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Saturday, August 30, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Blood Pressure Charts - All You Need to Know About Blood Pressure Charts
One of the most important pieces of medical data about your body is your blood pressure. A key component in understanding blood pressure is the ability to read blood pressure charts. Blood pressure is analogous to the water pressure of water going through plumbing in your house or through your garden hose.
Blood pressure is measured by two different numbers - diastolic blood pressure is the pressure (measured in milligrams of mercury) between beats of your heart, and systolic blood pressure is the amount of pressure put on your arteries when your heart is contracted, forcing blood through the system.
Normal blood pressure ranges from 100 over 60 to about 120 over 80, systolic over diastolic. Dystolic blood pressure is a technical term for when your systolic blood pressure is over 100 "points" higher than your diastolic pressure. Typical causes of that include internal bleeding and similar issues, where your diastolic pressure is low.
Blood pressure below 100 over 60 constitutes low blood pressure. People with low blood pressure tend to show many of the classic signs of anemia - they have low energy, and get dizzy from sudden movements - the "head rush" syndrome is a case of low blood pressure. Low blood pressure is quite common among teenagers, especially boys. As they go through a growth spurt, their body needs to adjusts to their body's increase need for blood pressure to circulate blood to their extremities.
The "perfect" blood pressure appears to be in the range of 115 over 75, and "normal" blood pressure is 120 over 80. High blood pressure is the diagnosis when systolic blood pressure is 140 or higher for sustained periods of time, or diastolic pressure is elevated above 90 for extended periods of time.
High blood pressure is a medical condition that, while not directly damaging to the body in and of itself, is a leading indicator of other problems. It is a common precursor for problems like kidney disease, and eventually leads to arterial breakdowns throughout the body (especially in the heart) and ultimately can cause stroke - where a blood vessel breaks in the brain denying it blood and oxygen.
To treat high blood pressure, you need accurate data about what is and is not normal for your body. Like any periodic medical measurement, it needs to be done as a time series. Get accurate information on your blood pressure charts, read them carefully, and buy a digital blood pressure cuff so you can take your own measurements and know what's normal for you! Then, armed with good data, start taking proactive measures to manage your blood pressure.
If your blood pressure is low, take some licorice just before doing athletic activities to boost it. If it's normal, make sure you get a good 6 to 8 hours of rest each night, and try to exercise for 30 minutes every other day to the point of getting an elevated heart rate. If it's high, take up activities that reduce stress and talk to your doctor about dietary and lifestyle changes. Understanding blood pressure charts and taking the precautions to maintain a healthy blood pressure reading can help you live a longer, healthier life.
: article by Jan Oliver [ Jan Oliver is an academic, writer and researcher in Natural Health. Discover the genuine natural ways on how to lower blood pressure ( http://control-your-blood-pressure.com/videos.html ) today. Click Here ( http://www.control-your-blood-pressure.com/ ) to get your free report on lowering your blood pressure! ]
Blood pressure is measured by two different numbers - diastolic blood pressure is the pressure (measured in milligrams of mercury) between beats of your heart, and systolic blood pressure is the amount of pressure put on your arteries when your heart is contracted, forcing blood through the system.
Normal blood pressure ranges from 100 over 60 to about 120 over 80, systolic over diastolic. Dystolic blood pressure is a technical term for when your systolic blood pressure is over 100 "points" higher than your diastolic pressure. Typical causes of that include internal bleeding and similar issues, where your diastolic pressure is low.
Blood pressure below 100 over 60 constitutes low blood pressure. People with low blood pressure tend to show many of the classic signs of anemia - they have low energy, and get dizzy from sudden movements - the "head rush" syndrome is a case of low blood pressure. Low blood pressure is quite common among teenagers, especially boys. As they go through a growth spurt, their body needs to adjusts to their body's increase need for blood pressure to circulate blood to their extremities.
The "perfect" blood pressure appears to be in the range of 115 over 75, and "normal" blood pressure is 120 over 80. High blood pressure is the diagnosis when systolic blood pressure is 140 or higher for sustained periods of time, or diastolic pressure is elevated above 90 for extended periods of time.
