Spiritual wellness is one of the seven dimensions of wellness. It involves one’s belief system and sense of connection with something beyond oneself.
Spiritual wellness is about finding meaning and purpose in life. It involves mindfulness as well as appreciation and acceptance of life. Spiritual wellness can be experienced and achieved in many ways: through meditation, religion, music, art, literature, nature and through connections with loved ones and other people in the community.
Spiritual wellness is closely intertwined with emotional, physical and mental wellness. There are physiological, emotional and mental effects of spiritual practices. For example, meditation can affect mood and stress -- studies have shown that it can increase levels of feel-good serotonin and endorphins as well as decrease stress-associated cortisol, blood pressure and heart rate.
Spiritual practices can help in integrating wellness of the mind, body and spirit. By developing spiritual rituals or habits, one can boost spiritual wellness which can help in making deeper connections with loved ones and others.
Spiritual practices can provide healing and wellness. It can help in dealing with difficulties and heartaches as well as things that are beyond one’s control. It can help in finding insights and inspirations as well as serenity, peace and contentment.
Achieving spiritual wellness is an ongoing process of making choices towards a healthy and fulfilling life. The choices one makes in terms of spirituality can contribute to overall wellness or illness.
By achieving spiritual wellness, one can fully experience the depth of beauty, joy and love in one’s life.
I always believed that being spiritual is outside of being religious. It may simply be a quiet time for yourself, looking deep within and listening to your Higher Self. It may be just letting your body obey your mind, then having your mind submit to your soul and then letting your soul be directed by the spirit. It's part of each person's evolution.
Indeed, spiritual practices can aid in wellness and healing in a sense that it unloads us of unwanted baggage, inner strife, struggles, past hurts and other negative stuff. It brings us to a higher plane of awareness.
Source
Friday, July 24, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Wellness 101: Do Detox Baths Work? by Jordann Rawls, Dallas Wellness Examiner
Detox is in. The trendy influx of detox patches, cleansing diets, infrared saunas and talk about colon cleanse appointments is all a sign that people are wising up to what they put in their body, why it stays there and how to get it out.
While the body is already a lean, mean cleaning machine in and of itself, there are many ways to assist the body in detoxification sans 7-day starvation diets.
Drink water, break a good sweat by exercising five (5) times per week and splish, splash in a detox bath every once in a while.
Since the Shakespeare times, Epsom salt baths have been used to alleviate aches and pains yet only with modern science, have we learned why. Magnesium, the key kicker in Epsom salt, helps to relax the nervous system, curing skin problems, aching limbs, back pain, healing cuts, muscle strain and alleviating symptoms associated with common colds and sinus congestion.
Even still, most Americans are magnesium deficient, according to the National Academy of Sciences, which the academy attributes to high rates of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, arthritis and joint pain, digestive problems, stress-related complications, chronic fatigue and more.
With society levels of magnesium dropping nearly half in the last century, Americans aren't able to recoup magnesium through food intake, due to changes in agriculture and diet. For information on the changes happening in our food industry, click here. In addition, supplementation is not a viable option since magnesium is not easily absorbed by the digestive tract. But leave it to the body's largest organ, the skin, to pick up the slack.
Studies have shown that taking Epsom salt (scientifically known as hydrated magnesium sulfate) allows for absorption through the skin, leaving a soak that carries the benefits of both magnesium and sulfate. While magnesium works to alleviate the symptoms listed, sulfate assist in formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and strengthening the walls of the digestive tract, aiding in a more efficient evacuation system. For more information on how it works, click here.
Together, both of these bath buddies, lift levels of digestive enzymes in the pancreas and detoxify the body of earthly messiness. As evident on the Epsom Salt Industry Council website, health benefits range from improved heart health, detoxification and purification of heavy metals from physical cells, improving the body's ability to use insulin, improved nerve function, reduce inflammation and cramps, improved oxygen use and more.
The site recommends taking a minimum of three baths a week and soaking for at least 12 minutes in two cups of Epsom salt. Epsom salt can be found at your natural health food store, the pharmacy and most grocery stores. While there are many brands to choose from, the lower-priced salts are just as effective as the rest - sans spruces of lavender or mint that may be infused in higher-end supplies.
Even if you are weary of new detox trends, the steady stay of Epsom salt has super detox advantage. While the marketing may not be as high-tech as that of infrared saunas or Kanuki foot pads, there's science behind the salt.
Detoxification is a way of eliminating noxious substances from our body. These toxic substances come from the food that we ingest, pollution, stress and others. Detoxification brings the body back into balance or homeostasis resulting in natural healing.
Epsom salt detox is one of the easiest detox methods that I know of and added benefits includes immediate stress relief and natural pain relief due to feelings of relaxation.
Source
While the body is already a lean, mean cleaning machine in and of itself, there are many ways to assist the body in detoxification sans 7-day starvation diets.
Drink water, break a good sweat by exercising five (5) times per week and splish, splash in a detox bath every once in a while.
Since the Shakespeare times, Epsom salt baths have been used to alleviate aches and pains yet only with modern science, have we learned why. Magnesium, the key kicker in Epsom salt, helps to relax the nervous system, curing skin problems, aching limbs, back pain, healing cuts, muscle strain and alleviating symptoms associated with common colds and sinus congestion.
Even still, most Americans are magnesium deficient, according to the National Academy of Sciences, which the academy attributes to high rates of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, arthritis and joint pain, digestive problems, stress-related complications, chronic fatigue and more.
