Treating Ingrown Hair

Ingrown hair is generally not a serious skin care problem, but it can be unsightly, painful and very bothersome for men and even for women. This skin condition can also be known as razor bumps or in medical terms pseudofolliculitis barbae. Hairs that are ingrown are more common among individuals with curly hair, especially African American men.

Symptoms of Hair that is Ingrown

An ingrown hair problem is generally characterized by a number of symptoms, but each person may experience the symptoms slightly differently. The most common symptom of ingrown hairs is inflammation of the skin in localized small bumps. The degree of inflammation will vary. Within the center of the bump, a barely visible curled hair is present. Accompanying the swelling is redness, mild pain, and itchiness. Ingrown hair can also lead to the formation of puss in the affected areas.

As will be discussed later, ingrown hairs are closely associated with the act of shaving. Therefore, the beard and neck areas in men are prime locations for ingrown hair to occur and it can be a significant mens skin care problem. However, women also commonly shave certain body areas and therefore, like men, women are also concerned about ingrown-hair. For women, the legs, underarms, and bikini area are all usually affected by these razor bumps.

Ingrown hair symptoms may resemble other skin care problems. One such problem is known as keratosis pilaris. This is a non-contagious skin condition that produces symptoms similar to ingrown hairs and it is commonly found on the upper arms, thighs, and occasionally on other body areas. Old shedding skin cells that get trapped in hair follicles cause this condition.

What Causes Ingrown Hair to Occur?

When a hair shaft is cut it has a sharpened edge and as this hair strand grows, it might curl back into the same hair follicle and get trapped underneath the skin surface. Basically, it grows back into the skin. Also, new hairs may also get caught under the skin surface without ever being cut. These scenarios create the irritation symptoms that occur with ingrown-hair.

Treatments and Prevention

Often ingrown hairs disappear on their own by growing out from beneath the skin’s surface. In addition, ingrown hairs can be removed by carefully lifting them out of the skin with tweezers. The hairs should not be plucked.

However, for many individuals this is a chronic skin problem that does require more sophisticated action to be taken to alleviate the discomfort.

Possible treatments for individuals with chronic ingrown-hair problems are the use of depilatory creams or electrolysis in order to remove the hair. No hair, no ingrown-hair problem! Depilatory creams are used for the short-term removal of the hair. For a more permanent hair removal method, then electrolysis is the way to go. A dermatologist, depending on the severity of the condition, can prescribe other treatments. Topical antiseptics may be used to prevent infections from occurring or when there is infection, antibiotics may be required.

Although it is not always possible to stop ingrown hairs from occurring, the best treatment is prevention.

Shaving Tips for Preventing Ingrown Hairs or Razor Bumps

Shaving often causes an ingrown hair problem to occur and that is why it is also referred to as razor bumps. Therefore, the best prevention technique is not to shave. Although this is a very logical approach, it is not very practical because not all men want facial hair and not all women are thrilled to have hairy legs or armpits. The alternative is to practice proper shaving techniques consistently and to follow certain shaving tips as described below.

Shave with an Electric Razor

Many individuals have found that shaving with an electric razor reduces the occurrence of hairs that are ingrown or razor bumps. This is likely due to the fact that electric razors do not shave as close as a wet blade. With blades, the shave is much closer and there is a greater chance of the cut and sharpened end of the hair to re-enter the hair follicle.

Use Shave Gel Instead of Foam

Gels are typically less irritating whereas foams can dry-out and irritate the skin. The shave gel product should contain plenty of lubricating agents and be specially formulated for sensitive skin. Do not use any product that contains alcohol. Alcohol will make this skin care problem substantially worse because it will dry out the skin and close the pores.

Wash the Skin Before Shaving

Wet hair is full of moisture and cuts easier. On the other hand dry hair is tougher and stronger. As a razor encounters this tougher hair, it gets pulled up from the follicle and then retracts beneath the skin surface after it is cut. This increases the risk of ingrown-hairs because the cut hair gets trapped inside the hair follicle and digs inward or sideways into the skin as it grows. The hair to be shaved should be wet for around five minutes prior to shaving. Washing the skin before shaving also helps to exfoliate it and helps lift the hairs away from the skin follicle.

Shave in the Direction of Hair Growth and this Same Direction Each Time

For men, the direction of shaving is downwards on the cheeks, chin, and moustache areas and upwards on the neck. For women this means shaving downwards on the legs. This is a very important factor in preventing hairs from becoming ingrown. It prevents the hair from being cut too short. If shaving with the hair grain (direction of growth) is done consistently, then the hair can be trained to grow out straight, which prevents it from curling back into the skin.

Shaving against the grain will give a closer shave and some individuals prefer this technique. However, if one is prone to skin irritation and the development of hairs becoming ingrown then shaving with the grain of the hair is strongly recommended.
Shave with Skin in a Relaxed State

When shaving it is best not to pull the skin too tight. A little pressure is okay, but too much stretching will result in the hair being cut too short. Also, do not use too much pressure on the blade.

Avoid Repeated Strokes in the Same Area

Repeated strokes with the razor over the same area will cause the hair to be cut too short and result in a greater chance of the development of an ingrown-hair problem. Also, a single blade razor is generally preferred. With rigid twin blade razors, the first blade lifts the hair and the second blade cuts it deep and usually at an angle that makes the development of ingrown hair likely. Pivoting head razors with multiple blades are not as bad as the fixed blades razors.

Other Tips for Preventing Hair from Becoming Ingrown

Exfoliate the Skin
Exfoliating the skin can be a very useful procedure for preventing hairs that are ingrown or razor bumps. This process will remove the barriers that prevent the hair from growing out of the skin. It should be performed regularly when bathing or when the face is washed. Exfoliation can be performed with a gentle scrubbing pad, an exfoliating glove or a loofah. Certain creams that contain beta hydroxy acids, such as salicylic acid can help to exfoliate the skin and are very effective in reducing razor bumps.

Practice Daily Health Skin Care
Daily moisturization of the skin is necessary as well to prevent ingrown hair. Gentle cleansing and proper moisturization will keep the skin smooth and supple and will keep the hair follicles moisturized and the hair growing in the right direction. The moisturizer used should not clog the pores – such products are labelled as noncomedogenic.

NATURAL ACNE CURE

A natural acne cure or acne remedy is something that many people worldwide search for. Acne is one of those elusive skin care problems. It is very difficult to control for many people. It is most often associated with teenagers, but in reality, it affects a much larger group of individuals. Infants can suffer from acne related problems. Adults can as well. In fact, for many adults, the struggles of battling acne are a lifelong task.

Acne is problematic for many reasons.

It can be painful. Sometimes large cysts can develop which are painful and create a lot of discomfort for the acne sufferer. In addition, open scabs from acne pimples that have burst also create discomfort. This situation makes cleansing and treatment painful due to the constant stinging when cleansing and treatment products enter open sores.

Acne can be disfiguring. Acne on the skin, whether on the face or body, affects the appearance of individuals. It masks the beauty of the skin and of the individual. It gives the appearance that an individual is unhealthy or perhaps unclean.

