A diet comprised of 100% uncooked food when used for the purpose of detoxification of the body is referred to as a raw food detox diet. Detoxification or detox refers to the process of elimination of toxins - produced either internally from metabolic wastes or coming from external sources such food and environment - that get accumulated in the body over a period of time, giving rise to a host of diseases.

A raw food detox diet primarily includes vegetarian or vegan foods, though sometimes meat and fish may be allowed too if one can manage to eat them raw. Such a diet promotes the elimination of harmful substances from the body through the body’s excretory organs like kidneys, bowel and skin.

How a raw food diet detox works
The principle behind a raw food detox diet is the belief that food in its natural uncooked form has all the vital nutrients and enzymes intact, whereas cooking by conventional methods devitalizes the food due to breakdown of these substances. In a sense, raw food is a kind of living food, with a latent life force that under appropriate conditions facilitates germination and growth of a new plant from a seed.

Advocates of the raw food diet detox believe that when the body is fed with foods that are rich in life force, digestive enzymes, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, while at the same time being deprived of devitalized and toxin-laden foods, it gets into the self-detoxification and cleansing mode.

The problem with cooked foods
When food is heated to temperatures above 117 ºF (47 ºC) for more than a few minutes: (i) a substantial amount of vital digestive enzymes and nutrients get destroyed; (ii) proteins get denatured and coagulated, causing deficiency of many amino acids; (iii) fats when overheated result in the formation of carcinogenic substances.

When the food is cooked in water, the water-soluble minerals get lost due to leaching (even more intensely if one adds salt while cooking), unless one uses the leftover water for gravies or soups. In fact, scientific studies have shown that many of the vegetables lose their antioxidant benefits when boiled or microwaved.

It only gets worse when it comes to ready-to-eat commercially manufactured foods, which may even contain highly detrimental substances like acrylamides. It is for all these reasons that a
raw food diet has emerged as the favorite detox diet.

What constitutes a raw food diet detox
The following foods should be eaten while on a raw food detox diet:

• Whole organic fresh fruits and vegetables(preferred over juices)
• Herbs and wild greens
• Sprouted grains, pulses and seeds
• Nuts soaked in pure water for 12 hours * Sea plants like Nori, Dulse, Kelp, Algaes
• Foods dehydrated at room temperature so as to preserve life force, enzymes and nutrients
• Herbal teas, preferably organic

What to expect while on a raw food detox diet
There could be many health reasons for which people go on a raw food detox diet: e.g., weight loss, general health improvement, and chronic health problems arising from accumulation of toxins in the body (such as joint pains, headaches, chronic fatigue, constipation, etc.).

During the first two weeks of the raw food diet detox when the process of detoxification starts, initially one is likely to experience some negative detox reactions, such as nausea, headache, tiredness, coated tongue, foul breath, skin eruptions, depression, etc. This is because of the released toxins; it is very important to drink lots of water, take plenty of rest, and resist cooked food - otherwise, detox will discontinue. In the next phase, one starts experiencing the benefits of detoxification.

Benefits of a raw food detox diet
The following benefits are experienced after going on a raw food detox diet:

• Feel rejuvenated and energetic with increased stamina
• Improved digestion and stable blood sugar levels
• Reduction in joint and muscle pain
• Improvement in concentration

Conclusion
Sticking to a raw food diet detox plan is not difficult: a whole range of raw detox foods are available in health stores and farmers’ markets. And there is a wealth of information available
on the Internet, books/magazines to motivate and help you. Learn more about detoxification in my brand new free ebook at http://www.thedetoxspecialist.com

Author: Sandy Halliday
About the author: Sandy Halliday, a former nurse, is a nutritionist and health researcher with over 20 years experience with many different types of detoxification. She is passionate about the role of nutrition and detoxification for the prevention of illness and aging as well as the improvement of many health conditions.
Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/wiedmaier/138381828/

Modern diet and lifestyle has affected the human body a great deal. White flour, meat and fiberless foods have taken their toll on the human digestive system. A major part of the food is absorbed in the intestine. If the intestine does not function properly, then the entire body suffers. Colon Cleanse is a safe and natural way of removing accumulated waste from the digestive tract.

