To learn more about natural healing via Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Color Therapy and Crystal Therapy, please visit the Alternative Healing Academy.

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According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, the manufacture of stimulant drugs has increased by more than 500 percent since 1991, and over 50 percent of the prescriptions for these drugs are written by pediatricians.

Unsurprisingly, these alarming statistics have raised questions about whether some doctors and parents are too quick to medicate children, and whether it might be worthwhile to try homeopathic remedies for ADHD before turning to stimulant drugs.

The reason drugs like Ritalin and Adderall can be successful in treating ADHD is because they stimulate brain activity. While extra stimulation may seem like the last thing a hyperactive child needs, the heightened activity in fact helps the brain to focus and pay attention. There are several herbal ingredients which act similarly to stimulate the brain, and can be used as part of an effective child ADHD treatment plan.

Among these ingredients is Brahmi, an herb that has long been known to enhance cognitive function. Brahmi can help increase learning abilities, and according to research, it provides another healthful benefit of protecting the brain from damage from free radicals.

Ginko Biloba is well-known herb that is often found in natural medications. It is popular for it’s ability to generate increased blood flow to the brain, as well as increased neurotransmitter levels, helping the brain to focus. Perhaps one of the best qualities of Ginko is the tendency of its positive effects to become permanent, eliminating the need for its continued use.

Centella Asiatica, which is also called Gotu Kola, is a natural ingredient that has been shown to reduce anxiety levels and enhance memory and brain function. Recent research has also suggested that it helps to increase blood flow to the brain and improve general circulation.

Siberian Ginseng is another natural brain stimulant that increases endurance and concentration. This particular herb also moderates the release of body energy and normalizes body function. Similarly, Panax Ginseng, a Chinese herb, has been shown to reduce stress and fatigue, strengthen the immune system, increase motivation and also normalize body function.

There are effective herbs for hyperactivity, and the herbs mentioned above have all been used successfully in treatment for ADHD. There are a wide variety of herbal remedies available that are created by experts in the field, and combine multiple ingredients that both stimulate and soothe for the best effect. Since many herbal stimulants have effects on the brain that are similar to the effects produced by prescription stimulants, the two types of medications should never be taken together.

It is essential to consult a doctor before trying any new medication or before stopping any medication, and if you do ultimately decide to try ADHD natural remedies, remember to give them at least a few weeks to take effect. You might be among those who find it is a healthy and effective alternative to prescription stimulant drugs for your child.

Focus Formula is a natural, safe and proven herbal remedy, clinically formulated to effectively treat symptoms of ADHD without the side effects of psychiatric drugs such as Ritalin, Concerta and Adderall.  Focus Formula treats the symptoms of ADHD naturally to reduce hyperactivity and restlessness; calm, soothe and reduce mood swings; improve concentration, memory and attention span; improve alertness and mental focus; calm over-active minds; reduce impulsiveness and aggression.

Focus Formula is formulated for children and adults with ADHD. Adults with ADD (no hyperactivity) should use Native Remedies Focus ADDult, while children with ADD (no hyperactivity) should use BrightSpark for ADD. Formulated by a clinical psychologist, Focus Formula is pharmaceutically manufactured to the highest standards.

There are also certain categories of individuals more prone to extreme stress such as health care workers, firemen, police officers, those living on the east or west coasts, low-income individuals, those of middle age, those who remain single throughout their life, and women and others who are considered of a minority in most populations.

Extreme stress is when a situation or event personally effects someone we care deeply about or when these things happen to us. The stress can be crushing, crippling and difficult to live with. Examples of situations where extreme stress exists would be catastrophic crises such as those from weather or war in which large populations are wiped out. Extreme stress affects the individual’s ability to survive or the ability of a loved one to survive.

The symptoms of extreme stress varies from those of normal stress in that when a person experiences normal stress they may encounter the typical stress responses such as the increase in adrenaline that spur our heart to beat faster to rush blood from our skin to vital organs and to our legs if flight is required.

The individual may notice tensed muscles, rapid breathing, and a feeling of being anxious. An individual experiencing extreme stress feels like his/her heart will burst through the chest, they may gasp for air as if there is no oxygen in the room and either overreact to the situation or event or they may become frozen and unable to react, or move.

There is also an emotional response when an individual is experiencing extreme stress such as being totally terrified, and feeling very panicky about the event or situation. They may say or think that they are doomed to die or that they feel that the situation is hopeless.

Cognitively the individual experiencing extreme stress will be in a confused state, and could even totally mentally shut down. They will have difficulty recalling events, or details. They may react as if they are on autopilot or totally freeze up and not be able to function at all.

While experiencing extreme stress the individual may take risks that may be dangerous or seem foolish to others. They will experience a never-ending survival existence in which they feel they have no hope of escaping from.

Individuals who have experienced extreme stress must learn to manage stress first in the immediate time period and then over-time as they heal. A good example of this is the victims and the families of those who were attacked on September 11th. There were immediate needs that had to be addressed for those injured and those learning of those who had perished and then as time passed stress management took on other means of coping such as erecting memorials, holding remembrance ceremonies treating physical, mental and emotional wounds. Support groups are often very helpful tools for anyone suffering from extreme stress.

What is causing your stress at work? Co-workers? Bosses? The pay? The work itself? Identify what is causing your stress so that you may better understand how to deal with it.

Problems with co-workers are common, and the first idea would be to avoid the co-workers giving you the stress. If this can’t be done, remember that they’re other people that have their own views and ideas about the way things should be done. Don’t let things people say bother you.

Avoid confrontations with them, and be nice to them no matter how rude they seem to be toward you. Being nice to them will either confuse them and they won’t bother you anymore, or it will inspire them to have a better attitude toward you as well.

Bosses often cause lots of stress for people in the workplace. If your boss is breathing down your neck, do the best you can to show him that you hear him and that you’re listening. Do the work how he wants you to do it, and this will help avoid more conflicts in the future. Bosses want people to do things their way no matter the cost, and sometimes that is what you have to do. It might be hard, but let your boss think that he is the one in charge, and he will not be on you as much.

The pay of your work is something that really can’t be changed. You could ask for a raise, but people who do more than likely don’t receive it. There is really nothing to be done about how well the job pays, unless you decide to quit and try for a better-paying job, but this step is ill-advised unless you’re positive you can land a better job easily.

If you’re struggling with the work you do, get help. Let your boss know that you do not understand the project, and ask him to explain it again. Maybe some of your co-workers will understand what you’re supposed to do and lend you a hand. There is more than likely someone you work with that is willing to help you. Ask friends or family if they know anything about it. If you need help, there is somewhere to get it, but you just might have to look for it.

Whatever the problem at work, tell yourself that the problem is temporary and that it will pass. People, as mentioned, often feel stress at work. It is normal, and the problem will not last forever. Persevere until you solve the conflict. You’ll be glad you did.

Handle it in the most mature way you can, and this will help the problem go more smoothly. Look at it as a challenge, not a problem. Let yourself know that whatever it is, you can get through it, and you will get through it. While others can help, you’re the only person that can eliminate your stress completely, and it’s up to you.

We Recommend:

PureCalm is a natural, safe and effective liquid herbal formula that works quickly to eliminate symptoms of tension, anxiety, stress, panic attacks and irritability.  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.

There are high blood pressure natural ways to reduce but, before know how to reduce, you should know what high blood pressure is. Blood pressure is a numerical value that gives the mg of mercury of pressure required to move your blood through your arterial system.

There are several different ways to lower high blood pressure natural ways to reduce. First you should look at the things that put you at higher risk to have high blood pressure such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, alcohol intake, and a poor diet. The most natural ways to reduce your blood pressure is to reduce your weight, increase the amount of exercise, stop smoking or using alcohol and improve your diet to include fruits and vegetables.

There are some other ways that will complement your efforts to lose weight and get exercise when you want to lower your high blood pressure natural ways to reduce. Try meditation or yoga because it helps to reduce stress and strengthens your body. Decrease your use of salt, which will decrease your retention of water. The more fluid your body has to pump around the higher your blood pressure goes.

Other methods to lower your high blood pressure natural ways to reduce is to forget the fat in your foods and think fiber. Fiber will improve your overall health, decrease your cholesterol and triglycerides which will help to lower your blood pressure. Magnesium is a great supplement that will help to decrease your blood pressure. But, taken as a supplement pill it is much less effect than if its eaten in green leafy vegetables, whole grains and legumes such as peanuts and beans.

Vitamin C has benefits for lowering your blood pressure and taken with adequate amounts of Vitamin E you will reap even more rewards. Omega 3 Fatty Acids are another factor your body needs to remain heart healthy. You will get the most from salmon or flax seed. Have trouble thinking about eating seeds? Try sprinkling milled flax seed (powdered form) over your salad or cereal. You wont notice the taste, little calories and all the punch of Omega 3s.

Get rid of birth control pills, coffee, tea, caffeine and sleep deprivation. All of these things will raise your blood pressure to new heights. On the other hand Zinc, ginger and carrot juice have been found to have significant positive heart healthy effects on your body. Kelp supplements and aromatherapy also have positive effects on lowering your blood pressure but for vastly different reasons. Kelp is a supplement that works internally while aromatherapy will work to decrease your level of stress and temporarily decrease your blood pressure.

In September, seventy-three year old Ed Whitlock shattered his own world age class marathon record by completing a marathon in under 3 hours. Ed is the first 70+ human in history to attain this goal and he has done it twice!

Why is exercise so important as we age? After 50, we begin to loose muscle mass at the rate of 6 percent every decade (about 5 pounds) and we gain 15 pounds of fat every ten years to replace it. Less muscle and more fat stores in the body, combined with inactivity and poor diet, can contribute to a wide array of degenerative conditions and disabilities, among them: osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoarthritis. Researchers speculate that Alzheimer’s disease and certain cancers can also be linked to a lack of activity as we age.

