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Guide to Natural Acne Treatments

2009-01-20T08:39:00.001+07:00

Acne is a problem for many people. There are a variety of products that are designed to get rid of or reduce acne. However, many people do not know that there are natural ways to reduce acne, or completely eliminate it. The best way to naturally get rid of pimples is to consider the causes of acne. By avoiding the causes of acne, you can greatly reduce the amount of acne you have.

Acne is caused by hormones. When trying to prevent acne it is advisable to try to reduce your body?s production of certain hormones. The body produces a large amount of hormones in stressful situations. People who are extremely stressed have an overproduction of hormones. Relaxation techniques such as Yoga, T?ai Chi and deep breathing can help reduce stress and limit hormone production. Additionally, avoiding caffeine can help because caffeine stimulates hormone production. Finally, exercise is very beneficial for reducing acne. Exercise reduces stress and works to rebalance hormones.

Diet is a very significant factor in the presence of acne. Certain foods can foster the presence of acne. Consumption of these types of foods should be reduced or completely avoided if possible. Dairy products such as milk and cheese can contribute to the formation of acne. Additionally, refined and cooked carbohydrates such as flour, bread, and rice can also affect acne. Other foods that should be avoided are cooked fats, such as fried food, and meats like beef and pork. The foods that should be avoided are acid-forming foods in the body. In order to reduce acne, you should attempt to eat more alkaline-forming foods. Fresh vegetables, fruit, and nuts (sparingly) are very good to eat when trying to reduce acne.

Dehydration is also a very important factor in the formation of acne. The skin needs to be hydrated from the inside in order to prevent blocked pores. Drinking great amounts of water is a good practice when attempting to reduce acne. Eating water-rich foods can also help with hydration.

Finally, avoiding yeast is a great practice for reducing acne. Studies have shown that people with severe acne often have a build-up of yeast in their bodies. In order to avoid yeast build-up, you should avoid sugary foods and yeast products such as beer, bread, and mushrooms.

Acne can be a large problem for many people, but there are natural ways to reduce or eliminate pimples. Avoiding stress and exercising regularly while eating healthy and avoiding greasy foods can greatly reduce the amount of acne one has. After trying the natural ways to reduce acne, then it is a good idea to use acne medicines. But if medication can be avoided, you will save money and be healthier.

Ruth Stattmiller writes about natural health maintenance topics, including acne treatments.

Smart Cardio That Works

2009-01-20T01:58:00.001+07:00

Even if you've got the greatest abdominal workout in the world, it?s not going to slim your waist unless you also burn off the fat. Trust me...there are many of people out there who have great muscular tone and balance in the mid-section, but don't even know it because those nice abs are covered in a layer of fat. Remember, a combination of three factors is necessary for a slim waistline: a good abdominal workout, smart cardiovascualr exercise, and proper nutrition. In this article, I?m going to explain how to choose the proper cardio workout structure for burning the most amount of calories and burning the proper ratio of carbohydrates and fat.

When it comes to cardio, the question I probably receive most is: long and slow or short and fast? This question actually reflects the most important concept behind a good cardio routine. The truth is, it depends. Let?s begin by looking at total amount of calories burnt.

Say I ask you to travel a mile on foot. I don?t care how you do it ? walk, jog, or run. Many exercise professionals will tell you that you?ll burn the same number of calories any way you do it, as long as you?re covering the same distance. This is simply not true. Studies have shown that the faster you cover that distance, the more calories you burn, period. There is a higher metabolic cost to moving quickly than to moving slowly. So you?re going to burn the most calories by pedaling, running, rowing, swimming, or doing any other cardio you do as fast as possible. The added bonus is that the faster you move, the higher your post-exercise metabolism becomes, meaning that you burn more calories throughout the day after your workout than if you had moved at a slower pace.

Here?s the catch ? the faster you ?move? across that mile, the more you rely on carbohydrates for energy, and the less you rely on fat. Although burning carbohydrates is beneficial, your body should also be learning how to efficiently use fat as an energy source. The ?fat-burning? zone varies from person to person, but a good rule is that when breathing becomes labored or the muscles begin to burn, you?ve crossed the threshold to utilizing carbohydrate as a primary energy source. The basic science behind this is that it takes more oxygen to burn 1 calorie from fat than it takes to burn 1 calorie from carbohydrate, so as your body begins to work harder and get lower on oxygen, it turns more to carbohydrate as an energy source.

So here?s the application part. If you are pressed for time in your workout, go short and fast (i.e. 10-20 minutes, at an intensity level of 8-10). You will burn more calories, both in your workout and throughout the rest of the day. Ideally, however, if you have the time, you should also be incorporating long and slow cardio workouts into your routine (i.e. 20-60 minutes, at an intensity level of 6-8), essentially ?training? your body to burn fat as a fuel. Often, I have my clients work in both zones by performing their short and hard cardio efforts prior to weight training on their ?difficult? days, then performing their slow and long cardio efforts on their ?easy? days. The added bonus is that the slow and long cardio efforts allow the body to recover more quickly from the previous day's difficult efforts, which means better results.

Let?s finish with a sample workout that will keep you in both zones during the same workout. This is an ?interval? routine. Here?s how it works:

5 minute graded warm-up, gradually working up to a hard intensity by minute 5

1 minute hard-fast effort (labored breathing)

2 minutes easy-medium effort (conversation possible)

2 minutes hard-fast effort

1 minute easy-medium effort

repeat 1x

3 minutes hard-fast effort

3 minutes easy-medium effort

4 minutes hard-fast effort

4 minutes easy-medium effort

repeat 1x

5 minute cool-down, gradually working down to a very easy effort by minute 5.

If you sign-up to work more extensively with an online trainer at www.pacificfit.net, you can receive a series of workouts that include pre-written cardio intervals similar to the one above, along with a comprehensive resistance training routine and nutritional plan, complete with exercise photos and videos. Congratulations, you?re yet another step closer to slimming the waist.

Head trainer Ben Greenfield runs the online training website Pacific Elite Fitness, and holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Sport Science and Exercise Physiology, as well as certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Personal Trainer and Strength and Conditioning Coach (NSCA-CPT & CSCS). For over 6 years, Ben has coached and trained professional, collegiate, and recreational athletes, and helped hundreds of individuals achieve their personal fitness goals. For more information on online personal training and fitness, contact Ben at elite@pacificfit.net.
www.pacificfit.net

Life Force of Pranic Healing

2009-01-19T21:27:00.001+07:00

The Sanskrit word ?Prana? literally means life-force and stands for the invisible life force or vital energy that is responsible for keeping the body alive and for maintaining good health. Pranic healing is a scientific ?no-touch? methodology which seeks to create balance in the flow of energy and open up the mind?s psychic awareness.

Pranic healing is a widely practiced art in ancient civilizations like India, Egypt and China. Today, it is one of the most distinctive and successful forms of modern-day holistic health care ever developed. In Pranic healing, the Prana is sent from the practitioner?s body to the diseased parts of the affected person?s body. The force stimulates the flow of blood, incites cells and tissues to restore normal activity, and allows the waste material to leave the body.

The Prana plays an important role in the life of man because it exists universally and underlies all physical actions. It is a force directed from the central nervous system and can be manipulated by an effort of will. Thus it can be USED to facilitate healing. Every individual is believed to receive fresh dosages of Prana through food, water and air. This Prana is the energy received from a primal source, and everyone can increase his own share of Prana, or give it to others as a ?gift?.

?The key to Pranic healing is a willing suspension of disbelief?, says Gin Chuk, a pranic healing Practitioner. The amount of Prana that an individual possesses can be increased through visualization. This is where the patient has to willing let go of his disbelief. For instance, a major part of the Pranic healing is for the patient to close his eyes and VISUALIZE the Prana flowing into him, circulating through the body, penetrating every part of it and dusting away the blockages.

Pranic healing places great emphasis on correct breathing. This is because it is believed that correct breathing establishes equilibrium between the negative and positive currents in man. It calms the nervous system thereby regulating the heart beat, reducing blood pressure and stimulating digestion. Pranic healing sessions almost always begin with breathing techniques that guide the patient to envision the inflow of positive energy and the outflow of negative energy.

Pranic healing is a synthesis of all the healing techniques practiced in ancient civilizations. That is what has made it one of the most advanced and comprehensive methods of directing the flow of energy in the body. Prana is a common theme that recurs in the healing practices of various ancient civilizations, though it is known by different names.

China ? Chi

Japan ? Ki

Polynesia ? Manna

Hebrew ? Ruah

Greece ? Pneuma

Pranic healing has identified three major sources of Prana ? the Sun, the Air and the Earth. Exposure to these elements can greatly increase ones reserves of Prana.

Pranic healing, though effective and useful, cannot supplant conventional medical healing. However when it complements orthodox practices, it can work wonders. As a popular method of alternative medicine, Pranic healing has saved thousands of people from pain, disease and even death.

Alternative Holistic Medicine

Anise

2009-01-19T14:15:00.001+07:00

Anise(Anason) which grows with feathery leaves, umbels of yellow flowers, and ridged gray-green seeds, is native to the eastern Mediterranean, western Asia, and North Africa. Anise is widely cultivated for its seeds, which are used both medicinally and as a flavoring agent in cooking.

History of Anise:
Since ancient times, the sweet-tasting anise seed has been used both as a spice and as a popular remedy. Anise has been cultivated in Egypt for at least 4000 years. Pharaonic medical texts indicate that the seeds were used as a diuretic, to treat digestive problems, and to relieve toothache. Anise was also well known to the ancient Greeks. Dioscorides (1st century AD), wrote that anise warms, dries and dissolves; facilitates breathing, relieves pain, provokes urine and eases thirst. In his 'A New Herball of 1551,' William Turner recorded that Anyse maketh the breth sweter, and swageth Payne. Since the Middle Ages, anise tea has been sipped by nursing mothers to increase milk production. This old wives tale appears to be based on fact: A study done at Auburn University, Alabama, USA, shows that cows sprayed with anise oil produced more milk than cows sprayed with other fragrances. Folklore says that if you place anise on your pillow it will ward off bad dreams.

Anise Use For:
Anise is remedy for Gas, Indigestion, Nausea and abdominal pain, Coughs, Asthma, Bronchitis.
Anise seeds antispasmodic properties make them helpful in countering menstrual pain. Their expectorant action justifies their use for certain respiratory ailments.
Anise seeds may be beneficial in treating impotence and frigidity. Anise essential oil is used for similar complaints, and is also used externally for lice and scabies.

Anise Includes:
Anise contains a volatile oil (comprising 70 - 90% anethole, together with methyl chavicol and other terpenes), furanocoumarins, flavonoids, fatty acids, phenylpropanoids, sterols, and proteins. Anethole has an observed estrogenic effect, and the seeds as a whole are mildly estrogenic. This effect may substantiate the herb's use as a stimulant of sexual drive and of breast-milk production.

More Detail About Anise

Product Reviews for Acne Scar Treatment

2009-01-19T06:06:00.001+07:00

Acne can be a very upsetting condition that causes spots and can also lead to cysts and scarring. There are many different products on the market and if you don?t have any experience it can be very confusing, but before buying it is a good idea to look at some product reviews for acne scar treatment. This can help you to decide not only whether a product is good but also if it is suitable for you.

It is very easy to just accept the views of the drugstore owner and take whatever he offers, but by doing a little research you can decide for yourself what is best for you. Although product reviews for acne scar treatment can tell you about the products that are available and what the reviewer thought of them, it is always a good idea to consult a health care professional before embarking on any course of treatment.

Although it can be expensive to get referred to a specialist if your healthcare does not cover this, your doctor should be able to advise you on the products that he has had success with. After all a doctor that regularly treats patients with this condition is in a much better position to make an educated suggestion than a friend that has only tried one type of treatment.

Just because a particular brand or product worked well for one person does not mean that it is the right treatment for you. Scarring can be very upsetting and it is easy to believe the wild claims made by some advertisers (and also occasionally some reviewers). So it is always a good idea to look at a few different product reviews for acne scar treatment before you decide on one.

Price may also be a factor in your decision. Although we all want the best treatment, you have to make sure that you can afford to pay for it on an ongoing basis. There is little point in buying the most expensive (and probably best publicized) treatment, only to find that after you supply is exhausted that you cannot afford to replace it and have to start your search of the product reviews for acne scar treatment again.

A little research can bring great benefits in helping decide which is the best treatment for you and together with the advice of your health care professional, you should be able to make a well informed decision on which is the best product to try.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Clear-Skin-Solutions.com. He provides more acne clearing solutions, remedies and more product reviews for acne scar treatment that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Body Acne Solutions

2009-01-18T20:55:00.001+07:00

Surveys reveal that over 75% of people having facial acne also suffer from body acne as well. Of these 90% carry this infection on their back, neck, shoulders and chest. A small percentage has acne on their legs and abdomen. While facial acne is undoubtedly harmful to a person?s personality, body acne is no less damaging. Body acne makes it difficult for men to go shirtless in public and prevents women from wearing low cut dresses, sleeveless garments and swim wear. The impact and severity of body acne can be minimized by taking a few precautions and by using time-tested medications.

Body acne poses a greater challenge than facial acne. For one thing, the back is not easy to reach. Secondly, these parts contain a large number of pores that produce more oil and are more vulnerable to infections than the face. Thirdly, the skin on the back is thicker and does not respond to doses of topical or oral medications that work for facial acne.

Almost all commercial creams and lotions contain one of the three commonly used antidotes - benzoyl peroxide, a glycolic acid derivative or salicylic acid. These compounds unclog the pores and possess an anti-bacterial property that helps fight acne. Further, they help in reducing the oil content of the skin. While these compounds have produced promising results, they can over-dry the skin and care must be taken to use moisturizing agents to prevent this condition.

Supporters of herbal cures recommend creams containing combinations of extracts from a variety of herbs. These include neem, honeysuckle, yellow dock, dandelion root and sarsaparilla roots. They act as mild antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents and claim to detoxify blood. Body scrubs enhance exfoliation and are used to promote a healthy skin. Apricots are commonly used in these scrubs to provide roughage. Oral antibiotics and vitamins (B2, B3, A and E) are a useful adjuvant in battling acne.

Some simple health and hygiene measures go a long way in controlling acne. First of all, dermatologists agree that stress induces hormonal changes that in turn aggravate acne. Staying ?cool? helps control acne.

Hygiene measures include regular body washes using antibacterial soaps, using moisturizing creams, using a soft towel to dry the skin, removing sweaty garments as soon as possible, avoiding pinching affected areas, exercising and getting enough rest. The best thing to do always is to consult a dermatologist before using any medication - oral or topical.

Acne Solutions provides detailed information about acne solutions, natural acne solutions, acne scar solutions, best acne solutions and more. Acne Solutions is the sister site of Acne Treatment Web.

Trigger Finger Is it Really All That Common?

2009-01-18T09:39:00.001+07:00

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the most widely recognized form of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), but Trigger Finger is catching up fast, becoming all too common among society and affecting the youth and elderly in ever-increasing numbers. If the rising numbers keep on track, Trigger Finger may be recognized along with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as having achieved epidemic proportions.

Trigger Finger On The Rise

Prior to the 1990's, Trigger Finger seemed to affect a small number of the elderly that had experienced some form of direct trauma or excessive strain to one or possibly several fingers. Trigger Finger was more prevalent in those that were already suffering with Osteoarthritis in the affected hand, making many healthcare professionals to believe that Trigger Finger was a byproduct of Osteoarthritis. But within the past 5-years, the age of those suffering from Trigger Finger became much ?younger? while the overall number of individuals with the disorder increased. The belief of a direct correlation between those suffering with Osteoarthritis and Trigger Finger seems to be reducing in popularity as many of those suffering with Trigger Finger do not have Osteoarthritis, but instead, are involved in high-risk tasks that are already associated as the causative factor in many types of Repetitive Strain Injuries.

Injuries resulting from repeated motion (repetitive / cumulative trauma disorders -- CTD's) are growing. According to recent annual statistics from the U.S. Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, over 302,000 CTD's account for nearly two-thirds all of workplace-related illnesses.

Ergonomic disorders are the fastest growing category of work-related illness. According to the most recent statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, they account for 56 percent of illnesses reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Trigger Finger ? Recognized as a Repetitive Strain Injury

Now that Trigger Finger is rearing its head in the workplace with increased intensity, it has been added to the growing list of debilitating Repetitive strain Injuries. Trigger Finger now joins the ranks of Tendonitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Epicondylitis, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, DeQuervain's and the many other debilitating workplace disorders affecting the upper extremity. So, what is Trigger Finger, how is it recognized and what are its symptoms?

Trigger Finger Explained

Trigger Finger is a form of overuse injury affecting any of the fingers (1-5) with symptoms ranging from a painless annoyance with occasional snapping/jerking of the finger(s), to severe dysfunction and pain with continuous locking of the finger(s) in a flexed downward / forward position into the palm of the hand.

The occurrence of this injury usually results from overuse of the flexor muscles/tendons and the formation of an adhesion or fibrotic nodule on the tendon. If left untreated, the adhesion/nodule becomes larger, therefore creating a conflicting ratio between the size of the tendon and the size of the entrance of the tendon sheath. In most cases, if the adhesion/nodule is not treated, it can continue to increase in size (Depending on activity/use of the affected finger) to the point where it still has the ability to pass into and through the tendon sheath when flexing the finger, but becomes stuck and cannot move back through the tendon sheath when trying to extend/straighten the finger, thus causing the finger to lock in the flexed forward / downward position.

The Trigger Finger Solution

Because Trigger Finger consists of an adhesion, nodule, and scar tissue buildup on the tendon due to excess strain, overuse, or direct trauma to that specific location on the tendon, it should be treated with stretching and strengthening exercises in order to break down the adhesion on the affected tendon. By breaking down the adhesion on the affected tendon, it reduces in size and slides through the pulley system in a normal manner, no longer ?catching? and locking into the downward flexed position. (There is also a ?thinning? of the tendon, which helps reduce the overall size of the tendon and nodule, therefore allowing it to pass through the tendon sheath with greater ease.) Creating strength in the opposing finger extensor tendons is very important as it allows the finger to return to an extended position in a more appropriate manner. This is where muscle balancing comes into play. By creating equality of tendon length and strength on both sides of the finger joint, individuals can help prevent the onset of Trigger Finger and/or keep it from re-occurring in the future.

Conservative therapy utilizing stretches and exercises has been highly effective, providing long-term and permanent relief. For those wanting to avoid surgery and for those where surgery was not effective in eliminating the condition, stretch and exercise therapy is the solution to both preventing and rehabilitating the devastating symptoms associated with Trigger finger.

Jeff P. Anliker, LMT, is a Therapist and Inventor of Therapeutic Exercise Products that are utilized by Corporations, Consumers and Medical Facilities around the world for the prevention and rehabilitation of repetitive strain injuries. repetitive-strain.com

Treating UTI's Naturally

2009-01-18T07:10:00.001+07:00

UTIs, or urinary tract infections, are infections that occur in the bladder, urethra or kidneys. While women suffer from UTIs most often, men are not immune. Generally, if a man has a UTI, he should address his concerns with a medical doctor because it may indicate a more serious condition affecting the prostate.

The most common symptoms of a UTI are frequent and urgent needs to urinate even if the bladder is empty, burning upon urination and sometimes abdominal cramping. It is now possible to determine if you have a UTI at home. Most pharmacies sell reagent strips that can be used to detect the presence of bacteria in the urine much the same way a doctor?s office will.

Many UTIs can be treated naturally at home. The most well known folk remedy for UTIs is to drink cranberry juice. There is actually a great deal of scientific evidence that suggests cranberries can inhibit bacteria from attaching to the lining of the urinary tract which will prevent and even treat UTIs. What has always seemed to get lost in the translation is that the cranberry juice must be as natural as possible (no added sweeteners) and should be a high concentrate of cranberries rather than some cranberry and a lot of grape or other juice type. This type of juice is usually not available in a regular grocery store. It can, however, often be purchased from a health food or natural foods store. To effectively treat a UTI, it is necessary to drink a large amount (approximately a gallon per day) until symptoms clear up and then to drink about half as much for a minimum of 10 additional days.

Natural, pure cranberry juice can be very tart. If you prefer, you can take a cranberry juice supplement instead. Some high quality supplements will combine cranberry with Buchu, a diuretic which will help ease the feeling of needing to urinate when the bladder is empty. Remember to take these frequently throughout the day (every 3 to 4 hours is best) and with plenty of fresh, clean water.

Colloidal Silver and Garlic may be used as a natural antibiotic which will destroy the bacteria in the urinary tract. When using garlic supplements, it is important to use garlic that does not have the odor component removed as this is the part of the garlic that is antibacterial. If you are concerned about odor, use a garlic supplement that is combined with chlorophyll and is enteric coated.

Things to avoid during a UTI
* Citrus fruits: May cause an alkaline environment which will encourage bacterial growth.
* Sugars, processed foods, caffeine, carbonated beverages and alcohol.
* Feminine hygiene sprays, packaged douches, bubble baths, and tampons.

With diligence, most UTI?s can be remedied at home. However, if there is blood present in the urine or symptoms persist for longer than 1 week, a doctor should be consulted as it may indicate a more serious UTI that must be treated with antibiotics.

Nicole Bandes is a Certified Herb Specialist that has been helping others to regain their health and vitality since 1999. Nicole uses and recommends

Cancer Patient and Statistics (Part 2)

2009-01-17T19:25:00.001+07:00

How long a prostate cancer survivor lives depends on a multitude of factors. It does not necessarily reflect the success of the treatment. To that extent the survival rates, whether for five or ten years are meaningless for an individual. When and how a person will die is beyond anyone to know. To say that he died unnecessarily or prematurely is a projection of one?s own prejudices as a result of his analysis. In my opinion, and I might be an absolute minority, there is no such thing as unnecessary or untimely death. Death is death, period; the qualifiers do not make any difference.

They are also the products of a conditioned mind. People use other qualifiers as well. For example, we often hear of a horrible death especially in connection with cancer. Or we come across the milder statement: ?It was not a nice death?. In actuality it is the life prior to death that is horrible because of the pain and suffering during that period of existence. The death ends that horrible existence. Children die or persons die in the prime of their lives; these are called untimely deaths. What is a timely death? Is it the death at a ripe old age irrespective of the nature of life in the preceding years? What do we know about death? As Confucius said: ?We do not even know what life is. How can we then know anything about death?? To add qualifiers to death presupposes that knowledge.

People young and old die of starvation as we have witnessed so graphically during the past few years; others die in accidents. We call these deaths unnecessary or avoidable. Many die in natural disasters; we call these acts of God. People have died in famines and disasters in all ages all over the world. Circumstances shape the events that lead to these deaths and these circumstances are beyond man?s control. We can analyze the events and come up with ideas as to what could and should have been done to avoid them but man?s role in shaping historical events is incidental. Man does not make history although historians will always say otherwise. A confluence of circumstances makes things happen. This confluence, as of stars, is beyond anyone?s control and, even worse, it is not predictable. Men can take steps to avoid a recurrence of undesirable events, at least ones that are man-made, but these steps can not guarantee success simply because there is another group of men on the other side of the fence trying to do exactly the opposite. In the final analysis man is just a pawn in the hands of circumstances.

It is the same way with an individual?s life. One broods over his past and says ?if only I had done this?. Or he thinks about someone?s death and says ? if only he had done this or that, he would be alive?. But ?if only? is in the realm of fantasy. The fact is that those things were not done or could not be done. If a person dies of lung cancer and he had been a smoker, his death is attributed to smoking. There are any number of people who were chain smokers but developed no lung problem. The body has so many unknown facets that make positive assertions meaningless. All we have is evidence in the form of correlations and again we are dealing with numbers and probabilities.

For a patient faced with a fateful decision all this discussion of numbers may give an impression of total uncertainty and chaos. But the purpose here is to show that no rule of thumb based on numbers or statistics can be followed blindly. Each individual is different, he can not take a decision entirely based on what happened to another man or group of men. He should look at the numbers and make his own informed judgment after a frank discussion with his physician. The doctor?s word is not gospel and there should be no hesitation on the part of the patient to put forth differing opinions or suggestions. It is his life at stake and the ultimate choice must be his own. In order to make that choice he should be fully aware of the limitations of each and every piece of information being used. His active participation in the treatment is essential; for this he must understand what is going on at every stage from a patient?s perspective. Only then he will have the satisfaction of having done everything to the best of his ability. The outcome is in the future and, hence, unknown and largely unpredictable. Worrying about it serves no purpose. At this point ?que sera, sera? is the best attitude; it is not fatalistic, it is the only realistic attitude one can have.

Dharmbir Rai Sharma is a retired professor with electrical engineering and physics background. He obtained his M.S. degree in physics in India and Ph.D. in electrical engineering at Cornell University. He has taught in universities here and also in Brazil, where he spent sometime. He maintains a website http://www.cosmosebooks.com devoted mainly to philosophy and science.

Secrets of Healing Chronic Headaches: Are You Mentally Creating Your Headaches? Part 2

2009-01-17T14:31:00.001+07:00

How do you know if a negative belief is being played out? Look at your life. You attract things to you according to your belief systems. Since your head is chronically aching, what belief may be going on underneath that creates that unpleasant result?

The body will mirror whatever the mind is presenting. If your mind is believing that you should always keep worrying and you should give yourself a hard time, who wouldn?t end up with a headache? Get the picture?

Now, our beliefs seem to be true because the way we perceive the world is based on those beliefs. We have had these beliefs so long that most of us hold them as self-evident truths and don?t even realize that they are just beliefs. Then sub-consciously, we set up events to re-confirm and prove those beliefs. The subconscious belief ?I am not lovable? can cause a person to be clingy, withdrawn or in some manner unattractive so that others are not drawn to them, and now they have their proof. ?See I?m not lovable.? That?s how it works. All negative patterns, traits, circumstances, even physical health issues can be created by beliefs.

Belief systems are LEARNED in childhood. They are learned patterns and behaviors. They are not inherently part of us. We learn them from our parents, family, teachers, and whoever else raised us or was involved in our lives. Beliefs are not who we are. They are just beliefs. They can be completely shifted, changed and unlearned!! When we humans are born, our psyche is like a clean slate or a blank computer screen. As we grow our brain/psyche absorbs anything and everything.

It is a scientific fact that human beings are born with far less knowledge and instincts than any other species. Unlike a horse or a dog that will walk soon after it is born, humans don?t have that capability. If you were to leave a baby alone during infancy, it would not be able to survive. Although we have consciousness and thought, we are born not knowing who we are. Since that knowledge isn?t built in, we have to learn who we are and how to be ourselves in the world. Eighty percent of our ?core? or emotional learning we will learn in our lifetime by the age of 3. From birth to age 3, we learn by simply absorbing everything around us like a sponge, without the ability for discretion or filtering. We learn everything as if it were true. For example, if an infant is crying, he/she has the experience of suffering. If the parent does not know what is needed and therefore does not respond, the baby could be learning beliefs such as: ?Life is painful,? ?Life is hard,? ?I?m not understood,? ?I can?t get my needs met,? ?It?s not safe to trust people,?etc. This is how the subconscious is formed.

Thus, whatever we experience is imprinted as ?the truth? of how life is--forming what is known as our subconscious or core beliefs. It is these beliefs that direct the rest of our lives. These beliefs remain as our deepest experiences of life. Negative beliefs can sabotage our relationships, career, self-image, and overall happiness. This is why we fail at diets, break commitments to ourselves; stay stuck in negative habits and addictions, and cannot make the changes that we truly want. If we really want to heal and change our lives, we need to identify and heal our old negative beliefs.

Marnina Reid is a nationally certified Holistic Health Practitioner. She is the author of Natural Cures For Chronic Headaches, a newly released e-book. Marnina has a private practice in San Diego, and faciliates trainings in emotional healing. She mainly works with women who have suffered from emotional trauma helping them to remove the blockages that are preventing them from moving forward. Several of Marnina's clients have suffered from chronic headaches and have been successful at eliminating them. This inspired her to create an e-book specifically addressing headaches.

For free cutting edge health tips that can enhance your life and prevent disease visit: http://www.naturalcuresforchronicheadaches.com

For more information on Marnina Reid, or Natural Cures For Chronic Headaches Please visit: http://www.naturalcuresforchronicheadaches.com

How Would You Like To Be Acne Free & Have Smoother Skin?

2009-01-17T01:39:00.001+07:00

Almost everyone has faced acne at some point in their life. I for one feel that it is a blow on my social life as well as my ego. Imagine facing my friends with a face so red and bumps all over. It?s so embarrassing to even talk about it.

Naturally I would have bought acne products to try and cure my ailments. Some worked, but they were expensive. Some others didn?t show any signs of improvement. Others created havoc resulting in more outbreak of acne!

Is having oil free, shine free, perfectly hydrated, radiant, smooth skin that difficult to attain? If you want great complexion, you must know yourself first. First of all, what causes acne anyway? Not many people know. Just like me, many charged ahead and buy loads upon loads of treatments in search for the solution. But look at me, a reversed effect when my skin counter-reacted to the treatments! Talk about a backfire.

To be acne free, you must first understand your face. While we somewhat know that pimples are erupted due to suffocated pores, many of us don?t treat this dilemma with proper approach. The process is as such, you have dead oily skin with bacteria on it. On one hand, you shouldn?t over-cleanse it. On the other end, the last thing you want to have is a dry face. You need to strike a balance if you want to be acne free. Visit a dermatologist for recommendations because they are skin specialist and their advice is usually sound.

Proper diet plays a tremendous role in helping you to maintain a acne free skin. The old saying goes, ?we are what we eat? has never been more true. Though many of us would cringe at the thought of fruits, vegetables and plenty of water, these are the kind of sacrifices those who desire to have clear skin have to count the cost.

To fully comprehend the extend of changes you need to make in order to acquire nice complexion, please read the full article about how to be acne free.

Still wondering which acne programs will work for you?

Read this Personal Review About Acne Removal Programs That Worked For Me!

I write these health articles myself. They are topics of what comes naturally to my mind. Visit my ever-growing healthy website!
http://www.newlife-today.com

Dermatologist Acne Treatments for a Guaranteed Flawless Complexion

2009-01-17T01:35:00.001+07:00

Lead a blemish-free life and that includes your face too. Banish the bane termed as acne forever. However, acne treatment is not a quick fix solution. Go in for an acne treatment that guarantees not only relief for the time being but also deters a relapse.

Acne is caused by accumulation of dead skin cells, overactive oil glands or an attack by the P. acnes bacteria. Acne treatment involves striking at any one-root cause or taking a multi-pronged approach. However, the best acne treatment is to be decided only by the dermatologist and it may be that the nature and severity of the acne problem, the patient?s age, lifestyle and medication routine may merit an individualized treatment.

Generally, acne treatment is categorized into three broad spectrums. The most common, however, an instant but temporary cure is by killing the bacteria that are caused by the blocked follicles. This is done either by the intake of antibiotics like tetracycline, or by treating the affected areas externally with bactericidal substances like benzoyl peroxide. As one can guess, it does nothing to control the oil secretion that is the root of all blocked follicles and henceforth, acnes, return successfully after the treatment is successfully over.

The second method is by reducing the secretion of oils from the glands. This is done by a daily intake of Vitamin A derivates like isotretinoin over a period of a few months. The drug has a much longer effect than anti-bacterial treatments and often cures acne for good. The treatment requires close medical examination by a dermatologist since the drug has many known side effects.

