Weight Loss Through Hypnosis

weight-loss_hypnosis

 

A unique method to lose weight naturally is through an age-old process called the process of hypnosis. Find out more and even get a free hypnosis program below.

Everyone who is overweight would want to lose weight and what’s better than shedding off those pounds naturally without any medication, surgery, hard work or side effects.

Being overweight can cause serious health implications to an individual.

From diabetes, cancer, hypertension, heart diseases to arthritis, digestion problems, and insomnia, there is no end to the way in which obesity can affect your health.

There are many procedures available for weight loss, from exercises to following a proper diet chart, medication, surgery, herbal products, and pills.

Hypnosis too falls among one of the best known natural weight loss procedures.

If you look at hypnosis for weight loss then the reasons behind the success of this method become clear.

Or if you suffer from weight problems – whether you yo-yo diet or can’t seem to find the motivation to get on a diet that suits you.

Then, you probably already know that your problem isn’t really your weight at the end of the day. The problem is more likely to rest with you.

The majority of cases, people cannot lose weight effectively because of some psychological issue that prevents them from achieving their goal.

Many people find it hard to lose weight simply because they view food in the wrong way.

They may, for example, view sweet and fatty foods as desirable because they were rewarded with these kinds of foods when they were young and behaved well.

Or, they may associate the short rush you get with certain foods with feeling good so they reach for candy when they feel low or stressed.

You may, for example, naturally crave unhealthy foods rather than healthy ones. Eating unhealthy foods here may make you happier and more comfortable.

Or, you may eat the wrong foods or the wrong amount of food whenever you are stressed, unhappy or uncomfortable. In either case, hypnosis can help.

eating_dining out

Hypnosis helps here because it goes straight to the root of the problem – your unhealthy eating patterns – and helps modify your behavior.

So, after this kind of treatment, your mind won’t tell you to eat sugary or fatty foods – it will tell you to eat healthy ones.

And, your mind won’t tell you to reach for a snack when you’re worried or stressed but instead will give you an alternative way to manage stress.

This behavior modification is the key to successful weight loss – and keeping it off.

Hypnosis can simply help you re-program the way your brain feels about food.

It can stop your cravings for the wrong food types and introduce cravings for healthy food instead.

It can give you the confidence to stick with a healthy eating and exercise plan and it can help you manage the issues you may have with the food you eat.

Hypnosis is such a popular solution to weight loss nowadays simply because it helps you to subconsciously accept the eating habits that will get you fit and healthy.

A good hypnotherapist, for example, will help your brain reject unhealthy foods and actually crave healthy ones.

They can also help you conquer eating issues such as stress and comfort eating and can give you the confidence to believe that you can lose weight.

So, all you need to do is to relax, let the hypnotherapy do its work and then immediately start a new life with the kind of attitude towards food and healthy eating that will ensure a healthy weight loss.

And, most importantly, because your hypnotherapy will work on core issues, the weight will stay off once you start to lose it.

You don’t even need to leave your home to achieve your goals here as this kind of solution can be successfully delivered anywhere.

Hypnosis Works

Hypnosis is a scientifically accredited method of helping people overcome all kinds of difficulties.

For example, in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (Vol.64, No.3) in 1996 a study showed that the average weight loss without hypnosis was 6.03 pounds.

With hypnosis, average weight loss came in at 14.88 pounds. You can double your weight loss with no extra effort.

And, because hypnosis modifies your behavior at source then you stand a far greater chance of keeping the weight off rather than putting it on again.

A study that appeared in the Journal of Clinical Psychology (41) in 1985 tested a group of people who used hypnosis to lose weight and a group who did not.

Whilst both groups lost weight during the study the hypnosis group continued to lose weight after the study had finished and achieved their weight loss goals.

The group that did not have the behavior modification benefits of hypnosis did not achieve this.

prcvir_hypnosis

Hypnosis Misconceptions

Hypnosis is considered safe as it requires no medical intervention or procedures that may cause any side effects.

However, they can be harmful if they are not performed by experienced personals who know how to handle the process of hypnosis.

The person performing hypnosis must be well trained in the art to be able to conduct a successful hypnosis to bring about a weight loss.

Nevertheless, one must remember that hypnosis by itself cannot bring about a weight loss and must be accompanied by a healthy diet chart, a regular lifestyle, exercises, and medication where required.

Do not depend on hypnosis solely for complete weight loss. A single hypnosis session for weight loss will have negligible or no viable results of weight loss.

So, do not get disheartened and lose hope if you do not see yourself reducing after your first hypnosis session.

Many misconceptions have come up with regards to the application of hypnosis in losing eight.

And because it does not involve drugs or any kinds of medications and surgery, many people tend to think that losing weight through hypnosis seems to be one of the safest weight loss programs.

 

To know more about hypnosis and its effects on losing weight here is a list of some facts that will give you an insight about what it can do to your body weight.
  1. Hypnosis can be an imminently risky if not done properly and not utilize by people who are highly trained with the real concept of hypnosis.

Even if many people tend to think that hypnosis will not pose imminent danger to their health.

Still, it is important to know that the person who will do the procedure is skilled enough and that he or she knows what factors to consider before doing the procedures.

 

  1. Hypnosis alone cannot eliminate excess fat from the body and, therefore, make somebody lose weight.

Most health experts contend that hypnosis should only be a part of a whole assimilated process. It should never be used as the sole weight loss procedure.

Moreover, one session of hypnosis will only have very minimal results on an individual’s weight.

When losing weight, hypnosis matched with psychotherapy will be more effective than hypnosis alone.

This is because hypnosis is only a state of deeply relaxing the mind, in which one can still be in control of his or her own body.

 

  1. Hypnosis is one way of getting into the subliminal state of a person.

When a person is on the “hypnotic stage,” the body is more responsive to suggestibility because of its intensified state of concentration.

However, this does not necessarily mean that through hypnosis, one can already “reprogram” the mind of an individual.

In reality, hypnosis can only run the range from trouble-free relaxation condition to proper initiation managed by a professional hypnotist.

Hence, it should not be considered paranormal and magical in its upshots.

Boiled down, people should be more aware that hypnosis is not a sole effective process in losing weight. It is more of a facilitator of various treatment techniques.

Therefore, it should be combined with other weight loss management program to be effective in making people lose excess weight.

In this manner, people will be able to lose more weight with a more relaxed and refreshed state of mind.

Most practitioners of hypnosis also believe that the process is best effective when combined with psychotherapy.

After all, hypnosis is a state of your mind. It helps you control your mind in a way that it is able to control your body. It enters the subliminal state of a person’s body and controls it.

They say a healthy mind leads to a healthy body. Hypnosis too works on this concept of controlling the mind and infuses in it that one needs to undergo weight loss in order to cure obesity.

It also strengthens the mind in a way so that it is better and more easily responsive to the various other weight loss treatment procedures that would follow.

This is the reason why it has always been advised to follow the process of hypnosis for weight loss in addition to regular weight loss programs to bring about complete success.

Steps in Performing Hypnosis

The first step towards getting into shape through hypnosis is to understand what really the problem is.

What is the root cause of your binging? Why can’t you help but reach out for dollops of ice-cream every time you are down?

Through the use of analytical hypnosis, we can figure out the underlying issue and then work the hypnotherapy sessions around it.

Yes, hypnosis for slimming is customized depending on the client’s situation.

A therapist will need to understand what sends you gravitating towards food.

Is it low self-confidence, self-image, depression, reward eating, or comfort eating?

Based on the analysis, a suitable hypnosis routine can be worked out for you.

The second stage here is called suggestion therapy, where you will put the power of positive suggestion to good use.

By suggesting to your subconscious what’s good for it and what isn’t you will be shaping your own future, which will definitely be leaner and fitter than your past.

Through making positive reinforcements about yourself and your eating habits to your mind you will be gently molding it to follow a healthier diet and better eating habits.

Hypnosis for weight loss is one of the easiest and most long lasting ways of losing weight and keeping it that way.

So go ahead, try hypnotherapy and lose those kilos simply by relaxing!

weight loss_hypnosis_prcvir

FREE Hypnosis: Beach Body System

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What Are The Causes Of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

causes of rheumatoid arthritis

 

Rheumatoid arthritis is the second major type of arthritis – exceeded in number of cases only by osteoarthritis. That’s why let’s find out its causes to avoid it.

Take note, it is a very serious ailment caused by inflammation of the joints. The pain associated with the disease is at times so severe that it almost completely disables sufferers. Also, it affects women more often than men.

Remember, rheumatoid arthritis advances in three stages starting with painful swelling and stiffness of the joints.

In the second stage, the pain aggravates and the bones and cartilage are severely affected thereby restricting the movement of the person altogether. By this time the diseases becomes chronic and just defies all treatment.

Thus, it is in your best interest to immediately consult a doctor as soon as you have pain in the joints. This means that don’t wait for any other symptom appear.

Also, you should never try treating the disease by taking over the counter medicines. Chances are that you may aggravate the ailment.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means that your body has made antibodies in the immune system that attack the tissues that line the joints.

The synovium (synovial membrane) or joint lining becomes inflamed and thickened. Eventually, the cartilage becomes destroyed, leaving bone to rub on bone. In the most severe cases, the bone itself will erode as well.

arthritis

The ligaments and tendons that connect the joints to other tissues will stretch out and weaken so that the joint itself begins to become deformed. Exactly how this autoimmune process works is not clear.

There may be both environmental and genetic factors playing into who gets rheumatoid arthritis and who doesn’t.

It’s possible that genetics interacts with environmental things like infections to result in the disease.

The self-destructive immune response of rheumatoid arthritis may be caused by a combination of genetic susceptibility and an environmental trigger.

Changing hormones also may play an important part in the disease, possibly in response to an infection from the environment.

More than one gene has been linked to risk for rheumatoid arthritis. Specific genes may increase a person’s chance of developing the disease, and also could partially determine how serious his or her condition is.

However, since not all people with a genetic predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis actually have the disease, other factors must be important.

A specific environmental trigger has not yet been found, but some research suggests that infection by a virus or bacterium leads to rheumatoid arthritis in genetically susceptible people.

This does not mean that rheumatoid arthritis is contagious. People with rheumatoid arthritis appear to have more antibodies in the synovial fluid in their joints, suggesting that there may be an infection.

Low levels of hormones from the adrenal gland are common in people with rheumatoid arthritis, but how hormones interact with environmental and genetic factors is unknown. Hormone changes may contribute to the progression of the rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Conditions That Can Cause Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis can occur independently from other conditions, but its causes and relationship to other diseases are not well understood. A different form of chronic arthritis can sometimes develop into rheumatoid arthritis.

It also is possible that infections or other environmental triggers exist that can cause rheumatoid arthritis in people that already have a gene for the disease.

Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis

It often is difficult to rule out alternate causes of joint pain during the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis.

A diagnosis is based on the symptoms you describe, your medical history, and a physical examination.

An X-ray, a blood test for rheumatoid factor, and other laboratory tests also may help your doctor to distinguish between other conditions and rheumatoid arthritis.

It is important that you ask your doctor to diagnose whether you are actually afflicted with Rheumatoid arthritis and if so, start taking the treatment that he prescribes.

If you go by your doctor’s advice you can save yourself a lot of damage by reducing the severity of the attack of the disease.

Any delay in diagnosing and treating the disease may aggravate to an extent that you may have to undergo surgery. This will not only entail great pain, but also require huge costs of treatment.

Besides seeking a doctor’s advice early, you may take general precautions like protecting your affected areas from stress of exertion. You should also try to reduce your weight if you are obese.

Also, contact your physiotherapist. Seek his or her advice about certain kind of exercises that may be specific to your kind of rheumatoid arthritis and take these exercises regularly as per the expert’s advice.

treatment

When To See a Doctor

As we get older, many of us will feel occasional joint pain or discomfort that comes and goes. This does not usually require professional treatment.

But you should see a doctor if:
  • you regularly have morning stiffness in your joints
  • you experience persistent joint pain that does not improve with self-care
  • the joint pain is increasing
  • the joint is swollen, red, hot, or tender to the touch
  • it is difficult to move without pain
  • you also have a fever
  • several joints on the left and right sides of your body are affected

 

Rheumatoid arthritis advances in three stages starting with painful swelling and stiffness of the joints.

In the second stage, the pain aggravates and the bones and cartilage are severely affected thereby restricting the movement of the person altogether. By this time the diseases becomes chronic and just defies all treatment.

It is in your best interest to immediately consult a doctor as soon as you have pain in the joints. This means that don’t wait for any other symptom appear.

Also, you should never try treating the disease by taking over the counter medicines. Chances are that you may aggravate the ailment.

It is important that you ask your doctor to diagnose whether you are actually afflicted with Rheumatoid arthritis and if so, start taking the treatment that he prescribes.

If you go by your doctor’s advice you can save yourself a lot of damage by reducing the severity of the attack of the disease.

Any delay in diagnosing and treating the disease may aggravate to an extent that you may have to undergo surgery. This will not only entail great pain, but also require huge costs of treatment.

Besides seeking a doctor’s advice early, you may take general precautions like protecting your affected areas from stress of exertion. You should also try to reduce your weight if you are obese.

Also, contact your physiotherapist. Seek his or her advice about certain kind of exercises that may be specific to your kind of rheumatoid arthritis and take these exercises regularly as per the expert’s advice.

What To Expect During The Exam

There are many sources of joint pain, and in early rheumatoid arthritis it is often difficult to rule out other causes of your symptoms.

Your doctor will try to determine the causes of your symptoms based on your description, your medical history, and a physical examination.

They also may use x rays and laboratory tests to distinguish between other conditions and rheumatoid arthritis.

A blood test can be done for rheumatoid factor, which is present in 80% of people with rheumatoid arthritis, but it may not be visible early on. In addition, not everyone with rheumatoid factor has arthritis.

The initial exam is also important in monitoring changes in your health over time. If rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed, regular doctor visits will allow you to adjust treatments as needed.

 


TAKEAWAY QUESTIONS

– Do you know someone who has rheumatoid arthritis or other type of arthritis?

– Are you aware of other causes of arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis?

– Are there any environmental triggers that surrounds you?

– How does knowing the causes inform and empower you?

– How could you avoid or delays rheumatoid arthritis or other type of arthritis?

 

Uncover The Myths, The Science, And The Mystery Of Hypnosis

mystery of hypnosis

As we know, media, entertainment, literature and culture spread of hypnosis is not pretty accurate as it should be.

Now, let’s find out some myths of hypnosis, some mysteries of hypnosis and the science of hypnosis.

Common Hypnosis Myths Dispelled

The entertainment shows in Vegas and on television that show “regular” people in a so-called hypnotic trance clucking like a chicken is really just a show. These people are not hypnotized.

There is so much misinformation out there about hypnosis that it is time to set the record straight and dispel some of the many common myths about this valuable treatment.

Myth #1: You lose complete control of your mind and body.

Not true. You will not lose control over what you do and say, as the fictionalized people on TV do.

Hypnosis is simply a more focused and heightened state of consciousness. You are actually more attuned to your surroundings.

You WILL NOT lose control over your personality and your WILL maintain your integrity.

Myth #2: Your therapist will control you like a puppet.

False. Hypnosis is complete voluntary. The hypnotherapist simply uses the power of positive suggestion as the vehicle for change.

To cause change, the hypnotherapist uses suggestion to influence the subconscious mind.

Myth #3: You will forget everything that happens under hypnosis.

A majority of people that go under hypnosis remember everything that is said and done during the session.

In rare cases, people who are susceptible to deep hypnotic states will experience some level of lack of memory. However, this is rare.

Myth #4: You can be sent into a hypnotic trance against your will.

This couldn’t be farther from the truth. For hypnosis to work at all, you need to be a willing participant in allowing it to work.

The Mystery Unveiled: What Does it Feel Like?

Are you reluctant to try hypnosis for fear that you will lose control of yourself, and the hypnotist will get you to say or do things that you normally wouldn’t do?

Not to worry – that is only done for entertainment purposes, not in real, professional hypnotherapist offices.

Being hypnotized is like daydreaming.  You will be very aware of what is being said and done around you; however you will be very relaxed and focused.

Usually, when going through hypnosis you will be lying down on a comfortable couch and start relaxing. You will probably fee light, weightless, and calm.

You may not realize that you are hypnotized in the early stages of it, called pre-induction.

That is why it is very important to work with a trained professional that understands this early part of hypnosis and can use it as part of the overall treatment.

Hypnosis is completely safe! It is just an efficient quick method for entering a deep relaxed, natural state of mind and body.

