Fibromyalgia is a complex and baffling health condition that is reaching epidemic proportions in the United States and Canada. It is estimated that approximately 5 million Americans are suffering from this condition. Because conventional medicine has very few effective options to offer at this point, people with this condition are often branded as hypochondriacs and told that their problem is in their head.

Many people with fibromyalgia experience severe and debilitating pain that tends to move around the body. In addition, people with this condition often exhibit neurological problems that can manifest as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, and depression. Since this condition has a neurological component, it is very convenient for these people’s symptoms to be discounted as signs of neurosis.

This condition is very real and it is horribly disabling and debilitating to those experiencing symptoms. The lack of medical support, family support, and social support can be incredibly isolating for people with this condition. This can heighten the suffering of those who are already in deep physical and mental pain.

There is a building body of research that is pointing to the likelihood that fibromyalgia is not an “auto-immune” disorder, but is instead caused by a number of different infectious pathogens. Some of the pathogens that may cause the symptoms of fibromyalgia are mycoplasmas and a variety of emerging bacteria that are carried by insects. These pathogens are not easily detected because they tend to reside inside our cells instead of in the bloodstream. Special testing methods are required to detect the specific pathogen that may be triggering symptoms for a person with fibromyalgia.

It also appears that the severity of symptoms a person has may be related to the number of different pathogens that the person has. A person can experience pain and other symptoms that are very resistant to conventional methods of treatment, because the pain can persist as long as the pathogenic load is not reduced. Simply suppressing symptoms such as pain does not work very well or work for very long for people with this condition.

One very effective way to manage fibromyalgia is through the use of essential oils. Essential oils can help people with fibromyalgia in a number of different ways. First of all, they can relieve the pain of fibro. The pain relief people experience is frequently marked and rapid, even when the pain does not respond to heavy duty steroids or opiates. This in itself is a wonderful thing because pain can be addressed naturally, reducing the risk of unwanted side effects and reducing the risk of addiction to painkillers.

Another benefit of using essential oils is that the oils can have a marked effect on one’s psychological and emotional state. This is partly due to the fact that the molecules that compose the oils have the capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier, and positively effect the mind. The effects of the oils can range from relieving anxiety and improving sleep, to increasing concentration and relieving depression. The use of essential oils can relieve many of the neuropsychiatric and emotional problems related to this condition that are most disconcerting to the patient and to the people surrounding her or him.

The essential oils are also very effective at improving the immune system response. This improves the body’s ability to fight of any infectious processes that have taken a hold.

Many essential oils are also antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral, and are active against mycoplasmas. The oils directly kill the pathogens that may be disrupting the person’s health and well-being. People with fibromyalgia often respond to treatment with essential oils very rapidly because the oils rapidly reduce the pathogenic load that is present in the body. Each essential oil is often active against a broad spectrum of pathogens, and when these oils are used in combination with each other, their ability to deal with a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and viruses is enhanced.

Essential oil therapy can result in increased energy, significant pain reduction, improved concentration, better memory, increased metabolism, better sleep, reduced anxiety, reduced depression, better range of motion, improved blood circulation, and a significantly better quality of life.

Because the pathogens that may be responsible for fibromyalgia are often quite resistant to treatment, the essential oils need to be used at a higher concentration than in traditional aromatherapy. Some of the oils that I have seen people respond well to include eucalyptus, frankincense, lemon, and lavender.

People with fibromyalgia often shy away from aromatherapy as an option because many of them are chemically sensitive and have strong reactions to fragrances. The essential oils are natural plant extracts that bear no resemblance to toxic chemical perfumes. When people with fibromyalgia have a temporary increase in symptoms, such as headache, when exposed to an essential oil, it is a detoxification response and a healing crisis response, not a result of chemical sensitivity. The difference is that the person may feel discomfort temporarily, but after that they feel a significant improvement. On the other hand, when the person is exposed to a synthetic chemical fragrance, the person will spiral downward, because the chemical has increased, not decreased, the toxic load in the body.