With society levels of magnesium dropping nearly half in the last century, Americans aren't able to recoup magnesium through food intake, due to changes in agriculture and diet. For information on the changes happening in our food industry, click here. In addition, supplementation is not a viable option since magnesium is not easily absorbed by the digestive tract. But leave it to the body's largest organ, the skin, to pick up the slack.
Studies have shown that taking Epsom salt (scientifically known as hydrated magnesium sulfate) allows for absorption through the skin, leaving a soak that carries the benefits of both magnesium and sulfate. While magnesium works to alleviate the symptoms listed, sulfate assist in formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and strengthening the walls of the digestive tract, aiding in a more efficient evacuation system. For more information on how it works, click here.
Together, both of these bath buddies, lift levels of digestive enzymes in the pancreas and detoxify the body of earthly messiness. As evident on the Epsom Salt Industry Council website, health benefits range from improved heart health, detoxification and purification of heavy metals from physical cells, improving the body's ability to use insulin, improved nerve function, reduce inflammation and cramps, improved oxygen use and more.
The site recommends taking a minimum of three baths a week and soaking for at least 12 minutes in two cups of Epsom salt. Epsom salt can be found at your natural health food store, the pharmacy and most grocery stores. While there are many brands to choose from, the lower-priced salts are just as effective as the rest - sans spruces of lavender or mint that may be infused in higher-end supplies.
Even if you are weary of new detox trends, the steady stay of Epsom salt has super detox advantage. While the marketing may not be as high-tech as that of infrared saunas or Kanuki foot pads, there's science behind the salt.
Detoxification is a way of eliminating noxious substances from our body. These toxic substances come from the food that we ingest, pollution, stress and others. Detoxification brings the body back into balance or homeostasis resulting in natural healing.
Epsom salt detox is one of the easiest detox methods that I know of and added benefits includes immediate stress relief and natural pain relief due to feelings of relaxation.
Source
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Alternative Natural Medicine: What is it? by Madalyn Suozo, SF Natural Health Examiner
Alternative Natural Medicine can be explained in these examples:
Sally was depressed and had a lot of stress. She went to her doctor who gave her an anti-depressant. It helped. But not enough so the doctor added another mood altercation drug. That helped too but it didn't help Sally's anxiety. So she went back to her doctor and he gave her an anti-anxiety drug. Things seemed better except for Sally's inability to think clearly. What do you think she did? Went back to her doctor for Ritalin.
Since insomnia was also an issue, Sally's doctor gave her a drug to put her to sleep. And sleep she did. For the next 20 years Sally got through her day with the help of these pharmaceuticals. The anxiety, depression, insomnia, clouded thinking were always elements in her life. They never went away. But they were subdued and Sally, for the most part was also subdued. She barely held down a job and had no friends. Not too many people liked Sally.
Mary had the same depression, anxiety, foggy thinking and sleepless nights. But her approach was different. She felt there must be something inside herself that was missing that she could correct. Using emotional intelligence, Mary started researching her condition. She believed in the power of nature. She meditated, she prayed and got the right professional help.
What Mary found out was that many moods are connected to not enough catecholamines. Catecholamines are chemicals in the brain. Mary discovered that by making sure that she replenished certain amino acids in her nutritional intake and diet that her focus and concentration returned. With further investigation Mary more completely corrected her biochemistry by making sure she cut out artificial stimulants and many of the toxic elements found in junk food. She ate 3 good quality meals a day consisting of protein, vegetables, fruit with healthy snacks that began to normalize her moods and blood sugar even further.
Exercise creates good brain chemistry so off she went 3 times a week to the gym. Within 6 months Mary was a different person. Friends and family alike were happy to see her feeling so much better. Mary went on to enjoy a healthy marriage, good career and expansion of her accomplishments.
What was the difference between Sally and Mary? One had good quality information and the other did not.
Need I say more about the effectiveness and safety of alternative natural medicine as opposed to pharmaceuticals? Again, drugs just mask the symptoms, but they still remain and other symptoms and diseases might even crop up due to this. On the other hand, if you opt for alternative cures, the body totally eliminates the toxins as it cleanses and balances itself and the symptoms or illness disappear. Alternative medicine attacks the root cause of any disease.
Source
Sally was depressed and had a lot of stress. She went to her doctor who gave her an anti-depressant. It helped. But not enough so the doctor added another mood altercation drug. That helped too but it didn't help Sally's anxiety. So she went back to her doctor and he gave her an anti-anxiety drug. Things seemed better except for Sally's inability to think clearly. What do you think she did? Went back to her doctor for Ritalin.
Since insomnia was also an issue, Sally's doctor gave her a drug to put her to sleep. And sleep she did. For the next 20 years Sally got through her day with the help of these pharmaceuticals. The anxiety, depression, insomnia, clouded thinking were always elements in her life. They never went away. But they were subdued and Sally, for the most part was also subdued. She barely held down a job and had no friends. Not too many people liked Sally.
Mary had the same depression, anxiety, foggy thinking and sleepless nights. But her approach was different. She felt there must be something inside herself that was missing that she could correct. Using emotional intelligence, Mary started researching her condition. She believed in the power of nature. She meditated, she prayed and got the right professional help.
What Mary found out was that many moods are connected to not enough catecholamines. Catecholamines are chemicals in the brain. Mary discovered that by making sure that she replenished certain amino acids in her nutritional intake and diet that her focus and concentration returned. With further investigation Mary more completely corrected her biochemistry by making sure she cut out artificial stimulants and many of the toxic elements found in junk food. She ate 3 good quality meals a day consisting of protein, vegetables, fruit with healthy snacks that began to normalize her moods and blood sugar even further.
