Fighting Obesity - an ayurvedic way

Definition of Obesity

Excess amount of body fat is Obesity.

Excess weight of muscles, bone, fat and water in the body (like body builders and athletes) is Overweight.

Over weighted persons are at increased health risk than normal persons. They are more prone to chronic diseases like heart diseases, type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and few types of cancers.

Is fat necessary to our body?

Certain amount of body fat does the following function
1. Heat insulation.
2. Absorption of shock.
3. Storage of energy. Etc.

Ayurveda describes the functions of body fat as

Â"Medaha sneha swedaudhrudatwam pushtim asthyanchaÂ"

This means in normal conditions the body fat keeps the body moisturized, causes sweating, gives energy to body (by storing energy) and nourishes bones. (By protecting them from shock)

Distribution of fat

Women have more body fat than men. In women usually the fat accumulates around hips giving them a pear shape. In men it accumulates around belly giving them an apple shape. The obesity related problems start when fat accumulates around waist.

In ayurveda the distribution of fat is described as follows.

Medastu sarvabhutaanamudarenvasthi thishtathi |
Ata evodare vriddhihi prayo medaswino bhavet ||

Fat gets deposited in and around belly in all living beings. It is also present in bone. Hence when a person becomes obese his stomach bulges out.

And also the characters of an obese person are described as

"Medo mamsa ativriddhatvaachalasphigudarastanaha"

Which means the hips, belly and breasts of an obese person sag and sagged parts flap as that person moves. An obese person will not be active.

Causes of Obesity

When a person consumes more calories than he bus then the excess calories get stored in the form of fat causing obesity.

1. Genetic factorsÂObesity tends to run in families. If parents are fat then the offspring also show a tendency to accumulate fat. Even the diet and lifestyle habits which are practiced in family also contribute to obesity.

2. Environment. Â A personÂ's eating habits and the level of physical activities a person has also contribute for excess deposition of fat. When a person eats food containing more calories and has a sedentary work then the calories consumed are more than calories but. The excess amount calories are stored as fat.

3. Psychological disturbances.- There is a tendency to over eat in response to negative emotions like boredom, sadness or anger. This leads to obesity.

4. Binge eating disorder.

5. Diseases and conditions like Hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, Depression, and certain neurological problems lead to overeating which in tu leads to accumulation of fat.

6. Medicines such as steroids and some antidepressants may cause weight gain.

Causes of obesity according to Ayurveda

The causes of obesity are very clearly explained in ayurveda. The following reasons which are mentioned in ayurveda increase the deposition of fat.

Avayamadivaaswapnashleshmalaaaharasevinaha |
Madhuroannarasaha prayaha snehamedhovivardhati ||

According to ayurveda the causes of obesity are defined as :

1. Avyayama : Not exerting physically
2. Divaswapna: Sleeping in afteoon.
3. Shleshmala Ahara Vihara : The diet and life styles which increase Kapha
4. Madhura Annaha : Consuming sweetened foods .

Health risks due to Obesity

Obesity leads to the following problems.
1. Type-2 diabetes
2. Heart disease.
3. High Blood pressure.
4. Stroke
5. Few types of Cancers
6. Gall stones
7. Liver diseases
8. Osteo arthritis.
9. Gout
10. Infertility
11. Irregular menstruation in women.

According to Ayurveda the obese persons are more prone to the following diseases.

1. Diabetes.
2. Kidney related problems.
3. Hepatitis.
4. Low libido.
5. Low energy levels.
6. Skin problems.
7. Fistula
8. Piles.
9. Filariasis . etc

Tips to reduce Obesity

1. Determine with the help of your physician how much weight has to be reduced.
2. Set several short term realistic goals .
3. Reward yourself each time you make progress (Not food items)
4. Even small weight losses have shown to be beneficial.
5. Make gradual changes in eating habits.
6. You will lose weight when you bu more calories than you consume. Hence eating less and being more active help in losing weight.
7. Sound eating habits keep you out of putting on weight.
8. Stay motivated to lose weight.
9. Slow weight loss is the safest and most effective. ( one to one and half pound per week).
10. Gradual weight loss, promote long term loss of body fat.
11. A person who is moderately active needs daily, 33 calories per kg of body weight to maintain his weight .
12. Reducing calories intake by 300 per day and increasing the physical activity to bu 200 calories per day results in weight loss of 400 Gms per week.
13. To satisfy basic nutritional needs eat a variety of foods every day. Choose from each of the five food groups milk, meat, fruit, vegetable and cereals. Balanced food plans encourage making wise choices about everyday food choices. This type of diet helps to stay at your proper weight for life.
14. Allow for an occasional treat.
15. Evaluate your eating patte.
16. Try to cut down on foods high in fats and sugar.
17. Most successful weight  loss plans stress on reduction in both calories and the amount of fat eaten
Physical activity:
1. Determine the type of physical activity that suits your life style.
2. Regular aerobic exercise like brisk walking, jogging or swimming, is a key factor in achieving permanent weight loss and improving health
3. Health experts recommend exercising 30 minutes or more on all, days of the week for maximum benefits. The exercises should be moderately vigorous to be most effective but not exhausting.
4. Incorporate few simple measures to bu calories effectively. Like- taking an after dinner walk, using stairs instead of escalators or elevators, parking the car farther away to have a longer walk etc.
5. Exercises also improve sense of well being,decreases stress and decreases appetite in some.

Ayurvedic tips to reduce Obesity

Numerous tips to reduce obesity have been mentioned in ayurveda. The following ayurvedic tips help you to reduce the obesity.
1. Very good exercises. Exercises like brisk walking, jogging, playing out door games etc help to reduce weight.
2. Physical and mental exertion. Exerting physically like doing house hold works, walking to distant places to bring groceries, vegetables etc, walking long distances to bring the child back from school, walking to working place, climbing stairs etc are types of physical exertion. Exerting physically as much as you can help to bu more calories. Mental exertion like worrying or involving in finding solutions to problems also restrict food consumption in some and there by reduces the intake of calories .
3. Having sex frequently is also a good physical exertion.
4. Consumption of honey. This is advisable for non diabetic patients. Consuming 2 tea spoon of honey with a glass of herbal tea which includes weight reducing herbs help a lot in weight reduction. Honey along with these herbs scrapes and dissolves the Kapha and medha (body fat).
5. Sleeping for less hours. Avoiding sleeping in afteoons help to increase the buing of calories. This avoids slowing of basal metabolic rate.
6. Avoiding the food and beverages which increase kapha and medha. The foods which increase kapha and medha are sweets, sweetened drinks, large quantities of carbohydrates and oily food.
7. Consuming wheat products than rice products help to reduce obesity.
8. Using Green gram and horse gram help in reduction of kapha and medha.
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Biography of Dr.SavithaSuri Dr.SavithaSuri has been an Ayurvedic Practitioner since 1989. After getting a graduation degree in ayurveda (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) in 1988 from University of Mysore, India, she started practising ayurveda . Her articles about ayurveda have been published in news papers and websites. She is a regular health columnist to a regional news paper. Dr.SavithaSuri lives in Mysore, Kaataka, India. She gives consultations in Mysore and also in Bangalore the silicon valley of India. www.ayurhelp.com doctor@ayurhelp.

