Pioneered by spiritual master Eknath Easwaran, passage meditation consists of memorizing an inspirational spiritual passage and then sending it deep into consciousness through slow, sustained attention.

It keeps meditation fresh and varied because readers can select the passages — from one tradition or many — that embody their chosen ideals. Many readers also enjoy the passages for their poetic and intellectual appeal. This form of meditation offers all the rich… More >>

Passage Meditation: Bringing the Deep Wisdom of the Heart into Daily Life

That ‘time of the month’ is dreaded by most women in America because it is viewed as a painful and negative experience. This just does not have to be. Other cultures have a very different view on PMS than ours does. Many of them view PMS as a positive experience. You can too by using the power of meditation. Make life easier for you and those who are close to you by trying this meditative exercise.

1. First lay down on the floor flat on your back. Take two small pillows and put one at the small of your back and the other underneath your knees. Lace your fingers tight and place your hands on your lower stomach. Take three deep breaths.

2. Picture a beach at night and you are standing there. The weather is beautiful with clear skies and a gentle breeze is wafting by. Behind you palm trees are gently swaying back and forth making a soft rustling noise. The water is very calm and quiet, and you can feel the waves slowly rolling across your feet. The moon is full and is slowly rising on the horizon casting a bright light along the rippling ocean. Focus on the moon and watch it as it slowly takes it’s path high into the night sky.

3. The moon is beginning to wane. Continue watching it as it slowly disappears. It eventually is nothing more than a sliver of light and barely reflecting across the dark waters. Continue breathing deep. You can smell the salty air as it blows in from the ocean waters. The moon begins to wax again. Gradually, it becomes more full and the ocean once again reflects it’s bright white light. It is once again a full moon. It’s energy is pulling the waves slowly across your feet. You can feel the energy the moon is emitting flowing through your body. Your rhythm is at one with the moon. Your body’s rythym is now in harmony. Let it be. Do not fight this. Just relax and keep taking deep breaths.

4. Continue breathing this way for ten minutes or longer. You might want to start with ten minutes the first time and work your way up to twenty minutes at some point. After you are finished open your eyes and continue to lay there for another minute or so. Slowly, stand up and feel the wonderful benefits that the lunar meditation has offered to you.

You can do this meditation once a day. I think you will really feel the benefits and perhaps view PMS in a whole new light. The ‘time of the month’ does not have to be such a dreadful experience after all.

Related Natural Product

Femalite is a natural, safe and effective liquid herbal formula especially for women and the effective treatment of the symptoms of Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS). It contains three powerful ingredients – Fennel, Pulsatilla and Melissa – to treat the most troublesome symptoms of PMS. Use Femalite for a few days before your period and say goodbye to bloating, sore breasts, menstrual cramps and mean mood swings! Created by a clinical psychologist, Femalite is pharmaceutically manufactured to the highest standards.

White noise is: A sound containing a blend of all the audible frequencies distributed equally over the range of the frequency band. White noise is analogous to white light which contains all the colors of the rainbow together. The term �white noise� as used in this article will be applied a little looser to include a host of sounds (waterfall, rain and brook as examples) used for blocking out unwanted sounds.

Because white noise contains most sound frequencies, it is commonly used to mask other sounds. If you are in a hotel and voices from the room next-door are leaking into your room, you might turn on a fan to drown out the voices. The fan produces a good approximation of white noise. How does this “white” sound work and why does it mask out other noise?

Here is one way to think about it. Let’s say two people are talking at the same time. Your brain can normally pick out one of the two voices and actually listen to it and understand it. If three people are talking simultaneously, your brain can probably still pick out one voice. However, if 1,000 people are talking simultaneously, there is no way that your brain can pick out one voice. It turns out that 1,000 people talking together sounds a lot like white noise. So when you turn on a fan to create white noise, you are essentially creating a source of 1,000 voices. The voice next-door makes it 1,001 voices, and your brain can’t pick it out anymore. One thing to keep in mind when using white noise is that more is not always better – it is usually best to use just enough to help mask the offending noise, not completely overwhelm it.

There are three sources of white noise that are commonly used to help mask out annoying sounds: mechanically generated, electronically generated and recordings usually on CD format.

The mechanical devices produce a sound very close to that of a fan. The Sleepmate by Marpac is this type of device and has been around for a long time. This is the most popular type of white noise machine; probably because it produces a sound that we are all familiar with and don�t find unpleasant. One drawback of the mechanical units is that they are limited in volume. Since they produce the sound mechanically, it isn�t possible to simply turn up the volume.

White noise is commonly generated with a digital or electronic sound synthesizing device. Sound designers, with some processing and filtering, can create a multitude of effects such as wind, rain, waterfall or surf. The main consideration when choosing a digital device is if the device loops a recorded clip of sound or synthesizes its own sound. By looping we refer to a few seconds of sound that is digitally recorded and played over and over. They try to match up the end with the beginning but if you listen carefully you can detect where the segment begins – this is irritating to some people. The better digital sound devices actually synthesize the sound instead of playing a recording, therefore no looping.

Compact discs are a popular and inexpensive way (not counting the cost of a stereo system) to bring white noise into your home or office. You can get almost any sound imaginable but the most commonly used are nature sounds like rain, thunder or babbling brooks and nature sounds overlaid with soft music. The advantages of CDs are a high quality sound and low cost. The disadvantage is that, if you are using the sound to help you sleep, the interruption when changing tracks or cycling will often times wake you up. Generally the best uses for CDs are for office privacy, meditation or just relaxing.

About the author

Michael Kirtley is owner-manager of Nature’s Tapestry, a site with information about how to choose a white noise machine.

There are two main classifications of stress – acute and chronic. Acute stress is normal in modern life and can be caused due to any information or event that gives rise to unpleasant feelings.

Some stressors that cause acute but short-lived stress are events such as being caught in a traffic jam, watching an unpleasant movie, deadline related work pressure or even the absence of work. Chronic stress caused due to a continued state of stress that refuses to go away.

Basically, stress is a matter of perception and therefore the manner in which one thinks about things and events is one of the biggest causes of stress. A stressor does not cause stress on its own. It is the manner in which it is perceived that causes the stress. It is thus impossible to conclusively predict accurately for all what the largest causes of stress may be.

For some people financial troubles are far more stressing than relationship problems while for others an unhappy spouse can cause more stress than an impending deadline at work.

The most common causes of stress are believed to be financial, workplace related, health issues, and domestic or relationship issues. But if we look deeply into each of these broad classifications, the basic cause in these too boils down to individual perception and the way one thinks.

One individual may be too happy to have lots of spare time at work while the other might complain about the same situation and fret about becoming redundant. Some people are stressed because they have too much to do while others would look at it as an opportunity to show their abilities.

Similarly, many people would rather limit their expenses or strive to excel and seek promotions rather than crib about their relatively lower compensation.

Health issues too are taken lightly by some and others take it as a part of existence and try to manage it without feeling too stressed about it. But there are still others that take small recurring colds as likely threats to life and fret about the consequences of such a problem.

The above really brings out the fact that almost everything has stress potential. This is because it is the thinking that causes stress and not the event. The reality is that stress or stress-free life is dependent upon how our brain interprets the data provided by our senses. “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so” – Shakespeare

The fundamental truth is that we are all born equal and inborn intelligences do not differ as much as many would like to believe. The fact is that we use only a miniscule percentage of our brain’s capabilities and this is true of Einstein also.

If a person experiences anxiety while constantly thinking about a stressor, the stress response of ‘fight or flight’ is liable to remain activated for longer period of time. This can lead to physiological and psychological disorders.

Managing stress is the only option available for people who face such situations because potentially stressful events are beyond your control.

Shake away negativity and understand that it is easy to relieve stress if we really want to do so. A stress-free life is possible if by developing a habit of looking at the positive side of events.

Managing Stress and Anxiety – Stress eats away at your physical and psychological health. But here’s the good news: one recent study showed that medical students who learned some of the techniques used in this hypnosis program significantly reduced exam-time stress. And blood samples revealed that the students’ immune systems became stronger the more they practiced the techniques! The 2-CD set includes three hypnosis sessions: total relaxation, stress management, and anxiety management. Learn more about Managing Stress and Anxiety now!

by Susan Stewart

Most people work a 40 hour week so we can estimate that we typically spend about 2,000 hours at work each year. And many people work even more than this. Yet we often don’t take the time to ensure that our job setting is a pleasant place to be. Our jobs are often very stressful and stress is a known trigger for many common ailments and diseases.

Many studies have been done on the relationship between job stress and a variety of ailments. Mood and sleep disturbances, upset stomach, headaches and disturbed relationships with family and friends are examples of stress related problems that are quick to develop.

Before you think about stress reduction, start by identifying the particular stresses in your work and the effect they have on you. What, specifically, is it about your work situation that makes you feel anxious, angry, frustrated, burned out, depressed, etc? Do you have a difficult boss or co-worker? Do you have too much work and not enough time to do it? When you come up with your list of stressors, address them one at a time.

Managing stress is a slow and measured process that should take place over time and not all at once. Take stock of the situation and make a note of the things that are causing you the most concern. Look at things that you can do, or ask for support that will ease the situation, no matter how small. Set some achievable goals towards removing the problem. Think back to some similar situations you have overcome and apply these lessons.

A common reaction to a stressful situation is to try to escape, at least temporarily, by taking a coffee break or a quick smoke. But this only adds to the toxins in your body and does not attempt to deal with the underlying causes. A more effective response is to confront the tasks that cause you stress. Develop healthy habits one day at a time. Take a short walk in the morning, eat regularly, take time over your meals, and keep in touch with your mind and body.

It can be very beneficial to change your own outlook and actions rather than trying to change others who you believe are the cause of your stress. No matter what the causes of your tension and stress are, there are many strategies you can use to help protect you against the ill effects of stress. We elaborate on a different strategy to relieve stress each month in this newsletter.

Implementing aromatherapy into your life can go a long way in easing your stress as well as the stress levels of others around you. One of the main attributes of pure essential oils is their ability to relieve stress with immediate positive benefits. Because of the emotional elements which are at play in stress-related conditions, the choice of essential oils depends largely on the causes of the problem and the temperament of each individual and how they respond under pressure. Only use oils that appeal to you. If you do not like the scent, it will not have the desired effect.

There are many ways to bring aromatherapy into the workplace. Diffusers heat essential oils and allow their molecules to be released into the atmosphere. Inhaling different essential oils can alter your mood, stimulate creativity, help concentration and rid an area of airborne viruses and bacteria. Scenting your office with Lavender essential oil is said to reduce computer errors at least 25%.

