Mind puzzles often are upfront with each approach. In most mind puzzles, you do not have to worry about tricks. However, you have to follow a few simple steps in many puzzles before you can figure them out. The goal is to see how fast you can figure out the puzzles. Using quick wit strategies, mind puzzles concentrates on your vocabulary. In addition, mind puzzles focus on your basic skills to solve math. Mind puzzles also work to test your basic knowledge, including your logic, reasoning, and common sense.
When you relate to puzzles, such as magic squares, numbers, etc that go up/down, diagonally, across and so on you are relating to strategies that have been in existence for many years.
Back in the centuries, some spectators discovered that magic squares totaled 34, and the squares appeared, engraved in Albrecht Durer – Malancholia, which dates back to 1514. Today, this reasoning is still studied. Thus, China begin to create puzzles, followed by Archimedes and then came riddles from Greek fathers.
Later during the mid-50s, a well-known man J.A. Hunter came up with the concept of puzzles and dubbed them alphametic. The term applied to formulas, or puzzles as follow:
Simple +
Demands
Easy
This basic puzzling solution is substituted for the correct numerals. According to the founders, if you produce the exact arithmetic case in point, thus you will find the numbers applied to the letters. Puzzles have existed for many years, which according to some spectators, there is no such thing as a new puzzle. The reason behind this logic, exposes the facts since even today’s puzzles follow traditional patterns. After discovering the alphametic puzzles it spread out to the “letter arithmetic’s.” Later doublets were included by Carroll. Lewis Carroll came up with the notion that if you change a single word in puzzles to an additional word by following a succession of steps, during each following step you will make the word honest.
Mind puzzles prepare us for the future when artificial intelligence will mark the new world placing higher demands on us to use our minds. Mind puzzles help you to develop skills, learn, and more.
To help you see how puzzles benefit you we can use some examples. Below is a few letters that spell something. With each letter is a block before the words, which you will add new words to reach new meanings with the ending of the words listed.
________ _____bid
_____________get
Now to create new words and to keep the same ending you can already draw conclusions as to what answers can fit to create a working puzzle. The first word could be created into morbid, forbid, etc. the second word could be, forget, etc.
Some mind puzzles use numbers to enforce secondary thoughts.
X 3 x
X 4
1xx2
This is outlined so that you have an idea what numbers should fill in the formula. You can play with the numbers for a while to see what you come up with. The answer to the puzzle is 1432.
Some puzzles present storylines. Similar letters are used often, which you must rearrange so that it completes the story.
“Right, said the man behind the _________. You can find the bread at the end of the ____, just take a ____, and turn left.
The storyline is obvious in this instance. We prefer to use basics, rather than complexity as some puzzles are so that you can get an idea what mind puzzles are intended to do. The correct words to fill in the sentence is counter – isle – right.
Now that you have an idea of how puzzles started and how they sometimes formulate to present something to learn, you can start your journey to solving additional mind puzzles online to bust your brain.
There are basically two common aspects of hypnosis, the therapeutic approach and stage hypnosis, which is the entertainment side of hypnosis.
Although science may frown upon stage hypnosis for trying to make fun of the process for entertainment or for profit, it has, in some way helped, in easing public perception of what hypnosis is really all about.
As long as the stage hypnotist does not abuse the ability to explore the minds of his subjects, a practitioner who is responsible enough to respect and give justice to hypnosis can do more good than harm.
Many hypnotherapists believe that a lot of reputable stage hypnotists were responsible for conditioning the minds of people, of course not through actual hypnosis itself, to embrace hypnosis as a form of therapy or treatment for common behavioral problems of men like alcohol and substance addiction, especially smoking.
A lot of stage hypnosis acts commonly involve drunkards going through the stage act to emerge sober towards the end of the process, with some even undergoing altered states that will change their attitudes towards drinking.
Although the process of stage hypnosis itself is a bit disturbing at hindsight, the fact remains that the power of the mind can truly be harnessed.
The fact that some stage hypnosis entertainers continue to promote their trade is on the fact that stage hypnosis allows them to earn big bucks, still, people cannot judge them based on what they do.
As mentioned before, there are stage hypnosis entertainers who continue to give justice to the practice of hypnosis.
Whether it be for entertainment or therapy, stage hypnosis is as equally effective as it is used for therapy.
Many experts and stage hypnotists agree that training for entertainment needs no formal education required, as well as learning all of the applied techniques and approaches to stage hypnosis.
The same fact holds true for stage hypnosis, that 10% of the population are likely to submit to hypnosis since not everyone is susceptible to such.
Stage hypnosis allows an entertainer to be more creative and imaginative, the reason why it has continued to captivate audiences time and again.
A stage hypnotist must remain true to some commitments that need to be strictly adhered to, which is responsibility, accountability, integrity, honesty and respect confidentiality since a stage hypnotist will be responsible for exploring the mind of a subject.
A stage hypnotist must also never try to make fun of subjects during the stage act.
Although entertainment is key, it must never take advantage of a subject that is in a hypnotic state, since it is expected that the stage hypnotist should basically focus on the fact that the basic aim of stage hypnosis for entertainment is to exhibit the capabilities of hypnosis and what it can do to benefit humankind.