Essential oils are potent multifaceted natural medicinals that are incredibly beneficial when addressing the complexity and diversity of symptoms that people with fibromyalgia experience. These powerful substances may offer hope to people who may have been hopeless in the face of their baffling and cunning illness, if they are open to a natural alternative.

50 GREAT USES OF ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils can be used with water in an oil burner. They can also be used by mixing with a base oil (such as almond or grape seed) and rubbed on ‘wound free’ skin.

The list below is not exhaustive.

Eucalyptus

1. Anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antiseptic
2. Effective against colds and coughs
3. Effective in the treatment of cystitis, candida, and sunburn

Geranium

4. Useful for getting rid of chilblains
5. Superb in the treatment of endometriosis
6. Helps with menopausal problems, throat infections and is a sedative

Ginger

7. Effective in the treatment of bumps and bruises
8. Useful for chilblains
9. Helpful in alleviating coughs
10. Helps with fibrositis and
11. Frostbite.

Lavender

12. Effective for the treatment of burns and scalds.
13. Detoxifier
14. Refreshing and relaxing
15. Helps to prevent scarring

Lemon

16. Can help in the treatment of insect bites
17. Excellent for verrucas and
18. Headaches

Myrrh

19. Effective in the treatment of: abrasions
20. Helps to eliminate abscesses and
21. Blisters,

Nutmeg

22. Can be used to treat boils
23. Helps to clear catarrh and
24. Unfreezing frozen shoulders.

Peppermint

25. An anti-inflammatory
26. Helps with circulation
27. Helps with the treatment of indigestion
28. Effective in treating the flue
29. Soothes skin irritation
30. Helps to alleviate some of the pain of rheumatism.

Rosemary

31. This is a physical and mental stimulant
32. Effective in the use of muscular conditions
33. Can be used to help conditions such as,
34. Flu
35. Coughs
36. Fatigue
37. Memory loss and
38. Arthritis

Tea Tree

39. An effective antiseptic
40. It is an antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal
41. Can be used to treat such things as,
42. Acne athletes foot
43. Ringworm and
44. Candida etc.

Thyme

45. Helps with the elimination of toxic waste from the body.
46. Used to treat a range of conditions such as,
47. Acne
48. Whooping cough
49. Fatigue and
50. Boils.

(As always, for medical treatments do consult your doctor)
There are of course many, many essential oils and these are merely an example of them.

A lot people have asthma. My daughter, 41 years, included. She has suffered from attacks for many years. Recently I encounter three natural remedies that I asked my daughter to try. I have not yet received a report on these, so I would like to pass them on to you. Here is the first one.

Boswellia

Boswellia, an herb, is known for its anti-inflammatory abilities and its usefulness in reduces the effects of bronchitis, asthma, cough, laryngitis, and fever. It comes from the resin of a tree in India and made into a pill or cream. It is best known for use in arthritis.

Recommended dose is: 150mg three times a day.

Yamoa

Yamoa is an herbal powder treatment for Asthma, which is derived from the bark of an African gum tree. It is available in capsule and has been typically used to help asthma.
It has a good history of helping asthma sufferers.

Minor Blue Dragon formula

The Minor Blue Dragon is a Chinese herbal formula. Another name for it is xiao-qing-long-tang, or XQLT.

It’s a blend of eight herbal medicines used to treat asthma for centuries in Asia

The XQLT formula has been used effectively for bronchial asthma for centuries and it is said to have an even more powerful bronchodilator effect than prescription drugs.

This formulation contains ephedra, which has been banned in the US in diet formulas. However, ephedra in this formula is considered safe, since the formula only contains around 15% of this herb. The other ingredients in XQLT are paeonia alba, cinnamon, pinellia, ginger, schisandar, asarum, and glycyrrhiza.

Nutritional Supplements That Help Reduce Asthma

Antioxidants

In addition to the above herbs it is also important to take a good supply of antioxidants – especially vitamins A, C, and E, carotenoids, and selenium. Taking antioxidants helps to reduce the irritating effects of airborne free radicals, which can activate an asthma attack.

