health medical pharma

Alternative Health

What is alternative health or medicine?

Alternative Health or alternative medicine is any practice which has healing effects of medicine but not based on the evidences gathered using scientific methods. It might consist of wide range of medical practices, products and therapies. Examples of alternative medicine include homeopathy, naturopathy, acupuncture etc.

Alternative medicines and alternative therapies are therapeutic methods, which are currently not considered as a fundamental element of conventional medicine. Conventional medicine is the current popular medical system of analysis and treatment of disease. However, an increasing desire for health and fitness, in reaction to today’s traumatic lifestyle and increasing situations of cancer, diseases and illness, has led to the improving demand for services for alternative health and treatments. It is true that many people are getting disappointed with conventional medicine’s drugs and the approach to treatment.

Alternative health VS Conventional Health

Alternative medicine tends to be ‘holistic’, where a person’s health is regarded as a whole and therapy not just targeted on the symptoms. Alternative medicine implements “natural” techniques to aid the treatment abilities of the body to come back to a healthy body. Treatment techniques are holistic; i.e. It takes into account every aspect of a patient and not just on the health symptoms that he or she is experiencing.

Conventional medicine tends to focus on the disease and utilizes methods to treat it. It views the whole body as a war zone where fights against infiltrating organisms are fought, and won or lost. It focuses more on methods, technology, chemical reactions that can be calculated, mathematically proven and documented. Treatment is on the part of the whole body that is displaying the symptoms of the illness or disease.

Alternative medicine has a history longer than conventional medicine. Many of alternative medicines are derived from ancient treatment techniques. For example, the use herbal treatment practiced all over the world long time ago. It is popular as Ayurvedic medicine in India.

Considering the above points, alternative medicine may seem superior to conventional medicines. The general perception is somewhat different, however. Sometimes, conventional medicine should not be the first choice of treatment, as it often is. The point is that most usually search for organic or alternative medical care as the last resort. Looking for organic treatment as a last dispose of for health is not a very good idea as alternative medical care requires some time to show positive healing effects.

Luckily, with the introduction of the natural health and fitness activity over the last two decades, a lot more conventional physicians are now recognizing that health is more than the absence of disease. Many more physicians practice integrative medication, where they merge research-backed alternative medicine with the best of conventional allopathic medication. This may just be the best way to go.

www.skillcountry.com is the right place to find the best alternative health practitioner in your city or town. You can even come across others with unique skills, talents and services. And if you are an alternative health practitioner you can post your profile for free.

Healing Touch – Massage Therapy For Seniors

The healing touch provided by massage can be beneficial for many conditions, but is especially useful in senior care or if your loved one has limited mobility or is in a wheelchair. Lack of movement causes the circulation to diminish and nerve function to decline. As a result, muscles atrophy and shorten, resulting in tight joints that can’t straighten normally. Prolonged contraction of muscles due to inactivity can be helped with massage and gentle stretching. Massage also calms the central nervous system and reduces muscle tension, which eases chronic pain and improves sleep patterns.

Other benefits of massage for seniors and those with limited mobility:

Reiki Healing Touch

Are you aware of the fact that our body contains more energy than it actually uses to carry out its activities? Now, let me make a point! I am not talking about the physical energy that we utilize, but about the healing energy which is unseen to us but for sure, is felt by us. This invisible energy is what we call the “life force energy”. The concept of healing energy is well explained by the Japanese technique – Reiki. The word can be divided into two halves: Rei means “The Higher power” and ki means “life energy”. Precisely, it is a spiritually guided life force energy. The basic idea projected by reiki healing touch is that self healing is the path of salvation from ailments.

