Senin, 30 Maret 2009

Tips To Prevent Hair Loss

Though people with an overdose of philosophy say it not what is outside, but inside the skull that counts, people suffering from hair loss wish it is the other way round. People of 'almost' all cultures are obsessed with thickly growing hair.

Ayurveda has identified this obsession a few centuries ago and has given the directions to minimize hair loss and better hair growth in its scheme of beauty care, which is commonly called lavanya sutra or the sutra for lavanyam or beauty.

Though lavanyam is referred to feminine beauty, hair loss tips are beneficial for the tougher sex too.

Here are top ten tips to prevent hair loss and ensure healthy hair growth.

1. Gently massage your scalpel with fingertips after applying a hair oil like coconut oil or sesame oil.

2. Eat Indian gooseberry in any form early in the day. Don't take gooseberry based products later in the night as it can affect your beautiful dental line.

3. Boil fresh or dried and powdered Indian gooseberry (also called amla) in coconut oil. Apply this for nourishing hair growth.

4. Eat all types of vegetables and fruits. This will ensure supply of vitamins and minerals essential for the healthy growth of hair. Vitamins and minerals are good for your health too.

5. Also eat protein rich food items – tuna, lean meat, whole milk are beneficial.

6. While bathing, wash your head with cold water only. It is winter and water is ice-cold, you can make it luke-warm. It is ok to wash your body with cold water.

7. Apply brahmi oil on your scalpel before going to bed. Good for hair growth and brain.

8. Dandruff is a cause of hair loss. Squeeze half a lemon to half a liter of water and rinse your hair and scalpel with this water as a cure to dandruff. Do this no more than three times a week and for up to a month.

9. Rosemary oil is an aromatherapy oil, which can be applied to your hair once in a week to reduce hair fall.

10. Crush a few leaves and flowers of hibiscus (shoe flower) with two or three glasses of water. The water becomes thick with the juice and use this water to wash your hair. Thoroughly cleanses your hair and gives dark bright color to your hair.

Minggu, 29 Maret 2009

The Benefits Of Infrared Saunas

A individual can feel the assorted benefits from using a sauna. Most individuals have used a sauna at sometime in their life. Most of these rooms are very dry which makes you perspire and is very relaxing. It's nice to use this type of room after you have been unwinding in a hot tub or after some form of physical exercising.

There are lots of places where you can find this type of facility, flats, hotels and health clubs. An person may enjoy the feel and touch of these hot rooms. Yet, feeling relaxed is not the only benefit you will receive from using a hot room.

Some individual's believe that this type of dry heat bath assists the body in overcoming aliments. An old wives remedy was to use boiling hot water to remove the grease from their skin. The same thing that can be achieved by using a sauna. It is believed to clear the sinuses, the pores and relieve an individual of headaches.

Some individuals also think that a sweat room can help them shed those unwanted pounds by using the dry heat at the same time making them feel more comfortable. This type of relief helps the mind to relax and relieve the stress of the day or the week. There are a number of people that think rigorous exercise can help with stress, others believe that a sauna offers the same benefits.

An person can receive different sauna benefits. A person needs to be careful when they decide to use this type of dry heat bath. If a individual begins to feel ill or disorientated they need to leave straightaway. An individual can begin conversations with strangers or make friends while soaking up the heat through their pores. Many individuals find their are lots of benefits from using a sauna.

Choose Hot Stone Massage

Swedish, shiatsu, Thai, reflexology, aromatherapy, Reiki, Ayurvedic, acupressure, acupuncture, Tui Na, Trigger Point—the list can go on and on. With the vast array of massage styles there is, it is mind boggling to know which of these is most suitable for you. With so much information to go through, it will stress you out trying to figure out which kind to select.

Hot stone massage which uses heated basalt stones to relax the body and release muscular tension, has fast become one of the most popular massage techniques there is. To save you from the headache of studying each kind of massage style, here are the top reasons why hot stone therapy is the way to go:

- It can help with a wide variety of health conditions. Some of these include arthritis, fibromyalgia, muscular pain, headaches, carpal tunnel pain, back problems, runners cramps, sciatic pain, plantar fasciatis, and many others.

- It helps improve blood circulation and increase oxygen in the body.

- It is a wonderful break from your hectic lifestyle which gives you relief from stress and brings you relaxation like no other. For a couple of minutes, you will be taken to a wonderful and peaceful place where no office work, traffic jams, or household chores will bother you.

- It is ideal for people who are self-conscious about letting other people touch their body. Compared with other massage styles, in this kind there is minimal skin contact from the therapist since most of the work is being done by the hot stones.

- It does wonders in loosening up tight and sore muscles.

- It can boost your immune function.

- It is a natural process that does not entail any use of synthetic chemicals.

- It can re-energize you physically. After a session, you'll feel that vigor you haven't felt in years.

- It is affordable. You can receive a hot stone massage for as low as $50.

- It won't take too much of your time. It's just 60 to 90 minutes per session.

- It's not painful unlike other massage styles which will leave you sore after.

- It's widely available. Many local day spas offer hot stone therapies.