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When your body accumulates an excessive amount of acid, you are at risk for arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. If you already suffer from one of these diseases, high acidity will intensify your inflammation, soft tissue degeneration and bone loss.
A highly acidic pH prevents the body from functioning properly. The presence of acid waste makes it increasingly difficult for cells to absorb the fuel they need. Vital body systems like the immune system start to malfunction. The result is increased inflammation and soft tissue degeneration. Acids are also solidified and deposited throughout the body, leading to bone loss.
The longer you wait to reduce your bodys acidity, the longer you remain at risk for arthritis and related illnesses.
THE RISK
Arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia are autoimmune diseases. They are the result of an over-regulated or under-regulated immune system that mistakenly attacks the bodys healthy cells.
White blood cells, or lymphocytes, play a critical role in the immune system. They are the cells that bind with and disable germ cells. The fluid that surrounds the bodys joints is filled with lymphocytes, which is one reason these areas swell and become painful when you are fighting off an infection.
In an arthritic body, these lymphocytes mistakenly attack healthy cells. Because lymphocytes are so concentrated near the joints, they do considerable damage to the bone and soft tissue.
When acid waste accumulates in your body, the immune system is compromised. The acid damages and disorients the lymphocytes. Thus, if you dont have arthritis or a similar autoimmune disease yet, but your body is acidic, you are at risk. If you already suffer from arthritis, excessive acid will intensify the damage.
THE DAMAGE
When lymphocytes attack healthy cells near the joints, they create acid waste as a by-product. This acid collects around the joints and causes further swelling and degeneration. The acid also poisons the damaged lymphocytes, disorienting them further and causing them to attack additional healthy cells.
As the lymphocytes attack healthy cells, germ cells freely invade the body and multiply. The germ cells attack healthy cells, release bacteria that produce acid waste, and then die out and become acid waste themselves. The bodys pH level continues to become more acidic.
The acidic body environment also damages the nervous system. This is bad news for anyone suffering from fibromyalgia, another type of autoimmune illness thats characterized by inflammation of the soft tissue and myofascia, or muscle covering. The nervous system damage causes pain impulses to spread globally throughout the body. Thus, acidity can worsen the severity of fibromyalgia.
High levels of acid also lead to osteoporosis. Not only does the acid eat into the bone, causing loss of bone mass, but the body also leaches calcium from the bones. The body uses calcium to solidify acid in an attempt to store it safely away from the bodys organs. Therefore a highly acidic body suffers extreme calcium depletion. Calcified acids deposited in joints and on the surfaces of bone lead to osteoarthritis.
THE BENEFITS OF A BALANCED pH
Fortunately, a significant reduction in your bodys acid level can lead to regeneration of healthy cells and tissue. A diet thats more alkaline can help you reverse the damage caused by acidity and arthritis.
The right combination of fresh vegetable juices, for example, can help your body break down and destroy excessive acid waste. To prevent acid from accumulating further, you should eliminate sugar and refined carbohydrates from your diet. Vitamin and mineral supplements specially formulated to balance pH are an important part of your strategy as well.
If you start to balance your pH level through supplements and easy-to-learn diet and lifestyle changes, you will reduce your vulnerability to arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. You can look forward to greatly improved health.
Janet Emerson
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/did-you-know-about-this-natural-remedy-for-arthritis-126221.

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Over the counter, occasionally known as otc for short, products are beginning to become a more popular alternative to prescription medicine in the treatment of acne.
Both types utilize essentially the same system by employing a drying agent to exfoliate the skin and to combat the acne and pimples. Natural products have a tendency to use mixes of ingredients and vegetable extracts like vitamin E, tea tree oil, aloe vera, hag hazel, green tea extract, cucumber and so on. There looks to be a growing variety of different treatments but often over the counter products come in the shape of topical cleaners, soaps, washes, lotions, creams, gels or perhaps pads and patches that are applied onto the skin. When you're trying a new release give it sufficient time to start working before dropping it to try something else. However,this is not right and the body ends up "attacking" the poisons that have built up in the joint capsules.
Alternative cure for this kind of arthritis is reasonably straightforward.
Since the issue is due to poisons in the joints, then the solution is to get rid of these poisons. Using juice fasts,fruit fasts or other kinds of fasts can be extremely effective.
An alternate way to detoxification is cleaning the bowel with a colonic irrigation or similar process. This strategy is perhaps best for most US people. When you're trying a new release give it sufficient time to start working before dropping it to try something else. After you have found the ideal skin care products that suit you and are providing good results, you can find that you're going to need to keep on your treatments to keep your acne under control. This could be commonsense but do read the labels and ensure you use them in accordance with the instructions given. If you do not you risk causing damage to your skin and doing more harm than good, this is particularly true if you have delicate skin.

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Most people are aware of the basics of osteoporosis - the weak, brittle bones, the risk of a fractured hip or ankle, and the realization that they should have done more to stop it before it was too late. More than ten million Americans suffer from this disease, and 80% of its sufferers are women, although the reason why women are most often targeted is unknown. Osteoporosis is a sneaky condition, which is why victims often suffer significant bone loss before noticing any symptoms. What many people do not consider when faced with the possibility of osteoporosis is tooth loss. However, cosmetic dentistry can help to preserve your smile and your health.
Bone Loss Can Lead To Tooth Loss
The loss of bone mass throughout the body causes fractures. What many people don't realize or consider when fighting osteoporosis is that your jaw is made of bone, and that this is what holds your teeth in place. Postmenopausal women who struggle with osteoporosis (the largest contingent of those with osteoporosis) comprise the largest group of women at risk for losing their teeth. Scientists have recently discovered a link between the estrogen deficiency that follows menopause and the rate of oral bone loss. Without strong bones holding your teeth in place, tooth loss and tooth shifting can occur. If you or someone you know suffers from osteoporosis, make it a point to mention it to your cosmetic dentist. Cosmetic dentistry offers options to prevent and delay tooth loss.
How A Cosmetic Dentist Can Help Preserve Your Smile
While osteoporosis is often hard at work before its effects are noticeable, don't give up. Cosmetic dentistry can help you keep your teeth. A 2007 study of over 1,200 postmenopausal women conducted by the Journal of Periodontology discovered an increase in jawbone loss in women with periodontal disease. Another study conducted shortly after concluded that by eliminating periodontal disease, women with osteoporosis jawbone loss could significantly reduce and slow further bone or tooth loss.
This means that simple, regular cleanings by your cosmetic dentist could eliminate the periodontal disease that accelerates bone and tooth loss. These regular cleanings, teamed with routine checkups and careful daily care, help preserve your teeth. Also, if you are experiencing loose teeth, or teeth that seem to shift within your mouth, consult your cosmetic dentist. It might be the first step to a diagnosis of osteoporosis and treatment.
How To Protect Yourself
Remember that your oral health affects your overall health and vice versa. Prevention is always preferable to finding out too late. In the case of osteoporosis, many of the recommended methods of prevention are also the most effective treatments.
To protect yourself, consume lots of calcium and vitamin D rich foods. Another form of protection is to exercise with weights regularly, as this increases bone density most quickly and powerfully. If needed, have your doctor prescribe a bone density medication.
Most importantly, get regular cleanings and checkups with your dentist; it can prevent damage from occurring before it's too late. However, if you've already suffered tooth loss due to osteoporosis, consider the benefits and possibilities that cosmetic dentistry can offer to help you reclaim the smile of your dreams.

