Massage Chair Recliners Are an Effective Back Pain Treatment

By James Knolan

If you suffer from back pain, then you owe it to yourself to explore what treatment options are available. You want to check with your doctor or chiropractor to diagnose your condition. Some forms of lower back pain can be treated more naturally while others may need surgery. This depends on many factors that your health professional can consult you on directly. Many back pain treatments utilize massage therapy to help assist the healing process. Massage therapy is not necessarily the cure. It is a compliment to your therapeutic needs. Massage therapy can be performed by a massage therapist or in some cases with a massage chair.

There are many possible causes for back pain, but the most common are from lifting, posture, sitting, pregnancy, stress and injury. More traumatic back pain is usually associated with lifting and injury. Usually a sudden sharp pain is felt and the damage is done immediately. Minor back pain, on the other hand, may result from posture, sitting, stress, or even pregnancy. These pains accumulate over a period of time and result in dull, prolonged aches and pains. These can be cumbersome to live with and cause considerable discomfort. Finding out how to help heal these conditions requires a multi-prong approach.

If you recognize that you are suffering from discomfort associated with back pain, get medical attention. Explain what you feel to your chiropractor and come up with a plan of action. Back pain can be debilitating, so waiting does not cure it. Understanding the causes is an important first step to starting the healing process.

Is your back pain going to get cured by doing the same thing you have always done? Most likely not. You may have developed habits that are leading to the pain you are feeling. Your posture may be the cause of your back pain. You may need to stand up straighter and hold your shoulders back. This requires effort and reinforcement. This is the type of information you and your health professional should be discussing. Your health professional can help you set the course back to normal.

Part of the healing process may require massage therapy. Although a professional massage therapist is the preferred method for massage therapy, massage chairs have some particular advantages. Massage chairs offer a tremendous variety of massages. You can receive shiatsu, Swedish, deep tissue, reflexology, kneading, chopping, compression, and pressing to mention a few. The premier massage chair brands provide full body massages from your head to your feet. Additionally, perhaps the most important advantage may be in home convenience and 24/7 access. Find out what is right for you.

Consult with your doctor or chiropractor and find the best course of action for your particular condition. Do not just continue to live with the pain. Find relief for your back pain. There are many options available today. You owe it to yourself and your family to get the healing process going. Relieving your discomfort can go a long way to changing your outlook on life. Do not wait find out how you can get relief today. - 14130

About the Author:

Seek treatment for your back pain and get relief. Massage Chairs have a tremendous variety of massage therapies. Do not let aches, pains and soreness run your life, when a Massage Chair is just what the doctor ordered.

Advantages Of Acai Berry

By Micheal Vincent

There are very few foods in the world that can claim to be superfoods. Superfoods must have many more benefits besides just providing enough calories and some nutrition. However, there are some foods that are able to be elevated to superfood status because of the incredible benefits they can deliver.

Acai berry is one of these foods. With its ability to do everything from increase weight loss to fighting off disease, acai berry can provide you with better health without any effort. What makes Pure Acai Berry such an incredible food is the fact that its nutritional content is as close to perfect as possible. First of all, it is absolutely filled with antioxidants. Click here to find more information about Benefits Of Acai Berry.

As you probably know, antioxidants are necessary for slowing down the effects of aging and for fighting disease. The berry also has monounsaturated fats, which are the healthy type also found in olive oil. Fiber and phytosterols are also part of the package, as is a well balanced amino acid complex. In all, this food is a very complete way of getting energy, nutrition, and antioxidants all in one.

Because of its extremely complete nutritional content, the acai berry has the potential to provide tons of benefits for your body. Among the most popular reasons for people to use the product are to increase energy, maintaining better health, and to lose weight.

You can expect to have more energy when you use the acai berry because of its combo of carbohydrates and fats and its high concentration of antioxidants. All of these things combined make it a very good source of energy and a great way to increase your stamina during the day. Because you are likely to feel and be healthier while taking it, this will also increase your energy.

The antioxidant levels of this berry are more than five times as high as in blueberries and other such foods. This makes them very powerful in terms of fighting aging and bodily damage. Many people rely on this berry to fight off the free radicals that can be implicated in everything from cancer to wrinkles. Antioxidants have the amazing power to neutralize free radicals, which can help you feel younger and healthier than ever before. By using foods with high levels of antioxidants, you can expect great health and fend off the damaging effects of pollution, UV light, aging and more.

Pure Acai Berry can also help you with your weight loss goals as it has the ability to help your body burn fat more efficiently and to increase your metabolism. In addition, because it can help your body work more efficiently in general, you can expect losing weight to be easier.

For instance, the ability of the berry to increase your stamina will make it easier for you to exercise, and the berries perfect amino acid complex will allow your muscles to function more during exercise. The berry even provides digestive support so that you can use your food more efficiently. The benefits of the acai berry are hard to beat and it is a great addition to any diet. Since it is not a local crop, the best way to get the benefits of this berry is in the supplement form offered by Pure Acai Berry.

Since this is the most concentrated and purest way of getting the incredible benefits of this berry, you will be able to reap the benefits of this berry much sooner. Begin now and you can even get a Free Trial of Pure Acai Berry to see the benefits for yourself! Click on Benefits Of Acai Berry to find out more. - 14130

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This article is for consumers looking for information on Acai Berry Promotional Offer and Acai Berry Supplement.

Natural Skin Care is Easy

By Herb B. Lewis

I only use natural skin care products. No one really knows how the chemicals in skin care products affect us over time, especially when they are combined. It is much easier now to find a natural skin care product that is 100% natural. There is no reason you have to have synthetic preservatives in your makeup just so it will be able to stay on the shelf longer.

Some essential oils and herbal oils are known for their moisturizing and antiseptic properties. You can make natural skin care products yourself; here is a recipe to get you started. Careful, hot soap is very hot; I hope you never find out just how hot.

Citrus Soap - You need: 1/2 lb. Natural Soap Base, 1/2 tablespoon of Coconut oil, 3 drops lemon oil, 3 drops grapefruit oil, 3 drops orange oil, Fruit mold.

Melt the soap base with the coconut oil. Take it off the heat and whisk well but carefully, it will be hot. Add the essential oils and whisk well. Pour into molds, let it cool and then take a bath. Make sure the soap base you buy has no artificial colors and is a 100% vegetable base.

Exfoliation with a dry brush before you shower removes dead skin cells and lets the skin detoxify. Dry brush exfoliation improves the lymph and blood circulation, and it calms the nervous system. Be sure to use of a soft, dry, brush with natural bristles. Gently brush the skin going toward the heart.

You skin is a reflection of your health; it's required that you eat healthy for the long term health of your skin. Your diet does have an effect on your skin. I believe this because in high school, after I ate a hamburger fries and a milk shake a few days in a row, I would break out bad. I would eat better and drank my great aunts tea for a week. She used a combination of red clover, dandelion root, and burdock root. I did this many times during my years of high school. The dermatologist would say the same thing, "food has no effect 0n your skin". Now I eat right all the time and do not need to go to the dermatologist. Green vegetables and fresh fruits are the kinds of foods you want to focus on, stay away from meat. Stay away from alcohol. Alcohol makes the liver work harder. This keeps it from doing the job of removing toxins. Toxins build up and sit in your fat, organs and your skin.

Cut down on the fat; no fried foods or any high fat foods. Do not cook with any heat processed oils, use a good olive oil. No soft drinks or junk food. Be sure you are getting the necessary vitamins and minerals. Taking a good multivitamin every day is a god idea. Be sure to drink plenty of water. Food has an even greater effect if you put your food on the outside of your skin. Here are a few ideas to get you started. Make sure you test anything you put on your face to make sure it will not make you break out.

If your face dehydrates from washing to much, you can add a lot of other foods to cooked oatmeal, after it cools. Try adding fruit yogurts. Rinse it off with warm water after it dries. Try a mixture of just about any crushed melon. Watermelon makes a great natural cleanser crushed and smeared on the skin. Wash it off with water after a bit.

Grate a carrot, mix it with honey and smooth it on your face. Wash it off with water after it dries. Carrot essential oil has skin protection qualities from the carotenoids and other antioxidants. Carrot oil is good for keeping your skin from getting dry. Never put any pure essential oil straight on your skin, you want to mix it with oil like almond oil or grape seed oil. Both oils are not greasy; they soak into skin well and go well with carrot essential oil. - 14130

About the Author:

This information is by Herb B. Lewis, visit his skin care blog rejuvenate skin care, also visit Rejuvenate Worldwide.

Product Review: Human Touch HT-1650 Massage Chair Recliner

By James Knolan

Human Touch is known for its innovative designs and effective massage therapies in its product line. This is a review of perhaps one of the most unique massage chairs on the market today, the HT-1650 massage recliner. This is a massage chair disguised as a leather recliner. We will make an evaluation of five relevant areas of a massage lounger and assign a rating in points. Let us take a look at the unique HT 1650 massage recliner.