If one is interested to try out stage hypnosis, he or she must carefully consider the amount of responsibility that comes along with it and the initial approach is to study the basics of hypnotism, especially with all recommended techniques and processes.
This should then be followed by a great deal of practice, concentration, and experimentation, until such time the candidate is confident enough to perform in front of a group of people.
So try and make the most of the entertainment side of stage hypnosis and you can be on your way to having a great time with hypnosis.
Do you sweat the small stuff? Do you find stress has increased in your life due to depressive episodes? Are you searching for a new lifestyle, yet find it difficult to relax and find answers? We have many options in the world, which gives us the convenience of having fun while selecting a better lifestyle. When changing your lifestyle you’ll probably have to make decisions that will be hard, yet you can do it if you think about yourself and not others.
Aging for most of us is not something we are looking forward to. Life can go on for many years. In view of the fact, we all need to learn how to relax and take care of ourselves so we can see a brighter future.
We all need to make our life simple. Keeping it simple will help reduce stress. Sometimes we have to give up our long-year running homes where our children were raised. As one ages the stress of preserving, our home increases. Money usually becomes a big issue, which causes stress. The maintenance and taxes alone are very stressful for someone that is living on social security these days.
How to decide:
Do you plan to stay in the same area you live in now? Do you prefer to live in a better climate? The questions demand an answer before mortgaging your home. If you plan to move to a better climate to live healthier, consider the climate. Many of us suffer from allergies, hay fever, or other ailments due to climate changes. If you plan to live healthier and reduce, your risks of upper respiratory conditions then consider your options before making a decision to move. You want to consider your budget as well. If you are living a fixed-income, consider the low-cost housing projects.
In your community, you may find housing projects for seniors. If you want to cut back your expenses without moving to another climate, consider these options. You will find housing for seniors however in other areas in the event you choose to move. Many housing projects for the seniors will provide you with links. The links are for your convenience, which includes free meals, cheap transportation and so on. At the buildings, you will likely meet new friends, which makes life more purposeful and fulfilling. Once you’ve decided where you are going to relocate it takes the burden off your mind.
Don’t get me wrong there will always be some stress in your life that you will not have control of. Now that you’ve made one of the biggest decision about where you going to live, start thinking about enjoying life. Join an exercise group or get some neighbors to join you for a walk. Walk on sunny days so your body gets natural vitamin D from the sun rays. The vitamins will help keep your bones strong. Exercising helps keep us fit and is a good way to meet new people while having fun.
Don’t forget to watch your diet and make sure you're getting enough vitamins to keep yourself healthy. If not sure what vitamins you need and how much consult you physician he can help you make a plan or send you to a dietician to help you with it. Sometimes as we grow older, we don’t eat as much, so supplement vitamins are needed. Your family healthcare provider can help you with this too. The world is filled with various lifestyles, so make your life your own by staying healthy and avoid sweating the small stuff. Making sound decisions is a great start to living free, which promotes healthy aging.
Sixteen million Americans have diabetes, yet many are not aware of it. African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans have a higher rate of developing diabetes during their lifetime. Diabetes has potential long-term complications that can affect the kidneys, eyes, heart, blood vessels and nerves. A number of pages on this website are devoted to the prevention and treatment of the complications of diabetes.
In diagnosing diabetes, physicians primarily depend upon the results of specific glucose tests. However, test results are just part of the information that goes into the diagnosis of diabetes. Doctors also take into account your physical exam, presence or absence of symptoms, and medical history. Some people who are significantly ill will have transient problems with elevated blood sugars which will then return to normal after the illness has resolved. Also, some medications may alter your blood glucose levels (most commonly steroids and certain diuretics (water pills)).
The TWO main tests used to measure the presence of blood sugar problems are:
1. Direct measurement of glucose levels in the blood during an overnight fast
2. Measurement of the body's ability to appropriately handle the excess sugar presented after drinking a high glucose drink.
Self Testing Methods
Regular self-testing of your blood sugar tells you how well your combination of diet, exercise, and medication are working. Tests are usually done before meals and at bedtime. More frequent testing may be needed when you are sick or under stress.
A device called a Glucometer can provide an exact blood sugar reading. There are different types of devices. Usually, you prick your finger with a small needle called a lancet, which gives you a tiny drop of blood. You place the blood on a test strip and put the strip into the device. Results are available within 30 to 45 seconds.
A health care provider or diabetes educator will help set up an appropriate testing schedule for you. You will also be taught how to respond to different ranges of glucose values obtained when you self-test.
The results of the test can be used to adjust meals, activity, or medications to keep blood sugar levels in an appropriate range. Testing provides valuable information for the healthcare provider and identifies high and low blood sugar levels before serious problems develop. Accurate record keeping of test results will help you and your healthcare provide plan how to best control your diabetes. There are 20.8 million children and adults in the US with diabetes, and nearly one-third of them (or 6.2 million people) do not know it!
Feng Shui is more than just rearranging furniture, it’s a lifestyle. And lifestyles involve mindsets or concepts that are prevalent. Feng Shui experts just say no to some things without reason. Most of the things they do come with a line of reasoning that may not necessarily be embraced by many people.
