The History Of The Black Death

The Black Death was one of the deadliest epidemics in recorded history. Often referred as bubonic plague because of the sores (buboes) that appeared on the neck and groin of the victims, the disease has a morbid and pervasive history beginning in biblical times and recurring at frightening intervals throughout history to wreak a path of human suffering and death.

The Pale Horse

Ancient references to devastating plagues include an Old Testament account of the Philistines being punished by plague for stealing the Ark of the Covenant. For their misdeeds they were afflicted with mice and "emerods" (thought to mean hemorrhoids or buboes) and nearly all exterminated.

The Plagues of Greece

The first reliably documented outbreak of an epidemic displaying symptoms consistent with that of bubonic plague, was in Athens in 430 B.C. During this time, the Peloponnesian War was being fought between Sparta and Athens and was being documented by the historian Thucydides, who also left a clear description of the symptoms of plague sufferers, both human and animal. Buboes, bleeding, vomiting, disorientation and a horrifying, suffocating death.

The Plague of Justinian

The first clearly recognizable pattern of bubonic plague occurred in A.D. 541 to 542. Called The Plague of Justinian, it is the first known pandemic of its kind on record. This outbreak is thought to have originated in Ethiopia or Egypt and was carried to Constantinople in imported grain aboard large cargo ships which may have been the source of the contagion. At its peak, this outbreak killed 5,000 people in Constantinople daily and eventually eliminated nearly half of the city's inhabitants and up to a quarter of the population of the eastern Mediterranean

The Middle Ages

During the middle of the14th century, the Black Death, most certainly an incidence of bubonic plague and arguably the most deadly epidemic, swept through Europe and Asia, killing as many as 250 million people. The more virulent and contagious strains of the disease, pneumonic and septicemic, exacerbated the morbidity of the infection, resulting in the spread of the infection far inland from the coastal cities where it originated.

The Present Day

Until it was discovered that the vector of the disease was infected fleas, carried by the black rat, the terrified populations of stricken areas had no effective means of prevention. The literature of the time, however, was rife with many bizarre and fruitless remedies.

Plague continued to infect various areas in Europe throughout the 15th, 16th and into the 17th century with varying degrees of intensity and fatality. The last great European outbreak was in London in 1665. China suffered a major epidemic in the mid 19th century, which spread into India and killed an estimated 12 million people. The bacteria, Yersinia pestis, responsible for the Black Death is still endemic in certain rodent populations, even in the United States. Scientists are unsure what triggered the massive infestations seen in the past, but modern antibiotics can cure infections, if caught early enough.

Considerations

Mankind has been most fortunate in the past two centuries to have avoided such pandemics. The great flu epidemic of 1918 killed millions of people worldwide, but since that time nothing approaching that magnitude has surfaced. Though the Black Death has clearly been conquered, the threat posed by the H1N1 and H5N1 influenza viruses loom large as potential threats, along with the possibility of other virulent diseases become more readily transmissible.

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Basic Cpr Information

When the heart stops pumping blood to organs such as the brain, death can occur within minutes. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be performed to keep blood circulating until a person's heart function can be restored. Certain classes, such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support, teach CPR along with advanced lifesaving techniques for medical professionals. However, basic CPR classes are intended for medical workers and laypersons, and can be lifesaving.

Facts

According to the University of Michigan Health Systems, three-fourths of all cardiac arrests happen at home. Knowing CPR can help the victim until emergency medical technicians arrive. CPR consists of chest compressions and rescue breathing. The chest compressions help pump the blood throughout the body, while rescue breathing provides oxygen to lungs. Both components of CPR should be performed together to provide the most benefits.

Certification

Formal CPR classes and certification is offered through various organizations. The guidelines for CPR classes were developed by the American Heart Association and American Red Cross. Classes can be found through local chapters of both organizations. Basic CPR classes are also usually taught at hospitals and community centers. Certification classes can be completed in one day. Students must pass an exam and demonstrate proper CPR technique to become certified. Certification is valid for two years and can be renewed by completing a re-certification class.

Indications

Various conditions can lead to cardiac arrest in adults and children. According to the American Heart Association, people who develop certain cardiac arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation, may go into cardiac arrest. In adults, cardiac arrest is primarily caused by heart disease. However, in children, the main causes of cardiac arrest are sudden infant death syndrome, poisoning, trauma, near-drowning and breathing problems, such as choking, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library.

Procedure

Open the airway, by gently tilting the chin upward. Place your ear next to the victim's mouth and listen for breathing, while you watch the chest for movement. If the victim is not breathing, place your mouth over his mouth and blow two breaths into his mouth. Watch to see if his chest rises. Start chest compressions by placing your hands in the center of the victim's chest. Compress the chest about 2 inches deep. According to the University of Michigan Health Systems, perform 30 compressions and then give 2 rescue breaths. Repeat the cycle until the person starts breathing on his own or medical help arrives.

Considerations

Guidelines for basic CPR are slightly different for children. The rate of compressions to rescue breaths in children under age eight is five compressions for every one breath. According to Harvard Medical School, the chest should be compressed at a rate of about 120 compressions a minute. If you are doing CPR on an infant, place your mouth over the baby's mouth and nose when doing rescue breathing.

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Attract Good Things On A Night With A Full Moon

Cast spells according to lunar phases for a powerful outcome.

The full moon presents an auspicious time for performing magical work or creating charms to help you attract good things. The moon waxes as it transits from new to full, meaning that it grows larger. The effects of the waxing moon are especially potent on the night of the full moon, when magical energy is at its peak. This is the time to attract good things to you, such as luck, money, a new job or love. Harness the power of the full moon to bring an important goal to fruition or to attain the object of your desire.

Instructions

1. Charge an object with full moon energy to create a magical amulet. The ebb and flow of ocean and river tides are directly affected by the moon, so select an object found in a natural body of water such as a seashell or river rock. Bury the object in sea salt while the moon is waning to cleanse it of existing energies. On the night of the full moon, rest the object outdoors and allow it to bask in the moonlight. Visualize your heart's desire. Bring the stone indoors at dawn and carry it on your person daily to attract your wish. Repeat every full moon.

2. Concoct an herbal tincture. Select one or more herbs that correspond with your intent. For example, lavender is an herb symbolic of romance and should be used to attract love. Crush your herbs lightly with a mortar and pestle and place them in a mason jar when the moon begins waxing. Fill the jar two thirds full of vegetable oil, seal the lid and shake vigorously. Set the jar outdoors so that it intercepts the moon's rays. Repeat this process every night up to the night of the full moon. Use the tincture for spells or anoint yourself with it daily to attract your desire.

3. Create a full moon drink. Pour distilled water into a clean mason jar and insert a quartz crystal. The quartz crystal is an energy conductor that will amplify the energy of the moon. Seal the jar and place it outdoors under the light of the full moon. As you retire to bed, meditate on the jar. Visualize the moon's rays soaking into the water and turning it into a magical good luck potion. Bring the jar indoors at dawn and remove the crystal. Drink a glass of moon water each morning to attract positive things.

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Bariatric Surgery Requirements

There are two sets of criteria in the U.S. stating the requirements for bariatric, or weight-loss, surgery candidates. The National Institutes of Health set criteria for patients in the 1990s that have not changed, while the American Society for Bariatric Surgery created a stringent set of guidelines for candidates.

Body Mass Index

The American Society for Bariatric Surgery set a guideline that a surgery candidate's body mass index (BMI) should be 40 or greater. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) advises that candidates whose BMI is greater than 40 are cleared for surgery, while those with a BMI of 35 to 39 must have associated severe health problems to qualify.