In addition, to the immediate impact that acne has on appearance, acne can also produce negative effects into the future. In particular, is the issue of acne scarring. Scars caused by acne can be lifelong and quite disfiguring. Recommendations for the elimination of these scars usually involve the use of harsh procedures such as microdermabrasion, dermabrasion, chemical peels, etc.

Finally, acne elevates stress and anxiety in individuals due to the factors mentioned above and this can lead to overall poor health and low self-esteem and self-confidence.

Acne Treatments

In terms of acne treatments, there are many. Numerous over the counter products exist, some good and some bad. There are many prescription type treatments available as well and various multistep programs. For some people these products can work. For most, experimentation is necessary with various different treatments and products to find what works well for them.

Many people are frustrated with the above type products and therefore search for an alternative. That alternative is a natural acne cure. The focus of this page is a natural acne remedy. In particular, healthy-skincare.com recommends to those who have tried other acne treatment options and are not having success, to try the following natural acne remedy - Natural Acne Cure and Acne Free in 3 Days!.

This is a great alternative to try for those tired of all those acne products that do not work well and for those tired of spending hundreds of dollars monthly. This natural acne cure program is worth trying as it has had positive results for many and is suitable for all skin types. It is also suitable for all age groups. It even helps with acne scarring.

By following the steps in this book, you will:

1.find that your acne will start to disappear or be totally gone in 3 days
2.have a much better looking appearance due to clear and healthy skin
3.spend more time with friends and family due to a higher self esteem and renewed self confidence

The natural acne cure outlined in Acne Free in 3 Days is a scientifically proven way to clear skin permanently in three days using natural and easy step-by-step actions.

Highlights of this book include:

1.A proven holistic way to heal, restore, and have clear and healthy skin.
2.How to halt acne at its source.
3.An easy to use skin care program that can be used in the privacy of your own home.
4.Long-term results with no side-effects such as chronic skin drying or skin rashes caused many commercial acne products.
5.How to stop the accumulation of acne scarring.
6.Unique information and scientific research on acne and why the natural acne cure methods in this book will work for you.

So, if you have tried other programs without success or are looking for a more natural acne cure, please do not hesitate to try Acne Free in 3 Days.

From:http://www.healthy-skincare.com/

Brain Imaging by SPECT-A Chance to Really See Yourself

by Parris M. Kidd, Ph.D.

What are we without our brains? Our highly developed brain is the most distinctive difference we have from other living things, yet our modern way of life is threatening its integrity and longevity. SPECT imaging is a nifty technique for checking just how well the noggin is working, and is safe and convenient. I’m convinced that just about everyone would benefit from a SPECT brain workup.

SPECT stands for Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography. A small amount of a highly energized but nontoxic substance is painlessly injected via a vein into the arm. Within about 15 minutes it becomes distributed throughout the brain tissue, with the more metabolically active areas picking up more of it. Then the subject is comfortably positioned with head close to a highly sensitive detection machine (no claustrophobic tunnel involved). In less than 15 minutes a 3-dimensional energetic scan of the whole brain is generated. The data are processed into beautiful color pictures that you can show your friends. SPECT pictures reveal a lot about the brain’s wellness, balance and personal talents. By itself SPECT is not suitable to detect or indicate disease, but it is valuable to assist with diagnosis. The well-trained SPECT team, assembled around a qualified physician, begins by taking an extremely detailed medical history. First comes a long questionnaire, then an in-depth personal interview, and these are later integrated with the SPECT pictures and other laboratory or test history to generate an in-depth, customized and confidential report.

There are two main types of SPECT pictures. The surface profiles represent healthy areas of the brain as smooth, and holes or gaps represent “dropout”—zones that are abnormally underactive (Fig. 1, compare a with b). The 3-dimensional color maps represent zones of “average” activity as blue and those that are highly active as red (see Fig. 1, e and f ). Both these picture types are true functional scans of the working brain. Sometimes scans are done with the subject concentrating, then relaxed, to bring out brain performance under “stress.”

Trained physicians interpret the pictures, carefully checking out the zones that are underactive, overactive or “asymmetric” (out of synch, for example, between the left side and the right). They draw meaningful clinical conclusions from correlating zones of abnormal function with reports of abnormal behavior or other symptoms disclosed on the medical history. They then recommend medical and/or personal measures that address the underlying causes of the problems. Perhaps equally important is that once the subject has seen his or her own brain’s pictures, s/he is more motivated to make positive changes.

SPECT is really good for rooting out behavioral-cognitive problems such as poor attention span, hyperactivity, aggressiveness, poor impulse control, persistent negative thoughts, obsessions and compulsions. Mood conditions such as major depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), anxiety disorders and PMS (premenstrual syndrome, Fig. 1 e also produce characteristic SPECT patterns. The technique has proven uniquely valuable for probing violent behavior, and for thousands of these subjects SPECT may have saved their lives.

SPECT also has been lifesaving in classical neurologic conditions such as brain trauma, Alzheimer’s (Fig. 1 b), stroke and epilepsy. Injury previously undetected can be functionally defined, as can more subtle abnormalities throughout the brain. Each brain exhibits an individual pattern of functional variation from zone to zone.

For the “hard” neurological conditions, insurance companies and the government will often cover most of the cost; other “softer” conditions not traditionally seen as neurological will sometimes be reimbursed if appropriate medical codes are used.

So, should you have SPECT done? Well, if you’re 18–22 years old, even-tempered, sunny personality, never fell down the stairs or off a bike; never had a drink in your life, never smoked, always lived in the country, always drank unpolluted water, always ate organic foods . . . maybe you have a perfect brain and don’t need SPECT. Most people aren’t so lucky.

I had my SPECT workup done by a highly competent team in northern California, working at one of the Amen clinics (of which there are now three, with another two qualified affiliates). Beginning in 1989, these clinics were founded by Dr. Daniel Amen and they now have the world’s largest database of brain imaging studies for behavioral problems. Through his eloquent lectures, books, videos and audiocassettes, Dr. Amen sends the message that SPECT is a safe, convenient and accurate means for objectively assessing how well your brain is serving you.

My Amen Clinic workup was managed by Dr. Brian Halevie-Goldman, who is thoroughly familiar with nutritional, pharmacological and functional-wholistic approaches to brain restoration. I was greatly impressed by the .ndings and by his recommendations. The pictures in Fig. 1, a–f are representative of the thousands of subjects served by the Amen team.

Drs. Amen, Goldman and colleagues have published in the peer reviewed scientific journals on their findings gleaned from thousands of patients and their successes in helping to fix a diverse range of human problems. One particularly touching topic is juveniles (and adults) prone to anger outbursts and violence. Often these have temporal lobe dysfunction that can be controlled. Many of these subjects, once they have seen pictures of their brains, agree to comply with appropriate medical management and are restored to healthy, nonviolent functioning over a one to three year period. One little boy was giving lots of trouble until SPECT found his temporal lobe functionally absent—squished by a large cyst. Once this was successfully removed using surgery, the boy’s behavior came into balance.

Similar success has come from SPECT for children (and grown-ups) with ADHD and other learning problems, women with PMS, middle-aged and elderly people with mood disorders, stroke or dementia. SPECT, in conjunction with other assessments, can sometimes foresee progression to dementia. On the bright side, preliminary SPECT data suggests favorable changes occur in the brain when people meditate or pray (as in religion). Further research is being done on this topic, in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Prevention Foundation.