Exercise creates good brain chemistry so off she went 3 times a week to the gym. Within 6 months Mary was a different person. Friends and family alike were happy to see her feeling so much better. Mary went on to enjoy a healthy marriage, good career and expansion of her accomplishments.
What was the difference between Sally and Mary? One had good quality information and the other did not.
Need I say more about the effectiveness and safety of alternative natural medicine as opposed to pharmaceuticals? Again, drugs just mask the symptoms, but they still remain and other symptoms and diseases might even crop up due to this. On the other hand, if you opt for alternative cures, the body totally eliminates the toxins as it cleanses and balances itself and the symptoms or illness disappear. Alternative medicine attacks the root cause of any disease.
Source
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Your Kitchen Is Your Medicine Cabinet by Eleanor Moyer, Manchester Natural Health Examiner
You don't have to be a Top Chef to know that one of the most valuable culinary secrets is that herbs used in the kitchen have medicinal properties.
You can bet that if you have an Italian grandmother, she is well aware that the Oregano and Basil she uses in her famous spaghetti sauce are digestive aids as well as herbs that have antibiotic properties; helping keep her family healthy during the cold winter months.
Chances are, your family has their own arsenal of kitchen herbs used as medicine throughout the seasons, the knowledge of which has been handed down from generation to generation.
Practicing alternative self care is easy when you know which herbs in your spice cabinet can be included as part of a healing diet or used as supplements.
The Herbs
Some of the most commonly used herbs are Oregano, Basil, Thyme, Anise, Fennel, Mint, Chamomile, Cayenne and Turmeric. You might be familiar with the uses of some of these herbs, yet there may be some things these herbs are capable of that you may not have known.
Some of the most common complaints can be remedied by herbs that we might never have thought of for that purpose. With proper planning, one can create a healing menu for every ailment, every day of the week.
The next time you use Rosemary as a seasoning think about the fact that you’re using an aromatic herb that also benefits blood pressure and proper circulation.
Cayenne Pepper, used popularly in the Master Cleanse Program and added to many Mexican dishes, is known to speed up metabolism and help promote weight loss.
Catnip is not just for cats anymore. You can make a tea of this herb to soothe an upset stomach, calm a colicky baby, reduce fever or use as a wash to bring out a rash. This multifaceted herb is part of the mint family.
Fennel is another wonderful herb to have in the kitchen. Its seeds can be chewed after a meal to promote healthy digestion and ease flatulence. Its use is popular throughout the Mediterranean as well as in the Middle East. If you’ve ever gone to an Indian restaurant and seen a bowl of dried herb with bright colored specks sitting out, this is Mukhwas, a mixture of Fennel, Anise Seed, Coconut and Sesame Seeds. These beautiful herbs are meant to be used as a digestive aid.
Indian curry recipes often call for Turmeric, recognizable by its vibrant orange hue. This delicate spice is scientifically proven to have anti-inflammatory properties and has been used by athletic trainers to decrease swelling after a sports injury. Internal swelling is one of the main sources of many diseases afflicting Westerners today. Turmeric is a good remedy to have on hand in the kitchen and may even aid people who suffer from asthma.
Cloves have a bite that take away the sting of a tooth ache, just soak a teaspoon of cloves in an ounce of extra virgin olive oil overnight and apply it to the affected area as you would over the counter Orajel.
If you suffer from chronic headaches or migraines herbal nervine tonics are often employed for easing tension and helping the body return to optimal function. In your kitchen you may find Peppermint, commonly thought of for stomach ailments, this herb is highly effective in treating nausea and pain associated with migraine headaches.
For colds, flu and bronchitis, stock up on savory herbs such as Sage, Thyme, Rosemary and Marjoram. These herbs are anti-spasmodic: reducing the action of a chronic cough, astringent: reducing inflammation and creating a protective barrier within the body, expectorant: allowing for mucous to be expelled from the lungs, and sedative: calming to the system. Make a strong tea of these herbs, add ginger and fresh local honey to ease a chronic cough, relax the nervous system and help a fever break.
If you suffer from insomnia, Chamomile tea is a great way to unwind from a hectic day. Many people have used this gentle herb for stomach issues, but don't let Chamomile's subtle properties fool you; it’s a hard working little flower that packs a big punch in all it can do. Chamomile is an infant’s best friend. If your baby suffers from colic, just make a tea and allow it to cool and put it in with their formula or spoon feed it to them as much as they will take. You will see results almost immediately. Chamomile can also be used as a wash for sore eyes and as a compress to reduce mild inflammation of insect bites and wounds.
Not only can herbs be added to your diet to increase health, sustain wellness and nourish the body, but many fruits and vegetables, sea vegetables, minerals and grains are therapeutic as well.
Connecting to our food as medicine
Before grocery stores and pharmacies, which became a product of the industrial revolution, our ancestors relied on the seasons and their own harvests to nurture their bodies during the year. Storehouses and basement refrigeration, canning and drying were the primary method of preserving food for the year ahead. Folk medicine was the herbs you found in the wild, the vegetables and fruit you grew in your gardens and the natural wisdom of how to use these substances to heal, which was passed down by word of mouth over the years.
While much of the wisdom of the ages has been lost, a lot of it has been preserved in books and handed down by wise men and women who kept this knowledge flowing into today’s modern world. In recent years, alternative medicine has become the preference for many American families. As rising costs in healthcare have caused many to become uninsured, people are looking for ways to remain healthy without having access to modern medicine. In addition, individuals who seek a more nature based way to nurture their bodies are returning to greener lifestyles, invoking the memory of their ancestors to embrace organic gardening, alternative healthcare, bodywork and environmentally safer options in their daily lives.
