What You Need to Know About Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Magazines worldwide are talking about women in menopause and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). But the same question keeps popping up. What is bioidentical hormones replacement?

Bioidentical hormones are made in a lab from plants, and they are comprised of molecules that are the same as the endogenous hormones made in a person's body. These are not 'exactly' the same, but the molecules are "identical" - which is how we got the name bio-bidentical hormones. Bioidentical hormones are often referred to as natural hormones.

There are still a number of women who are afraid of taking hormones, and some doctors are leary as well. This is because everyone remembers the news that came out surrounding the Women's Health Initiative (WHI). This government sponsored study that ended up with overly emphasized negative results released in May 2002, caused women and doctors to discontinue the use of hormone replacement therapy.

Some researchers and medical experts believe this initiative was oddly monitored and incompetently analyzed. This historic report was in fact on synthetic drugs with hormone-like effects, PremPro and Premarin, substances that were donated by the pharmaceutical company that had sold them since 1942. Unfortunately, the assumption was that the drugs would be found safe and effective, but in essence, nothing could have been further from the truth.

People can take bioidentical hormones in several ways: gels, drops under the tongue, pills, or via topical creams. of course there are a number of approaches to the dosing and blood levels and these have all been clumped together as "natural," but the reality is that none of them are truly natural if they don't mimic a rhythm that your body can recognize as natural. There is only one bioidentical hormone therapy protocol that is biomimetic - meaning it offers a standardized rhythmic, cycling of the hormones, estrogen and progersterone, and it does mimic the body's rhythm.

Many women have been experiencing great results from this rhythmically dosed bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and have happily given their personal accounts of the menopause experiences and testimonials on the Wiley Protocol website. In fact, some of them have also made comments or provided video testimonials on the Bioidenticals Channel on YouTube.

Gels, pills and drops do not pulse in our bodies, like endogenous hormones pulse. A healthy young woman's endogenous hormones go way up and way down low and trigger different genes; genes that grow cells, stop cells from growing, and tell cells to die.

Women go through various hormone states in life; 1) young and cycling 2) pregnant, 3) breastfeeding or 4) declining hormones. Doesn't it make sense that number 1 -- young and cycling - seems to replicate that state of hormonal health the best? Why? Because the other two templates are too hard to recreate physically and experimentally.

What this means is that women cycle up to a peak of estrogen and then the body lets it fall and then brings it down again for a second smaller peak. Progesterone peaks on day 21. Healthy women have a period that lasts for five days with a heavier flow on day two and three. Therefore,one concludes bio-identical hormones can only be truly bio-identical if the hormones for replacement mimic not only those chemically found in the body, but also mimic the natural biological process as well.

What's more, new research is focusing on healthy hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and suggests that women must cycle their hormones and have a menstrual bleed to be truly safe from cardiovascular events. In one study a combined cyclic regimen with monthly bleeding creates a lower cardiovascular risk for women than continuous-combined estrogen/progesterone/progestin therapy, which does not cause a menstrual bleed. The study also found that overall there was no increased risk of heart attacks in current users of HRT compared to women who had never taken hormones. The principal investigator of this research, Dr. Ellen Løkkegaard, is a gynecologist at the Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, Denmark. She said, "The main message is that when hormone therapy is indicated for a woman, then a cyclic combined regimen should be preferred, and that application via the skin or the vagina is associated with a decreased risk of myocardial infarction."

The observational study, the largest to look at the effects of HRT since the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) trial in 1991, followed 698,098 healthy 51-69 year-old Danish women. There is rhythm to the way hormones work, and there is a beat like music. Pills, gels, drops and static dosing do not honor the music. But the Wiley Protocol biomimetic, rhythmic bioidentical hormone therapy does. When a woman has enough hormones she feels good, and some women even feel better than they did during their entire lives.

Type 2 Diabetes - Can Ozone Therapy Help Diabetics?

Ozone therapy is where a person receives an increased amount of oxygen into their body via various methods, including Ozone therapy booths, cream applications and topical gels.

Strictly speaking Ozone therapy is considered a form of alternative medicine, and its benefits have been noted for many diseases such as cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis - as well as for Type 2 diabetes.

The Director of the Nevada Centre of Alternative and Anti-Aging Medicine in Carson City, Nevada, Dr. Frank Shallenberger, MD, HMD, has treated many cases of people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes as well as other serious diseases - all of whom have improved in health once undergoing Ozone therapy.

Dr. Shallenberger feels the connection between the Ozone therapy and Type 2 diabetes is all in the improved blood circulation this therapy can create.

One case of high importance for all to know about as it shows a strong argument that ozone therapy can work for diabetics, is from one of Dr. Shallenbergers patients called Virginia age 51. Virginia came for treatment for recurrent breast cancer as she unfortunately had a tumor that would periodically grow and then diminish in size.

Dr. Shallenberger decided to ozonate Virginia's blood as ozone has been used to treat many cancer patients world-wide. So, he started by drawing 150 cc of her blood and then injected it with ozone gas. This process took 40 minutes and after the process was completed, the treated blood was then re-infused back into her body. This was carried out daily to treat Virginia's cancer.

To Dr. Shallenbergers surprise, not only did the breast cancer respond and start to dissolve through ozonation - but Virginia's Type 2 diabetes responded as well. Her blood sugar levels started to drop very low indeed, in fact, so low Virginia became hypoglycemic.

So, to ensure her levels stayed within the preferred healthy range but still not so high that she was considered a diabetic, Dr. Shallenberger slowly reduced her blood sugar lowering drug Glucotrol that was given to treat her high blood sugar level - eventually eliminating the drug altogether.

At the end of this particular treatment Virginia didn't have Type 2 diabetes any longer as her blood sugar was lower than when she started treatment with Ozone therapy and was now sitting in the healthy normal range.

The Glucotrol diabetes drug Virginia was taking also started to work a little too well, meaning her body responded exceptionally well to ozone treatment as it reversed her diabetes diagnosis. Thankfully, it also shrank her breast cancer tumor.

One of the ways Ozone therapy appears to help diabetics is by delivering much-needed oxygen to tissues that have become severely oxygen depleted. Diabetics commonly suffer from gangrene and are also often unable to resist infections - both conditions can result from poor oxygen uptake which results from poor blood circulation.

Colored Light Therapy

We are living in a world full of colors to brighten our days. Colors not only give us a beautiful world but good health and wellness, too. How so? The advent of technology brought medical advancement to man. Various machines have been used to induce health upon the sick person in hospitals and clinics all over the world. Colored light therapy is also known as chromotherapy. These are the terms used to mean therapy using a particular wavelength or spectrum of color for a particular period. Color light energy draws its principles from the ancient belief that energy fields comprise the human body. Correct amounts and proper circulation of energies ensure that the body is healthy. However, imbalances in the amounts of these energies, coupled with problems in energy circulation, offset the natural balance in the body and trigger illnesses. To replenish the deficient energy, another form of energy is needed. Since energy from color is accessible and easy to obtain, this is considered as one of the best ways to recharge the body's energy supply to regain the balance of the person's physical state.

Colored light therapy is used to treat common skin problems: acne, psoriasis and eczema. This is also used to counteract seasonal depression and other psychological and psychiatric illnesses. Jet lags and insomnia are also treated by this therapy. For years, neonatal jaundice has been treated by colored light therapy.

The wide range of conditions that colored light therapy can cure dictates the kind of light used for treatment. A certain wavelength may be good for acne but would not treat depression. Each wavelength of light has its own vibration on a specific frequency necessary for healing. One of the safest to use is the full spectrum colored light therapy, which uses all the vibrations in the full spectrum.

Each wavelength targets a specific condition. Red light, the coolest of all the lights in the spectrum, encourages circulation and is therefore good for the heart and muscles. The next in the cool series, orange light encourages cheerfulness and promotes good health. Yellow light eliminates a variety of toxins and stimulates the mind. Like all things green, green light induces relaxation, which is why it is best for reducing inflammation and swelling; it also promotes wound healing. Blue light heals the whole imbalanced energy system. Violet light brings spiritual wellness and proper body system functioning. It is not unusual that the treatment using the full spectrum of light provides the best healing effect on the body.

The light frequencies are potent enough to provide physical and emotional healing, as well as pain reduction, that their effects are almost immediate. As the particular type of light energy vibrates to re-energize the body, healing is promoted and the body goes back to being well balance and adequately nourished. Each wavelength works well with the other wavelengths to allow the body to rejuvenate properly and prevent pain from coming back to bother the person.

Too much sunlight may cause carcinogenesis, but controlled color light therapy does not induce cancer and is generally safe to use.

The Importance of Sports Massage Therapy For All Athletes

The Winter Olympics finished earlier this year in Vancouver, and one thing prevalent at the games - besides terrific performances by the world's best athletes - was massage therapists, and a lot of them. And this prevalence of sports trainers and professional therapists was not unique to just this year's Games. Indeed, a study in The British Journal of Sports Medicine showed that 45 percent of the treatment athletes receive at major, international and national, sporting events comes in the form of sports massage therapy.

The reason for this abundance of sports therapy is clear. In the journal of Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise, an article published in 2008 demonstrated sports therapy's extensive benefit for athletes, with therapy being credited in reducing levels of swelling while increasing levels of muscle strength after periods of strenuous exercise. In the same study, sports therapy also was shown to decrease the amount of energy the body must expend to heal damaged muscle groups.

What does all this mean?

It means that the world's best professional athletes will continue to use massage therapy at competitions of the highest level, which means that athletes at all levels may want to consider therapy to aid themselves and their teams in training and competitions.