The third, popular, acne treatment involves exfoliating the skin. This process encourages the peeling of the top layer of skin to prevent a build-up of dead skin cells which combine with skin oil to block pores. It also helps to unblock clogged pores.

Severely sore cysts require the injection of interlesional corticosteroid, which acts by melting the cyst within 3-5 days and prevents scars. Isotretinoin is an effective acne scar treatment. It works by reducing the activity of the oil glands and is widely regarded as the most effective drug to fight cystic acne. However, this pill has serious side-effects on liver and the nervous system and as such should not be used during pregnancy.

Oral contraceptives like norgestimate, ethynodiol and norethindrone acetate work against acne by decreasing the activity of the oil glands.

For people sensitive to some acne drugs, sodium sulfacetamide is an effective alternative treatment.

Laser therapy, which scrapes away the top layer of the skin, thereby removing the dead cells, is an effective acne treatment with enduring effects. This peeling of the skin is also achieved by the increasingly popular TCA peels. Easy to use, these peels reach deep into the skin coming up with results that last up to a year. Not only do they remove the acne, but also prevent its recurrence. They are now available for home use (see the link below). TCA peels are the most cost effective acne treatment and should be a part of any acne or skin care regimen.

The acne treatment may sound easy but you should never indulge in self-medication. Some acne drugs are quite powerful and any misuse may trigger irreversible side effects. Nor should acne be treated by pricking the pimples. This causes scarring that even an extensive acne scar treatment cannot reverse. Catch them young is the motto of every dermatologist treating acne. So do not neglect even the tiniest blackhead.

Acne treatment is safe as long as you are in the right hands.

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.bestskinpeel.com

Cystic Acne and Some Natural Treatments

2009-01-16T22:55:00.001+07:00

More severe cases of acne tend to be characterized not just by the presence of pimples and blemishes, but also by the formation of nodules or cysts. Acne that involves the development of cysts is called cystic acne.

A cystic acne lesion is much larger than a regular pimple, sometimes 5mm or more in diameter. These lesions can be hard and painful. Cystic acne lesions are filled with pus but should not be squeezed. Squeezing a cystic lesion can lead to a worse infection and inflammation. The lesions are prone to scarring and should be taken care of by a dermatologist, who often uses procedures to reduce swelling and to lessen the likelihood of scar formation.

In severe cases of cystic acne, it may be a good idea to consult a dermatologist about treatment. But there are many holistic remedies and preventative measures one can take against cystic acne. An alternative medicine practitioner should be consulted about some of these holistic remedies, while other more common procedures can easily be performed at home with no medical supervision.

Many dermatologists and alternative medicine practitioners believe that cystic acne can be controlled to some degree through diet. Cystic acne is often the result of an unknown allergic reaction to particular foods.

The first step in controlling cystic acne through diet is to experiment with the systematic elimination of certain foods. It is also helpful to add certain foods to your diet that are known to help in the recovery of severely acne prone skin.

Sugary foods and foods that contain milk or dairy products are commonly the trigger for cystic acne. As you experiment with eliminating these food types, be sure to read package labels closely so that you are not ingesting sugar and dairy products unknowingly. Be aware that it may be several weeks before you notice a change.

Foods containing trans-fatty acids are also a common irritant to skin prone to cystic acne. Foods like margarine, shortening, fried foods, salty snacks, soda, and meat contain trans-fatty acids and should be avoided.

Many people who suffer from cystic acne find that the addition of fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin A carotene can help to ease their condition. These foods include dark leafy vegetables, and yellow-orange vegetables and fruits such as carrots, yams, and squash.

It is also helpful to drink up to four quarts of purified water a day to eliminate toxins and to help the transportation of essential nutrients to the skin.

Cystic acne can also be aggravated by stress. Alternative medicine practitioners often suggest making yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation part of your daily activities. These activities can help to reduce stress levels, thereby decreasing the skin?s tendency to produce cystic acne lesions. Getting enough sleep is also essential in holistic therapy treatments.

Sufficient and appropriate cleansing is also an important part of holistically taking care of skin prone to cystic acne.

To clean your skin effectively, wash it gently twice a day using warm water. Do not scrub or use harsh cleansing agents that are abrasive or high in Ph, which can aggravate the condition. Mild soaps are more effective. To dry your skin, pat it gently with a soft towel.

If you are considering treating cystic acne holistically, these tips are a good place to start. You may wish to consult an alternative medicine practitioner about further herbal and holistic therapies.

Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and currently provides information on treating acne, pimples, and zits, via an objective informational skincare website, http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com

Mesothelioma: Symptoms of Mesothelioma Cancer

2009-01-16T11:24:00.001+07:00

The most common Mesothelioma symptoms are shortness of breath and pain in the chest. These symptoms occur due to a buildup of fluid in the pleura, what is known as Pleural Mesothelioma. However the symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma include weight loss, abdominal pain and swelling due to an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.

Peritoneal mesothelioma may include other uncomfortable symptoms too, such as bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia and fever.

However these symptoms can appear before if malignant cancerous cells have spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, and other symptoms such as trouble swallowing, pain, and swelling of the neck or face may appear.

Mesothelioma or other less serious conditions may caused these symptoms, therefore the importance of going to a doctor if you feel any of these symptoms, because only an expert like him can make a correct diagnosis.

Mesothelioma cancer rate has increased over the past 20 years and although this disease is not as common as other cancer pathologies, the number of new diagnosed cases in the United States has risen up to 2,000 per year.

According to experts the major risk factor for developing Mesothelioma lies in working with asbestos, so if you are a asbestos worker remember following the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommendations in order to reduce your risk.

Next Article: Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Article written by the staff of asbestos -10.com a website edited by Hector Milla, if you want to read more articles about skin disorder diseases, feel free to visit http://www.disorderskin.com, or http://www.asbestos-10.com for wsib asbestos cancer information, you can reprint this article in your website or ezine, always mentioning the author above and keeping a live link.

Will Vinegar Cure Toe Nail Fungus?

2009-01-16T02:14:00.001+07:00

Vinegar is a home remedy for toe nail fungus that has been around for a long time. The theory is that fungi that infect nails do not do well in an acid environment; therefore, a daily application of vinegar will make the toenail acidic, prevent fungal growth, and allow a new nail to grow in normally. Many people claim that this treatment for nail fungus infection has worked for them.

Various types of vinegar help cure toenail fungus, but ordinary white vinegar is all you'll need. Gather together your white vinegar, a basin to soak your feet in, a towel to dry off with, and something to keep you busy for half an hour while you soak. Then add enough vinegar to the basin to completely cover your toenails and plunge your feet in. Remember these pointers to help vinegar cure toenail fungus: soak every day until the problem is gone (some people paint the vinegar on two or three times a day, or apply a vinegar-soaked bandage that can be worn all day), dry your feet very thoroughly after soaking, and refresh the vinegar in the basin regularly.

Like all fungal remedies, the vinegar cure for toe nail fungus takes time ? it may take up to a year ? but proponents of this method report that it does work as long as you soak or apply vinegar each and every day until the infection is gone. Apple cider vinegar for toenail fungus, taken internally, may speed things up as well.

If topical applications of vinegar help cure toenail fungus by acidifying the nail, apple cider vinegar for toenail fungus reportedly works from within, attacking the infection where it lies protected beneath the thick toenail. Two tablespoons three times a day is the recommended dose. Many people dislike the taste of apple cider vinegar, and add it to another beverage, such as fruit juice or a carbonated beverage. Keep in mind that acid drinks may damage tooth enamel over time, so rinse thoroughly or brush your teeth afterwards if you are taking apple cider vinegar for toenail fungus treatment.

When your toenails are restored to their former healthy appearance, and you are able to discontinue the vinegar soak, remember to take care of your feet to avoid a recurrence of toenail fungus infection. Keep your feet clean and dry and your toenails clipped short. If you used apple cider vinegar for toenail fungus, you might want to continue taking it: lore has it that it has other beneficial properties, and some apple cider vinegar a day might just keep fungus away.

David Bloom is an avid health enthusiast and a regular contributor to a variety of health websites. He is the author of Nail Fungus Treatment, a blog dedicated to the treatment of fingernail and toenail fungus.

Back Pain and Massage Alternative Remedies

2009-01-15T17:24:00.001+07:00

A hands-on approach to back pain can be a positive experience. Massage therapy can help reverse the vicious cycle of pain-spasm-pain associated with chronic back pain.

Massage and chiropractic therapy can provide many benefits to individuals suffering from mild or chronic back pain. These benefits include:

Circulation and blood pressure improvement.
Muscle tone improvement and the prevention of muscular atrophy due to illness or inactivity.
System detoxification through lymphatic drainage.
Joint flexibility improvement.
Stress reduction and a greater sense of well-being.

There are many different massage styles which can be applied to helping back pain. Each style depends on the individual's needs and preferences.

They include:

Swedish Massage: This method uses long, flowing strokes and kneading movements to relieve tension from the muscles. The practitioner helps improve circulation and back pain by working to loosen and relax the superficial layers of muscle.

Sports Massage: This method uses slow, hard strokes and deep, sustained finger pressure to work deeply into the contracted muscles, fascia and tendons. This technique keeps the body flexible, increases performance and assists in rehabilitation from injury and speeds up the healing process by reducing swelling.

Shiatsu: Shiatsu is Japanese for ?finger pressure.? Fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows and knees are all used to apply pressure to points along acupuncture meridians, which are believed to be the body's energy pathways. This method is used to help alleviate back pain and encourage blood and lymphatic flow.

Craniosacral Therapy: This therapy involves the craniosacral system, which extends from the skull to the bottom of the spine. The practitioner uses touch to restore cerebrospinal fluid movement. This method can be used to treat such conditions as headaches, ear and eye problems as well as back pain and even whiplash.

Not all techniques work in all situations. Be sure to know the philosophy and style of your massage therapist before you begin. If your massage or massage technique doesn't help alleviate your pain, try another practitioner.

Visit us for more news and updates about back pain and alternative medicine.

Acne Basic Things You Need To Know

2009-01-15T12:08:00.001+07:00

For those that are dealing with acne, having the necessary knowledge about where it comes from and how to treat it is the first step in solving this very difficult and often scarring condition. It is not easy to find a way to work through acne when you do not know if a product will work how it will work or what is causing the acne on your face. In fact, it is plain old frustrating. Yet, the good news is that you can learn and you can succeed with acne treatments.

What Causes Acne?

The first thing to understand is what is causing your acne. Now, some people are more prone to it than others and this may or may not be linked to family genes and just environmental issues. But, what causes these little infections on your face happens for a very specific reason. Acne is caused by bacteria that are attracted to your face. They are attracted to it because your skin is oily and warm. And, there are dead skin cell to feed on. They get onto your face, into your pores and make themselves at home. Your skin becomes irritated and there comes that frightening pimple.

What Will Make It Go Away?

There are several acne treatment options for you. First, acne control can come from natural acne treatments such as eating a well balanced diet and taking supplements that are geared towards acne treatment. These will include a good assortment of vitamins and minerals that are known to help with acne control.

Next, you can move on to treating the infections in your skin. To do this, your doctor may provide you with antibiotics. Or, there are also natural skin care treatments that can help as well. In either case, the bacteria that are there need to be destroyed. Finally, you can work on exfoliating your skin to remove all those dead cells that the acne is feeding off of.

There are many acne products that can help with these steps. The goal is to understand why it is happening to you then you can gear your acne treatment right at it and see results. Remember, though, it took time for your face to become in this condition and it will take time for the acne to heal fully as well.

Our experts have executed a research to find the best acne treatments. Find the results only on Acne products #1 source. More valuable acne info on http://www.tigilet.com

Personal Injury Solicitors Help Mesothelioma Sufferers To Claim

2009-01-15T05:15:00.001+07:00

Every year in the UK around 1,600 people die from mesothelioma, a terminal lung disease which is normally caused by contact with asbestos. Many of the people who have learnt the devastating news that they are suffering from an incurable condition, have made the decision to speak to a personal injury solicitor. A solicitor with expertise in this area of the law can help them to make a personal injury claim. Asbestos related illnesses, which people are suffering from today, could have been avoided if action was taken many years ago.

It is difficult to swallow the facts and figures surrounding asbestos use. Thousands of people are waking up to the fact that their professional lives as many as 30 or 40 years ago were in fact contributing to an early and painful death.

Asbestos was once hailed as a fantastic, revolutionary material and its fire resistant properties were ideal for use in the construction industries, in plumbing and ship building. Asbestos was installed in buildings throughout the world and many hundreds of thousands of men, women and children came into constant contact with it. Whilst it is not dangerous when lying untouched, it becomes deadly when its? fibres are disturbed. People working in these industries are most at risk of contracting these diseases however; their families are also at risk of becoming ill at some point in the future. Barry Welch died at the age of 32 because he came into contact with asbestos dust when he was a child. His stepfather came home each night covered in the deadly fibres.

A large number of employers have now admitted liability for the suffering of their previous employees. Protection was not offered to many of the people who are now living with asbestosis, mesothelioma, emphysema, pleural plaques and lung cancer. It has been discovered that many employers continued to expose workers, even though they had become aware of the inherent risks.

Many people suffering from lung diseases as a result of their employers? negligence have received injury compensation payouts as a result of their contact with a personal injury solicitor. Tracing previous employers and attributing liability is difficult, but people suffering because of another person?s action are legally entitled to make an injury claim for the suffering caused by their work accident.

Unfortunately, new legislation has recently been passed which may mean an end to large compensation payouts for families of asbestos disease sufferers. Britain?s highest court ruled that where a worker was exposed to asbestos dust by several employers, each was liable to pay only a proportionate share of compensation rather than the whole amount. Because many of the employers responsible for fatal asbestos exposure were operating as many as 40 years ago they may now no longer exist or cannot be traced.

Employers union the TUC is calling for the reversal of what it calls a cruel and unjust decision. Many people who may have received hundreds of thousands of pounds in compensation may now only receive a fraction of this amount.

If you are suffering from an asbestos related illness then you may wish to discuss your options with a personal injury solicitor who has specialist knowledge of industrial diseases.

Author: Katy Lassetter, Online personal injury compensation claim specialists, with a 97% claim success rate. Call 0800 197 32 32 or visit http://www.the-claim-solicitors.co.uk for more details.

Water Dance:The Holosync Evolution

2009-01-14T17:54:00.001+07:00

Each morning, for the space of an hour, I am immersed in water. For an hour, I meditate to the Holosync sounds of rain, water, waves, a liquid drumming that rolls beyond the pulse to a deeper source. Somehow during that hour, my breathing becomes more formed, more regulated, more entrained, like a pair of dancing legs that has found the rhythm at last and could well afford to be caught by a larger, deeper power.

Each morning as I settle into water, I wait to be caught and I am seldom disappointed. The interesting thing is that after almost 6 months of daily meditation to the sounds of water (I?ve only missed 2 sessions), my whole body has been groomed for the taking even before I put on my ear phones. And the taking is like a grand plunge into the different layers of the self, only this self (for the lack of a better image) is like a huge octopus dancing in the depths of the ocean water. All my tentacles are veering wildly away from the center and yet I can feel their rhythm perfectly in the center, all the incongruities making sense ultimately in this center. Hard put to say what this image means, but it?s the most viable description of how I feel at the end of the hour? a dancer reconciled to new beginnings, un-choreographed steps, a dancer thinking on the tips of her dancing slippers.

It is a very subtle process--this growing sense of interconnectedness, a profound sense that even the most perverse has its roots in the most plausible. I am an octopus wanting to go in 20 different directions, feeling the outward pull-- inward?a sense of peace in the turbulence, softness in the cacophony.

After the tapes, I get up and the morning somehow falls miraculously into place?each email, each phone call falling into place like a scripted dance. I am focused at work, in my writing. Opportunities unfold before me. Words that I had struggled before to make right?sound perfect in their resistance. Not everything is melodic, but all that emerges is poetry?raw, cacophonous, not totally understood nor totally cohesive?but perfectly in step.

When I come across something that previously would have torn me apart, I watch unmoved. I am beginning more and more to see that impasse as part of the puzzle whose beauty is that the final piece comes not at the end, but at the beginning.

I am less and less interested in searching for the final truth that justifies all, but more and more contented with the million truths that fill each space and fragment of time. And the irony is that somehow this cacophony makes me whole: I am more than one. I am infinite?infinite pieces, infinite reflections from a single piece or perhaps infinite pieces shattered from a single image. It does not matter anymore, you see.

The readiness is all, says Hamlet. And the immersion into these tapes seems to be grooming me for that readiness. Readiness for what? For nothing and for everything.

More and more I sense that the whole process of survival--living, working, writing, mating, loving?all these are part of a water dance, wherein the play?s the thing, not to catch the conscience of the king, but to be enjoyed and cherished as the last waltz?before the next.

A runner for 27 years, retired schoolteacher and writer, Mary is helping people reclaim their bodies. Nutrition, exercise, positive vision and purposeful engagement are the tools used to turn their bodies into creative selves. You can visit her at http://www.GreatBodyat50.com or learn how she lost her weight at http://www.greatbodyproteinpower.com

What is Reiki All About?

2009-01-14T10:00:00.001+07:00

Reiki is a healing method that became popular in the Western cultures beginning in the twentieth century. It is an ancient healing method that has been used by the Japanese for several centuries. Through Reiki, many people will experience healing, balance, relaxation, and transfers of energy. By knowing how Reiki works, you will be able to use the technique in order to change your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual conscious levels.

When one begins to use Reiki as a practice, there are several principles that are used as guidelines. This will help the understanding of the use of energy to be taught at a higher level. By allowing the principles to be a part of the practice, one can use the energy for spiritual and mental healing easier.

Reiki is known to be a transfer of energy from external to internal environments. The practice began as defining a universal energy that is present in the universe. Those who practice Reiki will then be able to take this universal energy and transfer it into an individual. By doing this, it will change the internal energy level and allow several different types of healing to work.

In order for Reiki to be effective, one is expected to practice several different things. If you are practicing Reiki on your own, there are specific steps to follow. These steps allow you to become in tune to the universal energy, as well as allow you to become focused and relaxed when transferring the energy. Usually, it is best to take a class to learn how to do this effectively. If it is not done properly, it can cause the opposite effect.

The first principle that is taught in Reiki is in relation to the secret of inviting happiness. This is used in order to give students a basic understanding of the different energy flows that they will be using in relation to the Reiki technique. By doing this, the students will be able to understand a level of healing that is taking place. They will also be able to understand a new idea of happiness in relation to using the energy.

The second principle taught is that Reiki is a spiritual medicine for all illness. This idea is mostly taught in order to allow students to understand the basis of Reiki and where it?s emphasis and importance lies. Because it is an alternative healing method, Reiki is able to emphasize the spiritual ties to the method.

For those that are practicing Reiki on their own and decide to take a class, there are several things that will happen. Reiki classes are divided into levels. The more conscious you become of the universal energy and your internal energy, the higher of a level you can move to. Once you become an expert in these methods you can become a teacher, master and healer of this healing method.

The next that is taken in Reiki is to identify the different sources of internal energy that need to be transferred. These will usually be transferred by your breath moving the energy out of your body. Those with illnesses will have parts in their body that have a noticeable different source of energy. You can find this energy through either your intuition, or for those beginning the practice, they can use a light touch to begin recognizing the energy.

Once you recognize the internal and external energy, you can then begin to move the energies out of your body, and new energies in. This is usually done using two methods. Your breathing practice will often times help with this. You can also use a light touch in order to transfer a different energy from the universe. Reiki masters and trainers will usually do the healing using a touch when they are using the method on someone else.

Reiki is known to be an effective method of healing and balancing by several for centuries. By the continuous practice of transferring energy, one will find that healing, balance, relaxation and a different level of focus will take place. Several can use Reiki if they feel that they need a change of energy in their physical, mental, emotional or spiritual lives.

Learn More About The Healing Available from Reiki

Acne: You Can Fight Acne with Masks

2009-01-14T02:51:00.001+07:00

You can fight acne not only with gel or special soaps, but also with natural masks. Masks made of products you easily may find in your kitchen and you easily can make, too. These ones are granted to work. These products have great qualities that are inherent in the most ordinary things that can make you beautiful, cleansing your skin and brightening your complexion.

The mask made of eggs is one of the most common and it is a good method for toning the skin, according to some experts. They say that eggs help tightening your skin, giving you a firmer face, less wrinkled and less prone to sagging.

To make an egg mask is something quite simple and fast that you can not even imagine. First, beat one egg white until it is stiff. After that you just smooth it over your entire face. Then, remove the mask, but after 20 minutes.

You can adjust the mask to your skin type. If your have oily skin, add lemon juice to the egg white (only one drop). And if you have dry skin, put a bit of honey to the egg white. Experts explain that the skin on the inside of the shell can actually work as an acne treatment. Just place the skin over the breakout and leave on for 30 minute or even overnight to help reduce the appearance of the acne.

It is recommended to apply facial masks once a week for best results. Remember rinsing your face first with warm water and then rinsing with cold (to close the pores) after you finish removing the mask.

Article written by Hector Milla, editor of http://www.acnetreatmentstips.com , a website pointing the best acne treatment tips , visit his weblog for daily news about acne at http://www.acnetreatmentstips.com/blog/ , thanks for publishing this article in your website or ezine keeping a live link.

Ayurveda Untypical Types

2009-01-13T17:23:00.001+07:00

Among ancient Eastern methods, which medicine and the beauty industry turns to more and more, Ayurveda is the leader. This isn't just fashion or exotic trends. In the five thousand years that Ayurveda has existed, it has proved to be a serious science, which can do such things that often, can not be done by official medicine.

There are whole tractates about Ayurveda, which are now available to the wide audience. Therefore, we will only go over some underlying aspects, which demonstrate the modernity and timeliness of Ayurvedic teachings. If we look at Ayurveda outside of the philosophical environment and very ancient context, it is simply teachings about the healthy way of life - the science of life. Ayurveda tells us that the length and quality of life depends on the person; what he eats, how he behaves, and what efforts he takes on the way to perfection of body, mind, and spirit.

Ayurveda offers a whole set of methods, which can help successfully progress on this path. All the doctors - experts in the sphere of Ayurvedic knowledge ? say that their knowledge roots from the first teacher, Charaka Samhita, who wrote the guide to Ayurveda. After receiving this knowledge from sages, who have granted him the ability to give amrita (the nectar of immortality), Charaka gave them book format, and thus was the first author of Ayurvedic texts. The chain of teaching the next generations of doctors began with him.

Untypical Types

Any treatment is proscribed with the consideration of prakri (the patient?s constitution). According to Ayurveda, all people are divided into certain types. For example, muscular people with red hair, who are inclined to become irritated and even aggressive, belong to the category of pure Pitta people. The Kapha types are massive people with thick skin. They are slow and sleepy, and usually strive to collect material riches. Vatta, on the contrary, are thin people with dry hair. They have weak joints, and are usually inclined to be scared and to worry. There is a whole set of signs ? not only constitutional, but also inner and psychological signs, - which can determine which type a person belongs to. There are many formal methods; it is enough to fill in a form to find out which qualities a person possesses. However, this does not mean that Ayurveda strictly divides people into only three types.

There are combined, ?dual? types, and besides that there are different amounts of righteousness, passion, and ignorance in each type. A certain diet, exercises, methods of cleaning and rejuvenating the organism, a special set of spices, herbs, and preparations are recommended for each type. The ability of Ayurvedic doctors depends on how well they can determine the methods of treatment and improving the health for each individual person. They also have to give recommendations about the way of life, advise herbs and spices, oils and types of massage, which harmonize the mind and emotions, colors and precious stones, yoga and meditation exercises for every patient. This is because what might be good for a Vatta, is not at all suitable for a Pitta or a Kapha.

More on Ayurveda: Ayurveda Yoga - Vedabook Publishing - Books and audio-seminars in Russian and English

A Wealth Of Knowledge In Aromatherapy Books

2009-01-12T23:54:00.001+07:00

Albert Camus once said, ?The true university of these days is a collection of books?. So true were his words. You may not have visited once the schools or colleges, yet you can gain knowledge of a field if you have made books your friend. So if you want to excel in the practice of aromatherapy, just go through the aromatherapy books. Aromatherapy books are widely available and save you time and money that you would have spent on any course that teaches aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is being practiced from the ancient days. The roman and Egyptian civilizations were known to make use of essential oils to cure their common illnesses and also used it as a skin and hair care component. In India too, Ayurveda was exercised as a natural method of healing, both mentally and physically. The knowledge of the ages has been compiled in several books.

Earlier, these aromatherapy books remained confined to the place of their birth. However, with the efforts of some scholars, these books, which were earlier in the dark, have come to the notice of people the world over.

And no, you do not have to be conversant with Latin or Sanskrit to read these aromatherapy books; neither do you have to dabble with Arabic to understand the depths of knowledge in these aromatherapy books. Quite a large number of these books have been translated in English and other popular languages.

Many aromatherapy books have been written by contemporary authors as well. New researches and surveys have been included in these books. Some tried and tested aromatherapy exercises, certain myths, and many such information can be easily found in the aromatherapy books.

These are also easily available in all bookstores. So, when coming from your office or during weekends, just get down at a good bookstore. Here you will find such a large collection of books in this segment that you will find it hard to make any buying decision. Alternatively, visit your nearest library. You would surely get your hands on your choice aromatherapy book.

For those of you who find themselves deficient in time, and find that searching for the books in bookstores and libraries is too arduous a task, you have online bookstores for help. With an internet connection in your home or office, you can access all the books that are available on the World Wide Web. If before buying, you want to go through reviews of it then also internet can help. Just browse through the various reviews searched just for you. One can also purchase his choice aromatherapy books through the online shopping facility. You can either pay by your credit card or pay at the time of delivery.

So, what are you waiting for? Peruse through the aromatherapy books and surprise your friends with the knowledge of aromatherapy.

Bryan Josling is working with the Horticultural Research Station in Adelaide. He has also been involved with research on plants. To find Aromatherapy essential oils, Aromatherapy Books, essential oils wholesale visit http://www.ndaroma.com

Failure To Diagnose Lung Cancer The Ten Most Imporant Things Your Lawyer Needs To Know

2009-01-12T12:05:00.001+07:00

Lung cancer is deadly. The earlier you diagnose and treat it, the better off you'll be- hopefully.

Depending upon the type of cancer and when it's diagnosed, will determine your treatment options and survivability. Believe it or not, you don't have to smoke to get lung cancer. There's second hand smoke, there's carcinogen's in our environment, and our work environments may have something to do with it.

As a lawyer, when a client comes to me wondering if their lung cancer could have been detected earlier, I need to know the following important answers:

1. Were you under the care of an internist, or any physician, during the time you believe you should have been diagnosed?

2. Did you make any complaints to your doctor that should have warranted a chest x-ray?

3. Does anyone in your family have a history of cancer, especially lung cancer?

4. What type of lung cancer were you diagnosed with?

5. What stage of lung cancer were you diagnosed with? (The stages are typically from Stage 0 to Stage IV, with IV being the most severe and deadly.)

6. How much time went by from when you believe you should have been diagnosed, until the actual diagnosis was made?

7. Did you ask your treating cancer specialist (an oncologist) if your outcome would be different if the cancer had been detected 'x' years ago? (This is very important, since different types of cancer have different growth patterns. Some are slow growing, and some are fast growing. If you have a slow growing tumor, and had made complaints that suggested the need for further follow-up and x-rays, you might have the basis for a case.)

8. What is your prognosis? (What do the doctors think about your survivability and the treatment still available to you?

9. Are you a smoker?

10. What type of cancer have you been diagnosed with?

Then, with all of that information, I must obtain your medical records, x-rays, CAT scans, and other information, and have a medical expert (preferrably a pulmonary specialist) review your records.

This expert will determine whether the standards of care in New York were breached, and if so, whether those departures from good care caused and contributed to your injuries. All of those elements must be present in order to start a lawsuit on your behalf. If any one of those elements is missing, it is impossible to prosecute a case for you.

Attorney Oginski has been in practice for 17 years as a trial lawyer practicing exclusively in the State of New York. Having his own law firm, he is able to provide the utmost in personalized, individualized attention to each and every client. In our office, a client is not a file number. Client's are always treated with the respect they deserve and expect from a professional. Mr. Oginski is always aware of every aspect of a client's case from start to finish.

Gerry represents injured people in injury cases and medical malpractice matters in Brooklyn, Queens, New York City, the Bronx, Staten Island, Nassau and Suffolk Counties. You can reach him at http://www.oginski-law.com, or 516-487-8207. All inquiries are free and totally confidential.

Acne Meaning And Introduction

2009-01-12T05:49:00.001+07:00

Acne is a type of skin disease that is mainly caused due to the excessive secretion of oil called sebum. Basically, the function of this oil is to regulate the skin texture and body hair by reasonably moistening it. It is produced by the sebaceous glands present in the skin. But, due to excessive lubrication, you easily become prone to the development of congested pores on the skin surface. These pores give rise to various skin bumps such as cysts, blackheads and whiteheads, pimples etc.

There are various types of bumps, which vary in nature. Cyst is a condition where your skin is covered with a tiny sac that is filled with fluid. In the case of whiteheads, the pores get blocked with sebum and protrude slightly outward. When the pores stay open and are filled with sebum, they get darkened from the outside surface, and these are known as blackheads. When the pores get exposed to a different kind of organic matter such as bacteria and other germs, usually a reddish colored swelling will be noticed, and this is known as a pimple.

Acne is commonly found between the age group of 10 to 40 years. You can find a quicker treatment, if you have thorough knowledge regarding the causes and how they should be treated. You can go to a drug store or cosmetic center and find medicines for yourself. In case it is not easy to understand your actual skin condition, you can consult a physician and follow his prescription.

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1519.html

Acne Treatment: Solution Options For Young Women

2009-01-09T10:56:00.001+07:00

There are many options for acne treatment. If you are like most, you have tried many and have not found the right solution to your needs. This is common for individuals simply because they do not know what they should be doing. Will the over the counter products work on your acne? Will you need to have a laser treatment in order to make it finally go away? The problem with acne treatment is that what works for one individual will not work for someone else.

What Do I Do?

The first thing that anyone that has acne needs to do is to have a good face cleansing regimen. Acne skin care is vital to getting rid of the acne in the first place. For this, you will need a good quality facial cleanser at the very least. Consider where acne comes from and you will understand this idea. Acne is caused by bacteria that get into the warm, wet pores in your face. They multiply there and the body reacts. The actual acne is an infection on the skin. So, proper acne skin care can help simply by removing the bacteria from your face.

But, that is likely to not be enough. Often, you will need to use an acne medication or an acne treatment. These can be purchased over the counter to be used. The fact is that something that works for you may or may not work for someone else. The acne treatment can be hit and miss then. Another option that you have that has shown great progress is that of using natural acne treatments. These too can be found throughout the web.

Acne skin care is essential to your health. What is the best acne treatment? That will depend on your specific need and your body?s chemistry. You?ll find that there are acne medications that do work and they work very well. Take care of acne now can help you to avoid needing acne scar removal later.

We have made a research to find the best acne treatments. Find it only on the Best natural acne treatments reviews website. All about acne treatments on LeanderNet - http://www.leandernet.com

A Question of Balance & Oriental Medicine

2009-01-09T04:22:00.001+07:00

At BIOM, we encourage ourselves and our visitors to become aware of, and act from, that special ?place? inside oneself that is the wellspring of health and wellbeing. With that in mind, we invite you to explore with us an Oriental medicine approach to balanced eating that provides the energy for living the life you want to live.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.
? Lao Tzu

It's A Balancing Act
How balanced are you? If someone asked you that question how might you respond? Since the experience of 'balance' doesn't play an obvious role in daily life, you may find yourself asking some questions of your own to get to the meaning of what's being asked. How balanced am I? Do they mean: Am I physically balanced? Am I psychologically balanced? Am I emotionally balanced?