We all know the health care system is sick, but there are interesting options available. One is the federal Medical Savings Insurance (MSA) program that allows taxpayers to pay for health care of their choice and write off a substantial portion of the cost. I’ve been using mine to have baselines done—scans, scopes, other tests that could give advance warning of potential problems. The more baselines, the better.

also provide you with a brain baseline. Once you know your areas of weakness, you can do lots of things to get that circuitry back on track. Then after a while you can have the SPECT repeated to chart your progress and give yourself a pat on the back.

My personal SPECT experience motivated me to put my brain stem cells to work. Along with my basic vitamins and minerals, I will be taking hefty doses of omega-3s, antioxidants and the brainrebuilder nutrients GPC (glycerophosphocholine) and PS (phosphatidyl serine). I’ll continue to be careful with my diet. I’ll get a mercury detox done. I’ll keep going to the gym. I’ll meditate. And I’ll visualize SPECT.

Resources:The Amen Clinics,www.AmenClinics.com;

their educational interactive Web site,Brainplace.com;

Alzheimer’s Prevention Foundation Intl,http://www.alzheimersprevention.org/;

Rebounding: Aerobic Resistive Exercise

by Tina Wellman, Ph.D

What is the weakest force in the universe and has the most profound effect on the human body? Gravity. As we age, the relentless pull of gravity causes our body to sag in a southerly direction. We develop wrinkles, flabby forearms, portly midriffs, varicosities, edemic feet and ankles, stooped shoulders, turkey necks and compressed spines, to name a few multifarious insults to our body shape.

To compensate for this G-force we must continually work against it through body movement. Regular exercise is essential to maintain optimal health. Apiarian Royden Brown noted, “It has been scientifically documented that exercising regularly increases longevity and enhanced quality of life.” The proverbial expression either use it or lose it applies to the body’s need for daily exercise as well as to maintain musculoskeletal strength, immunity and psychobiological balance. The best nutrition in the world cannot sustain us if our circulation is stagnant and we do not receive oxygen-rich blood to our body’s three trillion cells.

G-force—Gravitational Force:
Gravitational force is key to understanding resistive rebounding’s health benefits. By combining the forces of acceleration and deceleration, body cells are tricked into believing they are being subjected to increased gravity. NASA clearly demonstrated the virtues of rebounding when they designed an exercise protocol in the zero gravity of space. Loss of bone density and muscle mass are the negative results incurred to astronauts soaring through the cosmos at zero gravity. Scientific blood analysis that included subjecting weakened blood cells (of returning astronauts) to increased G-force evidenced an increase in cellular strength. It is this increase in G-force during rebounding (specifically during deceleration) that challenges body cells to strengthen.

An Exercise for All Ages:
Rebounding knows no social boundaries and has no age limitations. Exercise guru Jack LaLanne often demonstrated rebounding on his popular TV exercise program. Comedian Bob Hope once noted, “I keep my rebounder at the foot of my bed and use it daily.” Morning talk show host Regis Philbin enjoyed a rebounding session during one of his interviews with fitness expert and nutritionist to the stars, Rheo Blair, on his 1970s “A.M. Los Angeles” television program. A rebounder even found its way into the White House during the Reagan administration.

Virtues of Rebounding:
Rebounding, or jumping on a mini trampoline, has universal exercise appeal and a plethora of health benefits. The repetitive rhythmic motion of bouncing on a mini trampoline provides a zero impact simple exercise method with high impact long-term (mental and physical) health benefits that extend from youth to old age:

Rebounding is 68 percent more efficient than jogging (as noted by NASA in a study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology).
Improves digestion and elimination of cellular waste.
Accelerates metabolism to burn calories for weight control.
Increases oxygen uptake and promotes detoxification via the lungs, skin and lymph.
Has a natural analgesic effect on the body, relieving pain in the neck, back and head by increasing circulation and oxygen flow.
Lowers blood pressure, triglycerides and cholesterol naturally by increasing oxygenation and dilating the blood vessels for smoother and easier blood flow.
Improves circulatory disorders by increasing cellular respiration.
Promotes regular elimination. Exercise is known to increase metabolism and relieve constipation.
Has a stabilizing effect on the nervous system, thereby reducing stress. Rebound exercising increases endorphin output, thereby promoting the relaxation response. Increased oxygen flow increases our sense of well-being without the toxic side effects of narcotics or antidepressants.
Is an excellent precursor to sports training, including golf, tennis, skiing, skating, mountain climbing and kick boxing without incurring joint trauma.
Promotes physical and mental efficiency (and stability) by increasing oxygen levels and decreasing toxicity (heavy metals and cellular waste).
Provides no impact aerobics, especially helpful for those who are handicapped, arthritic, elderly or immune compromised with limited mobility.
Is an optimal exercise method for pregnant women to stay in shape without incurring musculoskeletal trauma.
Provides aerobic exercise without incurring stress to the joints.
Is an ideal method for teaching youngsters coordination and balance while encouraging physical fitness.
Provides a superior exercise for those who are immune compromised, including cancer and MS. Rebounding stimulates healing and cleansing. Rebound author and lecturer Linda Brooks notes rebounding two minutes every hour “is the ideal protocol for defense against cancer; in just two minutes the entire lymphatic system is flushed.” The white blood cell count nearly triples, providing a greater defense system to destroy cancer cells.
Is a year-round exercise that can be performed indoors or outdoors and is easily portable to provide exercise on the go for those who travel. Great for stay-at-home moms, home business owners or office executives who can easily store a fold-up rebounder in a nearby room for easy access and convenience.
Has a triple E rating—economical, efficient and effective. A single rebounder can provide years of daily exercise. It is convenient for those who are homebound, unable to jog or access a gym. It is readily portable (folds and fits into its own travel case) and stores neatly out of the way. Great for apartment, home, trailer dwellers or travelers. One can rebound year-round—indoors or outdoors, rain or shine. Six minutes of rebounding equals one mile of jogging. One can run several miles in place while rehearsing a speech, singing, talking on the phone, watching TV, listening to music or while jumping outdoors enjoying “helio” or sun therapy.
Will not incur repetitive motion injuries.
Has an optional stabilizing bar that makes this rebounder even more secure for those unsteady on their feet or having disabilities requiring a bar to hold onto while bouncing.
Is excellent for toddlers. Movement affects balance. Rebounding has a positive effect on stabilizing right and left hemispheric brain balance.
Has positive implications for improving the mind/body connection, especially for learning disabled children exhibiting a poor sense of rhythm, coordination and balance. Medical journalist Dr. Morton Walker notes, when you move and exercise, you engage every brain and body cell. This has a profound and positive impact on stimulating neural activity.
The father of modern aerobics exercise, Dr. Kenneth Cooper, discovered that alternating aerobic exercise with weight training actually increased strength. His Institute of Aerobic Research documented the strength gains from resistive rebounding in 1981.

