Garlic is an Ayurvedic herb that is truly multipurpose. Since prehistoric times, garlic has been used in treating number of diseases. Garlic is part of every Indian kitchen due to its healing properties. Garlic is supposed to be a divine herb and is a part of many classical Ayurvedic medicines. It is considered as one of the best herbs for maintaining the digestive tract to the optimum level.

Below are the some of the various applications of garlic.

· Cholesterol - Garlic is very helpful in lowering the cholesterol levels. It assists in lowering the LDL (low density lipoprotein). LDL is considered as the bad cholesterol as it deposits in the arteries that might lead to a condition known as atherosclerosis. Arthrosclerosis is a disorder in which plaque gets deposited in the arteries thereby blocking the normal flow of blood eventually leading to heart attack. Garlic is responsible for increasing the levels of HDL (high density lipoprotein). It is known as a good protein that helps in pacifying the affect of bad protein and helps in protecting us from major heart related troubles.

· Common cold and flu - Garlic is one of the best remedies for treating colds and the flu. It is a time tested remedy and has been used for this purpose for centuries. Garlic is highly potent and is a powerful agent that aids in suppressing any kind of infection present in the body. It improves the immunity of the body and is very helpful in protecting body from various ailments. It is also blessed with the properties that make it a mucolytic agent thereby expelling out the extra mucus that gets accumulated in the body.

· High blood pressure - Garlic is considered as the boon for people suffering from hypertension or high blood pressure. It is very helpful in maintaining the normal levels of blood pressure and also facilitates the proper circulation of blood throughout the body. It is also helpful in cleaning the plaque formation that occurs in the arterial walls in the body and is the root cause of heart attack. It is also very helpful in decreasing the increased lipid in the body their by manages triglycerides and cholesterol in the body.

· Natural mosquito repellent - Garlic contains a very peculiar smell that is due to presence of certain chemical agents that act as a natural repellent to mosquitoes. This property of garlic was widely used in India in ancient times to avoid mosquitoes interfering in the life of humans by causing disease like malaria, sickle cell anemia and various other disorders

· Powerful antibiotic - Garlic is well known for its antibiotic activities. Garlic is very helpful in suppressing any kind of infection present in the body especially in the blood. Though researches have also proved the action of garlic as aIn addition to being a broad spectrum antibiotic, garlic also has antiviral properties. In addition, bacteria will not become resistant as they tend to do with pharmaceutical antibiotics.

· Skin related ailments - Garlic is also helpful in treating the skin related problems as it is a good agent that curbs the infection in the body. It is also helpful in reducing any kind of pathogens in the blood and also improves the circulation. Due to this increased blood circulation the vital tissues and the skin gets fully nourished that leads to the good and glowing skin.

Author: Dr John Anne
About the author: Read more about the benefits of Holy Basil & Garlic - World’s Finest Portal on Ayurveda and Herbal Remedies

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The human skin has many important functions such as:

1. Protection: Your skin is an anatomical barrier between the internal and external environment in bodily defense.

2.Sensation: Your skin contains a variety of nerve endings that react to heat, cold, touch, pressure, vibration, and tissue injury.

3. Heat regulation: Your skin contains a blood supply far greater than its requirements which allows precise control of energy loss by radiation, convection, and conduction. Dilated blood vessels increase perfusion and heat loss while constricted vessels greatly reduce cutaneous blood flow and conserve heat.

4. Control of evaporation: Your skin provides a relatively dry and impermeable barrier to fluid loss. Loss of this function contributes to the massive fluid loss in burns cases.

5. Storage and synthesis: Your skin acts as a storage center for lipids and water, as well as a means of synthesis of vitamin D and B by action of Ultra Violet energy on certain parts of the skin. This synthesis is linked to pigmentation, with darker skin producing more vitamin B than D, and vice versa.

6. Excretion: The concentration of urea is 1/130th that of urine. Excretion by sweating is at most a secondary function to temperature regulation.

7. Absorption: Oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide can diffuse into the epidermis in small amounts. Skin is an important site of transport in many other organisms.

With such diverse roles, it is no wonder that the skin is subject to constant attack and can be afflicted by numerous ailments. The skin is the barrier between the world and our own body, between the outer and inner environment. There are many elements in the outer environment that can cause inflammation or breakouts. There is now no question that these accumulated toxins are behind nearly every disease, symptom, injury, and malfunction of the body.