There are no drugs involved, no unpleasant or unwanted side-effects and it is in no way addictive.

You just need a comfortable chair, couch or bed, a willingness to relax and let go and a trained professional or professional recording to listen to.

You are always in control of yourself before, during and after a hypnosis session.

If you are a particularly “good subject” you may forget the experience afterward but during the hypnosis session you are always aware of what is happening!

You cannot be made to do nor say anything that is against your moral or ethical codes not matter what Hollywood may tell you in “The Manchurian Candidate”!

You will be able to hear everything that is being said to and everything that is happening around you.

There are many people who actually become very sensitive to their environment.

Their 5 senses become heightened and they are even more aware of the smallest of details while in trance. Of, course you go back to normal upon “wakening”.

The vast majority of people remember everything that was said to them by the therapist when the hypnosis session is over.

In fact, it’s a pretty good bet to say that everyone who reads this article will be in that group.

It is the job of a hypnotherapist to make you feel comfortable before, during and after a session so if, at any time, you feel uncomfortable with what the therapist is doing or saying tell them to stop!

In order to get the most from any hypnosis session, you must be able to relate to the hypnotist or hypnotherapist and trust them.

For this reason, all reputable hypnosis professionals give a free consultation before you ever enter a trance state.

Seek out a hypnotist you feel comfortable with and who makes you feel that they can get the results that you are looking for – after all you are in charge!

Hypnosis is merely a tool. It is a highly effective method for producing inner change that is permanent.

Some religions forbid their followers to take part in anything that may cause them to lose control of their mental, emotional and conscious functions but believing that hypnosis or a hypnotist can do any of these things is just a misunderstanding of the process.

Hypnosis in no way interferes with your free will. You will not do anything that is against your ethics.

Under no circumstances will you ever do anything that is totally unacceptable to you or goes against your personal code of conduct.

Neither will you do anything that is against your moral code or which feels wrong to do.

If strutting around like a chicken would cause you serious embarrassment then you just won’t do it!

There is no danger of becoming trapped in a trance state. This is another Hollywood myth designed for entertainment purposes and has absolutely no basis in fact.

The real fact is – you can terminate the hypnotic session at any time you wish just by opening your eyes and stretching!

If a hypnotist, for any reason, were to leave you in a hypnotized state or a hypnotic recording stopped unexpectedly, you would either wake immediately or fall into a natural, light state of sleep and wake after a very short space of time – and this would only happen if you wanted to stay in the relaxed state!

The Science Behind Hypnosis

There is more to hypnosis than just self-induced hypnotic tapes or the receiving of suggestions from a hypnotist.

While these are both valid parts of hypnosis, there is more science behind the practice.

Brain waves are influential in the effectiveness of hypnosis. The brain has several states.  They are:

Beta: Waking state

Alpha: Focused concentration*

Theta: Deep meditation*

Delta: Dream state

When the brain is in the alpha or theta state, hypnosis is effective.

The mind is influenced while at the delta and theta states. In this situation, the voice is a powerful tool. Hence, the hypnotherapist is invaluable here.

The subconscious mind can be seen as the connection between the nervous system and the conscious mind. This is why hypnosis is often used to unblock a memory.

brain_hypnosis

How It Works

How does hypnotherapy work? A hypnotherapist will offer suggestions that the subconscious mind will accept.

Once these suggestions are accepted and implemented, the mind begins making different choices.

For example, for a patient that is trying to shed pounds, the hypnotist might suggest that food is not as appealing or tasty.

As your mind accepts the suggestions given when hypnotized, you will find that next time you are presented with a food that is not good for you, your subconscious mind will tell you it is unappealing.

Recent research lately explores more information about how hypnosisworks and how it becomes an effective therapeutic tool.

Psychodynamic Theory & Philosophy

The theory of psychodynamics focuses on people and their relationship with their surroundings and the rest of the environment.

It is believed that a majority of your world can be influenced by your mind.

The brain takes cues and suggestions as subliminal communication, and when using scientifically proven concepts change can occur rather quickly.

The change is often quite effective and long-lasting.  Overall, the psychodynamic theory of hypnosis tells us that when offered suggestions; the subconscious mind can make positive change.

Types of Hypnotic Induction

How do you get into a hypnotic state? Trained professional hypnotists use several different methods to induce hypnosis. They are:

  1. Fixed gaze – eye fixation
  2. Imagery – progressive relaxation
  3. Mental confusion
  4. Mental misdirection
  5. Loss of equilibrium
  6. Nervous system shock

The Difference Between Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is the clinical term used to describe treatment with a trained professional hypnotist.

This is typically used to treat a specific problem such as shyness, smoking cessation, or weight loss.

Hypnotherapy is usually done in a practice office with deliberate planning and treatment.

Often hypnosis is done in conjunction with other treatments to solve a person’s problem.

Hypnosis is the looser term for the same thing. However, it usually involves non-scientific treatment.

This can include self-hypnosis at home, and hypnosis for entertainment purposes.

How to Use Hypnosis to Your Advantage

If your life is not what you would like it to be, perhaps hypnosis can help.

It is especially helpful if you are doing things that you do not want to do (so the subconscious is ruling over the conscious mind).

For example, issues such as smoking and eating disorders.

Self-hypnosis can be used as a tool when attempting to improve yourself. Its main function is to help you be more patient while working on your self-improvement efforts.

In order for self-hypnosis to work, you must first identify the real source of the problem.

Once this is identified, you will need to truly believe that hypnosis can, and will, work for you.

To make lasting positive change in your life, you need to identify the root of the problem. Once the source has been found, you can fix it.

For example, if your problem is overeating, it is highly likely that the root of the problem actually has little to do with the food itself, rather it is something emotional.

Therefore, the goal of hypnosis should be to find the emotional issue that is causing you to eat.

Once found, you can address it head on. Hypnosis will not work if you are trying to fix symptoms instead of the real reason for the problem.

Perhaps your issues involve “passive dysfunction.” Passive dysfunction is like a mental block and is when the subconscious gets in the way of change.

Using hypnosis to uncover the real reason for the problem will help you, and your hypnotherapist, to create suggestions that will eradicate the issue.

In discovering your subconscious, ask yourself probing questions that involve the who, what, when, where, and why.

Here are a few sample questions:
  1. Who is associated with the problem?
  2. Is there a location trigger that could be associated with the source of the problem?
  3. When did the problem first start in your life?
  4. What, in particular, sparks the behavior?
  5. Why this behavior?

The answers to these questions can provide valuable insight into your dysfunction, and will be helpful when working on your problem using hypnosis.

What Are the Types of Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is broken down into three categories:
  1. The most common type of hypnosis is unconscious hypnosis. Most professional like to use the term “self-suggestion” instead because hypnosis is simply suggestions being made to the subconscious. Before unconscious hypnosis will work, the individual must believe that it will work. This positive thinking and the belief that something WILL happen can make it possible.
  2. The second type of hypnosis is conscious hypnosis.  To change your life and the way you live it, you must be aware that change is required.
  3. Lastly, there is self-hypnosis. You can use self-guided audio tapes or books to help you hypnotize yourself. Of course, as previously discussed, no one can be hypnotized unless they want to be, which is also true with self-hypnosis.

The image of hypnosis has been abused for entertainment purposes for a long time, which has damaged the reputation of a reliable and helpful tool.

Once the stigma of hypnosis has gone away, the true benefit will come into view.


POINTS TO REMEMBER

Common Hypnosis Myths Dispelled

  1. You lose complete control of your mind and body
    Hypnosis is simply a more focused and heightened state of consciousness. You are actually more attuned to your surroundings.
  2. Your therapist will control you like a puppet
    Hypnosis is complete voluntary. The hypnotherapist simply uses the power of positive suggestion as the vehicle for change.
  3. You will forget everything that happens under hypnosis
    A majority of people that go under hypnosis remember everything that is said and done during the session.
  4. You can be sent into a hypnotic trance against your will
    For hypnosis to work at all, you need to be a willing participant in allowing it to work.

The Mystery Unveiled: What does it feel like?

  • Being hypnotized is like daydreaming.
  • It is just an efficient quick method for entering a deep relaxed, natural state of mind and body.
  • You are always in control of yourself before, during and after a hypnosis session.
  • It is a highly effective method for producing inner change that is permanent.

The Science Behind Hypnosis

  • When the brain is in the alpha or theta state, hypnosis is effective.
  • The subconscious mind can be seen as the connection between the nervous system and the conscious mind.
  • Once these suggestions are accepted and implemented, the mind begins making different choices.

Types of Hypnotic Induction

  1. Fixed gaze – eye fixation
  2. Imagery – progressive relaxation
  3. Mental confusion
  4. Mental misdirection
  5. Loss of equilibrium
  6. Nervous system shock

The Difference Between Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy

  • Hypnotherapy is the clinical term used to describe treatment with a trained professional hypnotist.
  • Hypnosis is the looser term for the same thing but it usually involves non-scientific treatment.

Examples of probing questions to ask in discovering your subconscious:

  1. Who is associated with the problem?
  2. Is there a location trigger that could be associated with the source of the problem?
  3. When did the problem first start in your life?
  4. What, in particular, sparks the behavior?
  5. Why this behavior?

What are the types of hypnosis

  1. unconscious hypnosis
  2. conscious hypnosis
  3. self-hypnosis

TAKEAWAY QUESTIONS

– What other myths you know about hypnosis?

– Have you experience any hypnosis or hypnotherapy session before?

– If so, what does it feel like? Are you having difficulty going into a trance?

– What are behavioral adjustments you would like to change through hypnosis or hypnotherapy?


 

 

How To Consume Calcium?

consume calcium

In this article, find out what is the best way to consume calcium. But before that, find out first the significance of calcium, and then some clarification about calcium confusion.

The Importance Of Calcium

Calcium is one of the most important nutrients your body needs to maintain health. It is essential to meet many of your body’s needs. Calcium plays an important role in many body functions and development.

Knowing how much calcium you need daily and where to get it can ensure that your body will reap the benefits of this great nutrient.

Calcium does many things for your body. Everyone knows calcium is beneficial to bones and teeth. It is also important to keep your muscles and nerves working properly.

It helps blood clot and keeps your heart beating properly. Lacking calcium in your diet can greatly affect your health now and in the future.

When your body does not get enough calcium it begins to take it from the bones. When this happens, if the calcium is not replaced through your diet the bones become deficient in calcium. This can lead to osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a disease where the bones get thin and brittle. It is fast becoming a major disease among older adults.

Calcium is important at any age. For children calcium is essential to ensure proper bone growth.

In pregnant women calcium intake is also important. The baby needs calcium to grow and takes this calcium from the mother, so increased calcium intake is important during pregnancy.

Some guidelines for calcium are 1,200 mg. a day for children age 1-10, 1,500 mg. a day for age 11-24.

Pregnant and breast feeding mother should get 1,400 mg. a day and older adults should have 1,500 mg. a day.

It is very difficult to take too much calcium and intakes of up to 2,500 mg. have proven safe. Excess calcium is easily removed from the body through waste.

To get a good daily intake of calcium diet choices are important. At least three servings a day of dairy products is essential to maintaining good calcium levels. Broccoli is another great calcium source.

Today, many products like orange juice have calcium added. Making simple choices when buying foods with added calcium can help you to make sure you are getting enough calcium daily.

Calcium is often overlooked in its importance. Fortunately it is quite easy to add calcium rich foods into your diet. Preventing future problems is important.

Frail bones are most often contributed to a lack of calcium. To keep your body functioning properly today and in the future make sure your calcium intake is sufficient.

 

Did You Know Calcium Needs Magnesium To Be Absorbed?

For all the people suffering from bone loss, did you know that calcium requires magnesium in order to be utilized by the body? Magnesium by its self doesn’t need calcium to function in the body.

Calcium should never be taken without magnesium. If you are supplementing just calcium you are actually reducing the amount of magnesium in the body which can be a bad thing.

Few people realize the importance of the mineral magnesium. Magnesium influences many of the body’s processes such as digestion, energy production, muscle function, bone formation, creation of new cells, activation of B vitamins, relaxation of muscles and helps in the function of the kidneys, heart, adrenal glands, the brain and nervous system.

Every day, one looses magnesium due to mental stress, caffeine, sugar intake, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, high perspiration, low thyroid, diabetes, chronic pain (causes stress), diuretics, and diets high in carbohydrates, sodium, and calcium.

The most common symptoms of magnesium depletion that millions of people suffer from every day are low energy, fatigue, PMS and Hormonal imbalances, inability to sleep (insomnia), body tension, headaches, muscle tension, muscle spasms and craps, backaches, calcification of organs, weakening bones, heart related difficulties, anxiousness, nervousness and irritability. Everybody needs magnesium.

What country has the highest rate of pasteurized milk consumption and what country has the highest Calcium supplement consumption? The United States!

If this is true, wouldn’t you think this country would have the lowest rate of osteoporosis caused by calcium loss making bones fragile? False!

More calcium does not eliminate a calcium deficiency. Only by adding magnesium to your diet will your body be able to handle a calcium deficiency and provide adequate magnesium for the body to dissolve excess calcium from the body like bone spurs while helping the body absorb more calcium all at the same time.

Magnesium is needed for major biochemical process such as digestion, energy production, and the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

According to Carolyn Dean, MD. ND., “calcium has been called the major mineral or the major nutrient mostly because there are a lot of books on osteoporosis (bone disease especially common in the elderly), and everybody thinks calcium is the major treatment for that. But if you don’t have magnesium, calcium doesn’t even work in the body.”

Milk contains 8 parts calcium to 1 part magnesium per glass. In order for the body to absorb the calcium in milk, the body has to make up for the missing magnesium.

Milk will rob the body of vital magnesium in order to process its calcium. Heavy milk drinking can cause a magnesium imbalance in the body and lead to the negative effects associated with a magnesium imbalance that was listed above.

In many countries, calcium is now added to cereals, crackers, juice, antacids and much more. None of these products add extra magnesium to bring balance back. If you’re eating dairy products and eating lots of organic yogurt, kefir, and green vegetables you’re getting a plenty of absorbable calcium.

Yogurt does not contain magnesium and if you cook your vegetables the magnesium found in the veggies will be destroyed. So, what you need is just a basic magnesium supplement to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Clearing The Calcium Confusion by Miriam Nelson, Ph.D.

Recent news reports about taking calcium may have confused women, but it is important to go beyond the headlines for your health care.

Two recent studies confirmed that women who consistently took Calcium and Vitamin D reduced their risk for fractures, reinforcing the importance of optimal daily calcium intake.

It is recommended that adults over the age of 19 should consume between 1,000 and 1,200 milligrams (mg) of calcium each day.

While peak bone mineral density (BMD) in women is reached around age 30, it is extremely important for women of all ages to make sure they are getting their recommended daily allowance (RDA) of calcium and vitamin D.

During pregnancy and through menopause, women’s calcium needs increase and lifelong supplementation is beneficial to overall health.

Additionally, bone-building exercises are a key component in building and maintaining bone health and preventing harmful bone-deteriorating diseases, such as osteoporosis.

Q: There has been a lot of talk about calcium-is it still good for me?

Yes! Calcium is an essential nutrient to the basic functions of the body. Not only is calcium a key component of bone development, but it is needed for the heart, muscles and nerves to work properly and for blood to clot.

Everyone needs calcium but as many as 75 percent of women don’t get the RDA in their diet, although they could through a combination of food and supplements.

Q: Should I do any specific exercises to help my bones?

Weight-bearing workouts and resistance training are two different types of exercises shown to improve bone health and they are explained in my updated book, “Strong Women, Strong Bones.”

Jogging, stair climbing and sports such as tennis are weight-bearing activities and weight lifting or strength training are resistance exercises.

Most recently, a study from the University of Arizona found that women who did a specific routine of six weight-bearing exercises and took Citracal® calcium citrate supplements gained 1 to 2 percent of their BMD, even though women typically lose 1 to 2 percent per year at that age.

A healthy diet and lifestyle that includes weight-bearing exercises are the first defense against osteoporosis.

The statements in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease please consult your health care physician before discontinuing medication or introducing herbs into your diet if you are currently on medication of any kind.

 


POINTS TO REMEMBER

The Importance Of Calcium

  • Calcium is one of the most important nutrients your body needs to maintain health.
  • When your body does not get enough calcium it begins to take it from the bones.
  • To get a good daily intake of calcium diet choices are important.
  • Calcium is often overlooked in its importance.

Did You Know Calcium Needs Magnesium To Be Absorbed?