What, specifically, can massage do for athletes?

- It can improve training, with therapy easing muscle pain and potential injury during strenuous days. Therapy can also keep muscles flexible and healthy during lighter days or periods of training.

- It can improve performance. Sports massage before competitions can energize muscles and aid in stretching and warm-up exercises. It can also help limit the amount of pain and potential injury after grueling events.

- It can improve health. Therapy has been proven to improve the body's circulation, essential for the removal of metabolic waste, but also important in maintaining a healthy immune system.

Massage therapy has benefits for athletes of all sports. Be it basketball, hockey, lacrosse, swimming, running, bicycling, football, golf, basketball, soccer, tennis or any of the many other athletic pursuits out there, sports therapy can be a great way to ensure the best possible health and condition of athletes, during training and at competitions. There's a reason why almost half of all professional therapists practice sports therapy, and why nearly half of all treatment given to athletes at major, international competitions comes in the form of sports therapy. Quite simply: It works.

How To Get Your Vibes Up With Vibrational Sound Therapy

Doctors and therapists have been using vibrations to treat a variety of ailments and injuries. But what exactly is vibrational medicine?

Vibrational therapy medicine is an approach that endeavors to heal illnesses using a subtle manipulation of energy fields through directing energy into the body. And sound therapy is actually a method of applying vibration therapy. Such facilitates positive change in one's energetic fields by leading the body towards healthy vibrations.

Still don't get it? You see, everything in this world and even in this universe is energy - and all energy vibrates. Even one's thoughts and emotions are energy, and have vibrations as well.

So if you feel stressed out, angry, or scared, these feelings are unhealthy vibrations. On the other hand, when you feel good about something you are having harmonious and healthy vibrations.

And just for a little background, the story of vibration therapy actually started in the Russian Space Program. Originally, Russian scientists and physical fitness professionals specializing in outer space living found out that cosmonauts have significantly loss in bone density and muscle tissue after they came back from a lengthy period of space travel.

These results were associated to the lack of gravity in space. Eventually, the experts felt experimented more about vibration therapy technology.

And after a lot of research, theory development and further experimentation, they discovered that vibration technology considerably brought lot of positive effects like strengthened muscle tissues, improved one's flexibility and balance, increased bone density, burned up moderate amounts of fat, eliminated fatigue, speed up metabolism and more.

Going back to today's vibrational therapy. Nowadays, there are various vibration machines and equipment that people use to revitalize and other health purposes, such as the singing bowls.

Conventionally, singing bowls are made from a combination of seven metals. However, most singing bowls on today's market are made from just three to five metals. These bowls work wonders as they produce tones that can relax you deeply - creating a harmony between your body and soul.

Sound waves from the ringing bowls can reach every cell in your body as vibrations massage the cells as they pass through. Just like any other vibrational machines, such method will take you to a state of complete relaxation.

Actually, sound therapy and cellular massages have been known to provide healing results to damaged bodies.

Being healthy must come from within. So get your vibes up and keep away from negative energy. Remember, good vibrations leads to a healthy and harmonious body.

Healthy Heart Requires an Active Mind and Body

One must try to have a healthy body and a big part of this process is having a positive outlook on life. You must keep your mind active with some kind of mind thinking activity. This article comes to my mind as I just completed my annual cardiology exam. The Dr. is still amazed that I am still around working almost everyday, walking my dogs every morn and very seldom get sick other than a cold.

In 1988 I suffered a massive heart attack. My heart was so damaged that the muscle turned to a texture like oatmeal. (This is the way the Dr's. described the situation to us.) They kept me alive with a mechanical heart pump hoping the muscle would repair itself as I also had an aneurysm which could only be repaired if my heart turned to muscle tissue, other wise they could not repair the damage or do a double bypass.

Apparently, no one was giving up on me and I lived to get back on my feet and after convalescing went back to work and all was well until 1998. I did not feel well so went to emergency care. While there I had another heart attack, grand Moll seizure, mini-stroke and extremely painful headaches. After about a week they got me out of the hospital, but I was still having the headaches, until one night I had to go back to emergency care. The Dr. I had upon discharge used the old adage, take a couple of aspirin and call me in the morning.

We can thank our lucky stars as the Dr's. and nurses suggested we get a second opinion and the new neurosurgeon stepped in and they found that I had a brain hemorrhage. It was nip and tuck because medication that I would be on contraindicated each other and I would be in real trouble. We had a pow wow and it was decided to take our chances with both meds.

I went home. Two years later the old by passes plugged up so had angioplasty and 4 stents inserted. Couple years later I had a bout with blood clots in my legs so they put filters in so the clots could not go to my upper body. Two years ago after my tests it was decided that I would be a candidate for EECP therapy as my heart was only functioning at about 29%.

EECP is a non-invasive , outpatient therapy to relieve or eliminate angina. This therapy is a system that pumps when the heart is resting, and stops pumping when the heart is working. This counter-pulsation increases blood flow to the heart muscle and decreases the hearts workload, plus creates greater oxygen supply and less oxygen demand. My heart is now functioning at about 55% and I work almost every day managing our hair salon and work on my on line businesses. If you have heart problems discuss the therapy with your cardiologist. My cardiologist calls me his miracle patient and always tells me that it is my positive attitude and being active, (mind and body.)

Benefits of Far Infrared Sauna Therapy

If you suffer from certain medical conditions or just want to treat your body to an all-over healthy experience, then far infrared sauna therapy is for you. Infrared saunas use a special type of light wave to penetrate and warm the core of the body, safely and naturally promoting health in as little as 20 minutes a day.

Infrared sauna therapy requires regular sessions. Ideally, a person would use a sauna daily to see the best results. The first few sessions should last no more than 30 minutes, working toward eventual 50-minute sessions. Of course if you are pressed for time a short session of even 20 minutes is beneficial. You should consult a doctor before undergoing therapy to make sure you don't have any health conditions that prohibit sauna use.

Infrared saunas help our bodies detoxify themselves. The skin is an eliminative organ, but is largely underused in most people. All of us are exposed to chemicals every day that are absorbed into our skin. Laundry detergents, body lotion, deodorants, air pollution, unhealthy preservatives in food, and even rays from the sun all leave traces of toxic chemicals and metals in our bodies. The skin's natural function is to help us get rid of this excess, but it often isn't effective enough on its own. Infrared saunas help our skin do its job. Inducing perspiration in a sauna regularly purifies our bodies and carries away traces of chemicals like nickel, sodium, copper, and so on.

Infrared sauna therapy is useful for improving circulation. Blood vessels expand, lowering high blood pressure and improving health in people with heart conditions. Research shows that regular infrared therapy enables heart patients to live longer. Poor circulation is the root of many health problems and discomforts. Even headaches can be traced back to poor blood flow.

With better circulation comes healthy weight benefits, as well. Infrared saunas induce perspiration. Sweating is work for the body, so the heart rate increases. When the heart rate goes up, the body is getting cardiovascular exercise and is burning calories. A single session can burn 500 calories. For those who aren't healthy enough for strenuous physical activity, infrared sauna therapy can be a good alternative. Lots of people use infrared saunas to help manage their weight in a safe and natural way.

Stiff joints and sore muscles are relaxed in an infrared sauna. Athletes or exercisers will appreciate rejuvenating in a sauna after an intense session. They will be able to rest their mind at the same time that their tense or sore muscles are recovering and relaxing. If the soreness is a result of illness or injury, people can still benefit from infrared saunas. Pain-related conditions like arthritis, bursitis, and myalgia are all alleviated by infrared sauna therapy. Even menstrual cramps are assuaged in an infrared sauna.

Infrared sauna therapy is also a great stress reliever. Scheduling regular time to relax in a sauna does a great deal for your mental well-being. You can use your time in the sauna to meditate, relax, or listen to soothing music. Infrared sauna therapy has great relaxation benefits and improves mood. We all feel better after spending time in the sunshine, which is very similar to infrared light. This is because of the absorption of all the healthy infrared waves. Saunas have even been suggested to improve conditions like mild depression.

Far infrared sauna therapy is a safe and natural way to detoxify your body, increase blood flow, relax tense muscles and joints, and relieve stress. By using the unique properties of infrared radiation to our advantage, we can enjoy all these benefits every time we step into an infrared sauna.

Cold Laser Therapy Can Do The Trick

Several ailments send us to the chiropractor--everything from back pain to arthritis to a muscle strain. Alignments can cure some issues, while others are not affected by alignments. What some people need is more extensive therapy to cure the bigger issue.

In recent years, therapy by lasers has grown and technology has evolved. Doctors and chiropractors alike are integrating lasers more into treatment because they prove to be effective and instantaneous. In the chiropractic world, cold laser therapy has taken off because it provides non-invasive treatment to a multitude of issues.

Since it has gained so much popularity among chiropractors, it's important to note what exactly it does for patients. Cold laser therapy targets dead or irritated cells within the body. These cells may be located in muscles, bones, tissues, or ligaments. In each of these areas, cells need to be revived so the body can become healthy again. Lasers enter the body through light wavelengths, which provide energy for the cells. Once cells are targeted and light penetrates cells, they become energized and are now able to return to a healthy state.

So, is it a quick, one time fix? No, therapies are never a quick fix. To get the most from a therapy, you need to have several treatments for the therapy to help the body regain strength and return to a healthy state. Some may require more treatments than others, but it depends on the severity of the issue. Cold laser therapy will prove effective over time, so make sure you provide the necessary time to receive treatment.