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This article is not intended as medical advice. You should always consult a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before beginning any diet regimen.
There are so many articles out there touting Omega-3s as cures or treatments for so many ills that any reasonable person could come away thinking that these supplements are either miracle cures or just some silly fad. In this article, I’ll cut through the hype and present some of the current medical science findings about the health benefits of adding Omega-3 to your diet. I’ll begin by listing conditions for which there is strong scientific evidence for the benefits of Omega-3, followed by lists of conditions with good and unclear evidence of Omega-3-related benefits.
As you read this, keep in mind that every human’s body is unique; just because Omega-3 is known to help with cholesterol levels does not mean that it will have a big impact on someone with high cholesterol. On the other hand, just because the evidence for Omega-3 helping with various psychiatric disorders (such as depression) is unclear does not mean that it won’t have a huge impact on someone with one of those disorders. Also, remember that medical science and formal studies for just about any supplement may lag behind the anecdotal evidence from people who have started taking that supplement. This is one reason why you should consult your doctor before adding any supplement to your diet.
Some of the benefits of
Omega-3 are dose-related, meaning that higher doses offer a larger benefit. Side effects are also dose-dependent, with higher doses causing more potential side effects. This is another reason why you should consult your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet.
Omega-3 Benefits with Strong Evidence
Omega-3s have been strongly found to benefit the following conditions:
• High blood pressure: Omega-3 is known to cause small reductions in blood pressure, especially at high doses.
• Cholesterol: Most fat in your body exists as triglycerides (cholesterol). Excessive amounts of triglycerides in the body can increase the risk of coronary artery disease and may also be a symptom of untreated diabetes. Omega-3 has been shown to significantly reduce the amount of triglycerides in the blood. Here again, the amount of benefit seems to depend on the dose, with stronger doses having a larger benefit.
Omega-3 Benefits with Good Evidence
Good evidence shows that adding Omega-3s to your diet can help with these conditions:
• Infant health: Adding Omega-3 to a pregnant mother’s diet may improve her child’s problem-solving skills and may also have an important role in helping the child’s visual system (eyes, optic nerves, etc.) develop. Omega-3 is also important for healthy pregnancies.
• Inflammation: Omega-3 helps reduce inflammation, which may help prevent heart disease.
• Nutrition: Adding Omega-3 may help people with Chrohn’s disease or those being fed through tubes following abdominal surgery.
• Heart disease: Omega-3 can, in some people, significantly reduce the risk of dying of heart disease.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Omega-3 can help with rheumatoid arthritis after people take it for about 3 months. Omega-3s may also increase the effectiveness of other ibuprofen and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Omega-3 Benefits with Unclear Evidence
Unclear evidence means that benefits have been reported; however the benefits may be limited to certain people and/or there may not be enough evidence to show a conclusive benefit. There is unclear scientific evidence that adding Omega-3 to one’s diet can help with the following conditions:
• Age-related eye disorders: Omega-3 may help prevent an eye disorder called age-related macular degeneration.
• Angina: Angina-related chest pain maybe relieved by Omega-3.|Omega-3 may reduce angina-related chest pain.[/spin]
• Asthma: Omega-3 may help with asthma.
• Atherosclerosis: Arterial plaque buildup may be reduced or prevented by Omega-3.
• Psychiatric disorders: Some psychiatric disorders such as depression, ADHD, etc. may be helped by Omega-3. Benefits may be direct (helping with the condition itself0 Or indirect (helping control side effects of psychiatric medications).
• Cancer: Some studies report that Omega-3 may help prevent or slow the growth of breast, colon and prostate cancer.
• Heartbeat: Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) may be reduced by Omega-3, thus lowering heart attack risk.
• Other conditions: Omega-3 may also help with such conditions as cystic fibrosis, menstrual pain, eczema, epilepsy, immune system function, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), osteoporosis, psoriasis and others.
Another Consideration
Americans (and many Western societies) eat a lot of meat, grains and processed foods that are very high in Omega-6. Low doses of Omega-6 are essential for good health, but too much of a good thing can be deadly. High levels of Omega-6 are linked to heart disease, asthma, certain cancers, arthritis and depression. A good ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 is 4:1, that is, 4 Omega-6 fatty acids to one Omega-3 fatty acid. The typical American diet can contain 11 to 30 times as much Omega-6 as Omega-3. The average American may be literally eating him or herself to death. For example, corn-fed beef is extremely high in Omega-6 compared to grass-fed beef. The tremendous variety of corn-based products in the general food supply may even be worsening the Omega-6 imbalance.
Correcting this imbalance is as easy as cutting back on Omega-6 intake while boosting Omega-3 intake.
Not All Omega-3 is Created Equal
There are many sources of Omega-3 including walnuts, soybeans, flax oil and fish oil (in liquid, gel-gap or pill form). Of these, fish oil is considered the best source but is not without its problems. Contamination is a key problem with fish-based Omega-3, which can contain heavy metals, PCBs and even fire retardant. Sure, reputable companies remove this contamination through molecular distillation and other effective methods… but isn’t it best to simply take Omega-3 from clean sources?
The primary types of Omega-3 are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). All have health benefits but ALA can worsen conditions helped by DHA and EPA. A supplement that consists of all or mostly DHA and EPA with little to no ALA is therefore your best option to avoid side effects.
Omega-3 supplements taken from the green-lipped mussels that grow in the pristine, protected waters of New Zealand offer the best source of naturally potent and pure DHA and EPA Omega-3 available anywhere on Earth. New Zealand is taken the lead in protecting its coastline and fisheries, with 70% of its coastline under protection from environmental harm (compared to about 2% of Mediterranean coastlines).
Add powerful antioxidants from the organically grown sauvignon blanc grape to green lipped mussel extract and you have MOXXOR… one of the world’s strongest Omega-3 and antioxidant supplements. The power of MOXXOR comes from its unique blend that delivers powerful benefits without the high dose. MOXXOR has no known drug interactions and avoids most if not all of the side effects of fish-based and other sources of Omega-3.
In Conclusion
As you can see, Omega-3 has been linked to a wide variety of conditions. If you already have one or more of these conditions, then adding Omega-3 to your diet may help reduce or even eliminate your symptoms. Even if you’re perfectly healthy, adding Omega-3 to your diet may help prevent you from getting one or more of these disorders. In short, if you have one more conditions listed in this article (or if you want to lower your risk of getting them), then you should strongly consider adding New Zealand green lipped mussel-based Omega-3 to your diet. Just remember to consult your doctor before adding any supplement to your doctor. Omega-3 is recognized as generally safe by the United Stated Food and Drug Administration.
Finally, if you are taking Omega-3s or if you decide to start taking them, then I invite you to visit the MOXXOR WORKS Team web site to learn more about the MOXXOR product and a great business opportunity to boot.
Anthony Hernandez
Anthony Hernandez is a Certified Guerrilla Marketing Business Association Coach and author of Guerrilla Marketing Success Secrets with over 20 years of successful self-employment experience. He is proud to be a co-founding member of the MOXXOR WORKS Team. Visit the MOXXOR WORKS Team web site to learn more about the MOXXOR WORKS Team and our home-based opportunity.

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Drive to an aging, nondescript strip mall on Fillmore Street, knock on the locked door of Cannabis Therapeutics, and when the door swings open the first thing to greet you will be the sweet, pungent smell of marijuana.
Here in the heart of Colorado Springs is the largest medical marijuana dispensary in Colorado. Doorman Ken McAdams checks your paperwork from the state, and then you're ushered into the inner sanctum.
Charismatic owner Michael Lee delights in showing newcomers around his magic emporium, with his friendly pup Sawyer trailing at his feet. There are 45 strains of pot on this day - with names like chemo, white widow, purple kush, vortex, chocolate chunk, lemonade, and orange crush - arranged in glass jars.
But that's just the beginning. There are tinctures, lotions and balms. There are cran-raspberry drinks, chewing gum, cough drops and caramels. There's bubble bath, banana bread and cherry cheesecake. New creations are constantly being birthed in the "Herbologist's" chemistry lab.
"There are so many ways to get your medicine now that you don't need to smoke it," Lee said.
Cheech and Chong would go bonkers in this place, but Lee is careful to avoid that stoner vibe. He doesn't make jokes about munchies or being high. He calls marijuana "medicine" and his customers are "patients."
He has good reasons - personal and professional - to fight the image of marijuana as the province of snowboard dudes and aging hippies, and instead promote the drug as legitimate medicine.
State voters approved medical marijuana use in November 2000, thus writing Amendment 20 into the state constitution. But nearly a decade later state officials are still tinkering with its implementation.
Newly proposed changes by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment threaten to close dispensaries like Cannabis Therapeutics. The rule changes - to be discussed at a meeting in Denver in June - would make it illegal to supply more than five patients, effectively stamping out medical marijuana dispensaries.
"It's not about business, it's about patients," Lee said.
He sells marijuana to more than 500 people, he said, roughly 1 in 10 people on the state registry. More people come to him every month, and he saw a boost recently when the Obama administration said medical marijuana use can be decided by the states, ending the raids by federal agents under President Bush.
The patients are teachers, lawyers, doctors and retirees, he said. They have afflictions like cancer, AIDS, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain. And inside his place - where "the grass is always greener" - they will find a cornucopia of legal marijuana products.
They will also find like-minded fellowship and care. Around the corner from Cannabis Therapeutics is the Patient Activity and Resource Center (PARC), where freshly cooked meals, massages and occasional medical clinics are available on Cannabis Therapeutics' dime.
There, Holly Watson hit the vaporizer and pulled pot vapors into her lungs. Watson was with friend Kristi Hernandez and Frank Blakely, who zoomed in on his motorized wheelchair to hang out for a while.
A fibromyalgia sufferer, Watson said the pain made her quit working as a certified medical assistant about a year ago, and she drifted away from her family as she got more zoned out on prescribed painkillers. She cried as she talked about what medical marijuana has done for her.
"Since I've started medicating with marijuana, I've gotten my life back," said Watson, 34. "When I was on morphine, my kids got away with I don't know what."