High blood pressure is a medical condition that, while not directly damaging to the body in and of itself, is a leading indicator of other problems. It is a common precursor for problems like kidney disease, and eventually leads to arterial breakdowns throughout the body (especially in the heart) and ultimately can cause stroke - where a blood vessel breaks in the brain denying it blood and oxygen.
To treat high blood pressure, you need accurate data about what is and is not normal for your body. Like any periodic medical measurement, it needs to be done as a time series. Get accurate information on your blood pressure charts, read them carefully, and buy a digital blood pressure cuff so you can take your own measurements and know what's normal for you! Then, armed with good data, start taking proactive measures to manage your blood pressure.
If your blood pressure is low, take some licorice just before doing athletic activities to boost it. If it's normal, make sure you get a good 6 to 8 hours of rest each night, and try to exercise for 30 minutes every other day to the point of getting an elevated heart rate. If it's high, take up activities that reduce stress and talk to your doctor about dietary and lifestyle changes. Understanding blood pressure charts and taking the precautions to maintain a healthy blood pressure reading can help you live a longer, healthier life.
: article by Jan Oliver [ Jan Oliver is an academic, writer and researcher in Natural Health. Discover the genuine natural ways on how to lower blood pressure ( http://control-your-blood-pressure.com/videos.html ) today. Click Here ( http://www.control-your-blood-pressure.com/ ) to get your free report on lowering your blood pressure! ]
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Having Fun with Stress Management
We often think of stress management as a serious subject. And although the subject is serious, stress can ruin lives, managing it effectively need not be. There are ways of having fun while managing stress. The following are some fun ideas for effective stress management.
Squeeze that ball. I'm sure we've all seen them. We may even have one or two on our desks. I'm talking about that squishy rubber ball that's supposed to help relieve stress. Yes, squeezing that stress ball really can help you effectively manage stress. By squeezing a stress ball, you contract the muscles in your hand and arm. As you release, your muscles relax, releasing tension and relieving stress. So squeeze that ball and take out all your frustrations.
Play a game. Dust off some of those boxed games you have sitting in your closet. Although it may sound a bit silly, playing a game of Candyland or Twister can bring a smile and laughter that can help manage the stress that we tend to bottle up inside. Playing the games can bring us back to a time when we were carefree and stress was not yet part of our world.
Call a friend. We all enjoy connecting with our friends. During times of stress, our friends can be an important sounding board to help us talk through our stress and calm us down. It is especially important that we feel we have friends we can reach out to that can help us manage our stress. Besides, once you've calmed down, you'll be able to focus on more enjoyable topics to talk about.
Plan something fun. Set aside time to participate in something you enjoy doing on a regular basis. Taking an art class, planning a weekend getaway, or playing a round of golf with your friends can help effectively manage your stress. By participating in something you enjoy, you are able to take your mind off things that cause you stress and help you relax.
Take a vacation. A few days off will help you recharge your batteries and help you relax. Employers give you vacation time for a reason. Don't be afraid to use it when you need a mental break from work. You can't function at peak level on your job when you feel stressed and burnt out. A few days vacation will help give you some breathing space away from your job to wind down. You can then return refreshed and rejuvenated to your job and work at optimum level again.
Read a book. If you can't take a physical vacation, take a mental vacation to relieve stress. Whether you enjoy mysteries, romance, or sci-fi, a book helps to take you away into another world. We can imagine being a part of the story when reading a book. This mental escape helps to take our mind off the things that cause us stress in real life and frees our imagination to become a part of the story we are reading.
These are a few ways you can have fun while managing your stress. What you are trying to accomplish is to give your mind and body a break from the everyday things that cause stress in your life. Try to pick a few to incorporate into your life and see how much fun and easier life becomes.
: article by Sandi H. [ A self-proclaimed information addict, Sandi H. has come to the conclusion that knowledge is power when it comes to managing stress and anxiety. The more you know, the better choices you make toward dealing with stress and anxiety. Go to www.stresslesslivingtips.com to finally take control of the stress and anxiety in your life. ]
Squeeze that ball. I'm sure we've all seen them. We may even have one or two on our desks. I'm talking about that squishy rubber ball that's supposed to help relieve stress. Yes, squeezing that stress ball really can help you effectively manage stress. By squeezing a stress ball, you contract the muscles in your hand and arm. As you release, your muscles relax, releasing tension and relieving stress. So squeeze that ball and take out all your frustrations.