Because kitchen herbs are so versatile, they can be used in a variety of ways as part of a healing diet, as supplements and in body care products such as creams, salves and oils. The most popular way of ingesting herbs for medicinal purposes is by drinking tea. You will find that your children will readily drink a sweet healing tea over a chemical filled over the counter medicine.
It is important to know that not all herbs, even kitchen herbs, in a healing diet are for everyone. Some who have compromised immune systems should consult their regular healthcare practitioner prior to taking any herbs. Nursing and Pregnant mothers should also communicate with their health care provider regarding which herbs they are taking.
Herbs work with your body to gently, yet powerfully nurture and nourish it. Although herbs can work slower than a single compound pharmaceutical, they work more directly to bring about balance to the body as a whole. It’s nice to know there is a whole arsenal of healing remedies available right in your own kitchen.
It is always good to know that remedy for illness need not be expensive and that it is readily available to most of us.
Most chemically-based medicines only work on the symptoms but not the cause. Most natural medicines like herbs work on the cause of the illness. Healing might take longer than chemically-based ones but you can be sure that the effect would be long-lasting and in most cases, permanent.
Nourishing food as medicine? It's a great way to go.
Source
You can bet that if you have an Italian grandmother, she is well aware that the Oregano and Basil she uses in her famous spaghetti sauce are digestive aids as well as herbs that have antibiotic properties; helping keep her family healthy during the cold winter months.
Chances are, your family has their own arsenal of kitchen herbs used as medicine throughout the seasons, the knowledge of which has been handed down from generation to generation.
Practicing alternative self care is easy when you know which herbs in your spice cabinet can be included as part of a healing diet or used as supplements.
The Herbs
Some of the most commonly used herbs are Oregano, Basil, Thyme, Anise, Fennel, Mint, Chamomile, Cayenne and Turmeric. You might be familiar with the uses of some of these herbs, yet there may be some things these herbs are capable of that you may not have known.
Some of the most common complaints can be remedied by herbs that we might never have thought of for that purpose. With proper planning, one can create a healing menu for every ailment, every day of the week.
The next time you use Rosemary as a seasoning think about the fact that you’re using an aromatic herb that also benefits blood pressure and proper circulation.
Cayenne Pepper, used popularly in the Master Cleanse Program and added to many Mexican dishes, is known to speed up metabolism and help promote weight loss.
Catnip is not just for cats anymore. You can make a tea of this herb to soothe an upset stomach, calm a colicky baby, reduce fever or use as a wash to bring out a rash. This multifaceted herb is part of the mint family.
Fennel is another wonderful herb to have in the kitchen. Its seeds can be chewed after a meal to promote healthy digestion and ease flatulence. Its use is popular throughout the Mediterranean as well as in the Middle East. If you’ve ever gone to an Indian restaurant and seen a bowl of dried herb with bright colored specks sitting out, this is Mukhwas, a mixture of Fennel, Anise Seed, Coconut and Sesame Seeds. These beautiful herbs are meant to be used as a digestive aid.
Indian curry recipes often call for Turmeric, recognizable by its vibrant orange hue. This delicate spice is scientifically proven to have anti-inflammatory properties and has been used by athletic trainers to decrease swelling after a sports injury. Internal swelling is one of the main sources of many diseases afflicting Westerners today. Turmeric is a good remedy to have on hand in the kitchen and may even aid people who suffer from asthma.
Cloves have a bite that take away the sting of a tooth ache, just soak a teaspoon of cloves in an ounce of extra virgin olive oil overnight and apply it to the affected area as you would over the counter Orajel.
If you suffer from chronic headaches or migraines herbal nervine tonics are often employed for easing tension and helping the body return to optimal function. In your kitchen you may find Peppermint, commonly thought of for stomach ailments, this herb is highly effective in treating nausea and pain associated with migraine headaches.
For colds, flu and bronchitis, stock up on savory herbs such as Sage, Thyme, Rosemary and Marjoram. These herbs are anti-spasmodic: reducing the action of a chronic cough, astringent: reducing inflammation and creating a protective barrier within the body, expectorant: allowing for mucous to be expelled from the lungs, and sedative: calming to the system. Make a strong tea of these herbs, add ginger and fresh local honey to ease a chronic cough, relax the nervous system and help a fever break.
If you suffer from insomnia, Chamomile tea is a great way to unwind from a hectic day. Many people have used this gentle herb for stomach issues, but don't let Chamomile's subtle properties fool you; it’s a hard working little flower that packs a big punch in all it can do. Chamomile is an infant’s best friend. If your baby suffers from colic, just make a tea and allow it to cool and put it in with their formula or spoon feed it to them as much as they will take. You will see results almost immediately. Chamomile can also be used as a wash for sore eyes and as a compress to reduce mild inflammation of insect bites and wounds.
Not only can herbs be added to your diet to increase health, sustain wellness and nourish the body, but many fruits and vegetables, sea vegetables, minerals and grains are therapeutic as well.
Connecting to our food as medicine
Before grocery stores and pharmacies, which became a product of the industrial revolution, our ancestors relied on the seasons and their own harvests to nurture their bodies during the year. Storehouses and basement refrigeration, canning and drying were the primary method of preserving food for the year ahead. Folk medicine was the herbs you found in the wild, the vegetables and fruit you grew in your gardens and the natural wisdom of how to use these substances to heal, which was passed down by word of mouth over the years.
