Country Bee - Better Health, Mind & Life!

When you have lost someone very dear to you, the most difficult obstacle to cross is getting through the holidays. Surviving the days where everyone around you is celebrating and spreading good cheer, while your mind is filled with memories and your heart is heavy with loneliness. Its difficult just making it through what used to be the happiest days that were once shared with a soul mate, and today carries only emptiness. The greatest challenge is to remain in the company of others who love you, when you really want to be alone with your sadness.

It makes no difference whether the loss took place last week, several months ago, or even last year. The holidays always send those deep emotions flooding right to the surface.

Just as how you deal with grief is personal and individual, so is the way you handle the holidays. Remember to be true to yourself, and dont take on too much responsibility. Let people know that your plans may be subject to change, and you cant make long term commitments just yet. Be honest with yourself and with your friends and family about how youre feeling.

Some people find it best to start new traditions, because the past ones hold memories too difficult to deal with. Talk with your family about setting expectations. Plan together any modifications you will all make to the normal holiday festivities. You may want to have a church service dedicated to the memory of your loved one. Or make an annual donation in his/her name. Perhaps join the Hospice Tree Lighting ceremony. Bring joy to another child by purchasing a special toy for the Angel Tree in memory of your child.

Its a great idea, for both you and your family, for you to write a letter to them asking for their understanding. There is a terrific example of this at the following Web Site: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Woods/4671/holidays.html. I encourage you to take a look at it.

Be honest about how youre feeling, but when ever possible, try to include a positive twist into your thoughts. Instead of :
I miss my beloved so much, there is no Christmas without him/her.
try
I do miss my beloved. Christmas will be different this year, but I will try to enjoy it.

Instead of:
I HATE this time of year. I cant wait until its over.
try
This is a difficult time of year for me. But it does give me an opportunity to become closer to my family and friends.

Some people heal best by helping others. Try volunteering at an organization who help people with a greater need than yours. i.e. A soup kitchen, a homeless shelter, orphanages, etc. Often the best therapy is helping others. Aside from the obvious benefits of keeping your mind occupied and seeing that there are others in worse situations than yourself, charity work gives you a tremendous feeling of fulfillment. It can give you a renewed sense of purpose, so important during times of sadness.

Above all else, give yourself permission to enjoy yourself, to laugh, and to find peace. Each of these things are part of healing. Your life will never be the same, but it will go on, and it can still be good. I want you to close your eyes for just a moment. Bring into the room with you the clearest image of the person that you have lost. Now say I love you and I miss you. You will always be in my heart. I need to know… is it okay for me to be happy again?

Now, imagine the answer that you receive. If you remember your loved one in their true light, Im confident the answer will be YES.
Find peace over the holidays, and be good to you.

Sources that may be helpful:
http://www.nfda.org/resources/grief/1998/blues.html
http://dying.about.com/library/weekly/aa120899c.htm
http://cincinnati.com/holiday99/handling_grief.html
http://dying.about.com/library/weekly/aa122299c.htm
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Woods/4671/holidays.html
http://www.kirstimd.com/blues.htm

Brigitte Synesael is recognized as an authority on Alternative Medicine Information.
A published author, her latest release “You’ve Got Nothing To Lose But POUNDS!” was inspired by outrage at society taking advantage of a frustrated, overweight population. This well researched ebook gives more than 10 reasons that could be responsible for your weight problem besides overeating. This book is available at http://www.diets-dont-work.com

Gives an overview of massage and its benefits.
As little as 10 years ago, the concept of massage in most peoples minds was that of a luxury reserved for professional athletes, the rich and famous or at best as a self indulgent splurge while vacationing at a resort. Today however, massage has become a much more common and regular practice for the average individual, as more and more businesses continuing to offer this service proves. But, you may be asking yourself is it right for me?

To begin answering this question, lets explore what happens during a therapeutic massage, what shouldnt happen, and what the vast array of benefits are. If you are walking into a practitioners office for the first time, you will usually begin your session by being given a brief health questionnaire, so the therapist can determine the goals for the massage, as well as if any serious conditions exist why a massage should not be performed or the techniques limited. Once this step is completed, you will be left alone briefly to disrobe, lie down on a massage table and cover yourself with a top sheet. When the practitioner returns, he or she will almost always begin by gliding and stroking over the muscles and skin to warm them up and prepare them for deeper work, such as kneading and muscle rolling. As the massage progresses, you therapist will continue to work more deeply into your muscles, but should never cross the line where intense pain or discomfort are felt. As your massage is coming to a close, there will usually be a return to some gentle gliding and finishing strokes, before you are left in private to get off the table and dress.

Some of the many benefits of massage include regulation of circulatory function, energy levels and breathing, stimulation of lymphatic flow which helps the body eliminate toxins, muscle tone, cellulite reduction, immune system stimulation, and last but certainly not least a deep sense of calm, nurture and stress reduction.

Within a professional setting, there are a few guidelines that should never be crossed. You should never be told to undress further than you are comfortable with. You should never be embarrassed by private areas of your body being exposed. You should never be dealt with in a sexual or harassing manner and you should never have your threshold for pain and discomfort crossed.

It is unfortunate to also have to address a somewhat common misconception that getting a therapeutic massage can also have sexual implications in some peoples minds. Any therapist or client working within a legitimate office setting should never cross this boundary, and should result in the immediate termination of the session either from a client or therapist standpoint. It is far in-away more common for a therapist to have to deal with unwanted advances than it would ever be for a client to experience the same inappropriate behavior from their therapist.