Nonetheless, it is still a point of view that among other things, require careful consideration and thought. So what are the thoughts that prevail on the onset of Feng Shui? Here are just some of these prevalent concepts that a Feng Shui enthusiast or researcher may find useful.
Sense of Balance
The number one thing that Feng Shui promotes is a balance. This balance comes in many forms, in the color arrangement, in the spatial factors up to the numbers that concern your working space or environment. The balance is more promoted by the five Earth elements of Feng Shui and the bagua, which is designed symmetrically and with complete reference to the different elements of the earth by Feng Shui standards. The standards of Feng Shui is made customized in every person, but it all boils down to having the right sets of things that complement and balance each other out.
Sense of Positivity
A sense of positivity is also what Feng Shui promotes. Positive energy is the thing most sought after by people who try to get the services of Feng Shui consultants. This positivism needs to be maintained. Conversely, it wards off all the forms of negative energy that may come in a given space. This is why there are charms that help cure the bad luck in a given place, especially those which have been established without the guidance of Feng Shui.
A Natural Inclination for Beauty and the things that Promote It
Beauty in symmetry and symmetry in beauty is one of the core concepts of Feng Shui. It appeals to the physically inviting and also adheres to fighting for beauty and balance in things. Feng Shui, in some ways, is a celebration of beauty in design and other physical elements of the space being designed.
Love for Your Environment
Feng Shui promotes the careful consideration of the environment before establishing places. Good Feng Shui respects the elements of the earth and makes the Feng Shui enthusiast more mindful of their surroundings. They don’t just work instantly in any oppressive place but strive to remove any existing negativities in the environment.
Love for Self
The love for self is also promoted by Feng Shui. You will detect energy based on what generally feels good to you. Love for self-involved not subjecting yourself to oppressive places or harboring negative energies that can be counter-productive to your different activities.
Dreaming big and making the environment jive with that dream
Finally, Feng Shui is more anchored on the greater scheme of things. When you have a dream and you intend to fulfill it in numerous ways, the best way to start is to have an environment that embraces those dreams. If you dream big and work hard, but your environment cancels all the things that you are striving for, it will be a very difficult task for you.
Feng Shui ensures that there is alignment between the things you want and the things that are manifested in the objects you see every day.
You go into your kitchen after a long day’s work and open the refrigerator. The availability of food isn’t looking good for you again. It’s either leftover pizza or another microwave meal. You find the fastest and easiest solution so that you can continue with your day and not let the food stop you from getting what you need to do.
According to Chinese medicine, this can be one of the major causes of illness. Not eating balanced and properly can lead to a stop in the right energy flow in your body, causing your body to not have the ability to process its nutritional needs correctly. The alternative that is suggested is Chinese food therapy, where there is a balance between the food that you eat and the nutrition that you get.
The philosophy behind Chinese food therapy is that everything must be balanced. This begins by discovering the polar opposites of foods that are available and combining them for a middle ground. Yin and yang are the philosophy that is used for foods, giving the best combination of elements for health. Yang is known to increase body heat, which will raise the metabolism to process nutrients. Yin then combines with this to decrease the body heat, which will balance the nutrients that are being processed in the metabolism.
In order for Chinese food therapy to work properly, there has to be an understanding of how your body reacts to specific things. If you are completely balanced, too much of either yin or yang will cause a reaction by your body, allowing you to stay balanced. Everything that your body does, when using Chinese food therapy, will be communicating to you how to use your food and balance it out properly.
If your body is imbalanced, you can use some foods in order to use the Chinese food therapy correctly. For example, some foods may cause your energy to be lower. You can use the roots of foods in order to increase this, which are directly linked to the Yang foods. Ginseng is one popular example that will help to increase circulation and the metabolism. This is one of several examples that can help you to heal and balance naturally.
Next time you are ready to eat your meal, make sure that you have both Yin and Yang in combination with each other. Over time, you will notice that the balance of your energy, as well as the various effects of the food, makes a difference in how you function. Using Chinese food therapy as a method of health is one of the easiest ways to help to chew your health.
The art of making candles has been around since primitive times. Of course, as time went by they become much different in design than what they were back then. In the early days, candles were a necessity for heat and light. Today they serve as decorations, wonderfully smelling mechanisms in our homes, and offer light for romantic dinners and baths.
The first known use of candles is not completely known. The remains of clay candle holders that date back to 4 BC have given us the knowledge that they have been in use for a very long time. Those clay candle holders were found in Egypt.
Candles were also used in ancient times in both China and Japan. These candles were made of wax extracted from insects and seeds. The taper candles of India were made from the wax extracted from boiled cinnamon. Candles are not known to exist in American until 1 AD. It is believed Native American’s burned oily fish and the back of the Cerio tree. When settlers came to New England, they used similar techniques to extract wax from bayberries. Many modern candle makers still use that process to make bayberry candles. However, it is quite expensive to do so.
Tallow was the product used to make candles in the 1600’s and 1700’s. This is a byproduct from animal fat. The product worked well but had a foul odor, especially when it was burning. Beeswax and paraffin wax both were introduced in the early 1800’s, and tallow stopped being used.
