Holistic Medicine Tips

Prevent the Spread of Rotavirus

The rotavirus is highly contagious, and it can infect children as well as adults. If you or your child has it, it’s important to keep away from others. Good hygiene is also essential, so cough or sneeze in your arm and wash your hands regularly. Keeping those alcohol-based hand sanitizers nearby is a good idea. Lastly, another way to prevent the virus from spreading is to clean hard surfaces where germs may be lingering, because the rotavirus can live up to 10 days on a table.

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Alternative to Massage

Getting massages regularly can be hard on your wallet, so what else can you do to relieve tension and flush out the toxins? The Acuball System uses acupressure and heat to relax muscles and improve the circulation of blood. This system is portable, and it comes with a 60-minute DVD. Self massagers are excellent ways to feel relaxation, and you only have to pay for them once.

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Dirga Pranayama

The Dirga Pranayama may be a mouthful to say, but it can make all of the difference in the world. This is a three-part breathing exercise, which can be done anytime you’re feeling stressed or confused. This breathing technique can help you focus and relax. Follow the steps below:

1. Lie on your back and begin inhaling so that the breath fills your belly up like a balloon.


2. Breathe out this breath through your nose and allow your navel to press toward your spine.


3. Repeat this breathing for five breaths.


4. On the next inhale, fill up your belly then inhale a little bit more so that your rib cage expands. When you exhale, let your rib cage release first then your belly.


5. Repeat this breathing for five breaths.


6. On the next inhale, fill up your belly and rib cage then inhale a little more air so that your chest and collar bone rises. When you exhale, release the air from your chest so it sinks back down then your ribs and belly.


7. Repeat this breathing for five breaths…you are now practicing three-part breathing.
   
   

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Transmission Meditation

You know that feeling you get when you do something good for someone, well you can experience this everyday by practicing transmission meditation. This type of meditation is part of the new age spirituality. It’s similar to the meditation you would do on your own, but the purpose is to heal the world. Groups of people often get together and plan to meditate at the same time. However, they don’t always have to be in the same room or even country. The idea is to focus your energy on the problems of the world, and by getting more people to do it, the healing power of the meditation session is thought to become stronger. So if you won’t do meditation for yourself, maybe you’ll do it for the greater good of the world.

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Set the Mood

Relaxing in your home might be hard for you to do, especially if you have children, pets, construction, noisy neighbors, etc. Sometimes you might have no choice but to go somewhere else like the park to find peace and quiet. However, on days when you can’t take off, you can set the mood in your home and meditate.

Zafu cushions (often used for yoga and meditation) or firm pillows you already have around the house can give you the support you need when sitting on the floor. You want your hips to be a little bit higher than your knees.

Also, calming music is essential, because it can focus your mind and drown out any disturbances. CDs with a collection of Buddhist bells and drums can make you feel like your not even at home.

It’s essential to take a time out even if it’s just for five minutes so you can manage your stress.

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Regaining Your Balance

When is the last time you walked down the edge of a curb or tried to skateboard down your driveway? As we get older, we no longer have time to challenge our body in these ways like we did when we were kids. However, if you’re looking to regain your balance, yoga can help retrain your body.

Your body and mind are constantly remembering and storing information, but when you stop practicing something such as balancing, you’re body needs some time to remember. Doing simple poses such as the tree and mountain can give you some insight into your body. The mountain pose can get your body back into alignment, and it might also reveal something about yourself…maybe you tend to lean to one side or you don’t stand up straight. These habits can affect your balance.

When you start with the tree, don’t force your body into the position. Begin by toe touching with one foot to get a sense of balance. Then place your free foot on your ankle. Once you get better at this position, then try putting your free leg on your calf then maybe your thigh when you feel ready and strong enough.

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Reduce Stretch Marks

When you’re trying to rid yourself of stretch marks, start by eating food rich in vitamin E and C or take daily supplements. The particular vitamins help with tissue growth and cell regeneration. Other options include lotions and oils. Cocoa butter is a common solution, but you can create an easy homemade lotion. Mix an ounce of carrier oil and an avocado with 5 drops of lavender essential oil and 3 drops of chamomile essential oil. This mixture promotes the healing of tissue. If you prefer oils, the following are effective: wheat germ oil, rosehip seed oil, Emu oil and grapeseed oil.

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Curing Razor Burn

Sensitive skin can be difficult to treat…it might seem like everything you apply to your skin causes a worse reaction. Shaving can easily damage your skin, especially if you have to shave every day. However, instead of suffering through the burning, you can manage the inflammation and irritation naturally.

Lavender essential oil (100 percent pure therapeutic grade) is one of the few oils that can be safely applied directly to the skin, and it’s effective at calming redness and inflammation. Applying lavender oil on your legs or face after you shave can reduce your razor bumps and burning sensation. Using it overnight with vitamin E cream can help heal cuts and reduce razor burn more effectively.

