Zauzy

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

Acupuncture is the basic foundation for Traditional Chinese Medicine and is based on the belief that there are two opposing and inseparable forces within our body. They are known as the Yin and Yang of the entire person. The Yin is representative of the cold, slow, or passive principle, and yang represents the hot, excited or active principle. A healthy state is achieved by maintaining a balance state of the yin and yang.

This is done through vital pathways or meridians that allow for the flow of qi, or vital energy. The vital energy flow occurs along pathways known as meridians. These meridians connect over 2,000 acupuncture points along the body. There are 12 main meridians, and 8 secondary meridians. Although traditional western medicine does not completely understand how acupuncture works, the proof that it does work has been shown in several studies conducted by western medical facilities. Now, let’s move to the question of does it work? According to the National Institute of Health, the answer would be yes. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in many areas of health care. Areas such as postoperative nausea, chemotherapy side effects, osteoarthritis, low-back pain, headache, menstrual cramps, addiction, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma, just to name a few.

The study revealed that acupuncture was able to provide pain relief, improve function and mobility of joints due to arthritis inflammation, and served to complement standard care. Although there are many who would doubt the effectiveness of acupuncture, once they are a patient, they are believers. It has been proposed that acupuncture works and produces its effects through regulating the nervous system.

The theory proposes that since acupuncture produces its effect through regulation of the nervous system, it induces the release of endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites on the body. There is also the theory that acupuncture alters the brain chemistry by the changing the neurotransmitters in the brain. Without doubt acupuncture was a benefit in the study, and as a patient myself, I can vouch for the wonderful effect it has had on my back. Although acupuncture is classified as an alternative medicine therapy, and there is still much to be understood about the way it works, it is a proven aid in maintaining optimal health.

But what about the well individual, can acupuncture provide a benefit to them? Absolutely.

Because acupuncture works off the belief that we must maintain balance of our vital energy flow in order to remain healthy, acupuncture serves as the tool for realignment. Our vital energy flow can be out of balance, and we still feel and appear quite healthy. It is in this capacity that acupuncture serves as a sort of preventive medicine. Checking and balancing the flow of energy on the meridian points in your body is like your car receiving a tune-up before it is in need of a repair. get more health and fitness articles at http://www.anabolic.ca and http://www.takingsteroids.com

Arthritis had Mrs. Thompson grounded for years. She had seen several doctors with no permanent solution to the problem. As an alternative medicinal stream, Mrs. Thomson agreed to use aromatherapy. Regular massage with the essential oils of lemon balm, rose, black spruce, tarragon and jasmine was recommended. She testifies to the positive effect aromatherapy had on her condition.

Many people like Mrs. Thompson have found relief in aromatherapy treatment. The system of aromatherapy treatment utilises aromas and scents to heal the human being as a whole. Aromas and scents are derived from several plants and herbs. Research that has been undertaken on plants and herbs from the ancient times until now has helped determine their therapeutic benefits. However, more than a science, aromatherapy is an art and involves a creative approach in making specific blends.

Essential oils have an important role to play in aromatherapy treatment. An essential oil is the essence of plants derived through a process whereby plants are distilled through steam or water. What we get through the process is a concentrated essential oil, of which a few drops are capable of giving the desired effect.

One of the first known discoveries of the therapeutic benefits of essential oils was made by French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé. Gattefossé is also credited with coining the term aromatherapy. When he got a burn on his hand, he accidentally put his hand in a jar full of lavender oil. He was surprised to see that he got immediate relief and the burn left no scars on his hand. Through further research, he established the healing powers of lavender oil.

Some of the common ailments where aromatherapy treatment has been accepted as a potent solution are anxiety, stress or insomnia, muscular aches and pains, headaches, eczema, digestive problems, menstrual or menopausal problems, etc. Therefore, aromatherapy treatments heal physically as well as psychologically.

A common respiratory disorder is asthma. This is caused through contact with allergen, after a tiring exercise session or through infection. An asthmatic person experiences shortness of breath, cough and mucous production as a result of inflammation or contraction of the bronchi. The condition can be treated through aromatherapy treatment. The oils of clove bud and lemongrass have been recognised to have anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious properties. These oils along with the oils of lemon, clary sage, and angelica can be very useful for treating asthma.