The benefit of cold laser therapy is that it's proven to heal damaged parts of the body. Not only does it heal the body, but it doesn't require any intensive recovery that surgery would. Patients can come get their treatment, improve over time and maintain their lives. It's not invasive and it doesn't take away from the patient. It only provides the health they need.

Surgery costs can also skyrocket to high prices, which no one is ready to pay. The difference with cold laser therapy is that it's affordable, which is a great alternative to surgery. Also, you can check with your insurance provider to see if they can cover any of the costs. Even if they don't cover all of the costs, they might cover a few, which will keep you from paying more than you should.

It's time to discover the relief and health cold laser therapy can bring.

HGH - Human Growth Hormone Therapy

Research has shown that Human Growth Hormone, most effective in the young, is responsible for the development of healthy bone through calcium retention, boosting the immune system, promoting healthy growth of internal organs and is generally conducive to natural healthy growth in children along with many other good qualities.

Because of its naturally beneficial properties for good health and growth it is probably only natural that HGH has been explored for its therapeutic potential.

Probably the most obvious and widely known choice for the use of HGH Therapy is in children who suffer from below average growth in childhood. In this area research and studies have shown that there are distinct benefits to the use of HGH.

But there are also claims that HGH Therapy can help with some of the more serious and life threatening diseases. The uses of HGH Therapy in the treatment of Crohns disease, Multiple Schlerosis and fibromyalgia, whilst showing some benefits is still contentious and could really benefit from a more in depth study. Other benefits in the use of HGH Therapy have been reported in body building, weight loss and anti aging.

Trials of HGH in anti-aging studies have revealed some benefits but in other areas it appears that when the therapy is stopped the body reverts back to its normal condition. There is still a long way to go before this can be claimed to be a success and more concrete evidence is required.

Bodybuilders have seen some benefits from this type of therapy, but instead of producing strength it just causes the muscle to retain more water giving the sculpted muscle tone without strength. If you want a more toned body with enhanced muscle sculpture then this might be for you, but once again, as soon as any therapy is stopped the benefits are gone.

Diet and exercise taken in conjunction with the HGH Therapy has proved to optimize the benefits, but attention to diet and exercise will go a long way to providing some of the perceived benefits of HGH Therapy without the need for HGH at all.

Studies show that there is a potential for HGH to be beneficial in a lot of areas of health and development that affect nearly every person and every household, but what it also needs is a more in depth research program that can produce detailed evidence.

If HGH Therapy is something that you are considering there is a wealth of information out there to help you make your decision as well as whole range of treatments available. From tablet, injection to oral spray HGH Supplements, all are available.

If you want to make your own informed choices and decisions on HGH then just turn on your computer and check out the dozens of websites for information both for and against the use of HGH Therapy and Supplements.

Reduce Your Risk of Dying From Heart Disease Or Cancer by 47% With This Therapy

We all want to live a long and healthy life don't we? We all wish for great health and vitality and a disease free body and mind to allow us to enjoy our life, right? What if I could show you a simple therapy that can reduce your risk of dying from heart disease or cancer by three times, would you be interested? And, even better, this therapy doesn't even have to cost you a dime, is simple to do, and can even be quite fun. Do I have your attention now? Before I tell you what this therapy is, let's look at the facts to support the statements I have just made.

Therapy Research Study

In one study, researchers looked at the health of over 2000 men over a 22 year period to examine if this therapy could actually increase their health and lifespan. Some of the men in this study group received this therapy only a few days per week. The men in the control group of course did not receive any of this therapy.

When the study was completed, 131 of the men had died: 95 (73.6%) were in the control group and only 36 (26.4%) were in the therapy group.

So then what was the therapy that led to a 47% reduction in mortality?

Regular Exercise.

Yes exercise: it's simple, cheap yet very effective. This simple therapy can literally save your life and prevent death from any cause as the above study has indicated. Let's look more closely at how you can use this life saving therapy as an anti aging medicine.

How You Can Use Exercise an Anti Aging Therapy

The key about using exercise as an anti aging therapy is in knowing how to incorporate it into your daily routine effortlessly and without it seeming like torture. The good news is the type of exercise I recommend in order to get life extending benefits is not really that difficult or time consuming, and it can be quite enjoyable too. Forget running marathons or sweating it out in the gym for hours - this is simply not required, and can actually be detrimental to your health.

It's far better for your health to perform shorter duration exercise following a protocol that I will describe for you shortly. This type of therapy has been shown to improve your life expectancy and to reduce your chances of dying from heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and stroke, and it will reduce your chances of developing depression and anxiety. Not only that, it will help to reduce your body fat and give you a slim, lean and muscular body at any age. Your sex life will also be improved as will your sleep.

The benefits are very impressive indeed, and there is evidence also to indicate that exercise therapy (when done correctly) can even be used to reverse cancer as well.

If all these aren't enough reasons for you to start this simple therapy on a daily basis immediately, then you may already have a deep seated subconscious desire to not be healthy, and to develop some time of illness or disease. If this is the case it's time to blow this limiting mindset away and to develop the firm mental belief that yes you can develop a very healthy body and mind, and yes you can live a long and healthy life at least till 100 years of age.

This is a reality, not science fiction, but it must start with you believing that this is possible. Everything starts with your thoughts, and once you can start developing the "anti aging mental picture" and start picturing yourself as a human being with unlimited physical, emotional and spiritual potential, then there are no limits to what you can achieve in this world. I will discuss this further in future articles, as it is a crucial aspect to achieving perfect health and happiness.

How To Use Exercise Therapy For Life Extension

Regular exercise following the specific protocol I will now show you will help you to burn body fat and to increase your metabolism. This will in turn keep your body lean and healthy for a lifetime. Ok let me show you a simple therapeutic exercise routine that you can do anywhere, anytime, without any expense and using only 15 minutes of your time. I want you to make a firm commitment that if you aren't already performing exercise therapy every day that you will start this immediately. Stop making excuses as there are none.

Wear a watch with a second hand or bring a stopwatch with you. If you have a heart rate monitor you can also wear that. Go outside and start walking at a slow pace so that your breath rate will increase slightly. Continue this warm-up for 5 minutes. Monitor your heart rate during the warm up and remember the rate at this point in your mind.

Then I want you to go as hard and fast as you can for 30 seconds (time yourself). If you are new to exercise, then just walk at a brisk rate during this time. If you used to exercising then you could sprint as hard and as fast as you can for 30 seconds. You will find that your breathing will become very rapid during this burst of intense exercise, and you will be panting for breathe. Don't panic as that is exactly what I want you to be doing at this point. Record your maximum heart rate at this point. You can stop now after this intense burst and go back to a slow walking pace again. You want your breathe rate to come back to where it was during the warm up phase.

Once your breath and heart rate comes back down to where it was initially, stay at this pace for another 3 minutes. Then go as hard and as fast as you can again for another 30 seconds, as before.

Keep repeating this cycle of 3 minutes exercise with a slow comfortable breathe and heart rate, and then 30 seconds of hard and fast intense exercise for a minimum of 15 minutes to start with. You can gradually extend this cycle once your fitness level had increased, but you don't need to go longer than 30 minutes maximum. Even a 15 minute exercise therapy session as described will do wonders for your health and for your longevity.

Don't overlook the power of this simple therapy. Sometimes the simplest things in life are the most powerful, and this is most certainly true about exercise therapy.

Hemp Therapy Business Opportunity - Revolutionary or Run of the Mill?

Anyone who is thinking about starting up a business should consider whether that opportunity will make it in today's market and with today's ideals. The Hemp Therapy business model should be scrutinized in the same way, to see if it is something new and fit for the current times or whether it is just another of the same old tired companies trying to survive on outdated ideas.

Health
If you have been doing your research into today's business opportunities, you will see that a very large number of them are geared towards healthy living. This is not surprising considering the state of the health care system, high illness and obesity rates, and the aging of the Baby Boomer generation.

You might think that this makes Hemp Therapy a run of the mill operation. Just like so many others, this business is all about being healthy and feeling good. In the sense that it has some common goals with many other businesses, it may seem ordinary. In this general way, it is not a unique business even though it is definitely right for the times.

Hemp Nutrition
On the other hand, no other business has mastered the art of powerful Hemp Nutrition for consumers. This company provides research studies explaining the value of Hemp in the diet. Hemp is unique in the quality and completeness of the nutrition it provides. Hemp seeds are high in protein, essential oils and amino acids. Hemp has a high percentage of Edestin, a valuable type of protein which aids in digestion among its many benefits. It helps the body to heal, renew and repair itself. Hemp has always been good for people, but the extent of its benefits is just now beginning to come to light.

Nutrition from the Sea
Hemp Therapy products from Versativa, such as Inspirin, contain marine phytoplankton - nutrition from the sea. This is the highest energy food available anywhere, and it has a nutritional profile that is nothing short of miraculous. The interest in this nutrition from the sea has multiplied rapidly over the last several decades. In the course of history, the attention to phytoplankton for human consumption is very new - one might even say revolutionary.

Environmental Concerns
"Green" is a popular word these days. It has become so standard that it has almost lost its meaning. Somehow, it has become a financial buzzword. However, companies like ForeverGreen are bringing back the ecological focus of the word. The Versativa mission is to make a difference to the environment. Hemp plants mature quickly in about 100 days from seed to full growth, making them a quickly renewable source of paper, cloth, energy, insulation, and many other products including health products.