A few final notes would include that the guidelines and information in this article basically pertains to Swedish Massage technique, which is by far the most common form of massage done today. There are other methods of bodywork such as Rolfing or Trigger Point therapy, which can work more deeply and produce a more significant amount of pain. Reflexology is a form of massage working with various pulse points on the feet, that correlate with various organs of the body. Applying fingertip or thumb pressure on the appropriate pulse point is said to promote healing and stimulation of the corresponding organ. Also, some other forms of therapy which work at the energetic levels of the body such as Reike, Therapeutic

Touch and Auric Stroking are performed with some degree of frequency, so it may be wise to check with your practitioner in advance to make sure you will be getting the type of session that you desire. Massage can be performed on men and women from the very young to the very old–is it right for you?

About the Author

In her diversified career as a holistic practitioner, Tracy Norwalk has conducted corporate stress relief programs, taught classes in Aromatherapy as a certified practitioner, and worked as a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist for state-of-the-art spas in both Pennsylvania and California. She has designed and sold her own all-natural bath and body line, and done freelance newspaper writing on topics pertaining to alternative medicine. In addition, she has studied and works with various forms of energy healing techniques. Web address: www.geocities.com/naturelady42

Quite simply, natural health means maintaining good health naturally through the air we breathe, the water we drink, the foods and fluids we consume, and also through our daily physical movement and activities, rest and sleep, and interactions with other people. In summary, it is how we live in our bodies on a daily basis.

Natural healing involves moving from a state of non-health into health using only natural means. If we fast to cleanse the body of mucous, seek massage therapy to ease aching muscles, or take herbal formulas to soothe an irritated throat, we are using a natural healing modality.
Natural health modalities such as homeopathy, herbology, iridology, bioenergetic methods, and nutrition, are non-invasive methods of health practice, which are designed to stimulate and maintain the body’s intrinsic self-healing processes. Lets take a brief look at each of these modalities.

Homeopathy - Homeopathy, as founded by Samuel Hahnemann, is based on the concept of “like cures like” with the idea that remedies and symptoms sharing certain similar characteristics work together to aid the healing process.

Iridology - Iridology is the study of the colored part of the eye, the iris. According to Iridology, the iris contains fibers and pigmentations, which possibly indicate states of physical and psychological health. By determining the placement of fibers and variations in pigmentation in the iris, physical strengths and weaknesses due to environmental reactions, past physical reactions, emotional patterns, and inherited physiological qualities can be used to maintain and improve general health.

Herbology - This is a health practice, which utilizes the therapeutic applications of herbs and other botanical substances, such as roots, leaves, bark or berries of plants. These substances can be made into various forms of tablets, capsules, teas, lozenges, or poultices, and are generally sold over-the-counter in health food stores and neighborhood pharmacies.

Holistic Nutrition - Holistic Nutrition is the science of using natural, whole foods and nutritional supplements to detoxify, rebuild, and balance the whole person, with an awareness of how these dietary choices are interrelated with the condition of our body, emotions, spirit and the environment.

Energy - Energy work is a general term, which includes several healing modalities, including Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch, and other similar methods. Commonly known as “laying on of hands” in some traditions, energy work may be used to assist in the balancing of physical, emotional, and spiritual energies. It may help the body as it balances or heals itself from the challenges of our everyday lives, stress , and disease, and as it strives to maintain a healthy homeostasis. Our bodies are imbued with life energy, life force, chi, ki, or prana, connecting us to universal life force, or divine life energy. Energy work can also be used as a path to help us remain more connected to our inner selves, our spirits, and support us in our growing, healing, and transformative paths as we evolve physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are therapies considered by mainstream Western medicine to be nontraditional measures used as complements to allopathic (conventional) medicine.

Traditional Western medicine excels in the treatment of infectious disease, acute illnesses, and trauma. However, this system does not adequately address prevention, optimal wellness, or chronic disease.

Certain systems of CAM such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine surpass conventional medicine in these areas. Other systems address the energy of our body in a gentle manner, such as homeopathy, rather than harsh energy medicine such as radiation oncology.
CAM embraces such mind/body techniques as hypnotherapy, yoga , and biofeedback.

Acupuncture is an example of a nonbiomedical system of healing that has few complications or adverse reactions.

We live in a fast-paced society filled with stress and environmental pollution. We have been conditioned to expect fast results and told it is acceptable to pop a pill whenever we have the slightest amount of discomfort. Marketing companies have spent billions in advertising to convince us to eat junk food.

Incorporating natural health modalities into your life can assist you in achieving radiant health, balance of body, and emotional stability, but internal and external changes will need to be made. Good health begins by obtaining and applying knowledge. You can take charge of your health and begin living a healthy lifestyle.

About the author Kathy Browning is a healing arts practitioner and wellness coach. She is also the Editor-In-Chief of The Art of Living Well, an ezine focused on the mind, body, spirit connection and the author of Feng Shui for Abundant Living. Be sure to visit http://www.cancercomfort.com for more information.

Contact: Stacey Kumagai at
818/506.8675
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IS STRESS MAKING YOU FAT?

FOUR MOUNTAINS, INC. REVEALS HOW STRESS COULD RUIN MORE THAN YOUR SUMMER BEACH LOOK!

Calabasas, CA Juggling a Type-A Personality, family/friends/life demands, career-on-the-run with regular exercise and diet (even soy lattes) should be enough to keep anyone fit. Add in the unstable stock market, taxes, freeway sig-alerts, battling office chaos, recovering from the flu, all while we were at War with Iraq its no surprise those few extra pounds have not melted away in time for Summer. Four Mountains, Inc.,
is a privately held Clinical & Research Laboratory dedicated to synthesizing all available data in the fields of alternative medicine, disease prevention, wholistic mind/body health and anti-aging technology. They have found that the human body storing energy as fat is one of the many reflex, involuntary, biological responses to chronic stress.