Aromatherapy products are available in several stores, referred to as aromatherapy stores. These stock preparations made from herbs and plants sourced from different parts of the world; mostly, the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and the Africas.

However, the use of aromatherapy treatments must be strictly prescriptive. Toiletries, which use aromas and scents, use a very small amount of essential oils. Therefore, they are not harmful. As said earlier, essential oils are highly concentrated. If a larger dosage of it is taken, then can result in irritation or be poisonous, when used with food or drink.

Did you think essential oils being derived from plants are free from side effects? No, they are not. The common side effects of essential oils are nausea, headaches etc.

Get help from an expert practitioner on the appropriate treatment for ones condition. The person who practices aromatherapy treatment is known as aromatherapist. He either will massage the oil on the skin or would suggest the appropriate method of use. Just as one would check the credentials of a doctor practising in contemporary medicine, it is important to know whether the aromatherapist has been trained in aromatherapy treatment. An aromatherapist proceeds in the same manner as a common doctor. He will first get a detailed medical history of the individual through a series of questions on diet, lifestyle, and health problems. This goes well with the system of aromatherapy healing where the whole rather than one particular ailment is considered for treatment.

Essential oils are powerfully aromatic oils derived from natural botanical matter like plants and herbs.

The practice of Aromatherapy uses pure essential oils to promote physical and mental wellbeing through the power of the beautifully scented oils.

Aromatherapy oils and massage have been used for more than 6000 years. Aromatherapy derives from two words: aroma - fragrance or smell and therapy - treatment. The Egyptians are given credit for being the first to take use of essential oils and aromatherapy. They were first used as gifts to the gods, then for embalming. The oils were found for medicinal and cosmetic uses and the Greeks began to use them for massage, ointments, perfumes and other methods of treatment to pamper and relax themselves.

The Romans adopted Greek medicine and improved it for personal use in the bath and massage. With time, Arabic and East Indian oils were adopted as the Romans spread in their conquest of the world.

The crusades brought essential oils to the Far East and Arabia. Avicenna was the first to distill the plants (980 A.D - 1037 A.D.). The Chinese started to use aromatics as burnt offerings to please their gods. Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine over 3000 years old, uses massage with oil as part of the treatment. American Indians also used aromatics.

It wasn't until around the early 1900's that Western civilizations began to find the curative and restorative powers of essential oils. French doctors and botanists were amongst the first to publish books and sell oils for massage. Their production techniques are now used world-wide.

Each aromatherapy oil brings its own unique benefit. For example, the health benefits of lavender oil include its ability to remove nervous tension, relieve pain, disinfect scalp and skin, enhance blood circulation and treat respiratory problems. Lavender smells lovely, it has the Latin name Lavare, which means "to wash", due to its aroma that gives the feeling of a clean aroma.

Lavender oil is extracted mostly from the flowers of lavender plant, primarily through steam distillation. The flowers of lavender are beautifully fragrant in nature and have been used for making potpourris for many years.

Lavender essential oil has also for a long time been traditionally used in making perfumes. The oil is very useful in aromatherapy and many aromatic preparations are made using lavender oil. Lavender oil blends well with a lot of other oils including cedarwood, pine, clary sage, geranium, and nutmeg. Today, lavender oil is used in various forms including aromatherapy oil, gels.

Essential oils can be purchase from health stores or online.

Rani S

Massage Therapist

Healing therapies may help you greatly.

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We all know Acupressure has been around for some 5,000 years now and those of us involved in Holistic and wellness remain convinced that the procedures encompassed within this sphere are more efficacious than physical therapy. Every living being has a life force, or energy, called qi or chi (pronounced "chee"). When this energy, which runs along meridians, is in balance and flowing freely, the body is in a state of health. Acupoints tap into the the major energy pathways of the body

When this energy is blocked or deficient, illness can result. These energy disruptions are often the result of stress or injury. It is believed that acupressure causes the brain to release endorphins. Endorphins play an important role in immune function, pain relief, stress reduction, and slowing the aging process.

Lower back pain has long been the bain of the modern world not only in lost man hours but also because of the numerous side effects, complications and nuances of lower back pain complaints. Further studies now confirm the benefits of acupressure over physical therapy. Albeit that the studies failed to take into account functional status and disability as recommended by

most low back pain researchers the results are still very meaningful and relevant. In February 2006 a randomized controlled trial took place at The National Taiwan University in Taipei.