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Visual Imagery

When you visit the dentist, do you notice the pictures on the wall and maybe even focus on them while your teeth are being cleaned? Then you’re subconsciously using visual imagery to deal with the situation and relax. Your mind is a valuable and powerful tool, which can be made useful when you’re dealing with stress or trying to solve a problem.

If you have difficulty focusing or imaging something to focus on, mandalas can make visual imagery easier for you. Mandalas are intricate fabrics full of images, and they come from the Buddhist religion. Placing one of these on your wall in a sitting room can provide you with a place to relieve your stress and relax your mind.

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Hand Massage

Your hands are put to work everyday. They help you eat, drink, type, organize, fold, pick up, etc., but how often do you actually feel what your hands do? Most of the time your hands are just touching things, but if you give or receive a hand massage, you soon realize how sore and tired your hands really are. Hand massages can make you feel immediately relaxed, and using some moisturizing hand cream before bed can soften cracked skin and calluses. Also, if you have poor circulation, you can start massaging the middle of your arm and work the blood down into your fingers.

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Don't Get SAD

Exercising in the morning is a good motivational technique in preparation of venturing outdoors in the blustering wind, cold rain or whatever else Mother Nature might use to discourage us. The only tricky part is staying out of bed. Here are some tips on how to start your day:

1. Coffee lovers – preset your coffee the night before so the aroma of it persuades you to get out of bed;

2. Be brave – once you hear your alarm, rip your covers off like a bandage and head to the kitchen for a power breakfast;

3. Get clean – rinse your face with cool water and brush your teeth, so you feel more awake.

Once a routine is established, waking up won’t seem like such a chore. Incorporating exercise into your morning routine will leave you refreshed and rejuvenated, especially if you’re affected by SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). The Seasonal Affective Disorder Association estimates that half a million people every winter are affected by SAD, which is associated with depression, lethargy, over eating, weakened immune system and over sleeping. Causes of SAD are thought to be the lack of exposure to natural light during the winter months; Mayo Clinic noticed SAD is more common in people living in northern states, which are places that experience decreased daylight for months at a time. But exercising can help you cope.

Exercising on a regular basis can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can accentuate SAD. Also being in shape, helps you feel better about yourself and lightens your mood. So designate a room, other than your bedroom, to work out in. Take advantage of sunny days by bundling up and jogging or walking around your block. Jump starting your adrenaline in the morning will not only help combat the shock of cold but will also help you stay motivated throughout the day.

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Causes of Sinus Infections

A 1999 study showed that fungal organisms were found in the mucus of 96 percent of patients with chronic sinusitis. So what caused these fungal organisms to get into their nasal passages? The hard fact of it is that we breathe in fungus and mold spores all of the time. However, you can make your nose less susceptible to these organisms.

For example, you should stop eating foods with sugar and grains, because fungus feeds on them. Also, there are mycotoxic foods you should avoid too. These include alcoholic beverages, corn, wheat, barley, sugar, sorghum, peanuts, rye, cottonseed and hard cheeses. Even if you limit your intake of these foods, you might notice a difference.

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Power of a Netti Pot: Prevent Sinus Infections

Netti pots can be an effective tool to use when you’re trying to prevent sinus infections. They look like miniature watering cans, and they’re simple to use. Some people seem to be afraid of putting water up their nose, but it helps cleanse your nostrils. By mixing salt into the water, it can also aid in killing the infection. All you have to do is remember to tilt your head in the opposite direction (if placing the netti pot into the left nostril, keep your head tilted to the right). The water will pour out of your right nostril. After you have thoroughly cleansed both sides, blow your nose a few times to ensure all of the water is out. I find that using a netti pot while in the shower is more convenient and less messy.

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After an Acupuncture Treatment

After every acupuncture treatment, you’re going to feel different. Depending on what the acupuncturist worked on, you might be tired or energetic. It’s important to listen to your body’s energy level, which is why you should schedule your appointment so you have time to relax if you feel it necessary.

Since your circulation will be flowing, you might become hungry so eat a well-balanced meal. Lastly, keep your body warm, especially during the fall and wintertime.

Listening to your body after a treatment enables your energy to flow, and your acupuncturist probably created the session with a desired end result in mind.

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Challenge Your Thoughts

If you’re thinking a thought that upsets you, ask yourself, "is it really true?" Then ask yourself how you would feel if it were not true. Sometimes you have to prioritize your thoughts, otherwise, you can get carried away with one idea and let it become an obsessive thought. Your mind is powerful, and if you let certain thoughts control your decision making, you can start to have impaired judgment. When you’re nervous or upset about something you have heard, verify the information before you jump to conclusions. If it’s true, decide how you’re going to handle the situation and think of both sides.

