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.

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.

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.

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.

Bach Floral Remedy During Pregnancy

Bach floral remedies use the essence of flowers to make the mind calm and stress free.
This helps the body to regain its balance and also to start the process of healing.
The essence of different flowers is used to treat different mental conditions like stress, anxiety, fatigue, impatience, jealousy, fear and other negative emotions.
Bach floral remedies can be of tremendous use during pregnancies. These remedies do not have any toxins or chemicals and are safe to be used by an expectant mother.
They come as a great help to relieve pregnancy related stress and calm the frayed nerves of the expectant mother, creating a harmonious environment for the unborn baby.
These toxin free flower essences are primarily used to bring harmony to the mother. A calm and happy mother will no doubt connect better with the unborn baby. Specific floral remedies can help in stabilizing the levels of hormones activity thus benefiting both the mother and the child.
Bach floral remedies are also recommended for other members in the family when a new baby is expected. They can help to lower the anxiety levels of the father to be and also help combat the feelings of jealousy and other related emotions in older siblings.
These safe floral remedies are a blessing for expectant mothers, to look forward to a happy and stress free pregnancy.
All pregnant mothers should consult their doctor for advice, before taking any medicines and before appealing to this benefic remedy.

12 Wonderful Therapeutic Benefits Of Peppermint Essential Oil!

Peppermint is an herb that is being in use for many years for holistic and traditional medicinal purposes. Most of the studies proved that peppermint greatly helps to alleviate from irritable bowel syndrome.

Peppermint essential oil is extracted from Mentha piperita of the Labiatae family and is also known as balm mint or brandy mint.

This refreshing and cooling peppermint essential oil is used in aromatherapy in order to stimulate your mind, improve the mental ability and to improve your focus, while reducing the redness, cooling the skin, and reducing itchiness and irritation.

This essential oil is also used to ease migraine, sinus, colon, headaches, and chest congestion and also improves your digestive system.

Peppermint essential oil has a fresh, sharp, menthol smell and is clear pale yellow in color and watery in viscosity. There are various health benefits of peppermint essential oil. They include:

1. Proper dental care: Peppermint essential oil has powerful antiseptic properties and is effectively used for dental care. This oil helps to relieve from bad breathe and keeps your teeth and gums free of germs. Peppermint oil is added in most of the tooth pastes. Toothaches are also effectively treated with it.

2. Headaches and nausea: Peppermint essential oil is a wonderful home remedy for headaches and nausea. Apply much diluted portions of peppermint oil on your forehead to get relief from headaches.

3. Indigestion: This oil is very helpful in indigestion. Add few drops of peppermint essential oil in a glass of water and drink it after your meal to get relief from indigestive properties. This oil acts as carminative and helps effectively in removing the gas.

This is a best tonic for those who are suffering with low appetite. Also it helps you in relieving from upset stomach and motion sickness. Peppermint oil along with caraway oil acts as a good remedy for treating heat burn.

4. Stress: Similar to various other essential oils, peppermint essential oil is also proved to give relief from stress, mental exhaustion and depression because of its refreshing nature. Also, this is proved as effective remedy in reducing anxiety and restlessness.

5. Pain relief: External usage of peppermint oil gives you relief from pain. The existence of calcium antagonism in peppermint oil helps in removing the pain. It has wonderful cooling properties and reduces the fever also.

6. Skin care: Menthol in peppermint oil is good for skin care. It has cooling properties that help to nourish your dull skin and improves your oily skin.

7. Respiratory problems: Menthol in this oil helps to clear your respiratory tract. This is an efficient expectorant that gives you instantaneous or temporary relief from various respiratory problems such as sinusitis, nasal congestion, cold, asthma, cough and bronchitis. Due to these effects, this oil is used in various cold rubs. When you rub with this oil on your chest, you will get great relief from nasal and respiratory problems.

8. Irritable bowel syndrome: Peppermint oil has effective muscle relaxing properties that help in treating irritable bowel syndrome.