If you have to work in an air conditioned or stuffy building, using essential oils in a diffuser or spritzing a spritzer can really clear the air. Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint and Rosemary are all excellent for a quick pick me up. Try Chamomile, Lavender, Orange or Sandalwood oil. All are thought to help combat stress and tension. Here are a few more ideas to get you started.

If you can’t use a diffuser at work, simply put a drop of essential oil on a tissue and keep with you to sniff whenever you need to.

Put a few drops of your favorite essential oil on the cardboard tube inside a roll of toilet paper to fragrance the bathroom at work.

Let scent be your calling card. Simply add your favorite essential oils to cotton balls and place your business cards and the cotton balls in a box with a lid. Keep tightly closed for at least 1 week.

Mix 5 drops of Lavender essential oil (or your favorite oil) into about a teaspoon of Jojoba or Almond oil. Dab on a cloth and wipe the surfaces of your desk and top of the computer. When the heat of the computer warms the oil there is a pleasant fresh fragrance wafting through the air.

There is help for your stress! Aromatherapy has been proven to be excellent for stress relief as well as increasing productivity and efficiency levels. The possibilities are only limited to your imagination.

About the author

Susan Stewart is co-founder and partner of It’s My Nature, a home based business in Florence , Oregon that provides Aromatherapy and Herbal Comforts. See large, informative website at http://www.itsmynature.net or a catalog is available by calling 1-888-445-5051

• ISBN13: 9781572245495
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Product Description
The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook broke new ground when it was first published in 1980, detailing easy, step-by-step techniques for calming the body and mind in an increasingly overstimulated world. Now in its sixth edition, this workbook, highly regarded by therapists and their clients, remains the “go-to” source for stress reduction strategies that can be incorporated into even the busiest lives. This new edition is updated with powerful rel… More >>

The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook

Keep in mind that just because you might be afflicted with passive-aggressive behaviors it is still very possible to unlearn them and get on with your life!

When somebody is feeling stressed it is possible for them to end up displaying passive aggressive behavior, or passive avoidance behavior.

Instead of dealing with their emotions in constructive ways, a person displaying this type of behavior is likely to act out indirectly and in disruptive ways.

These types of behavior are often very strange.

Signs of Passive-Aggressive Behavior

A passive aggressive is likely to do things such as intentionally forget a celebration with a loved one or insulting someone with a joke, but indirectly.

They are not likely to come right out front and say something to an individual.

Other things that often appear are: always blaming someone else for their own mistake or behavior, constantly forgetting things, not relating to others on an emotional level and constantly disappointing those close to them.

If a person they love does them wrong they are likely to get back at them by using sabotage or deceit, while when confronted face to face they will deny any involvement in wrongdoing.

Causes of Passive-Aggressive Behavior

The reason that this disorder appears in people is often because they went through traumatic childhood experiences where negative emotion is treated as being selfish or uncouth.

The end result is the individual suppressing the emotions until they cannot do so any longer and the symptoms are displayed.

This is not something that the person is doing consciously but happens somewhere in the back of their brain. They cannot really make any decisions or change their actions because they are not really aware of them, so to speak.

Even though the actions are subtle they can really hurt relationships when it occurs over a long period of time.

Keep in mind that just because you might be afflicted with these behaviors it is still very possible to unlearn them and get on with your life!

Dealing Naturally With Passive-Aggressive Behavior

Many people are starting to turn to herbal or homeopathic medicines to treat their symptoms. They are free from side effects and incredibly gentle on the body.

Nux Vom. is a homeopathic ingredient that is really good at helping people to suppress their anger or short tempers. Lycopodium is also very usuful for individuals who are not very good at expressing their emotions.

Chamomilla is an herb that is really good for people who tend to overreact in situations. It is really helpful in helping you to feel relaxed and treating any anxiety that is creeping around in your head. If you are unsure about which herbs or homeopathic ingredients to use then you should talk with either a local herbalist or homeopath.

PureCalm is a natural, safe and effective liquid herbal formula that works quickly to eliminate symptoms of tension, anxiety, stress, panic attacks and irritability.  PureCalm helps maintain balanced emotions during everyday pressure, stress and common nervous tension.

Created by a clinical psychologist, this remedy is pharmaceutically manufactured to the highest standards, combining the soothing properties of Lemon Balm with those of Lavender and Passion Flower, to bring you relief within minutes!

For those who suffer from chronic anxiety and severe panic attacks, combine PureCalm with MindSoothe for effective long-term reduction of your symptoms.

When you are sick, wouldn’t it be nice if your body could just cough up the information needed to cure you? Well, it can and without being poked and prodded for numerous tests. That is the goal of the limbic stress assessment.

The body strives to maintain a level of balance. This is called homeostasis in scientific terms. How do you know that your body is not in balance? That’s an easy one. When we are not balanced we suffer from things like stress, illness, weight gain, mood swings, tiredness and pain. These are all symptoms of a body in crisis.

When your body isn’t well, it tries to return to a state of balance, but it can be hard without your help. Let’s say that you have a pain. You will try medications and other methods to alleviate the pain. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t, depending on whether you found the root cause and treated it. If the cause was stress, then encountering more stress means the pain will return eventually.

That is where the limbic stress assessment (LSA) comes in. The LSA system uses a little device designed for your hand to help with the testing. It is completely non-invasive so there are no surgical instruments used.

The system was first instituted by Dr. Reinhold Voll. Using a hand cradle, he introduced a low voltage current into the body that was used to read the energy fields in the body. Energy is meant to flow freely throughout the body. When a low energy reading was encountered, it means that there was some sort of blockage going on that was unbalancing the body.

This is a biofeedback system that is conducted through the hand cradle. The cradle is used to test your body’s response to several different types of stressors. Without saying a word, your skin interacts with the computer system to relay messages about physical and emotional problems in the body. They are talking while you relax.

After the computer assesses your body’s information, it sets about finding a solution for the cause of the imbalance. You are participating in your own treatment. The LSA can identify if your imbalances are being caused by stress, foods, environmental changes, people, or even a lack of a vitamin, mineral or hormone production in the body.

The system suggests treatment options for your unique situation that can return your body to a normal healthy state. The system is used to test these treatment options to see which one provides the best result. Only natural options are used with this system.

If you’ve never thought that your body could tell you what was wrong with it, you will be pleasantly surprised. Using the limbic assessment system, you can find relief without invasive means or traditional medicines that may cause side effects.

Physical exercise complemented by a healthy diet may still leave you bereft of a truly fit body if you don’t relax enough. Relaxation releases ‘feel good’ hormones in our body. They help us reduce free radical effect, which means it slows down the aging process, reducing the PMS syndrome, speeds up recovery of post-operative healing, increases our lung power… the list is endless.

Result shows that just 15 minutes of daily relaxation can aid in the complete avoidance of blood pressure tablets. No amount of exercising and dieting alone can ensure that. Diet and exercise reduce stress levels, but they cannot wholly account for our emotional thought patterns. And these negative emotions that are mainly accountable for many psychosomatic diseases.

Evidently, pumping iron till your arms ache and dieting diligently will be futile minus relaxation. Relaxation is a must in our daily life. It alone can strengthen our immune system. Right from gardening to playing chess to practicing simple mental exercises, anything can be relaxing. The choice and onus both lie with the person.

Research studies have documented positive changes in the blood flow, neurochemistry as well as neurophysiology of the brain when one is relaxed. The blood flow to the brain is increased to those regions of the brain that are associated with feelings of being calm. So, to ensure the complete health quotient, one needs relaxation as much as one needs physical exercise and a proper diet.

TOP TEN RELAXATION TIPS

1. Do what you love daily, like listening to your favorite music.

2. Devote time to a hobby.

3. Look at some old photographs of an occasion that was full of fun.

4. Be with nature any time of the day.

5. Establish contact with old friends.

6. In the afternoon, take a 20-minute nap.

7. Sit on a chair with your feet touching the floor and your back upright. Focus on anything or any sound for three minutes.

8. Once back from office, as you step into your home, just sit for 10-15 minutes doing nothing. You may switch on the television or listen to some music if you so prefer.

9. Breathe deeply while listening to your favorite music.

10. Press under the big toe and the arch of your foot.

PureCalm is a natural, safe and effective liquid herbal formula that works quickly to eliminate symptoms of tension, anxiety, stress, panic attacks and irritability.  PureCalm helps maintain balanced emotions during everyday pressure, stress and common nervous tension.

Created by a clinical psychologist, this remedy is pharmaceutically manufactured to the highest standards, combining the soothing properties of Lemon Balm with those of Lavender and Passion Flower, to bring you relief within minutes! For those who suffer from chronic anxiety, PTSD and/or severe panic attacks, combine PureCalm with MindSoothe for effective long-term reduction of your symptoms.

About The Author

For www.vitaminsdiary.com.

Try the following combination of essential oils in a warm (not hot) bath to ease stress and muscle pain:

* 3 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
* 2 drops Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium var. amara)
* 1-2 drops Frankincense (Boswellia cateri) – optional

Use only Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils.

Draw the bath first, add the essential oils, swirl them around with your foot, get in and relax. Allow yourself 10 to 20 minutes. Do not get the bath water in your eyes, as the oils will sting. Use this formula up to once a day for 3 days a week over a two to three week period.

You can also use this recipe to create a massage blend.

In one tablespoon of carrier oil (like Sweet Almond or our Massage Base), add the above oils. (If making an ounce, then multiply drops by 2)

The beneficial effects of the Dead Sea�s raw materials on the skin and their unique therapeutic and beautifying powers have been recognized since ancient times. The �Sea of Salt�, as it is often referred to, lies at the lowest point on earth and has greater solid content than any other body of water. The atmospheric pressure at the Dead Sea is the highest on the planet. This combination of the atmosphere and the mineral rich water makes the Dead Sea unusually therapeutic.

Scientific studies have proven that bathing in Dead Sea salts not only improves such skin ailments as psoriasis and eczema, but also stimulates circulation and encourages the skin to renew itself. In addition, subcutaneous penetration helps relieve aches and pains in joints and muscles, providing much relief for those who experience rheumatism and arthritis. Enjoy a hot, relaxing soak in the tub, or use the salt soap to treat your skin when you take a shower.