Weight Loss

Another requirement is a history of attending weight loss programs for at least six months. This is also a requirement of most insurance companies.

Medical Conditions

Associated medical problems that would improve with weight loss that would qualify a candidate for surgery include arthritis, bladder weakness, diabetes, heart problems and high cholesterol.

Informed

Candidates must accept and be aware of the risks of surgery and also be aware of the future changes in lifestyle that must include regular exercise.

Family & Friends

Candidates are required to have a circle of family and close friends who are supportive of surgery and future lifestyle changes that are required of candidates.

Cancers

All candidates under the American Society of Bariatric Surgery guidelines must have been cancer free for five years prior to surgery.

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Reverse Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue occurs when the adrenal glands are not functioning properly. It is most common to experience adrenal fatigue when your body has undergone a lot of emotional or physical stress. Some of the common symptoms of adrenal fatigue include excessive fatigue, waking up tired after a good night's sleep, low stamina and a weakened immune system. As with many illnesses, it is possible for adrenal fatigue to be reversed.

Instructions

1. Choose the right doctor. One of the biggest problems with adrenal fatigue is that it is not taken seriously by most medical experts. This is why it is a good idea to find a doctor who specializes in adrenal fatigue. Holistic practitioners, who use alternative medicine to treat illnesses, are often a good option for people who suffer from adrenal fatigue. Don't stop looking for a doctor until you find one who takes you seriously and is willing to offer you advice to reverse adrenal fatigue.

2. Reduce your stress levels. The best way to do this is to slow yourself down. Give yourself time to relax every day. Overworking yourself is only going to cause adrenal fatigue to worsen. Doing whatever it is that makes you feel better, whether it is spending a day at the spa or watching a movie at home, can make all the difference. Some people with adrenal fatigue may benefit from talking to a therapist on a regular basis.

3. Change your diet. Since adrenal fatigue occurs as a result of the adrenal gland, your diet can make a big impact. Choose foods which are known to be beneficial to the adrenal gland. Eat high amounts of lean proteins, coconut oil and vegetables. Most people with adrenal fatigue benefit from not eating dairy products, wheat, gluten and sugar. Eating all of these foods may cause you to feel more tired and may also lead to weight gain.

4. Get adequate amounts of sleep. People with adrenal fatigue often feel tired even after getting eight hours of sleep. If you get even less than this, it is going to be nearly impossible for you to begin to feel better. Create a regular sleep regimen, which allows you to have at least eight hours of sleep each night.

5. Begin exercising three to five times a week. Exercise improves overall health. Those who suffer from adrenal fatigue often find fitting in exercise too challenging because they are so exhausted. Choosing the right type of exercise is important. Some good options include walking and yoga, which can both be done at your own pace.

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Homeopathic Remedies For Menstrual Cramps

Menstrual cramps can come in different forms. You can have dull, throbbing or cramping pains in the lower abdomen. You can experience back pain and cramping. These cramps can occur before or during the menstrual period. The cramps can range from mildly annoying to severe pain, where you want to stay in bed.

Alternative Treatments

With menstrual cramps, one of the best treatments is stress relief. With menstruation, you can alleviate some discomfort be reducing your stress levels. You can do this through exercise, massage or meditation.

Another option for cramp relief is acupuncture. With this procedure, a therapist places thin needles into proper areas of the body. The pressure points can be specific to the cramps and pain you are experiencing. This may be a cumbersome treatment to undergo on a monthly basis, unless you have other medical conditions that may be alleviated with acupuncture.

Applying a heating pad can also help. You can use a heated abdominal pad for 12 hours two days in a row to alleviate menstrual cramps. This can also be used with ibuprofen for extra pain. A warm bath may also have the same effect.

Dietary Supplements

There are many supplements or vitamins that can be used to reduce pain from menstrual cramps. For example, these include:

• Vitamin E: Studies have shown that taking this vitamin on a daily basis can reduce the menstrual blood loss, decrease the duration of the cycle and reduce pain from menstruation. The dosage can range from 150 to 800 IU per day.

• Thiamine: Taking 100 milligrams daily can relieve menstrual cramps. This supplement can also be found in pork, oatmeal or fortified cereals.

• Ginger: Drinking a ginger tea can alleviate nausea.

• Calcium and magnesium supplements: These help with muscle relaxation to alleviate pain. For calcium, the best dosage is 250 to 500 milligrams every four hours, not to exceed 2000 milligrams per day.

• Vitamin B3 or Niacin: This has a dilating effect on the uterus to effectively reduce cramping. The dosage is 100 milligrams per day on a daily basis or 100 milligrams every two to three hours to alleviate immediate pain.

Dietary Changes

In monitoring your food intake or changing your diet about 14 days before you are to start your menstrual cycle, you can help alleviate your symptoms, such as cramps. The first step is to eat a healthy diet of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Although, it is unclear how, a diet high in vegetables helps reduce pain, reduce bloating and shorten your period. However, eating fish may also help, as omega-3 fatty acids (which are commonly found in fish) have been shown to reduce menstrual pain.

Another diet change is to limit salt, as salt can lead to bloating, which is a common menstruation symptom. Finally, you should reduce caffeine, sugar and alcohol intake. These can also cause bloating. Alcohol findings are unclear, as drinking red wine regularly may help alleviate cramping.

With these natural methods, you should be able to effectively alleviate your menstrual cramps without medications.

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Bacopa Benefits For Infants

Bacopa confers benefits even upon infants, according to Ayurvedic medicine.

Bacopa grows either on land or in the water and can serve as an aquarium plant. It has several popular names, such as moneywort, brahmi or simply bacopa. Traditional medicine in India, called Ayurvedic medicine, values its properties, claiming that it confers intellectual and therapeutic benefits on people of all ages, including infants. But scientific evidence has so far failed to substantiate these claims.

Claimed Intellectual Benefits

Bacopa has chemicals called bacosides that bring about improved transmission of nerve signals from one brain cell to another. These chemicals are most effective in the area of the brain that governs long term memory, according to All Ayurveda. As a result, bacopa offers a broad spectrum of intellectual benefits. It improves concentration and facilitates memory and learning, as well as the ability to think and reason. Even mentally disabled schoolchildren show intellectual improvement when they take bacopa, according to Health Answers Board. And Bacopa effectively benefits people of all ages, according to Smart Publications. This includes infants. The infant brain is growing and its mental capacities are unfolding. Bacopa offers valuable assistance in this development. For this reason, people in India administer bacopa tea even to infants and have done so for hundreds of years, according to Smart Publications and Tattva's Herbs Organics.

Claimed Calming Effect

In Ayurvedic practice, bacopa is administered to relieve stress. In a way unknown to science it brings about the production of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin has a calming effect, enabling people to relax in stressful situations, according to Health Answers Board. This calming effect will soothe an infant when suffering such discomforts as colic or cold, according to Beauty Made Fresh.

Antioxidant

One of the medicinal properties of bacopa is beneficial to young and old alike. It seems to serve as an antioxidant, according to the University of Michigan. This means that it would protect the infant's cells from particles called free radicals. A free radical can be an atom or a group of atoms. They have unpaired electrons. In nature, electrons like to occur in pairs, so these free radicals often take an electron away from components of human cells, causing damage, according to Rice University.

Improved Memory

The claims made for bacopa do not have too much scientific support. Little proof exists that bacopa improves the intelligence of infants or anyone else, according to the Swedish Medical Center. But one study did yield a partial positive result. In a controlled experiment conducted by the University of Wollongong in Australia, barcopa was administered to a group of people were for a period of time and then given various tests to see if they showed any intellectual improvement. The results were mostly negative. For example, they did not learn any faster than they did before. But they did show improvement in remembering things that they had learned before, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. In addition, an analysis of the constituents of bacopa shows that it contains compounds that are beneficial to the brains of all people including infants, such as bacosides, according to the University of Michigan.

