The Heart Of Yoga - Developing A Personal Practice
Discover the powerful secret of integrating multiple elements into your yoga practice...
The Powerful Secret Of Integrating Multiple Elements Into Your Yoga Practice...

In our modern health system and especially in modern medicine the idea of isolating one symptom or problem then trying to treat just that symptom is widespread.

You might take a diuretic to lower your blood pressure and statins to reduce your cholesterol.

Then you go to a psychologist or psychotherapist to deal with your excessive anxiety and your "type A" personality.

You get liposuction as a full on onslaught in your "battle of the bulge" to remove the excess body fat around your tummy.

But the high blood pressure, the cholesterol, the anxiety and type A personality and the fat on your tummy are all inter-related.

They're all symptoms of a poor diet and lifestyle and even modern medicine is now realizing that trying to treat the body like a machine made up of separate parts is ineffective and can even be dangerous.

Every part of your physical body, your mind and your emotions are all interrelated.

Modern science has discovered that when you feel happy that can lower your blood pressure, reduce fat storage, improve the functioning of your immune system and create a whole range of other positive benefits throughout your body.

Science has also demonstrated that poor physical health – high blood pressure for example – can leave you irritable and anxious.

Just learning to think more clearly – cognitive therapy – can reduce anxiety and blood pressure and help relieve depression.

And this is just a tiny snapshot of how all our bodies systems tie together.

Modern science is now learning that a combination of therapies to treat your body, your mind, your emotions and even your spiritual health as a whole integrated system can be far more effective at treating disease than any single therapy.

It's taken us decades of astonishingly expensive and elaborate technological and medical research to discover the basic wisdom ancient yoga teachers have used for thousands of years.

In the ancient yoga traditions and especially in Viniyoga, your yoga practice combines a whole range of different elements to engage your mind, your body, your emotions and your spirit.

Most important of all your practice is custom designed to fit you.

You should have a clear intention to every yoga practice.

You should set out with a clear goal of what you're trying to achieve.

It's a shame but many modern western yoga modalities have lost this integration of different methods in yoga practice.

When you design YOUR yoga session you might include...

# Breathing or pranayama.

# Physical postures or asana.

# Sound with or without meaning

# Chanting or repeating (silently or aloud) some phrase, poem or prayer that has significance and meaning to you.

# Meditation

# Prayer and

# Relaxation or savasana.

In a well designed yoga session every one of these elements is combined together carefully and customized for your unique physiology, psychology, and spritual beliefs - whatever is appropriate and useful for you now.

Most important of all every element is combined with an intention in mind.

You first started practicing yoga because you wanted some kind of results out of your practice.

You might want to relieve stress or back pain.

You might want to improve the quality of your sleep or overcome insomnia.

You might want to get your moods under control.

You might just want to find some inner peace in our crazy, hectic modern world.

Whatever your intention is right now every part of your yoga practice should be custom designed to serve that intention – to take you closer to the goal you set for today's practice.

Having a clear intention and combining different elements and techniques into your yoga practice will give you more rapid results.

15-20 minutes of highly focused, customized, integrated practice can be far more effective than a 60 minute yoga class.

Also, you're more likely to continue with short, tightly focused yoga sessions where you see real results.

So having a clear intention of what you want to achieve every time you practice and combining many different elements into your yoga practice is an ancient yoga secret that is now being validated with modern science.

You can listen to the full audio of this article and seven more free audio clips at the links below.

By Andrew Cavanagh
Published: 12/14/2006

The Benefits Of Hatha Yoga Examined
Find out how hatha yoga can help people of all ages - from children to the elderly. And discover how yoga is different to regular exercise.
Hatha yoga is more commonly known as simply 'yoga'. It's a system of exercise originating from India. There are many branches of hatha yoga - you may have heard of Iyengar yoga, Ashtanga yoga, Kriya yoga, Vini yoga and Bikram yoga. They all involve postures or 'asanas'. Some asanas are gentle stretching exercises which can improve flexibility, and others help to develop and improve strength and balance.

