there are no laws to grant patents for these products to assure the recovery of your investments.
First of all I would like to count their gentle action. That may appear to be a disadvantage to some people because gentle action may be inferred as slow, but gradual changes in the body systems are always better tolerated and have a more lasting effect. Then the natural remedies have a far less potential of side effects. There is either no side effect at all, or if there are any, they are also slow to appear and can hence be detected at an earlier stage without significant discomfort or damage.
Herbal and natural remedies in general, are a far cheaper option than the prescription medicine. They are simple to prepare and you hardly ever need the highly expensive professional supervision for their use. One may ask the very pertinent question then; "why the alternative
medicines are so much less in use". The answer is simple. The herbal and natural products have to be licensed by drug regulating authorities before marketing if they are to appear in the competitive market of medicine. That involves a lot of money. Humongous amounts need to be spent on pre-launch researches and the like. The industry of alternative medicine simply does not have that big money! Then there are no laws to grant patents for these products to assure the recovery of your investments.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Natural Medicine is In! Western Medicine is Out!
Have you ever tried a natural or herbal remedy to cure a condition or possibly for everyday usage? Some people think of herbal remedies are a ruse to lure people in and buy products. However now a days even medical doctors are realizing the benefits of natural herbal remedies. Herbs have been in use for over 5,000 years with several different cultures including Sumerian, Greek, Egyptian, Arabian, Roman, German, Swiss, and English.
The western culture has been using herbal medicine for thousands of years making herbalism one of the oldest forms of medicine. Additionally it is possibly one of the most widespread medicines with about 80% of the worlds population still using herbal medicine. Herbal medicine unlike conventional medicine is not only used for treatment of symptoms or conditions. Herbal medicine prevents diseases and illnesses, maintains proper daily body functioning and enhances mental attitude, appearance and performance. Herbal remedies can be used to help in areas such as digestion, respiratory, circulation, immune, endocrine, nervous system, detoxification, and externally for the skin, hair and nails. Herbal experimentation has been the basis for both Indian herbal medicine known as Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal medicine.
Chinese herbal medicine reflects Chinese belief that the universe is made up of energy called chi. Additionally human beings have an innate relationship with the world and environment surrounding them through chi; the human body is a small universe within itself made up of complex systems of energy and matter that works to maintain health of body and mind. Chinese herbal medicine is the primary therapeutic modality for internal medicine in China. This is used in conjunction with external modalities such as acupuncture, acupressure, massage, tai chi, meditation, dermabrasion and food therapy. With over 500 Chinese herbs, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) combines herbs to create specific formulas to fit the individual patient.
The western culture has been using herbal medicine for thousands of years making herbalism one of the oldest forms of medicine. Additionally it is possibly one of the most widespread medicines with about 80% of the worlds population still using herbal medicine. Herbal medicine unlike conventional medicine is not only used for treatment of symptoms or conditions. Herbal medicine prevents diseases and illnesses, maintains proper daily body functioning and enhances mental attitude, appearance and performance. Herbal remedies can be used to help in areas such as digestion, respiratory, circulation, immune, endocrine, nervous system, detoxification, and externally for the skin, hair and nails. Herbal experimentation has been the basis for both Indian herbal medicine known as Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal medicine.
Chinese herbal medicine reflects Chinese belief that the universe is made up of energy called chi. Additionally human beings have an innate relationship with the world and environment surrounding them through chi; the human body is a small universe within itself made up of complex systems of energy and matter that works to maintain health of body and mind. Chinese herbal medicine is the primary therapeutic modality for internal medicine in China. This is used in conjunction with external modalities such as acupuncture, acupressure, massage, tai chi, meditation, dermabrasion and food therapy. With over 500 Chinese herbs, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) combines herbs to create specific formulas to fit the individual patient.
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