The dipping process for taper candles as we know it today began in 13 AD. Traveler merchants went door to door from town to town. While there, they made taper candles for individuals in their homes. Around 15 AD the idea to use molds for various types of candles was introduced in Paris. While this greatly improved the candle making process, there were still issues with getting the candles to burn properly.
In the 1800’s, candle makers felt the wick was the weakest area of the candle as well as the cause for defective burning patterns. A braided wick was developed in 1825 that seemed to greatly improve the burning of several types of candles. By 1830, a process was in place to make candles using paraffin wax and molds. These candles were of good quality and burned well.
As gas and electricity were introduced, the candle making process continued to evolve. It became much easier and faster to melt the paraffin wax. It is believed that the reason so many of the elements of candle making stayed the same, including the hand dipping process is that the popularity of candles diminished with the introduction of electricity.
Today, candle making is a well-known art form. There are many companies who manufacture wonderful candles with some very unique fragrances. There are also small businesses that still make their candles by the home in their kitchen. Candle making is a great hobby and fun activity for the whole family to be involved in.
Candles are now used more for luxury and pleasure than for light or heat. The candle industry continues to grow with new types of candles being introduced all the time. The amount of colors, fragrances, and types of candles to choose from in the marketplace is absolutely amazing.
Candles are a very common home decorating item. They are used to accent any room in your house. They are a common centerpiece for dinner parties and formal occasions. The unity candles that are presided over at many weddings hold a deep sense of tradition in the American culture.
The art of making candles has definitely changed over time. If you are interested in trying your hand at it, choose a candle that is fairly easy to make such as the container candle or the votive. This will allow you the chance to get used to the process. There are several good candle making kits available for a low price as well as books to give you tips and assistance along the way.
The FAO Codex Alimentarius Commission defines honey as ‘the natural sweet substance produced by honeybees from the nectar of flowers or from secretions coming from living organisms feeding on plants, that bees gather, transform and combine with specific ingredients, store and leave to ripen in the combs of the hive.’
In Ayurveda honey is called as "Madhu". Its qualities are explained as follows.
“Vaatalam guru sheetam cha raktapittakaphapaham |
Sandhatru cchedanam ruksham kashayam madhuram madhu ||”
“It has sweetness (madhura rasa) with added astringent as end taste (Kashaya anu rasa). It is heavy (guru guna), dry (ruksha) and cold (sheeta). Its effect on doshas is as follows It aggravates vata, scrapes kapha and normalizes pitta and rakta. It promotes the healing process.”
The contents of Honey are
1. Sugars like fructose, glucose, sucrose, maltose, lactose, and other disaccharides and trisaccharides.
2. Proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids,
3. Volatile aromatic substances.
4. Ashes and water etc.
Various ingredients of honey have helped it to become not only a sweet liquid but also a natural product with high nutritional and medicinal value.
The medicinal quality, taste, texture, color, aroma of honey differs according to the geographical area and the species of plants from which it has been collected.
Types of Honey:
Eight types of honey are described in Ayurveda depending on the type of bee which collects it. They are Pouttika, Bhramara. Kshoudra, Makshika, Chatra, Arghya, Oudalaka, Dala.
Pouttika - This honey is collected by very large bees from the nectar of poisonous flowers. It increases vata, causes gout and burning sensation in the chest. It is also sedative and reduces fat.
Bhramara - This honey is collected by large bees and Sticky in nature.
Kshoudra - (Honey collected by medium-sized honey bees ) light and cold in nature. Dissolves Kapha.
Makshika - (Honey collected by small honey bees) very light and dry nature. Useful in VataKapha diseases and kapha diseases
Chatra - Heavy and cold in nature useful in gout, Leucoderma (Shwitra),
Arghya - Good for eyes but causes arthritis.
Oudalaka - Useful in skin diseases, and helps in the modulation of voice.
Dala - Dry and reduces vomiting.
Amongst all the above "Makshika" is considered as the best type with immense medicinal properties.
Therapeutic uses of Honey:
1.As it contains sugars which are quickly absorbed by our digestive system and converted into energy, this can be used as an instant energizer.
2.As it is hygroscopic it speeds up healing, a growth of healing tissue and dries it up.
3.Honey acts as a sedative and is very useful in bed wetting disorders.
4.Honey is a very good antioxidant which restores the damaged skin and gives soft, young looks.
5.Honey has antibacterial properties due to its acidic nature and enzymatically produced hydrogen peroxide.
6.Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.
In Ashtanga Hridaya the great classic of Ayurveda, the therapeutic uses of honey are explained as follows.
•Honey is very good for eyes and eyesight.
•It quenches thirst.
•Dissolves kapha.
•Reduces effects of a poison.
•Stops hiccups.
•It is very useful in urinary tract disorders, worm infestations, bronchial asthma, cough, diarrhea, and nausea -vomiting.
•Cleanse the wounds.
•It heals wounds.
•Helps in quick healing of deep wounds.
•Initiates growth of healthy granulation tissue.
