How to Get a Reflexology Assessment

How to Get a Reflexology Assessment



Egyptians used forms of reflexology as far back as 2330 B.C. In 1913, it migrated to the West where it developed into a formal healing art known as "zone therapy," later renamed "reflexology." Based on the premise that tension in a specific part of the foot mirrors the corresponding part of the body, the first step to benefiting from reflexology is to acquire an assessment from a qualified practitioner.











1


Make sure the reflexologist you see holds any licenses or certifications required by your state. Check with the American Reflexology Certification Board for a qualified practitioner in your area.






2


Understand reflexology is non-invasive. At your initial appointment you will remain fully clothed except for your socks and shoes. You will be asked to sit or lie down and the practitioner will wash your feet, wipe them with a gentle antiseptic and soak them in warm water in preparation for the assessment.






3


Try to relax as the practitioner does an initial check of your feet for open wounds, rashes, sores, plantar warts or bunions. You'll be asked about your health, medical history, lifestyle, any foot or leg pain and the duration and intensity of any pain.






4


Breath normally as the practitioner explores by hand the soles of your feet for discomfort. Areas of concern indicate an imbalance and the reflexologist will work those reflex areas to improve the function of the corresponding internal organs, glands, muscle groups, bones and nerves. At the end of the assessment, your feet will be moisturized and given a nice massage.






5


Prepare for your second appointment by noting for the practitioner any signs of improvement to your health since the first visit. Expect it to take 5 or 6 treatments before seeing significant improvement since nerve pathways and congestion must be worked on a bit to release toxins.









Tips & Warnings










Check with your doctor before trying reflexology if you have any chronic physical problems or diseases.



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How to Treat Asthma With Coffee

How to Treat Asthma With Coffee



Caffeine has been found to dilate bronchial tubes. It is chemically similar to asthma drugs and has been used to treat asthma since the 1800's. Numerous studies have shown the positive effects of coffee drinking used to treat asthma symptoms. Follow these steps to treat asthma with coffee.









1


Decide what type of coffee you want. Premium gourmet brands you grind yourself at the grocery store are most delicious--you can even create your own blend.





2


Make one cup of coffee when experiencing asthma symptoms. Drink only about 1/3 cup since coffee is a potent caffeine source.





3


Wait about 10 minutes and see if you notice positive effect on your asthma symptoms. If not, drink about 1/3 cup more.





4


See if you feel better after about 10 more minutes. If you are still experiencing asthma symptoms and you don't have any other medical conditions which require you to limit intake of caffeine, go ahead and drink the rest of the cup.





5


Notice if you feel better after 10 more minutes. If not, caffeine may not be what you need to relieve symptoms. Seek further medical treatment or use your own prescribed medication.








Tips & Warnings










Drink tea if coffee upsets your stomach, but you will have to drink at least twice as much to get the desired effect. Tea contains only one-fourth to one-half as much caffeine per cup as coffee.








Asthma is an autoimmune disease and coffee has inflammatory effects. It's best to avoid an addiction to coffee. Green tea is preferable to drink on a daily basis.








Drink organic coffee since regular coffee contains pesticides which can aggravate an autoimmune disorder like asthma.



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How to Treat Anemia with Homeopathy

How to Treat Anemia with Homeopathy



Anemia is a lower-than-normal concentration of red blood cells (RBCs) usually measured by a decrease in blood hemoglobin. The more common forms of anemia are caused by a deficiency of iron (iron-deficiency anemia), vitamin B12 (megaloblastic anemia) and folic acid. The following steps will show how to treat these types of deficiencies of anemia homeopathically.









1


Be aware that few studies have researched the effectiveness of homeopathy in the treatment of anemia. Consider anemia as a symptom of an underlying condition and treat that condition first. Deficiency anemia itself may be treated with the appropriate supplements (iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid.)





2


Ensure that a patient is iron deficient before providing iron supplements as these can easily be toxic in a healthy person. Ferrous fumerate, glycerate or sulfate are easily absorbed sources of iron. A common dosage for treating iron deficiency is 50 mg three times per day for three to six months.





3


Take into account the patient's constitutional type, and emotional, physical and psychological makeup. An experienced homeopath should always consider these factors when determining treatment for an individual.





4


Maintain a balanced diet. This is especially important for treating deficiency diseases like anemia. Alcohol and drugs that cause stomach upset should be avoided.





5


Ingest three to four times the normal requirement for iron if you are pregnant. A deficiency of folic acid in pregnant women has been associated with infants being born with spina bifida and other defect of the neural tube.


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How to Treat a Fungal Infection With Herbal Remedies

How to Treat a Fungal Infection With Herbal Remedies



Antifungal herbs are often just as efficient at treating fungal infections as expensive pharmaceuticals. Each of these treatments are gentle, natural, and can be combined for quicker results. Here's how to treat a fungal infection with herbal remedies at home.









1


Liquefy raw garlic in a blender or mash well with a fork. Apply to the affected area with a cotton ball or swab three times daily. Ingesting garlic can also be beneficial, but applying it externally yields faster results.





2


Apply a few drops of tea tree oil directly to the fungal infection three times daily. If you have sensitive skin, dilute it with a few drops of vegetable oil. Tea tree oil should not be ingested.





