Natural Stress Management | How Aromatherapy Can Help You Beat Stress

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Aromatherapy as we know it today was accidentally discovered in 1910 by a French chemist named Rene-Maurice Gattefosse. After burning his hand during an experiment in a perfume factory, he plunged it into a vat of Lavender essential oil, and was amazed at how quickly and well his hand later healed. Thus modern aromatherapy was born. The use of aromatic plants in healing and medicine can be traced back to thousands of years BC however, and evidence of the use of essential oils has even been found in Egyptian tombs and hieroglyphics.

The practice of aromatherapy harnesses the healing properties of aromatic plants and trees in the form of essential oils which are extracted from the leaves, flowers, stems, bark and roots. The extracted oils are highly concentrated, but when diluted they are suitable for use in baths, oil burners, massage oils, creams, lotions and sprays.

Aromatherapy is an extremely effective treatment for stress, as there are a number of oils which have sedating, relaxing and uplifting properties. The connection between smell and emotion is very strong, and breathing in pleasant smells triggers positive reactions in the brain which creates a sense of well being. This therapeutic effect works in addition to the healing properties of the oils.

Essential oils should not be taken internally but should be absorbed into the body either through inhalation or through the skin. There are a number of oils available which are used to treat stress and its symptoms, and there is a wide variety of ways in which oils can be used.

Probably the most relaxing method to experience aromatherapy is in the form of a massage by a qualified aromatherapist, however there are plenty of benefits to be had by practicing aromatherapy at home. Good quality essential oils can be purchased from reputable suppliers such as drugstores, natural health stores and specialist web sites. Do not buy cheap low quality oils as these are usually synthetically produced, and whilst they may smell the same, they contain none of the therapeutic benefits of the plant.

Oils such as Bergamot, Neroli, Frankincense, Geranium, Ylang-Ylang and Sandalwood are very safe, and will induce relaxation and lift your mood. Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Jasmine, Marjoram and Clary Sage have the same effect, but these oils should not be used if you are pregnant. You should avoid using any essential oils in the first trimester of pregnancy without taking advice from a doctor or a qualified aromatherapist.

You can use essential oils on their own or blended with one or two other oils for maximum effect. If you are using them on the skin they should always be diluted in a carrier oil such as Sunflower or Sweet Almond. Ways that you can use essential oils at home include:

Baths. Fill the bathtub with warm (not hot) water, then dilute 4 – 6 drops of essential oil in a little vegetable oil or milk, and add to the water. Close the door so that the vapours don’t escape, and soak for at least ten minutes.

Oil Burner. Add 2tbsp warm water to the oil burner and then add 3 – 6 drops of essential oil. Light the candle underneath, and the heat will disperse the oils into the air.

Lamp Ring. Place a couple of drops of essential oil onto a lamp ring, and place the ring on a light bulb. The heat from the light bulb will cause the oils to disperse into the air.

Room Sprays. Use a new plant sprayer, and add warm but not boiling water. Add the essential oil (4 drops per ½ pint water) and shake before use. Spray into the air, but avoid spraying onto surfaces and fabric which are likely to stain.

Massage. For massage, the essential oils must be diluted in a carrier oil such as Sunflower, Sweet Almond or Grapeseed. You will probably need around 7-10 teaspoons of carrier oil for a full body massage, so add 1 drop of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil. Mix well and apply to the skin with long sweeping strokes, always massaging towards the heart.

Using aromatherapy oils at home should not be taken lightly. The essential oils mentioned here are very safe, but some oils can present hazards if not properly used. If you are in any doubt, always consult a qualified aromatherapist.

You should bear in mind the following guidelines before using essential oils:

Never use undiluted oils directly on the skin

Always seek professional advice from a medical practitioner or qualified aromatherapist if you have sensitive skin, are prone to allergic reactions, are pregnant or breast feeding, have a medical condition or are taking anticoagulant drugs.

Seek advice from a qualified aromatherapist before using oils on children.

Avoid alcohol when using essential oils.

Avoid exposure to the sun if you have used essential oils on the skin.

Always keep essential oils out of the reach of children.

Aromatherapy Soap | More Than a Nice Smell

Aromatherapy soap can be used in the shower or bath to create a rejuvenated or relaxed. The great thing about these soaps is that they contain therapeutic oils from plants and herbs.