Selecting the Ideal Rebounder:
Price point, aside from durable materials and construction, is a common denominator when selecting exercise equipment. Knock off toy rebounders are readily available market wide. If you are truly rebounding for health, selecting a high quality mini trampoline that will enable you to jump the extra mile in comfort and that meets high quality manufacturing standards is paramount. Needak Mfg. of O’Neill, Nebraska is the only USA-based manufacturer of Soft-Bounce™ rebounders. Since its inception in 1990, Needak® prides itself in setting the gold standard as the premiere mini trampoline manufacturer in the industry, maintaining quality control from design to finished product.

Needak’s Soft-Bounce rebounder weighs 25 pounds and includes three main components: a mat, a set of springs and a frame. A tightly woven stretch and UV resistant Permatron™ matting is mounted on a 40-inch diameter heavy gauge steel round shaped platform that provides the framework needed to support a Soft-Bounce comfortable jump.

This unique design (as opposed to square or octagon shape) provides uniform stress upon all components—mat, springs and frame. Needak’s barrel shape springs absorb an estimated 85 percent impact per bounce. This feature is in stark contrast to low end, imported, mini trampolines constructed with shorter springs that are significantly more rigid.

Obviously age, wear and tear on any metal spring will eventually cause any spring to succumb to breakage. However, choosing durable materials at the outset provides for longer active life before spring replacement becomes necessary.

Needak’s hinge design is virtually indestructible. It includes spring-loaded legs which complement their half-fold system (carrying bag included) that provides for easy portability (to hotels, in a trailer or in a car trunk) or storage (in a closet or under a bed). An optional stabilizing bar can be secured to the trampoline frame for seniors and those with injuries or health issues that require additional support.


The best nutrition in the world cannot sustain us if our circulation is stagnant and we do not receive oxygenrich blood to our body’s three trillion cellsOn initial inspection one might conclude that aerobic resistive rebounding restricts the exerciser to bouncing in place. However, resistive rebounding instructor, author and lecturer Linda Brooks quickly enlightens us on rebounding’s diverse applications including strength training and toning the abdomen. Needak offers a wealth of videos and books including Linda Brooks’ library of rebounding techniques and health benefits for a diverse audience. These learning aids even address issues involving degenerative illnesses and cancer.

Additionally, Olympic fitness trainers Dr. and Mrs. H. Sneider (owners of Sneider’s Fitness Center in Pasadena, Calif.) illustrate a comprehensive fitness program in their book Olympic Trainer. The Sneiders encourage using sandbag weights for building upper arm strength and endurance.

Rebounding is no stranger to the health community. totalhealth editor and nutritionist Ann Louise Gittleman Ph.D., CNS, and exercise personality Joanie Greggains note the importance of rebounding as an effective way to stimulate the lymph system in their book, The Fat Flush Fitness Plan published by McGraw-Hill in January 2004. They advocate rebounding as part of their regimen for maintaining health and well-being.

Reflections for long-term health:
As children we are inherently inclined to move from a young age . . . we crawl, walk, run and jump. As we transition from childhood to adulthood we exchange our active and mobile lifestyle for a sedentary and immobile one, where our daily exercise routine is restricted to clicking a computer mouse or the remote control, or depressing the microwave keypad to heat up a prepackaged dinner. We sit at our desk, on our couch, in our car, on a train, in a plane and expend brain energy without physical movement. Then we wonder why we experience intermittent brain fog and increasing weight gain in unwanted places.

In our high-tech society where everything around us is increasingly automated and demands less physical effort, our lack of movement is increasing our health risks (and abdominal girth) while negatively affecting our mental acumen. We require high levels of oxygen to think clearly—something sitting cannot accomplish. Movement is vital to circulate the blood that carries oxygen to the brain. The moral: Keep active and take advantage of a simple non-toxic method of exercising that is easy on the budget and beneficial to the entire body.

Given our nation’s health crisis which includes cardiovascular disease, cancer and obesity, let’s find the time to take a few minutes each day to improve our health. What a difference those few moments make in providing us with improved mental and physical well being. Otherwise we will have to resort to toxic measures to treat failing health conditions which could be avoided by taking some preventative measures like rebounding. Why take blood thinners and blood pressure pills when we can avoid the problem by encouraging good circulation?

We all learn what we live as children. Isn’t it time to set the pace for the next generation and encourage everyone to preserve their youthful health, vim and vigor? Why not make our next coffee break a time to jump for health and well being? Let us all reverse gravity by exercising daily.

APPLES MAY HELP WARD OFF COLON CANCER

Apple pectin and polyphenol-rich apple juice have an anticarcinogenic effect on the colon, encouraging the production of suspected chemopreventative metabolite butyrate, say researchers. Butyrate is a short chain fatty acid (SCFA) that has been found to be a major factor contributing to healthy colon mucosa.

The study, published in the April issue of Nutrition, looked at human fecal matter fermented with apple constituents and found a significantly increased yield of SCFA, most notably butyrate.

“Butyrate not only serves as a major nutrient for the colon epithelia but is also thought to play an important role in the protective effect of natural fiber against colorectal cancer,” said the German research team, led by Dieter Schrenk. This is the not the first study to find benefits of fruits in cancer prevention and treatment. A recent study in California found low doses of freeze-dried grape powder could inhibit the development of colorectal cancer thanks to the polyphenol resveratrol and synergistic effects between the grape compounds.

The Study

Fecal slurry from healthy individuals was fermented with apple constituents, such as apple pectin and apple juice extracts that were high in polyphenols. The samples that were fermented with pectin were rich in butyrate and the scientists concluded that this assisted in colon health because of its effect on histone deacetylases (HDAC).

When the butyrate content was high, HDAC was inhibited. With slower production of HDAC, there would be signifcantly less growth of precancerous and tumor cells. Fermentations with pectin were very active in HDAC inhibition in nuclear extracts prepared from the colon tumor cell lines HT-29 and Caco-2 and in intact HeLa Mad 38 cells bearing a reporter gene driven by HDAC inhibition.

Fecal slurry fermented with apple juice extracts showed lower butyrate yields but comparable HDAC inhibition. Combined incubations of pectin with apple juice extracts resulted in effects similar to those with pectin as the only substrate added.

The researchers concluded that butyrate is the most relevant HDAC inhibitor formed in fermentations of human fecal slurry with apple pectin, whereas addition of apple juice extracts leads to the formation of butyrate and other HDAC inhibitors, which are as yet unknown.

The study presents some sound findings to act as a base for further study into colon cancer prevention, which is the third most prolific type of cancer in western industrialized countries, causing 650,000 deaths a year.

Sources: Nutrition April 2008, 366-374, doi:10.1016/j.nut.2007.12.013

GLISODIN AND SUN-SENSITIVES

It is widely understood that unprotected skin can be severely damaged by exposure to ultraviolet rays (UV) radiation generated by the sun. Besides a sunburn (erythema) that is a visible reaction to the sun, the rays that emanate can set off a chain reaction within the skin, including itching, pruritus, and in about 15 percent of the population, sun allergy.

UV rays have three wavelengths, including UVA, UVB and UVC. These rays can damage collagen fibers, which, over a period of time, result in visual aging, such as wrinkles and a dry, leathery appearance. UVA is the least harmful, but through time and exposure does contribute to skin aging and DNA damage. UVB rays are most damaging to DNA; they corrupt DNA molecules by causing malformations that can lead to mutations and unhealthy cell production.