  • Calcium should never be taken without magnesium.
  • Magnesium is needed for major biochemical process such as digestion, energy production, and the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
  • More calcium does not eliminate a calcium deficiency.
  • Milk contains 8 parts calcium to 1 part magnesium per glass.
  • Heavy milk drinking can cause a magnesium imbalance in the body.

Clearing The Calcium Confusion

  • Two recent studies confirmed that women who consistently took Calcium and Vitamin D reduced their risk for fractures, reinforcing the importance of optimal daily calcium intake.
  • Calcium is an essential nutrient to the basic functions of the body.
    Calcium is needed for the heart, muscles and nerves to work properly and for blood to clot.

 


TAKEAWAY QUESTIONS

  • Do you realize the importance of Calcium to your body?
  • Are you aware of the benefits Calcium gives to your overall health?
  • How much Calcium you are consuming daily?
  • Are you taking Magnesium along with Calcium?
  • How do you take care of your bones?

 

 

Why Calcium Matters?

why calcium matters

 

Are you taking enough calcium? What are the health and fitness benefits of calcium? Let’s find out here.

Calcium: When You Take It, It Works

Calcium has been recommended and widely accepted as an essential mineral for bone and skeletal health and numerous body functions-regulating heartbeat, conducting nerve impulses, stimulating hormonal secretions and clotting the blood.

Now, some conflicting and potentially misleading research is threatening to negate the efficacy of this vital mineral.

One factor that the study, published by the Women’s Health Initiative got right was that the government’s recommended daily dosage is necessary to receive the benefits associated with calcium consumption and supplementation.

Yet, more than half of the study participants did not adhere to the recommended calcium supplementation, making improvements in bone density a nearly impossible result.

Meanwhile, those that did comply experienced a whopping 29% lower risk of hip fractures.

Many people, both young and old, are failing to meet calcium intake requirements and the incidence of osteoporosis is climbing. During adolescent and teenage years, when 45% of bone mass is formed, meeting calcium requirements is essential.

According to the Journal of Pediatrics, however, only 10% of teenage girls and 30% of teenage boys are meeting adequate Calcium intake, which places them at serious risk for stunted growth, bone disease and, eventually, osteoporosis.

Calcium is available through dairy products and green, leafy vegetables-yet incorporating adequate amounts into a modern, hectic lifestyle, regardless of age, is often unrealistic. Calcium-fortified foods and supplements, however, can fill the gap.

“It’s very important that people do take a supplement if they’re not getting enough calcium in their diet,” says Nicholina Galinsky, R.N. “Unfortunately, most of us are not aware that we have osteoporosis until we break a bone.”

How Calcium Supplementation Can Affect Your Health Outlook

It seems more emphasis is placed on the importance of vitamin supplementation. While there is some information available about minerals, it is not as prevalent as what is published about vitamins.

Despite the reports that recommend vitamin and mineral supplementation for people who need them, many people don’t consider supplementing their diet with minerals.

Since it’s difficult to know how much of a particular mineral your body is lacking, many people are afraid they may take too much and become sick.

While taking minerals in excess can cause problems, a lack of sufficient minerals in the body can also have an effect on your general health.

Calcium is by far one of the most essential minerals in the body. The parts of the body that are most associated with sufficient calcium are healthy teeth and bones. Calcium also plays a vital role in blood clotting and muscle contraction.

An individual who has a calcium deficiency has an increased risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak bones that makes the individual prone to breaks.

Signs of muscle weakness, such as muscle spasms or cramps or also caused by calcium deficiency. Pregnant and postmenopausal women, young children, and the elderly have the greatest need for calcium.

In addition, anyone who does not consume at least 1200 milligrams each day should consider supplementation.

Calcium supplementation may be particularly important to individuals who are overweight. Recently, there have been reports that consuming the recommended daily amount of calcium can assist with weight loss.

The reports contend that the more calcium that is in the body, the better the body is able to metabolize fat. When there is an insufficient amount of calcium, the body stores more fat.

Although the studies are still relatively new, calcium has also been found to lessen the risk of colon cancer and heart disease.

If you discuss your health concerns with your medical doctor and it is determined that calcium supplementation is right for you, your doctor will probably recommend that you take vitamin D and K. Vitamins D and K assist with calcium absorption and are also beneficial to healthy bones.

It is very important that you do not take more calcium and vitamins D and K than recommended by your doctor. Excessive amounts of any of these can result in serious side effects.

 

Calcium helps the heart, nerves, muscles, and other body systems work properly.

Common Forms:   calcium citrate, calcium carbonate, calcium gluconate, calcium lactate, calcium chloride, calcium malate, calcium aspartate, calcium ascorbate.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. It is essential for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth; roughly 99% of calcium in the body is deposited in these two places.

Calcium also helps the heart, nerves, muscles, and other body systems work properly. To function correctly, calcium must be accompanied by several other nutrients including magnesium, phosphorous, and vitamins A, C, D, and K.

The best sources of calcium are foods (see Dietary Sources), but supplements may be necessary for those who cannot meet their calcium needs through diet alone.

In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, many people consume less than half the amount of calcium recommended to build and maintain healthy bones.

Heavy use of caffeine can diminish calcium levels. Therefore, higher amounts of calcium may be needed if you drink a lot of coffee.

Also, a diet high in protein can increase loss of calcium through the urine. Excessive intake of sodium, phosphates (from carbonated beverages) and alcohol, as well as the use of aluminum-containing antacids also contribute to increased excretion of calcium.

Calcium deficiency can be found in people with malabsorption problems, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and surgical intestinal resection. Prolonged bed rest causes loss of calcium from the bones and the elderly are less able to absorb calcium.

Symptoms of calcium deficiency include muscle spasm or cramping, typically in hands or feet, hair loss (alopecia), dry skin and nails, which may also become deformed, numbness, tingling, or burning sensation around the mouth and fingers, nausea and vomiting, headaches, yeast infections (candidiasis), anxiety, convulsions/seizures, and poor tooth and bone development.

Uses

Obtaining adequate calcium can help prevent and/or treat the following conditions:

Osteoporosis

An inadequate supply of calcium over the lifetime is thought to play a significant role in contributing to the development of osteoporosis. Calcium is necessary to help build and maintain healthy bones and strong teeth.

Studies have shown that calcium, particularly in combination with vitamin D, can help prevent bone loss associated with menopause, as well as the bone loss experienced by elderly men.

If adequate amounts of calcium are not being obtained through the diet, calcium supplements are necessary.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Calcium levels often measure lower the week prior to one’s menstrual period compared to the week after.

Studies suggest that calcium supplementation helps relieve mood swings, food cravings, pain or tenderness, and bloating associated with premenstrual syndrome.

High Cholesterol

Preliminary studies in animals and people suggest that calcium supplements, in the range of 1,500 to 2,000 mg per day, may help to lower cholesterol.

The information available thus far suggests that keeping cholesterol levels normal or even low by using calcium supplements (along with many other measures such as changing your diet and exercising) is likely to be more beneficial than trying to treat it by adding calcium once you already have elevated cholesterol. More research in this area is needed.

Stroke

In a population based study (one in which large groups of people are followed over time), women who take in more calcium, both through the diet and with added supplements, were less likely to have a stroke over a 14 year time course.

More research is needed to fully assess the strength of the connection between calcium and risk of stroke.

Colon Cancer

Although some studies are conflicting, mounting evidence suggests that people who consume high amounts of calcium, Vitamin D, and milk in their diets are significantly less likely to develop colorectal cancer than those who consume low amounts of the same substances.

Although it is best to obtain calcium from the diet, the suggested amounts for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer (namely, 800 IU/day of vitamin D and 1,800 mg/day of calcium) will most likely require supplementation.

Obesity

Both animal and human studies have found that dietary calcium intake (from low-fat dairy products) may be associated with a decrease in body weight.

These effects cannot necessarily be attributed to calcium alone since dairy sources of calcium contain other nutrients (including magnesium and potassium) that may be involved in the weight loss.

A review of all studies up to the year 2000 did conclude, however, that supplementation of 1,000 mg of calcium can facilitate as much as 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) of weight loss and 5 kilogram (11 pound) loss of fat.

Dietary Sources

The richest dietary sources of calcium include cheeses (such as parmesan, romano, gruyere, cheddar, mozzarella, and feta), wheat-soy flour, and blackstrap molasses.

Some other good sources of calcium include almonds, brewer’s yeast, bok choy, Brazil nuts, broccoli, cabbage, dried figs, kelp, dark leafy greens (dandelion, turnip, collard, mustard, kale, Swiss chard), hazelnuts, ice cream, milk, oysters, sardines, canned salmon soybean flour, tahini, and yogurt.

Foods that are fortified with Calcium, such as juices, soy milk, rice milk, tofu and cereals, are also good sources of this mineral.

Calcium may also be obtained from a variety of herbs, spices, and seaweeds. Examples include basil, chervil, cinnamon, dill weed, fennel, fenugreek, ginseng, kelp, marjoram, oregano, parsley, poppy seed, sage, and savory.

New Life Health Centers has no means of independently evaluating the safety or functionality of the products offered by their suppliers and affiliates and thus can neither endorse nor recommend products.

Information presented is of a general nature for educational and informational purposes only.

Statements about products and health conditions have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Products and information presented herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.

 


TAKEAWAY QUESTIONS

  • Are your dietary consumption includes enough Calcium?
  • Or do you take additional calcium supplementation?
  • What are your favorite high-calcium foods?
  • Are you aware of the importance of Calcium to your body processes?
  • Are you aware of the health benefits of Calcium?

 

 

What Are The Best Tips Before A Detox Program?

tips before detox program

Detoxification For Health!

How do I choose a detox method?

If you are trying a detox for the first time, it is best to take a gentle, gradual approach. The detox diet plan is a basic detox diet that many people recommend.

Detox diets can target the different organ systems involved in detoxification: the skin, liver, kidneys, colon, lungs and lymph system.

A natural health care practitioner can design a program that suits your needs by targeting specific organ systems.

For example, a person with a skin condition may benefit from a program that addresses the liver, intestines, and skin.

Other forms of detox include juice fasts, macrobiotic diet, colon cleanse, and liver flush. If you can’t go without meat, at least avoid red meat, and consider steering clear of dairy and wheat for maximum benefits.

If you are a heavy smoker or take drugs regularly, it will be a huge shock to the system to give up at the same time as detoxing. Take one step at a time – giving up your particular vice will be a detox in itself.

Headaches?

Food additives, sugar, alcohol, caffeine withdrawal, constipation, hormonal imbalance and exposure to irritants such as pollution, perfume or after-shaves are all causes of headaches that can often be relieved by detoxification.

Sauna

Saunas enhance circulation and oxygenate the tissues. They open the nasal passages and assist the sinuses to drain. A major eliminative organ, most people’s skin is very inactive. Many do not sweat. This may be due to synthetic or tight clothing that does not breathe.

Sedentary living and sun damage also inactivate the skin. Hundreds of chemicals affect the skin from lotions, soaps, and creams to deodorants. Others are cleaning solvents, detergent residues and chemicals from bathing water.

There are tons of detox diets out there. Typically they involve 1 or 2 days on a completely liquid diet and another 4 or 5 days adding brown rice, fruit, and steamed vegetables (all organic) to the diet.

After a week of eating only these foods, you gradually reintroduce other foods – except for red meat, wheat, sugar, eggs, and all prepackaged or junk foods – into your diet.

Detox To Lose Weight

Detoxification programs have been promoted as the remedy to today’s unhealthy lifestyles for years.

Proponents of detoxification note that a good detox can help increase energy, slow the aging process, aid the digestive system and help relieve the symptoms of diabetes and asthma. One of the greatest benefits of a good detoxification program is weight loss.

Your body is equipped with several systems to help it naturally detox. However, today’s stressful lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits often overburden your natural systems.

As your body struggles to keep up with the toxic matter flowing through your systems it often falls behind. Toxic waste begins to back up and the balance of your body is disrupted.

A good detox will help restore the body’s balance, eliminate the waste building up and make your systems run much more efficiently. During autopsies, coroners often find colons that are more than 75% clogged with waste matter.

This causes the systems that clean your blood and intestinal tracts to back up. Nutrients can’t be absorbed as efficiently and we gain weight, become tired and irritable. Health issues often follow.

Cleaning the colon and the liver often completely relieves these clogs and allows  your body to return to optimum functioning.

Nutrients are used efficiently and many find that the detox program has such great results that they simply don’t crave sugar and fried foods after the detoxification.

Many report feeling so good after detoxifying that they are motivated to eat more carefully.

With the toxins being flushed out of the body, many report a dramatic increase in energy level, encouraging many to exercise and further assist their detox in reducing weight.

Researchers have found that as the level of toxins in the body rises, more fat is manufactured to protect the body. Weight gain is a natural by-product of toxin buildup.

Removing the toxins from the body allows the body to release the excess fat, resulting in a natural weight loss.

There are many detoxification programs on the market. Choose a gentle, well researched program that includes a parasite remover as well. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at your increased energy and amount of weight loss!

healthy and fit

Detoxify Your Body and Treat Your Ailments

If you are like many people, you’re tired, maybe overweight, caffeine addicted and stressed out. You just don’t feel your best.

You may even have more serious health problems like irritable bowel system or high blood pressure.  Want a natural alternative to more over-the-counter and prescription drugs?  Try detoxifying your body.

An internal body cleansing can have many great benefits.  Cleansing your body of toxic buildup can provide relief from fatigue, tension, headaches, constipation, skin problems and acne and PMS, just to name a few.

By assisting your body in this natural process, you’ll be strengthening your organs and boosting your immune system.

Substances that are potentially toxic to your bodies are everywhere.  Pollution, petroleum based products, pesticides and other compounds are harmful to your bodies.

Your organs, including the colon and liver, are responsible for removing the toxins and waste materials from your body.

But when these organs aren’t functioning up to standard you become tired, break out, and have digestive problems.  More serious illnesses may result.

In your body, enzymes attach themselves to certain toxic substances.  The resulting material is processed in the liver and colon to be eliminated.

Unfortunately, sometimes the liver and colon cannot process all of the waste that is present, either because they are just overwhelmed, or there is a lack of required nutrients.  The toxic compounds can’t be processed, so they build up to unhealthy levels.

Detoxification provides the liver, colon and other organs with the enzymes, nutrients and support that they need to eliminate the waste build-up and to function efficiently again.

Don’t procrastinate any longer.  Detoxify your body and reap the benefits of a clean engine!

healthy colon

When You Are Ready To Detoxify Choose A Herbal Cleanse

Deciding upon a cleansing program can be confusing, for every program there are drawbacks and benefits that will affect every person differently.

Certain steps must be followed. Strict diets must be adhered to as well as the importance of maintaining the proper amount of fluids daily.

The herbal cleanse program is probably the most user friendly because you have the freedom to choose from a wider variety of foods and supplements.

Cleansing the body can be, accomplished in several ways.  You could go to your family doctor and get a prescription.

You will most likely receive strong laxatives, enemas, or a pill.  This method is not only expensive but brutal on your system.  During the process it’s wise not to stray more than 20 feet from the bathroom.

Another option is a diet comprised solely of fluids.  These are acceptable for short term (less than a week) but the human body was designed for solid food.  Go long enough without and you run the risk of dysentery or diarrhea.

Just imagine, how difficult it would be to maintain these liquid only diets, in addition to getting used to lack of solid food having diarrhea and cramping makes maintaining any program almost impossible.

This is also very dangerous and not recommended. Your body must have the major, healthy food choices to survive.

However, the herbal cleanse is the solution to your body cleansing situation.  Using natural herbal supplements and whole fresh foods you can detoxify using a safe and effective method that is healthy for your body.  Allowing you to eat and still cleanse your body at once.

Remember that to see results from your herbal cleanse you must maintain strict adherence to the program so before committing to any particular program walk through the entire process from the beginning to the end to ensure that you’re comfortable with what will be required.

Most herbal cleanses can be completed in less than 2 weeks and are simple to follow.

The best herbal cleanses are supplemented with fresh, nutritious fruits, vegetables, juices, and water to ensure your body has everything needed to survive and flourish during the cleansing process.

You may feel tired at the beginning of any cleansing program, but you’ll begin to perk up as your body begins to dispose of the gunk in your system.

The cleanse helps your body run properly again and will boost your energy levels drastically.  After only a few days, you’ll notice a feeling of lightness and increased energy.  Take advantage of this and use it to get things done.

vegetable-salad_vegetarianism

 

Detoxification: 8 Starter Tips

You have been experiencing frequent headaches, weight gain, constipation and skin problems, amongst a whole host of health problems.

