Thursday, January 3, 2019

AROMATHERPY MASSAGE OIL – Adding Ease To Your Life

Massage in Frankfurt, Germany
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Hectic schedule may be leaving you stressful resulting in enormous strain and pressure. If you too are caught up in the same situation and looking for a solution to relieve the stress, then massage with aromatherapy massage oil can be the perfect solution to get relaxed and regaining the freshness that you had missing for a long time. 

Massage serves as an active stress antidote. Various massage oils are available in the market but if you are looking for the best and the natural one then aromatherapy massage oil would definitely pose to be the best option.

Nature presents the best cure.  In the past, natural herbs were used as an ailment to curb the disease and other problems. But, in the past few decades, the whole arena has changed there has been a rapid increase in the usage of chemicals, which have adversely affected the body and skin of many people. 

But, aromatherapy has introduced a breakthrough to the shell of troubles that artificial oil massages have been creating. Relax and cure various joint with a little massage all over your body with aromatherapy massage oil.

Aromatherapy massage oil can be put to diverse uses namely relaxation, romance, stress reliever, children’s massage and many more depending on your aspirations and needs. Just a simple massage with aromatherapy massage oil works as a helpful healing process, where disease or injury has occurred in muscles, connective tissues, bones or any other part of the body. 

You can choose the most appropriate massage oil that suits your needs and aspirations the best. If you find it difficult to decide which aromatherapy massage oil is appropriate for you, seek the advice of professional cosmetologist who can guide about the suitable oil that suits your type of skin to the best.

You can look for massage oils in the shops nearer to your home. But, in case you don’t want to indulge in troubles involved in going out and shopping. One easier and faster option is available, the Internet. You can browse through various sites selling access wide range of aromatherapy massage oil. They also give you the benefit of reasonable low prices on bulk purchase of aromatherapy massage oil.  

The Internet can be the one stop shop for you, you can compare the prices of massage oil offered by various sellers and can choose the appropriate message oil accordingly.

Get stress free the natural way with aromatherapy massage oil that can help you relieve the stress by activating your body cells and toning your body. Make the best use of Internet shopping that gives you an added advantage of getting the desired massage oil from the comfort of your home.



Wednesday, January 2, 2019

ACNE 101

Acne vulgaris
Acne vulgaris (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
It is the bane of a person’s existence. Everybody gets it; everybody hates it. And once you have it, prepare to be tormented, embarrassed and humiliated. Such a small bump, so much at stake. So what is this little bundle of horror? What else but the dreaded pimple!

A pimple, or acne as some people call it, is a dreaded red, swollen bump in the face. Nobody is spared from having it. Male or female, American, Chinese or Puerto Rican, they all have gotten it at some points of their lives and may even still have it. It is like a universal language; it is like a right of passage in a person’s life. Acne is a result of the hormones action on the skin's oil glands (the sebaceous gland) which leads to clogged pores and the outbreak of lesions like pimples, blemishes or acne. Acne commonly occurs in the neck, face, back, shoulders and chest because the sebaceous glands are most abundant in these locations. But the important question we should be asking to be able to avoid this dreaded “disease” is, “What causes this pain in the neck called acne?”

Unfortunately, the causes of acne cannot really be determined (unless your parents or their parents are acne infested too then there’s a big, big chance you’ll be called acne face by your peers and classmates) thus the acne myths are born! These myths claim to be the cause of acne. We shall enumerate them here.

Acne Myth Number 1

Acne is caused by not washing your face often and not scrubbing it hard enough. Many believed that acne is caused by dirt and dust in the face and by washing your face two-three even four times a day or even by scrubbing your face hard can prevent acne. Wrong, wrong, wrong! It is true that dirt and dust are unsightly to the face and washing the face is the way to eradicate them but washing often can actually irritate the skin more. Washing should not be done more than twice a day. More than twice is enough to strip the face of its natural oils making it dry. Also, scrubbing can cause inflammations. Washing the face should be done as gently as possible with the gentlest facial scrub.

Acne Myth Number 2

Improper Diet can cause acne. Certain foods that are oily like French fries and junk food can cause acne to erupt in our face. But scientific studies have not discovered any connection between these two. So this means that food does not cause acne. Though a proper and healthy diet is always good for our system, eating like a pig won’t make pimples a permanent resident in your face. So feel free to eat your favorite Lay’s, French fries and chocolates anytime.

Acne Myth Number 3

When you’re stressed acne tends to pop on your face like popcorn pops from a kernel. Not true. Stress is a part of our daily lives and believes it or not it is not a contributing factor to the acne residing in your face. Only severe stress treated by the doctor MAY cause acne to erupt only as a side effect of the drugs a person may be taking. If this is the case, consult your doctor immediately.




Monday, December 31, 2018

Along Came the ALOE VERA Magic For Ulcers

English: Aloe vera fields
Aloe vera fields (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Aloe's use in medicine has climbed up the charts with time. From the time it was first discovered in Africa, this lily look-alike with thick, green leaves set in a rosette pattern has been the fascination of the medical world for its multiple uses. Its leaves, the pulp, the latex, the juice and the capsule are popular versions of aloe vera used for its medicinal values. Aloe is a storehouse of vitamins, amino acids, minerals and enzymes.