9. Urinary tract infection: This oil is effectively used to treat urinary tract infection.

10. Hair care: The oil gives cooling effect on your head and helps in removing the dandruff and lice.

11. Immune system: The oil boosts your immunity to various diseases and helps you in alleviating various diseases.

12. Blood circulation: Peppermint oil improves blood circulation.

Learning How Emotions Are Related To Symptoms In Traditional Chinese Medicine

             Learning how emotions relate to symptoms is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine and can provide effective results. Emotions and the body are integrated and emotions such as sadness, worry or fear correlate to a certain area of the body. There are seven emotions: sadness, worry,anger,fear,fright,shock and joy. Even though some of these emotions may be seen as negative, in Chinese medicine they are seen as neither ‘good’ nor ‘bad’ just human nature. When we are well emotions flow freely, when we are stressed or ill, the emotions become ’stuck’. Chinese medicine looks to assess the ’stuck’ emotions and ‘free’ them in order to re-balance harmony. The relative organ that is affected by the emotion can also determine what type of treatment will be offered.
           Sadness or even grief, affects the lungs leading to Lung Qi deficiency, leading to fatigue, depression and sometimes weakened immune system.
            Worry or excessive over thinking can be caused by mental stresses, common in students and those in intellectual professions. These stresses knot the Qi and affect the spleen and lungs bringing on aching shoulders and breathlessness. Worry may also turn into anxiety or panic attacks.
          Anger can include rage, irritability and frustration. In anger the tongue becomes dark red in colour.
           Fear affects the kidneys and makes the Qi descend, prolonged fear drains the kidneys. In children it can result in bed wetting and in adults it can turn to anxiety and heart troubles.
Fright or shock leads to breathlessness, heart palpitations and puts undue strain on the kidneys.
Joy, although a positive, joy can affect the heart by slowing down the Qi, in small doses joy is beneficial but over excitment can cause heart dis-harmonies.
Causes Of Disease:

            Dietary problems such as over-eating can affect the spleen. Over-eating can be caused by worry or excessive mental work and cause fatigue, digestion problems and diarrhea. Symptoms include stiffness, pale skin and lips, possible bruising and bleeding problems. Poor diet, not eating enough or not eating the correct foods due to modern day diets can be detrimental on the flow of Qi and on the spleen. Not only is it what we eat but when such as late at night,eating in a hurry and eating whilst working can affect the stomach and flow of Qi.
Lung problems can be caused by sadness and grief, affecting the lungs and breathing. Symptoms include frequent colds and flu, asthma, allergies and dry skin conditions. In order to improve the lungs, the immune system needs to be boosted.
Heart problems may occur as a result of depression and loss of vitality. Symptoms include heart palpitations, insomnia, poor long-term memory and other psychological issues.
Treatment of Disease

            Most can be treated by a combination of acupuncture and herbal remedies. Acupuncture is commonly effective for heart and kidney problems whereas extras such as exercise will be effective for depression and anxiety problems. Chinese medicine practitioners recognize that an individual’s condition is unique and may need different treatments for different symptoms. An in-depth session with a practitioner will work out a treatment program that can re-balance the emotions and the flow of Qi.

Acupuncture for Weight Loss

           Acupuncture for weight loss is an effective approach that can yield excellent results for many people. The weight reduction program should be catered to the individual. An acupuncturist develops the specific system of body points to include as well as the pattern used in the treatment. 
           Various points on the body correlate to internal body systems. The ear is among the most important points for weight reduction and patients can expect this area to be an integral part of their treatment plan. Other points correlate to the problems that cause weight gain.
Sources of Weight Gain

          In order to treat the weight condition properly, it is necessary to determine the source of the problem. Consider some of the possible contributing factors that may lead to extra pounds:

· Pinpoint the stomach system when the individual eats excessively, even after he is full. 
· Focus on the mouth for a person who eats compulsively to address the oral fixation. 
· Ovary is for women with hormonal imbalances leading to weight problems, and adrenal for men.
· Thyroid addresses slow metabolic rates.