“Stress makes our body store fat, which is stored energy, especially around the waist. This is a stress survival strategy. When the brain perceives stress, it makes the body do all kinds of things you would never want it to, unless of course you really were in a survival situation. If you were lost in the deep desert you would want your body to store energy as fat as this would help you make the long perilous journey back to civilization. The problem is that ALL stress triggers our fat storing mechanisms, even if we’re just sitting in traffic and running late. Under stress, the body just does what it does, and storing fat is one of those things, explains
Dr. Ward Coleman, N.D. and President of Four Mountains, Inc.

Four Mountains, Inc. committed toward optimizing health and well-being, has developed an Anti-Stress Program to help manage, reduce and neutralize chronic stress in a complete, easy-to-follow daily two month program. Providing a fundamental anti-stress strategy that will last a lifetime, the educational mind/body/lifestyle Wellness Tools not only tackle the very stress which makes you fat, but combats the other signs and symptoms affiliated with stress - back pain, interrupted sleep, indigestion, constipation , heart problems, tight shoulders and shallow breathing. Ignored, chronic stress can lead to more than just an unfit day at the beach!

For media requests, contact Stacey Kumagai at 818/506-8675 or mediamonster@yahoo.com . To order the Anti-Stress Program call Four Mountains, Inc., at 800/736-0904 or email fourmountains@earthlink.net
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Stacey Kumagai is CEO of Media Monster Communications, Inc. - a full-service public relations, marketing, promotions, media firm specializing in business development, creative consulting, media outreach and special events.

Contact: Stacey Kumagai at
818/506.8675

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM TRASHED?
FOUR MOUNTAINS, INC. UNVEILS 21st CENTURY SOLUTIONS FOR CORRECTING IMMUNE DYSFUNCTION
ULTIMATELY TAKING THE SCARE OUT OF SARS AND INFECTION OUT OF THE MODERN WORLD

Calabasas, CA Information is power. So is a strong immune system. Over the past few decades, fear and helplessness has been the focus of the common cold/flu, Swine Flu, E-coli bacteria, HIV/AIDS and most recently SARS. Four Mountains, Inc., is a privately held Clinical & Research Laboratory dedicated to synthesizing all available data in the fields of alternative medicine, disease prevention, wholistic mind/body health and anti-aging technology. And they are unveiling what is likely the most advanced, comprehensive, wholistic, and effective Immune Support Program in the world.

“Some doctors are telling the public that the immune system cannot be strengthened and there is nothing we can do to increase resistance to infections, but these old fashioned opinions do not square with the
evidence. The human immune system CAN be augmented and amplified! One vitamin or herb won’t do it alone, that’s true. But, if you supply the immune system with all the hundreds of nutritive materials it needs to function then YES, THE BODY CAN DEFEND ITSELF AGAINST INFECTIONS OF ALL TYPES. A strong immune system protects the body against alien microbes, and SARS is no exception, states Dr. Ward Coleman, N.D. and President of Four Mountains, Inc. “There is no excuse for so much widespread illness and fear of illness. If you get sick, it means your immune system is handicapped, depleted and depressed. I want people to know that all illness and infection is ABNORMAL and CAN be prevented. The way we live, the nutrients we ingest (or fail to), determines how immune we are to infection. Too many people are not understanding this. We don’t need any more studies. We already know more than is being applied. If we apply what we already know, illness and disease will vanish from the face of the earth! explains Coleman.

Four Mountains Immune Support Program is a complete wellness program consisting of special immunity boosting nutrients and dietary guidelines designed to work as an applied maintenance life system program for continuous optimized health.

For media information requests, contact Stacey Kumagai at 818/506-8675 or mediamonster@yahoo.com . To order the Immune Support Program call Four Mountains, Inc., at 800/736-0904 or email fourmountains@earthlink.net

Stacey Kumagai is CEO of Media Monster Communications, Inc. - a full-service public relations, marketing, media firm specializing in business development, special event production and creative consulting.

Using a combination of herbal treatments and nutritional supplements along wtih lifestyle changes to treat PMS naturally.
In this day and age of science and technology, one would think that a disorder that affects somewhere between 30 and 70 percent of women would have a clear cure. In the case of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS for short) this just isn’t the case. Ironically, there are still health care providers who doubt that this common ailment even exists, despite being a recognized problem in the health field for over 60 years.

Conventional medical treatments run the gamut from antidepressant drugs such as Prozac or Zoloft to Valium to hormonal treatment, such as the administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Clearly, no set treatment for this problem exists, yet naturopaths have had excellent results treating PMS with a combination of lifestyle changes and natural remedies.

It is clear that PMS is a result of hormonal imbalances in the female body. Several hormonal patterns are typical in a PMS sufferer, the most common being an elevation of the hormone estrogen combined with a reduction of the hormone progesterone. This increased estrogen-to-progesterone ratio can lead to problems with the liver not functioning as it should, reduced levels of serotonin (an important mood-elevating neurotransmitter) in the brain, lower endorphin levels, and alterations in other hormone levels. Also, it is common to find hypothyrodism and elevated prolactin levels in a woman experiencing PMS, so it is important to rule out serious health care issues with an understanding physician.

Typical PMS symptoms include the following: abdominal bloating, acne , anxiety, backache, breast swelling/tenderness, changes in libido, cramps, depression , diarrhea and/or constipation , edema of fingers and ankles, food cravings (especially carbohydrates in the form of sweets), fainting spells, fatigue, headaches, insomnia, joint pain, nervousness, water retention, and personality changes such as drastic mood swings or bursts of anger and/or violence.