Reiki: Healing Energy

Therapies use tools and medications for treatment of ailments. But reiki healing therapy uses the energy of the body. Energy that drives our body can be both free-flowing and stagnant. This therapy uses the power of mind to govern the energies of the body and bring it under control. In due course of time, this therapy works wonders in enhancing the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. We all are aware of a simple truth of life: A relaxed mind leads to a rejuvenated body. This is how a person feels after undergoing a reiki therapy session. A session usually has the reiki practitioner who first seeks the permission of the patient to cure him (here the permission is for the mental confidence and trust of the patient on the practitioner). And then, the reiki practitioner starts with the reiki session with his hands moving over the chakras of the body, aiding in rejuvenating them with sufficient energy. He often makes use of reiki symbols in reiki therapy and massage. In fact, people suffering from chronic ailments like cancer, autoimmune diseases and multiple sclerosis take the aid of these therapy sessions to alleviate the pain. Mental concerns, addiction to drugs, anxiety, panic attacks and destructive habits (like smoking and abusing alcohol) can be treated effectively with reiki healing touch therapy.

Before a person learns about reiki or is keen on attending a reiki therapy session, he is required to know about the chakras. So what are these chakras after all? Chakra is a Sanskrit word that means “wheels”. A wheel which we identify physically is what spins around its fixed axis, slow or fast. But there are similar wheels found in our body too (not physically but as energies). Our body contains 7 major chakras and each one is closely associated with an organ of our body. Below listed are the 7 major chakras.

ChakraLocationOrgansPurposeInformation containedPhysical ailmentsEmotional issuesSpiritual Lesson
Root chakraBase of spineCovers the entire spinal column, kidneys, legs, feet, rectum and immune systemKinesthetic feelings and movementContains instincts, sense of touch, carnal pleasures, pain, superstitions and familial beliefssciatica, lower back pain, varicose veins, rectal tumors, weakened immune system and depressionself-esteem, survival, family, security and survivalmaterial and worldly lessons
Navel/Sacral chakraLower abdomen (Below navel)Contains sexual organs, stomach, upper intestines, gallbladder, liver, spleen, pancreas, middle spine and adrenal glandsEnhances fertility and emotional connectionContains emotional feelings (joy, anger, fear, love etc..), controlling patterns, duality and magnetismUrinary infections and disorders, weak libido and pelvic painmoney, sex, power, control, creativity, negative feelings (like guilt and blame)Creativity, Manifestation, Valuing relationships and learning to “let go” of past without losing on the lessons
Solar plexus chakraBack of stomach (in solar plexus)Covers upper abdomen, umbilicus to rib cage, liver, middle spine, spleen, kidney, adrenals, small intestines and stomachEnhancing maturity in understanding the emotional aspect of lifeContains personality, consciousness of self within the universe (sense of belonging), self-esteemStomach ulcers, intestinal tumors, diabetes, pancreatitis, indigestion, anorexia/bulimia, hepatitis, cirrhosis, adrenal imbalances, arthritis, colon diseasesLoss of self-esteem, fear of rejection, overly sensitive to criticism, indecisivenessLearning to love oneself, respect oneself
Heart ChakraLocated in the center of the chestContains heart, circulatory system, blood, lungs, rib cage, diaphragm, thymus, breasts, esophagus, shoulders, arms, handsEmpowerment of self emotionallyContains connection of love through “love strings” with the people we adore and loveCardiovascular conditions, asthma, lung and breast cancers, thoracic spine, pneumoniaLove, compassion, confidence, inspiration, hope, despair, hate, envy, fear, jealousy, anger, generosityHumility to forgive, unconditional love, trust and compassion
Throat chakraLocated in the neck region (throat)Covers throat, thyroid glands, trachea, neck vertebrae, mouth, teeth, gums, esophagus, parathyroid, hyperthalemusResponsibility for actions taken by selfContains self-knowledge, truth, attitude, sense of hearing, taste and smellSore throat, mouth ulcers, scoliosis, swollen glands, thyroid dysfunctions, laryngitis, gum or tooth problems, TMJ disordersPersonal expression, creativity, addiction, criticism, faith, lack of authorityConfession and absolute surrender to divine force
Third eye (forehead) chakraLocated right in the center of foreheadCovers brain, neurological system, eyes, ears, nose, pituitary, pineal glandsMind development, insight and actions directed by ideasContains clear vision (symbolic or literal), wisdom, intuition, intellectBrain tumors, strokes, blindness, deafness, seizures, learning disabilities, spinal dysfunctions, panic and depressionFear of truth, discipline, emotional intelligence, concept of reality, confusion and judgmentThinking with open mind and creating a reality check point for self
Crown chakraLocated at top of headCovers the top center of the head and the midline above the earsIntuitive knowing and connecting to spiritualityContains duality, magnetism, emotional feelings (joy, anger, fear) and controlling patternsMystical depression, diseases of the muscular system, skeletal system and the skin, chronic exhaustion, over sensitivity to light, sound and surrounding environmentDiscovery of the divine, Lack of purpose and direction, loss of meaning or identity, trust, selflessness, humanitarianism, foresight, devotion, inspiration, values and ethicsSpirituality