Magnesium

Magnesium has been shown to reduce the risk of developing asthma and might also be helpful in reducing asthma. Magnesium is also good for asthmatics because it helps to dilate the bronchioles. Also, make sure that plenty of water is drunk daily, which thins mucus. The recommended dosage of magnesium is 200-600 mg/day.

MSM

MSM has also proven useful for asthma aside from being beneficial for arthritis, allergies, fatigue, back pain, sinusitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, autoimmune diseases, and many other conditions. Start with 2000mg of MSM per day but be sure to take 50 to 150 micrograms of molybdenum daily since MSM needs molybdenum to activate it properly.

I was able to find a product that already has the proper molybdenum in the MSM, which makes it convenient to take just one pill. Go to Google and put in the words “MSM molybdenum” and you will find some web sites that sell this MSM combination.

Spring is just around the corner and with flowers and plants on the verge of full-bloom, hay fever, hives, and other allergic reactions will soon follow. If you are like me, you try to avoid prescribed and over-the-counter medications as much as possible. Although there are times when we must utilize certain medications to treat health conditions, there are several herbal remedies that can help prevent or lessen te effects of allergies. Supplements and herbs can help reduce the inflammatory response and act as natural antihistamines.

Allergies are the result of an acquired oversensitivity to specific drugs, foods, or environmental substances. They can begin at any time and are most commonly brought on by stress and repeated exposure to a toxin. In addition, there is a proven genetic link: Children may inherit a tendency to develop specific allergies. The increased occurrence of allergies has been associated with polluted air, water, and food; decreased incidence of breastfeeding and earlier introduction of solid foods to infants; genetically engineered plants; and eating the same foods every day. When you eat the same food day in and day out, your body may build up an intolerance.

Environmental or seasonal allergies can be caused by molds, yeast, dust and the pollen of ragweed, trees, and other plants. They are also commonly triggered by animal hair and dander, dust mites, wood- and coal-burning stoves, and cigarette smoke. If you’re affected, avoid these sources as much as possible. Below is a compiled list of supplements and herbs that can be helpful in treating your allergies this season. I have listed a precautionary note with each herb/supplement, when applicable. Please consult a qualified health professional for exact dosages of these herbal remedies and DO NOT self-medicate.

Herbs:

o Rose Hips: Note: Generally regarded as safe.

o Stinging Nettle: Note: Stinging Nettle can produce allergic reactions in some people.

o Fennel: Note: Fennel may cause allergic reactions in some people.

o Garlic: Note: Placing garlic directly on the skin may cause
blisters and a burning sensation. Large doses may interact with the blood-thinner Coumadin.

o Tumeric: Note: Tumeric root should not be used by individuals with gallstones or bile flow obstruction.

o Valerian: Note: Although it generally has a sedative effect, valerian may act as a stimulant for some individuals. Long-term use should be avoided because of alkaloid content, which may cause liver damage.

Supplements:

o Bromelain (pineapple enzyme)

o Digestive Enzymes

o Omega-3 Fatty Acids

o Quercetin (bioflavinoid from buckwheat and citrus fruits)

o Vitamin A

o Vitamin C

o Zinc

How To Tell If You Have Food Allergies

Food allergies are on the rise and in the U.S., about 6 million people suffer from them. Many suffer in silence because they don’t realize they’re allergic. The biggest contributors to food allergies are refined flour, white sugar, and processed foods that have little nutritional value. Yet, Americans are eating these foods more than ever.

To complicate matters, people are eating fewer different types of foods. Too many people don’t vary their diets, which tend to consist mostly of wheat, corn, dairy products, sugar, caffeine, meat, eggs, and citrus fruits. Eating the same foods every day can cause the immune system to respond improperly, leading to allergic reactions. Other common causes of allergies include artificial preservatives, additives, colorings, monosodium glutamate (MSG), aspartame, saccharin, pesticides, and other chemicals added to foods.