Methods for Colon Cleanse:
With so many options for Colon Cleanse available, you can choose any of them for detoxifying your digestive system. Juice fasting, enema, and the use of laxatives are some of the simplest methods of Colon Cleanse. For best results, you should go for Colon Cleanse at a retreat, but if you cannot, then the following methods can be tried at home.

Juice Fasting
Juice fasting for Colon Cleanse is more beneficial than simple fasting. This is because the high fibers found in vegetables and fruits are ideal for cleaning up the colon. However, they are harder for the intestine to digest. This leads the intestine to overwork itself when people eat just fruits and vegetables for colon cleansing.

An essential part of colon cleansing, apart from removing the toxic waste from the digestive system, is to let the system rest. High fiber foods do not allow the digestive system to rest. This is why consuming fruit juice is seen as more beneficial for colon cleanse than consuming whole vegetables or fruits.

Enema
Enema involves washing out the colon with water to remove toxic waste. Enema is one of the most effective methods for colon cleanse. Enema kits are available in the market. These can be used at home for colon cleansing. The first time you use an enema kit, you may feel slight cramps, but this is simply because the hard waste inside the colon is being removed.

Laxatives
The fibers found in fruits and vegetables are indigestible, so they behave like natural laxatives, helping flush out the waste from the colon. Sometimes, the fibers in fruits and vegetable cause diarrhea or cramps, so switching to enema is a safer method. Other safe laxatives are prune juice and senna tea. However, you must consult your health care specialist before using these methods.

Colon cleanse is something most people may hesitate to talk about, but once you undergo the therapy, you can feel the difference it makes to your lifestyle. You feel energetic, enthusiastic and less lethargic. Those with irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and other chronic problems of the digestive system find almost instant relief after they undergo a colon cleanse.

Author: Barney Garcia
Barney Garcia writes about colon cleanse and detox diets. Visit
http://www.help-colon-cleanse.info/ and
http://www.colon-cleanse-online.info/

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/fl4y/2575300395/

A video primer on reflexology.

The use of herbal formulas to cleanse and detox the body has been used throughout the world and throughout the ages. Herbs can be used alone for their individual functions or together for a more complete cleanse. They are often used in conjunction with a fasting detox to accelerate and enhance the cleanse.

Herbs come in many forms such as tinctures, teas, powders, fresh, or dried. They can also be purchased as combinations as part of a cleanse program. Please be aware of potential drug interactions prior to taking any herbal remedies and check with your physician if you are pregnant or nursing.

Some of the more commonly used detox herbs are:

Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle helps cleanse the liver from alcohol, drugs, heavy metals as well as protecting the liver from future toxins. It is also a mild laxative and soothes and moistens mucus membranes.

Spirulina
Spirulina is actually a very safe whole food (not an herb) and can be eaten every day. It is a blue/green algae containing chlorophyll which is known as nature’s green magic for its cleansing capabilities. It also builds the immune system, lowers cholesterol, rebuilds intestinal flora. Effective in eliminating heavy metals and dioxins, spirulina is also a terrific source of protein, beta carotene, iron and GLA (an essential fatty acid).

Red Clover
Red clover cleanses the blood, increases urine & mucous production, improves circulation, and stimulates bile production.

Echinacea
Echinacea is used to cleanse and detox the lymphatic system.

Licorice Root
Licorice Root cleanses the colon, supports lung & spleen function, and promotes adrenal gland function. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and increases mucous fluidity in lungs.

Dandelion
In addition to dandelions many nutritional benefits, it provides urinary & glandular benefits, acts as a liver & kidney tonic and as a blood purifier.

