Friday, April 29, 2011

Pain Management

Pain is a fact that many thousands of people around the world to live in every day life. For many who have chronic pain (long term), this means that it is something they need to live every waking moment of every day, which could make life very sad indeed.

The fact is that all of us, probably every person on the face of the Earth are already familiar with the pain or have episodes of pain at some point in our lives yet to emerge. Is it that we have to accept pain as an inevitable part of life?

The unfortunate answer to that question is probably yes, because if you live in a cocoon of cotton doubled every moment of every day, it is almost impossible to avoid such accidents that will inevitably cause pain and discomfort. But in a situation like this, pain is usually temporary and no matter how it may be acute at the time, it goes pretty fast.

If you pinch your fingers in the door or give a pat on the back of the hand with a hammer, yes, it hurts like hell and the pain is terribly intense, no doubt. If you fall off the bicycle and the knee of concrete cracks, it hurts and even get a free kick or involuntary fully in sport does not hurt unless your opponent does not want to cause him pain.

However, the pain, the definition of acute, usually goes, and even traps finger in a door or drop the wheel to leave the wound, which occurs a few days, however, is still a pain in the relatively temporary situation that you are But these are also times when pain relief is something that probably research, because the basic truth is that humanity in general is not very good at dealing with pain without some kind of outside intervention.

If you have a finger or knee is sore for several days, imagine what it must be worse if I had to live with constant pain, chronic pain harassing you every day of your life. If you are one of the lucky ones who never had to endure the pain in the long run it is probably hard to imagine a situation in which pain is a constant in his life, but there are thousands of people this is their reality everyday.

Of course, during the 112 years since Felix Hoffman managed to produce a stable form of acetylsalicylic acid, better known as aspirin, man has developed many products based chemical painkillers used by millions of people around the world every days.

Many of these drugs are very effective as painkillers, but that does not change the fact that all chemical-based drugs, side effects associated with many of these drugs.

There is also a significant number of people who can not take these drugs, so, people who are allergic to them or take other medications that are prohibited from taking certain types of painkillers. For example, for thousands of people around the world to take a daily tablet of sodium as the anticoagulant warfarin or heparin, aspirin is a no-go because it has too much capacity to dilute the blood.

Thus, while not denying the effect of painkillers, there are a number can be surprisingly high number of people who can not use chemical-based analgesics. In addition, there are many thousands of people who do not use chemical based analgesics (painkillers) because they understand that medical science is not perfect and that if the majority of side effects of analgesics most commonly used known, and have side effects that have not yet been discovered.

Consequently, there is a lot of people who are looking for natural ways to deal with the pain for one reason or another.
Pain Relief Guide

For centuries and even millennia, people have used the natural pain of herbs and other plants. If, in many cases, the synthetic drugs used to treat pain much of the medical world are based on the properties of these natural herbs and plants. Fortunately, these natural substances are now available for you, so people can relieve their pain with the way nature intended, much less side effects and often much more.

Did you know, for example, that the original source of aspirin was willow bark? It was indeed, and now you can buy willow bark to your local health food store or natural resource, a natural herb that has proven more effective in relieving pain for many people aspirin. The reasons for this increased ability to fight the pain is that the sauce contains other natural complexes that relieve pain, and pain its main component, salicin. Salicin is well known to reduce pain and spine. Of course, people with allergies to aspirin should avoid willow bark as well.

Another natural pain relief agent that has been effective for many people who suffer from pain due to arthritis, headaches, and shingles are the essential oil of pepper found in Chile is called capsaicin. Capsaicin works for natural pain relief temporarily desensitize nerve endings that cause you pain of migraine or cluster headaches, arthritis or shingles. This natural component of pain relief can be found in health food stores and is normally used as a cream or ointment. The ointment can be applied to painful joints and muscles and is sometimes applied inside the nose for fast relief of headaches. Of course, to concentrate if you're a fan of spicy food you can eat hot peppers their natural pain relief, although the effects creams help.

Our oceans are also abundant at the root of some excellent natural components of pain relief. Red algae is a plant that is rich in important minerals like magnesium and calcium. Two capsules per day of whole natural plant source provides your body with very high levels of these minerals, your doctor will tell you which is necessary for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Studies have shown that people who take the supplement red algae reduced the bone pain and arthritis. The addition of calcium and magnesium in your diet by eating red algae can even cause the growth of natural bone. This pain comes too naturally for maximum efficiency.

Mind-body techniques for natural pain relief

My body and brain has remarkable ability to fight the pain, when given the opportunity to do so. My brain to produce natural pain relieving substances such as endorphins and serotonin, which can be released into the bloodstream when they feel pain. And there are some techniques that can be used to help stimulate the natural release of these substances.

The first way to get your body to release endorphins and serotonin, is perhaps the simplest: the exercise. When you get up and move, the brain is stimulated in a positive way to release natural pain-causing compounds. Just a little 'of exercise every day can begin the process of pain relief. What's more, the exercise will build muscle and bone mass of the body to keep him healthy and painless.

Many people find pain relief through natural techniques, such as creative visualization and meditation. In creative visualization, begins to imagine without pain. It works in the body, surprisingly, actually strengthen the body and reduce swelling. Through meditation, creative visualization relaxes the body while stimulating the brain, again leading to the release of the struggle of natural substances for pain in the bloodstream.

Of course, a combination of these treatments, both herbal and mind and body would be best to relieve physical pain. For many people, there is no reason to live with levels of pain you are experiencing right now. Pain relief is very natural as possible.

Herbology

The use of herbs as early forms of medicine or healing aid dates back centuries, as far back as the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, East Indian, Chinese, and many South American Cultures. Herbs are generally safe and like warm sunshine, natural and beneficial to mind, body and spirit, not to mention affordable compared to prescription medicine. Herbs can be listed in three main categories, food, medicinal, and poisonous.

Confusion Is Only Illusion

Herb can be pronounced with the "h" (H-E-R-B) or without it (E-R-B). Either pronunciation is correct. You'll notice that I have "an" in front of the "herb" word when appropriate. I do this for readers that wish to leave the "h" in herb silent and simply pronounce it as "erb".

The Big Three

Food herbs: Supports the positive aspects of the body, cleanses its system and maintains holistic balance. Food herbs can be consumed in great amounts without fear of losing its benefits.

Medicinal herbs: They are used for a short period of time to fight infections, flu and similar ailments when the need occurs. The time limit is used, because prolong use (overuse), may take away its medicinal benefits.

Poisonous herbs: I know what you're thinking, why use poisonous herbs at all, because this category of herbs poses no real threat. Like any type of powerful remedy, if they are misused in anyway, they have the potential to foster the decrease of health or even death. Another reason why poisonous herbs are used, is because they promote short term specific benefits.

Therapeutic Synergy

Therapeutic plants are fascinating entities unto themselves. They contain phytochemical properties that were created millions of years ago. These same phytochemical properties have been dancing hand in hand with evolution up to our present time. Providing us and many other animals that consume them, with both healing and health benefits that take our hand and lead us into their therapeutic dance festival.

An herb may contain thousands of phytochemical properties, all existing and working in unison towards the plants own health and existence. The total collection of those phytochemicals within a plant, are usually working together in a synergistic way to provide the therapeutic benefits that we need.