- You can do it in the comfort of your own home. You can buy hot stones and other massage equipment online or at department stores.

- It can help make you sleep better.

- It is a nice gift you can give yourself which you truly deserve after working so hard each day.

- It reduces anxiety and can help you cope with depression. A hot stone therapy can certainly give your spirit a lift when you're feeling down.

- It can satisfy your craving for nurturing touch. It's only human to long for another human's touch but since you can't always reach for someone to hug or you can't always have intimate moments with your husband and cuddly moments with your kids, a hot stone massage can be a great alternative.

What's not to love about a hot stone massage? Its relaxing and therapeutic benefits are more than enough reasons for you to experience it for yourself.

Jumat, 27 Maret 2009

What is the French for Diet

France is well known as a nation of food lovers, so even the French are susceptible to the obesity syndrome. However, there are many people, especially women, who have bucked the trend and remain to be slim. Some French woman can eat all manner of delicious foods, indulge in wine and yet still stay trim and beautiful. What's their secret?

It would appear the French Diet is very appealing as there are no restrictions on carbohydrates or fat and no calorie counting, just good quality food eaten in moderation. The key here is quality and not quantity.

Their diet contains all fresh whole foods and they avoid processed foods, junk or fast foods, and sugary drinks. The French are passionate about cooking, so when cooking for themselves or friends, they will go to great lengths to seek out the freshest produce and ingredients for their meal. This is typically done on foot by walking around the farmers' markets, boulangeries and fromageries, all the time burning calories and contributing even more to a healthy lifestyle.

It's important to point out that French portions are a fraction of the size of those in the United States. So, while a French woman would be happy to unhurriedly savour a small plate of delicious quality food, others would rather wolf down a double helping, which is very often inferior quality.

The French tend to eat consciously and slowly, making sure they savour each and every mouthful. The psychology is by stopping to enjoy your meal, you will feel satisfied faster and will not tend to over eat. If you relax while eating, your body will metabolise food more efficiently, whereas hurriedly eating your food will lead your body to secrete Cortisol, which is steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex as part of the body's response to stress.

French woman also drink plenty of water too. A good point to remember is, as well as prolonging your life and keeping your internal organs (liver, kidneys etc) clean and healthy, water will speed up your metabolism and aid weight loss.

The French Diet

With the French diet, you can eat unprocessed meat, fish, poultry, grains, bread, dairy products, vegetables and fruit. A varied diet is essential, as each food contains different vitamins and minerals necessary for long term health. The only conditions are on the size of the portions.

Other foods that are allowed include, croissants, pastries and baguettes. Did you know that a French croissant weighs in at just 1 ounce!

Real cheese is fine but processed cheese is definitely out. As you may be aware, the French regularly enjoy a glass of wine, especially at meal times. Red wine is packed with antioxidants and has recently been proven to be good for the heart. The French have a low incidence of heart disease and many cite red wine as the reason. However this should be restricted to 1 or 2 glasses a day.

Lastly, the French love fresh fruit and vegetables, and there are no restrictions on these. That's because they are low in calories and nutritionally dense. They also use heart healthy Olive Oil for cooking and dressings, rather than artery-clogging hydrogenated cooking oils.

So, it would appear that the "French Diet" isn't really a diet in the traditional sense, instead it's much more of a lifestyle. The only drawback in this hectic age in which we live, is finding the time to eat a meal slowly and in a relaxed state.

Spa Etiquette

After a week of endless work, crazy traffic jams and a few relationship misunderstandings here and there, your stress level is probably about to hit an all time high. Fortunately, a place called the spa has been invented to help you keep what's little left of your sanity. Needless to say, a trip to a nice spa can make a hell week heavenly.

To help you make the most out of your spa experience, here are some spa etiquette tips to follow:

- Don't be late for your appointment. Being late means you don't have respect for another person's time. But aside from being impolite, it also means you won't have enough time to relax or spend at the sauna or steam bath. Having sufficient time to relax before your massage session is vital in getting the most out of your spa experience.

- Before you arrive at the spa center, be sure to turn your cellular phone off or put it in silent mode so as not to bother other spa clients who just like you are craving for some quiet time. When you're in a spa, there is nothing more annoying than having your peaceful beauty rest disturbed by a loud silly ringtone.

- Discuss with the therapist and the spa center staff any issues that you may have. If you prefer a female therapist, or if you're not comfortable being massaged in nude, don't hesitate to tell them. Also, feel free to talk to them about preferences that you may have like type of music, lighting, room temperature or amount of massage pressure.

- Leave valuables at home. Even if most spas have lockers with lock, it's still safer not to bring any valuables when you get a spa treatment.

- Use the spa facilities with care. Be sure to ask for assistance in case you don't know how to operate any facility. There is nothing embarrassing in asking.

- If you're scheduled for several treatments, have the massage prior to the facial but the body treatment should go first before the massage.

- It's all right to have a chat with your therapist but don't feel obliged to do so if you prefer to some quiet time during the treatment.

- The therapist will give you ample time to rest and cool down after the massage session but it doesn't mean that it is okay to take a whole afternoon nap. Just spend a few minutes to cool yourself down and give yourself time to reenergize.

