Go Fish! Omega Fatty Acids

By Christian Goodman

Let me start by telling you about lysi. In Iceland where I grew up, this is what I had to drink. It is the fat from the liver of fish. Fortunately, today it is not necessary to drink this to get the benefit.

As a child, all I really understood is that this horrible drink was somehow healthy for me. As an adult, I now care about validating these types of things. So, I chose to research the value of the fish fat.

Omega Fatty Acids are considered essential but polyunsaturated. So, the body needs them, but cannot produce them. We have to get them in the form of an ingestable.

Fish can supply the omega fatty acids (tuna, herring, salmon). Two servings per week though is the suggested limit as they also contain mercury.

Flaxseed, walnuts, soybean or their oils also contain omega fatty acids. In fact, certain foods like margarine, baby formula and orange juice are now manufactured by adding the fatty acids into them.

Food is a great way to add omega fatty acids to your body. You might want to consult with your nutritionist to verify just how much is enough for you.

If your diet isn't providing you with a sufficient amount of fatty acids, supplements can be taken. You will want to research the brand of course as they are not regulated.

Why do we want to do this anyway? Studies have proven that babies require this for proper development.

Research even shows that some heart related problems can be reduced by regular intake of omega fatty acids. Blood pressure can also benefit from this.

Recent research even shows possible possible benefits for cancer treatments, specifically, breast cancer, prostate and colon cancer

While my Weight Loss Breeze program includes no special dietary requirements, it is very successful if a healthy weight is your goal.

About the Author:

Christian Goodman is a well known health researcher and author of several revolutionary natural Health alternatives. One of his superior breakthroughs is his Weight Loss Program. You can learn more about Christian on his Natural Health Alternative Blog.

Side Effects of Glucosamine and Chondroitin

By Amy Clark

Our body manufactures Glucosamine, a naturally occurring compound which is made from glucose plus a type of amino acid called glutamine. Glucosamine may also be a naturally occurring amino sugar created from the synthesis of L-glutamine and glucose.

Glucosamine is also known by a number of other names, like for example: glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and N-acetyl glucosamine.

Glycosaminoglycan, meanwhile, is a molecule that is relevant in the development or restoration of your cartilage and other tissues throughout the body. As you grow older, the body's production of Glycosaminoglycan diminishes, hence causing swelling and bloating in the joints.

Glucosamine with chondroitin function as building blocks of your connective tissues and your cartilage. Glucosamine products are natural components occurring in shellfish harvests.

Glucosamine is often mixed with chondroitin to manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA). Medical research has proven that this combination is successful in osteoporosis treatment and gradually restoring or improving bone function.

Glucosamine Chondroitin: Potential Side Effects

In general, the majority of supplements come with their own potential for adverse effects. Glucosamine and Chondroitin have revealed positive results in clinical trials, with most users reporting no side effects.

But in isolated cases, some individuals may report a small elevation in blood pressure, breathing difficulties, uneasiness, rashes, nausea, mild headaches, and stomach aches or gastrointestinal pains.

One common side effect of glucosamine-chondroitin supplements is soft stools and higher intestinal gas, but this is very rare. Clinical trials using animals reveal that glucosamine may decrease insulin levels, which can lead to diabetes. Even though this has not been documented in human tests, diabetic patients are strongly advised to exercise caution and closely monitor their blood sugar levels when using glucosamine supplements.

Additionally, individuals who are using blood thinners or aspirins must consult their doctor before deciding to use these supplements. Likewise, pregnant women or those who want to get pregnant must also seek a physician's advice, because the impact of glucosamine on a developing fetus is yet unknown. Children and women who are breast feeding should also stay away from glucosamine entirely.

Today, certain scientific studies continue to analyze the long-term consequences of glucosamine-chondroitin supplements. However, while their long-term impact is yet a mystery, most medical experts concur that the combined benefits of glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate in osteoarthritis treatment overshadow any potential for side effects.

Glucosamine with chondroitin is probably the single most potent supplement for protecting, lubricating, and maintaining the joints of the human body. Further, glucosamine helps restrain joint movement and consequently delay the deterioration of joint cartilages. Certain researches have proven the efficacy of glucosamine in pain relief and alleviating the symptoms of OA, but these effects were not seen right away. Likewise, Glucosamine is also established to lessen joint inflammation and block some harmful enzymes that may damage the joint cartilage, although more studies on this are needed.

About the Author:

To grab your copy of the Free Arthritis Relief Guide, and to read more articles related to Side Effects of Glucosamine and Chondroitin, please visit this website on arthritis.

Tinnitus Cures and Possible Causes That Will Floor You!

By Lauren Chloe Taylor

There are millions of people that suffer from ringing in ear and search endlessly for a tinnitus cure. The sounds can be described as chirping, intermittent tones, chirping, pulsing and ringing. These noises that are heard are usually heard internally. These noises can vary greatly in volume and may be constant or come and go. Tinnitus tends to be amplified at night when it is the most quiet which causes sleeping difficulties.

There are several things can may play a role in tinnitus. There are tiny nerve endings in the inner ear that can get damaged. Consistent exposure to loud noises is the main factor. Some other popular causes are ear and sinus infections.

Be aware of these other possible causes:

- Medications such as aspirin (in large doses), antibiotics and anti-inflammatories

- Temporomandibular joint problems (jaw disorders resulting in clicking or grating noises)

- Neck Injuries

- Otosclerosis (bones that have stiffened in the middle ear)

- Ear Wax buildup in the inner ear can reduce your ability to hear outside noises

There are great ways to help your tinnitus with natural remedies. Avoiding loud environments and reducing how much salt you eat can produce amazing benefits. You should also avoid beverages that contain caffeine like sodas and coffee. Exercise and proper rest are also key.

Natural proven tinnitus remedies can make a tremendous difference in treating tinnitus. The trick is to find the very best tinnitus cures and implement them. There are a few excellent strategies that when used, can greatly improve your symptoms and cure them in less than a week. It is highly recommended to continue your search for the best ones for you to end the ringing in your ear.

About the Author:

Discover more about tinnitus causes here at our site. Find out the natural tinnitus cures now.

Acne Herbal Remedies

By Richard May

In most cases where a person has begun to suffer from acne it is because the sebaceous glands (found at the end of their hair follicles) are producing too much oil. These increased oil levels in the skin can then cause the pores to become blocked and infected and so they start to notice spots forming. Most people will often seek out their doctor's advice on how to treat the problem and they will generally prescribe some form of anti-biotic medication. However, there are others who would prefer to use more natural and safe ways of treating their condition and luckily for them there are plenty of different herbal remedies for acne that they can select from.

Below we take a look at a few of the different herbal remedies a person may want to consider trying in order to treat their acne. However it is important that before they do they actually discuss their plans with their doctor first.

1. Aloe Vera - This is one of the most effective herbs for treating acne available today. This particular plant contains both astringent and anti-bacterial properties that can help to fight the bacteria, which is causing the acne. Also it also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the swelling (spots).

2. Calendula - This particular herb contains properties that can help to promote healing qualities in the tissue of a person's skin as well as containing anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Normally in order to treat acne the herb is made up into a cream, which can then be applied directly to the skin, or it can be infused in water and then used as a facial wash. Another way of allowing this particular herb to be absorbed by the skin is by placing it in hot water and then placing your face above the bowl and letting the steam rise up towards the skin.

3. Lavender - This like the herbs previously mentioned also contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help to combat the affects that the acne bacteria is having on the person's skin. In order for this remedy to be effective it is best if the essential oil is mixed with water or carrier fluid and then applied directly to the area of skin that is affected.

4. Tea Tree Essential Oil - Of all the different kinds of herbal remedies that we mention in this article this is the most popular one. Just like all the rest of the remedies we have told you about this one contain anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties. But as with all of the other remedies we have mentioned here this one is applied topically to the skin. But it needs to be mixed with either water or a carrier fluid else it can cause damage to a person's skin.

Along with the herbal remedies mentioned above for treating acne there are plenty of others that you may want to try. Such as walnut leaf that has astringent properties and is best used as face or skin wash. Then there is witch hazel that just like tea tree oil contains both anti-bacterial and astringent properties, which can help to fight the bacteria causing the acne.

However, it should be noted that all the herbal remedies for acne that we have discussed above work on treating the condition from the outside. In order to really ensure that the acne does not return you need to look closely at what is the underlying cause for the condition. In many cases it is a person's diet and their lifestyle habits that have resulted in the condition occurring in the first place. So making changes to what they eat and what they do can help to improve not only their skin condition but their health overall.