And you are pretty convinced that some of these problems are due to a diet of high in saturated fats, environmental pollution and a stressful lifestyle.

These factors have inadvertently contributed to a toxin build-up in your body and you would like to cleanse your body through a detox program.

But before you plunge right into just any cleansing technique, here are some general tips that you must first consider:

 

  1. Start with a cleansing technique that is not too drastic or extreme for your present condition.
  2. On the other hand, do not choose a technique that is too mild and would therefore be ineffective. You can always start with a gentle cleansing program but build it up gradually.
  3. If you are a female, do not detoxify when you are pregnant or having your period.
  4. Always budget enough time for the cleansing process to take place. For instance, in a bowel cleanse, you may have to allow about 4 hours for purging to take place.
  5. Do not rush into a cleansing technique. As in the above example, during the 4 hours, plan to take things slowly.  No heavy tasks! Be near a toilet if necessary.
  6. Before starting on cleansing, make sure you go through all instructions and have all the foods necessary for your detoxification. You don’t want to have to rush out to the supermarket in the middle of a cleanse.
  7. Work closely with a trained health practitioner, giving him or her full details of the health problems that you are facing.
  8. Most importantly, decide with your health practitioner the order in which you should cleanse your body. Cleansing of the different parts of the body can include colon cleansing, liver cleansing, kidney cleansing, lung cleansing and skin cleansing. The right order will result in a more effective and complete detoxification for your body.

 

Now, what are you waiting for, plan your detox program and take the necessary actions for you to be fit and healthy, well and great!

 


POINTS TO REMEMBER

How do I choose a detox method?

  • Detox diets can target the different organ systems involved in detoxification: the skin, liver, kidneys, colon, lungs and lymph system.
  • Other forms of detox include juice fasts, macrobiotic diet, colon cleanse, and liver flush.
  • Saunas enhance circulation and oxygenate the tissues.

Detox To Lose Weight

  • A good detox will help restore the body’s balance, eliminate the waste building up and make your systems run much more efficiently.
  • Cleaning the colon and the liver often completely relieves these clogs and allows your body to return to optimum functioning.
  • Researchers have found that as the level of toxins in the body rises, more fat is manufactured to protect the body.

Detoxify Your Body and Treat Your Ailments

  • Cleansing your body of toxic buildup can provide relief from fatigue, tension, headaches, constipation, skin problems and acne and PMS, just to name a few.
  • Detoxification provides the liver, colon and other organs with the enzymes, nutrients and support that they need to eliminate the waste build-up and to function efficiently again.

When You Are Ready To Detoxify Choose A Herbal Cleanse

  • Using natural herbal supplements and whole fresh foods you can detoxify using a safe and effective method that is healthy for your body.
  • The best herbal cleanses are supplemented with fresh, nutritious fruits, vegetables, juices, and water to ensure your body has everything needed to survive and flourish during the cleansing process.

TAKEAWAY QUESTIONS

  • Are you aware of the benefits of detoxification?
  • Are you planning to go through a detox program soon?
  • Have you chosen the best detox program that would best suit your needs
  • Have you tried the herbal cleanse option?
  • How are you going to prepare for an upcoming detoxification process?

 

Learn The Basics Of Vipassana Meditation Technique

vipassana meditation

 

Vipassana meditation technique is another well-renowned technique in meditation. It is one of the oldest techniques, as well.

There are a lot of people around the world who are following this Buddhist’s technique of meditation.

Vipassana meditation technique can bring peace of mind, and allows the interaction between mind and body, as well.

It teaches human beings to see life just the way it is in all its reality without being affected by it. In addition, it teaches patience and benevolence towards all humans and things.

But to understand Buddhist Meditation, you have to know the Buddhism itself is centered on the Four Noble Truths.

First, you have to realize that there is suffering in the world which happens because of ignorance and desires.

When you do understand yourself, you can finally find a way to end this suffering. Those who find the answer have reached a state of Nirvana.

This then leads to the core of Buddhist meditation which is the practice of the eight fold path.

These virtues namely are the right action, right concentration, right effort, right livelihood, right mindfulness, right speech, right thought, and right view.

The proceedings of Buddhist Meditation are based on two things. The first is called “Samatha” which means tranquility and the second is called “Vipassana” which means mindfulness.

Let’s talk about this a little further. “Samatha” meditation involves a lot of breathing which is designed to develop concentration, detachment, equanimity and happiness.

There are 40 samatha meditations and each teaches the mind to focus on a single object to produce various states of tranquility.

Vipassana meditation on the other hand develops self-understanding by being able to comprehend the things that are going inside one’s head.

By practicing this regularly, you will soon develop wisdom which makes you free from all suffering.

But do you have to be a follower of Buddhism in order to practice this kind of meditation? The answer is no even if this technique is based on the doctrines of this religion and revolves around concentration and mind control.

Vipassana technique is one of the meditation techniques, which brings integration of mind and body.

Followers of Buddha are following this technique for many years. This is the technique which brings clarity of mind and assists in reaching to the truth.

meditation

Introduction to Vipassana Meditation Technique

Vipassana is the technique which roots back to 2500 thousand years when Buddha invented this technique.

This is the technique, which gives the power to see things clearly. The other important thing is that this technique brings a high level of self-insight, which is not possible with other techniques.

Learning Vipassana Meditation Technique

There are different methods of carrying Vipassana Meditation technique and the one discussed here will bring the highest level of insight after experiencing meditation.

One of the important techniques in Vipassana is impermanence.

This technique shows that everything in this world is impermanent, means that things come and go away.

Through this practice, an individual learns to see the things without emotional attachment, and in an objective manner.

The first thing you have to do is find a quiet place where you can do this without being disturbed. Next, get a nice soft pillow or cushion to sit on if the floor is not that comfortable for you.

Now, let your hands rest on your lap with the palms facing upward. It’s hard to stay in this position for 5 minutes or more so don’t be afraid to make a few slight adjustments. The important thing is that you are comfortable the way you are.

Try to concentrate on anything happening at that moment.

The root of the technique does not have to attach to the things and ideas during such kind of meditation session.

You just have to observe things as they passing by your mind.

The first step is to concentrate on your breathing.

Then it is time to close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing. Anybody can do this but there are 4 proper ways of doing it. You can inhale and exhale long, inhale and exhale short, inhale short and exhale long or inhale long and exhale short.

You don’t need to control or manage your breathing.

Just need to feel the rhythm of your breathing as it is happening.

The second step to concentrate on your feelings and sensation.

Again, you don’t have to describe and label your feelings and sensations.

You have to just feel them and accept them as they are. The third important step is to concentrate on your own thoughts.

You don’t have to stick to those thoughts. Just observe them objectively, and don’t try to attach your emotions with those feelings.

This is the root of this technique that, you don’t have to get involved in anything.

You have to experience things while they are approaching and leaving.

After going through all these experiences, you have to conclude your meditation session.

You will complete it by taking a break after this fascinating session.

And you will prepare your mind to get back to your routine work. Attaching our own meaning with everything in the world is a human tendency.

Through this tendency, we try to understand the meanings of different things in our surrounding.

That is why; every person perceives things according to his own experiences and emotions.

The best thing about this technique is that it builds a tendency to observe things without attaching personal emotions and meanings.

In this way, a person practicing Vipassana Meditation becomes able to see things objectively that is, they become able to see the truth hidden in different things.

Learn how to practice Vipassana Meditation Technique:

There are some basic steps to start doing this form of meditation.

– Sit in a quiet place in a fairly dark room

– You will need to be undisturbed for at least 20 minutes

– Keep your head and spine straight

– You may sit on the floor or on a chair if needed

– Close your eyes to cut out any external influences

– Start focusing on your breathing

– Observe the length of each breath – whether short long or heavy

– Do not judge or try and control your breathing

– The key to Vipassana meditation is to act as a neutral spectator to your breathing

– Try to avoid your thoughts from being distracted

– In the beginning, your thoughts may get distracted. Just gently shift your focus back to the breathing

– With practice, you will be able to focus on the breathing for long periods without distraction

– If questions and thoughts do arise, do not attend to them during the meditation

– Only once the meditation is over focus on these thoughts

Benefits of Vipassana Meditation

There are several benefits of practicing Vipassana Meditation on a daily basis.

Brings Objectivity

The most important thing about Vipassana Meditation, it helps an individual to reach to the hidden truth of different things.

We have seen that this meditation practice enables an individual to see things objectively, without attaching his own emotions.

In this way, a person learns to experience things as they are without molding their meanings through his own thoughts and emotions.

Makes Life Enjoyable

In your normal routine, you will try to take a break and go for outing to enjoy your life, but you have to return to the same hectic routine after that enjoyment, in any case.

These mentioned ways of getting enjoyment are temporary. If you develop a habit to practice Vipassana meditation daily, it will be viable for you to take pleasure in your life and get relief from daily pressure.

Helps in Developing a Sound Mind

Vipassana meditation helps an individual in remaining calm and peaceful.

There are certain thoughts that disturb our emotions and produce odd reactions in ourselves.

Once, your mind becomes sound and stable through practicing meditation, such feelings lose their potential to disturb your mind and emotions.

Brings Inner Creativity Out

This is another important effect of practicing Vipassana meditation that it extracts out your hidden talents and potentials.

During meditation, you can get a chance to meet your inner self and realize you talents. Most of us have many talents, but in our busy lives, we remain not capable of using these talents.

Meeting with ourselves in silence makes us realize and finally utilize those talents and abilities.

This is one of the best techniques to realize the truth about yourself, your thoughts, your sensations and your emotions.

You will be better able to understand the world after understanding yourself.

You cannot understand anyone’s emotion until you understand your own.

 


POINTS TO REMEMBER
  • Vipassana meditation technique can bring peace of mind, and allows the interaction between mind and body
  • Vipassana meditation on the other hand develops self-understanding by being able to comprehend the things that are going inside one’s head.
  • Vipassana technique brings integration of mind and body.

Learning Vipassana Meditation Technique

  • One of the important techniques in Vipassana is impermanence.
  • You just have to observe things as they passing by your mind.
  • The first step is to concentrate on your breathing.
  • The second step to concentrate on your feelings and sensation.

Benefits of Vipassana Meditation

  • Brings objectivity
  • Makes life enjoyable
  • Helps in developing a sound mind
  • Brings inner creativity out

TAKEAWAY QUESTIONS
  • Are you familiar with Vipassana Meditation?
  • Have you tried practicing Vipassana meditation?
  • What are your experiences with Vipassana meditation?
  • What are the benefits of practicing Vipassana meditation in your life?

 

 

What Makes Transcendental Meditation Different?

transcendental meditation

Transcendental Meditation is one of the well-known and widely practiced types of meditation.

This is the root of meditation that if you learn the proper ways of meditation, you will gain delight from your meditation practices.

Whenever anyone talks about the joys of meditation, it means that the person is talking about different types of meditation.

These are types of meditation because these practices persuade peace, accord, and relief from stress in an individual.

In this post, we will try to understand that how these different meditation techniques are effective in daily life, and how they bring joy to an individual’s life.

Transcendental Meditation is one of the types of Meditation practices. This is actually the type, which has received much attention.

Researchers have conducted many kinds of research to settle down the effects of Transcendental Meditation.

It has been observed that even 20 to 30 minutes of transcendental meditation can bring relief from stress.

Moreover, there are many other benefits of transcendental meditation, which will be discussed later in this article.

Introduction to Transcendental Meditation

Transcendental meditation is the type of meditation that is a little bit different from other types of meditation.

It can tempt many positive effects on your personality if you practice it two times in a day.

It is considered as less time consuming, and one has to spend 20 minutes for one session of Transcendental Meditation.

This is the technique, which a person performs easily with closed eyes.

There are different things about Transcendental Meditation which needs to be considered and which a person must know.

These things will be discussed one by one. Maharishi introduced transcendental meditation 50 years ago. In the way, India is the origin of this technique.

After this, Indians are transferring this valuable technique from generation to generation.

They have developed proper teaching institutes for transcendental meditation.

  • This is the simplest techniques of all. One has not to put a large amount of energy in it. It has to be practiced with closed eyes.
  • One can learn Transcendental Meditation with slight effort. Practicing it is quite delightful.
  • The best thing about Transcendental Meditation technique is that it does not require any belief. Anyone who is practicing it without belief over it can get benefits from it.
  • Transcendental Meditation helps in increasing the activity of the brain, and many types of research have confirmed these findings. This technique helps in enhancing intelligence, creativity, problem solving and decision making.
  • Transcendental Meditation technique is just taken it as a technique for making health better.This does not change your lifestyle.
  • Transcendental practice helps in controlling stress and blood pressure. This preservation reduces the risk for stress, hypertension, high levels of cholesterol and heart attacks.
  • This technique is only one of its kinds. It plays a considerable role in self -development of an individual. This is the thing which is not present in other techniques.
  • There are expert teachers for teaching transcendental technique. These teachers take follow up of their teachings, as well. In this way, a person can learn and practice it, again and again, to get maximum benefit out of this technique.

The main concept while teaching transcendental technique is to get access to the inner world of silence.

This inner world exists in every individual. In this hustle and bustle of life, reaching this calm world helps individuals to realize their inner energies.

When a person reaches this inner world of calmness, his brain works with greater integrity and produces better results.

There is a large population all over the world, who is practicing transcendental meditation to purify their lives.

The reason why this technique has becomes one of the widely used techniques of meditation.

The ultimate goal of Transcendental Meditation is to make each member achieve pure consciousness.

By doing so, the individual will be able to find peace with him or herself and also with the rest of the world.

It is a simple, natural, relatively effortless meditation technique where the mind can easily and naturally look into the source of thought and achieving the settled state of the mind which is known as the Transcendental Consciousness.

It is said to be the pure consciousness which is the source of all creative processes in the human mind.

Difference between Transcendental Meditation and other types of Meditation

There are several differences between transcendental meditation technique and other types of meditation techniques.

The first important point, all other techniques instruct the individuals to think upon something. All techniques teach the development of concentration to achieve certain goals.

On the other hand, to some extent the transcendental meditation allows the control of mind with concentration.

The other major difference, other techniques of meditation work on the surface level of concentration on thought or breath.

The transcendental technique directs an individual towards the deep inner state of calmness, which enhances the overall level of awareness of an individual.

By reaching this innermost peaceful state, it eventually brings positive effects in the personality of an individual.

Benefits of Transcendental Meditation

There are several benefits of transcendental meditation. This is the only type of meditation which has received researcher’s attention.

According to one rough calculation, six hundred researches have been benefited from the effects of transcendental meditation.

These are the different benefits of transcendental meditation.

Increased Activity of the Brain

It has been observed that transcendental meditation helps prefrontal cortex to connect with other parts of the brain. This thing helps to enhance the overall activity level of the brain.

Moreover, the prefrontal cortex is involved in executive functions of the brain such as decision-making and problem-solving.

So, the higher level of connections from other parts of brain enhances its activity level.

Decrease in Stress

If someone practices transcendental meditation daily, it declines the activity of Sympathetic nervous System.

In turn, the sympathetic nervous system expands the blood vessels and reduces the amount of stress hormones such as adrenaline hormones.

In this way, transcendental meditation helps in reducing the stress of an individual.

Once, a person gets rid of stress, there are a few chances for him to be affected by heart attack, hypertension, and stroke.

Enhance Performance in the Workplace

As we have seen how transcendental meditation affects the major regions of our brain, this enhancement of brain’s performance also enhance the performance of an individual at their workplace.

Better intelligence, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities make people perform well in their jobs.

By using meditation practices, individuals make a habit of remaining peaceful and passive even under stressful situations, which enable them to meet challenges during their job.

Better Performance at Schools

It has been observed that meditation practices at school level increase the level of happiness and eagerness in children.

Meditation helps students to reduce their studies related concern and hopelessness.

Meditation also helps children with the education of disabilities to improve their performance. Through meditation, they are better able to concentrate on their minds.

Moreover, transcendental meditation increases the brain activity and executive functions of the brain, as well, which helps to reduce the symptoms of learning disabilities.

Promoting Peace in Society

Transcendental meditation has got the potential to change the society in a positive way.

If people practice this meditation technique in groups, it can produce better results for them.

A green forest cannot be green until every tree in that forest will be green. In this way, a society can never become a peaceful society until every individual is feeling peace from inside the self.

Maintaining Focus

It helps in building and maintaining the focus of an individual. A person cannot focus or concentrate on anything when there are several things in his mind.