- Don't forget to give a 15% tip to your massage therapist. Be sure to let him or her know if you are pleased with the service. Show appreciation by recommending the therapist to your family and friends who are also massage aficionados.

Spa experiences are truly heavenly. With the peaceful ambience, sensual aroma and the pleasurable treatments available, it surely is nice to give yourself a break by visiting a spa. Indeed, there's no better way to reward yourself after working so hard and subjecting yourself to the rigorous and exhausting demands of your daily life.

Selasa, 24 Maret 2009

Tips On Proper Massage Etiquette

Massage is truly one of the best pleasures in life. The relaxation of body and mind brought about by the nurturing touch of another human being is indeed a nice way to take a breather from one’s daily stressors. When your boss is getting too hard on you or the household chores are piling up so high, going to a spa can save what’s little left of your priceless sanity.

But getting a massage is not only about finding the right therapist or booking for an appointment. Just like any other activity, it also entails good manners and right conduct.

Here are some tips on proper massage etiquette:

• Schedule your appointment in advance as much as possible. This will allow the therapist or the spa to book other appointments more efficiently.

• After booking for an appointment, be sure not to miss it. Canceling the last minute or not showing up with no explanation at all is very disrespectful of the therapist. You’re not only wasting their time but also the opportunity for them to have other paying clients.

• Arrive early, preferably 15 minutes early so you will have time to fill out some forms like contact information and health conditions, as well enjoy the facilities of the spa like sauna, steam bath or whirlpool.

• Before you go into the session, be sure to discuss your preferences to the therapist. What type of music, room temperature or lighting would make you feel comfortable are some of the things you can talk to the therapist about. Although it’s all right to speak up even in the middle of the session, discussing prior to it is a better option so as not to interrupt the flow of the therapy.

• It’s also a good idea to go to the bathroom before the therapy starts so that you don’t have to stand up in the middle of your session when nature calls.

• When you go for a massage, it is very important that you don’t wear any perfume, scented anti-perspirants and hair sprays because you will be staying in an enclosed area and some therapists have allergic reactions to some of these products.

• Turn off your cell phone before you arrive at the clinic or spa. Being interrupted with ringing sounds and phone calls can surely ruin the relaxing mood and ambiance of the place. Besides, this is a time for you to relax and shun away the outside world even for just a few minutes.

• Don’t put lotion or moisturizer on your skin because this will get in the way of the massage oil or lotion that will be used.

• Take a shower or clean up before the session. Showing up all sweaty or dirty after a workout or some other rigorous activity is a rude thing to do.

• Don’t feel obliged to engage in a conversation with your therapist. If you want to chat, it’s fine. But if you want to silently indulge in the massage, the therapist will respect that.

• Give your therapist a 10%-15% tip.

• You will be allowed to have some time alone to cool down and relax after a session but don’t take advantage of it by taking a whole day nap.

Spas, clinics and therapists all work so hard to be able to provide you with a moment of relaxation that you are so in need of. Yes, you’re paying for their services but still, it’s only right that you give them proper respect and treatment.

Go For a Herbal Psoriasis Cure

The chronic non-contagious skin disease of psoriasis is believed to affect over 4 million American people and is also believed to be incurable, but only treatable instead. The skin condition of Psoriasis is an infamous skin disease that will flare up or go into remission at most anytime when least wanted or expected. This skin disease is described as an over active outer layer of the skin that produces cells faster than is needed and collects upon the surface leading turning into severe scaling, itchy, red swollen skin.

With any recurring signs of psoriasis there is the handful of common inner body triggers that seems to be related to the skin disorder flare-ups. A few of these triggers are linked to extreme amounts of prolonged stress, severe trauma or injury of some type, and even forms of severe illness. Due to triggers which may be related or unrelated, flare ups are a very unwelcoming event that happens at any given time.

Psoriasis happens when the skin plaques are thought to be reacting to the over reactive immune system. With the new skin cells producing on the average of once each month like a healthy body does , psoriasis is the term for what happens when the skin in regenerating new skin every 3 to 5 days. Quickly creating several unwanted new skin layers upon the top skin's surface. Unfortunately there has not been enough time to naturally shed the original top layers of skin before the new skin rebuilds causing the very unwanted extra skin layer effect.

Since there is yet a cure for psoriasis, control is the best that can be done for any level of this irritating and embarrassing disease. The topical treatments and other creams, ointments and salves that doctors will prescribe for rubbing onto the scaly, itchy red areas will help sooth the flared ups. Many prescription creams will usually contain coal tar, retinoic acid, and vitamin D derivatives. There are also prescriptions of medicines that contain steroids or other similar ingredients that are to slow down new skin growth.

There are many people who prefer to use herbal treatments for their psoriasis. Just as doctor prescribed treatments, the herbal treatments also include topical creams, ointments, salves and bath soaks. Most of these herbal treatments include Aloe Vera that is very effective in softening the skin plaques. Oatmeal baths are also highly effective in the extra skin softening for better flaking and removal of psoriasis infected areas. For natural skin healing, there are highly effective herbs like chickweed and cumfrey. These natural methods are to also include diet improvement and adjustments in proper vitamin intake.

