Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas of the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips called "tender points." People with this syndrome may also experience sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and other symptoms. Available data suggest that the number of persons aged 18 and older in the United States with fibromyalgia is approximately 3.7 million. It primarily occurs in women of childbearing age, but children, the elderly, and men may also be affected.
Although the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, researchers have several theories about what triggers the disease. Some scientists believe that the syndrome may result from an injury or trauma. This injury may affect the central nervous system. Fibromyalgia may be associated with changes in muscle metabolism, such as decreased blood flow, causing fatigue and decreased strength. Others believe the syndrome may be triggered by an infectious agent such as a virus in susceptible people, but no such agent has been identified. 
Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms mimic those of other diseases. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has developed criteria for fibromyalgia that physicians can use in diagnosing the disease. According to ACR criteria, a person is considered to have fibromyalgia if he or she has widespread pain for at least 3 months in combination with tenderness in at least 11 of 18 specific tender point sites. 
Treatment of fibromyalgia requires a comprehensive approach. The physician, physical therapist, and others in the medical support system, as well as the patient, may all play an active role in the management of fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise, such as swimming and walking, improves muscle fitness and reduces muscle pain and tenderness. Heat and massage may also give short-term relief. Antidepressant medications may help elevate mood, improve quality of sleep, and relax muscles. People with fibromyalgia may benefit from a combination of exercise, medication, physical therapy, and relaxation.

The Art Of Reflexology Foot Massage

Reflexology foot massage is the art of touch therapy wherein pressure is applied to various areas in the feet.

It dates back to ancient times, as the Chinese have discovered that nerves in the feet are connected to various internal organs, and hence problems in these organs can be cured by applying pressure on the nerve endings.

Reflexology foot massage has then been recognized as a non-invasive and simple procedure that allows stimulation to internal organs.
There is a chart that is followed by all therapists and practitioners of reflexology foot massage, which indicates which organs of the body, are connected to different areas in the foot.
If extreme pain or discomfort is felt when pressure is applied to areas on the foot, it helps the therapist determine the cause of the problem even if there are no other symptoms that present itself. It is recommended for anyone, from children to seniors, as a safe, holistic method of treatment.
Reflexology foot massage is widely known for its effectiveness. Here are some of its numerous benefits:
It brings about equilibrium and achieves a state of homeostasis for the body, wherein all systems are functioning properly and effectively.
Reflexology is helpful in curing a number of problems, such as headaches, fatigue, sleep disorders, appetite problems, asthma, digestive problems, sinusitis, and constipation.
Overall improved blood circulation, which also brings about strengthened immune system as it allows free flow of the lymph fluids throughout the body.
Relieves pain and stiffness brought about by sports injuries, exercise, or improper posture.
Patients will feel a heightened sense of relaxation and well-being emotionally and mentally as a result of reflexology foot massage.
You will be able to eliminate toxins in your system after a massage, and drinking water after your session will be a great help in doing so.
One of the best things about reflexology foot massage is that it has no side effects. However, some precautions should be taken in certain cases:
The massage should only be done after at least one hour following a meal.
Pregnant women, those menstruating, and those who are experiencing internal bleeding are advised not to do reflexology foot massage.
Within one hour of the reflexology foot massage session, it is not recommended to wet your feet with cold water as this will result in tightening of pores and compacting of the muscles to keep the body warm.
You can also enjoy the benefits of reflexology foot massage regularly even if you are not experiencing any pain or physical discomfort you want to cure.
Many patients do it as they enjoy the feeling of relaxation after each session, and because it also promotes overall well-being and healthy circulation.
In fact, doing so regularly will greatly contribute to your internal and mental health, because it ensures that your internal systems are healthy. Reflexology foot massage is one of the best ways you can take care of yourself today.

Alternative Remedies For Anxiety

The Mayo Clinic is a source of very reliable, scientific study based information about mainstream medicine; and in a recent article, they have highlighted information about alternative remedies / supplements for treating anxiety.
Although it is not fully understood how these herbal supplements work to reduce feelings of anxiety and also side effects and varying degrees of efficacy on different people, the following supplements are seen to relieve symptoms of anxiety:

Kava: This herb is known to aid feelings of relaxation without sedation or engendering feelings of drowsiness. Those with liver problems should use this supplement will caution however, or if you drink alcohol each day or if you are on certain medications that impact the liver.

Valerian: This supplement is known to aid sleep and have a sedative effect. It is also used to treat anxiety though its efficacy in this respect is not fully established.

B Vitamins: B vitamins are essential for a number of bodily processes, and in particular the B vitamin inositol, is known to impact the production of certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) and thereby help in curbing feelings of anxiety.

All supplements should be cleared with a doctor and one should make sure that they are safe and won’t cause any reaction with other medications.

Ideas For Natural Air Fresheners

In a bid to rid our homes of unnecessary chemicals, we could well be making use of natural produce such as baking soda and vinegar for cleaning.
Another thing you can do to pare down the use of artificial products and chemicals in your home is to make use of Natural Air Fresheners: this obviates the need to get those pressurized cans into the house, which release harmful CFCs and create unnecessary waste.
You can make your own natural air fresheners using Essential Oils right at home that can help to spread wonderful natural fragrances, improve the mood, deodorize the home (think bathrooms and closets); and also in some cases provide allergic relief.
Essential oils such as eucalyptus, lavender, geranium, mint, sandalwood, citronella, and frankincense are good choices for making your own natural air freshener.
You can use these in two simple ways to make your house smell fresh and fragrant:
Use a diffuser. You can use one that uses a candle to heat the water in which the essential oils have been mixed or you can use an electric diffuser.
Mix the essential oils with water (preferably distilled) in a spray bottle and use as and where required around the house.

Alternative Pain Relief for Children

A child in pain is difficult for any parent to bear; and there is the temptation to make that pain go away by whatever means available.
However the recent massive recall of children’s pain medications can make anyone doubt the safety of mainstream pharmaceutical formulations.
However it is only natural that many of the alternative therapies that adults choose for pain management and relief may be viewed with some concern when it comes to children.
For instance is it safe for children to be subjected to complementary therapies such as acupuncture and hypnosis?
Integrative therapy does show that it is possible to safely offer certain alternative therapies to children as well. The following alternative therapies for pain relief in children could be considered:
Biofeedback
Guided Imagery
Hypnosis
Massage
Art Therapy

These can be used by themselves or in conjunction with conventional medications as many integrative medicine practitioners prescribe.
It has also been seen that the children themselves may be more amenable to alternative therapies than we may think. Teens in particular have displayed more interest in these therapies and have shown themselves as being more open to trying something new.
Children with conditions such as chronic headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, neck and back problems, fibromyalgia, tooth pain, sickle cell anemia, inflammatory bowel disease and even cancer can receive benefit.

Naturopathic Medicine – The Natural Way To Treat Ailments

Naturopathic medicine is an alternative approach to treating different ailments in the body. Just as same as with the conventional medicinal methods, the naturopathic medicine still includes the processes of diagnosis, treatment and therapies.
Furthermore, this kind of medicine also has a set of different preventive methods which people can exercise to protect themselves from future illnesses.
Basically, when you consult with a naturopathic doctor, you will not be only briefed about your health condition and how it can affect your body, but also you will be able to learn about the different methods that you can opt for in order to treat your illness or further save yourself from one.
Process of naturopathic medicine

The same with other types of medicine, the goal of naturopathic medicine is to suppress the symptoms of a patient’s illness and successfully eliminate its causes.
When a person is being diagnosed, his body is treated as one which can be broken down into components such as the physical, mental, emotional and psychological sides. Moreover, naturopathic medicine also includes factors like genetics, environment and social aspects.
After understanding the condition, the doctor can develop a treatment for it. This means that for every patient, there is a different and unique way of treating him or her. Individual differences are being considered in this form of medicine.
Common types of naturopathic medicine

There are different therapies which are included under the naturopathic medicine and the most common of them are the clinical nutrition, traditional Chinese medicine and Acupuncture treatment.
Clinical nutrition revolves around the idea that whatever a patient is undergoing through is caused by his or her nutrition. In this type of naturopathic medicine, the doctor will then try to diagnose the relationship between his or her diet and health. The doctor can suggest treatment plans and nutritional supplements which the patient can take in order to help him regain his health and eliminate the sickness. These supplements include natural ingredients such as vitamins, minerals and enzymes.
The second type of naturopathic medicine is the traditional Chinese medicine which revolves around the presence of energy within the body to keep it healthy. It stimulates the flow of energy within the body to help it regain its fullness.
The Acupuncture therapy is a well-known type of naturopathic medicine that eliminates pain from the body. The process of acupuncture makes use of tiny needles to be inserted on the body’s surface in order to reduce the pain the person may be feeling. This type of naturopathic medicine may seem as an ancient way of healing, however, it has proven to be very effective for its patients as long as the practitioner is a qualified one.

Alternative Aids To Combat ADHD

We are reminded here of the reasons why alternative therapies for a number of health issues including ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) have been gaining in popularity.
The fact is that even conventional therapies for ADHD are rather hit and miss since health care professionals will themselves admit that the right dosage strength is often a trial and error process.
Research has been able to demonstrate that multiple therapies employed to check ADHD may be more effective than using one or the other.
For instance homeopathic medication for ADHD has often been seen to be a welcome and effective adjunct or even alternative to conventional therapy. This, in particular is true when prescription medications such as Ritalin and Vyvanse have been seen not to work very well.
Not just homeopathy, but other healthful practices such as these below could also help in calming a person down, reducing stress and helping them slow down and attain tranquility:
Nutritional therapy that uses high levels of protein and whole grains to prevent spiking of blood sugar levels can help.
Yoga, meditation and controlled breathing techniques may consciously calm a person and make them more tranquil.
Chiropractic care, acupressure and acupuncture are also seen as being helpful.