Hatha yoga was born in traditional Hindu spiritual practice, so it's no surprise that it may also involve meditation and chanting, as well as philosophical and religious considerations. For those who purely wish to use it as a form of physical exercise, there are many completely secular versions available!

Why Is Hatha Yoga Such A Good Form Of Exercise

The first benefit is that it's a fitness routine that can be used by people of all ages and levels of fitness. It can get you into shape and keep you that way if used regularly. Yoga differs from other forms of exercise in that it involves motions that don't cause strain on the body. When performed correctly, the asanas have no negative effects on the body or mind.

It isn't an aerobic exercise but it uses almost every muscle. It can help to develop and improve balance, coordination and a feeling of being centered. The limbs are used like free weights and the body's center of gravity is moved to create resistance. Over time, the limbs become stronger and the focus then shifts to endurance as the asanas are held for increasing periods of time.

The aim is quality of movement rather than quantity. Regular practice of hatha yoga can bring peace and happiness to the mind and improved health and relaxation to the body.

How Hatha Yoga Can Help At Any Age

Yoga is great fun for children and teenagers and it's easy for them to do, as they are already flexible. Yoga can help them retain that flexibility. It can also help to develop their self-discipline. Practicing asanas is good for developing coordination and can help to improve concentration – which many children and teens find difficult.

Yoga is the ideal exercise during pregnancy. Asanas can improve backache and help to lift depression. Many women who practice yoga have said that it helped to make their labor easier and shorter. Be careful to only do asanas that have been approved for pregnant women. The meditation side of yoga is also calming and centering during pregnancy.

Older people use yoga to improve and/or maintain flexibility, correct poor posture, strengthen the spine, and ease back pain. It can also improve digestion and elimination, facilitate circulation, improve breathing disorders, and lift mood.

Yoga Can Help You To Cope

Many of the problems suffered in modern life may be eased by following a regular yoga routine.

Asanas can release the tense muscles caused by hours of sitting at a desk. Breathing deeply can improve vitality by increasing the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain. Meditation can enhance the power of concentration and calm the mind. Yoga teaches full relaxation and encourages good sleep. It also helps digestion and improves circulation.

Used regularly, it can improve physical and mental health and is also known to enhance creativity. Give it a try!

Find out what classes are available in your area - a properly qualified instructor can ensure that you are doing the asanas correctly and safely. If you'd rather try it at home, get a DVD (again, with a qualified instructor). There are lots to choose from!

For more information on the other types of yoga, click here. Rebecca publishes information and tips on asanas.
     By Rebecca Prescott
Published: 12/6/2006

Chromortherapy – Healing By Color
Chromotherapy is a form of healing based on the principle that all illness is manifested in a disturbed energy field (giving off light), and by the proper application of color to this energy field, a correction can be achieved, and with that correction comes healing.

Experienced and well trained chromotherapists use both color and light to balance the energy fields, and claim to effect a reversal of negative reactions manifesting in our composite physical, mental, and spiritual make up.

Although not yet proven by the modern scientific method, the chromotherapists believe that their methods are indeed scientific, and instruments to verify the results are not yet manifest. Furthermore, chromotherapists adhere to the belief that colors do indeed bring about identifiable emotional reactions in people.

The treatment in chromotherapy is in the application of color and light to specific areas on the body. The therapists believe that colors have both positive and negative effects on the body's energy fields; with some specific colors in specified doses can effect the actual healing.

The therapists use a whole range of color carriers and emitters such as gemstones, fabrics, prisms, light wands, and colored water in baths.

Here is a quick and easy guide, based on chromotherapists guidelines, as to the meaning of specific colors and their role in healing:

Red

Red is the color of life, associated with the sun and of fire. Red increases the heart beat (pulse) , raises blood pressure and the rate of breathing. Red would be used to assist all circulatory functions and is used with confidence to fight anaemia, asthma, diseases of the throat, chronic coughs, and other related illnesses. A person who emitting an excess of red could be very dominating, cruel, perpetually angry and anxious.

Orange

Orange is the color representing both empathy and sympathy. Chromotherapists claim remarkable results in the use of orange to treat mental illnesses of both depression, pessimism. Orange is also used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases s, appetite loss, and other diseases of the circulatory and digestive systems. A person emitting an excess of orange is often confused, tired and pessimistic.