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Breathing Exercises For Stuttering

Stuttering is a speech disorder that manifests as repeating a word or phrase, usually accompanied by rapid eye blinking and a tense jaw or throat. As a form of anxiety, stuttering can hinder communication and cause further emotional distress. In order to remedy your stuttering, it is important to relieve your anxiety and to practice breathing exercises to help relax muscles. If your stuttering persists, it is recommended that you see a speech therapist or behavioral therapist to help you manage your stuttering.

Pause Before Speaking

If you are about to speak and you feel your throat or jaw tightening, give yourself a few seconds to breathe deeply in and out. Stuttering usually occurs when you attempt to speak without the proper amount of oxygen, combined with anxiety. When you receive enough oxygen to speak slowly, your jaw will loosen and your vocal cords won't be restricted. Allow yourself to say the first word slowly, and slow down your following words if you feel the need to rush through what you have to say.

Vowels and Breathing

Sometimes it is difficult to start a sentence, and that results in stuttering before the first vowel is successfully completed. As part of a breathing exercise, your speech therapist will have you repeat a vowel for an extended period of time and follow that with deep inhaling and exhaling. As you begin to relax, your speech therapist will increase the amount of vowels you sound out and have you inhale and exhale deeply. Eventually, your exercises will include syllables and phrases, and continuous natural breathing. These exercises help you practice natural breathing during conversation and lessen the anxiety of beginning and continuing a conversation.

Meditation

Taking slow, deep breaths in the morning as a form of meditation before your day begins is a helpful way to combat stuttering. Sit or lie down and rest your hands on your chest to observe your breathing rhythms. Allow yourself 10 to 20 minutes of quiet time to listen to your heartbeat and relax your mind. Practice this peaceful morning exercise daily to reduce anxiety, or practice this exercise at night to wind down after dealing with day-to-day stress.

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Ayurvedic Treatment For Delayed Ejaculation

Delayed ejaculation is a condition that affects men and is characterized by the inability or the delayed ability to ejaculate semen during sexual intercourse or during sexual stimulation in the presence of their sexual partners. Numerous factors cause delayed ejaculation, including psychological issues, a diminished attraction to one's sexual partner, traumatic events, the use of certain medications and neurological conditions. Some ayurvedic treatments can alleviate the problem if the cause of delayed ejaculation is a physical.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Visit a physician to determine the underlying cause of delayed ejaculation. You should see a urologist to determine whether there is a physical abnormality causing your condition, especially if you are unable to ejaculate at all. A sex therapist can offer counseling for those who have a psychological condition that is the causing delayed ejaculation; the therapist can help identify the the problem and offer guidance on overcome it. See a counselor if you have lost sexual desire for your partner or spouse; your hindered desire can have a strong effect on your sex life and on your relationship as a whole. If your delayed ejaculation is caused by certain medications, talk to your doctor about possibly changing them.

Nutmeg

In "Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice," Sebastian Pole explains that nutmeg is an ayurvedic treatment for male infertility, impotence and premature ejaculation. The herb is considered an aphrodisiac. The author asserts that one-sixth of a gram a day of the dried herb or 6 milliliters of nutmeg tincture daily can help improve conditions related to ejaculatory problems. Nutmeg is an effective remedy for digestive upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and dysentery. Use this herb to calm your nerves, and to diminish tension and relieve stress. Add nutmeg to foods and beverages, such as potatoes and eggnog drinks. Take one 600-milligram capsule of nutmeg two times daily with a glass of water during meals. This herb has mood-altering affects; do not take it if you are on antidepressant medications, or if you are suffering from minor or major depression.

Saffron

The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines, by Charles W. Fetrow and Juan R. Avila, discusses saffron, which is considered an aphrodisiac and is used for premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation and impotence. Saffron eases digestion and promotes relaxation because of its mild sedative effect. Fetrow and Avila assert that 5 grams of saffron a day can remedy delayed ejaculation and premature ejaculation. To drink saffron as a tea, brew 1 to 2 grams of the herb in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes. Drink three cups of saffron tea a day. Excessive use of this herb can have some side effects, including nosebleeds, a reduced pulse, vertigo and facial flushing.

Ashwagandha

Sebastian Pole says that ashwagandha is an herbal remedy for male impotence; this herb promotes stamina, sexual potency, and improves sexual performance. Ashwagandha stimulates and improves your sexual capacity. The herb may improve cognitive processes and enhance the function of reproductive organs in women and men. It is adaptogenic and helps correct hormonal imbalances. Pole asserts that 3 to 9 grams of ashwaghanda per day in its dried-root form is an ideal remedy for delayed and premature ejaculation. Drink 15 milliliters of ashwagandha a day in tincture form, or take one 600-milligram capsule two times daily. Ashwagandha may interfere with antiseizure medications and produce a sedative effect. Do not consume ashwagandha if you have leukemia and are taking cyclophosphamide, a chemotherapy medication; the herb may interact with your medication, or it may cause an allergic response.

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Make Homemade Salve From A Neem Tree

Neem is an excellent plant to use for skin conditions.

The neem tree originates in India where it has been used for centuries to treat skin problems and is used for many other purposes. It is also an effective insecticide, and its oil is sprayed on plants to prevent damage from insects. When grown outside, the neem tree can improve the soil around it, bringing it back to its neutral stage. The neem seeds, leaves and bark are all used for medicinal purposes, and it is an excellent treatment for skin-related problems like scabies and eczema. It restores the natural skin, and the vitamin E present in the neem tree rejuvenates the skin by increasing elasticity. You can easily make a homemade salve from a neem tree and reap the benefits of this amazing tree.

Instructions

Making Infused Oil

1. Harvest your neem leaves and cut them coarsely. These will be used to make the infused oil as the first step in making a salve is to make neem-infused oil. Harvest enough leaves to fill the sterilized jar.

2. Make sure the leaves are clean. You can wash them and spread them on a paper towel to dry if they need to be cleaned. Neem oil is best when made with fresh plant material.

3. Pack the leaves in the jar after they are completely dry.

4. Olive oil is a good carrier oil.

Pour a carrier oil of your choice on the leaves very slowly until the jar is filled with the oil. Almond oil, coconut oil and olive oil are excellent carrier oils. Poke the leaves slightly with a spoon or stick so there are no pockets of air in the oil. This will reduce the chances of any mold or mildew.

5. Tightly screw the lid of the jar and store it in a cool and dry place for six to eight weeks until the neem leaves are completely infused in the oil.

6. Strain the oil after six to eight weeks using a cheesecloth. Make sure all the oil is strained, leaving behind almost dry leaves.

7. Pour the oil in a completely dry, sterilized jar and let it sit for several days to let any seeped water from the neem leaves settle to the bottom, leaving behind pure oil.

8. Pour the oil on top of the jar into another clean sterilized jar separating the oil from the seeped water. You neem oil is now ready to be used for making the homemade neem salve.

Making Neem Salve

9. Take 2 oz. of the infused neem oil and pour it in a double boiler on low heat.

10. Add 2 tbsp. of beeswax to the oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until the beeswax is completely melted and the oil and the beeswax are mixed together well.

11. Neem salve is an excellent way to reduce skin irritation.

Pour this mixture into a glass container of your choice.

12. Add the essential oils when the mixture is still melted. Add 10 drops of lavender oil and 7 drops of tea tree oil or any other essential oil of your choice.