3


Use chamomile, an herbal fungicidal that also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, both internally and externally. Drink chamomile tea at least once per day, and apply the used tea bags directly to the affected area. Chamomile tea is particularly effective at treating vaginal yeast infections and can be used in a sitz bath.





4


Purchase a tincture containing Black Walnut from a health food store. These anti-fungal tinctures often contain other antifungal and antibacterial herbal extracts such as
lavender
, valerian and tea tree oil. Apply as directed.





5


Use henna to treat dandruff. Dandruff is usually caused by a fungal infection. The antifungal varieties of henna include 'red henna' (Lawsonia inermis) and 'neutral henna' (cassia obovata). Neutral henna will not change the color of your hair but will make it glossy, full, and healthier looking along with treating dandruff.


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How to Take Passion Flower for Health

How to Take Passion Flower for Health



Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) is also known as may apple and wild apricot. It is a fast growing perennial vine native to the southeastern United States. The berries are edible, and the aerial parts are used medicinally. The following steps will help you decide whether or not to take this herbal supplement.









1


Read about the historical uses of passion flower. It has been used to treat anxiety, hysteria, insomnia and seizures since the late 19th century and was available in many over-the-counter sedatives during the early 20th century. It is still used for that purpose by professional herbalists.





2


Look at the results of modern scientific testing. Clinical trials have been generally inconclusive, and the Food and Drug Administration banned its use for medicinal purposes in 1978 because of a lack of proven effectiveness. It is still available as a sedative in Germany, however. The active ingredients are thought to be flavonoids. Passion flower products in Europe are typically standardized to at least 0.8 percent flavonoids.





3


Study the side effects of passion flower. It is generally considered safe and non-toxic, but there have been isolated cases of nausea and vomiting.





4


Take no more than the recommended dosage. Because it is not available in pill form in the United States, it is most often taken as an infusion of 2 to 5 grams of the dried herb three times per day.





5


Use caution when taking passion flower with other sedatives as it may enhance their effect. Passion flower is contraindicated if you are pregnant or nursing.


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How to Take Nettles for Health

How to Take Nettles for Health



The stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a flowering plant that grows in temperate and tropical areas throughout the world. It is native to Asia, Europe and North Africa, but has now been introduced in North America. It causes a severe rash when handled. The following steps will help you decide whether or not to take this herbal supplement.









1


Read about the historical uses of stinging nettle. It has been used for centuries and the Greek physicians Dioscorides and Galen recorded its diuretic and laxative properties 2,000 years ago. Physicians used an infusion made from stinging nettles to stop bleeding during the Civil War.





2


Look at the results of modern scientific testing. Clinical studies have supported its use as an anti-inflammatory agent and diuretic. However, it is not regulated as a dietary supplement in the United States.





3


Study the side effects of stinging nettle. These are rare but upset stomachs and allergic reactions have been reported.





4


Take no more than the recommended dosage of stinging nettle. Dosages are usually limited to 3 to 4 grams in capsules or tablets taken twice per day. A half cup of an infusion of the root also may be taken two to three times per day.





5


Consult with your physician if you are taking other diuretic drugs or heart medication. Stinging nettle should not be taken for more than 30 days.


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How to Select a Women's Wetsuit

How to Select a Women's Wetsuit



Wetsuits are used for a variety of water activities, including surfing, scuba diving, windsurfing, triathlons and more. They are constructed from neoprene material that provides insulation to the body by trapping warm water against the skin. Wetsuits provide protection from jellyfish and other hazardous marine life, helping with buoyancy and hydrodynamics as well. Wetsuits come in a variety of designs and thickness levels, and it's important to match the right wetsuit to the activity for which it will be used.









Step
1



Determine the water

temperature


in which the wetsuit will be used. Wetsuits are evaluated according to their thickness, and thicker suits provide more insulation for colder waters. It's important to choose a wetsuit that is thick enough to provide the necessary amount of warmth, but not so thick as to encumber movement necessary to complete the activity.




Step
2



Select the style of wetsuit you need. Men's and women's wetsuits come in different styles, including "shorties" that have short sleeves for the legs and the arms, "full lengths" that cover all of the arms and legs, "farmer john/janes" that have an overall shape,

jackets


and vests. For cold-water diving, full coverage is best.




Step
3



Try on the wetsuit for the proper fit. It's important to always choose women's designs because a wetsuit must fit tightly to your body in order to work correctly. Women's wetsuits are cut to fit women's curves snugly, so that water cannot escape from the suit.




Step
4



Choose accessories to complement your wetsuit. Men's and women's hoods, booties and gloves are available to provide extra protection. In cold water or where marine life poses a hazard, these accessories are required.




Step
5



Select a jacket or vest to wear over a wetsuit to provide additional warmth in cold waters. Jackets and vest can also be worn alone.




Step
6



Check the stitching of the wetsuit. Blind stitching is the newest and best way for wetsuits to be constructed because this type of sewing doesn't put holes in the neoprene and break the seal.







Tips & Warnings









If the water is less than 72 degrees F, a full-length wetsuit is usually required for long-term water activities.








Check the tag of the wetsuit for the water-temperature rating. Most wetsuits will tell you to what temperature they match.








Select a wetsuit that has stretch to it for a tighter fit that will last longer.








A wetsuit will only protect you from hypothermia in water down to a certain temperature. For colder water, get a drysuit.



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