About the Author:

About the author: Richard May has written many publications and reviewed herbal remedies for acne. He also writes for his website at acne online where there are a number of posts giving advice and help on stopping acne.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Natural Cures

By Amy Clark

Arthritis, which is characterized by the inflammation of the joints, can cause agonizing pain. The pain may be so great that when typical allopathic remedies do not work, a majority of arthritis patients will eagerly consider a range of natural treatment methods. In spite of the existence of breakthrough medications, many patients still applaud the success of these natural treatments in relieving arthritis and its symptoms.

Apple Cider Vinegar Remedy

One natural remedy for arthritis is the Apple Cider Vinegar Remedy, which is made with one teaspoon of fresh apple cider vinegar mixed with about 16 ounces of water. This must be taken thrice each day for pain relief. One more recipe involves a couple of tsp. (teaspoons) of vinegar and a couple of tsp. of honey with a glass of water. This can also be taken thrice per day, and some people even use natural apple cider vinegar tablets in lieu of liquid vinegar, as the former is easier to find than the latter in most locales.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Supplements

Glucosamine and Chondroitin is a natural supplement recommended by a lot of physicians in arthritis treatment. The suggested dosage is 1,500 mg of Glucosamine plus 1,200 mg of Chondroitin per day. This remedy must be consumed for no less than 1 month before a positive outcome may be apparent. If you decide to go for this treatment, you are encouraged to buy an established brand, as these are natural remedies and therefore not approved by the Food & Drug Authority.

The Natural Curative Properties of Ginger and Garlic

Ginger and garlic are proven to cause an improvement in your immune system. If used in preparing food, garlic and ginger help alleviate the devastating symptoms of arthritis. Considered as the most powerful anti-inflammatory herbs today, ginger and turmeric extract combined with standard food choices can help prevent and heal rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Furthermore, 2 tablespoons of blackstrap Molasses daily have been confirmed to effectively alleviate arthritic symptoms in a short time.

Static Magnet Therapy

Another example of a natural remedy for arthritis is the use of static magnet therapy, which stimulates blood flow and in due course eliminates joint pain. Still, the effectiveness of static magnet therapy is still a subject of much debate, since some patients have revealed little to no results. On the other hand, some individuals verify to the healing properties of this therapy, testifying that their arthritis has been alleviated through this technique alone.

Flax Seed Oil

Mixing a little flax seed oil to your breakfast has been known to work miracles. Mixing flax seed to muffins, cereal, bread as well as strawberry flavored milk may prove helpful. Flax seed may also be used as an ingredient in traditional dishes for lunch or dinner. In fact, flax seeds may be mixed with any meal. Just a tablespoon of flax seed no less than 3 times daily is encouraged for best results. Flax seed oil as an arthritis remedy has been a popular concept for several years. Proof of its success as an arthritis treatment is perhaps the long decades and centuries of different cultures all over the world that continue to benefit from flax seed.

About the Author:

To download your Free Arthritis Relief Guide, and for more articles related to Osteoarthritis Natural Cures, please visit http://www.ridarthritispain.com .

Tips to Eliminate TMJ and Tooth Grinding

By Rashel Dan

TMJ is a very debilitating and disturbing condition. It's only natural for a TMJ patient to look for the best ways to eliminate it. You would therefore naturally want to find a way to eliminate TMJ and tooth grinding. It may not however be as simple as going to the dentist. What is a good solution for your TMJ problem?

Grinding and TMJ

First of all you should understand why you need to eliminate TMJ and tooth grinding together. Teeth grinding is one way to make your TMJ pain and discomfort worse. Frequent grinding can put a lot of pressure on your jaws and muscles. This is the main reason why you should eliminate TMJ and tooth grinding together. Aside from preventing TMJ pain, getting rid of your grinding habit can also protect you from getting worn or damaged teeth.

Various causes of teeth grinding call for various ways of eliminating it. Grinding may be caused by stress, a bad bite and bad teeth. Some people also unconsciously grind their teeth while they are asleep at night. You have to know and understand the unique cause of your grinding habit to be able to effectively eliminate TMJ and tooth grinding.

Doctors and Treatments

As mentioned, the particular cause or reason behind your TMJ problem may influence how you can eliminate TMJ and tooth grinding. The kind of treatment however will also depend on the kind of specialist that you approach. If you have an existing dental problem that is the cause of your teeth grinding then you may have to approach a dentist or an orthodontic expert. They may prescribe the following solutions:

- Wearing a special night guard that can help eliminate TMJ and tooth grinding. Sometimes, the guard may have to be worn in the morning too. The use of a guard however should depend on your condition. Some patients have experienced worsening conditions due to guards

- If your TMJ is caused by having a bad bite then your specialist may require dental therapy or restoration. You may also be fitted with special devices such as bridges and crowns

Other Methods

In cases where your condition is not caused by dental problems, your specialist may prescribe another form of treatment to help eliminate TMJ and tooth grinding. The following are some examples of possible treatments:

- Stress management can treat TMJ conditions that are caused by stress. Stress management however encompasses a variety of techniques and methods. The ones that you choose to adopt will depend on your comfort level. You can choose to practice yoga and meditation or you can opt to undergo group or one on one counseling. Other related techniques include progressive relaxation, NLP and biofeedback.

- Sometimes the best way to eliminate mild conditions of TMJ is to simply allow your jaws to rest and watch the habits that may aggravate TMJ. You could for example avoid eating hard foods.

- Depending on your TMJ condition, you may benefit from gentle jaw exercises and massage.

About the Author:

Find more techniques on how to eliminate tmj and tooth grinding. Discover the best tmj cure for you.

Alternative Treatment for Anxiety: You Do Have Options That Work!

If you suffer from an overwhelming level of anxiety and unreasonable fear in response to certain situations, places or people, you are NOT alone. It is estimated that nearly one out of every four people will suffer from some sort of an anxiety or panic disorder during their lifetime.

The attacks that anxiety causes are an overwhelming experience to say the least and the concerns of side effects from drug treatment are certainly valid and not to be dismissed. Fortunately, there are alternatives. Your task will be to educate yourself about them. While the side effects of alternative treatment are rarely toxic or harmful, there are some concerns regarding interactions of herbs with any drugs you might be taking. Also, you will need to pinpoint what your needs are and see what might work best for you.

One of the most important steps to take in treating panic attacks is to rule out any underlying physical or medical conditions that could be contributing to the attacks. Once this is done, the next step would be to examine your diet and lifestyle. Sometimes dietary, exercise, and stress management changes go a long way toward helping deal with minor to moderate anxiety and panic disorders.

For reducing stress and overall tonic approaches to balancing your system, alternative medicine options such as aromatherapy, herbs, vitamin therapy, homeopathy, biofeedback, and EFT are just a few possibilities you can explore. The alternative therapies for anxiety are usually a lot more effective than taking the usual medications that are prescribed.

Some herbal remedies can treat anxiety safely and effectively and in some cases help eliminate the need for anxiety drugs if you are already taking them. Of course, discontinuing such drugs should be in consultation with your health care practitioner and it is always wise to slowly wean from a drug rather than stop taking it abruptly.

While drug therapy may be necessary for some, alternative approaches can help reduce the amount of medication needed and may lead to an eventual elimination of the drug from your treatment. Some people do experience concerning side effects with prescription drugs, which may require additional drugs to treat those side effects so alternative remedies and therapies may also help address these.

Therapy sessions and counseling may benefit some but they are costly and if you do not have good medical coverage you may find yourself paying out of pocket. If so, by all means look into alternative treatment. While you may need some amount of professional care and drug therapy, natural remedies can make a difference in the frequency of counseling and amount of drugs you take. As you improve and take control of your anxiety you may very well find that natural remedies and therapies are all you need.

Tired of suffering? You can cure anxiety and panic attacks with natural remedies that do not involve harmful medications. Get started with my free report available at http://www.clickherelearnnow.com/anxiety.html

Treating Anxiety with Herbs: Passionflower

Botanicals have much to offer those who suffer from anxiety. There are several different herbs that have wonderful nerve tonics properties that can calm anxiety and panic attacks and help prevent them. Traditional herbal medicine practitioners and native peoples have used these herbs for centuries. Side effects are rare, making them very favorable treatments. While scientific evidence is minimal regarding the proven effectiveness of such herbs, there are some studies suggest that when used together studies that show passionflower can reduce the symptoms of anxiety and treat the overall system to prevent occurrences.