In most women, the best form of treatment is to increase progesterone while lowering estrogen in the body. The most popular and highly effective way among naturopaths is to use vitex or chastetree extract. In two surveys of gynecological practices in Germany, physicians graded chastetree berry extract as good or very good in the treatment of PMS, showing that even conventional medicine in other countries realize the effectiveness of chastetree berry extract. In a study of over 1500 women taking chastetree berry extract, one third of the women experienced complete resolution of their symptoms, while another 57% reported significant improvement; 90% reported improvement or resolution overall. Chastetree berry apparently has profound effects on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, and is able to normalize the secretion of other hormones, namely progesterone and estrogen. Best results occur after three months of treatment in most cases.

Another popular herb in Europe for treating PMS symptoms is black cohosh. Black cohosh was widely used by the American Indians for the relief of menstrual cramps and menopause. Black cohosh seems to work by reducing feelings of depression, anxiety, and tension. It helps stabilize moods and is an excellent tonic for the nervous system. Recommended dosage for PMS symptoms is 2 mL daily in tincture form.

Another herb that is helpful in hormone balancing is dong quai. This herb has demonstrated it’s usefulness as an uterine tonic, and can ease the discomforts of menstrual cramps. A benefit to dong quai may be it’s ability to increase glucose utilization by the liver and uterus - especially helpful to the many women who experience glucose intolerance along with their PMS symptoms. The tincture form is preferred, and the recommended dosage is 4 mL daily, starting on day 14 of the menstrual cycle and continuing until menstruation begins.

To increase naturally occuring progesterone in the body, many women have found wild yam extract to be beneficial. This extract contains natural progesterone and has proved effective in alleviating several symptoms of PMS, including cramps, headache, mood swings, depression, and insomnia.

Nutritional considerations are also important in treating PMS. Many natural health care practitioners recommend women suffering from PMS to make several dietary changes, including reducing the amount of sugars and simple carbohydrates in the diet, and increasing fresh fruits and vegetables along with quality whole grain cereals and breads. High protein foods are also important - beans, peas, lentils, nuts and seeds are all good sources, as well as broiled chicken, turkey, and fish. Increasing the use of soy may be helpful for some women, as soy is an excellent source of phytoestrogens (plant estrogens), which bind to estrogen receptors in the body, thereby competing with estrogen naturally occuring in the body, reducing the amount of estrogen overall.

Calcium supplementation has also been beneficial for many women, but one must be cautious when considering calcium sources. For example, commercial milk is often laden with estrogen from injections given to the cows at the dairy. In fact, several sources indicate that calcium via milk is a possible causative factor of PMS, perhaps due to the combination of calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus, which reduces the magnesium absorption by the body. However, women who took a calcium supplement of 1000 mg daily showed significant symptom improvements in several studies.

It’s important to try these treatments and see which work best. Because PMS may have so many different causes, not all treatments will be appropriate.

About the Author

Meredith Edwards-Cornwall is the owner of http://www.AttachedMamas.com and http://www.BeachDesigns.net. She is an attached mama to two children, Alexander and Elizabeth.

Following the 6 steps of healing, Susun Weed uses Wise Woman Ways to keep your heart healthy. “Open your heart to me, my own,” whispers Grandmother Growth so softly you aren’t certain you hear her. “Open the wisdom way of compassion here in your heart and draw me inside. Let Grandmother Growth be inside you, helping you encompass the whole, in the beat of your own heart, my heart, Crone’s heart.”

Step 0: Do Nothing

Thinking of taking hormone replacement to keep your heart healthy? Think again. Data released in April of the year 2000, from the federal government’s Women’s Health Initiative, showed “a small increase in the number of heart attacks, strokes and blood clots in the lungs of women on hormone replacement compared with women on placebo.” The Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study (HERS), completed in 1998, found the same connection. For a healthy heart, don’t take hormones.

“Recently released data from the federal government’s Women’s Health Initiative suggests that during the first two years of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy there is a slightly greater risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots.”

Heart disease is America’s top killer (claiming a life every 34 seconds). Women aged 30-50 have far less risk of heart disease than a man their age. But postmenopausal women die from heart disease at rates as high as men’s. (Women account for 51 percent of all cardiovascular deaths; men, 49 percent.) Is it lack of estrogen?

No. Estrogen does lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol, but cholesterol is only weakly linked to heart disease, especially in women. (Most heart attacks happen to people with normal cholesterol levels.)

Estrogen raises blood pressure (one of the top three reasons for heart attacks in women), increases triglycerides, promotes clotting (a leading factor in heart attacks and strokes), and raises levels of C-reactive protein (a marker for inflammation associated with heart disease). Take progestins/progesterone too and you increase your risk of heart disease even more. Hormone replacement really isn’t heart healthy.

Aren’t there studies linking estrogen usage to lowered risk of heart disease? Only retrospective ones, which cannot establish a cause-and-effect link. And the women in those studies ate well, exercised regularly, and were unlikely to smoke - behaviors that are critical to heart health. The simple truth is more than 90 percent of all heart disease is preventable with lifestyle choices.

The three top risk factors for heart disease in women are too much belly fat, smoking, and untreated hypertension. High cholesterol is one of the top three risk factors for men, but not for women. (This is because, after menopause, we make heart healthy hormones from our cholesterol.)

Step 1: Collect Information

The Nurses Health Study - which followed 86,000 women for 14 years - shows what happens to those wise old Crones who follow heart healthy behaviors:

Those who ate more fish than meat, plus plenty of whole grains, beans, leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables reduced their risk of heart disease by one-third compared to those who ate a “normal” American diet. Eating one serving a day of whole-grain foods reduced heart attacks by 34 percent in another study of 34,000 postmenopausal women.

