Are You Feeling Stressed? Then Try Qi Gong

Are you feeling stress? Are you having trouble sleeping? Then you should try a the healing art that is older than the better known Tai chi the Chinese therapy of Gi gong which uses breathe, meditation and movement.

Chinese medicine believes we have a life energy force that flows through our bodies and “gong” represents exercise. The practice of Gi gong increases the flow of vital energy in the body to increase physical and emotional health.

All precise movements and meditation help promote relaxation and stimulation. People who practice Gi gong has reduced stress, fought off illness, and maintained mental and physical endurance.

Qigong has been linked to lowering high blood pressure, slowing the aging process and increasing the body's level of endorphins. Qi gong is done in very slow motion which helps the body to relax and the mind to focus.

For maximum benefits it is best practice Gi gong daily so that it becomes part of your daily routine. Make sure that you are relaxed when you practice and take your time for deep breathing. This exercise will not only relieve stress, tension, nervousness, and sleeplessness, but  will help you  to steady your blood pressure, improve muscular and joint flexibility.

Treating The shingles Virus

Shingle Vaccine

Treating The Shingles Virus

The shingles virus is an infection of the nerve endings in the skin, it is a painful condition and is caused by the herpes “zoster virus”- the same virus that causes chicken pox.

Shingles attacks the nerve endings in the trunk area of the body and especially around the rib cage and waist. But the blisters that occur can appear on any part of the body, even on the head and the eyes.

The first symptom is a burning or tingling, pain and usually it is in the trunk area and around the waist. Headaches, fever, and fatigue along with the pain of clothing that touches the skin.

Shingles are usually treated with antiviral drugs, anti-inflammatory and herbs. Natural herbs can help boost the immune system and help with the healing and pain.

Lemon balm is an effective anti-viral herb. Its essential oil is helpful when it is applied to the skin, the oil will help guard against the blisters becoming infected and helps with the pain and itching.

For itching, try soaking a compress in chamomile, licorice, witch hazel, St Johns herbs. Any combination will work, let the boiling water cool then apply to the blistered areas.

Does Short Term Diets Work To Lose Weight?

Are you one of the many thousands of people who are overweight and look for a “quick fix” to lose those extra pounds? 50% of adults in the U.S have a mindset of thinness in our society and it is no wonder that losing weight is a major concern for so many people.

Diets catering to this frenzy with promises of a quick fix to banish the weight forever are becoming popular. Can they really deliver their promise? The real answer is NO. These short term diets promoted to be the best way to lose weight can hinder you in the long run.

Many people who have tried these diets have regained the pounds back as soon as they stopped dieting. Some diets prohibit you from eating certain foods which can cause health issues.

The only way to lose weight is to change your eating habits. Since they are usually deeply ingrained, which is not an easy task to overcome. Yo-Yo dieting creates weight loss than gain. Yo-yo dieting will make losing weight more difficult and can contribute to eating disorders.

The more times you lose weight and then regain it the slower your metabolism becomes. This is another reason why short term diets are not at all beneficial to losing weight permanently.

Short term dieters will at first lose mostly water and if calories are cut dramatically muscle tissue may be burned and lost as well.

Be sensible when trying to lose weight, eat right, exercise which helps burn calories and try and stay away from sweets, and processed foods. Add whole grains to your diet and I have personally found adding soup as one of my meals has helped tremendously and I add turmeric or curry to my foods as it helps speed up my metabolism.

Be kind to yourself and patience the weight didn’t happen overnight, but be determined and you will see results.

Does Red Wine Fight Cancer?

Does red wine fight cancer?

Yesterday I wrote about a diet that was developed by a Dutch doctor called Cornelis Moerman. His theory was developed by researching areas of regions where people who drank red wine on a daily basis had lower cases of cancer.

The Moerman diet is an addition to medical treatment for cancer.It includes a lactovegtian diet along with supplements of eight essential nutrients. Vitamins A, B, C, complex and E and iodine, sulfur, and citric acid.

The doctor's goal was to fight cancer with diet be providing important nutrients and acids by including whole food diet that may fight cancer, it does eliminate refined and processed foods which have no dietary value.

By eating whole foods you are benefiting by the nutritional intake of antioxidants, which help to reduce the damage caused by free radicals which are harmful and help support the immune system.

This diet has been offered to cancer patients the Netherlands and Belgium  but it is not recognized nor popular with western medicine, fearing that people will give up medical treatment in favor of this unimproved doctors diet.

The Moerman diet has not had any scientific study or proof to determine the effectiveness of the diets claim to treat or prevent cancer. As always, talk to your doctor before trying any medical treatment.

Does This Diet Work?