Passionflower has been widely used as a sedative, antispasmodic and nerve tonic in the natural medicine systems of Europe and Asia. It was introduced in North America to in the mid 1800's through native Americans and slaves who used them most commonly in the Southern states if the US. The effects of passionflower were believed to be primarily on the nervous system and used mostly as a sedative. It has long been used worldwide to treat those with anxiety from mental worry, emotional exhaustion, and overwork.

Passionflower is used in herbal treatments and has also been found to lessen dependence on drugs such as Valium and Librium. This makes it a valuable addition to a treatment plan for someone relying on drug therapy. The herb's calming actions is also reported to help treat attention deficit disorder and some other more common symptoms such as restless legs syndrome. It is purported to cause much less drowsiness than prescription drugs, which adds to its beneficial aspects. Passionflower is regarded as a useful bridge between traditional herbal medicine and the treatment of modern health problems, especially in cases of anxiety, depression and patients trying to wean themselves from synthetic sleeping pills and tranquilizers. Despite the dearth of research in the United States, which shows the disappointing attitude of the US toward herbal remedies, the herb is frequently used in Europe for anxiety and studies demonstrate its benefit.

For example, one study of 36 people with generalized anxiety disorder demonstrated that passionflower was as effective as the drug oxazepam for treating symptoms. In another study of 91 people with symptoms of anxiety, researchers found that an European product containing passionflower and other herbal sedatives had a considerable reduction in their symptoms when compared to a placebo.

As a completely natural remedy, Passionflower appeals highly to anxiety sufferers who want to reduce or eliminate the use of pharmaceutical drugs. However, caution is advised when taking other drugs such as sedatives because the herb may increase the effects of these substances. It is always best to first consult your doctor or health care practitioner before deciding on combining natural herbs with your drug treatment as a treatment plan for anxiety or panic attacks. Herbs have the advantage of having minimal or no side effects, but should be treated with respect and consideration to your personal needs and medications.

Tired of suffering? You can cure anxiety and panic attacks with natural remedies that do not involve harmful medications. Get started with my free report available at http://www.clickherelearnnow.com/anxiety.html

Alternative Healing: A Unique Solution To Everyday Health Ailments

Americans today are busier than ever. Between work, family and other obligations, many people today are over-worked, over-stressed and just plain tired from living their daily lives. Because traditional, modern medicine treats ailments and not day-to-day life, many people are turning to alternative healing methods to help them get through their days.

Boosting Your Immune System

Many people have found that an Echinacea blend is an effective way to naturally boost the body's immune system. The Echinacea helps build a powerful immune system that fights colds, flu, allergies and other infections. Many blends even contain garlic, which acts as a natural antiviral agent and has been laboratory proven to destroy the viruses that can cause upper respiratory infections and the flu. Some of the most effective blends also contain habanero pepper, which increases blood and lymph circulation, making those blends 10 times more effective than Echinacea alone.

The alternative healing powers of Echinacea supplements have been proven to help the body fight everyday ailments. In addition, some have found to kill staph infections, stop urinary tract infections, relieve hives and other allergic reactions and heal bites and stings.

Upping Your Energy Levels Naturally

Most people average about six hours of sleep a night, if they're lucky. With an on-the-go lifestyle and meals that come out of a drive-thru, the majority of people need a little help boosting their energy levels. A regular, drug-store vitamin isn't enough to make up for the severe nutritional deficiency that most people have.

A superfood energy supplement will add 100% of your daily vitamins A, B, C and E, plus over 500% of vitamin B-12, the vitamin responsible for boosting your energy levels. With this alternative healing formula, you'll comprehend more and think clearer than you ever have before.

Reducing Pain

If just getting out of bed after your six hours of sleep is making you ache and groan out loud, try a deep heating oil. A mixture of wintergreen oil, botanical menthol and habanero pepper can reduce inflammation, pain and increase circulation, making you feel ready for anything physical that comes your way.

If the deep heating oil is combined with a deep tissue repair oil, dramatic results can be seen. Effective ingredients in a deep tissue repair oil are arnica flower, calendula flower and St. John's wort flower. The combination of the alternative healing herbs speeds up the healing process for broken bones, torn and strained muscles, tendons and ligaments and everyday cuts and bruises.

With the right blend of Echinacea, superfood, deep heating oil and deep tissue repair oil supplements, you'll feel more alert, get sick less often and eliminate joint pain from your life. If you're feeling sluggish, tired all the time and battling the same cold, give alternative healing methods a try.

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on Alternative healing, visit http://www.HerbDoc.com/

Improve Your Health With Vinegar

By Boston B Stevenson

Vinegar has been used for more than ten thousand years and documented history tells us that vinegar has been an important condiment. Uses of vinegar range from beauty aides, effective germ fighter, preservative, antiseptic and general medicine. People have used vinegar to improve their health for decades. Vinegar is not a new idea as it has been used in worldwide cultural medicines for many years aiding the health of animals and humans alike.

Vinegar is made when any alcoholic liquid ferments. It is easy to see why you can improve your health with vinegar, as when naturally fermented it contains no fat, is low sodium and a rich source of trace elements, vitamins and minerals including sulfur, magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorus plus enzymes which contribute to wellness.

Over processed and over heated brands which are diluted and highly filtered are not the best option when buying vinegar to improve your health. Reading the labels and lchecking for the words organic, pure, unfiltered, or aged in wood. These varieties may be overlooked in a supermarket and are more likely to be found in a health food shop but may cost you more.

Vinegar comes from many sources with different flavours and aromas even in today's modern supermarket. Vinegar can also be made from potatoes, melons, honey, molasses, beets, sorghum, maple syrup, cactus, grapes and coconuts. A vinegar that has the highest nutritional value is apple cider vinegar and is readily available.

Greek and Roman soldiers have documented vinegar as a source of power and strength, so did Japanese Samurai warriors. during the Stone Age vinegar was used as a means of getting healthy and it is excellent for digesting high protein meals and heavy foods. This aide to digestion may explain why it is a favourite with "Fish and Chips" one of the favoured foods in our modern day diet.

You can also use vinegar to improve your health in many other ways and these will be looked at further in the articles to come: Killing bacterial and fungal infections As a hair rinse to treat seborrhea and dandruff Enzymes to improve your gallbladder health As a remedy for indigestion and liver stagnation For the treatment of osteoporosis, memory loss and arthritis In a footbath to soften calluses and relieve athlete's foot Children's ear infections Regulate Blood pressure. Weight loss

You can also improve your health with vinegar by using it as a preventative measure against backache especially if you are a keen gardener, as vinegar will kill those prolific nuisance weeds like Clover, Dandelion, Thistle and Ragweed. If you think about this there are multiple health benefits when you use vinegar to get rid of weeds because the chemicals found in many synthetic weed killers can be extremely dangerous not only to us, but also to our pets and the wildlife in our gardens.

Commercial weed killers can affect the surrounding areas and poison the adjacent plants or grass. This means you not only kill the weed but run the risk of harming your garden and lawn. Vinegar used in the garden can be referred to as, organic gardening, as it is considered biodegradable. There is no need to worry about the PH value of your soil either because although vinegar decreases this, it will restore to its original PH within a couple of days.

Keeping your garden free of weeds and not suffering the backache associated with the pulling out of weeds is a pleasant and surprising way to improve your health with vinegar.

About the Author:

If you want to know the answers to all your questions about the Many Uses of Vinegar look no further Help is here Use Vinegar to Improve Your Health Today!

Anxiety Cures: Five All Natural Tips for Treating Your Anxiety

Anxiety can wreck havoc on your life and make you feel completely helpless. People suffering from anxiety may need immediate and specific help from a medical health professional and that help may require prescription medication, counseling, and committed support from family and friends to implement a treatment plan. However, many cases of anxiety can be treated effective natural methods that are simple and inexpensive.

One: Behavior Therapy

Learning to change your thinking and your behavior patterns to situations of stressful and uncomfortable events can provide great relief. This is getting to the source of your anxiety and understanding the triggers that lead to attacks. Approaching this in a step-by-step manner allows you to chisel away at your reactions to otherwise normal social situations. By recognizing things in advance and examining your thinking patterns and reactions, you can be proactive and preventative so that you stop the attacks before they start. An excellent approach to this can be through guided imagery.