Dead Sea skin care products� unique ingredient � mineral mud � is the key to unlocking your skin�s natural beauty. The remarkable absorbency of this mineral and oxygen rich substance gives it the ability to reach deep into the skin. Dead Sea mineral mud thoroughly cleanses clogged pores while using reverse osmosis to tighten them. Mineral mud�s natural ingredients revitalize and nourish, helping the skin to look and feel its best.

More About the Dead Sea . . .

The Dead Sea, also known as the “Sea of Salt”, is located near what was once the western edge of the “Cradle of Civilization”; the land that lies between the Tigris River to the north, the Euphrates River to the south, the Persian Gulf to the East and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. This area was known as Mesopotamia and held our planet’s earliest settlements in its palms in about 3500 BCE. It now houses most of modern day Iraq.

Going forward about 2500 years, King Solomon set out to make peace in this region that had become entangled by many enemies. King Solomon is known as a peaceful king, in part because he worked to make peace by diplomacy, creating external quiet surrounding his kingdom. With peace achieved, he then set about industrializing his kingdom. Perhaps as part of his move to industrialize, the beneficial effects of the Dead Sea were put into production. And just maybe King Solomon provided all of the people of his kingdom access to the Dead Sea and made its many healthy and beautifying products affordable, creating an environment of relaxed, peaceful, and beautiful neighbors!

Just a mere 900 years later, not too far from the Dead Sea, Cleopatra enters history�s stage and among her accomplishments charms two powerful rulers, Mark Antony and Julius Caesar. She does this on her way to becoming the last pharaoh of Egypt. Cleopatra’s legendary beauty will probably never be confirmed, but it lies somewhere between her unflattering profile on the eighty drachma coin used during her rule to the few still exisiting sculptures that show a flawless beauty with a small nose and full lips. Regardless of Cleopatra�s actual features, we do know she used them well. It is reputed that she went to great lengths and expense to obtain exclusive rights over the Dead Sea area.The remains of pharmaceutical and cosmetic factories that she had built near the Dead Sea can be seen on the western bank in Ein Bokek and Ein Gedi.

And now travel 2000 years forward and we find that on both the Israeli and the Jordanian shores of the Dead Sea there are many spas and medical programs to which thousands of people flock annually. These spas and medical facilities make use of the health promoting environment of the Dead Sea. Only now what was once known intuitively has now been researched and documented.

The Dead Sea contains, according to the Dead Sea Research Center, “a unique solar irradiation, an increased oxygen density, a high density salty sea with an unusual salt composition, thermo-mineral springs and a special natural mud”. The synthesis of these unique properties that occur only at this location that is the lowest point on earth and that has greater solid content than any other body of water has been critically evaluated, “in terms of types of diseases treated, modes of therapy, and mechanism of healing”. In addition, the “increased attenuation of a specific spectrum of ultra-violet radiation provides unusual therapeutic properties with an impressive impact on a number of diseases. The air is denser here at sea level, rich in magnesium and bromine, unpolluted, and almost totally free of allergens.

There is a high salt concentration in the Dead Sea. One can fly low over the sea and see the salt clumps floating in the water. The hot, dry air and high evaporation rate have attributed to this phenomenon that does not exist in other salty bodies of water. The Dead Sea’s water contains 32% salts and is high in magnesium, calcium, bromide, potassium, and other minerals. For example, exposure to this water has been proven to nourish skin, ease discomfort from rheumatoid symptoms, activate the circulatory system, and relax nerves. Walk in to the Dead Sea, and you�ll find yourself able to float endlessly without effort.

The Dead Sea’s black mud is a homogeneous mixture of its organic elements that are retrieved from the shoreline and mixed with the earth. This mud is not only good for cleaning, and softening the skin; when applied to the skin and permitted to dry before washing off, the mud’s thermopoxic properties improves and stimulates blood circulation, especially in the affected areas of joint diseases (Dead Sea Research Center, www.deadsea-health.org).

The thousands of people who fly to Israel and Jordan each year stay at hotels and spas to undergo a few weeks of treatment that significantly and naturally, without pharmaceuticals, improves their health.

However, without taking time out from work, leaving family, and spending thousands of dollars, similar results can be obtained by spending significantly less money, staying home, and using products with Jericho Spa and Dead Sea Secrets labels. The products made with Dead Sea black mud, salts, and minerals are of the highest quality and excellent for both healthy skin and circulation as wel as for skin that needs improved circulation and has been damaged due to disease or the side effects of disease.

Most people believe that you must have religious training or attend a church regularly in order to pray. The truth is anyone can pray. You can pray anywhere you like. No one needs to hear you pray except GOD or Jesus, if you believe in them.

Prayer is the best meditation there is. Simply chanting or breathing a certain way might calm you outwardly, but inner peace comes through prayer meditation.

So many people think all praying is like what they have heard. Children saying bless mother, grandmother, etc. Others who say lengthy prayers that seem to be formatted in some special way.

GOD doesn�t listen more to prayers that are said in some sort of format invented by holy men than he does to simple prayers issued by people who are sinners. As a matter of fact, He listens to the prayers of the sinner even more and the angels in heaven rejoice whenever a sinner asks Jesus into his heart.

Jesus didn�t come to earth to gather the righteous, he came to save the sinners. We all sin. None of us are perfect. You do not need to be perfect to use prayer and meditate with GOD. He listens to everyone.

There is always a lot of focus on things to pray for and whether or not GOD will answer your prayers. GOD knows what is in your heart and knows what you need more than you do. Praying for a Ferrari and not getting one does not mean GOD isn�t listening to you or answering your prayers.

Ask for things that will help you achieve the purpose that GOD has for you. Ask GOD to guide you and let you know what that purpose is. Ask GOD for wisdom. Ask Him to fill you with the Holy Spirit so that you will know the things to ask for.

You do not need to go to a special location to use prayer meditation. You simply need to make time for GOD in your life. Even those of you who go to church need to do this. Not only on Sunday morning, either. Who are you to say how much time you are willing to give GOD, who gave you the time you now have in the first place?

Going to church is a good thing, but setting time aside to pray and meditate alone with GOD is even more important. You can do it at home or anywhere you choose. You can choose a special place that helps you be calm and in a meditative mood.

I like to turn off all the lights and play worship music for awhile. As I listen to the music, I focus on ridding my mind of all things worldly. I attempt to not think about my work, things I need to do, things that bother me, people who irritate me, or anything else that might distract me during meditation.

Once I have achieved that calmness, (you will know), then I begin to pray. I ask GOD to fill me with the Holy Spirit, reaffirm my love and belief in GOD and Jesus Christ, and ask GOD to reveal to me the things I should pray for.

This works. Ask and ye shall receive does not mean you get the Ferrari. It means you can gain the wisdom to know your true purpose on this earth, something that most people, even Christians, do not know.

When you know what GOD wants you to do, then pray and meditate for the things you need to achieve those goals, you will see your prayers answered quickly. You cannot just believe in GOD, you have to believe GOD will provide those things you need.

Believe those prayers will be answered. Meditate and envision those things being given to you, those doors opening for you, that life you want being given to you.

Getting your prayers answered through prayer meditation is the easy part. It is what you do after you receive your gifts from GOD that is difficult. You must openly and proudly give GOD all the glory for the things He has helped you to accomplish.

Give credit where credit is due. We all like to proclaim how smart we are or how good we are and we like people to think that is why we prosper. We want them to think we are special. It is much better for you to let them know that all that you have and all that you achieve is because GOD gave it to you for believing in Him.

However you choose to meditate before GOD, I advise you to start soon. The sooner you start, the sooner you will learn how to talk with GOD and the sooner He can give you all the things He wants you to have.

Remember to do this alone. Remember to rid your mind of all things that are of this world and focus on GOD. Remember that he listens to everyone who will set this time aside in His Name. You will find also that the more glory you give to GOD for all He has done for you, the more He will continue to do for you.

This article is not intended to offend anyone�s chosen religious preferences. I wrote the truth as I know the truth to be. I hope you will come to know the same truth or at the very least some parts of this article reach you and teach you how to pray.

About the author

Robin Darch has a website giving useful information and links about meditation and its benefits.

Here are a few blends to try on those restless nights.

# 1 Insomnia- Nightmares Wake You

* Lavender 15 drops
* Roman Chamomile 5 drops
* Mandarin 10 drops

# 2 Insomnia- Noise Wakes You

* Lavender 10 drops
* Lemon 15 drops
* Vetiver 5 drops

# 3 Insomnia-Restlessness

* Vetiver 10 drops
* Clary Sage 10 drops
* Lemon 10 drops

# 4 Insomnia-Fitfulness

* Marjoram 5 drops
* Lavender 15 drops
* Lemon 10 drops

# 5 Insomnia-Anxiety

* Chamomile Roman 10 drops
* Sandalwood 15 drops
* Lemon 5 drops

#6 Insomnia-Worry

* Cistus 5 drops
* Lavender 15 drops

# 7 Insomnia-Exhaustion

* Valerian 5 drops
* Lemon 10 drops
* Mandarin 10 drops

Prepare blend.

How to use:

* Add up to 10 drops of a blend in a warm bath
* Use in a diffuser
* Add blend to 1 oz. carrier oil and use for massage
* Place 1-2 drops on a cotton ball and place under your pillow

From the Fragrant Mind by Valerie Ann Worwood – courtesy of AromaThyme

What is Yoga?

The word “yoga” means “union.” Yoga is a psycho-physical discipline with roots that go back about 5,000 years. There is a lot more to yoga than physical postures (Asanas), or the breathing exercises (Pranayama) or even the meditation. In the true tradition of yoga the goal is union with the Absolute, known as Brahman, or with Atman, the true self. Most people now, however, approach yoga to obtain the very real benefits of health, mental clarity, stress release and fitness. The wonderful thing about yoga is its flexibility. Practitioners can focus on the spiritual, psychological or physical benefits of yoga, or all of the above.

Is Yoga a Religion?

Yoga defies categorization. Whatever your method of contacting the Divine, Yoga can accelerate movement in that direction. It does not discriminate on the basis of gender or religion or race. Yoga is truly universal. Most people find that they can practice Yoga without any conflict with their religious beliefs.

Is Yoga Good for You?

Studies in the United States and India suggest that Yoga can help conditions such as stress, anxiety, and even epilepsy. Western science has been studying yoga for nearly 50 years and evidence suggests numerous physical and psychological benefits.

How many styles of yoga are there?