The Stanford University Medical Center has conducted several long-term studies on active individuals over 50, particularly runners. They found that runners had a lower death rate and dramatically less disabilities compared to non-runners. They observed that running regularly was associated with an increase of HDL (good) cholesterol, plus a positive effect on muscle mass, as well as heart and lung health.

Other studies have concluded that regular exercise increases bone strength, controls weight gain, and keeps diabetes in check. Active seniors are better able to take care of themselves, perform common household tasks, and remain mentally sharp.

5 Parts of a Healthy-Aging Workout:

1. Endurance Exercise: running, brisk walking, biking, aerobics, tennis, (a minimum recommendation of 25-30 minutes a day

2. Strength Training Exercise: weight lifting, uphill training (walking, running, hiking up an incline).

3. Stretching Exercise: pre- and after workout stretches retain flexibility. Try yoga and pilates.

4. Balance Exercise: use a balance ball for core exercises or stand on one foot without support.

5. Meditative Exercise: reduce stress with yoga and tai chi.

5 Keys to Exercise Success:

1. Dream big and set realistic goals. If you’re not use to exercise don’t try to run a marathon right away. Create a step-by-step plan to increase your stamina, strength and stability. Too much, too soon can end up causing injuries. Gradually work up to your dream achievement, such as participating in the Senior Olympics or climbing Pikes Peak.

2. Exercise daily. Create your own special time for exercise every day. Whether it’s a morning jog through the neighborhood, a mid-day walk with the dog or an afternoon swim at your local gym, daily exercise is much more effective at reaping healthy benefits than the ‘weekend warrior’ approach.

Exports recommend 25-30 minutes of moderate to strenuous exercise every day just to maintain your current weight. If you are trying to loose weight, extend your workout time to 60 minutes.

3. Be aware of your body. If you feel soreness or a slight achy feeling in your muscles, that’s OK. Your body is responding to a good workout. Use ice therapy to ease small aches and pains, and to reduce inflammation. A few 20-minute sessions with a cold pack and you should be ready for your next daily workout. Never use heat on stressed or strained muscles, as it will increase pain and swelling, slowing recovery time. Heat is appropriate to relax tight muscles. If you experience serious problems such as extreme pain, fainting, numbness in arms or legs, or chest pain, seek medical attention immediately.

4. Stay well hydrated. Always a consideration for any athlete, dehydration can pose a serious problem in older athletes as aging bodies contain less body water. Sweating and exposure to heat can easily deplete the body of fluids. Drink plenty of liquids before, during and after your workout.

5. Be a health leader! Encourage others through example and participation. Be positive and motivated. An enthusiastic attitude is contagious! It will also keep you going running through puddles on a rainy day; surviving aching legs on a downhill descent; or arriving at the finish line of your first race!

Keep in mind the words of 90-year old Jack LaLanne, ‘I work at living, not dying’.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical treatment or consultation. Always consult with your physician in the event of a serious injury.

Learn more about keeping fit and healthy at It’s HIP to be FIT!

About the author

John has experience in many areas of health and fitness and shares this Fitness Information on his website http://www.Fitness4Living.co.uk/

If you ask twenty people what causes them the most stress, you are likely to hear twenty different answers. That is because stress is not the same for every person. Everyone is affected by it quite differently. What causes stress for one person, may not faze another. However, there are common threads in the top things that cause stress. Here are a few things that are likely to cause feelings of stress.

Money: They old saying goes that money is the root of all evil and when you think about the number of times you have thought or worried about money, then you can probably agree with that statement. Money is the reason you get up every day and head to work. It is what keeps you up late at night paying the bills. It is important and stressful. It makes sense then that money is one of the top stressors in many lives. You never seem to have enough to go around and it can cause spouses and family members to argue and worry.

In this day and age, with the soaring prices of gas, groceries and the mounting debt you may carry, it is no wonder that money is a huge stress factor. If you find you are worried about money, think of things you can actively do to reduce your worries and put yourself in a solid financial situation.

Children: Children are wonderful and they add joy and excitement to your life. However, children can cause you lots of stress, too. From the day they are born and come home from the hospital, you worry and stress over them. Is your baby eating enough, sleeping enough, getting the right amount of stimulation?

It doesn’t stop when they are babies either factor in potty training, separation anxiety, school, homework, driving, dating, college tuition and you can quickly see that your bundle of joy has brought stress aplenty into your home. You will certainly lose a lot of sleep over your children, even after they have grown up and moved out of the house.

Medical problems: Another one of the top things that cause stress in the lives of many people is medical problems. Even small medical problems and illnesses can cause people to worry and fret. If you are unlucky enough to face major medical issues, then the stress rises even more. You may wonder if you will get better, how you will support your family, if you can work and even if you have enough health insurance to pay the bills. Medical problems are huge stress factors for many people.

Stress happens and when you know what is causing your stress, you can work to alleviate these problems before it gets out of hand, as well as choose a holistic approach which incorporates a natural remedy for stress.

Editor’s Note: Sometimes a natural remedy for stress can help us cope with the top things that cause stress. PureCalm, a natural remedy for stress, has been tested by our editors and found to be a very effective natural remedy for stress. Our editors found that this natural remedy for stress calmed nerves, soothed mood and helped them to achieve a more relaxed and even-keeled response to normal stressors of the day. As an added benefit, the natural stress remedy, PureCalm, also helped our editors fall asleep more easily and stay asleep – which greatly helped their overall mood and stress levels.

This natural remedy for stress is manufactured by Native Remedies. We thoroughly researched this company that makes this natural stress remedy and have found that all of their products are created using their Full Spectrum Approach (FSA), a set of standards and processes that combines the best quality, laboratory-tested, raw ingredients, good manufacturing practices and a Full Spectrum manufacturing method to guarantee you products of the highest quality, safety and effectiveness.

All Native Remedies‘ formulas, including their PureCalm stress natural remedy, contain no animal products, gluten, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, are not tested on animals, and backed by our One Year Unconditional Money Back Guarantee. Plus, individual homeopathic ingredients are listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS).

Also, they only use WHOLE HERB herbal extracts, the purest form of the herb with the highest quality and therapeutic benefits.

If you suffer from headaches, you’ve probably looked into a lot of treatments, but perhaps don”t really know where to start.

While they can take away the pain, many headache medications have undesirable side effects.  While rare, a few of these side effects can be severe and even life threatening, even at low doses.  Plus, to get rid of more severe headaches, you have to take higher doses. It”s no wonder people have been turning to natural cures to help relieve head pain.

There are several herbs and foods that can be used to treat headaches once they start.

Here are some:

* Lemon – Squeezing a few wedges of lemon in your water or juice can get rid of a headache almost immediately. If that doesn’t work, grind the peel into a paste and apply directly to the forehead or temples.

* Cinnamon – Grind a cinnamon stick with water until you get a fine paste.  Apply to the forehead and temples for quick relief.

* Rosemary – Grind up a few leaves of rosemary in some boiling water and inhale the steam under a towel for quick relief.

While temporary headache cures are great, you can reduce headaches in the long term simply by changing your diet. Certain foods have been shown to reduce the occurrence of headaches when added to a well balanced diet, including citrus fruit and apples. Avoid consuming processed sugars, caffeine, and artificial chemicals as they can actually cause headaches.

There are a wide variety of natural cures for headaches that don”t require taking or eating anything at all.  While many people are hesitant to try these techniques because they feel they are silly or just don’t understand how they could work, many of them have been effectively used for hundreds of years.  You just have to give them an honest try.

* Diaphramatic breathing. This breathing method may take a while to master, but can slow your heart rate, lower blood pressure, ease stress, and consequentially, relieve tension headaches.

* Color visualization.  While this method seems a bit hokey to some, it has been shown to relieve pain from headaches as well as other minor pains, using only the power of the mind.

* Positive thinking. While thinking happy thoughts may not take the pain out of a headache, adapting your thinking to include a more positive outlook can reduce stress and pain with time. It can also make you happier and healthier overall.

* Exercise.  Getting regular exercise can not only relieve stress and reduce tension headaches over time, but getting a few minutes of vigorous exercise releases chemicals that can blast a headache after it’s already started. While this might be very painful for a few minutes, you’ll feel relief quickly after you’ve started.

While everyone is different, often the cure for a headache will depend on the cause. If you keep getting headaches, try several different cures and techniques and you’re sure to find one that works for you.

We Recommend:

MiGone Plus is a natural, safe and effective liquid herbal formula, formulated by a Clinical Psychologist as a concentrated medicinal extract of three herbs especially chosen to quickly and effectively address the principle underlying causes of chronic headaches and migraines. MiGone Plus works effectively to prevent migraines and chronic headaches, including cluster headaches; reduce muscle tension and spasms; stop tension headaches before they start; relieve the symptoms of arthritis; improve liver functioning and the elimination of toxins; relax and reduce anxiety and tension and prevent menstrual cramps.

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/

Many people will wonder why they should treat pain. They may fear addiction, or simply go by the philosophy that they should just live with it. But pain doesnt just make us less comfortable, it can also affect our mood, sleep patterns, our daily activities, and pretty much every aspect of our lives. And now there are safe and effective medications so you dont have to simply deal with pain.

To properly manage pain, its important to get started before the pain is too severe and to find a specialist. Most people think of anesthesiologists as the people who put you to sleep for surgeries, but they actually specialize in pain management. They can work with the doctor or doctors to develop and execute a proper pain management plan. It is important for this doctor (along with any others) to know what kind of pain your loved one is in, how bad it is, when it started, and how often it is. You also need to keep them updated on whether or not treatment is working.