Free radicals are highly reactive chemical molecules and participate in unwanted reactions, causing tissue damage, and destructive effects on the human body. Free radicals attack protein, lipid, and nucleic acids and lead to a reduction in their respective functions, thereby decreasing cell function, and finally causing organ failure. The road to disease can be paved with a slew of toxins and free radicals that can bind to enzymes at a cellular level and inactivate them so that the cell no longer functions optimally. When toxins are not eliminated, they are reabsorbed back into the liver.

The liver works by filtering toxins directly as well as altering them so that they can be removed during the various stages of detoxification. The liver filters toxins from about 1 liter of blood every minute. Some of these endotoxins (produced in the body), exotoxins (from outside the body), and wastes are sent to the kidneys or the colon. Other toxins, made up of compounds that are difficult for the liver to filter, must be broken down with enzymes so that they can be removed. A properly functioning liver is vital to your health.

Western medicine relies on aggressive prescription drugs and surgery to deal with many problems related to health and aesthetics. Unfortunately, these methods often result in unwanted and even dangerous side effects. And natural pills provide fleeting, inconsistent results.

Ayurveda, the science of life, prevention, and longevity, is the oldest and most holistic and comprehensive medical system available. Its fundamentals can be found in Hindu scriptures called the Vedas - the ancient Indian books of wisdom written over 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda uses the inherent principles of nature to help maintain health in a person by keeping the individual’s body, mind, and spirit in perfect equilibrium with nature.

India Herbs has a seasoned group of Ayurvedic doctors specialized in Vajikarana, one of the eight major specialties of Ayurveda. Vajikarana is “a process or a drug, which make a man as healthy as a ox and able to undergo many hours of physical rigors.” Vajikarana prescribes the therapeutic use of various herbal and tonic preparations for enhancing the condition of your hair, nails, and skin while strengthening your body and overall well-being.

India Herbs’ Vajikarana scientists combine a proprietary herbal formula based on centuries old wisdom with advice on diet, exercise, mental training, and relaxation to address the native inhibitory causes that affect hair, nail, and skin growth while helping both men and women reach their peak health and beauty through safe and natural means.

Results: The precise combination of ingredients in Radiancio along with a mind-body focus precisely addresses your health and beauty needs!

Author: S.A. Wilson
About the author: If you want to maximize your beauty or suffer from dull and fatigued-looking skin tone, acne, dry and lackluster hair, or weak and cracking nails, there is proven help available. India’s men and women have been reaping the powerful benefits of Ayurveda Medicine for the past 5,000 years!

http://www.india-herbs.com/aff/moremojo/radiancio

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You are a toxic cesspool of the lifetime accumulation of chemicals from air, food, and water. These accumulated toxins contribute to nearly every disease, sickness, and malfunction of the body.

Your body is like a city where the sanitation units are on strike. As the garbage bags pile up, the city slows down and if the situation were to continue to crisis proportions, unsanitary conditions would cause widespread illness, disease, and death among the population. The sanitation officers in our body that find and eliminate toxins comprise our excretory system (kidneys, intestines, lungs, skin, and liver). When they are severely overworked, they go on strike. When this occurs, waste and toxins buildup in your body, channeling of nutrients becomes inefficient, the situation compounds itself, and various disease states become inevitable.

The largest internal organ in the body is the liver. It performs many functions in addition to body detoxification. The liver works by both filtering toxins directly and by altering toxins so that they can be removed at other stages of detoxification. The liver filters toxins from about 1 liter of blood every minute. Some of these toxins are endotoxins (produced in the body) and exotoxins (from outside the body). These wastes are eliminated the kidneys or the colon. Other toxins, composed of compounds that are difficult for the liver to filter, must be broken down with enzymes so that they can be removed. A properly functioning liver is vital to your health.

Serious toxin overload can easily occur. Toxins released from the liver must leave the body through the colon. If a person is constipated, the toxins are not eliminated and are instead reabsorbed back into the liver. This occurs while new exotoxins are continually introduced into the body through medication, pesticides, cigarette smoke, pollution, impurities in food, bacteria, and other problematic substances in the environment; and new endotoxins are created in the body due to stress and lack of exercise. The road to disease is soon paved with an improperly functioning liver, gummed up excretory system, and a slew of toxins that bind to enzymes at the cellular level and neutralize them, so that cells no longer function optimally.