*Please note:

  • Crown chakra is the most powerful chakra and is not much disturbed even in course of curing ailments, pertaining to any side effects.
  • Reiki treatment should be done only by a reiki practitioner and that is the best and the only way. The reiki healing hands of your teacher will initiate the therapy for you.

Now you know how the reiki healing energy helps in stimulating the chakras as each chakra associates with various organs of our body. There are many audio CDs on reiki healing music available in the market. Reiki music serves as an excellent means of inducing sleep. After all, a peaceful sleep plays a major role in enhancing immune system. Deuter’s Reiki Hands of light is an excellent musical CD which contains soothing musical notes that will aid in complete relaxation of the mind and the body. I am suggesting this musical from my personal experience and it has absolutely worked for me.

Reiki is a huge subject and every aspect of reiki cannot be covered in a single day. So wait for more, readers! Will be back with more interesting facts and finds on this subject, in my next article!

Develop The Healing Power of Your Body Through Reiki Energy Techniques

Frequently you will see Reiki therapeutic massage which will logically make you think they are similar. Reiki is distinct from massage therapy, but it is usual to see them mixed into one approach. The translation of Reiki is, universal life force energy, and that can provide a clue about what this strategy is really all about. A specialist of this technique works with concepts found in other Eastern specialities such as yoga. To illustrate, the seven chakras, or energy centers, are involved with Reiki massage and treatment. The foundation for health with this and other therapies and procedures is determined by the healthy flow of life sustaining energy in the body.

The goal of Reiki is to enhance relaxation and the reduction of stress and anxiety. So it is easy to recognize why Reiki is often joined with massage therapy so the chakras may be more open and healthy. The idea is that your body is able to heal itself, but that’s only achievable when you’re able to stay relaxed. The human body has incredible healing powers in addition to being able to maintain good health. Reiki additionally places great emphasis on holding a sense of physical as well as spiritual balance. It is necessary to have balance in our life plus a balance of our life energies.

There are very many medical disorders and situations that originate from too much stress and anxiety. The way Reiki and other related practitioners feel is that the mind and body aren’t balanced along with the lifestyle. Naturally other habits may worsen these unbalanced states such as poor diet and using unhealthy substances. The intention of Reiki massage is to help the person to achieve greater relaxation. Massaging important areas of the body will assist the body to let go stress.

If you learn Reiki and acupuncture principles, then you will learn a few things in common. They each consider the healthy condition of our energy as particularly important to health. When a disease state occurs, or even an emotional or psychological problem, then it is a result of the disruption of this energy flow. In this circumstance we are not in balance with energy and life, and then the threat exists to become ill or have problems. It is instructive to consider the ways that many people imagine in negative terms. There are far too many points to cover such as anxiety, fanatical thoughts, being angry for any cause, low self-belief plus many more.

That is why the dual approach of encouraging relaxation through massage therapy plus the energy work from Reiki can be successful for many people. Naturally, not all individuals are open to Eastern philosophies as they concern overall health and treatment. But it is fascinating to note that Reiki massage has become widely acknowledged in Western countries. Reiki therapeutic massage presents a strategic solution which suggests you should do it on-going in your general pursuit of healthiness.

Healing Properties of Rhodochrosite

Did You Know?

