Thursday, February 28, 2008

Hot Stone Massage and other Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques are any procedure or activity that enables a person to relax, calm his mind and body, and reduce anxiety and stress. These techniques have been formulated because of the growing concern over the strong correlation between stress and health problems. Studies show over and over again how stress, anxiety and tension can contribute to sicknesses and disorders both physically and mentally.

A lot of people who experience stress undergo relaxation techniques to help them cope and deal with it. Others use them for a variety of reasons which include anger management, cardiac health, depression, hypertension, pain management and insomnia.

The common forms of relaxation techniques are massage, relaxation breathing, visualization, listening to music, exercise and many others.

Massage

Hot stone therapy, one of the most popular forms of massage, is a great way to relax one's mind and body. A variation of the classic massage which incorporates the use of heated basalt stones, this therapy seeks to release muscular tension, relieve stress and enable the a person to achieve a state of calm. It also improves blood circulation and energy flow.

The process starts by placing heated stones in key energy points of the body. After that, traditional Swedish strokes will be applied on the muscles. The whole session is relaxing already but is enhanced even more with the use of essential oils and aromatherapy scents.

This does not only result in an improved physical state but is also effective in uplifting one's mood and giving the spirit a boost, resulting in a much more positive outlook in life.

Relaxation Breathing

Proper breathing is an excellent method of cleansing and refreshing the body. This is also very easy to do and can be done wherever, whenever you need to. To do this, you must be in a comfortable position either sitting or standing up straight. Inhale through your nose and expand your diaphragm. Exhale through your mouth and speak the words "I am relaxed and calm" as you do that.

Visualization

Your imagination is also an effective tool in reducing stress. Imagine yourself in a tranquil, comfortable and safe place. Don't allow yourself to think about work or anything that is related to stress. It will greatly help if you do this technique in a place where it's quiet and peaceful such as inside your bedroom or in a faraway spot away from any disruptions and unwanted noises.

Music

Loud music can strain your ears and add stress to your life but soothing and calm music will do wonders in relaxing your mind and body. Treat yourself once a day to a music feast with your CD player to forget about stress even just for a while.

Exercise

Physical exercise is highly recommended because of its positive effects on your health. But it's also an effective way to relax. Exercising does not necessarily have to be a sport or be done in a gym. Simple exercises such as walking, gardening and stretching will enable your body to refresh and rejuvenate itself.

There are various ways to relax one's mind and body. And even with a schedule filled up with so many work to do, it is important that you find some time within each day to engage in relaxation.

Learn more about hot stones and its relaxation benefits from Chris Turley, a director of a massage stone supply company. Take a tour on his site at www.tirmassagestone.com .

About the Author

Chris Turley, a director of a massage stone supply company, is well-versed on the many benefits of massage.

Get Rid of Gallstones- Naturally Dissolve and Flush Gallstones Before You Choose Surgery

You are reading this article because you have one thing on your mind, "How do I get rid of gallstones?" Millions of people are wondering that same question at this same moment and the majority of them will choose surgery, only because their doctor recommends it.

Though surgery might seem like your best option (according to your doctor or surgeon), did you know that you can get rid of gallstones by naturally dissolving and flushing them? And the best part about the natural treatment is that you get to keep your gallbladder (which is an organ). Unfortunately, most people never hear about the treatment because their family doctor is not familiar with natural health or most gallstone sufferers are not educated enough about gallstones and natural health.

Did you know that you can get rid of gallstones naturally with a simple 24 hour liver and gallbladder flush?

Why You Need Your Gallbladder!

If you are anything like me, the word 'cancer' sends shivers up my spine! And unfortunately, you are putting yourself at risk for cancer if you surgically remove your gallbladder.

After your doctor diagnoses you for acute cholecystitis (inflamed gallbladder), he will probably recommend the same solution he has told the hundreds of patients he has seen before you. "You should surgically remove your gallbladder."

But, you need your gallbladder! And before you think about going through with gallbladder surgery, you should know that losing your gallbladder increases your risk of bowel cancer. Because without your gallbladder, bile will continuously drip into your digestive system. In most cases, the constant dripping will cause diarrhea but after numerous years the constant dripping; it can develop into a more severe problem than diarrhea. Finally, removing your gallbladder may also lead to higher blood cholesterol levels which in some cases have lead to strokes.

By keeping your gallbladder you can avoid expensive surgery and more importantly avoid the risk of bowel cancer!

Are you ready to get rid of gallstones?

Naturally Dissolve and Flush Gallstones

One of the most popular ways to get rid of gallstones naturally is a liver "cleanse". With a liver cleanse you are rewarding your liver for its daily work and in the process you are helping to alleviate the possibility of additional strain being placed on the gallbladder with the excess cholesterol and bile salts that can accumulate with an under-functioning liver.

