Acupuncture Weight Loss Help

March 13, 2009

If you enjoy acupuncture weight loss may be one of the benefits you can receive from this treatment. Many of today’s top acupuncture professionals will tell you that you can achieve improved health in many ways by using acupuncture. Weight loss may not be the only benefit to you, of course, but for those that want to lose some weight and have struggled to do so in other ways, this may be an option available to them.

One of the most important things to remember about acupuncture is that it will work in conjunction to other treatments. When it comes to acupuncture, weight loss is more effective when the acupuncture treatments are done alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise. You will need to improve your diet by eating healthy foods including less saturated fat, whole grains and more vegetables. Compliment your treatment with a good exercise regimen that encourages you to work out at least 20 minutes per day.

With that said, you may be wondering what it will do to help you to drop the pounds. In acupuncture, weight loss is achieved through healthy diet and exercise, but is helped by the acupuncture process itself. It will help by increasing your resilience. It also is an effective way to manage food cravings. More so, acupuncture will also help your body to respond better to the improved diet you are giving it. In other words, acupuncture helps make diet and exercise more effective.

How can you effectively lose weight then with acupuncture? Here are some guidelines to follow.

• Improve your diet by removing saturated fats from it. Replace them with healthier fats.
• Eat less red meat and more lean meats including fish. This will improve your overall diet considerably.
• Go outside for a walk each day. Then, increase this to a run each day. Improving the amount of exercise you get each day will help you to lose weight considerably.
• Improve your overall health by cutting calories. Eat foods that are lower in calories. Also, reduce your portion sizes, which also will help you to lose weight.

Doing these things will help you to lose weight. When you add in acupuncture, weight loss is more effective. See your acupuncturist as often as they recommend. Talk to them about your goals of losing weight through this method. Many will provide you with recommendations on how to accomplish this goal. Most importantly, work at it step by step so that you can see improvements as you go. With acupuncture, weight loss is more effective and long lasting.

Acupuncture: Real or Myth?

February 2, 2009

There are hundreds of thousands of individuals within the United States and elsewhere who have seemed to embrace the idea and practice of acupuncture as something that is real and can be used to treat a wide variety of issues. On the other hand there are hundreds of thousands of other people who are on the exact opposite of the fence. Some people believe the idea of acupuncture is a myth, while others know to the core of their being that acupuncture therapy is real, not imagined. Whatever the case in your belief system, though, chances are that you have at least heard of the acupuncture myth controversy that some people have started in the United States and throughout the world.

Why Acupuncture is Considered a Myth?

Many people consider acupuncture to be a myth because there are already so many myths in the Chinese culture that have not yet been debunked. Further to that, many people logically process the thought that just because the Chinese considered the acupuncture therapy to be real thousands of years ago does not mean that the traditions were carried on and the affects were real. For many, the idea of acupuncture leads to imagery of ancient Chinese people concocting special recipes that only serve as to buffer the whole myth of acupuncture therapy. Some people say that these people simply don’t know what they’re talking about. Acupuncture professionals in the Chinese culture have rejected those who say that acupuncture therapy is a total myth.

Why Acupuncture is Considered Very Real?

As mentioned, by professional and authoritative Chinese experts in Asia as well as other countries throughout the world reject the idea that the whole concept of acupuncture therapy could be a myth. What is the reason that they reject that notion, though? The main reason, and perhaps the most important reason, too, is the fact that these acupuncture experts have actually experienced the healing properties of the process of acupuncture. For these people, they are confident by the fact that they are able to heal through this very delicate process and are confused as to why anybody would doubt the whole miracle!

Any Middle Ground?

We have heard arguments for the myth side of acupuncture and we have also heard arguments for the reasoning behind believing in acupuncture, but is there any middle ground to the issue? Is it possible that there could be some myths associated with the medicine techniques, but most of the acupuncture therapy is actually a real thing? On the contrary, though, there can hardly be any middle ground to something or some idea that is either false or true. Many acupuncture defenders contend that their way of healing is the absolute right way and they also say that if one is to be too skeptical about the whole issue then the best thing to do would be to try it out for themselves! Indeed, personal experience is what is most important, and the issue of acupuncture certainly warrants the experience!

The Benefits of Rolfing

January 31, 2009

Rolfing is both similar and dissimilar to deep massage therapy; developed about 50 years ago by Ida P. Rolf. This treatment manipulates the deep connective tissues of the body. The practice of Rolfing provides longer lasting pain relief than massage therapy. The effects of massage therapy lasts for about 24 hours; however the effects of Rolfing lasts over time to improve posture and to put the body back into balance.