Yellow

Yellow represents the sun. As the brightest of the colors that are commonly used in color therapy, it reflects light in all directions, and gives the feeling of detachment and liberation. Yellow cancels out feelings of heaviness or oppression. Yellow is also employed to treat diseases of the glands the lymphatic system It strengthens the nervous and immune systems. A person emitting an excess of yellow is often could confused and is both malicious, and devious.

Green

As green gives a gentle harmonizing effect, it is the color associated with calm and peaceful feelings. Green therefore is the color associated with concentration. Green is used, in the treatment of bronchitis, all manners of cough, arthritis. rheumatism , and edema. It is also believed that green has a positive influence on the treatments of all manners of cysts, diseases of the eye. and diabetes. Green further is said to promote the glandular processes, promote relaxation of the organs and stimulate general detoxification of the body. A person emitting an excess of green is lethargic, insecure and jealous.

Blue

Blue is universally the color of both peace and the unknown. Blue is said to have the power of putting our bodies and mind is a state of peace and rest. Thus blue is used for relieving headaches, stomach aches and muscle cramp. Blue is also used to treat the liver. Generally, blue is used against any form of pain. A person emitting an excess of blue is usually doubtful, distrustful, anxious and melancholic.

Indigo

Indigo has a cooling color effect that assists in one's intuitive powers. Indigo is effective in the ailments of the ear, nose and throat, and also mental problems. Due to its calming and cooling effect, Indigo is effective in cases of addiction. It is also said to help stop bleeding and to help open wounds to close. A persona emitting an excess of Indigo is often violent, irrational and a slave to his or her habits

Violet

Violet is universally considered the spiritual color, and thus the color associated with meditation. Violet is used as an aid in acupuncture; further violet is employed in the treatment of the lymphatic system and spleen. As violet also has a generally calming effect, it is used where a person is overly distraught and high-strung. A person emitting an excess of violet is often fanatical.

The fact that color is light the essence of life and we see and react to it before anything else is the basis of chromotherapy and is a fascinating subject, which will be the continually debated and researched in the alternative health community.

More free advice: For more infomrmation on health including chromotherpay and other alternative health topics please click here.

By sacha tarkovsky
Published: 11/25/2006

Setting up the Environment for Aromatherapy Massage
Massage is a highly therapeutic tool in its own right. When massage is used in combination with the healing qualities of essential oils it constitutes a powerful therapy affecting the physical, emotional and spiritual levels. During an aromatherapy massage emotions are often released alongside the accumulated knots and nodules. The tissues and the nervous system are able to 'remember' both physical and emotional trauma.
It is extremely important to pay particular attention to the environment in which the aromamassage is to be performed to derive maximum benefit from the treatment. Careful preparation and the right setting will make a good massage even better. Both the giver and the receiver should feel immediately relaxed. Always ensure that towels, cushions and oils are on hand so that you do not lose contact and thus break the flow of massage. An aromamassage should never be hurried.

Solitude and quiet

These are vital. Ensure that you choose a time when you will not be disturbed. Intrusions and distractions are extremely disconcerting, breaking your concentration and destroying the flow of your massage movements. Take the telephone off the hook and tell your friends and family not to enter the treatment room. You may decide to choose some soothing background music although this is a matter of personal preference.

Cleanliness

This is essential. Always wash your hands before the treatment, as any stickiness will be instantly obvious to the receiver. Make sure that your fingernails are short - trim them as far down as possible. Do not wear any jewellery on your hands. Rings, bracelets and watches can all scratch the receiver.

Warmth

The room should be draught-free and warm yet well ventilated. Nothing will destroy an aromamassage more quickly than physical coldness: it is impossible to relax when you feel cold. The room in which you give the aroma massage should be heated prior to treatment and, as the receiver's body temperature will drop, ensure that spare towels are at your disposal. Keep all areas of the receiver's body covered, other than the part on which you are working. Warm your hands if they feel cold.