While it is important for your loved ones to make their own decisions on their health if possible, it may be necessary for you to act as their advocate and speak up when they cant. This may be if they are not able to communicate anymore, or if the doctor simply isnt listening to them.

Often chronic pain is accompanied by a severe or terminal illness. While the illness itself causes pain, the stress from coping with the disease can make that pain even more unbearable. Anxiety, depression, and lack of proper sleep can all contribute to additional pain. Thats why its important to help your loved one properly understand and treat the underlying cause of their pain.

When modern medicine simply isnt doing enough to manage your loved ones pain, you may be able to find them relief in alternative treatments. These treatments can be used to reduce stress, ease tension, and improve sleep quality. Many people find additional pain relief from massage, acupuncture, or even meditation. While these methods may not do anything to help the cause of the pain, they can provide extra relief and coping skills when combined with modern medicine. Just remember to consult your loved one’s doctor before starting any treatment.

One of the biggest problems with alternative medicine is skepticism. Often people simply just dont believe that this kind of treatment can help them. This is especially true with older generations. If you are considering this kind of treatment, be sure to talk to your loved one and explain the options rather than simply forcing the treatment on them.

While pain is a difficult situation for anyone to deal with, try to stay calm and collected. The most important thing is to understand your loved ones needs and help them receive the best care possible.

Exercise Regularly

The important of regular exercise seems to be key to managing more and more conditions. Reducing stress is yet another benefit of exercise. Exercise is just a good and healthy thing to do regardless, keeping your body in top condition to help it handle stress.

Specifically, exercise increases circulation and may help move toxins out of the body. Toxins are said to collect in the body as a result of stress, probably because stress affects the usual elimination systems (especially digestion).

Breathing

Practicing deep breathing can help prevent stress from taking hold. As often as you can during the day, at regular intervals and/or when you feel a stressful situation coming on, take at least ten deep breaths. Breathe very slowly – some experts recommend counting to ten as you do – and breathe very deeply, imagining your breath filling your lower abdominal cavity. It’s important to relax those tummy muscles we all like to hold in! Then breathe out slowly as well, taking care to expel the very last bit of air from your lungs.

Fish Oil

A medical study in the mid-1990s linked the ingestion of fish oil with stress reduction – rats that were given fish oil supplements were found to be less susceptible to stress-induced gastric ulceration.

Other studies have shown fish oil’s ability to combat the toxic by-products produced when the body digests bad fats, or saturated and animal fats. Fish oil may therefore protect against the toxic by-products of stress as well. In addition, fish oil is reported to help reduce blood pressure by promoting the relaxation of the cells lining the blood vessels.

Fish oil can be taken in supplements, or you can make a point of eating fatty fish like salmon and sardines several times a week.

Meditation

Meditation has been shown to be very helpful in stress protection. It helps focus the mind and relax the body, both crucial elements in stress reduction. You do not have to be religious to meditate; the principle of centering, focusing, and relaxing is not connected with any religious practice. If you do practice a religion, you can combine meditation with prayer, or repeat a religious mantra.

Nutrition

Practicing good nutrition is important for stress management. Taking a good vitamin supplement – preferably food-based and formulated for your age and gender – is a good idea. Eating healthfully every day is also important, and varying the foods you eat helps ensure you are getting the nutrients you need. Whole foods are a good idea – whole grains, fresh produce, and lean meats are a good basis around which to build your stress-protective diet.

Related Natural Product

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.

The word “aura” is but another name for “forcefield” or “radiation.” Every substance in the universe has a radiation or aura — and the auras of minerals, plants and animals as well as human bodies have special characteristics.

In it’s basic form, it embodies seven major layers powered through seven major energy centers called Chakra and is energized by the Kundalini which is the storehouse of Vital energy situated at the base of the spine. Vital energy should flow naturally up the spine with some energy radiating out of each Chakra with most rising through the Crown Chakra at the top of the head.

The science and art of medicine that was initially one, and then split into two, are now approaching reunion. The healing science that became traditional medicine and alternate medicine is slowly becoming the healing sciences. The history of this topic is extensive — extending back thousands of years.

5000 years ago, ancient spiritual tradition of India spoke of a universal source of all life. The energy called “prana.” This Universal energy is the breath of life which moves through all forms to give them life. Yogis work with this energy with breathing techniques, meditation, and physical exercise to produce altered states of consciousness and longevity.

3,000 years ago, the ancient “Qigong” masters in China were practicing their meditative discipline to balance and invigorate the human energy field. They called this vital energy that pervades all forms, both animate and inanimate, “Qi”. The Qi is the vital energy of the body; while gong means the skill of moving this Qi and working with it. Practitioners use mind control to move and control the Qi to not only improve health and longevity, but also to enhance awareness, psychic powers, and spiritual development.

The ancient Qigong masters also developed Tai Chi, Kung Fu, and the martial arts. In addition, they made the first model for acupuncture. Acupuncturists insert needles, or use moxa, or put magnets at specific acupuncture points to balance the yin and yang of the human energy field. When the Qi is balanced, the entity has good health. When the Qi is unbalanced, the entity has poor or impaired health.

The Kabbalah, the Jewish mystical teachings written about 538 B.C., calls these energies the Astral light. Later on, Christian paintings and sculptures show a halo around the head of Christ and other spiritual leaders. Similarly, we see this halo on statues and paintings of Buddha, and also see energy or light coming from the fingers of many of the gods of India.

In fact, there are references made to the phenomenon of the human energy field (HEF) or the aura of the body, in 97 different cultures.

The Aura can be seen in two distinct ways. One way is by actually training the eyes to see it (unless you are given the gift to see them) and the other way is with Kirlian photography. This is a photographic process that captures the auras or biofields of persons or objects within the photograph.

There seems to be no evidence that Kirlian photography is a paranormal phenomenon. Some experimenters think it reveals a physical form of psychic energy. Another theory is that it reveals the etheric body, one of the layers of the aura thought to permeate all animate objects.

Seeing the Aura

* Although not all people are aware of their aura-seeing ability, all of us sense auras through a combination of perceptions at the subconscious, instinctual level.
* Anyone can be taught to see an aura by squinting their eyes, blurring their vision in a dimly lit area.
* Raise your arm out, holding your hand in front of you. Now, simply move your hand slowly from left to right, back and forth while watching the energy above and around your hand that moves with it. This will give you a better sense of the amazing power, which generates from your source.

The Colors of the Aura

* The colors of the aura provide a guide in understanding our emotions, consciousness, energy processes and centers.
* Red, yellow and orange: these are warmer colors and denote extroversion, expressiveness, practicality and vitality.
* Blue and green: these cooler colors generally show more sensitivity, peacefulness, as well as, an inward and intuitive nature.
* Violet and white: symbolizes a vivid imagination, magic and a spiritual orientation towards life. It tells you that you are, or have the ability to be connected to the one consciousness. It is the highest and truest ability to be one with the spiritual, allow great insight, vision and clarity.
*Black is a color often shrouded in confusion. Many individuals shy away from Black or using Black, especially when using Color Therapy. Black is actually a protective color. It can be used to calm and ground extremely sensitive people. It activates the feminine or magnetic energies of the body, strengthening them. It should be used sparingly for too much Black can cause depression or aggravate emotional and mental condtions. Black is most effective when used in conjunction with White which balances the polarities of an individual. It can activate the level of the subconscious which can put life in it’s proper perspective.

A body that may have a Black Aura is usually a body without life. The light is gone from the body. Also remember, Black contains the entire color spectrum. It is just not visible to the human eye.

Reading the Aura

When reading an aura by sight or with Kirlian photography :

* The right side: emphasizes the masculine energy. The recent past or that which is leaving you.
* Center and above the head: best expresses what you are experiencing right now.
* The left side: emphasizes the feminine energy. The near future or that which is coming into your life.

The Shape of the Aura

* If it is bright and extended widely around you, this means that you are feeling happy, optimistic and good about life.
* If it is dark and narrow, this could mean that you are depressed, ill, listless or afraid.
* If it is even on all sides, this means that you are well balanced and consistent.
* If you see gaps or holes in your aura, this usually symbolizes a loss or a will to let go of something significant.

Entrainment

There is a rhythm to life! From the beat of our hearts to the beat of the streets, everything around us is set to it’s own timing. There is a natural tendency in nature towards harmony. When something is not in sync, has dissonance or dischord, we know it and can sense or feel it. This creates disharmony between two people or a person and their environment.

When our energies are in sync, this resonance is very apparent. For example, being near someone who is calm, often makes us calm. Being in someone’s home that is arranged beautifully, can create a sense of peace. Women who tend to live in close proximity to one another, often become in sync with their menstrual cycles. Couples in a relationship tend to start talking, acting and even looking like each other after time. These are all examples of entrainment.

Creating Harmony Entrainment is an active process. By changing your rhythm and it’s frequency, this changes your vibration.

Here are some great exercises and tips for creating harmony in your life NOW!