Similarities

The similarities of Rolfing to deep tissue massage are that the therapist puts his/her hands on you to manipulate the connective tissue beneath the skin. The therapist uses specific techniques to achieve this. Rolfing does not diagnose or treat disease, but many people who have been treated by a Rolf practitioner do report having pain relief. As with deep tissue massage, Rolfing can be very light and pleasurable, but it can also be a bit painful or even “hurt” in a good way. If the client feels uncomfortable from the pain, he/she just needs to speak up and let the practitioner know so less pressure can be applied.

Differences

A Rolf treatment is totally different than massage, even though it is sometimes thought of as a type of deep tissue massage. In massage oil or lotion is normally used, but in Rolfing no lubricant is used at all, unless absolutely necessary for tissue manipulation. A Rolf treatment is not like a massage, in that you don’t just lie back and get relaxed, many people do feel relaxed or full of energy, though, after treatment, but the goal is to help the body to realign to its center of gravity. Treatment over time should help you to hold your posture in its correct position in relation to gravity. Massage does not permanently change the connective tissue, where Rolfing usually does change the connective fascia to some degree.

Where massage therapist may not be interested in the function of your body parts, a Rolfer examine your posture, and ask you to walk and do some kinds of exercises to evaluate how your body moves. Massage sessions may last for 30 minutes, but these sessions may last up to 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Benefits

Rolf manipulation is a technique to realign the body parts to each other in gravity. This treatment is used to improve posture, to improve range of motion in body parts, which in turn also helps to relieve pain. The practitioner works on the connective fascia of the body, and as he/she manipulates this tissue, instructions may be given on how to become more aware of your posture and how you hold certain body parts in relation to the rest of your body.

Conclusion

Rolf manipulation is a continuing process. The connective tissue changes over time as you become more aware of how to position your body. The frequency of the treatments is normally in a series of 10. You can stop your treatment at any time; however, you may not quite feel as well if you stop taking the treatments. Over time you adjust to the changes in your connective fascia and feel at home in your new and improved posture. Most sessions end with specific exercises to improve posture and movement. The practitioner will have you do before and after exercises to compare the alignment and movement of the body before and after the treatment.

Natural Remedies for Arthritis

January 26, 2009

Do you or someone that you love suffer from arthritis? If so, the pain and discomfort that is commonly associated with arthritis may be too much to handle. When it is, there are many arthritis sufferers who turn to over-the-counter medications to seek relief. Yes, these over-the-counter medications will work in most cases, but did you also know that there are natural and safe ways to manage and treat arthritis? There are and a few of these natural remedies are highlighted below.

The consumption of raw juices is an effective and natural remedy for arthritis. Two specific types that come highly rated and recommended are green juices, as well as potato juice. In fact, potato juice has been used to treat the pain and discomfort commonly associated with arthritis for years on end. For potato juice, cut a potato into thin slices. When doing so, leave the skin intact. Place the potato slices in a glass of cold water and leave sitting for a few hours, overnight is best. Then drink.

The consumption of Omega 3 Fatty Acids are another natural way to treat many of the symptoms of arthritis. Omega 3 Fatty Acids are found in most fish. Those who do not like eating fish are encouraged to examine Omega 3 Fatty Acid supplements, which are available for sale at most drug stores and health stores. This natural remedy can provide relief from all forms of arthritis; however, those with rheumatoid arthritis see and feel the best results.

Warm olive oil massaged over the area is another easy and natural way to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. What is nice about this approach is that most individuals already have olive oil in their homes. When using warm olive oil, be sure to let cool a little, as olive oil that is too hot can result in painful skin burns. In addition to plain olive oil, sage, rosemary, or garlic can be diluted with olive oil, with about ten more parts of olive oil. When applied to the impacted area, relief should be felt immediately.

Baths are another natural way to treat the pain and discomfort often associated with arthritis. When using baths to seek relief, warm baths are advised. In fact, cold bathes can result in increased pain, which is not the goal. In addition to a traditional warm bath, many of those suffering from arthritis recommend adding about three or four tablespoons of Epson salt to the bathwater. Those diagnosed with arthritis should remain in a warm bath for at least thirty minutes.

Small amounts of exercise is another natural way to relieve the pain and discomfort commonly associated with arthritis. The only problem is that those suffering from arthritis must proceed with caution where exercise is concerned. Moving around, whether it be through walking or squeezing a stress ball, can help, but it also important not to over do it. Those who overexert themselves are likely to experience even more pain and discomfort.