Less obvious body systems can also interfere with a person’s ability to maintain a health  weight.  Acupuncture for weight loss may include:

· Kidneys address hormones, water retention, and the nervous system. 
· The endocrine system helps relieve water retention as well.
· The spleen helps create hormonal balance and it balances sugar levels in the body. 
· The lungs are important for helping people overcome food addiction, including sweets and chocolate. 
Anxiety and Weight Loss

            Anxiety can be a major barrier for individuals who are tying to lose weight. Diets fail to address the psychological factors that may contribute to obesity. Acupuncture for weight loss often uses the Shemen, a system that alleviates anger, insecurity, frustration, and stress. 
            An acupuncturist also includes points that alleviate hunger for people who feel the sensation of hunger when their bodies do not actually need nutrition. Appetite suppression is a common intervention in acupuncture. Combined with anti-anxiety methods, the approach is very effective for emotional eaters. 
Individualized Treatment

             The acupuncturist selects the most important points for the individual. There may be two or more points used in the treatment. Factors that the practitioner may consider include:

· The person’s age
· Eating habits
· Emotional state
· Psychological factors
· Stress levels
· Personality
· Lifestyle
· Types of foods 
· Other habits

         The practitioner may notice that an individual tends to talk excessively, smokes, and bites her nails. The person seems to have an oral fixation, making the mouth an ideal point to include in the treatment. 
          A menopausal woman who is under considerable stress can benefit from treatment that focuses on the ovaries, kidneys, spleen, and endocrine system. Shemen would also be of great benefit for this candidate. 
           Acupuncture for weight loss is best when the acupuncturist creates an individualized plan that addresses the patient’s specific eating problems. With consistency, the approach should alleviate the problem, creating an environment that is conducive to weight loss.

Fatigue Busters for Women

             When are you most vulnerable to fatigue? There are a lot of different factors that influence women’s energy, affecting stress levels, sleep, metabolism and more. If you employ some different tips and tricks, you may be able to combat fatigue and even recharge your internal batteries so that you feel revitalized each day with mental alertness even in the late afternoon. And being able to get a good night’s sleep is a good possibility too.

Lighten and Wake Up

             While sleeping late may be a good idea on the weekends or your days off, this ritual can actually upset your internal clock, throwing off your circadian rhythms. Your hypothalamus gland helps set your sleep and wake cycles so if you go to bed later and/or sleep late, you body will want to reset itself. It is important to wake up at the same time every day, preferably around sun-up when possible. Bright light will help your hypothalamus gland reset your body to a normal daily routine and beat fatigue.
Reduce Carbohydrates and Increase Protein

             Carbohydrates may provide some energy to you initially but they end up slowing you down in the long run. Healthy carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables are quite beneficial. It is the starchy carb-rich foods however that presents a problem. Any flour-based products such as pasta and bread can make you feel sleepy and less alert during the day. Boost protein instead to beat fatigue. Protein is the building block of muscle and therefore, fuels your body. Lean meats, cheese, milk and eggs are just a few of many examples of protein.
Delay Drinking Coffee until the Afternoon

             Coffee is a stimulant and has caffeine which hinders adenosine, a chemical which induces sleep in the brain. Early to late afternoon, most people lag mentally and physically because this adenosine is being produced in the brain. Drinking coffee in the early to late afternoon will block this brain chemical long enough for you to get through dinner so you can go to bed on time. Drinking coffee in the morning means the caffeinated effects will wear off long before you really need it.
Reduce Stress

              Reducing stress is easier said than done when it comes to busting fatigue in women. While long meditation sessions can help, shorter time-outs throughout the day are more beneficial. Whether it is just a few deep breaths, imagery or simple body stretching exercises, your body will boost endorphins at each mini de-stressing session. Choose a quiet area for your sessions because interruptions are not only a hassle but they will divert your attention away from reducing stress.
Avoid Naps When Possible