•Honey which is newly collected from beehive increases body weight and is a mild laxative.
•Honey which is stored and is old helps in the metabolism of fat and scrapes Kapha.
Ayurveda explains another special quality of honey. Honey is called as “Yogavahi”. The substance which has a quality of penetrating the deepest tissue is called as Yogavahi. When honey is used with other herbal preparations it enhances the medicinal qualities of those preparations and also helps them to reach the deeper tissues.
Precautions to be taken before using honey:
•Honey should not be mixed with hot foods.
•Honey should not be heated.
•Honey should not be consumed when you are working in a hot environment where you are exposed to more heat.
•Honey should never be mixed with rainwater, hot and spicy foods, and Fermented beverages like whiskey, rum, brandy etc, Ghee and mustard.
•Honey includes nectar of various flowers of which some may be poisonous. Poison has hot or Ushna qualities. When honey is mixed with hot and spicy foods the poisonous properties get enhanced and cause an imbalance of doshas.
Few Home remedies with Honey
•Mix 2 teaspoon of honey with carrot juice and consume regularly. This helps to improve eyesight and is very helpful for those who sit before computer for long hours.
•In cold, cough and congested chest mix 2 teaspoons of honey with equal quantity of ginger juice and should be consumed frequently.
•A mixture of black pepper powder, honey and ginger juice in equal quantities, when consumed thrice daily help to relieve the symptoms of asthma.
•Regular use of one teaspoon of garlic juice mixed with two teaspoons of honey help to control blood pressure.
•One glass of warm water taken with two teaspoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice in the early morning reduces fat and purifies the blood.
Consuming one spoon of honey daily help us to lead a healthy long life.
Indian astrology is based on the theory of fate. The good and the bad actions of the past life determine your fate or Karma of your present life, and the actions of your present life determine your future Karma. According to Indian astrology, a person is born at that place, on that day and on that moment when his individual fate is in perfect mathematical harmony with the progress of the stars in heaven.
However, it does not preach total dependence on fate. Astrology lets you know what you were born with, what your possibilities are, the limitations, your strong points and your drawbacks. What type of life partners and professions suit you and to expect is also indicated. It also prescribes various remedial measures to ward off the bad effects and to enhance the good results. Astrology is your roadmap of destiny. However, your fate is in your hands. The scriptures guide us by telling us what is good and what is bad; what to do and what not to do; how to do and how not to do. You are given a piece of land and the seeds to sow. How much effort to put into it, what amount of manure and water to add and when how to reap the produce is your job.
After that, it is you who have to act using your knowledge intelligence, discrimination and experience. Fate is like a game of cards where you cannot help the cards that have been dealt with you but how to play them is in your hands. You may get good cards but if you play badly you will lose and you may get bad cards and still may win if you play carefully. Don’t blame the roadmap if you get drunk, drive badly and have an accident!
Trust your instinct - a beginner’s guide to using aromatherapy with children:
Essential oils are pure aromatic plant essences – they are distilled from flowers, fruit, leaves, resins, roots, seeds, and wood. They are used for their healing properties the world over – in, for example, they are only available through licensed, qualified parishioners. In the United States, we have free access to essential oils – but with this comes with some important cautions: Only some of the essential oils available are suitable for children; others are not suitable for children and some are even dangerous to children (children with epilepsy should not come into contact with stimulating essential oils).
When used correctly, however, essential oils can be of great benefit, and will not conflict with your child’s medically prescribed drugs. Always research the oil of choice thoroughly before using with your infant or child – ask advice from a qualified practitioner, or see the references at the end of this article.
That said, essential oils can be a wonderful way of supporting your child's health, happiness, and well-being. Essential oils can be very therapeutic and nurturing to both your child and you, the caregiver. Essential oils are used externally (on the outside of the body) in your child’s bath, body lotions, oils, creams, gels, compresses, foot baths, or in an oil warmer. The effects of aromatherapy will generally fall into one of three main categories:
1) Assisting in healing from minor illnesses and accidents,
2) Supporting your child’s overall sense of well-being, and
3) Assisting your child in getting quality rest.
When using essential oils with your child, it is imperative that you find a reputable supplier of therapeutic-grade essential oils, using organic or wildcrafted varieties when possible. Synthetic copies of oils commonly used in perfumery are not appropriate, and may even be harmful to your child’s health. To maintain efficacy, essential oils should be kept in dark amber or cobalt glass containers, in a dark and cool location, away from the child’s access. Wooden storage boxes from craft or 'Pier One' type stores can make a nice container for the bottles.
Methods of Using Essential Oils
There are two methods of using essential oils with your child – INHALATION: through a diffuser, nebulizer, or adding to a humidifier reservoir, and TOPICAL APPLICATION: diluting the essential oil in a carrier oil and applying topically. Adding essential oils to a bath combines the two methods, though we will cover it under topical application.
For topical application, essential oils are diluted in varying strengths depending on the use and age of your child. The concentration can vary from one drop of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil to a couple of drops per teaspoon of carrier added to a drawn bath, to an equal ratio of carrier and essential oil applied directly to your child’s feet (as in the case of gentle Lavender). In other words, there is a huge variation in dilution levels depending on the circumstances. Mamas, do your research and then trust your instinct. Only you and your child baby know exactly what is right for your situation.