Aloe is generally used topically in the treatment of burns, scalds, sunburn, eczema, skin irritation, wounds, ulcers, dermatitis, psoriasis, acne and regeneration of cells. As a skin softener and cosmetic Aloe is very popular and widely used. Macrophages being fighting bacterial infection in our body on the behest of aloe vera making it a very effective medication for burns and wounds. Aloe vera increases blood flow to the affected areas thereby helping the wound or burn to heal faster.

Pyoderma gangrenosum, A medical condition whic...
 Pyoderma gangrenosum (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Carboxypeptidase and bradykininase are two enzymes found in aloe. They aid in the reduction of swelling, inflammation, itching and pain. Wounds heal faster with aloe treatment even in surgical and traumatic cases. Vitamin E, C, polysaccharides and zinc found in aloe help reduce inflammation and aid in the repair process.

Insect bites and small wounds are treated using aloe juice. Aloe juice forms a protective layer which is like plaster over the injury. What makes aloe a first-class skincare product is its astringent and calming properties. Aloe is also used in the treatment of hemorrhoids.

Studies have shown that aloe vera is capable of treating skin cancer and damage. Psoriasis and other skin diseases also respond to aloe treatment. Frostbite cases have shown a reduction in the incidence of amputation and tissue loss when aloe is used in treatment.

    By: Jimmy Jenkins Ray
    Aloe Vera products have great medicinal value and can be used to cure skin diseases, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease etc. You can find out more about it at http://www.aloeelite.com.

    Article Directory: EzineArticles


Saturday, December 29, 2018

Erasing Lines with ACUPUNCTURE

English: A man drinking tea in Bangladesh on a...
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Getting older is something that none of us really enjoy.  Not only does it make it more difficult for us to live life in general, but it also begins to show, such as in the wrinkles on our face.  Far too many people try to remove these wrinkles by use of dangerous medical treatments that include injecting chemicals under our skin or using them to actually peel part of our face away.  Many people have turned to natural medicine in an effort to turn back the hands of time.  One of the ways that they use is that of acupuncture.  Is acupuncture actually able to give you a facelift?

As acupuncture becomes more common in Western society, many people have turned to this natural practice in order to help with their healing and their overall health.  Although this practice is able to bring a balance back to our body, it cannot be considered as a facelift, regardless of what it can do for us individually.  This is because acupuncture does not do anything to us medically that could be considered a facelift such as make incisions or use chemicals.  That doesn't mean, however, that I cannot give us a more youthful appearance.

Maintaining our health from the inside out is one sure way for us to look younger and to feel younger.  Acupuncture is simply one way for us to maintain this style of health.  When used in conjunction with other natural methods such as supplementing with vitamins and eating a proper diet, you would be surprised at what it can do for your overall appearance.  It can also help to stimulate areas of the face that will assist in removing some of the wrinkles hopefully but it will really do its wonders when it comes to improving our health from the inside.





Whenever we are healthy and in balance we sleep better, eat better and are overall more relaxed.  This will do a lot for the way that we look on the outside because we are feeling good on the inside.  Acupuncture can bring your body back into a naturally balanced condition that will give you this glow and make you feel and look younger.  Of course, your acupuncturist may also ask you to maintain your help in other ways, but this Chinese practice can point you in the direction of a more youthful look.


Friday, December 28, 2018

Anuloma-Viloma - YOGIC BREATHING For Better Health - Pranayama

Instructor de Kundalini yoga practicando Pranayama
Pranayama (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Swami Kuvalyanand once said: “Yoga has a message for the human body, for the human mind and the human spirit.”

This is a truism as a healthy body is a prime requisite for success and happiness in life. People are increasingly being convinced that yoga makes for good health, contentment and happiness in present day stressful life and is not just an exercise regimen.

In this article, we will discuss Anuloma-Viloma (alternate breathing) pranayama. Pranayama simply means proper ‘management’ of the vital force - prana. Although the basic principle remains the same, many different types of pranayama have been devised, each with its own unique technique. Anuloma-Viloma or nadi shuddhi pranayama (nerve purifying pranayama) is one such kind and is considered one of the basic forms.

The practice of Anuloma Viloma is somewhat like the squad that regulates traffic on roads, looks after their cleanliness, beautification, etc and keeps the traffic moving smoothly and efficiently. The method involves breathing in (pooraka) through one nostril and vice versa. Therefore this pranayama has the name anuloma viloma, i.e. alternate breathing.

To practice this, you have to sit in any of the yogic sitting postures. To begin with, carry on normal breathing applying moola bandha (i.e. comfortable anal contraction). Keeping a stable moola bandha, breathe in and breathe out completely. Ensure that the moola bandha is not loosened during the process. Pause for a while between breathing in and breathing out. Breathe in deeply through the left nostril and breathe out through the right; then breathe in through the right and out through the left. Continue breathing this way, i.e. alternately from left and right nostrils, for one to three minutes.