This preceding list is a very small selection of helpful detoxing herbs. To learn more about herbal cleansing please visit the following site: Herbal Detox: www.healthrecipes.com
Author: Sheryl Lyon
Image: NYC - Queens - Flushing: Queens Botanical Garden - Herb Garden

A very effective method of detoxing the body that can be used alone or in conjunction with fasting and/or herbs is sweating. This is done through the use of saunas, steam rooms and hot baths.

Profuse therapeutic sweating is one of the most natural ways to assist your bodies natural detoxification because perspiration is designed to eliminate waste from your body. Skin has been called the “third kidney” for its incredible waste removal capabilities.

The increase in body temperature caused by these techniques induces an artificial fever. This increase in temperature leads to an increased immune system function, increased production of white blood cells, increased metabolism, and increased heart rate and blood flow. Many believe that toxins lodge in fat cells beneath the skins surface. Sweating is the easiest and closest exit point for these toxins.

Although steam rooms and hot baths can feel hotter than a dry sauna because of the humidity, the temperature is actually lower and much of the water you feel on your body is condensation rather than sweat. For this reason, many experts recommend FIR infrared saunas instead. In addition, infrared saunas are more energy efficient, offer a high comfort level, and usually provide a deeper penetration of heat which in turn provides a more substantial detox.

Dr. Mercola recommends far-infrared saunas and even includes instructions on how to build your own simple sauna for home use for under $75.

If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant please exercise caution when using steam, saunas, hot tubs, or baths. Hyperthermia (increase in body temperature) is linked with fetal neural tube defects especially during the early weeks of pregnancy. Some countries like Germany routinely recommend the use of saunas for pregnant women so blanket statements about safety certainly do not apply, but if you do decide to use a sauna, do not spend more than 10-12 minutes in the heat and then be sure to cool down completely.

Learn more about sauna benefits at:
www.mercola.com
www.wikipedia.com/sauna

Image: Finnish Sauna Society

By: Joel

Sprouting has long been known to provide numerous health advantages to individuals that incorporate fresh, organic sprouts into their daily diet. Organic sprouting is the process of soaking seeds in pure water, properly draining and then rinsing with more pure water until they mature into sprouts. There are many varieties of seeds that can be sprouted for food. The following outlines a few of the most common:

• Alfalfa
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Garlic
• Mustard
• Wheat
• Peas
• Radish
• Soybean

Health professionals everywhere agree that sprouts are excellent for providing the body with key nutrients. These nutrients, such as various vitamins, proteins, important amino acids and minerals, are the building blocks of life for the various functions within the body. Furthermore, when sprouts are grown organically, the seeds are not introduced to any common chemicals. This means that when they are consumed, dangerous toxins are not introduced to the body.

The raw food lifestyle continues to grow in popularity as doctors and dieticians agree that it is safe and effective. When a person consumes the diet that consists of raw foods, they are less likely to experience various sicknesses, diseases, and similar conditions. Organic sprouts are a very successful component of a raw food lifestyle. Sprouts can assist in weight loss, preventing heart disease, as well as preventing many different kinds of cancers.

“In a nut shell (no pun intended) the main benefit of sprouting is that it takes a seed or nut in the dormant state and brings it to life. During the sprouting process new and higher quality proteins and other nutrients are produced. Tests have shown that the nutrients in seeds and nuts are anywhere from 50% to 400% greater after sprouting or soaking.” The Benefits of Sprouting; EZhealthydiets.com

Many people enjoy growing their own sprouts. When you grow your own sprouts you can create sprouts that you like for a fraction of the cost of buying sprouts in the store. To begin your own organic sprouting, you may like to try the Easy-Sprouter. With the Easy-Sprouter you do not have to have any experience and it requires no rinsing. The Easy-Sprouter is inexpensive and efficient and allows anyone to perform organic with NO experience.

The Easy-Sprouter creates an ideal environment for growing for a wide variety of seeds. There is no need to have a strong knowledge of sprouting and you can grow healthy sprouts with no experience. I believe, using this method of sprouting, you are saving yourself a lot of time and money and making a useful contribution to the environment.