A therapeutic aromatherapy soap is made from natural ingredients so it is gentle on the skin and excellent for reducing acne. It’s also excellent for dry skin. In fact harsh soaps can actually be the cause of dry skin. Aromatherapy soap is also an excellent choice for sensitive skin. Try lavender.

Rosemary mint is an aromatherapy soup with rosemary and spearmint that can be used by either women or men. It’s a nice choice if you are looking for a rejuvenated feeling when you’re done in the shower. Add a little rose for women.

If you want a sensual aromatherapy soap that’s perfect for an evening with the love of your life try patchouli, rose, and geranium. It’s also a good choice for dry skin. In fact if you want a soap strictly for dry skin replace the rose with hemp seed oil.

If you’ve managed to get a sunburn use peppermint and aloe vera aromatherapy soap. It also brings relief for insect bites too. If you want relief from your sunburn and a soap that’s calming try lemon poppy seed with peppermint. It’s a great combo.

If you want an aromatherapy soap for sensitive skin or skin eczema try a lavender or lavender and hemp oil combination. You want to stay away from floral scents if you have sensitive skin as this is likely to be an irritatant.

There are plenty of other aromatherapy soaps on the market but what’s important is that you purchase an aromatherapy soap made from all natural ingredients because products that have artificial or unnatural ingredients won’t produce the same results.

Read carefully! Too many like to advertise their soap as natural and then in the fine print you’ll find chemicals used to preserve it. That is not what you want. And if you aren’t sure don’t be afraid to ask.

You can buy your aromatherapy soap locally or for the best selection check what’s available online. There are so many great choices. Many of the soaps sold online are home made an added bonus!

You will likely pay a little more for your aromatherapy soap but it’s worth it. There is no other soap that can produce the results of these natural soaps.

If you want you can make your own aromatherapy soap. It’s really quite easy. What’s most important is that you have all natural ingredients to work with. Poor quality ingredients and your soap will crack or break. You an buy aromatherapy soap molds and ingredients online and then you can some fun making your own soap. Once you get real good you could even make some soap gifts.

Aromatherapy soap is a great way to take that boring shower and turn it into something extraordinary. It’s a great way to take that relaxing bath and make it a spa experience. So what are you waiting for?

Get all the latest information about Aromatherapy from the only true source at

http://therapyherb.com/

Easy | Diet Guide

Saturday, April 4, 2009

The mirror is the most terrifying object in the house. You avoid it, cover it, use the smallest you can find or breaking it so you won't have to look any more. Then you start all kinds of diets, you loose weight you gain some weight back and finally you are back where you have started, or even worst - a lot more.

You are tired of fighting with craving for food, you feel like a looser and you are now convinced that you will never win this war. The result is obviously consuming more food and this time the most harmful king you can find, thinking we have lost the fight lets die with a smile on our face.

I have to tell you my friend that I was just like you. I was just like an accordion, that's exactly how I felt, thin and happy for a short time then back to square one, believe me it is a very frustrating process.

Then I have made-my-mind to stop this. I said to myself fight no more, this is not suppose to be a war it's your life live them for crying out loud. You could win a war or loose one but not as a daily thing for the rest of your life. You will eventually get tiered at some point, which will be exactly the point where you start loosing.

This have completely shocked me, I felt like Sisyphus who was crushed to roll the big bolder up the hill and every time he made it uphill it fell down and he had to start over again. Not me, not any more leave that stone to other people and always stay at the top of the mountain.

This insight has led me to build a lifestyle which, on one hand suits me and on the other hand, kept me in grate shape. I have decided that during the five working days I will keep strict diet - no cookies in the office or fattening food for launch. Then, to keep me on top of the hill, on the weekend I let my self a bit of the forbidden food I avoid the rest of the week. I don't exaggerate but I eat what ever I feel like.

That's it!!! I have managed to remain on the top of the hill for 5 years now. I am very happy I feel healthy and a live, I can play a lot more with my kids and I really do want people to move from being Sisyphus to simply be the real you again.

Alternative Treatment | For Cancer

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Cancer is an excessive growth of unwanted cells in our body. These excess growth of cells consume a lot of glucose found in the blood and starve the organs that need glucose. Cancer cells release toxic substances that interrupt the normal functioning of the other healthy organs. Hence cancer has to be treated immediately.