After reaching a comfort level in this way, you may move to the next stage. Close the right nostril with the right thumb keeping the other four fingers together. Now, slowly breathe in through the left nostril at a uniform speed. Repeat with the other nostril. While breathing in, raise the shoulders and expand the chest taking the ribs up. The lower abdominal region, however, must be held in.

Benefits: The respiratory passage is cleaned and this prepares one well for the practice of other pranayamas. Breathing becomes easy and regulated. The mind becomes and heartbeat rhythmic. Also aids in enhancing concentration, memory and other mental faculties.



Contraindications: Severe pain in the abdomen, swelling on account of appendicitis, enlargement of liver, very delicate bowels or intestines, disorders of the lungs, severe throat infections, growth in the nose (polypus) or blockage of the nasal passage due to cold, etc.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautions before following any of the asanas from this article and the site. To avoid any problems while doing the asanas, it is advised that you consult a doctor and a yoga instructor. The responsibility lies solely with the reader and not with the site or the writer.




Thursday, December 27, 2018

Benefits of GEMSTONE SPHERES in Your Wiccan Supplies

Part of the raw material a lapidary may use. T...
Part of the raw material a lapidary may use. These are tumble-polished gemstones. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Using gemstone spheres and adding them to your Wiccan supplies can be incredibly beneficial for many reasons.

Gemstones, in general, have much different healing, protection, attraction, and purification based properties that by themselves can be quite potent. When added to your rituals and spells these effects can be two-fold.

The benefit of gemstone spheres, however, is that they are good sized orbs and the energy concentrated within them is amplified. Being circular, gemstone spheres also make excellent tools for diving and divination purposes which will be discussed below.

Gemstone Spheres for Healing Purposes:

Gemstone spheres can have remarkable healing powers. Depending on the type of gemstone you have or want to get, they all have their own innate abilities that can enhance your own power.

Whether you are looking for healing emotional, mental, or even physical ailments, gemstone spheres can be used to help these issues.

A good way to use a gemstone sphere would be to take the stone and gently roll it around your body slowly going from head to toe. Focus on your forehead, chest, and stomach in particular, but by performing this slow rolling motion will have the gemstone sphere's energies go into and through your whole body.

This can be done as a prelude to a ritual, during a ritual, after a ritual, or all three depending on what you are comfortable with.

For example, if you were to perform a ritual to heal or purge negativity within and around you, a good stone for this would be the quartz gemstone sphere as quartz is incredibly powerful in eliminating negativity. You would take the quartz gemstone sphere and before you perform your ritual, roll it slowly over your body(ensure it makes direct contact with your skin) and say a prayer as you do so:
"Negativity within, you will leave 
You have no more power over me 
With this stone I purge you away 
In my body you will no longer stay"
The above is just an example you may use, you can create your own if you wish, whatever is comfortable.

Using the gemstone spheres in such a manner is also very soothing and calming. Another idea would be to use them as a massaging tool as well. If you normally perform massages for friends or lovers, you can have them lay on their stomach and you can take your gemstone sphere and gently roll it up and down their neck, back, and legs which will guarantee an even more pleasant massage.

If you or someone you know is suffering from illness such as a cold, flu, or even something more severe, you can take your gemstone sphere and use its energies for this as well. Again, rolling the stone over the body is best, you can even have the person who is inflicted with the illness hold the stone as you perform a prayer or ritual for them. With them holding the gemstone sphere directly, they will be able to draw in the stone's energies directly. One gemstone sphere that is excellent for ailments such as detoxify the liver, lowering blood pressure, fever reduction, speeding up recovery from burns, and can alleviate cramps is the Chrysocolla gemstone.

Divination Uses For Gemstone Spheres:

Gemstone spheres make excellent compliments to your crystal ball, scrying mirror, or pendulum if you use divination.

Many gemstone spheres have the ability to enhance your abilities as you are crying and diving, so having a gemstone located right next to your crystal ball or scrying mirror can be very beneficial. One such gemstone sphere that promotes psychic awareness, enhances mental powers and increases strength is Black Amethyst.

As noted, these gemstones can also be used for specific rituals and spells as well, being used as a sole tool or as a compliment tool. If you are performing a ritual for prosperity and to gain more wealth, you can use a Malachite Gemstone Sphere which promotes prosperity, wealth, better business, and to protect the money you already have.




Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Do I Dare To Call It TATTOO ART?

English: A tattoo artist at work during Ink Bo...
A tattoo artist at work during Ink Bomb 2011 in Seoul, South Korea (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I have been an artist for as long as I can remember. In fact, I remember my kindergarten teacher sending home notes to my parents telling them how much I excelled in all areas connected with art. She told them that I had great potential to be a wonderful artist. So it was only natural when I decided to attend university to study art and when I was hired by a magazine to run their art department. One of the most fascinating assignments I have had so far is to visit various tattoo shops in order to write a piece about tattoo art for our magazine.

I was a little bit hesitant to work on this project because my goal was to get a well-rounded picture of what kinds of tattoo art are popular right now and to figure out the main reasons why people are rushing to get tattoo art on various places of their bodies. My main problem was that I had never really considered tattoos art. So I struggled over how I was supposed to write a piece about "tattoo art" when I didn't agree that it was true art.