Play a game. Dust off some of those boxed games you have sitting in your closet. Although it may sound a bit silly, playing a game of Candyland or Twister can bring a smile and laughter that can help manage the stress that we tend to bottle up inside. Playing the games can bring us back to a time when we were carefree and stress was not yet part of our world.
Call a friend. We all enjoy connecting with our friends. During times of stress, our friends can be an important sounding board to help us talk through our stress and calm us down. It is especially important that we feel we have friends we can reach out to that can help us manage our stress. Besides, once you've calmed down, you'll be able to focus on more enjoyable topics to talk about.
Plan something fun. Set aside time to participate in something you enjoy doing on a regular basis. Taking an art class, planning a weekend getaway, or playing a round of golf with your friends can help effectively manage your stress. By participating in something you enjoy, you are able to take your mind off things that cause you stress and help you relax.
Take a vacation. A few days off will help you recharge your batteries and help you relax. Employers give you vacation time for a reason. Don't be afraid to use it when you need a mental break from work. You can't function at peak level on your job when you feel stressed and burnt out. A few days vacation will help give you some breathing space away from your job to wind down. You can then return refreshed and rejuvenated to your job and work at optimum level again.
Read a book. If you can't take a physical vacation, take a mental vacation to relieve stress. Whether you enjoy mysteries, romance, or sci-fi, a book helps to take you away into another world. We can imagine being a part of the story when reading a book. This mental escape helps to take our mind off the things that cause us stress in real life and frees our imagination to become a part of the story we are reading.
These are a few ways you can have fun while managing your stress. What you are trying to accomplish is to give your mind and body a break from the everyday things that cause stress in your life. Try to pick a few to incorporate into your life and see how much fun and easier life becomes.
: article by Sandi H. [ A self-proclaimed information addict, Sandi H. has come to the conclusion that knowledge is power when it comes to managing stress and anxiety. The more you know, the better choices you make toward dealing with stress and anxiety. Go to www.stresslesslivingtips.com to finally take control of the stress and anxiety in your life. ]
Saturday, August 16, 2008
A Stress Relief Kit: Six Things That Will Help You De-Stress Quickly When It's All Just Too Much
Ever wish you had a stress relief kit handy when the going gets tough? If you're like most people, you may be so preoccupied with whatever thing or situation is triggering the stress that you don't even realize you could do something to make you relax.
And even if you think, "Oh, I wish there were a way to calm down!", you may not be able to think of the very things that would help you accomplish a more serene state of mind.
What to do? That's where having a stress relief kit can come to the rescue.
What would that look like? Can you have your personal massage therapist tag along wherever you go just in case you get stressed? Probably not.
Instead, your stress relief kit needs to be portable and handy. It can include physical objects as well as notes or lists of things to do or thoughts to think that will help you calm down.
Let's look at some of the physical objects you might carry with you. They could include the following things:
1. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can be very effective at helping you calm down when you're too stressed and wired. Put a few drops on a tissue (or your wrist if you're not too sensitive or if they are diluted) and then just inhale. Repeat as needed. Experiment with different blends and individual essential oils. You can find them in any health food store, in alternative stores, and on the internet. These days, you may even find them in the grocery store and in the drugstore. One favorite: lavender.
2. Calming herbs
Valerian and related medicinal plants have been helping people relax for generations. I discovered them in during the last years of college when I used to get stressed over exams and deadlines. I was just about ready to lose it when I saw an ad for them in a pharmacy window (that was in Germany), bought a pack and never looked back. I still use valerian to this day when I find myself too stressed.
3. Calming foods or beverages
Skip the coffee (or pick decaf) and choose hot chocolate or chamomile tea instead. Go for soups. They're soothing. You can carry individual packets with hot chocolate mix, tea bags or even cup-o-soup in your purse and have them handy when needed.
4. Color therapy
Blues and greens have calming effects. Wear them. Have something in those colors handy, maybe even a picture of a serene nature scene. Sure, actual nature would be even better, but sometimes you just can't have it all, and a picture of a green scene that pleases you will certainly help.
5. Photos of your loved ones
Looking at them may well cheer you up and help you get some perspective. How well they work will depend on your relationship with them of course, so be sure to choose those pictures wisely.