Transcendental meditation helps the individual to reduce his distraction and develop concentration. In this way, people build potential to focus on their goals.

Better Relationships

Transcendental meditation softens the heart of an individual, as well. It induces patience in an individual and, helps him to treat everyone kindly.

This kind of attitude increases the popularity of the individual among his family members, friends, and colleagues.

More than 500 clinical studies have been done on Transcendental Meditation. One study shows that members who are in their 50’s feel much younger.

Another study shows that it improves your academic achievement, creativity, and intelligence.

Those who have been practicing it claim that it reduces problems such as anxiety, insomnia, and stress. Even those who have had addictions to alcohol or drugs in the past say that this has helped them kick the habit.

In short, Transcendental Meditation is able to improve your physical health.

Probably the biggest surprise is that one study showed that members of this movement have had fewer medical problems than those who are not.

Given the benefits it can do to those who practice it, this is probably the reason why some companies in the US offer this program to their employees.

This is because management knows that stress costs them more than 200 billion dollars annually which mean a decrease in the worker’s productivity.

One example of such a company that offers this to their employees is General Motors.

This car company has been practicing Transcendental Meditation for several years and results from a study showed that this increased the productivity in the workplace, improved morale and had a good impact on the physical health of their workers.

There are even some who have mistaken Transcendental Meditation and the organization itself to be part of the religious cult.

This is because another name by which it is known is the “Science of Creative Intelligence” which in fact is a degree that you can get after you graduate at the Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa.

It should also be pointed out that Transcendental Meditation is scientific so you don’t have to abandon your current religion.

In fact, it can be done with little effort so it is possible for you to achieve pure consciousness regardless of your age, gender, educational background, culture or religion.

Transcendental Meditation makes you look inward so you are able to turn those dormant potentials into realities.

Of course, this can only happen over time and with practice so you will soon be able to experience an endless world of possibilities.

 


POINTS TO REMEMBER

Transcendental Meditation is one of the well-known and widely practiced types of meditation.

Introduction To Transcendental Meditation

  • This is the simplest techniques of all.
  • One can learn Transcendental Meditation with slight effort.
  • The best thing about Transcendental Meditation technique is that it does not require any belief.
  • Transcendental Meditation helps in increasing the activity of the brain
  • Transcendental Meditation technique is just taken it as a technique for making health better.
  • Transcendental practice helps in controlling stress and blood pressure.
  • This technique is only one of its kinds.
  • There are expert teachers for teaching transcendental technique.

Difference Between Transcendental Meditation And Other Types Of Meditation

  • Transcendental meditation allows the control of mind with concentration
  • It directs an individual towards the deep inner state of calmness, which enhances the overall level of awareness of an individual.

Benefits of Transcendental Meditation

  • Increased activity of the brain
  • Decrease in stress
  • Enhance performance in the workplace
  • Better performance at schools
  • Promoting peace in society
  • Maintaining focus
  • Better relationships

 

TAKEAWAY QUESTIONS

 – Are you familiar with transcendental meditation?

 – Have you tried practicing transcendental meditation?

 – What are your experiences so far with transcendental meditation?

 – What are the effects or benefits of transcendental meditation to you?

 

 

What Are The Basics Of Learning Self-Hypnosis?

learning self-hypnosis_c

 

Hypnosis is a proven method of deep relaxation that is used for creating inner changes in our thoughts, emotions and behaviors. It is also a medically recognized tool for controlling pain and reducing stress.

The most common form of hypnosis these days is self-hypnosis. This is a self-induced state of deep relaxation attained by either listening to a recording or by bringing yourself into a trance.

It is fairly easy to learn self-hypnosis and, as with everything else in life, “practice makes perfect!”  The key is to take it easy. Approach the subject with playfulness.

Do not try too hard to enter into trance for this defeat the whole purpose of hypnosis. You are going to learn how to bring yourself into a profoundly relaxed state and trying to force it to happen only makes you tense and has the reverse effect.

How To Perform Self-Hypnosis?

A major part in the art of self-hypnosis is learning to let the hypnotic state takeover by itself. Try not to analyze what is happening.

When you keep the conscious mind engaged in analyzing you will find it hard to go from the beta brainwave state (conscious waking decision making) to the alpha brainwave state (the deeply relaxed state of light trance where most hypnosis subjects stay). Just allow yourself to relax.

It is your body’s natural state to relax when you perform certain mental and physical actions, so don’t fight it by trying to figure out how or why it is happening.

Do not get discouraged or think nothing is happening if you don’t feel much change at first or if progress appears to be slow.

After some practice you will find entering a state of self-induced trance become easy and natural as you teach your body and mind to relax.

Don’t expect to be an expert right off the bat! Expecting yourself to be as good as Paul McKenna or Dick Sutphen on your first attempt is setting yourself up for frustration.

It takes time to learn hypnosis and unless you are truly fortunate it will take time to teach your body and mind to let go and enter this state effortlessly – but it will happen.

Remember that there are various ways to experience hypnosis and no two people will experience trance in exactly the same way. Expect your experience to be the same as someone else’s!

It is a good idea to set aside a regular time to practice your new skills. Give yourself the gift of 15 to 30 minutes every day or every other day to practice self-hypnosis.

Make sure you will not be disturbed and that your environment is quiet. You may be surprised that you do not actually get sleepy or fall asleep during hypnosis, although the body does enter into that type of relaxed posture.

You may find that initially you tend to fall asleep while practicing self-hypnosis. If this happens just practice at an earlier time when you are less fatigued until you perfect the technique. If falling asleep is still a problem then practices it while sitting in an upright chair.

Before you begin, set an intention for the session. Do you want more confidence, higher self-esteem, the perfect relationship or an improvement in your finances? You will now use one of two techniques which will be used as post hypnotic suggestions.

Create some positive affirmations that state you are already they you wish to be or you are already in possession of your desire and memorize them.

If this seems like too much work then just imagine you already have your desire and make a mental movie of it.

See yourself experiencing it as if it were happening now. You will use one of these techniques when you enter trance to reprogram your subconscious mind!

Begin by sitting or lying comfortably. Keep your head straight, pointing forward, but look up at a spot on the wall – do not bend your neck.

Your eyes should be looking slightly up. Breathe in to the count of five and out to the count of five. This will cause your body to let go of tensions and stresses. Now, curl your toes on both feet and tense them while you inhale to the count of five.

Now relax on your exhale to the count of five. Move up to your legs. Tense them and relax. Keep breathing in to the count of five and out to the count of five. Now tense your whole pelvic and buttock region. And relax. All the time breathing deeply.

Move up to your stomach, then your chest, neck, face and head, repeating the tensing and relaxing procedure while breathing deeply. Allow your eyes to close naturally at any time during this relaxation exercise. You will find that within a very short period of time it takes more and more effort to keep them open.

Once your eyes are shut and you have relaxed your entire body, imagine that you are at the top of a winding dark staircase with ten steps. Keep breathing deeply to the count of five.

Move down to the first step, noticing that you can only see a few steps ahead of you as the rest are shrouded in a calm still darkness.

Mentally say the word 10. Now move to the next step and mentally say 9. Then, the next saying 8. Move progressively down the steps until you reach the bottom.

During this exercise you can allow your breathing to return to normal or keep the deep breathing up if you prefer.

Once you have reached the bottom imagine there is a large wooden door in front of you walk towards it and open it. On the other side you find a moving escalator going down. Move onto it and feel it bringing you down, down, down. Deeper, deeper, down.

When you reach the bottom imagine you can walk slightly forward until you find yourself in a quiet relaxing setting. Just let it appear. It may be a garden, a beach, a forest or a favorite place from childhood. It could be anywhere.

Just allow your subconscious mind to show you where you are. Relax in whatever way seems appropriate to you in that special place.

At this stage you can mentally give yourself post hypnotic suggestions in the form of “I am….”, or “I allow____ to enter my life with ease” and the likes.

If you prefer not to have to remember mentally spoken instructions then recall your visualization and place yourself inside it!

This is important see the scene through YOUR eyes as though it were a memory. Do not visualize yourself in the scene the way you would see another person. Experience it from your perspective. Do this for as long as it is enjoyable.

Once you have finished and are ready to return to normal waking consciousness, simply count back from 10 to 1 and mentally say “wide awake, wide awake”.

Stretch, give yourself a few seconds to re-adjust to your surroundings and then go about your daily activities.

You will find this short exercise in self-hypnosis most beneficial, rejuvenating and life-altering!

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learn self-hypnosis_q

 

How To Conquer Arthritis With Food?

conquer arthritis with food_c

 

Do aches and pains have you out of joint? Here’s a cheaper treatment for arthritis, eating the right kind of food and improving your diet.

Concerns culminating in the withdrawal of several selective Cox-2 inhibitors, have many arthritis sufferers turning to the supplement aisle in search of relief.

Scientists have found some very effective anti-inflammatory agents in your own kitchen such as cinnamon and olive oil. Some of them, like ginger, can be bought as a supplement.

With some thought and planning, it’s easy to make these nutrient-dense foods part of your daily diet.

With choices from virtually every food group, you’ll soon be well on your way to arming yourself to battle the pain of arthritis and begin to manage it from the inside out.

Arthritis is often associated with people in their 50s or older. But nowadays, more and more younger people are showing signs of this joint-related disease.

What exactly are the causes of joint inflammation and what are the best arthritis treatment? Inflammation of the joints can result from previous injuries, like tibial plateau fracture, which affects certain sensitive cartilages and muscle tissues.

A person can also develop joint swelling and pain if two or more of his or her family members have gout or any related illness.

Needless to say, age is also one of the most significant factors in determining the onset of swelling of the joints. As a person gets older, his or her bones tend to be weaker and more fragile as one of the results of the natural laws of aging.

But this doesn’t necessarily mean teenagers or the twenty-somethings can be complacent. There are cases of brittle joints among younger age brackets because of extraneous determinants like weight and existing illness.

It is understandable that obese or overweight persons have greater tendencies of exhausting or wearing out their bones.

Since weight is identified as a factor in causing joint inflammation, doctors suggest arthritis treatment can be in the form of improving one’s diet.

There are specific diets, like meals heavy in unsaturated fat and cholesterol, that make a person even more susceptible in experiencing joint pain and swelling.

On the other hand, foods rich in certain minerals and vitamins are one’s best ally in preventing early signs of bone inflammation.

Choose foods with high nutritional value and specifically contain Vitamins K and E, which promote healthier bones.

To alleviate inflammation, a person should boost his or her intake of vitamins B12 and B6.

If beneficial minerals like zinc and copper are not usually found on your daily meal plan, take health supplements that offer these specific nutrients.

There are also certain medications supposedly aimed at combating arthritis. Some of these drugs don’t come without hazardous side effects so it is still best to follow natural remedies to prevent or cure joint inflammation.

Arthritis treatment need not cost someone a fortune. The safest and surest way is still through sticking to a healthy diet, or even particular exercise routines, or whatever a doctor advised a patient to do.

One should not wait to get older before he starts to take care of his bones and joints.

A person may not realize the importance of bone health until he experiences the premature tell-tale signs of joint swelling and inflammation.

 

Eating To Ease Arthritis Pain

Could diet and exercise provide more reliable solutions?

Here’s a roundup of recent research into those foods that help support healthy joints:

Pineapple

Bromelain is an enzyme that can help ease joint pain and relieve muscle soreness. Scientists at the Dole Nutrition Institute found that fresh or frozen pineapple has as much, if not more, bromelain activity than supplements.

Pineapples also provide an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps promote collagen formation and improve iron absorption, and manganese, which supports metabolism and bone density.

Cherries

A top source of anthocyanins that reduce inflammation and may protect against gout (an inflammatory form of arthritis). One study found that cherry consumption lowered blood levels of uric acid, which can accumulate in joints, causing pain.

Broccoli

Cruciferous veggies such as broccoli contain sulphoraphane, which triggers the body’s own antioxidant defenses. New research suggests this process may help block effects of Cox-2 enzymes on inflammation.

Broccoli sprouts are one of the most potent sources of these compounds, which you’ll also find in cabbage, cauliflower and brussels sprouts.

Red Bell Peppers

If you are in need of vitamin C but aren’t a big fan of citrus fruits, reach for a green pepper.

A single green pepper contains 176 percent of your daily needs for vitamin C and colorful red and yellow varieties have more than double that amount.

That makes them richer in C than citrus fruits, but sweet peppers are also excellent sources of vitamin B6 and folate.

Just one contains more than 470 percent of your daily Vitamin C needs (yellow peppers contain 450 percent and green peppers contain 190 percent).

According to a Boston University study, people getting under 150 milligrams daily of Vitamin C had faster cartilage breakdown.

Other top sources of vitamin C are citrus fruit, pineapple, kiwi, cantaloupe, papaya, strawberries, tomatoes, kale, collard greens and sweet potatoes.

Black Cod

Move over, salmon! Black cod has even higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which may help rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation.

Flounder, halibut and sardines also contain this healthy fat, as do flaxseed oil, pecans, walnuts, tofu and leafy green vegetables.

Button Mushrooms

An unexpected source of vitamin D, adequate levels of which decrease vulnerability to arthritis pain.

Sunshine enables your body to produce vitamin D; other sources include oysters, sardines and fortified non-fat dairy.

Kale

One of the healthier sources of calcium, which helps hold the line against osteoarthritis by slowing bone loss.

Be adventurous! Try collard greens, arugula, soy and beans in addition to some of the better-known calcium sources.

green tea diet

Tea

Green and black tea contain flavonoids, antioxidant compounds that may block the production of prostaglandins, which cause inflammation and pain.

Green tea contains hundreds of powerful antioxidant chemicals called polyphenols and has been cited for helping prevent problems ranging from cancer to heart disease.

But studies also suggest green tea may help prevent or ease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Salmon

Salmon is among the richest sources of healthy fats, making it an ideal source of omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, salmon contains calcium, vitamin D, and folate.

Besides helping with arthritis, eating salmon may protect the cardiovascular system by preventing blood clots, repairing artery damage, raising levels of good cholesterol, and lowering blood pressure.

Banana

Commonly referred to as one of nature’s ‘perfect foods,’ bananas are perhaps best known for packing potassium, but they’re also good sources of arthritis-fighting vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin C.

They’re easy for your body to digest, and since they’re a great source of soluble fiber, they are an important player in your weight loss efforts, because you fell full after eating one without consuming a large number of calories.

Shrimp

Vitamin D is a tough one to come by in foods, but shrimp fills that bill, since they have about 30 percent of the daily recommended amount in about three ounces – much more than a cup of milk.

Shrimp also contains omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C, along with other nutrients essential for general health, including iron and vitamin B12.

Cheese

Hard or soft, fresh or ripened, cheese in all its variety is an excellent source of calcium for bones, and protein for muscles and other joint-supporting tissues. Cheese can be easily sliced to put on a cracker or a sandwich, grated into your favorite recipe, or eaten alongside an apple or pear for a fresh, quick snack.

Ginger

One of the active constituents in ginger is a phenolic compound known as gingerols. These have been found to have a strong anti-inflammatory effect.

In a study reported in the Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Journal, the participants who took the ginger compound had significantly less pain during movement than those who took the placebo.

This study followed 29 people over 12 months, and also found that swelling in the knees was also reduced.

However, if you are taking blood thinning medication like warfarin, you may need to be careful about the amount of ginger you take, as ginger can thin the blood also. (Australian Healthy Food)

And due to ginger’s strong taste, this might be a preferable way of taking it to get the quantities you need for a significant anti-inflammatory effect.

Cinnamon

This rather delicious spice has a number of health benefits. Specific to inflammation and arthritis, cinnamon can help inhibit the release of inflammatory fatty acids. (Australian Healthy Food)

Cinnamon is not commonly used as a supplement here, but in India it has a rich traditional use and may be available as part of an Ayurvedic supplement.

Yellow and Orange Fruits and Vegetables

Some of the carotenoids in yellow and orange fruit and vegetables help reduce inflammation.

Carotenoids are what gives these vegetables and fruit their color. (Australian Healthy Food)

mediterranean diet

Olive Oil

This can easily be integrated into the daily diet. Extra virgin olive oil acts similar to the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen, though it doesn’t have the immediate pain relieving effects that ibuprofen does.

But a compund found in extra virgin olive oil, called oleocanthal has been found to inhibit the COX enzymes like ibuprofen, in what researchers describe as a ‘dose dependant’ manner.

This research was originally reported in the September, 2005 issue of Nature magazine by Paul Breslin and his associates from Monell Chemical Senses Center.