129 patients with chronic low back pain received acupressure or physical therapy for 1 month. Primary endpoints were self-administered Chinese versions of standard outcome measures for low back pain (Roland and Morris disability questionnaire) at baseline, after treatment, and at 6-month follow-up. After treatment, the mean total Roland and Morris disability questionnaire score was significantly lower in the acupressure group than in the physical therapy group regardless of the difference in absolute score or mean change from baseline.

Compared with physical therapy, acupressure was associated with an 89% reduction in significant disability and that improvement was maintained at 6-month follow-up. Study limitations include a confounding psychological effect of therapy; loss of 15.5% of patients to follow-up at 6 months and effectiveness of any manipulation therapy dependent on the therapist's technique and experience.

Participants were aged 18 to 81 years. Exclusion criteria were pregnancy and contraindication to acupressure. 64 patients were randomized to acupressure and 65 to physical therapy. Conclusive or inconclusive the results still point towards the undeniable and positive aspects of acupressure and holistic healing.

On a more lighter note Acupressure has also been cited as a new aid for sleepy students. 39 student volunteers found that those who were taught to self-administer acupressure to stimulation points on their legs, feet, hands and heads were less likely to drowse during class. The acupressure consisted of light tapping of fingers or using thumbs or forefingers to lightly massage the stimulation points. It was conceded that more study is needed in relation to acupressure and the effect on human alertness.

Looking further into the positives might this self administered acupressure also be a consideration for children with ADHD contra Ritalin!

What Are The Major Differences Between Acupuncture , Acupressure ?

If you are just finding out about traditional Asian medicinal practices , acupuncture and acupressure as search , you are probably confused about what the differences are between the two types of procedures . After all , both styles of medicine are a far cry from surgery and medication treatments that you are likely centric accustomed to , so it is important not to Determine whether or alternative treatments these are for you. And there is no better place to start when looking into acupressure and acupuncture than to find out what the differences are between the two types of treatments .

The key difference between these two types of traditional treatments is the way that they are preformed . Acupuncture is designed to alleviate any pain or bodily suffering , or simply to elevate your mood to make you feel as though you are in a state of ecstasy . Like acupuncture , acupressure is designed to Achieve the same goals , but without the use of one critical tool in vivid Which linked to acupuncture for generations. Needles.

Instead of using needles inserted into special Which are acupuncture points on a person 's body , acupressure uses pressure points to alleviate pain and enhance the mood of the patient . There has been quite a bit of research done into the two different fields of alternative medicine , and both have been proven to be effective in many cases . However, as the studies are fairly recent silence , much evidence has yet to be unearthed . That being said , there are quite a few positive studies that have conclusively shown that acupuncture , in Particular, Particularly useful can be for the treatment of nausea and chronic back pain , as well as various other soreness throughout the body . Like acupuncture acupressure , can thus be used to treat the same conditions with similar results - and is likely a better choice for those who are afraid of needles .

I remember when I first discovered aromatherapy several years ago. I was fascinated by essential oils and excited to try using them. Looking back, I realize I should have done a bit more research before diving into aromatherapy. I offer you the advice I wish I’d had when I was an aromatherapy novice:

1. Buy One or Two Aromatherapy Books Choose just one or two books to start your aromatherapy library. Select books that are general resources, which will give you some basic information and help you discover the areas in which you have the most interest. Two of my favorites Are Colleen K Dodt’s The Essential Oils Book, and Joy Bowles’ The A-to-Z of Essential Oils.

2. Join Aromatherapy Discussion Forums Forums are great resources for aromatherapy newbies. Read past discussions, ask questions, and learn from others. The Yahoo Group Aromatherapy for Everyone is a friendly place for beginners, and members range from novices to experts.

3. Do Some Research on the Internet While it’s nice to have an aromatherapy book or two at your fingertips, there are some excellent resources on the internet, too. Be a critical reader, though, and consider your source. Information offered by a manufacturer or affiliate seller may not be as trustworthy as information offered by a more objective source. Aromatherapy websites I refer to over and over include AromaWeb and Wavelengths Natural Health Aromatherapy.