Jumat, 20 Maret 2009

Tips To Get Beautiful Nails - For A Beautiful You!


Not just your face but even your hands say it loud when you need to get that perfect impression in a board meeting or on a special person. Your perfectly manicured nails look good and say it loud about how well you maintain yourself. However, nail care is essential for both men and women and few tips that will help you get that perfect nails sitting at home. So, say good bye to expensive salons and French manicurists.

If you devote a little care even once in 15 days your nail will look beautiful, giving you an edge over the others in today's world of competition.

1. Get a basic nail kit that has the necessary tools but is not prohibitively expensive as brand names do not mean great nails! Nail kits are available at every drug store so you can find one that suits you easily.

2. Wash your hands with a herbal based soap and lukewarm water and let it dry. When the nails are soft, they are easy to cut and file. However, be careful as improper filing can weaken the nails. Use a nail file and shape up your nails according to our desire with easy, gentle strokes. File from the side to the middle along the edge of the nail for the best results. Do not apply pressure on the top which will cause then to crack and break.

3. If you apply nail polish, do not put a thick coat and leave it. Beautiful, well manicured nails require 2 to3 coats of nail polish applications to give them that smooth, glossy finish.

4. As with hair and skin, nails also require attention. A well balanced diet and drinking plenty of water keeps the nails shiny and smooth while dehydrated nails look chipped and dry too.

5. Regular nail care is important and occasionally do apply cuticle oil to moisturize and soften your cuticles and nails. This will help the nails to look fresh and smooth, even without nail polish.

6. Never use alcohol based lotions or nail polish removers as they tend to weaken the nails and dehydrate them. The chances of fungi and other microbial infections increase when the nails are cracked and brittle. Always go in for natural, organic nail care products to safe guard tour skin and nails.

7. Unhealthy habits of biting nails also lead to unhygienic nails and spoil the look of the hands. So, if you are prone to it, give it up! If you follow these tips, you will have healthy, beautiful nails and hands in a short time span.

he Best Acne Herbal Treatments


No matter your age, acne is a problem that no one wants. The misery of acne is mostly caused by our sebaceous glands producing too much sebum, also known as oil. Due to the over production of oil, the skin pores increase in blockage and bacterial areas. It is the bacteria and increased oil production that causes the acne to form. But natural acne herbal treatments are the first method to try.

Knowing how acne happens is one thing, but knowing exactly why is a difficult task at hand when there are several various reasons as to pin pointing each case's cause. Some links believed to be connections are hormonal imbalances, overall eating habits, vitamin deficiency and contentious high levels of stress. Healthy eating habits and lowering stress is the first natural step of acne herbal treatment.

There are proven statistics linking the higher level of vitamin A in a person's body shows to be able to lower acne breakouts. Vitamin A lowers the amount of sebum and keratin being produced. Zinc is also a very important vitamin, and for fighting acne, the Zinc is the backing force for the vitamin A to do its job. Natural acne treatments through diet of the most natural fruits and vegetables will help in your holistic being, not just acne.

Some other acne herbal treatments are effectively proven and 100% natural acne remedies. Aloe Vera is one of the most effective natural herbal acne herbal treatments today. The Aloe Vera plant contains astringent and anti-bacterial properties which are known to fight bacteria that cause acne. Aloe Vera also contains very important anti-inflammatory properties needed in reducing acne swelling.

Another very potent natural acne herbal treatment is Calendula. Although not as well known about, Calendula is a very effective acne treatment. Calendula is a skin tissue healer of potential damage from the acne. But Calendula is also a natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory completely natural product. Calendula comes in cream, or water base washing formula to cleanse the acne infected skin.

The Lavender herb will help reduce the inflammation due to the acne and Lavender also has antiseptic. The Lavender is mixed with a carrier fluid or water should be applied directly to the affected acne areas for exterminating bacteria. Just as the Lavender herb, the Tree Essential Oil must be with water or carrier fluid. Tree Essential Oil also has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties for the top layer of skin with acne.

Minggu, 15 Maret 2009

Blow Away Your Dandruff

Do you suffer from itchy scalp but embarrassed to scratch in public?

Do you have hair loss while you always have white flakes shedding on your clothes?

You are not alone as there are millions like you who suffer from Dandruff. Understanding what this skin disease is and how to combat it effectively is the only solution. Dandruff is the name given to the shedding of skin on the scalp, and appears as white flakes in the hair causing discomfort. Although our skin sheds dead cells and renews itself every fortnight, the word dandruff refers to the unsightly shedding of dead skin which is known to be caused by a fungus. The common symptoms are itchy scalp and white flakes visible in the hair and surface when you scratch.

Dandruff is usually two fungi, Malassezia Furfur and Pityrosporum ovale, that reside in the human body. The fungus sometimes creates an imbalance, so that the renewal of skin cells leads to an overload of dead cells being shed. Most of the dandruff shampoos which claim to reduce dandruff contain Zinc Pyrithione and Nizoral. However, the more chemical you apply to your skin, the more the chances of an adverse reaction increase. In the case of an allergic reaction, consider trying out natural and herb based shampoos, which can contain the growth of dandruff.