13. Screw the lid of the salve tightly and let it cool before use.

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Ayurvedic Medicine Body Types

Ayurvedic medicine teaches that there are three governing body types, or doshas, that characterize mental and physical attributes of every person. In some cases, an equal balance of all three doshas may be expressed. In order to achieve wellness, Ayurveda teaches that the doshas must remain in a state of balance, and there are specific instructions that each dosha should follow in order to achieve optimal health.

About the Doshas

In Ayurveda, the doshas represent dynamic, ever-changing forces that are present in every person. Each dosha has positive attributes and common characteristics that are easily identifiable. When a dosha becomes unbalanced, it may be experienced as a physical symptom, mental state or behavioral tendency.

Vata

Individuals who have a Vata constitution are thin and do not easily gain weight. Although Vatas may tire easily, they may find it hard to fall asleep, as their minds are racing. In order to stay balanced, Vatas must get plenty of sleep, keep warm and follow a regular routine. Signs of a Vata imbalance include anxiety, digestive problems, cramps and premenstrual pain.

Pitta

Having a medium-sized frame with a moderate amount of physical energy, Pittas may feel warm most of the time. Synonymous with "fire," Pittas may have red hair or a fiery personality, which may be quick to anger. Overexposure to sunlight may cause a Pitta to become unbalanced. Although Pittas are intelligent and ambitious by nature, their personality tends to be strong and abrasive at times. In order for Pittas to stay balanced, they must stay hydrated, avoid becoming overheated, avoid alcohol and tobacco and not give in to toxic emotions such as jealousy and hatred. Intense anger, frustration, a ravenous appetite and skin sensitivity are all signs of a Pitta imbalance.

Kapha

Having a thick, strong frame, Kaphas have a tendency to become overweight. Though they are more resistant to illness than the other doshas, Kaphas have slow digestion. Eating spicy foods is good for Kapha types. Generally calm and affectionate, Kaphas have a positive outlook about life. Getting daily exercise and deep sleep are a must for Kaphas. They must also avoid overeating and should try to include a variety of stimulating activities in their schedule to combat boredom and lethargy. When out of balance, Kaphas may become lazy and stubborn. A Kapha imbalance may cause an individual to become excessively overweight, sleep too much and experience colds, allergy or asthma.

Tri-Dosha

Individuals who posses an equal amount of characteristics from each dosha are known as Tri-Dosha. Because Tri-Doshas don't have a lead dosha, when they are out of balance it can be more difficult to determine the best course of action. However, Tri-Doshas generally have strong immune systems and are more likely to stay in balance. It may be helpful to identify which dosha is dominant in each of the areas of mental characteristics, body type and personality traits to determine what steps to take to bring each of the doshas back into balance. Keeping in balance with the seasons and on schedule with the clock each day will help balance a tri-dosha individual.

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Ayurvedic Liver Cleanse

Ayurvedic medicine is a system of healing that includes the physical, mental, and spiritual perspectives. Practiced in India for over 5000 years, this holistic approach to healing posits that disease arises due to imbalances in the multidimensional energy systems of the body. Ayurvedic treatments attempt to restore the body to a balanced state.

Liver Health

According to ayurveda, you possess a unique pattern of energy arising from three primary energy signatures, or doshas, which govern all biological life. Ayurvedic practitioners refer to these energy patters as vata, pitta, and kapha--corresponding to the elements of air, fire, and earth/water. Your state of health reflects the balance of these three doshas. Disease results when one or more of these doshas are aggravated.

Ayurveda stresses the importance of the liver in maintaining your health. An imbalance in the liver can produce many disease states due to an excess of pitta energy, producing excess heat in the body. This results from psychological disturbances, unhealthy diet and lifestyle, as well as environmental toxins.

To restore the liver to balance, ayurvedic liver cleansing techniques focus on cooling this abundance of heat energy through detoxification. The main ayurvedic self-detox methods include exercise, diet and ingesting certain herbs.

Concerning exercise, ayurveda recommends exercises that cleanse the body through the breath as well as through movement. The breathing exercises are called pranayama. By varying the intensity of your inhales and exhales, you purify the body of toxins while increasing oxygen intake.

Other exercises stimulate the liver to detox the body through various movements. For example, while sitting in a cross-legged position with your arms rounded in front and your fingers interlaced--as if you are holding a beach ball--inhale through your nose and twist to the left, then exhale while twisting to the right. Repeat these movements for 1 to 3 minutes.

Various herbs assist in strengthening the liver while removing excessive bile. According to Dr. David Frawley, detoxifying liver herbs include phyllanthus, katuka, barberry, nishot, guduchi, gotu kola, bhringaraj, and chiretta. Many green herbs such as dandelion, nettle, chickweed, and comfrey leaf produce similar purifying results.

Concerning diet, you need to ingest cooling foods while eliminating heat-producing foods. You should eat a variety of raw vegetables and drink green vegetable juices while eliminating fried and excessively cooked food as well as coffee and alcohol.

Other more aggressive methods of detoxification include therapeutic vomiting, laxatives, medicated enemas, fasting, and cleansing of the sinuses. Many ayurvedic clinics combine all these cleansing methods into intensive sessions known as panchakarma. None of these methods should be attempted without consulting an ayurvedic practitioner or medical doctor familiar with ayurveda.

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How Does Smoking Cause A Heart Attack

What Is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack happens when a person's heart muscle stops beating. You need to get oxygen to your heart to keep it alive. If a person's heart stops for too long, severe damage to the heart muscle can result. Smaller versions of heart attacks, or infarctions, may not cause immediate death, but a heart will develop excessive scar tissue in the place of normal tissue. A person needs a certain amount of normal heart tissue and muscle for it to work properly. Smoking causes a wide array of heart-related diseases because it can promote the degeneration of the cells.

What Happens?

Smoking can cause a heart attack because the toxic substances found in tobacco, including carbon monoxide and nicotine, can cause the arteries to harden. It can also inhibit much needed bloodflow to vital organs. When a person smokes a cigarette, carbon monoxide reduces a person's ability to receive oxygen. The lungs and the respiratory system become swollen and damaged, too. After many years, arteries tend to narrow and blood clots will form along the arterial wall. Atherosclerosis and coronary thrombosis can result from prolonged cigarette smoking. If a blood clot forms in the body, it can block flow of blood to the heart causing a heart attack. The potential chest pain that could result is called an angina.

Smoking Creates Added Stress

Under normal circumstances, blood develops in the bone marrow and is later sent through the body by the heart. The kidneys act as a natural filter for toxic substances that get into a person's body. Smoking causes the build up of too many catacholomines in the blood stream. This severely inhibits the kidneys from being able to do their job. The excitation of the adrenal gland caused by smoking produces stress hormones, such as cortisol and other catacholomines, that are released as a protective mechanism. You can think of this in terms of stress reaction. Substances in cigarettes cause the body to react as if it is under stress--hormones get released to fight adverse affects of stress. All this activity promotes other chemical reactions in the body that ultimately cause heart attacks later. Smoking causes the protective mechanisms in the body to essentially have the reverse affect for which they were intended.

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Ayurvedic Help For Restless Leg Syndrome

Ayurvedic Help for Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome is a neurological condition that causes an uncontrollable desire to move the legs while attempting to sit, rest or fall asleep. According to ayurvedacollege.com, living an Ayurvedic lifestyle will balance the nervous system of the body, allowing the restless leg syndrome to diminish and your body to heal. Ayurveda was first derived in India more than 5,000 years ago as their traditional system of medicine, and it has now become a popular type of alternative medicine around the world.