What Is Yoga Chi-Gung And Its Principles?

Yoga Chi Gung is, in a sense a product of our times. Drawing from ancient disciplines, this holistic system for good health is able to integrate two diverse systems that grew in complete isolation from each other and brings them together for the edification of today’s practitioners.
Yoga as the modern world knows it is a system of asanas (or positions) and exercises that include meditation techniques to achieve wellness of body and mind, whereas Chi Gung or Qigong as it is also known is known to be a Chinese meditative practice that employs gracefully slow movements and breathing techniques to improve the circulation of Chi or Qi in the body.
Yoga Chi Gung also draws from other wellness systems or disciplines such as Awareness through Movement, Pilates and the Alexander Technique to assist in overall self development. The main principles of Yoga Chi-Gung are:
Using principles of biomechanics, the body is sought to be stretched in the most natural way.
The accent is on extension without tension, and in challenging the body and mind without stressing it. The practice of the system should be according to the individual or person’s own abilities.
Joints such as knees, elbows and hips are soft.
The idea is to stretch only as much as 90% of a person’s capacity, so that there is some reserve at all times.
The important thing is breath awareness rather than breath control. Breathing should be done naturally but with full awareness of it.
It is important to concentrate and be aware of the center (Dantien, Nabi, Hara).
Intelligent sequencing or Vinyasa are used to build intensity of the movements while easing one into the prescribed postures rather than making hard or sudden movements.
The distribution of weight is such that there is a strong foundation of the postures.
The neck and face are to be in a relaxed position.
Since this system of wellness and good health is about working within one’s own abilities, it does not require past experience or learning or even any kind of exceptional flexibility to practice.
Yoga Chi Gung is said to benefit in a number of ways; by improving and enhancing chi as well as blood circulation with the body, by increasing the practitioners suppleness and strength, by improving one’s sense of balance and sense of being centered and increasing one’s range of motions and physical abilities.

Chakras Can Promote Healing

Chakras relate to a form of ancient belief that the body is also an energy portal.
This form of belief holds that a chakra is a place on the body which receives and processes life force energy that we need to survive.
Our bodies are constantly absorbing and using energy from all around us and knowing how to best take care of our chakras will give us a better way of using our bodies.
According to ancient texts, there are over 88,000 chakras in the body. While most of them are too small to be overwhelmingly significant, 40 of them are very powerful and important to the health of the body. When the body is ailing, fixing one of these chakras could help to solve the problem.
Problems arise when the energy of and through the chakra becomes blocked. Methods can be used to help free this energy, from reiki healing to yoga, meditation, and aromatherapy. Using this approach which encompasses the entire body can help to free the chakra and heal anyone suffering.
Everything from physical to mental ailments is connected to the chakras and figuring out which problem is relating to which chakra can be a major advance in healing the problem. After this, taking steps to unblock that chakra can be very healing.

Homeopathy Is No 1 Alternative To Doctors In Europe

While there are many who are frankly skeptical to not downright dismissive of homeopathy in the United States, the discipline appears to have rather more credibility in Europe and other parts of the world. Some of these figures are quite remarkable:
Studies have been able to demonstrate that people who seek homeopathic treatment tend to be considerably more educated than those who don’t.
75% of Europeans know about homeopathy and nearly 30% of the population use homeopathy as part of their own health care.
An estimated 100 million Europeans use homeopathy.
In France 16% of the population used homeopathy in 1982 which has grown to an amazing 62% in the year 2004.
In a pharmacist survey it was found in 2004, as many as 94% advised pregnant women to use homeopathy.
In India 100 million people use only homeopathy as their principle form of medication.
In India as many as 82% of homeopathy users will not choose to switch to conventional medications.
In Germany all medical school curriculum include information about natural medicines by government mandate.
10 % of german doctors specialize in homeopathic medications.

Source : Huffington Post

Eschew Conventional Therapies To Beat Breast Cancer

Many alternative therapists actually hold conventional therapy to be responsible to causing or at any rate exacerbating existing cancers.
Mammograms, which is a common mode of breast cancer detection and which traditional medicine prescribes should be taken periodically, is thought to actually contribute to the problem by alternative practitioners. There are several reasons for this:
Mammograms are performed using the same radiation techniques that x rays use; the same radiation that this thought to cause cancerous cells to grow in the first place.
Mammograms can sometimes yield false positive results; or show the presence of a potentially dangerous tumor that is later revealed by a biopsy not to be so. Unnecessary biopsies could be unnecessarily invasive and could also mean heightened levels of anxiety and stress which could again exacerbate the problem.
Aggressive forms of treatment may not alleviate the problem but rather cause greater pain and suffering.
The holistic view for avoiding breast cancer and keeping its possibility at bay, is to decrease and limit the risk factors which may be psychological, lifestyle related or due to certain medications.
For instance, certain hormone imbalances or one hormone found in excess could be to the detriment of the body and is thought to be responsible for certain cancers originating.
Synthetic hormones in the form of birth control pills and hormone replacement therapies could be examples of the kind of synthetic hormones that could be detrimental to health.
Medications themselves are often toxic to the system and many have so many side effects that they may actually be counterproductive in that more harm than good results from their use.
Lifestyle habits could sometimes be the reason for the cancers occurring. Obesity is known to increase risk as is the intake of certain food that has either been hormonally enhanced or genetically altered. Livestock is routinely treated with growth hormones that ultimately get passed on to the consumer.
Alternative therapists sometimes claim that the single most powerful weapon against breast cancer could be the psychological one.
Overcoming stress, or a long standing or deep-seated psychological trauma and coming to terms with it, may be a large part of combating a physically and mentally debilitating illness.
The very fear and apprehension associated with cancer and cancer sufferers is what can worsen the problem; conversely a positive outlook and self belief can counter it.

Medicinal Mushrooms – What Are Those?

When old bread grows fungus on it, many of us have laughingly said that a bit of penicillin isn’t going to harm us; and chopping off the offending portion we have proceeded to make toast and eat it! Now we hear a lot about medicinal mushrooms and their curative properties that can assist in a lot of different ailments.
Medicinal mushrooms are those mushrooms that are used for medical practice as, or in a number of different palliatives. While in traditional forms of medicine, different varieties of mushrooms have long held pride of place, medical researchers and ethnobotanists have now an increased interest it the curative properties of mushrooms.
In fact the properties that make mushrooms inhibit growth of certain tumors and enhance immunity have fascinated researchers for the past 50 years now.
Enoki, King Oyster mushrooms, and Shiitake are just some of the varieties of mushrooms that are said to have medicinal properties. Chaga mushrooms have long been used in places such as Russia for their therapeutic properties.
In fact it is thought that as many as 200 varieties of mushrooms could have their anti tumor properties, though their direct effect on humans is not fully understood particularly with regard to toxic aspects of certain mushrooms and the dosage in which they should be administered for optimum medical use.
What specific variety will cure what specific ailment is not yet established, however medicinal mushrooms and their possible use in pharmaceuticals is significant for the following reasons:
Apart from penicillin, research with fungi of different kinds has led to the development of pharmaceuticals such as cyclosporin, griseofulvin, cephalosporin, and ergometrine.
Statins, which are a class of drugs that lower cholesterol levels in people, were developed due to research that was done in the field of fungi and mushrooms. Lovastatin, which is one kind of drug from this group of statin drugs, is something that occurs naturally in Oyster mushrooms.
It is also known that mushrooms, when exposed to sunlight are able to produce significant amounts of Vitamin D.
Some types of mushrooms could possibly a source of taxol, which is a mitotic inhibitor used in cancer chemotherapy.
Certain compounds found in medicinal mushrooms are seen to improve the immune system.
Mushrooms have also been seen to help in the production of certain human hormones.
Certain mushrooms are also seen to have anti fungal, anti bacterial and anti viral properties.

The Humble Turmeric – A Miracle Spice

Something that is found routinely on Asian kitchen shelves and is increasingly now found in kitchens all over the world, is turmeric.
Long known and revered for its natural antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties, it is now increasing in popularity the world over both as a condiment as well as a medical aid.
If brides in many south Asian countries are routinely anointed with turmeric paste because it is said to make skin glow, and if it is commonly applied on minor cuts and grazes as a healing aid, this is not inconsistent with what scientists are increasingly discovering about turmeric.
Turmeric is well known for treating minor cuts and wounds since it is known to have antibacterial properties.
Since it is a natural antiseptic, among the less advanced societies, this is something that is widely used to treat minor ailments because of its efficacy as well as its ready availability.
Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory agent. One traditional remedy for a sore throat and cough is turmeric mixed with warm milk.
It may not taste great, but generations have sworn to efficacy of this in treating a bad throat due to the way that the turmeric acts to ease pain and reduce inflammation.
It is also used to ease gastrointestinal discomfort and is sometimes effectively seen to treat irritable bowel syndrome.
Turmeric is widely used in Ayurveda. Traditionally turmeric is an important ingredient in the Indian medical tradition of Ayurveda.
It is also used in a lot of cosmetics. Not only in traditional societies, but even modern, western societies are making use of turmeric for cosmetics.
And this is not just for things such as antiseptic creams, but also is used in making sunscreens because of antioxidant and skin lightening properties.
Modern medicine is exploring the use of turmeric in treating a variety of ailments. Curcumin, found in turmeric, which is principally responsible for turmeric’s restorative properties, is being experimented with in order to find possible curative uses for it.
Modern researchers are investigating the possibility of using turmeric and its medicinal properties to treat Alzheimer’s, arthritis and other biological disorders.
Trials have been conducted to see if turmeric has a beneficial effect on cancers of the pancreas, multiple myeloma, colorectal cancer etc.
One study even found that curcumin is able to destroy cells of esophageal cancer. Turmeric is seen to support nerve growth. It is also seen to be useful in treating snake bites.