Miracle plant'
So, how does one become the king of medical marijuana in Colorado? In this case, reluctantly.
Michael Lee was an Air Force kid who moved around a lot, but graduated from Palmer High School in 1982.
After he escaped high school, he moved in with his brother in California. He was driving down Shoreline Drive in Santa Barbara on a rainy Sunday, when another car collided with his and nearly ripped it in half.
Lee said he had a fractured skull, a ruptured spleen and five breaks in his spine. But after the accident Lee spurned traditional painkillers and turned instead to marijuana to control chronic pain and muscle spasms during his quarter-century career as a flooring contractor.
When Colorado legalized medical marijuana, he got a recommendation from his doctor and became patient No. 7 on the state registry. But, Lee said, he never thought of starting a dispensary until his physician, Dr. Randall Bjork, nudged him.
"It wasn't really my idea, but somebody had to do it," Lee said. "When I was a patient, I couldn't find anybody to help me."
Cannabis Therapeutics grew from seven patients to more than 500 patients, and Lee has grown from a reluctant entrepreneur to a medical marijuana missionary.
Lee is a Christian who thinks of marijuana as a gift from God that we should be using for everything from fuel to hemp clothing. "It's a miracle plant," he said, his voice rising along with his excitement.
State health authorities, however, are more conflicted. State officials have been assailed by marijuana advocates for the proposed rule changes that could threaten dispensaries like Lee's. The public outcry forced the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, an agency typically removed from controversy, to postpone its originally scheduled March hearing to June so it could find a meeting hall large enough for the anticipated crowd. Ron Hyman, state registrar of statistics, said the department expects more than 500 people to attend.
Critics say the health department's new rules are the latest example in a long history of hurdles as the state struggles to accept the legality of the drug. Hyman counters the rules are designed to better conform to the amendment, not interfere with it.
The most controversial change involves the definition of a primary caregiver, and a limitation on how many people one person can care for.
Amendment 20 defines a "primary caregiver" as someone who "has significant responsibility for managing the well-being of a patient who has a debilitating medical condition."
Dispensary owners like Lee have built their businesses on the notion that they are caregivers under the amendment.
"We are more than providers. We are caretakers," Lee said, arguing that his hot meals and massages and friendly conversation are more than any doctor or pharmacist provides.
Hyman said "significant responsibility," as worded in the amendment, was vague, but a merchandiser is not who most people would consider to be a person's caregiver.
"They know better than that. That was not the original intent," said Denver attorney Warren Edson, one of the authors of the amendment. "We totally, 100 percent, intended for there to be dispensaries."
Dispensaries don't appear in the amendment, and Edson acknowledges the authors did a literary tango to try to blunt direct conflicts with federal law and find wording that would succeed with voters. He said "caregiver" was simply the word they chose to define someone other than a doctor who would grow and dispense marijuana. They wanted dispensaries, he said, because the free market model encourages innovation, variety and better prices for patients.
He thinks state bureaucrats who are uncomfortable with medical marijuana are trying to exploit ambiguities to reverse the will of the voters.
"The amendment is pretty clear," Edson said. "And the Department of Health shouldn't be changing the state constitution."
Hyman thinks the changes are true to what the people of Colorado thought they were voting for. Did voters envision a cancer patient raising a pot plant for himself, or that thriving businesses would form to sell marijuana? The changes are designed to kill the latter.
The rule changes would define "significant responsibility" as "assisting a patient with daily activities, including but not limited to transportation, housekeeping, meal preparation and shopping, and making any necessary arrangement for medical care and/or services."
With the many responsibilities of a caregiver, Hyman said, there's a question whether a single person could effectively carry out such a task for more than five people at a time, which is the new proposed limit.
The vast majority of patients on the medical marijuana registry are approved because of severe pain. Lee contends it's a logical leap to assume that all people with pain - such as himself - require a caregiver to clean their homes or make their medical appointments.
He and most of his employees are approved medical marijuana patients, he said, and yet they are far from helpless.
Dispensaries are not addressed in the Amendment or the rules, but it is implied that someone not considered a patient, physician or caregiver would be out of compliance and subject to legal action. In other words, Cannabis Therapeutics and its ilk could suddenly be considered a criminal enterprise.
Medical marijuana dispensaries haven't been a problem for local law enforcement, said Lt. Al Harmon, a supervisor in the Colorado Springs Police Department's drug unit.
"We haven't had any that we've been seeking prosecution on because of an investigation," Harmon said. "But that's not to say there won't be."
The police do check out medical marijuana dispensaries to ensure they abide by the law and aren't functioning as fronts for illegal drug sales, and Harmon is very familiar with Cannabis Therapeutics.
"(Michael Lee) is very accommodating," Harmon said. "He lets you come in and look around so you know exactly what's going on there. He'll answer any question about his place. That makes it a little bit easier, but they don't have an obligation to be as forthright as he is."
While opponents of the state's proposed changes argue that dispensaries make the process more transparent, offer higher quality marijuana at better prices, and keep patients from making dangerous street deals, Hyman said the state wants to ensure patients are receiving a reasonable amount of care from their caregivers.
"Most of these people have heavy duty conditions," he said.
For their part, the three patients hanging out together at the PARC fear the state's changes. They said they can't take on the work of growing their own marijuana, they don't want to buy it on the street, and they don't have a caregiver in the way the state wants to define it, so the rule changes essentially make it impossible to get the drug.

Call the writer at 636-0226

REGISTRY FACTS
Amendment 20 was passed by Colorado voters in 2000 and implemented in 2001.
State health officials made caregiver-to-patient ratio changes in 2004 similar to the proposed changes to be discussed in June, which would have eliminated dispensaries. The changes were thrown out by a judge in 2007, due in part to a lack of public hearings.
The number of patients registered to use the drug more than doubled in the past year, and has multiplied 10 times since 2004.
The number of dispensaries in Colorado has grown from 2 to about 30 in the past year, according to Keith Stroup, founder of the national pot lobbying group NORML. It's his opinion that Colorado has more medical marijuana dispensaries than any state other than California.
More than 500 doctors in Colorado have now recommended marijuana for their patients, according to the state.
Conditions for which medical marijuana can be used include cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS positive, cachexia, severe pain, severe nausea, seizures (including those that are characteristic of epilepsy) and persistent muscle spasms (including those that are characteristic of multiple sclerosis).
Patients approved for medical marijuana use and designated caregivers register with the state and can possess as much as 2 ounces of the drug and as many as six marijuana plants. Patients cannot engage in the medical use of marijuana in plain view of the general public.
According to Amendment 20, the marijuana is legal as soon as it gets into a patient or caregiver's hands, even if it came from an illegal source.
14 states have approved the use of medical marijuana, and Colorado is the only one to have written it into the state constitution.