Synthetic Copies

The drug manufacturers may copy some of the benefits of herbs by distilling it down to just a few of its original phytochemicals in order to create a chemical rival for profit. Most often, the chemical counterpart may have a tremendous amount of side effects, because it no longer resembles the original design, created by millions of years of plant evolution. Some herbs have no synthetic counterparts whatsoever. Most herbs unlike there prescription brothers, are non evasive to the human body. Meaning, they cause very little to zero side effects, depending on what and how much dosage you're using.

Sensibility Is Key

It would be wise to consult your health care professional before undertaking any therapeutic herbal program. Some herbs have a tendency to increase the effects of prescription drugs and others simply to neutralize the drug's potency. In the worse case scenario, herbs when taken with medical drugs will cause some serious harm and side effects.

Most herbal supplements already have a recommended dosage on the label, but it would still be wise to work with your physician or health care professional, since they may be in a position to know what herbs and drugs cannot be taken together.

Gabriel Foster is the editor for http://www.gabrielfoster.com, the online magazine for both vegetarians and natural health enthusiasts.

Mercury Detoxification

An interesting area of alternative medicine that is advancing rapidly is mercury detox treatment. Mercury is toxic to humans. We can be exposed to mercury in a number of ways, including the silver fillings in our teeth, ammunition, artificial flowers and wood preservatives.

High concentrations of mercury in the body have been shown to have many negative effects, including a deterioration of the central nervous system, dementia, depression and tremors. Mercury is absorbed into both the connective tissues and the nervous system, making its effects even more disastrous. By restricting the individual cells' respiration enzymes, mercury keeps your cells from using oxygen. It can cause heart disease and suppress your immune system. Cleansing your body of mercury is the answer.

Mercury detoxification is the process by which mercury is eliminated from the body. The process is lengthy, often taking three to six months. The most common method for eliminating mercury is chelation therapy. Chelation therapy is introducing a binding agent into the body that grabs onto the mercury and causes it to be excreted with the body's waste products. Both intravenous and oral chelation methods exist. The intravenous method is more costly and inconvenient, making the oral method the most popular.

While the intravenous method administers compounds directly into the blood stream, oral chelators can be purchased and administered to reduce mercury levels in the body. These will often contain a type of algea and cilantro, natural chelators, known for their ability to bind mercury, and other supplements to assist the body in eliminating mercury.

If you suspect that you have mercury in your body, be sure to check with a health professional on how best to eliminate the chemical from your body. Once you eliminate the mercury from your body, you can expect to feel improved brain power and concentration, increased energy and rejuvenated!

Sandra Kim Leong owns a resource-rich site with information relating to detoxification and cleansing. For more details, please visit http://www.detox-cleansing.com

Holistic Medicine

Holistic Medicine involves natural treatment options like holistic nutrition, herbology, environmental medicine, energy work, mind-body medicine, anatomy, and many other holistic medicine practices.

Holistic medicine allows an individual to be treated naturally and establishes a positive balance between body, mind and spirit. Holisitc medicine encourages self-healing. Holistic medicine promotes detoxification by utilizing cleansing herbs. Holistic medicine also teaches nutritional guidelines that enhances proper diet and longevity. Furthermore, holistic medicine means utilizing recommended vitamins, minerals and other nutritional supplements to make one's body function more effectively.

Holistic medicine encompasses preventative and maintenance programs. But it also enables us to learn alternative healing methods like Yoga, Reiki, Tai Chi, acupressure, acupuncture, herbal and plant remedies and so much more. There are well over 100 medical conditions like cancer, migraines, chronic fatigue syndrome and many others that can be helped with holistic medicine today.

In modern society, there are countless advantages to holistic medicine. If you or someone you know is interested in learning about the benefits of holistic medicine or would like to contact a holistic medicine practitioner, Holistic Junction has a directory listing of many, professional holistic medicine specialists. Simply go to "Directories," click on Business Directories and we'll help you find one close to you.

© All Rights Reserved Holistic Medicine By C. Bailey-Lloyd/Lady Camelot in conjunction with HolisticJunction.com

About the Author:

C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot is the Public Relations Director & Writer for Holistic Junction -- Your source of information for Holistic Medicine Practitioners; Holistic Medicine Schools, and Massage Therapy Schools; Alternative Healthcare; Insightful Literature and so much more!

NOTICE: Article may be republished free of charge as long as Author Resource Box (above) is included, and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN in tact and active.

Rose Oil

If there's an aroma that more individuals find deeply moving than any other, it is the oil of rose. The scent is divinely sweet, rich, and deeply floral - exclusive to the extract of history's most revered flower. Though the rose is renown for it's fragrance, the flower actually contains very little aromatic oil by weight. Some 60,000 roses are needed to distill a single ounce of oil, or about 60 roses PER DROP, a fact which brings the seemly high cost of rose oil into perspective.

The Flower of Love

The hardy nature of the thorny rose bush and the flower's magnificent beauty make it a horticulturalist's dream. The genus Rosa has some 150 species spread around the globe, being cultivated in your grandmother's backyard garden, in vast fields in Bulgaria's Valley of Roses, and everywhere in between.

Roses have somewhat of a unique past, peppered with interesting stories and extravagant displays of affection. The flower's association with devotion was perhaps most wonderfully expressed during the Roman empire, with banquet halls being carpeted with petals. Cleopatra once received her beloved Marc Antony in a room literally knee-deep in rose petals ? how's that for greeting? Roses are the unrivaled symbol of love, given dear ones through the ages as an affirmation of true affection. It's no wonder the flower's oil has great healing properties, both physically and emotionally, for the human heart.

Rose's health Benefits

With it's considerable therapeutic and aesthetic value, the 'queen of the flowers' had a special place in medicine and perfumery in the ancient civilizations of Persia, Egypt, India, Greece and Rome. The modern healing tradition of the extract of rose began in the 17 th century with the writings of English physician Nicholas Culpeper. The herbalist described the use of red roses to strengthen the heart, it's cooling and astringent actions, and its effect on headaches and tired eyes. Perhaps inspiring it's use as a beauty tonic 'par-excellence', he went on to suggest it's use as a remedy for a variety of skin complaints.

In aromatherapy, the psychological effects are wondrous for those with a broken heart, or other emotional wounds. Rose oil calms and supports the heart center, inspiring a sense of happiness and well-being. When rejection or loss has injured one's ability to love and nurture, either themselves or those around them, rose oil can bring sweet and gentle comfort and allow an emotional 're-opening'.

Use in Aromatherapy

It is the Bulgarian Damask rose, or Rosa Damacena, most often used in aromatherapy. The oil of this 36-petaled beauty is available in two forms: the 'otto', or true essential oil, and the 'absolute'. Harvest of the flowers occurs in the early morning, before the sun's rays has warmed away the aroma. Rose otto is made in a two step steam-distillation process; the first distillation yields an essential oil and a large amount of 'rose water'. The water is again distilled, producing an oil which is combined with that from the first distillation.