You are what you eat: So if your diet is nutritionally and energetically balanced, so are you.

All good questions to ask periodically in your ongoing assessment of your health and sense of wellbeing. And, from an Oriental medicine point of view, you would want to add to this checklist: Am I 'nutritionally' balanced?; Am I 'energetically? balanced? Because when you're 'nutritionally' balanced your food will be providing you with the energy you need to be ?energetically? balanced ? and an energetically balanced person is healthy in body, mind, and spirit.

The Five Tastes

A nutritionally and energetically balanced diet includes food that combines these five tastes:

Salty
Sour
Bitter
Sweet
Spicy

Feeling Balanced

Many people 'think' they're balanced. But there's a difference between 'thinking' and 'knowing,' like there is a difference between thinking that you just ate something satisfying compared to knowing you did. And how do I know if I'm still hungry or not? I feel it. So how do you know if you?re nutritionally and energetically balanced? You feel it.

While it's easy to intellectually point out the difference between thinking and feeling, it's a little more difficult to know with your body what balance feels like, chiefly because our culture emphasizes the development of our mental faculties, while minimizing the cultivation of the feeling and intuitive aspects of ourselves. This unhealthy and illogical imbalance can comically reveal itself in a normal conversation when a caring person genuinely presses to know: Are you really feeling okay? and the other replies, I think so.

Even this core level imbalance in self-awareness can be remedied through the power of Oriental medicine by combining diet and nutrition, Chinese medical herbs, Chi Kung, and acupuncture or acupressure.

Remember: Health is a ?balancing act.?

Kitty Bradshaw is a licensed acupuncturist, with an advanced clinical degree in Oriental Medicine. Studying and working with Oriental Medicine since 1986, Kitty combines Traditional Oriental Medicine with Taoist healing methods to offer healing possibilities beyond the level of standard health care. Her deep understanding of Chinese medical herbs, combined with her intuitive abilities to diagnose and treat difficult problems, has helped many people regain and maintain their health.

For a FREE phone consultation to find out how Oriental Medicine can work for you, go to http://www.biom.net to contact Kitty, or subscribe to BIOM's FREE newsletter.

Acne Scar Removal

2009-01-08T17:59:00.001+07:00

Those who have battled with acne may have acne scars. Acne scar removal is possible in many cases. Acne scar removal is something you may want to consider if you would like to have the scars reduced or removed.

Acne scar removal is an area that you should discuss with your doctor. Your doctor may take your age and health into consideration before considering an acne scar removal procedure. Other questions your doctor may ask before recommending acne scar removal are whether you tolerate certain medications and procedures. Before you have acne scar removal you need to find out how severe your scar is and what type.

Dermabrasion is one kind of acne scar removal procedure. During this acne scar removal treatment the top layers of skin are removed. After this type of acne scar removal treatment your skin should heal and look smoother.

Another type of acne scar removal procedure is the chemical peel. If you try this acne scar removal procedure, the top layer of skin is removed using chemicals. The skin will regenerate and should look better.

Some people prefer collagen injections as an acne scar removal treatment. Collagen is injected under the skin and is often used to improve acne scars.

Laser resurfacing is another acne scar removal possibility. Laser resurfacing is a procedure that uses high-energy light. If you try this kind of acne scar removal treatment you may find the acne scars will be minimized.

If you have really deep scars you may want to consider this type of acne scar removal treatment; punch grafts. Punch grafts will replace scarred skin.

There are several ways to deal with acne scar removal; hopefully one of the above will be helpful for you.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Clear-Skin-Solutions.com. He provides more acne clearing solutions, remedies and acne treatment information that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Can You Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer?

2009-01-08T02:15:00.001+07:00

We hear it all the time?lose weight for your health. Few people however, realize the extent to which this is critical to their physical well-being and ultimately their life expectancy.

In January 2003, the Journal of the American Medical Association featured a study finding that obesity appears to lessen life expectancy, especially among young adults. The researchers compared Body-Mass Index (BMI) to longevity and found a correlation between premature death and higher BMIs. For example, a 20-year-old white male, 5?10? weighing 288 pounds with a BMI of greater than 40 was estimated to lose 13 years of his life as a result of obesity.Jamie McManus, M.D., F.A.A.F.P. and author of ?Your Personal Guide to Wellness? notes that while this study referenced extreme levels of obesity, there are still millions of overweight people in developed countries with a life expectancy rate that is three to five years less than their healthy-weight counterparts. She also estimates that there are 600,000 obesity related deaths each year in America.

Just how does obesity shorten our lifespan? The answer to this question is complex, yet there is a clear link between obesity and the development of cancer. An extensive study conducted by the American Cancer Institute involving 750,000 people showed that obesity significantly increased the risk of cancer developing in the following organs: breast, colon, ovaries, uterus, pancreas, kidneys and gallbladder.

Michael Thun, MD, vice-president of epidemiology and surveillance research for the American Cancer Society (ACS) says one reason obesity may raise cancer risk is because fat cells produce a form of estrogen called estradiol that promotes rapid division of cells, increasing chances of a random genetic error while cells are replicating, which can lead to cancer. In addition, fat centered around the abdomen may increase insulin and insulin-like growth factors in the blood, which may increase cancer risk.

Women who are obese after menopause have a 50% higher relative risk of breast cancer, notes Thun, and obese men have a 40% higher relative risk of colon cancer?. Gallbladder and endometrial cancer risks are five times higher for obese individuals?.There is evidence that cancer rates in developed countries are increasing at 5 to 15 times faster than developing countries. A major contributor to this alarming reality has proven to be diet. In populations where the diet consists mostly of fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grains ? in contrast to the typical Western diet of fatty meats, refined flours, oils and sugars ? the risk of cancer is much lower.

The interaction of diet and the development of cancer is an active field of research and Dr David Heber, M.D., Ph.D. and author of ?What Color is Your Diet?, says ?It appears that diet has its most significant effects after the cancer has already formed, acting to inhibit or stimulate the growth of that cancer?. At the risk of oversimplifying a complex set of interactions, the typical Western diet that leads to obesity may actually act to stimulate the growth of cancer cells.It is never too late to improve your health through healthful eating and adopting a more health-giving lifestyle. Here are simple steps to follow which can make an immediate improvement to your health and vitality.

1. Check your Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine if weight has become health risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60% of Americans are overweight, defined as having a BMI (a ratio of height to weight) over 25. Of those, nearly half (27%) qualify as obese, with a body mass index of 30 or more. In 1980, just 15% of Americans were considered obese. You can check your BMI at the website below.

2. Match your diet to your body?s requirements. If you eat and drink more calories than your body requires you will put on weight. Learn to control calories and portion sizes, make recipes leaner, and eat infrequently from fast food restaurants. Also learn how to snack with healthful choices.

3. Color your diet with a large variety of colorful, cancer-fighting fruit and vegetables. There are seven different color ranges of both fruit and vegetables and by choosing between 5 to 9 daily serves from a wide range of fruit and vegetables, we are extending our consumption of cancer (and other disease) fighting nutrients.

4. Eat lean protein with every meal. Protein provides a powerful signal to the brain providing a longer sense of fullness. The right source of protein is essential to controlling your hunger with fewer calories and necessary to maintain your lean muscle mass. Choices of protein should be flavored soy shakes with fruit; the white meat of chicken and turkey, seafood such as shrimps, prawns scallops and lobster and ocean fish or vegetarians may prefer soy based meat substitutes.

5. Rev up your metabolism with activity. If you want to enjoy a lifetime of well-being, exercise is a key ingredient. Colleen Doyle, MS, RD, director of nutrition and physical activity for the American Cancer Society (ACS), says adults should do something for 30 minutes each day that takes as much effort as a brisk walk. Children should be active for an hour each day. We are more likely to develop habits around things we enjoy, so seek activities which you enjoy doing. It is also helpful to build physical activity into your daily routine: use the stairs instead of the escalator or lift at work, park your car in the parking bay furthest from the super marketing and don?t use the remote control to change TV channels.

6. Get support to ensure you develop a healthful eating plan and reach your goal weight. Whilst a small percentage of people possess the discipline to lose weight, many obese people have developed strong thoughts and habits concerning the food they eat. In order to establish new habits, most people respond well to some form of consistent encouragement and coaching. A study, ?Effects of Internet Behavioral Counseling on Weight Loss in Adults at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes? shows that participants who had the support of weight loss coaching lost more weight than those who didn?t. The study concluded that the support of a weight loss coach can significantly improve weight loss results.

Being overweight or obese has been identified next to smoking, as the most preventable major risk to developing cancer. Even small weight losses have been shown to have beneficial health effects. So it?s never to late to start and you can never be too young or too old to be concerned about your health and do something about achieving a more healthy weight.

Kim Beardsmore enjoys the flexibility of working from home. Are you interested in earning money from home? We're looking for individuals who have basic phone and internet skills to join our team of work-at-home-ers. If you're serious about earning money from home and are willing to work (this isn't 'get rich quick'), then we'd like to help you grow a profitable business. We offer complete training, online and offline resources and a partnership for success. http://free2liv.com/?refid=EA-567883373

All About Acne Body Wash

2009-01-07T15:18:00.001+07:00

If you?re like me, you not only get acne on your face now and then, but all over your body as well. Although I normally only get acne on my face and back, I?ve had at least some amount of acne on just about every area of my skin at one point or other in my life. My feet, legs, and (ahem) genital area seems to be the only places to escape it completely so far. While there is a certain relief to that fact, having acne on my scalp, back, butt, chest, stomach, and shoulders is not exactly fun. For this reason I?ve done plenty of experimenting with acne body washes.

Oh, the joy of acne body washes knows no bounds. They come in different sizes, shapes, colors, smells, and flavors. Well, okay, I?m not sure about the flavor part, but there certainly is a wide array of acne body washes to choose from. The search is easily narrowed down when you consider the active ingredients involved. Most acne body washes use only one of two different active ingredients; salicylic acid or benzyl peroxide. Everything else in the wash is just for style points.

Having used plenty of different acne body washes, I consistently come back to the ones that use salicylic acid. This is somewhat counterintuitive, because benzyl peroxide seems to work best with the acne face washes I?ve tried. I?m not really sure why, but salicylic acid just seems more effective for body acne than anything else, even though its only moderately effective for facial acne. I prefer the acne body wash that ?Phisoderm? makes.

So my acne prevention and treatment routine is a benzyl peroxide acne face wash, and a salicylic acid acne body wash. So long as I use these washes daily, I?m able to reduce the acne I would be getting by somewhere around 90%, which is great. However, there is still that 10% or so that gets by, and I can?t really seem to do much about it. The acne on my back is especially hard to prevent; no acne body wash gets rid of it completely.

It seems to help a little if I use lotions and other skin care products in addition to an acne body wash. I like using ones with aloe vera and vitamin E. If I apply lotions like these soon after using an acne body wash, it seems to boost the overall anti-acne effect.

Keith Londrie II has put up three informative web sites so that you can learn more about acne and it's control. For more information please visit http://acneinformation.info/ as well as http://acne-solution-treatments.info/ and http://stop-your-acne.info/ for more detailed information.

Acne In Adults All You Need To Know About It!

2009-01-07T00:00:00.001+07:00

It is a misconceived notion that acne is a skin condition that only affects teenagers. It is quite common for adults to suffer from acne at some point of time. While the condition is not that rampant in adults, as many as 5% of the adult population is affected by it.

The cause for acne both in teenagers and adults is the same- hormonal imbalance; stress and oily skin lead to this condition. A study shows that as many as 50% of women and 25% of men suffer from adult acne.

If left untreated, acne can cause as much damage in adults as in teenagers. The pimples lead to infections and this in turn can leave ugly and permanent scars on the skin. No amount of creams and other medications can rid you of these scars. Therefore it is very important to attend to acne promptly and get it treated.

The prime cause for adult acne is stress. Therefore it is essential to keep stress under control. A healthy and happy individual will rarely suffer from acne. In women, the problem of acne is seen to be aggravated during the menstrual cycle.

Treatment for adult acne is more or less similar to that of the teenagers. Clean the pores thoroughly. The pimples should not be picked or cut. Use external medications like ointments, gels and lotions. In case of severe acne consult your dermatologist.

The best treatment for any ailment including adult acne is prevention. Therefore pay a lot of attention towards hygiene and diet. Follow an active lifestyle free of stress and other worries. A balanced diet combined with an active lifestyle and clean habits will go a long way in preventing acne both in teenagers and adults.

The problem can be tackled by following a combination of good hygiene and simple treatment. Eat a balanced diet. Clean the pores with a mild antiseptic cream or lotion. Using a sulfur based soap will also bring in good results. Apply creams and ointments prescribed by your doctor. Do not let the acne spread and turn into pimples. While pimples are a normal occurrence in teenagers who reach puberty, in adults it however is rare.

Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Increase the intake of water; eat plenty of onions and garlic to keep adult acne at bay. In case of severe acne, a combination of both oral and external medicines will often bring in the best results.

Venkata Ramana is the writer of Adult Acne blog. Read his informative reports about Acne Medicine and get rid of acne forever!

Relax With Aromatherapy Massage Oils

2009-01-06T10:48:00.001+07:00

After a hectic day at work, your husband complains of every part of his body aching with pain. Will a good night?s sleep refresh him for the next hectic day? Not necessarily. With a similar schedule each day, he is adding to his pain, which within time will transform into a fatal disease. You being a caring wife, will you want this chain of events to continue? If no, then aromatherapy massage oils are for you.

Aromatherapy massage oils will go a long way in giving the much-needed relief to a person after a long day at work. Massage is both physically and emotionally stimulating for the body. When the massage is supplemented with essential oils, the person gains from the synergistic influences of a calm mind and a radiant skin.

Aromatherapy massage oils may be used in two ways. Inhale the massage oil vapours, which refresh your mind too. Alternatively, apply it to the skin. This method ensures that the massage oils are directly absorbed by the body from where they reach the blood stream. This has impact on one's health and skin.

After a massage with aromatherapy massage oils, one actually feels splendid. These oils have been known to have special therapeutic qualities. This finds them large-scale use in healing common diseases like cold, flu, pain in the muscles, headache etc.

For the purpose of massage, people often mix more than one essential oil to give the desired effect. The most common of these is the lavender, clary sage and lemon blend. It is known as the stress blend. The essential oils in concentrated form can be dangerous for use. Therefore, aromatherapy massage oils are mixed with carrier oils before applying it on the body. Similarly, one can prepare an aphrodisiac blend with essential oils of sandalwood and jasmine. Just have an idea of what purpose the aromatherapy massage oils will be used for and go on with the blending.

Aromatherapy massage oils are used largely in spas and physical and mental healing centres. Trained masseurs will help you in relieving stress and give you an ecstatic feeling.

If you want, you can also get massaged in your home. Massaging your loved one with fragrant aromatherapy massage oils is the best way to convey the concern for him or her. Aromatherapy massage is also recommended for the infants to give them a glossy skin and strong bones.

Aromatherapy massage oils work wonders with your skin and provide mental calmness. It is also used as a cure from several diseases.

Bryan Josling is working with the Horticultural Research Station in Adelaide. He has also been involved with research on plants. To find Aromatherapy essential oils,Aromatherapy Candles,essential oils wholesale visit http://www.ndaroma.com

Allergy: Your Body's Civil War

2009-01-05T22:57:00.001+07:00

Allergic reactions, what are they? I can go into the medical explanation of allergies. I can explain the allergic reaction in very scientific terms (after all, I am a trained scientist). Let me illustrate with war and peace.

First of all, some people are born with an amazing gift for acquiring allergies. In terms of war and peace, this means that their immune systems have the ability to go to war for any reason, good or bad. This type of immune system can deploy a very large army very quickly. It can have bitter feuds with an imagined enemy who is really an ally. What is more, this immune system remembers the perceived enemy so well that an even bigger army is deployed every time the enemy is encountered.

When this army is out there in the body, eager to fight milk, cats, dogs, pollen, or whatever, it is the presence of the army itself rather than the enemy that leads to the next set of events! The presence of the army triggers off a series of chemical reactions in the body leading to the firing of chemical warfare. An overproduction of histamine can result, leading to sore eyes, skin rashes, choked throats, feeling sick, sneezing, coughing, and all the usual misery of an allergic reaction.

Left in a state of war for a long time, maybe with many enemies, a civil war eventually breaks out, with even more chemical warfare, and the soldiers no longer know why they are fighting, they just fight. The general of this army no longer has control over it and is too tired to anyway. Additionally, the general is too tired to communicate with the other commanders. Anarchy reigns. Invaders enter the country and it is pot luck whether they are seen. If they are seen, the army may be just too tired from all that fighting to ward off this real enemy. This weakens the whole nation, which then continues to produce more soldiers in a state of confusion.

The nation is tired of war but has lived with it for so long now, it doesn't know how to break free. The president, convinced they are the enemy, decides to avoid contact with certain friendly tourists. He instructs all his generals to evade this enemy or fight it to the bitter end. But the country is in a state of high alert. People are wary. They are tired. They avoid all of these tourists that the president has announced are the enemy.

Some time passes and a few people feel unjustly that they had a bad experience with foreign investors. The papers publish this, and the nation, still in a war mood, is whipped into a frenzy. Soon enough, was is fought against foreign investors. They become the new enemy.

Soon almost every previously welcome visitor becomes an enemy.

The country is now almost always at war with somebody, anybody! Resources are depleted, the nation is tired. There seems no way out.

Now imagine a new president taking over, with a new government. The president gathers his generals and explains to them why the enemy is really a friend. The generals go on to reduce the size of their army. The nation rests. Resources are no longer diverted to the war but are spent on education, agriculture, and rebuilding the nation. The nation flourishes.

You can choose to let go of allergies. One of these days, common sense will prevail and those of us with the genes that makes us prone to allergies will not need to live in fear. In the meantime, if you have considered treatment, there is a technique that uses no medication, no fear and no nonsense. I have successfully used EFT on myself for allergies and would recommend it to anyone. I have met so many people who have taken control of their bodies and have freed themselves of them. Like my friend Ronny, who became free from his allergy to milk with EFT.

Why have war when you can relax in peace? Most of you those reading this will prefer to keep their allergies, but that's another story. Choose to empower yourself now. Go and see an EFT practitioner that deals with allergies, or learn EFT for yourself. I'm certainly glad I did!

My name is Suzanne Zacharia and I am committed to spreading the word about health options. I believe that the more and better options one has, the more choice there is.

A virus caught along with 5 other students at university at the end of 1986, plus medical negligence, meant that I got smokers lung at a relatively young age. In desperation for help with my symptoms and quality of life, I turned to complementary therapy, and this is the 11th year I have outlived one doctor's prognosis.

I am now a complementary therapist, author and trainer specialising in energy therapy. My company is called New Age London, named by my clients, with some carefully-chosen experts in their fields working with me under the New Age London banner. More details via the links below.

http://www.NewAgeLondonTherapies.com http://www.StopSmokingLondon.com http://www.EFTLondon.co.uk

Alternative Acne Treatment Drug Free Solutions

2009-01-05T11:14:00.001+07:00

Acne is a skin condition from which most of us have suffered at one time or another, especially in our teens, but for most people it lasted only for a year or two. However it is possible to have this common condition at any time in your life, and many people are plagued by acne throughout their adult lives, and find themselves in an endless search for a drug or product which will end their problem for ever.

Acne itself is a condition caused by excess oil in the skin, and this oil breaks down into fatty acids which cause the skin to inflame. This normally takes place on the face and neck, but can also create more serious scars in addition to the common spots and pimples.

There are many natural and alternative acne treatments available in preference to the conventional chemical acne creams and lotions. Although not technically an alternative acne treatment, as a first step it is advisable to analyze your diet as this can often contribute significantly to the condition. Avoiding processed and prepackaged food is advisable for all of us, regardless of any skin conditions, but an unprocessed food diet should be particularly beneficial for those suffering from acne. Fried and fatty oily food and food cooked in vegetable oils will contribute to the oils which cause acne, but healthy oils such as those contained in fish such as sardines can be consumed, these are known as Omega 3 oils.

A healthy diet will also improve how your body processes food and integral to this is drinking lots of water. Most of us do not drink enough water, only getting part of our necessary intake though the water contained in other products and beverages. Drinking water, up to 10 glasses a day or more, will help to cleanse your system of many of the oils and toxins which may contribute to acne.

Another alternative acne treatment with potential benefits is increasing your vitamin intake. This can be done by buying vitamin tablets and supplements, but care must be taken as high levels of vitamins in the body can also be harmful. Vitamin A supplements can help with acne but as with all supplements they should be taken in moderation and preferably in consultation with your doctor. Similarly Zinc is often seen as an aid to alleviating acne symptoms, as it can help inflammation reduction and helps the immune system which protects against infection. Zinc can be found in foods such as liver eggs and seafood in particular. There are other products created from herbs which are reportedly able to help acne sufferers.

Overall the best advice to those afflicted by acne who want to avoid conventional chemical treatments is to start with a healthy diet, and give this new regime a chance to work. Locate one of the many sites or books outlining a healthy eating plan concentrating on those foods which contain little fatty vegetable oils and significant omega 3 oils, and critically drink lots of water. This simple change may be enough to alleviate many of your acne symptoms.

Visit http://www.health-alternative-life.com for alternative health articles, product reviews and analysis.

Clear Your Acne Naturally!

2009-01-05T01:51:00.001+07:00

Most people who suffer from acne go out and spend good money on common over-the-counter acne treatment products. The truth is, most of these products are full of chemicals that can actually slow down the healing of acne, and irritate your skin, causing farther breakouts.

When an acne product has 20 ingredients listed on it, it can be hard to know if one of those ingredients is actually stopping you from having success. It can be even harder when you can't pronounce the ingredient, much less know what it is and how it is going to affect your skin. Most mainstream acne treatments are not only much more expensive than common household items, but they also don't always work as well either. With that in mind, I will list some basic household items that can work wonders on clearing up your skin.

Baking soda ? A very cheap cooking ingredient that most people have in their homes already, baking soda can be used as a great scrub. The purpose of a scrub is to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin that can eventually clog pores and lead to acne spots. To start off, you'll want to mix a small amount of baking soda with some water for form a paste. Baking soda is very effective as a scrub, so you want to be sure to be extra careful when applying it to your face. Gently massage the paste into your skin for ten to fifteen seconds. Then rinse the baking soda off, and pat your face dry with a clean towel.

Apple Cider Vinegar ? Though most people that use vinegar to treat acne use the apple cider form of vinegar, you can also use plain old regular vinegar. Regardless of which type you use, vinegar can be very helpful with it comes to clearing up acne. It can kill off acne causing bacteria, balance your skin's pH, and absorb extra oil on your skin.

Starting with clean, dry skin, apply diluted vinegar (eight parts water to one part vinegar) directly to your skin with a cotton ball, and leave it on. If you want, you can also use a stronger vinegar solution (say, 2 or 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar), and apply it directly to problem areas, rinsing it off after ten minutes.

Lemon or lime juice can also be substituted for vinegar. Both of these juices are rich in citric acid, and can exfoliate your skin very well, halting the growth of acne spots, as well as fading previous, non-active acne quicker.

Egg Whites ? Rich in protein, egg whites can be used as a mask to heal and rebuild your skin. It can also help to absorb excess oil from your skin. To start off, crack an egg, removing the yolk so that just the egg whites are left behind. Beat these egg whites, and apply them directly to your face. Let it sit for fifteen minutes, and then rinse the egg off.

Oatmeal ? As odd as it may seem, oatmeal can absorb unwanted oil and draw out impurities which reside deep in your skin. Cook some plain oatmeal like you would for consumption. Let it cool off, and rub it over your clean skin. Let it sit for a while, like you would a mask, and then rinse off. If you do this on a regular basis, you should begin to start noticing results soon.

Tea Tree Oil ? TTO is a commonly used all-natural household antiseptic, which you can pick up at most drugstores or supermarkets. You can apply TTO directly to acne spots to kill bacteria, or, if you strongly dilute it with another oil (such as jojoba oil), over your entire face. Tea tree gel can be easier to apply than the oil, and many are made for applying over large areas of skin, so they aren't quite as strong as straight TTO and do not need to be diluted.

Pantothenic Acid (Also known as Vit. B5) ? Pantothenic acid can be taken in large quantities for the benefit of acne reduction. B5 works by helping your body to metabolize fats which would otherwise be later turned into sebum (oil) and excreted through the skin. Small amounts of B5 won't help though, and it has to be taken several times a day.

To help with acne, you will need to take 2.5 grams of pantothenic acid (the powder form is much easier to take), 4 times per day, for a total of 10 grams per day.

Aloe Vera ? Aloe Vera has been used for many years in kitchens for topical application to burns. Another benefit of aloe is that it can prevent scaring, fade marks and help heal acne spots.

You now have an idea of some basic household items you can use on your skin, that work better than many OTC acne products, and are much cheaper to use. Since we have only really covered basic acne treatments, you can always take this to another level and take all natural, internal acne treatments.

This sums up our basic list of natural alternatives for chemical based acne treatment products. You can take this a step farther by attacking your acne from the inside out. Acne has been shown numerous times to be very closely affected by the digestive system, so keeping your entire digestive system working as smooth as possible can help reduce acne. I will help give you a basic idea of some all natural products you can take to help clear up acne.

Cucumber, lemon and carrot juice, brewer's yeast, and active charcoal pills are all capable of helping the digestive system function normally. Since the digestive system is closely related with the health of the skin, they should help reduce acne breakouts. Flax seed can also be wonderful for helping your skin heal faster.

Ryan Bauer is a former acne sufferer who writes health articles and runs his acne treatment website, Acne Elimination.

Aloe Vera

2009-01-04T11:58:00.001+07:00

Native to Africa, Aloe Vera is also known as lily of the desert, the plant of immortality, and the medicine plant. The name was derived from the Arabic alloeh meaning bitter because of the bitter liquid found in the leaves. Recorded use of Aloe Vera in treating burns, infections and parasites goes back as far as the Egyptians in about 1500 B.C. There are over 500 species of aloe growing worldwide. Ancient Greeks, Arabs and Spaniards have used the plant throughout the millennia. African hunters still rub the gel on their bodies as a deodorant/anti-perspirant.

Advance Research of Aloe Vera
Extensive research since the 1930's has shown the clear gel produces dramatic benefits by putting up a protective layer over affected areas, speeding up the healing rate. The root of the aloe plant has also been used as a treatment for colic. As a food supplement, Aloe Vera is said to facilitate digestion, aid in blood and lymphatic circulation, and enhance the function of the liver, kidneys and gall bladder. Liquid health treatments using Aloe Vera and other herbs have proven beneficial for the relief of colitis and peptic ulcers. The oral administration of an extract of Aloe Vera for 6 months produced good results in the treatment of asthma. The exception was the fact that the extract was not effective in patients dependent on corticosteroids. The results of experimental studies in rats and mice suggest that Aloe Vera may be effective, both topically and internally, in the treatment of diabetic leg ulcers, as well as exhibiting blood sugar-lowering effect in both normal and chemical induced diabetic mice. Aloe Vera has shown great promise as an anti-bacterial and anti-viral substance. Acemannan, present in Aloe Vera , has shown encouraging results in the early treatment of the AIDS virus.

Uses of Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is used today for the treatment the same conditions it has traditionally been used for. Those conditions include constipation as well as minor cuts and burns. In India, Aloe Vera was also used as a remedy for intestinal infections and suppressed menses.Aloe Vera is remedy for; Wounds, Ulcers, Burns, Asthma, Diabetes.

Aloe Vera Include:
The aloe vera plant is about 96% water. The rest of it contains active ingredients, such as essential oil, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes and glycoproteins. The constituents that produce the cathartic laxative effects of aloe latex are known as anthraquinone glycosides. Aloe Vera contains at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids that are helpful for the stomach, small intestine and colon. Aloe Vera naturally alkalizes digestive juices to prevent over acidity - a common cause of indigestion. Acemannan is a newly discovered compound in aloe vera, which is being studied for its ability to strengthen the body's natural resistance. Results have indicated acemannan can boost the immune system.

More Detail About Aloe Visit
http://www.herbs-http://www.alwaysnutrition.com/herb.asp?catid=464

Author By Jacob Wood

Common Skin Conditions: Dermatitis and Moles

2009-01-04T03:32:00.001+07:00

Two of the most common skin conditions are the presence of moles and dermatitis. Moles can have more serious consequences than the irritation of dermatitis.

Moles occur when the cells in the skin that give it its pigment, called melanocytes, grow in clusters. These cells normally grow throughout the skin, but when too many grow in the same place a mole occurs. Most moles appear before the age of 25, but some may appear much later. Moles can remain static or change over time. Although most are not dangerous, some can be malignant and lead to melanoma. Any mole that oozes or becomes painful or sensitive should be checked out by a dermatologist. Moles that suddenly appear after the age of 25 or begin to change or grow should also be evaluated.

When evaluating your moles, keep the following in mind. Moles should be round. If your moles are asymmetrical, or irregular in shape, have it evaluated. If you find a mole that is larger than ??, mention it to your doctor or dermatologist. If you find that your mole has an irregular or jagged edge, or is not all one color, have your doctor look at it. Finally, any mole that is red or blue may be cause for concern.

Treating moles is not difficult. If a mole is embarrassing, or becomes irritated under your clothing, you may ask your doctor to remove it. Moles can be frozen with a chemical, after which they dry up and fall off. Other moles can be simply cut off of the skin. Often, doctors will remove entire moles that seem suspicious and test the tissue for cancer. If any malignancy is found, they may cut out a slightly larger area of skin and then suture the site closed.

Check your skin regularly for changes in your moles. If any seem suspicious, or any changes have occurred, let your doctor know. Preventing a problem is as easy as going on ?mole patrol.?

Claire Bowes is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Eczema Causes & Cures. Claire provides more information on her site about Dermatitis & Moles that you can research at home.

Causes and Cures of Adult Acne

2009-01-03T13:58:00.001+07:00

Acne and pimples are known to be associated with prepubescent and teenaged populations but to our surprise adult acne is not uncommon. People who didn?t suffered from acne or any such bad skin problems in their teenage years are embarrassed and little confused to discover that they have been affected by adult acne just when they assumed they were free from acne for ever. They wonder that the acne is restricted to adolescents but the truth is that adult acne is very common. Figures show that nearly 40% of all acne cure products in the United States alone are bought and consumed by adults suffering from acne problems either from teenage age or when they were adult.

There are many reasons for the occurrence of acne problems. There is a myth about acne that it occurs because of poor personal hygiene which is not true. Acne problem is a result of hormonal imbalances or blocked pores on the skin in most of the cases including adult acne problems. The other cause of adult acne may be the infection of the sebaceous glands or faulty closing of the hair ducts on the face. Cure of acne depends on its condition and the skin type. Acne may be more or less depending on various factors. Embarrassed, confused and upset adults usually go to the local pharmacist to check for remedy of acne problem but this may actually cause more harm than good. Medicines and treatments created specifically to deal with acne among younger populations may not have the strength or the capability to deal with adult acne. The causes of adult acne may differ greatly as compared to the teenage problems.