Those who ate at least 5 ounces of nuts a week were only half as likely to have a heart attack as those who ate none.

Women who walked a total of three hours per week or who exercised vigorously for at least 90 minutes a week had one third fewer heart attacks than women who got no exercise. Those who walked five or more hours a week cut their risk in half.

Step 2: Engage the Energy

Rose flower essence and rose quartz essence are both recommended for engaging the energy of the heart.

Do you attack your heart? Do you close your heart to protect it? Love yourself. Give yourself plenty of nice strokes so you won’t have a bad stroke. Try Stephen Levine’s meditation “Opening the Heart” in Who Dies?

People in Hawaii, New Mexico, and Arizona have the healthiest hearts in the United States. Imagine you live there.

Smile! Depression increases your risk of both heart attack and stroke. In fact, severe depression is more strongly linked to stroke risk than high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking cigarettes, being overweight, and nine other known risk factors. When you smile, your brain makes hormones that make you, and your heart, feel good. So, smile.

Step 3: Nourish & Tonify

Touch and be touched. In numerous scientific studies, people who were touched lovingly every day had significantly fewer heart problems than those who weren’t.

Nuts to heart attacks. The fats in nuts have been linked to a reduced risk of heart attacks. Volunteers on high-fat diets (35-40 percent of calories nuts and olive oil) lowered their LDL cholesterol by 13 percent. Greek women do the same, and have one of the lowest rates of heart disease in the world.

Essential fatty acids, especially omega-3s, are ever so essential to a healthy heart. Look for them in fish (salmon, sardines, trout, herring are highest), seeds, whole grains, beans, and nuts. They are especially abundant in wild seeds such as plantain, lamb’s quarter, and amaranth. And in freshly ground flax seeds. Women who consume the EFA alpha-linolenic acid daily have the lowest risk of a fatal heart attack.

Keep your heart healthy with regular use of seaweeds. Seaweeds have clinically proven cardiotonic effects: they stabilize blood pressure; regulate levels of triglycerides, phospholipids, and cholesterols; prolong the life of the heart muscle; and encourage a steady heartbeat.

Women who regularly eat foods rich in carotenes cut their risk of stroke by 40 percent. Women who eat broccoli at least once a week have roughly half the risk of heart disease as women who eat none.

Eliminating or limiting carbohydrates, especially refined flours and sugars, has halved the cholesterol of several friends whose totals were above 400.

“What emerges is a clear association of heart disease with … consumption of devitalized, processed, fabricated food items, including sugar and fructose, soft drinks, fortified white flour, milk and egg powders, caffeine, imitation broth products, synthetic vitamins, vegetable oils, and hydrogenated fats.” - Sally Fallon

Garlic, Knoblauch, Ail (Allium sativum) is a great friend to old hearts. Several cloves a day of fresh, raw garlic can lower blood pressure, reduce phospholipids and cholesterol, strengthen heart action, increase immune response, reduce platelet clumping and clotting (thus reducing strokes), and stabilize blood sugar levels.

Don’t like raw garlic? Use powdered! A four-year study found women who ingested 900 mg (1/4 teaspoonful) of garlic powder daily had 18 percent less arterial plaque than those taking a placebo.

Hawthorn berry tincture is the standard herbal heart tonic, and for good reason. It is broadly effective, virtually without overdose, and easy to make from fresh or dried berries. An elegant shrub or small tree, hawthorn is frequently cultivated in the suburbs.

Injectable forms of Crataegus were used by MDs up until the 1950s to treat vascular heart disease, high blood pressure, inflammation of the heart muscle, and arteriosclerosis.

The action of hawthorn is slow but complete. It strengthens the heart, establishes a regular heartbeat, relieves water build-up around the heart, and resolves stress throughout the cardiovascular system. Dose is 25-40 drops of the berry tincture, up to 4 times a day. Expect results no sooner than 6-8 weeks.

Motherwort, that dear friend of menopausal women, is a favorite heart tonic. A dose of 10-20 drops of the tincture of the flowering tops, taken up to three times a day, helps lower blood pressure, strengthen heart action, ease palpitations and irregular heartbeats, and make room in the heart for compassion.

Keep your heart healthy by eating chocolate. Sound too good to be true? Despite its reputation, chocolate is loaded with heart healthy phytochemicals. Cocoa’s tretramers curb oxidation of the blood vessel walls, short-circuiting the build up of atherosclerotic plaque; they also help keep the vessels relaxed, keeping blood pressure down.

Chocolate’s flavonoids are more powerful than vitamin C in limiting oxidation of LDL; they protect all lipids in the blood from free-radical damage. Procyanidins are flavonoids that work like mild aspirins, keeping the blood thin and free-flowing.

Polyphenols are heart-healthy substances found abundantly in red wine, green tea, and chocolate. Daily use may prevent stroke by delaying blood clotting time. (75 ounces/20 grams of dark chocolate = one-half cup tea = one glass red wine.)

Chocolate also prevents blood platelet fragmentation (which occurs when platelets get sticky), and boosts HDL (good) cholesterol. No wonder it often comes in heart-shaped boxes!

Lemon balm is so strengthening to the heart, it is said those who drink it daily will live forever. Brew fresh or dried leaves in a cup of water for 5-10 minutes. Or steep fresh leaves in a glass of white wine for 1-2 hours and drink with dinner. Or enjoy 1-2 tablespoons/15-30 ml of the vinegar.

You don’t have to sweat, but you do have to move to keep your heart healthy. However you can do it, do it; no excuses.

Dandelion root tincture lowers blood pressure and keeps your heart and cardiovascular system healthy and happy. Use 10-15 drops with meals.