The absolute is made with a different process entirely. Similar in a way to 'effleurage' (the pressing of petals in fat to produce an extract), the flowers are processed in a solvent, with a wax-like 'concrete' being produced. Through a second extraction of the concrete, rose absolute is yielded. This method is significantly more efficient than steam distillation, producing nearly 7 pounds of oil per 10,000 pounds of roses (distillation yields 1 pound oil per 10,000 pounds of roses), with a corresponding lower cost. Does one produce a better oil? There is certainly debate; while some argue that traces of solvent are likely to exist in the absolute, others claim the heat of distillation does not result in a true representation of the flower. And as with either method, the quality and effect of the oil varies greatly with the experience and care of the manufacturer ? the answer truly lies with the individual and the application.

Using Rose

Oil of rose can be utilized in a number of ways; it is very gentle, being suitable for use on the skin 'neat', in massage oil, and in a bath, as well as in a diffuser. As a perfume, the absolute can be worn directly on the skin ? it's 'tenacious' quality will have the aroma slowly released for many hours. For therapeutic use for the emotions, a dilution of 10% of otto or absolute in jojoba oil is often used, being massaged into the heart area ? a diffuser is very effective for this purpose as well. The absolute or otto can also be added in small amounts to any skin cream, though using a home-made natural recipe is often the nicest. Rose water, or hydrosol, the water resulting from the distillation process of rose otto, can also be used directly on the skin, with it's mild astringent and toning properties.

A rose and lavender facial cream can be made using the following recipe: Melt ½ ounce of beeswax in 4 ounces of jojoba using a double boiler. Add 3 ounces of distilled water in a thin stream while stirring vigorously with a wire whisk. Remove from heat and continue stirring while adding 20 drops of rose oil (absolute or otto) and 15 drops of lavender. Allow to cool, then enjoy this wonderful homemade cream for sensitive skin.

There are, of course, many ways to enjoy rose oil's benefits. It is revered on many levels, from its pure aesthetic aromatic beauty, to its physiological healing and emotional uplifting. True rose oil, with its great depth and sweetness, is easily appreciated by almost all who experience this natural wonder.

Misty Rae Cech is a Naturopath in Boulder, Colorado. She enjoys rose oil absolute and otto for their many applications, along with other aromatherapy essential oils.

Parkinsons Disease

Frank's 85 year-old father was in advanced stages of Parkinson's.

Confined to a wheelchair...his speech jumbled...his face frozen in a Parkinson Mask...he was hardly more than a vegetable.

Day after day, he sat, unmoving, unable to communicate. It broke Frank's heart to see the once robust, active man he always loved reduced to such a tragic state.

One day, a friend mentioned that simple sugars might help his father. Frank had never heard of them and was more than a bit skeptical. After all, they had already tried everything modern medicine had to offer.
But desperation drove Frank to check it out.

He was impressed with the logic of the science and the volume of clinical research available. This was obviously not some new miracle food with extravagant claims, backed by little or no real medical research.

Furthermore, he understood that simple sugars would be no more harmful than giving his dad a blueberry muffin. They were a food. Nothing more...nothing less.

He began with small doses. Then gradually increased the amount his father was taking until they reached the amount suggested by their Recovery Coach.

The results were amazing. Slowly, Frank's father was able to speak more normally. His face lost its frozen expression. And he regained some of his old energy and animation.

One afternoon, Frank's father asked to go bowling. This had been one of his favorite activities before the disease forced him to quit.

Frank was astounded and a bit apprehensive. After all, his father was still in a wheelchair. But the desire on his father's face was so intense he couldn't refuse.

The sound of rolling balls and flying pins was like a tonic to Frank's father. He sat up in his chair and looked around with excitement. After Frank placed his favorite bowling ball in his lap, he rolled himself up to the line on one of the lanes, swung the ball several times beside his chair and let it go.

Frank watched in amazement as the ball hit the pins. On that first try, his father had rolled a perfect strike.
When his father turned his chair around, he gave Frank a grin that split his face from ear to ear. It was one of the most precious moments in Frank's life.

WHAT ARE THESE SIMPLE SUGARS?

Just that. Simple one-molecule sugars. But eight sugars so essential to the body that they must be internally manufactured if not supplied in the diet...which seldom happens.

Although the simple sugars have no healing power, they are a vital part of every cell's communication system. Without them, a damaged cell cannot signal a need for resources to repair itself. Nor can good cells recognize bad cells, such as cancer cells, and trigger the immune system.

When a body becomes starved for simple sugars and does not have the resources to manufacture them, disease is often the result. By the same token, supplying the simple sugars, sometimes in large doses, often reverses the disease and the damage that has been done.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THESE SIMPLE SUGARS

There is a great deal of information available from both medical journals and consumer scientific magazines. It is worth looking into.

Simple sugars could be the key to renewed health for you, a family member, or a friend.

To find out more about simple sugars, visit this web site: http:http://www.GrantForHealth.com

Prevent Cancer

Starbucks now offers the Green Tea Frappachinos, yes I had one and they are very tasty indeed. We all know green tea helps prevent many types of cancer, not to mention a host of other things. Green Tea is very good for your body. Starbucks makes their green tea frappachinos with Green Tea powder derived from Green Tea Leaves. As you watch them blend your drink you will probably wonder if it will taste good, if it can really help. Well you are in luck on both accounts. Although it might be a little on the fattening side at least you know it is doing good things inside your body due to the green tea.

New research seems to indicate that green tea does in fact protect our bodies from getting cancer. Well few of these things are as good as green tea researchers say, of course the Chinese have been saying it for 10,000 years. A brand new research now shows that the phytochemicals in green tea are absolutely incredible. Something that the Asian cultures have known throughout their history, in fact it is quite well known that green tea is known to prevent many forms of cancer such as; Ovarian cancer, Pancreatic cancer, Colon cancer, Lung cancer and Breast cancer.

Some say that if green tea was a medicine or drug it would be considered more of a wonder drug than most other cancer drugs. Green tea is considered by many to be a powerful herb, which is wise to incorporate into our diets. There are presently no known side effects for green tea, yet it appears to be one of the most incredible anti-cancer compounds around. And now you can get it as a Frappachino. Life is good isn't it.
"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance;  

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Knee Pain

Running with knees that hurt and are not getting better trough time is no fun, and being addicted to running doesn't help either.

Fortunately, pain isn't always a definite sign of tissue damage; instead it can be protective pain that is coming from entities called myofascial trigger points.

Pain from trigger points can feel like its coming from knee joint or patellae, while it's actually coming from contraction knots in the quadriceps muscles.

What makes things quite enigmatic is that these knots can sometimes reside high in quadriceps muscles, far from where the actual pain symptom is felt.

It's not uncommon for knee pain to be solely or partially muscular. It's also common for doctors to overlook trigger points as a possible pain cause, because at this point there is no imaging equipment in use, which could verify their existence.

For now, only way to find out if trigger point are part of the pain equation, is manually palpating and searching for them from the muscles. There are not many doctors who do this, or know how to do this, or think that it's even beneficial to do this.

Fortunately finding and treating trigger points is quite easy, and you don't need an expert to do it for you.
You just find tender spots which refer pain to your knee when pressed, from those muscles that are reported to be involved in knee pains.