Adult acne that seems similar to regular acne needs more strong medicines and treatment. Always consult a dermatologist if you are suffering from adult acne. Only a dermatologist can determine what caused the adult acne at this age. Treatment can be started once proper diagnosis is done. There may be a simple drug that might be able to eradicate the problem forever. Adult acne is more common than normally imagined but all adults with adult acne must remember that it is nothing to be embarrassed about. It is better to consult a dermatologist to get rid of this acne problem than to try luck at the local drugstore trying to find a diagnosis and a cure for your problem and who knows that may increase the problem and not to mention the side effects of unperceived medicine.

http://www.myfitnessdirectoryonline.com is a website dedicated to providing articles about health and wellness and fitness. Click through for more articles.

Aromatherapy Blends ? A Gift Specially for You From the Nature's Lap

2009-01-02T23:36:00.001+07:00

Nature holds various useful resources which can be put to several uses. And this is what aromatherapy makes the best use of. Aromatherapy blends are a natural way to cure your problems.

Aromatherapy uses natural extracts, botanical essential oils from plants, leaves, seeds, and flowers as a healing art. Aromatherapy blends refreshes and relaxes the skin while soothing the mind by helping to induce a sense of well-being and reinforce the freshness.

A sensible aromatherapy blend employs all-natural, pure essential oils and delivers a clear benefit. The oils pooled in it should be synergistic and pleasant enough to support and enhance Oil's effect.

Aromatherapy blends can be used in oil Diffusors, or blended into a product base such as massage oil, or bath salts. Finest blends of essential oils in quality base oils are what aromatherapy blends is all about. Enjoy the uplifting power of essential oils; find relief from menstrual cramps, headache and congestion by using aromatherapy blends.

Stop pampering your skin with the artificial products that contains harmful chemicals. Aromatherapy blends are available in wide variety, use them and give your skin an opportunity to ?thank you?. Relaxation, stress relief, energizing, healing, meditations, sinus relief, citrus passion, romance, and headache relief are some of the commonly found aromatherapy blends.

The question that may arise in your mind now will be that how to choose the aromatherapy blend that will satisfy your needs and aspiration to the best. In this case you can consult any cosmetologist who can guide you better by analyzing your skin type. With the continuous advancement in technology, you can also make use of the online cosmetologist who can give you useful advice helping you in finding the appropriate aromatherapy blends.

When you go out in the market you may find different types of aromatherapy blends. But if you are looking for an easier way to access the desired aromatherapy blends that too without any hassle, online method is the best option. You just need to fill up a small form and book your order; the dealer will ship your order within a small matter of time.

If you are looking for the best deal, make sure to collect catalog from different dealers of aromatherapy blends. This will help you in finding the suitable deal that suits you requirement and pocket to the best.

What can be a better solution to get cured the natural way other than aromatherapy blends. Make sure to use the suitable base oil dilution whenever you decide to use it. Just shop around and compare the price list you will definitely end up getting the best deal.

Bryan Josling is working with the Horticultural Research Station in Adelaide. He has also been involved with research on plants. To find Aromatherapy essential oils, Aromatherapy blends, Aromatherapy Massage Oil visit http://www.ndaroma.com

What is Reiki All About?

2009-01-02T10:44:00.001+07:00

Learn More About The Healing Available from Reiki

Why Haven't You Been Told About The AMAS Test?

2009-01-02T03:16:00.001+07:00

With all the media talk about prostate surgery vs. taking drugs for prostate problems, you would think those are your only two options.

If information like this can save one more person from making a mistake with their prostate health, it will be worth taking the time to educate yourself on this important subject.

Are you aware that you can avoid surgery and drugs with proper testing in the first place?

Let?s take a look at the facts when it comes to testing for prostate problems and look beyond the media headlines.

Better testing leads to more accurate information and a better diagnosis about the health of your prostate. And one of the keys is early detection with the RIGHT tests.

The most commonly MIS-used test is the PSA or Prostate Specific Antigen test.

Prostate-specific antigen - is a protein which is naturally produced by the prostate gland. Prostate tumors typically cause over-production of PSA, so when a blood test reveals an elevated level of the protein, it's a red flag that warns of possible problems.

Both cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH which is a swelling of the prostate, can increase PSA levels.

What doctors usually do next is to recommend a biopsy. This is the next step toward trouble. Prostate biopsies are painful procedures that can result in bleeding and infection which only worsens your problem ? if you even have one.

And recent evidence shows that most of these biopsies are completely unnecessary.

In a 2003 study from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, researchers set out to determine if fluctuations in PSA levels would reveal a single PSA test result to be unreliable on its own.

The conclusions of this 4 year study revealed that an isolated PSA screening with an elevated level should be followed with an additional screening several weeks later before proceeding with further testing or a biopsy.

Because the problem with a single PSA test is that PSA levels normally fluctuate and having just one test leads to over diagnosis of prostate problems.

Here is where the AMAS test is significantly better.

A more sensible and dependable way to screen for prostate cancer is a blood test called the anti-malignin antibody screen (AMAS). Anti-malignan antibody levels become elevated when any cancer cells are present in the body.

Most importantly, these levels rise early in the development of cancer cells, which means that cancer can sometimes be detected several months before other clinical tests might find it.

With an accuracy rate of more than 95 percent, the AMAS test is much more reliable than the PSA test. And the best way to detect prostate problems is a SERIES of PSA tests (as the Sloan- Kettering Trial concluded), WITH the AMAS test.

This powerful combination of tests will allow you to avoid false alarms which lead to painful biopsies, drugs and unnecessary painful surgery.

The more you learn about these tests, the more you will feel compelled to implement them.

You can find out more about the AMAS test at http://www.amascancertest.com.

As you can see, these are important tests to take over a period of time which can save you from unnecessary surgery and drugs.

Take control of your own health by educating yourself about tests, treatments and nutrition so that you can become more healthy and stay healthier in the long run.

2004 ? by Lee Cummings Leeman@LC-Nutrition.com

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Proactive Skin Care Approach

2009-01-01T18:04:00.001+07:00

It is easy to think my skin looks fine, I'll worry about it when I am older, but that is not a sound way to view the health of your skin. A proactive skin care approach is where you adopt a skin care regime to prevent premature aging of your skin before it starts, rather than having to 'fix' problems later.

If you think about it, why should you treat your skin any different from some other valuable asset like your car? Why do you get the car serviced? It is just because you want to spend some money, or is it because you need it and do not want expensive repair bills?

A proactive skin care approach is no different and investing in the health of your skin is the same as investing in health insurance, care maintenance, house insurance, etc. We brush our teeth several time as day, why? ? not because they have holes in them, but we want to prevent the holes and avoid expensive trips to the dentist...

We take our skin very much for granted and spend little time thinking about it. Maybe because of the many Skin Cancer Ad Campaigns, we will apply sunscreen lotion when going outside, but beyond that, we don?t seem to spend much time looking after our skin.

Similarly, a proactive skin care approach takes the quality of skin care products into consideration, however to often we buy skin care by smell and how good the packaging looks. Neither of which guarantees a quality product. On the contrary, often the expensive, good looking products contain artificial perfumes, synthetic essential oils, chemical emollients, preservatives, and many other ingredients that have been shown to be toxic if used over a long period of time.

Natural Skin Care Products are the only way to approach your skin care regime. Natural products, not just natural ingredients that have been added to an otherwise non-natural base, are a great way to take a proactive step towards promoting and maintaining healthy skin.

In addition to taking a proactive skin care approach, you should also consider doing the same with your diet. Foods that can benefit the skin will also benefit other parts of your body and promote healthy body tissues.

Similarly, exercise and other physical activity will promote blood circulation to the outer layers of your skin, providing it with nutrients and oxygen that will help in promoting the health of your skin.

So, a proactive skin care approach while there is nothing wrong with your skin is the best way to prevent problems from occurring later on.

Danny Siegenthaler is a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine and together with his wife Susan, a medical herbalist and Aromatherapist, they have created Natural Skin Care Products by Wildcrafted Herbal Products to share their 40 years of combined expertise with you.

Join our Natural Skin Care Newsletter ? it?s fun, free and Informative and you receive a free eBook on natural skin care.
? Wildcrafted Herbal Products 2004 - 2005

Home Remedy for Pimples

2008-12-31T23:31:00.001+07:00

There is nothing worse than waking up in the morning, looking in the mirror, and there it is in all its glory. A brand new shiny pimple stuck on your face. It?s a never ending battle, no sooner do you get one cleared away then a new pimple pops up in a different spot. No matter what you do or the latest treatment you try your pimples just keep coming back.

So what causes these embarrassing outbreaks? Propionibacterium acnes; otherwise known as bacteria.

This bacteria, which normally lives on the skin, is able to grow in plugged hair follicles or pores. Normally sebum, and oily substance that flows to the skins surface, keeps the bacteria from entering the follicle. Pimples develop when the sebum, cells called keratinocytes that line the follicle and the hair itself form a plug allowing the bacteria to enter and grow in the plugged follicle. The body reacts to this invasion by sending white blood cells that cause inflammation. Eventually the wall of the plugged follicle disintegrates and the infection spreads into the surrounding skin leading to lesions and pimples.

There are several factors which lead to these outbreaks of pimples and for some people make an already bad condition worse.

?Hormones ? This is particularly true of teens going through puberty as well as a womans hormone changes during her monthly menstrual cycle, pregnancy and even the birth control pills she is taking.

?Oil from skin products and cosmetics.

?Pressure from tight or restrictive clothing, sports helmets, backpack straps and anything else that does not allow the skin to breathe.

?Pollution and high humidity

?Squeezing and picking at pimples.

?Scrubbing your skin to hard.

?Stress.

Contrary to popular belief the foods you eat do not lead to the formation of pimples. There is little scientific evidence that proves that chocolate and greasy foods cause outbreaks of pimples. This does not mean that you should eat a bunch of un-healthy food either. A proper diet will help your body deal with any of the stresses that may lead to outbreaks in a much easier way.

A home remedy for pimples includes the following:

?Cleaning your skin gently, particularly your face. It is best to use a mild cleanser twice a day. Do not scrub your face with a rough scour pad and do not use an astringent except for on very oil spots. You can make your pimples worse if you aren?t gentle with your skin care.

?Don?t pick at and pop your pimples. As fun as this may be for some people it can lead to scarring and dark skin blotches.

?Shaving carefully. Make sure your razor is sharp and thoroughly soften your whiskers with warm soap and water. Nicking existing blemishes can make your pimple outbreaks worse.

?Don?t over expose your skin to the sun. While it may appear that a nice tan makes your pimples go away in reality it only makes them less visible. The risks of over exposure to the sun, rapid skin aging and skin cancer, far outweigh any benefit a tan will have for your condition.

?Cosmetics. It is best to choose cosmetics that are oil free. Look for labels that say noncomedogenic. This means they will not lead to clogged pores.

Just about everyone deals with outbreaks of pimples during their life. Nearly 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 are affected by them at least once in their life. Most people tend to see their outbreaks disappearing in their thirties; however, some people in their 40s and 50s continue to suffer from this skin problem.

A home remedy for pimples is about following some simple guidelines and common sense. If you are careful with your skin care and follow these tips chances are your pimples will disappear.

Andrew Bicknell is a writer and Webmaster. For more information on a Home Remedy for Pimples Click Here.

The National Health Service (NHS) prescribes Magnetic Therapy for the first time!

2008-12-31T13:17:00.000+07:00

The Sunday Times Newspaper on 26th February 2006, revealed that the NHS has for the very first time allowed magnetic therapy treatment devices to be prescribed by G.P's. At this moment in time, the devices they are able to prescribe are limited to the treatment of chronic leg ulcers. The magnets, that will be used, will speed up the ulcer's healing rate and encourage new cell and skin growth.

A UK based clinical study completed in 2003 provided strong evidence that magnetic leg straps were more effective than traditional compression bandaging techniques and have been deemed buy the prescribing authority to be more cost effective.

As yet the NHS has not revealed any plans to widen the prescribing powers of GP's to allow them to incorporate other magnetic therapy devices into their mainstream treatments, but surely it will not be very long before we see magnetic therapy being used alongside conventional drugs therapies. Magnets have for many years now demonstrated to be equally and in many cases more effective than conventional pain killing drug therapies.

It is blatantly obvious that there are numerous advantages to introducing chemical and drug free options along side existing treatments. Magnetic therapy does not aim to replace existing methods of treatment but simply aims to complement and assist in the reduction of painful symptoms and help speed up the healing process. Due to the fact that magnetic therapy is a non toxic treatment which has no known side effects, magnets seem an attractive alternative to taking potentially harmful medications which have countless side effects. The one big plus side for the NHS is that when compared with the cost of prescription medications magnets have a relatively low cost. Potentially the NHS could save over 100 million pounds a year on prescription painkillers if magnetic therapy was made available to treat a full range of diseases. What will most likely happen is that the Department of Health will watch the new prescription of magnetic therapy for leg ulcers with interest. I expect a further review of magnetic therapy devices by GPs to be made within the next couple of years

Until then the public will have to continue to fork out the bill for magnetic therapy treatments. This may seem unfair, as proven treatments should be widely available. Still pain sufferers can take some solace from that fact that if they use magnetic therapy they could drastically reduce the need for prescription pain killers which will not only improve their health but also take the strain of their pocket, as magnets cost significantly less than a years worth of prescription costs.

The public can also rest assured that magnetic therapy has at long last gained the medical professions approval; something that has been a long time coming. So many clinical studies have previously been rejected and slammed by the British Medical Association, now it seems they are ready to eat their words and admit that they were wrong, it isn?t the first time and I?m sure it won?t be the last.

Magnets can help with the scores of medical conditions such as: Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Spodylosis, Fibromyalgia, Back pain, sciatica, diabetes, insomnia, migraine, M.S, stroke, high blood pressure, poor circulation and many more.

Debbie Shimadry is qualified magnetic therapist and pain nurse specialist. She appears on several BBC radio stations as an expert guest on magnetic therapy and is also the managing director of leading magnetic therapycompany worldofmagnets.co.uk To find out how magnetic therapy can help you, visit magnetictherapyfacts.org.

Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Information

2008-12-31T01:09:00.001+07:00

Salicylic acid treatment is as natural as steeped black willow bark. That of course would yield a chemical equivalent. One of its forms is a main ingredient in aspirin. Why then is this one of the four FDA approved ingredients for over-the-counter acne medications?

One of the guiding principals in facial skin care is the word gentle. Other areas of the body are thicker skinned but the face has thin and more delicate epidermal layers. So whatever the purpose of the medication it must be gentle enough to perform its function without damaging the skin in any way.

This ingredient is often used in soaps of all forms. Cleansers for acne use salicylic acid treatment to gently exfoliate. The strength of the solution used may vary widely from medicated soap or cleansing cream to the next.

Solutions of salicylic acid treatment as low as 2% can provide antibacterial and exfoliating functions. Some companies market products containing salicylic acid treatments with solutions ranging from 5%, 10%, 20%, or 35% depending on level of exfoliating properties desired.

The very concentrated solutions are deep peeling and are not designed for daily use. Perhaps as infrequently as twice a month or less is the proper recommendation for these very high concentrations of this ingredient. You don't want to leave the stronger percentage Salicylic Acid peels on your skin too long or you could end up with a painful chemical burn.

So it seems that the difference between gently cleansing and removal of fairly deep layers of skin is simply the strength of the solution of the same ingredient. Whether weak or strong the theory of exfoliating in the routine treatment of acne is the same.

Removal of outermost layers of skin is intended to free up the plugs that clog pores and allow them to become dislodged. This is the reason that they are so often included in cleansers. Once dislodged they can be quickly washed away.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. Free info. on Adult Acne and skin care treatments.

Essential Fatty Acids for Eczema and Other Skin Disorders

2008-12-30T10:30:00.001+07:00

Many people suffer from eczema and various skin disorders that they don?t understand. The names for these skin disorders are numerous ? eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, hives, allergies, scales, and so on. Most standard medical treatments fail to cure or give lasting relief to some of these disorders. This makes it so frustrating for those with these diseases since even dermatologist and doctors find it difficult to find a cure for them.

Finding a treatment for these skin disorders is difficult since every person requires a different treatment. The treatment required depends on the person?s nutritional deficiencies and emotional makeup. Some people will respond to a specific treatment and using this same treatment on another person can have no effect.

Here is a natural remedy that has a 50% chance of working for you. In a clinical study where this nutritional program was used, 50% of the people involved show skin improvement. So if you are suffering from some sort of skin disease that seems to hang on, consider trying this remedy that requires using a combination of 3 groups of nutrients

Eczema remedy nutrient one

Take 1- 4 tablespoons of flaxseed oil. This oil contains the essential oil omega-3, which the body converts to EPA and DHA oils. These oils are then convert to specific prostaglandin through the direction of the omega-3 oil.

The actual amount of flaxseed oil to use is something you need to experiment with. First start out with a small amount, ? tablespoon or more, if its some thing you don?t normally use. Then after a week increases it to 1-2 tablespoons, then a week later go to 2-3 tablespoons. You need to find the trigger point where it starts to give you results in decreasing your skin inflammation.

The secret to what I am telling you here is that you need to be consistent in using flaxseed oil every day. And another thing, you may have to use for 2-3 months to see some results. For some people it can take longer, maybe up to a year. Yet, for other people results can be seen within a week.

Eczema remedy nutrient two

Here?s how you can make flaxseed oil more effective. Taking B vitamins boost the effects of flaxseed oil in your body by helping to create prostaglandins. Remember prostaglandins help to reduce inflammation. Start with a daily supplement of the 50 B-vitamins and later move up to the 100 B-vitamins. Always look to see which dose helps your condition to determine the dose you need.

Eczema remedy nutrients three

One additional set of nutrients is needed in the use of flaxseed oil for eczema and other skin disorders. You must take antioxidant supplements, which include vitamin A, C, E, and selenium to protect the flaxseed oil from deteriorating and becoming rancid in the body. The body automatically used the stores of antioxidants that you have, to protect the flaxseed oil, so it will depleted these antioxidants unless your restore them by supplementation.

Here are additional items to know:

* One tablespoon of flaxseed oil contains 100 calories

* If you start to see side effects or allergies using flaxseed oil, stop using it.

* Use flaxseed oil in divided doses. Use it in salad, soups, and orange juice

* Never cook or heat flaxseed oil

* Always keep flaxseed oil in the refrigerator when it is not in use.

In addition to taking the above three eczema remedy supplements, you can use flaxseed oil on your affected skin area. In some people it has helped their condition. Start by applying the oil to a small area to make sure there is no adverse reaction.

Remember the secret to getting results is to be consistent in your used of these supplements and to test to see what quantity of these supplements gives you results.

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He also writes a newsletter called ?natural-remedies-thatwork.com.? For more information on the essential fatty acids go to: http://www.fatty-acid-remedies.for--you.info

Look Better Feel Better

2008-12-30T00:56:00.001+07:00

>Yikes! It?s that me, I though after seeing my reflection. What happened? I feel like a different person and I am right. I went from being a single, ambitious young woman to a loving wife, mother and entrepreneur. All this new roles that I have acquire through life, leave me with more responsibilities and less time on my hands.

So, does this mean I have to sacrifice my physical appearance? I don't think so! Who says that moms can?t be trendy or simply look more put together.

Just to make things clear, I am not talking about wearing over revealing clothes, expending every single penny on shopping sprees or basing your whole existence on the way you look.

My advice is to just make time for improving your overall appearance. Even if you are a stay at home mom, make sure you get up a couple of minutes before the kids and do your hair, apply some lotion and don't just wear worn out t shirt, sweat pants etc.

What ever your beauty routine is just make time for it. It is a proven fact, looking better will help you feel better and influence those around you.

Kenia Morales is the publisher of online magazine http://kpatra.com For Every Aspect of Today's Woman. Visit her site to find a variety of women related issues and topics.

Email: eniamorales@kpatra.com

Selenium May Help to Prevent Prostate Cancer

2008-12-29T11:07:00.001+07:00

According to a federally sponsored study, published by a Stanford University urologist, men with abnormally low levels of Selenium in their blood are four to five times more likely to develop prostate cancer. Selenium is a trace element that is supplied in certain foods and supplements.

The study suggests that making a point of eating Selenium-rich foods, such as Brazil nuts and tuna, or taking a Selenium supplement, may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Supplementation is especially useful for older men, as Selenium blood content has been found to decrease with patient age.

Although there are no solid statistics regarding exactly how greatly levels of Selenium in the blood are improved by supplementation, the head researcher of this study, James D. Brooks, MD is decidedly optimistic about the subject. He believes that supplementation has the potential to be of great benefit in preventing prostate cancer, but goes on to comment that more precise research is needed in order to discern exact statistics on the extent of those benefits.

Overall, the researchers who conducted this study believe that they have made some very interesting discoveries, and that increasing levels of Selenium in the blood can significantly reduce a patient's risk of developing the most common form of cancer affecting men.

Jeremy Maddock is the webmaster of Immune Wellness, your source for high quality information about Selenium and other health products.

Yin and Yang in Traditional Chinese Medicine

2008-12-29T00:40:00.001+07:00

The Yin-Yang symbol is a result of the Chinese Philosophy in regards to how the universe functions. The black and white shapes within the circle represent the interaction of two energies called Yin and Yang; they are not completely black or white nor can they exist without each other. The curve of the symbol reminds us of the constant change of balance between yin and yang, which represent all the opposite principles one finds in the universe.

The Yellow Emperor said, ''The principle of Yin and Yang is the foundation of the entire universe. It underlies everything in creation.?

Yin, the darker element, is passive, dark, feminine, moist, death, small, and corresponds to the night; yang, the brighter element, is active, light, masculine, dry, birth, large and corresponds to the day.

The cyclical nature of Yin and Yang mean several things to a student of Chinese medicine and philosophy:

All phenomena change into their opposites in an eternal cycle of reversal.

Since one principle produces the other, all phenomena have within them the seeds of their opposite state. For example, sickness has the seeds of health and health contains the seeds of sickness.

Even though an opposite may not appear to be present, nothing is completely devoid of its opposite state.

Traditional Chinese Medicine applies the philosophies of Yin Yang to treat disease. When the body is in balance between Yin and Yang, health is predominant; when Yin and Yang are imbalanced, disease occurs.

According to Chinese medicine texts, diseases caused by yang pathogens usually present themselves with heat symptoms while diseases caused by yin pathogens usually present themselves with cold symptoms. Efforts to diagnose Yin or Yang pathogens result in intake forms with questions such as, ?Do you prefer hot or cold drinks?? or ?What is your optimal time of day??

Once a Chinese medicine doctor has determined the nature of an imbalance, he or she aims to restore balance through a variety of approaches such as acupuncture, herbs, and recommended changes in diet or lifestyle. As balance is restored in the body, so is health.

Betty Durden is a staff writer for The National Acupuncture Specialists Directory found at http://www.acupuncture-treatment-specialists.com.

Prevent Cancer Through a Detox Diet

2008-12-28T15:19:00.001+07:00

Getting cancer is very common nowadays. It may be a loved one, a relative or your next door neighbour, who has got cancer and is now desperately trying to find a cancer cure. Finding a cure when one is already diagnosed with cancer is definitely more difficult and nerve wrenching than adopting good cancer prevention habits in the first place. Learning how to prevent cancer is a must for everyone because cancer does not discriminate - anyone can get it.

To treat and prevent cancer, new ideas are being thrown out there everyday, but all of them are based on living a healthy lifestyle. Going on a detox diet is a newer form of cancer prevention that has really taken off.

Preventing cancer is possible if you keep your body healthy and free of toxins. Eating healthily is always advisable no matter what disease you are fighting. The reason for this is that healthy foods contain vitamins and have properties that make your body function better. A body that functions properly and at an efficient level stays healthier. That brings us to exercise. Exercise helps your body to burn fat and keeps your muscles toned. It also helps your heart and lungs work better which allows your blood to flow better and keeps waste moving through your body properly. Keeping a healthy lifestyle prepares your body to be healthy.

A detox diet helps your body organs to work at its optimal level and without obstruction. It helps help to remove toxins from your body and remove waste more efficiently. A detox program usually involves lots of fiber and water, and giving your body organs a break. Fiber helps your body to remove waste, which frees up your system to digest food better. This in return gives you more energy. Water has an overall effect on your energy levels and how your body functions. Instead of letting waste build up and causing loads of problems, the detox diet rids your body of waste that frees up your colon. In a nutshell, the detox diet lets your colon get back to work and for your colon to work optimally once again. A colon that is not working can only result in cancer.

Because all the causes of cancer are unknown, but just taking the time to become healthier in cancer prevention can do a lot for your health and future outlook.

Sandra Kim Leong owns the resource-rich site on detoxification and cleansing. She strongly believes that detoxification should form part of one's regular health regime. Her site includes information on colon cleansing, kidney cleansing, detox diets, mercury detoxification, etc. For free articles and tips, please visit http://www.detox-cleansing.com.

The Wonders of Green Tea It can Help With Acne Care

2008-12-28T05:51:00.001+07:00

Green tea is the most consumed beverage in the world, second only to water. The craze for green tea exceeds taste, as this beverage?derived from the white-flowered plant, Camellia Sinensis?is continually proving its health and wellness benefits.

A native to Asia, green tea is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are known for their ability to help fight diseases and maintaining healthy cell structure. Antioxidant research has shown that antioxidants help prevent cancer, reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease, and can even lower blood cholesterol levels.

Researchers are now linking the antioxidants in green tea to acne prevention.

It has been long known that placing a warm tea bag on an acne blemish or similar growth will help to draw the toxins out of the lesion, promoting quicker heal times.

Current research has shown that green tea extracts fight bacteria, reduce redness and inflammation, and can deter hormone activity. All three of these symptoms are present in acne blemishes.

According to the findings reported to the American Academy of Dermatology by dermatologist Dr. Gan-Wong, when compounded into a cream with a content of 3% green tea extract, acne treatment results were comparable to using a topical solution containing 4% benzoyl peroxide, a common treatment for acne.

Dr. Gan-Wong?s findings were based on an independent study of just over 100 acne suffers. The test subjects were randomly split into two groups, with one group receiving the green tea treatment and the other receiving a benzoyl peroxide treatment. Neither group was aware of the treatment they received, nor were the dermatologist who documented their progress.

After a twelve week period, significant improvements in the reduction of acne and redness were noted in the patients using the green tea extract. The results were comparable to the results of the benzoyl peroxide users.

Additionally, dermatologist noted improvements in skin tone on the test subjects who were using green tea extract cream, and green tea users reported fewer cases of dry skin and allergic responses.

Thus, green tea extract cream had proven to offer the same benefits in the treatment of acne as benzoyl peroxide, with fewer side effects.

Benzoyl peroxide is a crystalline powder that is used in tire and plastic production as well as cosmetics. Benzoyl peroxide can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tracts, and is on OSHA?s hazardous substance list as a precaution against prolonged exposure.

What makes using green tea extract appealing as an acne treatment is that green tea is all natural.

Furthermore, it gives the holistic community a welcomed study on something that has been recommended by holistic healing practioneers for years. It is quite probable that green tea has MANY medicinal properties yet to be verified by western science. This seems very likely, considering the vast amount of anecdotal evidence regarding the healing properties of green tea.

So, on a holistic level, there is now one more scientifically backed treatment for acne available to those who want to avoid the harmful side effects of the various chemical acne treatments.

With this in mind, those who want to treat their acne, but hate the redness and irritation caused by using benzoyl peroxide and other chemicals on the skin, there is now a scientifically proven, all natural treatment. Green Tea!

BIO:
Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and currently provides information on treating acne, pimples, and zits, via an objective informational skincare website, http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com

Aromatherapy: Understanding the Basics

2008-12-27T12:09:00.001+07:00

Aromatherapy is the art of using scent to promote relaxation, influence mood and, according to some, create a healing environment in the body. Aromatherapists diffuse volatile liquid plant materials called essential oils into the air, believing that the tiny molecules are absorbed in the nose and carried directly to the hypothalamus of the brain where they perform their healing works.

Though any scent--whether natural or synthetic--can promote relaxation, proponents of true aromatherapy insist on using only those fragrances taken from freshly harvested botanicals. Practitioners call those fragrant materials essential oils, believing that these materials contain the essence of the plant.??

What It Can Do For You

Three types of aromatherapy are currently practiced in the U.S.:

Esoteric Aromatherapy is the practice of using scent to promote wellbeing primarily through relaxation and is probably the most common form of aromatherapy in practice today. Essential oils are diffused into the air or added to personal care products to create a warm, enveloping ambiance. Personal preference plays a key role in the choice of scents used.
Holistic Aromatherapy is similar to esoteric aromatherapy in that essential oils are either diffused into the air or applied topically; the difference lies in the intent of the user. Holistic aromatherapy is practiced with specific healing goals in mind. Unlike esoteric aromatherapy, which deals mainly with personal preference, holistic practitioners choose their oils deliberately. Holistic aromatherapists address both the physical and spiritual aspects of their art and work to blend the two into a single healing exercise.??
Medical aromatherapy is by far the least practiced of the aroma arts in this country although it's considerably more common in Europe and Asia. Medical aromatherapy promotes (and even encourages) the ingestion of specific essential oils for a variety of medical conditions, especially infectious diseases. Medical aromatherapists focus on an oil's active properties--those chemical constituents that practitioners believe give the oils their healing powers.

Finding a Qualified Practitioner

Aromatherapy has never been recognized as a legitimate medical practice in the U.S. and there are no accredited educational programs in existence at this time. The vast majority of aromatherapists practising in the U.S. today have no medical training at all. Before you hire an aromatherapist, ask about his or her educational background. The practitioner you choose should have a solid understanding of natural medicine and a thorough understanding of the botany involved.?

What The Critics Say

Outrageous claims of near-miraculous healings coupled with scant scientific evidence of its efficacy have done much to hurt aromatherapy's reputation in the U.S. Critics are quick to point out that practitioners often have no formal training at all. Well-publicized schisms within the major aromatherapy associations have further damaged aromatherapy's image.

Confessions from a Former Aromatherapist

There was a time when I took aromatherapy quite seriously but absurd healing claims and a lack of a credible science nearly destroyed my faith in the medical use of scented botanicals. Today, I can't possibly endorse the ingestion of essential oils and I'm definitely skeptical about most of the medical claims being made by other practitioners but I'll willingly confess to using natural botanical oils every day--especially as air fresheners. Essential oils have none of the solvent under-smell of artificial products.

Lisa Barger is a traditional naturopath specializing in natural health education. To learn more about Ms. Barger's belief in Empowerment through Education or to take a free online natural health class see her website, http://www.LisaBarger.com

Different Ways of Doing Aerobic Workout

2008-12-26T23:29:00.001+07:00

Aerobic workout - also known as cardiovascular exercise - is the basis of all exercising. It can be done in many ways. The important thing is that you find a training method that you like. Below are some examples that might be something for you.

Walking or Jogging

Both walking and jogging are great ways to lose weight get fit. Not only do they tone the muscles, relieve stress, create a healthier heart, and improve lung capability, they make you look wonderful, which in turns helps you get excited about doing other exercise for fitness.

Use Your Bicycle

Do you got bicycle? When you ask many adults when the last time they rode a bike is, they cannot answer. Although bicycling is a favorite pastime, many adults do not take advantage of this great option for exercise. Not only does bike riding exercise the body and build a stronger cardiovascular system, it allows you to get out and enjoy nature, fresh air, and see new sites.

Swimming is great workout

Swimming is fun and an excellent way to get into and stay in shape. If you do not own a pool, many high schools have aquatic centers, or there is always the YWCA or YMCA, or your local gym. Many offer water aerobic classes that will help you tighten your body, lose weight, and get a good overall workout.