Two: Get a New Life(style)

Many habits in our daily lives are bad for us and can be pinpointed and changed to improve our overall well being. This is particularly important for someone who suffers from anxiety because balance is very important for an anxiety sufferer. Balance is one of the things they lack in their lives so achieving a healthy balance can do much to relieve symptoms. Changing from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one, improving your diet, establishing a better sleep schedule, and spending time to relax can help promote the secretion of endorphins, the happiness hormone, into the body.

Three: Alternative Remedies

Certainly antidepressant medication is a necessary treatment for some. However, the side effects are often severe and can create more issues that must be addressed with more drugs. There are natural therapies and remedies that can help manage your anxiety and not only help you avoid drugs, but for some, under the advice of their doctor, they can help reduce and eliminate the need for prescription drugs, There are many alternatives available. Sometimes one or two can play a key role in reducing and eliminating anxiety and panic attacks. For others it will be a combination of several things together. Exploring the options you have available and trying things out to see what works for you can be one of the most important steps you take in addressing your anxiety and getting it under control.

Four: Counseling

Counseling is often key for anxiety sufferers. Some do well discussing their problems with other anxiety sufferers while others need one on one counseling and support. And others need to address things all alone and do will with tapes, books, and guided treatment that they can implement themselves in the privacy of their home. Whatever your personal inclination regarding counseling it is certainly a natural and drugless approach to treating your anxiety that can make a wonderful difference in the occurrence of attacks.

Five: Bodywork

Massage therapy and other forms of bodywork are often used to relax muscle tension, help reduce stress, and to increase the level of deep and calm sleep. If you are uncomfortable with removing your clothes there are forms of bodywork that are done with you fully clothed. Massage and the relaxation of letting go and releasing your stress can be a very important part of an overall treatment approach. If you can't afford a professional, engage a partner or friend to give and receive a massage. Often a simple foot and hand massage will do the relaxation trick.

Treating anxiety naturally is possible. Learn the variety of natural treatment options available and see what you can incorporate into your life to tackle your anxiety.

Tired of suffering? You can cure anxiety and panic attacks with natural remedies that do not involve harmful medications. Get started with my free report available at http://www.clickherelearnnow.com/anxiety.html

The History of Colon Cleansing

Believe it or not, therapies involving the colon have been around for hundreds of years. Dating as far back as 1500 B.C. and continuing on through the centuries, colon cleansing has been used to treat a range of ailments from fevers to diseases. While the exact methods and theories have varied through the years, the same basic principles still apply. Let's take a look at when colon cleansing first began.

The history of colon cleansing can be traced back to the Egyptian Civilization. As early as 1500 B.C., an Egyptian medical document, the "Ebers Papyrus", describes the process of colon cleansing. Egyptians believed that the root to all illness resided with the rotting food in their colons. Some evidence suggests there were "bowel specialists" in ancient Egypt to assist people with elimination.

The Greek physicians Hippocrates (4th and 5th century B.C.) and later Galen (2nd century A.D.) were advocates for enemas as a treatment for fevers. In 196 A.D., China's great physician, Chang Chung Chin, recommended colon cleansing to improve health. And Angelo Catho, a French physician, used colon cleansing to save King Louis XI's life in 1480. King Louis XIV, some say, had over 2,000 colon cleanses in his lifetime, usually performed prior to making important decisions.

Dr. John H. Kellogg, in the early 1900's, reportedly used colon therapy on forty thousand of his patients. He published a comprehensive approach to colon hydrotherapy for the treatment of several illnesses. In 1917, The Journal of the American Medical Association states that in all but 20 cases, Dr. Kellogg avoided surgery in the treatment of his patients with gastrointestinal disease. Kellogg, along with his brother Will, also went on to manufacture whole grain cereals for the purpose of promoting regular bowel movements.

In the 1920's, 30's, and 40's, colon therapy continued to gain popularity. Colon irrigation machines were used as standard practice in hospitals and medical facilities. But then, over the next 50-plus years, colon cleansing treatments greatly declined as modern medicine emerged and escalated. Orthodox medicine became more the norm, along with treating the symptoms over curing the ailment. Some experts believe that the reason for the current population's increasing ill health is due to the decline in colon cleansing therapy.

The past 10 years have seen a revival in alternative medicine. Many people are once again realizing the benefits of a healthy colon. Much has changed in colon therapy techniques over the centuries, but the fundamental theories behind it have not. New techniques, including herbal, over-the-counter colon cleansers and high-tech, colonic irrigation systems, have made colon therapy safer and relatively easy.

The practice of colon cleansing is here to stay. If you've decided to try it, there are many good colon cleansers on the market today. Before purchasing one, however, be sure to thoroughly evaluate existing colon cleanser reviews to ensure your choice of colon cleanser is the best one for you.

Brian Dolezal is a contributing editor for TopConsumerReviews.com (http://www.topconsumerreviews.com), a leading provider of independent reviews and rankings for hundreds of consumer products. You can find out how top Colon Cleansing products compare by visiting TopConsumerReviews.com today.

Getting Back Pain Relief - A Simple Plan

Wondering where to look for really effective back relief? Studies show that back pain is the most common kind of problem people deal with, next to headaches. As a result, there are literally thousands of spinal pain relievers out there- some of them work, some of them don't and some may cause even further damage. It helps to know which methods can really help in alleviating back pain.

Slow Down!

One of the most common reasons why people aggravate bad back conditions is because of a wrong diagnosis. Once they experience some discomfort, they pop a few painkillers and think that it'll be alright now- frankly, this is the worst thing one could have done. It's important to first assess exactly what is wrong with your back. You need to take into consideration which area of your back has been hurt and what kind of damage has been done- have you pulled a muscle? Or is it something more serious? Before you start thinking about relief, you must know what's wrong first.

It's also a good idea to have decent back pain doctors on hand. The back is as important to you as your head- remember that damage to your spinal column can result in paralysis. Always meet with your doctor if you've developed a back problem. He is the right person who'd tell you the kind of treatments you should take. He will also ensure that you don't worsen your bad back condition!

Many Methods

One of the most effective and popular natural pain relievers is acupuncture. A recent study conducted in the UK showed that people who underwent the acupuncture therapy not only experienced a considerable reduction in pain, they also were less likely to use medication. However, you need to check with your doctor to make sure that you are physically ready to undergo acupuncture. Capsaicin cream is another popular back pain remedy- it is actually an analgesic, which means that it depletes the neuro-chemicals that transmit pain. Be careful when using this as it can cause stinging or burning if you touch abraded skin or your eyes.

Replenishing your vitamin intake can also help beat a bad back. Studies have shown that chronic muscle pain is often caused due to a deficiency of vitamin D. You can easily supplement this by eating more cereals and drinking fortified milk. It's also interesting to note that music is an effective form of back relief. How? Most back-related problems are related to stress. This often causes the muscles to get tense and bunch up, thus causing pain. Listening to soothing music can relax you and cause those tense muscles to loosen up.

You can also treat a bad back with yoga. This method will also increase your body's overall strength and flexibility. Those who have opted for yoga have experienced a reduction in pain, greater mobility and a much-reduced reliance on medication. So the next time your back starts acting up, don't just reach out for the pain killers. Instead, meet with your doctor and find out what's really wrong. Then you can easily find a back relief method that would really work for you.

For more on back pain relief and other chronic pain conditions, visit us at http://www.relievingpain.org

The Benefits of Colon Cleansing

Most of us assume our digestive systems will give us problems from time to time - we believe acid indigestion, constipation, gas and stomach pain are all part of life. The fact is, most of these problems can be eliminated. Bad habits in our lifestyles contribute to the development of harmful toxins in our systems. These toxins, which originate in our colons, can be purged with the help of colon cleansers. A colon cleanse can not only produce a clean, well-functioning colon, it can provide a host of other benefits as well, all leading to your overall good health.

One of the many benefits of colon cleansing is the quick elimination of waste product from our bodies, thus ridding us of constipation and problems associated with prolonged toxins in our bloodstream. Our digestive systems are not meant to process the unnatural foods that we eat today, therefore our systems have to work harder to excrete this waste. If food waste remains in our colon for an extended period of time, it produces toxins that can circulate back into our systems. It's easy to deduce that our colons can get clogged with mucoid plaque and toxic matter. Eating healthy and cleaning our colons periodically will help eliminate any ill effects from waste toxins.

