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Healthy Foods for Fall

traditional chinese medicine foods for fall

The season of fall brings cooler weather and shorter days. As with any season, the world adjusts accordingly. Plants begin to go dormant, animals begin scrounging for food to store to get them through the upcoming winter months and humans start winterizing everything.

As fall descends on the land, it reminds us we need to start cutting back on the numerous cooling foods that are consumed during the summer months. Things like raw foods, salads, juices and fruits should be decreased because they can create too much cold in the body, according to traditional Chinese medicine. continue reading »

Five Reasons to Get Acupuncture for Low Back Pain

Statistics show eight out of 10 people will experience low back pain at some point during their life. Seeking medical treatment for back pain is very common. Typically back pain is fleeting and can be easily resolved with rest, heat and an occasional anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen. However, once the damage is done, the recurrence of back pain can be as high as 50 percent. Part of this is because as we age, things like muscles and tendons become less flexible and pliable. It is also very well known in the United States, people are too sedentary and this leads to excess weight gain that can create added pressure on the body, especially the low back. continue reading »

Should healthcare make you healthy?

HEALTHY!
GETTING HEALTHY!
Should healthcare make you healthy?

Forbes reports that in 2013, the United States spent 3.8 trillion dollars on healthcare. Americans want to be healthy but the hard facts show that good health is not for sale. If you want to live a healthy lifestyle then take ownership of your health. If you choose to become and stay healthy, make a commitment of:

TIME: The true measure of the value you place on your health.
WORK: A healthy Iifestyle does have a to-do list.
MONEY: Investing in your health is investing in yourself.

According to data compiled by Marketdata Enterprises, a market research firm that specializes in tracking niche industries, Americans spend north of $60 billion annually to try to lose pounds but only manage to lose money. We have all heard about the tread mill magically transforming into a very expensive clothing rack. Products promising to help us lose weight without even trying are filling up the airwaves. Recently, Dr. Oz was called before the US Congress to explain why he is dedicating so much airtime on national television to publicize the outrageous claims of products that have not been properly tested for safety or effectiveness. Dr. Oz promised to consider what he publicizes more carefully in the future.

The Nielsen Company reports that in 2013, the sales of Over The Counter (OTC) products was 33.1 billion dollars. These products contain drugs that don’t require a prescription from your doctor. So everything from acne remedies to Zinc supplements qualifies as an OTC product. Generally, these products intend to treat the acute symptoms of a chronic medical condition. Consumer spending for OTC products has more than doubled since 2003. Unfortunately, money alone cannot buy good health. Products may relieve symptoms but products will not make you healthy. A reasonable plan designed to gently balance your lifestyle will help you become and stay healthy.

How much does lifestyle contribute to suffering with a chronic medical condition? How often are the choices we make responsible for the flare ups that make getting through the day difficult? The most common of the chronic diseases are Type 2 Diabetes, High Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure. These chronic long term medical conditions can lead to medical emergencies like stroke and heart attack. Recently the major cause of these diseases has been identified as a disease. Now being overweight is legally considered a disease condition in the United States.

Science has shown that these conditions are directly related to lifestyle choices. Living according to lifestyle choices that do not promote good health causes conditions that are dangerous. Since the cure is changing your way of living, drugs are designed to manage these conditions. Unless you make different choices, you will need the drugs for the rest of your life. All drugs have physical and financial side effects. Each pill you take adds to the cost of healthcare as the drug diminishes the quality of your life while theoretically extending your life.

Perhaps the approach we are taking to healthcare is the basic problem. Ancient cultures also created healthcare systems. These systems of medicine are based on prevention. The basic premise of these ancient systems was focused on maintaining good health. Staying healthy was recognized as easier and less expensive than treating a disease.

The modern healthcare system doesn’t become involved in your healthcare until you become sick. The modern medical system is not concerned with healthy people working to stay healthy. There are very few medical insurance benefits that encourage a healthy lifestyle.

No one wants to be sick. We really do want to be healthy, but many have not been taught the skills to become and stay healthy. Typically, in the United States, neither schools nor families teach children how to be healthy.

There are licensed health professionals who can help you to learn the skills you need to become and stay healthy. As a licensed acupuncturist, I am trained in a holistic system of medicine. My training focused on gently balancing a patient’s lifestyle. In this system, the prevention of disease is considered the highest form of medicine. I specialize in gently balancing physical, mental and emotional imbalance.

Aromatherapy

aromatherapy

Aromatherapy. How to use essential oils.

Aromatherapy is claimed to be a rather affective and extremely pleasant method of preventing and treating diseases. No wonder, that it gains more and more popularity. We know that aromatherapy is based on using essential oils also known as aroma oils. But not many people are familiar with the fact that besides of aroma lamps, these magic oils can be used in many different ways.

Individual approach
First of all, you should remember that aromatherapy is an individual therapy. Each person has associative links to certain smells, these associations can be both positive and negative. Besides, individual approach is particularly relevant in light of the allergic reactions to drugs, foods or cosmetics, occurring quite often today. Although the cases of allergic reaction to aroma oils are infrequent, pay attention to your feelings when breathing oils.

There are different ways to use essential oils. Essential oils penetrate the human body differently. Thus, all application methods can be divided into three groups:

1. Methods which influence olfactory system and the respiratory system (inhalant methods).

Cold inhalation

• Inhaling essential oils directly from the bottle or a medallion.
Add 1-3 drops of essential oil into ceramic medallion. Medallion with essential oil can be worn on your neck or in a breast pocket. For greater effect, you can periodically bring the medallion to the nose and inhale the scent.