As you can see, there are a number of natural remedies and home remedies that can be used to seek relief from arthritis. If you are not suffering from arthritis, but if you know someone who is, you may want to pass these easy and natural remedies onto that person. Unfortunately, many individuals are unaware of natural remedies and their many benefits.

Skeptics view on Reiki

January 22, 2009

Many believe Reiki to be a pseudoscience. Many medical personnel think it is a waste of time. Doctors express concern when people with serious diseases such as heart problems, stroke, and cancer choose Reiki over conventional treatment. The practitioners are playing on the patient’s fear and just stealing their money, doing nothing in the process.

Reiki practitioners maintain that while you should still get the treatment your doctor has planned, you can use Reiki as a complement to that therapy. The Reiki community would never advocate causing harm to anyone.

There are also many controversies about the different Reiki schools and how they differ. Some use different symbols. Some use energy healing instead of laying in of hands. Some go through each degree in one year, whereas others can take up to ten years to get to Master.

The churches have issues with Reiki as well. The Catholics believe it opens the door to evil. Some religions don’t even recognize it as a healing force. They believe that there is no way that a universal force could flow through one person at any given time.

The best way to help these skeptical people understand Reiki is for them to have one treatment before they claim it as bunk. They would find that they are very wrong. Treatments are very relaxing and very gentle with soft music playing in the background. They would lay on the table while the practitioner makes a circle of their entire body with the Reiki force. They would start at the patient’s head chakra and go all the way down to the root chakra opening any that have closed. The they do each knee chakra. Then you flip over, and they work on your back chakras. After that, they give you an affirmation and anchor it in with a symbol and you are done. It takes about an hour to go through the whole process.

What is Rolfing

January 6, 2009

Not everyone is familiar with Rolfing. If you heard the term for the first time, you might ask, “What is Rolfing?” Rolfing has only been practiced since the 1950s. A biochemist by the name of Dr. Ida Rolf developed a technique of manipulating the connective tissue of the body’s framework. If 10 people were to ask one who has been Rolfed, what is Rolfing, each person may have a slightly different understanding from the person he/she asked.

Commonalities to what is Rolfing are that the practitioner works to align the head, shoulders, torso, pelvis and extremities so that each part is in sync or in balance with the rest of the body and its center of gravity. The body can get out of balance because one or more parts are affected by the shortening of the connective fascia that holds all the muscles and their skeletal attachments together. What is Rolfing? It softens and breaks down the fibers so that all the muscles of the body can work in harmony and balance.

Someone with one hip higher than the other may ask “What is Rolfing going to do for me?” Over time the hip that is contracted may be able to be in alignment with the other hip, therefore allowing for a normal gait, and less back and hip pain. When one part of the body is out of balance, it can cause pain and in some cases malformations of the musculoskeletal system over time.

What is Rolfing? It can be painful, but in a good sort of way. Rolfing shouldn’t be uncomfortably painful, although you might feel some discomfort. If you do feel any real discomfort, let your practitioner know. He/she may not notice your facial expression when you have an “ouch,” so be sure to voice your discomfort. Many people report that it “hurts so good,” or “it feels so good when it quits hurting.” What is Rolfing? It is both relaxing and invigorating depending on the recipient.

What is Rolfing? It is a fairly slow process. There are usually a series of 10 visits; one each week. The visits are fairly long, lasting up to 1 and ¼ hours each. Once the treatment has been given each week, the client needs to work on keeping those muscles and connective tissue elastic, rather than letting them become stiff again with disuse. Exercise techniques and stretching exercises such as Yoga can help keep the body in balance until the next visit.

The practitioner may take photographs of the client prior to the first treatment and then afterward. More pictures may be taken at the end of the 10 week period to document the improvement that has taken place. What is Rolfing? It isn’t mandatory that the client finish the 10 week cycle of treatments, although it is encouraged. The client can stop at any time, and resume at any time. If the client is not satisfied with the practitioner, he/she can stop the treatments and find another Rolf practitioner without being financially bound to the previous practitioner. It is like changing doctors; if you find you don’t care for one, you can find another.

Oil Pulling

December 23, 2008

Oil pulling is part of the Ayuvedic tradition of holistic medicine. These ancient remedies created in India provide simple solutions to numerous maladies both physical and psychological.

How does oil pulling work?

There are a few theories on the way that oil pulling works. Some say that the movement massages and stimulates the sublingual muscles to excrete toxins stored up in the body. Others report that the production of saliva is the catalyst for the draw out of bodily toxins.