Inflammation, the symptom most commonly associated with allergies, can occur almost anywhere in the body. If inflammation occurs in the joints, it may cause rheumatoid arthritis; if it occurs in the head, it may lead to chronic sinusitis or migraines. The symptoms associated with food allergies are myriad and may include, among others: acne, asthma, depression, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia, eczema, hives, anxiety, canker sores, teeth-grinding, diarrhea, gas, colic, constipation, arthritis, headaches, sinusitis, rashes, chronic bladder infections, failure to thrive, and bed-wetting.

If you suspect that you have food allergies, you can test yourself through an elimination diet. But DO NOT attempt this diet if you have violent reactions to foods, such as trouble breathing or severe asthma, because reintroducing the offending food can cause anaphylactic shock in some individuals. The following information will guide you on how to implement the elimination diet.

First, identify the foods to which you may be allergic. Most common are wheat, dairy, corn, citrus, and peanuts. If you don’t know, eliminate all of them, along with processed foods, artificial food colorings, preservatives, additives, coffee, sugar, and alcohol. Check the ingredients listed on supplements and packaged foods. Drink filtered water and eat organic produce, when possible. Follow the diet for 2-3 weeks. After 3 weeks, your allergic symptoms should be gone. Otherwise, ou may be allergic to something you didn’t eliminate; you didn’t stay on the diet; or you may have another health condition.

If your symptoms are gone, reintroduce on food at a time and watch for reactions. Eat a big portion of the suspect food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Record symptoms in a journal. If you do not have symptoms within 3 days, you probably are not allergic to the food. After the 3 days, reintroduce another food. If you have symptoms, stop eating the suspect food, as you probably are allergic to it. Wait until the symptoms subside before testing another food.

After determining which foods you are allergic to, cut them out of your diet entirely for 3-6 months and then gradually reintroduce them. You may find that your allergic response is gone. At the same time, be sure to eat whole, unprocessed foods and rotate your selections so you are not eating the same foods more than two or three times a week. Also, consult a qualified health professional, such as a physician that specializes in treating allergies, if and when your allergies are severe.

Yet, as instructors, we know that life is largely about balance. While yoga may have officially arrived on the exercise scene, its increased popularity can sometimes present a problem for yogis and yoginis who take a more spiritual approach to practice; because let’s face it, not everybody wants to be bothered with ancient Indian religions.

Many folks would rather just focus on fitness. And that’s all right! After all, one of the essential aspects of yoga is seva – or service – and as evangelists for yoga, part of our job is listening to what students want and servicing their needs to the best of our ability.

Below are a few quick tips for yoga teachers about how to promote and fill a fitness-focused yoga class.

Visit the Other Side of the Yogic Fence

Do you teach a physically challenging yoga style? Do you know the ins-and-outs of Bikram and Vinyasa yoga? How about Ashtanga – or “power”-yoga? If not, get to class yourself and start learning from a competent fitness yoga teacher. Power yoga teacher training may be the answer. Today’s yoga-as-exercise enthusiasts tend towards the sweat-inducing, quick-moving styles, so study up! Teaching a different style of yoga is a challenge, but you can do it.

Prepare Fitness Yoga Handouts

Once you have mastered a routine and feel comfortable with a gym-friendly school of yoga practice and land yourself a job teaching class, it’s time to do some homework. Gather information about yoga’s health benefits and make hand-outs for after class. In can be a one page sheet and most gyms will have a photocopier available for use. Not only will it give your students a broader picture of yoga’s fitness benefits, but it’s also a way to stand out in the yoga-teaching pack. There may be dozens of instructors at your gym; if you can think of novel ways to connect with members, your attendance will skyrocket.

Sideline the Sanskrit

The gym is where most people first “give yoga a try” – which makes you a defacto yoga ambassador. And an ambassador’s first job is to make others feel welcome. So remember, Sanskrit can be off-putting to beginners. Hey, you’re already asking them to pose and move in “weird” ways, leave the ancient language in the locker-room – at least for intro level classes. As your yoga students advance in level, so will their knowledge of the ancient aspects of practice.

The benefits of teaching fitness yoga are plentiful; just remember to keep things interesting, accessible and simple in the beginning.

