Sickness & Health

Alternative Ways to Reduce Stress and Blood Pressure

There are medications you can take to reduce blood pressure, but if you can find ways to reduce your stress levels, then you can lower your blood pressure naturally, which is easier on your body. Here are some tips for reducing stress:

Exercise for 20 minutes a day. This doesn’t have to be big, like running or going to a class. It could be as simple as walking around the neighborhood or getting on the treadmill while watching TV.
Meditate. Meditation is an age-old remedy for stress. This involves emptying your mind and just listening to your breath as it enters and exits your body. As you do this, your muscles will relax and stress will dissipate.
Laugh. One of the best ways to release stress is to laugh. If there’s a particular TV show that you find hilarious, watch a few episodes. Soon you’ll find that you aren’t so stressed over problems at home or at work.
Work outside in a garden. Many find working with flowers and other plants to be very soothing. There’s something about feeling the sun on your face and listening to the sounds of birds in the trees. It can be very relaxing.
Stay organized. Having a home in disarray can cause a lot of stress, such as when you’re trying to find your keys and you can’t find them anywhere. Try to keep your home organized to reduce stress.

Stress can negatively affect your whole body, not just your blood pressure, so it’s important to find ways to reduce stress.

Share this:

Filed Under: Benefits, Sickness & Health Tagged With: Hypertension, Management, Stress

Here Is The Biggest Myth – Alternate Treatment Is Simple To Stick To

Image by ekea7 via Flickr

One of the biggest myths surrounding alternate treatments is that it is a lot easier than the standard treatment offered by the medical fraternity. Well, a person who is excessively obese may go in for a tummy tuck to reduce the weight very quickly. On the other hand, if you go in for alternative treatments, you will have to exercise a lot, control your diet and eat a healthy lifestyle until your body weight comes down.

For a morbidly obese person, this may be no different than trying to jump to the moon. Alternative treatment will utilize traditional knowledge about the human body to treat the disease. However, if you think that you can enjoy alternative treatment just as you enjoy antibiotics where you simply pop a few pills and forget about the disease, then you must think again.

Alternative treatments insist on responsible lifestyle. A holistic approach is a must. A person who does not respect his or her body will not find alternative treatments to be very useful. If you are of the opinion that leading a healthy lifestyle is asking too much for good health, then you have got the whole logic fundamentally wrong. Do not work on the presumption that the treatment or the doctor is responsible for your good health. Rather, you are responsible for your good health and the doctor can merely help you.

Once you realize this, you will stop expecting magic responses from the alternative treatment methods. Further, you would not simply skip your traditional standard medicine because it is not as cool sounding as alternative treatment solutions. You should adopt a practical approach before proceeding.

Share this:

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine, Sickness & Health Tagged With: Alternative medicine, Medicine, Sickness & Health

Alterative Healing ? Choosing The Best Practitioner Matters A Lot

LAKEWOOD, CO - AUGUST 21: Massage therapist N...

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

One of the biggest advantages of medical science is that it takes the personal skills of the doctor out of the equation. This is not to say that you can get antibiotics from a quack. However, it is not necessary to get diagnosed by the best physician in the planet to enjoy relief from your ailment. As long as the doctor diagnoses the problem properly and knows the right set of medicines to provide for the ailment, it does not matter whether the doctor is particularly brilliant in his or her field.

When you are dealing with something as vague and intangible as the flow of energy in your body, the skill of the doctor makes a huge difference. Acupuncture and acupressure divides the body into various points. Each and every point is said to have a specific impact on a specific organ. Massaging the point or piercing needles into the point will help control the flow of energy. In such a scenario, a person who frequently misses the point and massages the wrong area will obviously not be graded as a good doctor.

On the other hand, an individual who is such an expert in finding these points that he or she can place the needle right on that point without any deviations, the effect and impact of treatment is going to be much better. This means that you will enjoy better treatment if you choose the right doctor. However, conversely, you will also end up with less than satisfactory treatment if you end up with a doctor who is not a real expert in his or her field.

Share this:

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine, Sickness & Health Tagged With: Alternative medicine, Massage, Medicine

The Miracle Combination of Herbal Supplements and Active Living

Image via Wikipedia

American society has become too enammored on battling the effects of a bad economy and working long hours simply to get by. Through these difficult endeavors, people are slowly neglecting their health. This growing trend is assisting in the continuous onslaught of the obesity epidemic currently moving across the country. Chronic obesity can lead to a slew of debilitating disorders and diseases that if left unchecked, could result in real issues to American national security. However, as the obesity problem seemingly spirals out of control, there has been an increase in overall awareness in helping to neutralize the problem.

As more people are becoming aware of the growing health problems facing our country, there has been a linear increase in various natural health supplements that are available, as well as unique ways to help stay active. The combination of these two elements is something that can help someone who is incredibly out of shape to regain control of their life.