Singing – The New Stroke Therapy

According to doctors of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, singing could just be the therapy that could help stroke patients communicate again.
We have long known the various benefits of music, including its stress relieving properties; now it would seem that music may provide stroke patients with a chance to start to communicate once again.
The patients who have full or partial speech impairment were made to form associations with melodies and certain words and phrases. Doctors at the hospital are of the view that music can be used to treat neurological disorders. It is an activity that is able to engage and activate several different regions of the brain. People experience music as a joyous activity.
In this unique new therapy, by having patients form associations between words and musical melodies, communication is enabled. Those who cannot speak, are able to express themselves through music.
Out of an estimated 750,000 and 800,000 cases of stoke per year in the United states, as many as 20,000 individuals suffer speech impairment or aphasia. So if this new therapy catches on, it has the potential to actually benefit a very large number of people.

What Is Goji Berry And What Are Its Health Benefits?

The Goji Berry, also known as the Wolfberry is said to be one of the most nutrient dense food available and is also said to have many curative and medicinal properties.
It is said that Chinese medicine has long relied on the Goji berry to cure a variety of ailments such as kidney, liver or eye diseases.
It is rich in Vitamin C and beta-carotene, also making it very useful for general health and wellbeing.
Available in a variety of forms such as dried berries, berry juice, or in the form of herbal tea, this is a popular diet supplement or even used as an ingredient in some dishes.
Goji Berry claims to have many benefits: It is said to have all kinds of benefits from helping you see better to protecting you from cancer, and even helping to recover from cancer.
It is also said to increase stamina and vitality while enhancing sexual prowess and reducing problems related to erectile dysfuntion. There also are claims that the toxic effects of chemotherapy and radiation can be ameliorated by the goji berry.
To this end, the goji berry in its various different forms has become very popular, and is to be found in a variety of products that are usually marketed through multilayered marketing strategies.
Are those claims accurate? When one looks around the internet to find out more about the goji berry, chances are you will be led to one or more of the sites that sell the various formulation of the berry.
Typically, you will also see rather tall sounding claims made: “I added 20 years to my life with the goji berry” “it is a gift of life” and so on. It is routinely referred to as a ‘super food’.
The various goji berry products, the juice in particular, are also fairly expensive. So do benefits actually justify the many rather embellished claims made about this berry?
Studies conducted have not managed to substantiate any of the really tall claims made by the marketers. Goji extracts may prevent the growth of cancer cells, reduce blood glucose, and lower cholesterol levels, in controlled experiments, however it does not follow that Goji juice will have the same beneficial effect.
Goji berries are healthy to eat, no doubt, and their antioxidant and other nutritional factors are certainly beneficial, but to say that is this super food may be a bit of a stretch.
The goji berry is a good source of nutrition, insofar as a lot of berries are packed with nutrients, but to say that it is miracle food; well one would do well to be skeptical.

All Natural Sleep Aids To Get Your Good Night Sleep

A number of natural sleep aids are discussed here, which can help you get good rest and prevent a number of health ailments as well, which most of us may prefer to prescription drugs:
Chamomile tea should be taken at bedtime to relax and soothe one to sleep. It is said to contain a compound called apigenin, which is a natural sedative.
Valerian is used to be called nature’s valium and before sleeping pills became so common in the United States this was a popular natural sleep aid. And valerian is said to be as effective too.
Hops, which are normally associated with the process of beer making, are also thought to be beneficial for promoting sleep. You can either take it in tea form or rest your head on a pillow case with some hop inserted.
Catnip is also relaxing and won’t make you groggy the next day.
Passion flower is thought to be a natural sleep aid due to its ability to increase levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.
Verbena or holy herb or vervain is also seen to help with insomnia.
Skullcap leaves in your pillow case or taken in tea form can also help.

Chrysanthemum Extract For Cancer?

             Chinese researchers have stumbled upon a new, natural antidote to cancer. We have known for a while the healing properties of chrysanthemum and now it may just be good for yet another.
This commonly grown flower has shown “antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunodulatory, and neuroprotective effects,” according to the Chinese research which found some success in treating certain types of cancer using this extract along with other traditional Chinese medicines.
Chrysanthemum extract works against malignant cells and stops the spread of those cancerous cells in the body. It is able to do this without harming healthy tissue in the body and therefore holds out great promise for the future.

Zinc – Much More Than Acne Treatment

Acne is an annoying issue of the hormonal imbalance of the body. Not only young teenagers, but also people who live under stress suffer from this skin disease.
There are important things to take note for acne treatment. First, it is important to know what cause this skin abnormality.
Researchers found that the hormonal imbalance triggers excess body oil outbreak. This oil comes from the sebaceous glands inside hair follicles underneath epidermal surface.
When this excess oil mixes up with dead skin cells and blood toxins, it plugs the cores and starts an ugly formation. Then the process is being completed by a scream in front of the mirror by a young girl or a stressful businessman.
To cure this skin disease, Zinc is an essential mineral which has multiple benefits to human body.
It supports the immune system to maintain as healthy, helps wounded areas to heal more quickly, plays a vital role for fertility and healthy hair.
Zinc is also known as an antibacterial, thus helps to get rid of ugly spots called acne. Zinc can also be found in some food such as oysters, beef, beans, mushrooms, soybeans, nuts, fish, dairy products, etc.
Some researchers believe that although Zinc has lots of pluses for a proper acne treatment, it is not an efficient way for healing the skin completely.
That conclusion comes from the fact that acne is caused by primary and secondary causes, thus Zinc cannot heal all these causes only by itself. But, most of the symptoms of acne and hormonal imbalance can be reduced by zinc treatment.
However, as all the treatment kinds, zinc has to be taken with the right quantity and quality. Zinc can regulate the excess oil production which causes skin to take a deep breath and fight with acne. But zinc’s impact may be lost in relation with some foods, supplements and chemical substances.
It is because these supplements do not let the body absorb zinc completely and the results may be inefficient.
Phytic acid is one of the supplements that reduce the absorption of zinc by 15%. This acid type can be found in whole grains.
Also copper and iron interfere with zinc. If these items are not taken of limited to 2-3 mg a day, the problem can be solved.
Also, for the best solutions, zinc can be limited to 100mg a day to avoid excess amount that may cause toxicity. The best natural treatment can be taking zinc from food; however tons of food is necessary for enough amount of zinc for acne treatment.
The best acne cure that gives a successful result is holistic remedy because it affects the roots of acne and treats the imbalance of hormones permanently.
Best results can be reached by using both holistic treatment approach and zinc treatment together.

Can Hypnosis Aid Asthma Patients?

This post speaks about using hypnosis in helping children suffering from asthma.
Ran D. Anbar, MD, Professor of Pediatrics at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York recommends that hypnosis could be a possible treatment for children who live with asthma. The recommendation was in respect of those children whose asthma symptoms have a psychological component.
Though Asthma is most common, other respiratory diseases, such as vocal cord dysfunction, cystic fibrosis, and habit cough may also benefit. Habit cough, which is based in stress rather than any actual physical cause, may be seen to benefit.
Dr Anbar has found that hypnosis as complementary medication for these respiratory diseases was seen to be successful and may be indicated in symptoms such as disruptive cough, difficulty taking a breath, noise when breathing in such as a squeak or gasp, difficulty swallowing despite normal lung function, and hyperventilation.

Yumeiho – Another Kind Of Regenerating Therapy

Have you heard about Yumeiho? It is a massage therapy that can treat different symptoms without using medicines.
It was made public by Saionji Masayuki, a doctor from Japan.
He combined different methods from different countries and selected the best for the new technique.
It is based on ancient oriental method called Setaiho which is used to prevent symptoms by realizing the exercise, self recovery and strength as part of life.
The combination of systems proved to be effective. The method consists of a hundred movements that will be used in each case. The therapist massages muscles and adjusts articulation all over the body. This is very beneficial for the muscles and connective tissue.
Yumeiho is characterized by treatment and prevention of certain ailments in the body. One example is curing hip displacement, which are symptoms suffered by a lot of people.
If you want to know more about this kind of therapy, there is a book that you can read. This can give information about Yumeiho. You can find out about details of the therapy. It includes benefits and advantages of this kind of regenerating therapy.
If you are planning to undergo Yumeiho, then there are things that you need to remember about this kind of therapy massage. Select a center with a trained masseur to ensure that you are given the right treatment.
Usually they have undergone the treatment themselves and know exactly what to do. It is advisable that you wear casual clothes during the process. It should not be made from synthetic materials.
Wear clothes made from cotton. Remove shoes, glasses, watch and jewelries. The therapist would also wear clothes that allow them to move softly.
Yumeiho is conducted using proper mattress. This means it shouldn’t be too hard or too soft. The duration of the entire process varies. It is different from case to case and it is based on the problem it approaches.
Yumeiho is beneficial for the body. Its effect includes removing the tiredness. After the therapy you will feel comfort. It can also prevent serious disease.
With Yumeiho therapy, your immune system will be strong enough. Your body will also be elastic and if you have problem with sexual performance, then this can very well help because your mental functions will be harmonized.
This therapy is not for everyone. Patients suffering from fever, osteoporosis, tuberculosis, pulmonary diseases, renal disease and cancer should avoid this kind of therapy.
If you have menstruation, it is not advisable. Never undergo Yumeiho on a full stomach because it is best to wait for about three hours after meals in order for the therapy to work at its best.