Lighting

Soft and subdued lighting will create the ideal atmosphere. Bright lights falling on the receiver's face will hardly induce relaxation and will cause tension around his or her eyes. Candlelight provides the perfect setting or you may wish to use a tinted bulb. Choose from pale pink, blue, green, peach or lavender.

Colour

The most therapeutic colours to have in the room are pastel shades - pale pink, blue, green or peach decor and towels are perfect for the occasion. Colours such as red will tend to create unwanted emotions like anger and restlessness.

Clothes

Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothes as you need to move around easily and the room in which you will be working will be warm. White is the best colour to wear when giving an aromamassage since it will reflect any negativity which is released from the individual being treated.

Wear flat shoes or, even better, go barefoot. The receiver should undress down to whatever level he or she feels comfortable with. Suggest undressing down to the underwear. Point out that areas which are not being worked on will be covered up as this will create a sense of security and trust.

Finishing touches

Fresh flowers add a pleasant aroma to the atmosphere, or you can burn incense or essential oils prior to the treatment. Crystals may also enhance the environment. Rose quartz relaxes and soothes and amethyst is useful for absorbing negativity. You may put a drop of essential oil on to your crystals.

EQUIPMENT

Aromamassage surface

Work on the floor using a firm yet well-padded surface. This will allow you to give an aromamassage whenever you desire. Place a large, thick piece of foam, two or three blankets or a thick duvet on the floor. Use plenty of cushions or pillows during the treatment. When the receiver is lying on his or her back, place one pillow under the head and one under the knees to take the pressure off the back. When the receiver is lying on his or her front, place a pillow under the feet, one under the head and shoulders and perhaps one under the abdomen, if desired.

Ensure that you have something to kneel on to avoid sore knees. If you are unfortunate enough to suffer from back or knee problems it may be a good idea to invest in a portable couch. It is far less tiring and makes the receiver's body readily accessible. You could try improvising by using a kitchen table if the height is comfortable for you. Do not use a bed as most are far too soft and wide for massage purposes and any pressure applied is absorbed by the mattress.

By Michael Douglas
Published: 11/25/2006

Aromatherapy Herbs For Healing
Aromatherapy is a form of herbal medicine. It uses the scents in essential oils distilled from herbs, flowers and trees to improve health and vitality. Used properly, it can re-energize and rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. Aromatherapy comes in many forms. It can be used as oils, candles, lotions and soaps.

How Is The Scented Oil Extracted From The Plants?

Many herbs are used in the production of essential oils and waters for aromatherapy. Essential oils are the aromatic compounds found in the herb. They are extracted by distillation. There are different methods of this but they are all basically the same.

The herbs are put into water which is heated until it produces steam. This releases and then carries chemicals, including the aromatic compounds. The steam is then chilled in a condenser and the material left behind is collected. Oils (which will become the Essential Oil) floats to the top of the distilled water and may be scooped off.

The distilled water part is called hydrosol. If you want to buy a herb or flower 'water' the best kind is a hydrosol as this is the by-product of aromatic distillation. Many 'waters' are essential oils added to water or alcohol and are not as good as true hydrosols.

Treat Aromatherapy With Respect!

Many people think that because the scented oils have 'only come from plants' that they can use as much as they like. Essential oils are very concentrated and are usually measured in drops. Strength wise - one drop would equal the volume amount of two cups. Ingesting one ounce of essential oil could prove fatal.

Unless you are a skilled aromatherapist, it's best to use essential oils only on the skin. Always mix the drops of oil with a 'carrier' like sweet almond oil. Undiluted essential oil can burn the skin.

How Can Anything From Plants Be So Powerful?

Our pharmacology has developed from herbal medicine. Many medications in use today are still derived from plants.

There are more than 250,000 known plant species and yet less than 1% of them have been thoroughly tested for use in medicine. A quarter of our prescription medications are derived from this tiny 1%. The list includes morphine, atropine, ephedrine, warfarin, aspirin, digoxin, taxol, hyoscine - so plants are pretty powerful and care should be taken. Isn't it amazing to think what other helpful medications are out there and as yet undiscovered!

