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Typical medical procedures are not for everybody. Some people prefer holistic or alternative medicine to treat their illnesses. A popular alternative nowadays is aromatherapy. Aromatherapy oils come in many scents and health benefits. If you think invasive medical procedures are not for you, maybe aromatherapy is the answer.

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a holistic form of treatment. Holistic procedures treat the body as a whole instead of just focusing on the problem area. It is an all-natural alternative to medical procedure, using an aromatherapy diffuser with essential oils from plants with different effects for healing. Aromatherapy also believes the body is capable of healing itself without resorting to drugs and invasive procedures. There are many kinds of aromatherapy aside from the massage. There is also cosmetic aromatherapy focusing on cleansing, moisturizing and toning the hair and skin.

An aromatherapy diffuser is important in this alternative medicine treatment, as it allows the scent of essential oils to scatter out into the air. There are many types of diffusers varying in complexity. You can make your own diffuser by simply putting a few drops of oil on a cotton ball. This kind of diffuser is perfect for small places like drawers or cupboards. Some diffusers made from glass or clay does the job better. Homeowners can use these all-natural diffusers instead of artificial air fresheners.

What are the effects of different essential oils?

With so many aromatherapy oils to choose from, how do you know which scents are perfect for your needs? For stress and insomnia, use lavender because it has relaxing and calming effects. Lavender is very versatile, as you can also use it to treat insect bites. Rosemary helps breathing difficulties and assists in the treatment of poor circulation and muscle pain. This herb also enhances memory. Menopausal women and those needing treatment for constipation, on the other hand, often use sage.

Another widely used herb is the eucalyptus. It is an antiseptic and an antiviral. The soothing qualities of eucalyptus are perfect for those suffering from arthritis. Peppermint aids digestion and decreases abdominal gas as well as reduces fever. Other frequently used herbs are lemongrass, ylang-ylang and orange.

Different oils come with different instructions. Some are harmful to drink while others may cause irritation to the skin. Make sure to consult your aroma therapist before using any of these plant extracts.

What are the benefits of aromatherapy?

As a holistic treatment, aromatherapy has both medicinal and spiritual benefits. Aromatherapy treats minor physical ailments as well as psychological issues. Some physical pains eased through aroma therapeutic massage include migraines, menstrual cramps, indigestion and arthritis. Some aromatherapy oils affect a person's mood. They may help treat psychological problems. If you are suffering from sore muscles, depression or stress, aromatherapy is a more natural option instead of painkillers or anti anxiety and sleeping pills.

The power of aromatherapy is astonishing. Many people say aromatherapy worked wonders for them. Some illnesses are psychosomatic and hard to treat with regular medicine. Certain scents and oils may change a person's mood, making it effective for psychological ailments. All you need are essential oils and an aromatherapy diffuser and you are good to go!

Sophie Mason frequently uses aromatherapy oils with aromatherapy diffuser to relieve stress.

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Summary: Medical studies have been done to determine what causes thyroid disorder. This article shines light on many new factors that are responsible for the causation of thyroid disorder. Learn the most important thing you can do to relieve and prevent thyroid disorder. It is probably not what you think.

: Reason 1

The thyroid regulates the rate of energy production in the body’s cells. Thyroid disorder reduces the body’s metabolism and makes you feel sluggish.

Reason 2

Thyroid disorder also increases your risk of degenerative diseases such as heart disease, cancer and arthritis and your risk of widespread infection. In severe cases, the energy level in the body’s cells cannot even sustain a basic level of metabolism, creating a life-threatening situation.

Reason 3

One major problem with thyroid disorder is that it’s often missed in diagnostic tests. Even if tests show that you do not have a thyroid disorder, you might still be at risk. If your body is highly acidic, your risk of thyroid disorder increases.

Reason 4

Thus, even if you haven’t been diagnosed with thyroid disorder, it’s important to check your body’s overall pH level and take dietary and other steps to reduce the acid level in your body.

Reason 5

You will not only reduce your chances of developing thyroid disorder or making an existing thyroid disorder even worse. You will improve your health overall and reduce your vulnerability to degenerative disease.

THE RISK

Accumulation of acids in your body, due to insufficient digestion of food, food allergies and consumption of acid-forming substances, can cause thyroid disorder. Acid-related causes of thyroid disorder also include exposure to heavy metals and toxic chemicals in the water supply and in highly processed food. When your body’s acid level rises too high, your thyroid function will be depressed and your metabolism will slow.

Lack of digestive enzymes, also caused by over-consumption of processed foods, further causes your thyroid disorder. Your body’s ability to neutralize acids is further reduced. As you get older, the more toxins you're exposed to, the more likely you will develop a thyroid disorder if you haven't already.

THE DAMAGE

With a thyroid disorder, your body’s cells and organs will not metabolize as quickly as they should. The presence of excess acid only makes the problem worse. Your cells and organs will become overrun with acid that they need to eliminate, but your thyroid disorder will reduce their ability to deal with these acids. The acid, in turn, will perpetuate or worsen your thyroid disorder.

For example, a sluggish thyroid reinforces the digestive problems that cause acid to accumulate in your body. Because a thyroid disorder slows your cellular metabolism, it reduces your body’s ability to eliminate acid waste. The more acid-forming substances you consume, the more this cycle repeats.