If you are interested in reaping the health benefits associated with organic sprouting, there are many ways to do so. You can purchase these sprouts locally, at your local grocery store or simply grow your own. The growing process can be relatively frustrating if you have little or no experience, so, if you choose this method, it is best to use a sprouter. The Easy - Sprouter will make doing your own organic sprouting easy and convenient! Those who have no experience whatsoever in organic sprouting can greatly benefit from using this particular instrument. This will allow you to enjoy your food relatively cheaply, and share your creations with those that you are close to.

“More and more people are discovering the benefits that can be received by adding to the diet the condensed energy hidden within the seed and released in the form of sprouts. The Western Wisdom Teachings stress the importance of nutrition, not only for the health of the physical body, but also as an aid to one’s spiritual sensitivity. Therefore, anyone aspiring to the higher life should be aware of the healthful benefits to be obtained by the use of sprouts.” Sprouting for Health; rosicrucian.com

Purchase the Freshlife Automatic Sprout Grower
Purchase the EasySprouter

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

Don’t Miss!! Outstanding ,no cost Information from Gene Monson. Gene Monson is the inventor of the EasySprouter. Don’t reprint this article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.

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

Effective research and clinical evaluation has been done in Germany on the main chemical component, alcohol geraniol found in Geranium oil. The results of these studies show successful treatment for autonomic nervous system imbalances. The autonomic nervous system stimulates our hormonal production and response. Therefore, autonomic nervous system balance is an essential KEY for healthy functioning of the body, mind and emotions.

“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.

There are many varieties of Geranium oil available. Geranium oils from Madagascar are by far the finest available and most researched for their therapeutic effect of balancing hormones. The Bourbon variety of Geranium oil from Madagascar is considered by many to be the most desirable for hormonal balance. Geranium Bourbon has an especially heady and sensual aroma that will energize your senses.

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.

Geranium oil also gently balances extremes. When you are feeling out of sync try Geranium oil to gently reconnect with yourself. Geranium oil is an effective aid for re-establishing your body’s own natural rhythms.

Geranium oil can be used to help in the treatment of acne, bruises, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, hemorrhoids, lice, as a mosquito repellant, ringworm, ulcers, breast engorgement, edema, poor circulation, sore throat, tonsillitis, PMS, menopausal problems, stress and neuralgia. Essentialoils.co.za

Women have used Geranium successfully for years to relieve premenstrual conditions and to smoothly navigate the menopausal period. Geranium has been used to treat an assortment of symptoms, including hormonal imbalances, premenstrual tension and a variety of menopausal conditions. The oil also relieves congestion - especially of the breast tissue and improves circulation.

Because Geranium oil is excellent for stimulating and cleansing the lymphatic system, it promotes a healthy immune system. It also promotes detoxification and is helpful for overcoming addiction, constipation, indigestion, fluid retention and it may relieve phlebitis and inflamed hemorrhoids.

Geranium is even excellent as a treatment for all skin types! Its regulating properties make it useful for balancing too oily, dry or combination skin types and also soothes sensitive or irritated skin. Geranium oil is useful for treating the following skin conditions: ringworm%

We are now living in a polluted and “chemicalized” world. The truth is that we are actually destroying our planet with artificial chemicals, toxins and materials that will never biodegrade. Don’t do the same with your body.

A Detox Diet will help rid your body of toxins found in the air. There are a multitude of toxins in the air and you are struggling under multiple environmental toxins with each breath you take. In 2002, US facilities released 4.7 billion pounds of toxins into the atmosphere. Whats worse is that 72 million pounds were known carcinogenss.

We also need to worry about global air pollution. Studies show an alarming amount of made-in-China pollution rides to America on the jet stream and ends up in our lungs. It seems that absolutely clean air is impossible to find anywhere on planet earth today.