Western medicine relies on aggressive prescription drugs and surgery to deal with many problems related to body toxicity. Unfortunately, these methods often result in unwanted and even dangerous side effects. Natural pills provide only fleeting, inconsistent results.

Ayurveda, the science of life, prevention and longevity, is the oldest and most holistic and comprehensive medical system available. Its fundamentals can be found in Hindu scriptures called the Vedas - the ancient Indian books of wisdom written over 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda uses the inherent principles of nature to help maintain health in a person by keeping the individual’s body, mind, and spirit in perfect equilibrium with nature.

India Herbs has a seasoned group of Ayurvedic doctors specialized in Vajikarana. Vajikarana is “a process or a drug, which make a man as healthy as a ox and able to undergo many hours of physical rigors.” Vajikarana prescribes the therapeutic use of various herbal and tonic preparations for enhancing the capabilities and vigor of the your body’s detoxification system while strengthening the body and overall well-being.

India Herbs’ Vajikarana scientists combine a proprietary herbal formula based on centuries old wisdom with advice on diet, exercise, mental training, and relaxation to help men and women reach their peak and overcome their toxicity concerns through safe, natural means.

Results: The precise combination of ingredients in Ayurtox along with a mind-body focus precisely addresses your natural detoxification needs!

Author: S.A. Wilson
About the author: If you want to enjoy optimal health or suffer from fatigue, loss of energy, depressed appetite, allergies, muscle cramps, digestion problems, frequent headaches, and poor general health,
there is proven help available. India’s men and women have been reaping the powerful benefits of Ayurveda Medicine for the past 5,000 years!

http://www.india-herbs.com/aff/moremojo/ayurtox

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Depression is a common condition, affecting millions of Americans across all walks of life. Many are seeking relief through natural remedies for mild to moderate depressive states; healing from, or transforming through, these states can be effectively supported with ‘alternative’ medicine, especially when precisely applied. Pure essential oils have been studied in clinical arenas for their efficacy in lifting mild to moderate depressive states, with promising results.

Clinical research has shown that natural, pure essential oils stimulate multiple regions in the brain, including those controlling endocrine, immune, and limbic (emotional center) functions. Essential oils have a direct and profound effect on the deepest levels of the body, emotions, and psyche. Through inhalation, essential oils have a strong and immediate influence. Passing through the capillary beds of the sinuses and activating the olfactory nerves, the oils’ vapor, produces direct and powerful effects - the most immediate being on the emotions. Our emotions and our sense of smell have very strong ties - perhaps more than with any other of the other four senses. It is said that your body will react to a smell on a physiological level (excitement, sedation, etc.) before you can even think about it!

In both Naturopathy and Ayurvedic Medicine, essential oils are considered to enhance the flow of essential life force (the’Chi’) and brighten mental clarity and luminosity. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, essential oils in general are medicines for the Shen, the spiritual essence that resides in the heart. Used consciously, essential oils positively enhance mental and emotional states. Further, the medicinal properties of essential oils, through their ability to support healing of the physical body, can also be of great benefit to the heart and mind. A study on the effect of aromatherapy on pain in patients with arthritis found that receiving massage with essential oils significantly decreased both the pain AND depression levels.

Following are some oils that have a reputation for positively affecting Chi and Shen, directly influencing the state of the psyche and emotions. The oils may be used in aromatherapy massage blends (a particularly effective method incorporating the support of a caregivers’s touch), and diffused into any space for activation of the brain’s limbic centers.

Bergamot (pressed from the peels of bitter oranges) has a strong reputation for its ability to uplift the mind and emotions. In Chinese medicine, this is a result of balancing the liver energy or Chi; this organ being considered the center of the eternal soul. Bergamot has the ability to both relax the nerves and invigorate the spirit; with these actions, this important oil can be helpful for a variety of depressive condtions. Sweet orange, a close relative, works in a similar fashion, with a slightly sweeter aroma.

Neroli, distilled from the flowers of the tree producing the Bergamot fruit, also regulates the Chi - and like Jasmine oil, inspires a feeling of comfort. Neroli is called for where the depression is a result of nervous and emotional exhaustion. The aroma of Neroli may help access and release repressed emotions. Neroli is additionally indicated for individuals who, in order to escape from emotional pain and suffering, cut themselves off from their feelings and senses.