How Alternative Medicine Can Help Fight Against Swine Flu And Other Infections?

When the Swine flu scare was on, one of the things that were periodically being reported were alternative cures for the infection.
Yet the nay sayers were disputing that alternative therapies were any use for fighting off swine flu and similar infections.
The fact is that with its emphasis on holistic healing rather than symptomatic cure, alternative medicine, can help to strengthen the immune system.
By shoring up the body’s defenses to disease and infection, the incidence of infection and disease it significantly reduced:

Acupuncture is a highly personalized therapy specific to each individual. It can help in strengthening the immune system and help the body rid itself of pathogens. This has been seen to be effective in treating symptoms of flu and cold as well.

Meditation: Simply put, meditation relieves stress and the control of stress is extremely beneficial for health and immunity.

Naturopathy is really mostly about common sense: observe proper flu prevention hygiene, eat more fresh produce and whole grain, less processed food, get enough rest and a variety of natural substances to support the immune system.

Homeopathy works by using very small dosages of medicine to stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself.

The Way That The 7 Main Chakras Influence Our Bodies

If you are having a problem within your body, you may find that this is because one of your chakras is blocked. This can prevent the essential energy from flowing in a way that it needs to and your body will suffer for it.
The first root chakra is related to the physical body and is located near the base of the spine.
A sense of survival is connected to this chakra and it can influence the immune system, legs, bones, feet, and body support.
The second sacral chakra is related to issues of sexuality and emotion. This chakra, located in the lower abdomen, will affect the intestines, kidneys, appendix, sexual organs, and other lower, internal organs.
The solar plexus chakra will relate to vitality and affect the stomach, respiratory and nervous systems. Problems here may relate to the third chakra.
The heart chakra is related to love and physical problems, with this chakra will not only manifest themselves with the heart, but respiratory and circulatory systems.
Problems in the throat chakra will relate to self-expression. This can manifest in problems with the throat, tongue, vocal cords, teeth, and other specifics in this area.
The sixth, third-eye chakra relates to a person’s ability to imagine and intuit. Health issues in the brain, nervous system, eyes, nose, and face can all be drawn to this chakra.
Finally, the crown chakra is related to issues with self-awareness. Health problems with the skeletal or muscular systems or the skin may be dealt with by unblocking this chakra.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that can trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults such as rape or mugging, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, or military combat. PTSD can be extremely disabling.
Military troops who served in the Vietnam and Gulf Wars; rescue workers involved in the aftermath of disasters like the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C.; survivors of the Oklahoma City bombing; survivors of accidents, rape, physical and sexual abuse, and other crimes; immigrants fleeing violence in their countries; survivors of the 1994 California earthquake, the 1997 North and South Dakota floods, and hurricanes Hugo and Andrew; and people who witness traumatic events are among those at risk for developing PTSD. Families of victims can also develop the disorder. 
Fortunately, through research supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), effective treatments have been developed to help people with PTSD. Research is also helping scientists better understand the condition and how it affects the brain and the rest of the body.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder, also know as anxiety disorder, usually consists of brief episodes of intense fear and may occur with multiple physical symptoms. Sometimes they can happen repeatedly and unexpectedly in the absence of an external threat. These panic or anxiety attacks are believed to occur when the brain's normal mechanism for reacting to a threat is aroused.
Often with panic disorder people also feel anxious and worry about having another panic attack. They may avoid situations in which they think that an attack is likely to occur. Anxiety about another attack, and the avoidance it causes, can lead to disability in panic disorder. 
In the United States, 1.6 percent of the adult population, or more than three million people, will have panic or anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. The disorder typically begins in young adulthood, but older people and children can also be affected. 
Women are affected twice as often as men. While people of all races and social classes can have panic disorder, there appear to be cultural differences in how individual symptoms are expressed.

Brain and Mental Health

The information presented here has been created to help those interested in gaining an understanding of mental health conditions and illnesses. It is important that you discuss your research on specific drugs, alternative medicine and various aspects of nutrition with your physician.
Mental health is a state of successful performance of mental function, resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships with other people, and the ability to adapt to change and to cope with adversity. 
Mental health is indispensable to personal well-being, family and your relationships, as well as your contribution to community or society. 
It is easy to overlook the value of mental health until problems surface. Mental health is the springboard of thinking and communication skills, learning, emotional growth and self-esteem. In this day and age, people are constantly reminded about success in school, in their job, in parenting, and in relationships without realizing that success often depends upon on living life in a positive state of mental health. 
Mental illness is the term that refers collectively to all diagnosable mental disorders. Mental disorders are health conditions that are characterized by alterations in thinking, mood, or behavior (or some combination thereof) associated with distress and/or impaired functioning. 
Mental health and mental illness are dynamic, ever-changing phenomena. At any given moment, a person’s mental status reflects the sum total of that individual’s genetic inheritance and life experiences. The brain interacts with and responds both in its function and in its very structure to multiple influences continuously, across every stage of life. At different stages, variability in expression of mental health and mental illness can be very subtle or very pronounced. 
A solid state of good mental health allows one to deal with unexpected events in life, while pursuing these goals. When mental disorders are not treated in a timely fashion, they may result in lost productivity, damaged relationships, and significant distress and dysfunction. Mental illness in adults can also have a long-term, possibly damaging result and effect on children in their care. If you or someone you know appears to be suffering from a mental illness, it is important that you take appropriate actions.

Understanding The Benefits Of Reiki And Theta Healing

Reiki and Theta healing have been used in some culture for centuries.
Both healing therapies are used to bring physical and mental healing to any area of the body.
These healing methods are very different than traditional medical treatments.
The person who needs to be healed does not undergo tests or take medicines in order to experience health restoration.
Instead, these practices believe that through energy transference any ailment can be cured.
Each healing practice uses different techniques. However, the treatment options also have some similarities. Some healers use a combination of both therapies to provide a stronger chance or source of healing.
How the Reiki Healing Technique Works?

The Reiki healing technique uses energy to remove blockages that can occur within the body’s energy fields. The practice teaches that there is a flow of energy within and around the human body.
Without this flow blockages can occur due to stress, anxiety, or tension. It is believed that these blockages can harm the body, mind, or spirit.
Because of these blockages, you may experience physical or emotional pain. When the Reiki treatment process is used for healing, these blockages can be removed, and the physical or mental pain can be eliminated.
The Practice of Reiki Healing

Reiki healers use hand positions for the completion of healing. These hand gestures can be completed over the body, on the body, or from a distance. In fact, Reiki healers can perform healing on anyone, anywhere in the world.
The Reiki healer will use mental concentration, in conjunction with hand gestures specifically for the ailment, to direct energy to the afflicted person. Reiki can be used to treat any ailment or condition.
In fact, it is often used to aid in speedy recovery after surgery or medical procedures.
How the Theta Healing Technique Works?The theta healing techniques uses theta brain waves and a connection to a higher power to direct energy for healing. Through this technique physical changes are made within the afflicted person’s body. These changes may be either physical or mental.
By concentrating and going to a higher theta brain state the healer can eliminate physical or mental abnormalities within the person’s body.
This practice is based on the belief that specific thought patterns and choices made within a person’s life can lead to illness and abnormalities.
The Theta Healing Technique

Theta healers transfer healing power through theta waves. In order to transfer the healing the healer must relax deeply into the Theta state. During this state the healer connects mentally with the energy of the higher power.During this period the healer can determine what the physical or mental abnormality is and begin to make changes for healing. The energy continues to be transferred from the higher power to the healer, into the one being healed, until restoration is complete.Theta healing also helps to change or restore beliefs or thoughts that can lead to illness. For example, negative thought patterns or self doubt can be removed, so that you can enjoy a life free of depression and anxiety.

Urine Therapy And Medication

We have spoken about Urine therapy before and this attracted a considerable amount of interest including some readers who wanted to know more about urine therapy.
One of our readers posed a very pertinent question about urine therapy; about whether it was possible to use this therapy in conjunction with or at the same time as taking prescription medications.
The short answer to this is that any medication that you may be taking, should be used with caution when one also practices urine therapy, it is generally discouraged.
The simple reason for this is that since you are taking in your own urine, there is a chance that you are getting more than the required dosage of the medication since it is being recycled: what is excreted by way of urine is again entering the body.
So while there may not be grave danger from urine therapy being practiced in conjunction with other allopathic remedies caution is necessary.
The proportion or dosage of the medication could be adjusted or reduced if required, however what is important is that one must clear with one’s physician what is safe to take and what is not safe to take when one is undergoing urine therapy.