Play Tennis

If You haven?t played tennis before, you should try it. Tennis is not only a fun sport, but also a great way to exercise. You do not have to be a Venice Williams to play; in fact, you do not even have to be good. Just running after the ball alone will help get you into shape. This is a great way to strengthen your cardiovascular system and lose weight. You can find tennis courts in just about every city and if you would like to play but have no idea how, lessons are reasonable.

Terje Brooks Ellingsen is a writer and internet marketer who enjoys to write about weight loss and fitness issues like aerobic workout and negative calorie food. Check out his website 11-Weight-Loss.net

Don?t Scratch Your Face You May Be Spreading Your Acne

2008-12-26T10:47:00.001+07:00

One of the worst things you can do if you suffer from acne on your face ? or anywhere else on your body for that matter is scratch. Yes, those annoying little bumps, zits and pimples may be itching, but scratching will only give you very temporary relief and worsen the situation at the same time.

Let?s take a look at what happens when you give in to your urge and scratch. Your nails will scratch the surface of your skin, exposing the bacteria that cause acne and more importantly, microscopically small pieces of it will get caught on your nail. As you scratch along your face, the bacteria are conveniently spread by your nails and fingertips to other, thus unaffected areas of your face.

Once the bacteria are at their new location, they will quickly settle in a new pore, wait for a little dirt or an old skin cell to combine with the natural oils of your skin to clog the pore and voila ? a new acne zit is born. Before long the growing bacteria will cause the pore to swell up and turn red.

To avoid the spreading of bacteria all over your skin, resist the temptation to scratch. This takes a fair amount of self-control, but will be well worth it in the end. You should also implement a few skin care treatment options to keep the itching of your skin at a minimum.

Wash your face twice daily with a mild cleanser. Avoid alcohol-based cleansers since they tend to dry out your skin making it feel even itchier. Follow any cleansing regiment with a moisturizer, preferably aloe Vera. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your aloe vera lotion. The tea tree oil is an astringent and antiseptic that will help keep the acne bacteria at bay. You can also dab a little tea tree oil, lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar on the affected area to relief the itching.

Melissa Rayn created an acne information site to give you the most accurate and up to date information about acne and acne treatment. Visit http://www.acneknowhow.com today to learn more. She also recommends http://www.healthandbeautytips.com for more skincare information as well as women?s health and beauty in general.

Acne Scars

2008-12-25T23:53:00.001+07:00

Acne is an inflammation of the skin that affects people from every country and every culture around the world. In the US, acne is predominantly thought of as a teenage dilemma, as more than eighty percent of teens and preteens will develop some form of acne. However, the condition certainly affects a large number of adults and even infants. The scientific name for the condition is acne vulgaris because acne usually strikes in plainly visible locations such as the face, neck, chest and back. There are various types of acne that range in annoyance, severity, and healing time. The most severe type of acne may even lead to scars that if not treated properly, may be visible for a lifetime. If you or a loved one is troubled by severe acne, here's what you need to know about acne scars and what you need to do to avoid and care for them.

How Does Acne Form?

Contact with an oily substance such as mineral oil, vegetable oil, or petroleum is a potential cause of acne, as is the use of certain medication and steroids. However, acne is most often cause by the secretion of androgens. Acne is also aggravated by milk or dairy products, red meat and fast food. Androgens are sex hormones that are initially secreted at the onset of puberty. They are male hormones but they are secreted by females as well. Androgens stimulate the production of oil from the skin's oil glands. Acne occurs when these overactive oil glands become blocked, causing the oil to build up in the gland and swell. A bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes normally colonizes this swollen gland causing the development of inflammation and pus. In particularly severe cases, the glands may burst into the skin and produce cysts.

Types Of Acne

Acne blemishes are categorized into four grades, ranging from mild to very severe.

Grade I: Mild acne falls into this category. People with grade I acne generally have blackheads and whiteheads but pimples are not present. Grade II: The condition is considered moderate acne when blackheads, whiteheads, and small pimples are present, but they are confined to the face and the inflammation they cause is minimal. Grade III: Severe acne includes blackheads, whiteheads, and deeper pimples with more pronounced swelling. Grade IV: acne is considered very severe when it occurs on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and back. Pustules and deeper cysts occur with very severe acne and scarring may result if the condition is not cared for properly. Preventing Acne Scars

The most important rule for acne sufferers to remember is that you should never pick or squeeze acne blemishes. This can lead to the spread of acne and the development of acne scars. Instead, there are a number of herbal, homeopathic, and traditional formulas that can be used to treat acne and prevent the development of acne scars. Herbs work naturally with the body to reduce acne blemishes and prevent the development of acne scars. Echinacea and poke root are often used for their anti-inflammatory properties and red clover may be beneficial for its estrogenic action. Witch hazel has excellent astringent properties and may be very effective on acne.

Relieving Acne Scars

Acupuncture: Stagnant of Chi in the channels of the face is said to be the cause of acne. Acupuncture performed on these points of the face may help relieve acne, and prevent the development of acne scars.

Surgery: In moderate to severe cases of acne, doctors may use surgery to open up the blemishes and remove blackheads and whiteheads. Unlike medication treatments, the effects of acne surgery are usually more immediate. And surgery is also effective in reducing the development and visibility of acne scars.

Cleaning the intestinal Tract: Acne can be a by-product of a filthy intestinal tract and colon. In most cases when the colon is clean the acne will go away. I recommend the intestinal cleanser Oxy-Powder.

Other remedies include the skin rejuvenation program including 3 products: Oxy-Skin, Oxy-Zap and a strong Aloe Vera concentrate available at http://www.acne-answers.org. These products should help prevent acne scarring.

Dr. Group is heads the research and development division at http://www.acne-answers.org.

Dr. Group, the founder/CEO and clinical director for the Global Healing Center, heads a research and development team producing advanced, new, natural health protocols and products. To learn more visit http://www.ghchealth.com.

Skin Cancer: Coming to a Face Near You

2008-12-25T18:26:00.001+07:00

There are over one million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed every year in the United States, representing about half of all cancers diagnosed in the country. And skin cancer on a dramatic increase. There are twice as many skin cancers in our population today as there were 20 years ago. Given this rate of increase, chances are about 50/50 that you will develop at least one skin cancer lesion if you live to age 70. This is especially true if you are fair-skinned. While skin cancer can occur in people of all races, those with lighter skin have a much higher risk because their skin contains less of the pigment melanin, which helps protect against an overdose of the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays, which can lead to skin cancer over time. The effect is apparently cumulative. A body of evidence also suggests that this also applies if you decide to go the fake bake route of the tanning salons.

Thankfully, most skin cancers, about 95 percent, are not life threatening. Skin cancer falls into two broad areas: basal-cell cancer / sqamous-cell cancer, and melanoma. The two most common of these cancers are the basal-cell and sqamous-cell carcinomas. These typically are easily treated, usually with surgery, and rarely lead to death. If neglected, however, over time, these can eventually lead to disfigurement and/or can spread with dire consequences. Only about 5 percent of all skin cancers are malignant melanomas, but these are far more dangerous and account for almost all deaths due to skin cancer. This aggressive form of cancer needs to be addressed immediately. Like most cancers, the risk of malignant melanomas will increase with age. If you feel you have developed any type of skin cancer be sure to see a dermatologist at once.

Most skin cancers, as one might imagine, occur on the face, neck and hands as these are the areas that receive the most exposure to the sun due to the fact that most of us wear clothes. These are also the areas that are most exposed to the view of others. As the usual AMA's (American Medical Association) approach to skin cancer is knife and needle, this can leave unsightly scars just where you might not want any.

But there are alternatives. Having had a number of non-melanoma skin cancers, I've had the opportunity to try both the AMA (have the scars to prove it) as well as several alternative approaches. The method of treatment that I've settled on is the herb Chaparral. Chaparral is a plant that grows in the deserts of the southwestern U.S. and has been used historically by the indigenous populations of the region for a number of ailments. Today, it can be found in powder form at most health food stores. A small bag is all one needs and only cost a few bucks.

I make a paste by mixing the powder with wheat germ oil (also found at your local health food store) and apply it directly to the lesion. Then I cover it with a Band-Aid. I do this once in the morning (after my shower) and again in the evening for six or seven days- carefully removing the old paste with a Q-tip. The advantages I have found are as follows: No pain. Perhaps a slight tingling at first. As chaparral only targets the cancerous cells, without affecting the surrounding normal tissue, my skin can quickly begin to repair itself naturally after the cancer is gone leaving usually just a new skin pink spot for several months. And all this at a fraction of the cost of a surgical procedure.

If this all seems a bit strange to you, please understand that this is nothing new. There are a number of books that have been written that offer other non-evasive, less painful methods of treating basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers as well. I would recommend the book, The Skin Cancer Answer: The Natural Treatment for Basal and Sqamos-Cell Carcinomas and Keratoses. This book is priced right, easy to read and provides you with what many might feel is a better method of treatment. But check around- and see what work best for you, knowing that many others have taken the non-AMA approach. In any event, use a dermatologist to diagnose what type of skin condition you might have, discuss it with him, but know that there may be cost effective, alternatives to the knife and needle.

John Woolf is the founder of several successful Internet technology companies including the Book Price Comparison website CompareBook.com. As a pragmatist of the world around him, he is both a critic and crusader on international politics and energy policy as it relates to our security and our impact on the global environment.

Visit CompareBook.com to read reviews, find similar titles, and search for the lowest possible price for The Skin Cancer Answer and other great books.

Acupuncture for Infertility Will It Work for You?

2008-12-24T23:46:00.001+07:00

Acupuncture for infertility promises miraculous cure even where modern scientific methods fail to work. Being a Chinese remedy, Acupuncture might conjure a feeling of dark rooms, hushed voices and incessant pains for pricking of needles. But it is not the case when you go to treat your infertility syndrome with acupuncture. It, on the other hand, promises complete relaxation and instant cure from infertility.

Acupuncture is based on Chinese methods. The Chinese people believed that to remain healthy, energy should flow in a balanced way throughout your body. Whenever there is a blockage in the flow of that energy, inflammations will occur leading to severe pains and several types of diseases. Since energy flows the meridian points, so acupuncture inserts needles in different parts of the body to make energy flow smoothly. Placing needles on certain points unblocks the energy points. This reduces the particular type of disease.

What acupuncture treatment will suit you?

A close research on acupuncture and infertility shows that treatment depends from person to person. However, you should visit the doctor, state your problem and know what acupuncture fertility treatment is right for you. Suggest every detail of your physical condition to the doctor and then go for particular acupuncture remedy. Whether you are suffering from low sperm count, bad quality egg, miscarriage problems, troubling ovulation or blocked Fallopian tubes, acupuncture has a remedy for all.

Acupuncture is best for those people who have already undergone various treatments without any effective results. It is also appropriate for those who do not want to undergo any costly fertility treatments. It is a safe, easy, reliable and painless method that provides fast relief from infertility. Acupuncture for infertility includes pricking of needles in the earlobes, eyebrows, eyelids, ears and fingertips. After the needles are pricked, the patient has to relax for 30 to 45 minutes. Acupuncture guarantees complete cure from infertility by just 3-4 regular sessions.

Other Chinese herbal treatments

Acupuncture for infertility can include auricular, electrified or manual treatments. Electrified means using of electric needles to cure pains and obstacles. Auricular treatment involving pricking of needles in the ears and earlobes is an alternative therapy for female infertility due to hormone disorders. Another method used during acupuncture treatments for infertility includes usage of Chinese herbal medicines. Hachimijiogan is a Chinese herb that subsequently reduces serum prolactin level and results in normal ovulatory cycle and pregnancy. However, using rhubarb, endometriotic pill No 1 and Hochuekkito also reduces pelvic pain and intercourse pain, removes blood stasis, disintegrates mass and leads to purgation of serums.

Acupuncture works for infertility by increasing the production of endorphins or brain chemicals that help to reduce stress. It also improves blood supply to the ovaries, and the uterus. This makes it easier for the uterus to nourish a fetus and reduce the risk of miscarriage effectively. Atlanta acupuncture for infertility pregnancy suggests that the sessions stimulates the central nervous systems causing neurotransmitters and neurophormones to be released, thus reducing infertility effectively.

We have made a research on the subject of acupuncture. Find it only on the atlanta acupuncture for infertility pregnancy and much more. All about acupuncture on LeanderNet - http://www.leandernet.com

Acne Not Just A Pimple

2008-12-24T13:29:00.001+07:00

It was known that acne was basically caused when the pores are choked by sebum. These sebum oils which in the normal context would drain to the surface get blocked and bacteria start to grow. These bacterial formations could be termed as whiteheads and blackheads. Whiteheads are formed when the bacteria and sebum are trapped below the skin surface. In the same manner blackheads are formed when the trapped sebum and bacteria are slightly open to the surface and turn black due to the melanin, the skin pigment.

The most common type of acne is the acne vulgaris and the other types of acnes are known as comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, cysts. Acne is formed also due to the hormonal changes which are very common during puberty. During the developing years the hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands which makes excess sebum and with this sebum there is clogging of the pores which leads to acne. It can also happen during pregnancies when the mother goes through hormonal changes. After a period of time, may be by the time one reaches twenties, acne disappears. Other reason for developing acne is by eating oily and greasy food. Too much of aerated water as well as chocolates can be harmful for the skin.

It is also believed that another factor which causes acne is heredity or genes. As these genes are passed on from the parents to the child the conditions of acne are also passed on from the parents. In many cases school aged boys and girls have acne problems as it is part of their family history. Use of various numbers of drugs also causes such problems. Make-up which has not been cleaned properly leads to creation of acne. It has affected people of the age-group of 12-24 which would sum up most of the adolescent and teenage years of the person.

A change in hormonal patterns in adolescent girls as well as adult women leads to acne. For some it starts before the menstrual cycle and acne starts showing up on your face or any other part of the body. Constant rubbing and squeezing can lead to some of the worse forms of it. Tight sweaty clothes and many environmental changes also lead to acne. Skin itching, burning, steroids also cause acne.

The proper skin care would mean a total no-no for all the acnes in the world. Healthy eating and exercise helps in maintaining the body and to give glowing skin. It is recommended that people with acne should use a gentle cleanser and avoid all the strong soaps and rough scrub pads. Avoiding sunburn and suntan may be temporary benefits. Excessive exposure to sun is not good which might lead to other problems like dryness of skin as well as skin cancer. If you are using cosmetics, see to it that you use the proper ones so as to not to accelerate the level of acne. There are ingredients used in it which may be harmful and should be checked before using it.

If the acne you have is very chronic then you should get treated by dermatologists who can help you clear all the acne. The extremely severe cases are the ones which are taken to the dermatologists. The treatment would help in taking out the scars and lesions and prevent new lesions from forming. The treatment would help in removing the bacteria which is settled under the skin. This would not be needed if proper skin care is taken. The unwanted use of hormonal pills, maybe from steroids to increase your weight is not needed.

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and remedies for some of the acne related problems

Aromatherapy: Revive Your Senses

2008-12-24T01:10:00.001+07:00

The art of aromatherapy had been practiced since the earliest times. Strong evidences were found to link aromatherapy to ancient traditions. Though aromatic oils had been used to treat and cure various ailments and conditions for who knows how long, the formal study on their properties only started in the year 1928.

In its simplest form, aromatherapy is the use of essential plant oils for therapeutic purposes. They are normally employed to relieve a person from stress and a variety of stress-related conditions. And also for promoting an individual's general well being and in invigorating the body and the psyche.

Aromatherapy works by inducing the olfactory nerve cells with aromatic oils, which then carries out the message to the limbic system in the brain. Limbic system is the part of the brain that is responsible for controlling memory and emotions.

Aromatherapy is concerned in both the workings of the physical and emotional aspects of the person under treatment. Physically, aromatherapy helps in relieving specific conditions trough the stimulation of the nervous, immune and circulatory system. In emotions however, they may evoke pleasant memories.

Yet, the medical circles do not agree if aromatherapy in itself is instrumental to the complete healing of a certain condition. But the idea of recovery through aromatherapy is widely accepted.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are derived from the distillation of the elements of a plant like the leaves, roots, flowers, stems and bark. They hold the true essence of the plants from which they originally came in high concentration. Though termed as oil, essential oils normally do not have the real properties of oil. Some essential oils are yellow like that of the lemongrass and orange and many are clear.

These oils are used in a variety of methods: through inhalation, by adding them in the bathwater and by the application of the diluted oil on the body.

The use of oil in aromatherapy is only restricted to those with unadulterated qualities. The purest of the essential oils alone have the therapeutic values.

The following is a list of the most common essential oils used in aromatherapy. Some of which are used as carrier oils (also known as vegetable oils or base oils):

- Almond, Sweet
- Apricot Kernel
- Avocado
- Borage
- Cocoa Butter
- Evening Primrose
- Grapeseed
- Hazelnut
- Jojoba
- Kukui
- Macadamia Nu
- Olive
- Peanut
- Pecan
- Rose Hip
- Sesame
- Shea Butter
- Sunflower

Below are listed essential oils that are not advisable to use in aromatherapy, especially if not supervised by a professional aromatherapy practitioner.

- Ajowan
- Almond, Bitter
- Arnica
- Birch, Sweet
- Boldo Leaf
- Broom, Spanish
- Calamus
- Camphor
- Deertongue
- Garlic
- Horseradish
- Jaborandi
- Melilotus
- Mugwort
- Mustard
- Onion
- Pennyroyal
- Rue
- Sassafras
- Thuja
- Wintergreen
- Wormseed
- Wormwood

Aromatherapists put into practice the workings of aromatherapy in a spectrum of work environments including:

- private practice
- mobile visiting practice
- natural health clinics
- beauty therapy clinics
- health clubs
- hospitals
- hospices and
- nursing homes

In spite of the lack of formal research on aromatherapy therapists and European physicians are often prescribing certain aromatic oils for a range of complaints including colds and flu, insomnia, sinusitis, migraines, digestive problems and muscle pains. It must be understood though that aromatic oils must never be taken orally and should be first tested to determine the degree of skin's sensitivity to some oils.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides aromatherapy resources on http://www.about-aromatherapy.info

The Best Colon Cancer Treatment Options

2008-12-23T15:52:00.001+07:00

Among the most spread cancers, colon cancer usually occurs in men and women over the age of 50. The main causes of colon cancer are related to the patient?s diet: very low in fiber and high in fat and calories. By keeping a healthy life style and good eating habits, you can prevent developing cancer of the colon even before this becomes a problem. You might also want to try and check your family history for cases of colon cancer and adopt a healthier diet in order to make sure you will avoid this problem in the future.

Colon cancer treatments are varied and you can choose from a series of traditional and alternative methods of dealing with this condition. Surgery is often the number one choice ? the surgeon removes the tumors on the colon, even if the cancer cells are spread beyond the colon itself. This ensures less problems in the future of the patient?s life, reducing chances of bowel problems or internal bleeding. Colon cancer surgery is usually categorized in four main areas: rectum resection, radio frequency ablation, colostomy and colon resection. The surgeon will determine which method is best suited for each individual patient. Detecting cancer at a very early stage is important, as the problem can be corrected in a decisive and final manner. By using a polypectomy, the surgeon will remove suspicious polyps in order to minimize chances of the disease. Local excision may also be used in early stages, in order to remove the cancer cells. After surgery, your hospital should provide you with ongoing support in order to ensure a fast and efficient recovery.

Intra arterial chemotherapy is another treatment worth consideration. This treatment targets tumors by delivering a powerful dose of chemotherapy. Primary systemic chemotherapy is often used before a surgical procedure in order to destroy a large majority of cancer cells. Systemic therapy is usually used with metastatic cancer, while the third method, adjuvant chemotherapy, targets any cancer cells that might have been left over after surgery. All three chemotherapy procedures are delivered through the hepatic artery and are an option if the cancer has spread to the liver.

Another choice comes from chemoembolization treatment. In addition to being delivered intra arterially, this type of treatment blocks the blood flow to the areas affected by cancer. It traps the chemotherapy drugs in the area of the tumor, thus ensuring that they work efficiently and on target.

George Anderson is very interested in colon cancer and the variety of colon cancer treatments available.

Best Products for Acne Control

2008-12-22T23:35:00.001+07:00

Acne is a problem that is more than skin deep. The best treatment for acne will involve nutrition and herbs both internally and externally. In addition to these two elements, the control of acne requires thorough, gentle cleansing. Therefore, there are three steps to beautiful clear skin - internal treatment, external treatment, and cleansing.

The best internal treatment for acne will be one that contains herbal medications. These require no prescription. Many other medications for acne control do require a prescription, and can only be used for severe cases. In addition, many of these prescription medications have serious side effects. Some, like Accutane, have been found to cause depression, and even suicide. Herbs, on the other hand, are natural, gentle, and effective.

The external part of a good acne control system must have certain characteristics as well. For one thing it needs to not be a drying formula, and yet it needs to control the oil in your skin. It should be able to be used on either a severe case or a mild case. It should contain botanical ingredients that heal and strengthen the cellular structure of your skin. The cleanser should remove extra sebum, the natural oil in your skin, which contains the bacteria that cause acne.

The other part of a good quality acne control system is a lotion or gel to treat the blemishes after cleansing the face. This product should be able to unplug the pores. It also should fight the bacteria that causes acne. It should also be formulated with a transdermal delivery system so that the helpful, natural ingredients are absorbed into the skin thoroughly.

Why do you get acne? The actual outer layer of skin is dead, but under this thin layer called the epidermis, the cells are alive and multiplying. Normally your skin is shedding the old cells and replacing them with new ones. The problem happens when too many dead skin cells clump together with the natural skin oils, called sebum, and cause the pores to get clogged.

Acne is a skin disorder that actually starts two or three weeks before the blemish appears. The beginning is the clogging of the pore. The natural bacteria that live on the skin begin to multiply inside the pore since the excess oils can't get out. Since the body is fighting bacteria, white blood cells arrive on the scene, and inflammation is the result.

Obviously, frequent cleansing is an important step in acne control, since the extra skin cells and oils need to be removed in order to keep them from clogging the pores in the first place. But washing too often can be drying to the skin. For these reasons, skin cleansers need to be very gentle.

Written by Jim McDonald, a writer for http://www.natural-acne-treatment.info/, an informative website about Acne Control and natural effective treatment methods.

Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally...Without Drugs!

2008-12-22T13:05:00.001+07:00

Ever since cholesterol lowering prescription drugs were introduced to the medical care profession, more and more of us who are diagnosed with higher than normal levels of LDL cholesterol levels have been prescribed these drugs, in the hope of controlling this problem. For some of us, they have a positive effect in doing just that, but they all have some side affects, some to a greater degree than others. Patients mainly complain of sore muscles after taking the Staten cholesterol controller drugs, mainly due to liver reaction to their intake.

There is no need to chance any liver degradation( or even the slightest reaction to any of our other organs) through the use of a prescribed drug when some of the foods we normally ingest will do the job just as well... and in some cases...a lot better and surely infinitely safer. Lets begin with beans. Now, that's a food people do not eat a lot of. Yes, it has some unpleasant after effects, but I don't believe there is record of any organ degradation from partaking of some of these legumes? The key reason of course is their high fiber content. Fiber blocks cholesterol from being absorbed into the intestinal walls and this bad cholesterol is expelled with normal excretion soon after. An 8 oz. portion of regular canned beans, preferably containing a low sugar content every other day, it has been estimated, will usually keep your LDL levels in toe. Beans have untold other medical benefits, but it is not the purpose to be explained here.

There are other foods in the herb family which have similar benefits as do our friendly legume family of beans and it is more than justified to give honorable mention here. Garlic is probably one of the most universal medicinally active herb known in our food arsenal. Garlic, which contains a compound called Ajoene, it has been found through research, actually inhibits the production of lipids, thus lowering blood cholesterol. Garlic also thins the blood, thus lessening the effects of artery clogging due to past cholesterol buildup. Garlic in the diet has been found to lower the bad LDL cholesterol, while raising the levels of the good HDL cholesterol. It has been suggested that just one clove of garlic each day should keep LDL and HDL cholesterol levels at near optimum levels with normal daily levels of cholesterol intake. Garlic should be taken in its raw form to be most effective. An example is of one level teaspoonful of raw chopped garlic and keeping jar refrigerated for future use.

Not only do beans and garlic help keep our cholesterol levels in the safe range, but a reasonable breakfast of 1/2 to 3/4 cup of cooked oatmeal will help keep those levels in the safe range. Oatmeal has a twofold benefit in our body. It also helps keep our blood sugar levels under control.

It must be cautioned that in no way does this information imply that it can replace regular medical treatment which can be provided by your personal physician, but it also does not negate the use of its possible benefits in the control of ones cholesterol.

Author: Lucien Beauley
Writer of human interest and science based articles.
Web author of:
http://www.ledlightingdesigns.com/

Blog:
http://www.ledlightinginfo.blogspot.com/2006/04/lighting-info.html

7 Reasons You Want A Holistic Dentist To Take Care of Your Teeth

2008-12-22T01:49:00.001+07:00

Use of Bio-Compatible Dental Materials

Let's face it, we live in a toxic world; so you don't want to add to your toxic load or create more stress for your immune system through your dentistry. Studies indicate that at some point at least twenty per cent of dental patients develop sensitivity to dental material. Your holistic dentist will have different forms of testing available to ascertain which materials are suitable for you.

Non-Painful and Natural Treatment of Gum Diseases

In dentistry, the only condition that can strictly speaking be called a disease is periodontal (gum) disease. The media has drawn a lot of attention recently to research showing that bacteria causing gum disease is not only found in the mouth. The same bacteria can be found in the blood stream when a patient has gum disease and may also be present in instances of heart disease.

The mouth is the gateway to the body and a sound oral environment is a necessary support for a strong heart in a healthy body. Your gums are the foundation for any dental treatment. A holistic dentist will always try to implement a balanced and progressive program for preserving your gums before recommending a more aggressive approach to your periodontal care.

Safe Removal of Metal Fillings

It is vital that a strict protocol be followed whenever metal fillings need to be replaced. This includes tooth isolation so that no metal particles find themselves in your mouth or, worse yet, are swallowed. Clean air and oxygen should be provided for you to breathe, along with any special filtration and a custom high speed vacuum unit.

Ideally your holistic dentist will also have a filter that will prevent the metal that has been removed from getting into the public water system. In our oceans, fourteen per cent of the pollution is caused by dental metals. Bay Area dentists are actually required to implement this type of filtration to protect the waters of San Francisco Bay.

Prevention and Effective Treatment of Bite Problems and TMJ Problems

Your holistic dentist knows that your mouth is the gateway to your body, not just internally but structurally as well. The patient's bite alignment must always be factored into the total picture of dental treatment, along with specific concerns like problems with the jaw joint (TMJ). Bite assessment is important for treatment, not just for the head and jaw but for the structure of the body as a whole.

Measures to take for bite correction include use of splints designed with state of the art materials, as well as muscular adjustments within the mouth. Sometimes your holistic dentist may coordinate treatment directly with a chiropractor in order to give you the most positive results.

Your bite must be at its best for the successful outcome to your dental treatment: a relaxed and happy smile.

Adjunctive Support

Traditionally, dentists have always stressed the importance of regular brushing and flossing, particularly after eating sweets, for the maintenance of dental health. Your holistic dentist may put even more emphasis on the importance of good dietary habits.

For example, an alkaline, sugar-free diet is an important adjunct to preventive oral health. It is well known that sugar contributes to tooth decay. This is because the bacteria that cause decay easily feed and grow on intake of sugar. An alkaline diet is also helpful in that the stresses of our world tend to cause acidity of the saliva, which affects the health of both teeth and gums. An alkaline diet keeps the ph of saliva at the proper balance so that the digestive processes beginning with the mouth will function optimally. Following some simple dietary guidelines can minimize and actually eliminate sugar cravings.

Your holistic dentist may also use aids like homeopathics, which are a powerful support to oral health and dental treatment. Homeopathic pellets of Aconitum Napellus can be administered to calm anxiety before treatment. Homeopathic gels can be used topically after procedures to dissipate the effects of anesthetics. Others, such as Arnica and Traumeel, can be applied topically to sore gum tissue.

Cosmetic Bonding for Preservation of Tooth Structure

Metal fillings that are 15-20 years old can create cracks in your teeth that eventually grow to become fractures. It is not uncommon to have old fillings stay intact while the tooth structure crumbles around it. In addition to metal fillings weakening tooth structure, they stain the underlying tooth black. It is best to remove old fillings before the tooth breaks, risking root canals or crowns and caps.

Through bonding techniques caps or crowns are sometimes unnecessary, since bonding helps to hold the tooth together rather than wedge it apart. This strengthening through bonding allows us to be more conservative and remove less tooth structure. There are many durable tooth-colored filling materials available today that support the tooth and look natural and beautiful.

Products and Education for Eliminating Toxicity from Your Dental Treatment, Dental Products, Your Home and Your Environment

Today limiting the damage caused by toxicity is a hidden determinant to good health. Limiting toxicity may present as big a challenge as getting proper nutrition. Your body has the wisdom to convert whatever you feed it into nutrients it can use, but over time the immune system and organs of the body may respond to cumulative toxicity by breaking down.

It is important for patients to know about the ingredients to avoid in toothpaste and mouthwash. There is more and more availability of organic, effective, good-tasting alternatives for home dental care. Your holistic dentist can educate you in the many ways that toxic ingredients can be found in personal care and cleaning products and even food and medicine.

Learning which ingredients are best avoided and taking the time to read labels are two ways that we can empower ourselves and our families to strive for good oral health and overall well being. Educating and influencing patients to have a more balanced lifestyle is another of the reasons why your holistic dentist provides important service to your community.

Carey O?Rielly, DDS has over 20 years of experience in the dental field. His practice, the Integrative Center for Holistic Dentistry, is located in Encinitas, CA. Watch a video in which Dr. O?Rielly discusses holistic/cosmetic dentistry and other topics at his web site http://www.myholisticdentist.com

For Dr. O?Rielly?s new ebook, Your Ultimate Asset: The ABC?s of Truly Good Health, visit http://www.myholisticdentist.com

For the story behind the practice and how it came to be ?holistic? visit, subscribe to our holistic health journal at http://www.myholisticdentist.com/illuminae/subscribe.htm and look for news of the practice?s upcoming blog.

Powerful Health Benefits of Essential Oils

2008-12-21T12:07:00.001+07:00

An essential oil is an aromatic liquid that is distilled from various parts of the plant. Containing the true essence of the plant, they are very concentrated and 75 to 100 times more powerful than herbs.

The purpose of the essential oil is to keep the plant healthy. They do this by protecting the plant from insects and other herbivores, from bacteria, molds, fungi, and microorganisms. They also help the plant heal inflicted wounds. These unique characteristics make them highly beneficial to mankind.

Essential oils are able to affect both the mind and body. Their ability to affect people on so many different levels is an element unmatched by other healing arts.

The healing benefits of essential oils can be received in three ways. They may be used topically by applying them directly to the skin. Some oils have a caustic effect and dilution may be necessary. They may be used internally or diffused. Essential oils should never be used in the eyes or ears as these membranes are very delicate. Whether the oil is absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or ingested, once it is in the bloodstream, it works therapeutically, regardless of how low the dose.

Here are ways to put essential oils to work for you and your family for everyday health benefits:

Increase memory and stamina: Drink a glass of water with 2-3 drops of lemon, orange, or peppermint essential oil.