Colon cleansing is also said to improve many ailments such as acne, digestive problems, ulcers, Candida, and others. When the colon cannot perform efficiently, the burden is placed on other digestive organs to take up the slack and the entire digestive system malfunctions. Vitamins and nutrients cannot be properly absorbed and this leads to a form of malnutrition. All organs depend on vitamins and nutrients to function well, therefore when they are not getting enough, problems such as acne, ulcers, and more can result. Eliminating toxins from our bodies through colon cleansing will cure the root cause of many common ailments and allow our bodies to assimilate and metabolize more nutrients from our food.

Gaining more energy and a positive outlook on life are yet more benefits to a colon cleanse. When we eliminate waste and toxins, we improve the balance in our systems and restore our metabolic production of energy and mental function. Our overall vitality and zest for life increases. The more we detoxify, the happier we become.

Perhaps an unexpected benefit from colon cleansing is the development of a taste for more wholesome foods. A natural reaction to cleansing toxins from our body is a shift in the kinds of foods we crave. Once the food additives, preservatives, artificial sweeteners and other such unnatural chemicals leave our bodies, we find that those types of foods no longer seem appealing. Not only that, but the toxins will no longer affect our salivary glands and give our taste buds a sour, acid flavor. We will then be able to enjoy the full flavor of our food. Bon appetite!

Colon cleansing produces many benefits to your health and body. An overwhelming number of choices exist for colon cleansers. An effective colon cleansing product should obviously clean your colon of harmful wastes and toxins, but it should also improve your digestive system and your overall health. A thorough analysis of product reviews for colon cleansers is recommended to achieve best results.

Brian Dolezal is a contributing editor for TopConsumerReviews.com (http://www.topconsumerreviews.com ), a leading provider of independent reviews and rankings for hundreds of consumer products. You can find out how top Colon Cleansing products compare by visiting TopConsumerReviews.com today.

Get to Know What Connects Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Male Fertility

By Michael Byrd

What's the connection between omega 3 fatty acids and male fertility?

Excellent question! Here's a more excellent response.

Scientists are delving into the field of omega 3 fatty acids with its relations to sperm and sperm mobility. However, as of today, there are a number of benefits confirmed for omega 3 fish oil.

As a case in point, it has been accepted that the fatty acids in fish increases blood flow to the genitals. It also decreases blood pressure in a natural way, supporting a healthy prostate gland.

Such benefits from fish oil are essential to the act of reproduction.

Immense blood flow to the genitals and normal pressure of blood negates the risk and probability of erectile dysfunction. It is difficult to reproduce if you're having trouble rising to the occasion.

Inflammation of the prostate, also known as prostatitis, has serious reproductive repercussions. It is therefore important for a man to supplement with fish oil regularly. Such natural anti-inflammatory ability of the fatty acids keeps the prostate to function in a healthy manner.

Delivering the sperm is only one part of the whole story. Strong, numerous and mobile sperms have to be forthcoming in order for fertilization to occur.

Cholesterol and oxidation within the sperm are the two leading factors of male infertility.

Sperm cell membranes are mostly comprised of important fatty acids and cholesterol. 60% of these are DHA, commonly found in fish oil as the omega 3 fatty acid. [Molecular Human Reproduction, Vol. 4, 111-118]

And it has been examined that fertile men have a much higher level of DHA in their sperm cell membranes as compared to infertile men.

So, DHA has a tremendous result on the health and viability of the sperm.

Cholesterol count in the sperm is another sign of infertility. More cholesterol means more infertility. Such is believed to be caused by low fatty acids in the sperm. [Biology of Reproduction, vol. 59, 7-11]

The rationale with such is that the lack of enough good fatty acids in a man's body gives room for cholesterol in the sperm membrane thus resulting in un-matured sperms.

In simple terms, low fatty acids cause a man to be infertile.

In addition, having premature and abnormal sperms gives birth to free radicals which are harmful to other healthy sperms. Also, it increases infertility. [Current Medical Chemistry, Vol. 8, 851-862]

Thus, fish oil omega 3 fatty acids and male fertility do both have a great impact.

If you increase your intake of important fatty acids like omega 3 with DHA, there would be no problems with infertility. And the sole natural source for such DHA is found within fish and fish oil.

Improving intake of fish oil would surely enhance the effectiveness of the sperm and thus gives a greater chance of reproducing.

About the Author:

Information about omega 3 has never been this easy to understand! Get more free information by going to this website on fish oil.

How To Lower Cholesterol And Triglycerides

By Adrian Fletcher

There is a good chance that an overweight person, who has a high level of cholesterol, will also have very high level of triglyceride. The type of food that you eat and the lifestyle that you maintain is the common thread between cholesterol and triglycerides.

The chemical triglyceride is the body's way of storing excess fat from food for future use. There are a lot of things that can be done to reduce your cholesterol and triglycerides. The first step is to figure out if the foods you eat and the type of life you live influences your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Much information is available regarding the various types of foods that you could consume for maintaining optimum levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Your first task should be to gather as much as information as you possibly can about the food that you consume which pose challenges for maintaining acceptable cholesterol levels.

It's a good idea to develop a suitable diet plan for improving your cholesterol levels and reducing the chances for development of heart disease. It is important to know about the foods that can assist your physical health and avoid problematic ones that contain excess fat and other unhealthy food choices.

A lot of people don't know about the types of foods that can make their cholesterol levels higher. When you are educated about the types of foods that can cause trouble you can substitute these foods with more wholesome alternatives. You should seek out foods that you like to take the place of foods that are bad for you. It won't be long before you learn to eat and enjoy healthy foods more than unhealthy foods. The reason is that you will feel so much better when you are eating this way. In most cases you don't have to stop eating your favorite meals, simply substitute certain ingredients for others.

Moderately exercising for a minimum of a half hour for five days out of each week will help to decrease your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Exercising is good for your body because you will feel renewed and full of energy. When you feel like you are worn out and groggy the majority of the time, just including a half hour of fast paced walking each day this could help you feel well. You will be surprised with how much energy you will have after you have exercised.

Dieting and exercising are just two of the methods that you can use to reduce your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Certainly, your physician can give you a prescription medicine that will decrease the level of your cholesterol. But, if you take control of your own health and well being by watching what you eat, this is the best thing you can do to be on the road to a healthier and happier life. It is actually very simple to make these changes and you will reap the benefits with improved health as you grow older.

About the Author:

Learn more about high cholesterol including high blood cholesterol .

Massage Therapy: A Stress Reliever?

For decades, massage has been touted as a method of stress relief, but unless you`ve experienced the benefits of a good massage yourself, you might be skeptical. After all, a decent massage can put a bit of a hole in your wallet, so is it really worth it? Will you really be relaxed and calm after some bodywork?

The answer depends on the masseuse. There are some people who can turn a massage into something uncomfortable and utterly useless, but in the hands of an experienced masseuse, you`ll find that the benefits are many.

What Is Massage?
Very simply put, massage therapy is when the masseuse manipulates the tissues, muscles and tendons in someone.
This is usually done using the hands and fingers, but there are assorted methods of massage that involve everything from special tools to actually using feet and elbows to maneuver the recipient`s body.

There are several reasons that your muscles need to be stretched and massaged . . . the main one being that with tension and stress, they tend to shorten and knot up, often causing pain. Tense muscles are the most common cause of headaches, so easing them out can help with recurring headaches, as well as other common issues.

How Massage Benefits You
Each style of massage is designed to create a different effect. Some are more strenuous than others, such as Thai massage, which involves stretching and plenty of participation by the person receiving the massage. Others, including hot stone massage, tend to be more passive and focus more on breathing and relaxation. Only you can decide which type is best for you.

Massage therapy in general, however, is something that can reduce stress and ease the tension that the muscles are holding. Multiple studies have been done on the benefits of this type of therapy and it has been proven that the simple power of touch is very beneficial.

Here are just a few of the amazing benefits of massage therapy:
- Strengthens the immune system
- Increases range of motion
- Eases the pain of sports injuries
- Mental relaxation
- Physical relaxation
- Stress reduction
- Less anxiety
- Lowers blood pressure

The effects of massage therapy are many because the treatment involves more than just rubbing the muscles. Physical touch tends to relax people and the rhythmic motion of a massage encourages the body and mind to calm and let go of the anxiety and stress that has built up. This is part of the reason a massage session needs to last so long . . . an hour or more is the usual length needed to truly relieve stress and to give you the break from problems needed to refresh the body and mind.