Wearing a rhodochrosite bracelet or bead necklace that goes over your heart area is believed to be the best way to reap its health benefits.Despite gold being a natural choice for making jewelry, we often find people flaunting jewelry made from rhodochrosite gemstones and crystals. Well, this new trend has been attributed to the healing powers of rhodochrosite that provide long-term health benefits. Irrespective of the way rhodochrosite crystals are worn – in a pendant, bracelet, or bead necklace – they are believed to have high medicinal value.

Rhodochrosite is a reddish-pink colored gemstone that is known to arouse the passion of love. Also known as the stone of love, it is thought to have a positive influence on the love life of the wearer. This high-energy stone helps to promote healthy relationships. The positive energy of rhodochrosite also helps to inculcate and retain good qualities such as kindness, forgiveness, compassion, and tolerance. It boosts self-confidence and creativity, imparts greater self-esteem, improves focus, and even gives a spiritual uplift as it allows you to connect with your inner self. All these are thought to be metaphysical properties of this gemstone that one may experience by wearing jewelry made from rhodochrosite.

Healing Powers of Rhodochrosite

Its beautiful color might be a visual treat, but what attracts people to rhodochrosite are its healing properties. Here are a few of the health benefits that you can get if you wear this gemstone.

☑ Provides Emotional Stability

Wearing rhodochrosite can help to uplift moods and keep depression at bay. In fact, with rhodochrosite, it is very difficult to go into depression, as the gemstone is said to ward off negativity and instill a feeling of cheerfulness. You feel optimistic and carry a positive attitude towards life. It also provides clarity of thought and gives inner peace.

The healing powers of rhodochrosite can also help to ease anxiety, that has become common in today’s stress-ridden lifestyle. It relieves tension and helps to enhance your emotional well-being. It is thus, often referred to as the antianxiety stone. People who are always on the edge are likely to benefit by wearing rhodochrosite jewelry.☑ Controls Blood Pressure

The therapeutic properties of rhodochrosite can also work wonders to regulate blood pressure. The use of rhodochrosite is found to be beneficial in the treatment of high blood pressure. So wearing rhodochrosite jewelry may contribute in normalizing blood pressure.☑ Improves Blood Circulation

Apart from relieving stress, rhodochrosite has a positive impact on blood flow. Its ability to increase blood flow helps improve blood circulation throughout the body. In short, if you are going to wear rhodochrosite jewelry, it may help maintain proper blood circulation in the body.☑ Good for Kidneys

Wearing rhodochrosite jewelry may provide a positive influence on the kidneys. The gemstone is said to detoxify the kidneys. This in turn may help to improve kidney function and the task of cleansing the blood will be carried out more effectively. So, apart from eating healthy foods, use of rhodochrosite may help to boost kidney health.☑ Normalizes Thyroid Function

Traditionally, rhodochrosite has been recognized as a treatment for thyroid problems. So, if you wear jewelry made from rhodochrosite gemstones and crystals, it may make your thyroid system better. In other words, it may help to control symptoms associated with thyroid dysfunction.☑ Helps to Manage Withdrawal Symptoms

On leaving addictions one is bound to experience withdrawal symptoms. Use of rhodochrosite helps to effectively deal with these withdrawal symptoms, especially those associated with nervous system stimulants, such as products containing caffeine.☑ Improves Eyesight

As the gemstone is believed to stimulate and cleanse blood circulation throughout the body, this may be useful in correcting vision problems. Thus, people with poor eyesight may benefit from using rhodochrosite jewelry.☑ Alleviates Respiratory Problems

Rhodochrosite may ‘rescue’ people suffering from respiratory ailments. Historically, it has been used to relieve asthmatic symptoms and is believed to assist your body to filter out the irritants of the respiratory tract.

Apart from these speculated health benefits, rhodrochrosite users are believed to have less intestinal problems. Topical application of gem elixir made from rhodochrosite may also help to nourish the skin.

A pertinent point to note here is that rhodochrosite benefits are not endorsed by the medical fraternity, and as such there is no scientific evidence that prove their healing properties. So, before using it as an alternate or complimentary therapy for pre-existing medical conditions, you need to consult your health care provider.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.