Meditation should be incorporated in our life. Our busy schedule and life does not give us time to relax our mind and body. We get rid of the body strain or exertion but it does not relax your body and soul completely. Thus, meditation is necessary for inner relaxation of your body and mind and rejuvenating it for a new tomorrow. This rejuvenation is essential because your mind and body not only needs to relax but also rejuvenate so that it continues functioning effectively even at a later stage in your life. If you too wish to keep your mind and body healthy ‘Energy Meditation’ is the best thing for you. You do not need a meditation retreat for this; you can practice it at your home, office or park.

Yoga is a blend of meditation, postures, therapies, etc. the postures are also varied. In hot yoga and power yoga the poses require you to stretch your body to the limit so that you lose weight, maintain your body, etc. However, when your cross a certain age the type of exercise you choose is very important. This exercise has to be such that your body is relaxed and energized as well. Simple asanas like pranayam, butterfly, etc. are very simple but help your body muscles relax. The muscles at a senior age tend to get brittle. Any careless behaviour might lead to serious muscle injuries, also the flexibility of the muscles decreases. A simple exercise that can help you get back the flexibility as well as relive you of bone and muscle pain is yoga.

• If you are a beginner, this meditation is excellent for you as it strengthens the aura when practiced regularly.

• Firstly relax your entire body. The deeper the trance, the more effective. You can meditate at any time and no specific trance is necessary for you.

• For beginners, you should visualize while at the same time, draw in energy from all sides of your body, front, back, top of your head and bottom of brilliant light, like the sun. Working with colors is more advanced and most effective when you are a bit more experienced.

• While exhaling visualizing the aura that is expanding besides you

• Breathe in again and visualize the energy getting brighter and more powerful, radiating from your entire being.

• Exhale again and visualize the energy and expansion of your aura, and feel the center of your body shining brilliantly like the sun.

• Repeat this several times, each time visualizing the energy becoming brighter and brighter as it increases in intensity.

• When working with colors, visualize the color becoming more and more powerful and vibrant. You will notice each color has a different feel to it. Colors can be used to attract according to their nature

Practice this meditation at a meditation retreat or your home and feel the difference in your life.

Are you having problems with swelling? I know how hard it can be to get back on your feet after a nasty injury. In just a few sessions lymphatic drainage could help speed your recovery and get you back to 100%. Is this something that you would like to know more about? A secret way to feel fit and healthy all the time. If this is what you want, please read on and learn all about the lymphatic drainage.

You are sitting at the computer, perhaps you feel a little swelling in your ankles?

The act of sitting swells your legs especially if you are motionless for hours on end. This is due to your lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system is a very complex system… it is everywhere in the body. It consists of glands, network nodes (such as the venous system) and lymph nodes. Lymph is the fluid flowing through it. It allows cells to feed, carries cellular waste and helps defend the body by transporting the necessary antibodies. Lymph flows through lymph vessels and lymph nodes that serve as filters for toxic substances in our body.

Interstitial fluid is the bath in which most of our cells float. It is this liquid that appears if we burn ourselves: it is the liquid in the blisters that form. It is also the fluid that is causes swelling.

When it comes to cells, lymph contains the necessary food to feed them and transports various wastes (digestion, dead cells, damaged cells, etc.) away. An imbalance between the fluid in the tissues and the ability to drain the lymph, causes congestion (edema), which has an impact on the functioning of the body. When the lymph slows, the cells can be poisoned by their own waste therefore good lymph circulation is necessary for the health of the body.

The lymphatic circulation system runs parallel to the bloodstream. The vessels are located between the skin and muscles.

Now that you have learnt a little something about the lymphatic system perhaps the solution to your problems is a good massage which specialises on lymphatic drainage?

Lymphatic drainage is a gentle massage technique which consists of wave like movements. These movements are performed on the nodes and networks of the lymphatic system.

As you read this you feel relaxed, you would feel better after a massage especially concentrating on lymphatic drainage because it is very relaxing but more importantly lymphatic drainage has the effect of speeding up and facilitate the journey of lymph to the heart. In addition to this, it stimulates the lymph which activates the immune system and helps eliminate organic waste. The drainage also helps to expel the accumulated fluids in the tissues to reduce swelling and tissue congestion.