If you eat meat, be sure to eat whole grains and beans. Homocysteine is concentrated in the blood of those who eat a lot of animal protein and don’t get enough B vitamins to process it completely.

See New Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way, Alternative Approaches for Women 30-90 for Heart Healthy steps 4, 5, and 6 of the Six Steps of Healing HEART HEALTHY LIFE STYLE HINTS

Eat whole grains, nuts, and beans daily.
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables every day.
Eat fatty fish at least once a week.
Eat dark chocolate regularly.
Eat a high monounsaturated-fat diet.
Stop smoking.
Exercise daily.
Maintain a healthy weight; don’t diet.

STOP SMOKING - HEART HEALTHY HINTS

Tobacco is highly addictive and you can beat it. Get an extra edge on quitting by nourishing yourself with a handful of freshly toasted sunflower seeds and a cup of nettle or oatstraw infusion daily for 4-6 weeks before you stop smoking. Sunflower seeds reduce cravings for nicotine by filling nicotine receptor sites. Nettles and oatstraw strengthen nerves and cushion the impact of withdrawal. Nourish yourself the Wise Woman Way when you want tobacco:

Take an oatstraw bath.
Eat a wild salad (even if its only one dandelion leaf).
Bring home a flower.
Let someone cook dinner for you.
Go to a yoga class or a martial arts class.
Buy something for yourself instead of cigarettes.
Miss your smoke break? Take a break for pleasure!
A weight gain of 15 pounds/7 kilos is normal for quitters.
Nicotine withdrawal causes constipation .
Read, get, buy The No-Nag, No-Guilt, Do-It-Your-Own-Way Guide to Quitting Smoking by Tom Ferguson, MD, Ballantine, 1987.

See New Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way, Alternative Approaches for Women 30-90 for more great Heart Healthy tips and hints.

If you liked this excerpt by Susun S. Weed, you will want New Menopausal Years The Wise Woman Way available from www.ashtreepublishing.com.

Susun Weed
PO Box 64
Woodstock, NY 12498
Fax: 1-845-246-8081

Visit Susun Weed at: www.susunweed.com and www.ash-tree-publishing.com
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The Science of Life - Ayurveda

Ayurvedic Guidelines for Holistic Living

Ayurveda prescribes three major guidelines for Healthy Living. They are Dinacharya, Ritucharya & Brahmacharya

Dinacharya

One should get up early in the morning at 0430 AM , the time prescribed for Meditation. After brushing the teeth, one should take an oil bath.

Oil, preferably coconut oil, should be put all over the body and one should relax for 30-60 minutes for the oil to sink in. Oil Bath is known in Ayurveda as Abhyanga. Because of the oil bath, you will get proper sleep. The body becomes fresh. The body is fortified and becomes cool. Oil will take care of all the diseases of the scalp. It will prevent hair loss. The hair becomes blacker and more healthy.

After Abhyanga, one should do exercise. Exercise will increase the digestive capacity and obesity will be controlled. After doing exercise ( Yoga exercises are the best ), one should massage the body mildly. One should not do excess exercise. Excess exercise can result in weakness, thirst, fever and vomiting. Mild massage can destroy phlegm and reduce fat.

Taking oil bath daily increases the digestive fire. It will increase the sexual capacity. More energy and strength will be imparted by an oil bath. Physical weakness will disappear. One should pour only cold water over the head . Hot water bath is ideal for the rest of the body.

Ritucharya

Western system of Astrology which follows the Tropical Zodiac identifies four major seasons - Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

From March 21 we have the beginning of summer, after the Spring Equinox. From June 21 we have autumn, after the Summer Solstice. From Sept 22 we have Winter, after the Autumnal Equinox and after Dec 22, which is the pagan festival of Winter Solstice, we have Spring

The Indian system of Astrology which follows the Sidereal Zodiac identifies six major seasons known as Rithus. Two months constitute a Rithu. ( Tau Dwau Rithu ).

They are Sisira ( January & February), Vasantha ( March & April), Greeshma ( May & June ), Varsha ( July & August ), Sharath ( September & October ) & Hemantha ( November & December ).

The Three Humurs of Ayurveda are Wind ( Vata ), Bile ( Pitta ) & Phlegm ( Kapha ). Their equilibrium is Health and their disharmony is ill-health.

During Sharath Rithu, Pitta will be more.

During Hemanta Rithu, Kapha will be more.
During Greeshma, Vata will be more.

During Varsha, Vata will be more.

During the hot Greeshma Rithu, one should avoid hard labour which gives a tough time for the body. The ideal foods during Greeshma are Fruit juices, buttermilk, lime juice and these should be taken extensively. Can have cold water bath. Water Melon, plantains, bananas, cucumber, tomatoes, jackfruit and leafy vegetables can be taken in.
Uttarayana ( the Northern Progress of the Sun ) involve the six solar sidereal months from Capricorn to Cancer. During this phase, one should take abundant fruits like pomegranate, water melon, orange, grapes and tender coconut water. This phase is known as Adana Kala because much strength is lost from the body due to the hot season. Plantains and bananas should also be taken in. Rice, wheat, gooseberry ( which is a rich source of Vitamin C ), pineapple, mangoes, cashew, groundnut, carrot, pumpkin,honey, milk and leafy vegetables should also be consumed.

Dakshinayana ( the Southern Progress of the Sun ) involve the six solar sidereal months from Cancer to Capricorn. This phase is known as Visarga Kala , as this is a period which augments physical strength. Bittergourd, gooseberry, chilli, wheat, honey, rice and vegetables can be taken in during this period.

Brahmacharya

Brahmacharya means to roam in Brahman, the Absolute, to embrace none but Him.
Lustre and virility are all dependent on the seventh Tissue Element, Semen. If there is a weaking of this tissue element, the body loses potency. Hence the need for preserving this vital Tissue Element through proper celibacy.