Usually, even a few days of self-massage to those points, can make them stop referring pain to your knee area. And make it evident that they where indeed behind the pain.

Finding and massaging trigger points in the quadriceps and calf muscles, and the small muscles behind the knee (plantaris & popliteus), should give you good results.

More information at pain relief guide site, quick links below

Related resources back at pain relief guide site, quick links below. Also, remember to download trigger point 
pain charts (beta) - available at home page. Pain-relief-guide.com

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a condition defined as the inflammation of the bronchi which results in persistent cough that produces considerable quantities of sputum. A respiratory infection such as a cold is the initial stage of the development of bronchitis. Bronchitis usually disappears within a few days without lasting effects in most people, however the coughs due to bronchitis can continue for up to three weeks or more.

Viruses such as coronarvirus, adenovirus, or a rhinovirus, that attack the lining of the bronchial tree is one of the major causes of bronchitis. Swelling occurs and more mucus is produced when the body tries to fight back the infection causing virus. Bacteria and fungus are considered to be one of the other causes of bronchitis, but newer research shows that bacterial and fungal infection are much less common in bronchitis.

Aromatherapy is one of the widely used bronchitis natural remedy which involve inhaling the eucalyptus oil that provides some relief from the inflamed lungs. Cayenne pepper is one of the other best bronchitis natural remedies which helps break up the congestion and help you get quicker relief. One of the other natural remedies for bronchitis is a tea prepared by mixing both garlic and ginger which when taken for three to four times a day helps cure the symptoms effectively.

A tea made from an herb called creosote bush is one of the natural remedy for bronchitis widely used to cure bronchitis and other respiratory problems. A tea prepared from an herb called pleurisy root is widely used for phlegm removal. An herb called coltsfoot is also considered as natural treatment for bronchitis that has expectorant properties stimulates the microscopic hairs that move mucus out of the airways and suppresses production of a protein that triggers spasms in the bronchus.

One of the other natural treatment for bronchitis that help soothe the throat and stop the muscle spasms that trigger coughs is a herb called mullien having expectorant properties. Massaging the chest and back with a vegetable oil or massage oil is one of the other best bronchitis natural treatment that helps break up congestion in the lungs. Taking more supplements of vitamins A and C are best remedies that helps heal the inflammation of the bronchial tubes. http:/ /www.natural-treatment-guide.com/

Friday, April 15, 2011

Reiki-Seichem

Since the emergence of Reiki at the beginning of the last century, and its introduction to the west, there have been many variations in the way energy healing is taught. As it has developed, people have added information and understandings and have also had similar experiences to that of Mikao Usui, the man who founded Reiki for the present time. This has created more names for energy healing than the Eskimos have for snow!

Energy healing works on the idea that the world is an energy system made from differing frequencies. The physical world is made from very dense frequencies which is why we can see them. Other energies such as microwaves, radio-waves, sound-waves and radiation are frequencies of energy that are less dense and so we cannot ordinarily see them. Around physical objects there is a frequency of energy that we do not ordinarily see, scientifically known as the electromagnetic energy field, or aura. It is in these layers of energy around animal and human bodies that are thought by many, for thousands of years, to contain emotions, thoughts and our connection with the universe. Scientific research is now finding ways to show this to be true.

Seichem is one type of energy healing that has become popular in the UK. Another form similar to Seichem, called Karuna, has also become very popular. There are other forms of healing called Sekhem, Seichim, and SKHM etc, which are actually different from Seichem in the way they are taught, but share similar roots. This group of energy healings have elements of Egyptian teachings, as in ancient Egypt energy healing was commonplace.

Seichem is passed on in a similar way to Reiki. It is understood that Reiki is a part of Seichem, being one (the earth element) of the four healing energies, which include, Sakara (fire element) Sophi-El (water element) and Angelic Light (air and spirit element). When we talk of the 'elemental rays' we are not talking of the physical manifestation or energy from the earth, fire, water or air (three dimensional substances), we are talking of energy frequencies that pervade the universe.

In Seichem teachings Reiki forms the foundation for the other healing rays grounding them all, and working on the physical and mental body. It is usually experienced as a deep heat or warmth.

Sakara is the fire elemental ray, bringing in a rainbow of protective light which surrounds the aura. Sakara is experienced as a hot tingling sensation like a mild electrical current, working well on the electromagnetic fields that create the aura.

Sophi-El is the water elemental ray and is experienced as waves of cool energy. This ray increases the practitioner's psychic awareness and works well on emotional issues.

Angelic Light is a two-fold ray connecting to the elemental ray of air and the Angelic realm. It is experienced as a gentle breeze blowing at the finger tips, helping mental healing and enhancing the practitioner's perception through the third eye.

Seichem treatments are carried out in the same way as a traditional Reiki treatment; the client is placed on a couch or a chair, and the practitioner channels energy through their hands to the client. The energy is not the practitioners, and therefore a practitioner would not be said to heal the client. The recipient's body knows how much and where it wants these energies to go, thus allowing benefits to occur in the aspects of the person that are most in need. For example, it could be that someone has physical ailments, which may have been brought on by an emotional or mental aspect. The energies would most likely work on restoring balance to the emotions and mental states before the body can be alleviated of the physical symptoms.

Because the energy is not the practitioners, but energy that is found throughout the universe, the practitioner is also able to receive these energies for themselves, and also be able to give themselves a treatment in the same way as they would give to others. This is common to all channelled energy treatments and practices.

Many energy practitioners may feel the different energies described in Seichem teachings, even if they have not been taught by a Seichem teacher. It is my understanding that the healthier you are both physically, mentally and emotionally you will be able to channel whatever the healing frequencies or rays the recipient needs. By receiving Seichem "initiations" (procedures that allow you to open up to the healing rays), and indeed any energy initiation, you are clearing away any energy debris that prevent a person from being a clear channel. It is, however, up to the individual to ensure that they stay as clear a channel as possible to continue being of service to others. Indeed energies will be channelled no matter how much "debris" you have, but the clearer you are the more energy is allowed through.

So Seichem is one of many energy practices here for the population, and like many has its roots originating from Mikao Usui and ancient teachings. Because we are all made of the energies that a practitioner channels through, all physical, emotional and mental ailments can be treated. Seichem is a beautiful healing technique that uses the understanding of the elements within its teachings and allows practitioners and recipients a chance to bring themselves and their surroundings closer to balance.

Samantha Thurlby-Brooks is one of the UK's top Crystal Therapists, and an inspirational practitioner and teacher of Reiki-Seichem.

Samantha is currently writing a book on crystals and their self-development properties, entitled "Journey to the Spirit of the Stones".

'Butterfly' is a FREE monthly newsletter bursting with the latest information and inspiration in the mind-body-spirit field.

Subscribe online today at http://www.butterflyhousectt.co.uk

Acupressure

Developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago, acupressure is an ancient healing therapy that utilizes fingers to depress key locations on the skin's surface to prompt healing withing the body. Similar to acupuncture, acupressure uses the same reference points on the body that release muscular stress; thus encouraging better blood circulation.