The use of herbal supplements, with origins going back to ancient China, is something that has been around for thousands of years. However, information regarding the vast array of benefits pertaining to herbs did not reach the west until recently. Research is finding new ways in which herbs help combat various ailments on a daily basis. Due to this fact, companies are now making these herbs readily aailable in supplemental form for easy access. When these herbs are taken in conjunction with a consistent exercise regime, various problems commonly associated with being unhealthy and out of shape such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer are all greatly reduced.

Share this:

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine, Sickness & Health Tagged With: Herb, Herbalism, Sickness & Health

Healthy Eating and Exercise is Still the Best Route to Good Health

Image via Wikipedia

Through the difficulties pertaining to the growing American obesity rate, people are looking for ways to get into shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, due to the fast pace of modern society, and the demands of a more common multiple income family, people have little time to focus on these endeavors. With little time, people look for solutions that are simple and do not take a lot of time or effort to achieve. Companies are attempting to take advantage of this attitude by offering supplements and other drugs that supposedly do the job of burning fat simply by ingestion. However, the fact remains that nothing works as well as a healthy diet and consistent exercise through an active lifestyle.

Healthy Eating

Many people tend to resort to fast food as a quick and tasty solution to their mastication needs. However, consuming that cheeseburger everyday for lunch is more or a less a sludge for the digestive system. People neglect the concept of eating healthy due to the fact they assume it entails eating broccoli for every meal. However, simply cutting back on eating out and trying to stick with lower fat foods tends to do the trick.

Regular Exercise

This component of a healthy lifestyle is another important factor that people with busy lives neglect. Much like eating out, avoiding exercise is a convenience. However, simply taking a half an hour out of the day to go for an evening walk is a great way to promote a little activity. Walking is among one of the best activities an individual can do.

Share this:

Filed Under: Sickness & Health Tagged With: Human nutrition, Self care, Sickness & Health

Understanding Ear Candling

Many allergy sufferers report sinus headaches and pressure, nasal infections, and itchy or blocked ears. They look to relieve the pressure, re-establish hearing, and clear up other ailments, which may lead them to the alternative medical practice of ear candling.

Ear candling or coning is the process by which excessive amounts of ear wax and other wastes that is lodged in the ear are drawn out. The session begins with the candling practitioner placing a waxed cone shaped candle through a plate designed to catch the melted wax drippings and then lit. The candle is inserted into the lying patient’s ear which has been lubricated with drops of moisturizing oil.

The patient feels a light vacuum effect as the waste and debris from the ears are drawn up and out. As the flame starts to expand and the cone begins to disintegrate, it is cut back with scissors and eventually exstinguished four inches from the ear. Most sessions last between twenty to forty minutes for both ears and are recommended every six months.

Many health care professionals state that candling has shown no benefits or can be proven. They feel the practice is dangerous and should not be used. Reports have been cited including servere ear blockage, damage to eardrum, and serious burns.

Advocates for ear candling say that patients have reported help for tinnitus, sinus headaches, poor hearing, itchy ears, and even dry hacking coughs. They believe the results are beneficial and continue to use the practice.

The most promising feedback came from patients that were experiencing middle ear infections. They reponded quickly after the ear candling session and reported being clear from infection. It is suspect that the infection was cleared by the smoke killing aerobic bacteria rather than the candling process.

Share this:

Filed Under: Sickness & Health Tagged With: Ear, Ear candling, Sickness & Health

Eating for Good Health

Good health doesn’t have to come from a bottle of vitamins, special protein packs, or the shelves of health food stores. There are proven foods easily found at any grocer containing vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that will help improve your health and well-being.

Nuts and seeds

A small handful of nuts and seeds will give you the required healthy fats your diet needs. Eaten as a snack or sprinkled on a salad, these foods are high in fiber which will help your body avoid sugar spikes.

Leafy greens

Vegetables such as spinach, kale, and different varieties of lettuce which are green in color provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals that the body needs.

Beans and other legumes

Eating meals fortified with beans including lentils, lima beans, and edamame are a good source of fiber, resistant starch, proteins, and fiber. They are heart healthy and help naturally reduce cholesterol levels.

Berries

Berries including strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are low in sugar and calories. They provide fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals helping the body with UTIs and aiding with memory.

Fish

Fish such as salmon and tuna contain omega-3 healthy fats which improves metabolism and helps with memory.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are high in lycopene that helps the body protect itself from cancer and free radicals. They are also high in vitamins, potassium and fiber, and help to reduce blood clotting.

Barley

Barley is extremely high in vitamins and fiber which helps to lower both cholesterol and blood sugar. It also works with the body to reduce heart disease, cancers, and Type 2 diabetes.

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate contains antioxidants which help to neutralize free radical in the body. Just 6.7 grams is the optimal amount to consume to prevent inflammation and reducing heart disease risk factors.

Avacodo

Avacodos contain nutrients that reduce the risk of some cancers, lower cholesterol, and stablizes blood sugars.

Share this:

Filed Under: Sickness & Health Tagged With: Dietary fiber, Heart disease, Sickness & Health

Aromatherapy and Its Benefits

Aromatherapy is the practice of using plant and essential oils for the promotion of good health, increased physical wellness, and psychological therapy. It is considered both a complimentary and alternative treatment that works naturally to balance the body, mind, and energy.