Growing Herbs For Aromatherapy

A large area of crops is needed to grow herbs for aromatherapy purposes. This is because when calculated on the weight of fresh herbs distilled, plants only yield between 0.01% and 2% of essential oil. So a lot needs to be grown and distilled to produce reasonable amounts of oil.

To produce essential oils, the requirements are the plants, good soil (often organic), irrigation, reasonable shelter from harsh weather, harvesting and distillation equipment.

Hints And Tips On Essential Oils

1. Always read and heed advice on the labels on essential oils.

2. Keep them out of the sight and reach of children.

3. Never put essential oils near the eyes.

4. Always dilute with carrier oil before putting on the skin - or it will burn!

5. Essential oils are for external application only. Don't ever ingest them.

6. As with any new skin preparation, test the oil first. Dilute a drop of essential oil with carrier oil and apply to the skin on your inner arm. If there is any irritation, discontinue its use.

7. Many herbs should be avoided by pregnant women and by people suffering some health conditions. Always check before use.

For more aromatherapy articles, click here. To submit your health articles to this article directory, click here.
     By Rebecca Prescott
Published: 11/22/2006

The Journey Through Cancer and The Seven Levels of Healing
"The Journey Through Cancer" describes a revolutionary approach to cancer treatment and recovery by a physician who is at the forefront of integrative medicine in cancer care. Board-certified oncologist Dr. Jeremy Geffen has many years of experience serving as a physician, guide, mentor, coach, and friend to thousands of cancer patients and their families.
The Journey Through Cancer and The Seven Levels of Healing®
By Jeremy R. Geffen, MD, FACP

As a medical oncologist, I have been honored to serve as physician, guide, and friend to thousands of individuals with cancer and their loved ones. Many heroic people have inspired and taught me a great deal about living courageously in the face of great challenges, and the unknown.

Through this process, I have come to understand the experience of cancer as a journey -- filled with ups and downs, periods of calm and tumult, and extraordinary opportunities for healing and transformation. I have also seen, again and again, what powerful roles the mind, heart, and spirit can play in impacting every individual's journey through cancer.

It is normal and common to feel overwhelmed by a cancer diagnosis, as anyone who has been through this experience can attest. Unfortunately, it is not yet normal or common for individuals and families to receive skillful, coherent, and comprehensive help in navigating the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of cancer. For many, this is a painful and tragically missed opportunity. But it doesn't have to be so.

Over many years of running an integrative cancer center, I was repeatedly asked: "Doctor, in addition to radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery, what else can I do to help myself? What should I eat? What vitamins should I take? What alternative therapies should I use?" And, "How can I deal with the mental, emotional, and spiritual challenges I am encountering?"

In searching for meaningful and practical answers, I saw an important pattern. I recognized that all questions and concerns encountered by patients and their loved ones fall into one of seven distinct, but inter-related domains of inquiry and exploration. I call these The Seven Levels of Healing® and describe them in detail in The Journey Through Cancer: Healing and Transforming the Whole Person. They are a powerful guide for navigating all aspects of the cancer journey, including the mental, emotional, and spiritual -- as well as physical -- ones.

The Seven Levels are briefly summarized below, along with some practical suggestions for using them right away:

Level One: Education and Information. Understanding your medical care is important to achieving the best outcome. Feeling clear and confident about your care helps put your mind at ease and enhances your ability to enter the deeper dimensions of healing. Find an experienced oncologist whom you trust, and who answers your questions fully. Don't make hasty decisions. Make decisions based on knowledge and understanding, not on fear.

Level Two: Connection with Others. This is a powerful component of healing. Family members can only do so much. Seek additional support from friends, clergy, and self-help organizations. Join a support group. Talk with others who have navigated the journey though cancer and found positive solutions.

Level Three: The Body as Garden. Conventional treatments remain the foundation of leading-edge cancer care. However, taking an active role in caring for your body also includes good nutrition, exercise, massage, relaxation, and other complementary therapies. These can nourish and strengthen the body, soothe and calm the mind, and invigorate the heart and spirit.

Level Four: Emotional Healing. Cancer can be an emotional roller-coaster. Everyone involved can experience feelings of fear, anger, depression, and doubt -- as well as gratitude and love. Keep a journal to explore and release your innermost feelings. Work with a counselor or therapist. Don't neglect your emotional self.