4. Choose Five or Ten Essential Oils to Start Though you may be tempted to buy more, try to begin with just five or ten different essential oils. Essential oils can be quite expensive, so you may want to experiment with a few at first and then invest in more if you decide to pursue aromatherapy further.

5. Make Sure to Buy 100%, Pure, Unadulterated Essential Oils When you buy essential oils, choose a well-known and reputable manufacturer. Synthetic, fragrance, and perfume oils are not essential oils – they contain man-made chemicals and have no aromatherapeutic value.

6. Buy at Least One Carrier Oil For nearly all topical aromatherapy applications, you will need to dilute essential oils into a carrier oil. Good all-purpose carrier oils include sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, and grapeseed oil. Buy cosmetic grade carrier oils, and use only a few drops of essential oil(s) per ounce of carrier oil.

7. Store Your Oils Properly Essential oils should be stored only in dark glass containers. Since essential oils are volatile, keep the lids tightly closed. Essential oils and carrier oils should be stored away from heat and light. Carrier oils will go rancid eventually, so it’s best to buy smaller quantities.

8. Learn How to Do a Patch Test Essential oils can cause adverse reactions, due to allergy or due to sensitization over time. A patch test helps to determine whether you might react to a particular essential oil. Learn how to perform a skin patch test on yourself with each new oil you want to use topically.

9. Don’t Use Aromatherapy with Children or Pets Until you are thoroughly familiar with essential oils and associated safety issues, don’t use them on children or pets, or while pregnant or breastfeeding. Cats, in particular, may be adversely affected by essential oils. Make sure essential oils are kept out of reach of children.

10. Don’t Ingest Essential Oils Though you will read conflicting information about taking essential oils internally, you should avoid doing this. Some essential oils that are fairly safe to use topically may be quite toxic if taken internally. In addition, some essential oils may interact with prescription or over the counter drugs.

As you experiment with and learn more about aromatherapy, you will become more confident using essential oils. There is so much to explore, so be safe and have fun!

A wise man once said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst, for they are sticking to their diets.”

What a fit description of the seemingly endless battles that we fight to lose weight and to stay healthy and vital for as long as humanly possible!

Up and down, up and down, your metabolism bounces between walking pace and light speed; you have nightmares about celery sticks; you can work out the exact calorie count of every meal in 2.5 seconds; and the wheels on your exercise bike spontaneously combusted months ago.

In short, you wear yourself out and end up landing on a bottom that, despite all your best efforts, still looks like a pair of bowling balls.

Juice fasting is a great way to get off the dieting rollercoaster and see real results quickly. Safe and effective when carried out correctly, juice fasting benefits your entire being:

Your physical wellbeing increases as the body is rid of toxins and excess fat.

Your mind benefits because fasting creates a stillness that brings mental clarity and helps you to develop will power and to better control your senses.

As you lose weight and feel much better about yourself, self-esteem improves and sets you on the road to what could be a life changing experience, connecting you to your spirit and helping you to achieve balance in your life.

Juice Fasting and Weight Loss

A juice fast is a great way to shed some extra pounds, especially when you’re in a hurry. During the fast the body uses its own stored substances and, at the same time, detoxifies. A healthy combination of juices squeezed from fresh fruits and vegetables adds vitamins, minerals and trace elements to the body.

Because your only source of nourishment during the fast is water and the juices that you drink, it’s imperative that the juices you drink contain the maximum possible amounts of enzymes, vitamins and other nutrients in the fresh produce.

Many of the juicers on the market process the fresh fruits and veggies in a way that destroys many of the nutrients in the food. A top quality juicer such as the Oscar VitalMax juicer is an excellent tool for the job because it serves up living juices. The food is processed in such a way that it retains as many nutrients and essential enzymes as possible.

Juice fasting is a much better diet option than fad diets. Fad diets literally starve the body of nutrients. On the other hand, juice fasting provides the body with the nutrients it needs for vibrant health, helping to fix any chemical imbalances in the body – even those created by fad diets.

Juice Fasting and Detoxification

Juice fasting for detoxification is probably the most well-known usage of this particular type of fast. Juice fasting allows the organs of the body to rest, cleansing and revitalising them. The organs’ functioning is much better, which in turn aids in the digestion of food and production of energy for day to day life.

Juice fasting may also be helpful for the treatment and prevention of fluid retention.