General dilution rate guidelines of essential oils in one ounce of carrier oil:
Age of Child and amount of Essential Oil per One Ounce Carrier Oil for Topical/Massage Application:
Newborn (Consult primary care physician before use)
1-3 drops essential oil / ounce
2-6 months
1-3 drops essential oil / ounce
6-12 months
1-4 drops essential oil / ounce
1-4 years (unless very small)
5-8 drops essential oil / ounce
6-7 years
5-10 drops essential oil / ounce
9-12 years
5-12 drops essential oil / ounce
12 years to young adult
10-15 drops essential oil / ounce
DO NOT USE AN ESSENTIAL OIL NEAT (undiluted ) on children’s skin, unless indicated to do so for a specific condition. If your child has very sensitive skin, it is important to test a small area before using a new single oil or blend. Keep essential oils away from the eyes. When using citrus oils - orange, bergamot, lemon, tangerine, mandarin, and lime - do not use where the skin will be exposed to sunlight for the next 12 hours. These oils are considered 'phototoxic', and can react from the sun's rays. They may be used in a bath, however, where they will be washed off the skin when the bath is done.
Essential oils are not to be taken orally (by mouth). When your child is taking medications, reduce the amount of essential oil by half the amount recommended for their age group.
Carrier oils for children
Sweet Almond oil is generally regarded as the safest and best overall carrier oil for use with babies and children. Apricot kernel oil is also considered extremely safe with children over 6. Jojoba oil can be added at about 10% concentration for any blend – it has a soothing effect on the skin and is good for hair.
There is nothing better for any child than the loving, nurturing touch of a parent. A gentle hug, a smile, a kiss on the cheek all reassure the child and help the parent and child to bond. These everyday forms of connection are instinctual and children thrive from it.
Research shows that massage can help children’s growth both physically and emotionally. In hospitals, studies done with premature baby’s show that touch is an essential aspect of the children’s ability to thrive.
Using aromatherapeutic nurturing touch massage can be therapeutic to both the child and the parent. Using a light, conscientious tough you can massage your child’s feet, arms, hands, back, abdomen, and even legs. The massage should always be done with loving intention and the work is done in the direction that the blood flows from ankles to leg; from wrist to shoulder, etc.
Here are a few suggested blends for this wonderful method – each is in one (1) ounce of Sweet Almond oil:
Restful Sleep – 4 drops lavender, 2 drops Roman Chamomile
Happy Child – 3 drops Rose, 1 drop Neroli
Calm and Relaxed – 3 drops Petitgrain, 3 drops Neroli
Emotional Nurturing – 1 drop Rose, 1 drop Vanilla, 2 drops Lavender
For a Baby oil blend, to be used as a moisturizer OR massage oil (note: the frequent washing of a baby's skin actually makes it difficult for them to retain vitamin C; application of a quality skin oil will help them keep adequate supplies of this important nutrient).
1 ounce of organic sweet almond oil or hazelnut oil
1 drop of pure Lavender essential oil
1 drop of Vanilla essential oil
OR
1 ounce of organic sweet almond oil
2 drops of pure Lavender essential oil
1 drop of pure Chamomile (German) essential oil
The above blends can also be added to the bath. One teaspoon with the following amount of essential oils added can be added AFTER the bath is filled, per the age of the child: 3-5 years, 2 drops; 6-8 years, 3 drops; 8-11 years, 5 drops. Perhaps the easiest way to do this would be to make a full strength blend (without a carrier oil) of your choice, then dilute as needed for the application.
Inhalation of essential oils
For inhalation, one can apply one or two drops to a handkerchief and inhale, or add oils to a water misting bottle or humidifier. Calming essential oils that may be used are Lavender (recommended for sleep – one to four drops can be placed under the pillow), Mandarin, Roman Chamomile, Ho Wood (an ecologically friendly replacement for Rosewood), Tangerine, Petitgrain, Vanilla, and Neroli. Use these oils singly, create your own blend, or use one of the body oil blends above without the carrier oil. A few drops per quart of water in a mister sprayed throughout a room or added humidifier reservoir will do.
For an anti-anxiety blend: Try 5 drops bergamot, 1 drop lavender and 3 drops geranium – dilute to 10 drops per ½ pint of water for a room spray or use in a humidifier, or dilute to the appropriate level for your child's age if using topically. For alertness, try lemon, bergamot, grapefruit or pine, either singly or in a blend that pleases your senses (usually the best way to blend is to trust your nose!)
Essential oils can also be used in a candle lamp or warmer – with the oil gently evaporated from the surface of a small bowl of water by the heat of a candle. An electric nebulizing diffuser is generally not recommended for use with children, as the concentration of oils in the air can be too high.
Last but not least, essential oils are wonderful antiseptics.