During the project, my photographer and I spent time in ten different tattoo art shops. We interviewed each owner, several tattoo artists at each shop, and various customers at each place we went. My photographer did several formal and informal photo shoots to get enough photos of tattoo art for our piece. I was honestly amazed at what I discovered as I worked on this piece. I learned that tattoo art really is an art. I learned that it is much more detailed, intricate and sometimes beautiful than I ever expected it to be.

I changed my mind about tattoo art primarily as I discussed the profession with the tattoo artist themselves. They had the most fascinating stories of how hey learned to do tattoo art and of why they desired to do it in the first place. They shared lifelong dreams of getting to make the human body more beautiful and of their years struggling through various art and drawing classes to perfect their abilities to design tattoo art.

The whole process of someone receiving tattoo art on their body is much more complicated than I ever imagined. In fact, by the time I finished my piece I had nothing but respect and admiration for everything involved in the process of making tattoo art a reality for people.


Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Accessing Your SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE


For the last 35 years, I have been working with individuals, couples and families, as well as business relationships. I have 8 published books on relationships and healing, some of them best-sellers. In the first half of my career, I worked as a traditional psychotherapist and was not happy with the results. In the last 18 years, I have worked with a process called Inner Bonding, which is a powerful six-step psychological and spiritual healing process. I discovered that there is no real healing without a personal connection with a source of spiritual guidance.

Everyone in recovery - whether from alcohol, drugs, food, spending, gambling, sex, TV, codependency, or any other addiction - knows that they cannot heal without a connection with their Higher Power, yet for many, this connection is elusive. It is a common experience for me to work with people who have been in Twelve Steps for years yet still don't have a direct, personal experience of their Higher Power. All of us want a direct line to our spiritual Guidance. We need this help in maintaining abstinence and taking responsibility for ourselves. We want to know what is in our highest good, what is the right decision in different situations, how to set appropriate boundaries, and how to manifest what we want.

It is the birthright of each of us to have a direct line to God, whatever God is for you. Yet few of us have learned how to do this at will on a daily basis. Surprisingly, however, it is not hard to do.

The spiritual realm exists at a higher frequency than we do here on the physical plane of Planet Earth. In order to access the spiritual realm, we need to know how to raise our "frequency".

One way to understand "frequency" is to imagine a room filled with people who are sharing love and joy with each other. This room has a feeling of lightness--a high frequency--whereas a room filled with angry, tense people has a feeling of heaviness--a low frequency.

So, how do we raise our frequency? There are numerous things you can do to help yourself raise your frequency, but none of them will work unless you have the intent to learn with Spirit about loving yourself and others.

Our intent is the most powerful tool we have for raising our frequency. There are only two possible intents in any given moment: to learn with God/Spirit about loving yourself and others, or to protect against your pain and avoid responsibility for your feelings. When our intent is to protect and avoid we seek to control - through our various addictions - our feelings, others' feelings and behavior, and the outcome of things. When our intent is to learn, we seek to take responsibility for our own feelings and behavior by discovering what we may be thinking or doing that is unloving to ourselves and others, and what would be loving.

You can try many methods of raising your frequency, from prayer to meditation to chanting, but if your intent is to protect instead of learning, none of these will do any good at all. The reason is that when the intent is to protect against pain, we close our heart so as not to feel whatever we are feeling. God cannot come through a closed heart.

We are each given free will when we come to this planet. This means that we get to choose our intent - to be open or closed, loving or unloving, protected against pain or taking responsibility for our feelings. While the love that is God is all-powerful, it cannot come into a closed heart. Just as the air you breathe cannot come into your lungs until you take a breath, the love, power and wisdom that is God cannot enter you're being until you choose the intent to learn about loving.

When you have a true, pure intent to learn, your frequency automatically raises. None of the actions I suggest below will raise your frequency without this intent. However, once you have this intent, the following actions can help to further raise your frequency.

• Move into your imagination. Your imagination is a gift from God. When you move into your imagination, you raise your frequency and tap into the source of your creativity and inspiration. Our willingness to move into and trust our imagination is essential to being able to connect with our personal spiritual Guidance When you first begin to utilize your imagination to increase your frequency and connect with God, you might feel as if you are just using your imagination to make things up. However, as you take the risk of trusting what you think you are "making up," you will discover that it really is coming through you from God rather than from you.



• Keep your body clear. Your body is an energy system. If your body's energy is clogged with drugs, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, heavy foods, lots of food or foods contaminated with pesticides, preservatives, artificial sweeteners or any of the thousands of chemicals that are added to foods, your frequency is lowered.

• Pray. Sincere prayers of gratitude and asking God for help in healing all blocks to loving can raise your frequency.

• Chant. Repetitive prayers, chants and mantras can open you to higher frequencies, as can singing in general.

• Dance. Rapid repetitive movement, such as Native American drumming dances, may open you to higher frequencies.

• Spend time in nature. The frequency of a city is far lower than the frequency of nature. Being among trees and flowers, near a river, creek or lake, at the ocean, in the desert, or on a mountain can all raise your frequency.