GETTING ON THE REGISTRY
To get on the state registry, you must get the recommendation of a licensed Colorado doctor, apply to the state for a Medical Marijuana Registry identification card, and then either grow your own marijuana or designate a caregiver who can supply you. You must reapply every year.
To learn about regional doctors and dispensaries, contact the Patient Activity and Resource Center associated with Cannabis Therapeutics, 632-6026, or the nonprofit medical marijuana advocacy group Sensible Colorado, 1-720.890.4247.

Similar posts: alternative arthritis remedies

Medication is a mental discipline, wherein a human being tries to go beyond the thinking mind and deep into a relaxation state away from the worldly pleasures. It involves turning the attention to specific reference points. Various medication techniques help to medicate effectively.
Medication techniques are different depending upon the culture. However, the fact is that medication is practiced worldwide. Some medication methods are concentrative that involve focus, while others are expansive, which means meditation that allow free inflow of thoughts.
Meditation CD for beginners help to learn various medication methods for lowering the stress levels, calm the mind, allow outflow of emotional, physical, and mental pain thus connecting with an individual’s higher self.
Meditation CD also helps in attaining direction and inner guidance, feelings of love and peace within a person, and experience equality with everyone. Various types of guided meditation CD’s are now available in the market that include music meditation, candle meditation, mantras, and visualizations.
Guided meditation means when the imagination of a person is directed on some journey for achieving remedial and realizations with purposeful reflection and contemplation. A person can either get guided meditation by an expert or by listening to a professional over any meditation CD.
Meditation techniques help a human being to attain inner peace and reduce the stress levels. These techniques aim at looking on the outer world in a spiritual and positive way. Moreover, they help to overcome fear, negative feelings, feelings of guilt, and thus transfer an individual’s mind for the betterment of his/her own self and society.
Various types of medication techniques are mentioned below:

1. Mantra Meditation
2. Vipassana Meditation
3. Nada yoga
4. Trataka
5. Chakra Meditation
6. Zazen
For another great way of getting in touch in the inner you read about Biofeedback.

Similar posts: alternative arthritis remedies

Alternative medicine is an umbrella term encompassing various optional therapies. Alternative medicines are the best when they are used concurrently as conventional medicines and may offer the patients some very useful remedies for what troubles them. When the patient is being treated for some serious health issue, it is preferred that the health care provider is kept informed about alternative medicines and therapies to be on a safer side.

There are qualified health care providers in alternative medicines and one must consult them to make the right decision about the health. Alternative medicines, though do not require any hard rules of medical prescriptions, must be taken under qualified practitioners' supervision. This is because though alternative medicines may not have very hazardous side, unwanted or harmful treatment, wrongly taken herbs may get you adverse reactions in the body. Also, about the dosage of alternative medicines, one must consult associated health care provider.
Alternative medicines, as compared to modern medicines (allopathic), are quite safe and innocent. On the long term usage, alternative medicines are okay and may not disturb any of other bodily systems. They are less likely to destroy the intestinal microflora and also to produce any adverse effects like constipation, vomiting, metallic taste etc.

Alternative medicines mainly comprise of Ayurvedic (Indian medicines) herbs, Chinese herbs and aromatherapy. However, other medicines (or natural components) used in alternative therapies such as massage, chiropractic, acupuncture/acupressure, Thai Massage, Magnet therapy; Hydrotherapy, Mud-therapy, Color therapy etc. can also be considered as a part of alternative medicines. In general term, alternative medicines need not typically mean pills, capsules and syrups! One must be careful taking alternative medicines as herbal medicine may cause other medications to stop working. This is very necessary for the people who are labeled with chronic diseases and need to take their medications regularly such as diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, cholesterol, hormonal insufficiency etc.

Alternative medicines are a great source to prevent various health ailments as well. If an individual is looking for an overall healthy way to improve the mind, body and soul and remain in good condition, alternative medicines, with their unique approach can get all it done. Some alternative medicinal sciences not only treat, heal and prevent the health ailments in a diseased body but they also show the way to live healthy life by changing the lifestyle and dietary pattern. This is because many alternative medicine sciences do include various holistic exercises such as Yoga, meditation and Pranayama. You can also checkout for the information on diet and exercises and also learn how it is associated with overall health. Also, you can have the knowledge about how alternative medicines restore the bodily hormones, enzymes and lots of other chemical reactions.

However, alternative medicines may not be considered as a mainstream or the first line treatment in many health ailments, especially the acute ones. For instance, sudden cardiac arrest, sudden asthmatic attacks, shock, infarction, and all other medical emergencies that require surgical approach cannot be treated using any alternative medicines. However, on the other hand, chronic and stubborn diseases such as arthritis, gout, stress, cosmetic problems i.e. skin problems can be tackled very well using alternative medicines where modern science has limitations.

Similar posts: alternative arthritis remedies

A New Fad or Steeped in Ancient History?
You may be new to using alternative medicine or perhaps you have already seen the amazing benefits alternative medicine and alternative therapies can bring to your life. But do you know how long its been practiced and where it originated? Well let me take you on a journey into the fascinating history of alternative medicine.
The history of Alternative Medicine is an interesting one and has links with many different cultures. However its difficult to say exactly when Alternative Medicine began, in part because up until recently the practices that fall under this term were the conventional medical practices of their time.
But if we go back in history and trace several of the forms of healing that are now labelled as alternative we find that their origins go back as much as 5000 years.From Eastern Philosophy to Widely used Western Alternatives.
One of the oldest forms of alternative medicine can be traced back through Chinese history. The ancient Chinese, in much the same way as alternative medicine is used today, based their healing on the importance of the body and spirit being in balance. Much of the philosophy of Chinese Medicine is based on Taoist and Buddhist principals and the belief that a person and their environment are closely interlinked.
The widely known principles of Yin and Yang come from Chinese Medicine and are integral to its practice. Yin and Yang explains how opposing forces are integral to each other and how for harmony within the body to take place, these must be in balance. When these are out of balance, disease occurs.
Chinese Medicine works at restoring balance in various ways including herbal medicine, acupuncture, breathing and movement (Tai Chi and Qigong) and also through diet. The practitioner looked at the patients health and life in detail to ascertain where their life force or Qi (pronounced Chi) was out of balance. Various methods would then be used to restore the patient back to health.
Such was the effectiveness of Chinese Traditional Medicine that it still forms a large part of modern health care in the East. Its not unusual for these practices to be used in hospitals alongside western medicine.
The other Eastern Culture that has a long history of alternative medicine is India.Ayurvedic medicine dates back as far as 6000 years ago and like Chinese Medicine also has links with Buddhism.
Ayurveda comes from 2 Sanskrit words Ayu meaning life and veda meaning knowledge of. It is a system of medicine that keeps a persons body, mind and spirit in tune with nature in order to maintain good health.
When in Rome ..
In the West, the History of Alternative Medicine goes back around 3000 years. Treatments such as hydrotherapy were popular with the Romans and Greeks. The Ancient Greeks who were greatly influenced by the Babylonias and to a lesser extent by India and China brought herbalism into the West. Hippocrates (c. 460-377 BC), a Greek physician commonly referred to as the Father of Medicine, practiced herbal medicine.
During the Middle Ages, Monks in Europe studied and grew medicinal plants and translated many works on the subject from Arabic. Folk Healers also passed on their knowledge of healing through word of mouth, from Master to Apprentice.