Cuts and scrapes are simply a way of life for the little ones! A great blend for minor wounds is a 1:1 mix of Lavender and Tea Tree oil. The lavender is soothing, anti-inflammatory, and has regenerative 'ketones', while the tea tree is a strong antiseptic used for many generations by native Australians. Use this blend in the water used for cleaning wounds, and apply a few drops to the gauze of a bandage – do not apply directly to the skin as it will be unnecessarily irritating. On the bandage, however, it will be soothing and accelerate the healing process.
So this is a very brief overview of using essential oils with children. There are many, many diverse applications for essential oils for almost every conceivable minor ailment seen in childhood. The key is knowledge – finding a good practitioner, or reputable resource for your needs. For further reading, books by Valerie Ann Woorwood are excellent: "Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child" and "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy"; for safety data, see "Essential Oil Safety" by Robert Tisserand and Tony Balacs. The essential oils mentioned within this article are recognized as safe for most individuals – if you or your child are recognized as having a specific illness, and/or are under a doctor's regular care, please consult an appropriate practitioner before proceeding.
That said, aromatherapy can be a very fun and rewarding endeavor for both you and your child. Essential oils have benefited the lives of many the world over, and have a little bit of plant magic available to everyone.
Overview of the biological circadian clock in humans. Biological clock affects the daily rhythm of many physiological processes. This diagram depicts the circadian patterns typical of someone who rises early in the morning, eats lunch around noon, and sleeps at night (10 p.m.). Although circadian rhythms tend to be synchronized with cycles of light and dark, other factors - such as ambient temperature, meal times, stress and exercise - can influence the timing as well.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The inability to get to sleep at night is a HUGE problem for many people. If you fall into this category, be assured there IS hope to break out of the cycle.
Insomnia is a silent disease that drains the human resources that allow the body and mind to function normally. Lack of energy, unable to concentrate, grumpiness, prone to catching other ailments – ALL related to not being able to get regular and relaxing sleep.
Doctors are happy to prescribe pills and suggest other ‘possible’ remedies, but they are NOT solving the problem. If the truth is known, they really have no idea how to offer you permanent relief from this affliction, so they follow the basic procedure of offering temporary relief. Repeat business allows them to continue earning the dollars. It’s a sad but true story and you remain a victim of the system.
If they took the time to analyze every patient with a sleeping disorder and coordinated the data collected, they would easily be able to determine that the causes of INSOMNIA, can be directly attributable to stress, no matter what the age of the patient is. Everybody suffers from some form of stress. It’s how the stress is handled that dictates whether or not it affects the person’s sleeping patterns and to what degree.
Controlling stress levels has a positive effect in the battle against Insomnia and a number of other sleeping disorders. Finding a workable solution isn’t rocket science. Below are a few free tips you can try out and you will be amazed at just how well they work.
Breaking the cycle that is preventing you from getting to sleep is what you need to concentrate on. You need to replace the negative stressful thoughts with ones that will assist you in getting to sleep.
All of these are tried and tested by myself and have helped me over the years. They can be used individually or as a group. Some things may not break the negative cycle for you, but others will. Some are also dependant on whether or not you sleep alone.
I still find the most useful method for me, has been the ‘counting of sheep.’ Don’t laugh, it REALLY works, but not in the way you may have tried it. Most people using this method will start at one and count until oblivion. Yes, sleep is achieved, but it is as a result of boredom and therefore not a structured remedy.
To apply this tip properly and achieve quick and regular results, pick a number close to one hundred and count BACKWARDS until you reach one. The reason for doing it this way is that you have a finishing point and, at that finishing point, you will achieve sleep. Each time you count a number, take a long deep breath. It may not work the first time but it WILL work. If you reach one or you forget where you are up to, simply start again at the number close to one hundred. Doing this clears your mind of the other thoughts that are getting in the way of you getting to sleep and gives you a positive focal point for your efforts. It’s simple and VERY effective.
You can also try these to break the cycle.
As you are laying there in bed, waiting for you sleep cycle to kick in, gently start to jiggle your leg or your arm, as if you are keeping the beat to your favorite tune. Put your radio on with the volume as low as possible so you can barely hear it. You straining to listen plus the jiggling will create its own sleep cycle and you will find yourself easily drifting off into slumberland. This method isn’t compatible if you have a sleeping partner. You may have to find a single bed to test this out. A small price to pay to be able to sleep, don’t you think?
Naturally, there are other ‘factors’ that affect whether or not you are able to achieve regular and relaxing sleeping patterns. These are outside influences that you don’t have any control over, like noise and annoying light, etc. Ideally, your sleeping environment should be dark, quiet and a place where you can feel safe and relaxed. Once you have ‘mastered’ and are in control of these simple tips, you will find that you will be able to adapt to any environment quite easily because you will KNOW that you are able to sleep when you want to.
It is timely to mention one more tip that took me a long time to discover. This definitely had a negative effect on any method I tried. I discovered that your body has a better chance of relaxing and therefore give you a better chance of getting to sleep if it isn’t too hot. I used to go to bed with socks on because my feet were always cold. Wearing socks to bed is a DEFINITE NO - NO! They tend to overheat your whole body and disturb any sleep patterns you may develop. The use of electric blankets has a similar bad effect. You have a much better chance of sleeping when your body is cooler and NOT hotter.