Network Marketing
The Versativa Hemp Therapy business opportunity is based on network marketing. As most people know, the foundations of network marketing have been established over the years by many highly reputable companies. There have been a few bad eggs, but overall, network marketing has provided a means of living for many people and given them a chance to share great products. This is nothing new.

Focus of Business Model
The old-fashioned focus for businesses was to serve the needs of the business first and think about the needs of the individual last. In fact, the majority of companies still operate this way. What makes the Hemp Therapy business model different is that the needs of the individual are considered first. People are encouraged to be themselves within the system rather than to conform to the image of a certain person who has already succeeded in the business. They are allowed to find their own style of success. Versativa's Rainmaker System is geared towards finding people who think for themselves.

As to the question of whether Versativa and Hemp Therapy is just another network marketing scheme, everyone must judge for themselves. The products, while based on plants that have been around for ages, are on the cutting edge of health science. The business model allows for a depth of human caring and concern that is not often seen in modern business. Whether the Hemp Therapy business is something new or not may be a mixed answer. The important thing to decide is if it offers an opportunity that can help you succeed in your goals. Many people will find that it does.

Manifold Wonders of Massage Therapy

Massage has been used as a remedial measure from centuries. Massaging causes various physiological effects which comfort the body. Manually kneading or manipulating the soft tissues to relieve pain, discomfort, stress and to promote health and wellness is called as 'massage'. The techniques of massage to promote health and wellness are called "Massage Therapy". The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) defines Massage therapy as "a profession in which the practitioner applies manual techniques, and may apply adjunctive therapies, with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client."

Massage therapy (abhyanga) is recommended in ayurveda in the course of treating several diseases. It plays a great role in body detoxification process (Panchakarma) before starting the core treatment.

Usually, ayurvedic herbal oils or aromatic oils are used during massage. The oils are selected according to the condition and objective of massage.

Types of Body massage

Different kinds of body massage are adopted after analyzing the cause and location of discomfort. The following are the various kinds of body massage .

oFace and Head Massage,

oArms and Hand Massage,

oLegs and Feet Massage,

oBack Massage,

oNeck and Shoulder Massage,

oChest Massage,

oAbdomen Massage,

oMassage for babies and children

oMassage during pregnancy.

Techniques of massage:

A massage therapist uses 'Strokes' and 'Pressure' while massaging. Effleurage, Petrisage, Percussion, Friction and Vibration are 5 different strokes used while massaging.

Effleurage strokes are long, gliding and soothing .These strokes are made with flat surface of hands. Effleurage strokes increase the circulation and depth of relaxation.

Petrissage strokes resemble kneading. These strokes are recommended to massage children and elderly people. Skin and muscle surface are rolled or squeezed, gently and firmly by grasping them between thumb and fingers.

Percussion is done using both hands. In this stroke both hands move rapidly and alternatively stimulating the muscles. Percussion can be done with finger tips (tapping), chopping movement of stretched fingers (hacking), cupped hands (cupping), flat opened palms (slapping), and using both fists (pounding).

Friction: These strokes are used to treat joints and surrounding areas. Friction breaks adhesions, remove wastes and clean up congestion. Long, slow, firm strokes or circular movements of hand are used to move superficial tissues over the deep underlying tissues.

Vibrations : These strokes stimulate nerves. Hands or fingers are moved back and forth rapidly on soft tissues to shake them. Vibrations are used on buttocks, thighs, upper back etc.

Mild, moderate or heavy Pressure is applied during massage, depending upon the part to be massaged and the aim of massage.

The texts of ayurveda illustrate different types of massages for different conditions. They are

Udvarthana : Massaging body in opposite direction (According to ayurvedic texts,starting the massage from the head and proceeding downwards is considered conventional.Hence,massages that proceed from palm to shoulder or Feet to thighs or hips to neck are opposite in direction.) These massages are performed by exerting little pressure using dry herbs. This kind of massage exfoliates skin, enhances its glow and gives healthy look. It also helps to reduce bad odor which is caused due to sweat.

Mardana : Massaging the whole body exerting more pressure is called Mardana. This is usually done for persons who indulge in enhanced physical work e.g. athletes, sports persons, Wrestlers etc.

Paadaghata : Padaaghata means massaging using the feet, Trampling the body with required pressure is called padaghata.

Benefits of massage Therapy:

1.Massage increases the circulation in tissues, releases muscle spasms and stimulates the nervous system or sedates it. Increased circulation pumps more oxygen and nutrients to tissues.

2.It shortens the recovery period of illness or injury.

3.A good massage helps the release of endorphins (natural pain killers in body) and also stimulates lymphatic system, boosting body immunity.

4.It helps relieve muscle tension, stiffness, pain and reduces swelling. Healing process becomes faster and excess formation of scar tissue is reduced.

5.It increases athletic performance and provides greater joint flexibility.

6.Massage helps reduce discomforts caused due to stress related conditions like migraine, tension headaches, body pain, tiredness, anxiety, depression, insomnia (sleeplessness) etc .It helps lower the levels of stress hormones like cortisol .

7.It improves the ability to handle stressful situations calmly and efficiently. Massage also enhances thinking and creative abilities.

8.Massage therapy promotes the feeling of wellbeing.

According to ayurveda massaging body daily with ayurvedic herbal oil has innumerable benefits. This process is called as "Abhyanga". In great ayurvedic classic Ashtanga Hridaya the benefits of herbal oil massage has been documented as follows.

" Abhyanga aachare nityam sa jara- shrama - vataha | Drushtihi prasada pushtyaahu swapna sutwak daadarya krit ||"

oAging symptoms appear very late in life.

oBalances Vata and reduces vata related problems

oSkin becomes fresh, soft, glowing and healthy.

oSkin becomes resistant to diseases.

oSharp eyesight and attractive eyes.

oBody becomes stronger and well nourished.

oThe body and mind gets relaxed.

oUndisturbed sleep.

oIncreases Libido.

oRejuvenates the body.

Acharya Charaka indicates foot massage (Padabhyanga) to get rid of cracked feet, dry skin on foot, to relieve tiredness and foot pain. The flexibility of foot increases.

Precautions and prohibitions

According to ayurvedic texts the massage should not be done for those who suffer from fever, diarrhea, vomiting and indigestion and in pregnancy.Usually therapists do not massage a person if the latter has, fever, skin eruptions, large bruises, inflamed joints, sensitive veins, varicose, tumors, a period, indigestion, nut allergy, appendix:2yr/6m, dislocated shoulder(s), vertebral problems. The person should not wear contact lenses or consume alcohol or over-eat during or shortly before a massage.One more precaution to be taken before going for a massage is to check whether the massage therapist is qualified or not. An unqualified massage therapist may cause more harm than relief.

Relationship Counseling With Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

Albert Ellis developed Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), a brief, direct, and solution-oriented therapy which focuses on resolving specific problems that are troubling an individual or, in the case of relationship counseling, a distressed couple. Fundamental to REBT is the concept that our emotions result solely from our beliefs, not by the events that occur in our lives. Therefore, it is of utmost importance for our beliefs to be healthy and rational, because the consequences of these beliefs will be emotional growth and happiness. If our beliefs are irrational and self-defeating, our emotional life suffers from neuroses such as self-blame, depression, and anxiety. REBT is an educational process in which the therapist teaches the client how to identify irrational beliefs, dispute them, and replace them with rational ones. In the case of relationship counseling, once the couple client is equipped with healthy beliefs, emotional difficulties and problematic behavior are abated.

Ellis believed that human beings are born with the dual potentials for both healthy and unhealthy thought processes. He called the healthy process rational thinking and the unhealthy variety irrational thinking. Rational thinking, as would be expected, means objectively seeing things as they really are, whereas irrational thinking distorts reality by misinterpreting things that happen.
At the core of REBT is the A-B-C theory of personality. The A stands for an activating event, usually some type of challenging life situation. An example activating event might be a teenage boy being "dumped" by his girlfriend. The B represents a belief that takes over and causes the emotional consequence, represented by the C. If the belief is irrational (for example, the boy believes "I am a loser"), the consequence is likely to be depression or anger. Alternatively, if the belief is rational (e.g. "I am a valuable person") the consequence would be only a temporary sadness that the relationship is over. Key to Ellis's thought is that the belief, not the activating event, causes the emotional consequence. Therefore, if a person has a number of irrational beliefs, then he or she is likely to experience much emotional pain throughout life as various challenges are encountered. On the other hand, if a person's beliefs are rational, then he or she can handle the disappointing events of life with aplomb. In other words, how one feels is primarily determined by how one thinks.

Where do our self-sabotaging irrational beliefs originate? Ellis taught that we learn some of them from other people during our childhood and the rest we concoct on our own. This is the only way in which the past mattered to Ellis: our current beliefs are learned from past experiences. The past cannot be changed and REBT places very little emphasis on discussing it; instead, REBT works to replace the illogical beliefs with logical ones.

In Ellis's thought, irrational beliefs are the cause of human neuroses, including depression and anxiety. Irrational beliefs tend to ignore the positive, exaggerate the negative, distort reality, and/or overgeneralize. REBT teaches that people tend to overuse "shoulds," "musts," and "oughts." Many of these self-defeating beliefs are indoctrinated in early life and grow stronger as a person continually revisits them.

So what irrational beliefs are commonly addressed in relationship counseling? Probably the most-often seen one is along the lines of, "my partner must do what I think he/she should do." Another irrational belief often seen in relationship counseling is, "I must have my partner's approval."