Thyroid disorder also reduces your immune system function, leading to chronic infection. With the accumulation of acid in your body, infection will spread quickly, further reducing your body’s ability to neutralize acids.

As with other organs, the thyroid needs glucose and oxygen to function. When acid waste accumulates in the bloodstream, these vital substances cannot get through. Without adequate oxygen and glucose, thyroid function is reduced. The resulting thyroid disorder further reduces the body’s ability to clear the bloodstream of these acids that prevent the oxygen and glucose from getting through.

THE BENEFITS OF A BALANCED pH

Because thyroid discover causes so many other degenerative diseases, a thyroid that functions properly can restore health in so many other areas of your body. When you neutralize the acids in your body and eliminate acid-forming substances from your diet, you give your thyroid a chance to heal. Improved thyroid function will, in turn, help your other body organs function properly.

To neutralize acids and restore your body’s pH balance, you need to reduce or eliminate consumption of acidic foods and other acidic substances. Adding more alkaline foods and minerals to your diet can help restore thyroid disorder. As your acid level falls, you'll find that your thyroid function will increase. Your body’s metabolism will increase as a result, and you'll be able to neutralize acids even further. The end result will be restored health, higher energy, and a decreased risk of thyroid disorder.

Looking beautiful both inside and out is something we all want to achieve. Since your face is ridden with emotion and hormonal issues, you have to take care of it. Fortunately, there is a technique that can do that using painless mini needles and this is better known as facial acupuncture.

Facial acupuncture is a painless procedure that renews not only the face but the body as well. This is because it can erase lines and eye bags making you look younger. At the same time, it can also help clear up pimples and acne.

For this to work, fine needles are placed in acupuncture points on the eyes, face and neck to stimulate the person’s natural energies. As a result, this also improves your facial color.

Anyone can try facial acupuncture because it is painless and it has proven to reverse the signs of aging. However, if you are pregnant, suffer from the colds or flu, have acute herpes or an allergic reaction, it is best to wait until this has passed.

But before anyone can try facial acupuncture, they first have to be evaluated by the acupuncturist. This person will evaluate your age, lifestyle and diet. If everything looks good, then you will probably do an average of about 12 to 15 treatments. More could be done if your skin tends to sag, manifest jowls or have droopy eyes.

Facial acupuncture treatment needs to be done twice a week for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. For those who can’t make two sessions in a week, they can opt for the 1 treatment that will last 90 minutes.

After the regular sessions, it is advisable to go back for follow up treatment. It should be every 2 weeks for the next 2 months and then once a month later on.

Aside from needles, most clinics use herbs in the form of masks, poultices and moisturizers. Before you use it, check with your doctor to make sure there is no allergic reaction to any forms of medication that you are taking.

After the first facial acupuncture treatment, you will usually seen an increased glow to one’s complexion which the Chinese say an increased Qi or blood flow to the face. It becomes more open, the wrinkles start to disappear and the skin appears more toned.

In the 5th or 7th treatment, this becomes more evident as your face looks more relaxed as though you just came from a vacation.

The end result is that you will look and feel 5 to 15 years younger but of course this depends on how well the patient has taken care of themselves outside the confines of the clinic.

To sum things up, facial acupuncture can do for you. It can eliminate fine lines and reduces wrinkles, improve your overall facial color and add luster to the skin, relaxes tension in the face and furrows in the brow, brightens the eyes and reduce dark circles and puffiness, improve muscle tone for sagging skin, enhance your natural radiance in the skin and eyes, slow the aging process within, promotes overall health and well being as well as relaxes and revitalizes the entire body.

All you have to now is find a clinic that offers this service to customers so you will soon look radiant to other people.

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses organic materials like plant materials like oils. It's also referred to as a form of alternative and complementary medicine which comes from the flowers, leaves, bark, branches, rind or roots of plants with therapeutic qualities.

Process
In this process, the powerful oils are mixed with soy bean or almond oil then water or alcohol and will be applied on the skin, dispersed in the air or it could also be applied as a compress.

Scents like lavender may indeed encourage real good effects, like for example, it's believed to have good effects to enhance your immunity from bacteria, cure herpes and shingles. It's also known as something to help remedy arthritis, heal wounds, boost memory and reduce depression. It's also like massage therapy that improves the flow of your blood and the likes.

Just how and where did aromatherapy start?
As everyone knows, Egypt is the homeland of medicines, perfumes and pharmaceuticals. It was 6,000 years ago when Egyptians discovered the health advantages of essential oils and so, they have developed the same and they have enhanced its use. They've discovered that when essential oils were applied onto the skin, it provides great benefits to the body.

At the moment, the industry or field of this kind of therapy has increased and it's now recognized to be one of the helpful tools of alternative medicine.

Aromatherapy as an alternative cancer treatment
Aromatherapy works together your sense of smell. When you inhale an aroma, it moves across the olfactory nerves located inside your nose and then moves towards the part of the brain controlling our moods, memories and capacity to learn. This is also known as the Limbic system. When this is activated, it releases endorphins, along with other euphoric chemicals that naturally occurs in the body.

As Aromatherapy uses oils along with other fragrances which help relax the body, additionally, it gives calming sensation to the person who goes through the therapy. Oils infused or mixed with lavender can be applied to the skin during a massage or it may also be added to your bath water.