Manipulating, stretching and pressing muscles helps to release hormones like dopamine and serotonin, which affect your mood. It`s much more difficult to feel stressed out and anxious when you`re happy! This is the main reason people enjoy massages so much, though the actual physical contact with another human being also has a huge impact on how you feel. We underestimate our need to be touched, but it can be a very powerful thing.

Does massage therapy really work for stress? Yes, it does. If you haven`t experienced this yet, then it might be time to book a good massage. Keep in mind that not every masseuse is going to be a good one, so talk to friends, get recommendations and then try it out for yourself. You`ll be pleasantly surprised at how relaxing it is to have someone work on you with expert bodywork techniques.

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What Is Swedish Massage

There are over 150 types of massage but Swedish massage is perhaps the most well-known type of massage. A Swedish massage is not related to the country of Sweden, where massages are quite uncommon. Swedish massage is European, although it may originally have been learned from the Turks, who used it in their bathhouses. It is a lighter relaxing massage that aims to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles.

This type of massage is a body work that is specifically designed to relax muscles and is the foundation for other types of Western Massage, including Sports, Deep Tissue and Aromatherapy. It is recommended for the first time massage client and is usually available in 60 or 90-minute sessions costing around $1 per minute while more intense therapies can cost around $70 an hour. It is done with the person covered by a sheet, a technique called "draping" and can be performed as a full body massage or to specific areas of the body.

Swedish massage is a soothing technique that incorporates gliding, kneading and compressing strokes, improving circulation and lymph flow. It is comprised of five basic strokes and their variations: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement (or percussion) and vibration. These five basic stokes include long gliding strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, and shaking motions.

This massage method has been shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. It mainly relaxes the muscles and eases aches and pains. Another effect is the stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) and relaxation of the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight), thus reducing stress and allowing the body to rest and heal. It can also be very helpful for digestive problems including irritable bowel syndrome and constipation, as well as asthma and bronchitis.

Using a system of long gliding strokes, kneading, and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of muscles, generally in the direction of blood flow toward the heart, sometimes combined with active and passive movements of the joints. It is designed to increase circulation and blood flow. It is most commonly known as "the gentle massage" due to the full hand contact and soft, flowing strokes.

Swedish massage reflexology is a form of bodywork based on the theory of zone therapy, in which specific spots of the body are pressed to stimulate corresponding areas in other parts of the body. Relaxing techniques, like Swedish massage, can help reverse the effects that the shock and trauma of a car wreck can have on your nervous system.

These techniques modified slightly can help with the common aches and pains of pregnancy. Massage is now even built into massage chair recliners.

Sports massage uses techniques that are similar to Swedish and deep-tissue massage but are specially adapted to deal with the needs of athletes and the effects of athletic performance on the body. Physically, this massage technique can drastically cut recovery time for muscles sprains and strains.

Massage Therapy can be relaxing and extremely beneficial for your health. If you are interested in massage therapy as a profession or you are a massage therapist and want to increase your business, you can find out how at http://AmenMassage.kteweb.com

What Is Shiatsu Massage

There are a multitude of massage techniques. Knowing what a massage technique is or what it can do for you is sometimes confusing. One of the more popular massage techniques is Shiatsu massage. We will see what it is and how it works.

Shiatsu derives from both the ancient healing art of acupuncture and from the traditional form of Japanese massage, amma. It is a Japanese word: "shi" meaning finger, and "atsu" meaning pressure and is based on acupressure. It can be likened to acupuncture without needles - using finger and thumb pressure instead. This type of massage can be done through light clothes or directly on the skin.

Shiatsu balances the body's QI (energy, or life force) to keep your body's systems in perfect harmony. The goal of each of the different types of Shiatsu being practiced, Zen shiatsu, tsubo point therapy, shiatsu massage, and water shiatsu "watsu", is balancing energy flow. It can also stimulate the healing of specific injuries and improve symptoms of poor health such as chronic pain, soreness, stress, insomnia and other conditions that are not effectively treated by Western medical practices.

In shiatsu therapy, practitioners can promote the prevention and recovery of illnesses by stimulating the immune system and natural healing power that people already possess without treating a specific problem. Treating the body as a whole, so they say, helps to restore the physical functions of the nervous system, circulatory system, bone structure, muscles, and internal secretion and stimulates the whole of the mind and body to find harmony. Skilled practitioners can contribute considerably to regional health and medical treatments.

This type of massage can help you if you experience any of the following conditions: anxiety, stress, jet lag, back pain, sciatica, neck and shoulder tension, headaches, insomnia, depression, digestive disorders, PMT or low energy levels. It can be very helpful for postural and muscular-skeletal problems and stress related conditions. This massage method can be beneficial for people of all ages from infant to elderly. It can also help to create improved body awareness and ease childbirth. The mother, birth partner or midwife can also use the massage in labor.

Zen Shiatsu teaches that the abdomen reflects conditions of health and un-health in the body and that we can influence our health directly by massaging and self-massaging our abdomen (self-hara). Self-Hara is part of Do-In, a self-therapy that involves principles of self-massage. In the practice, each person is primarily responsible for his or her own health and well-being and immunity towards all disease.

Barefoot shiatsu includes walking on the person's back, leg, and feet, are commonly practiced. It also uses techniques such as rolling, brushing, vibrating, grasping and in one particular technique developed by Suzuki Yamamoto, pressure is applied with the feet on the persons back, legs and feet (special set up is required for the "foot" Ashiatsu). Thai similar to acupressure and shiatsu combined with stretch movements and yoga positions.

Watsu is the combination of hydrotherapy and shiatsu developed by Harold Dull. The work entails much movement in the water and practitioners believe that it incorporates the activation of the energy lines derived from shiatsu.

Early on, George Balanchine, Ivan Nagy, Martha Graham and many other dancers experienced regular shiatsu sessions to relieve their pains and restore and maintain their vitality. It is well known that Liza Minnelli and Henry Kissinger have received this type of massage treatments to promote and maintain good health.

Massage Therapy can be relaxing and extremely beneficial for your health. If you are interested in massage therapy as a profession or you are a massage therapist and want to increase your business, you can find out how at http://AmenMassage.kteweb.com

What Is Deep Tissue Massage?

Finding an exact definition of deep tissue massage is complicated because there is no shortage of books, web sites and experts offering their own versions. Generally speaking, deep tissue massage is a technique that focuses on the connective tissue and lower muscle groups quite thoroughly. Not a massage technique for wimps, deep tissue massage is characterized by heavy pressure and slower strokes than more traditional massages. Because the pressure used in this type of bodywork is more intense and the massage itself is highly focused on specific areas of tension, a deep tissue massage is likely to be a bit more uncomfortable than a Swedish massage.

Deep tissue massage uses deep muscle compression and friction along the grain of the muscle. Deep tissue massage is also called deep muscle therapy or deep tissue therapy. It is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue and requires more skill and strength than a Swedish massage. Deep tissue massage is also European in origin, but it is very different from Swedish massage in its focus and effects.

The purpose of deep tissue massage is to create mechanical change in the body, changing posture and creating freedom of movement by releasing fascial adhesions and chronic muscle contracture. Deep tissue massage can be an extremely intense experience, taking you right to the edge of your pain threshold for that "hurts so good" feeling without crossing it.

Deep tissue massage is not recommended for anyone who has a fever, a contagious condition, recent injury or surgery, history of blood clot or phlebitis, or anyone who is taking blood-thinning medication. Deep tissue massage is also not recommended for people with acute or long-term mental health problems. It is only conducted if appropriate and will always begin in a gentle fashion until you are able to withstand greater intensity. Deep tissue massage is most successful when the therapist has advanced training and the client has some experience and sophistication about massage. It is not always a full body massage.

Deep tissue massage is used to release chronic patterns of muscular tension using slow strokes, direct pressure, or friction on a focused problem area. Deep tissue massage is helpful for stress, bad posture, excessive fitness training, prolonged computer work, and any other overuse of muscles that can cause muscle stiffness, back and neck pain, and headaches.

Deep tissue massage is often used to treat people who are recovering from accidents and for sports injuries as it increases blood circulation in muscles that are underused. It relieves chronic muscle tension throughout the body and can also break down scar tissue and "knots" deep in the muscles. Deep tissue massage is used to reach deep within the muscle or underlying tissue to relieve pain and addresses the source of that pain (such as tendinitis or arthritis). A consumer reports magazine stated in 2005 that deep tissue massage is more effective than physical therapy, exercise, prescription medication, acupuncture, diet, chiropractic, glucosamine, etc.