The understanding of the power different plants have is ingrained in many native civilisations and has allowed man to understand and thrive in often challenging environments. When the Europeans settled in America they found that the Native Americans had an extensive knowledge of the healing power of their indigenous herbs. Likewise the Aborigines in Australia understood the power of plants found in their environment.
Moving forward in time towards the 19th Century, before the rise of Western Medicine, as we now know it, medical practitioners were more like todays naturopaths. They would take a detailed medical history paying particular attention to the patients lifestyle. They would then suggest ways to improve this by changes in diet, environment and would also prescribe herbal remedies.
How a Bit of Mould Turned the Tables on Alternative Medicine
The widespread use of alternative medicine in its various forms decreased during the 20th Century. Treatment of patients became more focused on the use of hospitals, and developments in modern medicine lead to the widespread use of Pharmaceutical Drugs to treat disease. The discovery of Penicillin and its development into a drug that could treat bacterial infections in the 1940s revolutionised health care and alternative medicine lost favour with most medical practitioners.
Although many Doctors let go of what they considered to be outdated treatments such as homeopathy, herbalism and traditional Chinese Medicine many patients still sort them out, especially when conventional medicine didnt appear to be working for them.
No Longer An Alternative, Now Another Choice
for Achieving Better Health
The result now is that Alternative Medicine is on the increase. Practices such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, aromatherapy and healing are kept alive by practitioners who specialise in one of more alternative form of treatment. Frequently alternatives are used alongside modern medical treatments, which have led to alternatives being given the term complimentary medicine.
This brief history of alternative medicine shows that many of the practices used today have been with us for thousands of years. Given the rising popularity of using alternative medicine to deal with health issues today, its likely that these practices will be around for many more.

Similar posts: alternative arthritis remedies

Homeopathy, also known as homeopathic medicine, is based on the idea that if large doses of a substance cause a symptom, very small doses of that same substance will cure it. Homeopathic remedies are water-based or alcohol-based solutions containing small amounts of naturally occurring plants, minerals, animal products, or chemicals.
Homeopathy is most often used in treating chronic or self-limiting problems such as arthritis, asthma, colds, flu, and allergies. However, some supporters believe that homeopathy can be used to treat and cure cancer, but there is little if any clinical evidence showing that homeopathic remedies can treat cancer.
Some practitioners claim homeopathy can help cancer patients by reducing pain, improving vitality and well-being, stopping the spread of cancer, and strengthening the immune system. Some claim it can minimize certain symptoms and side effects from radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy, such as infections, nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, hot flashes, hair loss, depression, weakness, and ascites (collection of fluid in the abdomen).
Some studies show that homeopathy may have helpful effects for patients who believe the treatment is working. Using complementary therapies that included homeopathy, patients showed psychological improvement including increased hope and optimism.
Although some homeopathic solutions contain toxic chemicals, they are typically present in amounts too small to present any danger.
However, it’s not recommended to rely on this type of treatment alone, avoiding conventional medical care for cancer, as it may present serious health consequences.

Similar posts: alternative arthritis remedies

If you have not come across it yet, arthritis is a problem that affects a good many individuals around the globe - resulting in inflammation, painful sensations, lack of mobility and trauma to joint cartilage and the numerous complex body parts close to it. This type of harm can hinder life by ensuring daily activities like brushing your teeth, walking, etc., appear more like a chore.

There are many drugs that patients can use to get respite from the various manifestations usual to arthritis but the downside is the fact that they have numerous side-effects. Hence these days, arthritis herbal therapies are being given preference to care for and control arthritis. Herbal curatives are comparatively safer than over-the-counter drugs and therefore they are liked by patients.

A usual variety of arthritis is Rheumatism which can be recognized by agony, swelling, stiffness in the joints, specially during the early morning hours. There are however, some regular supplements that can assist in connection with this distinct form like fish oil, vitamin E, turmeric and many more. Often daily life with arthritis can become intolerable and challenging to tolerate. Although for a long time, medications were considered to be the only way to reduce the signs of arthritis, but this is no longer the situation. You should be aware that medication can only furnish short-lived respite, but herbs might be in a position to cure arthritis on a long term basis.

Herbs similar to Alfalfa, Feverfew, Ginger, Angelica etc., have been found to be capable in containing arthritis and supplying respite. These herbs can help improve your immune system and render efficient respite from arthritis agony which means even well individuals can use these medicinal drugs to avoid the occurrence of the ailment.

There are also numerous other arthritis natural cures that can help free you from all forms of pain and stiffness. Applying herbs as opposed to over-the-counter medicinal drugs, have various benefits - not only do they help control of arthritis, but also improve circulation. Better circulation might be one of the important elements of lessening arthritic agony, but often patients are uncomfortable with physical exercise which might, in actual fact, exacerbate the circulation in your limbs but herbs can help to right that problem.

In virtually all instances, patients endure no side-effects while applying arthritis herbal remedies, but now and again people are affected by an allergic reaction, but a few may get gas, regular stools, diarrhea when ingesting these herbs. However, most patients can make use of herbs without any trouble, but just to be careful, I would propose you to confer with your doctor before consuming any herbal curative.

If your physician believes your system will be able to tolerate the herbs, then proceed and give them a go. It is invariably better to go for arthritis herbal remedies than other medication. Natural remedies are a good deal safer, and furnish similar outcomes if not better. Nevertheless for the ultimate outcomes, you must add herbal remedies to a particular life-style but do not blank out implementing healthy eating habits, exercise regularly, and ensure adequate respite to make arthritis a issue of the past. A complete life style comprising proper diet, physical exercise and rest, along with the correct herbal curatives can help you lead a more stimulated and secure life, forbidding arthritis to become a handicap in your journey. Enjoy an ailment free regular life by living a healthy life.

Similar posts: alternative arthritis remedies

Exercise is one good form of Arthritis Help. One in three Americans undergo a form of arthritis or chronic joint pain. Without treatment or therapies the pain and discomfort can lead to functional loss and disability. Although, there are ways to manage the discomfort. One of these ways that is cost-effective and can be done by everyone is Arthritis exercises.
The amount and the form that an arthritis exercise schedule will take depends on the joints that are involved in the arthritis, the sum of pain and inflammation, the x-ray changes, how stable the joints are and whether or not there has been a joint replacement.
Before beginning an arthritis exercise schedule you must talk to your medical practitioner who can help you determine what exercises will be beneficial to your joint health and which may inadvertently cause more harm. A skilled medical practitioner or physical therapist can tailor make a schedule to fit the needs of the specific person.
Studies show that people with severe joint pain are helped by an arthritis exercise program. The programs appear to lessen the joint pain, stiffness and increase the flexibility, strength and endurance. They also help patients with weight reduction and a developed sense of well being. Weight reduction is important to patients with chronic joint pain and loss of mobility since the more weight the joint must support and cushion the more damage is performed to the joint.
Although arthritis exercise is a important piece it is just one part of a comprehensive rehabilitative plan for people with arthritis. The plan also includes rest, relaxation, good nutrition, medications and use of the joints correctly to conserve energy and decrease functional loss of mobility.
There are three specific kinds of exercise that are appropriate in an arthritis exercise schedule. Range of motion exercises are exercise in which the joint is moved through the range it already has to maintain it or move toward more flexibility. Strengthening, such as weight training, will keep or boost muscle strength that supports the joints that are affected. And aerobics or endurance exercises will enhance cardiovascular fitness, maintain weight, and improve overall function. Today most health clubs and community centers offer programs for people with limited mobility.
When you start a program consult your plans with the medical practitioner, talk to a physical therapist or qualified trainer. There are several methods that can aid to reduce the initial discomfort of beginning an arthritis exercise program. For example you may apply heat to sore joints or start the exercise with heat applied to the joints to increase circulation and warm the joints. You should stretch and warm up with range of motion exercises. Always start exercises slowly but especially with strength training use low weights and short aerobic exercises.
Exercises should be done at timed intervals. This means that a range of motion exercises can be done day to day and should be done at least every other day to enhance and Uphold your range. Strengthening exercises should be performed every other day or three times per week to take full advantage of the muscle build up without overtaxing muscles and joints. Endurance exercises can be done for 20 -30 minutes three times a week unless you have serious pain/swelling in your joints.
When you exercise if you experience pain that lasts more than 1 hour it is too strenuous. If you experience persistent fatigue, increased weakness, decreased range of motion, continued pain or increased joint swelling - stop and consult your physician.
Arthritis exercise regimes are an integral part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program for individuals who suffer from arthritis and chronic joint pain. Using this method will decrease your pain and increase flexibility and mobility. Exercise can contribute to an arthritis remedy, and can certainly go a long way in providing arthritis pain relief.