The Black Tea Protects The Ovaries

Tea, an aromatic healthy drink which is considered to be one of the most popular beverages consumed all over the world, basically prepared from the leaves of a shrub named Camellia sinensis.
Tea contains flavonoids, minerals and trace elements that are very essential in promoting overall wellness to human body.
There are four major types of teas offering hundred benefits to all different races all over the world namely oolong, green, black and white tea.All of which can be made from the same bushes yet undergo different processes.
People can gain a lot of health benefits from drinking tea, which have been tested and proven for thousands of years.
Tea serves as an immune system booster, facilitates in antioxidative activities and functions as protective agents of the body against a variety of cancers including lung, prostate and breast cancers as well as helping to reduce high blood cholesterol levels.
Among the four categories of tea, the black tea is far eminent for its stronger flavour, enriched with more caffeine as it is more oxidized compared to its other counterparts. Black tea retains its flavour for several years making it suitable for trade and long shipments.
A recent investigation on the effects of black tea consumption on ovarian cancer risk showed a very remarkable result among patients.
A case-control study which included 414 women with primary epithelial ovarian cancer and 868 women with non-neoplastic conditions revealed that those women with a usual consumption of at least two cups a day experienced a 30% decline in ovarian cancer risk.
Black tea may help prevent stomach, prostate, and breast cancer. The chemical compound called TF-2 found in black tea may slow down cancer growth as it causes cancer cells to “commit suicide” while normal cells remain unaffected.
When normal cells were exposed to the TF-2 compound, there was no reaction noted but when cancer cells were exposed, a sudden process called “apoptosis programmed cell death” took place where these cancer cells were immediately destroyed. The antioxidant compound TF-2 can also help prevent and treat inflammation as well.
Black tea can also help prevent heart attack and stroke by saving arteries. In addition to that, black tea helps prevent tooth decay for the fluorine it contains, acts as a very effective arthritis soother, and may help burn excessive fat in the body.
It is truly great that in regular drinking of tea, one can find great healing and miracle poured into little tea cups.

5 Alternatives To Conventional Medications To Keep Your Blood Pressure In Check

Here are a few holistic methods to keep one’s blood pressure in check:
1.Eat healthy, keep weight in check: This one is a no bariner that can be recommended for pretty much any ailment!
2.Beat that Stress: Learn relaxation techniques such as Yoga, meditation, massage, music therapy, which could all be useful.
3.Magnet therapy: Copper and iron bracelets have been seen to keep BP in check and there are no known side effects.
4.Chiropractic treatment or Acupuncture: While the former can help restore body balance, the latter can help to ease the strain that is being put on the heart. They are both helpful in controlling stress as well.
5.Vitamins and herbs: Calcium, potassium and magnesium are available in supplement form, however increasing the proportion of fresh fruit and veggies in the diet can also help a great deal.

The Dark Chocolate Increases The Attention Span

Chocolate is one of the most consumed foods around the world.
Not only for the irresistible and rich flavour it has but also the health benefits one could gain from munching a bar of chocolate.
An experiment was made with specific participants given dark, milk and white chocolates on a daily basis within a specific period of time.
Test results have shown that dark chocolate contains larger amount of an essential antioxidant compared to milk and white chocolates.
This antioxidant called phenol, an antioxidant found in the cacao bean, the main source of chocolate was discovered to have positive effects on blood pressure and the increase of nitric oxide which trims down platelet aggregation, and restrains oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
It can help decrease blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and increase a person’s insulin sensitivity.
Another important discovery about dark chocolates is that it helps people retain information and store it in their long term memory.
It is proven to improve memory as much as 20% because it contains another strong antioxidant called epicatechin, a type of flavonoid that is very effective in improving cognitive ability of human brain and further helps in preventing dementia.The compound, epicatechin is previously seen to improve cardiovascular function as it increases blood flow in the brain.
Health experts also recommended a combination of regular exercise and a diet with epicatechin that can help promote structural and functional changes in the dentate gyrus, a part of the brain involved in the formation of learning and memory.
An estimated small amount of four slices of dark chocolates added to the daily diet will certainly suffice.
Dark chocolates with epicatechin combined with other essential nutrients can help a person overcome depression, improve immunity as well as help in easing the mental stress.
It also stimulates endorphin production, also known as “happy hormones”. It contains serotonin, which acts as anti-depressant by lightening up a person’s mood that can all contribute to enhancing one’s memory in a very natural way.The bitterness of dark chocolates is also brought by the compound epicatechin, which is removed in a certain process to produce a less-bitter white and milk chocolates.
Along with this process, 90% of phenols and some of the important nutrients are disintegrated making the other types of chocolates less nutritious.
Dark chocolate is surely the best chocolate for one’s health. So, before holding a pen and start an exam, go grab some dark chocolate and take a bite. This yummy and healthy habit will sure bring you results.

Mediterranean Diet Can Lower Alzheimer’s Risk And Do A Whole Lot Besides

The Mediterranean diet is defined as a modern nutritional recommendation inspired by the traditional dietary patterns of poor coastal regions of southern Italy, Crete, and coastal Greece in the 1960s. It includes:
abundant plant foods,
fresh fruit as the typical daily dessert,
olive oil as the principal source of fat,
dairy products (principally cheese and yogurt),
fish and poultry consumed in low to moderate amounts,
zero to four eggs consumed weekly,
red meat consumed in low amounts, and
wine consumed in low to moderate amounts

Now we know that this nutritional therapy can be good for preventing:

Alzheimer’s Disease. The Mediterranean diet can help prevent brain damage linked to memory loss and strokes
This diet is also said to prevent stomach cancer
Added to this, the Mediterranean diet also can be an anti depressant since it improves the working of blood vessels, reduces the oxidative damage and decreases inflammation

The Benefits Of Using Asian/Chinese Ginseng

Alternative medicines can be found throughout the globe, originating from ancient remedies and rituals.
Very often China is the source of a lot of herbs widely used instead of manufactured drugs.
Asian ginseng, also known as Chinese ginseng attracts numerous claims over the benefits it can provide.
Much like a multi-vitamin, it is said to improve a person’s general well being especially those recovering from a long term illness.
The chemical part of the ginseng root is called ginsenosides and is the reason why it has strong healing properties. Manufacturers dry the plant’s root and it is subsequently made into tablets and capsules for internal use. Creams and various external preparations are also produced for sale.
As you can imagine anything which has so many beneficial claims made about it attracts a lot of research programs. Unfortunately, most of these have been relatively small and therefore science has not got much to say about ginseng as yet.
Scientists are prepared to agree that there are potential health benefits but it is left to the purveyors of alternative medicine to espouse its advantages.
Like most drugs, some side effects can be experienced and sufferers of diabetes should avoid its use because of the dangers of lowering blood sugar levels. Claims include the treatment of erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C and problems in menopause.
Hopefully further research in the future will result in a better understanding of this herb and its benefits will come into more mainstream use. Until then it is readily available from all good health stores.

Tui Na – A Massage Therapy That Uses Traditional Chinese Medicine

Tui na is a massage therapy that is classed within the system of traditional Chinese medicine as an external method.
It is particularly appropriate for elderly persons and infants.
It has been used in China for more than 2,000 years. Notably, tui na has fewer side effects than many drug- and chemical-based treatments.
In the traditional Chinese medicine philosophy, the belief is that pain and disease are the result of an imbalance in the flow and/or amount of Qi, and that tui na will bring everything back into balance.
The tui na practitioner will brush, knead, roll, press and/or rub the areas between each of the joints, also known as the eight gates, to open the defensive chi of the patient and get the energy moving.
In addition, tui na has at its disposal the techniques of traction and massage, along with the stimulation of acupressure points. Interestingly, this can be used to treat both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, and non-musculoskeletal conditions.
There are many East Asian martial traditions that use a form of tui na to either manage or alleviate injury and pain due to training or training related injuries. That is understandable, given that an unmanaged injury in a martial career could lead to life and death consequences.
If you are interested in experiencing Tui na, you should look for a skilled practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine.

Qigong – An Exercise For Balancing Energy

Qigong is a somewhat controversial practice that is purported to have vast health benefits.
It is, in short, a series of exercises that seek to balance the energy of the human body, first within itself and then ultimately with all of creation.
Intrinsic with this spiritual idea is the improvement of health and the curing of disease.
In many ways, it is the spiritual component that gives many western health experts the most trouble.
However, ground breaking research is currently going on that is attempting to lay aside the spiritual facet of this training and look at the results. And on that front, there are some tantalizing data.
Many Western medical experts and quite a few practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine view qigong as only a set of breathing and movement exercises, with the benefits tied to stress reduction and exercise.
In addition, any practice that encourages movement and is practiced consistently will result in an increased range of motion and improved joint flexibility and resilience. There are also mental benefits that come through focusing on the calm exercise.
The other, spiritualistic camp, have no issue with this view but add that the exercises facilitate the movement of the life force called Qi. It is more than mere movement, according to the adherents: it is more a matter of generating and balancing this force and then rectifying with the universe itself.

