June 12th, 2009, Friday, 07:00
Foot reflexology is a system of therapeutic healing wherein the thumb or fingers are used to apply pressure on certain points on the feet.
Foot reflexology can help in relieving ailments, improving the blood and lymph circulation in the body.
Foot reflexology is gaining popularity due to the fact that it is a natural and deeply relaxing therapy, having numerous benefits.
Foot reflexology is based on the idea that there are various so-called reflex points on the feet (and hands) that correlate with various glands, organs, and other parts of the body.
For example, the head is reflected on the tips of the toes, the ball of the foot corresponds with the chest and heart, the arch of the foot corresponds with the kidney, pancreas, and liver, the heel corresponds with the intestines and lower back.
By applying pressure with the thumb, fingers, or even the hand on these points or parts of the foot, it results in relaxation and relief of the symptoms felt in the corresponding gland, organ, or part of the body.
There are about 7,500 nerve endings on each foot, which send signals to the brain. As well, there are about 800 meters of lymph, nerves, and blood vessels; 3 arches; 50 ligaments; 19 muscles, and 26 bones – all of which are worked during a foot reflexology session to relieve the accumulated stress.
The applied pressure is found to activate signals, which results in releasing neurochemicals like endorphins which help in reducing stress and pain or by balancing the nervous system.
Foot reflexology has been found to very effective in relieving stress, as well as other problems related to stress such as: back pain, digestive disorders, menstrual problems, hormonal imbalances, insomnia, arthritis, tension headaches.
Foot reflexology induces relaxation, relieves pain, improves circulation and promotes overall well-being.
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Tags: Alternative medicine, alternative therapy, benefits of foot reflexology, foot reflexology
Posted in Alternative medicine, Reflexology | No Comments »
June 10th, 2009, Wednesday, 06:47
Crystals and gemstones have been used for centuries to create happiness and healing within one’s life. These crystals and gemstones are formed under the earth’s surface and contain many minerals, giving them their unique colors and qualities.
These crystals and gemstones contain numerous healing properties. There are several methods of using crystals for healing purposes.
One of the most common methods of using healing crystals is by placing them on the affected parts of the body.
Another very common method is wearing the crystal. If you want long term healing or benefit from a particular crystal, you can wear the gemstone in a pendant or in a ring.
Another method of healing with crystals is making elixirs from them. You can do this by placing your chosen crystal in a glass bowl of pure spring water and leave it in the sunlight for 12 hours. This elixir can be drunk or added to your bath or used as a spray. However, study the minerals in a particular crystal before drinking its elixir. Some gemstones and crystals might not be suitable for making elixirs.
A useful method of healing with crystals is putting the crystal in your bath water. You can also burn incense or scented candles and bathe in this relaxing environment.
You have to find the crystal that suits you best. Keep the crystal with you for a few days and observe the effect. If it does not help you, you can ignore it. If you feel good with it, and you notice benefits, then keep it.
Here is a list of a few healing properties of crystals and gemstones:
- Amber draws off negative energy, and cleanses the aura.
- Amethyst heals and protects the aura, draws divine energy, treats acne and arthritis.
- Tourmaline provides a psychic shield, releases toxins.
- Quartz cleans, protects and increases aura.
- Smoky quartz dissolves negative patterns in aura.
- Moss Agate treats fungal infections.
- Citrine clears mental confusion, improves concentration.
- Carnelian gives you energy.
- Chrysocolla releases unresolved grief.
- Yellow Sapphire creates abundance.
- Turquoise provides creative energies.
- Rose Quartz attracts loving energies.
Thus, a gemstone is a gift of nature that gives you a lot of loving and healing energies and helps create an aura of happiness and prosperity.
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Tags: Alternative medicine, crystal healing, healing crystals and gemstones, healing power of crystals, healing properties of crystals and gemstones
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June 8th, 2009, Monday, 07:06
Massage therapy is a natural treatment to restore flexibility and reduce stiffness in the body. Massage has been applied to relieve aching joints and muscles since ancient times and is well known for its numerous health benefits.
Athletes routinely use massage therapy as it helps them to keep the muscles flexible and the blood flowing, boosting the athlete’s performance. Massages are great to soothe aches and pains of the body.
Massage helps to relax the body and mind, relieving tension and stress. As the mind relaxes, a massage can soothe and relieve the stiffness in the body.
Massage helps to restore the elasticity of the muscles and soft tissues, preventing the occurrence of injuries. It also helps to flush toxins out of the body.
Massage helps to enhance blood flow and lowers blood pressure. Endorphins are typically released when receiving massage treatment.
Periodic massage provides relief from tension and muscle aches. It also helps our minds to relax which reduces stress and anxiety.
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Tags: Alternative medicine, benefits of massage therapy, massage therapy, massage therapy benefits, reduce stress and anxiety
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June 5th, 2009, Friday, 06:51
Natural treatments for anxiety like meditation and hypnotherapy are becoming very popular with sufferers of common stress as well as more serious anxiety disorders. While drugs and supplements can be effective in treating anxiety, holistic methods can help you reduce stress through long-term lifestyle changes.
Various natural supplements like ginseng and valerian have been used successfully as treatments for anxiety. For instance, ginseng appears to have positive effects on anxiety, in addition to cardiovascular health, menopause, physical endurance and diabetes. However, once the substance is no longer ingested, the beneficial effects slowly disappear.
Transcendental Meditation, one of the natural anxiety treatments, helps patients feeling relaxed, happy and better able to function both personally and professionally.
Hypnotherapy is another natural treatment for anxiety, which has also showed promising success in treating addictive behaviors such as drinking, overeating, smoking and drug use. There are also physiological effects which occur during hypnotherapy (lessening of the heart rate, reduction of the stress, etc.) which reduce overall anxiety and stress.
Drugs and supplements can be an instant fix for anxiety and stress. However, natural treatments for anxiety such as meditation and hypnotherapy can help people suffering from an anxiety disorder or a heightened stress level.
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Tags: Alternative medicine, hypnotherapy, Meditation, natural treatments for anxiety, natural ways to treat anxiety
Posted in Alternative medicine | 5 Comments »
June 3rd, 2009, Wednesday, 06:55
One of the most well known herbs is the Aloe, and the most common form is Aloe Vera plant. The sticky gel within the Aloe leaves is what makes the Aloe so special.
Aloe is used in modern treatments to soothe minor burns and various skin conditions, such as eczema. Having the Aloe plant at home can be very beneficial and useful for treatments of sunburn or minor cuts.
Beyond using the Aloe externally, it can also be used orally. It can help with mouth ulcers, diabetes, Croons disease and constipation. You don’t require large doses of Aloe before seeing immediate positive results.
There are about 300 species of Aloe in the world and you may want to be informed of the best Aloe to suit your ailments or needs.
Aloe is also known for its ability to make your skin healthier. Many skin lotions and creams have Aloe as its key ingredient. Aloe in lotions can help to provide relief for dry and chapped skin during the cold winter months.
However, despite all the benefits it provides, some people are allergic to Aloe. If you notice any rash or skin irritation after application, you should stop using the Aloe and consult your doctor immediately.
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Tags: Alternative medicine, benefits of Aloe Vera plant, herbal remedy, how to use Aloe as an herbal remedy
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