Similar posts: alternative arthritis remedies

A New Fad or Steeped in Ancient History?
You may be new to using alternative medicine or perhaps you have already seen the amazing benefits alternative medicine and alternative therapies can bring to your life. But do you know how long its been practiced and where it originated? Well let me take you on a journey into the fascinating history of alternative medicine.
The history of Alternative Medicine is an interesting one and has links with many different cultures. However its difficult to say exactly when Alternative Medicine began, in part because up until recently the practices that fall under this term were the conventional medical practices of their time.
But if we go back in history and trace several of the forms of healing that are now labelled as alternative we find that their origins go back as much as 5000 years.From Eastern Philosophy to Widely used Western Alternatives.
One of the oldest forms of alternative medicine can be traced back through Chinese history. The ancient Chinese, in much the same way as alternative medicine is used today, based their healing on the importance of the body and spirit being in balance. Much of the philosophy of Chinese Medicine is based on Taoist and Buddhist principals and the belief that a person and their environment are closely interlinked.
The widely known principles of Yin and Yang come from Chinese Medicine and are integral to its practice. Yin and Yang explains how opposing forces are integral to each other and how for harmony within the body to take place, these must be in balance. When these are out of balance, disease occurs.
Chinese Medicine works at restoring balance in various ways including herbal medicine, acupuncture, breathing and movement (Tai Chi and Qigong) and also through diet. The practitioner looked at the patients health and life in detail to ascertain where their life force or Qi (pronounced Chi) was out of balance. Various methods would then be used to restore the patient back to health.
Such was the effectiveness of Chinese Traditional Medicine that it still forms a large part of modern health care in the East. Its not unusual for these practices to be used in hospitals alongside western medicine.
The other Eastern Culture that has a long history of alternative medicine is India.Ayurvedic medicine dates back as far as 6000 years ago and like Chinese Medicine also has links with Buddhism.
Ayurveda comes from 2 Sanskrit words Ayu meaning life and veda meaning knowledge of. It is a system of medicine that keeps a persons body, mind and spirit in tune with nature in order to maintain good health.
When in Rome ..
In the West, the History of Alternative Medicine goes back around 3000 years. Treatments such as hydrotherapy were popular with the Romans and Greeks. The Ancient Greeks who were greatly influenced by the Babylonias and to a lesser extent by India and China brought herbalism into the West. Hippocrates (c. 460-377 BC), a Greek physician commonly referred to as the Father of Medicine, practiced herbal medicine.
During the Middle Ages, Monks in Europe studied and grew medicinal plants and translated many works on the subject from Arabic. Folk Healers also passed on their knowledge of healing through word of mouth, from Master to Apprentice.

The understanding of the power different plants have is ingrained in many native civilisations and has allowed man to understand and thrive in often challenging environments. When the Europeans settled in America they found that the Native Americans had an extensive knowledge of the healing power of their indigenous herbs. Likewise the Aborigines in Australia understood the power of plants found in their environment.
Moving forward in time towards the 19th Century, before the rise of Western Medicine, as we now know it, medical practitioners were more like todays naturopaths. They would take a detailed medical history paying particular attention to the patients lifestyle. They would then suggest ways to improve this by changes in diet, environment and would also prescribe herbal remedies.
How a Bit of Mould Turned the Tables on Alternative Medicine
The widespread use of alternative medicine in its various forms decreased during the 20th Century. Treatment of patients became more focused on the use of hospitals, and developments in modern medicine lead to the widespread use of Pharmaceutical Drugs to treat disease. The discovery of Penicillin and its development into a drug that could treat bacterial infections in the 1940s revolutionised health care and alternative medicine lost favour with most medical practitioners.
Although many Doctors let go of what they considered to be outdated treatments such as homeopathy, herbalism and traditional Chinese Medicine many patients still sort them out, especially when conventional medicine didnt appear to be working for them.
No Longer An Alternative, Now Another Choice
for Achieving Better Health
The result now is that Alternative Medicine is on the increase. Practices such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, aromatherapy and healing are kept alive by practitioners who specialise in one of more alternative form of treatment. Frequently alternatives are used alongside modern medical treatments, which have led to alternatives being given the term complimentary medicine.
This brief history of alternative medicine shows that many of the practices used today have been with us for thousands of years. Given the rising popularity of using alternative medicine to deal with health issues today, its likely that these practices will be around for many more.

Similar posts: alternative arthritis remedies

It has been widely recognised that people who partake in a Mediterranean diet live longer and healthier lives.
One of the herbs extensively used in this part of the world is Oregano, which is known for its antibiotic properties.
A more intensive way of obtaining oregano is an essential oil made from the plant that grows abundantly in southern Europe.
The actual herbs itself can be eaten in salads and a variety of Italian cooking but the concentrated version has great healing abilities.
It has been proved to kill undesired bacteria, parasites and fungus. Also Oregano is a very powerful antihistamine commonly used to relieve hay fever sufferers from their symptoms.
If you examine the ingredients found in Oregano it is of no surprise that it is such a useful alternative medicine. Thymol can boost the immune system and protects against harmful toxins.
Terpenes have potent antibacterial properties and Rosmarnic acid is actually stronger than vitamin E as an antioxidant.
Finally, and the most beneficial part of the plant is Carvacrol. This has very powerful antimicrobial abilities which can actually preserve food. Studies of this substance show that it can treat a multitude of infections for example e.coli and salmonella.

Similar posts: alternative arthritis remedies

Syn-flex provides a pharmaceutical quality glucosamine with eleven other synergistic ingredients in liquid form. This allows for maximum absorption and bioavailability. In effect, it assists in producing proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans within the cartilage matrix. While assisting with damaged cartilage, Syn-flex aslo helps in maintaining the health of the cartilage matrix as a preventative measure.
Syn-flex is one the most effective osteoarthritis formulas on the market today. Syn-flex is formulated with the highest quality glucosamine and ten other synergistic arthritis fighting ingredients like chondroitin, boswellin, bromelain, yucca, and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to name a few.
Even in the most severe and advanced cases of osteoarthritis, the large majority of our users report significant improvement within 20-25 days. Even better, Syn-flex has no serious side effects unlike Cox-II inhibitors Vioxx and Celebrex.

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Worldwidehealth.com is an International online Health Directory, with a wide range of companies offering high quality products and services to the browser. We also have excellent counsel and guidance from our many authors who are qualified health and nutrition practitioners. There are currently over 7000 members of Worldwidehealth.com gaining more exposure by being listed on this site.