1. Deep breathing: Slow rhythmic breathing allows you to decrease your heart rate, respiration and therefore, slowing down brainwaves, altering the overall state of your body.
2. Humming: Humming with your own voice can improve health, greatly reduce stress, release negative emotions, strengthen immune system, increase energy and improve self-confidence. This allows you to tune into our own vibration and create peace.
3. Meditation: Fold your hands in your lap and close your eyes, right where you are. Take a few slow deep breaths. Let go of the tension in your neck and shoulders. Focus on a word or phrase (mantra) or follow the rise and fall of your chest.
4. Musical Rhythms: music is one of the best ways to create harmony in your life. Find music, which suits the mood you wish to create. Slow and relaxing, sensual and romantic, fast and energetic. Music naturally entrains the mood of the soul.
5. Color Therapy: By concentrating on a particular healing color, it is the visualization of that color that will be projected. If we focus on a color, the energy emanates from our body and begins to change the frequency that resonates with that particular color.
6. Energy Cycles: The Cycles in Nature are important when doing any kind of entrainment work. When working with the energy of natural cycles, you are likely to get better results. The cycles of the moon and tides have great power. This influence is not a constant, unchanging thing, however, and an understanding of the basic lunar cycles can help us to understand how these cycles influence our lives.
7. Understand Your Biorhythms: Biorhythms are a method to predict three cycles in your life based on your birthday. These cycles are the physical, emotional and intellectual cycle. Each of these cycles goes through different phases: high, low and critical.
8. Seasonal Healing: is one of the best ways to remind ourselves that it is time to evaluate our health. Our moods and bodies change as the seasons change. Our past cultures have learned how to harmonize their bodies with the world around them.
9. Circadian Rhythm: This is our internal daily biological clock. This clock can be influenced by many different elements, such as light and darkness, time of day and temperature.
10. Exercise: Exercise is what your body instinctively wants to do especially under stress: fight or flight, and it works. It burns off some of the stress chemicals which tension produces.

Therefore, a tired muscle is a relaxed muscle. Regular exercise builds stamina that can help anyone battle stress. But even something as casual as a walk around the block can help you burn off some of the tension that you carrying around.

By doing physical exercise the body will inevitably get fitter and stronger. A fit person is less likely to get sick and tired especially during stressful periods. As a person becomes fitter, their self esteem and self worth will naturally increase. This also reduces the likely hood of succumbing to stress and in fact will typically have a better chance of coping with stressful situations.

Competitive forms of exercise can also help reduce stress. Normally, competitive sport will require participants to regularly train, set goals and work in a team. They are also required to learn how to cope with stressful moments during a game as well deal with both victory and defeat. Such activities emulate real life situations and therefore will help you to deal with the challenges that life may bring you.

Some physical exercises which involve repetitive movement, such as running or riding a bike, can have a meditative effect bringing on change in your the state of consciousness. Like any other form of meditation, the result is usually an increase in mental alertness and feeling calm yet more alive.

On an etheric level, it is believed that physical exercise has a cleansing affect on the energy body. All the dirty energy that contributes to stress is automatically expelled during physical activity. The energy body will naturally replace this with fresh energy freely available in the air and the earth.

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Learn more about the Total Gym today – then come back here and share your story with us! We’d love to hear from you.

About the author

David Tomaselli is the creator of the Wholistic Development Exchange. The Wholistic Development Exchange is a web site focusing on Stress Management. Here you can access frequently updated tips, news and resources on how to reduce stress and manage stress.

Reflexology is the science or method of stimulating reflexes of the foot, hand or ear that correspond to each gland, organ and part of the body. Stimulation of these reflexes serves to relax and normalize all functions of the body in order to promote a natural balance and revitalization. In ancient times, walking barefoot over rocks and hard ground naturally stimulated these reflexes every day.

By applying pressure on specific areas of the feet or hands, a reflexologist can stimulate corresponding organs or glands. For instance, pressure is applied to the big toe to affect the pituitary gland and the four other toes are stimulated to affect to the brain, sinuses, eyes and ears. Because internal organs like the lungs and the kidneys can not be directly massaged, reflexologists believe that the feet, hands, and ears are an appropriate alternative.

Does Reflexology cure diseases or ailments?

Reflexology is not intended to cure diseases or ailments. Reflexologists are not medical practitioners and are not allowed to diagnose ailments or treat disease. Reflexology can be a valuable way of indicating areas where higher stress or tension is present in the body and can assist to relieve that stress or tension which can promote or encourage the natural healing process.

What are the similarities between Reflexology and Acupressure?

In reflexology and acupressure, the fingers and thumbs are used to exert pressure on various parts of the body to relieve pain and promote healing.

The key to both reflexology and acupressure is the concept of chi, the vital life force energy flowing throughout the body. Indeed, in Chinese medicine, practitioners seek to balance and harmonize the body to ensure an uninterrupted flow of chi. This is the foundation of the Chinese healing arts. Hands on Healing, by the Editors of Prevention Magazine, describes the human body as “a network of highways and byways called meridians. These meridians weave through every one of the body�s vital organs, the bloodstream, …the bones and through the muscles. Along these roads travel not cars and trucks but chi.” Illness occurs when chi is blocked in the organs or along these meridians. According to Hands on Healing, “with the touch of the fingers [acupressurists] can influence the flow of chi, and most important break up the traffic jams that can rob one of vitality and good health.” Theory aside, the important thing is that acupressure and reflexology work and are easy to learn.

What is the difference between Reflexology and Acupressure?

The main difference between the two is in theory and technique, but for all practical purposes they can be used together for relief of pain, associated anxiety and depression as well as other physical, mental and emotional conditions or dysfunction.

In reflexology, pressure is applied with the fingers and thumbs to specific points on the feet, ears, or hands. These points correspond to different parts of the body such as the back, various muscle groups, and internal organs.

Acupressure is an ancient healing technique, in which finger or thumb pressure is placed on specific points on the body. Acupressure is similar in principle to acupuncture, in which needles are inserted. The main distinction between reflexology and acupressure is that in acupressure points all over the body are activated, whereas in reflexology, these points are largely limited to the ears, feet, and hands.

What does Reflexology do?

Reflexology can relieve tension and promote relaxation. Medical studies show that over 75% of all health problems can be linked to tension and stress. Our modern lifestyles not only cause a great deal of this stress, but also do nothing to relieve it. In ancient times, we had stress of a different nature, and due to the ancient lifestyle, were able to naturally treat tension and stress without even realizing it.

How does it work?

There are many theories about how Reflexology works, but the most commonly held belief is that Reflexology acts to relax those reflexes that in turn are connected to various parts of the body, improving lymphatic drainage and circulation as well as relaxing muscles and stimulating nerve connections. Reflexology is primarily a relaxation technique, and while research clearly indicates that Reflexology benefits patients health in both chronic and other ailments, it is not a substitute for medical treatment, and should be considered as complementary to any type of medical treatment. Extensive research on reflexology has validated the effectiveness of Reflexology.

What does a reflexologist do in a session?

A reflexologist aims to provide a healing “environment” for a client. Prior to the session, the client’s medical history is discussed. After an inspection of the feet and hands, the reflexologist will individually stimulate each foot and/or each hand. The bottom, top and sides of the feet and/or hands receive a thorough massage. By taking into account the needs of a client, a reflexologist will vary the amounts of pressure on different areas of the foot and hand. Cream is applied to the feet at the end of the reflexology session. The entire process requires approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

Is Reflexology new?

Although recently becoming much more popular and accepted in Western society, Reflexology has been practiced for thousands of years by Egyptians, Native American cultures and Mayan and Incan civilizations. It is widely accepted in many European countries as an accepted therapy. Modern Reflexology has its origins in the late 1930′s, thanks to Eunice Ingham.

Is Reflexology the same as Massage, Acupuncture, Acupressure or Shiatsu?

Reflexology is not the same as massage, which involves tissue and muscle therapy to promote relaxation. Acupuncture, Acupressure and Shiatsu are similar in some respects to reflexology in their use of reflexes or meridians of the body as they relate to the gland, organs and parts of the body, however Reflexology focuses on relaxation of those reflexes through manipulation to reduce stress and tension. The other therapies are based on the belief that ‘Chi’ or energy flows through the meridians and that the therapy improves the flow of ‘Chi’ by reducing or eliminating blockages.

What are the benefits of Reflexology?

Reflexology primarily eases stress and tension, which in turn can improve blood circulation, lymph drainage, assist in the elimination of toxins, and strengthening of the immune system. It enables the body’s natural healing processes to promote wellness. Read more on the benefits of reflexology here.

Who can receive reflexology sessions?

Anyone can benefit from reflexology, including children, the elderly and the sick. Reflexology is safe and drug-free, so any person can begin reflexology sessions as soon as they wish.

Can Reflexology make a condition worse?

No. Reflexology is a non-invasive natural therapy that relaxes the body and is essentially harmless. On rare occasions, release of toxins as a result of the body’s natural healing process may result in symptoms such as perspiration, nausea or headaches, however these symptoms are not directly related to Reflexology, and are temporary and not serious.

Can I have reflexology if I have a verruca, or corns?

Verrucas are generally considered to be contagious, so for hygiene reasons they should be treated before you can have reflexology, corns are best removed before a treatment as they can get in the way, but you can have a treatment with corns.

How can reflexology help my sinus problem, when you�re treating my feet, and my sinus is in my head?

Reflexology acts on nerve endings in the feet relating to the whole body, by applying pressure to the sinus reflex in the feet we are relieving the symptoms of sinus in the head.

Do you have to be ill to have reflexology?

No, reflexology is used to maintain good health as well as treat ill health.

Can I give myself reflexology treatments?

YES, definitely! That is one of the coolest things about reflexology, it is easy to learn and you can be just as effective using it on yourself as a professional reflexologist treatment. Browse through this site to see the various books, tools and charts we have to help you learn this powerful healing technique.

Are there specific sessions for different types of clients?

Generally, a reflexologist will administer lighter and shorter sessions on seniors, pregnant women, the sick and children. However, it is recommended that these same types of clients receive reflexology more frequently.

How can I become a Reflexologist?

The regulations regarding practicing Reflexology vary from country to country and within countries can also vary by state or province. In some cases municipal or city licenses may be required to practice natural health care. The best way to investigate becoming a Reflexologist is to contact your closest Reflexology Association. The amount of classroom and practical training as well as written examinations also varies greatly. although Reflexology Associations are striving to ensure that all practitioners are well trained and certified in most regions. Using a well trained Reflexologist who is certified by an accredited school and/or Association is recommended.

