Archive for the 'Alternative Medicine' Category

Chakra Clearing And Cleansing- A Recipe For Success!

In the modern world it is very important to keep on reinventing yourself to ensure that you can achieve desired success, equally important is to refresh the energy and desire in you so that you can push yourself to do your best.

There are various other determinants of uninterrupted growth which include the body strength as well as the mental makeup and the passion within the heart of an individual. A fairly crucial part is played by centres of spiritual energy in your body as they help in development of the persona of an individual.

In order to reach your goals it is important that the strength and energy lying within you are transformed into performance and here is where the chakras play a defining role. The only thing that you need to be careful about is that these chakras require being refreshed periodically or else their efficiency might reduce.

It is important to recognize the components of our personality that are attached to each of the 7 chakras and work on them individually so that you do not lose out on any aspect.

In the process of clearing chakras the body gets rid of the negative energy in you in order to intake positive energy and stabilize it.

Certain moves in the clockwise direction help to get in the positive energies while opposite movements are required in order to get rid of the negativity.

On most occasions people can feel pain at various points however it should not be concerning as it only proves that energy flows in and out.

It is believed that the circles or the chakras in your body derive energy from the planets and the heavenly bodies and allow the human mind, body and soul to function in the right direction.

Once your chakras are cleared you will find a newer self in front of you, while many practise this on a regular basis, the intervals do vary as per the need and intent of individuals.

Once you clear the chakras and ensure that the positive energy gained is stabilized you would discover that your mind is filled with creative thoughts much more than what you would have previously thought. It helps the others familiarise with the different aspects of your life and thoughts.

You can start working out initially with a single or a couple of chakras and gradually ensure that you are able to clear all your chakras to get the maximum benefits of your inner skills and energies. You will feel at peace and also you would be comfortable in the position you are.

The chakras that need you attention can be known by the kind of reaction they give to your body and it will not take years of learning or knowledge to understand the indications, it would happen naturally, once you know you can work on the body part that related to the chakra.

You require to be fit mentally as well as physically in order to survive in the prevailing competition, also you have to ensure that all your energies are channelized in the rights direction as if not adequate ratios are maintained in exchange of energies and certain chakras are not given the attention they deserve, the overall performance may be affected.

The spiritual energy has a potential role to play in the success of an individual in all fields and that has been realised by people practising this art. Also efforts are being made to understand the science of chakras in a better way.

The amount of satisfaction and accomplishments that the functioning chakras bring into your life is enormous, it is just the question of how effectively you practise it to achieve a refreshed source of energy.

About the Author:

The Shoulder and Physiotherapy

The shoulder, or more strictly the glenohumeral joint, is a major and important joint in the upper limb, responsible mostly for placing the hand in front of the body where the eyes can see it as it performs tasks. To allow this ability the shoulder has a very large range of movement, moderate strength and limited stability. This makes the shoulder a “soft tissue joint”, where the stability and satisfactory function depend on the function of the soft tissues, the ligaments, tendons and muscles. For physiotherapists the shoulder is an important joint, with much treatment and pre- and post-operative rehab required.

The gleno-humeral joint is made up of the ball of the humerus and the socket of the shoulder blade which is called the glenoid surface. The top of the arm bone, the humeral head, is large and carries many of the tendon insertions for the stability and movement of the shoulder. The socket or glenoid is a relatively small and shallow socket for the large ball but is deepened slightly by a fibrocartilage rim called the glenoid labrum. Above the shoulder is the acromio-clavicular joint, a joint between the outer end of the collar bone and part of the shoulder blade, a stabilizing strut for arm movement.

The major stability and flexibility joints of the upper limb shoulder girdle are the scapulothoracic and glenohumeral joints and these joints are held steady and moved by large and powerful muscles. The pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi muscles stabilise and perform strong movements, the serratus anterior stabilises the scapula on the thorax, the rotator cuff stabilises the humeral head on the socket and the deltoid and other muscles perform movements. The shoulder blade and thorax need to be kept in a stable relationship for the glenohumeral joint to perform precise and controlled movements.