Chamomile is wonderful to use when the depression manifests in a moody, irritable, dissatisfied outward expression - generally ‘cranky’ - associated with stagnant liver-chi. This flower oil is earthy, rich, and grounding with subtle uplifting qualities. Chamomile can be most effective as a small component of other blends, creating a synergy of anti-depressant action.

When depression is of a Fire (overly aggressive) nature, it often involves an imbalance of (or distinct lack of) joy and love - the root emotions of the heart and mind. Joy is an extension of spiritual essence’s innate sense of harmony and perfection, an experience of emotional and spiritual well-being. Rose oil may have a profound effect on this state, and is thought the premier heart opening aromatic, bringing joy, uplifting and restoring balance.

The evergreen oils are freqently very pleasing to men. Black and Hemlock Spruce, Balsam Fir, Juniper and Pine essential oils are centering and inspiring to the mind and emotions. Diffusing these oils alone or in combination creates a welcoming, relaxing atmosphere, and many find these aromas help motivate them in completing otherwise arduous tasks at home or in the office.

What follows are a few recipes for uplifting and releasing depressed emotional states - use your intuition to find the right one. Most often in the therapeutic use of essential oils, the oil or blend you find most attractive will be the one that serves you best. Don’t be afraid to try new things, have fun, and enjoy yourself!. These blends may be used in a diffuser or in a massage base at 5% concentration (unless where a carrier oil is indicated) - blends with carriers are intended specifically for aromatherapy massage.

• For opening the heart:
  1 part Rose 3 parts Sandalwood 1 part Sweet Orange or Bergamot; also 3 parts Jasmine, 1 part Ylang Ylang, 1 part Sandalwood.
• For invigorating and inspiring:
  3parts Bergamot, 1 part Ylang Ylang, 1 part Grapefruit; also 2 parts Bergamot, 2 parts Clary Sage, 1 part Frankincense; also 3 parts Bergamot or Sweet Orange, 2 parts Clary Sage 2 parts
  Frankincense; also 1 part Lemon 1 part either Jasmine or Neroli.
• For nourishing or ‘comforting’:
  1 part (Roman) Chamomile 1 part Vanilla 10 parts in the carrier oil of choice.
• For uplifting and softening with a floral and earthy aroma:
  1 part Neroli 1 part Vanilla 1 part Orange 1 part Sandalwood; also 1 part Chamomile 1 part Bergamot 1 part Helichrysum.
• For depression with negativity, try Bergamot, Chamomile, Helichrysum, Neroli, Orange, or Spikenard.
• If there is a marked lack of joy, try Rose, Jasmine, Melissa, Patchouli, Rosemary or Ylang Ylang.
• If over-thinking and worry are causing blockage, try Cardamom, Frankincense, Lemon, Marjoram, Myrrh or Vetiver.
• For overwhelming regret and remorse, try: Clary Sage, Cypress, or Pine.
• For inability to cope with overwhelming situations, try: Rose Geranium, Ginger, Juniper or Thyme.

While aromatherapy can provide support in many cases, it may not be the answer for everyone. Seek professional assistance in any case where one is losing the will to live, or any other seemingly impossible situation. Aromatherapy has few contraindications, and can be used effectively as an adjunct to other treatments; one should consult their care giver to ensure there are no contraindications with any prescribed medication.

About the author:
More information on a great variety of aromatherapy applications is available at the author’s website: http://www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oils.html

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What is complementary and alternative medicine? Complementary and alternative medicine usually refers to practices that are not integrated into conventional medicine. Treatments in the category of complementary and alternative medicine are constantly changing. Treatments change when studies prove them to be effective or not.

Some of the treatments used in complementary and alternative medicine are:
* Homeopathy * Ayurveda * Acupuncture * Herbs

Are the treatments safe and will they work? Educate yourself before starting any new complementary and alternative medicine treatment, and always tell your doctor which ones you are trying.

The two terms complementary and alternative are often grouped together; however, they are not necessarily the same thing. An example of a complementary treatment would be something used along with the conventional therapies your doctor prescribes. Alternative therapies are generally something used instead of conventional methods. An example of an alternative therapy or treatment might be seeing a homeopath or naturopath instead of your regular doctor.

Some complementary and alternative medicine practitioners use similar principles to what your conventional doctor might do. Others might be quite different. The basic philosophies of
complementary and alternative medicine include:

• Your body heals itself
• Prevention is the most important element
• Learning and healing go together.