You will need to wash your hair very frequently with these highly chemical based shampoos to curb the spread of these fungi. The main function of anti dandruff shampoos is to wash away and remove the dead skin cells faster than they can be shed. This is the only way to keep your scalp healthy and clean. Anti Dandruff shampoos contain strong chemicals which break down oils and contain fungicides to kill the microbial and fungi growth for cleaner hair and a healthier scalp. Lemon, orange, basil, papaya, cloves and other citrus fruits contain astringents that help keep the scalp clear of dead skin.

Applying herb based oils containing Lemon have concentration of anti fungal properties. Lemon oils are used to treat skin allergies which occur due to intense oil production. Lemon has a unique quality of sapping away excess oil which helps to eliminate acne and dandruff. Washing your hair after oiling it well with coconut oil is also known to benefit curbing dandruff. You can also condition your hair using eggs, once a fortnight as egg is known to give a beautiful shine to your hair.

Rabu, 11 Maret 2009

Learning to Eat Healthy

Many people have weight problems not because they don’t understand how to eat or prepare healthy food. There is some tendency to think that because a food is healthy, it must not be tasty. Avoiding these misconceptions is one of the first steps toward learning to eat and prepare healthy foods.

Choose Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Instead of buying canned fruits and vegetables, choose fresh ones when they are in season. Fruits fresh from the produce department of your market are better for you than canned fruits that have added sugar or are packaged in high calorie syrup. If you must buy canned fruit, choose those with no added sugar that are packed in natural fruit juices. Vegetables from the can tend to have extra salt and other ingredients that are not essential for the flavour.

Instead of cooking vegetables in butter or margarine, steam them and add spices or lemon juice for flavour. With so many different spices available for purchase at the market, there is no need to use excess butter or salt. You can even blend some of your spices to create a unique flavour of your own.

Choose Lean Meats and Restrict Red Meat

Instead of going for the high fat and high cholesterol red meats, try to stay with poultry and fish instead. In addition, do not fry your meats but bake, roast, or broil them. Avoid cooking in vegetable oil and choose olive oil instead for a healthier choice. For foods such as steak or hamburger, grill rather than fry them. The market is prime today for people trying to cut their fat content, and products such as the ever-popular George Foreman grill are invading more homes than in the past.

One way to enjoy ground beef without the fat and calories is to substitute ground chicken or ground turkey. With the proper seasoning the flavour is pleasing, and when used for cooking things such as meatballs or chilli, the additional ingredients make the flavour undetectable. When trying to lose weight or stay healthy, many of us are guilty of deciding we don’t like something before we try it. In that way we restrict foods that we may potentially like and complain that dieting has too many restrictions.

Choose Carbohydrates with a Low Glycemic Index

One of the biggest contributors to weight gain and failure to lose weight is too many simple carbohydrates. The old adage that only candy and other sweets make up the simple carbohydrates is false. Any starchy food has the potential to turn to sugar, so it’s essential to learn to eat healthier carbohydrates, namely those made of whole grains such as wheat bread, wheat flour, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, and even whole grain cereals such as those made with oats, wheat, and barley. These whole grains do not turn to sugar when they are consumed and yet provide us the energy we need to attend to our daily activities.

Avoid Diets that Eliminate Food Groups

Most of us learned in school the importance of consuming food for each of the basic food groups daily. However, in today’s market many diets are geared toward eliminating or greatly reducing the amount of food we consume from some of the food groups. This may not be on a regular basis, but nonetheless these diets are not the healthiest nor will they help you achieve permanent weight loss. The key to permanent weight loss is changing your lifestyle such as the way you eat, adding exercise to your daily routine, and drinking eight to ten ounces of water every day. Eliminating entire food groups is not only unhealthy, but it also increases your feelings of deprivation.

Selasa, 10 Maret 2009

Miraculous Acne Scar Elimination!

Acne can affect people of all ages; however it occurs most often during puberty as the body goes through hormonal changes. It has also been known to affect people in adulthood, even if their skin was clear during their teenage years. In some cases acne leaves scars on the skin after chronic and prolonged acne, especially if it is left untreated. The pitting on the face and other parts of the body is easily spotted.

Acne scars will usually fade over time, but sometimes severe acne leaves permanent scars that can be the cause of some embarrassment to the sufferer. Although there are less cases of adult acne, it is not uncommon. Acne which strikes during the adult years may be due to skin allergies or accumulated toxins.

Another type of acne which is rare, but no less irritating, is scalp acne. It is very painful and difficult to treat as applying any cream or antibiotic medicine can be difficult due to hair growth. Although acne on the hairline is visible, the regular use of anti dandruff shampoo can help in some cases. A dermatologist should be consulted for severe cases of acne.

There are different methods of acne scar treatment available which help in lessening the scars by removing the older skin layer and helping new, smoother skin grow. Although there are intensive medical treatments such as laser treatment open to sufferers, cosmetic surgeries are also available. There are also various natural remedies that can actually do wonders for the elimination of acne scars.