While much of the wisdom of the ages has been lost, a lot of it has been preserved in books and handed down by wise men and women who kept this knowledge flowing into today’s modern world. In recent years, alternative medicine has become the preference for many American families. As rising costs in healthcare have caused many to become uninsured, people are looking for ways to remain healthy without having access to modern medicine. In addition, individuals who seek a more nature based way to nurture their bodies are returning to greener lifestyles, invoking the memory of their ancestors to embrace organic gardening, alternative healthcare, bodywork and environmentally safer options in their daily lives.
Because kitchen herbs are so versatile, they can be used in a variety of ways as part of a healing diet, as supplements and in body care products such as creams, salves and oils. The most popular way of ingesting herbs for medicinal purposes is by drinking tea. You will find that your children will readily drink a sweet healing tea over a chemical filled over the counter medicine.
It is important to know that not all herbs, even kitchen herbs, in a healing diet are for everyone. Some who have compromised immune systems should consult their regular healthcare practitioner prior to taking any herbs. Nursing and Pregnant mothers should also communicate with their health care provider regarding which herbs they are taking.
Herbs work with your body to gently, yet powerfully nurture and nourish it. Although herbs can work slower than a single compound pharmaceutical, they work more directly to bring about balance to the body as a whole. It’s nice to know there is a whole arsenal of healing remedies available right in your own kitchen.
It is always good to know that remedy for illness need not be expensive and that it is readily available to most of us.
Most chemically-based medicines only work on the symptoms but not the cause. Most natural medicines like herbs work on the cause of the illness. Healing might take longer than chemically-based ones but you can be sure that the effect would be long-lasting and in most cases, permanent.
Nourishing food as medicine? It's a great way to go.
Source
Thursday, July 9, 2009
10 Tips to relieve Muscle Pain Naturally (name of author, not indicated in news item)
If you suffer from muscle or joint pain you know how much it can impact your life. From not being able to play active sports to missing out on family fun – the effects can be far-reaching and upsetting. So, its natural that we search for pain remedies.
Almost everyone is familiar with pain relief formulas. Over 30 billion over-the- counter tablets and 70 million prescriptions are sold annually just in the USA. Known as ‘Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs’ (NSAIDs), a few commonly known names include Aspirin, Ibuprofin, Advil, and Motrin as well as prescription products like Celebrex and Vioxx. What most people might not know is that over 16,000 Americans die from NSAIDs a year and approximately 107,000 patients are hospitalized annually for NSAID related gastrointestinal complications.(1)
There is an alternative. Natural pain relief therapies can decrease inflammation and help repair tissues. The following are some starting points for investigating natural solutions further:
1- Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night: During the deeper stages of sleep the human body produces growth hormone, which results in tissue healing and repair. Inadequate amounts of sleep contribute to pain. Natural sleep remedies that can help you get a deep and restorative sleep are Melatonin, Hydroxy L- tryptophan (5-HTP), Calcium, Mangesium and colloidal gold. You can also listen to relaxing music – try searching on itunes for ocean sounds.
2- Take a green-lipped mussel oil supplement: If you suffer from pain, swelling or other symptoms commonly associated with arthritis, you may benefit from taking green-lipped mussel oil from New Zealand. In a clinical trial conducted at the Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital in Glasgow, UK, preparations of green-lipped mussel extract were shown to benefit 76 percent of rheumatoid arthritis patients and 70 percent of osteoarthritic patients (2) The omega-3s contained in green-lipped mussel oils (more potent than fish oils) cannot be manufactured by our body and decrease inflammation. The EPA and DHA essential fatty acids have been so effective that some people have been able to discontinue their use of other medications altogether.
3- Take MSM, or “organic sulphur”. It can lessen inflammation, pain, and stiffness due to arthritis, muscle, or back pain and helps to balance the blood chemistry in these conditions. MSM helps supply the sulfur amino acids needed for healing.
4- Massage a blend of essential oils of arnica, Calendula and St John’s work into the affected painful area. Applying essential oils directly on the area nourishes cells and enables the body to metabolize waste and heal injuries more quickly. Herb Pharm makes a a blend called “Trauma Oil” which is very effective. Essential oils can help relax tense muscles and improve circulation.
5- Eat a whole food, mineral rich diet with plenty of vegetables and whole grains. Vegetable juices and green chlorophyll-rich foods can help relieve muscle inflammations by promoting the elimination of toxins from the body. Cut back on the amount of meat containing large amounts of saturated fat, which impacts the effective functioning of the liver – possibly leading to inflammation and irritation. Animal fats also contain arachadonic acid which can stimulate inflammation.
6- Take Glucosamine sulfate: Glucosamine is a naturally occurring element in the body that plays a crucial role in the building and healing of cartilage. Glucosamine may be efficient in treating and even delaying the progression of osteoarthritis. Some studies have hinted that glucosamine may be as effective as NSAIDs in treating joint conditions, while having fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
7- Magnetic therapy: Magnetic therapy is a safe method of applying magnetic fields to the body for therapeutic purposes. It helps speed the healing process and improve quality of sleep without any adverse side effects. A study from the University of Virginia showed that that a magnetic field of moderate strength can result in significant reduction of swelling when applied immediately after an inflammatory injury. Dilation of blood vessels is a major cause of swelling, and it’s thought that the magnets worked by limiting blood flow to the affected area. Individuals wearing magnetic jewelry have reported diminished muscle soreness and lessening of cramps. Try sleeping on a magnet mattress pad to help ease the pain of muscle soreness or apply magnet straps to sore muscle or tendonitis areas.