The rotator cuff is a group of four small muscles which originate from the scapula and insert around the ball of the humeral head, the teres minor, subscapularis, infraspinatus and supraspinatus. The cuff tendons form a sheet around the ball of the arm bone and allow forces to be exerted on the humeral head by the shoulder girdle muscles. If the rotator cuff is not functioning normally the more powerful muscles tend to make the humeral head slide upwards on the socket, interfering with normal function and making a person unable to lift their arm up above their head.

As a person ages, the rotator cuff develops degenerative changes in its tendinous structures, causing small tears in the tendons which can enlarge until there is no continuity between the muscles and their attachments. This leads to loss of normal shoulder movement and can be very painful but is not always so and “Grey hair equals cuff tear” is a common saying. Physios work at rotator cuff strengthening, whilst in massive tears the main shoulder muscles can be progressively strengthened to improve function. Surgery is possible for massive, moderate and small rotator cuff tears and physiotherapists manage the post-operative protocols.

Osteoarthritis (OA) does not commonly affect the shoulder but there is a group of patients who develop severe arthritic problems in the shoulders, whom physiotherapy can help by maintaining joint ranges and muscle power. Once conservative treatments are exhausted then total shoulder replacement (TSR) is possible, either replacing the ball and socket with new components or reversing the combination. Physiotherapy post-operative management is very important as the shoulder is a “soft tissue joint” in the sense that the strength and balance of the shoulder muscles and other tissues is vital for good outcome.

Physiotherapy treatments include the assessment and management of many different shoulder pathologies such as shoulder fractures and dislocations, sub-acromial impingement, tendinitis, abnormal patterning and hypermobility. Physio treatment for fractures and dislocations depends on the severity and type of injury and follows the physiotherapy and surgical protocols. Patient education and muscle stabilising work is used for hypermobility, while biofeedback and correct muscle activity teaching is the treatment for abnormal patterning. Impingement physio is cuff strengthening and joint mobilisation, with joint injections and surgical acromioplasty if physiotherapy is not successful.

About the Author:

Body Back Buddy Massage Cane – The Perfect Christmas Gift

Did you know that having a massage can work miracles on helping you to cope with stress over overwork? The problem is you will normally find that there is one place that you will not be able to reach and which needs massaging the most.

The worst place you find such problems is between your shoulder blades or in the lower part of your back. Although you may be able to reach the knots that are in the back of your neck, what you may find is that you can’t supply sufficient pressure to actually work on them.

This is why trigger point therapy tools are so helpful. The trigger point therapy tools such as the Body Back Buddy Massage Cane or Thera Cane Back Massager provide you with the facility to be able to reach these points which would normally be difficult when you try it yourself.

These massage therapy tools have in recent years been developed by chiropractors and massage professionals and which allow you to self massage with amazing amount of accuracy and results. You only need to read the reviews on sites like Amazon in order to see just how useful these tools are. Of the 57 reviews available, 48 of these gave the Body Back Buddy 5 stars and a further 7 gave it 4 stars. Basically these things not only work but are able to do what they are supposed to do.

These tools come with a number of benefits such as:

They can help you to release sore muscle trigger points through the use of shiatsu massage/ pressure massage

They allow you to reach more easily the trigger points on your back and shoulders

They can be a beneficial shiatsu treatment for Fibromyalgia trigger points

Through using the tools one can treat knotted muscles in the back and neck oneself

You may well find that these tools help to reduce the amount of muscle pain one feels as they allow direct pressure to be applied to the problem areas

They are able to work on those knots in the muscles that are in places you find hard to reach

There are two types of massage therapy tools available. There is the collapsible version which you can take with you when traveling or the much sturdier all in one tool that you can use either at home or in the office. These canes are simple to use and all you have to do is locate the area for treatment and then apply the cane to it. It doesn’t matter where the ache is having a cane like this you will always have something close at hand that will be able to reach the area that needs treating.

If you are looking for the ideal Christmas gift for a friend or family member then a trigger point therapy tool together with a book on shiatsu massage will make the perfect one for them this year. Just make sure that before you gift wrap it for them you try it out on yourself and then hope that you have also brought one for you!

About the Author:

Hypnotherapy and the Benefits of Hypnotism

Hypnotism and hypnotherapy have been recognized for centuries for benefits they can bring. In just the past one hundred years, there have been numerous clinical studies and tests, and the methods have been increasingly refined. Today millions of people can claim it’s benefits.