Level Five: The Nature of Mind. Mental anxiety is often another part of cancer. The mind can work for or against you, depending on your focus. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, examine your thoughts and beliefs and see if they are serving you. When fear and doubt are replaced with clarity and understanding, anxiety often diminishes. Ask yourself, "What are the blessings in my life? What am I truly grateful for?"

Level Six: Life Assessment. It is very empowering to discover the deepest meaning and purpose of your life, especially in the face of cancer. Answering three important questions can help clarify your priorities and liberate enormous time, energy, and resources for healing:

Aromatherapy Essential Oils - Methods of Extraction of Aromatic Essential Oils
Here is a guide to methods of extraction of essential oils from various plant sources...
There are several methods of obtaining aromatic substances from plant material, most of which are described below. But strictly speaking, essential oils are only those obtained by distillation or expression.

Distillation

Distillation is the most widely used and the most economical method of extracting essential oils. There is a great deal of skill involved in the process of distillation in the if the precious essential oil is not to be lost or changed in its composition. Some plants are distilled immediately after harvesting, whereas others may be left for a few days or even dried prior to extraction.

In distillation, the plant material is heated, either by placing it in water which is brought to the boil or by passing steam through it. The heat and steam cause the cell structure of the plant material to burst and break down, thus freeing the essential oils. The essential oil molecules and steam are carried along a pipe and channelled through a cooling tank, where they return to the liquid form and are collected in a vat. The emerging liquid is a mixture of oil and water, and since essential oils are not water soluble they can be easily separated from the water and siphoned off. Essential oils which are lighter than water will float on the surface, whereas heavier oils such as clove will sink.

Expression

This method is reserved exclusively for members of the citrus family such as bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, mandarin and orange. The essence yielded is found in small sacs which are located under the surface of rind. This process was originally carried out using simple hand pressure. The citrus essence was squeezed from the rinds and then collected in a sponge which, once saturated, was squeezed into a bucket. Due to the labour costs involved the majority of citrus oil is now expressed using mechanical presses.

Solvent Extraction

The process of solvent extraction does not yield essential oils. This method is employed for flowers, gums and resins and it produces 'absolutes' and 'resinoids'. The technique is used for higher yield or to extract oils that cannot be obtained by any other process. Jasmine, for example, is adversely affected by hot water and steam.

Absolutes

To yield an absolute the aromatic plant material (flowers, leaves, etc.) is extracted by hydrocarbon solvents such as benzene or hexane. The plant material is covered with the solvent and slowly heated to dissolve the aromatic molecules. The solvent extracts the odour and then the solvent is filtered off to produce a 'concrete'. A concrete is a solid, wax-like substance containing about 50 per cent wax and 50 per cent volatile oil such as jasmine.

To obtain the absolute the concrete is mixed with pure alcohol to dissolve out the aromatic molecules, and then chilled. This mixture is filtered to eliminate waste products and to separate out insoluble waxes. The alcohol is evaporated off gently under vaccum. The thick, viscous, coloured liquid known as the absolute is left behind.

Resinoids

Solvent extraction can also be used for gums and resins to produce resinoids. Resins are the solid/semi-solid substances which exude naturally from a tree or plant that has been damaged. Commercially, resins are obtained by cutting into the bark or stem, and the gum-like substance hardens once it is exposed to the air.

The natural resinous material is extracted with a hydrocarbon solvent such as petroleum ether, hexane or alcohol. These solvents are then filtered off and subsequently removed by distillation. A resinoid remains where a hydrocarbon solvent has been used (eg. benzoin resinoid). Resinoids are often employed by the perfume manufacturers as fixatives to prolong the aroma of a fragrance (as are concretes).

Enfleurage

The process of enfleurage also yields an absolute, although this method is virtually obsolete nowadays. It is very time consuming and labour intensive and, therefore, highly expensive. Formerly this was the main method of extraction for delicate flowers such as jasmine which continue to produce perfume even after they have ben picked. It involves the use of purified odourless cold fat which is spread over sheets of glass mounted in large rectangular wooden frames. Flowers are strewn upon this layer of fat which absorbs the essential oil. After approximately a day the flowers are removed to be replaced by fresh flowers. The process is repeated many times - even beyond months - until the fat is saturated.