Water is a miracle drink not only for the treatment of acne scars, but also for facial skin care in general. Keeping your skin in top condition requires drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water everyday. Skin scars can be dramatically reduced with the intake of water. Drinking water increases the dermal moisture content, making the skin soft and more flexible. Your facial skin is delicate and needs to be properly cared for.

Change your eating habits and consider adding organic, natural fibers to your diet. Your diet has a direct impact on the skin; the more fresh vegetables and fruits you eat, the better pH balance in the body will be. Application of Vitamin E directly onto the acne scars also helps the cells rejuvenate. You can break open a capsule of Vitamin E and apply it to the affected area. Rubbing Virgin olive oil onto the scars also helps reduce the appearance of the marks, but it is a slow process on older scars. Fresh scars are easily reduced as the skin is still fresh.

The best natural remedy has to be the application of fresh lemon juice onto the scars. Lemon is known for its bleaching qualities and not only will it reduce the scars, it will also make your skin smoother and give it a lighter appearance.

Minggu, 08 Maret 2009

Different Herbs for Anxiety Treatment

Anxiety disorders are a common problem, affecting approximately 20 million adults and children in America. Anxiety is a common emotion consisting of uncertainty and worry faced by many, whilst anxiety disorders are when such fears are experienced irrationally. There are many treatments available, ranging from medication to therapy and alternative treatments. One treatment is through using natural herbal supplements.

Natural herbs are less costly than medication, and consist of herbs, vitamins and botanicals. They can be taken individually, or with other supplements, but it is best to first consult your doctor before deciding on natural herbs as a treatment for anxiety disorders. They also have the advantage of having no side effects, as compared to medications which can result in side effects such as nausea. Below are some common herbs used in anxiety disorders treatment.

1. Passion Flower

This is a natural plant that is used to treat anxiety, amongst other ailments. Its has unique calming properties, and can also reduce body tremors from fear. It promotes better sleep, and can act as a painkiller. It also contains anti depressants, and is used for high blood pressure and epilepsy.

2. Lavender

This is a more popular alternative than the passion flower, and is also known for its calming properties. It is also one of the more effective treatments for panic attacks, and is a tonic for the nervous system.

3. Lemon Balm

This is used to calm the digestive and nervous system, and also reduces blood pressure. It is uncertain if used alone, lemon balm is effective for treating anxiety attacks. It is usually taken with Valerian, Chamomile or Passion flower.

4. Kava

It is an effective tranquilizer, and whilst it is not an addictive substance, research suggests that it may be linked to liver problems.

5. Valerian

This is another natural plant used for treating anxiety. It also promotes better sleep, allowing for the body to rest and recuperate.

6. Chamomile

Chamomile flower leaves are used to make tea, and is a natural alternative for treating anxiety. It also reduces fever, encourages sleep and enhances the body’s metabolism.

7. Dandelion

The roots and leaves are used to treat the body’s internal systems, and through it, provide relief for some of the symptoms of anxiety. It is commonly used in salads and tea, and can also be used as a substitute for coffee.

There are many natural treatments available, and herbs have been used for treating illnesses for centuries. However, do keep in mind that it is not a quick fix, and can only alleviate the symptoms of anxiety attacks. It is advisable to seek out behavioral or cognitive therapy so as to eliminate the root of the problem causing anxiety attacks.

Rabu, 04 Maret 2009

Understanding Holistic Health


Every thought and emotion affects your health. A holistic health approach encompasses treating the whole person: the body, mind, emotions and spirit. Traditional cultures have known for thousands of years that these aspects are intimately connected. Every food we eat, every thought we entertain, every emotion we feel and every interaction we experience impacts overall health.

Many blame their health problems on genetics, a virus, toxins in the air, and stress. While these factors can contribute to illness, very often problems result from a lack of fundamental health-enhancing qualities such as responsibility, a strong will, family support, passion, a balanced lifestyle and a knowledge of good health. Without these, whatever modality is chosen becomes just another pill to be taken and discarded when symptoms disappear.

When disease is artificially removed without changing the underlying cause, long-term health will NOT be achieved. The quick fix approach brings little or no permanent success. I am not suggesting that we abandon medical treatment. I am recommending that we look for the deeper causes of the problem from a physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and lifestyle perspective. We need to take the holistic health perspective. Lasting solutions can be found to multiple illnesses of society by getting at the root of the problem holistically.

I have observed patterns among those who have successfully reversed health problems. These traits are not rigid models. We all have them to some degree. They are holistic health approaches that each of us can maximize in our own unique way to return to our natural state of health.

Here are some very important steps you must take to achieve optimal holistic health. I can assure you that by putting these into practice, your overall health will be much improved! Sometimes you have to reevaluate what it is that you are doing with your life. By doing this, you will start to see the big picture.

Lets start with the first step, RESPONSIBILITY. This means not blindly accepting the opinion of some outside authority as the only way. Take a look at your previous choices for they may have led you to the problem. Then recognize that you can make new choices to remedy the situation.