Red Wine

Lately everyone you talk to is either on a diet or watching their weight and wanting to lose a few pounds. There are so many diets on the market that it can literally make your head spin. Finding what diet suits your own individual style.

In the late 1930s a Dutch doctor called  Cornelius Moerman discovered that there was a lower incidence of cancers in certain regions where people regularly drank wine compared with other areas that had less consumption.

The doctor had found that acids and trace elements in wine naturally hinder tumor growth. According to his theory, cancer develops when the body lacks certain acids that acidify the blood and help prevent abnormal cell growth. The doctor also believed that certain  mineral deficiencies can make the body more susceptible to infections and tumors.

He developed a special diet that provides a balance of acids, vitamins, minerals, helps detoxify, stimulates immunity, and supports  the metabolism. But keep in mind this diet is not meant to replace a medical treatment.

Research has shown that daily consumption of red wine has many benefits. Red wine is rich in bioflavonoids, which help strengthen the heart tissue and reduces inflammation, which causes other diseases and cancers. However, drinking wine needs to be done in moderation.

My next post will delve deeper into this interesting diet.

Health risks of body fat

The United States is literally one of the world’s heaviest nations. One in three adults are obese.
 And as for our kids, one in every five weighs too much. The statistics may even be higher at this writing. Now obese and overweight are not the same in meaning. Obesity involves an excess of body fat were overweight means carrying around too many pounds.

A person can be overweight without being obese if the muscle mass is not stored as fat which is accounted for excess pounds. However, the important thing is that both of these conditions have similar risks which include hypertension, heart disease, and the onset of adult diabetes, a chance of developing various cancers.

Sedentary lifestyles and high fat diets all play a role in blame for those extra pounds and fat. It makes sense, then, to change your diet and add exercise to your daily routine can greatly improve your health and the quality of life.

Add more fiber into your diet for curbing overeating includes more vegetables, and whole grains, which will help you feel fuller longer. Fill up on salads, use mixed nuts as a snack, drink plenty of water and bake your own goodies such as cookies, and cakes. Substitute the flour with whole grain flour, oat bran, wheat germ, and flax seed.

With determination and desire a healthy lifestyle will be yours.

Test Taking Anxiety

Have you ever experienced test taking anxiety? For many people, taking an exam is very high on among life’s many challenges. Those who suffer extreme test anxiety, though find that the exam becomes both a physical as well as mental ordeal.

Increased by a fear of failure, the most typical symptoms of test anxiety can include- headaches, tightness in the chest, lower-back pain, tense neck muscles, shallow breathing, and even teeth grinding.

These chronic conditions can have long range effects on the person, and of course, a little anxiety before a test is normal, and some people have discovered that a little apprehension actually enhances the test performance.

However, extreme stress and fear of failure can lead to mental blocks and have an overwhelming effect. Learning to think positive and keep the test in perspective can lower tension. Trying relaxation exercise, rest, and herbal remedies to decrease the emotional pressure resulting from the anxiety.

Valerian- can be helpful getting ready for a test. It can cause drowsiness in some but more often it simply helps soothe the nerves by providing a sense of calm and can help improve retention of information. A high dosage of valerian is recommended to have the calming effect before a test.

St John’s Wort- can help those who experience depression before a test due to failure. This medicinal plant has an antidepressant effect when taken for a while.

Kava-Kava root- has more than 15 compounds that work directly on the nervous system to help ease anxiety and promotes relaxation.

Stay away from caffeine as it can intensify the anxiety and sometimes triggers panic attacks. It is a good idea to avoid tea, coffee,cola, and any other caffeinated drinks before taking a test.

The Symptoms And Causes Of Hives

The Symptoms And Causes Of Hives

Symptoms of hives are swollen “bumps” in the skin, itchy patches and rapidly changing color from pink to reddish to the skin. Redness and swelling can occur in certain areas or it can cover the entire body, and chills and shivering can be present.

The symptoms are usually worse for a few hours than slow down over several days. In some severe cases, they can even be facial swelling that can hinder breathing and can be life threatening.

Some causes can be, an allergy to medications, foods, metal, nervousness, stress, physical irritations, heat, and cold can cause a hive breakout.

Some thyroid disorders, parasites and chronic infections can also be triggers. Relaxation, and mineral supplements can offer natural relief of some of the symptoms.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel?

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome      

 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by an aggravation of the “median nerve” where it passes through the area of the wrist, which is known as carpal tunnel, and it is made up of bone and ligament.

You feel pain and tingling in the thumb, index finger, middle and ring finger, strangely enough, is, the the pinky doesn’t have a merdian nerve so it is not affected. The pain continues into the wrist and forearm.