Gasoline and diesel fuels contain toxic substances that can cause adverse health effects in people. Diesel exhaust is particularly concerning as it contains over 40 different substances identified as toxic air contaminants that have been linked to lung cancer. Air pollution is associated with more than just cardiovascular disease. It is also implicated in cancer, arthritis, asthma and premature death.

Our water also contributes to our chemical body burden. “Chemicalized” water is one of the factors that causes toxic overload. Here are some of the substances you may be drinking on a daily basis: chlorine, fluoride, pesticides, chemicals and heavy metals used by industry and agriculture, in addition to the second hand pharmaceuticals recently confirmed in many municipal drinking water sources.

Unless you eat strictly organic, the food you eat is also contributing to your toxic burden. Chemicals released by coal-burning power plants find their way into the food chain. Once released into the atmosphere, mercury, a highly toxic metal, settles in lakes and rivers, where it readily moves up the food chain to humans.

10 percent of American women carry mercury concentrations that can put a fetus at risk for neurological damage. Exposure to high levels of mercury can also harm our brains, hearts, kidneys, lungs and immune systems.

On top of that, commercially grown food is loaded with pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. With developing immune and nervous systems, children are the most susceptible victims. Research found that 84 percent of fruits and vegetables given to children at school contain one pesticide and 65 percent of the samples contain two or more pesticides. Every day an estimated 1 million children eat or drink unsafe levels of chemicals from food.

These poisons used in modern farming are known to cause cancer, birth defects, infertility and nervous system damage.

Although we have banned a few chemicals here in America such as DDT, chlorobenzilate, hexachloro, and aldrin, they are still making their way here through commercially grown foods from developing countries like Mexico and imported right back here. Know that more than half of winter produce comes from Mexico.

There was a point in time, as recently as fifty or so years ago when our bodies were capable of clearing daily exposure of toxins. That is no longer the case because we are inundated with unregulated, toxic chemicals in our air, water, food, cosmetics and personal care products. When our toxic load reaches a certain point, damage to the immune, neurological, and endocrine systems is inevitable.

While this all seems overwhelming, there are ways to approach the problem. A Detox Diet two to four times a year will make a huge difference not only for your health and the quality of your life, but also for the future of your children.

Buy the DVD: Detox to a Healthier You

Cathy Vignola (http://cathyshealthtips.com) is a staunch advocate for healthy living and an energized, productive lifestyle. Whether it’s finding the healthy diet right for you or which beneficial energy boosting supplements are the most effective, Cathy’s sound advice will help you make the right decisions in your body’s nourishment.

As a certified Holistic Health Counselor accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP) she has the qualification to make proper suggestion on virtually anything plaguing your body’s productivity.

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

Author: Paula Rothstein

It was not until I became pregnant with my son that I began to scrutinize a world overrun with chemicals. I thought I would be done with the research portion of the program following a few hours on the internet one Saturday afternoon. Three years later, stacks of books, newspapers, magazines, countless hours following online leads, numerous conversations with environmental advocates, I am no closer to understanding chemical exposure but I have added reason to be concerned.

Environmental scientists have been sounding the alarm for years but not much is being done to stop the poisoning of our supply of food, air, and water. For every step forward we take, we slip back even further as thousands of new chemicals are introduced each year with almost no testing being done as to how these chemicals will react when combined together.

During this journey I have learned that it is not only the future at issue but where we are right now. Consider today’s escalating disease statistics and if you delve just a little bit deeper than acknowledging sickness and disease is running our economy and our lives, you will see that chemicals and a varied mixture of chemicals are at the ship’s helm determining our course and will continue to do so long into the future.

When I learned that a vast majority are not similarly concerned at the daunting statistics associated with chemical exposure, it occurred to me that when evidence is unpleasant and would require too great an effort to change the outcome, one inevitably redefines what is normal. Apparently it is now normal to have bodies that deteriorate after death at a slower rate because of all the preservatives contained therein!