Boost immune system: Apply frankincense, oregano, or thyme to the bottom of the feet (3 to 4 drops) after a shower.

Protect against fungus, bacteria, and microbes: Turn on a diffuser in your home or office, using a blend that is protective against microbes.

Eliminate stomach upset: Take a drop or two of cinnamon bark oil in warm water and drink as a tea.

Stop headaches: Rub lavender oil on the temples, top of the head, and forehead; lie down 10 minutes and inhale deeply from the oil left on your hands.

Prevent motion sickness: Sprinkle a few drops of ginger or peppermint oil on a tissue and let your sick prone child inhale it during the car ride.

Study aid: To increase concentration and focus, experiment with diffusing one of these essential oils near the study area: lemon, grapefruit, peppermint, bergamot, or pine.

Insomnia: Place two drops of lavender oil on a tissue and tuck it underneath your pillow.

Cure canker sores: Place myrrh on the canker sore for quick healing.

Colds and cough: Rub an immune system blend on the chest, back and apply to the bottom of the feet.

Essential oils are non-greasy, yet, soft and soothing. They are nature's perfect solution for the problems that chemicals, poor nutrition, and stress have added to our lives.

The safety and life changing effects of essential oils are dependent entirely on their purity and their quality. Generally speaking, essential oils that you find in department stores, and even health food stores, are of uncertain quality and are not appropriate for ingestion or healing. For best results, only pure and natural essential oils should be used.

Experiment and find your essential oils, the ones that make a real difference in your life. The whole idea behind aromatherapy is that it should be a pleasurable experience. There should be more than one oil that you can use for a particular condition, so you should be able to find one that you like.

Faye Durham is a former chemist and clinical research associate in the pharmaceutical industry. In her current career, she is a consultant and independent distributor, specializing in nutrition and aromatherapy. She can be reached through the website: http://www.youngliving.org/fdurham

Resource: Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide by D. Gary Young, ND, compiled by Essential Science Publishing, http://www.essentialscience.net or 1-800-336-6308.

5 Tips For Getting Rid of Acne

2008-12-20T22:50:00.001+07:00

By now, almost everybody has seen the late night and early morning acne infomercials with Jessica Simpson and Sean Diddy Combs. I guess they figure, if a celebrity trusts something, then so should you. The promises made for the product sound surreal, and yet for many people it may be just the cure they're looking for. Even so, it may not be for everybody.

One of my daughters who had acquired a bad case of acne in recent years, tried the infomercial solution, and it didn't work on her at all. Being a young teenager, she was beset by acne breakouts and needed a solution fast. But unable to find a quick solution, we ended up going to the local dermatologist for acne information and answers. The doctor gave her a prescription for a cream and an oral medication. After following his instructions for a couple weeks, her acne had virtually departed. This was the right solution for her, but it may not be for you - because we're all different.

Here are some general tips that I've discovered over the years:

If you have oily skin - it's best to take a medicated acne product or one in gel form.

If you have dry skin - you'll probably do better with the acne cream form and medicated products with benzoyl peroxide or salycic acid.

If you have both oily AND dry skin (combined type) - you will probably need a combination of oily skin gels and dry skin acne creams to apply to different parts of your fact according to the skin condition there.

If you have sensitive skin - you will more than likely need less intense concentrations of either dry, oily, or combined-type treatments.

If you have skin pain because of acne - you should get personal attention from a dermatologist.

So many people struggle with skin afflictions on a regular basis. With the advances in science, you'd think that the acne problem would have been solved long ago and that acne would be a pale memory. Unfortunately the age-old confidence destroyer is still around and going strong.

Today, reaching middle age, I find myself in a new situation when it comes to unsightly blemishes. Now I find that my skin tends to be a bit oily and I have acne breakouts after moisturizing my face. One of the few things I look forward to as I get older is the absence of acne.

Al Jeffries is a writer and researcher. Please visit acne and allergies for more information.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Are You In Balance?

2008-12-20T13:39:00.001+07:00

It has been two years since the Women's Health Initiative Estrogen plus Progestin (WHI) arm of this large trial was stopped early because it caused harm. The WHI showed the opposite of what was expected--Estrogen (Premarin) plus Progestin (Provera) caused heart disease and breast cancer as well as blood clots and strokes. WHI results show that estrogen does not improve the quality of life for women. WHI estrogen plus progestin results are evidence-based. We now have evidence-based proof that HRT is harmful to women.

But people are still taking Hormone Replacement Therapy and are concerned about estrogen deficiency. Why?

Little has changed because the fundamental, negative ideas about women and about menopause have not changed. Universal menopausal hormone therapy ... (is) based on a cultural belief that women are inferior and need fixing. For over twenty years I have been saying that menopause is a natural part of women's life cycle, the low estrogen levels after menopause are healthy and not abnormal. This made me unpopular--I have been labeled as way-out or worse. Therefore the WHI results for me were a vindication, says Jerilynn C. Prior BA, MD, FRCPC Professor of Endocrinology, Scientific Director, Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research, University of British Columbia.

And, she is correct. Two years after the WHI study little has changed. If you go to your doctor today and request HRT most will prescribe it for you. Despite the fact that The Women's Health Initiative, the largest controlled trial of ovarian hormone therapy ever performed, provided the strongest proof that Medicine (which has been strongly influenced by the Pharmaceutical Industry) causes harm for women.

The website for the WHI study said, Women should stop their study drugs immediately. Following that order led to hot flushes in many women who were on hormone therapy because their body had adjusted to that higher level of estrogen. Women who heard the news of the study in the media also often stopped their therapy abruptly. That led to severe hot flushes in hundreds of thousands of women and in virtually all women who had previously experienced them.

Because it is well known that rapid withdrawal from estrogen causes night sweats and hot flushes, all physicians should have been ready with advice for women wanting to stop estrogen. Says Dr. Prior.

For Lack of helpful information, and because the resulting symptoms of night sweats/hot flushes were so miserable, many women, in desperation, reluctantly restarted unwanted HRT treatment.

It seems logical to now say that the WHI results require re-thinking of the concepts on which menopausal replacement and estrogen deficiency were based. The primary assumption that all women needed estrogen because they were deficient still needs to be addressed. I like what Dr. Susan Love said, If estrogen deficiency is a disease, all men have it! Destroying the concept of estrogen deficiency will be hard and may take many years to achieve.

In the mean time where does that leave you and I?

Estrogen Dominance not estrogen deficiency, according to Dr. John Lee is at the crux of our dilemma and bringing our hormones back into balance will be the key to hormonal health.

STEP 1. Become informed. The Let's Talk About Hormones video provides valuable information on hormone balancing. Dr. Lee's What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause has just been updated. Information is the key to your power!

STEP 2. Evaluate your own hormones with a saliva test whether you are on hormones currently or not. Find out if you have adequate hormone levels or are truly deficient.

STEP 3. Work with someone who understands the issues. Dr. Lee felt that most women can themselves oversee their hormonal challenges. If you must select a healthcare provider choose one who like Dr. Prior says, I will never again prescribe estrogen as a pill. There is now overwhelming controlled trial evidence that pill forms of estrogen cause unacceptably high rates of clots and perhaps, through clotting, also increased strokes and heart disease. There are not yet strong data but it is likely that estrogen given through the skin (as a gel, cr?me or patch) will be less likely to activate liver clotting factors and thus safer. To me it means bio-identical or natural kinds of estrogen and progesterone both given in physiological doses.

STEP 4. Just know that balancing hormones is not just about taking additional hormones but about diet and lifestyle changes.

I believe that we have a unique opportunity, right now, as women on this second anniversary of the initial WHI results. We can become pro-active about our own hormone health and share with those women around us who are struggling with their hormone challenges. Women reaching out to other women will have a greater effect than waiting for the research to catch up. Each of us must practice living with these important ideas. Then hormonal health will be ours.

Jackie Harvey is a nutritional speaker who shares her interest and information on hormone health and saliva testing throughout North America in her popular Let's Talk About Hormones seminar. Visit her website http://www.Saliva-Testing.com for a schedule of events in your area and for more information about her Best Selling 1-hour video Let's Talk About Hormones with Jackie Harvey. Click For More information on Saliva Hormone Testing and Hormone Balancing

Monitor Your Exercise Intensity The Talk Test

2008-12-20T02:26:00.001+07:00

Cardio is something alot of us hate to do. Admit it. We all dread it... even I hate doing it, but at the same time, at the corner of our mind, we do realise that it is important and a must if you want to improve your fitness levels. Some of us do it to shed some pounds, and some do it to keep the fat off and the abs fully visible. However, how do we get the most out of our time on a treadmill/stepper, etc and at what intensity do we need train at?

I've touched on the topic of intensity before, but here's a neat method to roughly determine if you're on the right track without the need for any fancy calculations. This should help the totally clueless get some direction while they do their cardio.

Although you could determine your target heart rate with some effort and calculations over a few observations, there are 'other ways' to monitor your exercise intensity. Please be advised, that this is not a guaranteed accurate method to determine if you're exercising at the required intensity, but a fairly sufficient gauge to see if you're on the right track. If you're a beginner, this is an excellent way to gauge your intensity without having to crack your brain in dealing with numbers.

Firstly, what is THR?

Target Heart Rate (THR) : The ideal intensity level at which your heart is being exercised but not overworked. Determined by finding your maximum heart rate and taking a percentage of it (60 to 85 percent, depending on fitness level).

With that covered, let's move on. Known as the TALK TEST, it is basically your ability to TALK during your cardio workout, and believe it or not - it can actually help you determine how hard you're working. Sounds too simple? That's because it actually is.

When doing your cardio, you should aim for an intensity that allows you to talk comfortably. If you can talk comfortably, you're probably somewhere around the lower range of your target heart rate zone, which is kinda okay, but you should aim for better. Try singing or reciting a few lines from a favorite song (do it too loud, and you'll look like an idiot). If it's VERY VERY easy to do, you should bump up your intensity a bit and try again after a few minutes. If it gets too difficult to sing or talk, slow down to get into a better zone. The goal is to get to an intensity level where its comfortable to talk, but yet, you're unable to hold a really long conversation and long sentences without having to pause for deep breaths.

If you're exercising at a rate where you're almost breathless, well.. then you're pushing it, cos you shouldn't be breathless during your workouts, UNLESS you're doing interval training, HIIT (High-intensity interval training) or a short, high intensity workout, and that's a totally different topic.

Of course, with all this in mind, please don't throw your common sense out of the window too. If you ever feel dizzy, or lightheaded, you should slow down or stop exercising.

If you're keen on exploring and wish to determine your Target Heart Rate more accurately, I'm sure a helpful Personal Trainer at your gym could help you out. If he/she isn't willing.. well, then you need a new gym.

Josh Stone, also known as DM, is the author behind the site http://www.dailymuscle.com which offers the author's personal views on real-life fitness, bodybuilding, sports nutrition, cardio, fat loss, training information, and on all things that surrounds fitness.

The Miracles Of Tea Tree Oil For Skin And Hair Care

2008-12-19T11:00:00.001+07:00

Tea tree, MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA, native to Australia, is a tree or shrub with needle like leaves similar in appearance to cypress with heads of sessile pale flowers. The popular tea tree oil is derived from this tree. The aborigines of Australia have been known to have used the tea tree oil to treat a range of ailments from colds, sores to acne and even whooping cough.

Extensively used in aromatherapy, the leaves when crushed release essential oils of varying amounts and constituents. The oil is so potent that it can be diluted up to many times its volume and it still manages to retain its effectiveness all the same. Although the benefits of tea tree oil are numerous, for beauty treatments, it?s been found effective in skin and hair care. The following sections describe the uses of Tea Tree Oil for skin care and hair care.

Tea tree oil for skin care

Tea tree oil has been used effectively to treat acne, abscess, athlete's foot, blisters, burns, cold sores, insect bites, oily skin, rashes, spots, warts and wounds. You can use tea tree oil to cure sunburns, diaper rash, toenail infections and problems of smelly feet.

Tea tree oil for hair care

Add a few drops of Tea tree oil to your regular shampoo to treat hair problems like persistent dandruff, itchy-scalp and even prevent head-lice. Massage it in, leave it on for 5-7 minutes and rinse off. Adding a few drops in pet shampoo/bath helps keep tics and rashes at bay.

Other benefits of tea tree oil Fed-up with allopathic medicines? Packets of antibiotics that have gone down your throat seem to be of no use? The only things you find they have lightened are your pockets? Well, don't panic, help is at hand, Tea Tree oil can be used to treat a variety of medical problems. A great remedy to soothe your sinuses; dab a drop of tea tree oil around your nose can help clear up blocked sinuses.

Add a few drops in a steam bath or vaporizer and inhale, a great relief for persistent colds and cough. Regular use of tea tree oil has been found to be effective in treating Asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, cough, sinusitis and even tuberculosis.

Tea tree oil is a great general disinfectant and can be effectively used to treat genito-urinary tract infections such as thrush, vaginitis, cystitis and pruitis. Tea tree oil has properties that act as a immune booster. It helps equip the body to fight off a host of infections. Using tea tree oil is particularly effective if the body is already in a weakened condition due to illness, stress or prolonged treatment-involving antibiotics that lead to a reduction of the body's natural resistance.

Using tea tree oil prior to a surgical operation or for those suffering from long-drawn debilitating illness has been found to be beneficial. The anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties have seen tea tree oil being used extensively in soaps, toothpastes, deodorants, disinfectants, gargles, germicides, aftershaves and colognes. Tea tree oil is safe to use, as it is non-toxic and non-irritant.

Although tea tree oil has no known side effects, some individuals may be sensitive to it. This calls for consideration of the strength of tea tree oil and should never be used undiluted on the body and particularly on sensitive areas.

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and references to some of the very useful oils like tea tree oils which are very good for your skin and hair .

Top 5 Tips for Self Hypnosis

2008-12-18T22:39:00.001+07:00

Self hypnosis is a practice that essentially concentrates the mind on certain topics of your choice. It is regularly used to stop smoking, eat less and achieve personal goals. By concentrating our mind and imagining senses, thoughts and even images we can persuade our conscious and subconscious mind. By doing this we can easily tell ourselves that we do not need a cigarette or persuade ourselves that we don't need to eat as much as we do. Self hypnosis can be used for many different things including to conquer fears or to overcome self doubt. It can even be used to quit habits and generally improve our outlook on daily life.

1- The first and most vital step towards self hypnosis is research and learning. You should find out as much as you possibly can on the subject so that you know what it is and what to expect. Without this knowledge it is very unlikely you will be able to make it work in any way. The Internet is a vast resource on many topics and self hypnosis is in no way an exception to this rule.

2- As you improve at self hypnosis you will discover the exact method that works best for you but you need to be able to go into self hypnosis. Doing this without any guidance can be difficult. First of all, when you are beginning, you should find a quiet and peaceful place to sit. You are best not trying it led down to begin with because you may fall asleep. Falling asleep isn't a bad thing but it isn't self hypnosis.

3- A mantra are personal words or sayings that you should quietly repeat to yourself while trying to self hypnotize. They will help you concentrate your mind. You should think about nothing but these words while you are saying them, this way you can relax your brain.

4- Tell each part of your body to relax. Start from your toes and work upwards. It is very important that you do this because you need to relax your entire body. Once you've done this you should 'walk' to your special place. Count each step and use the same amount of steps each time you self hypnotize. This will also help you concentrate your mind. Once you're there you can begin your self talk.

5- When you've finished you need to count yourself out of self hypnosis. You do this by telling yourself you have had a fantastic relaxation and you are going to count up from one to five. Tell yourself that when you reach five you will be relaxed and fresh.

John Mancini has been writing about hypnosis online and offline for a long time. Visit http://www.easy-self-hypnosis.info or http://amazing-hypnosis-scripts.com to read more about matters like erotic hypnosis and relaxation.

Getting Rid of Those Acne Scars with Laser Treatment

2008-12-18T17:14:00.001+07:00

Have you had to live with scars from acne or acne treatment? They now have this space age therapy using light to help you. With few side effects or discomfort, skin conditions may be greatly reduced or eliminated with this treatment. It's a boost to the self-esteem and a brightening to your future.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy reduces and removes acne scars and age spots. But, unlike tanning, it doesn't age your skin further or induce skin cancer. The targeted light is shone onto the affected skin, perhaps those scars remaining from acne treatment, for a very limited time each session.

Depending on the condition, the light may be calibrated to your blood to remove those red, spider veins or to the melanin coloring in your skin to remove age-related spots or sun damage. At the same time, it treats those old acne treatment scars. The light damages those areas so that your body sloughs off or absorbs the treated condition. In addition, the old collagen, the connective materials between your cells is replaced by new.

Old collagen, like an old foam pillow, looses its resilience over time. The new collagen plumps up your skin to a fresher level. This helps to fill in small wrinkles and, yes, the scarring from acne and acne treatment.

For severe scarring resulting from acne or acne treatment, a combination of surgery (for the deep ice-pick scars) and laser skin resurfacing might be recommended. For those with lesser problems, the IPL therapy offers the advantages of zero downtime and minimal discomfort.

During an IPL acne treatment session, the doctor cleans the surface to be treated and numbs your skin with a cream. After a few moments, the IPL device is targeted for the condition and placed over the treatment area, which may include more than just those areas affected by acne treatment. The light pulses and feels, some report, like the snap of a rubber band. It is moved over each spot on your face, and that's pretty much it for one treatment.

You may have skin redness that persists for a day or so; and you must protect the treated area from UV light. It usually takes five or six treatments over four to six weeks for maximum results.

Not everybody who has skin damage or acne treatment scars is a candidate. And, a skin patch test is needful to make sure it is safe and effective for you. Your dermatologist is the one to make this evaluation.

You'll want a doctor who is experienced with IPL therapy and does the treatment himself. He should question you closely about medical history and carefully examine your skin and the acne treatment scars. He may also make recommendations supplements you may be taking before your IPL therapy begins.

However your acne may have happened, your IPL treatments will most likely result in a healthier, fresher looking skin with reduced scarring from old acne treatment, and elimination of red spider veins, age spots, and minor sun damage. And your dermatologist will be able to help you through every step of the way.

Written by Ryan Edwards, UK dermatologist specialist. Author of Best Acne Cream website at http://www.bestacnecream.com. This article may be reproduced without prior permission but must include this author box.

Mesothelioma Asbestos Treatment

2008-12-18T02:02:00.001+07:00

In spite of the rapid growth of technology and the bright discoveries of the medical fraternity, the treatment of mesothelioma has been far from successful. Conventional therapies have somewhat flopped, and patients survive twelve months, at an average, after being found out having the disease. The following are the options available for a person with mesothelioma:

One is surgery, either by itself, or in conjunction with pre-operative or post-operative therapies. However, this has only a 5-year survival rate of less than 10% of those affected by the disease.

The tumor is extremely resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy; yet these methods are sometimes deployed to alleviate symptoms caused by tumor metastases, like obstruction of a blood vessel.

Treatment methods that involve immunotherapy have brought about inconsistent results. For instance, ?intra-pleural immunization? of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) to enhance the immune response was found to be of no advantage to the mesothelioma patient. However, those suffering from bladder cancer have benefited from this treatment. Patients undertaking this specific therapy felt major side effects, like fever and cachexia. Nevertheless, other methods using ?interferon alpha? have proven to be more effective, with a fifth of all tested mesothelioma patients experiencing more than half the reduction in tumor mass, with few side effects.

Then there is another procedure called ?heated intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy?. It was discovered by a surgeon named Paul Sugarbaker, of the Washington Cancer Institute. In this method, the surgeon takes out as much of the tumor mass as possible. This is subsequently followed by using a chemotherapy agent (at about 40 to 48?C) in the abdomen. The agent (a fluid) is inserted for an hour to two hours before being drained. This method allows for the usage of high concentrations of specific drugs into the pelvic surfaces. It also facilitates greater penetration of the medicines into the cancer tissues. Also, heating adversely affects malignant cells more than normal cells.

Mesothelioma Asbestos provides detailed information on Mesothelioma and Asbestos, Mesothelioma Asbestos Diseases, Mesothelioma Asbestos Treatment, Asbestos Mesothelioma Cancer and more. Mesothelioma Asbestos is affiliated with Mesothelioma Diagnosis Support.

Itchy Skin Relief Natural Remedy Worked Perfectly for my Itchy Skin!

2008-12-17T10:28:00.001+07:00

I know the feeling how terrible itchy skin is and makes you feel frustrated.

I had been suffering from allergies since my childhood. Asthma, sinusitis, skin problems especially for itchy skin for a long time.

I grew up in Tokyo, Japan and every winter season, I had to go to see a doctor to get some drugs and treatment cream for the itchy skin.

During spring season, I was suffering from my hay fever, and during autumn season my asthma always appeared.

Going to see doctors and taking drugs were two of my life's habit.

However, all the drugs worked only in the beginning, and I needed to take them often to kill the itch and other allergies.
Especially, while I was sleeping, the itches made me crazy because the drugs and cream didn't help me.

I could not stop scratching everywhere even though I knew it would make it worse.

I had no idea that I could cure my itchy skin.

I moved to St. Louis, MO in the U.S.A. after I got married about 4 years ago and while I was there, I didn't have to take any drugs for my itchy skin. Maybe St. louis weather fit me.

However, my husband had been suffering from his hay fever during autum to winter season for a long time since he moved to St, louis for his work.

It seems St. louis is one of the worst places for allergy patients. So we decided to moved to Tucson, AZ a year later because we heard about Tucson is a good place for hay fever and allergies.

We took a road trip to move to Tucson and soon after we arrived at Sedona, AZ, my itchy skin reappeared because Arizona is desert place and it's very dry.

I needed to buy skin moisturizng lotion there and without that, I could'nt sleep.

Putting Moisturizing lotions was not really comfortable , It makes your skinfeel really sticky and also it didn't work enough. But I often had to put on the moisturizing lotions because it's better than nothing.

My husband also got itchy skin since our italy trip. And it got worse and worse even after we came back from our trip.

We tried many kind of relief, but they all didn't work.

Aloe is famous for skin problem so we tried it but it also didn't help our itchy skin.

Our skin rashes were getting worse and worse, because we could not stop scratching.

How we cured our Itchy skin ?

While we were suffering from our itchy skin problem, I got serious lung problem in June.

I could'nt breathe deeply because of the pain. It was really serious. I was afraid I need to have an operation for it. And I didn't want to go to a hospital because I didn't want to take drug and wanted to fix with natural way since I read about natural remedies.

My husband rushed to a library to find out if there was any natural cure and he bought several combinations of herbs on his way home.

Then I took the herbs he recommended.

and in the next day , my lung problem was gone !

We both were really shocked !

Since then my husband started researching more about the power of herbs, and testing many kind of herbs.

Within 2 months, he discovered an amazing herb formula. Since he tested one of the herb, his itchy skin was gone within a day !

So I also tried it.

Yes ! It worked perfectly !

How nice we can sleep without any itchy feeling ! We don't have to use skin moisturizng lotion any more.

There is no info saying that this herb works for itchy skin.

It was by accident my husband found that herb.

He continued researching more about the natural remedies because he also wanted to cure his hay fever and a year later, finally he could discover his original strong hay fever natural remedy cure.

Now we both are having a very healthy life. I had been suffering from my health problem a long time, so I can really say without health, we can not have happy life.

Natural remedies work ! You just have to take correct ones. If you are interested in curing your itchy skin immediately, you can check here.

Keiko Entwistle runs several websites , offering her favorite asian art statues and is also giving many info about online business in another site. She has been in online business since Sep,2004. She got married with an American man and her husband became an author of How to blast your allergies away forever after they had been suffering from allergies, and cured themselves by natural remedies.

http://www.thenaturalremedies.com

Health Sleep and Insomnia

2008-12-16T23:40:00.001+07:00

Millions of adults are short of sleep either because of their work or habit of sleeping late and they accumulate sleep debts like gamblers racking up IOUs. Most people know that lack of sleep makes them punchy and lousy but they are unaware of the risks to their health. New research shows that sleep may be the third essential component of a long and healthy life besides good diet and exercise. Society is being victimized by not getting enough sleep. Our society, our safety, our health are at risk.

The sleep deprived people are cutting short a natural rhythm that begins in the evening when our inner clocks signal that it is bedtime. As the head hits the pillow, breathing slows and the brain relaxes, the rapid beta waves of the daytime will change to slower alpha waves of the night. Then alpha waves disappear, replaced by the even slower theta waves of stage-one sleep. The deep sleep stage is known as the lazy delta waves. In the absence of lights, the natural length for best effect is about eight hours.

Researchers are beginning to understand what we lose by giving up sleep. What happens to people who shortchange their sleep? In 1999, a sleep researcher at the University of Chicago; published a groundbreaking study in The Lancet in which, for six nights, young men spent only four hours in bed. During that week, their blood samples showed impaired glucose tolerance: they were in a pre-diabetic state.

The expert believes that sleep loss is partly involved in the rising rate of obesity. Lack of sleep could drive down growth hormone which controls the body?s proportions of fat and muscle. Another hormone, leptin, tells the body when it should feel full. ?With the low leptin levels of sleep debt, your body will crave carbohydrates even though you have had enough kilojoules? says the expert.

Preliminary studies also associate lack of sleep with changes in immune response. Robbed of all sleep, a laboratory rat will die in about three weeks, apparently from infection. This may indicate that the body is having trouble fighting infection by the changes of white blood cell counts and immune-response modifiers if one is lack of sleep.

Another research revealed that not enough sleep might even boost cancer risk. It also says there may be a connection between the increase in breast cancer and hormone cycles disrupted by late-night light. This may be the answer to why blind women are less prone to breast cancer than sighted women and people should get a dark night?s sleep. Those who were badly sleep deprived performed as poorly or worse on reaction-time tests as those with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 per cent ? legally drunk in many countries.

It is easy to know if you are sleep deprived. If you can lie down in the middle of the day and fall asleep within ten minutes, you have then shortchanged yourself on sleep and catching up is simple basic arithmetic. For every hour or any fraction of it under eight hours per day you missed, you need the same amount of sleep soon after.

Sometimes a nap in the day can boost your alertness. The worldwide siesta time between 1 and 3 pm are good for napping out. A short nap of not more than half an hour works best. After that, you will be in deep sleep and will feel groggy upon awakening and may look sickly. It is advisable not to sleep more than half an hour in the day.

Sleep resettles us emotionally and recharges our body energy and biological system. What we have used up in the day, we need to be replaced in the night through sleep. It is just good to have a good night sleep. Unfortunately many people have trouble sleeping in the night. Stay away then from caffeine and alcohol late in the day and do not nap longer than half an hour. If you continue having trouble sleeping in the night, do not take nap at all even if you are very sleepy. Make yourself busy with anything or just get out of the house, go to the supermarket or just kill your time anywhere to avoid the nap. By nightfall you should be feeling tired and sleepy and you can catch up what you have shortchanged by going to bed early.

People with insomnia should give themselves a chance not to sleep at all in the day. Any nap in the day can affect our good sleep in the night. Unless your doctor prescribes sleeping pills, you should make yourselves very busy in the day so that your natural body system needs a good rest in the night. If nothing works, and you have to swallow the sleeping pills, then in spiritual sense you may be suffering from the sickness of the karma.

In the teachings of Tao of Heaven, there are two types of sicknesses. One is curable by medicine and it is because of our carelessness in our food, daily life or bad habits. The other type cannot be cured by medicine and it is called real illness or sickness of the karma. It is suffering through sickness to repay what we owed to our spiritual creditors or the unseen creditors of the past lives.

These sicknesses can be very dangerous and eventually many will die after suffering for a certain period. Any sicknesses that cannot be cured even by the best doctor in the world, we classified them as sicknesses of the Karma. Certain of these sicknesses purposely make the sufferers turn very ugly so that they cannot come out in the day. Some give intense pain before they die and there are many evidences in the temple to show proofs. The spiritual creditors can appear in photographs, X-ray etc unseen to the eyes in the form of ghostly figures. Many accidents are also caused by this type of revenge. People may suddenly turn mad or possess by evil spirits. It is just a mysterious world. Revenge is real in this world by the revengeful unseen spirits because their souls are not at rest, just like our souls that cannot sleep.

Author: T.A Chew

T.A Chew has two friends who are suffering from insomnia and they are really a pitiful sight. The best advice is to do good deeds to repay the unseen creditors and through prayers to say sorry and ask for forgiveness from them. Website: http://www.white-sun.com

Essential Oils Kit Part III

2008-12-16T11:22:00.001+07:00

Whether you use aromatherapy as a stand alone or as a complementary first aid treatment there are several aromatic oils I'd like to recommend you have in your aromatic first aid kit.

My recommendations include important details for you to consider when purchasing an oil, such as its Latin Name, Country of Origin, Method of Extraction and Part of the Plant Used. I also list the best oils to consider when creating a synergistic blend.

EUCALYPTUS ( Eucalyptus globulus ) Certified Organic, Steam Distilled Leaf, Corsica.

A fresh, powerful, and long lasting scent, Eucalyptus has a long standing reputation as an effective respiratory decongestant.

Keywords: RESPIRATORY AID Eucalyptus is known for its broad spectrum anti-microbial action. Its antiseptic, anti-infectious, antibacterial and anti viral properties make it a powerful remedy to consider for flu, colds, sore throats, coughs, sinusitis, bronchitis, hay fever, and acne.

Its bronchio-dilating action helps ease inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes, as well as nasal congestion. Try it for relieving asthma, catarrh and headaches especially when due to any sort of congestion.

Eucalyptus also makes an excellent insect repellent!

Try a synergistic blend of Eucalyptus with any of the following aromatic oils: Basil, Atlas Cedarwood, Himalayan Cedarwood, Cypress, Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon and Rosemary.

Please join me for part IV in this series of articles to learn about the next essential oil I recommend you have in your aromatic first aid kit, GERANIUM (Pelargonium roseum).

Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and can produce satisfying results where other methods have failed.

Aromatherapy is a gentle and noninvasive complementary and alternative health care system used for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind, spirit and emotions to enhance your health. Please consult with your physician regarding your health concerns.

KG has utilized essential oils in her energy medicine practice for more than 30 years. During that time she has facilitated healing for thousands of people suffering from personal trauma, illness and injury. Through her unique AromaTest? system KG formulates essential oil blends that heal.

Please note: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use organic, or ethically wild crafted oils whenever possible.

KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR USA PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure organic and ethically wild crafted essential oils. KG formulates aromatic oils for: colds and flu, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, menopause, anti-aging, skin care and more. KG's DVD & book about her AromaTest system, Your Aromatic Signature ~ How to Formulate Blends that Heal, are scheduled for release in 2006. Click to see PurePlant Essentials Menu & Essential Oils Kits: Order Pure Organic & Wild Crafted Essential Oils Kit Click to order Basic Essential Oils Kit. KG invites you to Subscribe to Health Mastery Ezine to WIN FREE Aromatherapy Products. To learn more visit: Subscribe To Win Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315

Healing TMJ Naturally

2008-12-15T23:40:00.001+07:00

Sometimes we need to think outside of the box, such as to give ourselves permission to change a belief or paradigm that we have developed. One such disabling belief is that doctors, dentists and other health professionals can heal you. These health professionals can sometimes guide you in the direction you need to go, but they cannot provide healing.

Healing comes naturally; it is innate, it's part of our wondrous design.

It may be a stretch for you to believe that you know more about healing than your doctor or dentist, but it is something I suggest that you start thinking about (meditating on). Of the many talents given to those practitioners, healing is not amongst them. They have learned the knowledge that allows them to diagnose (which is an educated guess) and then prescribe a protocol that may help your situation.