The liver works hard to remove the toxins (impurities) that build up in your body. These toxins include a wide array of pollutants, including excess fats, alcohol and anything we eat that needs to be filtered. A liver cleanse helps eliminate buildup of excess toxins and allows the liver to keep performing at its maximum capacity.

A liver cleanse will usually last about a day and uses a variety of ingredients to flush out the liver.

The following days after the cleanse, it would be important to know how your diet can help or hurt your treatment. You should avoid foods that are high in fats, cholesterol and fried foods.

Begin Your Treatment Today

Imagine... no surgery, keeping your gallbladder, forgetting the pain and flushing your gallstones naturally. All of this can be reality with a 100% guaranteed gallstones remedy that is doctor-approved and easy-to-follow. If you are interested in how natural health can make you gallstone-free in less than 24 hours, please visit our Get Rid of Gallstones Website.

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About the Author

Joe Barton is the founder of Barton Publishing Inc., a leading natural health company specializing in publishing cutting edge reports that show people how to cure and treat themselves using safe, natural, and proven remedies. Joe has helped thousands of people enjoy healthier lives through dissolving gallstones and passing them naturally. For more natural health tips please check out our blog. http://bartonpublishing.wordpress.com

Five Top Tips for Getting a Good Nights Sleep

Sleep and rest are essential ingredients for a healthy existence, and are deemed by many experts to be just as important as balanced nutrition and taking regular exercise. People leading busy lifestyles often overlook the importance of getting a good night's sleep. The irony here is that taking the recommended eight hours sleep every night will actually better prepare people for the challenges thrown at them by their hectic lifestyle. In order to arrive at an atmosphere which will aid you in falling effortlessly to sleep it is suggested that you assess the following:

1. Arrangement of Bedroom Furniture This isn't about Feng-Shui, it is simply about practicality. A cluttered room with poor furniture arrangement can be devastating to ones hopes of getting a good nights rest, and this is primarily because untidiness clutters the mind. Anxiety (perhaps brought on by worrying when you will next have time to tidy your bedroom!) prevents your mind from resting, which is a vital ingredient for a good nights sleep. Keeping distracting items, such as televisions, computers and stereos in the bedroom is also not recommended due to the disruption they cause to somebody trying to sleep. Electrical items left on standby still emit light and even a slight humming noise which all contributes to keeping you awake!

2. Light Experts recommend a dark room to be much better for sleeping in, because our bodies naturally wake up in response to light. If your curtains or blind are permeable then it is more than likely that you will wake up long before the alarm clock goes off, particularly during the summer months. Nightlights and bedside lamps can trick the mind into thinking it is either time to wake up or it is not time to go to sleep!

3. Noise Noise can be extremely irritating when trying to get to sleep. Many people would assume earplugs are the solution to this problem however; this can be a dangerous tactic, particularly if you sleep alone, because you may not wake up should a smoke alarm go off. Double glazing is a very effective insulator of distracting noise caused by traffic, although it can be expensive. Hanging heavy curtains is a less costly solution to this problem or, alternatively, you could consider moving the bedroom to the back of the house.

4. Temperature. It is important to think about what you wear to bed. Experts recommend wearing natural products (such as cotton) because these are best for letting your body breathe which in turn will help keep your temperature down. The density of your duvet will also play an important role in ensuring you maintain a healthy while sleeping. You may find it is necessary to use different thicknesses of duvet depending on the time of year.

5. Mattress & Bed Base It is vital that you are comfortable lying on your mattress. If not, then it can become extremely irritating and it will prevent you sleeping. Mattresses have a shelf life and it is important to review the situation at least every 10 years. There should be adequate room for you to move around in your bed while you sleep, which is definitely worth bearing in mind if you share your bed with a partner.

About the Author

There are beds and mattresses to suit the needs of even the most complicated sleepers. If you are confident that points 1 - 4 in this article are not affecting your sleep, then it is probably time you considered assessing the kind of mattress you sleep on. The good news is that today you can search for mattress prices online.

Tobacco and Periodontal Gum Disease

Researches have found that the following problems occur more often in people who use tobacco products: Bad breath, oral cancer, stained teeth, tooth loss, loss of taste, bone loss, gum recession, mouth soars and facial wrinkling. This research also proves less success with periodontal treatments among smokers.

There are also other medical problems associated with smoking including lung disease, cancer, heart disease and low-birth-weight infants.

If you are a smoker who is concerned about the effects smoking can have on your health, and on your gums and teeth in particular, at least by reading this article you are learning all the negative impacts of tobacco use, and you are taking the first step toward quitting.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease. And following periodontal treatment or any oral surgery, the chemicals in tobacco can slow down the healing process. This makes treatment results less predictable.