It is normal to have our infants and small children injected with dangerous chemicals, such as mercury, aluminum, MSG, and formaldehyde - chemicals linked to disorders ranging from brain and nerve damage to autism and attention deficit disorder - and call it vaccination from disease.

Apparently it is now normal to be surrounded by people with chronic ailments, drugging symptoms into submission until the next symptom emerges (as a side effect) and needs another drug to suppress that symptom. Conditions such as fibromyalgia, autoimmune disorders, multiple chemical sensitivities, osteoporosis, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s Disease, ADD/HD, autism, brain tumors, crippling pain, not to mention frequent colds and viruses, strep throat, ear infections, and subsequent overuse of antibiotics and pharmaceutical drugs. I do not even work in an industry that is at high risk for chemical exposure but the topic of disease has now replaced “water cooler chatter”.

It is now normal to be young and yet have attended several funerals of friends who have died of cancer.

I began to study nutrition and supplementation like I have never studied it before - and I was no slacker during previous years. My son was not going to succumb to a life of ill health - not on my watch! And as I implemented my strategy I quickly learned that I did not have the support of my peers, medical advisers, corporate America, government, and certainly not the pharmaceutical drug industry which, of course, would prefer I use their method of immune support - vaccinations!

My desire to detoxify and arm the immune system was met with mockery from nearly everyone I encountered until I slipped slowly into the sub-subculture of natural health where I found acceptance, although there is always reason to disagree.

Some of the individuals I have come to admire most have been driven from the country and have opened clinics in Tijuana, Mexico, and some are merely isolated from their peers for practicing “quackery”. Numerous medical doctors have become licensed naturopaths just so they could drop ties to the pharmaceutical drug companies and actually help people get well. Others try to lead their patients to better health by carefully chosen words, trying to not upset the guarded mindset of those who need to believe they are not being poisoned by the food they eat, air they breathe, water they drink, and the very alluring appeal of consumerism which is cloaked in chemicals.

It occurred to me that I live in a country where the word “choice” is a battle cry from every corner, an undeniable right, and yet there is to be no choice when it involves caring for your health naturally. Your health insurance provider will not reimburse you for it, the pharmaceutical drug company will not tolerate it, and your doctor is not allowed to recommend it.

“Not long ago scientists thought that the placenta shielded cord blood — and the developing baby — from most chemicals and pollutants in the environment. But now we know that at this critical time when organs, vessels, membranes and systems are knit together from single cells to finished form in a span of weeks, the umbilical cord carries not only the building blocks of life, but also a steady stream of industrial chemicals, pollutants and pesticides that cross the placenta as readily as residues from cigarettes and alcohol. This is the human “body burden” — the pollution in people that permeates everyone in the world, including babies in the womb.” - Body Burden - The Pollution in Newborns http://ewg.org

How is it we have come to this state of anti-choice when it involves our health? We have excellent doctors who now must practice medicine out of the country in sub-standard clinics and in turn will be criticized by the drug industry for practicing medicine in sub-standard conditions! The hypocrisy abounds.

We are now the guinea pigs in a grand experiment of chemicals, simmering in a pot of toxic soup just waiting to see who survives and what mutant species emerges strong enough to withstand the poison of our environment. Not only are we playing a nasty game of Russian roulette with ourselves as we accept each new chemical being released into the environment but we have absolutely no idea what happens when you mix certain chemicals together. More than 3,000 synthetic chemicals are regularly introduced to U.S. food products each year. Most have not been tested for their toxin producing effects in the human body. The EPA relies on safety data determined by the manufacturing company.

