Natural Remedies
Acupuncture - is an element within the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) health
system, which also includes herbs, acupressure, exercise and diet. Fundamental to TCM are the concepts of yin and yang, opposite
but complementary forces whose perfect balance within the body is essential for well-being. Acupuncturists examine the body,
using their fingers as a measure, to locate the meridians (energy channels) and acupuncture points. Practitioners insert fine,
sterile needles into specific points on the body as a treatment for disorders ranging from asthma to drug addiction but most
often in the West as a means of pain relief. Now one of the most well-known and most widely accepted Eastern therapies, acupuncture
is increasingly practiced in a simplified form by Western doctors.
Aromatherapy - combines the medical properties known to exist in plants with the
tradition of healing massage with oil. Aroma therapists use many aromatic essential plant oils to treat physical and psychological
conditions, especially stress and nervous tension. In theory, essential oils are absorbed into the body either through the
pores of the skin during massage, or by inhalation through the nose. Molecules in the oils are said to enter through the bloodstream
into the nervous system, influencing emotional and physical wellbeing.
Aura Healing - Practitioners claim to see ‘bands’ or ‘fields’
of changing colours or radiance, representing a non-physical ‘auric’ body around patients that reflects their
state of health. Aura healers place their hands on or near the patient and visualize ‘healing’ colours to influence
the auras, sometimes involving Ayurvedic chakras or colour therapy.
Colonic Irrigation - is a detoxification process also called colonic hydrotherapy or colon therapy. Practitioners claim that faecal matter
can cling to the wall of the large bowel (colon) and may be reabsorbed into the bloodstream. They aim to remove this waste
material by flushing it away with purified water. A tube is inserted into the rectum, and filtered water is administrated
under gentle pressure. The patient holds the water in the colon for about two minutes, before the pressure is released, and
the water and any dislodged waste matter flows away. This process may be repeated several times. Treatment often consists
of 4-8 sessions, each lasting 40-50 minutes. The therapy is used to treat conditions such as digestive disorders, chronic
fatigue, headaches, skin problems, fibroids and back pain. Medical opinion is not well disposed toward colonic irrigation.
Colour Therapy – Colour therapists believe that different hues can treat illness
and improve emotional spiritual health. According to the theory, the vibrations of colour waves can directly affect body cells
and organs. Many practitioners that the body emits it own ‘aura’, or energy field, the colours of which reflect
a person’s state of heath. Different colours are used to ‘heal’, often in the form of coloured light.
Crystal Therapy - Crystals, particularly quartz crystals such as amethyst and rose quartz, are believed to possess healing
‘life energy’, storing and discharging this rather like a battery. Despite the skepticism of the conventional
medical profession, such theories have been widely adopted by New Age spiritual healers, who use crystals to treat all kinds
of physical and emotional problems. Practitioners often work by holding a crystal in one hand and resting the other on the
part of the body that requires healing. Alternatively, crystals may be placed on the part of your body that needs healing,
or on chakra or acupoint sites on the body. You may be asked to visualize healing energy channeling through the crystals or
be given a crystal to carry, wear around your neck or place it in your room.
Detoxification Diets – Nutritional therapists recommend diets of fruit, raw vegetables,
water and yogurt to eliminate toxins caused by poor excretion of waste products, poor digestion, or absorbed from the environment.
Detoxification is said to help headaches, allergies, arthritis and respiratory and hormone problems.
Flotation Therapy – Developed in the US during the 1970’s, flotation therapy is a
way of isolating the bond and mind from external stimuli in order to induce deep relaxation. Treatment involves lying in an
enclosed and sound-proofed tank of water which has sufficient salts and minerals dissolved in it to float effortlessly. The
therapy is often used to treat stress and addictions. During flotation, the body and mind enter a profound state of relaxation.
The brain released endorphins which act as natural pain killers, and you may experience mild euphoria. Your mind becomes more
receptive to suggestion and daydream. Sessions last 1-2 ˝ hours and may be repeated as often as you like.
Gestalt Therapy - Developed in the 1960’s by German psychoanalyst Fritz Perls.
Its name is from the German for ‘organized whole’, reflecting Perls’ belief that the human response to experiences
is summed up in a person’s thoughts, feelings and actions. You again self awareness through analyzing your behaviour
and body language, and giving expression to any feelings you may be repressing. Treatment consists of one-to-one or group
sessions, and often includes acting out scenarios and dream recall. Sessions are held weekly, and practitioners claim the
benefits can be felt after a few months treatment.