• Using a handkerchief. Put 1-4 drops of essential oil to the edge of a handkerchief. Bring the handkerchief to your nose and breath. Do it several times a day (from 2 to 10 times).

• Using a pillow. Put 1-4 drops of essential oil to the edge of the pillow. When using this method, it is desirable to apply relaxing and sedative oils. Stimulating oils can give an undesirable effect.

Hot inhalation. This method is based on inhalation of vapor saturated essential oils. Take a bowl and fill it with boiling water. Cover your head and shoulders with a thick towel, and only then add essential oils to the bowl. Start with 1-2 drops per pint of water. Later you can add 3-5 drops. Do not use hot inhalation if you suffer from acute pneumonia, asthma, acute purulent inflammation of the mucous membranes or cardiovascular disease.

Aroma lamps or aromatic fireplace. These are the most widespread tools for aromatherapy today. All you need to do is turn on the lamp or a fireplace and add several drops of aroma oils.

Inhalation using special apparatus. For instance, aroma oils can be sprayed with the help of ultrasound.

Individual perfume. Today you can order an individual perfume containing your favorite essential oil.

2. Transdermal methods (through the skin).

Aromatherapy bath is an effective procedure. It is necessary to take a shower before taking a bath. Choose any temperature regime that you like. Essential oils must be diluted in an emulsifier: honey (1 tbsp), 150 ml of dairy products (milk or yogurt), sea salt (2-3 tbsp) or bubble bath. The first procedure should take 5-10 minutes, the optimal time spent in the bath is 15-20 minutes. The first bath should contain 2-3 drops of essential oils, later increase the dosage to 6-10 drops. Take a bath every other day or every day. A prophylactic course consists of 5-7 baths and therapeutic course – of 10-15 baths.

Aromatherapy massage is one of the most successful methods of aromatherapy. It differs from other types of massage and has a special technique. However, a mixture of essential oils can be used in various massage techniques to improve the efficiency of the massage treatment.

Aromatic water. Add 3-5 drops of essential oils to 0.5 liters of purified water, shake the bottle. After taking a shower, rub water into the body.
Skin lotion, cream and cosmetics. Adding aroma oils to favorite cosmetics is a widespread and rather effective method.

3. Methods which influence on the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity, mouth, gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system.

Mouth and throat rinsing. Add 1-4 drops of essential oil to a cup of warm water. Use 1 teaspoon of honey as an emulsifier. Rinse several times a day. Do not eat or drink for 15-20 minutes after rinsing.

Tea. Put 100 g of dry tea in a glass jar, add 10-20 drops of essential oils: orange, lemon and bergamot. Leave it in a dark place for 14 days. Shake the jar daily.

Essential oils can be also used in alcohol drinks, mineral water, nasal drops and enemas. You can even add aroma oils to a toothbrush.

Whatever method you choose, be careful and attentive when using this amazing therapy. Be healthy!

About the author: Melisa Marzett is an experienced writer. This young and active girl works on such topics as healthcare, cosmetology and fashion. Melisa also writes for best essay writer. Find more information at Google+.

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Keep Kids Entertained With A Cool Jungle Gym

untitledKids spend a lot of time inside these days, playing on the computer, watching TV or updating their social media accounts. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could get them to go outside and play, get some exercise, and see the sun once in a while? Why not surprise your children with the kind of toy that will really get them excited about going outside? An awesome jungle gym!

With the incredible imagination of a child, this isn’t just a play set; it’s a mighty fortress under siege, a dark dungeon to escape from, a thick forest full of wild beasts or a giant robot laying waste to the city! With all of that in the backyard, you’ll have trouble getting them back inside, and they’ll be building real friendships again when their friends all want to come over to play. Plenty of vital social skills are learned on the playground, so why should your children have to leave the fun at school when they come home for the day?

Playsets like these are easy to build and can have extra accessories attachedto expand the set. Don’t be afraid to encourage your kids to help out with the project. If the little ones are involved, they’ll be even more excited about an awesome new toy to build. With their attention focused, they’ll be building their creative skills, learning how to make things themselves and taking responsibility for their own entertainment, instead of having it fed to them by a screen.

Swing sets are just as fun, and they never get boring! What child doesn’t want to fly? A good swing set means that a trip to the park or playground is as easy as opening the back door and turning the kids loose. Active kids who get plenty of exercise will grow up healthier and have the idea that exercise is good for them instilled at an early age! And installing swing sets is even easier than setting up a jungle gym!

If a jungle gym or playground set isn’t your style, why not install a basketball hoop and get the whole family involved? Playing basketball is great because not only can the youngest members of the family get in on the action, but the oldest members can appreciate it as well while playing classic games of basketball, practicing free throws or even playing a game of H-O-R-S-E. There’s a reason sports are so important; they build teamwork skills, motor skills and help them to be comfortable in their own bodies. Playing at home can even cultivate a love of the sport, shaping your child to be the next Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant or LeBron James.

With so many great outdoor activity options, there’s no reason your kids have to spend all day in front of a computer for entertainment. Kids naturally love to run around outside and there’s no better way to encourage them to do so than with a cool playground right in your own backyard!

Bio
Child health blogger Kyle Randling advises his readers on where to get the best play equipment for children in order to ensure they get the exercise they need to stay healthy. You can find an amazing Play Rainbow swing set and other jungle gym systems online at the Play Rainbow website and Kyle highly recommends you check it out!

914-632-1896