Now let’s consider the medical profession’s tool to help us deal with our toxic bodies shaking and burning with disease from all these chemicals. Synthetic drugs that are, once again, toxic to our systems. Consider this, seriously, when you observe pharmaceutical drugs being pulled from the market after years of approval, as was the case with the following drugs:

• Vioxx, a drug being used to treat arthritis responsible for causing thousands of individuals to experience strokes and heart attacks before the FDA finally stepped in and had the drug removed (the manufacturing company actually knew of the danger four years before it was officially pulled!);
• Patients prescribed Propulsid for heartburn and also Rezulin for diabetes experienced intestinal damage, heart arrhythmia and liver toxicity;
• Mellaril - after five decades of use has been linked to heart damage;
• Posicor, a treatment for angina and hypertension interacted dangerously with 25 other medications; vaccines containing thimerosol have now been linked to neurological disorders (however, the drug companies denied the connection even while pulling the vaccines out of U.S. clinics and shipping to third world countries for distribution!).

There are numerous similar reports. As dangerous as thimerosol is to our health, it is still being used in some vaccinations and you should always make sure your flu shot or vaccination does not contain this mercury-laden preservative.

So I ask you, why would you EVER trust the pharmaceutical drug company to treat your ill-health? Why would you trust ANY drug when you do not know which one will be later pulled following you dropping to the floor?

Considering the fact that the Journal of American Medical Association revealed 106,000 people die each year in American hospitals from the side effects of properly prescribed prescription medications, why would you not do everything in your power to stop drugging yourself and instead strengthen your immune system through natural means, buy organic food, supplement your diet, and avoid chemicals every single chance you get!

We need to stop and consider the consequences of a modern age constructed on the precept that life is better when created through chemistry. Perhaps we have been heading in the wrong direction for 100 years and now need to strip our belief system down to one that can lead us to a better quality of life. The first step: Denial of our chemically laden reality will need to be shed if we are to change this tragic course.

Imagine if for the past 100 years we had put the same sort of effort and financial resources into developing natural supplements, and studying health rather than disease intervention - instead of developing toxic drugs? Personal responsibility has never been more critical to our continued survival.

We have become so distracted by terrorism from outside forces, we did not even notice the dangers lurking right inside the borders of this country, legally operating and profiting from this new version of chemical warfare being waged on our society! As we are lulled into a false sense of security, adverse reactions to properly prescribed medications have become the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.

Take a look at your own family and if you find that you are constantly dealing with sickness, begin the journey today to get well. It will not be found in a bottle of Robitusson, Tylenol, asthma inhaler, shot of insulin, blood pressure medication, etc. but in a radical change in your internal climate which can only be accomplished through restricting chemical exposure in your food, water and air; detoxification of the chemicals that are now currently making you sick; supplying your body with the nutrients necessary to thrive rather than just survive.

Sheryl’s comment: If detoxing your life and your home sounds like an overwhelming task, you are asbolutely right. It takes tremendous strength, will, time, money and energy to “clean up your act” if you live a typical American lifestyle.

I always recommend that individuals plug the leaks before they start bailing out the boat. That means to remove the source of chemicals that continue to poison you and your family before you try to detox. Take it one step at a time. See a naturopath to wean you off of any prescription drugs you are on. Refuse vaccinations, buy reverse osmosis filtered water or buy a reverse osmosis filter (for your shower too), eat organic (particularly animal products), use food grade personal care products and cleaning products. Try to remove carpeting, plastics and particleboards from your home. Remove mercury fillings from your teeth and use air filters in your home.

After you have plugged the leaks, you can detox in a number of ways such as fasting, herbal detoxing, saunas & sweating, dry brushing, colon cleansing, chelation therapy, juicing, yoga, meditation and daily use of superfoods and a raw, plant based diet. Yes, it is easier to ignore the evidence and continue on as you always have but more and more people are realizing that leading a non-toxic life is worth the trouble to avoid chronic illness, disease and death.

Buy the Book: Allergic to the Twentieth Century

About the Author:
Paula Rothstein has been involved in the natural health industry for over 10 years with a specific emphasis on promoting products and introducing lifestyle changes which address chronic diseases relating to high levels of toxicity. For more information on detoxification, please visit: http://www.medicinefreeliving.com

Copyright 2006 Paula Rothstein

Indian massage can be your solution for looking gorgeous, smelling splendid and feeling on top of the world! Read this article to find out how this ancient art of touch can help you in your complete rejuvenation.