6. Music
If you have an iPod or some other kind of personal music delivery device, be sure to stock it with music and other material you find calming and/or reassuring.
And then, whenever you feel stressed, just deploy them, one after the other. Get out the aromatherapy and inhale. Get yourself a cup of hot chocolate if you can and take a dose of valerian if needed. Listen to some soothing music (Pachelbel's Canon is practically designed for this purpose) while looking at your nature scene picture, and don't forget to take some slow, deep breaths. You'll feel a whole lot calmer within minutes.
: article by Elisabeth Kuhn [ Need some stress relief yourself? Get Elisabeth's FREE ebook with 7 stress-relieving strategies ( http://www.myfavoriteselfhelpstuff.com/freebie/FBQFreebie1.html ). Or go for the full-sized version instead ( http://www.instantstressreliefstrategies.com/ ), with lots more in-depth strategies. ]
And even if you think, "Oh, I wish there were a way to calm down!", you may not be able to think of the very things that would help you accomplish a more serene state of mind.
What to do? That's where having a stress relief kit can come to the rescue.
What would that look like? Can you have your personal massage therapist tag along wherever you go just in case you get stressed? Probably not.
Instead, your stress relief kit needs to be portable and handy. It can include physical objects as well as notes or lists of things to do or thoughts to think that will help you calm down.
Let's look at some of the physical objects you might carry with you. They could include the following things:
1. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can be very effective at helping you calm down when you're too stressed and wired. Put a few drops on a tissue (or your wrist if you're not too sensitive or if they are diluted) and then just inhale. Repeat as needed. Experiment with different blends and individual essential oils. You can find them in any health food store, in alternative stores, and on the internet. These days, you may even find them in the grocery store and in the drugstore. One favorite: lavender.
2. Calming herbs
Valerian and related medicinal plants have been helping people relax for generations. I discovered them in during the last years of college when I used to get stressed over exams and deadlines. I was just about ready to lose it when I saw an ad for them in a pharmacy window (that was in Germany), bought a pack and never looked back. I still use valerian to this day when I find myself too stressed.
3. Calming foods or beverages
Skip the coffee (or pick decaf) and choose hot chocolate or chamomile tea instead. Go for soups. They're soothing. You can carry individual packets with hot chocolate mix, tea bags or even cup-o-soup in your purse and have them handy when needed.
4. Color therapy
Blues and greens have calming effects. Wear them. Have something in those colors handy, maybe even a picture of a serene nature scene. Sure, actual nature would be even better, but sometimes you just can't have it all, and a picture of a green scene that pleases you will certainly help.
5. Photos of your loved ones
Looking at them may well cheer you up and help you get some perspective. How well they work will depend on your relationship with them of course, so be sure to choose those pictures wisely.
6. Music
If you have an iPod or some other kind of personal music delivery device, be sure to stock it with music and other material you find calming and/or reassuring.
And then, whenever you feel stressed, just deploy them, one after the other. Get out the aromatherapy and inhale. Get yourself a cup of hot chocolate if you can and take a dose of valerian if needed. Listen to some soothing music (Pachelbel's Canon is practically designed for this purpose) while looking at your nature scene picture, and don't forget to take some slow, deep breaths. You'll feel a whole lot calmer within minutes.
: article by Elisabeth Kuhn [ Need some stress relief yourself? Get Elisabeth's FREE ebook with 7 stress-relieving strategies ( http://www.myfavoriteselfhelpstuff.com/freebie/FBQFreebie1.html ). Or go for the full-sized version instead ( http://www.instantstressreliefstrategies.com/ ), with lots more in-depth strategies. ]
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Stress management techniques - can music help?
In a world full of pressures, tension and anxiety, stress management is not a luxury. Often, the lack of effective stress management can lead to missed opportunities, underperformance, decline in interpersonal relationships and health problems. Most importantly, a stressed out person can never be happy or grow to their potential. This is why it is important to practice effective stress management techniques in your daily life, regardless of whether you are a homemaker, a top-notch executive or a savvy politician.
A number of stress management techniques like deep breathing, Yoga, massage, meditation and visualization can effectively help you fight stress. But these are activities that require some amount of free, personal time. Unfortunately, time is something most people do not have enough of these days. This is the #1 reason why most people continue to lead highly stressed, unhealthy lives. But what if there was a way in which you could relieve stress from your mind and body, while you are on the go?