There are many different styles, and this is a good thing because people have such differing temperaments. There are four basic paths of Yoga: 1) Jnana, which is the path of knowledge and wisdom; 2) Bhakti, the path of devotion; 3) Karma, the path of action; and 4) Raja, the path of self control. Within this path (Raja) is found Hatha Yoga, which is the most popular path in the West. In India, Bhakti is perhaps the most popular. Many paths such as Iyengar, Kripalu, Astanga, Integral and Jiva Mukti, to name a few, are Hatha Yoga styles. A common lineage dates back to Patanjali’s Yoga sutras, the text which outlines the basic philosophy and practices of classical Yoga.

What does Hatha mean?

The word hatha means willful or forceful. Hatha yoga refers to a set of physical exercises (known as asanas or postures), and sequences of asanas, designed to align your skin, muscles, and bones. The postures are also designed to open the many channels of the body�especially the main channel, the spine�so that energy can flow freely.

Hatha is also translated as ha meaning “sun” and tha meaning “moon.” This refers to the balance of masculine aspects�active, hot, sun�and feminine aspects�receptive, cool, moon�within all of us. Hatha yoga is a path toward creating balance and uniting opposites. In our physical bodies we develop a balance of strength and flexibility. We also learn to balance our effort and surrender in each pose.

Hatha yoga is a powerful tool for self-transformation. It asks us to bring our attention to our breath, which helps us to still the fluctuations of the mind and be more present in the unfolding of each moment.

Is Yoga a New Age Practice?

Yoga and New Age movements share a common focus on the improvement of the body and mind and their connection to the soul. Yoga goes back thousands of years.

What is Om?

It is a sacred Hindu sound symbolizing the Absolute. It can be spelled Aum. It is used as a mantra during meditation. Correct pronunciation rhymes with “home.”

Is Yoga Aerobic Exercise?

The physical Yogas are certainly aerobic, because they improve oxygenation of the blood through increased heart rate and deeper breathing. Astanga and Vini Yoga are good examples.

What is power yoga? Is it okay for beginners?

Power yoga is a style of yoga that moves quickly from one posture to the next. The foundation of this practice are 3 variations of the sun salutation, named simply A, B, and C. All of the other standing postures are thrown into modifications of these 3 series, making the practice very vigorous and challenging. Generally, non “power yoga” yoga classes are slower, softer and a bit more static.

The problem with power yoga and the beginning student is that there is none to very little alignment instruction provided. The other problem is that a beginning student doesn’t know how or when to slow down, stop or modify a posture. Both of these problems lead to yoga students hurting themselves in class by poor alignment in the postures and by over exerting themselves and going past their edge.

What if I am out of shape?

Finding a good teacher is the optimum way to go. Also books and videos can be very helpful. Remember, if you have any condition or physical situation you are in doubt about, consult your health care practitioner.

Is it difficult to do yoga being overweight?

Yoga can be difficult for any body type. Being overweight is going to make it a bit more challenging on a physical level, but yoga is as challenging as you make it. Do not try to fit your body into the pose, but adapt the posture for your body. Accept where you are at and do not judge or criticize yourself because you cannot it perfectly.

How is Yoga different from normal exercises?

Yoga focuses more on process than goal. Gym activities or other more goal-driven exercises are quite different. You are not competing with anyone when you do yoga. Toning is the way in which Yoga achieves muscular strength, in contrast to, for example, weightlifting, which breaks down muscle to build it.

Do I need to be vegetarian to practice Yoga?

Recent surveys suggest that only one out of three yoga practitioners is vegetarian. The traditional yoga diet is vegetarian, but one’s awareness keeps evolving, and at each stage a person can tune in to what is best for her/his own body.

How often should I practice yoga?

I would suggest starting by practicing yoga 3-4 times per week, 30-60 minutes per day. It is best to start slow and gradually build up the duration per day and per week. Your body may change a lot the first year of yoga, and you need to listen and adapt/adjust your practice to work with your body. Most importantly do not push yourself, and do what feels good for your body. Shorter sessions like 20-30 minutes a day are better than one 90-minute session a week.

Will yoga help me to reduce weight?

You will look and feel better very soon if you practice regularly and eat healthy food, fresh vegetables and more water will soon improve your physique. Also your muscle tone and strength will improve.

I am wondering if yoga will tone my body in the same way as working out?

Yoga does tone and strengthen the body, but not in the same way as working out. To build strength in yoga focus on holding the postures longer and longer (without strain) and possibly move on to more advanced postures.There is also a style of yoga called “power yoga” or ashtanga yoga that moves very quickly between postures, which builds strength and endurance.

Is it normal to experience soreness after yoga?

Some soreness is normal following your first class. However, a nagging ache or intense pain is not.

Is it normal to feel tingling in the arms and legs during yoga?

Yes, a small amount of tingling is normal. If the tingling is intense, you may be holding the pose too long, or not resting sufficiently between poses. The tingling sensation usually occurs in new students and subsides with time and further practice.

Sometimes my legs shake when I am doing stretches, do I continue the stretch and just let it shake. Or do I stop?

Usually when the body shakes during yoga it is because the muscles are becoming fatigued and need to be strengthened to hold the posture longer. In postures where the focus is on building strength (like upward boat) its okay to shake a little, if you hold too long you can strain a muscle (or just feel really sore the next day).

I’m not sure why your legs would be shaking if you are only stretching the muscles and not strengthening them as in seated head to knee. You may be pulling yourself a bit too hard into the posture. You want to work on finding the balance between using effort and relaxing into the posture. If you are tensing up the muscles they will not be able to stretch and increase their flexibility.

Is it okay to use a chair to assist me with some balancing postures?

Yes, it is fine to use a prop (chair, block, wall) to help you with balance. Try to use the lightest touch possible to support yourself, slowly lessening the pressure until you can hold yourself up without it. Most importantly, focus your gaze at one point on the wall or the floor in front of you, as this will assist you in being balance.

Are there certain postures that you might suggest to help me as I basically have little balance?

I would suggest trying some of the balancing postures on the floor: upward boat, balancing table, prayer squat, balancing bear, half warrior, and balancing bound angle. If you want to work on the standing balancing postures use a wall to help support you. In both positions, focus on building concentration by using a drishti or focal point to stare at.

Whenever I do any inverted postures (especially the Headstand) I usually get a migraine, is there a way in which I can overcome this?

Usually inversions would be a good thing to do for headaches and migraines. But it sounds like the increase in blood pressure is triggering them for you.
I would avoid all inversions where the legs are over the head (head stand, shoulder stand, hand stand) and would experiment with plow, yoga mudra, standing angle, standing forward fold, downward dog and other semi-inversions.

The other possibility is to only go into the full inversions for very short periods of time on a daily basis, and very very gradually lengthen the amount of time you hold the posture.

I have a problem with my hands and feet sliding during poses. I have a sticky mat but it has made no difference. Do you have any recommendations?

You may want to try several things:
1. wear socks and use a small hand towel between hands and sticky mat.
2. wash your sticky mat.
3. try a different type of mat.
4. hold the postures for shorter times.

Do I have to exhale through the nose or mouth?

You inhale and exhale through the nose, unless doing a specific pranayama.

Can yoga help me improve my height?

Yoga can help improve your posture, which will make you feel and look taller, but it will not make you “grow” any extra inches. The bones in the body stop growing once you reach adulthood, and thus make it impossible for the body to increase it’s height.

Practice the mountain posture (tadasana) not only in your yoga practice, but all through your day, standing, sitting, driving your car, waiting in line at the supermarket. Consciously keep your awareness on your posture, keeping the spine long and straight as much as possible.

Which style is best?

Try a few different styles and when one clicks, commit to that one. Any style you choose will help you. Availability of a teacher whom you like can also play a big part in your enjoyment.

Should I do Yoga while I am pregnant?

Yoga is a great way to strengthen the pelvic area, normalize thyroid function and blood pressure, and reduce stress, all of which are good for the baby. It is fine to continue modified practice if you were doing yoga before; if you are just beginning, it is best to work with a teacher who has prenatal Yoga experience. In general you should avoid strain, compressing the abdomen, and inverted postures, especially in the later stages.

What postures are contraindicated during pregnancy?

Avoid all postures that put pressure on the belly, especially after the 3rd month. Inverted postures are not contraindicated but are cautioned. This is mostly a concern late in the pregnancy, as the weight of the belly will compress the chest and make it difficult to breathe. It may also be just to strenuous to lift the legs and belly over the head.

In pregnancy there is a hormone secreted that makes muscles very easy to over stretch, which can cause injury if the woman pushes/pulls to hard into the pose.

Postures done on the back are cautioned due to the weight of the fetus pressing on the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava (cutting off circulation), and shavasana should not be practiced, have her lay on side in fetal pose.

Why are certain postures contraindicated during menstruation?

The postures that are contraindicated for mensuration are inversions: shoulder stand, head stand, plow, etc. These postures increase the flow of the menses, and cause a greater loss of blood which could leave to health problems. Other postures may be cautioned because they put stress or pressure in the lower abdominal region.

A slow gentle yoga practice is recommended during mensuration, focusing on postures that stretch the sides of the torso (triangle), open the hips (bound angle), forward folds and spinal twists.

I am 45, in early menopause and I would like to know which styles of yoga would best help me at this stage of my life.

The best styles of yoga to balance the endocrine system and regulate the hormones are ones that hold postures for long-ish periods of time: Kripalu, Iyengar, Sivananda.

Can yoga help with social anxiety?

Stress and anxiety levels can be drastically reduced by Yoga practice. A stronger sense of self is built with regular practice, and over time this increased confidence and well-being can reduce or nullify feelings of anxiety. Nadi Shodhana, which is a breathing technique, can help alleviate the symptoms of an anxiety attack. You may also become more able to observe the factors that lead to an anxiety attack, and deal with them before the symptoms escalate. There can be significant improvement within months.

Is it possible to use Yoga to help lower back pain?

Yes yoga can help. Try knee down twist, child, forward bending poses, half and full wind relieving poses. I would also suggest strengthening your abs and core body strength using upward boat, triangle, and some belly down (prone) poses (being careful not to strain the back muscles).

I have a circulation problem in my hands and lower arms, which includes numbness and pain. Is there an asana or pranayama that will help release the energy blockage?

Standing and inverted yoga postures and kapalabhati pranayama will all help improve circulation.

Can you recommend any yoga positions that may be beneficial for hypertension?