• Listen to classical or spiritual music.

• Do creative, artistic activities. Moving into your creative imagination raises the frequency.

• Use incense or do "smudging." Incense has been used for centuries to raise the frequency and invite spiritual connection. "Smudging" is using the smoke from various dried plants such as sage, pine, cedar and lavender to clear the energies in a room and raise the frequency. Smudging has been used for thousands of years by indigenous peoples throughout the world.

• Lighting candles. Candlelight, too, has been used for thousands of years to clear the air and raise the frequency.

If you get into the habit of asking yourself throughout the day, "What is my intent? Am I trying to control something, or is my deepest desire at the moment to learn about loving myself and others?", you will begin to understand the intent. This will eventually lead you into the hearing, feeling, and seeing your personal spiritual Guidance.




Saturday, December 22, 2018

Can DREAM INTERPRETATION Be A Valid Method For Self-growth?


Tom Paine asleep, having a nightmare
Tom Paine asleep, having a nightmare (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
My answer is Yes. But to answer the question of how can it be so...well... to be frank, I have no straight answers. All I can say is that the guiding hand of the intelligence of soul/higher self/Source works in mysterious ways. An understanding of our dreams is the most direct way of tapping into this cosmic intelligence. This is one of the easier methods when compared to other means such as clairvoyance training and other psychic developments. The reason for this ease is because of most of us dream!

Interestingly, dream interpretation can also be applied in other areas too. It can be and has been used successfully to interpret the symbols of our clairvoyant vision while in meditation. Understanding the symbology can assist one in bridging a transition onto higher and more abstract means of knowing.

There are certain skills that I feel is important for a successful dream interpretation. One of which is a developed intuition. Unfortunately, this faculty is something that no dream interpretation software or tool can have. It is something that only we ourselves can nurture.

Intuition is what binds and creates recognizable connections to the seemingly unrelated dream visions and symbols. This, in turn, structures the connections into a cohesive and meaningful message. 

Intuition is not mental reasoning. It is simply that inner knowing of feeling/sense that is beyond logic and reasoning. Intuition is, in fact, a real cognitive process. Unfortunately, our modern civilization is heavily 'mental-rationalization driven' and therefore is not in the capacity to validate a higher order process such as intuition. In other words, we have been placing too much emphasis on logic, proving and reasoning. 

Intuition, sometimes it doesn't tell you the outcomes of events. In my cases, it is simply an inner knowing that explains and provides answers. 

If the thoughts are those of how superior one really is and is smacked with elitism and pride, then one better take a closer assessment, before getting too carried away. These thoughts might not be intuitions. If they imply things like "You will be rich and famous if you do this' or 'she must be wrong as I am smarter', do a double check. That thought may be coming from the part of the ego/personality associated with body-mind survival.



Friday, December 21, 2018

How To Use RUNES In Psychic Readings


There are many ways to read runes. Any book on runes will give you several different ways to read runes and other ways of divination. There are easy and also more complicated ways to cast runes and give psychic readings. You will want to get into a routine for your readings.

One such routine is to lay down your rune cloth and pour all of the runes out on the cloth, right side up. Put the runes in alphabetical order, keeping the blank rune separate. Say a prayer, of your choosing to guide you in your reading. Turn the runes over and mix them around, concentrating on your question as you do. When you feel they have been mixed enough, you are ready to choose the runes and begin your reading.

Your particular routine can involve burning incense or candles, do whatever makes you feel comfortable. You will find that if you perform this each time you are ready to do a psychic reading, it will help you get focused.

Unless you are casting the runes for a yes or no question, you will need to ask your question in a specific manner. Instead of asking "will I be rich?" Ask "what can I do to become wealthy?" Be specific.

The One Rune Draw.

The question is asked and one rune is drawn, either from the bag of runes or from the runes spread face down on the cloth. This one rune will give you an answer to your question if you wish to keep things simple.

The Three-Rune Draw.

While focusing on the question, draw three runes. Do this in the same manner of the one rune draw. The first rune is the Overview of the situation and will give you a generalized understanding of the question. The second rune is Course of Action and will tell you what you action you may want to take in the situation. The third rune tells the outcome of the situation. The runes cannot tell you that you must take a certain action. You are given options and will need to decide yourself.

The Yes or No Draw.

Focus on your question and draw three runes in the same manner that you do in the other two draws. Check to see how many runes are upright and how many are reversed. If the runes that have been drawn are not reversible, you need to know if the meaning of the rune is positive or negative in its theme. If all three runes are of a positive nature, the answer is yes. When all three runes are negative the answer is no. The runes will generally tell you what you might do to improve your chance of turning this around. When two runes are positive and one is negative, your answer is yes, yet there is something that you will not be happy within the situation. When two runes are negative and one is positive, the answer is, of course, negative.



Thursday, December 20, 2018

Alternative BIPOLAR MEDICATIONS

Vincent van Gogh, The Starry Night. Oil on can...
Vincent van Gogh, The Starry Night.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Bipolar is considered a major disorder that can greatly affect an individual and his family. There are many definitions of this illness. One definition states that a person with bipolar disorder experiences extreme elations that alternates with deep depression. Bipolar disorder is also called manic depression. Generally, it is characterized by depressive episodes and accompanied by a manic episode.