Carbon Dioxide Extraction

The relatively new method was introduced only in the 1980s. The price is high because the equipment used is expensive. The process has been designed for the perfume industry. Oils which are extracted utilising carbon dioxide are supposed to be superior, pure and very close to the natural essential oil as it exists in the plant - and they are completely free of residues of carbon dioxide.

Hydrodiffusion/percolation

Hydrodiffusion or percolation is the most modern method of extraction. This process is faster than distillation, and the equipment is much more simple than that used for carbon dioxide extraction. Steam spray is passed through the plant material (which is suspended on a grid) from above. The emerging liquid composed of oil and condensed steam is then cooled. The result is a mixture of essential oil and water (as in the distillation process) which can be easily separated.

Maceration

For this process plants are placed into a vat of warm vegetable oil which causes the plant cells to rupture, causing the absorption of the essential oils. The vat is then agitated for several days. The resulting oil is filtered and bottled, and is ready for use as a massage medium. Examples of macerated oils are calendula, carrot and hypericum.

By Michael Douglas
Published: 11/8/2006

The Basics of Anti-Aging Skin Care
Learn the basics of facial rejuvenation and which active anti-aging skin care ingredients have been proven to be effective in rejuvenating aging skin. The very first question most people have when exploring the realm of anti-aging skin care is, "What skin rejuvenation products have been proven to be effective"?

Accurate information regarding the multitude of anti-aging treatments flooding the marketplace is the best way to make informed decisions for developing your own skin rejuvenation regime which incorporates the anti-aging skin care techniques, strategies and treatments that best address your personal aging skin issues.

The basics of effective skin rejuvenation begin with the facts on anti-aging treatments. There are several active ingredients that have been clinically proven to be effective skin rejuvenators. One of the most effective treatments is vitamin A derivatives such a retinol or retinyl palmitate.

The Retin A or Renova vitamin A treatments are the strongest although the most irritating treatments of the vitamin A options and are only available by prescription. If your skin needs major rejuvenation attention, ask your Doctor if you are a candidate for the prescription vitamin A treatment of Retin A or Renova.

If not, including one of the other retinol alternatives in your skin care routine is an excellent strategy. The concentration of over-the-counter retinol products can range up to 1%. The basic rule of thumb is, the higher the concentration, the stronger the treatment. Be forewarned though, read the directions carefully because the stronger retinol products can be quite irritating to the skin. Starting slow and gradually working your way up to higher concentrations will allow your skin to adjust to the treatments better. The vitamin A derivative, Retinyl Palmitate, is the less irritating of the Vitamin A options and is considered to have quite effective rejuvenating qualities.

The next most beneficial anti-aging skin rejuvenation treatment is a chemical exfoliant such as an alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) or beta hydroxyl acid (BHA) product. The most popular of these acids is an AHA glycolic acid. Glycolic acid should be use in concentrations of 8% to 15% depending on your skin’s sensitivity. Start out with a lower concentration and gradually move up to a 10% then 15% concentration depending on your skin’s tolerance in order to avoid irritation.

The last consideration is including an antioxidant to contain the skin damaging free radicals as well as to encourage overall skin repair. Products containing Vitamin C Ester, Spin Trap, or CoQ10 are all good options to explore. Then, of course, there are other viable anti-aging treatments which can be incorporated into your regime depending on your particular skin rejuvenation needs which include DMAE, Kinerase or Kinetin, and GHK Copper Peptides.

Finally, the most critical and essential aspect to any successful skin rejuvenation regime is sunscreen, at least once a day, each and every day!

Learn all about Anti-Aging Skin Care and Facial Rejuvenation at the Skin Care e-Learning and Resource Center which provides education on anti-aging skin care while focusing on skin rejuvenation strategies, techniques, treatment options and resources for aging skin care issues.