             Afternoons, particularly an hour or two after lunch, can be quite tiresome. Energy dips and your body craves sleep because it is just a few hours away from bedtime. Instead of indulging in a long nap or even a power nap, take a walk, run an errand, make a phone call or even daydream for a few minutes. Physical or mental activity will brush away the cobwebs so you can function without fatigue until bedtime. You will have to practice this before naps or nodding off are a thing in the past.
              While bright lights and activity such as exercise will help you avoid fatigue by day, getting a good night’s sleep is one of the best fatigue busters for women. Do not drink alcohol or caffeine before bed as these can stimulate or depress your brain cells, preventing you from relaxing and preparing yourself for bed. Choose darker, quieter activities such as reading a book or soaking in a hot tub. Avoid bright lights from the television and computer screen.

Melon Extract May Lessen Stress

        New research suggests that an enzyme extracted from melons may help ease stress and fight fatigue 
         For the study, researchers focused on 70 healthy adults (ages 30 to 55), all of whom experienced stress and fatigue on a daily basis. For four weeks, the study members took a daily supplement of superoxide dismutase (a melon extract with antioxidant effects) or a placebo capsule filled with inactive starch. Study results showed that volunteers assigned to the superoxide dismutase supplement had significant improvements in symptoms of stress and fatigue (including difficulty sleeping, irritability, and poor concentration), as well as in their quality of life.
         The study authors suggest that superoxide dismutase may help offset oxidative stress (known to occur when free radicals overwhelm the body's ability to neutralize them), which could in turn lessen psychological stress and stave off fatigue.
          Other natural approaches to stress relief include undergoing massage therapy, practicing yoga, and performing deep-breathing exercises.

Relieve Stress Without Medical Intervention

              Stress is an everyday occurrence in most people’s lives. In fact, recent studies show that people are more stressed today, than at any other point in history.
Because of this fact, the number of drugs used to treat stress has more than quadrupled in the last ten years.
You can now get pills, shots, or even lozenges that claim to relieve stress [Ways to relieve stress]. Unfortunately, most of these treatments come with some type of side effect, and a few can be addictive.
However, there are all natural treatments you can use to deal with the normal stresses of day to day life.
Whether you are a stay at home mom trying to cope with the kids, or a stock broker dealing with buy and sell options, there are many natural options to choose from. Consider the following options for combating stress naturally.
Herbal Capsules or Pills for Combating Stress
There are a number of herbal pills and capsules available today for the treatment of stress, and anxiety. Many people find that taking pills is one of the easiest ways to deal with stress. 
Ginkgo Biloba has shown promising effects in combating tension and stress. It can be taken three times a day, for all day relief.
However, a combination of Valerian and Passion Flower has also shown to be promising in the reduction of stress.
You will want to take Valerian in 100mg doses and Passion Flower in 45mg doses. This combination can be taken two, or three times each day, depending on your level of stress.
Stress Relieving Teas
Many people find the act of drinking tea to be stress relieving. However, certain types of tea contain natural ingredients that eliminate stress. Hops, catnip, skullcap, and lady’s slipper are all natural herbs, which are effective for stress, when they are steeped into tea.
In addition, a stress relieving tea can be made from 4-5 orange leaves. You will want to add sugar, for taste, to this tea. Another stress relieving tea can be made from yerbabuena leaves. These leaves can be made in one half cup of water, and combined with honey.
However, yerbabuena leaves can be difficult to find. You may want to speak with your local health food store, and have them specifically ordered.
Aromatherapy Options for Stress Relief
Many people find that aromatherapy can provide an excellent form of stress relief. There are many different ways to use aromatherapy in your daily routine. Have a massage completed using aromatherapy oils, or take an oil bath to relieve your stress.
Lavender is known to be very effective in relieving stress. It can be used in the form of dried flowers or oils[Lavender oil] .
However for those who cannot tolerate the strong smell of Lavender, Lavadin may provide a weakened smell and the same benefits.
There are several ways that lavender can be used. It can be applied to clothing, bedding, or heated in an oil burner for stress relief. However, Lavender and Lavadin can both be irritating to the skin if applied directly.