Warranty & Customer Service: We like to start with the warranty coverage, since this is your long term protection from defects in materials or workmanship. Although, the quality level of massage chairs has increased tremendously, you do get occasional problems. Human touch provides five years of coverage for the frame of the chair. Additionally, there are three years of coverage for both parts and labor. Also, there is in field technical service which is covered for the first ninety days of ownership. This is good coverage and exceeds the warranties of most manufacturers. Service is via a national call center and response times are good. The HT1650 gets a 17 in this category.

Comfort & Ergonomics: It is particularly important for a massage chair to be comfortable and fit your body. You need to be able to relax. The HT 1650 is both a recliner and a massage chair. When not being used as a massage chair, it looks just like a regular leather recliner chair. It has soft, luxurious leather which is a big plus. The layout of the massage recliner and its functions are well designed and thought out. The controller fits in a side pocket, so there is not remote stand. We rate the comfort and ergonomics of the HT 1650 a 19.

Ease of Use: The ease of use is becoming more important as the rate of features is increasing. Manufacturers must make these types of chairs simple and easy to use for consumers. Human Touch has gotten this message. In fact one of the innovative features of their remote is the use of two sides of it for controls. This enables the remote to remain small and yet be functional. The other feature is the flipping ottoman which has the calf massager. This is relatively easy to flip over and use. The HT-1650 earns a 19 in ease of use.

Key Features: One of the unique features and a patented one at that is the hidden calf and foot massager. When not in use, you cannot see the calf and foot massage. When you want to use it, you simply flip it over and it exposes the calf wells. This is a great feature in that the massage chair looks like a regular leather upholstery recliner. The other interesting feature is the acupoint detection system. This can be used prior to using a manual massage function. When activated, it will scan your back and determine the almost 100 trigger points. It records their location and then prioritizes them when the massage begins. This acupoint detection enables the chair to zero in on these points to provide you full body relaxation. We give the key features of the HT-1650 an 18.

Massage Therapy: The true test of this leather recliner is whether or not it delivers on the massage therapy side. Who wants a secret massage chair if it ends up being just a leather recliner! Rest assured, the HT 1650 is packed with massage treatments for your total wellness and relaxation. Try one of the 8 automatic programs with a variety of treatments to suit all sorts of situations. You can also select from 4 manual massage techniques. The calves and feet can be soothed with the hidden ottoman. Overall, we rate the massage therapy a 17 for this recliner.

So how does the HT1650 rate overall in this product review? In summing up the scores we rate the HT-1650 a 90/100. The massage therapy is pretty effective in this massage chair. We really like the fact that it is a massage chair in disguise. This enables you to place it in almost any room in the house. The remote is a nice slim design and tucks away into a pocket rather having a remote stand. If you are looking for a massage chair that does not look like one, then this is certainly the massage chair recliner for you. - 14130

About the Author:

Find out more regarding Human Touch Massage Chairs with our comprehensive resource of product reviews. We write Massage Chair Reviews on all the major brands including Panasonic, Omega and Sanyo. Find the best massage chair for all of your massage therapy requirements.

Massage Recliners Save Thousands on Massage Therapy

By James Knolan

It may seem like a contradiction. How do you save money when you have to spend money? Most people look at massage chairs as luxury items. They certainly are luxury items if you really do not need the massage therapy that they can provide. On the other hand, if you do need the massage therapy that they then massage chairs can save you a significant amount of money. Many people suffer from back pain or other conditions that require medical or chiropractic treatment. We all know that health care costs continue to rise. How do you save money buying a massage chair?

Let us take an example. We go to get our massage at the day spa. First, we need to call them and schedule a time. We are going to have travel time to go and come back from the massage. There is also the total time involved. Massage time is the bonus time the rest of the time can be considered the cost involved. The massage is not free, so we must pay for the time of the massage and a gratuity. If we go 3 times every month, by the end of the year we are spending thousands.

Some people need to go physical therapy or perhaps a chiropractor. The health care providers help to set you back on the right path of healing your condition. They help you get started with some basic techniques and treatments to help correct the situation. Many of these providers make use or recommend massage therapy as a compliment to your healing process. If you have started a path to recovery then these visits start to add up until you can take over on your own.

Now, if you really need massage therapy, then you have options. You can certainly see a massage therapist. A massage therapist is definitely a great way to go, when you can afford both the time and the money. However, massage chairs are another viable alternative. Massage chairs range in price from $599 to $5,999 and offer a terrific range of massage therapies and full body massages.

People like to look at sticker prices and judge massage chairs as expensive. Of course anything that costs over a thousand dollars is expensive. On the other hand, they see seventy five dollars per hour for a masseuse and think that is cheap. But let us dig into the real economics of a masseuse versus a massage chair. If we pay $75 with a gratuity of ten dollars then each hours runs us $85.00. Now a good midrange massage chair runs $3,000. Let us suppose we get a weekly massage. How many weeks until we pay for the massage chair? It will take 35 weeks. The thirty five weeks means we received 35 hours of massage therapy.

If we look over the longer run, we find that paying for the massage by the hour will buy the massage chair after 48 sessions. OK, now let us look at this from the massage chair perspective. A $3,000 massage chair is designed to last 1,000 hours. How much do we need to pay per hour of massage therapy. Let us divide $3,000 by the 1,000 machine hours and we get $3.00. That is right, with a massage chair we are paying $3.00 for an hour of massage therapy. Compare that to the $85.00 we are paying our massage therapist!

The real economics of the massage recliner is that it is a vastly superior value to traditional massage therapy. Obviously, getting a massage from a masseuse has its advantages beyond just the economics. But massage chairs also have some major advantages of availability and accessibility. Not to mention the overwhelming economic advantage. There certainly is tremendous value over the long run with a massage chair. - 14130

About the Author:

Save Thousands of Dollars for massage therapy. Find out how owning a massage chair is a great long term health investment. You will find the Best Shiatsu Massage Chairs from the top Massage Chair brands from Sanyo, Omega, Panasonic, and many other models to choose for your needs

Save Thousands with Massage Therapy from a Massage Chair

By James Knolan

With health care costs on the rise, everyone is looking to save money. Health care is looking to automation to help offset expenses. Most industries transition from labor intensive to capital intensive. Now we are seeing the potential of massage therapy transitioning to capital intensive or the use of machines/equipment. With the rise of massage chairs, many massage techniques can be delivered effectively with these chairs. How is money actually saved in this situation?

If you are already receiving massage therapy, then you know that there is a lot of expense involved. You have to make an appointment. You need to drive to and from the office of the massage therapist. You need to take the time from work or other activities. You need to pay per hour of massage therapist time plus their tip. If you go to a massage therapist a few times a month, the bill could be hundreds of dollars per month. This is thousands of dollars per year.

You may already be getting treatment for an ailment that you have. Perhaps you are seeing a chiropractor. The good doctor puts you through a barrage of therapies, adjustments, exercises and more. The chiropractor is helping you to get your situation corrected. But you also need to make changes to keep those conditions from recurring. Many chiropractors use massage therapy to help their patients. If you insurance requires co-pays and other deductables then you may be payings hundreds per year or more.

Many people with back pain, chronic pain or fibromyalgia already know that massage therapy may be an indispensible tool. These persistent conditions require substantial and consistent pain relief. Massage therapy can be delivered by a masseuse or by a massage chair. Massage chair recliners are very suitable for many of these conditions. There are many massage chairs that run for a thousand dollars up to five thousand dollars.

People like to look at sticker prices and judge massage chairs as expensive. Of course anything that costs over a thousand dollars is expensive. On the other hand, they see seventy five dollars per hour for a masseuse and think that is cheap. But let us dig into the real economics of a masseuse versus a massage chair. If we pay $75 with a gratuity of ten dollars then each hours runs us $85.00. Now a good midrange massage chair runs $3,000. Let us suppose we get a weekly massage. How many weeks until we pay for the massage chair? It will take 35 weeks. The thirty five weeks means we received 35 hours of massage therapy.

If we look over the longer run, we find that paying for the massage by the hour will buy the massage chair after 48 sessions. OK, now let us look at this from the massage chair perspective. A $3,000 massage chair is designed to last 1,000 hours. How much do we need to pay per hour of massage therapy. Let us divide $3,000 by the 1,000 machine hours and we get $3.00. That is right, with a massage chair we are paying $3.00 for an hour of massage therapy. Compare that to the $85.00 we are paying our massage therapist!

Obviously the economic advantage of the massage chair is almost 30 times greater than the massage therapist. Add to this economic advantage, availability. A massage recliner is at your disposal 24/7. You can also add accessibility by having it in your home. Obtaining a massage is as easy as being at home. When you start to put the massage chair into the total perspective, it comes out with some strong advantages. - 14130

About the Author:

Save Thousands of Dollars for massage treatments. Find out how owning a massage chair is a excellent long term health investment. You will find the Best Shiatsu Massage Chairs from the top Massage Chair brands from Sanyo, Omega, Panasonic, and many other models to choose for your needs

The Heartbreak of Snoring

By Christian Goodman

Whether you want to know about why people snore or find ways to cure it, you'll find information without having to search very hard. Given the number of people who snore, it's no wonder that it is a very popular topic.