How do I oil pull?

The procedure is quite straightforward; take 1 tablespoon of oil into the mouth on an empty stomach. Swish the oil in your mouth much as you would mouthwash being careful not to swallow the oil. If you swallow a minuet amount this is fine.

Pull the oil through your teeth as well as chomping and moving your jaws in a biting motion. The oil will change in consistency from thick and yellow to thin and foamy. This is due to the fact that your saliva is mixing with the oil bringing with it toxins being excreted sublingually through the tongue.

Swirl and pull the oil through your teeth for 15-20 minutes. At the end of the session spit the pulled oil into the sink or toilet. If you discard the oil in the sink be sure to clean the sink with an antibacterial wipe or soap.

Rinse your mouth with water 2 to 3 times and then brush your teeth as normal. You will notice that after a few weeks of this your tongue will become pinker and healthier looking. Your teeth will be whiter and your breath will improve.

Some say that tilting your head back while oil pulling will ensure that oil is getting all the way to the back of the molars. This is an advanced technique and not recommended for those just beginning. Remember to slowly swish and pull the oil in your mouth, this is not a race and you will not get any more benefit from rushing things.

It is recommended that you wait an additional 10 minutes before you have breakfast. You may practice oil pulling 3 to 4 times a day if desired making sure to do so on an empty stomach each time.

Are there any precautions to take while oil pulling?

The main precaution involved in oil pulling is to practice it on an empty stomach. You run the risk of vomiting if you oil pull after eating. The best time to oil pull is in the morning, after you brush your teeth, but before breakfast.

Being careful not to swallow the oil after pulling is another precaution. After the oil is pulled through it will contain toxins extracted from the body. If you do happen to swallow the oil it will be passed through the system.

The type of oil is also something to keep in mind. Sunflower and sesame seed are the recommended oils to use. Cold press oils are the highly desirable, refined oils are required.

Make sure to clean the sink with antibacterial soap after each session. The toxins pulled into the oil are concentrated and this precaution will keep from getting anyone sick who happens to use the sink after you.

If symptoms worsen discontinue oil pulling for a week or two and then resume the practice. Some people have very sensitive systems and because of individual physiology may not be able to oil pull. If you notice that symptoms are not subsiding then discontinue permanently.

How can oil pulling help?

Oil pulling has been purported to effectively treat gingivitis and whiten teeth. Skin conditions such as eczema, and acne have been reported to improve after sustained use. Lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and even diminished migraines have been attributed to the practice of oil pulling.

Laser Acupuncture Offers Hope To Many

December 21, 2008

Laser acupuncture is a method of administering acupuncture to a patient. The laser used is a very low level laser that does not harm the skin or the body in any way. It is a common and accepted form of acupuncture treatment. With this type of treatment, patients are often able to see results including reduced pain, reduction of symptoms as well as overall well being improvement. As with any type of acupuncture, it is important to work with a qualified provider through the entire process.

In laser acupuncture, the process is the same as in acupuncture’s more commonly used methods. Just as needles would be inserted into the skin of the individual, lasers are used in these positions.
The positions are commonly called acupuncture points. In acupuncture, the position of acupoints, as they are also called, is in relation to the condition that is trying to be overcome. The laser is directed at specific points based on its ability to heal various areas of the body. In order to do such healing, the point must be stimulated to restore the natural flow of qi, or life energy, through the body.
Laser acupuncture can be used in various ways, including on many of the standard points on the body. When used, it can help to heal conditions or to help patients to overcome symptoms. For example, it has been seen to be very positive in treating conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. It has also been effective in treating those that have suffered a stroke and suffer from paralysis.
In most cases it is necessary for the patient to receive both laser acupuncture treatments as well as standard acupuncture with the use of needles. It is often successfully administered with other conditions including magnet therapies, Chinese herbal medicines and treatments, as well as electrical stimulation and moxibustion. Many times, your acupuncturist will recommend a wide range of treatments to provide the best overall result.

Those that want to administer laser acupuncture will need to learn the proper methods of doing so. While the laser is painless and is not invasive in any way to the body, the professional still needs to be educated on how to stimulate the acupuncture points correctly using this method. Therefore, it is important to seek out a professional that can offer the assurance to you.

Laser acupuncture is one of many excellent types of acupuncture available to people today. It is used in many of the health and wellness clinics in the US and around the globe as an effective treatment for many ailments.

Eczema Homeopathy

December 16, 2008

Homeopathy, an alternative approach to medicine, is a sophisticated method of individualizing small doses of medicine to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. Eczema homeopathy remedies seem to be especially effective for treatment of the chronic disease.