Juice Fasting: How To

Before launching into a fast, it’s a good idea to begin preparing the body a week ahead. Cut out or reduce nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, sugar and wheat. Ideally the diet prior to fasting should consist mainly of fruits, vegetables and beans.

If you’ve never fasted before it might be a good idea to limit your first fast to three or four days. Sometimes abstaining from food entirely is a bit much, so it’s ok to eat fresh fruit or veggies if your stomach is complaining.

Now its time to get juicing! If you can’t make your own juices buy them from a health food shop – the fresher, the better. The GreenPower Kempo juicer is another excellent juicer that produces high quality juices to help you to get the best possible result from your fast.

Mix between one and three parts of pure water with your juice of choice. To get you started, here a few tasty recipes courtesy of Fasting to Freedom, by Tom McGregor:

Jogger’s Paradise

3 oranges 2 hard pears 1 small yam

Mix and add a little crushed ice. Great for energy.

A Taste of Heaven

2 carrots 1 sweet potato 2 apples Thin slice of Spanish onion Pinch of Dulse powder

For energy and endurance.

Red Ice

1 beet 1 sweet potato 2 apples 1 lemon 1 tomato Thin slice of Spanish onion 1 garlic clove ½ can of frozen apple concentrate

Sit back and relax!

With the aid of a good juicer or fresh juice from a health shop, give yourself a power up and try a juice fast. Better than any fad diet, you can stop running yourself ragged. It’s a great way to remove toxins from the body, to lose weight, and to improve your health and wellbeing.

Look better, feel better, be healthier than ever before!

Please note: Its always safest to get the advice of a health care professional before making drastic changes to your diet, particularly if aren’t well to start with. Even natural juices can interfere with medication and you should consult your doctor before fasting.

Written by Sara Schell. spellcast_advertising@yahoo.com.au.

Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia Is an Effective Treatment Actually?

Fibromyalgia sufferers rejoice - recent studies have shown that acupuncture for fibromyalgia seems to be a candidate for one of the most effective treatments for this debilitating condition. If you are one of the millions of people who are experiencing the pain and discomfort associated with constant fibromyalgia, perhaps it is time for you to try something other than the traditional treatments that your doctor may prescribe. Instead, you should look in the direction of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture may be able see what to do for you. Chances are that it can do more for your fibromyalgia than you can imagine.

Because fibromyalgia represents a type of chronic pain, it makes sense that acupuncture should be able to work wonders when it comes to treating this condition. After all, acupuncture has a long history in being able to cure pains and discomfort that would otherwise be incurable. It seems that just such a theory actually holds true that acupuncture for fibromyalgia is actually a highly successful procedure that has been documented by various individuals and researchers throughout the years.

Although the link between acupuncture and the alleviation of pain caused by fibromyalgia has been a Possibility for quite sometime, it was not until this most recent study that emerged between the two some strong foundations could be created. In a study of fifty patients who had not responded to any other fibromyalgia treatment, the group was divided into two camps: Which one received acupuncture and another received fake acupuncture Which. Much to the amazement of the researchers, those who received the real acupuncture were feeling much better by the end of the treatment process while those who had received the fake acupuncture felt no change whatsoever. While more studies will likely need to be done, acupuncture for fibromyalgia looks as though it may be the best option in the future.

What is the Biggest Benefit of Acupuncture?

One of the most incredible things about the ancient Asian medical techniques is the amount of great benefits that they can provide patients - case in point, the biggest benefit of acupuncture, an overall feeling of health and wellness that cannot feasibly be accomplished by any other medical treatments. There are tons of reasons why acupuncture is such an effective treatment for so many people, and medical professionals are just now starting to gain a grasp on what traditional Asian medicinal practitioners have known for centuries. Acupuncture is safe, effective, and an excellent way to keep your body healthy and your mind at ease.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of acupuncture, though, is not that it is so effective in treating all kinds of disorders, from ADHD to chronic pain to stress, but that it does so in such a different way than modern medicine. Pills and prescriptions are all the rage these days, and because we are ingesting so many chemical compounds that may not have been thoroughly studied enough, we are putting ourselves at even greater risk than we should be. How many of us really know what the long term side effects of the prescription medication we are taking are?