Herbs

According to ayurvedacollege.com, herbs can calm different aspects of the body and the body's energy, which could prevent the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Examples of herbs that help restless leg syndrome include nervine sedatives, which include skull cap and jatamamsi; nervine tonics, which include ashwaganda and shankhapushpi; rasayanas, which include ashwaganda and amalaki; and cool dipanas, which include fennel, dill and aloe vera. Some of these herbs, such as dill juice and aloe vera, can be bought in health food stores. The more rare herbs can be bought online in pill form.

Diet

Restless leg syndrome is caused by a Vata problem, which is a downward flow of energy in the body, according to mapi.com. The legs become active at inopportune times when all of the body's energy flows into the legs. To relieve this Vata problem, ayurbalance.com suggests eating a balanced Vata diet. This includes avoiding dry foods like crackers and cold cereal, adding butter or olive oil in moderate amounts to sautéed vegetables or pastas, eating lots of warm, cooked foods and including a variety of spices, vegetables and nuts.

Yoga Poses

Ayurvedacollege.com recommends yoga poses that cause a balanced flow of energy throughout your body, to relieve an overload of energy in your legs. These include poses that work the thigh muscles, and those that flex and extend the solar plexus and pelvis. Try holding a squat position, with your arms straight up in the air. Then, slowly bend forward and touch your toes. Laying face down on the ground, lift your upper body off the ground and hold. Sitting on the ground with your legs out in front of you, bend one leg over the other leg and twist your body toward the bended leg. All of these poses will release stress and balance energy.

Lifestyle Changes

Along with the herbs, diet and exercise that ayurveda recommends, simple lifestyle changes should be made to assist ayurveda in working to relax your muscles and to help you fall asleep at night. Simple ways to do this include avoiding caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening; establishing a daily routine by eating and going to sleep at the same time every day to train your body; going to bed earlier each night so that even if it takes awhile to fall asleep, you still obtain an adequate amount of sleep; and practicing deep-breathing and meditation for 30 minutes per day.

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Infant Asthma Treatment

Diagnosing a serious illness is difficult; diagnosing and treating asthma in a baby who can't verbalize his symptoms or participate in treatment is even more difficult. Parents and doctors engage in a process of elimination (potential allergens and illnesses). It is completely up to the parents and pediatrician to find what helps the baby breathe more easily and to administer the correct treatments as prescribed.

Albuterol

Albuterol can be used in infants whose symptoms suggest asthma; however, it is difficult for doctors to diagnose children younger than five years old. In addition, a rescue inhaler will relieve wheezing symptoms, regardless of whether the baby has asthma.

Corticosteroids

Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred treatment of choice for babies suffering from asthma. The pediatrician will prescribe a trial period of a corticosteroid for a period of four to six weeks; if symptoms do not ease, the treatment is stopped, especially if the doctor knows the medication was given as ordered.

Nebulizer

Because babies don't know breathe medication in from an inhaler, the doctor will prescribe the use of a nebulizer, which is considered medical equipment. This consists of a compressor, tubing to deliver the medication and a medication cup or a face mask.

Vaporizer

If the baby suffers from allergies which have developed into asthma, the doctor can order the use of a vaporizer. Creating a slightly humid environment in the baby's room can help relieve allergy-related symptoms and keep the airways moist.

Allergy Medications

These can be taken orally in a liquid form. Because of FDA regulations regarding young children and cold or allergy medication, check with your child's pediatrician about the use of prescribed medications.

Considerations

Inhaled corticosteroids can cause slowed growth in children; asthma which is not well-controlled can have this effect as well. While eliminating potential allergens from your home, monitor your baby to see how he is responding.

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Open A Day Spa

Opening a day spa is becoming popular with the increase of certain fields like cosmetology and massage therapy. Day spas are becoming fast growing businesses because of the need for them. The demand is certainly there as many people like going to day spas to eliminate the stress from their lives or jobs. Read on to learn open a day spa.

Instructions

1. When you open a day spa you have to follow very strict guidelines because state laws are very strict in terms of cleanliness and proper certification and licenses of those who are cosmetologists or work in any field that requires you to touch or treat customers physically. Most day spas are requiring those who are nail technicians, massage therapists and hair stylists to be licensed by the state and have graduated from a recognized trade program.

2. Opening an actual day spa takes a lot of time because of the zoning laws and other things you have to go through in order to open an establishment. You would have to have the location planned out and inspected not only by someone private, but by the city before they issue permits for construction or any type of building to take place. This is to ensure when you apply for insurance that any flaws or damage won't drive your premiums up. Many businesses suffer huge financial losses because of insurance costs.

3. Once you have established a day spa business, you have to stay on top of things. Credentials must be current and anyone you hire must have their stuff current as well because it's a liability to not have licenses and certifications up to date and current on the books.

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What Are The Disadvantages Of The A/P Meter

The Active/Passive (or A/P for short) meter is a way to measure audience participation and viewing for television programs in the modern world. The old system, which measured when people changed the channel, isn't so useful due to the changeover to digital television. However, there are downsides to the A/P meter as well.

Cost

The A/P meter functions off of a timer. This means that resources have to be allocated to power the timer, and that the results of the timer have to be recorded and analyzed. You also have to pay for the timer and install it on the television network. These costs all fall squarely onto the shoulders of the television station, and it has to cope with the loss of resources to measure the viewer response to its programs.

Digital

The A/P meter is meant to be used with digital television systems. In fact, the A/P meter was developed exclusively for measuring viewer habits on digital television which doesn't have traditional channels in a mechanical sense. However, the A/P meter is not as useful as the traditional, viewer-counting method that is used for less advanced television systems. While many TV systems have already switched over to digital programming, if that isn't the case then an investment in an A/P system might actually be a mistake.

NAVE

An additional difficulty with the A/P meter is that companies have to set up the base material, called the NAVE. Nielsen Audio and Video Encoders are machines that monitor the watching habits, and they form the base of the A/P meter testing ability. Television studios and networks will need to invest in these NAVE basics so that the A/P test will be able to monitor the watching habits along the line. This represents another investment made by the station before the test can even be run.

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Athome Sleep Remedies

Getting a good night's sleep is integral to having a productive day.

Adults need about eight hours of sleep per night, but for some this can be extremely difficult to achieve. Many adults suffer from sleep disorders. There are several at-home remedies for those with sleep disorders that can increase the chances of getting a good night's sleep.

Avoid Naps

If you're having trouble sleeping at night, avoid taking naps during the day. Many adults are prone to lying down for a few hours after a long day at work, but this only adds to the problem of sleeplessness during the night. Allowing yourself to get really tired before lying down is one way to increase your chances of falling and staying asleep.

Exercise

Most adults fail to get enough exercise each day as well. Doing aerobic or cardiovascular exercises during the day for at least 30 minutes will not only give you more energy throughout the day and help you feel better, but will also help relax your muscles and allow you to sleep easier at night.

Cut the Caffeine

Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages after noon. Caffeine naturally stimulates your brain, so it's likely to keep you alert and awake longer than necessary.

Maintain a Schedule

As difficult as it may be for many adults, maintaining a schedule that stays the same from day to day will also help with getting sleep. Dedicate specific hours to work, eating, exercising, relaxing and downtime so your brain and body can get used to a schedule and naturally start getting tired toward the end of the day.

Take a Bath

Taking a hot bath a couple of hours before bed, once you are ready to relax and wind down, helps your body to slowly turn off and work its way toward a deep sleep. For some people a bath is actually energizing before it is relaxing, so experiment a little to determine whether or not it is OK for you to take a bath right before bed.