10 Most Popular Crystals For Healing

Crystal healing is an idea first popularized in the west in the 1930s. Most common crystals belong to the quartz family from Australia, Brazil and Arizona. They are inexpensive and can be purchased online or by ordering from health shops. There are many crystals with a unique set of healing abilities.

Alternative healing is one of the fastest growing sectors of the medical world. More and more people are turning to homeopathic remedies to heal themselves with zero chance of side effects. Here are 10 fantastic crystals to help you heal yourself.
1. Salt crystal rocks improve the quality of air by enriching it with negative ions. These ions are natural air ionizers and have several health benefits. Patients suffering from chronic congestive problems are treated using these crystals.
2. Rose quartz crystals have the ability of soothing and calming a person. The crystal encourages love for the patient and others. This crystal has a warm pink color and heals physical heart ailments and emotional heartbreaks. Hanging this crystal around your neck in times of sadness will boost natural healing.
3. Jade is a green healing crystal for the heart and kidney. Additionally, it offers mental and emotional balance to someone. The crystal teaches acceptance, carries calming and serene energy and helps one get less critical of others and self.
4. Methysts are bluish to purple crystals that aid in reducing occurrence of nightmares thus allowing one have a better sleep. They can also affect any blood sugar imbalance positively as well as assist in quelling and controlling anger.
5. Fluorite is a crystal that guards one against picking negative energies and negativity from nearby people. It absorbs negativity and keeps it at bay. Placing fluorite in the bedroom at night will help with a resting nights sleep. The fluorite will absorb the negative energies responsible for bad dreams and fitful sleep.

6. Lapis is an Egyptian energy crystal believed to unlock mysteries and help one move through emotional and confusion blocks. Additionally, it digs through muck to the root cause of problematic issues.
7. Hematite is a grounding crystal that is silver-gray and metallic. It is regularly used as a grounding tool that helps those who are inclined to avoid worldly events by out-of-body flights.
8. Kyanite is a blue crystal that facilitates channeling and opens communication centers to contact with your angels and guides. It is best known for the balancing properties it possesses and clears itself of any negative energy.
9. Obsidian crystals are perfect protective and grounding agents that come in various varieties. They help one surrender past pathways or negative habits. It brings about an opportunity for serenity, clarity and change.
10. Citrine is a beautiful yellow crystal that helps people manifests your goals. It also makes one cheerful attracting personal power and abundance. Placing this crystal in your office or home will help to boost the body’s natural ability to heal.
Using crystals is a unique way to boost your body’s ability to heal itself in a natural way. For those who want to heal without prescription medications and prevent negative feelings in the body (both physically and emotionally) crystals can help.

Blue Light Therapy For Fighting Acne

Blue light therapy is a modern discovery in the fight against acne. Unlike other acne treatment solutions such as medicated creams and expensive dermatological procedures, blue light therapy for acne is more effective, affordable, convenient and free from side effects.

Acne light therapy has typically only been available in a clinical setting, such as a spa or dermatologists office, but a recent up rise in at home treatment systems is making blue light therapy available to the masses. Tabletop lamp like devices such as the

Reflexology – The Holistic Approach to Your Healing

Reflexology is an old treatment method that goes back almost 5000 years when certain types of pressure therapy were practiced in Egypt, India, China and Japan. An Egyptian wall painting was found in a tomb of a physician at Saqqara that shows patients being treated on their feet and hands. This method of pressure therapy concerns the study of certain reflexes in the feet that correspond to different areas in the body.

Reflexology today is practiced because it was found that pressure and reflex stimulation relieved pain and stress. Practitioners have found that by using the pressure from fingers and thumbs on certain areas of the feet and hands, therapeutic results were achieved in the corresponding organs of the body. That is why reflexology is based on a notion that certain reflexes in the hands and feet of the human body correspond to organs, glands, and other parts of the body.

The aim of this holistic approach is to relieve stress and muscular tension, to encourage the natural healing process of the body, to improve the blood circulation and supply, to encourage the balance, equilibrium and homeostasis of the body, to unblock nerve and energy paths in the body, to cleanse and flush out deadly toxins from the body, to revitalize the body, and to stimulate productivity.