Yes, it has been shown that practicing yoga does lower blood pressure, mostly due to its calming and relaxing nature, but also because it is a form of exercise. There are a few postures that are contraindicated for hypertension, mainly the inversions where the head is placed below the heart. I would suggest you focus on gentle yoga postures, mostly doing the postures done on the floor. The most important posture to practice is “Savasana” (relaxation/sponge/corpse pose). Pranayama (yogic breathing) and meditation will be very helpful as well.

Can I do yoga when I have a cold and a headache?

For headaches and colds a slow gentle yoga practice is best. Focus on floor postures, especially those that are focused on the spine.
Try spinal twists (seated and knee down twist), forward bends (seated forward bend, seated angle, seated head to knee) and inversions (half shoulder stand, plow, standing yoga mudra).

I have anxiety attacks and cannot relax, can yoga postures help?

Try a slow gentle yoga practice focusing on asanas that stretch out the area(s) where you hold the tension and stress in your body. Specific postures to reduce stress would be: standing yoga mudra, triangle, standing forward fold, cobra, camel, child, knee down twist, and at least 10 minutes of conscious relaxation in shavasana.

How do yoga positions open up the chakras?

Even though the chakras are often described using physical qualities, these are energy centers in the body. Yoga effects the energy of the body, and using yoga postures that focus on the chakra centers will stimulate them allowing the energy to flow and open.

Stress and tension (physical as well as emotions and thoughts) that accumulate in the areas of the chakras will obstruct the flow of energy, and make the chakras close down. When these areas are stretched, twisted, pressed into and lengthened (though yoga), the stress and tension in these areas are released, and the energy of the chakra can flow and open.

How do I recognize a qulified teacher?

There are no universal standards. Someone who is certified may have just done a weekend course or may have studied for many years. Yoga is so diverse and broad that some people in the yoga community feel it would be impossible to create uniform standards. However; the Yoga Alliance has outlined some minimum requirements that yoga teachers must meet in order to become “registered.” Yoga teacher registration has no national or official significance. The training requirements for registration are very reasonable and are followed by most training organizations.

One of the amazing things about yoga is that despite the great benefits that it produces, it requires no costs. There is not specific yoga training equipment that one has to use in order to obtain the desired results and there is no such thing as the perfect environment required for practicing yoga.

All this is a direct consequence of the fact that yoga is, more than a practice, a state of mind and a life style. That is why your will, as well as your believes and attitudes towards this philosophical path are all that actually matter. Moreover, a balanced and healthy diet, based on natural food, is a key issue for preparing yourself for your first yoga session. What we eat can strongly affect both our mind and our soul, so it is crucial to mind what we eat.

Even though you do not need a specially designed place for performing your yoga class, make sure, when electing the room where you will be holding the class, to choose a place as far away from distractions – such as radio, street noise, TV – as possible. The place also needs to be clean and quite and, if possible, ventilated. A blanket is the accessory that you absolutely need in order to gain comfort when carrying out the exercises and the meditation, as they are performed in either sitting or lying positions, but, however, a towel or a mat, could work, as well.

In what concerns the clothes you are supposed to wear, try to select something very comfortable and loose, such as training suits, sweat pants and a t-shirt, shorts or loose pajamas. Some people would rather wear no clothes at all, but, nevertheless, most practitioners put something on, especially if the yoga session is not private.

It is also highly recommended to have an empty stomach, before starting your yoga exercises. As a general rule, one or two hours after a main meal is the ideal time for practicing yoga. As breathing is a key element in yoga training, do not forget to also clean your nostrils and your throat.

In case you have not decided which could represent the best moment of the day for carrying out your yoga session, you have to know that both morning and evening practices can result very beneficial to your body and mind. Thus, performing the exercises in the morning can contribute to your good shape for the whole day, as it improves your vitality level. On the other hand, evening yoga practices helps inducing a restful and peaceful sleep.

Your yoga session should not exhaust you. Do not hesitate to take a break, when you feel tired. Actually, short breaks are common, between difficult exercises. Keep in mind that as little as 15 minutes of correct yoga practice can produce marvelous results on your body and mind.

As a final idea, try to remember that the most important thing, when practicing yoga, is your attitude and your desire to discover the incredible sensations and experiences this ancient philosophy can provide.

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About the Author

Sandra is a certified Yoga instructor who teaches 6 classes in the greater San Francisco area. Her blog can be read HERE.

When rage overwhelms us the muscles tighten up, heartbeat speeds up, breath shortens and speeds up and the templates begin to pound.

There is nothing abnormal or unusual about us losing our temper every now and then.

Life brings about many situations that cause us to become irritable and frustrated. This can lead to a difficulty in controlling our emotions.

When rage overwhelms us the muscles tighten up, heartbeat speeds up, breath shortens and speeds up and the templates begin to pound.

What Causes Us to Lose Our Tempers?

Certain things can be to blame for causing us to lose our temper. Some of the more prevalent ones are stress, unrealistic expectations, anxiety, financial responsibilities, demanding workloads, social responsibilities, hectic lifestyle and family matters.

If you are constantly bullied or humiliated then you are likely to have a reaction, at some point.

It is common for parents to lose their temper with their children especially when they are disobeyed. Doing poorly at school or taking advantage of Mom and Dads kindness can also cause a parental reaction.

Some people have a much shorter temper than others and can easily blow up in an instant. If you have such a problem that your social life is suffering or often become violent then you need to seek professional help.

There are many ways to go about treating this type of problem. Some of the more popular methods are psychotherapy, self control training, anger management and communication skills training.

Gaining these types of skills will allow you to learn where your boundaries are, learn how to control negative emotions and find ways of channeling anger more efficiently.

Tips to Help Control Your Temper

• Learn deep breathing and muscle relaxation techniques and practice them when you feel you are becoming irritable or angry.
• Always remain objective in the face of disagreements and debates. Recognize when you are taking things personally and when your emotions are disproportionate. By being aware of these things you can remain distanced from the situation and not get caught up in irrational emotions.
• Wait before you react. If you are angry, remove yourself from the situation if possible, or simply pause and count to 10 slowly. Only make decisions and react once you have cooled down and have had time to rationally reflect on the situation.
• Don’t sweat the small stuff. Getting angry over things you cannot control such as traffic jams and broken appliances serves no purpose and it will simply put you in an irritable mood. Keep your eye on the bigger picture and use your energy to be productive and think of possible solutions.
• Don’t fall into the trap of always blaming others. Take responsibility for your own behaviors and learn to accept that we all make mistakes.
• Learn the art of patience. People will always make mistakes, misunderstandings are common, and there will always be things that you cannot control.
• Find your sense of humor. Many situations that cause us anger can be turned around and viewed from humorous point of view.
• Learn to face your emotions and deal with them as they come about. Talk out your emotions with someone close to you and really look into the possible underlying causes of your anger.
• Engage in regular physical activities such as sports, aerobics, brisk walking, running or dancing. Exercise is a great way to work out any stress and unresolved anger.
• Manage your stress levels by having a massage, listening to music or reading a book.

There are many other things you can do on your own to help you to deal better in a bad situation. It is important to try and be as calm as possible and not react too quickly during a heated moment.

Learn what it feels like just before you lose your temper and, in the future, count from 1 to 10 in order to calm yourself.

Keeping a journal can work wonders. Every time you find something that triggers your temper take note of it so that you can be aware of it in the future.

If you feel yourself getting into a heated situation then stop and think about what you are about to say. Sometimes it is better just to keep our mouth shut when things begin to get ugly.

Going for a short walk can also be very beneficial. Walk away and get some fresh air while you consider your problems.

There are a number of herbal and homeopathic ingredients which have been shown to greatly help with the control and management of anger outbursts, fits, and rage. Nux vom. is one such ingredient and it is commonly recommended to people who are prone to irritability, and anger and those with impatient tempers.

Another useful homeopathic ingredient is Chamomilla, which is particularly effective when the emotional reaction seems out of proportion to the situation or event. This ingredient is wonderfully calming and can be used to *soothe anger and irritability as well as any underlying anxiety.*

Lastly, Lycopodium can be used to address uncontrollable anger outbursts and is especially useful for those who find it difficult to express their emotions.

Related Natural Product

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This remedy contains a selection of homeopathic ingredients known for their ability to address emotions causing anger, irritability and temper outbursts. Anger-Soothe is especially helpful for individuals who are stressed and prone to having workaholic personalities.

We all have psychic abilities. For many people this ability is dormant or asleep. It’s a bit like the person who sits at a piano for the first time and discovers that they have a natural talent for music. The ability was always present it just takes the right circumstances for the talent to become apparent.

Most of us have times in our lives when we notice something at work that can be considered psychic. Usually this psychic ability is in the form of intuition, hunches or gut responses that seem to defy reason or logic.

These uncanny hunches and sudden insights can sometimes leave us feeling bewildered, but the truth is that they are a perfectly natural ability. And like any other talent, psychic abilities can be trained and perfected.

There are any number of tools and methods available to the psychic any or all of which may help to increase or focus intuitive skills. Most psychics use some form of meditation to enter a frame of mind that heightens intuitive awareness. Some read palms or tea leaves, tarot cards or rune stones or use a crystal ball; some may involve intricate rituals. Regardless of the tools used to assist a psychic reading they each serve to aid the psychic in entering a form of focused meditation which greatly enhances the natural intuitive sense.

Focused meditation provides the frame of mind that is most receptive to intuitive information. Meditation quiets the mind, filters out the noise and chatter of the conscious. This filtering of conscious noise allows the sub-conscious mind to voice its thoughts, as well as enable the mind to tune in to the environment. Some have called this a heightened state of awareness or altered consciousness. The attention is drawn inward with a kind of detached awareness. Developing your ability to enter into this heightened state of mind plays the important role in increasing your intuitive senses.

If you’re unfamiliar with the practice of meditation then the following exercise should help to gain a better understanding of the methods used. This exercise focuses on breathing and visualization. Controlled breathing provides an area of immediate connection with the mind and body and also increases the supply of oxygen to the brain.

Begin by finding a comfortable place to perform your meditation. This can be any place of your choosing, provided that you find it comfortable and relaxing. It is not required for you to sit, though you may, if you choose. Many people find it difficult to sit still for any length of time. Standing or even walking slowly is perfectly acceptable for the sake of this exercise.

Focus your attention on your breathing. Notice the air as it enters your body. Try to breathe in through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Take slow, deep breaths.

Inhale slowly through your nose and hold the breath in for nine seconds, then exhale slowly for another nine seconds, count out the seconds steadily, not rushed and not sluggish, try to find a pace that feels comfortable, just remember to relax your breathing.