Homeopathy – is a system of medicine based on the theory of ‘like
cures like’, a poison that causes symptoms of illness in a healthy person can treat the same conditions in someone who
is ill. The body is said to be integrated by a vital force, which maintains it in a state of health. If this forced is put
under stain, illness can result. Symptoms of illness are seen by homeopaths as signs that the body is using its natural powers
of self healing to fight back. Homeopathic treatment seeks to stimulate this self healing process rather than suppress the
symptoms.
Hypnotherapy – Practitioners believe that the mind has different levels
of consciousness. Under hypnosis, the conscious, rational part of the brain is temporarily by-passed, making the subconscious
part, which influences mental and physical functions, extremely receptive to suggestion. Although hypnosis may be light, medium
or deep, a medium trance is usually used, during which metabolism, breathing and heartbeat slow, and the brain produces alpha
waves. Practitioners induce a state of consciousness akin to deep daydreaming in which the patient is deeply relaxed and open
to suggestion, and can be desensitized to fears, phobias or pain.
Naturopathy – also known as ‘natural medicine’ or ‘nature
cure’, naturopathy developed in the late 19th Century, founded on an ancient belief in the power of the body
to heal itself. Naturopaths
believe that the body’s natural state is one of equilibrium, which can be disturbed
by an unhealthy lifestyle. They look for underlying causes of a problem rather than treating symptoms alone, combining diet
and non-invasive therapies where possible to stimulate the healing process. Naturopathy is practiced throughout the Western
world and some of its principles have been adopted by conventional medicine.
Osteopathy –Practitioners use touch and manipulation of the musculo-sketal
system to restore or improve mobility and balance, and thereby enhance well-being. Techniques range from gentle massage to
high-velocity mobilization of the joints. Osteopathy is one of the most respected and widely used complementary therapies,
particularly for pain in the back and joints.
Psychotherapy – involves a wide range of techniques which are used to ease
psychological suffering. Psychotherapy and counseling owe much to the work of
Austrian psychiatrist Sigmund Freud at the turn of the 20th Century.
Sigmund Freud was the father of psychoanalysis,
the forerunner of psychotherapy. He believed that sexuality, hunger and other drives experienced at an early age, shape emotional
responses through life.
Whether treating mental and emotional disorders of promoting self-awareness, these therapies
offer the chance to understand and resolve difficult thoughts, feelings and situations by talking about them with a skilled
listener.
Rebirthing –Emotional or physical traumas during birth are said to create
feelings of separation or fear in later life. This therapy, developed in the US in the 1970’s, uses breathing techniques to release tension
ad help you re-experience traumatic emotions. Skilled counseling is important, and then individual or group sessions may be
recommended.
Reflexology – is foot massage and it is believed that the feet and the
hands are a mirror of the body. Pressure placed on specific reflex points on them can be used to treat the corresponding areas
of the body, in order to stimulate natural healing powers and promote well-beings. All parts of the foot are massaged, so
that the body as a whole is treated. Many doctors believe that pressure on the nerve endings in the foot may promote feelings
of deep relaxation induced by reflexology. Doctors acknowledge that massaging tense foot muscles may allow blood circulate
more freely, distributing nutrients and oxygen through the body and removing waste products. Provided any symptoms of illness
are reported to a doctor, reflexology is harmless, and the relaxation it encourages may be beneficial.
Repressed False Memory (Past Life Therapy) – Since the 1950’s, some hypnotherapists,
mainly in the UK and US, have used regression techniques to allow patients to express what seem to be memories of earlier lives. Such
regressions are often thought to be evidence of reincarnation, but some practitioners see them as the mind’s way of
symbolizing buried thoughts or emotions. While regression usually takes place under hypnosis practitioners trained in psychotherapy
may work with you fully conscious, although very relaxed or in a light trance. You are asked about past events that may have
current significance for you, and you may find yourself recalling times and places of which you have no apparent knowledge.
Whatever their source, these ‘memories’ can have a therapeutic, even cathartic effect, and may help to resolve
emotional or nervous complaints, such as anxiety, phobias and panic attacks. Sessions usually last an hour, and treatment
may continue for several months or longer.