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Liver Transplant Recovery

Physical Recovery

As soon as a transplant liver is placed into a recipient, the recovery process begins. During the surgery, doctors connect arteries and veins to the new organ in order to facilitate blood flow, a critical component in keeping the transplanted liver alive. Doctors also immediately begin administering powerful anti-rejection drugs, including steroids and immunosuppressants, that prevent the body from rejecting its newest addition. As long as the patient's body does not reject the liver, and the suppressed immune system does not lead to infection, recovery from liver transplant surgery is much like recovery from other surgeries and involves only a natural healing of the doctor's incisions as internal and external cells are regenerated by the body.

In-Patient After Care

A liver transplant is a very serious operation, and most patients who receive a new liver are not immediately released from health care facilities. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, most liver transplant recipients stay in the hospital for one to three weeks after receiving a new liver. During this time, hospital staff members administer a number of anti-rejection drugs that help prevent the body's natural defenses from attacking and rejecting the new organ. Doctors also check for any infections and bleeding (both visible and internal) that may occur after any surgery. Finally, the extended hospital stay provides doctors and staff members an opportunity to educate the liver transplant patient on necessary lifestyle changes, anti-rejection therapy and general liver care.

Immune System Issues

For a period of time after the patient is released from the hospital, she may continue to take immune system suppressing drugs as prescribed by a doctor. These drugs are designed to prevent the body from rejecting the newly transplanted liver, but they also suppress the body's ability to fight off diseases and infections. For this reason, patients recovering from liver transplant surgery are encouraged to keep a safe distance from any individual who may be sick or passively carrying germs until immunosuppressant therapy is complete.

Leading a Healthy Lifestyle

After a liver transplant, many recipients report a number of positive lifestyle changes. Frequent social drinkers or drug users often stop drinking or using just before the liver transplant, and this change may become a permanent adaptation. In addition, recipients generally maintain a low-salt, healthy diet, get their blood tested on a regular basis, and take greater care to avoid sick or infectious individuals. Overweight individuals often undergo weight loss attempts after liver transplants, and doctors encourage transplant recipients to receive treatment for any potential mental illnesses or behavioral issues. Finally, doctors strongly encourage tobacco users to stop smoking or chewing the product after receiving a liver transplant, and the absence of tobacco can, by itself, create a significantly healthier lifestyle.

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A Reverse A Thermometer

After checking a patient's temperature with a glass thermometer, the mercury will not go down on its own. It will continue showing the same temperature unless you reverse it by a method called "shaking down." Shaking down will force the mercury back into the bulb from the stem. Without shaking it down, you will not be able to obtain an accurate temperature reading for another patient.

Instructions

1. Stand in a clear area without any furniture around so you don't hit the thermometer when reversing it by shaking it down.

2. Hold the thermometer, with your fingers and thumb, from the opposite side of the bulb end. This end is a knob, typically colored red or blue.

3. Shake down the thermometer using sharp, quick wrist motions. Do this activity several times and read the thermometer. If it shows below 94º F (34.4º C), it has been reversed. If the reading is above 94º F (34.4º C), continue shaking down the thermometer and try again.

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Lower Testosterone In Women

An imbalance of testosterone in women can have side effects, such as unnatural hair growth on the face or chest. It can also affect the distribution of fat and muscle throughout the body, lead to thinning hair and cause excessive sweating. However, those symptoms are the tip of the iceberg. Testosterone overload can also lead to breast or ovarian cancer. It is, therefore, important to keep a woman's testosterone levels as close to normal as possible.

Instructions

1. Make dietary changes. According to the website for Natural Hormones, one way to help bring estrogen and testosterone back into balance is to focus on raising estrogen levels. This can be done by eating foods that are estrogen-rich, including soy products, fruits such as apples and cherries, and grains such as alfalfa, rice and wheat.

2. Get sugar and carbohydrate consumption under control. According to Virginia Hopkins Health watch, excess in either area can actually work to maintain a hormone imbalance.

3. Exercise regularly. Virginia Hopkins Health recommends exercising no fewer than four times a week. Include exercises that focus heavily on techniques that reduce stress, such as yoga or Pilates. Avoid weight training if testosterone levels are too high as it could result in unwanted excess bulk.

4. Look at an all-natural approach, such as ingesting plant estrogens like that found in black cohosh. Keep in mind, however, that while these herbs may temporarily replace lost estrogen, they do nothing to help the body produce new estrogen. Other herbs, such as macafem, contain no estrogen but work to jump-start the body's ability to reproduce that which is lost.

5. Choose a holistic medicine route like acupuncture. The procedure involves the insertion of thin needles into specific areas of the body to open its natural energy pathways. In the case of hormonal imbalance, the benefit would be two-fold, allowing the body to produce higher levels of estrogen while reducing testosterone levels.

6. Consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Hormone replacement has been used for years to help women achieve balance with estrogen, testosterone and progesterone, according to Medline Plus. However, in some instances, it becomes a matter of exchanging one problem for another. Some women become more prone to cancer, especially cancer of the breast, ovaries and uterus. Additionally, finding the proper balance may take time, and one can suffer a lot of side effects, including sleeplessness, night sweats and heart arrhythmia.

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Use Duromine

Duromine is one of the brand names of the diet drug phentermine, which is prescribed by doctors as a way to help a patient lose weight. For the doctor to recommend Duromine, the patient must be considered morbidly obese. Duromine is a powerful appetite suppressant that has an affect on a person's central nervous system to control the amount of food that he consumes.

Instructions

1. Refer to the pharmaceutical packaging for your Duromine capsules for the exact dosing information provided by your physician.

2. Plan to take Duromine on an empty stomach in the morning. If you forget to take it before you eat in the morning, you can take the dose later in the day on an empty stomach. However, you should take the medication at least ten to twelve hours before you go to sleep.

3. Swallow the Duromine capsule whole. Never crush or split up an extended release medication, such as Duromine. This can cause you to receive too much of the drug at once.

4. Continue taking Duromine for the recommended time frame provided by your physician. Since you will start to tolerate the medication after a few weeks of use, your doctor will likely stop prescribing the drug after a month or two.

5. Follow the recommended diet and exercise plan provided by your doctor. You will be recommended a reduced calorie eating plan that eliminates fried foods and sweets along with taking the Duromine. Moderate exercise will be recommended as well.

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Origins Of Kundalini Yoga

Breathing, posture and even sound play a role in Kundalini yoga.

From Hatha to Bikram to Vinyasa, it's easy to get lost in the world of yoga. Among the many types of yoga, Kundalini focuses on blending the spiritual with the physical via a mixture of controlled movement, breathing exercises, meditation and, in some cases, the chanting of mantras. Like virtually all varieties of yoga, Kundalini owes its identity to a long and storied history, one that, in this case, stretches all the way back to the eighth century.

Beginnings

Kundalini yoga initially derived from the Indian practice of Tantric yoga in the 700s A.D. During the period known as the Puranic Epoch, which spanned from 800 to 1469 A.D., a move away from spiritual growth through asceticism -- severe self-discipline or self-denial -- gave birth to the Shakti philosophy, by which Kundalini yoga was influenced. The word "kundalini," which appears in the classical literature of Hatha yoga, actually refers to the energy stored in a coil at the base of the spine, a "serpent energy."

Early Development

The development of the Kashmiri Shaiva philosophy during the 900s further defined the identity of Kundalini yoga, as its literature outlined the three key philosophies of Kundalini. These core beliefs include the universal energy of para-kundalini, the energizing mind-body complex of prana-kundalini and the consciousness known as shakti-kundalini.