I am not telling you to stop seeing your health practitioner. I am suggesting that you gather as much information as possible and make your own decisions. Taking responsibility is meant to empower us to make new choices for a healthier result.

Next is AWARENESS, which simply is deeply knowing yourself by observing your thoughts and beliefs, your choices and outcomes, and your response to the world around you. As you observe, ask questions. Do you believe you can recover your health? What does the illness have to teach you? Why do you make the choices you make? What do you need to know? Through questioning you will discover the things that seemed unchangeable are actually flexible and can be manipulated.

PROPER NUTRITION is the cornerstone of good health. Health and longevity depend on our daily nourishment. In 1988, the Surgeon General stated that two-thirds of the deaths in this country are related to diet. Our eating habits play a major role in many common diseases and emotional disorders.

Most Americans have a limited awareness of the power of food in maintaining health and reversing disease. The most effective diet includes whole grains, vegetables, low fat, no cholesterol, proteins and fruits.

LETTING GO OF THE PAST. Resolving conflicts and discovering their positive impact in our lives is paramount in healing. Resentment, anger, guilt and all negative emotional states are self-poisoning. They weaken cells and immunity and can be the reason for illness. Let it go and move on.

FAITH and the developing of sound judgments are important qualities in healing. Faith is knowing there is an order and unity to life, a sense of wholeness and connectedness with something larger than oneself. With faith, unlimited opportunities unfold, and we gain a sense of confidence in our choices.

FINDING YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE is prevalent among those who are healthy. Everyone has talents and skills through which they express themselves, and so do you! If you do not find your unique creative expression, you will be restless and frustrated, regardless of the success in the conventional world.

Purpose stimulates a deep sense of fulfillment and joy. With purpose, your life will take on much more meaning. I did not have a purpose for many years. The second I knew where I was going my life took a turn for the best. If you do not have purpose yet, do not worry! Focus on what makes you the happiest and visualize where and what you want to be. By working toward a goal and a purpose, you will feel alive and ready for anything.

Each of the above factors has a profoundly positive influence on your health and are more effective when bring them together. When utilized, you can go beyond sickness to health and happiness. Start with small steps and build upon them for a holistic approach to your health. Action is the only thing preventing you from achieving optimal health.

5 tips to help with home recycling


The issue of recycling has been an important one for some years, but recently, with councils resorting to fortnightly collections in a bid to encourage recycling, this is an issue that has been receiving increased attention across the country. Councils are doing what they can to encourage recycling by providing recycle bins to households to make this task easier, and the government has pledged to increase the number of recycling bins in public areas to also encourage this activity.

We can all do our bit for the environment, help to reduce landfill site waste, and help others by recycling many of the items in our home – not just rubbish but all sorts of items. And once you get the hang of recycling you will find that it is an easy, effective, and useful way to do your bit for the environment.

1. Learn more about what can be recycled. Many people just think about things like cans or bottles when they think about recycling, but you can actually recycle pretty much anything. This includes textiles, rubber, building, materials, carton and cardboard, and more. Before you automatically throw something into to rubbish for collection think carefully about whether you could actually recycle the item in some way.

2. Familiarize yourself with the recycling bins in the area. There are different recycle bins for different things, such as some for bottles and cans, some for textiles, etc. The government has also promised to increase the number of recycling bins in public areas. In the meantime, it is a good idea to try and familiarise yourself with where the bins are in your area so that you know where to go to recycle your items.

3. Make use of the council recycle bin. Local authorities have issued many households with recycle bins now so there is no excuse for not being able to recycle. Make use of this facility and recycle as much as you can – with a bin on your doorstep there is not additional hassle involved and you could really help the environment in the long term.

4. Make sure that you use the right recycle bins for the right products. It can be encouraging to also use the recycle bins in public areas, as this will encourage others to do the same if they see you and others recycling their waste. However, do make sure that you use the recycle bins appropriately and don’t just stick all of your items into one recycle bin, as they are separate depending on the type of product that you are recycling.

5. Save on fuel and emissions. Wherever possible, if you have to drive to take your recycled waste to a public recycle bin area try and drop your recycling whilst on your way somewhere rather than making a special trip. This will save any additional pollution from driving and will save you petrol. Better still, if the recycling area is not far then take a stroll up there!

Senin, 02 Maret 2009

Fantastic Method to Eliminate Cellulite!


Contrary to popular myth that cellulite is irreversible, cellulite can be removed!

However, you need to have an effective treatment as cellulite is a build up of several years and is not an overnight accumulation. It is the improper distribution of fat which is joined to the connective tissues in the body. The connective tissues are those which help n the distribution of fat below the skin surface and sometimes due to accumulation of toxins in the body, uneven distribution takes place leading to cellulite or lumping. You need not be obese to have cellulite, as even models are known to suffer from it!

It has a drastic effect on your self esteem and especially in the summer months you feel embarrassed wearing short skirts and minis. However, it not restricted to women as equal number of men suffer from it. Cellulite accumulates usually on the buttocks, things and hips which makes it unsightly when you need to wear a swimsuit.