But unless you've ever been caught sitting in a crowded airport terminal on a Friday afternoon, waiting to catch a delayed flight home with your head thrown back, your mouth gaping wide while children sit around your feet laughing uncontrolled, well, you just haven't fully understood the embarrassment that snoring can bring to your life.

Even short plane flights can create a panic at the thought that you might somehow get a little too comfortable. Comfort can bring drowsiness, and drowsiness tends to lead to a nap. That's the scary part. Just who or how many people got to listen to me in my 'disgraceful' sleep?

Those who live with us may be accustomed to our snoring. However, they do not - cannot - understand the mortifying feelings the snorer himself.

Does anything really compete with having to be jostled or tapped by someone when we're making a spectacle of ourselves in a crowded situation?

There seems to be no refuge for a snorer. You get noticed and hence humiliated so easily when the snoring sets in at say the barber shop, movie theatre, doctor's office or a thousand other places.

What are our options to avoid this? Tons of caffine to become a jittery mess instead of a noise maker? Just staying home?

Maybe you can find the most uncomfortable position possible to ensure that you stand absolutely no chance of dozing when you're in any public situation. Or perhaps you can just commit yourself to forever avoiding churches, chairs, or warm auditoriums.

I've long believed that there must be a better solution and I've found it with The Stop Snoring Exercise Program.

The Stop Snoring Exercise Program can ease snoring caused by a multitude of reasons. Whether it is caused by nasal issues, stress or just age, it can be helped.

With exercises specifically geared toward increasing tone and developing muscle strength your snoring problems can be significantly reduced or totally eliminated.

At the same time, you'll be improving your breathing and increasing respiratory flow. Preparing for 'snoreless sleep' can take a bit of effort but it can certainly be done with practice.

A restful night allows for a far more productive day. Very possibly, a day that does not include falling asleep in public. But if you do, you'll no longer advertise it with snoring!

EL331001 - 14130

About the Author:

Christian Goodman is recognized throughout the world for his unique solutions to many complex and even incurable conditions. stop snoring Learn more about Christian and his solutions on his alternative health blog.natural health

Teameister - Comprehensive Tea Report

By Penny Bronson

Tea, is a popular beverage in the world today and is produced from the leaves or buds of the tea bush. The http://www.teameister.com will examine tea by discussing the History of Tea, Cultivation of tea as well as tea processing and varieties. Preparing and serving a cup of tea and the various kinds of tea and what makes each special is also covered.

Tea was hugely popular among the wealthy. Britain set up tea plantations in colonial India. Did you know that Ireland and England are the two highest per capita consumers of tea in the world today? The United States of America has a long history with tea as well and is covered in detail on the teameister report.

The varieties of tea is classified according to the period of oxidation the leaves have experienced. You will read about this process and the differences between cultivation and variety as well as the differences in taste and price. White tea, green tea, Black and oolong and herbal....however herbal teas are a standalone product because they do not generally contain any tea leaves. Traditionalists do not consider herbal mixtures a form of tea.

Tea plays an important role in many societies and cultures. For example Chinese - Tea houses offer a social gathering place open to anyone, regardless of age and standing. In vietnam tea is one of the largest exports of and is a common drink served to company and guests to the country. Britain, Germany, Ireland, India, Russia all have unique customs.

In the United States tea is offered at most establishments as an alternative to coffee. Over 80% of all tea consumed in the US is in iced form.

Tea is packaged in a variety of ways such as teabags, loose tea, compressed tea and tea sticks. Tea should be served in mugs or cups, never glasses; hot temperatures may crack or shatter the glass. Ceramic and porcelain cups also retain heat better than glass.

Tea has played an important part in almost every culture of the world. Used for religious rites, meditative purposes, social activities, or just to unwind, tea has dominated every aspect of our lives. This report has outlined the various varieties of tea, showed its role in history and culture, and suggested methods of preparation and serving. Based on this information, it is clear tea will continue to be an integral part of life for centuries to follow.

The new teameister website is all about tea. We are planning an online tea community where members will exchange tea stories, recipes and chat. As we grow the website we encourage comments and input from our membership and associate bloggers. - 14130

About the Author:

Penny Bronson is a self appointed specialist and loves the study of tea. She has written about tea and is publishing a website which will cover many aspects of tea and Tea and its Health Benefits

Benefits Of Acai Berry

By Micheal Vincent

There are very few foods in the world that can claim to be superfoods. Superfoods must have many more aids besides just providing enough calories and some nutrition. However, there are some foods that are able to be elevated to superfood status because of the incredible benefits they can deliver.

Acai berry is one of these foods. With its ability to do everything from increase weight loss to fighting off disease, acai berry can provide you with better health benefits without any effort. What makes Pure Acai Berry such an incredible food is the fact that its nutritional content is as close to perfect as possible. First of all, it is absolutely filled with antioxidants. Click here to find more information about Benefits Of Acai Berry.

As you probably know, antioxidants are necessary for slowing down the effects of aging and for fighting disease. The berry also has monounsaturated fats, which are the healthy type also found in olive oil. Fiber and phytosterols are also part of the package, as is a well balanced amino acid complex. In all, this food is a very complete way of getting energy, nutrition, and antioxidants all in one package.

Because of its extremely complete nutritional content, the acai berry has the potential to provide tons of benefits for your body. Among the most popular reasons for people to use the product are to increase energy, maintaining better health, and to lose weight.

You can expect to have more energy when you use the acai berry because of its combination of carbohydrates and fats and its high concentration of antioxidants. All of these things combined make it a very good source of energy and a great way to increase your stamina during the day. Because you are likely to feel and be healthier while taking it, this will also increase your energy.

The antioxidant levels of this berry are more than five times as high as in blueberries and other such foods. This makes them very powerful in terms of fighting aging and bodily damage. Many people rely on this berry to fight off the free radicals that can be implicated in everything from cancer to wrinkles. Antioxidants have the amazing power to neutralize free radicals, which can help you feel younger and healthier than ever before. By using foods with high levels of antioxidants, you can experience great health and fend off the damaging effects of pollution, UV light, aging and more.

Pure Acai Berry can also help you with your losing weight goals as it has the ability to help your body burn fat more efficiently and to increase your metabolism. In addition, because it can help your body work more efficiently in general, you can expect losing weight to be easier.

For instance, the ability of the berry to increase your stamina will make it easier for you to exercise, and the berries perfect amino acid complex will allow your muscles to function properly during exercise. The berry even provides digestive support so that you can use your food more efficiently. The benefits of the acai berry are hard to beat and it is a great addition to any diet. Since it is not a local crop, the best way to get the benefits of this berry is in the supplement form offered by Pure Acai Berry.

Since this is the most concentrated and purest way of getting the incredible benefits of this berry, you will be able to see the benefits of this berry much sooner. Begin now and you can even get a Free Trial of Pure Acai Berry to see the benefits for yourself! Click on Benefits Of Acai Berry to find out more. - 14130

About the Author:

This article is for consumers looking for information on Acai Berry Free Trial Offer and Pure Acai Berry.

Got a Diet That Works Yet?

By Stephen McCormick

People who need to lose weight are constantly seeking diets that work. The problem isn't really finding a diet plan that works, but rather locating a diet to which a person can stick. The 46.8 billion dollar diet industry (as of 2005) depends not on people staying healthy and keeping off weight, but rather on people taking an endless yo-yo ride between health and fat. Because repeat business brings in the cash, the focus is surely on the ping-pong reality of un-healthy living followed by short stints of diets and health programs.

So you want a diet that delivers? Here's one. Combine limiting caloric intake to 1000 calories a day with at least 30 minutes of exercise at least five times a week. That diet will result in shedding weight. Only two small things. The first is that cravings will foil the diet. 1000 calories and all that exercise will eventually lead to ruinous hunger and binge eating. First it's a potato chip or slice of cake, then it's an extra hot dog and the whole bag of chips, and then the diet is kaput. #2 the diet eventually ends. You soon go back to eating the same old way. Next spring, or next time to wear that dress or tuxedo, or next family trip, or simply the next time you look into a mirror on the way out of the bathroom it will be once again be diet time.

The best diet is a permanent diet. A lifestyle change to healthier eating habits and more exercise is the best way to lose weight and keep off the unwanted pounds. The Sonoma Diet, created by Connie Guttersen, discusses 10 "power foods." These are almonds, bell peppers, blueberries, broccoli, grapes, olive oil, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes and whole grains, eaten in conjunction with the cuisine of the Sonoma country, which includes Asian, Latin American and Mediterranean influences. The diet is full of real food, and real portions, combined into enjoyable dishes to help motivate someone to stay with it .