Eczema is the common term for atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin irritation. The scalp, cheeks, eyelids, wrists, upper arms, elbows and knees may break out with a flaking, itchy rash. Suppressing skin eruptions (with cortisone or other drugs), from a homeopathic point of view, can lead to deeper health problems. To bring lasting relief, a constitutional eczema homeopathy remedy should be selected by an experienced practitioner, and bring the body back into its natural balance.

The following eczema homeopathy remedies are some of those recommended by homeopathic practitioners:

Antimoniom crudum: The patient is prone to indigestion and has eczema with thick, cracked skin. Sensitive and sentimental, they love to eat and may be over weight. They crave pickles, vinegar and other sour things. Children can by shy and irritable, insisting they not be looked at or touched. Antimonion crudum is often prescribed for calluses, plantar warts and impetigo, as well as eczema.

Arsenicum album: People who need this remedy have dry, itchy skin that burns intensely. They are usually restless, anxious, and compulsively neat and orderly. Indigestion and chills are often the symptoms.

Calcarea carbonica: This eczema homeopathy remedy is suited to people who are chilly with clammy hands and feet. They tend to develop eczema and cracking skin worse in the wintertime. They are easily fatigued by exertion, and feel anxious and overwhelmed if ill or overworked. They may have cravings for sweets and eggs, a sluggish metabolism and tendency toward weight problems.

Mezereum: The patient who needs this remedy often has strong anxiety, felt physically in the stomach. Scratching can lead to thickened skin when intense, itching eruptions start as blisters, then ooze and form thick crusts. They may have a craving for fat, are chilly most of the time and generally feel better in the open air.

Petroleum: This eczema homeopathy remedy is indicated for individuals whose skin is extremely dry and tends to crack, especially on the fingertips and palms. Eczema is worse in the winter, with deep sore cracks that often bleed. Itching is worse at night, the skin is easily infected and may get tough and leathery from chronic irritation.

Sulphur: This remedy is recommended for patients with intensely burning, itching, and inflamed eruptions that are worse from warmth or from bathing. Affected areas may be red, with scaling or crusted skin. Eruptions can be dry or moist. This eczema homeopathy remedy is sometimes helpful to patients who have repeatedly used medications and ointments on their eczema without success.

Free Reflexology Charts

December 2, 2008

The beginning student or layperson interested in dabbling in the art of reflexology will no doubt want some free reflexology charts. The subject of reflexology is truly satisfying especially when practiced. The novice will quickly learn that certain areas of the body such as the feet, hands, ears, and head are reflex areas that when manipulated or massaged will promote healthy tissue and organ health. No doubt to know exactly where to manipulate the foot, hand, ear, or feet is quite tricky. The student will need the aid of free reflexology charts; at least in the beginning. As the student becomes more involved in the art of reflexology or becomes interested in becoming a teacher or practitioner then, would be the time to invest money for a worthwhile career.

Reflexology Hand Chart If you do a Google search for reflexology charts you will come up with tons of sites selling reflexology charts, but to find free reflexology charts is a bit harder. Do not fret or worry, there are free reflexology charts out there. Here are a few sites to investigate for your free reflexology charts.

An excellent site for information on reflexology can be found at the American Academy of Reflexology they also run the www.ReflexologySchoolLosAngeles.com   and www.ReflexologyResearch.net sites.

You will find free reflexology charts offered by expert reflexologist, Bill Flocco there. This site offers an ear, foot, and hand chart as well as free books and other materials. These free reflexology charts are in black and white only and are quite small but they are place to start. The site does offer an email address to contact them for further information: ReflexologyEdu@aol.com

Reflexology Chart Foot Map It would be very practical and easier to understand and read if you could obtain free reflexology charts in color. The reflex zones that you are particularly interested in will stand out in color whereas in black and white you will have to look a little more closely. Color is also easier on the eyes as it jumps out to you. You will have to concentrate and perhaps strain your eyes to see the zones clearly when using black and white charts.

However, if black and white is the only option available open to you, do not let that become a handicap, if the printing is small and you have the chart as a download, adjust your printing size, or zoom feature on your computer. If you have printed it to full size and still find the chart is too small, go to a photocopier machine or service and have it blown up. Remember, don’t give up there are always options available.

CircleofLight.com will send you two high quality free reflexology foot charts to you by email, because their philosophy is that everyone should have foot reflexology chart to promote good health.

Mindbodyandsoul.com will also send you free reflexology foot charts in word format if you provide your email address.

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