Complementary skin Protection

Now a dietary supplement with outstanding clinical evidence called GliSODin has been shown to help protect the skin from the inside, complementing topical sunscreens and protective clothing. GliSODin is a distinctive and powerful antioxidant catalyst, meaning it works to increase the body’s own production of its natural antioxidant defenses, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), helping the body to disarm the reactive oxygen species triggered by sunrays. This protective benefit is particularly beneficial for the sun sensitive.

GliSODin’s benefits protecting cells against oxidative stress are supported by three studies looking at the effects of sunlight and UV on the skin, inducing photo-oxidative stress.

The studies expanded on pilot trials with the sun sensitive. GliSODin supplementation activates the most powerful antioxidants known, the body’s own internal antioxidant defense system, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (Cat) and Glutathione Peroxidase (Gpx). This mechanism helps maintain cellular health and protect against damage caused by oxidative stress, including skin health against photo-oxidative stress.

Fun in the sun should be enjoyed through good sun safety habits that include generous use of high-quality sunscreens/blocks, wearing sunglasses, drinking lots of water to hydrate the skin and, especially for the sun sensitive, consider the addition of GliSOD in daily.

APPLES LOWER RISK FOR METABOLIC SYNDROME

Not eating your apple a day? Perhaps you should be. Adults who eat apples, apple juice and applesauce have a significantly reduced risk of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of health problems that are linked to numerous chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The study results, presented at the Experimental Biology 2008 meeting, were derived from an analysis of adult food consumption data collected in the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the government’s largest food consumption and health database.

Dr. Victor Fulgoni analyzed the data, specifically looking at the association between consumption of apples and apple products, nutrient intake and various physiological parameters related to metabolic syndrome.

When compared to non-consumers, adult apple product consumers had a 27 percent decreased likelihood of being diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Fulgoni notes, “We found that adults who eat apples and apple products have smaller waistlines that indicate less abdominal fat, lower blood pressure and a reduced risk for developing what is known as the metabolic syndrome.”

In addition to having a 30 percent decreased likelihood for elevated diastolic blood pressure and a 36 percent decreased likelihood for elevated systolic blood pressure, apple product consumers also had a 21 percent reduced risk of increased waist circumference—all predictors of cardiovascular disease and an increased likelihood of metabolic syndrome.

Additionally, adult apple product consumers had significantly reduced c-reactive protein levels, another measurable marker related to cardiovascular risk.

Furthermore, apple product consumers’ diets were healthier than non-consumers—they had a greater intake of fruit and key nutrients, including dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, calcium and potassium. These consumers also ate less total fat, saturated fat, discretionary fat and added sugars.

Metabolic syndrome is believed to affect an estimated 36 million Americans. Metabolic syndrome, also known as Syndrome X and insulin resistance syndrome, is defined as having three or more of the associated symptoms, which include elevated blood pressure, increased waist size and abdominal fat, and elevated c-reactive protein levels.

(From:http://www.americanwellnessnetwork.com)

Coffee: The Cup of Death

by Carcinogenesis Researcher Dr. Bruce Ames
From Living Nutrition vol. 6

More than a thousand chemicals have been identified in roasted coffee; more than half of those tested (19/26) are rodent carcinogens. There are more naturalcarcinogens by weight in a single cup of coffee than potentially carcinogenic synthetic pesticide residues in the average U. S. diet in a year, and there are still a thousand known chemicals in roasted coffee that have not been tested.

Aging is a Mistake

by Raymond Francis

"Aging is a mistake," said Dr. Deepak Chopra. Actually, aging is worse than a mistake, it is a catastrophe. Aging reduces quality of life and causes so-called "diseases of aging" such as cancer, Alzheimer's, and arthritis. Making yourself old and sick is not a sensible choice-it is a mistake. Each disease, even a cold, accelerates aging, makes you sicker, and causes more disease. Then our physicians manage these diseases with treatments that create still more aging and disease. It's a vicious cycle, and we have to learn how to break that cycle.

To live a long disease-free life, it is essential to learn how to prevent and reverse aging and disease. Fortunately, this is not difficult to learn. With just a little bit of effort, any of us can become healthier and biologically younger. While we cannot control our chronological age, we do have control over our biological age. Recently, I had my arteries measured. I have the arteries of a thirty year-old; I am sixty-six. The biological age of my arteries is less than half my chronological age-anyone can do this. Aging is a mistake you don't have to make.

Historically, people such as the Hunzas lived well into their hundreds in robust, vigorous health without suffering as much as a cold, so we know this is possible. For you to accomplish something similar you must learn how to prevent aging and disease, and to do this, you must learn how to prevent and reverse inflammation. There is only one disease, malfunctioning cells, and a malfunction common to all chronic disease is a process called inflammation. No matter what so-called disease you have, inflammation is a major part of your problem. By learning how to prevent and reverse inflammation, you are learning how to stay young and never be sick again.

Inflammation is a natural and healthy process. If you cut your finger, the body begins an inflammatory process immediately. This process neutralizes harmful microorganisms, helps to repair the wound, and cleans up the debris resulting from the injury. Inflammation is beneficial when needed, but it is disastrous when chronic. Chronic inflammation generates a constant supply of free radicals that overwhelm our anti-oxidant defenses and damage DNA, aging us and causing disease of every description, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, allergies, Alzheimer's, autoimmune disease, and infections.

Unfortunately, more than three out of four Americans suffer from chronic inflammation. This is why we are aging so rapidly and why more than three out of four of us have a diagnosable chronic disease. Even our children are increasingly suffering from "diseases of aging" in epidemic numbers. To put an end to this tragedy, as a society and as individuals, we must learn how to prevent and reverse chronic inflammation.

What causes inflammation? The standard American diet causes inflammation! Most of us suffer from chronic inflammation and disease because the American diet is pro-inflammatory. Our diet lacks nutrients that help to prevent and control inflammation, while being rich in pro-inflammatory compounds.

How do you reverse inflammation? In my book Never Be Sick Again, I advise people to avoid the Big Four: sugar, white flour, milk products, and processed oils. These so-called "foods" are pro-inflammatory-they cause rapid aging and disease. Indeed, I have had numerous calls from people who have read my book, got off the Big Four, and were cured of terrible, chronic diseases. All it took was to stop promoting the inflammation in the first place. I have been off the Big Four for 17 years and I have been taking lots of anti-oxidant supplements, thus controlling inflammation and allowing my arteries and other tissues to repair and become those of a much younger person.

Sugar and white flour are deadly poisons. They have an inflammatory effect on the body. Unaware of this hazard, the average American consumes more than 160 pounds of sugar and 200 pounds of white flour per year. Tragically, we expose children to these deadly poisons, accelerating aging and causing lifelong health problems. Both of these poisons increase blood sugar levels. Even a modest increase in blood sugar generates free radicals that cause inflammation, thereby causing disease of every description. Because most people eat these poisons every day (in the form of bread, pasta, breakfast cereal, cookies, cakes, soft drinks, candy, etc.), disease is a growth industry.