This is where music as an effective stress management tool can help. Man has always been instinctively aware of the healing powers of music. The Bible talks about David playing on his harp to lift the spirits of King Saul. Ancient folklore talks about how kings were fond of listening to music during their free time. This is because music has the unique capacity to change moods and relieve stress instantly.
Our brain is wired to respond to the different tempos in different kinds of music. The brain automatically evokes sensations that can respond to a particular beat and rhythm. Lively beats enhance happiness and enthusiasm. Similarly, soft music has a cooling and soothing effect on the mind. On hearing the proper notes, the brain automatically synchronizes its left and right hemispheres. This healing capacity of music has made it one of the most effective stress management strategies in the modern era.
Our physical body and chakra centers or energy centers as they are better known, respond very specifically to different notes. What kind of music can help you is a matter of personal choice. There is no single kind of music that can be considered good for everyone. Generally, music with a slow rhythm and with repetitive cyclical patterns is very effective. The effect of stress relaxation strategies, particularly that of music, on the body is clear. The first effect is the initiation of unconscious deep breathing. The body begins to release serotonin, decreases the heart rate and promotes a slightly higher body temperature. All these are signs that the body is beginning to relax. The best part about this stress management strategy is that you can listen to your favorite piece of music any time of the day and at any place. You can truly and effectively recharge your batteries even when you are on the go.
: article by natishanel [ Stress Management Techniques ( http://www.enhancedhealing.com/ ) - Enhanced Healing is committed to providing our visitors the finest quality in relaxation music & relaxation videos, holistic vitamins and aromatherapy products. We are also dedicated to delivering holistic lifestyle information through our Health & Wellness articles. ]
A number of stress management techniques like deep breathing, Yoga, massage, meditation and visualization can effectively help you fight stress. But these are activities that require some amount of free, personal time. Unfortunately, time is something most people do not have enough of these days. This is the #1 reason why most people continue to lead highly stressed, unhealthy lives. But what if there was a way in which you could relieve stress from your mind and body, while you are on the go?
This is where music as an effective stress management tool can help. Man has always been instinctively aware of the healing powers of music. The Bible talks about David playing on his harp to lift the spirits of King Saul. Ancient folklore talks about how kings were fond of listening to music during their free time. This is because music has the unique capacity to change moods and relieve stress instantly.
Our brain is wired to respond to the different tempos in different kinds of music. The brain automatically evokes sensations that can respond to a particular beat and rhythm. Lively beats enhance happiness and enthusiasm. Similarly, soft music has a cooling and soothing effect on the mind. On hearing the proper notes, the brain automatically synchronizes its left and right hemispheres. This healing capacity of music has made it one of the most effective stress management strategies in the modern era.
Our physical body and chakra centers or energy centers as they are better known, respond very specifically to different notes. What kind of music can help you is a matter of personal choice. There is no single kind of music that can be considered good for everyone. Generally, music with a slow rhythm and with repetitive cyclical patterns is very effective. The effect of stress relaxation strategies, particularly that of music, on the body is clear. The first effect is the initiation of unconscious deep breathing. The body begins to release serotonin, decreases the heart rate and promotes a slightly higher body temperature. All these are signs that the body is beginning to relax. The best part about this stress management strategy is that you can listen to your favorite piece of music any time of the day and at any place. You can truly and effectively recharge your batteries even when you are on the go.
: article by natishanel [ Stress Management Techniques ( http://www.enhancedhealing.com/ ) - Enhanced Healing is committed to providing our visitors the finest quality in relaxation music & relaxation videos, holistic vitamins and aromatherapy products. We are also dedicated to delivering holistic lifestyle information through our Health & Wellness articles. ]
Aromatherapy For Headache Treatment
For thousands of years aromatherapy headache treatments have been used for migraine and tension headache. You may have heard of it before this but wondered how aromatheray and headache go together. Indeed, until modern medicine discovered the pills and pharmaceuticals that would treat headaches, scents of oils and plants were about the only things used. Now, we have purified essential oils to use.