Lymphatic drainage can be used to:-

Help reduce swelling;

Help reduce inflammation (eg, bursitis, tendinitis, epicondylitis);

Reduce sinusitis and allergies;

Reduce headaches and migraines;

In Preparation before surgery to increase the antibodies of the immune system;

Improve circulation and help decongestion after the operation or injury;

Improve sleep;

Just relax.

Earlier, I asked if you wanted to know the secret to being healthy and feeling good. Lymphatic drainage is the answer. Try it and see for yourself.

Many people are often confused by the term “Swedish massage,” wondering whether it’s a type of massage therapy that originated in Sweden, if it’s an appropriate therapy for a particular injury, or just what the heck this term means at all. So let’s explore what exactly Swedish massage is, what it can treat, and why it might be worth seeking out.

For starters, the term Swedish massage is typically only used in North America. In other parts of the world (including Sweden), it’s referred to as “classic massage.” Developed from a set of calisthenics-like exercises created by Pehr Henrik Ling in the early 1800s, today Swedish, or classic, therapeutic massage focuses on the mind/body connection while employing a series of five different specialized motions for manipulating muscles and relieving tension.

The five techniques that are traditionally associated with Swedish massage therapy are:

Effleurage uses sliding and gliding movements, applied using fan-style stroking, circle-stroking, and other movements.

Petrissage uses kneading motions to compress soft tissues together slowly and firmly in order to dispel knots, release accumulated toxins, and promote relaxation of the muscles and body.

Tapotement uses rhythmic tapping, often performed with different parts of the hand (edge, back, palm, etc.).

Friction creates heat when properly applied, relaxing you by stimulating your nerves and soothing any sore muscles.

Vibration, or shaking, is applied by the massage therapist for pain relief and increased blood flow, which can enhance relaxation.

Utilizing different intensities and frequencies to treat the various muscles throughout your body, these five motions will form the basis of any Swedish massage, be it concentrating on a targeted area or a full-body treatment.

This type of massage therapy can provide a wide range of benefits from simple relaxation and stress reduction to improving the function of injured areas or damaged tissue. Other results can include improved circulation, reduced pain, and even relief for stiff joints. Used for recreational stress relief as well as treatment for muscle pain and injuries, these massage techniques can enhance the well-being of a broad range of patients.

Swedish massage is by far the most popular type of massage therapy in the United States. Often employed as a full-body massage, this modality can be used to treat everyday aches and pains, stress, muscle tension, and other issues. However, as with any type of treatment, make sure to discuss whether Swedish therapeutic massage is the best solution for your stress, muscle injury, etc. with your massage therapist. As trained professionals, therapists can make informed recommendations regarding the appropriateness of a particular massage style for your specific circumstances.

A self-medicating treatment is common to this kind of people especially them who has psychological disorder. That is why, the existence of dual diagnosis facility is vital here, to aim a successful recovery. For example, here in dual diagnosis rehab center, they use an all-encompassing approach to meet the necessary clinical needs of the ill person.

There in the recovery center you will find an environment which is far from stressful condition and the place is aimed to do the recovery as its focus. Both addiction and mental disorder are the priority to cure. It is difficult to cure one who suffer addiction, plus mental disorder, that is why the place give focus to cure those problems, that is why this place is critical for the treatment. There they have specialists who are ready most of the time make sure all individual get the sufficient treatment.

It is important to cure both addiction and mental disorder at the same time, because it is critical, it is better treated in unison. Being treated based on the evaluation can achieve a proper recovery. Components such as behavioral therapy, medical analysis, and group accountability are important supports to determine whether the patient has been on the right track or not.

In this rehabilitation center, the patient will be healed and rehabilitated in an individualized manner. Placed in Hobe Sound, Florida, this rehab center is near with the beautiful ocean. The recovery center is very concerned with the healing process and the successful treatment for the patient.