For thousands of years people have looked for ways to alleviate suffering and improve themselves. Medicine, psychology, and psychiatry are fields that were created in order to understand and improve the human condition.

Over time, there have been many different approaches to “alternative” healing and self-improvement. Hypnotherapy and hypnosis fall into this category.

The reasons for undergoing hypnotherapy or hypnosis are numerous. They include relief from both physical and emotional disorders, as well as the desire to reach one’s potential and improve one’s self.

Hypnotism can can be used to overcome low self-esteem and low self-confidence, and anger, as well as physical problems like over-eating and weight loss.

Hypnosis is also helpful in remedying addictions and habits and addictions such as cigarette smoking, gambling, even drug and alcohol abuse.

Hypnosis has successfully been used in the treatment for symptoms of severe medical problems like cancer and diabetes. Surgical recovery times are reduced, and there have even been cases of patients undergoing surgery with minimal anesthesia.

Hypnotism and hypnotherapy isnt the ultimate “cure-all”, or even necessarily the best available alternative. But is has become increasingly clear that there are wonderful and lasting benefits to this type of therapy and self-help.

About the Author:

Common Methods of Cleansing Our Chakras

Considering the various environmental, physical and metaphysical influences our chakras are subjected to on a regular basis, it becomes a necessity for us to engage in chakra cleansing. Attaining balance and harmony between the physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual aspects of our being requires regular chakra cleansing in order to maintain harmony and continually rebuild our energy systems. The importance of chakra cleansing can not be understated because all phases of our life are interconnected and should work as one for beneficial and energetic living.

Following are some of the highly effective chakra cleansing practices man has used for thousands of years in the past:

1. Smudging is an effective method of removing harmful energy obstacles that affect our chakras. White sage is proven to be a highly effective smudging agent.

2. Undergoing auric brushing or having someone run their hands down chakra line from top to bottom also frees energy jams. Some people recommend the use of crystals and gems can be used to clear out blockages in your auras but some of the gems and crystals are too strong and requires very good experience in order to prevent serious damage rather than effect healing.

3. A wholesome lifestyle, drinking plenty of clean water, tea and fruit juices, plus enough sleep and moderation are highly suggested in order to preserve the function of our chakras.

4. Regular physical workouts and breathing exercises are very important to the maintenance of healthy and strong chakras. Aside from making the heart healthier, regular physical activity and proper breathing also ensures unrestricted blood flow to all parts of the body.

5. Relating with nature can have positive effects on your energy systems.

6. Color therapy is another effective chakra cleansing practice. Colors, with their effects on individuals can successfully be used in initiating chakra cleansing either by visualization or by looking at the real color.

7. The power of music should never be underestimated nor set aside. Music is an effective stimulant and chakra cleansing method that balances the functions of our energy points.

8. We should not tire of pursuing learning situations. In fact, it is highly recommended to continually pursue learning and intellectual challenges to keep us on our toes and keep our energy points active.

9. Meditation or spending time alone with ourselves for a few minutes daily is enough to let us keep in touch with our thoughts and emotional feelings. Meditation is also a powerful chakra cleansing technique because it makes us conscious of everything that is in our environment.

10. Self love is also important as you can never love somebody if you do not love your own self first. Besides, feeling in love releases certain chemicals that are good for our body and in the same way, anger also releases a different set of chemicals. It is our task to maintain a certain balance between the two to improve our energy systems.

11. An awareness of our feelings and emotions coupled with the ability to express them in a constructive manner to people around us is a very vital chakra cleansing and maintenance strategy. Restrained thoughts, feelings and emotions can invariably cause energy jams that can disturb our health and well being.

12. Introducing creativity in our daily activities helps us keep healthy and calm. Creativity is not the exclusive domain of the arts we can apply it to our everyday activities!

13. Coming to terms with our past lives and understanding its significance can provide us a deep awareness of our purpose as a human being.

14. Maintaining sincerity and reliability in all facets of our lives keeps us healthy and righteous. Living a life anchored on moral values help make us more productive, creative and dependable, not only to ourselves but for others as well.