Like what spas are doing, they heat the water and blend the oils to release the scents into the air. To all the cancer patients, Aromatherapy is suggested as an alternative cancer treatment to minimize nausea, pain and stress.

When you are a cancer patient, you must have a practitioner that can carry out aromatherapy to you. You cannot perform this at home or without help.. Aromatherapy is 100% safe for everyone. The essential oils that experts are applying on your skin will help a lot for your blood flow and the likes.

In addition to these, you must always remember that essential oils are extremely concentrated and they can irritate your skin if not used properly.

Two common oils that are being used in Aromatherapy:
1. Lavender
2. Tea tree

Simple alternative cancer treatments have already been shared to you in the series of articles you have here. The writer is hoping that these simple reviews will help you on your battle with cancer. More alternative cancer treatments will be uncovered in the next articles.

Over the last nine years, New Hope Medical Center, a Cancer Treatment Center, has used very effective non invasive Cancer Therapies to thousands of patients. Offering Alternative Cancer Treatments with a personal approach to each person based on their body makeup, New Hope Medical Center treats Cancer differently, but definitely better.

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The term "arthritis" is used to refer to one or more of a group of over 100 rheumatic diseases. Quite often, arthritis is caused by the deterioration of cartilage in the joints. Symptoms of all of these diseases include pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints, and can affect other parts of the body such as other bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Tea tree oil is very good for arthritis as it is able to penetrate and desensitize irritated nerve endings. For relief from pain caused by the various arthritic afflictions (rheumatoid arthritis , osteoarthritis, etc.), combine 18 drops of tea tree oil with 1/8 cup of almond oil. Put in a dark bottle and shake before applying it topically two to four times a day as a massage oil.

Putting 2-3 drops of tea tree oil into a warm bath is also a great way to alleviate the joint pain associated with arthritis.

In order to go beyond merely relieving arthritis symptoms, it is important to make dietary changes. Changing the type of oil in the diet to one rich in omega-3 fatty acids suppresses the inflammatory that the body makes. Omega-3 fatty acids switch off the enzymes that break down joint cartilage, and are found mainly in oily fish such as sardines, salmon and cod liver oil. Omega-6 fatty acids are found mostly in plant seed oils such as evening primrose and sunflower oil, and can also have a positive effect in relieving arthritis symptoms.

Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids are:

* canola oil (the oil and margarine) * salmon oil * cod liver oil (mmm yum :) * soybean oil * soybeans * walnut oil * walnuts * avocado oil * fresh avocado.

Foods to avoid:

Try replacing much of the red meat you consume with oily fish. Red meat is also a good source of iron, so be sure to eat lots of dark green leafy vegetables and other foods rich in iron so as not to be deficient.

* alcohol * tea * coffee * saturated fats * processed foods * fried and grilled foods

You cannot expect to cure arthritis through dietary changes but, in conjunction with using tea tree oil, the right foods can alleviate many of the painful flareups.

To your health!

Aromatherapy Essential Oils: Seven Things You Should Know

Aromatherapy uses essential oils to treat medical conditions, to alleviate psychological ailments, for cosmetic purposes, and to reduce stress. The essential oils of aromatherapy have the power to enhance both your physical and mental state.

Essential oils are extracted from living plants and trees. When essential oils are used appropriately, most can be used at home safely, enjoyably, and with beneficial effects. Keep the following seven things in mind if you want to try aromatherapy at home.

(1) Most essential oils should never be applied directly without diluting them. Only lavender and tea tree oil are exceptions to this rule.

(2) Essential oils are flammable, so use extreme caution around flames and heat sources. If you use a burner to diffuse the oil, put water in the burner first. The essential oil will enter the air as the water evaporates.

(3) Essential oils are for external use only. On very rare occasions, a qualified aromatherapist may prescribe essential oils by mouth. Some essential oils can be very toxic if swallowed. Even essential oils that have a therapeutic effect when diluted in certain oral treatments (like mouthwash) should not be swallowed.

(4) Keep all essential oils out of the reach of children.

(5) If you want to use essential oils during pregnancy, on babies, or with young children, please seek the advice of a trained, qualified aromatherapist first.

(6) If you are using essential oils as part of homeopathic or herbal medicine treatment, get advice from homeopathic or herbal medicine practitioners as well as from an aromatherapist.

(7) Some medical conditions require a doctor's care, and not all medical conditions benefit from aromatherapy. Always check with your doctor first before undertaking aromatherapy for the treatment of any medical condition.

Following these seven principles for safe aromatherapy will help your experience with aromatherapy to be both enjoyable and beneficial.

The 21st century American society has seen a continual rise in the number of adults suffering anxiety disorders. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of American (ADAA):

Anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults age 18 or older (18% of the US population)

Anxiety disorders cost the U.S. more than $42 billion annually

More than $22.84 billion of these costs are associated with repeated use of health care services by people seeking relief for symptoms that mimic physical illnesses

Nearly one-half of people diagnosed with anxiety disorder are also diagnosed with depression

Although there are multiple uncontrollable risk factors for anxiety disorders such as genetics, brain chemistry and personality, one risk factor that is controllable is life style. Enter aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is a simple yet inexpensive way to change your life style, and many anxiety, depression and stress related ailments can be significantly improved with the use of aromatherapy. Additionally, with all the side effects associated with medications being prescribed for anxiety, depression and stress people are looking for safe, non-toxic ways to treat these conditions. Although individuals should never diagnose or treat themselves, used in combination with a doctor's advice and medications if needed, aromatherapy does provide a safe, non-toxic alternative to traditional treatments.

