Alternative ways for Asthma relief

August 16, 2009 By marie Leave a Comment

asthma

Asthma can be a chronic concern to most people from childhood till the adult stage. Asthma is a breathing disorder that is caused by the inflammation and narrowing of your lung’s airways. Some of its symptoms include cough, rapid breathing, wheezing and breathlessness. And these symptoms can worsen with poor breathing techniques. When air can’t get in then the patient will also have a hard time breathing out thus causing the patient to have an asthma attack.

If you have asthma, you can help yourself by manipulating your breathing patterns with relaxation and deep breathing exercises. This will help you control your respiratory muscles and in turn will contribute to the improvement of your condition. When trying to learn breathing exercises it is important to consult a respiratory therapist first because not all breathing exercises can be safe for you.

Aside from breathing exercises, you can also seek help from the healing properties of nature by employing alternative treatments with the use of Garlic and honey. Garlic is considered to be an effective ingredient when it comes to natural asthma remedies. You can try it out by boiling garlic in milk. This is said to be very helpful when you are experiencing asthma symptoms and is recommended especially for those who are in the early stages of asthma. All you have to do is boil ten cloves of garlic in half cup of milk and drink it before you go to sleep.

Another possible remedy for you will be with the help of honey. You can get a glass of very hot water and add a teaspoon of honey in it. Drink this mix very slowly before you go to bed. Another concoction involving honey is to use one teaspoon of honey and mix it with a teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Then consume after mixing the two ingredients thoroughly.

Another home remedy you can use to relieve yourself from asthma is by the use of grapes. These grapes must have seeds and must be fresh. You need to soak the fresh grapes in water and place them in a cool place like the fridge. Then you can chew on the grapes before going to bed. This is said to help prevent any symptoms of asthma to take place.

With all this natural alternatives you can now reduce the risks of you having an asthma attack throughout the day or week. Do not forget to consult your doctor regularly.

Filed Under breathe, breathing, breathing exercises, healing Tagged With , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Getting healthy through sound therapy

August 7, 2009 By marie Leave a Comment

sound-therapy-749668

Every time we hear sounds and the beat of music, we feel this rush of energy and then we dance along. Every time we hear a bird chirping or singing, we feel at peace with the world. Every time we hear the soothing strings of the symphony orchestra, we get inspired and emotional. The sounds of raindrops on the rooftops and on the streets are sometimes relaxing to some of us. Sounds have evident influential effects in our daily lives. Not everyone may realize it, but sounds too, have therapeutic effects to our physical, mental, and emotional health.

Sound therapists say, that what we hear may help or hurt our health. When used appropriately, sounds can make us relax and release a certain energy which will help heal our body by itself, in a natural way. It can even stop a child from crying because of a terrible and painful toothache. A number of people have confessed that when they feel anxiety and stress, they play and listen to the tunes of their favorite songs to help calm themselves. Upon hearing, they got relieved and are able to think clearly again.

In some cases, listening to familiar songs and sounds in the surroundings have helped people with amnesia restore their memories faster. There was even a theory that when a pregnant mother often listens to classical and orchestral music, the baby inside her womb will develop an intelligent brain and a superb memory.

Our daily mood is always affected by the sounds we hear from our environment. We get irritated when we hear sounds we dislike. We get annoyed when we hear the voice of our enemies, but we feel ecstatic and excited upon hearing the voices our friends and love interests. When we are sick and our friends or family members call to wish us to get well soon, their familiar voices make us smile and in a way gives a healing factor to our illness.

Experts say that we must learn how to appreciate the sounds around us and determine which of these sounds we hear will make us feel good or bad. If we want to get relieved from stress and get some peace of mind, we can have a walk along the beach and listen to the sounds of waves dashing against the rocks. Or perhaps play an instrument and sing to ourselves to get energized. Sounds do affect us everyday. So if under much pressure, get your headset and tune in to your favorite songs. You will soon notice that you feel better.

Filed Under health Tagged With , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Healing Touch

July 20, 2009 By marie Leave a Comment

massage-shiatsu

Shiatsu means “finger pressure” and is a traditional Japanese healing method that uses the palms, fingers, thumbs, knuckles, knees, elbows and feet to work on your body’s meridian or energy channels. This type of massage helps balance your energy flow and strengthens the vital organs. With shiatsu, the main belief is that diseases are a result of blocked or unbalanced energy. Your energy might have been depleted or over-active.

This Japanese form of massage shares the same view as Chinese acupuncture. There are two energy forces – Yin, or the negative force and Yang, the positive force. The meridians vital organs are believed to be governed by the Five Elements and by Yin and Yang. Basically, if you are a healthy person, there is no dominant or deficient element.

If you try this out, a shiatsu practitioner will ask you to lie on a mat on the floor. You will be made to wear loose clothing made out of natural fiber. The practitioner will then use his or her hands, elbows, knees and feet to massage you. The practitioner will be applying pressure to appropriate points in order to correct any injuries or imbalances.

Shiatsu works on your whole being from the physical to the spiritual this is why during the whole treatment, you can be experiencing uncontrolled reactions and feelings such as laughing and crying. These reactions are a sign that the body is breaking through your energy patterns.