The complementary and alternative medicine practitioner sees himself or herself as a teacher and mentor to guide you. You are the one who does the healing. There are five broad categories the National Institute of Health uses for classification of therapies used by complementary and alternative medicine practitioners, they are:
* Healing Systems * Mind-Body Connections * Dietary Supplements and Herbs * Manipulation and Touch * Energy Therapies

Contrary to what you might think, most doctors are not opposed to complementary and alternative medicine. About half the doctors in the United States refer people to complementary and alternative practitioners.On the dark side is that some alternative medicine practitioners make exaggerated claims about curing disease. They may ask you to forsake treatment from your conventional doctor to use their unproven treatments. It is true also that some forms of alternative medicine can even hurt you. It is wise to educate yourself before using treatments, and always discuss your plans to use alternative and/or conventional treatments with your personal physician. Your doctor most likely is the best source to help you sort out the good from the bad.

Source: Mayo clinic (2006)Disclaimer: *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem.

Author: Connie Limon
About the author:Connie Limon. Please visit us at http://nutritionandhealthhub.com and sign up for our weekly health and nutrition tip. Articles are FREE to publish to your newsletters, website or blog.

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The term naturopathic treatment covers a broad range of modalities that come under the umbrella of alternative medicines. All natural therapies aim to work with the body in treating the cause of illness, not just the symptoms. Naturopaths treat people holistically, taking into account not only their physiology, but also psychology and lifestyle.

Some examples of healing methods that come under this umbrella would be acupuncture, both Chinese and western herbal medicine, Indian ayurvedic medicine, chiropractic and massage, macrobiotics and energy work such as reiki and thought field therapies. Some are more accepted by doctors as having something to offer patients in assisting with maintaining their health, while others are frowned upon as being useless scams.

Naturopathy as a label has only been around for about one hundred years, but most alternative healing methods it covers are tradition-based medicines that have been used for much longer than we can prove. Ancient Egyptians, Native American Indians and Aborigines, to name a few, have used what they find in nature to heal their people and some of their recipes are successfully used today.

It is important to remember that all potent and potentially harmful medicines that are pharmaceutically produced have some plant derived ingredients. They are simply concentrated to the point where they are very powerful and sometimes damaging. Naturopaths have a motto that has been used since the 1800’s and that is to “do no harm”. Where prescription medications can have long-term side effects and even cause short-term discomfort, Naturopathic medicines are subtle in assisting. They work with the body, not against it and positive results can be felt quickly.

A Naturopathic medicine for a common cold for example will be ingredients to enhance the immune system, to help the body decongest and reduce inflammation, and probably something that is antiviral and antibacterial to eradicate germs more quickly. The medicines they use only encourage the bodies own ability to do all these things itself. If you buy an over the counter pharmaceutical treatment, it may cover your symptoms, but can deplete the immune system, dehydrate you and give you a false impression of health so you don’t allow your body the rest it needs to recover.

If your immune system is able to beat any illness on it’s own, it will be more robust and capable next time it is faced with similar circumstances. Seeing a Naturopath when you are in good health can also be a great idea. You can discuss things like Naturopathic medicines for energy levels, sleeping patterns, moods and even homeopathic mixtures to prevent generic diseases which may run in your family.

There are many different ways they can help with general health, and the less stressed you are and the stronger your immune systems, the less likely you will be to get sick in the first place. Visits to the Naturopathic center are usually covered by health insurance, so you can get similar insurance benefits as you would going to any other doctor.

Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about naturopathic treatment.

Author: Heather Colman
About the author: [Copyright © 2007, Heather Colman. Find more of Heather’s articles at eBook Palace. Her articles are available for syndication. Reprinting individual articles is permissible provided no changes are made.

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Alternative medicines are coming back in a big way. The over dependence on allopathic and surgical methods to cure human maladies, and their corresponding side effects are encouraging patients to take to older and more natural means of cure. In order to relieve themselves of the painful and often futile solutions, which are offered by some of the allopathic procedures, a number of doctors are now prescribing natural treatments.

So, what are natural health therapies? Natural health therapies are as old as humankind and are perhaps the first curative methodologies to be recorded in human history. They depend on natural methods to solve ailments, without overt dependence on external elements. Today, any curative methodology depending on natural elements like herbs, plants and a set of exercises accompanied by naturally produced drugs, differing from the popular allopathic and surgical methodology comes under the purview of natural health therapy.