Havelock Ellis in his “Psychology of Sex ” has demonstrated that preservation of semen can result in increased creativity, high MQ & high IQ. High Emotional Quotient and Spiritual Quotient are also the boons of Brahmacharya.

Semen consists of the triune properties of Heat ( Tejas ), Light ( Ojas) and Electricity ( Vidyut ). Sublimation of this vital fluid can result in increased longevity. It will fortify the Immune system and body can be saved from wrinkles. Intuition and the discriminative intellect will function more during celibacy. Hence controlled Brahmacharya is a must for Healthy Living.

Pathya - Diet Control

There is a popular saying in Ayurveda that there no cure for 2 types of people. People who observe Pathya ( Diet Control ) and people who do not follow Pathya ! If a man has hyperacidity and do not observe Pathya ( if he takes in spicy, hot foods, alcohol and beverages ), how can he be cured. even with a plethora of medicines ? If the same man follows Pathya ( he avoids spicy foods, alcohol & beverages ), he doesnt need medicines !

Diet Control is all in all
Even for disease chronic, Diet Control can cure
Without Diet Control, useless is the highest Therapy !
Hence the need for Foods Vedic !

For every disease there is Pathya. The Ayurvedic Physician will say dont take such and such food. Foods that are to be avoided in general are spicy foods, alcohol, non veg like beef, eggs and fish, carbonated drinks and processed foods

Fruits and vegetables contain Carotenoids and Bioflavonoids which are cancer preventing or disease preventing. They contain fibres that are vital for the body. The popular notion that eggs are cheap and contain proteins and high calories is a flawed notion. 100 gms of egg contains 13.3 % protein and 137 calories. 100 gms of vegetables contain 25.1% protein and 334 calories !
Why avoid Non Vegetarian Food

Because of the high cholesterol content, non veg food is not okayed by Ayurveda. A 100 gms of Mackerel contains 95 mgs of cholesterol, haddock 65 mg, tuna 63 mg , halibut 50 mg, beef 70 mg, chicken 60 mg and pork 70 mg. And when the comparison is made based on calories, fish ( 50mg/100 calories) is much higher in cholesterol than pork (24mg/100 calories), beef ( 29 mg /100 calories ) or chicken ( 44 mg /100 calories ). Animal protein causes osteoporosis or bone loss. Fish contains neither fibre nor carbohydrate. A recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine warned that many fish contain high levels of Mercury, which may increase risk of a heart attack. There is evidence that fish fat ( Omega-3 fat ) will increase a person’s risk of cancer and the risk of metastasis ( spread of cancer to other parts of the body ).

Naturopathy - The Prophylactic Aspect of Ayurveda

Naturopathy or Prakrithi Therapy is the Swastha Vritta ( Prophylactic Aspect ) of the Science of Life.

The Five Great Elements are the Five Doctors ( Annam Brahma ). Food is medicine and medicine is food. By food we mean Naturopathic food, the food that cometh from Nature. The Five Great Elements ( Pancha Maha Bhootas ) are prior to everything. Hence they are known as the Five Great Doctors ( Annam Hi Bhoothanam Jyeshtyam Thasmad Sarvoushadhamuchyathe ).

The Five Great Doctors can cure any disease. Exposure to Sunlight is Thejopasana. The body gets abundance of Vitamin D. Daily at least 10 minutes one should bathe in the Sun. The Fivefold Worship of Naturopathy

Thejopasana - Sun bathing. Sunlight is a rich source of Vitamin D

Akasopasana - Fasting, the best medicine. During fasting the digestive system gets rest and diseases like ulcer are cured by Fasting.

Jalopasana - Water is a universal medicine. At least 12 glasses of water should be taken in daily and exercises like swimming are excellent.

Vayopasana - Getting fresh air is a must.

Prithyopasana - Fruits and vegetables cometh from Nature and are rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins. They contain phytochemicals which are cancer or disease preventing.

Article by G Kumar, Astrologer & Epistemologist of www.astrologiavedica.com, www.eastrovedica.com & www.astrognosis.com Recently he was awarded a Certificate by the Planetary Gemologists Association ( www.p-g-a.org ) as a Planetary Gem Advisor. He has 25 years psychic research experience in the esoteric arts. To subscribe to his Free ezine, the Z Files, click here. mailto:zodiac20@vsnl.com?subject=subscribe. He is contactable at zodiac20@vsnl.com. Address of his physical shop is Zodiac Computers, 3/528 Tkss Bldgs, East Nada, Guruvayur Kerala, India 680101. Office Phone +91 0487-552851. Home Phone +91 0487-422060. He has compiled Free Ebooks on AstroNumerology, Vedic Astrology & Pranic Therapy

Article by G Kumar, Astrologer & Epistemologist of www.astrologiavedica.com, www.eastrovedica.com & www.astrognosis.com Recently he was awarded a Certificate by the Planetary Gemologists Association ( www.p-g-a.org ) as a Planetary Gem Advisor. He has 25 years psychic research experience in the esoteric arts. To subscribe to his Free ezine, the Z Files, click here. mailto:zodiac20@vsnl.com?subject=subscribe. He is contactable at zodiac20@vsnl.com.

Mental decline and age-related diseases such as Alzheimers and Senile Dementia affect more than four million people over the age of 65, and 30% of people over the age of 85. Alzheimers is a disease that progresses slowly with memory loss and disorientation as the first symptoms. Eventually there is almost omplete loss of physical function and a reversion to childhood in terms of care. Other symptoms include anxiety, mood swings and apprehension and may result in personality changs. People with Alzheimers have a tendency to wander and often neglect their hygeine and appearance.