He describes oleocanthal as a natural anti-inflammatory compound that is potentially as strong as ibuprofen.

He suggests that taken over the long term, it will have the same potential benefits that long term use of ibuprofen does.

Their results found that taking 50 grams of extra virgin olive oil is equal to approximately 10% of the dosage of ibuprofen recommended for pain relief for adults. Olive oil also has a host of other benefits, including a heart protective effect.

 

What to limit? Red meat. British researchers found that too much red meat increased the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

Those who ate the most red meat were twice as likely to develop the condition than those who limited their intake to less than 1 ounce per day.

Interestingly, scientists have also found that a diet high in refined grains, sugary soft drinks, processed meat and even diet soft drinks can encourage both inflammation and type 2 diabetes.

On the other hand, 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.

While the foods cited above have compounds with targeted joint health benefits, Harvard research found a more general link between high fruit and vegetable consumption and lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

Eating less meat and more fruit and vegetables also helps maintain a healthy weight – an important facet of managing joint pain.

If you’re among the majority of people who are either obese or overweight, slimming down can significantly slow progression of joint degeneration and ease pain. In fact, you can reduce knee stress by 40 to 80 pounds with a mere 10-pound weight loss.

To conclude, here are some natural remedies for arthitis that you could try.

Natural Remedy for Arthritis in Brief

  • Vitamin E – This antioxidant is used primarily for osteoarthritis.
  • Vitamin B is also an effective pain reliever. It works best on the knee and can help stop degeneration that is caused by free-radical molecules, not only in the joints but in other areas of the body as well
  • Ginger – Ginger is an antioxidant that acts as an inflammatory with no major side effects.
  • Glucosamine sulfate – This builds cartilage with very few side effects.
  • MSM – This organic sulfur is used in the reduction of inflammation.
  • Nettle leaf – Nettles can reduce a patient’s need for NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) by up to 70 percent.
  • Chondroitin – Helps draw fluid into cartilage, improving shock-absorbing ability.

 

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How To Avoid The Bad Effects Of Fish Oil?

The Side Effects of Fish Oil

First, you need to understand that fish oil has a lot of benefits. The omega-3 fish oil belongs to the essential fatty acids which your body needs.

Your body does not have any capabilities of producing the omega-3 so we rely on external sources, mainly fish rich in oil, as your main source.

The fact that it is labeled essential fatty acid means that your body really needs it and the lack of which could result to a variety of health consequences.

Among the known benefits of taking omega-3, includes reducing the risks of having heart disease, can reduce the development of cancer cells, prevents pregnancy complications, improves eyesight, and helps prevent depression.

There could have a longer list but it can be skipped for now and needless to say the benefits of fish oil are real.

But unknown to quite few, the fish oil supplements that all think of as friends has the dark side too, has side effects which when left uncheck can be quite harmful and can even prove to be fatal.

If the list of benefits is quite long, the side effects are not as many but it is good for you to be aware of them as well. The side effects only manifests when one overdoses with the intake and can even disappear after a few days.

fish oil benefits

Sometimes, the body just needs to get used to the fish oil and once it has adjusted, the side effects would disappear. Some of the minor and immediate side effects include a fishy after taste and diarrhea.

You will experience these side effects if you too much dosage of fish oils. Commonly, doctors would prescribe or recommend a 2 gram intake of fish oil daily at the minimum.

These two often appears during the first few days of taking the fish oil. These symptoms should disappear after a couple of days but in case they don’t changing brands of fish oil supplements might help. But setting up a meeting with your doctor would be the best idea.

After a couple of weeks of taking fish oil capsules, you might notice some fishy burping before and after each meal. This can just be because your body is still adjusting. Give it a couple of days and the burping might stop.

Although, you should check the expiry dates of your of your supplements. You might also want to consider that what you have been taking are bad quality produce.

Changing brands might help. Some suggest keeping the supplements in a freezer to prevent the various gastrointestinal side effects.

On the other hand, blood thinning is something that you cannot eliminate by just simply changing brands.

You see, omega-3 from fish oils is great for the heart because it is a natural blood thinner. They help coagulate the blood which helps prevent blood clots which helps prevent heart diseases.

But because omega-3 is already a blood thinner, people who are already taking blood thinning medications should avoid the intake of either the fish oil or the blood thinning drug.

If you combine fish oil with other medicines such as aspirins, the result might be very harmful to your body and even fatal.

The possible problem with this, people will get too much blood thinners resulting to patients bleeding out. The bleeding could be internal which can damage organs and could result to something fatal.

Too much blood thinners can cause you to bleed out. And bleeding does not mean just bleeding out externally, but there are cases where patients actually bled to their brains.

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Some would report nose bleeding as a side effect of fish oil intake.

Watch out for signs of internal bleeding like black stools or the presence of blood in the stool or vomiting of blood which are all signs of gastrointestinal bleeding.

When one bleeds in the brain, the signs could be changes in their vision or speech, numbness of an arm or leg, and severe headache.

Recent studies show that too much fish on one’s diet may do more harm than good. High-levels of mercury are present in many store-bought fish that appear to be fresh, gleaming, and healthy-looking.

Though the usual side effects of fish oil are moderate, the ones caused by mercury contamination can be very hazardous.

In particular, mercury exposure is dangerous to children and pregnant women. Birth defects, learning disabilities, and hair loss are some of the effects of mercury poisoning.

According to studies, traces of mercury are found in fish because of a process called biomethylation. Biomethylation is a process wherein elemental mercury present in water is converted by bacteria into methylmercury.

Methylmercury is absorbed by fish through their gills as they eat aquatic organisms. Toxins are then spread up the food chain, affecting other parts of the ecosystem.

Normally, large fish like tuna will have higher levels of toxins compared with small fish like tilapia and salmon.

Cooking does not remove the toxins from fish. However, toxicologists are careful in saying that fish per se does not cause toxicity, but the traces of mercury present in the fish.

People should not be scared to eat fish.  In moderate amounts, fish is still good for consumption since it is an excellent source of protein and other nutrients.

The dark side of fish oil is just that, one part of a fairly good supplement. There are ways to prevent the side effects and most of them through proper consultations before you even start taking those fish oil supplements.

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Other Fish Oil Effects That You Can Avoid

If you have fish oil capsules or liquid at home, then you would have to make sure that it would not be exposed to heat, light, and oxygen.

When exposed for too long, the fish oil would get oxidized and would get bad. Once the fish oil gets bad, it would lose its nutritional value.

Aside from that, bad fish oil and fatty acids are said to contribute to the development of cancer and other diseases.

You would have to be conscious with Vitamin A, E, and D.  Accumulated or large doses of these vitamins can eventually lead to poisoning.

There are also serious side effects of fish oil.  If these side effects happen to you, it is best to consult a health care professional.  You would have to stop taking fish oil supplements or it could mean other serious ailments.

If you have diabetes, then it would also be better to check with your doctor if taking fish oil supplements is safe.  Taking fish oil supplements can sometimes result to hyperglycemia or high blood sugar. Be watchful or conscious of allergic reactions.

Symptoms that you are allergic with fish oil supplement include rashes, itching, swelling, wheezing and difficulty in breathing or swallowing.

To avoid the minor side effects, you can take the fish oil supplement along with your meal.  This would get rid of the aftertaste and make it easier to digest.  It is less likely for you to experience abdominal or stomach pain.

There are few who keep their supplements refrigerated.  It is said that keeping them frozen or cold would help lessen gastrointestinal problems or side-effects.

Too much is always not good.  The problem is we do not how much is too much.  There is maximum amount that an individual should take.

But there is a recommended amount, for male it is 1,600 mg. while women are recommended to have 1,100 mg.

As mentioned, we should be cautious with Vitamin A, E, and D overdose.  How do we deal with this?

Read the labels.  Know what kind of supplement you are taking.  You have to know if the fish oil supplements you are taking exceed the recommended level.  To avoid an overdose of Vitamin A and D, avoid using fish oil that includes the internal organs like liver.

Fish oil is something that can very essential in improving our physical and mental health as long as it is taken in recommended doses and amounts.

Let us remember that fish oil is not a magic pill that would immediately remove us of any ailments and pains.  Its effects can be gradually noticed over time.

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Customer Knowledge: Buying Fish Oil Supplements

Not all fish contains Omega-3 oil or the essential fatty acids.  Fishes that have the highest number of fatty acids are salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies.

There are things that you would have to consider when buying fish oil.  Actually, health professionals would say that eating too much fish that contains fish oil and Omega-3 can cause mercury contamination.

This can happen if you do not exactly know where the fish are caught.  If the fish is caught in polluted waters, one can ingest mercury and other heavy metals.

To avoid toxins entering the body, make sure that the fish oil is molecularly distilled and pharmaceutical grade supplements.  These kinds of fish oil are removed of all toxins.

You would have to check at the label to make sure that they come from clean waters and properly refined.

When checking the label of a particular fish oil supplement, you check their websites and look for the “Certificate of Analysis.” This COA is an analysis performed by an independent laboratory to identify the freshness of the product.

Aside from checking the source of the fish and the freshness of the fish oil, you would also need to know what kind of fish the oil is from.

And aside from being free of heavy metals, it should always contain at least 60 % of EPA and DHA.

When it comes to pill or capsule supplements, the process of creating those fish oil capsules might not be safe. The safest would be through a distillation process.

How would you know that you are buying the safe fish oil supplement?  Only buy from companies that use fresh and high qualify fish and inform the public where they get their fish.  You can check their websites or labels to be informed properly.

Fish oil supplements can be either liquid or tablet.  Liquid fish oil costs more than oil capsules.

But when compared with capsules based on the cost-per-gram it is actually less expensive. Capsules are tamper-proof and keep the oil from getting bad.

Most people find fish oil to be expensive or overpriced.  Some experts would say that there are two ways to compare prices.  You can compare the total amount of DHA in the supplement and the cost for each gram of DHA.

You would feel that you have low quality fish oil if you suffer from any ache or pain.  We would have to be cautious when buying low-cost fish oil.

They may not be the same as the high-quality fish oil.  You would have to be cautious when buying cheap fish oil.

When buying fish oil, or any kind of product, read the label or the product information first.  Getting informed will relieve you of any kind of health risk in the future.

Reading the label or getting to know the product would not be more than a couple of minutes, anyway.  So, spare the time.

 

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How To Go Through A Detox Program?

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Feeling slow? Having skin problems, pain, and infliction, or digestive troubles? Wandering from your fitter habits recently? It might be time to detoxify.

By freeing your body of toxins, then giving your body sound nutrients, detoxifying might assist in protecting you from disease and renew your power to continue optimum health as well as help you slim down.

Simply put, detoxification entails purifying the blood. It does this chiefly by getting rid of impurities from the blood in the liver, where toxins are refined for excretion.

The body likewise eliminates toxins through the kidneys, bowels, lungs, lymph and skin. When this system is compromised, impurities are not properly filtrated and every cell in the body is adversely affected.

A detox plan might help the body’s natural cleansing process by:

1) Giving the organs a rest with fasting;

2) Getting the liver to push toxins from the body;

3) Raising elimination through the bowels, kidneys and skin;

4) Bettering circulation of the blood; and

5) Refueling the body with sound nutrients.

Detox at least once a year. A light detoxifying plan is typically safe; as a matter of fact, scientific studies demonstrate that a detox is beneficial for health.

You should be careful if you are a nursing mother, child, and patients with chronic degenerative diseases, cancer or tuberculosis. Consult your doctor if you’ve questions about whether detoxing is suitable for you.

Initially, lighten your toxic load. Get rid of alcohols, coffee, smokes, sugars and concentrated fats, all of which act as toxins in the system and are obstructions to the procedure.

Minimize utilization of chemical-based house cleaners and personal health care products and replace with organic alternatives.

Another hitch to good health is stress, which sets up your body to release stress hormones into your system.

While these hormones might supply the “adrenaline rush” to advance in a race or meet a deadline, in large amounts they produce toxins and decelerate detoxification enzymes in the liver and can cause weight gain as well.

It’s an excellent idea to detoxify nerve-racking life situations along with detoxifying your body. Yoga and meditation are simple and effective ways to remedy tension by resetting your physical and mental reactions to the inevitable tension life will bring.

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There are many detoxification programs, depending on your personal requirements.

Numerous programs observe a 7-day schedule as this necessitates fasting on liquids for 2 days, accompanied by a carefully-planned 5-day diet to let the gastrointestinal system rest.

Supplements, herbs, exercises and practices like dry-skin brushing and hydrotherapy are advised to enhance circulation.

A 3 -7 day juice fast is likewise an effective way to expel toxins.

Purifying supplement packages are a different choice, which normally contain fiber, vitamins, herbs and minerals.

There are several dependable products on the market, with easy to follow directions.

A procedure of drinking only water one day weekly is an ancient practice of several cultures.

After a detox program, you’re able to cleanse your body daily through diet, supplements and lifestyle changes which help keep your weight down.

  1. Ingest plenty of fiber, including brown rice and organically, farmed fresh fruits and vegetables. Beets, radishes, artichokes, cabbage, broccoli, spirulina, chlorella, and seaweed are excellent detoxifying foods.
  2. Clean and protect the liver by taking herbs like dandelion root, burdock and milk thistle, and ingesting green tea.
  3. Ingest vitamin C, which helps the body generate glutathione, a liver compound that dispels toxins.
  4. Ingest at least two quarts of water each day.
  5. Breathe deeply to let oxygen circulate more completely through your system.
  6. Transform tension by stressing positive emotions.
  7. Use hydrotherapy by taking a really warm shower for a few minutes, letting the water run down your back. Follow through with cold water for 30 seconds. Do this 3 times, and then lay down for 30 minutes.
  8. Sweat in a sauna so your body might do away with wastes through sweat.
  9. Dry-brush your skin or try detoxifying patches or detox foot baths to omit toxins through your pores. Special brushes are available at natural products shops.

Make certain to consult with your doctor before starting any regime.

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Why Detox Is So Vital?

Simply stated, an occasional detox works because it gives your body a break. By channelling the body’s energies away from dealing with meals and snacks that are difficult to digest and metabolise, and which play havoc with blood sugar, you can free up energy for regeneration and cleansing.

A detoxification regime increases your intake of foods and drinks that serve our bodies well as building blocks.

A detoxification plan provides protective antioxidants and simultaneously cuts out those habits that rob you of nutrients and optimal health.

Following a detoxification diet is critical to good health because our bodies are constantly bombarded with toxicity in our everyday lives.

Most people can’t avoid everyday pollutants altogether, but they can take steps to protect their health using a healing diet.

Once environmental illness is diagnosed, the logical first step to take is removing the offending toxins from a person’s environment and begin body detoxification. Only then can healing begin. Detoxification is the key to getting better.

A detoxification plan doesn’t have to be completely restrictive and boring – actually, it should be fun and tasty! The better the food tastes, the more likely you are to stick to your plan.

The definition of a detox diet is pretty simple – remove the foods and ingredients that are causing problems with your health.

By removing the offending foods, you allow your body to heal, release built-up congestion and really thrive.

Focus on simple, fresh foods and you will have a much easier time detoxifying your diet.

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Taking Detox Teas!

As pollutants find their way from our air, food and water into the tissues of our bodies, they tend to take a heavy toll and can interfere with the normal functions of the organ systems.

As a result, we are often left feeling swollen, tired, heavy or even “backed up”.

One of the best method of starting to detoxify your body is to start taking herbal detox teas.

Detox Tea is a gentle way of combating this condition as it helps the body to clean itself out by aiding the two primary filtering mechanisms, the liver and the kidneys.

How To Detox Your Body

One of the most popular body cleansing detoxification processes is fasting, either with just water or with a variety of juices.

While food is very important in providing the nutrients your body needs for energy and body processes, sometimes the body uses too much energy digesting and not enough time purging toxins.

If you learn how to detox your body through fasting, you can kick-start your body organs to start the cleansing process so that your body can eliminate the toxic build-up.

Detox Through Fasting

Many people for years have used fasting to cleanse the body and you too can figure out how to detox your body through this process.

The question of the day is probably why the body better detoxifies itself during a period of fasting.

You expect that you might grow weak without proper nourishment for several days but just think about all the energy your body uses during the digestive process. As a result, there is no energy left over for cleansing the body.

How to detox your body should start with fasting because it has proven time and again as a successful way to cleanse yourself from the inside out.

Because you are not eating food and just drinking water (or juice), your body expends its energy focusing on the different eliminating body organs like the liver, kidneys, intestines and skin.