15. Prayer is also a central element of our health and energy systems. Prayer allows us to communicate with a Higher Being who can help us achieve emotional balance and stability. Prayer helps quiet down our minds to make us receptive to everything around us.

All the above chakra cleansing methods are of great consequence. It is not obligatory to employ them all at the same time but it is suggested to use these techniques in conjunction with one another. Start off with two or three and gradually add the others as you progress. Keep in mind that chakra cleansing is not achieved overnight; it is a lifetime process but very rewarding.

About the Author:

Aromatherapy Bath Salts are Relaxing

by Rex Magnum

A bath can be a great and relaxing way to get your self started in the morning, or end your evening. To get even more relaxation, and a little healing, from your bath, try adding some aromatherapy bath salts.

The concept of bathing as a relaxation tool can be traced back thousands of years. By adding aromatherapy bath salts to your next bath, you’ll be able to get clean while also enjoying the healing properties of essential oils.

How do Aromatherapy Bath Salts Work?

If you would like to feel better as you cleanse yourself, then aromatherapy bath salts could be great for you. With the health benefits found in essential oils, you can find relief for such problems as anxiety and depression.

It couldn’t be easier to use aromatherapy bath salts. All you need to do is add a small amount of the salts to your tub, and then fill it as always with warm water. This will help give you the benefits of the aromatherapy.

You can find aromatherapy bath salts wherever bath products are sold. There are a range of products which have different essential oils which can give you whatever benefits you are looking for, though most are soothing.

For those of us who love aromatherapy, and know exactly which essential oils we prefer, making your own aromatherapy bath salts might be the way to go. It’s personalized for you, or can make a unique gift for a loved one!

About the Author:

Natural Pain Relief Technique – Leave it to the Chinese

by Yolanda Adey

There probably isn’t a person on this planet that hasn’t suffered pain at some point and the reason we have this distasteful experience is as a defense against continuing a particular action; like a person who picks up something heavy and hurts their back, so the pain stops them from picking up anything else. Anything can trigger pain from a headache to a broken bone but the pain gives us an indication of where and what the problem is.

Unfortunately, all too often, the pain does not vanish even when the cause has been successfully treated.

Many of us have experienced this to a degree when we suffer a headache or a migraine but it also refers to conditions like arthritis and back pain. There is no preventative action you can take to stop chronic pain and it can affect someone at anytime during their life from almost any situation from accident, injury or disease.

It is also true that quite often the root cause of the pain is actually treated but faulty nerve connections believe the condition still exists and create pain signals which eventually become the condition and not the result of it.

Many people are now tired of taking drugs which they tend to need in larger quantities to work or are afraid of the side effects so are looking for natural pain relief alternatives.

One natural pain relief treatment that has been used for many thousands of years is acupuncture. The Chinese use acupuncture to treat and cure many ailments by inserting long very thin needles into the skin.

Many people swear by its effectiveness claiming it can help with migraine, depression, arthritis and of course back pain. Herbal remedies are another time-tested alternative to conventional therapies, providing natural pain relief to sufferers without many of the unwanted side effects of conventional medicines. There are usually several herbal treatments used in natural pain relief for a particular conditions; popular herbal remedies include Emu oil, which can alleviate the pain of arthritis, and good old Vitamin E, which helps minimize scarring.

Some people do not like using these herbal remedies, not because they do not provide enough relief but because they take longer to work; the plus side is that nothing synthetic is entering the system that can harm it. If the truth be known then one way of even having to avoid natural pain relief is to change the way you life by eating healthier which means cutting back on processed foods but increasing your intake of fruit and vegetables.

Many people cut back on the amount of sleep they have which is a mistake as sleep in the correct amounts is a time when the body repairs itself but exercise should not be forgotten either as even walking is a very healthy physical activity.

About the Author:

A New You – With Chakra Meditation!

by Jonathan Benjem

Meditation provides a much-needed succor to the battered mind and soul. This fact is known for centuries to ancient civilizations, like Hindu. However, the Western world has only just realized the potency of meditation as a means towards a healthy physical and meta-physical existence. Chakra Meditation is one of the Meditation methods that is most popular the world over purely because of its simplicity and effectiveness in bringing about a change in anyone’s life.