Is reflexology a good career?

Reflexology is quickly gaining in world-wide recognition as an excellent way towards providing and maintaining health care for all ages. A good reflexologist has sensitive and strong hands. Personal cleanliness and a professional outlook are important. For those who choose self-employment, good business sense is essential. Remember, it takes time and persistence to develop professional skills and a successful practice. This profession is best suited to those who are committed to helping people, and who are able to sustain a challenging work routine.

Chronic hypertension has often been called the silent killer because it has little to no signs and symptoms and will not be picked up unless an individual is screened with a blood-pressure measurement.

It can cause blood vessel changes in the back of the eye which lead to cataracts and blindness. In it can also cause an abnormal thickening of the heart muscle which leads to heart failure and congestive heart failure or it can lead to kidney failure and brain damage.

There is no substitute for measuring blood pressure in the physician’s office and without it you are only inviting hypertension into your life. At this time physicians have not been able to find a reason for 95% of the diagnose cases of hypertension. However they do know that with medication, weight reduction, salt restriction anaerobic exercise most people are able to reduce their blood pressure and control it.

Your blood pressure will actually change during the day and is affected by exercise and stress. Blood pressure is low list as you sleep in will rise as a get out. Physicians like to see your blood pressure lower than 120/80 but do not diagnose hypertension until the blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. The middle range between those two numbers is considered pre-hypertensive and physicians will make recommendations to change your lifestyle choices in order to impact your blood pressure.

Blood pressure will also have a significant impact on your heart muscle. High blood pressure means that it’s the arteries against which the heart muscle is pumping have become more stiff or tense. This increases the workload against the heart muscle because it is now pumping against a system with higher pressure.

This increased workload results in thicker muscle walls in the heart. While increasing muscle mass in your extremities may be a positive change, increasing the muscle mass of the heart is not. When the muscle wall increases it decreases the amount of space within the chamber’s which then decreases the amount of blood which is able to be pumped out around the body. This decreases the amount of oxygenation available at the cellular level and results in symptoms of congestive heart failure. It also reduces the amount of oxygen available to the heart muscle which causes further damage.

There are actually four different types of changes that can happen to the heart muscle during heart failure. Physicians have found that when these changes are precipitated by hypertension and the hypertension is subsequently controlled through medication, salt reduction, weight loss and exercise the symptoms of congestive heart failure will decrease and the efficiency of the heart muscle will increase.

One of the factors in developing a treatment protocols for congestive heart failure used to determine the underlying cause if possible. This is sometimes related to infections, hypertension or primary kidney failure. In these examples it is important to treat the underlying condition as well as alleviate the symptoms of congestive heart failure in order to achieve good long-term results.

If you have symptoms of congestive heart failure or a family history of heart disease and hypertension, it is important to have your blood pressure monitored every year and a checkup with your physician every two years.

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Addressing the underlying nutritional deficiencies that may be adversely impacting the heart remains critical for all CHF patients. Aventrol accomplishes this with its safe, proprietary blend of nutrients that have been shown to support and improve heart and circulatory health. Despite its frightening name, Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is now considered a manageable condition. Aventrol has been specifically designed to support your existing CHF treatments. When taken as part as your ongoing lifestyle adjustments, Aventrol may work to support circulation, a lowering of blood pressure, and minimize elevated cholesterol levels.

Natural remedies are those they can do at home and include diet improvements, exercise, relaxation and other techniques to reduce stress and the use of therapies and also herbal remedies.

Diet improvements include eating smaller, more frequent meals to avoid the bloating and sensation of fullness that can occur when a woman eats larger meals. She can also limit the intake of salt and salty foods in order to reduce bloating. If she eats foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables not only will she be healthier but also she will avoid constipation. Foods rich in calcium are excellent for all women but especially for those experiencing PMS symptoms. Her doctor may recommend taking a calcium and multivitamin supplement. She will also benefit from avoiding caffeine and alcohol.

Exercise is excellent for all women but for those with PMS it can mean that they will experience better moods, less fatigue and less depression. They should exercise at least 30 minutes 4 to 5 times each week. Physical activity such as going for a brisk walk, cycling, swimming or aerobic activity is all great ways to reduce PMS symptoms.

Relaxation techniques can reduce stress experienced by most women with PMS. Deep-breathing exercising can reduce headaches, relieve anxiety and improve sleep for those suffering from insomnia, a common PMS symptom.

Yoga and massage therapy are also great for learning how to relax and to relieve stress.

Natural remedies including taking vitamin and mineral supplements and herbal remedies to relieve symptoms of PMS.

Calcium (1,200 milligrams of dietary and supplemental calcium daily or taking chewable calcium carbonate found in over-the-counter preparations such as Tums, Rolaids, and other similar OTC tablets can reduce both physical and psychological symptoms of PMS.

Women with PMS can also take 400 mg of magnesium supplements daily to reduce fluid retention (bloating) and breast tenderness.

50 mg to 100 mg of vitamin B6 may help with some other PMS symptoms.

Vitamin E 400 international units daily can ease PMS symptoms of cramping and breast tenderness.

Herbal remedies include taking herbs such as black cohosh, ginger, dandelion, chasteberry, evening primrose oil and raspberry leaf.

Natural progesterone creams which are derived from wild yams and soybeans have been reported to be effective in treating PMS symptoms.

Yoga and other deep-breathing exercises have been found to be useful for women with PMS.

Prescription drugs used to treat acid reflux include:

* The proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Protonix
* H2 Blockers, which include Axid, Pepcid, Tagament and Zantac* Promotility agents such as Reglan

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) deactivates the acid pumps that are located in the cells of the stomach. This is how the body produces acid in the stomach. The effect of PPIs can last for up to 24 hours.

H2 Blockers inhibit the action of histamine. Histamine can stimulate the secretion of stomach acid. These medications only partially block the production of stomach acid. These medications last anywhere from six to ten hours.

Reglan will cause your stomach muscles to contract, which aid the stomach to empty and strengthens the lower esophagus splinter (LES).  Over-the-counter medications for acid reflux includes the use of antacides, H2 Blockers, antacid H2, the proton pump inhibitors and (PPIs).

Antacids include Alka-Seltzer, Bromo-Seltzer, Gelusil, Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Mylanta, Riopan, Rolaids and Tums. These work by neutralizing stomach acids and the effect lasts from only 30 minutes to two hours depending on whether your stomach is full or empty when you take the antacid.

H2 Blockers include Axid AR, Pepcid AC, Tagament HB, and Zantac 75. These work by inhibiting the action of histamine. They can be effective for 6 to 10 hours.

Antacid H2 such as Pepcid Complete neutralizes stomach acid and also the production of stomach acid. Pepcid can last from 6 to 10 hours.

The Proton Pump Inhibitor Prilosec OTC is used to deactivate acid pumps in the cells of the stomach. It inhibits the acid production.

If you suffer from long-term acid reflux and lifestyle changes have not helped such as eating smaller more frequent meals, avoiding alcohol and smoking and losing excessive body weight, and taking prescribed or non-prescription medications you may be a candidate for surgery. Talk with your doctor about your options including surgery – radiofrequency treatment, and fundoplication.

As with any disease or condition, the individual should always start with the least invasive treatment such as lifestyle changes and then advance through treatment options to the non-invasive treatments such as medications and techniques to reduce stress or other factors that may be contributing or triggering acid reflux like being obese, smoking or drinking alcohol.

There are many medications that can be tried in combination with other techniques but if all else fails you doctor may suggest some of the more invasive procedures including surgery. If your doctor is not willing to exhaust all non-invasive procedures first, seek out a second opinion from another doctor or practice.

In a Newsweek article entitled “The Good Heart”, Anne Underwood writes that “mounting evidence suggests that your psychological outlook is just as important” to maintaining cardiovascular health as is diet and exercise (October 17, 2005, p 35). Deepak Chopra has long taught about the mind/body connection and that “if the forces inside us are kept in harmony and balance with the surrounding environment, we can be immune to illness”. He writes that “In Ayurveda we rely on the basic principle that any disorder can be prevented as long as balance is maintained not just in the body, but in the mind and spirit as well” (Perfect Health: The Complete Mind Body Guide, p 17).

Thus, it appears that science is catching up to ancient wisdom as researchers attempt to quantify the effects the mind has on the body as it relates to heart patients. In fact, writes Underwood, “doctors are finding that psychosocial factors pose far greater risks than they previously realized. Depression at least doubles an otherwise healthy person’s heart attack risk” (37).

So, why not make time for yourself on a regular basis to indulge in a personal care routine that can help maintain a healthy mindset, reduce stress and keep your skin and hair healthy and glowing? Such a routine, that consistently contributes to an overall better balance between your mind, body and life overall?

You might ask, “Do I have to pay a lot of money to make a home spa in my house?” The answer is a resounding, “No”. It is not necessary to tear out the old bathroom and spend thousands of dollars to install a new one with a whirlpool bath, fancy fixtures and a sauna or bidet.

Even if your home boasts only one teeny bathroom, you have just the right space to begin. It is possible to transform the smallest bathroom into one with a spa feeling; one that pampers your senses and creates a calm refuge from the outside world.

First you’ll want to create the environment by making your space special. Get rid of clutter; master it, corral it into interesting containers or reorganize closet space to hold yet more. Try to keep this room “white glove” clean. Add pictures of a loved one or of a treasured scene from a favorite trip. Find a spot for a flower arrangement or some Lucky Bamboo. Do you have a favorite piece of pottery or crystal? Let it hold your make-up, wash clothes or a selection of soaps. Get a book about Feng Shui to mine for ideas.