However, all healing is internal. A doctor may dress a wound, clean it, add some stitches, but when it's all said and done, all they have done is enhance the conditions so that healing can take place. A dentist may grind away the decayed portion of a tooth and then add a filling to cover the hole so more decay won't happen, but have they really accomplished any healing? A psychotherapist can keep asking questions until you reach a disabling belief that is creating a problem for you, but are they the one's that actually change the belief that is in your mind? Never. Only you can relearn a new belief and it only happens when you become willing to make the change.

The thing that we can do ourselves is set the stage so that the healing can take place. You wouldn't start building a house on bare dirt. It would be best to provide the house with a firm foundation. The same is true for our bodies. We need to supply the body with all of its needs so it can repair itself.

Our daily existence requires thought and energy. To rejuvenate, we require rest. Our bodies are 70% fluid. We sweat, we urinate, we may spit, or blow our noses, depleting our fluid levels. This means we need to re-hydrate consistently.

We also deal with toxins daily. We absorb chlorine when we shower, we breathe in all sorts of toxins from the glue in our rugs, breathing in exhaust fumes as we drive to work. This list could go on and on. But, the point is that all of the toxins taken into the body create Free Radicals, and to counteract these Free Radicals, we need to consume Anti-Oxidants.

Our bodies are one of the most complex and complicated chemical manufacturing plants in the world. In order for all of the processes to take place we must have all of the micro and macro minerals that the body requires. Without a constant supply of quality nutrients, our body has to rob Peter to pay Paul. This is what happens in the case of osteoporosis. The body needs some calcium, which it is not getting from our nutrition, or the body is lacking in other nutrients that won't allow the calcium you are getting to be assimilated.

It is not the stress in our lives that causes us to grind our teeth at night or clench them during the day - it's how we deal with that stress. A phenomenal stress buster is simply breathing efficiently and effectively!

Emotional issues can be dealt with by learning skills that allows you to process your feelings appropriately while you are feeling them. Having a Higher Power in your life can provide that shoulder to lean on when life seems to be overwhelming.

Our TMJ Relief DVD gives you the information you need so that you can ask the right questions, make better decisions, and start the healing process, no matter how far your TMJ has progressed. Please go to www.holisticspecifics.com for more information.

Michael McCright is a Holistic Health Practitioner, educator, coach, and motivational speaker. His website: http://www.bodymindconnection.com covers a variety of health concerns. Michael is co-producer of an informative and educational DVD: ?TMJ Relief?. For information and holistic solutions regarding TMJ disorder, go to: http://www.holisticspecifics.com ? 2005 Michael McCright ? Reprints allowed as long as copy is complete with last paragraph and copyright information.

Acne Program An Introduction

2008-12-15T11:23:00.001+07:00

Acne is the most common skin disorder. Over 10% of Americans age 25 ? 44 have acne. Over 85% Americans age 12 ? 25 will have acne at one time or the other.

If ignored, acne can become infected, create scars, and pockmarks that become permanent on your face. I don?t want this to happen to you, so I have written a series of articles on how to clear your acne.

Acne Is a Disease

Acne is a disease called seborrhea or seborrheic dermatitis. It occurs when the sebaceous glands, under your skin, become contaminated with oily toxic matter, which contains,

* dirt

* dead skin

* excess sebum oil

* acid waste

* bacteria

* toxic matter

Under normal conditions the sebaceous glands release oil that comes up through your pores onto the skin surface. This release keeps your skin moist and lubricated for protection from the environment.

If your pores on your face are not open or plugged, this creates toxic oil that cannot move out onto your skin. This results in a growth or pimple that start to increase in size as more toxic oil tries to reach the surface of your skin.

If the pore walls burst under the skin, white blood cells move in to digest the collagen around the pores. When this happens, you will have scars on your face.

To avoid having scars, you need to start an acne-clearing program before you get acne or just as soon as you see acne coming so that your pimples and back heads don?t get to the point where they get severely infected and burst.

Clearing Your Acne

Acne is a complex condition that involves many parts of the body even though it shows up as only eruptions on the face and else where on your skin. It is a signal that you have problems elsewhere deep within your body. Acne can be caused by a toxic colon, poor digestion of food, weak liver and other conditions that cause the blood to carry too much toxicity.

To clear acne it is not always possible to just do one thing and expect acne to go away. But it may be possible to just use a special cream and have your acne diminish or clear.

Acne may go away by just doing one thing but don?t expect it to. A facial cream, diet, herbal treatment, and colon cleanse alone may not be able to clear acne. A combination may or may not work.

In future articles, I will be covering how to get rid of acne.

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter call ?natural-remedies-thatwork.com.? More acne hints and information on his acne e-book can be found at: http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info

Acid Reflux Symptoms

2008-12-15T01:29:00.001+07:00

The typical cause of heartburn or acid reflux is when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus. If your lower esophageal sphincter is not normal, stomach contents may flow back into your esophagus and cause heartburn. Stomach acid flows into the esophagus (called acid reflux), causing the burning sensation. Acid reflux is caused by stomach spasms which cause acid.

Many believe that acid reflux symptoms affect the heart or mistakenly diagnose acid reflux as a heart related problem. In fact acid reflux has nothing to do with the heart - it is a digestive problem. Indeed for most people, a proper eating habit may help fixing the heartburn problem. Eating high-fiber bread instead of white bread, and exercising for 30 minutes at least once a week, decreased the odds of getting heartburn. Keeping a daily diary for a week can help keep track of specific food items and circumstances related to episodes of heartburn.

One is solution to eliminate acid reflux is to stop smoking. After a meal, when the stomach is full, smoking increases the chances that you will suffer from acid reflux. Loss of weight can also reduce stomach acid reflux. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to heartburn in their third trimester as the growing uterus puts increasing pressure on the stomach.

Here are some easy things that doctors recommend:

Wait at least three hours before going to bed after eating.

Sleep with your head at least 8 higher than your stomach so that gravity can help keep stomach acids from coming up into your esophagus.

Avoid exercising or bending over right after eating.

Eat 5 or 6 small meals a day instead of the three, traditional, big ones.

Acid reflux tends to be more of a problem at night, while you are lying down or sleeping. Having the head and shoulders higher than the stomach lets gravity work to keep acid from refluxing.

If heartburn is a continual or severe problem, it's a good idea to see your doctor. In patients with acid reflux, the heart valve pressure is usually low, which is the root of the problem. Some people have only an occasional acid reflux symptom. For others, however, acid reflux and regurgitation are persistent, chronic symptoms that return several times a week, if not every day.

Medical evaluation of heartburn is recommended for individuals who experience persistent symptoms several times a week. If acid reflux (heartburn) occurs on two or more days per week despite the measures discussed above, you should consult your family doctor. For chronic reflux and heartburn, the doctor may prescribe medications to reduce acid in the stomach.

Susanne Garris is a stay at home mom. But that doesn't mean she isn't at work. Susanne works as a research assistant and freelance writer on a variety of subjects. Her private research is devoted to blogs you can find at: http://www.acid-reflux-symptoms.blogspot.com

Alternative Boric Acid: Nature's Bug Control

2008-12-14T16:23:00.001+07:00

We all have heard about the harmful effects of commercial insecticides. But if faced with cockroaches flying off the walls, those harmful effects don't seem too harmful and we bomb our houses with it. Then before we know it, we start having headaches. It doesn't have to be this way. There are alternate solutions from our very own Mother Nature that are cleaner, safer and work better.

This natural alternative is Boric Acid. It is considered as nature's own home-made bug control. Boric acid is a white powder which is usually mined from California's Mojave Desert. Although also used as a preservative and fire retardant, it is proven to eradicate almost all the annoying pests of the regular household like cockroaches, water bugs, ants, silverfish, termites and palmetto bugs and keep them away for a very long time. It also works against fire ants, bedbugs, fleas, beetles, centi- and millipedes, crickets, grasshoppers and a whole lot more. One of the best qualities of borate is that the insects don't develop a resistance to it unlike with chemical pesticides.

Borates were first used as a pesticide in 1922 with the invention of the 'Roach Tablet' by P. F. Harris. In 1955, a lumber company in New Foundland started treating their wood with borates to control termites. It turned out that all the homes with the treated wood were free from termites and wood decay. This worked so well that by 1985 there were over 200 pesticides containing borate. This later on turned into many products seen today.

Apart from being odorless and non-staining, Boric Acid and its derivatives are inexpensive and deadly to all insects. It works by attacking the bugs' nervous systems and then dries up their bodies afterwards. Borates, when used with chemical solvents such as propylene glycol, can be used in wood and concrete thus giving long-term protection. Boric Acid products are very safe and can be used with children around (since it has also been used in certain salves and ointments for diaper rash in babies). In addition, it also turns into eyewash when diluted properly. Borate is also used as an effective fire retardant which is used in blown type cellulose insulation which is common in houses.

In use against ants, one tablespoon of Boric Acid is mixed with one teaspoon of sugar ad four ounces of water in a bowl. This is then poured over cotton balls and placed on the path of ants. Pour repeatedly when dried out. For cockroaches, mix together 8 ounces powdered boric acid, half a cup of flour and eighth of a cup of sugar, a chopped half of a small onion and one-fourth cup cooking oil. Blend all these well while adding more oil if needed to make soft dough. Take the dough and roll it into small marble-sized balls. Place the balls in places where the roaches normally stay, like in damp dark corners. The rest of the dough should be placed in opened sandwich bags to retain softness. When the balls dry up and become hard, replace with new dough. Make sure that no pets or children come in contact with the balls because they can be very toxic.

For termites, use boric acid that is mixed with propylene glycol, which is a non-toxic version of anti-freeze. In this solution, the glycol helps the borate penetrate into the wood and thus becoming part of the wood fiber. This has proven to be very successful against termites and is also effective treatment for dry rot in wood.

Michael Russell

Your Independent Alternative guide.

Discover Freedom From Neck Pain Naturally

2008-12-14T03:02:00.001+07:00

Is Life a Pain in Your Neck?

Perhaps one of the most common health complaints in our hectic lives today is chronic neck pain. Neck pain can disrupt our lives, limit our ability to enjoy our favorite activities and can even make a normal workday unbearably agonizing.

Several factors can contribute to neck pain. Symptoms may be the result of bad posture at a computer in the workplace, or a neck trauma. Fortunately, a regimen of posture improvement exercises and other proactive, natural techniques have proven amazingly effective in relieving and preventing chronic neck pain.

Back and Posture Problems in Using Computers

In a majority of cases, the culprit responsible for that grinding pain in your neck is actually today?s high-tech workplace. That?s right, your computer workstation. Long hours spent slouched in front of a computer is driving a new generation of workers to seek chiropractic help. Bad posture at a computer is responsible for a myriad of health issues, including neck pain, migraines, upper back pain and fatigue.

Use Computer Ergonomics to Eliminate Neck Pain

Take a critical look at your working environment. Is it ergonomically friendly? Using a computer can be a pain in the neck ? literally. Positioning or using your computer improperly can negatively affect your posture, resulting in neck pain, headaches and energy-zapping fatigue. For example, if your computer monitor is at less than a 90 degree angle with your eyes, you tend to tilt your head forward to look at the monitor. Neck pain is a direct result of this type of head-forward posture. To prevent head-forward posture, adjust either your chair or monitor until the top of your monitor is just about eye level.

Another important factor at your workstation is your chair. An ergonomically designed chair will help you achieve a comfortable working posture in which your joints are properly aligned. This neutral body positioning effectively reduces stress and strain on your muscles, tendons and the rest of your neuro-musculoskeletal system. Additionally, an adjustable chair with a good lumbar support helps to take additional stress off those sore back muscles.

Creative Stress Reduction Ideas

It seems that while we are all dealing with our increasingly hectic lifestyles, our leisure time is quickly becoming a fondly remembered thing of the past. Between the daily stress of career, family and an overwhelming amount of other responsibilities, we seldom find time to simply, relax. How you choose to deal with your daily stress is a key factor in reducing tension-related neck pain.

Many times, simple adjustments in your behavior and attitude are surprisingly effective in handling stress in a healthier manner. For example, try taking control of the tension level in your life with creative stress reduction ideas such as:

? Set aside 30 to 35 minutes of each day for some moderate exercise. Your body was not meant to sit in front of a computer, motionless all day. Your body craves movement and exercise is a great way to get your blood pumping, as well as a way to work off the tension of the day.

? Be sure to allow your body at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night. This is the time when your body recharges and repairs itself. Inadequate rest sets you up as a prime candidate for illness, impaired thought and exhaustion.

? Eat right! French fries are not vegetables, and ketchup is not a fruit. Take time to eat at least three nutritionally balanced meals every day, and don?t forget to include several servings of fresh fruits and veggies. Your body requires fuel to function at optimum efficiency, and candy from the vending machine just doesn?t cut it.

? Give yourself time to relax. All work and no play not only makes Jack a dull boy, but it also probably makes him incredibly stressed out. Give your mind and your body time to unwind and enjoy activities that have absolutely nothing to do with work. You will find that the more you do this, the more your workplace attitude and productivity will improve.

Life is too short to allow stress and poor health habits to overshadow and control it. Resolve to make the changes that will enhance your health and well-being. Beauty and joy are all around us, every day ? take time to go out and discover them.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Drs. Brenda and Erik Slovin are board certified Chiropractic physicians at http://www.SlovinChiropractic.com in Norwalk, Connecticut. Drs. Slovin specialize in teaching people how to get rid of their headache, migraine and neck and shoulder pain, quickly and easily, without the use of pills or surgery.

To get instant access to all their most successful health strategies and secrets, as well as a free Chronic Pain Report that lets you know why, what most people don't know about chronic pain can actually hurt you!, visit them at: http://www.headache-neck-pain-relief.com and sign-up to receive their monthly newsletter Live Well.

Blackhead Removal Is it Worth the Trouble?

2008-12-13T13:29:00.001+07:00

Blackheads ? those little black dots that clog up your pores ? can happen to anyone, and can sometimes stubbornly linger long after your acne has cleared up. Blackhead removal can be a tempting endeavour, but is removing them really the best thing to do? Blackhead removal may be more trouble than it?s worth.

Blackheads can be more resistant to cleansers and topical treatments than pimples, making them infinitely more frustrating, and so much more tempting to remove. Blackhead removal can be a long and tedious affair, as unlike pimples, they can sometimes seem to inhabit every pore on your nose, chin and forehead, so before taking out that blackhead remover and getting started, consider whether going to the trouble of removing them is really worth it!

Blackheads, like cellulite, are one of those things that everyone has ? yes, even celebrities! ? but no one really wants to admit to. While there are undoubtedly some great cleansers out there that can reduce their numbers, a certain amount of them might always remain. But unlike spots, they are almost invisible to the naked eye, and they are not sore and uncomfortable as some of those pimply pustules can be.

Blackhead removal can actually damage the skin if done improperly. Squeezing the blackhead often causes the material that is clogging the pore further into the skin, where it can become a pimple. Over enthusiastic blackhead removal can also cause unsightly scarring. Maybe it really is better to leave them where they are.

If you must remove your blackheads, always use a proper blackhead remover, as this can help limit any potential damage. Using steam to open the pores before squeezing can also help, but never force a blackhead that doesn?t want to be removed. This will simply damage the skin, while the frustrating blackhead remains exactly where he is.

Blackhead removal can help the appearance of your skin if done correctly, but can damage your skin by causing scarring or pimples. Try to reduce your blackheads by sticking to a simple cleansing plan, and using a mask or scrub once or twice a week. But for the ones that remain? Consider whether it?s really worth whipping the blackhead remover out ? or is blackhead removal worth the trouble?

Blackhead removal, worth it or not? Maybe not.

Find out more about Acne as well as Home Treatment for Acne and Adult Acne, Acne Skin Care Products, the Best Acne Treatments and more at Peter?s website, Acne All Gone.

How To Properly Use A Proactive Acne Treatment To Quickly And Easily Eliminate Your Zits

2008-12-13T05:42:00.001+07:00

It really comes as no surprise that acne is a skin blemish problem that affects millions of adults and teenagers on an everyday basis. For many this is an uncomfortable situation that can sometimes be avoided with the proper acne treatments and skin cleansers.

Unfortunately for many acne sufferers trying to find the most effective zit remedy or pimple fighting solution can be a difficult and sometimes daunting task. To make things worse, with so many acne fighting products for sale in your favorite drugstore the ability to make the right choice doesn?t get any easier. Let's face it with every manufacturer claiming that their acne-fighting product is the best it's extremely difficult to know which pimple formula or skin cleanser is effective at eliminating acne and not actually going to accelerate or increase the acne on your face.

Perhaps the best thing you or anyone suffering from acne, zits and pimples can do is to take a proactive approach and end your acne once and for all. A proactive acne treatment involves knowing how to properly treat your acne symptoms and knowing what to avoid in order to not aggravate your current skin blemish or condition. For example you've probably been told a hundred times to never pop a zit or pimple and yet still many individuals suffering from acne still insists on performing this permanently damaging act to their skin. The best possible way to eliminate acne naturally is to gently wash your face and then lightly dry it without any aggressive scrubbing. This act alone will help clear up your acne quickly and prevent any further outbreaks from occurring.

No matter what acne fighting treatment, solution or regiment you undertake you must follow the instructions for its use explicitly. Simply stated you must find the time to effectively treat and take care of your skin if you harbor any hope of clearing up your acne quickly and easily.

In the event that no matter what acne treatment product you purchase it doesn't seem to help alleviate or clear up your skin blemish or condition then you may need to take another proactive acne treatment step that involves changing some of your current daily living habits such as your diet.

It's common knowledge that acne is caused by oil that collects in your skin pores and blocks them up. This clogging of the pores is ultimately what leads to zits and pimples better known as acne. Oily foods such as greasy hamburgers or junk food has been known to contribute to the acceleration of oil produced by the sebaceous oil glands which is known as a leading cause for comedones or blackheads as they are commonly called.

However, not all oil-producing foods are bad for your skin. In fact, some such as the avocado are known to produce oils that naturally help to keep your skin pores free from getting clogged and thus help to prevent the outbreak of acne and other aggravating skin blemishes.

As you can see a correct and effective proactive acne fighting treatment involves the routine use of an acne cleansing solution, the proper techniques to wash and dry your face and keeping an eye on your daily dietary intake in order to limit the foods that are known to cause an outbreak of acne.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Clear-Skin-Solutions.com He provides more acne clearing solutions, remedies and proactive acne treatments that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Acne Medication Research of Side Affects

2008-12-12T15:09:00.001+07:00

Acne is an extremely common skin affliction affecting around 85% of teenagers and young adults as well as a significant proportion of adults.

With a plethora of acne information available, it may also be difficult to establish what is the right treatment and/or medication. In a previous article I suggested that as all of us are individuals, it is likely so to will the treatment for each person?s acne.

Let?s delve a bit further into treatments and medication. In the case of mild or even slightly worse acne, a good preventative and treatment regime if rigorously followed is often found to control the affliction.

However there are obviously sufferers with severe acne where over the counter or non prescription treatments have not had the desired impact. Whilst I would suggest in this instance finding a reputable dermatologist you will likely find that an acne treatment regime still has a place in assisting the overall treatment.

It would be extremely advisable for those prescribed medications for the more severe acne affliction to carefully research the medication prior to commencing. The clear example of this is the medication for ?recalcitrant modular acne? being Isotretinoin (marketed as Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis & Sotret). The US Food and Drug Administration provides significant information in relation to this particular drug however in short it is known to cause birth defects and is being examined in relation to reports of suicide or suicidal thoughts associated with the use of the drug.

A Risk Management program called iPLEDGE in relation to this drug is in place with information and updates available.

The program is ensuring adequate controls are in place in relation to the use of this drug and the important message is ?Do not purchase this drug over the internet?.

There are a range of prescribed medications available with those applied to the skin for more mild to moderate cases and oral medications for more severe.

Some of these include:

?Oral antibiotics
?Oral contraceptives
?Azelaic Acid
?Benzoyl peroxide
?Clindamycin
?Erythromycin
?Sodium sulfacetamide
?Tazarotene
?Tretinoin
?Adapalene

The message is still however to do the appropriate research as information on some drugs may change significantly over time.

Summary
Whilst medications are vital in the treatment of a significant number of conditions aside from acne, it is always wise to research the medication to allow a balanced approach or weighing up the benefits prior to commencing.

This is obviously extremely clear in the case of the drug Isotretinoin for severe acne.

Andrew Johnson has an online acne resource.

Why Mesothelioma Is Difficult to Diagnose

2008-12-11T23:04:00.000+07:00

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, caused by previous exposure to asbestos. In this deadly disease, cancerous (malignant) cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most organs of the body. The most common site of cancerous cells accumulation is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity), but it may also occur in the lining of the abdominal cavity (called peritoneum) or the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart).

Mesothelioma diagnose is often difficult from two reasons.

Its symptoms are quite similar to those of a number of other common condition conditions. No very special concerns when people experience persistent coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and palpitations, fever, difficulty swallowing. These symptoms are typical of far more common diseases such as pneumonia. Only a previous exposure to asbestos may increase clinical suspicion for mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma has a very long latency time period (time between getting the cancer and feeling the symptoms of it). It can stay dormant in your body for many years, displaying symptoms that doesn't require a special medical attention. Many times mesothelioma is diagnosed to late, when treatment methods loses the main capacity of cure. Currently, is not completely proven why asbestos leads cancer in the mesothelial cells. On the other hand it is still undeterminated how many fibers are needed to be inhaled in order that the cancer tumor to be live. Getting mesothelioma is in close relation on asbestos exposure duration and on the environmental concentration of asbestos as well. Body resistance plays also an important role in mesothelioma equation. It is possible to get mesothelioma from as little as a couple of months of asbestos exposure or it would take few years of asbestos inhalation to cause cancer.

Very important for potential mesothelioma patients is to associate the above symptoms with their occupational history. If those symptoms overlap a previous asbestos exposure, the respective person must ask a special medical investigation.

Valerian D is a freelance writer specialized in health issues such as malignant mesothelioma

Alternative Health Treatments Do They Work?

2008-12-11T12:44:00.001+07:00

More and more alternative health treatments are available these days, however how successful are they in solving our health problems. In this article I write about this subject, I hope you find it interesting and enjoyable to read.

A few years ago my girlfriend was having some trouble with her health, she complained of constant aches in various areas of her body. She felt lethargic and generally low. She went to the doctor and tried conventional treatments and tablets. This unfortunately did not remedy the situation and she became more and more frustrated.

A friend recommended reflexology and despite many reservations and doubts my girlfriend agreed to give it a go. She returned from her appointment full of excitement and stated that she had never felt more relaxed. Now this is not to say that reflexology will work for everyone but her experience was very positive.

With this positive outcome my girlfriend became more open to alternative therapy and then decided to attend an aromatherapy appointment. She really enjoyed it and is now looking into other treatments such as reiki and things like an indian head massage, she is becoming hooked.

As for my own experiences, I am somebody who had a speech impediment known as a stutter from the age of four. My parents regularly took me to traditional speech therapy over the next eleven years. The advice from what I remember was two fold, firstly they advised me to take a deep breath before talking and secondly to speak slower. I had no confidence with these therapists as a lot of my friends spoke quicker than I did and not one of them took a deep breath before they spoke. They also had never had a stutter themselves and therefore I felt it was impossible for them to understand what I was going through.

After working very hard for nearly year I managed to overcome my stutter. I did this by reading many books to do with positive thinking and mind over a matter as well as studying people who I thought were very good at talking. This was my own form of alternative therapy and it worked for me.

Stephen Hill has a number of websites including:

stuttering therapy

reflexology chart

reiki information

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

2008-12-11T00:54:00.001+07:00

Approximately 10-20 percent of the cases of mesothelioma begin in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneal mesotheliomas). This type of mesothelioma does not respond well to treatment, but is less common than pleural mesothelioma, which affects the membrane covering the lungs.

Since it is difficult to treat, peritoneal mesothelioma often results in an early death. The disease attacks and destroys soft tissue and nearby nerves, causing intense pain to the patient.

The first symptom is abdominal pain. At the initial stage, pain can be eased with analgesics, such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Treatment can include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, which are aimed at stopping the spread of the disease and at alleviating the pain.

Another reason why this form of mesothelioma is so hard to treat is that the symptoms are often dormant and surface only after 35-40 years of exposure to asbestos. Peritoneal mesothelioma, like all forms of mesothelioma, is mainly caused by exposure to asbestos over a period of time. Construction workers, their families, and people who live in asbestos-insulated buildings where the asbestos fibers are exposed, are most at risk of contacting mesothelioma.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms may include bowel obstruction; blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

Mesothelioma provides detailed information about malignant mesothelioma, asbestos and mesothelioma, mesothelioma, mesothelioma research and more. Mesothelioma is the sister site of Asbestos Exposure.

Bilberry Extract Shown to Improve Nightblindness

2008-12-10T13:36:00.001+07:00

According to the latest British Journal of Nutrition (2005;93:895?9), supplementing with an extract of bilberry fruit (Vaccinium myrtillus) may improve night vision in nearsighted people. That?s good news for those of you who may have to cope with bothersome night blindness!

Bilberry, a close relative of the blueberry, is a small shrub that grows throughout central and northern Europe, northern Asia, and North America. Traditionally, due to its powerful tannin content, bilberry has been used to treat diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and urinary tract infections. Others preliminary studies have indicated bilberry?s effectiveness in addressing microcirculatory conditions, such as macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and other retinal disorders. The active compounds of bilberry, Anthocyanosides, are potent antioxidants which have been noted to promote and strengthen capillaries and blood vessels.

While the majority of bilberry?s research has been conducted in vitro, there has been a close correlation between bilberry and its ability to regenerate a compound in the eye (rhodopsin) that is responsible for night vision. Specifically, rhodopsin, also known as visual purple, lies within the rod cells of your eye, and is extremely sensitive to low levels of light. In fact, when exposed to white light, rhodopsin is immediately bleached and takes approximately 30 minutes to regenerate in humans.

Nearsightedness, or myopia, affects up to one quarter of Americans. Those afflicted with myopia often describe distant objects as being blurry, yet most with myopia are able to see nearby objects quite clearly. This condition occurs from the eye being longer than the focal point, and is shaped much like a football. Individuals with nearsightedness are also at greater risk for acute eye problems such as glaucoma or retinal detachment, and often experience floaters, dryness, tearing, and of course, poor night vision.

The new study from the Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Vision Research, Yonsei University in Seoul Korea was aimed at determining the effects of bilberry extract on night vision and other symptoms associated with nearsightedness. The study examined 60 individuals with mild to moderate myopia. Thirty of the participants received 100mg of bilberry extract (containing 85% anthocyanosides) two times per day, and the remaining thirty received a placebo pill. Contrast sensitivity, a measure of nocturnal vision, was tested before and after treatment. The participants also answered questions regarding the frequency and severity of their eye symptoms including eye strain, dryness, tearing, blurry vision, and decreased vision in dark places.

Twenty-two (73%) of the 30 participants receiving the bilberry supplement showed significantly greater improvement in eye symptoms and contrast sensitivity, suggesting an improvement in night vision. In contrast, only 1 of the 30 participants in the placebo group showed any signs of improvement. Additionally, no side effects were associated with use of the bilberry supplement.

This study provides good evidence that bilberry may help to improve night vision in those afflicted with myopia. Previous studies on healthy individuals indicated that bilberry has no effect on night vision, however, these studies utilized bilberry preparations with much lower concentrations of anthocyanosides (5 to 30%), and they were administered for shorter periods of time.

Judy Phillips is the founder of Jash Botanicals Herbal Formulas, a manufacturer of physicians grade herbal extracts and medicinals. A naturopath and herbalist with over 25 years of experience, her passion for producing herbal formulas of exceptional purity and strength grew from a dissatisfaction with mainstream herbal products. She is an author of various natural health topics, from detoxification to dietary modification, and works to assist the expansion of knowledge to individuals in search of natural treatments. JashBotanicals.com offers a wide range of informative articles, including a monthly newsletter and a natural health blog.

Pomegranates Ride the AntiOxidant Bandwagon

2008-12-10T00:15:00.001+07:00

Fruit and vegetables have always done big business but fashions and tastes change, just look at pomegranates. It used to be that whatever the hottest TV chef was cooking with would fly off the shelves now it is the health gurus.

Pomegranate juice is a case in point, once it was only found in ethnic supermarkets but now it has become main stream in a big way because it has been found to be packed full of ant-oxidants, polyphenols and other vitamins. Many of the big companies involved with growing or processing fruit and vegetables are funding research to try to get their product in the vanguard of health, able to cure all. They have grown tired of the orange boys flooding the breakfast table with their juice on the back of its vitamin C content.

It has to be said that at the same time there has been some excellent independent research going on into the constituents of the food we eat and how it affects the body.

Pomegranates are the latest and, some would say greatest so far in the health field. Research being carried out around the world has been impressive, even if it is at the first stages.

At a lab at Cape Western Reserve University of Medicine they have found that the pomegranate has something in it that counters the effect of an inflammatory chemical called interleukin-1b which is a contributory factor in arthritis. They have also found that the pomegranate can reduce the production of some enzymes that destroy the cartilage that covers the bones which leads to osteoarthritis. This research is still in the laboratory stage and has not been tested with humans but it is looking hopeful.

There is work being done in Israel and London on the pomegranates ability to reduce LDL which is the fatty deposits which line the arteries and causes heart disease and strokes. Preliminary research has indicated that just one glass of pomegranate juice a day will have a significant effect on your cholesterol level.

The big news is that pomegranates are looking to be beneficial in the fight against cancer. In England and Germany, tests have shown that it has an effect in fighting cancer cells under laboratory conditions. Whilst at UCLA they have found that taking 8ozs of pomegranate juice a day can slow the return of prostate cancer in men. The sample group was quite small; only 50 men who had received treatment for the cancer, but by drinking pomegranate juice it had slowed the return of the cancer by a very significant amount.

It is too soon to start throwing your medicine away but on the face of it a glass of pomegranate juice a day may be beneficial for your overall health. If you are on any medication, it is always advisable to consult with your doctor to make sure that it will not interrupt the effect of the drugs you are taking. Now get down to the store before they run out.

Ian Richards webmaster of yourpower2be.com, on line webzine . You will find beauty tips, health information, familly budget and finance, shopping to die for, make up, holidays and travel, recipes, information on pets and gardening, weddings, and a whole lot more. http://www.yourpower2be.com

The Use of Chinese Herbs for Lyme Disease

2008-12-09T10:39:00.001+07:00

A number of Chinese herbs can be useful for the many different facets of Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease is a bacterial infectious disease caused by the spirochetal organism, Borrelia Burgdorferi. It is usually caused by a tick bite. The prevalence of the disease is greatest in the northeastern United States, but there have been cases of the illness in all lower 48 states. The disease is easy to treat with antibiotics in its initial stages, but it is often not detected at that point. There is a bull?s eye rash that is characteristic of the disease, but many people never get the rash. The rash looks different in people with darker pigmentation, making it easy to mistake it for other skin conditions, including bruising or eczema. The wide variety of symptoms that a person can have in its later stages makes it hard to obtain a proper diagnosis, and the medical testing for the illness is still not very accurate in many cases.