The treatments are given for ailments like respiratory problems to digestive problems and simple problems such as headaches and leg cramps. It can also bring relief to a number of everyday disorders that stress can bring.

So if you want to get a different type of relaxation, check out this Japanese treatment and gain your healthy rewards.

Filed Under healing, health Tagged With , , , , , , , , , , ,

Relax with your own spa treatment

July 19, 2009 By marie Leave a Comment

healing_spa_gift_basket

When your body is tired, the only way to treat it is to start relaxing. But sometimes, you simply do not have the time and resources to go to a spa. Here are some tips and techniques to help you relax and get the rejuvenating benefits of a spa treatment without stepping out of your house:

  • The bathroom can be the perfect place to start relaxing. You can start by taking a nice long bath. You can light candles around your tub or play soft and smooth music while you take a bath. You can also put in bath oils and beads in your tub to enhance your relaxation.

  • You can run your favorite bathrobe and towel through the dryer before you get into the tub so that they will feel warm and dryer when you are done with your bath. Drying off with a warm towel will stimulate your body. After drying up, put lotion all over your body.

  • For facial treatment, you can steam your face by putting it over a bowl of steaming water – the bowl must be covered with a towel. After 15 minutes, you can put a facial mask on your face. While you wait for your face to be treated you can give yourself a manicure or pedicure. By the time your nails are dry you can take off your mask.

  • You can end your treatment with a refreshing cup of tea. This does not only relieve you of any stress or tensions but it also helps your body heal and keep you healthy.

Remember that giving time for yourself can help you release any tensions you’ve been having through the day or over the week. Pick a time where you can enjoy by yourself and make sure that you will not be getting any interruptions so that you can totally enjoy your own spa treatment at the comfort of your own home and you can come out feeling like a totally new person.

Filed Under healing, health, meditation Tagged With , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Aromatherapy and its Essential

July 16, 2009 By marie Leave a Comment

aromatherapy2

Aromatherapy’s provenance dates back to at least 4000 BC. It was when a French Chemist, Rene Maurice Gattefosse accidentally discovered a laboratory who uses lavender oil to relieve pain and give assistance to the healing of slight burns. The etymology of Aromatherapy is from the Greek word fragrance (aroma) and the word treatment (therapy), this term was first used in the 1920’s by the said French chemist.

In current times, Aromatherapy has probably become the most popular holistic treatment to date. Ever so long, aromatherapy has been used to promote physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing. A lot of people have been experiencing the benefits drawn about by aromatherapy without actually realizing it. Modern medical science surprisingly agrees with our ancestors and has even proven the therapeutic effects from essential oils used for aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is practically easy to administer, with the right knowledge and the right procedures. But essentially, the oils used for aromatherapy are absorbed by our bodies in two main ways absorption by the skin and inhalation. Essential oils when inhaled, helps activate nerve cells in the nasal cavity, in turn it sends signals and stimulates the brain, to produce positive feelings and emotion. All at the same time, it also provides physical therapeutic benefits, since the substances from the essential oils are drawn in the lungs and then absorbed by the bloodstream.

Moreover, aromatherapy has been proven to be helpful in battling various health conditions and is greatly responsible for promoting emotional well being. Some of the most notable psycho-emotional benefits brought about by aromatherapy include mental clarity, spirit stimulation, robust immune system, regulation of human hormones and it serves as an aid to skin regeneration – to name a few.

Lastly, we should always take note, aromatherapy is intended to be an alternative and a complementary medical treatment, and should not be considered as the sole major treatment. It is a good addition to the healing process of standard medical care. After all they say, when a person’s well being is in its most positive state, chances are the response to treatment whether medically or alternatively are always good.

Filed Under healing, meditation, motivational Tagged With , , , , , , , , ,

Hot stones to cool you down

July 8, 2009 By marie Leave a Comment

hot_stone_massage01

When in stress, turn to the rocks – and we don’t mean throwing stones on something until you feel better. Go to a spa and ask for a hot stone massage.

Hot stone massage is a massage specialty that uses basalt stones. Basalt stones are volcanic rocks that absorb and retain heat well. This can be very relaxing since the heat helps your tight muscles to release more quickly compared to traditional massage plus the warmth of the stones is proven to calm the nervous system.

The massage therapist sanitizes smooth stones of various shapes and sizes and heats them in 120 to 150 degrees. Oil will be applied to your body so that the stones can glide smoothly along your muscles. The therapist then will warm you up using traditional Swedish massage while holding a heated stone. As the stone cools down the therapist replaces it with another. The therapist can also leave the heated stones along your spine, in the palms of your hand or on your belly to improve the flow of energy in your body. If there is inflammation, cool marble stones will be used.

The hot stone massage is recommended for people with back pain and aches, poor circulation, and arthritis to help relieve them from their conditions. The massage is also effective for those who are experiencing depression, insomnia, anxiety, tension and stress.

Although it may cost more than a basic massage since hot stone massage requires more preparation and time, you can be assured that the relief and relaxation you get is also worth it.