There are three basic forms of aromatherapy:
1) fragrance diffusion such as candle burning,
2) topical application such as bath products or oils used in massages and
3) inhalation therapy such as nasal inhalers.

Each form of aromatherapy has its own benefits and there are no set rules to apply for determining which form is best for you. The choice is purely personal preference. Do you prefer going to a spa? Do you prefer relaxing in a hot soaking tub in the privacy of your home? Do you prefer infusing a room with your favorite fragrance either by burning a candle or heating essential oils in an oil warmer?

Before choosing an aromatherapy form and a particular fragrance, the only health consideration is possible allergies to the plant from which essential oils are derived. For example, you may enjoy the lavender fragrance of a burning candle, but lavender massage oils may cause skin irritation.

Once you have determined the form of aromatherapy you prefer, the next step is to choose the fragrance that will provide the most benefit for the treatment you are seeking. There is an amazing amount of information available on the essential oils derived from various plants and herbs and the benefits derived from each. The book I would most recommend is "The Aromatherapy Bible" by Gill Farrer-Halls.

If you make the decision today to give aromatherapy a try, do not create another stressful situation for yourself by worrying how to, where, when. You can start out simply by buying candles (lavender is known for its soothing and calming effects). Or you can sprinkle bath salts into you tub and soak for a half hour. The point is, that simple steps can be taken to make significant improvements in helping a person ease some of their anxiety, stress or depression related symptoms such as lethargy, headaches, and insomnia.

Laura Dugan
http://www.AromatherapySoothers.com

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Does an Acupuncture Infertility Treatment Actually Work Effectively?

Although acupuncture can be used for a huge myriad of different physiological problems, is there really an effective acupuncture infertility treatment that can help couples who want to have a child? Amazingly enough, there is research that claims treating infertility problems can be done thorough acupuncture. While there are quite a few silent tests to conclusively prove to be done that actually does acupuncture help with infertility problems, the future looks bright for this ancient form of medicine - especially for couples who have been trying for years with no success.

Currently acupuncture infertility treatments are usually recommended only as a supplemental treatment that should accompany traditional treatments administered by doctors or other medical professionals. However, in a couple of recent studies, it has been shown that acupuncture may be perfect for women who are having problems with their ovulation periods. Much like acupuncture can help make parts of your body are not functioning properly Which resume their regular patterns of behavior - so too can it affect your body's menstrual cycle to make sure that you ovulate at the same time every month. This will greatly increase the regularity chances of getting pregnant.

That being said, acupuncture is not some kind of cure all for all forms of infertility. It is really only effective when combating them various functional problems, irregular menstrual like the covered earlier. However, it is not effective at all when dealing with structural problems, women, seeking as sperm duct issues with men or damaged in ovaries. Unfortunately those problems can only be corrected with surgery as search procedures. Nevertheless, if you are a couple who is trying to get pregnant, only to find that there are functional problems with sperm production or ovulation, then a regular acupuncture infertility treatment may be just what you or your partner needs.

If, like me, you have quite a fear of needles and syringes, then acupuncture, that seems to heal the practice of sticking needles in different parts of your body processes like sick scary at first.

But not if you do not seem to have long suffered from some problems such as headaches or chronic pains and your regular doctor visits to be helping you, then why not consider a trip to the acupuncture specialist? After all, do not suffer from arthritis and one aunt somewhere to try everything that the doctors recommended all to no avail, only to be heard finally healed from a really good acupuncturist?

Perhaps you are wondering whether it might actually work for you. Perhaps feeling a bit skeptical since the collapse of traditional Chinese medicine, medicine is not immediately in the modern Western theories. In fact, the use of needles to heal people thousands of years ago was discovered in China long before microscopes or x-ray machines were invented or discovered from bacteria and germs.

If you think about it, this could be something that the practice has been for them. If it has existed for thousands of years and is still practiced by millions today, then it must have worked for a number of people.

Usually happens when you go to acupuncturist?

If you could go, acupuncturist, you typically would first be asked about your medical history, and how do you feel symptoms of a sick, you have processes. The specialist would observe features of the face, including the tongue. According to experts, the tongue is a good indicator of the health of your internal organs. The acupuncturist would make sounds that makes your body, such as listening to the sounds from the lungs. How your body smells could also be an indicator of your overall health for the acupuncturist the diagnosis.

Based on what the acupuncturist finds out about your illness, or he would formulate them, the treatment that your body needs. The traditional Chinese medicine, illness processes as a kind of imbalance and loss of harmony between your body's organs seen. You can check the use of needles on the body only as a way to your body and its organs to move back into balance.

The specialist would begin inserting very thin needles into the right places in your body. For many people, the inclusion of these needles do not really hurt. Finally, the practitioner needles are usually much thinner than the needles used for injections. Many have argued that the inclusion of these needles actually calms her down and she relaxed.

How does the use of these needles help you?

Many problems have been alleviated by this alleged practice. These include headaches, colds, arthritis, back pain, asthma and even infertility.

