Health

How to Create the Perfect at Home Spa

For Mother’s Day I received a wonderful gift – – a fully loaded gift card to spend on whatever my heart desires (my husband did very well in my opinion). I have been dreaming of creating an at home spa and now have the means of doing that (thanks to Mother’s Day). Searching for the best home spa products has actually been enjoyable and my list is complete and ready for purchase. When shopping for home spa products, purchase products that contain superior ingredients for a luxurious spa experience at home. Every home spa should have the following spa products:

Setting the scene: I love how relaxing spas are and I want my home spa to be just as relaxing. Therefore, I have chosen the perfect items to create a relaxing, soothing atmosphere for my home spa.

Music: Soothing music is essential for a relaxing home spa. The nice thing about having a spa experience at home is that you can choose you favorite music. I choose Celtic Woman for my music but if you need some ideas try searching for spa music at Spa-la-la.

Fragrance: The perfect fragrance is very relaxing and choosing the scent that is perfect for you may take a little research. Fragrances have different affects on our senses. For example, lemon and ginger are energizing fragrances so they may not be the best choice for home spas. Jasmine, lavender and chamomile relax, soothe and promote peace and stress relief. I love candles and the atmosphere they create; therefore, I will be purchasing scented candles for my home spa. Yankee Candle’s Lavender Vanilla and Partylite’s Relax are my favorites.

Bath and Beauty Products: The second group of items on my list for creating my home spa is the products for my bath.

Bath pillow: How would I enjoy my bath if I were not comfortable? I found a soft, comfortable bath pillow at The Body Shop. Do not scrimp on your bath pillow – – this is essential for a relaxing bath.

Massaging Bath Spa: I found this Thermal Spa Bath Mat at Comfort House for my home spa. This bath mat not only creates bubbles for my bath but it gives me a massage and maintains the water temperature for a longer bathing experience.

Bath Caddy: I wanted a convenient place to hold my spa products and possibly a book during my home spa experience. A bath caddy is the perfect answer to that dilemma. A jumbo bath caddy fits nicely across the tub and provides the perfect place for a book and cup of tea.

Manicure, pedicure & other essential tools: For my home spa, I needed quality manicure and pedicure equipment. My shopping list contains items from Crabtree & Evelyn, The Body Shop and Bath & Body Works. One of my favorites is the Gel Eye Mask from Crabtree & Evelyn (this will be very useful).

Soaps & scrubs: Everyone has a different opinion of what makes a great spa product. For my home spa, I wanted products that had quality ingredients for a true spa experience. I decided to splurge a little on some products and also create some homemade spa treatments. Spa Index has great recipes for a variety of spa treatments for the face, hair, lips, hands and feet. I really like the body scrubs from Crabtree & Evelyn and The Body Shop.

Finishing in Luxury: The last items on my list are for after my bath when I want to relax and listen to my soothing music. I wanted spa products for my home spa that would pamper me.

Extra soft Luxury Towels: These towels will be just for mommy and are off limits to all others in my home. I want to wrap myself in wonderfully soft towels. My home spa list therefore has Egyptian cotton towels as a must.

Lotion: An excellent lotion or body butter is essential for your home spa. After a soothing bath, I like to use Bath & Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar body butter to moisture my skin.

Bathrobe & slippers: As my final treat, and the final list on my supply list for my home spa, is a new bathrobe and slippers. Not just any bathrobe either but one that I will want to live in because it feels so good. Personal preference should guide the choice of a bathrobe – – I prefer a silk robe while others may prefer cotton. Whatever you choose spurge on yourself and remember how much money you are saving by creating your own spa at home.

Source : Medical Spa in Barrington

The History and Benefits of Pemmican

Pemmican is a nutritious food source with a long history. It is a simple combination of dried meat, fat, and other ingredients, and was originally used by indigenous people of the Northern Plains of North America. It has since been adopted as a food source of choice for those looking for a nutritious, easy-to-carry snack or meal.

The History of Pemmican

Pemmican is a nutritional food source with a long and varied history. It originated with the indigenous people of the Northern Plains of North America, and has been around for centuries. Pemmican was traditionally made from dried meat, fat, and other ingredients such as fruits and nuts, and was used as a way to store food for long journeys or for hard times when food was scarce. Pemmican was also used as a trade item, as it was easy to transport and could be kept for long periods of time.

Benefits of Pemmican

Pemmican is a very nutrient dense food source. It is high in protein, fats, carbohydrates, and other vitamins and minerals, making it a very nutritious meal or snack. It is easy to prepare and can be made in large batches and stored for long periods of time. It is also lightweight, making it easy to transport. It is high in calories, making it a great source of energy for those who are active or on the go.

Modern Uses of Pemmican

Today, pemmican is used as a convenient and nutritious snack or meal for those who are looking for something lightweight and easy to carry. It is great for hikers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who need a portable source of energy. It is also popular with athletes looking for a quick source of energy before or after a workout. Pemmican is also used in the military and by other emergency personnel for its nutritional value and portability.

Pemmican is a food source that has a long and varied history, and it is still being used today for its convenience, nutrition, and portability. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a traveler, or an athlete, pemmican is a great choice for those looking for a quick, nutritious meal or snack.

Neurological Acupuncture? Can Cerebral Acupuncture Help Neurological Illnesses?

The Concept

Cerebral acupuncture, thought to be first practiced by Dr. Hunag Xue-Long in 1934 in China, does not use acupoints like traditional acupuncture. Instead, the head is divided into zones which correlate with certain parts of the body. It can be performed with traditional acupuncture needles or with non-invasive mechanical or electrical stimulation, and even with a laser! Apparently cerebral acupuncture can relieve the symptoms of neurological illnesses.

The Zones of the Head

The patients’ head is divided up into 14 zones, starting from the middle of the skull from the top of the right ear to the top of the left ear. Zones are divided from before and behind that middle line. Such zones include motor, sensory, hearing, speech, thorax, reproductive, visual, and equilibrium areas. Symptoms of neurological illness can be treated by stimulating the zones. Tremor from Parkinson’s disease, pain from sciatica, and even vertigo from Meniere’s syndrome can possibly be alleviated.

The Procedure

According to a chiropractor, non-invasive treatment involves stimulating the opposite side (left side of the head for right-sided affliction), but Chinese practitioners tend to stimulate bilaterally. The zone is stimulated for about 20-30 seconds with the instrument of choice. Acupuncturists will use needles for this procedure, but it has been said that a novice can stimulate the skull area with something as simple as a comb. Individual results vary, but trying alternative treatments for neurological illnesses just might prove effective. For more information, seek a local acupuncturist.

Preventative Counseling: Learning Communication Before Trouble Starts

Communication is key in relationships of every type. Human beings are capable of verbal and non-verbal communication and by five months of age are typically capable of reacting to sounds and vocalizing pleasure and displeasure. Throughout childhood we are taught to give and share as well as receive but how well does this prepare us for a committed relationship in adulthood?

When a child is brought up under perceived normal conditions and learns values, morals, and ethics, will that child automatically be ready to forge blindly into the world making friends and communicating effectively with partners and others? What if the child does not grow up under perceived normal circumstances but instead is abused, neglected, or perhaps is an only child, or placed in foster care at a crucial age?

When I see troubled teenagers who have been placed into the system I unfairly judge them as having weak characters. I expect little out of them in society. If one teenage girl reaches age 21 with no children and no jail time under her belt I see her as a success story.

If she manages to keep even a part-time job she has achieved greatness in my eyes. I do not even consider that this same girl will find a healthy relationship with a partner. I expect only abusive exploitative men to seek her company and she, knowing no better, will revel in theirs. I am not a bigot; I simply see situations for what they are.

Though the above example may be extreme, children and young adults are not fully prepared to communicate with people they will be forming relationships with and my opinion is that more could be done before the trouble ever arises.

We are offered courses for communicating effectively at work, classes for communicating with each other prior to marriage, therapy for communicating with a spouse once marital troubles have been identified, and seminars to learn effective nonverbal communication to advance successfully. What about the neglected group of young adults ages 18-25 who are seeking something meaningful in the dating world and failing time after time?

High school health class may be a good starting point. Mental health and healthy relationships are rarely if ever mentioned in health class. Simple biological functions and food selections are instead the focus. Perhaps an advanced Health 102 could be offered which would include preparing the healthy mind for communication in relationships. Before the premarital counseling, where is the pre-relationship counseling?

I for one could have greatly benefited from some type of counseling in the area of communication, an area I was not even aware I was lacking in before getting married. I was an only child, placed into residence with my elderly grandparents due to extreme abuse and neglect by my mother and step-father. I always felt I was able to communicate fine.

After all, I always knew exactly what I was thinking and feeling. My family did not talk about feelings, nor did they show them. I grew up very much inside my own head. When it came to relationships as I grew older, I often wondered why the boyfriends didn’t know what I was thinking. I couldn’t imagine that it was because I didn’t tell them. They should just know, shouldn’t they?

My plea is to counselors in high schools and colleges, health and psychology teachers, to consider this deficit and provide a curriculum to those less capable of communicating effectively. This is not an instinctual skill. Without a role model or teacher it may be too late before so many of us realize we even had a problem.

Acupuncture & Crohn’s

When you tell your gastroenterologist that your next stop is to see an acupuncturist, don’t expect to see him or her turning cartwheels.

You’re much more likely to get raised eyebrows or no reaction at all.

In my 25 years of experience volunteering to help my fellow patients with Crohn’s disease, I have found they seek out acupuncture practitioners for two reasons. One group hopes that acupuncture will somehow zap their disease – perhaps by calming the patient down. This idea of acupuncture curing Crohn’s disease or even putting it temporarily into remission is a misconception. While the art of acupuncture relieves stress and sometimes proves very helpful to sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition brought on to some degree by stress, it seldom has a dramatic effect on Crohn’s disease activity.

The remaining patients hope to find a way to relieve the cramping and pain associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Some are also searching for relief from constipation or diarrhea, nervousness or anxiety or the insomnia caused by Crohn’s night sweats. Acupuncture provides relief for some of them.

The art is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The body has around 2,000 acupuncture points. All of them are connected by 20 pathways called meridians. These paths connect body energy known as Qi from the internal organs to the surface of the body.

TCM practitioners believe that Qi has a diverse effect on each acupuncture point through which it passes and helps keep a balance within both the body and the mind. They also believe that intestinal illnesses such as Crohn’s disease represent a disruption of the spleen and liver, as well as, insufficient kidney support. As a result, they focus on the acupuncture points linked to those organs to try to lessen symptoms. Stimulate the right meridian via acupuncture points, and you will balance the body and the mind.

Western medicine has a different take on why acupuncture brings relief to some patients. Many medical practitioners believe that the application of the needles somehow stimulates the nervous system to block pain messages from arriving at the brain.

Another popular assumption is that the practice of acupuncture releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers. A third holds that the needles, when used properly, might release opiods into the body to reduce discomfort.

Crohn’s patients in China commonly receive acupuncture treatments to treat their disease. My attempts to take advantage of the practice came about because of the unremitting pain and high temperature I had experienced for several months, which made it hard to go to work each day.

During the first session, I answered many questions about my illness and lifestyle. The practitioner concentrated on making me feel at ease and used only a few needles to target the “imbalance” in my abdomen.

The second appointment was much more intense. I found it very difficult to cope with the pain of needles in my hand and did not return for any additional treatments. Aside from feeling more relaxed overall during my first meeting with the acupuncturist, I did not appear to reap any benefits from the needles.

In general, the practitioner inserts hair thin needles one at a time into particular points to stimulate the flow of Qi after targeting the appropriate meridians. The needles are solid and do not go as deep as hypodermic needles. They should not draw blood, as they are designed only to penetrate the meridian surface.

Some acupuncturists twist or twirl the needles or hook them up to an electrical current to stimulate the meridian. On occasion, they might utilize certain herbs or oils with the needles to treat a condition and relieve specific symptoms. Each appointment normally lasts between 20 minutes to an hour.

Most patients report a slight tingling, aching or numbing once the needles have been applied. Although acupuncture is not supposed to cause pain when the needles are properly inserted, I utilized a highly recommended practitioner and felt so much pain, I feared I was going to fly off the table.

Some acupuncturists actually specialize in the treatment of IBD. How do you find them? The most effective way is by word of mouth among the other Crohn’s patients in your area.

Discover The Power Of Ritual

Along the way, both good and bad feelings or memories may resurface from your past. That’s normal. You may also feel sensations in your body that speak to lost loves or past acts of passion. Whatever you do, notice the journey you are on and use this process for your own personal expansion as well as your spiritual and sexual By including ritual in your lovemaking, you can create greater closeness and increase your pleasure.

The use of ritual allows you to make everyday activities or feelings sacred, by combining your conscious intentions with symbolic statements or actions. Many individuals and couples find that by including ritual in their lovemaking and intimate activity, their connection grows much deeper and their pleasure is increased. Some even say that sex becomes a positive healing experience. Let me give you an example. One of my clients — I’ll call her Sally — used to masturbate while lying on a huge burgundy velvet settee in her study. She would light candles, burn incense, play soothing music, use massage oils and sometimes watch herself in a standing mirror. She set a “solo sex date” with herself two Tuesdays a month, at 10pm, a time when all the distractions of her day were gone and she could shut off from the outside world. She used this time to reconnect with herself, without anyone or anything else placing demands on her time or energy. These sessions were Sally’s way of connecting with her sexual spirit. She felt close to herself, and reported to me that these were the only moments that she felt whole and alive. For her, this was a spiritual experience of claiming herself, of feeling her own sexual power, and of honoring and loving her body, mind and spirit. By setting aside the time and place regularly, Sally began to grow in her sexual self-confidence. She began to realize that she did not need a man to complete her and stopped what she called her “desperate hunt” for a partner. She even became more successful in her career. By making masturbation a ritualized experience and thereby connecting with her sexual spirit, Sally became more aware and grew not only sexually but personally and professionally as well. Week Three: Learning Tantric Practices Over the past two weeks, you have been working on finding and connecting with your sexual spirit, alone or with a partner. This week we are going to focus on another pathway for tapping into that spiritual side of yourself by looking at the practice of tantric sex. Tantra means union; it is a form of yoga. I first encountered tantric teachings in the early 1980s while on an intensive yoga workshop in the mountains of Mexico. “That wonderful feeling of being truly united with someone is the ecstasy you feel when you merge sexuality and spirit.” One of the other students was a teacher of tantra. He was a seasoned workshop leader who had a charismatic presence that allowed the group to trust him as a guide. Over the course of several nights, he taught us how to find the seven chakras (or energy centers) of the body and how to chant mantras (or sacred sounds) while focusing our attention on each chakra. He also explained how combining spiritual intention with sexual contact can result in deeper levels of connection with a partner. Despite the fact that I didn’t have a partner at that time, I began to understand that by using and joining personal energies, we are more able to share ourselves with another person at a deep level. Many couples, especially those in long-term relationships, crave this deeper connection. Practicing tantra is one way to get it. One thing you can do as a couple to enhance your lovemaking, build a stronger union with your partner and feel the power of your own sexual spirit is to concentrate on your breathing before and during sex. In tantric teachings, this is called connective breathing. Often couples report to me that when they synchronize their breathing — breathe in unison at the same rhythm — they feel as one. That wonderful feeling of being truly united with someone is the ecstasy you feel when you merge sexuality and spirit. Here is how you do it: Sit facing each other, preferably naked, with your legs intertwined, arms around each other and chest to chest. Then breathe together, slowly at first. Inhale, exhale, inhale exhale and so on. After practicing taking conscious breaths for about two minutes without stopping (which, by the way, will seem a lot longer than that), you may begin to feel more in harmony with your lover. You will feel a sense of unity, and may even feel a surge of loving feelings or emotions radiating from the center of your chest, the heart chakra.

Discovering the Kama Sutra In week one, you began the process of connecting with your sexual spirit by working on your love for yourself. In week two, you had a chance to move into the power of ritual by exploring how ritual informs our sexual lives. If you followed that week’s workshop with your partner, you discovered how combining conscious intention with sacred objects and practices can improve the intimate connection and sexual pleasure in your relationship. Week three allowed a peek at the ancient practices of tantra, during which you took an in-depth look at two specific techniques for enhanced sexual union. This week’s workshop will bring you to an even higher level of potential for accessing the sexual spirit within yourself and for sharing it with your partner to achieve ultimate sexual satisfaction and true connection. “No more passing out after sex! The Kama Sutra states that kissing should be used after lovemaking to rekindle love.” One of the greatest texts for improving lovemaking skills is the Kama Sutra, often associated with the Indian sage Vatsayama, who is believed to have written it. It is a spiritually based sex manual, emphasizing pleasure, intimacy and awakening of spirit. I was just 17 when I encountered a copy of the Kama Sutra and have used it as a foundation for studying and teaching about sex ever since. By following the carefully and concisely written lessons (and mimicking the amazing illustrations) you can learn how to become the most exquisite lover and access your sexual spirit as you go. What is so amazing about this ancient book is that it speaks to sexuality today, just as it did when it was written almost 2,000 years ago.

How Does Vascular Disease Affect Health?

Vascular or blood vessel diseases are leading causes of death in the U.S. and much of the industrialized world. When blood vessels become blocked by plaque, blood flow to vital organs is reduced, starving them for oxygen and other nutrients. The loss of circulation caused by this hardening of the arteries also known as arteriosclerosis – can lead to heart disease, stroke, and memory loss. It can also prevent sores from healing and lead to gangrene in the feet and legs. These conditions are more common in diabetics and smokers, and much of the time they are the result of lifestyle choices (diet, lack of exercise, high stress).

If you have chest pain or leg pain on walking, shortness of breath, painful or discolored feet, transient loss of vision or failing memory, see a physician! Any unexplained or persistent symptoms, which affect your heart, head or limbs, should be explored for circulatory blockage.

What is EDTA Chelation Therapy?

EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid) is a synthetic amino acid, which has the ability to attach itself to metals and minerals, forming a particular kind of bond called a chelate. Heavier metals such as lead have a greater affinity for EDTA and form stronger bonds.

In the 1940s and 50s, EDTA was found to be a safe and effective treatment for lead toxicity and was approved for use as a drug for that purpose. In many cases, patients who coincidentally had symptoms of heart disease such as angina, improved while undergoing lead toxicity treatment. Since that time, scientific opinion and evidence, that EDTA chelation therapy is effective in treating blood vessel disease, has been growing. To date, FDA has not approved EDTA chelation therapy for vascular disease, but the status of EDTA as an approved drug for lead toxicity permits physicians to use it for other conditions, including vascular disease. This kind of discretionary use of approved drugs by physicians is common to a number of medical treatments.

The exact mechanism of action by which EDTA improves blood flow has not been determined and it probably works in several ways. One theory is that it reduces free radicals. Free radicals are highly active molecular fragments formed during the production of energy in the cells. They have high energy, like sparks in a fireplace, and this energy can be used by the body, when properly handled. However, if free radicals get out of control, they can cause damage to surrounding tissues, just as sparks that get out of a fireplace can cause the rug to catch fire. Excess free radicals contribute to the obvious signs of aging such as wrinkling and loss of skin elasticity. Internal damage is less visible but even more serious.

In addition to the formation of free radicals in the body, people are exposed to them in the environment from various sources such as polluted air, certain foods and drugs. Heavy metals also cause an increased production of free radicals. One of the most significant properties of EDTA is its ability to remove heavy metals like lead and excessive iron that may have accumulated in the body. Free radicals are thought to contribute to the development of vascular and other diseases. The removal of heavy metals that increase free radicals may explain the effect EDTA has in helping to prevent and reverse vascular disease.

Another theory is that EDTA works by binding calcium in the bloodstream and altering the intracellular balance of calcium with magnesium. This also favorably affects circulation.

EDTA chelation therapy has been used by physicians for more than forty years to treat a number of conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetic arterial disease, decreased mental function from vascular disease, and intermittent claudication (leg pain on exercise). It is also used as preventive medicine.

Find out about how Arlington acupuncture can help you in the next post.