Skin Care Facial Products are of Immense Help of Aging Process
Vitamin based Herbal Skin Supplements are on the move now a days and coming up as the best as the top most ant aging skin care products. As the people grow older, they become more sensitive and dedicated to the skin and its tone and texture and most of all they remain conscious enough on the way they look. This practice lead the mankind to the top most anti aging skin care products that work for their skin. Skin care products are the essential part of the beauty regime.

Being the outmost layer of the human body skin faces all types of problems and pollutants like attack of the microorganisms, impact of the changes of weather condition while protecting our internal structure, immune system and body tissues at the cost of the skin texture and tone. It is very necessary to take care of the skin in order to avoid the skin deformities in the near future. Some people suffer from the wrinkles, a highest rated skin care products or the regime becomes more important as lack of cleansing and hygienic might lead to a flare up for the already infected skin due to excessive exposure in the sun. As it is established, people find this easy to take care of the normal skin and infected skin cleansing will find them in difficult condition.

Wrinkles and fine lines are the major concern for both the men and the women. These are the facts of life, choosing the certain life style can make the wrinkles and the furrows appear sooner with sign of premature aging. Exposure to the ultra violation radiation of the sun or from the tanning bed is a major cause of premature aging of the skin. In addition, doing this can cause malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Use only mild facial cleansers that contain moisturizing ingredients. Side effects include redness, burning, itching and scaling, which can last for a few months. In addition, it can cause photosensitivity. People should avoid sunlight and wear a sunscreen when outside in the sun. Stay away from soap, especially deodorant soaps, which are very drying to the skin. After you have washed your face, make it dry and use a moisturizer. Look for products that are oil free. Water based lotion is best for moisturizing the skin without clogging your pores.

Antioxidants help reduce the signs of aging on the skin. These are found in food, vitamins and skin care products. The best sources are vitamin A, C, E. Antioxidants destroy free radicals, which cause cellular damage, age the skin and cause skin cancer. There is evidence that they work best when combined along with the anti wrinkle skin care products. For example, vitamins C and E work better together than either vitamin alone. Vitamin A is often found in both prescription and over the counter topical ointments.

If we glare at some of the online pharmacy, their products incorporate with the various other vitamins along with A to fight premature aging process.

Slowing down your aging process by herbal remedies
Human being and the aging process are reciprocal. Get the process to widening the gap between these two. Skin is the barrier of the inner defense system and the outer layer of covering of the human body. It not only covers up our internal organs but also maintain our complexion. By the age and time the skin trends to loose its tone, texture and glow than it remains till thirty for the common people. While it comes to the factors what are the best composition for the face skin and its glow, there are numerous options for the anti aging products manufacturers but none of them is correct.

Everyone’s face is different and same product would not suit them. Best Anti Aging Products have more of less same ingredients for rejuvenation of the skin.

Smoothness and softness of the skin are mainly depends up the three major factors: one of them is the water content of the skin, sebaceous glands performance and the natural moistures present in the skin. Natural moisture retains the water on the skin surface, connecting it, or affects the cell protein configuration that comes up with the retention of water in the cell body. The natural moistures of the skin consist of urea, phospholipids, lactic acid, malonic, hyaluronic and pyrrolic carboxylic acid. There are few products that work in the deep layer of the skin. The Retin-A based products has the same capability. Vitamin C based skin care products are also well renowned to work in the deeper layer of the skin and work as the discount skin care products as we all aware of that from the earlier stage of the life. These products has got the aim to deliver the necessary nutrients, vitamins, anti-oxidants and healthy skin fat to redeem the skin as it was earlier in twenties and thirties. Skin cells do renew them selves by a certain time, but the formation of deep layer over on the skin surface is called as the dermis. The exfoliation of the dermis or the dead skill cell glows the skin or rather unveiling its color. Thus people look better.

The good news is that there are all natural products and the nutrients you can eat that support the growth of healthy skin, with a more even skin tone, less wrinkles, and less sagging. The natural products can be extracted from the following things and foods. Hazelnut oil, balsam peru essential oil, unrefined avocado oil and the neroti essential oil are the main things that can sort out the aging process and slowing down the aging process.