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Breathing: Take in All That Life Has to Offer

Are you breathing fully, taking in all that life has to offer? Sit down quietly and watch your breath. Notice if you breathe into your belly. If not, learn abdominal breathing. Deep abdominal breathing is our birthright. Anyone can do deep belly breathing with a few simple instructions. However, always do any new activity slowly, and if you feel uncomfortable, simply stop.

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet on the floor and your hands on your belly.

2. Breathe in deeply letting your belly rise as air fills it.

3. As you breathe out, let your belly slowly sink down.

When you first begin, breathe in to the count of three and breathe out to the count of three. As you get more comfortable, extend the length of time you breathe in and out. There are variations to this breathing called Pranayama in yoga. If you are interested, there are many books on yogic breathing exercises. This simple exercise will increase your relaxation response.

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Before an Acupuncture Treatment

Before going to your first acupuncture treatment, it’s important to mentally prepare yourself. Acknowledge the fact that needles will be involved, but don’t let it take over your mind and cause you to fear the experience. Yes, you will be nervous, but you will soon find out that it’s more relaxing than painful. Really the only pain occurs when the acupuncturist manipulates the needle. This occurs after the needle has been inserted. Sometimes you feel a tingly or pinching sensation because it has stimulated a nerve.

After you’re mentally prepared, make sure to physically prepare yourself too. Wear comfortable, loose clothing. Yoga pants and a t-shirt are perfect. Also, make sure you drink a glass of water and have at least something light to eat before leaving for your appointment.

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Smile When You Don't Feel Like It

Give it a good try and smile. It can lift your spirit and reduce some of your stress, especially when it leads to laughter. Laughing increases the feel good endorphins in the brain as well as clears out old air from the lungs, which helps to improve circulation and reduce the production of cortisol.

Sometimes taking a time out from your busy schedule to have lunch with a friend can make your day and even week a little brighter. So if you have a friend who makes you laugh, meet with them often so you can let go a little.

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Dance When You Can

Dancing can be a fun a way to exercise, and it also opens up a part of you that you might not usually be able to express. So whenever you are alone, turn on the music and dance. Dance while you’re cleaning the house or making dinner. Just make sure you loosen up and do all of the moves you wouldn’t normally do in public. The purpose is to have fun with it and all your creativity to flow. If you sit at a desk most of the day, getting up and moving can improve your circulation and make life more interesting. Also, different forms of dance open various energy centers or chakras in the body. For example, belly dancing works to awaken and ground feminine energy.

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Believe in Something Greater Than Yourself

Even if you don’t believe in God, you can choose to recognize a greater force such as the universe. You might not be a religious person, but it’s beneficial for your well being to at least be spiritual. When you acknowledge and respect the complexity of the animals and environment around you, you have a sense of belonging and responsibility. Sometimes just knowing that you’re needed in some way can give you the motivation to stay healthy and live with purpose. Depression from feeling insignificant can affect your body and cause you to be less active and less conscious about what you eat. Your mind is stronger than you think.

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Commune with Nature

Do you have a special spot in your backyard or local park where you go to get away from the world? If you don’t, you definitely should find one. When life is too hurried, it’s beneficial to stop and stare at the blue sky. Focusing on the sky and clouds while taking deep breathes can be similar to a meditation. By doing this for five or ten minutes every day, you can feel rejuvenated. The light from the sun can also help you skin produce vitamin D, and your eyes will relax, which they might desperately need if your job requires you to do computer work.

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Cross Crawl

Walking is a great way to calm the nervous system. During the spring, summer and fall, it can be an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors, especially if you’re not the type to go camping. Always remember to bring water and to pace your breathing. Having a pedometer can help you keep track of your miles.

If for some reason you can’t go for a walk, try cross crawling. Cross crawling means you stand in one place and lift your right arm and left leg at the same time and then your left arm and right leg at the same time. This produces a similar walking effect.

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Opt for Natural Deodorants

Did you know that traditional deodorants contain aluminum chlorohydrate or aluminum zirconium? Aluminum is an effective antiperspirant, and it often makes up 25 percent of some deodorants. However, aluminum may have some health risks associated with it. Although it has not been proven, aluminum may be to blame for increasing estrogen levels in women and causing breast cancer. If you want to be completely sure that the deodorant you’re applying is safe, choose a natural one that contains organic ingredients and scents. Some brands include Trader Joe’s, Tom’s of Maine, Burt’s Bess and Dr. Hauschka, and you can sometimes find these at your local grocery store.

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Self Foot Massage

Learning the basics of reflexology can get you back up on your feet in no time. Plus, it positively affects other organs in your body. First, buy scented massage oil that contains almond or jojoba. This will enable you to keep smooth strokes when rubbing your feet, and it will also soften the skin. Start by massaging the middle of your foot and work in circles to the outer edge. Don’t neglect the top of your foot, heel or toes. This can be a relaxing ritual to do before bedtime. To learn more about foot massage check out foot reflexology or Swedish massage books or sites on the Internet.

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