Moxibustion In Chinese Traditional Medicine

Moxibustion is the Traditional Chinese Medicine practice of burning herbs on or near specific points of the body to produce a particular effect.
In the spirit of full disclosure, there is no basis in western medicine for the functionality of moxibustion.
There are, however, about 3000 years of practice spread across the whole of Asia, not just China, to show that process is effective.
In fact, the western word for moxibustion is more associated with the Japanese than Chinese language. And the practice is common in the medical systems of Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Tibet, and Mongolia as well as China.
The herb most often used during moxibustion is mugwort. It is generally placed either directly on the patient’s skin, on top of a piece of ginger placed directly on the patient’s skin, or the herb is held above the skin on an acupuncture needle.
The points or meridians where the herbs are burnt are very specific. As with most facets of these traditional systems, this should only be done by an experienced practitioner.
The basic theory is that the moxa (as the mugwort is called) warms these points and promotes circulation of both blood and qi, which is the subtle energy that is a pillar of these types of traditional medicine practices.
Historians believe that moxibustion predates acupuncture, and that the use of needles supplemented moxa in or around the second century B.C.
Moxibustion is considered useful therapy for many diseases and conditions such as migraines, arthritis, tendonitis, and is also useful for turning a breech baby.

Role Of Qi In Traditional Chinese Medicine

Qi not only forms the basis for the traditional medical systems of the East, but it has also influenced many parts of Eastern thought from martial arts to interior design.
The concept is so widespread that it has developed different terms across different languages. In Japan it is called ki. 
In Vietnam, it is called khi, and in Korea it is known as Qi.
But whatever term you use for the concept, you are referring to the energetic principle that is part of all living things.
In the medical systems, it is held that the human body has natural patterns of Qi that move in certain ways and in certain patterns.
Different symptoms of each illness are said to be the result of disrupted or blocked movement of Qi across the body, or from a deficiency or imbalance of the Qi in the body.
Traditional medicine seeks to restore these imbalances and deficiencies by various means, such as acupuncture, herbal preparations, and other less widely known methodologies like traditional massage and traditional exercise. [Traditional Chinese Medicine]
Western medicine has been, as of yet, been unable to quantify Qi, linking its effects to everything from a placebo effect to a release of endorphins.
What western physicians have grudgingly admitted is that there is a noticeable, quantifiable effect that when added up falls under the Eastern term of Qi.

Acupuncture, Yin And Yang And Modern Medicine

The basis of Chinese medicine revolves around the basic principle of yin and yang which are two opposing energy forces that reside inside the body.
Once the two forces are balanced then the body is able to achieve both wellness and health.
One way to reach this balance is through the practice of acupuncture which is the practice of placing needles into meridian points along the body.
Acupuncture also can involve the manipulation of the needles and the use of heat therapy as heat is supposed to allow energy to flow freely throughout the blocked body allowing for better energy and less disease.
The science of acupuncture first reached America between the 50s and the 60s with its rise to public knowledge occurring in the 70’s. Since the first article on acupuncture, scientists have tried to align the principles of acupuncture with Western medicines focus on healing and the human anatomy.
One such theory suggests that acupuncture works because it stimulates the production and release of endorphins in the body along with other natural painkillers.
This may be the reason why acupuncture has been found useful in treating addiction, mental states, and depression as it alters the body’s chemistry without the use of prescription dugs.

What You Need To Know About Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is part of the alternative systems of medicine in the West, but is the standard of medicine in about half the world.

TCM has within it practices like the well known (acupuncture and herbal medicine) and the less known like dietary therapy, tui na massage, qigong, and moxibustion (the burning of herbs on specific body points).
It is good to remember that it is the mainstream medical care throughout the East.
TCM theory began over a thousand years ago. It was developed through centuries of meticulous observation of nature, the cosmos, and the way the human body interacts with all of these.
A basic difference between TCM and western medicine is that TCM works on a “black box” principle of investigation.
For example if we do “X” to the body, we will see effect “Y” and we never try, nor even care to see what is in the black box of the body to lead to this result.
This is in direct opposition to the Western investigation methodology of “cracking the box,” e.g. figuring out the exact cause.
One could say that TCM is more concerned with getting things fixed than figuring out exactly why they broke, but that is a bit of an oversimplification.
Keep in mind that TCM is a very complex and multi layered system of medicine and is best accessed through an experienced practitioner well known throughout the community.
Great results can be had using TCM, especially in the case of ongoing chronic conditions, such as diabetes or lupus, for which Western medicine has few helpful answers.

Chinese Astrology – Energy And Balance For Body Healing

TCM or otherwise know as Traditional Chinese Medicine, is a practice of balance in the body. TCM has been a tradition in China for over two thousand years now. It has now rapidly spread across the world.
TCM is maintained by being in control of your body balance and beyond. The life force that is thought to animate this body is referred to as chi or qi.
This flows through channels and then is divided into Ying and Yang.
We all have a different sign in Chinese Astrology. Each sign is a disposition of what certain illnesses we have the possibility of acquiring. When having these readings done, a birth chart will represent the spiritual, mental and physical bodies. There are houses on the chart that will act as problem planets, and will show what type of illness will be manifested in the body.
If there is a blockage or imbalance in the body of the Ying and Yang, it is considered to be the cause of diseases.
Chinese doctors then observe the pulse, tongue and skin. They also feel it to be necessary to have a conversation with the patient before they actually make their diagnosis. They believe that not one single part of the body can be understood except in it’s relation to the whole.
If there are symptoms, they are not tracked back to a cause, but looked at as a bigger part of the situation. Every patient that is seen by a doctor is given their own individual prescription based on their specific needs for their body. This could include acupuncture or certain exercises.
It has been shown that TCM can treat the effects of disorders such as migraines and osteoarthritis. TCM can teach you that your health is determined by all different factors. It is also important to pay attention to the things that you are doing on a daily basis, especially when it comes to nutrition, weight loss, vitamins and herbal medicines.
Everybody wants to live a long and healthy life. Our physical body expresses our mind and our spirit. When we are able to make better choices for ourselves in our mind, it will result in a healthier body.
When we have a light and content spirit, our mind is able to make better choices. Through the use of good diet and other methods like mantra and aromatherapy, we can heal ourselves before we become ill.

Natural Healers Rediscover Age Old Wonder Potions

This MSN health write up bemoans the fact that Americans have forgotten the natural cures that their grandparents used in favor of modern medicine, and in effect have lost out on a host of effective remedies.

We are reminded that even modern medicine has its basis in herbs. The write up lists a number of natural plant based remedies:
Lemon Balm to banish anxiety, boost memory, and aid sleep and digestion.
Onions have been a cure all in a number of different cultures; to aid in controlling diabetes, improving athletic performance, etc.
Cayenne peppers are used as aphrodisiacs as well as pain relievers.
Plantain, or Plantago is widely used for skin ailments.
Parsley has been seen to help in infections of the urinary tract.
Hawthorn is seen to increase cardiovascular health.

Homeopathy – How Does It Work?

The current agitation against Homeopathic Medicines in Britain does lead us to ask the question Does homeopathy work? How, if at all does it work? Protesters have called homeopathic treatments “scientifically absurd” and have asked for withdrawal of the treatments as the BBC reported.
The protestors have dismissed homeopathy as nothing more than a placebo.

So what is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a system of treatment that supports the body’s own healing mechanism. Homeopathy bases itself on the principle of “like cures like”. A homeopathic remedy is an extremely pure, natural substance that is administered in a very diluted form.
In large quantities these substances would cause the same symptoms the patient is trying to cure. In small, pure, diluted doses, it is not only safe and free from side effects, but it will trigger the body to heal itself and that is the basis of homeopathy.
Well one may believe in homeopathy or not, but it is our considered view that it is unreasonable to demand that others stop using homeopathy. Certainly there is enough reason to believe in its efficacy; enough people have benefitted from it. Even if there is no benefit, there is no side effect either; so is there any reason to condemn homeopathy? We think not!

Tao – The Way Into Balance And Health

The beginner in the Taoist system takes the fist steps learning a series of exercises transforming the physical body in an efficient and healthy mechanism, released from the tensions and the stress of everyday life.
The target of this level is to study how to heal our mind, how to love our own way of existence, our perception over life, to learn the primal way into healing our bodies and the bodies of everyone related or connected with us.
This level of energy mastering can sometimes take around 12 months to be completely covered but in all this time we learn how to condense and preserve the vital force through a few major techniques: the inner smile, the six healing sounds, the microcosmical connection and several others.
As people grow old their vital force is getting weaker causing illness and suffering. Through Tao they can learn how to gather and refine the life force in a Qi sphere so it will stay with them forever and not lose strength or consistence.
The true Tao masters from China have over time retired in anonymity. Their place was taken to some extent by the Qi Gong masters who unfortunately have lost the secrets of the ancient practice that used to harvest the sexual energy and the inner body alchemy, but have transformed the spirit of Qi – the energy – into a science.
The energy techniques that are part of the inner Tao alchemy recognizing Qi Gong as one branch are able to get extraordinary results in balancing the nervous system, the circulation, the breathing, the gland activity, the immunity, the digestion and aid the development and health of the muscle and bone mass. The practice can help restore balance in the body temperature and in the nervous system.
These practices help us remove or transform the fatigue and stress, increase the work capacity and keep the composure and calm through inner balance before the unexpected events occurring during life.
The very foundation of the Tao practice relies on transforming and preserving the physical energy inside the body so it won’t be wasted or weakened as a consequence of the interactions with the exterior world.
The complete spiritual independence resides in avoiding the energy to be wasted through the interaction with the world but to keep it and treasure it to be used at the exact time when the body needs it. And this is the essence of the Tao way.