This is why acupuncture is so great for us as an alternative to common medicine. Acupuncture can treat a large amount of the same illnesses that we are taking pills to combat - but without requiring expensive prescriptions. Yes, regular acupuncture therapy can add up in cost over time - but if it makes you feel better, can you really assign a cost to your health and well being? So, if you are sick and tired of always being treated with some kind of medication that you don't really understand, then maybe it is high time for you to seek out the major benefit of acupuncture - the ability to unchain you from the world of modern medicine while still experiencing effective treatment for what ails you.

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Arthritis has been classified as follows: -

* Arthritis caused by infection.

* Arthritis resulting from rheumatic fever.

* Rheumatoid arthritis.

* Degenerative arthritis.

* Arthritis due to joint injuries.

* Arthritis caused by gout.

* Arthritis originating from the nervous system. Rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis caused by rheumatic fever are classified as collagen disease.

* Rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative arthritis are the two most common types. Millions of men and women are afflicted with them. But good medical treatment begun early and continued faithfully can often do much to alleviate the pain, crippling and disability.

Rheumatoid arthritis

It is a disease not of the joints but of the whole body, i . e. the connective tissues. This tissue reacts sensitively to substances in the body. Stress and worry make it worse. During rainy season and winter months, pains in the joints become most severe.

Rheumatoid arthritis may appear suddenly or gradually. Fatigue, loss of weight, and poor weight can be early signs. Sometimes it may cause an acute fever and pain, swelling and disability in many joints. Any joint can be involved including those of the spine, but the hands and feet are most commonly affected. There may be vague or fleeting pains in early stages; it may rise in the morning and at the end of the day.

Women appear to be afflicated more than men. Children too can be afflicted. Rheumatoid arthritis usually strikes at early ages unlike other types of arthritis. It appears during winter months. Americans are chronic sufferers from this disease.

Fresh raw fruit and vegetable juices offer an excellent treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. It is believed that garlic, musumbi, orange, carrot and beet juice consumed in plenty may give early cure.

Signs and symptoms of Arthritis

* Severe pain in the affected joints.

* Muscles, ligaments and cartilage become inflamed.

* Movement of the joint becomes extremely painful, especially in cold, windy and damp weather.

Home Remedies for Arthritis

* Drinking water kept overnight in a copper container accumulates traces of copper, which is said to strengthen the muscular system. A copper ring or bracelet is worn for the same reason.

* Half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with warm water helps cure arthritis.

* Taking alfalfa tea twice a day makes a good cure.

* Lime has also been found beneficial as a home remedy for arthritis. The citric acid found in lime is a solvent of uric acid which is the primary cause of some types of arthritis. The juice of one lime, diluted with water, may be taken once a day, preferably first thing in the morning.

* Exercise the afflicted joints in tub full of hot water.

Ashwagandha - also known as Indian Winter Cherry has the Botanical name Withania Somnifera -It is a shrub belonging to Solanace family. It is grown in the western India, Gujarat, MP, Punjab and in Himalayas.

Ashwagandha gets its name because its roots have the odor of horse. (Ashwa = horse , gandha = odor). It is called by another name Varaha karni because its leaves resemble pig’s ear.

Ashwagandha has light (laghu) and sticky (snigdha) properties, bitter and sweet taste. On digestion the sweet taste dominates. The main part used is root of this herb.

Medicinal properties of Ashwagandha

The various medicinal properties of ashwagandha is attributed to compounds known as withanolides which are present in it.

Ashwagandha is used as an adaptogen (as it enhances endurance), rejuvenating tonic and sedative. Hence many herbalists refer this herb as Indian ginseng.

Effects on mind: As it balances vata and kapha, it improves memory, counteracts the effects of stress and calms mind. It has an ability to relieve stress. It acts as sedative. Stressed patients with insomnia are benefited by this herb.

This herb can be used in Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss and insomnia.

Effects on general health : It acts as balya and strengthens the body. Generally, ashwagandha stimulates the immune system and strengthens it. It increases body energy level.

Convalescent patients’ gain more energy and can spring back to normal routine quicker when this herb’s preparations are used after illness. The immediate relapse of disease is prevented on use of Ashwagandha. This supports HIV patients by strengthening their immune system.

Anti-inflammatory properties: It has anti-inflammatory properties and has been successfully used in adjuvant therapy for arthritis. It reduces inflammation of joints and eases movements.