As mentioned previously, according to the A-B-C theory of personality, the belief, not the activating event, causes the emotional consequence. When the belief is irrational, the emotion is not healthy. The consequences of irrational beliefs can be relatively mild (procrastination, for example) but can also be extremely disruptive, immobilizing, or even dangerous.

Ellis taught that unconditional self-acceptance and unconditional other-acceptance are of prime importance in achieving wellness. Healthy people know that they are not perfect and will continue to make mistakes, but see themselves as worthwhile nevertheless. They consider themselves valuable just as a result of being alive; in fact, they relish life and they have the capacity to continually enjoy themselves. In the case of relationship counseling, unconditional other-acceptance (of the partner) is as important as unconditional self-acceptance.

Recalling the A-B-C theory of personality, successful REBT relationship counseling adds steps D, E, and F. The D stands for disputing: the therapist helps the couple to challenge the irrational belief (B). Ellis suggested that the therapist ask the couple if there is any evidence for the belief, or what would be the worst possible outcome if the couple were to give up that belief. In therapy the relationship counselor may point out faulty beliefs, but he or she also teaches the clients how to dispute them in day-to-day life outside of therapy. The result of disputing the self-defeating belief and replacing it with a rational one yields an effective philosophy (E), and also a new set of feelings (F) which are not debilitating.

Although REBT teaches that the counselor should demonstrate unconditional full acceptance, the therapist is not encouraged to build a warm and caring relationship with the client. The relationship counselor's only task is to aid the couple in identifying and confronting irrational beliefs and replacing them with rational ones. The therapist usually is not even interested in the past events which are the source of the irrational belief; all that matters is getting rid of that belief in the present.

A successful relationship counseling collaboration between the REBT therapist and a couple results in changes to both individuals' cognitions. This then results in both parties feeling better about themselves and about each other. Self-defeating thinking is arrested and behavioral changes result. Both partners move toward unconditional self-acceptance and unconditional other-acceptance.

Dry Skin Therapy That Heals While it Moisturizes

If you are struggling with dry skin then you are going to want to find a dry skin therapy that does more than just makes your skin feel soft and nice for while. There are literally thousands of creams and lotions on the market, but only a small percentage of them can actually provide lasting results.

This is because most of the manufacturers of these creams and lotions have chosen to use ingredients that provide them with a better bottom line rather than providing you with healthier skin. One such ingredient is mineral oil. Mineral oil costs the manufacturers next to nothing, but makes the skin feel softer.

The problem with it lies in the fact that it provides nothing to heal and nourish the skin. As a matter of fact, it damages the skin if used for long-term. This is because mineral oil actually clogs the pores, trapping grime and bacteria which leads to blemishes and other problems with the skin.

So as you search for a dry skin therapy that is going to work for you, you'll need to look beyond the shelves of your local drugstore to the small, niche skin care companies who stake their reputations on the quality of their products.

These are the types of companies that will use only natural and effective ingredients. Ingredients such as avocado oil and macadamia oil which are very similar to the oils produced by the human skin and are therefore easily absorbed. These two wonderful moisturizers contain very high levels of vitamins and minerals to nourish the skin so that it can heal itself.

They will also contain some of the cutting edge ingredients that have recently been developed such as Phytessence Wakame and Nano-Lipobelle HQ 10.

Phytessence Wakame is made from a seaweed extract that contains a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals. As it nourishes the skin it also protects the hyaluronic acid from enzymes in the body which tend to break it down.

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that acts as the "glue" that holds the collagen and elastin proteins in place, giving the skin its firmness and pliability. As these enzymes break down the hyaluronic acid, the skin begins to lose its shape and sag.

Nano-Lipobelle HQ 10 is a powerful antioxidant that contains natural vitamin E and coenzyme Q 10 in its nano-emulsion form. In this form, the coenzyme Q10 is able to penetrate through as many as seven layers of skin. These antioxidants effectively a scour out free radicals from the skin which helps eliminate wrinkles and restore a more healthy appearance.

So, if you're serious about finding a dry skin therapy cream or lotion that will help heal your skin for the long-term these are the kinds of ingredients you will need to look for. Don't bother with the run of the mill skin creams that you find at your local drugstore. Instead look to some of the small manufacturers who know that their reputation is on the line if their products are ineffective.

How Can Stem Cell Therapy Help Aging, HIGH Stress, Poor Diet, And No Exercise?

With the invention of more accurate and sophisticated medical tools, medical science has also developed new methods of treatment. There are thousands of medical research stations that are involved in experimental activities of various diseases. The continuous and persistent efforts of these researchers gave us a new technology that is called stem cell therapy. It is a revolutionary treatment in the field of cellular medicine. Normally, treatment methods consist of taking oral medicines, injections and operations in serious cases. These methods have been an effective tool of medical science but as compared to this new technology, these treatments were performed at macro level. While this new treatment is done at micro or lowest level of body.

It is similar to the situation of atomic bomb. In the old days, bombs were made by adding different explosive materials together. Now, science discovered fusion reaction that is initiated at atomic level that is the lowest level of some element. As a result, it is much more dangerous than bombs that were made in the old days. In fact it has no comparison with those bombs. Similarly, this technology of cellular treatment has no comparison with other methods. In Stem cell therapy, some cells are injected into the body of the patient and they do their work because they can differentiate into one or more cell types. Once they have learned about the diseased cells of their own then they will generate healthy cells and will replace diseased cells with the healthy ones. This treatment will act like a natural healing process because its origin is same as the natural healing process. It collaborates with growth factors of body and makes more cells with the help of blood vessels.

This technology has made it possible to provide cure for those diseases that were considered deadly and long lasting. There are some states of human body that may not look like a disease in the start but in the end they will help in creating much more complex diseases. Each and everything that happens in our body system is connected to the activities at cell level. Once these activities are controlled at the cell level, then the aftereffects of these activities can be controlled. Stem cell therapy does the same job.

Our aging process is directly related to cell activities and their life cycle. Those people who do exercise regularly, their mortality is very low as compared to those who don't do exercise at all. Actually, exercise is a natural way of replacing old cells with the newly generated healthy ones. Poor diet affects our body systems and thus affects our cells. Cells also need nutrition so that they can generate more cells by the process of division. Stress is related to neural abnormality but it has direct effect on the cell growth. Cell division requires proper energy and environment. Stress causes complexities in division. This new therapy has solution to all these problems. It will help cells to take part in the healthy activities due to which growth factors will be affected.

Introduction to Sound Therapy

Vibrational Sound Therapy

If you have ever had homeopathic remedies, acupuncture, color therapy, Reiki, flower essences, sound therapy or even aspirin, then you have already experienced vibrational medicine. But what exactly is vibrational medicine?

According to Richard Gerber, MD, "Vibrational medicine attempts to heal illnesses by manipulating subtle energy fields via directing energy into the body instead of manipulating the cells and organs through drugs or surgery." Sound therapy is a method of applying vibrational or energy medicine and facilitates positive change in our energetic fields by guiding the body back to a healthy vibration.

Using sound and vibration for body and energy work can greatly enhance the affect of therapy on yourself or your clients. This occurs because the use of sound helps you to relax which in turn allows you to become more receptive to what is being offered.

Everything in the universe is energy and all energy vibrates: the Earth, your car, the tree outside your window, the paper on which this article is written. Thoughts and emotions, as energy, are vibrations as well.

Have you ever felt stress, fear or anger at work or with family? These feelings are examples of unhealthy vibrations. Have you ever felt completely at peace while sitting by the ocean? Have you experienced unconditional love? When we feel good we are experiencing harmonious and healthy vibrations.

So why do we not re-adjust our vibration to a healthy state automatically? The answer lies with the principles of resonance and entrainment.

Resonance

John Beaulieu N.D., Ph.D, a composer, pianist, and naturopath, describes resonance as "[what] occurs when the vibrations of one object reach out and set off vibrations in another object." If two people are feeling negative, they often commiserate. Misery seeks misery. If someone starts laughing uncontrollably, have you felt compelled to laugh with them? This is considered resonance.

Entrainment

When two or more objects are brought close together, they begin pulsing in synchrony. This is entrainment. We can see the result of entrainment when women who live in the same household often find that their moon cycles coincide. Entrainment can also transform negative energy into positive energy.

Sound therapy, through the dynamics of resonance and entrainment, recalibrates the vibration of our physical and emotional bodies.

Hospitals and physicians are using music and sound to help their patients reduce stress associated with illness and surgical procedures. There is now evidence that recovery is accelerated when sound therapy is applied. Sound therapy is also commonly used in conjunction with body work, Reiki, meditation and other healing modalities. Many cultures use sound for healing, i.e. drumming, chanting, didgeridoo, Tibetan bowls.

Sound therapy is a natural method of awareness, healing and transformation. The vibration of our physical and emotional bodies can be recalibrated to accelerate healing and growth. As John Beaulieu states, "...we can merge with the rhythms of the cosmos. Our mind as well as our body becomes a resonant sounding board for spirit."

Physical Therapy for Preventative Care

There are many different fields of physical therapy which can assist with preventative care and health and wellness. Physical therapists specialize in different areas such as orthopedic, geriatric, neurological, cardiovascular and pulmonary, pediatric, health and wellness and other types of rehab therapy. A physical therapist does more than treat injuries and disabilities that result from illness. Physical therapy also involves research, patient education, counseling of patients, and developing new ways of using physical therapy, as well as developing treatment plans which are personalized for each patient.

Physical injury and pain is common in all types of people which is the main reason physical therapy profession exists. However, physical therapists also take a sincere interest in the overall health and wellness of their patients which means they are capable of providing preventative care. So, if you are wondering how physical therapy can help you with preventative care here are a few reasons why you should seek physical therapy as early on as possible.