Origins in America

After being practiced for more than 1,000 years, Kundalini yoga saw a rebirth of sorts in the 20th century. This yogic tradition's western origins date back to 1969. At this time, Sikh leader Yogi Bhajan, born in 1929, brought Kundalini yoga to North America. Bhajan formed the Happy, Healthy, Holy Organization, or 3HO, around the same time to organize and promote Kundalini yoga practices in the West. According to Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa, Bhajan's first American student and the former Executive Secretary of 3HO, Bhajan came up with the idea for 3HO while making soup in the kitchen at the East-West Cultural Center in Los Angeles.

Kundalini Today

As of April 2013, 3HO still serves as Kundalini yoga's official steward, overseeing more than 300 Kundalini yoga centers around the world. The New Mexico-based nonprofit survives under the leadership of Chairman Sada Sat Singh, President Sumpuran Kuar and Secretary Tarn Taran Kaur, who seek to create new beginnings for Kundalini yoga around the world.

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Asbestos Symptoms

Asbestos is a type of fibrous material that occurs naturally in silicate mineral. Overexposure to asbestos can occur via inhalation, which has been known to cause a variety of lung-related illnesses. These include lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Identification

Asbestos fibers are heat-resistant, which has made the material popular for industrial purposes. Long-term exposure to locations that manufacture or contain asbestos will likely lead to asbestos symptoms. If you have spent a significant amount of time in one of the following places, your health may be at risk: Construction site, automotive repair shop, asbestos product warehouse, mining operations, oil refinery, steel mill, shipyard and power plant.

Early Symptoms

Early asbestos symptoms most commonly manifest in lungs. These include: chest pain, chronic cough, shortness of breath, raspy voice and difficulty breathing.

Advanced Symptoms

Later, symptoms may begin to affect other organs and the patients general health. Other asbestos symptoms include: nausea, unexplained weight loss, anemia, digestive problems and night sweats.

Time Frame

Asbestos symptoms often do not manifest until years after exposure. This means that the negative effects of asbestos are often well under way before the individual knows there is a problem. Because of this, it is imperative that individuals who may have been exposed to high levels of asbestos be routinely screened so that any related condition may be pinpointed as soon as possible.

Warning

If you suspect that you have been exposed to asbestos, it is recommended that you seek medical help immediately. It is easy to put off treatment and explain away symptoms. However, doing so can dramatically affect your quality of life in the future.

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What Type Of Doctors Treat Migraines

Several types of doctors are available to teat migraines.

The Migraine Research Foundation reports that over 10 percent of the world population experience migraines. Treatment can be administered by a variety of traditional doctors as well as those who practice outside the scope of scientific medicine.

Family Doctor

Your family doctor can accurately diagnose migraines. Through a complete physical and neurological examination, your doctor is able to narrow down the symptoms that identify migraines and prescribe treatment.

Neurologist

This is a doctor who has received additional training in matters of the brain and nerves. When seeking treatment from a neurologist, look for one who specializes in migraines.

Chiropractor

Vertebrae that become misaligned can put pressure on nerves that run to and from the brain. Using gentle adjustments, a highly skilled chiropractor can move them back into place to reduce the severity of headaches.

Headache Clinic

The experienced clinic staff focuses on diagnosing headaches of varying degrees and applying treatment. Typically the clinic is knowledgeable about the latest in headache treatment and prevention.

Alternative Treatments

Homeopathic medicine is another choice with several available therapies. According to the National Headache Foundation, herbalism, acupuncture, acupressure and yoga can be used independently or in combination to treat migraines.

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What Are Spanish Tapas

Tapas are Spanish appetizers.

Spanish tapas have grown in popularity across Europe, North America and even into Asian countries. Since the different dishes are small, generally only a few bites, tapas offer a variety of flavors and different tapas can be combined into a meal that, while rarely filling, can feel satisfying and sophisticated.

Basics

Aromatherapy Recipes To Quit Smoking

Aromatherapy uses volatile oils and essential oils derived from plants in order to promote physical and/or psychological well-being. Essential oils make use of hydrosols, CO2s and absolutes to change a person's mood and emotions. The art of aromatherapy has been used to alleviate stress and to elevate mood, so that environmental and physical stressors can be handled more effectively. Aromatherapy can be used to diminish the irritability and stress associated with quitting smoking.

Aromatherapy for Irritability

Mandarin and Lavender Air Freshener

In a small bowl, mix 18 drops of mandarin oil with 12 drops of lavender oil. Allow the scented oil to sit in a safe place where it will not be spilled. Do not cover the mixture, but allow it to permeate the room. Mandarin oil has a fruity, sweet smell that has been used to help diminish issues with insomnia as well as stress, and lavender oil has a light floral scent that helps with alleviating depression, headaches, migraines and stress. Lavender oil has also been used to help alleviate the symptoms associated with allergies and asthma and can therefore prove helpful with any respiratory conditions that you might experience because of smoking.

Mandarin and Roman Chamomile Air Freshener

In a small bowl, blend 18 drops of Roman chamomile with 12 drops of mandarin oil. This oil can be used to create an air freshener that can last throughout the day. The oil should be placed in a safe place where it will not spill. Mandarin will help to alleviate stressful conditions and tension, while the Roman chamomile can help with headaches, insomnia, nausea, and stress relief.

Stress Relief

Grapefruit, Jasmine, and Ylang Ylang Diffuser

To create a diffuser for stress relief, blend 12 drops of grapefruit oil with four drops of jasmine oil and four drops of ylang ylang oil. Place the mixture in a dark-colored glass bottle and put a lid on the bottle. Roll the bottle between your hands to mix the oils. Open the bottle, and place four to six thin bamboo sticks into the diffuser to get a pleasant scent throughout the day.

Grapefruit oil has a citrusy odor and has been successfully used to help diminish problems associated with toxin buildup in the body. Jasmine oil is often used for alleviating depression and fatigue, both common symptoms that occur when one quits smoking. Meanwhile, ylang ylang oil promotes relaxation and diminishes muscular tension. The latter oil also alters your mood, diminishes nervous tension,helps to alleviate palpitations and aids in diminishing high blood pressure.

Recipe 2: Bergamot and Frankincense Massage Oil

To make a massage oil for stress relief you will need to blend the essential oil with a carrier oil in order to dilute the essential oils before they are applied to your skin; carrier oils are used as a base for your blend. There are several carrier oils that you can choose from, but if you are allergic to nuts, stay away from those oils created from nuts. Mix 10 drops of Sweet Almond oil as a carrier oil with 6 drops of bergamot oil and 2 drops of frankincense oil in a cobalt bottle made of glass. Place a lid on the bottle, and roll the mixture between your hands to blend it.

Bergamot oil helps to elevate your mood, and to diminish stress, and frankincense helps with alleviating respiratory issues, especially issues related to a severe cough, and it is also used to alleviate anxiety. When applying as massage oil, be sure not to get it in your eyes, mouth, or other sensitive areas. If you develop a rash or other allergic symptoms like swelling, and/or respiratory difficulties, contact a doctor for medical advice immediately and cease using the mixture.

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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy & Slowhealing Wounds

Slow-healing wounds can bring immense pain, infection and, if part of a limb is affected, increased risk of amputation. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, used at institutions worldwide, is a treatment proven to support the healing process in traumatized tissue.

Healing

Slow-healing wounds are one of the thirteen "indications," or conditions, approved by the Undersea Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) to be treated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT.) These are wounds which refuse to respond to normal medical or surgical efforts, including traumatic wounds, amputation sites and diabetic feet.