To put it simply, bipolar disorder affects feelings, thoughts, behavior, and perceptions. Experts say that it is brought about by the chemical and electrical elements found in the brain that are not functioning properly. Some say that it runs in the family, so families having a history of bipolar disorder or other mental illnesses are more prone to having the disorder.

There are certain medications given for bipolar patients, and not all of them are quite comfortable taking daily doses of different medications. Most of them are interested to secure supplemental or alternative therapies rather than taking prescription medications.

Omega 3

There are many kinds of research showing that omega 3 found in fish oils and in certain fishes are excellent for bipolar patients, as well as those having mental illnesses. There was significant research done in 30 bipolar patients for four months. It was a placebo-controlled and double-blind study. It aims to compare omega 3's efficacy versus olive oil or placebo for the treatment of bipolar disorder.

According to researchers, bipolar disorder is a neuropsychiatric illness that has high mortality and morbidity. In their preliminary study, it was proven that omega 3 performed better and resulted in longer remissions based on the four scales of symptom-severity. Further studies are still underway, and researchers are hoping that they can come up with new classes of psychotropic compounds that can be used as mood stabilizers.

Herbal 

Most people resolve to the use of herbal supplements instead of taking prescribed drug medications. But not all herbs are good for the treatment of bipolar disorder. In fact, there are certain herbs that can worsen the condition of a bipolar patient. Some herbal supplements actually have a harmful reaction when used together with certain drugs. Consult your doctor first before taking any herbal medication in conjunction with other drugs.

Nutrition and Your Diet

You have to adjust your diet, and this means checking your meal menus every day. The nutrients which the body receives are very important. Holistic physicians use b-complex, magnesium, and thiamin for episodes of depression.

Pastoral Counseling

If you're suffering from bipolar disorder, you can also talk to your pastor, priest, or rabbi instead of talking to therapists. The religious community may be of great help during these times. In fact, the community is now recognizing the role of spirituality and prayers. In can even be included in psychotherapies and medication.



Art Therapies

If you're always staying at home, then perhaps you might want to join expressive therapies. Through the arts, you can express freely your feelings and do so without inhibitions. You can enroll in a drawing class, sculpting, painting, and many others. Find an appropriate therapist in your locality who specializes in art therapies or expressive therapies.

If you want movement, enroll in dance therapy. Let your feet fly and your spirit soar while incorporating your physical, cognitive, and emotional facets to the dance.

Soothing music can make a person relax. So why not enroll in sound or music therapy? Your body chemicals can be stimulated to improve blood pressure and flow, breathing, pulse rate, and changes in posture.

Traditional Medicine

Traditional medicines or the culturally based ones like shiatsu, reiki, acupuncture, yoga, Ayurveda, talking circles, and sweat lodge are only typical examples. All these healing arts are based on balancing the states of the physical, spiritual, and emotional for the wellness of an individual. If the forces in your body are imbalanced, you will likely get an illness.

If all these things are combined: omega 3, herbal, right diet, pastoral counseling, art therapies, and traditional healing arts, perhaps the forces of the body can be balanced and a bipolar patient can be treated effectively. But remember to consult your doctor for any problems that you may encounter, and don't just stop your prescribed medication if you have one. Continue using it, and ask your doctor if you can also use other alternative medication.


Wednesday, December 19, 2018

WALKING MEDITATION as a Modern Way to a Healthier Life

Meditation walk
Photo   by magical-world 
Meditation has always been associated with solitude, tranquility, and physical inactivity. When one talks of meditation, you may usually come up with a scenario in which a person finds a secluded area, closes his eyes in silence, and rests his body while working his mind out. Does meditation always have to be like this?

Meditation is an art. A method. A skill. A process. It is the art of keeping in touch with yourself, of discovering your entirety and the many facets of your being. It is also a skill that must be developed. It requires discipline and the right mindset. You cannot simply think that you will meditate and expect to achieve a result right after. This requires the tuning of one's consciousness. Meditation typically involves a set of procedures and guidelines to be followed. Typically, the success of the activity will depend on the adherence to the given principles and rules.

One interesting form of meditation that deviates from the old and traditional concept is walking meditation. Walking meditation is a lot different from other forms of meditation known to many. For one, you will not have to be physically inactive just to do it. In fact, you need to move and be active – you need to walk! You have to actively engage your mind and your body in this activity in order to experience a holistic positive result. This brings another benefit. Since walking is a daily activity, you can actually grow by meditation every day!

You also will not have to find a secluded place just so you can meditate. Anywhere will do. Actually, a noisy and crowded place is even encouraged. Here is where the challenge lies. Concentration is important and awareness must be focused. You must not allow the outer world to bind your mind into it – by the things that you see, hear, or whatever you perceive. You may be aware of them, but you must guard not to do anything about them. Do not cling to anything.