Milk products also cause inflammation. Modern dairy cows eat grain-containing diets that change the proportions of fatty acids in the milk, leaving very little omega-3 fats and creating a pro-inflammatory imbalance. In addition, a substantial percentage of our population (some estimate fifty percent) is allergic to dairy, often unknowingly. Daily consumption causes chronic allergic reactions, creating chronic inflammation.

The fats and oils in the American diet contain excessive omega-6 fatty acids, causing chronic inflammation. Omega-6 fatty acids promote inflammation, while omega-3s are anti-inflammatory. Historically, humans consumed roughly equal amounts of these oils, achieving a balance. Today, we consume 20 to 30 times as much omega-6 as omega-3. The modern processed-food industry fills our stores with pro-inflammatory oils, including safflower, sunflower, peanut, and even most commercially available olive oils; all of these contain excessive amounts of omega-6 and insufficient omega-3 fatty acids. Grain-fed beef, poultry, and farmed fish also contain excessive omega-6. These imbalances create a huge excess of pro-inflammatory compounds. Unable to turn the inflammation off, chronic inflammation and disease are the result. It is extremely important that only healthy fats and oils be consumed.

Hydrogenated oils are also pro-inflammatory. These oils find their way into a myriad of products including candy, baked goods, margarine, breakfast cereal, and peanut butter. These deadly oils disrupt body chemistry, causing many abnormalities-including inflammation. The trans fatty acids contained in hydrogenated oils inhibit the activity of enzymes that make anti-inflammatory compounds, but not those that create pro-inflammatory ones, chronic inflammation is the result.

In addition to diet, infections also contribute to inflammation. Avoiding infections by keeping your immune system strong pays off in many ways. It is important to minimize the number of infections you suffer. Infections are inflammatory, triggering powerful inflammatory processes to destroy invading microorganisms. Unfortunately, the inflammation damages you as well as the invaders. Having one cold after another will do lasting damage, shortening your life and leaving you susceptible to every imaginable disease. Repeated infections, as well as chronic infections, lead to chronic inflammation that damages and ages the entire body. One way to help keep your immunity strong is to avoid eating sugar, which is known to damage immunity as well as causing inflammation.

Physical injuries also create inflammation. Nature intended inflammation to subside once an injury is repaired. However, by consuming a pro-inflammatory diet, injuries are seldom fully healed and often result in chronic low-grade inflammation in the injured tissue. This is why athletes have problems with old injuries as they age. These incompletely healed tissues, by producing pro-inflammatory compounds, become sources of chronic inflammation for the entire body.

Allergies and food sensitivities also create inflammatory responses. Chronic allergic reactions create chronic inflammation. This is why allergic reactions must be minimized by strengthening the immune system and avoiding allergens. Unfortunately, allergies have become epidemic. Contributing to this epidemic has been the irrational misuse of antibiotics, NSAIDS, and hormones by our obsolete disease-care system. These dangerous drugs disrupt gut tissue, causing leakage of undigested food molecules into the blood, thereby promoting food allergies. A good idea for almost anyone is to stay away from the most common allergens such as dairy and gluten (half the population may be allergic to gluten, found in wheat, rye, and barley).

Yet another promoter of chronic, systemic inflammation is fat cells. Given that two out of three Americans are overweight this is a huge source of inflammation. Pure and simple, if you are more than five pounds overweight, you have a serious chronic disease. The inflammatory process unleashed by being overweight accelerates the aging process and leads to every conceivable disease. Fat cells, especially those that form around the abdomen, produce large amounts of inflammatory compounds that affect the entire body.

If you want to prevent disease, or if you are diseased and want to get well, what should you do? First and foremost, stop promoting inflammation. Get the Big Four out of your life-now! Eat a diet low in pro-inflammatory foods and high in anti-inflammatory nutrients. Get rid of those excess pounds (exercise and get off the Big Four to lose weight). Take high quality anti-inflammatory supplements. If you take these principles to heart, you will be well on your way to a longer, higher quality, disease-free life.

Consume a diet low in refined carbohydrates and high in a variety of fresh, organic vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Eat high quality organic animal protein, such as eggs, fish, chicken, turkey, and grass-fed beef plus olive, coconut and flaxseed oil. Supplementing with antioxidant nutrients is critical to preventing and reversing inflammation. Supplement with omega-3 fish oil, vitamins A, B complex (including folic acid, B6 and B12), C, D, and E, plus quercitin, glucosamine, chrondroitin, beta-carotene, selenium, CoQ10, N-acetylcysteine, and alpha-lipoic acid. (Call Beyond Health to get the supplements I use.)

The health of the American people is in a catastrophic, long-term downtrend. The result is pain, suffering, unnecessary loss of loved ones and an economic threat that is projected within a few decades to bankrupt our country and plunge it into third-world status. This is happening because, in a relatively short period of time, we have completely changed our diet. We now consume insufficient anti-inflammatory vitamins and minerals and an enormous surplus of pro-inflammatory "foods" in the form of the Big Four: sugar, white flour, dairy and processed oils (remember the oils we consume are 20 to 30 times more pro-inflammatory than our ancestor's).

Inflammation is a common element in virtually all disease. By consuming the Big Four, the cumulative effect of the inflammation we are creating is aging us prematurely, causing us to look old, feel tired, and suffer every imaginable disease. By learning how to prevent and reverse inflammation, we can achieve power over aging and disease. What a wonderful goal—and so easy to do.

ANTI-AGING SKIN CARE - RESTORING YOUR SKIN'S YOUTH

Eye Serum
Why is anti-aging skin care a significant concern with today’s population? Well, quite simply, it is because of the numbers. The baby boomers (individuals born between 1946 and 1964) are collectively aging. This means that there is a very large segment of the population showing the signs of aging. Skin is one of the body’s elements that reflects this in a dramatic way. Therefore, a lot of emphasis is being placed nowadays on anti-aging skin care treatments and products.

As our bodies age, our skin also ages and like the rest of our body, it is impossible to stop the skin aging process or reverse it. However, with proper care, skin aging can be slowed and visible effects reversed to some degree. It is possible to have healthy and younger looking skin. The signs of aging skin are very noticeable in an elderly person, but the onset of these symptoms is evident in younger people as well. Basically, symptoms of skin aging can be split into the following age categories: pre-teen, 13 to 20 years, 20 to 30 years, 30 to 40 years, 40 to 55 years, and greater than 55 years. So, there is no big surprise here, your skin ages. What can be done about it?

Before discussing which anti-aging treatments are necessary, it is important to understand the causes of skin aging. What factors are responsible? There is no single cause that leads to older looking skin, but rather a combination of many day-to-day factors that individuals are subjected to.

Once the causes of skin aging are understood, the next logical step for anti-aging skin care is prevention. Prevention is the most effective of all treatments. Remember this old saying – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. No doubt, this is true for your skin. Anything you don’t do right in your younger years with your skin, will end up costing you a lot of anxiety, effort, pain, and money later on, as you age. This is why it is important, or perhaps it should be said with more emphasis, VERY IMPORTANT, to follow proper anti-aging skin care precautions. These precautions should be adhered to as early as possible in a person’s life, so that the skin can maintain it’s youthful beauty and health for many years. Prevention is important even if the skin has aged, in order to limit further damage. It should not be taken for granted at any time.