Although there are many treatments available to treat cancer, many people prefer alternative medicines for treating cancer as it has many advantages when compared to the other types of treatments for cancer and it has minimal side effects. Herbal and immunology therapies are the common form that is followed. Following a healthy food habit during alternative treatments for cancer would help to fight cancer at a faster rate. Foods like Hazel nuts, tomatoes, blue berries, and Brazil nuts can be taken when undergoing treatments for cancer.

Brazil nuts have anti-cancer properties and hence they find their place in alternative treatments for cancer. It is found that selenium is found at higher levels in Brazil nuts. Selenium is used to fight against cancer. Vitamins and minerals are essential for healthy growth of the cells. Essiac Tea has anti-cancer properties and is used in the alternative treatments for cancer. Echinacea Angustifolia root is best in its anti-cancer properties and to boost the immune system.

Beta glucan is a cancer alternative medicine that is used to fight against all types of cancer.

This cancer alternative medicine is derived from baker’s yeast, oat and barley fiber, and many medicinal mushrooms, such as maitake.Beta glucan as a it improves the immune system to fight against any type of cancer. It is believed that a weak immune system is responsible for cancerous growth in our body.

Laetrile is also used as one of the alternative treatment for cancer since it works on all types of cancer. Tumor related pains are relieved by the usage of laetrile. Laetrile can be taken as intravenous or orally. If intravenous the dosage should be 6 gms and if oral it should be 3 gms per day. Emulsified vitamin A is usually added as a supplement to laetrile. MGN-3, a medication that produces the natural killer cells in our body is also used in the treatment of cancer.

When Clear | Skin becomes an Obsession

Billions of people around the world experience acne over their lifetimes. In fact, acne is the single most common skin disorder, and more common than all other skin disorders combined.

With this being the case, it is not surprising to see literally thousands of different acne treatments available on the market today. There are prescription medications, such as accutane, and Retin-A. These work well on severe cystic acne. There are also over the counter medications, such as Benzoyl peroxide and Salicylic acid. For light to moderate acne, these can be a godsend. And of course, there are herbal acne treatments like tea tree oil and green tea cream. These both are proven to work well as alternatives to benzoyl peroxide.

This is just to name a very few of the most effective acne treatments available. There are then hundreds of brands that repackages these treatments under thousands of names, and sell them to acne suffers the world over.

However, there is one acne symptom that none of these medications can treat… Acne Dysmorphia.

Acne Dysmorphia is really more of it’s own disorder altogether. It
is similar to anorexia nervosa, in that the person suffering from acne dysmorphia becomes completely obsessed with a physical condition of their body. With Anorexia, it is their weight, and with acne dysmorphia, it is their clear complexion.

The truth of the matter is, Acne Dysmorphia is not strongly related to acne at all. The acne is just a catalyst for the problem. With Acne Dysmorphia, a person will become completely fixated on their skin, whether or not they are suffering from acne at all! They may pick at an area of skin until it bleeds, or becomes infected. Also, depression often results from their frustration with their skin complexion.

The sad fact is, many times these people may only have a few very small breakouts. Therefore, no amount of “acne treatment” will help reduce the fixation on the skin. It is not uncommon for someone with Acne Dysmorphia to check their face in a mirror dozens, even hundreds of times a day. And each look in a mirror reflects only a distorted image, one with a much larger acne problem than exists.

The cure for this disorder does not come from any form of acne care, but from healing within. Behavioral therapy, can be an amazing aid in curing acne dysmorphia. In many cases, this is all that is needed to help reduce the symptoms. In extreme cases, a serotonin reuptake inhibitor may be needed. Also, some people find hypnosis can be an effective form of treatment.

The most important thing to understand with acne dysmorphia is that it is not due to the acne breakouts, but to a mental disorder that needs to be treated completely independently of any acne. Furthermore, it is very important to treat acne dysmorphia, because the resulting depression can create many problems for a person, including suicide.

Acne is never pleasant for anyone, but acne dysmorphia can truly be a crippling disorder. Seek treatment for the mental aspects first, and then you may find that the acne you have will suddenly become an easily manageable aspect of your life!