Inhale for nine seconds, exhale for nine seconds, and repeat this process nine times. With every breath, imagine that you are inhaling precious life giving air and exhaling any unwanted energies. After you have repeated this cycle nine times you can begin your visualization. Try to maintain the rhythm of your breathing without counting it out in your head.

At this point you may notice random thoughts popping into your head, simply dismiss them as they enter your mind, let them slip away easily.

Imagine that you are walking across a dry and sandy landscape. The temperature is comfortable, the air is easy to breath and you feel at ease.

As you walk along you notice a shape on the horizon. As you near the shape you see that it is a stone building, a round, stone building with a single door. You are facing the door and now you see that this door is slightly open and a light is coming from inside.

Now, you are standing at the door and decide to push the door open. You open the door and enter the stone building.

Inside you see a round room with a table in the centre. The room is well lit, warm and comfortable. You approach the table and notice a small wooden box, paper and a pen.

You form a question in your mind that you would like answered, an issue that you would like resolved, it does not take you any time to form this question. You write this question on the paper before you and place the paper in the box. You see the box has a lid and you close it.

After a moment you open the box, you see that the question is no longer written there, instead an answer has appeared. You take the answer with you as you leave the building and return to your present space.

You may see immediate results with this exercise or it may take several attempts before the answers found within the box make any sense to you.

Over time this visualization becomes much easier to enter into and you may be tempted to treat this exercise as some sort of oracle. This is not the true intention. Instead what we are trying to accomplish is entering into the receptive mode of meditation that was spoken of earlier. The easier it is to enter into this state the more likely it is that you will become tuned into receiving intuitive information.

About the author

Syndicated Columnist and Thought Energy Consultant Jeffry R. Palmer Ph.D. is the author of “The 7 Day Psychic Development Course“

Mr. Palmer’s articles and columns have been featured in several popular international magazines. A lifelong interest in spirituality, metaphysical, paranormal and esoteric studies has culminated in a series of new e-books by the author.

Pop-up and banner ads on any health or spirituality site will claim to have the answer to natural stress relief. All too often, these so-called “natural” cures are medications, expensive therapies or outright scams. It’s difficult to sift out the truth from the trash.

Between the continued growth of internet networking and the rise in use of smart phones, it’s more critical than ever to have a method of keeping those fingers in top shape.

One natural stress relief method that is NOT a scam is the use of stress balls to relax and strengthen fingers and wrists. Wrist and finger exercises using stress balls can ease the tension of that mid-afternoon stiffness that comes from being hunched over a computer typing every day.

A study in the Journal of Hand Therapy in 2007 concluded that a regimen including the use of stress balls helped patients with osteoarthritis increase strength and dexterity and relieve pain. Not only does the physical stress fade with this natural stress relief method, but also the mental stress of being limited is reduced, too!

Stress balls can be used in a number of different ways to increase finger and grip strengths and relieve tension in the palm and wrist.

Following injuries or diagnosis of hand or wrist conditions, occupational and physical therapists can recommend specific exercises based on symptoms and give tips for proper form. For those who just experience a little soreness or want to give their fingers a stretch, there are plenty of natural stress relief exercises that can help.

Exercises include rolling a stress ball between your palms or on a desktop, pinching it with each finger paired with the thumb, and simple squeezes.

Unique stress ball shapes like personalized logos or funny figures can also give you a natural MENTAL stress relief. Whether you have a super serious job or just need an extra smile, checking out a stress ball of a favorite animal or silly face can brighten an otherwise dull afternoon. You can’t bring your pet to the office, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a companion on your desk.

If you want to get natural stress relief without being scammed, a stress ball is a low-cost, high-return method that works for all ages.

Have you ever heard the saying, “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail”? This is a very applicable saying to most business and personal matters including stress management.

If you fail to plan on your stress management strategy, you plan to fail managing stress.

We all know how important it is to manage the stress in our lives. Stress crops up in just about every aspect of life nowadays.

Long-term stress can cause physical and emotional damage that can really impact your life. It can even lead to disease and death.

In order to have a stress management plan you need to know that there are two basic ways to handle stress. You either change the source of stress or you change the reaction you have to the stress.

How to Design a Plan to Manage Stress

While designing your stress management techniques remember to clearly identify the stressors. Assign an action to each stressor.

An example would be if a stressor for you is the morning rush hour drive to work every weekday morning an action to address that stressor might be to leave fifteen minutes early in order to avoid the usual traffic bottleneck.

In order to change the reaction we have to a stressor, we have to know what the usual reaction would be to a particular stressor. Then, we figure out an appropriate reaction that would give us more control over the situation.

An example would be if your boss always yells at your first thing in the morning to get him a cup of coffee and you really have tons of stuff to do as soon as you sit down at your desk.

You could, instead of fuming and getting all upset first thing in the morning, , bring in a cup of coffee from the vendor in the front of the building that you pass every day into work.

This way you have your boss’s expected cup of coffee and you can walk in, hand it to him, sit down at your desk and get to work.

How a Stress Journal Can Help

Keep a stress journal at home that you fill out at the end of each day. In the journal record any stress that you encountered that day and what your reaction was to the stress.

How did you handle it? Did you have a good result from your stress management? Could you have done anything differently that may have brought about a more positive or improved result?

Write down any thoughts you have. This journal not only improves your stress management plan it is a good tool for dealing with stress because it gives you a good sense of control over the things that stress you out. Writing things down also has a very relaxing effect on people.

Natural Remedies for Stress Can Help

PureCalm is a natural, safe and effective liquid herbal formula that works quickly to eliminate symptoms of tension, anxiety, stress, panic attacks and irritability. PureCalm helps maintain balanced emotions during everyday pressure, stress and common nervous tension.

Created by a clinical psychologist, this remedy is pharmaceutically manufactured to the highest standards, combining the soothing properties of Lemon Balm with those of Lavender and Passion Flower, to bring you relief within minutes!

For those who suffer from chronic anxiety, PTSD and/or severe panic attacks, combine PureCalm with MindSoothe for effective long-term reduction of your symptoms.

You’re on the correct road when you make the decision to quit. Now it is time to acquire help.

Smoking is easy to start but hard to relinquish. Some say it’s as addictive as heroin. But do not lose hope. If you’re a smoker and you would like to break the habit, you are able to do it.

How to start ending your smoking habit

The first thing that a cigarette smoker needs is to be realistic. Each day that you inhale more and more nicotine, your brain is becoming hooked. When it counts on this substance to be there, it will not allow it to go so easily.

You’re on the correct road when you make the decision to quit. Now it is time to acquire help. Hardly anybody can break a nicotine addiction solo. Just admitting that you need help will go a long way to build a reliable support system for times when you require it most.

What about withdrawal?

Make no error; there will be withdrawal symptoms just like any other form of addiction. When the brain is deprived of nicotine, you might feel cranky and uneasy. The irritability might make friends and family wish to gag you, but if they’ve pledged to help, they’ll get through it as well.

Because you feel that you require something to do with your hands, you’ll put food in it. It’s not rare to see folks who attempt to quit smoking gain a couple of pounds here and there. That does not appeal to most folks so here are a couple of tips to help you quit smoking with success in the long run.

Some tips to help you quit smoking

* Try the cold turkey method – Some folks believe that you are able to get away with cutting back on the number of cigarettes you smoke daily, but you’re still smoking. When you’re stressed it’s far easier to pick the habit back up this way.

* Tell other people that you plan to quit – Accountability is a big issue when it concerns breaking an addiction. They can lovingly encourage you when things become rough. Also, they can hold you to your goals and keep you interested in additional activities that do not involve smoking.

* Leave your smoking friends behind – This does not mean that your friendship is lost eternally. But, if passing time with them entails hanging out with a cigarette in your mouth, then you’ll have to see them another time. Merely the smell will weaken your resolve to quit.

* Solidify your reasons for quitting – When you commit goals to paper, it affords them life. You’re bound by them then. Utilize a journal to record why you would like to quit. Reread those reasons if you feel like you’re having second thoughts about your decision.

* Exercise – It can be as simple as walking or cycling with a friend. Exercise releases endorphins that increase feelings of well-being, something you’ll require as you work to arrive at your goal.

Smoking is a habit that may shorten your life if you’re not careful. Utilize the tips above to help you leave it behind.

Herbs and homeopathy can help you kick the habit

Kicking the habit and stopping smoking is extremely difficult and requires willpower, determination and support. Once you have made the decision that you want to stop smoking, there are various treatment options available to assist you including nicotine replacement therapy, hypnosis, counseling and prescription medications.

Natural and holistic treatments can also lessen the urge to smoke and help you to restore balance in your body. Treatments like herbal and homeopathic remedies are safe and effective to use. They contain a combination of ingredients such as Avena sativa, Garcinia cambogia and Gotu Cola (Centella asiatica) to reduce nicotine cravings and balance the mood. Consult a reputable homeopath, herbalist or naturopath for guidance on a management plan tailored to suit your needs.

The Stop Smoking UltraPack helps support balanced mood, soothe nerves and enhances emotional well being with homeopathic remedies for relief from restlessness and agitation while quitting cigarettes. The complete solution – Stop Smoking UltraPack – includes one of each:

RXHale – A natural, safe, and effective herbal stop smoking medication that treats symptoms of nicotine withdrawal naturally – before they start! Rx-Hale Tablets contain a unique combination of herbal and mineral ingredients to assist with the management of depression and mood swings. Taken during the month before you stop smoking and continued for a few months until the worst is over, Rx-Hale Tablets ensure that your efforts to stop smoking are not foiled by depression, mood swings and sugar cravings. Taking the tablets every day during the 30 days before you stop also prepares you psychologically for nicotine withdrawal and ensures that you begin the process feeling strong and ready to face the challenges ahead of you!

Crave-RX – a natural, safe, and effective herbal stop smoking medication that controls nicotine craving, severe nicotine withdrawal symptoms, and nicotine withdrawal duration without using harmful and expensive nicotine products! Crave-Rx Drops contain a unique combination of selected herbal ingredients which have been clinically proven to reduce the craving for nicotine due to their balancing effect on the brain chemicals known to be associated with addiction. Crave-Rx Drops also contain herbs which will help to prevent the sugar cravings and compensatory overeating which often cause people to go back to cigarettes due to unwanted weight gain. Now you can safely stop smoking without gaining weight!