Effects on digestive system: Ashwagandha increases appetite . It normalizes digestion and bowel movements.

Effects on reproductive system: This magic herb increases shukra dhatu, sperm count and sperm motility. It increases libido and known as best Vajikara dravya (aphrodisiac)

It is also used as uterine tonic and to enhance female libido.

Ashwagandha retards ageing process when used as rasayana (rejuvenating preparation).

It reduces hypertension and also acts as diuretic.

Effects on pregnant woman: Ashwagandha is very effective in conditions like habitual abortion, threatened abortion. It stabilizes pregnancy and balances harmones which stabilize pregnancy.

Usefull preparations of Ashwagandha:

1. A paste of ashwagandha leaves when applied on a local inflammation acts as anti inflammatory.

2. The herbal massage oil which includes this herb is useful in many conditions like paralysis, epilepsy, sleeplessness etc.

3. The preparation of Ashwagandha which is processed with ghee, sugar and honey is a very good aphrodisiac and increases semen quantity, sperm count and motility. It is effectively used in Erectile dysfunction, low libido and premature ejaculation.

4 Ashwagandha roots when used regularly helps to improve the conditions like emaciation of children, senile debility, rheumatism, in all cases of general debility, nervous exhaustion, brain-fag, low of memory, loss of muscular energy and spermatorrhoea. It increases body energy and vigor . It helps to rebuild the body system which is worn out due to chronic diseases like syphilis, rheumatism etc. It also replenishes the lowered energy of body due to over-work, mental exertion thus preventing early ageing.

5 Ashwagandha when used regularly , is very useful in emaciated children. It increases body weight and body energy.

6 Regular use of ashwagandha helps to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

7 Fine powder of ashwagandha well mixed with oil is very use full in many skin conditions.

8 Ashwagandha also acts as galactogogue and thickens the milk when given to nursing mothers.

Holistic healthcare by definition is being able to cure an illness through the use alternative means. This means no medication is given to the patient and to instrument like a bunch of needles could do the trick.

Acupuncture has been around for years than 2000th It is only recently that this holistic form of health care has reached the U.S.. Studies have shown that it can treat minor problems and some from preventable happening.

The needles used in acupuncture are very thin but thicker than the human hair. This makes it smaller than those used on hypodermic needles.

Most patients did not undergo acupuncture wants to feel any significant change after one session Which is why a few sessions are needed. Best of all, it is painless so your body will not feel sore afterwards.

Several studies have been conducted about acupuncture and there have been positive results. For instance in the UK, 400 participants who felt were suffering from migraines they claimed better after 3 months worth of sessions.

In the U.S., acupuncture has also proven to be effective in helping people deal with arthritis because the needles help the body fight against this chronic illness that is much cheaper and more effective than conventional medicine.

Acupuncture can do more than just helping patients deal with arthritis or migraine. Clinical tests have shown that it can help obese people lose weight and those who are suffering from insomnia.

In some countries, acupuncture has even been used to replace chemical anesthesia prior to surgery as there are some patients who are not able to tolerate regular anesthesia.

Another field has proven to be Which acupuncture is effective helping patients deal with their addictions investigated as alcohol, drugs and smoking. One study of smokers revealed that the average patient will cut down by half the number of cigarettes they consume after just one treatment. Just imagine the potential after a few more sessions!

This has Resulted in the establishment of clinics nationwide that use acupuncture as the only means of rehabilitation.

Session acupuncturists in the U.S. charge from $ 75 to $ 150 per. This usually gets lower in the succeeding treatments. The person will probably have to undergo 10 to 15 treatments 2 to 3 times a week but this really depends on the condition of the patient.

Before you go to one, you should check if this is covered by your insurance. If it is not, perhaps you should suggest that it should be included as it is much cheaper than having to undergo surgery.

Although there are risks if you decide to go undergo acupuncture, these can be avoided as long as the one doing it is a licensed professional who makes sure that the needles used are sterilized before they are inserted into the body.

These days, a lot of people in the medical field have accepted the fact that alternative medicine as this investigation can then help the patient Which is why they may refer someone when it is needed.

So, if you are tired of experiencing the side effects of conventional medicine and want to try a holistic form of health care, why do not you see what acupuncture can do for you? It is painless and cost effective. In fact, it is just one of many you can try to help treat a chronic condition.