Unfortunately, history and experience tells us that even for people who are extremely careful with avoiding the causes of skin aging, it is not possible to stop it. It will occur to some degree. The good news is that many anti-aging skincare treatments are available. The treatments are generally focussed on the face and hands because these are the areas of our skin that are exposed to the aging elements day after day. The facial area and hands are also the most visible parts of our skin and therefore, tend to get the most attention. Effective anti-aging skin care treatments are an essential aspect to obtaining good overall skin health.

What are the options available for anti-aging skin care treatment? There are several possibilities, from basic to more costly, complex, and painful. For the basic anti-aging skin care treatments, the decision of which to use is fairly easy. Try a variety of products until you find one that provides the results you are satisfied with. Not all products work. Some products may work, but not specifically for you. However, there are some very effective products available that can provide great results without having to endure a lot of pain. A reasonable amount of experimentation is the key. For the more complex options, you should consult with your doctor, a dermatologist, or a plastic surgeon to determine which treatment is right for you.

(From http://www.healthy-skincare.com)

Sensitive Skin Care

Sensitive skin care is an important topic for many people. Why? Unfortunately, it is because sensitive skin is fairly common in today’s population.

Sensitive skin is a condition that can be quite vague. For example, some people do not care for their skin properly or use harsh products. Usually, this results in some sort of ailment, leading the individuals to think that they have sensitive skin.

However, the above example is not the type of problem that this page is concerned with. Instead, this page deals with individuals who have skin reactions with only minor exposure to some sort of irritant. In this situation, the skin condition is very frustrating because the individual may be following healthy skin care procedures, but yet still suffer problems.

So then, what is sensitive skin? This condition is difficult to define. Dermatologists view it one-way, scientists another, and affected individuals another way as well. However, in general terms, sensitive skin can be defined as skin that is easily irritated and the results can range from mild to severe.

How do you know you have sensitive skin and require sensitive skin care? This is another difficult question. In fact, dermatologists often have a difficult time diagnosing and treating this condition. Nevertheless, there are

common signs or symptoms that lead one to conclude that they have sensitive skin.

Once it has been established that your skin is more sensitive than the average person, the next step is to deal with it. Unfortunately, many individuals get very frustrated with this problem. They don’t seek professional advice for sensitive skin care because this is a very difficult condition to cure or even manage.

First of all, a dermatologist or doctor should be consulted to determine if the sensitive skin is a result of a more serious underlying health problem. If no other problems are found, then it becomes a situation where a dermatologist may try different sensitive skin care treatments to ease the condition. However, many times this is not enough. Individuals need to note on their own what triggers a reaction. They need to keep a close account of skin products they use, what they eat, etc. and come armed with this information when visiting a specialist. Treatment also involves the individual managing their own condition by eliminating certain irritants or trying different products after consultation with a doctor.

There are various skin diseases (or conditions) that can be linked to sensitive skin. Examples of these are:

urticaria, dermatographism, and rosacea. These conditions tend to be present in individuals with overly sensitive skin.

Manufacturers have taken notice of this problem. There are many sensitive skin care products available. Experimentation with a variety of these products is the best way to find what may or may not work for you.

Below are hypoallergenic dry sheets and an example of a senstive skin care product. These are a must for anyone with sensitive skin. In fact, even those without sensitive skin will get benefits from these sheets. You get all the benefits that dryer sheets provide without the many chemicals that are present in regular dryer sheets.

Finally, a sensitive skin condition varies from person to person. Sensitive skin care also differs between individuals. Shared personal experiences often helps individuals deal with their own situation. For a look at a personal experience with sensitive skin, check this

sensitive skin diary.

(From http://www.healthy-skincare.com)

OILY SKIN CARE - RESTORING YOUR SKIN'S OIL BALANCE

Oily skin care is a difficult topic to address. On one hand you need a certain amount of oil on your skin to keep it healthy and young looking. Natural skin oils are necessary to prevent problems such as dry skin. Oily skin is also less susceptible to the development of fine lines and wrinkles, discolouration, and freckles.

On the other hand, skin that is oily attracts more dust and dirt to the skin surface and excessive oil build-up can clog pores leading to problems such as acne breakouts. Oily skin leads to the development of larger than normal skin pores (often mistaken as acne scars) that give the skin a rough appearance. Therefore, because oily skin has some advantages, but also disadvantages, proper skincare (especially on the face) is a challenge.

As skin ages, the tendency is for dry skin to be more of a problem. However, skin that is too oily can occur at any age, for any gender, or for any race group. It is a problem that cannot be ignored.

Before discussing skin care for oily skin, it is important to

identify your skin type. Is it oily or is it just normal? This is necessary information to know in order to diagnose that you actually have an oily skin problem. You do not want to treat a condition that may not actually exist.

The next step is to examine the

causes of oily skin. There are many reasons why skin becomes oily. It could be genetics or diet. Understanding the causes is essential before undertaking treatments, because simply avoiding some of the causes may actually be the only treatment necessary.

When treatments are required, please take note that remedies to restore skin to its natural oil balance can vary substantially. For example, oily skin can be managed by following a set of

basic treatments for oily skin care such as proper washing and use of common products for skin that is oily. However, many people prefer all natural remedies in dealing with this problem. Finally, diet and nutrition (what you eat or don’t eat) can play a significant role in a treatment plan.

Proper care of oily skin involves diagnosing your skin type, focussing on the causes, and experimenting with a variety of treatments. Oily skin is generally not a serious problem that requires a visit to a dermatologist (unless more serious complications arise). However, this condition does require proper attention to ensure your skin remains beautiful and healthy.

(From http://www.healthy-skincare.com)

DRY SKIN CARE

Dry skin care treatments must be used when necessary to prevent dryness from robbing skin of its natural beauty and in order to maintain skin in good health.

It is likely that most people have at one time experienced a dry skincare problem to some degree either on their hands, face, or other parts of their body. However, how common is this problem? Do we really have to be concerned about dry skin care?

Twenty percent of the population suffers from a dry skin problem. That is one in five people and so, yes, dry skin is quite common. Depending on which part of the world you are from, this percentage may even be greater. It is a non-specific condition, affecting people of all ages. It is not solely a problem associated with skin aging.

Most people tend to ignore or not realize they have dry skin and this leads to the worsening of the condition. How do you know you have dry skin? Well, generally the same symptoms occur in people and this makes it easy to diagnose. The signs are usually obvious. However, the level of severity can differ substantially. For a look at

symptoms of a dry skincare problem - click here.

If you suspect you have a dry skin care problem then the next logical question is how did this happen to my once healthy skin. There are a number of reasons why your skin has become dry and the

causes of dry skin are discussed here.

Fortunately, dry skin (also known generally as xerosis) usually is not a serious problem and for the most part can be controlled simply by being aware and using proper dry skincare products.