Color is important. Light, soft colors tend to calm. If necessary, grab a brush and repaint your bathroom in a color that reduces stress and blood pressure, but first spend some time researching color therapy and decide which colors work best for you. Can’t paint? Then put candles in the color you desire into your favorite candle holders and place in safe spots around your home spa.

Do you have favorite music that you play because it soothes your soul? Find a way to bring this music into your home spa. Perhaps you have a small radio/CD player? Or a portable CD player with headset that you wear while running? Either will work so long as they are placed in a dry area. Think serene music, soft orchestral music, nature sounds such as ocean waves and rain or spiritual chants. You could even stop by a local yoga studio to check out the music they’re playing.

Don’t forget aromatherapy to enhance your senses and relieve stress. Think lavender for its healing powers, vanilla for its soothing and calming powers or select from scents that soothe your soul. If your light switch is on a rheostat, remember to turn it down until the light reaches a relaxing intensity.

Collect items you already have for your moments of indulgence; a favorite cozy bathrobe, neck pillow, fluffy slippers. Then how about some plush new towels in your chosen spa color, a small whirlpool foot bath, or even massage rollers for your back and feet. Don’t forget some spa accessories; loofah, pumice stone, and more.

Even if you don’t have time for a long, leisurely soak in the tub followed by a facial mask and slathering your body with a body lotion or butter, the atmosphere you have created will turn the simple act of brushing your teeth into a spa experience! Make it a habit to indulge yourself on a consistent basis, regardless if you have just fifteen uninterrupted minutes or two hours.

Other possibilities? How about taking a steaming mug of your favorite herbal tea into your home spa? Or the novel you just can’t wait to get back to? Maybe even your favorite magazine to enjoy while soaking in your favorite scent of Dead Sea bath salts?

Think of your home spa as a way to make consistent deposits into your “good health savings account” so that you will be more likely to become immune to illness, or at the very least, less likely to be a candidate for heart disease. The only limitation to creating an enticing home spa that contributes to your overall good health is your imagination.

How do rituals help you relax? Knowing ahead of time what your evening holds for you can begin the process of de-stressing. You don’t have to worry about what you’re going to do because you do the same thing every day. The evening, or at least a small part of it, is planned ahead of time which can be very freeing.

The following are some ideas you may want to incorporate into your day to reduce stress and bring on relaxation so you can enjoy your time at home.

Beautiful, soothing music – It has been said that music soothes the savage beast. It can also go a long way to helping you de-stress at the end of a long day. Play relaxing music on your commute home, whether you drive or ride public transit. When you get home, some of the stress may already be on its way out.

Playtime with your child or pet – Nothing is better at melting stress away than playtime with your child. You can get silly together and watch the stress disappear. If you don’t have children, playtime with a pet can have the same benefits.

Meditation – Many people believe meditation can do wonders for helping you relax. Set aside ten to fifteen minutes when you get home to sit in a comfortable chair, close your eyes, and breathe deeply. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Feel the stress slip away.

Drawing or painting – Get creative to reduce stress and help you relax. Bring out paper, pens, pencils, or paints and then sit down to simply let creativity flow. It really doesn’t matter if you create a finished work; the point is to use creativity to bring you to a point of peace.

Writing in a journal – Writing is another activity which can allow creativity to have free reign to bring stress under control. Begin writing down all of the good things that happened to you during the day or things you’re thankful for. You can also use the time to pour out pent up stress and frustration. No one else will read your journal, you can say what you feel which can be liberating.

Breathing exercises – Women are often taught to use breathing exercises during childbirth. Similar exercises can also reduce stress no matter which sex you happen to be. Be sure to get enough oxygen in and out of your lungs to reduce the effects of stress.

Drinking herbal tea – You can finish up your day by having a cup of herbal tea. There are many varieties which are said to reduce stress. Find one that you enjoy and make it a ritual to drink a cup when you get home to help you unwind.

Combine more than one of these ideas to create everyday rituals to feel relaxed. Your day will end on a less stressful note. You may also find that the following day begins better because you’re relaxed, refreshed, and ready to start your day.

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.

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Instead, you are using your energies towards thinking about and planning for the good things that are coming to you. When you are tired and stressed over situations, it is hard to keep a positive outlook on your life.

This is because suddenly stress makes you feel depressed and sad. A positive outlook makes you happy and ready to face the world.

You need to keep a positive outlook on life to help you combat stress. Most people who deal well with the stresses in their lives are the ones that can look changes and situation in the face. They are not afraid to deal with these problems.

They can smile and find the good things in almost any situation. This is a good way to live life and for the most part, when you know how to have a positive outlook, you can deal more effectively with stress.

There are several ways you can develop a healthier outlook on your life and leave the stress behind you. You never want stress to get in your way of life. When you learn to stay positive, you will find that every aspect of your life runs smoother and happier. It will become easier for you to stay on the positive side of life. Here is how to do it so that you can combat stress each and every day.

First off, you will need to start looking for the positives in life. As mentioned before, there are people who seem to be able to do this no matter what they are faced with. They find exactly the good things about any situation and they do not dwell on the negative. This is a great asset to have.

If you are not like this, then you will start out slow. When something gets in your way and you find yourself feeling stressed, then stop and look at the situation again. What can you gain from this situation? Even something that makes you sad can have a positive in there somewhere. You may have to look hard, but this is key in improving the outlook.

Set small goals for yourself. This is another great way to combat stress. Many times, we get so wrapped up in what we have to do that we cant see a way out. This may feel like mounting pressure or endless checklists of things to do. When you start feeling this way, start off small. Make a pact with yourself to check one thing off of your list each day. Complete your tasks on by one. You will find that not only are you accomplishing your goals, but you feel less stressed in the process. This will certainly improve your outlook on life.

As you can see, there are ways to improve the outlook in your life. When you go for the positives in your life, you will find that you are less often plagued with stress.

Honey, was one of the treatments used for wounds or bites. I have used this myself, and it does work. I had a mosquito bite on my leg and I put some pure honey on it, and it was completly gone by the next morning. It is messy, but it works.

So, now we go into the Mysteries of Scents.

Incense has been an integral part of religious ceremonies for many centuries all acroos the globe, largely because of the soothing effect its smell has on the mind~and soul.

Temples in India have been historically constructed of sandlewood not only because of its superior material qualities but also because of the spiritual ones of its scent.

Nubians, who rarely bathe in water because it is so scarce in northern Africa, rub themselves all over with dough and then oil their bodies throughly with aromatics. Skin disease is virtually unknown among them, and they’re hardly bothered by the cold, cutting winds that sweep through the desert in winter.

In the fourteenth century, the Black Death wiped out half of the population of Eurpoe, yet those who dealt with aromatic oils and essences, especially perfumers, were almost entirely unaffectd by the plague. Five hundred years, later perfurmers again remained immune to the gastly cholera epidemics raging throughout the world.

To reduce stress and improve efficiency, Japenese construction firms pipe aromatic essences to their employees through their air conditioning systems.

In eighteenth century England perfumes were banned for a time, because they deemed “too seductive”. Women who wore them could even have been prosecuted for sorcery.

Cleopatra is renowned throughout the world as one of history’s great temptresses. Some historians believe, however, that she lured men not through any particular physical beauty but through the seductions of her scent. The Egyptian ruler raised the use of perfumes and skin treatment to an art form and owned a vast herbal gardent that would be worth millions today. This may have been the true secret of the legendary Queen of the Nile.

What do all these unrelated curiousities have in common? Scents, oils, and aromatic essences. Philosophers, scientists, and medical practitioners have known for thousands of years that various plants and herbs possess mysterious properties, from the tranuilizing to the hallucinogenic, from the poisonous to the sweet.

These properties have been tested, explored, examined, philosophized about, and even synthesized throughout the ages, and they’ve been used in cooking, cleaning, healing, performing religious ceremonies, preparing cosmetics and perfumes, preserving food, and even preserving bodies through mummification.

Why did citizens burn pine branches in the streets of the medieval Europe? Because the smoke helped fend off the bubonic plague. What would a Renaissance physician have prescribed to calm your blood? Oil of Hyssop. Scent is one of the most mysterious of entities, and some scientists and philosophers even believe that the sense of smell may be closely related to the proverbal “sixth sense”

It certainly works more quickly on the brain than sight, sound, taste, or touch. When the mystery of scent is harnessed for healing, curing, and restoring the mind and body to its fullest efficiency, this process is called aromatherapy. It has been around for thousands of years.

Change can be stressful or it can be a good thing. We all learn stress management techniques either through watching how others handle stress or by learning through educational resources such as taking a stress management class. We may have learned techniques such as doing yoga or other relaxation techniques in order to handle stress. We may have learned how to take time to enjoy life more, or how having a hobby can help us to manage stress. Just when we think we have stress management all figured out our life changes in some way and what we may have been doing before all of a sudden doesn’t work for us. It is at these times when change can totally mess us up.

Change can throw us off balance and make us re-evaluate what we are doing, and how we are managing our lives including how we manage stress. Since life changes are an inevitable part of life, dealing with change needs to also be a part of our stress management abilities.

You can learn some useful tips on how to effectively manage stress when change is in the equation including the following:

First of all you need to recognize when a change is about to hit you. Common changes include experiencing illness or death of someone close to you, accidents happen, pregnancy can happen and definitely changes things, marriage and divorces happen, people get job promotions or get hired or get fired, people move, there will always be changes in your financial situation, and people enter and leave the work force.