Also termed as Alternative Therapies in literature, these therapies try and cure the root cause of a problem, prevent the causes from recurring by advising a series of steps, and prescribe naturally available medicine like roots and herbs. Some of the common ones finding favor today are as follows:

Yoga as An Alternative Medicine
Yoga is a way of living. Yoga is a family of ancient spiritual practices that originated in India, where it remains a vibrant living tradition and is seen as a means to enlightenment. Today yoga is also seen as a natural way to keep healthy for prolonged periods by doing a set of asana and meditation. Asanas are the set of exercises, which form an important component in the holistic ways of Yoga. Greater evidence is being rediscovered from practicing gurus, which clearly suggest that Yoga is linked to better health and longevity. The set of exercises keep the body fit and the meditation keeps the mind calm. The perfect recipe for a happy body. Although originated in India, it now finds favor in the west.

Naturopathy and Ayurvedic Medicine
The use of naturally occurring herbs, plants and elements to cure diseases in the body is termed is naturopathy. The essence here is the word natural. The loss of vitamins and minerals in the body lead to its deficiency and naturopathy suggests that such deficiency must be replenished by natural means, or by plants and herbs available in nature. Naturopathy is often subscribed along with yoga and other forms of exercises. Ayurvedic medicines are made from the extract of roots and naturally occurring material like honey and its derivatives, leaves and plant extracts. The use of naturally extracted medicines finds mention in the history of a number of civilizations, but the word finds its roots in Sanskrit, an Indian language.

Homeopathy
The use of poison to cure diseases is the way of homeopathy. It finds increasing popularity in Eastern and South East Asian countries, although it originated in Germany.

Massages and Oil Treatment
This methodology finds mention in almost all the above procedures in some way or the other. Oil based massages are famous for their curative and relaxing properties, both to the mind as well as the body. Oils extracted from trees and roots are used in this therapy.

Acupressure and Acupuncture
The practice of finding pressure points or nerve points in the body and relieving the associated pain in the concerned organs in the body is an age-old therapy. It finds mention in Chinese, Japanese and European culture.

Music Therapy
Music therapy is known to be a relieving past time since time immemorial. Kings and paupers alike have patronized it and its known curative properties are many. It is primarily a mind relieving therapy.

There are plethoras of alternative natural health therapies existing in the medical domain today. One has to choose it based on ones requirements. There could be many advantages of using a natural therapy as opposed to the current allopathic and surgical ones.

by Isabel Baldry
Isabel Baldry is covering a range of topics for various publications. To get more information about natural health therapies please visit http://www.abcnaturalhealth.com/ .

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Meditation is healthy, safe and affordable. In fact it’s free. The only expense you’ll have is a meditation mat, which isn’t even necessary-at least from my experience. Meditation has been around for 5,000 years, and was originally a spiritual component of yoga. Through the years non-yogis adopted it, intuitively sensing and connecting the practice with greater peace of mind. Personally, I can’t say enough good things about meditation. Its use has rewarded me with less worry and much more energy. But I’ve never been one for anecdotal evidence. Let’s get to the science…

Transcendental Meditation
Recently, there’s an incredible amount of science tied into the benefits of meditation. The studies are endless and cover a variety of meditative practices. On Transcendental Meditation alone (mantra repetition) there are over 500 studies. Some are more noteworthy that others. A study in the Japanese Journal of Public Health found that through Transcendental Meditation, industrial workers sleep improved and their smoking decreased. Another study conducted at the MERU Research Institute, in Buckinghamshire, England found that the length of time practicing the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi program correlated with younger biological age and younger functional age.

Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation, which asks us to focus on our breath to facilitate awareness of the present moment, is another widely studied meditation technique. After studying the effects of 8-weeks of mindfulness meditation on participants, a 2003 report in the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine concluded: “A short program in mindfulness meditation produces demonstrable effects on brain and immune function.” Impressive, but fairly vague. To get a more committed response to the benefits of meditation we have to turn to Taiwan. In 2002 their journal Chang Gung Medicine reported that “training in MM may be a medically superior and cost-effective alternative to pain medication for the control of headaches with no underlying organic causes in highly motivated patients.”