Prevention is your first weapon. Tips for

preventing a dry skincare problem can be found here. Following these dry skin care recommendations is a must if you want to keep you skin healthy, but as we all know, we do not live in an ideal world. Sometimes our day-to-day demands prevent us from practicing dry skin care prevention and next thing you know, your skin is dry.

For minor symptoms, there are many effective dry skin care treatments and dry skin products. These can be pursued without doctor’s advice.

(From http://www.healthy-skincare.com)

Health and Beauty Guide to Hot Stone Therapy

Hot Stone Therapy

Hot Stone Therapy is a concept that has seemed to come into popularity within the past 5-10 years. Certainly within the last 3 years, it has become the ‘in’ treatment at spas, health farms and therapeutic centres all over the world. Contrary to popular belief, Hot Stone Therapy was not actually first discovered in the desert of Arizona.

It is an age old therapy dating back some 5000 years to India and almost certainly the Mayan Culture. Ayurveda, the ancient healing tradition of India, spoke of a universal source in all life. The energy called Prana is the energy or the breadth of life which moves through all forms to give them life. Yogis work with this energy using breathing techniques, meditation, physical exercise and massage to produce altered states of consciousness, healing and longevity. They would not only use their hands for manipulation and healing, but also utilise tools the earth would naturally provide such as herbs, flowers, crystals and stones.

Stone Massage Therapy came from the healers using rocks from the river beds and warming them in hot coals or hot water. By placing the hot stones on cloth, on the body and arranging them along the energy centres of the body, a healing process would occur. The hot stones have a tendency to relax the muscles draw out muscle pain and discomfort.

The Hot Stones appear to connect the flow or paths of energy together in order to rebalance the physical body, emotional mind and spirit as one. As the stones cool, the healer will replace them with hot ones. The feet are extremely energy sensitive and are also stimulated in Hot Stone Massage.

As in Reflexology, the entire body can be reflected in the feet. Hot Stone Therapy works with tiny river rocks placed between the toes to de-stress and stimulate the nerve endings in the feet. At the end, the healer would massage the feet and the body with the stones and scented oils. Cool stones could then be placed on the pulse points for revitalising and rejuvenating. Stone Therapy was utilised by many cultures across Europe and within the Mezo-American and Native American tribes as well.

Within the last 10 years, Stone Therapy has found a new life in the West. Since the ever growing popularity of alternative therapies has been channelling into the mainstream, every Spa and Salon seems to have jumped on the bandwagon to meet the growing demand of the client.

It’s simplicity does not take away from the benefits and usefulness of this natural massage tool. There is no one way to practice Stone Therapy, but temperature control is of the utmost importance. The quality and size of the stone will determine how long the stone will hold heat effectively. They can be used to enhance the healer’s current routine or relaxing 90 minute Hot Stone Therapy sessions can be offered. The Stones Can be used in the following ways:

Effleurage Tool

The smoothness and shape of the stones enhance such gliding techniques used in Swedish and Lomi-Lomi massages. A little oil applied to the stones allows for a graceful effleurage movement whilst warming the muscle. It has a similar effect to ‘ironing a muscle’.

Pressure Point Tool

The natural evolution of Hot Stones permits each stone to have it’s own unique shape, size and function. Certain stones will stand out when you are looking to use one for pressure point application. Reflexology and trigger point therapies can benefit by allowing deeper work without the strain on thumbs and wrists.

Compression Tool

The weight of the stones provide physical and mental comfort and can enhance the compression technique. As they cool, they can remain in a certain position giving it that extra attention whilst the healer can work on other parts of the body. Even by just holding the Hot Stones in the palm of the hand can provide a soothing feeling.

Thermotherapy Tool

The heat and cold retention capabilities of Hot Stones make them excellent thermotherapy tools. When warmed, the natural heat given off by the stones warms muscles and quickly relaxes clients. As the result the healer can work deeper and do more specific work in the time allowed for the massage.

A Health Aid

It is not unheard of to find a therapist who is in desperate need of a treatment themselves. Most bodywork is physical and can cause undue strain on the fingers, hands, wrists and tension in the shoulders. Without compromising the therapist themselves, Hot Stones are the perfect tool to enable a deeper massage. They can also provide relief for tired and sore hands. The heat from the stones works with you and warms muscles, whilst the weight of the stones can assist in releasing pressure.

(From http://www.healthandbeautyguide.com)

Health and Beauty Guide to Water

THE BEVERAGE YOUR BODY NEEDS MOST

Health and Beauty Guide has taken a look at the beverage our need to survive. Our bodies are estimated to be 60 to 70% water. Blood is mostly water and our muscles, lungs and brain all contain a lot of water. Water is needed to regulate body temperature and to provide the means for nutrients to travel to all of our organs. Water also transports oxygen to our cells, removes waste and protects our joints and organs.

SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION

Our bodies lose water through urination, respiration and sweating. If you very active it follows that you lose more water then if you are sedentary. Diuretics such as caffeine and alcohol cause us to lose water by tricking the body into thinking that you have more water than you need.
Symptoms of mild dehydration can include chronic pains in joints and muscles, lower back pain, headaches and also constipation. Your urine may have a strong odor and if the color has changed to yellow or amber, this could also mean that you are not getting enough water. Feeling thirsty is, an all too obvious sign of dehydration, but you actually need water long before you feel the thirst.

Other signs of Dehydration include:
• Dry Eyes
• Dry Sticky mouth
• Nausea after exercise

HOW MUCH WATER TO DRINK

A good rule of thumb is to take your body weight in pounds and then divide that number in half. This equates to the number of fluid ounces that you need to drink per day e.g. if you weigh 160 pounds you should be drinking at least 80 fluid ounces of water a day. Obviously this amount will differ with exercise. Generally another 8 ounce glass of water should be drunk for every 20 minutes of exercise. When drinking caffeine or alcohol, you should equal the amount with water. Traveling can also affect hydration levels and if flying, 8 fluid ounces of water should be consumed for every hour you are on board. Likewise, the climate in which you live will also determine the amount you drink. From these facts, you can see your daily need for water can add up to quite a lot.

The very best source of water is just plain, pure drinking water. Juices and carbonated drinks tend to contain sugar and can act as diuretics. Most sports drinks contain electrolytes which can be beneficial should you be exercising a lot.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY GUIDE TOP TIPS TO DRINKING WATER

1. Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day.
2. Drink water slowly, constantly sipping it throughout the day.
3. Don’t drink caffeinated drinks or alcoholic beverages which can dehydrate.
4. Drink water before, during and after exercise – slowly!
5. Carry a bottle of water where ever possible.
6. Remember fluids can be lost through perspiration as well as from diarrhoea
7. Sports drinks can help replenish lost electrolytes.
8. If your temperature exceeds 102 degrees – Call a doctor.

(From http://www.healthandbeautyguide.com)

Beauty and Health-- A Gift from God and Yourself

No matter how old I am, I always want myself like a shinning star in a crowd, with fit body, healthy skin, great smile. During the short whole life,I want to be a cute girl, hot girl, beautiful lady, even I were a granny,I hope I still could be called graceful.
Beauty and health is a theme through ladies' whole life, no matter where you are, what you are fighting for, how you feel
If you have the same kind of feeling, we are on one level and let's start hunting our beauty and health for our brilliant life!