With modern technology as it is today, just about everyone has a computer, and with the increase in the usage of it the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome increases.

Carpal tunnel is a repetitive strain on the hand and arm and caused by overuse of the tendons and can cause pain, swelling and pressure on the nerves.

Carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway that the median nerve travels from the hand and into the arm, and the repeated movements thicken the fluid that lubricates the tendons, pressing the nerves against the bone.

Do we really need fat in our body?

A lot of attention has been focused on our need to reduce levels of dietary fat because the human body actually does need fat. Of course the type of “fat” which is found in vegetable, olive and peanut oils and polyunsaturated fat that is found in corn, soybean, and fish oils. These fats actually do more than help reduce cholesterol levels and help provide energy for our body.

These oils are essential for brain development. When the body can’t break down and absorb these fats, then the body becomes “ fat intolerant” and the overall of   our health will suffer.

Fat intolerance happens when the digestive system isn’t working properly. Since digestion is a must for the liver, making bile, the pancreas producing digestive enzymes and the gallbladder releasing bile into the intestines.

Fat intolerance can develop if these organs are inflamed or not functioning properly. Symptoms can range from water retention and gas, to vomiting and anemia. Diet and natural healing therapies can relieve symptoms and help stimulate the metabolism of fat.

Herbal teas have the ability to come to the aid, whether it is nausea, fever, food poisoning or stress on the digestive system. To calm the gastrointestinal tract use peppermint, lemon-balm leaves or chamomile.

Herbal teas for infection or inflammation of the liver, pancreas, or gallbladder caused by an infection  to treat these infections mix equal parts of yarrow, peppermint and catnip. Drink several times a day.

Caraway tea- is known for its natural remedy for poor digestion. It helps to improve the functioning of the digestive organs and helps relieve gas.

Centaury Tea- has a bitter taste, but it is commonly prescribed to help improve digestion. Drinking one cup before meals are best.

Fat intolerance is sometimes caused by a digestive-enzyme deficiency which can be checked and confirmed by your Doctor. As always, before trying any natural herbal remedy always check with your doctor, especially if you are on medication.

Is Your Thyroid Obstructing Your Weight Loss?

Thyroid Gland

Is  Your Thyroid  Obstructing Your Weight Loss?

Your thyroid controls your metabolism and if it is not working properly it can cause havoc with your body.  So if you are attempting to lose weight and can’t, perhaps you need to take a look at your thyroid.

Now we all understand that adjusting our food portions along with cutting calories to help lose weight, but when your metabolism is not working properly it can hinder your weight loss. A condition called “hypothyroidism” is the culprit. It slows the metabolism down and can actually harm and create health problems.

Now, you cut your food portions, and calories, but what you need to be careful of is that when people are suffering with a slow metabolism, they may cut calories too much and the body goes into a hoarder mode which is the body slows down even more because it is not getting enough fuel for energy.

Now, with a slow metabolism you start eating healthy meals and then discover that you have gained weight. You are feeding the body with fuel for energy, but you are not losing weight it due to your metabolism.

It is wise to see a doctor if you are trying to lose weight and can’t, your metabolism may be the problem.

Lose Weight The Natural Way

Lose Weight The Natural Way

There are so many of us that are looking to lose weight, but doing it with as little discomfort as possible. Those excess pounds are not healthy for us and can have a detrimental effect on our health. With all the stress and activity in our lives, we are looking for a simple way to lose the weight and get back to a healthier lifestyle.

There are many diet programs out there from counting calories, grams, pill, liquid diets, meal plans, supplements and so on. But a simpler and effective way to lose weight is by going herbal!

Losing weight naturally is a safer way to go, no chemicals to worry about all natural and you will feel better and put less toxins in your body. Here are some herbal options for you to consider.

When purchasing a natural herbal weight loss product, be aware of the ingredients in them, because although they are natural they can have some side effects especially if you are on medications.

St John’s Wort- can cause fatigue for some people

Senna- can cause some dehydration so it is important to drink fluids

Chromium picolinate- helps balance the sugar level in the body, but can also cause dehydration.

Green Tea-helps burn fat and has anti-oxidants

Caffeine- stimulates the metabolism, however it can give you the jitters if too high a dose.

It is always wise to review the ingredients before taking any of the natural herbal weight loss products on the market.

Essential Oils And The Common Cold

Essential Oils

Did you know that you can use essential oils when dealing with a cold? Cold viruses release infected secretions when you cough or sneeze and is entered into the body through the nose or mouth since the virus is usually airborne, but it can also be transmitted from the hands to the mouth or nose. That is why it is so important to wash your hands and to keep your hands away from your face.