Acupressure is very beneficial as it can relieve pain and bring the body back into harmonious balance. Acupressure's healing ability promotes stress reduction, improves circulation, relaxes the body and strengthens the immune system. Acupressure can effectively be used to alleviate acute and chronic conditions such as arthritis, headaches, spinal-muscular pain, and sinus complications. Also a preventative therapy, acupressure is good for fatigue as well. Overall, acupressure is an excellent healing therapy for whole well-being -- mind, body and spirit.

Two techniques of acupressure are the "Shiatsu," and the "Jin Shin." Shiatsu acupressure, the most commonly used therapy, is notated for its vigorous and firm pressure application; while, the Jin Shin acupressure technique is a more gentle form -- whereby points are softly held for a moment or two. A typical acupressure session is done in a relaxing environment and does not require removal of the client's clothing. If you or someone you know is seeking an alternative method of healing, we have a selection of accredited acupressure therapists from which to choose at Holistic Junction. Acupressure 

Natural way to Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a condition defined as the inflammation of the bronchi which results in persistent cough that produces considerable quantities of sputum. A respiratory infection such as a cold is the initial stage of the development of bronchitis. Bronchitis usually disappears within a few days without lasting effects in most people, however the coughs due to bronchitis can continue for up to three weeks or more.

Viruses such as coronarvirus, adenovirus, or a rhinovirus, that attack the lining of the bronchial tree is one of the major causes of bronchitis. Swelling occurs and more mucus is produced when the body tries to fight back the infection causing virus. Bacteria and fungus are considered to be one of the other causes of bronchitis, but newer research shows that bacterial and fungal infection are much less common in bronchitis.

Aromatherapy is one of the widely used bronchitis natural remedy which involve inhaling the eucalyptus oil that provides some relief from the inflamed lungs. Cayenne pepper is one of the other best bronchitis natural remedies which helps break up the congestion and help you get quicker relief. One of the other natural remedies for bronchitis is a tea prepared by mixing both garlic and ginger which when taken for three to four times a day helps cure the symptoms effectively.

A tea made from an herb called creosote bush is one of the natural remedy for bronchitis widely used to cure bronchitis and other respiratory problems. A tea prepared from an herb called pleurisy root is widely used for phlegm removal. An herb called coltsfoot is also considered as natural treatment for bronchitis that has expectorant properties stimulates the microscopic hairs that move mucus out of the airways and suppresses production of a protein that triggers spasms in the bronchus.

One of the other natural treatment for bronchitis that help soothe the throat and stop the muscle spasms that trigger coughs is a herb called mullien having expectorant properties. Massaging the chest and back with a vegetable oil or massage oil is one of the other best bronchitis natural treatment that helps break up congestion in the lungs. Taking more supplements of vitamins A and C are best remedies that helps heal the inflammation of the bronchial tubes.  http:/ /www.natural-treatment-guide.com/

Streng Your Bones

It has long been said that caffeine is not good for building strong bones. In fact, drinking more than three caffeinated beverages a day is listed as a risk factor for developing Osteoporosis (porous bone).

But a study reported in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" indicates that the tea may be helpful for keeping bones strong. A study done at the University of Cambridge in England examined the tea drinking habits and bone densities of over 1200 British women age 65 - 75. The researchers found that "tea drinkers "had stronger bones than "non-tea drinkers."

The tea-drinkers in the study had a 5 percent higher mean bone-mineral density than non-tea-drinkers. This could mean a 10 percent to 15 percent decline in fracture risk! These results are very different from those found among coffee drinkers.

The researchers said that perhaps antioxidants in tea are key players or it may be the flouride found in tea. Flouride has a positive effect on bone.

Researchers from National Cheng Kung University Hospital in Taiwan also found tea to have beneficial effects on bone. The surveyed 1,037 men and women age 30 and older who had bone density tests about their tea drinking habits. Most of the habitual tea drinkers consumed green or oolong tea.

Those who had been drinking tea for at least 6 -10 years had a hip-bone density 2.3 percent higher than in non-habitual tea drinkers and those who drank tea regularly for more than 10 years had a hip-bone density was 6.2 percent higher than in non-habitual tea drinkers.

Since Asian tea drinkers do not use milk in their tea, these results can not be attributed to any calcium found in milk. So, tea drinking may be a pleasant and easy means of strengthening your bones.

This article was written by K. Lindemann Ph. D. of http://www.osteopenia3.com

Permission is given to reproduce it in whole or in part as long as the author and the url of the web site are included.

Sound Therapy

As energetic beings, our electromagnetic energy field (aura) vibrates at specific frequencies. When there is an energy distortion, clutter, blockage, etc, the vibration of the energy field gets clogged, bogged down and heavy. What does this mean to you?

When your energy is clogged or bogged down with 'heavy' (slow moving) energy, physically you experience greater levels of fatigue, leg/joint aches, headaches, digestive trouble, and more. From an emotional level it can mean experiencing a 'heavy' feeling, slight depression, anger and frustration, or just generally feeling blocked. Mentally, lack of clarity, confusion, unable to make decisions, mental fatigue and lethargy are all symptoms of stuck energy.

Sound Therapy is a form of vibrational energy work. Unlike Reiki and Polarity Therapy or crystal work, sound therapy uses sound vibration to clear, open and cleanse the energy field. Sound therapists work in many formats, some using toning, meditation, color therapy, etc. Many practitioners utilize several ancient musical instruments for healing including Tibetan bells, tingshas and rattles.

A sound therapy session lasts approximately one hour with a brief consultation before and after. The session is very soothing and many people fall asleep during that hour. Several experience energy in the form of seeing colors, having memories surface, feeling tingling sensations, or pulses of energy moving through their chakras. The person lies fully dressed on the massage table while sound is applied in their energy field above the body.
During each session, clearing of the energy field, including any particular trouble areas takes place, then an opening of each chakra with a gentle realignment is performed. The person may share experiences and sensations as a greater understanding of their personal energy field is introduced.

It is recommend to drink large quantities of water for three days following the sound therapy session. Toxins and heavy energy that has been released must flush out of the person system and needs water to facilitate that cleansing process. After three days of flushing, most people experience new energy sensations, greater clarity and sense of purpose, an increased energy level for their physical body and a new feeling of wellbeing.

Sound therapy is a wonderfully gentle and soothing process that is very similar to taking a warm bath, only you are being bathed in sound. It brings a wonderful relaxing feeling into your physical body while it soothes the emotional, mental and spiritual levels.

Jodie Foster is an Intuitive Counselor who assists clients to create extraordinary transformations in their everyday lives. Her work is uplifting, empowering and success-oriented. You can visit Jodie's website at http://www.illuminationsnetwork.com for further information and to schedule a private intuitive session.
Publisher's Guidelines: You may freely publish this article online, in email newsletters, or in print so long as the resource box and byline are in tact. Author would appreciate a notification, but that is optional.

Joint Pain

Essential fatty acids provide protection for the whole body. In particular it is effective in reducing inflammation as experienced in joint pain or arthritis.

Most people will have to deal with arthritis especially as they get older. One way to eliminate or minimize this pain is to supplement with the essential fatty acids.