The guiding principle behind walking meditation is achieving a balanced awareness, equilibrium, between your inner self and the outer world surrounding you. This meditation will invite you to feel your entire body, all the workings of the parts that make you up, being aware of how each of your body parts operates. While doing this, you also have to notice your emotion and your mood. These are all done while you walk. The outside world need not be lost in your focus. There will always be stuff that will catch your attention as you meditate, and you are not to resist. You are not to hang on to these, though. You have to let them pass by, observing them without doing anything at all.

This is the real sense of awareness. The ideal result of walking meditation is the person's consciousness of the outside world while being completely aware of his inner self. When this is achieved, many of the puzzles and complexities of life will become clearer and simpler. By bridging the gap between what is within and what is out of yourself, you can take full control of your life and enjoy a healthier and a more satisfied lifestyle.



Tuesday, December 18, 2018

The Difference Between KARATE and KUNG FU

A karate student wearing a karategi
A karate student wearing a karategi 
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)


For many people, especially those who are not familiar with martial arts, the question often arises on what the difference between karate and kung fu is.  Upon watching somebody doing martial arts, the untrained eye will find it hard to tell whether that person is doing karate or kung fu.  Even those who are beginning martial arts may sometimes be confused about the different styles until further exposure to them will reveal just how different they really are.

Historically, the people living in the islands of Okinawa just south of Japan got exposed to Chinese kung fu martial arts due to the close proximity to China.  Over time, the Okinawans and Japanese developed their own styles of martial arts now known as karate from the original influence of Chinese kung fu.  Although both karate and kung fu utilize many similar martial arts techniques, most kung fu styles will usually have more variety of techniques compared to karate systems.  It’s almost like the Japanese streamlined the number of techniques from Chinese systems to develop karate.  The Japanese also modified the way techniques are executed in karate as they became more linear compared to kung fu.  This is especially evident in the forms or katas (traditional sequence of set moves) where karate techniques are performed with crisp movements that have distinct stop and go motions.  

In kung fu forms, movements involve the use of more circular techniques, particularly with the hands.  These circular motions give kung fu forms a more visually graceful look as techniques seem to flow from one to another.  There is less stop and go with most kung fu styles.  This is why some martial artists, especially in North America, often refer to Chinese kung fu as ‘soft’ styles while karate and tae kwon do are ‘hard’ styles.  This is not to say that hard styles such as karate or tae kwon do are more powerful martial arts than kung fu and other soft styles.  The term ‘soft’ is a bit misleading because the power from circular kung fu moves is often hidden.  Circular moves can generate just as much power as linear ones found in hard styles.   Most kung fu forms are also usually more complex and longer in duration than most karate forms.   To most martial artists, a kung fu form will look much more exotic while a karate form will look more straightforward in terms of martial arts techniques.  Interestingly enough, there are karate styles such as Goju which do have quite a lot of circular techniques similar to kung fu.  Kempo styles are considered a hybrid of Chinese kung fu and Okinawan karate techniques with both circular as well as linear techniques.  There are also many more different styles of kung fu compared to karate.  

A shaolin student doing a kung fu moves. Shaol...
A Shaolin student doing a kung-fu moves.
(Photo credit: 
Wikipedia)
Martial arts weaponry is found in both kung fu and karate styles but different sets of weapons are utilized in each martial arts system.   Much like the empty hand forms, the kata with karate weapons is also more linear compared to those with kung fu weapons which have more circular movements.  As expected, there is a lot more variety of different Chinese kung fu weapons than found in the Japanese karate styles.
    
Traditionally, practitioners of karate wear a white uniform called a gi which features the overlapping kimono-like top.  Less traditional schools like those in North America will allow colored uniforms.  A colored belt will be the finishing touch to the gi with of course the black belt for those at instructor level ranking.  Most of the time and especially inside a dojo studio, karate stylists will not wear any shoes while training.  Most kung fu stylists will wear a very different looking uniform.  Kung fu uniforms usually consist of tops with Chinese ‘frog-style’ buttons rather than overlapping fronts like the karate gi top.  The uniforms can be black or a variety of colors with often lighter fabrics such as satin and shoes are commonly worn.  The modern acrobatic Chinese martial arts of wushu can feature satin uniforms with many different bright colors.  Many kung fu schools simply utilize t-shirts and baggy pants as uniforms.  Satin colored sashes are often worn to signify rank of students but this is actually more of a North American style as most kung fu schools in Asia do not show rankings in uniforms.

Overall, there’s more variety of techniques, styles, weapons, and uniforms found in the Chinese kung fu systems compared to karate.  However, that is not to say that one system or style of martial art is superior to another.  They are just different and to the observer, it could come down to personal preference.  Some prefer kung fu and some prefer karate.  Some ambitious martial artists who desire a full well-rounded education practice both kung fu and karate.



Monday, December 17, 2018

HYPNOSIS - Does It Really Work?

The mental state of highway hypnosis can occur...
The mental state of highway hypnosis can occur on highways like this one.
(Photo credit: 
Wikipedia)
Hypnosis 101 - Can Hypnosis Bring in A Change In Your Life?

Hypnosis - A appealing yet misconceived topic for the majority of people. There are over and over again lots of misconceptions as to how the process actually works. How can we actually use this tool to build an unfeigned amendment in our lives? What makes it a viable healing tool?