Changes can cause stress simply because change brings with it emotion. Just throw a few changes to a child and watch the play of emotions taking place. Small changes or big changes, it doesn’t matter all change can bring about stress. Small changes such as being detoured because of construction can be stressful or having a child becomes ill unrepentantly even if it is just the sniffles. Large changes are understandably stressful such as a move.

Now, how to manage change?

Manage change by looking at priorities

Take time out for physical activities every day

Eat all meals and snacks to give your body fuel

In times of change rely on other family members to take up the slack with household chores

Require yourself to take short breaks

Remind yourself to think in positive terms, avoiding all negative thoughts

Actively plan a stress management strategy for changes such as recognizing the types of change that are likely to be in your near future. Learn the warning signs for change related stress, such as anxiety, sleep issues, irritability and changes in mood. Keep building your support system so that when change happens your support system will be strong.

Current guidelines for blood pressure are: normal is below 120/80, prehypertension is between 120/80 and 139/89 and hypertension is 140/80 or greater. A further distinction is made for those who have blood pressure greater than 160/100 as stage 2 hypertension.

Although doctors can’t identify a definitive cause in 95% of people diagnosed with hypertension, they do know there are some lifestyle choices that can be modified and which will cause a decrease in the measurements. These lifestyle modifications are the first in a line of alternative treatments for hypertension. The first lifestyle choice is weight. The greater the body mass the more pressure exerted on the arterial walls and more oxygen that is required to feed the tissues of the body. By reducing your weight to normal limits you’ll be able to effect a significant change in your blood pressure.

Activity level is another factor that impacts blood pressure. A lack of activity will increase your heart rate because the muscle is “out of shape” and requires more work to perform the same activity. This forces the heart to work harder with each contraction, which subsequently impacts the pressure in the arterial system.

Researchers have also found that sodium intake, tobacco smoke, stress and alcohol consumption all have an impact on blood pressure. Chemicals in the tobacco can damage the artery walls, excessive sodium will increase the amount of fluid retained in the body, stress increases blood pressure and alcohol intake increases the risk of heart disease.

Two factors over which we have no control is age and family history. As we age blood pressure will increase – but if you start with a lower number the amount it raises will be lower. Hypertension also ‘runs in families’ so if you have a family history it is important to watch the other factors with dilegence to reduce your overall risk.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a supplement that has had some research to show that it has helped reduce blood pressure in certain circumstances. After 12 weeks in a double blind study of 83 people there was a mean reduction in systolic (top number) of 17.8 points.

Garlic is another supplement that has been studied but should only be used under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. Garlic can thin the blood and can also interact with other drugs.

The herb Hawthorn is often used in traditional herbal medicine and found in studies to reduce blood pressure in 71% of the patients. Fish oil, folic acid, calcium and magnesium round out the remainder of the herbal and mineral supplements that have had positive benefits for people who are seeking alternative treatments for high blood pressure.

One of the simplest means of lower your blood pressure is to also eat a healthy diet. Supplements are a wonderful adjunct to a healthy diet but should never replace it. Eat raw fruits and vegetables, cut back on total fat and cholesterol, eat more raw nuts and poultry while cutting back on red meat and sweets.

If you find that stress is a significant factor in your hypertension it is important to learn stress reducing techniques such as relaxation, meditation and exercise. Using exercise to reduce your stress will address two factors at the same time and improve your overall health.

There are alternative treatments for high blood pressure which are effective and efficient while making little to no dent in your monthly budget. Subtracting the cost of high processed foods, alcohol, tobacco and medication from your budget leaves more than enough to pay for fruits, vegetables and a healthy well-balanced diet.

High-Rite is a natural, safe, effective and powerful herbal formula for hypertension and blood pressure control. High-Rite helps to balance and regulate blood pressure; address some of the contributory factors causing high blood pressure. While some of the ingredients in High-Rite specifically target blood vessels which have become constricted, others improve the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, while also treating and preventing plaque build up in the arteries. High-Rite also helps to reduce stress and boost the body’s ability to fight illness. Formulated by a clinical psychologist, High-Rite is pharmaceutically manufactured to the highest standards.

The diagnosis of congestive heart failure is usually confirmed by a physical examination and combined with a thorough medical history and a variety of noninvasive tests. Your physician and will start with a thorough medical history which will evaluate when you first notice symptoms, your past medical history, any history of infectious diseases which may have negatively affected the health of your heart and any past familial history of coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure.

During the patient history the physician will have their information about any alcohol and drug use, any history of high blood pressure including any treatment you may have already been through, prior chest pain or heart attack, any recent viral illnesses or recent pregnancies.

Your physician will also perform a thorough physical examination looking for any underlying causes of heart failure and to assess the current function of the heart. A stethoscope is used to detect abnormal heart sounds that can indicate a leaky valve. The stethoscope will also be used to detect any fluid that has accumulated in the lungs. During a physical examination the doctor will look for veins which are distended or enlarged on the neck as well as swelling in the legs around the ankles and feet.

Risk factors for developing congestive heart failure include previous heart attacks, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, heart disease, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart defects and alcohol and drug abuse.

If your physician suspects congestive heart failure then a chest x-ray may be done to determine if the heart muscle is enlarged and if there is any fluid around the lungs. An EKG can be used to check for regular heartbeats, also called arrhythmias, and estimate the amount of stress placed on the heart. And echocardiogram can be used to see the function of the heart, including the valves, heart wall motion and overall heart size.

During an echocardiogram another measurement may be taken, the left ventricular ejection fraction. This is a measurement of how much blood comes out of the ventricles during contraction. A healthy heart has an ejection fraction between 55% and 70%. These numbers will be lower if the heart muscle has been damaged.

During an echocardiogram ultrasonic waves are used to “see” inside the chest. The reflection of these sound waves is translated into images on a computer screen which reflects the images of the heart, valves, chambers and walls. And echocardiogram is also used to measure the pressure change between the left ventricle and the aorta as well as to assess the thickening of the walls of the heart and evaluate the function of this pump.

Patients who have had a previous history of heart attack or angina may also undergo a cardiac catheterization to determine if coronary artery disease or coronary heart disease is causing heart failure. During cardiac catheterization a small amount of contrast dye is injected into the left ventricle through a catheter. A special camera is used to determine how much of the dye leaves the heart with each beat.

If a cardiac catheterization suggests that there may be coronary artery disease a referral to a cardiologist will be made in order to receive the best possible treatment protocols. By solving the problem of coronary artery disease the stress load on the heart will be reduced in the progression of congestive heart failure will be slowed.

If you experience any of the signs or symptoms of congestive heart failure it is important that you seek the advice of your primary care physician as soon as possible. Only through early diagnosis and early treatment are physicians able to determine the underlying causative agent for congestive heart failure and recommend treatment protocols which will improve the success rate of treatment.

High-Rite is a natural, safe, effective and powerful herbal formula for hypertension and blood pressure control. High-Rite helps to balance and regulate blood pressure; address some of the contributory factors causing high blood pressure. While some of the ingredients in High-Rite specifically target blood vessels which have become constricted, others improve the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, while also treating and preventing plaque build up in the arteries. High-Rite also helps to reduce stress and boost the body’s ability to fight illness. Formulated by a clinical psychologist, High-Rite is pharmaceutically manufactured to the highest standards.

1. You feel the need of a little morning boost to get you going. What scented lotion will help to get you on your feet?

a) Rosewood
b) Rosemary
c) Sandalwood
d) Vanilla

2. You find yourself feeling a little down and sad. What essential oil can help with these emotions?

a) Lemon
b) Lavendar
c) Bergamot
d) Sweet orange

3. You tend to feel tired in the afternoon hours. Which aroma can help you to feel energized?

a) grapefruit
b) lemon
c) juniper
d) peppermint

4. You wake in the night and have difficulty getting back to sleep. What scented oil will have a calming effect?

a) sweet orange
b) rosemary
c) peppermint
d) sandalwood

5. You have a temper that tends to flare up on occasion. Which of these oils will help to soothe your psyche?

a) jasmine
b) sandalwood
c) oatmeal
d) peppermint

6. You tend to be shy in social situations. Which scented cologne can help with your shyness?

a) bergamot
b) rosewood
c) Jasmine
d) Ylang ylang

7. You tend to overeat when the option presents itself. Which aroma can aid as an appetite suppressant?

a) lemon
b) sweet orange
c) grapefruit oil
d) bergamot

8. You often feel anxious and overwhelmed. Which scent can aid in reducing anxiety?

a) ylang ylang
b) peppermint
c) lemon
d) vanilla

9. You sleep lightly and often wake tired. Which oil can be utilized as a sleep aid?

a) patchouli
b) Clary sage
c) Sandalwood
d) Rose

10. Your sex drive could use some assistance. Which essential oil can act as an aphrodisiac?

a) Patchouli
b) Ylang ylang
c) Jasmine
d) Rose

Answers:

1. C – sandalwood helps lower fatigue levels and aids in boosting immunity.
2. C & D – sweet orange and bergamot can help to balance mood swings
3. B & D – Both lemon and peppermint help to rejuvenate mind, body and soul.
4. A, B, C & D – All of these essential oils are known to have a calming effect.
5. C – Oatmeal can soften the temper as well as your skin.
6. C – Jasmine can boost confidence by aiding relaxation in social situations.
7. C – Grapefruit oil can help those who tend to overeat.
8. A & D – ylang ylang and lemon can help reduce stress and tension.
9. B & D – Clary sage and Rose can aid in achieving a deeper sleep.
10. A,B,C & D – These scents are all considered aphrodisiacs.

8-10 correct: Aroma Savvy
Congratulations! You know your scents. You are on your way to becoming a true Aroma Pro.

5-7 correct: Aroma Friendly
Very Well Done! You know some scents and their uses, but you could use a refresher course.