Essential oils have been proven to be effective in treating viral infections. Inhaling the scents opens up a stuffy nose, and helps ease breathing. This is soothing to inflamed membranes.

Essential oils to use are : pine-needle, peppermint, eucalyptus and thyme. Pine needle and thyme can be used to loosen up mucus. To get these benefits just place a few drops of one of the oils into a tissue and inhale. Try boiling water and place a few drops into the water and inhale the steam.

Ginger's Health Benefits

Fresh Ginger

Ginger Tea with Lemon

Ginger Powder

Ginger’s Health Benefits


Ginger is one of the most important digestive herbs in the world and has many health benefits. It can be used for a nauseous stomach, morning sickness, motion sickness, and other intestinal problems.
Ginger is a good remedy for patients who are going through chemotherapy by helping with stomach discomfort and nausea.  This herb can ease stomach upset because ginger has a  warming and blood moving effect that are helpful for people with poor circulation.

Drinking ginger tea with a splash of lemon can help flush out inflammation triggering toxins, reducing joint aches, and also as an extra bonus can trim up to four pounds of trapped fluid in our body, an easy way to lose that excess fluid.

Just drink daily three cups of ginger tea with a little lemon and soon you will see and feel the results.
Ginger can be taken in extract form, capsules, or tea. I personally have experienced the results from drinking ginger tea.

The Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

Benefits of Cayenne Pepper            

The red pepper or cayenne is a small perennial shrub that is a native of South America, or any other warm of the world. This plant has white flowers, then green, and then 

eventually red or yellow pods.

Cayenne can be taken in capsules, extract form, or powder by just sprinkling it over 

your food, just go with a light hand unless you can take the heat.

The benefits of taking cayenne are very effective for treating a cold, poor circulation,

 or a weak digestion. In some of the tropical climates cayenne when taken actually

 cools the body by promoting sweating.

The health benefits are many, there are prescription creams and liniments that can

 treat be shingles, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and even sore muscles. The

 reason it is so effective is that there is an active ingredient called “capsaicin” which

 effectively blocks the transmission of the pain impulse in the body.

The burning sensation that you may feel after ingesting cayenne is normal and won’t

 hurt you, and in fact, cayenne can help heal an ulcer rather than aggravate it.

Remedies for Sinus Infections

Remedies for Sinus Infections                              

The nasal sinuses are connected to the nasal cavity, and a common cold can spread into the nasal sinuses causing inflamed mucous membranes that can lead to an infection. 

The nasal passageway that connects the sinuses to the nasal cavity is narrow and is easily obstructed due to colds, allergies, or even polyps. The obstruction prevents drainage and traps air that can’t escape through the nostrils and causes mucus to build up.

A nasal infection develops when a bacterial or viral infection u develops usually a cold that spreads into any of the sinuses causing inflammation and swelling and often in the frontal or maxillary sinuses

The infection can be chronic or acute, and most bacteria caused, usually lead to the need for antibiotics. Symptoms of acute sinusitis are pounding headaches, sneezing, pressure, heavy yellow mucus, and fever. Acute sinusitis usually clears up in a few days.

Chronic sinus problems are caused by smoking, nasal growths, or nasal injuries. Sinusitis can be connected to food allergies, so it is best to talk with your doctor.

 Natural remedies can be effective in dealing with infections such as Horseradish poultice- helps draw out the infections by stimulating the blood flow and metabolism.

Expectorant medicinal plants can help as well if you frequently get colds and sinus infections ,you should try and incorporate fresh garlic, horseradish, or cayenne pepper into your diet.

These antibacterial plants help loosen nasal fluids and tame the swelling of the sinus membranes. Horseradish is probably the most effective, and you can grate and sprinkle over your food or purchase it at a health food store in tincture form.

Inducing sweating can help stimulate the immune system, by killing bacteria and helps promote the expelling of toxins. Using a netti pot you can add a spoonful of chamomile, Goldenseal, thyme, peppermint or diluted saltwater.

Inhaling steam with essential oils such as: eucalyptus, or tea tree oil are very effective. The steam is antibacterial and thins the mucus and helps loosen nasal secretions while the oils stop the inflammation and swelling.

Dry air will irritate inflamed sinuses so it is best if you use a humidifier to moisten the nasal passages or use pots of boiling water to add moisture to the area.

Be careful when you have a cold, use paper tissues and throw them away after using them.
Drink plenty of water to keep the nasal mucous fluid, and avoid coffee, and soda as they are dehydrating.

Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables daily so that you receive the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Limit dairy products because they are known to create thick mucus in the throat, nose, and sinuses and are ideal grounds for bacteria.