"Diabetic foot wounds are one of the major complications of diabetes and an excellent example of the type of complicated wound which can be treated with hyperbaric oxygen," says UHMS. "The elevation in tissue oxygen which occurs in the hyperbaric chamber induces significant changes in the wound repair process that promote healing. When hyperbaric treatment is used in conjunction with standard wound care, improved results have been demonstrated in the healing of difficult or limb threatening wounds as compared to routine wound care alone."

Difficult Conditions

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves healing, staves off infection and improves circulation by encouraging the growth of blood vessels. Physicians view it as an excellent option to assist patients suffering from a variety of conditions. "I see many patients with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, emphysema and diabetes that can make wounds difficult to heal because of poor oxygenation," said Dr. Brian Heimer, a specialist in family medicine and a fellow of the American Professional Wound Care Association. "Patients with diabetes, for example, are more likely to develop small blood vessel disease. They may also have a nerve condition in their limbs called peripheral neuropathy, which can prevent them from feeling a wound until it has become serious. The availability of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is becoming more and more important in my practice."

Amputation

Hypoxia, defined as an inadequate supply of oxygen to enable bodily processes, occurs when tissues don't receive enough oxygen to properly heal. HBOT forces more oxygen into the bloodstream, delivering extra healing power to injured areas. Dr. Julie Hutchinson is a general surgeon who considers hyperbaric oxygen therapy an important tool in her arsenal. "The therapy yields a high rate of wound healing and decreases the time it takes. People with diabetes are at a high risk of amputation due to wounds that won't heal. Saving limbs that might otherwise be lost is one of our biggest goals."

History

Hyperbaric therapy & slow healing wounds have intrigued researchers since the mid twentieth-century. According to James Wright, a staff physician for Davis Hyperbaric Laboratory at Brooks Air Force Base in Texas, "HBOT was first used to assist wound healing when it was noted in 1965 that burns of the victims of a coal mine explosion, treated with HBOT for their carbon monoxide poisoning, healed faster. In spite of this long history of therapeutic use, the mechanisms of action of HBOT are still being discovered."

Financial

Since wound-healing is one of the thirteen conditions approved for hyperbaric therapy by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, most insurance plans cover the treatment. The Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center at St. Cloud Regional Hospital in St. Cloud, Florida, says, "Medicare has approved coverage for HBOT therapy for many types of chronic non-healing wounds. Most private insurance companies follow Medicare's guidelines, as well."

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Gaining Weight After Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgery is a serious medical procedure that is used to help morbidly obese individuals lose weight. The surgery has a high probability of risks and complications, however it can also yield astounding weight loss results of up to 80 percent of the patient's body weight. Research from the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts has suggested that around 5 percent of patients who undergo gastric bypass will regain all of the weight they have lost and potentially more. To prevent this from happening, it is imperative that patients make severe lifestyle alterations and follow the advice of their medical professionals down to the letter.

Function

Gastric bypass helps obese individuals lose weight by removing a substantial portion of the stomach and upper intestines. The result is a stomach that is about the size of a walnut and a digestive tract that is less able to absorb calories and digest large amounts of food at time. Due to the large incision necessary for this procedure, gastric bypass surgery is extremely high risk and it is estimated by the Mayo Clinic that one in every 300 patients experience fatal complications during the surgical procedure.

Initial Weight Loss

After the procedure, the patient will experience incredibly rapid weight loss which persists throughout the first year after surgery. It is not uncommon for patients to lose over 100 lbs. in the first year, and continue to lose at a slower rate throughout the second year. However, after the second year post operation, the body finally adjusts to the effects of the surgery and it is during this time that weight regain will happen.

Weight Gain

It is not uncommon for gastric bypass patients to gain 5 to 10 lbs. after two years of substantial loss. This is typically due to the body leveling out, learning to absorb more nutrients and calories, and also a slight stretching of the stomach. However, about 5 percent of patients continue to gain beyond these 10 lbs. due to a variety of factors which can result in significant or total weight regain.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

The reason patients are susceptible to regaining weight post operation is because the surgery only addresses the biological issues surrounding obesity, and not the mental ones. Most people who reach a morbid level of obesity suffer from binge eating disorders and fundamentally dangerous relationships with food. This is why cognitive behavioral therapy is typically incorporated as a facet to surgical procedure. Counseling can help work through these issues and ensure that the emotional reasons why an individual becomes morbidly obese will not cause them to regain all of the weight.

Nutritional Factors

Another culprit for why an individual can regain weight after gastric bypass surgery is this slow but steady inclusion of high fat and high calorie foods into the diet. Additionally, portion sizes which are larger than necessary slowly extend the size of the stomach, allowing more calories to be ingested over time. It is essential that gastric bypass patients follow not only the specific diet outlined by their nutritionists but also adhere to portion sizes to prevent them from regaining weight after gastric bypass surgery.

Tags: bypass surgery, gastric bypass, regain weight, after gastric, bypass patients, first year

Auriculotherapy Training

Auriculotherapy helps resolve hearing problems.

Auriculotherapy, also known as auricular therapy, ear acupuncture or auriculoacupuncture, is a form of alternative medicine that treats hearing problems. An auriculotherapy training program helps attendees gain audiological acumen and expertise with hearing aids.

Degree Requirements

Auriculotherapists usually have a master's degree in audiology or a related discipline, reports the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Some professionals hold a certificate from a vocational school or training program that the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has accredited.

Training Focus

A 2010 BLS survey reveals that a new auriculotherapist usually receives on-the-job training. Most employees require less than one year of training and working under the direction of skillful professionals, reports O*Net OnLine. Auriculotherapists learn evaluate hearing and speech disorders to determine courses of treatment, fit and dispense hearing aids and monitor clients' progress in relation to auriculotherapy procedures.

Tools

According to O*Net OnLine, auriculotherapy training lessons help attendees gain dexterity with tools such as automatic impedance audiometers, auditory brainstem response screening systems and hearing aid analyzers.

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Build Your Own Spinal Decompression System

Build Your Own Spinal Decompression System

Decompression units are widely used to negate the effects of gravity on your spine. Elongating the spine and giving the intervertebral discs enough space to allow spinal mobility is a conservative treatment for back pain designed to (hopefully) prevent the need for surgery. Building a simple decompression system is easy, often assembling items from other workout or household items. Performing your decompression therapy daily may be more challenging.

Instructions

1. Determine what type of decompression unit you wish to build or assemble. A towel can be folded and used as a simple traction device, and a pull-up bar can be used for inversion therapy. Speak with your doctor about the type of decompression that is best for your situation and safest for your health condition.

2. Build a simple traction unit. Roll a towel lengthwise to create a long, tubelike cushion. Cut a hole in each end of the towel. Apply fabric glue around the hole seams to prevent fraying and to the ends of the towel to keep it rolled tightly. Allow this to dry, and then thread one end of an 18-inch nylon cord through the left end of the towel and knot it securely in place. Then thread the other end of this cord into the right end of the towel and knot it. Take 10 more feet of nylon cord and tie one end to the middle of the 18-inch cord, and feed it up to an over-the-top door hook. In this setup, you place the towel under your chin securely, with the cord extending over the top of your head. The cord that is threaded to the door hook should have the excess hanging to the floor, where you will sit facing away from the door and pull the long cord. As you pull down, the towel should extend, gently pulling your head upward and decompressing your spine.

3. Install an inversion bar. Position an adjustable pull-up bar 8 inches from the top of the door frame. This is to give you enough space to lock your inversion boots in without hitting the top of the door. Adjust the pull-up bar to fit securely across your door frame. This is easily done via a spring-loaded adjuster that will lock in place by twisting the rod after you have fit it properly. Hang from your arms on the pull-up bar to make sure that it is properly installed. The last thing you want is to fall on your neck when trying to decompress.

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