The lack of treatment was so profound that stories in literature talk about people trying to sleep off a "sick headache" by putting a wet cloth on their heads that was scented with lavender. Let's get one thing straight first of all: aromatherapy has not been shown to stop an acute headache like a migraine. But remember, one of the things that accompany migraine is anxiety, so part of the treatment of headaches in general is to practice stress reduction techniques such as biofeedback techniques, and to use aids that may reduce stress and anxiety.
How Does Aromatherapy Work?
One of the official terms used in aromatherapy headache work is aromachology which is the study and use of essential oils to promote well being.
One of the main theories is that certain scents may have an effect on the limbic center of the brain (see diagram). The limbic center of the brain is responsible for emotions that are common to all humans, and certain basic behaviors such as the one that induces the females to nurse and protect their toddlers, or the one which induces these animals to develop ludic behaviors (playful moods). Emotions such as fright, love, hate, passion, and sadness all originate in the limbic system in addition to some personal identity and memory.
Some researchers believe that the connection from the olfactory center in the nose, to the limbic center in the brain is what is responsible for the reaction to scents. Essential oils could work on the central nervous system and perhaps affect autoimmune function. These ideas are just theories at the present time and have yet to be proven. Cautions With Aromatherapy Headache Treatments As mentioned above, discuss with your doctor if you have asthma before using any type of aromatherapy.
Other considerations are: do not use if pregnant unless your doctor approves, do not use if you have seizure disorder, it is best not to use on children as they are more sensitive to some odors. Use only organic essential oils and keep oils in a cool dark place and discard if separating. DO NOT ingest essential oils!
How Do I Use Aromatherapy Headache Treatment?
There are several different ways to use aromatherapy for headache treatment, such as a few drops in a warm bath, in a diffuser, and the old fashioned way of a few drops rubbed into the temples. Trying to figure out what aromatherapy is and how it can help your headaches can be quite confusing.
If you have never used aromatherapy or don't know what it is, you might want to read a little more about aromatherapy headache treatments and how this can impact the lifestyle of a migraineur. When a headache hits, no matter if it is a migraine or a severe tension headache, it is important to find a quiet place and try to relax. Of course you should take your medication as soon as possible as having scented oils around will not stop the pain.
Learn some meditation techniques and use them during this time as a type of biofeedback. This will not only relax you, but help reduce the pain. Aromatherapy can be used as an adjunct here to assist with relaxation.
One of the things to remember when exploring the world of aromatherapy is that pure organic essential oils are always the best. In fact, if you can find organic oils, those are even better. Organics tend to be consistent from bottle to bottle.
I have used essential oils in a diffuser when doing yoga and it does create a sense of calm. I prefer lavender but lemon is nice too! These oils can be mixed into massage oil and you can give it to the massage therapist to use just for you. A few drops in a hot bath is excellent when trying to relax during a headache.
Which Aromatherapy Oils Are Best For Headache?
As mentioned above, lavender has been used for stress reduction for hundreds of years and is a pleasant scent. It generally results in calming the mood.
Eucalyptus has been used for headache by rubbing it on the skin, but quite frankly it doesn't work! Like menthol, it may open the nasal passages if used as an inhalant, so if you are congested with a headache this use may help.
Peppermint oil has shown to have some effectiveness in treating a tension headache. The oil is mixed 10% to 90% ethanol, and rubbed lightly across the forehead. The mechanism is unknown but The American Academy of Family Practice has noted in a study that it most probably does work.
Sandalwood is supposed to help with mental fatigue, which can be a part of the recovery after a bad headache. Note that although much is written about sandalwood for headaches, no studies have shown yet that it can effectively treat a headache.
: article by Mary Betz [ Mary K. Betz MS RPA-C is a practicing Physician Assistant in neurology and specializes in headache medicine. Learn more about your headaches and migraines at Headache-adviser.com ( http://www.headache-adviser.com/aromatherapy-treatment.html ) ]
The lack of treatment was so profound that stories in literature talk about people trying to sleep off a "sick headache" by putting a wet cloth on their heads that was scented with lavender. Let's get one thing straight first of all: aromatherapy has not been shown to stop an acute headache like a migraine. But remember, one of the things that accompany migraine is anxiety, so part of the treatment of headaches in general is to practice stress reduction techniques such as biofeedback techniques, and to use aids that may reduce stress and anxiety.
How Does Aromatherapy Work?