8- Take Vitamin D: Researched conducted by the University of Minnesota found that 93% of all subjects with non-specific musculoskeletal pain were vitamin D deficient. Taking Vitamin D and CoQ10 can help alleviate muscle pain caused by cholesterol-lowering statin drugs. Vitamin D can also be synthesized naturally by the body upon exposure to sunlight.
9- Cayenne pepper:A teaspoon of cayenne shaken in 2 ounces of olive oil can be used as an ointment and rubbed directly into sore muscles. Cayenne contains capsaicin which eventually inhibits secretion of the neurotransmitter Substance P, that transmits pain to the brain, lessening muscle soreness, sprains and cramps.
10- Try an Epsom salt bath: The magnesium sulfate of Epsom Salt acts as a muscle relaxant, and by easing muscle pain it helps the body to eliminate harmful substances. Due to changes in agriculture in the past century, most Americans are deficient in Magnesium. Studies show increased magnesium levels from soaking in a bath enriched with Epsom salt! Magnesium and sulfate are both easily absorbed through the skin. Fill a bathtub with water as hot as you can stand. Add 2 cups of Epsom salts. The heat of the bath will increase circulation and reduce inflammation.
About Alchemy Radiant Health: Alchemy Radiant Health offers services to help people achieve premium physical performance, mental clarity, and well-being through holistic wellness programs that promote radiant health and longevity. Our approach and philosophy is based on ancient Chinese nutrition combined with the latest developments in super-foods.
Muscle pain relief need not be chemically produced or expensive. Check what's readily available at home or opt for natural relief. Switching to a healthier diet can do you wonders too.
Source
Almost everyone is familiar with pain relief formulas. Over 30 billion over-the- counter tablets and 70 million prescriptions are sold annually just in the USA. Known as ‘Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs’ (NSAIDs), a few commonly known names include Aspirin, Ibuprofin, Advil, and Motrin as well as prescription products like Celebrex and Vioxx. What most people might not know is that over 16,000 Americans die from NSAIDs a year and approximately 107,000 patients are hospitalized annually for NSAID related gastrointestinal complications.(1)
There is an alternative. Natural pain relief therapies can decrease inflammation and help repair tissues. The following are some starting points for investigating natural solutions further:
1- Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night: During the deeper stages of sleep the human body produces growth hormone, which results in tissue healing and repair. Inadequate amounts of sleep contribute to pain. Natural sleep remedies that can help you get a deep and restorative sleep are Melatonin, Hydroxy L- tryptophan (5-HTP), Calcium, Mangesium and colloidal gold. You can also listen to relaxing music – try searching on itunes for ocean sounds.
2- Take a green-lipped mussel oil supplement: If you suffer from pain, swelling or other symptoms commonly associated with arthritis, you may benefit from taking green-lipped mussel oil from New Zealand. In a clinical trial conducted at the Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital in Glasgow, UK, preparations of green-lipped mussel extract were shown to benefit 76 percent of rheumatoid arthritis patients and 70 percent of osteoarthritic patients (2) The omega-3s contained in green-lipped mussel oils (more potent than fish oils) cannot be manufactured by our body and decrease inflammation. The EPA and DHA essential fatty acids have been so effective that some people have been able to discontinue their use of other medications altogether.
3- Take MSM, or “organic sulphur”. It can lessen inflammation, pain, and stiffness due to arthritis, muscle, or back pain and helps to balance the blood chemistry in these conditions. MSM helps supply the sulfur amino acids needed for healing.
4- Massage a blend of essential oils of arnica, Calendula and St John’s work into the affected painful area. Applying essential oils directly on the area nourishes cells and enables the body to metabolize waste and heal injuries more quickly. Herb Pharm makes a a blend called “Trauma Oil” which is very effective. Essential oils can help relax tense muscles and improve circulation.
5- Eat a whole food, mineral rich diet with plenty of vegetables and whole grains. Vegetable juices and green chlorophyll-rich foods can help relieve muscle inflammations by promoting the elimination of toxins from the body. Cut back on the amount of meat containing large amounts of saturated fat, which impacts the effective functioning of the liver – possibly leading to inflammation and irritation. Animal fats also contain arachadonic acid which can stimulate inflammation.
6- Take Glucosamine sulfate: Glucosamine is a naturally occurring element in the body that plays a crucial role in the building and healing of cartilage. Glucosamine may be efficient in treating and even delaying the progression of osteoarthritis. Some studies have hinted that glucosamine may be as effective as NSAIDs in treating joint conditions, while having fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
7- Magnetic therapy: Magnetic therapy is a safe method of applying magnetic fields to the body for therapeutic purposes. It helps speed the healing process and improve quality of sleep without any adverse side effects. A study from the University of Virginia showed that that a magnetic field of moderate strength can result in significant reduction of swelling when applied immediately after an inflammatory injury. Dilation of blood vessels is a major cause of swelling, and it’s thought that the magnets worked by limiting blood flow to the affected area. Individuals wearing magnetic jewelry have reported diminished muscle soreness and lessening of cramps. Try sleeping on a magnet mattress pad to help ease the pain of muscle soreness or apply magnet straps to sore muscle or tendonitis areas.
8- Take Vitamin D: Researched conducted by the University of Minnesota found that 93% of all subjects with non-specific musculoskeletal pain were vitamin D deficient. Taking Vitamin D and CoQ10 can help alleviate muscle pain caused by cholesterol-lowering statin drugs. Vitamin D can also be synthesized naturally by the body upon exposure to sunlight.