Although acupuncture is not part of Western medicine, Western medicine experts have studied it extensively. Some theories as to why it works involve acupuncture perhaps stimulating the brain's release of the body's own natural painkillers. Acupuncture may also help stimulate proper circulation in the human body.

Western medicine is still out in training and tried acupuncture, how to integrate it with the best practices in Western medicine. That is why, together with Western medicine and trips to the doctor, you could certainly try acupuncture.

It could not hurt and it might actually be the one you finally take a lot of pain and discomfort in your body and even make you healthier.

Back pain is the most common complaint among adults under 45. Back pain brings their activities to a complete halt and intervenes in the progress of their career. Researchers say that it is really a challenge to a physician to find out the true cause of back pain.

Here is a quick take on the anatomy of the human back. Our body depends on the spinal column for structural stability and mobility. We twist, bend and flex with the help of spinal column. The spinal column is made up of 24 vertebrae, 7 in the neck (the cervical vertebrae), 12 in the thorax (the thoracic vertebrae), and 5 in the lower back (the lumbar vertebrae). The sacrum, located just below the lumbar vertebrae, consists of 5 fused vertebrae. The tailbone, or coccyx, with its 3 to 5 fused vertebrae, lies just beneath the sacrum. These vertebrae are placed one on another from skull to pelvis. Spongy discs are present in between vertebrae .The spinal column is tightly wrapped by muscles and ligaments.

The spinal cord is enclosed within vertebral canal which is formed by alignment of vertebrae.

Acharya sushruta describes anatomy of spinal column as follows. Prushte trimshat - The number of back bones are 30 (Cervical-7 , Thoracic – 12, Lumbar- 5, vertebrae fused in sacrum -5 , coccyx -1 ). While describing the joints in spinal column it has been said as “ Chaturvimshatihi prishta vamshe “. This means there are 24 joints in spinal column.

Maamsaanyatra nibaddhani siraabhihi snaayubhistatha. | Asthinyaalambanam kritwaa ||

The ligaments and tendons hold the bones and muscles together.

Causes for back ache

Bones and thighs are mainly occupied by Vata . Vata controls and directs the body movements.Back pain occurs when vata in this region gets aggravated due to unwise physical activities (mithya yoga of karma), exaggerated physical activities (Ati yoga of karma ) or less physical activities (hina yoga of karma).

1. Back ache usually arises from spasm of muscles that support our spine. The muscles supporting spine go into spasm when we lift things unwisely, bending over too sharply, sitting in a unsuitable chair, etc. These type of movements are called as “Mithyaa yoga of karma or action ” in ayurveda. 2. Back pain can be triggered when we sneeze, climb into a car, or bend down to pick up the newspaper. 3. Osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, viral infection, bladder or kidney infection, gynecological problems in women, tumors and trauma may also cause back pain. 4. Lack of motion or hina yoga of karma and bad posture may affect us when we sit or stand for long periods of time. On the other hand repetitive motion or Ati yoga of karma like too much of bending, lifting or twisting also affects our back. 5. Other potential causes for back ache are: • Overweight • Wearing high heeled shoes • Carrying heavy weight The vitiated vata causes stiffness of joints, pain and limits the movements of back.

Solutions for back pain

1. Stay calm. 2. A complete bed rest for 24 - 48 hrs relieves back pain in most of the instances. Walk a little every few hours to keep the blood flowing and the muscles toned. 3. Applying vata balancing oil like ksheerabala oil on affected region and Naadi sweda (mild steam bath on affected area ) of affected region relives the pain quickly.

See your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:

1. If you are above 50 and sudden onset of severe pain or pain localized to spine . 2. Pain due to recent fall or trauma. 3. Pain in hip and leg. 4. Back pain unrelated to posture. 5. Bowel or bladder control problems. 6. Numbness in the groin or rectal area. 7. Extreme weakness in legs. 8. Unsteadiness while walking 9. Fever or weight loss accompanying the pain. 10. Pain that does not lessen over time even after rest

Prevention of back pain

1. Keep the muscles well conditioned by improving sitting, standing, stretching postures. Well-conditioned muscles are less susceptible to injury. 2. Never bend at the waist or stoop to pick up an object. Instead, lower the body to the level of the object by bending the knees. Grasp the item, hold it close to the body, and raise yourself with your legs while keeping your back straight. 3. Do not lift very heavy objects. 4. Whenever possible, prop yourself up. 5. Lean against a wall or pillar while waiting for a bus or standing in line at the bank. 6. Keep footstools around the house. Alternatively prop up one leg on stool while doing standing chores. 7. Sleep on a firm mattress and find a comfortable position. 8. Wear low-heeled shoes. 9. Standing straight will do wonders for your back. 10. Sit on a comfortable chair that supports the curve of lower back. 11. While sitting for long hours rest feet on a low stool so that knees are above hips. 12. Do not sit or stand in one position for a very long time. Get up periodically and walk for a while. 13. Avoid activities which hurt back. 14. Do not sit in same position for long hours. It may prove hazardous to back. Take break in between and move around. 15. Avoid becoming overweight. Overweight increases the risk of back pain.