Deep connective tissue massage is a form of intense deep massage that aims to release myofascial (connective tissue) restrictions in the body and to break up and eliminate any restrictive scar tissue.

Deeper strokes can also be used to break down adhesion in muscle and connective tissue, which is common after injury and in areas of body tension. Using deep muscle therapy tools allow both patient and care givers to apply the same kind of pressure to painful muscles as a regular part of everyday self-care.

Massage Therapy can be relaxing and extremely beneficial for your health. If you are interested in massage therapy as a profession or you are a massage therapist and want to increase your business, you can find out how at http://amenmassage.kteweb.com/

Smart Foods For A Better Immune System

The immune system helps keep the body healthy by fighting of infections and disease. Regular exercise and stress reduction activitive such as meditation can assist in strengthening the immune system, but the types of food we eat make the largest contribution to a healthy immune system. Eating a well-balanceddiet including a variety of healthful foods will boost this system's effectiveness.

Free radicals are the main cause of breakdown in the immune system. Free radicals damage healthy cells by causing cell mutations which can lead to serious illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. Fortunatley, some foods contain antioxidants, which can destroy these free radicals.

The strongest, and most well known of these antioxidants are vitamin C and vitamin E. Vitamen C can boost the immune system to aggressively react on cancer cells. Diets high in this nutrient are linked to reduced risks for stomach, breast, prostate and other cancers. Good sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits such as oranges and amalaki, peppers, cantaloupes broccoli. Vitamin E this helps to slow down the symptoms of aging and strengthen body cells that fight infection. People who eat foods rich in vitamin E have an added weapon against bacteria and viruses' it also helps in the fight against heart disease and cancer. G ood food sources for vitemin E are whole grain foods and vegetable oils. Supplements are recommended to reach the daily requirement of both vitamin C and E. Check with your doctor on the dose.

Another excellent source of protection against disease is the antioxidant carotenoids. Carotenoids help to strengthen the immune system by producing lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are cells important to fighting infection. The best sources for carotenoids are the red, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, cantaloupes, pumpkin, etc. and leafy green foods. The four important carotenoids are beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin.

The immune system also gains strength from minerals such as zinc, iron, and selnium. Zinc increases the number of lymphocytes and helps fight cancer. Whole grains are a good source of zinc. Iron, helps fight infection and strengthens overall immunity. Meats, dried beans and tofu are good sources of iron. Selenium helps to increase the number of antibodies and encourages growth of immune cells. Food sources are fish, grains and nuts.

A low fat diet is very important for a strong immune system. Excess fat hampers the ability of the body to fight off bacteria and free radicals. Lowering fat in the diet can be accomplished by limiting the intake of fatty foods and making low fat and low calorie meal substitutions.

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What Is Trigger Point Massage?

Understanding the different types of massage therapy is very confusing. Knowing exactly what type of massage you need can sometimes seems mystical or secretive. Trigger point massage is one of 150 types of massage and is one that is not understood well by the general public.

An American physician, Dr. Janet Travell, coined the term "trigger point" in 1942. Her work treating U.S. President John F. Kennedy's back pain was so successful that she was asked to be the first female Personal Physician to the President.

Trigger point massage is the combination of trigger point therapy and Swedish massage concentrating on the areas in which trigger points have formed. Trigger point massage is not a relaxing, passive type of massage. It is specifically designed to alleviate the source of the pain through cycles of isolated pressure and release. Trigger point massage is a good technique to bring immediate relief to conditions like frozen shoulder, stiff neck, tennis elbow and headaches.

Trigger point massage utilizes ischemic compression of individual areas of hypersensitivity in muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia. Also called a pressure point massage, this involves stimulating hypothetical trigger points that may refer pain sensations to other parts of the body. These trigger points are defined by their referral of pain to distant locations in muscles, connective tissues, and organs. Trigger points can present themselves as referred patterns of sensation such as sharp pain, dull ache, tingling, pins and needles, hot or cold, as well as can create symptoms such as nausea, earache, equilibrium disturbance or blurred vision.

Trigger points generally occur in more than one location and cause muscle shortening with secondary weakness and decreased range of motion, which can be observed. They can be felt by palpating the muscles; trigger points will consist of tender, hard (or ropy) knots or nodules surrounded by what feels like normal muscle tissue. Self-applied trigger point massage is an appropriate and unusually effective remedy for back pain, because it goes to the source of the problem.

Trigger point therapy applies pressure to these points leading to immediate release of tension and improved muscular functioning. The therapist locates and deactivates `trigger points', which are often tender areas where muscles have been damaged or acquired a re-occurring spasm or "kink" that worsens painfully when aggravated. Due to the location of many trigger points, performing trigger point therapy on yourself can be awkward at best, without the use of tools. Manipulating a trigger point elicits referred pain and often, slight nausea.

When pain is still fairly new, trigger point massage can get rid of it very quickly - usually in two or three days. As a stand-alone therapy, trigger point massage can be done anywhere, not necessarily requiring a massage table or massage chair.

Massage Therapy can be relaxing and extremely beneficial for your health. Want free info? If you are interested in massage therapy as a profession or you are a massage therapist and want to increase your business, you can find out how at http://AmenMassage.kteweb.com

Making Massage Enjoyable - What To Do To Prepare For a Massage

Whether you are new to massage or an experienced spa-goer, there are things you can do get the most from your massage. Being prepared will make your massage experience much more enjoyable and rewarding. So what do really need to do to be prepared for your massage?

Check For Licenses, Schooling and References
Finding a good massage therapist is a lot like finding any other professional. The first step is to check out any local or state requirements that a true massage therapist is required to have. Then only go to those that meet the requirements. It is worth the extra effort to find the right massage therapist.

Eating or drinking before massage
Yes, but it is best to refrain from eating for 1-2 hours before massage, to prevent discomfort. Eating light or not at all is highly recommended, due to the toxins that are being flushed out of the body. The body digesting at the same time may cause discomfort.

To shower or not
The best way to prepare for a body work session is to take a hot shower. This not only helps with being clean, but the pores of the skin open up to absorb whichever quality oil or lotion the therapist chooses to use for the session.

What to wear
Most massage takes place in the nude, but you are fully draped at all times. If you do not want to remove all your clothing, wear clothing that you will be comfortable wearing during the massage and will allow the massage therapist to touch the areas of your body you need to be worked on.

When to arrive
Be on time or early. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it will take longer to relax and you will miss the best part of the massage. If there is time, take advantage of the sauna, steam bath or hot tub. It will warm your muscles and make it easier for the therapist to achieve results. If the hot tub has chlorinated water, be sure to shower before your massage.

Info needed
Before the session, give accurate health information and let the massage therapist know what you expect from the massage. Before the session, tell your massage therapist what your needs are and do not be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns. Your massage therapist is a professional dedicated to do his or her best to make you feel at ease.

Allow time
Schedule enough time to get checked in, have the massage and take advantage of the recovery time after your massage. This down time can be so relaxing. It takes a few minutes to recover from a great massage before you can go back into the real world again.

Massage Therapy can be relaxing and extremely beneficial for your health. Want free info? If you are interested in massage therapy as a profession or you are a massage therapist and want to increase your business, you can find out how at http://AmenMassage.kteweb.com

Massage Therapy Types - Points, Sports and Acupressure Massage

There are dozens of massage therapy types and techniques. Knowing what they are and what they do is sometimes confusing. It is hard to ask for a particular type of massage if you do not know what it is called or even what it will do for you. Here we will try to break the mystery into an understandable list of some commonly practiced massage types and what they do.

Points

The belief behind Shiatsu and acupressure is that the body becomes out of balance due to blocked energy along special points called 'meridians', which are located along invisible channels of energy flow throughout the body.

Shiatsu is a Japanese word: "shi" meaning finger, and "atsu" meaning pressure. Shiatsu is a form of Japanese massage based on acupressure. Shiatsu uses rhythmic pressure from 3 to 10 seconds on specific points along the body's meridians by using the fingers, hands, elbows, and knees to unblock and stimulate the flow of energy. Oriental-based systems of finger pressure massage, such as acupressure and Shiatsu that treat points along the acupressure meridians, aiming to release discomfort and rebalance energy.

Sports Massage

Sports massage is geared toward athletes of every kind, from world-class professionals to weekend joggers. It is a special form of massage and is typically used before, during, and after athletic events. Sports massage can help prevent those niggling injuries that so often get in the way of performance and achievement, whether a person is an athlete or a once a week jogger.