NicoTonic – a proven, safe and effective natural remedy that is an excellent and very effective aid in reducing emotional ability and restlessness associated with withdrawal from nicotine or other addictive drugs. Tissue salts are easy to take, pleasant tasting and even children love to take them! Safe during pregnancy, nursing and free of side effects. Regular use ensures systemic balance of biochemic tissue salts in the body, optimizes health at the cellular level, relieves symptoms of disease, restores health and vitality, optimizes the therapeutic effects of other remedies by improving systemic functioning and metabolism.

Formulated by a clinical psychologist, these remedies within the Stop Smoking UltraPack are pharmaceutically manufactured to the highest standards.

School can be just as stressful as work in the adult world, but these tips can help you or your child handle it successfully.

At school we learn to read, write and do math. But it’s not always easy. School can also be a source of stress. If this is true in your life, try some of these tips.

It is a common misconception that you have to be an adult to experience stress. But, stress is our reaction to situations in life, and it can happen at any age.

Stress at school is not just academic, however. Kids have to maintain their studies while participating in school activities, sports, working and nurturing friendships. It can be a tough load if you don’t know how to handle it. Many adults don’t have to juggle that much on a daily basis.

Tips to Manage Stress

* Stay organized – From the beginning of the school year, make sure that your child is staying on top of their homework and other assignments. Keep a separate notebook for each class so nothing gets lost or misplaced.

* Start early – If you have a project due in three weeks, waiting until the last week could pose a time crunch, especially if other assignments are also due around that time. If you begin now while you have time, you can address any obstacles you might face and finish early. This can reduce the amount of worry you have to deal with.

* Study a little each day – One way that many kids study is cramming. Sure, you will have all of your knowledge in your head for the exam but it will evaporate afterwards. That just means it will be harder to study for the next test if it builds on the information you have already learned. Instead, advise your child to read over their notes each night so that the information is still fresh in their mind.

* Get a good night’s sleep – Sleep is a hard task for many students. With all of their activities, sleep time is usually cut short. Over time, lack of sleep can increase stress levels by decreasing concentration and memory retention. Try to set a specific bedtime each night so that they get at least eight to ten hours of sleep.

* Talk to your child – When kids get stressed it helps to get them talking. Voicing your concerns allows others to offer suggestions for solving them. Armed with solutions, your child can better cope with whatever comes their way throughout the day.

* Enlist the help of others – If your child is having trouble in a subject, find a tutor. Getting help at the beginning can avoid homework and exam stress.

* Limit after-school activities – Colleges want to see well-rounded applicants, but too many activities can be counterproductive. Choose a couple that you like and concentrate on increasing participation instead of increasing the number of activities.

Herbs can help school-related stress

PureCalm is a natural, safe and effective liquid herbal formula that works quickly to eliminate symptoms of tension, anxiety, stress, panic attacks and irritability. PureCalm helps maintain balanced emotions during everyday pressure, stress and common nervous tension.

Created by a clinical psychologist, this remedy is pharmaceutically manufactured to the highest standards, combining the soothing properties of Lemon Balm with those of Lavender and Passion Flower, to bring you relief within minutes! For those who suffer from chronic anxiety, PTSD and/or severe panic attacks, combine PureCalm with MindSoothe for effective long-term reduction of your symptoms.

School can be just as stressful as work in the adult world, but these tips can help you or your child handle it successfully.

It’s no secret that stress is damaging to your physical and mental welfare. Autogenic training might extend a little assistance in that area. It’s been exploited to help diminish stress symptoms in the body.

What Is Autogenic Training?

Autogenic training is a type of stress reduction technique. It acts by helping you to attain a meditative state in which you will be able to learn to control your body’s reaction to suggestion. From there, you will be able to commence taking control of your life and defeating the ravages of stress.

In a nutshell, the method acts to reverse the stress response in the body. Once we’re stressed, the body responds as though it were detecting peril. This is termed the fight or flight reaction. It’s generally shown when we feel that we’re in jeopardy or in peril of bodily damage.

It results in a intensified awareness. Pupils dilate to bring in additional light. The pulse rate steps up. Adrenalin is released into the system, gearing up your muscles for a battle or to have to run for your life.

Well, imagine being in that state of high alert all the time. Whenever we’re stressed, that’s in essence what the body is doing. It can bring havoc to our systems and cause conditions like elevated blood pressure, anxiety, tension, irritability, anguish and headaches.

Autogenics utilizes the body itself to bring down the stress. Here is how it functions. This meditative process was 1st exploited by a man named Johannes Schulz in Germany in the thirties. Through utilizing affirmations spoken aloud, the body can be lulled into a easier state simply through suggestion.

The autonomic nervous system which governs the fight or flight reaction is bore upon. Autogenics has been shown to deliver positive effects on those suffering from stress, seasonal affective disorder and similar conditions in the body.

You can rehearse it with very little training. Start by finding a serene location where you will not be distracted. It’s crucial to be free of distractions of any sort. Get rid of tight clothes, glasses and even contacts. Relax in a chair or lie down flat on the floor.

Control your respiration. If you do not already know, find out how to breathe deeply from the diaphragm to step-up your oxygen intake. Begin with a positive affirmation. If you’re attempting to reach a calming state, employ that as your affirmation.

You are setting the stage, then focus on your arms. State that they’re becoming heavy and then experiencing warmth. Now, proceed to your legs and duplicate the same affirmations.

You will be able to move from there to concentrate on other parts of your body and then your heart rate, your breathing, and any additional regions of your body that may show stress. Continue to duplicate your affirmations in addition to affirming the fact that you’re in a calm state. You’re completely mindful of your environment so your body will react. Once you’re totally at ease you may open your eyes.

Autogenic therapy has a positive effect on conditions like stress, heart issues and hypertension. Teaching your body to react to relaxation can abbreviate the fight or flight response started by stress in the body.

PureCalm is a natural, safe and effective liquid herbal formula that works quickly to eliminate symptoms of tension, anxiety, stress, panic attacks and irritability.  PureCalm helps maintain balanced emotions during everyday pressure, stress and common nervous tension.

Created by a clinical psychologist, this remedy is pharmaceutically manufactured to the highest standards, combining the soothing properties of Lemon Balm with those of Lavender and Passion Flower, to bring you relief within minutes! For those who suffer from chronic anxiety, PTSD and/or severe panic attacks, combine PureCalm with MindSoothe for effective long-term reduction of your symptoms.

* 2 d. petitgrain oil
* 2 d. lavender oil
* 2 d. sandalwood oil: in 20 ml carrier oil.

Especially effective on the neck, shoulders, and temples.

Today we generally waste our life in endless activity, struggle, aggressive competition and achievement. Meditation is the exact opposite. To meditate is to make a complete break with how we normally operate, it is a state free of all cares and concerns.

The heart of meditation

In the stillness of meditation, we return to that inner nature that we have so long ago lost in the busy and chaotic distractions our mind is subjected to each day. The heart of meditation is to bring the mind home, release and relax.

* To bring the mind home – means to turn your mind inward and to rest in the nature of mind.

* To release – means to release mind from its prison of grasping, since you recognize that all pain, fear and distress arise from the craving of the grasping mind.

* To relax – means to relax your mind into your true nature, letting all thoughts and emotions naturally subside and dissolve into the state of the nature of mind.

Meditation in a nutshell

I don’t think it is possible to relate what meditation is in a nut shell but here is my feeble try: “Quietly sitting, body still, speech silent, mind at peace, let thoughts and emotions, whatever rises, come and go, not clinging to anything”.

A Reiki meditation

Strictly speaking I am not sure this can be called a meditation but I cannot think of a better name so I will still refer to it as a Reiki meditation.

There are many types of meditations the three methods that seems most effective in the Western world are watching the breath, using an object and reciting a mantra. In this simple Reiki meditation one could say one uses the last two: object in the Reiki symbols and mantra in the names of the Reiki symbols.

This is a very forceful and effective meditation that gives relaxation, mental calmness, clarity, increased ability to visualize, clairvoyance, increased healing power and a wider conciousness. It can also be used to solve problems or reach goals and it surrounds you with healing Reiki energy.

Here is how to do it:

1. Sit comfortably, either on a cushion with legs folded or on a straight back chair. Keep your spine erect (without force). If you are sitting on a chair do not lean back. Rub your hand together and put your hands on your knees or on another place comfortable for you.
2. Relax and breath slowly, think about Reiki.
3. Draw the Power symbol in front of you with your whole hand. Visualize how a white or violet light comes out trough your fingers as you draw the symbol in the air in front of you.
4. Visualize the symbol in the third eye chakra an recite its name three times. Keep the symbol steadily in your third eye.
5. When you feel that you have meditated enough on this symbol let it float up into a field of light above your head. Return your consciousness to the third eye chakra.
6. Repeat steps 3 to 5 with the Mental/Emotional symbol and the Distance symbol.
7. When you are finished meditating on the three symbols you will be concentrated and full of healing Reiki energy. You can now continue with the final part of the meditation where you can send Reiki to your projects, goals or healing others at a distance.
8. Send Reiki by visualizing or describing the object, goals or person. You can use the method you have learned or the one you feel is most suitable to you.
9. When finished, slowly relax and release all thoughts. Sit quietly for a few minutes and enjoy the peace.
10. Rub your hands together and “wash” your face with them. Open your eyes, walk a few steps and feel how refreshed you are.

Here are a few tips:

Make sure you have a quiet and undisturbed place. I will once again stress that you should keep your back straight to receive the most benefit from any meditation. At step 2 you can ask for help from your Reiki guides and thank them when you are finished. Practice seeing the symbols in front of you, this helps whenever you use Reiki.

Try it and see if you like it – have fun!

There are a growing number of people drawn to the health benefits of yoga. For good reasons. The deep breathing exercises taught in some schools of yoga cater to the healthy living of every cell in our bodies.

Many people don’t realize that every cell in our bodies requires oxygen on a continual basis in order to have active metabolism. The cells of all glands and organs require active metabolism in order for those glands and organs to be functional and productive, and we cannot maintain a state of good health for long without their function.

Once we understand this basic principle we can look at our modern sedentary lifestyle and see that it is not the most conducive to health. Coming from nature where all the creatures are moving the majority of the time – we also were designed with motion in mind.

When we do move two things spontaneously occur: first, the activity engages muscles which produce carbon dioxide through their metabolism; this triggers deeper breathing in order to eliminate the carbon dioxide and to acquire more oxygen for continued muscular activity.