Tips for software professionals to avoid back pain:

1. Select a correct chair, with a relatively straight back and good lower back support. If the chair doesn't offer lower back support, keep a rolled up towel or cushion to support the back. 2. Correctly position the chair, keyboard, and monitor. Feet should be on the floor, with knees at hip level; forearms should form a right angle with upper arms; and the computer terminal should be at eye level. 3. Adopt a relaxed, upright working posture and allow the chair to support. 4. Avoid slouching forward or leaning back too far. 5. When you are at work stand up, walk around, stretch forward, backward, and side to side once in 30 minutes. 6. Increased stress and strain enhances the chances of back pain. Hence remember to relax! Yoga and meditation are best techniques to relax 7. Eat healthy food which is rich in fiber. Avoid sweets, oil, soft drinks and overeating to reduce the chances of weight gain. 8. Sex should be avoided during acute stage of back pain as it exaggerates the condition.

Ayurvedic Home remedy for backache

Remedy Ingredients • Nirgundi leaves (hindi - samhaalu) (Bot- Vitex negundo) (Eng - Five leaved chaste) • Karanja leaves ( hindi - Ditauri) (Bot - Pongamia pinnata) (Eng - Indian beech) Collect fresh leaves of Nirgundi and Karanja. Tie them in a thin cotton cloth to form a big ball . Boil this leaves' ball in water and when it is tolerably hot apply this on affected part. When the leaves become cold reheat them by putting the leaves' ball in boiling water. After half an hour take out the leaves from ball , grind them to a paste and bind it on affected area.

This article is copy righted. The author Dr.SavithaSuri is an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of http://www.ayurhelp.com

What is acupuncture? It is a form of holistic healthcare that is used to prevent and treat certain diseases as well as relieve pain and anesthetize patients for surgery. Research shows that this began in China and has been practiced for more than 5,000 years.

The earliest account of this is found in the book called Nei Jing which in English means the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine. The contents of this book date somewhere around 200 BC. Back then, they did not use metal needles and instead used those made out of stone, moxibustion and herbs to treat a patient.

Acupuncture prevents and treats diseases by inserting very fine needles into the skin specifically at the anatomic points of the body.

The principle behind this concept is that illnesses occur because there is an imbalance in your life force otherwise known as Qi. It is believed that this flows in 14 channels in the human body known as meridians which branch out to bodily organs and functions. If there is a blockage or obstruction in any of them, this is when you succumb to a disease or an illness.

The imbalance in the Qi may go one way or the other because of Yin and Yang. The person can only be normal if there is harmony between the two which is what acupuncture is trying to achieve. This can only be restored by stimulating these acupuncture points so your Qi can be adjusted, balanced and harmonized.

Apart from using needles, practitioners also use friction, heat, impulses of electromagnetic energy and pressure to stimulate these points in order to balance the movement of energy in the body to reduce one’s health.

An example of this is sonopuncture where an ultrasound device that transmits sound waves is applied to these points in the body. Some use a tuning fork and other vibration devices.

Acupressure is another example and here, the fingers are used to relive the pain. This can be used by itself or with other manual healing techniques.

Impulses of electromagnetic energy are used because our bodies generate tiny but electrical discharges which influence the function, growth and maturity of certain types of cells. By inserting the needles in these areas, it stimulates and alters the neurotransmitters in the body thus making the patient feel better after treatment. This is also sometimes used for diagnosis and testing.

According to the World Health Organization or WHO, here is a list of some illnesses where acupuncture is used. These include acute bronchitis, the common cold, cataract, toothaches, gingivitis, hiccups, ulcers, constipation, diarrhea, headache and migraine, Meniere’s disease, osteoarthritis and a lot more. In the US, acupuncture is often used to treat chronic pain conditions and mind body disorders.

But acupuncture is not risk free. Hematoma may develop if the needle punctures a circulatory structure. It is also possible that pneumothorax may occur if the needle is inserted too deep. There is also the risk of HIV and hepatitis if the needle was not properly sterilized.

Now that you know what acupuncture is, you must not forget that it is merely an alternative and not a proper form of medical treatment. This means you should still be examined by a professional in the medical field who can determine the severity of your illness or disease.

Acupressure was originated in China thousands of years ago, and evidence has been found that acupressure was practiced in the stone age!

Acupressure has been used to reduce post-operative nausea and vomiting in children.

Acupressure also reduces nausea in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Acupressure can be done anywhere without special equipment.

You can treat yourself safely with acupressure, as long as you follow the guidelines of a professional acupressure practitioner.

Correctly performed, acupressure increases circulation, reduces tension and pain and enables the body to relax.

Acupressure strengthens the immune system and promotes wellness.

Acupressure should be applied slowly and gently. Applying it too quickly or vigorously can do some damage, especially in the abdominal area.

Special care and caution is needed in the case of a pregnant woman or in treating a person with burns, infections and recent injuries.

Acupressure is more effective than physical therapy for the majority of patients with low back pain.

Ear acupressure can be used to reduce stress and anxiety.

Acupressure is used to reduce fear and anxiety in trauma victims and in pre-operative care.

Acupressure can be used to treat all these conditions:

Tension Headaches Migraine Headaches Jaw Pain, Toothache, Earache Neck and Shoulder Pain Wrist, Hand, Arm pain Backache, Hip, Knee, Ankle and Foot pain Colds, Flu, Sore throat, Sinus Infection, Loss of Voice Allergies Anxiety Attacks and Nervousness Depression Insomnia Fainting Hiccoughs Improve Memory and Concentration Angina, Heart Palpitations and High Blood Pressure Constipation, Diarrhea, Heartburn and Stomachache PMS and Painful Periods, Hot Flashes, Pregnancy Discomfort, Morning Sickness Bed-wetting, Incontinence, Urinary retention Nose bleeding, Itching, Asthma, Decreased Libido, Hangover

Here are a couple acupressure tips you can try:

For headaches and muscle or joint pain, press the fleshy part of your hand between your thumb and index finger. Hold for this for one minute, then repeat on the other hand.