One of the official terms used in aromatherapy headache work is aromachology which is the study and use of essential oils to promote well being.
One of the main theories is that certain scents may have an effect on the limbic center of the brain (see diagram). The limbic center of the brain is responsible for emotions that are common to all humans, and certain basic behaviors such as the one that induces the females to nurse and protect their toddlers, or the one which induces these animals to develop ludic behaviors (playful moods). Emotions such as fright, love, hate, passion, and sadness all originate in the limbic system in addition to some personal identity and memory.
Some researchers believe that the connection from the olfactory center in the nose, to the limbic center in the brain is what is responsible for the reaction to scents. Essential oils could work on the central nervous system and perhaps affect autoimmune function. These ideas are just theories at the present time and have yet to be proven. Cautions With Aromatherapy Headache Treatments As mentioned above, discuss with your doctor if you have asthma before using any type of aromatherapy.
Other considerations are: do not use if pregnant unless your doctor approves, do not use if you have seizure disorder, it is best not to use on children as they are more sensitive to some odors. Use only organic essential oils and keep oils in a cool dark place and discard if separating. DO NOT ingest essential oils!
How Do I Use Aromatherapy Headache Treatment?
There are several different ways to use aromatherapy for headache treatment, such as a few drops in a warm bath, in a diffuser, and the old fashioned way of a few drops rubbed into the temples. Trying to figure out what aromatherapy is and how it can help your headaches can be quite confusing.
If you have never used aromatherapy or don't know what it is, you might want to read a little more about aromatherapy headache treatments and how this can impact the lifestyle of a migraineur. When a headache hits, no matter if it is a migraine or a severe tension headache, it is important to find a quiet place and try to relax. Of course you should take your medication as soon as possible as having scented oils around will not stop the pain.
Learn some meditation techniques and use them during this time as a type of biofeedback. This will not only relax you, but help reduce the pain. Aromatherapy can be used as an adjunct here to assist with relaxation.
One of the things to remember when exploring the world of aromatherapy is that pure organic essential oils are always the best. In fact, if you can find organic oils, those are even better. Organics tend to be consistent from bottle to bottle.
I have used essential oils in a diffuser when doing yoga and it does create a sense of calm. I prefer lavender but lemon is nice too! These oils can be mixed into massage oil and you can give it to the massage therapist to use just for you. A few drops in a hot bath is excellent when trying to relax during a headache.
Which Aromatherapy Oils Are Best For Headache?
As mentioned above, lavender has been used for stress reduction for hundreds of years and is a pleasant scent. It generally results in calming the mood.
Eucalyptus has been used for headache by rubbing it on the skin, but quite frankly it doesn't work! Like menthol, it may open the nasal passages if used as an inhalant, so if you are congested with a headache this use may help.
Peppermint oil has shown to have some effectiveness in treating a tension headache. The oil is mixed 10% to 90% ethanol, and rubbed lightly across the forehead. The mechanism is unknown but The American Academy of Family Practice has noted in a study that it most probably does work.
Sandalwood is supposed to help with mental fatigue, which can be a part of the recovery after a bad headache. Note that although much is written about sandalwood for headaches, no studies have shown yet that it can effectively treat a headache.
: article by Mary Betz [ Mary K. Betz MS RPA-C is a practicing Physician Assistant in neurology and specializes in headache medicine. Learn more about your headaches and migraines at Headache-adviser.com ( http://www.headache-adviser.com/aromatherapy-treatment.html ) ]
Exercise Solves Stress Problems
With the hectic pace of today's lifestyles, exercise can be a natural way to reduce stress. Stress is cause by many factors and affects everyone in its own unique way. However, according to the University of Iowa one of the best methods to reduce stress in the body and in the mind is through exercise. There are many benefits for the use of exercise to reduce stress.
Exercise Benefits
The University of Iowa's health program suggests that learning to handle stress can make a big difference in our lives and exercise is a great way to handle this part of life. The research conducted at the University of Iowa suggests that individuals that use exercise on a regular basis to remain physically fit will indeed face fewer health conditions and complications that are actually stress related. Exercisers that get fit tend to have fewer bouts of depression, fewer episodes of insomnia, take fewer daytime naps, and tend to eat without over-indulgence.