Aromatherapy is considered to be a useful tool which provides solutions to literally hundreds of different conditions including soothing dry chapped hands, alleviating sleep disturbance and anxiety, boosting concentration, and treating headaches.

Aromatherapy is broken down into types which can be experience in a multitude of ways:

Massage

A massage supplemented with drops of essential oils releases the healing touch therapeutically and opens up the senses to wonderful aromas.

Olfactory

Through the direct or indirect inhalation of essential oils, olfactory aromatheraphy aids healing through odor. It has the ability to unlock odor memories and feelings which encourages the repositioning of natural forces within the body. It has been found that individuals with olfactory sense loss experience higher levels of psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Cosmetic

Essential oils are extracted and added to facial, body, skin, and hair care products. The oils promote healthy skin through cleansing, toning, drying, and moisturizing. When used straight by adding a few drops of essential oils to a bath, it can create a revitalizing and rejuvenating sensual experience.

Each variety of essential oil contains hundreds of chemical compounds working to produce a strong impact on the body. They work differently and can be combined to be soothing, rejuvenating, relaxing, and relieving.

Aromatherapy is not a one time only cure for ailments and requires regular use and time so that the healthy benefits can be experienced. Not all plant and essential oils have the ability to heal, which means only oils resulting from the distillation of essential oil and the aromatic section of herbs are healing.

Share this:

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine, Sickness & Health Tagged With: Aromatherapy, Sickness & Health

Acupuncture – An Ancient Treatment For Modern Pain

Acupuncture is an ancient healing art that dates back to the second century BC. Practitioners believe that stimulating certain points on the body with small needles releases types of energy that cause pain and other ailments such as anxiety, nausea and insomnia.

Traditional medicine cannot find any definitive link between acupuncture and “cures” for these conditions, though there are many theories. Most critics believe that it works only through the placebo effect. Considering that acupuncture was developed long before there was any substantial knowledge of human anatomy, it is easy to see why many write it off as unscientific and unreliable.

However, there are many patients who find relief through acupuncture. Although it is not a remedy for conditions that cause pain, it can make pain manageable for people who cannot tolerate prescription drugs, or who choose to limit their exposure to strong medications. Acupuncture proponents say that the treatment allows them to function without surgery or daily medication, and that it provides a sense of well-being.

Even critics of acupuncture admit that as long as it is administered by a qualified person and that needles are properly sterilized, there are no significant side effects. It has even gained recognition as a treatment for contemporary conditions such as PTSD and sleep disorders. While traditional science seeks to explore the relationship between these pressure points and pain relief, acupuncture devotees continue to enjoy the benefits of this minimally invasive treatment. It is practiced in all developed countries worldwide, and is even covered by many American health insurance plans as an effective therapy for many chronic health problems.

Share this:

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine, Sickness & Health Tagged With: Acupuncture, Medicine, Placebo

What Makes Health Food Healthy?

Certain foods have reputations as health foods, but this can often be inaccurate. Yogurt, granola and whole grain breads and cereals may be staples of a health food diet, but they are not always healthy alternatives. Packaging and marketing can make some foods appear to be healthier than they really are.

For instance, granola bars and cereals often contain high amounts of sugar, fat, preservatives and artificial flavorings. Although they are touted as healthy, they are neither low fat nor low calorie. Most commercially bakes breads and even yogurt contain unpronounceable ingredients and vast quantities of sugar to make them appealing for the mass market.

True health food is minimally processed. Raw foods, organic foods, and those that remain close to their natural states are generally the healthiest choices. Overly processed or prepared foods such as mixes and ready-t-serve meals have excess sodium, sugar, hydrogenated oils and trans fat. In addition, they may contain blending agents and color enhancers to make them look better, but that add no nutritional value.

Simple foods such as fresh produce, whole grains, root vegetables and spices and other basic ingredients are the healthiest foods around. The more changes that a food product undergoes, the more nutrition that is removed. Consumer’s tastes have changed to the point where natural, healthy foods taste bland in comparison. This only demonstrates how unhealthy most foods have become.

In actuality, food does not need to have a health food label to be “healthy”. While some health foods are truly healthier, most diets can be improved simply by avoiding processed and convenience foods, and by adding more fresh produce and grains.

Share this:

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine, Sickness & Health Tagged With: Food, Granola, Sickness & Health

Alternative Ways to Reduce Stress and Blood Pressure

Here Is The Biggest Myth – Alternate Treatment Is Simple To Stick To

Alterative Healing ? Choosing The Best Practitioner Matters A Lot

The Miracle Combination of Herbal Supplements and Active Living

Healthy Eating and Exercise is Still the Best Route to Good Health

Understanding Ear Candling

Eating for Good Health

Aromatherapy and Its Benefits

Acupuncture – An Ancient Treatment For Modern Pain

What Makes Health Food Healthy?

Categories

Recent Posts