For low-back pain, lie on your back, with your feet elevated on a sofa or chair. Place two tennis balls under your lower back on either side of your spine. (I got cheap tennis balls in the dog toy department.) Stay in this position for one minute or sooner if it becomes uncomfortable.

For knee pain, put a tennis ball on a pillow, then place your leg over it so the ball is pushing into the crease behind your knee. Find the sensitive spot just below your kneecap and slightly to the outside of the shinbone. Press into it gently with your fingertips for about one minute.

You can learn to do acupressure at home to supplement professional treatment. This is especially useful when you are stricken with illness or pain and you can't get to the doctor soon. For more information see my website http://natural-pain-relief-solutions.com.

There are different types of acupuncture. Whichever you decide to use, they are designed to do the same thing and that is to relieve pain or treat certain diseases.

The first is called TCM based acupuncture. Here, it uses eight principles of complementary opposites to create harmony in the body. These include yin/yang, internal/external, excess/deficiency, hot/cold.

Next is called French energetic acupuncture. This is often used by MD acupuncturists. Meridian patterns are emphasized here particularly the yin-yang pairs of primary meridians.

Korean hand acupuncture is another as practitioners believe that the hands and feet have concentrations of qi, and that applying acupuncture needles to these areas is effective for the entire body.

There is also auricular acupuncture where it is believed that the ear is a microcosm of the body. This means that acupuncture needles are placed on certain points on the ear so it can treat certain addiction disorders.

Myofascially-based acupuncture is often utilized by physical therapists as it involves feeling the meridian lines in search of tender points before applying needles as this is where abnormal energy flows.

Japanese styles of acupuncture referred to as "meridian therapy," tend to put more emphasis on needling technique and feeling meridians in diagnosis.

Impulses of electromagnetic energy can also be used as the body generates tiny but electrical discharges which influence the function, growth and maturity of certain types of cells. By inserting the needles in these areas, it stimulates and alters the neurotransmitters in the body thus making the patient feel better after treatment. This is also sometimes used for diagnosis and testing.

There are also other forms of acupuncture that do not use needles. For instance there is sonopuncture that uses an ultrasound device that transmits sound waves to points in the body to treat a patient. Some practitioners use a tuning fork or other vibration devices.

Acupressure is another. Here, the professional will use their hands to relieve the pain. This can be used on it sown or with other manual healing techniques.

The number of treatments you will need depends on the patient’s condition. On average this could be from 10 to 5 treatments and 2 to 3 times a week. How much it will cost also varies as this could be from $40 to $150. Some insurance companies and HMO’s now cover that or partially so you should check if this is included in your policy.

Anyone can try acupuncture to relieve pain or prevent one but many practitioners decline to see someone during pregnancy. But if you have already started, it is generally safe to do so until the infant is born.

Some acupuncturists may ask you to take in some herbs as part of the treatment. Since you have no idea what it can do, have this checked first by your local doctor to make sure this is safe as this could interact with the drugs you are taking causing side effects.

Which type of acupuncture should you try? That is up to you. All of them are effective so discuss this with your doctor and do some research so you know what you are getting yourself into. Each of these is painless so just relax and let the professional do the rest.

Just like conventional medicine, don’t expect an improvement overnight as this takes time so just keep an open mind.

Acupuncture has been practiced for hundreds of years. To let you know more about this practice, here are a few things that you should know.

First, acupuncture is a holistic healthcare technique that involves inserting needles into specific points in the body. Studies have been conducted and it has been proven to treat ear, nose, throat, respiratory, gastrointestinal, eye, nervous system and muscular disorders.

The needles used in acupuncture are very small and you will probably feel a slight twitch when the needle goes in. They will be inserted carefully to ¼ or an inch in depth and will stay there from 45 minutes to an hour depending on the condition of the patient.

If inserted properly, you should feel some cramping, distention, electric sensation or tingling which means that the treatment is working.

Needles used for acupuncture especially in the US are clean because they are required to be disposable. This prevents any chance that those who go for treatment will be contaminated by a communicable disease like hepatitis or HIV.

Given that this has been practiced for more than 2000 years, various styles of acupuncture have been developed. So, before you decide to go for a session, you should know what technique is used so they can explain to you what happens.

When looking for an acupuncturist, you should also ask where they got their training, how long they have been in the practice and most importantly, what experience the specialist has had in treating the condition you are experiencing.

They should also be able to present their credentials like where they graduated and their state board license. If you live in a state that does not require a license, make sure they have something to show which certifies that they can practice their profession like a document from the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists.

The duration of your treatment varies depending on the nature of your problem. Some are easy to fix compared to others especially if you are dealing with something long term. For instance, alcoholics and drug users may quit their vices after 3 or 4 months while those suffering from a disease like autism will take years as there is no know cure yet for the this illness.