Osteoarthritis, the most common arthritis, is not the only arthritis that affects so many people:

* rheumatoid arthritis

* arthritis from lupus

* gout

* psoriatic arthritis

* reiter's disease

* infective arthritis

As you age, the constant movement of the joints creates wear and tear. Toxic wastes that circulate in the blood, dead cells, and liquid can accumulate in the various joints and cause inflammation and pain. Continual inflammation can cause damage to the joints. In some cases the cartilage that coats the bone ends, wears down and joints then rub bone to bone causing extreme pain.

Using the essential fatty acids provides lubrication for the joints as the move against each other. This reduces the wear that can occur at these joints and this results in less inflammation.

There are several conditions and lifestyles that contribute to arthritis,

* Obesity

* Diabetes

* Heredity

* Poor nutrition

* Poor digestion

* Lack of water

* Allergies

* Repetitive use of fingers, hands, legs or arms

* Body injuries ? sports or accidents

Arthritis is a difficult disease to treat because there is usually more than one cause. Just working on one cause may not help enough to give pain relief. But it always helps to know the many things that contribute to arthritis so that different nutritional and lifestyles changes can be made.

The use of flax seed oil, omega-3, is known to provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Omega-3 breaks down into prostaglandins. It is the prostaglandins that provide the anti-inflammatory results.

So by using the omega-3, GLA, and EPA/DHA supplements, you can get some relief from arthritis. These oils reduce inflammation and pain and provide lubrication, thereby preventing some damage from occurring in your joints.

It is recommended that you use a good dose of,

* Borage oil

* Primrose oil

* NKO oil

Using these oil spread across the day, provides the benefit of feeling reduce joint stiffness and pain in the morning. Use the different oils one bottle at a time. This gives you the health benefits that these different oil provide.

One additional benefit to using these oils is the coating protection that GLA has in the stomach lining.

The standard treatment for arthritis is the use of NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors. These, however, have undesirable side effects such as attacking the stomach lining. Thousands of deaths and visits to the emergency are associated with the use of NSAIDs.

You can benefit greatly if you use NSAIDs by adding GLA oils to your diet and help to prevent the serious side effects of the NSAIDs.

There you have it. Eat the essential fatty acids and provide your body with what it needs to build strong and healthy joints.

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 called "Natural Remedies Thatwork.com". For more information on arthritis go to: http://www.arthritis-remedies.for--you.info

Diet Food Stinks

One big thing that can keep you from eating healthy is the idea of the food. People often think it sucks and doesn't taste good. That is the best thing of not dieting, the food tastes great. And since eating healthy is a "non-diet" the food also tastes great, often better than junk food. Have you ever had a strawberry that was so good it was almost orgasmic?

People get caught up in comparing the old food they used to eat to the new food they are now eating. Don't do this. Do not get caught up in trying to find something that tastes like your old favorite thing. Here is a little secret, the natural healthy food will not taste the same. It will taste better, if you let it. Let me explain what I mean with a story.

My friend was eating an apple, and after a bite or two, she put the apple down and was going to throw it away. It was one of the worst apples she had ever eaten, she said. Don't ask me why, but I wanted to taste the worst apple ever. I took a bite, and it tasted pretty good to me. And then I had a thought. If I ate the apple expecting an apple taste, it was pretty bad. In fact, horrible. But when I tasted the apple for the taste it had, without comparing it to anything else, it was fine. In fact, the apple was pretty good. My friend, who just a moment ago was going to throw the apple out, tasted it again. When she didn't compare it to what she thought an apple should taste like, she thought it was pretty good as well.

If you try to compare the new food you are eating to things you've eaten in the past, it will not be the same. It is not the same. But if you actually taste the new food you are eating for the food it is, you will find it is just as good, if not better, than the food you used to eat. Fresh and pure food always tastes better than toxic food, if you taste the food for what it is without comparing it to what you used to eat.

Find your new favorite foods from healthy selections and the food you eat will taste great.

Junk food is NOT actually easier and more convenient. I also share this and more with you in my free e-course that this article is a part of. Go to http://www.HealthyEatingDiet.com to get the full e-course. Dr. Jamie wants to help give you Permanent Results with his "non-diet." He is also giving you dozens of valuable free gifts to "ethically bribe" you into helping him make his new book, "The Ultimate Non-Diet" a #1 best seller. 

Treatment Arthritis

Acupuncture treatment for arthritis and joint pain has been with us for centuries. Acupuncture provides many arthritis pain sufferers with an alternative (or an addition) to modern arthritis medication ? which can at best be unpalatable and, at worst, potentially toxic. Acupuncture arthritis treatment may not work alone for joint pain but it can result in powerful pain relief if your joints are angry or inflamed.

Acupuncture has been used for arthritis pain relief in traditional Chinese medicine for many thousands of years. It has recently become a widely used technique in western medicine ? both by doctors and others. The use of acupuncture is not limited to joint pain ? many other medical specialists now apply acupuncture's benefits to a variety of diseases.

Many people who suffer from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, degenerative arthritis and gout seek pain relief from acupuncture ? either alongside, or instead of, their arthritis medication or other arthritis treatment.

So how does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into several points around the body. These acupuncture points are often near to the site of your arthritis pain and may be very tender to touch before the needle is inserted. Other acupuncture points used for arthritis pain relief may be quite a way distant from the affected joint ? acupuncturists usually call these areas distal points. It depends on the particular style of practice used by your acupuncture specialist but you should expect to have anything between two and twenty needles inserted each time you go for arthritis pain relief treatment by acupuncture

The needles used for acupuncture are extremely fine ? not much wider than a human hair ? and they are often left in your skin for more than twenty minutes during an acupuncture treatment session. On average you will need between three and six acupuncture treatments before you even begin to get relief of your joint pain. The number of sessions needed varies. Long-standing and complex chronic pain problems like arthritis might need one or two treatments a week for several months. There is no way to predict how much pain relief you will get from any one session of acupuncture ? it really is a matter of try it and see what happens to your joints.

When you first go for acupuncture treatment, the initial session might last about an hour. Follow on appointments are often shorter in length. Anything between two and twenty very thin needles are put in place and left in the skin for several minutes. Having needles stuck in your body may not sound like fun but most people say that there is only a slight stinging sensation as the needles enter, and no pain at all after that. The acupuncture specialist may stimulate the needles by turning or rotating them quickly during your treatment session.

Most people do not experience side effects from acupuncture therapy but a few of us can have problems such as bleeding or mild allergy. You may feel dizzy after your first session if you haven't had acupuncture treatment before.

If you suffer from arthritis pain then do consider trying acupuncture treatment ? it could give you the arthritis pain relief that you have been longing for.

You can read more about arthritis pain relief, neck pain, lower back pain, heel pain and other aspects of joint pain on my website. You'll also find sections on frozen shoulder and carpal tunnel syndrome

Doctor Gordon Cameron is a specialist in joint pain based in Edinburgh, Scotland. He is an expert in joint pain, arthritis pain relief, the treatment

Prevent Snoring

Snoring is noisy breathing through the mouth and nose during sleep. It can occur when you are breathing in or out. Snoring is often worse when a person sleeps on his back. Snoring arises when the air passage is blocked which inhibits easy & normal breathing. The sounds are caused by the vibration of the tissues lining the air passages. Most snorers actually don't know they snore.