Touch is the most basic mode of communication between two human beings. Due to the fact that massage involves this magic touch, massage promotes health—both psychological and emotional.

How?
Massage improves circulation, supports neurological functions, helps in digestion by providing gas relief and strengthens overall immunity.

Massage act as stimulant for the skin receptors and the nerves and triggers off the ‘feel-good’ hormones, especially the endorphins. This helps the nerves and muscles relax. Massage also helps alleviating pain simply by refusing to receive pain signals from brain.

The end result is: you get a feeling of complete relaxation—both in your body and mind. With tensions and stresses gone, you gain back the keenness of your senses.

How Indian Massage Therapy is different
Massage takes different approaches in different parts of the world. The Indian massage therapy or the Ayurvedic massage has been practiced since antiquity. Massage has always received a scientific perception in the writing of the Scholars of ancient India. This traditional Indian technique was based on Ayurvedic Doshas and Marmas—the pressure points in the Western reflexology. Here are some basic points:

The focal point in Ayurvedic massage technique is: different pressure points of the body. As a healing agent, Indian massage involves the use of different types of touch and pressure or flowing movements.

Ayurvedic massage is applied to the skin in a way so that the tissues underlying it are relieved of muscular tension and pains. This form of massage may involve either particular parts of body—as for example, Indian head massage—or full body massage. Indian massage often involves the use of different types of aromatherapy oils—hot or cold. All of these result in relaxation of the body and promote a sense of overall well-being.

Indian Massage—an experience of lifetime
In the interior of India, you will get to see people receiving massage in the corners of the streets for a few rupees; although they often lack formal training, they have acquired the art as a part of community tradition.

But for a life changing experience, you should visit a luxury Indian spa where trained and experienced masseurs will offer you traditional Ayurvedic massage for a holistic rejuvenation. Here are some of the varieties of Ayurvedic massage you can experience in the different parts of India, especially in the Spa Resorts in Kerala, in southern fringes of the peninsula.

Panchakarma treatment
The gentle process that promotes deep cleansing without discomfort. This is a massage technique that helps eliminate toxins from the body accumulated in areas like the lymph, circulatory, and immune systems.

Abhyanga Massage
The fastest toxin expelling technique - this is a luxurious full body indulgence with medicated oils containing herbs and ingredients that pacify the unbalanced Vata, Pitta, and Kapha energies.

Ayurvedic Head Massage
The technique that ends mental fatigue - this massage is done with oils containing herbs that pacify the nerves and stimulate the brain for better functioning. This massage can be your ultimate solution for getting rid of emotional fatigue, confusions and for enhanced clarity of mind.

Full Body Steam
Expelling toxins with the help of steam - this is a full body massage technique, much different from ordinary sauna; here the steam contains vapors of detoxifying and balancing herbs. However, the head and neck areas are excluded in this massage. In addition of relieving body from toxins, it also moisturizes and dehydrates the skin giving it a baby soft glow.

Shirodhara
The ultimate stress reliever - this amazing technique involves trickling of a warm stream of mixture of cooling and balancing herbal oils and medicated ghee over the forehead in a continuous flow. To enhance the effect, the treatment is carried on in a quiet, soothing atmosphere. If you happen to suffer from any one of these: chronic neuro-muscular disorders, hypertension, insomnia, depression, anxiety, headaches or restlessness—- Shirodhara is the technique you must give a try to get rid of these menaces for once and for all.

For generations, Indian massage has been trusted for having a powerful effect on the mental and emotional well being of the individuals.

Come and experience the difference yourself!

About the author:
Tania Penwell provides information on Indian massage and other types of massage for Savvy Cafe - your guide to living life to the fullest!

Buy the Book: Indian Head Massage: with Fold-out back cover - the massage routine in full colour photographs