0-4 correct: Aroma Newbie
Nice Try! You may be new to the topic of aromatherapy. There are many great ways to learn more about these wonderful scents and their uses.

About the author

Elizabeth Smith is Editorial Assistant of Promotions and Partnerships at ModernSage. She is also the owner of gift basket business, Crafty Gift Creations.

A child with anxiety experiences symptoms more intensely and more often, and it can seriously affect day-to-day school, home and social life. Adjusting to going back to school can be stressful for children and parents. Often overlooked are other important issues such as a child’s feelings and emotions about starting or returning to school.

When children are experiencing new situations, it’s normal for them to experience anxiety. As summer vacation draws closer and closer to its end, more and more students begin thinking about the many challenges their new school year will bring. For most students there is a mixture of excitement and unease. Just the way an adult feels a bit of anxiety and anticipation before doing anything new or challenging, a little nervousness is expected, says child psychologist Dr. Lawrence Balter.

Anxiety in general and back to school anxiety can take many forms, and many degrees of severity. Anxiety and Panic Disorder can stem from many of things.

An example of some include:

* Work stresses

* Family stresses

* Money worries

* School stresses

* Drug abuse

* Alcohol abuse

* Health issues

* A traumatic event from the past has resurfaced

You can help yourself and your children through it if you understand it.

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

There is a range of symptoms associated with anxiety that cause changes physically, emotionally and mentally.

These include:

* feeling worried, fearful or apprehensive

* tiredness

* poor concentration and restlessness

* irritability

* difficulty sleeping

* dizziness and fainting

* diarrhea

* muscle pain

* sweating and nausea

* sickness

* dry mouth and difficulty swallowing

* trembling

* increased heart rate

* feeling hot or cold.

In additions, with children, headaches and stomach upsets can be symptoms of anxiety.

Also, between 25% and 35% of ADHD children also have an anxiety disorder. In general, children with ADHD and anxiety are said to find life more stressful than those who just have ADHD. They’re also more likely to have greater problems at school and in social situations.

Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric disorders in kids, affecting between 5% and 10% of kids, and these are the children who can have real problems at the start of the school year.

Separation anxiety disorder, which is developmentally inappropriate and excessive anxiety concerning separation from home or from those to whom the individual is attached, is a condition that affects about 4% of children under the age of eighteen.

Dr. Rona Novick, a child psychologist, says most cases of school anxiety are in fact separation anxiety or social issues. And, they can take on very real physical complaints.

“Anything from struggling to taking long to get dressed in the morning to open refusal and warfare to sobbing, and once the kids get into the school building it may manifest itself with symptomatic symptoms, wanting to go to the nurse, having a belly ache, having a headache, finding basically any excuse that can get you out of the building,” says Dr. Novick. Even if nothing traumatic has happened life, that does not mean you or your children cannot feel anxious about daily struggles, whether it’s grades at school or events in the world around us.

“The trick to fighting the back-to-school anxiety is to start preparing well ahead of the first day of school”, according to Dr. Dan Jolivet, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Vice President of Clinical Services.

It is important that you seek help for yourself or your child if symptoms have interrupted normal daily life and routine. If you or your child cannot function at school, in social activities, and/or at home, then help is needed.

If your child is losing sleep, missing school, or spending all his or her time alone, then your child needs help. Early intervention in anxiety disorders may make a big difference in the long run.

For some children the beginning of a new school year brings on a sense of terrific anxiety and stress for a variety of reasons. Sometimes students need to learn new ways to adjust to their new schedules and environments.

Some behaviors to watch for are:

* Physical illness (vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms)

* Excessive crying/ tantrums

* Avoidance behaviors (hiding, purposely missing the bus)

* Aggressiveness (hitting, kicking, biting)

* Lack of appetite

* Withdrawal from family/activities

Remember, it is perfectly natural for your child to be nervous, excited, anxious and eager all at the same time leading up to (and during the first days of) the school year.

Whether your day is full of business meetings or social events, take stock of how pressured you feel by your commitments. If you can’t change your schedule and lighten your load, take a few minutes each day to engage in a stress-reducing activity.

Here are some strategies proven to help reduce stress and tension for both adults and children:

* Yoga

* Meditation

* Massage

* Writing in a journal

* Spending time with good friends

* Catching a funny movie

* Talk things over with an understanding friend who is compassionate, as well as sensible and positive

* Have achievable, realistic expectations of yourself. No need to be perfect.

* Take a break, exercise, walk, deep breathing

* Avoid adding non-essential tasks that create extra stress

* Eat healthy foods for stamina

* Listen to music that is calming and relaxing

* Purchase inexpensive tapes or CDs that feature calming ocean sounds, forest sounds, etc. Listen to these relaxation tapes and CDs.

* Make up affirmations: short, upbeat messages that remind you how you want to feel (ex: “I am calm and relaxed” )

* Use relaxation techniques such as creative visualization and/or systematic muscle relaxation

Other great ways to boost feelings of calm include spending time with your pets, enjoying some quiet time in nature, exercising, and engaging in any activity that inspires a good belly laugh.

It is estimated that up to 6.5% of the population has suffered from a diagnosable Anxiety Disorder, while many more people struggle with uncomfortable and distressing symptoms of stress and anxiety. Anxiety is very treatable. To cope with excessive anxiety you can utilize the various techniques discussed and holistic, homeopathic medicine and natural herbs and treatments are also very effective in conjunction with the techniques. The quicker you address these issues, the quicker you can get on with your day to day life instead of it being a constant battle.

References: Cathleen Henning -Your Guide to Panic/Anxiety Disorders on About.com; Magellan Behavioral Health, Inc.; Families Online Magazine; CBS Worldwide Inc.; Dr. Chris Steer, Joanne King -.anxiety-panic-free.com

Heart arrhythmias are also considered to be heart disease as they can make people feel out of breath, dizzy and experience chest pains. They are changes in heartbeat that feel like flutters. If you experience heart arrhythmias and feel like you can’t get enough air, you need to call 911 immediately and get prompt medical attention.

One in every three women in America may die of heart disease. Twice as many women die of cardiovascular diseases than men. Females of all ages need to be aware of the risks of heart disease and improve those risks that they can change.

Reducing Your Risk for Heart Disease:

You can reduce your risk for heart disease by not smoking, by knowing what your blood pressure is and if you have high blood pressure finding ways to control it, and by knowing what your blood cholesterol level is and working with your doctor to maintain a normal blood cholesterol level.

Individuals who have a family history of diabetes should be tested for diabetes even if they have no symptoms of the disease because people with high blood sugar are at risk for heart disease. A doctor can help you to control your blood sugar in order to control your diabetes and to reduce your risk for heart disease.

It is also important to control your weight by finding your ideal weight for your height, sex and age and maintaining that proper weight. If you are overweight or obese you are at special risk for heart disease. If you are overweight or obese you can start to control your weight by eating more fruits and vegetables, avoid fats and sugars and exercise on a daily basis.

Avoid alcohol or at least limit your consumption to one 12-ounce beer, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or one 1.5-ounce shot of hard liquor daily.

If you experience stress in your life try to find ways to minimize the stress by learning relaxation techniques, by doing yoga, or by spending more time with friends or doing things that you enjoy doing. Exercising can also reduce stress especially swimming and dancing.

Writing in a journal is also therapeutic for some, helping them to deal with stress. Stress can lead to heart disease so it is good to recognize the source of stress in your life and to find ways to eliminate those sources or to learn how to handle any stress that may come your way so that stress doesn’t lead to you having a heart attack.

We Recommend:

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• 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

Some episodes of sciatic pain subside on their own within a couple of weeks but quick recourse to sciatic nerve treatment is highly recommended to obtain fast relief and to avoid future complications.

Spine specialists who specialize in sciatic nerve treatment often recommend exercises as part of the regular treatment to alleviate pain. It is essential to get a proper diagnosis done, because, however rare it may be, sciatica pain can be caused by serious conditions like tumor or infection which require immediate medical attention.

Specific exercises for pain relief and to reduce frequent reoccurrences have given very good results in the past. As part of sciatica alternative remedies, these exercises are much better than bed rest. Resting and the resultant inactivity weaken back muscles, which lead to back injury and strain as the back muscles and spinal structures are increasingly less able to support the back.

Sciatica exercises concentrate on strengthening the abdominal and back muscles to provide relief and prove helpful in preventing future episodes too. By increasing awareness of the position of the spine, sciatic exercises attempt to motivate patients to

1. Assume the most comfortable stance
2. Train the lumbar spine to remain stable when flexed
3. Indulge in stretching of the hamstring and piriformis muscle to prevent tightening of the lower back and tension from hip to foot
4. Restore the range of motion in sacroiliac joint which can be limited if the joint is inflamed

Sciatic exercises are designed differently for each condition so as to effectively address the different causes of sciatic pain, such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, isthmic spondylolisthesis, piriformis syndrome, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. For example, herniated discs require extension exercises that arch the spine backward rather than flex it forward. Similarly, abdominal strengthening exercises which perk up overall posture give better relief to patients suffering from spinal stenosis.

To get the maximum benefit, sciatic exercises must be done correctly and regularly, preferably twice a day. Close attention to the directions regarding posture and body mechanisms is necessary. In fact, it is highly advisable to seek advice from a physical therapist before starting and this should be followed up with regular consultations.

Sciatica management should actually become a part of your daily living. Along with exercises patients are advised to make changes in their daily lifestyle in order to reduce stress on the lower back. These changes could include using good ergonomics while lifting, maintaining proper postures, ensuring support to lower back while sitting and refraining from standing for long periods. In case sciatic exercises are continued even after relief from the current flare up, they minimize the risk of reoccurrence of fresh episodes.