Prevention is better than cure.. and it applies to snoring too. To help in preventing, you should know the causes of snoring. A better knowledge of the causes would help prevent snoring easily. Putting on weight is one of the causes of snoring. Excluding Obesity and maintaining a healthy weight is therefore the first step in preventing snoring. The most effective manner in which to keep weight under control does not include the use of magical pills or plan. A wholesome diet rich in low fat, nutritious food combined with regular exercise.
A person sleeping on his back is prone to snoring. Hence sleeping on the sides will help in prevention of snoring. There are many products available in the market that helps people to sleep on the sides. These products help in prevention of snoring. There are many alternative treatments available for prevention of snoring.

Knowing how to keep your tongue while sleeping would help in prevention of snoring. Some people will breath through their mouth. This should be avoided. Prevention of snoring is achieved if mouth breathing is stopped. There are also products that help in keeping your mouth shut while sleeping. Such products are Chin-Up Strip, Snoring Stopper, Snorgon, and Snore Stopper.

Many solutions for snoring are available and are practiced by many people. A person can try these and pick out that which suits them. Changing the lifestyle of a person is one of the solutions for snoring. Changing lifestyle means, they should change their eating habits and do some exercises to keep themselves fit and lose that extra weight.  Solutions for Snoring

While U Sleep

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) has long been viewed as a remedy for aging and the diseases associated with the aging process. Research published in the AMA Journal of August 16, 2000 links sleep disorders to a lack of HGH.

In an article on research undertaken at the University of Chicago, headed by Professor Eve van Cauter, published in the August 16, 2000 AMA Journal, a link was found between the sleep disorders in 149 men aged between 16 and 83 and the lack of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) in their blood.
This lack of HGH was found to be a possible cause of "middle age spread" in the test subjects, and they theorized that the lack of HGH in older persons was a reason for the typical build up of fat and the loss of muscle mass.

HGH is produced naturally in the body, particularly at night during deep or slow wave sleep, and this component of sleep in the men was found to decrease from 20% for men 25 years or younger when their HGH levels were highest, to 5% for those over 35. By the age of 45, the research found that the men had almost lost the ability to fall into a deep sleep once they had awakened during the night. It found that by 50 years, the amount of sleep had declined by 27% a decade. They also established that growth hormone secretion decreased by 75% over this period.

There was nothing to link the reduction in sleep to a lack of HGH - this research showed a counter link - that less HGH was produced by the body because of less deep sleep.
How Deep Is Your Sleep?
Research shows that deep sleep is dependent on "the state of the person as they enter into the sleep period" - or in other words, how relaxed and safe someone is as they go to bed at night.

Unfortunately, people in the 1st World suffer from high to very high underlying stress levels at all times and this influences of course the systems of the body as it enters the sleep cycles.

To put it simply, the body cannot distinguish between feeling anxious because there are 12 mountain lions just outside the front door and an unpaid bill or fear of redundancy, being nervous about upcoming events or worried for a relative.

As a result, it will naturally go into emergency mode - the lighter states of sleep which allow for rest but the person remains very aware of outside influences, noises and movements and wakes up immediately when there is any disturbance, bright aware and ready for action.

This of course is a most useful safety device where mountain lions are concerned; however, it was never devised for constant use, a lifetime's worth of worry and anxiety about all manner of things which basically *never ceases at all*.

As worries and anxieties and underlying fears are not resolved but tend to increase, one piling on top of the next and new ones being added as the years go by, sleep disturbances increase and HGH levels decrease in turn, making it harder still to find balanced states of mind and body and a sense of security *within one's own self* which are the pre-requisites for deep sleep - and more HGH production.

Sleeping Without Fear
Now, and although the title of the article concerns the topical HGH, there are of course all kinds of reasons beyond this why sleeping deeply is so important.

There are a great many reasons for sleep disturbances and if in doubt, of course medical opinions should be sought; clearly however, being unable to enter the deep, slow wave sleep states because of underlying anxiety, fear and stress is the most common problem, affecting a large part of the population in many different ways.

So how can we go to sleep without fear?
Ananga Sivyer, author of "The Art & Science of Emotional Freedom", says, "I am sure that many sleep disturbances have their root in childhood and child rearing. Simply put, children are not designed to be left on their own, unguarded, when they are young and vulnerable. Aready then, being unable to relax deeply and profoundly becomes the normal order of things and it just gets worse from there."

As this is primarily a direct physiological set of responses in reaction to perceived vulnerability from the environment, there are a number of techniques to help adults regain a sense of safety.

Mind Control & Meditation Techniques
Although these can do little about existing "background anxiety", these kinds of techniques can at least relax the body enough so that medium deep sleep with some incidences of deep wave sleep can be achieved. In turn, if this is happening regularly, a "virtuous cycle" begins to develop whereby the slightly increased vitality and overall functioning of the body's system begin to alleviate some of the background anxiety in turn.

A simple and very useful example is to turn one's focus from the problems of the day to imagining a guardian of some kind being present who will protect the sleeper; this may be a person they might know and trust or a guardian angel, a spirit animal or any type of being or creature which will perform the "guarding service" for the sleeper so they may really go deep and leave their body indeed, vulnerable and unable to respond immediately to outside stimuli for a time whilst they are in deep wave sleep.

There are many useful articles on how to prepare and slowly remove oneself from the stresses and stressors of the day available; also many other meditation and mind control techniques to "calm the thoughts in the moment".

The core component is to remember that the sleeper will need to feel safe and protected - what exactly needs to be done to make this so is essentially idiosyncratic and different for different people.

The other avenue in order to achieve the healing deep wave sleep states is to begin to deal with the "background anxiety" - the main fears and worries that underly everything else.

A great many people are quite unaware of their own "background anxiety" and how high this actually is. This may be a good time to point out that everyone has this, and it is not a question of strenght of character, being a coward or even unusual in either men, children or women in the 1st World.

There is an excellent range of meridian based self help techniques available today which calm emotions and remove fears and anxiety by working with the human energy system rather than in the old fashioned psycho-analytical way; all of these are gentle and userfriendly and highly recommended (see Resources).
In Conclusion
All the seemingly miraculous effects of artificial HGH treatments, from weightloss, better condition, more energy and a better functioning immune system can be had quite naturally when we put ourselves in a position where we can begin to produce natural amounts of our own HGH again.

For this, we need to sleep - not a lot, but deeply. And in order to sleep deeply, we need to target particularly anxiety, stress and fear, both at bedtime as well as our own individual every day "background anxiety" levels.

When we do this with the help of the many useful new mind and body techniques available, we will reap not only all the advertised HGH benefits, but we will do so naturally, in accordance with our own bodies and without fear of having to pay the price of the side effects later. In the contrary, we are setting up a virtuous cycle of healing and improvement in our physical and mental functions.

Understanding how important it is to acknowledge, find and treat our fears and anxieties WILL put a great many things to rights - and without complicated diets, additional supplements or unnatural exercise programmes.

Check out the deep sleep delta trance "Lullaby" extreme sleep trainer - just one of the amazing free and premium products on http://starfields.org!