See a Physical Therapist Regularly

Just like you schedule a regular check-up with your physician as a preventative measure against illness, the same rule applies to physical therapy. You should schedule a regular check-up with a physical therapist to prevent pain and injury from becoming a chronic problem.

A physical therapist can evaluate the status of your health through a detailed evaluation of muscular, skeletal, neurological, cardiovascular and pulmonary, and other parts of your body. If the physical therapist finds a weakness they will recommend a personalized treatment plan. This prevents the problem from getting worse and requiring further treatment. Many people do not think about the option of seeing a physical therapist regularly because they think this type of rehab therapy is only for disability and injury.

Prevent Surgical Treatment

If a physical therapist detects a problem early on it can be treated with the proper rehabilitation plan and prevent you from having surgery as a result of allowing the problem to get worse. This is another reason why physical therapy is important for preventative care. Not only can it keep you mobile and healthy, it can also save you the expense of surgery and medications down the road. Additionally, it can bypass further health problems that can transpire as the result of having surgery. If the procedure is not performed properly the probability of having bigger complications following the surgery are quite good.

Maintain Physical Strength

As you age you lose muscle mass and if you do not engage in a maintenance program you can end up with a host of mobility problems. A physical therapist can design a treatment plan to help keep you moving and to strengthen your muscles and bones to help you live a high quality of life well into the later years of your life. If you start the maintenance program before you begin to experience problems you can head anything off before it has a chance to take hold of you.

Prevent High Costs of Medical Care

Most people do not seek help until the problem has become serious and then they require medical care and treatment. Medical care costs have skyrocketed with more insurance companies making the patient pay more out of their pocket. If you head off the health issue before it requires serious attention such as surgery, you can save a lot of money while enjoying good physical health.

Health and Wellness

Physical therapy can help you to stick with a health and wellness program which will allow you to enjoy a higher quality of life. Overall health and wellness is a preventative measure against further health issues down the road however most people do not follow it due to a fast paced lifestyle. If you are having trouble staying with a regimen a physical therapist can help provide a personalized plan for maintaining you health and diet. Healthy choices and regular exercise prevent a lot of health problems regardless of your age.

Although you may not have considered physical therapy as preventative care perhaps you should begin. As you can see, there is a lot that physical therapy can do for you and your health and at a much lower cost.

A Short Guideline of Water Therapy

The healthy condition is the condition where people have fulfilled their needs to live a healthy life, thus they finally get the benefits in the form of the perfect overall well being. Have you ever heard about water therapy? This is the good method to relieve several diseases. There are several advantages and disadvantages following this method and you can determine whether you will take this one as the alternative. Commonly, people should check their physical condition firstly before choosing this choice. You can do it by coming to your doctor and examine your health condition. Perhaps, it is good for you to learn more about the benefits of water therapy.

Firstly, you must understand about the definition of water therapy. In a simple explanation, it can be defined as the natural therapy which explores the use of water to deal with several diseases. Mainly, the therapy has the function to prevent and treat the diseases and can be used as rehabilitation too. In fact, sixty percent of human body consists of water. It affirms the opinion that water enables many healing applications. It works inside and outside the body. There are some types you need to know, and the physical activity therapy is highly recommended.

What are the examples of physical activity? You can find some possibilities such as swimming, water walking exercise, massage therapy, swimming pool games and so on. Besides, the anti aging exercises and stretching will be great to support the efforts to live a healthy life through drinking enough water. Swimming is widely known as the activity with many benefits. If the condition does not allow you to do the activities above, you can start the healthy habit by increasing the water intake in your daily routine. This is the good step to facilitate the balance metabolism in your body.

Dry Skin Therapy For Replenishing Your Skin's Vitality

Anyone who has ever suffered from dry skin has undoubtedly looked for a dry skin therapy that will work for their skin. Many dry skin remedies only work on the surface, never penetrating through the top layers of skin. An effective remedy is one that penetrates through to the deepest skin layers to deliver results that last.

Herbal ingredients are considered to be the gentlest on the skin. When herbs are paired with natural oils that can help them penetrate the skin to deliver healing, the results will last far longer than herbal ingredients that are paired with mineral oil or other ingredients that only sit on the surface of the skin.

Dry Skin Remedies

One of the most healing herbs in an effective dry skin therapy is witch hazel. Dry skin that has been resistant to other remedies may be helped by products that contain this herb. It can be effective for the toughest dry skin and even on psoriasis. A product that uses witch hazel will be more effective than one with ingredients synthesized to act like the real thing.

Allantoin is another natural ingredient that is effective against dry skin. This component is derived from several healing herbs and can restore skin that is rough and damaged. Allantoin is an especially helpful therapy for skin that has become inflamed. This soothing substance can regenerate healthy new cells in place of the older, dry cells.

Natural Ingredients

Use products that contain natural oils and butters. These ingredients can be found in the best dry skin therapy products because they can not only moisturize but seal in that moisture and prevent it from escaping. Shea butter and macadamia oil are both effective moisturizing ingredients.

Choose skin care products that use only natural, pure ingredients. Dry skin can become irritated by products that use cheap, harsh chemicals instead of natural oils, butters and herbs. Look for products that list several active ingredients derived from nature and don't use chemical fragrances that can irritate skin.

Dry skin therapy should start with a good product that uses natural ingredients that have been proven to soothe dry skin. The products should be applied gently so that the skin is not irritated. Dry skin remedies should be applied with the fingers in a gentle, circular motion. This ensures that the skin is moisturized without irritation and further problems.

Try Colon Therapy For Improved Health

Keeping your large intestines healthy is important in maintaining one's overall health. Remember that the large intestines play a vital role in the disposal of waste from the body.

And to keep the intestines healthy, it is important to eat food rich in fiber and phytochemicals. In addition, obesity, smoking and excessive drinking must be avoided.

Aside from these preventive measures, colon therapy is another option in maintaining the health of the intestines. Colon therapy is defined as the method of cleansing and flushing out wastes from the large intestines or colon. The process, also referred to as colonic hydrotherapy and colonic irrigation, is somewhat similar to enema, except that the former flushes out the entire five-foot long long intestine.

During the process, which could last up to an hour, the patient is made to lie on his or her back. The colon therapist will then insert a disposable soft plastic tube into the anus. Body-temperature filtered water is then pumped into the colon which contains enzymes, herbs and other substances for purification. In order to release the fecal matter from the intestines, the abdomen will be massaged. Lastly, the pump is reversed and the fecal matter from the colon is vacuumed into an enclosed waste system. One does not have to deal with any mess or bad odor. An approximate of 20 gallons of water will be used until the end of the session.

Patients say that after undergoing colon therapy, they feel more energized, cleaner and lighter. Others feel dizzy, nauseous and exhibit flu like symptoms, which passed within a few hours.

Colon-cleansing therapies have been practiced for thousands of years. The very first recorded therapies were accredited to Egyptian physicians who came up with devices similar to the ones used in enema today. The French also believed in the importance of cleansing the colons. During the 17th century, it was considered fashionable to have as many as four enemas daily.

However, colon therapy only became very popular during the 19th century when Ilya Ilich Mechnikov, a Russian microbiologist, introduced the idea of "autointoxication." He argued that when the colon is filled with hardened stool owing to constipation, poor diet or other gastrointestinal ailments, toxic waste can build up. This waste buildup often leads to stagnation and eventual decay of fecal matter in the colon. While the fecal matter is decaying inside the colon, hosts of bacteria and toxins are produced. When absorbed into the colon lining, these toxins will eventually find their way into the blood stream. This will cause a number of illnesses such as heart diseases etc..

The autointoxication theory was embraced by Dr. John Harvey Kellog. His followers espoused his fitness and health regimens in addition to colonic irrigation. In his article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1917, entitled "Should the Colon Be Sacrificed or May It Be Reformed?", Kellog claimed to have prevented thousands of gastrointestinal surgeries owing to the effectiveness of colon therapy in his sanitarium.

This started the trend in colon therapy in the medical world. In fact, doctors started recommending colon therapy for different ailments such as heart disease, arthritis, depression and high blood pressure.

However, colon therapy was not saved from skepticism and criticism from other doctors. Some believe that there is absolutely no reason to cleanse the colon except in cases of constipation and as preparatory for colonoscopy. According to them, the best way to cleanse the colon is to let its own natural physiological methods to take place.

Modern physicians also point out that waste products are not toxins even though they stay inside the colon for long periods of time. Colon therapy, they added, interferes with the body's natural detoxification process. It outbalances the number of helpful microorganisms which keep the intestines functioning properly. In addition, no scientific studies have been conducted to support the therapeutic claims of colon therapy.

Nevertheless, colon therapy continues to gain wide popularity nowadays, specially among alternative practitioners who utilize colon therapy as an essential part in their detoxification programs. In additions, US companies continue to manufacture new designs and devices in colon therapy.

Despite the two views on colon therapy in the medical world, all sides still agree that avoiding fatty food and red meat, in addition to a healthy and fiber-rich diet, are surefire ways of keeping the colon healthy.

Dry Skin Therapy

There was a time when dry skin therapy actually followed dermatologist recommended protocols, but not anymore. A lot of this is because of the marketing ploys from some of the companies selling dry skin remedies. What you see in the television and magazine ads, may not be an accurate representation of what that product will actually do.