Want a diet that works? Shift the focus away from a short term diet to a long term style that's part of an overall healthy and active lifestyle. That's the way to not only lose the weight, but to avoid gaining it in the first place. - 14130

About the Author:

To read more about acai berry diet visit the site.

Still Spinning - Dizziness and Vertigo

By Christian Goodman

You may feel like you are turning around in circles even though you are standing still. That is how some vertigo sufferers describe the feeling.

Sufferers explain that the world around them seems to be swaying or moving - not necessarily the person who is experiencing the problem.

Many people dismiss it as nothing more than a bout of dizziness, or toss it off as just feeling lightheaded.

But the National Institute of Health reports that 40% of adults will deal with an episode of vertigo at least once.

The older we get, the more common it becomes. In addition gender plays a role as more women than men tend to suffer.

Chronic dizziness or vertigo is often due to an inner ear infection or problem such as labyrinthitis.

When labyrinthitis occurs, a person can experience nausea, motion sickness and other syptoms. It causes the dizzy feeling as faulty information about position and balance are going to the brain.

The brain just cannot process the conflicting information.

When the canals, or labyrinths, are irritated, the brain often receives the wrong information. The result is objects spinning or moving around you.

People do not always seek help, or when they do it does not alway get diagnozed. The person then continues to suffer from such problems as hearing loss and/or tinnitus.

Treatment is often not sought due to the seemingly temporary nature of the problem.

Unfortunately, the problem reoccurs and can last weeks or even longer.

It can be easy to assume dizziness is a result of something common (like being really tired) so a number of episodes don't necessarily present a pattern.

The problem then persists. Once diagnosed, medication is usually suggested such as promethazine.

The drugs are usually either promethazine or meclizine. Some brand names are Dramamine, Meni-D, Adgan and others.

Of course with medications come side effects and other potential problems.

What most people don't know, and something that most doctors don't tell you, is that there could be another cause for your vertigo. Something besides an inner ear infection.

Muscular tension in the ear area can in fact be causing the problem.

As odd as that may sound, if you have tension in the muscles around your eyes, ears, or your body line from the top of your head to your pelvic bone, you may experience vertigo or episodes of dizziness as a result.

I've developed a natural system for relaxing and releasing that muscle tension that has allowed thousands of people to free themselves from vertigo.

By performing a few simple exercises every day, they soon report no more dizzying episodes.

The results that have been reported to me have been nothing less than amazing. So if you suffer, even occasionally, from feeling like everything is spinning around you, I encourage you to give my natural vertigo system a try. It will bring your world back into focus for you.

EL331001 - 14130

About the Author:

Christian Goodman has dedicated his life to health research and found solutions to many serious conditionsHealth Alternatives. You can learn more about him on his natural health alternative blog or check out his natural treatment for vertigo and dizziness.vertigo treatment

What do you know about Clomid Herb?

By Manuel Wiggins

The Safer Alternative of Reproduction Health, Clomid Herbs

If you main topic is infertility, of course you know much about different drugs that assist females conceive. One of these medications is Clomiphene, or Clomid. It is used for odd ovulation. Females prefer to try more natural staffs. They select some herbs that stimulate ovulation. The other herbs, which may be used in fertility, may be considered as Clomid herbs as well.

The most important utility of the stimulated herbs of ovulation is to correct imbalance of the body. They may be applied in ovulation topics as well. Clomid herbs resize the body of woman free of drugs.

Do you know which flowers and leaves are for fertility?

One such fertility enhancing plant is red clover. The plant is a common wildflower found growing in fields and it has deep pink flowers that bloom all summer. The flowers which contain vitamin B, calcium and protein, are gathered and dried for medicinal use or added to salads or rice dishes. The dried blossoms are also used to make an herbal fertility tea and many women have reported having successful pregnancies after drinking the red clover infusion.

As to the Red Raspberry, it is found on the woods or along roadsides. Its leaf is useful in many medical purposes due to its contents of high vitamins and minerals. It is used too as a Clomid herb to strengthen muscles. Commonly, it is used as a tea, especially for woman who wish to be pregnant.

Another useful herb is Liferoot. It is a wildflower found in swampy areas. It may be found also along the roads. As soon as the yellow flowers and leaves are in bloom, they will be harvested. The Liferoot is used for medical purposes. It assists in regulating the hormones production. It is one of the good fertility enhancers.

Herbal Fertility Traditions

Partridge berry, also known as squaw weed, is a low growing evergreen found growing along the forest floor and is another plant that might be considered as a clomid herb in that it is believed to help enhance fertility. The berries can be used by adding them to apple cider vinegar to make a salad dressing.

Through history there have been many herbs traditionally used by women to treat reproductive disorders. They are relatively safe when used properly, and have few or no side effects, in contrast to some drug therapies. Clomid herbs, or herbs that act like Clomid, in their ability to help enhance fertility, might be a woman's first option in trying to conceive. - 14130

About the Author:

Manuel Wiggins posts information and resources on his website about Clomid Herbs , and you can read more about Natural Cures

Slash Your Stress with Massage Chair Therapy

By James Knolan

There is so much stress in our lives in this modern era that we live in. We are hit from all sides whether from home or from work. These pressures seem to be increasing. In previous eras danger from physical harm was the major cause of stress. This acute type of stress caused what is called the fight or flight reaction. We are under less physical danger these days as stress has shifted to more mental stress. The type of stress has changed, but not our reaction to it.

What happens when we come under stress? Our body's natural reactions take over. Our breathing is increased as well as our heart rate. The major organs shut down all but the most vital functions to support hands and feet. Adrenaline is released to get the body primed for taking action. We feel a nervousness and tension as we are facing the unknown. All this chemical reaction is occurring with the build up of a physical action about to take place. However, when the stress is mental there is no physical release.

You know when you have a big meeting, you have a nervous reaction which is similar to the fight or flight reaction. Part of your stress management is to redirect this nervous energy into helping you perform better in the meeting. This takes discipline and training. Many top athletes are able to channel this nervous energy into higher levels of performance. But again with athletic performance there is a physical release of this built up energy.

For those of us under stress at work or otherwise, we may not have the physical outlets that can effectively release this built up stress. Massage therapy is an excellent method to counteract the build up of these mental stresses. Massage therapy helps to relax the muscles by loosening them up. It helps to reduce the toxin build up in muscles and tissues. Reflexology massage targets the major organs for relaxation via the trigger points in the hands and feet.

A very convenient alternative to going to a massage therapist is a massage chair recliner. These advanced massage recliners have massage therapies ranging from deep tissue, Shiatsu, sports massage, Swedish and many others. There are various benefits to each massage type and each may focus on particular benefits. They will all help relieve discomfort and tension. They all help your mind to relax. These treatments enhance the flow of the lymph system and the blood. Both of these systems filter out chemicals that build up in the body.

Massage therapy is a very effective tool to relieve and release stress in our lives. We may not be able to eliminate the causes of stress, but we can find effective tools to counteract its impact on us. Massage chairs offer tremendous convenience and access to regular massage therapy. They also have supplemental capabilities to enhance the massage experience. Some recliners have stretching capability for the shoulders and lower body. Some have music players to help your relax your mind and body. You can find some with heat that can be applied in specific areas. All of these features are designed to help your body totally relax.

Stress management is about having the right set of tools to effectively redirect, neutralize and release the affects of stress. Wouldn't it be great to be able to sit down in a massage recliner. Let it start to ease your aches and pains. Release the build up of tension in the shoulder and neck areas. Take your mind off the stressful situation for 15 or 20 minutes. Give you a chance to regroup, rethink your situation with a fresh mind and body. A massage chair recliner can be a very effective and convenient tool in your stress management tool box. - 14130

About the Author:

Get an complete battery of Stress Management tools from the best massage chairs currently on the market today. We carry the top manufacturers like Omega, Sanyo and Panasonic. We have a library of articles to help you research and decides what is right for your needs. Check out the Montage Premier or the DR7700 for daily stress relief.

To Cure, or not to Cure? Reasons why Osteopaths Differ from GPs

By Andrew Mitchell

We have all been there: we go to the doctor with an aching back, she gives us a diagnosis, and writes out a prescription for some pain killers, along with some medical advice of what we can and cannot do. We take the pills, follow the advice, and the problem goes away. Or does it? Two months later, we pick up a heavy suitcase and injure our back once again - and start the vicious cycle of doctor-pills-advice all over again.

Treating psychical injuries is always an uphill struggle, unless you can find a way to eliminate the problem completely. This is where the role of an osteopath becomes central, since osteopaths don't just treat the symptoms of a problem (as your local GP would), but will look at the entire body take the extra step of finding not only the cause of the ailment, but the cure as well. There are a range of other factors that differentiate an osteopathic doctor from a medical doctor:

1. Osteopaths are much more specialized that your local doctor. Since they have had special training in the musculoskeletal system, they are much more knowledgeable about how one part of the body can influence another. This gives then a diagnostic as well as therapeutic advantage over medical doctors, who simply have a general background knowledge in human anatomy.