Yoga Can Help Quit Smoking

I was a compulsive smoker. If any cigarette manufacturer would want a free model for their advertisements, I was right man to contact – a few years ago.
My work as a copywriter and stressful deadlines made the habit of smoking more lucrative for me – a few puffs for myself would never hurt me, would it?
It was only a few years into my professional life that I met a person who quietly brought about a change in me. When I first met him, and heard him, I felt his voice was a bit garbled. As I continued to speak with him, I found out that this guy was talking through a machine.
Much as you would like to think that you are reading a science fiction novel, you are not. This was way back in 2006 and the person was talking through a voice box, because his larynx was removed.
Of course, he never said that smoking was the sole cause of his larynx being removed; he did accept that smoking was one of the reasons why he had to have his voice box removed. It is at that moment in time that I decided to quit smoking.
Smoking is one of the most controversial personal habits found in mankind today. Smoking is an addiction that is considered to be devastating for the individual.
Medical research has today succeeded in connecting smoking to several health situations like cancer of the mouth, lungs and several ailments of the heart.
Though the complete scope of damage that smoking can cause to the human psychology and body is yet to be ascertained, it is an undeniable fact that one has to try their best to quit smoking.
Recently, one idea that is doing the rounds of medical circles is that yoga can help quit smoking. It is a well known fact that Yoga is considered to be one of the best ways to lead a calm, serene, healthy and basically satisfied life. Using this concept, I tried to use yoga so that I could let go of my smoking habit.
If you are looking for ways to quit smoking and have heard that Yoga can help quit smoking, keep in mind that Yoga is not a miracle cure that has come out from the mystic caverns of the East.
Yoga is a proven science that comprises of various exercises in the form of asanas (physical positions), meditation and breathing techniques.
Here are some of the aspects that cause yoga to help quit smoking:
Yoga increases the mental strength and general immunity in a person, therefore creating an enhanced willpower and determination.
These two are the primary strengths that a person should have to quit smoking.
A person starts smoking either due to peer pressure or succumbs to smoking due to emotional distress of any kind.
Yoga does not cure only the physical aspect of wanting a smoke, but it actually tries to calm down the mind and maintain an emotional and psychological balance in the body.
Breathing practices that are found in yoga cause healthy lungs along with a better breathing mechanism in the body. Because of this, the body itself grows a rejection to smoking.
Also, because yoga has several other health benefits, the human body would begin to have an adversity to smoking because of the generally healthy state that the human body experiences.
Also, if a person begins to practice yoga, they have an enhanced understanding of their own body and therefore they understand the importance of good health. Due to this, they themselves begin tempted to give away the nasty habit so yes…Yoga indeed helps to quit smoking.

Herbal Meds – Don’t Mix Them With Heart Medications

There is a valuable shift in popular perception towards alternative medication with more and more physicians using them as a principal or supplementary treatment for a number of disorders and treatments.
This brings us closer to natural medication which is free from side effects.
However, the entrenchment of western medicine is not to be underestimated and as such it is important not to mix certain herbal medications with a number of main stream medications. Arshad Jahangir, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Consultant Cardiologist, Mayo Clinic Arizona has opined that poplar herbal meds such as Ginkgo and St John’s Wort and garlic do not make a safe mix with cardiovascular medications.
He expressed concern that since herbal medications are natural people often do not consider their negative repercussion when taking in conjunction with western medications and people often don’t tell their doctors when they are taking herbal supplements. It is advisable that:
Health care workers familiarize themselves with the effect of combinations of herbal and conventional medications and
Patients disclose to their physicians any and all medication they are on.

6 Odd Ways To Kill A Cold

Winter comes with snow, wind and a green, gluey leakage. To prevent this leakage, the immune system must be strong and the will to kill it soon must be present.
There are proper ways for protection: consuming healthy foods and beverages is probably the most efficient way followed by having certain amount of vitamins and minerals each day.
However, there are some extraordinary ways to help people kill the cold, too.
The first way is not to blow the nose. It is said that the more blow causes more mucus to run into the sinuses.[sinus infection]
Recent researches show that this situation happens every time after blowing the nose. The best method to prevent is to stay unstuffed and blow only one nostril each time gently.
To prevent from blowing, a spoon of sea-salt can be added and mixed into a glass of water. Then sniffing some of this mix will let the mucus flow gently through the nostrils without any help of blowing.
One other odd solution is to use a sauna. A research showed that using sauna can relieve cold symptoms. “Baking the cold” method will show its results by also reducing recurrence. This method can be easily used with hot water at home.In a deep and wide pot, pour the hot water. Then close the face up to the pot with a towel on it and breathe the steam deeply. The water can be more aromatic and relaxed with a few lavender or mint. This process opens the sinuses and helps to “bake” the cold.
As a common thought, exercising can cause the cold to be killed. The more exercise means a more strong immune system which results with a low percentage of catching a cold.
Also studies show that flu has the capacity to spread faster and more effectively in dry air. Staying in places where humidity is higher or avoiding the dry-aired places, viruses cannot easily approach to the body.
Along with eating well and exercising regularly, sleeping is an important factor for helping the body to destroy a cold.
Researchers found out that sleeping less than 6 or 7 hours may tend to catch a cold three times more than sleeping 8 hours and more. So the right way is to hibernate and sleep it off.
The last odd way to kill cold is to put on more jackets and blankets to prevent cold air.
People who wear more are less likely to be cold, thus searching inside the wardrobe and putting out the warmest clothes becomes necessary. Sweating off a cold is sure to kill it. The example of the Indian shamans is ancient but quite effective.
In conclusion, these odd but beneficial ways help people fight the cold. In order to shine like a star throughout the winter, these ways are worth to try.

Kriya Yoga To Overcome Psychological And Mental Problems!

“Kriya yoga is a self-discipline, self study and attunement to the indwelling reality”.
Exercises and breathing techniques are intended to purify and hence cleanse the body’s energy channels.
Kriya Yoga mentally directs one’s life’s energy to revolve, upward, downward and around the six spinal centers which correspond to 12 astral signs of zodiac.
One half minute rotations of energy around the sensitive spinal cord of the man will affect subtle process in his evolution.
Kriya Yoga is derived from three other yoga techniques such as Karma yoga, Bhakti yoga and Jnana yoga.
Karma yoga – Focus on the movement of soul inside and out side of body. Karma means actions, all acts done by you from birth till death. Karma yoga shows the path for doing right things.
Bhakti yoga- Focuses on spreading love to other fellow beings. This yoga is based on the principle “God is love and love is God”. This yoga is regarded as the most direct method to merge in cosmic consciousness.
Jnana yoga- Focuses the mind on a task and allows the mind to be free. Knowledge of the right and insight into the proper means of realization are the two attribute to Jnana yoga. Jnana yoga is awareness to do or not to do.
Kriya yoga procedure involving body and soul:

The first and fore most action of the soul is to breath. The kriya yoga is based on breath, brain and spinal cord. Breathing is the mediator between soul and body. The brain is the mediator between sense organs and mind.
The physical actions you perform are reflected on your sense organs through the link of the lower part of the brain and the spinal cord.
From the lower part of brain, where the lower mind is situated, you pass your concentration into the higher mind then to the breath and lastly to the soul. This is how Kriya yoga is done.
By practicing kriya yoga, one can create an inner fire called “Tapa Agni”. The inner fire allows the practitioner to burn his karmas (past actions, negative thoughts and sins) which in result overcome psychological and mental problems.
Preparing the body: The person who practices other yoga techniques can start with Hatha yoga (as this improves flexibility of the body) and the starters can start by a 15 minute program to yield maximum results from this yoga.
Preparing mind: Your mind should be away from distractions and thoughts. Ensure your mind to be correct in a focused direction. Kriya promotes the study of metaphysical principles and cleanliness and purity of the mind.
Mudras: The mudras are added to kriya yoga to have control over the flow of energy in the body and the chakras.
Pranayama: Keep attention on the breath which goes inside and comes outside of the body. Kriya pranayama is done to increase the magnetization of the spine and direct life force to the brain with the effect to refine the brain and nervous system.

Unbelievable Health Benefits When Using Heliotherapy

Heliotherapy is a method that uses the sun’s ultraviolet waves to enhance the production of vitamins and nutrients in our skin and body in a process we really need.
With the increased production of vitamin D, the results are an elevated rate of metabolism that will further assist our body in increasing its reaction rate of creating multiple enzymes used for the restoration of our tissues.
This process allows our cells to rejuvenate working together which allows an increasing in the pace rhythm of our blood flow, and an improving of the oxygen supply process.
The consistent use of Heliotherapy can drastically reduce the chances of osteoporosis, prostate, breast cancer, psoriasis, and many other skin diseases.
The recommended dose of sunlight should not allow the risk of sunburns. Practicing this method in small doses is recommended.
Heliotherapy can be used as a natural antibiotic, as stress reliever or as a way to enhance your immune system. If Heliotherapy is practiced early in the morning, more specifically before 9:00 am, for at least 20 minutes, it can assist in wound healing as well as the elimination of microbes from the skin.
Heliotherapy has also been shown to reduce the pain that occurs with neuralgia and arthritis.
If Heliotherapy is used as a stress reliever, the ultra violet rays of sun help relax tense muscles, and promote mood stability.
Heliotherapy is recommended for people who have symptoms of hypertension or stress. Practicing this method mid-day should be avoided in order to prevent excessive skin tanning.
The practice of Heliotherapy can stimulate the production of metabolizing enzymes in our liver. This will strengthen our internal defense system which will protect us from various toxins, bacteria and viral infections. This method also increases the pace of detoxification by stimulating our sweat glands.
Heliotherapy has also been known to prevent the deficiency of gamma globulin in our body. Gamma globulin boosts our immune system and can provide the antibodies that are needed to fight severe infections like Hepatitis C and Measles.
All we need is fifteen minutes a day of natural sunlight to drastically boost the Vitamin D we need in our body. We need Vitamin D because it absorbs the calcium in foods we eat. This is necessary to promote bone strength.
Heliotherapy also helps to elevate the content of oxygen in our blood which leads to the strengthening of muscles.
As long as you are safe, and allow for the recommended amount of sunlight, you can begin to improve your health in a very relaxing and stress free way.