There are several things that you need to do in order to have an effective dry skin therapy. First you have to go through some steps one by one, until you figure out exactly what the problem really is. It could be any number of things from your diet, vitamin intake, current skincare regimen, how much water that you drink, to showering in unfiltered water.

Let's start first with your diet. A low fat diet is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but how low is too low? The oil of your skin, sebum, cannot be efficiently produced unless there is a certain percentage of fat in your diet. One of the best dry skin remedies is to strive for is for your daily fat intake to be around 30%.

Before you think that you're going to blow up like a balloon if you do that, hear me out on a couple of things. If done correctly, you will not see any noticeable increase in your body fat percentage. This is because with this dry skin therapy we're going to raise that percentage using fish, and olive oil.

Sound crazy? Well it's not. Olive oil is one of the best dry skin remedies and one of the healthiest oils that you can use to increase the fat content in your diet. Fish, which you may already be eating to a certain extent, is rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, just what you need to get your fat percentage right where you want it.

Another step that you may need to take in your dry skin therapy is to overhaul your vitamin regimen. You need to purchase yourself a good multi-vitamin, because you may have a vitamin deficiency which is causing the problem. Try also a good fish oil supplement to help you to obtain your omega-3.

Next we have to look at the current skincare regimen that you are performing. Do the products that you are using contain ingredients such as alcohol, petrolatum, or mineral oils? Well then toss those products in the garbage, and look for some all natural dry skin remedies to use from now on, preferably ones containing vegetable oils.

Keeping up with your water intake is the best dry skin therapy that you can give to yourself. You should be taking in about 3.5 liters, or 118 ounces per day, in order to maintain healthy skin and proper bodily functions. Since the body is comprised of about 70% water, hydration may be the best medicine for almost any ill.

Try all of the dry skin therapy ideas listed above, either one at a time, or try to change them all at once. It couldn't hurt you, as they are all healthy suggestions aimed at fixing your personal dry skin problem.

Herbal Therapy - Best Herbs for a Healthy Diet

One of the easiest ways of using herbs for health is in your diet. Herbs not only make food more palatable, but they offer a wealth of nutritional benefits as well. Although the nutritional value of herbs we consume in our meals may be small, limited by the relatively small amounts involved, their therapeutic benefits are likely to be large by comparison. Most herbs we use in cooking today were first used medicinally, so including some herbs in your diet will give you the added benefit of their medicinal properties.

Here are 12 herbs that should be part of a healthy diet.

Basil- A very mild flavour, slightly sweet. A good addition to pasta sauces, pesto etc.

A natural tranquiliser that improves digestion, acts a tonic, an antioxidant, relieves stomach cramps and calms the nervous system. Eases colds, flu, fever,, constipation, vomiting and headaches.

Bay - Amild flavour, slightly sweet. Used in soups casseroles and stews and an important ingredient in a bouquet garni.

Stimulates and aids digestion

Borage- Leaves often used in salads.

Aids respiratory infections

Chervil- Tastes slightly like parsley with a hint of aniseed.

Stimulates digestion. Chervil is a good source of antioxidant, treats headaches, sinusitis, peptic ulcers, and infections.

Chives - A member of the onion family but much smaller and milder. Popular in soups and stews and as a garnish to many dishes such as potatoes.

Used to stimulate the appetite and aid digestion

Coriander - Strong pungent flavour is suitable for curries, in sauces and dressing salads.

Leaves, when eaten raw, act as a tonic for the stomach and heart. Both seeds and leaves are used to treat the urinary tract and avoid infections.

Current research indicates, coriander may help to lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol.

Dill - Predominately used with fish, in soups and for pickling.

Has Antioxidant, antimicrobial and diuretic properties. Effective in the relief of gripes and flatulence.

Fennel - Has a strong aniseed flavour. Used widely in sauces and in stuffings, especially for fish dishes.

Aids digestion, helps prevent excessive flatulence, nausea, vomiting and insomnia. Fennel has antibacterial properties.

Oregano - Strong distinctive flavour, used extensively in cooking, in stuffings, sauces and is particularly popular in Italian dishes.

Aids digestion and aids relief of flu, colds and coughs. High levels of phytochemicals and antioxidants

Rosemary - Mild sweetish flavour. Good flavouring for many cooked meats, especially Lamb.

Stimulates the nervous and circulatory systems, helps relieve headaches, neuralgia and colds; can boost energy and improve memory. High in antioxidants, antimicrobials and beneficial in eliminating free radicals.

Sage - Particularly good with Pork and in stuffings for meat, chicken and fish.

Has antiseptic, anti-perspirant and antifungal properties, calms indigestion eases diarrhoea, excessive sweating, eases sore throats, coughs and colds.

Thyme - Has a strong aromatic flavour making it very popular in cooking.

An antioxidant, antiseptic and expectorant.

Herbs owe their flavours and medicinal properties to the essential oils they all contain. By eating a healthy diet containing herbs, we make use of their therapeutic properties and tap into the holistic approach of herbal therapy which seeks to maintain our health and wellbeing and not wait for the onset of illness before seeking a cure.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Weight Problems

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a psychological treatment that is evidenced to be effective at helping people overcome and manage difficulties such as anxiety, depression, OCD, agoraphobia, and other such problems. Cognitive behaviour therapy is a short-term talking therapy, meaning that you will not require input for long periods of time.

Did you know that CBT is also useful at helping people with weight and eating problems? A CBT approach is not about faddy diets but rather you developing an understanding of the psychological blocks that keep you locked in unhealthy eating and weight problems. Most approaches to weight-loss focus on changing your eating and activity behaviours, e.g. through diet and exercise. These approaches do not take account of the internal psychological factors behind your eating and activity behaviours - your thoughts and feelings. I am an occupational therapist and I use CBT Edinburgh to help people who want to overcome weight problems.

CBT therapy will teach you about the link between your thoughts, feelings and your eating behaviour. You will learn to be able to recognise the thinking and feeling patterns that keep your weight problem going. This will include being able to separate emotional signals from genuine hunger signals and as a result learn how to meet emotional needs in new and appropriate ways.

You will learn how to monitor your thinking and challenge disturbed patterns of thinking and errors in how you process information. You will become aware of your "automatic thinking". This refers to habitual thinking that hinders your attempts to be healthy. You may have negative automatic thoughts that relate to food, exercise, body-image, your ability to cope, motivation and how you reward yourself.

CBT teaches you how to interrupt and challenge negative patterns of thinking in relation to eating. Your therapist can support you in doing this and you will learn a range of strategies most suited to you. You will also develop new healthy patterns of thinking in relation to food, activity and yourself that will support you in losing weight and becoming healthy.

At my CBT Edinburgh sessions, the focus is on your self-esteem, and well being as a whole, not just weight-loss. You will gain insight into the ways you view yourself and how this impacts on your motivation and behaviour. As your self-acceptance increases, you are likely to find that your motivation to treat your body in healthy ways will also improve. You will also learn NLP techniques (another type of cognitive therapy) that you can use to boost your motivation and soothe your emotions.

CBT can teach you how to cope with difficult emotions such as loneliness, anger, boredom and stress. You can learn how to prevent your emotions from escalating, therefore brining more calm and stability into your life.

CBT approaches to weight problems also show you how to develop eating and activity plans, which are realistic and achievable. CBT, Edinburgh is a practical and commonsense approach to overcoming weight problems. You develop the skills to become your own therapist so that you can continue to help yourself long after therapy finishes.

Shiatsu Massage Therapy - How is Shiatsu Different from Modern Western Massage?

There is common ground between Shiatsu and Western massage. Both systems are wonderful ways of relieving stress and promoting health and they focus on the body of the person to be treated. Further, neither system uses any sophisticated electronic or mechanical machinery in the diagnosis or implementation of treatment. The third common ground is that both Shiatsu and massage are classified in most of the Western World to remain outside the bastion of Western medicine, which is based on current Western mainstream scientific tradition. Outside Japan both Shiatsu and Western massage share the outfields of non-traditional treatment or alternative medicine with Healing, Reiki, Hypnosis or Crystal Healing.

Shiatsu practitioners tend to distance themselves from the bandwagon of alternative treatment approaches like Reiki or faith healing by demonstrating their usage of anatomy, physiology and pathology in the same vein as Western medicine. This could be one of the explanations for the great popularity of Shiatsu in the West as it bridges the West and the East.

When we explore the differences between Shiatsu and Western massage, we notice four main differences.

1. The historical evolution of the treatments.
2. Technique used and ingredients in treatment.
3. The philosophy behind the approach and the essence, which every practitioner attempts to capture.
4. The nature of derivative systems that have emerged.

Body massage might be one of the oldest forms of medical care known to man. Though we may not know what the ancient Egyptian practitioners actually believed in, Egyptian tomb paintings show people being massaged. A Chinese book from 2,700 B.C., The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, recommends massage of skin and flesh as the appropriate treatment for many ailments. Ayurveda, the 5000-year old traditional Indian system of medicine, greatly stresses the therapeutic benefits of massage with aromatic oils and spices. Writing in the 8th century BC, Homer of Greece mentions massage being used commonly also for Olympic athletes in the same way as it is used today.

1. The History and Evolution of Shiatsu

Though the earliest modern reference to the term Shiatsu in a publication might be the 1915 Japanese book, Shiatsu Ryöhö written by Tenpaku Tamai, Tokujiro Namikoshi's (1905-2000) followers consider him to be the founder of Shiatsu. His approach was entirely different from the Chinese meridian or Qi-based therapies. Namikoshi at age seven in 1912 independently developed a technique of pressing with his thumbs and palms as he tried to nurse his mother who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. Namikoshi's influence on Shiatsu can be compared to the role of Picasso in art because he not only created an important genre, but also became an inspiration for many other creators of derivative therapies.