Natural Therapies

Just because something is labeled or deemed "natural' does not mean it comes without risk! Anytime you introduce another substance into your body, whether it be by ingestion, inhalation or skin absorption, there are inherent risks.

If you suffer from ANY of the following conditions, PLEASE seek the advice of your doctor before using ANY natural remedy - whether it be aromatherapy oils and blends or herbal teas, tinctures, supplements, salves, etc.

Epilepsy (some oils/herbs can actually send you into a seizure!)
High Blood Pressure
Low Blood Pressure
Skin Sensitivity
Coagulation Disorders
Hepatitis
Heart Disease
Liver Disease

Pregnancy/Nursing (there are no safe oils during pregnancy!)
Hormone Replacement Therapy
The golden rules for safety:

1) If you are under the care of a physician, seek his/her advice BEFORE starting therapy.

2) If you are pregnant or nursing, do not utilize natural therapies without the express consent and guidance of your doctor.

3) Keep in mind that many oils are phototoxic - meaning they will increase your sensitivity to the sun. Avoid sun exposure after topical use of essential oils.

4) Do a patch test. Always patch test a new oil or blend on a small area of skin to test for sensitivity. The last thing you want is a huge rash because you didn't know you'd be sensitive to the oil!

5) Natural remedies work well with traditional medicine - the key word being 'with'. If you have any medical conditions, are under a doctor's care for ANY reason, or simply have questions/concerns - talk to your medical professional BEFORE you begin a natural therapy regimen.

Remember - Natural does not mean 'safe'!
Dee is a Doctor of Reflexology, Homeopathic Practitioner, Certified Aromatherapist, and Reiki Master. Her site is AkobiAromas.com - a source of quality aromatherapy, herbal and reflexology information and products.

Source of All Disease

So why is there disease? The very word means that the body is in a state of Diss-Ease. It is certainly not being provided with the optimal conditions that it requires to maintain itself healthily. Unless you provide it with the right conditions, mentally, physically and spiritually, it will not function at its optimum level.

The triangle of MIND, BODY and SPIRIT represents the three inseparable components of our being and wellness. None of these factors can be affected without there being an effect on the others. Similarly, you cannot treat one without considering the others.

It is however fair to say that at a given time it may be appropriate to devote more attention to one area, rather than another. Good health is about good balance, just as homeostasis within the organism is about good balance.

Major Factors Affecting Health:
Stress
Digestion
Absorption
Circulation
Elimination

Thes e processes play a major role in determining the wellness of an individual. They are all intimately related ... an imbalance in one will have an effect on all of the others. These are always the first things to consider when looking at a your own or another person's health.

Five Basic Considerations For Health
Good nutrition is fundamental to good physical health. You cannot expect to have a healthy body if you choose to run it on junk.

Much of the energy that we draw from our food is actually channelled back to service for digestion, absorption, circulation and elimination. The rest of our body energy is used in the processes of thinking, working and playing,

Unfortunately, in modern society, there is another factor which is a crippling drain on bodily resources - this is STRESS. Our cells are the smallest living units of our bodies, and each cell is like a tiny factory. Each cell must be nourished completely and constantly, and the waste efficiently eliminated. If this is not done, the cell will either function inefficiently or it will die.

Health begins and ends at the cellular level and it is here where we must focus our attention. Stress is crippling at all levels.

Let's look at the other four components of our model. Our cells must be fed and cleansed if they are to function efficiently. The first stage in meeting the nutritional requirements of each cell is digestion. Inefficient digestion, which is the breaking down of food into its tiniest components, spells immediate problems.

Similarly, if the absorption of these digested foods is not occurring, then nutrients cannot get to the cells. We rely on our blood to carry absorbed nutrients from the digestive system to each cell. If circulation is impaired this will not happen. Finally, elimination.

If the cells are bathed in their own wastes, they cannot function therefore the elimination via the kidneys, skin and bowel is of paramount importance.

The Cost of Processed Foods
When we eat processed, low quality foods, we not only do not provide our body with sufficient nutrients, but we also burden it further with the more difficult task of ELIMINATING them. From this very simple example, you can see how poor quality foods sap our vital energy.

There is only so much to go around. Vital energy used in the process of digesting and detoxifying valueless food, and then eliminating in heavy, fibreless waste leaves much less energy available for the good things in life. There is also much less energy available for our IMMUNE SYSTEM and other vital functions. This all contributes to a corresponding reduction in health.

An Ongoing Commitment To Wellness
Another important concept to consider is that we all should be actively involved in maintaining our health. It is an ongoing process and we must always be increasing our commitment to it. Most people take good health for granted - something we are given and don't have to take care of. This is a ridiculous notion, but it is convenient. By turning a blind eye to our health we have more time for the supposedly important things like making lots of money.

That money of course is worthless if we don't have the good health to enjoy it. It is very convenient to hand our wealth over to somebody else with the demand "you fix me". This is further acknowledgement that we don't want to be responsible about our own health and this further perpetuates the fantasy of "mystery illness" - germs that strike you down at random.

The Bible has an interesting comment on this. It states that "the curse causeless, shall not come". Simply put, this means that no disease happens by accident. So, the sooner we accept responsibility for our health and get on with "healing ourselves", the sooner we will be able to help others with their own healing process.

At present orthodox medicine is based on an entirely incorrect premise - that illness and disease are separate from you, and that you have no control over these misfortunes. This does not recognise the role of the body's immune system and the powerful self-regenerating capacity of the body. Fortunately, this incorrect thinking is changing. Similarly the popular view of health and illness is that you are either one or the other. That is you are either sick or you are well.

The fact is that we are all in varying stages of wellness or unwellness, depending on which way you look at it. Illness is the last stage of the problem. You have already ignored the early warning signals of tiredness, falling energy, mental confusion, irritability, indigestion ... whatever.

You haven't been looking after yourself and your body was unable to defend itself against an invader. Or your body has been allowed to slip into a chronic degenerative state. At this point, there is little use in trying to attack the invader. Your state of illness is a sign that your body is run down and not coping. It is virtually waving a red flag and saying "Please look at me, I'm not coping".

The run down state is the CAUSE of the problem, and the disease is the EFFECT.
If you only treat the effect, the problem will occur again either in this form or another. You have to identify the problem and provide the body with the right conditions for it to get on with its own defence and healing.
Consider what takes place if you break your leg. A doctor sets it and it heals. But who does the healing? Not the doctor. But he did provide the body with the right conditions for it to heal itself. If you were also provided with good food and the appropriate additional nutrients, the task of healing would have been completed even more quickly and efficiently.

You would have provided the optimal conditions to rebuild the break. These points are fundamental to natural healing philosophy. Indeed, this is the only true healing.
Wholeness

Health can be defined as "wholeness". This means living fully and rhythmically with every part of our being. In ancient times this concept of wholeness was called "holiness", and it is the real root meaning of the word.
Anyone who lives in only part of his or her being becomes unwhole or unholy : in short unhealthy. The more 
we are out of resonance with nature, the more we suffer disease and pain.

Dee is a Doctor of Reflexology, Homeopathic Practitioner, Certified Aromatherapist, and Reiki Master. Her site is AkobiAromas.com - a source of quality aromatherapy, herbal and reflexology information and products