These problems were largely overcome after the publication in the Journal of Advancement in Medicine in 1993 of a study by L.T. Chappell et all, who looked at the effects of chelation therapy on nearly 23,000 patients. Of them, more than 85% showed an objective benefit from chelation therapy. Since that time, the number of success stories has continued to increase.

Unfortunately, the problem of toxins such as heavy metals accumulating in our bodies has also been increasing. We are repeatedly told by environmentalists that planet earth is getting more and more poisoned from the build up of toxins including lead, mercury, aluminum, cadmium, arsenic and others. The adverse effect on human health of these heavy and light metal poisons has become so great that a name has been assigned: Toxic Metal Syndrome. It has been estimated that more than 90% of all the people living in the industrialized world have at least one of the health problems associated with living in a toxic environment.

Listed below are only a few of the behavioral, structural and functional abnormalities linked to three of the most problematic toxic heavy metals:

Mercury
Depression, hallucinations, obsessive-compulsive behavior, chronic fatigue, suicidal and aggressive behavior, anxiety and attention deficit disorder.

Lead
Spinal cord alterations, kidney damage, increased heart rate, suppression of the immune system, birth defects.

Copper
Skin problems such as eczema and rashes, headaches, muscle pain, decreased red blood cell count, cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, convulsions and seizures.

Detoxamin EDTA works differently from traditional chelation therapies, in that it does not have to be administered as an intravenous drip in an outpatient environment by trained nurses or other medical personnel. Instead, Detoxamin EDTA is available in a suppository form that can be used in the privacy of one’s own home. In severe cases, it is recommended that one suppository be taken every night for 90 days.

For less severe cases, such as individuals who are interested in chelation therapy for prevention or anti-aging, Detoxamin should be taken every other night for 180 days. In addition, supplementation with vitamins, minerals and trace minerals should also be taken on a daily basis.

Author: Robert Scheer
About the author: Robert Scheer works as a free lance writer as well as consulting for the Detoxamin EDTA Info web site.

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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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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.

Image: Vancouver Acupuncture on Flickr.com

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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There have been alarming new reports that there has been an unexpected drop in male births. In fact a quarter of a million fewer boys have been born in the in the last 30 years in the USA and Japan. While this may may not seem particularly significant to your interest in detoxification, scientists are linking the phenomenon to exposure to and body accumulation of hormone mimicking pollutants.

Hormone mimicking toxins or gender benders, as they are often known, appear not to be easily eliminated naturally through the body’s detox pathways. They build up and interfere with the way your glandular system functions. This may contribute to painful and distressing conditions such as endometriosis, dysfunction of ovaries, infertility, miscarriages, excessive menstrual bleeding as well as estrogen driven cancers.

These pollutants which include pesticides, dioxin and methylmercury from many industrial sources as well as seafood are thought to be related to the fall in sperm counts and increasing testicular cancer especially in young males. Unborn male babies may more sensitive to the effects of these hormone mimicking pollutants than females and may result in more deaths around the time of birth. The ratios of male to female births are particularly skewed in areas that are close to petrochemical plants.

Bisphenol A is a common estrogen mimic and is ingested by practically everyone who eats canned foods or drinks from a can or hard plastic water bottles. The substance is used in the linings of food and drink cans as well as dental cements. Plastics have revolutionized our lives but scientists are beginning recognize that we may now be paying the price of convenience. Bisphenol A levels were found to be 3 times higher in women who had miscarriages and dysfunction of their ovaries than other women.

Recently blood samples taken from the cord blood of newborns were found to contain 287 industrial pollutants many of which were found to be toxic to the brain and nervous system. 180 are known to cause cancer. 208 were found to cause birth defects in animals. As usual the plastics industry is disputing the research findings in spite of a lawsuit being brought against 5 manufacturers of plastic baby bottles.

The facts surrounding this story only go to heighten the fact that we have to be careful what we put into our bodies and the bodies of our young children and how important it is to ensure that we try to detox them. Couples thinking of having a baby should be particularly concerned with detoxing their bodies prior to even trying to conceive.

The best pre-conceptual care programs insist on 6 months preparation for both parents or a minimum of 3 months. Men often wonder why they should be included but the quality of the sperm as well as the quantity is influenced by chemicals in the body as well as the nutritional status.

Mercury is not the only toxin lurking in oily fish. Scientists have just discovered that diabetes may be linked to the toxic chemicals DDT and PCB’s that pollute the seas and accumulate in oily fish. Studies have shown that the people with the highest levels of chemicals in their bodies are more likely to develop this disease.

Here my 10 top tips for avoiding these gender benders and the havoc they bring to your hormone health.

1) Examine the recycling symbol on the bottom of plastic water bottled if you reuse them. The colorful hard bottles with a #7 favored by many may leach Bisophenol A into the liquid. A #2 HDPE (high density polyethylene), #4 or #5 should be fine. #1 is for one time use only as the plastic breaks down with further use. Use glass bottles where possible.

2) Check all your plastic food containers as well and store food, especially oily food, in glass or ceramic dishes.

3) Eat an organic diet where possible but always a balanced wholefood one.

4) Avoid the 7 fruits and 5 vegetables that according to recent research from the Environmental Working Group in Washington consistently have the highest level of pesticide residues - peaches, apples, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, and grapes that are imported from outside the United States and Canada, sweet bell peppers, celery, spinach, lettuce, and potatoes..

5) Concentrate your diet on the 6 fruits and 6 vegetables with the lowest pesticide residue - pineapples, mangoes, kiwi, bananas, papaya, onions, sweet corn, asparagus, sweet peas, cabbage, and broccoli.

6) Avoid oily fish and replace your omega 3 essential fats with supplements that are guaranteed pure and free from chemicals and toxic metals.

7) Avoid toluene in some nail polishes and perfumes, DEHP in many perfumed products, the preservative parabens in personal products and use only organic or products containing natural ingredients.

Only use plastic babies bottles that are designated Bisphenol A free or use glass ones. Avoid plastic teething rings and prevent babies from chewing on other plastic toys.

9) Avoid bleaches and other chemical based household cleaners. Use environmentally friendly ones instead.

10) Follow regular detox programs and include foods that support the liver sulfation pathways - broccoli sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, onions and garlic. Also include a good liver detoxification support supplement and consider DIM (Diindolylmethane) or Cacium -D-Glucarate supplements to help balance estrogen and detoxify the estrogen mimics. Get the advice of a nutritional doctor, naturopath or nutritionist if you have serious problems with your hormones.

It is recognized that some people have a better capacity for the detoxification of chemicals than others but by avoiding chemicals as much as possible and following regular detox programs many hormonal conditions can be prevented or considerably improved.

To learn much more about detoxification get my brand new Free Report at http://www.thedetoxspecialist.com.

(c) Sandy Halliday 2007

Sandy Halliday, a former nurse, is a nutritionist and health researcher with over 20 years experience in various methods of detoxification. She is passionate about the prevention of disease and aging and the improvement of many health conditions with regular, effective detoxification. http://www.thedetoxspecialist.com

Buy the Book: The Detox Box
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