Stress Reduction and Meditation
What causes these positive physical changes? To answer this, other research has looked at the specifics of what happens in the body during meditation. . Researchers at the Maharishi School of Management in Fairfield, Iowa, found that meditation has an enormous impact on stress reduction. When they examined a group who had meditated for four months they saw that they produced less of the stress hormone cortisol. They were therefore better able to adapt to stress in their lives, no matter what their circumstances were.

Having balanced cortisol levels is essential to mental and emotional health. Notice I say balanced rather than none. We don’t want to completely eliminate cortisol. If we did we’d be dead. Even low cortisol levels can be dangerous. Not enough cortisol is the identifying trait of Addison’s disease. John F. Kennedy had this condition, which he denied passionately during his presidency. Yet during his term he regulated his levels through hydrocortisone (synthetic cortisol). The reverse of JFK’s condition is called Cushings Syndrome.

The five most common and noticeable changes of this condition include; red face and puffy cheeks; excess fat surrounding the collar bones, muscle weakness, and hypertension. But we don’t have to have Cushing’s Syndrome to be damaged by extra cortisol. The changes we experience may be subtle variations of these. Plus, the changes caused by excess cortisol are age dependent. Young people may stop growing and teenagers can develop acne. The mature among us aren’t safe either. Since excess cortisol damages bone-tissue those over age 60 may develop fractures related to osteoporosis. So it’s evident that if we can regulate cortisol, especially through a natural process, we owe it to ourselves to try.

“The brain waves of meditators show why they’re healthier. Neuroscientists have found that meditators shift their brain activity to different areas of the cortex—brain waves in the stress-prone right frontal cortex move to the calmer left frontal cortex. In other words, they were calmer and happier than before.” Psychologytoday.com

Other Benefits of Meditation
Regina Drueding, MD, is a meditation instructor at Life Circles in Utah, USA. She quotes the benefits of meditation as follows: “more energy, improved quality of sleep, decreased anxiety, lessened chronological aging, improved concentration, improved visual acuity, increased alertness and heightened immunity.” She writes: “Besides the benefits mentioned earlier, meditation results in improvement of hypertension, sleep disorders, headaches, heartrhythm disturbances, chronic pain – pain due to cancer, infertility and irritable bowel syndrome. Following meditation, mental and physical refreshment result – and benefits are cumulative with regular practice.”

How to Meditate

Meditation is both simple and complex. It’s like defining the color orange: When you see it you know it. Similarly, the experience of meditation is best, well…experienced. In an article in New View magazine, Shippensburg University’s Dr. C. George Boeree describes the basics of Buddhist meditation. In summary, the beginner’s technique is as follows:

1. Sit or kneel comfortably.

2. The hands are loose and open with the palms up, one atop the other and thumbs lightly touching.

3. Head is upright. Eyes may be closed or open. If open they should focus on your hands or a spot nearby.

4. Beginning meditators should count upwards to ten on each exhale. Breathe in a relaxed and natural way. Then begin again at one and repeat. Continue to breathe naturally.

5. Continue for 15 minutes.

In my personal experience, I don’t find that the specific length of time is as important as repetition and persistence. To paraphrase, 10 minutes daily beats 15 minutes once a week. This brings me to another point: We all have different personalities and as such, different meditation approaches suit some more than others. Thankfully there are many varieties of meditation. Some varieties have sub-varieties.

Mindfulness meditation is one of these versatile practices. Perhaps it’s because its essence-awareness of the present moment-is so versatile. Mindfulness in our daily life can be practiced by slowing down and attending to our surroundings. What are our 5 senses telling us? We can use mindfulness in the middle of a hectic day, such as paying attention to our breathing when stopped at a traffic light. We can also use other everyday events as triggers for mindfulness. Buckling your seatbelt? Make this a reminder to return to the present. Really think about what you’re doing and the details of the experience.

The more traditional may benefit from a more formal mindfulness practice. You may sit in the identical form as in traditional Buddhist meditation- on a chair or kneeling. However, you may also sit with your legs crossed. Your eyes are closed and your posture is both straight and relaxed while your head remains upright. Focus on your breath and allow mental chatter to float by without regard. Thoughts, emotions and sensations will come, but don’t be influenced by them. Keep focused on your breath. If you are getting involved with your thoughts don’t worry-your efforts aren’t destroyed. The key thing is to bring your attention back to breathing and continue. This can go on for 5 minutes to 5 hours. It’s up to you.