Chakra Meditation – Basics

The meditation whose basic aim is to align the movement of all the seven primary Chakras in the body is termed as Chakra Meditation. Our body consists of 7 primary and over 20,000 secondary Chakras. For a better understanding of Chakra Meditation, it’s important to know what and where are the primary Chakras in the body:

1. Root or Base Chakra located at the base of the spine and related to the element ‘Earth’. It governs our general health, prosperity, and security.

2. Brow Chakra, also called The Third Eye Chakra, is situated between the brows on the forehead. It is related to the ‘Light’ element, which governs our perception, interpretation, and visualization.

3. Solar Plexus or Power Chakra located just above the naval region and related to the element ‘Fire’. It governs our will power, autonomy, and metabolism.

4. Heart Chakra is situated right at the center of the chest. It is related to the ‘Air’ element, which governs our feelings of love, compassion, and general relationships.

5. Power Chakra, also called the Solar Plexus, is situated just above the naval region. It is related to the ‘Fire’ element, which governs our will power, metabolism, and autonomy.

6. Brow or The Third Eye Chakra located between the brows on the forehead and related to the element ‘Light’. It governs perception, interpretation, imagination, and clear vision.

7. Crown Chakra governing your wisdom and knowledge is located at the top of the head and related to the element ‘thought’.

A concentrated mind working towards the achievement of synchronized movements of these seven Chakras in the body can truly bring incalculable rewards in one’s life. The body, mind, and soul would become stress-free and you’ll emerge as a better-informed human being who can easily see the spiritual side to every materialistic possession in this world. One can also achieve natural healing for bodily and mental ailments just by bringing the seven energy centers in consonance with each other.

Chakra Meditation – The Process

Chakra Meditation is the sum total of the following three techniques:

1. Grounding Technique, which aims at making the body feel connected with Earth. You just need to visualize a root growing from your body and entering into the Earth. This requires intense focus and mental presence during the act of visualization.

2. Centering Technique, which aims at preparing your body to receive the benefits of Chakra Meditation. Just take three to five deep breaths and visualize relaxation of every body part from toe to crown. In simple words, just tighten and relax each body part from toe to the crown, and then visualize the act of centering a pot on a pottery wheel.

3. Relaxation Technique, which is the final step in Chakra Meditation. There is no hard and fast rule to relax your body. Everyone has his or her own method of relaxation.

One of the popular methods of Chakra Meditation is detailed below:

a) Sit or lie down in a position that is most comfortable for your body.

b) Every stress-causing factor should be addressed and effort should be made to reduce or eliminate the stress as far as possible. Start with loosening the clothing you are wearing. Identify other similar straining factors and eliminate them. And finally, close your eyes.

c) Breathe in a relaxed manner, which should be neither too fast nor too slow. The idea is to give up the control on your breath, and let it flow naturally, but healthily.

d) Feel every part of your body from toe to the crown in that direction. Feel the earth you are lying on or the sofa you are seated on, feel the clothes you are wearing. Feel completely present with yourself and relaxed.

e) All the negative thoughts and emotions should not be avoided. Let them be! With time and regular practice, these thoughts will disappear automatically. Rather, when no such negative emotion disturbs you, that is the time when you should consider that you have perfected the art of Chakra Meditation.

f) Let you spirit roam in every part of your body. This is the feeling of completeness you’ve been yearning for.

Do this exercise for any length of time and at any time of the day!

About the Author:

Where to Find Massage Parlors in North America

by Amy Nutt

Massage parlors are hugely popular around the world, but North America has some of the highest numbers of these locales than most other countries. If you’re looking for a good massage or rub-down, then you will need to know the best cities to hit.

Types of Massage

Not all massage is equal. In fact, you are likely to have a wide array of choices, no matter where you are. Knowing what you want ahead of time will let you choose the right massage parlor.

Swedish massage is the most common style used in North America and is usually just referred to as massage therapy. It involves using lotion and long, smooth motions to relax the muscles. It may be used in combination with essential oils to create an aromatherapy massage. With aromatherapy, the type of essential oil used will determine the effect . . . peppermint, for example, boosts energy, while lavender soothes and promotes sleep.

Deep tissue massage is used to help very stressed or knotted muscles, particularly those deeper in the body. Friction and slow, deep strokes are the hallmark of this type of massage and while painful, it is also very useful in curing problems.