I had stress related problems that affected my ability to sleep and I solved the problem. You can as well!
The tips detailed above, coupled with my simple 5 minute – 9 step technique, have successfully helped me achieve regular and relaxing sleeping patterns for over 27 years. I sincerely hope that sharing these tips with you will help you achieve at least some relief from your problem and establish my credibility with you.
Don’t you think it is time to stop repeatedly paying Doctors for partial solutions when they really don’t know how to help you? Isn’t it a better proposition to follow the successful working techniques of someone who has traveled the road you are now on?
Please visit my website for the entire solution and feel free to email me any questions or comments, as many others have done. I wish you pleasant dreams.
Worldwide Renewable energy, existing capacities, at end of 2008, from REN21.http://www.ren21.net/globalstatusreport/g2009.asp Total energy, is from BP Statistical Review.http://www.bp.com/statisticalreview (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Germans have really taken off when it comes to renewable fuel sources, and have become one of the major players in the alternative energy game. Under the aegis of the nation's electricity feed laws, the German people set a world record in 2006 by investing over $10 billion (US) in research, development, and implementation of wind turbines, biogas power plants, and solar collection cells. Germany's “feed laws” permit the German homeowners to connect to an electrical grid through some source of renewable energy and then sell back to the power company any excess energy produced at retail prices. This economic incentive has catapulted Germany into the number-one position among all nations with regards to the number of operational solar arrays, biogas plants, and wind turbines. The 50-terawatt-hours of electricity produced by these renewable energy sources account for 10% of all of Germany's energy production per year. In 2006 alone, Germany installed 100,000 solar energy collection systems.
Over in the US, the BP corporation has established an Energy Biosciences Institute (EBI) to spearhead extensive new research and development efforts into clean-burning renewable energy sources, most prominently biofuels for ground vehicles. BP's investment comes to $50 million (US) per year over the course of the next decade. This EBI will be physically located at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The University is in partnership with BP, and it will be responsible for research and development of new biofuel crops, biofuel-delivering agricultural systems, and machines to produce renewable fuels in liquid form for automobile consumption. The University will especially spearhead efforts in the field of genetic engineering with regard to creating the more advanced biofuel crops. The EBI will additionally have as a major focal point technological innovations for converting heavy hydrocarbons into pollution-free and highly efficient fuels.
Also in the US, the battle rages on between Congress and the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA). The GEA's Executive Director Karl Gawell has recently written to the Congress and the Department of Energy, the only way to ensure that DOE and OMB do not simply revert to their irrational insistence on terminating the geothermal research program is to schedule a congressional hearing specifically on geothermal energy, its potential, and the role of federal research. Furthermore, Gawell goes on to say that recent studies by the National Research Council, the Western Governors' Association Clean Energy Task Force and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology all support expanding geothermal research funding to develop the technology necessary to utilize this vast, untapped domestic renewable energy resource. Supporters of geothermal energy, such as this writer, are amazed at the minuscule amount of awareness that the public has about the huge benefits that research and development of the renewable alternative energy source would provide the US, both practically and economically. Geothermal energy is already less expensive to produce in terms of kilowatt-hours than the coal that the US keeps mining. Geothermal energy is readily available, sitting just a few miles below our feet and easily accessible through drilling. One company, Ormat, which is the third largest geothermal energy producer in the US and has plants in several different nations, is already a billion-dollar-per-year business—geothermal energy is certainly economically viable.
Succulent plants, such as this Aloe, store water in their fleshy leaves (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The aloe plant has been used to treat various types of ailments for centuries. Studies confirmed the many health benefits of drinking the juice such as improving one's immune system and digestion. Drinking the juice can have as many healing qualities as the topical treatments. Aloe veradrinks are definitely a nice way to get refreshed and be healthy at the same time. I must warn you though because the plant contains a vegetable-like taste which will take time for you to get used to. A lot of people can't tolerate the taste and the smell but you can add sweeteners and fruits according to your choice to make the drink tastier.
One of my favorite aloe vera drinks that I like to prepare at home is the choco-banana aloe smoothie. For this recipe, you will need a glass of chocolate milk, 250ml skim milk or soya milk, 8 tablespoons aloe gel and 1 large banana. Just blend everything together and enjoy. If you're not a huge fan of chocolate and banana then you might want to try the strawberry honey aloe smoothie. You need to blend 1 pound of fresh strawberries, ½ juiced lemon, ½ cup ginger tea, 2 tablespoons honey and 8 tablespoons of the gel. This is a really good refreshment. Even the kids are going to like it.
If you're watching your weight, you can make the non-fat fruity aloe smoothie. For this recipe, you will need: ¼ cup sliced apple, ¼ cup banana, 1 juiced orange, 4 tablespoons honey and 8 tablespoons of the gel. Blend everything together and enjoy. Aloe vera drinks are great for improving your digestive system and your overall well-being.
There are plenty of ways on how you can enjoy the best of this miraculous plant. Add any fruit or juice of your choice and crushed ice if you don't have a blender at home. When I'm too lazy to make a smoothie, I just add orange juice with the prepared gel and I take it 30 minutes before my meal to aid with my digestion.