2. Osteopaths can use Osteopathic Manipulative Training (OMT) - a special diagnosis technique with the hands. This form of diagnosis gives the body opportunity to heal itself naturally by allowing the blood to flow free to the areas that need it most.

3. An Osteopath not only uses their hands to diagnose a problem, but also to treat to the predicament. While a medical doctor would prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug to treat the symptoms at face value, an osteopath would work to free the muscle tensions, which not only stimulates circulation, but encourages the body's own forces to eradicate the problem, preventing it from re-emerging in the future.

4. Where doctors deal with the present symptoms of a given problem, osteopaths will look at the persistent history of an illness. If a patient has injured his knee, for instance, a medical doctor would gather a patient's medical history through a means of blood tests, psychical examinations, and perhaps certain laboratory procedures. An osteopath would acquire this same history by questioning the patient about whether he previously experienced stiffness in the knee joints, whether the knee is more painful in a specific position, or whether the pain increases in the patient's most active moments. By getting a patient's history through this approach, osteopaths work to find the cause of the problem, and attempt to cure it at the source.

Osteopathy therefore has many advantages, but do these outweigh the benefits of a visiting a GP? That is up to you: depending on the nature of your injury, you might want to see both. The question you want to ask yourself is whether your ailment is persistent or not, and whether you merely want to treat the immediate symptoms, or cure the source of the problem. - 14130

About the Author:

Andrew Mitchell, co-ordinator of Osteopath Network, writes articles about osteopathy, back pain, neck pain and soft tissue injuries. If you are looking for a Leeds osteopath or for an osteopath in the UK please visit his website.

Treatment of Neck Pain by Osteopaths

By Andrew Mitchell

Instead of looking at each symptom of an illness separately, osteopathic medicine is a kind of medicine that looks at your entire body to figure out the best method of treatment. Osteopathic medicine has become quite popular, especially for people who have problems with muscle and joint pain. A lot of people insist that when you suffer from neck pain, an osteopath is one of your best resources. It is understandable, however, that if you haven't ever visited an osteopath, that doing so might feel scary. Don't worry-you have nothing to be scared of. Here is what you can expect to experience when you visit an osteopath for neck pain treatment:

In the beginning, your osteopathic exam will probably feel a lot like a visit to a traditional doctor's office. You'll be asked for your complete medical history and be given a routine physical exam. Your osteopath might then need to do some extra tests in order to help figure out the exact reason for your neck pain. An X-Ray might be taken to help determine if your neck has any damaged vertebrae, but be prepared: your osteopath will probably examine the rest of your body too!

It is important to know that when you visit an osteopath for help with your neck pain, you should leave your "personal space" at home. Osteopathic treatment is hands on!

Your Osteopath might use any of the following methods to treat your neck pain:

Counterstrain technique: this technique involves moving you into a position that will help your body restore motion to any of your muscles that might have been strained or restrained.

Muscle Energy technique: Your osteopath gives you exercises that will start with your muscles in precise positions and follow with you moving those muscles in precise movements.

Soft Tissue technique: this is where your osteopath will apply pressure to the muscle areas around the spine. It can also involve deep pressure, rhythmic stretching and, in some cases, traction.

Thrust technique: In the thrust technique your osteopath will reintroduce movement to your joints with high velocity force. This should help rid you of any asymmetry in your muscles, any movement that has been restricted and any tissue changes or muscle tenderness.

If your osteopath deems it necessary, your neck pain might be treated with a low level laser or even acupuncture!

This all probably sounds frightening, but you shouldn't worry. Very few people experience pain when they seek help from an osteopath for their neck pain. Most people who choose to employ an osteopath say that the treatments are quite pleasant and relaxing!

There are some people who might confuse osteopathic medicine with chiropractic medicine. The two night sound alike, but they are actually very different. Chiropractic medicine focuses on your spine and joints. Osteopathic medicine focus on your whole body! - 14130

About the Author:

Andrew Mitchell, co-ordinator of Osteopath Network, writes articles about osteopaths, back pain, neck pain and soft tissue injuries. If you are looking for a Cambridge osteopath please visit his website.

How Physiotherapists Treat Golfer's Elbow

By Jonathan Blood-Smyth

Golfer's elbow is also known as medial epicondylitis and is the less common sister condition of tennis elbow, both conditions sharing the tendon degenerative nature without inflammation. They are referred to as tendinopathies due to the pathological changes which occur inside the tendon without an inflammatory process. Not just occurring in golfers, golfer's elbow also appears in racquet sports, cricket bowling, weightlifting and archery.

The muscles which flex and rotate the forearm originate over the medial epicondyle, the bony prominence on the inside of the elbow, with the tendon anchored into the bone by the tendinous insertion. The pain occurs close to this and may be due to a degenerative process occurring in the tendon, as little inflammation has been noted in these cases.

The flexor tendons are put under stress by activities which force the forearm outwards away from the body and these stresses occur as the wrist is cocked prior to throwing, in the early acceleration of the throw and in the golf swing from high backswing to just before the ball is hit. The dominant hand is affected in golfers and in tennis players those who impart a heavy topspin to the ball are more likely to suffer.

Golfer's elbow is the most common cause of pain over the inside of the elbow and less common than tennis elbow. Twice as many men are affected as women, with people being affected initially mostly in their twenties to their forties. Golfer's elbow presents in the dominant hand in 60% of occurrences, with 30% of sufferers reporting a sudden and painful onset, the remainder having a slow onset.

Pain and ache over the front of the medial epicondyle is the typical symptom, worse with repeated flexion of the wrist and improved with resting. Shoulder, elbow, forearm or hand pain can occur, with weakness or pins and needles in the lower arm. Physiotherapy examination includes the bony tendon insertions, the elbow joints and the muscles, with palpation of the "funny bone" area behind the elbow where the ulnar nerve lies. Nerve involvement can give weakness in the forearm muscles and sensory symptoms, so an exclusion neurological examination is performed by the physio.

The main treatment of golfer's elbow is conservative, including anti-inflammatories, wrist and forearm splinting, corticosteroid injection and physiotherapy. Modifying the provoking activity is a first line of management, making patient education about the condition and the eliciting factors vital. An example is modifying the golf swing mechanics to avoid setting the problem off continually. The patient is taught to avoid aggravating positions and activities, such as leaning on the elbow if there is nerve involvement.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used by physios in the initial acute phase to reduce pain and inflammation along with avoiding painful movements, use of ice, gentle stretches, friction massage and ultrasound. As the problem settles and becomes sub acute the aims change to improving flexibility by stretching, increasing strength and normal activities. A forearm brace may also be used or a wrist brace to rest the wrist muscles. Once the problem is chronic the programme continues with reduced use of the splint and re-introduction of sporting activities.

Doctors inject corticosteroid medication into the sites of chronic golfer's elbow but this treatment appears to be more useful in the earlier, acute cases. Other therapies, such as shockwave or laser, have been used but do not seem to be effective. Once physio has been attempted for some time without improvement then a surgical approach may be considered, cutting out the abnormal tissue from the tendon. The ulnar nerve can be transposed around to the front of the joint from its position in the groove posteriorly.

Correction of sporting technique, such as the golf swing, is best achieved by engaging a professional instructor who can also advise on stretches, fitness work and muscle strengthening. Athletes should warm up well before sport and stretch effectively afterwards, choosing good technique and selection of appropriate equipment. Doctors and physiotherapists may need to monitor patients, especially athletes, very carefully as they tend to continue to perform through the pain. - 14130

About the Author:

Jonathan Blood Smyth is a Superintendent Physiotherapist at an NHS hospital in the South-West of the UK. He focuses on orthopaedic conditions and looking after joint replacements as well as managing chronic pain. Visit the website he edits if you are looking for Physiotherapists in Twickenham.

What to Consider When Using a Home Remedy for Head Louse

By Rashel Dan

Parents know that too much exposure to strong chemicals are harmful to children. For this reason, more and more parents now want to know about any home remedy for head louse problems. Before you use one though, you need to take note of a couple of things.

What Remedies are There?

When it comes to home remedy for head louse, there are simply several solutions out there. You can opt for manual lice combing or nit picking. You can also go for various recipes that have been traditionally used and mixed to get rid of lice. Your home remedy for head louse problems can be made of such ingredients as vinegar, mayonnaise, garlic, almonds, limejuice and olive oil. Each of these ingredients can be used alone or mixed with other substances depending on the home remedy for head louse recipe that you have. The basic idea behind these remedies is that they are able to smother live lice.

Where to Get Remedies

For sure, you wouldn't find your home remedy for head louse solution in your local pharmacy or store. These recipes usually come form older people who have had to deal with lice in kids before chemical solutions were made. Of course, you can always check the internet for a great variety of home remedy for head louse recipes.