Although the causes remain unknown, there are a number of theories which range from using too many drugs, long-term exposure to aluminum cookware and utensils, nutritional deficiencies, food allergies or possibly a viral connection. There are no labs tests that can detect the existance of Alzheimers because it particularly difficult to diagnose. Dementia may result from hardening of the arteries which slowly cuts off the supply of blood to the brain.

In 1907, a German neurologist named Alois Alzheimer, first identified the disorder which is characterized by mental deterioration that interferes with the ability to function socially.

Nutrients and plant devivatives may help prevent and treat the progression of impaired brain function. Antioxidants and B Vitamins help reduce inflammatory damage to the central vervous system. Essential fatty acids such as fish oil, flax seed oil, and evening primrose oil help nourish the brain. Lecithin contains choline which stimulates the production of acetylcholine and may help with memory function. Suggested doasage is 100 mg. three times a day with meals. Lecithin comes in granules or softgels. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) has shown an improvement in long-term memory impairment, and has been researched since the 1950’s as a treatment for Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s. Alpha Lipoic Acid can reduce damage to neurons caused by toxic substances that are products of inflammatory processes. ALA is also involved with numerous metabolic functions, including glucose metabolism, liver function, energy production in muscles and nervous systme function, which ultimately affects the brain.

B Bitamins are essential for mental health. Deficiencies may manifest themsleves as cognitive impairment or psychosis. B1 (thiamin) deficiency is associated with a psychotic disorder, and B3 (niacin) deficiency is associated with dementia, memory deficits and delirium. Studies indicate that abnormally low levels of vitamin B 12 are also associated with Alzheimers Disease.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid present in large amounts in brain tissue and the component of all cell membranes. Suggested dosage is 300 mg. three times a day with meals. Zinc prevents zinc depletion which has been linked to a number of brain disorders. Ginkgo Biloba ia an herb that has been well documented to improve cerebral blood flow, and exhibits antioxidant activity on nerves. It may also reduce age-related decline of neurotransmitters and receptors. Ginko may also slow the progression of Alzheimers by improving blood flow and reduce blood vessel inflammation.

Proper nutrition may deter the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease. Avoid red meats, sugar, alcohol, processed foods, and avoid using any aluminum cooking utensils when preparing foods. Eating a well-balanced diet of natural foods is highly recommended. Add fiber foods such as vegetables, sea greens, nuts, ginger, eggs, and soy for brain-nourishing EFA’s. Include B vitamin foods such as brewere’s yeast, brown rice, molasses, wheat germ, fish and whole grains. Avoid flouridated water as it increases aluminum absorption, and avoid using pain killers like buffered aspirin, analgesics and antacids because they contain aluminum. By using natural therapies, the slow progression of brain deterioriation has been successful.

This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any ailment. Always consult with your health care professional.

Copyright 2003 by Patricia Valle

I am a nutrition consultant at a well-known health food store in So. California. Prior to working at this store, I became interested in alternative medicine and nutrition when my eldest son was dying of a terminal illness. A little over two years ago I began writing articles on health, nutrition and herbs. Some of the articles are on my own website. www.angel-made.com

A boil is a pus-filled nodule that is a result of a staph bacteria which can result in an infection. It’s actually an abcess that develops in the hair follicles and usually occurs on the neck, buttocks, face, ears or underarms, but can be located anywhere on the body. A boil can be painful, swollen, red and tender. The boil lies just under the skin as a bump, and later develops into a pustule. The boil can be contagious when the pus draws to the suface and can contaminate nearby skin causing more boils. When the infection spreads in a cluster, it is called a carbuncle. Recurrent boils and abcesses may indicate the immune system is depressed. Poor nutriton, diabetes and illness may be contributing factors for a person who is prone to getting boils.

It’s important to look at the diet and see what’s missing. A good balanced diet should include vegetables, grains, fiber and fruit. It is also wise to include yogurt, kefir, or acidophilus (friendly intestinal flora). Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of pure water daily. You may want to consider going on a short cleanse to rid your body of toxins and to re-balance the body’s Ph. Several herbs have been indicated to help cleanse the blood as well. These are red clover, burdock root, celery, milk thistle and dandelion. Echinacea and goldenseal help cleanse the lymph glands.

To relieve pain and swelling, apply a hot moist cloth over the boil to help soften. Never squeeze the boil as it can cause infection to spread to the bloodstream. Allow the boil to come to a head, then you can lance it with a sterilized needle. Sometimes a boil will drain on its own. When it’s draining, cover with gauze and change the dressing several times a day to avoid spreading to other areas. Keep the infected area clean at all times.

You can apply honey, which is one of the oldest remedies for stubborn oils. It also helps raise the boil to the surface when left on overnight. Bruised fresh cabbage leaves or a raw potato are great for their drawing power. Place directly over the boil and cover with gauze. Aloe vera is a natural antibiotic which may also be used. This can be applied several times throughout the day. Fresh figs can also be used by mashing them up and applying to a warm poultice. This remedy has been shown to pull out infections fast. In health food stores you can find either an ointment or salve containing goldenseal and myrrh. These are also good infection fighters. An old folk remedy indicates using a piece of bread soaked in milk or lemon juice. The area can then be covered with a loose bandage and left on overnight.

If the boil becomes large, and they are recurring, surgical incision and draining may be needed. Consult your physician if the methods above are not working, as antibiotics may be indicated if the infection gets into the bloodstream.

This article is for informational purposes only!

Copyright 2003 by Patricia Valle

I am a nutrition consultant at a major health food store in So. Califoria. I have been writing articles on health, nutrition and herbs for almost three years. Alternative medicine is my passion.