Allergy Treatment

Once you develop allergies, you cannot prevent them. What you can do is avoid the allergens that cause them.
You should consult with your doctor on the efficacy of getting allergy shots, which are meant to desensitize you to allergens so that you no longer have allergic reactions. There is still some debate over whether such injections work for everyone.
Antihistamines may help suppress symptoms, though most will cause drowsiness. A few such as Claritin seem not to cause this side effect.
Other drugs that can alleviate symptoms are decongestants, nasal sprays and corticosteroids.
If sensitive to outdoor allergens such as pollen, stay indoors during the heaviest concentrations of it or when it's windy. Turn on your air conditioner (making sure that the filters are clean) both in your house and car. Clean your dog or cat after it's been outside as pollen can cling to fur; or give your pet away. Take a shower yourself after being outdoors.
Consider purchasing an air purifier for rooms that you spend the most time in.
If allergic to dust, keep your house clean. Get rid of carpets and other fabrics, such as curtains. Wash clothes and bedding often. Do not use down pillows or comforters.
If you consistently suffer from allergies, regardless of whether it's pollen season or not, it may be that you are allergic to a particular food or food additive. UC Berkeley's The New Wellness Encyclopedia recommends the following for people with mild to moderate allergies: Take your resting pulse (in a 60-second count), then try a little of the food (in as pure a form as possible) you suspect may be causing your allergies. Take your heart rate 15-20 minutes after consumption. If your heart rate is more than 10 beats faster per minute, you're allergic to that food. Eliminate it from your diet. Do not pursue this recommendation if your allergies are severe as anaphylactic shock can result.

Allergy Causes, Symptoms and Risks

Causes and Risks
Allergies seem to have some link to heredity. (If both your parents have them, it's more likely you'll develop them.)
There is some belief that babies, who are not breastfed, are more predisposed to developing allergies.
A depressed immune system can encourage the development of allergies.
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) results in the presence of pollen, affecting mucous membranes of the nose, eyes and airways. There are three hay-fever seasons: They are February to May, late spring and summer, and fall (or ragweed pollen season).
Mold allergies can happen when mowing or raking the yard, harvesting crops, walking through fields/meadows. Molds can grow wherever it is damp and dark especially in the bathroom, kitchen, trash containers and garage.
Some of the more common foods that people have allergies are sulfites, chocolate, wheat products, dairy products, strawberries, shellfish and eggs.


Symptoms


- Sneezing
- itchy, watery eyes
- runny nose (clear discharge)
- coughing
- nasal congestion
- hives or other skin rash
- headache
- fatigue

Insomnia Treatments

Treatment and Prevention
Types of insomnias may go away on their own if they are due to disruptions in your sleep schedule. These types are known as transient and intermittent insomnias. If the insomnia is affecting your daytime performance or you experience daytime sleepiness, your doctor may prescribe short-acting sleeping pills.
Anyone taking sleeping pills or other medication for insomnia should be under close supervision to evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of the drug. Doctors will usually give you the lowest dose possible to relieve your symptoms.
If your insomnia still isn't going away, keep a diary of your sleep history. A doctor may also want to interview your partner about the quantity and quality of your sleep.
Your doctor will want to diagnose and treat any underlying medical or psychological problems, such as depression, and identify behaviors, like caffeine consumption or TV-watching, that may worsen the insomnia.
Certain behavioral techniques can improve your sleep.
Relaxation therapy can relax your body and mind and stressed out muscles. There are several ways of using the therapy but they all center on non-directed relaxation. A patient would concentrate on a repeated word, sounds or muscle movements. By not blocking out other thoughts or feelings, the focus is on relaxing through accepting the thought or feeling.
Breathing exercises, acupuncture, massage therapy or some forms of yoga can also help to relieve stress and tension.
Sleep therapy involves allowing a few hours of sleep during the night and gradually increasing the time until you reach a normal night's sleep.
Reconditioning alters how people with insomnia associate the bed and bedtime with sleep. With this therapy, you don't use the bed for anything but sleep and intimacy, you go to bed only when sleepy, and you leave the bedroom if you can't sleep. You are also taught to avoid naps and sleep at the same time each day.

Herbal Recommendations 
Valerian: This herbal tranquilizer may help muscles relax.
Melatonin: The pineal gland produces this hormone. Small amounts can help regulate the sleep cycle in people who have a deficiency or in people with jet lag.
Chamomile: This soothing and calming tea is used in Europe and the U.S. to invite rest.
Kava Kava: A Pacific island root that may help alleviate anxiety, and set the stage for restful sleep.

Consult with your physician before taking any vitamins, supplements or herbal products for treating insomnia. If your condition is severe, do not delay seeking help from a doctor or sleeping disorder clinic.

Insomnia Causes, Symptoms and Risks

What are some of the causes, risks and symptoms?
Transient and intermittent insomnia are usually caused by emotional distress. Internalized anger and anxiety are the most common reasons for insomnia. Depression may also trigger some forms of insomnia, such as waking too early.
Behavioral factors can also lead to insomnia. Overusing caffeine, alcohol or other substances, excessive napping, smoking before bedtime, chronic stress or disrupted sleep/wake cycles can produce sleepless nights. Environmental factors -- such as noise, extreme temperatures, environmental changes or jet lag -- can lead to transient and intermittent insomnia.
Chronic insomnia, by contrast, is usually caused by depression. Physical ailments, such as kidney disease, heart failure, asthma, arthritis, Parkinson's disease or hyperthyroidism, may work with emotional factors to produce chronic insomnia. Other sleep disorders may also lead to chronic insomnia, including sleep apnea, narcolepsy and restless legs syndrome.
Individuals at risk for increased insomnia are the elderly, women and those with a history of depression. Women may be more likely to get insomnia because of their menstrual cycles. Studies have found that 50% of menstruating women reported bloating that disturbed their sleep for two to three days each cycle. Rising progesterone levels may cause some women to feel tired or fatigued, usually at the beginning of the menstrual cycle.
Individuals over 60 may be kept awake by leg cramps, frequent urination or arthritis.


Symptoms
Insomnia is the perception of poor-quality sleep.
Individuals with insomnia may have trouble falling asleep, maintaining sleep or waking up too early.
Frequently, individuals may wake up feeling unrefreshed or drowsy. In more severe cases, they may feel depressed, anxious or irritable because of a lack of high-quality sleep.

Heart Disease Treatments

If you've had a heart attack, the doctor will review your medical history and examine you. He or she may use an electrocardiogram to discover any heart abnormalities and may use a blood test to detect enzyme level abnormalities in the bloodstream.
If you're worried about heart disease, several tests can diagnose possible heart disease depending on your risk factors, history of heart problems, symptoms and your doctor's interpretation of these factors. The doctor will probably begin with the simplest test and use more complicated ones later on.
Some tests are invasive. That is, they involve inserting needles, instruments or fluids into the body.
These tests include nuclear imaging (MUGA scan, thallium stress test, SPECT test and PET test) and other imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). Another invasive test is the cardiac catheterization, also known as coronary angiography.
Noninvasive tests include a resting electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG), chest X-ray, Holter monitor (ambulatory electrocardiogram), echocardiogram or exercise stress test.
The best tests for diagnosing heart disease in women are the technetium and stress echocardiogram imaging tests. In the technetium, the woman walks on a treadmill while a radioactive isotope is injected into the bloodstream to track blood flow.
The traditional ECG is less accurate for women -- it may produce false positives and negatives.
If your doctor determines you're at risk for heart disease, certain preventive measures can lower your risk of having a heart attack -- such as quitting smoking, lowering blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels, managing stress levels, increasing your amount of exercise, lowering your weight and treating your diabetes, if you have it.
If you quit smoking, your risk for heart attack is cut in half one year later. You also improve your blood flow and lung function, lower your risk for stroke and cancer, and help stop bronchitis and emphysema from worsening.
Patients with high blood pressure should control their weight, consume moderate portions of alcohol and salt, and get enough exercise. If your blood pressure is higher than 140/90 mm Hg, you may have high blood pressure and should have it checked yearly by your doctor.
Blood cholesterol is another important factor to watch. If your cholesterol level is at 240 mg/dL or above, you increase your risk of heart disease. Your doctor will likely check your levels of LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) and HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol). A high level of LDL cholesterol increases your risk for heart disease, as does a low level of HDL cholesterol. All adults 20 years of age or older should have their blood cholesterol level checked at least once every five years.
Recent studies show that moderate alcohol intake (1-2 drinks/day) may lower the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attacks by raising the level of "good" HDL cholesterol. However, it isn't clear if this is how alcohol lowers the risk of heart attack. Individuals should consult with their doctor, and should not use alcohol in place of confirmed preventive measures.
Individuals should exercise between three to four times each week for 30 minutes, and maintain a desirable weight, with a body mass index between 21 and 25 kg/m2.
Women at risk may want to consider estrogen replacement in postmenopause, especially if they have other risk factors, like high cholesterol.