Find a reliable site and preferably know some people who have used the specific remedy that you would like to try. Home made remedies do not follow a mixing standard and anyone can just mix something up and claim that it is a home remedy for head louse solution.

Effectiveness

Since home remedies are not tested in laboratories and come in a wide variety of mixes and applications, there is also no clear evidence of their effectiveness. We do know though that certain substances have been used effectively by people in the past but there has been no clear standard on how much should be applied, how often a substance should be used and what else the substance should be mixed with. Again, it would make perfect sense to look for some people who have successfully tried a home remedy for head louse solution before using one.

Being Careful

Natural Treatment - Most people think that natural substances are safer. It may be true that natural solutions cause fewer complications and present lesser risks. It doesn't mean though that they are completely safe. You could ask a doctor first about a natural substance before using it on your child. This is especially important if your child is very sensitive or has allergies of some other medical condition.

What to Do if It Doesn't Work

Combining Methods - Most of the time, you would have to combine a home remedy for head louse solution with manual combing and nit picking to make it even more effective. You also need to carefully and regularly monitor your child's hair for renewed infestations.

Last Resort - When every natural method fails, you may have to turn to other possible solutions probably even including chemical treatment. You could ask your doctor about details on product treatment. You should also always use any product only as indicated to prevent adverse reactions. - 14130

About the Author:

Looking for a safe head louse cure? Discover more concerning home remedy for head louse.

The Chemistry of Essential Oils

By Helene Haines

Chemistry?!? Are your eyes glazed over yet? It happens...yet if you're interested at all in the therapeutic use of essential oils, a little primer on their chemistry can be very useful. Not only will you better understand how and why essential oils work, but the great importance of using natural, high-quality oils - oils that are pure, properly distilled, AND smell nice - will be made clear. It's not just an aromatherapy sales pitch; essential oils with exceptional bouquets have different chemical make-ups than flat or otherwise uninteresting oils. The differences can significantly affect the healing potency of therapeutic applications for you, your family and/or your clients. Much of the time, you can discern the difference of therapeutic value between two oils just by their aroma - one needn't always have the proof of fancy, expensive machines to make an educated choice.

So, why are essential oils called 'oils' anyway? They don't feel greasy, and they tend to evaporate completely, unlike common 'fixed' oils (such as olive, grapeseed, hazelnut and the like). Essential oils and fixed oils share a similar chemical foundation: their structures are based on the linking of carbon and hydrogen atoms in various configurations. But this is really where the similarity ends. Fixed oils are made up of molecules comprised of three long chains of carbon atoms bound together at one end, called a triglyceride. Every fixed oil is made up of just a few different triglyceride arrangements - olive oil, for example, is primarily made up of oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids (the names of particular carbon-hydrogen chains forming the triglycerides). Their long-chain shape holds them in a liquid state which does not easily evaporate.

Essential oils are 'volatile' oils - oils that DO easily evaporate. Their chains of carbon atoms to which the hydrogens attach are not as long or heavy, and are much more complex. Many essential oil structures are not really chains, but ring, or multi-ringed shapes with diverse sub-units - called 'functional groups' - sticking out in various directions. Like their fixed oil counterparts, essential oils are lipophillic - meaning 'fat liking'. The fat-liking nature of both fixed and essential oils makes them easily absorbed by our bodies. Because of their typically smaller structures however, essential oils are absorbed more rapidly than fixed oils, and can easily penetrate deep into the body. Despite their plant origins, this lipophillic nature of essential oils makes their profound healing action on the human body possible.

Most of the therapeutic activity of an essential oil can be attributed to the functional groups of the individual chemicals that make up the oil. There can be over a hundred identifiable molecules in one essential oil. Each of these molecules, as mentioned earlier, is a chain or ring (or multiple-ring) structure of carbon atoms linked together with hydrogen atoms bonded to them in various configurations. Every chain or ring has a functional group attached - a functional group is defined by Salvatore Battaglia in 'The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy' as: "a single atom or group of atoms that...has a profound influence upon the properties of the molecule as a whole. It is often referred to as the chemically active center of the molecule".

As you can see, essential oils are really very complex in their chemical nature. There are nearly infinite possibilities of functional group and ring or chain combinations. And ONE essential oil alone can be made up of HUNDREDS of these different molecular arrangements. Don't worry, though! While it sounds complex, one needn't know all the precise chemical details to use essential oils therapeutically. When selecting between varieties of an essential oil, It IS helpful to know that any particularly oil is often composed of one or more primary molecular forms, with many minor or 'trace' constituents, and that ALL these molecules contribute to the oil's aroma and therapeutic action.

The best natural, undiluted, properly distilled essential oils with all the major and minor chemical constituents will have the finest aromas AND the most potent therapeutic action. Many factors in an essential oil's production affect the total number and relative amounts of individual chemicals found in the final product. These include where the plant was grown, soil and climate conditions, time of harvest, distillation equipment, plus the time, temperature and pressure of distillation. This can give you an idea as to why two varieties of the same oil can smell so different: The full, beautiful bouquet of a fine essential oil will contain a myriad of notes, telling you that all natural components are present and in balanced amounts.

To best understand this, we'll examine Lavender essential oil; more than fifty individual molecules have been identified in pure lavender essential oil. The aromatherapist must remember that ALL of these chemicals found in pure and natural lavender oil work together to produce a therapeutic effect. For example, the linalool molecule is antiviral and antibacterial; the linalyl acetate is emotionally calming; other major components including cineol, limonene, pinene and others are all noted for specific biologic and aromatic activity. It is the combined, balanced, synergistic action of these chemicals that make pure, high-quality lavender such a great healer. No one chemical can be singled out and used to give the same profound results as the complete pure essential oil.

What does this mean to the lay-practitioner? That it's important to find a nice smelling lavender oil! Each of the individual chemicals has a distinct smell, talked about in terms of 'notes' within the overall lavender aroma. Some of these are sweet, some citrusy, some are herbaceous, and some can be camphorous. A precise amount of each will create a certain lavender aroma. Some lavenders are more sweet (and therefore more relaxing), others are more herbaceous (and more anti-microbial). Three important points should be noted regarding selecting by aroma: First, there can be significantly different aromas from the same species of plant, even when the essential oils are of the highest quality. You can often use your intuition to select the best variety for your needs (as between the sweeter more relaxing, or the herbaceous more 'medicinal' lavenders). Sedond, some plants (e.g. Rosemary and Thyme) have chemotypes - this specifies a predominant chemical in the essential oil - each being used for a certain therapeutic application. Know which chemotype is best suited to your needs before making a selection. Finally, it is most often the essential oil that smells the most 'true' to you that will be the most beneficial. Your senses can naturally detect what is good for you and what is not, if you're willing to listen to them impartially.

A balanced approach in aromatherapy, as in all of natural medicine, is best. The most effective practitioner will have a well-developed 'internal pendulum' combined with a solid education. Significant variations exist in the quality of essential oils; it is really cost effective to buy the higher grades of oil, as their synergy of expertly distilled chemicals will have the greater therapeutic action. Use your nose, knowledge and intuition to find a source you trust, that delivers consistently high-grade oils for a reasonable cost. Use these same faculties to skillfully select and apply the appropriate oil for each circumstance. Essential oils are complex by nature; at the same time, they have an exceptionally broad scope of therapeutic applications. Hopefully, this little bit of aromatherapy chemistry will enrich your ability to support your own health, and the health of those around you. - 14130

About the Author:

The author regularly employs pure aromatherapy essential oils and flower essence remedies in her practice.

Some Easy Ways To End Bad Breath

By Rone Hooper

Easy Steps To Getting Rid Of Stinky Breath.

Some people call it "dragon breath" or "butt breath", and usually if your breath stinks, you know it. It's pretty easy to get rid of that bad breath if you follow a few simple rules or steps. But if you have a medical or dental condition, it is best to follow your doctors orders because these simple steps may not help. However, in general, just keeping your body healthy with proper foods and maintaining a good oral hygiene routine will keep the "butt breath" at bay.

The Main Reasons For Bad Breath

After a meal, some food sticks to the back side of teeth, or some may even get caught in between the teeth. When this happens, food can ferment or rot in the warm mouth quickly. And usually, food that is high in protein tends to ferment in the mouth quicker because of the longer metabolic time it takes to break down. Vegetables and fruits are more easily digested, or broken down, making the time in the body substantially less - thus allowing less time it has time to ferment - which can cause bad breath.

Several Great Ways to Get Rid Of Bad Breath

Usually the main cause of bad breath is bacteria feeding off of food particles that are left on or between your teeth after eating. The best way for anyone to get rid of bad breath is to invest in a good toothbrush, some floss and be persevering about your daily oral hygiene and dental exams.