Brain Chemical
It is even said that there is actually a special chemical that is given off by the human brain while a person is engaged in aerobic exercise. This particular chemical that is given off by the brain can actually enable the human body to repair and heal from the negative and unhealthy effects of too much daily stress. How much aerobic exercise is recommended by leading health care experts for reducing the negative effects of daily stress? According to the University of Iowa's health experts, it is suggested that everyone have a goal of half an hour of aerobic exercise a minimum of three days weekly. For example, you could get in your aerobic exercise on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and take the weekend off from rigorous exercising.
Activities for Aerobic Exercise at Home
There are many types of activities that you can enjoy that are aerobic and fun. You don't have to be a member of a gym or even a fitness club to get your heart rate going and your body active. You can take the family dog on a brisk and fast walk each evening after you get home from work. The dog will enjoy the walk and you will have a chance to not only have aerobic activity but to clear your mind of the day's activities which in itself can be relaxing.
Another fun activity that you can do for aerobic exercise around your home is to do a little bit of yard work. Many hobbyists and gardeners find that gardening is very relaxing and rewarding. You can see the benefits of adding to your yard. You can dig holes and plant bushes, trees and flower gardens. You can use your craft skills to build birdhouses or even a new home for your family pooch.
Talk to Your Health Care Provider
As you can see there are many wonderful things that you can do for aerobic exercise on a daily basis. You don't have to pay high prices for a gym or a fitness club to enjoy the benefits of exercise to reduce stress. You should check with your health care provider before you begin any type of rigorous exercise to make certain that you are fit enough. Start out slowly and build up your level of fitness over time. The important thing is that you are taking the time to take care of yourself and this in itself will begin to reduce the negative effects of stress on your body.
: article by SkyeDanzer [ SkyeDanzer writes on a variety of topics and is available for hire for short article pieces, essays, SEO web content, blog content and eBooks. More of her articles may be read here Associated Content ( http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/52387/skyedanzer.html ) ]
Exercise Benefits
The University of Iowa's health program suggests that learning to handle stress can make a big difference in our lives and exercise is a great way to handle this part of life. The research conducted at the University of Iowa suggests that individuals that use exercise on a regular basis to remain physically fit will indeed face fewer health conditions and complications that are actually stress related. Exercisers that get fit tend to have fewer bouts of depression, fewer episodes of insomnia, take fewer daytime naps, and tend to eat without over-indulgence.
Brain Chemical
It is even said that there is actually a special chemical that is given off by the human brain while a person is engaged in aerobic exercise. This particular chemical that is given off by the brain can actually enable the human body to repair and heal from the negative and unhealthy effects of too much daily stress. How much aerobic exercise is recommended by leading health care experts for reducing the negative effects of daily stress? According to the University of Iowa's health experts, it is suggested that everyone have a goal of half an hour of aerobic exercise a minimum of three days weekly. For example, you could get in your aerobic exercise on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and take the weekend off from rigorous exercising.
Activities for Aerobic Exercise at Home
There are many types of activities that you can enjoy that are aerobic and fun. You don't have to be a member of a gym or even a fitness club to get your heart rate going and your body active. You can take the family dog on a brisk and fast walk each evening after you get home from work. The dog will enjoy the walk and you will have a chance to not only have aerobic activity but to clear your mind of the day's activities which in itself can be relaxing.
Another fun activity that you can do for aerobic exercise around your home is to do a little bit of yard work. Many hobbyists and gardeners find that gardening is very relaxing and rewarding. You can see the benefits of adding to your yard. You can dig holes and plant bushes, trees and flower gardens. You can use your craft skills to build birdhouses or even a new home for your family pooch.
Talk to Your Health Care Provider
As you can see there are many wonderful things that you can do for aerobic exercise on a daily basis. You don't have to pay high prices for a gym or a fitness club to enjoy the benefits of exercise to reduce stress. You should check with your health care provider before you begin any type of rigorous exercise to make certain that you are fit enough. Start out slowly and build up your level of fitness over time. The important thing is that you are taking the time to take care of yourself and this in itself will begin to reduce the negative effects of stress on your body.
: article by SkyeDanzer [ SkyeDanzer writes on a variety of topics and is available for hire for short article pieces, essays, SEO web content, blog content and eBooks. More of her articles may be read here Associated Content ( http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/52387/skyedanzer.html ) ]
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