Just think about when you are sick – you usually do not feel like eating and do not have the urge even though your stomach rumbles. This same principle applies here on how to detox your body.

The cleansing process is considered the illness your body must defend itself against – thus cleansing itself of harmful toxins.

Types Of Fasting For Detoxification

While you might view fasting as eating nothing but drinking just water, there are several different types of fasting to solve the problem of how to detox your body.

Besides the pure fast where you drink just water you can learn how to detox your body through juice fasts or what is called a monofood fast.

With a juice fast, you must create your own fresh juices each day rather than buying something store bought, unless you know it is all natural and fresh, like through an organic whole foods store.

How to detox your body through juice fasting is likely more attractive and palatable than the pure form.

The rule for juice fasting though is to choose only one fruit or vegetable with cleansing properties like carrots, watermelons or anything with antioxidants.

This provides the body with the fuel it needs without taxing the digestive system.

Monofood fasting is another option on how to detox your body and involves eating only one food – either one vegetable or fruit – that has cleansing and antioxidant properties.

It works much the same way as juice fasting in that you can only choose that one vegetable or fruit, combinations are not allowed.

How to detox your body can be quite easy, but it does take some effort to stay true to course as you may become hungry and want to eat.

However, if you can stick with the plan for just two or three days, figuring out how to detox your body will become a whole lot easier.

Just doing it once or twice a year should be sufficient and provide you great benefits such as increased energy and fewer incidences of ordinary illnesses like cold and flu.

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A Rejuvenating 5-Day Body Detox Plan To Keep You Going

In the present condition, you can no longer survive a single day without encountering pollution. At work, you may not at all be so sure of the cleanliness of the water you drink or of the food you eat.

When dealing with people, you can hardly get away from air pollution, be it from smokers, all sorts of sprays or from the exhaust of vehicles.

This greatly affects the health in one way or another. Don’t be so sure that when your body does not visibly react, it’s alright.

For these reasons, detoxification is necessary in order to keep a healthy body which also results to healthy mind and healthy relationship with people.

Your body has its own means of healing and detoxifying. However, when pollutants that enter your body had been accumulated more than the capacity of self cleansing, you are giving your inside mechanisms a hard time.

Then the tissues are stressed and therefore lead to malfunction. And because they are weakened, the cleansing process is also affected.

You definitely want a clean body. But you also need to help your system in regulating the body processes.

However, you should not wait for your body organs to be stressed out and overworked before doing something.

In times when the body lacks the command to keep the systems working, the person must supplement.

The 5-day detox plan will do a great help in keeping the body systems at work. The 5-day detox plan will rejuvenate the body as well as the spirit, keeping it clean and toned.

Detoxification diet is a part of the 5-day detox plan. During the period of detoxification, certain foods are avoided.

Your meals consist mostly of fresh fruits and green, leafy vegetables. Fats, oil, preservatives and food additives are a big no when undergoing the process of detoxification.

Also, meat should be kept off because they are hard to digest. For a day or two, eating meat in any form is dropped off from the diet.

Ideal foods that can be part of your diet are as follow: garlic, broccoli, beets, and beans or nuts. Only fresh fruit extracts can be taken as beverages except for grapefruit.

And since water is a universal solvent, six to eight glasses of this should be recommended daily. Water is also a major factor in the detoxification process. It flushes out the toxins in the forms of perspiration, urine, or stool.

Although you seem to eat less when detoxifying, you are assured that you will not starve, and ironically, you will even boost your stamina. It is because your intake is limited only to foods which are healthy and are good to the digestive system.

Detoxification plan should be done at least quarterly. To ensure that you get an efficient one, it will be best to consult a nutritionist or a professional.

You should also seek for a doctor’s advice to ensure that what you will do is a detoxification and not addition of toxins to your body.

Through the process of detoxification, the toxins are flushed out in your body and a new set of energy is supplied to the body providing you both physical and mental alertness.

Cleanliness should be maintained not only in the outside, but more so in the inside.

 


POINTS TO REMEMBER
  • Detoxification entails purifying the blood.
  • There are many detoxification programs, depending on your personal requirements.
  • Supplements, herbs, exercises and practices like dry-skin brushing and hydrotherapy are advised to enhance circulation.
  • A 3 -7 day juice fast is likewise an effective way to expel toxins.

Why Detox Is So Vital?

  • An occasional detox works because it gives your body a break.
  • A detoxification plan provides protective antioxidants and simultaneously cuts out those habits that rob you of nutrients and optimal health.
  • Following a detoxification diet is critical to good health.
  • Detoxification is the key to getting better.

Taking Detox Teas
Detox Through Fasting
A rejuvenating 5-day body detox plan to keep you going

TAKEAWAY QUESTIONS

– Are you aware of the significance of detox in your body?

– Have you tried going through a detox program before?

– If so, what kind of detox plan have you been through?

– What is your experience going through a detox program?
– Have you tried some detox teas or detox supplements?

– What other tips and recommendations could you share to others?


 


Discover Almond’s Health Benefits And Skin Care Recipes

 

Do you like eating some almonds for a snack? Are you aware its health benefits? How about some beauty recipes or skin recipes using almond as one of its ingredients?

For a start, almond is a highly nutritious, effective health-building food both for the body and mind. It is also a valuable food remedy for common ailments.

More people are calling almonds their favorite nut-and they are putting their almonds where their mouths are.

From roasted and seasoned almonds in creative, portable packaging to almond granola bars, energy bars and breakfast bars to entrees and vegetable dishes, almonds are found in a variety of new food products.

One reason for their popularity may be their health benefits. Studies have shown that almonds as part of a balanced eating plan can lower LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol and can help promote a healthy weight.

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In addition, almonds are packed with the antioxidant vitamin E, magnesium, protein and fiber. They also contain calcium. So, it’s no coincidence almonds have become a favorite ingredient and the healthy snack of choice.

If you are looking for the best variety, then choose the thin-skinned sweet variety. This almond is best for used and one of the best nut and seed to consume. Eating without skin is the best way to eat it.

The distinctive flavor and satisfying crunch of almonds make this nut a prime ingredient in candies, pies, cakes, treats for salting, toasting, and dipping in various kinds of icings.

Marketable products of almonds are almond butter, which tastes like and resembles peanut butter, almond flour, almond extract, an oil extracted from the nuts that is used as a potent flavoring, almond flour – used like flour in cakes and pastries, and almond paste –  used in the preparation of confections and candies.

Did you know that you can have a milk alternative using almond? To do this, simply grind the blanched almonds to a smooth paste, add sugar according to your taste and boil in water.

This almond milk preparation gives the consistency of milk, a healthy alternative drink, full of vitamins and nutrition.

Take note, almond milk is more digestible than cow’s milk. Therefore, if you are lactose intolerant, then this is your best bet.

Likewise, this nutritious drink is good for children. What are you waiting for, try this alternative and replace your ordinary dairy with a more healthy option.

Aside from almond milk, there’s also an almond butter, another variation out of almonds.

This is advantageous to the elderly for them to have the right amount of proteins needed in their diet.

As previously mentioned, almonds are easy to digest even if it is high in calorie content and its other ingredients.

Almonds are used as a health benefit due to the cholesterol free fatty acids that reduce the risks of heart disease.

Vitamin E is beneficially concentrated in almonds, which reduces the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, acting as an antioxidant—further reducing inflammation.

We suggest growing your own almond trees for enjoyment, entertainment, and health benefits from eating the almonds, as well as the exercise that is spent in growing your own trees.

Check these health benefits of almond:
  • A useful food remedy for anemia as it contains copper, iron, and vitamins.
  • It helps you to have healthy heart and lowers cholesterol.
  • Useful in preserving the vitality of the brain.
  • It strengthens your bone health.
  • It strengthens the muscles and prolongs life.
  • It lowers the risk of weight gain.
  • It protects you from diabetes and heart disease.
  • A handful of almonds, approximately 7 to 10 taken at nighttime with or without hot milk are beneficial in the treatment of constipation.
  • Eating almonds regularly will strengthen sexual power and restore sexual vigor.
  • To those with skin diseases, pulverize few leaves of wild almond with water and cream and apply to affected parts.
  • External application of almond oil in case of irritation and itching will ease the pain.
  • A teaspoon of almond oil, with few drops of fresh white onion juice, ginger juice, taken thrice daily for a fortnight is useful in whooping cough, bronchitis and asthma.

 

Isn’t almond amazing?

If almond is good for the body, then it is also good for your skin, right?

Therefore, here are other ways almond can be beneficial for you skin:

  • Face pack made from almond paste mixed with milk cream and rose bud paste is an effective beauty aid.
  • Prevents premature appearance of wrinkles, black heads, pimples and dry skin.
  • Massage the scalp with a teaspoon of almond oil mixed with Amla juice and massage over the scalp for remedy for falling hair, thinness of hair, dandruff and avoids untimely graying of hair.

In addition, have a treat for your skin using almond or almond oil as one of the ingredients in the skin care, beauty recipes you will find below.

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Almond Oil Wrinkle Cream

You will need:

1 tbsp. of an infusion of comfrey leaves OR 1 tbs. of a decoction of comfrey roots

1 tbsp. lanolin

2 tsp. sweet almond oil

2 tsp. water

2 tsp. cod liver oil

 

You have to:

Melt lanolin and almond oil in a double boiler. Add water and allow it to cool.

Mix in cod liver oil and comfrey.

Apply gently to face and rinse off after 5 to 10 minutes.

This is a rich moisturizer that boosts the water-holding capacity of your skin and helps plump out wrinkled areas.

Infusion: This is a beverage made like tea, by pouring boiled water over plants and steeping to extract the active ingredients.

The normal amounts are about 1/2 to 1 ounce of plant to one pint of boiled water. You should let the mixture steep for 5 to 10 minutes, covered, and strain the infusion into a cup.

Decoction:

This preparation allows you to extract primarily the mineral salts and bitter principles rather than vitamins and volatile ingredients.

The normal amounts are about 1/2 ounce plant to 1 cup water.

Bring ingredients to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for up to 4 minutes.

Remove from heat and steep the mixture with the cover on the pot for a few minutes.

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Almond Rosewater Body Lotion

You will need:

¼ cup rosewater

¼ cup glycerin

2 tbsp. witch hazel

1 tbsp. almond oil

 

You have to:

Mix together rosewater and glycerin.

Add witch hazel and almond oil.

Stir completely to dissolve.

Pour into a pretty bottle.

Note: Rosewater can be purchased at some health food stores or pharmacies, also carried at most middle-eastern or Indian specialty groceries or specialty cooking stores OR… you can try your hand at making your own rosewater)

 

Almond Salt Scrub

You will need:

1/4 cup almond oil

1/2 cup salt

1/4 cup almond milk

Approx. 1 1/2 oz. melted glycerin soap

Almond fragrance oil

 

You have to:

Stir well. Place in clean dry container.

To use, place approximately 1 tablespoon of scrub in palm and add enough water to make a soft paste.

Massage into skin. Rinse well.

 

Almond-Honey Scrub

You will need:

2 tbsp. crushed almonds

1 tbsp. honey

 

You have to:

Mix the ingredients.

Leave on the face for 5 minutes.

Rub in well, and then rinse.

 

Almond-Mayonnaise Scrub

(For Very Dry Skin)

You will need:

1/4 cup almonds

1/8 tsp. mayonnaise

 

You have to:

Grind almonds in blender until they form a meal.

Whirl in mayonnaise.

Vinegar-Rinse your skin

Rub or scrub gently and thoroughly.

Leave on skin for about 10 minutes.

Rinse off and follow with a Vinegar Rinse.

 

Oatmeal and Almond Scrub

You will need:

¼ cup finely ground oatmeal

¼ cup finely ground almonds

 

You have to:

Stir well. Place in clean dry container.

To use, place approximately 1 tablespoon of scrub in palm and add enough water to make a soft paste.

Massage into skin. Rinse well.

 

Almond-Butter Hand Softener

You will need:

1 tbsp. almond oil

1 cup butter

 

You have to:

Mix the ingredients well.

Before bed, massage the mixture into your hands, and then cover with white cotton gloves.

Wear all night while sleeping.

 

Almond Cleanser

Grind almonds to a fine powder in a blender.

Wet face and then rub on almond powder.

Rinse well.

Store the powder in a tightly sealed container.

 

Beeswax-Almond Hand Cream

You will need:

¼ cup beeswax

½ cup almond oil

½ cup coconut oil

¼ cup rosewater

 

You have to:

Melt the beeswax and coconut oil over a double boiler.

Add the remaining ingredients and heat until well mixed, several minutes.

Pour into a container while still hot since it does harden as it cools.

This makes about 1½ cups.

 

Vanilla And Almond Soap

You will need:

1/3 cup whole almonds

¼ ounce bar Castile soap

¼ cup distilled water

1 tablespoon almond oil

1/8 teaspoon vanilla fragrance oil

 

You have to:

Grind the almonds to a fine powder in a food processor or coffee grinder and set aside.

Shred the soap and set aside.

In a heavy saucepan, bring the water to a boil; then reduce heat to a simmer.

Remove the pan from the heat and add the almond powder, almond oil, and vanilla fragrance oil, stirring until well blended.

Spoon the soap into a mold and let set for five hours or until hardened.

 

Lotion Bar

You will need:

2 oz. Olive Oil

2 oz. Sweet Almond Oil

6 oz. Beeswax

Essential Oil or Fragrant Oil of your choice (optional)

 

You have to:

Just melt the wax and oils in a double boiler

Scent if you wish and pour into whatever small mold you like.

Allow to harden.

 

Almond Orange Body Lotion

You will need:

1/8 tsp. borax powder

1/2 cup almond oil

1 tsp. coconut oil

1 tsp. grated beeswax

2 tbsp. honey.

3-4 drops essential orange oil

 

You have to:

Make as for Mint Body Lotion

There you have it! Indeed, almond is valuable for your health and your skin. You can consume it just as it is, as a milk or butter, use for cooking, baking, as a home remedy or even as an ingredient for some beauty skin recipes.

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The Acupuncture Alternative Medicine Up Close

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Using Acupuncture To Reduce Pain In Your Life

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medication technique that has been around for centuries.

Acupuncture practitioners insert thin needles through the skin to stimulate specific points on the body called acupuncture points.

The theory involved is to regulate the flow of Qi (life force) along the pathways know as meridians.

Acupuncture is used as a treatment for various diseases by acupuncture practitioners. In modern times, acupuncture has been shown to alleviate pain that was not able to be treated with painkillers.

It is also said to be able to cure the pain that exists in the body by treating the root cause.

There are no side effects associated with acupuncture when performed correctly. This is important for patients who experienced side effects caused by over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) and narcotics.

The growing reliance on painkillers may be one of the factors that patients are seeking alternative treatments such as acupuncture.

Although there are several research showing the benefits of acupuncture, it is important to discuss with your family doctor before attempting any alternative treatment.

Different people respond differently to acupuncture. If acupuncture has not helped in resolving your pain for several weeks, acupuncture might not be the right treatment.

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What is the History of Acupuncture?

Acupuncture comes from two Latin words namely “acus” which means needle in English and “pungere” which means prick.

Its history originated in China more than 2000 years ago and has evolved into various forms.

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

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

But there have been a few who are the skeptics like the archaeologists who have found a 5,000-year-old mummy in the Alps with similar acupuncture points in the body.

This gives some people the idea that it was used even before the Chinese did but sine there is no written text to prove that, no one is certain and credit to this ancient practice goes back to the Chinese.

In the 6th century, this knowledge moved to Japan. In the 17th century, a man by the name of Waichi Sugiyama wanted to make this procedure painless for the patient.

He developed the insertion tube, a small cylindrical tube through which the needle is inserted. Believe it or not, this technique is still being used today.

But acupuncture only reached the US in the early 80’s with the establishment of a regulatory board called the National Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

As a result, various schools have been built and those who want to become licensed acupuncturists are now able to practice their profession.

Despite of that, there were a lot of people who are not yet convinced on the positive effects of alternative forms of medication.

It was only in 1995 that the US Food and Drug Administration decided to classify the needles used for acupuncture as medical instruments and assured the public that they are both safe and effective.

To further promote acupuncture, the NIH or National Institute of Health in 1997 has stated that this technique is very useful in treating various health conditions.

These include ear, nose, throat, respiratory, gastrointestinal, eye, nervous system and muscular disorders. In some cases, acupuncture is able to prevent some of them from happening.

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

So that people can avail of acupuncture, another recommendation by the NIH is for US companies to provide full coverage for certain conditions.