It is important for you to also cleanse your tongue if you want to rid yourself of bad breath. The same bacteria that is hiding between your teeth can also burrow on the tongue. Tongue cleaning is necessary, in addition to brushing, for a thorough dislodging of the plaque and mucus. In clinical tests, tongue cleaning is proven to have reduced odors and bacteria by 75%!

Setting up a daily routine of dental hygiene is key to helping get rid of all the bacteria that can cause bad breath. Teeth should be brushed after every meal and proper flossing should be done at least once a day. Disinfecting mouthwash can also help rid the mouth of odor growing plaque and bacteria built up since it can reach the areas that can be missed with the toothbrush and flossing.

It's a well-known fact that smoking causes "smokers breath". It's unpleasant to smell, but it is also impossible to get rid of the smell without quitting the tobacco completely. The smell is not only in the smokers breath, but on their hands, face, hair, and even clothing! So, quitting the tobacco for good is about the only way to truly freshen the breath for life. Plus, it's good for your body!

Then finally, bad breath is also caused by drinking alcohol. Not only is the alcohol in your mouth, but since the alcohol travels through your body, the smell can stay in your blood for hours - even if you do brush your teeth, causing your breath to stink. Cutting back on alcohol intake or just staying clear of it altogether will keep your breath smelling fresh and clean! - 14130

About the Author:

Need to know What Causes Bad Breath? Well, look no further. Simply click here and learn How to Get Rid of Bad Breath.

Bad Breath Remedies

By Rone Hooper

Bad Breath Home Remedies

Have you quit hugging or kissing loved ones? Maybe you've even quit showing that big smile that everyone enjoys? Is it because you have chronic bad breath? There are tons of people that can't seem to enjoy life because of this bad breath issue. They are too shy to go to the doctor, or sometimes they simply can't afford the bill. So, instead of not enjoying life, here are a few simple remedies that a person can do at home to help cure bad breath!

Oral Hygiene

Obviously, the best of the bad breath remedies is to take good care of your teeth. If you can not take good care of your teeth, then you probably do not really want to cure your bad breath because that is the number one cause of bad breath anywhere. If you want to try out some bad breath remedies make sure that you are starting with the obvious thing and taking good care of your teeth.

Eating Avocados

Avocados are not well-known for their ways of getting rid of bad breath, but eating small amounts of avocado can help ease the smell of bad breath. Fresh avocados are best. Do not use any other seasonings on it besides a tad bit of salt. People use garlic alot with avocados, so make sure it is fresh and season-free. Avocados can be found in the produce area at the grocery store.

Lessen Your Protein Intake

Proteins are one of the culprits when it comes to chronic bad breath. Eat less steak and chicken and eat more fresher fruits and vegetables and you should surely see an increase in the number of people that are coming close to you. This is one of the most popular bad breath home remedies out there, and if you eat properly then you can make sure that you reduce your bad breath.

Drink Water

Allowing your body to be fully hydrated can really help cure bad breath. Water cleans the body of toxins that can make the breath stink. Dry mouth can also lead to bad breath. So drinking a good 8-10 8oz glasses of water a day will help keep your body flushed, thus allowing for better smelling breath! - 14130

About the Author:

Time to learn more Bad Breath Remedies? Start on the path to your own Cure for Bad Breath.

Treatment and Physiotherapy Management of Torn Achilles Tendon

By Jonathan Blood-Smyth

The biggest and strongest of the body's tendinous structures is the Achilles tendon in the lower part of the posterior calf. The main patients who suffer from Achilles tendon rupture are men in the 30 to 50 year group and they have often no history of similar events or difficulties with the leg. Tendon rupture occurs in a group of men who are not continually active and who perform sporadic or irregular sporting activities such as weekend football, people often referred to as "weekend warriors".

The tendons from the two major calf muscles, the gastrocnemius and the soleus, merge into the single Achilles tendon about fifteen centimetres above the top of the calcaneus. Tendons have high tensile strength, stiffness coupled with resilience and the ability to stretch four percent without damage, making them ideal to perform force transmission between muscle and bones. Rupture of fibres will occur if eight percent stretch is applied. Poor blood supply occurs about two to six centimetres up from the heel and most degenerative change and rupture occurs here.

The left Achilles tendon is ruptured more commonly than the right, in the region of the tendon with an impaired blood supply, as right-handed people push off strongly with their left leg to accelerate. Typical rupture scenarios are on sudden foot extension, forceful pushing up of the ankle and resisted downward movement of the foot. The tendon can suffer severe degeneration and this plus direct trauma can also cause rupture. Achilles tendon rupture occurs more often in patients on corticosteroids, somewhat older people, in sudden exertions by unfit individuals and in those who pursue extreme activities.

Achilles tendon forces in running can be very high and have been measured at six to eight times bodyweight. The patient typically reports a sudden snap or blow to the rear of the lower calf, a sudden strong pain, an ability to walk but not to run or climb stairs. On examination there may be a swollen or bruised calf, a palpable gap in the tendon and an inability to stand on tiptoe. A history of treatment with steroids, previous tendon rupture or an unusually high activity level (e.g. weekend warrior) can also be important findings.

Doctors choose conservative or surgical management, operation having a higher risk of complications and conservative treatment a higher risk of re-rupture. Non-operative treatment is suitable for sedentary people, diabetics, older people and those with medical problems or poor skin integrity. Impaired blood supply, diabetes and other illnesses make wound breakdown, tendon separation and infections more likely. A calf or thigh length plaster may be used with the ankle flexed down, moving it up regularly over six to ten weeks. The patient is allowed to weight bear and given an orthotic as the tendon heals.

Open or percutaneous surgery can be used and after the operation the leg is plastered with the ankle in plantar flexion or put into a brace. The ankle angle is adjusted upwards regularly week by week as healing goes forward until after 4 to 6 weeks the brace can be removed. Surgical repair is more successful due to lower rates of repeated rupture, quicker return to activity, greater strength and better endurance when compared to non-operative treatment. Research indicates that immobilizing the tendon for shorter periods is more successful.

The physio will begin the rehabilitation with exercises to increase the ankle movements and gently stress the tendon, instruction in good gait and use of a heel raise to reduce stretching forces on the tendon. Static bicycling and swimming are useful non weight-bearing exercises, steadily progressing to exercises in weight bearing, muscle strength work and then to advanced work such as running, jumping and balance training. Four months after surgery a patient may be able to start back to normal activity.

Achilles tendon rupture usually turns out with good or excellent results with most athletes getting back to their chosen sports. Surgical management has a re-rupture rate of 0-5 percent and conservative treatment up to 40 percent, so patient education by the physio in training and stretching performance and the best choice of footwear is important for the long term. - 14130

About the Author:

Jonathan Blood Smyth is a Superintendent Physiotherapist at an NHS hospital in the South-West of the UK. He specialises in orthopaedic conditions and looking after joint replacements as well as managing chronic pain. Visit the website he edits if you are looking for physiotherapists in Cambridge.

Kick the Habit with Self-Hypnosis

By Maxwell Fields

A very misunderstood self-help and relaxation subject is hypnosis. Perhaps one of the biggest reasons that hypnosis is misunderstood is that most people are only familiar with stage hypnosis. During all stage sessions, participants are pre-qualified, and only the most suggestible subjects are actually brought into the performance.

The second common misconception is that people believe a hypnotist can force them to do strange things like clucking like a chicken. The fact is that a hypnotherapist can't make you do anything that you don't want to do, or are incapable of doing. If it's against your nature, you won't do it, hypnotized or not. The subjects on stage performing outrageous acts are uninhibited and outgoing by nature, and that's why they're on stage in the first place.

Hypnosis is little more than guided relaxation, nothing more. That's it. It's not a paranormal therapy, but it can be very effective for certain participants when used for self help purposes. The objective with hypnotherapy is to alter your state of consciousness so that you're brain is more open to suggestion. The hypnotherapist can then speak some pre-approved affirmations that will be more readily accepted by your brain.

Another way to look at hypnosis is that it's positive affirmations or positive self-talk made when the mind is relaxed. So there's nothing mysterious about hypnosis. If you understand meditation, you understand hypnosis, i.e. leading your body and mind into a relaxed state.

Some people are more prone to suggestion than others and some people are naturally averse to hypnosis altogether. As a hypnosis subject, I'm a nightmare. After six months of failed attempts at being hypnotized, I finally recorded my own voice and hypnotized myself. About one out of five people will likely be resistant to hypnosis.

Smoking in particular is a good candidate for hypnotherapy because much of the addiction is psychological, and that is an area the self-hypnosis can help you address. Considering the expense of cigarettes, and the expense of typical cessation programs like nicotine gum, the patch, shots, and the like, the modest investment in a simple hypnotherapy quit smoking audio that you can listen to in the comfort of your home is attractive.