Shiatsu – Shiatsu massage was developed in Japan early in the 20th Century. Although
influenced by Western medicine, it has its basis in Traditional Chinese Medicine and follows the same principles of energy
and meridians as acupressure. The practitioner uses fingers, thumbs, elbow, knees and even feet in a combination of massage
techniques applying pressure to key points to influence and stimulate energy flow in the body. Western practitioners use physiological
terms to describe the effects of shiatsu, claiming it regulates the hormonal system and the circulation of blood and lymphatic
fluid, aids the elimination of waste products and releases muscle tension, and promotes deep relaxation. They claim that shiatsu
works effectively as a general tonic and also enhances the body’s self healing abilities.
Yoga – Best known in the West as a form of gentle exercise consisting
of body postures and breathing techniques, yoga is in fact a complete system of mental development. It has been practiced
for thousands of years in India as part of Ayurveda, and has now become popular around the world. In the West it is valued more for its physical than
spiritual benefits, such as its ability to increase suppleness and vitality, and to relieve stress. Yoga has now been incorporated
in a number of Western health regimes.
Other Fads
Has she worked out what she is getting done?
Must be hard to find a priority on a face like that!
Botox Injections are the cosmetic form of botulinum toxin, often referred to by its
product name Botox® which is a popular non-surgical injection that temporarily reduces or eliminates frown lines, forehead
crease, crow’s feet near the eyes and the thick bands in the neck. The toxin blocks the nerve impulses, temporarily
paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkle while giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance.
Breast Lift or mastopexy is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging
breasts, at least for a time. (No surgery can permanently delay the effects of gravity.) Mastopexy can also reduce the size
of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple.
Chemical Peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the
facial skin by removing the damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and
uneven skin pigmentation. Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are used for this purpose. The
precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient’s needs. Although a chemical peel may be performed in conjunction
with a facelift, it is not a substitute for such surgery, nor will it prevent or slow the ageing process
Eyelid Rejuvenation or belpharoplasty is a procedure to remove fat, usually along with excess skin and muscle from
the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes – features
that make you look older and more tired than you feel, and may interfere with your vision. However, it won’t remove
crow’s feet or other wrinkles, eliminate dark circles under your eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows.
Facelift or
rhytidectomy can improve the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles, and redraping
the skin of your face and neck. A facelift can be done alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as forehead lift,
eyelid surgery, or nose reshaping..
Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted
fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks, and neck.
Tummy Tuck or abdominoplasty is a major surgical procedure to remove excess
skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically
reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. But bear I mind, it does produce a permanent scar, which, depending on the
extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extent from hip to hip.
I am Buddhist, darling! Religion and Philosophy
Buddhism is a path of practice
and spiritual development leading to insight into the true nature of life. Buddhist practices such as meditation are means
of changing oneself to develop the qualities of awareness, kindness, and wisdom.
The experience developed in Buddhism tradition over thousands of years has created an incomparable resource for all those
who wish to follow a path- a path which ultimately culminates in Enlightenment or Buddhahood.
Carl Jung is a Swiss psychiatrist who founded analytical psychology. Among
his contributions to the understanding of the human mind are concepts of extraversion and introversion and the notion of the
collective unconscious. Jung’s works include The Psychology of the Unconscious
(1912) Psychological Types (1921).
Muslim is a religion in which one is a true believer in the Mohammedan Faith.
Scientology is a twentieth century religion. It comprises a vast body of knowledge
extending from certain Fundamental Truths and prime among those truths; Man as a spiritual being endowed with abilities well
beyond those which he normally envisages. He is not only able to solve his own problems, accomplish his goals and gain lasting
happiness, but also achieve new states of awareness he may never have dreamed possible. Scientology maintains that the solutions
to those problems are basically simple and within every man’s reach. Difficulties with communication and interpersonal
relationships, nagging insecurities, self-doubt and despair – each man innately possesses the potential to be free of
these and many other concerns.
Zen Buddhism can be referred to as a religion or a philosophy which originates
from the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. Around 500 BC he was a prince in what is now India. At the age of 29, deeply troubled by the suffering
he saw around him, he renounced his privileged life to seek understanding. After six years of struggling he finally achieved
Enlightenment at age 35. He was then known as the Buddha (meaning roughly ‘one who is awake’). He realized that
everything is subject to change and suffering and discontentment are the result of attachment to circumstances and things
which are impermanent. When you rid yourself of the attachments including the false notion of self or ‘I’, one
can be free of suffering.
Bolly, Sweetie? Just a smidge! Alcoholic Beverages