Second: the activity stimulates better circulation in both the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems, so that both oxygen and other nutrients can be distributed throughout the body.

The lack of activity that usually comes with a desk job, or sitting at a computer all day, is really not to our benefit. Not only does our circulation become more sluggish and our breathing very shallow but all the brain activity also requires fair amounts of oxygen, and this type of activity does not stimulate sufficient deeper breathing nor better circulation. Consequently we fall into oxygen depletion.

The result is known as the oxidative stress, produced at a cellular level by cells in a panic because they are suffocating, and communicated up to the brain as stressful anxiety. Both this stress level and the oxygen deficit are damaging to the entire body.

When these conditions remain for long periods of time they lead to a degeneration of our internal organs and subsequent malfunctions.

How many people accept that they have stressful jobs? Yet this situation could easily be alleviated by breathing breaks and exercise breaks instead of coffee breaks, or even as well as coffee breaks. Looking into the health statistics of our modern society we can see rising numbers of a variety of immune deficient and degenerative diseases. Should we continue to go this route or would it be better to start applying some simple solutions now?

The science of yoga has many practical methods of reversing the trend. It does not require amazing flexibility nor acrobatic feats to promote a better state of health. Simple movement and deeper breathing would suffice and these can be done right in the office.

Breathing can be practiced sitting in an office chair for example, so why not change the direction of our health trends. Deep breathing does not require a huge amount of effort, and oxygen is still free, not even taxable.

About the Author

David Goulet has been a certified international yoga teacher since 1972. David and his wife Marina offer Yoga Teacher Training in Victoria British Columbia and beautiful beach island of Koh Phangan in South Thailand. Visit his website here.

The below blends can help during times of stress. When selecting and using oils, be sure to follow all safety precautions and remember that aromatherapy should not be used as a substitute for proper medical treatment.

Blend #1

* 3 drops Clary Sage
* 1 drop Lemon
* 1 drop Lavender

Blend #2

* 2 drops Roman Chamomile
* 2 drops Lavender
* 1 drop Vetiver

Blend #3

* 3 drops Bergamot
* 1 drop Geranium
* 1 drop Frankincense

Blend #4

* 3 drops Grapefruit
* 1 drop Jasmine
* 1 drop Ylang Ylang

Directions:

Select one of the blends shown above. Then, choose which method you’d like to use the blend – diffuser, bath oil, massage oil or air freshener

A tension headache is a diffusing mild to moderate pain that spreads over the head. In most cases, the pain is not localized and is spread all over the head. It is often described as the feeling that one would get if the skull is caught in a vise. In many instances tension headache may cause pain in the base of the neck, shoulders and upper back too.

Tension type headaches are classified as under:

-    Episodic – Headache that occurs for less than 15 days a month
-    Chronic – Pain in the head that occurs for more than 15 days in a month for at least six months. .

Even thought the pain is normally moderate, it can get severe at times.

Stress in the muscles around the neck and head was believed to be the most common cause of tension headache. Another theory suggests that teeth clenching causes tension headaches as it leads to contraction of the muscle that allows the jaw to open and close.

Researchers now believe that muscular tension is only the apparent reason and certain abnormalities in the peripheral and central nervous system may also be involved in the real cause of tension headaches. Yet another theory suggests that the brain confuses the signal of muscular tension as pain, which causes tension headache.

The main molecule involved in this confusion of signals is serotonin. As evidence, scientists refer to the fact that the same type of antidepressants that are effective for psychological disorders caused by abnormal serotonin levels are also effective in treating tension headaches.

However, the connection between muscle tension and changes in the nervous system is yet to be firmly established and all suggested theories are based on conjectures and indirect evidence.

There are various triggers that may cause tension type headaches and the most common among them include:

-    Stress – usually at the end of the day after putting in hours of hard work.
-    Lack of sleep:
-    Poor posture.
-    Hunger.
-    Asthenopia or eyestrain from prolonged hours of work.
-    Heavy drinking.
-    Smoking.
-    Caffeine withdrawal.

Mild and moderate episodic tension headaches usually respond to over-the-counter analgesics and only chronic or severe headaches require specific treatment with antidepressants and in some case, anticonvulsants.

These drugs have to be used sparingly and should be ingested only when the pain is uncontrollable and the situation unavoidable. This is because most of these drugs are habit forming and may convert episodic and acute tension headaches into a chronic condition.

Stress is not only the cause but the also a consequence of tension headaches. Avoiding triggers and enduring a mild tension headache that does not interfere with your ability to function are the best ways to relieve stress.

Try overcoming worries by adopting a positive attitude towards life. This positive attitude can relieve stress induced by the pain. PureCalm for anxiety – a natural herbal and homeopathic remedy, is also effective at reducing the stress levels that can trigger a tension headache.

Reference:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tension-headache/DS00304/DSECTION=1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

* 2 d. rose oil
* 2 d. neroli oil
* 2 d. geranium oil

Put with 1/2 cup Epsom Salts or Baking Soda and add to running bath water. Soak 15-20 mins.

Vipassana Meditation

Vipassana means “insight” -to see things as they really are, through a process of self-observation. It means insight into your own nature which enables one to recognize himself the cause of suffering and eliminate it.

Method:

It is usually done in a course of 10 days, when the participants refrain from reading, writing, and even talking (except discussing difficulties faced during meditation with the teacher). Set aside 15 minutes. Find a quiet place. Sit down cross-legged on the floor or a chair with a straight back. Become aware of your breath. Take a mental note of whatever feeling you are experiencing.

Open your eyes slowly after 10 or 15 minutes and get up gradually. Do not worry if you do not get any great insights in your first session. Try to be aware of your senses and emotions and their impact on you.

Benefits:

It is free of rites. Allows one to study sensation in the body like cold, pain, itching etc. One develops wisdom.

Raja Yoga Meditation

Raja yoga meditation fills the yogi with super-sensuous joy or bliss which is the highest and the most ennobling experience. The bliss elevates the mind and raises the yogi above carnal pleasures, and moulds his bad habits.

A Raja yogi establishes a relationship with God . He withdraws from all the superfluous and avoidable worldly activities. He spends minimum time and resources on his personal comforts and devotes maximum energy for noble cause i.e. spiritual awakening of his felloe-beings.

Zazen

It refers to zen meditation as was done by Buddha.

Method:

In this you sit in lotus position with back straight to allow free movement of the diaphragm. The chin is tucked in and the weight of the body equally distributed on both the legs.

Benefits:

It is a way to discipline life, and makes one realize how much valuable time is wasted each day.

Nada Yoga

Plug the ears with the thumbs as in Yoni mudra and concentrate on the internal body sounds. At first the sounds will be faint and will progressively become louder. By listening to this sound mind becomes internally focused. Very beneficial meditative object.

Are you currently pursuing a master’s degree in your desired field of study? If so, chances are your stress levels peak more often than you’d like to admit.

Medical professionals everywhere mention time and again just how detrimental long-term stress can be for someone. It can lead to hair loss, weight gain, high blood pressure and a myriad of other ailments.

Luckily, for those of you finding yourself more than a bit overwhelmed by your current endeavors, there are a few simple things you can do to relax and ease your mind.

Some of these might take a bit of mental effort on your part at first, but once you get in a healthy routine, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without them.

Meditate

Many students today complain about a lack of time. They use that as an excuse for not working out, not cleaning, not cooking, you get the point. However, the reality is that they could use all of the time they spend making excuses doing something productive like meditating.

Most people shy away from this for the sole reason that when they hear “meditation” they envision someone in a robe going “ohm.” But really, actual meditation doesn’t have to be anything like that. Just sitting in silence and turning your brain off for 15 minutes is sometimes sufficient enough.

The point is to detach from your thoughts and stressors of everyday life. It takes some practice to be able to silence your brain and all that’s within it, but once you get it down you will notice the difference. So, the next time you find yourself either complaining about your lack of time or find yourself freaking out over an assignment or deadline, stop yourself and meditate. I promise you’ll be a much happier individual.

Exercise

I’m not saying you need to go out and pump major iron, but keeping up with a regular fitness routine can do wonders for not only your body but also your mental state. First of all, being in shape will help you better handle those busy weeks that are full of tests, papers, etc. During those times your body is no doubt pushed to the brink, and when you’re fit you are better equipped to take it in stride.

Additionally, regular exercise gives you an excuse to GET AWAY from your studies for a bit a clear your mind, which means it complements the first point of meditation. Even if you just go for a quick 20-minute run, I promise it’s better than nothing. That is 20 minutes when the only thing you have to focus on is the direct task at hand. Allowing yourself little breaks like this will allow you to come back feeling refreshed, which will make it ten times easier to focus on your schoolwork.

Unplug

A final tip to help you de-stress and remain calm while pursuing a graduate degree is to allow yourself time to completely unplug. By unplug I mean no contact with virtual, digital devices. No email, text messaging, Googling or anything. I’m sure
many of you are scoffing at this thought, but believe me it is definitely doable, you just have to manage your time appropriately to make it happen.

I think unplugging for an entire day is ideal, but I know that might be a bit of a pipe dream given all of your demands and responsibilities. However, you should allocate a good several hours at least once a week in which you completely detach from the online world. People need time like this to catch up with their loved ones. It’s almost like a reality check that reminds you “oh my God there is life outside of my email account.”

Some might get this confused with meditating, and while the two are similar, this is more about reconnecting with the REAL world around you, whereas meditation is about inner peace and discovery. A healthy medium of both is ideal to achieve harmonious balance.

Natural remedies can also help stress and tension. PureCalm is a natural, safe and effective liquid herbal formula that works quickly to eliminate symptoms of tension, anxiety, stress, panic attacks and irritability. PureCalm helps maintain balanced emotions during everyday pressure, stress and common nervous tension.

Created by a clinical psychologist, this remedy is pharmaceutically manufactured to the highest standards, combining the soothing properties of Lemon Balm with those of Lavender and Passion Flower, to bring you relief within minutes! For those who suffer from chronic anxiety, PTSD and/or severe panic attacks, combine PureCalm with MindSoothe for effective long-term reduction of your symptoms.

So, the next time you find yourself experiencing anxiety about an upcoming presentation, exam or interview, think back to this list, take a deep breath and calm down. At the end of the day remember to cut yourself some slack. Yes life can be difficult and hard, but on some level it is meant to be enjoyed, so try not to forget that.

About the author:

Leslie Johnson is a freelance writer and journalist who writes about physical and mental wellness for mastersinhealthcare.com. Feel free to send a comment her way!