At the very least, hypnosis will help you balance yourself, relax, and lower stress levels. If you are a smoker, a hypnosis smoking cessation program might be exactly what you need, and you can safely participate in one without worrying about clucking at odd hours of the day! - 14130

About the Author:

After being introduced to hypnosis while working at his campus health center, Maxwell became the only student to obtain his hypnotherapy certification. While only participating in self-hypnosis at present, he has delivered hypnosis smoking programs and reviews the best programs available via his hypnotherapy quit smoking blog.

Bipolar -Important Treatment Considerations

By Harold Ulvaeus

Bipolar disorder is a disease that is not going to go away, thus all treatments need to be seen as long term. Cognitive Behavior Therapy, (CBT) is frequently used to help overcome not only the mood swings, but the psychological effects of them as well. Another important part is to help the person be prepared to the symptoms returning, which they often will after stressful events or spontaneously.

Stressful events, life transitions, and the onset of symptoms are all signs to seek help, or to intensify the therapy. Even when therapy has been discontinued for some months, it is advisable to still keep contact with updates of the current status.

An important aspect is positive feedback from the therapist.A sense of trust and bonding is especially important when there is a challenge of being able to control the symptoms and the treatment process is being questioned.

Therapy can be an important stabilizing force in the persons life. Therapy sessions are important to monitor progress, creating a map and understanding of the episodes,and coping mechanisms. Receiving objective, positive and constructive feed back from the therapist can be a life line when swimming in the depths of an episode.

Remember that optimal treatment of people having bipolar disorder requires an effective approach which integrates psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.

Those who are struggling with the disease have to know effective ways in controlling mood swings, avoiding relapse, and obtaining the effectiveness of treatments using medicines through utilizing the bipolar workbook. This is truly a sound framework for helping people with bipolar disorder, thus it doesn't have to affect you throughout your life. - 14130

About the Author:

To learn more about Symptoms of Bipolar and available options for Bipolar Treatment by visiting our informational websitewww.bipolarsymptoms.healing-mind-and-body.com

Aloe Vera for Chrones Disease and Intestinal Disorders

By Celia Spiers

Using Aloe vera for Chrones disease can bring real relief rapidly. This disease affects the digestive system or the gastrointestinal tract along the whole corridor from the mouth to the anus. Symptoms generally tend to be diarrhea (with blood showing), vomiting, abdominal pain and weight loss. There are significant variants but these are the most common.

External conditions such as arthritis, skin rashes and inflammation of the eyes commonly accompany these symptoms. The precise cause of this disease has never been pinpointed but it is classified as an inflammatory bowel disease because it occurs when the immune system attacks the gastrointestinal tract and is therefore considered to be an autoimmune disease. The use of aloe vera for Chrones disease is a new approach that is providing a positive solution.

There is a genetic link with autoimmune diseases. Siblings tend to be at the highest risk between their teens to around age 20. Either sex can be equally affected. Another peak period is with an older age group between 50-70 years of age. Prevalence of this disease in Northern Europe is about 27-48 per 100,000.

This disease affects 400,000 to 600,000 people in Northern Europe and it was found that smokers are 3 times more likely to develop the symptoms. No one has yet developed a drug based cure although there are remedial processes available for other inflammatory bowel disorders. Currently, the only course is to attempt to control the symptoms and keep them in remission. However, a growing number of people have found relief using aloe vera for Chrones disease.

Ingesting aloe vera can have a stabilising effect and patients have reported an easing of the discomfort caused by the pain of gastrointestinal dysfunction. New research has extended the medicinal uses of aloe vera to traditional pharmaceutical grade prescription doses. Jean Heal, a 40 year old woman, is an interesting case study:

She was diagnosed with Chrones disease by her doctor and suffered with it for 20 years. Her condition by this time was causing her considerable stress and she was complaining of exhaustion and depression. Her doctor suggested colonic surgery as a possible course of action. She had heard that treatment using aloe vera for Chrones disease was a possibility.

So she turned to the Internet and investigated alternatives and discovered high purity pharmaceutical grade aloe vera capsules. Following a prescribed dose she found that after 3 days her symptoms receded until she was completely without pain. She also noticed that missing a daily dose would result in the symptoms returning.

Now her life has been turned around and she is able to live a normal life without having to worry about diarrhoea or staying within close proximity to a toilet. This provides a ray of hope to others who may be experiencing similar debilitating symptoms. Very positive results are emerging from patients using aloe vera for Chrones disease. - 14130

About the Author:

Find out about these new developments in pharmaceutical research. The use of aloe vera for Chrones disease can have definite benefits for some people. Difficult digestive problems now have some real remedies thanks to the new purity now available. The greatly improved medicinal uses of aloe vera have extended the benefits of aloe vera to a wider audience.

Beyond Aromas: Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils

By Melissa Manchester

What do you think of when you hear the word 'Aromatherapy'? For many folks, it conjures an image of plastic Glade Plug-In air fresheners; for others, a bottle of flowery dish soap. For a fortunate few, a pleasing bath with natural soothing scents comes to mind; for even fewer, a cold-air diffuser releasing a fine mist of pure Rose petal oil throughout their home. The rarest concept of Aromatherapy in these United States is one of highly potent medicines, effective against a broad range of bacteria and viruses, with further uses including relief of arthritis pain, stomach discomfort, sleeplessness, and a host of other conditions. If this is a new idea, read-on and enter the wonderful world of medicinal aromatherapy and therapeutic use of essential oils.

At it's heart, Aromatherapy encompasses the entire branch of botanical medicine using volatile aromatic plant compounds for treatment of various medical conditions. The term was coined by a French scientist after his discovery of Lavender oil's healing effects on burns he had sustained in the laboratory. The practice of 'aroma' therapy - or the inhalation of essential oils to make one 'feel good' - is more a delightful side-note than the primary healing benefit essential oils can provide. Many important actions of essential oils don't even have to do with one's sense of smell. Beyond acting on the psyche through the limbic system (the 'emotional' center of the brain, immediately affected by the smell sense), many essential oils have proven antibiotic, antiviral, antispasmodic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, tissue-regenerative and other actions.

Effects of essential oils on the psyche, along with some biologic effects through the olfactory system, are an important aspect of their use; this should certainly not be discounted relative to the direct effects on the physiology. Many scientifically designed studies have confirmed the effects of aromatic oils on the mind and emotions. Your smell sense is the only one of the five senses directly connected to the brain - all other senses are routed first through the thalamus, then directed to the cerebral cortex and other brain regions. Each 'scent-sensing' cell is a sort of chemical receiver - every receptor in the nose reacts to some scents and not others. Each of these scent-cells is directly linked to the brain by one nerve fiber. It is difficult to sense an aroma and 'think' about it before having a response - the signal does not travel first to the thought centers. Because each sensing cell is in direct contact with the chemical being sensed, and the cell is in directly wired to the brain, the nervous system's response to smell is quick and powerful.

The olfactory sense is also closely tied to the limbic system, the center of emotions, sexual response, and the formation of many memories. Aroma receptor cells, when stimulated, respond in-kind by stimulating this important brain region. With such close ties continually being revealed between one's emotional state and one's physical well-being, it is no surprise that aromas can have such strong influences. Human studies have show the inhalation of natural aromatic oils can be calming, stimulating, uplifting, relaxing, and/or clarifying, depending on the oil being inhaled (as opposed to synthetic ones, which do not have such effects).

This brings us to the great range of non-'aromatic', therapeutic uses of essential oils. Modern aromatherapy practice includes topical application, ingestion, and suppository use of these natural plant comounds. Safe and effective treatment depends completely on the particular essential oil - some are absolutely not to be taken internally and others are known strong skin irritants. Effects through topical application rely on the small size and lipophillic nature of essential oil molecules - the oil-like compounds pass through the lipid bi-layers of skin cells to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Used this way, essential oils can produce profound physiological responses - again ranging widely depending on the oil. Topical application may be helpful in a variety of skin, joint, and muscle conditions, infectious illness, as well as for more general stress related states. Oral injestion and suppositories are often used in systemic infectious illnesses of microbial or viral natures - the oils are quickly absorbed and able to travel easily throughout the body, again to due to their structure which is quite compatible with human physiology. A knowledgeable practitioner should be always be consulted for such applications, as it is important to preciecly match the oils and the condition being treated. Further, use of essential oils should only be used as an adjuct therapy in serious cases following the advice of a medical professional.

Broad acceptance of true 'medical aromatherapy' is a ways-off in the US. There is a lack of knowledge within the established medical community, and qualified aromatherapists are fairly rare, as of yet. With the growing body of evidence validating the efficacy of natural medicines, however, and the failing confidence in our allopathic medical institutions, it may not be long until essential oils find their rightful place in our medicine chests. In the meantime, be cautious, have fun, and do stop and smell the roses, and lavenders, patchoulis, sandalwoods, and all the other great aromatherapies available to you! - 14130

About the Author:

The author has made available much information about aromatherapy, such as using Clary Sage and other pure organic essential oils.