Before the needles are inserted, you need to undergo a physical examination and answer a few questions. There are risks involved even though it is a painless procedure because the needle might hit something vital inside but if the specialist is good, then there is nothing to worry about.

You may notice a spot of blood when the needles come off. But if you are concerned about it, talk to your acupuncturist so he or she can prescribe something.

Some patients will experience immediate relief after the first session but others will not experience anything at all. This is the reason that an average session should be done 12 to 15 times at least 2 to 3 times a week.

If acupuncture works for you, then the only thing you need are follow up sessions. This can be done twice every 2 weeks or monthly. It is really up to you. But don’t forget to also see your regular doctor so he or she can also monitor the progress of your condition.

Acupuncture comes from two Latin words namely “acus” which means needle in English and “pungere” which means prick. Its history originated in China more than 2000 years ago and has evolved into various forms.

Some of the techniques of acupuncture do not even use needles anymore. Vibrating objects, ultrasound and even the fingers of the practitioner have taken some of the work to make the person feel better.

The history of acupuncture is first discussed in an ancient Chinese medical text called the "Huang Di Nei Jing" or The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine.

But there have been a few who are skeptic as archaeologists have found a 5,000 year old mummy in the Alps with similar acupuncture points in the body. This gives some people the idea that it was used even before the Chinese did but sine there is no written text to prove that, no one is certain and credit to this ancient practice goes back to the Chinese.

In the 6th century, this knowledge moved to Japan. In the 17th century, a man by the name of Waichi Sugiyama wanted to make this procedure painless for the patient so he developed the insertion tube, a small cylindrical tube through which the needle is inserted. Believe it or not, this technique is still being used today.

But acupuncture only reached the US in the early 80’s with the establishment of a regulatory board called the National Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. As a result, various schools have been built and those who want to become licensed acupuncturists are now able to practice their profession.

Despite that, there were a lot of people who are not yet convinced on the positive effects of alternative forms of medication. It was only in 1995 that the US Food and Drug Administration decided to classify the needles used for acupuncture as medical instruments and assured the public that they are both safe and effective.

To further promote acupuncture, the NIH or National Institute of Health in 1997 has stated that this technique is very useful in treating various health conditions. These include ear, nose, throat, respiratory, gastrointestinal, eye, nervous system and muscular disorders. In some cases, acupuncture is able to prevent some of them from happening.

This was further strengthened by the fact that the side effects of acupuncture are much less than that of conventional drugs that are being sold by pharmaceutical companies.

So that people can avail of acupuncture, another recommendation by the NIH is for US companies to provide full coverage for certain conditions. If you do not quality, perhaps there is partial coverage which you should look up in your policy.

But despite that, more research needs to be done to see its effects on other health related problems. Some examples of these include addictions, autism, chronic low back pain, migraines and osteoarthritis of the knee.

If you look at the history of acupuncture, not much has changed since the needle technique used back then is still being used today. Even if various forms have developed through the years, one thing for sure is that it works.

In order for you to see how effective it is, you have to see a specialist who is not only qualified to treat your condition but also one is well trained.

If you’ve never used aromatherapy massage oils, you owe it to yourself to try it. You’re in for a totally unique experience. Whether you want a massage to relax or to rejuvenate or even to heal, using aromatherapy massage oils brings the body’s senses to new heights.

Aromatherapy has made steady gains in use and for good reason. Offering the perfect combination of mental and physical well being, there is no better way to take advantage of aromatherapy than to enjoy its fragrances in massage oils.

Our body’s different senses have been shown to have a direct affect on how we feel. For example, the nose is a very sensitive part of your body. Without it, you cannot taste or smell. Imagine your favorite foods. Now, imagine you cannot taste them. That is scary, everything you eat with no taste! How do you think that would affect your attitude throughout the day?

Studies have shown that the part of your nervous system that helps to control your emotions is connected directly to your nose. Lack of smell can cause symptoms ranging from depression to anxiety and this is only one of your senses. With the knowledge of how the mind depends on the feedback from your senses, the idea of aromatherapy exploded onto the scene.

One of the more popular types of aromatherapy is massage oil, because of the variety of uses to target specific issues. Aromatherapy massage oil treatments are unlike any other oils. Whether you are in need of relaxation or need something to perk you up, there is an aroma to fit the immediate needs. Aromatherapy massage combines two excellent methods to evoke your body’s response in whatever area you feel is needed.

There are so many different types and manufacturers of aromatherapy massage oils available, it would be a good idea to do your homework before using. For the best treatment ideas, it is always best to find and pay a certified therapist to ensure you understand how to get the most impact from aromatherapy massage. Especially, when using for the first time.

To explain a couple of different oils and fragrances we will start with Lavender essential oils. Lavender essential oils are one of the few oils that you can apply directly to your skin. It is said to have burn relief power. It is important to note that these oils should not hurt you, however, if this is your first time using essential oils never use them directly on your skin unless under safe direction. Other oils are required to be diluted before use with other base oils.

Another oil gaining in popularity is the Yland Ylang essential oil. Yland Ylang essential oils have very unique properties as well. It is said that these tropical plants have the power to both arouse and sooth the senses. It also goes by another name Cananga Odorata.

Adding aromatherapy massage oils to your therapy program is one experience everyone should try at least once. (Be careful they have been known to be addictive). With the combination of massage and a scented room to awaken your senses, you have the ultimate in relaxation and healing.