If you want something a bit more interesting and Eastern, Shiatsu and Thai massage will give you a taste of the Orient. Both of these massage types involve acupressure points to help relax the body. Thai massage also requires active participation from the person receiving the massage.

Other types of massage that may be available include erotic massage, hot stone treatment, and reflexology. And, if you are in a hurry, a shorter back massage is usually offered.

Canadian Massage Parlor Capitals

Toronto is one of the hot spots for Canadian massage parlors. Here you’ll find just about any type of massage you can imagine, with plenty of international influences. When looking for a massage parlor here, you will also want to check out “holistic centers” as more spas are using this term now.

If you prefer to be on the West Coast, Vancouver is good place to start searching for that perfect massage. It`s also a great tourism area, so take the time to travel over to Victoria (also a good massage parlor city) and see the sights.

Edmonton is the perfect place to book yourself a rub-down at a local massage parlor, if you are looking for something a little more central in Canada. This is also the home of the famous West Edmonton Mall, which is a great tourist attraction.

US Massage Parlor Capitals

New York is at the top of our list for massage parlor overload in the United States. You will find a good sampling of massage styles, including their fair share of erotic massages. In the City That Never Sleeps, you can find massage parlors open all night long.

Another good spot to check out for more modern techniques like hot rock therapy and aromatherapy massages is Los Angeles. The salty sea air is refreshing and the massage tables relaxing. Just stay away from the sleazier areas of downtown.

Surprisingly, Kansas City is also high on the list of best cities to find a massage parlor. While laws have recently tightened in this area, the legit businesses are still thriving and waiting for your business.

Massage parlors exist around the world, but within North America, you can certainly find some of the best ones and the widest variety of massage styles. This abundance of relaxation means tourists and locals alike can enjoy a good massage anywhere they travel.

About the Author:

Some Facts On The Cause of Stretch Mark Signs in Women

by Maia Pells

Both men and women may equally be affected by the cause of stretch mark signs. Women however may have more drastic stretch mark conditions that may have a negative impact on life in general.

What May Cause Stretch Mark Signs

Men and women share the same primary cause of stretch mark which is the rapid or abrupt expansion of the skin. When a body gains weight, the inner skin tissues stretch to accommodate the added weight and thus, tears on the skin, resulting to stretch mark signs. These torn skin tissues eventually turn to silver or white in color. As mentioned, however, women experience more severe stretch mark conditions due to pregnancy.

How Stretch Marks Affect Your Life

Stretch marks are generally harmless and non-fatal. However, stretch mark signs can go deeper than the skin and negatively affect women’s social life. Insecurities caused by having severe stretch mark conditions inhibits a woman’s confidence to interact socially. To some extent of this insecurity, stretch marks can even ruin relationships.

Stretch Mark Condition May Vary

Women are plagued by different causes of stretch mark conditions and suffer different degrees of condition. Even if we are to say that causes of stretch marks in women are the same, its condition would still vary depending on the individual’s lifestyle, genetic disposition as well as habits and physical activities. Thus, different women and different stretch mark conditions call for different treatment and remedies.

May Be Permanent For Some

It is an unfortunate fact that some women may have to carry stretch mark signs for the rest of their lives than others. However, it is a more unfortunate fact even to know that these women could have easily done something to prevent it from becoming more severe and thus, more lasting and permanent. Stretch marks when spotted at an early stage can still be helped and remedied.

It is Easier to Prevent Than To Cure

Stretch mark signs are generally treated as scars because of its stubborn nature. Therefore, stretch marks are often easier to prevent rather than cure. If you are experiencing rapid weight increase or other possible body changes that may cause stretch mark signs, it is advisable to seek prevention right away rather than wait until the condition becomes more pronounced or worsen.

No Clear Surgical of Medical Solutions

Stretch marks are often seen by the medical world as a cosmetic problem. There are therefore hardly any medical solutions for the problem. The only way to truly get rid of stretch marks in the abdomen area for example is to undergo a painful and expensive tummy tuck that is not even really a procedure for stretch mark removal. Keep yourself safe by looking for natural options to stretch mark removal.

About the Author: