Quantum Healing Author Reveals All
When you take a look at what is happening in your life, you may have difficulty making the connection between your THOUGHTS and what is actually happening. It seems like the two are separate. So, let's try to connect the dots.

Neither success nor failure happens by accident. The assumption of almost every person is that they believe something or someone OUTSIDE of them is responsible for their present circumstances.

The question that must be answered is WHO or WHAT is responsible for us NOT having what we want? Our parents? Our background? Our education? God? Destiny?

In fact, nothing OUTSIDE of you is responsible for not having what you want, even though it may appear that way. You experience what you experience in your life because you are in asleep and you don't even know it!

Everything that happens to us is because of our beliefs. For example, if you hold on to the belief that you are a victim of your circumstances, or that whatever happens to you is purely random or predestined, you will keep creating that same reality. This also becomes your excuse why others can have what you want, but it can never happen for you.

We live in a universe that is governed by a series of physical laws. We have no idea how gravity works, but we see evidence of it working every day. So it is not a matter of whether we BELIEVE it or not.

ONE law in particular is as certain as gravity and that ABSOLUTELY determines the outcome of your life. This law determines whether you have money, health, positive relationships, success or anything else in your life. It also determines whether you live a life that is full of worry, fear and stress, or a life that is carefree and happy.

This law is called The Law of Attraction. Without understanding how this law affects your life, your life will continue to appear chaotic and uncertain. The things you react to in your everyday life are a direct result of what you think, feel and believe.

Despite the fact that this law has been around before the beginning of time, most people who pride themselves as being "logical thinkers" will discredit it. They'll say that it's nonsense and it is not based on science or "reality".

As we know, for centuries we thought the earth was flat. But THINKING something is true or false does not make it so. What REALLY matters are RESULTS we experience when we live by those thoughts.

Let's take a moment and talk about the Law of Attraction and see if we can put it into perspective. You have heard the saying that "like attracts like". That is absolutely true. Why? Because everything in our universe is made of energy.

Science has proven that like energy attracts like energy. Everything on this planet - in this universe – including our thoughts, are made up of energy. If you don't believe this is true - that everything is made up of energy – then let me ask you this question. What do you think YOU'RE made up of?

You may say, "Flesh and bones". Okay, then the next logical question is, what are your flesh and bones made up of? Cells? Okay, then what are your cells made up of? Molecules. Okay, what are molecules made up of?

Eventually the answer must bring it back to the basic substance of which we are all made up of. When you run out of the physical stuff, you are left with only one thing: Energy! You cannot deny that we are made of energy. Quantum science has already proven that this is true. All energy has specific magnetic proprieties. We are basically magnets. As magnets, we are attracting things all day long, even if we are unaware of it.

Maybe this is easy for you to understand and accept. On the other hand, maybe your logical mind has trouble accepting that this is real. You may even be thinking that this is a bunch of metaphysical nonsense. It doesn't matter.

In the Science of Being Well Home Study Course, you will find many examples and stories to help you develop your own powers of healing using simply the power of your mind. This is not revolutionary. These secrets have been around for ages. To learn more, claim your FREE report of the First Secret to Abundant Health on www.thescienceofbeingwell.biz today!!

*From the desk of Dr Magne, author with Wallace Wattles of The Science of Being Well Home Study Course.


By Laurence Magne
Published: 3/30/2007 

Get Into Asana Twists For A Yoga-Calm Mind
Asanas are simply the physical poses done in yoga. This article discusses one of the major categories, the twisting postures. Find out the benefits and cautions associated with them.
The most popular form of yoga in the western world is hatha yoga, which concentrates on a series of poses, or asanas, designed to increase flexibility, boost energy levels, improve balance and tone muscles.

In this form of yoga, the body is seen as an energy system, divided into areas or chakras. Each asana focuses on increasing energy flow to a particular chakra to stimulate organ function, enhance blood flow, and work specific muscles to generally improve your wellbeing in that chakra.

There are a huge variety of asanas and each person requires a tailored program of poses to address their particular aims or health concerns. Asanas are divided into broad categories with certain properties. One of the major categories is asana twists which are designed to extend and open the spinal channel, tone the abdominal muscles and untwist the mind.

The aim of most asana twists is to bring the shoulders to a right angle with the hips. The pose will be held for between thirty seconds and a minute and with each outward breath we should aim to twist a little further towards our goal. Asana twists can be performed standing or sitting.

One of the most popular asana twists is the spinal twist pose or Matsyendrasana, named after Sri Matsyendrasana who originally conceived hatha yoga. This pose realigns the spinal column, and is used to treat diabetes, constipation, dyspepsia and urinary problems. The spinal twist asana increases energy flow to the stomach, colon, liver, spleen, pancreas and kidneys.

All yoga asanas should initially be performed under the supervision of a qualified professional, but twists have particular potential for injury so great care should be taken. When performing a twist you should always lead with the belly or torso, and never the head. The head should be the last part of the body to twist.

You should be particularly careful about performing asana twists if you are pregnant, and if you do not want to avoid doing them altogether, you should always perform open twists. These are asanas that involve keeping the abdominal muscles soft and not contracting them as you would in a closed twist. Other people that should only attempt an open twist with a relaxed belly area are hernia sufferers, menstruating women, and anybody with detached retina or glaucoma.

Some people should avoid asana twists altogether. They are not recommended for people with high blood pressure or those prone to migraine headaches as the restriction of the blood vessels during a twist can trigger an attack.

Back problems such as lumbago, slipped discs or rheumatism can actually be treated by asana twists as they can relieve tension in the back muscles. However, great care should be taken, and professional supervision is mandatory.

If you'd like some in-home yoga instruction, check out this article on choosing the best yoga videos. For more asana articles, click here.
           By Rebecca Prescott
Published: 3/20/2007 

Help On Free Yoga Exercises
Helpful free yoga exercises that will help you the beginner to perform yoga.
Who would not like to learn yoga for free? Just like everyone, you too would be interested in doing this set of free yoga exercises that are meant just for you! These free yoga exercises will instruct you on how to practice yoga; you just need to follow the instructions carefully and with confidence.

Yoga is a series of different types of exercises which should be practiced regularly to improve an individual's health. Yoga increases the vital flow of energy and gives a peace of mind. The free exercises given below are nothing but different poses which need to be practiced correctly.

Yoga is also a way of living life. It includes performing daily routine activities at a regular time everyday. Consider the habit of getting up in the morning. In yoga, the daily routine starts with having the a fixed procedure of practice everyday in three points; first, Japa meaning chanting some mantra over and over to maintain the same consciousness; second, study by reading some yoga scripts; and third, meditation which should be performed at a fixed time in a fixed place everyday.

The initial pose of these free yoga exercises should be the Corpse pose, and be repeated between other asana (yoga poses) and as a final relaxation. This pose looks easy and it’s really good too. But it should be used for more than relaxing. You should use this pose for meditation while allowing your mind to gain strength and relax.

Start these yoga exercises with the warm up exercises to relax and prepare your muscles for the next exercises. After warm up you can perform the shoulder lifts the natural following exercise and the eye exercise, which can improve your eyesight and prevent tiredness. For the next exercises you can practice sun salutation which will stretch all your body muscles, this to prepare for the much more difficult exercises. Try also leg raise, which will tone your leg muscles, giving you more endurance and improved flexibility; head stand pose is also good for resting some of your organs such as heart.

Once you prepare your mind and body for more difficult yoga exercise, get going in the following manner.

Start with the bridge and plough poses; this will increase your back's flexibility. Initially, you may find it difficult to attain the final position. But with practice you will be able to reach this "asana". At first you will not be able to do it perfectly, but remember it’s important to try to reach the perfect position and train your body to eventually reach the perfectly balanced position.

After this pose, try the forward bend pose to stimulate the nervous system. Then you can attempt the fish pose, it tones the chest muscles and lungs.

Next pose is called cobra pose. Women who suffer from menstrual problems can try the cobra pose, it stimulates the pelvic and lower abdomen area, improving the circulation and massaging the internal organs.

If you want to strengthen the lower back, then you should try the locust pose. Locust pose is also known to help prevent constipation.

The bow is another pose that will help your back area remain strong and flexible at the same time and abdominal fat my also be reduced if proper diet is applied. Furthering this yoga exercise you can try the half spinal twist pose for your spines.

Breathing is a very important aspect in practicing yoga. You can learn proper way of breathing and improve on it by practicing the crow pose. With this pose, you can improve your joints and arm strength too. Then you can try the hands to feet pose and the triangle. This pose requires your body’s strength and flexibility.

At the end of all these poses, make sure that you perform the corpse pose to regain any energy that has been lost during these free yoga exercise and also to give rest to your body.

You can try all these free yoga exercises one by one and see for yourself which ones work the best for you. Once you know the poses that benefit you the most, just make sure that you do not overstretch yourself in doing those exercises and that you follow the same set of exercises regularly.

Get 5 free yoga lessons that will in teaching you a few popular yoga postures. Get them now by visiting yoga exercise training. More advice on yoga and other health and fitness issues can be found at free yoga tips.

By Chris M
Published: 3/5/2007
 

Why Zen Yoga Poses Can Improve Your Health
Zen yoga is very different in attitude and experience to traditional Indian yoga. Like tai chi, it is very gentle, and well suited to helping people prevent ill health. Learn about the principles it is based on, and a basic guide on finding the best zen poses for each individual.
Zen yoga poses are part of an Oriental system that combines the practice of asanas with Traditional Chinese and Japanese Medicine. Postures are categorized according to the primary meridian they affect. A meridian can be understood as similar to a blood vessel, in that it has an energetic structure that corresponds with the human body, but which is instead a channel for energy to circulate (instead of blood).

The alignment of these exercises with specific meridians is what makes zen yoga such a powerful healing modality. In fact, teachers of this Oriental system emphasize its' capacity to help treat the basic causes of illness.. This article will explore what is meant by that, and provide some illustration on how zen yoga poses can be adapted to an individual's problems.

Meridian exercises work by facilitating the natural flow of energy in areas where we experience blockages and stagnation. We may feel those areas of blockages as stiffness, aching, tension, pain, or simply a feeling of being uncomfortable. Zen poses open up their primary meridians, and as a result, they dispel 'ill' energy, and allow healthy energy to flow instead.

A little background on meridians may be helpful. There are 12 meridians, and they are named after different organs of the body. So, we have the Lung meridian, large intestine meridian, Heart constrictor, triple heater, liver, gall bladder, spleen, stomach, heart, small intestine, kidney, and bladder.

It's important to note that although these meridians each have an energetic relationship with the organ after which they are named, they are not just referring to the organ when we speak about them. Their primary meaning is an energetic reference, to a type of energy that runs along a specific channel, which just happens to be associated with a physical organ as well. So, when Oriental practitioners and yoga teachers talk about a particular meridian being out of whack in some way, this definitely does not mean that our organs are! I emphasize this because a lot of people tend to get alarmed by some of the terminology, and it just stems from a misunderstanding of the context in which it is being used.

By understanding how important the energetic aspect is in Oriental philosophy, it is easier to understand how they look at the symptoms of disease, illness, or any problems we feel in our bodies. Instead of focusing on the symptom itself, Oriental diagnosis looks at what is going on in the meridians, and a healing approach is based on this, instead of a rigidly defined solution for a set of symptoms. What this means in practical terms, is that one person's ideal solution to a bad back, or a stiff neck, may be very different to another's.

The good news is that you don't have to know a lot of theory to do zen yoga successful. And neither do you need to understand the intricacies of Oriental diagnosis to apply zen yoga exercises for your own specific problems. Masunaga offers this useful guide: "first find the exercise which is hardest to do... and then look for another one which is the easiest... If doing the easiest exercise causes an improvement in the performance of the most difficult one, or relieves a ... symptom, it is effectively reinforcing the Ki [energy] in the Kyo [deficient] meridian".

Masunaga was a leading shiatsu teacher in Japan who organized meridian exercises into a system that people could use themselves. He actually wrote that the best way to learn about zen yoga poses, was to practice them! Zen yoga seems more difficult in theory than it is in practice. It's actually a very fun, playful and gentle style of yoga that can readily be adapted to any level of fitness and health. Like tai chi, it has great health benefits, which can be explored in more detail through classes or publications.

References: Zen Imagery Exercises by Shizuto Masunaga

For more articles on different yoga types, click here. Rebecca presents yoga tips and articles here.
           By Rebecca Prescott
Published: 2/18/2007 

Accutane Side Effects Exposed: Side Effects of the Miracle Drug and the Natural Alternative to Accutane
7-year research exposes the uncomfortable truth about accutane side effects, the lack of accountability taken by Accutane manufacturer despite the dire side effects and documented suicidal cases of Accutane users and the holistic alternative.
If you suffer from severe case of acne that has failed to respond to conventional treatments such as antibiotics, then your dermatologist may recommend the use of the popular Accutane or Isotretinoin. Accutane is a potent oral drug from Hoffman-LaRoche that has been proven highly effective for reducing acne symptoms dramatically after only one course of 15-20 weeks.

With its undoubting success at battling even the toughest cases of acne and ever-growing popularity among teens as a miracle drug, why is Accutane still considered the most controversial pharmaceutical on the market? The answer: a documented list of severe and sometimes permanent side effects.

Although some of the side effects associated with the use of Isotretinoin are mild and tolerable (dry lips, dry eyes, nosebleeds, extremely dry skin, increased sensitivity to the sun and thinning hair) there is in fact a long list of serious side effects that have been reported due to the use of Accuttane which persisted even after the drug therapy was stopped. Among those are:
Severe aches and pains in the lower back and large joints, severe allergy reactions that include moderate rashes and difficulty to breath, vision problems, hearing loss, permanent liver damage, persistent migraines and headaches and skeletal hyperostosis which is an excessive bone growth that occurs along the sides of the spine.

But perhaps, the two most bothersome of all Accutane side effects are its potential to cause severe birth defects if taken by pregnant women or women that became pregnant while taking the drug and the suggested link between the intake of Accutane and the changes in mood, severe depression and suicidal thoughts.

Since, Isotretinoin can be harmful to the fetus, it should not be used during pregnancy and women should avoid pregnancy for at least a month after the use of Accutane. Additionally, because of its severe side effects, nursing mothers must avoid the drug completely.

Although researchers still argue whether Isotretinoin causes depression or not, Roche the manufacturer of Accutane, openly shares information claiming that Accutane and its generic, isotretinoin, can alter mood: "Synthetic derivatives of vitamin A, can negatively impact brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin."

The FDA website warns: "All patients treated with isotretinoin should be observed closely for symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts, such as sad mood, irritability, acting on dangerous impulses, anger, loss of pleasure ... mood disturbance, psychosis, or aggression."

Moreover, statistics show that between 1989 and 2003, there were 216 reported drug-linked suicides among U.S. teens younger than 18. Of these, 72 suicides were linked to Accutane (isotretinoin). The next highest number of suicides in that time period -- 55 -- involved Prozac (fluoxetine).

Accutane works by reducing the size and output of the sebaceous glands and thus stops excess oil production. The problem is that Accutane damages your skins sebum glands and liver function in the process. By the time you stop taking the drug, your skin oil glands will return to function but your liver will not be able to properly balance your hormones and prevent the over production of sebum.

Isotrteinoin also normalizes your keratinization (the shedding of dead skin cells), improves fat metabolism and reduces inflammation. But all of these benefits can be easily achieved using all natural dietary, supplementation and skin care alternatives and without the side effects. For example: Foods that are rich in Vitamin A and Beta Carotene can help reduce the secretion of oil by the sebaceous glands. Simple home made peels made of Papaya can easily replace the peeling action of Isotrerinoin and sleep optimization, and regular exercising including vitamin, C, E, Zinc and Colostrum can boost the immune abilities of the body and thus reduce inflammation.

Accutane is not the solution to acne. Not only does it treat the symptoms of the disease and not the internal cause, stopping your skin's natural oil production, can in most cases, result in extra dryness combined with the acceleration of the skin's aging process (yes! your skin will look older). Moreover, Accutane severely damages your liver function among other side effects, which in turn destroys your delicate inner balance and your natural healing abilities. Hence, it is doing the opposite of curing.

A long-term acne solution should address the internal cause of acne by tackling all acne contributing factors and neutralizing the acne environment - the only, safe, natural and effective way you could ever achieve lasting acne freedom.

Mike Walden is a certified nutritionist, independent medical researcher, natural health consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, "Acne No More- Open The Door To An Acne Free Life." Mike has written dozens of holistic health articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide.

For further information about Mike Walden’s acne cure book visit: Acne Cure Book
For further information about Accutane side effects visit: Accutane Side Effects

By Mike Walden
Published: 2/16/2007
 

Begin healing with a single step
Most people know that if you feel sad and then go exercise, your mood will likely improve. Working your body helps your mind and vice versa.
Most people know that if you feel sad and then go exercise, your mood will likely improve. Working your body helps your mind and vice versa. Of course, after a cancer diagnosis there is a lot of work to be done to heal and that can seem overwhelming and terribly discouraging at times. But it is helpful to remember something Confucius said: "A journey of a thousand leagues begins with a single step." In this article, I will offer advice about how to literally take the first step toward healing.

When it comes to physical healing after cancer treatment, your body will do a remarkable job on its own. However, those of us who specialize in rehabilitation medicine, the health specialty most concerned with physical recovery after serious illness or injury, know that there are some specific things people can do to help themselves heal faster and better. One of those things is to start moving your body. That's right, exercise. But not just any exercise -- therapeutic exercise or what rehabilitation specialists call "ther ex."

Therapeutic exercise is designed to specifically combat the effects of serious illness or injury, which leave people weak and tired. For anyone who has been through cancer treatment, a major part of healing involves recovering from the "deconditioning" that occurs due to immobility and sometimes bed rest. One of the most striking effects of bed rest happens at the muscular level. Research has shown that people on bed rest lose 1 percent to 1.5 percent of their strength per day for the first two weeks. For those who have a limb in a cast, the rate of strength loss is higher -- up to 5.5 percent per day. The total loss of strength can be as high as 25 percent to 40 percent for those individuals who are inactive for a period of two weeks or more. Marked losses in muscular strength occur even in those who are not on bed rest but who become sedentary due to a medical condition such as cancer. Losing strength in muscles occurs with no effort and happens extremely quickly. Gaining strength back takes considerable effort and occurs much more slowly.

Strengthening your body and working to build up your stamina will help reduce pain and fatigue and will almost certainly improve your mood. Although I always recommend that people check with their doctors before beginning to exercise, almost anyone (notable exceptions include those individuals with serious heart or lung problems) can safely begin this first step before they consult with their doctor. However, as you progress, be sure to check in with your physician.

The first step is to literally count your steps. I recommend buying a pedometer -- they are inexpensive and can be found at most sporting goods stores and online dealers. Obtain one that specifically counts the number of steps you take daily and record your steps for a week. What is the average number of steps you are taking?

Your six-week goal should be 5,000 steps per day. That means that wherever you start off, increase gradually by a few hundred steps per day in order to reach the 5,000 mark. Once you reach the 5,000 steps per day goal, then your next goal is 10,000 steps per day, and you can usually accomplish this over a period of six to 12 weeks. If you start out at around 5,000, then your six-week goal is 10,000 daily steps. Between 5,000 to 10,000 steps per day is a good range for most people.

Using a pedometer is one way to increase your activity level and improve your overall conditioning and endurance. You'll start feeling much better as you are able to increase the number of daily steps you take. However, there is more you can do to help yourself heal. Ideally, you should do a little strength training, too.

People who do some strength training -- whether they use weights, resistance in the water (pool), medicine balls or bands -- work their muscles in a different manner than what can be accomplished by other means such as walking. Strength training is easy to do but if you are new to it, then you should get some professional advice. I recommend that people talk to their doctors about getting a referral to see a physical therapist or a knowledgeable personal trainer who can suggest specific strengthening exercises and explain how to advance them once they become too easy.

Dr Magne is an expert in spontaneous remission. Why don’t you discover for yourself The First Secret to Abundant Health by claiming your FREE report on www.thescienceofbeingwell.biz?

* From the desk of Dr Magne and Wallace D. Wattles, authors of The Science of Being Well Home Study Course


By Laurence Magne
Published: 2/13/2007 

What is a Hot Stone Massage?
A hot stone massage can be one of the most relaxing indulgences you can take. Imported from Sweden it is fast growing in popularity throughout the world.
Although the hot stone massage is a relatively new technique it is one that has gained a lot of favor from those who practice its healing powers. It is fast challenging the restorative power of the full body massage in terms of popularity in the world of relaxation. A hot stone massage, first developed in Sweden, is just what it sounds like, the use of hot stones used in addition to a more traditional massage to help relieve stress and relieve tight aching muscles.

A hot stone massage is different then a more traditional full body massage or a therapeutic massage in that it requires a more gentle touch and in some cases the therapist may not even touch you, other then to position the hot stones. The nice thing about this type of massage is that it doesn’t hurt, unlike other forms of massage that require deep and sometimes painful kneading. This makes it perfect for those whose pain threshold may not be very high.

Hot stone massages can vary depending on the massage therapist and the needs of their client, but this is mainly dependent on the training the masseuse has had in the techniques they have studied. The hot stones themselves are always the same, basalt stones that have the ability to retain their heat for the length of the massage. The stones are heated up to nearly one hundred and twenty degrees before they are applied.

After he stones have been heated to the proper temperature the stones are strategically placed on the body parts where they will have the most benefit. Body parts such as the arms and legs will have lighter stones placed on them while the heavier three to five pound stones will be placed on the torso. After the heat from the stones has penetrated into the muscles the therapist will usually begin rubbing a stone over their clients’ body, stopping to work those areas that are unusually tight or tense. Of course if the therapist and client prefer a hot stone massage can be done without any rubbing and accomplished by just allowing the heat from the stones to do all the work.

For more information about a hot stone massage and to learn more about the art of massage visit the web site Full Body Massage.

By Andrew Bicknell
Published: 2/8/2007 

How To Give A Relaxing Back Massage
A back massage, also known as a back rub, is a very relaxing and helpful treat for an aching and painful back. With its soothing and rejuvinating effects, it can't be denied that a back massage is one of the most and pleasurable massage there is.
In the past, people who enjoyed a massage were mainly looking for relaxation. In this stressful times we live in, nothing is more welcome than a back massage. Whether it's a simple shoulder rub or a deep massage of the upper and lower back, a back massage relieves stress and optimizes relaxation. It seems that back and neck massage is joining the medical establishment as an effective treatment.

Having a shower before the session and lighting up aromatherapy are the basic way to create a relaxing atmosphere. While a massage is best done without a shirt on, putting loose fitting clothes are an alternative, and apply edible oil, they are friendlier to the body than a petroleum-based one.

• Have the person receiving the massage lie on her belly on a firm, comfortable surface, such as a floor mat or firm bed. Make sure you can reach her whole back without straining your own.
• Stand or kneel by her side. Place one hand on the lower back and one hand between the shoulder blades, over the heart.
• Warm up the back by applying thumb pressure along both sides of the spine simultaneously: Start at the lower back and knead gently with your thumbs up to the neck area. This will also promote relaxation.
• Use a smooth, delicate stroke (effleurage) to apply massage oil. In one long stroke, slide your palms down either side of the spine to the pelvis; scoop out around the hips and back up the sides to the shoulders. Maintain contact with the back. Glide your hands over the back to start a new area.
• Continue up both sides of the neck to the base of the head.
• Start at the spine and slide your palms in opposite directions outward to the sides of the back, starting with the lower back area and moving up to the shoulders.
• Knead the fleshy muscular areas at the top of the shoulders, the mid-back area and the buttocks to loosen tight muscles and fascia (the connective tissue).
• Use your thumbs or fingers to apply pressure to areas that feel hard or tight, often called knots.
• Perform clockwise circular friction with your fingertips along the muscles that are close to the spine and around the shoulder blades.
• Rotate the arms gently, one at a time, to loosen the shoulder joints and enhance blood flow.

When going for a massage for back or neck pain, it is wise to ask a series of questions of your therapist first. Your task is to find a qualified, ethical therapist, with whom you feel comfortable, and whose skill earns your confidence. One advice that has been repeated is drink lots of water after a massage because a massage releases toxins and regulate circulation, it is better to keep the body cleaner and healthier. And never rub directly over the spine to prevent fractures, as this is a very vulnerable area.

Everyone should have their massages, not only for their health benefits but also basically for the comfort and relaxation that they give us.

By Teri Plaxton
Published: 2/7/2007
 

Looking for a Massage? Go Orlando!
Orlando is a very active place, with its many parks, world attractions and great beauty and places to visit and dine. With this, it is no question why Orlando also has great massages to offer. Acquainting and sharing their taste of Orlando massage, these help you keep your body on the go, and makes Orlando a more memorable place to come back to.
While visiting or living in Orlando, why not "de-stress" yourself with a therapeutic massage? Part of our culture is living in the fast paced world, and can be very challenging for us to live a low stress, healthy life style. We are subject to a number of outside influences at all times. Things like increased mental activity or stress, dietary issue, time related issue or our family and friends all can increase our stress levels. Massages have proven that they can relieve stress!

Massage in Orlando is easy to avail, with their increasing numbers and services. Just like most places, Orlando offers many massage services that has been highly regarded by professionals and their establishments are well known and thought of Being in such and active place as this, finding a good place for a massage is a synch. They offer a variety of services in comfortable surroundings to help you look and feel your best. You can take a journey into a world of health, beauty, massage and discover what it can do for you. With trained and certified staff of experts, Orlando massages work with you in a safe and healthy atmosphere.

Orlando also has renowned schools as well. They have many course that give opportunities and high educational standards, making their graduates highly capable in their chosen trade. Orlando massage therapy schools are truly passionate about the profession of massage therapy, and are dedicated to helping you make your dreams come true. , Here, you can experience the satisfaction that comes from earning your living by healing and helping others in your massage therapy practice.

Orlando has already has many attractions; Orlando's theme parks and attractions are the best in the world. There are so many though it can get a little overwhelming. And with so many places to occupy you while at Orlando, why not give another of its main attracts a try? Go and get yourself a massage, an Orlando massage.

By Teri Plaxton
Published: 2/7/2007 

 Menopause and natural alternatives
The Menopause signals a new phase of life for women and presents a great opportunity to give your diet and lifestyle re-think and make sure you are looking after yourself.
Most women experience the menopause at around fifty years old. At this time a woman stops ovulating and ceases to have a monthly menstrual cycle. The menopause may occur overnight or can be more of a gradual process. The period of time leading up to menopause is often described as the perimenopause. For every woman, this is the time when the production of estrogen decreases and hormonal changes occur which can affect her physically, mentally and emotionally.

When the estrogen production slows down, the adrenal glands may become overworked, resulting in smaller amounts of hormonal production. The blood vessels dilate, and this can often result in hot flushes. Other common symptoms are restlessness, anxiety, strange food cravings, achy joints and emotional instability. There could also be changes in sexual desire, excessive sweating, palpitation, frequent urination, insomnia, night sweats and headaches. It is important to consider all these different symptoms in the treatment of the menopause.

Through the centuries, ancient medicine has recommended natural remedies for the treatment of the menopause. The traditional Chinese remedy for menopausal symptoms is Dong Quai. This well-researched natural remedy has phytoestrogenic properties and has proved effective in inducing progesterone receptor activity, which balances the progesterone/estrogen ratios. Another remedy is Goji, which is also said to restore hormonal balance. Today, Black Cohosh is also fast gaining popularity as an herbal cure for menopausal symptoms. This thoroughly researched herb contains phytoestrogens which balance the systemic estrogen production and suppress the high levels of the Luteinizing Hormone (LH) which is responsible for hot flashes. Other remedies that have proved helpful in the treatment of the menopause are flaxseed oil and Evening Primrose oil, both of which alleviate the symptoms of menopause. Though the results on the use of soy in the treatment of the menopause are inconclusive, many women swear by it and say that they have felt much better after including soy in their diet. Red clover which is full of isoflavones is also being widely used instead of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

The menopause is certainly a time for women to look after their general health. Healthy eating and exercise are particularly important. Many women gain weight during the menopause so it is important to keep an eye on your diet. Limit high fat and high sugar foods; include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, lean sources of protein and complex carbohydrates. It is very important to ensure adequate calcium intake at this time, as the protective effect of estrogen on the bones will be diminishing. From Around 50 years of age a women’s requirements for calcium increases from 1000 to 1200mg per day. This can be met through diet through ensuring 3-5 portions of calcium containing food per day. A portion is equivalent to glass of milk or calcium-fortified soy milk, a small pot of yogurt, an ounce of cheese, a large helping of green leafy vegetables, or a few ounces of tofu.

It is also essential to ensure adequate vitamin and mineral intake at this time to assist with the treatment of menopause. Vitamin C is essential to keep the immune system in good shape. Vitamin B6 increases progesterone levels and helps to raise serotonin production which can calm a person down. Folic acid helps in cellular metabolism, assists in repairing damaged cells and neutralizes toxins. Zinc helps the immune system and assist with building strong bones.

Besides what one takes, what one does is very important too and there’s nothing to beat a bit of exercise in the treatment of menopause. One study had 55% of women experiencing a reduction in the severity of hot flushes with aerobic exercise. Walking is a great form of exercise and it is weight-bearing which is important in keeping your bones healthy. In a study conducted at Tufts University, postmenopausal women who lifted weights twice a week for a year gained 1% in bone density. Yoga and acupuncture have also proved beneficial in studies. All in all, placing a little more emphasis on staying fit and healthy and putting you first seem to be key in overcoming problems associated with menopause.

By James Balch
Published: 2/2/2007