If you think for a minute back to when you had your last setback or dilemma- what state was your mind in at the time? I can hazard a guess that it may have been racing, muddled or trapped. When our minds are in conflict it is complicated to see a new perspective and find a solution. In this panic state, we tend to forget that there is always a solution to any predicament, even though it can seem sorrowful at that moment. In spite of this, these daily dilemmas build up in our minds until we feel so much stress that even tiny things seem overwhelmingly insurmountable. When you adopt a relaxed state of mind, you are able to manage any problem with ease. No matter the challenge, you can face it rationally and systematically.

Over time we assemble imprints into our mind that have effects on our thoughts, routine, and choices we make. The result is chronic stress. Stress leads to poor, self-destructive habits... Continually making poor choices can lead to low self-esteem and loss of respect for ourselves. Who do we blame when things don't work out? The first target is frequently ourselves. We make ambitious plans for change only to beat ourselves up for not being perfect.

Hypnosis suspends the harsh judgments we make on ourselves. Under the state of hypnosis, we can begin to comprehend the patterns of our lives emerge from a detached position. Thus, enabling us to free ourselves from the grip of them.

How does the subconscious mind control and mould our every day lives?

The subconscious mind stores all of your past experiences, responses, everything that has ever happened to you, even if you do not have a conscious recollection of it. It is like a large storeroom of your past. It also reins our bodily functions: breathing, heart rate, digestion and body temperature.

Hypnosis takes us to a detached state of mind. In this state, the conscious mind can take a breather from the never-ending "noise" of our mind. The incessant jabber that goes on in our heads. Our brain waves transform into the alpha state. They slow down equivalent to when we are just about to fall asleep at night. At that time, we have permitted our body and mind to slow down. The mind reaches a heightened state of focus and clarity. Each person occurrence of the hypnotic process will be altered.

One issue that is for certain is that peoples expectation of the process is a major factor in creating an ideal space for change. The key is the persons' willingness and capacity to cede to something novel. Through the hypnotic process, there is an opportunity to study the deeper aspects of you and unlearn ingrained habits for a far more encouraging outcome.

A hypnotherapist acts as a catalyst for change but in essence, the transformation comes from within the client. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. Hypnosis takes place where there is a move in the state of mind. This shift in the mental state brings the ultimate space for releasing of limiting thoughts. Despite there being much misconception and puzzlement about hypnosis, it can be a truly vigorous tool to create change in your life.



Sunday, December 16, 2018

The Brain and HEALTHY AGING

English: Brain structures involved in dealing ...
Brain structures involved in dealing with stress and fear. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Growing older and learning from your mistakes is a clear sign that our brain is improving. The brain will improve as we learn. In return, it helps us to live a better life. We live longer and learn new skills that help us to develop a healthier way of living. 

Our brain has learned a lot from our younger days. All those skills you accomplished made the brain stay healthy. Remember practice makes perfect and as we grow older the more practice we get. The more we learn the quality of talking grows and improves even more. We need to learn how to manage stress too because stress will damage the circuit in your brain.

As you grow you, become wiser. The challenges and opportunities along with making a decision were all improving the brain. Be positive on life and ready for new challenges.

The brain works by increasing knowledge and it builds the connecting elements in the brain that make us function well. You’re never too old to learn something new.

As you grow older, keep your connection with your family and friends. The more we stay in contact with our family and friends we are keeping our mental sharpness working. You can learn from them and it will help to maintain your mental sharpness each day that goes by.

Your diet is very important to keep the brain healthy, as we grow older. Eat as many colorful fruits and leafy vegetables as you can. Vegetables are known to help your brain to perform and become better. If vegetables can help prevent cancer, it has to be good for the brain as well.

Fruits and vegetable are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals along with being low in fat and calories.  Antioxidants have proven to benefit us since it contains Vitamins known to reduce death or damaged cells. Eat those blueberries the color is known to improve short-term memory.

Very few doctors disapprove of taking multivitamins and herb supplements.  As we get older, our diets change by eating less just is careful and make sure that your dosage isn’t going to react to your medications.  Vitamins are good to take to replace what you don’t get in your diet but first consult with your physician to make sure you're taking what you need.

Stress busters: 
Stress can take over our lives making it harmful to your bodies and brain as well. There isn’t any way a person can relieve all stress but we can decide what can be eliminated and concentrate on what you can do to relieve the rest by bringing pleasure to yourself.  It is very important that you don’t let stress take over your life. Stress causes depression easier as we grow older.

The brain releases stress hormones to help to use manage some stress but if too many hormones are released it can damage the nerve cells. Depression can set in if the hormones are released too much and fast.



Relieve those stressful elements that cause you misery: 
Relieving stress isn’t easy for anyone. You have to forget about the things you have no control over and fix the ones you do. Try taking a walk or do some kind of activity to relax that brain not stress it. Putting some fun into your life and make yourself happy again.

Sometimes it takes a while to make changes in your life, as we grow older to fit your health and needs. Changes are hard to do and it sometimes becomes a challenge but in the end, it will relieve stress and improve the brain by giving it a new learning experience.