9- Cayenne pepper:A teaspoon of cayenne shaken in 2 ounces of olive oil can be used as an ointment and rubbed directly into sore muscles. Cayenne contains capsaicin which eventually inhibits secretion of the neurotransmitter Substance P, that transmits pain to the brain, lessening muscle soreness, sprains and cramps.
10- Try an Epsom salt bath: The magnesium sulfate of Epsom Salt acts as a muscle relaxant, and by easing muscle pain it helps the body to eliminate harmful substances. Due to changes in agriculture in the past century, most Americans are deficient in Magnesium. Studies show increased magnesium levels from soaking in a bath enriched with Epsom salt! Magnesium and sulfate are both easily absorbed through the skin. Fill a bathtub with water as hot as you can stand. Add 2 cups of Epsom salts. The heat of the bath will increase circulation and reduce inflammation.
About Alchemy Radiant Health: Alchemy Radiant Health offers services to help people achieve premium physical performance, mental clarity, and well-being through holistic wellness programs that promote radiant health and longevity. Our approach and philosophy is based on ancient Chinese nutrition combined with the latest developments in super-foods.
Muscle pain relief need not be chemically produced or expensive. Check what's readily available at home or opt for natural relief. Switching to a healthier diet can do you wonders too.
Source
Monday, July 6, 2009
Celebrities Haven't been Dying From Holistic Medicine by Vickie Jackson, Detroit Alternative Medicine Examiner
It certainly seems odd lately that there has been a steady stream of celebrity deaths, some of them quite untimely. However, when some of the lives lost are examined, due to their lifestyle choices, the timing seems inevitable despite their relative youth. Some, such as Michael Jackson, did not even go beyond middle age. In many instances those who die before reaching their golden years do so as the result of addictions to drugs (prescription and/or "street" varieties) and/or alcohol, whether they are famous or just an average person, unknown to the glitter and power circuits of society. By contrast, there are those who choose a healthy, natural lifestyle (think of Jack LaLanne, pushing 95 and still working). Which of the two groups appears to have made the better decision?
Looking also at the recent federal inquiries into the safety of such drugs as acetaminophen, it is ironic how many of those in the allopathic (conventional) medical field still decry holistic medicine as "voodoo". There are doctors who will not discuss any natural alternatives to their methods with patients. Holistic practitioners are branded as "charlatans" by those who do not even have the knowledge of herbal or other natural healing means. Alternative medical professionals are not able to merely set up practice much like children running a lemonade stand. They must study at state-recognized educational institutes (such as Blue Heron Academy here in Michigan: see http://www.blueheronacademy.com/) and pass exams for their certification. Unlike the image many have of those in the alternative medicine field shaking chicken bones and chanting over a patient, much analysis of any illness is required. The client is interviewed regarding lifestyle, diet, hereditary factors, work conditions, and anything else deemed pertinent to the health problem. The ultimate goal is not merely to treat symptoms and get on to someone else, but to restore wellness and balance to the individual. When traditional medical tests such as blood work are required, there is complementary consultation involved between the allopathic and natural disciplines. Anyone seeking assistance from a natural health professional will be treated as a whole person, not a sick part attached to an otherwise healthy body. Counseling will be offered for the purpose of not only restoration of good health but for maintenance and improvement of the person's overall condition. It's not a matter of "OK, take these pills, see you in a month" and you're out the door.
Granted, there will always be those who will be less than open-minded towards any health modalities that they perceive either conflict with or threaten their own beliefs and training. People should have the freedom to make their own choices for health care based on their, and others', experiences and needs. Hopefully we will continue to have such choices; gradually, even insurance companies have been coming to the realization of alternative/complementary medicine's validity.
In the meantime, individuals can make their own decisions as to which lifestyle is wiser to follow: the way of nature or of the artificial, chemical-laden life. It's not too likely you'll read someday about a young superstar dying from an overdose of chiropractic adjustment, for example, or getting addicted to chamomile tea.
Comparing how medical doctors and natural health practitioners treat their patients, I can say that natural healers are more humane in the sense that they focus or really attend to the individual in need of their care. Natural healers look into the whole of the person. They would look into the lifestyle, eating habits, sleeping habits, environment in which they live, relationships, life experiences, and others. These are all related and in fact, contributes to the present condition of each one of us.
I have been treated by both medical doctors and natural healers. With the former, my experience would be, I would walk into the clinic, doctor checks me quite mechanically and in a rushed manner, writes down chemical prescription and I'm out of the door in 5-10 minutes. Natural healers would really take the time to treat me and there's always this feeling that I've been cared for.
Again, comparing these two different approaches, which do you think would patients respond to better? It's always going to be your choice. Try it and see the big difference.
Source
Looking also at the recent federal inquiries into the safety of such drugs as acetaminophen, it is ironic how many of those in the allopathic (conventional) medical field still decry holistic medicine as "voodoo". There are doctors who will not discuss any natural alternatives to their methods with patients. Holistic practitioners are branded as "charlatans" by those who do not even have the knowledge of herbal or other natural healing means. Alternative medical professionals are not able to merely set up practice much like children running a lemonade stand. They must study at state-recognized educational institutes (such as Blue Heron Academy here in Michigan: see http://www.blueheronacademy.com/) and pass exams for their certification. Unlike the image many have of those in the alternative medicine field shaking chicken bones and chanting over a patient, much analysis of any illness is required. The client is interviewed regarding lifestyle, diet, hereditary factors, work conditions, and anything else deemed pertinent to the health problem. The ultimate goal is not merely to treat symptoms and get on to someone else, but to restore wellness and balance to the individual. When traditional medical tests such as blood work are required, there is complementary consultation involved between the allopathic and natural disciplines. Anyone seeking assistance from a natural health professional will be treated as a whole person, not a sick part attached to an otherwise healthy body. Counseling will be offered for the purpose of not only restoration of good health but for maintenance and improvement of the person's overall condition. It's not a matter of "OK, take these pills, see you in a month" and you're out the door.