Take note that massage is not recommended for people with rashes and open wounds, people who just had surgery, and people who are prone to blood clots. If you are pregnant, it is best to ask your doctor first if this will affect your pregnancy.

Filed Under healing, meditation Tagged With , , , , , , , , , ,

Floating Therapy

June 29, 2009 By marie Leave a Comment

clouds_floating_massageStress is a normal part of our life that we have to deal with whether we want to or not. But even as a passive thing it is still hard to find a way to wind down and relax. Floatation therapy is one way to get some time out and give you relaxation.

Floatation therapy works by you floating on a floatation tank that’s filled with a very dense salt water mixture. The water in the tank is 25 cm deep. With a very high concentration of Epsom salts, the mixture makes it impossible for you to sink so you can float effortlessly.

The floatation tank is usually placed in a room with its own bathroom facilities. You are required to shower before entering the tank and then shower again after you float to remove the salt mixture. Most people do not wear anything when they float which makes it a very private experience. But you are also allowed to wear a swimsuit if you prefer to do so.

The tank has a hatch that allows you to chose if you want to float in darkness by closing the hatch or to leave it open. Some spas also give you the option of floating in silence, with soft and gentle music or with a self-hypnosis audio playing in the background.

When you float, your body instantly relaxes since the external stimuli to your senses are reduced. And since the water in the floatation tank is at skin temperature, the boundary between your body and air and water will be hard to distinguish.

Research has shown that this type of therapy has a number of physical effects on the body. The heart rate and breathing slows. The reduction in gravity causes the muscles to relax and decreases electrical activity in the muscles which allows them to release tension. The blood flow to the muscles also improves. All these factors can lead to faster healing. They also help reduce cardiovascular problems, pain, stress, depression, sleeping problems and fatigue.

Filed Under breathing, breathing exercises, exercise, healing, health Tagged With , , , , , , , , , ,

WHY YOU SHOULD MANAGE STRESS

June 23, 2009 By marie Leave a Comment

stress_ball

Chronic stress can do irreversible damage to your health. It is often considered as a silent killer since you won’t even notice it’s there until the symptoms worsen. Here is a list that can show how stress can affect you and your overall health seriously:

Anxiety and Depression

If you are stressed out you could be experiencing uncontrollable levels of anxiety and this can cause many changes in the physiological functioning of the body. These feelings also encourage sadness and laziness which prohibits you from performing well.

Sleep Deprivation

Stress can lead to a restless mind which stops you from getting sleep. Lack of enough rest leads to an inability to maintain focus and can make you irritable.

Diabetes

Diabetes is known as a huge epidemic in the world and both mental and physical stress can cause fluctuations in your blood sugar levels. Aside from that, this disease is also linked t heart disease, blindness, liver problems, kidney disease and many more.

Heart disease

Stress is closely linked to heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases. This is because when stress is not managed, the body breaks down easily and the heart is impacted.

Obesity

Most people cope with stress through eating. This is more known as “emotional eating”. Stress also prohibits chemicals needed to control the breaking down of fat which slows down your metabolism.

Fatigue

The lack of energy that you feel during stress can affect your work and how you interact with people. This can greatly affect your life professionally and socially.

Sexual dysfunction

It’s been found that stress is one of the main reasons why men become impotent and women lose their libido.

Stress is something that everybody encounters on a regular basis. But little things add up and once it starts to build up, it can cause a negative impact not only in your mind but in your body as well.

Filed Under breathe Tagged With , , , , , , ,

Music Soothes the Soul

June 17, 2009 By marie Leave a Comment

sheetmusicandviolin_full

Music has the power to touch our souls.

Do you remember a story in the Bible where David eased King Saul’s depression by playing his harp? You do not have to be a holy man to produce music that heals. It turns out that as long as the music is something you are comfortable listening to, it can do wonders to alleviate stress. Study shows that there are changes that happen to a person physically and emotionally when they listen to music.

Music is now being recognized as a powerful tool to help patients relax deeply. It provides a good distraction to those who are deeply agitated and is considered as a significant mood changer and reliever of stress.

Experts suggest that it is the rhythm or the beat of the music that can produce a calming effect on you. This is because when you were a baby in your mother’s womb, you were influenced by the sound of the heartbeat of your mother. The subconscious then associates the music with the safe and relaxing environment of the mother’s womb.

As well as it can be soothing, music can be nerve wracking as well. Choosing what kind of music depends on its individual preferences Some patients would show a good response towards Hard Rock or Heavy Metal music played in loud volumes while some would cringe at the sound of it.

Among the initial stress-fighting signs that occur when you hear music is an increase in deep breathing. Music is found to reduce heart rates and promotes a higher body temperature which is an indication of relaxation.

Some offices even play music in the background to help relieve the stress of their workers. But if you want to take your own “sound bath”, it is recommended that you use headphones to focus your attention to the music for a deeper experience.

Remember that music won’t calm you down unless you like what you hear. Aside from that, experts say that most people like listening to music from their childhood since it breeds familiarity which often results to calmness. Another popular choice of music is sounds of nature like ocean waves or the sounds of a deep forest.

Filed Under healing, meditation, motivational Tagged With , , , , , , ,