If you do not quality, perhaps there is partial coverage which you should look up in your policy.

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

If you look at the history of acupuncture, not much has changed since the needle technique used back then is still being used today.

Even if various forms have developed through the years, one thing for sure is that it works.

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

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The Energy of Acupuncture

When it comes to acupuncture, you will find that there are basic concepts that you have to understand in order to learn the entire process known as “qi”. Qi happens to the energy of the body.

Anything negative that your body may go through, like disease or illness, is because your Qi is disrupted.

When it comes to the stimulation that you will get from Acupuncture, you will find that there are needles that are placed in specific points of the body so that the Qi flow can be affected.

An acupuncturist is someone who uses the use of the needles to heal or unblock your qi flow. The concepts of the qi is difficult for most beginners, but it can be broken into easily understand concepts that you can learn one at a time.

First, it is important to note there are five main types of qi energy: Qi, Jing, Xue, Jin Ye, and Shen. Qi can be roughly translated to “matter-energy.”

It causes the movements in the universe, but it is a vital part of your own good health. Some equate the Qi to the soul. Jing can be most closely translated to “essence” in the English language, but there are no exact words in Western terms that mean Jing.

When it come to Jing, it is something that is inherited like DNA and then we are able to create out own by eating certain foods and through the air that we breathe.

Jing, then can be somewhat called “health,” since we genetically receive some health predisposition, but also affect your own health and the health of your children with your lifestyle choices.

Literally meaning blood, Xue is the liquid that flows in the blood and through the Qi or energy of the body. The health of the two is dependent on one another. Jin Ye is also a tangible idea—bodily fluids.

These include saliva, milk, tears, genital secretions, sweat, stomach fluids, and other liquids of the body. Finally, Shen is simply just the spirit of the body. Traditionally, your spirit is located in your heart.

Acupuncture is a way that you can treat the energies and to help create a healthy body.

The energies are important since that help us develop body heat, defend illness, grow and develop, control the body’s blood and organs, transform, and break down the body’s metabolism.

If you get acupuncture done on a regular basis, then you will be able to turn all of your negativity in your Qi to be released.

acupuncture box

Types of Acupuncture

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

The first is called TCM based acupuncture.

Here, it uses eight principles of complementary opposites to create harmony in the body. These include yin/yang, internal/external, excess/deficiency, hot/cold.

Next is called French energetic acupuncture.

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

Korean hand acupuncture is another.

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

There is also auricular acupuncture.

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

Myofascially-based acupuncture is often utilized by physical therapists.

It involves feeling the meridian lines in search of tender points before applying needles as this is where abnormal energy flows.

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

Impulses of electromagnetic energy can also be used as the body generates tiny but electrical discharges which influence the function, growth, and maturity of certain types of cells.

By inserting the needles in these areas, it stimulates and alters the neurotransmitters in the body thus making the patient feel better after treatment. This is also sometimes used for diagnosis and testing.

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

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

The number of treatments you will need depends on the patient’s condition.

On average this could be from 10 to 5 treatments and 2 to 3 times a week. How much it will cost also varies as this could be from $40 to $150.

Some insurance companies and HMO’s now cover that or partially so you should check if this is included in your policy.

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

Some acupuncturists may ask you to take in some herbs as part of the treatment.

Since you have no idea what it can do, have this checked first by your local doctor to make sure this is safe as this could interact with the drugs you are taking causing side effects.

Which type of acupuncture should you try? That is up to you. All of them are effective so discuss this with your doctor and do some research so you know what you are getting yourself into.

Each of these is painless so just relax and let the professional do the rest.

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

acupuncture

What are some Myths About Acupuncture?

There are a lot of myths with regards to acupuncture. Some of these are true; others are silly while the rest only have a half truth. As you read on, you will learn which ones are worth believing.

The first myth is that acupuncture is painful.

This is not true because those who have tried it claimed they only experienced a tiny prick while others did not feel anything at all.

There is no tissue damage when the needle is inserted into the skin or pulled out and only in very rare cases there are traces of bruising.

The second myth is that you can get hepatitis or AIDS from acupuncture.

This is true only if the needles used are not sterilized. In the US, this will never happen because acupuncturists are required to use disposable needles thus you are not at risk from these two diseases.

Third, acupuncture is used to treat pain.

This is only a half-truth because this holistic technique has been proven to do other things such as stop a person’s addiction, lose weight and prevent certain illnesses.

Fourth, there are some who think that Asians are the only ones that can practice acupuncture.

Since 1982, there are already 50 schools all across the country that teach students about this technique and become licensed acupuncturists.

This means that anyone who has the desire to learn about this ancient practice can do so and help treat patients. Just to give you an idea, there are at least 3,000 acupuncturists now working in the US.

Fifth, medical doctors do not believe in the potential of alternative medicine.

This is not true because there are more doctors these days that are open to the idea that there are other ways to help patients aside from conventional medicine.

In fact, some of them even recommend an acupuncturist if they know that what they have done is not effective.

Another myth is that every patient will undergo the four needle technique.

This is not true and it will only be used when the specialist feels that the energy of the patient is virtually not moving as a last resort.

The seventh myth is that it is better for a medical doctor to perform acupuncture.

This is wrong because the training is much different than that taught in medical school. Students who have an acupuncturist license train for 3,000 hours before they are allowed to practice this profession.

Between an acupuncturist and a medical doctor, you should go with someone who has learned about this much longer.

The eighth myth is that acupuncture is only used in third world countries.

This is not true because this technique originated in China more than 2000 years ago and this has spread to developed nations in Asia such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia.

In the United States, acupuncture been practiced for more than 2 decades and is legal in 30 states. In fact 22 of them, license professionals after they graduate once they pass the state board examination.

Although acupuncture has been around for a very long time, there is still a need for this form of holistic healthcare which is why this is being taught in colleges and in use today.

It is painless and cost-efficient and a lot of studies have shown that it is effective in treating various illnesses and preventing some of them.

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the acupuncture up close

 

 

Exercise and Movements Eases Arthritis

exercise_ease-arthritis

First off, check first some simple tips to relieve  arthritis pain and preventing arthritis through exercise. Afterward, find out how water exercise and yoga relieve arthritis pains.

10 Easy Tips for Arthritis Pain Relief

Think you can’t stop that arthritis pain? Great news! You can act now. Get 10 super easy and effective arthritis pain relief tips from arthritis experts and make your life with arthritis a little easier now.

1. Protect your joints.

Don’t keep your joints in the same position for a prolonged period of time. Balance your rest and work throughout the day. Use the strongest joints available for the job.

2. Stretch it.

Stretching should be part of every arthritis patient’s daily routine.

A good stretch helps prevent injuries by warming up muscles and tendons which are more limber and less likely to tear.

Spend at least 10 minutes each day stretching, and work each major muscle group.

3. Cool it down.

Stop physical activity. Rest in a cool or shaded environment.

Spray with a mist of cool water or wrap an ice pack or cold compress in a towel and apply it to reduce arthritis pain and swelling.

4. Get moving.

Exercise can help reduce joint pain and stiffness and increases flexibility and muscle strength.

It can also help with weight control, stress management, and make you feel better overall. The Arthritis Foundation also offers water exercise and other classes.

5. Get a massage.

Massage therapy can relieve your pain, soothe stiff sore muscles, reduce inflammation and swelling.

Make sure you use oil or cream on your fingers to make it more gentle. Work the area for five to ten minutes a day if possible.

6. Keep your weight in balance.

Being overweight, even just moderately, impacts weight-bearing joints and can increase the pain of arthritis.

Studies have indicated that losing extra weight lowers the risk for developing osteoarthritis of the knee. Losing weight can help slow the progression of arthritis too.

7. Get a diagnosis.

If you are experiencing symptoms like pain, stiffness, swelling for more than 1 weeks, you should consider seeing your doctor and getting a diagnosis.

Remember that there are more than 100 types of arthritis. It is important to get the specific diagnosis for the type of arthritis you have.

8. Take your medication the right way.

Don’t stop taking your medication just because you feel it is not working. Check with your doctor first.

You need to understand that it may take several days to several months for a medication to become effective.

9. Look out for new options.

Recently FDA has approved some new drugs for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other arthritis diseases.

If feel that the current medication doesn’t work well, check with your doctor about possible new options.

10. Keep educating yourself.

It is important to learn something new about arthritis. Find some good websites online and subscribe to their newsletter if they have it.

Join one of two active online arthritis communities like forums or bulletin board. Never hesitate to see your doctors and ask questions.

exercise and arthritis

 

Exercise and Arthritis

Your bones hang out in a lot of joints. Knee joints. Hip joints. The joints in your fingers and the joints in your toes.

Wherever bones meet, there is also cartilage, a rubbery, protective layer that ensures your joints bend smoothly and painlessly. But even cartilage cannot do this tremendous job alone.

A thin membrane called the “synovium” provides the fluid that lubricates the moving parts of the joint. When the cartilage wears out of the synovium becomes inflamed, the result is generally a case of “osteoarthritis” or “rheumatoid arthritis.”

In osteoarthritis, the cartilage can be eroded so much that bone does rub on bone. Thos type of arthritis develops gradually over a lifetime as a simple result of the wear and tear placed on your joints over the years. Very few people escape some degree of osteoarthritis, though the severity varies a great deal.

As a matter of fact, if you are over the age of 50, you are likely to have at least one joint affected by osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis affects men and women equally and is by far the most common type of arthritis, with almost 16 million Americans in the list.

In rheumatoid arthritis, damage to the synovium is at the source of trouble. Doctors and researchers are not absolutely sure what causes it, but most think that rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system actually attacks certain tissues in the body, including those that connect the joints and the synovium.

Rheumatoid arthritis begins with swollen, red, stiff, and painful joints, but it may progress until scar tissue forms in the joint or, in extreme cases, until the bones actually fuse together.

Almost 75% of the 2 million people with rheumatoid arthritis in the United States are women. The disease can hit as early as teen years.

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Exercise – Your Prevention Options

Investing a little time in developing a good weight-bearing low-impact exercise and stretching plan can add up to great results when it comes to staving off arthritis pain. Strong muscles help protect the joints from wear and tear, and the movement keeps joints flexible.

That is why the quest for fitness is at hand, even if you are 50 years and over. However, most Americans over 50 are still right where they always were sitting back and watching others jog by.

Most of them contend that that is just for people who have been athletic all their life, or some say exercise is for young people and engaging into exercise will do them more harm than good.

There are still some that insist on excusing their selves in exercise routines because they do not just have time or they have less energy than ever before. These are all lame excuses. Hence, it is time to start to get rid of those pains. Start exercising.

Consequently, preventing arthritis is not an exact science, but physicians have discovered a few ways to lower your risk. Here is how:

1. Do not weight around

The single most important measure anyone can take to prevent osteoarthritis of the knee is to lose weight if they are overweight. Extra weight puts extra stress on your knees.

If you are 10 pounds overweight, for example, you put 60 pounds per square inch of extra pressure on your knees every time you take a step. That extra pressure can slowly but surely erode the cartilage in your knees, leading to arthritis.

A study has clearly supported the theory that weight loss weighs in on the side of prevention. In the study, overweight women who lost 11 pounds or more over a 10-year period decreased their risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee by 50%.

2.Stretch those muscles

Any kind of stretching is good as long as you do not bounce, which can lead to a muscle pull. This is according to some of the professors of clinical medicine in New York City.

Try to hold a slow, steady stretch for 15 to 20 seconds, then relax and repeat. It is best to flex up by stretching before any exercise, especially running and walking. But it is also a good idea to stretch each day.

Ask your doctor to teach you stretches that focus on potential arthritis trouble spots, such as the knees or the lower back.

3. Walking is always the best exercise

Take a good long walk at least three times a week or participate in a step-aerobics or low-impact exercise routine maximum results.

There is no proof that running is bad for the joints, but remember, it may aggravate an injury if you already have one. Just remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

The bottom line is that of all the healthful habits, exercise is the most important. This is because people are designed to be active. Hence, it is really important for people to exercise in order to stay healthy and keep those joints free from wear and tear.

Just keep in mind that the unexercised body, even if free from the symptoms of illness or problems like arthritis, is not at its full potential. Hence, start exercising right now!

water exercise

Water Exercise for Arthritis Relief – Fun & Effective

Everybody knows exercise is a significant part of staying healthy. As anyone with arthritis can tell you, though, when your joints say no to play, exercise goes from pleasurable and stimulating activity into a trial of how much pain you can tolerate.

The tendency when suffering from arthritis is to keep your joints as motionless as possible.  The problem is that this leads to weakening of the muscles and tendons and a stiffening of joints, which makes the pain worse over time. It is a self-feeding cycle difficult to break out of.

One solution comes in the form of The Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program, a warm water exercise program designed by the Arthritis Foundation.

Why warm water exercise? The warmth offered by hot water allows muscles to relax and intensifies circulation of blood to the joints. In fact, ever since the discovery of the first hot springs, humans have used the miracle of warm water baths to fight aching joints.

Besides reducing the pain in your joints, exercising in water permits body weight to be supported.  This makes exercising in water easier, safer and more relaxing.  Not only that, but the resistance that water provides as your body moves in it helps strengthen muscles

These days, what with spas, health clubs, and backyard hot tubs, just about anyone has access to a pool of hot water to relax in.

Not only does this bring some immediate relief of arthritis symptoms, but it also provides us with a great environment in which we can exercise.

You should consult your doctor before beginning water exercise.  Water exercise is completely safe for most people, with a few exceptions.  If you’ve have suffered serious joint damage or replacement surgery you may be among them.

Your doctor will know what’s right for you.  Also be aware of temperature. Water between 83 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for exercise.  Anything over 100 degrees may be relaxing, but can lead to overheating. After you’ve gotten the doctor go ahead, it’s time to get started.

The Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program exercises can be found in the free brochure “Water Exercise: Pools, Spas and Arthritis” from the Arthritis Foundation.

Classes are also offered at local pools nationwide—contact your local Arthritis Foundation office for information.  The classes are lead by a trained instructor, usually last between 45 minutes to an hour and are scheduled 2 to 3 times a week.

With a doctor’s guidance, whether at a local pool or at home, a water exercise program is a fun and effective way to combat arthritis and keep joints and muscles healthy.

yoga_arthritis relief

Yoga: The Holistic Treatment for Arthritis Pain Relief

Living with arthritis pain is not something that anyone would like to happen to them. Many people suffer the aches and pains of damaged or inflamed joints.

Some are just uncomfortable, and some become crippled as a result of a disease that has been recognized since prehistoric times but understood only in the past few decades.

Arthritis affects the joints, specifically where the areas in the body where two or more bones meet. There are several different parts of the joint that may be affected by arthritis, such as cartilage, synovium, tendons, and muscles.

The neighboring ends of bones that form the joints are covered by a soft, protective material called cartilage that cushions the bones and keeps them from rubbing together. The joint is also enclosed in a capsule and lined with a tissue called synovium.

The term arthritis covers a group of more than 100 diseases that involve inflammation of joints and discomfort in connective tissues throughout the body. In many parts of the world, the disease is called rheumatism.

Arthritis is a frequent conversational topic because it affects so many people. It is estimated that about one out of every seven people in America have arthritis in some form and the need to find arthritis pain relief is on top of most sufferers’ minds.

It could mean taking a pill, performing gentle exercises, stretching or trying some other means to obtain relief such as yoga.

Yoga is an ancient practice using a system of postures and breath controls, which aim to achieve the perfect union of body, mind, and spirit.

Yoga can be customized to help with a wide range of specific conditions including chronic pain conditions such migraines, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and arthritis.

Yoga for arthritis pain relief does not necessarily mean bending and contorting the body into weird and impossible positions just to get comfort from the pain.

It is enough that a person suffering from arthritis may practice breathing and self-awareness, the core of yoga practices.

While stretching is certainly involved, yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses or postures, each of which has specific physical benefits.

The poses can be done quickly in succession, creating heat in the body through movement (vinyasa-style yoga) or more slowly to increase stamina and perfect the alignment of the pose.

The poses are a constant, but the approach to them varies depending on the tradition in which the teacher has trained.

Yoga poses can be tailored for different joints. A common arthritic problem is swelling of the fingers and knuckle joints.

In this case, if the condition is not too severe and the person suffers mild to moderate pain, a series of poses can be worked on that lengthen and spread the fingers. Hand stretches also create energy flow to the area that eventually moves to the fingers.

Experts say that the heat is really good for the joints.  As a therapeutic practice, yoga helps a person create heat through deliberate breathing and movement.