Granted, there will always be those who will be less than open-minded towards any health modalities that they perceive either conflict with or threaten their own beliefs and training. People should have the freedom to make their own choices for health care based on their, and others', experiences and needs. Hopefully we will continue to have such choices; gradually, even insurance companies have been coming to the realization of alternative/complementary medicine's validity.
In the meantime, individuals can make their own decisions as to which lifestyle is wiser to follow: the way of nature or of the artificial, chemical-laden life. It's not too likely you'll read someday about a young superstar dying from an overdose of chiropractic adjustment, for example, or getting addicted to chamomile tea.
Comparing how medical doctors and natural health practitioners treat their patients, I can say that natural healers are more humane in the sense that they focus or really attend to the individual in need of their care. Natural healers look into the whole of the person. They would look into the lifestyle, eating habits, sleeping habits, environment in which they live, relationships, life experiences, and others. These are all related and in fact, contributes to the present condition of each one of us.
I have been treated by both medical doctors and natural healers. With the former, my experience would be, I would walk into the clinic, doctor checks me quite mechanically and in a rushed manner, writes down chemical prescription and I'm out of the door in 5-10 minutes. Natural healers would really take the time to treat me and there's always this feeling that I've been cared for.
Again, comparing these two different approaches, which do you think would patients respond to better? It's always going to be your choice. Try it and see the big difference.
Source
Friday, July 3, 2009
Biological Medicine Offers a Holistic Approach to Healing by Deborah Mitchell, Phoenix Alternative Medicine Examiner
Biological medicine, also called German biological medicine or biological regulatory medicine, integrates Western science with Eastern philosophies. Practitioners of biological medicine keep the big questions in mind as they interact with their patients: why are we here (the mind/body/spirit connection); and why do we get sick?
What is biological medicine?
Biological medicine is a blending of two worlds—science and philosophy, bringing together proven ideas with new science. Thus practitioners of biological medicine will call upon the art and wisdom of such approaches as homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, herbal medicine, photon resonance therapy, acupuncture, and ionized oxygen therapy, among others, when treating patients.
In biological medicine, symptoms are considered to be warnings that manifest as patterns of “regulatory disharmony” and the final indicators of a long chain of events.
Practitioners of biological medicine work closely with each patient to create a treatment program that is based on that individual’s unique symptoms, needs, and underlying causes. In reality, the practitioner is a guide: healing comes from within the patient. The practitioner assists and guides a patient’s immune system and individual natural healing processes.
Five factors overlooked by conventional medicine
Biological medicine practitioners note that there are five areas overlooked by conventional practitioners. They include the impact of:
• Food allergies
• Faulty diet and nutrition
• Environmental toxins and heavy metals
• Interrelated dental-medical problems
• Chronic hidden parasites and infections
Not considering and investigating the impact of each of these factors in an individual’s health is indicative of conventional medicine’s failure to recognize and address a patient’s entire being—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Biological medicine practitioners explore each of these areas, and more, with their patients.
Indeed, the human body is a multi-dimentional system composed of the body, mind, soul and spirit. If healing is required, all of these factors should be looked into. Everything ingested, felt, experienced and thought of by the human should be taken into consideration for all of these have an effect on the individual. All of these factors should be addressed if complete healing the goal. Symptoms are just physical manifestations of something deeper.
Learn more about biological healing and the author
What is biological medicine?
Biological medicine is a blending of two worlds—science and philosophy, bringing together proven ideas with new science. Thus practitioners of biological medicine will call upon the art and wisdom of such approaches as homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, herbal medicine, photon resonance therapy, acupuncture, and ionized oxygen therapy, among others, when treating patients.
In biological medicine, symptoms are considered to be warnings that manifest as patterns of “regulatory disharmony” and the final indicators of a long chain of events.
Practitioners of biological medicine work closely with each patient to create a treatment program that is based on that individual’s unique symptoms, needs, and underlying causes. In reality, the practitioner is a guide: healing comes from within the patient. The practitioner assists and guides a patient’s immune system and individual natural healing processes.
Five factors overlooked by conventional medicine
Biological medicine practitioners note that there are five areas overlooked by conventional practitioners. They include the impact of:
• Food allergies
• Faulty diet and nutrition
• Environmental toxins and heavy metals
• Interrelated dental-medical problems
• Chronic hidden parasites and infections
Not considering and investigating the impact of each of these factors in an individual’s health is indicative of conventional medicine’s failure to recognize and address a patient’s entire being—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Biological medicine practitioners explore each of these areas, and more, with their patients.
Indeed, the human body is a multi-dimentional system composed of the body, mind, soul and spirit. If healing is required, all of these factors should be looked into. Everything ingested, felt, experienced and thought of by the human should be taken into consideration for all of these have an effect on the individual. All of these factors should be addressed if complete healing the goal. Symptoms are just physical manifestations of something deeper.
Learn more about biological healing and the author
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