It is designed to address those specific concerns and may differ according to the sport the athlete plays. Sports massage can be aimed to help heal strained muscles and allow healthy ones to reach peak performance and maintain it while minimizing the risk of injury.

Sports massage can also include pre-event, post-event and maintenance techniques that promote greater athletic endurance and performance, lessen chances of injury and reduce recovery time. In addition to feeling good, sports massage reduces the heart rate and blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, reduces muscle tension, improves flexibility and relieves pain.

Acupressure

Acupressure has been practiced for over 5000 years. It is a form of bodywork based in traditional Chinese meridian theory in which acupuncture points are pressed to stimulate the flow of energy or chi. The technique is based on the same ideas as acupuncture. In acupressure, physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points by the hand, elbow or with various devices.

The therapist applies pressure to small contraction knots, relieving pressure. Acupressure stimulates these points to remove blockages, to increase the energy flow and to promote health and harmony in the body.

Shiatsu is the most widely known form of acupressure and Zhi Ya is a form of Chinese massage based on acupressure.

Reflexology

Reflexology is an acupressure type technique performed on the hands and feet. It is a form of bodywork based on the theory of zone therapy, in which specific spots of the body are pressed to stimulate corresponding areas in other parts of the body. Reflexology is a scientific foot massage based on the principal that the feet are a "mini-map" of the body, and that every body part and organ corresponds to an area of the foot.

Designed to help bring the body back into balance reflexology uses pinpoint pressure and gentle strokes to the feet. Reflexology eliminates tension, improves circulation and stimulates the body's natural healing process. A reflexology session is meant to break-up stress patterns within the body and provide an overall relaxing experience.

Massage Therapy can be relaxing and extremely beneficial for your health. If you are interested in massage therapy as a profession or you are a massage therapist and want to increase your business, you can find out how at http://amenmassage.kteweb.com/

Massage Therapy Types - Deep Tissue, Trigger Point and Swedish Massage

There are dozens of massage therapy types and techniques. Knowing what they are and what they do is sometimes confusing. It is hard to ask for a particular type of massage if you do not know what it is called or even what it will do for you. Here we will try to break the mystery into an understandable list of some commonly practiced massage types and what they do.

Massage

Massage is the practice of soft tissue manipulation with physical, functional, and in some cases psychological purposes and goals. It involves acting on and manipulating the client's body with pressure (structured, unstructured, stationary, and/or moving), tension, motion, or vibration done manually or with mechanical aids. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, forearm, and feet.

Massage can be performed by a massage therapist, or by other health care professionals, such as chiropractors, osteopaths, athletic trainers, and/or physical therapists. Massage therapists work in a variety of medical and recreational settings and may travel to private residences or businesses.

Deep Tissue

Deep tissue massage uses deep muscle compression and friction along the grain of the muscle. Deep tissue massage is also called deep muscle therapy or deep tissue therapy. It is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue and requires more skill and strength than a Swedish massage.

Deep tissue massage helps to break up and eliminate scar tissue. Deep connective tissue massage is a form of intense massage that aims to release myofascial (connective tissue) restrictions in the body, and to break up any restrictive scar tissue.

Deeper strokes can also be used to break down adhesion in muscle and connective tissue, which is common after injury and in areas of body tension. Using deep muscle therapy tools allow both patient and caregivers to apply the same kind of pressure to painful muscles as a regular part of everyday self-care.

Trigger Point Massage

Trigger Point utilizes ischemic compression of individual areas of hypersensitivity in muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia. Also called a pressure point massage, this involves stimulating hypothetical trigger points that may refer pain sensations to other parts of the body. These trigger points are defined by their referral of pain to distant locations in muscles, connective tissues and organs. Trigger points can present themselves as referred patterns of sensation such as sharp pain, dull ache, tingling, pins and needles, hot or cold, as well as can create symptoms such as nausea, earache, equilibrium disturbance or blurred vision.

Trigger points generally occur in more than one location. Trigger points cause muscle shortening with secondary weakness and decreased range of motion, which can be observed. They can be felt by palpating the muscles; trigger points will consist of tender, hard (or ropy) knots or nodules surrounded by what feels like normal muscle tissue.

Trigger Point Therapy applies pressure to these points leading to immediate release of tension and improved muscular functioning. The therapist locates and deactivates `trigger points', which are often tender areas where muscles have been damaged or acquired a re-occurring spasm or `kink' that worsens painfully when aggravated. Due to the location of many trigger points, performing trigger point therapy on yourself can be awkward at best, without the use of tools. Manipulating a trigger point elicits referred pain and often slight nausea.

Swedish Massage

A Swedish massage is not related to the country of Sweden, where massages are quite uncommon. Swedish massage, a lighter relaxing massage, aims to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles.

Swedish massage is perhaps the most well known type of massage. This soothing technique incorporates gliding, kneading and compressing strokes, improving circulation and lymph flow. Swedish massage therapy is comprised of five basic strokes and their variations: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement (or percussion) and vibration.

These five basic stokes including long gliding strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, and shaking motions on the more superficial layers of muscles, generally in the direction of blood flow toward the heart are sometimes combined with active and passive movements of the joints. It is designed to increase circulation and blood flow.
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Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. It relaxes the muscles and eases aches and pains.

Swedish massage reflexology is a form of bodywork based on the theory of zone therapy, in which specific spots of the body are pressed to stimulate corresponding areas in other parts of the body.

Swedish, Deep Tissue, Light and other massage styles can be combined for a better quality and more relaxing experience. Heated or Hot Roman Stone Massage is massage bodywork utilizing Swedish massage techniques along with smooth heated and or chilled river or ocean stones.

Massage Therapy can be relaxing and extremely beneficial for your health. If you are interested in massage therapy as a profession or you are a massage therapist and want to increase your business, you can find out how at http://AmenMassage.kteweb.com

Taking the Right Herbs for Arthritis

By Kaye Fretz

Have you heard about herbs for arthritis? Although there is no natural or synthetic cure for arthritis, there are ways and means to help reduce the pain and swelling caused by arthritis. One way is to take some helpful herbs. Here are some of the possible herbs you may want to take.

-Stinging Nettle- This herb has a similar effect as NSAIDs. It reduces inflammation since it has anti inflammatory properties. It also contains boron which is a mineral which is especially recommended for arthritis patients. Nettle leaves can be steamed and eaten to relieve arthritis inflammation.

-Devil's Claw- The claw-like shape of this herb's fruits is the reason behind its unusual name. The herb originates from Africa and is good relief for pain and arthritis swelling. There is also some experiential evidence that the herb can assist in promoting greater joint movement.

-Ginger- This common herb is also good relief for inflammation and pain. The best thing about it is that it apparently has no side effects. Ginger is easily available and can be drunk as tea or eaten mixed with food or dish sauce.

-Celery- Another ingredient found in the kitchen that can be used for arthritis relief is celery. Early European settlers introduced this herb to the North American continent. The herb has anti-inflammatory substances and potassium which is beneficial for arthritis patients.

-Red Pepper- No herbs for arthritis list will be complete without red pepper. This is probably one of the most well known natural pain relievers that is useful even to those who do not have arthritis. Capsaicin which makes peppers taste hot can also help hamper the perception of pain. It also causes the release of more endorphins which are natural pain relievers in the body. Another compound in red peppers is salicylate which closely mimics aspirin.

-Alfalfa- Arthritis patients receive vitamin and mineral nourishment from alfalfa. This herb is also a diuretic. Alfalfa in tea form is a good supplement for arthritis patients. It is advisable though for arthritis sufferers not to take it in its powder form since it can worsen the symptoms of the condition.

-Angelica- Among the Chinese, the more popular species is the dong quai. Angelica tea can be taken to relieve pain and inflammation.

These are only some of the herbs used for arthritis. There are many others that are considered beneficial for people suffering from arthritis symptoms. Although many people swear by the benefits of natural arthritis relief options, it is still important to be careful with the use of herbs. Some herbs may interact with medications that you may be taking for arthritis or some other medical condition.

Another danger to herbs is the lack of dosage standards. Various people suggest different ways and quantities of taking herbs. There is always a danger that you could take too much or too little of herbs.

Herbs should not be taken without your doctor's advice. The safest way to take herbs for arthritis is with your doctor's knowledge and consent.

About the Author:

Suffering from a rheumatoid arthritis symptom? Know the best herbs for arthritis.