Accumulation of toxins is one of the biggest reasons for cellulite formation as built in toxins hinder proper blood circulation. You must be wondering as to what you eat to accumulate so many toxins- well, think about all the preservatives, alcohol consumption, smoking, colors and artificial flavors all contribute to some extent for the toxin built up in the body. Improper drinking of water becomes the last straw.

To completely flush out toxins, one must drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water which goes a long way to eliminate cellulite also as all of these are inter connected. Proper exercise and inclusion of fresh fruits and vegetable also helps. With research and study, many herbal creams and oils are now available which help in smoothening out the skin. The orange peel look is attributed to lumping up of fat cells under the thin layer of the skin. Effective remedies help in breaking the fat cells accumulations while walking, leg squats, leg exercises also help in proper blood circulation. A rejuvenating massage is also a good idea to reduce the cellulite lumps as massage helps to increase blood circulation and breaks muscle, fat lumps in the body.

There are many anti-cellulite creams, essential oils and lotions available which are known to be effective in curing cellulite completely. However, left alone cellulite creams will not be effective unless you exercise and increase blood circulation in the body but it can definitely go away, is a fact.

Laying a Good Foundation for Health


In the western medicine world, we have lost touch with the basic concept of true healing. We substitute a band-aid for a cure and wonder why we don't feel better. People get ill for many reasons. Each diseased state tells us that we are ignoring some part of self, and change is necessary. While many factors contribute to healing, and it happens on many levels, all require attention throughout the entire healing practice. Ignoring the body-mind (emotions and thoughts) would not provide adequate and long-term good health.

Physical symptoms like headaches, swollen glands, sneezing and colds, including more serious diseases like cancer, communicate that there is a disturbance in the emotional fabric of our being. Negative emotions like fear, doubt and worry stop the normal flow of energy. These emotions undermine us, and over the course of our lives cause unexplained and crippling diseases that end up controlling us.

The physical body falls apart because we fall apart emotionally. Recent scientific studies have shown that emotions sabotage everything—from simple success to kidney failure. When we don't care for the "whole self," the physical body simply mirrors those effects. Over the course of time, emotions like fear, anger and confusion take their toll. Repressed anger diminishes the functions of the liver. Hopelessness and despair play havoc with the gall bladder. Fear plays havoc with the kidneys, relationships and success. Confusion on the other hand, keeps whirling thoughts spinning, creating a cloud of chaos around us and we become imbalanced and ungrounded. Head colds for instance, are a direct result of emotional confusion. Long-standing negative emotional beliefs deteriorate the entire physical being. A constant string of repetitive negative words weaken and actually exhaust the physical body.

To heal we must feel. We must identify the root emotional cause of the disease. This process lays down a new foundation for good health and begins with a new attitude about being healthy. Any negative emotion causes us to stay stuck in a false perception about our self.

How do we identify negative emotions? The easiest way to identify negative patterns is to see them in family members and friends. Examine other people's behaviors. Notice all the things you like about them and all the things you don't like, especially the things that make you angry, envious or jealous. The people around you are actually reflections of you. What you see in another person that bothers you or angers you is a part of yourself that has not yet been loved and healed. Begin by criticizing your dearest friends. By doing this practice of looking at the faults of friends and family you get in touch with the parts of you that are out of balance and seek healing. This simple exercise offers you an opportunity to look deeply at your own emotional concerns and patterns. Once you locate personal limitation it's time for change.

Emotional patterns are created when you place a judgment upon an experience. To change, we must stay conscious of our feelings in situations. Stay calm, make no judgment—simply feel the energy. For example, let's take anger because anger is one of the most profound emotions and is easily felt. Imagine yourself in an angry situation; stay completely present and deeply feel the anger. Don't judge it—simply feel it. Now, love the feeling that anger produces. Anger can be motivation. It can be passionate. Change the negative charge that anger produces; begin to embrace and love the feeling of anger instead of repelling it.

Next begin to dialogue with the anger. Yes, that is correct, strike up a conversation with anger. Ask it questions like, "What are you teaching me?" or "Why am I so angry all the time?" Permit the answers to come into your conscious mind. As they do, you realize what the true issue is. Sometimes in that moment of realization the anger pattern can release. Other times it might take a few more conversations for the anger to release. This method allows the energy constriction caused by anger and other emotions to release. Any blocked energy begins to flow giving the physical body a chance to heal.

Even though healing begins with the emotions, the physical body must be strong enough to support the emotional body.

Supplements: Supplementation is important because food chemicals, pesticides and a hurried lifestyle play havoc on our systems. Take no more than five different supplements daily. I prefer liquids including Green-Magma and other green drinks. If you don't feel immediate results, they are not working.

Water: Only 5% of the American population gets sufficient water each day. Diet drinks, high corn-syrup drinks and coffee do not count towards proper hydration; in fact these drinks cause gastrointestinal inflammation, kidney and liver problems and an acidic environment. To properly hydrate drink at least half of your body weight in purified water by the ounce each day. For example if you weight 150 lbs. you need 75 ounces of purified water daily. Exercise: The number one killer today is a stagnant lymph system caused by a lack of exercise. Take a walk around the block or take a yoga, chi-kung or Pilate's class.