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allergies and treatments please read the full article: How to Stop Your Allergies in 7 Easy Steps in our website archives.
The Wealth Connection – 2 Steps to Brighten Your Golden Years
Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes
Envision your life 10 or even 20 years from now. Where do you plan to be? What are you doing and with whom?
Most of us between the age of 35 and 50 years hope to be retired to some degree in 15 to 20 years or less. We see ourselves living on retirement funds enjoying life and family. I have never had a client tell me they see themselves penniless or sick. Yet, these same clients fail to have a full plan.
They may have a retirement fund at work and other investments but how are these performing? Did you plan a financial foundation? What does your Wellness Investment program look like?
Many people tell me they don’t have a financial foundation program or Wellness Investment program in place. Regardless of age and health it is never too late to start planning. It is better than no plan at all. In this article I will give you 2 of the 21 most important Wealth Connection Steps I offer in my online course.
Ask yourself, how does wealth connect to your health? Does it at all? Today most people would agree that finances play a part in how we feel. Lacking funds can add stress to one’s life and play a major part in your health. Ill-health can rapidly eat away at savings if you do not have a wellness plan other than health insurance.
In fact, I advise you rethink health insurance. What I mean by this is that it is what it says it is. Health insurance is for ill-health issues. Only a few “health insurance” programs are wellness insurance.
Health insurance also dictates the kind of care you can receive. Wellness insurance on the other hand is still an emerging system. A few companies do offer these types of plans and we do not endorse any insurance company as my job is to educate you a bit and you must look at what is right for your specific needs.
The wellness insurance programs I have seen work like this. The self employed or business can purchase these programs. They have major medical benefits for hospital and sometimes prescription drugs. They also have a “fund” where part of your premium goes that earns interest. That’s right interest. You can use this money for any type of care you desire including alternative medicine of your choice. Any funds you don’t use in a given year stays in your personal account earning interest year after year. At a certain age you can take this money out and use it. I have seen accounts that reach 30k and more. Why buy health insurance you do not use?
Step One
Look into Wellness Insurance programs. Only purchase from a known insurance company. One whose name you have heard of in the past that offers regular polices as well. It is buyers beware market so do your research.
Step Two
What amount do you personally put into your saving account each week? Most people say I have it drawn from my paycheck. This is not what I mean. Think about how much you spend each day on simple things like coffee or food. Can you spare $5.00 per week? I have only met one person who said they couldn’t even save this much. Six months later this person who didn’t become a client phoned me and said they had been doing it and it really worked. Here’s the plan short and sweet – I go into more detail in my online program. Contact my office for more details of how to receive a free 7-part on line e-course.
Each week whether you have your paycheck direct deposited or not; have as much as you can afford withdrawn from your account and placed in a savings plan at an investment firm like Charles Schwab. Use who you wish and make sure they have an automatic withdrawal program and that the funds go into a savings program.
Every quarter double the amount you are putting in. If you find you really aren’t missing this money from your daily life; double it every month. Don’t be surprised if you start looking forward to saving and adding more to how much you ‘put away’ each week.
Once this account is equal to 6 months income we move this money into a different type of account I go into future foundation steps in the online program. But we keep putting funds into the savings.
What happens is we have at the base a 6 to 9 month savings account earning a bit better than a bank savings account. Next level is a certain type of money market with the same amount of funds earning a slightly higher interest rate, and so on up through Our Wealth Mastery program.
Point in fact, recently “Today on MSN” offered a glance at the habit of millionaires. Simple foundational planning won hands down.
Bonus Tip
Invest in your wellness. Visit an alternative doctor like a NCCAOM licensed acupuncturist. This ensures you are seeing someone who has completed an accredited program at an Oriental Medical College. Many acupuncturists are licensed through medical doctor or chiropractic programs. These programs lack in training and number of hours to meet. Make sure your practitioner is an active member of The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Even if you love your doctor, choose a NCCAOM acupuncturist for this job – after all would you take your child to a gynecologist just because they deliver babies?
Or if you own a Porsche would you take it to a Honda dealership just because you also own a Honda. No, we take our loved ones and possessions to the experts. Do the same with your health.
Why do I suggest an acupuncturist? They are trained in wellness care and health care. Oriental Medicine practitioners know how to work with all types of illness and keep you well. Plan ahead even if you feel great get an evaluation now and follow a wellness program so that you continue to feel great into your golden years.
A wellness program may simply mean visiting your acupuncturist and massage therapist one time each month. Add up the dollars you save by not getting sick.
Invest this savings in your financial foundation.
If you have health issues, think how you will be in 10 years from now if you keep ignoring and minimizing your health, using drugs or having surgery without exploring other options. Acupuncture is virtually painless and offers greater relaxation than even massage.

Similar posts: alternative arthritis remedies

Homeopathic medicine is a type of healthcare developed in Germany and practiced since early 19th century in the U.S. Those who are homeopathic practitioners are called . These practitioners call about the individuals vital energy force for self-healing. It is when this vital energy force is disrupted or out of balance that health problems develop. Homeopathy is all about the body healing itself. The focus of homeopathy is to small doses of substances that produce characteristic symptoms of illness in otherwise healthy individuals. This approach is called, like cures like. None of the approaches used by homeopathic medicine have been scientifically verified. In fact scientific findings have been contradictory and there is no strong evidence that has been able to support homeopathy as being an effective healthcare method. There are those who have found positive results after using homeopathy even if there is no scientific evidence that it works.
Remedies used in the practice of homeopathy are usually natural substances that come from animals, minerals or plants. Each remedy is usually diluted depending upon its healing properties. Remedies may be in different forms including liquid, pellet or tablet.
There was a law passed in 1938 declaring homeopathic remedies to be regulated by the FDA in the U.S. although today, the FDA does review new OTC drugs and prescription drugs, this requirement does not apply to homeopathic remedies sold. Remedies are required to meet certain legal standards regarding the packaging, purity, strength of the preparation and the quality of the ingredients and in 1988, the FDA required that all homeopathic remedies now provide a label which lists the indications for their use as well as to list the ingredients, the number of dilutions, and instructions for safe use of each remedy.
The FDA has determined that if the homeopathic remedies are taken under strict supervision of someone trained in homeopathic medicine that the remedies are not likely to cause, side effects or complications.
It is common for patients to report feeling worse at the start of homeopathic remedy use as the body is temporarily stimulated before it can restore itself to health.
Some liquid remedies have reported to contain alcohol and the level of alcohol may be higher than conventional medications used by adults. There is no scientific evidence that the higher levels of alcohol are harmful and no adverse effects have been reported to the FDA.
At present there are no known interference by homeopathic medicines to conventional drugs. It is wise to discuss your use of homeopathic medicine with your primary physician before starting the use of any remedies.
As with any drug it is important to keep all homeopathic remedies out of the reach of children and pets and to report any worsening of symptoms or unimproved conditions if no improvement is noted within 5 days of starting the preparation. Any woman who is pregnant or nursing should consult with her physician before using any homeopathic medicines or any conventional medicines.

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Angular Cheilitis (also spelled Angular Chelitis and also called Angular Stomatitis) is an inflamed lesion at the corner of the mouth. It often occurs in both corners of the mouth. In severe cases of Angular Cheilitis the lesions can bleed when the mouth is opened, and in some cases ulcers may form.

Although the root cause is unknown, Angular Cheilitis is a fungal infection that has been linked to nutritional deficiencies. Specifically, deficiencies in iron, riboflavin, zinc, or vitamin B-2. Angular Cheilitis is frequently seen in the elderly population who experience a loss of vertical dimension due to tooth loss, leading to an over closure of the mouth. Many people with dentures develop Angular Cheilitis because the angular alignment of the false teeth may not fit properly. This can lead to the mouth closing further than it should, creating small folds of skin in the corners of the mouth. These pockets of skin can become damp with saliva which can be the perfect environment for fungal bacteria to form.

The Angular Cheilitis fungal infection is caused by the same fungus that causes a yeast infection (Candida). Your doctor can test a culture of the affected area to see if you have the bacteria present. Your doctor may also do a blood test to see if you have an immune system deficiency.

Because it is a fungal infection, Angular Cheilitis should not be treated with lip balms or petroleum jellies, as these will increase the moisture levels and possibly cause the infection to spread. More appropriate treatments would include over the counter creams with antifungal and antibacterial properties.

You can learn more about Angular Cheilitis and discover all natural remedies in this special report.

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Natural, herbal remedies can help arthritis sufferers who have tried traditional pain medications without success. Many natural remedies and supplements have been found to actually reduce cartilage deterioration and even rebuild a patients lost cartilage.
Many people are also seeking natural remedies because of the increasing cost of prescription medication. Conventional over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can be very helpful in decreasing joint pain, but they do produce side effects and can cause problems in long-term users.
Before adding any supplements to your daily routine, check with your healthcare advisor, as supplements can cause adverse reactions and may not be right for your situation. Before discontinuing a prescription medication, consult a physician.
However, with a doctors approval, there are many natural solutions, which may aid in managing arthritis.
Acupuncture - This is a popular alternative to medication for pain relief.

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