People with later stages of Lyme need treatment on a number of different levels. At the very basic level, herbs that are anti-bacterial, specifically against spirochetal bacteria, are an important component of treatment. Herbs that have been shown to have activity against spirochetal bacteria include coptis (huang lian), andrographis paniculata (chuan xin lian), isatis (ban lan gen/qing dai), phellodendron (huang bai), scute (huang qin), forsythia (lian qiao), smilax (tu fu ling), and gardenia (zhi zi). Garlic is also a useful antibacterial supplement for those with Lyme Disease.

Lyme disease can lower body temperature and create poor blood circulation. A person is also likely to feel cysts, lumps, and swellings in different areas of their body that often change and move. The bacteria walls itself off, and creates an environment in which it can grow and thrive and the person with the disease ends up in severe pain, with horribly low energy, and neurological problems. The disease thrives in a low temperature, low oxygen environment, and that is the environment it creates within the body. People with the disease often have signs and symptoms similar to someone with severe altitude sickness (also caused by a low oxygen environment). Chinese herbs that clear blood stasis and break blood stagnation can be very useful for this aspect of the disease. The herb, pseudoginseng (san qi), can be extremely beneficial for people with Lyme Disease. It promotes blood circulation and oxygenation in the body, and can force open the cysts that protect the bacteria from being killed off. It also can help clear some of the brain fog that people with this disease have by improving blood circulation and oxygenation to the brain. Frankincense (ru xiang), and myrrh (mo yao) can also help by improving blood circulation, especially to the joints, where the bacteria often hides in cartilaginous tissue where blood circulation tends to be poorer. An herb that is frequently used by people with Lyme Disease, teasel root, is beneficial because it improves circulation in the body and also has a warming affect. All of these herbs can help significantly with the intense and chronic pain that those with later stages of Lyme disease experience.

Certain Chinese herbs can be used to reduce the person?s sensitivity to cold and improve microcirculation in the body. Herbs such as clove, cinnamon, ginger, and siegesbeckia can be useful for this purpose.

The lymphatic system and the metabolism are often compromised in people with Lyme Disease. The bacteria frequently hides inside the walls of white blood cells, and results in swollen and congested lymph glands. People with the disease often have symptoms of hypothyroidism and a slowed metabolic rate even if all of their thyroid tests are normal. In Chinese Medicine, herbs that treat phlegm are frequently used for conditions related to a slow metabolism and a congested lymphatic system. The Chinese herb, prunella vulgaris (xia ku cao), and scrophularia (xuan shen) are very useful for inflammation, congestion, and infection of the lymphatic system. Herbs such as citrus aurantium, kelp, epimedium, and Siberian ginseng, can be beneficial for improving a sluggish metabolism in people with Lyme Disease who have signs or symptoms of an underactive thyroid.

Another aspect of Lyme Disease is severe and debilitating fatigue and a total lack of energy. This can be due to a host of different factors. Poor oxygenation and blood circulation and lowered metabolism and body temperature are part of the picture. The person?s adrenal glands may not be functioning properly either. Someone with Lyme Disease may also have a host of digestive problems that result in a lack of adequate nutrition. The disease itself can trigger chemical changes in the brain that create severe depression and an inability to concentrate, which is debilitating as well.

In Chinese medicine, herbs that nourish the qi and blood can help this lack of energy. The herbs can improve the person?s digestive functioning, support the functioning of the brain, support proper functioning of the adrenal glands, and improve the person?s ability to handle stress. They can also help the proper functioning of the mitochondria in their production of ATP in the cells, which helps a person?s energy at a very fundamental level. Siberian ginseng, schizandra, licorice, and astragalus are all good herbs for improving a person?s energy level, digestive functioning, and their ability to handle stress. White peony, dong quai, and wolfberry nourish the blood and reduce fatigue. Polygonum and eucommia can help improve a person?s adrenal response and can improve brain functioning. Bupleurum, longan fruit, zyzyphus seed, dragon bone, oyster shell, and magnolia bark can be beneficial for the depression, anxiety, lack of concentration, and sleep problems that people with Lyme Disease experience.

As you can see, Lyme Disease is a complex illness with many facets. Chinese herbal medicine has numerous herbs in its pharmacopia that can treat the many different aspects of this disease in a comprehensive and holistic manner.

Farah Khan is a licensed acupuncturist and Doctor of Oriental Medicine. She developed an interest in Lyme Disease after contracting the illness in October of 2001, and developing late stage Lyme Disese by June of 2002. She has used numerous methods to recover from this insidious illness, including her own training and expertise in Chinese herbal medicine. She offers herbal and essential oil formulas related to this condition on the web at http://www.yinessence.com. She can be reached at farah@yinessence.com.

Spinning Classes Indoor Stationery Bicycle

2008-12-08T23:05:00.001+07:00

Over the years I have changed my exercise routine continuously. That wasn't exactly planned, but it probably kept my interest up. I started with twice-a-week through Adult Education at the local junior high school. That was simple non-impact bending. That was too easy. Then I moved into Jazzercise, which was high impact. I began to really enjoy that. But it was only offered twice-a-week. My energy level blossomed. I now am up to six days per week, and sometimes even that isn't enough!

I joined many health clubs over the years. After the high school routine, which got dull after a while, I needed to find something that would allow more days of exercising. It had to fit my schedule, since I've always worked full time. There's no choice there! Adult Education classes are only offered during the week for the most part and usually only once or twice a week. That's simply unacceptable for someone who needs to reduce stress, anxiety, nervous illness, depression and other problems.

I then joined an all-women's club, which was great! It was in a storefront but the place went bankrupt. I needed to move on. I joined a club open seven days a week and loved it. They had everything, mostly high-impact aerobics, my favorite. But they went bankrupt, as well. The company who purchased the club was too pushy and too interested in money first before pleasuring members. So I moved on.

I joined the Jewish Community Center and stayed there for 15 years until problems arose.

Gail Fonda has been writing for 40 years and probably will write the rest of her life. It just feels so good. She has a BA in Journalism, Kent State University.

Reap the Many Sauna Benefits

2008-12-08T10:55:00.001+07:00

Despite popular opinion, sauna benefits extend well beyond the relaxation and de-stressing that most associate with the experience. Having an escape from today?s stressful world is nothing to thumb your nose at, yet there are far more benefits of sauna that you should be aware of. Once you realize all of the potential rewards, you may just decide to go out and buy one for yourself, as more and more people around the world are doing.

Although all saunas offer a therapeutic experience, some offer more than others due to the way that the heat is delivered to the user. In the traditional sauna, with a wood-burning, gas or electric heating unit, steam comes off the rocks in the stove and heats the air in the room. This heat raises your heart rate, dilating the blood vessels and improving circulation. Due to the higher temperatures one of the benefits of sauna is increased sweating, which releases toxins from the body, similar to that which takes place during a run or other cardiovascular exercise. Add in a fragrance diffuser with some lavender or eucalyptus and all a sudden you have the added benefits of aromatherapy to further relax or maybe even invigorate you instead.

Offering even more sauna benefits is the infrared sauna, which uses special natural heat to deeply penetrate the skin directly rather than warm the air in the room. As such, they operate at much lower temperatures, creating a more breathable environment and allowing you to reap the benefits of sauna without feeling uncomfortable even after extended periods of time.

This deep heat increases your heart rate as well as your metabolism, so you can actually lose weight while you relax. Many people look to saunas to help them burn extra calories without having to get on the treadmill. The experience also loosens muscles and relaxes the entire body, which is why they are ideal for pain relief after an intense workout or to nurse an injury or tight spot.

Of course, let?s not forget that sauna benefits your skin by getting rid of dirt and chemicals from pores, as well as removing dead skin cells. This can help your complexion immensely, and as such can be an effective treatment for acne, psoriasis and other blemishes.

Many studies have yet to be done to prove some of the claims of sauna benefits, particularly those of infrared. But the popularity (along with the affordability) of both continues to rise despite the lack of concrete medical evidence of the benefits of sauna. The main reason is the experience- just step into a sauna and you almost instantly feel better. The euphoric feeling that can come from steam or deep heat is so intense you may wonder how you have done without one this long.

With saunas becoming very affordable and even coming now in do-it-yourself-kits (some starting as low as $1200), you have very few excuses for not getting one. No matter the cost, it?s a great investment for your health, and one you will not regret.

David Bloom is a health enthusiast and contributor to many fitness sites. He is the author of Sauna Benefits, a blog dedicated to residential saunas and sauna equipment and accessories.

Acne Treatment: 7 Things You Must Know!

2008-12-08T00:23:00.001+07:00

Let me ask you this...

Are you suffering from acne?

Do you know what is causing it and is there any effective acne treatment?

Studies show that an estimated 80 % percent of people experience acne at some point. No one knows exactly what the cause of acne is, but there are a few theories.

Let?s take a look at 7 of them:

1. Acne normally begins between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

This is true in both males and females due to changes in hormone levels. These hormones, called androgens, will enlarge the facial glands. The oil produced by the glands is known as sebum. The hair follicles shed dead cells too quickly and the cells and sebum form a blockage in the gland.

2. Pressure and rubbing from tight garments.

Adult with acne should avoid tight-collared shirts that might irritate the acne further. Adult athletes may notice an outbreak of acne from equipment such as backpacks or athletic helmets.

3. Acne can also be caused by genetics.

Studies have shown that a family history of acne can affect whether you have acne and the severity of it. So if your mother or father had acne as a teen, chances are that it will be a contributory factor to the cause of your acne.

4. Factors linked to women

Women have several factors that men don?t that can be linked to the cause of acne. Women go through several phases of life that cause their hormone levels to change. These changes can cause acne in adult women between two and seven days before their menstrual cycle.

5. Pregnancy and hormones

Pregnant women also experience a fluctuation in hormones.

Those who may have previously had little or no acne may see pimples during their pregnancy and for a time after the birth of the baby until the hormone levels return to normal.

6. Menopause and hormones

Menopause will cause changes in hormone levels for woman and can be a cause of acne. Women also tend to wear heavy makeup when experience an acne outbreak, which only worsens the problem by further clogging pores.

7.Stress.

Especially in adults, stress can be another cause of acne. When you are stressed, the hormone cortisol is produced.

Cortisol will worsen any acne you already have. To prevent stress-related acne, try relaxation and meditation.

Some adults experience acne from picking at blemishes on their skin. You should never pick at or squeeze a pimple, blackhead or any other blemish on your face.

This can only cause more acne and possibly an infection. When cleaning your face, avoid harsh facial cleansers(they cause the creation of more sebum) and scrubbing your face too vigorously.

Acne treatments

The sad part is that most of the acne products are sold over the counter for treatment.

Most over-the-counter acne treatments are topical and come in the form of a cream, soap, lotion or gel.

Acne products normally contain benzoyl peroxide (good for killing the bacteria and possibly reducing oil production), sulfur (helps eliminate blackheads and whiteheads) and/or salicylic acid (cuts down the speed of cell lose).

More severe cases may require prescription acne medicine that is topical or oral.

Oral acne medication can help reduce both the growth of the bacteria and inflammation of glands.

Robin Araoz makes a short review about Chris Gibson?s natural acne treatment. Find out how thousands of people have cured their acne in 3 days. Visit this link for details: acne treatment.

Asbestos And Mesothelioma

2008-12-07T10:55:00.001+07:00

Asbestos is a carcinogenic, fibrous mineral, which is at times used in construction, usually for insulating purposes. People who live or work in conditions where they are exposed to asbestos fibers run the risk of developing mesothelioma. Despite its health hazards, asbestos is often used in construction due to the fact that it is relatively a cheap material.

Consequently, construction workers exposed to the mineral, as well as their families, are most at risk of developing this rare form of cancer. Workers bring home the carcinogenic fibers as traces on their clothes, thereby exposing family members to the danger of developing the cancer. A few weeks of exposure to asbestos can be enough to cause mesothelioma. However, in general mesothelioma has a latency period of 35-40 years from the time of exposure to asbestos to the actual development of symptoms.

Older buildings that have exposed insulation that contains asbestos, or other areas where asbestos fibers are disturbed or exposed, need to be checked by professionals and repaired or removed. Asbestos fixed firmly and used as insulation within enclosed areas such as walls and pipes is not likely to pose a health hazard with regard to malignant pleural mesothelioma, as long as it is not sawed, drilled or in any other manner that could cause the asbestos fibers to be diffused into the air, and be breathed in.

There is no safe level of exposure. Consequently, people who work with asbestos need to ensure that they are protected from exposure and that they do not bring asbestos dust on their clothes home to their families. Smoking, together with exposure to levels of asbestos can increase the chances of this cancer developing. However, not all those exposed to asbestos develop mesothelioma cancer, as genetic factors are involved.

Mesothelioma asbestos poisoning is usually fatal, and death often results within a relatively short span of time from the period when the symptoms first manifest themselves. Overall in the United States, the number of cases of mesothelioma cancer is on the rise.

Mesothelioma provides detailed information about malignant mesothelioma, asbestos and mesothelioma, mesothelioma, mesothelioma research and more. Mesothelioma is the sister site of Asbestos Exposure.

Basic Principles and Practice of Nature Cure

2008-12-06T22:57:00.001+07:00

The whole philosophy and practice of nature cure is built on three basic principles. These principles are based on the conclusions reached from over a century of effective naturopathic treatment of diseases in Germany, America, and Great Britain. They have been tested and proved over and over again by the results obtained.

The first and most basic principle of nature cure is that all forms of disease are due to the same cause, namely, the accumulations of waste materials and bodily refuse in the system. These waste materials in the healthy individual are removed from the system through the organs of elimination. But in the diseased person, they are steadily piling up in the body through years of faulty habits of living such as wrong feeding, improper care of the body and habits contributing to enervation and nervous exhaustion such as worry, overwork and excesses of all kinds. It follows from this basic principle that the only way to cure disease is to employ methods which will enable the system to throw off these toxic accumulations. All natural treatments are actually directed towards this end.

The second basic principle of nature cure is that all acute diseases such as fevers, colds, inflammations, digestive disturbances and skin eruptions are nothing more than self-initiated efforts on the part of the body to throw off the accumulated waste materials and that all chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, rheumatism, asthma, kidney disorders, are the results of continued suppression of the acute diseases through harmful methods such as drugs, vaccines, narcotics and gland extracts.

The third principle of nature cure is that the body contains an eleborate healing mechanism which has the power to bring about a return to normal condition of health, provided right methods are employed to enable it to do so. In other words, the power to cure disease lies within the body itself and not in the hands of the doctor.

To learn more about the energy principle in healing, please read:

Cost-free Miracle Asthma Cure
Overcome Type I Diabetes and Type II Diabetes Naturally
Alternative Treatments for Incurable Diseases made easy

Are Your Breathing Habits Contributing to Your Chronic Headaches?

2008-12-06T18:53:00.001+07:00

Any kind of headache is an indicator of stagnant energy that needs to be released and moved. Mental agitation or an overactive nervous system means there is not much happening for the respiratory system. If you can?t quiet your mind or you feel anxious, the BOTTOM LINE IS, YOU ARE NOT BREATHING! If you are breathing fully it is impossible for your mind to be agitated.

For a general de-stressor it is important to be moving your body through some kind of exercise. This is a process of finding what works for you. Do you thrive and feel best when you have really intense physical activity? Does your body prefer something slow and more calming such as Yoga or Tai Chi? Maybe you are in the middle? One of the most significant reasons behind doing any sort of exercise is that it forces you to breathe. Breathing represents life force energy and movement of energy. Breath moves energy. Chronic headaches represent stuck energy. Our breath is directly connected to our emotions. This is true because when we feel happy and calm our breath is always more relaxed. We usually take much fuller inhales and exhales. When we are stressed or tense, the tendency is to hold our breath. When we watch a disturbing movie, or see something really horrific we gasp in disbelief and the breath gets repressed at the same time. In response to what emotion is coming up, the breath follows. For example, if a person is experiencing panic, the breath is very shallow and short, and results in a ?panting.?

If our breath is short and shallow, it signifies we are not ?fully breathing in life.? The consequence of quick shallow breathing is oxygen starvation. This leads to reduced vitality, premature ageing, poor immune system response, and a myriad of other factors. Oxygen is critical to our well-being, and any effort to increase the supply of oxygen to our body will be beneficial, with a priceless outcome. Breathing more fully can benefit everyone, especially people who have sedentary jobs and spend most of the day in offices. They may feel tired, anxious, irritable, and not very productive.

Breath is also related to posture. We often assume certain postures that do not support our body and restrict our breath and lung capacity. We slouch for example, and being hunched over limits the amount of oxygen we are able to inhale. We have adapted to breathing in dysfunctional ways without even the awareness that it is something vital to our health and well being. A major reason for this is our fast paced life style; we are always in a hurry. Working with innovative technology causes us to be physically less active and therefore less connected to what?s going on in our body.

To truly experience the fullness and greatness, we need to take deep satisfying breaths. We all want to experience the richness life has to offer. It can easily start with noticing our breath. Observe your own breath pattern. Do you find yourself holding your breath often? Does your chest or stomach feel tight when that happens? Are your inhalations shallow or short?

How do you correct these things? BREATHE MORE!! Put your focus on your breath. Engage in activities that get your body moving. Walking, running, swimming, Yoga, Tai Chi, aerobics, sports: these are all things that support your body. Systematic breathing on a daily basis can transform lives. It is what the Yogis call ?Pranayama.? Yogis realized the vital importance of an adequate oxygen supply thousands of years ago.

Here is a technique to practice:

1.) sitting straight up with both feet on the floor

2.) imagine you are going to blow out a candle that is 6 ft. in front of you

3.) keeping that image in mind, practice fast sharp exhales, you should feel your abdomen expand and contract.

4.) work up to doing 3 sets of 50 repetitions

*You may feel light headed at first. This happens because your organism is expanding the amount to oxygen being taken in. Do what you need to take care of yourself. Start slow.

For free cutting edge health tips that can enhance your life and prevent disease visit: http://www.naturalcuresforchronicheadaches.com

For more information on Marnina Reid, or Natural Cures For Chronic Headaches Please visit: http://www.naturalcuresforchronicheadaches.com

Curing Prostate Cancer Is Possible

2008-12-06T03:17:00.000+07:00

Cancer is a result of many related diseases that begin in cells. Normally, cells grow and divide to produce more cells. New cells are needed to keep the body in good health by replacing died cells. Sometimes, new cells form when old cells do not die off when they should. These uncontrolled cells form a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor.

Not all tumors are cancerous; tumors can be benign or malignant.

Benign tumors are not cancer. Cells in benign tumors do not invade other parts of the body. They can often be removed without problems and, in most cases do not come back.

Malignant tumors are cancer. As they multiply without control or order, cancer cells in malignant tumors invade and destroy the nearby tissue. They can also break away from the malignant tumor and spread all the body trough the lymphatic system.

Prostate cancer occurs when cancer cells in malignant tumors invade prostate.

This cancer illness can be attacked by many working methods. Treatment for prostate cancer may vary according to the stage of the cancer. It may include surgical removal, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal manipulation, biological therapy.

There is no universal treatment that will work the same in individual cases. Depending on factors like type and location of the cancer, size of the tumor, whether the disease has spread, the patient's age and general health, the doctors may use one or, sometimes, a combination of the above methods.

Curing prostate cancer is possible, and the treatment is more effective if cancer is detected in the early stages. For early diagnose a routine tests are necessary to be performed yearly: an urine test, a digital rectum examination or PSA tests.

At the same time, when men experience difficulties while urinating, noticing a weak or intermittent flow of urine, they must go and ask a medical advice. Other symptoms for prostate health concerns include urgent needs to urinate, the need to wake up several times a night to do this or dribbling of urine after and even before urinating.

Valerian D is a freelance writer specialized in health issues affecting men like prostate cancer treatment.

Alternative and Natural Healing Methods Grow in Popularity

2008-12-05T10:42:00.000+07:00

After years of being ostracized by conventional medicine, alternative and natural healing methods have gained popularity with America's over-drugged population.

According to a recent study of 18 major HMOs and insurance providers, 14 offered at least 11 of 34 alternative therapies or natural healing methods. Of the most frequently covered natural healing methods, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy and herbal remedies are the most popular.

Even with an increase in insurance coverage for some natural healing methods, the general public is still undereducated about the benefits of incorporating natural healing methods into their normal healthcare regimens.

By definition, natural healing methods or complementary and alternative medicine, as they are known by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), are a group of diverse medical and healthcare systems, practices and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine.

On most occasions, natural healing methods are used in conjunction with conventional medicine. For instance, aromatherapy might be used after surgery to aid in recovery. Natural healing methods can also be used instead of conventional medicine, such as using herbal remedies to treat illness rather than prescription drugs.

Due to the increase in popularity of natural healing methods, many schools have opened to train natural healing practitioners. Programs in natural healing methods, like the ones offered at Orange County's Academy of Natural Healing, focus on various techniques ranging from spa therapy, which includes massage, stone therapy and aromatherapy, to holistic health practices, which focus on holistic healing of the body, and herbal studies, which promotes herbal remedies for common ailments.

As these natural healing methods are proven to be safe and effective, they are adopted into conventional medicine, and new healing methods emerge. Such was the case with chiropractic, and now acupuncture. Americans' are seeking out these alternative or natural healing methods as they strive to live healthier lives. It is only a matter of time before insurance companies pick up on the popularity of such practices and begin to offer coverage.

Nourisha Wells is the College Preparation editor for Search4 Career College News, and site editor for Counselor Companion. She has published articles on preparing high school students for college, finding financial aid, standardized test preparation, teen health and safety issues, parental and teacher involvement in college search and career exploration. She has also written several articles promoting career colleges and technical schools for adults going back to college, career changers seeking advanced degrees and non-traditional students heading to college for the first time. Her freelance work has included many career-focused institutions, such as Academy of Natural Healing.

Aromatherapy Candles ? The Brighter Side Of Candles

2008-12-04T23:03:00.001+07:00

Candles are commonly used for lightening a dark room when your home?s power is gone or more often in a candle light dinner. But, the usage of candles is not confined to this only. Introduction of aromatherapy candles have added a new perspective to the usage of candles, candles now serve as a basis to achieve health, vitality and rejuvenating of the body as well as mind and spirit.

Aromatherapy candles are made with beeswax, soybean wax or vegetable oil. One can even find pure essential oil candles in the market. The best thing about aromatherapy candles is that they are environmental friendly as they are derived from natural plant sources.

Uses of aromatherapy candles: -

Set the atmosphere

Improve the ambience in many situations

Can be used in any room of your home and provide a wonderful enhancement.

Scented with essential oils or herbs that send messages of relaxation or rejuvenation to the mind and body

Aromatherapy candles are available in different styles, sizes and scents. You can choose the appropriate candle as per your requirement and aspiration. Scented candles can add warmth to any home, they can give a clean, refreshing feel. Many candles are scented with essential oils, or oils that some from plants.

If by now you have decided to buy an aromatherapy candle, learn what kinds of scents they are available in and what are their benefits: -

Frankincense is warming.

Peppermint is strong and minty. Can aid with alertness

Lemon is also a strong scent and can help dispel fatigue

Jasmine smells as good as it sounds can help spark romance

Grapefruit is another citrus scent that can lift your spirits

Vanilla is very rich and helps to relieve tension and irritability.

Lavender is fresh and floral. This can help dispel a Soor disposition

Aromatherapy candles are cost effective and are natural candles. They have many benefits over candles made up of paraffin. Soy wax that is most commonly used in making aromatherapy candles is natural nontoxic, biodegradable renewable resource. It also burns slower and produces very little dust and smoke.

Internet has made it easier for all to access the desired aromatherapy candles with ease without going out for shopping. You can access infinite number of lenders with just a few clicks. Look for lenders who provide pure aromatherapy candles with essential oil.

Aromatherapy candles are the best cost effective means to relax and can rejuvenate your senses and body. Choose the desired candles with caution, a little bit of research can help you get the desired candles at reasonable rate.

Bryan Josling is working with the Horticultural Research Station in Adelaide. He has also been involved with research on plants. To find Aromatherapy essential oils, Aromatherapy Candles, Aromatherapy Massage Oil visit http://www.ndaroma.com

Overstressed Or Tired?

2008-12-04T15:48:00.001+07:00

Our culture is in overdrive and it's a challenge not to get run over. If we feel that we are in charge at the wheel, it's a challenge to keep the energy balance in our favor. We need to be sure that energy boosters outweigh energy drainers and that the sheer quantity of what we take on stays in check.

This article is about keeping your energy balance in the positive. First, we'll remind ourselves about well-known energy boosters and energy drainers, then we'll talk about how boosters can become drainers. Finally, we'll talk about energy management--how to be masters of our energy rather than victims of circumstance.

What are energy boosters? Energy boosters are actions that create an overall positive energy balance. In other words, after we perform energy boosting activities we have more energy. Some obvious energy boosters are:

* eating healthy foods and supplements (especially lean proteins and fresh fruits and vegetables),

* drinking sufficient water to stay hydrated (on average 64 fluid ounces per day depending upon body weight),

* getting sufficient sleep (for most people 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 hours are required on a regular basis),

* moderate exercise (aerobic exercise, strength training, and stretching in varying combinations depending on your goals, 3-7 times per week)

* meditation (15-30 minutes a day reduces tension holding patterns, increases circulation and oxygen uptake, and increases positive brain chemistry, among many other benefits)

* doing what we love ( when we participate in activities we enjoy, we increase our enthusiasm and energy level)

What are energy drainers? Energy drainers consume more energy than they provide. We feel more tired when we do these things consistently or over a long period of time. Some common energy drainers are:

* eating excess sugars and starchy carbohydrates (excess sugars and carbs put us on an energy rollercoaster)

* drinking excessive amounts of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages (these lead to de-hydration)

* smoking (reduces oxygen uptake, among other negative effects)

* insufficient sleep (our body needs sleep for physical, emotional, and mental recovery)

* being sedentary (the body is made to move and requires physical activity for oxygen and nutrient delivery, toxin removal, and to function properly)

* overworking (non-stop and excessive activity leads to stress and adrenal exhaustion)

* doing activities because we feel forced to, not because we enjoy them.

How boosters become drainers: When we do anything in excess, it can become a drainer instead of a booster. If we overexercise, overeat, oversleep, or overdo activity without breaks or rest, these activities can exhaust us rather than energize us. The key then is to become a master of managing our energy.

Energy management begins when we acknowledge that we are in charge of our lives. We shift from viewing ourselves as victims of the circumstances that surround us to seeing ourselves as active participants in the creation of our lives. We are largely responsible for our life circumstances and we can create a positive energy balance by the choices we make. We need to prioritize. Only allow things on your schedule that are trully of value to you and the care of those around you. Reduce or eliminate anything that is not a priority or an energy booster.

The key to avoiding overstress and fatigue is to become the master of your energy, rather than the victim of circumstances.

Take a look at your day and your weeks in terms of energy balance. Are you including some or all of the energy boosters listed above? Are you limiting your energy drainers? Are you conscious of taking appropriate breaks? Is there anything that is not a priority in your life that you are giving too much energy too? Are you passively accepting negative circumstances, rather than actively creating what you want?

One way to make a positive change is to define a daily practice with one of the energy boosters. The Power of Practice website (http:www.thepowerofpractice.com) has a free Daily Practice Log (link is in the left-hand column on the home page) on which you can define and track this for yourself. If you are interested in learning a daily meditation practice my Learn Qigong Meditation Program is available at http://www.learnqigongmeditation.com.

Kevin Schoeninger: M.A. in Philosophy, Certified Qigong Instructor, Personal Trainer, and Reiki Master. http://www.thepowerofpractice.com http://www.learnqigongmeditation.com

Mesothelioma Treatment Costs

2008-12-04T00:53:00.001+07:00

The costs of treating malignant mesothelioma are extremely high; estimates range from $150,000 to over $ 1 million. The most commonly used anti-cancer drugs used to treat malignant mesothelioma are Alimta? and cisplatin. The combined cost of these drugs for one treatment cycle is approximately $4,100; multiple treatment cycles may be required, and a cure is not assured. In fact, even with aggressive treatment, the median survival of a patient after diagnosis with malignant mesothelioma is between one and two years.

Some mesothelioma treatment costs may be covered by health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. However, many people may not have health insurance or be eligible for Medicaid or Medicare. Information on sources of financial assistance can be obtained from the social services units of hospitals, the Cancer Information Network and the American Cancer Society.

When occupational exposure to asbestos can be proven, patients with malignant mesothelioma may be able to seek damages from former employers through lawsuits. While there is a current cap of $1.1 million on the total amount that can be awarded to a single individual in a mesothelioma lawsuit, this cap is considered insufficient by some mesothelioma treatment advocates. They say that better diagnostic tests, combined with the availability of more effective treatment, means more people with malignant mesothelioma are diagnosed at a younger age and live longer. Increased survival is associated with increased treatment costs.

Some novel mesothelioma treatment options are being investigated in clinical trials. These include more affordable options such as immunotherapy, or expensive options such as gene therapy. In gene therapy, specific materials injected into the patient attack the genes in cancer cells, ultimately killing them. A single session of gene therapy may cost between $150,000 and $950,000. Clinical trials may cover some costs of treatment. However, certain trials only enroll people who have been recently diagnosed and who have not begun any other type of treatment.

Mesothelioma Symptoms provides detailed information on Advanced Mesothelioma Symptoms, Clinical Mesothelioma Symptoms, Mesothelioma Diagnosis: An Introduction, Mesothelioma Stomach Symptoms and more. Mesothelioma Symptoms is affiliated with Pleural Mesothelioma Information.

Asbestos Mesothelioma

2008-12-03T11:32:00.001+07:00

Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral found in the ground and mined all over the world. It is so small it can only be identified under a microscope. In the past, asbestos was added to various products such as insulation to increase fire resistant properties. Asbestos exposure, especially of an extended duration, has been linked to mesothelioma and other health problems, including lung cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects cells in the lining of the chest and abdomen. The tissues in these areas are called the mesothelium, and they produce a lubricating fluid that allows the organs to move easily and without irritation or injury in the torso cavity.

Asbestos fibers attach themselves to the lining of the lungs or other parts of the respiratory tract and remain there indefinitely. Asbestos is most dangerous when it is airborne. The fibers are small and light and can stay afloat for a long time and can travel great distances from their source. Since asbestos fibers are microscopic and airborne, people can breathe in asbestos fibers for many years without realizing it. Workers in environments in which construction materials, especially insulation, are handled are at greatest risk. Starting in the 1940s, workers, unaware of the danger, regularly handled and were exposed to large amounts of asbestos, often for long durations. Trades that involved especially high levels of exposure included asbestos production related fields like mining, milling, asbestos tile manufacture, and the manufacture of products that used asbestos. Other industries with high levels of possible exposure included shipbuilding, construction, car repair, and any form of demolition. Today, worker?s exposure to asbestos has been reduced due to government regulations. Still, however, demolition workers are at risk when they disturb antiquated materials that contain asbestos in older structures. It can take anywhere from 10 to 40 years for symptoms of an asbestos related disease to surface.

Critics have charged that asbestos manufacturers knew of the dangers of asbestos exposure many years before alerting the public of potential health risks. Despite the dangers associated with asbestos, the substance can still be found in thousands of products today. Because of its airborne mobility, its microscopic size and harmful properties, professional assistance is required to remove asbestos. There are professional abatement services that will remove asbestos from homes or other buildings. Asbestos is most harmful when the structure containing it is disturbed, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.

Some observers contend that asbestos product liability lawsuits have resulted in over $100 billion in claims and bankrupted over 100 companies.

Wayne Walker is president of CapTran, the leader in litigation financial services. http://www.captran.com

? 2005 Capital Transaction Group Inc