Here are some of the ways that one Los Angeles dentist who specializes in periodontal gum disease and oral implants believes smoking increases your risk for periodontal problems. "Smokers as opposed to nonsmokers are more apt to have calculus, or plaque, which hardens on teeth," said Dr. Bijan Afar. "Calculus can remain below your gum line and the bacteria in the calculus can destroy gum tissue and cause gums to pull away from your teeth if not treated."

Smokers are also more apt to get deep pockets between the teeth and gums and they also have loss of the bone and tissue that supports teeth. Periodontal disease gets worse when the pockets between the teeth and gums grow deep, which allows bacteria to destroy the gum tissue and bones. This result is that your gums shrink away from your teeth, and if they are not treated by a periodontist, your teeth may begin to hurt, become loose, and fall out. It has been proven that smokers loose more teeth than nonsmokers. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about 20 percent of people over age 65 who have never smoked are toothless, while a whopping 41.3 percent of daily smokers over age 65 are toothless.

Research shows that smokers don't heal as well after periodontal treatments as. This is reversible if the smokers quit smoking before beginning peridontal treatment.

Furthermore, all tobacco products can be harmful to periodontal health, such as smokeless tobacco (nicotine gum products) also can cause gums to recede and increase the chance of losing the bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place. In a study of cigar and pipe smokers that was published in January, 1999 in the Journal of the American Dental Association it was stated that cigar smokers experience tooth loss and alveolar bone loss at rates equivalent to those of cigarette smokers. Pipe smokers experience tooth loss at a rate similar to cigarette smokers.

About the Author

A social media marketing writer and PR professional, Kristin Gabriel works with Dr. Bijan Afar, a Los Angeles dentist and oral surgeon who owns five dental clinics, including the Wilshire Dental Clinic. (www.wilshiredentalcare.com) Or visit http://www.oralimplants.com

How Harmful is Stress?

Eliminating stress is something most people strive for, but is stress really that bad for you?

The results of stress depend upon on the circumstance as well as upon the length of time that stress stays with you. The best way to think of stress is to think of it as an acquaintance that you can tolerate, even appreciate, in small doses.

Ever heard of too much of a good thing? Meet stress. In fact, too much of it will turn him/her into a life-threatening enemy. When stress lingers and stays long-term in your life, it inevitably negatively impacts upon your physical and mental well-being.

According to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, when stress is present long-term, the body's inability to repair and defend itself weakens. What increases is the risk of someone becoming ill or injured.

When you experience long-term stress, a variety of problems can be thrust upon you. You might have any or all of the following symptoms: headaches, chest pain, high blood pressure, an inability to sleep, shortness of breath, anxiety, weight gain or loss, an inability to concentrate, disminished sex drive, sadness, irritability, forgetfulness, etc.

No one wants these problems, so of course, seeking stress relief is these circumstances is a very good idea. Long-term exposure to consistent stress leads to other, more serious health problems. Some even say that stress is related to about 99% of illness. Why wouldn't anyone be seeking stress relief in these circumstances?

While it's difficult to measure exactly, one thing seems certain: long-term stress is bad for your health, and for your quality of life. And you must find healthy stress relief methods, whether it's yoga, meditating, enjoying a hobby or walking.

No matter how resilient you may be, remember that no good can come out of having constant stress in your life on a regular basis. Absolutely none.

What if you're really stuck and can't immediately see a way out of eliminating stress? It's much more difficult than snapping your fingers and saying, "Ok. Stress, it's over between us. Don't call me ever again unless it's an emergency."

What if it's your job that is giving you stress? If it is, you're not alone. One in four people feel stress from their jobs, according to information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You don't have to necessarily leave it, and if you need the money from it and even like/love it, then you shouldn't quit. You need to find better ways of coping with stress so that it's a win/win situation. You get to keep the job you love and/or need and you don't suffer constant stress from it.

What if it's your relationships that are causing you stress? Should you cut off all ties with these people? Not necessarily, but something about the way you handle the stress from those relationships or the quality of those relationships should improve.

What if stress is coming from a wonderful change, like getting married to the right person or moving to a fabulous new home? It's not surprising that even great events cause stress when they are accompanied by great change. Stress can definitely come from great change--change causes stress.

Very simply put, if you suffer from stress, you need to find ways to manage your stress, to get some great stress relief. This can be done on a small scale and have huge results. Taking even small steps will improve your quality of life and reduce your stress level, which contributes to better health.

Stress relief can certainly be a key ingredient in creating a life that is healthy, happy and longer. Start small steps towards eliminating stress. Commit to meditating every morning for five minutes (before any one else knows you're awake and you'll have better chances of not being disturbed). Take a relaxing bath, go for a walk alone. Stick to one of these new activities and you'll find that stress can be managed.

About the Author

Ivy and Amanda are certified high school teachers with experience in promoting self esteem, and offer creative and insightful self improvement tips, worksheets, quotes and articles designed to help you with your journey towards greater fulfillment which can all be found at their website: www.self-improvement-starting-now.com