Reflexology is also known as “zone therapy” that surmises that the parts of the body are represented on the feet and hands and putting pressure on certain areas of the feet and hands will stimulate the flow of blood, energy and nutrients to the corresponding zones in the body resulting in stress relief and pain relief in those zones.

Reflexologists claim that most of the problems and conditions that pertain to health are due to stress and tension. Reflexology is not designed to diagnose or treat a person for any particular medical problem or disorder. It is done to promote good health and is like an exercise or even a diet program. The practice of reflexology should help to release stress.

A reflexologist works on the reflex areas on the hands and feet which triggers the release of tension in the corresponding body zone and has an overall balancing/calming effect on the organs and glands. Reflexology should not be a painful experience and the practitioner should have experience and be well trained in the art of massaging the feet and hands. Today people seek the help of reflexology therapy to help them with the following conditions:

  • Digestive disorders
  • Insomnia
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Arthritis
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Injuries caused by sports
  • Back pain

An alternative therapy, reflexology is becoming as popular as acupuncture and Indian head massages. This is because people have found that it promotes complete relaxation, reduces pain, soothes the feet and even encourages healing. Because it is also known for being used in palliative or post-operative care, cancer patients tend to use reflexology as an alternative or complementary therapy. However, reflexology cannot replace any sort of medical treatment. This is because there is no scientific basis or proof of its medicinal value.

Reflexology is a holistic and natural treatment/therapy which activates and supports the human body’s healing processes and mechanisms in a natural way. It is non-invasive and has developed into a well accepted and recognized complementary therapy.

Understanding The Reiki Energy And Crystal Gazing Ability

Reiki energy healing is an ethereal science. Surrounded by holistic treatments, it is one of the best ever growing techniques. Ever since the beginning of man, this healing technique has been well thought-out sacred and was used as a serious method of healing from illness.

The word chakra comes from the Indian language, Sanskrit. Its meaning is disc or wheel. They are centers of energy. They run from the base of our spine and up through the crown of our head. There are seven charkas that includes;

Chakra 1 – red chakra or root. It is found in the adrenal glands and is associated with survival instincts.

Chakra 2 – orange chakra or sacral. It is found in the testes or ovaries and is associated with sexuality.

Chakra 3 – yellow chakra or solar plexus. It is found in the pancreas and is associated with digestion.

Chakra 4 – green chakra or heart. It is in the thymus and is associated with the immune system.

Chakra 5 – blue chakra or throat. It is found in the thyroid and is associated with metabolism.

Chakra 6 – violet chakra or the third eye. It is found in the pituitary gland and is associated with hormones and growth.

Chakra 7 – white chakra or the crown. It is found in the pineal gland and is associated with body rhythm.

According to the experts some psychic reading and psychic advice include that Reiki energy healing and physical rehabilitation are somewhat can cure illness without using surgery and medical treatment. However they also said that this is not certainly if it

Fundraiser collects £1036 for hospice

Fundraiser Cofftea collects £1,036 for St Helena Hospice

6:00am Thursday 7th November 2013 in Local News

Fundraiser collects £1,036 for hospiceFundraiser collects £1,036 for hospice

A FUNDRAISING event collected more than £1,036 for St Helena Hospice, Colchester.

Crystal Threads’s annual event, Cofftea, included coffee and tea stalls, crystal healing, readings by spirit mediums, aromatherapy and reflexology.

It was set up in 2008, by Jan Dehaney and Janet Canter in memory of Nick Spall, who died from cancer aged 26.

He worked for Mrs Dehaney in her Colchester shop before it moved to Colchester Road, in Elmstead Market.

Nick’s dad, Adrian, said: “Nick was determined not only to beat the disease, but to do all he could for the hospice in thanks for the wonderful care he and his family received.”

Each year, Jan and Janet raise money for the hospice which cares for people with life-limiting illnesses.

They presented a cheque to chief executive Mark Jarman- Howe.