Transcendental Meditation is another popular form of meditation. Generally, this type is practiced twice daily for a period of 15-20 minutes. Again, this technique involves sitting comfortably. Yet in contrast to basic Buddhist the eyes stay closed. Each student is given a mantra and is instructed to induce relaxation through use of this mantra. Since many of either can’t or won’t go to a formal TM class, a no-fail mantra I recommend is the classic OM. In The Heart of Yoga, T.K.V Desikachar writes that repetition of “OM” enables us to maintain mental and emotional calmness, overcome obstacles and enable understanding. It is the shortest of the mantras, and is said to be suggestive of God. If you’re uncomfortable with the religious aspects of OM I suggest a word that has positive meaning for you, such as love, calm or peace. Calm is an ideal substitute, since vocally it resembles OM.

Final Word
You may never, ever choose to meditate. Yet if this is your choice it may be valuable to question why. For a long time I was reluctant because of images of the dropout hippie 60’s. Yet when I tried it the experience overcame my reservations. If you try it the same may happen to you. If it doesn’t you haven’t lost any money, and you’ve gained a new experience.

“If you practice regularly, the benefits of meditation will promote a sense of calm and control, you’ll feel far more relaxed and happy. Your ability to concentrate will be greater. You won’t become stressed about things and you’ll feel more peaceful and relaxed about everything. One of the greatest benefits of meditation is learning to go with the flow and things that used to irritate you before simply become insignificant.” Project-meditation.org

Buy the: Folding Travel Zabuton Set

Resources:
Getting in the Gap: Making Conscious Contact with God Through Meditation (Hay House Inc., 2003)

The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh (Beacon Press, 1975)

Galina Pembroke

Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles

Author: KG Stiles. LMT, CAT, CBP, RBT

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“Vegetative dystony” is the term used to describe autonomic nervous system imbalance and its accompanying symptoms. Manifestations of autonomic nervous system imbalance include headache, hot flashes, irregular heartbeat, nervousness, depression and anxiety.

According to Dr. Andrew Weil medical vocabulary for imbalances of the autonomic nervous system do not exist in North American medicine. In both Germany and Japan however, two modern day industrial giants, acknowledge the condition and use the term “vegetative dystony.”

Our modern day lifestyle is one of chronic emotional and physical stress brought on by an increasing array of environmental toxins. These two conditions are cited as primary causes for autonomic nervous system imbalances and resulting hormonal disturbances.

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The “poor woman’s Rose Oil” Rose Geranium (Pelargonium roseum) has a fresh, slightly rosy scent and is excellent as a stand alone oil. As with other Geranium oils from Madagascar Rose Geranium mixes well with many oils and its effects are similar.

Geranium oil is known to be useful in regulating physical, mental, and emotional imbalances and has an especially calming and uplifting effect on the emotions. It is helpful for relieving depression, nervousness and fear. Geranium oil is also a first-aid oil that is welcome in any medicine cabinet. Geranium’s tonifying action helps relieve nervous emotional conditions like anxiety, confusion, depression, lethargy, enegy swings and tearfulness.

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It is such a sad tribute to modern medicine that we are so disconnected from our whole selves that we fail to think of our bodies, minds and souls as one. The medical system is so dehumanizing and objectifying that doctors have unfortunately succeeded in separating our bodies from our real selves for treatment.

While modern medical practitioners may believe themselves to be healers, only the human body is capable of healing itself. Likewise, a person cannot heal from emotional or psychological trauma if they are not willing to heal.
Medical doctors place bandaids over our injuries and can mend broken pieces and can even drug away the symptoms and pain, but true healing always takes place internally.

Rather than a single minded focus on healing itself, perhaps it is better to let it go and find patience and acceptance to achieve the deepest healing, as Heart of Healing suggests:

“An intensive focus on healing can result in the kind of goal orientation that makes it impossible to relax and enjoy what you have right now. I haven’t in any way abandoned my focus on health and healing — it’s a way of life for me, but I have been learning to let go of the outcome of my efforts. This kind of acceptance, for me, has become the ultimate meaning of healing.” Heart of Healing

There is a reason why music and art aid the physical healing process. People with pets heal faster. Laughter is truly the best medicine. Your mental state can drag your physical health up or down like a hot air balloon.

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