Tokujiro Namikoshi opened his first clinic for Shiatsu Therapy in 1925 in Hokkaido using the system that he perfected. In addition to founding in 1940 the first school of Shiatsu Therapy in Tokyo (Now known as the Japan Shiatsu College), Namikoshi was involved with the legal recognition of Shiatsu in Japan, which may account for his emphasis on Western medical theories. Namikoshi achieved fame and successfully treated many high-ranking persons such as the former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida. As his fame spread foreign celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Muhammad Ali sought his treatment. Currently in Japan, Namikoshi's system enjoys special legal status. Starting from 1947, after an eight-year clinical investigation period to ascertain which of 300 treatments could be legalised, the Ministry of Health of Japan acknowledged Shiatsu Therapy, as it proved effective. Shiatsu was placed in the same category with Anma and Western Massage in 1955.

In 1964 Shiatsu was acknowledged as a separate therapy on its own in Japan. Everyone practising Shiatsu in Japan should obtain a licence from the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Licensing also requires that Shiatsu practitioners study a 2,500-hour educational program of Shiatsu therapy lasting about three years in the universities or colleges authorized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and pass the national exam.

2. Technique used and ingredients in treatment

The second difference between Shiatsu and Western massage is in technique and in the use of ingredients like oils and spices. Shiatsu technique relies on finger and palm pressure, while western massage uses a rubbing motion. Since shiatsu does not involve rubbing, no oil or lotion is ever used during a treatment.

3. Philosophy of Western Massage and Shiatsu

The third and main difference comes from the philosophy behind Western Massage and Shiatsu.

The principal difference between Shiatsu and other modern Western forms of bodywork, e.g., Swedish massage, is that Shiatsu is a form of holistic healing while modern Western massage is based on conventional Western views of wellness and healing. Western massage usually considers the human body the domain of the masseur while the mind is the domain of psychology and psychiatry. Adapting a holistic approach, Shiatsu regulates the nervous system and promotes natural healing by stimulating chemical responses in the body.

Western massage is based on the idea that muscle tension and improper alignment may cause or worsen physical, mental and internal imbalances. Massage techniques attempt to reduce tension within the body to facilitate the free flow of blood and energy. This in turn makes the major systems of the body (immune, circulatory, nervous, etc.) to be better able to naturally heal disease and promote health and well-being.

In Shiatsu, there are 838 basic shiatsu pressure points, or Atten in Japanese, located on the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, lymph vessels, bones and endocrine glands. Depending on the condition of the body, the therapist applies proper types of pressure. The tighter the muscles are, the lighter the pressure. As the muscles relax, the pressure becomes deeper but is always firm and steady. This triggers the release of hormones and body chemicals necessary to heal, to soothe and to make you mind and body perform optimally. This method of triggering the own healing system of the body does not produce side effects or toxins and is thus a totally healthy way of getting relief from ailments.

Looked at casually from far Shiatsu whole-body charts can be confused with Qi or meridian charts used in Chinese medicine. But Namikoshi Shiatsu practitioners are quick to point out that Namikoshi's style of Shiatsu places emphasis only on regions based on anatomy and physiology rather than on energy channels/pathways/meridians. Shiatsu works the whole body (including doing stretches).

4. Derivative treatments

The last area of difference between Shiatsu and Western massage is that of derivatives. Derivative Shiatsu usually refers to the other current styles of Shiatsu, which have evolved after Namikoshi Shiatsu, such as Meridian Shiatsu, Zen Shiatsu, Tao Shiatsu, Tsubo Shiatsu, Ohashiatsu and Quantum Shiatsu. None of these derivative styles are recognised by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Within Western massage there are many styles and techniques, which focus on particular areas of the body (e.g., deep tissue massage, tendo-muscular massage, scalp massage, etc.). However, Western Massage can be broadly grouped into three camps, sports massage, well-being massage and erotic massage. Sports massage aims to get the athlete in fit shape and ensure superior performance. Creating a certain type of ambience with candles, colours, incense or music is very important to well-being and erotic massage but almost totally absent in sports massage. The camp of well-being massage displays the widest divergence in different types of derivative forms like aromatherapy, reflexology or deep tissue massage.

Sensuous massage or erotic massage has been a derivative of traditional massage for centuries in all parts of the world but to date there is no sensuous or erotic Shiatsu therapy.

Shiatsu and Western massage do have common ground but differ much in theory, philosophy and practice. However, in spite of the differences, the aim of both systems is the same - a balanced, healthy and happy individual.

References:

• Tokujiro Namikoshi, Japanese Finger-Pressure Therapy Shiatsu. Japan Publishing - (1974)
• Tokujiro Namikoshi, SHIATSU; HEALTH AND VITALITY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Japan Publishing - (1971)
• The Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy
• The Shiatsupractor Association of Canada

Things You Need to Know About Schools, Courses and Workshops in Massage Therapy

Do you know why the issue of tight versus loose muscles has been gaining limelight since the last decade? The issue, more commonly known as Massage Therapy, is one of the most effective therapeutic techniques in initiating an innate healing process. Practitioners now emphasize on medicine-free lifestyle as much as possible for it helps you extract more value out of Nature for yourself. This is one of the reasons that they now recommend massage therapy as a cure for tensed muscles, which eventually lead to a disturbed, unhappy and less productive life.

The trend of availability of massage therapy as a distinctive service only in spas or beauty salons has decreased to almost extinction and now, it is available everywhere. Non-ending lists of institutions are now providing professional training to individuals. These institutions more commonly referred to as Massage Therapy Schools. Institutions like, beauty homes, medical colleges, community centers & schools, Universities providing training about natural sciences all come under the category of Massage Therapy Schools. These schools have waived the perception of it being a limited science or knowledge. Now, individuals are adopting it as a career too as it contains a world of relief in it.

Massage Therapy Schools provide courses, training and workshops in just about all types of massage therapeutic techniques. These techniques, which come from different cultures like Thai, Asian, Chinese and even Western research, can be used to specifically cure different muscle problems and even prevent many of them that might lead to nervous and even psychological problems. The phrase; Healthy Body has Healthy Mind, stands valid everywhere. It even explains the necessity of massage therapy in our lives. For a weak and tensed body will be prone towards diseases and tensions, hence, not enjoying life to its fullest.

There are 10 most popular and wide-ranging massage therapies today including; hot stone massage, reflexology and sports massage. Massage therapy training Schools provide you with a list of all of them and leaves choosing which technique to specialize in, on you. Keeping you affordability in view, there are such institutions that provide low-cost, yet quality training to eager individuals. The training is so comprehensive that it can be taken up as a career and profession; or one can learn only to know about basic techniques to take care of one's immediate family and save on therapist bills.

Massage Therapy Schools multiplied like mushrooms and now they exist in such close proximity that approach to them is not a problem anymore, to anyone. However, one still needs to do a bit of research based on one's goals, benefits sought, time available, etc; because the course duration ranges from a few months of training to an intense 4-6 year program. The later one would lead to a certified massage therapist who can work parallel to a general physician. So, decide today, about how to enter into this respected field and search from the list of Massage Therapy Schools, for the one that best suits your needs and constraints.

Successful Bulimia Treatments - Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Cognitive behavior therapy (or CBT) is one of the most widely used psychotherapeutic approaches used for bulimia treatments. This kind of therapy tries to resolve the dysfunctional emotions and consequent dysfunctional behaviors that bulimics typically display. Since your emotions are at the root of your eating disorder, this kind of therapy is vital to try and work through those emotions and feelings.

The aim of CBT when used as a treatment for bulimia; is to alter perceptions about body image, about food and about eating and to help create healthier eating patterns. Since eating disorders are typically ongoing situations (mine went on for 20 long years), the therapy could last up to a year or longer. I underwent CBT briefly as part of my bulimia treatments and have now been in recovery for 6 years.

There are no known risks of cognitive behavior therapy; whereas the benefits may be many. In fact there is evidence to show that CBT is the most effective treatment for bulimia nervosa. Consider all that you can gain from this therapy;

• As a bulimic you get to understand your eating disorder better - the symptoms, the situations or people that trigger episodes of binging and purging, so that you are better able to predict your own behavior by talking with a therapist.


• You learn how to systematically chart events where you binged and/or purged, and to record these episodes in a journal. This can help you see a pattern emerge so that you can tackle your disorder with greater vigor once you know more clearly the source of the feelings.


• Part of what bulimia treatments try to achieve is to reduce the hold that your disorder has over you. This is done in therapy by changing the way you think about eating and about your symptoms. Shining a light on your emotions and behavior brings awareness and eventually leads to changes in behavior.


• In therapy, you will learn the benefits of eating a healthy diet and spacing your meals properly. Regular meals and healthy snacks up to 6 times a day (rather than our traditional 3 meals a day) are shown to be a healthy way to eat for everyone, not merely bulimics.


• Stresses and the inability to handle them and ineffective coping mechanisms were the root cause of my eating disorder. I learned new ways and means of managing my emotions to feel better without resorting to eating and gradually found that I regained control over my life. Overcoming my self-destructive thought patterns went to the root of my eating disorder and this is what helped me regain control over my actions.


• As a result of undergoing cognitive behavior therapy as part of my bulimia treatments, I found that I was able to change not only how I thought and felt, but ultimately how I managed my life.